The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire a rocket into s. Israel in the Eshkol region. Israel holds Hamas responsible and the IDF launches a latenight air strike at a Hamas military training site nr. Khan Yunis, causing damage to the site and a nearby UNRWA school. It is the 1st Israeli bombing in Gaza since the 8/26 cease-fire ended OPE. In the West Bank, Palestinians gather in Turmus ‘Ayya, Silwad, and Ofer detention center to protest the death of a senior PA official on 12/10, sparking clashes with IDF troops in which 9 Palestinians are injured with rubbercoated metal bullets and 2 are detained. In Silwad, Israeli soldiers deliberately fire at electricity transformers, causing a power outage. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), Bethlehem, and Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), shooting 1 in Bil‘in with a rubber-coated metal bullet and 1 in Ni‘lin. The IDF conducts an arrest raid nr. Qalqilya; patrols nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Meanwhile, dozens gather in Balata r.c. to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the PFLP. In East Jerusalem, nearly 60,000 Palestinians pray at Haram al-Sharif, then march through the streets of the Old City in protest of Israeli policies regarding the site. Later, Israeli forces conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City, al-Wad, Silwan, and al-Bustan. Clashes break out between Israeli police and stone-throwing Palestinians late at night in Wadi al-Juz, Anata, and Silwan. Police injure 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and arrest 5. (AP, HA, MNA, 12/19; AFP, HA, MNA, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/25)

U.S. Pres. Obama signs into law the U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Act, which includes increased intelligence and military cooperation and new congressional oversight procedures. (TOI 12/20; IHY, JP, JTA 12/21)

The UNGApasses 2 nonbinding res. regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict and Palestinian affairs: the 1st calls on Israel to pay Lebanon $856.4 m. in damages related to an oil spill Israeli forces caused during the 2006 war; the 2d recognizes Palestinian sovereignty over the natural resources in the oPt. (AFP, WAFA 12/20)

A leaked report from the IAEA concludes that Iran is upholding commitments made to the P5+1 related to its disputed nuclear program. (JP, REU 12/18)

In the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops open fire on open land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit, and in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village in the afternoon, in 3 villages and al-‘Arub refugee camp (r.c.) nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. (PCHR 2/20)

Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmud Abbas tells a group of visiting Israeli students in Ramallah that he does not seek to “flood Israel” with millions of Palestinian refugees or to change the country’s “social composition.” Meanwhile, at an Al Jazeera event in Oxford, UK, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat warns that Palestinians will call for a boycott of Israel and turn to international tribunals if the negotiations fail. (MNA, REU, YA 2/16)

In Egypt, a bomb explodes on a bus in Sinai, killing 2 South Korean tourists and the local driver, and wounding 12. Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis claims responsibility, and says that a suicide bomber executed the attack. (AP, REU 2/16; JTA 2/17; REU 2/18)

The Free Syrian Army (FSA) announces that it has replaced its leader, Gen. Selim Idriss, with Col. Abdelilah al-Bashir, a decision prompted by “the ineffectiveness of the command in the past few mos.,” according to an FSA statement issued following a meeting in Gaziantep, Turkey. Meanwhile, Syrian FM Walid Muallem accuses the U.S. of creating a “negative climate” for dialogue at the 2d round of talks in Geneva, as the Syrian delegation returns from Switzerland to Damascus. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry praises the opposition’s “seriousness of purpose,” and criticizes the Syrian govt. for stalling in Geneva and attacking civilians in Syria. On the Syria-Jordan border, 10 gunmen from Syria open fire on Jordanian troops as they patrol, according to a Jordanian military spokesperson. The soldiers return fire, wounding 7 and arresting 3, while suffering no injuries. (AP, REU 2/16)

Hizballah’s leader, Shaykh Hasan Nasrallah, says that his group intends to stay and fight in Syria because Lebanon is threatened by Takfiri groups. He also urges Arab nations to help a process of Syrian national reconciliation. (DS 2/16)

A UNHRC investigation into Israel’s settlements in the West Bank publishes its conclusions, declaring such activity a contravention of the Geneva Convention and thus a potential war crime under the jurisdiction of the ICC. The investigators, led by French judge Christine Chanet, call on Israel to halt settlement expansion and withdraw all settlers. Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejects the report, calling it counterproductive and the result of a ‘‘one-sided and biased approach towards Israel.’’ PLO Executive Comm. member Hanan Ashrawi welcomes the report, saying that the Palestinians are encouraged by its ‘‘candid assessment of Israeli violations.’’ (JP, REU 1/31)

Area council head for the Gush Etzion settlement bloc Davidi Perl says that the Israeli Defense Ministry has moved forward plans to build 346 housing units in Tekoa and Nokdim settlements. (JP 1/31)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. (PCHR 2/7)

