The Palestine Chronology

A Palestinian bus driver with Israeli security service clearance to transport Palestinian workers to their jobs in Israel drops off his passengers in Holon, then rams his vehicle into a bus stop full of Israelis, killing 7 IDF soldiers, 1 Israeli civilian, severely injuring 17 Israelis, mostly soldiers. In response, Israel seals the West Bank border with Jordan, the Gaza border with Egypt; closes Gaza airport; tightens the closure on Palestinian villages; suspends VIP travel privileges for PA officials. (HA, REU 2/14; AFP, ATL, MENA 2/14 in WNC 2/15; NYT, WP, WT 2/15)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. Palestinians step up attacks on Jewish settlements, with Fatah's Bethlehem branch issuing a leaflet calling on Palestinians to target Gilo specifically, but cause no injuries; Palestinians reportedly fire an antitank missile that causes no damage. The IDF directs heavy machine gun, rocket-propelled grenade fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis, forcing many families to flee their homes, severely damaging 20 homes, a mosque; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Aida camp, al-Azza camp, Beitunia, al-Bireh, and al-Khadir, Ramallah, al-Tuffah destroying 11 Palestinian homes, 1 Red Crescent ambulance; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Kefar Darom settlement, demolishing 2 Palestinian homes. Israeli officials tell the press there were never plans to demolish Palestinian homes in Mawasi (see 2/11), the IDF informs the 22 families. Israel reopens Gaza airport for 1 wk. to allow Palestinians to fly to Saudi Arabia for the hajj. (Gush Shalom press release, HA, HP, LAW, REU 2/12; NYT, WT 2/13; NYT 2/15)

A Likud spokesman say Sharon, Barak have agreed on most guidelines for a national unity government, including a joint peace platform aiming only at reaching an interim agmt. with the PA and an agmt. that no new settlements would be built, though existing ones would be expanded. (HA, NYT, WP, WT 2/13, 2/16)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Jewish settler dead. Jewish settlers place trailers in new locations, establishing new settlement enclaves. Palestinians step up attacks on Jewish settlements, firing on Gilo fr. Bayt Jala for the 1st time in more than a mo., detonating a roadside bomb nr. an IDF convoy outside Kefar Darom settlement, but causing no injuries. IDF soldiers return to Mawasi, "advise" 22 Palestinian families to leave immediately before bulldozers arrive to demolish their homes, seal the area (see 2/10); bulldozers arrive but leave after several hrs. when residents refuse to evacuate. (Gush Shalom press release, NYT, WP 2/12; NYT 2/13)

A PA military court sentences to death West Bank PSF officer Hassan Musallam for abetting the IDF by passing information to Israeli soldiers, deliberately firing on IDF soldiers to provide them with a pretext to retaliate. (LAW, NYT 2/12)

Labor MK Peres says he would be willing to serve as FM in a unity government under Sharon. Labor MKs Yossi Beilin, Ben-Ami, Yael Dayan denounce his position; Uzi Baram resigns fr. the party in protest, ending a 25 yr. Knesset career. (Guardian [Internet] 2/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. A grenade explodes nr. an IDF post on the Rafah border, and a mortar lands in Netzarim settlement, causing no injuries but marking an escalation in Palestinian attacks. The IDF presents 22 Palestinian families in Gaza's Mawasi district with evacuation orders, saying their houses will be demolished for "security reasons" on 2/11. (Gush Shalom press release 2/10; WT 2/11; al-Quds 2/11 in WNC 2/13)

UNHRC fact-finding commission arrives in Gaza to begin its 8-day inquiry into the causes of the al-Aqsa intifada, meets with Arafat. (PCHR, WT 2/11; WT 2/12; HJ 2/12 in WNC 2/13) (see 1/17)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Nr. Rafah border, a Palestinian sniper fatally shoots an IDF soldier. The IDF seals the border with Egypt, closes the Gaza airport, shells areas around Rafah in response. The IDF also demolishes 4 Palestinian homes nr. Netzarim Junction; bulldozes 40 dunams of Palestinian land to expand Gush Etzion settlement. 1 Palestinian dies of a heart attack when the IDF blocks his transportation to Nablus hospital. Jewish settlers fr. Neve Dekalim attack, seriously injure a Palestinian farmer working his field. (HA 2/5; WP 2/6; LAW 2/8)

