The Palestine Chronology

NATO halts its air campaign, as Yugoslav forces begin pullout fr. Kosovo. Yugoslav military has 11 days to fully withdraw or face renewed bombing. As they evacuate, 50,000 NATO troops will move in to set up a peace-keeping force. (AYM 6/10 in WNC 6/14; NYT, WP, WT 6/11; MEI 6/18)

PA security officials report that a statement attacking PA officials for financial, moral corruption has been circulating in the West Bank, Gaza. The tract, signed by a group calling itself the Free Officers, also threatens to overthrow, execute Arafat. Security officials do not know who is behind the statement and differ on how much importance to give it, but agree that it contains details that only well-placed insiders would know. (SA 6/10 in WNC 6/11; al-Ittihad 6/18 in WNC 6/21; al-Ahram 6/21 in WNC 6/23)

In Tehran, Egyptian, Iranian officials discuss expanding economic relations. (IRNA 6/10 in WNC 6/14)

Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), the no. 3 ranking Republican in the Senate, rejects calls fr. the Muslim community to fire his foreign policy analyst James Jatras, citing the right to free speech. In 5/98, Jatras publicly stated that Islam has a "fraudulent self-depiction as a pacific creed," arises fr. "the darkness of Araby," rivals communism as one of the "gigantic Christian-killing machines." (WP 6/11; MEI 6/18)

An IDF helicopter crash lands in s. Lebanon during a clash with Hizballah, causing no injuries. Hizballah claims it brought down the helicopter; IDF does not comment. (RL 6/10 in WNC 6/11; MEI 6/18)

U.S. stages 2d strike on Iraq, having hit more than 50 targets with over 200 Tomahawk missiles 12/16. Democratic congressmen accuse Republicans, many of whom questioned the timing of the attacks, of being unpatriotic. Russia recalls its ambs. fr. Washington (for the 1st time since World War II), London; the Duma accuses the U.S. of "international terrorism." Lebanon denounces the operation. Jordan expresses regret. Syria opposes U.S. "double standards" in its Iraq, Israel policy. (MM 12/17; AFP, IRNA, MENA, Petra-JNA, RJ 12/17 in WNC 12/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/18; al-Thawra, Tishrin 12/18 in WNC 12/28; NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MENA 12/19, SATN 12/20, al-Ahram 12/21 in WNC 12/22; MEI 12/25)

Across the West Bank and in Gaza City, Palestinians protest the U.S.-led attack on Iraq. The largest demonstration, attended by 3,000 Palestinians, is held in Nablus. In el-Bireh, the IDF shoots, kills 1 Palestinian, injures 16 others. (WP, WT 12/18; MEI 12/25)

In Egypt, the government expresses its "regret" over the U.S.-led strike on Iraq; the Arab League, al-Azhar's chief cleric denounce use of military force; Cairo University students go on hunger strike to protest; Egyptian police lock American University in Cairo students on campus to keep them fr. demonstrating. (MENA, RE 12/17 in WNC 12/21)

In Jerusalem, Palestinians observe general strike to protest Israeli plans to expand the city's municipal boundaries. (WT 6/28)

Washington Post reports that at a recent focus group, U.S. Republican party pollster Frank Luntz advised Republican candidates (based on his polling data) to be "vocally and unconditionally pro-Israel" when campaigning this fall if they want to capture the traditionally Democratic Jewish voters. (WP 6/27; MM 7/3, 7/27)

In southern Beirut, 10,000s of Lebanese march in funeral procession for 28 Hizballah mbrs. whose bodies were returned by Israel 6/25. (WT 6/28; VOL 6/28 in WNC 6/30)

Pres. Clinton wins reelection. Republican majority grows in Senate (fr. 53 to 54). Democrats gain seats in House (fr. 197 to 205) but remain in minority (compared to 225 Republicans). (NYT, WP, WP 11/5; MM, WP 11/6; MM 11/7)

U.S. submits to Israel, PA a document proposing solutions to the remaining security-related disagreements on the Hebron arrangement. (ITV 11/5 in WNC 11/7)

