The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians were arrested in Bayt Kahil north of Hebron, both of whom are suspects in the killing of an Israeli settler on 8/8. During the arrest, Israeli forces confiscated a vehicle belonging to 1 of the suspects. 1 Palestinian from Bayt Fajjar was released after being arrested on 8/9 for the murder of the settler. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya during a late-night raid. During the raid, 1 Palestinian was injured as clashes between residents and Israeli forces erupted. In Gaza, 4 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in the vicinity of the Gaza fence east of Dayr al-Balah. According to media reports, they were armed and threw 1 grenade at Israeli soldiers by the fence; no Israelis were reported wounded. Later, Israeli forces bombed 2 targets east of Dayr al-Balah. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/10; PCHR 8/22)

Israeli-Palestinian violence declines further. Arafat specifically orders Fatah mbrs. not to use arms. The IDF reports that Palestinians fired 3 mortars at a Gaza settlement, causing no damage, and threw grenades at an IDF post, causing no injuries. The IDF shells residential areas of Hebron. (NYT, WP 9/22; HP 9/24)

A Jewish settler is found murdered nr. Ramallah; officials think he was lured to Ramallah, then kidnapped, similar to the case of an Israeli murdered on 1/18.Palestinians throw 15 grenades at a Rafah checkpoint during the day, causing no injuries. The IDF bulldozes 45 dunams of Palestinian land along the Gaza border nr. Nahal Oz kibbutz. (MM, NYT, WP 7/25)

Israeli-Palestinian violence continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. The PA reports a 6-hr. battle btwn. the IDF, Palestinians in Rafah in which 20 homes are damaged by tank fire, but the IDF claims the damage was caused by Palestinians tossing 50 homemade grenades at an IDF post. Jewish settlers fire on a Palestinian car traveling in the West Bank, wounding 4 Palestinians. Palestinians fire mortars at Dugit settlement in Gaza, causing no injuries. (BBC, MM 7/5; AFP [Internet] 7/6)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. Overnight, Palestinian assailants throw hand grenades at an IDF post nr. Gaza's Dayr al-Balah refugee camp. In retaliation, the IDF sends tanks and bulldozers into the camp at dawn, firing 15 shells, demolishing 5 Palestinian homes and a PSF post; the 700 yd. incursion, the deepest into PA-controlled territory since IDF field cmdrs. were given (5/6) free rein to carry them out, leaves 27 Palestinians homeless. Later, the IDF fires machine guns toward journalists, Palestinians digging through the rubble in search of their possessions. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Bethlehem, Jabaliya, Jericho, Khan Yunis; opens a new settler bypass road linking the Jewish settlements of Mevo Dotan, Homesh, Shaked. A pipe bomb explodes in the Old City of Jerusalem, wounding 2 people. For the 2d day, Jewish settlers in Hebron attack, seriously injure 3 Palestinians (ages 6, 14, 16). (HP, PMC, WP 5/12; PCHR 5/17)

In Amman, Jordanian security forces violently disperse 100s of Jordanians taking part in 2 Palestinian solidarity rallies sponsored by the Muslim Brotherhood to mark the 53d anniversary of the Nakba. (HP 5/12; al-Ra'i 5/12, JT 5/13 in WNC 5/14; QA 5/14 in WNC 5/15; MM 5/15; JT 5/16 in WNC 5/17; MEI 5/18)

Israel launches 1 of its most severe strikes since 9/28 after Palestinians fire 3 homemade mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, wounding a 10-mo.-old boy. IDF helicopter gunships, tanks shell 4 PA targets in Gaza City and nr. Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, injuring 70 Palestinians, destroying the Force 17 complex at the fmr. Ansar II Israeli prison. Sharon says the strike "exacts a price from those who were supposed to maintain security . . . and didn't." Elsewhere in the West Bank and Gaza, the IDF notes an increase in Palestinian drive-by shootings and sniper, grenade, and Molotov cocktail attacks. The IDF also demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in Anata; 2 homes, 1 shed in Azariyya; 1 in Zu`aym. Israel releases 3 Force 17 abducted fr. area A on 4/1, saying they have no connection to "terrorism." (HP 4/3; LAW, MM, NYT, PMC, WP 4/4; Interfax 4/4 in WNC 4/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. A Jewish settler is killed in a drive-by shooting nr. Bethlehem; the IDF reseals the city. Some 600 mbrs. of the Union of Palestinian Women's Comms. hold a nonviolent march nr. the al-Ram checkpoint, where the IDF fires tear gas and percussion grenades, beating some with their rifles, injuring 15, including Hanan Ashrawi. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Brazil, Khan Yunis, Rafah (hitting an elementary school, injuring 8 children); bulldozes 50 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Bayt Hanun, destroying a PSF post. Nr. Jerusalem, IDF soldiers stop, arrest, beat 2 ambulance drivers returning from a call; the pair are freed after the International Comm. of the Red Cross intervenes. (MM, Palestinian Red Crescent Society press release, REU 3/19; HP, MM, WT 3/20; WJW 3/22; MEI 3/23; LAW 3/24; JP 4/6)

