The Palestine Chronology

Military Action:

Artillery exchanges between PSP, and LAF and LF throughout the day in Chouf, Metn and Aley regions, and in coastal area south of Beirut; sporadic artillery and machine gun fire between rival militias in Tripoli; commander of IDF-backed militia in South Lebanon disbands his unit, joins Amal.

Casualties:

2 killed, 6 wounded in Tripoli fighting; 3 killed in Chouf; Beirut airport closed after 6 shells hit runway, schools in East Beirut closed; French military helicopter crashes into sea off Beirut, 2 crew members killed, 1 missing.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens, in US, calls for unrelenting diplomatic and political pressure to force Syria to withdraw from Lebanon, says Lebanese government should employ guerrilla activity against Syrian forces in Lebanon; Shamir, in US, says US support for Israel, from point of view of American interests, is a bargain; settlers continue to occupy position near Joseph's Tomb in Nablus; petrol bomb thrown at IDF vehicle in Nablus.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Tripoli Higher Coordinating Committee meets separately with Arafat and rebel leaders to coordinate details of cease-fire and withdrawal of forces.

Arab Governments: Saudi ambassador to US criticizes US-Israel program for increased cooperation, says Israel is strategic liability to US, not strategic asset.

US and Other Countries: Gemayel arrives in Washington for meetings tomorrow with Reagan and senior US officials.

Military Action:

PSP and LAF exchange heavy artillery fire around Suq al-Gharb; sporadic exchanges of artillery and RPGs around Baddawi, cease-fire holds generally; IDF patrol fired on north of Zahrani.

Casualties:

Car bombs kills 2 civilians in South Lebanon village of Tibnin; 6 Israeli POW held by PLO in Tripoli moved to safety.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 5 Jewish civilians enter Dheisheh camp, under curfew, shoot and wound 3 Palestinian men after breaking into house, IDF says those responsible were border police in plain clothes on undercover operation; Arens, dedicating new settlement near Hebron, calls on "Arabs of Eretz Israel" to negotiate coexistence with Israel.

Arab Govenments: Assad taken to hospital in Damascus, reportedly has appendectomy, tomorrow's meeting with Gemayel postponed.

US and Other Countries: Special envoy Rumsfeld arrives on first visit to Beirut, meets Gemayel; McFarlane warns Syria US will respond to fire at US aircraft over Lebanon, cites Grenada as example of US resolve to protect American lives.

Military Action:

Shelling continues in Beirut's southern suburbs; PSP militia and LAF battle at Souq al-Gharb; Marine positions hit with small arms and artillery fire; shells fall near Jounieh port, north of Beirut; British MNF patrol fired on in Beirut; US jets buzz Beirut; Baddawi camp comes under rocket and artillery fire as heavy fighting continues, Arafat forces establish positions in Tripoli, shells land in city; head of IDF-backed militia in Nabatiyeh assassinated, fifth attack on militia leaders in two months.

Casualties:

1 civilian killed, unspecified number wounded in shelling in and around Beirut; 1 Marine, 1 LAF soldier wounded; Beirut airport closed to incoming flights; police estimate at least 200 killed, 300 wounded in past 4 days of fighting around Tripoli; oil storage tanks hit again by rocket fire, severe fuel shortage in Beirut, Tripoli; IDF permits limited pedestrian and vehicle traffic across Awali bridges, tension high as thousands of stranded persons wait to cross.

Political Responses:

Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet approves $2 b. budget cut, new austerity measures, including higher costs for education, health care, economists predict recession, rise in unemployment from current 4%o to 7%o; rallies, strikes, and official expressions of support for Arafat in East Jerusalem, West Bank towns and refugee camps, 1 boy wounded by IDF fire at Dheisheh; IDF announces test mobilization of forces, says it is routine and not meant as threat to Syria.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Resumption of Geneva talks among factional leaders postponed until at least November 20.

Arab Governments: Saudi envoy travels to Damascus to intervene with Assad over Tripoli fighting; Jordan declares support for Arafat; Syrian army, including reservists, mobilized.

Military Action:

Heavy artillery, rocket and mortar exchanges continue overnight and throughout the day between LAF, PSP and Amal militias; bazookas, light arms fired at IDF HQ in Sidon, IDF position near Zahrani river; IDF closes Awali bridges for third consecutive day; Marines close off section of Corniche near British embassy in Beirut; at Tripoli, anti-Arafat forces move toward Baddawi camp, pro-Arafat forces attack positions on Mount Torbol.

Casualties:

3 LAF soldiers, 2 civilians killed, 1 LAF soldier injured; 1 IDF soldier wounded near Sidon; 20 killed, 100 wounded in Tripoli; 12 of 35 fuel storage tanks near Baddawi camp burning.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Government says Syria must have known about and given tacit support to Friday's bombing of Tyre IDF HQ.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Head of Islamic Unification Movement in Tripoli says his militia will fight with Arafat; Fateh Central Committee meets in Tunis, expels 10 rebel leaders.

Arab Governments: King Fahd, President Mubarak call on Assad to halt fighting in Tripoli; Egypt denies it is supplying arms to Arafat.

US and Other Countries: Eagleburger leaves Israel after week of meetings, Shamir and Arens to visit US later this month.

Military Action:

Heavy fighting in Burj al-Barajneh tapers off in afternoon; LAF resists attack on Souq al-Gharb; shelling resumes in Chouf during evening; shells fall on East Beirut suburbs; US battleship New Jersey, equipped with 16-inch guns capable of firing 2700 pound shells a distance of 22 miles, arrives, bringing number of Sixth Fleet vessels off Beirut to 14.

