The Palestine Chronology

In Tel Aviv, the U.S.-Israeli Defense Police Advisory Group holds its 1st mtg. on bolstering bilateral defense cooperation. (JP 10/8)

PA police release 3 Palestinian journalists after detaining them for 24 hrs. of questioning regarding articles critical of the PA that they published in the London daily al-Sharq al-Awsat. (WP 10/2)

PFLP official Mustafa returns to the West Bank after a 32-yr. exile. (HA 10/1; JP, MM 10/8; AYM 10/21 in WNC 10/25) (see 9/16)

Jordan releases al-Arab al-Yawm editor Yunis, fmr. MP Abu Zant. (JT 10/3 in WNC 10/4; MEI 10/15) (see 9/29)

Israel, Jordan agree to move forward with long delayed construction of Aqaba-Elat airport, expand flight service btwn. Amman and Haifa, Tel Aviv. (JT 7/8 in WNC 7/9)

Lebanon bans flights to and from Lebanon by newly privatized Bulgarian Airlines after learning that 2 Israeli companies have bought 75% of the airlines' shares. (RL 7/7 in WNC 7/8)

Israeli PM-elect Barak phones Arafat for their 1st official conversation since Barak won the 5/17 elections. They agree to meet soon to restart peace talks. (NYT, WT 7/3; MENA 7/3 in WNC 7/6; JP 7/9)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak arrives in France for a 2-day visit on his way home fr. the U.S. (Radio France Internationale 7/2 in WNC 7/6)

As part of her "listening tour" of New York to assess her chances of winning a Senate seat if she were to run, First Lady Hillary Clinton sends a letter to the New York-based Orthodox Union saying that contrary to administration policy, she considers Jerusalem "the eternal and indivisible capital of Israel," favors shifting the U.S. embassy fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. State Dept. stresses that she is expressing her personal views, not the opinion of the government. (MM, WP, WT 7/9; MEI 7/16)

A Lebanese girl is injured by IDF shelling in s. Lebanon. (Rl 7/2 in WNC 7/6)

Pres. Clinton waives the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act requiring the State Dept. to relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv. If Clinton had not acted, the State Dept. would have forfeited about $500 m. in current funding for security, improvements at other embs. around the world. (WP, WT 6/19; RJ 6/19 in WNC 6/21; MM 6/21; JT 6/21 in WNC 6/22; MEI 7/2)

PM-elect Barak says that he will move quickly to construct the s. safe-passage route linking Gaza, West Bank. (MM 6/18; NYT, WP, WT 6/19; MM 6/21; AYM 6/23 in WNC 6/28; JP 6/25; MEI 7/2)

Mtg. in Cologne, the G-8 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK, U.S.) decides against forgiving Jordan's debt, moves instead to forgive debt of the 33 poorest debtor nations. (NYT, WP 6/19; MM 6/25)

Iraq rejects the British-Dutch proposal, presented to the UN on 6/16, to ease sanctions in exchange for a new weapons inspection regime. (MM 6/18; NYT, WP 6/19; MM 6/22, 6/24, 6/25)

U.S. emb. in Israel confirms that Amb. Walker has set up an apartment in Jerusalem in an effort to stave off congressional pressure to move the entire emb. fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. State Dept. denies that the apartment serves as the amb.'s "secondary residence." (WP, WT 5/15) (see 5/12)

In Damascus, Syrian pres. Asad, Iranian pres. Khatami hold 2d round of talks. Khatami also meets with Damascus-based Palestinian opposition leaders, a Hamas delegation fr. Jordan. (MM 5/14; IRIB Television, RMC 5/14, Tehran Times 5/15 in WNC 5/17; NYT, WP 5/15)

King Abdallah arrives in Washington on his 1st trip to the U.S. as head of state. (State Dept. press briefing 5/14)

Syria begins pumping water to Jordan to help ease drought. (al-Dustur 5/14 in WNC 5/17; NYT 5/15; JT 5/15 in WNC 5/17; JT 5/17 in WNC 5/18; MEI 5/21) (see 5/2)

In Gaza, the PLO Central Council (PCC) opens debate on statehood declaration, with 96 of 124 mbrs. attending. Arafat opens the mtg. by affirming Palestinians' right to independence, but recommending against declaring a state on 5/4. Hamas sends a 4 mbr. observer group led by Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, marking 1st time it has participated in a PLO mtg.; the move is criticized by Hamas political leaders in Jordan. Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine boycott. (MM 4/27; AFP, IDF Radio, JT 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/28; IDF Radio, MBC 4/28 in WNC 4/29; al-Ayyam 4/28, 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30; MEI 5/7; al-Istiqlal 5/7 in WNC 5/17; CSM 5/17)

In Nablus, 1,000 Fatah mbrs. march in support of a statehood declaration on 5/4. (WT 4/28)

A Palestinian arrested by Israeli police on burglary charges on 4/27 is admitted to a Tel Aviv hospital having been beaten so severely that one of his kidneys stopped functioning. (Reuters [Internet] 5/6)

Without explanation, the GIS orders the Hamas weekly newspaper al-Risala closed "until further notice." Under pressure fr. unnamed PA officials, the paper is allowed to reopen several hrs. later. (AFP 4/27 in WNC 4/28; al-Hayat al-Jadida 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30)

