The Palestine Chronology

In Cairo, Egyptian FM Musa holds talks on the peace process with EU special envoy Moratinos, who says that the EU expects Israeli PM-elect Barak to restore confidence btwn. the parties to the peace process by freezing settlement activity, urges him to restart talks with Syria. (MENA 6/1 in WNC 6/2; al-Quds 6/2 in WNC 6/8; MEI 6/18)

In Tunisia, King Abdallah of Jordan holds talks with Pres. Zein al-Abidine Ben Ali on the peace process, bilateral relations. (Tunis-7 Television 6/1 in WNC 6/2; Tunisian Republic Radio Network 6/2 in WNC 6/3)

For 2d day, Hizballah strikes SLA mbrs. evacuating Jazzin, killing 2, wounding 1. In response, the IDF shells Hizballah targets. Hizballah returns mortar fire, injuring 2 more SLA mbrs. In separate raids, IDF injures 1 Lebanese army soldier, 3 civilians. (MM 6/1; RL 6/1 in WNC 6/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/2; RL 6/2 in WNC 6/3; `Ukaz 6/2 in WNC 6/8; WT 6/3; JP 6/11) (see 5/31)

PM Netanyahu arrives in China for 3-day visit. (MM 5/26)

In Cairo, Arafat attends Arab League mtg. called to commemorate the 50th anniversary of al-Nakba; calls for Arab summit on the peace process. (MENA, RE 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

Egyptian FM `Amr Musa arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein on Mubarak's trip to France, possible Arab summit; says Pres. Mubarak is discussing summit idea with other Arab leaders, including Morocco's King Hassan, who arrived in Cairo today for 3-day official visit, and Syria's Pres. Asad. (MENA, RE, RJ 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM 5/27, 5/28)

In Tel Aviv, Israel's DM Yitzhak Mordechai meets with Turkey's dep. chief of staff, Gen. Cevik Bir, for talks on the peace process, furthering military cooperation, possible joint arms projects. (WT 5/27)

Saudi Arabia's FM Prince Saud al-Faisal arrives in Iran for 2-day talks on improving bilateral ties. (WT 5/27)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin visits Syria's Yarmuk refugee camp, where he receives warm welcome fr. Palestinian refuges. (WP 6/11) (see 5/25)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli border policemen clash with Palestinians protesting illegal construction by Jewish settlers (see 5/25). To halt violence, Israel's Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert bans the construction in the name of Israel's Antiquities Dept., orders the demolition of the settlers' illegal dwellings. (ITV 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM, NYT 5/27; WJW 5/28; MM 6/3; MEI 6/5; WT 6/9)

Yemen reports that over the past 2 days, Saudi troops have seized the island of Harim in the Red Sea as part of an attempt to pressure Sana' to make territorial concessions in the 2 countries' border demarcation negotiations, which just resumed last wk. The island is 1 of 3 uninhabited but strategically significant Red Sea islands in dispute. (MM 5/26)

3 SLA mbrs., 3 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. 4 civilians are injured, over 100 flee their homes. (ITV, RL, VOL 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

In Cairo, Egyptian FM Musa, PA Planning M Shaath discuss peace process, Mubarak mtg. with Albright 2/3. (MENA 2/5 in WNC 2/6)

Turkey's Gen. Kivrikoglu meets with DM Mordechai. (IGPO 2/5)

Iranian Majles speaker Nateq-Nuri arrives in Lebanon for 2-day visit, talks on cultivating trade ties. (RL 2/5 in WNC 2/6; IRNA 2/5, RL 2/6 in WNC 2/10)

Saying that it "retains its right to self-defense and will operate according to its security interests," Israel rebuffs U.S. request to not retaliate against Iraq should it target Israel as a result of U.S. air strikes. (MM 2/5; MM, WP 2/6; WJW 2/12)

Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein orders release of all 1,200-1,300 Arab prisoners in apparent move to win sympathy in his dispute with the U.S. (NYT, WP 2/6; al-Aswaq [Amman], MENA 2/12 in WNC 2/15)

13 mbrs. of the Israeli Islamic Movement hold quiet demonstration against potential U.S. attack on Iraq in front of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv. (IDF Radio 2/5 in WNC 2/6)

SLA mbrs. block road in s. Lebanon in attempt to prevent French delegation fr. reaching ILMG mtg. UNIFIL intervenes, reopens road. (RL 2/5 in WNC 2/6; RL 2/6 in WNC 2/10)

Arafat arrives in Cairo for 2 days of mtgs. on the peace process with Mubarak. (MENA 12/29 in WNC 12/23)

China's FM Qian Qichen arrives in Lebanon on 1st leg of regional tour to discuss peace process, bilateral relations. (VOL, Xinhua [Beijing] 12/19 in WNC 12/22)

2 Jordanian parliamentary mbrs., Muhammad Rafat, Hamada al-Fara'ina make controversial private 4-day visit to Israel, meet with Israeli MKs. (al-Majd, JT 12/26 in WNC 12/29)

With Israeli approval, Lebanese army reopens Kafr Falus crossing point btwn. Sidon, SLA-controlled Jazzin in s. Lebanon. By opening the crossing, which has been closed since 1985, the army hopes to prove to Israel that it is capable of reestablishing authority over all of s. Lebanon. The army tried to reopen the crossing in 8/97 but was shelled by IDF, SLA. (VOL 12/19 in WNC 12/22; WT 12/20)

