The Palestine Chronology

PA Planning M Shaath, Israeli o.t. coordinator Oren Shahor meet to discuss upcoming joint comm. meeting, improving economic situation in Gaza, making it easier to cross at Rafah, Allenby Bridge. (QY 4/24 in FBIS 4/25)

Israeli Industry and Trade M Mikha Harish accuses Morocco of "political boycott," recalls delegation of Israeli industrialists in kingdom to attend trade show after Moroccan customs officials confiscate, refuse to release their product samples. (JP 4/24 in FBIS 4/25)

Pres. Clinton says he will seek broad powers to combat domestic terrorism, incl. easing federal ability to check credit, travel documents, hotel records of suspects, requiring phone companies to assure easy access for government wiretaps. (NYT, WP 4/24)

PSF mbrs. raid  offices of PFLP's weekly al-Umma, prevent its printing for the day. (JP 4/29)

Syria rejects FM Peres's 4/18 proposal move negotiations forward, says problem lies in Israel's position not in structure of talks. (MM 4/19)

In New York, Lebanese FM Buwayz concludes 2 days of mtgs. with Secy. of State Christopher, Asst. Secy. of State Robert Pelletreau regarding Syrian-Israeli talks, future of Lebanese track, NPT, Arab boycott, U.S. travel ban. (RL 4/20 in FBIS 4/20)

Representatives of all Palestinian factions meet in Gaza, agree to set up joint comm. to discuss security in the self-rule areas. (IDF Radio 4/20 in FBIS 4/20)

Car bomb explodes at federal building in Oklahoma City, killing 31, leaving some 200 unaccounted for. Authorities begin search for 2 "Middle Eastern looking" men who left scene in pickup truck. Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, Hizballah, Lebanon's Higher Shi`ite Islamic Council condemn attack. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/20; QPAR, QY, RL 4/20 in FBIS 4/20; JTV, MENA, RE, RL, VOL 4/20, AFP 4/21 in FBIS 4/21; AFP 4/21 in FBIS 4/24)

Hebron settlers say they will erect building in city to house 10 new Jewish families, increasing settler population in Hebron by 25%. Plan has not been approved by Israeli government. IDF lifts daytime curfew on Palestinians, dusk-to-dawn curfew continues. (WP 4/20)

Yitzhak Magen, Israel's chief archaeologist for West Bank, announces plans to begin ripping up parts of 5th-century Byzantine church on Mount Gerizim to uncover 2,000-yr.-old replica of Jerusalem temple. (WT 4/19; JP 4/29)

Jordanian FM Kabariti, Secy. of State Christopher meet in New York, discuss peace talks, NPT, bilateral relations. (RJ 4/18 in FBIS 4/18)

Israel expels 2 Palestinian political prisoners, mbrs. of Fatah, to Lebanon. Lebanon refuses pair entry, leaving them stranded in Israel's self-declared security zone, under UN protection. (WT 4/19; JP 4/29) (see 2/27)

In trial lasting fr. midnight to 3 a.m., PA military court sentences Hamas mbr. to 7 yrs for smuggling explosives to attack Israelis. (QY 4/17 in FBIS 4/18; CSM 4/18; NYT 5/3)

Representatives fr. 177 nations meet in New York for start of month-long talks on renewing NPT. Israel's amb. to the UN defends Israel's decision not to sign agmt., saying "We are the only state directly threatened in the Middle East by other states . . . ." (WT 4/17; MM, WT 4/18)

IDF undercover unit ambushes, kills 3 Hamas mbrs. in Hebron, imposes curfew. (QY 4/16 in FBIS 4/18; CSM, NYT 4/17; CSM, MM 4/18; MEI 4/28; JP 4/29)

PA court sentences 2 Hamas mbrs. to 2 yrs in prison for training with illegal weapons, involvement in attack last yr. that left 1 IDF soldier dead. (QY 4/16 in FBIS 4/18; CSM, NYT 4/17; NYT 5/3)

PA continues mtgs. with Hamas to reduce tensions. No agmt. is reached but PA releases another 50 Hamas mbrs. (RMC 4/16, QY 4/17 in FBIS 4/19) (see 4/14)

New group calling itself Palestine National Democratic Coalition (PNDN) led by Firuz Yari announces it has broken away fr. PFLP, apparently following dispute over whether PFLP should continue as an underground group, remain outside PA bureaucracy. Observers say PNDN's proparticipation platform "has huge potential." (HA 4/16 in FBIS 4/20)

2d Jordanian trying to cross into West Bank fr. Jordan is shot dead by IDF. (QY 4/15 in FBIS 418; JP 4/22) (see 4/14)

