The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinian shepherds near Kisan, causing injuries. Israeli settlers from the Mitzpe Yair settlement outpost killed 10 Palestinian-owned sheep in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near al-Bireh, injuring 4 Palestinians and causing damage. Israeli settlers also raided Deir Balut, throwing stones at Palestinian homes and vehicles, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a raid in ‘Azzun. Israeli forces also raided al-Arroub refugee camp, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. In Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis protested against the Israeli government for the fourteenth  Saturday in a row. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/8; WAFA 4/9; ; HA 4/10; PCHR 4/13; UNOCHA 4/20)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant extended the closure of West Bank and Gaza crossings until the evening of 4/12, citing the killing of 3 Israelis and 1 foreigner on 4/7. Palestinians with special permits for access to the Haram al-Sharif compound and for work in Israel were also affected by the closure. Gallant also ordered Israeli soldiers to assist Israeli police in central Israel. (HA 4/8)

In Syria, 6 rockets were fired from Syria at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; no damage was reported. Israel subsequently fired artillery and used drones to attack areas in Syria, causing damage. (HA 4/8; AJ, AJ, AP, BBC, REU, REU 4/9; AJ 4/10)

Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati said that his government will file a complaint with the UN secretary general and the UN Security Council over the Israeli attacks on Lebanon on 4/6. Mikati also said that the Lebanese military’s investigation into the firing of rockets from Lebanon concluded that it was not carried out by a particular organization. (WAFA 4/8; HA 4/9)

A leaked memo from the U.S. Defense Department claimed that the Mossad had advocated for its officials and other Israelis to protest against the Israeli government’s judicial reforms. The Israeli government denied the reports. (NYT 4/8; AJ, HA, REU 4/9; HA 4/10; AX 4/11)

Military Action:

2 US warships engage in first direct military support of LAF, bombard PSP positions near Souq al-Gharb with 350+ rounds of 5-inch shells (heaviest naval bombardment since Vietnam war) after militiamen penetrate Souq al-Gharb defenses, capture 3 strategic hilltops; PSP says it downed Lebanese Air Force fighter-bomber; air Force attacks, damages anti-aircraft batteries near Batroun, north of Beirut; artillery barrages hit East Beirut; 24 hour curfew imposed in Beirut's southern suburbs; bomb damages IDF convoy near Nabatieh.

Casualties:

Heavy but unspecified casual- ties reported on both sides of Souq al- Gharb battle, including casualties from naval bombardment; 5 IDF soldiers wounded near Nabatieh.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Druze citizens of Israel demonstrate outside US Embassy in Tel Aviv to protest US military support for LAF.

US and Other Countries: US officials say use of naval gunfire at Souq al-Gharb (when no direct threat to US personnel existed), is necessary because successfui LAF defense of the area is vital to safety of US personnel, and loss of the position could undermine stability of Gemayel government; French Foreign Minister says US shelling is not best way to solve Lebanese crisis.

Military Action:

IDF moves 2 convoys of tanks, APCs, heavy armor, from South Lebanon to cease-fire line in Bekaa; Lebanese Army seals off and searches southern Beirut suburbs from Bourj al-Barajneh to Lailaki; fighting continues in Bab Mohsen and Bab el-Tabbaneh areas of Tripoli.

Casualties:

9 killed in Tripoli; 40-50 detained by Lebanese Army.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli, Lebanese and US negotiators meet at Kiryat Shemona, fail to agree on draft agenda proposed by US delegate Draper; Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan says Soviet SA-5 missiles in Syria are not a military threat, but of major political significance, as could be manned by Soviet personnel, and confirms that Syria is undergoing intense military expansion to have 2 additional armored divisions by 1984, all its artillery self-propelled, most tanks to be T-72s, more commando battalions; President Navon in Washington, says consensus within Israel is opposed to Palestinian state and returning to 1967 borders; Yesh Gvul ("There's A Limit") demonstration in front of Defense Ministry demands rights for conscientious objectors and freedom for those in jail; Costa Rican Minister of Public Security Angel Edmondo Solano Calderon and wife visit Israel as guests of Defense Minister Sharon; Kiryat Arba local council tears down 4 electricity poles providing electricity to 25 Palestinian families, claiming land is allocated to Givat Harsina settlement; military authorities close Nablus technical school for I week; American Principal of Ramallah Friends Girls School summoned by military governor, but refuses (along with 4 US teachers) to sign work permit containing anti-PLO clause.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat says in interview he will set up government in exile once the US recognizes the Palestinians' right to self-determination; Lebanese militia and political leaders meet in Tripoli to try to stop fighting.

