The Palestine Chronology

Pres. Clinton hosts luncheon for fmr. Israeli PM Shimon Peres, Leah Rabin, widow of assassinated PM Yitzhak Rabin. (MA 11/23 in WNC 11/26; NYT, WT 11/24; MM 11/25; NYT 11/26; WJW 11/27)

Palestine Report says that Israel is considering a plan to use Har Homa settlement for military housing. (PR 11/21)

Iraqi Dep. PM `Aziz makes unexpected visit to Syria, marking 1st trip by top Iraqi official since Baghdad, Damascus severed ties 17 yrs. ago; proposes reopening Iraq's oil pipeline to Syria. (WP 11/22; SATN 11/22, al-Dustur, Saudi Arabian Television 11/23, SA 11/24 in WNC 11/26; MM 11/24, 12/1; WT 1/8)

UNSCOM inspectors return to Iraq. (CSM 11/21; NYT, WT 11/22) (see 11/20)

Likud MK Sharon, Labor MK Peres discuss the possibility of establishing a national unity government. Sharon has already discussed the possibility with fmr. Finance M Meridor (see 6/18). (ITV, QY 7/18 in WNC 7/22; MEI 7/25) (see 7/8)

In its 1st wk. in office, Turkey's new government ratifies a trade agmt. with Israel. (WT 7/20)

Fmr. IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak wins Labor party elections for party leader, defeating MKs Yossi Beilin, Shlomo Ben-Ami, Ephrahim Sneh; says he would not join a unity government with Likud. Fmr. PM Shimon Peres did not run or endorse any of the candidates, though he is considered Beilin's mentor. (MM, WT 6/3; MM, WP, WT 6/4; ITV 6/4 in WNC 6/9; IDF Radio, YA 6/4 in WNC 6/5; MEI 6/13) (see 5/13)

Unnamed Palestinian sources say that the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) have not received any money fr. Libya since 1982; Fatah Uprising, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC), Popular Struggle Front still receive approximately $50 m./yr., which is less than what they received in the 1980s. (al-Dustur 6/3 in WNC 6/5)

Israel approaches the U.S. administration to inquire if it would veto a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution on Har Homa if the issue is brought to a vote. (MM 2/26)

In Jerusalem, an EU delegation submits formal protest to Israel over the decision to build at Har Homa. (AFP 2/25 in WNC 2/27)

Turkish Army chief of staff Gen. Ismail Karadayi arrives in Israel for meetings with DM Yitzhak Mordechai. (MM 2/26; WJW 2/27; JP 3/8)

3 undercover IDF soldiers shoot, beat Palestinians in the village of Hizma in the West Bank, which is under joint PA-Israeli control, killing 1, wounding 3. Troops use teargas to quell ensuing clashes with Palestinians. (ITV 2/25 in WNC 2/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/26; PR 2/28; JP 3/8; PR 3/14)

In Florida, an Orthodox Jew, Harry Shapiro, is charged with placing a pipe bomb in a synagogue before a speech by fmr. Israeli PM Shimon Peres in a bid to assassinate Peres, blame the act on an Islamist group. (NYT 2/26; NYT, WT 2/27)

Fmr. Israeli PM Shimon Peres, Arafat, the Labor party deny rumors that Peres advised Arafat to hold up the signing of a Hebron protocol, blame the PM's office, Netanyahu for propagating the story. (IDF Radio, QY 11/18 in WNC 11/19; MM 11/19)

In Beirut, PLO's Qaddumi, PA's Faisal Husseini (in charge of the PA Jerusalem file) meet with Lebanese officials to discuss the political issues surrounding a solution Palestinian refugees issue (e.g., settling refugees in Lebanon, considered by both sides to be undesirable; easing restrictions on refugees' movement; continuing UNRWA operations). (al-Nahar, RMC 11/18 in WNC 11/20)

Israeli military court convicts 4 IDF soldiers of negligently shooting to death a Palestinian youth in the West Bank on 11/13/93, sentences them to 1 hr. in jail, fines them 1 agora (about 1/3 of a cent). (WP 11/19; WT 11/21; JP 11/30)

Israeli chief negotiator for civilian affairs Maj. Gen. Oren Shahor presents Hebron settler leaders with IDF's new redeployment plan in preparation for Netanyahu mtgs. with settler leaders next wk. (YA 10/27 in WNC 10/29)

In Sharm al-Shaykh, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, fmr. Israeli PM Peres discuss peace process. (IDF Radio 10/27 in WNC 10/29)

Israel announces that Netanyahu has lifted the Labor block on the sale of 3,000 empty housing units in settlements across the West Bank. (WP 10/28; PR 11/1)