Casualties:

2 civilians killed, 3 wounded in Beirut shelling; 3 US Marines wounded.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Bomb explodes in central Nablus, 3 Palestinian civilians, IDF soldiers wounded.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Following 3 weks of negotiations, Lebanese and Syrian governments announce that all parties to fighting in Lebanon have agreed to Saudi-American proposals for (1) cease-fire as of Monday morning supervised by neutral observers and implemented by committee drawn from LAF, Amal militia, LF and National Salvation Front, (2) national reconciliation talks between leaders of main religious and political factions, with Syrian and Saudi observers; 1000-1500 PLO loyalists, forced out of Beqaa, held under siege by Syrian forces in Jbab el-Homor Valley, ordered to hand over weapons.

Military Action:

US Marines, Army officers make first reported visit to LAF positions at Souq al-Gharb, gather intelligence, consult on target coordinates; LAF adds 2 battalions to 4 already at Souq al-Gharb, US ships fire 40+ rounds at anti-government artillery and rocket batteries east of Yarze; SAM-5 reportedly fired at US Navy F-14 on reconnaissance flight over Beirut, no damage; Amal militia continues attack on LAF units south of Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF reportedly will intervene in Lebanon fighting if PLO seeks to gain foothold south of Damour River line.

US and Other Countries: Reagan administration and Congressional leaders of both parties agree on compromise formula to authorize Marines to remain in Lebanon for further 18 months under War Powers Act, no change in number, role or deployment; US names new ambassadors to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia; Italy positions warplanes at British base on Cyprus to support its MNF contingent; British naval task force begins assembling in eastern Mediterranean.

Military Action:

2 US warships engage in first direct military support of LAF, bombard PSP positions near Souq al-Gharb with 350+ rounds of 5-inch shells (heaviest naval bombardment since Vietnam war) after militiamen penetrate Souq al-Gharb defenses, capture 3 strategic hilltops; PSP says it downed Lebanese Air Force fighter-bomber; air Force attacks, damages anti-aircraft batteries near Batroun, north of Beirut; artillery barrages hit East Beirut; 24 hour curfew imposed in Beirut's southern suburbs; bomb damages IDF convoy near Nabatieh.

Casualties:

Heavy but unspecified casual- ties reported on both sides of Souq al- Gharb battle, including casualties from naval bombardment; 5 IDF soldiers wounded near Nabatieh.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Druze citizens of Israel demonstrate outside US Embassy in Tel Aviv to protest US military support for LAF.

US and Other Countries: US officials say use of naval gunfire at Souq al-Gharb (when no direct threat to US personnel existed), is necessary because successfui LAF defense of the area is vital to safety of US personnel, and loss of the position could undermine stability of Gemayel government; French Foreign Minister says US shelling is not best way to solve Lebanese crisis.

Military Action:

Relatively light exchanges of artillery and machine gun fire between LAF units and PSP militia at Souq al-Gharb and Khaldeh; IDF position 8 mi. east of Tyre attacked with bazookas; Lebanese Air Force planes overfly PSP positions in Chouf; Israeli jets fly reconnaissance mission over Beirut.

Casualties:

2 French soldiers wounded by hand-grenade thrown by passing motorcyclists, total French casualties are 15 killed, 42 wounded in past year; 1 IDF soldier killed, 7 wounded near Tyre.

Political Responses:

Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Begin submits formal resignation as prime minister.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire discussions, mediated by McFarlane and Prince Bandar, continue in Damascus, Beirut and Cyprus.

US and Other Countries: Senate Democrats introduce resolution requiring Reagan to acknowledge that US troops are engaged in hostilities, thereby invoking need for Congressional approval under War Powers Act to keep Marines in Lebanon longer than 60-90 days.

Military Action:

IDF completes overnight withdrawal; heavy artillery, machine-gun battles between LF [Lebanese Forces-Phalange militia] and PSP militia as each moves to occupy former IDF positions; LAF dislodges PSP forces at Kf. r Matta and Khaldeh, fires artillery at PJP positions in Chouf; Israeli jets strafe column of Syrian tanks, reportedly under PSP control, attacking LF positions near Sofar, several tanks destroyed; LF encircles PSP stronghold at Aley, PSP militia encircles Bhamdoun.

Casualties:

34 killed, 25-71 wounded in Beirut and Chouf; car bomb in Shi'ite neighborhood of Haret Hreik kills 11, injures dozens.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens warns Syria against entering areas evacuated by IDF; Mustafa Dudeen, chairman of West Bank Villages Leagues, resigns.

Military Action:

6 hours of shelling in Chouf spill over into Beirut suburbs, IDF fires at Druze positions, cease-fire in effect at 0800; Lebanese Forces blockade Aley, Druze forces in Hammana surround Lebanese Army barracks; roads cut between Christian and Druze villages in Chouf; 2 Katyushas fired at IDF position north of Tyre.

Casualties:

6 killed, at least 21 wounded in Beirut suburbs; IDF kills 1 guerrilla north of Tyre; Israeli press reports IDF is losing control over Ansar, tanks and artillery needed to guard soldiers entering camp for daily head count.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Liberian President Doe begins 4-day visit to Israel, first by African head of state since 1972; Arens meets three West Bank and Gaza political leaders in Tel Aviv.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PFLP-GC commandos supporting Arafat take over training post at Bedawi refugee camp in northern Lebanon after battle with opposing PFLP-GC faction.

Military Action:

Druze forces attack Beirut airport, Lebanese Army positions, with rockets and artillery; remote-controlled bomb explodes near IDF patrol in Aley.

