The Palestine Chronology

Israel says it has completed removal of 50 West Bank roadblocks, as pledged to Secy. Rice on 3/30 during her visit; the PA says it has seen no changes and asks the State Dept. to verify (see Quarterly Update). Meanwhile, in Gaza, the IDF sends troops into al-Qarara, where they clash with Islamic Jihad gunmen, wounding 4 Islamic Jihad mbrs., 2 civilians, reportedly using several Palestinians as human shields, bulldozing 58 d. of crop land and olive trees. In the West Bank, the IDF fires on residential areas, demolishes a monument to Yasir Arafat in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; patrols in Hebron (shooting, wounding 1 Palestinian who allegedly tries to seize a gun fr. a solider); conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin. A Jewish settler driving nr. Nablus injures a Palestinian in a deliberate hit and run. Jewish settlers nr. Nablus break into a Palestinian nursery, steal irrigation pipes, vandalize a car. (WT 4/4; OCHA, PCHR 4/9)

Within hrs. of Arafat’s death, the PC, in keeping with the Basic Law, formally swears in PC speaker Rawhi Fattuh as interim head of the PA until elections are organized within the next 60 days;Qurai‘ maintains the position of PM, responsible for daily PA operations. Qaddumi is elected as head of Fatah by the 15-mbr. Fatah Central Comm. Abbas is voted head of the PLO by the PLO Exec. Comm. The State Dept. says that it is prepared to help the Palestinians hold elections if asked; says that Israel still must carry out Gaza disengagement. France sends Arafat’s body off to Egypt with full military honors. Throughout the day, Palestinians across the territories rally, demonstrate in honor of Arafat. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/11; JAZ, VOI, VOP 11/11 in WNC 11/13; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/12)

The IDF raids Shaykh Ajlin, exchanging fire with armed Palestinians (leaving 1 Palestinian dead), shelling residential areas (killing 2 Palestinian civilians, wounding 7), bulldozing 120 d.; fatally shoots an Egyptian who apparently infiltrated into Gaza fr. Egypt; fatally shoots 3 Palestinians (at least 2 of them armed) s. of Netzarim; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in Bayt Omar nr. Hebron, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 10; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians protesting the separation wall nr. Jayyus, wounding 2 with live ammunition; fires on residential areas of Rafah; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus. Some 100 AMB mbrs. (some armed and masked) outside Arafat’s headquarters in Ramallah call for an investigation into Arafat’s death and rumors he was poisoned by Israeli agents, chant slogans denouncing Abbas, fmr. PA security chief Muhammad Dahlan as agents for the CIA. Israeli border police disperse 100s of Palestinians conducting nationalist marches in East Jerusalem in memory of Arafat. In Haifa, Israeli police disperse some 100 Israeli Palestinians holding a candlelight vigil for Arafat, detain a woman carrying a Palestinian flag. ( JP, VOI, YA 11/11 in WNC 11/13; HA 11/17; PCHR 11/18)

The IDF conducts a predawn arrest raid in Nablus's Askar refugee camp, detaining at least 3 Palestinians, seizing 1 Palestinian apartment as an observation post, and exchanging gunfire with residents, leaving 1 soldier wounded. The IDF conducts another predawn arrest raid in Dayr al-Balah, shelling residential areas, occupying 2 Palestinian homes as observation posts. In Beersheba, 2 Hamas gunmen open fire outside an IDF base, killing 2 IDF soldiers, wounding 4 before being shot dead by troops. In response, the IDF F-16s drop bombs on a PSF headquarters in Gaza and Ansar 2 prison; helicopter gunships fire missiles on targets around Gaza City and Jabaliya, injuring 20 Palestinians, including employees of the UN Special Coordinator's Office (UNSCO), which is damaged in the attack. UNSCO protests. Later, Palestinians fire 2 objects fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no injuries; at least 1 of the devices leaves a 7-ft. hole, leading the IDF to suspect that it was a Qassam-2 rocket, rather than a mortar, which would mark the 1st time Palestinians have fired one of the homemade missiles. The IDF later reports it has confiscated 3 empty rocket launchers in Gaza. Jewish settlers severely beat a Palestinian teenager nr. Tal Rumayda; beat, rob another teenager nr. Nablus; bulldoze 12 dunams of olive groves nr. Antalia settlement. (MEZ, WP 2/10; XIN 2/10 in WNC 2/11; MM, NYT, WP 2/11; CSM 2/12; JT 2/12 in WNC 2/13; LAW, PCHR 2/13; MEI 2/22)

Sharon returns fr. the U.S., immediately calls for a mtg. of his inner cabinet to discuss how to respond to recent Palestinian attacks. (NYT 2/11)

The State Dept. confirms that Powell has received correspondence fr. Arafat regarding the Karine A affair, saying he was not involved but that as leader of the PA, he will take responsibility for the incident, punish those responsible. (WT 2/11; NYT 2/12, 2/14)

An IDF autopsy performed in the presence of a Palestinian doctor confirms that the 14-yr.-old Palestinian who died in Jerusalem on 2/8 was killed by an IDF bullet. (LAW 2/10, 2/13)

In Gaza, the IDF fatally shoots 2 Hamas mbrs. who detonated a roadside bomb nr. a bus carrying Thai laborers to a Jewish settlement, causing no damage or injuries. Nr. Nablus, a Jewish settler, angry over Palestinian youths throwing stones at his car, stops and shoots 1 of the youths at point blank range, killing him. A 4th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Palestinians fire 3 mortars at Gush Katif, causing some damage but no injuries. In Azariyya, the IDF closes the PA Information Min.'s temporary offices (opened after the IDF shut the main offices on 11/21), the al-Quds Open University Student Union office. The IDF also shells residential areas of al-Bireh, Ramallah; conducts arrest raids in Azun, Khan Yunis, Ramallah; detains 10 Palestinians at a Gaza checkpoint. (AP 1/31; BBC, NYT, WT 2/1; LAW, PCHR 2/6)

