The Palestine Chronology

IAF bombs house in Dayr Zahrani, Lebanon "by error," killing 10, including 2 children, and wounding 15.  Air raids target Hizballah bases in `Ayn Buswar.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/4 in FBIS 8/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/5)

House of Representatives approves $13.7 b. foreign-aid bill, including $99 m. "down payment" on relief of Jordan's $700 m. debt.  Bill goes to Senate for final approval.  (WT 8/5)

Latest round of Israel-PLO "early empowerment" talks concludes in Cairo.  (MENA 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

Knesset votes 91-3, with 2 abstentions, to approve Washington Declaration of nonbelligerency with Jordan.  (MM 8/3; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/4)

General Union of Palestinian Women (GUPW) issues draft Declaration of Principles of Women's Rights. PNA M Intisar al-Wazir says she will work to include the document in the Palestinian Constitution.  (TJT 8/5)

King Hussein pilots Royal Jordanian airplane through Israeli airspace on return flight to Jordan.  Escorted by 2 IAF F-15, Hussein passes over Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and talks with PM Rabin by radio.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/4)

Jordan, Israel demolish border fence at site of future border crossing nr. Aqaba/Eilat.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

Israeli embassy in U.S. announces 2-yr. moratorium on transfers of land mines.  Israel to work for worldwide ban on mines, will provide mine-clearing assistance to other countries.  (WT 8/4)

Secy of State Christopher meets Jordan's King Hussein in Amman, Hussein telling press conference he will not sign a peace treaty at 7/25 summit with Israeli PM Rabin.  Hussein expresses "fervent hope" for "comprehensive peace," but says Jordan will "move ahead" with negotiations irrespective of Syrian track.  Monarch asserts that "the holy sites in Jerusalem belong to the Muslim world as a whole."  (MM 7/20; NYT, WP, WT 7/21)

Israeli FM Peres, Jordanian PM and FM Majali, and U.S. Secy of State Christopher meet in Shunah, Jordan, pledge to seek peace.  Peres and Majali indicate state of war may be ended at 7/25 summit in Washington.  (JTV 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; MM 7/20; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/21)

Palestinian-Israeli talks in Cairo on "early empowerment" of Palestinians conclude, Palestinian negotiator Shaath saying some progress made but Israel not willing to transfer real power in education, health, social, administrative, and financial affairs.  (MENA 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

PNA Economy M Ahmad Qurai` denied entry to Jerusalem by Israeli authorities.  Qurai` was scheduled to address economic conference, which he speaks to by telephone.  Israel objects to any PNA activities in Jerusalem.  (TJT 7/22; JP 7/30)

IAF rockets Hizballah positions in Iqlim al-Tuffah and eastern Biqa` Valley, Lebanon.  Israel blames Hizballah for 7/18 bombing of building housing Jewish organizations in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Hizballah denies involvement.  (RL 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; NYT, WT 7/21)

Israeli, PLO negotiators open talks in Cairo on "early empowerment" of Palestinians in West Bank, expansion of self-rule area, redeploying IDF, elections.  Israeli side headed by IDF Maj. Gen Danny Rothschild, PLO by PNA Planning M Nabil Shaath.  Separate talks on settling issues remaining fr. 5/4 agreement, including borders of Jericho area, resume.  (MENA 7/11, 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

IDF kills 2 Hamas mbrs. in Nablus after firing anti-tank missles at house they were hiding in.  The 2 had been wanted for a year.  Several buildings in area destroyed.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; MM 7/12; TJT 7/15; JP 7/23)

Qiryat Arba settlers vacate Hebron apartments occupied 7/8 in compromise with Housing M.  (MM 7/12)

PLO Chmn. Arafat departs Tunis for Cairo on way to take up permanent residence in Gaza Strip.  Arafat meets Israeli Dep. FM Beilin to discuss early empowerment of Palestinians in o.t. before his departure.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Israeli PM Rabin accepts King Hussein's offer for a public summit mtg.  (MM 7/11; WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Israeli FM Peres announces he will meet Secy of State Christopher, Jordanian PM and FM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali in Jordan 7/20 in 1st public visit of an Israeli official to Jordan.  Israeli-Jordanian bilateral talks to resume 7/18 at Ein Evrona, southern Israel.  Jordanian spokesman says emphasis in talks will be on border, water issues.  (MM 7/11; MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/12)

Jordan receives over $900,000 fr. UN for claims by Jordanian families for losses in 1990-91 Gulf war.  (WSJ 7/12)

IAF raids Hizballah positions in Biqa` Valley.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

PLO official Nabil Shaath, visiting Jericho, postpones trip to Jerusalem's Haram al-Sharif in move interpreted as showing PLO reluctance to provoke Israeli right on Jerusalem issue.  (MM 6/20; NYT 6/21)

