The Palestine Chronology

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

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

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

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

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

DFLP, Fatah, PFLP, PPSF, FIDA, PPP, Arab Liberation Front form permanent committee on Jerusalem to pressure Pres. Clinton to block embassy move. (VOP 11/1 in FBIS 11/2)

In Ramallah, settler rabbi is shot, seriously wounded when his car is ambushed. DFLP claims responsibility. IDF closes Jericho area. (AFP, QY, VOP 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; CSM 11/2)

In retaliation for Islamic Jihad leader Shiqaqi's assassination 10/26, Hizballah strikes IDF, SLA convoy in s. Lebanon, killing 2 SLA mbrs, wounding 3 SLA mbrs and 5 IDF soldiers. Meanwhile, 40,000 mourners attend Shiqaqi's funeral in Damascus; 1,000s more hold memorial rally in Tehran. (MM 11/1; QY 11/1 in FBIS 11/1; QPAR, RMC, SANA, SARR 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/2)

New EU rotating head, Spanish PM Felipe Gonzalez arrives in Jerusalem on 1st leg of regional tour to show EU political, economic support of the peace process; meets with PM Rabin then with Arafat. (MM 9/12; JP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13; JP 9/23)

Lebanese M Michel al-Murr travels to Damascus to ask Pres. Asad to forbid entry to Palestinians deported fr. Libya unless they have visas to continue on to Lebanon. PM Hariri stresses that Lebanon is fully coordinating its position on the deportees with Syria. (MM 9/12)

U.S. protests Arab League, Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) plan to hold conference in Jerusalem 10/17-19. 70 states, excl. Israel have been invited. Arab League, OIC say U.S. approved plans 4 mos ago, but Israel's recent complaints let to formal U.S. disapproval. U.S. denies this. (WT 9/12)

PFLP mbrs Shahar and Yusuf Ra'i, wanted by Israel for killing 2 Israelis 7/18, are sentenced by the PA military court in Jericho to 7 yrs each. Israeli Justice M Liba'i calls trials a violation of the Oslo agmt. meant to avoid extraditing the pair. FM Peres says PA is not violating the DOP. (MM 9/12; IDF Radio, QY 9/12, QY 9/13 in FBIS 9/13; NYT 9/13) (see 8/27)

Likud party defector David Levy releases his new party's political platform, calling for secure peace; terming itself a "national-social centrist party" filling a vacuum btwn. the radical right (Likud), radical left (Labor); vowing not to withdraw fr. West Bank or give up Jerusalem, any settlements. (MA, QY 9/11 in FBIS 9/12)

The Israeli Interior Min. rejects Jonathan Pollard's request for citizenship. Pollard is currently jailed in the U.S. for spying on behalf of Israel. (QY 9/11 in FBIS 9/12; MM 9/29)

3 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in clash with IDF in s. Lebanon. (RL 9/11 in FBIS 9/12)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk says he did not attend Jerusalem 3000 celebration because of prior engagements; U.S. is not boycotting the festivities. (ITV, QY 9/5 in FBIS 9/6)

In an attempt to limit the damage to relations with Egypt, PM Rabin asks the media to limit its reports on the POW issue. (HA 9/8 in FBIS 9/15) (see 9/4)

In Beirut, PLO mbrs Faruq al-Qaddumi, Sulayman al-Najjab, Muhammad Jihad al-Amoudi, Shafiq al-Hut meet with Lebanese FMin. officials (incl. FM Buwayz) to discuss alternatives to the Oslo process. (VOL 9/5 in FBIS 9/5; VOL 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; WT 9/6; MM 9/11) (see 8/16)

Palestinian enters Ma'ale Michmash settlement nr. Ramallah, kills 1 settler, wounds another. PFLP claims responsibility. (MM, WT 9/5; AFP, QY 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; WJW 9/7)

Russia signs 2 contracts to build 3 nuclear reactors for Iran, claims reactors are for nonmilitary purposes. U.S., Israel protest. (WT 9/6, 9/15)

