The Palestine Chronology

Over dinner, U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk, U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, UN coordinator Larsen persuade Arafat to call FM Peres, invite him to open intensive one-on-one talks on transfer of authority. Peres accepts. (JP 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; MM 8/10; WP 8/12)

PM Rabin rejects Secy. of State Christopher's request to resume talks with Syria on the ambassadorial level, says talks must include military advisers. (ITV 8/2, AFP 8/3 in FBIS 8/2)

Israeli cabinet meets on but does not approve transfer of 8 spheres of authority to the PA. (MM 8/2; QY 8/2 in FBIS 8/2; QY 8/2 in FBIS 8/3) (see 5/22)

In Amman, PM Bin Shakir, PA Tourism M Ilyas Frayj discuss bilateral relations in light of the peace process. (RJ 8/2 in FBIS 8/3; RJ 8/3 in FBIS 8/7)

Israeli Supreme Court overturns ban on Jewish visitors to Temple Mount/al-Aqsa mosque courtyard during Jewish holidays. Jews will be allowed to tour the site beginning 8/5 but will still be prohibited fr. praying there. Site has been closed to Jews since 1990 riots left 17 Palestinians dead, 150 wounded. (QY 8/3 in FBIS 8/4; WP 8/7; MENA 8/4, VOP 8/5, 8/7 in FBIS 8/7)

PLO's Qaddumi arrives in Tripoli for talks on bilateral relations with Libyan officials. (Great Jamahiriyya Radio 8/2 in FBIS 8/2)

IAF strikes PFLP-GC bases in Syrian-controlled Biqa` Valley. Though the site is within range of Syrian antiaircraft batteries and despite the fact Syrian DM Mustafa Tlas is visiting Syrian army units in the area, Syria does not open fire. (CSM 8/3; YA 8/2 in IL 8/3; QPAR 8/2 in FBIS 8/4)

At the Russian Compound police headquarters in Jerusalem, 1,000 settlers demonstrate against expansion of Palestinian self-rule. Similar demonstration by over 1,000 Jews is held outside the Israeli consulate in New York. (QY 8/2 in FBIS 8/3; WJW 8/10)

Israeli PM Rabin criticizes Syria for not opening "secret" talks with Israel to advance negotiations, says Israel is relying on U.S. Secy. of State Christopher's shuttle trips btwn. the 2 countries. (ITV 9/5 in FBIS 9/8; ITV 9/8 in FBIS 9/9)

PM Rabin says Lebanese govt. "cannot do without Syrian support," and he would "prefer two Syrian divisions deployed in the northern Biqa` Valley than on the Golan Heights" within the context of a peace agmt. (JP 9/5 in MM 9/5; MM 9/6)

PM Rabin sends 4,500 American rabbis letter, text for Rosh Hashanah sermons praising peace process as part of larger effort by U.S. senators, administration officials, Israeli emb., AIPAC to get American Jews to support negotiations. (WP 9/6; WT 9/7; WJW 9/8)

Vatican rep. Msgr. Montezemolo meets with Arafat in Gaza, states his 1st role is papal envoy to Jerusalem and Palestine, 2d is amb. to Israel. (VOP 9/5 in FBIS 9/7; WT 9/6)

After 36-day ban and talks btwn. Arafat, Editor Uthman Hallaq, Al-Nahar reopens on condition it be loyal to PLO. (QY 9/3 in FBIS 9/7; MM 9/5; NYT, WP 9/6)

IDF arrests 8 Hamas mbrs. in connection with death of 3 Israelis in May/July. (MM, NYT 9/6)

The International Conference on Population and Development opens in Cairo. Saudi Arabia boycotts. Muslim delegates band with Vatican in protest over draft document's stand on contraception, abortion. (MENA 9/4 in FBIS 9/5; NYT, WP, WT 9/6; MEI 9/9)

Israeli and PLO negotiators, meeting in Oslo, reach final agreed draft of Declaration of Principles (DoP). Document is initialed by Israeli FM Peres and PLO official Ahmad Qurai'. Document is kept secret until news of meeting leaked to press 8/27. (MM, WP 9/1)

9 IDF soldiers killed by Hizballah bombs in "security zone," southern Lebanon. Deaths are 1st Israeli casualties since "Operation Accountability" ended 7/31. IDF responds with air strikes on vacant Hizballah positions in Biqa' Valley. (MM 8/19; NYT, WP, WT 8/20)

Palestinian prisoner Sami Numan Zarub, 33, found dead in Gaza Central Prison cell. Israelis say he died of heart attack, family says he was beaten by interrogators. (WT 8/22)

Gen. Salah Jadid, former Syrian strongman imprisoned since al-Asad coup 11/70, dies in Damascus. (MM 8/23; NYT, WT 8/24)

PLO supporters, running as "Nationalist Muslim List," win 9 of 12 seats in elections for chamber of commerce and industry in Nablus. Hamas supporters win other 3 seats. Elections were the first for the chamber in 18 years. (MM 5/21)

Palestinian negotiator Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi condemns internecine killing of Palestinians in o.t. (Qol Yisra'el 5/21 in FBIS 5/21)

IDF planes bomb Islamic Resistance positions near Janta in E. Lebanon's Biqa' Valley, 5 km. from border with Syria; 6 Hizballah fighters and 1 Iranian Revolutionary Guard fighter are killed. jets also bomb 2 other villages in S. Lebanon while helicopters attack home of Hizballah commander in Jibshit. IDF, SLA artillery shell 5 villages as fierce fighting enters third day. (MM 5/21; WP, MM 5/22)

Sec. of State Baker, in testimony before U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee, calls continued building of Israeli settlements "largest obstacle" to convening proposed Middle East peace conference. Remarks come in wake of four new settlements established in occupied territories since Baker began his recent peace initiative. (See JPS 80, doc. D2)

More than 200,000 Israelis now live in occupied territories. (NYT, WP, LAT 5/23)

Pres. al-Asad and Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi sign a "Treaty of Brotherhood, Cooperation and Coordination" in Damascus. (See JPS 80, doc. B9). Treaty establishes joint Syrian-Lebanese institutions for coordinating defense, security, foreign and economy policy, under authority of higher council comprising the two country's presidents, prime ministers and parliamentary speakers. Treaty transforms Syrian influence in Lebanon into formal role.