Jerusalem Waqf authorities stop Israeli bulldozers digging tunnel nr. Haram al-Sharif.  (TJT 6/24)

IAF airstrikes on Jabal al-Raffih in southern Lebanon wound 2 Hizballah guerrillas.  Raid follows Hizballah firing on 2 SLA positions. Incident is 22d IAF airstrike in Lebanon in year. Later, Hizballah ambush of IDF patrol in "security zone" kills 3 Israeli soldiers, wounds 3, according to Lebanese security sources.  IDF sources say only 1 killed.  Artillery and rocket duels erupt btwn. SLA, Hizballah.  (MM 6/20; CSM, WP, WSJ, WT 6/21; JP 7/2)

Syria deliberates on supplying Hizballah with SA-14 and SA-16 antiaircraft missiles in reaction to increased Israeli air raids, according to "diplomatic sources."  (WT 6/21)

Jordan's King Hussein, Secy of State Christopher meet in Washington.  Hussein says he hopes for high-level mtg. with Israel.  (MM 6/21; CSM, WP 6/22)

PLO official Nabil Shaath meets Israeli negotiator Amnon Shahak at Gaza-Israel border to discuss "all unfinished business fr. the Gaza-Jericho agreement," PLO Chmn. Arafat's arrival in Jericho.  Talks are to include extension of Palestinian self-rule throughout West Bank.  (MM, WP, WSJ 6/20)

PLO Econ. Dept. head and PNA Finance M Muhammad al-Nashashibi arrives in Jericho, 1st PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. to return to self-rule areas. (MET 6/27-7/3)

Israeli cabinet approves additional 10,000 work permits for Palestinians seeking jobs in Israel.  (WSJ 6/20)

IDF reseals "terrorist's" home in al-`Izzariya, nr. Jerusalem, opened 6/18 by PCSNV.  IDF vows legal action against unsealing campaign.  (WT 6/22)

IAF rockets Hizballah bases nr. Mlita, southern Lebanon.  No casualties reported.  Raids do not disturb observances in Nabatiya of `Ashura.  (WT 6/20)

Israel lifts arms embargo on South Africa, following cancellation of UN military embargo.  (WT 6/20)

Palestinian police in Jericho, Gaza Strip receive salary, paid with $5 m. in U.S. aid.  Payment comes after PECDAR officials had complained of financial crisis.  (WT 6/9)

Deadline for release of 5,000 Palestinian prisoners under 5/4 agreement passes with only 1/2 that number freed.  (NYT 6/10)

Hizballah fires katyushas on northern Israel.  IAF sends 4 planes on sortie against Hizballah positions in Iqlim al-Tuffah, southern Lebanon in 18th IAF raid on Lebanon of 1994.  No casualties reported.  (WP 6/9)

Russian Chief of Staff Col. Gen. Mikhail Kolesnikov ends visit to Syria, having signed 12 military-cooperation agreements.  Russia reportedly agrees to sell Syria $500 m. in anti-tank weapons and radar, as well as $1.6 b. in other arms.  (WT 6/21)

IDF helicopters (4), IAF fighter-bombers (6) attack Hizballah base at `Ayn Kawkab, nr. Ba`albak, killing at least 26, as many as 45, and wounding 30 (up to 80), most teenagers in their beds.  Hizballah fires 20 katyusha rockets at Israel in retaliation, 7 landing nr. Nahariya.  Lebanon, Syria denounce attack.  UN S.G. Butrus Butrus-Ghali expresses "concern" over attack. (RL 6/2 in FBIS 6/2; MM 6/2, 6/3; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/3; JP 6/11)

PLO Chmn. Arafat cancels appointments, reportedly suffering fr. "mild angina."  (MENA, RL, MBC TV 6/2 in FBIS 6/3; NYT, WP 6/3)

Protests continue in Ramallah, 2 Palestinians wounded as Justice M David Liba'i visits.  (JP 6/11)

Mtg. of UNRWA donors grouping 24 countries, European Union (EU) concludes in Amman.  (UNRWA News 6/15)

Israeli FM Peres meets Morocco's King Hassan during stopover in Rabat on return fr. visit to Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.  (MM 6/3)

PM Rabin warns that negotiations on expanding Palestinian self-rule areas jeopardized by attacks on Israelis in existing self-rule areas.  Palestinian police, IDF mount joint patrols, establish checkpoints in Gaza Strip in response to 5/20 killing of IDF soldiers at Erez checkpoint.  PLO condemns Erez killing as "pointed at Palestinian security."  (Qol Yisra'el 5/21 in FBIS 5/23; NYT, WT 5/22; CSM, MM 5/23)

