The Palestine Chronology

SOCIAL POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes at home of Haj Rashad Shawwa, former mayor of Gaza; no injuries.

Arab World: Israelis reopen Ansar concentration camp. Lebanese gov't. protests to US over closure of access to South Lebanon and mass arrests by Israel over past 2 days. DM Spandoloni tells Lebanese gov't. of plan to halve Italian MNF troops.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 110 lb. bomb explodes at roadside south of Sidon; witnesses say 2-3 Israelis killed. Bomb explodes as IDF vehicle patrols area near Nusirat refugee camp. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Encouraged by US urging to restore Egypt-Israel relations, Shafi Abdul Hamid received by Shamir. [Hamid is first ranking Egyptian diplomat to visit Israel since invasion of Lebanon.] On eve of cabinet mtg. over austerity measures, PM Shamir calls emergency mtg. for Herut members of Cabinet in unity attempt.

Arab World: Sidon port on general strike in response to Israel's occupation, recent killing of 3 and arrest of 2 local citizens. Aides in Sana'a, YAR announce Arafat approves military plan for future PLO action.

Other Countries: 13 retired US generals and admirals return from visit to Israel sponsored by B'nai Brith.

SOCIAL POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 24-day dock workers' strike ends with workers accepting 25% pay increase, but with higher work quotas and worker layoffs.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Palestinian-owned cars set ablaze in E. Jerusalem; no response from fire dep't.; police respond after 45 mins.; Israeli vigilantes suspected.

Arab World: At least 2 killed by Israeli air raids in S. Lebanon. Israeli soldiers ransack mosque in Lebanese village of Aadlun, triggering religious pratests and general strike there.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dep. Knesset Speaker Cohen-Avidov justifies telling his son serving in West Bank to ignore IDF restriction on use of arms against stone-throwers. Student council elections held in Gaza Islamic U. and Bir Zeit U; Student Youth Movement wins all 9 seats in BZU council. Striking dock workers force business, gov't. and port authorities to create special fund to transport cargoes by air.

Arab World: Arafat and some 4,000 loyalists sail from Tripoli on 5 chartered Greek passenger ships escorted by French Navy.

Other Countries: Resolutions adopted in UN Gen. Assembly: denouncing new US-Israeli accord [87-29, 29 abstentions]; condemning increasing collaboration between Israel and S. Africa (especially in nuclear field) [101-18, 20 abst.]; calling for economic and military sanctions against Israel [84-24, 31 abst.]; declaring Israel's decision to impose jurisdiction over Jerusalem null and void [137-1, 3 abst.]; and condemning Israel's plundering of Palestinian cultural property during occupation of Lebanon [ 120-1, 20 abst.]. S. California Edison Co. buys $15 million solar plant from Israeli firm, Ormat.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine!Israel: Hand-grenade thrown at Border Patrol vehicle in Gaza. Israeli troops use teargas against about 100 students protesting occupation and attempts to put al-Najah National U. under military control; hours later, petrol bomb flung at Israeli foot patrol, no injuries. Greek Orthodox nun and Muslim muezzin injured when 2 IDF grenades explode in al-Eizariya (Bethany); "TNT" claims responsibility.

Arab World: 2 Israeli soldiers and 5 Lebanese civilians wounded by grenade hurled at Israeli patrol in Sidon; 2 Israeli soldiers wounded by land mine near Jib Jennin; explosive device wounds 1 Israeli in Ghaziyeh village in S. Lebanon; attacks on Israelis in Lebanon total 6 today.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Coordinating Bureau of Economic Organizations and Histadrut agree workers to get 17.9% cost of living raise, effective 12/25/83.

Other Countries: Israel Radio claims Reagan made secret pact with Israel to increase military aid in 1986; US State Dep't. asserts no secret agreement signed "while Shamir was here." [In fact, Reagan signed secret National Security Decision Directive for closer strategic cooperation and commitment to Israel on 10/9/83.]