Treaty calls for Syria to redeploy its 40,000 troops in Lebanon in Biqa' valley. Syrian troops currently effectively control two-thirds of Lebanon.

Lebanese Maronite Catholic Patriarch Nasr Allah Sufayr opposes accord, stating that it would lead to Syrian domination of Lebanon. Israel voiced opposition to the accord as well. (NYT, WP, LAT 5/23)

Israeli def. ministry confirms that Polish Pres. Walesa promised Def. Min. Moshe Arens that Poland will not sell tanks to Syria out of deference to Israel. (LAT 5/22)

Knesset erupts into shouting match when Knesset Speaker Dov Shilansky (Likud) calls on Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan to halt his 25-day fast. Nathan began fast 3/25 to protest Israeli law forbidding Israelis to meet with members of PLO. Shilansky's statement came in wake of failed motion to abolish law. Nathan has publicly met Yasir Arafat several times since law was passed, serving 122 days in prison in 1990 as result. (NYT 5/23; MEM 7/15)

Los Angeles Times reports that Coca-Cola Company was removed last month from list of companies boycotted by Arab League for their dealings with Israel. Japanese car manufacturer Toyota also reported last month that it will begin selling cars in Israel in 1992, a departure from its policy of dealing solely with Arab countries. (LAT 5/22) 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Following all-night session, Israeli Inner Cabinet approves package compromise dal to send Taba dispute to binding international arbitration if conciliation fails; agreement conditional on Egypt's return of ambassador to Tel Aviv, full normalization of relations. P.M. Peres threatened tobring down govt. if cabinet disagreed [WP, NYT 1/14]. Thirteen Palestinians are detained in connection with land fraud case, bringing total to 30 [JP 1/15]. Haifa U. sociologist Sami Smooha publicizes recent poll results showing 58% of Israelis believe it is "impossible to trust most Arabs," 47% want Palestinians to be encouraged to leave the country [JP 1/14]

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee begins meetings in Baghdad; 4 seats belonging to opposition factions remain empty, Muhammad 'Abbas does not attend. PLO spokesman tells Toronto Star the Soviet Union offered to help reunite PLO factions in return for a guaranteed part in M.E. peace negotiations [TS 1/15]. Egyptian chief coroner confirms Sulayman Khatir committed suicide [LT 1/14].

Other Countries: Reagan administration urges Syria to expel Abu Nidal group from Syrian-controlled Biqa' Valley [JTA 1/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's 10-member inner cabinet meets to discuss security situation in occupied territories, resolves to tell Jordan again to remove PLO "bases" recently set up there [LT, BG, FT 9/5]. Inner cabinet approves proposal from Ariel Sharon that the authorities conduct general review of institutions in occupied territories that are supportive of the PLO [FJ 9/6]. Israeli soldiers rebuild wall separating Hebron's main mosque from marketplace, which settlers destroyed after 9/3 stabbing of two soldiers [GD 9/5]. MKs Yossi Sarid and Dedi Zucker of the Citizen's Rights Movement present document to Police Min. Haim Bar-Lev alleging Jumbo construction company made millions of dollars from fraudulent and illegal land sales [JP 9/5]. P.M. Peres sends close aide Avraham Tamir to unannounced ovemight visit with Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak to discuss ways of advancing relations between the two nations [CSM 9/6]. Israeli settlers try to squat in Hebron where 2 Israeli soldiers were stabbed 9/3. Army evicts them [CSM 9/6]. Five hundred Ethiopian Jews demonstrate in Jerusalem against rabbinical demands that they undergo symbolic conversion before marrying [WP 9/7]. For. Min. Shamir leaves for Japan to try to persuade Japanese leaders to relax their adherence to Arab boycott and increase trade with Israel [JP 9/4].

Other Countries: Operation Independence, a group of 100 international Jewish business leaders wishing to strengthen Israel's economy, sponsors New York meeting of hotel, airline, and tourism groups and prominent Jewish business leaders to discuss ways to increase American tourism to Israel [JTA 9/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palesine/Israel: Several katyusha rockets land in Galilee; no injuries reported. This is 4th katyusha attack on Galilee in recent months [JP 9/5].

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb suspected PLO guerrilla base in Lebanon's Biqa' Valley, 11th such strike inside Lebanon this year [NYT 9/5]. Reports say 6 Palestinians killed and 10 wounded in the attack [CSM 9/6]. Shi'ite and Palestinian militias battle around Burj al-Baraj inah refugee camp south of Beirut in worst fighting since June, when Syrian-sponsored cease-fire ended fierce clashes in 3 Palestinian refugee camps. Latest fighting leaves 10 dead, 27 wounded [NYT, LAT 9/5].

Military Action:

Syrian forces shoot down pilotless Israeli drone aircraft over Beqaa valley; PLO rebels announce open-ended cease-fire in Tripoli area; IDF reports several guerrillas killed, arms and ammunition caches seized in Beqaa.

