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  • November 27, 2013

    Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no injuries, but arresting 2. Demonstrations take place across the West Bank in protest...

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  • August 31, 2013

    In the West Bank, a Palestinian dies in the hospital of wounds sustained by IDF fire in Jenin r.c. during a raid on the camp on 8/20. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village...

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  • March 15, 2012

    Retaliating for Palestinian rocket fire on 3/14, the IDF carries out 2 air strikes on training sites in Gaza. Unidentified Palestinians fire at least 2 rockets in response. No injures are reported...

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  • June 3, 1999

    Yugoslavia accepts an international peace plan negotiated by Russia, Finland (acting for NATO) for ending Kosovo conflict. The plan provides "substantial autonomy" for Kosovo, return of all 850,...

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  • June 2, 1999

    PLO Executive Committee (PLOEC) meets in Ramallah to discuss resumption of the 4/27+n29 PLO Central Council (PCC) mtg., which will continue discussion on possible declaration of a Palestinian...

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  • June 16, 1998

    In Damascus, Syrian Pres. Asad, FM Shara`, Saudi FM Prince Saud al-Faysal discuss bilateral cooperation, peace process. (SATN 6/16 in WNC 6/18)

    In Washington, Lebanese PM Hariri meets with...

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  • May 27, 1998

    Egyptian FM Musa arrives in Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince `Abdullah on possible Arab summit. Trip was previously unplanned, prompted by Arafat's surprise visit to the kingdom, which...

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  • December 9, 1997

    3-day OIC conference opens in Tehran. Egypt's Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein, Morocco's King Hassan stay away under U.S. pressure; Egypt sends delegation headed by FM Musa. Jordan's Crown Prince...

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  • May 21, 1995

    At Israeli-PA economic comm. mtg., PA demands changes in Paris protocol given Israeli separation plan, closure; demands maintenance of free trade with Israel, based on free movement of goods btwn...

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  • April 28, 1991

    Israeli gov't. formally retracts agreement made last week between F.M. Levy and Sec. Baker on format for regional peace talks. P.M. Shamir says Levy went too far, Levy accuses Shamir of "getting...

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  • November 14, 1990

    Saudi Arabia says any future Arab summit "will bear no fruit or results" unless Iraq first agrees to leave Kuwait [WP, NYT 11/15]; Pres. Mubarak arrives in Damascus, meets with Pres. Asad (cf. 11/...

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  • October 25, 1990

    Bush admin. decides to expand the number of U.S. forces in Gulf and may send as many as 100,000 more troops in addition to the planned deployment of 240,000 [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 10/26].

    Pres....

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  • September 25, 1990

    UN Sec. Council votes 14-1 to impose embargo on air traffic to and from Iraq and Kuwait. The sole "nay" vote is cast by Cuba [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 9/26; MET 10/9]; in hard-hitting speech at Gen....

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  • August 11, 1990

    Egyptian and Moroccan forces arrive in Saudi Arabia to defend it from Iraq attack [WP 8/12].

    Pro-Iraq demonstrations take place in W.Bank and Gaza; many Palestinians support Saddam Hussein...

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  • November 8, 1983

    Military Action:

    Cease-fire reduces shelling in and around Beirut; 200 Marines of Alpha Company evacuate position near university school of science, move to base on 6th Fleet ships, 1400-...

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  • November 7, 1983

    Military Action:

    Shelling continues in Beirut's southern suburbs; PSP militia and LAF battle at Souq al-Gharb; Marine positions hit with small arms and artillery fire; shells fall near...

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  • January 16, 1983

    Military Action:

    IDF ambushed in Tyre.

    Casualties:

    Some IDF wounded in Tyre; Ansar review committee recommends release of 150, 1,100 cases heard out of 5,400 detainees, review...

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  • November 17, 1982

    Political Responses:

    Israel/ Occupied Territories: Major Haddad, in testimony before Commission of Inquiry, denies his militiamen were involved in massacre, says three militiamen caught in...

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  • September 13, 1982

    Military Action:

    Israel launches all-day air strikes against Syrian, PLO and LNM artillery and anti-aircraft positions in Central and East Bekaa; units of PLA led by Syrian officers take...

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  • September 5, 1982

    Military Action:

    Eight IDF soldiers captured by Syrians near Bhamdoun (IDF claims their capture is breach of cease-fire, asks US and ICRC to intercede for their release); clash between...

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  • August 25, 1982

    Military Action:

    First PLO units to be evacuated to Syria publicly welcomed in Tartus (Israeli claim that overland evacuation "postponed" at Syrian request denied in Damascus); IDF tanks...

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  • July 25, 1982

    Military Action:

    IDF jets attack West Beirut at 10 AM, on day 50 of invasion, hitting same targets as day before, following night-long artillery duels between IDF and PLO (first evening...

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  • July 19, 1982

    Military Action:

    IDF jets make repeated reconnaissance passes over Beirut as IDF armored units dig in around airport and trade small arms fire with PLO guerrillas in southern suburbs; PLO...

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  • July 5, 1982

    Military Action:

    IDF gunboats/ artillery bombard Palestinian camps, residential areas (shells fall in non-Palestinian areas of Verdun and Corniche Mazraa); blockade creates serious food,...

