The Palestine Chronology

Secy. of State Christopher meets in Damascus with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, who agrees to let U.S. investigators search for 7 Israelis missing in Lebanon and to grant exit permits to Syrian Jews by end 12/93. Christopher calls talks "positive and constructive," al-Asad's moves "important humanitarian gestures." U.S. agrees to allow Kuwait to transfer 3 U.S.-made aircraft to Syria in a relaxation of sanctions on Damascus. (NYT, WP, WT 12/6; NYT 12/7)

Israel-PLO talks in Cairo and al-'Arish, Sinai, on Palestinian autonomy resume. (WT 12/6)

Jordanian, Israeli govts. sign accord on economic cooperation, initialed by negotiators in Washington 12/1. (MM 12/7)

Palestinian grocer Talal al-Bakri, shot 12/4 in Hebron by settlers, dies. 5 settlers arrested in connection with killing. (NYT, WP, WT 12/6)

Israeli AG Ben-Yair calls settlers' council a "seditious" organization, while Ag. M. Yaacov Tsur calls 12/4 shooting of Talal al-Bakri an incident of "Jewish terror." (MM 12/6)

Armed Palestinian, Khalid Awad Shihada, attacks Israelis on suburban Tel Aviv bus, killing reserve IDF soldier before being killed himself. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for attack. Israelis demonstrate at attack site, some shouting "Death to Arabs!" (NYT, WP, WT 12/6)

Frmr. Israeli PM Shamir tells Zionist Organization of America mtg. in Baltimore that Israeli govt. has made a pact with "terrorists and murderers" in signing DoP, says agreement reflects "an Arab plan to destroy Israel in stages." (WT 12/7)

Israeli Border Police capture suspected armed Palestinian activist near al-Najah University, Nablus. In pursuit of 20 "wanted" armed activists, IDF demands that everyone leaving university submit to body search; 200 students barricade themselves inside the university. Army says activists entered the university following campus elections (which favored Fateh over Hamas, 11 to 0). Leaders Faisal Husseini and Sa'ib 'Urayqat travel to Nablus to calm the situation. (Qol Yisra'el 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Outgoing PM Shamir meets privately with PM Rabin, formally hands over prime ministership. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

Qalqiliya (W. Bank) Chamber of Commerce holds elections, PLO-identified National List wins 8 of 9 seats, Islamic List (Hamas) wins 1. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli undercover unit shoots dead "wanted" Fateh Black Panther activist near Janin, W. Bank. (MM 7/14)

Arab and Palestinian leaders and delegates reject Rabin's invitation in 7/13 speech for meeting in Jerusalem before positive concrete steps are taken by new govt., express cautious optimism about peace process. (NYT, WP 7/14, 15)

IDF fires incendiary shells into Nabatiyya area, S. Lebanon. Islamic Resistance attacks Israeli patrol, IDF resumes shelling "security zone" border villages of Jaru, 'Ayn Bu Siwar. (Radio Lebanon 7/14 in FBIS 7/15; Voice of the Oppressed 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Pres. Mubarak sends cable of congratulations to PM Rabin. (MENA 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

In Washington, PM Shamir discusses upcoming bilateral peace talks with Secy. of State Baker, expresses reservations about holding talks in Washington. Israel continues to push for holding talks in the Middle Est. (LAT 11/22)

Labor party adopts new party platform at its convention, dropping opposition to negotiations with PLO [see 11/19]. Platform also calls for one-year freeze on settlement building, recognizes Palestinian "national rights." But document states that Labor opposes creation of an independent Palestinian state, affirms that party does not oppose expansion of existing settlements. (MM 11/12; NYT 11/22)

Shamir, referring to creation of a Palestinian state, tells annual gathering of Council of Jewish Federations in Baltimore that there is "no room for two states in such a small area." Poll of Council members indicates 85% disagree with Shamir's policy of not surrendering any territory at all to Arabs as part of peace negotiations. (MM 11/21)

Debate breaks out in Lebanese parliament over UNIFIL's request that Lebanon withdraw army units deployed 11/18 in Tayr Diba, S. Lebanon. Most ministers argue army should remain to reestablish control over country. UNIFIL spokesman insists UNIFIL does not oppose this policy but merely seeks an orderly transfer of power. (MM 11/22)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Sharaa confirms Syria will attend peace conference but will not participate in subsequent talks on regional issues unless Israel displays willingness to withdraw from occupied Arab territories [see 9/26]. Al-Sharaa also states he will not shake hands with Israeli delegates at conference. (MEM, WP 10/17)

Tunisia, Morocco indicate they will take part in peace conference as observers. (MEM 10/17)

Secy. of State Baker travels to Jerusalem, holds discussions with PM Shamir, Palestinian negotiators. Talks with Palestinians centered on Palestinian delegation to peace conference. Two sides continue to disagree over Israeli demand that such a delegation not include Palestinians from East Jerusalem, a demand which Baker has urged Palestinian negotiators to accede to in order that the Palestinians not be left out of the peace process. (WP 10/17)

PLO delegation in Amman reportedly reaches agreement with Jordanian government over composition of joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation under joint leadership of King Hussein and Chmn. Arafat. But Jordanian government states it has discussed the issue not with the PLO but "people from the occupied territories" in effort to stem Israeli objections to PLO role in choosing Palestinian delegates. (MEM 10/16; WP 10/17)

PLO Central Comm. meets in Tunis to discuss Palestinian participation in peace conference. (WP 10/17)

Clandestine al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio reports statement has been issued in o.t. by PFLP-GC, Hamas, Fateh-Revolutionary Council [Abu Nidal], Islamic Jihad, Mujahid Islamic Trend, and Fateh-Uprising [Abu Musa] rejecting "conference of humiliation." (al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio 10/16, in FBIS 10/17)

