The Palestine Chronology

EU special envoy Moratinos arrives in Beirut for talks on the peace process with Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz. (VOL 6/20 in WNC 6/23)

In Hebron, IDF troops in H2 clash with Palestinian demonstrators in H1, shooting across the dividing line btwn. the 2 sections of town, wounding at least 40 before PA security forces are able to disperse the crowd. Palestinians chant "PLO, Israel no!" Settlers complain that the IDF should use live ammunition instead of rubber bullets, the ⁴/₅ of Hebron turned over to the PA should be retaken. (NYT, WP, WT 6/21; MEI 6/27)

Turkish pres. Demirel asks Motherland party leader Mesut Yilmaz to form a new government, ending prospects for an Erbakan-Ciller coalition. (NYT, WP, WT 6/21; Milliyet [Istanbul] 6/21, 6/22 in WNC 6/24) (see 6/18)

SLA threatens to shell s. Lebanon's coastal road if any more bombs are detonated nr. Jazzin. (RL 6/20 in WNC 6/23; MM 6/26, 6/27) (see 6/18)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrives in Syria. (SANA 6/18 in WNC 6/19)

In Washington, U.S. cosmetics heir Ron Lauder holds confidential mtg. with Syrian Amb. Moualem to discuss ways of restarting the Syrian-Israeli talks, then briefs Secy. of State Albright. Israel's Dir. of Policy Planning Bar-Ilan says that the mtg. was not authorized, but was welcome, by Israel. (MM 7/7)

Israeli finance M Dan Meridor, a Likud mbr., resigns, saying he has lost faith in Netanyahu's leadership, the PM deliberately sabotaged his agreement with the Bank of Israel for currency liberalization. (MM 6/18; Globes [Internet], ITV 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 6/19; YA 6/19 in WNC 6/20; Globes [Internet] 6/19 in WNC 6/23; ITV 6/19, MA 6/20 in WNC 6/23; Globes [Internet] 6/19 in WNC 6/24; CSM, MM 6/20; WP 6/26; MEI 6/27)

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Subcomm. chmn., announces that the subcomm. will forward legislation to the full Appropriations Comm. without the annual $2.1 b. in foreign aid to Egypt; says Egypt is obstructing the peace process by refusing to attend multilateral talks, refusing Pres. Clinton's invitation to Washington 9/96, leading the effort to reimpose the Arab boycott, moving closer to Libya. State Dept. says that the administration stands behind its foreign aid request. (al-Wafd 6/20, al-Quds al-Arabi 6/23 in WNC 6/25; WT 6/21; MM 6/25; MM 8/14)

Syrian VP Khaddam arrives in Iran for talks with Pres. Rafsanjani on the peace process, Turkish intervention in n. Iraq, 6/10 House decision. (IRNA 6/18 in WNC 6/19; SA 6/19 in WNC 6/20)

After 11 mos. in office. Turkish PM Erbakan turns his resignation into Pres. Suleyman Demirel, says he is willing to enter a new coalition under Ciller. Legally it is Demirel who must ask Ciller to form a new government; he has not stated if he will abide by the new coalition arrangement. (AFP 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; MEI 6/27) (see 6/13)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan accepts a U.S. deal (passed by the House 6/11, the Senate 6/17) under which the UN would agree to reduce U.S. dues to 20% of the total budget by 1999, reduce U.S. peacekeeping to 25% by 1999, tighten the UN budget, reduce staff in exchange fr. the U.S. paying off $819 m. of its $1.3-b. debt over 3 yrs. The draft legislation must now be approved by the full Congress. (WT 6/19)

In Hebron, IDF clashes with Palestinians for 5th straight day, wounding 5. (MM 5/18; NYT 6/19; MEI 6/27)

In s. Lebanon, 3 SLA soldiers, 1 civilian are killed, 2 civilians are wounded by a roadside bomb. Israel blames Hizballah; responds by making in incursion into Jazzin, far n. of the self-declared security zone, arresting a number of youths, including a Lebanese soldier; submits complaint to ILMG, accusing Hizballah of planting the bomb. (VOL 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM 6/26; MEI, MM 6/27)

In Amsterdam, a 2-day mtg. of EU leaders closes. Attendees issue statement for the 1st time urging Israel not to rule out the possibility of a Palestinian state. (MM 6/18)

In Washington, U.S. secy. of state Albright informs visiting Crown Prince Hassan of U.S. plans to give Jordan $100 m./yr. in aid for the next 5 yrs. (al-Aswaq, al-Dustur, JT 6/17, RJ 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, WT 6/18; WJW 6/19; JT 6/19 in WNC 6/20; al-Dustur 6/20 in WNC 6/23; MEI 6/27)

The Senate passes a version of House Res. 1757 that contains a section prohibiting most financial transactions with "state sponsors of terrorism," including Syria. A conference comm. must now work out the differences btwn. the bills. (WJW 7/24; MEI 7/25) (see 6/11)

6 wks. after the IDF forcibly evacuated settlers fr. their outpost nr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus (5/6), several settler families are living on the disputed site, guarded by IDF reservists, while IDF bulldozers break ground to expand the settlement and build a permanent IDF lookout. (YA 6/17 in WNC 6/19) (see 5/7)

