The Palestine Chronology

Beset by challenges from within Conservative party, British P.M. Margaret Thatcher announces her resignation [NYT, LAT, WP 11/23; CSM 11/26].

Pres. Bush visits U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, says they may have to face "some pain now to avoid even worse pain later," then flies to Cairo [NYT, LAT, WP 11/23; MET 12/4].

D.M. Tom King says Britain will send 14,000 more troops and additional tanks, aircraft, and ships to the Gulf by the end of the year, bringing total number of British troops there to more than 30,000 [NYT, LAT, MEM 11/23].

Visiting Sanaa, Yemen, Sec. Baker is rebuffed in efforts to persuade Yemen, only Arab country on UN Sec. Council, to support resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq. Pres. Saleh criticizes buildup of foreign forces in Gulf [SDS 11/22 in FBIS 11/23; SDS 11/23 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 11/23]; Baker then flies to Jeddah [SPA 11/22 in FBIS 11/23].

PLO leader Yasir Arafat arrives in Baghdad, says he strongly supports Saddam Hussein's assertions that Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait must be tied to overall settlement of conflicts in region; adds there is no alternative to negotiations between Iraq and U.S. [BVP 11/22 in FBIS 11/27; NYT 11/26].

D.M. Moshe Arens instructs IDF to expand enlistment of Bedouins into its ranks [MAA 11/23 in FBIS 11/23].

Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek and E. Jerusalem Arabs praise Jerusalem district planning committee's decision to build 7,500 new apartments for Palestinians northwards from French Hill junction towards Ramallah [JPD 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; MEM 11/23; JPI 12/1].

Kuwaiti gov't.-in-exile extends $550 million medium-term loan to the Soviet Union on favorable terms; "observers" point to "political aspect" of loan [MEM 11/23]. 

Soviet Union and Israel sign agreement on scientific cooperation and exchanges of scientific information [TASS 11/22 in FBIS 11/28].

Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council issues statement threatening to attack oil fields in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries and Israel if U.S.-led blockade begins to "strangle" Iraq, for 1st time raising possibility of preemptive strike [NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 9/24; CSM 9/25; MET 10/2].

New York Times prints excerpts from transcript provided to ABC news by Iraqi gov't of 6/25 meeting between U.S. ambassador to Iraq and Saddam Hussein [NYT 9/23].

Asked about document at press conference, Sec. Baker calls suggestion that U.S. contributed to Iraq's aggression "ludicrous," defends his dep't against congressional accusations that it had misled Iraq on U.S. response in event of invasion [LAT, WP, WT, MEM 9/24].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz says he will boycott UN Gen. Assembly's 45th session because U.S. has barred his gov't-owned airplane from landing in New York. (Iraq's UN ambassador will replace him.) State Dep't told Iraq's embassy in Washington last week that Aziz would have to use commercial flight to come to U.S. [LAT 9/24, 9/25].

Palestinians clash with IDF troops conducting house-to-house search in Bureij refugee camp in search of people who stoned and burned auto, killing IDF soldier on 9/20 [NYT 9/24].

Iraq outlaws use of Kuwaiti currency; Kuwaiti dinars must be exchanged for Iraqi dinars at 1 to 1 rate. Before invasion 1 Kuwaiti dinar was worth 12 Iraqi dinars [BADS 9/23 in FBIS 9/25; LAT, CSM 9/25].

Ariel Sharon, new housing minister, promises Israel will make no special effort to settle Soviet Jewish emigrants in O.T.: "We do not divert and we do not send any Russian immigrants or any Jew who comes from Russia" to O.T. (cf. 6/25) [IDF 6/24 in FBIS 6/25; WP, LAT, NYT 6/25; CSM 6/27].

Knesset announces plans to allow armed civilian units to patrol perimeters of O.T. settlements; creation of settlers' Civil Guard comes under fire [MEM 6/ 25].

East German president of parliament Sabine Bergmann-Pohl and her West German counterpart Rita Suessmuth visit Israel apparently to allay Israeli concerns about a unified Germany. Bergmann-Pohl says she hopes she "will be able to assist in speeding up the creation of diplomatic relations between the two countries" [WT 6/26].