Israeli military court sentences Shaykh Aimad Yasin, founder of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), to life imprisonment for ordering the deaths of several alleged Palestinian collaborators. Yasin was arrested in May 1989. (NYT 10/17)

British hostage Jack Mann released by Revolutionary Justice Organization in Beirut amid indications that pace of comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange may be quickening. (NYT 9/25)

Soviet FM Boris Pankin repeats Pres. Bush's 9/23 call for UN General Assembly to repeal "Zionism-racism" resolution. (NYT 9/25)

PFLP Gen. Secy. George Habash and Nayif Hawatma, lead attack on conditions of participation in peace conference at PNC meeting and are poised to stop Fateh's strategy of having the PNC avoid deciding on whether or not to attend but instead leaving the decision to the PLO Exec. Comm. (MEM 9/24, Radio Monte Carlo 9/24 in FBIS 9/25)

At a ceremony dedicating Tzur Yigal, a new Israeli town being built in Israel just across the "green line" separating Israel proper from the West Bank, Israeli health min. Ehud Olmert declares that the border between the two areas is "dead." The town is being built as part of the "seven stars" project designed some two years ago which aimed to build seven new towns on Israeli side of the "green line" which would eventually spread into the West Bank, effectively erasing the border. Prime Min. Shamir later told Israeli television that "the 'green line' doesn't exist." (NYT, WP 9/25)

In New York, Lebanese pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi, Prime Min. 'Umar Karami, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hussein al-Husseini meet with Pres. Bush to discuss Lebanese demand that Israel withdrawal from S. Lebanon, as called for in UN Security Council Resolution 425, will be treated separately from question of Israeli withdrawal from Arab territories it occupied in 1967. In comments to the press shortly before meeting with al-Hirawi, Bush states U.S. cannot unilaterally pressure Israel to withdraw. (MEM 9/25)

U.S. administration denies Secy. of State Baker linked future U.S. decision to grant Israel loan guarantees with freeze of Israel settlement building, stating reporters erred when reporting on Baker's 9/17 meeting with PM Shamir, but denial does little to assuage Israeli leaders, who were angered by the comment. (WP 9/19)

After arriving in Damascus, Baker is warned by Syrian FM al-Sharaa that U.S. loan guarantees to Israel would affect Arabs' attitude toward peace process. Baker also delivers draft U.S. assurances on the peace conference, including pledge to Syria that U.S. considers UN resolutions calling for Israeli withdrawal from the o.t. applied to "all fronts," including the Golan Heights. (WP, MEM 9/19)

Informed sources indicate secret U.S.- PLO talks carried out in Amman by PLO Exec. Comm. Mbr. Mahmud Abbas (Abu Mazin) and three officials from U.S. state department. Talks reportedly centered on Palestinian participation in peace talks. Americans reportedly tell Abbas that U.S. hopes PNC meeting in Algiers will allow Chmn. Arafat to authorize such participation and that Palestinians' only chance for representations as part of a joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation. (MEM 9/23)

In Amman, PNC Speaker Shaykh 'Abd al-Hamid al-Sa'ih states Israel has rejected a UN request  to allow PNC delegates living in o.t. permission to travel to Algiers to attend PNC meeting. PLO had earlier requested UN assistance in arranging Israeli permission. (Radio Jordan 9/18 in FBIS 9/18)

Al-Sa'ih also announces that PNC members Edward W. Said and Ibrahim Abu-Lughod, both professors at American universities, have resigned from PNC for personal reasons. (Radio Monte Carlo 9/18 in FBIS 9/19)

U.S. Defense Secy. Richard Cheney signs 10-year U.S.-Kuwaiti defense agreement with Kuwaiti Def. Min. Shaykh 'Ali al-Sabah in Washington. (MEM 9/20)

Allied forces seize more than 500 Iraqi prisoners in 2 days of clashes near the Saudi town of Khafji; allies continue to bomb Iraqi positions along Saudi-Kuwaiti border [LAT, NYT, WT, WP, MEM 2/2].

Marines report that some of 12 U.S. casu- alties of 1/31 fighting may have been killed by friendly fire [LAT, NYT, MEM, WP 2/2].

IDF artillery again shells PLO targets north of S. Lebanese "security zone" [IDF 2/1 in FBIS 2/1; MEM 2/1; NYT, WP 2/2].

UNLU issues intifada call no. 67, "The Call of Steadfastness and Defiance" [AVP 2/2 in FBIS 2/4].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz sends letter to UN Sec.- Gen. Perez de Cuellar decrying allied bomb- ing of civilian targets; Aziz complains that previous letter of 1/24 was ignored [BADS 2/4 in FBIS 2/4; NYT 2/5].

P.M. Shamir signs coalition agreement with Moledet faction, terms of which provide for Rehavam Zeevi, who has openly called for "transfer" of Arabs out of Israel and the o.t. to be named minister without portfolio (cf. 2/3) [NYT 2/2; JTS 2/1 in FBIS 2/4].

State Dep't.'s annual report on human rights says Iraq's "abysmal record" of violations worsened during 1990; report also criticizes Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and Kuwait. State Dep't. also "remains concerned about continuing violence, death and injuries on both sides" of Israeli-Palestinian conflict [MEM 2/1; NYT, WP 2/2]. 

Pres. Mubarak meets with U.S. Senate delegation headed by Robert Dole (R-KS) and including Nunn (D-GA), Warner (R-VA), Garn (R-UT), D'Amato (R-NY), Nickles (R- OK), Symms (R-ID), and Mack (R-FL)
[MENA 8/28 in FBIS 8/28]; Sen. Nunn calls for more Arab military involvement in Gulf [WP 8/28].

Saddam meets with Arafat at Arafat's residence in Baghdad to discuss Gulf crisis [BADS 8/27 in FBIS 8/28]; PLO reports Arafat and Saddam have agreed on plan to solve Gulf crisis within Arab framework [MET 9/4].