PA confirms that Arafat adviser Mahmud Abbas met today with Netanyahu adviser Dore Gold in Tel Aviv to discuss resumption of Palestinian-Israeli Steering and Monitoring Committee (PISMC) meetings. (MM 8/23)

Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak says Cairo Economic Summit scheduled for 11/96 may be canceled if conditions of the peace process do not improve by then. (HA 8/23 in IL 8/23; RE 8/23 in WNC 8/27; NYT, WP 8/26; MEI 9/6)

 Arafat complains that Israel delays for 3 hrs. permission for him to fly his helicopter fr. Gaza to the West Bank to meet with fmr. PM Shimon Peres; cancels Israeli-PA mtg. on civilian affairs in protest. Peres ends up mtg. Arafat in Gaza. PM Netanyahu says Peres is undermining the government's peace process by mtg. with Arab leaders while in the opposition. (CSM 8/22; IDF Radio 8/22 in WNC 8/24; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 8/23; PR 8/30; MEI 9/6) (see 8/20)

PM Netanyahu decides not to establish national security council as originally proposed 6/19. Instead, a small team of advisers will be set up. David Ivri, who was to have headed the council, will stay on in his position as DMin. dir. gen. (HA 8/23 in IL 8/23; JP 8/31)

Jordanian government rejects request by 11 opposition parties to hold a demonstration in Amman 8/23 against abolition of the bread subsidy. (Star [Aman] 8/22 in WNC 8/27)

Turkey announces that it will continue to improve its relations with Libya despite U.S. legislation enacted 8/5. Turkey hopes to collect $350 m. owed by Libya to Turkish contractors. (Sabah [Istanbul] 8/22 in WNC 8/30; Turkiye 9/29 in WNC 10/2)

In n. Iraq, KDP-PUK fighting is in its 6th day. U.S. calls for a cease-fire. (MM 8/22) (see 8/17)

PC closes weekly 2-day session in Ramallah. (VOP 7/11 in FBIS 7/12)

PM Netanyahu heads to New York to meet with 200 leaders of the U.S. financial community, mbrs. of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (CPMAJO), ambs. to the UN, presidential candidate Bob Dole. At CMPAJO mtg., Netanyahu recommends Jewish organizations finance 2 programs to fight assimilation of Jews: a "physical and spiritual airlift" of 100,000s of young Jews to Israel for summer tours, wedding gifts of 10 "basic Jewish books" to every Jewish couple who marries. (MM 7/11; MM, NYT, WP 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; WP 7/13; WJW 7/18)

Fmr. Israeli PM Peres sharply criticizes PM Netanyahu, calls his statements fr. the U.S. "an unwise attempt to unite the Arab world against us." (IDF Radio 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; MM 7/12, 7/16)

PA announces plans to use 12 acres of state land in Nablus to build headquarters for Arafat. Villagers protest, say they own the land, accuse PA of confiscation. Nablus municipality says those protesting have no legal right to the plot. (PR 7/19)

Nr. Tulkarm, IDF uses teargas to disperse 10s of Palestinian workers protesting closure at IDF crossing point into Israel. (QY 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

After agreeing to create a cabinet position for Sharon (see 6/17), Netanyahu is able to present his new government. Sharon's national infrastructure portfolio will give him control over defense industries, government land, railroad, bypass roads--previously the purviews of several different ministries--positioning him to expand settlement activity. Netanyahu is "nominal head" of the housing, religious affairs portfolios. (QY 6/18 in FBIS 6/19; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; WJW 6/20)

In his inaugural address, PM Netanyahu calls on Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria to take part in direct peace talks, with no preconditions. In his speech as outgoing PM, Peres warns Netanyahu that "the platform on which you were elected cannot serve as a recipe for success and progress in the peace process. . . . Petty slogans will be no substitute for policy." (QY 6/18 in FBIS 6/19; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; MM 6/21)

2-day PC mtg. opens. (QY 6/7 in FBIS 6/7; PR 6/14)

In Aqaba, Jordan's King Hussein, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, PA's Arafat hold follow-up mtg. to their 5/11+n12 unity summit to focus on ways of supporting the Palestinians when peace talks resume. (MM 6/5; MENA, RJ 6/5 in FBIS 6/5; JT, JTV, SARR 6/5 in FBIS 6/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/6)

Israel's dep. mayor of Jerusalem, Shmuel Meir, urges PM-elect Netanyahu to approve a plan to tear down 2,000 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem that were built without permits, build 50,000 houses for Jews. (QY 6/6 in FBIS 6/6)

