The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces uprooted 50 olive trees in Wadi Fukin. Israeli forces also demolished 9 residential and 14 agricultural structures in Ibziq. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a house under construction in Qalqas. Israeli force shot and injured 6 Palestinians using live ammunition during a late-night raid in Tubas. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp, Beit Umar, Halhul, Yatta, Jenin, Ya‘bad, and Kaft Laqif; 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli live ammunition during a protest against the raid in al-Am‘ari refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces physically assaulted 2 Palestinians in Isawiya and Jabel Mukaber. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/28; MEE, WAFA 12/29; PCHR 12/30)

The Jordanian Detainees Committee in Saudi Arabia said that a Saudi court had reduced the sentence of former Hamas official Mohammad al-Khodari from 15 years to 3 years in prison. Al-Khodari was 1 of some 60 Jordanian and Palestinian nationals to receive sentences by Saudi Arabia earlier this year for an affiliation with Hamas or other resistance groups. (MEMO 12/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz at Gantz’s residence in Rosh Ha’ayin. The 2.5-hour-long meeting was attended by Israel’s coordinator of government activities in the territories Rassan Aliyan, PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh, and head of PA security service Majed Faraj. Civil Affairs Minister al-Sheikh said the 2 sides spoke of a political horizon while Defense Minister Gantz tweeted that the meeting was about economic and civic measures and security coordination. An Israeli statement said Israel had agreed to register 6,000 Palestinians living in the West Bank and 3,500 living in Gaza, give the PA a $32-million advance on its tax income, and grant more business permits and VIP passes for the PA. Israeli and Palestinian officials said that President Abbas demanded more action against settler violence and the revocation of terror designations for 6 Palestinian rights organizations. It was President Abbas’s 1st meeting with an Israeli official in Israel since 2010. A Hamas spokesperson condemned Abbas’s visit, saying he was accommodating the occupation and “deepening Palestinian political divisions.” Islamic Jihad and the PFLP also condemned the meeting. (AP, HA, JP, TOI 12/28; ABC, AJ, ALM, AP, AX, F24, HILL, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 12/29; ALM, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO 12/30; ALM, MEMO 12/31; TOI 1/1; TOI 1/2)

Israeli justice minister Gideon Sa‘ar said he wanted the Homesh settlement outpost legalized in response to the killing of 1 Israeli settler on 12/16. (HA 12/28)

In Syria, Israel conducted air strikes in Latakia, causing damage at the city’s port. Israeli sources claimed that Israeli missiles had hit Iranian munitions stored in containers. A Russian official said 4 missiles were fired from 2 Israeli F-16s, causing minor material damage. The Russian official also said that the Syrian air defense system was deactivated because a Russian plane was landing nearby. (AJ, AP, AP, GDN, HA, HA, NWK, REU 12/28; MEMO 12/29; AP, HA 12/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 solar panel and 15 olive seedlings near ‘Urif. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dura and Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 13, including 5 with live ammunition and 8 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized a caravan in Sabastiyya. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tarqumiyya and Jenin refugee camp; Israeli forces also seized a vehicle during a house raid in Aqraba. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler rammed Palestinians with his vehicle near the Old City, causing injuries; Palestinians were throwing stones at the vehicle but it was unclear what transpired before the ramming, which appeared in a video. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians in Shaykh Jarrah during a tour of the neighborhood by 2 Israeli lawmakers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Israeli forces attacked Palestinian worshipers with tear gas, sound bombs, and rubber-coated bullets at the Haram al-Sharif compound, injuring more than 305 people, including inside of al-Aqsa Mosque where a sound bomb caught a carpet on fire. Israeli forces prevented the Palestinian Red Crescent from entering the compound. Israel also reversed its decision from 5/9 to allow Jewish worshipers to enter the Haram al-Sharif compound for the Israeli celebration of Jerusalem Day. The Jerusalem Day march was later canceled by its organizers as Israeli police decided to prevent the settler march to go through the Damascus Gate plaza. Israeli forces also confiscated the keys to the al-Aqsa Mosque from the Islamic Waqf. Also at the Haram al-Sharif compound, Israeli police were filmed beating up an Israeli-accredited Palestinian journalist covering the events for Anadolu Agency. The Palestinian Red Crescent said that 612 Palestinians were injured throughout Jerusalem, including 333 who were hospitalized. In Gaza, Israeli started a military operation later dubbed “Guardian of the Wall” after Hamas fired rockets at Israel, giving Israel hours to leave the Haram al-Sharif compound. Hamas had earlier in the day warned Israel that it would fire rockets at 6 p.m. if Israel did not remove its forces from the holy places. 20 Palestinians were killed, including 9 children, and dozens were injured. The casualties included: 2, including 1 child, in 1 drone strike at Jabaliya; 10, including 6 children in 2 drone strikes at Bayt Hanun, with 32 others wounded, including 12 children; and 1, with 2 injured, in an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis. 7 were also killed, including 1 child, and 34 were injured in Jabaliya in an explosion that was not conclusively attributed to an Israeli air strike. Additionally, damage was sustained in al-Bureij refugee camp, al-Qarara, and Rafah. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was shot dead and 1 other injured by 1 Jewish-Israeli in Lydda; 3 Jewish-Israelis were arrested. Israeli forces later violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters at the Lydda city hall. In Ramla, Jewish-Israelis threw stones at Palestinian-Israelis and their property and set fire to trash cans. Israeli police dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Nazareth, Kafr Kana, Kafr Manda, Shefa-Amr, Majdal Krum, Dayr Khana, Umm al-Fahm, Baka al-Garbiyeh, Taiba, Jaffa, Haifa, and Jaljulya; 46 were arrested. The Knesset was evacuated after a rocket from Gaza landed in the vicinity of Jerusalem. (HA 5/9; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, FOX, GDN, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEE, MEE, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/10; ALM, HA, HA, MEE, PCHR, PCHR 5/11; ALM, HA, WAFA 5/12; WAFA 5/19; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26)