Senior Hamas official Yahya Moussa denies recent reports (see 1/30) that Khalid Mishal told Jordan’s King Abdallah to inform U.S. pres. Barack Obama that Hamas accepts the two-state solution. (MNA 1/31)

Syria and its allies condemn the presumed Israeli attack on a site close to the Lebanese border, which the Syrian military says struck a research center and which Western officials stated was a convoy of anti-aircraft batteries headed toward Lebanon for Hizballah. Israeli officials refuse to comment. Syrian amb. to Lebanon Ali Abdul-Karim Ali says that the country may choose a ‘‘surprise’’ response to Israeli ‘‘aggression,’’ while Syria also summons the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights to formally protest the raid. Russia says that if reports are confirmed, then the Israeli attack is a violation of the UN Charter and is ‘‘unacceptable.’’ The Arab League condemns what it calls Israel’s ‘‘cruel aggression,’’ while Hizballah releases a statement expressing ‘‘solidarity’’ with Syria and calling the strike ‘‘barbaric aggression.’’ (AFP, AP, FT, REU 1/31)

Iran writes a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency to announce its plans to install and operate advanced uranium-enrichment machines. The U.S. says that installation of new Iranian centrifuges would be a ‘‘provocative step.’’ (REU 1/31)

Pres. Barack Obama’s nominee for defense secretary, Republican Chuck Hagel, is questioned at a Senate Armed Services Comm. hearing, and is attacked by Republic lawmakers over his record on Israel and Iran. Hagel repeated his apology for his previous use of the term ‘‘Jewish lobby’’ in a 2006 interview with Aaron David Miller, and says it was wrong to suggest that pro-Israel groups ‘‘intimidate’’ Congress into doing ‘‘dumb things.’’ (AP, JTA, REU 1/31)

Israel makes 2 air strikes on Gaza targeting the launch site of 4 mortars fired into Israel minutes earlier (causing no damage or injuries), hitting a nearby residential area, killing 4 Palestinian civilians (including 3 children) and wounding 11 (4 critically); Netanyahu expresses regret for accidentally harming civilians but accuses Palestinian militants of using civilians as human shields to carry out rocket and mortar attacks (even while there was no rocket fire at the time of the strikes). In the evening, Palestinians fire a manufactured Grad rocket and several mortars fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Later, the IDF carries out a 3d air strike, killing 4 Islamic Jihad mbrs. preparing to launch a rocket into Israel. The IDF also makes a brief incursion into Gaza northeast of Gaza City to level lands and clear lines of sight. Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishermen off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF makes a predawn raid on Awarta, imposing a curfew and arresting 9 Palestinians, possibly in connection to the 3/11 Itamar murders; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and Salfit. (IRM 3/22; NYT, REU, WP, WT 3/23; NYT, PCHR 3/24; OCHA 4/1)

The Knesset passes (37-25, with 58 abstaining or not voting) the “Nakba Law,” which allows state funding to be reduced to communities or groups that commemorate the Nakba, deny Israel is a Jewish state, question whether Israel is a democracy, or harm Israeli national symbols. It also passes (35-20, with 65 abstaining or not voting) the “Admissions Committee Law” allowing Negev and Galilee Jewish communities with fewer than 400 families to reject potential residents (i.e., Palestinians) who are “socially unacceptable.” (IsRN 3/23; JTA 3/24)

The IDF detains 2 Lebanese shepherds who accidentally crossed the Blue Line into Israeli territory and turns them over to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). (DS 3/23)

IDF troops on the Israeli side of the Erez crossing fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging construction materials in the industrial zone, wounding 1 Palestinian. Late at night, 2 IDF drones fire missiles at a group of armed Palestinians nr. the border e. of Abasan, killing 1 armed Palestinian, wounding 2. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Salfit before dawn, photographing a PASF building; conducts late-night patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, making no arrests; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Ramallah, nr. Jericho. (PCHR 8/5; OCHA 8/13)

An IDF officer, 3 Lebanese soldiers, and 1 Lebanese journalist are killed and 1 IDF platoon commander is critically wounded in a clash on the s. Lebanon border, marking the most serious confrontation since the 2006 Lebanon war. (IFM, JTA 8/3; IFM, NYT, WP 8/4; NYT 8/5; HA 8/9; JPI 8/13)

