The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian succumbed to injuries inflicted by Israeli forces on 8/3 in Jenin. Israeli forces demolished 1 poultry farm in al-Walaja, 1 rainwater collection well in Khallet al-Dabe’, 1 car wash in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, and 1 agricultural structure in al-Fakhit. Israeli forces also handed an evacuation order to Palestinians near Tuqu’ for their livestock, forcing them to remove their livestock and dismantle their agricultural structures within 14 days. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting Israeli construction at al-Ibrahimi Mosque, leading to tear-gas related injuries; 3 were arrested. 9 other Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jaba‘, Huwwara, and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces summoned 2 Palestinian activists for questioning after they protested the arrest of a local activist in Sheikh Jarrah on 8/10. In Israel, Israeli authorities said they shot down a drone entering the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Lebanon, claiming the drone was operated by Hezbollah. Israel also said it had shot down a drone flying from Gaza into Israel, claiming it was operated by Hamas. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/11; HA, PCHR, REU 8/12; HA, MEMO 8/13)

The Israeli government gave its initial approval for the construction of more than 2,000 new settlement units in the West Bank and 863 housing units for Palestinian villages in Area C, including 150 units in Ma‘asara, 270 in Bir al-Basha, 223 in al-Masqufa, 160 in Khirbet ‘Aaba, and 50 in Khirbet Zakariya. Of the advanced settlement expansion plans, 908 are expected to get final approval next week, including 58 in Beit El, 285 in Har Brakha, and 105 in Alon Shvut. An Israeli official told Haaretz that the move was a “calculated risk” made by the government vis-à-vis the U.S. Biden administration. The Meretz party wrote a letter to Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz, calling the decision to expand Israeli settlements “a dangerous move.” The U.S. later criticized Israel’s decision to expand Israeli settlements, on 8/13, saying that settlement activity is an obstacle to a 2-state solution. (AA, AX, HA, REU 8/11; MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/12; HA, MEMO 8/13; JP 8/16)

IDF chief of staff Aviv Kochavi said the Israeli army will take harsher measures against Israeli soldiers who do not follow regulations, in response to the killing of 40 Palestinians by Israeli forces in the West Bank since May. The statement came after Chief of Staff Kochavi met with senior staff of the Israeli central command on 8/8 and urged them to take steps to reduce lethal shootings. Kochavi said the military will back soldiers who make mistakes in their judgements in relation to lethal shootings, but not if the soldiers act reckless. (HA 8/12)

Israel’s police commissioner Kobi Shabtai inaugurated a new police department focused on combatting crime in Palestinian Israeli communities, which seeks to increase the number of Palestinian Israeli police officers by 300%. 69 Palestinian citizens of Israel have been killed in Israel since 2021 and only 23% of the cases have been solved, whereas 71% of the cases involving Jewish Israelis have been solved by Israeli police. (HA 8/12)

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid visited Morocco to meet with his Moroccan counterpart and open the new Israeli mission to Morocco as part of the 2 countries’ normalization deal. The 2 foreign ministers signed cooperation agreements related to air travel, culture, sports, and youth. Foreign Minister Lapid said the 2 countries would open mutual embassies within 2 months. The leader of the PJD party in Morocco condemned the decision to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel. Part of the 2 countries’ normalization deal was for the U.S. to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara during the Trump administration, a controversial recognition that the Biden administration has not reversed. (MEMO 8/10; AJ, AJ, AX, HA, MEMO, REU 8/11; AJ, ALM, AX, HA, HA, MEMO, REU 8/12; ALM 8/13; MEE 8/16)

U.S. CIA director William J. Burns met with Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennet and other Israeli officials during a trip to Israel. Director Burns is expected to meet with PA president Mahmoud Abbas and other senior PA officials on 8/12. Axios reported that Director Burns voiced concern to Prime Minister Bennett about Chinese investment in Israel. (AX 8/9; HA, MEMO 8/10; ALM, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU 8/11; AX, HA, HA 8/12; AX 8/18; MEE, MEMO, TOI 8/19)

The private equity firm KKR announced that it will be funding a server farm in Israel to be completed in the 2d quarter of 2023. The server farm will be located underground in Petah Tikva. (HA 8/11)

Palestinian Israeli NGO Combatants for Peace asked the ICC to open an investigation into potential war crimes committed by Israel in demolishing the bedouin village Khirbet Humsa on 7/7. (HA 8/11; MEMO 8/13)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said its investigation into the events of the Israeli assault on Gaza in May, dubbed Operation Guardians of the Wall, had showed that Hamas’s rockets fired at Israel “violated the laws of war and amount to war crimes.” HRW also said that Hamas’s rockets had killed 12 civilians in Israel and a misfired rocket had killed 7 Palestinians in Gaza. HRW released its investigation into Israeli actions during the assault on 7/27, finding that Israel had also committed war crimes. (HA, HRW 8/12; ALM 8/23)

France donated $575,000 to the UN World Food Programme for its programming in Gaza. (WAFA 8/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces closed off large parts of Hebron to Palestinians, including forcing Palestinians to close their shops in the Bab al-Zawyeh area to allow Israeli settlers to tour it. Israeli forces also seized an excavator in Burin. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Burqin, and Deir Ghasana, 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near al-Khader, and 1 was arrested at the entrance to Zabbuba. In East Jerusalem, nearly 1,700 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound on the Jewish holiday Tisha B’Av, drawing criticism from the Israeli governing party the United Arab List, the PA, Hamas, the EU, and Jordan. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters on and around the Haram al-Sharif compound who were expressing anger over the settler incursion, causing injuries and 5 arrests. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/18; MEMO, MEMO 7/19; PCHR 7/29)

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt was open for 1 day. (MEMO, WAFA 7/19)

In a statement after the Israeli settlers had toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said the Israeli security forces had preserved “freedom of worship for Jews on the Mound [the Haram al-Sharif compound],” a significant departure from the status quo of the Holy Sites and a 1st from an Israeli prime minister. Under the status quo agreement, only Muslims have the right to worship on the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 day later, Prime Minister Bennett clarified that the wording was a mistake and that he meant “visit” rather than “worship.” (HA, MEMO 7/18; AP, HA, JP, WAFA 7/19)

The Israeli high court of justice rejected a petition from Peace Now to stop the transfer of Israeli public funds to the Amana movement, which funds and builds unauthorized constructions in Israeli settlements and settlement outposts. (HA 7/19)

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid said that the Israeli government would examine the diplomatic ramifications of the demolition and eviction of the bedouin community Khan al-Ahmar. (HA 7/18; MEMO 7/19)

