The Palestine Chronology

In the 3d straight day of clashes sparked by Palestinian marches commemorating al-Nakba--the dispossession of the Palestinians as a result of Israel's creation in 1948--the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wounds 10 Palestinians in Hebron, East Jerusalem. In Amman, 1,500 Jordanian students hold commemorative rally at University of Jordan campus. (NYT, WP, WT 5/17; JT 5/17 in WNC 5/19; PR 5/22)

In Amman, Jordan's King Hussein, PA head Yasir Arafat discuss foundering peace process, latest outbreak of violence. (JTV, RJ 5/16 in WNC 5/19; WP, WT 5/17; al-Bilad 5/20 in WNC 5/21) (see 5/14, 5/15)

In Cairo, Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak discusses peace process with Jordanian FM Jawad al-Anani, who brings Mubarak a message fr. King Hussein. (JTV, MENA, RJ 5/16, al-Quds 5/17 in WNC 5/19)

In Damascus, Jordan, Syria open 2-day talks on exploiting Yarmuk River waters, joint construction of al-Wahda Dam. (al-Ra'i, RJ 5/17 in WNC 5/19; al-Ra'i 5/19 in WNC 5/21)

Labor Chmn. Ehud Barak visits settlements of Ofra, Beit El, where he promises that settlements will "remain forever." (MEI 6/5)

In s. Lebanon, Amal, Hizballah discuss need to coordinate. (VOL 5/16 in WNC 5/19) (see 5/10)

U.S. VP Gore, PM Netanyahu address ceremony in Jerusalem marking Israel's 50th anniversary. Gore also meets with Pres. Weizman, Infrastructures M Sharon. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/30; ITV 4/30 in WNC 5/1; CSM, MM 5/1; al-Ba'th [Damascus] 5/1 in WNC 5/12; JP 5/9)

In Beirut, EU special envoy Moratinos discusses Israel's s. Lebanon withdrawal offer with PM Hariri, Speaker Birri; says that EU supports unconditional implementation of UN Res. 425. (RL 4/30 in WNC 5/1)

In Jordan, a bomb explodes underneath a car parked at al-Quds International Hotel parking in the Rashid neighborhood of Amman, causing extensive damage but no casualties. No one claims responsibility. (MENA 4/30 in WNC 5/1; RJ 5/1 in WNC 5/5; RJ 5/10 in WNC 5/13)

In Elat, Israel's PM Netanyahu, Jordan's King Hussein hold surprise talks on the stalled peace process, bilateral relations. (ITV, JTV 4/16 in WNC 4/17; NYT, WP 4/17; al-Ra'i 4/17 in WNC 4/20; RJ 4/17, JT 4/18; VOA 4/20 in WNC 4/21; JT 4/21 in WNC 4/23; MEI 4/24; SA 4/26 in WNC 5/1)

In Damascus, Lebanese PM Hariri, FM Buwayz, Syrian VP Khaddam, FM Shara` prepare joint position paper on Israel's conditional withdrawal scenario. (RL, SATN 4/17 in WNC 4/20; RL, SA 4/18 in WNC 4/21; MEI 4/24)

Vatican FM Archbishop Jean Louis Tauran rules out visit to Israel by Pope in nr. future, saying it would be "unthinkable . . . because it would be seen to sanction international situations of injustice." (La Repubblica [Rome] 4/17 in WNC 4/20) (see 3/16)

Roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing an SLA mbr. (VOL 4/16 in WNC 4/17)

Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright, special envoy Ross discuss ways of reviving peace process in light of Ross's failed mission, possibility of publicly presenting 13.1% FRD proposal. (MM 4/6)

Lebanon, Syria hold summit in Damascus to draw up plans to counter Israel's moves to promote its conditional s. Lebanon withdrawal offer. (MM 4/6)

Pres. Clinton receives letter fr. 33 House reps., praising their Middle East policy. (WJW 4/2; NYT 4/7; MM 4/8; WJW 4/9; MEI 4/10; WT 4/13; NYT 4/26)

PA concludes that Hamas's Sharif was killed by a rival Hamas faction; says it has detained 30, arrested 5 Hamas suspects in the murder, is looking for a 6th accomplis. Hamas rejects report, saying PA is seeking an excuse to can crack down on the movement as Israel demands prior to an FRD. PM Netanyahu says investigation proves the PA is capable of fighting terrorism. (ITV 4/6 in WNC 4/7; MM 4/6; VIRI 4/6, Corriere della Sera [Milan] 4/7 in WNC 4/8; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/7; MM 4/8; MM, WT 4/15; PR 4/17; CSM 4/21; MEI, PR 4/24; YA 4/26 in WNC 4/30) (see 4/4)