US and Other Countries: Actress Elizabeth Taylor in Israel on a mission of peace and understanding decides not to go to Lebnon as Lebanese Government cannot guarantee her security, but Saad Haddad goes to Tel Aviv to meet Taylor.

Military Action:

In the fourth day of the blockade, IDF armored units are concentrated near checkpoints, move to port road as well; new fight-ing erupts, with Presidential Palace, US embassy hit; shelling begins in afternoon, continues into night; IDF bombardment by tanks/ artillery hits PLO ammunition dump in Burj al-Barajneh camp, also target near UNESCO building; USSR compound badly damaged (Syrian outpost nearby); cease-fire called at end of day.

Casualties:

Political and military groups organize garbage removal, flour deliveries to small bakeries, creation of small clinics (only 10 days of flour on hand in W. Beirut; oxygen in short supply, gas almost unavailable); World Council of Churches says hundreds of Lebanese civilians have disappeared, apparently to Israeli internment centers (also charges obstruction of relief efforts, delaying shipping, documentation, unloading and distribution of supplies); after initial denial, IDF admits cutting water/ electricity to W. Beirut (only revealed after journalists found IDF soldiers inside switching station); Lebanese Red Cross calls for intervention to spare the people of Beirut; International Commission of Jurists calls on Israel to grant POW status to estimated 4000 Palestinians taken prisoner; Israeli government considers appointment of Arye Eliav to head rehabilitation efforts for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon (Eliav tentatively accepts pending government decision); suffering of Lebanese civilians from IDF invasion reportedly significantly higher than PLO; danger of cholera/ typhoid epidemics grow in W. Beirut; 3 IDF soldiers wounded at Baabda by PLO shelling.

Political Responses:

Israel/Occupied Territories: Israeli sources report US willingness to station US troops in Beirut (US government later agrees "in principle" to send US troops as PLO escort, but opposition from Congressional leaders grows); Telem faction joins Begin government, giving Likud Bloc one more vote; government reportedly sets July 9 as deadline for diplomatic solution; Sharon, in speech near Tel Aviv, says invasion pre-empted Syrian war plans against Israel; Cabinet rejects 2 parts of US plan (continued PLO political role and 2 PLO units to be attached to Lebanese Army); government dismisses elected mayor and towni council of Jenin (sixth pro-PLO West Bank mayor ousted since November 1981), reportedly for failure to cooperate with new Israeli administrators; tear gas used to disperse Bir Zeit students protesting invasion; curfew imposed on Balata refugee camp near Nablus after bus carrying IDF soldiers stoned; 3 people in Idna near Hebron detained on suspicion of inciting workers to strike.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat rejects PLO evacuation under US supervision or via Sixth Fleet (however, other PLO spokespeople say US/French troops will separate PLO and IDF units, allow PLO evacuation to east); Arafat refers to Habib's "blackmail"; Phalange calls up 2500-3000 high school graduates of 1982 to boost armed strength; Greek Catholic bishop and two priests abducted in the Bekaa area (apparent retaliation for ab-duction of Iranian charge d'affaires on Sunday).

Arab Governments: Syria rejects participation in US plan.

US and Other Countries: Reagan agrees "in principle" to US troops being sent to Lebanon, key Congressional leaders voice concern, opposition to plan; US appeals for restoration of water, electricity to Beirut.

UN: Discussion of French/Egyptian resolution continues.

