297 / 15150 Results
  • October 18, 2001

    Israel cuts off all contact with the PA; gives Shin Bet, the IDF the "green light" to step up assassinations. Some MKs say Sharon should banish Arafat fr. the West Bank, Gaza. The PA arrests 3...

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  • September 24, 2001

    In response to Islamic Jihad gunfire in the Jordan Valley that leaves a Jewish settler dead, Peres sides with Sharon against holding a mtg. with Arafat. Fatah tanzim leaders, a senior mbr. of the...

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  • September 20, 2001

    Bush vows to attack Afghanistan unless the Taliban immediately turns over Bin Laden, all other "terrorists" in the country, destroys Bin Laden training camps, allows U.S. inspections. He warns...

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  • September 9, 2001

    An Israeli Arab suicide bomber detonates a device at a train station in the n. Israeli town of Nahariya, killing 3 Israeli Jews, injuring 63, most lightly. Israel blames the PA, saying the bomber...

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  • July 28, 2001

    In retaliation for 3 mortars fired at a Jewish settlement in Gaza overnight that caused no damage, IDF helicopters shell a Palestinian building nr. Khan Yunis allegedly used as a mortar factory....

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  • May 2, 2001

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. In a predawn strike, IDF bulldozers move into Brazil camp in PA-controlled Rafah under cover of tank, machine gun fire to demolish 20 Palestinian...

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  • March 1, 1999

    Protest by Palestinian political prisoners against their detention in Israel's Megiddo jail turns into riot, injuring 3 Israeli policemen. Meanwhile, 44 Palestinians held in PA jails...

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  • December 2, 1998

    In Ramallah, Palestinians ambush an IDF patrol car, beat 1 soldier. Israel suspends FRD until the PA complies with a new list of demands, including publicly abandoning plans to declare a state in...

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  • November 23, 1998

    In Amman, Israeli FM Sharon, Trade M Natan Sharansky meet with Crown Prince Hassan; sign agmt. forming bilateral mechanism for implementing several Jordan Valley projects. (ITV, JT, RJ 11/23 in...

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  • July 8, 1998

    PA asks Israel to return the bodies of 100s of Palestinians killed over the yrs. in border skirmishes with the IDF, attempted crossborder infiltrations. The bodies are buried in a desert graveyard...

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  • March 30, 1998

    U.S special envoy Ross holds final unsuccessful mtg. with PM Netanyahu. State Dept. says that since no gaps were closed during Ross's tour, it is not considering a Washington summit;...

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  • October 20, 1997

    In Jerusalem, U.S. special envoy Ross hosts mtg. btwn. Israeli FM Levy, Arafat adviser Abbas; encourages them to speed up subcomm. negotiations. Levy says Israel is willing to limit settlement...

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  • March 30, 1997

    Clashes btwn. the IDF, Palestinians intensify throughout the West Bank. In Surif, an IDF soldier allegedly rapes a Palestinian woman during a raid on a home; IDF admits that "indecent acts" took...

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  • December 1, 1996

    At the close of their mtg. in Amman, representatives of the 33 nations of the Euro-Arab Parliamentary Dialogue issue a declaration urging Israel to fulfill its commitments to the Oslo accords. (JT...

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  • July 29, 1996

    Israel lifts full closure on West Bank imposed 7/26, allows 12,000 Palestinian workers fr. the West Bank into Israel. (QY 7/29 in FBIS 7/29; WP 7/30)

    In an attempt to tighten Israel's links...

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  • October 1, 1995

    UN opens its 50th session in New York. On sidelines of the mtgs, FM Peres with local rabbis; discusses settler issue, future amendments to PLO covenant. (QY 10/2 in FBIS 10/4)

    Before...

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  • December 20, 1994

    FM Peres says Israel should establish ties with as many Arab League states as possible, with goal of eventually joining league, making it the Middle East League; says he has discussed issue with...

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  • November 8, 1988

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the Israeli Palestinian town of Taybah to protest the demolition of 15 buildings by Israeli police [LAT...

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  • December 30, 1987

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gazan demonstrator wounded in earlier violence dies. Bomb in Christmas card explodes, injuring 2 Israelis; at least 7 other card bombs...

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  • August 17, 1987

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 1-day general strike in support of Jerusalem Electric Company closes most shops in E. Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Israeli police announce...

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  • August 10, 1987

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: U. S. envoy Charles Hill meets with Israeli P. M. Shamir to discuss proposed international peace conference [LAT 8/13]. Fu'ad Ishkantna...

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  • March 6, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Central Bureau of Statistics reports 37% of occupied territories' work force employed in Israel during 1984: 50,000 from W. Bank, 40,000...

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  • January 16, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inmates at Jnaid prison (Nablus) demonstrate against attempted housing of 26 alleged Muslim Brotherhood prisoners; IDF, Border Police,...

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  • January 10, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Govt. approves sites for 6 new settlements in W. Bank; Labor-Likud committee, previously unable to agree on all sites (12/26), decides...

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  • November 12, 1984

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gov't. orders Palestinian money-changers in Jerusalem stop trading in US dollars. Ramallah military court fines Fatmeh Ja'afari IS 20,...

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  • October 6, 1984

    Socia/lEconomic/Political

    Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat attends 35th anniversary celebration of German Democratic Republic in E. Berlin; meets with Soviet FM Gromyko, discusses possibility...