Israel closed all crossings to Gaza and the sea for fishing as collective punishment for rockets fired at Israel. (PCHR 5/10)

The PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and the PA presidency condemned Israel’s attack on the Haram al-Sharif compound and called on the international community to take action. The PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh said the Palestinian leadership is “examining all options to respond to this heinous aggression against the holy sites and the citizens.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas also discussed the situation with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/10)

Leader of the Ra’am (United Arab List) Mansour Abbas said that he had broken off contacts with Israeli opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett just before he was to have a joint meeting with them, citing the violence in Jerusalem and Gaza. Mansour Abbas met with Naftali Bennett on 5/9. (ALM, HA 5/10; ALM, HA, MEMO, NBC 5/11)

Israel attacked Syria in the Quneitra region with a helicopter, injuring 1. (HA 5/10)

Iran confirmed that it is in direct talks with Saudi Arabia to resolve the issues between the 2 countries. A Saudi official confirmed the talks on 5/7. (AJ, HA, REU 5/10)

The U.S. said 1 of its Coast Guard ships had fired 30 warning shots at 13 Iranian vessels that came too close to the ship and 6 other U.S. navy vessels. Iran said that it was the U.S. that had acted recklessly in the encounter. (AJ, HA, REU 5/10; AP, MEMO 5/11)

UN security council members met at an emergency session to discuss the situation in Palestine-Israel. No statement was issued after the meeting. U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. administration wanted to make sure that a statement would “not escalate tensions.” Spokesperson Price also refused to say if the U.S. condemned the Israeli air strike that killed 9 Palestinian children, and suggested that Palestinians, contrary to Israelis, do not have the right to defend themselves, saying that only states recognized by the U.S. have that right. (HA, MEE 5/11)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The IDF shells residential areas of Brazil refugee camp, damaging a school. Israel says it will begin allowing Palestinians with VIP passes (e.g., PC mbrs.) to travel btwn. the West Bank and Gaza providing they request permission of the IDF in advance, submit to searches. The PA says Israel should honor the VIP passes without restrictions as per signed agmts. (MA 2/25 in WNC 2/26; HJ 2/26 in WNC 2/27; LAW 3/1)

U.S. Secy. of State Colin Powell arrives in Egypt on the 1st leg of a 3-day tour to meet regional leaders, to discuss the Bush administration's proposal to modify the sanctions regime on Iraq to eliminate many economic restrictions, refocus sanctions more narrowly on Saddam Hussein's military. After meeting with Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak, Powell heads to Israel, where he confers with Barak on bilateral, Israeli-Palestinian relations. Powell will also visit Ramallah, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria. (NYT, WP, WT 2/25; al-Ra'i 2/25 in WNC 2/27; WP 2/27; MA 3/1 in WNC 3/5; MEI 3/9)

In Amman, 1,000 Jordanians attend a rally organized by the Jordan professional associations to protest the U.S. Secy. of State Powell's visit to the kingdom on 2/25 in light of the U.S. position toward the Palestinians, Iraq. (JT 2/25 in WNC 2/26; JT 2/26 in WNC 2/27)

U.S appoints career diplomat Frank Ricciardone as "special representative for transition in Iraq" to coordinate the opposition to Saddam Hussein as mandated under the ILA. U.S. says it is prepared to contain Hussein with missiles, sanctions for yrs., while it tries to win acceptance for surrogate Iraqi exile armies that might eventually be able to overthrow the regime; will solicit cooperation fr. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, possibly Iran to host exile armies. Turkey says it hopes Ricciardone will not operate fr. Ankara. (MM 1/21; WP, WT 1/22; HUR 1/22, Sabah 1/25 in WNC 1/26; WT 1/26; WP 1/29; MM 2/1; CSM 2/16) (see 1/15)

U.S. continues preparations for strike on Iraq, including deployment of stealth, B-52 heavy bombers. Regarding a diplomatic resolution, White House spokesman Joe Lockhart says "We have made clear this is no time for negotiations." Damascus Declaration states (Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE) issue statement saying that Saddam Hussein alone bears responsibility for consequences of his refusal to cooperate with the UN. (MM 11/12; MENA, Radio Qatar, al-Rayah, RE, SANA, SATN 11/12 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WT 11/13)

Israel begins accepting bids for settlement construction at Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghunaym in East Jerusalem. (MM 11/12; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/13; MEI 11/16)

At Rafah airport, Israeli, PA teams practice security procedures for checking passengers. (WT 11/13)

Italian police arrests PKK leader Ocalan when he arrives in Rome on flight fr. Russia. Turkey asks for his extradition. (WP 11/14; WP 11/15; NYT, WP 11/17) (see 11/4)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Mahmud Abbas, adviser to PA head Yasir Arafat, and Palestinian Council (PC) Speaker Ahmad Qurai`. In separate mtg., Arafat meets with Netanyahu adviser Yitzhak Molho. (QY, YA 2/17, YA 2/18 in WNC 2/21; IGPO 2/18)

Israel's Ciechanover Comm., charged with investigating Mossad's attempted assassination of Hamas mbr. Khalid Mishal in Amman 9/25/97, reports its findings to PM Netanyahu. (MM, WP, WT 2/16; ITV 2/16, JT 2/17 in WNC 2/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 2/17; IGPO 2/17 in WNC 2/24; NYT 2/18; WJW 2/19; JP 2/21)

Jordan announces arrest of 5 Hizballah mbrs. who infiltrated fr. Syria, allegedly to carry out attacks on Israeli, U.S. targets in Amman. (MM 2/17)

PA police in Bethlehem force closure of Shepherds Television station for airing report on pro-Iraqi demonstrations in West Bank. (LAW 2/19; NYT 2/20; IGPO 3/1) (see 2/14)

Israeli, Palestinian activists hold demonstration outside U.S. consulate in Jerusalem to protest U.S. threats to strike Iraq. (PR 2/20)

