The Palestine Chronology

Israeli pres. Weizman holds separate mtgs. with U.S. envoy Ross and Asst. Secy. Indyk, Israeli PM Netanyahu, Arafat adviser Abbas to encourage compromise to move peace process forward. (MA, SA 4/28 in WNC 4/30)

Pres. Clinton hosts White House ceremony celebrating Israel's 50th anniversary. (MM 4/28)

UNSC decides to maintain current level of international sanctions against Iraq. U.S. acknowledges that Iraq has made progress in complying with UN disarmament efforts. This is the 1st of 2 comprehensive reviews of Iraqi sanctions. 2d review should take place in 10/98. (NYT, WT 4/28; MM 4/29) (see 4/23)

Iran's Majles speaker Nateq-Nuri arrives in Kuwait for talks on expanding bilateral relations. (IRNA 4/27 in WNC 4/30; IRNA 4/30 in WNC 5/1) (see 4/25)

Kuwait pardons 13 Jordanian detainees held in Kuwaiti jails since the Gulf War. The last batch of detainees were pardoned 2/25/97, released 10 days later. Kuwait is still holding 25 Jordanians. (RJ 4/27, JT 4/28 in WNC 4/30; JT 4/29 in WNC 5/1)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 5 IDF soldiers. 1 IDF soldier, 1 SLA mbr. are wounded in separate clash with Hizballah. 2 Lebanese civilians are injured in Israel's retaliatory shelling. (MM 4/27; RL 4/27 in WNC 4/30; WP 4/28)

Heads of IDF intelligence tell Netanyahu's inner cabinet that it will be impossible to reach an agmt. on withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon without an Israeli commitment to withdraw fr. the Golan Heights. (YA 3/22 in WNC 3/24)

In Amman, Jordan, Israel discuss prospects for media coordination. (IRNA 3/20 in WNC 3/23)

In s. Lebanon, 5 IDF soldiers are wounded in clash with Hizballah. (ITV, RL 3/20 in WNC 3/23)

PM Netanyahu sends media adviser David Bar-Ilan to Washington to call on Jewish-American leaders, Christian Right, allies in Congress to fend off expected U.S. government initiative to press Israel for an FRD. (MM 3/3; WT 3/4; WJW 3/12)

Alerted by Jordanian security, IDF intercepts 2 boatloads of arms being smuggled to the West Bank via the Dead Sea, detains 1 Palestinian, claims the arms were intended for the PA. PA denies charge. (WT 3/1; WT 3/2; PR 3/6; JP 3/7)

Jordan lifts curfew on Ma'an. (WT 3/1) (see 2/22)

1 Hizballah mbr. is killed in an attack on an SLA post in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/28 in WNC 3/5)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Mahmud Abbas, adviser to PA head Yasir Arafat, and Palestinian Council (PC) Speaker Ahmad Qurai`. In separate mtg., Arafat meets with Netanyahu adviser Yitzhak Molho. (QY, YA 2/17, YA 2/18 in WNC 2/21; IGPO 2/18)

Israel's Ciechanover Comm., charged with investigating Mossad's attempted assassination of Hamas mbr. Khalid Mishal in Amman 9/25/97, reports its findings to PM Netanyahu. (MM, WP, WT 2/16; ITV 2/16, JT 2/17 in WNC 2/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 2/17; IGPO 2/17 in WNC 2/24; NYT 2/18; WJW 2/19; JP 2/21)

Jordan announces arrest of 5 Hizballah mbrs. who infiltrated fr. Syria, allegedly to carry out attacks on Israeli, U.S. targets in Amman. (MM 2/17)

PA police in Bethlehem force closure of Shepherds Television station for airing report on pro-Iraqi demonstrations in West Bank. (LAW 2/19; NYT 2/20; IGPO 3/1) (see 2/14)

Israeli, Palestinian activists hold demonstration outside U.S. consulate in Jerusalem to protest U.S. threats to strike Iraq. (PR 2/20)

Following talks with UK and France 2/14, U.S. cabinet mbrs. draw up guidelines to limit any diplomatic compromise UN Secy. Gen. Kofi Annan might offer Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein. U.S. Amb. to the UN Bill Richardson carries U.S. position to the UN, where Annan holds 3d mtg. with UN Security Council (UNSC) permanent mbrs., who fail to reach consensus on substance of the message that Annan should carry to Iraq. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy David Newton arrives in Cairo on 1st leg of regional tour to explain the U.S. position on Iraq; he will also visit Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan. (MM 2/16; MENA 2/16 in WNC 2/21; MM, NYT 2/17; MM 2/19)

Albright meets with Arafat in Geneva, then flies back to Paris for 2d mtg. with Netanyahu. (NYT, WP, WT 12/7; IDF Radio, MA, MENA, YA 12/7, YA 12/8 in WNC 12/9; CSM 12/8; MM 12/9)

In Paris, French pres. Jacques Chirac meets with Netanyahu, blames Israel for the deteriorating peace process. (YA 12/12 in WNC 12/16)

Hizballah attacks IDF compound in s. Lebanon. 2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed, 1 IDF officer is wounded. Elsewhere in s. Lebanon, a civilian is injured by an IDF land mine. (RL, VOL 12/6, 12/7 in WNC 12/9; MEI 12/19)

