The Palestine Chronology

The IDF make arrest raids into several PA-controlled villages in the West Bank, Rafah. In response to the raids, an AMB suicide bomber detonates a device in West Jerusalem, killing 3 Israelis, wounding 40. Arafat immediately strongly condemns the bombing, vows to arrest those behind it, phones local Palestinian leaders and holds a mtg. with the heads of Palestinian factions to urge against such attacks. Sharon, hid inner cabinet discuss taking massive military actions but decide to delay retaliation during Zinni's mission; cancel trilateral security comm. mtgs. for 1 day instead. (AFP, AP, MM 3/21; AKH 3/21 in WNC 3/22; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/22; SA 3/24 in WNC 3/27; MM 3/25; PCHR 3/27)

In Ramallah, Arafat meets with senior PA officials, heads of the nationalist and Islamist groups to urge them to halt attacks targeting Israeli civilians. (Islamic Jihad does not attend.) Some groups (e.g., Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine [DFLP], Hamas) oppose declaring a formal cease-fire unless Israel agrees to take steps in return. (al-Quds 3/22 in WNC 3/25)

In Moscow for a 2-day visit, Arafat holds talks with Russian PM Vladimir Putin on the peace process; bilateral relations in education, culture, communications, transportation; developing a regular flight route btwn. Gaza, Moscow. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/29 in WNC 11/30; Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/30 in WNC 12/1)

PM Barak says that he will insist that the FAPS, due to be completed by 2/00, contain a PA promise that the refugees' right of return will not be raised again at a later time; reiterates that no refugees will be allowed to return to inside the Green Line. (MM 11/30; MM, WT 12/1)

In Jerusalem, Israeli, PA final status teams hold their 6th mtg. PA team hands Israelis a letter urging PM Barak to end Jewish settlement expansion. (AFP 11/30 in WNC 12/1; AYM 11/30 in WNC 12/2; MM, WT 12/1; MENA 12/4 in WNC 12/6) (see 10/26)

As the final status mtg. is taking place, the IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes, a store in al-Khader, in the West Bank, apparently as part of the expansion of Efrat settlement. (LAW 11/30; WT 12/1; MM 12/2) (see 11/26)

PA intelligence officers arrest another 3 Palestinians who signed the 11/27 statement criticizing PA corruption. (CSM, NYT, WP 11/30; SA 12/1 in WNC 12/2; MEI 12/10)

In Gaza, 35 opposition leaders representing the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine hold mtg. in support of the Petition of the 20, call on the PA to release the detainees and allow the freedom of expression. (AFP 11/29 in WNC 11/30; SA 12/3 in WNC 12/6)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IDF undercover unit kills 2 Hamas activists, including 1 sought for killing Shin Bet officer, in raid on al-Ram, nr. Jerusalem.  Palestinian witnesses say the 2 were put up against a wall and shot in the back.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/31 in FBIS 6/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/1; JP 6/11)

Israel makes last salary payment to 7,600 Palestinian Civil Admin. employees in Gaza Strip.  Palestinian National Authority to assume paying salaries, as well as those of 9,000 Palestinian police officers.  (CSM 6/2; JP 6/11)

"Freedom and Independence Party," affiliated with Fateh, PPP wins 6 of 9 seats in elections to admin. board of Bethlehem University students' council.  "Democratic Coalition" of PFLP and DFLP supporters wins 2 seats, while Islamic Movement wins 1.  (MM 6/1; TJT 6/3)

PM Rabin complains to Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comm. that Syria is "playing for time" and not "serious" about peace.  Rabin also says U.S. mediation effort has "exhausted itself," Washington talks "an exercise in treading water."  Secy of State Christopher calls Israel-Syria talks "difficult" and "at an early stage."  (WP 6/1)

UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) releases report during annual ministerial mtg. in Amman charging Israel of diverting 7.6 b. cubic feet a year of water fr. Litani, Wazzani rivers in Lebanon.  (MM, WT 6/1)

U.S. reportedly seeks to question Lebanese Shi`ite leader Mustafa al-Dirani, kidnapped 5/21 by Israel, in connection with 1988 kidnapping, 1989 murder of USMC Col. William Higgins, according to Beirut daily al-Diyar.  (WP 6/2)

PFLP leader Habash, following meetings in Damascus, says 10 Palestinian opposition factions will form new front to counter DoP, "rebuild the PLO on democratic bases." (MM 10/18)