1,000s of Israeli Arabs hold general strike, protest march in the Galilee to denounce government discrimination against Arab citizens. In Um al-Sehali, Israeli police watch, do not interfere as 3 bedouin families rebuild their homes. (MM 4/6; MM, WP 4/7; WT 4/8; MM 4/9; PR 4/17) (see 4/4)

Hrs. after being summoned to appear before the PA General Intelligence Service (GIS), Palestinian Muhammad Anqawi, previously arrested by the PA on suspicion of being a collaborator, is found shot dead in Ramallah. (PR 4/17; JP 4/25)

Russia says it has proposed building a nuclear research reactor in Iran in addition to the atomic energy plant currently under construction. Israel, U.S. protest. (WP 4/7)

Iran-Iraq POW swap ends. (CSM 4/6; WT 4/8; WP 4/20)

Federal judge in Manhattan jails Ismail Elbarasse, a Palestinian American, for refusing to testify before a secret grand jury investigating Hamas fundraising in the U.S. (NYT 4/18) (see 2/23)

Pres. Clinton announces ban on foreign-made assault rifles that closes loophole in a 1994 weapons ban that allowed the continued import of Israeli Uzis, Galils. Israeli Military Industries, which planned to sell 10,000 of the guns in the U.S. over the next 3 to 4 yrs., is considering manufacturing the guns in the U.S. to avoid the restriction. (Globes [Internet], YA 4/7 in WNC 4/8; WJW 4/9)

Roadside bomb detonates nr. the Lebanon-Israel border, killing 1 civilian, injuring 3. 1 IDF soldier is injured, 1 Hizballah mbr. is killed in separate incident nr. the border. (RL 4/6 in WNC 4/7; WJW 4/9)

In Washington, Israel Trade M Sharansky meets with VP Gore, urges him to dissuade the U.S. fr. presenting its own FRD proposal, requests mtg. with Secy. Albright but is refused. (ITV 3/18, MA 3/19 in WNC 3/20; MM 3/19; NYT 3/23; PR 3/27)

In Washington, Netanyahu adviser Arad meets with Asst. Secy. of State Indyk to encourage him to dissuade the U.S. fr. presenting its 13.1% FRD plan. (MM 3/19)

In Beirut, Russian special envoy Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz. (VOL 3/18 in WNC 3/20)

UK FM Cook meets with Syrian pres. Asad in Damascus, Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri in Beirut. (MM 3/18; RL, SANA 3/18, Les Echos [Paris], RL 3/19 in WNC 3/20)

3 Israeli teenagers are detained, 2 American teenagers are questioned regarding an organized infiltration of Pentagon computer system; 100s of other government, corporate, university computers. (ITV 3/18 in WNC 3/20; NYT, WJW, WP 3/19; WP, WT 3/20; WP 3/21; MEI 3/27; JP 3/28)

Palestinian demonstrations continue in Hebron after settlers reenter PA sector, smash car windows. PA police, IDF disperse protesters. From 60 to 100 Palestinians have been injured in West Bank clashes since 3/10. (WP, WT 3/15; ITV 3/16 in WNC 3/17; WT 3/16; MM 3/17) (see 3/13)

In Afula, Israel, a small bomb explodes in a bus station, injuring an Israeli man who was seen moving a box just moments before. (WP, WT 3/15; PR 3/20)

On his way to a 2-day Organization of the Islamic Conference mtg. in Doha, Arafat stops briefly in Cairo to confer with Pres. Mubarak on the peace process. (MENA 3/14 in WNC 3/17)

In Damascus, Iran, Syria discuss upgrading cultural relations, exchanges. (IRNA 3/14 in WNC 2/17) (see 3/13)

Despite ramifications of the failed assassination attempt 9/25, Israeli Infrastructures M Sharon vows that Israel will eventually kill Hamas political leader Mishal. (ITV 3/14 in WNC 3/17; NYT 3/15; MM 3/16; al-Dustur 3/17 in WNC 3/19, 3/20; PR 3/20; NYT 3/25; MEI 3/27; JT 5/3 in WNC 5/6)

Palestinian-IDF clashes spread in West Bank, leaving at least 28 Palestinians injured. PA police break up protests in Bethlehem, Hebron. Nr. Dura, a settler whose car is stoned opens fire on Palestinian demonstrators, seriously injuring 1. (MM 3/12; ITV 3/12 in WNC 3/16; NYT, WP, WT 3/13; MEI 3/27)

In Damascus, Syria, EU hold talks on expanding trade relations, technical cooperation. (SANA 3/12 in WNC 3/13)

A Palestinian is stabbed, wounded by unidentified assailant in West Jerusalem. He is the 3d Palestinian to be stabbed in West Jerusalem in 3 wks. (ITV 3/12 in WNC 3/12; PR 3/20)