In Naqura, ILMG discusses Lebanese complaint over IDF shelling 11/3 that wounded a Lebanese civilian. Syria, Lebanon demand that Israel allow 23 Lebanese civilians, who were recently deported fr. the self-declared security zone by the SLA, to return to their homes. Deportation issues are not technically under ILMG's mandate, but conferees agree that any issue of common interest may be discussed. (RL 11/5 in WNC 11/6; RL 11/7 in WNC 11/8) (see 10/18)

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

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

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

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

Jordanian FM Kabariti, Arafat meet in Gaza. (JTV, RJ 1/25 in FBIS 1/25)

U.S. Federal Election Commission figures for the 1st half of 1995 (the latest figures) show that 53 percent of the nearly $400,000 in contributions fr. pro-Israeli political action comms. to Congressmen, presidential candidates for the 1996 campaign went to republicans, compared to 27 percent during the same period prior to the 1994 congressional race. (WJW 1/25)

NATO opens talks with 5 North African, Middle Eastern nations (incl. Israel, Egypt) in Bonn as part of its new focus on maintaining Mediterranean security in the face of rising Islamist movements. (MM 2/20; CSM 2/24)

Lebanese Pres. Hrawi calls on U.S., Russia to pressure Israel stop naval blockade, shelling of s. Lebanon. (RL 2/24 in FBIS 2/27) (see 2/23)

Islamic Development Fund for Investment and Export Security of the Organization of Islamic Conference says it has earmarked $50 m. for agricultural development in autonomous areas. (VOP 2/24 in FBIS 2/28)

Frank Luntz, close advisor of House Speaker Newt Gingrich who masterminded Republican's 1994 victory, announces he will be advising Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu on his 1996 campaign for PM. (WT 2/24)

Arafat, FM Peres meet at Erez checkpoint to discuss elections, troop withdrawal, implementation of DOP. Both say mtg. was constructive. (QY 12/8 in FBIS 12/8)

Israeli government releases vaguely worded statement saying it will uphold the DOP, but, Israeli cabinet remains divided on troop withdrawal. (QY 12/8 in FBIS 12/9; MM, NYT, WP 12/9; JP 12/17)

Jordanian FMin. initiates contacts with Syrian government in hopes of easing tensions following signing of Jordan-Israel peace treaty. (Al-Akhbar Al-Usbu` 12/8 in FBIS 12/8)

AIPAC announces it has restructured its operations to step up Congressional lobbying out of fear new Republican majority wants to reduce aid to Israel. (WT 12/14; WJW 12/15) (see 12/2)

Israeli Central Command Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran approves confiscation of 3,000 dunums of land to link Ma'ale Adumim settlement to Jerusalem, plans for 1,500 housing units, 10 hotels on site. Says expansion of Giv'at Ze'ev settlement fr. 22,000 to 40,000 dunums to link it with Jerusalem should be approved soon. (Ma'ariv 12/8 in FBIS 12/13; PR 12/24)

King Hussein asks M Ahmad 'Ubaydat, the only Senate mbr. to openly oppose the Jordan-Israel treaty and normalized relations with Israel, to resign. (JTV 12/8 in FBIS 12/8; CSM 12/22) (see 12/5)

1st issue of Hamas's daily Al-Watan is issued in Gaza. Shaykh `Imad al-Faluji, a Hamas leader in Gaza, is editor. (AFP, ITV 12/8 in FBIS 12/9; PR 12/18)

8 SLA soldiers killed in southern Lebanon when Hizballah detonates bomb as SLA patrol passes. (MM 12/9; ITV, RL 12/9 in FBIS 12/9; MEI 1/20)

Suha Tawil, Arafat's wife, announces she is pregnant. (NYT, WP, WT 12/9)

Haaretz leaks Israeli FMin. memo on how Israel should deal with new Republican turnover in U.S. Congress. Memo urges AIPAC to overhaul its organization to lobby more effectively. (MEI 12/2, 12/16)

Arafat forms tripartite comm. (Fateh, Hamas, PA) to calm tensions following 11/18 violence. Islamic Jihad is angered that it is not included. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 12/6 in FBIS 12/9)

Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri resigns, says it is impossible to work with cabinet crippled by continued influence of militias. (MM 12/2; RL 12/2 in FBIS 12/2; NYT, WP 12/3; AFP 12/2, 12/3 in FBIS 12/5)

Israeli PM Rabin calls Cairo accord signed by PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli FM Peres "a very important step," predicts "at least another month will be necessary in order to finish the details of the agreement to a full accord." (Qol Yisra'el 2/20 in FBIS 2/10; MM 2/10; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/11)

Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for abduction and murder of Ilan Sudri, Israeli taxi driver and frmr. border policeman missing fr. inside Israel. In separate incident, dozens of Palestinians detained in search for killers of Israeli citrus farmer found bludgeoned to death in Rehovot. (MM 2/10; WP 2/11)

AIPAC Pres. Steven Grossman announces appointment of Neil Sher, frmr. head of Dept. of Justice's Office of Special Investigations, as next AIPAC exec. dir. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/11; WJW 2/17)

Senate postpones to 2/22 vote by full body on nomination of Strobe Talbott as dep. secy. of state due to Republican opposition. (WT 2/11; WJW 2/17)

Secy. of State Christopher meets in Israel with PM Rabin, FM Peres, then with Palestinians led by Faisal Husseini, who tell him that all deportees must be returned for talks to resume. Palestinians read the secy. a letter from Chmn. Arafat, present 5-point memo assessing peace process. (NYT 2/24; Sanaa VOP 2/25 in FBIS 2/26)

Some 7,000 march against territorial compromise on the Golan Heights in Jerusalem. (MM 2/24)

Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies (Tel Aviv U.) publishes poll of non-settler, non-kibbutz mbr. Israeli Jewish pop. showing 58% believe the Arabs want peace, 95% of Israelis want peace; 29% favor Palestinian autonomy, 20% favor returning o.t. to Jordan; favor of a Palestinian state, annexation, and annexation with transfer each garnered 13%. 46% refuse to give back any of the Golan Heights, 33% would give back a small part. 75% believe military action can stop the intifada and terrorism, 60% feel the govt. has been too soft on this. (Davar 2/23 in FBIS 2/25)

Police Min. Moshe Shahal has set up team of jurists to work out a plan for o.t. police force to operate under the autonomy, one which will be a "clear expression of Palestinian self-rule." Historical models include British-French policing of the Hebrides. (Davar 2/23 in FBIS 2/26)

Israeli National Planning and Building Council subcomms. approve plan to build school for handicapped children in East Jerusalem, ending former Housing Min. Ariel Sharon's plan to build 200 Jewish housing units on the site. (Qol Yisra'el 2/26 in FBIS 2/26)

IDF shoots dead UN nurse watching demonstrations from his roof in Rafah, Gaza Strip-50th Palestinian killed by IDF since 12/17/92. (WT 2/24)

U.S. House Republican Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare releases "The New Islamist International," a report asserting Iranian backing of attacks on UN and Muslims in Bosnia while throwing blame on the Serbs, as well as other actions of intl. radical Islamist agenda. Report follows up similar 10/3/92 report. (WJW 4/22)

UN Sec. Council passes resolution 678 by vote of 12-2, with 1 abstention, to authorize "all necessary means" to force Iraq to leave Kuwait, setting 1/15 as deadline after which Iraq faces possible military response. [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 11/30; INA 11/30, BADS 12/1 in FBIS 12/3].

House Republican and Democratic leaders advise Pres. Bush not to call for special session of Congress to authorize use of force against Iraq, as they could not guarantee strong bipartisan support for such a resolution [NYT, WP 11/30].

Pentagon orders 300 additional warplanes to Gulf region, increasing U.S. total there to 1,200 [LAT 11/30; NYT 12/1].

Jerusalem magistrate court convicts army reserve Lt. Col. Yair Klein of illegally exporting military weapons and expertise to Colombia. Klein reportedly sold arms and provided training to members of drug cartel (cf. 1/3) [NYT, WT 11/30; JPI 12/8; MET 12/11].