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: US F-14s meet Syrian anti-aircraft fire over Beirut; US warships bombard Syrian-controlled hills. For fifth time in 9 days, Israeli gunboats shell Palestinians awaiting evacuation at Tripoli; Palestinian fighters return fire. 2 Israeli soldiers seriously wounded, 1 Lebanese killed in grenade attack on IDF patrol near Sidon; Israelis open fire on crowd gathering after incident.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: High Court delays order to demolish 2 al-Thowri homes belonging to families of persons suspected of indirect involvement in killing of Israeli settler in Hebron. 3 Dura teenagers sentenced by Ramallah military court to 15-30 years for membership in "illegal organizations." 2 Gaza Red Crescent Society officials, Dr. Haidar Abd al-Shafi & Abd al-Karim Tululi, tried for possession of banned books. Town arrest of Hamdi Faraj, executive member of Arab Journalists Assoc., renewed for 6 months. Israel Central Bureau of Statistics announces inflation to reach 190% by end 1983 (compared with 130% in 1982).

Other Countries: Israel's 1985 American aid request presented simultaneously in Washington and Jerusalem; no final sum, but declares need for $3.3 billion to fill foreign currency gap. Reagan appoints Orthodox Jew, Marshall Jordan Berger to post as White House liaison to US Jewish community. UNRWA disavows any connection with Israeli gov't.'s proposed refugee resettlement scheme. US praises Israel-assisted rescue of Phalangist militiamen from Deir al-Qamar as "model for further progress in the reconciliation process in Lebanon." European Parliament to send delegation to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Egypt to examine possibilities of solutions to Middle East and Lebanon conflict.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: USS New Jersey's 16-inch guns, in action for first time since Vietnam war, fire at Syrian anti-aircraft batteries east of Beirut.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Red Cross re- ports Israel reneged on terms of last month's prisoner exchange, citing case of Ziad Abu Ain; PLO claims 39 still held in defiance of agreement; Israel DM communique blames error in ICRC/Israel coordination for reversal of Abu Ain's release. Patron of Birkat Avraham yeshiva remanded for 4 days for disregarding gov't. order to remove illegal structure. Trial begins for 10 Palestinians charged with harassment of Jewish settlers in Galilee and organizing demonstrations. Israel Bonds Organization announces total of $475,434,250. raised in 1983 (compared with $502,144,500. in 1982); total since 1951 more than $6.5 billion.

Arab World: Jordan Cabinet confirms 12 Jordanians of Palestinian origin given death sentences in absentia by special military court for selling West Bank land to Israel.

Other Countries: Gemayel in London for 2 days of talks with PM Thatcher. Responding to reports that Israel asked US for Pershing 11 missiles, Shamir sends message to USSR that Israel would not acquire missiles capable of hitting Russia. UN Gen. Assembly adopts resolution calling for peace conference inviting all parties, including US, USSR and PLO on equal footing [124-4, 15 abstentions].

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Abdullah Ahmed Musa, worker from Bir al-Basha/Jenin, found dead near Akka; family fears killed by Israeli vigilantes.

Arab World: US and Israeli navies launch simultaneous but separate attacks on Syrian and Palestinian positions, respectively, near Lebanese coast. Grenade thrown at IDF patrol near Sidon, 2 Israeli patrol soldiers wounded; Israeli truck driver wounded by grenade attack south of Zahrani River.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL: Occupied Palestine/ Israel: Israeli police arrest Ephraim Segal, US-immigrant Elon Moreh settler, for questioning in murder of Nablus girl (12/8/83). 2 Israeli buses damaged and 1 Kiryat Arba settler hurt in hail of stones outside Dheisheh refugee camp. Hebron man obtains order nisi requiring West Bank commander to give cause for sealing of his home.

Arab World: Villagers in Milke, S. Lebanon riot against IDF patrol; 5 villagers injured, several arrested.

