The Palestine Chronology

PC gives Arafat 2 wks. to press charges or release Palestinian political prisoners being held in PA jails without trial, demands halt to political detention. (LAW 1/13; MEI 1/29)

Israeli, U.S. sources confirm that the only materials stolen fr. Greenberg Quinlan Research related to Barak's campaign for PM. Files, a laptop computer containing information on Barak, computer backup tapes fr. a safe were taken, suggesting the burglars knew exactly what they wanted. Israeli government spokesman David Bar-Ilan warns that anyone casting blame on Netanyahu, the Likud could be subject to legal action. (NYT, WP, WT 1/14; MM 1/20; JP 1/22) (see 1/12)

At the UN Security Council (UNSC), U.S. VP Al Gore recommends lifting the ceiling on how much oil Iraq can sell, streamlining approval of purchases under Oil-for-Food program, but not removing sanctions altogether, as China, France, Russia wish. France recommends preventive (not intrusive) weapons monitoring that would replace or significantly change UNSCOM; an end to restrictions on Iraqi oil sales; a program of strict economic, financial controls to make sure oil revenues are not used for military purchases. (NYT, WP, WT 1/14; MM 1/15, 1/22)

U.S. planes fire on 5 Iraqi missile batteries in n. Iraq in 3d straight day of confrontations. (NYT 1/14)

Palestinians fr. Kafr Salaf, Azzun block armed settlers with bulldozers fr. levelling their village land (in area C) to expand nearby settlements. The IDF intervenes to remove the settlers. (AFP [Internet] 1/13)

After unsuccessful last-minute attempt to form unity government with the Labor party, PM Netanyahu removes his opposition to a bill calling for early elections, which passes (81-30), thereby avoiding a Knesset no-confidence vote that he was expected to lose. (MM 12/21; MA 12/21 in WNC 12/22; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/22; MA, al-Quds al-Arabi 12/22 in WNC 12/23; CSM 12/23; al-Dustur 12/23 in WNC 12/28; WJW 12/24; MEI 12/25; JP 12/28; MEI 1/15)

In light of Operation Desert Fox, China, France, Russia call for 8-yr. oil embargo on Iraq to be lifted, UNSCOM to be disbanded, UNSCOM head Butler to resign. U.S. warns UN Secy. Gen. Kofi Annan against replacing UNSCOM; says U.S. will compromise on sanctions, disarmament monitoring. (MM 12/21; MA 12/21 in WNC 12/22; MM, WP 12/22)

The Lebanese government restores the right to protest, lifting a 5-yr.-old ban on demonstration imposed in 1993 after anti-Oslo protests led to clashes btwn. the army, Hizballah. (NYT 12/22)

Immediately upon his return to the U.S., Pres. Clinton convenes his senior advisers to "discuss the UNSCOM report on Iraq"; they unanimously recommend a strike. Clinton orders forces in the Gulf to attack immediately; 1st sorties reach Iraq around 5 p.m., leaving 2 Iraqis (Iraq says 25) dead, 30 injured. A token force of 18 British planes takes part. House postpones indefinitely its vote on impeachment, set for tomorrow. Operation Desert Fox is expected to conclude in 3-4 days, before the beginning of Ramadan. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chmn. Gen. Henry Shelton says decision was made in 11/98 to attack immediately if the UNSCOM report was negative. However, sources say that the White House informed the JCS 12/13 that a strike would be ordered this wk. Various congressmen say that they were briefed on the plan 3 wks. ago. Arab states are silent. France, Russia condemn the operation. Canada, Japan support it. (RJ 12/16 in WNC 12/17; ITV 12/16, AFP, ATL, JT 12/17 in WNC 12/21; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/17; MM, WP 12/18; MEI 12/25; GIU 1/5, 1/6)

PM Netanyahu says that he is prepared to call early elections unless the Knesset ratifies his hard-line policies on Wye implementation as outlined in his 12-point list of demands given to Clinton 12/15. (NYT, WP, WT 12/17; ITV 12/20 in WNC 12/22)

Israeli Finance M Neeman resigns in frustration over PM Netanyahu's political manipulation of the budget process. Netanyahu takes over the finance portfolio himself, giving himself control over budget allocations, which he could use to his political advantage if early elections are called. DM Mordechai is also reportedly threatening to leave over Wye implementation delays. (MM 12/16; MA, YA 12/16 in WNC 12/17; MM, NYT 12/17; NYT 12/19; WP 12/22; MEI 12/25; JP 12/28; Globes [Internet] 1/13 in WNC 1/14)

Peace Now reports that new housing starts in settlements more than doubled in 1998 compared to 1997. In the 1st half of 1998, construction began on 1,420 new units, up 136% fr. the same period last yr. In the 2d half of 1998, 640 units were started, up 121%. (Associated Press [Internet] 12/16)