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Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no injuries, but arresting 2. Demonstrations take place across the West Bank in protest of the killing of 3 Palestinians in Yatta the previous day. Demonstrations in Hebron and outside Ofer detention center nr Ramallah lead to clashes with IDF troops. Outside Ofer, Israeli forces fire live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas canisters, while demonstrators throw stones and set fire to tires. No serious injuries are reported. In Hebron, stone-throwing Palestinians are met with tear gas from Israeli soldiers. Also in the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night; patrols in Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. (MNA, WAFA, YA 11/27; PCHR 11/28)

Palestinian chief negotiator Erakat says that Israeli policies, including continued settlement construction and arrest raids have led him to believe that there is no room for progress, hence his resignation on 11/13. Erakat says that the most recent meeting of the Israeli and Palestinian negotiating teams took place on 11/5. Erakat also says that he believes the Russians would become more involved, pointing to Pres. Abbas’ scheduled visit to Moscow next month. (HA 11/27)

The Syrian govt. announces that it will attend the UN-sponsored negotiations in 1/2014 (announced 11/25), according to a report by state news agency SANA, but will also resist demands for Pres. Bashar al-Asad to step down. Meanwhile, the Syrian National Coalition pres. Ahmad Jarba, declares that the group will participate in the conference; he hopes it will facilitate the emergence of a transitional govt. (AP, NYT, REU 11/27)

Iranian FM Mohammad Javad Zarif says that construction on building projects at the Arak nuclear facility is allowed as part of the nuclear agreement. U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki says in response that, while road or building work might be permissible, any kind of nuclear fuel production or reactor work is not allowed. Meanwhile, U.S. Pres. Obama briefs Saudi Arabia’s King Abdallah on the recent deal with Iran, with the White House saying that the 2 leaders agreed to consult regularly on the efforts of the P5+1 countries to secure a long-term agreement. Separately, Israeli strategic affairs minister Yuval Steinitz meets with British officials in Jerusalem to discuss recent developments and Israel’s concerns with a potential deal between Iran and the P5+1. (AP 11/27)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian dies in the hospital of wounds sustained by IDF fire in Jenin r.c. during a raid on the camp on 8/20. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night, and patrols in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, Qalqilya and 1 nearby village at night. (PCHR 9/5)

U.S. Pres. Obama decides to seek the backing of Congress for any attack on Syria, a significant development which he announces in the White House Rose Garden. Such a step delays a potentially imminent strike and has potential to prevent it altogether. Secy. of State John Kerry assures leaders of the Syrian opposition and Saudi Arabia FM Prince Saud al-Faisal that Pres. Obama remains determined to hold the Asad regime to account. Meanwhile, UN chemical weapons experts leave Syria for Lebanon and then fly back to Rotterdam. The team conducted 4 days of inspections and return to the Netherlands with samples for testing. (AP, NYT, REU, WSJ 31/8)

Retaliating for Palestinian rocket fire on 3/14, the IDF carries out 2 air strikes on training sites in Gaza. Unidentified Palestinians fire at least 2 rockets in response. No injures are reported in the exchange. IDF soldiers at the Qalandia crossing detain a Palestinian leaving Jerusalem for the West Bank, suspecting him of involvement in the stabbing and wounding of an IDF soldier on Jerusalem’s light rail train earlier in the day. The IDF also demolishes a Palestinian home and animal farm in Qalqilya; uproots olive and almond trees on 30 d. of confiscated Palestinian agricultural land nr. Hamra settlement (nr. Nablus); patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah (synchronized), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and 1 nr. Tulkarm in the morning; and in 3 villages nr. Jenin (synchronized) and 1 nr. Ramallah late at night. Palestinian rights activists report that the health of administrative detainee Hana Shalabi is deteriorating after 30 days on hunger strike (see 2/16/12). Dozens of Palestinians rally outside Ofer prison in solidarity with her; IDF troops fire rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, stun grenades to disperse them. (JP, YA 3/15; WP, WT 3/16; PCHR 3/22; OCHA 3/23)

After Syrian pres. Asad issues a statement reiterating his position that opposition forces must first halt their fire before his forces would cease fire, Hizballah chief Nasrallah issues a statement saying that both sides should cease fire simultaneously. The statement is seen as Hizballah’s 1st cautious attempt to tone down its support for the Asad regime since Arab Spring protests in Syria began in 1/2011. Days after this, Nasrallah calls on Asad to undertake “serious and genuine” reform efforts, stating that it is the duty of all “whose hearts are throbbing with sympathy for the Syrian people” to seek a political solution to the problem (a statement seen as a rebuke to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which wanted to arm the Syrian opposition forces to overthrow Asad). (NYT 4/6)

Yugoslavia accepts an international peace plan negotiated by Russia, Finland (acting for NATO) for ending Kosovo conflict. The plan provides "substantial autonomy" for Kosovo, return of all 850,000 ethnic Albanian refugees. U.S. expresses cautious optimism, says air war, which began 3/24, will continue until treaty is fully implemented. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/4; WP 6/5; GIU 6/7; MM 6/11; GIU 6/14)

In Damascus, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah holds a 2d round of talks with Pres. Asad before leaving for Amman, where he meets with King Abdallah. (`Ukaz 6/2 in WNC 6/8; MM 6/4)