MILITARY ACTION: Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 petrol bombs thrown at Israeli police bus near al-Bireh. Occupation forces demolish 3 Palestinian homes and seal 4 others in Hebron and Ramallah belonging to suspected members of groups hostile to Israel.

Arab World: Gemayel advisor discloses orders received in Washington to move LAF into Druze-held Chouf as US and Israeli warplanes provide cover and US ships blanket area with heavy artillery.

Other Countries: US Sec. of State Shultz criticized in Tunis for US-Israel "strategic cooperation."

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel:

Jewish National Fund plans to transplant cedars of Lebanon fail due to war in Lebanon; in Galilee, 10-15,000 reported already transplanted from France where imported by Lebanese immigrants.

Arab World: Gemayel sends FM to Damascus for talks on withdrawal of foreign troops from Lebanon.

Other Countries: US, British, French and Italian FMs reaffirm commitment to MNF presence in Beirut. In General Assembly debate, Israeli UN ambassador Blum requests UN cancel arrangements to protect Arafat's departure from Tripoli in light of recent bomb explosion on Jerusalem bus.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Aisha Adnan Bahash, 11, shot dead, sister, Fida, 9, shot in face by Israeli settler in Nablus bakery. Israeli troops raid and vandalize Palestinian cultural exhibit at Nablus Labor Union office, detain 11 present, confiscate publications. Students and 2 teachers from Hashimiya Secondary School in al- Bira arrested after clashes with about 200 Israeli soldiers as students protest "civil administration" ceremony at school with military presence. Yatta farmers driven from their fields by Israeli settlers. Bus traveling to Kiryat Arba reportedly stoned outside Hebron. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bethlehem U. resumes classes after closure by Israeli military (11/2/83) during folklore festival there. Over 200 anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews protest corner-stone-laying ceremony at Emmanuel religious settlement; block 16 buses of Agudat Israel Party supporters planning to attend. In address to Israeli Federation of Contractors and Builders convention in Jerusalem, Shamir urges private builders to develop West Bank. Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Com. report new ultra-rightwing underground, stockpiling arms and planning to take over part of territories. Labor Federation leader Shehadeh Minawi released on IS5,000 bail after held for 24 hrs. on charges of arranging illegal conference in Jerusalem. About 20 S. Lebanon merchants meet with Israeli Industry and Trade Director in Jerusalem to discuss ways of improving trade.

Arab World: PLO Political Dep't. head Qaddoumi refuses proposal by some PLO Executive Com. members to replace Arafat. Mubarak warns new "strategic cooperation" will spell disaster for American friends in Arab world; other official Arab sources concur.

Other Countries: UK Labor Party dep. sec. Hattersley says his party admires Israel as "one of the greatest events of the 20th century," adding Labor's recent pro-PLO resolutions were only attempts to introduce "realism into the romantic." North American Palestinian community mtg. in Newark, NJ publicizes declaration reaffirming support for PLO and Arafat leadership.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Violent exchanges in Jerusalem between extremist Zionist cells injerusalem, Birkat Avraham, Torat Kohanim and Shuva Banim yeshivot and Arab residents of Muslim Quarter when several students spray tear gas in eyes of young Palestinian man near his shop; neighbors retaliate with barrage of stones.

Arab World: 24 US jets strike in Chouf mountains and Metn region, hit 6 villages; US claims retaliation for Syrian anti-aircraft fire against yesterday's US flights over Lebanon; 2 US planes downed, 1 airman killed, 1 captured by Syria. US Navy spokesman says US reevaluating Syrian military capabilities. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Energy Min. Moda'i urges Cabinet to authorize attempt to capture Arafat and top aides before leaving Tripoli. Israel denies US bombing raids part of joint plan with Israel. Anti- nuclear, ecumenical Bethlehem Peace Pilgrimage Group arrives in Haifa for last leg of 12,000 km trek from Bangor, WA, USA, to Bethlehem.

Arab World: Syrian FM calls for international and Arab action against aggressive US policy in Middle East. In Tripoli interview, Arafat says he wants PLO base in Cairo.