UN Committee for the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People celebrates "international solidarity day with Palestinian people"; letters from Yasir Arafat and Pres. Mubarak are read to committee [AVP, MENA 11/29 in FBIS 11/30].

General strike is observed throughout o.t. on occasion of 43d anniversary of UN resolution to partition Palestine [FJ 12/3; MET 12/11].

Ryan Crocker, new U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, presents his credentials to Pres. Hrawi; U.S. embassy had been closed since 9/89 [NYT 11/30].

Robert Dole tells his Senate colleagues they made "dangerous" mistake in passing resolution recognizing undivided Jerusalem as capital of Israel [LAT 4/20]; key House Republicans, including Minority Whip Newt Gingrich, criticize Dole for straying from the party's "unwavering commitment to Israel" [NYT, WT 4/20].

Former nat. sec. advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski endorses notion of cutting foreign aid to Israel and other top recipients, saying "It is simply an absurd situation in which one single country has come to view American aid for itself to be a permanent entitlement" [WT 4/20].

PLO officials, Soviet Jewish organizations, and members of Jewish intelligentsia meet in Moscow to discuss settling of Soviet Jews in O.T. [MTS 4/19 in FBIS 4/23].

Tear gas canister is thrown into Agudat Israel party meeting near Tel Aviv [LAT 4/20; JDS 4/19 in FBIS 4/20; WP 4/23].

Rabbi Avraham Verdiger, 1 of 2 party members who withdrew support for Shimon Peres at vote on 4/11, reverses his position, says he will support Peres in future vote [NYT, LAT, WT 4/20].

Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine stalls release of American hostage, apparently due to U.S. refusal to send high-ranking diplomat to Syria to work out unspecified details [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 4/20].

Arafat arrives in Baghdad on state visit [BVP 4/19 in FBIS 4/20].

Israeli air force bombs PFLP-GC bases in S. Lebanon [jDS 4/19 in FBIS 4/19]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: D. M. Rabin offers to trade Shayk 'Ubayd, other Shia prisoners for Western hostages and Israeli soldiers captured in Lebanon [WP 8/1].

Other Countries: Bush administration deplores killing of Col. Higgins, states that Israel is not responsible [NYT 8/1]. Senate Republican leader Robert Dole accuses Israel of endangering U.S. lives [WP 8/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Burayj camp soldiers shoot, kill 15-year-old Palestinian. Troops shoot, kill 12-year-old Palestinian in Balatah camp. At least 16 Palestinians are shot in Gaza Strip [FJ 8/7].

Arab World: Organization of the Oppressed of the World states that it has hanged U. S. Lt. Colonel William Higgins because Israel has refused to release Shaykh 'Ubayd; Another Lebanese group threatens to kill second American hostage [NYT 8/1, MET 8/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports indicate that F. M. Peres and Defense Minister Rabin met secretly with Jordan's King Hussein and reached agreement on framework for Middle East peace conference [PI, BS 4/29]. Two Israeli police officers are charged with falsifying evidence and extracting false confessions under torture in case of 4 Palestinians convicted of May 1983 murder of policeman [FJ 5/3].

Other Countries: Before National Jewish Coalition meeting in U.S., potential Republican presidential candidates Dole, Kemp, Haig, Bush, and Robertson emphasize ties with Israel, support even closer relations despite Pollard spy affair [NYT 4/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports settler magazine Aleph Yud carries call for settlers to "prepare for civil war" [JP 11/4; JTA 11/6]. Knesset House Committee unanimously agrees to continue preparing amendment to house rules which would prevent introduction of racist or discriminatory legislation [JP 11/5]. Education Ministry orders youth weekly Hamtzan be barred from distribution in high schools after attorney general rules an article in it may constitute call to insurrection; article argues for need for "civil war for the sake of peace" [JP 11/10]. Two thousand demonstrators outside Knesset rally in favor of bill against racism [JP 11/5].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak [NYT 11/5]. Saudi Arabia denies Israeli claims made before UN that Saudi Arabia exports oil to S. Africa, states Saudi Arabia is firmly committed to total embargo against S. Africa [JC 11/4].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports pro-Israel PACs in U.S. gave more money to Republicans than Democrats in first 6 months of this year, a sharp break from previous contribution pattems [WP 11/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes in Haifa; no injuries [JTA 11/5]. Another bomb goes off in Ashkelon; no casualties [JTA 11/5].

