The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defying censorship laws, Koteret Rashit reports Gen. Yitzhak Mordechai at center of inquiries into the 4/13 killing of 2 Gaza residents captured alive following a bus highjacking [MG 2/21]. Rabbi Moshe Levinger, more than 100 other settlers, confront 5 Palestinian women at Tal Rumeida, Hebron; IDF later closes area [FJ 2/22].

Other Countries: US, USSR end talks in Vienna on Middle East; no accord reached; US continues to reject suggestion for intl. conference, favoring directalks instead [NYT 2/22].

Military Action

Arab World: IDF raid al-Bazouriya, S. Lebanon in wake of recent Israeli casualties in the area; 2 killed, 200 questioned [NYT, LAT 2/21]. IDF liaison office attacked in Nabatiya, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JTA 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO exec. committee endorses 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord with changes: reiterates opposition to UN Sec. Council Resolution 242; reiterates that Palestinian-Jordanian federation can occur only after independent Palestinian state is formed; proposes PLO delegation to intl. peace conference as part of joint Arab delegation to be formed after "complete Arab support" of plan is secured [DT 2/21].

Other Countries: US, USSR begin talks on Middle East in Vienna [WP 2/20]. UN Human Rights Commission condemns Iraeli violations of human rights in occupied Arab territories [MG 2/20].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF soldier wounded by roadside bomb near Lake Karoun. IDF kill commando, arrest dozens, near 'Arab Salim bridge on the Zahrani River [JP 2/20]. RPGs fired at IDF positionear Ansar; no casualties. RPGs, shots directed at IDF position near Deir Qanun; no injuries [JTA 2/21].

SociaUEconomic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3,000 demonstrate in Nazareth in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories [FJ 2/22].

Arab World: Fateh Deputy-in-command Khalil al-Wazir denies PLO has given "mandate to anyone" to speak on its behalf [WP 2/16]. UNIFIL cmdr. Gen. Callaghan strongly protests IDF's 2/14 confrontation with French UN troops at Burj Rahhal, S. Lebanon [DT 2/16].

Other Countries: Gush Emunim movement, Israel Aliyah Center begin immigration drive in 5 US cities offering American Jews memberships inW. Bank settlements of Ariel, Elon Moreh, Kedumim and Kiryat Arba for $1,000 [JW 2/15].

Military Action

Arab World: IDF liaison office building fired upon, SLA patrol attacked in Nabatiya, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JTA 2/15].

SociaUEconomic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF court in Nablus refuses bail for 6 of the Dheisheh camp residents arrested 2/1 and incarcerated in al-Fara'a prison [FJ 2/15]. High Court forbids Israeli Yakir company from further building on disputed land in Bidya [FJ 2/15].

Other Countries: US pres. Reagan "optimistic" about reports of 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord [WP 2/14].

Military Action

Arab World: 6 IDF troops wounded when RPGs, shots fired at their post near Nabatiya, S. Lebanon. Similar attack directed at IDF position near Adweir and IDF liaison office in Nabatiya, S. Lebanon; no casualties [JTA 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Govt. gives no official response to news of 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord, but PM Peres skeptical [JTA 2/13]. Tel Aviv contractor Avner Ehrlich urges Fed. of Contractors & Builders in Israel to boycott Dheisheh camp construction workers; refers to camp as "terror base" [JP 2/13]. 25 women prisoners at Neve Tertza begin hunger strike for better conditions [Fl 2/22].

Arab World: Arafat-Hussein agreement (2/11) condemned by DFLP, PFLP, Popular Struggle Front, al-Sa'iqa in Damascus. Chrmn. Arafat leaves Amman for Tunis to convene meeting of Fateh Central Committee [LAT 2/13].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF raid Toura; 1 villager killed, 2 wounded, 5 arrested UP 2/13]. RPG's, shots fired at IDF post near Ruman; 6 wounded. Gunfire wounds SLA officer at roadblock in Sila [JP 2/14]. SLA withdraws from Sidon [FT 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: DM Rabin charges recent attacks against Israelis in W. Bank coordinated in Amman. IDF allow Ramallah shops closed 2/4 to re-open [MG 2/6]. al-Mithaq reports prefabricated houses being erected on Arab-owned land of Aqbat Ni'meh east of Dhahriya in the Hebron area [FJ 2/8].

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat arrives in Algiers; Syrian VP Khaddam also in Algiers [MG 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bomb thrown at police post, al-Arroub camp; no injuries [JP 2/6].