In an interview with Ma'ariv, Sharon says that he regrets that Israel did not kill Arafat in Beirut in 1982. The State Dept. says that the U.S. does not have "any particular comment" on Sharon's statement. (MA 1/31 in WNC 2/1; BBC, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/1)

An Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device on a street in Tel Aviv, wounding at least 18 Israelis, 3 of them critically. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. In Gaza, the IDF reports that Hamas fired locally made Qassam-1 rockets at Erez crossing, causing no injuries. In retaliation, the IDF launches F-16 air strikes on PA security targets in Gaza City and Tulkarm, injuring at least 7 Palestinians. The IDF also shells residential areas of Khan Yunis; bulldozes 600 m² of Palestinian land in Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Nablus. In Ramallah, 1,000s of Palestinians rally in support of Arafat. The IDF pulls out of Tira neighborhood in Ramallah, which it reoccupied on 1/17. (AP 1/25; NYT, WP, WT 1/26; JT [Internet] 1/27; PCHR 1/30)

56 officers, soldiers in the IDF combat reserves publish a petition in Ha'Aretz publicly refusing to "fight beyond the Green Line for the purpose of occupying, deporting, destroying, blockading, killing, starving, and humiliating an entire people." (HA 1/25; HA 1/28; WP 1/29; WT 1/30; BBC, MM, WJW 1/31; MA 2/1 in WNC 2/4; NYT 2/2; MM 2/4; MM, NYT 2/5; MEI 2/8)

Senior White House, State Dept., CIA, Pentagon officials meet again to discuss the possibility of severing ties with Arafat, the PA/PLO. Bush, his advisers decide to increase public criticism of Arafat and to "redouble" efforts to get Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia to put pressure on Arafat. (AP, HA, MM, WP 1/25; WP, WT 1/26; al-Quds 1/26, DUS 1/27 in WNC 1/28; MM 1/28; AKH 1/28 in WNC 1/29; HA 1/29; MA, al-Quds 2/1 in WNC 2/4)

2 Israelis wounded in the 1/22 AMB attack die. In Nablus, 15,000 angry Palestinians attend the funeral of 3 of 4 Hamas mbrs. killed by the IDF on 1/22, demand revenge. Israel bars officials of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem fr. leaving Israel to attend the Vatican's Day of Prayer for Peace in Italy. (AP, MM 1/23; WP, WT 1/24)

The IDF announces the results of its investigation into the 12/30 death of 3 Palestinians, whose mutilated bodies were not turned over to the PA until 1/3, raising suspicions that the 3 had been tortured and autopsied without permission. The IDF admits that the tank shells fired at the teenagers were packed with flechettes (banned internationally) and that 1 body was then driven over by a tank. (PCHR 1/30) (see 1/3)

The U.S. steps up pressure on the PA: The White House blames continuing violence on the Palestinians, says cease-fire efforts were derailed by the "arms shipment received and paid for by the Palestinian Authority," and states that the "justifying of the targeting of innocents in return for land is an argument for terrorism." The State Dept. says there is no excuse for the PA "not taking effective steps to stop that terrorism." Powell phones Arafat to demand his full report on the Karine A affair. (AP 1/23; AP, NYT, WJW, WT 1/24; NYT, WP 1/25)

Hizballah fires mortars, rockets at 3 IDF posts in the occupied Shaba` Farms region of the Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds by conducing air strikes against Hizballah targets in s. Lebanon. (MM, WP 1/24; al-Nahar 1/24 in WNC 1/25; MM 1/29, 1/30; al-Safir 2/7 in WNC 2/11)

The IDF attempts to assassinate senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad Sidir by firing missiles at his car in Hebron; Sidir is injured, 2 Palestinian children are killed, 6 others are injured. (1 of the dead, 5 of the injured are bystanders.) A 3d Palestinian is killed in al-Bireh by an IDF tank shell. The IDF also shells, destroys a PSF headquarters in n. Gaza; enters Rafah to bulldoze 3 Palestinian homes; uproots 200 olive trees in Sinjil. Palestinians fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, lightly injuring 1 Jewish settler. Jewish settlers in Hebron severely beat 2 Palestinian girls. Palestinians, Israeli peace activists stage a nonviolent protest at an IDF roadblock in Qalandia. (HP, LAW, MM 12/10; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/11; WT 12/12; AYM 12/12 in WNC 12/13; HA, LAW 12/13)

Arafat, Sharon meet separately with Zinni, urge him not to cut his trip short. Powell says that Zinni will indeed stay, that he never really intended to leave but just wanted to pressure the sides to act. (AP, MM, NYT, WT 12/11) (see 12/9)

In Washington, Bush hosts the White House's 1st menorah-lighting and Hanukkah party. Speaking privately with American Jewish leaders, Bush reportedly assails Arafat and the State Dept., identifies with Sharon, says that winning the war on terror means getting rid of groups like Hamas, Hizballah. (MM 12/12; MM, WJW 12/13; NYT 12/14; AYM 12/14 in WNC 12/17; WP 12/15; JT [Internet] 12/19; JP 2/1)

In Brussels, EU FMs call on Arafat to dismantle the "terrorist networks" of Hamas and Islamic Jihad; to declare, in Arabic, the end to the "armed intifada." Also call on Israel to halt assassinations, settlement expansion, attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure. (AFP 12/10; NYT, WT 12/11; IRNA, MA, SA 12/11 in WNC 12/12; AFP, MM, WT 12/12; Le Monde 12/12 in WNC 12/13; DUS 12/12 in WNC 12/14; MEI 12/21)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes diminish overall, though sharp fighting is reported on the Gaza coast. (WP 11/4)