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  • January 4, 1983

    Military Action:

    After day of quiet, renewed artillery exchanges in Tripoli, coastal road cut 20 miles south of city; IDF announces 4 Katyusha rockets found in South Lebanon.

    ...

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Israel cuts off all contact with the PA; gives Shin Bet, the IDF the "green light" to step up assassinations. Some MKs say Sharon should banish Arafat fr. the West Bank, Gaza. The PA arrests 3 PFLP leaders, but says it has not identified Ze'evi's assassins, will not extradite them to Israel once it does. Israel says if the killers are not extradited, it will treat the PA as a sponsor of terrorism. (The State Dept. refuses to back Israel's extradition demand.) Sharon declares that "Arafat has 7 days to impose absolute quiet in the territories. If not, we will go to war against him. As far as I'm concerned, the era of Arafat is over." (HP, MM 10/18; MENA, XIN 10/18 in WNC 10/19; NYT, WP, WT 10/19; MM 10/23)

The IDF reoccupies areas A in Jinin, Nablus, and Ramallah, sending in tanks and troops, shelling buildings, killing 3 Palestinians. In Bethlehem, 3 Palestinians, including Fatah tanzim leader Atif Ubayyat, 1 of Israel's most wanted, are killed when an explosion destroys their car. The deaths, which Palestinians claim were an assassination, spark a serious gun battle around the city; Palestinians in Bayt Jala also fire a mortar at Gilo for the 1st time in 2 mos., causing no damage. Palestinian gunmen fire on a group of Jewish settlers hiking in the Jordan Valley, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 2. (HP, MM, PMC 10/18; AP, HP, NYT, WP, WT 10/19; WP 10/20; PCHR 10/24)

In response to Islamic Jihad gunfire in the Jordan Valley that leaves a Jewish settler dead, Peres sides with Sharon against holding a mtg. with Arafat. Fatah tanzim leaders, a senior mbr. of the Fatah-linked AMB state that, despite Arafat's recent calls, they will continue to view the IDF and settlers in the West Bank and Gaza as legitimate targets. Palestinians fire 1 mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. Israel's new 18 mi. buffer zone along the Green Line n. of Jerusalem goes into effect. The IDF bulldozes 20 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Oranit settlement; declares the Hebron market a closed military zone; begins work on a new settlement bypass road to Kefar Darom, damaging agricultural land, water networks belonging to Dayr al-Balah residents; conduct arrest raids in villages around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Salfit; confiscates 1 Palestinian home in Harmala for use as an IDF outpost; reinforces the closure on Jinin. (HP, Los Angeles Times [Internet], MM 9/24; CNN, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/25; al-Quds 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MEI 9/28)

The U.S. freezing assets of 27 individuals, organizations with reported links to Bin Laden; threatening to freeze U.S. assets of foreign financial institutions that do not follow suit. Affiliates of Hizballah, Palestinian opposition groups are not included. (NYT, WP, WT 9/25)

Bush vows to attack Afghanistan unless the Taliban immediately turns over Bin Laden, all other "terrorists" in the country, destroys Bin Laden training camps, allows U.S. inspections. He warns Americans to expect a long campaign against a network that he estimates involves 1,000s of people in more than 60 countries. He vows the fight will be waged overtly and through covert operations and will not cease "until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped, and defeated." (CNN 9/20; NYT, WP, WT 9/21)

Though Israeli-Palestinian clashes drop off significantly, sporadic violence continues. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) mbrs. fire on a vehicle outside Tekoa settlement, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 1. The PSF arrests 2 suspects in the attack. Armed Jewish settlers block roads in the area to Palestinian cars. The IDF fires on a taxi in Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian. A 2d Palestinian is found dead in the Jordan Valley. In Gaza, Palestinians throw 5 grenades at a Rafah border post, lightly injuring 5 IDF soldiers; shoot, wound another settlement security guard. The IDF shells residential areas of Gaza City; bulldozes agricultural land nr. Oranit settlement. (AP 9/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/21; HP 9/24; WT 9/25; MA 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MEI 9/28)

Sharon, Arafat meet with their cabinets to discuss the temporary cease-fire. Peres, PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat, PC speaker Ahmad Qurai` meet to discuss an Peres-Arafat mtg.; draft a joint statement that the pair could release. Powell phones Sharon twice to press for cease-fire talks. Sharon says the 48-hr. quiet period has not begun, therefore there will not be an Arafat-Peres mtg. until at least 9/23. (AP 9/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/21; HP 9/24; WT 9/25; MA 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MEI 9/28)

An Israeli Arab suicide bomber detonates a device at a train station in the n. Israeli town of Nahariya, killing 3 Israeli Jews, injuring 63, most lightly. Israel blames the PA, saying the bomber crossed into Jinin to get explosives fr. Hamas, and the PA ignored requests to arrest him. In retaliation, the IDF attacks 5 PA security and political offices in al-Bireh, Jericho, Jinin, Nablus, and Ramallah, injuring 5 Palestinians. In the Jordan Valley, Islamic Jihad mbrs. ambush a Jewish settler minibus, killing 2 Jewish settlers. Another Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a car bomb next to a bus in Bayt Lid, killing only himself, injuring 3 Israelis. 1 Palestinian is killed in clashes with the IDF in Gaza. Israel also arrests PA Jerusalem affairs adviser Ziad Abu Ziad; expels him fr. the city, claiming he had entered without a permit. This evening, Sharon meets with his security cabinet, which votes to step up attacks on Palestinian targets. (HA 9/9; AFP 9/9 in WNC 9/10; JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/10; NYT 9/11; WJW 9/13; MEI 9/14; JP 9/24: MEI 9/28)