SLA completes withdrawal fr. Jazzin. Lebanese government says it will not grant amnesty to the 203 SLA mbrs. who elected to surrender to Lebanese authorities rather than evacuate. (MM 6/3; RL 6/3 in WNC 6/8; NYT, WT 6/4; JP 6/11)

Fewer than 3,000 Palestinians across the territories observe the PA's "day of rage" to protest Israeli settlement expansion. In Bethlehem, Gaza, Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm, demonstrators clash with IDF soldiers, who respond with tear gas and rubber bullets, in total injuring 36 Palestinians, killing 1. (MM 6/3; HJ 6/3 in WNC 6/8; al-Akhbar, al-Quds 6/3 in WNC 6/9; CSM, NYT 6/4; al-Quds 6/4 in WNC 6/11; LAW 6/6; MM 6/7; JP 6/11; MEI 6/18) (see 5/30)

At a roadblock nr. Yattir settlement in the West Bank, an IDF soldier fatally shoots a Palestinian motorist who allegedly tried to run him over. (CSM, NYT 6/4)

PLO Executive Committee (PLOEC) meets in Ramallah to discuss resumption of the 4/27+n29 PLO Central Council (PCC) mtg., which will continue discussion on possible declaration of a Palestinian state. (al-Ra'i 6/2 in WNC 6/3; al-Quds 6/4 in WNC 6/11)

In Paris, King Abdallah of Jordan holds talks on the peace process, debt forgiveness with Pres. Jacques Chirac. (AFP, RJ 6/2 in WNC 6/3)

In talks with Syrian pres. Asad in Damascus, Crown Prince Abdallah of Saudi Arabia offers to mediate btwn. Asad, Arafat if it would help coordinate a unified Arab stand on the peace process. (al-Nahar 6/2 in WNC 6/3; MM 6/3, 6/4)

IDF suspends export licenses of the Israeli company Orlil based on reports that Orlil stole U.S. night-vision equipment purchased for the IDF, sold it to "Far Eastern" countries. (Globes [Internet] 6/2 in WNC 6/3)

In Damascus, Syrian Pres. Asad, FM Shara`, Saudi FM Prince Saud al-Faysal discuss bilateral cooperation, peace process. (SATN 6/16 in WNC 6/18)

In Washington, Lebanese PM Hariri meets with Pres. Clinton, Secy. of State Albright, Asst Secy. of State for Political Affairs Thomas Pickering, Asst. Secy. Indyk, National Security Adviser Sandy Berger. (WP 6/17; RL 6/17 in WNC 6/18; WT 6/18; RL 6/18 in WNC 6/19; al-Safir 6/20 in WNC 6/23)

Iran, Jordan sign accords on shipping, resuming flights btwn. their countries. 1st Jordanian flight in 18 yrs. lands in Tehran. (IRBD Television 6/16 in WNC 6/17; Petra-JNA 6/16 in WNC 6/1)

After several unsuccessful attempts, Jewish settlers occupy a vacant, Palestinian-owned home adjacent to, but not in, Hebron's Jewish enclave. The Norwegian contingent of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) files a protest with Israeli authorities, who try but fail to evict the settlers. (MA 7/3 in WNC 7/7)

Egyptian FM Musa arrives in Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince `Abdullah on possible Arab summit. Trip was previously unplanned, prompted by Arafat's surprise visit to the kingdom, which ended 5/26. (MM 5/27, 6/1)

House Speaker Gingrich, Arafat meet in Ramallah. U.S. congressional delegation then leaves for Jordan. (NYT, WP, WT 5/28; MM, PR 5/29; al-Thawra 5/31 in WNC 6/8; MEI, MM 6/5; JP 6/6)

Syria's Pres. Asad receives congressional delegation led by Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT). (MM 5/28)

Iran, Saudi Arabia sign wide-ranging cooperation agmt. (WP, WT 5/28)

Knesset passes (50-45, with 1 abstention) 1st reading (of 3) of motion to change Israel's election system back to pre-5/96 process, eliminating direct election of PM. Motion is expected to be overturned. (MM 5/28; MEI 6/5)

In s. Lebanon, 2 Golani Brigade mbrs. are killed, 2 wounded by Hizballah roadside bomb. Separately, 1 civilian is injured by IDF shelling. (MM 5/28; RL 6/3 in WNC 6/4; JP 6/6)

3-day OIC conference opens in Tehran. Egypt's Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein, Morocco's King Hassan stay away under U.S. pressure; Egypt sends delegation headed by FM Musa. Jordan's Crown Prince Hasan, Syria's Pres. Asad, Lebanon's PM Hariri, Pres. Ilyas Hrawi; PA's Arafat attend; Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince `Abdullah; Iraq's VP Ramadan. (MM 12/9; MM, WT 12/10; JTV 12/11 in WNC 12/15; MEI 12/19)

PA mission to the UN suspends effort to upgrade its status to a level just short of full UN General Assembly (UNGA) membership after failing to muster enough votes to defeat an EU amendment that would have delayed putting the measure into effect. (NYT 12/11; PR 12/12)