Other Countries: Bonn agrees to DM140 million loan to Israel for investment in high-tech development.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Molotov cocktail attack on Israeli military patrol in Nablus; curfews imposed on nearby Balata and Askar camps.

Arab World: US jets bomb Syrian positions in Kfar Salwan, Falougha, Hammana, Dahr al-Baidar, Jabal Knayset and Sofar in Lebanon; 2 jets downed. 8 Marines killed by militia, presumed by US to be Syrian- backed; 6th Fleet opens fire on militia positions.

Other Countries: Israeli embassy in Bankok bombed; attackers unidentified; Thai customs allerted to "suspicious Arabs" trying to leave the country. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 2,000 Israelis demonstrate in Tel Aviv's Museum Square in support of conscientious objection to military service in Lebanon. Yesh Gvul ("There's a Limit") announces over 3,000 IDF reserve officers and enlisted men joined movement against military service in Lebanon. Delegation from Israeli Council for Israeli-Palestinian Peace makes solidarity visit to Bassam Shaka'a after last week's escalation of settler violence in Nablus.

Arab World: Egypt's Pres. Mubarak says Arafat welcome to visit Cairo.

Other Countries: US announces unprecedented all-grant military aid to Israel to reach $1.4 billion in fiscal 1985. UN Security Council votes unanimously to permit embattled Arafat loyalists to evacuate Tripoli under UN flag.

MILITARY ACTION: Arab World: Israeli bombers strike alleged guerrilla bases in mountains near Beirut in retaliaiton for 1 Israeli soldier killed in S. Lebanon ambush yesterday. US commander in Lebanon authorized to use 16- inch guns on USS New Jersey against adversaries. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Palestinian students arrested in Beer Sheba (Bir Sab'a) on charges of possessing banned printed material. Al-Fajr poll finds 94% of Palestinians in Israel support Arafat leadership. 200 residents of Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem attend mtg. at UNRWA office to protest Israeli threat of camp school closure. Galilee priest, Fowzi Khouri, released on IS100,000 bail after 1 month detention on charges of contact with PLO. 

Arab World: Gemayel ends talks with Reagan admin. with no further commitments of US assistance. Second-ranking Druze official murdered in Beirut; Christian Phalange blamed.

Other Countries: 2 Israeli firms sign deals for 1st Israeli factory in Ciskei tribal homeland, S. Africa; Israeli trade there includes sale of American-made Mooney light planes for fledgeling Ciskei airforce plus military training. [Israel and Taiwan lead investment in S. African "Bantustans."] British High Court decides to refer Israel's protest at UK's refusal to sell it North Sea oil to European Court of Justice. UN Security Council considers Arafat's request for assistance in evacuating Tripoli.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Palestinian workers shot for not stopping at Gaza checkpoint while driving to work in Israel. About 30 Birkat Avraham yeshiva students go on rampage armed with iron rods, smashing windows, injuring 2 Arab men; 3 Arabs and 2 Jews arrested and released. IDF uproots five dunums of fruit trees belonging to Palestinian farmers along Kfar Saba-Qalqilya road where IDF believes petrol bomb attacks on Israeli traffic launched; farmers not to be compensated and ordered not to replant.

Arab World: Heavy artillery exchanges in Tripoli between rival Palestinian forces as talks on evacuation of loyalists stall. Bazooka attack on Israeli army vehicle kills 1 IDF soldier in Lebanon.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Imam of Katibeh Mosque in Gaza given 18 mos. prison term for "incitement" after denouncing murder of Hebron U. students last July. Gaza artist, Fathi Ghabin's detention extended for producing "inciting" posters. Raphael Eitan and Chaim Herzog lead public castigation of 6 Israeli POWs returned by PLO in November prisoner exchange and 2 others still captive for cowardly surrender. Gush Emunim settlers camp at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus declaring to create permanent Jewish presence there; Peace Now warns of demonstration next day, supports DM Zipori's position that encampment is illegal. Teachers in 10 Israeli gov't. schools in Ramallah and al-Bireh strike over low wages. Life sentences given 2 Palestinians charged with killing Ramallah Village League head (1981), and an attack on IDF officer imposed as "(mayor" of al-Bireh; 2 others sentenced to 12-14 years for attacking Israeli settler in Hebron.

