The Palestine Chronology

Israel has told Jordan it objects to any Jordanian-Iraqi military cooperation. Israeli military source expresses concern that "a military alliance . .. is being set up against us" (cf. 2/20) [HAD 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

5 Knesset members announce reestablishment of Likud faction Liberal Party, which had previously merged with Herut movement [JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

High-level Palestinian delegation, sent by Yasir Arafat, arrives in Beirut to meet with Gen. Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea [MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21].

Under pressure from Arab gov'ts., Soviet Union rejects U.S. appeal to allow direct flights for Soviet Jews from Moscow to Tel Aviv [NYT 2/20].

Soviet ambassador to Cairo, Gennadiy Zhuravlev, has stressed USSR readiness to host Israeli-Palestinian talks; denies this undermines Egypt's role [RYF 2/19 in FBIS 2/28].

Israeli air force bombs DFLP bases near Kfar Jarah, 4 miles east of Sidon in Lebanon; one person reported killed [LAT 2/ 20; IDF 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prime Minister Shamir threatens to resign if Herut Central Committee approves no confidence vote in wake of election proposal [FBIS 5/17]. Public opinion poll shows that Israelis think Ariel Sharon "is the Israeli figure best suited to deal with the intifadah" [FBIS 5/19].

Arab World: Hasan II invites Egypt to participate in upcoming Arab summit [FBIS 5/17]. PLO Chairman Arafat offers to name Palestinian government composed of residents of O.T. [WP 5/18]. Egypt rejects Israel's plan for elections in O.T., reiterates call for international conference [FBIS 5/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jenin Palestinian is shot, killed [FBIS 5/17]. Troops shoot, wound at least 5 Palestinians in Gaza [FBIS 5/18].