The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops curfew Balata refugee camp, conduct house-to-house searches, arrest dozens of Palestinians [JP 11/24; FJ 11/29]. Army stops group of 50 would-be settlers who attempt to squat in Jericho [JP 11/24].

Arab World: Israeli forces patrolling in S. Lebanon security zone kill 2 armed Palestinian gunmen; 2 Israelis are wounded [JP 11/24]. President Mubarak states Egypt is urging PLO to reconsider position on UN resolutions 242 and 338 to ease way for intl. M. E. peace conference; comments follow 3 hours of talks with U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy [JP 11/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Syria begins placing longer-range SAM-2 anti-aircraft missiles along Syrian border with Lebanon, withdrawing shorter-range SAM-6 and SAM-8 missiles from Lebanese territory [JP 12/18; MEP 12/20; NYT 12/26]. Egyptian airliner carrying nearly 100 passengers is hijacked over the Mediterranean by Arabs identifying themselves as "Egypt's Revolution." After landing in Malta, several bodies are thrown out of the plane [WP, BG, TS 11/24].

Other Countries: Israel and Argentina pledge to increase volume of bilateral trade at conclusion of visit to Argentina by Trade Min. Ariel Sharon [JP 11/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres calls for emergency meeting of cabinet to present letter calling for dismissal of Ariel Sharon following Sharon's accusation that Labor party has cost Israel "a great deal of blood" and implications Peres would negotiate with the PLO and return the Golan Heights. Peres rejects aletter of apology from Sharon for the remarks. Likud members threaten to pull out of the coalition if Peres carries out the dismissal [BG, PI, NYT 11/14; WP 11/15].

Arab World: Jordan and Syria conclude 2 days of reconciliation talks pledging to work towards "joint Arab action" in M.E. peace process [WP, BG 11/14]. Manchester Guardian reports Egypt agrees to renew negotiations with Israel over Taba dispute; Israeli officials state resumption of talks could have positive effect on attempts to hold direct negotiations between Israel and Jordan [MG 11/13].

Other Countries: Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles leaves Jerusalem for 'Amman bearing special message from P.M. Peres to King Hussein [LT 11/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states direct talks with Jordan are "very close" but a solution will not necessarily come within a week or a month [JP 11/10].

Arab World: Egyptian official states Egypt, Jordan, and U.S. are discussing possibility of "new formula" for M.E. peace which combines recent proposals by Jordanian, PLO, and Israeli leaders [JP 11/10]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli official states U.S. involvement in secret diplomatic contacts between Jordan, Egypt, and Israel is intensifying daily [WP, CSM 11/4].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports Israeli military expels 4 leading Druze shaykhs from village of Hasbaya in security zone in S. Lebanon [JP 11/3]. Israeli settlers in the Golan Heights block bridges leading there, stage demonstrations against their poor financial situation; settlements there owe $20 million to Northern Moshavim Purchasing Association [JP 11/3; JTA 11/4]. Institute for Strategic Studies in London annual report, Survey of Military Balances, states that Syria has almost 3 times as many troops in regular army as Israel [JP 11/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes in Afula (5th in recent weeks); no injuries. Palestinians are rounded up for questioning [JP 11/4]. Bomb goes off at bus stop near French Hill; no injuries [JP 11/4]. Katyusha rockets land in Galilee; no casualties [JTA 11/4].

Arab World: Three people trying to smuggle explosives into 'Aysha village in S. Lebanon using a donkey are killed when SLA militiamen open fire on them, detonating the explosives [JP 11/4]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli govt. officials state Jordan has provisionally agreed to be involved in choosing and appointing Palestinian mayors for some of the largest towns in the West Bank, including Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, and al-Bireh [LT 10/30]. Birzeit U. and Bethlehem U. students demonstrate against deportation orders issued 10/28. Another demonstration takes place outside Min. of Defense building in Tel Aviv; group of professors from Tel Aviv U. and Hebrew U. issue statement calling for cancellation of orders [JP 10/31]. Green Patrol evict 40 Bedouin families from Negev land, cutting down their tents [JP 10/31].

Arab World: PLO promises Jordan it will avoid repetition of incidents like Achille Lauro hijacking or "any act that would hurt the 11 February agreement" [NYT 10/31]. New York Times reports Pres. Amin Jumayyil of Lebanon is trying to open negotiations with Israel on S. Lebanon and has sent former For. Min. Elie Salem to Damascus for talks with Syrian For. Min. Faruq al-Shar' on the subject [NYT 10/31].

Other Countries: Israeli and U.S. officials state some Arab nations, including Jordan and Egypt, have recently urged the Soviet Union to restore diplomatic ties with Israel as a way to help promote peace talks [NYT 10/31]. Israel Radio reports Hungary has agreed to open diplomatic mission in Israel, will permit Israeli rep. to work from a foreign embassy in Budapest [JP 10/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Pres. Mubarak states he is certain Tunisian collusion enabled the U.S. to intercept the Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers [NYT, WP 10/21]. U.S. Deputy Asst. Sec. of State Whitehead meets with Egypt's Foreign Minister 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid and top national security advisor Usama al-Baz [WP, LAT 10/21].