Israeli transport minister Moshe Qatzav suspends inauguration of direct commercial flights between Tel Aviv and Prague because of dispute over security arrangements in Czech capital UPD 6/25 in FBIS 6/28].

Inspector general of Israeli police, Yaakov Turner, warns Palestinian residents of E. Jerusalem that more of them would be killed if they continue demonstrations that began on 6/20 [JDS 6/24 in FBIS 6/28; NYT 6/25].

Hanna Siniora, editor of Al-Fajr, says of U.S. decision to suspend dialogue with PLO that "the whole area is slipping toward a bottomless pit of hatred and suspicion." Editorials say suspension of dialogue has "put the whole region on a powder keg" and amount to reward for Shamir's intransigence [CSM 6/25].

King Hussein calls on U.S. to reassess its Middle East policy and open door for Soviet Jews who wish to settle in U.S. rather than Israel [WSJ 6/25]

Egyptian F.M. Esmat Abdel Meguid flies to Washington hoping to avert crisis in U.S.-Arab relations and reassert Egypt's role in peace process [LAT 6/25].

Hadashot reports since Arye Bibi, commander of Jerusalem district police, assumed his post, 5 Arabs have been killed by police or border guard fire in the district. Under Bibi's predecessor Yosef Yehuday, no one was killed by police gunfire; due to relative quiet in O.T., Jerusalem is becoming intifada's frontline [HAD 6/25 in FBIS 6/28].

Bomb explodes in Jewish sector of Jerusalem, kills 72-year-old man, wounds 9 others; police round up dozens of Palestinians; angry Jewish shopowners try to attack them, shout anti-Arab epithets [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 5/29; IDF 5/28 in FBIS 5/29; FJ 6/4].

Arab League summit opens in Baghdad; Saddam Husein takes hard line against Israel and U.S. despitefforts by Egypt, Saudi Arabia to tone down rhetoric. 5 Arab states, including Syria do not attend summit [NYT, WP, WT 5/29; INA 5/28 in FBIS 5/29].

Israeli parliamentary panel votes 13-11 to approve retroactively the gov't.'s $1.8 million financing of Jewish settlement in St. John's Hospice in E. Jerusalem [WT 5/29].

Israeli high court gives permission to far-right Kach movement, led by Rabbi Meir Kahane, to hold demonstration in Rishon le Zion in support of 5/20 killings [sic] [NYT 5/29].

Swedish Save the Children organization releases 1,000-page report accusing IDF of systematic violence against Palestinian children in O.T. JDS 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; NYT, WT, LAT, CSM, MEM 5/ 17; FJ 5/21].

Israeli Pres. Chaim Herzog grants Yitzhak Shamir addtional 21 days to try to form gov't. [JDS 5/17 in FBIS 5/18; WP, NYT, WT 5/18; MET 5/29].

U.S. and Arab nations break off talks designed to reach compromise of text of a UN Sec. Council resolution criticizing Israeli settlement in O.T. [NYT 5/18].

Despite objections from U.S. and Israel, WHO passes resolution increasing direct assistance to Palestinians in O.T. [NYT 5/18].

Arab League Sec.-Gen. Chedli Klibi is handed memorandum from Bush admin. offering advice to Arab states on occasion of upcoming Arab League summit [MEM 5/23; INA 5/23 in FBIS 5/24].

Washington Times reports American Jewish leaders have helped broker a deal between U.S., Israel, and Ethiopia that would allow some 3,000 Falashas to emigrate to Israel [WT 6/17].

Israel establishes new police unit, Gid'onim, to deal with security problems in Jerusalem; 30-man team, from IDF elite units, will "engage in intelligence missions, deal with hostile elements, thwart terrorist activities, and handle disturbances in Jerusalem" [JDS 5/17 in FBIS 5/18; MEM 5/18].

Jerusalem Magistrate Court will hear deliberations on Jewish settlement in St. John's Hospice; Judge Ya acov Betzalel reports that court sessions will begin in late October, status quo will remain in effect until then [JDS 5/17 in FBIS 5/18].