The PFLP-GC said it had elected a new leader, Talal Naji, to replace Ahmed Jibril who died on 7/7 after months of sickness. (AP, HA 7/18)

17 news outlets published a Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International investigation based on a leak of more than 50,000 records of phone numbers, which had been targeted for surveillance with Pegasus spyware from the Israeli spyware company NSO Group’s clients. The investigation found that at least 180 journalists from 21 countries had been targeted by 12 NSO Group clients, including the governments of Bahrain, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, India, the UAE, Mexico, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Togo, and Rwanda. The investigation also found that heads of governments, including Pakistan’s prime minister Imran Khan, France’s president Emmanuel Macron, and Morocco’s king Mohammed VI, were among possible victims. Furthermore, the investigation showed that Pegasus spyware was installed on Saudi dissent journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancée’s phone and that his son had been listed for targeting before Khashoggi was murdered by special forces in Saudi’s embassy in Istanbul on 10/2/2018. Charges against NSO Group that its spyware was used against Khashoggi have been denied by the company. The Israeli government approves all sales of spyware from NSO Group to potential clients. Amazon subsequently said it had shut down its servers used by NSO Group. The investigation comes as a different investigation into another Israeli spyware company Candiru was released on 7/15. Later, after the Forbidden Stories investigation was published and with international criticism mounting, the Knesset’s foreign affairs and defense committee chairman Ram Ben Barak on 7/22 said that his committee would review the process of granting licenses to export spyware to other countries. France and Luxembourg said they would start investigations into the Israeli-made spyware. (NYT 7/17; AI, AJ, F24, GDN, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, NYT 7/18; AJ, ALM, AP, GDN, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NPR, REU, REU 7/19; AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEE, REU 7/20; AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU, REU 7/21; AJ, ALM, BBC, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE 7/22; HA, MEE, MEE 7/23; CNN, HILL 7/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up sheds in Dayr Istya. Israeli settlers with military escort vandalized property in Burqin and Israeli forces attacked Palestinians when they tried to fend off the settlers, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian child and wounded dozens of others during a protest at a checkpoint in Bil‘in; Israel said that 2 Israeli soldiers were lightly injured. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian in Hebron, saying he was going to attack the soldiers. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Ramallah, killing 2 and injuring 64. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Qalqilya, injuring 12 with live ammunition and 20 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Ijza, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Nablus, injuring 11 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Atuf, injuring 11 with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Nabi Salih, injuring 13 Palestinians with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Qiffin, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Anabta, injuring 2 with live ammunition and 3 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Fajjar, injuring 1 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Aida refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dayr Sharaf, injuring 2 with live ammunition and 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Naqura, injuring 1 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries and a tear gas canister ignited a fire in a field. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Luban al-Sharqiyya, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Burqa, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Furik, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with rubber-coated bullets; others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Qarawat Bani Hassan, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint near Jenin, injuring 7 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tuqu‘, leading to tear-gas related injuries. A total of 202 were reported injured during the protests in the West Bank. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Shaykh Jarrah and Bab al-Amud, injuring 41. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor in her back, fracturing her spine with a rubber-coated bullet, and injured her father with a rubber-coated bullet and stun grenade while they were inside their home in Shaykh Jarrah; a video shows the incident. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians were killed, including 1 child, and many were injured, raising the comprehensive death toll since 5/10 from 216 to 219, including 63 children and 2 pregnant women. The casualties included: 1 in an air strike a house south of Gaza City; 1 of a heart attack during heavy bombardment of Rafah; and 1 Palestinian infant succumbed to her wounds sustained on 5/11 during an air strike on Gaza City that killed her father, mother, and sister. In Israel, Israeli police shot and seriously injured 1 Palestinian-Israeli minor who was sitting in a car with friends in Umm al-Fahm. Rockets fired from Gaza killed 2 Thai citizens working at a factory in Moshav Ohad, raising the Israeli death toll to 12. Israel also said it had destroyed 7.5 miles of Gaza tunnels overnight. 1 drone of unknown origin was shot down by Israeli forces near the northern part of the Israeli-Jordanian border. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/18; AX, CNN, HA, HA, HA, PCHR, PCHR, WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/20; MEE 5/21; HA, NYT 5/26; HA 5/27)

Palestinians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, and Israel observed a general strike in protest over evictions of Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the Israeli attacks on Gaza. (WAFA 5/18; HA 5/19)

A spokesperson for the health ministry in Gaza said that no more COVID-19 tests were being processed in Gaza due to an Israeli air strike destroying the sole COVID-19 test processing center. (AJ 5/18)

Israel opened the Kerem Shalom crossing and then closed it shortly after, citing Hamas’s shelling of the area. (AJ, AJ 5/18)

The Israeli high court of justice ruled that 1 Israeli settler must stop cultivating 170 dunams (42 acres) of land near Turmus ‘Ayya, saying the cultivation is illegal. The court, however, refused to rule on the ownership of the land, stating that the 8 Palestinian petitioners must obtain permission to farm the land from a different body as the court does not consider itself the proper venue for the question. (HA 5/23)

Israel’s Channel 12 said that an Egyptian truce proposal calling for an end to violence from 6 a.m. on 5/20 had been agreed to by Hamas. (AJ 5/19)

The Israeli police commissioner Kobi Shabtai was criticized by the public security minister Amir Ohana for saying that there “were terrorists from both sides [Jewish-Israeli and Palestinian-Israeli] and we will bring every one of them to justice.” (HA 5/18)

After saying that his committee would review a sale of arms to Israel on 5/17, chairman of the house of foreign affairs committee Gregory Meeks was said to have reversed course and that he is looking at discussing the arm sales with the Biden administration. The Biden administration had informed Congress on 5/4 that it would be selling Israel $735 million’s worth of precision-guided missiles. It was reported that Chairman Meeks had come under significant pressure after saying he would review the sale. Several other Democrats in the House have called for conditioning or ending military aid to Israel. (AJ, REU 5/17; ALM, HA, HA, MEE 5/18)

U.S. president Joe Biden joked, when asked by a journalist if he would answer a question about Israel, that she could ask a question if she let him run her over with the Ford F-150 he was sitting in. President Biden was visiting a Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan. (FOX 5/18)

France called for the UN security council to agree on a resolution calling for a ceasefire. Prime minister Emmanuel Macron made the call after a meeting with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordanian king Abdullah II. (AJ, REU 5/18; AP, HA 5/19)