PM Netanyahu presents "Allon plus" final settlement proposal to his inner cabinet. (IDF Radio 6/4 in WNC 6/5; ITV 6/4, RE, YA 6/6 in WNC 6/9; MM, WT 6/5; ITV, MA, RE 6/5 in WNC 6/6; PR 6/6; MM 6/9; MEI 6/13; JP 6/14)

In Cairo, Arafat, Mubarak, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah hold tripartite mtg. on the peace process, Egyptian mediation. (RE 6/4 in WNC 6/5; MM 6/5)

Kuwait's acting PM Shaykh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah says that it is time to renew ties (severed during the 1990+n91 Gulf War) with Jordan, Yemen. (MM 6/5, 6/6; RJ 6/22, al-Dustur 6/23 in WNC 6/24; MM 6/23; SA 7/2 in WNC 7/7)

Based on the 5/24 GCO corruption report, the PA fires Atty. Gen. Khalid al-Kidra. Publicly, Kidra resigns, citing poor health, but is placed under house arrest immediately. (MEI, PR 6/13; JP 6/14; CSM 6/18; JP 6/21; WP 7/30)

IDF storms Bayt Fajjar village nr. Bethlehem, detains 27 Palestinians allegedly connected to Hamas. (ITV 6/4 in WNC 6/5; MA 6/5 in WNC 6/6)

UN Security Council unanimously approves 6-mo. extension to Iraq's oil-for-food deal. (WP 6/5)

4 explosive devises are detonated on a s. Lebanon road, killing 1 Lebanese civilian, wounding 2 others. 1 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbr. is killed in a separate explosion. (AFP, RL 6 /4 in WNC 6/5)

In Amman, U.S. special envoy Ross discusses status of the peace process with King Hussein, FM Tarawnah. (al-Dustur, RJ 5/12 in WNC 5/13; MEI 5/16)

In Cairo, Norwegian FM Bjorn Tore Godal discusses with Pres. Mubarak ways of resuming PA-Israeli talks, then heads to Damascus to meet with Syrian FM Shara`. (RE 5/12 in WNC 5/13; SATN 5/12 in WNC 5/14)

In Amman, Gen. Binford Peay, cmdr. of U.S. forces in the Middle East, and King Hussein discuss U.S.-Jordanian military relations. (JTV 5/12 in WNC 5/14; WT 5/14)

A Jordanian soldier is killed in a clash in al-Mafraq, Jordan, nr. the Syrian border. 12 Syrians are arrested. PM Majali's office says the Syrians were smugglers, in the country illegally; there is no political dimension to the clash. (JT, SA 5/13 in WNC 5/14)

In s. Lebanon, 4 SLA mbrs., 1 IDF soldier are wounded in a Hizballah attack. At least 1 Hizballah mbr. also dies. (NYT 5/13; RL 5/13 in WNC 5/14)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Washington for AIPAC conference, holds talks with Pres. Clinton, Secy. of State Albright (MM 4/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8; ITV 4/8 in WNC 4/9; CSM, NYT 4/9; MA, La Repubblica [Rome] 4/9 in WNC 4/10; al-Thawra [Damascus] 4/9, RE, RL 4/10 in WNC 4/11; PR 4/11; al-Ahram [Cairo] 4/11 in WNC 4/17; WJW 4/17; MEI 4/18; MM 4/28)

In Amman, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, Arafat dep. Mahmud Abbas discuss Jordanian-PA coordination on political, economic issues. (RJ 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

In preparation for trial, Jordanian military team visits Israel to interview victims of the 3/13 Daqamsa shooting. (JT 4/9 in WNC 4/10) (see 3/27)

Vatican says that it has reached a critical stage in its relations with Israel, that Israel should renew its commitment to peace for normalization to progress further. (WJW 4/17)

In Moscow, Lebanese PM Hariri, Russian PM Viktor Chernomyrdin, Dep. FM Yevgeny Primakov discuss peace process, bilateral relations. (RL 4/7 in WNC 4/8; RL 4/8 in WNC 4/9)

In Manhattan, federal prosecutors for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) open exclusion proceedings against Hamas political leader Abu Marzuq. Abu Marzuq is willing to withdraw his application to reenter the U.S. and agree to exclusion (i.e., immediate deportation), but INS says he cannot do so without either conceding or contesting the terrorism charge, otherwise he could be detained indefinitely. Abu Marzuq refuses to concede; contesting the charge could take yrs. The exclusion proceeding is closed; the INS does not have to reveal the sources of its evidence. (MM 4/8; NYT 4/13; WJW 4/17; MEI 4/18) (see 4/3)

The Knesset Finance Comm. agrees (by vote of 6-5) to demand that the PA detail the use of funds in its Bank Leumi account. Some MKs suspect the account is a secret petty cash fund. (Globes [Internet] 4/7 in WNC 4/9)

In Kharbata village nr. Ramallah, a Jewish settler opens fire with an M-16, handgun on Palestinians who stone his car, wounding 2. Villagers say the settler is known for intimidating local Palestinians, driving through the village instead of using the Jewish-only bypass road. (MM 4/7; WT 4/8)

