The Palestine Chronology

A suicide bomber detonates a device in an unlicensed gambling club in the Rishon Letzion suburb of Tel Aviv, killing 15 Israelis, injuring 57. Hamas's military wing claims responsibility, but the political wing will not confirm. The IDF conducts arrest raids in Tulkarm city, detaining about 40 Palestinians; bulldozes a Palestinian home, fatally shoots a Palestinian boy in Rafah; begins work on Jewish settler bypass roads nr. Khan Yunis, nr. Nablus. In Bethlehem, the siege of the Church of the Nativity continues, with Italy complaining it has not been consulted on the 5/6 agmt. (AFP, AP, CNN, MM 5/7; AFP, ANSA, XIN 5/7 in WNC 5/8; al-Quds 5/7 in WNC 5/9; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/8; MA, RNE 5/8 in WNC 5/9; MM, WJW 5/9; al-Ra'i 5/9 in WNC 5/10; MM 5/10; AYM 5/12 in WNC 5/15; JP 5/16; MEI 5/17; HA 5/24)

The IDF announces plans to divide the West Bank into 8 isolated zones (Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho, Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Tulkarm); to impose severe new restrictions on the movement of Palestinians, goods btwn. zones. (UNRWA press release 5/14; al-Quds 5/16 in WNC 5/17; HA, JT [Internet] 5/17; HA 5/18; AYM 5/28 in WNC 5/20; PMC 5/19; HA 5/22; NYT 5/24)

In Washington, Sharon, Bush hold talks on PA reform, barely touch on the idea of a peace conference. They agree that the priority should be halting Palestinian violence, restructuring the PA, unifying the PA security services. Sharon also says that it is "premature" to discuss a Palestinian state, Israel will never agree to withdraw to 1967 lines; suggests Israel will not resume political talks until Arafat has been removed fr. power. Bush say he will send CIA dir. Tenet to the region to help rebuild the PA security forces. Sharon returns to Israel in light of the Rishon Letzion bombing. (AP, CNN, MM 5/7; MENA, al-Quds 5/7 in WNC 5/8; AYM 5/7, MA 5/8 in WNC 5/9; HA, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/8; MM, WJW, WP 5/9; QA, al-Ra'i 5/9 in WNC 5/10; MM 5/10; AYM 5/10 in WNC 5/13; JP [Internet] 5/10; JP 5/16)

Oslo II bill passes its 2d and 3d readings (48-44) in the Knesset. (MM 1/16, 1/17) (see 1/8)

Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert, Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini confirm that Israel (under the direction of M Beilin), the PA (under Husseini) have been holding informal discussions for some time regarding the principles on which to negotiate Jerusalem's final status. (Davar 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; VOP 1/18 in FBIS 1/19; QY 1/26, VOP 1/27, MENA 1/28 in FBIS 1/29)

Jordan, Israel sign transportation agmt. (QY 1/16 in FBIS 1/17; MM 1/17; JP 1/27)

U.S. VP Gore meets PM Peres, FM Barak in Israel, then meets with Arafat in Jericho. (MM 1/16; QY 1/16 in FBIS 1/16; VOP 1/16 in FBIS 1/17)

In 1st fatal attack since redeployment, 2 IDF soldiers are shot, killed in Hebron. The previously unknown Mujahidin of Islam claims it carried out the attack in retribution for Ayyash slaying 1/5. IDF puts curfew on surrounding villages for several hours to search for gunmen. (MM, NYT, WP 1/17; QY 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; CSM 1/18: JP 1/27)

In an address to the German parliament, Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman says Israel cannot forgive Germany for the Holocaust though it is grateful for current strong bilateral ties. Germany announces plans to provide monthly pensions (of around $400; estimated $1.5 b. over next 10 to 15 yrs.) to German, German-speaking Jews who survived the Holocaust. Most now live in Israel, U.S. (NYT, WT 1/17)

Lebanese military prosecutor issues warrant for SLA Cmdr. Antoine Lahd on charges of collaboration with Israel, usurping state sovereignty, kidnapping, murder. (RL 1/16 in FBIS 1/17)

In Gaza, FM Peres, Arafat discuss industrial parks. In a gesture of goodwill in light of land conflict, Peres increases number of Palestinians allowed to work in Israel to 35,000, says PA will be allowed to take over 8 more spheres (5 agreed upon 5/16 plus agriculture, census and statistics, local administration) before 7/1. (MM 5/22; IDF Radio, QY, VOP 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; NYT 5/23; PR 5/28)

PM Rabin suspends confiscation of 134 acres of land in Jerusalem, killing no-confidence vote brought by Arab and rightist MKs that could have collapsed the government (see 5/17). Arab nations postpone minisummit on Jerusalem (see 5/21). (MM 5/22; ESC Television, IDF Radio, MENA, QY, VOP 5/22, MA, MENA, QY, VOP 5/23 in FBIS 5/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/23; CSM, MM 5/24; WJW 5/25; MEI 5/26; PR 6/28; JP 6/3; WSJ 6/6; MEI 6/9)

FM Peres tells Arafat that Israel will loan the PA $125 m.--the sum Israel should hand over for tax collection on behalf of PA but cannot due to delays in Knesset legislation. (QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23)