The EU foreign ministers met to discuss how to help facilitate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Hungary was said to have prevented consensus on a meaningful engagement. Separately, Germany said it would donate $48.9 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA 5/18; ALM 5/19)

The Egyptian presidency said it would give $500 million to help rebuild Gaza. (AJ 5/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian man in Burqa, causing fractures and bruises. An Israeli settler also set a car on fire and wrote racist graffiti in Zeita, south of Nablus. Israeli forces destroyed a 200-meter-long water pipe near Bardala and took measurements for a punitive demolition of the home belonging to the family of an alleged attacker in Ya‘bad. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, and ‘Azun. In East Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/11; WAFA 6/12; PCHR 6/18)

Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israel is planning a census of Palestinians living in Area C, which would be the 1st since 1967. (HA 6/11)

In Lebanon, protesters rallied against the Lebanese government after the local currency lost 60 percent of its value in recent weeks. (REU 6/12; AJ, AJ 6/13)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced sanctions on the ICC and ICC personnel in retaliation to investigations into potential U.S. war crimes committed in Afghanistan. While Israel was not mentioned in Trump’s executive order, the country was mentioned in the accompanying press release: “the International Criminal Court has taken no action to reform itself and continues to pursue politically motivated investigations against us and our allies, including Israel.” (HA 6/11; WAFA 6/12)

More than 50 members of the U.S. congress called, in a letter, on U.S. ambassador David Friedman to condemn violence committed by Israeli settlers in the same manner he condemns violence committed by Palestinians. The letter noted the rise in cases of violence committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in recent months. (HA 6/11; WAFA 6/12)

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the French courts had violated freedom of expression when 12 people from the BDS movement were convicted of inciting racism and anti-Semitism for distributing leaflets calling for boycotts of Israeli goods. France was ordered to pay each of the 12 campaigners $31,150. (Amnesty, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/11)

The World Bank approved a $10 million grant to help operate and maintain a wastewater plant in Gaza. (WAFA 6/11)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinian families were notified that Israel intend to seize 4 dunums of their land in Jaba‘ for construction of a parking lot for Israeli military vehicles. A Palestinian family from Ya‘bad accused Israeli soldiers of stealing money and jewelry from their house during a late-night raid. Israeli forces also demolished 2 Palestinian-owned water tanks near Tubas and seized a cement mixer near Salfit. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Nablus, Jericho, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were detained in al-Aqsa Mosque during prayers; both were released after 5 hours of interrogation and banned from entering the mosque for 2 weeks. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/3; PCHR 12/5)

During a visit by the Irish minister of foreign affairs Simon Coveney to Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, the ministry announced that Ireland was funding a $8.8 million project for construction of solar panels in Gaza in partnership with the French Development Agency. Foreign Affairs Minister Coveney met with PA prime minister Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah during his visit. (HA, WAFA 12/3)

In France, the French parliament passed a resolution to combat anti-Semitism that included anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel. The resolution adopted the language of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of anti-Semitism which equates some criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic. The resolution was passed despite a petition signed by 129 Jewish and Israeli scholars warning the French parliament about equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism. (HA 9/4)

At the UN, 5 resolutions pertaining to Israel and Palestine passed in the General Assembly. 13 countries changed their vote, compared to previous years, on the resolution in support of the Division for Palestinian Rights of the Secretariat. The 13 countries that previously abstained on the yearly vote were Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Brazil, and Colombia. The vote on that resolution passed 83 to 23, with 54 abstentions. (TOI 12/4; HA 12/5)

Israeli forces punitively demolish a Palestinian home in Kafr ‘Aqab, n. of Jerusalem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is killed and several are injured. The owner of the home was killed on 10/9 after participating in the drive-by shooting of a crowd of Israelis. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct arrest raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Israeli soldier and 1 Palestinian are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Nablus and Salfit, assault and seriously injure a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Nablus, and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Salfit. An Israeli settler driver attempts to ram 2 Palestinian youths nr. Hebron, causing no injuries. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the bedouin village al-‘Araqib in the Negev for the 107th time since 2010. (IMEMC, MNA 12/22; PCHR 12/29)

Following high-level contacts between the Israeli and Egyptian govts. and massive Israeli pressure against the draft UNSC res. Egypt circulated on 12/21, 2 Western diplomats say that the vote set for today has been postponed indefinitely. Later, 4 mbrs. of the UNSC—New Zealand, Venezuela, Malaysia, and Senegal—give Egypt an ultimatum. They tell Cairo that, if it does not call a vote by 12/23, they reserved the right to table the draft themselves. (EI, HA, JP, NBC, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/22; HA, JP, MNA 12/23)

France’s FM Jean-Marc Ayrault announces that the peace conference initially set for 12/21 is now scheduled for 1/15/2017, adding that the summit will present conclusions to Israeli PM Netanyahu and PA pres. Abbas in a mediated meeting in the hopes of relaunching peace negotiations. (MNA, TOI 12/23)

After the residents of the illegal Amona settlement outpost formally pledge to evacuate their homes peacefully, Israel’s High Court of Justice agrees to the govt.’s request for a 45-day postponement of its order for the outpost to be evacuated and demolished by 12/25. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/22; MNA 12/24)

Tensions in the Hebron district remain high as the IDF maintains restrictions on Palestinian movement in Hebron and the surrounding district and conducts patrols in the region throughout the day. IDF troops conduct raids in Yatta overnight, sparking clashes with stoneand bottle-throwing residents (2 Palestinians are injured). Movement in Yatta has been restricted since 6/8. The IDF conducts further raids and house searches in and around Hebron, as well as nr. Qalqilya and Bethlehem, issuing arrest summons to 4 Palestinians and arresting 2. Unidentified Palestinians open fire on an Israeli settler driving nr. Bethlehem, causing damage and no injuries. A Palestinian suffers minor burns when a flare left by Israeli forces ignites in Jenin. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In Israel, Israeli forces conduct raids in al-Araqib in the Negev, arresting 2 Palestinians. (MNA 7/21; MNA 7/22; MNA 7/23)

PA pres. Abbas meets with French pres. Hollande in Paris to discuss the French peace initiative in light of recent events. Hollande says that France is determined to build on the 6/3 summit. Meanwhile, in an interview with the Times of Israel, the dir. gen. of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Dore Gold, says that Israel will probably not attend a follow-up summit in Paris, if invited, because it would “undermine the whole peace process,” reiterating Israel’s opposition to the French efforts. (TOI 7/21; AFP, MNA, TOI 7/22)