Israeli Justice Min. allows nuclear whistle-blower Mordechai Vanunu out of solitary confinement for 1st time in 12 yrs. Vanunu is serving an 18 yr. sentence. (WT 3/14; IGPO 3/16; MEI 3/27; MEI 4/24)

EU Pres. Santer arrives in Damascus for 2 days of talks on the peace process, meets with Syrian pres. Asad. (SANA 2/11 in WNC 2/12; SATN 2/11 in WNC 2/15)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes nr. Hebron to make way for expansion of Israeli quarries. (LAW 2/17)

Ultraorthodox Jew is stabbed to death in East Jerusalem. Israel suspects Palestinian militants. (NYT, WP 2/12, PR 2/20)

In Amman, Jordanian police arrest youth attempting to throw molotov cocktail at British embassy to protest potential military strike on Iraq. (RJ 2/11 in WNC 2/12; MM 2/12; JT, SA 2/12 in WNC 2/15)

Iraq offers U.S. a Russia-brokered compromises for inspections at 8 presidential palaces over 2-mo. period. U.S. rejects plan, saying it is not up to Iraq to set conditions for inspections, Iraq must agree to inspections of all sites for indefinite period. (MM 2/11; WP 2/12; JTV 2/12 in WNC 2/17)

In Kuwait, GCC states hold emergency mtg. on Iraq crisis, say they prefer diplomatic to military solution. (U.S. Defense Secy. Cohen, who is in Bahrain today, says that all 6 states have agreed that Saddam Hussein should bear all responsibility for an attack if he does not fully comply with UN requirements.) (MM 2/11, 2/12)

In Cairo, Mubarak adviser Baz is briefed by Israeli Cabinet Secy. Nave, Netanyahu adviser Uzi Arad on Netanyahu's mtg. with Secy. of State Albright and, separately, by PA Local Government M Erakat on Arafat's mtg. with Albright. Erakat then heads to Amman to brief Jordanian FM Tarawnah. (JTV, MENA, RE 2/2 in WNC 2/4; IGPO 2/3)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Moratinos, Syrian FM Shara` discuss peace process. (SATN 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

Palestinian Nasir al-Hurub dies in PA custody just hours after his arrest. He is at least the 16th Palestinian to die in PA custody. (LAW 2/3; WT 2/4; MEI, PR 2/13)

Palestinian clashes with IDF continue at entrance to Bethlehem. (NYT 2/3)

After 7 hrs. of talks with Secy. of State Albright, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah agrees only to say that if the U.S. strikes Iraq, it would be Saddam Hussein's fault. (MM, NYT, WP 2/3; MEI 2/13)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan asks the UNSC to raise to $5.2 b. fr. $2 b. the amount of oil Iraq is allowed to sell in the next 6 mos. of the oil-for-food program. (NYT 2/8) (see 1/31)

UN extends mandate of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for 6 mos. (RL 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

Israeli cabinet approves 8 loosely defined zones, locations in the West Bank as areas of "vital national interest" that will not be returned under any deal with the PA. (MM 1/14; ITV 1/14 in WNC 1/15; NYT, WP, WT 1/15; SA 1/15 in WNC 1/20)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak makes unscheduled trip to Damascus to discuss peace process, regional issues with Pres. Asad. (MENA 1/14 in WNC 1/15; MENA, SATN 1/14 in WNC 1/20; Tishrin 1/15 in WNC 1/21; NYT 1/16; al-Ittihad al-Usbu`i [Abu Dhabi] 1/16 in WNC 1/23; al-Dammam al-Yawm 1/25 in WNC 2/2)

In Amman, Shas leader Deri discusses peace process with King Hussein. Later the king meets with the board of the American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC), stresses importance of Israeli adherence to Oslo agmts. (ITV, JTV 1/14 in WNC 1/20; MM 1/15; JT 1/17 in WNC 1/21) (see 1/8)

Georgian pres. Eduard Shevardnadze makes 1-day trip to Israel to discuss trade issues, sign Tbilisi-Jerusalem sister-city agmt. with PM Netanyahu. (Interfax [Moscow] 1/14 in WNC 1/15; Radio Tbilisi Network [Tbilisi] 1/19 in WNC 1/21)

Arab Parliamentary Union ends session in Luxor, Egypt; issues statement condemning "terrorism" in all its forms, affirms a people's right to national struggle to liberate occupied territory and regain national rights. (ESC Television [Cairo] 1/14 in WNC 1/15; RE 1/15 in WNC 1/20)

In Amman, Jordanian-Palestinian Transportation Comm. agrees on procedures for moving goods across the border. (JT 1/14 in WNC 1/15) (see 12/25)

In Tel Aviv, 30,000 Israelis, many bussed in fr. West Bank settlements, demonstrate against any FRD. (MM, WP 1/15)