Abbie Nathan, arrested 5/16, is released on $5,000 bail after admitting he met Arafat in Tunis [MET 5/29].

Israeli police arrest Jewish man they describe as "mentally deranged" on suspicion of desecrating c.250 Jewish graves in Lod on 5/13 (cf. 5/27) [NYT, WT 5/17; WP 5/18]. 

Responding to international criticism about secret gov't. funding of Jewish settlement in Jerusalem, Israeli foreign ministry issues statement: "It is the right of Jews to live everywhere, and to purchase or rent property in all parts of the land of Israel, and especially in Jerusalem" [NYT 4/25].

UN spokesperson says Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar is deeply concerned over presence of Jewish settlers in Christian quarter of Jerusalem, and disturbed over Israeli officials' financial involvement [WP 4/25].

Through an emissary to interim P.M. Shamir, AIPAC exec. dir. Thomas Dine questions timing of Jewish settlement in Christian quarter of Jerusalem, criticizes Israeli gov't.'s secret financing of move (cf. 4/25) [NYT, WT 4/25].

Gov't of Greece has shelved its plans to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel until all settlers are evacuated from Greek Orthodox St. John's Hospice in Jerusalem [JPD 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Peretz Kidron of Yesh Gvul organization says at least 108 IDF reservists have gone to prison for refusing to serve in O.T. [MET 5/8-14].

Group called Islamic Jihad-Jerusalem threatens to kill Americans worldwide unless U.S. Senate repeals 3/22 resolution calling Jerusalem the capital of Israel [NYT 4/25].

U.S. House of Representatives votes 378 to 34 in favor of a nonbinding resolution affirming support for united Jerusalem as capital of Israel. Resolution, identical to one passed by Senate on 3/22, conflicts with official U.S. policy [WP, WT 4/25; FJ 4/30].

Syria's first ambassador to Egypt in 13 years, Isa Darwish, presents his credentials to Pres. Mubarak [MET 5/8-14].

Eight Arab states, including the State of Palestine, have agreed to Arab summit in Baghdad in late May (cf. 5/1) [KUNA 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Officials from PLO and Japan meet within framework of agreement reached last October, PLO to ask for assistance in creating jobs in O.T. [AVP 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Czechoslovakia's Pres. Havel says his country can serve as transit station for emigrating Soviet Jews [JDS 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Amid rumors that Israel will release captives held in S. Lebanon as payoffor release of U.S. hostage, Israeli officials say Israeli prisoners in Lebanon must be released as part of any deal [LAT 4/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Air Force source tells the Jerusalem Post that U.S. intends to sell 24 Apache attack helicopters to Egypt and 19 to Israel [JP 2/10].

Arab World: PLO sends to European Community amessage regarding Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [FBIS 2/14].

Other Countries: New York Times reports on poll sponsored by Tel Aviv's Israel-Diaspora Institute of 1,310 U.S. Jewish leaders; 74 percent of respondents favor talks between Israeli officials and PLO "moderates" [NYT 2/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF troops shoot, wound at least 30 Rafah Palestinians in clash at funeral of Arab killed 2/7 [FBIS 2/12; MET 2/20].

IDF seals off Nablus, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and parts of Gaza Strip as Palestinians celebrate the 8th anniversary of the outlawed Palestine Communist Party [MET 2/20].

Palestinian dies of wounds received 2/8 [FBIS 2/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestine Human Rights Information Center reports that at least 130 Palestinian houses have been partially or totally sealed in the first 2 years of the intifada; also approximately 270 Palestinian homes have been demolished by IDF [NYT 2/7].

Likud Central Committee reschedules meeting postponed because of 2/4 bus attack in Egypt to 2/12 [FBIS 2/6].

Arab World: PLO officially denounces 2/4 bus attack in Egypt, says attack cannot be viewed in isolation from daily Israeli violence against Palestinians in O.T., reaffirms policies prohibiting armed actions outside Israel and the O.T. [NYT 2/7].

