The Palestine Chronology

IDF troops on the n. Gaza border nr. Bayt Lahiya shoot and wound a mentally ill Palestinian nr. the border fence; the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Palestinian Liaison Office secure his release fr. Israeli custody. (PCHR 11/5)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night raids, house searches in and around Tulkarm town and r.c., but makes no arrests. Nr. Nablus, 8 Jewish settlers fr. Brakha raid Burin village, where they are confronted by 10s of stone-throwing Palestinians; IDF troops in the area (possibly escorting the settlers) fire rubbercoated steel bullets, tear gas at the Palestinians, injuring 1 and arresting 1 other. (PCHR 11/5)

U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton arrives in the Middle East and meets with Netanyahu and Abbas, hoping to help them reach an agreement on settlements that would allow resumption of peace talks. (NYT 10/31; NYT, WP 11/1; JR 11/23)

Secretary of State Baker, beginning 6th visit to Middle East since Gulf war, meets P.M. Shamir, F.M. Levy and D.M. Arens in Jerusalem. Following meeting, Shamir commits Israel to attend peace conference provided no Palestinians associated with PLO or from E. Jerusalem are included in talks. Shamir will seek approval from Israeli cabinet for move. Shamir states U.S. assured Israel that Palestinian participants meet Israeli criteria. (NYT, WP, LAT 8/2)

Sec. of State Baker, in testimony before U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee, calls continued building of Israeli settlements "largest obstacle" to convening proposed Middle East peace conference. Remarks come in wake of four new settlements established in occupied territories since Baker began his recent peace initiative. (See JPS 80, doc. D2)

More than 200,000 Israelis now live in occupied territories. (NYT, WP, LAT 5/23)

Pres. al-Asad and Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi sign a "Treaty of Brotherhood, Cooperation and Coordination" in Damascus. (See JPS 80, doc. B9). Treaty establishes joint Syrian-Lebanese institutions for coordinating defense, security, foreign and economy policy, under authority of higher council comprising the two country's presidents, prime ministers and parliamentary speakers. Treaty transforms Syrian influence in Lebanon into formal role.

Treaty calls for Syria to redeploy its 40,000 troops in Lebanon in Biqa' valley. Syrian troops currently effectively control two-thirds of Lebanon.

Lebanese Maronite Catholic Patriarch Nasr Allah Sufayr opposes accord, stating that it would lead to Syrian domination of Lebanon. Israel voiced opposition to the accord as well. (NYT, WP, LAT 5/23)

Israeli def. ministry confirms that Polish Pres. Walesa promised Def. Min. Moshe Arens that Poland will not sell tanks to Syria out of deference to Israel. (LAT 5/22)

Knesset erupts into shouting match when Knesset Speaker Dov Shilansky (Likud) calls on Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan to halt his 25-day fast. Nathan began fast 3/25 to protest Israeli law forbidding Israelis to meet with members of PLO. Shilansky's statement came in wake of failed motion to abolish law. Nathan has publicly met Yasir Arafat several times since law was passed, serving 122 days in prison in 1990 as result. (NYT 5/23; MEM 7/15)

Los Angeles Times reports that Coca-Cola Company was removed last month from list of companies boycotted by Arab League for their dealings with Israel. Japanese car manufacturer Toyota also reported last month that it will begin selling cars in Israel in 1992, a departure from its policy of dealing solely with Arab countries. (LAT 5/22) 

Charging that its civilian population had been bombed beyond "minimum of human standards," Iraqi military announces it has moved captured airmen to strategic locations to deter future allied air attacks. Pres. Bush and British officials express outrage, saying this violates Geneva Convention, and International Red Cross agrees; Bush vows to hold Saddam accountable for "brutal parading of allied pilots" on television [BADS 1/21 in FBIS 1/22; MEM 1/21; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/22].

Changing earlier position, Syrian D.M. joins Egyptian and Saudi gov'ts. in saying that Israeli retaliation against Iraq would not force Arabs out of coalition [MEM, WP 1/22].

Admin. officials say that simple declaration that Iraq intends to withdraw from Kuwait would not be enough to halt allied attacks; air bombardment would continue until massive withdrawal is underway, causing speculation about U.S. aims and goals of war with Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP 1/22].