Biden wraps up his trip to Israel with a big speech to the Israeli public at Tel Aviv University, underscoring American solidarity with Israel. He reiterates U.S. disapproval of the Ramat Shlomo housing plan because it “undermined the trust required for productive negotiations,” but accepts what he calls “significant” assurances from Netanyahu that the construction will not break ground for years, expressing hope that negotiations would “resolve this and other outstanding issues” before construction could begin. He then heads to Jordan. Separately, Netanyahu issues a statement apologizing for the “unfortunate timing” of the Ramat Shlomo announcement, but notably not apologizing for the construction itself. At the same time, Israel’s Jerusalem municipality announces plans to build 1,000s of settlement housing units e. and s. of Jerusalem in areas Israel intends to keep under final status, including 3,000 units each in Gilo and Givat Matosim, 1,500 units each in Har Homa and Pisgat Ze’ev, 1,200 units in Ramot, 600 in Armona Netseev, 450 in Neve Ya’acov, and 144 in Olive Mount. The U.S. does not comment. Abbas warns Biden by phone that the PA cannot start proximity talks until Israel reverses the construction approval. (JTA 3/11; NYT, WP, WT 3/12)

In Ramallah, at least 1 PA security official and 1 Fatah Central Comm. member take part in a ceremony in Ramallah naming a public square after Dalal Mughrabi, a 19-yr.-old Fatah member who in 1978 led a squad from Lebanon that sailed to Israel where they staged attacks killing 1 American and 38 Israelis before being shot dead; Netanyahu denounces the official Fatah and PA participation as incitement undermining the peace process. Late in the evening, the IDF patrols in Ramallah, firing rubber-coated steel bullets at stonethrowing Palestinian youths who confront them, causing no injuries; carries out latenight house searches in Jenin town and r.c., making no arrests. In Gaza, the littleknown Salafist group Ansar al-Sunna fires a Qassam rocket into Israel, causing no damage or injuries but marking the 1st incidence of rocket fire since 2/12. Later in the day, unidentified Palestinians fire 2 more Qassams toward Israel, but they land harmlessly inside Gaza. Late at night, the IDF makes an air strike on a smuggling tunnel on the Rafah border, causing no injuries. Hamas authorities in Gaza release British journalist Paul Martin, held for 25 days on suspicion of security offenses (see 3/1). (NYT, YA 3/12; OCHA, PCHR 3/18)

The IDF fires on residential areas of Ramallah; conducts arrest raids in Nablus, Tulkarm. The IDF reports that Palestinians throw grenades at troops in Gaza throughout the day, causing no injuries. A Lebanese-born Israeli Arab is sentenced to 6 yrs. in prison for having contact with Hizballah (see Quarterly Update in JPS 126). The Israeli High Court bards the IDF fr. starting construction of a settler bypass road linking Kiryat Arba settlement with the Tomb of the Patriarchs/Ibrahimi Mosque. (JTA, LAW, PCHR 12/11; NYT 12/12)

Social/Economic/Political

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

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

Military Action

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

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

Social/Economic/Political

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

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

Military Action

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

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

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli state comptroller's report sharply criticizes Israel's rule over 1.3 million Palestinians living in the occupied territories [WP 5/13]. P.M. Peres states in radio interview that Israel has made efforts to engage Syria in dialogue on either limited or comprehensive issues but has been rebuffed on both levels; his remarks are first indication Israel has approached Syria for talks [JTA 5/14]. Peres states he is awaiting Syria's response to a U.S. note about Syrian army movements near the Israeli border with Lebanon [BG 5/14]. Ernest Japhet, chairman and chief executive officer of Bank Leumi le-Israel, announces his resignation after govt.-appointed commission of inquiry called for his ouster [FT 3/15].

Other Countries: The U.S. Defense Department notified Congress it plans to sell Egypt 560 Sidewinder missiles in a proposed sale valued at $42 million which will also include spare parts and support equipment [WSJ 5/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Israelis are slightly wounded by rockets apparently fired from Lebanon [BG, WP 5/14].

Social/Economic/Political

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

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

Military Action

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

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities have arrested scores of West Bankers and 1 Gazan on charges of committing attacks that have wounded at least 8 Israelis; most of the suspects are said to belong to Fateh cells active in the Jerusalem and Ramallah areas, to have been responsible for series of bombings since last September [JP, JTA 3/24].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat repeats PLO offer to trade acceptance of UN resolutions 242 and 338, and therefore acceptance of Israel, in return for guarantees by the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council of the Palestinians' rights to selfdetermination [BG 3/25]. Morocco's King Hasan proposes a summit conference between a chosen Arab leader and P.M. Peres to hear Israel's views on the Fez peace plan [JP 3/25].