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Commission passes (52-1) a resolution reaffirming the Palestinians' right to self-determination, right to return. The U.S. votes against. (ADC press release 4/28; Xinhua 4/28 in WNC 4/29; Prime Minister's Report 4/30) (see 4/23)

Israel claims that the PA has released 3 Hamas prisoners involved in attacks in which Israelis were killed. PA, Hamas deny the story. (IDF Radio 4/27 in WNC 4/28; NYT, WP 4/28; al-Ayyam 4/28 in WNC 4/29; PR 4/30; JP 5/7)

In Washington, Israeli DM Moshe Arens meets with Secy. of State Albright, NSA Berger, Secy. of Defense Cohen for talks on Arrow missile program, Israeli receipt of 60 new F-16D fighters, regional issues. Albright, Berger criticize Israeli settlement policy. (USIS Washington File 4/27; MM 4/28; IDF Radio, MA 5/3 in WNC 5/4; WJW 5/6; JP, MEI 5/7)

Lebanese security personnel arrest an Israeli woman, Mary Vizeman, on suspicion of spying after she is found in Tyre without a passport. Vizeman, who speaks Arabic well, claims that she came fr. Nazareth to visit a friend in Beirut. (VOL 4/28 in WNC 4/29; JP 5/7)

Hizballah attempts to capture 2 IDF/SLA posts in s. Lebanon, wounding 8 IDF soldiers, 3 SLA mbrs. IDF shells Hizballah targets in response, wounding 2 civilians. (VOL 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM 4/28)

King Hussein designates Prince Abdallah as heir to the throne. (JT 1/25 in WNC 1/26; JTV, Petra-JNA 1/25, 1/26 in WNC 1/27; NYT, WP, WT 1/26; Petra-JNA, RJ 1/26, RJ 1/27 in WNC 1/28; NYT 1/27; MEI, PR 1/29; al-Dustur 1/30 in WNC 2/2; CSM 2/2; WT 2/3; WJW 2/4) (see 1/22)

PM Netanyahu wins Likud primary over Arens. (Netanyahu takes over 75% of the votes, but only 30% of Likud mbrs. participate) Fmr. DM Mordechai announces that he will challenge Netanyahu for the premiership as leader of an emerging centrist party that includes fmr. IDF chief of staff Shahak, fmr. Finance M Meridor, fmr. Tel Aviv mayor Roni Milo. Shahak, Meridor drop their bids for PM. (MM 1/25; CSM, WP, WT 1/26; WJW 1/28, 2/4) (see 1/24)

Britain says that it is not party to U.S. attempts to overthrow Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein, it will not assist the Iraqi opposition militarily. (MENA 1/25 in WNC 1/26) (see 1/21)

U.S. planes strike antimissile batteries in n., s. no-fly zones for 3d straight day. In Basra, 1 or more U.S. missiles goes astray, killing 11 Iraqi civilians, wounding 59. The U.S. recently expanded its strikes to include security infrastructure as well as missile batteries, radar stations; says that containing Saddam Hussein through low-visibility, sustained, reactive bombing is the only military action politically acceptable to Arab states. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; MENA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; JT 1/28 in WNC 1/29; MEI 1/29; NYT, WP 2/3; WP 2/13) (see 1/21)

SLA releases 16 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison for humanitarian reasons. (VOL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

IDF drops airborne commando unit into Wadi al-Hujayr in s. Lebanon to set up an ambush on road btwn. al-Ghanduriyya and Burj Qalawayh. Results in 4-hr. combat with Hizballah, including IDF air support. IDF allegedly aborts 2d drop. (RL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

King Hussein designates Prince Abdallah as heir to the throne. (JT 1/25 in WNC 1/26; JTV, Petra-JNA 1/25, 1/26 in WNC 1/27; NYT, WP, WT 1/26; Petra-JNA, RJ 1/26, RJ 1/27 in WNC 1/28; NYT 1/27; MEI, PR 1/29; al-Dustur 1/30 in WNC 2/2; CSM 2/2; WT 2/3; WJW 2/4) (see 1/22)

PM Netanyahu wins Likud primary over Arens. (Netanyahu takes over 75% of the votes, but only 30% of Likud mbrs. participate) Fmr. DM Mordechai announces that he will challenge Netanyahu for the premiership as leader of an emerging centrist party that includes fmr. IDF chief of staff Shahak, fmr. Finance M Meridor, fmr. Tel Aviv mayor Roni Milo. Shahak, Meridor drop their bids for PM. (MM 1/25; CSM, WP, WT 1/26; WJW 1/28, 2/4) (see 1/24)

Britain says that it is not party to U.S. attempts to overthrow Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein, it will not assist the Iraqi opposition militarily. (MENA 1/25 in WNC 1/26) (see 1/21)

U.S. planes strike antimissile batteries in n., s. no-fly zones for 3d straight day. In Basra, 1 or more U.S. missiles goes astray, killing 11 Iraqi civilians, wounding 59. The U.S. recently expanded its strikes to include security infrastructure as well as missile batteries, radar stations; says that containing Saddam Hussein through low-visibility, sustained, reactive bombing is the only military action politically acceptable to Arab states. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; MENA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; JT 1/28 in WNC 1/29; MEI 1/29; NYT, WP 2/3; WP 2/13) (see 1/21)

SLA releases 16 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison for humanitarian reasons. (VOL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