Casualties:

Massive prisoner exchange takes place as 6 IDF POWs released by PLO, 4500 Arab prisoners, including 63 Palestinians convicted of attacks in Israel, and 37 Palestinians arrested at sea in late September by Israeli navy off the coast of tripoli, released by Israel; Ansar camp closed, 3400 prisoners remain in Lebanon, 1100 flown by Air France to Algeria; IDF returns Palestinian Research Center archives seized in Beirut during 1982 invasion.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Council of Jewish Settlements on West Bank and Gaza criticizes release of Palestinians from Israeli prisons, calls for death penalty in certain cases to prevent repetition.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Saudi FM, in Damascus, says general agreement has been reached for cease-fire and withdrawal of all Palestinian forces in and around Tripoli, practical steps under discussion; Lebanese government announces it will break diplomatic relations with Iran, freeze relations with Libya.

US and Other Countries: White House announces that Reagan will meet Gemayel on December 1.

Military Action:

Heavy fighting in Burj al-Barajneh tapers off in afternoon; LAF resists attack on Souq al-Gharb; shelling resumes in Chouf during evening; shells fall on East Beirut suburbs; US battleship New Jersey, equipped with 16-inch guns capable of firing 2700 pound shells a distance of 22 miles, arrives, bringing number of Sixth Fleet vessels off Beirut to 14.

Casualties:

2 civilians killed, 3 wounded in Beirut shelling; 3 US Marines wounded.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Bomb explodes in central Nablus, 3 Palestinian civilians, IDF soldiers wounded.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Following 3 weks of negotiations, Lebanese and Syrian governments announce that all parties to fighting in Lebanon have agreed to Saudi-American proposals for (1) cease-fire as of Monday morning supervised by neutral observers and implemented by committee drawn from LAF, Amal militia, LF and National Salvation Front, (2) national reconciliation talks between leaders of main religious and political factions, with Syrian and Saudi observers; 1000-1500 PLO loyalists, forced out of Beqaa, held under siege by Syrian forces in Jbab el-Homor Valley, ordered to hand over weapons.

Military Action:

IDF and Syrian Army exchange fire in Beqaa; heavy fighting between PLO factions, and between Lebanese Army and Palestinian forces of Col. Said Musa near Army's Baalbek base, Syrians intervene; IDF surrounds, occupies Phalangist barracks at Kfar Falus, east of Sidon, in effort to evict militiamen.

Casualties:

1 IDF officer killed by Syrian fire; 2 killed, 8 wounded in Baalbek fighting; Christian and Druze militias permit convoys of food and medicine to reach Chouf towns of Bhamdoun and Aley, blockaded for past 35 days; bombs explode in 5 shops selling Israeli goods in Ain al-Hilweh camp; IDF releases following statistics on effect of redeployment: it is withdrawing from 600 of 3,400 sq. km. it now holds, 200,000 of the 750,00 civilians in this total area will come under control of Beirut, IDF frontline will be reduced from 118 to 113 km; more than 100 Palestinian and Lebanese women at Prime Minister's office demand intervention to secure release of men presumably kidnapped by Phalangists at time of Sabra and Shatila massacre.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 2 Birzeit students sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for participating in last week's demonstration over killing of Hebron students; IDF imposes curfew on Tulkarm-Nablus road after settlers wounded by shots near Anabta.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat asks OAU and Nonaligned Movement to intervene against Syrian and Libyan attacks on PLO; McFarlane meets Gemayel, then flies to Israel.

UN: US vetoes, Zaire abstains, 13 states support Security Council resolution that Israeli settlements in occupied lands have no legal validity and constitute major and serious obstruction to peace.

Military Action:

Syrian anti-aircraft downs Israeli RPV over eastern Beqaa, IDF denies report.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh Central Council reportedly has dismissed 2 military commanders criticized for behavior during Lebanon invasion, appointed 5-member command for PLO forces in Lebanon.

US and Other Countries: Shultz meets Gemayel and Wazzan; White House announces that David Dodge, acting president of AUB, has been freed with help of Syria after being kidnapped in Beirut in July 1982.

Military Action:

Syrian Army encircles loyalist Fateh positions in Beqaa, prevents movement of arms and ammunition; Muslim militias battle in Tripoli.

Casualties:

10 killed in Tripoli fighting.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh rebel leader Abu Musa denies Syrian tank support in recent fighting; PLO Research Center in Beirut closed and sealed by Lebanese authorities.

Arab Governments: 20 Palestinian students, said to be members of the PFLP, expelled from Egypt.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says conditions under which a partial IDF withdrawal takes place would determine whether or not it was a setback; Dutch foreign ministry says its 612-man battalion with UNIFIL cannot do its job under Israeli occupation and will be withdrawn on October 19 if situation remains unchanged.

Military Action:

IDF and Syrian tanks reportedly exchange fire in Beqaa valley, IDF denies report; IAF planes practice dives over Tyre, fly into Syrian airspace; light arms fire at IDF convoy near Nabatieh.

Casualties:

Mass escape from Ansar camp reported, IDF tanks and helicopter gunships lead search, IDF denies escapes; Shi'ite religious and political leaders appeal to UN over IDF siege of Deir Qanoun an-Nahr, where 200 residents arrested after Friday's bomb attack; 2 Palestinians, said to be collaborators, killed in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IMF report on Israeli economy predicts $6.2 b. trade deficit for 1985 if present policies continue.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat meets PLO officers in eastern Beqaa, says joint Lebanese-Palestinian higher command has been formed to coordinate operations against IDF in Lebanon.

