The Palestine Chronology

CEC calls on PA officials running for the Palestinian Council to resign their posts. (VOP 12/24 in FBIS 12/26)

Fatah warns that any Fatah mbr. who runs in opposition to the Fatah list will be removed fr. the organization. (al-Nahar 12/24 in FBIS 12/27; NYT 1/6; WP 1/16)

NISP announces that, based on 12/18-21 Cairo talks, it will not field candidates in the 1/20 elections. (al-Nahar 12/24 in FBIS 12/27)

DFLP, PFLP call for direct elections based on proportional representation, 1 district. (al-Quds 12/24 in FBIS 12/27)

At Qarni crossing point in Gaza, IDF soldier is wounded by gunman firing fr. within the self-rule area. (QY 12/24 in FBIS 12/26)

In Jericho, Secy. of State Christopher announces that Syria, Israel will resume negotiations in Washington 12/27. (ITV, QY, SATN, VOP 12/16, ITV 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, WP, WT 12/17; MM 12/18; JP 12/23)

In Gaza, 30,000 attend rally to celebrate Hamas's 8th anniversary. (WT 12/17; PR 12/29)

On the recommendation of 111 of 120 MKs, Israeli Pres. Weizman gives Peres 21 days to form a new government as PM. (NYT, WP, WT 11/16)

Israeli police arrest 8 suspect, Margalit Harshefi, a 20-yr.-old law student fr. Beit El settlement, for conspiracy in aiding Yigal Amir; issue 48-hr detention orders for Kach mbrs Baruch Marzel, Noam Federman; release Eyal's Raviv on bail, place him under house arrest, forbid him to enter West Bank; also arrest 2 ultraorthodox seminary students for desecrating Rabin's grave. (NYT, WP, WT 11/16)

Arafat cancels speech at Gaza rally after PA police arrest 5 Abu Nidal followers fr. Algeria, Libya on suspicion of plotting his assassination. All 5 were detained after arriving in Gaza last wk. (MENA, QY 11/15 in FBIS 11/15; NYT, WT 11/16)

In Jerusalem, Acting PM Peres says he will not call early elections. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8)

Shin Bet gives cabinet a preliminary report on security guarding PM Rabin at the peace rally; says there were not enough bodyguards, guards failed to form a phalanx around Rabin, intelligence had inadequate information on Jewish extremists. (WP, WT 11/8; MM, NYT, WT 11/9)

In television, press interviews, Leah Rabin, Rabin's widow, accuses Netanyahu, Likud of inciting violence; blames them for Rabin's death. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8)

Justice M Liba'i says the government is writing legislation to crack down on militants, tightening restrictions against inciting violence and perhaps banning demonstrations outside elected officials' homes. (IDF Radio, YA 11/7 in FBIS 11/8; WP 11/8)

Israeli police search Kfar Tapuah, a settlement nr. Nablus which has a large Kahane Chai following, looking for links btwn. the Amir brothers and the banned movements Kahane Chai, Kach. 4 rightist nationalists who praised Rabin's assassination are arrested, questioned, but released for lack of evidence. (MM 11/7; IDF Radio, QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/8; NYT, WP, WT 11/8)

Eyal, Kach leaders go underground, fearing their arrest by the IDF. Eyal head Avishai Raviv admits Yigal Amir was a mbr. of his organization. (NYT, WP 11/8) (see 11/4)

IDF eases closure, allowing Gaza laborers over 35 yrs old, West Bank laborers over 30 yrs old into Israel. (IDF Radio 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; NYT, WT 11/8) (see 11/4)

In Gaza, Arafat, EU delegation, World Bank VP Yenne Obolensky sign agmt. extending $300 m. in EU soft loans to the PA. Despite official Israeli protests, the delegation then meets U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini at Orient House. (VOP 10/27, JP 10/31 in FBIS 10/31)

In Jerusalem, FM Peres receives EU delegation, discusses peace process, aid to the PA, EU assistance with Palestinian elections, Syrian-Israeli talks. (QY 10/27 in FBIS 11/2)

Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk arrives in Damascus for 2-day visit, discusses peace process with FM Shara`, criticizes U.S. embassy legislation. (SANA 10/27, SATN 10/28 in FBIS 10/31)

Nr. Sidon, Lebanon, a bomb goes off in the car of UNRWA employee, causing material damage but no injury. (VOL 10/27 in FBIS 10/27)

Israel, Jordan sign agricultural agmt. (IL 10/26; JP 11/4)

In Gaza, Arafat receives U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, condemns Congress's vote on U.S. embassy legislation. (VOP 10/26 in FBIS 10/26)

EU delegation arrives in Beirut on 1st leg of regional tour. (RL 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

