The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli reports contend that Israel became involved in the arms deal with Iran after the U.S. requested help in freeing William F. Buckley, CIA agent held hostage in Lebanon [LAT 12/6; BS 12/7]. F. M. Peres calls for international ban on sale of chemical weapon materials to Iraq and Syria UP 12/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli soldiers fire at stone throwers in Balatta refugee camp, killing 14-year-old Palestinian boy [WP, GU 12/6]. Reports indicate the boy was not among those throwing stones. Shops and businesses in Ramallah and Jerusalem close in a 3-day mourning for the victims of the Birzeit University clash [FJ 12/12].

Arab World: Cease-fire talks in Damascus collapse. Reports say as many as 20 are killed, 59 wounded in Palestinian-Amal clashes around Shatila and in hills near Sidon [NYT 12/6; PI 12/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Justice Minister denies France's request to extradite William Nakash, convicted of 1983 murder of an Arab in France [FJ 12/12].

Other Countries: The Times (London) reports discovery of plot to kidnap British ambassador in Turkey and exchange him for arrested members of Abu Nidal organization [LT 12/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers firing to break up student demonstration kill 2 Palestinian students, wound at least 11 others outside Birzeit University. Demonstration was in response to an Israeli military roadblock [FJ, NYT 12/5].

Arab World: Police records reveal that the last two months of fighting between Shi'a and Palestinians in Lebanon have left 550 dead, 2,000 wounded, and large numbers dislocated [NYT 12/5]. Israeli gunboats attack Palestinian refugee camps in S. Lebanon, the third time Israeli military has supported Amal in the last 2 weeks of fighting. Druze and Amal leaders announce draft agreement for solution to camps war. Plan still requires Palestinian support [FT 12/5]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's Supreme Court rules that authorities cannot legally discriminate against converts to Judaism [BG 12/2; LAT 12/3]. P.M. Shamir denies Israel knowingly helped channel funds to Nicaraguan rebels [NYT 12/3].

Other Countries: W. German reports indicate 2 Arabs found guilty of bombing at W. Berlin club in March may have been double agents working for Israel [WP 12/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops, attempting to control demonstration at UNRWA Teachers Training Center in Ramallah, shoot and wound a student in the head. At least 15 others are arrested in protests in the W. Bank 11/30 and 12/1 marking anniversary of the 1947 Palestine partition plan. Four colleges are ordered closed for a week [FJ 12/5].

Arab World: Amal, Sixth Lebanese Army Brigade, and Syrian commandos unite to launch major offensive against Shatila refugee camp. Palestinian forces hold off attackers [FJ 12/5]. Forty-six are killed, 111 wounded in heavy fighting between PLO and Amal forces in Beirut and S. Lebanon. One-day general strike in Sidon protests the on-going battle in that city [BG 12/2]. The Amal and the PNSF are reported to reach agreement on cease-fire in S. Lebanon [JP 12/2]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: The Sunday Times (London) reports retired U.S. Air Force general, working in London, arranged sale of arms to Iran [LT 11/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot and wound Ramallah student [FJ 1/2].

Arab World: PLO forces halt Amal offensive in Beirut and advance in S. Lebanon. More than 100 are killed, 269 wounded in the two battle areas. The PLO in Tunis calls for Arab League meeting to discuss fighting [WSJ, GU 12/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports about Israel's role in U.S. arms sales to Iran implicate senior Israeli officials, including P.M. Shamir, F.M. Peres, Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Director-General of Israeli For. Ministry David Kimche, and Israeli businessmen Al Schwimmer and Ya'akov Nimrodi, both involved in the nation's arms industry [WT 11/27]. Israeli officials state that Kimche and Amiram Nir, Peres' adviser on terrorism, are willing to cooperate in American investigation of the arms deal [LAT 11/28]. Former Armenian Bishop Shahe Ajamyan, accused of attempting to bribe the Jerusalem district commissioner, is released after 21 days in detention [FJ 12/5]. Social Improvement Association is established to protect Jerusalem's Arab residents [FJ 1/2].

Arab World: Saudi Arabian government denies 'Adnan Khashoggi organized U.S. shipment of arms to Iran [PI 11/28].

Other Countries: W. Germany expels 2 Syrian diplomats and 2 military attaches, delays replacing its ambassador to Damascus, but maintains diplomatic ties [WSJ 11/28].