Fearing an escalation of Israeli-Palestinian clashes because of a planned funeral march today fr. Jerusalem to a West Bank settlement for a Jewish settler killed 2/1, the IDF tightens the encirclement of all West Bank towns excluding Jericho and Qalqilya. 100s of Palestinians rally in Nablus to protest. The Israeli DMin. orders the IDF to identify roads that have been the target of frequent Palestinian attacks, allow Palestinians to travel those roads only by public transportation. The IDF also steps up patrols along roads during peak hrs. 1 Palestinian dies from injuries received earlier. (JP [Internet] 2/2; NYT 2/3; HA 2/4; LAW 2/8)

The IDF begins bulldozing an area outside Bayt Sahur in Jerusalem for work on a new road. In 1998, Israel's Jerusalem Municipality approved the site for one of the few new developments for Palestinians in the city, the 150-unit Mazmoriyya housing project. (Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People press release 2/2)

The UN reports that Israel appears to be extending its border fence into Lebanon beyond the divided border village of Ghajar, effectively annexing 400 m². Israel vows to halt the construction, move the fence. (HA 2/2; NYT 2/3; MEI 2/9) (see 1/19)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same low level, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. The IDF reimposes the closure on PA-controlled Hebron, which had been eased, after Jewish settlers attack Palestinians and their property, firing on homes, vandalizing stores, destroying produce stands. (LAW 2/3; ADM 2/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same low level. However, 2 serious incidents are apparently staged by Palestinians: a mortar is fired at Netzarim settlement, causing no injuries; assailants attempt to deliver a bomb by donkey, but the bomb does not go off. In the 3d such incident in a wk., an ailing Palestinian dies en route to a Nablus hospital when his family's car is detained at an IDF checkpoint for 30 mins. before being turned back, halted at a 2d checkpoint for 40 mins., turned back again, and forced to take a 3d route. The IDF also confiscates, begins bulldozing 3,500 dunams of land btwn. Ramallah, Nablus owned by 43 Palestinian families; fires teargas into a school in Silwan; shells residential areas in Bayt Rima, Khan Yunis. Jewish settlers bulldoze Palestinian land nr. Salfit, move prefabricated houses onto the land to create a new settlement enclave. (YA 1/31; LAW 2/3; ADM 2/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian, 1 Jewish settler dead. The IDF detains 5 Palestinians traveling in a minibus outside Khan Yunis, takes them to Netzarim settlement for interrogation, after which 1 is arrested, 4 are released. The IDF also shells Palestinian residential areas nr. Erez (destroying a PSF building, a gas station), in Khan Yunis, nr. Netzarim settlement. Jewish settlers bulldoze Palestinian land around Ariel settlement, move the settlement fence to incorporate the new land. (AP 1/29; MEZ, NYT, WP 1/30; al-Ahram [Internet] 2/1; LAW 2/3; ADM 2/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same low level as in the past 2 wks. The IDF bulldozes 8 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Bayt Lahia, 10 dunams nr. Netzarim Junction (demolishing 1 Palestinian home); shells residential areas of Khan Yunis. IDF soldiers detain a Palestinian man at a roadblock nr. Jinin, handcuff and severely beat him. (MEZ 1/29; LAW 2/3; ADM 2/5)

In Taba, Israel, the PA end 6 days of talks; issue a joint statement saying they have made substantial progress on each of the issues discussed, they will not be able to finalize an agmt. by the 2/6 Israeli elections. They hope to resume talks following the elections, quickly bridge remaining gaps. (AP, REU 1/27; AFP, MENA 1/27, AYM 1/29 in WNC 1/29; NYT, WP, WT 1/28; AYM 1/28, JT 1/29 in WNC 1/30; MM 1/29; AYM 1/29 in WNC 2/5)

Despite statements that talks will not be resumed until after elections, Israel confirms that Barak is exploring holding a mtg. with Arafat to formulate a joint statement that could be issued before 2/6. (AP, REU 1/27; NYT, WP, WT 1/28; AYM 1/29 in WNC 1/29) (see Peace Monitor)