PA releases 30 Hamas, Islamic Jihad, DFLP mbrs. arrested in recent days in connection with 4/9 bombings. (QY 4/15 in FBIS 4/18)

For 1st time since 12/94, PLO, Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. meet to discuss ways of ending anti-Israeli attacks fr., inside self-rule areas. Hamas, Islamic Jihad demand release of prisoners, review of new military court. Arafat refuses, asks Islamists to drop opposition to Oslo Accord, renounce violence. Sides agree to keep talking. (WT 4/15; NYT, WT 4/17; MM 4/18; MEI 4/28)

In 1st border infiltration attempt fr. Jordan in 2 yrs, 1 armed Palestinian trying to cross into West Bank is wounded by IDF. (QY 4/15, ITV 4/16 in FBIS 4/18; JP 4/22) (see 3/26)

Rabin says he would accept a Palestinian state in Gaza if Palestinians would drop claims to rest of o.t.; PA Planning M Shaath rejects idea. Rabin also calls on Arafat to arrest all Palestinians who assist or incite anti-Israeli attacks, incl. religious leaders. (MM 4/13; JP 4/13 in FBIS 4/13; MM 4/20, 4/21)

IDF confiscates 4,080 Palestinian passports issued to West Bank, Jerusalem residents leaving to perform hajj; says passports are "a muscle-flexing move on the part of the PA, as it tries to show it has authority" in West Bank, only Palestinians fr. self-rule areas can have them. (QY 4/13 in FBIS 4/14; JP 4/29) (see 3/30)

Jordanian Interior Min. officials question Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawshah about making "press statements against another state," following PA complaints 4/12. Government says Hamas mbrs. live in, but Hamas does not operate as a group fr. Jordan. (AFP, RMC, VOP 4/13 in FBIS 4/13; ITV 4/13 in FBIS 4/14)

Arafat orders closure of al-Hayat al-Jadid, which began publishing in Gaza 11/20/94, citing breech of loyalty agmt. reached with its owner Nabil `Amr, editor Hafiz Barghouti. (al-Ahali 4/13 in FBIS 4/20)

After Hamas-run al-Watan criticizes PA arrest of Hamas mbrs. following 4/9 bombings, PA police raid paper's Gaza offices, detain editors Sayyid Abu Musamih, Ghazi Hammad; release them hours later. (QY 4/13 in FBIS 4/14)

Israel puts curfew on Hebron, closes borders with Gaza, West Bank to prevent violence during, keep Palestinians out of Israel through Passover. (QY 4/12 in FBIS 4/12; MM, NYT 4/13; QY 4/13, 4/14 in FBIs 4/14; WT 4/14, 4/15)

Rabbi Ido Elba, spiritual leader of Kiryat Arba arrested in 8/94 in connection with Hebron massacre, is sentenced to 2 yrs for inciting racism for saying "thou shalt not kill" commandment does not apply to Jews killing non-Jews. (JP 4/22)

PA continues crackdown on Hamas, Islamic Jihad in Gaza, bringing number of alleged mbrs. in custody to more than 300, gives Palestinians until 5/11 to register weapons with police or have them confiscated. PA Atty. Gen. al-Qidra say 35 Palestinians are scheduled to go before military court. (VOP 4/11, QY 4/12, VOP 4/12 in FBIS 4/12; MM 4/12; VOP 5/12 in FBIS 5/13; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/13; JP 4/22)

PA approves appointment of Ziyad al-Majali as Jordan's diplomatic representative in the self-rule areas. PA M Jamil al-Tarifi delivers message fr. Arafat to King Hussein, expressing PA's desire to coordinate with Jordan on all aspects of negotiations. (RJ 4/12, JT 4/13 in FBIS 4/13)

Arafat asks Jordan to crack down on Hamas elements in kingdom, prevent them fr. publishing leaflets. (MENA, VOP 4/12 in FBIS 4/13; MM 4/13)

FBI sends team to Gaza to investigate death of 1, wounding of 3 Americans in 4/9 bombing. Under 1986 law, U.S. can investigate crimes against its citizens overseas, prosecute defendants in U.S. courts. (NYT 4/12; MM, WP, WT 4/13; CSM 4/14)

2 days of PA-Israeli talks on elections, redeployment close in Cairo without progress. PA Planning M Shaath says Israelis are not taking talks seriously. (MENA 4/10, 4/11 in FBIS 4/11; IDF Radio, MENA 4/11 in FBIS 4/12)