Following talks with UK and France 2/14, U.S. cabinet mbrs. draw up guidelines to limit any diplomatic compromise UN Secy. Gen. Kofi Annan might offer Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein. U.S. Amb. to the UN Bill Richardson carries U.S. position to the UN, where Annan holds 3d mtg. with UN Security Council (UNSC) permanent mbrs., who fail to reach consensus on substance of the message that Annan should carry to Iraq. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy David Newton arrives in Cairo on 1st leg of regional tour to explain the U.S. position on Iraq; he will also visit Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan. (MM 2/16; MENA 2/16 in WNC 2/21; MM, NYT 2/17; MM 2/19)

In Cairo, Mubarak adviser Baz is briefed by Israeli Cabinet Secy. Nave, Netanyahu adviser Uzi Arad on Netanyahu's mtg. with Secy. of State Albright and, separately, by PA Local Government M Erakat on Arafat's mtg. with Albright. Erakat then heads to Amman to brief Jordanian FM Tarawnah. (JTV, MENA, RE 2/2 in WNC 2/4; IGPO 2/3)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Moratinos, Syrian FM Shara` discuss peace process. (SATN 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

Palestinian Nasir al-Hurub dies in PA custody just hours after his arrest. He is at least the 16th Palestinian to die in PA custody. (LAW 2/3; WT 2/4; MEI, PR 2/13)

Palestinian clashes with IDF continue at entrance to Bethlehem. (NYT 2/3)

After 7 hrs. of talks with Secy. of State Albright, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah agrees only to say that if the U.S. strikes Iraq, it would be Saddam Hussein's fault. (MM, NYT, WP 2/3; MEI 2/13)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan asks the UNSC to raise to $5.2 b. fr. $2 b. the amount of oil Iraq is allowed to sell in the next 6 mos. of the oil-for-food program. (NYT 2/8) (see 1/31)

UN extends mandate of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for 6 mos. (RL 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

Secy. of State Albright meets with Arafat to follow up on 1/22 mtg. with Clinton, urges him to consider the U.S. FRD proposal. After mtg., Albright announces that Arafat, Netanyahu have agreed to send envoys to Washington in 1 wk. to try to break impasse. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/2; CSM, NYT 2/3; MEI 2/13)

Netanyahu asks Secy. of State Albright for 2+n3 days advance warning of a U.S. attack on Iraq, immediate defensive measures against an Iraqi biological attack. Albright probes Israel's intentions on the manner, scale of its reprisal should Iraq strike Israel. (WP 2/2; MM 2/3; WT 2/5)

After mtg. with Arafat, Netanyahu, Secy. of State Albright heads to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia to gauge support for strike on Iraq. Kuwait supports use of force as last resort. Saudi Arabia says that U.S. may not stage attack on Iraq fr. its territory but will consider allowing U.S. planes to use its airspace. Arab League, France, Jordan, PA, Russia, Turkey send envoys to Iraq to persuade Saddam Hussein to abandon opposition to UNSCOM inspection of palaces. Egypt, Iran, Qatar, Syria warn attack would increase regional tensions. (NYT, WT 2/2; MM, WT 2/3; WP 2/4)

PM Netanyahu orders halt to preliminary negotiations (initiated by Infrastructures M Sharon) with Iran regarding repayment of Israelis $1.2 b. debt to Iran. (Globes [Internet] 2/1 in WNC 2/4) (see 9/20/97)

At entrance to Bethlehem, Palestinians clash with IDF for 3d straight day, leaving 6 Palestinians injured. During clash, IDF troops, PA police train weapons on each other but do not fire. (WT 2/2) (see 1/30)

Lebanese army eases siege on Britel to allow 10,000 Lebanese to hold funeral for Shaykh Khudr Tlays, Tufayli's right hand man who was killed in clash 1/30. Tufayli is still on the run. (MM, WT 2/2; MM 2/9; MEI 2/13)

3 civilians are wounded during IDF bombardment of Mashghara village in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

Secy. of State Albright says that she will leave for the Middle East 9/9. She will travel to Egypt, Israel, Jordan, the PA self-rule areas, Saudi Arabia, Syria, possibly Lebanon. (MM 8/29; NYT, WT 8/30)

On his way home fr. Asia, PM Netanyahu stops in Azerbaijan to discuss possible oil purchase. (ITAR-TASS [Moscow] 8/29 in WNC 9/2; NTV [Moscow] 8/29 in WNC 9/4)

Following IDF fatalities in s. Lebanon 8/28, Labor Chmn. Barak urges swift negotiations for a gradual withdrawal fr. Lebanon. (IDF Radio 8/29 in WNC 9/4; NYT 8/30)

IDF demolishes 1 Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. (PHRIC 10/21)

Jordan announces it will spend $244 m. over the next 4 yrs. to improve infrastructure in 13 Palestinian refugee camps in the kingdom. (JT 8/31 in WNC 9/4)

In preparation for 11/97 elections, King Hussein issues decree dissolving Jordan's Lower House of parliament effective 9/1. (RJ 8/29, JTV 8/31 in WNC 9/4)

In New York, a federal grand jury indicts Gazi Ibrahim Abu Mayzar, Lafi Khalil (arrested 7/31) for allegedly plotting to bomb in the New York City subway. (WT 8/30)

In Los Angles, 8 Iraqi mbrs. of CIA-backed resistance groups who say that they have been wrongly accused by the U.S. of spying for Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein are ordered deported for failure to hold valid visas, work permits. The 8, who fear that Hussein will execute them for being U.S. spies, may still apply for political assylum. (WT 8/30)

Donors hold Local Aid Coordination Comm. in Gaza. (UN Special Coordinator's Office [UNSCO] press release 6/26)

Damascus Declaration states close 2-day mtg. in Latakia, Syria; issue final statement calling for Israeli withdrawal fr. all occupied territories, denouncing 6/10 House decision on Jerusalem, suggesting formation of an Arab common market, taking no firm position on the Doha economic summit. (MM 6/26; SATN 6/26 in WNC 6/27; MM 6/30; MEI 7/11)

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah leaves Syria for 3-day visit to Lebanon. (MM 6/26; RL 7/1 in WNC 7/2)