Palestinian detonates suicide bomb on bus in Jerusalem, killing self, 1 American, 3 others, wounding 106. Hamas takes responsibility, saying primary aim is to bring down Rabin government. PM Rabin announces suspension of talks with PA, 3-day closure of West Bank, Gaza. At site of attack, Kach mbrs throw stones at Israeli Police M Shahal, Pres. Ezer Weizman. (MM 8/21; IDF Radio, ITV, QPAR, QY, SARR, VOP 8/21 in FBIS 8/21; VOP 8/21 in FBIS 8/22; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/22; NYT 8/23; WJW 8/24; JP 9/2)

Arafat appoints `Umar al-Khatib as PA amb. to Jordan, replacing Tayyib `Abd al-Rahim, who has been appointed sec. gen. of the Palestinian presidency. (VOP 8/22 in FBIS 8/25; PWR 8/26)

PA military court in Gaza sentences 1 PFLP mbr to 5 1/2 yrs, 2 other PFLP mbrs to 3 1/2 yrs in prison for plotting anti-Israeli attacks. (QY 8/22 in FBIS 8/22)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Robert Pelletreau, National Security Council (NSC) adviser Mark Parris make 1-day trip to Jordan for consultations with Jordanian officials on recent Iraqi defections; leaves for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait. PM Sharif Zaid Bin Shakir says U.S. is putting no pressure on Jordan to sever ties with Iraq. (Al-Dustur 8/19, Al-Ra`y in FBIS 8/21; RJ 8/18, AFP 8/22 in FBIS 8/22)

Israeli police continue to search Palestinian offices in East Jerusalem, searching for proof that they are official PA organs operating illegally in the city. 13 organization have been searched since 8/17. More checks are expected in coming days. (JP 8/18 in FBIS 8/18)

Arafat orders closure of Al-Quds newspaper for running a story in which his opponent Faruq al-Qaddumi criticized the PA. PSF men threaten editors. (QY 8/19 in FBIS 8/22; ITV, QY 8/20 in FBIS 8/23; MM 8/21, 8/29)

PA Preventative Security Force (PSF) mbrs detain 20 PFLP mbrs in Jericho, 3 DFLP mbrs in Gaza on suspicion of writing, circulating leaflets condemning the 8/11 agmt. (QY 8/18 in FBIS 8/18)

In Gaza City, PA police exchange gunfire with 3 Hamas mbrs (incl. Wa'il Nasir) wanted for planning suicide bombings; 8 Palestinians are injured. Angry Hamas supporters throw stones at police during the fight. After 5 hrs. the 3 surrender. IDF immediately lifts closure. (QY, VOP 8/18 in FBIS 8/21; WP 8/19; QY 8/19 in FBIS 8/22; MM 8/21; NYT, WP 8/22; NYT 8/25; JP 8/26) (see 8/17)

In Tunis, PLO Exec. Comm. opens 2-day mtg. to discuss Oslo B agmt. 10 of 18 mbrs. attend. PLO Dep. Qaddumi, PFLP, DFLP boycott. Fr. Amman, Qaddumi strongly criticizes Oslo B, calls on PLO, Fatah to adopt his alternative draft "Palestinian National Program." (AFP 8/12, AFP, al-Ra'y 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; SA 8/13, RMC, VOP 8/15 in FBIS 8/15; MM 8/15, 8/16; SA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Israel says U.S. Amb. Indyk is pressuring it to include Jordanian companies in the U.S.-Israel BIRD Foundation for research and development of advanced technologies. (YA 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli Police M Shahal warns PA that the East Jerusalem Municipal Council is illegal (see 6/10), Palestinians introducing themselves as mbrs. of the council will be arrested; tells Palestinian bodies operating offices in East Jerusalem to close within 2 wks or police will move against them. (QY 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli police arrest 3 settlers in connection with death of Palestinian 8/13. 250 settlers protest the arrest. (QY 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; CSM 8/15)

