The Palestine Chronology

In Washington, Pres. Clinton, Jordan's King Hussein discuss ideas for restarting Israeli-PA talks, policy toward Iraq. (NYT, WP, WT 4/2; al-Dustur, al-Ra'i, RJ 4/2 in WNC 4/3; NYT, WP 4/3; WT 4/8; RJ 4/12 in WNC 4/15; MEI 4/18) (see 3/19)

2 bombs explode nr. Jewish settlements in Gaza, killing 2, wounding 7 Palestinians. A wing of Islamic Jihad claims responsibility. (WP 4/1; AFP 4/1 in WNC 4/2; NYT, WP, WT 4/2; RMC 4/2 in WNC 4/3; PR 4/4; JP 4/12)

IDF troops shoot, kill 2 Palestinians in separate incidents: 1 during a demonstration; the other, an undercover PA policeman, as he approached an IDF checkpoint in an attempt to block other Palestinian protesters fr. advancing on the roadblock. (NYT, WP, WT 4/1; IDF Radio 4/1 in WNC 4/2)

The Knesset approves 1st reading of a bill that would grant the Orthodox rabbinical courts exclusive jurisdiction over those seeking to convert to Judaism, meaning that Jews converted by Reform or Conservative Jewish denominations would not be officially recognized as Jewish. Senior leaders of the Reform and Conservative movements in the U.S. (which represent 3 m. of the 3.5 m. U.S. Jews) threaten to withhold lobbying support, divert contributions to Israel away fr. the government if the bill is made law. (NYT, WP, WT 4/2; WP 4/3; WJW 4/10; NYT 4/17; Globes [Internet] 4/21 in WNC 4/24)

Hizballah attacks an SLA patrol in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr., wounding 5. (RL 4/1 in WNC 4/2; WT 4/2)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Knesset defeats two bills that would give Orthodox Jewish authorities the power to decide who is eligible for the right of return [NYT 6/15].

Other Countries: The U.S. criticizes Israeli policy allowing Israeli civilians to shoot on sight Palestinians carrying firebombs. State Dept. calls deportation of Mubarak 'Awad "unjustifiable" [WT 6/15]. 'Awad reiterates his willingness to convert to Judaism in order to return to Jerusalem [NYT 6/15].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 IDF officers are severely injured in firebomb attack in the village of Bayt 'Umar; the village is placed under curfew [NYT 6/16]. Curfews are issued for 11 locations in the occupied territories [FJ 6/19]. Israel announces the establishment of a new police team to combat the outbreak of brush and forest fires [CSM 6/15]. Clashes are reported in Nablus, Bayt Furik, Bayt Dajan, 'Azmut, Salim, and throughout the Gaza Strip [FJ 6/19].