U.S. officials say government is pushing Israel to come up with a "serious and credible" plan for further redeployment (FRD) fr. 10-15% the West Bank so that talks with the Palestinians in 12/97 can show progress, may present its own position on FRD if necessary. (NYT 11/24; MM 11/25)

Netanyahu accepts resignation of dir. gen. of the Prime Minister's Office, Avidgor Lieberman, who, during the Likud convention 11/9-11, led the campaign to change the party primary process, which almost split the party. (MM, NYT, WP 11/24; Globes [Internet], ITV 11/24 in WNC 11/26; WP, WT 11/25; MEI 12/5) (see 4/15)

Iraq insists that UNSCOM inspectors avoid 63 sensitive sites, including 8 "presidential palaces." (NYT, WP 11/24; MM 11/26)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` makes unexpected trip to Riyadh reportedly to discuss Iraq with Saudi Arabia's King Fahd. (MM 11/24; SA 11/24 in WNC 11/26; VIRI 11/24 in WNC 11/27; MM 12/1) (see 11/21)

Hizballah, Amal clash with IDF nr. Bayt Lif village in s. Lebanon. 7 civilians are killed; 6 civilians, 2 IDF soldiers are wounded. Several rockets land in n. Israel, causing no injuries or damage. (RL, VOL 11/23, VOL 11/24 in WNC 11/26; NYT, WP 11/24; al-Safir 11/28 in WNC 12/9)

Israel annouces plans to build a dam just inside the boundary of land claimed by Syria. U.S. criticizes the decision; Syria says that it proves that Israel does not want peace; Jordan says that it is "totally against the spirit" of the 1994 Jordan-Israeli peace treaty. (MM 8/22; AFP, RMC 8/24, RMC 8/25 in WNC 8/26; MM, NYT 8/26; al-Dustur, JT 8/26 in WNC 8/27; al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 8/27 in WNC 8/28; NYT 8/28; MM 10/28)

Netanyahu phones Secy. of State Albright to warn the U.S. that the peace process is in serious trouble, blames Arafat exclusively, claims PA is not abiding by understandings reached in mtgs. with U.S. special envoy Denis Ross 8/10+n13. (ITV 8/23 in WNC 8/26; WT 8/25)

PA Executive Authority (EA), PLO Exec. Comm. discuss report published in Jane's Foreign Report that Israeli military sources were considering setting up an ultrasecret special unit that would carry out "punitive actions" against Palestinian politicians. The report concludes that the group being considered might be similar to the Lakam unit of the 1970s--a unit that reported only to the PM, was unknown to the Shin Bet, Mosad. (NYT 8/24; WT 8/25)

Netanyahu's inner cabinet discusses Russian military aid to Iran. The cabinet proposes freezing economic cooperation projects with Russia if it continues to help Iran. (NYT 8/25) (see 8/21)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr. (Voice of the South 8/22 in WNC 8/25; MEI 8/29)

Netanyahu phones Egypt's Pres. Husni Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein; asks them to pressure Arafat to take furter actions against Islamists. (WT 8/25)

Arafat meets with a congressional delegation led by Rep.  Benjamin Gilman (R-NY), chmn. of the House International Relations Comm. Delegation proposes forming a group of Palestinian Council (PC) mbrs., MKs, congressmen to help build confidence. (MM 8/22; WT 8/23; JP 8/30)

Ha'Aretz publishes poll of 500 Israeli Jews' views of Israeli Arabs: 56.4% say Arab citizens should not be allowed to vote, 51.6% say Israeli Arabs should be transferred to a Palestinian state when it comes into being, 39.8% view Israeli Arabs as a threat to the country. (MM 8/21)

Labor Chmn. Ehud Barak fires more than half the staff at party headquarters, citing an NIS 80 m. debt. (MA 8/29 in WNC 9/2; JP 8/30)

Israel sends Russia a "stronly worded" letter saying that its relations with Russia have been severely strained over Russian military aid to Iran for development of long-range missiles. (NYT 8/25)

Iraqi, Syrian industrial delegations meet in Latakia to discuss port capabilities, storage capacities. (SANA 8/21 in WNC 8/25) (see 8/19)

In Jazzin, a Lebanese civilian is killed by a roadside bomb. Hizballah, Israel blame eachother. (AFP, RL 8/21 in WNC 8/22)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with Arafat in Ramallah, Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Taking Secy. of State Albright's lead (8/6), Ross adopts the Israeli demand that the PA take the 1st steps to revive the peace process in return promising more aggressive U.S. mediation. In the evening, PA, Israeli security officials meet with Ross, Arafat, Netanyahu envoy Molho present. (NYT, WP, WT 8/10; MM 8/11; JP, MA 8/11 in WNC 8/12; JP 8/16)

1 IDF soldier is killed, 3 are wounded clash with Hizballah in s. Lebanon. In a separate incident, 8 katyusha rockets land in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 civilians, damaging an orphanage. Israel blames Hizballah, which denies the charge. (ITV, RL 8/10, AFP, SA 8/11 in WNC 8/12; MM, NYT 8/11)

ILMG convenes to discuss 5 Lebanese, 6 Israeli complaints regarding deaths, injury of civilians during attacks since 8/4. (RL 8/12 in WNC 8/12; RL 8/13 in WNC 8/15)