Capping 5 days of talks in Israel with senior gov't. officials, Dep. Sec. of State Eagleburger speaks of Bush admin.'s admiration and "affection" for Israel, especially because of the restraint shown by Israel in not responding to Iraqi missile attacks [NYT, LAT 1/22]; Los Angeles Times reports of Israel's desire to retaliate after 1st SCUD missile attack was hindered by U.S. not providing Israel with electronic identification codes needed to tell allied and Iraqi aircraft apart [LAT 1/22].

New York Times/CBS News poll finds 82% of Americans approve of way Pres. Bush is handling Gulf conflict; 48%, though, believe war will cost more than 5,000 American lives [NYT 1/22]; Washington Post/ABC News poll finds similar results [WP 1/22].

Iraq launches 2 SCUD missiles at Saudi Arabia, 1 lands in ocean, other is intercepted by Patriot missile [MEM 1/21; LAT, WT, WP 1/22].

Iraq abrogates all existing treaties and agreements with Saudi Arabia, including a bilateral nonagression pact [BADS 1/21 in FBIS 1/22; LAT 1/22].

Protests are planned on behalf of steadily growing anti-war movement in U.S. embracing every major religious denomination in country and 9 major unions [NYT, LAT 1/11].

Arab diplomats at UN say they believe Saddam Hussein plans initiative soon after 1/15 deadline expressing support "in principle" for leaving Kuwait while simultaneously calling for international conference to address Palestinian grievances against Israel [NYT, WP 1/11].

Sec. of State Baker meets with King Fahd; they reportedly discuss timing of allied attack on Iraq [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/11].

New York Times reports Saudi Arabia earned roughly $15 billion in windfall oil profits from August to December, and has pledged $30 billion in Gulf-related commitments, effectively mortgaging part of future oil profits [NYT 1/11]; Kuwait has disbursed nearly $7 billion to help finance coalition effort [WT 1/11].

Congress opens debate on whether to authorize war with Iraq; Democrats accuse Pres. Bush of rushing toward use of force [LAT, WP 1/11].

Pres. Bush telephones P.M. Shamir, asks again that Israel "remain low" during Gulf crisis [WP 1/11].

U.S. Justice Dep't. orders immigration authorities to begin fingerprinting and photographing anyone entering the U.S. with a Kuwaiti or Iraqi passport as part of an effort to combat potential terrorism [MEM, WP 1/1 1].

Pres. Mubarak tells CNN that "if Iraq launched an attack at Israel without any Israeli participation [in war], she would have the right to attack it [back]" [MEM 1/11]. 

In Brussels for international economic meetings, Sec. of State Baker rejects Soviet envoy Yevgeny Primakov's suggestion that solution to Gulf crisis be linked to Palestine question [LAT 11/17].

Soviet envoy Alexander Belonogov meets in Cairo with Pres. Mubarak to discuss Gulf crisis; Belonogov then leaves for Saudi Arabia [MENA 11/16, CDS 11/17 in FBIS 11/20].

Ultra-Orthodox Agudat Israel party joins P.M. Shamir's ruling coalition; belated agreement increases Likud majority from 62 Knesset seats out of 120, to 66 seats [JDS 11/16 in FBIS 11/16; NYT, LAT 11/17; CSM, MEM 11/19; JPI 11/24; MET 11/27].

Arab and nonaligned nations introduce Sec. Council resolution calling for UN observer force in occupied territories (o.t.) and for conference of 164 signators of Fourth Geneva Convention [LAT 11/17; MEM 11/19].

Iran and Iraq announce agreement on series of steps to end major disputes lingering from 8-year war; Iranian F.M. Velayati says he detects willingness by Iraq to end crisis by withdrawing from Kuwait [NYT 11/17].

700 members of U.S. Council of Jewish Federations pass without dissent resolution backing Bush admin. policy in Gulf, but say they will fight U.S. plans to sell weapons to Saudia Arabia [NYT 11/17].

IDF bars Gaza Strip and West Bank residents from Jerusalem as preventive measure against anticipated protests following prayers on Haram al-Sharif [FJ 11/19].

Israeli Immigration Minister Yitzhak Peretz ignites political row by calling for curbs on Soviet immigration, saying 4 of 10 newcomers are not Jewish [MEM 11/1].