In retaliation for attack 8/13, IAF launches 14 strikes against PFLP-GC bases nr. al-Nai'ma, s. Lebanon, injuring 6 civilians. Arab League calls on U.S., Russia to rein in Israel. (QPAR, RE 8/14 in FBIS 8/15; NYT 8/15; SARR 8/15 in FBIS 8/16)

IDF closes West Bank, Gaza until 8/16. (ITV 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

PA, Israeli talks resume in `Ayn Jidi nr. Dead Sea--a more remote location than Zichron Ya'acov that will hopefully attract fewer demonstrators. (VOP 7/23 in FBIS 7/24; MM 7/24) (see 7/19)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud Abbas arrives in Ramallah to take up permanent residence, says he will not work with the PA. (QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/25)

Frmr. Labor party chmn. Eli Dayan replaces Beilin as dep. FM. (QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/26) (see 7/18)

PA releases 7 of 11 PFLP mbrs. arrested 7/21. (JP, QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/24)

Senate approves draft bill that would cancel Jordan's debt, sends it to Pres. Clinton for signature. (al-Dustur, JTV 7/22 in FBIS 7/24)

In Amman, Jordanian FM Kabariti receives Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk, discusses bilateral relations, peace process, Bosnia, sanctions on Iraq. (RJ 7/22 in FBIS 7/24)

PSF West Bank cmdr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf tours Jenin in preparation IDF withdrawal, says he expects to be given responsibility for Jenin in next several wks. (VOP 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

PA graduates 125 new security agents to be deployed in West Bank after IDF pullback. (WJW 8/3)

Nr. Beyt El, West Bank, Israeli police arrest 13 settlers blocking roads, burning tires, clashing with police in protest over government negotiations with the PA. (MM 7/21; QY 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

In dawn raids in Gaza City, PA police arrest 11 PFLP mbrs., incl. top officials, in connection with 7/18 attack. (AFP 7/21 in FBIS 7/24)

Sharp differences emerge in PA-Israeli water talks. PA wants decision on water included in agmt. on transfer of authority. Israel is willing to discuss water distribution quotas only, says all other water issues must be set aside until final status talks. (QY 7/18 in FBIS 7/18; ITV, VOP 7/18 in FBIS 7/19; WT 7/19; CSM 7/20)

In Amman, 300 Jordanian, Palestinian-Israeli businessmen open 1st 3-day executive mtg. on reestablishing trade links, defining areas of cooperation. King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan, FM Kabariti address opening banquet. (JT, JTV 7/19 in FBIS 7/20)

In Amman, Shas party head Arye Deri leads 24-mbr. delegation in talks on Jordan-Israel peace with King Hussein. (JTV 7/18, al-Hayat 7/19 in FBIS 7/19)

PA passes law restricting media coverage of "security issues," prohibiting reports that harm "national unity," requiring publishers to print retractions of any information contested by the PA. (HA 7/19 in FBIS 7/21; WT 7/20; PR 7/28)

Knesset swears in Yossi Beilin as M of Economy and Planning, Ehud Baraq as M of the Interior. (MM 7/17, 7/18; QY 7/18 in FBIS 7/19)

Israeli teenagers are found shot dead in the West Bank, nr. Wadi Kelt in 1st deadly attack since 4/9 bombing. PFLP takes responsibility. 10s of settlers block road outside PM Rabin's office, chanting "We want revenge!" (QY 7/18, MA 7/19 in FBIS 7/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/19; AFP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; PR 7/28)

U.S. envoy Ross makes unexpected return trip to Damascus to meet with FM al-Shara`, unsuccessfully tries to set date and agenda of next round of Syrian-Israeli military talks. (MM 7/13; MBC, SARR 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/14)