In retaliation for 3 mortars fired at a Jewish settlement in Gaza overnight that caused no damage, IDF helicopters shell a Palestinian building nr. Khan Yunis allegedly used as a mortar factory. The IDF also shuts a main Nablus-Jordan Valley road; sends tanks into PA-controlled Hebron to fire on a PSF outpost, critically wounding 1 PSF officer. The Popular Army Front-Return Battalions (a new group that has carried out at least 2 incidents on 3/28, 4/22) publishes a list of 33 Jewish settler leaders it warns could be targeted for assassination. 1,000s of Hamas supporters attend a rally in memory of Salah al-Din Darwaza, assassinated on 7/25. (WT 7/29; LAW 8/6)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. In a predawn strike, IDF bulldozers move into Brazil camp in PA-controlled Rafah under cover of tank, machine gun fire to demolish 20 Palestinian homes, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding at least 14, leaving 150 homeless. Israel claims the aim of the 4-hr. assault was to halt sniper fire fr. the area. (AP, BBC, NYT, REU 5/2; BDL, NYT, WP, WT 5/3; al-Quds 5/3 in WNC 5/4; LAW, MM 5/4; MEI 5/18)

In Washington, Israeli FM Peres discusses with Secy. of State Powell Israel's position on the Jordanian-Egyptian initiative, urges the U.S. to help arrange a cease-fire. Powell, echoing Israel's positions, says the U.S. it supports the Arab proposal as the "beginning of a dialogue. But, of course, that dialogue cannot get underway until violence is brought down" significantly; he does not mention the Israeli attack on Brazil hrs. earlier. The State Dept., however, denounces the Brazil attack as "undermin[ing] the efforts to defuse the situation." (MENA 5/2 in WNC 5/3; WP, WT 5/3; MM 5/4)

At a mtg. of his inner cabinet held in the Jewish settlement of Ofra, Sharon says that he cannot foresee Israel ever ceding sovereignty over the Jordan Valley "from the Jordanian border in the east to the mountain ridges of Judea and Samaria and the Allon Road in the west." (JP [Internet] 5/3; WJW 5/10)

Protest by Palestinian political prisoners against their detention in Israel's Megiddo jail turns into riot, injuring 3 Israeli policemen. Meanwhile, 44 Palestinians held in PA jails without charge end mo.-long hunger strike (see 2/12), claiming that they have reached an agmt. with the PA to resolve their case. (AFP [Internet] 3/1; PR 3/5)

A Palestinian is shot, wounded by IDF when he tries to avoid a road block nr. Ramallah. (PR 3/5)

Jordanian, Israeli water officials meet in Amman to prepare funding proposals to the EU for joint water projects in the Jordan Valley. (JT 3/2 in WNC 3/4; al-Ayyam 3/3 in WNC 3/5)

Jordanian FM `Abdallah Khatib makes 1st high-level Jordanian visit to Kuwait since the 1990+n91 Gulf conflict. Kuwait says that bilateral relations have returned to normal. (Petra-JNA, Radio Kuwait 3/2, JT 3/3 in WNC 3/4; MM, WP 3/3; Xinhua 3/3 in WNC 3/5)

Pentagon confirms that the U.S., Britain, Turkey have signed their 1st agmt. on technical rules of engagement for air operations in n. Iraq, broadening rules of engagement for pilots for 2d time since 1/25. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/2)

Israel's atty. gen. files formal request for a larger group of High Court justices to reconsider the 2/25 decision not to extradite Sheinbein. (WP 3/2; WJW 3/4, 3/11)

Results of Iran's 2/26 local elections show that reform candidates allied with moderate Pres. Mohamed Khatami won a sweeping victory, taking all seats in Tehran, most seats nationwide. (WP, WT 3/2; NYT, WP, WT 3/3; MM, NYT, WP 3/8)

Lebanese brace for escalation in Israeli attacks following 2/28 incident. Israel's security cabinet threatens future strikes, but under strong international pressure, the IDF stages no attacks. (RL 3/1 in WNC 3/2; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/2; ITAR-TASS, MA 3/2 in WNC 3/4)

In Ramallah, Palestinians ambush an IDF patrol car, beat 1 soldier. Israel suspends FRD until the PA complies with a new list of demands, including publicly abandoning plans to declare a state in 5/99, accepting Israeli criteria for prisoner releases, halting all acts of incitement and violence. U.S. rejects demands, says accord "should be implemented as signed." IDF subdues the demonstration, injuring 11 Palestinians. (ITV 12/2 in WNC 12/4; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/3; MM 12/4; MEI 12/11)

A Palestinian is stabbed to death in East Jerusalem. During the funeral, mourners set fire to an Israeli car and stone Israeli police, who fire rubber bullets. Riot continues for several hrs. (MM 12/2; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 12/3; PR 12/11; JP 12/14)

IDF demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in the Jordan Valley. (AFP [Internet] 12/2)

Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel taps veteran left-wing politician Bulent Ecevit to form a new government. (MM 12/3) (see 11/25)