Sec. of State Baker leaves for Gulf and Europe to lay groundwork for new UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq and to ask allies under what conditions would they support military action [WP, NYT 11/4].

IDF shoots dead Gaza Palestinian, injures at least 61 others as soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to break up demonstration in Bayt Hanoun that erupted after news that Palestinian activist had died in detention [WP, NYT 11/4; JPD 11/4 in FBIS 11/6; LAT 11/5].

For 2d time in as many weeks, Iraqi officials hint that they might release all hostages in return for guarantee Iraq would not be attacked; guarantee to come from at least 2 of the following states: China, France, USSR, Germany, and Japan [INA 11/3 in FBIS 11/6; WP, NYT 11/4].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz arrives in Amman for meeting with King Hussein [INA 11/3 in FBIS 11/5].

World Bank officials say more than 1.5 million people have been displaced by the Gulf crisis [WP 11/4].

Saudi Oil Minister Hisham al-Nazir says Saudi Arabia's oil production surpassed 8.2 million b/d this past week and is expected to rise to 8.5 million b/d early next year to make up for loss of Iraqi oil [NYT 11/4].

Bush admin. harshly criticizes King Hussein for Jordan's hosting conference of "anti- American radicals" in Amman; spokesperson hints meeting could damage U.S.-Jordanian relations [LAT 9/19]; Jordan appears to have stopped sending foodstuffs to Iraq [NYT 9/19].

Reversing longstanding opposition to Soviet presence in Middle East, Saudi Arabia would now welcome Soviet troops as part of multinational force, according to Saudi F.M. Saud al-Faisal [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 9/19].

At hearing of House Foreign Affairs sub-committee on Europe and Middle East, congressmen, including committee chrmn. Lee Hamilton (D-Ind.), accuse Bush admin. of sending mixed signals to Saddam. Hamilton cites ass't sec. of state John Kelly's 7/31 testimony that U.S. has no defense treaty with Kuwait [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 9/19; MEM 9/21].

Pentagon reports of defensive buildup of Iraqi troops in Kuwait [NYT, WP 9/19].

UN Disaster Relief Office says number of refugees in Jordanian transit camps after fleeing Iraq and Kuwait is 34,876; UNDRO adds gov'ts of Sweden, Denmark, and Italy have offered funds to aid refugees [AFP 9/18 in FBIS 9/18]; Crown Prince Hasan Ibn-Talal says Jordan has already spent $57 million to accommodate estimated 500,000 refugees who have passed through Jordan since 8/2 [AFP 9/18 in FBIS 9/20].

Chrmn. Arafat arrives in Amman for meetings on Gulf crisis [ADS 9/18 in FBIS 9/18; CSM 9/19].

King Hussein flies to U.S. for meeting with Pres. Bush on Gulf crisis; Bush threatens to extend naval blockade to Aqaba if goods continue to flow from Jordan to Iraq [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 8/15].

U.S. admin. officials disclose Pres. Bush has secretly approved future transfer of $1 billion worth of sophisticated fighter aircraft and anti-tank missiles to Egypt; approval still must come from Congress [WP 8/15].

In Damascus, U.S. ass't. sec. of state John Kelly meets with Pres. Asad to discuss Gulf situation [DDS 8/14 in FBIS 8/ 15].

Israel's ambassador to U.S., Moshe Arad, meets with Sec. of State James Baker at Arad's request to talk about Gulf crisis [JDS 8/15 in FBIS 8/15; WP 8/16].

Bethlehem mayor Elias Frayj strongly criticizes U.S. action in Gulf, saying that Palestinians and Arabs will not allow Iraqis to starve [JDS 8/14 in FBIS 8/14].

Rabbi Moshe Levinger, Jewish settler leader, is released from prison after serving 13 weeks of sentence for killing W. Bank Palestinian in 1988 [LAT 8/15].

Iraq announces it has annexed Kuwait; first U.S. troops arrive in Saudi Arabia [WP, NYT, LAT, WT 8/9].

P.M. Shamir, Israeli leadership praise Pres. Bush's decision to send troops to Saudi Arabia; reaffirm Israel has no intention of getting involved in conflict; has not been asked by U.S. to become involved [NYT 8/9].