Sources says P.M. Shamir is "concerned" and "astonished" over Washington's refusal as of yet to give Israel $400 million in loan guarantees for housing Soviet immigrants. U.S. wants assurances that no immigrants will be settled beyond the green line [HAM 8/27 in FBIS 8/28].

Jerusalem Post reports Gaza lawyers are informed by Civil Admin. that all prisoners under age 16 will be released from detention centers [JPD 8/28 in FBIS 8/30].

Bush admin. expels 36 of Iraq's 55 embassy staffers in Washington, urges 34 other nations with embassies in Kuwait to take similar steps [LAT, WT, WP 8/28; MEM 8/29; MET 9/11].

State Dep't white paper supports Israeli charges that Libya gave "crucial support" to PLF attempted raid on 5/30, but concludes the operation was directed primarily at Tel Aviv beaches and not at military targets, as Israel had claimed [LAT 8/28].

U.S. warships in Gulf halt but do not board 2 Iraqi cargo vessels in 1st test of naval blockade; allow vessels to sail on after ascertaining ships carried no cargo [NYT 8/18].

State Dep't reports Iraqi officials have moved 35 Americans from Baghdad hotel to another hotel where communications with U.S. diplomats have been cut off [NYT 8/18].

1,000 Iranian prisoners, held by Iraq since Iraq-Iran war, are released under supervision of Red Cross [INA 8/17 in FBIS 8/17].

Citizen's Rights Movement MK Yossi Sarid, who supports Palestinian state in O.T., writes in HaAretz: "If it is permissible to support Saddam Hussein, who murdered tens of thousands of 'opponents of the regime' . . . perhaps it is not so terrible to back the policies of Shamir, Sharon, and Rabin. In comparison with Saddam Hussein's crimes, the Israeli government's sins are as white as the driven snow" [MEM 8/17; WP 9/1].

Israeli Pres. Chaim Herzog, speaking on Israeli radio, charges that the world has overfocused on Arab-Israeli conflict, and lost sight of more dangerous issues in the Middle East; he blames media for ignoring "bloodshed in the Arab world" [MEM 8/17].

PLO's Salah Khalaf says in interview that PLO is not pro-Iraqi, but pro-Arab, and seeks an Arab solution to the problem [MEM 8/17].

Israeli troops shoot dead 2 guerrillas in Israel's self-declared "security zone" in S. Lebanon [MET 8/28]. 

Responding to Gorbachev's 6/3 statement, Yitzhak Shamir defends right of Soviet Jews to live in O.T., saying democracy cannot limit where people live [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 6/5]; Palestinians and other Arab officials welcome Gorbachev's statement [KUNA 6/4 in FBIS 6/6; NYT 6/5].

U.S. officials say they would like U.S.-PLO dialogue to remain open, but would suspend it if Arafat does not discipline Abul Abbas or condemn 5/30 attempted attack on Israel, U.S. also threatens to veto Arab calls to move UN Gen.Assembly to Geneva to hear Arafat speak; at the same time, U.S. decides to give Arafat more time to acquiesce [NYT, WP, WT 6/5]. Threat of loss of U.S.-PLO dialogue is causing little distress among Palestinian leaders [CSM 6/5].

Explaining recent PLO shift in diplomatic focus from Egypt to Iraq, PLO Exec. Committee member Abdullah Jourani says "maybe [then] the Americans will try to understand us better. Maybe they will try to understand we are not ready to surrender" [WP 6/5].

PLO receives from Iraq $25 million in urgent aid to support intifada over and above regular monthly aid from Iraq [WAKH 6/3 in FBIS 6/4].

April 1988 survey by Israeli sociologist Sammy Smooha, released today, finds that majority of Jews in Israel "regard the Israeli Arabs as a hostile minority...and their attitudes and behaviors not as a legitimate dissent but rather as subversion"; 57% of respondents favored denying Israeli Arabs right to vote in national elections [FJ 6/11].

Third Soviet-Arab dialogue conference opens in Moscow; discussions involve Soviet Jewish emigration [TASS 6/ 4]. 

In letter dated 5/29, Yitzhak Shamir appeals to Mikhail Gorbachev not to bow to Arab pressure and curtail Jewish emigration to Israel. Shamir adds that Israel does not have policy of "directing" immigrants to O.T. [WP 6/26].

Saana Voice of Palestine broadcasts text of letter written by UNLU to members of Arab League summit in Baghdad calling for League to fully support PLO [SVP 5/29 in FBIS 6/4].

Israeli troops in S.Lebanon "security zone" shoot, kill unidentified person [JDS 5/29 in FBIS 5/29].

Demonstrations in Jordan over the past week, particularly in Baaqa refugee camp, reflect growing frustration at stalled peace process and increasing popularity of return to military option [MET 5/29].

Violent disturbances continue throughout O.T., spread into Israel [NYT, WP, WIT 5/22]; IDF sends reinforcements to Gaza to quell disturbances; at least 4 Gazans are killed in clashes [JDS 5/21, 5/22 in FBIS 5/22; NYT 5/22]; marches and clashes take place in Nazareth, Lod, Bayt Hanina [JDS, IDF 5/21 in FBIS 5/22]; Arab sources report 151 injuries in Gaza, 15 in W.Bank [HAA 5/22 in FBIS 5/22]; Israeli Arabs hold one-day strike to protest killings [FJ 5/ 28]. UNLU issues special pamphlet in response to 5/20 killings; calls for 3-day strike beginning today, one-week boycott of work in Israel UDS 5/21 in FBIS 5/ 21].

UN Sec. General Javier Perez de Cuellar issues statement condemning 5/20 killings, urges that "appropriate steps be taken to enable the Palestinians to feel secure" [MEM 5/22].