In closed military trial held at night, without prior notice, PA sentences Omar Shalah, mbr. of Islamic Jihad, to life in prison for planning 1/22 Beit Lid bombing, "harming the peace process." PA Planning M Shaath acknowledges closed-door trials are controversial but calls them "necessary to protect the national interest." Islamists fire on PA security mbrs. wounding 2. Hamas, Islamic Jihad warn Arafat is going too far. Israel says he is doing better but still not doing enough. (MM 4/11; QY 4/11 in FBIS 4/11; AFP 4/11 in FBIS 4/12; CSM, NYT, WP 4/12; NYT 4/13; JP 4/22; NYT 5/3)

Israeli Police M Shahal presents PM Rabin with final conclusions to separation proposal submitted 3/17; calls for "fixed  closure" (incl. vehicles) in which entry to Israel will be permitted only by licensing, through regulated points only, with "assumption . . . that anybody who crosses into Israel otherwise is coming to commit an offense and is held to be a suspect from the outset." (ITV 4/11 in FBIS 4/12; MM 4/12)

Arafat, Pres. Mubarak meet in Cairo to discuss peace process, Palestinian opposition. Arafat accuses Israel of fomenting Palestinian civil war by continuing occupation, delaying negotiations. (AFP, MENA, RE, VOP 4/11 in FBIS 4/12; NYT, WP 4/12)

Pres. Mubarak's political advisor Ossama al-Baz says Egypt does not seek to withdraw fr. NPT, wants 5-yr. reviews, is against unlimited extension. (MENA 4/11 in FBIS 4/12)

U.S. envoy Ross stops briefly in Amman to discuss bilateral relations, update Crown Prince Hassan on recent shuttle mission btwn. Syria, Israel; leaves for Washington. (MM 4/10; RJ 4/10 in FBIS 4/11)

Middle East Economic Summit steering comm. (incl. representatives fr. 30 countries, international bodies) meets in Amman, announces follow-up conference to 10/94 Casablanca summit will be held 10/29-31. (JT 4/11 in FBIS 4/11; WT 4/23; MM 4/27)

PA cracks down on Islamist opposition in reaction to 4/9 bombings, arresting 112 alleged Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. Arafat convenes new military court for closed-door, all-night trial; 1 Islamic Jihad mbr. given 15-yr. sentence for recruiting bombers. U.S. applauds measures. Palestinian police, Hamas mbrs. exchange gunfire in Gaza, no casualties. 1 American, 1 Israeli die of wounds sustained in bombings. (NYT 4/10; QY 4/10 in FBIS 4/10; AFP 4/10 in FBIS 4/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/11; NYT 4/13; JP 4/22)

Israel's Chief of Staff Shahak, Planning Branch head Maj. Gen. Uzi Dayan present PM Rabin with road separation plan for Gaza, recommending construction of separate north-south routes for Palestinians, leaving existing highways for IDF, Israelis only; say roads closed 4/9 will remain closed until Palestinians accept plan. (MM 4/11)

U.S. special Middle East coordinator Ross meets with Pres. al-Asad in Damascus, delivers message fr. Pres. Clinton. Al-Asad promises to send Amb. Mu`allim--but not sr. military advisors--back to Washington in wk. for talks with Israel, criticizes Israel for rejecting "equality" in security arrangements. Ross returns to Israel to brief PM Rabin on discussion, says sides are still far apart.  (SATN 4/8 in FBIS 4/10; WP 4/9; MM 4/10; SARR 4/11 in FBIS 4/12; WJW 4/13; MEI 4/14; JP 4/15)

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)

Jordan's 1st amb. to Israel, Marwan Muasher, arrives in Tel Aviv to assume his duties. Israel's 1st amb.to Jordan, Shimon Shamir, arrives in Amman to take his post. (MM, WT 4/6; RJ, JT 4/6 in FBIS 4/6; JP 4/15; WJW 4/20)

U.S. envoy Ross arrives in Israel for brief shuttle btwn. Israel, Syria; meets with PM Rabin, military Chief of Staff Shahak, senior IDF officials to discuss security arrangements within framework of agmt. with Syria. Israelis present demand for 1:9 geographical ratio for demilitarized zones. Ross will transmit Israeli suggestions, concerns to Syria 4/7. (MM 4/6; IDF Radio 4/7 in FBIS 4/7; MA 4/7 in FBIS 4/10)

Israeli, Egyptian FMs meet in Paris to try to solve NPT conflict . Egypt says it is willing to sign a ban on chemical weapons in exchange but no final compromise is reached. Sides agree to continue discussions within Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control, upgrade working group talks to FM level. (WP 4/5; CSM 4/6; MBC, MENA 4/6 in FBIS 4/7; HA 4/19 in FBIS 4/20)