Casualties:

22 killed, 65 wounded, including 3 US military personnel, in Beirut shelling; cumulative statistics on Chouf fighting in past year show more than 420 killed, 600 wounded, 700 kidnapped or detained; 11 IDF soldiers wounded in Aley explosion.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 2 IDF reservists court martialled for refusing to serve in Lebanon, total now 72.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Executive Committee begins 2 days of meetings in Tunis.

US and Other Countries: Reagan meets Gemayel, says US is committed to full withdrawal of all foreign forces; Deputy National Security Affairs Adviser Robert McFarlane replaces Habib as special envoy to Middle East, Draper also replaced

Military Action:

Druze residents of Aley resist Lebanese Army patrol on reconnaissance mission.

Casualties:

2 Druze killed by army vehicle, 4 Druze, 14 Lebanese soldiers wounded in Aley; 3 shops selling Israeli produce blown up in Nabatieh; IDF wounds civilian curfew breaker; US Marines report incidents of harassment during patrols of Shi'ite neighborhoods; Ansar prisoners begin hunger strike.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Labor Party leadership endorses proposal for 2-stage IDF withdrawal, an immediate pullback from Beirut and Chouf mountains, followed by complete withdrawal in 2-3 months, with Haddad and MNF forces occupying security strip.

UN: Secretary-General tells Security Council that recruitment and arming of village militias by IDF poses major problem for UNIFIL.

Military Action:

IDF hands over checkpoint at Monteverde, east of Beirut, to Lebanese Army; anti-aircraft missile fired at IDF transport plane preparing for takeoff near Damour.

Casualties:

IDF disperses women demonstrating near Sidon for release of detainees at Ansar.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Soldiers and police fire bullets, tear gas, to break up demonstration near Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque, 40 arrested; Arens says cycle of violence on West Bank is initiated generally by some elements of the Arab population, refuses requests from 40 leading West Bank and Gaza Palestinians for permission to travel to Tunis to convey support for Arafat; Shlomo Argov, Israeli ambassador to UK whose attempted assassination in 1982 was pretext for invasion, says the war was unjustified.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh rebels refuse Arafat's offer to withdraw PLO loyalist forces from Beqaa to Tripoli; Arafat says crisis in PLO serves Israel, has reduced attacks against IDF from one or two a day to 2 or 3 in past 15 days.

US and Other Countries: Shultz reports to Reagan on Middle East tour.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army increases security in Beirut, controlling access to American University campus and hospital; French, British, Italian and other embassies under heavy military guard; Lebanese Army raids PLO Research Center in Beirut, reportedly confiscates weapons and explosives.

Casualties:

Bodies of 16 Americans killed in embassy explosion, accompanied by official delegation, flown out of Beirut under heavy security; Lebanese member of Saiqa charged by military prosecutor with March 16 grenade attack on US Marines.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Palestinian flags raised in place of Israeli flags in Galilee villages of Tamra, Sakhnin and Arraba; IDF detains 39 students from al-Najah University on charges of incitement as they prepare to carry out volunteer work in Hebron area village, 11 women students released.

Arab Governments: President Mubarak says Egypt supports 1974 Rabat agreement that PLO is sole representative of the Palestinian people, urges Palestinians to create linkage with King Hussein so that Americans can start working for peaceful settlement.

Military Action:

Syrians and Israelis exchange tank and mortar fire east of Beirut for first time in 4 months; gun battles in Tripoli between rival militias; Beirut offices of Arab Deterrent Force closed, premises handed over to Lebanese Army.

Casualties:

Lebanese doctor shot and killed at roadblock by Fiji UNIFIL soldier in South Lebanon; 3 killed, including Syrian soldier, 6 wounded in Tripoli.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Land Day demonstrations in Israel, West Bank, Gaza, 3,000 extra police on duty; 10-20,000 make Land Day march from Sakhnin to Deir Hanna; tear gas fired at demonstrators in Sakhnin; Peace Now demonstrates outside government exhibition in Tel Aviv of residential construction and housing finance opportunities for Jews on the West Bank; Labor Party chairman Peres says position of Haddad forces must not be infringed by troop withdrawal agreement, Israel should not submit to any preconditions, such as settlement freeze, prior to peace talks with Hussein; Habib meets Arens and Shamir who reject notion that Lebanese Army, without Haddad, can provide effective security on northern border; 7 year-old boy killed, 2 children wounded in Shefar Am when hand grenade they find explodes; commercial strike in East Jerusalem; IDF shoots, kills 18 year-old in Tarqumiya, near Hebron, during demonstration; curfews imposed in Nablus, 4 refugee camps; 2 molotov cocktails thrown at IDF vehicles in West Bank; 2 molotov cocktails thrown at IDF vehicles in West Bank; 2 grenades thrown at IDF vehicles in Gaza; 13 persons injured by stones; Al-Fajr editor-in-chief arrested; director of West Bank public health services says clinical symptoms of 53 girls from Arraba, taken ill on March 21, point to something more than a case of mass hysteria.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, in Damascus, tells rally he rejects Reagan plan, and Fez summit resolutions are only basis for solution to Palestine problem.

US and Other Countries: Soviet Union accuses Israel of planning a piratic strike against Syria, warns it would be playing with fire.

Military Action:

IDF patrol attacked southeast of Beirut, Lebanese National Resistance Front reportedly responsible; 2 grenades thrown at French MNF position in Beirut; Israeli jets break sound barrier over Beirut, fly mock bombing runs in South Lebanon.