Arab World: Arafat accepts outline of Saudi-organized ceasefire in Tripoli. After letter from Pres. Reagan reiterating US position, King Hussein says he is prepared to resume talks with Arafat on joint Palestinian-Jordanian approach to negotiations with Israel; in light of current struggle in Tripoli, Hussein promises to put "no conditions on him. " Rebel spokesman asserts Tripoli fighting results from Arafat's refusal to heed Coordination Committee proposals. Tyre municipality opens special employment office for men released from Ansar prison; appeals to UNRWA to provide jobs.

Other Countries: Meeting in Washington, Pres. Gemayel and Reagan agree to stand by May 17 Lebanese-Israeli agreement. US Sec. of Defense Weinberger tells Jewish leaders of Synagogue Council of America that Arafat is "irrelevant" to future of Middle East. Chile's FM ends visit to Israel; agreement reached to expand mutual trade and agricultural cooperation. Abu Ja'far, Dir. of PLO Political Dep't holds talks with Soviet charge d'affaires in Tunis; also received GDR, DPRK, Rumanian, Polish and Czech ambassadors on occasion of Int'l. Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People. Major oil co.s shipping under Liberian flag pressure Liberian gov't. to cancel plans for embassy in Jerusalem; ambassador reported looking for alternative location in Tel Aviv.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Palestinian casualties in Lebanon mountain artillery exchanges: 2 PFLP fighters, 1from Struggle Front, 2 from Liberation Army and 1 from al-Saiqa killed; 2 from Struggle Front wounded. Israel-backed militia chief in S. Lebanon, Abu Saleh, quits to renew loyalty to Amal militia. 1983 to date, 71 Druze quit Israeli military for religious reasons (compares with 19 in 1982).

Military Action:

1200 LAF troops resist 4 assaults by PSP militia at Souq al-Gharb; fighting between LF and PSP militias continues south of Beirut around Mishref, Barja and Saadiyat; British jets fly reconnaissance missions; grenades thrown at Haddad militia office in South Lebanon; rocket fired at IDF position north of Tyre; IDF commando unit lands on beach near Tripoli, fires mortars at PLO positions.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens says Lebanese Druze have responsibility to prevent PLO forces from participating in Chouf battles or approaching IDF lines along Awali river.

US and Other Countries: Marines in Lebanon are authorized to call on US naval and air power to assist LAF and other MNF units if they are being attacked in a way that endangers Marines.

Military Action:

Druze militia attacks Lebanese Army at 3 outposts east of Damour, captures 2 positions; rocket and artillery duels follow Druze attack, Beirut airport closed after shells fall on runway, terminal building, nearby residential areas; IDF supports Lebanese Army at Kfar Matta; US Marines fire flares as warnings to Druze gunners in Chouf.

Casualties:

4 civilians, 2 IDF soldiers killed, 24 wounded, including 8 Lebanese soldiers, 4 IDF, 1 US Marine, in shelling of airport area; 3 government ministers, attempting to mediate, detained at Jumblatt's residence.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli shekel devalued by 7.5%, brings cumulative devaluation in 1983 to 72%.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Dany Chamoun meets Shamir, other Israeli officials in Jerusalem.

US and Other Countries: Draper named new US ambassador to Tunisia, other US Middle East diplomatic positions shuffled.

Military Action:

Heavy artillery and rocket exchanges between Christian and Druse militias, shells fall on beaches north of Beirut.