Israeli Housing M Binyamin Ben-Eliezer says he will present plan to ministerial comm. for additional 5,600 homes beyond Green Line, incl. 1,300 units in Matityahu settlement, 3,000 units in Ma'ale Adumim, finishing work on 800 units in Giva'at Ze'ev. (MM 4/7; QY 4/6, JP 4/7 in FBIS 4/7)

Arafat decides to replace editorial board of Jericho-based al-Aqsa newspaper with journalists who are Fatah mbrs. Decision is criticized as interference with freedom of press. (ITV 4/6 in FBIS 4/7)

Congressional hearings open on Clinton's Omnibus Counterterrorism Bill to speed deportation of illegal immigrants suspected of terrorism, prohibit fundraising for organizations the pres. deems dangerous, grant FBI broader authority to investigate, order wiretaps. Arab-American, Muslim groups protest bill, fearing it will be used to discriminate against them, curb legitimate fundraising. (WP 4/7)

Bomb explodes on Gaza border as IDF foot patrol passes, wounding 1 soldier. No one claims responsibility. (JP 4/6 in FBIS 4/7; NYT 4/7)

Pres. Mubarak meets with Pres. Clinton, assures him Egypt will not lobby against U.S. efforts to renew NPT but still wants assurances fr. Israel. Clinton promises to push for nuclear-free Middle East after Israel makes peace with all its neighbors.  (WP 4/5; MENA, RE 4/5 in FBIS 4/6; CSM, NYT 4/6; MM 4/7; RE 4/7, 4/8 in FBIS 4/10; MEI 4/14)

Jordan's King Hussein meets with UN Secy. Gen. Butros Ghali, permanent UNSC mbrs. in New York, discusses NPT, peace process. Butros Ghali praises Jordan's role in negotiations. (JTV 4/5 in FBIS 4/6)

Raji Sourani is fired fr. Gaza Center for Rights and Law after he fails to comply with PA requests to stop criticizing Arafat. (MM 4/5; JP 4/5 in FBIS 4/5; WP 4/11; JP 4/17) (see 2/17)

PA arrests 5 mbrs of its intelligence service for 4/1 killing of prisoner accused of informing for Israel. (NYT 4/6)

PA arrests al-Nahar journalist Tahir al-Nunu after he publishes article suggesting 4/2 explosion could have been carried out by Israel, supported by PA. Also arrests 6 Hamas mbrs. in connection with explosion. (QY 4/5 in FBIS 4/6; CSM 4/6; al-Nahar 4/6 in FBIS 4/7; NYT 4/7)

PA arrests 10 Hamas mbrs. in connection with 4/2 bombing. (AFP, QY 4/5 in FBIS 4/5)

Israel launches 1st spy satellite to monitor Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria. Syria condemns launch, says talks will suffer as a result. (QY 4/5 in FBIS 4/5; QY 4/5 in FBIS 4/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/6; JP 4/8; RMC 4/10 in FBIS 4/10; JP 4/15; JP 4/22; MM 4/28)

PA-Israeli talks on elections resume in Cairo. Sides discuss updating Palestinian census for voter registration. Israel turns over magnetic tapes of census information, aerial photos of o.t. to help draw up voter districts. (QY, VOP 4/4 in FBIS 4/5; MM 4/5)

Jordan, Israel sign tourism agmt. at Dayr Alla. (JT 4/5 in FBIS 4/5)

Donors' Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) close informal 2-day mtg. in Washington. PA submits FY 1995 budget. Donors agree to cover PA operating costs through April, pending donor plenum 4/27. (HA 3/31 in FBIS 3/31; RE 4/6 in FBIS 4/6; VOP 4/6 in FBIS 4/6; JP 4/8)

Following donor mtg., mbrs. of Palestinian delegation meet with World Bank, IMF, U.S. Dept. of Commerce officials to discuss free Palestinian trade, with U.S. delegations interested in starting joint U.S.-Palestinian development projects in o.t. (VOP 4/6 in FBIS 4/7)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak visits mbrs. of Congress, lobbies for continuation of aid; holds 2d mtg. with Secy. of State Christopher, discusses NPT, Egypt's economy, methods of expanding peace btwn. Israel, Arab states; receives assurances the administration will push Congress to maintain $2.1 b. aid package. Christopher reportedly blasts Mubarak for Egypt's "lack of support" on NPT issue. (WT, NYT 4/4; MENA 4/4 in FBIS 4/5; MENA 4/4 in FBIS 4/6; WT 4/5; CSM 4/6; MM 4/7; MEI 4/14)

Knesset delays bill that would allow government to transfer tax funds to the PA to ease its financial burden after Tsomet asks to turn vote into no-confidence motion. (JP 4/4 in FBIS 4/4)