Casualties:

1 IDF wounded; IDF reportedly investigating deaths of 7 men whose bodies were found in Israeli detention center in Sidon soon after invasion; IDF arrests sheikh of Jibsheet, Shiite village in South Lebanon, on suspicion of aiding terrorist activity; prisoner in Ansar camp murdered by other prisoners; Committee of Prisoners' Families reports more than 200 Palestinian women arrested or kidnapped by Phalange in Beirut area between October and February.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Science and Development Minister Ne'eman says he will demand extension of Israeli law to West Bank and Gaza and massive Jewish settlement; IDF and Defense Ministry reply to US Marine Commandant's charges, accuse US of failing to honor agreement to delineate military patrol zones in Beirut; Arens tells Weinberger that IDF under strict instructions to avoid incidents with US Marines, proposes agreement on demarcation lines, liaison arrangements between forces.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Army Commander Tannous says non-Lebanese parties are masterminding and staging attacks on MNF to drive it out of Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Arab League delegation, led by King Hussein, with Walid Khalidi representing Palestinians, meets PM Thatcher in London, who reaffirms commitment to self-determination for the Palestinian people.

US and Other Countries: Former President Carter meets President Gemayel in Beirut, calls for immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, says he hopes Israeli occupation of West Bank will not be repeated in Lebanon.

UN: UN officials say France has expressed concern over August Question of Palestine conference to be held at Paris UNESCO HQ will not take part in preparations or send delegation.

Military Action:

Grenade thrown at US Marine patrol in Beirut; IDF fires on women and youths demonstrating in Sidon against detention of 5,500 Palestinians and Lebanese at Ansar camp.

Casualties:

5 Marines injured; 2 IDF officers killed when vehicle hits mine east of Beirut, bringing total Israelis killed in Lebanon since June 6 to 461; 4 women injured, 4 detained on charges of inciting to riot during Sidon protest; IDF reserve officer detained by Lebanese Army in Beirut, released after IDF liaison office intervenes.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Deputy Speaker of Knesset tells Foreign Affairs committee Israel had the means in 1967 to make sure that 2-300,000 Palestinians would move to Jordan as was done in 1948, but made a calamitous mistake; two reserve paratroopers jailed for 35 days for conscientious objection to service in Lebanon, brings total soldiers jailed since September to 29; 5 youths arrested by Galilee police on suspicion of raising Palestinian flag and blocking road to new settlement of Harrarit.

Arab Governments: Jordanian information minister says time is not ripe forJordan to join Middle East peace negotiations; Egyptian-Israeli trade talks adjourn after third round.

US and Other Countries: Reagan meets Foreign Minister Salem and special envoy Saeb Salam, says he is determined to end foreign military presence in Lebanon; Soviet Ambassador to Lebanon says Soviet Union would intervene if war occurs between Israel and Syria.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army takes over Beirut Pier 5 from Phalange, estimated to have generated $250-$500m. a year in import duties since 1980; registration for compulsory military service begins, Lebanese Army expects 25,000 men to register.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Defense Minister Arens orders evacuation of Kach's El Nakam settlement near Hebron; police arrest 2 Kiryat Arba residents (in addition to 3 Americans) in connection with shootings in Hebron area; Arens tells Council of Jewish Settlements he favors expanding settlements in West Bank within the law, emphasizes that industrial enterprises there should be staffed only by Jews; settlers present Arens with list of demands for their security; Committee Against the War in Lebanon asks High Court to intervene over police refusal to grant march permit; government defeats 4 motions in Knesset critical of Sharon's appointment to 2 cabinet committees; Newsweek says secret annex to Kahan Commission Report contains evidence that IDF, alerted by Mossad, had prevented Phalange attack on Mieh Mieh camp prior to Sabra and Shatila massacre; Nazareth Mayor Tewfik Zayyad calls on government to include Arab villages in the Project Renewal scheme; bus passenger injured by stone near Dahariya camp; Jewish settlers demonstrate on road opposite Dheisheh camp; settlers enter Kalandia refugee camp, threaten to evict residents unless stone-throwing stops; curfews imposed on Nablus market, Jalazon camp, and on Aida camp in Bethlehem after fire bomb attack on border police patrol; Village League office in Hebron stoned by students at Hussein school; bomb found in Hebron elementary school.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat addresses Non-Aligned summit in New Delhi, calls for committee to work for Palestinian rights; Issam Sartawi, in London Times interview, says PLO should give priority to winning recognition from Western governments, especially US, should amend National Charter to conform to PNC resolutions, and should accept Reagan plan as basis for negotiation.

Arab Governments: Iraqi Embassy in London denies Guardian report that organizer of the attack on Israeli Ambassador Argov was an Iraqi intelligence officer; President Mubarak and King Hussein hold talks during Non-Aligned summit in New Delhi.

Military Action:

Lebanese army turns back IDF patrols attempting to enter West Beirut; IDF officers meet Druze and Christian leaders in the Chouf.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF announces that direct cost of Lebanon war will total $1.35 billion by end of March 1983; President Navon announces he will leave office at end of term in May; two Druze residents of Golan Heights sentenced in Israeli court to one year in jail for crossing into Syria without permit; relatives of Palestinian prisoners held in Nafha prison hold press conference in EastJerusalem to explain basis of current hunger strike.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese delegate to negotiations rejects Sharon's insistence on 'anti-terrorist' surveillance stations in South Lebanon.