Uncoordinated stabbing and alleged stabbing attacks continue in the West Bank and Jerusalem, resulting in the deaths of 3 Palestinians. Two Palestinians open fire on an Israeli bus in Ramot, causing no damage. Israeli police then chase the shooters into the Old City, where they shoot and kill the 2 men after they allegedly attempt to ram their car into a Jewish Israeli pedestrian, causing no serious injuries. A 3d Palestinian is critically injured in the crossfire. The IDF maintains, for a 2d day, the closure of 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Salfit. On the outskirts of the village nr. Salfit, Israeli soldiers open fire on 2 Palestinian youths as they approach an IDF checkpoint, killing 1 and critically injuring the other. An IDF spokesperson says that one of the youths was armed with a knife and intended to attack the soldiers. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 3/9; PCHR 3/10)

Elsewhere in the oPt, Hamas announces that 1 of its fighters died earlier in the day during unspecified training exercises. IDF troops raid a village nr. Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They conduct further raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and Hebron, arresting 18 Palestinians. An Israeli settler stabs and injures a Palestinian nr. Nablus. Late at night, Israeli settlers spray price-tag graffiti on the walls of a Palestinian home in a village nr. Bethlehem. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/9; MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/17)

In response to the string of attacks on 3/8 and after conferring with senior security officials, Israeli PM Netanyahu announces that Israel will complete the construction of the separation wall in the s. Hebron Hills. He also states that his govt. proposes new legislation to deter and punish Palestinians who enter Israel illegally, close Palestinian media outlets responsible for alleged incitement, and deny work permits to the families of Palestinians who commit serious crimes against Israelis. Israeli police immediately arrest 10s of Palestinians in raids across Israel, targeting those who entered the country without proper permits. (HA, JP, TOI 3/9)

The Israeli authorities inform 5 Palestinian food companies that their goods will no longer be permitted to pass through the Beitunia crossing for sale in Jerusalem. Israel last barred West Bank food products from entering East Jerusalem for a brief period in 2010. (TOI 3/13)

In Cairo, French FM Jean-Marc Ayrault says that France will not recognize the State of Palestine if the planned French peace initiative fails, effectively retracting his predecessor’s 1/29 pledge. “There is never anything automatic,” he says, adding that “France will present its initiative to its partners. It will be the first step, there is no prerequisite.” (TOI 3/9; JTA 3/10)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya, and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Ramallah, and Salfit at night. Israeli settlers use bulldozers to level Palestinian-owned land nr. Salfit. (MNA 5/22; PCHR 5/29)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that “the idea of taking unilateral steps is gaining ground” among Israel’s political class, particularly in light of the collapse of U.S.-led negotiations, in an exclusive interview published by Bloomberg View. Netanyahu’s office subsequently clarifies that this is not a reference to any intention to evacuate settlements. Economy Minister Naftali Bennett welcomes the remarks and urges the adoption of his plan, which would include the annexation of parts of the West Bank. Meanwhile, senior Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) official Hanan Ashrawi condemns talk of unilateral steps as a way to bypass talks, while U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Marie Harf responds to Netanyahu’s remarks by emphasising that “no one should take any steps that undermine trust, including unilateral.” (Bloomberg, HA, YA 5/23)

China and Russia veto a UN Security Council (UNSC) res., drafted by France, referring the Syrian crisis to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an investigation into possible war crimes. The 13 other mbrs. of the UNSC vote in favor. It is the 4th time that China and Russia have blocked Western-drafted resolutions on Syria since spring 2011. Meanwhile, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says that the last 100 tons of Syria’s declared stockpile of precursors for poison gas and nerve agents are ready for transport, but Syrian authorities say it is too dangerous to move them for the time being. (AFP, AP 5/23)

Gunmen kill Shadi al-Manaei, leader of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, along with 3 other mbrs. of the Egypt-based militant group, in a drive-by shooting in c. Sinai. Egyptian officials say that the attack is likely revenge for the group’s killing of local tribesmen as “collaborators.” (AP 5/22)

Lawmakers allied with Hizballah boycott a session of Lebanon’s parliament, blocking the body from electing a new pres. This is the 5th failed attempt in the past mo. Lebanon’s current pres., Michael Suleiman, is scheduled to leave office on 5/24, the last day of his 6-year term. (AP 5/22)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and al-Fawar and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Nablus, 3 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, the IDF attacks a funeral procession, sparking clashes where 2 Palestinians are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Israeli troops demolish residential and agricultural structures in al-Za’ayem village, displacing around 35 people. In addition, Israel’s Housing Minister Uri Ariel visits the al-Aqsa mosque compound under police protection, heading a tour group of around 100 rightist Jewish activists. (MNA, WAFA 9/11; PCHR 9/12)

The 5 permanent mbrs. of the UNSC meet at Russia’s UN mission to discuss the contents of a new res. on the securing and dismantling of Syria’s chemical weapons. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov speak by phone the day before heading to Geneva for talks with experts about the practicalities of the Russian proposal. France, for its part, aligns itself with the U.S. position of insisting that a military option remains on the table but that the diplomatic process will be prioritized. (AFP, AP, REU 9/11)

Three attacks including 2 car bombs kill 11 people and injure more than 15 in the Sinai, as the army continues its offensive against Islamist militants, including Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. The dead include 9 Egyptian officers targeted at the intelligence headquarters in Rafah. Meanwhile, Israeli officials arrive in Cairo on a private jet for discussions with Egyptians security officials expected to focus on events in the Sinai. (MNA, REU 9/11)

U.S. Amb. Joseph Macmanus tells a meeting of the IAEA that there are “troubling developments” in Iran’s nuclear program amid concerns that Tehran is stalling on achieving any progress in negotiations with the international community. Iran’s FM Mohammad Javad Zarif says that Iran’s nuclear work could take place under international safeguards but would not just go away. (REU 9/11)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Juhur al-Dik, where they level land close to the border fence and then withdraw. In the West Bank, the IDF injures 5 Palestinians nr. Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah during clashes which result from Palestinians trying to stop Jewish settlers throwing stones at cars nr. the camp. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, Nablus, and Jenin r.c. at night. They patrol in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, as well as 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (MNA, WAFA 9/1; PCHR 9/5)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki confirms that U.S. peace process envoy Martin Indyk participated in 1 of the sets of meetings between Israelis and Palestinians that have taken place since the resumption of talks in 7/2013 (though without specifying which one). Meanwhile, Palestinian PM Rami Hamdallah says that a 2d group of Palestinian prisoners could be freed by Israel by the end of 9/2013. (JP, REU 9/1)