Other Countries: U.S. is reportedly pressuring Israel to sell arms to Iraq, including Israeli "drone" reconnaissance aircraft and Soviet weapons captured by Israel during past wars with Arab neighbors [DT 3/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese state radio reports Israeli forces shelled Nabatiyyah, killing 3 civilians and wounding 22 [NYT 3/25]. Jerusalem Post reports the SLA shelled Nabatiyyah in response to 12 katyusha rockets that landed in "security zone" in early morning [JP 3/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: About 50,000 mourners attend Zafir al-Masri's 2-hour funeral procession through Nablus, carrying Palestinian flags and pictures of Yasir Arafat, and chanting pro-PLO slogans [WP, CT 3/4]. P.M. Peres states Israel will not be deterred from implementing policy of "devolution" in occupied territories, will continue to hand over administrative powers to residents there [JP 3/4]. Nadim Zaru, of Ramallah, and Walid Mustafa Hamad, of al-Birah, withdraw candidacies for mayoralities of those 2 towns [JP 3/4; WP 3/5]. Plans for delegation of senior pro-Jordanian figures to visit Amman to express support for King Hussein are also shelved [JP 3/4]. Sephardic speakers at press conference called by the Jerusalem Committee for Sephardic Jewry and the World Sephardic Federation state Jewish communities in Syria and Lebanon are being neglected [JTA 3/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian Muhammad Mahmud Abu Dar'a, 57, is shot in the head and killed, and his son Mahmud Muhammad Abu Dar'a, 22, is wounded in separate demonstration in Balata refugee camp in which the murdered man reportedly tried to strangle an Israeli soldier; 4 Palestinians are arrested [WP, CSM, CT, JP 3/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: An Israeli army intelligence report dated 6/30/48 has recently surfaced which states more than 70 percent of the Palestinian exodus from Palestine by June 1948 was caused by Jewish military attacks [JP 3/2]. In last 3 days, Israeli security forces have freed 32 Palestinians held under administrative detention orders because 6-month detention period had ended; freed detainees were asked to sign document sating they would not commit future offenses; some refused to sign [JP 3/3]. Israel has agreed to allow Golan Heights Druze to export apples to Syria, possibly through Jordan or directly; P.M. Peres also favors renewing family reunions between Golan and Syrian Druze, which were stopped by Syrians several years ago [JP 3/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli-appointed Palestinian mayor of Nablus, Zafir alMasri, is shot dead by a single, unidentified assailant. In Damascus, the PFLP claims responsibility; in Beirut, a telephone caller claims responsibility on behalf of Fateh Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal group) [NYT, PI, CT 3/3]. Nablus city council appoints Deputy Mayor Hafiz Tuqan mayor [CSM 3/3].

Arab World: Israeli army patrol north of the S. Lebanon "security zone" intercepts guerrilla squad, kills 1 [JP, JTA 3/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Pres. Mubarak asks France to organize intl. conference on M.E. peace to contact "both parties" - Israel and the Palestinians - in preparation for real conference [NYT, JTA 1/30]. Mubarak holds talks with W. German officials [NYT 1/30].

Other Countries: British Foreign Office stops processing documents on behalf of Arab Boycott Office, following visit by P.M. Peres [JTA 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gunman carrying Jordanian army papers crosses Jordan River, kills 2 Israeli soldiers on patrol, wounds 2 others before he is shot to death [NYT, LAT 1/30].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes bomb Palestinian guerrilla bases in S. Lebanon, killing at least 5, wounding 6; Israeli army states targets were 3 houses used by opposition PLO factions, including Abu Musa's Fateh faction, which claimed responsibility for 1/26 bombing of Jerusalem restaurant [WP, LAT 1/30]. Vacuum bombs were reportedly used in the raid [FJ 1/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military court orders journalist Hamdi Farraj, 11 other Dheisheh refugee camp residents held since 2/1/85 without trial released on grounds general prosecutor failed to prove charges against them [FJ 1/10].

Arab World: Christian Science Monitor reports King Hussein and Pres. Asad agree to restore diplomatic relations between their countries at ambassadorial level [CSM 1/2]. Egypt and U.S. sign agreement on $140 million in U.S. aid to Egypt, the second installment of $500 million grant approved by Congress last year [JP 1/2]. SLA releases 20 Shi'ite prisoners from Khiam detention center in S. Lebanon as New Year's gesture. (Red Cross has not been allowed to visithe Khiam center) [JP 1/3].

Other Countries: Austrian Interior Ministry states 3 Palestinians who attacked Vienna airport had instructions to take Israeli hostages, hijack El Al plane to Tel Aviv, blow up plane "in or over Tel Aviv" [DT, FT 1/3]. Peter Goldman, director of Americans for a Safe Israel, and Rabbi Avraham Weiss, coordinator of Americans Against Terrorism, announce start of nationwide campaign to remove PLO offices from U.S. [JTA 1/3]. Nadav Safran, director of Harvard U.'s Center for Middle Eastern Studies, will resign post in wake of discovery he accepted $152,000 from CIA for writing book, sponsoring conference on Islamic fundamentalism [DT, LT 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Rocket fired from S. Lebanon damages property in Kiryat Shmona [BG 1/3]. Israeli taxi driver is found shot twice in head near Lod (second such incident in 2 days); 4 Palestinians are detained for questioning [FJ 1/10].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA troops shell targets in S. Lebanon in retaliation for shelling of Kiryat Shmona [TS 1/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Absorption Min. Ya'acov Tzur states 330,000 Jews have emigrated from Israel since its establishment [JTA 12/12]. Eighteen-year-old Israeli soldier is found stabbed to death near Mazor village [JTA 12/9]. Settlers trying to squat in Jericho for 4th time in past weeks are stopped by army [JP 12/9].