Israel's Justice Min. rejects an appeal demanding that blank ballots be counted in the PM elections. Were the blank ballots counted, neither Peres nor Netanyahu would have gained the 50% needed to win the premiership. (QY 6/5 in FBIS 6/6) (see 5/31)

IDF eases closure on West Bank, Gaza, allowing 22,000 married Palestinians over the age of 35 to attend their jobs in Israel. 350 Palestinian merchants are also allowed in. (QY 6/5 in FBIS 6/5) (see 6/2)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers seize, occupy Palestinian owned bathhouse. 1,000s of settlers hold street party to celebrate Netanyahu win. (MM 6/6, WT 6/8; MENA 6/8 in FBIS 6/10; PR 6/14)

In s. Lebanon, heads of Hizballah, the Higher Islamic Shiite Council meet to discuss local, regional developments arising fr. the Israeli elections. (RL 6/6 in FBIS 6/6)

In his 1st public reaction to Netanyahu's win, Arafat demands the new Israeli government stick to the agmts. signed by fmr. PM Yitzhak Rabin, caretaker PM Peres, particularly by withdrawing fr. Hebron. (MM 6/3)

After 3-hr. mtg. with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, Syrian Pres. Asad says resuming peace talks with Israel is impossible until the policies of the Netanyahu government become clear. Mubarak echoes his wait-and-see position. (MM 6/3; MENA, RE 6/3 in FBIS 6/4; NYT, WP, WT 6/4; SARR 6/4 in FBIS 6/5)

Amb. to Israel Martin Indyk says U.S. will make sure Netanyahu redeploys troops in Hebron. (CSM, WT 6/4)

U.S. special envoy Ross phones PM-elect Netanyahu, offers to fly to Israel to brief him on the negotiations. Netanyahu say mtg. would be premature. (NYT 6/7)

Likud's Sharon threatens to resign his Knesset seat if Netanyahu does not offer him a senior cabinet position. (IDF Radio 6/3 in FBIS 6/4; YA 6/5 in FBIS 6/5)

In Hebron, Palestinians clash with IDF after troops detain a number of PA policemen, search their vehicle. (MM, WP, WT 6/4)

In the West Bank, 4 Israeli phone company workers are slightly injured when a bomb explodes in an olive grove as they enter it to repair a phone line. (CSM, WP 6/4)

NISP says it is holding talks with Hamas to bring the two groups' positions closer together, calls on all factions to end armed operations. (al-Hayat al-Jadida 6/3 in FBIS 6/5)

In Lebanon, British FM Jeremy Hanley, Lebanese PM Hariri, FM Buwayz discuss European economic assistance to Lebanon for reconstruction, following Israel's 4/96 offensive. (VOL 6/3 in FBIS 6/4)

Political infighting prompts Turkish opposition to call for a no-confidence vote on PM Yilmaz that will likely topple his 3-mo.-old government. (WT 6/4; CSM 6/5)

PM Peres, Likud's Netanyahu spend the last day of the campaign in Ashkelon, courting the Russian immigrant vote. The Russians, along with the Israeli Arabs, are expected to be the significant swing voters in the 5/29 election. (NYT 5/29)

Likud's Netanyahu says that, if elected, he would not discuss the issue of Jerusalem in the final status talks. (MM 5/28; JP 6/1)

In press statement, U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton tells Israelis they "have to make the decision whether they want to pursue the peace process or not" when they vote tomorrow. (NYT 5/31)

In Brussels, Lebanese PM Hariri meets with the pres. of the European Commission to discuss the functioning of the consultative comm. on the reconstruction of Lebanon, mentioned in the 4/26 cease-fire agmt. (RL 5/29 in FBIS 5/30)

PM Peres, Likud leader Netanyahu hold their only televised debate before the Israeli elections. Commentators generally feel Netanyahu has better on-camera skills, but Peres has more substance. Opinion polls say race is still too close to call. (ITV 5/26, HA, ITV, JP, MA, SATN 5/27 in FBIS 5/28; NYT, WP, WT 5/27; VOP 5/27 in FBIS 5/29; WP 5/28; PR 5/31)

IDF tightens closure on West Bank, Gaza, forbidding all Palestinians entry into Israel in advance of the 5/29 elections. (NYT 5/28) (see 5/23)

PA releases Sarraj fr. custody 3 days after his family releases a letter, bearing his signature, which disavows the comments attributed to him. (NYT, WP 5/27; PR 5/31; MEI 6/7; JP 6/8) (see 5/21)

In Damascus, Lebanese PM Hariri, Syrian VP `Abd al-Halim Khaddam discuss cease-fire monitoring group. (SARR 5/27 in FBIS 5/28) (see 5/21)