Secy. of State John Kerry tells U.S. television networks that the govt. has proof sarin gas was used in a recent Damascus chemical weapons attack, urging Congress to vote for military action against the Asad regime. Meanwhile, the Syrian opposition coalition issues a statement asking Congress to approve the strike. In France, Interior Minister Mauel Valls says that his govt. would not go it alone in Syria and will wait for the decision by the U.S. Congress. (AFP, AP, REU 9/1)

Egypt’s chief prosecutor orders ousted pres. Morsi and 14 other Muslim Brotherhood leaders to stand trial on charges including inciting violence and murder. The new regime also names a constituent assembly and gives it 60 days to review amendments that would erase articles brought in by the Brotherhood and other Islamic parties last year. (NYT, REU 9/1)

Palestinians protest in Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah in solidarity with hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli jails. In al-Khader village nr. Bethlehem, Palestinians demonstrate by Route 60, until they are violently dispersed by Israeli soldiers. The IDF also clashes with Palestinians nr. al-‘Arub r.c. north of Hebron, shooting 1 Palestinian in the leg; 1 IDF soldier is moderately injured. Palestinians throw stones in Hebron and on Highway 446 nr. Ramallah; no one is injured in these clashes. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Bethlehem and 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. In the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of northern Gaza, wounding 2. (HA, MNA 2/18; PCHR 2/21)

The PA’s director of custom taxes and VAT Ahmad al-Hilou says that Israel is still withholding tax revenues from the PA, a step taken in 11/2012 as a response to the successful UN bid (see JPS 167). A meeting between PA and Israeli officials to discuss transferring 1/2013 tax revenues is set for 2/28. (MNA 2/18)

Egyptian security officials say that a delegation from Cairo will visit Israel for talks on the Gaza cease-fire and border restrictions, and will present a demand for Israel to allow commercial goods to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. The visit comes a day after an Israeli delegation visited Cairo. (MNA 2/18)

The Turkish media report that Israel has supplied electronic warfare systems to the Turkish military, the first such exchange since the deadly attack on the Mavi Marama in 5/2010. An Israeli defense source says that the deal came about after American pressure and due to an Israeli desire to improve relations with Turkey. (HA 2/18)

European Union foreign ministers announce that the sanctions regime against Syria will remain the same, with the addition of an amendment allowing for the supply of ‘‘non-lethal support and technical assistance for the protection of civilians’’—wording intended to further aid rebels, but stopping short of a push by Britain and France to make support for the rebels more explicit. (AP 2/18)

The UNSC comm. reviewing the Palestinian membership request issues its final report, stating that mbrs. are deadlocked and unable to reach consensus and therefore cannot make a recommendation, leaving the statehood application effectively dead. France urges the Palestinians to ask the UNGA to upgrade its status to the lesser observer-state status, but the Palestinians have not decided what to do next. (NYT, WP 11/9; WT 11/10)

The IDF carries out 2 late-night air strikes, destroying a greenhouse in the former Jewish settlements n. of Khan Yunis, causing no reported injuries. The IDF patrols in Jericho, neighboring ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c., and 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning; conducts late-night patrols in Jenin town (firing percussion grenades to intimidate residents) and r.c. (firing rubber-coated steel bullets, stun grenades at stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no injuries), synchronizing these with arrest raids, house searches in 1 village nearby. (PCHR 11/17; OCHA 11/18)

In an apparent assassination, IDF undercover units fatally shoot Islamic Jihad mbrs. Rabah Abu Dakka, Mazin Badawi (whom the IDF attempted to assassinate on 6/5/03), wound 4 Palestinians in a raid on a Tulkarm r.c. market. The IDF also conducts arrest raids in Hebron, Jenin r.c. (capturing senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Shaykh Bassam Saadi), Nablus, Ramallah; blows up 12 Palestinian homes in Rafah, bulldozes 1 in Dayr al-Balah; bulldozes 9 dunams of land in Dayr al-Balah, 8 dunams in Khan Yunis; shells residential areas of Dayr al-Balah. Israel also bars Palestinian Reuters photographer ‘Abd al-Rahim al-Qawasini fr. traveling to France, where his work is to be exhibited by the group Artists Against War; bars Palestinian reporters Bashar Daraghima, Amin Abu Warda fr. going to Jordan to take courses in international journalism. Another 2 nonactive Israeli pilots sign onto the 9/24 pilots’ letter. (HA, MM 10/1; NYT, PCHR, WP 10/2; al-Quds 10/2 in WNC 10/7; PCHR 10/9)

An Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device outside Shluhot Kibbutz in n. Israel, killing 1 Israeli. In Hebron, where the IDF remains in area A, soldiers fatally shoot 1 Palestinian, wound 3. The PSF detains 2 more Islamic Jihad mbrs., says it is holding 6 Palestinians on Israel's wanted list. Jewish settlers set up a new enclave nr. Keddumim settlement, announce plans for a 2d enclave nr. Beit Hagai. (HP, WT 10/7; MENA 10/7 in WNC 10/9; JP [Internet] 10/8; MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

The U.S., with the assistance of commando units fr. Britain and France, begins air strikes on al-Qa`ida, Taliban positions in Afghanistan aimed at disabling their air defense capability. The U.S. says this initial stage of the sustained "antiterror campaign" should last several days. Bin Laden releases a statement vowing that "America will not live in peace until peace reigns in Palestine" and "not before all the infidel armies leave the land of Muhammad." The PA denounces Bin Laden's statement. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; NYT, WP 10/9; AYM, JT, Milliyet, al-Ra'i 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/10; al-Quds 10/10 in WNC 10/12; JP, MEI 10/12; XIN 10/12 in WNC 10/15)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes, which have left 365 Palestinians, 19 Israeli Arabs, and 58 Israeli soldiers, settlers, and civilians dead, stretch into their 5th mo. The most severe clashes are in Ramallah. 2 Palestinians are killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Palestinian Auhority (PA) General Intelligence Service (GIS) officer Anwar Mar'i is stabbed to death by Palestinian assailants nr. Salfit; the PA claims it is an IDF-backed assassination. A 4th Palestinian dies of a heart attack when the IDF delays his passage through a checkpoint to a hospital for over 1 hr. The IDF bulldozes Palestinian land nr. the Rafah border, demolishing 7 Palestinian homes, 10 greenhouses; shells residential areas nr. al-Bireh. (WT 2/17; LAW 2/18; SA 2/19 in WNC 2/21; LAW 2/22)