Arab World: In Damascus, PFLP claims responsibility for 2/4 killing of IDF soldier in Ramallah [JTA 2/6]. 2 IDF troops wounded by bomb near Burj al-Shamali camp, S. Lebanon; car-bomb later in the day near the camp injures 10 IDF troops [JP, WP 2/6]. SLA roadblock fired upon in Kafr Kharroub, S. Lebanon [JP 2/6]. IDF attack Jabal Amal Professional Training School in Tyre, S. Lebanon; at least 6 teenagers killed, 57 wounded, 150 arrested for unknown reasons [Fl 2/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gunman kills IDF soldier guarding local Interior Ministry office in Ramallah; curfew imposed on Ramallah, al-Bireh, al-Amari camp; lifted later after over 100 arrested; over 100 businesses and shops closed by IDF for failure to cooperate in search for gunman [NYT 2/5, TS 2/5, JTA 2/5, MG 2/6]. Rabbi Moshe Levinger [who has been holding a "protest vigil" outside Dheisheh camp for 3 mos.], Border Policeman enter Dheisheh camp, fire shots, after stones thrown at Levinger; IDF seals off camp, detains several youths [WP 2/5, LT 2/5]. Levinger later joined by several right-wing MK's [JTA 2/5].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: 2 IDF troops wounded in bomb explosion near Qlai'eh. Bombing near Jwaiyeh injures IDF soldier. Roadside bomb wounds IDF soldier north of Tyre [WP 2/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In joint communique, Israel and Egypt agree to talks on moving 6,000 Palestinians from Egyptian section of Rafah to Israeli-held portion; Israel seeks compensation for the move [LT 1/30]. Former "Black Panther" members, urban slum dwellers form activist group "Combat '85" to improve conditions in poor Israeli neighborhoods; among 1st demands is shift of W. Bank settlement funds to poor urban areas [JTA 1/29]. Knesset debates govt. decision to abolish office of adviser to the prime minister on Arab affairs [JP 1/30].

Arab World: PLO Central Com. mbr. 'Abd al-Rahim Ahmad reports Committee to meet mid-February to discuss jordanianPalestinian relations, other subjects; meeting to be held in Algeria, S. Yemen or Tunisia [MG 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF detain scores of residents of northern mountain in Nablus after gasoline bomb thrown at IDF vehicle; later released for lack of evidence [FJ 2/1].

Arab World: Katyusha launched at IDF position in Ruman, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JP 1/30]. IDF kill 4 resistance fighters near Jezzine, S. Lebanon [JP 1/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: US Sec. of State Shultz assures visiting DM Rabin of US opposition to intl. conference on Middle East under UN auspices or with participation of USSR [JP 1/29]. 

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 settlers injured when their bus is stoned near Halhoul; authorities detain 1 Halhoul resident [FJ 2/1]. Nature Reserve Authority (Green Patrol) officials drive onto olive orchards in al-Mill (Area 9), destroy more than 140 trees; land was scene of recent (1/9, 1/25, 1/27) incidents [FJ 2/1].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: fighting breaks out between commandos and collaborators in 'Ain al-Hilweh. Reports indicate IDF kill 7-yr.-old Hawra Hadrag when troops at checkpoint open fire on car in Sidon [LT 1/29]. Mine wounds 3 IDF troops near Marjayoun. 2 IDF personnel injured as bomb explodes near convoy over Qasimiya Bridge [JTA 1/29]. Bomb explodes in Burj al-Shamali as IDF patrol passes; no injuries. Explosion occurs near SLA patrol in Deir Qanun, shots fired at SLA patrol in Sidon; no injuries. Katyusha launched at IDF position, undisclosed location; no injuries [JP 1/29]. 

SociallEconomic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Some of IDF telephones disconnected 1/25 due to non-payment of bills reconnected; dispute over exact amount of debt to tele-communications company continues [JP 1/28]. W. Galilee Police Cmdr. Sadeh warns Sakhnin council head Muhammad Ghanayem not to enter olive orchards in al-Mill (Area 9), scene of 1/9 and 1/25 vandalizing by IDF [attempts toconfiscate land in Area 9 led to 6 deaths during Land Day in 1976]; Ghanayem later holds press conference [FJ 2/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus attacked near Qalqiliya; no injuries [FJ 2/1, JWP 2/8].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF convoy attacked near al-Buliya. Shots fired at IDF position, bomb explodes near IDF convoy near Tyre [JP 1/28]. RPGs, shots fired at SLA position in Sidon [JTA 1/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports Sakhnin residents received letters from Kach movement demanding they leave Israel "of their own free will" or face leaving "against their will" [JP 1/1]. Def. Ministry offers to allow burial of Fahd Qawasmeh [assassinated 12/29 in Amman] in W. Bank if 4 Israelis missing in Lebanon are repatriated [NYT 1/2]. IDF arrest 12 during mock funeral for Qawasmeh in Hebron [TS 1/2]. 

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: On 20th anniversary of founding of Fateh, bomb explodes near Jaffa Gate; police defuse bomb near Jerusalem City Hall; grenade thrown at Israeli vehicle in Gaza [JTA 1/2].