IDF commandos abduct Lebanese Shi`ite leader Mustafa al-Dirani fr. Qasr Naba in Biqa` Valley.  Dirani, a frmr. Amal leader and head of Hizballah affiliate "Faithful Resistance," is thought to know whereabouts of IAF navigator Ron Arad, missing in Lebanon since 1986.  (NYT, WP, WT 5/22; CSM, MM 5/23; WJW 5/26; JP 5/28)

157 Palestinian police cross into Gaza Strip fr. Egypt at Rafah crossing, greeted by 1,000s of Gaza residents. IDF uses water cannon, rubber bullets to restrain crowds. PLO and Israeli officials meet in Jericho to discuss entrance of police, transfer of power. Israeli National Parks Authority instructed to turn over 3 Jericho archaeological sites to Palestinians, including Hisham Palace and Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue. (MM 5/10; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/11)

PLO, Jordan open economic talks in Amman to reconcile 1/7 PLO-Jordan "letter of intent" with 4/29 Israel-PLO economic protocol. PLO delegation led by Ahmad Qurai'. (MM 5/10)

Gunmen attack settler bus nr. Beit El settlement, West Bank, wounding 3. (WT 5/11)

IAF fires rockets on PFLP-GC bases nr. Naamah, Lebanon. Lebanese police say at least 2 killed, 8 wounded. (MM 5/10; NYT, WT 5/11)

Land Day, commemorating deaths of 6 Israeli Arabs in 1976 demonstrations against land confiscation, observed throughout Palestinian areas of Israel and in o.t. Israel's 800,000 Palestinian citizens observe general strike; observances dedicated to victims of Hebron massacre, 6 Fateh Hawks killed 3/28. Curfew imposed on Nablus, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, and 9 r.c.s. including Jabaliya. Largest demonstration held in Rahat in the Negev, where 22-yr.-old Bedouin killed by police 2/27. (MM 3/30, 3/31; NYT 3/31)

Jordan's King Hussein receives PLO envoy Hakam Bal'awi, bearing message fr. PLO Chmn. Arafat on coordinating policy on Jerusalem. (MM 3/31)

Jordanian delegate to multilateral talks on water sharing Munther Haddadin rejects Israeli proposals for "new Jordan River," saying "It is purely a unilateral project proposed by a group of academics financed by a German company. Jordan has nothing to do with it." (MM 3/31)(see 3/28)

IAF planes and IDF helicopters attack Hizballah targets in Iqlim al-Tuffah, Lebanon. (MM 3/30)

2 IDF guards at Haram al-Ibrahimi tell commission of inquiry they fired into door leading to mosque, contradicting officers' testimony and confirming accounts by Palestinians that soldiers fired on worshippers fleeing massacre. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/18)

Dep. DM Mordechai Gur visits Beit Hadassah, Qiryat Arba settlements toreassure Hebron settlers of govt. commitment to their safety. (CSM 3/18)

PLO accepts U.S. proposal, made in a telephone call by talks coordinator Dennis Ross, for 3/19 mtg. btwn. PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli FM Peres to explore resumption of negotiations. Arafat, PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Samir Ghawsha say talks' resumption contingent on passage of UNSC resolution condemning Hebron massacre. (MM 3/17; WP, WT 3/18)

Pres. Clinton telephones Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Syrian Pres. al-Asad to brief them on his talks with Israeli PM Rabin. Clinton seeks Syrian commitment to rejoin Arab-Israeli peace talks even if PLO stays out. (NYT, WP 3/18)

Senate passes "sense of the Senate" amendment to banking bill urging Clinton admin. to veto any UNSC resolution that "states or implies that Jerusalem is 'occupied' territory." Resolution follows letter to Pres. Clinton signed by 82 senators criticizing UNSC draft resolution on Hebron massacre. (NYT 3/19)

PM Rabin meets Pope John Paul I1 in Rome as Vatican special envoy Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran meets PLO Chmn. Arafat in Tunis. (MM, NYT 3/18)

IDF kills 3 Hizballah guerrillas infiltrating "security zone" in southern Lebanon; later, 2 IAF planes rocket Hizballah base at Mlita, killing 2 guerrillas. (MM 3/17; MEI 4/15)

Israeli commission of inquiry into Hebron massacre opens hearings in Jerusalem. IDF Central Command head Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom, local cmndr. Maj. Dov Stellman testify. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/9)

Israeli police report 3/7 arrests of 2 Kach leaders. 2 other Kach figuresentenced previous week to 3 mos.' administrative detention, leaving only 1 of 5 targeted Kach figures at large. (WT 3/9)