On the sidelines of a Euro-Mediterranean economic conference in Spain, Spanish PM José María Aznar hosts a working lunch with Arafat, Peres, Mubarak to discuss the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Although Peres lacks a mandate fr. Sharon to conduct negotiations, the men reportedly hold "serious and intense" talks on the situation. (AFP, MM, REU 11/2; RNE 11/2 in WNC 11/3; MENA 11/2, EFE [Madrid], RNE 11/3 in WNC 11/5; WT 11/3) (see 10/30)

The U.S. widens its campaign to freeze "terrorist" assets to include all groups on the State Dept. list of "terrorist" orgs., including Hamas, Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP. (NYT, WP 11/3; WJW 11/8; SAF 11/8 in WNC 11/9; MM 11/13; SA 11/13 in WNC 11/14; JT 11/19 in WNC 11/20) (see 9/24)

Based on new intelligence information, the IDF chief rabbi officially declares dead the 3 IDF soldiers kidnapped by Hizballah in 10/00. (MM 11/2; WP 11/3)

Israel cuts off all contact with the PA; gives Shin Bet, the IDF the "green light" to step up assassinations. Some MKs say Sharon should banish Arafat fr. the West Bank, Gaza. The PA arrests 3 PFLP leaders, but says it has not identified Ze'evi's assassins, will not extradite them to Israel once it does. Israel says if the killers are not extradited, it will treat the PA as a sponsor of terrorism. (The State Dept. refuses to back Israel's extradition demand.) Sharon declares that "Arafat has 7 days to impose absolute quiet in the territories. If not, we will go to war against him. As far as I'm concerned, the era of Arafat is over." (HP, MM 10/18; MENA, XIN 10/18 in WNC 10/19; NYT, WP, WT 10/19; MM 10/23)

The IDF reoccupies areas A in Jinin, Nablus, and Ramallah, sending in tanks and troops, shelling buildings, killing 3 Palestinians. In Bethlehem, 3 Palestinians, including Fatah tanzim leader Atif Ubayyat, 1 of Israel's most wanted, are killed when an explosion destroys their car. The deaths, which Palestinians claim were an assassination, spark a serious gun battle around the city; Palestinians in Bayt Jala also fire a mortar at Gilo for the 1st time in 2 mos., causing no damage. Palestinian gunmen fire on a group of Jewish settlers hiking in the Jordan Valley, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 2. (HP, MM, PMC 10/18; AP, HP, NYT, WP, WT 10/19; WP 10/20; PCHR 10/24)

The IDF withdraws fr. Palestinian areas of Hebron, vandalizing several homes, cars before leaving. The National Union and Yisrael Beitunia bloc (led by Tourism M Rehavam Ze'evi, Infrastructure M Avigdor Lieberman) quits the governing coalition in protest, leaving Sharon with control of 76 of the Knesset's 120 seats. As troops withdraw, Jewish settlers attempt to storm the vacated Palestinian neighborhoods, also vandalize several homes and shops, but are halted by soldiers, who arrest 21 (all released later in the day). The IDF also eases passage through roadblocks in a handful of areas, including Ramallah, and expands fishing areas off Gaza, in keeping with cease-fire steps. (HA, MM, WP, WT 10/15; AFP, MM, NYT, WP,WT 10/16; MA 10/16 in WNC 10/17; LAW 10/17)

Meanwhile, however, Hamas mbr. Hamad Marshud is killed when a flechette device, apparently planted by the IDF, explodes in a car outside his Nablus office. The State Dept. reiterates the U.S.'s strong opposition to Israel's assassination policy. The IDF also maintains closures on most West Bank, Gaza areas; surrounds, seals Bayt Umar; conducts arrest raids in Dayr Istya; begins building a bridge to link the Gaza settlements of Gush Katif, Kissufim, confiscating 150 dunams of Palestinian land; hands eviction orders to 250 tradesmen at a market area nr. Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids in Bayt Surik, Dayr Istya. Nr. Ramallah, armed Jewish settlers bar Palestinians farmers fr. reaching their olive groves, firing on them, beating them, burning cars. In Jerusalem, Israeli authorities raid the offices of several Palestinian lawyers, architects; search, photograph, destroy company files. (HP 10/15; MENA 10/15 in WNC 10/16; HP, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; LAW, WT 10/17)

In London, Arafat meets with British PM Tony Blair, who calls for the creation of a "viable Palestinian state, as part of a negotiated and agreed settlement, which provides peace and security for Israel." (AP, NYT 10/15; London Press Association, MENA, SA 10/15 in WNC 10/16; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; AN, MENA 10/16 in WNC 10/17)

In response to the Aley Sinai raid on 10/2, the Israeli inner cabinet suspends cease-fire implementation, security coordination with the PA; cancels planned mtgs. of the trilateral security comm., btwn. Peres and PC speaker Qurai`; authorizes the IDF to resume initiated actions against Palestinians, possibly including assassinations; demands that Arafat immediately arrest "militants." The State Dept. says that to maintain calm and restore trust, the PA must take "preventive action" to preclude attacks, Israel must halt incursions into PA-controlled territory and house demolitions. DM Ben-Eliezer says Israel will not resume cease-fire talks until the PA has "reined in terror." (al-Haq press release, JP [Internet], MEZ, MM, REU 10/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/4; HP 10/5; LAW 10/10; JP, MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