PLO's Qaddumi meets with heads of Palestinian opposition groups in Damascus, incl. DFLP's Nayif Hawatmeh, Islamic Jihad's Fathi Shiqaqi, Palestinian National Grouping's (PNG) Bassam al-Shak'a, a Hamas rep. (RMC 5/23 in FBIS 5/24)

UNRWA Commissioner Gen. Ilter Türkman meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss UN activities in Gaza, Jericho. (UNRWA News 6/2)

IDF soldier opens fire on, throws grenades into Jaffa church, causing extensive damage but no casualties. 11 Palestinians are injured when clashes erupt outside church btwn. Palestinians, Israeli police. (ITV, QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; WT 5/23; MM, WT 5/24)

Israeli FM Peres acknowledges letter of assurances to PLO on Jerusalem, claimed by PLO Chmn. Arafat in Johannesburg speech 5/10 but denied by Israel.  Letter, sent to then-Norwegian FM Johan Jørgen Holst 10/11/93, promises to preserve status quo of "all the Palestinian institutions" in East Jerusalem.  Text of document printed in all Israeli newspapers.  (MM, WP 6/7; WJW 6/9; JP 6/18) 

Palestine Broadcast Authority conducts 1st experimental TV broadcast in Jericho, showing test pattern in Arabic and English, Palestinian flag.  (MM 6/7; TJT 6/10)

Palestinian leaders fr. o.t. meet at Orient House in Jerusalem, issue statement asserting rights to live, work, in Jerusalem, reject Israeli "political cordon" around city.  (MM 6/7)

Trilateral U.S.-Israel-Jordan economic talks resume in Washington.  (MM 6/6)

PLO officials Ahmad Qurai`, Nabil Shaath named to economics portfolios in Palestinian National Authority, among 14 appointed ministers in admin. to run Gaza, Jericho until elections held.  (RJ 5/28 in FBIS 5/31; NYT, WP 5/29)

PLO cancels contract with Austrian public-relations firm Teleaxis Holding.  $7.5 m. contract would have given company exclusive rights to arrange media coverage of PLO Chmn. Arafat's visit to Jericho.  (WT 5/29)

Hamas claims responsibility for killing 2 alleged collaborators in Gaza City.  (JP 6/4)

Frmr. Israeli DM Ariel Sharon announces he will run for PM election in 1996, prompting criticism by Likud colleagues, party leader Binyamin Netanyahu calling him a "subversive."  (MM 5/27; NYT, WP, WT 5/28; JP 6/4)

Secy of State Christopher visits Jericho, commends "skill and efficiency" of Palestinian self-rule area.  After mtg. local admin., Christopher is escorted by Faisal Husseini on tour of Hisham Palace.  (MM 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/18; TJT 5/20)

Christopher meets twice with PM Rabin, discusses Israel-Syria negotiations.  "Officials" report 3-stage Israeli withdrawal plan, to take place over 5-8 yrs.  National Security Advisor Anthony Lake, in Washington speech, says U.S. seeks "real peace" btwn. Israel and Syria, will "participate in the security arrangements" reached by the parties. (NYT 5/18, 5/19)

IDF formally turns over Gaza Strip civil admin. to Palestinians in exchange of papers at Erez checkpoint btwn. Israel, Gaza Strip.  (MM 5/17; NYT, WP 5/18; Yediot Aharonot 5/18 in FBIS 5/18)

Israeli motorist kills Palestinian when he fires on stone-throwers in Nablus.  (TJT 5/20)

2 settlers killed, 1 wounded when their car ambushed nr. Bet Hagai settlement, south of Hebron.  Hamas claims responsibility for attack.  (MM 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/18; JP 5/28)

Israel Radio broadcasts recording of 5/10 speech by PLO Chmn. Yasir Arafat to Muslim congregation in Johannesburg, South Africa, in which Palestinian leader calls for "jihad to liberate Jerusalem."  PM Rabin calls speech "a clear violation" of PLO commitments under 5/4 agreement.  (MM, WP, WT 5/18)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Shamir makes unannounced visit to Gaza [JP 6/26]. Reports indicate armed Palestinian cell in Balatah camp has been discovered and its members arrested [FJ 6/28]. Israeli authorities seal homes of 3 Jericho families, leaving 46 homeless [FJ 7/5]. Israel sends accounts of financial transactions connected with the Iranian arms sales to U.S. congressional com. investigating the affair [NYT 8/1].

Other Countries: U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, chairman of Senate com. investigating Iran-contra affair, reveals Israel has agreed to provide chronologies of its role in the arms sales to Congress [CSM 6/26]. U.S.S.R. invites PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat to Moscow [BG 6/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Representatives of EEC countries are summoned to Israeli Foreign Ministry and told they will be supporting terrorism if imminent meeting in Tunis between Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek and PLO Chairman Arafat takes place [LT 5/21]. Muhammad Ahmad Tus of Jaba, leader of group that killed 5 Israelis and wounded 16, is given life sentence by military court UP 5/23]. P.M. Peres proposes in the Knesset tripartite summit with Hussein and Mubarak, opposes dismantling of Jewish settlements in the territories apart of a future peace plan. Forty Jewish families abandon settlement near Jericho due to bankruptcy [JP 5/22].

Other Countries: In Washington, Israeli envoy Ezer Weizman asks U.S. Secretary of State Shultz to return to active role in peace process, particularly to help improve Israeli-Egyptian relations [NYT 5/22].