U.S. Supreme Court begins to hear Akins vs. Federal Election Commission (FEC) case, culminating a 9-yr.-old battle in which a group of Washingtonians led by fmr. U.S. Amb. to Saudi Arabia James Akins has tried to convince the FEC that AIPAC should be regulated as a political action comm., subjecting it to strict campaign finance laws. (WJW 1/15; WJW 1/22)

In preparation for Netanyahu's mtg. with Clinton 1/20, the Israel cabinet agrees not to carry out any FRD until the PA meets 12-page list of conditions (see 1/4), including extraditing PA prisoners; sets up interministeral comm. to monitor PA compliance with these demands. PA accuses Israel of stalling. (IDF Radio 1/13 in WNC 1/14; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 1/14; MA 1/14 in WNC 1/15; MM, WJW 1/15)

Arafat arrives in Amman for 2-day visit; discusses Ross visit, Arab positions on the peace process with King Hussein. (RJ 1/13 in WNC 1/14; JTV 1/13, RJ 1/14 in WNC 1/15; PR 1/16)

In Damascus, French FM Vedrine meets with Pres. Asad. (RFI 1/12 in WNC 1/14; SARR, SATN 1/13, RMC 1/14 in WNC 1/15)

Jordanian team led by FM Fayiz Tarawnah leaves for U.S. for talks on the 1999 economic, military aid package to the kingdom. (JT 1/14 in WNC 1/15; al-Aswaq 1/18 in WNC 1/21)

Iraq again blocks UNSCOM inspection team. (NYT, WP, WT 1/14) (see 1/11)

Arafat briefs EU special envoy Moratinos on the status of the peace process, urges EU to put more pressure on Israel. (PR 1/16)

French FM Vedrine arrives in Jordan, meets with King Hussein, then heads to Damascus. (RFI, RJ 1/12 in WNC 1/13; JT, RFI 1/12 in WNC 1/14)

Shin Bet extends for 3 mos. permission for interrogators to use "moderate physical pressure" (including shaking, sleep deprivation, noise exposure hooding) when questioning Hamas suspects. (PCHR 1/15)

In Nablus, Israeli, PA security teams raid alleged Hamas bomb factory, seize 300 kg. of explosives. (MM 1/13; WP, WT 1/14; PR 1/23)

Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group (ILMG) holds 1st mtg. of the year to discuss 3 Lebanese, 3 Israeli complaints; urges greater caution to protect civilians. ILMG held 25 mtgs. in 1997. During 1997 40 Lebanese were killed, 120 Lebanese and 1 Israeli were wounded in violations of the 4/96 understanding. (VOL 1/12 in WNC 1/13; RL 1/13 in WNC 1/14)

In Damascus, Pres. Asad receives Asst. Secy. of State Indyk. (SATN 12/15 in WNC 12/16)

In Assira, West Bank, IDF demolishes 2 homes, seals 2 homes belonging to relatives of 4 of the 5 7/30, 9/4 suicide bombers. Palestinians attempting to block the demolitions clash with troops. IDF locks 7 Palestinian journalists in a vacant house for 32-hrs. to prevent their coverage of the demolitions. (WP 12/16; WT 12/17; PR 12/19)

UNGA adopts (without a vote) an International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, urges all states to sign onto it btwn. 1/12/98 and 12/31/99. (UNGA press release 12/15)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, al-Azhar Grand Imam Shaykh Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi receives Israel's Chief Rabbi Yisrael Lau. (MENA 12/15 in WNC 12/16; RMC 12/15, MA 12/16 in WNC 12/18; SA 12/18 in WNC 12/20; MENA 12/23 in WNC 12/29)

Secy. of State Albright meets with Netanyahu in Paris on her way to Africa to discuss his new FRD proposal. Netanyahu holds separate mtg. with French PM Lionel Jospin, FM Vedrine; stresses that EU must take back seat to U.S. for the peace process to succeed. (MM 12/5; HA, IDF Radio, LCI Television [Paris] 12/5 in WNC 12/8; IDF Radio 12/5 in WNC 12/17; NYT, WP 12/6; HA, IDF Radio 12/7, YA 12/8 in WNC 12/9; WT 12/8; MM 12/9; JP 12/13; PR 12/19)

 Mossad officer Yehuda Gil admits relaying false information on Syria to the government for at least 6 of his 20 years at the agency. (MM 12/5; WP 12/6; ITV 12/6, IDF Radio, ITV 12/7 in WNC 12/9; NYT, WP, WT 12/7; al-Ba`th [Damascus] 12/7 in WNC 12/17; MM, WT 12/8; JP 12/13; see also MM 12/4)

 Russian special envoy Posuvalyuk arrives in Lebanon for talks with PM Hariri, Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah. Posuvalyuk then returns to Damascus. (ITAR-TASS, VOL 12/5 in WNC 12/8)