Hani `Abd al-Rahim Sayigh, the Saudi accused of participating in the 6/25/96 al-Khobar barracks bombing, is extradited to the U.S. from Canada to provide testimony that could link Iran, Syria to the attack. Under his deal with the FBI, Sayigh will plead guilty to plotting a different attack that never took place in exchange for telling all he knows about the al-Khobar incident. (WP, WT 6/18; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; MM 6/24) (see 3/30)

Iraq announces that it will begin rebuilding, expanding the al-Tanf border post with Syria in the next wk. (MEI 6/13; WT 6/18; MM 6/30) (see 6/2, 6/4, 6/14)

In Hebron, IDF troops clash with Palestinian demonstrators for the 4th day, wounding 17 Palestinian. An AP photographer is attacked, kicked in the head by a Jewish settler; IDF soldiers do not intervene. (WP, WT 6/18; MEI 6/27)

Visiting delegation of American Reform and Conservative Jewish leaders convinces PM Netanyahu to shelve the legislation that would give Orthodox rabbinical courts exclusive jurisdiction over government recognition of conversions to Judaism (see 4/1), form 7-mbr. comm. (comprising 5 Orthodox, 1 Reform, 1 Conservative) to investigate the issue. (WT 6/20)

U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross extends his stay in the region an extra day to follow up on Palestinian Authority (PA) complaints regarding U.S. mediation (see 5/15); meets separately with PA head Yasir Arafat, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat, Arafat chief dep. Mahmud Abbas. Israel, PA say that they are no closer to resuming negotiations. (AFP, al-Dustur 5/16 in WNC 5/19; NYT, WP, WT 5/17; MM 5/19; MM 5/20; ITV 5/17 in WNC 5/22)

EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos says that U.S. special envoy Ross's failed mission to the region highlights the need for a larger European role in the peace process. (AFP 5/16 in WNC 5/19)

At Secy. of State Madeleine Albright request, Israeli FM David Levy comes to Washington to discuss the peace process. (MM, NYT, WT 5/16; ITV 5/16 in WNC 5/19; MM 5/19)

Israeli amb. to the U.S. Eliahu Ben-Elissar accuses the U.S. of spying on the Israeli embassy; says that PM Netanyahu should "strenuously object" to U.S. wiretapping of embassy phones, which, he claims, is how the U.S. obtained information on Mega, an alleged Israeli spy. Officially, Israel says that Mega is Mossad's nickname for the CIA desk officer for Israel affairs--a legitimate intelligence contact. The U.S. says only that the case is still open. (MM 5/16; YA 5/16 in WNC 5/19; WP, WT 5/17) (see 5/6, 5/8)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with Arafat in Gaza, then meets with PM Netanyahu, Pres. Weizman, FM Levy. (WJW 5/8; ITV, QY 5/8 in WNC 5/9; MM, WP 5/9; MEI, PR 5/16; JP 5/17)

Israel's PM Netanyahu, Jordan's King Hussein meet in Aqaba to discuss water issues, ways of resuming Israeli-PA negotiations. (MM 5/9; QY, RJ, YA 5/9 in WNC 5/12; JTV 5/9, RJ 5/10, JT 5/11, RJ 5/12 in WNC 5/13; NYT 5/10; JP 5/24) (see 5/6, Peace Monitor for details)

U.S. special envoy Ross, EU special envoy Moratinos meet in Israel to discuss the peace process. (IDF Radio 5/8 in WNC 5/9; AFP 5/9 in WNC 5/12; MEI 5/16)

Austrian FM Schuessel holds separate mtgs. with Israel's Netanyahu, PA's Arafat, EU's Moratinos. (Die Presse [Vienna] 5/9 in WNC 5/12)

Israeli cabinet secy. Nave admits that the intelligence transmission intercepted by the NSA in 1/97 was made. An unnamed Israeli intelligence official claims that "Mega" does not refer to a person but to something else. A 3d official claims "Mega" was a mistranslation of "Elga," the term used by Mossad for the CIA. U.S. declines to comment. (WP 5/9; MA, YA 5/9 in WNC 5/13; MM 5/13; YA 5/13 in WNC 5/14) (see 5/6)

PA Justice M Frayh Abu-Madayn announces that Palestinians who sell or facilitate the sale of land to Jews will face the death penalty. (NYT, WT 5/6; NYT 5/16; JP 5/17; IDF Radio 5/19 in WNC 5/21; WT 5/21)

U.S. says that it has repeatedly protested to Israel "at the highest level" over complaints Israel has threatened to take away the U.S. passports of Palestinians who do not give up claims of residency in Jerusalem, stresses that Palestinian Americans cannot lose their U.S. citizenship involuntarily. (WT 5/6) (see 5/4)

In Cairo, EU special envoy Moratinos discusses peace process with Arab League secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid. (RE 5/5 in WNC 5/6)

Israel's new amb. to Jordan, Oded Eran, fmr. head of the Israeli delegation to the donor conferences, assumes his post in Amman. (RJ 5/5 in WNC 5/6)