Casualties:

Prisoners at Ansar camp burn tents, throw stones at guards, shout slogans, IDF surrounds but does not enter camp.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Armed units from PFLP-GC, Abu Nidal and Iranian Revolutionary Guards reportedly join Fateh rebel position in Beqaa; Arafat says PLO will fight for independence of Palestinian decision-making.

US and Other Countries: US reportedly urges Israel to hold its present positions in Lebanon until Syria agrees to withdraw its troops

Military Action:

1200 US Marines arrive in Beirut to relieve units deployed with MNF since February; IDF reinforces positions in Bekaa, keeps troops on special alert for 4th consecutive day; Lebanese TV reports exchange of artillery rounds across Syrian-Israeli lines in Bekaa; Israeli jets repeatedly break sound barrier over Bekaa during dozens of reconnaissance flights, encounter anti-aircraft fire from Palestinian positions in north Lebanon; Lebanese guerrillas attack IDF vehicles near Bhamdoun; grenade thrown at Israeli civilian truck in Nabatiyeh; grenade thrown at IDF vehicle in Beirut; IDF APC hits mine near Yanta; IDF position fired on from behind Syrian lines near Amik.

Casualties:

1 civilian killed, another wounded in Syrian-Israeli artillery exchange; 2 IDF soldiers killed, 3 wounded in Bhamdoun attack; IDF warns soldiers in Lebanon not to buy drinks or pita bread locally, due to recent incidents of booby-trapped food.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet approves continuation of military alert status; Peace Now march to get Israel out of the Lebanese quagmire begins at Rosh Hanikra on Lebanese border and heads for Tel Aviv; police arrest son of Rabbi Hirsh, leader of anti-Zionist Orthodox Jewish Neturei Karta movement, on charges of failing to register for military conscription; 20 West Bank sites advertised by private companies for construction of villas have not been approved by Ministerial Settlement Committee.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Abu Saleh, dissident Fateh officer, denies Libyan support, but says he would welcome it; PLO denies right-wing Lebanese radio report of assassination attempt on Arafat; Arafat tours PLO positions in Baalbek area; Gemayel speaks to largely Muslim rally in West Beirut, calls for Lebanese unity; mufti of Lebanon opposes Lebanese-Israeli agreement.

Military Action:

Syria announces end of military maneuvers, return of forces to normal situation and status, military tension between Syria and Israel eases; unidentified anti-aircraft fire at Israeli planes over Bekaa; Beirut and suburbs shelled for 5 hours as battles in Chouf continue.

Casualties:

9 persons injured in Chouf battles, cease-fire arranged by IDF.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh dissidents take control of 6 PLO fuel and ammunition depots in Damascus, some shots fired, 2 guards slightly wounded.

Military Action:

Israel and Syria increasing troop and weapons strength, fortifying positions along cease-fire line.

Casualties:

2 IDF soldiers wounded when bomb explodes near troop convoy in Sidon.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 2 IDF soldiers injured by stones thrown near Askar refugee camp outside Nablus; son of Arraba local council head (where mass illness first appeared) says in High Court appeal that he was tortured by jailors after arrest; Israel Educational Television signs agreement to assist in establishing television service in South African "homeland" of Bophuthatswana.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Mediation efforts continue between Fateh Central Committee and dissident officers; Col. Abu Musa says PLO forces loyal to him will remain in Bekaa even if Syria withdraws, denies his action constitutes mutiny, wants continuation of military option against Israel.

Arab Governments: Libya accuses PLO Chairman Arafat of involvement in alleged CIA plot to assassinate Col. Qiddafi; Syria says it will oppose Lebanese-Israeli agreement to the end.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says a partitioned Lebanon will result if Syria fails to withdraw its forces.

Military Action:

Syrian planes fire 2 air-to-air missiles at Israeli jets on reconnaissance flight over northern Lebanon, no hits reported; Israelis deny Lebanese report that pilotless drone plane was shot down over Bekaa by SA-6 missiles, say that reconnaissance flights will continue; Phalange and Druze militias exchange fire south of Beirut.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier killed, 14 injured when explosion damages troop bus in eastern Lebanon; Lebanese military prosecutor demands death penalty for pro-Iranian Lebanese Shiites charged with killing 6 Lebanese Army soldiers in March.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: MK Shulamit Aloni says over a period of years settlers in West Bank have committed many dozens of murders, assaulted and harassed Arabs, and committed hundreds of acts of vandalism all with backing of military government and former Defense Minister Sharon; Knesset votes 41-32 against motion calling for full parliamentary investigation of Jewish vigilantism in West Bank, Defense Minister Arens says only way of ameliorating legal situation in occupied territories is by applying Israeli law; police release suspect in grenade attack during February 10 Peace Now demonstration; Israeli Druze communities call for total strike to protest inability of IDF to halt Phalange-Druze battles in Lebanon; Arab local councils in Galilee and Triangle hold 2-hour strike to protest inclusion of Arab-owned land in jurisdiction of new Misgav regional council; Israel warns Syria not to play with fire after attack on Israeli jets; prototypes of Israeli-made missiles shown at International Aerospace show at Le Bourget, Israel Aircraft Industry spokesman says prototype of Lavi jet fighter will make first flight in February 1986; Israeli bus and car damaged by stones in West Bank; anti-Arab slogans written on walls near Bethlehem; security forces disperse residents of Hussan, in Bethlehem area, trying to stop Israeli surveyors.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh Central Committee, meeting in Damascus, cuts off food, fuel and pay to dissident PLO forces, estimated to number 150-500; Lebanese Foreign Minister meets ambassadors of 10 countries contributing to UNIFIL, would like troops to be deployed in Chouf region.