The IDF sends tanks, armored bulldozers into Gaza to carve out a 1-mi. buffer zone around Aley Sinai, flattening 100 dunums of Bayt Lahia's agricultural land, demolishing 7 PSF posts, and shelling a PSF jeep, killing 4 PSF officers, 2 Palestinian farmers. Some 6,000 Palestinians turn out for the funeral of 1 of the Hamas mbrs. who perpetrated the 10/2 raid. Elsewhere, Palestinian gunmen open fire on Jewish settlers celebrating Sukkoth in Hebron, wounding 2; fire on a vehicle nr. French Hill settlement in East Jerusalem, wounding 2 settlers. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Hebron, Satih Marhaba; occupies the roof of a Palestinian home in Hebron as an observation post; sets up 3 new checkpoints in East Jerusalem. (al-Haq press release, JP [Internet], MEZ, MM, REU 10/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/4; HP 10/5; LAW 10/10; JP, MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

The PFLP elects Ahmad Sadat as its new gen. secy., replacing Mustafa, who was assassinated by the IDF on 8/27. (PFLP press release 10/3)

Hizballah fires mortars at 2 IDF positions in Shaba` Farms, causing no injuries. (MM, WT 10/4; SAF 10/5 in WNC 10/9; MM 10/22)

A Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device at a crowded West Jerusalem pizzeria, killing 13 Israelis, 1 American, 1 Brazilian and wounding at least 90. Afterward, angry Israelis in Jerusalem, Jewish settlers in Hebron attack Palestinians in the streets, with little intervention fr. Israeli police, soldiers. Fearing a massive Israeli strike, Palestinians throughout the occupied territories close offices and stores, take refuge in their homes. Meanwhile, Palestinian gunmen fire on a vehicle nr. Jinin, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 3. The IDF directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia, Jericho, Khan Yunis, Nablus, Rafah; bulldoze a Palestinian home in Gaza. (AP, BBC, HA 8/9; ITAR-TASS, MENA 8/9 in WNC 8/10; NYT, PMC, WP, WT 8/10; JT 8/10 in WNC 8/13; WP 8/11)

Immediately after the bombing, the IDF senior command, Israeli cabinet convene separately to discuss response scenarios. The cabinet agrees to a new strategy of hitting PA targets only with the aim of forcing Arafat to choose btwn. a full cease-fire, destruction of the PA. This evening, Sharon meets with his security cabinet, which also decides to set up new police stations in East Jerusalem. (HA 8/9; CNN, HA, JP [Internet], LAW, NYT, REU, WP, WT 8/10; MENA 8/10 in WNC 8/13; WT 8/11; Times [London] 8/13; WT 8/15)

Late tonight (2:00 a.m. local time), Israel sends F-16s to destroy a PSF post in Ramallah; sends more tanks into Gaza, bulldozing 1 PSF post. Israeli security forces occupy 10 unofficial PLO offices in East Jerusalem, including Orient House (the symbolic PLO FMin.); also detain 8 Orient House employees for questioning, confiscate files, remove the Palestinian flag, raise an Israeli flag. The IDF takes over the Abu Dis mayor's residence, several surrounding homes Israel claims are used as PA security command centers, marking the 1st reoccupation of sites in area B. Sharon declares that "Orient House will not open again. Ever. We will not leave Abu Dis." The State Dept. says the actions mark a "political escalation." Russia warns Israel has crossed a "dangerous line." In response, Israel removes the Israeli flag fr. Orient House. (HA 8/9; CNN, HA, JP [Internet], LAW, NYT, REU, WP, WT 8/10; MENA 8/10 in WNC 8/13; WT 8/11; JT, al-Quds 8/12 in WNC 8/14; Times [London] 8/13; AYM 8/13, SA 8/14 in WNC 8/15; ATL 8/15 in WNC 8/16)

A PA security court in Nablus sentences another Palestinian to death for collaborating with Israel in the 2/19 assassination of Hamas mbr. Mahmud Madani. (Independent [Internet] 8/10)

As Israeli-Palestinian clashes pick up slightly, Israel says it is not satisfied with the PA's cease-fire efforts. A serious exchange of gunfire, grenades, missiles takes place in Rafah, leaving 22 Palestinians, 3 IDF soldiers wounded. Another Israeli injured in the 6/1 bombing dies, raising the toll to 20. The PSF arrests 2 Palestinians in connection to the 6/1 bombing. Palestinians fire 1 mortar in Gaza, causing no damage. The IDF bulldozes 50 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kefar Darom settlement; shells residential areas of Asira. Jewish settlers shoot at Palestinian homes, vehicles in Hebron, Jinin; attack Palestinians nr. Dahiyat al-Barid, Tulkarm. (AFP [Internet], HP 6/4; NYT, WP, WT 6/5; MM, PMC 6/6; MM 6/11)

In light of today's Gaza gun battle, the Bush admin. concludes the Israeli-Palestinian situation is on the verge of spinning out of control. After securing Sharon's consent, the State Dept. announces that CIA Dir. George Tenet will head to the region to seek a more durable cease-fire but emphasizes that the pressure will be on Arafat to demonstrate he is serious. Powell demands the PA arrest Islamists who may be planning attacks, resume security cooperation with Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 6/5; MM, NYT, WP 6/6; JT 6/7 in WNC 6/8; MEI 6/15)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate, leaving 8 Palestinians dead, including senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Sa'ir al-Khruf, who is assassinated by the IDF. (1 Palestinian dies en route to the hospital when his ambulance is detained by the IDF for over 1 hr.) In Nablus, 20,000 Palestinians attend a funeral for 3 of the dead killed overnight. Israel allows a small number of West Bank, Gaza Palestinians over age 35 to attend Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque. Those that are barred scuffle with Israeli police who respond with rubber bullets, stun grenades, tear gas. The IDF also placed curfews on Salfit, Qasrah to conduct an arrest sweep. IDF directed shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Aida, Aqbat Jabir camp, Bayt Jala (damaging an elementary school), al-Bireh, Dayr al-Balah, Nablus, Ramallah (damaging the PA Local Government Min.), Tulkarm; bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land across Gaza, in Qalqilya. In Rafah, the IDF fires a shell at a family protesting the bulldozing of their land, injuring 6 children. Jewish settlers attack Palestinian property around Qalqilya, shoot at Palestinians in Silt al-Thahir (wounding 1). (ADM, LAW 12/15; NYT, WP, WT 12/16; PCHR 12/18; NYT 1/17)