Yeshiva student stabbed by Palestinian at Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, West Bank. Curfew imposed on Hebron Palestinians; settlers rampage, injuring 6 Palestinians. DFLP (Hawatmah faction), in statement issued in Damascus, claims responsibility for knife attack, pledges "to escalate and expand our military operations against the enemy and the settlers in all the occupied Palestinian territories until we foil the Gaza-Jericho agreement." PFLP claims responsibility for 10/9 killing of 2 Israeli hikers near Jericho. (WP 10/16, WT 10/18)

Israeli PM Rabin visits Indonesia, largest country without diplomatic relations with Israel, and meets with Pres. Suharto, chairman of Nonaligned Movement, for over an hour. Rabin states he is looking for nonaligned support for peace process and cooperation with Israel. An Indonesian diplomat is quoted by NYT as saying establishment of Indonesian-Israeli diplomatic relations is "only a matter of time," but that Jakarta wishes "to see the Middle East peace process progress a bit further." Rabin also visits Singapore, Kenya. (NYT 10/16; MM 10/18)

PLO Chmn. Arafat announces Hamas has agreed to not obstruct PLO efforts to implement PLO-Israel agreement, refrain fr. violence among Palestinians. Agreement allegedly signed 9/15 in Gaza by Fateh and Hamas reps. Arafat says pact paves way for 10/93 meeting in Yemen between PLO and opposition factions. Arafat travels to Alexandria to reassure Egyptian Pres. Mubarak of Palestinian gratitude for support in peace process. (MM 9/16; NYT 9/17; WT 9/18)

Syrian radio reports VP Khaddam met with DFLP leader Nayif Hawatmah, PFLP head George Habash. (MM, NYT 9/17)

Jordan begins police registration of illegal Palestinian residents. Estimated 60,000 residents of o.t. have overstayed temporary Jordanian visas this year. (Sawt al-Sha'b 9/16 in FBIS 9/17; MM 9/17)

Opinion surveys show that 60% of Israeli Jews support Israel-PLO agreement signed 9/13. (WP 9/17)

EC pledges $1 b. for Middle East programs. Funds are earmarked for hospital, 50,000 housing units in Gaza and building of Palestinian "administrative backbone." EC also considering funding large-scale regional programs, including highway system to link Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. EC commissioner for development aid Manuel Marin meets in Brussels with PLO official Nabil Shaath to discuss distribution of assistance. (WP 9/17)

U.S. troops begin leaving Gulf; Def. Sec. Cheney says U.S. will return average of 5,000 troops per day over next few weeks [LAT, WP, CSM 3/8; MET 3/19].

En route to Saudi Arabia as part of 11-day Middle East tour, Sec. Baker says he will propose series of "confidence-building measures" between Israel and Arab states to open path to broader peace talks [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

In Kuwait, at least 2 Palestinians have been shot dead and 5 others hospitalized from beatings and shootings, as Palestinians raise concerns about reprisals against their community in Kuwait [LAT, NYT, WP 3/8].

Israeli gov't. rejects Pres. Bush's call for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict that includes trading land for peace; F.M. David Levy says attempts to pressure Israel are not welcome [LAT, WT 3/8; JDS, IDF, PDS 3/7, MAA 3/8 in FBIS 3/8]; in separate statements, PLO and Egypt welcome what they call "positive elements" in Pres. Bush's 3/6 speech [AVP, MENA 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; MEM 3/7].

Palestinian journalist Taher Shriteh, jailed without charge on 1/28/91, is freed on bail after international campaign to gain his release (cf. 3/11) [NYT, MEM 3/8; AFP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; MET 3/19].

House of Representatives votes to authorize $15.8 billion to pay for Gulf war, and also $650 million for Israel, and warns other nations that Congress "may consider appropriate action" if promised payments are not made [NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar selects Switzerland's ambassador to Washington, Edouard Brunner, asspecial Middle East envoy to begin new high-priority search for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict [WP 3/8].

Palestinian leaders representing Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP, but not Hamas, meet in Jerusalem with visiting EC "troika" representatives including Italian F.M. Gianni de Michelis; EC ministers also meet with Israeli P.M. Shamir and D.M. Arens, then depart for Jordan [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; FJ 3/11; MET 3/19].

Border policeman in Nablus is stabbed, wounded; attacker escapes and army imposes curfew on Nablus and adjacent refugee camps [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8]; 30 Palestinians are detained in Jerusalem after IDF opens fire on demonstrators [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/11].

Syria and Saudi Arabia sign wide-ranging cooperation agreement which both nations say was sign of desire to foster closer relations [MEM 3/8].

