48 / 15150 Results
  • January 9, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Aqraba. Israeli forces also issued a demolition notice for a house in Idhna, giving the...

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  • December 8, 2022

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  • March 23, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 25 olive seedlings, stealing 22 of them in Tell. Israeli forces sealed off 8 villages near Ramallah, leading to clashes with Palestinians in 1 of the...

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  • July 7, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire around 80 rockets into s. Israel, injuring 1 soldier and 1 civilian in separate incidents. Iron Dome batteries intercept 12 of the rockets. An evening barrage...

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  • November 17, 2005

    IDF plainclothesmen fatally shoot wanted al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades (AMB) mbrs. Ahmad Abahra and Muhammad Zayid as their car crosses a checkpoint in Jenin in an apparent assassination. The IDF also...

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  • March 27, 2001

    2 bombs, the 4th and 5th since Sharon's 2/6 election, explode outside the Jewish settlements of Talpiot, French Hill in East Jerusalem, killing an apparent Palestinian suicide bomber...

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  • February 6, 2001

    As expected, Likud MK Sharon wins the Israeli elections for PM by a landslide, taking 62.4% of the vote (78% in Greater Jerusalem), with voter turnout the lowest in Israeli history (...

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  • May 17, 1999

    Israelis elect One Israel's Ehud Barak as PM with 56.1% of the vote, meaning no 6/1 runoff is needed. In the Knesset, 6 of the 15 parties to win seats are new, including the anti-Orthodox Shinui,...

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  • March 24, 1999

    Led by the U.S., NATO forces begin air strikes on military installations of Yugoslavian pres. Slobodan Milosevic to prevent further Serbian attacks on the Kosovo province's ethnic...

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  • January 6, 1998

    Israeli ministerial team on FRD meets again, without Levy. (MM 1/6) (see 1/4)

    U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross arrives in the Middle East, meets separately with Arafat, Netanyahu to prepare...

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  • June 11, 1996

    In Tel Aviv, PA, Israeli teams discuss safe-passage routes. (VOP 6/11, QY 6/12 in FBIS 6/12)

    Likud's Roni Milo, Arafat adviser Husseini hold get acquainted mtg. in Tel Aviv. (ITV, VOP 6/11...

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  • June 6, 1996

    Netanyahu says Arafat should stop making statements that "break faith" btwn. Arabs, Jews (see 6/5); start taking actions that building trust. (WT 6/7)

    U.S. says little progress can be made...

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  • May 30, 1996

    With all regular ballots in the Israeli elections counted, Netanyahu is ahead by 21,399 votes (0.7 percent); Likud, Labor are losing Knesset seats; religious parties are gaining seats. 150,000...

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  • May 23, 1996

    IDF tightens closure, forbidding Palestinians to attend their jobs in West Bank settlements. (QY 5/23 in FBIS 5/23) (see 5/18)

    Turkey's PM Yilmaz says military cooperation pact with Israel...

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  • May 17, 1996

    At a time when Likud's PM Benjamin Netanyahu is presenting himself as a "mainstream" candidate for PM, Likud's Ariel Sharon writes a strongly-worded article for JP outlining Likud's hard-line...

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  • January 25, 1995

    Arafat arrives in Amman for talks Palestinian-Jordanian relations with King Hussein. (JTV, RJ 1/25 in FBIS 1/26)

    PM Rabin's new settlement construction review comm. approves plan to build...

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  • December 19, 1994

    Syrian, Israeli negotiators meet in Washington; U.S. Special Middle East Coordinator Dennis Ross observes. Military officers do not participate, pending agreement on composition of expanded...

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  • November 16, 1993

    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...

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  • October 19, 1993

    PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Tunis with U.S. State Dept. official Dennis Ross, NSC official Martin Indyk, then flies to Cairo for meetings with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, American Jewish Congress...

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  • August 30, 1993

    Israeli cabinet votes to approve "Gaza-Jericho lst" agreement with PLO. Int. Min. Arye Deri, Econ. Min. Shimon Shitreet abstain. 4,000 right-wing protesters demonstrate against accord outside PM's...

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  • February 16, 1991

    Arab members of coalition end 2-day meeting in Cairo, find Baghdad's conditions for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait unacceptable, call on Saddam to leave "without conditions or strings" [MENA 2/16 in...

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  • May 6, 1990

    Shimon Peres says he would form another unity gov't. with Likud if two parties could agree on how to proceed with peace talks [WT 5/7].

    Islamic Jihad movement leaflet calls on Palestinians...

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  • March 7, 1990

    Israel's Cabinet opens debate on U.S.- backed formula for Israeli-Palestinian talks, but puts off any decision until 3/11 to allow for behind-the-scenes bargaining between Likud and Labor [NYT, WP...

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  • March 6, 1990

    After internal debate, Likud party says Labor must agree to "basic and essential" issues before Israeli-Palestinian negotiations can proceed: (1) E. Jerusalem Arabs be excluded from talks and (2)...

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  • February 28, 1990

    Polish officials will comply with F.M. Arens's request for Poland to serve as transit point for emigrating Soviet Jews [MAA 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].

    February poll conducted by Modi'in Ezrahi...

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  • February 19, 1990

    Israel has told Jordan it objects to any Jordanian-Iraqi military cooperation. Israeli military source expresses concern that "a military alliance . .. is being set up against us" (cf. 2/20) [HAD...

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  • February 12, 1990

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Likud Party Central Committee meeting ends in shouting match between P.M. Shamir and hard-liner Sharon. Shamir walks out of meeting,...

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  • January 23, 1990

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: During his tour of the capital's Neve Ya'aqov neighborhood, Shamir reiterates 1/14 statement saying "we need a big and strong people in...

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  • October 6, 1989

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor members of Israel's inner cabinet propose to accept Egypt's offer to hold direct talks with Palestinians in Cairo. Likud defeats...

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  • January 6, 1987

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 350 Palestinians demonstrate in front of the Knesset to protest the destruction of Arab houses built without licenses, land...