Arab Governments: North Yemen opposes Israeli-Lebanon agreement, calls for immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops.

US and Other Countries: All European Community members except Greece support Israeli-Lebanese troop withdrawal agreement.

Military Action:

Israeli jets break sound barrier in flights over Beirut.

Casualties:

UNRWA official says about 30 Palestinian civilians have been killed in South Lebanon by unidentified gunmen since January, hundreds more have fled their homes for refugee camps, UNRWA unable to obtain guarantees for safety and assistance of Palestinian camp population from IDF or Lebanese government.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Settlers in Western Negev demonstrate in Gaza against murder of 2 men in Gaza market in past 2 months; High Court increases from 4 months to 1 year prison sentence of Kiryat Arba resident convicted of wounding 5 year-old girl by shooting into house in Hebron; Israeli Civil Rights Movement gives Justice Ministry list of 70 instances during 1982-83 in which Jewish settlers or IDF and border police allegedly acted illegally against Arab residents; West Bank Civil Administration fires Arab director of public health services over his March 31 statement that symptoms of illness in Arraba pointed to something more than mass hysteria; Birzeit University student council head arrested in Jenin, hand is broken by security guard.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel and other officials meet special envoy Habib; commander of PLO artillery in Bekaa says he and his men place themselves under command of Abu Musa, support corrective movement within Fateh.

Arab Governments: Syria says it will never allow the liberated areas of Tripoli and Bekaa to fall into hands of Israel and Phalange; Libya calls for expulsion of Lebanon from Arab League.

US and Other Countries: Habib travels from Beirut via Cairo to Riyadh; Shultz tells House Foreign Affairs Committee Reagan has decided to permit sale of F-1 6s to Israel, cites Soviet military supplies and advisers in Syria as major factors.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Knesset votes 55-8, with 46 abstentions, to affirm government's decision to sign agreement with Lebanon; High Court increases fines from IS2,000 to IS10,000 on 4 Jewish students convicted and sentenced by Haifa court for attacking 2 Arab students at the Technion in 1981, leaves standing their suspended 6 to 9 month jail sentences; "Fist of Defense," secret Jewish vigilante group reportedly under investigation, has claimed responsibility for slashing tires, breaking windows of Arab cars, planting bomb outside Hebron mosque; stones thrown at Israeli vehicles in Ramallah, school closed; students at Tireh women's college march in Ramallah carrying Palestinian flags, IDF disperses demonstration, closes school for remainder of academic year; several arrested in Nablus for stone throwing; 3 persons placed under house arrest for 6 months.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Parliament unanimously affirms agreement with Israel; text of withdrawal agreement published; Gemayel says Shultz should return to Middle East to assist Lebanon negotiate withdrawal of Syrian forces, negotiations will begin this week in Tunis with PLO on withdrawal of its forces; Fateh Central Committee meets in Damascus to deal with undisciplined behavior of military unit in Bekaa Valley; pamphlets prepared by Fateh rebels accuse Arafat of plotting to sell out Palestinian cause to US, Israel and reactionary Arab regimes.

US and Other Countries: US intelligence officials reportedly have evidence linking the government of Iran with April 18 bombing of US Embassy in Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 2 IDF reservists sentenced to prison terms for refusing to serve in Lebanon, brings total to 51; Arens overrules Chief of Staff Levy's recommendation to promote Brigadier General Yaron, criticized by Kahan Commission, and appoint him head of IDF manpower and training.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Cabinet unanimously approves withdrawal agreement with Israel, will form top-level team to negotiate with Syria; Foreign Minister Salem distributes copies of the agreement to Arab ambassadors, envoys dispatched to Arab capitals; Arafat meets PLO forces in Bekaa Valley for second time, some Fateh sections refusing to take orders from Arafat or Abu Jihad.

Arab Governments: President Mubarak calls on Arabs not to withhold support from Lebanon, says the Arab position should not prolong Israeli occupation or permit attempts at partition.

Military Action:

Numerous attacks on IDF in Sidon announced by Lebanese National Resistance Front.

Casualties:

16 IDF soldiers wounded when military bus triggers mine near Kfar Mishki in southern Bekaa; at least 10 IDF soldiers reportedly killed or wounded in Sidon attacks.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Chief of Staff Levy issues new, more explicit and restrictive IDF guidelines for dealing with West Bank and Gaza Palestinians; 15 Israeli women from Parents Against Silence group join vigil outside Prime Minister's house calling for IDF withdrawal from Lebanon; Nazareth police chief bans meeting between Ibna al-Balad, other nationalist organizations and Israeli Communist Party; Sharon releases Lebanon security plan, says Haddad's role must be streng- thened, Lebanese Army must displace Druze and PLO forces in Chouf, UN troops in South should be redeployed as buffer between IDF and Syrians, Shultz plan should be scrapped and replaced by realistic diplomacy, Syria will not leave Bekaa Valley because it would lose $500m a year in taxes levied on hashish trade; January-April trade deficit in Israel up 35% over same period last year.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese-Israeli-US meeting at Netanya to review text of withdrawal agreement; PLO officials in Damascus say negotiations with Lebanon for withdrawal of PLO forces must settle question of security for Palestinian civilians; PLO Chairman Arafat makes first visit to Lebanon since August last year, travels from Damascus to Bekaa Valley to deal with dissident PLO officers.

Arab Governments: Syrian Foreign Minister says Syria rejects the withdrawal agreement in form and substance, calls it a grave danger to Syria's security; Syrian envoys meet with former Lebanese President Suleiman Franjieh, and former Prime Minister Rashid Karami reportedly to establish national front in opposition to withdrawal agreement.