Islamic University of Hebron holds student council elections. Hamas-Islamic Jihad list wins 19 of 35 seats; pro-Arafat Fatah lists wins 15 seats; PFLP 1 seat. (WT 4/8; MEI, PR 4/18; JP 4/19)

The Kuwaiti government denies the Comm. for the Defense of Islamic Issues permission to stage a rally outside parliament to protest Israel's policies on Jerusalem, U.S. support for Israeli actions. (AFP 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

SLA exchanges 3 Hizballah mbrs. being held at al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon for 1 SLA soldier held by Hizballah. (RL 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak meets separately with Arafat, U.S. special envoy Ross. Arafat then returns to Gaza to meet with the EA. (RE 1/11 in WNC 1/14; NYT, WP 1/12; JP 1/18)

Jordan's King Hussein phones Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Israeli PM Netanyahu, U.S. Secy. of State Christopher to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian track. (RJ 1/11 in WNC 1/14)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA patrol triggers a land mine, wounding 1 mbr. (RL 1/11 in WNC 1/14)

Al-Hayat's Riyadh bureau receives, defuses a 2d letter bomb. (NYT 1/14; WT 1/15) (see 1/4)

PM Netanyahu visits Israeli self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon; warns that continued attacks by Hizballah could trigger strong Israeli retaliation. Hrs. later, 1 SLA mbr. is killed by roadside bomb. (MM 8/20; RL 8/20 in WNC 8/23; WT 8/21; RMC 8/21 in WNC 8/27) (see 8/16)

In Beirut, Pres. Ilyas Hrawi, Kuwait's Shaykh Sabah discuss peace process, Arab unity. (RL 8/19 in WNC 8/22)

After receiving notices that their land lies in area C and has been designated a military area, Israel demolishes 4 50-yr.-old Palestinian homes nr. Nablus. (LAWE 8/21)

Israeli Housing Min. drafts plan to approve construction of 5,000 new housing units in the West Bank, along the Green Line, over next 2 yrs.; increase West Bank settler population by 70,000 over next 5 yrs. (IDF Radio 8/19 in WNC 8/22; WT 8/21; MM 8/28; JP 8/31)

In the Golan, Israeli police arrest Human Rights Watch worker Bashar Tarabiyya, a U.S. resident, on suspicion that he threatened national security, engaged in pro-Syrian activity. (MM 9/23, 9/27; JP 9/7)

Jordanian security forces round up 100s of people around the country following 3 days of bread riots. 500 have been arrested in Karak alone. Opposition leaders call on PM `Abd al-Karim Kabariti to resign. (JTV, RJ, RMC 8/19, al-Ra`i 8/20 in WNC 8/22; MM, WP 8/20; MEI 9/6) (see 9/18)

Iraq calls on Turkey, Syria to resume as soon as possible tripartite talks on distribution of the Euphrates, Tigris waters, halted since 1992. (Mother of Battles Radio [Baghdad] 8/19 in WNC 8/22) (see 6/30)

FBI announces plans to open 23 new offices around the world--incl. in Ankara, Cairo, Riyadh, Tel Aviv--that will focus on combatting terrorism, drug trafficking that affects the U.S. (WP 8/20)

U.S. envoy Ross, Arafat meet in Gaza; discuss closure, economic aid, Israeli security and settlement construction; leaves for Damascus. (MM 4/7; VOP 4/7, 4/8 in FBIS 4/10)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, Syria's Pres. al-Asad should meet in Cairo to assess the situation in the region, progress on Syrian and Lebanese tracks, evaluate international environment, discuss enhancing joint Arab action, esp. in the Arab League. (MENA 4/7, 4/9 in FBIS 4/10)

PA police arrest Shaykh Ahmad Bahar after he gives anti-PA sermon at Friday prayer service. (MM 4/7)

Israeli police arrest sr. Orient House official Kamal Shwayka for operating Palestinian police force in Jerusalem. (JP 4/15)

IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon in retaliation for Hizballah attack on IDF, SLA positions. 1 SLA mbr., 1 civilian killed. (WP 4/9)

Cabinet mbrs., settlers criticize PM Rabin for temporarily halting settlement construction, giving assurances to Arafat 1/19. Settlers groups say if halt includes construction around Jerusalem, they will attempt to bring government down. (NYT 1/21)

Syrian FM al-Shara` meets with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, gives him letter fr. Pres. al-Asad regarding peace talks. (SARR 1/20, 1/21 in FBIS 1/23; WP 1/22; JP 1/28)

Hizballah, PFLP-GC launch joint attack against IDF, SLA in southern Lebanon. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed. (VOL 1/20 in FBIS 1/20; QPAR 1/20 in FBIS 1/24)

23 killed, 48 wounded when Hamas suicide bomber blows up bus in Tel Aviv. PM Rabin seals Gaza, West Bank indefinitely; vows hit suspects, their families; promises legislation permitting greater pressure in interrogations, wider use of collective punishment; suggests "national separation" of Palestinians, Israelis. (QY 10/18, 10/19 in FBIS 10/19; MM 10/19; QY 10/19 in FBIS 10/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/20; MM 10/21; NYT 10/24; JP 10/29)

FM Peres says all negotiating tracks will continue despite bus attack, says Hamas's goal is to derail talks and there is "no way on earth" that will happen. (NYT 10/20)