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In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Aqraba. Israeli forces also issued a demolition notice for a house in Idhna, giving the family 8 days to demolish their home. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fired tear gas near a school in Silwad, causing tear-gas related injuries to students and staff. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Abu Dis, Tulkarm, Nablus, Jifna, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Isawiya. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/9; PCHR 1/12; UNOCHA 2/16)

The Israeli prison service began transferring Palestinians to different prisons in Israel to impede contact between them. 70 Palestinian prisoners, including Palestinian presidential candidate Marwan Barghouti, were transferred to the Nafha prison. A total of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will, according to the plans, be transferred from the prison they are incarcerated in to a new location. (HA, WAFA 1/9; ALM, MEMO 1/10)

Israel Hayom reported that Israel forces had demolished 2 structures at an archeological site in Khirbet Tarfin in Area B on 11/24/2022. The demolition was approved by then Defense Minister Benny Gantz. (HA 1/10)

Likud Party MK Hanoch Milwidsky told the Knesset during a debate on revoking citizenship for Palestinians convicted of terrorism that he prefers Jewish terrorists and will not seek to revoke their citizenship. The proposed legislation Milwidsky was defending would see Palestinians receiving prisoner stipends from the PA, or through a foreign body, having their citizenship revoked. Midwidsky said, “I prefer Jewish murderers to Arab murderers and as a general rule in the Jewish state I prefer Jews to disloyal Arabs here.” (HA, TOI, WAFA 1/9; MEE 1/10)

Representatives from the U.S., Israel, the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, and Morocco met in Abu Dhabi for the first day of a two-day summit of the Negev Forum, discussing normalization and regional integration. The members of the forum issued a document on 1/10 stating that they want to develop and implement initiatives to strengthen the Palestinian economy and quality of life. (AX, MEE 1/8; ALM, MEMO 1/9; TOI 1/10; AX 1/11; AN, MEMO 1/12)

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed a lawsuit brought by WhatsApp against the Israeli spyware company NSO Group to continue, denying the NSO Group immunity as a foreign government agent. NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware has been used to spy on activists and journalists in several countries, with more than 100 cases where the spyware having been installed via WhatsApp messages in more than 100 cases. (AJ, MDW, MEE 1/9; MEMO 1/10)

In the West Bank, 100s of Israeli settlers attended a ceremony at a Yeshiva in the Homesh settlement outpost. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinians in Hebron and physically assaulted 2. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians and injured 10 others during late-night raids in Jenin and Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor with 2 shots in his back and injured 2 others with live ammunition in Abud; Israel claimed that the 3 had thrown stones at settler cars in the area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered a demolition order for 1 home in Maeen and 2 stop-work orders for homes in Shaab al-Butum and Qawawis in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also raided an office of the PA Ministry of Culture in Jenin, damaging books and paintings. Meanwhile, Israeli forces removed a Palestinian flag from the roof of a school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, replacing it with an Israeli flag. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Nablus, Beita, Beit Furik, Jenin, Jenin refugee camp, Bethlehem, Aida refugee camp, and Hebron. (AJ, AN, AP, HA, HA, HA, IN, MDW, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/8; MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR 12/9; PCHR 12/15; UNOCHA 12/22)

The Palestinian civil affairs authority said that Israel had approved 650 of 900 travel applications submitted by Palestinian Christians in Gaza to visit relatives in the West Bank and abroad during the Christmas holidays. (MEE, MEMO, WAFA 12/8; ALM 12/14; MEMO 12/15)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Arab-China Summit in Riyadh. (WAFA, WAFA 12/8)

Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu requested to a 2-week extension for forming the next Israeli government from Israeli president Isaac Herzog. President Herzog granted a 10-day extension on 12/9. (HA, REU, TOI 12/8; HA 12/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 25 olive seedlings, stealing 22 of them in Tell. Israeli forces sealed off 8 villages near Ramallah, leading to clashes with Palestinians in 1 of the villages, Dayr Abu Mash‘al, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in Beita, injuring 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated bullet to his head, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Anata, and 1 at a checkpoint in Halhul. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Israeli police physically assaulted and arrested 3 Palestinians in Silwan after stopping their car. 2 others were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Gaza, rockets launched from Gaza landed in an open area near Beersheba, where Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting during his election day campaign; no injuries or damage were reported. Israel subsequently attacked Gaza with fighter jets and helicopters, firing 5 missiles at sites near Gaza City and at 1 site in Dayr al-Balah, causing severe damage. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/23; AJ, WAFA, WAFA 3/24; PCHR 3/25)

Israel closed all crossings for the Israeli elections. (WAFA 3/21)

A poll conducted by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found that a single Fatah list would get 43% of the votes for the parliamentary elections while Hamas would win 30%; 18% were undecided. However, within the population of Fatah supports, some 10% would vote for a party headed by Mohammad Dahlan and 7% for a party head by Nasser al-Kidwa. (AP, HA, PCPSR 3/23)

Israelis voted in the general elections for the 4th time in 2 years. This time, there was not an obvious coalition to formed either, as many right-wing parties had promised not to support a government with Benjamin Netanyahu as its prime minister. Netanyahu, who had convinced the Palestinian-Israeli party Ra’am (United Arab List) to break with the Joint Arab List, also relied on religious Zionist parties, to the right of his Likud party, to be able to form a government. Those parties, including a significant majority of Likud, were vocally opposed to being in a governing coalition with Palestinian-Israelis. Ra’am leader Mansour Abbas said after the election that he was not wedded to either the right wing or left wing at that point. Meretz (Vigor) and Labor both had a better election than anticipated and went over the electoral threshold. So did the terrorist-supporting Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), made up by followers of Meir Kahane. The Joint Arab List ended up with 6 mandates, down from 15, partially a result of lower Palestinian-Israeli voter turnout and because Ra’am received 4 mandates that previously would have gone to the Joint Arab List. (REU 3/22; AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA 3/24; ALM, HA, HA, REU 3/25; AJ 3/26)

The Middle East Quartet members met for the 1st time since 2018 to discuss “meaningful negotiations” between Israelis and Palestinians. PA president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the statement made by the Quartet. (AP, REU 3/23; HA, WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/26)

