The Palestine Chronology

PM Netanyahu says that he wants PA-Israeli negotiations to be expanded to include issues other than FRD. PA says that it entered the latest round of talks with the understanding that they would address 2 issues only: FRD, the PLO charter. No progress has been made in the talks thus far. (ITV 7/21 in WNC 7/23; WT 7/22)

Arafat, Israeli DM Mordechai separately consult Egypt's Pres. Mubarak regarding the latest round of negotiations. (MENA, RE 7/21 in WNC 7/23; WT 7/22; NYT 7/23)

EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Israeli FMin. officials. (WJW 7/23)

King Hussein announces that tests fr. his last visit to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, on 7/14 indicate that he has lymphatic cancer. (RJ 7/21, 7/22 in WNC 7/23, WT 7/22; RJ 7/22 in WNC 7/24; MM, WP 7/23; MEI 7/31)

At Rep. Gingrich's invitation, a PA delegation led by PC Speaker Qurai` arrives in Washington to meet with congressmen. This is the 1st time that Palestinian lawmakers have been invited to Capitol Hill since the PC was elected in 1/96. (WT 7/21; MM 7/23)

The Senate proposes same reductions in Egyptian, Israeli aid as the House did 7/15. Debates on the House and Senate versions will not be completed until 9/98 at the earliest. (WJW 7/23)

U.S. Principal Dep. Secy. of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch returns fr. leading delegation (including Turkish officials) on 5-day trip to n. Iraq to attempt to reconcile the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The U.S. hopes to unite the 2 groups to increase pressure on Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein. (GIU 7/17; MM 7/20, 7/30) (see 6/17)

Amal, Hizballah meet to discuss ways of coordinating their actions against the IDF, SLA in s. Lebanon. (RL 7/22 in WNC 7/23)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA convoy triggers a roadside bomb, killing 1 mbr., wounding 2. (VOL 7/21 in WNC 7/23) (see 5/10)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Saudi FM Prince Saud al-Faysal discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. (MENA 6/10 in WNC 6/11; MENA 6/12 in WNC 6/15)

In Gaza, Arafat, Jordanian PM Majali discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. Majali hands Arafat a letter fr. King Hussein, outlining Netanyahu's position on FRD as transmitted to the king via Israeli DM Mordechai on 6/7. (JTV 6/10 in WNC 6/12; Shihan 6/27 in WNC 6/30; al-Dustur 7/1 in WNC 7/2) 

Syrian FM Shara` meets with PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. and Arafat adviser on refugee affairs As`ad `Abd al-Rahman to reopen discussion on refugee issues. (RMC 6/12 in WNC 6/15)

During their 2d day of talks, Iran, Turkey sign memorandum of understanding on setting up a joint chamber of commerce, beginning engineering and technical cooperation on natural gas. (IRIB Television 6/10, MENA 6/11 in WNC 6/12; IRNA 6/11, 6/13 in WNC 6/17)

In Hebron district, IDF bulldozes 70 dunams of Palestinians orchards, saying it has warned Palestinians not to farm "state land." Trees on the land were 5+n10 yrs. old. (Christian Peacemaker Teams press release 7/14)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli peace activists protesting settlement activity clash with Israeli police. (CSM 6/11)

Some 50 Christian human rights activists stage sit-in to protest settler's occupation of Silwan homes 5/8. (WT 6/11)

PM Netanyahu tells his cabinet that Israel will not honor its peace agmts. with the PLO unless Arafat cracks down on Islamists. (MM 8/4)

14-mbr. Knesset Internal Affairs Comm. delegation representing almost all Israeli parties (except Moledet, Shas, Tsomet) arrives in Amman for a 2 day visit to discuss the current impasse in PA-Israeli talks resulting fr. the 7/30 bombings; encourages King Hussein to personally mediate btwn. the sides. Jordanian parliamentary mbrs. boycott the delegation. (RJ 8/3, 8/4 in WNC 8/5; JT 8/5 in WNC 8/6; SA 8/5 in WNC 8/7)

Israel continues arresting Palestinians following the 7/30 bombings, bringing the total arrested to 116; also demolishes 3 Palestinian homes allegedly built without permits nr. Jerusalem. (WP 8/4; LAW 8/5; PR 8/8)

Israeli authorities prevent a delegation of 20 young campers fr. Qatar, UAE (who just completed a summer program sponsored by the PA Youth and Sports Min.) fr. leaving Gaza for Egypt. (al-Quds 8/4 in WNC 8/5; PR 8/8)

Nr. the West Bank Jewish settlement of Karmel, a Palestinian is fatally shot fr. a passing car bearing Israeli license plates. (ITV 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MM, WP 8/4; NYT 8/5)