Calling it the hardest decision of his life, Israeli Arab political leader Ahmad Tibi withdraws his candidacy for a Knesset seat, endorses Peres for PM--despite the closure on the self-rule areas, the 4/96 assault on Lebanon--in hopes of uniting Israeli Arab voters behind propeace candidates, against Netanyahu. United Arab List head `Abd al-Wahhab Darawshah also endorses Peres. (MM, NYT 5/21; QY 5/21 in FBIS 5/21; VOP 5/28 in FBIS 5/29)

In Washington, France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. continue talks on cease-fire monitoring comm. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says parties have agreed the comm. will be security/military, not political. Issue of chairmanship, structure, decision making, cooling-off period following incidents still not resolved. (RL 5/21, 5/22 in FBIS 5/22; MM 5/22) (see 5/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Warren Christopher charges Iran with planing attacks in Israel before the Israeli election 5/29. (MM 5/22)

Based on information obtained fr. Hamas's Salameh, Israel arrests 19 suspected Hamas mbrs. in the West Bank. (CSM 5/22; PR 5/31) (see 5/17)

Lebanese army reports that Israel's 4/96 offensive targeted 147 Lebanese towns, villages; 11,000 civilians suffered material loss; direct damage to personal property (i.e., not incl. damage to infrastructure, public utilities) totalled $24 m. (MM 5/21)

Israel says its unofficial trade with Iraq is expected to increase significantly (to as high as $100 m./yr.) thanks to the 5/20 UN-Iraq deal. Israel currently sells $2 m. of food, medicine to Iraq. (JP 5/22 in FBIS 5/22; JP 6/1)

PA military court orders Sarraj, arrested 5/18, to be held for 15 days. (NYT 5/22; PR 5/24; NYT 5/28; JP 6/1)

At a time when Likud's PM Benjamin Netanyahu is presenting himself as a "mainstream" candidate for PM, Likud's Ariel Sharon writes a strongly-worded article for JP outlining Likud's hard-line views. He says Israel should not accept Oslo; IDF should be allowed to operate anywhere in the West Bank, Gaza; negotiations with Syria should be postponed until Pres. Hafiz al-Asad is out of power; Golan should never be returned. (NYT 5/25)

In an interview published simultaneously in Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, PM Peres calls on Gulf states to join forces with Israel against Iran. (MM 5/17)

IDF shoots, wounds most-wanted Hamas mbr., Hassan Salameh, as he flees fr. a vehicle inspection point nr. Hebron; later captures him at the Hebron hospital; also arrests passenger in Salameh's car, Raziq Rajub, a relative of PA Preventive Security Forces (PSF) head Jibril Rajub. Salameh is suspected of ordering, planning 3 of the 4 2+n3/96 suicide bombings. (QY, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/20; NYT, WT 5/19; PR 5/24; JP 5/25)

Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades issue leaflet, calling for national unity dialogue with the PA. (JMCC 5/17 in FBIS 5/20)

3,000 Palestinians attend National Islamic Salvation Party (NISP) rally in Gaza in support of Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq, currently detained in the U.S. Speaking at the rally, Hamas leader Mahmud Zahhar calls on Qassam Brigades not to take any violent actions before the Israeli elections 5/29, calls on leaders abroad to be sensitive to conditions in the territories. (VOP 5/17, AFP, QY, RMC, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/20) (see 11/18/95, 3/7)

Arab Parliamentary Union Council closes its 27th session in Qana, Lebanon; issues statement condemning Israel's attack on Lebanon, refusal to sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, occupation of s. Lebanon. (RL 5/17 in FBIS 5/20)

In Bethlehem, 2-day Palestinian Council (PC) mtg. closes. (PBC, VOP 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; PR 5/24)

Israeli television reports that the PA's Yasir Arafat suffered a minor stroke earlier in the wk., while in Cairo. PA says he collapsed fr. a severe case of the flu, exhaustion. (ITV 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; AFP 5/19 in FBIS 5/20; Rose al-Yusuf 5/20 in FBIS 5/30)

Israel asks the PA to extradite 4 Palestinians serving sentences in PA jails for attacks inside Israel. PA says that since the men have been tried, convicted, and are serving time for the crimes under PA custody, the PA has no legal obligation to turn them over to Israel. (QY 5/16)

IDF tightens closure on West Bank, Gaza. Only Palestinians working in the Erez industrial zone may go to their jobs. Goods, produce may go through Qarni, Sufa crossing points. 50 Palestinian reporters will be allowed in to cover the run-up to the 5/29 Israeli elections. (QY 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; MEI 5/24) (see 5/13)