Citing Annan's letter, Iraq agrees to resume cooperation with the UN, forcing Pres. Clinton to abort a strike already in motion. At the UNSC, the U.S. rejects Iraq's announcement as "unacceptable"; Britain is skeptical but wants to leave options open; Secy. Gen. Annan, China, France, Russia welcome Iraqi decision but want clarifications. Annan warns that if the crisis resumes, "I doubt that there will be any time left for diplomacy." (NYT, WP, WT 11/15; WT 11/17)

In Nablus, U.S. envoy Ross discusses Wye implementation with Arafat. (WP, WT 11/15)

In an address to 1,000s of Palestinian in Nablus, Arafat says he will declare a state in 5/99. PM Netanyahu accuses Arafat of jeopardizing the Wye agmt. (WT 11/15; NYT 11/17)

U.S. continues buildup in the Gulf, raising its military strength there to 2/98 levels, costing tax payers up to $600 m. UN Secy. Gen. Annan breaks off Africa tour to return to New York. UN officials complain of difficulty in getting information fr. the U.S. on its intentions toward Iraq, say U.S. is not trying to obtain UNSC approval for military action. Diplomats in Baghdad say situation is more tense than during the 2/98 crisis. France, Russia, Saudi Arabia, which days ago were against a strike, are reportedly falling into line with the U.S. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/12; WP 11/13; WT 11/16)

After 4 postponements, the Israeli cabinet ratifies (8-4 with 5 abstentions) the Wye accord, but sets conditions to its approval that could undermine the agmt. (MM 11/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/12; YA 11/12 in WNC 11/13; CSM, MM 11/13)

15,000 Jewish settlers hold rally in Tel Aviv to protest Wye agmt. (NYT 11/12)

The PLO Exec. Comm. reaffirms 1/22/98 letter fr. Arafat to Secy. of State Christopher nullifying relevant articles of the PLO charter. Secy. Albright says that the PA is ahead of the Wye implementation schedule. (Washington File 11/6)

After the U.S. assures Israel that the PA has arrested 18 of the 30 wanted men ahead of schedule, Netanyahu convenes cabinet to ratify Wye, but opens by vowing not to implement FRD unless the full Palestine National Council votes to annul the PLO charter (see Peace Monitor). Netanyahu gives cabinet FRD maps for the 1st time. The cabinet demands clarification on charter issue, takes no vote on ratification. (ITV 11/5, MA, al-Quds 11/6, ITV, SANA 11/7, MA 11/9 in WNC 11/12; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/6)

Israeli defense officials present Wye maps to settler leaders, who demand 50 amendments. (AP [Internet] 11/5; Hatzofe 11/6 in WNC 11/12)

Arafat goes to Sharm al-Shaykh to discuss Wye implementation with Pres. Mubarak. Arafat had hoped to fly back, inaugurating the Gaza airport, but Israel says agmt. must be ratified 1st. (MENA 11/5 in WNC 11/6; NYT 11/6)

UNSC unanimously passes resolution declaring Iraq in "flagrant violation" of UN resolutions, demands Iraq resume cooperation with the UN, but does not mention any use of force. U.S. Defense Secy. Cohen continues preparations for a strike on Iraq, but sets no deadline. Although Cohen has won no public support fr. Arab states, France, or Russia, Pres. Clinton says he believes that allies would back "whatever decisions we ultimately make." (MENA 11/4, 11/5 in WNC 11/6; JTV 11/5 in WNC 11/12; NYT, WP, WT 11/6)

U.S. Asst. Secy. Indyk briefs ambs. of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the UAE on the Wye agmt. (al-Akhbar, al-Ba'th, al-Jumhuriyya, MENA, RL 10/26, AFP 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MM, NYT, WP 10/27; MM 10/28; al-Ba'th 10/28 in WNC 11/2; al-Quds 10/28, SA 10/30, al-Ahram 11/2 in WNC 11/6; MM 10/29, 10/30; MM 11/2; WP 11/6)

In the Knesset, PM Netanyahu survives no-confidence motion, but Knesset Law Comm. agrees (9-7) to hear 1st reading of bill calling for the dissolution of parliament, new elections in 100 days. MKs criticize Netanyahu for linking Pollard with the peace process. (CSM, WP, WT 10/27)

In Gaza, the Arab Liberation Front, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Islamic National Salvation Party, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) issue statement denouncing the Wye agmt. (MENA 10/26 in WNC 10/27; PR 10/30)

200 Jewish settlers hold rally outside PM Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem, protesting the Wye agmt. At least 24 are detained by Israeli police. (ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/27; WP 10/27; YA 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MM 10/28)

Jordan, Israel begin long-delayed $1.65-m. joint project to build the `Adasiyya diversion wall to diver Yarmuk River water. (JT, RJ 10/27 in WNC 10/28; JP 211/9)