Arab World: Pres. Mubarak reiterates need for PLO role in M. E. peace process as "sole representative of the Palestinians" [WP 12/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops capture 2 Palestinians from DFLP trying to cross S. Lebanon border into Israel, according to military sources; a 3rd escapes [NYT, JP 12/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli investigation reveals Jonathan Pollard worked for semi-secret Bureau of Science Relations (Lekem) in Washington, D.C., headed by Rafael Eitan, career Mossad agent who was adviser on terrorism to 2 previous Israeli prime ministers [LAT, NYT 11/29]. Israeli officials confirm 2 diplomats have been recalled from U.S. since Pollard spy scandal broke: Ilan Ravid, scientific affairs attache at the Israeli Embassy, and Yosef Yagur, scientific consul in New York [WP 11/29]. Israeli army prevents distribution of (East Jerusalem) Palestinian newspapers in occupied territories UP 11/29].

Arab World: Abu Nidal group issues statement in Beirut claiming responsibility for killing 2 Palestinians in Jordan this week, says they were agents of the Jordanians and Fateh organization [NYT 11/29]. Sudan orders expulsion of 3 refugee resettlement agencies implicated in airlift of Ethiopian Jews from Sudan to Israel: Intergovernmental Committee on Migration (Geneva); Joint Voluntary Agency (U.S.); and International Catholic Migration Commission [NYT 11/28].

Other Countries: Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports U.S. Agency for Intl. Development has set aside $5 million in 1986 budget for grants to provide funding for research, cooperation between Israel, third world [JTA 11/29].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli troops sweep into Kafra and Yatar villages in S. Lebanon and round up villagers for questioning, after rockets were fired into northem Israel [LAT 11/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ultra-Orthodox, anti-Zionist Neturei Karta sect has applied for representation on the Central Committee of the Palestine National Council [JTA 11/27]. High Court orders military commander of occupied territories, prison commissioner to show cause within 30 days why 60 administrative detainees held in Beersheba prison should not be returned to prisons in occupied territories; detainees argue their transfer violates intl. law [JP 11/28].

Military Action

Arab World: Masked Palestinian gunmen in Sidon execute 3 women and a man accused of collaborating with Israel during its 3-year occupation of S. Lebanon [JP 11/28]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Lod military court sentences 2 West Bank Palestinians to life for murder of Jewish couple near Jerusalem [WP, TS 11/22].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat and top aides, meeting in Baghdad, reiterate rejection of UN resolutions 242 and 338 [TS 11/22; MG 11/23].

Other Countries: Jonathan Jay Pollard, counterintelligence analyst for the U.S. Navy, is arrested by FBI on charges of spying and selling classified code information to Israel [NYT, WP 11/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Transmitters of the Christian Missionary Middle East Television station in S. Lebanon are blown up for second time in several months [JTA 11/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli official states U.S. involvement in secret diplomatic contacts between Jordan, Egypt, and Israel is intensifying daily [WP, CSM 11/4].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports Israeli military expels 4 leading Druze shaykhs from village of Hasbaya in security zone in S. Lebanon [JP 11/3]. Israeli settlers in the Golan Heights block bridges leading there, stage demonstrations against their poor financial situation; settlements there owe $20 million to Northern Moshavim Purchasing Association [JP 11/3; JTA 11/4]. Institute for Strategic Studies in London annual report, Survey of Military Balances, states that Syria has almost 3 times as many troops in regular army as Israel [JP 11/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes in Afula (5th in recent weeks); no injuries. Palestinians are rounded up for questioning [JP 11/4]. Bomb goes off at bus stop near French Hill; no injuries [JP 11/4]. Katyusha rockets land in Galilee; no casualties [JTA 11/4].

Arab World: Three people trying to smuggle explosives into 'Aysha village in S. Lebanon using a donkey are killed when SLA militiamen open fire on them, detonating the explosives [JP 11/4]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet holds 6-hour debate on P.M. Peres' recent overtures to Jordan; unity govt. appears in no danger, but Likud members charge Peres violated basic agreement in formation of unity govt. whereby peace efforts were to adhere to the 1979 Camp David framework [NYT, LAT 10/28]. Washington Post reports W. Bank Palestinians oppose Peres' proposals because they attempt to exclude the PLO [WP 10/27]. The Observer reports P.M. Shimon Peres met secretly earlier in the month with King Hussein in Paris, urged Hussein to come out publicly in favor of direct talks with Israel [OB 10/27].