Military Actions

Arab World: Israeli jets attack Palestinian bases near Sidon, killing at least 4 and wounding 3. (The Los Angeles Times reports 11 killed and 20 wounded in the raid.) Palestine National Salvation Front and Amal representatives rportedly have agreed to 9-point plan to end the fighting which has so far left 131 dead and 351 wounded [WP, LT 11/27; LAT 11/28]. PLO fighters in Lebanon reject the agreement [FJ 12/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel continues with plans to expel Palestinian newspaper editor, writer, and poet Akram Haniyyah although he has not been charged with any crime [WP 11/23]. Memorial march for a murdered Jewish student ends in anti-Arab violence in Jerusalem [LAT 11/24; FJ 11/28].

Arab World: Representatives of Fateh and the Syrian-based PFLP meet in Moscow to discuss plans to reconcile the two factions [NYT 11/24]. Egypt's Pres. Mubarak and Jordan's King Hussein end two days of talks in Cairo [LAT 11/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinian forces seize Christian village of Maghdushah [F) 11/28]. 14 are killed, 39 wounded in fighting between Palestinians and Amal militiamen throughout Beirut and S. Lebanon [BS 11/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: High level representatives of Fateh and PFLP meet in Prague to discuss reunifying the PLO. Fateh Central Committee member Abu Jihad leaves Prague for Moscow [FJ 11/21]. U.S. Pres. Reagan attempts to smooth relations with Arab countries angered by his shipment of arms to Iran [LAT 11/20].

Military Action

Arab World: A man apparently on a mission to bomb SLA post blows up his car killing 3 UN soldiers, a Lebanese woman, and himself [WP 11/21]. Israeli helicopters and navy ship shell Sidon port injuring 3 [FJ 11/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At Jerusalem press conference, Australian priest claims that Mordechai Vanunu, who sold story of Israeli nuclear weapons secrets to Sunday Times of London, and who disappeared from London 30 September was being held in Israel where he was taken against his will (NYT 10/27).

Arab World: Syrian Foreign Minister denies anyone in Syrian government was involved with bomb plot (WP 10/27).

Military Action

Arab World: In Lebanon, Syrian-brokered truce is declared between Amal and Palestinians at 'Ayn al-Hilwah and Mieh Mieh. Amal and Palestinian leaders meet with Syrian truce observer. But fighting continues between Amal and Palestinians at Rashidiyyah (one killed, 25 wounded) (NYT 10/27).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel Radio announces Israeli occupation authorities have appointed fourth Arab mayor, Tahir Hijazi, as mayor of 'Anabta municipality in Tulkarm district (FBIS 10/24). Jerusalem Post reports total of four Palestinians have been arrested in connection with 10/15 Jerusalem bombing (JP 10/22).

Arab World: In Lebanon, kidnappers release Lebanese Christian AUB professor after five month detention (NYT 10/23).

Other Countries: Car bomb in Athens kills high-ranking PLO official Munthir Abu Ghazalah (NYT 10/22).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Transfer of Israeli premiership, scheduled for today, is delayed because of quarreling over cabinet appointment (NYT, WP 10/16).

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee ends two-day meeting in Baghdad with a call to Arabs to end attacks on Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon and a condemnation of Israel's appointment of three mayors in West Bank (FJ 10/15).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Housing Ministry Director Sasson Shila says Israel wants to double number of housing units in settlements in occupied territories from 60,000 now under construction (Fl 10/3).

Arab World: Former Jordanian P. M. Ahmad 'Ubaydat and 12 former Jordanian ministers send cable to Egyptian President Mubarak denouncing Egyptian-Israeli summit, which issued joint statement with no mention of Palestinian rights (FBIS 9/25).

Military Action

Arab World: In S. Lebanon, gunmen attack two Nepalese UNIFIL posts, wound one soldier (raising to 35 the number of UNIFIL soldiers wounded in last month) (NYT, WP 9/25). Underground group announces it has kidnapped Frenchman from East Beirut (NYT 9/25).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities close Nablus offices of Construction and Public Institutions Unions and Union of Public Service Workers for one year for "security reasons," alleging groups are linked to PFLP (Fl 9/26).

Arab World: Egypt's ambassador to Israel assumes functions in Tel Aviv (WP 9/24).

Other Countries: UN Security Council adopts resolution calling on Israel to withdraw troops from S. Lebanon and to permit UNIFIL to move up to border. U.S. abstains; 14 members of council vote in favor of resolution (WP 9/24).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF warplanes bomb Palestinian targets in Druze-controlled Shuf mountains southeast of Beirut, the tenth airstrike in Lebanon this year; two women are wounded. New York Times reports five wounded, four Druze villages bombed (NYT 9/24). Defense Minister Rabin tours SLA outposts before raid, vows to crush attempts to attack SLA which has lost 16 men in recent weeks. French continue to evacuate positions for safer ground (NYT, WP 9/23). Shamir says Israel is not planning an invasion (NYT 9/24).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dmonstrations are held throughout West Bank to commemorate anniversary of massacres at Sabra and Shatila (FJ 9/19). Strikes and demonstrations continue through 9/20; shops and businesses stay closed, students and workers remain at home (Fl 9/26). Israel announces it has licensed first Arab bank in West Bank since 1967. Bank, with headquarters in Amman and first branch in Nablus, will be allowed to deal in Israeli, Jordanian, and foreign currencies (FJ 9/19).