PA charge d'affaires to Jordan `Umar al-Khatib announces Israel, PA have agreed that "PA nationals" abroad, whose travel permits were valid when they left but have expired, may return to the PA areas at any time without having to renew the permits, no matter how long they were abroad. (al-Ra'y 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Delegates fr. Egypt, the EU, Israel, Jordan, the PA hold land transport infrastructure working group mtg. in Amman; discuss need for regional highway system, construction of bridges in Jordan. (JTV 7/13 in FBIS 7/18)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. and frmr. top negotiator Mahmud Abbas meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss the Palestinian stand on negotiations with Israel. (VOP 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Heads of 4 leading U.S. rabbinical movements present Congress mbrs. with signatures of 600 U.S. rabbis supporting continued aid to the PLO. (MM 7/14)

Israeli Civil Administration appoints Lt. Col. Barukh Nagar, convicted several yrs ago of attacking 2 Palestinians, as governor of Hebron. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

PM Rabin says hill nr. Efrat occupied by settlers 7/12 has been zoned for settlement for more than a yr., says he will approve requests that mobile homes be set up at the site. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Hamas-PFLP coalition wins al-Najah student elections by vote of 43-28, marking 1st time in 14 yrs. that Fatah has lost the election. (PR 7/28)

Jordanian FMin. says FM Kabariti has held several mtgs. with the Kuwaiti charge d'affaires in Amman, numerous Jordanian officials have met with their Kuwaiti counterparts in an attempt to normalize relations, which soured during the Gulf War. (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

PFLP, DFLP announce they have formed joint command to unify the Palestinian opposition, promote national dialogue and democracy, resist Israeli occupation. (VOP 6/3 in FBIS 6/5)

In Amman, King Hussein opens mtg. btwn. Arafat, 120 Jordanian businessmen to encourage investment in Palestine. Arafat then meets with PM Sharif Zaid Bin Shakir to discuss bilateral relations, leaves for similar talks with Pres. Mubarak, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid in Cairo. (JTV, RJ 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; VOP 5/25 in FBIS 5/26; MEI 5/28; MENA 5/29 in FBIS 5/30)

In Brussels, PA, Israeli negotiators meet with EU officials to discuss EU sponsorship, financing of 700-mbr. international monitor team for forthcoming elections. (MM 5/24; SA 5/25 in FBIS 5/26) (see 5/17)

In Tel Aviv, Russian Dep. FM Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with FM Peres, Dep. FM Beilin; offers to host next mtg. of Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control. (QY 5/24, HA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25)

Israeli Housing Min. approves construction of 1,500 units in East Jerusalem for Palestinian families. Units would be the 1st ever built by Israel for Palestinians in annexed East Jerusalem. (AFP 5/24 in FBIS 5/24)

In student council elections at Birzeit, Fatah wins 21 seats, Hamas 18, PFLP 8, PPP 3, DFLP 1. Islamic Jihad did not run. Fida received 16 of the 2,385 votes. Islamic bloc wins majority of seats in al-Bireh Medical College, `Abdallah Bin Husayn College elections. Fatah wins at Bethlehem University. (ITV 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; MEI 6/9)

Israel Housing Min. officials confirm that 134 acres confiscated 4/27 is part of plan to confiscate 1,100 acres of Arab land in Jerusalem for 7,000 new housing units to increase Jewish population of city by 10,000s. (CSM 5/3; WJW 5/4; MEI 5/12; JP 5/13; CSM 5/15)

U.S. Amb. to the UN Albright meets with King Hussein, PM Kabariti, discusses Jerusalem confiscations, U.S. policy toward Iran, Iraq, urges Jordan to joint NPT; heads to Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak on same issues. (MM 5/3; RJ 3/3 in FBIS 3/3; MENA 5/3, JT 5/4 in FBIS 5/4; WT 5/4)

Unidentified persons set fire to offices of al-Umma, a PFLP, anti-PA newspaper. (ITV 5/3 in FBIS 5/4) (see 4/26)

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

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

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

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

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

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

PSF mbrs. raid  offices of PFLP's weekly al-Umma, prevent its printing for the day. (JP 4/29)

