The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: US State Dept. calls for direct peace talks, not intl. conference proposed (12/3) by King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak [JTA 12/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police defuse bomb in Netanya [LAT 12/4].

Arab World: IDF sends armored patrol north of Awali River after Druze-Christian fighting, despite pledge of non-interference there [LAT 12/5]. 3 IDF soldiers wounded by mine near Madosha, S. Lebanon. Grenade thrown at 2 SLA vehicles in Nabatiya, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JP 12/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: COS Eitan says IDF can do without Lavi fighter. Jerusalem police refrain from seeking extradition of Jewish terror suspect Ira Rappaport from New York, claiming extradition "extremely problematic." [Under extradition agreement with US, Israel extradited Palestinian immigrant Ziad Abu Ain (1982) on basis of hearsay evidence.] Jewish terror defendant testifies MK Rabbi Waldman helped plan 1980 bomb attack on Palestinian mayors.

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat meets Pres. Bendjedid in Algiers; Bendjedid urges 2-mo. postponement of PNC pending further unification talks. PFLP & DFLP announce their boycott of next day's PNC session. Lebanon & Israel meet in 4th round of withdrawal talks with no apparent progress. Libyan news agency Jana reports Col. Qadhafi meets in Tripoli with Abu Nidal [reported deceased].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police kill Sharif Taibe, wound 6 in shooting attack on Bir Zeit students demonstrating support for Chrmn. Arafat; curfew imposed on Bir Zeit, police occupy university.

Arab World: Bomb explodes at IDF patrol in Sarafand, S. Lebanon; no casualties.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gov't. orders Palestinian money-changers in Jerusalem stop trading in US dollars. Ramallah military court fines Fatmeh Ja'afari IS 20,000 for possessing "illegal literature" [purchased in Jerusalem]. DM Rabin meets with Mayor Freij, approves $700,000 Saudi grant for Bethlehem development projects. FM Shamir calls for creation of new UN including "only democratic countries." Nahal inaugurates 4 settlements: Rotem in Jordan Valley, Heahzut near Gush Etzion, Amitai & Ye'elon in Negev. Morechet Benyamin Co. dumps truckloads of rubble on jib village land, rendering it unusable for farming. FM Shamir expresses alarm to visiting US congressmen at apparent Jordanian-PLO rapprochement.

Arab World: PNC Chrmn. Khalid Fahoum declines to issue invitations to PNC mtg. called by Chrmn. Arafat pending further unity talks. Christians & Muslim unite in general strike through S. Lebanon to protest Israeli kidnapping of Amal Shi'ite leaders; Phalangist Joseph Ghanem sends letter of solidarity with demonstrators in Sidon.

Other Countries: 9th anniversary of UN resolution equating Zionism with racism. Special UN panel publicizes findings on Israeli activity in occupied territories; reports Israel continues to disregard Geneva Convention on civilian rights under occupation. In New York Federal Court, hearings begin for Ariel Sharon's libel suit against Time magazine.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew imposed on Dheisheh camp after Border Policeman hit with thrown rock; boys' school raided by Border Police; area declared closed military zone.

Arab World: 2 Israeli soldiers wounded by light arms fire in Jibsheet; 2 wounded by RPG fire in Ghaziya village, S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in El AL office, Vienna; no injuries.

Social/Economic/Politica

l Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet agrees to withdraw IDF from Lebanon if Syria agrees not to advance its troops and UN and militia forces guarantee secure border. Israeli Army quartermaster gen. Erez grants 1-mo. amnesty to reservists to return estimated $250 million worth of stolen weapons, ammunition and equipment before arrests begin. Dir. Gen. of Finance Ministry Baruch resigns, charging govt. failing to take proper action to revive economy. Largest Israeli textile co. Ata offered for sale for 1 shekel, providing buyer assumes co.'s $25 million debt.