In Amman, Israeli FM Sharon, Trade M Natan Sharansky meet with Crown Prince Hassan; sign agmt. forming bilateral mechanism for implementing several Jordan Valley projects. (ITV, JT, RJ 11/23 in WNC 11/24; JTV, Petra-JNA 11/23, JT 11/24 in WNC 11/30; MM 11/24)

Israel, the PA hold talks on selecting the remaining 500 Palestinian prisoners to be released under the Wye agmt., but reach impasse. (ITV 11/23 in WNC 11/24)

In Gaza, 1,500 Palestinians demonstrate against the PA for failing to secure Israel's release of political prisoners, attempt to break into PA negotiator Abbas's home but are pushed back by PA police. (JT [Internet] 11/24; MM 11/25; MEI 12/11)

Jewish settlers seize West Bank hilltop nr. Elon Moreh. IDF declares 2d hill nr. Itamar occupied by settlers 11/22 a closed military zone, orders settlers to leave. (CSM, JP [Internet] 11/24)

U.S. Amb. to Qatar Paul Theros says that the U.S. is building its largest military "warehouse" in Qatar, prepositioning equipment but not troops. (WT 11/24)

In s. Lebanon, 3 civilians are injured, houses are damaged by IDF shelling. 1 IDF soldier is killed, 2 South Lebanon Army (SLA) soldiers are wounded in Hizballah attack. (RL 11/23 in WNC 11/24; MA 11/24 in WNC 11/30)

PA asks Israel to return the bodies of 100s of Palestinians killed over the yrs. in border skirmishes with the IDF, attempted crossborder infiltrations. The bodies are buried in a desert graveyard in the Jordan Valley. (WP 7/9; CSM 7/18)

Jordan's the Civil Aviation Authority says that it is considering an Israeli request to perform maintenance on Israeli commercial planes. (JT 7/9 in WNC 7/13)

Turkish FM Cem meets with Arafat, tours Jerusalem with Orient House head Faisal Husseini. (Anatolia 7/9 in WNC 7/13; CSM 7/10)

Based on details provided by SLA defector Ward, Lebanon's military prosecutor charges 77 persons--17 of whom are under arrest--with spying for Israel. (MM 7/10; Tishrin 7/11 in WNC 7/15) (see 7/6)

 

U.S special envoy Ross holds final unsuccessful mtg. with PM Netanyahu. State Dept. says that since no gaps were closed during Ross's tour, it is not considering a Washington summit; says that "one option has always been for us to disengage from this kind of direct catalytic role." Ross goes to Sharm al-Shaykh to brief Egyptian pres. Mubarak. (MM 3/30; IDF Radio, MENA 3/30 in WNC 3/31; ITV, QY 3/30, al-Dustur, IDF Radio, ITV, JT, QY 3/31 in WNC 4/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/31; CSM, MM 4/1; SA 4/1 in WNC 4/3; WJW 4/2; MENA 4/2 in WNC 4/4; MM 4/3; MEI 4/10; JP 4/11)

In Riyadh, Egyptian FM Musa, Syrian FM Shara`, Saudi Arabian FM Prince Sa'ud al-Faisal open surprise 2-day mtg. to discuss peace process, possibly convening larger Arab summit. (RE 3/30 in WNC 3/31; MM 3/31; MENA, RE 3/31 in WNC 4/2; MM 4/1; al-Ittihad [Abu Dhabi] 4/2 in WNC 4/3)

Iranian FM Kharrazi arrives in Lebanon for 3-day visit, meets with Pres. Hrawi. (IRNA, RL, VOL 3/30 in WNC 3/31; IRNA 3/30, IRNA, RL 3/31 in WNC 4/2; IRNA, RL, VIRI 4/1 in WNC 4/3; al-Ahd [Beirut] 4/3 in WNC 4/13)

Jordan, Israel hold 1-day naval exercise in the Gulf of Aqaba. This is the 1st such joint exercise. (RJ 3/30, JT 3/31 in WNC 4/2)

Jordan receives last 3 F-16s fr. the U.S. (al-Ra'i 3/31 in WNC 4/2; JT 4/4 in WNC 4/7)

Palestinians across the West Bank, Gaza mark Land Day, the anniversary of the 1976 incident in which the IDF opened fire on Palestinians protesting Israeli land confiscations, killing 6. Clashes with IDF are reported in Bethlehem, al-Bireh, Hebron, Jinin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah; 17 Palestinians are injured. Israeli Arab leaders order general strike. (NYT 3/29; MM 3/30; al-Dustur 3/31 in WNC 4/2; MA 4/6 in WNC 4/7; JP 4/11)

Israeli High Court rejects appeal to prevent demolition of mosque in Jordan Valley, school and home nr. Nablus, home nr. Tulkarm. (LAW 3/31)

50 Christian evangelical groups make unprecedented promise not to carry out missionary activity in Israel, saying that they "rejoice in the presence of the Jewish people in this country of their ancestors" and they will avoid "activities which . . . alienate them from their tradition and community." (WT 3/31)

Saudi Arabia ends its inquiry into the 6/96 Khobar barracks bombing, says bombers cannot be positively identified. U.S., which suspects Iranian involvement and has complained that Saudi Arabia has not been forthcoming with information, says its investigation is still open. (NYT 3/31; WT 4/1)

In Jerusalem, U.S. special envoy Ross hosts mtg. btwn. Israeli FM Levy, Arafat adviser Abbas; encourages them to speed up subcomm. negotiations. Levy says Israel is willing to limit settlement construction to a "necessary minimum." Ross aslo meets separately with Netanyahu, Arafat. (MM 10/20; IDF Radio 10/20 in WNC 10/22; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 10/21; MEI 10/24)