 In Gaza, IDF opens fire on Palestinian demonstrators, critically injuring a toddler, wounding 5. (WP 12/6)

 A day after the UN renews the old oil-for-food deal for 6 mos., Iraq stops pumping oil through its main pipeline to Turkey, says flow will resume when UN approves new plan for distribution of humanitarian goods bought with oil revenues; blames U.S. for blocking contracts to buy goods. (WP, WT 12/6)

In s. Lebanon, 3 Lebanese civilians are killed, 1 is wounded by IDF land mines. Hizballah responds by shelling IDF posts. (RL, VOL 12/5 in WNC 12/8; MEI 12/19)

In Beirut, unidentified gunmen open fire on car of Higher Islamic Shiite Council (HISC) head Imam Muhammad Mahdi Shams al-Din, wounding 1 bodyguard. HISC, Lebanese security claim incident was not an assassination attempt. (MENA, RL, VOL 12/5 in WNC 12/8; VOL 12/6 in WNC 12/9)

Netanyahu, ministerial team continue FRD discussions begun 12/3. (MM 12/4; WT 12/5; YA 12/5 in WNC 12/9)

Netanyahu arrives in Germany on 1st leg of European tour, meets with Chancellor Kohl. (MM 12/5; LCI Television [Paris] 12/5 in WNC 12/8; YA 12/7 in WNC 12/9; QY 12/12 in WNC 12/16)

Russian special envoy Posuvalyuk, Syrian FM Shara` meet in Damascus. (ITAR-TASS 12/5 in WNC 12/8; SATN 12/4 in WNC 12/9)

Israel's Peace Now says that in 1996, there were 4,700 births to settler families while the overall settler population grew by 13,000, meaning that almost 66% of settlement growth was "unnatural." (NYT 12/5)

In Ramallah, Arafat discusses peace process, 11/30 Israeli cabinet decision with Jordanian PM al-Majali. (al-Dustur, al-Quds, VOA 12/3 in WNC 12/9; MEI 12/5; al-Majd 12/8 in WNC 12/17)

In Jerusalem, Orient House head Faisal Husseini meets with French FM Vedrine. (al-Safir 12/3 in WNC 12/9)

EU special envoy Moratinos holds talks Lebanon with PM Hariri, FM Buwayz, Chamber Speaker Nabih Birri. (RL 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

After talks with Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad in Damascus, Austrian chancellor Klima says that Israel must implement FRDs, halt settlement construction, resume talks on the Golan Heights; "delaying tactics" are no longer acceptable. (Oesterreich Eins Radio Network [Vienna], SATN 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

Israel announces plans to increase the number of Palestinian laborers allowed into Israel fr. 52,000 to 140,000 within 5 yrs. to replace foreign workers. (WT 12/3)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 SLA mbrs. (VOL 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

Pres. Clinton hosts luncheon for fmr. Israeli PM Shimon Peres, Leah Rabin, widow of assassinated PM Yitzhak Rabin. (MA 11/23 in WNC 11/26; NYT, WT 11/24; MM 11/25; NYT 11/26; WJW 11/27)

Palestine Report says that Israel is considering a plan to use Har Homa settlement for military housing. (PR 11/21)

Iraqi Dep. PM `Aziz makes unexpected visit to Syria, marking 1st trip by top Iraqi official since Baghdad, Damascus severed ties 17 yrs. ago; proposes reopening Iraq's oil pipeline to Syria. (WP 11/22; SATN 11/22, al-Dustur, Saudi Arabian Television 11/23, SA 11/24 in WNC 11/26; MM 11/24, 12/1; WT 1/8)

UNSCOM inspectors return to Iraq. (CSM 11/21; NYT, WT 11/22) (see 11/20)

UN Comm. Against Torture discusses Israeli torture of Palestinian detainees. (WT 11/12)

Vatican signs agmt. with Israel, defining church's legal status in holy land for 1st time in 500 yrs. (WP, WT 11/11; WJW 11/13)

At the Likud convention, PM Netanyahu is booed, jeered off the stage by his own central comm. mbrs. when he attempts to give his speech as party head. (WT 11/12)

In Damascus, Iran, Syria discuss expanding economic cooperation, review draft agmt. on boosting bilateral trade. (IRNA 11/10 in WNC 11/12)

100s of Palestinians in West Bank, Gaza rally in support of Iraq in its current conflict with the U.S. (WP 11/11) (see 11/2)

In Damascus, Syrian pres. Asad, EU special envoy Moratinos discuss peace process. (SATN 11/5 in WNC 11/8)