In hope of redirecting, unifying U.S. political, intelligence policy on Iraq, retired CIA agent Warren Marik goes public with the details of the U.S. operation, which he directed, to overthrow Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein. (WP 6/26; MM 7/2; al-Urdun 8/2 in WNC 8/5)

In Paris, Israeli FM Levy discusses peace process with Pres. Chirac, FM Hervé de Charette. (France-Inter Radio Network [Paris], ITV 9/10 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/11)

In New York, Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with mbrs. of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, visits Lubavitcher Hasidic spiritual leader Rebbe Menachem Schneerson's grave. (ITV 9/10 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/11; MA 9/11 in WNC 9/13; WJW 9/12, 9/19)

In implementation of cabinet decision 8/2, IDF Central Commander Maj. Gen Uzi Dayan signs order setting procedures for authorization of settlement construction, expansion in the West Bank, Gaza. The order requires local planning comms. to obtain permission of DM Yitzhak Mordechai at every stage of most construction projects. Settlers term procedures needlessly cumbersome. (HA 9/11 in IL 9/11)

Israel's Prime Minster's Office announces new "Israel 2000" program intended to make development towns and regions economically self-sufficient. Program will be implemented in 19 communities. Residents will be given housing subsidies, loans, stipends; municipal boundaries of these locations will be expanded. (HA 9/11 in IL 9/11)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers break into 4 Palestinians stores, confiscate their goods, occupy them. The IDF sealed the stores in the city center after the al-Ibrahimi mosque massacre in 2/94. (PR 9/20)

South Africa says it will not renew existing defense, economic contracts with Israel; though relations remain good, South Africa is adjusting to a peacetime domestic economy. (IDF Radio 9/10 in WNC 9/12)

Jordanian officials release al-Ahali editor Usama al-Rantisi after he is charged with "publishing material deemed as instigating public disorder" during the 8/16-17 riots. The 4 al-Bilad journalists detained 8/20, 1 fr. al-Majd, another fr. al-Aswaq are still in custody awaiting trial. ASB Secy. Gen. Tayseer Homsi is arrested for alleged involvement in the riots. (MM 9/11; JT 9/11 in WNC 9/12)

Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood (JMB) denounces self-described "West Bank JMB official" Sa'id Bilal for requesting that the PA license, and thereby legalize, JMB activities in the self-rule areas; says Bilal is not a JMB mbr. Hamas concurs, claims attempts to form a JMB branch in the territories is an attempt by the PA to divide the Islamist opposition. (al-Ra'i 9/10 in WNC 9/12; VIRI 9/16 in WNC 9/18)

U.S. publicly redefines its strategic interest in Iraq for the 1st time in 5 yrs., saying it is interested solely in containing Saddam Hussein's military operations nr. the Kuwaiti, Saudi oil fields, rather than curbing his influence in n. Iraq and assuring humanitarian aid to the Kurds. (NYT, WP 9/11) (see 9/9)

Iraqi delegation arrives in Ankara for 2 days of talks with PM Erbakan, FM Ciller regarding bilateral relations, establishment of "security zone" in n. Iraq. Iraq proposes instead that Turkey conclude a border security arrangement with the KDP to prevent PKK mbrs. fr. crossing into Turkey. (MM 9/10; INA [Baghdad], TDN 9/11 in WNC 9/13; Milliyet [Istanbul] 9/12 in WNC 9/17 MEI 9/20) (see 9/6)

On his return fr. the U.S., PM Peres stops in Morocco to visit King Hassan. (QY 12/13, HA 12/14 in FBIS 12/14; MM 12/14, 12/15)

8 Hamas mbrs. (incl. Abu Musamih, `Abd al-Khaliq al-Natshe, Muhammad Abu Shama'a, Zahhar) travel fr. Gaza to Khartoum for 4 days of talks with diaspora Hamas leaders in advance of negotiations with the PA in Cairo 12/18-21. (MM, WT 12/13; IRNA [Tehran], VOP 12/13 in FBIS 12/14; MENA 12/16 in FBIS 12/18)

Syria releases 100's of Muslim Brothers, communists fr. jail, leaving only a handful of Muslim Brothers still in detention. (MM 12/15; RMC 12/17 in FBIS 12/18) (see 12/11)

Jordanian prosecutor general orders detention of Sawt al-Mar'ah chief editor for "slandering Iraqi president Saddam Hussein." (al-Dustur 12/18 in FBIS 12/19)

Saudi Arabia's Prince Khalid Bin Sultan calls for and end to sanctions on Iraq. (NYT 12/14)

In 2d day of mtgs., FM Peres presses Argentinean Pres. Carlos Menem to step up investigation of Jewish center bombing 7/94, welcomes his attempts to mediate btwn. Syria, Israel. (WT 1/15, NYT 1/17; MEI 1/20) (see 11/23)

American, Arab officials say plans for regional bank are being scaled back to overcome opposition fr. Saudi Arabia, France. Bank expected to have initial capital of only $1.5 b., not expected to give subsidized loans. (NYT 1/14) (see 1/11)

Lebanese FM Buwayz, Peter Martinez, head of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan desk at U.S. State Dept., meet in Beirut; discuss agenda for upcoming U.S.-Lebanon Security Comm. mtg. to cover bilateral relations only. (VOL 1/14 in FBIS 1/17)

YESHA Council reports that through natural growth, new arrivals West Bank settler population has grown 17% since PM Rabin took office. (QY 1/14 in FBIS 1/17; NYT 1/16, 1/20)

Frmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir gives interview on Gulf War; says Israel was in constant communication with Jordan, flew reconnaissance flights over Iraq, was shocked frmr. U.S. pres. George Bush ended war before Saddam Hussein was overthrown. (IDF Radio 1/14 in FBIS 1/17; WP, WT 1/15)

In reaction to ax attack 1/12, settlers fr. Kiryat Arba riot in Hebron's main market, fire rifles in air, destroy Palestinian merchandise. IDF uses tear gas to disperse Palestinians, injuring 10. (MEI 1/20)

Baghdad releases 2 U.S. POWs, 40 journalists, and hundreds of Kuwaiti POWs, as well as 1,181 who had been abducted by Iraqi troops. More than 6,300 American soldiers arrive in U.S. during 1st full day of nonstop homecomings [LAT, NYT 3/9].