Arab Governments: King Hussein reportedly favors direct talks with Israel on future of West Bank.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir denies press reports that Israel will let US troops man surveillance stations in South Lebanon, saying Israeli crews will cooperate with the Lebanese Army, keeping a temporary presence until a peace treaty is signed, or for a defined number of years; Shamir continues discussions with Habib, with members of IDF participating; Sharon visits Zaire's Shaba province to inspect 12,000-man Kamanyola brigade; High Court issues order nisi to Attorney General Yitzhak Zamir to show why he does not prosecute Matti Peled for treason for holding press conference with PLO in July; Zamir replies he will not prosecute for there are no grounds to show that Peled intended to aid the PLO; military tribunal in courtmartial of Major David Mopaz presented documents showing that West Bank Commander Col. Yaacov Hartabi and Chief of Staff Eitan ordered harassment and harsh treatment of Palestinians, including punitive action against parents, heads of villages, collective punishment; Histadrut delegation ends visit to Scotland and England, finds British trade unionists hostile to Israel's West Bank policy; Civil Administration sets up roadblocks around Birzeit University to check for foreign passports, orders 30 foreign teachers at Birzeit, 4 at Islamic University in Hebron to stop teaching or sign work permit with anti-PLO pledge.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Foreign Minister Elie Salem says future relations with Israel should be governed by 1949 Armistice Agreement, that Lebanon is not willing to sign peace treaty and have normal relations with Israel, that Syria and the PLO have given assurances that they will withdraw; Lebanese Forces (Phalange) expanding its presence in South Lebanon, now has standing militia of 6,000 with 15,000 reservists and $189 million annual budget from taxes through illegal ports, reported to have bought $15 million worth of captured Palestinian arms from Israel, including 50 tanks, APCs, howitzers, 130mm and 155mm artillery.

US and Other Countries: Weinberger and Italian Defense Minister Lelio Lagorio meet in Washington, agree to maintain peacekeeping force in Beirut as long as necessary and in accordance with the desire of the Lebanese Government; Arthur Goldberg says he personally will assure provision of necessary $100,000 for 2 years to continue American Jewish Commission of the Holocaust, disbanded on Jan. 3; Zaire President Mobutu announces Israeli military advisers will undertake a 5 year plan to restructure Zaire's armed forces; USSR paper lzvestia responds to State Department comment on SA-5s, saying US has sham concern for peace, only wants Israeli military superiority.

Military Action:

IDF bus in Kfar Sil ambushed by Lebanese National Resistance using rocket propelled grenades and machine guns, IDF returns fire into groves alongside road; artillery, rocket and hand-to-hand fighting in Tripoli.

Casualties:

21 IDF wounded in ambush, bringing total IDF casualties in 3 weeks to 25 wounded, 6 dead, and since Sept. 1, total IDF casualties are 104 killed, 203 wounded; one attacker killed by IDF; 19 killed in Tripoli fighting.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: MK Charlie Biton, at lunch hosted by PLO in New York, calls for Palestinian state on the West Bank, urges US to negotiate directly with the PLO, Israel to cut military spending; Bedouin whose herds were seized in December win order nisi from Israeli High Court calling for Defense Ministry, Chief of Staff and Nature Reserves Authority (Green Patrol) to give reason within 10 days why the herds should not be returned; Palestinian union activists, journalists, writers and poets from Nablus, Tulkarm and Hebron arrested and detained by military authorities now number over 300 in Fara'a prison.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat in Kuwait calls on Arab states to exert economic pressure on US, then goes to Damascus for celebration of 18th anniversary of Fateh; Lebanese and Palestinian women from Bourj al-Barajneh protest detention of relatives; 3-week training by US Marines of Lebanese Army air assault battalion completed with display of heliborne hit and run attacks; $10 million worth of US military equipment, including 24 APCs, trucks and spare parts, for Lebanese Army arrives at Beirut port.

Arab Governments: Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tarik Aziz says Iraq is encouraging the PLO to negotiate with Jordan, and does not oppose peace negotiations between Israel, the PLO and Arab partners.

US and Other Countries: US expresses official concern to USSR over construction of SA-5 missile sites in Syria, as USSR Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin is called to the State Department to meet with Undersecretary for Political Affairs Lawrence Eagleburger; Senator Paul Tsongas (D-MA) meets with Begin, then Hussein, tells reporters if Syria is obstacle to peace and troop withdrawal from Lebanon, this obstacle must be removed, and that Begin told him he accepts Hussein in the peace process but will never freeze settlements

Military Action:

IDF vehicle ambushed near Kfar Sil; shelling between Aitat and Souk el-Gharb in morning, sniping during afternoon between Druze and Phalange forces, which IDF makes no attempt to stop; rocket, artillery and rifle exchanges in Tripoli between pro and anti-Syrian forces.

Casualties:

2 IDF wounded in ambush; 30 killed in Tripoli; heavy rains cause flooding in Beirut refugee camps.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Some Negev Bedouin from Tel Malhata remain past December 31 deadline for evacuation from their land due to proposed new air force base of Nevatim; restriction order on Ibrahim Dakkak, chair of the West Bank Engineer's Association, renewed for third 6 month period; year-old restriction order on Abed Abu Diab of the Jerusalem Electric Company, renewed another year; art exhibit opens in west Jerusalem, featuring prominent Palestinian and progressive Israeli artists.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: 18th anniversary of Fateh celebrated in Algiers; Palestinian women and children place wreaths on graves in cemetery in Beirut and march through camp; Lebanese Army harasses journalists trying to cover march; Walid Jumblatt and Nabih Berri demand disarming of Phalange.

US and Other Countries: Cardinal Terence Cooke celebrates mass with US Marines in Beirut.

Military Action:

Five minute clash between Lebanese Army and IDF convoy.

Casualties:

2 Lebanese soldiers killed, 1 IDF soldier wounded in clash.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Number of Jewish settlers on West Bank to double to 50,000 in next 3 months as housing units completed.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PFLP leader Habash comes out against Arafat strategy; President Gemayel meets Egyptian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Butros Ghali and presidential advisor Osama el-Baz in Beirut (first official visit since diplomatic relations were broken in March 1979), message from Mubarak expresses Egyptian willingness to press US and EEC to press Israel for speedy withdrawal from Lebanon, praises Lebanese refusal to hold talks in Jerusalem; Egyptian charge d'affaires and Egyptian newspapers return to Beirut for first time in three years.