Iraq, Syria form a joint tourism company, which will run 2 daily trips to transport businessmen btwn. the countries. (RMC 8/4 in WNC 8/5) (see 8/1)

EA, PLO Exec. Comm. conclude mtgs., issue statement stressing that the PA signed agmts. with Israel, not a single party; encouraging Netanyahu to implement those agmts. (VOP 6/1 in FBIS 6/3)

Jordan's King Hussein says Netanyahu's win signals no fundamental change in peace process. (NYT, WP 6/2; MA 6/2 in FBIS 6/3; MM 6/3; WP 6/4; CSM 6/5)

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) calls on Arafat to step down in light of the Netanyahu election win. Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), PFLP-GC call for armed struggle against Israel to be stepped up. (AFP, Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran [Tehran] 6/1 in FBIS 6/3)

At close of a 2-day mtg. in El Arish, Egypt, PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs. delay indefinitely setting date for PNC mtg. to amend 12 articles of the PLO charter. (MM 2/6; MENA, RE, RMC 2/6 in FBIS 2/6; VOP 2/6 in FBIS 2/7; CSM, WP 2/7; WT 2/8)

In Damascus, Secy. of State Christopher, Pres. Asad hold 3 hrs. of talks after which Asad agrees to hold 3d round of talks with Israel in Maryland 2/26. (MM 2/6; SARR 2/6 in FBIS 2/6; SARR 2/6 in FBIS 2/7; NYT, WP, WT 2/7; WT 2/8)

PM Peres visits SLA Cmdr. Lahd in Marja'uyun, s. Lebanon, to check on the status of troops in the self-declared security zone. (QY 2/6 in FBIS 2/7; MM, WT 2/7) (see 1/23)

Lebanese military prosecutor files lawsuit against 89 fmr. Lebanese army soldiers for collaborating with Israel. (WT 2/7) (see 1/16)

Jordan's state security court sentences Atta Abu Rushteh, spokesman of the banned Islamic Liberation Party, to 3 yrs. in jail for slandering King Hussein by giving a statement critical of Jordan's normalization with Israel. (WP 2/7) (see 12/19)

Consultative Group donor mtg. (postponed fr. December) opens in Paris. (MM 1/9, 1/10; VOP 1/9 in FBIS 1/17; WT 1/14; VOP 1/14 in FBIS 1/16; JP 1/20; PWR 1/23) (see 11/22)

Lebanese FM Buwayz rejects Israel's offer of a limited withdrawal as invalid since it was made through the media; says Lebanon will consider the offer if it is made through formal channels, within the context of a full withdrawal. (VOL 1/9 in FBIS 1/11)

Saudi FM Prince Sa`ud al-Faysal meets with King Hussein in Amman. (WT 1/10; Akhbar al-Usbu` 1/11 in FBIS 1/16)

PA calls for the arrest of Kamal Hammad, who allegedly gave the booby-trapped telephone to Ayyash. Hammad reportedly has fled to the U.S. with Israeli help. (VOP 1/7 in FBIS 1/11)

To avoid Arafat being subpoenaed, PLO agrees in principle to help finance a U.S. peace institute as settlement of a lawsuit by the family of Leon Klinghoffer, who was slain during Abul Abbas hijacking of the Achille Lauro in 1985. (WP 1/19; WJW 1/25)

King Hussein, U.S. VP Gore meet in Amman. King criticizes congressional decision to cut Jordan's debt forgiveness. Gore promises U.S. will forgive all debt. (JTV, RJ 3/21, RJ 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; WP, WT 3/22; JP 4/1) (see 3/3, 3/13)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin, Egyptian FM Musa meet in Cairo, say relations have improved since Knesset delegation visit 3/19. Beilin says Egypt now better understands Israel's security needs, NPT argument has abated. (QY 3/21 in FBIS  3/22)

In Beersheba, Israeli police arrest 2 Hamas mbrs., 1 Israeli bedouin with explosives-rigged truck with Gaza plates. Pair confesses to planning suicide attack. PM Rabin cancels mtg. with PA scheduled for 3/22 to discuss release of Palestinian prisoners, bans all vehicles with Gaza license plates fr. entering Israel. (MM 3/21; QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM, MM, WP 3/22; NYT 3/23; IDF Radio 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; PR 3/26; MM 3/27; JP 4/1)

10 Damascus-based Palestinian opposition groups close 2-day mtg. to assess peace process, PA administration, possible relations with PNG (see 2/21). PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. al-Qaddumi says he will head delegation to Damascus in next wk. to try to reach a conciliation agmt. with these groups. (al-Ray 3/23, QY 3/24 in FBIS 3/24)