An Israeli settler is killed in Israeli-controlled Hebron in an apparent attack by Palestinians. IDF places curfew on Palestinians in Hebron's Israeli-controlled zone. Later, the body of a Palestinian is found outside Itamar settlement nr. Nablus. An anonymous caller claims Palestinian was killed to avenge the settler's death. (IDF Radio, ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/27; ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/28; CSM, LAW, MM, NYT, WP 10/27; MM 10/28; WJW 10/29; PR 10/30)

In Ramallah, Palestinians observe general strike, 100s of Fatah mbrs. march to protest 10/25 events, call on Arafat to punish security services. (NYT, WP 10/27; PR 10/30)

International experts submit final report Iraqi missile fragments to the UNSC, say results are inconclusive. Tests by Switzerland show no traces of VX; 1 sample in the 3d test by France shows traces of nerve agent that could be VX. French, Swiss, U.S. tests all show traces of unknown compound that could mask biological agents. (NYT, WP 10/27; MEI 10/30) (6/22)

U.S. says that a UN proposal to try the Pan Am bombing suspects in the Hague under Scottish law, tentatively agreed to by all parties, is in jeopardy because of Libyan demands that the 2 suspects not be imprisoned in Scotland if found guilty. (WP 10/27; WT 10/28) (see 9/29)

In Oslo, Norwegian FM Knut Vollebaek hosts dinner to celebrate 5th anniversary of the initialing of the Oslo Accord on 8/20/93. Fmr. Israeli PM Shimon Peres, PA negotiator Ahmad Qurai`, fmr. Israeli negotiator Uri Savir, U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross attend. (WP 8/24)

France says there is "no compelling evidence" that the target the U.S. struck in Sudan 8/20 was tied to terrorism. Russia has already termed strikes on Afghanistan, Sudan "state terrorism." Israel has been the only country to applaud the U.S. attacks. (MM 8/24)

Egyptian FM Amr Musa arrives in Syria for 1-day visit, meets with FM Faruq al-Shara` on the peace process. (MENA, SANA 8/23 in WNC 8/26)

Israeli cabinet approves construction of permanent structures in Tal Rumayda where a settler was killed 8/20, thereby sanctioning creation of a new settlement. (Settlers at Tal Rumayda live in mobile homes.) IDF lifts curfew on Hebron briefly but reimposes it when 50 Jewish settlers attack Palestinians stocking up on food at the central market. (MM, WP, WT 8/24; CSM 8/25; MA 8/25 in WNC 8/27; PR 8/28; JP 8/29; MEI 9/4)

Syria's Pres. Asad arrives in France for 2 days of talks with Pres. Chirac on the peace process, the French-Egyptian proposal for an international summit (see 5/18). This is Asad's 1st trip to a Western nation in 22 yrs. (MM 7/16; AFP 7/16 in WNC 7/20; MEI, MM, WT 7/17; AFP 7/17 in WNC 7/20; NYT 7/18; SANA, SATN, VOA 7/18 MA 7/19, Les Echos 7/20 in WNC 7/21; WT 7/21; Tishrin 7/21 in WNC 7/24; MM 7/23; al-Watan al-Arabi 7/24 in WNC 7/28; MM 7/27; MEI 7/31)

In Gaza, PA Local Government M Erakat, Egyptian Amb. to Israel Muhammad Basyuni discuss peace process, upcoming resumption of PA-Israel talks. (MENA 7/16 in WNC 7/20)

Palestinian land dealer Badawi Jawlani, suspected of selling Palestinian land to Jews, is found murdered nr. Ramallah. (YA 7/17 in WNC 7/20) (see 6/10/97)

PM Netanyahu, Arafat adviser Mahmud Abbas meet secretly at Netanyahu's home for brief talks on the peace process before Netanyahu leaves for China. (MM 6/12)

To mark Jerusalem Day, Israel stages largest military parade (13,000 troops) through West Jerusalem since 1973, attended by U.S. congressional delegation. Groups of right-wing Israelis try to enter al-Aqsa Mosque, march on Orient House. IDF bans Palestinian entry into Jerusalem for the day, sparking clashes btwn. IDF, Palestinians in Bethlehem. (al-Dustur, RJ 5/24 in WNC 5/27; WT 5/25; PR 5/29; MEI 6/5)

In Amman, Israeli FMin. Dir. Gen. Eytan Bentzur, Jordanian FM Fayiz Tarawnah discuss Israeli proposal for conditional withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. Jordan stresses need for Israel to unconditionally implement UN Res. 425. (JT, al-Quds, al-Ra'i 5/25 in WNC 5/27)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak briefs Arafat on his trip to France. Arafat then heads to Saudi Arabia to discuss possible Arab summit. (MENA 5/24, RE 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

Syria asks Iran's help in constructing steel mills. Both countries agree to expand cultural, art exchanges to pave way for closer bilateral relations. (IRNA 5/24, 5/25 in WNC 5/27)