PM Rabin tells Knesset Foreign Affairs Comm. that Israel has retracted its demand Syria cut its standing army as part of a peace agmt.; Syria realizes Israel has special security needs, no longer demands geographical "symmetry" in security arrangements, instead emphasizes overall "equality"; sides are deadlocked on principles underlying security arrangements. (MM 4/4; JP 4/4 in FBIS 4/4) (see 2/28)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak has preliminary mtg. with Secy. of State Christopher to discuss NPT, peace process, bilateral relations. Christopher gives Mubarak report on Israel's nuclear program. (RE 4/3 in FBIS 4/4)

In response to queries by Senate Intelligence Comm., CIA reports that presently there is no clear successor to Arafat should he be removed, no evidence PA is involved in anti-Israeli attacks, little danger of Israel being attacked by outside power. (MM 5/4)    

Israeli Amb. to the UN Gad Ya'aqobi says he has requested the UN remove its Truce Supervision Organization observer force fr. the Jordan-Israel border now that a treaty has been signed. (HA 4/3 in FBIS 4/5; WJW 4/13)

Fatah issues statement condemning Hamas for 4/2 explosion in Gaza, obstructing peace, dividing Palestinians. (al-Aqsa 4/4 in FBIS 4/7)

Despite PA ban on unapproved demonstrations, some 10,000 Hamas supporters rally in Gaza, claiming Israel, PA are behind 4/2 explosion. (NYT, WT 4/4; QY 4/5 in FBIS 4/6)

PM Rabin tells cabinet he will not suspend talks with Syria despite Hizballah attacks 3/31, only a diplomatic solution to the conflict is possible, Israel will not attempt a military solution; says Syria has promised Secy. of State Christopher it will restrain Hizballah. (MM 4/3)

Jordanian FM al-Kabariti, Syrian Amb. Mu`allim meet in Washington to discuss Syria's stand in talks with Israel. Mu`allim leaves for Syria to prepare for Ross visit. (RJ 4/2 in FBIS 4/4)

Russian FM Kozyrev meets with PM Rabin, Pres. Weizman, FM Peres in Jerusalem, discusses Israeli-Lebanese border tensions, NPT, Iran, peace process. (QY 4/2, HA 4/3 in FBIS 4/3)

Arafat advisor Husseini meets with Russian Dep. FM Viktor Posuvalyuk at Orient House to discuss Israeli obstacles to implementing DOP. (VOP 4/2 in FBIS 4/3)

PM Rabin approves 2,000 more work permits for Palestinian workers to enter Israel, bringing total to 27,000. (ITV 4/1 in FBIS 4/4)

Kamal Kahil, sr. mbr. of Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and no. 15 on Israel's most-wanted list, 7 others die, 30 are wounded in explosion in Gaza allegedly triggered when Kahil, 1 other Hamas mbr. accidently detonate bomb they are making. Hamas accuses Israel of assassinating Kahil, plotting to turn public opinion against Hamas. (QY, RMC, VOP 4/2 in FBIS 4/3; MM, WP, WT 4/3; AFP, ITV, QPAR, QY, VOP 4/3 in FBIS 4/4; MM, NYT 4/4; NYT 4/7; VOP 4/8 in FBIS 4/10; MEI, 4/14; JP 4/15)

PA says it is holding 3 Palestinian policemen after frmr. collaborator is found dead in Gaza. (AFP 4/2 in FBIS 4/4) (see 4/1)

Hizballah, Amal hold mtg. in s. Lebanon to coordinate efforts against Israel. (RL 4/2 in FBIS 4/3)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak arrives in Washington for brief trip to solidify ties with U.S. in light of NPT issue, peace process. (MENA 4/1, MENA, RE 4/2, MENA 4/3 in FBIS 4/3)

Muhammad Jundi, jailed for aiding Israeli undercover agents kill 6 Fatah Hawks 1 yr. ago, is found shot dead in Jabaliyya r.c. PA intelligence mbrs. (many frmr. Fatah Hawks) suspected. (NYT 4/6)

Russian FM Kozyrev meets with Arafat in Gaza, discusses aid, Israel's "separation" plan, Palestinian elections. (VOP 3/31 in FBIS 4/4; VOP 4/1 in FBIS 4/3; JP 4/8; MM 4/25)

PM Rabin says Syrian Pres. al-Asad told U.S. Secy. of State Christopher 2 wks ago that he was prepared to allow Israel to set up a low-level diplomatic presence in Damascus before it completely withdraws fr. the Golan. Israeli government sources hint Israel is prepared to give back all of the Golan. (NYT 4/1, 4/2; WJW 4/6)