IAF bombs southern Lebanon in retaliation for 3/7 attacks on SLA. (WT 3/9)

IDF shoots dead 2 mbrs. of Hamas's 'Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades at Erez checkpoint, Gaza Strip when 1 pulls a gun. (MM 3/8; WP, WT 3/9)

Curfew on Jericho lifted, but 4 West Bank towns remain under total curfew. (NYT, WT 3/9)

Jordan's King Hussein arrives in Jeddah for 'umra pilgrimage to Mecca in 1st visit to Saudi Arabia since 1990-91 Gulf crisis. (MM 3/8)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, Israeli FM Peres open talks in Cairo aimed at implementing Palestinian autonomy in Gaza and Jericho. Both sides report progress. (MENA 2/7, 2/8 in FBIS 2/8; WP, WT 2/8)

Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin meets in Washington with Qatari, Omani officials to discuss Qatar-Israel natural gas deal, multilateral mtg. on water set for 4/94 in Muscat. (MM 2/9)

Hizballah guerrillas ambush IDF patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 4 IDF soldiers and wounding 5. Ambush triggers IAF strikes on 3 villages, SLA, IDF shelling. (MM 2/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/8)

Meretz MKs Naomi Chazan and Benny Temkin demand that PM Rabin, in capacity as DM, ban travel of 40 IDF elite force veterans to Congo to act as military trainers. Leftist legislators view veterans as mercenaries being used to support Brazzaville regime. (WT 2/10)

Knesset recognizes "Yi'ud" faction made up of frmr. Tsomet MKs. (see 2/2) (MM 2/7)

Sens. Connie Mack (R-FL) and Alfonse D'Amato ask Pres. Clinton to withdraw nomination of Strobe Talbott as dep. secy. of state because of his "extreme views" on Israel, which "go beyond common criticisms to a systematic attack upon the foundations of America's close relationship with Israel." (WT 2/8)

Dep. Asst. AG Mark Richard urges that convicted spy Jonathan Pollard's life sentence be commuted to 20 yrs., according to admin. officials. Richard also recommends criminal cases against Pollard's unindicted Israeli coconspirators be dropped. (WT 12/29)

IAF airstrikes in Lebanon kill 3 Hizballah mbrs. Hizballah responds with katyusha barrages, raids on "security zone." (RL 12/28 in FB1S 12/28; CSM 12/31)

Alleged Hamas mbr. Shadi Muslih 'Isa, 18, attacks Israeli police officer, civilian at Erez crossing point, Gaza Strip, and is shot dead. (MM 11/16)

16-yr.-old Palestinian student Rami Ghazzawi killed when IDF fires on youths stoning settler cars in al-Birah. 3 other students wounded. (MM 11/16)

Settlers in Hebron riot, overturning stalls at fruit and vegetable market and attacking Palestinian cars. (MM 11/16)

Israeli Justice M. David Libai, at Maale Ephraim settlement, warns settlers that no one could "take the law into his own hands," says govt. "will have to subdue any attempt to have influence by illegal means." IDF states it will act "firmly and aggressively" to stop settler assaults, will use "reasonable force." (MM 11/16; NYT 11/17)

PM Rabin tells Secy. of State Christopher 12/13 deadline for implementation of DoP may not be met. (MM 11/16, 11/17)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on implementation of Gaza-Jericho provisions of DoP resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation led by IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak, Palestinian by PLO official Nabil Shaath. (Cairo TV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris chaired by Fin. M. Avraham Shohat and PEDRA DG Ahmad Qurai' establish 3 subcomms. on trade and labor, taxation and banking, and currency. Subcomms. are to meet 11/23-25 in Paris, heads of delegations on 11/25. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Gov. Muhammad al-Nabulsi says agreement reached with Palestinians to retain Jordanian dinar as o.t. currency, have CBJ supervise and monitor banking. (JTV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Multilateral talks on Middle East environment end in Cairo with Israeli-Arab agreement on Gulf of Aqaba oil spills, dispute on Israeli nuclear waste, Jordan Valley land reclamation. Delegates fr. 40 countries, in 4th mtg., agree on 20 environmental projects. (MENA 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Palestinian leaders in o.t., Jordan, "and elsewhere" submit memorandum to PLO Chmn. Arafat criticizing PLO performance, demanding reforms. (MM 11/17, al-Ray 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Knesset Golan caucus considers bill fr. Likud and NRP mbrs. to amend law annexing Golan to require majority of 80 MKs for any change in law. Labor mbrs. of caucus express sympathy with bill, which given current Knesset divisions would effectively bar negotiations with Syria. (MM 11/17)