Italian F.M. de Michelis is quoted as calling for "internal revolt in the Palestinian [resistance] movement" now that PLO has "ruled itself out" of peace negotiations [MEM 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Court sentences to 2 and a half months imprisonment 2 Israeli soldiers who plead guilty to shameful conduct for their part in burying 4 Palestinians alive [WP 3/18; NYT 3/19]. Charges were reduced from aggravated assault [FJ 3/20]. Trial opens in Jaffa of 2 soldiers and their superior officer in connection with 2/24 beating of 2 Palestinians that was filmed by CBS camera crew. Soldiers plead not guilty to assault charges; 2 others have already been convicted in connection with incident [WP, NYT 3/18]. Israeli is shot, wounded in legs near Gaza Strip's Jabalya camp. Curfew is imposed after attack [NYT 3/18]. In Ramallah, Israeli officials destroy olive grove along road where Jewish settlers' bus was bumed in firebomb attack [NYT 3/18; FJ 3/20]. Israeli authorities close shops and markets in Jericho; shops remain closed in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm [FJ 3/20].

Other Countries: P.M. Shamir meets with Sec. of State Shultz and members of House of Representatives before leaving Washington for Los Angeles [WP 3/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In effort to break strike in occupied territories, soldiers order shops closed until noon and opened in afternoon [WP, NYT 3/18]. In Am'ari camp, demonstration erupts during funeral of Palestinian who died 3/16 from tear gas; 6 are injured in subsequent clash with Israeli troops. Qalqiliyyah, 'Azzun, and Jalazun camps are under curfew [FJ 3/20].

Arab World: IDF fighter planes raid DFLP base near Beirut; Palestinian fighter is killed [WP 3/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Washington Post reports wide anti-Hussein sentiment in the occupied territories, with almost daily demonstrations and death threats against supporters of Jordan [WP 7/24]. Muhammad Ja'bari of Hebron, Khalil Musa of Ramallah, and Walid Mustafa of al-Birah now balk at Amman's urgings to step forward for mayoralties of their towns [WP 7/24].

Arab World: joint communique issued by Morocco and Israel on Peres-Hassan meeting emphasizes Hassan's insistence on terms of 1982 Fez Plan for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories [NYT 7/25]. King Hussein meets with Syrian President al-Asad in Damascus [WP 7/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Grenade tossed from rooftop in Jericho injures 13 Israeli teenagers [NYT 7/25]; anonymous telephone caller to Radio Monte Carlo claims responsibility on behalf of DFLP [FJ 7/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Attorney General Harish orders police investigation (under news blackout) into Shin Bet scandal, after cabinet votes 14-11 not to establish government commission ofinquiry (a parliamentary victory for Likud) [NYT 7/14].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat, in interview with Der Spiegel, calls for handing the occupied territories over to UN control.

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb two buildings 10 miles southeast of Beirut, killing 2 Palestinians and 2 Druze militiamen and injuring 4; Israeli army states targets were PFLP and DFLP bases; raid follows overnight rocket attacks on northern Galilee region, which reportedly caused no injury or damage [WP, NYT 7/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states he is considering ways to promote self-rule among Palestinians in the occupied territories, outlines plans to nominate mayors in 3 major West Bank towns, would consider easing restrictions on travel to Jordan [NYT 2/27]. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Moshe Levy states 170 people were arrested during 6-day sweep in S. Lebanon, some have been transferred toprisons in Israel [NYT, TS 2/27].

Arab World: Radio Monte Carlo broadcasts statements by Nayif Hawatmah, general secretary of the DFLP, and a representative of the Palestine Communist party outlining conditions for rapprochement with Yasir Arafat's Fateh faction: (1) cancellation of the 11 February Amman agreement; (2) convening of the PNC; (3) creation of a collective leadership in the PLO [FJ 2/28].

Military Action

Arab World: Car bomb explodes outside entrance to 'Ain al-Hilwah refugee camp, near Sidon, killing driver and wounding 10; explosion occurred a half-hour before Palestinian students were to join a march to commemorate a slain Sidon leader [NYT, WP, CT 2/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In demonstrations called for by Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, Palestinians in Nazareth and Kafr Yassif protest IDF brutality in S. Lebanon, discrimination faced by Arabs in Israel and occupied territories [FJ 3/22]. Al Hamishmar reports Jordan's Min. for Religious Affairs dismissed Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Saad al-Din al-Alami; cites al-Alami's outspoken support of PLO Chmn. Arafat as one reason [NER 3/25].