Arab World: Thousands of Lebanese in Tyre, Lebanon, led by Amal officials march in support of UNIFIL after 9/16 attack on French UNIFIL forces (for which Hizballah is held responsible). In south Lebanon general strike is held to show resident' support for continued UNIFIL presence. (Speaker of Lebanese Chamber of Deputies Husayn al-Husayni recently returned from Paris where he asked Pres. Mitterand not to recall French contingent) (NYT 9/18).

Other Countries: In Paris, five killed, 60 injured in bomb explosion, bringing to ten number killed in five bombings in last two weeks (WP, NYT 9/18). Peru grants PLO embassy status in Lima (Fl 9/26). 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bulldozers demolish Arab-owned groves at Za'atara near Bethlehem to make way for parking lot for tourists (FJ 9/26). IDF shoots and kills 30-year-old mother, Muyassar Jamil al-Hih, at Hebron Mosque (Fl 9/15).

Arab World: In Beirut, group called "Arab Revolutionary Cells-'Umar al-Mukhtar Forces" claims responsibility for Beirut kidnapping of Frank Reed and Joseph Ciccippio (NYT 9/16).

Other Countries: In Washington, Israeli P.M. Peres meets President Reagan at White House, de-emphasizes endorsement of international conference, stresses need for direct negotiations at bilateral level with each of parties concerned in peace process (NYT 9/16). Amnesty International of London announces ithas compiled allegations of torture at Khiyam detention center in S. Lebanon (run by SLA with Israeli supervision), including detailed account of torture of West Bank resident; group says it is publicizing charges because Israel has failed to respond to its appeals for an independent probe (WP 9/17). In Paris, bomb explodes in police station, killing one and wounding 51 (NYT 9/16).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: For past three days, Jerusalem municipal workers have prevented Palestinian farmers from selling their produce in Jerusalem market, giving advantage to Israeli growers (Fl 9/19).

Arab World: In West Beirut, Joseph Ciccippio, American deputy controller of American University of Beirut, is kidnapped, bringing to 18 the number of foreigners missing in Lebanon after being kidnapped (NYT, WP 9/13). In Alexandria, Egypt and Israel end summit, issue joint statement declaring 1987 "a year of negotiations and peace," but two sides fail to agree on Palestinian issue (NYT, WP 9/13). Israeli P.M. Peres says international conference should be convened and that Israel and Egypt agree to set up preparatory committee for this purpose (NYT 9/16). In Tunis, French F.M. Claude Cheysson meets PLO Chairman Arafat on marketing of Palestinian produce from occupied territories (Fl 9/19).

Other Countries: In Paris, bomb explodes in cafeteria in Paris suburb, wounding 41. "Committee in Solidarity with Arab and Middle Eastern Political Prisoners" claims responsibility (NYT, WP 9/13).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF aircraft bomb Palestinian checkpoint four miles south of Sidon and wound four (AFP 9/12; WP 9/13).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Taba agreement, condition for Egyptian-Israeli talks, incomplete, jeopardizing Peres-Mubarak talks, scheduled for 9/11 (WP 9/10). Spanish F.M. Francisco Ordonez visits Israel, stresses Spain's commitment to Palestinian right to self-determination during dinner hosted by F.M. Shamir; calls for international conference on Mideast (FBIS 9/11).

Arab World: Frank Reed, American director of private West Beirut school, is kidnapped by Islamic Jihad in West Beirut (WP 9/10).

Other Countries: U.S. Sec. of Defense Weinberger says Karachi Pan Am hijack-massacre looks like work of Abu Nidal, but Defense Department says there is "no connection to Syria or Lebanon here" (WP 9/10).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF warplanes again strike at alleged headquarters of Palestinian Popular Struggle Front near Sidon; at least three are killed (MEI 9/12).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Energy Minister announces plan for "resolving difficulties" of Arab-owned Jersualem Electric Co. (JP 9/1).

Arab World: Soviet delegation arrives in Damascus. Lebanese P.M. Rashid Karami, Salim al-Huss, Amal leader Nabih Birri, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt meet Syrian V.P. Khaddam in Damascus. Jordanian P.M. Rifa'i travels to Egypt in effort to draw Jordan into upcoming Egypt-Israel summit (JP 9/1).