A delegation of 46 Israeli Arabs, incl. 7 MKs, arrives in Syria for an unprecedented 12-day visit to show their support for the Syrian position on talks with Israel. (RMC 8/8 in WNC 8/11; SATN 8/9, IDF Radio, MA 8/11 in WNC 8/12; MM 8/11, 8/12) (for background see RMC 8/3, SA 8/4 in WNC 8/5; MM 8/4)

Italian PM Romano Prodi meets with PM Netanyahu in Israel, then flies to Beirut to give PM Rafiq Hariri a message fr. Netanyahu. (ANSA [Rome] 8/8 in WNC 8/11)

Israel eases the "inner closure," allowing Palestinian movement btwn. Jericho, Nablus; reopens the Rafah border crossing btwn. Gaza, Egypt. (WT 8/10)

Katyusha rockets hit Kiryat Shimona in n. Israel, damaging a synagogue, injuring 1 woman. DM Mordechai blames Hizballah for the attack; IDF responds by shelling PFLP-GC bases outside Beirut. Hizballah denies responsibility. (AFP, RL, VOL 8/8 in WNC 8/11; WP, WT 8/9; WT 8/10; YA 8/10 in WNC 8/12)

Jordanian police arrest 5 men connected to the outlawed Bayt al-Imam group, who were allegedly plotting anti-Israeli attacks in Israel, the occupied territories. (AFP, RMC 8/17, JT 8/18 in WNC 8/19)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright endorses PM Netanyahu's plan for accelerated final status talks with the PA, stresses that no progress can be made until Israel is certain that the PA is making 100% effort to fight "terrorism"; says that she will travel to the region at the end of the mo. (MM 8/6; ITV, QY 8/6 in WNC 8/7; NYT, WP, WT 8/7; IDF Radio, IGPO, ITV, MA, YA 8/7, Hatzofe 8/8 in WNC 8/8; MM, NYT 8/8; NYT 8/9; al-Thawra 8/9, IDF Radio 8/10 in WNC 8/12)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, PM Majali meet with PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The crown prince terms the Israeli-Palestinian situation a "very dangerous crisis," recommends Israel adopt a softer line with the Palestinians, invites Netanyahu to visit Amman next wk. (MM, NYT 8/6; ITV, JTV, RJ, YA 8/6 in WNC 8/7; CSM 8/7; MA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Ra'i 8/7 in WNC 8/11)

In Amman, King Hussein meets delegation fr. Israel's Histadrut Labor federation. (JTV 8/6 in WNC 8/8)

The U.S. group Builders for Peace, initiated by VP Al Gore to promote economic development in the territories, announces it is closing its doors, saying that "political conditions in the region . . . render the prospects of success for any given project remote." (Builders for Peace press release 8/6)

For the first day since the 7/30 bombings, Israel allows flour, vital goods, medical supplies to enter the West Bank, Gaza. (NYT 8/7; WT 8/8)

A delegation fr. the Syrian Chamber of Commerce travels to Iraq to discuss trade contracts under the UN oil-for-food agmt. (SA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Quds al-Arabi 8/8 in WNC 8/11) (see 8/3)

IDF sends reinforcements to s. Lebanon. (RL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

5 UNIFIL soldiers are killed when their helicopter crashes in s. Lebanon. UN suspects mechanical failure. (AFP, London Press Association 8/6, RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8; WP 8/7; JP 8/16)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA soldier is killed when Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb as his car passes. Hizballah also fires several katyushas toward n. Israel, but they land in s. Lebanon, causing no injuries. (MM 8/7; Voice of the South 8/7 in WNC 8/8; MM 8/8)

Lebanon files claim with ILMG regarding death of a civilian in s. Lebanon 8/5. (VOL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

EU special envoy Moratinos meets separately with Arafat, Netanyahu. Arafat then heads to Jordan for talks with King Hussein. King Hussein telephones U.S. Secy. of State Albright, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, PM Netanyahu to discuss mediation btwn. the PA, Israel.  (MM 8/4; AFP 8/4 in WNC 8/5; RJ 8/4, 8/5 in WNC 8/6; MM, WT 8/5; MM 8/8)

Despite warnings fr. the U.S. that the decision could exacerbate the present situation, Israeli cabinet approves list of retributive measures against the PA drawn up by the inner cabinet 7/31, blocks transfer of $15 m. in tax payments owed the PA. Netanyahu says he will use a "sliding scale," relaxing some of the economic measures as the PA takes steps against Islamists. (MM, NYT 8/5; al-Ayyam [Ramallah], YA 8/5 in WNC 8/6; CSM 8/6; al-Hayat al-Jadida 8/10 in WNC 8/12; WP 8/14)

Israel arrest 29 Palestinians suspected of "terrorist activity," demolishes 5 Palestinian homes allegedly built without permits in East Jerusalem. Since the bombing, Israel has arrested 145 Palestinians. Arafat calls the actions collective punishment meant to humiliate the Palestinians. (IDF Radio, ITV 8/4 in WNC 8/5; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 8/5; MM 8/8)

Iran's Khatami is sworn in as pres. (CSM 8/5)