In Damascus, Hamas's Shaykh Yasin meets with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad. (AFP, al-Majd 5/25 in WNC 5/27) (see 5/23)

1st Lebanese municipal elections since 1963 begin. Elections are held on 4 consecutive Sundays. (RL 5/25, 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM 5/26; al-Safir 5/27 in WNC 6/1; WP 6/1; MEI 6/5)

In London, Secy. Albright asks Arafat to consider Netanyahu's proposed "refinements" to the 13.1% FRD plan. Arafat rejects proposal for cancellation of 3d FRD (see 5/17). Speaking with reporters, Pres. Clinton refuses to characterize Netanyahu's position in talks with U.S. officials, saying that to do so "would almost certainly reduce the chances of our being able to get agreement which would move parties to final status." (MM 5/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/19; MM 5/20; PR 5/22)

Citing Albright's London mtg. with Arafat, a senior British official says that the UK is "suspicious" that the U.S. is letting its brinkmanship with Israel on the FRD issue fade. In Paris, French pres. Jacques Chirac, Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak call for a new international peace conference (opposed by the U.S.), creation of a Palestinian state. (MENA 5/18 in WNC 5/19; AFP, MENA 5/18, 5/19 in WNC 5/21; WP 5/19; WT 5/20; MENA, RE 5/21 in WNC 5/23; MM 5/22; RE 5/23 in WNC 5/27; MEI 7/31)

At the G-8 mtg. in London, Pres. Clinton agrees to ask Congress for greater authority to waive sanctions required under 2 U.S. laws that threaten to affect firms fr. France, Israel, Malaysia, Russia: Helms-Burton Act, which requires sanctions against foreign firms that make use of confiscated U.S. property in Cuba, and the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, which punishes Iran, Libya for sponsoring "terrorism" by threatening sanctions against 3d countries who enter large economic agmts. with them (see 9/28/97). (NYT, WP, WT 5/19; MEI 6/5)

3 Amal mbrs. are wounded in clash with IDF in s. Lebanon. (RL 5/18 in WNC 5/21)

In Washington, Secy. Albright meets with PM Netanyahu but fails to overcome differences keeping Israel fr. reaching an FRD agmt., resuming talks with the PA. Netanyahu again raises escrow idea. In a couched criticism of Israel, Clinton expresses suspicions that "some of the actors in th Middle East drama" are carrying out "a deliberate strategy of delay." Netanyahu is at the start of a 5-day U.S. visit to meet with congressional leaders, attend AIPAC, American Jewish Comm. mtgs. (MM, NYT 5/13; NYT, WP, WT 5/14; MA 5/14 in WNC 5/15)

Russian special envoy Posuvalyuk arrives in Beirut for 2 days of talks with PM Hariri on peace process, Israel's s. Lebanon withdrawal offer. (RL, VOL 5/13 in WNC 5/14; RL 5/14 in WNC 5/15)

Kuwait releases 4 of the 13 Jordanian detainees pardoned 4/26. (JTV 5/13 in WNC 5/15) (see 5/7)

In Jerusalem, a Palestinian is stabbed to death by an Ultraorthodox Jew. He is the 6th Palestinian to be stabbed in Jerusalem since 2/17, the 1st to die of his injuries. (NYT, WP 5/14)

In the deadliest attack in more than 2 yrs., Israeli air force (IAF) bombards Fatah-Uprising training camp in s. Lebanon, killing 10 Palestinians, wounding 26. IAF also targets nearby PFLP-GC camp, causing damage but no injuries. France condemns the attacks. (MM 5/13; AFP, RL, VOL 5/13 in WNC 5/14; NYT, WP, WT 5/14)

U.S. cancels Washington summit planned for 5/11, says Pres. Clinton is trying to set up the talks for later this mo. Netanyahu spokesman Bar-Ilan says Netanyahu's schedule is full until 5/28. (al-Dustur 5/9, RJ 5/10 in WNC 5/12; NYT, WP, WT 5/10; NYT, WP 5/11; JP 5/16)

FMs fr. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK, U.S. (in London to prepare for upcoming mtg. of the G-8 leading industrialized nations) unanimously call on Israel to accept the U.S. FRD proposal. (LPA 5/9, SANA 5/10 in WNC 5/12; WT 5/10)

At the Vatican, Lebanese pres. Hrawi discusses Israel's conditional withdrawal proposal with Pope John Paul II, who expresses support for Lebanon's stance. (RL 5/9, 5/11 in WNC 5/12)