U.S. ass't. sec. of state for Near Eastern and South Asian affairs, John Kelly, arrives in Damascus to discuss Gulf crisis with Syrian officials [DDS 8/9 in FBIS 8/ 10].

Violence continues for 3d straight day in Jerusalem as Jewish rioters wound at least 80 Arabs to avenge killing of 2 Israeli teenagers; Police Chief Yaacov Turner says police will crackdown on violence, will use tear gas if necessary [WT 8/9].

Emanuel Christen, 1 of 2 Red Cross workers kidnapped in Sidon on 10/6/89, is released by group calling itself Palestinian Revolutionary Squads (cf. 8/13) [AFP 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; WT, WP, LAT, NYT 8/ 9].

Los Angeles immigration judge refuses to deport Palestinian student Bashar Amer, 1 of 7 Palestinians arrested in January 1987 for subversion. Justice dep't. maintains the 7 (and 1 Kenyan) should be deported because of their alleged association with PFLP. All 8 deny belonging to PFLP [LAT 7/17].

Amnesty Intermational issues its 1990 report detailing human rights abuses for 1989. Amnesty criticizes Israel for excessive force and deliberate killings; report mentions for first time killing of accused collaborators by Palestinians [WP, NYT 7/11]; report is criticized by Israeli Justice Ministry UDS 7/10 in FBIS 7/11].

Soviet ambassador in Tunis gives Yasir Arafat message from Mikhail Gorbachev [KUNA 7/11 in FBIS 7/11; AVP 7/11 in FBIS 7/12].

Due to illness, F.M. David Levy postpones planned Paris meeting with U.S. Sec. of State Baker [JTS 7/10 in FBIS 7/11; MEM 7/11].

Lebanese foreign ministry asks its UN mission to submit strongly-worded complaint against Israel for repeated air attacks in S.Lebanon [BDS 7/10 in FBIS 7/11].

Sec. of State James Baker tells reporters there can be no dialogue between Israel and Palestinians from O.T. without "acquiescence" of PLO, as evidenced by Israel's vain attempts to find PLO alternative for 22 years [MEM 6/22].

Arab League issues statement saying suspension of U.S.-PLO dialogue was not in best interests of Middle East peace, adds that U.S. will be held responsible for deterioration of situation inside O.T. [KUNA 6/21 in FBIS 6/22].

Jean-Claude Amie, UN special envoy, arrives in Israel to begin fact-finding mission [MEM 6/21; JDS 6/22 in FBIS 6/ 25; MET 7/3].

In television interview, Nelson Mandela describes Yasir Arafat as "a comrade in arms" and says it would be "a grave mistake" to change his view of Arafat "on the basis of the interests of the Jewish community" [WP 6/22].

PLO Exec. Committee, meeting in Baghdad, issues statement saying U.S. decision to end dialogue constitutes "a challenge" to Arab League, calls on Arab states to implement resolutions adopted at Baghdad summit in May [WP, LAT 6/22; BVP 6/21, DUS 6/22 in FBIS 6/22]; further Arab reaction is mixed [NYT, LAT 6/22].

French Pres. Francois Mitterrand tells reporters that U.S. should display same firmness with Israel as it has with PLO: "One must be able to speak to Israel and the PLO at the same time. . .If steps were taken that would permit speaking to Israel with the same firmness, that would be a good thing" [WP 6/22].

Senate Foreign Relations Committe unanimously approves commendation of Pres. Bush for suspending U.S.-PLO dialogue; entire Senate is expected to approve commendation soon [WP, WT 6/ 22].

New York Times reports of emergence of "tent towns" in Israel; mass immigration has driven up rent prices and housing is in such short supply that rents are beyond reach of young Israeli families, who are forced to live in tents. Soviet immigrants receive gov't. subsidies and are more able to afford higher rents [NYT 6/22].

Testifying before Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sec. of State James Baker says U.S. will not rush to break off contacts with PLO, despite fact that PLO's response to 5/30 attempted attack has "fallen short of the mark." Baker reports that "an extraordinarily large number" of allies has urged Washington not to move too quickly or rashly [WT, WP 6/13]; Baker also says that at least 7 nations including Egypt and USSR have agreed to urge PLO to save its dialogue with U.S. [LAT 6/13]; Pres. Bush reiterates his call for PLO to roundly condemn 5/30 attempted attack [WP 6/13].