PNC in Amman sends Gorbachev a 5-page memorandum asking "in the name of human rights, we appeal to you to take speedy measures to stop the emigration to Soviet Jews" to Israel [LAT 2/7].

Other Countries: Environmentalists call on Pres. Bush to cancel $300 million project to build VOA and Radio free Europe radio transmitter in the Negev [WP 2/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports 2 Israeli settlers shoot, kill 45-year-old Palestinian in Nablus [FJ 2/12].

At least 20 Gazans are injured in clashes with soldiers; IDF uses light aircraft to track demonstrators after about 400 youths gather near Rafah [FBIS 2/7]. 

Arab World: SLA checkpoint on the border of Israel's "security zone" comes under fire from unidentified fighters [FBIS 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli officials say they are satisfied with Egyptian reaction to 2/4 bus attack, will not shift diplomatic course away from Cairo. [NYT, WP 2/6; MET 2/13].

PLO supporters in the O.T., including Sari Nusaybah, denounce 2/4 bus attack, say such attacks do not serve Palestinian interests and that the PLO is not responsible [FBIS 2/6].

Arab World: Islamic Jihad movement claims responsibility for 2/4 bus attack north of Cairo [LAT, NYT 2/6].

Egyptian officials express shock and embarrassment a2/4 bus attack, pledge to pursue peace efforts with Israel [WP 2/ 6].

Arab League, meeting in Tunis, decides to send 60-member high-level delegation to Washington, Moscow, and Dublin to argue that increased Soviet immigration to Israel will increase tensions and reduce the prospects for peace [NYT 2/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF closes boys secondary school in Baytunia [FJ 2/12].

15-year-old Palestinian dies after fall while fleeing IDF troops [FBIS 2/6; FJ 2/ 12].

Palestinians kill 3 people suspected of collaborating with Israeli officials [FBIS 2/7; MET 2/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mordechai Eliahu, a chief Israeli rabbi, lifts standing ban on air travel on Jewish sabbath days so that Soviet Jews could arrive in Israel at any time [MET 2/13].

Arab World: Two masked men intercept bus travelling north of Cairo, open fire on Israeli tourists, at least 8 killed, 15 wounded [WP, NYT, LAT, FBIS, CSM 2/5].

Pres. Mubarak telephones P.M. Shamir, conveys condolences about bus attack, affirms that incident should not impede peace process [FBIS 2/5].

PLO Executive Committee issues statement reporting on meetings held in Tunis [FBIS 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli army says it will charge 3 soldiers accused of beating a 13-year-old Palestinian and burning him with cigarettes [LAT 2/5].

54-year-old Gaza man is shot dead; he was suspected of collaborating with Israel; at least 9 Gazans are wounded in various clashes [FBIS 2/6].

Gaza Civil Administration reports IDF closed 25 schools in January in the Strip because of disturbances [FBIS 2/6].

Arab World: Lebanese troops loyal to Christian leader Aoun battle fellow Christians north of Beirut in fierce fighting [WP, LAT 2/5]; hand-to-hand combat in East Beirut is reported [MET 2/13]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Soviet deputy foreign minister Gennadi Tarasov says that the USSR "has no plans to establish direct air links" between Tel Aviv and Moscow, despite commercial agreement of 2 months ago [NYT 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: IDF closes 3 schools in the Hebron area for stone throwing at IDF vehicles [FJ 2/12].

IDF arrests at least 100 Palestinians in Ramallah area in 24-hour sweep [FJ 2/12].

Arab World: At least 25 people are killed in intra-Christian fighting in Beirut. [NYT 2/4].

Israeli and Palestine Liberation Front forces clash on S. Lebanon; each side claims to have killed several of the other [FBIS 2/5; MET 2/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli government says that it has no official policy of settling Soviet Jewish immigrants in the O.T.; that every immigrant is free to choose his or her own place of residence [NYT, WP, LAT 1/31].

Other Countries: The Washington Post reports that Israel has stepped up its deportations of "non-resident" Palestinians in the O.T. [WP 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: IDF reopens UNRWA school in Nablus after 10 days of closure [FJ 2/12].