Israeli parliament passes law by vote of 56 to 6 (with 32 abstentions), banning official Palestinian activities in Jerusalem that could close Orient House in Jerusalem, PLO's de facto FMin. (IDF Radio 12/26 in FBIS 12/27; Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 12/27 in FBIS 12/29; WT 12/28; IGPO 1/4 in FBIS 1/6; MEI 1/6; JP 1/7)

PM Rabin secretly flies to Oman at invitation of Sultan Qabus, making 1st official visit by Israeli leader. (AFP, QY 12/26 in FBIS 12/27; NYT 12/28)

Israeli Amb. to the UN Gad Ya'aqobi says possibility of stationing military forces, observers in Golan within framework of peace agmt. btwn. Israel, Syria has been discussed in closed-door meetings at UN, informally btwn. UN representatives. (QY 12/26 in FBIS 12/27)

Arafat announces he will soon visit Jordan; King Hussein phones him to discuss visit. (VOP 12/26 in FBIS 12/28; Al-Quds 1/1 in FBIS 1/3)

Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Baraq claims IDF is running successful secret operations against Hizballah "very far beyond" the self-declared security zone, in northern Lebanon, hence there is no need to expand zone. (IDF Radio 12/26 in FBIS 12/27)

Israeli West Bank Civil Administration declares disputed territory nr. Efrat state land, orders Arabs to evacuate. (IDF Radio 12/26 in FBIS 12/27) (see 12/24)

Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty is signed on Israel-Jordan border by PM Rabin, King Hussein. Agmt. removes trade sanctions, opens border btwn. the countries, gives Jordan special rights to holy cities in Jerusalem. Clinton attends, but neither Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, Arafat are invited. PLO factions, Hamas order general strike in Israeli o.t., autonomous areas to protest signing. (MM 10/26; VOP 10/26 in FBIS 10/26; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/27; JP 11/5)

Pres. Clinton addresses joint session of Jordanian parliament; outlines Middle East economic plan; says U.S. will help establish a Middle East Development Bank, provide $75 m. for new private investment in Jordan. (MM 10/27)

Multilaterals on environment end. Mbrs. agree on "Codes of good conduct and cooperation," need to prevent industrial pollution and toxic dumping, creation of regional environmental protection center in Manama. Gulf states refuse to work with Israel on Aqaba cleanup project. (AFP 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

Hizballah shells Israeli positions in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA respond, shelling Hizballah camps. No damage reported. (QY 10/26 in FBIS 10/26; NYT, WP, WT 10/27; JP 11/5)

U.S. Pres. Clinton arrives in Cairo for start of Middle East tour; meets with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, PLO Chmn. Arafat; presses Arafat to support Israel-Jordan agmt., clamp down on Hamas. (NYT 10/25; MENA 10/25 in FBIS 10/26; WP, WT 10/26; JP 11/5)

Multilaterals on environment open in Bahrain. Delegations fr. 45 states attend. Israel's call for summit on desertification of region is met by "Arab reservations." Saudi delegation refuses to meet with Israeli delegation. (Wakh 10/25 in FBIS 10/26; AFP 10/25 in FBIS 10/27)

2 days of Palestinian-Israeli talks on elections end in Cairo. PNA submits proposal for 100-mbr. "Autonomy Council" with legislative powers. Israeli response expected in 1 wk. (AFP, MENA 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

Arafat, rebutting King Hussein's comments of 10/24, says if Jordan, Israel do not accept Jerusalem as capital of future Palestinian state, "they can drink sea water." (MM 10/25; JP 11/5)

Knesset ratifies Jordan-Israel agmt. by vote of 105 to 3, with 6 abstentions. (MM 10/26; JP 11/5; WP 11/7)

Vatican establishes "permanent and official" relations with PLO to balance its ties with Israel, assure access to Jerusalem holy sites after final status is resolved. PLO will open office in Vatican. (NYT, WP, WT 10/26; WJW 11/3)

Israeli, U.S. reach agmt. to start construction of U.S. "diplomatic buildings" in Jerusalem suspected to house U.S. embassy in future. (HA 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

Jordan's King Hussein defends agmt. with Israel, saying Jordan will act in its own interests to reverse its isolation; dismisses Palestinian protests to Jordan's control of Jerusalem's holy sites. Arafat says PLO will boycott signing of the agmt. (NYT, WP, WT 10/23; WT 10/26)

Israel suspends all negotiations with PLO after Hamas announces it is holding an IDF soldier hostage. Hamas says it will kill the soldier 10/14 if 200 Palestinian prisoners--inc. Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, Shaykh Salah Shehadeh, Shaykh `Abd al-Karim Obeid, Mustafa al-Dirani--are not released. PM Rabin calls emergency cabinet mtg., suspends transfer of aid fr. donor countries, seals Gaza, says he holds Arafat responsible. Arafat condemns abduction, calls mtg. of PSF. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/12; AFP, ITV, JP, Al-Quds radio 10/11, MENA, VOP , QY 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; CSM 10/13; HA 10/14 in FBIS 10/14)