US and Other Countries: US Defense Secretary Weinberger says there is no reason why US-Israel memorandum of agreement cannot be revived, expects Reagan Administration will provide all technological information Israel requests for its development of the Lavi fighter; Secretary of State Shultz says Syrian position on troop withdrawal agreement is not a rejection; largest British film and TV union general council modifies its position on members working in Israel, will allow members to work there but will provide union backing to those who decide to boycott.

Military Action:

Syria fires at unmanned Israeli reconnaissance aircraft, shells IDF positions in Bekaa Valley; IDF patrol attacked in Chouf where cease-fire continues; US State Dept. reports steady infiltration of PLO forces into Lebanon, Pentagon estimates overall PLO strength at 12,000-15,000, Syrian forces at 35,000-40,000, IDF at 15,000; other estimates place number of PLO forces returning to Lebanon at 1500 over past 4 days.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier wounded in Chouf attack.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli officials describe withdrawal agreement as tantamount to peace treaty with Lebanon, predict dramatic improvement in US-Israel relations; Jewish Agency reports immigration for first 4 months of 1983 is 4538, 21% higher than same period last year, Latin America is currently largest source; Israeli settler shot and killed while shopping in Gaza's commercial center, curfew imposed; Ramallah military court sentences 5 men aged 17-22 to prison terms of 11-13 years for premeditated murder of Israeli woman killed by stones thrown at vehicle in January; Jerusalem Day celebrated; Housing Ministry announces plan for contiguous Jewish presence in northeast Jerusalem, connecting French Hill and Neve Ya'acov, using land expropriated in 1980 from Shuafat, Beit Hanina and Anata villages, private contractors to be invited to build luxury villas, other housing units; High Court of Justice permits Jewish prayer demonstration near Moghrabi Gate on Temple Mount.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese officials meet special envoy Habib; President Gemayel meets Jordanian foreign minister, ambassadors of 5 UN Security Council permanent members; Walid Jumblatt says Lebanese Parliament is illegal because it has not held elections for deputies since 1973; Druze leadership demands constitutional reform in Lebanon as condition for agreement with Maronites to end war in Chouf.

Arab Governments: Syria says any Israeli aggression against Syria, even in Lebanon, would mean unlimited war.

US and Other Countries: Soviet Union says US and Israel are trying to partition Lebanon; Shultz, in Paris, asks Soviet Union to use its influence to obtain Syrian withdrawal; House Foreign Affairs Committee votes 18-5 to increase grant portion of US military aid to Israel to $850m, $300m more than administration request, and to increase economic aid request by $ l00m, all grant; CIA and National Security Agency reportedly received warnings a month in advance that an Iranian-backed group planned to bomb the US Embassy in Beirut.

Military Action:

4 hours of artillery and rocket barrages between Phalange and Druze militias over 20 mile arc from Chouf to Junieh, Beirut suburbs worst hit since last summer; helicopter carrying US Marine commander fired on, no injuries; artillery and rocket battles in Tripoli between pro- and anti-Syrian militias; Gemayel orders Lebanese Army and Air Force to attack and silence any positions firing on Beirut; IDF officers in Bekaa say Syrian military activity in the area is defensive, no signs of preparation for attack.

Casualties:

6-7 killed, 25-34 injured in artillery barrages in Chouf and Beirut; 1 IDF soldier killed, 9 injured by artillery shell near convoy; 1 killed, 4 wounded in Tripoli; American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee resumes shipments of cement to assist in reconstruction of refugee camps in South Lebanon.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli officials seek clarification of points in draft troop withdrawal agreement, special envoys Habib and Draper answer questions at Foreign Ministry; Chaim Herzog sworn in as president of Israel, says that political and ethnic tensions among Israeli Jews constitute a danger from within; 500 Arab college and high school students demonstrate in Nazareth against discriminatory recommendations for university tuitionfee policy; Nablus court issues 6 more injunctions preventing private company from preparing land for Elkana D settlement near Bidya; Jerusalem resident, beaten by yeshiva students while rescuing elderly woman last month, hospitalized in serious condition after being beaten again; physician and lawyer in Ramallah jailed after their offices searched by Israeli tax collectors seeking retroactive payment of value added tax, boycotted by West Bank professionals and merchants.

Arab Governments: Jordanian official says there are no prospects for the resumption of political dialogue between King Hussein and PLO Chairman Arafat on a joint stand to enter peace process; Syrian President Assad visits Riyadh, meets King Fahd; Ba'ath Party official says that after Syria's heavy sacrifices it has the right to discuss, take issue with and even oppose particular PLO action, criticizes Arafat for treating all Arab states alike.

US and Other Countries: US lifts unofficial ban on Navy ships visiting Israel, supply ship USS Savannah docks at Haifa to replenish stocks of Sixth Fleet ships anchored off Beirut; Jewish businessmen in Virginia form political action committee (PAC) to back pro-Israeli candidates; National Association of Arab Americans' spokesman says 24 PACs have been formed by pro-Israeli, Jewish American activists, NAAA considers forming PACs as well.

Military Action:

Bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes in Beirut suburb of Baabda; IDF vehicle detonates mine near Ein Zahlata; IDF tank hits mine in Bekaa region.