An elite Israeli Egoz unit is flown n. of Israel's self-declare security zone in s. Lebanon; plants explosives nr. the home of 2 Hizballah cmdrs.; later detonates them by remote control, killing 5 Hizballah mbrs., wounding 2 Hizballah mbrs. and 3 civilians. (MM 8/4; AFP, ITV, RL, RMC 8/4 in WNC 8/5; MM, NYT 8/5; NYT, WT 8/6; Independent [London] 8/6 in WNC 8/7; WJW 8/7; JP 8/16)

Netanyahu offers the position of finance M, left vacant by Meridor, to Yaacov Neeman, the choice of Netanyahu's Orthodox coalition partners, rather than Infrastructures M Sharon, who lobbied for the position. (ITV 7/6, 7/7 in WNC 7/8, 7/9; MM 7/7; CSM, NYT, WT 7/8; CSM 7/9; WJW 7/10; JP 7/19) (see 6/18)

Higher Iranian-Syrian Comm. ends 2-day mtg. in Damascus. The 2 countries agree expand bilateral ties; reach accords on export of Iranian tractors to Syria, technical cooperation, economic and industrial cooperation. (IRNA, SATN 7/6, IRNA, SA, VIRI 7/7 in WNC 7/8)

London Times reports that the FBI is on the verge of revealing the identity of a National Security Council employee currently under surveillance on suspicion of being Mega, an Israeli mole. (London Times 7/6) (see 5/16)

Muhammad al-Hindi, a senior Islamic Jihad military leader, is released fr. PA prison in Gaza. (YA 7/11 in WNC 7/14)

Hizballah mbrs. ambush an IDF-SLA patrol in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding 1 SLA mbr. IDF strikes Hizballah targets in response, wounding 7 Lebanese civilians. Hizballah retaliates, firing at least 7 rockets into n. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. (IDF Radio, VOL 7/6 in WNC 7/8; MM, NYT 7/7; JP 7/19)

Unnamed Western, Arab diplomats report that Syria is concentrating 3-4 army divisions at strategic points nr. Israel, including moving the 14th Special Forces Division to the Mount Hermon foothills, the 51st Division e. of Lebanon's Biqa` Valley. Syria says the redeployments are defensive. (WT 7/5)

Jordan announces that it has submitted to the World Bank 58 water sector proposals that would provide Jordan with 676 mcm of additional water fr. 1997 to 2000. (JT 7/5 in WNC 7/8)

IDF bans entry into the PA-controlled enclave of Hebron (H1) to prevent Palestinians fr. outside Hebron fr. entering H1 to take part in demonstrations. (Hatzofe 7/6 in WNC 7/8)

In Nablus, 30,000 Palestinians angered by distribution of anti-Muslim posters in Hebron stage protest, clash with IDF. Demonstrations also continue in Hebron, where the IDF wounds 6 Palestinians with live ammunition, 29 with rubber bullets. Netanyahu accuses Arafat of doing nothing to halt the protests. (NYT, WP, WT 7/5) (see 7/2)

In Ba'albeck, 10,000 Lebanese join the unauthorized "Revolution of the Hungry" demonstration called by fmr. Hizballah chief Shaykh Subhi Tufayli (who split with Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah in protest over Hizballah's decision to participate in the 1992, 1996 elections) to protest the government's economic policies, neglect of the Biqa` region. Lebanese army sends many troops, military police to monitor protesters. No clashes are reported. (MM 7/4; RL, RMC 7/4 in WNC 7/8; al-Safir 7/5 in WNC 7/9; al-Diyar 7/6 in WNC 7/11; MEI 7/11; MM 7/14; MEI 7/25)

The UNSCO in Gaza closes an annual 2-day mtg., attended by over 20 UN agencies active in the West Bank and Gaza, to coordinate future plans, strategies. Participants drafted a UN Program of Cooperation, due to be made public later in 8/97. (UNSCO press release 7/3)

In advance of congressional debate on renewal of the Middle East Peace Facilitation Act, which permits U.S. aid to the PLO, Netanyahu's director of policy planning David Bar-Ilan endorses the distribution to congressmen of video tapes showing Arafat calling for jihad, praising anti-Israeli attacks. The tapes are distributed by Reps. Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Robert Andrews (D-NJ). (WJW 7/3)

PA military court sentences 3 Force 17 officers to death for the fatal beating, allegedly over a personal dispute, of Nasir Radwan. 2 other officers are sentenced to 5 yrs. in prison, 1 is given 6 mos., 2 are acquited. Arafat must approve the death penalties. (LAW, WP 7/4; JP 7/12) (see 7/1)

DM Mordechai, the Chief Sephardi Rabbi Baqshi-Doron apologize on Israel's behalf for the anti-Muslim posters placed around Hebron by a settler 6/28. (ITV 7/3 in WNC 7/7)

Israeli special forces infiltrate a group of Palestinian protesters in the PA-controlled section of Hebron, draw weapons to make series of violent arrests. In plain view of reporters, 1 Palestinian is beaten unconscious, dragged 100s of yards over asphalt covered by broken glass. (MM 7/3; WP 7/5; JP 7/12)

Lebanon lodges complaint with ILMG regarding shelling of civilian areas 7/2, which left 1 wounded. (RL, VOL 7/3 in WNC 7/7)

Hizballah fires several rockets fr. s. Lebanon toward n. Israel. The rockets land along the Israeli-Lebanese border, causing no damage or injuries. (RL 7/3 in WNC 7/7)