In Amman, 2 Arabs armed with revolver, knife, attack bus of French tourists; 10 wounded [PDS 5/21 in FBIS 5/ 21; MEM 5/21; WP, NYT 5/22; FJ 5/28]; one attacker is arrested [RMC, ADS 5/21 in FBIS 5/21]; thousands of demonstrators march through Amman condemning 5/20 killings [RMC 5/21 in FBIS 5/22].

Arafat announces his intention to speak before special UN Sec. Council session requested by PLO, denounces Amman attack [WAKH 5/21 in FBIS 5/ 22; AVP 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; NYT 5/22].

Greece and Israel sign agreement establishing diplomatic relations [WAKH, JDS 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; MEM 5/22]; Greece simultaneously upgrades relations with PLO, says it does not recognize Israeli annexation and occupation of Palestinian territory after 1967 war [NYT 5/ 22].

Knesset approves more than $17 million requested by Shamir for new roads and settlements in O.T. [NYT 5/22; MET 5/29].

Israeli Communist Party begins 21st Congress, strongly criticizes Israeli policies toward peace process and Soviet Jewish immigration to Israel [FJ 6/4].

Bulldozers, under IDF guard, begin clearing ground near Alon in the W. Bank for new Israeli settlement [WT 4/ 26; JDS 4/25 in FBIS 4/26].

Hussein Musawi, Hizballah leader, urges groups not to release any U.S. hostages because of ill will on part of U.S., says release of Robert Pohill was met by House vote recognizing united Jerusalem as Israel's capital [NYT, LAT, WT 4/26].

U.S. House 4/24 resolution evokes sharp criticism from PLO, most Arab gov'ts. [MENA, ADS, DDS 4/25 in FBIS 4/26].

Arab diplomats ask Cyprus's parliament to restrict Soviet Jewish emigrants from using Cypriot ports as they travel to Israel [WT 4/26].

As first Eastern European leader to visit Israel, Czech Pres. Vaclav Havel briefs interim P.M. Shamir on meeting Havel had with PLO Chrmn. Arafat, offers help in mediating between Israel and the Palestinians [WP 4/26].

According to Washington Times, new gov't. of Nicaragua has asked Mossad, Israeli intelligence service, to reorganize Sandinista intelligence apparatus [WT 4/ 25].

Pro-Israeli supporters question Thomas Dine's criticism of Israeli gov't., speculating Dine was trying to help AIPAC with its critics in U.S. [WT 4/26].

Israeli soldier throws stun grenade at Swiss Red Cross worker in W. Bank camp near Ramallah [MET 5/8-14].

Israeli "There Is A Limit" movement reports 108 IDF regulars and reservists have been jailed for refusing to serve in O.T. [HAM 4/25 in FBIS 4/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 80 leading Palestinians from O.T. issue statement rejecting Shamir's call for elections in territories, calling on Israel to negotiate with PLO, attend international peace conference [NYT, LAT 4/27]. General strike is observed throughout O.T. [FJ 5/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm camp troops shoot, kill 8-year-old Palestinian; 7 Palestinians are wounded at funeral. In Sabra troops open fire, kill 16-year-old Palestinian, wound 9 during demonstration. Troops shoot, kill 14-year-old Palestinian in Beach camp. In al-Shaja'iyah 14 Palestinians are wounded during protests [FBIS 4/27, FJ 5/1]. At Ansar 3 guards open fire with rubber bullets, tear gas and wound 5 during protest [FBIS 4/27].

Arab World: According to Beirut radio, IDF, SLA kill 8 Arabs in al-Qawzah [FBIS 4/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli P.M. Shamir says he hopes to start peace talks with Arab governments, Palestinians in next 2 months; he expects Egypt to broker the talks [NYT 12/30]. While touring northern settlements IDF chief of staff Shomron states that recent wave of attempted border infiltrations are being carried out by groups seeking to undermine Arafat [NYT 12/30]. Shamir says infiltrations are encouraged by U.S. decision to open talks with PLO [LAT 12/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza City troops shoot, kill 2 Palestinians during what IDF describes as pre-emptive raid to arrest firebombers [NYT 12/30]. In Nablus at least 5 Palestinians are injured during clashes with soldiers. Troops fire tear gas to break up demonstrations in E. Jerusalem. Clashes in Burayj leave several Palestinians injured [FJ 1/2].

Arab World: Israeli helicopter gunships attack Amal positions in S. Lebanon in retaliation for attempted border infiltrations; UN officials state that 8 Arabs are wounded in attack [LAT 12/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli F. M. Peres calls for dismantling existing settlements, demilitarizing Gaza Strip [CSM 12/8]. Jabalya preparatory school reopens after military-ordered closure [FJ 12/13]. Administration of Tulkarm's Khadduri College closes school indefinitely pending resolution of dispute between students and administration [FJ 12/13]. Palestinian American activist Mubarak 'Awad requests meeting with P. M. Shamir [CSM 12/8].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar and Arab representatives protest U.S. congressional attempt to close PLO observer mission to UN [NYT 12/8]. PLO envoy Khalil al-Wazir arrives in Warsaw for 3-day visit [FJ 12/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers open fire on Palestinian vehicle approaching check point near Dhahriyyah; 1 Palestinian is injured [FJ 12/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Justice Ministry clears P.M. Shamir of complicity in the 1984 killing of 2 captured Arab bus hijackers and subsequent cover-up [NYT 12/29]. Journalist Akram Haniyyah is deported to Algeria by way of Geneva [FJ 1/9; LAT 12/29]. Mordechai Vanunu pleads innocent to charges of treason and espionage [LAT, NYT 12/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot and wound 2 Palestinians in Ramallah during series of violent demonstrations protesting Akram Haniyyah's expulsion [LAT, NYT 12/29].