Russian FM Kozyrev meets with Pres. Hrawi, FM Buwayz in Beirut, leaves for Israel.(MM 3/31; RL, VOL 3/31 in FBIS 3/31)

Hizballah forces also clash with IDF in s. Lebanon, killing 2 IDF soldiers, 1 Hizballah mbr., wounding 3 Hizballah mbrs. (MM 3/31; VOL 3/31 in FBIS 4/3) 

Israeli intelligence locates sr. Hizballah cmdr. Rida Yassin, sends helicopter-gunship north of self-declared security zone, kills him. Hizballah retaliates, shelling northern Israel, killing 1 settler, wounding 9; says it will no longer abide by July 1993 accord to not target civilians. IAF shells s. Lebanon. U.S. Secy. of State Christopher phones Beirut, Tel Aviv, Damascus to deescalate situation. (MM 3/31; ITV, QY 3/31, IDF Radio, QY, YA 4/2 in FBIS 4/3; NYT, WP, WT 4/1; NYT 4/2; WJW 4/6; JP 4/8; MEI 4/14, 5/12)

PM Rabin says he will hold Syria accountable for Hizballah attack on northern Israel. Israeli Amb. Rabinovitch says attack will influence Israel's stance in talks with Syria in Washington. U.S. Secy. State Christopher tells Syrian FM al-Shara` to put an end to Hizballah rocket attacks. (JP 4/8)

Round of Israeli-Syrian talks in Washington close. Israelis say sides are close to an agmt. on principles concerning security arrangements in the Golan after Israeli withdrawal. Syrians are more pessimistic. U.S. envoy Ross says he will head to Israel, Syria next wk. to finalize definition of security arrangements, pave way for talks btwn. military advisors. (QY 3/28, IDF Radio, QY 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/29, 3/30, 4/5)

In Cairo, PA-Israeli delegations close 2-day mtg. on elections, redeployment, composition and powers of legislative council. Sides agree to reach phased agmt. by or during June on redeployment, elections, revision of laws, transfer of authorities, economic issues; generally agree to separate exec., legislative powers, create subcommittees to follow up executive activity. (RE 3/28 in FBIS 3/28; MENA 3/28, 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/29)

Russian FM Kozyrev arrives in Damascus, meets with FM al-Shara`, discusses bilateral relations, military cooperation, Syrian-Israeli negotiations. (SATN 3/29 in FBIS 3/30; MM 3/30)

PA Interior Min. begins issuing Palestinian passports. Jordan says it will recognize them. (VOP 3/28 in FBIS 3/29; JT, RJ 3/30 in FBIS 3/30; WJW 5/4)

Palestinian truck driver hits 4 IDF soldiers guarding Netzarim settlement in Gaza, killing 2; is shot 50 times by IDF, dies at scene. PA agrees to Police M Shahal's request to build bypass road around Netzarim so Israelis, Palestinians will not use same road. (QY 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; VOP 3/29 in FBIS 3/30; MM 3/30; QY 3/30 in FBIS 3/31; NYT, WP 3/30; JP 4/8)

IDF reportedly has decided to evacuate its headquarters in Nablus, Jenin by 6/1; has drafted plan for eventual redeployment of stations now located in Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarm. Police M Shahal says that after redeployment the Israeli police presence in West Bank will double, police stations will be set up in each settlement. (ITV, QY 3/28 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/29; JP 5/6)

King Hussein lobbies mbrs. of Congress, incl. Sen. Robert Dole, Rep. Gingrich, for full debt forgiveness, increased military aid; meets with Secy. of State Christopher, who says U.S. is committed to debt relief. (JTV 3/28, RJ 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; MM, NYT 3/29; WT 3/30; CSM 3/31; FT 4/4)

In Washington, U.S., Jordan sign extradition treaty. (JTV 3/28 in FBIS 3/29)

Russian FM Andrei Kozyrev arrives in Egypt, meets with FM Musa, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid, discusses peace process, Libya, NPT. (MENA 3/28 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/30)

Israel police admit that report of large bomb on truck stopped nr. Beersheba 3/21 was deliberately exaggerated, say they seized only three small homemade devices before destroying truck. (YA 3/29 in FBIS 3/30; JP 4/8)

Syria's Amb. Mu`allim, Israeli Amb. Rabinovitch reopen negotiations in Washington without military advisors, focus on depth of demilitarization, with Syria still insisting demilitarized zone be on both sides of border. (al-Hayat 3/27 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/30; MBC 3/30 in FBIS 3/31; MEI 3/31; JP 4/1; WJW 4/6)