IDF drops airborne commando unit into Wadi al-Hujayr in s. Lebanon to set up an ambush on road btwn. al-Ghanduriyya and Burj Qalawayh. Results in 4-hr. combat with Hizballah, including IDF air support. IDF allegedly aborts 2d drop. (RL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

In Tel Aviv, U.S. special envoy Ross says that the U.S. plans to play a much less active role in final status negotiations, thinks "permanent status is not something that should be mediated." (USIS Washington File 1/12; NYT, WP 1/13; PR 1/15)

After 4 yrs., Lebanon lifts travel restrictions on Palestinians, dropping requirement for Palestinians to obtain visas to return to Lebanon. (RL 1/12 in WNC 1/13; NYT 1/13; RL 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

Netanyahu's office warns the PA that Israel would bar Arafat, PA officials fr. leaving he autonomous enclaves should the PA unilaterally declare statehood. (MEI 1/15)

PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. millionaire Irving Moskovitz, who is in town to decided which right-wing candidate for PM he will support financially in the 5/17 elections. Netanyahu gives assurances that he will not halt Moskovitz's construction of 132 units in the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem. Congressman Michael Forbes (R-NY) is accompanying Moskovitz. (MM, WP 1/14; MM 1/21; JP 1/22; PR 1/29)

In what police, FBI term a sophisticated operation, burglars break into offices of prominent Washington polling firm, Greenberg Quinlan Research, that is advising Israeli PM-candidate Barak. Firm says that its international work was targeted, but it is uncertain whether files on Barak were among those stolen. (MM, WP 1/13; YA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; WJW 1/14; MM 1/20)

Israeli Religious Affairs M Eli Suissa cuts the size of local religious councils to keep them all Orthodox. A recent High Court ruling ordered the powerful councils (which run marriage bureaus and burial societies, maintain synagogues and ritual baths, supervise kosher inspections for both religious and secular Jews) be expanded to include Reform, Conservative Jews. (WT 1/13)

IDF lifts closure on Hebron imposed 1/4. (MM 1/14, MEI 1/15)

Unidentified assailant stabs, wounds Palestinian in West Jerusalem. (MM 1/12; PR 1/15, JP 1/22)

IDF uproots Palestinian orchard nr. Jewish settlement in the West Bank. (AFP [Internet] 1/12)

In Cairo, FMs of Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen hold 2d mtg. to prepare agenda for 1/24 Arab League mtg. on Iraq. Jordan does not condemn mtg. but is upset at not being included, blames Syria, warns that "forming axes" only deepens Arab divisions. (MM 1/12; MENA, RE 1/12 in WNC 1/13; MM 1/13; al-Dustur, MENA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; MM 1/14; JT, MENA, RE 1/14 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/15) (see 1/3)

The U.S. secretly sends letters to Arab states urging them to support its position on Iraq at the 1/24 Arab League mtg. (MM 1/22)

U.S. planes fire on Iraqi missile battery in n. no-fly zone. Defense Dept. says that Iraq has sent planes into the no-fly zones 66 times in the past 2 wks., targeted U.S. and British planes 12 times, increased its number of missile sites fr. 9 to 17. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/13)

U.S. emb. in Tel Aviv reopens. (WP, WT 1/5; JP 1/11) (see 12/31)

In Hebron, unidentified gunmen open fire on van, wounding 2 Jewish settlers. IDF seals the borders of Hebron to prevent Palestinians fr. entering or leaving; imposes curfew on Palestinians in Israeli-controlled sector of the city; shoots rubber bullets at Palestinians who protest the closure, wounding 2. (MM 1/4; AFP, ITV 1/4 in WNC 1/5; CSM, NYT, WP 1/5; MA 1/5 in WNC 1/6; ITV 1/5 in WNC 1/7; WJW 1/7; PR 1/8; MEI 1/15)

In light of "serious complaints" fr. Orthodox MKs, the Knesset institutes regulation barring women fr. wearing miniskirts, tight garments, low-cut/sleeveless shirts, any other "provocative" clothing in the parliament. (WT 1/5)

IDF reports that Hizballah carried out 1,200 attacks in 1998 compared to 715 in 1997. Despite the increase, IDF fatalities have dropped fr. 39 in 1997 to 23 in 1998. Although 1,100 of the 1998 attacks were conducted by long-range fire (compared to 550 in 1997), 16 of the 23 fatalities were caused by roadside bombs. Today, 1 SLA soldier is injured by a roadside bomb. (VOL, YA 1/4 in WNC 1/5)

As the House approves 4 articles of impeachment against him in Washington, Pres. Clinton arrives in Tel Aviv on 1st stop of 4-day visit. At the airport, PM Netanyahu offers Clinton a "lukewarm" greeting, warns that the Wye agmt. is unraveling, says he will not halt his criticism of the PA, which he accuses of violating every clause of the Wye accord. (ITV, MENA 12/12, JT 12/13 in WNC 12/15; NYT, WP, WT 12/13; GIU, NYT 12/14; PR 12/18)

In Damascus, 8 PLO opposition groups, Hamas, Islamic Jihad open 2-day conference to reaffirm opposition to the Oslo process, adherence to PLO charter. Jordan prevents 32 Palestinians fr. crossing border to attend. (JT, SA 12/12, JTV 12/13, JT 12/14 in WNC 12/15; MM 12/14; al-Majd 12/14 in WNC 12/17; MEI 12/25; al-Watan al-Arabi 1/1 in WNC 1/5)