Arab World: Beirut refugee camp battles between Amal and PLO leave at least 4 dead, 27 wounded [BG 12/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres rejects pressure from Labor Party Central Committee to break 1984 agreement with Likud bloc to rotate offices with Foreign Minister Shamir, due to take place in October [NYT, MG 3/24].

Arab World: East Jerusalem newspaper al-Mithaq reports Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad has outlined terms under which he would be willing to begin dialogue with Fateh organization: (1) PLO must issue statement in Arafat's name praising Syrian army's role in 1982 Lebanon war; (2) statement must contain apology for media campaign PLO has conducted against Syria since its evacuation from Beirut; (3) statement must praise Syria's rejection of "capitulatory" solutions to M.E. conflict, affirm Syria's efforts to prevent cantonization of Lebanon; (4) statement must criticize "reactionary" Arab efforts to pressure PLO to accept UN Security Council Resolution 242 [JP 3/24]. Yasir Arafat states it is up to the U.S. to break the deadlock in M.E. peace efforts that followed the collapse of Jordanian efforts to bring the Palestinians into the talks with Israel [BG 3/24]. Arafat states he has sent new proposals for a M.E. peace settlement to the U.S., awaits a response [PI 3/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli security authorities seal 1 house and 3 rooms belonging to 4 residents of Tulkarm accused of throwing fire bombs at Israeli vehicles [JP 3/7].

Arab World: Israeli journalist Uri Avneri is expelled from Jordan to Egypt after reportedly holding contacts with Jordanian and PLO officials in Amman; Avneri retums to Israel, states he met with senior Jordanian and Palestinian personalities, including at least 1 cabinet minister and PNC members, denies he was expelled. (Avneri's trip was approved by P.M. Peres, Foreign Minister Shamir, and Defense Minister Rabin) [JP 3/7; WP 3/8]. Syrian Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shar' concludes 2 days of apparently unproductive talks in England with senior British officials; he states in press conference that Israel is main obstacle to peace in the M.E., that Syria allows Abu Nidal group to maintain political press office in Damascus but it "has nothing to do with violence" [WP, MG, LT 3/6].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA soldier is killed by roadside bomb; Israelis kill 2 Arab guerrillas in S. Lebanon "security zone"; Lebanese security sources say Israeli troops kill 1 farmer, injure another in raid outside "security zone" [MG 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prime Minister Peres announces last stage of IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon will be completed by 6 June; but unspecified number of soldiers will remain in "security zone" [NYT 6/3]. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Samuel Lewis ends 8-year tour of duty [JTA 6/3]. Council of Jewish Settlements in West Bank calls for official action to deport Palestinians released 20 May [JTA 6/3]. Council Chair Yisrael Har'el says harassment tactics used againsthem by settlers igenerating sympathy for Palestinians among some Israelis. Wives of Jewish underground defendants end 13-day hunger strike after receiving order from rabbi to desist and assurances Knesset bill will be introduced to grant defendants clemency. Defendants tell court attempted Temple Mount sabotage was intended only "to frighten," not kill. Summer visiting season for relatives to West Bank residents begins. 2,500 visitors will be allowed to cross Allenby Bridge per day, up from 1,250; 1,100 over Damiya Bridge, up from 800 [JP 6/3]. Israeli settlers in West Bank and Gaza meet at Pesagot near Ramallah to discuss how to torpedo the envisaged peace talks with Jordan and how to force out of the country Arabs freed May 20 [JP 6/3]. Rejecting Hussein Plan and U.S. overtures, Shamir and Likud want direct talks with non-PLO/PNC-Jordanian or Jordanian-Palestinian delegation. Peres and Labor party take "wait and see" position on delegation that includes PNC members.

Arab Countries: Red Cross evacuates 29 from Burj al-Barajinah [FT 6/3]. 93 Palestinians taken to hospitals in Druze-held mountain town of Shuwayfat. Shi'a militiamen take 5 Palestinians from ambulances, later let them be evacuated.

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz sends message to P. M. Peres seeking Israeli backing for projected American talks with Jordanian-Palestinian delegation as step toward direct talks with Israel [NYT 6/3]. U.S. accepts PNC representation idelegation. Shultz says he is glad PLO has accepted UN resolutions 242 and 338 but says U.S. needs public statement before considering talking to PLO [JTA 6/3]. He opposes Hussein's proposal of Soviet participation in peace talks. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Police discover huge cache of weapons, including 107 grenades, 80 loaded magazines, mines, anti-tank bazooka shells and several dozen kilos of explosives in evacuated Palestinian village of Lifta near Jerusalem; suspected to be linked with "TNT" cells. MK Tsaban's motion to establish a committee of inquiry into the invasion of Lebanon defeated in Knesset vote (42-33). PM Shamir accuses Egypt of "tretreating from the Camp David framework, " citing Egypt's failure to return its ambassador to Israel. MK Rabin says PLO operations against Israel were "child's play" compared to Shi'ite "terror" against IDF in S. Lebanon. Chief of Staff Levy tells Foreign Affairs & Defense Com. 2,000 [Palestinian] "terrorists" have returned to Beirut, and IDF withdrawal from S. Lebanon would not guarantee Israel secure borders. 4 American-Israeli youths arrested for last Sunday's attack on Arab bus near Ramallah. 5 Galilee Palestinians arrested on prima facie evidence of membership in religiousnationalist organization that may have set fire to 30 vehicles in recent months. Nablus mayor Shaka'a rejects military authorities' conditions placed on his travel permit to US.