Israel, Jordan agree in principle to set up a joint authority to oversee Jordan Valley development (incl. tourism, water, agriculture, industrial park projects); Israeli proposal for a Las Vegas-style tourism, commercial center in the Aqaba-Elat area. (Globes [Internet] 10/20 in WNC 10/22)

Jordan announces it will send high-level delegation to Doha economic summit. At mtg., Jordan plans to submit projects for transforming Aqaba region into free trade and tourist zone; improving water and waste-water infrastructure; enlarging petroleum refinery at al-Zarqa'; creating small industries, magnesium plant in Dead Sea area; building railway, port; developing tourist sites. (RJ 10/20 in WNC 10/22; see also JT 10/19 in WNC 10/22; RJ 10/24, JT 10/26, al-Ra'i 10/27 in WNC 10/29)

In Beirut, 2 gunmen open fire on 2 of Abu Nidal relatives, killing Omar Banna, wounding Nasireddin Banna. Lebanese officials claim the shooting stemmed fr. intra-Palestinian disputes. (WP 10/21; WT 10/22; MM 10/29)

Clashes btwn. the IDF, Palestinians intensify throughout the West Bank. In Surif, an IDF soldier allegedly rapes a Palestinian woman during a raid on a home; IDF admits that "indecent acts" took place, arrests the soldier. 1,000s of Palestinians in Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus, 100s in Janin demonstrate. The IDF deploys tanks around Bethlehem, Nablus; flies helicopter gunships over Nablus. PA police fire in the air, club, and shove protesters in Nablus, Hebron to prevent them fr. reaching Jewish sites. To date some 460 Palestinians have been injured (mostly by rubber bullets, tear gas) in West Bank clashes. (LAW, NYT, WP, WT 3/31; PR 4/4)

Jordan's King Hussein arrives in Washington for talks with Pres. Clinton, swears in Jordanian amb. to the U.S. Fayiz Tarawnah as his new FM. (WT 3/31)

The Knesset approves $53 m. for construction of public institutions in Golan Heights settlements; general planing and development in the Golan, Jordan Valley, Gaza coast. (Globes [Internet] 3/30 in WNC 4/1)

Saudi Arabia requests that suspect in al-Khobar bombing held in Canada be extradited to Saudi Arabia, not the U.S. (NYT, WP 3/31) (see 3/18)

At the close of their mtg. in Amman, representatives of the 33 nations of the Euro-Arab Parliamentary Dialogue issue a declaration urging Israel to fulfill its commitments to the Oslo accords. (JT, JTV, RJ 12/1, JT 12/2 in WNC 12/3) (see 11/29)

In Cairo, Arab League holds emergency session on Israeli settlement activity, warns Israel that expanding settlements will endanger peacemaking; says existing settlements should be dismantled, but stops short of Syria's demand that Arabs suspend relations with Israel. (RE, RMC 12/1 in WNC 12/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/2; WT 12/4; PR 12/6)

PM Netanyahu meets with Jordan valley settler leaders, says Jordan valley is "inseparable from the State of Israel," promises additional 470 housing units for the area, denounces Arab League statement. (MM, WP, WT 12/2; CSM 12/3)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Pres. Mubarak on negotiations with Israel. (RE 12/2 in WNC 12/3)

Jordan's PM Kabariti, Iraq's trade M discuss trade btwn. the two nations ahead of implementation of the UN oil-for-food agmt. (JTV 12/2 in WNC 12/4) (see 11/25) (RJ 12/9 in WNC 12/11)

France assumes the chairmanship of ILMG fr. the U.S. (RL 12/1 in WNC 12/3) (see 7/12)

Israel lifts full closure on West Bank imposed 7/26, allows 12,000 Palestinian workers fr. the West Bank into Israel. (QY 7/29 in FBIS 7/29; WP 7/30)

In an attempt to tighten Israel's links to disputed lands, Israeli Infrastructure M Sharon orders plans be executed to build 2 highways through the West Bank, build 2 bridges to the Golan Heights, expand highway running the length of the West Bank along the Jordan Valley. PA, Labor Ms call order an act of defiance, against the Oslo agmts. (MM 7/29; QY 7/29 in FBIS 7/29; MM, NYT 7/30; WP 7/31; JP, YA 7/31 in FBIS 7/31)

PM Netanyahu meets with mbrs. YESHA settlers' council in the West Bank, says he approves of their expansion plans but makes no commitments. 4 of the 7 representatives who left YESHA 7/22 attend the mtg. (IDF Radio, QY 7/29 in FBIS 7/30; MM, NYT 7/30; CSM, WP 7/31; CSM 8/2)

2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in s. Lebanon in clash with IDF. (VOL 8/1 in FBIS 8/2)

UN opens its 50th session in New York. On sidelines of the mtgs, FM Peres with local rabbis; discusses settler issue, future amendments to PLO covenant. (QY 10/2 in FBIS 10/4)

Before leaving the U.S., PM Rabin tells reporters American Jews are not giving Israel sufficient financial assistance to help absorb immigrants, criticizes "fringe groups" which lobby Congress against official Israeli policy. (MM 10/3) (see 9/28)

On his return fr. the U.S., PM Rabin meets with Pres. Weizman to discuss presidential pardons for Palestinian women prisoners. (MM 10/3)

