The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: King Hussein denounces Camp David before Egyptian parliament; refuses to negotiate in place of PLO; calls for PLO role in peace talks [PI 12/3, NYT 12/3]. PLO announces move of formal PNC seat to Amman, PLO secretariat to Tunis, both from Damascus [JP 12/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Explosion at Qalandiya camp; no injuries [JP 12/3].

Arab World: IDF soldier wounded in ambush near Sidon, S. Lebanon. In Nabatiya, S. Lebanon, grenade injures 14 in market; bomb explodes near IDF convoy, no casualties [JP 12/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jiftlik farmers refute DM Rabin's claim that demolition (11/11) there done for security reasons. Att. Gen. Zamir recommends Knesset to limit MK Kahane's Knesset privilege of movement throughout country. Transport Min. suspends sea capt. Gilad for 60 days for forcing Kenyan stowaway out to sea in 1982.

Arab World: Lebanese & Israeli delegations hold 3rd round of talks on IDF withdrawal; both sides report discussions had "positive elements."

Other Countries: 2 Israeli delegations begin talks with US officials in Washington on increasing aid to Israel.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Grenade thrown at army guards at Ramallah municipality, but fails to explode. Israeli troops besiege Balata camp near Nablus as demonstrators raise Palestinian flags; residents repel troops by throwing rocks; curfew imposed.

Arab World: Grenade thrown at IDF patrol at al-Harib, S. Lebanon wounds 1 soldier.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 4-day curfew lifted in Dheisheh camp. Dheisheh resident Isa Abed Rabu formally charged with murder of 2 Israelis (10/22); defendant claims act of vengence for Shin Bet killing of his brother 2 yrs. ago. UNRWA closes Tira Teachers Seminary (al-Bireh) after 1-mo.-closure threat from authorities if student disturbances continue. Halhoul Local Council elects Hasan Hijazi as mayor. S. African FM Botha arrives in Tel Aviv for 3-day visit.

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat speaks before 15th Arab Lawyer's Federation in Tunis.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Petrol bomb hurled at Israeli vehicle near Ramallah market; no damage.

Arab World: IDF soldier wounded by light weapons fire on IDF outpost in S. Lebanon; 4 SLA wounded by light weapons fire near Nabatiya; grenade thrown at SLA patrol in Tyre, no injuries.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cntral Bureau of Statistics reports Israel's foreign trade deficit dropped by 21% in 1-9/1984. Price inspectors report 70% of Israeli department stores and supermarkets selling at illegally inflated prices. Jerusalem Post reports IDF reservists already returned 5,000 grenades, 7 RPGs, 2 Maag machine guns, 52 mm mortar & 40 Kalashnikov assault rifles, various rifles, submachine guns, pistols, ammunition and bomb fuses since 1-mo. amnesty announced (9/30).

Other Countries: In Washington, Israeli PM Peres asks US for $700 million to $1 billion annual handout for next 3 yrs. to stem economic crisis.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In campaign to repress leadership in occupied territories, Israeli authorities place Communist Party leader George Hazboun under 6-mo. town arrest in Bethlehem. Labor Party ratifies agreemento form national unity gov't. with Likud. Finance Minister Cohen-Orgad says Israel will ask for extra $750 million to $1 billion in emergency aid from US next year [for total $3.5 billion].

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat visits Baghdad, continues to Kuwait.

Other Countries: Israeli Laser Industries Ltd. buys remaining 50% of Metalworking Lasers International Ltd. through its US branch, Locke Technology Corp. US and Israeli agents bust $100 million counterfeiting ring, arresting 3 in NY and 7 in Israel, in plot to distribute "high quality" forged $10, $20 and $100 notes.

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli warplanes attack positions in Bhamdoun, S. Lebanon; DFLP Maj. Abu Kassim reported killed, 2 wounded. IDF soldier injured by roadside bomb near Ansariya, another injured by landmine near Medouha, S. Lebanon. Israeli troops raid Jbaa village, S. Lebanon, arrest several residents after grenade and machine-gun attack on IDF position there, killing 1, wounding 2.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel announces 1,440 immigrants & potential immigrants arrived in July. Caravan of 4 squatter families armed with M-16s arrives to settle inside Hebron during night. Meir Kahane prevented from breaking into al-Aqsa Mosque grounds to hoist an Israeli flag on Tishah b'Av (day marking the destruction of the 1st & 2nd temples).

Arab World: Egypt's FM Meguid says Egypt will return amb. to Tel Aviv if Israel withdraws from Lebanon and from Taba enclosure near Eilat, and if settlement of Palestinian question in progress. Lebanese cabinet approves plan to deploy army in militia-controlled countryside around Beirut.