IDF bulldozes Palestinian home in Burin village, near Nablus [FJ 2/12]; another house in the Nablus is demolished, and 2 others are sealed [FBIS 1/31; FJ 2/5].

At least 11 Palestinians are wounded in clashes in the Gaza Strip, including a 12- year-old who lost an eye from bullet; 2 IDF soldiers are also wounded [FBIS 2/1].

Jewish settlers in Hebron smash windows of Arab homes, fire shots in the air [FBIS 2/1].

Arab World: Gen. Michel Aoun bans the Lebanese Forces Christian militia, saying there should be no "armed elements outside the framework of the [Lebanese] army." Move poses risk of intra-Christian war [WP 1/31].

Israeli army sends reinforcements to S. Lebanon "security zone" [FBIS 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's Rabbi Baruch Abu-Hatzera, Sephardim Jewish leader, tells tens of thousands of followers that Israel should negotiate with the PLO to bring about peace. Speech angers Shamir [NYT 1/30; JP 2/3].

IDF reports an increase in the number of suicides among soldiers; 25 in the last 6 months, compared with 11 over the same period in 1988-89 [FBIS 1/29].

Arab World: Georges Saadeh, president of Lebanon's Phalangist Party, resigns from the Syrian-backed cabinet of Hrawi [NYT, WP 1/30; MET 2/6].

PLO Executive Committee holds emergency meeting in Baghdad to discuss Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [FBIS 1/31].

Other Countries: UN Sec.-General Javier Perez de Cuellar asks UN Sec. Council to renew Unifil mandate in S. Lebanon [MET 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF demolishes 5 Palestinian homes in Hebron-area village of al-Samoa [FJ 2/5].

B'Tselem reports that 38 Palestinian homes have been demolished or sealed for security reasons this month, more than in any previous month, except for June 1989 [FBIS 1/29].

8 Palestinians are wounded in clash with IDF forces in Ramallah; 9 are reported wounded in Gaza clashes; 2 Israelis autos are torched in Jerusalem [FBIS 1/31]

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. and PLO ambassadors meet in Tunis in another round of the ongoing dialogue [MET 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF closes 2 Hebron area schools for rock throwing [FBIS 1/29; FJ 2/5].

2 Palestinians from Jerusalem-area village of Abu Dis are shot, killed by IDF; curfew is imposed [FJ 2/5; MET 2/6].

At least 11 Gazans are wounded in clashes with IDF troops [FBIS 1/29]. Arab World: SLA militiamen capture alleged DFLP member in S. Lebanon [FBIS 1/29; MET 2/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Elections to the Engineering Association in Gaza are held, Hamas wins 5 of 9 seats, pro-PLO bloc wins 3. [FBIS 2/1].

Arab World: Arafat arrives in Cairo for third meeting this month with Pres. Mubarak [FBIS 1/29; MET 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli tax collectors seize 150 automobiles in al-Zawiyeh village, near Nablus, in attempt to force Palestinian owners to pay taxes [FJ 2/5].

Al-Fajr reports that Jewish settlers set fire to a Burin village mosque [FJ 2/5].

At least 6 Palestinians in O.T. are shot, injured in clashes with IDF [FJ 2/5].

Arab World: Israeli patrol in S. Lebanon is ambushed, DFLP claims responsibility, says its fighters killed 6 Israelis; Israel says no one was injured, and that the attackers fled when fired upon [MET 2/6; FBIS 1/ 26].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee meets in Tunis [FBIS 1/29].

In a press interview, Yasir Arafat says that PLO cadres and Palestinian masses are increasingly pressuring PLO leaders to resort to the use of weapons in the O.T., but that orders remain not to use weapons [FBIS 1/26].

Other Countries: European Parliament recommends that the 12-nation EC suspend scientific cooperation with Israel until it opens Palestinian universities in the O.T; recommendation remains unbinding until accepted by EC's ministerial committee UP 1/27; FJ 1/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: General strike, called by Hamas, is observed in O.T. to protest the flow of Soviet Jews to Israel [NYT 1/28; FJ 2/5; MET 2/6].