Egypt's Baz shuttles btwn. Netanyahu, Arafat in an attempt to ease tensions, jump start PA-Israeli. (WT 6/15)

In Hebron, IDF troops firing rubber bullets wound 30 Palestinians protesting the 6/10 House vote on Jerusalem. (NYT, WT 6/15; MM, NYT, WT 6/16; MEI 6/27)

Unidentified gunmen shoot, wound an Israeli settler outside Har Adar settlement in the West Bank. IDF detains 6 Palestinian suspects fr. Biddu. (NYT, WT 6/15)

In Damascus, an Iraqi trade delegation holds series of mtgs. with Syrian Ms of economy, health, transportation to discuss export of Syrian medicines to Iraq under the UN oil-for-food deal. Head of Syria's chamber of commerce says that work is underway to repair the telephone network btwn. the 2 countries, which has been unused for 17 yrs. (RMC 6/14 in WNC 6/17; MM 6/16; INA 6/20 in WNC 6/23; MM 7/4) (see 6/8)

Turkey acknowledges that it has begun withdrawing troops fr. n. Iraq but denies that a total pullout is underway. (NYT 6/15) (see 6/10)

Hizballah releases 3 UNIFIL soldiers it detained 6/13 for filming nr. the homes of several Hizballah cmdrs. in the Burj al-Barahna district of Beirut. (RL 6/14 in WNC 6/17; WT 6/16) (see 5/30)

PM Netanyahu, Mubarak adviser Baz discuss bridging proposals to resume Israeli-PA talks. (IDF Radio, YA 6/1 in WNC 6/3; MM 6/2; PR 6/6)

Jordan's Princess Aisha, the head of the directorate of women's affairs in the Jordanian armed forces, arrives in Israel for 3-day official visit with DM Yitzhak Mordechai. (JTV 6/1 in WNC 6/3; MM 6/6)

Turkish PM Erbakan calls for early elections. No date is set. (NYT, WT 6/2; MM 6/3) (see 5/30)

In separate incidents in s. Lebanon, 1 Hizballah mbr. is killed in clash with the IDF; 4 Lebanese civilians are wounded during Israeli air raid; IDF detains a number of Lebanese civilians before releasing all but 3 alleged Hizballah mbrs. IDF also sets up temporary roadblock n. of the self-declared security zone to search cars for Hizballah mbrs. (RL, VOL 6/1 in WNC 6/3; MM 6/2)

In Cairo, Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak, Arafat discuss deterioration of the peace process. (RE 5/21 in WNC 5/22; RE 5/22 in WNC 5/23)

In Moscow, Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara`, Russian FM Yevgeny Primakov discuss bilateral relations, peace process. (SANA 5/21 in WNC 5/22; Interfax [Moscow], SATN 5/21 in WNC 5/23)

In Abu Dhabi, Syrian VP Khaddam discusses with UAE FM Shaykh Hamdan Bin Zayid al-Nahayan the peace process, Doha economic summit, Turkish incursion into n. Iraq. Khaddam then leaves for Oman. (MM 5/22) (see 5/19)

Under pressure fr. Trade M Natan Sharansky (Yisra'el B'Aliya) and Security M Avigdor Kahalani (Third Way), PM Netanyahu replaces top foreign-policy adviser Dore Gold, appointing him amb. to the UN (a position left unfilled for over a yr.), replacing him with Uri Arad, head of Mossad research. (MM, WT 5/22; YA 5/22 in WNC 5/23; WJW 5/29; JP 5/31)

Palestinian prisoner in Israel custody, Khalid Abu Da'iyya, dies hrs. after being brought to a hospital fr. jail. PA accuses Israel of torturing him. (LAW 5/22; LAW, WP 5/23)

In s. Lebanon, an IDF soldier is wounded by a Hizballah mine. (VOL 5/21 in WNC 5/22)

U.S. special envoy Ross, PM Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv. Later, Arafat refuses to meet Ross, stating that he is unhappy with the U.S. mediating role, Israeli delay tactics; sends letter to Pres. Clinton, asking him to intervene personally to save the peace process. Israel accuses Arafat of manufacturing a crisis. (IDF Radio 5/15 in WNC 5/16; PR 5/16; AFP 5/16 in WNC 5/19; NYT, WP, WT 5/17; JP 5/24)

In Jerusalem, Norwegian FM Godal meets with PM Netanyahu. (QY 5/15 in WNC 5/16)

Israeli police detain 2 Palestinians, one of whom is a PA police officer, in connection with Bashiti's murder 5/9. (IDF Radio, QY 5/15 in WNC 5/16; IGPO 5/15 in WNC 5/19; NYT 5/16; JP 5/24)

3 IDF soldiers are killed, 7 are wounded in a clash with Hizballah in s. Lebanon. 2 Hizballah mbrs. also are killed. (AFP 5/15, IDF Radio, VOL 5/16 in WNC 5/19; MM, WT 5/16; NYT 5/17)

Regarding the assertion concerning Mega (see 5/7), an unnamed senior U.S. official confirms that special envoy Ross read Netanyahu the U.S. letter of assurances to the PA but did not give him a copy to keep. (WP 5/8; CSM 5/9)