Military Action

Arab World: Grenade thrown at IDF patrol 4 km E. of Jwaiyeh; 1 Israeli wounded.

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Jordan gov't. places former PM Mudar Badran & Minister of Occupied Territories Ibrahim under town arrest for suspicion of embezzling over $500,000 from Joint Committee funds.

Other Countries: Arab league amb. to US Clovis Maksoud urges US to renew peace efforts in Middle East, says recent events have not irreparably damaged US influence in region. AFL-CIO Executive Council votes to endorse boycott of El Al Airlines for its union-breaking policies.

Military Action

Arab World; Lebanese army reportedly repels 2 IDF gunboats approaching West Beirut coast. Military post atop Nabatiya building attacked with grenade; 1 Israeli killed, 1 wounded. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Abu Dis village mukhtar 'Issa Jaffal dismissed by occupation authorities for refusing to urge villagers to drop suit against confiscation of 2500 dunums of their land. Beitunia College students strike, hold peaceful march protesting Village League members vandalizing, firing and hurling stones at student dormitories over past week. Israel's foreign reserves fall $351 million in July to just over $2.6 billion. Ministerial Economic Committee decides to cut all gov't. contracts to 25% over next 3 mos. Pres. Herzog urges Shamir and Peres to meet to consider joint rule proposals. Herzog refuses to invite Meir Kahane for customary post-election consultations. Umm al-Fahm Village Council conference at Tel Aviv Press Club disrupted by Kach members.

Arab World: In Le Monde inteview, Syrian Pres. Assad rules out linkage between IDF withdrawal and removal of Syrian troops from Lebanon.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem municipal employees assault Palestinian women selling vegetables at Damascus Gate, then destroy produce. Arab World: Israeli helicopters, F-16s & gunboats shell and drop experimental phosphorous & helium bombs on Nahr al-Bared camp, N. Lebanon where 16,000 Palestine refugees live; [casualty figures unavailable]. IDF kill 2 suspected of planting roadside bomb near Sidon. Grenade tossed at SLA patrols in Tyre; no injuries reported; IDF close Tyre port.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In radio interview, MK Sharon dissociates himself from Meir Kahane's words and deeds, but warns movements on left far more dangerous. No. 2 man in Kach party & dual US-Israeli citizen Yehuda Richter found guilty of attack on Palestinian bus (3/4/84), injuring 6; charges of arson against Arab homes and property still outstanding. New 15% tax imposed on Israelis traveling abroad who buy dollars or overseas tour packages.

Other Countries: In London, Marwan al-Banna, Nanof al-Rosan & Hussein Said sentenced to 30 to 35 yrs. for attempted assassination of Israeli amb. to UK Argov in June 1982; their appeals rejected.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF kill 1 Lebanese suspected of laying roadside bomb near Sidon; shoot 2 motorcyclists failing to halt at Sidon roadblock. 2 IDF troops wounded when grenade thrown at patrol in Nabatiya.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli court sentences American-Jewish settler Matthew Liebowitz to 39 mos. for shooting Palestinian bus (3/4/84), wounding 6. Tulkarm police intervene tostop destruction of Bidya village land by Israeli construction companies. Bir Zeit U. petitions High Court to intervene against Planning Department's interference with university activities. WZO establishes new settlements-Rafiah Yam, Nitzanit& Netzarim in Gaza Strip; Tirza, NE of Nablus. Private investigator discovers bugging device in Time magazine's Jerusalem offices.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF erects iron gate at Qasabeh neighborhood, Nablus, imposing blockade as further retaliation for grenade incident (7/20/84).

Arab World: Katyusha rockets fired on IDF outpost in Lebanon's eastern sector.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: About 400 foreign business people attend Jerusalem Economic conference "Isratech '84" marketing Israeli high-tech goods and weaponry. Alternative Movement head Matti Peled demands gov't. explain disappearance of Saleh Baransi; police refuse to disclose any information.

Arab World: Arab League meet in Tunis, focusing on Iran-Iraq war; postpone till November discussion of Syrian complaint against Morocco for its official welcome to 35-member Israeli delegation to Rabat Jewish congress this mo.; ministers revise voting requirements from consensus to majority rule. Israeli occupiers deny journalists access to S. Lebanon except with IDF escort.