Round of Israeli-Palestinian talks on elections concludes in Cairo, working papers exchanged, no decisions reported. (MENA 10/19 in FBIS 10/20)

U.S. officials report intense debate over whether Clinton should visit Syria on trip to Middle East 10/26. Clinton wants to see Pres. al-Asad to jump start peace talks, advisors say al-Asad has not offered enough concessions to warrant presidential visit. (WT 10/20)

IDF, SLA kill 7 Lebanese in shelling of Nabatiyeh hours after bus bombing. UN protests Israeli escalation of tensions, IDF use of tank shells packed with steel darts. (NYT 10/21; NYT, WP, WT 10/22; NYT 10/23)

IDF kills 2 Palestinians, 25 and 16, in Hebron after army jeep stoned. 4 other Palestinians wounded in separate clashes in o.t. IDF soldier, police officer wounded in Gaza by Palestinian gunman. (MM, WP, WT 3/8)

Hamas threatens suicide attacks on settlements of Qiryat Arba, Gush Qatif, Qadumin, Taqua, and Ariel (total population 24,000) if not evacuated by 3/15. Israeli Housing Min. reports 10 families have left QiIyat Arba. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)

7 SLA mbrs. killed in 3 Hizballah bomb explosions in southern Lebanon. At least 2 SLA officers, 4 soldiers wounded. 2 other Lebanese kidnapped, killed by Hizballah. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Israeli PM Rabin's advisers Jacques Neriah and Amos Gilad in Cairo to discuss resumption of peace talks, 1st such mtg. since Hebron massacre. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)

57-mbr. Israeli-Arab delegation led by MK 'Abd al-Wahhab Darawsha arrives in Damascus in 1st visit by Israeli elected official. Group travels on Egyptian documents obtained in Cairo. Delegation met by Damascus Mayor Maj. Gen. Walid Hammamiya and PSF head Khalid al-Fahum. (MM 3/7)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, Israeli FM Peres open talks in Cairo aimed at implementing Palestinian autonomy in Gaza and Jericho. Both sides report progress. (MENA 2/7, 2/8 in FBIS 2/8; WP, WT 2/8)

Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin meets in Washington with Qatari, Omani officials to discuss Qatar-Israel natural gas deal, multilateral mtg. on water set for 4/94 in Muscat. (MM 2/9)

Hizballah guerrillas ambush IDF patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 4 IDF soldiers and wounding 5. Ambush triggers IAF strikes on 3 villages, SLA, IDF shelling. (MM 2/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/8)

Meretz MKs Naomi Chazan and Benny Temkin demand that PM Rabin, in capacity as DM, ban travel of 40 IDF elite force veterans to Congo to act as military trainers. Leftist legislators view veterans as mercenaries being used to support Brazzaville regime. (WT 2/10)

Knesset recognizes "Yi'ud" faction made up of frmr. Tsomet MKs. (see 2/2) (MM 2/7)

Sens. Connie Mack (R-FL) and Alfonse D'Amato ask Pres. Clinton to withdraw nomination of Strobe Talbott as dep. secy. of state because of his "extreme views" on Israel, which "go beyond common criticisms to a systematic attack upon the foundations of America's close relationship with Israel." (WT 2/8)

Alleged Hamas mbr. Shadi Muslih 'Isa, 18, attacks Israeli police officer, civilian at Erez crossing point, Gaza Strip, and is shot dead. (MM 11/16)

16-yr.-old Palestinian student Rami Ghazzawi killed when IDF fires on youths stoning settler cars in al-Birah. 3 other students wounded. (MM 11/16)

Settlers in Hebron riot, overturning stalls at fruit and vegetable market and attacking Palestinian cars. (MM 11/16)

Israeli Justice M. David Libai, at Maale Ephraim settlement, warns settlers that no one could "take the law into his own hands," says govt. "will have to subdue any attempt to have influence by illegal means." IDF states it will act "firmly and aggressively" to stop settler assaults, will use "reasonable force." (MM 11/16; NYT 11/17)

PM Rabin tells Secy. of State Christopher 12/13 deadline for implementation of DoP may not be met. (MM 11/16, 11/17)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on implementation of Gaza-Jericho provisions of DoP resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation led by IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak, Palestinian by PLO official Nabil Shaath. (Cairo TV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris chaired by Fin. M. Avraham Shohat and PEDRA DG Ahmad Qurai' establish 3 subcomms. on trade and labor, taxation and banking, and currency. Subcomms. are to meet 11/23-25 in Paris, heads of delegations on 11/25. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Gov. Muhammad al-Nabulsi says agreement reached with Palestinians to retain Jordanian dinar as o.t. currency, have CBJ supervise and monitor banking. (JTV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Multilateral talks on Middle East environment end in Cairo with Israeli-Arab agreement on Gulf of Aqaba oil spills, dispute on Israeli nuclear waste, Jordan Valley land reclamation. Delegates fr. 40 countries, in 4th mtg., agree on 20 environmental projects. (MENA 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Palestinian leaders in o.t., Jordan, "and elsewhere" submit memorandum to PLO Chmn. Arafat criticizing PLO performance, demanding reforms. (MM 11/17, al-Ray 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Knesset Golan caucus considers bill fr. Likud and NRP mbrs. to amend law annexing Golan to require majority of 80 MKs for any change in law. Labor mbrs. of caucus express sympathy with bill, which given current Knesset divisions would effectively bar negotiations with Syria. (MM 11/17)