Outgoing Israeli Labor PM Ehud Barak announces he will join a unity government with Likud's PM-elect Ariel Sharon as DM, pending finalization of the government guidelines and the coalition. (MM 2/16; WT 2/17; AYM 2/17 in WNC 2/22; AYM 2/18 in WNC 2/21; MM 2/19; NYT 2/20)

Hizballah fires mortars at an IDF convoy in the disputed Shaba` Farms area of the occupied Golan Heights, killing 1 soldier, wounding 2. In response, the IDF bombards s. Lebanon, using tanks, artillery, helicopter gunships. (NYT, WP, WT 2/17; MM 2/19-21; WJW 2/22)

The U.S., Britain bomb 5 Iraqi sites, marking the 1st strikes outside the no-fly zones since 12/98, signalling a more confrontational approach to Baghdad by the new administration of U.S. Pres. George W. Bush. 3 Iraqi civilians are killed, 25 are injured. France, Turkey, the Arab states condemn the action. (ATL 2/16, ATL, MENA, MIL 2/17, ATL, HJ, JT, al-Quds 2/18, JT, MA, MENA 2/19 in WNC 2/20; NYT, WP, WT 2/17; MIL 2/17, 2/18 in WNC 2/21; NYT, WP, WT 2/18; MM, WP, WT 2/19; MM 2/20; HJ 2/20 in WNC 2/22; MM, WT 2/21; WP 2/22; MIL 2/22 in WNC 2/23; MEI, MM 2/23; al-Quds 2/23 in WNC 2/27; AP, WP 2/25; JP 3/2)

In Ramallah, PA, Israeli teams start talks on a framework agmt. on final status. Mtg. focuses on procedures for future talks, which will be held 2-3 times per wk., alternating btwn. Jerusalem, Ramallah. (MM 11/8; AFP 11/8 in WNC 11/9; al-Quds 11/8, 11/9 in WNC 11/10; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; ITAR-TASS 11/10 in WNC 11/12; MEI 11/12)

In Paris, Arafat holds separate mtgs. on the peace process with French pres. Chirac, Egyptian pres. Mubarak. PM Barak discusses Syrian track with French PM Jospin. Arafat, Barak are in France to attend the 21st congress of the Socialist International. (MM 11/8; AFP, MENA 11/8 in WNC 11/9)

Israel's Atomic Energy Commission, which rarely makes public statements, releases a announcement saying "an employee died in a 12-foot fall while preparing scaffolding for a welding job at the nuclear research center [Dimona] in the Negev." The agency may have been seeking to prevent speculation about the cause of death. (NYT 11/9)

Jordan arrests leading Hamas activist `Abd al-Aziz Umary (also known as Izzat Rushuq), the 22d Hamas mbr. to be detained since the government crackdown began in 8/99; 2 other individuals are arrested, released on $5,000 bail each for "harboring" Umary. Hamas considers the arrests an escalation of hostilities. (MM, WP, WT 11/10; JT 11/10 in WNC 11/12; NYT 11/11; DUS 11/12 in WNC 11/15)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Barak in advance of the Oslo mtg. 11/2. (MM 10/29; JP 11/5)

Israeli-PA ad hoc economic comm. meets to discuss economic requirements of the Wye II agmt., adjourns without taking any decisions. (al-Quds 10/29 in WNC 11/2)

In Gaza, the PA-Egypt-Jordanian trilateral comm. on displaced persons meets to discuss implementation of Wye II, upcoming final status talks; calls for convening quadripartite comm. (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) on displaced persons. Under Wye II, the quadrilateral comm., which has not met since 1997, was to have resumed mtgs. by 10/1. (MM 10/27; MENA, al-Quds 10/27 in WNC 10/28; DUS 10/28 in WNC 11/2) (see 10/6)

Iranian pres. Khatami arrives in France for 3 days of talks on improving bilateral relations, meets with Pres. Chirac. (MM, WT 10/27; CSM, NYT, WP 10/28; MM, WP 10/29; WT 11/3; MEI 11/12)

Clashes in Bethlehem btwn. Palestinian demonstrators, IDF continue for 3d day, leaving 12 Palestinians injured. (MM 10/27; NYT, WP 10/28)

A Lebanese military court issues a death sentence in absentia against Sultan Abu al-Aynayn, a senior Fatah official who has lived in Lebanon for yrs., for heading a subversive armed group. Abu al-Aynayn was unaware he was under prosecution until the verdict was announced. (AFP 10/27 in WNC 10/28; RL 10/28 in WNC 10/29; AFP 10/28, RL 10/29, 10/31 in WNC 11/2; WT 10/29; AYM 10/30 in WNC 11/3)

The Clinton administration authorizes the 1st direct military training for Iraqi opposition forces, which will begin next wk. (NYT 10/28; WT 10/29)

PM Netanyahu arrives in China for 3-day visit. (MM 5/26)

In Cairo, Arafat attends Arab League mtg. called to commemorate the 50th anniversary of al-Nakba; calls for Arab summit on the peace process. (MENA, RE 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

Egyptian FM `Amr Musa arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein on Mubarak's trip to France, possible Arab summit; says Pres. Mubarak is discussing summit idea with other Arab leaders, including Morocco's King Hassan, who arrived in Cairo today for 3-day official visit, and Syria's Pres. Asad. (MENA, RE, RJ 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM 5/27, 5/28)

In Tel Aviv, Israel's DM Yitzhak Mordechai meets with Turkey's dep. chief of staff, Gen. Cevik Bir, for talks on the peace process, furthering military cooperation, possible joint arms projects. (WT 5/27)

Saudi Arabia's FM Prince Saud al-Faisal arrives in Iran for 2-day talks on improving bilateral ties. (WT 5/27)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin visits Syria's Yarmuk refugee camp, where he receives warm welcome fr. Palestinian refuges. (WP 6/11) (see 5/25)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli border policemen clash with Palestinians protesting illegal construction by Jewish settlers (see 5/25). To halt violence, Israel's Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert bans the construction in the name of Israel's Antiquities Dept., orders the demolition of the settlers' illegal dwellings. (ITV 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM, NYT 5/27; WJW 5/28; MM 6/3; MEI 6/5; WT 6/9)

Yemen reports that over the past 2 days, Saudi troops have seized the island of Harim in the Red Sea as part of an attempt to pressure Sana' to make territorial concessions in the 2 countries' border demarcation negotiations, which just resumed last wk. The island is 1 of 3 uninhabited but strategically significant Red Sea islands in dispute. (MM 5/26)

3 SLA mbrs., 3 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. 4 civilians are injured, over 100 flee their homes. (ITV, RL, VOL 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