US and Other Countries: Nicaragua concerned over proposed Israeli arms sales to Honduras; State Department says Israeli- Lebanese clash underscores urgency of troop withdrawal; Habib and Draper brief White House staff; AFL-CIO leader Lane Kirkland pledges continuing US labor support for Israel.

Military Action:

100 Lebanese Army soldiers, with army insignia removed from uniforms, return in trucks and seize drugs valued at $250,000, including all antibiotics, from Gaza Hospital; Italian reporter is threatened with violence unless film turned over to participating soldier; hospital director accuses Army of trying to drive Palestinians out of Lebanon; French troops look on, do nothing; landmine explosion under IDF APC near Bhamdoun, journalists on route to scene fired on by Phalange.

Casualties:

3 IDF, 1 journalist wounded near Bhamdoun.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Cabinet drops demand for Lebanon talks to be held at ministerial level, but still insist delegations be headed by civilians, meetings held in Jerusalem and Beirut, negotiations include political issues; Danish Foreign Minister Jensen, speaking for EEC at end of 1-day visit to Israel, criticizes Israel as inflexible for not accepting Reagan proposals and for continuing West Bank settlements; Sharon appoints Shlomo Illia head of West Bank Civil Administration; Civil Administration says clergy will not have to sign revised work permit with anti-PLO pledge; 3 Israeli Arabs arrested for hoisting Palestinian flag in Arrabeh village in Galilee.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat meets with King Hussein, resumes talks on joint strategy concerning occupied territories; Hussein, in gesture of reconciliation, opens first meeting of PLO Higher Council for Education since relocating to Jordan from Beirut; Phalange chief Fady Frem, in talk on 46th anniversary of Phalange Party, calls for peace with Israel.

Arab Governments: Habib arrives in Cairo, confers with Foreign Minister Hassan Ali on proposals for troop withdrawal from Lebanon; Arab League delegation cancels London trip to protest British refusal to receive PLO representative.

US and Other Countries: Draper meets with key Israeli officials before Cabinet meeting; US Senator Henry Jackson says Israel is only "credible ally" in Mideast.

Military Action:

IDF reportedly spent lS215 m. in past 4 months building new roads linking military installations to Lebanese roads in South Lebanon; US Sixth Fleet soldiers on shore leave in Haifa for first time since June.

Casualties:

Israel reportedly seeking alternative homes for 640 non-Arab detainees it wants to free from Ansar, but whose home countries refuse to admit them.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin, in first public appearance since his wife's death, meets Haig in Tel Aviv; Sharon confers in Israel with US General Starry, urges US to provide arms, IDF training for Lebanese Army; Economics Minister Meridor tells Knesset committee South Lebanon, refugee camps will be back to preinvasion conditions in one month, says UNRWA will give each displaced refugee family $450; Tehiya MK protests resettlement of refugees so near border; Haaretz publishes poll showing Likud support down to 30 percent from 41.5 percent before Beirut massacre, but Labor Party support rises only marginally; Jaffa Arabs protest new housing plan and relocation; Sulha (peace-making meeting) held between Nablus Chamber of Commerce and Elon Moreh settlers; Colonel Yigal Karmon meets with heads of three West Bank universities to clarify wording of new work permit for foreign lecturers (several West Bank lecturers dismiss change as "cosmetic"; Israeli official indicates those deported may return to teaching after signing new work permits); Karmon directive to pressure "extremist mayors" and neutralize pro-Jordanian West Bank Palestinians published in greater detail (dated October 29, it contains notes from October 24 conference and is signed by Ravi Avisar).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: West Bank Mayors Mohammed Milhem and Fahd Qawasme meet with Shultz in Washington, reportedly float two proposals for negotiations-one would have joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation with Palestinians not directly identified with PLO but authorized by them to negotiate, other would have same forces within broader Arab delegation; Lebanese foreign ministry asserts Iranian revolutionary guards involved in yesterday's attack on Baalbek city hall, as Foreign Minister Elie Salem meets Iranian ambassador to protest.

Arab Governments: Syria criticizes US role as Habib arrives for talks on troop withdrawals from Lebanon; Egyptian Foreign Minister Hassan Ali and Israeli Ambassador Sasson meet on bilateral issues, including Taba; on eve of Mitterrand's visit Mubarak says France and Egypt will give Reagan plan precedence over their own initiatives; reports that Egypt extradited 5 Palestinian students to Israel in early November after alleging their involvement in Sadat's assassination.

US and Other Countries: US official says Shultz needs more information on new work permit requirements to ensure that his concerns have been resolved; over 400 academics from 20 colleges and universities nation-wide sign petition to Congress to suspend military and economic aid to Israel; French President Mitterrand, in interview, says Palestinians should have their own state; EEC sends Danish envoy to Israel to seek halt to settlements.

UN: Arab governments fail to unseat Israel at special UNESCO session in Paris.

Military Action:

Bazooka rocket fired at IDF positions near Yanta in Bekaa; new clashes between Phalange and Jumblatt forces in Chouf; IDF imposes curfew; Phalangists, Muslims, Lebanese Army charge IDF with fomenting trouble to perpetuate its presence in area; State Department and US Marine contingent spokesman announce US infantrymen in four-man jeep patrols to enter East Beirut tomorrow at request of Gemayel, Lebanese Forces indicate they will acquiesce.