Other Countries: Sen. Richard Lugar (RInd.), chmn. of the Sen. For. Relations Com., says he will seek "a formula" to gain Senate approval of proposed arms sale to Jordan [JTA 10/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Foreign Ministry releases 27-page white paper on PLO activity which is to be basis for worldwide "information campaign" aimed at discrediting PLO as participant in M.E. peace process. Paper states PLO planned or carried out 380 attacks since 11 February Hussein-Arafat agreement was concluded, killing 19 and injuring over 100 [LAT, LT 10/19]. P.M. Shimon Peres states Israel will accept Jordan's proposal for an international conference provided Israel is not required to sit down with nations which do not have diplomatic relations with it [LAT, BG 10/19]. Palestinian political prisoners inJnayd prison end hunger strike begun 10/8 [FJ 11/1].

Other Countries: U.S. Deputy Asst. Sec. of State John C. Whitehead travels to Italy and Egypt in attempt to smooth relations following Achille Lauro affair [WP 10/19]. Senate Republican leaders warn Sec. of State Shultz admin. will face opposition in proposed arms sale to Jordan; White House will at best have to accept conditions on sale to avoid embarrassing defeat [WP, CT 10/19]. Sen. Edward Kennedy announces 43 Democrats and 28 Republicans, three-quarters of the Senate, have agreed to cosponsor measure prohibiting the sale [BG 10/19]. Jewish Press reports U.S. Sec. of Def. Weinberger attempted to talk Pres. Reagan out of the plan to intercept Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers [JWP 10/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli tour guide is stabbed by 3 unidentified men while showing 3 Danish tourists around ruins near Nablus. Area is curfewed: no arrests are reported [NYT 10/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres arrives in Washington for talks with Reagan administration [NYT, LAT 10/17]. MK Meir Kahane is granted "certificate of identity" by U.S. consulate in Jerusalem [WP 10/17]. Knesset members walk out during half-hour speech by MK Meir Kahane in which he condemns Education Ministry's plans to sponsor meetings between Israeli and Palestinian students [JP 10/17].

Arab World: Tunisian Pres. Habib Bourguiba is reportedly at odds with most of his main advisors over whether to allow the PLO to retain its political headquarters in Tunis; Bourguiba is said to favor having the PLO leave, while his cabinet is arguing for closer relations with the rest of the Arab world [NYT 10/17]. King Hussein cuts short vacation in Northern Scotland and holds talks with British Foreign Office Minister for the M.E. Timothy Reton following failure of British to meet 2 PLO officials. Hussein then returns to 'Amman for talks with the PLO [DT 10/17]. Egyptian pilot of intercepted plane states U.S. jet fighters threated to fire on him if he did not agree to land in Sicily [MG 10/17]. Anti-American demonstrations erupt in Cairo for 2nd time in 4 days; leaders of opposition parties meet with Mubarak to ask that he sever relations with the U.S. and Israel [LAT 10/17].

Other Countries: U.S. announces body of man found on Syrian coast has been "positively identified" as that of Leon Klinghoffer [NYT 10/17]. UN General Assembly rejects attempt by 18 Arab states to oust Israel from the assembly. Egypt, Jordan, and Oman do not join in the effort [NYT 10/17]. Italian govt. falls over Achille Lauro affair. Republican party of Defense Minister Giovanni Spadolini withdraws from coalition in protest of decision to let Muhammad 'Abbas go free [NYT 10/17]. Socialist International, meeting in Vienna, lambasts Irael for Tunis air raid; speakers from Labor and Social Democratic parties from 10 countries (including Austria, W. Germany, Italy, and Tunisia) condemn the raid. Statement is issued at conclusion calling for political negotiations without preconditions, stating "all parties involved in the conflict must take part" [JP 10/17]. Spain's consul-general says Spain is expected to establish diplomatic ties with Israel by 31 December 1985, the day Spain is scheduled to enter the EEC [JP 10/18]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres praises U.S. interception of plane carrying 4 hijackers [BG 10/12].

Arab World: PLO officials in Tunis condemn U.S. interception of Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers; PLO officials in Tunis say Tunisia had refused entry to an Egyptian airplane thought to be carrying the 4 hijackers before the plane left Egypt [NYT 10/11]. Anonymous telephone caller to Beirut newspaper threatens to strike at "U.S. interests" throughout the world if the 4 hijackers are hurt in prison [LT 10/12]. Egypt condemns the U.S. interception of plane carrying 4 hijackers, expresses "deep regret" at "surprising" American action [WP, NYT 10/12].