PA submits request to Arab League for summit to discuss U.S. embassy issue. Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid rules out possibility, says Arab FMs can discuss matter on sidelines of Amman economic summit. (MENA, VOP 10/26, VOA 10/27 in FBIS 10/27)

In Jerusalem, Jewish Agency's Board of Governors meets to discuss its "most severe fiscal crisis to date," plans to cut $110 m. in social services, educational projects in the next 2 yrs. Board chmn. Charles Goodman says restructuring is needed, fears irrelevancy. Pres. of the United Israel Appeal (UIA), which funnels money fr. United Jewish Appeal to the agency, says UIA is facing "monumental debt," must make "massive, massive cuts." (WJW 10/26; JP 11/11)

Islamic Jihad leader Fathi Shiqaqi is assassinated in Malta, en route to Damascus fr. a mtg. in Libya to persuade Qaddafi fr. deporting more Palestinians. Islamic Jihad blames Mossad. (WT 10/29; AFP 10/29, QY 10/30 in FBIS 10/30; MM, WP, WT 10/30; WP 11/1; MEI 11/3; JP 11/4)

PM Rabin travels to Marja'uyun to survey conditions, meet with SLA cmdr. Antoine Lahd; returns to Israel, convenes emergency cabinet mtg. to discuss recent attacks in s. Lebanon, but decides against large-scale retaliatory strike. (RL 10/16 in FBIS 10/17; CSM 10/17)

Fatah Central Comm. convenes its 6th congress--the 1st held in Gaza. 469 mbrs attend, elect 11 to the regional comm. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 10/17 in FBIS 10/19)

Lebanese government, parliament petition Pres. Hrawi to stay on past the 11/24 end of his term due to "national need," paving the way for an extension of his term despite constitutional barriers. (MM 10/16; RL, VOL 10/16 in FBIS 10/16; RL, VOL 10/16 in FBIS 10/17; WT 10/17) (see 9/17)

IDF eases closure on West Bank, Gaza. Individuals may cross border, but Palestinian vehicles may not enter. (MM 10/16; CSM 10/18) (see 10/4)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus. (MM 10/10; SARR 10/10 in FBIS 10/10; SARR, SATN 10/10 in FBIS 10/11; MM 10/11; JP 10/21)

Donors' Joint Liaison Comm. (JLC) convenes in Gaza. (VOP 10/10 in FBIS 10/12; PWR 10/16)

IDF withdraws fr. 1st West Bank village, Salfit; starts dismantling training camp in Dotan, nr. Janin. (MM 10/10; VOP 10/10 in FBIS 10/10; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/11; VOP 10/10, QY 10/11 in FBIS 10/11; MM 10/16; BT 10/19; JP 10/21)

Israel begins releasing Palestinian prisoners. 20 Iraqi defectors (see 9/8) are also turned over to PA custody. (MM 10/10; QY 10/10 in FBIS 10/10; IDF Radio, ITV 10/10, QY 10/11 in FBIS 10/11; PR 10/13) (see 10/8)

At a gathering in their honor, immigrants fr. the U.S., other English-speaking countries shout down PM Rabin, prevent him fr. giving his keynote speech for 10 minutes, in protest over his peace policies. (MM 10/11; WT 11/9)

In Damascus, Syrian Pres. Asad's son, Bashar al-Asad, meets with Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hasan Nasrallah to discuss regional political changes, current situation in Lebanon, Israeli occupation of s. Lebanon. (RL 10/11 in FBIS 10/11)

10 IDF reserve soldiers say they will refuse to respond to their call-up orders because the Oslo II agmt. is against their moral beliefs. IDF says refusing to serve is crime, those who ignore their orders will be charged. (QY 10/10 in FBIS 10/10)

Off the coast of s. Lebanon, IDF gunboats fire on Lebanese fishing vessels. (RL 10/10 in FBIS 10/10) (see 9/6)

In Gaza, Hamas, PA representatives discuss reconciliation agmt. (QY 10/11 in FBIS 10/11) (see 10/7)

At funeral of Abu Shaqra in Ramallah, IDF clashes with 2,000 mourners, arrests 5 Palestinians. (AFP 10/9 in FBIS 10/10) (see 10/7)

SLA allows delegation fr. the International Comm. of the Red Cross to visit al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon for 1st time since it was build in 1984. (VOL 10/8, AFP, RL 10/9 in FBIS 10/10)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah attacks IDF convoy, killing 3 IDF troops. (RL 10/9 in FBIS 10/10)

Based on complaints of conflict of interest presented by the pro-Israeli activist group CAMERA (Comm. for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America), National Public Radio fires its Middle East correspondent Maureen Meehan because she is married to PA official Jiryis Atrash. CAMERA says it will now try to have Meehan removed from her second job as a stringer for Newsday. (WJW 10/12; JP 11/4)

