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  • March 4, 2013

    PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry in Saudi Arabia to discuss regional developments, the first such meeting between the two men since Kerry replaced Hillary Clinton....

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  • March 3, 2013

    The PA reports that Jewish settlers from Elon Moreh have erected a new outpost east of Nablus consisting of 10 mobile homes and an access road. Meanwhile, Israeli police report that 56 so-called...

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  • January 14, 2013

    Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi says that a ‘‘new approach’’ to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict is needed, following talks with the pres. of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy. Arabi says...

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  • January 1, 2013

    In the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack Palestinian-owned vehicles in between Bethlehem and Hebron. Settlers also damage around 250 olive trees southeast of Nablus, and later cut down 12 olive...

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  • March 6, 2012

    IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire warning shots and tear gas at Palestinians and international activists staging a nonviolent march towards the Erez crossing to protest Israel’s imposition of...

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  • March 5, 2012

    Obama and Netanyahu meet at the White House to discuss Iran. Obama reiterates that the U.S. wants time for diplomacy to work but has left all options, including a military strike, on the table. He...

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  • March 4, 2012

    The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 2 nr. Ramallah in the morning; 1 each nr. Jenin (firing tear gas and percussion grenades at stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no...

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  • January 19, 2012

    Thailand officially recognizes Palestine as an independent state, becoming the 131st country to do so. (NYT 1/21)

    Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel,...

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  • May 23, 2011

    Netanyahu addresses AIPAC, leaving aside discussion of the peace process to praise areas of bilateral cooperation. (IFM 5/23; JTA 5/24)

    PA PM Salam Fayyad suffers a heart attack while...

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  • May 22, 2011

    Obama gives a major address to the American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC). While he restates his belief that discussion of final borders should take the 1967 lines as the starting point for...

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  • March 22, 2010

    Clinton, Netanyahu both address the AIPAC conference in Washington and then hold an 80-min. meeting on the sidelines to discuss recent tensions. In the evening, Netanyahu holds a working dinner...

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  • June 6, 2002

    The IDF continues its attack on the PA's Ramallah compound, flattening 6 buildings (including an intelligence office, jail) leaving 1 Force 17 mbr., 1 PA intelligence officer dead....

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  • May 20, 2000

    On their 7th straight day, Palestinian demonstrations in the West Bank and Gaza escalate again (see 5/14-15), leaving 100 Palestinians injured. The worst fighting takes place in Hebron, Jinin,...

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  • August 3, 1998

    PA-Israeli talks resume btwn. Netanyahu atty. Molho, PA Local Government M Erakat. Despite the lack of new ideas, the PA does not call a halt to talks. (CSM, MM 8/3; RE 8/3, AFP 8/4 in WNC 8/7;...

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  • June 1, 1998

    Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, the PA, the Arab League hold mtg. in Lebanon to prepare for Euro-Mediterranean meeting next wk. in Italy; also discuss...

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  • May 19, 1998

    PA Planning M Nabil Shaath arrives in Amman on 4-day visit, holds talks with Jordanian FM Anani on economic cooperation, creation of free trade zone. (RJ 5/19 in WNC 5/23; RJ 5/22 in WNC 5/27)...

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  • May 13, 1998

    In Washington, Secy. Albright meets with PM Netanyahu but fails to overcome differences keeping Israel fr. reaching an FRD agmt., resuming talks with the PA. Netanyahu again raises...

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  • April 3, 1998

    Arafat speaks with Secy. Albright, urges the U.S. to publicly present its 13.1% FRD plan so as to pressure Israel. (WT 4/5)

    81 senators send AIPAC-drafted letter...

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  • March 29, 1998

    U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Netanyahu, who again rejects U.S. FRD proposal, claiming that PA has not backed adequate reciprocal security steps. Ross then meets with Arafat...

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  • January 14, 1998

    Israeli cabinet approves 8 loosely defined zones, locations in the West Bank as areas of "vital national interest" that will not be returned under any deal with the PA. (MM 1/14; ITV 1/14 in WNC 1...

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  • September 3, 1997

    Mossad acknowledges that during the 1970s and 1980s, special Mossad units brought Jews fr. Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Yemen to Israel. (YA 9/3 in WNC 9/8)

    The American Israel Public Affairs...

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  • May 29, 1997

    PM Netanyahu decides not to fire Amb. to the U.S. Ben-Elissar. Instead he appoints his long-time personal friend Leonard Davis, fmr. head of AIPAC's Jerusalem office, to be the embassy's no. 2 man...

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  • April 7, 1997

    PM Netanyahu arrives in Washington for AIPAC conference, holds talks with Pres. Clinton, Secy. of State Albright (MM 4/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8; ITV 4/8 in WNC 4/9; CSM, NYT 4/9; MA, La...

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  • April 6, 1997

    In Minnesota, PM Netanyahu, King Hussein discuss ways of restarting Israeli-PA talks, especially Netanyahu's proposal for a Camp-David-style summit (see 4/1). (CSM, NYT, WP 4/7; RJ 4/7 in WNC 4/8...