ITV reports that it has uncovered a document signed by Infrastructures M Sharon in which the Likud promises Ultraorthodox leaders that in exchange for their votes for Netanyahu in the 1996 election, the party would make sure that 2 new settlements plus up to 79,000 new housing units in existing settlements would be constructed; would look into providing grants, loans, exemptions to cover settlers' construction costs. PM's Office says that it doubts the document could be considered a legal agmt., meaning that it would not have to have been submitted to the Knesset, does not constitute election bribery. (ITV 5/9 in WNC 5/12)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Spain on 1st stop on weekend shuttle to Europe (including stops in Germany, Norway, UK) to sell his plan for conditional withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. Netanyahu was also going to go to France but canceled because of a statement by the French amb. to Jordan that Netanyahu is blocking the peace process. (MM 3/5)

Israeli DM Mordechai leaves on 4-day tour of France, the Netherlands to discuss s. Lebanon withdrawal proposal. (MM 3/5; MM 3/10; Algemeen Dagblad [Rotterdam] 3/10 in WNC 3/11; PR 3/27)

Shin Bet arrests 5 Palestinians, including 1 PA policeman, on charges of operating a large Hamas cell responsible for at least 10 attacks on Israeli targets. (WP, WT 3/6; IGPO 3/8; WJW 3/12; PR 3/13)

Without Secy. Gen. Annan's knowledge, UNSCOM head Richard Butler dispatches a 50-mbr. team headed by Scott Ritter, previously accused by Iraq of being a U.S. spy, to Baghdad to test Iraqi compliance. The team resumes inspections without Iraqi interference at sites other than the 8 "presidential palaces." (MM 3/6; WP 3/11; MM 3/12) (see 2/23)

In Jerusalem, PM Netanyahu hosts mbrs. of Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (CPMAJO); calls on them to fend off expected U.S. government initiative to press Israel for an FRD. (MM 3/3; WT 3/4; WJW 3/12; MM 3/18) (see 2/28)

UNSC unanimously approves 2/22 agmt., warning Iraq it will face "the severest consequences" if it breaks the agmt. China, France, Russia refuse to include explicit threat of force. Council settles for deliberately ambiguous language. U.S. officials stress that resolution does not prohibit an attack. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP 3/3; MM 3/4)

At close of 2-day mtg., Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan express support for construction of a "Eurasian Energy Corridor" pipeline linking Baku, Azerbaijan, with Ceyhan, Turkey. (ITAR-TASS 3/2 in WNC 3/5; Interfax 3/13 in WNC 3/17) (see 12/28/97)

Sheinbein's atty. accepts Israeli judge's 2/25 proposal, but Maryland state atty. says it would consider deal only if Sheinbein agrees to plead guilty. State Dept. says it might agree if it had some control over sentencing. (WP 3/2, 3/5)

Referring explicitly to UN Res. 425, PM Netanyahu again offers to withdraw fr. s. Lebanon, if Lebanon provides security guarantees. Lebanon rejects the offer. (NYT 3/2; RL 3/2 in WNC 3/5; WP 3/3; al-Thawra 3/5 in WNC 3/10) (see 1/11)

Israel's Cabinet Secy. Dani Nave, PM adviser Uzi Arad leave for Europe on a "political mission." (MA 3/1 in WNC 3/5; MM, WT 3/2)

Jordan announces that it has secured $630 m. in grants, loans for water projects to be implemented over 5 yrs. as part of a $5-b., 14-yr. water resource management plan. Donors include Arab Fund ($154 m.), German Development Bank ($151.3 m.), USAID ($100 m.), Japan ($70 m.), World Bank ($55 m.), European Investment Bank ($45 m.), France ($22 m.), Italy ($20 m.). (JT 3/2 in WNC 3/5)

Secy. of State Albright meets with Arafat to follow up on 1/22 mtg. with Clinton, urges him to consider the U.S. FRD proposal. After mtg., Albright announces that Arafat, Netanyahu have agreed to send envoys to Washington in 1 wk. to try to break impasse. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/2; CSM, NYT 2/3; MEI 2/13)

Netanyahu asks Secy. of State Albright for 2+n3 days advance warning of a U.S. attack on Iraq, immediate defensive measures against an Iraqi biological attack. Albright probes Israel's intentions on the manner, scale of its reprisal should Iraq strike Israel. (WP 2/2; MM 2/3; WT 2/5)

After mtg. with Arafat, Netanyahu, Secy. of State Albright heads to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia to gauge support for strike on Iraq. Kuwait supports use of force as last resort. Saudi Arabia says that U.S. may not stage attack on Iraq fr. its territory but will consider allowing U.S. planes to use its airspace. Arab League, France, Jordan, PA, Russia, Turkey send envoys to Iraq to persuade Saddam Hussein to abandon opposition to UNSCOM inspection of palaces. Egypt, Iran, Qatar, Syria warn attack would increase regional tensions. (NYT, WT 2/2; MM, WT 2/3; WP 2/4)

PM Netanyahu orders halt to preliminary negotiations (initiated by Infrastructures M Sharon) with Iran regarding repayment of Israelis $1.2 b. debt to Iran. (Globes [Internet] 2/1 in WNC 2/4) (see 9/20/97)