Syrian FM Shara` meets with Egyptian FM Musa, Lebanese FM Buwayz, Saudi FM Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal on the sidelines of the UN mtgs. (RL, SARR 10/4 in FBIS 10/5)

On the sidelines of the UN mtgs., Arab FMs agree to support Libya's nomination for the rotating position UN Security Council. (MENA 10/5 in FBIS 10/6)

9 PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs (Mahmud Darwish, `Abdallah Hurani, Shafiq al-Hut, Muhammad Isma'il, Taysir Khalid, Iliya Khuri, `Abd al-Rahim Malluh, Sulayman al-Najjab, Faruq al-Qaddumi) release joint statement rejecting Oslo II accord. 2 others, Samir Ghawshah, Jamal al-Surani endorse the statement. Only 9 Exec. Comm. mbrs approved the agmt. (see 9/26) (SANA 10/4 in FBIS 10/5)

Visiting Palestinians detained in camp on Egypt's border, Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi calls on Arab leaders to "send home" all Palestinians in protest over the Oslo II agmt. Islamists, nationalist Palestinians jointly condemn the call. (NYT, WP, WT 10/5) (see 9/27)

Al-Watan publisher Imad al-Faluji signs PA pledge to respect the press and publication law, allowing publication of his pro-Hamas paper to resume. (Al-Nahar 10/5 in FBIS 10/6) (see 8/6)

In Gaza, Israeli policeman is wounded by shots fired at a joint Israeli-PA patrol. Group calling itself the Islamic Salvation Front takes responsibility. (ITV 10/4 in FBIS 10/5)

IDF extends closure on West Bank, Gaza to 10/8. (QY 10/4 in FBIS 10/5) (see 9/30)

U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, Mubarak advisor Osama Baz encourage Arafat to accept a compromise proposal on Hebron to complete Oslo II negotiations. (RE, VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15; WT 9/16)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with `Abd al-Majid Shuman, the chmn. of the Arab Bank board of directors, and a number of Palestinian investors interested in participating in infrastructure building. (VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Amman, PM Bin Shakir, Oman's FM Yusuf Bin-`Alawi discuss improving Omani-Jordanian ties, importance of cooperation, consultation. (RJ 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Gaza, PA military court convicts 2 Hamas mbrs. to 12 yrs each for carrying out attacks with automatic weapons outside the self-rule areas. (MM 9/14; QY 9/14 in FBIS 9/14; Davar, HA, VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Hebron, 2,000 Palestinians protest West Bank settlements, clash with IDF. IDF throws stun grenades into crowd, arrests 2. (MM 9/14; CSM, WT 9/15)

Arafat gives representatives to th PA fr. Egypt, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Russia letters to their heads of state asking them to pressure Israel on Hebron. (VOP 9/9 in FBIS 9/11)

In Gaza, PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat meets with British police officials. Sides agree to form joint comm. to train PA security mbrs. in proper ways to operate during elections to assure elections are fair, democratic. (VOP 9/9 in FBIS 9/12)

In Halhul, 1,000 Palestinians march in protest over apparent IDF killing 9/8, demand dismantling of settlements. (CSM, MM 9/11)

In an attempt to get the parties back to the table, the U.S. offers Syria, Israel a compromise proposal on monitoring security arrangements. (MM 9/8; JP 9/8 in FBIS 9/8)

In apparent retaliation for 9/5 attack, 5 armed men in IDF uniforms, some masked, force their way into private homes in Halhul nr. Hebron; bind and interrogate Palestinians, killing 1. IDF claims it was not operating in the area. Kach takes responsibility. (ITV, VOP 9/8 in FBIS 9/11; WP 9/9; WT 9/10; CSM, MM 9/11; JP 9/16)

PA agrees to give asylum to 14 of 32 Iraqi defectors currently detained in Israeli jails. Israeli Police M Shahal says Israel is not prepare to take in the defectors--mostly young, educated men who requested political asylum in Israel; the remaining 18, who did not want to go to Gaza, probably will be deported to 3d countries. (JP 9/8 in FBIS 9/12)

In Gaza, Arafat receives 3 mbrs of the New York Board of Rabbis; then meets with Brazilian FM Lampreia on bilateral ties, enhancing cooperation, aid Brazil can provide for economic, agricultural spheres. (VOP 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; MM 8/31)

PA police detain 3 Palestinian journalists (Fa'id Abu Shamallah, Mustafa Sawwaf, Tahir al-Nun) who reside in Gaza, work for Al-Nahar, and are suspected of working for Hamas. (MM 8/31; QY 8/31 in FBIS 8/31)