Military Action:

IDF armored troops seal off West Beirut as Israeli and Palestinian gunners trade artillery, machine-gun fire in southern suburbs, in first major clash in 8 days; IDF drops concealment, openly sets up armored units for first time inside city at the Green Line; IDF and Phalange jointly patrolling crossing points; Israeli planes drop red flares over Palestinian refugee camps, as loudspeakers advise residents to move out; IDF digs out positions for tanks in hillsides above Beirut; IDF begins blockade, stopping all traffic coming into W. Beirut; IDF artillery in Sofar exchanges barrages with Syrians; 400 IDF tanks, 110 artillery pieces ring Beirut; Phalange radio reports IDF advances toward Burj al-Barajneh camp.

Arafat expects IDF attack with 3 divisions and planes, gunboats; PLO units maintain grenade, small arms attacks on IDF rear units.

Casualties:

Fires reported in vicinity of airport and in Burj al-Barajneh camp following fierce artillery duels; IDF units inwceased in Chouf area following killing of 3 Christian villagers by Druze militia-men (following week of violence against Druze villages by Phalange forces).

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir says Israel may not demand a multinational force along the border if some agreement can be reached; Shamir denies difference between political/ military actions of PLO, says IDF will not wait too much longer before assault on Beirut; Eitan suggests smaller military actions rather than all-out attack may be used; 270 IDF killed, 1270 injured; IDF says reservists in combat units may serve 60-90 days; 50- 70,000 people protest war in Tel Aviv, including reservists, as thousands of others attend exhibit of captured PLO and Syrian weapons; Justice Minister Nissim, Attorney General, and other officials meet tomorrow to consider legal action against Avnery for meeting Arafat.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Salam charges IDF broke cease-fire twice during day; agreement reached on deployment of multinational force alongside Lebanese Army, but not on continuing PLO presence in Lebanon; Lebanese government says PLO still refuses to offer formal set of proposals; Arafat later signs detailed document that PLO will evacuate Beirut (many Lebanese fear Israel will reject; Wazzan says only some progress, no agreement reached with PLO); Arafat hails "Paris Declaration" by 3 prominent Jews as "positive initiative toward a just ... peace"; Sarkis meets with French envoy Gutmann.

Arab Governments: Syria, Egypt, Jordan debate number of PLO members they are willing to take.

US and Other Countries: Habib meets with Sarkis; Ambassador Lewis meets Begin, reportedly asks more time for negotiations.

UN: UN mission heads for Lebanon to assess relief needs.

Military Action:

Israeli planes shower leaflets on Beirut warning people to "flee for their lives" and suggesting two escape routes (pandemonium in streets as people try to enter E. Beirut; Phalangists refuse to let Palestinians through their lines); Phalange reported openly cooperating with IDF; large IDF troop maneuvers along Beirut-Damascus highway; Israel dis-plays stockpile of weapons from PLO bases in Lebanon; Israeli Government acknowledges use of US-supplied cluster bombs in Lebanon; car bombings continue in Beirut; 700 IDF tanks, 1000 armored cars, 210 heavy artillery pieces surround Beirut; special IDF unit trained in street fighting arrives from Golan.

Casualties:

Three killed, 20 injured in explosion near Agence France Presse building in Beirut; French paper says 209 died and 153 were wounded in mountains; latest Lebanese police figures are 10,112 dead, 19,000 wounded (expected to be higher); foreign correspondents are still not allowed into Ain el-Hilweh refugee camp (near Sidon) and Rashidiyeh (near Tyre); less than half of Palestinian refugees remain in 3 Palestinian camps, few have anywhere to go.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Cabinet issues "peace plan" demanding that all PLO members, not just leadership, exit to Syria, urges Lebanese Army to enter West Beirut; government officials express some concern over George Shultz; Sharon denies Begin promised Reagan IDF would not invade Beirut; former IDF chief of staff Gur says past 2 weeks of fighting and Israeli deaths pointless; Labor Alignment demands that IDF not ente: Beirut (300 Labor doves demonstrate outside Prime Minister's office); group of army reservists, back from serving in Lebanon, announces round-the-clock protests; 20,000 protest the war in Tel Aviv; blood bank in Gaza sends blood to Sidon victims through Red Cross; 2 mukhtars from Nablus area fired by Israeli government for refusing to join Israeli-sponsored Village Leagues; Nablus Mayor Shakaa condemns US veto of French resolution at the UN.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel's Phalangists expand control in areas seized by IDF (re-ports of interrogations regarding political sympathies at gunpoint, beatings, even killings); hostility of villagers toward IDF in Bekaa area and mountains reported; Prime Minister Wazzan meets with Arafat; Arafat agrees in principle on PLO disarming and leaving Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Advisor to Mubarak says PLO will be radicalized; Saudi Arabia reportedly presses for IDF pullback; Syria reluctant to take PLO guerrillas, fearing Syria would become target for IDF raids; Tunis meeting of Arab foreign ministers reported as a fiasco (though ad hoc committee formed to pressure 5 permanent members of UN Security Council to demand IDF withdrawal).

US and Other Countries: US issues stern warning to Israel not to invade Beirut; Finnish medical therapist says IDF arrested bedridden patients in Sidon.

Military Action:

Israeli jets pound PLO, Syrians in big offensive, though truce reported later; Israeli tanks, planes begin large-scale offensive along Damascus highway (involves 200 tanks, heavy artillery, rocket launchers); Palestinian camps, residential areas bombarded in first Israeli jet action over Beirut in 9 days; Lebanese government says IDF about to cut high-way in several places as IDF gains 4-5 miles; Syrian tank losses heavy, but Syrian troops restrain responses in effort to contain fighting; "wall-to-wall" Israeli tanks reported south of Beirut; two Israeli troop buses come under fire south of Tyre; Israeli artillery continues through night; IDF closing in on Aley; 50 Syrian tanks move across Syrian border to reinforce units in Lebanon; PLO units return Israeli gunfire from Burj al-Barajneh; general military mobilization in Syria.

Casualties:

Lebanese police estimate 27 killed, 80 wounded in new IDF bombing of Beirut; Israeli demolition teams dynamite buildings in Rashidiyeh refugee camp as all males are rounded up in Tyre; remaining residents of Rashidiyeh without food or medical care as Tyre residents refuse to help them; no walls higher than a few feet left in Rashidiyeh; Israeli officials announce Palestinian refugees are being denied tents because they fear a "temporary" solution will become permanent; 200,000 Palestinian refugees are in southern Lebanon, mainly around Sidon and Tyre.

Mobile bank units offer IDF all services, including facilitating purchase/ sale of securities on Tel Aviv stock market.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel agrees to new cease-fire after Habib request; divisions within Labor Party between doves, hawks sharpen; 150 demonstrate against invasion in front of Knesset and Peace Now sends telegram asking no extension of the war; Labor Alignment opposes all military penetration of Beirut; Begin defends invasion before 36 angry US Senators who question use of cluster bombs; Israel denies ABC use of satellite in Israel because it broadcast interview with Arafat; Begin meets Haig.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: National Salvation Council meets, makes some progress on plani including IDF withdrawal from Beirut, PLO withdrawal into camps, Lebanese Army posted inside city; highway reopening; possible use of French troops being discussed; PLO denounces USSR for only symbolic support; Jumblatt accuses Habib of "hot di-plomacy"; Phalangists state opposition to any Syrian presence in Lebanon and, for first time, allow unarmed non-Lebanese civilians to evacuate Beirut; Lebanese government tells UN and Arab League it will not renew mandate for Syrian troops after July 19.

US and Other Countries: US embassy advises all Americans to move to E. Beirut (ship due in Jounieh to evacuate Americans); UK, West Germany also advise nationals to leave; PM Thatcher rules out use of British troops in Lebanon; Greek Premier meets with PLO's Kaddoumi; Dutch parliament condemns Israeli invasion, 144-6; Norwegian leaders re-ject Israeli invitation to visit Lebanon.

UN: UNIFIL says it will concentrate on helping civilians.