King Hussein arrives in Washington, meets with Clinton on congressional decision to cut debt forgiveness, moving U.S. embassy in Israel. King then meets with House speaker Gingrich, Sen. Patrick Leahy fr. Senate Foreign Relations Comm. to discuss debt issue.  (RJ 3/27 in FBIS 3/27; RJ 3/28 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/29; CSM, MEI 3/31; FT 4/4)

Arafat, Israeli Labor Secy. Gen. Nissim Zvilli meet in Jericho, discuss closure, Israeli security, economic problems, impediments to negotiations. (IDF Radio, VOP 3/27 in FBIS 3/28; MM 3/29)

Morocco opens liaison offices in Tel Aviv, Gaza, making it 3d Arab country to establish ties with Israel. (ITV 3/27 in FBIS 3/28; JP 4/8)

Jenin prison closes. All prisoners are transferred to jails inside Green Line. Move thought to anticipate Israeli withdrawal fr. Jenin as part of "Jenin 1st" proposal. (PR 3/26) (see 2/19)

Israeli FMin. Dir. Gen. Uri Savir says that, following recent secret talks, PA has accepted a phased IDF withdrawal fr. West Bank, may also accept partial withdrawal. 1st phase would occur on eve of elections, additional stages after elections. (ITV 3/24 in FBIS 3/27; IDF Radio 4/13 in FBIS 4/13)

Israeli, Syrian ambs. hold 1st mtg. in Washington since 12/94, prepare for negotiations to resume 3/27. (WT 3/27)

VP Gore meets with Arafat in Jericho, announces PA will be allowed to export goods to the U.S. tariff-free, says $73 m. of pledged U.S. aid will be disbursed to build and renovate housing, pave roads, repair sewer system in Gaza. Arafat pledges to prosecute those who attack Israelis to derail the peace process. Both sign economic agmt. on U.S. participation in building health, educational, industrial projects. U.S., Palestinian businessmen meet. (MM 3/23, 3/24; VOP 3/24 in FBIS 3/27; NYT, WP, WT 3/25; WJW 3/30; MEI 3/31; JP 4/1) (see 2/16)

 Arafat attends Friday prayers at Jericho mosque. When prayer leader Shaykh `Abd al-Salaam Abu Shaykhidim denounces making peace with Jews, Arafat dispatches 2d shaykh to the pulpit, ending Abu Shaykhidim's sermon. (NYT, WP 3/25) (see 3/3)

PA Agriculture Min. bans entry of Israeli produce into Gaza, citing Israel's banning entry into Israel of Palestinian produce trucks. (VOP 3/24 in FBIS 3/28) (see 2/26)

Poll released by Dahaf pollsters shows 73% of Israelis think current negotiations will result in a Palestinian state as long as the PA "overcomes terror"; 23% think no state will result. (WT 3/25)

PM Rabin tells VP Gore Israel will not discuss a Middle East nuclear-free zone until it has peace agmts. with all its neighbors, Iran; hints Israel will not meet 7/1 deadline on elections talks with PA (see 3/9) if Arafat does not prevent incidents like 3/19 shooting, 3/21 truck incident. PA Planning M Shaath says he "never believed that date in the first place." (MM 3/23; QY 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; IDF Radio, QY 3/23, HA 3/24 in FBIS 3/24; MM 3/24; NYT, WP 3/25; MEI 3/31; JP 4/1)

Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak meet in Cairo to discuss peace process, asks him to relay message to Pres. Clinton regarding impediments to implementing DOP. Arafat then meets with U.S. Foreign Relations Council delegation, discusses economic aid. (MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; MENA, VOP 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Syrian FM al-Shara`, Egyptian FM Musa meet in Cairo to discuss Syrian-Israeli negotiations. (MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; SATN 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Arab League passes resolution supporting indefinite NPT renewal but saying 22 mbr.-states are free to vote how they will; does not link renewal with Israel's joining NPT. U.S. official says "if the Egyptians were lobbying [against renewal], the Arab League resolution would never have passed." (AFP 3/22, 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/24; WT 3/31)

Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert says PA has violated Israeli authority over the city by taking control of all 20 Waqf schools (previously run by Jordan). PA funding for schools is part of $27 m. raised by Arafat advisor Husseini fr. Saudi Arabia. Remaining money is slated for Jerusalem housing (see 3/13). (JP 3/24 in FBIS 3/27; JP 4/1; WJW 5/5; JP 5/13)

To date, 93 senators have signed on to Sen. Alfonse D'Amato and Sen. D. Patrick Moynihan's letter, calling on the pres. to move the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (WJW 3/23) (see 2/3)

IDF, Hizballah exchange fire in s. Lebanon, leaving 1 civilian dead, 1 wounded. (AFP, RL 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