Casualties:

One IDF soldier wounded in crossfire and 10 Lebanese killed, 18 wounded in Chouf region; first tents erected for refugees at Ain el-Hilweh camp near Sidon; Lebanese farmers, merchants and members of Parliament complain of Israeli economic warfare charge Israel is "dumping" over $1 million/month of cheap fruits, vegetables, textiles and canned goods on Lebanese market, avoiding customs and possibly isolating Lebanon from traditional Arab markets.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir meets Draper, rejects participation in peacekeeping forces by Morocco and other countries that do not have relations with Israel, but would welcome Egyptian soldiers; West Bank Palestinians protest 65th anniversary of Balfour Declaration with rock throwing, tire burning, waving Palestinian flag; Israeli troops fire tear gas in Nablus, erect barricades in Rafah; two refugee camps under curfew suffer water and food shortages; Israeli envoy, speaking at Houston B'nai Brith meeting, claims 7,000 PLO guerrillas who were evacuated from Beirut have returned to Lebanon; public opinion poll indicates Likud gains, Labor loses popularity.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel returns from Morocco; Prime Minister Wazzan asks Parliament for emergency powers for 8 months to revise tax laws, increase treasury resources, reform civil service, citizenship and parliamentary election laws and links requested vote of confidence to approval of emergency powers; Wazzan again criticizes Israel for continued occupation of South Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Mubarak says he is willing to meet Begin anywhere to discuss disputes between their two countries, indicates Egypt has offered to buy disputed Taba hotel.

US and Other Countries: US announces military training teams, including 60 officers, will serve in Lebanon on temporary basis, and a small "security assistance office," staffed out of US European Command, will oversee upgrading of Lebanese forces; Pentagon officials estimate $135 million is available to Lebanon in cash and credits, and aid package includes 24 APCs and 12 155-mm artillery guns; State Department says no Moroccan troops would be added to peace-keeping force at least until after agreement on withdrawal of foreign forces.

Military Action:

Syrians fire two anti-aircraft missiles at IAF jets overflying Bekaa, both miss, Israeli military command accuses Syria of cease-fire violations; plans to deploy 1,800 Lebanese Army soldiers in East Beirut delayed by tensions in Chouf area; new fighting flares before IDF reimposes curfew; fighting in Aley erupts day after Druze militiamen ambush Lebanese Army soldiers; artillery battles break out after gunmen fire on car in village of Kaifoun; gunbattles continue in village of Souk el-Gharb; IDF jeep comes under fire in village of Bchamoun; explosion in West Beirut flat kills 2, wounds 8; Sidon placed under tight IDF control following 2 attacks on IDF soldiers in past week, allegedly by newly-formed Lebanese National Patriotic Front.

Casualties:

One Lebanese Army soldier killed, 3 wounded in ambush; some Palestinians released from Answar have been rearrested in past few days; 6 Israeli soldiers captured by PLO are interviewed by ICRC team in camp near Barr Elias in eastern Bekaa.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir warns that Syrian missile attacks may delay withdrawal of foreign forces; Meridor says Israel willing to make political commitment to welfare of Palestinian refugees in upcoming negotiations with Lebanese, will seek guarantee that Lebanese will not tear down houses built by refugees who lost their homes in the fighting; Mapam leader Shemtov says PLO willingness to dialogue with Israel should not be ignored; Israeli Cabinet says Israel will agree to negotiate Taba issue only if Egypt resumes talks on all outstanding issues between two countries and ends diplomatic freeze; Israeli Ambassador to US Moshe Arens proposes 6-month moratorium on new settlements, but Begin rejects request and Arens is heavily criticized in Jerusalem; Drori testifies that he did not know of hundreds of civilian deaths until Saturday afternoon, yet feared mass civilian killings by Phalange, may have been told of Eitan decision to let Phalange enter camps only at time Phalange learned of it, and says Phalange asked IDF for tractors, were given one with IDF markings removed.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Information Minister Roger Shikhani warns press of need for "wisdom" in deciding what they print to avoid imposition of censorship; Lebanese Cabinet endorses plan to use existing military liaison committee for future talks, expanded to include at least one civilian legal expert and US representatives; PLO's Abu Jihad says PLO will not withdraw until IDF does first and Lebanese Government signs written guarantee of safety of civilians, says US guarantee no longer reliable after massacre, PLO uninterested in Draper negotiations and will deal with Lebanese separately, would like to retain PLO military presence in Lebanon, perhaps through Lebanese PLA unit; PLO official Khalid al-Hassan, in New York, says establishment of Palestinian state a prerequisite to PLO acceptance of US peace plan.

Arab Governments: Egypt asks Israel to delay opening of luxury hotel at Taba.

Military Action:

IDF starts destroying PLO tunnels used to cache arms in South Lebanon; 3 Irish UNIFIL soldiers killed in South Lebanon.