The Dutch foreign ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador to the country for clarification as to why PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki had his VIP travel card confiscated after meeting with ICC personnel in the Hague. The Dutch foreign ministry said that “the ICC must be able to carry out its work without interference.” (HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA 3/23)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire around 80 rockets into s. Israel, injuring 1 soldier and 1 civilian in separate incidents. Iron Dome batteries intercept 12 of the rockets. An evening barrage of around 40 rockets in an hour is claimed by al-Qassam Brigades, who say it is in revenge for the killing of its fighters the previous day. Separately, an antitank missile is fired at IDF troops on the s. Gaza border, causing no injuries. The IDF strikes targets in n. Gaza, causing damage and injuring 1 child. Off the coast of Khan Yunis, IDF naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinians throw Molotov cocktails at an IDF base nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. The IDF patrols in Hebron at night. In Israel, police officers arrest 110 Palestinian citizens across Arab towns and villages (HA, JP, MEMO, MNA, REU, YA 7/7; PCHR 7/10)

Israel’s security cabinet decides to escalate attacks against Hamas and other armed factions in the Gaza Strip, following a 3-hour meeting, and agrees to launch an assault on the Gaza Strip, code-named Operation Protective Edge (OPE). The cabinet orders the army to prepare for a significant expansion of operations. Also, FM Lieberman announces that the official partnership between his party, Yisrael Beytenu, and Likud is over, but his party will remain in the coalition. Lieberman says the move is not meant as an attack on Netanyahu but a reflection of their genuine differences. Meanwhile, State Dept. spokesperson Psaki tells reporters that the U.S. supports Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, and urges restraint against escalation of the conflict. (HA, JP, MNA 7/7)

A mortar shell is fired from inside Syrian territory into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops respond by shooting at suspicious targets on the Syrian side. (AP, JP 7/7)

IDF plainclothesmen fatally shoot wanted al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades (AMB) mbrs. Ahmad Abahra and Muhammad Zayid as their car crosses a checkpoint in Jenin in an apparent assassination. The IDF also erects a new observation tower nr. Kiryat Arba settlement in Hebron; sends troops into Silwad nr. Ramallah, fires on stone-throwing youths who confront the troops, wounding and arresting 2; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, nr. Tulkarm; begins work on a new segment of the separation wall northwest of Ramallah that is expected to seize at least 5,330 dunams (d.; 4 d. = 1 acre) of land in Abud village; bulldozes 26 d. of land outside Bethlehem for construction of a permanent IDF post. Palestinians in Bethlehem report that for the past few days, the IDF has imposed new arrangements at the entrances to the city, requiring tourists entering and exiting to leave their busses, enter a transit hall for passport and baggage checks and customs processing that last up to 2 hrs. The Israel Lands Admin. issues tenders for construction of 13 new housing units in Ma’ale Adumim settlement nr. Jerusalem; the Israeli Housing Min. issues tenders for construction of infrastructure projects in Adam, Ariel, Ma’ale Adumim settlements. Jewish settlers beat a Palestinian harvesting his olive trees in Awarta. In Gaza, 100s of AMB mbrs. fire rifles in the air, defying the ban on carrying weapons in public, calling for reform within Fatah, demanding jobs and an international investigation into the 11/04 death of Yasir Arafat based on rumors (thus far unsubstantiated) that he was poisoned. In Nablus, AMB mbrs. protesting a recent PA crackdown on illegal weapons and criminal activity fire on PA police, leaving 1 PA policeman wounded. (Arab Hotel Association press release, PCHR, REU, XIN, YA 11/17; HA, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; PCHR 11/24)

Likud PM Ariel Sharon agrees to the demand of his coalition partner, newly elected Labor leader Amir Peretz, to hold early elections in 2/06 or 3/06. (BBC, WT 11/17; NYT, WP 11/18)

2 bombs, the 4th and 5th since Sharon's 2/6 election, explode outside the Jewish settlements of Talpiot, French Hill in East Jerusalem, killing an apparent Palestinian suicide bomber, injuring 35 Israelis. Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for both attacks. Right-wing opposition MKs, Jewish settlers accuse Sharon of not taking Israeli security seriously and demand retaliation, with Likud Education M Limor Livnat saying Arafat should be targeted. Sharon's office says Israel will respond "at the time and place we choose." (AFP [Internet], MM 3/27; ITAR-TASS 3/27 in WNC 3/28; MM, NYT, WP 3/28; WJW 3/29; AFP 3/29 in WNC 3/30; JP, MEI 4/6)

In the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. In Hebron, Jewish settlers attempt to storm Abu Sunayna for a 2d day, are push back by the IDF (which continues to urge Palestinian residents to evacuate the area). After dark, the settlers set fire to 5 Palestinian-owned stores, 7 cars, Waqf offices in the PA-controlled section of Hebron. Jewish settlers place caravans on confiscated Palestinian land on Mount Jarzim in Nablus. Israel arrests 2 Israeli border policemen for beating, torturing a Palestinian at a checkpoint into Israel earlier today. (MM 3/27; HA, HP, NYT, WP 3/28; AFP [Internet], NYT 3/29; MEI 4/6)

The 1st full Arab League summit in 12 yrs. opens in Amman. The agenda covers the peace process, aid to the Palestinians, Arab solidarity, inter-Arab economic ties, sanctions on Iraq. (MM 3/27; AN, DUS, JT, SA 3/27 in WNC 3/28; AYM 3/27, HJ, JT, SA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JP, MEI 4/6)

On the sidelines of the Arab summit, Syrian pres. Asad meets with Arafat, marking the 1st senior-level Palestinian-Syrian mtg. since 1993. (JT 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JT, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; DUS 3/30 in WNC 4/2; al-Majd 4/2 in WNC 4/3; AYM 4/2, HJ 4/3 in WNC 4/5; JP, MEI 4/6; MM 4/20)

After a week of negotiations on 2 compromise proposals fail, the U.S. vetoes a UNSC resolution backing a UN observer force to help protect the Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza. (AP 3/27; XIN 3/27 in WNC 3/28; WP 3/28; MM, NYT, WJW, WT 3/29; al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; MM 3/30; al-Quds 4/3 in WNC 4/5)

As expected, Likud MK Sharon wins the Israeli elections for PM by a landslide, taking 62.4% of the vote (78% in Greater Jerusalem), with voter turnout the lowest in Israeli history (59.1% overall, 18% in Arab areas). Barak concedes defeat; vows to retire fr. politics, resign as head of the Labor party and as MK. (HA, MM 2/6; AFP [Internet], LAW, MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 2/7; AFP, AYM, MA, MENA, al-Quds 2/7 in WNC 2/9; HJ 2/7, AYM, JT, MENA 2/8 in WNC 2/12; MM, NYT, WJW 2/8; MEI 2/9)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes heat up somewhat, leaving 78 Palestinians injured but causing no fatalities. Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza during the elections. After Sharon's victory is announced, Jewish settlers place 5 caravans on land in PA-controlled Hebron, nr. Karme Tzur settlement. (AP, HP, WP 2/7; LAW 2/8)