IDF exchanges fire with unidentified person across Jordanian border near Kibbutz Neve Ur [FBIS 1/26; MET 2/6].

Arab World: Israeli fighter jets bomb Fateh Revolutionary Council base in Lebba, Lebanon. 5 people are wounded [FBIS 1/25; NYT 1/26; MET 2/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO member Salah Khalaf tells reporters U.S.-PLO dialogue has reached a"dead end;" says PLO concessions have not brought any results [FBIS 1/22].

Davar reports that Fateh members in Lebanon have exposed anetwork of spies for Israel, according to Palestinian sources in Cairo. The spies worked in S. Lebanon, marking militia bases for the Israeli Air Force [FBIS 1/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Molotov cocktail is thrown at Israeli bus in al-Bireh, 1 person is injured [FJ 1/19].

At least 8 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with IDF troops throughout O.T. [FJ 1/29]; including a 6-year-old shot in the head by a plastic bullet [FBIS 1/23].

Arab World: In Yaroun, Lebanon, in the Israeli "security zone" Arabs barricaded in a house exchange fire with Israeli troops. 4 Arabs and Israeli Colonel, Yitzhak Ramihov, are killed [FBIS 1/22; NYT 1/23; FJ 1/29; JP 2/3].

Egyptian police officers in Asyut open fire on Muslim fundamentalist demonstrators demanding the arrest of Zaki Badr, hard-line Interior Minister dismissed 1/12. One person is killed, police arrest 12 [NYT 1/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: With Soviet Jewish immigrants arriving in Israel at rate of more than 1,000 per week, Israeli officials acknowledge they do not have plan to handie the immigration, and new housing construction is months away [NYT 1/18].

Israeli political and military leaders react with alarm to Senator Robert Dole's suggestion that some U.S. aid to Israel be reapportioned to E. Europe [WP, LAT 1/ 18].

Arab World: In 2 interviews, Arafat expresses frustration over slowness of peace process. Arafat says to Cairo weekly Al Mussawar if peace efforts stop he will "immediately announce [his] resignation." Speaking in Baghdad, Arafat accuses Arabs of "impotence" vis-a-vis Israel, decries Arabs more concerned with events in Lebanon than in O.T., and criticizes Shamir's plan to resettle Soviet Jews in W. Bank [NYT 1/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli police announce that it has removed police officer from his post for "committing brutalities" during the 12/30 Peace Now rally in Jerusalem [FJ 1/29].

General strike called for by UNLU is observed in O.T. Leaflet attributed to Hamas sharply attacks Arafat for his willingness to recognize Israel [FBIS 1/171.

At least 2 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with IDF troops in O.T. [FBIS 1/ 18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Speaking to Likud members, P.M. Shamir responds to comments about increasing Soviet Jewish immigration, saying "big immigration requires Israel to be big as well" [FBIS 1/22, 1/30].

Maj. Shay Talmon, commander of IDF battalion in W. Bank, tells Jerusalem judge that some soldiers insert live bullets into magazines for plastic bullets. IDF spokesperson reports that between 20 July 1988 and 8 July 1990, 125 Palestinians were killed "by plastic bullets." [FBIS 1/26].

Arab World: Arafat returns to Cairo for second visit in less than a week to meet with Pres. Mubarak [FBIS 1/16].

Other Countries: Italy's ambassador to Israel, Alberto Bartoli, files protest on behalf of the European Community with Israeli Foreign Ministry over police handling of 12/30 Peace Now rally. [LAT 1/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Israeli border policemen are suspended and ordered to stand trial for fatally shooting 18-year-old Palestinian on 12/28 after military authorities viewed ABC News videotape of shooting [LAT 1/15].

Israeli military demotes Lt. David Lior to sergeant and sentences him to 45 days in prison for mistreating a Palestinian prisoner [LAT 1/15].

IDF closes Jericho-area al-Buhturi secondary school on grounds that students threw rocks at soldiers; all UNRWA schools in Jalazun camp are closed for the same reason [FJ 1/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli investigating officer finds that soldier who shot dead 22-year-old Palestinian on 12/28 violated army orders [MET 1/23].