Casualties:

6 IDF soldiers wounded in Baabda attack, 3 in Ein Zahlata; Lebanese police report 3 Palestinians killed in two attacks on IDF positions in South Lebanon; stray machine gun fire by IDF penetrates US Marine base after Baabda attack, no injuries; UNRWA officials report escalation in attacks on Palestinians in Sidon, said to coincide with arrival there of Phalange officer Elie Hobeika, armed and masked men of Guardians of Cedars threatening Palestinians, 4 killed, 2 wounded since April 28.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shultz returns to Jerusalem, meets with Begin, Shamir, Arens; Begin says he will call Cabinet meeting to decide on draft troop withdrawal agreement; Ministry of Absorption reports that only 11 of the 114 Jews leaving the Soviet Union last month came to Israel; Elon Moreh settlers fire on Nablus youths when stones are thrown at their car, 13 students arrested, school closed; window of Israeli truck broken by stones near Kalandia camp; 400 students hold sit-in demonstration at Tireh UNRWA Training Center.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel says the danger of signing an agreement with Israel without obtaining the withdrawal of Syria, the PLO and some Iranians is that Israel will not withdraw and the agreement will have no value; PLO seeks guarantees for security of Palestinians in Lebanon as precondition for withdrawal of PLO forces, Saudi information minister to intervene with Lebanese officials this week on issues of murders of Palestinians, threats to refugees, bombings of shops, expulsions, detention, attacks by Lebanese Army on Palestinian women crossing into East Lebanon to visit husbands and fathers with PLO forces.

Arab Governments: Jordan considering limitations on export of West Bank produce to East Bank, restrictions on entry of West Bank students to University of Jordan, holding of elections on East Bank only.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues talks in Beirut, then returns to Jerusalem; Reagan says PLO council was never elected by the Palestinian people, referendum on alternative leadership might not be practical; French foreign minister meets PLO official, asks PLO to cancel UN conference on Palestine scheduled for UNESCO's Paris headquarters in August.

Military Action:

Syrian forces fire on IDF tractor and APC in Bekaa Valley.

Casualties:

Suspect in assassination of Bashir Gemayel handed over to Lebanese judicial authorities by Phalange militiamen holding him since September; IDF separates Lebanese and Palestinian detainees at Ansar detention camp.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Government reportedly plans to move thousands of residents out of West Bank refugee camps, will offer them grants to build homes on land placed at their disposal by government, seeks financial support for plan from other governments and from international Zionist organizations; 2 women in Galilee village of Arraba arrested on security charges; British Ambassador in Israel summoned to Foreign Ministry for severe condemnation of recent British statements on Middle East and meeting between Foreign Office Minister and PLO official in Tunis; 350 dunums of land seized at Umar, West Bank village near Gush Emunim settlement of Migdal Oz; West Bank Union of Chambers of Commerce defies High Court decision, will not collect value added tax.

US and Other Countries: After 4-hour meeting with Mubarak, Shultz says US and Egypt hold identical views on withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon; State Dept. official says Israel and Lebanon have agreed on 95% of a withdrawal plan, Haddad's role is main obstacle; 3,000 attend memorial service in Washington for Americans killed in Beirut Embassy, at least 7 CIA employees reportedly among those killed in the explosion.

Military Action:

Syrian and Israeli jets carry out reconnaissance flights over Bekaa Valley; PLO forces fire anti-aircraft guns at IDF planes in northern Lebanon.

Casualties:

About 100 Palestinian families in Sidon tell UNRWA officials that local residents have broken into their homes and threatened harm if they do not leave.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 18 opposition MKs call Eitan's cockroach remark shocking and severe phenomenon that cannot be ignored, ask Arens to reprimand him, Arens refuses comment, says Eitan a national hero; Arens and Haddad meet in South Lebanon, Arens says Haddad is a great patriot; government investment in West Bank settlements and infrastructure estimated at $200m. a year; "No to Campaign Ribbons" group says thousands of reservists have refused to accept Lebanon ribbon; IDF lifts month long curfew on Dahariya; illegal publications confiscated at el-Bireh nurses' training college book fair, college closed; Interior Ministry bans publication and distribution of Palestine Press Services's daily newsletter on events in the West Bank, demands it be licensed like a newspaper and subjected to military censorship; southern district police commander accuses West Bank Waqf of interfering in politics and engaging in political activities.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Executive Committee meeting in Tunis postponed, Arafat travels to Bulgaria for 2 day visit.

Arab Governments: Egyptian Foreign Minister travels to Washington with message for Reagan; Mubarak meets Kissinger in Cairo; Egypt and Jordan agree to resume trade after 4-year interruption; Syrian President Assad meets DFLP's Naif Hawatmeh and PFLP-GC's Ahmed Jibril in Damascus.

US and Other Countries: US air and ground forces experts visit Israel to begin studying military data from Lebanon war; Albert Spiegel, Los Angeles businessman, quits as Reagan's Jewish affairs adviser.

Military Action:

IDF patrol attacked in Chouf; RPG fired at IDF position near Amik in Bekaa; 2 IDF patrols attacked near Sidon; Syrian forces shell IDF positions in eastern Bekaa.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier killed, 1 wounded in Chouf attack.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Defense Minister Arens says Reagan statement on F-16s is unprecedented in 35 years of US-Israel relations, forces re-evaluation of sources of arms, reduction of reliance on outside sources and build up of domestic arms industry; Arens also says Haddad must be commander of army in South Lebanon; kibbutz Sde Yoav votes to instruct its members to return Lebanon campaign ribbon; IDF sergeant who refuses Lebanon ribbon sentenced by military court to 6 days imprisonment, reduction in rank; Begin, Arens and Shamir meet Habib; journalist and publisher arrested in Ramallah for possessing large quantities of illegal literature; 6 Gaza students detained for 30 days on charges of incitement while visiting patients in Jenin hospital; IDF limits number of Peace Now protesters at Upper Nablus site to 15.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, in Stockholm, meets Swedish PM, Social Democratic leaders, says he is ready to resume talks with Hussein; negotiations continue in Khalde, Habib leads US delegation; after meeting with Hussein, FM Salem says Jordan-PLO talks have not collapsed, have reached crucial milestone; Issam Sartawi buried in Amman.