Other Countries: UN Security Council considers complaints of Israeli attacks on Palestine refugees in S. Lebanon. Yugoslav gov't. denies entry visas to Hapoel Israeli delegation to European Federation of Cooperative Sport in spite of efforts by Belgian representative. US AID issues report severely critical of Israeli economic policies. Confronted by American Jewish Committee delegation on stage mtg. in Washington with Pres. Reagan, Mexican Pres. de Madrid says Mexico is a "defender of Israel."

Military Action:

Arab World: In Lebanon: hand grenade attack on IDF in Sidon results in exchange of fire, 1 Lebanese civilian killed, 2 wounded, 1 IDF soldier wounded; Israeli planes bomb Shi'ite villages of Janta and Deir al-Ghazal in Beqaa Valley; inJanta, 4 wounded, 1 farmer killed while plowing his fields.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset Settlement Committee approves 5 new settlements in West Bank. Bodies of 2 commandos killed by Shin Bet (4/12/84) exhumed for 2nd autopsy under inquiry commission order.

Arab World: Morocco hosts conference of Jews of Moroccan origin, including 35 Israeli delegates at Rabat Hilton; Crown Prince Mohammed and cabinet members attend. In BBC interview, King Hussein accuses US of providing material help to Israel for West Bank settlements.

Other Countries: Former Nazi Walter Rauff, subject of Israeli attempts to obtain unprecedented extradition arrangements with Chile [where 350,000 Palestinians live], dies in Santiago.

Military Action:

Arab World: Grenade explodes near Israeli patrol in Sidon, no damage.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Pal. Women's Work Committee holds 3rd annual conference in Jerusalem under slogan "Toward a Unified Popular Women's Movement." Gush Emunim's Rabbi Levinger justifies Jewish terror by blaming gov't. for weakness. 200 Palestinian Christian Labor Party members protest for better position for their candidate Tawfiq Toubi on election slate.

Other Countries: Before Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement mtg., Chrmn. Arafat endorses UN-sponsored conference toward settling Palestine-Israel conflict. US House of Representatives defeats amendment sponsored by Rep. Rahall to eliminate US funding of Israeli's Lavi aircraft.

Military Action:

Arab World: In S. Lebanon: Sidon resident drives car through downtown roadblock, killing 1 IDF soldier; IDF kills driver; 1 Israeli soldier killed in grenade attack on IDF patrol near Nabatiya; IDF raid Ma'arakeh village south of Tyre, villagers respond with hail of stones, IDF opens fire, injuring at least 1.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: WZO completes placement of 30 buildings on hilltop S.E. of Nablus to form Tel Haim settlement [adjacent to former Elon Moreh, ordered dismantled in 1979]. Jerusalem mayor Kollek's spokesman confirms plan for 75-acre Jewish cemetery east of city, saying it "will increase our hold" on West Bank. Report issued by "West Bank Data Project" concludes US funds intended for economic projects in occupied territories diverted by Israeli gov't. for its own use. Labor Party unanimously nominates Shimon Peres as PM candidate for 7/23 elections.

Other Countries: Zehdi Terzi speaks before Canadian Senate Foreign Affairs Com. as final witness in 2-yr. review of Canadian policy toward Middle East. US Pres. Reagan tells Jewish Community Relations Council in private New York mtg. that if Israel expelled from UN, "We will walk out with her."

Military Action:

Arab World: IDF shoots and wounds 7 Lebanese civilians in Sidon after grenade thrown at Israeli patrol on main street.

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in Israel Aircraft Industries' Manhattan offices; "Red Guerrilla Resistance" claims responsibility. 

Social Economic/Political:

Arab World: Haaretz reports 1/3 [$16 million of $49 million] of Israel's fresh vegetable exports sent to Lebanon by Agrexco.

Other Countries: Koteret Rashit publishes Tel Aviv U. Institute of Strategic Studies' report findings that Israel recently sold arms to Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia and Morocco.

Military Action:

Arab World: Israeli-appointed Gen. Antoine Lahad officially replaces Saad Haddad as head of S. Lebanon Army. Limited exchanges of fire between Israeli and Syrian positions in Beqaa Valley reported. Lebanese National Resistance Forces strike IDF vehicle on Ghassaniyaal-Kawassariya road. IDF sets up checkpoints at approaches to Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp; shoot and wound 2 passengers in car approaching checkpoint. Israeli border policeman injured in grenade attack on IDF patrol in central Sidon. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Yesh Gvul movement requests investigation of bank information leak when MK Ronni Milo charges $5,000 donated by the "leftist and anti-Israel" Presbyterian Church. IDF reserve corporal Marcello Weksler gets 2 weeks in jail for refusing service in Lebanon. (Weksler is 124th refusenik jailed.) A decision based on BritishMandate Defense (Emergency) Regulations (1945) to ban without explanation Arabic bi-weekly al-Masira upheld by Israeli High Court.