Israel's Ben-Ami meets with Arafat at Erez to discuss resuming peace talks, holds follow-up mtg. with PA Information M `Abid Rabbuh in Tel Aviv. The State Dept. says that midlevel Israeli, PA negotiators may come top Washington the wk. of 12/18. (NYT, WP 12/16) (see 12/10)

In Gaza, over 30,000 Palestinians attend a Hamas rally in support of continuing the al-Aqsa intifada no matter what stand the PA regarding negotiations with Israel. (MEI 12/22)

Hizballah attacks an IDF base in s. Lebanon, killing another IDF solder, triggering another round of Israeli airstrikes on Hizballah targets. PM Barak orders his reps. to leave an ILMG mtg., where France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. are discussing the recent clashes. Israel accuses Syria of using Hizballah to gain concessions in negotiations. The State Dept. accuses Hizballah of trying to derail the peace process, calls the continued strikes on the IDF/SLA "particularly egregious in the context of Israel's repeated commitment to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the middle of this year." (MM 2/11; AFP, MENA, RL 2/11, AFP, RL 2/12, RL 2/13 in WNC 2/14; NYT, WP, WT 2/12; MM 2/14; JP 2/18)

PA General Intelligence calls in for questioning Palestinian journalist Khaled Amayreh regarding his new weekly paper, Hebron Times, which is critical of the PA; threatens to close the paper if he does not begin publishing material favorable to Arafat. (Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group press release 2/21)

Arafat says final status talks with Israel are deadlocked, accuses Israel of using talks as a cover for settlement expansion, urges U.S. intervention. (WP, WT 12/4) (see 12/2)

In Nablus, 100s of Palestinians rally in support of PC mbr. Masri, who was wounded by masked gunmen on 12/1. (WP 12/4; WJW 12/9)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with 200 Palestinians demonstrating against Israeli settlement expansion, leaving 4 injured. (NYT 12/4)

Israel submits to Jordan a proposal that would allow direct ("door-to-door") transportation of goods fr. Jordan to the West Bank as of mid-1/00. (JT [Internet] 12/4)

In Irbid, 100s of Jordanians participate in a rally organized by the Islamic Action Front to urge the government to reconsider its deportation of 4 Hamas leaders on 11/21. (JT 12/4 in WNC 12/6) (see 11/26)

Several high-ranking Iranian clerics traveling to Washington on special State Dept. visas to participate in a Georgetown seminar are halted by U.S. customs officials in New York, who fingerprint, photograph, and subject them to racist insults. The delegation returns to Iran in protest. The State Dept. says only that mistakes were made. (WT 12/4) (see 11/22)

After arriving in Israel, British FM Cook makes controversial visit to Har Homa. As a result, PM Netanyahu cuts mtg. with Cook short, cancels joint dinner in protest. Cook also meets with Arafat, visits site of Dayr Yasin, where Jewish fighters massacred more than 100 Palestinians in 1948. (CSM, MM 3/17; IDF Radio, ITV, SA, YA 3/17 in WNC 3/19; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/18; IDF Radio, MA, MENA, al-Quds al-Arabi, SA 3/18, Les Echos [Paris] 3/19 in WNC 3/20; MM 3/19; PR 3/20; JP 3/28; CSM 4/6; MEI 3/27)

In Washington, King Hussein begins 4 days of mtgs. by discussing bilateral economic, military issues with Congress; bilateral relations, peace process with State Dept. (JTV 3/17 in WNC 3/20; JTV 3/18, RJ 3/19 in WNC 3/20; JTV 3/19, RJ 3/20 in WNC 3/23; WT 3/20)

UNGA resumes emergency session (last held 11/13) on Israel's construction at Har Homa, issues new condemnation (by vote of 120-3, with 5 abstentions) of Israel's failure to stop building at the site. U.S., Israel, Micronesia vote against; Australia, Bulgaria, Romania, Marshall Islands, Swaziland abstain. (MM, NYT, WT 3/18; MEI 3/27)

Palestinian child shot by IDF during Hebron demonstration 4/11 dies. (LAW 3/17; MEI 3/27)

EU special envoy Moratinos meets separately with Arafat, Netanyahu. Arafat then heads to Jordan for talks with King Hussein. King Hussein telephones U.S. Secy. of State Albright, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, PM Netanyahu to discuss mediation btwn. the PA, Israel.  (MM 8/4; AFP 8/4 in WNC 8/5; RJ 8/4, 8/5 in WNC 8/6; MM, WT 8/5; MM 8/8)

Despite warnings fr. the U.S. that the decision could exacerbate the present situation, Israeli cabinet approves list of retributive measures against the PA drawn up by the inner cabinet 7/31, blocks transfer of $15 m. in tax payments owed the PA. Netanyahu says he will use a "sliding scale," relaxing some of the economic measures as the PA takes steps against Islamists. (MM, NYT 8/5; al-Ayyam [Ramallah], YA 8/5 in WNC 8/6; CSM 8/6; al-Hayat al-Jadida 8/10 in WNC 8/12; WP 8/14)

Israel arrest 29 Palestinians suspected of "terrorist activity," demolishes 5 Palestinian homes allegedly built without permits in East Jerusalem. Since the bombing, Israel has arrested 145 Palestinians. Arafat calls the actions collective punishment meant to humiliate the Palestinians. (IDF Radio, ITV 8/4 in WNC 8/5; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 8/5; MM 8/8)