Syrian VP Khaddam tells foreign correspondents PLO Chmn. Arafat "fell into a big trap" in signing DoP, notes "There are 4 million Palestinian refugees living outside the territories covered by the 'Gaza-Jericho First' agreement." Khaddam claims Arafat "abandoned coordination with the Arab parties," states "I believe the majority of the Palestinian people do not support the agreement." (MM 11/16; SARR 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Hizballah offensive on IDF and SLA; Katyusha barrages fired in "security zone," assaults on 2 IDF, 6 SLA posts. 12 SLA mbrs. taken prisoner, at least 2 IDF soldiers and 2 SLA mbrs. wounded. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed in attack. IAF bombs 3 Hizballah bases nr. Ba'labakk, knocks out radio antenna. "Black September 13 Brigades," Fateh group opposed to DoP, claims responsibility for katyusha barrage on Qiryat Shemona. (MM 11/16, 11/17; IDF Radio, AFP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin, in interview with JP, says Syria behind Kurdish attacks in Turkey, Israel and Turkey should cooperate on counter-terrorism. (MM 11/16)

Israel Archaeologists Society calls for end to govt. Antiquities Authority search for scrolls in West Bank ("Operation Scroll"), saying search aims at denying Palestinian scholars access to materials and will complicate future Israeli cooperation with Palestinians and Jordan. (WT 11/17)

PM Rabin, apparently giving increased priority to Syrian-Israeli negotiations, names Tel Aviv University professor Itamar Rabinovich as chief negotiator with Syria. (WP 8/4)

Fateh Cent. Comm. meets in Tunis (AlFajr 8/5 in FBIS 8/6)

One of 3 IDF soldiers wounded in 8/1 Khan Yunis clash dies. (Qol Yisra'el 8/3 in FBIS 8/5)

Hamas, PFLP, and DFLP reject o.t. elections if ceiling of authority is administrative self-rule, and not 1-year transition to independence. (Al-Ray 8/4 in FBIS 8/6)

Israeli air force raids Jabal Safi region, S. Lebanon (6th air raid in 2 weeks), shells Kafr Rumman, Nabatiyya, Iqlim al-Tuffah areas. (Qol Yisra'el, VOL 8/3 in FBIS 8/3)

Palestinian Israeli delegation including HADASH MK Hashim Mahamid, returns to Israel after meeting with Chmn. Arafat and PLO pol. dept. head Faruk Qaddumi in Tunis. (ITV, Qol Yisra'el 8/2 in FBIS 8/3; Hadashot 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

Two Palestinian Israelis are named to dep. min. posts, the highest positions attained by Arabs in 19 years. Nawaf Masalha, Labor party administrator, will serve as deputy health min., and Meretz mbr. Walid Sadiq will serve as dep. ag. min. (WP 8/3; Jerusalem Channel 2 TV 8/4 in FBIS 8/5)

Israeli air force raids village of al-Qulaylah, S. Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

Near Ramallah, Shin Bet arrests 3 members of Hamas-'Izz al-Din al-Qassim faction, believed to be responsible for deaths of 3 Israelis, 20 Gaza Palestinians. (Qol Yisra'el, ITV 8/8 in FBIS 8/10; WP 8/9; JP 8/15)

Palestinian man stabs 2 Israeli policemen in Jerusalem, killing 1, and is shot and killed by a passerby and police. (WP 7/31)

Body of Mahmud Abu Hasan al-Zarini is returned, buried by family in Janin under tight Israeli security. Seven-day commercial strike ends (see 7/22, 27). (MM 7/30)

Jordanian house of reps. issues statement supporting Palestinian national rights and intifada, criticizing all settlements and deportations, and calling for inter-Arab solidarity. (Radio Jordan Network 7/30 in FBIS 7/31)

With Hizballah consent, Syrian-backed Lebanese army force takes over barracks in Ba'labakk, Biqa' Valley, which have been under Hizballah control since 1982. (AFP, Radio Lebanon 7/30 in FBIS 7/31)

Israeli air force raids Jabal Safi, Iqlim al-Tuffah regions, S. Lebanon. Casualties this year from 27 Israeli raids total 44 dead, 100 wounded, mostly civilians. (AFP, Qol Yisra'el 7/30 in FBIS 7/30)

In Jericho, 17 Palestinian peace delegates are detained and questioned for 3 hours concerning their 6/18 public meeting in Amman with PLO Chmn. Arafat. Police say the 17 will be summoned for interrogation again; Faisal Husseini said the group will refuse to answer questions,tressing their immunity as delegates. (NYT 6/30)

Israeli fin. min. issues order preventing construction ad housing min. from signing new contracts until a new govt. is formed. Freeze applies to both Israel and the o.t. (HaAretz 6/29 in FBIS 6/29)