Syrian VP Khaddam tells foreign correspondents PLO Chmn. Arafat "fell into a big trap" in signing DoP, notes "There are 4 million Palestinian refugees living outside the territories covered by the 'Gaza-Jericho First' agreement." Khaddam claims Arafat "abandoned coordination with the Arab parties," states "I believe the majority of the Palestinian people do not support the agreement." (MM 11/16; SARR 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Hizballah offensive on IDF and SLA; Katyusha barrages fired in "security zone," assaults on 2 IDF, 6 SLA posts. 12 SLA mbrs. taken prisoner, at least 2 IDF soldiers and 2 SLA mbrs. wounded. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed in attack. IAF bombs 3 Hizballah bases nr. Ba'labakk, knocks out radio antenna. "Black September 13 Brigades," Fateh group opposed to DoP, claims responsibility for katyusha barrage on Qiryat Shemona. (MM 11/16, 11/17; IDF Radio, AFP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin, in interview with JP, says Syria behind Kurdish attacks in Turkey, Israel and Turkey should cooperate on counter-terrorism. (MM 11/16)

Israel Archaeologists Society calls for end to govt. Antiquities Authority search for scrolls in West Bank ("Operation Scroll"), saying search aims at denying Palestinian scholars access to materials and will complicate future Israeli cooperation with Palestinians and Jordan. (WT 11/17)

Chmn. Arafat meets with advisors, PNC and delegation mbrs. in Amman to decide on resumption of talks. (MM, WP 4/21)

Arab League Ministerial Council ends 2- day meeting in Cairo. (MENA 4/18 in FBIS 4/20)

IDF destroys 4 houses, shoots armed Palestinian dead in Gaza Strip. (MM 4/20; NYT 4/21; WP 4/22)

Islamic Resistance clash with IDF, SLA in 4 separate attacks, killing 2and kidnapping 2 SLA gunmen in "security zone." Israel, SLA shell villages north of zone. (Radio Lebanon, VOL 4/20 in FBIS 4/21)

Pres. Mubarak meets with Pres. Asad in Cairo. (MM 3/29)

Hamas gunman shoots Border Policeman dead in Tulkarm. (NYT 3/28; AFP 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/29)

Israel/SLA shell villages north of "security zone," killing 1. SLA lose 1 in clashes/roadside bombing near Jezzin. (AFP, VOS 3/27 in FBIS 3/30)

Faisal Husseini and 40 delegation associates visit area in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, where homes were leveled by IDF 2/11 to offer sympathy, rally support for negotiations. Hamas and PLO supporters chant allegiance. (MM 2/17)

Pres. Mubarak meets with Chmn. Arafat in Cairo. (WT 2/20; MENA 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

Israeli Aircraft Industries announces U.S. Def. Dept. has awarded them and American co. TRW a $240m contract to build 56 unmanned airplanes. Sen. Daniel Inouye (DHI) announces U.S. has budgeted $57m to improve Haifa port, which will serve as U.S. Navy's major regional anchorage. But as chmn. of Senate def. appropriations subcomm., he tells Israeli officials that they should prepare for a possible cut in U.S. foreign aid. (MM 2/17; WT 2/18)

Jordan appoints Shaykh Sulayman al-Jabari Mufti of Jerusalem. (MM 2/19)

Israeli justice min. announces that Shin Bet agent in charge when Mustafa 'Akkawi died under 2/4/92 interrogation has been disciplined. (WT 2/18)

IDF shoots 2 Palestinian youths dead in West Bank; another shot dead, while fleeing, 10 minutes after curfew, in Gaza City. (NYT 2/19)

Hizballah and Israeli, SLA forces engage in largest artillery battle of the year, killing 3 Islamic fighters, 2 other Lebanese. Israel shells up to 30 villages, including Nabatiyya. (MM, NYT 2/18)

PLO announces that Palestinians will not participate in negotiations until UNSCR 799 is implemented in full, regardless of Arab states' participation. (MM 2/16)

FM Peres meets with Def. Secy. Les Aspin, Secy. of State Christopher, and VP Gore in Washington. (ITV 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

Speaking in Washington, FM Peres says he sees no reason why Jews cannot "lead normal lives under non-Jewish sovereignty" in addressing permanent arrangements with the Palestinians. (HaAretz 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

Arab League Council holds emergency meeting in Cairo, issues statement strongly condemning repressive Israeli measures in o.t. (MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

Israel grants temporary visas to arriving group of 84 Bosnian Muslims. Palestinian Israelis at first welcomed the idea and agreed to settle the refugees in their villages, but now see their arrival as an attempt by Israel to improve its image in the wake of the Palestinian deportations, and have withdrawn their offer. (MM 2/16, 2/17; NYT 2/18)

Hizballah fires rockets at SLA post in southern Lebanon; Israel, SLA shell target villages north of "security zone." (NYT 2/17)

French FM Roland Dumas meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, then meets separately with PM Rabin and FM Peres in Jerusalem. The U.S. has reportedly sent word to Israel that the Dumas initiatives, centered on arranging a Rabin-Asad summit, do not advance the peace process. Palestinian and Jordanian sources are "suspicious" of Dumas' efforts, as he has made no effort to meet with the PLO, and appears to be working toward only a partial settlement. (Ha'Aretz al-Quds, al-Dustur 10/5 in MM 10/5)