IDF undercover unit ambushes, kills 3 Hamas mbrs. in Hebron, imposes curfew. (QY 4/16 in FBIS 4/18; CSM, NYT 4/17; CSM, MM 4/18; MEI 4/28; JP 4/29)

PA court sentences 2 Hamas mbrs. to 2 yrs in prison for training with illegal weapons, involvement in attack last yr. that left 1 IDF soldier dead. (QY 4/16 in FBIS 4/18; CSM, NYT 4/17; NYT 5/3)

PA continues mtgs. with Hamas to reduce tensions. No agmt. is reached but PA releases another 50 Hamas mbrs. (RMC 4/16, QY 4/17 in FBIS 4/19) (see 4/14)

New group calling itself Palestine National Democratic Coalition (PNDN) led by Firuz Yari announces it has broken away fr. PFLP, apparently following dispute over whether PFLP should continue as an underground group, remain outside PA bureaucracy. Observers say PNDN's proparticipation platform "has huge potential." (HA 4/16 in FBIS 4/20)

11th round of Israel-PA talks on elections start in Cairo. Both sides suggest bringing international observers into o.t. to help organize elections. (MENA 2/20, MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MENA, VOP 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM, NYT 2/22; MEI 3/3)

Arafat convenes PLO Executive Comm. in Cairo to reassess peace process, detainees and elections issues, configuration and functioning of PA. 9 mbrs. attend; DFLP, PFLP boycott. Chief PLO spokesman and PA Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbu calls for suspension of talks with Israel. PM Rabin asks PLO not to suspend talks. (AFP, MENA, RMC, VOP 2/20, VOP 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; CSM, MM 2/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/22; MENA 2/21, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; al-Sharq al-Awsat 2/21, QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; JP 3/4)

4-way (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) ministerial mtg. on refugees scheduled for 2/26 is postponed until further notice at Israel's request. (al-Aswaq 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; RJ 2/24 in FBIS 2/24; JT 2/25 in FBIS 2/27)

Arab League condemns Israel for recent attacks on civilians in s. Lebanon, calls on UN to do the same. (RE 2/21 in FBIS 2/21) (see 2/19, 2/20)

PM Rabin gives Shas 2 unassigned portfolios--interior and religious affairs--giving Shas significant influence over ruling coalition of which it is not a part. Meretz M Yossi Sarid threatens to resign. (MM 2/20 QY 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; JP 3/4)

IDF arrests Hamas political leader Shaykh Jamil Hamami in his home in the West Bank following the "seizure of a very large quantity of inflammatory material . . . that incriminated him" during 1/27 raid on Abu Dis College of Science and Technology. (ITV 2/21 in FBIS 2/22)

Frmr. Nablus mayor Bassam al-Shak`a announces establishment of new group, Palestinian National Grouping (PNG; al-Tajammu` al-Watani al-Filistini), opposed to Oslo Accord, calls on Arafat to resign. Group includes independents, mbrs. of Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP. (QPAR, QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; RMC 2/25 in FBIS 2/26; ITV 2/25, QY 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; MA 2/26 in FBIS 2/28; al-Quds, SARR 2/28 in FBIS 3/1)

In response to German reports that Israel, Iran are negotiating release of Israeli airman Ron Arad, PM Rabin admits Germany has been talking to Iran on Israel's behalf but has had no success. (ITV 2/20, QY 2/21, 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; MM, WP 2/21; IDF radio 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MM, NYT 2/22; WT 2/27; JP 3/4, 3/11; WJW 3/16)

Arafat arrives in Amman for talks Palestinian-Jordanian relations with King Hussein. (JTV, RJ 1/25 in FBIS 1/26)

PM Rabin's new settlement construction review comm. approves plan to build more than 3,000 units, sell around 1,000 for 20,000 new settlers in 3 settlements surrounding Jerusalem. Housing M Ben-Eliezer says decision strengthens Israel's claim to Jerusalem. PA warns Rabin is jeopardizing talks. (QY 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; QY 1/26 in FBIS 1/26; JP 1/28; WP 1/31; MEI 2/3)