U.S. releases Hamas political leader Abu Marzuq after 22 mos. in detention, flies him to Jordan. (AFP 5/5, JTV, al-Ra'i, RJ, RMC 5/6 in WNC 5/7; NYT, WT 5/6; RJ 5/6, JT 5/7 in WNC 5/8; MM 5/7; WJW 5/8; WP 5/9; SA 5/9 in WNC 5/13; mei 5/16; JP 5/17; al-Wasat 5/19-25 in WNC 5/21) (see 5/4)

PA policeman shoots, kills Palestinian at a checkpoint in Hebron. (WP 5/6; MEI 5/16)

IDF demolishes 5 Palestinian homes in Hebron's H2, saying they were constructed without permits. (LAW 5/6; WT 5/7; PR 5/16) (see 4/23)

Israeli court charges Manbar with assisting the enemy, providing information to an outside enemy with the intent of harming state security, providing Iran with means to manufacture chemical weapons in exchange for $16 m. (IDF Radio 5/5 in WNC 5/6; MA 5/7 in WNC 5/8; JP 5/17) (see 4/25)

Iranian FM Velayati arrives in Cairo on a 2-day visit to invite Pres. Mubarak to attend the upcoming (12/97) OIC conference in Tehran. This is the 1st high-level contact btwn. Iran, Egypt since Mubarak accused Tehran in 1995 of trying to have him killed. (IRNA 5/5 in WNC 5/6; NYT, WP, WT 5/6; IRNA, RE, SA 5/6 in WNC 5/7; MM 5/8, 5/9)

The Jordanian Popular Movement merges with the National Constitutional Party. (JT 5/6 in WNC 5/7; JT 5/7 in WNC 5/8) (see 2/28)

Hizballah detonates 3 roadside bombs in s. Lebanon, wounding 5 civilians, 2 SLA mbrs. (RL 5/5 in WNC 5/6, 5/7; WP 5/7)

Arafat arrives in Cairo, holds 2-hr. mtg. with FM Musa on the peace process. Possibility of a 4- or 5-way summit is not discussed. (RE 5/5 in WNC 5/6) (see 5/1)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Syrian pres. Asad, then heads to Israel to meet with FM Levy. (IDF Radio 5/4 in WNC 5/6 ; WT 5/5; JP 5/10)

Israeli Infrastructure M Sharon, Jordanian water and irrigation M Munthir Haddadin meet in Israel to discuss Jordan-Israel water sharing agmt. (MM 5/6, 5/7; SA 5/7 in WNC 5/8; MM 5/12; MEI 5/16)

At a news conference organized by the PSF, Palestinian Ibrahim Halabi says that he was recruited by Shin Bet to find Palestinian Islamists to carry out the 2 suicide attacks that occurred 4/1, that the bombs were rigged to explode prematurely. Israel calls the assertion "a ridiculous lie." (NYT 5/4; MEI 5/16; JP 5/17)

PA releases Gazan lawyer Jamil Salameh. (JP 5/17) (see 5/2)

Jordan says it has asked the U.S. for a written request for Jordan to grant asylum to Hamas's Abu Marzuq, will not accept him until letter is received. (JTV 5/4 in WNC 5/6) (see 4/25)

IDF eases closure allowing 28,000 Palestinians fr. the West Bank, 27,000 fr. Gaza into Israel. (MM 4/30; RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/2; NYT 5/2)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Moratinos discusses the peace process with Pres. Asad. (RMC 5/1 in WNC 5/2)

Israeli DM Mordechai hosts Turkey's DM Turhan Tayan. (MM 4/30; IDF Radio, IGPO 4/30 in WNC 5/1; MM 5/1; Anatolia [Ankara] 5/2 in WNC 5/2; WT 5/2; Turkiye [Istanbul] 5/4 in WNC 5/7; VIRI 5/6 in WNC 5/8; JP 5/10; MEI 5/16) (see 2/25, 4/4)

Knesset rejects opening further inquiry into Bar-On affair. (WT 5/3; JP 5/10) (see 4/21)

Israeli dep. finance M David Magen resigns to protest the atty. gen. decision not to indict PM Netanyahu. (ITV 4/30 in WNC 5/1; Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2; MM 5/1)

Palestinian television broadcasts of the PC weekly session are jammed for the 2d wk. in a row. Some PC mbrs. blame the PA, though Arafat's office claims it cannot determine the source of the interference. (Internews [Internet] 4/30; PR 5/16; WP 5/21)

Bank of Israel reports that for the 1st quarter of 1997 tourism has dropped 16%, the economic downturn which began in 7/96 continues. (Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2)

In Jordan, an Israeli tourist is stabbed, lightly injured. Jordanian police arrest perpetrator. (JTV, RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/1; JP 5/10)

Nr. Jerusalem, IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinian car that fails to stop at a checkpoint, killing the driver. (MM 4/30; RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/2; PR 5/2)

Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard petitions the Israeli High Court to order PM Netanyahu to acknowledge that Pollard was employed by Israel to spy on the U.S.; to reveal information regarding his employment, Israeli efforts to have him released. (Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2)