US and Other Countries: US Ambassador to Israel says Reagan Administration is determined to improve and rebuild basic confidence between the two countries; Israel Bonds dinner in NY, attended by Israeli Finance Minister, raises $8.8m.; British Foreign Secretary says West Bank settlements are illegal and completely contrary to Reagan plan, might soon make a negotiated peace impossible.

Military Action:

IDF reportedly constructing series of large and sophisticated military bases across South and central Lebanon, including airstrip at Damour, barracks and transport facilities at Sidon, fortified posts in Arkoub and Bekaa Valleys, logistics HQ near Marjayoun; Syrian forces and IDF exchange artillery fire in Bekaa; Haddad says he must formally be made military governor of South Lebanon.

Casualties:

9 suspects indicted for grenade attack that wounded 5 US Marines on March 16.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF seals 4 Dahariya homes of Palestinians who reportedly admitted to attacks in Hebron area, including stone-throwing that killed Israeli woman in January; IDF orders West Bank schools to remain closed until April 19, Jenin schools closed indefinitely; Umm Safa and Gibya residents report thousands of dunams seized for nearby Ateret settlement; molotov cocktail thrown at border police patrol in Bethlehem; Jerusalem Mayor Kollek warns civic and religious leaders of Shufat and Beit Hanina if they don't stop stone-throwing along road to Neve Ya'acov settlement then police and army will; Peace Now begins protests near site of proposed Upper Nablus settlement; court orders Ministry of Defense to pay compensation of IS2m. to family of Palestinian woman shot by Israeli soldier in April 1982, soldier given 5 months suspended sentence; Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs spokesman offers 3,939 apartments and building plots in West Bank and Gaza, announces campaign to expand 68 settlements, increase Jewish population in occupied territories 30-50,000 in next 18 months; Chief of Staff Eitan, in farewell statement to Cabinet, says there should be 10 new Jewish settlements for each stone-throwing incident, when Israelis have settled the land all the Arabs will be able to do about it is scurry around like drugged roaches in a bottle; 2 Likud MKs recommend that soldiers be instructed to aim higher if shooting at demonstrators' legs doesn't stop stone-throwing; Israeli Electric Corporation completes 4-year project to supply electricity to West Bank settlements and villages at cost of IS360m.; Association for Civil Rights says ban on section of '83 film is attack on freedom of expression, asks for its revocation.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO stresses importance of continuing relations and dialogue with Jordan; Habib participates for first time in troop withdrawal negotiations at Netanya.

Arab Governments: Mubarak says it is imperative PLO join Jordan to facilitate negotiations; Moroccan sources say proposed Arab summit later this week likely to be postponed; Jordan reportedly considering reducing ties to West Bank; King Hussein meets British Foreign Secretary; Syria says Hussein's refusal to enter talks shows US does not hold key to Middle East peace.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says there is no alternative to the Reagan plan, suggests PLO should lose its 1974 Arab League mandate as sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people if this authority is not exercised constructively; House Foreign Affairs subcommittee links sale of advanced US weapons to Jordan to commitment to recognize Israel and enter into direct negotiations with it, increases Reagan's requests for economic aid to Israel from $785m. to $850m., all grants, increases grant portion of military aid from $550m. to $850m. out of $1.7b. total, and approves same amount for FY 1985 in largest single legislative package of aid for Israel ever approved; CIA director Casey reportedly travelled secretly to Israel last week to convince Israelis that Lebanese Army can control South Lebanon.

Military Action:

IDF artillery fired at Syrian positions in Bekaa after Syrian tractor fortifying positions reportedly crosses cease-fire line. 

Casualties:

IDF releases Jibsheet's Sheikh Rageb Harb, whose arrest on March 18 prompted strikes and demonstrations; ICRC tells IDF that Lebanese in Sidon are threatening Palestinian refugees in camps and villages; Austrian special envoy leaves Damascus to report to Chancellor Kreisky on status of negotiations for PLO-Israel prisoner exchange.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 7 arrested in Sakhnin for offenses during Land Day; doctors from US Center for Disease Control begin study of mass illness; chairman of West Bank Medical Association says ICRC investigator denied making statement attributed to him yesterday by Israeli authorities; schools in Jenin and Hebron districts closed for 1 week; Tulkarm and Nablus under curfew; molotov cocktail thrown at IDF patrol in Jalazon camp; 17 year-old Palestinian dies of head injuries sustained in Jenin on March 27, family says soldier struck him with bottle, IDF says he was injured by stones; IDF arrests two carloads of Palestinians said to be driving through Nablus shouting through megaphones that the water had been poisoned; IDF confiscates film, arrests 2 Israeli employees of CBS news on charges of urging hospitalized girls to act ill, charges later dropped; 2 Israelis assaulted and injured near Damascus Gate; 9 Jews arrested during demonstration outside police station where Kahane's nephew is held; 7 persons arrested in Taiba after two days of demonstrations, stoning of police jeep, in support of West Bank Palestinians.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, in Amman, meets with PLO Executive Committee and Hussein; in letter to UN Secretary General, Arafat accuses Israel of poisoning thousands of schoolgirls.

Arab Governments: In Damascus, President Assad meets with George Habash.

UN: Iraq calls for Security Council meeting, accuses Israel of mass poisoning of Palestinian schoolgirls, Israeli delegate rejects charges as irresponsible and unfounded; Security Council requests Secretary General to conduct independent inquiry into reported cases of poisoning.