In Geneva, the UN Comm. Against Torture summons Israel for a 3-day extraordinary hearing to face accusations that its practices against Palestinian prisoners violate international conventions. (NYT, WT 5/8; IGPO 5/8 in WNC 5/13; NYT, WP 5/10)

Austrian FM Wolfgang Schuessel arrives in Israel on 1st leg of a regional tour to acquaint himself with the issues of the peace process in advance of his assumption of the EU presidency in 1998; meets with FM Levy, Labor mbr. Ehud Barak. (Neue Kronen Zeitung [Vienna] 5/8 in WNC 5/12)

Israeli inner cabinet holds mtg. on evacuation of settlers nr. Nablus 5/6. Ms Rafael Eitan, Zevulun Hammer, Ariel Sharon accuse PM Netanyahu of making a gesture to the PA, prompting Netanyahu to apologize for the evacuation. (IDF Radio 5/7 in WNC 5/8)

Jordan, Tunisia sign agmt. to form comm. to study the creation of a common free trade zone; discuss joint tourism, investment projects. (JT 5/7 in WNC 5/8)

In Beirut, Iranian FM Velayati meets PM Hariri. Velayati then goes to Damascus to discuss Israeli-Turkish military cooperation with Pres. Asad, FM Shara`; then heads to Yemen. (IRNA, RMC, VOL 5/7 in WNC 5/8; SATN 5/7, IRNA, RMC 5/8 in WNC 5/9; MM 5/8) (see 5/3)

ILMG meets to discuss Israeli complaint regarding 5/5 Hizballah attack, Lebanese complaint regarding 5/6 bombing. (RL 5/7 in WNC 5/8; RL 5/7, 5/8 in WNC 5/9)

UN Human Rights Comm. votes (51-1, with 1 abstention) to express grave concern over Israel's actions in Lebanon's Biqa` Valley, denounce Israel's persistent violations of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. (al-Manar Television 4/21 in WNC 4/24)

Labor leader and fmr. PM Peres calls on Netanyahu to resign over the Bar-On affair. (ITV 4/20 in WNC 4/22)

Israel releases Hamas leader `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi after 3 yrs. in prison. (MM 4/23; PR 4/25) (see 8/23/95)

In s. Lebanon, 2 SLA mbrs. are killed by separate bombs placed by Hizballah. Israel retaliates by shelling areas around Jazzin. (AFP, RL 4/20 in WNC 4/22; WP 4/21)

Israeli paper Globes publishes transcript of the 1/10 cabinet meeting during which Bar-On was appointed atty. gen. Transcript shows that PM Netanyahu, Justice M Hanegbi overrode the concerns of several cabinet mbrs. who thought Bar-On should be disqualified for his Likud membership, personal ties to Hanegbi. (MM 2/28; WP 3/1) (see 2/24)

1 IDF soldier, 4 Hizballah mbrs. are killed, 3 IDF soldiers are wounded in clash in s. Lebanon. (MM 2/28; RL, VOL 2/28 in WNC 3/3; RL 2/28 in WNC 3/4; WP 3/1; JP 3/8)

8 Jordanian centrist nationalist parties--al-Ahd (Pledge), the Democratic Arab Unionist Party-al-Wa'd (Promise), the Jordan National Alliance, Jordanian Arab Masses Party, Popular Unity Party, Progress and Justice, al-Watan, al-Yakaza (Reawakening)--merge to form the National Constitutional Party. (RJ 2/28, JT 3/1 in WNC 3/4; JT 4/8 in WNC 4/9) (see 2/26)

At dusk, Israel begins releasing Palestinian female prisoners. The Victims of Terror group files another last-minute challenge with the High Court (see 2/9), forcing the Israeli authorities to recall some of the women, prompting the rest of them to say they would not go home until all were freed. All 31 women are released by midnight. (MM 2/11; NYT, WP, WT 2/12; JP 2/22)

French DM Charles Millon arrives in Israel for 2-day visit to discuss furthering bilateral defense relations, which began in 1993. (AFP 2/11 in WNC 2/13; MM 2/13; Les Echos [Paris] 2/17 in WNC 2/20; JP 2/22)

IDF continues forced transfer of Jahalin bedouin. 17 families remain at the old site. To date 150 bedouin have been transferred. (WP 2/12; NYT 2/18; JP 2/22) (see 1/27)

To avoid any reprisal attacks, Israeli defense officials tell Netanyahu that they would prefer the U.S. deport Hamas's Abu Marzuq to Jordan, rather than extradite him to Israel. (IDF Radio 2/11 in WNC 2/12; YA 2/12 in WNC 2/13) (see 2/2)

In response to Hizballah's 2/9 attack, Israeli Air Force (IAF) bombs Hizballah's radio station in Baalbek, PFLP-GC bases Beirut's suburbs and nr. the border with Syria (wounding 6). This is Israel's 1st major sortie outside the self-declared security zone since the 4/96 campaign. 3 PFLP-GC mbrs., 1 civilian are injured. (MM 2/11; AFP, QPAR, RL 2/11 in WNC 2/12; NYT, WP 2/12)

SLA expels Lebanese citizen fr. the Israeli self-declared security zone to n. Lebanon. (RL 2/11 in WNC 2/13) (see 12/23)

Netanyahu, Arafat hold 2-hr. talk at Erez, agree to start detailed Oslo II implementation talks 2/16. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/10; IDF Radio 2/10 in WNC 2/11; JP 2/22)