Other Countries: Bomb in office kills regional executive director of American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in Santa Ana, Califomia, Alex Odeh, 37, and injures 7 others. Odeh had appeared on TV the night before and called Yasir Arafat "a man of peace." No one claims responsibility; Jewish Defense League praises the action [NYT, WP 10/12]. Public prosecutor in Italy charges 4 hijackers with murder, kidnapping, hijacking of a ship, and possession of arms and explosives. Uncertainty remains over how 2 other senior Palestinian officials also taken into custody when the plane carrying them was intercepted will be treated; they are Abu al-'Abbas, head of the faction of the Palestine Liberation Front which allegedly carried out the hijacking, and another unidentified PLO official [NYT, WP 10/12]. U.S. agrees to let Italians prosecute hijackers but will maintain extradition request [NYT 10/13]. Jewish Press reports House Ways and Means Committee has adopted legislation to exempt Israel Bonds from a 1984 provision which increases taxes on loans made at below market level interest rates. Israel Bonds, at interest rates of 4%, are far below market level [JWP 10/11]. Harvard U. announces Prof. Nadav Safran "erred" in not reporting use of CIA funds to organize conference on fundamentalist Islam and to write book on Saudi Arabian security; Safran will not be disciplined [NYT, WP 10/12]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dir.Gen. of For. Min. David Kimche states in press briefing that Israeli intelligence has "absolute, complete and irrefutable proof' that Yasir Arafat "knew about this [the Achille Lauro] operation before it was to begin" [WP, LAT 10/11]. Jerusalem Post reports arrest of members of alleged Fateh cell said to be responsible for recent spate of bombings in and around Jerusalem [JP 10/10]. Jerusalem Post cites report in al-Mithaq stating some Palestinian ex-prisoners released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange are asking for special consideration in their applications to West Bank universities; Najah U. has agreed to admit some despite low grades, while other universities have agreed to give them special entrance exams [JP 10/11]. Jerusalem shops close in general strike to protest "iron fist" policy in occupied territories which since its imposition in August has resulted in over 6 deaths, 21 deportations, over 80 administrative detentions without trial. Similar strike in Ramallah is forcibly ended by Israeli troops. Students at Birzeit and Bethlehem U. also strike [FJ 10/11].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan tells reporters it would be "all right" for the PLO to try the 4 hijackers if Arafat has "kind of a national court set up, like a nation that they can bring them to justice." Later in the day, Nat. Sec. Adv. Robert McFarlane tells reporters Reagan "meant that he wants the PLO to tum these hijackers over to competent authorities for trial" [WP 10/11]. Sec. of St. George Shultz appeals to Senate Foreign Relations Committee to approve the proposed $1.9 billion arms sale to Jordan, calling it an "absolute necessity" for success in the M.E. peace process [CT, TS 10/1 1].

Military Action

Other Countries: U.S. Navy F-14 fighter jets intercept Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers and force it to land in Sicily; Italian authorities arrest the 4. White House spokesman Larry Speakes says the Egyptian plane was destined for Tunisia, but Tunisia had denied it landing rights. Speakes "categorically denies any deal" between the U.S. and Egypt on the interception. Speakes says the hijackers are in Italian custody but the U.S. will seek extradition [NYT, LAT 10/11]. Bodies of 2 men believed to be missing Israeli soldiers are found in Barcelona, Spain. Anonymous caller to Westem news agency claims the 2 were "Zionist sailors from the Zionist ship California" and that Fateh's Force 17 executed them on 10/5 [NYT 10/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports Amnesty International's recently published annual report for 1984 records that during 1984 "dozens of regular, border and military police" were charged with offenses against detainees and 17 were subsequently sentenced. Report also notes use of various forms of ill treatment and torture of detainees by Israeli forces in both the occupied territories and S. Lebanon, as well as extensive use of town arrest orders [JP 10/9]. Def. Min. Yitzhak Rabin states 5 Palestinians recently captured or killed in Hebron hills received assistance from PLO headquarters in 'Amman [JP 10/10]. Palestinian students at al-Najah U. go on 1-day hunger strike in solidarity with administrative detainees' hunger strike inside prisons [FJ 10/11].

Arab World: Four hijackers of Achille Lauro surrender in Egypt. Yasir Arafat asks that the 4 be tumed over to the PLO for trial [NYT 10/10]. The 4 hijackers leave the ship after negotiating with PLO representatives. The agreement to let them go was based on early reports that no hostages had been harmed [WP 10/10]. Italy then announces American passenger Leon Klinghoffer, confined to a wheelchair, is missing, his body believed to have been thrown overboard [NYT 10/10]. Palestinian source in Cyprus says the 4 originally intended to "go to Israel and carry out some tasks there," and disobeyed orders by hijacking the ship [WP 10/10].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Council unanimously condemns hijacking of Achille Lauro [NYT 10/10]. Draft resolution to invite Yasir Arafat to address UN General Assembly during 40th anniversary celebration is circulated at UN [BG 10/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli forces demolish homes of 5 members of Palestinian cell captured or killed in hills south of Hebron 10/6. Surif village placed under curfew during demolitions [JP 10/9].

Arab World: Two senior PLO officials leave for Cairo to help Egyptian officials negotiate with the Achille Lauro hijackers [LAT 10/9]. Arafat tells Italian P.M. Bettino Craxi he "entirely condemns" the hijacking and does not know who is responsible [MG 10/9]. The Damascus-based faction of the Palestine Liberation Front, headed by Tala'at Ya'qub, denounces the hijacking of the Achille Lauro as piracy. An anonymous caller to Agence France Presse says the Abu al-'Abbas faction of the Palestine Liberation Front, allied with Fateh, is responsible for the hijacking [NYT 10/10].

Other Countries: U.S. seeks to obtain worldwide guarantee that no country will allow the Achille Lauro to dock in its port while the hijackers are still in control. Italy rejects use of force to try to rescue passengers on Achille Lauro [LAT 10/9]. Dutch Def. Min. Job de Ruiter announces Dutch troops will be withdrawn from UN peacekeeping force deployed north of Lebanese-Israeli border because of "concern for their safety" [MG 10/9].