Arab World: King Hussein states 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord is "last chance" for peace; asserts PLO must be part of peace plans [NYT 3/17].

Other Countries: US Sec. of State Shultz announces US will send State Dept. official Richard Murphy to Middle East soon to "maintain momentum" of peace talks [NYT, WP 3/16].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF raid Barish; 70 detained [WP 3/16]. IDF kill 2 Lebanese Army troops, 3 resistance fighters, N. of IDF defense line at Litani River [MG 3/16]. IDF arrest 4 journalists near Tyre [LT 3/16].

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: 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/lIsrael: Police discover huge cache of weapons, including 107 grenades, 80 loaded magazines, mines, anti-tank bazooka shells and several dozen kilos of explosives in evacuated Palestinian village of Lifta near Jerusalem; suspected to be linked with "TNT" cells. MK Tsaban's motion to establish a committee of inquiry into the invasion of Lebanon defeated in Knesset vote (42-33). PM Shamir accuses Egypt of "tretreating from the Camp David framework, " citing Egypt's failure to return its ambassador to Israel. MK Rabin says PLO operations against Israel were "child's play" compared to Shi'ite "terror" against IDF in S. Lebanon. Chief of Staff Levy tells Foreign Affairs & Defense Com. 2,000 [Palestinian] "terrorists" have returned to Beirut, and IDF withdrawal from S. Lebanon would not guarantee Israel secure borders. 4 American-Israeli youths arrested for last Sunday's attack on Arab bus near Ramallah. 5 Galilee Palestinians arrested on prima facie evidence of membership in religiousnationalist organization that may have set fire to 30 vehicles in recent months. Nablus mayor Shaka'a rejects military authorities' conditions placed on his travel permit to US.

Other Countries: US amb. to OAS Middendorf affirms US and Israel have mutual strategic interests in Central America where a battle is being waged by "atheistic Communism to destroy our 'Judeo-Christian civilization'." "Moral Majority" leader Jerry Falwell reaffirms support for Israel before group at Herzl Institute, NY, stating Israel's best friends in US are "Bible-believing Christians" and US should not have interrupted Israel's "liberation" of Lebanon from Syrian and PLO "slavery." Rev. Jesse Jackson's US presidential campaign staff compile evidence of "hounding" by some Jewish-American organizations.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Israelis killed and 9 wounded in booby-trapped bomb explosion on bus near Ashdod; Abu Nidal's PDFLP-GC in Damascus claims responsibility; 150 Arab men rounded up as suspects.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli reservist convicted of stealing money from West Bank residents returning from Jordan. Chrmn. of US Joint Chiefs of Staff arrives from mtg. with Pres. Gemayel for 3-day visit with IDF officials. Zionist General Council convenes in Jerusalem to discuss settlement, immigration, Jewish education, as well as crisis in the Zionist movement. Muhammed Amireh, journalist with al-Quds, placed under town arrest for 6 mos. Palestinian journalist, Raymonda Tawil prevented from leaving West Bank to participate in political debate for West German television. Meir Kahane, after stating to press he would turn himself in only if later released on bail, reports to Jerusalem police station; released on IS25,000 bail and ordered to turn over US passport to authorities.

Arab World: 3 PLO Executive Committee members, Abdul Mohsen Abu Maizar (Ind.), Ahmed al-Yamani (PFLP) and Yasser Abed Rabbo (PDFLP), leave talks in Tunis, return to Damascus. Syrian and Lebanese FMs meet in Riyadh with Saudi counterparts for talks on Lebanon security plan; talks focus on Syrian call for repudiation of May 17 agreement. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli FM Yehud Ben-Meir resigns. During visit of Italy's FM Giulio Andreotti, PM Shamir voices alarm at potential damage to Israel's exports if Spain and Portugal admitted to EEC. Israel's High Court refuses recently-imprisoned conscientious objector's challenge to re-mobilization orders issued immediately on his release from prison. Muslim cemetery in Jaffa vandalized; tombstones spray-painted with threats to Arabs, signed "TNT."

Arab World: Arafat meets Pres. Mubarak in Cairo; DFLP criticizes move; Khaled Fahum terms it "flagrant violation of rule of PNC;" Saleh Khalaf calls it a personal move by Arafat.

Other Countries: US hails Mubarak-Arafat mtg. Venice prosecutor issues warrant for Arafat's arrest on charge he had knowledge PLO supplied weapons to Red Brigade.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hebron curfewed after grenade thrown at Usama Ibn Munqeth School, occupied by Jewish squatters.