Arab World: In Kuwait, Chrmn. Arafat urges return of Egypt to Arab fold. Other Countries: US fiscal yr. ends with $2.61 billion official aid to Israel. Israeli diplomat replaces Mossad agent as Israeli amb. to Sri Lanka.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli settlers ceremoniously inaugurate new settlements- 1 S. of Hebron, and 3 in Gaza Strip. Dheisheh camp expels 3 men by decision of sulha, with 500 attending, for their attack on 65-yr.-old resident Hassan Mana'a.

Arab World: Israeli officials resist order to close liaison office in Lebanon, warn closure will delay IDF withdrawal.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Grenade hurled at IDF patrol in Nablus injuring 1;soldiers react by indiscriminate shooting at passersby, injuring 5; IDF impose 6-hr. curfew, arrest 70 local resident.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Some 500 Yesh Gvul-ers demonstrate in Tel Aviv on 2nd anniversary of invasion of Lebanon. Jerusalem district judge suspends 18-mo. sentence of Golan Heights settler for transporting explosives in Arab bus bombing attempt (4/26/84). IDF CoS Levy tells Tel Aviv press conference press exaggerates Arab military threat to Israel. Former Nablus hospital opens as new 1,000-inmate central prison. Technion U. Arab Student Com. appeals to Technion U. senate to reconsider discriminatory decision to grant 6-point bonus to applicants who served in IDF. Lydd military court sentences 3 Palestinian construction unionists to 9-18 mo. prison on charges of contact with PLO. Kfar Shibli village resident given 1-yr. prison term for slapping and insulting Jewish boy for trespassing; defendant appeals.

Other Countries: Referendum in Berkeley, CA to limit US aid to Israel commensurate with annual amount spent on Israeli settlements in occupied territories defeated 3-1. Int'l. Labor Org. (ILO) conf. in Geneva discusses status of Palestinian workers under occupation.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense commission inquiry reports 2 commandos, Subhi and Majdi Abu Juma'a, captured (4/12/84) in bus hijacking were bludgeoned to death by Israeli security men, full report censored and classified; DM Arens says neither he nor CoS Moshe Levy directly responsible, and "legal action" will be taken against those found responsible. Bulldozers working at night uproot olive trees belonging to Salah Abu Rajab, destroy wall of nearby Hajariyeh school. WZO Settlement co-chrmn. Drobles proposes new plan to attract Jews from Palestine coast to settle around Jerusalem and restrict Arab development, which he calls a "cancer." Jenin area melon growers report export permit delays caused 30% crop loss. Gaza military gov. orders 2450 dunums citrus groves closed to Beit Lahiya owners.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab-owned cars in Halhoul & Habil Riyah, Hebron vandalized in night. Firebomb hurled at Kiryat Arba garbage truck, no injuries.

Arab World: Israeli troops sweep through several east Beqaa villages, arresting, cuffing and blindfolding scores of people, driving them off toward Galilee. Israeli patrol fired upon from speeding car in S. Lebanon, 1 Israeli wounded.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: ICRC reports Israel failing to report arrests within 10- day limit. Nablus and Bethlehem residents complain of water shortages as Mekorot diverts supplies to Israeli settlements. Israel-American Zionists Assoc. in conjunction with Compass-Peltours and Israel Assoc. of Real Estate Dealers announce plan to offer US Jews lots (60' x 60') in occupied territories for $3,600 (including Israeli passport and subsidized mortgage options). Items at Hebron Islamic exhibit confiscated by "civil administration" as "inciteful." 2-10 Golani Druze charged by Kiryat Shemona magistrate for incitement and participation in recent demonstration.

Arab World: DM Arens tells Tel Aviv engineers' club Israel will keep Awali River bridges closed until attacks on IDF in S. Lebanon end. Lebanese gov't. decides to close Israeli liaison office north of Beirut.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus used to transport Nablus labor to Israel burned at roadblock near Qabalan village.