U.S. Secy. of State Powell phone the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria to urge restraint following Sharon's election victory. Asks them to avoid provocative actions while Sharon is forming a government, to judge Sharon based on his actions as PM, not his past. (WP 2/8)

Israelis elect One Israel's Ehud Barak as PM with 56.1% of the vote, meaning no 6/1 runoff is needed. In the Knesset, 6 of the 15 parties to win seats are new, including the anti-Orthodox Shinui, formed 2 mos. ago, which won 6 seats. Control of right-wing parties shrinks, as Russians, other centrists gain, changing the balance of power. The ultra-Orthodox Shas, however, gains 7 new seats for total of 17 seats, security its place as the 3d largest party after Labor/One Israel (27, down fr. 34 seats), Likud (19 seats, down fr. 32 seats). The 1st Israeli Arab woman, Husniyya Jabara of Meretz, is also elected to parliament. Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza for the elections. Arab, Asian, European states, the U.S, and Russia welcome Barak's victory, hope it means the peace process will resume soon. (MM 5/17; AFP, LPA 5/17 in WNC 5/18; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/18; AFP, al-Ahram, Chungang Ilbo [Seoul], Interfax, JT, Kyodo [Tokyo], MENA, MKR, RE, RNE-1 Radio Network [Madrid], SANA, SAPA [Johannesburg], Taiwan Central News Agency, VOL, Xinhua [Beijing] 5/18 in WNC 5/19; al-Akhbar 5/18 in WNC 5/21; MENA 5/18, Athens News Agency, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JT, LPA, RE, Sueddeutsche Zeitung [Munich] 5/19 in WNC 5/20; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/19; CSM, NYT, WJW 5/20; CSM, MEI, MM, NYT 5/21; JP 5/28; CSM 6/17)

In a victory speech, PM-elect Barak lists 4 "red lines" for peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority (PA), promises to put any final status agmt. to a referendum by the Israeli public. (MM 5/18; JT 5/19 in WNC 5/20; MEI 5/21)

On the 3d day of his Washington visit, King Abdallah of Jordan meets with U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, calls for lifting sanctions on Iraq. U.S. urges France, Germany, other creditors to cancel Jordan's debt; encourages Jordan to seek additional U.S. economic assistance. In the afternoon, the king discusses trade issue with U.S. Commerce Secy. William Daley, receives reps. of various American Jewish groups at Blair House. (JT 5/17 in WNC 5/18; WP, WT 5/18; al-Ra'i 5/18 in WNC 5/20; MM 5/21)

Venezuela signs $20 m. deal to buy Israeli antiaircraft defense system. (YA 5/18 in WNC 5/19)

In s. Lebanon, Israeli Defense Force (IDF) shelling kills 2 civilians. (RL 5/17 in WNC 5/18; NYT, WP 5/18; RL 5/18 in WNC 5/19; WT 5/19)

Led by the U.S., NATO forces begin air strikes on military installations of Yugoslavian pres. Slobodan Milosevic to prevent further Serbian attacks on the Kosovo province's ethnic Albanian guerillas, civilians. 13 of NATO's 19 mbr. states participate in this 1st NATO attack on a sovereign state. Russia suspends coordination with NATO in protest. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/25, 3/26; al-Quds 3/26, al-Ahram 3/27 in WNC 3/29; MEI 4/9) (see 3/17)

Arafat meets with Canadian PM Jean Chretien in Ottawa. (MM 3/25)

Israeli MK Azmi Bishara announces that he will run for PM even though as an Arab he cannot legally hold the job. (MM, NYT 3/25; YA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; NYT 4/1; JP 4/2; PR 4/6; MEI 5/7)

Fmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir quits the Likud, joins Begin's new right-wing coalition. (NYT, WP 3/25; WP 3/26) (see 3/12)

In Israel, 400,000 unionized government workers go on strike to demand a 14% wage increase. (MM 3/24; MM, NYT 3/25)

Israeli ministerial team on FRD meets again, without Levy. (MM 1/6) (see 1/4)

U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross arrives in the Middle East, meets separately with Arafat, Netanyahu to prepare for individual mtgs. each will have with Pres. Clinton in Washington later this mo. (MM 1/6; IDF Radio 1/6 in WNC 1/7; CSM, MM, WP, WT 1/7; ITV 1/8 in WNC 1/11; JP 1/17)

In Paris, Pres. Chirac, PM Lionel Jospin, FM Vedrine discuss the peace process with Syrian VP `Abd al-Halim Khaddam, FM Shara`. (SANA 1/6 in WNC 1/7; Iraq Television Network 1/8 in WNC 1/12; MM 1/16)

Smithsonian removes cosponsor of its upcoming lecture series on Israel's 50th anniversary under pressure fr. conservative American Jewish groups (such as the American Jewish Comm., the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, the Zionist Organization of America) and Congressman Michael Forbes (R-NY), who claim that the tentative schedule (including speeches by 2 Likud reps.) reflects only the "biased," anti-Likud views of the series cosponsor, the New Israel Fund, a liberal philanthropic organization that supports reconciliation btwn. Arabs, Jews. (NYT, WP, WT 1/7; WJW 1/8; MEI 1/16)

In Tel Aviv, PA, Israeli teams discuss safe-passage routes. (VOP 6/11, QY 6/12 in FBIS 6/12)

Likud's Roni Milo, Arafat adviser Husseini hold get acquainted mtg. in Tel Aviv. (ITV, VOP 6/11, QY 6/12 in FBIS 6/12; MM 6/12; QY 6/12, HA 6/13 in FBIS 6/13; MM 6/13)

In Ankara, Israel's Pres. Weizman meets with Turkey's Pres. Demirel. (MM 6/12) (see 6/4)

In a private mtg., PM-elect Netanyahu promises Qatzrin Local Council head Sami Bar-Lev that some 14,000 housing units will be built in Qatzrin settlement during his current term. (IDF Radio 6/13 in FBIS 6/13)