Iran's Khatami is sworn in as pres. (CSM 8/5)

An elite Israeli Egoz unit is flown n. of Israel's self-declare security zone in s. Lebanon; plants explosives nr. the home of 2 Hizballah cmdrs.; later detonates them by remote control, killing 5 Hizballah mbrs., wounding 2 Hizballah mbrs. and 3 civilians. (MM 8/4; AFP, ITV, RL, RMC 8/4 in WNC 8/5; MM, NYT 8/5; NYT, WT 8/6; Independent [London] 8/6 in WNC 8/7; WJW 8/7; JP 8/16)

U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross (on personal visit to the region) discusses PA-Israeli negotiations with Arafat in Gaza, then with FM Peres in Jerusalem. (QY, VOP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30; CSM 8/30; PWR 9/4)

In Damascus, Pres. Asad, FM Shara` receive U.S. Senators Arlen Spector, Hank Brown; discusses Syrian-U.S. relations, peace process. (SARR 8/29 in FBIS 8/30; MM 8/30; MM 9/5)

U.S. State Dept. says it warned Syria (8/11) to do "everything in its power" to curb threats against the U.S. and its citizens by Syrian-based Palestinian/Islamic rejectionist groups; U.S. reserves the right to respond to attacks "in any way it deems necessary." (MM, WP 8/30; WJW 9/7)

PA says that, in past 2 days, based on Israeli information, it has arrested over 30 Hamas mbrs, foiling 2 planned attacks on Israeli, PA targets. (ITV, QPAR, QY 8/29 in FBIS 8/30; NYT 8/30; CSM 8/31)

Arafat arrives in Cairo to discuss with Pres. Mubarak; his mtgs. with King Hussein, peace process, relations with Egypt. (JTV, MENA 1/27 in FBIS 1/27)

PA disarms 60 Palestinian policemen belonging to Hamas, Islamic Jihad, gives them administrative duties. (QY 1/27 in FBIS 1/27)

1,000 IDF soldiers raid College of Science and Technology at Abu Dis, West Bank, arrest 30 Palestinians for suspected membership in Hamas, Islamic Jihad. Damage estimated at $33,000. (QY 1/27 in FBIS 1/27; WP, WT 1/28; MEI 2/3; JP 2/11)

Shin Bet requests greater leeway in fighting terrorism, incl. right to enter any West Bank area without permission, control of electricity and water, reestablishing network of informers, rejection of joint patrols with PA. (JP 1/27 in FBIS 1/30) 

U.S. State Dept. Historian releases documents on Middle East, incl. memo on 1/1961 closed-door mtg. of Near East subcommittee mbrs., discussing Israel's Dimona plant, atomic projects. Memo shows senators agreed that "it would be unfair to publicly brand Israel as a villain," doing so would encourage Arab states to take actions against Israel. (WT 1/28)

PM Rabin gives television address on bombings. (MM 1/23; ITV 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; MM, WT 1/24; MEI 2/3)

Clinton sends personal letter to PM Rabin condemning 1/22 bombings, saying he was "personally sickened" by Palestinians that supported it. (IDF Radio 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; NYT 1/25)

Jordan, Palestinians agree on draft accord to settle difference over Jerusalem before Arafat's visit to Amman 1/25. Palestinians will recognize Jordanian custody of Muslim holy cites; Jordan will support Palestinian sovereignty over Jerusalem. Also agree on postal services, telecommunications, financial issues. (JTV, RJ 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; VOP 1/23, AFP, RJ 1/24, JT, RJ 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; WT 1/25; RJ 1/24, JT 1/25 in FBIS 1/26)

FM Peres says Israel will outlaw Hamas, Islamic Jihad charities, mosques in West Bank; says Israeli needs to "adopt draconian measures," incl. against attackers' families, to prevent further attacks. (IDF Radio 1/23 in FBIS 1/24)

Israeli Amb. David Sultan suggests Egyptian People's Assembly invite Knesset delegation to visit Cairo to ease tensions btwn. Israel, Egypt. Assembly declines. (MENA 1/23 in FBIS 1/23)

Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak meet, discuss bilateral relations. Mubarak says Egypt will not back down on NPT issue. (MENA 1/23 in FBIS 1/23)

PM Rabin's security advisors extend waiver of restrictions on Shin Bet for combatting terrorism. Health M Efraim Sneh comments "There are no limitations for the security services--[We have given them] a free hand." (WP, WT 1/24)

Officials fr. 39 countries, financial institutions meet at State Dept. in Washington to discuss Middle East regional finance. Israel, Egypt, Jordan, PA agree to work toward setting up regional bank despite EU, Saudi Arabian opposition at Casablanca conference 11/94. U.S. promises to lobby internationally for support for project. (NYT 1/12; JT 1/14 in FBIS 1/18)

Oman informs Israel it will delay establishment of diplomatic relations, apparently as a result of Alexandria summit 12/29. Israeli Dep. FM Beilin dismisses declaration as insignificant. (QY 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; MM 1/12; QY 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; MM 2/6)

Arafat meets with Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood officials, asks them to mediate btwn. PLO, Hamas. (AFP 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; Al-Sha`b 1/13 in FBIS 1/24; PR 1/15; Al-Musawwar 1/20 in FBIS 1/24)

UNRWA announces the following donations: $3.3 m. fr. Denmark for training centers in West Bank; $3.8 m. fr. Denmark for Gaza Hospital; $2.3 m. fr. Netherlands, $1.5 m. fr. Kuwait, $50,000 fr. Brazil, $40,000 fr. Portugal, $25,000 fr. Indonesia for UNRWA operations; $700,000 fr. Germany, $685,000 fr. Switzerland for education. (UNRWA News 1/11)

