The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Min.of Police Bar Lev refuses Jewish terror suspects' request for prison leave over Jewish holidays.

Arab World: In Damascus, Democratic Alliance calls for convening PNC.

Other Countries: US envoy Murphy arrives in Tel Aviv to discuss with PM Peres possible mediation between Israel and Syria over IDF withdrawal from Lebanon. Israeli FM Shamir meets Egyptian FM Abd al-Meguid in New York. US threatens withdrawal from Intl. Atomic Energy Agency if it does not recognize Israel.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF and SLA patrols come under light arms fire near Jezzine and in Tyre, S. Lebanon. 1 IDF soldier & 1 Shin Bet agent killed, 1 soldier wounded in ambush near Mishki village, eastern Beqaa.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Political prisoners in Hebron prison end 11-mo. hunger strike after officials promise improved conditions. Justice Ministry reveals names of 22 Jewish terror suspects; most linked with Gush Emunim. Com. For Prisoners spokesman Meir Indor claims Israeli gov't. approved terror undergound. Shekel devalued by 1.5% against US dollar.

Arab World: Syrian VP meets with Lebanese leaders in Beirut. Other Countries: American Jewish Com., American Jewish Congress & ADL of B'nai B'rith issue joint statement urging US to maintain oil reserves.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Bomb found and defused in Kiryat Gat, Negev, bus station. Arab World: In S. Lebanon IDF kill 3 suspected of planting roadside bomb.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In plea-bargaining scheme, 2 more suspects admit to membership in Jewish terrorist organization.

Other Countries: Reagan admin. warns US will pull out of Universal Postal Union if Arab Postal Union proposal to expel Israel is carried out.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF unit in 2-hr. battle with unidentified forces across Syrian border.

Social/Economic/Political:

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

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

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

Social/Economic/Political:

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

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

Military Action:

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