Other Countries: US amb. to OAS Middendorf affirms US and Israel have mutual strategic interests in Central America where a battle is being waged by "atheistic Communism to destroy our 'Judeo-Christian civilization'." "Moral Majority" leader Jerry Falwell reaffirms support for Israel before group at Herzl Institute, NY, stating Israel's best friends in US are "Bible-believing Christians" and US should not have interrupted Israel's "liberation" of Lebanon from Syrian and PLO "slavery." Rev. Jesse Jackson's US presidential campaign staff compile evidence of "hounding" by some Jewish-American organizations.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Israelis killed and 9 wounded in booby-trapped bomb explosion on bus near Ashdod; Abu Nidal's PDFLP-GC in Damascus claims responsibility; 150 Arab men rounded up as suspects.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon and Shamir address US and Canadian Jews at Israel Bonds conference, both reject Reagan plan, cite differences with US on Lebanon, raise 5 conditions (1. no PLO guerrillas or political operatives, nor any forces in Lebanon from countries without relations with Israel; 2. PLO forces leave Lebanon first, then Israelis and Syrians simultaneously; 3. security zone in South patrolled by Saad Haddad; 4. within security zone, 3 temporary Israeli anti-terror supervision stations, with 250 IDF each, until Lebanese security police sufficiently strong to take over anti-terror operations; 5. Lebanon and Israel estab- lish peaceful, normal relations including open borders and trade).

Arab Governments: President Mubarak arrives in US, after stopping off in Paris for talks with Foreign Minister Cheysson, where he will meet with Reagan, Shultz, Weinberger, Habib, members of Congress, Jewish leaders, and US officials, plans to ask for increase in US aid from $1.3 billion to $1.7 billion.

US and Other Countries: Senior Reagan aide denies plans to suspend US aid or arms deliveries to Israel; in London Court, 2 Jordanians and 1 Iraqi plead not guilty to attack on Israeli Ambassador Argov last June.

Military Action:

Syrian soldiers ambushed near border, setting off clashes in Tripoli; sectarian kidnappings touch off artillery, rocket duels in Souk al-Gharb and Aitat, IDF fires warning shots in attempts to stop fighting, IDF APCs move through Aley streets, proclaim curfew; US Marines to expand patrols to include Yarze section of Beirut-Damascus road.

Casualties:

Tripoli casualties are 16 dead, 59 wounded; 6 killed in Chouf fighting, 4 Syria soldiers killed, 11 wounded in ambush.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon, in New York, says Israel is close to a secdrity arrangement with Lebanon; Commission makes public Begin's letter in which he declines to reappear, and asserts he had "no grounds" to expect massacre, asserts Phalange entered camps to deal with estimated 2,000 PLO guerrillas remaining in camps-though Phalange let into camps numbered only 100-200; Shamir, and Yaron notify Commission they intend to submit written memoranda but not testify further; Drori, who plans to reappear before Commission, and Yaron reportedly retain lawyers; others request extension of time and Commission gives them until December 15; Israeli testimony indicates only two Phalange killed during massacre.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat rejects Jordanian trusteeship role, says Hussein cannot represent Palestinians in peace negotiations; former Lebanese Prime Minister Karame appeals to Syrian President Assad to help stop fighting.

Arab Governments: Egypt urges US allies to pressure US to secure IDF withdrawal from Lebanon.

US and Other Countries: After meeting with Reagan and senior policy makers, Habib warns early withdrawal of foreign troops from Lebanon not likely, prepares to return to Mideast in renewe4 effort to bring about troop withdrawals; US Jewish groups warn Begin he may lose their support, but oppose using US aid to pressure his government; Honduran official says Sharon signed arms agreement, reportedly involving sale of Kfir jets; Thatcher sends envoy on secret visit to Morocco, raising hopes for ending crisis in UK/Arab relations.

Military Action:

IDF jeeps and APCs come under RPG attack near Shuweifat; artillery, machine gun exchanges between Druze and Phalange in Aley, IDF rushes 50 APCs and tanks, 500 troops to area, imposes curfew and cuts traffic between Chouf villages; IDF forces withdraw from Yarze area housing Lebanese Army command and home of US Ambassador Dillon.

Casualties:

UNRWA begins distributing cement and stoves in Ain el-Hilweh; 1 attacker killed, 1 IDF soldier wounded in Shuweifat.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon tells Knesset committee Israel will withdraw to 40 miles above border only after PLO and Syria withdraw troops and Israeli prisoners are returned, but will stay there until Lebanon signs security agreement allowing direct IDF involvement in security arrangements; Shamir tells US Jewish leaders in Israel that multinational peacekeeping force is unnecessary for ensuring safety of South Lebanon; Jerusalem Post poll shows Sharon support dropping since massacre; Commission of Inquiry interviews Yiram Yair, IDF commander in area of camps during massacre, behind closed doors; Statistics Bureau puts price rise at 106 percent since start of year, and inflation rate may reach 138 percent by end of year; two week old memo revealed which ordered Israeli military governors to "neutralize to the maximum" pro-Jordanian elements among West Bank Arabs and to step up support for Village Leagues, in apparent attempt to block options for peace settlement involving Jordan; Likud MK Dror Zeigerman says government initiative in issuing memo would imply plan for ultimate annexation of occupied territories, and warns such a plan would turn the West Bank into "Israel's Viet Nam"; Peace Now issues statement condemning Civil Administrator for implementing "corrupt colonialist policies"; heads of Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian churches in Jerusalem threaten to close holy places over Christmas unless expulsion order against Armenian Deputy Patriarch Karanjian is rescinded, but Interior Ministry refuses to reveal basis for decision to not renew visa; Tehiya Party, at annual meeting, demands that Israel annex West Bank and Gaza; Nahal plans five outposts, three settlements in West Bank in coming year; Bethlehem University student council leader put under town arrest for six months.

US and Other Countries: French President Mitterrand, in Paris meeting, tells Arab League delegation headed by King Hussein that Arabs and PLO should recognize Israel; State Department issues unusually strong 2 page statement that Israel's deportation of teachers from West Bank universities (which are partly funded by US foreign aid) undermines peace negotiations.