At Manara kibbutz on the Israeli-Lebanese border, residents find the kibbutz's security head murdered, the kibbutz's arsenal ransacked, 60 rifles and handguns stolen. The border fence with Lebanon is intact, so Israel suspects Palestinians or Israeli Arabs. (MM 4/20; WJW 3/22; MA 3/24 in WNC 3/26)

Sharon arrives in Washington for his 1st mtg. with U.S. officials since his inauguration; also addresses the annual American Israel Public Affairs Comm. conference. (MM 3/19; WT 3/20; WJW 3/22; MM 3/23; JP 3/30; NYT 4/19; MEI, WP, WT 4/20; NYT 4/22; MM 4/24; WJW 4/26)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. A grenade explodes nr. an IDF post on the Rafah border, and a mortar lands in Netzarim settlement, causing no injuries but marking an escalation in Palestinian attacks. The IDF presents 22 Palestinian families in Gaza's Mawasi district with evacuation orders, saying their houses will be demolished for "security reasons" on 2/11. (Gush Shalom press release 2/10; WT 2/11; al-Quds 2/11 in WNC 2/13)

UNHRC fact-finding commission arrives in Gaza to begin its 8-day inquiry into the causes of the al-Aqsa intifada, meets with Arafat. (PCHR, WT 2/11; WT 2/12; HJ 2/12 in WNC 2/13) (see 1/17)

Fateh delegation led by 'Abbas Zaki meets with 7 Palestinian factions opposed to peace process in Damascus. Organizations represented are PPSF, PLF, PFLP, DFLP, PFLPGC, al-Sa'iqah, and Islamic Jihad. Delegation is to proceed to Amman for meeting with Hamas. (Algiers VOP, al-Rayv 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

FM Peres proposes opening negotiations on final status based on Palestinian-Jordanian confederation in meeting with U.S. envoy Ross. (Ha Aretz 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

U.S. delegation holds 2d meeting with Israeli leadership. Official statements are terse, but it is speculated discussions included tensions between Israel and Syria following escalation of violence in southern Lebanon. (MM 7/13)

2d U.S.-Palestinian meeting held at U.S. consulate in Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli rights group B'Tselem says 232 Palestinians under 17 killed by IDF since start of intifada, 38 in last 6 months. IDF calls such deaths "unavoidable," claims intifada casualties have declined, saying 166 Israelis, 1,859 Palestinians killed since outbreak of uprising. Report also states 100,000 Palestinians detained, 60,000 incarcerated over same period. (MM 7/13; Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/15; WT 7/14)

Israeli police arrest 4 teenage members of "Kahane Lives" for the 11/92 grenade murder of a Palestinian in Jerusalem. (NYT 7/14)

Palestinian motorist shot dead by Border Police, second wounded in Hebron. (ITV 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

PLO reconciliation meeting held in Damascus grouping representatives of Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP (Hawatmah faction). (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

PLO joins with Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Tunisia, and Turkey in offer to send peacekeepers to Bosnia. (WP 7/14)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military authorities order Gaza's Islamic University closed for 10 days [FJ 2/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Grenade explodes during changing of Israeli border guard at Jerusalem's Damascus Gate, wounds 12 soldiers, at least 2 Israeli citizens, 3 Palestinians. PLO claims responsibility [FJ 2/27]. Explosion destroys soldiers' hitchhiking station at entrance to new Jewish settlement town of Efrat, midway between Jerusalem and Hebron [JP 2/27]. At Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah troops use tear gas to disperse protestors who had blocked roads, thrown stones. Merchants strike in Gaza City to protest continued detention of over 135 university students [FJ 2/27].