Social/Economic/ Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Trial of 25 Jewish terror suspects begins, 2 Israeli Army officers charged with bomb attacks on 3 West Bank mayors (1980); Rabbi Levinger released and Rabbi Waldman (also of Kiryat Arba) arrested for alleged links with Jewish terrorists. Za'el Issa Harashe, 34, of Bani Na'im released after 17-yr. imprisonment on security-related charge. Saleh Baransi released from custody. Residents of Deir al-Hatab fight fire destroying 300 dunums of trees and crops; arson suspected. Military court sentences Sharhabil Farajeh of Halhoul to 6 mos. prison on political charge upon return from studies in Jordan. Abd al-Basit of Daboriyah given 6 mos. prison on charge of PLO membership.

Arab World: Lebanese PM meets with US, Soviet and UK ambs. to seek help ending Israeli human rights violations in S. Lebanon; later Soviet amb. strongly condemns Israel's "inhuman" acts.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli forces bulldoze homes of Qasem, Ali & Majed Sweitat in Izzedin near Jenin, West Bank, claiming they are built on "state land." Mine explodes near Biddu village, killing 10 sheep. Bomb planted in Bir Sab'a Beduin market defused; no arrests.

Arab World: Israeli planes bomb Bar Elias village in Beqaa Valley. 4 Israelis wounded by roadside bomb near Ansariya, S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: US Defense Sec. Weinberger discloses US assisting Israel to develop Saar 5 attack missile patrol boat.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Former Stern Gang leader PM Shamir publicly denounces terrorism by Jewish settlers, and tells Knesset Israeli gov't. will not surrender its sovereignty over West Bank, but is ready to talk peace with any Arab leader. Reiterating that Israel considers Camp David only formula for settlement, PM Shamir rejects Chrmn. Arafat's call for peace conference under UN auspices.

Arab World: Lebanese amb. to Libya Farhat [dismissed by Libya when his gov't. signed agreement with Israel May 17, 1983] returns to his post. Egypt's FM Hassan Ali summons Israeli amb. Sassoon to protest Israel's "inhuman and illegal practices in occupied Arab territories".

Other Countries: In UN Security Council session, Zehdi Terzi accuses Israel of killing or wounding 60 refugees in its recent attack on Ain al-Hilweh camp, S. Lebanon. In effort to monitor Arab influence in US, American Jewish Congress pres. Mann announces nationwide push for legislation compelling colleges & universities to report sources of grants over $100,000 a year. Meeting with Israel's Science Minister, Thai Science Min. Lathopitat says he wants stronger industrial ties with Israel. After rash of complaints, British mail order house Freemans issues apology after accidentally shipping Israeli-made bras to Abu Dhabi.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: EL-OP unveils new ship-board air defense system Spirtas. Military court sentences 7 Nablus men charged with murder of Hebron settler; 4 get life, 3 get 20-25 years.

Arab World: 2 Katyushas fall in IDF-occupied territory near Ba'loul, east of Lake Karoun.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian Heritage Week festival exhibit destroyed in Bir Zeit U. fire; arson suspected. Israeli army denies any involvement in Ain al-Hilweh, S. Lebanon incidents (5/17/84).

Arab World: Muslim leaders march through Sabra refugee camp, protesting murder of Ain al-Hilweh refugees by Israeli-backed militia. Lebanon's PM Karami calls for united Lebanese effort to end Israeli occupation of S. Lebanon. Large rally held in Baalbek for Shi'ite soldiers, incuding Irani Revolutionary Guard. Thousands of Druze in Israeli-occupied Golan mark 40th anniversary of death of Nur al-Din Kanj Abu Salah, waving Syrian flags and shouting slogans of allegiance to Syria.