In Amman, EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos discusses ways of bridging gaps in the peace process with Crown Prince Hassan, FM Tarawnah. (RJ 4/28 in WNC 4/29)

France, Turkey, UK, U.S. begin 10 days of joint military maneuvers in the Aegean. (Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation Radio [Nicosia] 4/29 in WNC 4/30)

Labor, Meretz parties file lawsuits with the Israeli High Court appealing the atty. gen. decision not to indict PM Netanyahu, Justice M Hanegbi. Hearings will be held in 5/97. (MM 4/21; WP 4/22; MM 4/23) (see 4/19)

Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza, barring Palestinians fr. entering Israel during the 8-day Passover holiday. (WT 4/22; CSM 4/25)

In a prerelease of a joint paper for Foreign Affairs, fmr. National Security Advisers Zbigniew Brzezinski, Brent Scowcroft conclude that U.S. dual containment policy "lacks strategic viability and carries a high financial and diplomatic cost," sanctions have been ineffectual; suggest the U.S. offer Iran, Iraq incentives to alter their behavior instead of just punishing them. (MM 4/21)

Following Germany's 4/10 ruling, U.S. announces decision to encourage its EU allies to impose sanctions on Iran; sends mission to France, Germany, Holland, UK. (NYT, WT 4/22; CSM 4/25)

Iraq again defies the southern U.S. no-fly zone by sending 9 helicopters to fly home pilgrims returning from Mecca. U.S. says it will tolerate the flights. (MM, WT 4/22; NYT, WP 4/23; MEI 5/2) (see 4/9)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in the Middle East; holds talks in Gaza with Arafat, in Jerusalem with Netanyahu. (WP 4/15; CSM, WP 4/16)

EU-Mediterranean business conference opens in Malta. Arafat, Israeli FM Levy meet on the sidelines in the highest level contact since talks broke down in 3/97. (CSM, MM, WT 4/15; Radio France Internationale [Paris] 4/15 in WNC 4/16; CSM, MM 4/16; De Volkskrank [Amsterdam], SANA 4/16 in WNC 4/17; CSM, NYT, WP 4/17; MEI, PR 4/18)

On the sidelines of the Malta conference, Jordanian FM Tarawnah, Syrian FM Shara` discuss improving bilateral relations. (al-Dustur 4/23 in WNC 4/24)

In Surif, 3 critically ill Palestinians die when IDF troops enforcing curfew deny them access to medical treatment. (NYT 4/16)

Israeli police recommend felony indictments in the Bar-On affair be sought against Justice M Hanegbi, chief of staff Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahu political ally and Shas head Arye Deri. (ITV 4/15 in WNC 4/16; MM, WP, WT 4/16; YA 4/16 in WNC 4/17) (see 2/28)

In Mina, Saudi Arabia, an estimated 210 Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani pilgrims participating in the Hajj are killed, 800 are injured when canisters of cooking fuel ignite tents. At least 70,000 tents are destroyed, leaving 100,000s of pilgrims temporarily without shelter. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/16; MM 4/22, 4/24; MEI 5/2)

SLA releases 7 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon to mark the end of Ramadan. (RL 4/15 in WNC 4/16)

In Washington, Egyptian FM Amr Musa meets with U.S. special envoy Ross, says Egypt will soon launch a diplomatic campaign to lobby the EU, U.S. for initiatives to salvage the peace process. (WP 4/15)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers, complaining that IDF protective measures at Beyt Hadassah settlement make them feel as if they are living in a ghetto, turn on IDF soldiers, pelting them with stones, eggs, tomatoes and soaking them with water hoses. 1 settler tries to stab a soldier but is overpowered. (WT 4/15)

PA delegation led by Arafat dep. Abbas, Local Government M Erakat arrives in Washington, meets with Secy. of State Albright, special envoy Ross. (WT 4/10; CSM, MM, PR, WP, WT 4/11; MM 4/14)

In Hebron, 7 Palestinians are wounded by rubber bullets in the latest round of clashes with the IDF. Israeli Justice M Hanegbi urges security forces to be tougher on Palestinian demonstrators. (MM 4/10; IDF Radio 4/10 in WNC 4/11; WT 4/11)

German court rules that Iran's top leaders ordered the 1992 assassination of 4 Kurdish dissidents in Germany. In response, EU mbr. nations (excluding Greece) withdraw their ambs. to Iran in protest to that government's support of terrorism. Iran responds in kind. (CSM 4/11; AFP 4/11 in WNC 4/14; VIRI 4/11 in WNC 4/15; MM 4/15; VIRI 4/18 in WNC 4/21; CSM 4/25; WT 4/28; NYT 4/30; MEI 5/2; al-Ahd [Beirut] 5/2 in WNC 5/7; WJW 5/15)

At Arafat's initiation, envoys fr. Egypt, EU, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Russia, U.S. meet in Gaza, criticize Netanyahu's plan for construction in East Jerusalem. U.S. blocks move to issue final declaration at end of mtg. (WT 3/15; NYT, WP, WT 3/16; PR 3/21; JP 3/22)