Arab World: Syrian troops enter W. Beirut [BG 2/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli For. Min. statement rejects international conference as forum for peace talks [BG 9/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hand grenade thrown at an Israeli military jeep in downtown Hebron misses its mark, killing Palestinian Marwan Ayid Zaru, 13, and wounding 3 other Palestinians. Israeli authorities announce round-up of alleged members of 2 guerrilla cells in the Gaza Strip; the home of 1 detainee is demolished, and the home of another is sealed [JP 9/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman denies Israel "has directly sold weapons to the Contras or has given any direct assistance" [FT 8/8, JTA 8/9]. British Foreign Office announces it "regrets" Israel's new security measures [JP 8/8]. Israeli authorities detain 3 West Bankers suspected of throwing petrol bombs at border police patrol 8/4. Army spokesman said the 3 confessed to that and other gasoline bomb attacks [JP 8/8]. Local councils of developmentowns decide to co-opt settlements' local councils by giving them full membership in the Union of Local Councils. Move is designed to increase lobbying power of the development towns [JP 8/8]. Israeli religious schools are instructed by religious education division of the Ministry of Educationot to conduct meetings between Israelis and Palestinians because they may lead to intermarriage [JTA 8/8].

Arab World: Arab summit conference in Casablanca dispenses with principle of unanimity. Libya withdraws itrepresentation from the conference [WP, LAT 8/8]. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein decides at the last minute not to attend [LAT 8/8]. Lebanese President Amin Jumayyil says he supports his Muslim opponents' demand for greater power; blames country's 10- year-old civil war on the Palestinians [FT 8/7].

Military Action

Arab World: A grenade thrown at a SLA post in security zone kills one SLA soldier [JTA 8/9]

Social/Economic/Political

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

Military Action

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

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

SOCIAL/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: Coordinating Bureau of Economic Organizations and Histadrut agree workers to get 17.9% cost of living raise, effective 12/25/83.

Other Countries: Israel Radio claims Reagan made secret pact with Israel to increase military aid in 1986; US State Dep't. asserts no secret agreement signed "while Shamir was here." [In fact, Reagan signed secret National Security Decision Directive for closer strategic cooperation and commitment to Israel on 10/9/83.]

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: US F-14s meet Syrian anti-aircraft fire over Beirut; US warships bombard Syrian-controlled hills. For fifth time in 9 days, Israeli gunboats shell Palestinians awaiting evacuation at Tripoli; Palestinian fighters return fire. 2 Israeli soldiers seriously wounded, 1 Lebanese killed in grenade attack on IDF patrol near Sidon; Israelis open fire on crowd gathering after incident.

Military Action:

IDF Border Police and General Security Services HQ in Tyre destroyed by car bomb, Islamic Jihad group claims responsibility; Israeli Air Force attacks PSP and Palestinian targets in Aley, Bhamdoun and Sofar areas near Beirut-Damascus highway, Syrian positions at Sofar reportedly hit, 16 T-54 tanks destroyed; heavy fighting continues in Tripoli around Baddawi and Nahr al-Bared refugee camps.

Casualties:

29 IDF personnel, mostly Druze border police, 10 Palestinian and Lebanese detainees killed, 29 Israelis, 3 Palestinians and Lebanese wounded in Tyre bombing, 7 more IDF soldiers wounded when ammunition explodes in rubble; up to 60 killed, 100 wounded in Israeli air attacks, PFLP-GC HQ destroyed; 24-hour curfew imposed on Tyre; 6 prisoners killed at Ansar when bulldozer collapses escape tunnel.

Political Responses:

Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Arens says it doesn't matter who mounteid attack on IDF HQ in Tyre, Lebanon is one big network of murderers and Israel will hit back strongly; advocate Lea Tsemel reveals that Israeli prison service used teargas against 30 Palestinian women prisoners in their cells at Neve Tertza prison on October 3 1.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Geneva talks adjourn, Gemayel to travel to US, European and Arab capitals, talks to resume on November 14; Arafat, under fire in Tripoli, says Syrians want to eliminate him so as to gain control of PLO as part of American-Syrian deal.

US and Other Countries: US Intelligence reportedly focuses on Islamic Amal movement, based in Baalbek, as being associated with Beirut bombings; Defense Department tests and plans to order $200 million worth of Israeli-designed anti-tank weapons, to be manufactured in US.