IDF troops in the Shaba` Farms area shoot dead 2 PFLP-GC mbrs. on the border inside Lebanon. (Tehran Times 1/30 in WNC 1/31; WT 1/31; WJW 2/1; MM 2/2; SA 2/4 in WNC 2/5; MEI 2/9)

Israel, the PA resume talks in Taba. The sides reportedly compare maps. PA maps reportedly show settlements left in 2% of the West Bank, whereas Israeli maps show settlements on 5% of the West Bank. (MM 1/25; AP, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; al-Quds 1/26 in WNC 1/29)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. An Israeli taxi driver is fatally shot at a checkpoint nr. Qalandiyya camp, where he dropped off a carload of Palestinian laborers. Outside Ramallah, Palestinian ambulance driver, his aide responding to a call are detained for over 1 hr., severely beaten by IDF soldiers; when a 2d ambulance comes upon the scene, the soldiers detain the 2 medics for 20 mins. before allowing them to take their colleagues to a hospital, where the 1st driver is placed in intensive care. The IDF opens tank, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Satih Marhaba. (HP, MENL 1/25; NYT, WP, WT, YA 1/26; LAW 2/3; ADM 2/5)

Israel recalls negotiators fr. Taba, suspends all contacts with the PA after masked Palestinian gunmen kidnap, murder 2 Israeli civilians in Tulkarm; an Israeli Arab colleague is released. Hamas's military wing Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades takes responsibility, but the Hamas political wing denies it. The PA condemns the murder, saying no civilians, Israeli or Palestinian, should be targeted. In addition to the Tulkarm incident, Jewish settlers blockade the Attara-Birzeit road, attack Palestinian cars. (MENA 1/23 in WNC 1/24; HJ 1/23, MENA 1/24 in WNC 1/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/24; IsRN, NYT, WP 1/25 al-Quds 1/25 in WNC 1/26; SA 1/25 in WNC 1/29; NYT 1/26; AYM 1/26 in WNC 1/29; SA 2/1 in WNC 2/5; ADM 2/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Jewish settlers raid Aqraba, bar Palestinians fr. entering or leaving Bayt Furik while they perform religious ceremonies. The IDF issues approval for Jewish settlers to carry out armed patrols in order to ensure their safety. The IDF also conducts arrest sweeps in Dahiyat Barid, al-Ram; shells Halhul; bulldozes agricultural land nr. Nablus. (IsRN, MM 1/16; al-Quds 1/17 in WNC 1/19; HP, LAW 1/18)

At Erez, Israel, the PA resume high-level talks on tightening security coordination, Palestinians need for territorial contiguity. They agree on steps to ease the closure on Gaza but fail to resolve key territorial issues. (MM 1/16; MA [Internet], WP, WT 1/17; SA 1/17 in WNC 1/19)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. In Khan Yunis, Jewish settlers continue to vandalize Palestinian property in retaliation for the killing of a settler discovered on 1/14. The IDF bulldozes the Palestinian orchards where the murdered settler was found, and settlers set up an encampment there as a "Zionist response" to the killing. The IDF also conducts arrest sweeps in Dahiyat Barid, al-Ram. Jewish settlers overturn Palestinian stalls in the Hebron market. (MM, YA 1/16; WP 1/17; al-Quds 1/17 in WNC 1/19; HP, LAW, WJW 1/18; MEI 1/26)

PA senior negotiator Qurai` meets with Israeli FM Ben-Ami to prepare for the resumption of Israeli-PA talks on 1/16. Arafat meets with Israeli negotiator Shahak to discuss the refugee issue. (AP 1/15; AYM 1/15 in WNC 1/18; IsRN 1/16; SA 1/17 in WNC 1/19; MENA 1/18 in WNC 1/20)

The PA offers amnesty to any Palestinian collaborators who turn themselves in within the next 45 days. (AP 1/15; YA 1/16; al-Quds 1/18 in WNC 1/20)