2 IDF soldiers lightly wounded when bomb explodes nr. their patrol at Kissufim crossing, Gaza. (MM 1/11)

Hizballah attacks IDF patrol in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA respond, using planes, tanks, artillery. 4 Hizballah mbrs. killed; 2 IDF, 1 SLA soldiers, 3 civilians wounded. (IDF Radio 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; WP, WT 1/12)

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)

Suicide bomb explodes in bus in Hadera, Israel, killing 6, including bomber, and wounding 28, including 2 Israeli Arabs and 18 IDF soldiers. Hamas claims responsibility. PM Rabin redeploys IDF to protect Israeli cities, rejects opposition calls to end talks with PLO. PLO Chmn. Arafat, speaking to Council of Europe in Strasbourg, condemns violence, faults Israeli collective punishments against Palestinians acontributing to violent atmosphere. U.S. State Dept. receives Arafat letter in which he "regretted and strongly rejected" violence against Israel. (MM 4/13; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/14; WP 4/17)

Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran named officer in command of IDF Central Command, including West Bank. Biran to take office 4/17, replacing Acting OC Central Command Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom, appointed temporarily to replace Maj. Gen. Nehemia Tamari, killed in helicopter crash 1/94. (MM 4/13)

Car bomb explodes at bus stop in Afula, northern Israel, killing 8, including bomber, and wounding 44. Hamas claims responsibility in calls to news agencies, announcements on Gaza Strip mosque loudspeakers. Demonstrations against attack erupt in Afula and other towns; Israeli police deploy in Israeli-Arab villages to protect Palestinian citizens of Israel. Complete closure imposed on o.t. Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu demands govt. suspend talks with PLO. PLO Chmn. Arafat, asked by State Dept. to condemn bombing, refuses comment when asked about it at Cairo news conference. (MM 4/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/7)

6 IDF soldiers wounded, none seriously, in grenade attack on patrol in Shatti r.c., Gaza Strip. (NYT 4/7)

Israeli delegation to talks with PLO in Cairo takes 3-day break to observe Holocaust Day. PLO officials decline to take over Gaza police station evacuated by Israel, postpone entry of Palestinian police into Gaza, Jericho. (MM 4/6; NYT, WP, WT 4/7)

PM Rabin testifies to closed session of commission of inquiry into Hebron massacre, last of 94 witnesses. Rabin's testimony not made public. (MM 4/6; NYT 4/7, 4/9)

Israeli-PLO security, civilian affairs comm. negotiations continue in Taba.  Security comm. discusses release of Palestinian prisoners, establishment of Palestinian police.  Israeli negotiator Gen. Amnon Shahak says draft paper on Palestinian police force "almost achieved."   Civilian Affairs comm. divides into subcoms. on electricity and civil planning, communications.  Palestinian negotiator Radwan Abu-Ayyash estimates cost of Palestinian broadcast network at $30 m.-$50 m. (MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16)

Bilateral Arab-Israeli talks resume in Washington. (Qol Yisra'el 2/16 in FBIS 2/16)

Egyptian State Broadcasting Authority renews official contact with Israeli Broadcasting Authority, broken during 1982 Lebanon war.  (MM 2/17; JP 2/26)

Higher Jordanian-Palestinian Comm. completes 2 days of mtgs. in Amman.  Jordanian Information M. Jawad al-Anani says PLO and Jordan have agreed on joint strategy in economic talks with Israel set for Paris.  Israel-Jordan joint economic comm. meets in Washington with U.S. participation. (RJ 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16, 2/17)

AFP reports 1st all-Palestinian bank in o.t., "Commercial Bank of Palestine," will start operations 3/15 in Ramallah.  Bank, with capital of $14 m., is headed by businessman Suhail Jad`awn.  (AFP 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

U.S. State Dept. announces Secy. of State Christopher will visit Middle East during 3/94. (MM 2/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat accuses "Israeli officers" of condoning arms trade in o.t., warning flow of weapons "could lead to another Afghanistan among the Palestinians." (NYT 2/17)

IDF kills purported PFLP mbr. Najwan Mahmud Muhammad al-`Izza, 21, in Halhul, West Bank.  (MM 2/17) [CHALLENGE--2/15]

122-mm. katyusha rocket fired on northern Israel fr. southern Lebanon in 1st incident in 6 mos.  IDF blames attack on Palestinian opposition groups.  IDF tanks, artillery come to aid of SLA patrol ambushed by Hizballah.  Hizballah claims 12 SLA mbrs. killed or wounded.  (NYT, MM, WT 2/17; MM 2/18)

Israeli cabinet extends term of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak to 1/95.  Barak had been set to retire 4/94.  (MM 2/16)

PM Rabin's spokesman Oded Ben-Ami defends allowing 30 elite IDF veterans to serve in Congo as advisers, denying soldiers are mercenaries.  Opponents cite Congolese civil war as reason to bar Israeli support of Brazzaville regime.  Press reports say over 2,000 IDF veterans have served in Africa since 1960s.  (NYT 2/17)

FRC mbrs. Yusuf Sha`ban, Salim Mahyub confess to killing Jordanian diplomat Na'ib al-Ma'aytah in Beirut 1/29.  Bassam Atiya, also arrested, denies involvement.  (RL 2/16 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17)