Benjamin Netanyahu announces intention to run for leadership of the Likud party. (NYT 6/30)

Alleged plot to assassinate Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein by 4 officers of the Republican Guard is reportedly defused, Hussein embarks on extensive purge of military officers. (NYT 7/9)

Pres. Asad endorses new 37-member cabinet; Ba'ath "heavyweights" retain over twothirds of seats. (MM 7/30)

Lebanese army units in south are put on alert, shell Israeli targets inside "security zone." Israel and SLA shell Jabal al-Safi, Arnun areas; Israeli air force stages mock raids over Iqlim al-Tuffah, Bint Jubayl, fires rockets at "Hizballah target" in UNIFIL village of Haris. Israel reportedly moves to incorporate Arnun into "security zone." (Radio Lebanon, Radio Free Lebanon, Qol Yisra'el 6/29 in FBIS 6/29)

Palestinian delegates hold first public meeting with PLO Chmn. Arafat in Amman. (WP 6/18)

Islamic Conference Organization (ICO) concludes 2-day emergency meeting in Istanbul, recommends international military action against Serbia, reaffirms three past resolutions supporting Palestinian people's struggle and Arab-Israeli peace process, and condemning Israeli attacks in S. Lebanon. (FBIS, MM 6/19)

UNRWA announces Japan's grant of Y900 million (about $6.9 million) for purchase of flour for Palestinians. Japan is one of UNRWA's leading donors, contributing over $27 million in 1991. (UNRWA News 6/24)

After shelling of and ground advance toward Nabatiyya, Israeli air force attacks targets in Siddiqin, north of S. Lebanon "security zone." Hizballah unit attacks IDF position in eastern zone, 2 IDF soldiers wounded; SLA expels 5 Shiite families from "security zone." (MM 6/19; Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon 6/18 in FBIS 6/19)

U.S. House of Reps. passes res. 113 hailing "reunification" of Jerusalem, "congratulating" its residents. The 72-cosponsor bill passed the Senate on 7/10. (MEPARC 7/92)

Former Soviet Pres. Gorbachev arrives in Israel, meets with PM Shamir, attends dinner at Pres. Herzog's residence. (Qol Yisra'el 6/14, 6/15 in FBIS 6/15)

At Erez Crossing, Gaza, Israeli troops fire warning shots and drop gravel from a helicopter to disperse crowd of Pal. workers who rioted after being blocked from entering Israel for work. (WP 6/15)

Israeli long-range artillery inside the "security zone" heavily bombard villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah region, S. Lebanon; Israeli aircraft stage mock raids over Sidon refugee camps. (Radio Lebanon 6/14 in FBIS 6/15)

Russia agrees to allow Jewish immigrants to fly to Israel aboard regular El Al and Aeroflot flights. (Qol Yisra'el 6/14 in FBIS 6/16)

Israeli air force chief Maj. Gen. Herzl Bodinger on ITV calls for "disruption" of Iranian nuclear effort;ells reporters this means "international political action, and aggressive action, if needed." (WP 6/15)

U.S. begins taking control of relief effort for Iraqi Kurds by outlining plans to feed some 700,000 people daily and to set up temporary refugee settlements in northern Iraq [NYT 4/13].

New military deployments to northern Iraq, including personnel already on duty elsewhere in Middle East, will bring to 8,300 the number of soldiers involved in aiding Kurds [WP, LAT 4/13].

Both Syria and Jordan tell Sec. Baker that they would be willing to attend regional peace conference, but differences still remain on agenda and timing [NYT 4/13; AFP 4/12 in FBIS 4/12].

Saudi Arabia, facing severe financial crisis, seeks U.S. agreement to pay in oil rather than cash some of the $13.5 billion Riyadh pledged to offset U.S. Gulf war costs [WP 4/13].

Palestinian activist Radwan Abu Ayyash is released after 5 months in Israeli prison without trial or charge [MEM 4/12; FJ 4/15; MET 4/23].

Israeli Air Force jets bomb bases belonging to Abu Nidal's Revolutionary Council and Abul Abbas's PLF in southern Lebanon; 4 people, including a civilian, are killed [NYT, WP 4/13; BVL, RFL 4/12 in FBIS 4/12; MET 4/23]. 

U.S. and Britain tell Moscow that they find Soviet's 2/18 cease-fire proposal unacceptable because it lacks tight timetable for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait and does not compel Iraq to accept all UN Sec. Council resolutions on the crisis [NYT 2/21; CSM 2/22]; Washington urges Moscow to stiffen cease-fire conditions on Iraq [WP 2/21].

