The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Five Palestinians are sentenced to life imprisonment for alleged kidnap, torture, and murder of Dani Katz, 15, in December 1983 [LT 10/15]. Israeli military asks SLA to stop harassing UNIFIL troops in Lebanon following reports of serious incidents involving the SLA [JP 10/15].

Arab World: The Times quotes senior PLO official as saying the organization is near bankruptcy because Arab countries have not met their financial commitments [LT, MG 10/14]. U.S. State Dept. spokesman says body of man washed up near Syrian port of Tartus may be that of Leon Klinghoffer [NYT 10/15]. Tunis branch of the Palestine Liberation Front issues statement acknowledging the real target of the hijackers of the Achille Lauro was the Israeli port of Ashdod [WP 10/15]. Pres. Mubarak demands public apology from the U.S. to "all Egyptians" for interception of Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers [WP, LAT 10/15].

Other Countries: Britain calls off talks with joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation on M.E. peace process, saying the Palestinian members of the delegation refused to sign a previously agreed upon statement renouncing "terrorism" and explicitly recognizing Israel's right to exist. The Palestinians state they had not seen the statement before and could not sign it unless it had already been approved by the entire PLO Executive Committee. British For. Sec. Geoffrey Howe states he is "very disappointed and surprised" by the PLO delegates' refusal to do so [NYT, WP, DT 10/15]. The EEC announces its decision to cancel scheduled talks with the joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation following Britain's decision [DT 10/15]. UN General Assembly averts U.S. boycott by dropping invitation to Yasir Arafat to attend 40th anniversary commemoration [NYT, WP 10/15]. The Times reports China and North Korea have denied entry to Kozo Okamoto, only survivor of the Japanese Red Army attack on Lod airport in 1972, who was released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange [LT 10/14]. The Guardian reports Spanish police are nearly positive the corpses of 2 Israelis found in Barcelona were members of Mossad [MG 10/14]. President of Ivory Coast announces his country is prepared to renew ties with Israel [JP 10/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bomb thrown at Israeli bus near Ramallah slightly injures 1 passenger [JP 10/15].

Arab World: Israeli fighter bombers fly deep into Jordanian territory at dawn; no attacks reported [NYT 10/15]. Syria states a shoulder-held missile was recently fired at an Israeli jet near the Golan Heights but missed its target. Syria sent a formal apology to Israel for the attack, saying it was ordered by a junior-level commander and did not reflect a change in Syria's adherence to the cease-fire. Israel reportedly accepted the explanation [NYT, WP 10/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli officials state Egyptian responsible for killing Israelis in the Sinai was a soldier, not a police, man, and therefore was in the area in violation of the 1978 Camp David accords. Israelis also state Egyptians prevented medical help from reaching the victims in time [NYT, WP, LAT, 10/7]. Egyptian officials state the gunman will be court-martialed by the police force [BG 10/7]. Israelis demand a full report on the incident within 48 hours [FT 10/7]. Chicago Tribune reports Israel is quietly developing trade ties with China in hopes of establishing diplomatic relations with that country [CT 10/6].

Arab World: Egyptian students mark the 12th anniversary of the 1973 October War with demonstrations against the Israeli air raid on Tunis and calls for Pres. Mubarak to expel the Israeli ambassador [LT 10/7].