Fatah Central Comm. forms a 12-mbr. "emergency council" to revitalize the movement's activities in the West Bank, Gaza. In addition to Arafat, the council comprises: Tayyib `Abd al-Rahim, Uthman Abu Gharbiyya, Salwa Abu Khadra, Zakhariyya al-Agha, Hakam Bal'awi, Mustafa Barghouti, Rawhi Fattuh, Sakhr Habash, Faisal Husseini, Salah al-Qudwa, Abbas Zaki. (VOP 6/11 in FBIS 6/11)

PA police claim to have found drugs in the search of Sarraj's office 6/10. Sarraj's lawyers say drugs were planted. (NYT 6/11; WT 6/12; MEI 6/21)

In response to the 6/10 Hizballah attack, PM-elect Netanyahu reinforces troops in s. Lebanon, says that once he forms his government he will act against Hizballah. His chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Amnon Shahak, says IDF would not hesitate to strike at Hizballah targets in s. Lebanon villages even if it meant civilians would be hurt. Strong tone of statements worries Arab leaders. (RL 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; CSM, NYT, WT 6/12)

Netanyahu says Arafat should stop making statements that "break faith" btwn. Arabs, Jews (see 6/5); start taking actions that building trust. (WT 6/7)

U.S. says little progress can be made on the Syrian-Israeli track if Netanyahu refuses to discuss concessions on the Golan. (MM 6/7; JP 6/7 in FBIS 6/7)

Haggling over Israeli cabinet positions begins. Current Labor FM Barak says he would joint coalition government in exchange for DM portfolio. Likud's Sharon threatens to not participate in the government if he does not get the Finance M or DM position. Tsomet's Eitan threatens not to participate if he does not get the DM position. Religious party leaders vie for housing, education, religion portfolios. (NYT 6/7; QY 6/6, HA, QY 6/7 in FBIS 6/7)

In Gaza, IDF soldier shoots, kills Palestinian who runs at army checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli border policeman shoots at 3 Palestinians he mistakenly believes to be armed, killing 1, wounding 1. (MM, NYT 6/6; QY 6/6 in FBIS 6/6; VOP 6/6 in FBIS 6/7; CSM 6/7)

With all regular ballots in the Israeli elections counted, Netanyahu is ahead by 21,399 votes (0.7 percent); Likud, Labor are losing Knesset seats; religious parties are gaining seats. 150,000 absentee and military ballots, which in the past have gone overwhelmingly to Likud, have yet to be counted. The Israeli stock market drops 5 percent, value of the shekel falls. (MM, WP 5/30; IDF Radio, QY 5/30 in FBIS 5/30; MENA, QY, SARR 5/30, JP, QY 5/31 in FBIS 5/31; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/31; MEI, PR 6/7)

Netanyahu says that if he wins he will work to strengthen peace btwn. Israel, "Arab states with whom Israel already has peaceful relations." (QY 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; NYT 5/31)

Aides describe Pres. Clinton as "crestfallen" over Netanyahu's probable win, believing it to be a setback to his image as a peacemaker. Yet, Clinton says that, whatever the results, the U.S. will continue its support for Israel. (MM 5/30; NYT, WP, WT 5/31) (see 5/28)

PA says it will deal with any election outcome; if Likud wins, it must still continue the peace process. (JMCC, ITV 5/30 in FBIS 5/31)

Hamas says Netanyahu win would be a declaration of war against Palestinians, Arabs. (QY, RMC 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; AFP 6/2 in FBIS 6/3)

In Tel Aviv, Labor's M Ehud Barak, Finance M Avraham Shohat, Housing M Binyamin Ben-Eliezer meet to discuss party's future. Some see mtg. as an attempt to oust PM Peres from the party; others see it as an attempt to outflank Interior M Hayim Ramon's bid for party leadership, assuming Peres will resign. Peres is furious with Barak for holding the mtg. (IDF Radio, QY 5/30 in FBIS 5/30; IDF Radio, ITV 5/31, IDF Radio 6/1 in FBIS 6/3; NYT 6/4; IDF Radio 6/5 in FBIS 6/7)

Likud opens unofficial contacts with ultraorthodox parties regarding formation of a coalition government. PM Peres says he would not consider joining a Likud-led coalition; other Labor mbrs. say they would. (QY 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; WP 5/31)

Tsomet leader Rafael Eitan says Oslo agmts. must be reopened, because the winning camp's views differ from those of the previous government. PA denounces his statement. (IDF Radio 5/30 in FBIS 5/30) (see 3/12)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates 2 roadside bombs, killing 4 IDF soldiers, wounding 7 IDF soldiers, 2 journalists, 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 5/30 in FBIS 5/30; ITV, VOL 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; MM, NYT, WT 5/31; JP 6/8)

IDF tightens closure, forbidding Palestinians to attend their jobs in West Bank settlements. (QY 5/23 in FBIS 5/23) (see 5/18)

Turkey's PM Yilmaz says military cooperation pact with Israel has done more harm than good, provoking domestic and Arab opposition. Turkish FMin., however, says it is satisfied with the pact. (MM 5/23, MM 5/28) (see 5/20)

Lebanon sends Palestinian to Germany to stand trial for 1986 Berlin discotheque bombing. (VOL 5/23 in FBIS 5/24; NYT 5/24) (see 5/14)

American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC) exec. dir. Neil Sher resigns to pursue work related to securing restitution for Holocaust survivors fr. Swiss banks. Howard Kohr, who, unlike Sher, is a Likud supporter skeptical of the peace process, takes over as interim dir. (WJW 5/30; JP 6/1; WT 6/4)

At a time when Likud's PM Benjamin Netanyahu is presenting himself as a "mainstream" candidate for PM, Likud's Ariel Sharon writes a strongly-worded article for JP outlining Likud's hard-line views. He says Israel should not accept Oslo; IDF should be allowed to operate anywhere in the West Bank, Gaza; negotiations with Syria should be postponed until Pres. Hafiz al-Asad is out of power; Golan should never be returned. (NYT 5/25)

In an interview published simultaneously in Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, PM Peres calls on Gulf states to join forces with Israel against Iran. (MM 5/17)