Settlers complain Rabin, his comm. did not approve construction of 2,700 of the units submitted for review. Finance M Avaraham Shohat, a comm. mbr., defends Rabin, saying current government has far outpaced the Likud's rate settlement expansion fr. 1979-92. (NYT, WP, WT 1/26)

Syrian VP Khaddam meets with delegation fr. 7 Jordanian opposition parties to discuss formation of united Arab front. (SARR 1/25, 1/26, SATV 1/26, SARR 1/27 in FBIS 1/31)

Arafat, PM Rabin each welcome Clinton's freeze on assets to prevent terrorism. (QY 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; IDF Radio 1/25 in FBIS 1/26)

Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP, Hizballah each issue statement criticizing Clinton's freeze on U.S. assets, saying freeze is meaningless since they have no U.S. holdings. (MM 1/25; VOL 1/25 in FBIS 1/31; WP 1/26) (see 1/24)

UNRWA announces it has received $20 m. donation fr. Saudi Arabia for infrastructure, job creation in Gaza, plus $7.5 m. for Palestinian policemen's salaries (to be paid through UNRWA). (UNRWA News 1/25)

U.S. says it is unhappy with Egypt's threat to withdraw fr. NPT; says it will not pressure Israel to sign NPT; reprimands Egypt for signing "anti-Israeli" communiqué that followed fr. mtg. with King Fahd, Pres. al-Asad 12/29. (WP 1/26)

Palestinian police say they have arrested 20 mbrs. of Islamic Jihad, incl. the group's chief idealogue, Abdallah al-Shami; IDF says it has arrested over 100 Palestinians in West Bank on charges of inciting anti-Israel fervor since bombing 1/22. (NYT 1/26)

IDF, SLA air and ground forces attack Hizballah north of self-declared security zone. Hizballah unit ambushes IDF patrol, killing 1, wounding 1. IDF kills 3 attackers, strafes Hizballah positions. Hizballah shells IDF, SLA positions in return. IDF puts forces in northern Israel on high alert. (RL 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; VOL 1/25 in FBIS 1/27; MM, WP 1/26; MEI 2/17)

Jordanian-Israeli joint comm. on education, science, culture meets in Israel. Comm. mbrs. tour vocational, technical schools, discuss possible joint programs. (IGPO 1/18 in FBIS 1/19)

Israeli Housing Min. report leaked to Israeli press shows government authorized construction of 1,833 homes in West Bank in 1994, 3,230 for 1995, with emphasis on expanding areas around Jerusalem. (WT 1/18)

Jerusalem Comm. of the ICO ends 2-day mtg. in Morocco; issues statement criticizing Israel for law passed 12/26, calling on Israel to withdraw fr. occupied territories, incl. Jerusalem, demanding peace agmts. be based on UN Res. 242, 338, 425. Parties report high degree of coordination btwn. Jordanian FM al-Kabariti, Arafat. (RTM 1/17 in FBIS 1/18; MM 1/18)

Palestinians protest construction around 3 West Bank settlements. At Psagot, IDF troops fire rubber bullets, stun grenades at protestors led by PA Ms, injuring 3; detain, rough up PA M `Azmi al-Shu`aybi, Arafat advisors Ahmad Tibi, Marwan Barghouti. (CSM 1/17; QT 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; WT 1/18)

PFLP announces it will be closing some offices in Damascus, ceasing publication of paper, moving as many mbrs. as possible to home bases in West Bank, Gaza because of financial crisis. DFLP is taking similar steps. (Al-Bayan, Shihan 1/17 in FBIS 1/20)

Egyptian clerics, Muslim Brotherhood officials criticize Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Shaykh Bin Baz's fatwa permitting peace with Israel. (al-Sha`b 1/17 in FBIS 1/25; MM 2/14) (see 12/21)

PA Culture M `Abid Rabbu holds mtg. with Arab Journalists Association (AJA) pres. Na`im Toubassi, tells him PA will begin issuing press cards to qualified journalists. Gaza Journalists' League treasurer Zakariyya Talmas complains only 3 journalist qualify for cards under PA rules "and they are dead." (Jerusalem Times 1/6 in FBIS 1/9)