Jordanian, Palestinian officials conclude talks in Amman, announce broad agmts. on trade, customs, banking, civil aviation; agree to draw up position papers on Awqaf, refugees. (JT 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; JTV 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

U.S. FM Christopher meets with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, says both Syria, Israel have made significant movements towards peace, says he has been pleased al-Asad has taken U.S. advice and made public gestures showing he is serious. (SARR 10/11 in FBIS 10/11; WP 10/12)

FM Christopher leaves Syria for Amman, meets with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan to discuss U.S.-Jordanian relations, peace talks, Iraqi maneuvers. (JTV 10/11 in FBIS 10/12, MM 10/12)

PM Rabin confirms that rifles used in Hamas attack 10/10 were AK47's belonging to the Palestinian police. (NYT 10/12)

The Nobel committee decides to award the Nobel Peace Prize to PLO chmn. Arafat, Israeli PM Rabin. (MM 10/11; NYT, WT 10/12; CSM, WJW 10/13; MM 10/14)

U.S. Commerce Sec. Ron Brown holds mtg. with mbrs. of Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC) delegation of Palestinian businessmen on 5-day visit to seek American funding for projects in West Bank, Gaza. (WT 10/12; JP 10/15)

Iraqi retreat is detected by U.S. intelligence. Pres. Clinton says it is too early to reach conclusions on Saddam Hussein's action, U.S. will continue reinforcement of the Gulf, may press for enlarging demilitarized zone along Kuwaiti border. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12)

IDF, SLA continue shelling southern Lebanon, "deport" 26 Kufr Hunah villagers fr. self-declared security zone. Lebanese FM Buwayz asks UN to act. (RL 10/11 in FBIS 10/12; MM 10/12)

Palestinian-Israeli talks on elections resume in Cairo, parties clash again on issue of opposition participation, size of proposed council, whether higher election comm. should inc. Israelis. (AFP 10/10 in FBIS 10/11, MM 10/11)

Jordanian-Israeli bilaterals resume in Eilat. (RJ 10/10 in FBIS 10/11)

Hamas issues statement marking 4th anniversary of Al-Aqsa massacre, says it will conduct operations throughout Palestine in commemoration. (AFP 10/10 in FBIS 10/11)

Under pressure fr. U.S., Jordan's King Hussein, PLO's Arafat join other Arab states in issuing statements critical of Iraqi troop movements. (NYT 10/11, 10/12; WP 10/12)

Iraqi Pres. Hussein says he is withdrawing troops fr. Kuwait's border. Clinton says intelligence reports no pullback, sends 550 combat aircraft to the region. (NYT, WP, WT 10/11)

U.S. opposes formal UNSC mtg. on recent Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, saying it would disrupt peace negotiations.  (WT 8/13)

2 Palestinians killed, 1 wounded by Israeli police following a shootout north of Jerusalem; 2 police officers, 1 "volunteer" wounded.  Hamas takes responsibility for the attack.  (WP 8/13)

King Hussein announces he will attend Mulid al-Nabi prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque 8/19 on a personal visit at invitation of Israeli leaders.  PLO Chmn. Arafat objects to Israeli invitations, stating invitations to Jerusalem should be extended by him, and invites the king himself.  (MM 8/12)

Greece and Netherlands announce they will open assistance missions in Jericho. Israeli F Min. stresses missions will lack diplomatic or consular status.  (Davar 8/11 in FBIS 8/11; MM 8/12)

Israeli TV reports Iraq relayed a message to Israel expressing readiness to discuss peace now that the Palestinian situation is being resolved.  (WT 8/13)

Latest round of Israel-PLO "early empowerment" talks concludes in Cairo.  (MENA 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

Knesset votes 91-3, with 2 abstentions, to approve Washington Declaration of nonbelligerency with Jordan.  (MM 8/3; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/4)

General Union of Palestinian Women (GUPW) issues draft Declaration of Principles of Women's Rights. PNA M Intisar al-Wazir says she will work to include the document in the Palestinian Constitution.  (TJT 8/5)

King Hussein pilots Royal Jordanian airplane through Israeli airspace on return flight to Jordan.  Escorted by 2 IAF F-15, Hussein passes over Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and talks with PM Rabin by radio.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/4)

Jordan, Israel demolish border fence at site of future border crossing nr. Aqaba/Eilat.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

Israeli embassy in U.S. announces 2-yr. moratorium on transfers of land mines.  Israel to work for worldwide ban on mines, will provide mine-clearing assistance to other countries.  (WT 8/4)