IDF shoots, wounds most-wanted Hamas mbr., Hassan Salameh, as he flees fr. a vehicle inspection point nr. Hebron; later captures him at the Hebron hospital; also arrests passenger in Salameh's car, Raziq Rajub, a relative of PA Preventive Security Forces (PSF) head Jibril Rajub. Salameh is suspected of ordering, planning 3 of the 4 2+n3/96 suicide bombings. (QY, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/20; NYT, WT 5/19; PR 5/24; JP 5/25)

Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades issue leaflet, calling for national unity dialogue with the PA. (JMCC 5/17 in FBIS 5/20)

3,000 Palestinians attend National Islamic Salvation Party (NISP) rally in Gaza in support of Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq, currently detained in the U.S. Speaking at the rally, Hamas leader Mahmud Zahhar calls on Qassam Brigades not to take any violent actions before the Israeli elections 5/29, calls on leaders abroad to be sensitive to conditions in the territories. (VOP 5/17, AFP, QY, RMC, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/20) (see 11/18/95, 3/7)

Arab Parliamentary Union Council closes its 27th session in Qana, Lebanon; issues statement condemning Israel's attack on Lebanon, refusal to sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, occupation of s. Lebanon. (RL 5/17 in FBIS 5/20)

Arafat arrives in Amman for talks Palestinian-Jordanian relations with King Hussein. (JTV, RJ 1/25 in FBIS 1/26)

PM Rabin's new settlement construction review comm. approves plan to build more than 3,000 units, sell around 1,000 for 20,000 new settlers in 3 settlements surrounding Jerusalem. Housing M Ben-Eliezer says decision strengthens Israel's claim to Jerusalem. PA warns Rabin is jeopardizing talks. (QY 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; QY 1/26 in FBIS 1/26; JP 1/28; WP 1/31; MEI 2/3)

Settlers complain Rabin, his comm. did not approve construction of 2,700 of the units submitted for review. Finance M Avaraham Shohat, a comm. mbr., defends Rabin, saying current government has far outpaced the Likud's rate settlement expansion fr. 1979-92. (NYT, WP, WT 1/26)

Syrian VP Khaddam meets with delegation fr. 7 Jordanian opposition parties to discuss formation of united Arab front. (SARR 1/25, 1/26, SATV 1/26, SARR 1/27 in FBIS 1/31)

Arafat, PM Rabin each welcome Clinton's freeze on assets to prevent terrorism. (QY 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; IDF Radio 1/25 in FBIS 1/26)

Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP, Hizballah each issue statement criticizing Clinton's freeze on U.S. assets, saying freeze is meaningless since they have no U.S. holdings. (MM 1/25; VOL 1/25 in FBIS 1/31; WP 1/26) (see 1/24)

UNRWA announces it has received $20 m. donation fr. Saudi Arabia for infrastructure, job creation in Gaza, plus $7.5 m. for Palestinian policemen's salaries (to be paid through UNRWA). (UNRWA News 1/25)

U.S. says it is unhappy with Egypt's threat to withdraw fr. NPT; says it will not pressure Israel to sign NPT; reprimands Egypt for signing "anti-Israeli" communiqué that followed fr. mtg. with King Fahd, Pres. al-Asad 12/29. (WP 1/26)

Palestinian police say they have arrested 20 mbrs. of Islamic Jihad, incl. the group's chief idealogue, Abdallah al-Shami; IDF says it has arrested over 100 Palestinians in West Bank on charges of inciting anti-Israel fervor since bombing 1/22. (NYT 1/26)

IDF, SLA air and ground forces attack Hizballah north of self-declared security zone. Hizballah unit ambushes IDF patrol, killing 1, wounding 1. IDF kills 3 attackers, strafes Hizballah positions. Hizballah shells IDF, SLA positions in return. IDF puts forces in northern Israel on high alert. (RL 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; VOL 1/25 in FBIS 1/27; MM, WP 1/26; MEI 2/17)

Syrian, Israeli negotiators meet in Washington; U.S. Special Middle East Coordinator Dennis Ross observes. Military officers do not participate, pending agreement on composition of expanded delegations. (MM 12/20; QY 12/20 in FBIS 12/20)

Likud leader Netanyahu says Israeli army officials already met secretly with Syrian Amb. Mu`allim, U.S. coordinator Ross in Washington this month. FM Peres does not deny mtg. took place. (MM 12/19; WT 12/20; MENA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22) (see 11/30)

Rabin's government wins no-confidence vote (56 to 41) brought by Ultraorthodox rabbis who used FM Peres comments that King David was an adulterer to force PM Rabin to bring religious parties into the coalition in hopes of derailing the peace process. (WT 12/19; NYT 12/19; IDF Radio 12/19 in FBIS 12/21; WJW 12/22)

FM Peres makes statement before Knesset denying contacts with Iraq, reaffirming support for sanctions after receiving "demand" fr. U.S. to help consolidate support for U.S. position on Iraq. (HA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22)

Arafat asks French FMin. to transport 2,000 Fateh cadres fr. camps in Sidon and Tyre, Lebanon, to Gaza to bolster police force, help contain Islamist opposition. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says Lebanon has no objection. (Al-Majd 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; Al-Ra'y 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; AFP 1/4, RL 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; MM 1/6)

Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman arrives in Cairo for 3 days of talks with Pres. Mubarak. Weizman says UN Res. 242 must be applied to Jerusalem "so that part of it would remain Arab." (MM 12/19; MENA 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20, 12/21; MENA 12/20, QY 12/21 in FBIS 12/21)

Arafat meets with UNRWA delegation to discuss moving UNRWA headquarters to Gaza; meets with U.S. Congressional delegation to discuss recent events in peace process, Israeli land confiscation. (VOP 12/20 in FBIS 12/20; PR 12/24; MEI 1/6)

PFLP-GC says it is reducing its military, organizational cadres by 30% and stopping payments to families of martyrs and wounded because of financial problems. (Al-Muharrir 12/19 in FBIS 12/19; Shishan 1/27)

2 IDF soldiers, 1 Hizballah mbr., 1 Palestinian Islamic Revolutionary Army mbr. killed in clashes in southern Lebanon. IDF shells villages north of self-declared "security zone," wounding 1 civilian. (RL 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20, 12/21; QY 12/19 in FBIS 12/22; NYT 12/20)