After month of often bitter negotiation, U.S. releases $400 million loan guarantee to Israel for housing for Soviet Jewish immigrants (cf. 2/21) [IDF 2/20 in FBIS 2/21; NYT, WP, WT, MEM 2/21].

Israeli authorities begin allowing 400 Palestinians per day to cross bridges from Jordan back to West Bank; "security concerns" had prompted Israel to reduce number allowed to cross river from 1,000 per day to 50 per day; at least 30 Palestinians lose their residency permits because of delay in crossing [JTE 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; MET 3/5].

Israeli air force planes bomb alleged PFLP base in Al Izzah village, about 40 miles east of Beirut; 5 people are reported injured [IDF, BDS, AFP 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; NYT 2/21; JPI 3/2; MET 3/5]. 

Commander of Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Avihu Bin-Nun, says U.S. and Israel still have no mechanisms in place to coordinate military activities, and that U.S. may not be able to give Israel advance warning of mis- sile launches [NYT 1/16]; Bin-Nun also warns Jordan that should Israel be drawn into war, there is no way for his planes to approach Iraq except through Jordanian airspace [LAT, WP 1/16].

PLO reports that Hamza Abu Said, a dissident from Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council, killed Abu lyad and two others; 3 Palestinians are killed and 30 wounded in clashes between IDF and Palestinians an- gered over assassinations; curfews are imposed to prevent further clashes; Israel says it had nothing to do with assassinations [AFP, JDS, IDF 1/15 in FBIS 1/15; NYT, WT, WP 1/16].

Saddam Hussein visits Iraqi troops in Kuwait [BADS 1/15 in FBIS 1/16; LAT 1/16].

Tens of thousands of anti-war protestors take to streets in Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as elsewhere [LAT, WT, WP 1/16].

In strongest appeal since crisis began, King Fahd urges Saddam to "prove to the world that you are worthy of the responsibility you are shouldering in ruling Iraq" and leave Kuwait [LAT 1/16]; Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar also issues statement making final appeal to Saddam to leave Kuwait [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/16].

Pres. Mubarak sends last-minute proposal to Saddam Hussein, also asks Pres. Bush to delay military option [RMC 1/15 in FBI 1/16; WP 1/16].

British House of Commons votes 534-57 to endorse gov't. policy of waging war against Iraq [WP 1/16]. 

In speech commemorating 70th anniversary of Iraq's army, Saddam Hussein says he is preparing nation for great battle to liberate Palestine, defeat American "tyranny," and keep Kuwait [BADS, JDS 1/6 in FBIS 1/7; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/7].

Israeli Air Force jets attack PFLP camp southeast of Sidon in Lebanon, killing 1 and wounding 6 others [NYT, WT, WP 1/7].

Reviewing multinational forces arrayed in Saudi Arabia, King Fahd says he believes that Saddam Hussein will withdraw his forces from Kuwait before 1/15 deadline; also defends his country's decision to invite forces into Saudi Arabia [SPA 1/6 in FBIS 1/7; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 1/7].

Sec. Baker says the U.S. cannot endorse 1/4 French plan backed by EC because it links Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait to settlement of Arab-Israeli conflict [NYT, WT, WP 1/7]; Baker also hints that he will give Iraqi F.M. Aziz dramatic new evidence of allied military power when they meet. Iraq's ambassador to U.S. says Baker "is welcome to go to Baghdad," but Baker says that proposal "is now off the table" [LAT 1/7].

Two-day tripartite meeting of foreign ministers of Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia begins in Cairo; this is 3d meeting since Gulf crisis began [MENA, RMC 12/3 in FBIS 12/4; MET 12/11].

Greater Beirut officially comes under control of Lebanese Army after Lebanese Forces militia vacate positions [MEM 12/3; NYT, WT, WP, CSM 12/4; BDS, BVL, RFL 12/3 in FBIS 12/4; MET 12/11].

Def. Sec. Cheney tells Senate Armed Services Committee that military action rather than economic sanctions is only sure way of forcing Iraq out of Kuwait [NYT, WT, WP, MEM 12/4; CSM 12/5].

Soviet television reports that 1,000 of the 3,000 Soviet citizens still held in Iraq will be allowed to return to USSR within next 3 weeks [NYT, WT, WP 12/4].

In separate statements before English-speaking or American audiences, Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens, Housing Min. Ariel Sharon, Deputy F.M. Benjamin Netanyahu, and several MKs offer sharp warnings that Iraq should not be left with its army and weapons intact after Gulf crisis [NYT 12/4; WP 12/6]; Sharon compares Sec. Baker's proposed Baghdad trip to Neville Chamberlain in World War II [JDS 12/3 in FBIS 12/4].