At Israeli-PA economic comm. mtg., PA demands changes in Paris protocol given Israeli separation plan, closure; demands maintenance of free trade with Israel, based on free movement of goods btwn. Israel, self-rule areas without security or technical hindrances, gradual dissolution of united tax system with Israel. (QY 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; PR 5/28; JP 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the PA, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the UAE announce minisummit on Jerusalem to be held in Morocco 5/27. PLO Political Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi heads to Damascus to coordinate position with Syrian FMin. Fatah urges Arafat to suspend talks with Israel in light of veto on UN land confiscation resolution 5/17. (AFP, RMC, SATN 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; CSM, MM, WT 5/22; SARR 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; JP 5/27)

Bashar al-Asad (son of the Syrian pres.), Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Safi (cmdr. of Syrian forces in Lebanon), Brig. Ghazi Kanaan (head of Syrian Intelligence) meet with Lebanese Pres. Hrawi in Beirut. After mtg., Hrawi reappoints Hariri as PM, asks him to form new cabinet. (RL, VOL 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; MM, WT 5/22; MM 5/23, 5/24; MEI 5/26) (see 5/19)

Israeli gov't. formally retracts agreement made last week between F.M. Levy and Sec. Baker on format for regional peace talks. P.M. Shamir says Levy went too far, Levy accuses Shamir of "getting cold feet" [NYT 4/29; JDS 4/28 in FBIS 4/29; MET 5/7].

Saudi Prince Khalid bin Sultan, commander of allied Arab forces, says he does not think Saudi Arabia would need or want larger American military presence than it had before Gulf war [NYT 4/29].

Israeli authorities release Sari Nusseibeh from prison, 3 months after he was detained on charges of spying for Iraq [NYT, MEM 4/29; FJ 5/6].

Syria calls for increased Iranian role in postwar Gulf security arrangements as Pres. Asad and Pres. Rafsanjani hold 2d day of talks in Damascus [WP 4/29]. Rafsanjani also meets with PFLP-GC delegation [QUD 4/29 in FBIS 4/30].

Yasir Abd Rabbo, PLO information chief who headed PLO delegation to Moscow last week, tells media "the Soviet Union believes the peace process cannot take off without the participation of the PLO" [MEM 4/29].

Saudi Arabia says any future Arab summit "will bear no fruit or results" unless Iraq first agrees to leave Kuwait [WP, NYT 11/15]; Pres. Mubarak arrives in Damascus, meets with Pres. Asad (cf. 11/15) [MENA, SANA 11/14 in FBIS 11/15].

Israel imposes widespread curfews in O.T. in advance of 11/15 anniversary of Pal- estinian declaration of statehood [WP 11/15].

Israeli labor ministry say the gov't is considering plans to fire some 60,000 Palestinians who work in Israel and replace them with Soviet Jewish immigrants and unemployed Israelis. About 110,000 Palestinians are employed in Israel [WP 11/15].

UN decides to send special envoy Jean Claude Aime to Israel on trip that is widely seen at UN at test of Israel's desire to cooperate with Sec. Council in dealing with O.T. [NYT 11/14].

Bush admin. decides to expand the number of U.S. forces in Gulf and may send as many as 100,000 more troops in addition to the planned deployment of 240,000 [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 10/26].

Pres. of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh, criticizes Saudi Arabia for inviting U.S. forces into the kingdom and for rescinding residency status for Yemenis working in Saudi Arabia [NYT 10/26].

Israel rejects UN Sec. Council's 10/24 resolution and levels harsh criticism at U.S. for supporting resolution [MEM 10/25; NYT, WT 10/26].

Washington Post reports Jordan has halted all exports to Iraq, including humanitarian aid [WP 10/25].

Soviet envoy Primakov meets in Damascus with Pres. Asad to discuss Gulf crisis [DDS 10/25 in FBIS 10/25].

Senior Saudi official says roughly 120,000 Kuwaitis have fled across the border into Saudi Arabia since 9/15 when Iraqi troops began to allow them to leave [AFP 10/25 in FBIS 10/26].

Jerusalem police report that 18, not 21, Palestinians were killed in Haram al-Sharif incident [JDS 10/25 in FBIS 10/26].

UN Sec. Council votes 14-1 to impose embargo on air traffic to and from Iraq and Kuwait. The sole "nay" vote is cast by Cuba [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 9/26; MET 10/9]; in hard-hitting speech at Gen. Assembly, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze suggests Moscow would support military operation against Iraq if sanctions fail, and warns war may be imminent if Saddam does not leave Kuwait [WP 9/26; NYT 9/26, 9/27; MEM 9/26; CSM 9/27].

In 75-min. speech broadcast in its entirety on CNN (excerpts on major networks), Saddam tells American television audience that Iraq is the victim of conspiracies [INA 9/26 in FBIS 9/26; NYT, WP, WT, MEM 9/26].

U.S. House Appropriations Committee shelves Pres. Bush's request to cancel Egypt's military debt to U.S. after being told it faced certain defeat (cf. 9/30) [MEM 9/26].

After 4 days of talks in Teheran, Pres. Asad and Pres. Rafsanjani declare "full agreement" on opposition to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait [MEM 9/25; NYT 9/26].

Asad is credited with bringing Iran into anti-Iraq camp, persuading Iranian leadership to recast call to jihad against West as measure to be taken only if West stays on after Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait [NYT 10/11].

Saudi Arabia expels 12 more diplomats from Jordanian consulate and embassy; Jordan recalls its ambassador in protest [NYT 9/26].