In Rabat, King Hassan, Egyptian pres. Mubarak hold talks on the peace process; ways to coordinate protection of Muslim, Arab rights in Jerusalem. (RTM Television [Rabat] 3/15 in WNC 3/19; MM 3/18)

The U.S. vetoes a UNSC resolution, drafted by the EU, calling on Israel to abandon plans to build a new Jewish settlement on Har Homa in East Jerusalem. (VIRI 3/7 in WNC 3/10; NYT, WP, WT 3/8; SANA 3/8, JT 3/9, QPAR, al-Quds, SA 3/10 in WNC 3/13; CSM, MM 3/10; PR 3/14; WT 3/15; MEI 3/21)

Israel approaches the U.S. administration to inquire if it would veto a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution on Har Homa if the issue is brought to a vote. (MM 2/26)

In Jerusalem, an EU delegation submits formal protest to Israel over the decision to build at Har Homa. (AFP 2/25 in WNC 2/27)

Turkish Army chief of staff Gen. Ismail Karadayi arrives in Israel for meetings with DM Yitzhak Mordechai. (MM 2/26; WJW 2/27; JP 3/8)

3 undercover IDF soldiers shoot, beat Palestinians in the village of Hizma in the West Bank, which is under joint PA-Israeli control, killing 1, wounding 3. Troops use teargas to quell ensuing clashes with Palestinians. (ITV 2/25 in WNC 2/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/26; PR 2/28; JP 3/8; PR 3/14)

In Florida, an Orthodox Jew, Harry Shapiro, is charged with placing a pipe bomb in a synagogue before a speech by fmr. Israeli PM Shimon Peres in a bid to assassinate Peres, blame the act on an Islamist group. (NYT 2/26; NYT, WT 2/27)

In Brussels, PA, European Union (EU) sign partnership agmt. (PR 2/28; MEI 3/7; JP 3/8)

King Hussein receives PM Netanyahu in Amman. (ITV, JT, RJ, YA 2/23, al-Dustur, RJ 2/24 in WNC 2/25; MM, NYT, WT 2/24; JT, al-Quds 2/24 in WNC 2/26; JTV 2/23, Globes [Internet] 2/24, JT 2/25 in WNC 2/27)

Netanyahu hires top criminal lawyer Yaakov Weinrot to represent him in the Bar-On investigation. Weinrot confirms rumors that the police warned Netanyahu 45 mins. into his questioning (2/18) that his statements could be used against him, marking the 1st time an Israeli PM has been questioned under caution. (CSM, NYT, WT 2/24; JP 3/1)

Jordanian prisoners in Israeli jails begin 1-wk. hunger strike to protest their detention. (al-Ra'i 2/21 in WNC 2/24)

Jordan stops monitoring foreign newspapers before allowing them to be distributed; says it will revised the press and publications law, which currently forbids criticism of the royal family, sensitive military information, etc. (CSM 2/28; al-Dustur 2/28 in WNC 3/3; JT 3/1 in WNC 3/4)

Syrian VP Khaddam, FM Shara` leave Saudi Arabia for Kuwait. After mtgs. there, they return to Damascus to meet with EU special envoy Moratinos. Shara` denies that Moratinos brought any new Israeli proposals for restarting negotiations. (MM 1/27; AFP 1/27 in WNC 1/28; AFP, SANA 1/27 in WNC 1/29; MM 1/28)

Belgium, Israel, the PA sign a $850,000 trilateral scientific accord to supply primary, secondary medical aid, incl. high-tech medical equipment. (Libre Belgique 1/29 in WNC 1/31)

IDF forcibly removes 30 bedouin fr. Jahalin; bulldozes their homes; trucks their belongings, animals to a new site outside Jerusalem. 10 of the 30 are hospitalized with injures sustained in the move. (WP 1/28; PR 1/31) (see 1/14)

Israeli jurist and negotiator Elyakim Rubinstein is appointed atty. gen. (MM 1/27) (see 1/26)

Syrian VP Khaddam, FM Shara` arrives in Saudi Arabia on the first leg of a Gulf tour to urge the Gulf states to lobby the U.S. in support of Syria's negotiation position toward Israel, to not move ahead with normalization. (MM 1/27; AFP, SA 1/27 in WNC 1/29)

Israel says that multilateral talks will resume at a steering comm. mtg. that will be held in Moscow in 4/97. (IDF Radio 1/26 in WNC 1/28; MM 1/31)

In Israel, FM Levy meets with Russian Dep. FM Viktor Posuvalyuk. (IDF Radio 1/26 in WNC 1/28)

In Israel, EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Israeli FM Levy. (AFP 1/27 in WNC 1/28)

The Israeli Ministerial Comm. on Jerusalem Affairs grants the Jerusalem Municipality a $40-m. budget supplement for building infrastructure (e.g., roads, sewage and water systems) to connect East and West Jerusalem. The PA says such construction would prejudice the outcome of final status negotiation. The Prime Minister's Office declares that Jerusalem is, will always be united under Israeli sovereignty; the grant is meant "to align this declaration with reality." (IDF Radio 1/26 in WNC 1/28)