PLO Chmn. Arafat says Israel has raised question of Jerusalem by including it in Washington Declaration with Jordan and demands negotiations on city's status.  Israel rejects Arafat's demand.  (CSM, NYT, WT 8/2)

King Hussein, in London, says he has received "several invitations" to visit Jerusalem, and that he will go there "sometime soon."  (WP 8/3)

Israel-PLO "early empowerment" talks resume in Cairo.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/1 in FBIS 8/2; MENA 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

Israeli-Palestinian economic talks on implementation of economic agreement held in Jerusalem.  (Israeli Govt. Press Office release 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

PNA signs agreements with UN, Japan for $4 m. in aid to be used in Gaza housing and sanitation projects.  (WT 8/3)

Syrian newspaper Tishrin rejects Israeli PM Rabin's call for gestures fr. Syria, saying "Israel is the party which should make goodwill gestures and take steps to show it really wants peace."  (WP 8/2)

State Dept. counterterrorism chief Barbara Bodine tells House FA Comm. Clinton admin. "Deeply concerned" over Hizballah penetration of Latin America, says response of regional govts. to U.S. warnings "inadequate."  (WT 8/2)

Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi, in speech on Army Day, praises Hizballah resistance to Israeli occupation of "security zone" as "legitimate," denounces Israeli "false allegation" of Lebanese responsibility for 7/18 Buenos Aires bombing.  (RL 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; WT 8/2)

Israel agrees to U.S. request to send non-military advisers to Haiti after deposition of current regime, but declines to send IDF troops for UN peacekeeping mission.  (NYT, WP, WT 8/2)

Israeli PM Rabin, Jordan's King Hussein address joint session of Congress, speeches focusing on work ahead.  Later at White House, both and Pres. Clinton condemn recent bombings. Rabin, asked about Israel's nuclear status, says "Israel is not a nuclear country in terms of weapons."  (NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/27)

PLO criticizes Washington Declaration's recognition of Jordanian "special role" in Jerusalem, saying in statement "The Israeli govt. does not have any right to give any role or guarantees over Jerusalem." (MM 7/26; Jericho VOP 7/27 in FBIS 7/27; CSM, WT 7/27)

Israeli, Jordanian, and Palestinian negotiators reach agreement on water sharing at talks in Oslo, according to Norwegian F Min.  (Jericho VOP 7/27 in FBIS 7/28; CSM 7/27)

Israeli Public Works Dept. announces plans for 6 major highways into Jordan.  (MM 7/27)

Car bomb explodes at Israeli embassy in London, destroying part of building and wounding 13.  Lebanese Islamists presumed responsible.  (MM 7/26; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/27)

Argentine police detain owner of van believed used in 7/18 bombing of Jewish center in Buenos Aires.  (WP, WSJ 7/27)

Panamanian Pres. Gueillermo Endara says bomb responsible for 7/19 explosion of commuter plane that killed 21, 12 of them Jewish.  Panamanian Jewish leaders hold "Islamic terrorists" responsible.  (WT 7/27)

Israeli PM Rabin, Jordan's King Hussein sign "Washington Declaration" ending state of belligerency at White House ceremony with U.S. Pres. Clinton as witness.  Declaration says sides "recognize their right and obligation to live in peace with each other."  Agreement mandates direct telephone connections, linking of electrical grids, and immediate opening of 2 border crossings.  Declaration also recognizes Hussein's "historic role" in safeguarding Muslim holy places in Jerusalem. Clinton calls Syrian Pres. al-Asad after ceremony, saying opportunity exists for progress in Israel-Syria talks.  Later, Rabin and Hussein attend state dinner in their honor. (MM 7/25; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/26)

Israeli, Palestinian negotiators meet in Norway to discuss sharing of water resources.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; WT 7/26)

PLO Chmn. Arafat swears in Judge Qusay al-Abadlah as PNA chief justice and head of supreme court.  (Algiers VOP 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Kach movement holds paramilitary summer camp for youths at Qiryat Arba, including prayer at grave of Hebron killer Baruch Goldstein.  Organizers avoid direct connection to Kach, outlawed after 2/25 massacre.  (JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/27; WT 7/26)

Hizballah ambushes IDF patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 1 officer and wounding 13 soldiers.  IDF tank unit pursues guerrillas to Yuhmur village.  (RL 7/25, Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; MM 7/26; WT 7/27)

UNSG Butrus Butrus-Ghali, in report to UNSC on renewal of UNIFIL mandate, orders study of how to reduce UNIFIL's 5,244-mbr. force.  (WT 7/27)

Argentine officials blame Iran for 7/18 bombing of Buenos Aires Jewish center as confirmed death toll reaches 80.  (NYT 7/26)