Israel's Supreme Court rules army can raze Palestinian houses and shops around area where IDF soldier was killed on 9/20. Court says demolitions are urgent military need, and can proceed if homeowners are given compensation [WP, LAT, WT 9/26; FJ 10/6; MET 10/9].

After visit to Bureij refugee camp, UNRWA commissioner general expresses concern about demolition of houses and shops, says there is a disproportion between the 9/20 killing and Israel's response [JDS 9/26 in FBIS 9/27].

Israeli think tank Jafee Center issues annual report "Intemnational Terrorism 1989" attributing to Middle East groups only 8.9% of 406 incidents recorded; report states Fateh helped Western security agencies curb terror and that Palestinian attacks outside Israel declined sharply [MEM 9/26].

Egyptian and Moroccan forces arrive in Saudi Arabia to defend it from Iraq attack [WP 8/12].

Pro-Iraq demonstrations take place in W.Bank and Gaza; many Palestinians support Saddam Hussein [NYT 8/12]; Witnesses in Gaza City report about 200 pro-Iraq demonstrators burning tires and throwing stones [JDS 8/11 in FBIS 8/13].

Arafat meets in Cairo with Syrian Pres. Asad to discuss Gulf crisis [AFP 8/ 11 in FBIS 8/13].

PLF leader Abul Abbas issues combat orders to his forces, urging them to strike "at all U.S. interests" in the region [INA 8/11 in FBIS 8/13].

Israeli housing minister Ariel Sharon says "if the U.S. wishes to act, it should act now" against Iraq, as "a drawn out siege will slowly falter" [IDF 8/11 in FBIS 8/13].

Military Action:

Cease-fire reduces shelling in and around Beirut; 200 Marines of Alpha Company evacuate position near university school of science, move to base on 6th Fleet ships, 1400-1500 Marines remain onshore; heavy fighting continues around Baddawi, Arafat forces establish positions in Tripoli, area around Arafat's HQthere is shelled.

Casualties:

Amal reports 2 civilians killed, nearly 80 injured in recent fighting with LAF; Beirut airport reopens; general strike in South Lebanon to protest closing of Awali bridges, schools, shops in West Beirut closed in support.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat meets mayor of Tripoli, other leaders, promises to do everything he can to avert all out fighting in city.

Arab Governments: Kuwait's parliament votes to halt $265 m. annual aid to Syria because of alleged support of PLO rebels; foreign ministers of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, North Yemen, Tunisia and Algeria fly to Damascus to consult Assad on PLO fighting.

US and Other Countries: Reagan Administration reportedly plans to establish closer political, economic, and strategic relations with Israel as keystone of Middle East policy, Eagleburger's visit last week to Israel laid groundwork; House approves foreign aid bill with largest sum ever for Israel, $2.61 b. in military and economic aid.

Military Action:

Shelling continues in Beirut's southern suburbs; PSP militia and LAF battle at Souq al-Gharb; Marine positions hit with small arms and artillery fire; shells fall near Jounieh port, north of Beirut; British MNF patrol fired on in Beirut; US jets buzz Beirut; Baddawi camp comes under rocket and artillery fire as heavy fighting continues, Arafat forces establish positions in Tripoli, shells land in city; head of IDF-backed militia in Nabatiyeh assassinated, fifth attack on militia leaders in two months.

Casualties:

1 civilian killed, unspecified number wounded in shelling in and around Beirut; 1 Marine, 1 LAF soldier wounded; Beirut airport closed to incoming flights; police estimate at least 200 killed, 300 wounded in past 4 days of fighting around Tripoli; oil storage tanks hit again by rocket fire, severe fuel shortage in Beirut, Tripoli; IDF permits limited pedestrian and vehicle traffic across Awali bridges, tension high as thousands of stranded persons wait to cross.

Political Responses:

Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet approves $2 b. budget cut, new austerity measures, including higher costs for education, health care, economists predict recession, rise in unemployment from current 4%o to 7%o; rallies, strikes, and official expressions of support for Arafat in East Jerusalem, West Bank towns and refugee camps, 1 boy wounded by IDF fire at Dheisheh; IDF announces test mobilization of forces, says it is routine and not meant as threat to Syria.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Resumption of Geneva talks among factional leaders postponed until at least November 20.

Arab Governments: Saudi envoy travels to Damascus to intervene with Assad over Tripoli fighting; Jordan declares support for Arafat; Syrian army, including reservists, mobilized.

Military Action:

IDF ambushed in Tyre.

Casualties:

Some IDF wounded in Tyre; Ansar review committee recommends release of 150, 1,100 cases heard out of 5,400 detainees, review committee established under the Fourth Geneva Convention on civilians as Israel does not recognize detainees as POWs covered under Third Geneva Convention.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon, Shamir and chief negotiator David Kimche meet for 2 hours with Habib and Draper, discussion focuses on 3 main differences between US and Israel (surveillance stations, UNIFIL, role of Saad Haddad); Commission of Inquiry completes 3?/2 months of investigation covering 49 witnesses, 152 eyewitnesses, 65 hours of testimony, 17,703 pages of transcript, closing with oral arguments of lawyers for 9 senior officials (Sharon, Eitan, Drori, Yaron, Dudai and Mossad head); Begin meets with head of Association for Prevention of Emigration, agrees to consider setting up ministerial committee to combat emigration (now 200,000 Israelis in the US alone); Israeli Foreign Ministry paying $5,000 per month rent on Saudi-owned villa along Beirut-Damascus high-way as Lebanon headquarters; Education Ministry setting up a committee to review curriculum in Arab schools and examine educational, psychological and social causes for growing extremism among Palestinian Israeli youth; Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Rakah) candidates win election of Arab student committees in Tel Aviv and Haifa universities; army uses tear gas and warning shots to disperse demonstrators in Hebron protesting arrest on Jan. 13 of 50 students, including entire student council, from Islamic University; Cabinet settlement committee votes to set up 2 new settlements in West Bank near Hebron, and 2 across green line in same area, approves referral center for prospective settlers.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Executive Committee, chaired by Arafat, meets in Damascus to plan for PNC; Walid Jumblatt criticizes compromise agenda in talks as concession to Israeli and US terms; Lebanese Forces Commander Fadi Frem urges Government to sign peace treaty with Israel to liberate Lebanon from psychological and political domination of Syria.

Arab Governments: Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmad Taleb Ibrahimi says Alteria purchased $20 million worth of arms direct from USSR for PLO in June, and later sent another 2 planeloads from Algiers; Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries reportedly removing British firms from list of eligible contractors due to dispute over PLO representative in Arab League delegation; Saudi Crown Prince Abdallah in Damascus for talks with Assad.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Major Haddad, in testimony before Commission of Inquiry, denies his militiamen were involved in massacre, says three militiamen caught in fight involving IDF and Druze forces near Beirut at time were far from camps and in Beirut on private visit, says on Friday, September 17, he flew to Beirut on IDF aircraft to offer condolences to Gemayel family, visited Jounieh, then returned by car to Marjayoun, accuses Saeb Salam of covering up for Phalangists on orders from Saudi Arabia by blaming Haddad forces; Foreign Ministry official Hana Bar-On testifies he relayed US official's report on "irregularities" in Beirut camps to Begin's military secretary, Colonal Azriel Nevo, Friday evening, September 17; political storm rages over New York Times opinion piece that implies Labor Party leaders want US to reduce aid to Israel as means to pressure Begin but Peres denies Labor Party supports cut in US aid; two leaders of Gush Emunim settlement of Qiryat Arba charged with destroying possible clues to unsolved bombings that crippled two Palestinian Mayors in 1980, trial is set for December 9; 25,000 Israeli settlers now estimated living in occupied territories, is twice as many as in 1980, five times as many as in 1977; Knesset finance committee defers decision on funding 9 new settlements (Labor Party criticizes 8 planned for West Bank, and IDF outposts in territories being turned over to right-wing Kach).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Walid Jumblatt, in interview, accuses Phalange of planning massacres of Druze and says talks are useless; Phalange spokesman Hayek denies charge, says Phalange militiamen only seeking to return to their former villages in Chouf.

Arab Governments: King Hussein, ending Arab League delegation visit to France, accuses Israel of holding up peace process through continued West Bank settlements, refusal to consider Reagan peace proposals, says question of Israel's eventual borders remains major obstacle to peace; Syrian President Assad tells visiting US Congressional delegation that Reagan plan is "incomplete" solution.

US and Other Countries: Habib leaves several days early for Mideast in wake of cancellation of Begin-Reagan meeting, as State Department expresses concern at lack of progress on troop withdrawals; Shultz meets with Habib, Veliotes, Fairbanks, M. Charles Hill and Samuel W. Lewis to review lack of progress on peace plan; Britain announces Arab League mission planned to arrive next week has been postponed to December, and it will continue to refuse inclusion of PLO representative in delegation; West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, in New York, tells US Jewish leaders he intends to strengthen West German relations with Israel, and supports Camp David process.

Military Action:

Israel launches all-day air strikes against Syrian, PLO and LNM artillery and anti-aircraft positions in Central and East Bekaa; units of PLA led by Syrian officers take over some Syrian positions in Bekaa and North Lebanon; IDF forces truck in cold-weather gear, conduct lessons on driving in snow, preparing for winter in Lebanon.

Casualties:

Lebanese radio reports 40 people killed, wounded in IDF air raids on Bwarej, Saad Nayel, Chtaura, Taalabaya, Mureijat, Hazarta, Tarshish in Bekaa.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir says security arrangement with Lebanon independent of departure of IDF troops; Sheli calls on Sharon to dissolve West Bank Civil Administration, return deposed mayors to their elected posts; West Bank delegation visits Vatican's Jerusalem office to express gratitude for Pope's willingness to meet Arafat; 30,000 dunums of land near Hebron declared "state lands" by military authorities.

Arab Governments: Saudi Arabia gives Syria over $500 m. in recent days; Assad resists withdrawing troops from Lebanon in face of PLO opposition; Hussein praises Reagan peace proposals, says Palestinian-Jordanian federation possible.

US and Other Countries: US expresses concern at renewed fighting, stresses need for early pullout of foreign forces from Lebanon.

UN: Morris Draper consults with UN in New York about expanding scope of UNIFIL in South Lebanon.

Military Action:

Eight IDF soldiers captured by Syrians near Bhamdoun (IDF claims their capture is breach of cease-fire, asks US and ICRC to intercede for their release); clash between Syrian and IDF soldiers near Hadet el-jebbe northeast of Beirut.