Jordanian PM Fayiz al-Tarawnah arrives in Gaza for coordination mtg. with Arafat. Both men call on Palestinian prisoners to end their hunger strike (see 12/11). (RJ 12/12 in WNC 12/15; al-Majd 12/14 in WNC 12/16)

In Gaza, 100s of Palestinians demonstrate against Israel's refusal to release political prisoners. During similar demonstration in Bethlehem, PA police, IDF clash with Palestinians, leaving 7 injured. (NYT, WT 12/13)

Jordanian security arrests 8 Palestinians in Baq`a refugee camp for planning rallies for 12/14 to protest Arafat's annulment of the PLO charter. (JT 12/14 in WNC 12/15; al-Dustur 12/15 in WNC 12/16, 12/17)

U.S. continues buildup in the Gulf, raising its military strength there to 2/98 levels, costing tax payers up to $600 m. UN Secy. Gen. Annan breaks off Africa tour to return to New York. UN officials complain of difficulty in getting information fr. the U.S. on its intentions toward Iraq, say U.S. is not trying to obtain UNSC approval for military action. Diplomats in Baghdad say situation is more tense than during the 2/98 crisis. France, Russia, Saudi Arabia, which days ago were against a strike, are reportedly falling into line with the U.S. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/12; WP 11/13; WT 11/16)

After 4 postponements, the Israeli cabinet ratifies (8-4 with 5 abstentions) the Wye accord, but sets conditions to its approval that could undermine the agmt. (MM 11/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/12; YA 11/12 in WNC 11/13; CSM, MM 11/13)

15,000 Jewish settlers hold rally in Tel Aviv to protest Wye agmt. (NYT 11/12)

U.S. sends additional forces to the Gulf for possible strike on Iraq. UN pulls weapons inspectors, relief personnel out of Iraq. Pres. Clinton tells PM Netanyahu that Arab states are resisting backing U.S. moves because Israel has not begun Wye implementation. (MM 11/10; GIU, NYT, WP, WT 11/11; WP 11/12; Petra-JNA 11/12 in WNC 11/13)

Under "intense" U.S. pressure, PM Netanyahu says that he is now satisfied with PA security assurances, will convene cabinet 11/11 to ratify Wye. (MM 11/10; AFP 11/10 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP 11/11)

In Washington, an Israeli DMin. delegation asks Pentagon, State Dept. for $15-b. over the next 10 yrs. to modernize the IDF. (MA 11/11 in WNC 11/13)

Israeli municipal elections are held. Labor wins mayoralties in Tel Aviv, Beersheba, Haifa. Likud's Olmert wins reelection in Jerusalem. Police report that this has been the most violent campaign in Israel's history, with 313 cases of election-related violence, including 51 acts of serious property damage, 61 instances of bodily harm, numerous death threats. (MM, NYT 11/10; MM, NYT 11/11; CSM, WT 11/12; MM 11/13)

2 IDF soldiers are shot, wounded nr. a Jewish settlement in the West Bank. (MM 11/10; AFP 11/10 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP 11/11)

Israeli DM Mordechai approves plan to fortify 33 West Bank settlements that will be nr. area A after the 2d FRD. (Los Angeles Times 11/10; Hatzofe 11/11 in WNC 11/13)

Nr. Sidon, Lebanon, a grenade is thrown in Mieh Mieh refugee camp, a bomb goes off in `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp. Explosions cause damage but no injuries. (VOL 11/10 in WNC 11/13)

A bomb explodes in a Tel Aviv trash can, seriously injuring 1 Israeli, lightly wounding 27. No one claims responsibility. (MM 8/27; IDF Radio, MENA, QY 8/27 in WNC 8/28; MENA 8/27 in WNC 8/31; CSM, NYT, WP 8/28; MM 9/1; PR 9/4; JP 9/5; WJW 9/8)

Israel's Jerusalem city authorities approve U.S. millionaire Irving Moskowitz's plan to build 132 housing units for Jews in the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem. (MM, WP 8/28; PR 9/4, 9/11)

A U.S. federal judge orders Iran to pay $65 m. to 3 Americans (Joseph Cicippio, Frank Reed, David Jacobsen) who were kidnapped by Hizballah in Lebanon in the 1980s. (NYT, WP 8/28; WP 9/27) (see 3/11)

 The IDF mobilizes 2,000 troops in Hebron to prevent violence as 1,000 settlers gather to mark end of 7-day mourning period for rabbi killed 8/20. Settlers beat Palestinian reporters covering the event. (NYT 8/28)

The Israeli daily Ma'ariv reports that PM Netanyahu, Labor Chmn Barak recently held (beginning 7/12) a series of detailed secret talks at a Mossad location in central Israel on possibility of forming a unity government. (MM 8/10, 8/14)

In Tel Aviv, Israel, Russia open talks on establishing bilateral consular relations. (ITAR-TASS 8/10 in WNC 8/11; Vesti 8/13 in WNC 8/14; Interfax 8/28 in WNC 8/20) (see 8/8)

U.S. gives Jordan a $54.3-m. grant to help cover costs of Jordan's international debt, economic reform programs, employment generation. (RJ 8/10 in WNC 8/12)