Suspected Hamas mbr. Tawfiq Subay Sawarqa (arrested 8/27) dies while in PA custody. Arafat suspends PSF officers in charge, orders inquiry. (QY 8/30 in FBIS 8/30; MM 8/31; AFP 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

In Nablus, IDF soldiers clash with large crowd of Palestinians, fire tear gas, injuring 3. (ITV 8/30)

Israel lifts closure on Jericho though PA still refuses to turn over Dudin, Khatib. (NYT, WP 8/31) (see 8/27)

In s. Lebanon, an explosion during training maneuvers destroys PFLP-GC camp, killing 10 top commanders, seriously wounding 17, incl. Ahmad Jibril's son. (AFP 8/31, AFP, QY 9/1 in FBIS 9/1; HA 9/3 in FBIS 9/5)

At Orient House, German delegation reaffirms to Faisal Husseini Germany's position that East Jerusalem is part of the Palestinian territories. (VOP 8/23, 8/24 in FBIS 8/25)

In response to news reports 8/18 showing settlers' flowering gardens in Kiryat Arba and dried-up Palestinian fields in neighboring Hebron, Israeli Agriculture Min. orders Efrat settlement to temporarily divert 1,000 cu.m./day of water to Hebron to ease the severe water shortage. (MM 8/21; JP, QY 8/20, QY 8/23 in FBIS 8/24)

Israeli military court sentences Hamas's `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi, arrested after his return fr. exile in Lebanon 12/15/93, to 42 mos in jail, plus 28 mos suspended for being a mbr. of an illegal organization. (MM 8/24)

IDF lifts closure on Gaza, extends closure on West Bank to 8/27. 6,000 Palestinian workers are allowed to enter Israel fr. Gaza. (QY, VOP 8/23 in FBIS 8/23; QY 8/23 in FBIS 8/24)

FM Peres meets with Arafat before, after PA-Israeli "drafting comm." mtg. Both say they are closer to reaching preliminary self-rule agmt. Meanwhile, 10 comms meet in Elat to work out differences on specific issues blocking a final agmt. (MM, WT 8/10; AFP, ITV, MENA, QY, VOP 8/10, VOP 8/11 in FBIS 8/11)

2d group of 150 Palestinians is deported fr. Libya. Libya says it will continue expelling Palestinians to the self-rule areas via Egypt. PA says it has no agmt. with Libya to accept the deportees but PA, Israel have agreed to let them into Gaza. [Over the past 2 days, some 2,500 Egyptians have also been expelled. There are 40,000 Palestinians, 800,000-900,000 Egyptians in Libya.] (AFP, MENA 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; MM 8/11; PR 8/18) (see 8/9)

Jordan gives asylum to Iraqi defectors Lt. Gen. Hussein Kamel Hassan, Lt. Col. Saddam Kamel Hassan (both sons-in-law of Pres. Saddam Hussein), their families, 15 other army officers. Lt. Gen. Kamel headed Iraq's weapons program; Lt. Col. Kamel was chief of security. (NYT, WP, WT 8/11; CSM 8/14)

PA police arrest 5 Hamas mbrs. in Gaza, IDF arrests 17 West Bank Palestinians; all are accused of plotting attacks for Hamas. IDF orders West Bank, Gaza closure extended until 8/13. (QY 8/10 in FBIS 8/10; YA 8/11 in IL 8/11; WP 8/12) (see 8/9)

Arafat, Peres continue talks in Taba. PA, Israel agree on timetable for Israeli withdrawal fr. parts of the West Bank after PA agrees to allow IDF until 2/97 to complete redeployment. IDF would withdraw fr. some towns 6 mos after elections, give up control of roads 1 yr. after elections (which would ideally be held in 12/95). (MM 8/8; VOP 8/8 in FBIS 8/8; MENA, QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; CSM, NYT, WT 8/9; WT 8/10)

In more than 20 Israeli cities, settlers block roads during rush hour, clash with Israeli police in their 1st protests inside the Green Line against expanded Palestinian self-rule. 130 are arrested; primary organizer Moshe Reiglin is fined IS10,000 ($3,300). (MM 8/8; QY 8/8 in IL 8/8; QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; MM, NYT, WT 8/9; WT 8/10; PR 8/18)

In the West Bank, settlers set up encampments nr. Alfe Menashe, Hebron, Elon Moreh, Ofra, al-Nabi Samu'il bringing to 15 the number of new sites occupied by right-wing Jews in recent days. (QY 8/8, 8/9 in FBIS 8/9)