Other Countries: UN Security Council hears PLO complaint of Israeli attacks on S. Lebanon refugee camps in closed-door session. UNRWA spokesman in Vienna reports 1 killed, 20 injured in Israeli military operations in S. Lebanon refugee camp. Washington Post reports CIA director Casey allowed Israel access to sensitive satellite photographs. Pentagon officials confirm US & Israel working toward defense pact. Yeshiva U. Talmudic law prof. Rabbi Tendler decries arrests of Jewish terrorists and calls US Jews to their defense, claiming "a Jew . . . respects human life as no one else does." Fired from his Toronto congregation for denouncing Israeli invasion of Lebanon, Rabbi Slonim addresses Canadian Arab Federation, praying for better understanding between Arabs and Jews.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Shamir wins Likud nomination for premiership challenge by MK Sharon. 60 Muslim Labor Party members meet to nominate Knesset candidate.

Other Countries: In al-Anba' interview, former US Pres. Carter says under current Israeli policies Jerusalem has become city of "killing and hatred."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers open fire on car failing to stop at roadblock near Hebron, 2 killed. Israeli military command claims 2 Palestinian men suspected as guerrillas shot dead near Idna, West Bank.

Arab World: IDF shoots and kills Lebanese civilian as he approaches checkpoint in southern Sidon

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: After lawyer's insistance, Israeli police begin investigation into charges of torture of political prisoner Saleh Zbeidat arrested 4/13/84. Shin Bet chief briefs Israeli cabinet on Jewish terrorist underground; Jewish terror suspect signs confession to role in 1980 car bomb maiming of West Bank mayors; 2 IDF majors arrested in connection with "TNT" activities; Supreme Court rebukes police for leaking information to media about recent arrests of suspected "TNT" terrorists. Central Bureau of Statistics issues findings that 83% of Israel's 3.452 million population are Jews. 5 IDF reserve officers demand inquiry into MK Sharon's role in 2 battles in S. Lebanon (1982), waged without cabinet approval.

Other Countries: New York-based firm Research & Forecasts, Inc. reports findings that top US executives view Israel as role model for US business. Israel embassies to US and UN celebrate 36th anniversary of Israeli claim to statehood; Egyptian ambassadors join reception guests.

Military Action:

Arab World: Lebanese radio reports Israeli gunships approach N. Lebanese coast, drawing Syrian gunfire.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israelis commemorate 36th "Independence Day" (by Jewish calendar); Naturei Karta's Rabbi Hirsch calls it "[day of] independence from God, society, family and civilization"; Mea Sharim Orthodox quarter flies black flags, police investigate reports that Palestinian flags raised in West Bank towns and villages.

Arab World: PLO representative in Kuwait urges Palestinians holding travel permits to return to Palestine, as Israel has informed it will discontinue issuing permits July 30. Shi'ite leader Berri agrees to join Lebanese cabinet with new appointment as Minister of State for South Lebanon Affairs.

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat meets with China's premier Deng Xiaoping in Peking before moving on to Pyongyang, PDR Korea for official visit there. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor candidate Peres tells World Jewish Congress that Camp David not only basis for negotiations between Israel and Jordan. Peace Now members end conference with decision to follow Labor Party platform in July elections. Israel Discount Bank announces 1983 loss of $17.2 million.

Arab World: Lebanese cabinet holds inauguration mtg. in absence of National Salvation Front leaders Berri, Jumblatt and Abdullah Rassi.

Other Countries: Israel asks US help in securing return of 3 Israelis seized yesterday in Syrian-held territory in Lebanon; claims they are diplomats. Before US Senate Appropriations Com., US amb. to UN Kirkpatrick slams criticism of Israel in Security Council. Addressing B'nai B'rith Caribbean District convention in Panama City, Costa Rican Pres. Monge responds to int'l. criticism for moving embassy to Jerusalem, vowing not to "give in to diplomatic terrorism."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 IDF-trained Kiryat Arba settlers arrested in connection with 4/27/84 bombing plot confess to attack on Hebron Islamic College where 4 Arab students were killed and 33 wounded; 3rd man reportedly sought. Arab World: Syria reports 3 Israelis arrested (5/1/84) held in Syria. Israeli soldiers kill 1 and wound another suspected of planting roadside bomb south of Tyre.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Sakhnin man Ibrahim Khalayleh arrested on charges of raising Palestinian flag on Land Day (3/30). FM Kimche denies Israeli arming of "Contras" in Nicaragua and says Israel not intending to get involved in Central America's military struggles; also says Israel cannot withdraw from Lebanon until certain of safe northern border. Hadashot reports DM Arens appoints team of inquiry into Israeli police killing of commandos (4/12/84).