Military Action:

1200 US Marines arrive in Beirut to relieve units deployed with MNF since February; IDF reinforces positions in Bekaa, keeps troops on special alert for 4th consecutive day; Lebanese TV reports exchange of artillery rounds across Syrian-Israeli lines in Bekaa; Israeli jets repeatedly break sound barrier over Bekaa during dozens of reconnaissance flights, encounter anti-aircraft fire from Palestinian positions in north Lebanon; Lebanese guerrillas attack IDF vehicles near Bhamdoun; grenade thrown at Israeli civilian truck in Nabatiyeh; grenade thrown at IDF vehicle in Beirut; IDF APC hits mine near Yanta; IDF position fired on from behind Syrian lines near Amik.

Casualties:

1 civilian killed, another wounded in Syrian-Israeli artillery exchange; 2 IDF soldiers killed, 3 wounded in Bhamdoun attack; IDF warns soldiers in Lebanon not to buy drinks or pita bread locally, due to recent incidents of booby-trapped food.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet approves continuation of military alert status; Peace Now march to get Israel out of the Lebanese quagmire begins at Rosh Hanikra on Lebanese border and heads for Tel Aviv; police arrest son of Rabbi Hirsh, leader of anti-Zionist Orthodox Jewish Neturei Karta movement, on charges of failing to register for military conscription; 20 West Bank sites advertised by private companies for construction of villas have not been approved by Ministerial Settlement Committee.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Abu Saleh, dissident Fateh officer, denies Libyan support, but says he would welcome it; PLO denies right-wing Lebanese radio report of assassination attempt on Arafat; Arafat tours PLO positions in Baalbek area; Gemayel speaks to largely Muslim rally in West Beirut, calls for Lebanese unity; mufti of Lebanon opposes Lebanese-Israeli agreement.

Military Action:

IDF reportedly constructing series of large and sophisticated military bases across South and central Lebanon, including airstrip at Damour, barracks and transport facilities at Sidon, fortified posts in Arkoub and Bekaa Valleys, logistics HQ near Marjayoun; Syrian forces and IDF exchange artillery fire in Bekaa; Haddad says he must formally be made military governor of South Lebanon.

Casualties:

9 suspects indicted for grenade attack that wounded 5 US Marines on March 16.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF seals 4 Dahariya homes of Palestinians who reportedly admitted to attacks in Hebron area, including stone-throwing that killed Israeli woman in January; IDF orders West Bank schools to remain closed until April 19, Jenin schools closed indefinitely; Umm Safa and Gibya residents report thousands of dunams seized for nearby Ateret settlement; molotov cocktail thrown at border police patrol in Bethlehem; Jerusalem Mayor Kollek warns civic and religious leaders of Shufat and Beit Hanina if they don't stop stone-throwing along road to Neve Ya'acov settlement then police and army will; Peace Now begins protests near site of proposed Upper Nablus settlement; court orders Ministry of Defense to pay compensation of IS2m. to family of Palestinian woman shot by Israeli soldier in April 1982, soldier given 5 months suspended sentence; Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs spokesman offers 3,939 apartments and building plots in West Bank and Gaza, announces campaign to expand 68 settlements, increase Jewish population in occupied territories 30-50,000 in next 18 months; Chief of Staff Eitan, in farewell statement to Cabinet, says there should be 10 new Jewish settlements for each stone-throwing incident, when Israelis have settled the land all the Arabs will be able to do about it is scurry around like drugged roaches in a bottle; 2 Likud MKs recommend that soldiers be instructed to aim higher if shooting at demonstrators' legs doesn't stop stone-throwing; Israeli Electric Corporation completes 4-year project to supply electricity to West Bank settlements and villages at cost of IS360m.; Association for Civil Rights says ban on section of '83 film is attack on freedom of expression, asks for its revocation.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO stresses importance of continuing relations and dialogue with Jordan; Habib participates for first time in troop withdrawal negotiations at Netanya.