Casualties:

7 IDF soldiers wounded in attack on APC; IDF shoots, kills 2 passengers in car that fails to heed roadblock south of Beirut, military commission appointed to inquire into incident.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Bank of Israel statistics show foreign debt has reached record $21 b., highest per capita in the world; 200 armed settlers hold rally in Hebron, call for Jewish settlement in center of all Arab towns.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat returns to Tunis from 3-day visit to Iraq, meets Cubans on mediating mission between Syria and Fateh.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Deputy PM Ehrlich dies after stroke.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat begins meeting of Fateh Revolutionary Council in Damascus, no rebel leaders reportedly present; Abu Ziad, Arafat aide, wounded in shooting incident after guerrilla training camp near Damascus taken over by Fateh rebels; Fateh loyalists retake PLO battalion HQ previously occupied by rebels.

Military Action:

IDF patrol attacked northeast of Tyre; 2 APCs and checkpoint near Sidon attacked.

Casualties:

3 IDF soldiers killed, 7 wounded, 1 captured in Lebanese National Resistance Front (LNRF) attack near Tyre, 250 suspects held; IDF releases some Lebanese civilians arrested during past 2 weeks; explosion in Baalbek kills Lebanese security chief of Popular Struggle Front, support- ing anti-Arafat forces in PLO; PLO places 6 IDF prisoners in solitary confinement after 3 prisoners at Ansar killed by guards, IDF denies deaths.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon calls for commission to investigate Cabinet activity and decisions during Lebanon war.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Jumblatt says there can be no reconciliation with Christians unless major constitutional changes occur.

Arab Governments: Qadhafi meets King Hussein in Amman.

US and Other Countries: Reagan tells ADL meeting US will be rock of support for Israel, calls on American Jewish leaders to support his Central American policy against same forces that are destabilizing the Middle East: the Soviet Union, Libya and the PLO, working hand in glove with Cuba.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army patrol opens fire on illegal protest against withdrawal agreement by Shiite Muslims in Beirut suburb of Bir Abed, grenade reportedly thrown at patrol; demonstration also in Baalbek; fighting in Tripoli between Palestinian forces and Muslim militia.

Casualties:

1 killed, 10 injured in Beirut protest; Syria cuts off road, telephone and telex links between Syrian controlled areas of Lebanon and rest of country; many schools in Beirut closed; 4 persons killed in Tripoli fighting.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Uri Lubrani, former senior Israeli representative in Uganda, Ethiopia and Iran, reportedly selected to coordinate relations with Lebanon under terms of withdrawal agreement.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanon, Israel and US sign troop withdrawal agreement at consecutive ceremonies in Khalde and Kiryat Shemona.

Arab Governments: Saudi Arabia and Sudan support Lebanon on agreement; Libya asks Lebanese ambassador in Tripoli to leave, withdraws its ambassador in Beirut; Jordan announces that Palestinians from West Bank and Gaza can enter the country only across Jordan River bridges; Egypt Air lands first flight in Beirut since 1979.

US and Other Countries: State Dept. says Congress, but not public, will be informed of all details of secret US agreements with Israel and Lebanon; agreement with Israel reportedly recognizes its right of self-defense to retaliate against attacks in Lebanon, acknowledges that it can delay withdrawing troops until Syria and the PLO withdraw, pledges to help bring about Syrian and PLO withdrawal and to see that Lebanon lives up to its agreement with Israel; Reagan indicates he is ready to release 75 F-16 jet fighters to Israel.

Military Action:

IDF attacked in Sidon and Bekaa, no reported casualties; Israeli intelligence attributes US embassy bomb to fundamentalist Shiite organization closely connected to Iran and Syria.

Casualties:

Lebanese lawyer shot and killed by French member of MNF when he fails to stop at roadblock.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet debates withdrawal of IDF to Awali river, no decision reportedly reached; at Cabinet meeting, Sharon attacks government's failure to launch reprisals against PLO for attacks on IDF; 3 molotov cocktails thrown at IDF vehicle in Beit Jala, 2 at Jalazon camp, no injuries reported.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO military documents seized by IDF in Sidon during war in Lebanon, edited by Hebrew University faculty member, are published in London under title PLO in Lebanon-Selected Documents; Lebanese merchants informed by government they have until May 7 to cut commercial ties with Israel.