Military Action

Arab World: Achille Lauro steams toward Syria, then Cyprus; is refused entry at both. Ship retums to Egyptian coast, hijackers begin negotiations with Egyptians [NYT 10/13].

Other Countries: U.S. guided missile destroyer Scott cuts short shore leave in Haifa to monitor hijacked Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in Eastem Mediterranean [NYT 10/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Funerals of 2 Palestinians killed in Israel's air raid on Tunis spark anti-Israel demonstrations in Cairo. Hundreds of students shout anti-Israel and anti-American slogans as the 2 are buried at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Cairo, where the families of the 2 men live [MG 10/8]. Pres. Mubarak sees Arafat's political advisor Hani al-Hasan in an unscheduled meeting; al-Hasan conveys thanks for Egypt's position on Israel's Tunis air raid [JP 10/8].

Other Countries: Diplomatic sources say the U.S. decided not to veto UN Sec. Counc. resolution condemning Israeli air raid because of fears Tunisian govt. would break diplomatic ties with the U.S. [LT 10/8; NYT 10/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: WAFA news agency claims PLO responsibility for blast destroying Jerusalem apartment building, claims 20 killed, including Israeli lintelligence agents. Israeli police say 1 died and 11 were injured in the explosion, which was caused by a gas leak [TS 10/8].

Arab World: Four heavily armed Palestinians hijack an Italian cruise ship, the Achille Lauro, carrying 400 passengers off the shore of Egypt. Officials at Port Sa'id say the hijackers, who identify themselves as members of the Palestine Liberation Front, demand the release of 50 prisoners held in Israel, including Samir Qantari, in exchange for the ship's passengers; they threaten to blow up the ship if their demands are not met. Yasir Arafat denies any PLO responsibility in the hijacking, vows to try to use his influence to end it [NYT 10/8, 9; WP 10/9]. Fighting breaks out again around Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. Radio stations say the fighting is between Lebanese Muslim and Palestinian militias; Amal states it is an intemal Palestinian problem. Tankfire is used against the camps and at least 1 person is killed [FT, BG 10/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Yasir Arafat leads thousands of moumers in funeral for 17 Palestinians buried in Tunis. Arafat accuses Pres. Reagan of complicity in the plot to assassinate him but vows to continue with peace process [NYT 10/6]. Tunisian Pres. Bourguiba praises U.S. abstention in UN Security Council condemnation of Israeli raid [BG 10/6]. Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmad Haykal announces Israel will be barred from the 1986 Intemational Book Fair in Cairo to be held in January [BG 10/6].

Other Countries: Two thousand protesters in Paris demonstrate against Israel's 10/1 raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis. Similar demonstration is held in Bern, Switzerland [BG 10/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers trap 5 Palestinian commandos in Hebron hills, kill 4 of them in shoot-out. Army announcement on 10/7 states that the group was responsible for killing 5 Israelis, wounding 18 others in last 17 months. A number of Palestinians in the area arrested on suspicion of aiding the cell UP 10/8; CSM 10/9]. Two Israelis missing since 10/2, Edna Harari, 22, and Mordechai Suissa, 28, are found shot to death near Jerusalem. A caller to a Westem news agency on 10/4 claims responsibility for the murders on behalf of Fateh's Force 17 [NYT, WP 10/6].

Arab World: Egyptian policeman fires his automatic gun at group of Israeli tourists, killing 8 (including his Egyptian commander) and wounding 4. Shooting occurs at checkpoint at Ras Bourka, 25 miles south of Egyptian-Israeli border crossing at Taba in the Sinai. Egyptian authorities say the policeman "went berserk" [NYT 10/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Order closing 5- month-old al-Darb newspaper takes effect. Attomey for the paper's publisher is able to schedule High Court hearing for case for 10/6 [FJ 10/4].

Arab World: King Hussein meets with key U.S. congressmen to discuss proposed U.S. arms sale to Jordan [WP 10/2].

Other Countries: Pentagon officials meet Israeli diplomats, ask for list of U.S. weapons used in Tunis air raid [DT 10/4]. EEC countries empower their president to meet a joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation, following Britain's decision to invite the delegation, including 2 prominent PLO members, to London for talks [JP 10/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Israel bombs PLO headquarters in Tunis, claiming retaliation for Lamaca killings and W. Bank violence; 61 Palestinians and 12 Tunisians killed, over 100 injured. 8 U.S.-made F-15s and 8 F- 16s used in the attack, raising speculation Israel may have violated U.S. Arms Export Control Act. White House spokesman Larry Speakes describes attack as a "legitimate response" to "terrorist atacks" [NYT, JP 10/2]. Jordan and Egypt condemn raid, vow to continue peace process. Egypt suspends Taba discussions in protest [NYT 10/2]. Saudi Arabia calls for UN sanctions against Israel. England, Greece, Czechoslovakia, China, Rumania, France, Kuwait, UAE, Turkey, Jewish leaders condemn raid [NYT 10/2; MG, LT 10/3]. Washington claims no advance knowledge of the attack [NYT 10/2]. Three SLA soldiers killed by unidentified gunmen in the security zone [JP 10/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The 10-member inner cabinet deadlocks on a proposed compromise to end the Taba border dispute with Egypt, leaving the issue unresolved; Labor and Likud are evenly divided [JTA 9/20]. Leading Jewish businessmen from various countries and top Israeli officials and executives end 4 days of talks within the framework of P. M. Peres' International Task Force for Economic Recovery, chaired by Detroit businessman Max Fisher [JTA 9/20]. Jerusalem Post reports Israel has recently opened embassy in Hong Kong to improve contacts with Far East [JP 9/19]. Five thousand ultra-Orthodox Jews protest construction of $15 million extension of Brigham Young Univ., fearing it would be used for proselytizing [LAT 9/20].