Israeli High Court of Justice accepts petition fr. Tsomet party to bar Yi'ud party fr. joining cabinet.  Yi'ud made up of frmr. Tsomet mbrs.  (MM 7/25)(see 7/12)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Secy of State Christopher in Gaza, appeals for economic assistance beyond $2.4 b. pledged by international donors to avert "starvation and the humiliation and frustration" of Palestinians, asserts Palestinian authority over Muslim holy places in Jerusalem.  Christopher says U.S. feels a "special responsibility" for helping Palestinians, urges PLO to adopt modern accounting procedures.  (NYT, TJT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/22)

Israeli-Jordanian talks conclude with discussion of free-trade zone, development of Wadi `Araba.  Plans are to be presented to King Hussein, PM Rabin at 7/25 summit.  U.S. officials say Jordan, Israel to announce state of nonbelligerency.  (MM 7/21; RJ 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; WSJ, WT 7/22)

Israeli FM Peres visits Cairo to brief Egyptian Pres. Mubarak on Israel-Jordan talks.  (MM 7/21; MENA 7/21 in FBIS 7/22)

Palestinian police apprehend suspects in 7/19 Rafah ambush of IDF patrol that killed 1 Israeli.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

Lebanese court convicts Namiq Ahmad Kamal of complicity in 1976 kidnapping, murder of U.S. Amb. Francis Meloy, sentences him to 4 yrs.' hard labor.  Attack blamed on PFLP; assassin remains at large.  (RL 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; WT 7/22)

Palestinian workers waiting to enter Israel riot at Erez checkpoint, Gaza Strip.  Palestinian police, IDF exchange fire in 1st such incident since 5/4 Gaza-Jericho agreement.  2 Palestinians killed, 98 wounded, including 5 police officers; 17 Israelis also wounded, including 1 Border Guard in critical condition.  Gas station, 120 Israeli buses destroyed.  Each side blames other for incident; PLO Chmn. Arafat calls for deployment in Gaza of international observers.  Secy of State Christopher, en route to region, calls riot a "tragedy."   Clashes occur in Ramallah, Hebron as news of riot spreads.  (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/18)

Secy of State Christopher starts tour of Middle East to prepare for 7/25 White House summit of Jordan's King Hussein, Israel's PM Rabin.  Trip will include mtgs. in Syria.  (NYT 7/18)

U.S. Pres. Clinton announces Jordan-Israel summit btwn. King Hussein, PM Rabin, will be held at White House 7/25.  Hussein and Rabin to address joint session of Congress, attend state dinner as well has hold substantive mtgs.  Clinton call Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad before making announcement.  (MM 7/15; NYT, WP, WT 7/16)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, speaking to reporters in Gaza, asserts Palestinian right to "raise the Palestinian flag" in Jerusalem.  Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin calls Arafat remarks "a very grave statement."  (NYT, WT 7/16)

Israeli, PLO negotiators open talks in Cairo on "early empowerment" of Palestinians in West Bank, expansion of self-rule area, redeploying IDF, elections.  Israeli side headed by IDF Maj. Gen Danny Rothschild, PLO by PNA Planning M Nabil Shaath.  Separate talks on settling issues remaining fr. 5/4 agreement, including borders of Jericho area, resume.  (MENA 7/11, 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

IDF kills 2 Hamas mbrs. in Nablus after firing anti-tank missles at house they were hiding in.  The 2 had been wanted for a year.  Several buildings in area destroyed.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; MM 7/12; TJT 7/15; JP 7/23)

Qiryat Arba settlers vacate Hebron apartments occupied 7/8 in compromise with Housing M.  (MM 7/12)

PLO Chmn. Arafat departs Tunis for Cairo on way to take up permanent residence in Gaza Strip.  Arafat meets Israeli Dep. FM Beilin to discuss early empowerment of Palestinians in o.t. before his departure.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Israeli PM Rabin accepts King Hussein's offer for a public summit mtg.  (MM 7/11; WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Israeli FM Peres announces he will meet Secy of State Christopher, Jordanian PM and FM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali in Jordan 7/20 in 1st public visit of an Israeli official to Jordan.  Israeli-Jordanian bilateral talks to resume 7/18 at Ein Evrona, southern Israel.  Jordanian spokesman says emphasis in talks will be on border, water issues.  (MM 7/11; MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Jordan receives over $900,000 fr. UN for claims by Jordanian families for losses in 1990-91 Gulf war.  (WSJ 7/12)

IAF raids Hizballah positions in Biqa` Valley.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

PNA Justice M Freih Abu Middein announces investigation into death in custody of Rafah r.c. resident.  Prisoner held on suspicion of drug smuggling, collaboration.  Justice Min. statement says prisoner died of "excessive violence" during interrogation.  3 interrogators detained and under investigation.   Palestinian human-rights orgs., including Hanan Ashrawi's Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights, call it a "case of maltreatment and torture."  (NYT 7/10; CSM, MM 7/11)