At entrance to Bethlehem, Palestinians clash with IDF for 3d straight day, leaving 6 Palestinians injured. During clash, IDF troops, PA police train weapons on each other but do not fire. (WT 2/2) (see 1/30)

Lebanese army eases siege on Britel to allow 10,000 Lebanese to hold funeral for Shaykh Khudr Tlays, Tufayli's right hand man who was killed in clash 1/30. Tufayli is still on the run. (MM, WT 2/2; MM 2/9; MEI 2/13)

3 civilians are wounded during IDF bombardment of Mashghara village in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

Israeli ministerial team on FRD meets to prepare response to U.S. FRD proposal (see 1/26) for upcoming Netanyahu-Albright mtg. 1/31. (IDF Radio 1/29 in WNC 2/2; MM 1/30)

Israel, U.S. inaugurate 1st hot line linking Israeli DM, the U.S. secy. of defense by phone in case of security emergency. (ITV 1/29 in WNC 2/2)

Pres. Clinton sends televised greetings to Iranian people on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan; endorses Pres. Khatami's 1/7 call for cultural exchanges btwn. Iran, the U.S.; says U.S. regrets its estrangement fr. Iran. (MM 1/29; NYT, WP 1/30; MM 2/2)

Iraq's Dep. PM `Aziz departs on tour of Russia, France, Syria, Egypt as part of an Iraqi diplomatic campaign to counter U.S. mobilization of support for a strike on Iraq. (SA 1/29 in WNC 2/2) (see 1/28)

French FM Vedrine meets with Arafat in Ramallah. (Les Echos [Paris] 11/24 in WNC 11/27)

EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos arrives in Lebanon for talks with PM Rafiq Hariri, FM Faris Buwayz. (VOL 11/25 in WNC 12/9)

Jordanian, Israeli naval search and rescue teams hold joint exercises in the Gulf of Aqaba. (IGPO 11/25)

IDF reports that a new settlement, Kfar Oranim, is under construction in the West Bank nr. the settlement of Modi'in. 100 houses are being build, 500 are planned; 5 families moved in over the last few days. DMin. says it is unaware of the construction, thinks it is a private initiative. (IDF Radio 11/25 in WNC 11/27)

At the Doha summit, U.S. Undersecy. of State for Economic Affairs Stuart Eizenstat says that the administration will seek funding fr. Congress for the Middle East Development Bank in the FY 1999 budget, MEDB operations can begin within 4 mos. of receiving funding, bank mbrs. have already started selecting projects (concentrating on cross-border infrastructure projects) to fund. The U.S. also signs a protocol for a new $60 m. equity fund to promote U.S. private investment in the West Bank/Gaza, Jordan. (MM 11/17)

Settlers begin construction of 6 new housing units in Hebron's Jewish quarter. (ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/21)

In Luxor, Egypt, gunmen aligned with the Islamic Group open fire on tourists in the Valley of the Kings, killing 58 foreigners, 3 Egyptians, wounding 24 foreigners. Police take chase, kill 6 gunmen. (ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; MM, WT 11/19; MM 11/20; MEI, MM 11/21)

Secy. of State Albright ends 2-day tour of the Gulf to discuss latest standoff btwn. Iraq, the UN. Finding no support fr. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia for military action, U.S. agrees to try to reach negotiated settlement. U.S., UK present France, Russia with position paper, offering to allow Iraq to buy more goods with oil proceeds if it cooperates fully with UN inspection teams. Russia offers to lead mediation. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; MEI 11/21) (see 11/13)

Russia expels Iranian accused of trying to buy missile technology. (WP 11/18)

PM Netanyahu, DM Mordechai, Infrastructures M Sharon secretly fly to Amman to discuss attack on Hamas's Mishal. King Hussein refuses to meet them, sends Crown Prince Hassan instead. (NYT 10/10) (see 9/25)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright, Israeli FM Levy, Arafat adviser Abbas meet on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York. (NYT, WP, WT 9/29; MEI 10/10)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak receives Israeli pres. Weizman in Alexandria. (MENA 9/28 in WNC 9/30; MM 9/29; JP 10/11)

PM Netanyahu tells his cabinet that he has spotted the "first, preliminary steps" by the PA to crack down on Islamists; releases $17 m. of tax money withheld fr. the PA since the 7/30, 9/4 bombings; allows 8,000 more Palestinian workers into Israel. (CSM, NYT, WT 9/29)

At a Labor convention, party leader Ehud Barak asks forgiveness fr. Sephardic Jews for the way the party treated them in the early years of statehood. (NYT 9/30; JP 10/4; MM 10/22)

IDF demolishes 53 dwellings of 70 Jahalin bedouin families, a school nr. Azariyya in Jeruslem. (PHRIC 10/21) (see 8/19)