Officials in Bush admin. and Congress say Israel has emerged as leading supplier of advanced military technology to China, despite U.S.'s clearly expressed opposition to Israeli-Chinese military cooperation [LAT 6/13].

IDF soldier throws tear gas grenade into UN maternity clinic in Gaza Strip; 66 infants are treated for gas inhalation. IDF says soldier acted contrary to orders, and legal steps would be taken. IDF was responding to stonethrowing incident around the clinic (cf. 6/13, 6/14) [JDS 6/12 in FBIS 6/14; WT, WP, LAT 6/13; FJ 6/18]. 

Appearing on Israeli television, Shamir says that if UN votes to send observer force to O.T., it should know that "this decision would not be implemented, as many other UN decisions against Israel [have not been]" [WP 5/25]; Yitzhak Rabin believes Israel must oppose idea of UN observers, says "It is inconceivable that we, who observe international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. . should accept the supervision of an element which. . .has participated in almost no peaceful process" [JDS 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MET 6/5].

Bush admin., in effort to avoid confrontation with Israel, says it will discuss possibility of UN observer force in O.T., but objects to any permanent UN presence [LAT 5/25].

Members of House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East blast State Dept's. 3/19 report saying PLO has honored its commitment to renounce terrorism, call report a "whitewash and a pack of lies"; ass't.sec. of state John Kelly defends report [WP 5/25J.

PLO Exec. Committee member Mahmud Abbas meets in Moscow with Soviet F.M. Eduard Shevardnadze to discuss past week's violence in O.T. [TASS 5/24; KUNA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25].

Head of Israeli Army's Central Command, Maj. Gen. Yitzhak Mordekhay, meets with 24 W. Bank Palestinians to explain Army curfews and actions following 5/20 killings. Palestinians are top officials in education and commerce [JDS 5/25 in FBIS 5/25].

5-member Soviet delegation arrives in Israel to investigate violence in O.T.; head of group, Mikhail Kapitsa, accuses Israel of acting like "an elephant in a china shop" [MEM 5/25; MET 6/5]; Bernard Kouchner, French minister of state for humanitarian aid, also arrives for fact-finding tour, says he is "deeply depressed" by conditions in Gaza [MEM 5/25; FJ 5/28]. 

Sec. of State James Baker says U.S. "would be prepared to discuss the question of a United Nations observer team" going to O.T. when UN Sec. Council meets in Geneva on 5/25 [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 5/24; MEM 5/25].

European Community's exec. commission grants emergency aid of 500,000 ECU ($600,000) for Palestinian victims of violence in O.T. [MEM 5/24].

Israeli Maj. Gen. Matan Vilna'i, commander of Southern Command, orders stricter firing regulations in Gaza to reduce casualties; new orders give only senior commander of each sector authorization to allow firing of plastic or rubber bullets [MAA 5/24 in FBIS 5/25].

Mideast Mirror reports thousands of Palestinian workers have stayed away from their jobs since 5/20 killings, and renewal of communal tensions [MEM 5/ 23].

Pres. Bush telephones Pres. Mubarak to discuss recent events, especially Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [MENA 5/ 23 in FBIS 5/24; MENA 5/25 in FBIS 5/ 25].

Ambassadors to Tunisia from France, Italy, and Ireland, and European Community meet with Arafat to discuss past week's violence in O.T. [KUNA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25].

General strike is observed in Lebanon; banks, other businesses, are closed in solidarity with Palestinians condemning 5/20 killings; demonstrations are held in Beirut [BDS 5/23 in FBIS 5/24].

Arab foreign ministers conclude presummit working session begun 5/22 in Baghdad, adopt agenda for 5/28 summit [INA 5/23 in FBIS 5/24].

Scattered anti-Israel demonstrations take place in and near Amman refugee camps; some 200 protestors are dispersed at Ministry of Interior [JTE 5/24, 5/25 in FBIS 5/25]; at least I person is killed, several injured [MEM 5/24].

Egypt's Pres. Hosni Mubarak meets with U.S. Sec. of State James Baker in Egypt's embassy in Moscow to discuss Middle East events [CDS 5/16 in FBIS 5/ 17; MEM 5/17].