Military Action:

US Marines in Lebanon celebrate Corp's 207th birthday; IDF ends first large-scale military exercises since Lebanon invasion.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Commission of Inquiry hears testimony of IDF officers in closed session and investigators interview soldiers and Israeli reporters; Shamir charges Egypt with peace treaty violations, says it courts PLO and allows domestic anti-Semitic campaign; Civil Administration orders a Jordanian and 2 US lecturers at Birzeit Univ. to stop teaching and leave area after they refuse to sign anti-PLO pledge; World Zionist Organization announces plans to double number of Jewish settlers in West Bank in 1983, and by 2010 to total of 1.4 million.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, interviewed in Tunisia, says US is partly to blame for Beirut massacres and shows unofficial negotiating documents with US written guarantees of security for camps, also says 3,000 Palestinians and 2,000 Lebanese prisoners released so far.

Arab Governments: Egypt strengthening defensive positions in Sinai; Egyptian Defense Minister Ghazala calls for "unified Arab strategy" to meet threat of Israel; King Hussein, in interview, says he backs Reagan peace proposals but wants US to gain concessions from Israel before he will join peace talks.

US and Other Countries: US officials concede Arafat's statements on US guarantees, says US accepted only oral commitments from Israelis and Phalange on safety of camps; Representative Lee Hamilton (D-IN) meets with West Bank and Gaza mayors in Jerusalem.

Military Action:

Bazooka rocket fired at IDF positions near Yanta in Bekaa; new clashes between Phalange and Jumblatt forces in Chouf; IDF imposes curfew; Phalangists, Muslims, Lebanese Army charge IDF with fomenting trouble to perpetuate its presence in area; State Department and US Marine contingent spokesman announce US infantrymen in four-man jeep patrols to enter East Beirut tomorrow at request of Gemayel, Lebanese Forces indicate they will acquiesce.

Casualties:

One IDF soldier wounded in crossfire and 10 Lebanese killed, 18 wounded in Chouf region; first tents erected for refugees at Ain el-Hilweh camp near Sidon; Lebanese farmers, merchants and members of Parliament complain of Israeli economic warfare charge Israel is "dumping" over $1 million/month of cheap fruits, vegetables, textiles and canned goods on Lebanese market, avoiding customs and possibly isolating Lebanon from traditional Arab markets.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir meets Draper, rejects participation in peacekeeping forces by Morocco and other countries that do not have relations with Israel, but would welcome Egyptian soldiers; West Bank Palestinians protest 65th anniversary of Balfour Declaration with rock throwing, tire burning, waving Palestinian flag; Israeli troops fire tear gas in Nablus, erect barricades in Rafah; two refugee camps under curfew suffer water and food shortages; Israeli envoy, speaking at Houston B'nai Brith meeting, claims 7,000 PLO guerrillas who were evacuated from Beirut have returned to Lebanon; public opinion poll indicates Likud gains, Labor loses popularity.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel returns from Morocco; Prime Minister Wazzan asks Parliament for emergency powers for 8 months to revise tax laws, increase treasury resources, reform civil service, citizenship and parliamentary election laws and links requested vote of confidence to approval of emergency powers; Wazzan again criticizes Israel for continued occupation of South Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Mubarak says he is willing to meet Begin anywhere to discuss disputes between their two countries, indicates Egypt has offered to buy disputed Taba hotel.

US and Other Countries: US announces military training teams, including 60 officers, will serve in Lebanon on temporary basis, and a small "security assistance office," staffed out of US European Command, will oversee upgrading of Lebanese forces; Pentagon officials estimate $135 million is available to Lebanon in cash and credits, and aid package includes 24 APCs and 12 155-mm artillery guns; State Department says no Moroccan troops would be added to peace-keeping force at least until after agreement on withdrawal of foreign forces.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army moves into Chouf replacing Israelis; IDF, reluctant to leave, keeps two tanks, squad of soldiers in Kfar Matta; Norwegian UNIFIL units set up post in Haddad militia's area of operation, prompting exchange of gunfire; IDF attacked by bazooka and light weapons east of Doha and at IDF roadblock near Sil, south of Beirut; Syrian radio reports IDF reinforcing armor units in Bekaa, a few miles south of Beirut-Damascus highway.

Casualties:

One IDF soldier wounded by bazooka fire east of Doha; 300 West Beirut residents spontaneously protest rumor of Lebanese Army withdrawal from their neighborhood.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Foreign Minister Shamir returns from 3-week visit to US; Israeli Ambassador Moshe Arens says US approved Israeli weapons, spare parts sales to Iran in attempt to make contacts in Iranian military that could be used to bring down Khomeini government; Israel reportedly agrees to provide arms and counter-insurgency training to Costa Rica; former Mossad head Meir Amit says net results of invasion are negative ("We've encouraged anti-Semitism,... highlighted the Palestinian problem instead of solving it" and by hitting PLO too hard, increased Arab solidarity); IDF mental health unit report indicates high mental illness rate among Israelis fighting in Lebanon (23 percent of total Israeli wounded are suffering psychiatric injuries, double "normal" wartime rate; 78 percent of 600 affected men are reservists).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel returns home, calling trip a success (government announces US has agreed to equip 7,500 of 28,000-man Lebanese Army, France has pledged $86 million in military equipment); Salam, in interview, accuses Sharon of arming Phalange and Druze to promote sectarian tension in Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Arab League delegation headed by Moroccan King Hassan (with Foreign Ministers of Morocco, Syria, Algeria, Jordan, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia) meets with Reagan for 3 hours and later with State Department, stresses only PLO agreement will enable Jordan to play negotiating role for West Bank; US officials refuse to meet with PLO representative Khalid al-Hassan who is accompanying Arab League delegation.