During 2 1/2-hour meeting in Riyadh, Sec. Baker outlines to King Fahd 4 U.S. policy goals announced by Pres. Bush on 3/6. King agrees to take active role in support of U.S., but offers no specific commitments [NYT, LAT 3/9; RIDS 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; MET 3/19].

Iranian Pres. Rafsanjani expresses sympathy for rebels trying to overthrow Saddam Hussein; calls for Saddam to surrender "to the will of the people" [LAT, NYT 3/9].

In interview with journalists from Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, Pres. Bush says PLO has "lost credibility" after siding with Iraq; Bush dismisses chances for U.S.-PLO talks any time soon [WP 3/10].

EC "troika" ministers meet with King Hussein to discuss Middle East peace proposals [ADS 3/8 in FBIS 3/8].

After midnight meeting with F.M. Aziz in Moscow, Soviet leaders announce Baghdad has given "positive" response to Soviet peace plan; U.S. delays formal response until consultation with allies [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/22].

Saddam Hussein delivers speech over Baghdad radio reaffirming Iraq's 2/15 proposal; says Iraq is ready for all-out war unless proposal is accepted [BADS 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 2/22; MET 3/5].

U.S. Def. Sec. Dick Cheney says allied forces are braced for "one of the largest land assaults of modem times" as U.S.-Iraq clashes grow larger and more intense; U.S. command says allies have reached level of destruction specified by senior generals as minimum needed before ground offensive can begin [NYT 2/22].

SCUD missiles are fired at Saudi Arabia in 2 rare daylight attacks; Patriot missile intercept all; 9 American soldiers are killed in 2 helicopter crashes in Saudi Arabia [LAT, MEM 2/22; MET 3/5].

Kuwaiti gov't-in-exile contracts U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help restore Kuwait's damaged water, power, and transportation systems after war. Contract runs for 90 days, valued at $45 million [LAT 2/22].

Saudi ambassador to U.S., Prince Bandar bin Sultan, warns that Yasir Arafat, King Hussein, and Pres. Saleh of Yemen will be made to pay dearly for supporting Iraq, signalling sharp break from Saudi prewar policy of trying to forge Arab consensus (cf. 2/26) [LAT 2/22].

Hours after long-disputed $400 million loan guarantees to Israel is approved, Israeli officials claim the amount is grossly insufficient; Immigration Min. Yitzhak Peretz says "In fact, it's a very small sum that only accounts for 3 or 4 percent of the overall figure" needed [NYT 2/22].

Amnesty International accuses members of allies of using war as pretext for human rights violations, citing Britain, Egypt, and U.S. for war-related abuses [MEM 2/21; LAT 2/22].

At Labor party bureau meeting MK Moshe Shahal expresses, for 1st time in public, support for creation of Palestinian state [IDF 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; MEM 2/22; JPI 3/2].

Allied forces battle Iraqi front line troops with air raids, ship-launched missiles, and artillery fire; military officials report about 50 fires burning at locations throughout Kuwait [LAT, NYT, WT, WP 2/13].

2 Iraqi gov't. ministry buildings are hit in bombing raids; senior Baghdad official claims Iraq is being systematically destroyed by allies [NYT, WP 2/13].

Saddam Hussein tells Soviet envoy Primakov that Baghdad is prepared to cooperate with Soviet Union and other "nations or agencies" to find peaceful solution to Gulf war; U.S. response is cautious optimism [MEM 2/12; LAT, NYT, WP, WT 2/13].

Diplomats report that Saudi Arabia is facing short-term financial problems after spending billions of dollars bankrolling Gulf war effort; officials say Saudis have contributed about $48 billion in military and economic assistance to allies since 2 August [MEM 2/12; LAT, NYT, WP 2/13].

Pres. Gorbachev warns that Gulf war is threatening to go beyond UN mandate to remove Iraq from Kuwait [NYT, WP 2/10; MEM 2/11].

SCUD missile hits Tel Aviv neighborhood, wounding 26 Israelis, none seriously [IDF 2/9 in FBIS 2/11; NYT, WP 2/10].

Front-page editorial in Al Thawra, leading Syrian newspaper, urges Iraqis to "liquidate" Saddam in extraordinary personal attack on Iraqi pres. [NYT 2/10].

British For. Sec. Douglas Hurd arrives in Riyadh from Ta'if, continues discussions with Saudi and Kuwaiti leaders [SPA 2/9 in FBIS 2/11].

Jordanian newspaper publishes "complete text" of minutes of meeting between UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar and Saddam Hussein in Baghdad on 1/13 [DUS 2/9 in FBIS 2/11].

More than 80 Iraqi planes have now sought refuge in Iran, according to U.S. officials [LAT, WT 1/29].

In television interview with CNN, Saddam Hussein says Iraq has won "the admiration of the world" for employing only conventional arms in war; Saddam warns that SCUD missiles can still be fitted with nonconventional warheads [BADS 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; LAT, WT 1/29].

Military officials say U.S. bombing raids at oil facilities in Kuwait have stopped oil spilling into Gulf, but not before 11 million barrels had entered the water [LAT, WT 1/29].

For 1st time in 20 years, no one protests outside Soviet embassy in Washington, demonstrating on behalf on Jews trying to emigrate from USSR; Kremlin's relaxed policies lead Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington to suspend daily 15-minute protests that began in December 1970 [LAT, WT 1/29].

Patriot missiles destroy incoming SCUD missiles aimed at Saudi Arabia; parts of SCUD land in Palestinian villages in West Bank; additional Patriot missile systems arrive in Saudi Arabia [SPA, IDF 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; LAT, WT 1/29].