King Hussein, U.S. VP Gore meet in Amman. King criticizes congressional decision to cut Jordan's debt forgiveness. Gore promises U.S. will forgive all debt. (JTV, RJ 3/21, RJ 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; WP, WT 3/22; JP 4/1) (see 3/3, 3/13)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin, Egyptian FM Musa meet in Cairo, say relations have improved since Knesset delegation visit 3/19. Beilin says Egypt now better understands Israel's security needs, NPT argument has abated. (QY 3/21 in FBIS  3/22)

In Beersheba, Israeli police arrest 2 Hamas mbrs., 1 Israeli bedouin with explosives-rigged truck with Gaza plates. Pair confesses to planning suicide attack. PM Rabin cancels mtg. with PA scheduled for 3/22 to discuss release of Palestinian prisoners, bans all vehicles with Gaza license plates fr. entering Israel. (MM 3/21; QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM, MM, WP 3/22; NYT 3/23; IDF Radio 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; PR 3/26; MM 3/27; JP 4/1)

10 Damascus-based Palestinian opposition groups close 2-day mtg. to assess peace process, PA administration, possible relations with PNG (see 2/21). PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. al-Qaddumi says he will head delegation to Damascus in next wk. to try to reach a conciliation agmt. with these groups. (al-Ray 3/23, QY 3/24 in FBIS 3/24)

U.S. VP Gore arrives in Cairo for 3-day visit. (MENA 3/19, 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; RJ 3/19 in FBIS 3/21)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak receives delegation of Knesset mbrs. in Cairo, discusses NPT, recent Israeli statements against Egypt, ways of advancing peace process. (MENA 3/19 in FBIS 3/20; MM 3/20; MENA 3/20 in FBIS 3/21)

PM Rabin allows another 3,150 permits for Palestinian workers, bringing number allowed entry into Israel to 24,150. (QY 3/19 in FBIS 3/20; WP 3/20)

Unidentified gunmen ambush Israeli bus in Hebron, West Bank, killing 2, wounding 5 Jewish settlers. Settlers fr. Kiryat Arba riot, destroy Palestinian shop, cars before IDF intervenes, sets 24-hr. curfew. (QY 3/19, 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/20; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/21; WJW 3/23; MM 3/27; MEI 3/31; JP 4/1)

 2 Palestinians die in explosion nr. Jenin. IDF says bomb they were making exploded, causing accident. (NYT 3/20)

IDF shells Amal positions in s. Lebanon, hits Nepalese UNIFIL contingent, killing 1 UN soldier. (RL 3/20 in FBIS 3/20)

Israeli Environmental M Yossi Sarid says Palestinian state will eventually emerge fr. negotiations; borders will probably coincide with separation plan; officially it will not be a state "but in reality it will be." The statement, thought to be trial balloon, is denounced by PM Rabin, Likud. (QY 3/19, IDF Radio 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; WJW 3/23; ITV 3/24 in FBIS 3/28; JP 3/25; JP 4/1)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on expanding self-rule resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation head Yo'el Singer says target date for Palestinian elections is 6/15, Israel will not object to any party's participation. (MENA 3/13, MENA, VOP 3/14, VOP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15; CSM 3/15; AFP 3/14, MENA, QY 3/15, VOP 3/16 in FBIS 3/16)

Secy. of State Christopher stops in Damascus briefly on his return to Washington, meets with FM Faruq al-Shara`, announces talks btwn. Israel, Syria will resume in Washington soon. (WP 3/14; SARR 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; SARR, SATN 3/14 in FBIS 3/15; MM, NYT, WP 3/15; AN, CSM 3/16; MEI 3/17)

British PM Major meets with Arafat in Gaza, discusses developments in peace process, economic issues. Arafat expresses urgent need for aid. Major then meets with Arafat advisor Faisal Husseini at British consulate in Jerusalem, while Asst. British FM Andrew Green meets with a Palestinian delegation at Orient House. Major then meets with PM Rabin, discusses bilateral relations, leaves for mtg. with King Hussein. (IDF Radio, VOP 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; JTV, QY, VOP 3/14, RJ, VOP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15) (see 3/6)

Arab League issues statement at close of seminar on Jerusalem, says Jerusalem issue is key to peace process, calls on nations to uphold 1980 UNSC Res. 478 asking nations not to move diplomatic offices to the city. (MENA 3/14 in FBIS 3/17)

U.S., Israeli forces begin 3 wks of war games in Negev desert. (MM 3/14; WT 3/15; JP 4/1)

PA releases Shaykh al-Safadi, arrested 4/12. (QY 4/14 in FBIS 4/15)