Other Countries: Israel rejects invitation to conference on "The Question of Palestine" mandated by 28th General Assembly (12/13/83).

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bombs planted by Israeli terrorists on 5 Jerusalem-Kalandiya buses discovered and defused by Israeli police; about 20 Orthodox Jewish "TNT" suspects arrested, including settler leaders and IDF reservists; news blackout imposed.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post poll shows support for Labor at 41%, Likud at 28%. In radio interview Yitzhak Rabin outlines plan for complete IDF withdrawal from Lebanon in 3-6 mos. with UNIFIL replacement. California-based National Semiconductor Inc. establishes $55 million Israeli gov't.- subsidized plant at Migdal Haemek.

Other Countries: As US Congress denies further CIA funds for Nicaraguan "Contras," Honduras-based rebel "Nicaraguan Democratic Force" meets with US intelligence officials to coordinate plans for alternative aid from Israel.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Sakhnin man Saleh Zbeidat arrested on charges of raising Palestinian flag on Land Day (3/30/84). Arab World: 9th anniversary of outbreak of Lebanon civil war.

Other Countries: El Salvador gov't. officially moves embassy in Israel to Jerusalem; [2nd country to do so, after Costa Rica].

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian lawyer Raja Shehadeh and Israeli author Amos Kenan honored in Israeli Peace Council ceremony commemorating late Issam Sartawi on anniversary of his murder. Knesset Ministerial Settlement Com. approves 4 new settlements in West Bank and 2 in Negev.

Other Countries: Al-Fajr managing editor Sam'an Khoury addresses members of National Union of Journalists convention in London on subject of press conditions in the occupied territories. Group of 54 US congressmen petition Int'l. Olympic Com. to reject any application by PLO to participate in summer games, saying "recognition of PLO ... would be morally repugnant" and that "PLO represents neither a geographical area nor the Palestinian people."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army reserves called up for exercises.

Arab World: 3 attacks against IDF in S. Lebanon.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops seal off entrances to Arroub refugee camp after firebomb incident.

Arab World: IDF patrol vehicle hit by remote-control explosive device near al-Ghaziya village, S. Lebanon.

Social/Economic/ Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet refuses to release secret documents for MK Sharon's use in $50 million libel suit against Time magazine. UNRWA closes Ramallah Men's Teacher Training Center indefinitely inresponse to student protests against administrative actions. 4 Kabul residents imprisoned for demonstrating during Shimon Peres' campaign visit to their village.

Arab World: Lebanese PM Wazzan tells Beirut press that US officials "lied to us" in assuring the Lebanese govt. Israeli forces would be out of Lebanon by Jan. or Feb. 1983.

Other Countries: As pres. of non-aligned movement, Indira Ghandi visits Chrmn. Arafat in Tunis.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Firebomb thrown at IDF patrol near Arroub camp, 1 soldier injured.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: WZO completes placement of 30 buildings on hilltop S.E. of Nablus to form Tel Haim settlement [adjacent to former Elon Moreh, ordered dismantled in 1979]. Jerusalem mayor Kollek's spokesman confirms plan for 75-acre Jewish cemetery east of city, saying it "will increase our hold" on West Bank. Report issued by "West Bank Data Project" concludes US funds intended for economic projects in occupied territories diverted by Israeli gov't. for its own use. Labor Party unanimously nominates Shimon Peres as PM candidate for 7/23 elections.