Military Action

Arab World: SLA attacks village of Qabrika, near Tyre, wounds five, kills one girl, destroys ten houses (JP 9/1; FBIS 9/2).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities issue 6-month town arrest orders against 2 unionists: Amal Wahdan, from al-Birah, of the Women's Work Committee; and 'Adnan Kilani, head of the Construction Workers Union in Ya'bad; arrests bring total number of known town arrestees in West Bank alone to 33 [FJ 8/14].

Arab World: President Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia announces he has divorced his second wife, Wassila, who had been an influential member of Mr. Bourguiba's governing circle and a strong advocate of the Palestinian cause [WP 8/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb suspected PLO and Abu Musa faction bases near Ba'albek in Biqa' Valley in Lebanon, killing 3 [LT 8/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Egyptian and Israeli negotiators on Taba dispute announce agreement on all but two conditions for arbitration: arbitrators and demarcation of boundaries of 700-meter beach [NYT, WP 8/11].

Arab World: In Baghdad, PLO Executive Committeends 2-day meeting with statement condemning U.S., Israeli, and jordanian plans to improve conditions in West Bank and Gaza as attempts to perpetuate Israeli occupation, calls for unity among all Palestinian factions [NYT 8/11; FJ 8/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF conducts military exercises on Golan Heights [JTA 8/11].

Arab World: IDF helicopter gunships attack Fateh and Abu Musa faction positions at 'Ain al-Hilwah and Mieh Mieh refugee camps in S. Lebanon following rocket attacks from S. Lebanon into Galilee [NYT, WP 8/111. Rivals for control of the Christian militias in Lebanon strike each other: Lebanese Forces rebel against leader Samir Ja'ja' and seize control of East Beirut [PI 8/11], hold it for 24 hours [LT 8/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Maj. Gen. Amos Yaron, on "study leave" since being criticized for not alerting his superiors to the Sabra and Shatila massacres 4 years ago, has been appointed Israel's military attache to the U.S., the Israeli army announces [WP 8/2]. Rev. Riah Abu al- 'Assal, of Nazareth, secretary of the Progressive List for Peace, is banned from leaving the country for one year [FJ 8/8].

Arab World: Lebanese President Jumayyil proposes emergency parliamentary session, calls for Syrian help in Lebanon [LT, PI 8/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Car bomb explodes in East Beirut, kills one, injures 30 [NYT 8/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli court appointees raid 3 offices of Jerusalem Electricity Company in unsuccessful attempt to confiscate JEC funds they claim were being spent without proper approval from its court-appointed guardian, the Israeli Electric Company [FJ 8/8].

Arab World: U.S. V.P. Bush in Jordan suggests meeting between P.M. Peres and King Hussein. Suggestion rejected by Jordan [LT 8/1].

Other Countries: Reagan administration will funnel $4.5 million in American development aid for Palestinians living in the occupied territories through Jordan; the decision is expected to make it more difficult for Israel to determine how American money is spent in the occupied territories [NYT 8/1]. (The U.S. is already providing $14 million to enhance the "quality of life" of the Palestinians in the territories) [NYT 8/1].

Military Action

Arab World: An Israeli soldier and 2 unidentified Arabs are killed in a gun battle in S. Lebanon according to an Israeli army spokesman [WP 8/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Atleast 9 more West Bankers are served with 6-month town arrest orders this week, bringing total number of known arrestees during the past 2 weeks to 18 [FJ 8/1].

Arab World: King Hussein returns from 2-day visit to Damascus [FJ 8/1]. Fateh Central Committee concludes 2-week meeting in Tunis in which it discussed recent Jordanian moves [FJ 8/1].

Military Action

Arab World: UNIFIL intercepts and disarms 4 armed guerrillas from the PFLP attempting to cross the S. Lebanon "security zone" on their way into Israel; the 4 are transported north of the zone [FJ 8/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities release on bail 67 villagers from Zbaidat and al-Khawalid villages arrested 7/15 while confronting Israeli soldiers attempting to destroy unlicensed houses in the 2 villages [FJ 8/1]. Israeli authorities close off al-Najah University for 3 days, apparently to prevent demonstrations against U.S. Vice Pres. Bush's visit to the area, preventing students from taking exams or registering for next semester [FJ 8/1].

Arab World: Shi'ite group Islamic Jihad releases "because of failing health" Rev. Lawrence Martin Jenco, former head of Catholic Relief Services in Lebanon, kidnapped 1/8/85. Jihad says it still holds 3 other Americans [WP 8/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports Jordan has blacklisted 34 West Bank journalists and given orders for their detention if they enter Jordan. Press agencies and newspapers that criticize Jordan's PLO policy are to be boycotted. Ban affects al-Fajr, al-Quds, and al-Mithaq [FJ 6/13].