Israel announces 24-hr. closure of Gaza Strip to start early 7/11 in response to weekend clashes btwn. Palestinians, IDF.  (WSJ, WT 7/11; CSM 7/12)

Israeli Civil Admin., with PLO approval, appoints Fateh mbr. Ghassan al-Shak`a mayor of Nablus.  (Israeli Channel 2 TV 7/10 in FBIS 7/11)

Israel welcomes King Hussein's offer of a summit mtg. with PM Rabin.  (CSM 7/11)

Arafat performs `umra pilgrimage in Mecca, returns to Tunis. PNA Planning M Nabil Shaath says Arafat visit restored Palestinian-Saudi relations PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir `Abd-Rabbuh tells reporters PLO HQ, including Political Dept., International and Pan-Arab Relations Dept., and Returnees Dept. will remain in Tunis despite Arafat's move to Gaza.  (MENA 7/10 in FBIS 7/11; MM 7/11; WT 7/13)

Israeli navy kills 2 PFLP frogmen off coast nr. Naqura.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/13; MM 7/12; JP 7/23)

PLO Chmn. Arafat arrives in Saudi Arabia on visit, is greeted by DM Prince Sultan in sign that strains fr. 1990-91 Gulf crisis are over.  Later, Arafat has audience with King Fahd.  Separately, PNA Labor M Samir Ghawsha says Arafat will take up residence in Palestinian self-rule areas.  (SPA 7/9 in FBIS 7/10; WP, WT 7/10; MM 7/11)

King Hussein tells Jordan's parliament he is ready to meet publicly with Israeli PM Rabin.  Hussein says mtg. a condition set by U.S. for forgiveness of Jordanian debt to U.S., provision of U.S. weaponry to Jordanian armed forces.  (JTV 7/9 in FBIS 7/11; WP 7/10; CSM, MM 7/11)

Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres, and PLO Chmn. Arafat awarded UNESCO Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Award at Paris ceremony.  Prize presented by frmr. Secy of State Henry Kissinger, who praises honorees for their "leap of faith."  During talks on expanding Palestinian self-rule, Arafat demands more Palestinians be released, including Hamas leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, urges Jerusalem be designated an open city, and pledges elections "as quickly as possible."  Both Rabin and Arafat tell reporters mtg. was successful.  (MM 7/6; NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/7; TJT 7/8)

Jordan's King Hussein, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak meet in Alexandria to discuss planned Jordan-Israel peace talks.  Jordanians stress need for comprehensive solution to Arab-Israeli conflict, deny differences with Syria over talks.  (Jordan TV 7/6 in FBIS 7/7; NYT 7/7)

IDF officer killed, SLA soldier wounded during artillery, mortar exchanges with Hizballah nr. Rihan in "security zone."  (MM, WP 7/7)

Rawhi al-Khatib, Jordanian Mayor of Jerusalem 1957-67, dies at 82.  Khatib was expelled by Israel in 1968 after being deposed and refusing to work with Israeli Jerusalem municipality.  (TJT 7/8; NYT 7/9; WP 7/10)

2 PFLP guerrillas killed by SLA 2 mi. fr. Israeli border.  3d guerrilla captured, says mission was to take hostages in northern Israel.  In separate incident, Lebanese soldier killed nr. Nabatiya by howitzer shell fired fr. "security zone."  (WP 6/24)

Hamas mbr. kidnapped day before found dead in Bayt Lahiya, Gaza Strip, presumably killed by family mbrs. of collaborators he had killed.  (MM 6/23; TJT 7/1; JP 7/2)

PLO Chmn. Arafat sets new conditions for his move to Jericho.  (WSJ 6/24)

18 dunams confiscated fr. Waljah village, nr. Bayt Jala, for construction of 18,000 housing units for Israelis.  (TJT 7/1)

Israeli FM Peres, on Israeli radio, says new proposals to Syria include "security, peace, and withdrawal."  Peres says contacts must take place "away fr. the eye of the media."  PM Rabin, on IDF radio, says Israel ready for "painful compromises" with Syria, criticizes rightists who claim Arabs lack military option by referring to 1973 war.  (CSM 6/24)

U.S. Pres. Clinton offers to sponsor Washington summit mtg. btwn. Israeli PM Rabin, Jordan's King Hussein.  (WSJ 6/24)

Frmr. Saudi diplomat Mohammed al-Khilewi, who defected to U.S. 6/14, claims to have documents proving Saudi support for Hamas, Saudi surveillance of U.S. Jewish groups, including JDL.  (WSJ 6/24)[defected 6/1--WT 6/2][filed for asylum 5/31--WT 6/4]