The 3 companies fr. France, Malaysia, Russia sign $2 b. deal to explore for  gas in Iran, challenging for the 1st time a 1996 law sponsored by Sens. Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY), Edward Kennedy (D-MA) requiring the U.S. to impose sanctions on any company that violates a 1996 law against investing more than $40 m. in Iran. (NYT 9/29; NYT, WP, WT 9/30; NYT 10/1; MEI 10/10) (see 7/26)

In Tehran, Iran, Jordan discuss expanding bilateral relations in trade, tourism, transportation. (RJ 9/28 in WNC 9/30; JT 10/1 in WNC 10/2)

500,000 Israeli workers honor an 8-hr. strike called by Histadrut to protest the Likud government's refusal to honor a Labor-initiated pension plan. (WT 9/28, 9/29)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Syrian pres. Asad discuss possible Arab summit on the peace process. (ESC Television [Cairo], RMC 5/1 in WNC 5/2; MM 5/2)

Turkey, Israel end 3 days of military talks, agree to perform joint military maneuvers with the U.S. later this yr. (Anatolia [Ankara] 5/2 in WNC 5/2; MM, WT 5/2; Turkiye [Istanbul] 5/4 in WNC 5/7; VIRI 5/6 in WNC 5/8; JP 5/10)

PM Netanyahu forms a 10-mbr. Gesher, Likud, Tsomet ministers' forum that will meet once a wk., before cabinet sessions. The PM's goal is to have the ministers more involved in consultations to prevent incidents similar to the Bar-On affair. (IDF Radio 5/1 in WNC 5/2)

ILMG continues discussion of 4/29 complaints, determines that 1 mortar fired 4/25 by a Lebanese group accidentally landed inside Israel, but reaches no final decisions. (RL 5/1 in WNC 5/2)

U.S. takes over rotating chairmanship of ILMG fr. France today, but the U.S. official will assume his post 5/5. (al'Ahd 5/9 in WNC 5/15)

In Amman, EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos discusses ways of bridging gaps in the peace process with Crown Prince Hassan, FM Tarawnah. (RJ 4/28 in WNC 4/29)

France, Turkey, UK, U.S. begin 10 days of joint military maneuvers in the Aegean. (Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation Radio [Nicosia] 4/29 in WNC 4/30)

Labor, Meretz parties file lawsuits with the Israeli High Court appealing the atty. gen. decision not to indict PM Netanyahu, Justice M Hanegbi. Hearings will be held in 5/97. (MM 4/21; WP 4/22; MM 4/23) (see 4/19)

Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza, barring Palestinians fr. entering Israel during the 8-day Passover holiday. (WT 4/22; CSM 4/25)

In a prerelease of a joint paper for Foreign Affairs, fmr. National Security Advisers Zbigniew Brzezinski, Brent Scowcroft conclude that U.S. dual containment policy "lacks strategic viability and carries a high financial and diplomatic cost," sanctions have been ineffectual; suggest the U.S. offer Iran, Iraq incentives to alter their behavior instead of just punishing them. (MM 4/21)

Following Germany's 4/10 ruling, U.S. announces decision to encourage its EU allies to impose sanctions on Iran; sends mission to France, Germany, Holland, UK. (NYT, WT 4/22; CSM 4/25)

Iraq again defies the southern U.S. no-fly zone by sending 9 helicopters to fly home pilgrims returning from Mecca. U.S. says it will tolerate the flights. (MM, WT 4/22; NYT, WP 4/23; MEI 5/2) (see 4/9)

In Paris, Pres. Chirac meets with Israeli FM Levy, says France is willing to act as Israel's intermediary with Syria to close the gaps preventing a resumption of negotiations. (AFP 1/31 in WNC 2/3)

In Sincan, Turkey, 100s come together to celebrate Jerusalem day, a day (1st set aside 17 yrs. ago by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini) for Muslims to protest Israel's occupation of Jerusalem; hear speech by Iranian Amb. Muhammad Reza Bagheri. When Bagheri arrives, the crowd chants of "Down with Israel! Down with Arafat!" (MM 2/6; NYT 2/13)

Sweden reopens its embassy in Beirut, which was closed during the 1975-90 Lebanese civil war. (RL 1/31 in WNC 2/4; Svenska Dagbladet [Stockholm] 2/1 in WNC 2/5)

Arafat visits Hebron. 60,000 Palestinians welcome him. Later, he meets with Hebron's Hamas leaders. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/20; al-Quds 1/20 in WNC 1/23; WJW 1/23; MEI 1/24)

Palestine National Council authorizes its Legal Comm. to amend the PLO charter. (PR 1/24)

Palestinian sources in `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in s. Lebanon say that 3 high ranking Fatah mbrs., associated with anti-Arafat faction leader Col. Munir Makdah, have been assassinated in the past wk. They are Ahmad Ayyub, Khalil Ward, and Abu al-'Asal. (AFP, RMC 1/19 in WNC 1/22) (see 4/16/96)