Arab World: Muslim religious and political leaders meet in Damascus with Syrian V. P. Khaddam; reach agreement on Lebanese security; extend Lebanese law to Palestinian camps.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet appoints Yosef Harish, a district court judge, as attorney general, removing Yitzhak Zamir, who had opposed cabinet by ordering investigation of Shin Bet Chief Avraham Shalom. Investigation order is suspended. Israel Radio says Zamir found evidence showing Shalom ordered 2 Palestinians clubbed to death after they were arrested for attack on Israeli bus [NYT 6/2]. Harish favors secret investigation into Shin Bet case [LT 6/3]. Jerusalem District Electric Company workers strike over nonpayment of salaries. The East Jerusalem utility owes $12 million to Israel Electric Corp., which has refused to approve payment of salaries; JDEC's property attached in court UP 6/2]. Three Palestinians and 1 Tunisian are formally charged with membership in Fateh organization in Israeli military court in Lydda; the 4 were captured on 3/29 when the Israeli navy intercepted their vessel heading from Syria to Lebanon [FJ 6/6].

Arab World: Four hundred Fateh dissidents elect 'Atallah 'Atallah, former Jordanian army officer also known as Abu Za'im, as commander in chief [MG 6/2]. PLO military deputy Khalil al-Wazir calls election "theatricals" and "illegal" [BG 6/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Cease-fire in south Beirut negotiated by Algeria and Iran fails after a few hours. Estimated dead by now 55, and 348 wounded since 5/19 [BG 6/2]. Israeli forces raid Habbaniyeh in Lebanese "security zone" and pound Nabatiyah-Arab Salim-Jarjuh axis [OJ 6/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Margaret Thatcher arrives in Jerusalem, first official visit by British P.M. to Israel [NYT 5/24].

Arab World: King Hussein travels to Damascus to meet Syrian President alAsad, aiming to reconcile Syria and Iraq, isolate Fateh [LT, JP 5/26; MG 5/28]. Yasir Arafat travels to Algeria to discuss steps for intra-Palestinian reconciliation. PLO in Tunis launches appeal to "halt the new plot in which certain Arab parties are implicated againsthe Palestinian people and their camps in Lebanon."

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The report of the state comptroller, Yitzhak Tunik, claims Israel's Interior Ministry has been supplying much of the money used to fund anti-Arab demonstrations in the West Bank, to pay for protection of Jewish settlers, and to follow activities of West Bank Palestinians and their Israeli sympathizers [LT 5/14].

Other Countries: The U.S. is quietly exploring with Britain, France, and West Germany the possibility of joint economic and diplomatic sanctions against Syria in the event of clearcut evidence of its involvement in violent attacks against American or European nationals or on European soil [BG 5/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinians inNablus during anti-Israel protest on anniversary of formation of state of Israel [JTA 5/14; CSM, LT 5/15].

Arab World: Lebanese TV and radio report that Israel has sent a large number of tanks, escorted by helicopter gunships, into its "security zone" in S. Lebanon; border crossings into the "security zone" were reportedly closed for 24 hours because of the military moves [NYT 5/15].

Social/Economic/Politica

l Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli and Westem military sources state that over the past few months, the Syrian army has been building trenches in S. Lebanon that are closer to the Israeli border [NYT 5/13].

Arab World: Thousands of Fateh fighters are returning to take up fighting positions in Lebanon; PLO officials confirm that a tacit alliance has been established between the PLO and Hizballah organization, in the wake of ongoing clashes between PLO guerrillas and the Amal militia [FT 5/12]. Syrian govt.-owned newspaper Tishrin states Syria has signs and proof of an imminent Israeli attack on Syria [LT 5/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet hears report from Hebrew U. Prof. Roberto Bacchi on falling birth rate among world's Jewish population, predictions that there will be more Palestinians than Israelis living in Israel and the occupied territories by early next century [LT 5/13; JTA 5/14; BG 5/15]. Deputy Agriculture Minister Avraham Katz-Oz stated over the weekend Israel has been overpumping from its water reserves for the past decade by over 1,000 cubic meters; he stated water quotas would be cut this year by 10% from a high of 2 billion cubic meters [JP 5/11].

Arab World: Pres. Husni Mubarak has talks in Jordan with King Hussein [BG 5/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli army spokesperson states Israeli troops kill two guerrillas in S. Lebanon "security zone" [JTA 5/13].