Palestinian leaders from O.T. present Israel with list of 17 demands aimed at creating atmosphere conducive to negotiations [YA 5/17 in FBIS 5/18].

Israeli peace activist Abbie Nathan, returning to Israel after meeting with Yasir Arafat in Tunis, is arrested for violating law prohibiting meeting PLO members. Nathan was released from jail last February after serving 6 months for previous meeting with Arafat (cf. 5/17) [MEM 5/16, 5/18].

Asharq al-Awsat, citing Palestinian sources, reports PLO has begun regrouping its military forces. Last week, 1,600- 1,800 fighters began move from Jordan to Iraq, while some units in Algeria and Sudan will move to Libya and North Yemen [MEM 5/16].

Israel Central Bureau of Statistics reports economic slowdown for 1st quarter of 1990; cites more unemployment, fewer exports, increased imports, and growing consumption as reasons UPD 5/17 in FBIS 5/17].

Israel's Jewish Agency reports that during FY ending 3/31, only 175 of immigrants who were not sent to absorption centers settled beyond green line; also adds some 1,800 immigrants had settled in Jerusalem. JDS adds 41,500 total immigrants arrived during FY; 23,019 did not go to absorption centers, but looked after themselves [HAA, JDS 4/9 in FBIS 4/10].

Washington Times, citing unnamed defense sources, reports Israel is "reasonably close" to first test flight of experimental interceptor that could strike down incoming ballistic missiles; but deployment of these Arrow interceptors is at least 5 years away [WT 4/9].

New York Times reports Shimon Peres seems assured of 61 Knesset votes, majority needed to form new gov't. [NYT 4/ 11].

Syria's Pres. Asad receives Senator Bob Dole; says he wants better relations with U.S. and peaceful settlement to Arab-Israeli conflict [NYT, WT 4/10; DDS 4/9 in FBIS 4/10].

Representatives of Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council begin talks in Beirut with Belgian delegation on exchanging Palestinian jailed in Brussels for 4 Belgians held captive since 1987 [NYT 4/10].

Elias Freij, Bethlehem's mayor, meets in Washington with Sec. of State Baker, discuss opposition to O.T. settlements [jDS 4/10 in FBIS 4/10].

Dahaf organization publishes poll that finds 80% of those Israelis surveyed want to change current electoral system, 78% want to directly elect P.M. [YA 4/9 in FBIS 4/10].

U.S. Senate adopts by voice vote resolution recognizing undivided Jerusalem as capital of Israel [NYT, WP 2/23; LAT 4/ 20].

Arafat says PLO has asked USSR to adopt specific measures to slow immigration of Soviet Jews to Israel; USSR announces Aeroflot will no longer issue tickets to Soviet Jews planning to emigrate to Israel via Hungary [NYT 3/24].

Israeli gov't. press office issues report on "Fateh-linked terrorism," claims Arafat and Fateh support some 200 terrorist groups [IGP 3/22 in FBIS 3/23].

Arafat meets with former U.S. ass't. sec. of state Richard Murphy in Tunis [INA 3/23 in FBIS 3/23].

Pres. Bush rejects criticism that his 3/3 statement opposing E. Jerusalem settlements led to collapse of Israeli gov't.; says he was "simply reiterating astanding United States policy" [WT 3/23].

Announcing his intent to "show how Israel PAC money is like the S&L influence scandal, only worse," Arab American Institute Director James Zogby says his organization will publicly monitor pro-Israel lobby's financial contributions to members of Congress; AAI releases initial report [WT 3/23]

After internal debate, Likud party says Labor must agree to "basic and essential" issues before Israeli-Palestinian negotiations can proceed: (1) E. Jerusalem Arabs be excluded from talks and (2) Israel reserves the right to walk out of sessions if it believes PLO is trying to control or direct discussions [NYT, WP, WT 3/6]; Labor rejects these terms [NYT 3/7].

U.S.-PLO dialogue continues in Tunis, where Hakam Balawi meets with Robert Pelletreau [BVP 3/7 in FBIS 3/9].

In op-ed piece to Washington Post former Sec. of State George Shultz writes "some form of confederation between Israel, the Palestinians, Jordan, and perhaps Egypt seems as necessary as it is inevitable" [WP 3/6].