Arab World: Suicide bomber 'Amir al-Aathar, 24, drives into SLA post in security zone, killing at least 3 in 2nd such attack in 24 hours; Syrian Social Nationalist party claims responsibility [BG 11/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Foreign Ministry releases 27-page white paper on PLO activity which is to be basis for worldwide "information campaign" aimed at discrediting PLO as participant in M.E. peace process. Paper states PLO planned or carried out 380 attacks since 11 February Hussein-Arafat agreement was concluded, killing 19 and injuring over 100 [LAT, LT 10/19]. P.M. Shimon Peres states Israel will accept Jordan's proposal for an international conference provided Israel is not required to sit down with nations which do not have diplomatic relations with it [LAT, BG 10/19]. Palestinian political prisoners inJnayd prison end hunger strike begun 10/8 [FJ 11/1].

Other Countries: U.S. Deputy Asst. Sec. of State John C. Whitehead travels to Italy and Egypt in attempt to smooth relations following Achille Lauro affair [WP 10/19]. Senate Republican leaders warn Sec. of State Shultz admin. will face opposition in proposed arms sale to Jordan; White House will at best have to accept conditions on sale to avoid embarrassing defeat [WP, CT 10/19]. Sen. Edward Kennedy announces 43 Democrats and 28 Republicans, three-quarters of the Senate, have agreed to cosponsor measure prohibiting the sale [BG 10/19]. Jewish Press reports U.S. Sec. of Def. Weinberger attempted to talk Pres. Reagan out of the plan to intercept Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers [JWP 10/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli tour guide is stabbed by 3 unidentified men while showing 3 Danish tourists around ruins near Nablus. Area is curfewed: no arrests are reported [NYT 10/19].

Military Action:

Cease-fire takes effect at 0600 hours, sniper fire near Souq al-Gharb and RPG attack on LAF post near Q3br Chamoun are only reported violations.

Casualties:

2 LAF soldiers killed at Kaifun; large numbers of pedestrians and motorists take to streets of East and West Beirut for first time in 3 weeks; Lebanese police estimate 806 killed, 1725 wounded in fighting since September 4.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PM Wazzan submits resignation, Gemayel asks him to remain until new government is formed in reconciliation talks.

US and Other Countries: Congressional Democrats and Republicans criticize Shultz statement that administration would not be bound by proposed legislation invoking War Powers Act.

Military Action:

Artillery duels between Druze and Phalange militia near Baabda.

Casualties:

5 killed, 9 wounded in Druze-Phalange fighting.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan says Israel may face 100 years of terrorism, that in practice the war in Lebanon has not ended, and one cannot solve all the problems of terrorism in one war, that if the IDF remains in Lebanon for long it may have to mount an intensive campaign to root out terrorist cells as was done in the Gaza Strip after the 1967 war; Defense Minister Sharon flatly rejects any PLO participation in future peace talks with Jordan, and dismisses Iraq's declaration of recognition of Israel's security needs as merely effort to get US arms for war against Iran; Israeli Foreign Minister legal adviser Elyakim Rubenstein says the recall of Egypt's Ambassador to Israel is a violation of the Camp David accords; Avid Kedar, head of Foreign Ministry's Egypt Department, says contacts between Israel and Egypt frozen since Peace for Galilee Campaign; Sgan Nitzav Albert Hayut, new director of Beersheba prison announces 500 security prisoners to be moved to new maximum security prison, equipped with latest electronic monitors, near Nablus; attorney Nissim Shakar of the Committee for Jaffa's Arabs says they will appeal proposed law that non-Jews must close shops on Yom Kippur as well as own religious holidays, and not transport goods on Saturday and Jewish holidays; Israeli officials announce requests by Palestinians to visit relatives in Lebanon decline due to security situation, 5 Israeli Palestinians disappeared recently in Lebanon; bomb near Zedekiah's Cave outside Jerusalem's Damascus Gate critically wounds a Palestinian worker; military authorities surround Najah University, effectively closing the campus, prevent Israeli Association for Civil Rights representative from entering, detain 9 student council members; in Nablus students stone troops who use tear gas and close off market area; rock throwing incidents in Ramallah, al-Bireh aid Dheisheh camp, now defined as District of Binyamin, also in jenin where placards and leaflets are found attributed to National Liberation Movement denouncing as treasonous Arafat's and Hussein's attempt to reach accommodation with Israel.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat goes to Moscow; 5 Palestinian leaders and Lebanese Communist Party meet in Tripoli.