In Tehran, Jordan, Iran discuss expanding technical, industrial cooperation. After mtgs., Jordanian FM Anani leaves for Bahrain. (IRNA, RMC 8/10 in WNC 8/11; JTV 8/11, VOA 8/12 in WNC 8/13) (see 8/9)

An IDF soldier, 1 Hizballah mbr. are injured during a clash in s. Lebanon. (RL 8/10 in WNC 8/11)

In Tel Aviv, PA Local Government M Erakat, Israeli cabinet secy. Nave, atty. Molho discuss FRD issue. Separately, PA negotiator Abbas, Israeli Public Security M Kahalani agree to resume weekly meetings on outstanding Oslo II issues. (PR 7/31)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrives in Lebanon fr. Syria for talks with Pres. Hrawi, Speaker Birri on the peace process; discusses international summit proposal. Moratinos then heads to Amman to meet with Crown Prince Hassan. (VOL 7/28 in WNC 7/29; JTV 7/29 in WNC 8/6)

Jordan's King Hussein releases statement fr. the Mayo Clinic, saying that doctors have confirmed that he has lymphoma type B, which is treatable. (JTV 7/28 in WNC 7/29; MM 8/3)

In Amman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia discuss expanding security cooperation. (RJ 7/28 in WNC 7/30)

IDF demolishes Palestinian home in Rafat that allegedly was built without a permit. (WT 7/29)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA convoy triggers a roadside bomb, killing 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 7/28 in WNC 7/29)

Israeli DM Mordechai meets with PA negotiator Abbas, offers "concessions" on Israel's FRD plan. On the basis of the proposal, Abbas agrees to resume the working teams talks. (IDF Radio 7/26, HA, MA 7/27 in WNC 7/28; IGPO 7/27; ITV, al-Quds 7/27 in WNC 7/29; MM, PR 7/31)

Israeli Internal Security M Kahalani, MK Yehuda Harel meet with Arafat adviser Abbas. Abbas suggests that Israel release 100 Palestinian security prisoners as a good will gesture. Kahalani says he will raise the idea with Netanyahu. (IGPO 7/26; YA 7/30 in WNC 8/6; MEI 7/31)

In Tel Aviv, Israel, Turkey open talks on military issues ranging fr. joint production of defensive missiles to Israeli technological support to enhance Turkey's border security. (Milliyet 7/25 in WNC 7/28)

IDF storms the town of Arnun in s. Lebanon. 3 people are killed in an explosion there, possibly when the IDF blows up a house. (RL 7/25 in WNC 7/28)

Israeli DM Mordechai, PA negotiator Abbas meet at U.S. Amb. Walker's residence in Tel Aviv to discuss scope of Israeli FRD; make no progress but agree to continue mtgs. 7/20, set up small teams to discuss issues blocking FRD. (IDF Radio, ITV 7/19, MA 7/20 in WNC 7/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/20; WJW 7/23; PR 7/24; JP, NYT 7/25; MEI 7/31)

Hrs. before Mordechai-Abbas mtg. begins, Israeli police in Jerusalem claim to foil attempted car bombing by Hamas. PA claims that Israel fabricated the story to pressure the PA team in the FRD talks. Hamas denies any connection to car's driver. (IDF Radio, ITV 7/19 in WNC 7/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/20; PR 7/24; YA 7/24 in WNC 7/28; JP 7/25; MEI 7/31)

In Jerusalem, PM Netanyahu receives Jordanian FM Anani for talks on the peace process. Anani then goes to Ramallah to meet with Arafat. (JTV, QY, RJ 7/19 in WNC 7/21; WP 7/20; al-Ra'i 7/20, MA, RJ 7/22 in WNC 7/23; MM 7/23; Petra-JNA 7/23 in WNC 7/24; al-Dustur 7/25 in WNC 7/28)

In Sidon, s. Lebanon, Lebanese authorities arrest 3 Palestinians, including 1 fmr. Fatah mbr., on suspicion of being part of a pro-Israel spy ring. (WT 7/22) (see 7/8)

Yemen accuses Saudi Arabia of attacking a Duwayma island in the Red Sea with ships, long-range artillery, killing 3 Yemeni coast guards, wounding 9; says attack stopped after contacts were made with the Saudi government. (MM 7/20; MM, WP 7/21; RJ 7/21 in WNC 7/23; WP 7/24; NYT 7/26; MEI 7/31) (see 6/23)

After wks. of debate, PM Netanyahu, senior advisers make final decision not to hold a national referendum on the FRD issue, despite polls that found that 62% of the public support such a vote. Netanyahu says that he will decide on holding a referendum only after an FRD agmt. has been reached. (CSM 6/25; ITV 6/25 in WNC 6/29; MM 6/26; ITV 6/28 in WNC 6/30; NYT 6/30)

In Cairo, the Arab League holds an emergency session to discuss Israel's plan for to expand Jerusalem's municipal boundaries, urges EU intervention. (RE 6/15 in WNC 6/16

In Amman, Iran, Jordan discuss expanding bilateral relations. (IRNA 6/25 in WNC 6/26)

Israel airlifts last 60 (of 3,900) Ethiopians of Jewish descent fr. Addis Ababa to Tel Aviv. (WP 6/26)