IDF declares Ramallah a closed military zone for Arafat's visit, meaning no Israeli traffic may enter the city. An identical closed military zone order for Nablus is lifted (see 5/15). (IDF Radio 5/16 in FBIS 5/17)

In Washington, France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. end a wk. of talks on the Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire monitoring group; agree on draft for monitoring procedures, send it to their respective capitals for approval. (MM 5/16; RL, RMC, SARR 5/16, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; MM 5/17; WP 5/18; VOL 5/17, RL 5/19 in FBIS 5/20; MEI 5/24) (see 5/15)

In Ankara, Jordanian King Hussein, Turkish Pres. Suleyman Demirel hold 1-day mtg. on bilateral issues, incl. water, Iraq. Demirel assures king that Turkey's military cooperation agmt. with Israel does not harm Jordan's security. King Hussein says talks are positive, sides agree on all issues. (al-Dustur, RJ 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; MM 5/17)

Israeli authorities release information on man involved in the 4/12 East Jerusalem hotel explosion. They say the man, Husayn Maqdad, is a Lebanese Hizballah operative who was plotting a plane hijacking; claim he spent time at the Iranian embassy in Beirut. Hizballah denies having contact with him. (MM 5/16; AFP, QY 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; IDF Radio 5/16, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; PR 5/24; JP 5/25) (see 4/14)

In Nazareth, Israeli PM Shimon Peres meets with Israeli Arab voters to build their support, weakened by the closure of the territories and Israel's 4/96 assault on Lebanon. (NYT 5/18)

Israel launches its 1st commercial satellite, AMOS-I. (MM 5/16; JP 5/25)

IDF eases closure to permit Palestinians to return to their jobs in West Bank Jewish settlements; allows ambulances to transport medial emergencies fr. West Bank, Gaza into Israel, but they must undergo inspections at crossing points. (QY 3/24 in FBIS 3/25; MEI 3/29)

Israeli Dep. FM Eli Dayan says the U.S. has pledged to urge Morocco's King Hassan to visit Israel shortly, denies such a visit aims to bolster Labor before the election. (JP 3/25 in FBIS 3/25)

PM Peres officially announces that Maj. Gen. Yatom has been appointed as the new Mossad head. (QY 3/24 in FBIS 3/25) (see 3/19)

IDF builds up forces, tightens security checkpoints in s. Lebanon. (RL 3/24 in FBIS 3/25)

Iraq holds its first parliamentary elections since the Gulf War. (CSM 3/25)

In a pre-dawn raid, IDF declares al-Fawwar refugee camp nr. Hebron a closed military zone, rounds up 1,000 men 16-64 yrs. old, arrests 30, seals homes of 2 suicide bombers. IDF also raids the Islamic College in Abu-Dis, arrests 14 students; arrests 10s of Palestinians in Hebron, Ramallah and holds them for questioning by Shin Bet. (MM 3/4, QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; IDF Radio, QY 3/4, QY 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; MM, NYT, WP 3/5)

Suicide bomber sets off explosion in Tel Aviv shopping district, killing 15, wounding 126. Bomber is identified as a man fr. Ramallah. A caller claiming to be fr. Hamas says Islamic Jihad is responsible. PM Peres vows to send IDF into self-rule areas to root out Hamas. U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton says he will allow the FBI, CIA to assist Peres in an antiterror campaign. (MM 3/4; IDF Radio, ITV, QPAR, VOP 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/5; WJW 3/7; PR 3/8 MEI 3/15)

After an emergency cabinet session, PM Peres announces formation of a special antiterror war headquarters which is authorized to "act everywhere, using all means, without any limitation on regions," incl. house demolitions, deportations, entry of IDF forces into zone B. (QY 3/4, MA 3/5 in FBIS 3/5)

Israel recalls its negotiating team fr. Washington. (IDF Radio, SARR 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; NYT 3/5; MM 3/5; IDF Radio 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; SATN 3/6 in FBIS 3/7) (see 3/3)

Hamas political leaders, Mahmud Zahhar, Muhammad Sham'ah hold a news conference; deny political wing is responsible for recent bombings; call on Qassam Brigades, Yahya Ayyash Units to halt all military actions. PA says it believes both 2/27 leaflets fr. Qassam Brigades are real; think the one denying responsibility came fr. cadres inside West Bank, Gaza and the one claiming responsibility came from cadres abroad. (MM 3/5; Der Spiegel, ITV 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; PR 3/8)

In Gaza City, Fatah rallies 1,000s of supporters, some carrying signs in Hebrew reading "yes to peace, no to violence" and "terrorism is our enemy," to protest against recent bombings. (MM 3/4; QY, VOP 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; WP, WT 3/5)