Arab World: Bomb explodes near IDF patrol in Sidon, S. Lebanon; 2 civilians injured. Shots fired at IDF patrol near Adousiya, SLA patrol near Jibsheet, S. Lebanon [JP 1/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cmdr., IDF N. Command Orr states [contrary to statement made by former PM Begin in June 1982] "no one can guarantee that no Katyushas will fall on Galilee" [JP 12/31]. Military Action Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: witnesses state IDF kill 11-year old George Attallah in Sidon after fired upon by RPG; 2 other boys reported injured [TS 12/31]. Israel Radio reports SLA kills youth, injures 2nd, when they allegedly failed to stop at SLA checkpoint near Sidon [JP 12/31]. 2 IDF troops wounded as convoy fired upon near Saksakiya [JTA 12/31]. IDF report position attacked by Katyusha near Kafr Mashki; SLA force near Nabatiya fired upon; no injuries [JP 12/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat arrives in Aden for talks on PLO unity with S. Yemen pres. Ali Nasir Muhammad [FJ 1/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shots fired, gasoline bomb thrown at Israeli vehicle near Hebron [JP 12/28].

Arab World: 3 IDF troops wounded by mine near Ansar village, S. Lebanon. IDF patrol fired upon near Adousiya, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JTA 12/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Supreme Court upholds military authorities' 12/4 decision not to allow local elections in occupied territories [JTA 12/26]. PM Peres visits Bethlehem, attends Christmas reception hosted by Mayor Freij [1st visit to Bethlehem by an Israeli PM] [LAT 12/25]. Trial of Shimon Barda, member of plot to bomb al-Aqsa and other holy sites, begins in Jerusalem [JP 12/25].

Other Countries: Diplomatic sources indicate US and Israel close to agreement on establishment of Voice of America radio transmitter in Israel for broadcasts to USSR [WP 12/25].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: bombs explode near IDF convoy south of Sidon; no injuries. Fire fight between resistance forces and SLA unit at Akiya Bridge, Litani River; RPGs fired at SLA roadblock near Nabatiya [JP 12/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Head of IDF team negotiating with Lebanese on Israeli withdrawal predicts chaos if talks fail and IDF unilaterally pulls out [JTA 12/24].

Other Countries: US State Dept. asserts US will not grant Israel $800 million in emergency aid until Israel adopts tougher economic austerity program [NYT 12/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Katyusha fired at IDF position near Zahrani River, S. Lebanon; no injuries. SLA patrol attacked near Sidon, S. Lebanon; no injuries reported [JP 12/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: W. Bank lawyers group announces intention to challenge extensive Israeli "Road Plan 50" before World Court; plan would expropriate 46,000 dunums, freeze development of further 78,000 [JP 12/20].

Other Countries: Israeli delegation in Washington seeks record $4.85 billion in US aid [PI 12/20]; US indicates Irael will not receive full amount [JTA 12/20]. US Defense Sec. Weinberger, State Dept. official Dam defend Reagan Plan as basis for future initiatives [JP 12/20]. US Commerce Dept. states 59 US firms fined $1.6 million for complying with Arab boycott of Israel [JP 12/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Press reports indicate Israeli security forces seize 6 Gaza residents with grenade, target list including US embassy [LAT 12/19].

Arab World: Toura, S. Lebanon villagers claim IDF killed woman, girl in raid previous week [MG 12/20].

Military Action

Arab World: IDF soldier killed on patrol near Nabatiya, S. Lebanon [JTA 12/18]. RPG fired at SLA checkpoint in Nabatiya [JP 12/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Occupation officials indicate 71% real tax increase (over prior period) from Arab residents in W. Bank [JP 12/13].

Military Action

Arab World: 2 injured in attack on IDF convoy near Tyre, S. Lebanon; IDF stages raid in 8 Shi'ite villages east of Tyre; 50 detained, 3 killed [WP 12/14, JTA 12/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Zionist organizations host seminar at US State Dept., condemn 1975 UN Zionism-racism resolution [JTA 12/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanon Radio reports IDF fires on Ansar camp detainees; several wounded [FJ 12/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: US State Dept. calls for direct peace talks, not intl. conference proposed (12/3) by King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak [JTA 12/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police defuse bomb in Netanya [LAT 12/4].

Arab World: IDF sends armored patrol north of Awali River after Druze-Christian fighting, despite pledge of non-interference there [LAT 12/5]. 3 IDF soldiers wounded by mine near Madosha, S. Lebanon. Grenade thrown at 2 SLA vehicles in Nabatiya, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JP 12/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres rejects call for UN peace conference, direct talks with PLO [CSM 12/6];. offers to meet Hussein "with no preconditions" [MG 12/4]. Al-Najah U. opens after 4-mo. closure by occupation authorities UP 12/3]. Atty. Gen. Zamir threatens Knesset members with prosecution if they meet with PLO or "enemy agents" [JTA 12/3].

Arab World: Jordan and Egypt jointly call for UN peace conference, with PLO participation, based on UN Res. 242 [NYT 12/4]. Chrmn. Arafat meets King Fahd in Riyadh [LAT 12/4].

Military Action

Arab World: Bomb wounds IDF soldier as convoy passes through Saraf and, S. Lebanon [JP 12/4]. IDF kills woman in Jibsheet, S. Lebanon [MG 12/5]. Jordanian diplomat 'Azmi al-Mufti assassinated in Bucharest [WP 12/5].