Arab World: Arafat and Mubarak again meet in Cairo to discuss preparations for meeting with U.S., Israel [MET 1/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF troops shoot, wound 11 stone-throwing youths in various clashes in Gaza Strip [MET 1/ 23].

Arab World: Heavy fighting in Lebanon between Amal and Hizballah; Amal forces attack Israeli military vehicle, Israeli guns shell Tayr Harfa area [FBIS 1/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli D.M. Rabin leaves for Washington and meetings with Baker [FBIS 1/12; MET 1/23].

Military reopens all Gaza Strip schools except al-Tuffah secondary school, 4 days earlier than anticipated [FJ 1/22].

Arab World: Egypt and USSR sign trade agreement increasing volume of trade between the 2 nations [FBIS 1/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Abu Fadi, PLO commander of Fateh force located near Sidon, Lebanon threatens to retaliate against Lebanese Shi'a Muslim militiamen for overnight clash in which a Fateh commando is killed, 3 others wounded [FBIS 1/11; NYT 1/12; MET 1/23].

Israeli army reinforces positions in S. Lebanon "security zone" with additional troops. Fateh has also reinforced positions due to increased hostilities between Hizballah and Amal [FBIS 1/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz reports team of Israeli foreign ministry experts has begun formulating detailed plan for elections in O.T. in anticipation of possible Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Moshe Arens tells Yedi'ot Aharonot "the elections in the territories will be conducted because we will conduct them with or withouthe U.S. initiative" [FBIS 1/9].

The Jerusalem Post names N. David Gross managing editor and Matt Nesvisky magazine editor to begin replacing about 30 senior editors and reporters who resigned in dispute with publisher [NYT 1/ 10; MET 1/23].

Arab World: PFLP-GC leader Ahmed jabril denies that his organization was involved in 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 [NYT 1/10].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo, meets with F.M. Abd al-Majid [FBIS 1/10].

Other Countries: U.S. sharply cuts its funding to UN Food and Agriculture Agency (FAO) in response to FAO's 11/ 29 resolution. U.S. will pay only $18 million of its $61.4 million obligation, just enough to keep its voting status [NYT 1/ 10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Palestinians from Nablus are wounded by IDF gunfire; 3 others in Tulkarm are wounded in separate incident [FBIS 1/10].

Michael Ben Horin, leader of State of Judea, an extreme right-wing Jewish settlers group, is arrested on charges of arson [MET 1/23].

Arab World: Israeli forces shell Lebanese villages of Lusi, al-Sultan Y'aqub, and Kamid al-Lawz, 2 people are wounded [FBIS 1/9, 1/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: UNLU issues supplement to Call number 50, which was distributed on 12/25 [FBIS 1/19].

Arab World: Hakam Bal'awi, PLO representative in Tunis, meets with U.S. ambassador Pelletreau as part of continuing U.S.-PLO dialogue [FBIS 1/8].

Arafat arrives in Tripoli for meeting with Qaddafi [FBIS 1/9].

Other Countries: U.S. States Dep't officials tour the Gaza Strip, visit UN offices, Jabalyia and Shati refugee camps [FJ 1/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gunfire is again heard near Hamat Gader area near Israeli-Jordanian border; no injuries [FBIS 1/8].

IDF places 'Anabta village under curfew [FBIS 1/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shamir rescinds 12/31 dismissal of Cabinet member Ezer Weizman. In compromise move, Weizman resigns from 12-member Inner Cabinet, but retains Science Minister post and could be reinstated to Inner Cabinet after 18 months [NYT, FBIS, WP, LAT 1/3, CSM 1/5].

Other Countries: Amnesty International issues special report accusing Israel of encouraging security forces to kill Palestinians during clashes in O.T. [WP, FBIS 1/ 3; NYT 1/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot, wound at least 9 Palestinians throughout O.T. IDF demolishes house of Palestinian accused of killing suspected collaborator [MET 1/16] and destroys house in Tulkarm built without a permit [FJ 1/8].

Arab World: Israeli artillery shells Amal, Hizballah positions in Iqlim al-Tuffah overnight [FBIS 1/3].