Arab World: Jordanian Min. of Info. Muhammad Khatib states bilateral talks with Israel outside international conference and without the PLO are unacceptable to Jordan [WP 10/28].

Other Countries: Red Cross officials state Israeli and SLA troops have prevented them from seeing scores of prisoners being held in S. Lebanon since June. Over 100 families await word of missing relatives who have disappeared inside the security zone [TS 10/28]. French Pres. Francois Mitterrand supports Shimon Peres' offer to negotiate directly with Jordan, pledges French assistance in the process [JTA 10/28].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli planes raid alleged guerrilla bases in Lebanon's Biqa' Valley, the 13th such raid this year. Planes are said to have made direct hits on PFLP-GC bases. Christian radio station Voice of Lebanon reports base belonging to proSyrian al-Sa'iqa faction is also hit. No casualties are reported; tanks and ammunition dumps are reportedly hit [NYT, TS 10/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's 10-member inner cabinet meets to discuss security situation in occupied territories, resolves to tell Jordan again to remove PLO "bases" recently set up there [LT, BG, FT 9/5]. Inner cabinet approves proposal from Ariel Sharon that the authorities conduct general review of institutions in occupied territories that are supportive of the PLO [FJ 9/6]. Israeli soldiers rebuild wall separating Hebron's main mosque from marketplace, which settlers destroyed after 9/3 stabbing of two soldiers [GD 9/5]. MKs Yossi Sarid and Dedi Zucker of the Citizen's Rights Movement present document to Police Min. Haim Bar-Lev alleging Jumbo construction company made millions of dollars from fraudulent and illegal land sales [JP 9/5]. P.M. Peres sends close aide Avraham Tamir to unannounced ovemight visit with Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak to discuss ways of advancing relations between the two nations [CSM 9/6]. Israeli settlers try to squat in Hebron where 2 Israeli soldiers were stabbed 9/3. Army evicts them [CSM 9/6]. Five hundred Ethiopian Jews demonstrate in Jerusalem against rabbinical demands that they undergo symbolic conversion before marrying [WP 9/7]. For. Min. Shamir leaves for Japan to try to persuade Japanese leaders to relax their adherence to Arab boycott and increase trade with Israel [JP 9/4].

Other Countries: Operation Independence, a group of 100 international Jewish business leaders wishing to strengthen Israel's economy, sponsors New York meeting of hotel, airline, and tourism groups and prominent Jewish business leaders to discuss ways to increase American tourism to Israel [JTA 9/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palesine/Israel: Several katyusha rockets land in Galilee; no injuries reported. This is 4th katyusha attack on Galilee in recent months [JP 9/5].

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb suspected PLO guerrilla base in Lebanon's Biqa' Valley, 11th such strike inside Lebanon this year [NYT 9/5]. Reports say 6 Palestinians killed and 10 wounded in the attack [CSM 9/6]. Shi'ite and Palestinian militias battle around Burj al-Baraj inah refugee camp south of Beirut in worst fighting since June, when Syrian-sponsored cease-fire ended fierce clashes in 3 Palestinian refugee camps. Latest fighting leaves 10 dead, 27 wounded [NYT, LAT 9/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce announce the economy ismoving into a recession [JP 8/28]. Defense Week reports U.S. is acting to prevent Israel from concluding $100 million deal to sell old American-built A-4 Skyhawk attack jets to Argentina. Israel reportedly concluded the deal before asking for required "third-party transfer license" from U.S. According to the report, at least 12 A-4s are at Ben-Gurion Airport waiting to be transferred [BG 8/28]. Energy Min. Moshe Shahal announces $5 million international center for solar research will be set up at Sde Boker. First phase will be completed by 1989 [JC 8/29]. IDF artillery corps announces it has developed 2 new pieces of equipment which give Israeli gunners "first shot accuracy" and make maps "almost superfluous" [JTA 8/29].

Military Action

Arab World: Suicide car bomber attacks a SLA post near Jazzin, killing about 15 people, including undetermined number of SLA soldiers. State-owned Lebanese radio says member of "Asad brigade" of Lebanese branch of the Ba'th carried out the attack [FT 8/29]. In Tyre, Amal militiamen take Palestinians atgunpoint from convoy of 113 prisoners released from Atlit prison in Israel and drive off with them, terming them "Israeli collaborators." Some 66 Palestinians were said to have been released from Israel. Most others were said to belong to Hizballah [MG 8/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A second Palestinian who sold land to Hebron settlers goes into hiding after receiving death threats. Earlier, the land dealer who sold the apartmenthe 7 MKs occupied, Muhammed Yunis Ja'abari, took refuge in Hebron Mosque [JP 8/23].

Arab World: Egyptian Tourism Minister Wajih Shindi, on three-day visit to Israel, assures P. M. Peres restrictions on Egyptian tourists coming to Israel are now cancelled, owing to Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon [JTA 8/23].