PM Rabin holds follow-up mtg. settler leaders (see 8/4), refuses their request to see maps of the planned IDF redeployment fr. the West Bank. Leaders vow to continue antigovernment protests. (MM 8/8; QY 8/8 in IL 8/8; Davar 8/8 in FBIS 8/8; QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; MM 8/10)

5 dissident PFLP-GC mbrs hold reconciliation talks with Arafat; ask him to allow 100 PFLP-GC mbrs. to return to Gaza, hold mtg. to oust Ahmad Jibril as leader. Arafat says he will consider the request. (AFP 8/8 in FBIS 8/9)

U.S. formally arrests Hamas's Abu Marzuq, begins extradition proceedings that could result in his being deported to Israel on charges of terrorism, conspiracy to commit murder. (NYT, WP 8/9; WT 8/10) (see 7/31)

In Elat, Israel, PA reopen talks on transfer of authority that were suspended after 7/24 bombing; again divide into 4 comms (see 7/16); also discuss release of security prisoners. Israel reopens borders with West Bank, Gaza. (NYT 7/30; CSM, MM, WP, WT 7/31; QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; VOP 7/31 in FBIS 8/1; MEI, PR 8/4)

Syrian FM al-Shara` denies Israeli accusations Syria has backtracked on its negotiating positions; claims Gens. Shahak, Shihabi had agreed on an aerial- and satellite-based early warning system with no ground posts, meaning Israel is the one that has changed positions; says talks btwn. military advisers can resume if an agenda on security arrangements is agreed upon. (MM 7/31)

By consensus, UN mbrs. (incl., Israel, U.S.) permit Arafat to speak with other heads of states at 50th anniversary commemorative session to be held 10/22. Arafat draws earlier time slot than Rabin in lottery to determine order of speakers. (WT 7/31; MM 8/7) (see 7/5)

Israel makes 1st Arrow-2 missile launch test. Officials say missile could be deployed within 18 mos. The project has cost $500 m. so far, is expected to total $1.2 b.--mostly paid by the U.S. (QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; WT 8/2; WJW 8/3)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah mbrs. ambush IDF convoy, killing 1 soldier, wounding 2. IDF, SLA shell Hizballah positions n. of self-declared security zone in response. (ITV, VOL 7/30, RL 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; CSM, MM, WP 7/31)

Israeli legal experts say Israel does not have enough evidence to press charges against Hamas's Abu Marzuq. Israel's Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir advises against extradition. (YA 7/30, IDF Radio 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; MM 7/31)

In Gaza, PA Planning M Shaath, U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk sign agmt. whereby USAID will give the PA $11 m. for first stage of a 4-yr., $40-m. waste water project. (VOP 7/28 in FBIS 7/28; PR 8/4; JP 8/5)

Fatah Central Comm. meets in Gaza, discusses PA negotiations with Israel, criticizes Arafat for trying to reclaim parts of Golan. (SA, VOP 7/27 in FBIS 7/28) (see 7/24)

In Nazareth, Israeli police raid office of Islamic Aid Comm., confiscate material allegedly showing comm. transfers money fr. U.S. to families of Hamas deportees. (QY 7/27 in FBIS 7/28; MM 7/28)

Israel, PA reach tentative accord on transfer of West Bank agriculture, labor, local administration spheres; agree to table water issues for now. (CSM 7/13)

Israel, PA scrap idea of moving talks fr. Egypt to Italy because of Egypt's protests, Arafat's strong preference to keep negotiations in the region; say talks will resume in Egypt or Israel 7/14. PA Economic M Qurai` thanks Italy for hosting "three sessions of negotiations [that] have taken place in Italy in recent days, far from the media"--leading to speculation secret talks are being held. (QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; AFP, VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; AFP 7/13 in FBIS 7/17; al-Majd 7/17 in FBIS 7/18) (see 7/10, 7/11)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross holds follow-up mtg. with Syrian FM al-Shara`; returns to Israel, briefs PM Rabin; meets with Arafat in Gaza, assures him U.S. attaches importance to the conclusion of an agmt. on the next stage of self rule. (SARR 7/12, QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/13; al-Hayat 7/14 in FBIS 7/17)

Arafat meets with Russian charge d'affaires on Russia's decision to open a liaison mission to the PA; briefs Turkish consul general on current status of talks with Israel. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat meets with EU rep. Thomas Dupla about EU supervision of elections; briefs U.S. Consul Gen. Abington on latest events in the peace process. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

15 prominent Orthodox rabbis call on IDF soldiers to disobey any orders to redeploy, remove army bases fr. the West Bank. PM Rabin says appeal is a call for "anarchy," asks atty. gen. to see whether rabbis should be prosecuted. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; MM, NYT, WP 7/13; CSM, WT 7/14; CSM 7/17; WJW 7/20; MEI 7/21; JP 7/22)