Other Countries: Zehdi Terzi speaks before Canadian Senate Foreign Affairs Com. as final witness in 2-yr. review of Canadian policy toward Middle East. US Pres. Reagan tells Jewish Community Relations Council in private New York mtg. that if Israel expelled from UN, "We will walk out with her."

Military Action:

Arab World: IDF shoots and wounds 7 Lebanese civilians in Sidon after grenade thrown at Israeli patrol on main street.

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in Israel Aircraft Industries' Manhattan offices; "Red Guerrilla Resistance" claims responsibility. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Yesh Gvul movement requests investigation of bank information leak when MK Ronni Milo charges $5,000 donated by the "leftist and anti-Israel" Presbyterian Church. IDF reserve corporal Marcello Weksler gets 2 weeks in jail for refusing service in Lebanon. (Weksler is 124th refusenik jailed.) A decision based on BritishMandate Defense (Emergency) Regulations (1945) to ban without explanation Arabic bi-weekly al-Masira upheld by Israeli High Court.

Arab World: Syrian and Israeli forces begin build-up in western sector of Beqaa Valley. IDF closes 4 Awali River crossings. 7 Israelis wounded in grenade attack near Nabatiya; 3 wounded by explosive charges at Litani River bridge. DFLP demands return of men responsible for Jerusalem shoot-out (4/3/84) in exchange for release of IDF PoW held for 1 year.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military authorities order 1-mo. closure of Bir Zeit U. after Land Day demonstrations there. Elon Moreh settler, convicted of destroying evidence in murder of Aisha Bahash (12/8/83), sentenced to 3 mos. jail and 33 mos. suspended. Deputy sheriff of Albuquerque, NM Mike Mansour arrested without charge during family visit to Deir Dibwan, West Bank.

Arab World: At Beirut news conference, Ali Kamil Bishri captured by Amal militia says IDF paid him and 3 others in Israeli-sponsored death squad to murder Imam Raghib Harb in Jibsheet, S. Lebanon (2/16/84). Pres. Mubarak says he hopes to restore full diplomatic relations with USSR soon. Egypt and Cyprus agree to restore diplomatic relations.

Other Countries: Norwegian Palestine Solidarity Committee hosts 3-day conference in Oslo on "The State of Israel and the Palestine Question." Mayors of 10 US cities attend Jerusalem Conference of Mayors sponsored in part by American Jewish Congress.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Arab men throw grenades and open fire on shoppers in occupied Jerusalem, wounding 48; 1 gunman killed by armed shopkeepers, 2 arrested; DFLP and Abu Nidal group claim responsibility.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Chrmn. of Knesset Econ. Com. says Lebanon war cost Israel economy $4.5 billion; MK Gur says war costs $800,000 daily.

Other Countries: (Pro-Palestinian) Israeli journalist Livia Rokach found dead at home in Rome.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF shoots 14- yr.-old boy in Dheisheh refugee camp Land Day demonstration.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli-run Hebron municipality serves orders to Palestinian shopowners in building near Sultan's Pool to vacate as city is "repossessing" it. Israeli bulldozers begin work on access road to Elon Moreh site through Palestinian-owned land. Poll by Jewish-Arab center of Haifa U. shows 55% of Israeli Jews support preventing Arabs becoming majority in Palestine again; 49% urge gov't. to encourage Arabs to leave; 64% urge tightened control over Arabs; 65% believe Arabs can't be trusted. In response to reports of Iraq's use of chemical weapons, Min. of Science Neeman asserts "Arabs have always been known to have no scruples about using unconventional weapons."

Arab World: Syria expells UNRWA director in Damascus without explanation.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Unknown assailant reportedly throws bomb at demonstrators in Gaza; 3 IDF soldiers, 7 Palestinians injured; local residents claim Arab victims shot by soldiers.