In Tel Aviv, over 1,000 Israelis hold violent protest outside the DMin. to denounce the Oslo agmts.; 100 rally outside PM Peres's home; some 200 protest at the site of the Tel Aviv bombing; 100 rally in Jerusalem. Israeli police detain 10s for questioning. (HA 3/5 in FBIS 3/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah mbrs. ambush an IDF convoy, killing 4 IDF soldiers, wounding 9. In 1st attack, IDF shoots back, killing 2 Hizballah mbrs. In a separate incident, a little-known Palestinian group, Islamic Revolutionary Army, ambushes a 2d convoy, wounding 1 IDF soldier. Peres sends 100s of troops fr. n. Israel into s. Lebanon to reinforce the border. (MM 3/5; VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; IDF Radio 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; WT 3/6; MM 3/7)

Bus bomb goes of in Jerusalem, killing 19, wounding 10. Bomber is identified as a man fr. Hebron (see 2/26). Yahya Ayyash Units again claims responsibility, criticizes the Qassam Brigades for the 2/29 leaflet, offers its own 3-mo. cease-fire. PM Peres calls for total war on Hamas; reimposes full closure on West Bank, Gaza, incl. banning the entry into Israel of medical, humanitarian, VIP cases. Saying "not only Israelis will suffer from now on," he vows to seal or destroy the houses of the bombers' families, revives plan for national separation last suggested 10/19/94. (see also 10/19/94, 5/30/95). (WP 3/3; IDF Radio, ITV, JMCC, QPAR, QY, RJ, VOP, YA 3/3, QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 3/4; MM 3/5; PR 3/8; MEI 3/15; WJW 3/7, 3/21)

After the bombing, a mob of 100s of Israelis races toward the Old City, calling for revenge against Palestinians. Fearing a major clash, Israeli mounted police force the crowd back. Skirmishes between police, groups of angry Israeli youths erupt repeatedly throughout the day. IDF prohibits Israelis fr. entering PA areas. (QY 3/3, 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; NYT, WP 3/4)

Israel suspends indefinitely talks with Syria in Maryland in light of the bombing but leaves the negotiating team in Washington in hopes of resuming talks soon. (QY 3/3, HA 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; MM, NYT 3/4)

PA police arrest over 120 Hamas mbrs. in Gaza, bringing total number of Hamas men arrested in the past wk. to 380; raid Ramallah teacher's college. (MM 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; MM 3/5)

Israeli PM Shimon Peres unilaterally sets the date of the upcoming Israeli elections for 5/20. (WP 2/20)

Israel test fires its Arrow-2 missile, calls launch complete success. (QY 2/20 in FBIS 2/21; MM, WT 2/21; HA 2/22 in FBIS 2/23)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA mbr. is killed, 3 are wounded in clash with Hizballah. (RL 2/19 in FBIS 2/20)

In Jordan, Iraqi defector Lt. Gen. Hussein Kamel Hassan announces he has requested, received permission from Pres. Saddam Hussein to return to Iraq with his family. (MM 2/19; AFP 2/19 in FBIS 2/20; MM, WP, WT 2/20; RJ 2/20 in FBIS 2/21) (see 8/10/95)

At the initiation of MKs Beilin, Ramon, Haggai Merom, Labor party holds internal discussion on eliminating a clause fr. its 11/91 manifesto which opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state. (MM 2/15)

EU troika meets with Arafat in Gaza; Peres in Jerusalem. (VOP 2/14 in FBIS 2/15)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Arafat in Gaza, PM Peres in Tel Aviv. (MM 2/7; QY, VOP 2/7 in FBIS 2/8; MM, WP, WT 2/8) (see 2/6)

In s. Lebanon, 2 IDF soldiers are wounded in Hizballah attack. (QY, RL 2/7 in FBIS 2/8)

PM Peres says Jerusalem will not be on the agenda during May's final status talks. (CSM 1/29; JP 2/3) (see 12/6)

PA reaches reconciliation agmt. with Hamas; releases 12 Hamas mbrs. (incl. Shaykh Ahmad Nimr, who was arrested 3/3/95 for giving an anti-Arafat sermon) as a confidence-building gesture. (AFP, QY 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; CSM 1/29; RE 1/29 in FBIS 1/30)

Following reports that Israel has secretly discarded nearly all blood donated by Ethiopian immigrants for fear of spreading AIDS, 1,000s of Ethiopians demonstrate in Jerusalem to protest racial discrimination. When protesters converge on the PM's office, throw rocks at police, police attack crowd with rubber bullets, batons, water cannons, tear gas; 17 protesters, 30 policemen injured. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/29; WJW 2/1; NYT 2/4; CSM 2/7)