Jordanian PM Abu Raghib meets with reps. of political parties and professional associations for talks on impact of the al-Aqsa intifada on Jordan; urges them not to take actions "harmful to the kingdom's economy and national unity," such as fighting normalization with Israel. (JT 1/17 in WNC 1/19; JT 1/26, QA 1/27 in WNC 1/29) (see 11/19)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes abate significantly. Israel reopens the Gaza-Egypt, West Bank-Jordan crossings; reopens Gaza airport, the main north-south road in Gaza; lifts the blockade on Jinin, Qalqilya; reinstates travel privileges for some Palestinian VIPs. An Israeli civilian discovers, neutralizes a remote controlled bomb in Mea Sherim, West Jerusalem. The IDF shells residential areas of al-Gharbi. (MM, YA 1/11; MENL, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/12; JT 1/12, MENA 1/14 in WNC 1/16; LAW, WJW 1/18)

Late this evening at Erez, Israel, the PA resume high-level final status talks. Each side sends 3 negotiators: Ben-Ami, Shahak, Sher for Israel; Dahlan, Erakat, Qurai` for the PA. (HP, MM 1/11; MA 1/11 in WNC 1/16; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/12; NYT, WP 1/13; al-Quds 1/13, 1/14 in WNC 1/18)

In Rafah, PA State Security Court sentences Majdi Makawi, arrested 12/16, to death for treason and espionage for his role in the assassination of his nephew Jamal `Abd al-Razik by the IDF on 11/22. (LAW 1/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, but no fatalities are reported. The IDF raids several Palestinian homes in Husan, arresting 4 youths; fires tear gas at Palestinian schools in Bethlehem, Jinin; sets fire to a Palestinian factory in Tulkarm; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Salfit; tightens the closure on Hebron; directs shelling, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas s. of Gaza City and in al-Shaykh, Tulkarm; bulldozes 59 dunams of Palestinian agricultural land nr. Dugit settlement; and orders a Palestinian family living nr. the settlement to evacuate their home. (HP 1/11; PCHR 1/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. When a bus of Jewish settlers, 2 IDF escort jeeps enter a Palestinian village nr. Jinin, students fr. a nearby school throw stones at the bus; settlers, soldiers open fire on the school and adjacent houses, killing 1 Palestinian. The 2d Palestinian is shot by Jewish settlers during clashes btwn. settlers, Palestinians in Kafr Haris. Palestinian snipers fire on at least 4 Jewish settler vehicles nr. Nablus and Ramallah, causing no injuries. The IDF shells residential areas of al-Bireh, Jinin, Khan Yunis (cutting telephone service), al-Maghrqa, Tal al-Sultan; razes 58 dunams of Palestinian agricultural land nr. Dugit settlement (destroying 1 storage building, 11 greenhouses, 4 wells, 1 irrigation network), 55 dunams nr. Netzarim settlement (demolishing 2 homes). (HP, LAW 1/9; PCHR 1/12; MM 1/16; AFP [Internet] 1/18)

CIA Dir. Tenet holds another round of talks with PA, Israeli, Egyptian security officials. The sides reportedly agree to an 8-point proposal, drafted by Tenet, for reducing tensions. (AFP [Internet], MM, REU 1/8; MENA 1/8 in WNC 1/9; SA 1/9 in WNC 1/10; MM 1/10; SA 1/10 in WNC 1/11; AYM, QA 1/10, AYM 1/11 in WNC 1/16; MENL 1/12)

100,000-250,000 Israelis, mostly right-wing, religious Jews, attend a rally at the Wailing Wall sponsored by MK Natan Sharansky's Yisrael Ba'Aliya party to "pledge allegiance" to a united capital of Jerusalem, to oppose Clinton's parameters for a peace agmt. (AFP [Internet] 1/8; AYM 1/8 in WNC 1/9; MM, NYT, WP 1/9; MM 1/10; WJW 1/11, 1/18; JP 1/19, 1/26; JP 2/2)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. The IDF shells residential areas in al-Bireh, Jinin, Khan Yunis; bulldozes 10 dunams of Palestinian agricultural land along roads leading to Netzarim Junction. (LAW, NYT, WT 1/8; HP 1/9; HA 1/10; MEI, PCHR 1/12; NYT 1/17)