Arab Governments: Mubarak says it is imperative PLO join Jordan to facilitate negotiations; Moroccan sources say proposed Arab summit later this week likely to be postponed; Jordan reportedly considering reducing ties to West Bank; King Hussein meets British Foreign Secretary; Syria says Hussein's refusal to enter talks shows US does not hold key to Middle East peace.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says there is no alternative to the Reagan plan, suggests PLO should lose its 1974 Arab League mandate as sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people if this authority is not exercised constructively; House Foreign Affairs subcommittee links sale of advanced US weapons to Jordan to commitment to recognize Israel and enter into direct negotiations with it, increases Reagan's requests for economic aid to Israel from $785m. to $850m., all grants, increases grant portion of military aid from $550m. to $850m. out of $1.7b. total, and approves same amount for FY 1985 in largest single legislative package of aid for Israel ever approved; CIA director Casey reportedly travelled secretly to Israel last week to convince Israelis that Lebanese Army can control South Lebanon.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Hundreds of former residents of Birim, Maronite village on Israel's northern border evacuated in 1948, call on government to allow them to return now that security prevails, government reportedly will not agree to setting precedent since estimated 50,000 Arabs in Israel might also demand return to their original homes; another outbreak of mass sickness on West Bank causes hospitalization of 164 girls from Tulkarm and Anabta, 240 in Yatta; results of International Red Cross investigation of illnesses, released by Israeli Health Ministry, indicate no evidence of poison or toxic material, conclude that epidemic is mass phenomenon devoid of danger; curfew imposed in Yatta, 6 other areas; 2 IDF soldiers, border policeman, and 2 Nablus residents wounded by hand-grenade in Nablus; Israeli bank ransacked during protest demonstrations in Tulkarm; Israeli targets stoned in other West Bank towns; 18 year-old boy shot in arm and stomach by settler driving past al-Arub refugee camp, police question settler and impound his rifle; 2 Israelis injured by stones in Qalqilya; 2 Arab youths injured when Israeli driver swerves his car into group throwing stones; 65 year-old Jerusalem woman hospitalized after being beaten and stabbed, members of Jewish religious school seeking to take over her property are suspected; IDF investigating 2 settler-related shooting incidents in Hebron and Nablus areas; Muslim religious leaders call students to hold protest gathering at Dome of Rock against last year's Easter attack by Israeli soldier; police use teargas to disperse demonstration near Damascus Gate, 8 arrested; police prevent group of 50 Jewish religious nationalists, including Meir Kahane, from entering Temple Mount, group then holds prayers outside gates; teenage nephew of Kahane arrested after firing Uzi at Palestinian demonstrators.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat and Hussein hold third round of talks, Arafat tells news conference he is still committed to Fez summit resolutions, Farouk Kaddoumi says Reagan plan is not a vehicle for negotiation, Abujihad says PLO is not giving a mandate to anyone.

Arab Governments: Mubarak, in Peking, urges PLO and King Hussein to enter talks on Reagan plan soon, before next US election campaign.

US and Other Countries: US diplomats in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem reportedly sceptical of official Israeli explanation of mass illnesses, point to fact that Israelis on West Bank displayed same symptoms.

Military Action:

Pre-dawn gunbattle erupts between rival militias in Tripoli.

Casualties:

Estimated cost of infrastructural re-building in Lebanon placed at $10 billion; dozens of Palestinian families from South Lebanon reported to have asked for political asylum in Israel to escape Phalangist persecution.

Political Responses:

Israel / Occupied Territories: Cabinet votes 16 to 1 (Sharon) to accept Commission of Inquiry recommendations; Peace Now member killed, 10 others injured by hand grenade at anti-government demonstration; police protection given to 3 Commission members after threats; Ambassador Arens in Washington says he doubts Israeli policy on troop withdrawal or settlement of Palestinian issue will change as a result of Sharon's departure from Cabinet; Justice Minister Nissim says Sharon could take another ministerial position; deputy editor of Israeli Communist party newspaper al-Ittihad tells meeting in Haifa that Israeli Arabs are eager to take part in all matters of Israeli society but that lack of equality is turning them into a time bomb liable to explode in a few years.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Executive Committee of PLO meets in Algiers prior to opening of PNC; Lebanese and Israeli negotiating teams meet in Kiryat Shemona for 14th round of talks, said to be constructive; Foreign Minister Salem says US has new proposals on withdrawal of foreign forces, and that Israel has dropped its demand for Israeli-manned watchposts.

US and Other Countries: Wall Street journal reports that Ali Hassan Salameh, head of Fateh's security and intellgience unit assassinated in Beirut in January 1979, had acted with Arafat's consent as information channel between PLO and CIA; State Department refuses to meet village League Chairman Dudeen.