Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Energy Min. Moda'i urges Cabinet to authorize attempt to capture Arafat and top aides before leaving Tripoli. Israel denies US bombing raids...
IDF denies it has offered to exchange 800 prisoners for 8 IDF, but confirms negotiations for prisoner exchange in progress; International Committee of Red Cross confirms...
Several hundred Shiite militiamen attack Lebanese Army barracks in Baalbek for two hours before retreating, in first armed protest of Amin Gemayel's government; Lebanese...
Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Energy Min. Moda'i urges Cabinet to authorize attempt to capture Arafat and top aides before leaving Tripoli. Israel denies US bombing raids part of joint plan with Israel. Anti- nuclear, ecumenical Bethlehem Peace Pilgrimage Group arrives in Haifa for last leg of 12,000 km trek from Bangor, WA, USA, to Bethlehem.
Arab World: Syrian FM calls for international and Arab action against aggressive US policy in Middle East. In Tripoli interview, Arafat says he wants PLO base in Cairo.
Other Countries: Bonn agrees to DM140 million loan to Israel for investment in high-tech development.
MILITARY ACTION:
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Molotov cocktail attack on Israeli military patrol in Nablus; curfews imposed on nearby Balata and Askar camps.
Arab World: US jets bomb Syrian positions in Kfar Salwan, Falougha, Hammana, Dahr al-Baidar, Jabal Knayset and Sofar in Lebanon; 2 jets downed. 8 Marines killed by militia, presumed by US to be Syrian- backed; 6th Fleet opens fire on militia positions.
Other Countries: Israeli embassy in Bankok bombed; attackers unidentified; Thai customs allerted to "suspicious Arabs" trying to leave the country.
Military Action:
Israel and Syria increasing troop and weapons strength, fortifying positions along cease-fire line.
Casualties:
2 IDF soldiers wounded when bomb explodes near troop convoy in Sidon.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: 2 IDF soldiers injured by stones thrown near Askar refugee camp outside Nablus; son of Arraba local council head (where mass illness first appeared) says in High Court appeal that he was tortured by jailors after arrest; Israel Educational Television signs agreement to assist in establishing television service in South African "homeland" of Bophuthatswana.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Mediation efforts continue between Fateh Central Committee and dissident officers; Col. Abu Musa says PLO forces loyal to him will remain in Bekaa even if Syria withdraws, denies his action constitutes mutiny, wants continuation of military option against Israel.
Arab Governments: Libya accuses PLO Chairman Arafat of involvement in alleged CIA plot to assassinate Col. Qiddafi; Syria says it will oppose Lebanese-Israeli agreement to the end.
US and Other Countries: Shultz says a partitioned Lebanon will result if Syria fails to withdraw its forces.
Military Action:
2 122mm Katyusha rockets fired over residence of US ambassador while Secretary Shultz and other officials are sleeping there.
Casualties:
2 Israeli POWs held by PFLP-GC seen on videotape in Vienna, POWs to be turned over to PLO Executive Committee, visited by Red Cross.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Window of IDF vehicle smashed in Nablus; curfews on central Nablus, and Balata, al-Aza and Askar refugee camps; Jacobo Timerman's son Daniel jailed for second time for refusing military service in Lebanon.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat in Damascus for meetings with PLO military and political officials.
US and Other Countries: Shultz continues meetings in Beirut, then travels to Jerusalem, meets Shamir, Arens and Begin, also meets families of 4 Israeli POWs who ask him to intervene for their release; IDF marching band leads 19th Salute to Israel Parade down Fifth Avenue in New York.
Casualties:
IDF denies it has offered to exchange 800 prisoners for 8 IDF, but confirms negotiations for prisoner exchange in progress; International Committee of Red Cross confirms prisoner exchange will take place shortly.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: 2000 demonstrators in Tel Aviv demand Sharon's removal as Minister with Portfolio; national conference of Arab organizations in Shfar Am protests transfer of 150,000 dunums of land to Misgav Regional Council, calls on Defense Ministry to close firing ranges in Triangle area so that farming can resume; 8 settlers from Kiryat Arba fire at house in Hebron, wound 4 year old girl inside; windows of two Israeli cars smashed by rocks near al-Amari camp outside Ramallah, driver of one fires several shots but not injuries reported; IDF officer stoned in Nablus, soldier stoned outside Askar camp.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese leaders end 4 days of talks with Habib, who travels to Jerusalem.
Military Action:
Several hundred Shiite militiamen attack Lebanese Army barracks in Baalbek for two hours before retreating, in first armed protest of Amin Gemayel's government; Lebanese Army fortifies position around barracks.
Casualties:
Three militiamen killed in Baalbek fighting, several wounded, two Lebanese soldiers wounded; Maariv estimates 1,200 Palestinians have been killed in Lebanese Army sweeps through West Beirut, another 60,000 may have been sent to Syrian-controlled Lebanese territory and their homes destroyed; UNRWA officially decides to stop preparing cement floors for tents and giving out tents and to use money for refugees in other ways.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli defense ministry reportedly amending old work permit forms to include almost identical wording of loyalty pledge and note that permit can be withdrawn if holder helps the PLO; Israeli authorities order deportation of 9 lecturers at Islamic University in Gaza for "invalid" visas; curfew imposed on Nablus market and Askar refugee camp following attack on two Jewish settlers from Elon Moreh; Israeli authorities report 3-4,000 Lebanese visit Israel in last week since restrictions eased (Palestinians excluded); Israeli official says goods worth $20 m. arrived in Lebanon from Israel last month; Sharon and Zipori clash at Cabinet meeting; Sharon asks Cabinet to schedule full debate on state of PLO following invasion of Lebanon; Commission of Inquiry slates inquiry into discovery of IDF identity tag and card of IDF sergeant found inside Sabra camp, as Sergeant Benny Chaim twice fails to appear to testify; Israel accuses France of freezing economic relations since June invasion.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Army celebrates Independence Day for first time in eight years; Habib meets with Druze leader Majid Arslan and Pierre Gemayel in bid to ease Chouf tensions.
US and Other Countries: US State Department officials welcome Israeli decision to modify loyalty pledge requirements; Reagan Administration considering asking Congress for $500 million in aid for Lebanese reconstruction; Henry Kissinger says Jordanian participation in negotiations over West Bank essential.