Al-Sharq al-Awsat reports that Chmn. Arafat has solicited the help of Pres. Mubarak in curbing Syrian support of oppositionist Palestinian factions. Ten such orgs. signed a statement attacking the peace process 9/18 in Damascus. Mubarak reportedly promised to speak to Pres. Asad on the matter. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 10/4 in FBIS 10/8)

Hizballah gunmen attack Bayt Yahun crossing point in central "security zone," S. Lebanon, kill SLA security chief Hussein 'Abd al-Nabi, 1 other SLA militiaman. Hizballah loses 2 in the fighting. Israel shells and strafes the area. (Radio Lebanon, AFP 10/4 in FBIS 10/5; al-Nahr 10/5 in MM 10/5

PM Rabin meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, first meeting of Egyptian and Israeli heads of state in 6 years. Leaders exchange views on the peace process, bilateral relations; Mubarak accepts invitation to visit Israel. (WP 7/22)

Housing Min. Benyamin Ben-Eliezer and Fin. Min. Avraham Shochat expand 7/16 settlements freeze to cancel plans for total of 6,681 settlement units "in blueprint stage," but will proceed with construction of 10,467 units in more advanced stages. Work will definitely continue on the 1,686 of these that are in the "Greater Jerusalem" area, and the other 8,781 will be subject to "further review." Work was also halted on several "political roads"; no mobile homes may be moved into the o.t., nor may they be moved from current sites in the o.t. (Ha'Aretz 7/21 in FBIS 7/21; Davar 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; NYT, WP 7/24)

King Hussein meets with Secy. of State Baker in Amman, denies Jordan is shipping supplies to Iraq in defiance of UN sanctions. Leaders also discuss peace process. Baker says the U.S. opposes all settlements, but that "security installations are something different." (WP 7/22, 23)

Palestinian leadership continues meeting in Tunis, criticizes Rabin's "partial step" settlement halt; leadership sends messages regarding peace process to Pres. Mubarak and Asad, King Hussein. (Tunisian Republic Radio, MENA 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; Algiers VOP 7/22 in FBIS 7/23)

Palestinian man is killed by Border Police near Janin. (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/23)

Activists slated for deportation 1/2 appeal to PLO leadership to mobilize int'l condemnation of Israel's "voluntary exile" rulings used against them, as well as against 6 activists in al-Najah University siege compromise. Families of the 11 deportees have sent similar message. Israel's state attorney has asked High Court to delay appeal hearings of 11 deportees untilate August. (MM 7/30)

One IDF soldier is killed, 3 wounded as Islamic Resistance bomb explodes under an Israeli tank near north-central "security zone" border village of Bayt Yahun. Three nearby SLA outposts are mortared as fighting escalates in Bra'shit, Haddathah areas. Israel shells Wadi al-Akhdar, Jabal Safi, Malita areas. (VOL 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; Radio Lebanon 7/21, 22 in FBIS 7/22; IDF Radio 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; NYT 7/24)

As part of effort to disarm all factions in Lebanon, min. of state Nazih al-Bizri states that "time is not right" to collect weapons from the Palestinians. Palestinians in Lebanon possess mostly light weapons. (Radio Lebanon 7/21 in FBIS 7/22)

Israeli govt. declares 1-week freeze on signing contracts for govt.-subsidized housing, including those affecting construction i the o.t. Freeze also is called on planning and early proceedings of new roads in o.t. About 3,000 units in early stages in o.t. are affected by the freeze, and govt. is still unsure about what to do with 4,000 completed units unattached to infrastructure, 12,000 in various stages of construction, and about 500 completed units that have been populated in the o.t. About 60% of these 16,500 scheduled units are in "political settlements." Financial incentives encouraging settlement will be ended. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; MM, NYT, WP 7/17)

The Jerusalem Report states that 100 of the 142 settlements in the o.t. are "political settlements" according to PM Rabin, and can therefore expect significant cuts in govt. aid. These include all 16 settlements inthe Gaza Strip, as well as large W. Bank settlements of Qedumim, Elqana, and possibly Ariel. (Likud MK and Ariel mayor Ron Nahman claims freeze will have "opposite result" in his settlement, plans to increase its pop. from 11,000 to 20,000 in a year.) (Al Hamishmar 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; HaAretz 7/17 in MM 7/17)

Fateh gunman shoots, wounds 3 unarmed Hamas supporters in Rafah, Gaza. Hamas gunmen shoot, wound 1 unarmed Fateh supporter. Some 1,000 Fateh supporters then raid mosque in Yibna camp, Hamas gunmen inside open fire, wound 8. IDF troops impose curfew on Yibna. Two-week total for Fateh-Hamas violence is 1 dead, about 150 wounded. (MM, WP 7/17)

Palestinians throughout o.t. stage commercial strike called for by PLO-backed UNLU to protest seige at al-Najah University. Palestinian-Israeli leaders including all 6 MKs meet to discuss strategy, form delegation to meet with PM Rabin concerning al-Najah. Some 250 prominent Palestinians begin hunger strike in Nablus to protest siege. (MM 7/16, 17; Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