After 10 mos. of negotiations, Hizballah turns over body of IDF soldier killed in a raid on s. Lebanon 9/5/97. In exchange, Israel returns to Lebanon the bodies of 40 Amal, Hizballah mbrs. (including body of Hizballah leader Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah's son Hadi). (MM, WT 6/25; AFP, RL, RMC 6/25 in WNC 6/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/26; al-Watan al-Arabi 6/26 in WNC 6/29; AFP 6/26 in WNC 6/29; WJW 7/2; MEI 7/3; JP 7/4)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb, killing 2 IDF soldiers, wounding 4. (MM 6/25; AFP, VOL 6/25 in WNC 6/26; NYT, WP 6/26)

PC gives Arafat until 6/15 to reshuffle the Executive Authority (EA; the PA's cabinet) or face no-confidence vote (he has not faced a no-confidence vote since the 1996 elections). (WP 6/12; MEI 7/3)

In Cairo, U.S. Asst. Secy. of State for Near East Affairs Martin Indyk briefs Pres. Mubarak on U.S. efforts to persuade Israel to accept the U.S. FRD proposal. (MENA, RE 6/9 in WNC 6/10; ITV, MENA 6/9 in WNC 6/11; MENA 6/9 in WNC 6/17)

In Vienna, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan discusses peace process with Chancellor Viktor Klima, who assumes the presidency of the EU on 7/1. (RJ 6/9 in WNC 6/10, 6/11; Der Standard 6/12 in WNC 6/15)

In Tel Aviv, Jordan, Israel discuss import of Jordanian agricultural goods, farm products to Israel, PA self-rule areas. (JT 6/11 in WNC 6/12)

Iran, Turkey convene economic summit in Tehran. (IRIB Television 6/9 in WNC 6/11; IRNA 6/10 in WNC 6/12)

In keeping with UN Res. ES-10/5 of 3/17, Switzerland opens in Geneva a 3-day experts-level mtg. btwn. Israel, the PLO, with the International Comm. of the Red Cross, to examine measures that would contribute to the effective application of the Fourth Geneva Conventions in the occupied territories. (Palestine and the UN 6/98)

Israeli Interior Min. approves construction of 58 housing units for Jewish settlers nr. the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem. (Palestine and the UN 6/98)

U.S. government arrests without charge Muhammad Salah, a naturalized U.S. citizen once arrested in Israel for being a mbr. of Hamas; seizes his home, bank accounts worth $1.4 m.; hopes its investigation will lead to an indictment on charges of funding Hamas "terrorism." (NYT 6/14; JP 6/20; Shihan 7/11 in WNC 7/14)

PM Netanyahu arrives in China for 3-day visit. (MM 5/26)

In Cairo, Arafat attends Arab League mtg. called to commemorate the 50th anniversary of al-Nakba; calls for Arab summit on the peace process. (MENA, RE 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

Egyptian FM `Amr Musa arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein on Mubarak's trip to France, possible Arab summit; says Pres. Mubarak is discussing summit idea with other Arab leaders, including Morocco's King Hassan, who arrived in Cairo today for 3-day official visit, and Syria's Pres. Asad. (MENA, RE, RJ 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM 5/27, 5/28)

In Tel Aviv, Israel's DM Yitzhak Mordechai meets with Turkey's dep. chief of staff, Gen. Cevik Bir, for talks on the peace process, furthering military cooperation, possible joint arms projects. (WT 5/27)

Saudi Arabia's FM Prince Saud al-Faisal arrives in Iran for 2-day talks on improving bilateral ties. (WT 5/27)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin visits Syria's Yarmuk refugee camp, where he receives warm welcome fr. Palestinian refuges. (WP 6/11) (see 5/25)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli border policemen clash with Palestinians protesting illegal construction by Jewish settlers (see 5/25). To halt violence, Israel's Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert bans the construction in the name of Israel's Antiquities Dept., orders the demolition of the settlers' illegal dwellings. (ITV 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM, NYT 5/27; WJW 5/28; MM 6/3; MEI 6/5; WT 6/9)

Yemen reports that over the past 2 days, Saudi troops have seized the island of Harim in the Red Sea as part of an attempt to pressure Sana' to make territorial concessions in the 2 countries' border demarcation negotiations, which just resumed last wk. The island is 1 of 3 uninhabited but strategically significant Red Sea islands in dispute. (MM 5/26)

3 SLA mbrs., 3 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. 4 civilians are injured, over 100 flee their homes. (ITV, RL, VOL 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

U.S. special envoy Ross leaves for Israel to hold last-minute talks with PM Netanyahu on possible "face-saving ideas" that would "redefine a part of the 13%" of the West Bank fr. which the U.S. proposes Israel withdraw, allowing Netanyahu to accept the U.S. FRD plan and come to Washington 5/11. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/8) (see 5/6)

Arafat stops in Cairo to brief Mubarak on London talks. (MENA 5/7 in WNC 5/8)

In Amman, PA Local Government M Erakat briefs PM Majali on London talks. (RJ 5/7 in WNC 5/8) (see 5/6)

Urged to do so by the Israel's amb. to the UN Dore Gold, CPMAJO convenes emergency session to vote on whether to issue a public criticism of the Clinton administration. Motion fails by a wide margin. (WP 5/8; YA 5/8 in WNC 5/11; WT 5/9) (see 5/6)