Jordan denies entry to Hamas mbr. Shaykh Jamil Hamami. Hamami was to speak on the Palestinian elections at Jordan University. (JT 1/29 in FBIS 1/29 al-Bilad 1/30 in FBIS 2/1)

Confessed assassin Yigal Amir takes over his own defense after 1 of his lawyers resigns, 2d lawyer (an American immigrant) cannot be understood by the court because his Hebrew is too poor. (WT 1/29)

FM Barak meets with NSA Anthony Lake, senior mbrs. of Congress, then heads to New York to meet with the CPMAJO. (MM 1/23; WJW 1/25; MM 1/30)

Arafat calls elections important springboard for establishing a Palestinian state that will unite with Jordan in a confederation, says he is waiting for "a sign" fr. King Hussein to begin the confederation process. (VOP 1/23 in FBIS 1/23)

PSF arrests Hebron lawyer Hussayn Shuyukhi for "spreading false information and claiming that the elections were rigged." Earlier, Shuyukhi had claimed that 49 ballot boxes were lost for 36 hrs. before being found unattended in various places in Hebron. The independent Palestinian Domestic Monitoring Comm. confirmed his allegations. (MEI 2/2)

PM Peres tells Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comm. that the PA has been exerting admirable efforts to stop attacks fr., collect weapons in the self-rule areas. (QY 1/23 in FBIS 1/24)

Fmr. Arafat aide Bassam Abu-Sharif returns to the West Bank after 28 yrs. in exile. (ITV 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; CSM 1/25)

Lebanese First Military Investigating Judge Tali` seconds death sentence for SLA Cmdr. Lahd. (RL 1/23 in FBIS 1/24) (see 1/18)

Amir trial on charges of assassinating PM Rabin begins in Tel Aviv. (QY 1/23 in FBIS 1/23; NYT 1/24) (see 12/5)

Ramadan begins. (NYT 1/22)

Independent observer, fmr. U.S. Pres. Jimmy Carter calls elections "free and fair," says irregularities were not on a scale that would have altered the outcome. Initial election results show Arafat winning the presidency with 88.1 percent of the vote, compared to Khalil's 9.3 percent; 2.6 percent were left blank, perhaps as a protest vote. (AFP, IDF Radio, VOP 1/21 in FBIS 1/22; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/22; CSM, WP, PWR 1/23; NYT, PR 1/24; MM 1/25; WJW 2/1; MEI 2/2; JP 2/3)

Labor party unanimously nominates PM Peres as its candidate for PM in the upcoming elections. (MM 1/22)

IDF lifts closure on West Bank, Gaza. (IDF Radio, QY 1/21 in FBIS 1/22)

Oslo II bill passes its 2d and 3d readings (48-44) in the Knesset. (MM 1/16, 1/17) (see 1/8)

Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert, Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini confirm that Israel (under the direction of M Beilin), the PA (under Husseini) have been holding informal discussions for some time regarding the principles on which to negotiate Jerusalem's final status. (Davar 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; VOP 1/18 in FBIS 1/19; QY 1/26, VOP 1/27, MENA 1/28 in FBIS 1/29)

Jordan, Israel sign transportation agmt. (QY 1/16 in FBIS 1/17; MM 1/17; JP 1/27)

U.S. VP Gore meets PM Peres, FM Barak in Israel, then meets with Arafat in Jericho. (MM 1/16; QY 1/16 in FBIS 1/16; VOP 1/16 in FBIS 1/17)

In 1st fatal attack since redeployment, 2 IDF soldiers are shot, killed in Hebron. The previously unknown Mujahidin of Islam claims it carried out the attack in retribution for Ayyash slaying 1/5. IDF puts curfew on surrounding villages for several hours to search for gunmen. (MM, NYT, WP 1/17; QY 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; CSM 1/18: JP 1/27)

In an address to the German parliament, Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman says Israel cannot forgive Germany for the Holocaust though it is grateful for current strong bilateral ties. Germany announces plans to provide monthly pensions (of around $400; estimated $1.5 b. over next 10 to 15 yrs.) to German, German-speaking Jews who survived the Holocaust. Most now live in Israel, U.S. (NYT, WT 1/17)

Lebanese military prosecutor issues warrant for SLA Cmdr. Antoine Lahd on charges of collaboration with Israel, usurping state sovereignty, kidnapping, murder. (RL 1/16 in FBIS 1/17)

Knesset passes 1st reading of bill on implementing Oslo II. (MM 1/9)