In Cairo, CIA Dir. Tenet meets with, Gaza PSF head Dahlan, West Bank PSF head Jibril Rajub, Israeli military intelligence dir. Avi Dichter to discuss reviving security cooperation, halting violence. (IRNA 1/7 in WNC 1/8; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/8; MENA 1/8 in WNC 1/9; MM 1/9; MENA 1/10 in WNC 1/11)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue to abate, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. The IDF demolishes 4 Palestinian homes nr. Dugit settlement; fires on an ambulance nr. Khan Yunis, preventing its passage to al-Shifa hospital; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Khan Yunis (damaging 4 Palestinian homes, cutting electricity), Rafah (damaging 6 Palestinian homes). (REU 1/4; WT 1/6; PCHR 1/12)

Israeli chief negotiator Sher arrives in Washington for mtgs. with the U.S. peace team on Arafat's reaction to Clinton's proposals. (MM, NYT, WP 1/4; MM, WP, WT 1/5; NYT, WP, WT 1/6)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Mubarak, the Arab League on his mtgs. with Clinton. The Arab League endorses Arafat's conditional acceptance of the U.S. proposals. (MM 1/4; MENA, RMC 1/4 in WNC 1/5; AYM 1/4, SA, al-Safir 1/5 in WNC 1/8; MA [Internet], MM, NYT, WP 1/5; al-Ahram [Internet] 1/10; MEI 1/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes subside slightly, though at least 1 Palestinian is killed. When 2 roadside bombs explode nr. Dugit settlement in Gaza, injuring 1 IDF soldier in a passing convoy, the soldiers fire at "suspicious points" in the area, killing a Palestinian farmer working his field. Palestinian snipers fire on a vehicle nr. Ramallah, injuring 2 Jewish setters. IDF troops in Gaza bar the passage of 2 ambulances to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. The IDF also shells residential areas of Bab al-Zawiyya, Bir al-Hummus, al-Mighraqa, al-Shaykh; bulldozes 75 dunams of agricultural land nr. Bayt Lahia, 35 dunams nr. Kefar Darom settlement; demolishes at least 1 Palestinian home. (NYT 1/3; AYM 1/4 in WNC 1/8; PCHR 1/6; Guardian [Internet], MEI 1/12)

Arafat arrives in Washington, meets with the Egyptian, Saudi Arabian ambs. before entering 2 rounds of talks with Clinton, who presses Arafat to accept his 12/23 proposals and focuses on what the PA can do to halt the clashes. Arafat also meets with CIA Dir. George Tenet, agrees to resume the tripartite (Israel, PA, U.S.) security comm. (REU 1/2; AYM 1/2 in WNC 1/3; AP, HA, NYT, WP, WT 1/3; AYM 1/3, 1/4, SA 1/7 in WNC 1/8; JT, MA, QA, SA 1/4 in WNC 1/5; MEI 1/12)

A Lebanese gunman fire across the blue line at an IDF post, injuring an Israeli workman, the 1st Israeli civilian injured in a crossborder incident since the IDF withdrew fr. Lebanon in 5/00. (NYT 1/3)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, killing 5 Palestinians. A car bomb explodes in the Israeli town of Netanya, lightly injuring 39, seriously injuring 1 (the suspected perpetrator); Hamas claims responsibility. Israel shuts Gaza airport completely, tightens the internal closure on the West Bank, Gaza. The IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes nr. Kefar Darom settlement as part of work on a new settler bypass road; bulldozes agricultural land nr. Morag settlement; fires on residential areas of al-Matahin Junction, Rafah. 1,500 Jewish settlers blockade several West Bank roads, occupy a hilltop nr. where Kahane's car was ambushed on 12/31 to set up a "protest encampment." (AP, HA, JP [Internet], MA [Internet], UPI 1/1; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 1/2; PCHR 1/6; WT 1/10)

The White House announces that Arafat, Clinton will meet in Washington on 1/2 to discuss Clinton's parameters. (MENA 1/1 in WNC 1/2; NYT, WP, WT 1/2; AYM, SA 1/2 in WNC 1/3)