U.S. State Dept. calls for "restraint" from Israel in its handling of situation at al-Najah University, Nablus. IDF soldiers continue to surround campus, searching all students who leave; students refuse to leave until army withdraws. (WP 7/17)

Faisal Husseini announces Israeli defense establishment proposal to deport wanted men in al-Najah University for 3 years as step to lifting siege; Palestinians are drafting counter-proposal, and have sent a letter to PM Rabin to lift siege and curfew of Nablus. (Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PLO representative calls on UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali to provide int'l. protection for Palestinians in o.t., implementation of res. 681 to deal with siege at al-Najah University. (Radio Algiers Network 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PM Rabin agrees to meet with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo after U.S. Secy. of State Baker's upcoming visit; meeting would be first such visit since 1986. (WP 7/17)

Palestinian "rejectionist" groups - Hamas and the Palestine National Salvation Front (PFLP-GC, Fateh Uprising, Communist Revolutionary Party, and Sa'iqa) - meet in Damascus to discuss strategy of blocking the peace process and escalating the intifada. (MM 7/16)

King Hussein arrives in Damascus for visit with Pres. Asad. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)

Islamic Resistance attacks Israeli, SLA roadblock in Kafr Huna, S. Lebanon. Israel overflies Arqub region, strengthens positions in al-Qantara, al-Tayyiba with armored vehicles. (Radio Lebanon 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam says Syria will not withdraw to eastern Lebanon in September, states that Taef accord requires withdrawal within 2 years of constitutional adoption of political reforms. (VOL 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)

PM-designate Rabin announces new cabinet to the Labor party Cent. Comm. He named himself DM, Mordechai Gur dep. DM (in charge of "day-to-day" affairs), Avraham Shochat fin. min., Benyamin Ben-Eliezer construction and housing min., Shulamit Aloni education min. Labor has 13 minister portfolios, Meretz 3, and Shas 1-interior. (NYT 7/13)

Labor issues separate letters of commitment on social and political matters to HADASH (Democratic Front) and Arab Democratic Party, two Arab parties supporting but not part of new coalition who have a total of 5 Knesset seats. (ITV 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

Chmn. Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo. (MM 7/13)

PLO political advisor and delegation advisory comm. mbr. Nabil Shaath says Egypt is "the" Arab state capable of restoring Arab solidarity and boosting Palestinian negotiating strength, aswell as materially aiding the Palestinan people. (MENA 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

Palestinian delegation spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi is detained for several hours upon crossing the Allenby bridge from Jordan, regarding the delegation's 6/18 public meeting with PLO Chmn. Arafat. (Qol Yisra'el 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; NYT 7/13)

Israel, SLA heavily shells Iqlim al-Tuffah region in S. Lebanon, reportedly in retaliation for bomb attack on Israeli patrol. (MM 7/13)

UNLU issues addendum to call no. 84 (issued 7/4) commending and supporting efforts to end intra-Palestinian violence in Gaza Strip.

NATO announces that Germany, Belgium, and Italy will send 42 jet fighters with at least 470 support personnel to Turkey to reinforce that nation's border with Iraq [WP, LAT, NYT 1/3].

After meeting with Saddam Hussein, Yasir Arafat indicates in interview that neither he nor Saddam is insisting that Israel withdraw from o.t. as requirement for Iraq to leave Kuwait [BADS 1/2 in FBIS 1/3; NYT 1/3].

Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) releases letter signed by 127 law professors insisting Pres. Bush has constitutional obligation to "obtain prior express congressional authorization" before ordering U.S. troops into war in the Gulf [WP 1/3].

IDF troops shoot dead 30-year-old Palestinian, wound at least 16 others in Gaza clashes arising after curfew is lifted there [MEM 1/2; LAT 1/3].

Kuwaiti embassy in Washington reports about 500 Kuwaiti nationals in U.S. are being drafted by Kuwait's gov't.-in-exile for training as translators to be assigned with U.S. military units in the Gulf [LAT 1/3].

Foreign ministers of Egypt, Syria, and Libya meet in Cairo to discuss Gulf crisis [MENA 1/2 in FBIS 1/2, 1/3; WT 1/3].

Jordan's King Hussein arrives in London for talks with British PM John Major [MEM 1/2; WT 1/3].

Arab League ass't. sec.-gen., Salah al-Mukhtar, resigns in protest of League's move to Cairo; he is replaced by Egyptian Ahamd 'Adil [INA, MENA 1/2 in FBIS 1/3].

Maj. Gen. Antoine Lahad, commander of Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army, reaffirms SLA independence of newly strengthened gov't. of Elias Hrawi until gov't. shows it is free of Syrian control [LAT 1/3]. 

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak meets with Yasir Arafat [MENA 5/20 in FBIS 5/ 21].

Egyptian gov't. reports that in effort to ease regional tension, Israel has told Egypt it will not launch military first strike against any Arab nation. Israel declines to confirm the statement [NYT 5/ 20].

In S. Lebanon, Israeli troops open fire at UNIFIL troops, injure Finnish soldier [IHD 5/19 in FBIS 5/21].

Amal offers to return remains of 2 Israeli soldiers in exchange for release of 300-400 prisoners held by SLA in S.Lebanon at Khiyam prison [NYT 5/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel closes 4 schools in Gaza following demonstrations [FBIS 2/24].