During a press conference, PM Peres offers Lebanon a limited withdrawal fr. part of s. Lebanon to test the Lebanese army's ability to keep border security. (AFP 1/8 in FBIS 1/1)

In Paris, PA, France sign economic agmt. (PWR 1/23)

In Jerusalem, U.S. Defense Secy. Perry meets with PM Peres. (MM 1/8; IDF Radio 1/8 in FBIS 1/11; WT 1/9)

Shin Bet head Karmi Gilon, until now known only as "K," resigns under pressure for not preventing Rabin assassination. (IDF Radio, QY 1/8 in FBIS 1/11; MM, WP, WT 1/9; WJW, WP 1/11)

Shin Bet requests deportation of American David Ben Ariel, a mbr. of Temple Mount Faithful who was arrested 1/4 for plotting to blow up al-Aqsa mosque. (JP 1/8 in FBIS 1/11)

PA assumes control of Ramallah, al-Bireh. (WT 12/27; QY, VOP 12/27 in FBIS 12/28; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/28; NYT 12/31; JP 1/6)

After a 6-mo. hiatus, 3 days of initial talks btwn. Syria, Israel open in Maryland. Israeli team is headed by FM Dir. Gen. Uri Savir, incl. Amb. to the U.S. Itamar Rabinovich, head of IDF planning branch Maj. Gen. Uzi Dayan. Syrian team is led by Amb. to the U.S. Walid Mu`allim, FMin. Political Dept. head Juwayjati. (CSM, WP, WT 12/27; HA, MA, QY, SARR, VOL, YA 12/28 in FBIS 12/28; NYT, WJW, WT 12/28)

Israeli cabinet criticizes PM Peres for increasing the number of seats on the Palestinian Council without its approval. (IDF Radio 12/27 in FBIS 12/28) (see 12/25)

PM Peres's coalition government defeats 2 no-confidence motions against returning the Golan Heights to Syria. (CSM 12/28)

Preventive Security Force (PSF) arrests editor Maher al-`Alami after he ignores Arafat's request to run an article on Arafat's mtg. with the Greek Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem on the front page of al-Quds. (NYT, WT 12/28; WT 1/1; MM 1/2; FT 1/3; MM, WJW 1/4)

Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) says Arrow missile project has overrun its budget by millions of dollars because of problems in the early stages of development. IAI may ask project cofunders, the U.S. and Israeli DMin., to cover the unanticipated costs. (HA 12/27 in FBIS 12/27)

Arafat issues presidential decree concerning the distribution of legislative council seats. One new seat is added to Nablus, allocated to the Samaritans, bringing total number of seats to 83. (PR 12/15; VOP 12/15 in FBIS 12/18; MM 1/2)

Arafat makes his 1st visit to Nablus since IDF troops withdrew 12/11. IDF prevents 500-mbr. Jordanian delegation fr. entering territories to attend festivities. (MM 12/15; JTV, VOP 12/15, JT, VOP 12/16 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, WT 12/16)

Due to delays in constructing bypass roads, IDF postpones completion of Bethlehem redeployment until 12/21. (VOP 12/15 in FBIS 12/18)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus; then meets with King Hussein in Aqaba, Arafat in Jericho, PM Peres in Jerusalem. (MM 12/15; SARR 12/15 in FBIS 12/15; NYT, WT 12/16; SARR 12/15, RJ 12/16 in FBIS 12/18)

Lebanon, UN sign agmt. regulating the status of UNIFIL with the Lebanese government. UNIFIL has been operating without such an agmt. since it was established more than 17 yrs. ago. (RL 12/16 in FBIS 12/18)

10's of Israeli rabbis issue rabbinical ruling forbidding transfer of parts of "Greater Israel." Justice M Liba'i criticizes rabbis for issuing decrees on political, not religious, matters. (MM 12/15)

Official mourning period for Rabin ends. Labor party central comm. unanimously confirms Peres as their new head, clearing the way for Pres. Weizman to ask him to form a new govt. (QY 11/12 in FBIS 11/13; NYT, WP, WT 11/13; CSM, NYT 11/14)

PA's 3-wk. voter registration campaign begins. (VOP 11/12 in FBIS 11/13; WP 11/13)

Israeli Housing Min. approves plans to build new 132-unit Jewish neighborhood on 15 dunams of land in East Jerusalem owned by an Israeli developer. (VOP 11/12 in FBIS 11/13)

Shin Bet says a friend of Yigal Amir, Shlomo Halevy, told them in June that someone fitting Amir's description was plotting an assassination. In a court appearance, Amir's brother Hagai admits he received weapons from the IDF soldier arrested 11/10. (NYT, WP, WT 11/13; NYT 11/14; WJW 11/16)