Arab World: Israeli troops open fire on car at road block near Saksakiyah, S. Lebanon, killing driver.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Likud bloc and Labor agree on July 23 as date for Knesset elections.

Other Countries: US Pres. Reagan calls bill to move embassy to Jerusalem "most unwise." Joint US Congressional Resolution proclaiming May 6-13, 1984, "National-jewish Heritage Week" enacted by Pres. Reagan.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: On eve of Land Day, occupation forces launch wide campaign of arrests of 15 to 20-yr.-old men throughout West Bank refugee camps.

Arab World: IDF tanks storm Jibsheet mosque, S. Lebanon during 5 a.m. prayer; soldiers open fire, killing at least 6 (teenage girl bleeds to death while Israelis prevent aid from ambulance and Red Cross workers).

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/ Israel: At press conference, Rev. Shehadeh Shehadeh cites Israeli land expropriation of 68% of Palestinian land as theme for upcoming Land Day demonstrations.

Other Countries: EEC FMs issue statement denouncing Israel settlement policy and call for PLO role in peace negotiations. Israeli Pres. Herzog arrives in London for official visit. During visit to Jordan Queen Elizabeth speaks at state banquet of need for just solution to "the tragedy that has befallen the Palestinian people."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Explosive charges planted near bus stop on Bethlehem road and at Jerusalem train station found and defused.

Arab World: Several young men arbitrarily arrested by IDF removed by helicopter from Jibsheet village, S. Lebanon.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF disband Tulkarm Red Crescent Society admin. council for unspecified reasons. Arab World: Jordan's Queen Noor criticizes US-Israeli ties before World Affairs Council, Washington, DC.

Other Countries: On Middle East fact-finding mission, UN Undersec. Gen. Urquhart told by Shamir of Israel's opposition to UNIFIL troops in S. Lebanon. Israel claims smuggled Palestinian vegetables from West Bank & Gaza sold on Israeli market.

Military Action:

Arab World: 1 IDF soldier killed, 1 wounded in roadside bomb blast near Sarafand, S. Lebanon; IDF conducts house-to-house search, arresting several "suspects."

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: International Women's Day celebrations held in Palestinian towns, largest of which sponsored by Women's Work Com. in Jerusalem. Israeli military blockade refuses women access to Jerusalem. 9-mo. hunger strike at Neve Terza women's prison ends with some rights restored to inmates. In Knesset State Control Com. hearings, West Bank leaders Raja Shehadeh, Muhammad Nasser and Beit Jala mayor al-Araj accuse West Bank court system of corruption, citing hampering of legal process, confiscation of files, arbitrary transfer ofcases, and Israeli officials' lying to High Court of Justice. Supreme Court reduces Kach settlers' sentence from 39 to 30 mos. for firing on passing car driven by Yatta village resident. Leaders of segregationist MENA organization protest High Court of Justice ban on their anti-Arab demonstrations planned for Nazareth central square. Over 700 Grenada & Beirut-veteran Marines arrive in Haifa aboard USS Guam for 4-days of "R&R." Noting that bomb detonated on Ashdod bus (3/7/84) was IDF type, police spokesman Nitzav Caspi suggests bombing "not perpetrated by 'terrorists'."

Other Countries: US Joint Chiefs of staff Chrmn. Vessey holds mtg. with World Jewish Congress leaders.

Military Action: Occupied Palestine/Israel: Having already lost half their land to Israeli confiscations, Palestinian Druze residents of Beit Jann obstruct Israeli "nature reservists" destroying village road; 1 villager suffers head injuries, 1 young woman suffers broken arm when struck by Israeli with axe.

Arab World: Israeli private contractor employed by IDF ambushed and killed near Lake Karoun, S. Lebanon. [Defense Ministry now affords civilian workers military status in S. Lebanon, making surviving families eligible for increased pensions.]