Other Countries: Zulu Chief Minister Gatsha Buthelezi says Israeli experts will soon visit Kwa-Zulu, the home of South Africa's 6 million-strong Zulu tribe, to assess possible avenues for Israeli assistance [JP 8/23].

Military Action

Arab World: 21 are reported killed and 50 wounded in fighting as militias battle in Beirut before Syrian-sponsored cease-fire goes into effect [NYT 8/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel tells U.S. it would object to meetings between a Palestinian-Jordanian delegation and Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy, who arrived in 'Amman today for talks with Jordanian leaders [NYT, WP 8/14]. Hanna Siniora and Fayez Abu Rahmeh arrive in 'Amman, timing arrival to coincide with that of Richard Murphy [CT 8/14]. Attomey General Yitzhak Zamir calls for prosecution of a general, 5members of the Shin Bet, 3 soldiers, and 3 police officers in connection with the beating of 2 captured Palestinian bus hijackers who died shortly afterwards [NYT 8/14]. Zamir accepts the recommendation of a special investigating committee that a general implicated inthe deaths not be charged with homicide [WP 8/14]. Israeli army officers break into apartment in Hebron's old market and evict group of 8 settler squatters who had moved in 8/12 after the stabbing of a settler [JP 8/14]. P. M. Peres says IDF soldier Samir Asad, missing in action from the war in Lebanon, is being held captive by the DFLP in Damascus [JP 8/14]. Israel releases 101 more Palestinian and Lebanese prisoners from Atlit prison; 230 more prisoners remain in Atlit [JP, MG 8/14]. Visiting Honduran Foreign Minister Dr. Edgardo Paz Bamica meets with Foreign Min. Shamir; discusses possibility ofupgrading diplomatic relations between the two countries [JTA 8/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman denies Israel "has directly sold weapons to the Contras or has given any direct assistance" [FT 8/8, JTA 8/9]. British Foreign Office announces it "regrets" Israel's new security measures [JP 8/8]. Israeli authorities detain 3 West Bankers suspected of throwing petrol bombs at border police patrol 8/4. Army spokesman said the 3 confessed to that and other gasoline bomb attacks [JP 8/8]. Local councils of developmentowns decide to co-opt settlements' local councils by giving them full membership in the Union of Local Councils. Move is designed to increase lobbying power of the development towns [JP 8/8]. Israeli religious schools are instructed by religious education division of the Ministry of Educationot to conduct meetings between Israelis and Palestinians because they may lead to intermarriage [JTA 8/8].

Arab World: Arab summit conference in Casablanca dispenses with principle of unanimity. Libya withdraws itrepresentation from the conference [WP, LAT 8/8]. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein decides at the last minute not to attend [LAT 8/8]. Lebanese President Amin Jumayyil says he supports his Muslim opponents' demand for greater power; blames country's 10- year-old civil war on the Palestinians [FT 8/7].

Military Action

Arab World: A grenade thrown at a SLA post in security zone kills one SLA soldier [JTA 8/9]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities arrest 4 al-Najah U. students without charges, jail them under administrative detention orders. Army claims they are local leaders of Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP [FJ 8/9]. Nine Palestinian ex-prisoners released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange are served with deportation notices. Army states they can be deported because they cannot prove residency before original detentions. The 9 are from a group of 31 (out of the 1,150 ex-prisoners released 5/20) who do not have West Bank or Gaza IDs. They had all been told upon release they must leave when their residency permits expire this week. Some have nowhere to go. The Red Cross is looking into their cases [CT 8/7].) The High Court orders a delay in the deportation of one of the ex-prisoners, 'Abd al-Mujid Rudad, who argued that his whole family lives in Tulkarm and that during his 17 years of detention he repeatedly expressed regret for his political activities [WP 8/7]. The defense minister and the military govemor of the Tulkarm area have 45 days to explain why they should not prevent his deportation [JP 8/7]. Defense Min. Yitzhak Rabin justifies recent security measures; says Israel will use "whatever means are effective" tomaintain order [LAT 8/7]. Israeli govemment inaugurates new settlement, Adura, near Hebron, first since Peres took office [PI 8/7]. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports announcement by Austrian-Arab Society in Vienna that Hospice Hospital will reopen as a full-scale hospital afterenovation. Agreement was reportedly worked out between Franz Cardinal Koenig, archbishop of Vienna, and Tahir Kan'an, Jordanian minister for the occupied territories [JTA 8/7]. Israel Radio announces that none of the security officers involved in storming of Israeli bus hijacked by Palestinians last year will be charged in the deaths of two of the four hijackers [NYT 8/7]. Reuters reports that Rabbi Meir Kahane is giving 60 youths paramilitary training in a summer camp in the West Bank [TS 8/6]. Thirty-member delegation including Texas and Oklahoma oilmen and 6 U.S. congressmen arrives in Israel on fact-finding mission organized by Council for a Secure America, group established last year to support U.S. legislation aimed at promoting domestic production of oil and gas [JP 8/6]. New U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Pickering presents credentials to President Chaim Herzog, reiterates U.S. opposition to new security measures, emphasizes U.S. support for Israel [CT 8/7].