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)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Tunis with U.S. State Dept. official Dennis Ross, NSC official Martin Indyk, then flies to Cairo for meetings with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, American Jewish Congress trustees seeking end to Arab boycott of Israel. Ross proceeds to Amman for talks with Jordanian officials. (Radio Jordan 10/19 in FBIS 10/20; WP 10/21)

Syria, Saudi Arabia issue joint statement in Riyadh on peace process, saying "'just and comprehensive" settlement only achievable with Israel's "full withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories," including Golan. (MM 10/10)

Israel frees Salim Husayn al-Zrai, 50, held in prison 23 years. Sentenced to life imprisonment in 1970 for infiltration attempt, Fateh activist released because of PLO adherence to its 9/13 commitment not to attack Israel. Release of this longest-held Palestinian prisoner of Israel interpreted as indicating future mass release of Palestinian prisoners. (CSM, NYT 10/20)

Israeli defense officials announce failure of 10/14 test of U.S.-funded Arrow missile. Another test in August also failed, and the GAO issued a report that month criticizing Israeli management of the program (see 10/23). (WT 10/20)

Likud Central Comm. meets in Tel Aviv to consider plans by Binyamin Netanyahu, Ariel Sharon, and Meir Shitreet on autonomy schemes alternative to DoP. (MM 10/19)

Israeli cabinet votes to approve "Gaza-Jericho lst" agreement with PLO. Int. Min. Arye Deri, Econ. Min. Shimon Shitreet abstain. 4,000 right-wing protesters demonstrate against accord outside PM's office. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/31; Qol Yisra'el 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Dahaf poll shows 53% of Israeli Jews support accord with PLO. (Yediot Aharanot 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Norwegian FM Johan Jorgen Holst says Norway hosted 14 rounds of talks btwn. Israel and PLO leading to agreement. (MM 8/31; NYT 9/1)

MK Hanan Porat of National Religious Party, supported by Likud MKs, occupies synagogue in Jericho, declares he is opening settlement. (MM 8/31)

PLO Chmn. Arafat denies Jordan and Syria displeased with PLO-Israel accord; flies to Yemen, then Egypt to rally Arab support for PLO-Israel agreement. (Yemeni Republic Radio, MENA 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; MM, WP 8/31)

PFLP-GC chief Ahmad Jibril threatens in statemento kill Arafat, says Arafat will "pay the price" for Gaza-Jericho accord, warns agreement would "trigger a civil war in Palestine" and "liquidate the intifada." Spokesman for Jibril later argues statement not a threat but a prediction. (AFP 8/30 in FBIS 8/30, 8/31; MM, NYT 8/31)

PFLP-GC, PNSF issue statements denouncing Gaza-Jericho plan, PLO leadership. (QPAR 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Arab members of coalition end 2-day meeting in Cairo, find Baghdad's conditions for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait unacceptable, call on Saddam to leave "without conditions or strings" [MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/19; NYT 2/17]; countries also propose economic and defense arrangements to improve Middle East postwar security [WP 2/17], and reaffirm support for Palestinian state, without mention of PLO [MEM 2/18].

Soviet Union concludes conditions set by Baghdad for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait would render its 2/15 proposal meaningless [NYT, WP 2/17].

2 U.S. A-10 fighter-bombers are short down over Kuwait: Iraq says 130 civilians killed on 2/14 when British bombs hit marketplace in Falluja [AFP 2/16 in FBIS 2/19; NYT 2/17]. Iraq launches 2 SCUD missiles at southern Israel; no damage [JAA 2/16 in FBIS 2/19; NYT, MEM 2/18].

Likud supporters criticize MKs Dedi Zucker and Chaim Oron for their 2/13 report on settlement construction (see JPS 79), saying report led U.S. admin. to delay granting $400 million in housing loan guarantees [IDF 2/16 in FBIS 2/19].

As Israeli authorities continue selectively to release Palestinian workers from war-induced curfew, many Palestinians are finding Soviet Jewish immigrants have taken over their jobs, according to New York Times [NYT 2/17].

PLO revolutionary courts condemn to death, then execute, 20 Fateh members who had rebelled againstheir commander earlier in the week [NYT 2/17].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Amman from Iraq to meet King Hussein [NYT 2/17]. 

Shimon Peres says he would form another unity gov't. with Likud if two parties could agree on how to proceed with peace talks [WT 5/7].

Islamic Jihad movement leaflet calls on Palestinians in O.T. to launch "a revolution of daggers" against Soviet Jews, and to escalate uprising [WT 5/7].

Chrmn. Arafat orders about 2,500 Fateh troops to move from Jordan to Iraq [WT 5/7].

Kamal Kharrazi, Iran's UN ambassador says that it is doubtful any more U.S. hostages will be released until U.S. forces Israel to release Arab hostages [WT 5/7].

Israel's Cabinet opens debate on U.S.- backed formula for Israeli-Palestinian talks, but puts off any decision until 3/11 to allow for behind-the-scenes bargaining between Likud and Labor [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 3/8].

About 2,000 right-wing Israelis demonstrate in Jerusalem's Menora Square calling on P.M. Shamir to reject Sec. Baker's 5-point proposal [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8].

Survey of 1,006 Israelis conducted for Israel-Diaspora Institute shows more than half believe army, when investigating Palestinian activities, should be allowed to use tactics that would be illegal if used against Jews. More than half also say they believe press should be prohibited from writing about or photographing mistreatment of Arabs by soldiers [NYT 3/8].

Examination of E. Jerusalem newspapers Al-Sha'b and Al-Bayadir Al-Siyasi by Israeli human rights group B'Tselem reveals Israeli military censor has partially or fully banned more than 1/3 of items presented [HAA 3/7 in FBIS 3/8].

Washington Post reports recent stands by Bush admin., in particular Baker's 3/1 statement tying U.S. loans with Israel stopping O.T. settlement, having increased Washington's standing with Palestinians. Unnamed PLO advisor is quoted as saying PLO has "really felt the sincerity of the U.S. position" [WP 3/8].

In Paris for meetings with Pres. Francois Mitterrand, King Hussein expresses dissatisfaction with Israeli and PLO "intransigence" [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/7]. 

After internal debate, Likud party says Labor must agree to "basic and essential" issues before Israeli-Palestinian negotiations can proceed: (1) E. Jerusalem Arabs be excluded from talks and (2) Israel reserves the right to walk out of sessions if it believes PLO is trying to control or direct discussions [NYT, WP, WT 3/6]; Labor rejects these terms [NYT 3/7].