Other Countries: U.S. authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Califomia scientist Richard Smyth, 55, of Milco International Company in Huntington Beach, which, according to a Los Angeles grand jury indictment, illegally exported to Israel over a 2-year period 15 shipments of krytrons, tiny electronic triggering devices necessary in constructing nuclear warheads. Smyth and his wife Emilie jumped bail and disappeared before his trial was scheduled to begin; he is presumed to be in Israel [LT 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: Al-Najah University is ordered closed for two months, following 7/31 raid in which army officials say they found "inciting" material [FJ 8/9]. Chinese government spokesman denies reports about secret arms deal between China and Israel [NYT 8/3]. Israeli sources confirm top-ranking Israeli diplomat last month paid "private" visit to the Soviet Union [JTA 8/2]. Police at military roadblock outside Jenin detain 12 Kach supporters apparently on their way to Arrabuna, home of three Palestinians suspected of killing two Israeli schoolteachers [JP 8/2]. Curfew on Nablus continues {JP 8/4].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli warplanes destroy headquarters of Syrian Socialist Nationalist party in the Biqa' Valley; group claimed responsibility for suicide car bomb attacks against Israeli troops in security zone. Members of SSNP say some leaders escaped, 2 killed, and 4 injured [NYT 8/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Knesset passes, by vote of 60-0, law banning future election lists that advocate racism [FJ 8/9]. Clause proposed by Justice Minister Moshe Nissim bans election lists which reject the legitimacy of Israel as the "state of the Jewish people." Progressive List for Peace and the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Israeli Communist party) abstained in Knesset vote; PLP spokesman Kamil Dahir submits resignation in protest of abstention vote. Two Palestinians are found dead near car in West Bank village of Tubas, in what police say was apparently an accidental detonation of a car bomb [WP 7/31]. Palestinian sources speculate they may have been murdered [FJ 8/2]. U. S. Asst. Defense Sec. Richard Perle announces Israel agrees to participate in Strategic Defense Initiative research [BG 7/31]. Jane's Defence Weekly reports that Israel's clandestine arms sales to China have bolstered its international weapons trade to $1.2 billion annually [MJ 8/16].

Arab World: Jordanian and PLO officials say 2 Palestinians acceptable to Israel - Hanna Siniora and Fayez Abu Rahmeh - are intended only as "consultants" to joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation [WP 7/31]. Al-Fajr English newspaper reports sources in Tunis say PLO condemns new West Bank committee set up by local pro-Jordanian figures to lobby for joint Jordanian-Palestinian moves [FJ 8/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Albert Buchris, 32, from Afula, shot to death in Nablus market. Nablus and 2 nearby refugee camps put under curfew; residents are teargassed, house-to-house searches are conducted for the weapon used in the killing. Al-Najah University is closed [WP, LAT 7/31, JTA 8/1].

Arab World: Syria delivers 50 Soviet-made T-54 tanks to Amal in south Beirut [DT 7/31].

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: PM Peres, Deputy Premier Shamir tell US Sec. of State Shultz that Israel will not meet with Palestinian-Jordanian delegation including members of Palestine National Council (US considers the PNC and PLO separate organizations and was considering Jordanian suggestion that PNC members be included in proposed joint delegation) [LAT 5/11]. Peres indicates he has no objections to US meeting with Palestinian-Jordanian delegation if such meeting would promote future direct talks with Israel [NYT 5/12]. Police inquiry appointed to investigate 5/7, 5/9 incidents in which Border Police afforded Jewish underground defendantspecial privileges [JP 5/10]. Jewish Agency announces 4 new settlements to be erected within 4 mos. [WP 5/11]. "First Conference on Palestinian Thought" opens in Nazareth [FJ 5/17].

Other Countries: Chinese PM Zhao Ziyang tells Chmn. Arafat China supports proposals for intl. conference under UN auspices dealing with peace in the Middle East [LAT 5/11]. In Portugal, Yusuf al-Awad is acquitted of 1983 assassination of Issam Sartawi [WP 5/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dheisheh camp residents demonstrate & Nablus merchants strike in solidarity with Jnaid prison inmates on 12th day of their hunger strike. 45 Arab local councils and municipal workers strike over unpaid salaries owed by Israel.

Arab World: As Arab League chrmn., Morocco's King Hassan calls for summit mtg. on Jordan's new relations with Egypt. In speech before Jordan's parliament, King Hussein rejects peace talks as proposed by Israel, calls for UN-sponsored negotiations.