Baghdad claims that some captured pilots have been injured in air raids by allied planes; in letter to UN leader Perez de Cuellar, Iraq says 345 civilians have been killed, 450 wounded, in air raids [LAT 1/29].

Prominent Israeli authors and peace activists Amos Oz, A.B. Yehoshua, Yoram Kaniuk, and Yael Dayan speak out in favor of war in Gulf, saying anti-war protests amount to appeasing Saddam Hussein [LAT 1/29].

One-day strike called in support of Iraq by Morocco's 3 major trade unions shuts down most economic activity [LAT 1/29].

UN Sec. Council rebuffs calls by several Arab nations for open debate on Gulf war; Council elects to continue informal consultations behind closed doors [LAT 1/29].

Bombs explode in Greece and Turkey, no one is injured in attacks that may be linked to U.S. role in war [LAT 1/29].

American Civil Liberties Union assails FBI assertion that Arab-American civic and business leaders will suffer no consequences if they refuse to be interviewed about potential terrorism [LAT 1/29]. 

Protests are planned on behalf of steadily growing anti-war movement in U.S. embracing every major religious denomination in country and 9 major unions [NYT, LAT 1/11].

Arab diplomats at UN say they believe Saddam Hussein plans initiative soon after 1/15 deadline expressing support "in principle" for leaving Kuwait while simultaneously calling for international conference to address Palestinian grievances against Israel [NYT, WP 1/11].

Sec. of State Baker meets with King Fahd; they reportedly discuss timing of allied attack on Iraq [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/11].

New York Times reports Saudi Arabia earned roughly $15 billion in windfall oil profits from August to December, and has pledged $30 billion in Gulf-related commitments, effectively mortgaging part of future oil profits [NYT 1/11]; Kuwait has disbursed nearly $7 billion to help finance coalition effort [WT 1/11].

Congress opens debate on whether to authorize war with Iraq; Democrats accuse Pres. Bush of rushing toward use of force [LAT, WP 1/11].

Pres. Bush telephones P.M. Shamir, asks again that Israel "remain low" during Gulf crisis [WP 1/11].

U.S. Justice Dep't. orders immigration authorities to begin fingerprinting and photographing anyone entering the U.S. with a Kuwaiti or Iraqi passport as part of an effort to combat potential terrorism [MEM, WP 1/1 1].

Pres. Mubarak tells CNN that "if Iraq launched an attack at Israel without any Israeli participation [in war], she would have the right to attack it [back]" [MEM 1/11]. 

U.S. officials say 6 Iraqi helicopter pilots flew to Saudi Arabia in one of most significant defections since crisis began; Iraq denies defections occurred (cf. 1/8) [INA 1/7 in FBIS 1/8; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/8].

Sec. Baker meets with F.M.s of Britain, Spain, Luxembourg, and Sec.-Gen. of NATO; says that coalition will hold firm even in event of war [LAT, WP 1/8]; adds that UN deadline will not be extended [WT 1/8].

White House says it will work with Congress to draft measure on use of force that can be passed before 1/15 deadline [LAT 1/8].

In Baghdad, Yasir Arafat says PLO would side with Iraq in event of Gulf war, and that idea of linking Gulf crisis to Palestinian issue was his and not Saddam's [MEM, LAT 1/8]; PLO says in event of war, o.t. Palestinians would create internal disruption for Israel if Jewish state becomes involved [WT 1/8].

FBI agents, seeking to deter possible terrorist attacks resulting from any allied military action against Iraq, begin interviewing Arab-American business leaders (cf. 1/11, 1/14) [LAT 1/8; WP 1/9].

Israeli gov't. votes down 3 motions of noconfidence brought about by decision to resume deportations. Vote is 56 to 21 with 12 abstentions [JPD 1/8 in FBIS 1/14].

In speech commemorating 70th anniversary of Iraq's army, Saddam Hussein says he is preparing nation for great battle to liberate Palestine, defeat American "tyranny," and keep Kuwait [BADS, JDS 1/6 in FBIS 1/7; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/7].

Israeli Air Force jets attack PFLP camp southeast of Sidon in Lebanon, killing 1 and wounding 6 others [NYT, WT, WP 1/7].

Reviewing multinational forces arrayed in Saudi Arabia, King Fahd says he believes that Saddam Hussein will withdraw his forces from Kuwait before 1/15 deadline; also defends his country's decision to invite forces into Saudi Arabia [SPA 1/6 in FBIS 1/7; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 1/7].

Sec. Baker says the U.S. cannot endorse 1/4 French plan backed by EC because it links Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait to settlement of Arab-Israeli conflict [NYT, WT, WP 1/7]; Baker also hints that he will give Iraqi F.M. Aziz dramatic new evidence of allied military power when they meet. Iraq's ambassador to U.S. says Baker "is welcome to go to Baghdad," but Baker says that proposal "is now off the table" [LAT 1/7].

U.S. postpones meeting of UN Sec. Council, trying to press for changes in draft resolution that would endorse international conference on Middle East [NYT 12/8, 12/9; LAT, WP 12/8].

State Dep't. says it will not schedule meet- ing between Iraqi F.M. Aziz and Pres. Bush until Baghdad agrees on date for meeting between Saddam Hussein and Sec. Baker [LAT 12/8].

Egypt Defense Ministry says it will increase its military forces in Saudi Arabia and UAE, bringing its total to 27,000 men [LAT 12/8].

Los Angeles Times reports increased pressure or, PLO to allow intifada activists to use firearms against occupation authorities [LAT 12/8].

Israel widens curfews to include nearly all towns and refugee camps in o.t. to prevent unrest and demonstrations ahead of 3d anniversary of intifada on 12/9 [JDS 12/7 in FBIS 12/10; LAT 12/8; FJ 12/10; MET 12/18].

P.M. Shamir flies to London for meetings with British P.M. John Major [JDS 12/7 in FBIS 12/10].

Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council issues statement allowing all Soviet citizens to leave Iraq providing Soviet gov't. assumes responsibility for breaching worker contracts [MEM 12/4; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, CSM 12/5; INA 12/4 in FBIS 12/4].