U.S.-PLO dialogue continues in Tunis, where Hakam Balawi meets with Robert Pelletreau [BVP 3/7 in FBIS 3/9].

In op-ed piece to Washington Post former Sec. of State George Shultz writes "some form of confederation between Israel, the Palestinians, Jordan, and perhaps Egypt seems as necessary as it is inevitable" [WP 3/6].

Quoting "regional officials and experts," New York Times reports changes sweeping E. Europe represent major strategic setback for Palestinians and other Arabs [NYT 3/6].

Arub Academy, a 2-year teachers' college in W. Bank, is reopened by Israeli army [WP 3/7].

Polish officials will comply with F.M. Arens's request for Poland to serve as transit point for emigrating Soviet Jews [MAA 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].

February poll conducted by Modi'in Ezrahi Research Institute indicates 60% of surveyed Israelis are in favor of settling new immigrants in O.T. [HAD 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].

P.M. Shamir, speaking before Presidents of American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, says if Israel were to leave O.T. "a Beirut-like situation" would develop [IGP 2/28 in FBIS 3/2].

Led by economics minister Yitzhak Modai, 5 Likud Knesset members announce the formation of opposition party, "The Party for the Promotion of the Zionist Idea" [NYT 3/1; JDS 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].

Yasir Arafat meets with Nelson Mandela in Lusaka; the two note they are fighting common struggle against imperialism and racism [SVP 3/1 in FBIS 3/ 2].

W. Bank Civil Admin. allows 3 religious colleges/seminaries toreopen [JDS 2/28 in FBIS 2/28].

Arabs in E. Jerusalem and Gaza Strip hold general strike to protest Israel's continued closure of Palestinian universities [MET 3/13-19].

Israel has told Jordan it objects to any Jordanian-Iraqi military cooperation. Israeli military source expresses concern that "a military alliance . .. is being set up against us" (cf. 2/20) [HAD 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

5 Knesset members announce reestablishment of Likud faction Liberal Party, which had previously merged with Herut movement [JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

High-level Palestinian delegation, sent by Yasir Arafat, arrives in Beirut to meet with Gen. Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea [MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21].

Under pressure from Arab gov'ts., Soviet Union rejects U.S. appeal to allow direct flights for Soviet Jews from Moscow to Tel Aviv [NYT 2/20].

Soviet ambassador to Cairo, Gennadiy Zhuravlev, has stressed USSR readiness to host Israeli-Palestinian talks; denies this undermines Egypt's role [RYF 2/19 in FBIS 2/28].

Israeli air force bombs DFLP bases near Kfar Jarah, 4 miles east of Sidon in Lebanon; one person reported killed [LAT 2/ 20; IDF 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Likud Party Central Committee meeting ends in shouting match between P.M. Shamir and hard-liner Sharon. Shamir walks out of meeting, Sharon resigns from the government after the two argued about the Shamir's elections plan [NYT, WP, LAT, FBIS 2/13; MET 2/20].

Other Countries: Soviet Union calls for an urgent UN Sec. Council meeting to condemn Israel's policy of settling Soviet-Jewish immigrants in the O.T. [LAT 2/13].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli troops and SLA allies kill 4 Arabs in clash in Wadi Al Hujier near Marjayoun, S. Lebanon [MET 2/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During his tour of the capital's Neve Ya'aqov neighborhood, Shamir reiterates 1/14 statement saying "we need a big and strong people in a big and strong land" [FBIS 1/24].

Campaigning before 2/7 Likud party meeting, at which Israel's future government may be decided, Ariel Sharon says Shamir's elections proposal "would in fact bring about a Palestinian state, bloodshed, and war" [NYT 1/24].

Shimon Peres arrives in Cairo at Mubarak's invitation to begin talks on stalled peace process. [WP 1/25].

In Algiers, Arafat meets with ministers of the Arab Tripartite Committee on Lebanon to discuss need for concentrating Arab activity on settling the crisis there [FBIS 1/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF closes Hebron-area schools Tareq Ibn Ziad and Ibn Rushd for stone-throwing incidents [FJ 1/ 29].

24-year-old Nablus youth is shot, killed fleeing IDF troops who had searched his home [MET 2/6]; 15 Palestinians are wounded in confrontation that follows shooting [FJ 1/29].

Palestinian accused of collaboration is found dead in W. Bank village of Arrabeh, near Jenin [MET 2/6].

Shots are fired at IDF patrol along the Jordanian border near Hazeva [FBIS 1/ 24].

At least 30 Gaza residents injured by IDF gunfire or tear gas in clashes [FBIS 1/ 24]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor members of Israel's inner cabinet propose to accept Egypt's offer to hold direct talks with Palestinians in Cairo. Likud defeats proposal [FBIS 10/6; NYT, WP 10/7; LAT 10/8].

Other Countries: General Assembly votes on an Arab proposal condemning Israel for human rights violations in the O.T.; 140 in favor, 2 (U.S., Israel) against [NYT 10/7; LAT 10/8]. 39 members of the U.S. House of Reps. send letter to Baker urging him to reject visa for Arafat [Oct. MEPARC].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army prevents multi-national European investigative group from entering Bayt Sahur [FBIS 10/10]; places Bayt Sahur under curfew. Army closes 18 Nablus schools, imposes curfews on 7 W. Bank refugee camps, declares Nablus, Bethlehem, Ramallah closed military zones. IDF forceshoot, kill Palestinian in clash in Battir village [FBIS 10/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 350 Palestinians demonstrate in front of the Knesset to protest the destruction of Arab houses built without licenses, land confiscation, and other discriminatory policies. Representatives of the demonstrators meet with Labor and Likud members. Demolition orders against 8 houses near Haifa have been delayed [FJ 1/9].

Arab World: Richard Murphy, U.S. asst. sec. of state for Near Eastern and Asian affairs, arrives in Amman. He will also visit Israeli and Egyptian officials on this trip [CSM 1/7].

Other Countries: U.S. prosecutors claim Jonathan Pollard, convicted of spying for Israel, compromised more than 1,000 documents and request stiff sentence [NYT 1/7]. Israel has kept most of the documents supplied by Pollard [LAT, WP 1/7].