Hizballah attacks IDF outpost in s. Lebanon, wounding 7 soldiers. (AFP, RL 2/9 in WNC 2/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/10)

The Israeli group Victims of Arab Terror bring a suit to the Israeli High Court, calling for the appeal of the decision to release the Palestinian female prisoners. (WT 2/8; NYT 2/10; WP 2/12)

PM Netanyahu gives the order to release all female Palestinian prisoners held by Israel (NYT, WT 2/8; WP 2/12; JP 2/15)

Hizballah Secy. Gen. Nasrallah calls for Arafat's assassination during a rally to mark Jerusalem day. In Bangladesh, similar anti-Israeli, anti-U.S. rallies are held to mark the day. (al-Safir 2/8 in WNC 2/11; NYT 2/13) (see 1/31)

PM Netanyahu cancels a trip to Jordan planned for 2/5 and postpones a mtg. with Arafat set for 2/6 after 2 Israeli helicopters, carrying an unusual amount of ammunition and explosives, collide over the Galilee on their way to s. Lebanon, killing 73 IDF soldiers, 13 of whom are officers. Over the past 3 yrs. 68 soldiers have been killed on duty in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/4 in WNC 2/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/5; AFP 2/5 in WNC 2/7; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 2/6; al-Dustur, RMC 2/6 in WNC 2/7; RL, VOL 2/6, RL 2/7 in WNC 2/10; MM 2/7; RL 2/7 in WNC 2/11; JP 2/15)

In Nabatiyya, Lebanon, leading Hizballah figures, incl. Secy. Gen. Hussein Nasrallah and his deputy Shaykh Naim Kassem, meet to discuss party fundraising. (MM 2/7)

Syrian VP Khaddam arrives in Libya to meet with Col. Qadhafi. (SATN 2/4 in WNC 2/6)

IDF bulldozes Palestinian homes in Jabbah, nr. Hebron, and al-Khadir for having no permits. 10s of other families receive notices that their homes will be demolished to make way for a by-pass road. (LAWE 2/13) (see 2/3)

Citing security reasons, Shin Bet revokes the press permit of al-Hayat's Jerusalem bureau chief Ruba Husari, making it impossible for her to enter Israel fr. her home in the West Bank. (WP 2/6)

Lebanon, Brazil sign 2 protocols: one on cultural issues, the other on air transport. (RL 2/4 in WNC 2/6; RL 2/6 in WNC 2/7) (see 12/16)

IDF shells Kfar Roumman village n. of the Israeli self-declared security zone. Lebanon says it will submit a complaint to ILMG. ILMG has already found Israel responsible 3 times for shelling villages in violation of the 4/96 understanding. (RL 2/4 in WNC 2/6; WT 2/5)

The WP reveals that Secy. of State Albright's grandparents were Jews who died in the Holocaust, says her family hid their Jewish identity from her. Albright was raised a Catholic. (WP 2/4)

Arafat sends PM Netanyahu a letter urging Israel to halt settlement expansion. Netanyahu says he will forge ahead with settlement plans. (IDF Radio 11/25 in WNC 11/26; NYT 11/26; PR 12/6)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` arrives in London for 4-day official visit. (IDF Radio 11/27, SANA 11/28 in WNC 12/2; MM 11/29)

Iraq accepts conditions set by the UN for implementing the oil-for-food agmt. Secy. Gen. Butros-Ghali must still give the formal go ahead to implement the deal, which would allow Iraq to sell $2 b. worth of oil over 6 mos., with proceeds used to buy food, medicine. (MM 11/25; MM, WP, WT 11/26; WP 11/27; al-Ra'i 11/27 in WNC 11/29; INA 11/29 in WNC 12/2) (see 9/1)

Nr. Jazzin, s. Lebanon, Hizballah mbrs. open fire on car carrying SLA Brig. Gen. Toni Nahrah, killing him. (RL 11/26 in WNC 11/27; al-Nahar 12/27 in WNC 12/2)

PA-Israeli talks on Hebron continue. Arafat reportedly demands that Netanyahu commit to completing IDF redeployment in the West Bank, opening Rafah airport. (MM 10/25; ITV 10/25 in WNC 10/29; WT 10/26; YA 10/27 in WNC 10/29)

Israel releases list of the 10 "most serious violations" of Oslo by the PA: PA police firing on IDF, ignoring bans on illegal weapons and disbanding independent militias, refusal to extradite individuals suspected of terrorism, incitement to violence against Israel, failure to change the PLO covenant, opening offices in Jerusalem, hiring "Palestinian terrorists" to serve in the PA police, exceeding the agreed upon number of PA police, injuring human rights and the rule of law, conducting diplomatic relations. (IGPO 10/25 in WNC 10/30; HA 10/28 in IL 10/28; PR 11/1; WJW 12/5)

French Pres. Chirac makes brief stops in Lebanon to meet with in Cairo before returning to Paris. (MM 10/25; RE, RL 10/25 in WNC 10/29; WT 10/27; MM 10/30)

Germany begins 2d mediation effort to settle the issue of Israeli pilot Ron Arad (downed over Lebanon in 1986 and believed to be held by Hizballah), Lebanese political prisoners in Israeli jails (incl. Dirani, Obeid). Germany's 1st mediation effort resulted in a prisoner swap 7/21. (RL 10/25, 10/26 in WNC 10/29; al-Safir 10/29 in WNC 11/4; MM 11/11) (see 9/25)