After meeting in Cairo with Saudi and Syrian F.M.s, Pres. Mubarak urges creation of new Arab alliance grouping Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria as a "foundation to serve the Arab people." Tripartite statement is also issued. King Hussein of Jordan and Vice Pres. al-Beedh of Yemen fly to Baghdad to meet with Saddam Hussein and Yasir Arafat [MENA 12/4 in FBIS 12/5; NYT, LAT, MEM 12/5; WP 12/6; AVP 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; MET 12/18].

Kuwait's ambassador to U.S. says Bush admin. has assured his gov't.-in-exile that U.S. would make "absolutely no concessions" when it meets with Iraqi officials [NYT 12/5].

New York Newsday reports Kach party members mailed to a television reporter a "hit list," threatening lives of at least 8 supporters of Palestinian rights, including M.T. Mehdi, Arthur Hertzberg, Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said, and Anthony Lewis. Threats are aimed at avenging assassination of Kach founder Meir Kahane [WT, WP, MEM 12/5].

In Brussels, 12-country EC agrees that It- aly, current holder of EC presidency, could hold talks with Iraqi F.M. Aziz if Aziz first meets with Pres. Bush [MEM 12/5].

Responding to growing fear over rash of Palestinian knife attacks on Israelis, police broaden surveillance of Arab workers in Israel with spot check searches and new roadblocks along W. Bank [NYT, MEM 12/5].

John Major is selected as next prime minister of Britain [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 11/28; CSM 11/29].

Bush admin. announces that Chinese F.M. Qian has been invited to Washington for talks with Sec. Baker, in what appears to be compensation to Beijing for its support for draft UN resolution authorizing force against Iraq [NYT, WT 11/28].

Saddam Hussein tells reporters that Iraq does not have nuclear weapons; International Atomic Energy Agency reports Iraq's small stock of highly enriched reactor fuel has not been diverted to build nuclear weapons [NYT, WT, WP, MEM 11/28].

2 PFLP fighters and 5 Israeli soldiers are killed, 6th is wounded during firefight near Shabaa, S. Lebanon. Hours later, Israeli air force bombs PFLP and DFLP bases east of Sidon, and Israeli long-range artillery hits villages north of "security zone" [AFP, IDF, BDS, JDS 11/27 in FBIS 11/27; MEM 11/27; NYT, LAT. WT, WP 11/28; CSM 11/29; JPI 12/8; MET 12/11].

Rear Adm. Gene La Rocque (Ret.) tells congressional committee that 6-month Gulf war would result in deaths of 10,000 U.S. soldiers, wounding of 35,000 others, and cost $80 billion [LAT 11/28].

In Tunis, Yasir Arafat confers separately with ambassadors of the 5 permanent members of UN Sec. Council, discussing Gulf crisis and situation in o.t.; Arafat tells ambassadors to demand Sec. Council issue same ultimatum to Israel that it intends to address to Iraq [MEM 11/28; MAP 11/28 in FBIS 11/29].

Saudi official says his country's gratitude toward USSR for its support in Gulf crisis has motivated Saudi Arabia to lend Moscow as much as $1 billion as part of GCC "financial cooperation program" [MEM 11/27, 11/29; WP 11/29]. 

Beset by challenges from within Conservative party, British P.M. Margaret Thatcher announces her resignation [NYT, LAT, WP 11/23; CSM 11/26].

Pres. Bush visits U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, says they may have to face "some pain now to avoid even worse pain later," then flies to Cairo [NYT, LAT, WP 11/23; MET 12/4].

D.M. Tom King says Britain will send 14,000 more troops and additional tanks, aircraft, and ships to the Gulf by the end of the year, bringing total number of British troops there to more than 30,000 [NYT, LAT, MEM 11/23].

Visiting Sanaa, Yemen, Sec. Baker is rebuffed in efforts to persuade Yemen, only Arab country on UN Sec. Council, to support resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq. Pres. Saleh criticizes buildup of foreign forces in Gulf [SDS 11/22 in FBIS 11/23; SDS 11/23 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 11/23]; Baker then flies to Jeddah [SPA 11/22 in FBIS 11/23].

PLO leader Yasir Arafat arrives in Baghdad, says he strongly supports Saddam Hussein's assertions that Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait must be tied to overall settlement of conflicts in region; adds there is no alternative to negotiations between Iraq and U.S. [BVP 11/22 in FBIS 11/27; NYT 11/26].

D.M. Moshe Arens instructs IDF to expand enlistment of Bedouins into its ranks [MAA 11/23 in FBIS 11/23].

Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek and E. Jerusalem Arabs praise Jerusalem district planning committee's decision to build 7,500 new apartments for Palestinians northwards from French Hill junction towards Ramallah [JPD 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; MEM 11/23; JPI 12/1].

Kuwaiti gov't.-in-exile extends $550 million medium-term loan to the Soviet Union on favorable terms; "observers" point to "political aspect" of loan [MEM 11/23]. 

Soviet Union and Israel sign agreement on scientific cooperation and exchanges of scientific information [TASS 11/22 in FBIS 11/28].

Sec. Baker visits U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia; soldiers say they wanted to get fighting over with so they could go home IWP, NYT, MEM 11/5]; Baker then flies to Manama for 2-day visit [WAKH 11/4 in FBIS 11/5].

After weeks of delay, lead contingent of Syrian armored division, bringing Soviet-built T-62 tanks arrives in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Contingent is 1st of a promised 15,000- man division to take up positions with multinational force in Gulf [WP, NYT 11/5].

Iraqi Defense Ministry calls up retired officers from military reserves [AFP, BADS 11/4 in FBIS 11/6], while Iraqi Information Minister tells reporters that Iraq will not leave Kuwait, even if it leads to war [WP, NYT, MEM 11/5].

In Alexandria, Pres. Mitterrand says UN embargo against Iraq should be given more time to be effective: "The embargo demands patience. Every week we achieve new results ... Saddam Hussein is driving the world into a destructive war, but his destruction will be even worse" [WP 11/5]. Mitterrand meets with Pres. Mubarak [MENA 11/4 in FBIS 11/5].