Arab World: Nabih Birri states Israel is setting up new prison camp in Khiam; claims Israel and SLA detaining 50 Lebanese. Israeli military denies charge but cannot speak for SLA [JP 9/20]. British P.M. Thatcher, visiting 'Amman, signs $360 million arms deal with Jordan which includes military vehicles, electronic warfare and field communications equipment, and tank ammunition and spare parts. Israel condemns the agreement [WP 9/20].

Other Countries: The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issues statement calling on the administration to withdraw its proposed arms sale to Jordan [JTA 9/20]. P.M. Thatcher visits Palestinian refugee camp outside 'Amman and receives enthusiastic welcome [FT 9/20]. The British govt. defends its oil exporting policies in the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg against charges they discriminate against Israel [FT, JTA 9/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Gasoline bomb thrown at Mt. Zion bus stop (2nd in one week); no injuries or damage reported [JP 9/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities close al-Manar press office in Jerusalem for 6 months, following raid on the office and seizure of documents. Israelis claim it serves as a front for the DFLP [JP 9/10; FJ 9/13]. Eleven Palestinians go on trial before a military court in Gaza, charged with killing 3 suspected "collaborators " [JP 9/10]. Knesset bill which would ban "unauthorized" meetings with PLO officials passes first reading [MG 9/10]. Settlers break open a passage between Hebron's main mosque and the marketplace. Israeli soldiers briefly detain the settlers and a press photographer [JP 9/10]. Talks begin between the U.S. Board of International Broadcasting and Israeli officials over the location of a high-powered radio transmitter for Voice of America to be built in Israel [JP 9/9].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports 17 Egyptians, including 3 army officers, were arrested last week on suspicion of membership in "Egypt's Revolution," the previously unknown group which claimed responsibility for assassinating Israeli diplomat Albert Atrakchi. Submachine guns, automatic rifles, and ammunition were found in the home of one of the officers, and large quantities of pamphlets with others [JP 9/9].

Other Countries: Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports a new lobbyingroup called Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI) has opened offices in Washington, D.C. [JTA 9/10]. Japanese trade officials tell For. Min. Shamir due to changes in the "geopolitical situation," Japan is now willing to discuss economic cooperation with Israel [JP 9/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot and wound 3 Palestinian youths in Hebron as they try to run away from ID check. A 12-year-old boy standing nearby is also seriously wounded by a stray bullet [NYT, JP 9/10]. Stones are thrown at an Israeli bus passing through Ramallah; no injuries reported. Ramallah is put under 2-hour curfew [NYT 9/10]. Stones are thrown at a foot patrol near Hebron, slightly wounding one soldier. Soldiers close and search the area. A curfew is imposed [JP 9/10]. A parcel bomb is discovered and defused in Gilo settlement, south of Jerusalem. A gasoline bomb is thrown at a bus stop in Jerusalem, causing no injuries [NYT 9/10].

Arab World: The cease-fire fails and fighting resumes over Burj al-Barajinah camp, called the "second war of the camps"; at least 53 have died and 250 been wounded in the week of fighting [LT 9/10, MG 9/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army announces it has arrested Yusuf Muhammad Abu Armanah, 22, and Sa'id Fakhri Ibrahim Afanah, 23, both from Rafah, who have allegedly confessed to the 9/5 stabbing of an Israeli truck driver in Gaza. Their families' tar-paper residences have been destroyed [LAT 9/7; FJ 9/13]. MK Meir Kahane's Kach movement forms new group "Hatzala" (Parents for their Children) to oppose Min. of Education's plans to sponsor meetings between Israeli and Palestinian children. Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef strongly opposed the Ed. Min.'s plan last week, saying he would urge religious parents to remove their children from the national religious school network if it is implemented [JWP 9/6].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports 6 kidnapped members of the Lebanese Jewish community are being held by the Hizballah group [JP 9/61.

Other Countries: Congressional sources say administration has tentatively decided not to propose selling advanced F-15 fighter planes to Saudi Arabia. U.S. Sec. of State George Shultz announces U.S. is releasing the first $750 million of $1.5 billion in special economic aid approved last month by Congress for Israel. $250 million is going to Egypt, $53 million to Jordan, and $3 million is planned for aid to Palestinians in the occupied territories [WP 9/7]. Jewish Press reports the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council (NJCRAC) in the U.S. called on major Jewish groups and federations to condemn MK Meir Kahane during his upcoming visit to the U.S. and is putting pressure on the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. and television shows to cancel their invitations to Kahane to speak while here [JWP 9/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes seriously wounding the man trying to place it in an Israeli market; 20 Palestinians are detained [LAT 9/7].