Clinton gives 1st speech to an American Arab organization (the Arab American Institute) by a sitting U.S. pres. (MM, WT 5/8, MM 5/13)

After 2 wks. of negotiations, Moledet leader Ze'evi turns down Netanyahu's invitation to joint the coalition government. (Vesti [Tel Aviv] 5/12 in WNC 5/13; JP 5/16) (see 4/20)

Kuwait frees 6 of 13 Jordanian detainees pardoned 4/26. (JTV 5/7 in WNC 5/11) (see 5/5)

In London, Arafat, Netanyahu meet separately with PM Blair, then each hold 2 mtgs. alone with Secy. Albright. Netanyahu discusses (but does not offer) the C-plus option, which he hints could make an 11% FRD possible, but Albright refuses to budge fr. 13.1%. All teams agree to stay an extra day for further talks. (IDF Radio, JT, JTV 5/4 in WNC 5/6; ITV 5/4, al-Ahram, MA, YA 5/5 in WNC 5/8; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/5; WP 5/6; WJW 5/7; MEI, PR 5/8; JP 5/9)

In Petra, Jordan, Israel hold talks on ways to increase bilateral trade, Jordanian exports to PA areas. (RJ 5/4 in WNC 5/6)

Turkey tells Iran that it is ready to cooperate with Iran in all fields, especially in transportation, trade. (Anatolia [Ankara] 5/4 in WNC 5/6; Zaman [Istanbul] 5/5 in WNC 5/8) (see 5/3)

Iran calls on Egypt to improve bilateral ties. (VIRI 5/5 in WNC 5/8; IRNA 5/9 in WNC 5/12)

Tel Aviv mayor Roni Milo, one of Netanyahu's most powerful political allies, announces that he is planning to quit the Likud party when his term as mayor expires in 11/98; set up new centrist party; run for PM in the next elections, which must take place by 5/2000. (MM, NYT, WT 5/5; Corriere della Sera [Milan] 5/5, ITV 5/6 in WNC 5/8; MM 5/6; ITV 5/10 in WNC 5/13; JP 5/16)

After mtg. with Arafat late 5/2, VP Gore holds unscheduled 2-a.m. mtg. with Netanyahu to discuss peace process; then heads to Cairo for pre-dawn mtg. with Pres. Mubarak regarding London talks, bilateral economic relations. Later in the day, Arafat flies to Cairo to meet with Mubarak before heading to London mtgs. (WP 5/3; ESC Television, MENA, RE 5/3 in WNC 5/6; NYT, WP, WT 5/4)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan travels to Turkey to participate in mtg. of new Atlantic Initiative Group, which stresses human rights as the basis for security, stability in the Middle East. Conferences discusses peace process, Iraq. (JTV 5/3 in WNC 5/6)

Group of 17 German army cadets arrives in Israel for 1st joint training program. (NYT, WT 5/4; ITV 5/4 in WNC 5/8)

Iran calls on Turkey to expand bilateral economic relations. (IRNA 5/3 in WNC 5/6)

Jordan Information Min. says that police have detained 50+n60 suspects for questioning in connection with 4/29, 4/30 bombings. (AFP 5/3, al-Quds al-Arabi, al-Ra'i 5/4 in WNC 5/6; al-Hadath 5/4, al-Hayat al-Jadida, JT, al-Sabil 5/5, RJ 5/6, al-Ra'i 5/7 in WNC 5/8; RJ 5/10 in WNC 5/12; al-Hadath 5/11 in WNC 5/13)

Israeli military court convicts, sentences Palestinian Riyad Abu Hamdiyya to 4 life terms in prison for participation in 1/9/97, 3/21/97 bombings in Tel Aviv. (NYT 5/4)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, Israeli PM Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv, hail "new beginning" to Jordan-Israel relations, announce full restoration of security cooperation. (MM 3/10; ITV, QY, RJ, RMC 3/10 in WNC 3/11; JTV 3/10 in WNC 3/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/11; SA 3/14, JT 3/16 in WNC 3/17; JTV 3/15 in WNC 3/17; JP 3/21) (see 3/8)

Jordan, Iran hold talks on allowing academic, collegiate exchanges btwn. their countries. (IRNA 3/10)

Nr. Hebron, IDF soldiers open fire on van of Palestinian laborers, killing 3, wounding 5. Israel arrests 2 soldiers, then releases them, claiming that they "followed regulations" when van tried to "crash through the roadblock," run them over. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/11; IDF Radio 3/11 in WNC 3/12; PR 3/13; al-Ayyam, al-Quds al-Arabi 3/13 in WNC 3/16; CSM 3/18; PR 3/20; JP 3/21; MEI 3/27)

Based on classified testimony fr. the FBI that cannot be viewed by lawyers, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service orders 6 Iraqis who aided the CIA in failed attempts against Saddam Hussein be deported because they pose "a danger to the national security." (NYT 3/11)

In Tel Aviv, Israel, Jordan hold talks on water, Jordan Valley development. (RJ 2/19 in WNC 2/24; Globes [Internet] 2/22 in WNC 2/26; JP 2/28)

Palestine-Israel Steering and Monitoring Comm. (PISMC) cochairs meet at U.S. Amb. to Israel Edward Walker's home. (IGPO 2/18; WJW 2/26; JP 2/28)