Italian Pres. Oscar Luigi Scalfaro arrives in Lebanon for 4-day visit. Renews call on Israel to pull out of s. Lebanon. Netanyahu adviser says that some of Scalfaro's statements "could appear to encourage terrorist attacks." (11/5 in WNC 11/6; RAI Uno Television [Rome] 11/7 in WNC 11/10; RAI Radio Uno [Rome] 11/8 in WNC 11/12)

In Amman, Russian FM Primakov meets with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan. (ITAR-TASS [Moscow], JT, RJ 10/28 in WNC 10/29; MM 0/19; RJ 10/29 in WNC 10/30)

Iraq, Syria hold water talks in Damascus, again urge Turkey to join in 3-way discussion. (INA 10/28 in WNC 10/30; al-Thawra 10/31 in WNC 11/6) (see 10/22)

At the close of 4 days of mtgs., Iran, Lebanon have signed 4 agmts. covering land and maritime transport, dual taxation, boosting trade, encouraging investment btwn. the 2 countries. Iran also agrees to request to provide Lebanon with crude oil at preferential prices. (SA 10/29 in WNC 10/30; see also MM 10/27, IRIB Television [Tehran] 10/27 in WNC 10/29)

PC mbr. Musa Abu Sabha is detained by Israeli police at Gaza checkpoint for driving a car reported stolen in Israel. PA atty. gen. demands that Abu Sabha's immunity be lifted, but PC Legal Council refuses, saying that he cannot be tried while in Israeli detention, he must be extradited to PA. (PR 11/7)

IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem. (LAW 10/29)

IDF clashes with Hizballah in s. Lebanon, leaving at least 2 Hizballah mbrs. dead. (ITV 10/28 in WNC 10/29)

In Damascus, Iraq, Syria discuss regional water sharing; express regret that Turkey refuses to participate in talks. (INA 10/23 in WNC 10/28)

Unnamed Turkish cabinet mbr. says that 8,000 Turkish troops have been deployed in n. Iraq to establish a "security zone," have installed sophisticated electronic surveillance system. Turkish FMin. does not confirm or deny, says only that Turkey has made most of n. Iraq "secure." Arab League condemns Turkey's actions. (MM 10/23; al-Ba`th, RE 10/23 in WNC 10/28; MM 10/27; MEI 11/7) (see 10/13)

U.S. Defense Secy. William Cohen receives official Israeli delegation. (NYT 10/10)

In Damascus, Iran, Syria hold talks on agricultural, research cooperation. (IRNA 10/9 in WNC 10/14)

In Halhul, IDF arrests 10s of Palestinians after clash, which began when IDF troops demolished 10s of "illegal" vegetable stands along the main roads. (PR 10/17)

 U.S. Amb. to Tel Aviv Martin Indyk is confirmed as asst. secy. of state for Near Eastern affairs. He will be replaced by Amb. to Cairo Edward Walker Jr., who will be replaced by Daniel Kurtzer. (Near East Report 10/20)

Results of the vote by American Jews for U.S. delegates to the World Zionist Congress are released: Reform and Conservative slate pulls 72.7%, Orthodox 10.8%, Labor 3.4%, Likud 1.9%. (NYT 10/10)

Syrian pres. Asad flies to Alexandria for several hrs. of talks with Egyptian pres. Mubarak, returns to Damascus. (MM 9/18; MENA, RE, SANA 9/18 in WNC 9/19)

Moskowitz agrees to Netanyahu's "compromise proposal" to replace 3 Jewish  families (totalling 11 mbrs.) who moved into his Ras al-Amud housing with 10 rabbinical students. Arafat says decision does not solve the problem, but State Dept. says it is "good news." (MM, WT 9/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 9/19; CSM, NYT 9/22; MEI 9/26; JP 9/27, 11/15) (see 9/17)

Rabbi Menachem Porush, once a senior lawmaker and leader of the ultra-Orthodox Agudat Israel party, breaks a decades-long silence to confirm that btwn. 1948 and 1950, Jewish authorities stole 100s of babies fr. Yemeni immigrants and gave them to European Jews. (WT 9/18)

In Egypt, 3 unidentified men attack a tourist bus in downtown Cairo, killing the Egyptian driver and 6 Germans, wounding 24. No group claims responisbility for the attack, which comes 3 days after Egypt convicted 72 Islamists of subversion, sentencing 4 to death, 8 to life imprisionment. (MM  9/18; MENA 9/18 in WNC 9/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/19; CSM 9/22; MEI 9/26)

IDF, SLA clash with Hizballah in s. Lebanon, leaving 1 IDF officer dead, wounding 7 civilians, 2 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr. At least 2 of the civilians were wounded by Israel shells that spray metal darts, which are banned under international coventions. (MM 9/18; RL, VOL 9/18 in WNC 9/19; WP 9/19)