Casualties:

UNRWA again fails to erect tents at Ain el-Hilweh as refugees resist; UNRWA asks IDF to protect its staff; Lebanese Ministry of Education again postpones opening of schools as many Palestinian and Lebanese refugees still housed in school buildings with nowhere else to go; Israeli officials say Palestinians in South Lebanon can be treated in Israel, but Lebanese will have to go to Beirut except for dialysis treatment.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Chief of Israel's General Security Services testifies secretly before Commission of Inquiry; Knesset moves to abolish film and theater censorship in wake of uproar caused by attempt to ban satirical play; West Bank disturbances grow following yesterday's fatal shooting-Ramallah students leave 4 high schools, stone Israeli vehicles, youth from Deheisha refugee camp stone Israeli vehicles, wounding one Israeli; El Al workers close Ben Gurion in labor dispute; Begin says Gemayel has not completely ruled out peace pact with Israel despite recent negative comments on client state, also reasserts Israeli desire for security zone in southern Lebanon, integration of Haddad forces into Lebanese security forces; IDF officer asserts Egyptian army in Sinai poses military threat to Israel; former Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Meron Benvenisti, at American Enterprise Institute in Washington DC, estimates 50-60 percent of West Bank is already in Jewish hands or available for Jewish settlement under various laws, and says territorial concessions for peace settlement will be impossible after 36 months.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat reportedly ready to accept a future Palestinian-Jordanian federation following establishment of an independent Palestinian state; Lebanese officials say US premature in reporting Lebanon had agreed to direct diplomatic talks with Israel, Wazzan reaffirms Lebanese desire for IDF troop withdrawal, says Lebanon may add civilians to joint Israeli-Lebanese military committee.

Arab Governments: Egyptian government-controlled press attacks Israel as "fascist" after Sharon's testimony in Jerusalem.

US and Other Countries: US, planning to re build Lebanese armed forces, will send artillery, 75 APCs, 25 155-mm howitzers, communications gear, M60 tanks and will station US Military Advisor Group in Beirut to coordinate rearmament effort; US- Lebanese planning group being established to assess Lebanese military needs and plan procurement well into future; Marine Corps planners assessing requirments for enlarging Marine presence in Lebanon to 5-8,000; US examining whether US law violated when UN-run trade school used for military training by PLO, holds up $15 million UN contribution; Zaire resumes full military cooperation with Israel and welcomes Israeli military delegation.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army continues searches in West Beirut for arms caches, patrols Kfar Matta and seeks to expand into other areas of Chouf once IDF has withdrawn; assassination attempt against Abu Jihad in eastern Bekaa fails.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Protests break out in Nablus and Ramallah as students mark 40th day since Beirut massacre, barricades erected, stones thrown at Israeli vehicles, partial commercial and school strike in East Jerusalem; in Nazareth, 2,000 Muslims and Druze attend memorial organized by People's Committee Against the War in Lebanon and People's Committee for Israeli-Palestinian Peace; Israeli government rejects Israeli Palestinians' proposal to finance construction of 500 flats for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon; tourism slump severe since invasion.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat sends letter to Gemayel saying PLO will not be barrier to withdrawal of all foreign troops from Lebanon; Gemayel briefs cabinet on 5-day tour, says Lebanon will seek partial pullback by foreign troops as opening gesture aimed at total withdrawal; Fady Frem, commander of Phalange militia, says Phalange massacre inquiry results turned over to Lebanese Government investigator Geagea, denies Phalange commanders conferred with IDF on mopping up operations in West Beirut, says Habib Chartouni, a Christian from southeast of Beirut, is being held in conjunction with Bashir Gemayel's death.

Arab Governments: King Hassan, at news conference, says recognition of Israel depends on its withdrawing from all territory occupied since 1967 war; Egypt and Italy issue joint statement saying no peace is possible until Israel withdraws from Lebanon.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army moves into Chouf replacing Israelis; IDF, reluctant to leave, keeps two tanks, squad of soldiers in Kfar Matta; Norwegian UNIFIL units set up post in Haddad militia's area of operation, prompting exchange of gunfire; IDF attacked by bazooka and light weapons east of Doha and at IDF roadblock near Sil, south of Beirut; Syrian radio reports IDF reinforcing armor units in Bekaa, a few miles south of Beirut-Damascus highway.

Casualties:

One IDF soldier wounded by bazooka fire east of Doha; 300 West Beirut residents spontaneously protest rumor of Lebanese Army withdrawal from their neighborhood.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Foreign Minister Shamir returns from 3-week visit to US; Israeli Ambassador Moshe Arens says US approved Israeli weapons, spare parts sales to Iran in attempt to make contacts in Iranian military that could be used to bring down Khomeini government; Israel reportedly agrees to provide arms and counter-insurgency training to Costa Rica; former Mossad head Meir Amit says net results of invasion are negative ("We've encouraged anti-Semitism,... highlighted the Palestinian problem instead of solving it" and by hitting PLO too hard, increased Arab solidarity); IDF mental health unit report indicates high mental illness rate among Israelis fighting in Lebanon (23 percent of total Israeli wounded are suffering psychiatric injuries, double "normal" wartime rate; 78 percent of 600 affected men are reservists).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel returns home, calling trip a success (government announces US has agreed to equip 7,500 of 28,000-man Lebanese Army, France has pledged $86 million in military equipment); Salam, in interview, accuses Sharon of arming Phalange and Druze to promote sectarian tension in Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Arab League delegation headed by Moroccan King Hassan (with Foreign Ministers of Morocco, Syria, Algeria, Jordan, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia) meets with Reagan for 3 hours and later with State Department, stresses only PLO agreement will enable Jordan to play negotiating role for West Bank; US officials refuse to meet with PLO representative Khalid al-Hassan who is accompanying Arab League delegation.

US and Other Countries: Reagan urges Arab League delegation to begin direct negotiation with Israel to achieve Palestinian rights; Shultz tells delegation simultaneous Israeli-PLO recognition" moot as Israel totally rejects idea; Hassan's use of word "coexistence" seen by US officials as implying Arab recognition of Israel; Jewish medical team, back in Britain after visiting 4 refugee camps. in Lebanon, says Palestinians want to be more self-reliant but Israelis are preventing them from rebuilding homes, reorganizing health services.

UN: Britain blocks move to bar Israel from UN-sponsored International Telecommunications Union at Nairobi meeting; Arab states at UN agree to postpone efforts to expel Israel from General Assembly.