Shin Bet tells PM Rabin that Hamas has shown no signs of trying to carry out attacks for 3 wks, they suspect the slowdown is a product of Hamas aspirations to take part in elections. (IDF Radio 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

In keeping with call by settler leaders 7/10, 100s of settlers block West Bank highway, try to move trailers into Hazayit hill to expand Efrat settlement; 42 are arrested by IDF. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; NYT 7/13; JP 7/22)

In Gaza, Arafat, FM Peres sketch out principles of deal on West Bank self-rule, elections; overcome most differences on security for Zone B areas; agree to form comm. to discuss future of Hebron; appoint new, expanded teams (led by PA Economics M Qurai`, Israeli FMin. Dir. Gen. Uri Savir) to hammer out agmt. by 7/25. Deal will include prisoner release. (AFP, ITV, VOP 7/4, QY 7/5 in FBIS 7/5; NYT, WP, WT 7/5; HA, ITV, QY, VOP 7/5, al-Hayat 7/6 in FBIS 7/6; CSM 7/6; JP 7/7 in FBIS 7/11; PR 7/9; WP 7/10)

IDF says number of anti-Israeli attacks in s. Lebanon has increased by 50% since beginning of 1995, while incidents in West Bank, Gaza have dropped by 50%. Number of incidents in Jerusalem have remained unchanged. (QY 7/4 in FBIS 7/7)

Israeli Gen. Shahak, military expert to Syrian talks in Washington, briefs cabinet on talks with Syrian counterpart Gen. Shihabi; says Syria offered a demilitarization ratio of 10:6 (Syria:Israel), which Israel rejects. (QY 7/2 in FBIS 7/3; ITV 7/3, HA 7/4 in FBIS 7/5; WT 7/4)

U.S. presents compromise on early warning stations in Golan. Suggests Israel vacate Mount Hermon, replace IDF troops with unmanned electronic equipment, give Syria similar unmanned post in Galilee. Israel, Syria are considering idea. (HA 7/2 in FBIS 7/3)

PA says 1st group of 2,000 Palestinian military personnel, administrators soon will leave Algeria for Gaza in preparation for their deployment West Bank after self-rule agmt. is signed. (SA 7/2 in FBIS 7/7)

Hizballah holds its biennial gen. assembly mtg. at 3 undisclosed sites in Lebanon; reelects Hasan Nasrallah as sec. gen.; defines peacetime agenda to be implemented after agmt. with Israel is signed; makes organizational changes to transform Hizballah fr. a resistance group into a political party to better deal with current Lebanese political environment. (al-Safir 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/28)

Referring to the SLA as "Lahd's militia," PM Rabin accuses the SLA of creating problems for Israel by shelling Shi`ite villages in s. Lebanon, provoking Hizballah to respond by firing rockets at n. Israel. Coming before the resumption of negotiations with Syria, many see the statement as an offer to trade Syrian crackdown on Hizballah for Israel's dropping of the SLA. (MM 7/4)

Nr. Jneid prison, Nablus, IDF opens fire with live ammunition on 1000s of Palestinians rallying for release of prisoners, killing 2, wounding 50. In Gaza, an alleged Hamas mbr. detonates an explosive-laden cart nr. an IDF patrol, killing himself, injuring 3 soldiers. PA police arrest 50 Hamas mbrs., incl. leaders Mahmud Zahhar and Ahmad Bahar. Hamas denies responsibility. (CSM, MM, WP, WT 6/26; AFP, HA, QY 6/26 in FBIS 6/27; WP 6/27; MM 6/28; WJW 6/29; PR, WP 7/2; MEI 7/7)

Israeli Environment M Yossi Sarid meets with Arafat, Planning M Shaath in Gaza; discusses redeployment, elections, transfer of powers, release of prisoners; calls on Arafat to settle for partial troop pullback in West Bank to be followed by Palestinian elections in the fall. Arafat rejects offer. (MM 6/15; QY, RE, VOP 6/15 in FBIS 6/16; CSM, WT 6/16; MEI 6/23)

PA Transportation M `Abd al-`Aziz al-Hajj Ahmad announces draft transportation agmt. with Jordan, opening of commerce crossing point at King Hussein Bridge. (al-Dustur 6/15 in FBIS 6/16; JTV 6/15 in FBIS 6/19; PR 6/18)

IDF seizes 30 dunums of land belonging to al-Wadiri Agricultural College nr. Tulkarm, begins clearing area to build joint liaison office in advance of redeployment. (QY 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

After allegedly finding "inciting" Hamas material during raid, IDF closes Aroura mosque nr. Ramallah for 5 mos. (PR 6/25) (see 5/17)