US and Other Countries: Shultz starts Middle East tour, says his objectives are finding secure arrangements for Israel, removing foreign troops from Lebanon, and finding some manner of recognizing the legitimate needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people; British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs says US should exert more pressure on Israel to withdraw from Lebanon and freeze West Bank settlements.

Casualties:

Haddad says Israel should release most of the Lebanese nationals being held at Ansar detention camp.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Minaret of unused Hassan Bek mosque in Jaffa collapses, neglect and/or explosives suspected, Tel Aviv authorities and Ministry of Religious Affairs blame each other, Muslim groups hold vigil; stones thrown at military patrols in Dura, Yatta and Husan; partial strike in East Jerusalem schools; 2 Israeli cars stoned in Beit Jalla; 3 tourists, 4 Israelis injured by stones; curfews imposed in Dahariya, Nablus and Balata camp.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat and Hussein hold two rounds of talks, no statement issued; Hussein and Reagan confer by telephone.

Military Action:

IDF has blown up five vehicles suspected of being booby-trapped in past two weeks; Lebanese Army blocks IDF patrol at new checkpoint south of Beirut; IDF Merkava tank hit by RPG fired near Beirut-Damascus highway, Phalange radio attributes attack to Druze militia, says artillery and small arms fire continued for hours; Lebanon reportedly will introduce compulsory military service on April 18.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: David Kimche, head of Israeli delegation to Lebanon negotiations, meets Habib.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: At PNC, 29 new members added to council, of whom 23 are reportedly senior PLO officers loyal to Arafat; Saiqa leader Isam al-Qadi calls for rejection of Reagan plan and struggle to thwart it; smuggling of vegetables from Israel to Lebanon increasing, valued in January at about $300,000; value of Israeli goods sold to Lebanon since invasion estimated at $50 million; in Lebanese-Israeli-US negotiations, Israel agrees to Habib proposal for first-stage withdrawal of frontline forces.

US and Other Countries: Pentagon says it plans to sell Lebanese Army 107 armored troop carriers, .50-caliber machine guns and other equipment valued at about $25 million.

Military Action:

US and Israeli officials in Beirut agree to demarcate formal boundary between their two forces, using brightly painted barrels; IDF reported using tactic of "reconnaissance by fire," driving along Sidon road and spraying the orchards with machine gun fire; 160 French marines added to French contingent in MNF, another 140 to follow; Syrian Press Agency in West Beirut shattered by bomb.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 10 new settlements under preparation, 30 awaiting approval; World Zionist Organization predicts population parity between Jews and Arabs in West Bank could be achieved with 1.4 million Jews by year 2010.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PFLP leader George Habash tells Damascus press conference he will ask forthcoming PNC meeting in Algiers to reject Reagan plan and Arafat/ Hussein talks; Major Haddad tells press conference in Metulla that Lebanese government is too weak to guarantee agreement with Israel.

Arab Governments: Mubarak ends one day visit to France.

US and Other Countries: Reagan Administration reported to favor increased grant to loan ratio in $2.5 billion economic and military aid package for Israel; international commission headed by Sean MacBride announces findings that Israel's invasion of Lebanon violated international law and that Israel was involved in the "planning and preparation" of the Beirut massacres; in London, hearing continues on shooting of Israeli Ambassador Argov, currently hospitalized in Jerusalem suffering near total blindness and paralysis. 