Mtg. of all Arab FMs in Tunis ends. Parties recommend countries donate funds on bilateral basis, turn down PA request to recognize validity of Palestinian passports, fail to reach agmt. on aid for Palestinian police. PA delegation angered. (MM 1/6)

Jerusalem district director for Israeli Housing Min., Rina Zamir, says construction of 10,000 housing units in and around East Jerusalem will begin this yr. (MM 1/6; JP 1/6 in FBIS 1/6; MM 1/16)

Arafat loyalists, opponents clash in `Ayn Hilwa r.c. in southern Lebanon after Arafat announces 400 Palestinians will be transferred to Gaza shortly. No casualties reported. PLO says Israel approved the transfer of 2,000 post-1948 refugees fr. Lebanon, Libya, Jordan, Sudan, Tunisia; Lebanon's quota is 470. (RL, VOL 1/5 in FBIS 1/6; MM 1/6; VOL 1/6, Voice of the South 1/7 in FBIS 1/9; Al-Hayat 1/7 in FBIS 1/11) (see 12/19)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` visits Tehran to give Pres. Hashemi Rafsanjani message fr. Pres. al-Asad about improving relations. (MM 1/11) (see 12/30)

Israel denies giving any U.S. technological information to China. (WT 1/7) (see 1/4)

U.S. Defense Secy. William Perry arrives in Egypt for 2-day visit, talks with Pres. Mubarak about Egypt's threat to withdraw fr. NPT, promises to defend aid to Egypt in Congress. (MENA 1/6 in FBIS 1/9; WT 1/9; MEI 1/20)

1 settler shot dead, 1 wounded in West Bank nr. Ramallah. PFLP claims responsibility in revenge for killings on 1/4. (MM 1/6; QY 1/6 in FBIS 1/6;  AFP 1/7 in FBIS 1/9; WJW 1/12; JP 1/14)

IDF soldiers, Palestinian police exchange gunfire across Gaza border at Erez checkpoint; 2 Palestinian police officers, 2 Palestinian civilians wounded. (MM 1/4; QY 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; NYT, WP, WT 1/5; WP 1/6)

FM Peres tells Knesset Israel is demanding a 4-yr. interim period btwn. implementation of 1st and 2d stages of withdrawal fr. Golan in talks with Syria . (MM 1/5; JP 1/5 in FBIS 1/6; JP 1/14)

Egypt, Jordan, Israel hold 1st tripartite mtg. on regional security in Elat to discuss prevention of cross-border infiltrations. (Ma'ariv 1/11 in FBIS 1/12)

Israeli Housing Min. Dir. Gen. Arye Mizrahi approves expansion of Ma'ale Adumin settlement toward Jerusalem, increase in number of houses fr. 5,000 to 18,000, movement of IDF roadblock marking Green Line so settlement would fall inside Green Line; says decision does not violate any agmts. because government already considers the settlement part of central Israel. (Yedi'ot Aharanot 1/5 in FBIS 1/5)

Lebanese FM Buwayz says idea for sending Palestinian refugees fr. Lebanon to Gaza, Jericho to serve as policemen has been debated for past 3 mos.; says Interior M Michel al-Murr drafted motion after 11/25 events, inviting PA to recruit policemen fr. camps, agreeing to send recruits with any light armor they possess as way of getting armed Palestinians out of country. (AFP 1/4, RL 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; MM 1/6) (see 12/19)

U.S. State Dept. confirms it is conducting investigation into reports Israel illegally sold China military technology. (WP, WT 1/5; HA 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; CSM 1/6; MEI 1/20) (see 1/3)

Israeli undercover agents kill 4 Palestinian supporters of PFLP in West Bank, nr. Ramallah; 1 agent wounded. Israel says men were wanted in attacks on collaborators. (QY 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/5; WJW 1/12)