US and Other Countries: Reagan urges Arab League delegation to begin direct negotiation with Israel to achieve Palestinian rights; Shultz tells delegation simultaneous Israeli-PLO recognition" moot as Israel totally rejects idea; Hassan's use of word "coexistence" seen by US officials as implying Arab recognition of Israel; Jewish medical team, back in Britain after visiting 4 refugee camps. in Lebanon, says Palestinians want to be more self-reliant but Israelis are preventing them from rebuilding homes, reorganizing health services.

UN: Britain blocks move to bar Israel from UN-sponsored International Telecommunications Union at Nairobi meeting; Arab states at UN agree to postpone efforts to expel Israel from General Assembly.

Militarv Action:

Lebanese Army announces 200 tons of munitions uncovered in first 2 days of security sweep; Lebanese Army tanks accompany bulldozers into squatter neighborhood of Haret al-Gharwami on edge of Burj al-Barajneh camp, encounter resistance from Shiite Muslim residents.

Casualties:

2 wounded in Army-Shiite confrontation in Haret al-Gharwami; Shiite group Amal charges that Lebanese government plans to remove as many as 300,000 squatters in West Beirut area, forcing them to return to south Lebanon and Bekaa; Israeli Government figures indicate $20 m. worth of Israeli goods exported to Lebanon.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon blames US for failure of Lebanon and Israel to work out treaty; reports that Israel has asked US for $3 billion in economic and military aid for FY 1983-4 (equals $770 for every Israeli; officials deny they are asking US to share war costs); Israel reaffirms that PLO must leave Lebanon before IDF will withdraw (contradicts Shamir statement at UN on willingness to consider simultaneous withdrawal of all forces); Israeli sentenced to 3 1/2 years in jail for looting in Lebanon.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Draper returns to Beirut from Israel for talks with government on troop withdrawals; Amal leader Nabih Berri meets Gemayel to discuss squatter evictions, seeks government help to resettle them in areas not controlled by Phalange; Wazzan holds first cabinet meeting; Arafat accuses Lebanese Army of "campaign of annihilation" against Palestinians, asks intervention of Arab governments, condemns peacekeeping force for failing to condemn violence against Palestinians in Beirut.

US and Other Countries: Italy asks US, France to join in demanding strengthening of peace-keeping authority in Beirut, expresses concern over round-up of Palestinians, seeks guarantees of due process, fuller information from Lebanese authorities.

Military Action:

IDF leaves Beirut port and Galerie Semaan but keeps some units at airport; IDF presence in East Beirut also diminished; US Marines expected to land within 48 hours at port, airport and Ouzai; Draper informs Gemayel that lDF has agreed to total pullout; Israeli guards shoot, wound eight prisoners while breaking up a riot at Al-Ansar detention camp; IDF claims to have completed removal of PLO arms caches from West Beirut, including 520 tons of ammunition, 23 tanks and APCs, 200 other vehicles, 80 cannons and mortars, 75 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and 5,000 small arms; IDF arrests Israeli Druze in Beirut as extortionist.

Casualties:

During Israel's 11-day occupation of West Beirut, 9 IDF soldiers were killed and 130 wounded.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin agrees to establish judicial commission to investigate the Beirut massacre; pressures grow within government for dismissal of Sharon (meeting of top army commanders again calls for Sharon's resignation); Shamir says Israel is wrongly blamed for massacre; Israeli papers report Phalangists discussed such a massacre weeks prior to actual event as way to make Palestinians flee (contradicts view that massacre was 'spontaneous'); pro-government rally scheduled for Saturday cancelled; tensions remain high in Palestinian villages in Israel (protests have continued non-stop since massacre reported last week); several youths detained, curfew imposed following demonstrations in Nablus; Meir Kahane detained after trying to enter Taibe (Arab residents gathered with stones to resist, Kahane later released after promising not to enter without their permission).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese inquiry into massacre begins with Military Prosecutor General Assad Jermanos meeting with commission members.

Arab Governments: Egypt, at UN General Assembly, urges US to "restrain" Israel as Eisenhower did in 1956 Suez Crisis.

US and Other Countries: Reagan notes he ordered a halt to cluster bomb shipments to Israel and will delay requesting sale of additional fighter jets to Israel; (Israel still receiving explosive grenade that gives cluster bomb its punch, only shipment of casing halted).

Military Action:

US Marines begin to leave Lebanon (Italian troops scheduled to depart tomorrow, French legionnaires by end of next week); Israeli reconnaissance flights over Beirut; Israeli tanks remain in port area in violation of Habib agreement; IDF jeep ambushed in Central Lebanon.

Casualties:

3 IDF soldiers killed, 1 wounded in jeep ambush.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli government rejects Fez 8-point peace plan as worse than Fahd plan put forward in 1981 (calls on Arab states to sign individual peace treaties with Israel); Yitzhak Shamir dismisses Fez plan as "renewed declaration of war on Israel"; anti-Israeli slogans painted on walls and PLO flags displayed in Kawkab in Galilee; land near Dura, west of Hebron, confiscated; Nablus Mayor Shakaa criticizes Fez summit as unimplementable.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Muslim leaders concerned about IDF failure to withdraw from Beirut prior to departure of multinational force, Wazzan's request for force to extend its stay is rejected by US.

Arab Governments: King Hassan of Morocco says goal of Fez peace plan is "state of non-belligerency" with Israel and, in distant future, normal relations.

US and Other Countries: Shultz, before Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says Fez summit proposal is positive opening move toward new negotiations, could be "breakthrough" if it implies Arab willingness to recognize Israel, also says US defines "autonomy" to include land and resources, supports participation by East Jerusalem residents in future elections in occupied territories; Vatican announces Arafat may have private audience with Pope John Paul II during Rome visit next week.