Military Action:

Phalange and Druze militia exchange artillery and rocket fire during night and morning in Shweifat, Baabda, Aley and Bhamdoun; lDF sets up checkpoints on Beirut-Damascus highway to divert traffic from areas of fighting.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Chief of Staff Eitan tells Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that 117 IDF were killed in western Lebanon, 8 in Beirut, that Begin denied Eitan's request during war for 2 more hours to cross Beirut-Damascus highway and destroy Syrian T-72 tank group, that critics such as Yossi Sarid and Shulamit Aloni harmed the war effort by talking about number of Palestinian homeless and refugees; Shamir and Kimche meet for 2'h4 hours with Habib and Draper; Sharon arrives in Zaire; 1DF spokeswoman confirms 10 Israeli Druze soldiers were jailed for defying orders in South Lebanon; Knesset votes 46-44 not to censure Kiryat Arba Council for destroying 4 of Hebron municipality's electricity pylons; Elias Freij and Rashad Shawa say they are willing to be members of a Palestinian-Jordanian delegation in peace talks with Israel.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: After 3 days of meetings in Damascus, PLO Executive Committee does not give Arafat support for alliance with Jordan; Lebanese Government insists end to state of war must be linked to complete Israeli withdrawal; Foreign Minister Elie Salem says another month or 2 of intensive discussion necessary to clear differences with Israel, he is confident Syrian and Palestinian forces will leave when Israelis leave, Lebanon is prepared to guarantee it will never again be base of operations against Israel, calls for multinational force and UNIFIL to double in size; Prime Minister Wazzan asks Justice Minister Roger Shikhani to investigate missing persons and to speed up interrogation of hundreds of detainees.

US and Other Countries: State Department says that Carter and Ford rightly focus on settlements as obstacle, but they are not the major obstacle to peace, and refuse to call settlements illegal; Weinberger and French Defense Minister Charles Hernu hold talks in Washington, Hernu says France will increase its contingent in Lebanon and take on more responsibility after the withdrawal of Syrian, Israeli and Palestinian forces, providing US and Italy do the same.

UN: Security Council votes to extend mandate of 5,800 UNIFIL troops for another 6 months; Israeli Ambassador Yehuda Blum says UNIFL has outlived its usefulness; US delegate says UNIFIL is a positive element in the negotiations.

Military Action:

IDF attacked twice in Sidon; fighting continues in Tripoli.

Casualties:

Tripoli death toll for weekend is 17.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Cabinet discusses fighting in Chouf, is briefed on Lebanese negotiations by Foreign Minister Shamir and David Kimche, hears of new security measures to be taken to reduce Israeli casualties in Lebanon; 3 members of Committee Against the War in Lebanon on trial for breach of peace after distributing leaflets in Haifa; Government agrees to 12% wage increase for public employees, averting general strike; official statistics show GNP did not increase in 1982, while real wages declined 3%; Begin's adviser on Arab Affairs Ben-yamin Gur-Arye says Begin will see if evacuation of Negev Bedouin families can be postponed; Bedouin township of Rahat forms labor council, the first in the Negev; Commission of Inquiry completes hearing of testimony, allowing Sharon to submit written answers instead of appearing for questioning; Moshe Reich, Israeli builder on West Bank, acquitted of blackmail, assault and threatened assault based on charges by Palestinians that he tried to force them to sell land; Jenin military governor warns Attorney Zuhair Jarrar not to complain to press about December 29 cut off of his electricity and water ordered by Israeli-appointed mayor Shihab Sanouri; Theodore Mann, chair of National Conference on Soviet Jews, announces 2,600 exit visas issued in 1982; PM Begin meets with relatives of Israeli prisoners, promises them no withdrawl of IDF from Lebanon until release of prisoners; Jerusalem police report series of raids on Jerusalem bookstores, seizing Palestinian flags, cassettes, T-shirts and other pro-PLO material.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Rashid Karami appeals to Syria to send envoy to stop fighting in Tripoli.

Arab Governments: Saudi Arabia says British Foreign Secretary Pym not welcome to visit after Thatcher government refuses PLO representative in Arab League delegation; Iraq announces that Saddam Hussein told Congressman Stephen Solarz (D-NY) on August 25, he accepts Israelis' need for security.