Israeli police open investigation into Bar-On's appointment as atty. gen. (NYT, WP, WT 1/27; MM 1/28; WT 2/3; MEI 2/7) (see 1/24)

In Amman, King Hussein undergoes orthoscopic surgery on both knees. (RJ 1/26 in WNC 1/28; JTV 1/27 in WNC 1/29; JP 2/15)

Israeli, PA talks on Hebron resume for 1st time in 9 days. (ITV 12/16 in WNC 12/18; PR 12/20)

PA negotiator Erakat, Netanyahu adviser Molho meet briefly in Jerusalem to try to ease tensions that have built up since Israel's 12/13 decision to restore settler benefits. (CSM, WP, WT 12/17) (see 12/5)

Pres. Clinton criticizes Israel for planning to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank, reinstating benefits to West Bank settlers. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/17; CSM, MM 12/18; WJW 12/19; IDF Radio, YA 12/19 in WNC 12/23; MEI 12/20; JP 12/28) (see 12/13)

IDF unseals Ramallah. (PR 12/20) (see 12/11)

In Washington, representatives of 29 nations (incl. Arab states, Brazil, Canada, the EU, Japan, the U.S.) pledge $3.2 b. toward the post-civil war reconstruction of Lebanon. The U.S. promises $20 m. over several yrs. (incl. $12 m. next yr. for education, environment). EU states pledge $1.5 b. (MM 12/16; RL 12/16 in WNC 12/17; MM, WP, WT 12/17; RL 12/17 in WNC 12/18; MM 12/18; al-Safir 12/18 in WNC 12/23; MEI 12/20; RL 12/23 in WNC 12/24; WJW 12/26; al-Safir 1/14 in WNC 1/17; CSM 1/15)

In Ankara, the 13th Iranian-Turkish joint economic commission session opens. (IRNA 12/16 in WNC 12/18, 12/19; MM 12/19)

ILMG meets at Naqura to consider a complaint by Israel regarding the launching of rockets into n. Israel 12/13. Although the Lebanese delegation does not believe katayushas actually were fired, the group concludes that at least 1 rocket, launched by an unknown party, landed in n. Israel. (RL 12/16 in WNC 12/17; RL 12/16 in WNC 12/18; RL 12/17 in WNC 12/19; MM 12/19; IGPO 12/26)

Concerned over Israel's settlement policy, 8 fmr. high-ranking U.S. officials sent Netanyahu a letter, urging him "not to take unilateral actions that would preclude a meaningful settlement and a comprehensive and lasting peace." (MM, NYT 12/16; MM 12/17, 12/18; MEI 12/20; WJW 12/26) (see Doc. D2)

In Dublin, EU criticizes Israel's 12/13 decision to reinstate settlement benefits. (WT 12/15)

Germany, Jordan sign 3 agmts. under which Jordan will receive $6.8-m. worth of technical assistance over several yrs. (JT 12/14 in WNC 12/17)

IDF, Hizballah clash in s. Lebanon. 1 IDF soldier is wounded; 2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed. (ITV 12/14, RL 12/15 in WNC 12/17; NYT 12/16; WT 12/18)

Israel says that, under a Hebron deal, PA policemen may operate in H2 as part of joint mobile units. (Hatzofe 12/10 in WNC 12/11)

Jordanian Information M Marwan Mu`ashir begins 5-day trip to Tel Aviv, emphasizes Jordan's concern over Israeli settlement policy. (JT 12/10 in WNC 12/11; IDF Radio 12/11 in WNC 12/12; MEI 12/20)

The U.S. consul general says that Israel is threatening to revoke residency rights of Palestinian-Americans living in Jerusalem unless they give up their U.S. passports. The U.S. protests, says it knows of 60 cases when Israelis threatened Americans with the loss of their Jerusalem IDs. (WP 12/10; PR 12/20; JP 12/21)

Israel grants special entry permits to 120 Palestinian journalists accredited by the IGPO. (IGPO 12/10 in WNC 12/12)

PA allocates only $40,000 of the $70,000 necessary to stage the annual Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. (WT 12/11; WT 12/23; PR 12/20)

In Beirut, EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Lebanese FM Buwayz. (RL 12/10 in WNC 12/11; MEI 1/24)

Iraq says it will give Turkey priority in exporting Iraqi oil now that the UN oil-for-food deal has been implemented. (INA 12/10 in WNC 12/11) (see 12/9)

ILMG continues discussions begun 12/9. (RMC 12/10 in WNC 12/11; RL 12/10 in WNC 12/12)

300 Palestinian students break into Islamic University of Hebron University, sealed by IDF since the 2+n3/96 suicide bombings in Israel; say they will stay until the university is reopened. (CSM, NYT 12/10)

EU special envoy Moratinos meets with King Hussein in Amman. (RJ 12/9 in WNC 12/11; MEI 1/24)

Syrian PM Mahmud Zubi begins 6-day visit to China. (WT 12/11) UN approves implementation of oil-for-food deal for Iraq. (NYT, WP 12/10; JT 12/10 in WNC 12/12; MM 12/11) (see 11/25)