Secy. of State Albright leaves Israel for Syria, saying that she has not made progress toward resuming Israeli-PA talks, she will not return until Israel, the PA "have made hard decisions." After arriving in Damascus, she holds a 4-hr. talk with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad to assess possibility of resuming Israeli-Syrian negotiations. (MM 9/12; SATN 9/12 in WNC 9/16; NYT, WP, WT 9/13; MM 9/15; CSM 9/17; SA 9/17 in WNC 9/19; MEI 9/26)

PA presents a plan to break the infrastructure of Islamist groups to U.S.-PA-Israeli tripartite security panel. CIA, Israeli officials say they are pleased with PA initiative. (WP 9/16; CSM 9/17)

Israel suspends all joint economic projects with Russia following reports that Russia is aiding Iran's missile development. U.S. State Dept. says that Pres. Clinton will soon send a special envoy to Moscow to discuss the issue. (MM 9/12 in WNC 9/15; WT 9/13) (see 9/11)

Heavy IDF-Hizballah clashes take place along the n. border of Israel's self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon, leaving 4 IDF soldiers wounded, 2 Hizballah mbrs.--including the son of Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah--dead; IDF troops seize the bodies of the Hizballah mbrs. Soon after, the IAF hits Lebanese army positions n. of the self-declared security zone, killing 6 Lebanese soldiers and 1 civilian, wounding 5 soldiers. (WP, WT 9/13; ITV, RMC 9/13 in WNC 9/16; NYT, WP, WT 9/14; JP 9/20)

In the early morning hrs., Israel stages a naval commando raid on Insariyya, deep inside Lebanon, most likely targetting Amal headquarters there. Amal mbrs., Hizballah mbrs., Lebanese army soldiers intercept the commandos, killing 11, wounding 4, leaving 1 missing and presumed dead; 2 Lebanese civilians are killed and 6 civilians, 6 militia mbrs., 1 Lebanese soldier are wounded in the fray. Fighting lasts several hrs. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/5; IDF Radio, VOL 9/5 in WNC 9/8; MM 9/8; IDF Radio, ITV, RL 9/5, VOL 9/6 in WNC 9/9; WP, WT 9/6; WT 9/7; CSM, NYT 9/8; al-Safir 9/8 in WNC 9/10; MEI 9/12; JP 9/13; NYT 9/19; WT 9/21; CSM 10/1; WT 10/15)

Israeli cabinet holds tense mtg. on 9/4 bombing, 9/5 commando raid; issues statement, vowing to act against Islamists' infrastructure, freezing any further redeployments (FRDs). (MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 9/5; RE 9/10 in WNC 9/11; PR 9/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright calls on the PA to take unilateral action "to create a political climate where there is no tolerance for terror." (WT 9/9)

Iran, Syria sign protocol for construction of Damascus metro. (al-Ba'th 9/5 in WNC 9/10)

After a weekend mtg. with Pres. Asad in Damascus, EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos says that Syria wants to rejoin the peace process. (WT 9/3)

Israel, Turkey, U.S. announce plans to hold joint naval exercises in the Mediterranean 11/15-25. Egypt, Syria protest; Turkey says that they may send observers if they like. (MM 9/4)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinian laborers, lay down in the street to distrupt work on a U.S.-financed project to renovate al-Shuhada street, which was outlined in the Agreed Minute attached to the Hebron Protocol. David Muirhead, the American overseeing the project, says that the Israel police responded to the needs of the settlers only, did not come to the aid of the Palestinians, beat him and others, threw him into a van and detained him until the U.S. Consulate intervened. State Dept. calls on Israel to ensure security for the workers, calls incident"simply unacceptable." (NYT, WT 9/3; PR 9/12; JP 9/13)

In s. Lebanon, an Israeli explosive device detonates, injuring 2 Lebanese civilians. (RL 9/2 in WNC 9/4)

Jordan, Israel sign agmt. on Israeli use of Aqaba airport for trial period beginning immediately. (RJ 8/31 in WNC 9/4; al-Ra'i 9/28 in WNC 9/30) (see 8/21)

In Cairo, an Egyptian court convicts Israeli Arab Azzam Azzam of spying for Israel, sentences him to 15 yrs. hard labor. (MM, NYT, WT 9/1; WP 9/2; ITV 9/2 in WNC 9/4; WJW 9/4; JP 9/13) (see 11/2/96)

In Damascus, Syrian PM Mahmud Zuhbi, Iraqi Trade M Muhammad Mahdi Salih hold first high-level mtg. btwn. Syrian, Iraqi officials since 1980, discuss newly restored trade ties. (SANA 8/31, INA 9/1 in WNC 9/4; WT 9/1)

PLO Political Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi and delegation arrive in Damascus for talks with Pres. Asad regarding recent events in the Middle East. (SANA 8/15 in WNC 8/18)