France refuses Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein's request to transfer his son Uday to Paris for treatment. (MM 1/20) (see 12/12)

PA, Israel continue negotiations on Hebron. PA wants Israel to commit to completing further redeployment by next fall, as set out in the Oslo II agmt. U.S. special envoy Ross meets separately with Arafat, Netanyahu. (NYT, WP, WT 1/1; PR 1/3)

For 2d time in 1 wk., Jewish settlers break into Palestinian market area in Hebron, claim it as Jewish property. Israeli police arrest 15 settlers, eject them fr. the site. (WP, WT 1/1)

Bomb explodes on Damascus bus, killing 11, wounding 44. Citing Lubrani's statements 12/23, Syria accuses Israel of planting the device. U.S. calls charge "wild and irresponsible," demands proof of Israel's complicity. (RMC 1/2 in WNC 1/3; MBC, RJ, SATN 1/2, RMC 1/3 in WNC 1/6; MM, NYT, WT 1/3; ITV, RMC 1/4, al-Dustur 1/5, JT, QPAR, RJ, SATN 1/6 in WNC 1/7; al-Urdun 1/6 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/7; SANA 1/8 in WNC 1/9; MM, WJW 1/9; MEI 1/10; JP 1/11; NYT 1/28) (see 12/19)

The mandate for Operation Provide Comfort, set up by the U.S. and its allies after the Gulf War to protect the Kurds in n. Iraq, expires. Turkish parliament passes an extension of the mandate, though the title "Operation Provide Comfort" will no longer be used in order to stress that the project now is largely American, rather than international. France ceases participation, stating that the UN oil-for-food deal provides adequately for aid distribution in n. Iraq. (MEI 1/10)

Jordanian Information M Mu`asher meets with PM Netanyahu. (JT, RJ 12/13 in WNC 12/16)

Israeli cabinet reinstates large subsidies (incl. tax brakes, business grants) for West Bank settlers. The U.S. says the move is "troubling," "clearly complicates the peace process." (MM 12/13; MA 12/13 in WNC 12/16; IGPO 12/13, ITV 12/16 in WNC 12/17; LAWE, NYT, WP, WT 12/14; IGPO, WP 12/15; CSM, MM, WT 12/16; MEI, PR 12/20; JP 12/21)

In Gaza, 15,000 Palestinians attend antisettlement rally called by Hamas and approved by the PA. Hamas spokesman Mahmud Zahhar announces that Hamas soon will open political offices in Gaza (with PA permission) as a transitional step for "greater participation in public life"; West Bank offices are planned. (NYT 12/14; CSM 12/16; ITV 12/17 in WNC 12/19; MEI, PR 12/20; al-Quds 12/20 in WNC 12/26; JP 12/21)

After France drops its threat to veto him, UNSC chooses Ghana's Annan, current undersecy. gen. for peacekeeping operations, for secy. gen. The full UN General Assembly (UNGA) is expected to officially elect him 12/17. (NYT, WP, WT 12/14; CSM 12/16; MEI 12/20) (see 12/6)

Katayusha rockets are fired fr. s. Lebanon into n. Israel, in the first crossborder attack since the wide-scale Israeli-Lebanese fighting in 4/96. No one is injured, but a cow is killed. Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Hizballah, PFLP, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) deny responsibility. (RL 12/13, RL, RMC 12/14, RL 12/15 in WNC 12/17; NYT, WP 12/14; RMC 12/15 in WNC 12/16; RL 12/15 in WNC 12/17; RL 12/16 in WNC 12/18; JP 12/21)

At the close of their mtg. in Amman, representatives of the 33 nations of the Euro-Arab Parliamentary Dialogue issue a declaration urging Israel to fulfill its commitments to the Oslo accords. (JT, JTV, RJ 12/1, JT 12/2 in WNC 12/3) (see 11/29)

In Cairo, Arab League holds emergency session on Israeli settlement activity, warns Israel that expanding settlements will endanger peacemaking; says existing settlements should be dismantled, but stops short of Syria's demand that Arabs suspend relations with Israel. (RE, RMC 12/1 in WNC 12/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/2; WT 12/4; PR 12/6)

PM Netanyahu meets with Jordan valley settler leaders, says Jordan valley is "inseparable from the State of Israel," promises additional 470 housing units for the area, denounces Arab League statement. (MM, WP, WT 12/2; CSM 12/3)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Pres. Mubarak on negotiations with Israel. (RE 12/2 in WNC 12/3)

Jordan's PM Kabariti, Iraq's trade M discuss trade btwn. the two nations ahead of implementation of the UN oil-for-food agmt. (JTV 12/2 in WNC 12/4) (see 11/25) (RJ 12/9 in WNC 12/11)

France assumes the chairmanship of ILMG fr. the U.S. (RL 12/1 in WNC 12/3) (see 7/12)