ILMG meets to discuss the IDF's attack on a Lebanese village 12/7 that left 6 civilians wounded. (MM 12/9; RL 12/9 in WNC 12/10; RL 12/9, RMC 12/10 in WNC 12/11)

PA negotiators say 3-way summit btwn. Egypt, Israel, PA to clinch a deal on Hebron may occur 12/7, though no date has been set. Arafat, Netanyahu say they are willing to meet. (WT 12/7; JP 12/14)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Miguel Angel Moratinos delivers Pres. Asad a message fr. PM Netanyahu, saying that Israel is interested in resuming negotiations, easing tensions. (MM 12/6; SATN 12/6 in WNC 12/10; MEI 1/24)

In Karak, Jordanian PM Kabariti issues an unprecedented public apology to Iraq for accusing Iraq of instigating the 8/16-18 bread riots. (MEI 12/20)

4 Africans are officially nominated to succeed UN Secy. Gen. Butros-Ghali: Mauritania's Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, Niger's Hamid Algabid, Ghana's Kofi Annan, Ivory Coast's Amara Essy. (NYT, WT 12/7)

IDF lifts ban prohibiting Israelis fr. entering the PA self-rule area of Bethlehem. The ban has been in place since the 9/24-28 clashes. (JP 12/14)

PA military court sentences Palestinian guard Assam Jalaita, who shot to death prisoner Fityani 12/3, to life in prison with hard labor. (NYT 12/7; JP 12/14)

U.S. Court of Appeals rules (8-2) that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) misapplied the federal campaign finance law in a 1992 decision that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) did not fall under the FEC's jurisdiction, suggesting that AIPAC should register as a political action comm. (PAC) rather than a lobby. The FEC has 90 days to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, find another reason why AIPAC should not be registered as a PAC, or declare AIPAC a PAC. (WJW 12/12, 12/19)

EU-Arab Parliamentary Dialogue holds executive mtg. in advance of its full session 11/30-12/1, which will be the 1st in 8 yrs. The 14 executive delegates decide to lobby for the postponement of ratification of the Euro-Mediterranean agmt. btwn. Europe and Israel to send a signal to Israel that they are unhappy with its current policies toward the peace process. (JT 12/1 in WNC 12/3)

Cameroon seconds Ethiopia's suggestion to find an alternative candidate for the UN secy. gen. position. (CSM, WT 12/3) (see 11/27)

25-mbr. unofficial Jordanian delegation travels to Iraq to discuss strengthening economic ties ahead of implementation of the UN oil-for-food deal. (JT 12/2 in WNC 12/3; RJ 12/5 in WNC 12/9) (see 11/25)

IDF eases general closure, allowing 20,000 Palestinian workers fr. West Bank, 15,000 fr. Gaza into their jobs in Israel. Qarni crossing point is opened to imports, exports without restriction. Merchandise may transferred fr. Gaza to Jordan. (NYT 11/11)

IDF clashes with Palestinians protesting expansion of Kiryat Sefer settlement nr. Ramallah, wounding 12 and killing Atallah Amira, who had papers proving his ownership of the disputed land and had been fighting a legal battle with the Israeli government to reclaim it. (MM, NYT 11/11; WJW, WP 11/14; NYT 11/15; MEI 11/22) (see 9/22)

Jordan, U.S. sign aviation agmt., giving American, Jordanian national carriers the freedom to travel to and fr. any location within the boundaries of both countries. It is the U.S.'s 1st "open skies" agmt. with a non-EU country. (JTV 11/10 in WNC 11/14)

In s. Lebanon, 2 IDF soldiers are wounded in clash with Hizballah. (RL 11/10 in WNC 11/13; MM 11/11; WJW 11/14; JP 11/16)

Israel, PA, U.S. decide to relocate talks to Taba and Elat beginning 10/14. Talks will be closed to the media, held continuously. (ITV 10/10 in WNC 10/15)

Israel lifts restrictions on Palestinians movement among all West Bank towns, villages except Nablus (because of the attack on Joseph's Tomb 9/26); increases number of Palestinian workers allowed into Israel to 14,000; says it will soon allow 35,000 Palestinian workers into Israel. (QY 10/10 in IL 10/10; MM, NYT 10/11; YA 10/11 in IL 10/11; JP 10/19)

EU gives Jordan $125-m. grant to ease effects of economic structural reforms. (RJ 10/10 in WNC 10/15)

German officials arrest married couple of undisclosed nationality in connection with the 1986 Berlin discothéque bombing, issue warrants for 4 Libyans (3 diplomats, 1 intelligence operative, all now thought to be in Libya). (NYT, WT 10/12)

In Washington, U.S. holds separate mtgs. with PA, Israeli, Jordanian delegations. Brief joint mtg. is held. Then Arafat, Netanyahu hold private 3-hr. talk. Netanyahu later holds private mtg. with King Hussein. Israel rejects U.S. requests to set a firm date for withdrawal fr. Hebron, close tunnel (see 9/29). (WP, WT 10/1; Independent [London], ITV, JT, JTV, RJ 10/1 in WNC 10/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/2; VIRI 10/2 in WNC 10/4; WJW 10/3; JT 10/3 in WNC 10/7; NYT, PR, WT 10/11; WJW 10/17; JT 10/17 in WNC 10/19; JP 10/19; MM 10/24; MEI 10/25; MM 11/14)