Quoting "regional officials and experts," New York Times reports changes sweeping E. Europe represent major strategic setback for Palestinians and other Arabs [NYT 3/6].

Arub Academy, a 2-year teachers' college in W. Bank, is reopened by Israeli army [WP 3/7].

Israeli F.M. Moshe Arens arrives in Warsaw to renew diplomatic ties with Poland; Polish gov't. newspaper issues detailed apology for past anti-Semitic acts [WP 2/27].

In Jerusalem, Shimon Peres has told Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations that U.S. Sec. of State Baker's proposals for negotiations are acceptable to most of Israeli public [IDF 2/26 in FBIS 2/27].

PLO leaders have authorized Radwan Abu-'Ayyash, chrmn. of E. Jerusalem Journalists Association, to begin exploratory talks with State Dep't. officials John Kelly and Dennis Ross in Washington [MAA 2/26 in FBIS 2/26].

Israeli Arabs stage one-day strike pressing gov't. to put into place agreemento write off $50 million of debt accumulated by Arab town and city councils. About 4,000 Arabs march through Haifa in protest [NYT 2/27].

Israeli military authorities allow 16 community colleges in O.T. to reopen (combined enrollment of c.5,000) [NYT, WP, LAT 2/27].

At least 91 Palestinians are injured by IDF gunfire in one of the most violent days ever in Gaza Strip [NYT 2/26; LAT 2/27]; Israeli helicopter is used to teargas demonstrators [JDS 2/26 in FBIS 2/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: P.M. Shamir meets with Pres. Bush, Sec. of State Baker, says talks relieved U.S.-Israeli tensions; U.S. does not assure Shamir that Israeli conditions for Baker plan will come about [NYT, WP 11/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinians mark the one-year anniversary of declaration of Palestinian state with marches despite large numbers of soldiers and military orders confining Palestinians indoors [NYT 11/16]. At least 4 Palestinians are wounded in Gaza clash, 5 are detained for rockthrowing. Israeli court convicts 18- year-old Palestinian of setting two tires on fire, sentences him to 4 years in prison. Israeli soldier wounded in 11/13 attack by Hamas dies [FBIS 11/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: One of Israel's small religious parties, Agudat Israel, leaves the governing coalition for two months in hopes of forcing Likud to change the electoral system to end the "nearly permanent political deadlock," which many say preventshe peace process from moving forward [NYT 11/9].

Arab World: Women are allowed to cast ballots for the first time in Jordan's general election, the first election in that country in 22 years [NYT, WP 11/9].

Other Countries: U.S. Sec. of State Baker tells reporters that the U.S. had rejected Israeli imposed conditions on Baker's 5- point framework for peace talks even before the Israeli cabinet formally adopted the Israeli-modified plan earlier this week [WP 11/9]. U.S.-PLO dialogue continues in Tunis [FBIS 11/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 10 Palestinians are wounded in clashes throughout the O.T.; IDF confiscates 15 automobiles belonging to Palestinians in Nablus; Rafah man suspected of collaboration is killed; Palestinian is shot, killed, 15 are arrested for membership in PFLP [FBIS 11/16].

Arab World: A car bomb explodes in West Beirut killing 4, injuring 16, in a neighborhood a few blocks from the villa where President Moawad is staying [NYT, WP 11/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military investigator is ordered to stop using numbers in telephone book confiscated from Palestinian joumalist Taher Shriteh on 10/30. Investigator had been calling Shriteh's contacts and ordering them to appear at Gaza City's military headquarters [NYT 11/2].