106 more Palestinian families arrive at detention camps on the Libyan-Egyptian border, joining 300 Palestinians awaiting their deportation. United Nations Human Rights Comm. calls on Libya to halt the expulsions. (MBC, MENA, VOP 10/1, MENA 10/2 in FBIS 10/2)

Likud submits bill calling for territorial continuity in the Jordan Valley fr. Beit She'an to the Dead Sea. (QY 10/1 in FBIS 10/2; MM 10/2)

In Nablus, Palestinian nationalist, Islamist personalities (incl. PA officials) hold conference, ratify a national honor charter to build civil society, avoid militarization of the society and national institutions. (PR 10/13)

100 settlers march across Israeli border into Jordan in protest of Oslo II, ask King Hussein prevent the enlargement of the Jericho enclave, show support for Likud bill submitted 10/1. IDF does not stop them. (QY 10/1, JP, QY 10/2, JT 10/3 in FBIS 10/3; CSM 10/2; WP, WT 10/3; JP 10/7; JP 10/24)

In New York, jury convicts Egyptian cleric Shaykh Omar `Abd al-Rahman, 9 others on 48 of 50 charges of conspiring to carry out a terrorist campaign of bombings, assassinations intended to destroy the , New York landmarks and force the U.S. to abandon its support of Israel, Egypt. (MENA 10/1 in FBIS 10/2; MM, NYT, WT 10/2)

FM Peres says Israel should establish ties with as many Arab League states as possible, with goal of eventually joining league, making it the Middle East League; says he has discussed issue with Arab League Secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid. (HA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22; PR 12/24; MM 1/4)

Arafat says he will appoint comm. to set up agency to supervise banks inside autonomous area; appoints Amin Haddad, an economic expert in Finance Min., as supervisor of comm. (Al-Quds 12/20 in FBIS 12/21)

FM Peres criticizes ad campaign in U.S. papers by "Coalition Against U.S Troops on the Golan Heights" that suggests U.S. troops would be primary target of terrorists; says ads cause undue worry to Americans, will hurt tourism to Israel. (IGPO 12/20 in FBIS 12/21; QY 12/23 in FBIS 12/23; FT 12/27) (see 11/20)

IDF Chief of Staff Baraq authorizes Jordan Valley settlers to till 13,000 dunums of land along Jordan River, says land was previously left untilled because there was no peace with Jordan. (QY 12/20 in FBIS 12/21)

Israeli report says settlements in Hebron are expanding; says Society for the Renewal of Jewish Settlements in Hebron has received $1 m. in donations since 2/94 massacre. (ITV 12/20 in FBIS 12/21)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the Israeli Palestinian town of Taybah to protest the demolition of 15 buildings by Israeli police [LAT 11/9]. Israeli Supreme Court recommends that the army improve conditions at Ketziot (Ansar III) prison; court rejects appeals by 14 inmates to be transferred to jails in the occupied territories [LAT 11/9].

Other Countries: UN spokesman announces that Yasir Arafat has applied for visa to enter the United Stateso that he can address the UN; spokeswoman for U.S. mission to UN said visa is likely to be given [WP 11/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza Israeli troops shoot, injure 8 Palestinians during clashes [LAT 11/9]. In Taybah Palestinians protest the demolition of 15 buildings by Israeli authorities; 10 are arrested [LAT 11/9]. More than 30 Palestinian families are 'transferred" from the Jiftlik area in the Jordan Valley to the northern W. Bank. In Khan Yunis 3 Palestinians are shot, wounded. In Jabalya 7-year-old Palestinian is shot, injured [FJ 11/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gazan demonstrator wounded in earlier violence dies. Bomb in Christmas card explodes, injuring 2 Israelis; at least 7 other card bombs were sent from same address. Trials continue for Palestinians charged in connection with recent rioting in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [WP 12/31]. Israel renews JEC's concession for 12 years; JEC directors appoint Muhammad 'Ali al-Husayni chairman [FJ 1/3].

Arab World: PLF claims responsibility for 12/25 Jordan Valley attack [FBIS 12/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF patrol kills Palestinian youth trying to cross border into Jordan [WP, FBIS 12/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 1-day general strike in support of Jerusalem Electric Company closes most shops in E. Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Israeli police announce arrest of 4 Palestinians in connection with 4 murders, including assassination of Nablus Mayor Zafir al-Masri in 1986, and 3 attempted murders in Nablus and Jenin [FJ 8/23]. In Rahat village, 1,500 demonstrators inside mosque prevent court-ordered demolition of mosque by Israeli soldiers and police [FJ 8/23]. Jerusalem planning com. approves project to build 10,000 housing units for Palestinians innorthern Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Lina Tubaylah, member of Women's Work Com. in Nablus, receives 6-month town arrest order [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities ban 22 books from use in Palestinian schools on W. Bank [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities approve building of 4 new settlements in Jordan Valley, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities inform landowners in Hebron-area villages of Dura and Dhahriyyah of plan to expropriate 2,000 dunams of village land [FJ 8/23]. Members of Village League open fire on Bayt 'Ula residents, injuring 2 [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Maronite leader Camille Chamoun dies in Lebanon [MEI 8/28]. Arab committee studying terrorism ends session in Damascus; meeting was attended by an official delegation of the PLO [FJ 8/23]. Khalid Yasin, member of DFLP, is released from Israeli prison after 14 years, arrives in al-Baddawi refugee camp in N. Lebanon [FJ 8/23].