Israeli court convicts 4 banks--Leumi, Hapoalim, Discount, and Mizrahi--and 9 bank executives in connection with 10/83 stock market crash precipitated by news of banks propping up own stocks.  Crash cost $7 b. in Israeli govt. payments to investors.  (CSM 2/17)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, Saudi amb. Prince Bandar announce Saudia Airlines will purchase 50 U.S.-made Boeing 747 and McDonnell-Douglas MD-11, MD-80, and MD-90 commercial aircraft worth $6 b.  Deal will be financed in part through U.S. Export-Import Bank loan guarantees.  (CSM, NYT, MM, WT 2/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Tunis with U.S. State Dept. official Dennis Ross, NSC official Martin Indyk, then flies to Cairo for meetings with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, American Jewish Congress trustees seeking end to Arab boycott of Israel. Ross proceeds to Amman for talks with Jordanian officials. (Radio Jordan 10/19 in FBIS 10/20; WP 10/21)

Syria, Saudi Arabia issue joint statement in Riyadh on peace process, saying "'just and comprehensive" settlement only achievable with Israel's "full withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories," including Golan. (MM 10/10)

Israel frees Salim Husayn al-Zrai, 50, held in prison 23 years. Sentenced to life imprisonment in 1970 for infiltration attempt, Fateh activist released because of PLO adherence to its 9/13 commitment not to attack Israel. Release of this longest-held Palestinian prisoner of Israel interpreted as indicating future mass release of Palestinian prisoners. (CSM, NYT 10/20)

Israeli defense officials announce failure of 10/14 test of U.S.-funded Arrow missile. Another test in August also failed, and the GAO issued a report that month criticizing Israeli management of the program (see 10/23). (WT 10/20)

Likud Central Comm. meets in Tel Aviv to consider plans by Binyamin Netanyahu, Ariel Sharon, and Meir Shitreet on autonomy schemes alternative to DoP. (MM 10/19)

PLO Exec. Comm. ends 4-day meeting, issues statement. (Algiers VOP 3/6 in FBIS 3/8)

Expressing his "joy" over PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud 'Abbas' visit to Saudi Arabia 1/9-11 (when he "apologized" for PLO stance during Gulf war), Chmn. Arafat says "we view this event with great satisfaction because it was a Palestinian decision" in interview with al-Hayat. (MENA 3/6 in FBIS 3/8)

Israeli embassy officials in London reveal U.S. is encouraging U.K. to upgrade its PLO contacts, reportedly so that U.S. can receive reliable info. on the PLO from friendly sources (see 3/7-9). (HaAretz 3/7 in FBIS 3/8)

Israel charges UNRWA official with failing to alert IDF soldiers after seeing an Israeli stoned and shot to death in the Gaza Strip 3/2. UNRWA denies the charge. (Qol Yisra'el 3/6 in FBIS 3/8; NYT 3/8)

IDF helicopters attack PFLP-GC marine base, striking also refugee camps, in 'Ayn al-Hilwa, Lebanon, wounding 4. Fatah official is shot dead in 'Ayn al-Hilwa. (IDF Radio, QPAR 3/6 in FBIS 3/8; NYT 3/7)

U.S. State Dept. issues statement describing Iran as the world's "most dangerous state sponsor of terrorism." (NYT 3/7)

At Islamic Conference Org. mini-summit in Dakar, Senegal, Chmn. Arafat states Palestinians will not participate in upcoming peace talks unless UNSCR 799 is implemented. At Arab FMs meeting in Cairo, PLO FM Faruq al-Qaddumi and Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh reaffirm this stand. (MENA 1/11 in FBIS 1/11; MM 1/12)

At Arab FMs meeting in Cairo, Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara' says the bilateral talks are in the Arabs' interest and should not be stopped, while "Israel wants many things" in the multilateral talks, so it is those that should be suspended. (Syria and Lebanon have boycotted the multilaterals from the outset). (Reuters in MM 1/12)

U.S. State Dept. announces "strong desire to avoid having the UNSC face the Chapter 7 sanctions issue" regarding the 12/17 Palestinian deportees. (MM 1/12)

Saudi press downplays diplomatic importance of PLO official Mahmud Abbas' visit, saying he has "no other objectives" than to attend a Fateh anniversary celebration in Riyadh (see 1/9). In evening speech, Abbas regrets Palestinian Gulf crisis stand, hopes that "this event . . . will not remain a barrier" between Palestinians and the Gulf states. Prince Salman bin 'Abd al-'Aziz says Saudi Arabia is committed "at all levels" to the Palestinian cause, a stand that has never changed. (SPA 1/11 in MM 1/11; RMC 1/12 in FBIS 1/13)

Arab League unanimously votes to boycott chemical weapons talks in Paris 1/13- 14 to protest Israel's continued refusal to sign the 1967 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. (MENA 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; NYT 1/14)

Chmn. Arafat offers to meet with PM Rabin, a la South Africa's De Klerk and Nelson Mandela, to promote Middle East peace. (London MBC TV 7/28 in FBIS 7/29; MM 7/29)

FM Shimon Peres meets with Russian for. min. Middle East head Viktor Posuvalyuk, who later meets with Hanan Ashrawi. (Qol Yisra'el 7/28 in FBIS 7/30)

Under increasing pressure, Israel agrees to allow U.S. investigators to question Brig. Gen. Rami Dotan and others who diverted $40 million of U.S. aid for unauthorized purposes. Justice and Def. Dept. do not wholly believe that Dotan and others were acting solely in their own interests, implying that the govt. of Israel may be implicated in the fraud, which would constitute a default on Israel's aid agreements with the U.S. Another conspirator, Harold Katz, will be questioned also on his connections to Jonathan Pollard (see 6/11, 722). (WP 7/29)

West Bank towns of Nablus and al-Kabatiyya join Janin in commercial strike (see 7/27). (MM 7/28)

FM Shimon Peres and the U.S. State Dept.'s Richard Arnitage announce joint assistance project for 5 former Soviet Muslim republics. (Davar 7/30 in FBIS 7/31; MM 7/29)