Arab World: Seventeen representatives of Arab League member states assemble in Casablanca for Arab summit meeting [NYT 8/7]. Half the states attending are not represented by their heads of state [FT 8/7]. Fifteen pro-Syrian Muslim, Druze opposition leaders, and Greek Orthodox figures meet in Shtawra under Syrian sponsorship; proclaim National Unity Front to demand changes in Lebanon's system of political representation, now favoring the Maronites; call for a "democratic and secular" state with wide-ranging constitutional and electoral reforms [WP 8/7].

Military Action

Arab World: Suicide bomber riding a mule kills himself, the animal, and wounds at least one other in Hasbayya. Bomber is identified as Jamal Sati, 23, Sunni Muslim student and local Communist party chief [LAT 8/7]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Administrative detention order is issued against ex-political prisoner Ziad Abu 'Ain, for allegedly planning to hijack Israeli bus. (Abu 'Ain spent less than 3 months at home following his release in the 5/20 prisoner exchange) [FJ 8/9]. Nablus remains under curfew following 7/30 murder of Albert Buchris. Five hundred police and a helicopter monitor his funeral [JTA 8/1]. Army enters al-Najah University and raids student council offices; preparations had been underway for student elections [JP 8/2]. Knesset passes bill requiring anyone running for Knesset to give up second citizenship [WP, PI, JTA 8/1]. Israeli police break into the site of preparations for the second annual Palestinian heritage festival in Tireh, order volunteers to stop work on the basis they do not have building permits [FJ 8/9]. Funeral is held in Afula for Israeli shot to death in West Bank. Riot police disperse crowd outside police station [PI 8/1]. Mayor Shalom Wach of Kiryat Arba cancels plan to dismiss all Palestinian workers employed by the municipality following Attorney General Zamir's ruling the plan is illegal UTA 8/1]. New American Ambassador to Israel Thomas Pickering assures P. M. Peres there has been no change in U.S. policy towards the PLO; U.S. will engage in talks with a Palestinian-Jordanian delegation only if convinced it will lead to direct talks with Israel; U.S. is ready, if requested, to help Israel and Egypt resolve Taba dispute [JTA 8/1]. The Jerusalem Post reports charges of corruption have been made against several Israeli companies and individuals operating in the black "homeland" of Ciskei; contracts with the trade commissioners in Israel have been terminated; all commercial relations with Israel have been cut [JP 7/31, JTA 8/5].

Military Action

Arab World: Suicide car bomb attack against an Israeli armored patrol in the security zone kills at least 3 Lebanese, including the driver, wounds unknown number of others, including Israeli soldiers. Syrian Social Nationalist party claims responsibility, saying its member, 'Ali Ghazi Talib, 22, carried out the attack [NYT 8/1]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shops in East Jerusalem go on general strike again to protest closure of Hospice Hospital [FJ 8/2]. Proposal to erect a settlement on spot where two Afula schoolteachers were murdered is presented to Zionist Executive by Jewish Agency Settlement Department Cochairman Nissim Zvilli [JP 7/29]. Shimon Barda, head of the "Lifta Gang," is convicted by the Jerusalem district court of conspiring to blow up the Dome of the Rock. Sentencing will follow [JP 7/30]. Knesset finance committee freezes IS 354 million for Kiryat Arba's local council until Attomey General Zamir gives legal opinion on council's proposal to dismiss Palestinian workers [JP 7/30]. Knesset appoints seven-minister committee to make recommendations regarding punishment of those convicted of politically motivated killings [BG 7/29]. Voice of America reports Israel seeks American banks to operate in Israel, to boost ailing Israeli banking system; at least one is reportedly interested [JTA 7/3 1]. Koterit Rashit reports Israeli firms are studying 70 proposed business projects in China, including construction of 2 hotels and an airport. The Daily Telegraph cites report in Jane's Defence Weekly stating secret military links were opened between Israel and China in 1979, a $3 billion arms deal was recently concluded, and Israeli military advisers have served with Chinese ground and air force units [JC, DT 7/29].

Arab World: The United Arab Emirates is second state to confirm attendence at upcoming Arab summit meeting. Syria, Lebanon, and South Yemen will not attend [FT 7/30, LT 8/2]. Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt back the summit call [JP 7/30, FT 7/31].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli planes attack Palestinian base used by the PFLP-GC in eastern Lebanon; no casualty reports [WP 7/30].