Other Countries: Scotland Yard reveals arrest of Isma'il Hasan Suwan, Palestinian researcher, in connection with attempted assassinationf Naji al-'Ali and seizure of large arms and explosive cache believed to be for use by PLO guerrillas in Europe [NYT 8/19; FJ 8/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 50 Israeli soldiers raid al-Najah University in Nablus, confiscate books and files from administrative and student council offices [FJ 8/23]. In Gaza, 2 Israelis are injured in gunfire attack [FJ 8/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U. S. envoy Charles Hill meets with Israeli P. M. Shamir to discuss proposed international peace conference [LAT 8/13]. Fu'ad Ishkantna from Rafah is sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on charges of Fateh membership and building explosives; another Rafah resident, Nabil Ghazi Sha'th, receives 15-year sentence on similar charges [FJ 8/16]. Israeli authorities confiscate nearly 300 sheep in 'Ayn Malih in Jordan Valley area; sheep are returned after owner pays JD 900 fine [FJ 8/16]. Palestinian is arrested trying to enter Baytar Ilit settlement near Bethlehem [FJ 8/16].

Arab World: Egypt cancels media coverage of upcoming joint Egyptian-U.S. land, sea, and air military maneuvers [WP 8/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Katyusha rockets land in N. Israel and S. Lebanon security zone in 2d day of attacks [CSM 8/11].

Arab World: Israeli helicopter attack in Nabatiyyah region of S. Lebanon kills 1 Lebanese, wounds 2 others; retaliating Lebanese militiamen shoot, injure 6 Israeli soldiers in attack on Israeli-SLA post in security zone [WP 8/11; FJ 8/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Central Bureau of Statistics reports 37% of occupied territories' work force employed in Israel during 1984: 50,000 from W. Bank, 40,000 from Gaza; 44,000 worked in construction, 13,000 in agriculture [JTA 3/7]. Housing Min. begins building permanent structures in 3 settlements formerly containing temporary housing: Atzmona in Gaza, Cadim in N. portion of W. Bank, and Na'ama in Jordan Valley [JP 3/6]. Haifa U. suspends Palestinian student leader Amir Makhoul, imposes sentences on 3 other Arabs, 1 Jewish student, for activities stemming from 1/17 disturbance at university during speech by MK Eitan [JP 3/7].

Arab World: After meeting with Pres. Mubarak in Hurghada, Egypt, King Hussein expresses support for 2/24 Mubarak proposal for talks between US, joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation [NYT, WSJ 3/7].

Other Countries: Reagan administration defersending Israel's $2.6 billion aid request to Congress for approval; states Israel has not made sufficient progress toward solving economic problems [NYT 3/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities bulldoze 2 homes "illegally" built in Shuyuh [JP 3/7]. Roadside bomb explodes as settler's car passes in Hebron area; nearby note claims DFLP responsibility [JTA 3/8].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: RPGs, shots fired at IDF, SLA posts in Shukin, Ansar; no casualties [JP 3/7]. IDF kill 2, wound 1 resistance fighter in Kafr Sir. SLA soldier wounded in Yatar. IDF raid Bidias; arrest 20 [DT, CSM, NYT 3/7]. IDF, Shin Bet agents arrest dozens in Tyre. Taxi driver killed by IDF near Tyre. IDF raid Burj Eliya; 12-yr. -old boy killed. Civilians in Teir Dibba forced to sit outside village during IDF raid [LT 3/7]. 7 Beirut-based journalists arrested by IDF near Tyre; later released [on 2/26 Israel issued ban on Beirut-based journalists in areas under IDF control] [NYT MG 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inmates at Jnaid prison (Nablus) demonstrate against attempted housing of 26 alleged Muslim Brotherhood prisoners; IDF, Border Police, prison guards use tear gas to suppress inmates [JP 1/17, FJ 1/18]. Over 2,000 E. Jerusalem merchants return their municipal tax bills to protest 670% increase in taxes [FJ 1/18].

Other Countries: White House spokesman Sims confirms US, USSR agree in principle to meet together on Middle East [see 1/13] sometime in the future [WP 1/17]. New York jury in Sharon libel case (11/12) determines that Time magazine defamed Sharon in 1982 article on Sabra-Shatila; must yet decide on 2 other points [NYT 1/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Katyusha fired from Jordan lands in Jordan Valley; no injuries or damage. DM Rabin warns Jordan to stop such attacks or else Israel will [JP 1/17].

Arab World: Gasoline bomb thrown at Israeli television team, IDF escort in Sidon, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JP 1/17]. S. Lebanon Civil Guard member wounded by gunfire in Nabatiya [JP 1/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Govt. approves sites for 6 new settlements in W. Bank; Labor-Likud committee, previously unable to agree on all sites (12/26), decides on 2 sites in N. portion of W. Bank (Migdalim, Avnei Hefetz), 1 near Hebron (Asael), 1 near Jerusalem (Neot Adumim), 1 in Jordan Valley (Peles) and 1 in Gush Etzion (Beitar, alternatively called Tzoref); financing not yet approved [NYT 1/11, JP 1/11]. Jerusalem Post reports PM Peres, Min. Weizman agree on need to reform Israel's policy towards Palestinians within Israel [JP 10/10]. Palestinian and Israeli artists open anti-occupation exhibit in Tel Aviv [FJ 1/18].