After a weekend of high-level negotiations with Jordan, Israel frees Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin (jailed since 5/89), sends him to Amman. Timing lends creedence to reports that Israeli Mossad agents posing as Canadian tourists attempted to assassinate Hamas's Mishal 9/25. Canada says the attackers, still in custody, have refused consular services. (Radio Canada International 9/30 in WNC 10/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/1; RJ 10/1 in WNC 10/2; SATN 10/1, al-Quds al-`Arabi 10/2 in WNC 10/3; ITV 10/1 in WNC 10/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/2; PR 10/3; MM 10/6; MEI 10/10; JP 10/11)

Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman pardons 2 Israelis, commutes the sentences of 4 other, all of whom are serving terms for killing Arabs. (ITV 10/1 in WNC 10/3; NYT, WT 10/2; PR 10/10; JP 10/11)

Saying that it seems "our . . . allies don't get it," Secy. of State Albright strongly criticizes France for supporting the $2 b. gas deal with Iran, not following U.S. policy of isolating Iran for supporting "terrorism." (NYT 10/1) (see 9/28)

In Tehran, Iran, Jordan open 2-day follow-up mtg. to the 9/28-29 mtgs., sign several agmts., establish Jordanian-Iranian Economic Cooperation Council. (JT 10/1 in WNC 10/2; al-Dustur 10/1 in WNC 10/7)

French Pres. Chirac, Syrian Pres. Asad meet in Damascus. The two sign 2 agmts. rescheduling Syrians $350-m. debt to France, providing fresh credit to relaunch economic relations. (SATN 10/20 in WNC 10/22; MEI, MM 10/25)

In Damascus, French FM de Charette, Syrian FM Shara` sign memorandum of understanding, activating agmts. on coordination btwn. higher education institutions, transfer of technology and scientific research, expanding cultural exchanges, launching joint research and development projects. (SATN 10/20 in WNC 10/23)

U.S. evacuates another 500 Iraqis, their families to Turkey. (WP, WT 10/21) (see 10/19)

Current round of Israel-PLO talks in Taba ends, both sides reporting progress.  PM Rabin says talks held in a "good atmosphere."  Security comm. divides into subcomms. on police, prisoners.  PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says draft agreement on Palestinian police force reached.  (MENA, IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/17)

During 2d day of bilateral Arab-Israeli talks in Washington, Israeli negotiators Uri Lubrani, Itamar Rabinovich complain to Lebanese delegate Suhail Shammas, Syrian amb. Muwaffaq al-Allaf over 2/16 katyusha incident.  Meanwhile, Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi, Syrian Pres. al-Asad meet in Damascus to discuss tensions in southern Lebanon.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17; SARR 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Israel-Jordan-U.S. economic talks in Washington end, Jordanian side expressing reluctance to pursue joint projects with Israel until Israel-Syrian talks achieve progress, Israeli-Jordanian disputes over refugees, water, Arava region resolved.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/18 in FBIS 2/18).

Israeli PM Rabin blames 2/16 katyusha attack on "Black September 13" group, notes "our understandings with Syria regarding Hizballah remain in effect."  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/18)

Anwar Rashid Tahir Qtait, 24, killed by IDF at checkpoint in Saris [Misilyah??] village, nr. Janin in West Bank, when he makes a "threatening gesture."  In Halhul, IDF shoots and seriously wounds at least 4 Palestinians protesting 2/16 killing of Najwan al-`Izza.  (MM 2/17; IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

Israeli Yuval Golan, stabbed in Hebron 12/29/93 by Palestinian, dies of wounds, becoming 201st Israeli killed by Palestinians during intifada according to AFP figures.  1,179 Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire in same period.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Hamas's `Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade issues statement offering "protection and weapons" to Palestinian collaborators who kill their Shin Bet control officers.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

MK `Abd al-Wahab Darawsha (Arab Democratic party) announces Syrian govt. has allowed him to visit Damascus at head of 31-mbr. delegation to pay condolences on death of Basil al-Asad.  Visit will be 1st official trip by Israeli Arab allowed by Syria.  PM Rabin calls trip a "positive step." (MM, WP 2/18; WT 2/19; NYT 2/20)

Congolese Int. M Martin Mberri confirms Brazzaville has signed $50 m. contract with Israeli company for training, equipping Congolese army.  Officials say 40 Israelis training presidential guard unit, 20 more to come.  Mberri says France will train regular army and police.  Congo armed forces fighting guerrillas loyal to frmr. dictator Denis Sassou-Nguesso for 8 mos.  (WP 2/18)

Deadline for start of Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza, Jericho passes. PM Rabin tells reporters, "There are no sacred dates, and I cannot give a commitment that the implementation of the agreement will be finished by April 13th." Rabin also announces that remaining Palestinians expelled 12/17/92 to Lebanon will be allowed to return this week. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/14)

PLO Chmn. Arafat addresses European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, appealing for EU financial support to Palestinian development and noting financial crisis will limit size of Palestinian police force. (MM 12/14)

IDF announces it has been holding a "dialogue" with Hamas leaders in Gaza Strip. (IDF Radio 12/13 in FBIS 12/13)

Islamic Jihad mbr. Anwar Aziz hijacks ambulance btwn. Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya camp, Gaza Strip, for suicide-bomb attack. Aziz killed, IDF soldier wounded when Aziz drives explosives-filled ambulance into IDF jeep. 2 other Palestinians, said to be mbrs. of either Islamic Jihad or PFLP's Red Eagles, shot dead by IDF in Rafah. (MM 12/13; NYT, WP, WT 12/14)

41 Palestinian police trained in Jordan take up duty at Orient House, East Jerusalem hq. of Palestinian delegation to peace talks. (WP 12/14)

Tunisian police arrest 'Adnan Yasin, aide to PLO security chief and rep. in Tunisia Hakam Balawi, for spying for Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. Also arrested is his son Hani. Yasin had apparently been subomed by Mossad during 1991 visit to France. Arrest is not announced for 1 week. Israeli officials refuse comment. (NYT 11/3, 11/5)

4th round of multilateral talks on Middle East water resources convenes in Beijing, involving 43 nations and international organizations. 2-day session to focus on conservation, sharing of resources. (WT 10/27)

White. House announces intention to nominate Thomas A. Dine, former AIPAC executive director, assistant administrator of U.S. Agency for International Development for Europe and the Newly Independent States. Statement calls Dine "experienced in [his] field," citing his experience as a Peace Corps volunteer and Senate staffer as qualification for appointment to head AID's largest program. (White House release 10/26; WT 10/29)