Arab World: Palestinian and Shi'ite gunmen battle for the 4th straight day around Burj al-Barajinah camp in south Beirut; 23 killed and 70 wounded ovemight. Shi'ite militia is backed by Soviet T-54 tanks. The DFLP issues a statement from Damascus accusing Amal militia of executing 17 Palestinian civilians in the street. The Druze and Murabitun militias have joined forces with the Palestinians against Amal militia [NYT, DT, WP, LT 9/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military forces destroy homes of 2 suspected members of underground resistance cell allegedly uncovered in the West Bank village of Anabta. A third home is sealed. Military sources claim cell has been active since 1983, men were responsible for 2 shooting incidents involving a military jeep and a bus in which 2 people were wounded [JP 8/25]. Deputy P. M. David Levy and Trade and Industry Minister Ariel Sharon call for capital punishment in cases of politically motivated attacks resulting in murder, and deportation for Palestinians suspected of inciting anti-Israeli violence [PI 8/26]. Israel and Egypt initial agreement to further tourist traffic between the two [JTA 8/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Third katyusha in 48 hours lands inside Galilee panhandle, causing no injuries or damage [JP 8/26]. Artillery barrages break shaky Syrian-sponsored ceasefire in Beirut [PI 8/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post quotes Dr. Meron Benvenisti of the West Bank Data Base Project as stating only minute fraction of 130,000 dunums purchased by Israelis in West Bank is properly registered. Most land is not registered but held on the basis of irrevocable powers-ofattomey granted by the sellers [JP 8/23]. Ram Ron, managing director of Israeli National Coal Supply Corporation, travels to London for talks about new five-year agreement with Britain to supply up to 500,000 tons of coal from the UK's National Coal Board to the Israeli electricity industry [Fl 8/23].

Arab World: Egypt's leading opposition party paper al-Sha'b reports Israeli Academic Center in Cairo is a front for Israeli and American espionage. Prof. Shimon Shamir, founder and the first director of the center, vehemently denies the charge [JP 8/23].

Military Action

Arab World: Shelling continues in Beirut but eases as Syrian-sponsored cease-fire is implemented. 21 are killed and 89 wounded. Beirut airport reopened after 2-day closure. [CT 8/23, LAT 8/24]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A second Palestinian who sold land to Hebron settlers goes into hiding after receiving death threats. Earlier, the land dealer who sold the apartmenthe 7 MKs occupied, Muhammed Yunis Ja'abari, took refuge in Hebron Mosque [JP 8/23].

Arab World: Egyptian Tourism Minister Wajih Shindi, on three-day visit to Israel, assures P. M. Peres restrictions on Egyptian tourists coming to Israel are now cancelled, owing to Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon [JTA 8/23].

Other Countries: Zulu Chief Minister Gatsha Buthelezi says Israeli experts will soon visit Kwa-Zulu, the home of South Africa's 6 million-strong Zulu tribe, to assess possible avenues for Israeli assistance [JP 8/23].

Military Action

Arab World: 21 are reported killed and 50 wounded in fighting as militias battle in Beirut before Syrian-sponsored cease-fire goes into effect [NYT 8/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Citizens' Rights Movement holds press conference, claims it has evidence that dozens of signatures of West Bank landowners have been forged on land sale documents. A letter from the CRM and the contents of their file on the topic have been handed over to Attorney General Yitzhak Zamir. An unpublished section of the State Comptroller's 1983 annual report said as much as 12,500 acres in the West Bank may have been acquired illegally [PI 8/23]. Israeli Cabinet decides to proceed with development and production of the Lavi jet fighter [JP 8/23]. Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin states Israel is actively looking for American partner to help produce the plane UP 8/22]. The Bank of Israel announces Irael's foreign debt decreased by $690 million between September 1984 and March 1985 UP 8/22].

Arab World: Egypt vows to "spare no effort" in its search for the assassins who killed an Israeli diplomat yesterday [CT 8/22]. Several suspects are arrested. Security at the Israeli embassy istightened [JP 8/22].

Other Countries: Spain announces it will establish formal diplomatic relations with Israel before autumn 1986 [JTA 8/23]. The Daily World reports on the New Jewish Agenda conference held in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the end of July, states it took a strong stand on "mutual recognition by Israel and the Palestinian people of the rights of each to national self-determination" [DW 8/21].