Other Countries: US-based AAI Corp. (div. of United Industries Corp.) agrees to produce & market in US remotely-piloted vehicles (RPVs) Mastiff &Scout made by Israeli cos. Tadiran & Israel Aircraft Industries. 100-mm. guns made by Israel displayed atop Chinese Type 69 tanks in Peking military parade.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dheisheh camp youths throw stones at Israeli vehicles, smash 1 bus window. Police detain 4 Kach members attempting to enter Dheisheh after curfew.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel gov't. rejects Arafat proposal of mutual recognition and talks (5/1/84).

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat meets with Chinese PM Zhao Ziyang on 1st of 3-day visit to Peking; Zhao says China will provide "the cause of Palestinian liberation with political, material and moral assistance within its capability."

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli newspaper Hadashot shut down for 4 days by military censors for publishing story of DM Arens appointing reserve Gen. Zorea to head investigation of suspicious circumstances of deaths of 4 commandos (4/12/84).

Arab World: Lebanese PM-designate Karami says country's top priority is Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon.

Other Countries: Meron Benvenisti (West Bank Data Project) tells US radio broadcast "All Things Considered" that Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza is justified for security reasons. Hosting US Pres. Reagan in Peking, Chinese leaders criticize US policy in Central America and Middle East.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel-sponsored Federation of Village Leagues formally dissolved.

Arab World: Lebanese rival leaders arrive in Lausanne for reconciliation talks. Soviet 1st dep. premier Aliyev begins 3- day talks with Syrian leaders in Damascus.

Other Countries: Arafat meets with Chinese Pres. Li Xiannian in Amman, accepting invitation to visit China in April. PLO sports and youth organization in Tunis announces hopes for Palestinian team participation in Los Angeles Olympics.

Military Action:

Arab World: Israeli public works engineer dies of injuries suffered in ambush while working for IDF in S. Lebanon.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine! Israel: Central Bureau of Statistics reports overall imports for Jan.-Feb., 1984 down 11% compared with same period in 1983; fuel imports down 9%, private car imports down 57%, diamonds up by 21%. On Israeli TV Sharon presents himself as candidate for premiership. 8 Arab men arrested in connection with Ashdod bus bombing (3/7/84).

Arab World: Chinese Pres. Li Xiannian meets King Hussein in Amman. Egypt's FM Ghali in Jerusalem Post interview reveals his delegation mtg. with Israeli Labor leaders (May 1982) was assured Labor would only support surgical strike in S. Lebanon along lines of 1978 Litani campaign.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestinle/Israel:Unknown dawn attackers fire at Umm al-Fahm homes for 3rd time in four weeks; no casualties. Arab World: 2 hand grenades thrown at IDF convoy outside Nabatiya; no casualties reported.

Military Action:

Lebanese Government announces security forces sent to disengage Sunni and Alawite militias fighting in Tripoli.

Casualties:

22 killed, 52 wounded in Tripoli fighting in past 4 days.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel announces another 20 Jewish settlements to be built in West Bank in next year, 10,000 to be settled in Gaza Strip over next five; Israelis remain silent in face of US criticism, deride Hussein's suggestion that PLO recognize Israel as basis for peace process; Dhahriyeh (south-west of Hebron) put under curfew after children stone passing IDF vehicles; settler group urges Israeli military commander of West Bank central region to deport any person who participates in stone-throwing.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO General Mutik Abu Taha, commander of PLO forces in North Lebanon and Bekaa, says official Arab acceptance of Egypt "almost certain"; Lebanese government announces plans to resume collecting shipping fees at ports on November 22 (Phalange reportedly collecting $120 million per year in several ports to finance public services and support militia in Phalange-controlled areas; government estimates its losses at around $300 million per year, seeks to end private financial structures and bring down prices.

Arab Governments: Egypt asks Israel to halt plans to build 5 more settlements on West Bank; Saudi King Fahd meets King Hassan in Morocco.