Arab Governments: King Hussein tells local leaders that he has a letter from Reagan commiting the US to pressure Israel to restore Arab rights in the occupied territories, and that time is running out for achieving a unified Arab approach by March; Moroccan Foreign Ministry announces agreement with Britain on Arab League delegation to include non-PLO Palestinian; Egyptian Socialist Labor Party poll of 1,486 persons shows 82% want Israeli ambassador expelled, 76To want to sever relations with Israel.

US and Other Countries: State Department says Israeli settlement promotion campaign is unfortunate and counterproductive; Administration officials say US is counting on King Hussein to declare his readiness to join talks on basis of Reagan plan if the PLO and Saudi Arabia support it, if progress is made on troop withdrawals from Lebanon, and if Israel temporarily halts settlement activity; Secretary of State Shultz meets for 2 hours with 14 members of Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and leading Jewish Republicans, tells them of growing fears that Israel and Syria have tacit agreement to keep status quo in Lebanon, they tell him they want US to support Israel's demand for normalization of relations with Lebanon; delegation of Conservative MPs from Britain meet with Begin, give him message of support from Prime Minister Thatcher; European Parliament calls for establishment of a Palestinian state as a factor in a Middle East settlement, direct PLO-Israel dialogue, immediate halt to settlements in the West Bank, Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory, recognition of PLO as representative of Palestinian people if it drops from its charter all paragraphs calling for Israel's destruction, and sovereignty of all states in the region; Habib arrives in Israel.

Military Action:

Syrians shell IDF in Bekaa; Lebanese Army raids Murabitun Cultural Center in Beirut, seizes 14,000 religious books and legal documents, Wazzan orders books returned, Lebanese Grand Mufti issues protest.

Casualties:

Israeli official says Israeli exports to Lebanon totalled $9.3 m. in October, total trade exchange for year will total $100 m. by December.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: High Court orders Sharon to explain legal basis for detentions at Ansar camp, in suit brought by Leah Tsemel, demanding camps be open to lawyers and family visits; Israeli sources indicate 11 So- viet citizens killed when Israelis destroyed downed lAF aircraft in an effort to prevent its secret equipment from falling into enemy hands; El Al workers fight riot police in Tel Aviv after failing to win injunction against dissolution of airline; Industry and Trade Minister Gideon Pratt meets with delegates of four Black African countries during GATT conference in Geneva (countries have no diplomatic relations with Israel but seek more commercial ties); Israeli official says Israeli debt repayments to US now larger than incoming loans from US.

Palestininas/ Lebanese: Arafat authorizes PLO participation in 14-member commission with Jordan to draw up proposals for peace negotiations; Arafat attends first meeting of Commission, headed by PLO leader Dajani and Jordanian Prime Minister Badran; Arafat leaves for South Yemen; PLO spokesman in Paris says PLO will never recognize Israel, says Reagan initiative "Zionist."

Arab Governments: Saudi King Fahd meets Habib in Morocco to receive report on status of withdrawal negotiations.

US and Other Countries: Republican-controlled Senate Appropriations Committee approves $11.5 billion foreign aid bill, including $2.6 b. for Israel ($125 million in economic and $350 million in military loans/grants more than Administration requested); Reagan later urges House Appropriations Committee to reject the additional aid to Israel.