Military Action

Arab World: Shelling in Beirut continues; Syria indicates readiness to take provisional steps toward achieving a cease-fire. At least 42 are reported killed; Beirut airport is closed because of shelling [WP, NYT 8/22]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army evicts 7 MKs from apartment in Hebron, declares area "a closed military zone." The 7 leave but promise to appeal legality of eviction to the High Court [NYT 8/21]. Inspector General David Kraus, Plia Albek, a senior Justice Ministry official responsible for land registration, ad Bank of Israel Governor Moshe Mandlebaum appear before Knesset State Comptroller Committee for largescale investigation into land fraud cases begun by police after upsurge in complaints following arrest of several West Bank judges early in summer on bribery charges [JP 8/21]. Ahmad Odeh, wealthy West Banker, was arrested last week on charges of involvement in illegal land sales. Al-Fajr reported he contributed $30,000 to the Likud election campaign last year [JP 8/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Booby-trapped car is detonated minutes before it explodes at central bus station in Netanya. Police round up 100 Palestinians in the vicinity. A telephone caller claims responsibility for Fateh's Force 17 [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Israeli diplomat Albert Atrakchi, 30, an administrative attache, is killed and 2 embassy employees wounded when 3 men spray their car with kalashnikov assault rifles in Cairo. "Egypt's Revolution" takes responsibility, threatens attacks until all "Israeli colonialists" leave Egypt [NYT, WP, JP 8/21]. Amal militia and the sixth brigade of the Lebanese army attack Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila with heavy bombardments; 24 refugees are injured [FJ 8/25]. Unidentified jets raid Hazerta village in the Biqa' Valley. Israel denies responsibility [JP 8/21]. Car bomb explodes in Tripoli, killing 44 and wounding 90. Caller claims responsibility on behalf of the Revolutionary Christians of the Cedars [NYT 8/21]. In Beirut, 40 are reported killed and 143 wounded in round-the-clock fighting between Christian and Muslim militias [NYT 8/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Four houses in 'Ain Beit al-Ma' refugee camp near Nablus are sealed. Israeli spokesman says houses belong to families of youth accused of several recent gasoline bomb attacks [FJ 8/23]. Balata refugee camp near Nablus is put under curfew following 8/15 shooting of the mukhtar. Residents are subjected to 48 hours of continuous search, harassment, and interrogation [FJ 8/23]. Foreign Min. Shamir, speaking at a public meeting in Ganei Tikva, says prosecution of individuals involved in fraudulent land deals in the occupied territories should not be allowed to challenge entire settlement process [JP 8/18]. Jewish Week reports 70,000 Palestinians from the occupied territories work inside the green line and as many as 50,000 of them sleep inside the green line without proper authorization from the labor exchanges, according to testimony presented to Knesset Interior Committee [JW 8/16]. The Washington Post reports Egyptian tour groups have started visiting Israel; Egyptian businessmen are being granted import licenses for Israeli goods for the first time since 1982 [WP 8/17]. Honduras announces it will send resident ambassador to Israel. Israel is reported to be planning aid to Honduras. Israeli officials state Honduras has not asked for military aid [JWP 8/16].

Arab World: The Economist reports on conditions in Sabra, Shatila, and Burj al-Barajinah, as observed by the British charity group Medical Aid for Palestinians, following the siege: of 70,000 original inhabitants of the camps, nearly 18,000 have fled to makeshift shelters in other parts of Beirut; 14,000 have moved to southern Lebanon; 1,500 were captured; Palestinians inside the camps have buried 638, mostly civilians; Gaza Hospital was bumed; there are only 9 Palestinian doctors and less than 20 foreign medical assistants left; water and food are being let through, but there is no protection for the Palestinians [EC 8/16]. U.S. special envoy Richard Murphy arrives in Egypt to confer with President Husni Mubarak on latest attempts to revive stalled Middle East peace negotiations [LAT, NYT 8/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hand grenade is thrown at military car parked next to city hospital in Ramallah. Curfew is imposed, several youths are arrested [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Fighting in Beirut spreads from southern Beirut to engulf the whole city; 19 killed and 82 wounded [NYT 8/17]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Lawyers Felicia Langer and Lea Tsemel win High Court injunctions staying deportation of 12 former Palestinian prisoners released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange [FJ 8/9]. The Jerusalem Post reports Gush Emunim has decided not to build new settlements but to expand existing ones, starting with Eli, on the Nablus-Ramallah road [JP 8/8]. Peres wams Jordan against continuing to harbor Palestinian fighters [JP 8/9]. P. M. Peres tells U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Whitehead Israel would like to start direct peace negotiations with Jordan and the Palestinians immediately. Foreign Min. Yitzhak Shamir stresses Irael's objections to any meeting between Murphy and the Palestinian delegates now proposed [JP 8/8]. Israeli authorities arrest Khalil Abu Ziad, bookstore owner from Azzariya, and announce they have issued a deportation order against him [MG 8/9]. Abu Ziad is charged with involvement in "subversive activities" and representing Fateh. Abu Ziad is appealing the order in Israeli court [NYT 8/9]. Israeli army reports arrest of several Palestinians suspected in the gasoline bomb attack on border guard patrol near Nablus [JTA 8/9]. Education Minister directs ministry's religious education division to ignore instruction of 8/7 forbidding social meetings between Israelis and Palestinians [JTA 8/9].

Other Countries: President Reagan signs $25.4 billion foreign aid bill, which provides $3 billion for the next two years to Israel, plus a one-time infusion of $1.5 billion in emergency economic aid. Egypt gets $2.1 billion for the next 2 years, plus $500 million in emergency economic aid [JP 8/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bomb is thrown at army truck on the outskirts of Tulkarm; no injuries or arrests are made [JP 8/9].