Military Action

Arab World: 5 IDF troops wounded when bomb explodes as patrol passes near alDaloun, S. Lebanon [JP 1/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gov't. orders Palestinian money-changers in Jerusalem stop trading in US dollars. Ramallah military court fines Fatmeh Ja'afari IS 20,000 for possessing "illegal literature" [purchased in Jerusalem]. DM Rabin meets with Mayor Freij, approves $700,000 Saudi grant for Bethlehem development projects. FM Shamir calls for creation of new UN including "only democratic countries." Nahal inaugurates 4 settlements: Rotem in Jordan Valley, Heahzut near Gush Etzion, Amitai & Ye'elon in Negev. Morechet Benyamin Co. dumps truckloads of rubble on jib village land, rendering it unusable for farming. FM Shamir expresses alarm to visiting US congressmen at apparent Jordanian-PLO rapprochement.

Arab World: PNC Chrmn. Khalid Fahoum declines to issue invitations to PNC mtg. called by Chrmn. Arafat pending further unity talks. Christians & Muslim unite in general strike through S. Lebanon to protest Israeli kidnapping of Amal Shi'ite leaders; Phalangist Joseph Ghanem sends letter of solidarity with demonstrators in Sidon.

Other Countries: 9th anniversary of UN resolution equating Zionism with racism. Special UN panel publicizes findings on Israeli activity in occupied territories; reports Israel continues to disregard Geneva Convention on civilian rights under occupation. In New York Federal Court, hearings begin for Ariel Sharon's libel suit against Time magazine.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew imposed on Dheisheh camp after Border Policeman hit with thrown rock; boys' school raided by Border Police; area declared closed military zone.

Arab World: 2 Israeli soldiers wounded by light arms fire in Jibsheet; 2 wounded by RPG fire in Ghaziya village, S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in El AL office, Vienna; no injuries.

Socia/lEconomic/Political

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat attends 35th anniversary celebration of German Democratic Republic in E. Berlin; meets with Soviet FM Gromyko, discusses possibility of Gromyko's personal intervention in PLO reconciliation with Syria.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: While on "Yom Kippur alert," Israeli soldiers shoot & kill 3 Arabs at night near Jordan Valley village Maraya, claiming they may have infiltrated from Jordan. Bir Zeit U. students begin 4-day strike in dispute over increase in fees for 1st yr. students, while student council negotiates with administration.

Military Action:

After day of quiet, renewed artillery exchanges in Tripoli, coastal road cut 20 miles south of city; IDF announces 4 Katyusha rockets found in South Lebanon.

Casualties:

UNRWA asks IDF for protection from Palestinian refugees in Sidon protesting delay in distribution of kerosene heating stoves, cement and winter clothing; 16-tent school operating in Ain el-Hilweh; 625 building plots cleared and allocated by UNRWA, 590 plots cleared by refugees, 850 plots allocated in Tyre; 40 killed, more wounded, large sections of Tripoli without electricity, water, telephone and basic food, hospitals short of supplies, many civilians living in shelters. 

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF spokes-man announces Syria is building 2 bases for Soviet SA-5 missiles, warns USSR not to deploy missiles in Syria; President Yitzhak Navon begins 2 week visit to US, will meet Reagan with Shultz, Kissinger, AFL-CIO, Jewish groups; Mapam MK Elazar Granot introduces motion in Knesset that Sharon be removed as Defense Minister and be replaced in Lebanon negotiations because of his leak about a separate agreement with Lebanese leaders and distortion of the facts of the war from its beginning; Foreign Minister Shamir charges that Lebanese Muslim leaders opposed to normalization with Israel are agents of foreign interests, and reiterates commitment to Eretz Israel, calling on international convention delegates to invest all efforts in aliya; Moshavim Herut and Mismeret will close illegal camps for Arab workers who will have to return to Gaza to sleep; Yitzhak Rabin, touring settlements, says Labor Party firmly opposed to any withdrawal to 1948 green line, that Camp David accord includes change in frontier to incorporate Jerusalem and Jordan Valley; Peace Now distributes document of military government which says Science and Technology Minister Yuval Ne'eman and his assistant MK Hanan Porat helped establish supervisory teams of settlers to guard state lands and may be used to deport Palestinians; Peace Now charges that Kiryat Arba council intends to pressure and persuade Arab shop-owners to leave Hebron; at his courtmartial, IDF paratrooper and Deputy Commander of Judea District Major David Mofaz, one of seven defendants, excuses his beating of Palestinian students at Hebron's Islamic University by charging that District Commander Lt. Col. Shalom Lugassi instructed soldiers to beat, pester and break watches of demonstrators, that Sharon said Arab rioters should have their testicles ripped off; West Bank Military Commander Yaakov Hartabi testifies soldiers acted properly and according to written and oral orders.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Prime Minister Shafik Wazzan calls Syrian Prime Minister Abdel Raouf al-Kassem, appealing for security measures to end fighting in Tripoli; Rashid Karami goes to Damascus; local Tripoli leaders Mohammed Ali Dannawi of Muslim Salvation Front and Farouk Mokaddam of October 24 Movement call for withdrawal of Syrian troops from Tripoli.

US and Other Countries: US Special Envoy Philip Habib summoned from vacation to Washington as President Reagan prepares a new initiative to break Lebanon stalemate.