Other Countries: U.S. Sec. of State Baker telephones Israeli F. M. Moshe Arens to discuss revisions of Baker's 5-point framework [FBIS 11/2; NYT, WP 11/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army closes Bayt Sahur for 7 hours, a day after lifting the siege there [MET 11/14]. 8 Swedish government officials are caught in a clash in the W. Bank; Palestinian schoolchildren had gathered to meet the delegation, Israeli soldiers dispersed the gathering with rubber bullets and tear gas [FBIS 11/2; MET 11/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: 36 members of the House of Reps. send letter to Sec. of State Baker saying they have "specific questions" about the sale of U.S. M- 1 tanks to Saudi Arabia [WP 10/22; Oct. MEPARC].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army declares Bethlehem and Bayt Sahur closed military zones; IDF distributes leaflet in Bayt Sahur waming residents they will "go hungry" when media interest wanes [FBIS 10/23]. Khan Yunis school is closed indefinitely; 12-year-old Palestinian shot by IDF gunfire [FBIS 10/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army inquiry determines that human error allowed defecting Syrian pilot to penetrate Israeli air space [NYT 10/17].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee, meeting in Baghdad, calls Sec. of State Baker's proposal for talks between Palestinians and Israelis an attempt to promote Shamir plan [WP 10/17; NYT 10/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5 police officers, 15 Arabs are wounded, and at least 40 Palestinian students are arrested in E. Jerusalem clashes [NYT 10/17]. 8-year-old Palestinian dies of wounds received 10/13. Army closes E. Jerusalem school indefinitely due to demonstrations [FBIS 10/18]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Government closes Gaza Strip through 10/2 during Rosh Hashana [WP 9/29]. Hadashot poll determines the most hated person in Israel is Shimon Peres [FBIS 10/2].

Arab World: President Hosni Mubarak telephones P.M. Shamir and gives conditional offer to meet; they agree to arrange a future meeting [NYT, WP 10/1].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Baker wams that Middle East peace process would go "back to the drawing board," unless the Israeli cabinet either endorses the Egyptian 10-point plan or finds another way to bring Palestinians to the bargaining table [NYT, LAT 9/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army reduces sentences of 3 soldiers convicted of beating a Palestinian to death in custody from nine months to six [NYT 9/30; MET 10/10]. 2 Palestinians, 19 and 13, are shot, killed in clashes with soldiers; at least 2 others are wounded throughout O.T. [FBIS 10/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Letter to Sec. of State Baker signed by 68 senators and drafted by Senators Mack (R-FL) and Lieberman (DCT), urges against granting a visa to Arafat [NYT 9/26]. President Bush meets with Labor leader Peres for an hour; then meets with Likud's Arens after latter's complaint conceming Peres meeting [NYT 9/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 17-year-old Palestinian from Nablus is shot, wounded in clash with troops. 12-year-old from Jenin is wounded in clash. Rafah man suspected of collaboration is killed, another beaten [FBIS 9/26]. At least 7 Palestinians are wounded in O.T. IDF soldier is injured by rock in Khan Yunis [FBIS 9/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Jordan's Prince Hasan meets with Sec. of State Baker and later with Pres. Bush in Washington to discuss the situation in the O.T. [FBIS 9/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 reservists are sentenced to short jail terms for refusing to serve in O.T. IDF allows troops to use live ammunition against masked Palestinians [FBIS 9/14]. At least 16 Palestinians are wounded throughout O.T. Army demolishes 2 Gaza houses [FBIS 9/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Israeli D.M. Rabin meets with Defense Secretary Cheney, Sec. of State Baker, and national security advisor Scowcroft in Washington to discuss Lebanon, Middle East peace process [NYT 9/9]. Rabin and Cheney sign agreement allowing U.S. to "lend" Israel military equipment. Agreement is kept secret so as not to anger Arab nations [WP 9/27; NYT 9/29]. Cheney informs Rabin that U.S. is planning to sell to Saudia Arabia 315 MI-Al tanks, asks Israel not to use its influence in Congress to stop the sale [NYT 9/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 13-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed by Israeli soldiers during demonstration; bodies of 3 Arabs suspected of collaboration are found; at least 14 other Palestinians wounded in clashes throughouthe O.T. [LAT 9/9; MET 9/19]. Palestinian faction claims responsibility for firing missiles from Jordan into Israel on 9/7 [LAT 9/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew in Balatah camp enters 8th day; Khan Yunis, Nusayrat camps remain under curfew for 5th consecutive day [FJ 7/17].

Other Countries: Secretary of State James Baker states that U.S. may back international peace conference if Israel makes election plan for O.T. impossible for Palestinians to accept [NYT 7/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Rafah camp Israeli soldiers open fire, kill 20-year-old Palestinian, wound 4 more. In Burayj camp at least 3 Palestinians are injured during clashes with Israeli troops. At least 4 Palestinians are injured throughout W. Bank [FJ 7/17]. Palestinian known for collaboration, drug dealing is shot, killed in O.T. [FBIS 7/10].