According to British government files made public today, on 9/19/70, King Hussein of Jordan asked, through Britain and the U.S., for Israeli air raids on the Syrian army, which was supporting Palestinian factions during the Black September revolt. Israeli PM Golda Meir's response is not noted, but intervention by the Israelis was ultimately unnecessary, when Jordanian forces defeated the Palestinians. (NYT 1/2; WT 1/3; WJW 1/4)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinian, 2 Jewish settlers dead. Nr. Ramallah, Palestinian gunmen ambush the car of Jewish settler leader Benjamin Kahane (son of late anti-Arab extremist rabbi Meir Kahane), killing him, his wife, injuring 5 of their 6 children. The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade claims responsibility. The funeral procession through Jerusalem, attended by 20,000 Israelis, turns into riot, with Jews smashing storefronts of Palestinian shops, seeking out and beating Palestinians, injuring 10 Israeli riot police. Hrs. after the Kahane shooting, the IDF assassinates senior Fatah official Thabet Thabet, gunning him down outside his home in Tulkarm. The 2d Palestinian is killed in a drive-by shooting by settlers. Israel closes the Rafah crossing. IDF directs tank, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Amari refugee camp, Beitunia, al-Bireh, Khan Yunis, Rafah, al-Salam, Satih Marhaba. Machine gun fire fr. Psagot settlement damages the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) headquarters in al-Bireh. (PRCS press release, WP 12/31; HA, IsRN, LAW, WP, WT, YA 1/1; MENA 1/2 in WNC 1/3; WJW 1/4; JP 1/5; PCHR 1/6; WP 1/8; MEI 1/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. IDF directs heavy machine gun fire at Dahaysha camp, Khaza, Rafah; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis. Jewish settlers clash with Palestinians outside Nahalin village, around Hebron; attack Palestinian cars outside Tfouh settlement. (HP 12/31; PCHR 1/6)

On the blue line with Lebanon, the IDF shoots, kills 1 Lebanese protester, wounds several whom troops say were attempting to scale the border fence. (WP, WT 12/31; RL 12/31 in WNC 1/2)

As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, 2 bombs explode on a bus in Tel Aviv, injuring 13 Israelis, and a roadside bomb detonates in Gaza, killing 1 IDF soldier, 1 Israeli border policeman, injuring 2 other soldiers. Israel seals the borders of the West Bank, Gaza. Jewish settlers attack Palestinian homes nr. Hebron. The IDF bulldozes 115 dunams of agricultural land nr. Bayt Hanun. (REU 12/28; NYT, WP, WT 12/29; WT 12/30; PCHR 1/6)

Pres. Clinton tells Arafat he sees no point in further discussion with the PA until Arafat accepts the 12/23 parameters, stating the U.S. will not reply to the PA's 12/27 letter. Clinton phones the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Russia, Saudi Arabia to urge them to back the parameters. (MENL 12/28; MENA 12/28, SA 12/31 in WNC 1/2; HA, MA [Internet], NYT, WP, WT, YA 12/29; YA 1/10)

In New York, 3 days of secret PA-Israeli talks on the Clinton parameters end in a deadlock. (MA [Internet] 12/28, 12/31) (see 12/26)

IDF soldiers shoot across the blue line with Lebanon, injuring 5 Lebanese civilians, including 1 child, hurling stones and firecrackers across the border nr. the disputed Abbad Hill. (MEI 1/12)

As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 4 Palestinians dead, including a Palestinian suicide bomber who injures 3 IDF soldiers, 6 Jewish settlers in an attack on a roadside cafe nr. Mehola settlement. The IDF directs tank, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Hebron, Gaza, al-Ram. Israel again restricts Palestinians' access to Jerusalem for Friday prayers. (LAW 12/22; NYT, WP 12/23)

PA-Israeli talks continue at Bolling, with Secy. Albright's participation. (HA 12/22; WP 12/23)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. 1 Jewish settler is shot dead in a drive-by shooting in the West Bank. The IDF halts an ambulance carrying a wounded Palestinian to a hospital in Ramallah, forces the ambulance to drive to an IDF post where the soldiers arrested the wounded man, detained him for 2 hrs. before transporting him to a hospital inside Israel. (LAW 12/21; WP 12/22; LAW 1/30)