Arab World: In Cairo, Arafat holds press conference with Israeli journalists, reaffirms willingness to accept three-part state consisting of Israel, Palestine, Jordan. Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze arrives in Baghdad for talks with Iraqi pres. Saddam Husayn [FBIS 2/24].

Other Countries: Egyptian pres. Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein meet with Pres. Bush at Japanese emperor Hirohito's funeral, ask him to back Middle East peace conference; Israeli pres. Chaim Herzog urges Bush to wait [WP, LAT 2/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In al-'Ayzariyyah Israeli civilians shoot, wound 4 Palestinians after their car was stoned. At least 6 other Palestinians are wounded throughout O.T. [FBIS 2/24].

Arab World: South Lebanese Army (SLA) forces shoot, kill 3 DFLP guerrillas attempting to cross Israel's northern border [FBIS 2/24, NYT 2/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian youth from Beach camp wounded in 12/11 clash with Israeli troops dies in Gaza hospital [NYT 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Def. Min. Rabin returns from U.S. visit [NYT 12/23]. Al-Fajr Arabic daily resumes publication after 10-day closure [FJ 12/27]. Arab and Israeli Hebrew U. students demonstrate outside Knesset in solidarity with Palestinians in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 12/27]. Military extends closure of Gaza's Islamic U. and Palestine Religious Institute until 12/27 [FJ 12/27]. Israel releases 60 Gazans arrested during recent demonstrations [FJ 12/27].

Arab World: In Cairo, 'Ayn Shams U. students demonstrate in support of Palestinian uprising in the occupied territories [FBIS 12/29].

Other Countries: UN Security Council meeting on recent violence in the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip, W. Bank adjourns after PLO and some Arab governments push for more strongly worded resolution against Israel [NYT 12/22]. Midhat Hilali, Arab League official, is shot, wounded by unknown assailant in Athens [FJ 12/27]. Ibrahim Khalid, Palestinian gunman who survived December 1985 attack on Leonardo da Vinci airport, refuses to attend his trial [FJ 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inside the green line, hundreds of thousands of Arabs join general strike in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories. Israeli police, border guards respond to large demonstrations with tear gas, water cannons. About 200 Palestinians are arrested; 17 Israeli police, border guards injured [WP 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Stone-throwing, tire-burning crowds of demonstrators are reported in Jaffa, Nazareth, Lydda, Ramlah, and Abu Ghawsh. IDF troops fire on West Bank Palestinian crowds throwing Molotov cocktails, killing at least 2 in Jenin-area town of Tubas and 1 in Jenin. At least 22 are wounded by gunfire [NYT, WP 12/22]. Official Israeli death toll of Palestinians killed since 12/9 is now at 19 [CSM 12/22].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA forces raid Hizballah-held villages in S. Lebanon [FJ 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states in keynote speech opening Labor party convention that Israel recognizes the Palestinians "as a nation," states Israel is trying to "create interim conditions for an interim arrangement" in the occupied territories until their final status is resolved [DT 4/10]. Egyptian delegation headed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Butrus-Ghali attends the convention, as well as delegations from 20 other countries [JP 4/9].

Arab World: Former chief of intelligence for the PLO, 'Atallah 'Atallah (Abu Za'im), is reported to have been touring Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan delivering speeches critical of policies of Yasir Arafat and blaming him for the collapse of dialogue with King Hussein; Abu Za'im's statements have been given front-page coverage in Amman [JP 4/8; NYT 4/9]. Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Abba Eban arrives in Cairo for a visit [JP 4/9].

Other Countries: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy, originally scheduled to accompany Vice Pres. George Bush on his M.E. tour, stops instead in Cairo and then proceeds to Israel; Bush tells press conference Murphy is investigating a new peace initiative [LAT, BG 4/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Firebomb is thrown at bus on northern edge of Jerusalem, injuring 9 Israeli passengers; police detain 17 Palestinians for questioning [LAT, WP 4/9]. A bomb explodes in Afula, injuring a soldier; WAFA, the Palestine News Agency, states the PLO is responsible for placing the bomb [WP, LAT 4/9].

Arab World: Suicide bomber drives car into checkpoint near Hasbayya, at edge of Israeli-declared "security zone," killing himself and injuring 3 SLA militiamen and 3 civilians; the pro-Syrian Lebanese Ba'th party claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. Car bomb in Christian port city of Juniyah kills 10, injures over 100; no one claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab local councils inside the green line end strike following agreement with Israeli officials over $6 million in owed funds; P.M. Peres acknowledges Arab councils receive smaller budgets than Jewish ones, states inequity should be righted [JP 12/26; FJ 1/3].

Arab World: PLO rep. in Cairo Tayyib 'Abd al-Rahim states PLO seeks Arab summit conference to adopt unified peace policy [BG 12/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Body of Lebanese Jew Chaim Cohen Halala is found with 3 gunshot wounds in head; Organization for the Op, pressed of the Earth claims responsibility, says he was killed in retaliation for 12/22 SLA shelling of Shi'ite villages in S. Lebanon which killed 5, wounded 8. Organization holds 3 other Lebanese Jews hostage, warns against further shelling [WP, BG 12/26; WP 12/23]. 2 SLA militiamen are killed by Lebanese guerrillas in S. Lebanon security zone [PI 1/2].