In Beirut, U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau says U.S. will begin easing travel ban on Lebanon by allowing airlines to ticket non-Americans for travel btwn. the 2 countries; urges Lebanon to sign international antiterrorism agmt. Hizballah balks, saying U.S. is in no position to call others "terrorists." (MM 6/15)

Hizballah fires 12 rockets into n. Israel, killing 1, wounding 1. IAF strikes targets north of self-declared security zone, wounding 4. (MM 6/15; IDF Radio, QY 6/15, IDF Radio, MA, QY 6/16 in FBIS 6/16; MM 6/16; MEI 7/21)

At Neve Ilan nr. Jerusalem, Israel, PA hold talks on transferring 8 new spheres of power, establishing 9 industrial parks. (QY 6/13 in FBIS 6/13) (see 5/22, 5/29)

Arafat meets with Norwegian FM Bjørn Godal in Gaza, discusses current status of negotiations with Israel. (QY 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Robert Pelletreau arrives in Cairo for talks with FM Musa on bilateral relations, peace process. (MENA 6/13 in FBIS 6/13)

Shin Bet reports that number of anti-Israeli incidents has reached its lowest point since the beginning of the intifada; most incidents take place in Israeli occupied territory, very few come fr. Gaza. (ITV 6/13 in FBIS 6/15)

IDF changes requirements for Palestinian workers to enter Israel, rescinds permits of 4,000 single men under 30; henceforth only married men over 30 will be allowed in. PA protests. (MA 6/14 in FBIS 6/15)

IDF halts demolition of Palestinian house in East Jerusalem after clash btwn. troops, Palestinians injures 12. (QY 6/13 in FBIS 6/14; CSM, NYT 6/15; PR 6/18; MEI 6/23)

Settlers take over 13 abandoned buildings at Barquan, West Bank, begin laying water pipes and electrical lines. IDF calls action "possibly illegal" but does not halt it. (MM 6/13; NYT 6/15; WP 6/26)

In East Jerusalem, settlers open fire on home of Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini. (ITV 6/13, VOP 6/13, 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

In Lebanon, fighting btwn. pro-, anti-Arafat groups at `Ayn al-Hilwa erupts anew. 7 Palestinians, 1 Lebanese are killed, 20 Palestinians are wounded in the heavy exchange of mortar, rocket, and machine-gun fire. Lebanese army deploys troops around `Ayn al-Hilwa, camps nr. Tyre. (MM 6/13; AFP, VOL 6/13 in FBIS 6/13; QPAR, VOL 6/13, RL 6/14 in FBIS 6/14; MEI 7/21)

In Washington, several dozen orthodox rabbis meet with Congressmen, deliver 30,000 signatures fr. constituents urging an end to U.S. aid to PLO. (WP 6/14; MM 6/26)

PA, Egyptian-Palestinian Arab Contractors Co. signed contract for building 1st airport in Gaza. (PR 6/4)

In Gaza, FM Peres, Arafat discuss industrial parks. In a gesture of goodwill in light of land conflict, Peres increases number of Palestinians allowed to work in Israel to 35,000, says PA will be allowed to take over 8 more spheres (5 agreed upon 5/16 plus agriculture, census and statistics, local administration) before 7/1. (MM 5/22; IDF Radio, QY, VOP 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; NYT 5/23; PR 5/28)

PM Rabin suspends confiscation of 134 acres of land in Jerusalem, killing no-confidence vote brought by Arab and rightist MKs that could have collapsed the government (see 5/17). Arab nations postpone minisummit on Jerusalem (see 5/21). (MM 5/22; ESC Television, IDF Radio, MENA, QY, VOP 5/22, MA, MENA, QY, VOP 5/23 in FBIS 5/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/23; CSM, MM 5/24; WJW 5/25; MEI 5/26; PR 6/28; JP 6/3; WSJ 6/6; MEI 6/9)

FM Peres tells Arafat that Israel will loan the PA $125 m.--the sum Israel should hand over for tax collection on behalf of PA but cannot due to delays in Knesset legislation. (QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23)

PLO's Qaddumi meets with heads of Palestinian opposition groups in Damascus, incl. DFLP's Nayif Hawatmeh, Islamic Jihad's Fathi Shiqaqi, Palestinian National Grouping's (PNG) Bassam al-Shak'a, a Hamas rep. (RMC 5/23 in FBIS 5/24)

UNRWA Commissioner Gen. Ilter Türkman meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss UN activities in Gaza, Jericho. (UNRWA News 6/2)

IDF soldier opens fire on, throws grenades into Jaffa church, causing extensive damage but no casualties. 11 Palestinians are injured when clashes erupt outside church btwn. Palestinians, Israeli police. (ITV, QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; WT 5/23; MM, WT 5/24)