Head of Shin Bet appears before a Knesset committee to discuss death of Mustafa 'Akkawi, whom he claims was declared physically fit by a prison doctor just hours before his death. (NYT 2/12)

French government survives no confidence vote in National Assembly following controversy surrounding France's decision to admit George Habash into the country for medical treatment [see 1/30]. (WP 2/12)

Political storm erupts in France over government's decision, for "humanitarian reasons," to allow PFLP Gen. Secy. George Habash to enter France from Tunis 1/29 aboard a French Red Cross plan for medical treatment following a stroke. Habash's wife, however, states he was admitted for routine medical exam. Under pressure, Pres. Francois Mitterrand counters that he knows of no French or international warrants for Habash's arrest. (AFP 1/30; NYT, WP 2/1)

Egyptian invitation to 140 Jewish families to file for compensation for property seized by Egypt is disclosed in Israel. (MM 1/30

Pres. Bush asks Congress to delay considering Israeli loan guarantee request for 120 days. Ignoring the pleas of the U.S. administration, Israel formally submits its request. Request states Israel expects to settle one million immigrants during next five years and reiterates claim that none of the money guaranteed will be spent in the o.t. (NYT 9/7; Israel Television 9/7 in FBIS, 9/9)

In Khartoum, Chmn. Arafat meets with Hamas representatives for the first time. Talks focus on conditions set by Hamas for its attendance at upcoming meeting of PNC. (MENA 9/8 in FBIS 9/9)

PLO executive committee holds meeting. (Sanaa Voice of Palestine 9/8 in FBIS 9/9)

Israeli security forces kill Ahmad Akmil, reportedly a high Fateh official in the West Bank, after an eight-month search for him. (MEM 9/9)

France calls on exiled Lebanese gen. Michel 'Awn to halt his calls for the Lebanese people to overthrow the government of Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi and fight a war of liberation against Syrian forces. (NYT 9/7)

Amal leader in Lebanon states Israeli pilot Ron Arad is in Lebanese hands and not being held in Iran as claimed 8/29 by Nabil Birri. (Radio Lebanon 9/6 in FBIS 9/9)

Lebanese army units continue search for PLO weapons caches in Sidon, order civilians to turn in weapons. More than 500 militia members arrested. (NYT 7/10)

U.S., Britain, France, USSR, China agree to control flow of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons to Middle East, exercise "restraint" insales of conventional weapons to region. (WP 7/10; NYT 7/16)

In Damascus, F.M.s of GCC nations, Egypt and Syria reach agreement on new postwar defense arrangements in Gulf built around Egyptian and Syrian forces [MEM 3/5; WP, WT, MEM 3/6; NYT, LAT, WT 3/7; DDS 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; DDS 3/6 in FBIS 3/7; MET 3/19].

Republican Guard tank and infantry brigades loyal to Saddam Hussein attack rebel positions in Basra; opposition leaders say at least 6 Iraqi cities are still controlled by rebels; thousands of refugees flee the violence; Bush admin. says it has no intention of getting involved in the rebellion [LAT, WP, WT 3/6; IRNA, AFP 3/5 in FBIS 3/5].

U.S. and Kuwaiti experts say it may take almost 2 years to extinguish about 550 Kuwaiti oil wells that have been set ablaze, and at least 5 years before the country's oil export facilities are fully restored [LAT, NYT, WP 3/6; CSM 3/7].

Iraq hands over what it calls its last POWs, releasing 35 allies, including 15 Americans, to the Red Cross; up to 26 journalists are still missing in southern Iraq [MEM 3/5; NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 3/6; BADS 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; MET 3/19].

Pentagon updates U.S. casualty toll in Gulf war to 115 dead and 330 wounded. Tens of thousands of Iraqis are believed to have been killed [LAT 3/6].

Pentagon also says that tens of thousands of U.S. troops will have to stay in Gulf region for several months [NYT 3/6].

France begins withdrawing its forces from region; pullout expected to take until September [MEM 3/5].

In letter from F.M. Aziz to Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar, Iraq renounces its annexation of Kuwait and promises to return hundreds of millions of dollars worth of looted property [LAT, NYT 3/6; INA 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MET 3/19].

Food, water, and electricity remain scarce in Kuwait City, but 2,700-man allied task force is hoping to alleviate worst of problems within days [LAT, WT 3/6].

Kuwaiti gov't places Kuwait City under 10 P.M. to 4 A.M. curfew [AFP, KUNA 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MET 3/19].

House Appropriations Committee votes to give Israel $650 million to cover costs associated with Gulf war, and approves $42.6-billion down payment of Operation Desert Storm [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, MEM 3/6].

Doctors in Kuwait City say that in the last 5 days they have treated scores of Palestinians who had been severely beaten and in some cases shot. U.S. military reports that 7 Kuwaiti soldiers manning checkpoints have been shot to death by people in passing vehicles [NYT 3/6].

Amnesty International warns of the risk of reprisal killings against Palestinians and other Arabs, urges that Red Cross be given access to all detainees in Kuwait [MEM 3/5; FJ 3/1].

In 1st postwar policy statement, King Fahd predicts Saddam Hussein will meet an ominous end as "all tyrants" in the Arab world have before him [NYT, MEM 3/6].

Israeli Immigration Min. Yitzhak Peretz expresses concern over small number of recent Soviet Jewish immigrants who, dissatisfied with high standard of living and limited employment opportunities, are emigrating to Canada, Australia, and Germany [WT 3/6].

UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar condemns allied bombing raids on highway from Baghdad to Jordanian border; calls Jordan "an innocent victim" of war [LAT 2/5].

In 1st policy address to Knesset on Gulf war, P.M. Shamir vows that Israel will never take part in an international conference on the Middle East, and denounces PLO as "the biggest supporters of the murderer from Baghdad" [IDF 2/4 in FBIS 2/5; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM, WT 2/5].

EC sends experts to Gulf to help contain oil slick; France's new D.M. Pierre Joxe flies to Saudi Arabia; Soviet Communist party calls on Pres. Gorbachev to launch fresh diplomatic initiative to end war [LAT 2/5].

Pres. Rafsanjani of Iran offers to mediate Gulf war; Iraq has no comment, U.S. response is cool [MEM 2/4; NYT, WP 2/5].

PLO says that it will stop its rocket attacks against Israeli troops in S. Lebanon "security zone," and will use other means to assist Iraq in Gulf war [RFL 2/4, BVL 2/5 in FBIS 2/5; NYT, WP 2/5]