Casualties:

Three IDF, one Syrian soldier killed in clash; US, Israeli officials confer on reopening Beirut airport (Lebanese reject Israeli presence there as mockery of government control); Lebanese security forces occupy two buildings formerly held by PLO; Murabitun relinquish more outposts; thousands of West Beirut residents return to find looted, damaged homes, thousands still displaced in South Lebanon or the Bekaa (150,000 estimated to have fled West Beirut during war).

Political Responses:

lsrael/ Occupied Territories: Following Begin's letter of protest to Reagan, Israel allocates $18.5 m. to build 3 new settlements on West Bank, announces approval for 7 more (9 of 10 to be located near Hebron); Shamir meets Draper on further withdrawals from Lebanon; Mayor Freij calls on Arab leaders to support Reagan plan, bring Egypt back into fold.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO says it will continue to study Reagan plan; Saeb Salam calls US offer of $95 m. to rebuild Lebanon "chickenfeed," says Israel should pay reparations.

Arab Governments: Assad confers with Kings of Jordan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia on Reagan plan and possible joint Arab proposal; Arab leaders gather for Fez summit.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says any Palestinian homeland must be "totally demilitarized," calls settlements "unwelcome development"; Reagan Administration strongly condemns Israeli plan for more settlements; Reagan responds to letter from Bethlehem Mayor Freij.

Military Action:

First PLO units to be evacuated to Syria publicly welcomed in Tartus (Israeli claim that overland evacuation "postponed" at Syrian request denied in Damascus); IDF tanks head north from Beirut; PLO, Syrians fortify positions in Bekaa; two PLO groups leave Beirut for Syria, Sudan following massive public farewells (PLO overland evacuation to Syria postponed again, for "technical reasons"); Sharon allows Syrians to send trucks to remove heavy vehicles from Beirut; US Marines land at Beirut and US officer meets with PLO leadership to discuss guarding port area; IDF forces "thinned" near Beirut.

Casualties: 1 IDF soldier dies after being shot by sniper in Galerie Semaan (333rd IDF soldier killed); mine kills 4 Lebanese villagers near Jouayeh; Bekaa front quiet; 9 civilians killed, 27 wounded accidentally in farewell fusillades by LNM forces.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Temritories: Sharon meets with West Bank Village League heads concerning their participation in "autonomy" talks (later states opposition to Palestinian state because "it already exists" in Jordan); grenade hurled at IDF vehicle in Gaza Strip (fourth such incident in Occupied Territories in one week); Union of Palestinian Women's Committees from West Bank visit Palestinian and Lebanese victims of Israeli invasion in Haifa hospitals; Begin calls for resumption of autonomy talks with Egypt, claims "war" with PLO in West Beirut over; government announces 7 more settlements planned for West Bank, Golan Heights; Sharon says he expects Lebanon to sign peace treaty with Israel; Peres calls for establishment of commission of inquiry to examine government conduct of Lebanese war.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Opposition to Gemayel presidency among Lebanese Muslims remains strong.

Arab Govemments: Syria warns Gemayel against signing peace treaty with Israel; Saudi Prince Saud meets Assad in Damascus (Saudis reportedly involved in negotiations with US on withdrawal of forces from Lebanon); Saudi King Fahd donates $500 m. to repair damage to Sidon.

US and Other Countries: Habib, in Tel Aviv, asks Sharon to allow French soldiers to safeguard section of Beirut-Damascus road during evacuation and to restrain Phalange attacks; 3 US congressmen meet Begin in Israel; Reagan assures Congress of Marines' noncombat role in Lebanon in notification required under War Powers Act.

Military Action:

IDF jets attack West Beirut at 10 AM, on day 50 of invasion, hitting same targets as day before, following night-long artillery duels between IDF and PLO (first evening raids on Shatila, Sabra, Burj al-Barajneh camps complicate rescue efforts); only small arms fire reported in Bekaa as Syrians reposition troops, strengthen them; PLO mounts another ambush behind IDF lines in the Bekaa area (patrol hit; 8 IDF soldiers wounded, two vehicles destroyed); IDF forces in Lebanon variously estimated at 120,000.

Casualties:

WAFA reports 12 casualties today, 200 in last four days; IDF bomb hits fuel tank owned by air cargo carrier at airport; ICRC personnel visit Ansar detention camp.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Economy Minister Meridor warns Syria against introducing any new weapons into Lebanese fighting; Sharon reports to Knesset committee on Thursday operation; Shamir reportedly plans visit to US later in the week, Begin set to visit Zaire; Cabinet reportedly approves daily military pressure on Beirut; Israeli officials skeptical of Arafat statement to US Congressional delegation.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Negotiations stalled during Habib tour; PLO says statement it signed for US Congressman McCloskey represents restatement of longstanding positions.

Arab Governments: Habib meets Mubarak in Egypt, reportedly fails to get agreement to take PLO fighters; Habib flies to Rome for talks with Foreign Minister (reportedly plans to meet Hussein of Jordan in London); Egyptian foreign minister plans visit to the US; Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah meets with Assad in Damascus, as Khaddam meets Libyan envoy.