Arab World: Syrian and Israeli forces begin build-up in western sector of Beqaa Valley. IDF closes 4 Awali River crossings. 7 Israelis wounded in grenade attack near Nabatiya; 3 wounded by explosive charges at Litani River bridge. DFLP demands return of men responsible for Jerusalem shoot-out (4/3/84) in exchange for release of IDF PoW held for 1 year.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset passes 8th Basic Law (Justice System); Justice Minister Nissim speculates Israel will have a constitution of 11 Basic Laws within next 10 years.

Other Countries: 7 Canadian MPs meet Arafat in Amman while on Middle East tour sponsored by Arab League. Reagan admin. turns down appeal from Gemayel for increased use of US air and naval power in direct support of Beirut government.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 grenades explode in West Jerusalem, injuring 21; in Damascus, PFLP claims responsibility as retaliation for recent raids by Zionist settlers on Muslim shrines.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Arab World: Lebanese Shi'ite and Druze leaders call for Pres. Gemayel's resignation.

Other Countries: US Senate Finance Committee begins hearings on issue of establishing free trade relations with Israel. US Sec. of State Shultz, in Brazilia, accuses Syria of "trying to dominate Lebanon by force." Pres. Reagan orders use of air and naval forces against anti-gov't. positions around Beirut. Late American journalist Fred Sparks' $25,000 bequest to PLO diverted to Red Cross for work with Palestinians; decision results from protest suit taken up by 3 American Zionist organizations. Speaking in Melbourne, former Pres. Carter calls for US withdrawal from Lebanon. European Parliament Pres. Dankert criticizes Israeli policy in Middle East before Knesset and in mtg. with PM Shamir.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nisreen Ahmed Shrouf, 5 years old, killed, 2 brothers and 2 sisters wounded in Bethlehem when grenade explodes in hand; grenade suspected planted by "TNT."

Arab World: Shi'ite and Druze forces take over most of West Beirut from LAF/Phalange; demand Gemayel's resignation. 2 Israelis wounded when grenades hit IDF patrols south of Zahrani River; grenade attacks on IDF patrols in Sidon and Nabatiya market. US gunships Garcia and JF Kennedy and A-6 Intruder bombers pound mountain positions near Beirut.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF grenade bomb discovered in Jerusalem near Via Dolorosa; 3 found near Lions Gate.

Other Countries: Pentagon notifies US Congress of plan to sell 35 additional M48A5 tanks to Lebanon at cost of $28 million to total 137. Australian FM Bill Hayden urges freeze on settlements in occupied territories and Israel's recognition of Palestinian right to self-determination during talks with Shamir in Jerusalem. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 homes in Marj al-Dudeh near Yatta demolished without warning by Israeli military bulldozers, claiming buildings were not licensed; residents expelled. Nablus military court issues prison sentences of 2.5 to 4.4 years to 5 youths from Bidya villages believed to have thrown Molotov cocktails at Israeli and collaborators' cars. MK Shulamit Aloni discloses secret military document recommending Israeli withdrawal of IDF from Lebanon. Settlers from Ofra go on window-smashing rampage, damaging 10 cars belonging to Palestinians. 2 IDF grenade bombs discovered in Hebron synagogue by Arab workers doing repairs there; investigation directed to Israeli vigilante group, "TNT."

Other Countries: Int'l. Commission of Jurists (Geneva) accuses Israeli authorities of arresting Palestinian students without charge to prevent them from taking important exams. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 500 industrial, service & gov't. workers protest at Finance Ministry against yesterday's work sanctions. 2 Likud MKs present urgent agenda for freeze on new settlements in occupied territories. 15 Bedouin sheikhs present PM Shamir with complaints of deteriorating conditions as Israeli military continue to expropriate grazing and watering lands in Negev and Galilee; Shamir says the issue will be turned over to Agriculture Ministry. Mapam MK Elazar Granot proposes Alignment table bill abolishing state of emergency in effect in Israel since 1948.

Arab World: Jordanian Parliament meets for first time since 1976; amends constitution to permit Palestinians from Israeli-occupied West Bank to be appointed as members. Former Lebanese PM Saeb Salam protests to LAF commander Gen. Ibrahim Tannous recent LAF mass arrests of civilians carried out in Sabra and Shatila camps.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Grenade thrown under IDF patrol vehicle explodes without injury in Jericho.