Syrian VP `Abd al-Halim Khaddam, FM Faruq al-Shara` leave Cairo after 2 days of talks on peace process, Iraq crisis with Pres. Mubarak, FM `Amr Musa. (MENA, SATN 2/18 in WNC 2/21)

U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, Defense Secy. William Cohen, National Security Adviser (NSA) Sandy Berger hold 90-min. "town meeting" at Ohio State University on potential strike on Iraq, which is broadcast globally on CNN. Audience heckles official and asks pointed questions on U.S. policy, some saying no military action should be taken, others questioning why goals do not include ousting Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein. After mtg., Berger warns Hussein that he should not misinterpret the audience reactions because "Ultimately there's only one man who decides, and he decides not based on the polls . . . but on our national interest." (CSM 2/18; NYT, WP, WT 2/19; WT 2/20; al-Ahram 2/21 in WNC 2/26)

PA Information Min. orders all 34 television, radio stations to obtain licenses fr. the Information Min. as well as Interior Min.; closes 9 West Bank stations that do not have such licenses. (LAW 2/19; NYT, PR 2/20; MEI, PR 2/27) (see 2/16)

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum forces its director, Walter Reich, to resign. Mishandling of Arafat invitation to visit the museum (see 1/23) is cited as precipitating factor ending troubled tenure. (NYT 2/19)

In Cairo, Egyptian FM Musa, PA Planning M Shaath discuss peace process, Mubarak mtg. with Albright 2/3. (MENA 2/5 in WNC 2/6)

Turkey's Gen. Kivrikoglu meets with DM Mordechai. (IGPO 2/5)

Iranian Majles speaker Nateq-Nuri arrives in Lebanon for 2-day visit, talks on cultivating trade ties. (RL 2/5 in WNC 2/6; IRNA 2/5, RL 2/6 in WNC 2/10)

Saying that it "retains its right to self-defense and will operate according to its security interests," Israel rebuffs U.S. request to not retaliate against Iraq should it target Israel as a result of U.S. air strikes. (MM 2/5; MM, WP 2/6; WJW 2/12)

Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein orders release of all 1,200-1,300 Arab prisoners in apparent move to win sympathy in his dispute with the U.S. (NYT, WP 2/6; al-Aswaq [Amman], MENA 2/12 in WNC 2/15)

13 mbrs. of the Israeli Islamic Movement hold quiet demonstration against potential U.S. attack on Iraq in front of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv. (IDF Radio 2/5 in WNC 2/6)

SLA mbrs. block road in s. Lebanon in attempt to prevent French delegation fr. reaching ILMG mtg. UNIFIL intervenes, reopens road. (RL 2/5 in WNC 2/6; RL 2/6 in WNC 2/10)

Jordan's King Hussein makes brief visit to Cairo to discuss latest developments in the peace process with Pres. Mubarak. (ESC Television [Cairo], MENA, RJ 1/25, RE 1/26 in WNC 1/27; JT 1/28 in WNC 2/2)

In Tel Aviv, Israel, Jordan open 2-day mtg. to revise air transport accord. (JT 1/28 in WNC 1/27)

Israeli cabinet approves 8 loosely defined zones, locations in the West Bank as areas of "vital national interest" that will not be returned under any deal with the PA. (MM 1/14; ITV 1/14 in WNC 1/15; NYT, WP, WT 1/15; SA 1/15 in WNC 1/20)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak makes unscheduled trip to Damascus to discuss peace process, regional issues with Pres. Asad. (MENA 1/14 in WNC 1/15; MENA, SATN 1/14 in WNC 1/20; Tishrin 1/15 in WNC 1/21; NYT 1/16; al-Ittihad al-Usbu`i [Abu Dhabi] 1/16 in WNC 1/23; al-Dammam al-Yawm 1/25 in WNC 2/2)

In Amman, Shas leader Deri discusses peace process with King Hussein. Later the king meets with the board of the American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC), stresses importance of Israeli adherence to Oslo agmts. (ITV, JTV 1/14 in WNC 1/20; MM 1/15; JT 1/17 in WNC 1/21) (see 1/8)

Georgian pres. Eduard Shevardnadze makes 1-day trip to Israel to discuss trade issues, sign Tbilisi-Jerusalem sister-city agmt. with PM Netanyahu. (Interfax [Moscow] 1/14 in WNC 1/15; Radio Tbilisi Network [Tbilisi] 1/19 in WNC 1/21)

Arab Parliamentary Union ends session in Luxor, Egypt; issues statement condemning "terrorism" in all its forms, affirms a people's right to national struggle to liberate occupied territory and regain national rights. (ESC Television [Cairo] 1/14 in WNC 1/15; RE 1/15 in WNC 1/20)

In Amman, Jordanian-Palestinian Transportation Comm. agrees on procedures for moving goods across the border. (JT 1/14 in WNC 1/15) (see 12/25)

In Tel Aviv, 30,000 Israelis, many bussed in fr. West Bank settlements, demonstrate against any FRD. (MM, WP 1/15)

U.S. Supreme Court begins to hear Akins vs. Federal Election Commission (FEC) case, culminating a 9-yr.-old battle in which a group of Washingtonians led by fmr. U.S. Amb. to Saudi Arabia James Akins has tried to convince the FEC that AIPAC should be regulated as a political action comm., subjecting it to strict campaign finance laws. (WJW 1/15; WJW 1/22)