Hizballah detonates 4 roadside bombs in s. Lebanon, killing 2 IDF soldiers, wounding 5. (MM 10/25; QY 10/25 in IL 10/25; JP 11/2)

Arafat, Netanyahu end 2-day summit in Washington without resolving their differences, agree to begin nonstop intensive negotiations at Erez 10/6 on disputed issues. (MM 10/2; al-Dustur [Amman], ITV, JTV 10/2, MA, RE 10/3 in WNC 10/4; CSM, MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 10/3; RE 10/3 in WNC 10/4; ITV, QPAR, al-Quds, al-Quds al-Arabi, VOA 10/3, al-Ra'i 10/4 in WNC 10/7; MM, WP 10/4; ITV 10/8 in WNC 10/11; PR 10/11; MEI 10/25)

Israeli, PA officers meet to discuss reopening Qarni crossing export of Palestinian goods into Israel. Israel demands that Palestinians at the checkpoint be unarmed. PA refuses. No agmt. is reached. (ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

Anticipating possible failure of Washington talks, IDF moves more troops and heavy weapons, incl. tanks, helicopters, sniper squads, to the outskirts of zone A areas. (YA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4; WP, WT 10/3; MA 10/4 in WNC 10/7)

In Hebron, IDF fires on Palestinian protesters, killing 1 boy, wounding 2 men. 4 other Palestinians are wounded during protest nr. Halhul. (ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3)

In Jerusalem, 50,000 Israelis march in support of Netanyahu. (WT 10/3)

Turkey's PM Necmettin Erbakan arrives in Cairo on 1st leg of 6-day regional tour. Meanwhile in Tripoli, Turkish, Libyan delegations begin talks on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on economic, industrial issues. (WT 10/2; JANA [Tripoli] 10/3 in WNC 10/4)

Turkey announces plans to increase its electricity purchases from Iran to 3 b. kw/h. (IRNA 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

Lebanon's Council of Ministers grants al-Manar Television, al-Nur Radio temporary exclusion fr. the new media law (see 9/17), allowing them to continue broadcasting news of the resistance. They will both still be banned fr. broadcasting other political news, programs as of 11/30. (RL 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

In s. Lebanon, 2 IDF officers are wounded in clash with Hizballah. (ITV 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

In the worst fighting since the peace process began, Palestinians, IDF clash in Ramallah. IDF shoots rubber bullets, stun grenades, live ammunition at protesters. IDF, PA security forces engage in firefight. 7 Palestinians are killed, 100s (incl. 2 EA mbrs., the mufti of Jerusalem) wounded; 8 IDF soldiers are injured by rocks, bottles; Ramallah is declared closed military zone; West Bank, Gaza are sealed. Clashes also occur in Bethlehem (wounding 12 Palestinians, 2 Israelis), East Jerusalem. In Ramallah, Bethlehem fighting dies down when officers fr. IDF, PA negotiate cease-fire, pullback. PM Netanyahu, Israel officials accuse PA of instigating violence. PA says outbursts were spontaneous reaction to 9/24 tunnel opening, months of closure. (MM 9/25; IDF Radio, IGPO, ITV, JTV, al-Quds al-Arabi, RMC 9/25 in WNC 9/27; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 9/26; MM 9/27; TJT 9/27 in WNC 10/1; MEI, PR 10/4)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak receives phone calls fr. Arafat, Netanyahu, appealing to Egypt to intervene to calm the situation in the territories; suggests holding Arafat-Netanyahu mtg. in Cairo. Mubarak adviser Baz holds urgent phone conversations with U.S. special envoy Ross. (RE 9/25, 9/26 in WNC 9/27; MBC 9/26 in WNC 9/30)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Paris, meets with Pres. Jacques Chirac, leaves for Bonn. (WP 9/26)

At the UN, Israeli FM Levy signs Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, briefs U.S. special envoy Ross on events in West Bank, Gaza. Ross says U.S. demands that Israel "make a gesture" concerning the tunnel. (ITV 9/25 in WNC 9/27; ITV 9/26 in WNC 9/30)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak invites fmr. PM Peres to visit Cairo. Peres accepts but sets no date. (IDF Radio 9/25 in WNC 9/27)

Tel Aviv district court extends for 3 mos. the remand of Hizballah's Shaykh `Abd al-Karim Obeid (abducted fr. Lebanon in 7/89), fmr. Amal leader     Mustafa al-Dirani (abducted fr. Lebanon 5/21/94). (ITV 9/25 in WNC 9/27) (see 2/23)

ILMG opens 3d day of mtgs. to discuss issues raised 9/24 and new Lebanese complaints concerning Israel's expulsions 9/22, repeated Israeli attacks; releases statement stressing that firing fr. populated areas endangers civilians, Hizballah should refrain fr. carrying out attacks fr. or nr. villages. Lebanese FM Buwayz complains of U.S. bias toward Israel in ILMG. (RL 9/25, 9/26 in WNC 9/27; RL 9/26 in WNC 9/30)

In Damascus, Iranian, Syrian cultural attachés discuss expanding cultural ties. (IRNA 9/26 in WNC 9/30)