US and Other Countries: Rep. Paul McCloskey (D-CA), visiting Beirut as part of a Congressional delegation, claims Arafat signs document accepting all UN resolutions recognizing Israel's right to exist, urges US to open dialogue with PLO.

Military Action:

IDF jets make repeated reconnaissance passes over Beirut as IDF armored units dig in around airport and trade small arms fire with PLO guerrillas in southern suburbs; PLO building ramparts at key intersections to impede IDF tank passage; Syria and PLO reinforcing units in Bekaa valley; IDF matches their efforts in adjacent zones.

Casualties:

IDF attack on Tyre resulted in losses of almost $75 m., loss of personal goods and autos may add another $10 m.; similar study of Sidon expected to show losses of around $100 m.; acting president of the American University of Beirut kidnapped, reportedly in return for kidnapping of Shiite in Phalange area; although food is entering Beirut, fuel is still cut, threatening hospital and sanitation services in W. Beirut; mounting piles of garbage reported in Beirut, as well as broken water mains; Palestinian refugees are returning to devastated camps for lack of other places to go; Lebanese farmers complain of Israeli imported fruit undercutting their market; Israeli Economy Minister Meridor, in US, says Israel is allowing food supplies from Saudi Arabia into Lebanon via Israel.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Economy Minister, in Washington, denies any limitations on supplying Beirut; debate erupts in Knesset on Lebanese situation; Knesset Foreign Affairs Committee told it will need to find winter shelter for about 20-30,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese and PLO officials look to US for new initiative to stave off IDF assault on Beirut, pin hopes on Reagan meeting with Syrian and Saudi Foreign Ministers tomorrow; Hani al-Hassan and Salam both urge US to talk directly with PLO to speed negotiations; PLO leader Khalid al- Hassan travels to Washington as part of the Arab League delegation meeting Administration officials; Habib presents all parties with "final" proposals that call for a total Syrian/ Palestinian withdrawal from Lebanon and withdrawal of IDF to the port of Sidon.

Arab Governments: Syrian president Assad says Syrian troops will remain in Lebanon as long as IDF troops.

US and Other Countries: Habib meets with key Lebanese officials during day but makes little progress; Greece informs Lebanon it is willing to contribute 300 soldiers to a peace-keeping force; US, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Austria also have offered to participate; shipment of US cluster bombs halted to Israel until review of their use in Lebanon completed; Senator D'Amato of New York, in Jerusalem for talks, says Israel is prepared to use force to get PLO out of Beirut; Zaire's President Mobutu invites Begin to visit Zaire in August; Saudi foreign minister, on eve of meeting with Reagan, asks US to endorse Palestinian self-rule, negotiate directly with PLO.

Military Action:

IDF gunboats/ artillery bombard Palestinian camps, residential areas (shells fall in non-Palestinian areas of Verdun and Corniche Mazraa); blockade creates serious food, gasoline, medical shortages and brings negotiations to a halt; Wazzan says all water, electricity cut and all roads into W. Beirut closed; IDF tanks try to move on airport (4 vehicles hit in fierce PLO resistance); 2 shells land near Presidential Palace at Baabda; Lebanese officials say IDF forces 3 engineers to remove key piece of pumping machinery from water works serving West Beirut; fifth cease-fire called at 4 PM by IDF, though shelling continues beyond deadline (last cease-fire June 25); IDF forces advance to edge of airport runways; IDF only advances block by block against fierce PLO resistance (despite pleas, no PLO members surrender); now an estimated 90,000 IDF troops in Lebanon; Phalange cuts off port road on IDF orders.

Casualties:

Four cars of ICRC and convoy of 14 food trucks turned back from W. Beirut; residents of city line up at stores in panic buying of food; gasoline scarce; American University Hospital has only 2 days of oxygen; gunfights at gasoline stations reported; few of W. Beirut's estimated 200,000 Lebanese and Palestinian residents leave; ICRC protests lack of protection for and access to prisoners; severe housing shortage develops at Nabatiyeh as refugees arrive from north.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: BenPorat of Telem joins Cabinet; Sharon, Kimche, Habib reportedly meet; Mapam Secretary-General calls for end to water and food blockade (joined by Labor Party's Yossi Sarid); special regulations passed around June 9 reportedly allow for 3 months detention with no provisions for legal counsel or informing detainees' families; 6 wounded outside Hebron by Village League members; Vatican-sponsored Bethlehem University reopens (closed since June 11 after student protests of invasion).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Groundswell of Lebanese resentment of IDF and support for Wazzan reported; PLO reported to send contribu-tion to Nicaragua for children affected by May floods; Lebanese officials protest IDF cutoff of water.

Arab Governments: Egypt accepts Iraq's invitation to summit meeting in September (after 3-year total isolation); Egypt says US role in Lebanon vital, that Israeli invasion is under-mining peace process and stability of region; PLO, Moroccan, Kuwaiti leaders meet USSR leaders; Syrian President Assad returns after talks with Saudi King Fahd; only Algeria and Syria reportedly willing to take PLO.

US and Other Countries: US officials say cease-fire essential to negotiations, pressures IDF to ease pressure on Beirut, following strong message from Saudi Arabia; USSR Foreign Minister Gromyko rules out military involvement in Lebanon; Arab women begin silent vigil outside White House; Nicaragua says it is sending solidarity mission to Beirut.