Israeli gov't dismisses as "one sided" UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar's 11/1 suggestion that Palestinian safety be placed in hands of UN meeting [JDS 11/4 in FBIS 11/5; WP, NYT, MEM 11/5].

Clashes between IDF and Palestinians in Gaza continue for 2d day; at least 86 Palestinians are wounded [JDS 11/4 in FBIS 11/6].

Abul Abbas, Palestine Liberation Front leader, confirms rumors that Libya has expelled 145 PLF members and closed down 4 training camps [WP 11/5].

Pres. Bush declares he has 'had it" with Iraq's treatment of U.S. hostages and diplomats; Chief of Staff John Sununu says Bush is still committed to avoiding hostilities [NYT, LAT, WP 11/1].

Saddam Hussein announces through spokesperson that relatives of foreigners it is holding as "guests" may visit their loved ones in Iraq during the holiday season [NYT 11/1].

Returning to Moscow after meeting with Saddam, Soviet envoy Primakov says while his mission had not been a total success, he believes Iraq is becoming more open to political solution to Gulf crisis [NYT, WP 11/1].

Pres. Mubarak rebuffs Soviet suggestion that Arab leaders convene to solve Gulf crisis, saying Arab leaders did meet in August and solved nothing, and that leaders are still working on a solution to the crisis [LAT 11/1].

Foreign ministers of Saudia Arabia, Syria, and Egypt meet in Jeddah to discuss "latest developments in the Gulf" [NYT 11/1].

Algeria decides to send milk and flour to Iraq and Kuwait, specifically for children [AGS 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

Swedish parliamentary delegation leaves Iraq after several-day visit; Saddam allows at least 6 Swedish nationals to leave Iraq [INA 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

After year-long trial, 1 of 4 Givati Brigade soldiers receives 2-month prison sentence, and 3 others receive suspended sentences in the beating death of Palestinian back in February 1988 [NYT, MEM 11/1]. 

Saddam Hussein reverses his 10/19 decision to ration fuel and dismisses his oil minister on the grounds that miscalculation by the official led to the announcement that Iraq was facing a gasoline shortage [NYT, LAT, WP 10/29].

Knesset endorses Zamir Commission's report on Haram al-Sharif violence, but members are divided on whether any Israeli should be disciplined over the incident [NYT, WP 10/29].

Pres. Gorbachev meets in Paris with Pres. Mitterrand to discuss France's ideas for ending Gulf crisis; Gorbachev says he rejects military solution to crisis [MEM, NYT, LAT 10/29]; Yasir Arafat arrives in Baghdad to meet with Saddam [BVP 10/28 in FBIS 10/29].

Statement signed by 81 'House of Representatives Democrats strongly opposes offensive military move by U.S. against Iraq [LAT 10/29].

Thousands of Palestinians return to work in Israel after 4-day closure is lifted; some re- portedly find they have been fired because of recent attacks on Israelis in response to Haram al-Sharif shootings [LAT, MEM 10/29].

On visit to Saudi Arabia, Soviet For. Trade Minister says Gulf crisis has cost the USSR $10 billion in direct and indirect costs [MEM 10/29]. 

Saudi D.M. Prince Sultan's 10/21 com-ments alarm Bush admin., but Saudi officials say comments did not reflect a change in Saudi gov't policy [NYT, WP 10/23].

Israeli police surround Jerusalem with roadblocks to keep Palestinians from O.T. out of the city, and thousands of paramilitary border guards are stationed at major intersections and along boundaries between East and West Jerusalem to prevent escalation of violence stemming from 10/21 stabbing deaths. It is believed to be 1st time that whole city is closed to Palestinians [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, MEM 10/23].

Senate votes 97-1 to authorize $700 million in additional military aid to Israel to help it meet "potential threat" posed by Iraq. Robert Byrd (D-W. Va.) cast lone opposing vote; says Israel does not need the money [LAT, WT, MEM 10/23].

Saddam Hussein suggests he may release all French hostages and a number of elderly and sick Americans still in Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP 10/23].

Pres. Mubarak arrives on unscheduled visit to Saudi Arabia to inspect Egyptian troops stationed near the Saudi-Kuwaiti border [MENA 10/22 in FBIS 10/22; LAT, MEM 10/23].

Deputy mufti of Jerusalem, Muhammad al-Jamal, is released from jail on bail of NIS 20,000. He had been detained since 10/9 following Haram al-Sharif incident [JDS 10/22 in FBIS 10/23].

P.M. Shamir's gov't survives vote of confidence in Knesset by 53-51, 2 MKs abstain, others are absent [MEM 10/23].

3 Israelis are stabbed to death allegedly by 19-year-old Palestinian, apparently in response to Haram al-Sharif violence near Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israeli spokesman blames UN for inciting attacks through its condemnation of Israel (cf. 10/22) [JDS 10/21 in FBIS 10/22; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 10/22; MEM 10/23].

Some 350,000 Yemenis, some having to sell businesses at distress prices, have already left Saudi Arabia as result of suspended residency privileges [NYT 10/22].

After 3-hour meeting with Saddam Hussein, Edward Heath, former British P.M., says that Iraq will release unspecified number of British hostages [NYT, LAT, WP 10/22].

About 2,000 angry Ethiopian Jews in Israel protest in front of P.M. Shamir's office, demanding gov't bring their impoverished relatives from Ethiopia to Israel [NYT, WT 10/22].

Saudi D.M. Prince Sultan raises possibility of allowing Iraq to have some Kuwaiti territory in exchange for peaceful resolution to crisis: "If a sister Arab nation has rights, we all agree these rights can be had, but not by force" (cf. 10/22, 10/24) [NYT, WP 10/24].

Egyptian servicemen are set to replace thousands of Jordanian military instructors and troops contracted to various Gulf armed forces. Reports say Bahrain has begun terminating without notice the contracts of some 7,000-8,000 Jordanians seconded to its armed forces [MEM 10/22].