US and Other Countries: American Jewish Congress plans appeal to force Treasury Department to disclose Arab dollar holdings in the US; British Foreign Office protests deportation from West Bank of British lecturer at Bethlehem University; French minister Claude Cheysson says Hussein, not Hassan, will lead 7-member Arab League group in talks on Arab-Israeli peace later this month in Paris, Moscow, China; US officials in Beirut say Reagan Administration will not press Gemayel to seek action against Phalange militiamen who massacred Palestinians in September (Reagan reportedly did not mention massacre to Gemayel during Washington visit; decision reportedly provokes controversy within State Department.)

Military Action:

4 IDF jets hit Syrian and PLO targets in Bekaa for first time since September 13 (1 SAM-9 missile battery destroyed at Dar el-Baideh along Beirut-Damascus Highway, targets at Ain Dara and Dhour Shweir hit; Syrian jets do not engage IDF jets); IDF sets up roadblocks near Aley, tightens regulation enforcement (cars may no longer drive alone through capital's suburbs), places forces on high alert.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet meets in emergency session, discusses military options, disagreement continues concerning withdrawal; US Jewish leaders in New York criticize Shamir for rejecting Reagan plan; "crisis of confidence" reported between army high command and Sharon; Draper arrives in Israel for talks with Begin on recent Habib visit to Syria; Daniel Timmerman, son of Argentine dissident and exile Jacobo Timmerman, goes to prison rather than do reserve duty in Lebanon.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel names Wazzan to head new government (seen as concession to Muslim leaders after secret weekend talk with Saeb Salam); Wazzan says all militias will be disbanded, favors "special status" for remaining Palestinian civilians but will take up issue with PLO.

US and Other Countries: US deplores Israeli attack on Bekaa; US vows to leave International Telegraph Union (meeting in Nairobi) if Algerian proposal to expel Israel from 157-member body is passed; for first time in over 20 years, China allows 2 Israeli professors with Israeli passports to enter the People's Republic.

Military Action:

As PLO continues to refuse to lay down arms, many Beirut residents flee into E. Beirut; businesses, fearing an IDF strike, transfer records into E. Beirut as well; IDF exchanges fire with Palestinian refugee camps and new IDF gun emplacements are seen, with clear line of fire into West Beirut; artillery battles continue in southern Lebanon where PLO units are still holding out; Israelis and Syrians clash near Lake Karoun; reports of IDF troops landing in hills of northern inland Lebanon (denied by Israel).

PLO reported divided over whether to disarm; PLO emplaces heavy artillery, anti-aircraft within southern Beirut.

Casualties:

Nabatiyeh only has 5000 residents; elec-tricity and water are still cut, and there are long food lines; IDF turns away relief ship from Sidon; refugees camp out in parks, schools, lobbies; 200 casualties announced in Beirut from IDF bombings; Eitan notes 9 Israeli soldiers wounded while picking up remains of cluster bombs.

Political Responses:

Israel/Occupied Territories: Two-thirds of UN delegates boycott Begin address to UN Disarmament Conference; Israel reportedly wants French troops to help police cease-fire; 8 of 15 council heads of Arab towns in Israel criticize invasion of Lebanon.

Palestinians/Lebanese: Before laying down arms, PLO insists on Lebanese/US assuran-ces that IDF will not invade Beirut; Arafat meets head of Lebanese intelligence; Salam fears radicalized PLO if moderates like Arafat eliminated; Jumblatt still refuses to serve on Council; Salam denies PLO has agreed to go to Egypt.

Arab Goverments: Coalition of Syrian parties appeals to Arab masses to hit, destroy US interests in the region; Saudis warn IDF not to invade, sends $5.6 m. in emergency aid to Lebanon; Fahd meets with Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam.

US and Other Countries: French Premier Mauroy meets with PLO Foreign Minister Kaddoumi (Mauroy says PLO has France's "moral support"); 2 bombs explode outside Israeli offices in France; China offers PLO $1 million in emergency aid.