In Damascus, Egyptian FM Musa meets with Syrian FM al-Shara`, transmits message fr. Pres. Mubarak to Pres. al-Asad on bilateral coordination, consultation on peace process, regional issues. (SARR 5/2 in  FBIS 5/2; RE 3/2 in FBIS 3/3)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with EU delegation, U.S. Consul Gen. Edward Abington to discuss outcomes of Paris donor's mtg. 4/27-28. (VOP 5/3 in FBIS 5/4)

PA invites Canada, EC, Egypt, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Russia to participate in 1,000-mbr. elections observer force. Arafat opens Palestine Central Elections Comm. headquarters in Gaza. (ITV 3/2 in FBIS 3/3; JP 5/13)

PA says direct phone line btwn. Arafat, Rabin has been set up so they can make rapid decision as problems arise, esp. concerning IDF, police, border issues. (YA 5/3 in FBIS 5/4)

U.S. Amb. to the UN Albright meets with Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres, PA Local Government M Erakat, PA Information M `Abid Rabbu; discusses settlements, new U.S. trade ban on Iran, terrorism. Rabin gives support for U.S. dual containment policy; heads to Jordan for mtg. on peace process with Crown Prince Hassan. (WT 5/2; JP, QY 5/2 in FBIS 5/2; JTV, RJ, VOP 5/2 in FBIS 5/3; MM 5/3)

PA military court gives 1st death sentence to Palestinian police officer for killing 2d officer, gives him 14 days to appeal. (ITV 3/2 in FBIS 3/3; NYT 5/3; WT 5/15) (see 4/24)

Masked Israeli border policemen raid Makassed hospital in East Jerusalem in search of "Palestinian activists"; prevent ambulance workers fr. admitting patients. (WT 5/3)

Israel closes o.t. for 4 days, over Remembrance Day holiday. (QY 4/30 in FBIS 5/1)

AHLC meets in Paris. Israel, PA, donors sign agmt. recognizing for 1st time Israel's "right" to impose restrictive measures (incl. closure) to ensure security.  Comm. approves $60 m. to help cover PA's $136 m. deficit for rest of 1995, agrees to encourage financing for Gaza harbor, industrial parks. Israel says it will ease flow of goods fr. o.t. into Israel. (Currently only several dozen produce trucks are allowed to enter each day.) Kuwait announces $4 m. grant to PA. (MENA, QY 4/27, HA 4/28 in FBIS 4/28; CSM, MM, NYT 4/28; MM 5/1; MEI 5/12) (see 3/30, 4/4)

In largest confiscation in Jerusalem in 15 yrs, Israeli officials approve plan to take 134 acres of mostly Arab-owned land for new Jewish neighborhoods, police headquarters. Housing Min. anticipates 800-900 new apartments. Rabin says no-confiscation promise does not apply to East Jerusalem, he personally approved plan. Arafat criticizes Israelis for acting in bad faith, violating DOP. (QY 4/27 in FBIS 4/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 4/28; MM 5/1; CSM 5/2; WJW 5/4; JP 5/6; WJW 5/11)

In Washington, Syrian-Israeli talks end without progress. (MM 4/27)

In Cairo, PA, Israeli negotiators on elections agree to divide West Bank, Gaza in to 1,500 voting areas, schedule census to register all eligible voters and divide them among voting areas. Census would create 2 lists: one of Palestinians with ID cards, one without. Eligibility to vote for those without cards, those in East Jerusalem will be negotiated later. (HA 4/27 in FBIS 4/27)

PM Rabin tells cabinet IDF will reassign soldiers a 3 army bases in West Bank (Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah) to bases inside Green Line as 1st step of "pre-redeployment"; does not give timetable. Opposition criticizes decisions as a "surrender to terrorism." (MM 4/26; QY 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; MM, NYT, WT 4/27; CSM 4/28; JP 5/6)

Israeli Treasury Dept. says it will give PA $6.5 m. to help cover its $136 m. debt for FY 1995. (MM 4/27)

For 1st time, PA military court arrests PFLP mbr., tries and sentences him to 1 yr. in jail. In separate incident, PSF mbrs. raid offices of PFLP's al-Umma, confiscate equipment. (QPAR 4/26 in FBIS 4/27) (see 4/21)

IDF raids offices of Col. Rajub's PSF offices in Hebron, detains 7 PSF mbrs., confiscates cars, radios, other materials. Government officials say PSF is violating DOP by operating in West Bank. IDF later apologizes saying they raided offices "mistakenly" during an operation to locate stolen cars. (QY 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; YA 4/27 in FBIS 4/27)