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb PFLP-GC base in the Biqa'; no casualty reports given [NYT, JP 8/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ziad Abu 'Ain is rearrested and held in solitary confinement in Hebron prison without charges under six-month administrative dtention order. Abu 'Ain begins a hunger strike [WP 8/2]. Nablus remains under curfew as search continues for killer of Albert Buchris. Residents are allowed two-hour reprieve to shop [JTA 8/2]. Israeli military censor orders printing press of al-Sha'ab newspaper closed for 3 days for publishing stories 7/30 on the death of 2 Nablus residents; censor said stories harmed investigation [JP 8/2]. Arab Journalists Association in the West Bank and the International Association of Journalists condemned closure order. Israel Press Association did not comment [FJ 8/9]. Israeli police break into site of planned Palestinian heritage festival in Tireh, confiscate IDs of 5 volunteers [FJ 8/9]. Arab local councils in Israel and their employees go on a one-day warning strike to protest government failure to provide promised funds to ease their financial problems [FJ 8/2, 8/9]. Jewish Press reports Egypt will lower the price of fuel sold to Israel by up to $2 a barrel, a savings of $100 million annually for Israel [JP 8/1]. The Washington Post reports Israeli government plans to entice estimated 175,000 Israeli emigrants living abroad back to the country by offering lucrative job contracts to the highly skilled, free shipping of household goods, and free air fares to Israel [WP 8/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Administrative detention order is issued against ex-political prisoner Ziad Abu 'Ain, for allegedly planning to hijack Israeli bus. (Abu 'Ain spent less than 3 months at home following his release in the 5/20 prisoner exchange) [FJ 8/9]. Nablus remains under curfew following 7/30 murder of Albert Buchris. Five hundred police and a helicopter monitor his funeral [JTA 8/1]. Army enters al-Najah University and raids student council offices; preparations had been underway for student elections [JP 8/2]. Knesset passes bill requiring anyone running for Knesset to give up second citizenship [WP, PI, JTA 8/1]. Israeli police break into the site of preparations for the second annual Palestinian heritage festival in Tireh, order volunteers to stop work on the basis they do not have building permits [FJ 8/9]. Funeral is held in Afula for Israeli shot to death in West Bank. Riot police disperse crowd outside police station [PI 8/1]. Mayor Shalom Wach of Kiryat Arba cancels plan to dismiss all Palestinian workers employed by the municipality following Attorney General Zamir's ruling the plan is illegal UTA 8/1]. New American Ambassador to Israel Thomas Pickering assures P. M. Peres there has been no change in U.S. policy towards the PLO; U.S. will engage in talks with a Palestinian-Jordanian delegation only if convinced it will lead to direct talks with Israel; U.S. is ready, if requested, to help Israel and Egypt resolve Taba dispute [JTA 8/1]. The Jerusalem Post reports charges of corruption have been made against several Israeli companies and individuals operating in the black "homeland" of Ciskei; contracts with the trade commissioners in Israel have been terminated; all commercial relations with Israel have been cut [JP 7/31, JTA 8/5].

Military Action

Arab World: Suicide car bomb attack against an Israeli armored patrol in the security zone kills at least 3 Lebanese, including the driver, wounds unknown number of others, including Israeli soldiers. Syrian Social Nationalist party claims responsibility, saying its member, 'Ali Ghazi Talib, 22, carried out the attack [NYT 8/1]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shops in East Jerusalem go on general strike again to protest closure of Hospice Hospital [FJ 8/2]. Proposal to erect a settlement on spot where two Afula schoolteachers were murdered is presented to Zionist Executive by Jewish Agency Settlement Department Cochairman Nissim Zvilli [JP 7/29]. Shimon Barda, head of the "Lifta Gang," is convicted by the Jerusalem district court of conspiring to blow up the Dome of the Rock. Sentencing will follow [JP 7/30]. Knesset finance committee freezes IS 354 million for Kiryat Arba's local council until Attomey General Zamir gives legal opinion on council's proposal to dismiss Palestinian workers [JP 7/30]. Knesset appoints seven-minister committee to make recommendations regarding punishment of those convicted of politically motivated killings [BG 7/29]. Voice of America reports Israel seeks American banks to operate in Israel, to boost ailing Israeli banking system; at least one is reportedly interested [JTA 7/3 1]. Koterit Rashit reports Israeli firms are studying 70 proposed business projects in China, including construction of 2 hotels and an airport. The Daily Telegraph cites report in Jane's Defence Weekly stating secret military links were opened between Israel and China in 1979, a $3 billion arms deal was recently concluded, and Israeli military advisers have served with Chinese ground and air force units [JC, DT 7/29].

Arab World: The United Arab Emirates is second state to confirm attendence at upcoming Arab summit meeting. Syria, Lebanon, and South Yemen will not attend [FT 7/30, LT 8/2]. Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt back the summit call [JP 7/30, FT 7/31].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli planes attack Palestinian base used by the PFLP-GC in eastern Lebanon; no casualty reports [WP 7/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel, Egypt agree on timetable for repatriation to Gaza of 5,000 Palestinians in Egyptian section of Rafah [WP 5/18]. 4 Jewish suspects arrested in connection with 4/23 killing of Palestinian taxi driver [NYT 5/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: US State Dept. official Richard Murphy meets with PM Peres, Deputy Premier Shamir in Jerusalem [JP 4/16]. Cabinet reverses 4/14 decision, votes to allow Cabinet Mbr. Ezer Weizman to travel to Egypt [NYT 4/16]. Haifa court convicts 5 Palestinian students from Haifa U. of "unlawful assembly" in reference to 1/19 fight between Palestinian, Jewish students [JP 4/16]. Members of Ramallah municipal council (who struck in April 1982 when occupation authorities deposed Mayor Karim Khalaf) reject IDF proposal to return to their posts [FJ 4/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese Army deploys units in Sidon area to stop fighting between SLA, Lebanese Forces and Palestinian/Muslim fighters [NYT 4/16].