Palestinian police in Gaza Strip arrest 10 PLO activists, including frmr. Fateh Gaza office head Sami Abu Samhadanah, for blocking road to Israeli settlement.  (WT 6/22)

Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons start hunger strike to protest continued detention, lack of PLO pressure for their release.  Palestinians claim only 3,500 prisoners released of 5,000 promised to be freed under 5/4 agreement.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/20 in FBIS 6/21; WT 6/22; TJT 6/24)

Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin tells U.S. reporters Israel sees no progress in talks with Syria unless U.S. becomes more involved.  Beilin specifically calls for visit to region by Secy of State Christopher.  PM Rabin, touring Golan IDF bases, says he expects Christopher in June or July, urges "higher level" Syrian-Israeli negotiations, proposes mtg. with Jordan's King Hussein.  (WP, WT 6/22)

Jordan's King Hussein tells reporters in Washington Jordan will pursue peace treaty with Israel irrespective of Syrian position, saying Jordan's progress with Israel "has nothing to do" with "any other track" of peace process.  Hussein says a mtg. with Israel's PM Rabin possible before treaty reached.  (NYT, WSJ, WT 6/22; WP 6/23)

PLO official Nabil Shaath, visiting Jericho, postpones trip to Jerusalem's Haram al-Sharif in move interpreted as showing PLO reluctance to provoke Israeli right on Jerusalem issue.  (MM 6/20; NYT 6/21)

Jerusalem Waqf authorities stop Israeli bulldozers digging tunnel nr. Haram al-Sharif.  (TJT 6/24)

IAF airstrikes on Jabal al-Raffih in southern Lebanon wound 2 Hizballah guerrillas.  Raid follows Hizballah firing on 2 SLA positions. Incident is 22d IAF airstrike in Lebanon in year. Later, Hizballah ambush of IDF patrol in "security zone" kills 3 Israeli soldiers, wounds 3, according to Lebanese security sources.  IDF sources say only 1 killed.  Artillery and rocket duels erupt btwn. SLA, Hizballah.  (MM 6/20; CSM, WP, WSJ, WT 6/21; JP 7/2)

Syria deliberates on supplying Hizballah with SA-14 and SA-16 antiaircraft missiles in reaction to increased Israeli air raids, according to "diplomatic sources."  (WT 6/21)

Jordan's King Hussein, Secy of State Christopher meet in Washington.  Hussein says he hopes for high-level mtg. with Israel.  (MM 6/21; CSM, WP 6/22)

2 Israeli soldiers killed at Erez checkpoint, Gaza Strip.  Attackers flee into Gaza Strip self-rule area without pursuit by Palestinian police.  Islamic Jihad, Hamas claim responsibility.  Gaza police cmndr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf promises "we will stop them in the coming stages." Israel closes main roads into Gaza, bars Palestinian worker fr. Israel until 5/29 in retaliation.  PLO official Nabil Shaath, Gaza security chief Muhammad Dahlan meet IDF Maj. Gen. Amnon Shahak over incident.  2 Israeli garbage collectors wounded nr. Morag in Gush Qatif settlement bloc in separate shooting incident.  (MM 5/20; Qol Yisra'el 5/20 in FBIS 5/20; NYT, WP, WT 5/21; JP 5/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat signs decree voiding post-1967 laws in o.t.  (al-Quds 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; TJT 5/27)

Jordan's King Hussein, Syrian Pres. al-Asad hold talks on peace process in Damascus.  (RJ 5/20 in FBIS 5/20)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Edward Djerejian resigns after 6 mos. in office to direct Baker Institute at Rice University, named for frmr. Secy of State James Baker.  Djerejian had been asst. secy of state for Near East affairs, amb. to Syria. (WP, WT 5/20)

PM Rabin calls Arafat's explanation of "jihad" remarks "far-fetched," denies Arafat's claim of Israeli letter of assurances on Jerusalem.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; MM 5/19; NYT 5/20)

Independents and Fateh figures, including Central Comm. mbrs. Hani al-Hasan and `Abbas Zaki, announce plans to form "Palestinian National Independence Party" to contest Palestinian elections.  (TJT 5/27)

PLO security official Amin al-Hindi, barred fr. earlier PLO-Israel talks because of his role in 1972 murder of Israeli Olympic athletes, enters Gaza Strip at Rafah border crossing.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/19 in FBIS 5/20)

U.S., Israel sign authorization for Israeli purchase of 21 F-15I Eagle fighter-bombers fr. McDonnell Douglas. Deal is worth $2 b.  (JP 5/28)

Jordan's King Hussein, Israeli PM Rabin meet secretly in London.  (NYT 7/31)