Israeli military court sentences to 30 years each of 12 Arabs apprehended in PLF's May 1990 attempted attack on Tel Aviv beach [IDF 12/3 in FBIS 12/5; LAT 12/4; MEM 12/4; MET 12/11].

Quoting B'Tselem data, HaAretz reports that Palestinians are prohibited from building on 68% of West Bank's 5.5 million dunums [HAA 12/3 in FBIS 12/5].

Israeli air force and navy confront "fishing vessel that appeared suspicious" off coast of Gaza; force it ashore and shoot dead 1 crew member who tries to flee; five others are detained [JDS 12/4 in FBIS 12/4; MEM 12/4].

At least 10 "anti-Israeli combatants" are killed in 2 incidents of fighting with IDF, SLA troops in S. Lebanon [IDF, AFP 12/3 in FBIS 12/4]. 

Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council agrees to Bush-Aziz and Saddam-Baker meetings intended to avert war; U.S. admin. officials rebuff Iraqi suggestion that talks deal also with Palestine question [NYT, WP 12/2; BDS 12/1, PAT 12/2 in FBIS 12/3; MEM 12/3; MET 12/11].

Israeli air force planes bomb Palestinian Popular Struggle Front base in S. Lebanon, wounding at least 5 people [NYT 12/2; BDS 12/1 in FBIS 12/3; JDS 12/1 in FBIS 12/4].

Egypt, PLO, and Gulf states welcome Pres. Bush's overture toward Iraq, PLO's Yasir Abd Rabbo calls it "a step in the right direction" [MENA 12/1, WAKH, RTS 12/2 in FBIS 12/3; NYT 12/2; MEM 12/3].

Israeli police shoot dead middle-aged Palestinian woman after she tries to stab Jerusalem policeman; policeman is not hurt [NYT 12/2].

Def. Sec. Richard Cheney signs order raising to 189,250 the maximum number of military reservists who can be ordered to active duty in Gulf; previous limit was 125,000 [NYT, LAT 12/4].

129th Israeli reservist is jailed for refusing to serve in o.t. [JPD 12/2 in FBIS 12/3].

In Boston, estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people protest against U.S. military involvement in Gulf [MEM 12/3].

John Major is selected as next prime minister of Britain [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 11/28; CSM 11/29].

Bush admin. announces that Chinese F.M. Qian has been invited to Washington for talks with Sec. Baker, in what appears to be compensation to Beijing for its support for draft UN resolution authorizing force against Iraq [NYT, WT 11/28].

Saddam Hussein tells reporters that Iraq does not have nuclear weapons; International Atomic Energy Agency reports Iraq's small stock of highly enriched reactor fuel has not been diverted to build nuclear weapons [NYT, WT, WP, MEM 11/28].

2 PFLP fighters and 5 Israeli soldiers are killed, 6th is wounded during firefight near Shabaa, S. Lebanon. Hours later, Israeli air force bombs PFLP and DFLP bases east of Sidon, and Israeli long-range artillery hits villages north of "security zone" [AFP, IDF, BDS, JDS 11/27 in FBIS 11/27; MEM 11/27; NYT, LAT. WT, WP 11/28; CSM 11/29; JPI 12/8; MET 12/11].

Rear Adm. Gene La Rocque (Ret.) tells congressional committee that 6-month Gulf war would result in deaths of 10,000 U.S. soldiers, wounding of 35,000 others, and cost $80 billion [LAT 11/28].

In Tunis, Yasir Arafat confers separately with ambassadors of the 5 permanent members of UN Sec. Council, discussing Gulf crisis and situation in o.t.; Arafat tells ambassadors to demand Sec. Council issue same ultimatum to Israel that it intends to address to Iraq [MEM 11/28; MAP 11/28 in FBIS 11/29].

Saudi official says his country's gratitude toward USSR for its support in Gulf crisis has motivated Saudi Arabia to lend Moscow as much as $1 billion as part of GCC "financial cooperation program" [MEM 11/27, 11/29; WP 11/29]. 

U.S. Sec. of Defense Richard Cheney meets with Israeli counterpart Moshe Arens in Washington; Cheney assures Arens that U.S. will continue to support financially Israel's $160-million Arrow missile defense program despite U.S. budget crunch [NYT, LAT 7/21].

Searchers locate crash site of Israeli air force plane missing since 7/13 in Golan Heights. Pilot was killed [JDS, IDF 7/20 in FBIS 7/20; LAT 7/21].

Israeli authorities detain 5 Jewish Americans accused of organizing immigration of Israeli Jews to U.S., W.Europe [ITT 7/20 in FBIS 7/23].

IDF troops shoot, injure 36 Gaza Palestinians after prayer services commemorating 5/20 Rishon le Zion killings [LAT 7/21].