Israel, the PA begin direct negotiations at Bolling AFB. The PA team walks out of talks when Ben-Ami begins talking about Israel annexing 10% of the West Bank in a final agmt. whereas he had earlier said 5% but agrees to continue talks after conferring privately with Ross. This evening, Clinton phones Egypt's Mubarak to brief him on the talks. Mubarak, Arafat then speak by phone. (REU 12/21; HJ, MENA 12/21 in WNC 12/26; WP, WT, YA 12/22; WT 12/23; WT, YA 12/24)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 3 Palestinians dead. A 4th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. In a "gun battle" nr. Rafah, the IDF shoots dead 2 Palestinians, wounds at least 40 others; no Israelis are injured. (LAW 12/20; LAW, WP 12/21)

After 2 days of Bolling talks, the U.S. brings PA negotiator Erakat, Israeli negotiator Ben-Ami together at the White House in a mtg. with Clinton, Secy. of State Madeleine Albright. Sides agree to begin direct talks on 12/21. (XIN 12/20 in WNC 12/26; HA, MENL, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/21; al-Quds 12/22 in WNC 12/27)

Arafat goes to Egypt to consult with Mubarak. Israeli Meretz party leader Yossi Sarid is also in Egypt for mtgs. with Mubarak but there is no indication he meets with Arafat. (MENA 12/20 in WNC 12/21; NYT 12/21)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, but no fatalities are reported. IDF shells residential areas of Salfit. Jewish settlers attack the Palestinian village of Burin, breaking into several homes, and fire on an elementary school in Hebron. (LAW 12/19; News From Within 12/00)

At Bolling AFB, the U.S. peace team continues separate talks with Israeli, PA negotiators. (MM 12/19; WT 12/20; QA 12/20 in WNC 12/26; MEI 12/22)

The Knesset passes (65-45) a bill amending the election law so Likud's Netanyahu may run for PM, but rejects (49-69) a separate bill that would dissolve the Knesset, force general elections. Netanyahu says he will not run, since it would be impossible for any PM to work with the current parliament. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/19; NYT, WP 12/20; MEI 12/22; MA 12/22 in WNC 12/27) (see 12/9)

At Bolling Air Force Base (AFB) in Washington, the U.S. peace team hold separate preliminary mtgs. with the Israeli, the PA teams. (HA, JP, MM 12/18; AYM 12/18 in WNC 12/20; WT 12/19; AYM 12/19 in WNC 12/26; NYT, WP, WT 12/20; WJW 12/21; MEI 12/22)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 2 Palestinian dead. In Tulkarm, a senior Fatah mbr. is found stabbed to death in what the PA alleges to be another Israeli assassination. In Gaza, a top PSF officer is killed when he attempts to defuse an unexploded IDF shell. In Nablus, Jewish settlers open fire on a Palestinian high school, wounding 2 pupils. The IDF shells residential areas of Bayt Lahia, al-Bireh, Khan Yunis, Rafah; destroys a water network, 2 PSF posts nr. Bayt Lahia; bulldozes 25 dunams of Palestinian land in the Netzarim area. (LAW, PCHR 12/18; MENA 12/18 in WNC 12/20; LAW, NYT 12/19; MEI 12/22)

Israel suspends plans to allow 13,000 Palestinians into Israel to work, since only a handful of Palestinian requested permits. (MA 12/25 in WNC 12/27; MM 1/5) (see 12/14)

A UNSC res. calling for the deployment of 2,000 unarmed UN observers in the West Bank, Gaza fails to get the 9 votes needed to pass. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MM 12/20; al-Ra'i 12/20 in WNC 12/26; WJW 12/21)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF shells residential areas of Bayt Sahur, Hebron, Rafah, damaging a total of 12 homes; bulldozes another 24 dunams of land nr. Morag settlement, destroying 21 greenhouses, several water networks. (MEZ, WP, WT 12/17; PCHR 12/18)

PA negotiators Erakat, Dahlan discuss with Israeli negotiators Ben-Ami, Sher the possibility of resuming final status talks. Arafat phones Clinton regarding sending negotiators to Washington. The White House says Clinton has received pres.-elect Bush's approval to negotiate an Israeli-PA deal before the inauguration. (NYT, WP, WT 12/16; XIN 12/16 in WNC 12/20; JP [Internet], MM 12/18)