In Aqabat Jabr refugee camp, Israeli police find the auto of an Israeli taxi driver who disappeared en route btwn. Jerusalem and the West Bank settlement of Beyt Ha'arava 8/14. Israeli police place a curfew on the Jericho area. Israeli police, IDF, PA police begin search. (ITV, QY 8/15 in WNC 8/18)

Hrs. after they are released by the PA atty. gen., 10 Hamas mbrs. are rearrested by the PSF. The PSF also detain 2 PA officials for complying with the atty. gen.'s orders. (LAW 8/19)

Crown Prince Hassan's son Prince Rashid Bin al-Hassan is injured in a car accident on his way to Aqaba, 2 passengers are killed, 1 is injured. (JTV 8/15 in WNC 8/20)

PC special investigative comm. into PA corruption reads its report to the council; says up to $340 m. (half of the PA budget) has been misspent (including foreign aid donations), half of the EA mbrs. are implicated in misappropriation of funds, others are unqualified; calls on Arafat to dissolve the cabinet, put 3 EA mbrs. (Planning M Shaath, Civil Affairs M Jamil Tarifi, Transportation M Ali al-Qawasmi) on trial. The PC report's conclusions are nonbinding. (CSM, WP, WT 7/30)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak makes previously unannounced visit to Damascus to discuss the peace process with Pres. Asad, who expresses "no hope" under current conditions. Mubarak then heads to Amman to meet with King Hussein. (RJ, SANA 7/29 in WNC 7/30; RJ 7/29 in WNC 7/31; MM, WT 7/30; MEI 8/8)

In Amman, King Hussein, FM Tarawnah meet with Israeli FM Levy, say that they are optimistic that Netanyahu's decision to block Ras al-Amud development will jump-start the peace process. (RJ 7/29 in WNC 7/30, 7/31; WT 7/30)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrives in Damascus for 2 days of talks with FM Shara` on reviving the Syrian-Israeli talks. (RJ 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

Israeli commandos enter Tulkarm (area A) to capture an Islamic Jihad mbr. Ghassan Mahdawi, who had escaped fr. an Israeli prison in 8/96. (al-Quds 7/29 in WNC 7/31; MM 7/31; CSM, NYT 8/1; JP 8/2)

Nr. Elon Moreh settlement in the West Bank, a Palestinian stabs an IDF soldier in the shoulder, is shot and killed by a 2d soldier. (ITV 7/29 in WNC 7/30, 8/1; JP 8/9)

A poll of young bedouin in the Negev conducted by Bersheeba University shows that 48% believe that Israel does not have a right to exist, 70% prefer to go to jail than serve in the IDF, 70% believe the term "Palestinian" describes them, 45% prefer to live in Israel than in an Arab state or the West. (YA 7/29 in WNC 7/31)

Japan requests extradition of 5 Red Army mbrs. currently standing trial in Lebanon. (RL 7/29 in WNC 7/30) (see 6/9)

In Washington, PA Local Government M Erakat meets with Undersecy. of State Thomas Pickering; says that the U.S. is working on a new initiative, based on a "package deal," to help restart peace talks. Pickering later meets with PM Netanyahu's political adviser Uzi Arad to discuss issues pertaining to Iran, Syria. (MM, WT 7/21; MM 7/22; WJW 7/24; MEI 7/25)

In Nablus, PA court opens the trial of 3 mbrs. of Force 17, 1 civilian on charges of kidnapping, collaboration with Israel. The prosecution charges that the 4 men, under orders fr. Israeli intelligence, kidnapped, assaulted several Nablus residence in a bid to "wreck the reputation of the [PA] security forces." Evidence is not made public. (AFP 7/19 in WNC 7/29) (see 7/3)

Syria halts broadcasts, closes offices of the Voice of Iraq Iraqi opposition radio, which has operated in Damascus for 17 yrs. (AFP 7/20 in WNC 7/29; SA 7/24 in WNC 7/25; MEI 8/8) (see 7/13)

Jordanian military court finds Daqamsa guilty of killing 7 Israeli girls, wounding 7 on 3/13 but rules out premeditation (which caries the death penalty); sentences him to life in prison with hard labor. (NYT, WT 7/20; MM 7/21; JP 7/26) (see 6/16)

Jordan's CPPA adopts decision to boycott 11/97 elections. All assn. reps. attending (Agronomists Assn., Bar Assn., Engineers Assn., Dentists Assn., Contractors Assn., Geologists Assn., Nurses Assn., Veterinarians Assn., Pharmacists Assn., Physicians Assn., Writers League) approve the decision. Reps. of the Auditors Assn., Press Assn. do not attend. (al-Ra'i 7/20 in WNC 7/22; MM 7/22) (see 7/15)