In Luxembourg, EU FMs issue their strongest condemnation against Israel since 1980. (LPR 10/1, El Mundo [Madrid] 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MM 10/2; Diario de Noticias [Lisbon] 10/2 in WNC 10/4)

4 Palestinians, 1 Israeli wounded during recent clashes die, bringing death toll to 75. (WP 10/2) (see 9/29)

According to the Federal Election Commission, pro-Israeli PACs have donated $1.3 m. directly to candidates running in the 11/5 election. 54% has gone to Democrats, 40% to Republicans (a 10% increase over the 1994 election). (WJW 10/24)

Clashes spread throughout the West Bank and Gaza, leaving at least 39 Palestinians, 11 Israelis dead, 100s on both sides wounded. Worst fighting is in Nablus, where 6 IDF soldiers are killed when Palestinian protesters attack Joseph's Tomb, a fmr. mosque used as a yeshiva by ultraorthodox Jews; IDF sends 4 APCs in to rescue 7 troops but some 35 additional soldiers become trapped as well. Israeli DM Mordechai sends tanks, helicopters into the West Bank for the 1st time since 1967. Helicopters fire on Palestinian crowds in Ramallah, Gaza. Tanks take up positions on borders of zone A areas. In Gaza, Palestinians march on 2 Jewish settlements, attack IDF outposts, forcing evacuation of 1 small settlement. 1,000s of Palestinians clash with IDF at Rafah checkpoint, killing 1 Egyptian soldier on the Egyptian side of the border. After mtg. with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, Netanyahu cuts short by several hrs. a tour of EU capitals, returns to Israel. Egypt, Israel, PA, U.S. discuss ways of securing Arafat-Netanyahu mtg. Arafat says he will meet only if Netanyahu promises to make a concrete gesture, such as closing tunnel. Netanyahu refuses, says gestures will only show Palestinians that protests have benefits. (MM 9/26; IDF Radio, ITV, VOA, VIRI 9/26 in WNC 9/27; IDF Radio, ITV, JTV, RJ, VIRI 9/26 in WNC 9/30; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 9/27; TJT 9/27 in WNC 10/1; YA 9/29 in WNC 10/2; MEI, PR 10/4; JP 10/5; NYT 10/6)

Palestinian refugees in `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in s. Lebanon stage demonstrations against Israeli actions in the occupied territories. Israel reinforces troops in the "security zone." (RL 9/26 in WNC 9/30)

Shin Bet's top echelon holds emergency mtg.; says it is furious with PM Netanyahu for opening the tunnel despite Shin Bet's warnings, contrary recommendations and without their coordination; criticizes the PM's decision-making process, performance. The DM, chief of staff reportedly were not informed in advance of the tunnel opening either. (YA 9/27 in WNC 9/30; ITV 9/27 in WNC 10/1)

Israeli inner cabinet holds emergency mtg. Agriculture M Eitan calls for tanks to be moved into zone A areas. Science M Benjamin Begin, Tourism M Qatzav calls for immediate halt to negotiations with the PA, reassessment of Arafat. DM Mordechai calls for compromise on tunnel. (ITV 9/27 in WNC 10/1)

PM Netanyahu arrives in London on 1st stop of 3-day EU tour to garner support for his hard-line attitude toward the peace process; meets with PM John Major. (MM 9/24; LPR 9/24 in WNC 9/27; MM, WP, WT 9/25)

Under heavy police guard, Israel undertakes a surprise predawn excavation to complete a long disputed archeological tunnel that runs along the al-Aqsa mosque compound. The 12-yr.-old project was completed only on the personal orders of PM Netanyahu, who intended it as a message to Palestinians that Israel is the sole sovereign in Jerusalem. PA denounces tunnel work, calls for general strike 9/25. During the day, Palestinians at the mosque clash with police, hurl stones at Jews at the Western Wall. Jordan's King Hussein is furious that Gold did not warn him of the tunnel opening in their mtg. 9/22. (MM 9/24; JTV, RJ 9/24 in WNC 9/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/25; WJW 10/3; MEI, PR 10/4; MM 10/9; WT 10/11)

In Hebron, IDF orders 6-mo. closure of 2 charity organizations allegedly linked to Hamas. Palestinians clash with IDF over reopening the central market (see 9/16). (HA 9/24 in IL 9/24; RMC 9/24 in WNC 9/27)

Following Israel's Yom Kippur holiday, ILMG reconvenes in Naqura to discuss complaints filed by Lebanon, Israel. (ITV, RL 9/24 in WNC 9/27; NYT, WT 9/25; JP 10/5) (see 9/22)

IDF, Amal clash in s. Lebanon, leaving 2 Amal mbrs. dead. (RL 9/24 in WNC 9/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 9/25; RL 9/25 in WNC 9/27; JP 10/5)