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  • December 6, 1996

    PA negotiators say 3-way summit btwn. Egypt, Israel, PA to clinch a deal on Hebron may occur 12/7, though no date has been set. Arafat, Netanyahu say they are willing to meet. (WT 12/7; JP 12/14...

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  • October 7, 1996

    At Erez, 2d day of Israeli-PA talks focus Hebron, security; deadlock on issue of redeployment in Hebron, with Israel demanding IDF lookout posts over Arab neighborhoods, buffer zones separating...

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  • July 9, 1996

    At the White House, Israel PM Netanyahu holds 1st mtg. with Pres. Clinton; also meets with Secy. of State Christopher, Secy. of Defense William Perry, leaders of AIPAC, World Bank Pres. James...

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  • May 29, 1996

    Israeli elections are held. After polls close, Peres is initially projected as the winner, but the gap with Netanyahu closes as the night wears on. At midnight, votes are still being counted, and...

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  • May 23, 1996

    IDF tightens closure, forbidding Palestinians to attend their jobs in West Bank settlements. (QY 5/23 in FBIS 5/23) (see 5/18)

    Turkey's PM Yilmaz says military cooperation pact with Israel...

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  • June 12, 1995

    PA signs contract with Islamic Waqf to lease the Allenby camp in west Jerusalem for 99 yrs. Israel already has leased the site to the U.S. for a future embassy. Palestinians claim the land is Waqf...

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PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry in Saudi Arabia to discuss regional developments, the first such meeting between the two men since Kerry replaced Hillary Clinton. Abbas requests Washington pressure Israel to adopt a settlement construction freeze and release Palestinian prisoners as a condition for the resumption of peace talks. Kerry’s regional tour does not include a visit to Israel or the o.t. this time. (JP 3/4)

Hamas keeps the Kerem Shalom crossing closed reportedly due to a dispute over the collection of customs revenue with the Palestinian company operating the terminal. Israel shut the crossing on 2/26 after a rocket was fired out of the Gaza Strip into southern Israel. (MNA 3/4)

IDF forces make a brief incursion into Gaza to level land and clear lines of sight along the border fence nr. Juhr al-Dik. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon (where there are clashes, but no injuries. At night, the IDF conduct house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages each nr. Nablus and Qalqilya. (PCHR 3/6)

U.S. VP Joe Biden tells the American Israel Public Affairs Cmte. (AIPAC) policy conference in Washington that sanctions and diplomacy must be exhausted before the U.S. would consider using force to attack Iran’s nuclear program. (AP, REU 3/4)

The PA reports that Jewish settlers from Elon Moreh have erected a new outpost east of Nablus consisting of 10 mobile homes and an access road. Meanwhile, Israeli police report that 56 so-called ‘‘price tag’’ attacks against Palestinians occurred in Jerusalem and the surrounding area over the past year, but no charges have been filed in any of the incidents. The number of attacks is up from 28 recorded cases in 2011. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon (clashes, no injuries), and in Jericho, nearby ‘Aqaba r.c., and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in Bethlehem, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (MNA, ToI 3/3; PCHR 3/7)

The American Israel Public Affairs Cmte. (AIPAC) begins its annual conference in Washington D.C., featuring a morning appearance by Israel’s amb. to the U.S. Michael Oren. (WP 3/4)

Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi says that a ‘‘new approach’’ to the IsraeliPalestinian conflict is needed, following talks with the pres. of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy. Arabi says that the focus should be ending Israel’s occupation, ‘‘not signing temporary agreements.’’ Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdallah tells an AIPAC delegation that the failure to revive peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians is adding to regional tensions. UN secy.- gen. Ban Ki-moon also renews his criticism of Israel’s plans for settlement construction in the E1 area nr. Jerusalem and calls for the proposed construction to be rescinded. (AFP, AP 1/14)

The Israeli government announces that it is advancing plans to invest in socalled national heritage sites, including 9 located in the West Bank. (AP 1/14)

Egyptian authorities resume the shipment of Qatari fuel into the Gaza Strip via an Israeli-controlled crossing after 2 mos. of disruption due to the political unrest. (MNA 1/14)

In Gaza, the IDF shoots a Palestinian farmer in the head nr. Bayt Lahiya, killing him; the Israeli army denies involvement. The IDF makes a brief incursion into Gaza e. of Khan Yunis in what the IDF described as ‘‘routine activity.’’ The IDF later reports finding a tunnel leading from the Gaza Strip into Israel. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes a number of structures in 3 locations s. of Hebron, including a family home and shacks used for agricultural work. The IDF also patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and Qalqilya at night. (MNA, REU, WAFA 1/14; MNA 1/15; PCHR 1/17)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack Palestinian-owned vehicles in between Bethlehem and Hebron. Settlers also damage around 250 olive trees southeast of Nablus, and later cut down 12 olive trees in Basalta nr. Nablus. In the latter case, Palestinians throw stones at the settlers, who are subsequently protected by IDF soldiers, who fire rubbercoated steel bullets and injure 3 Palestinians. The IDF also opens fire with live ammunition and rubber-coated steel bullets on Palestinians in Tamoun village nr. Jenin during clashes sparked by an arrest raid, injuring 30. The IDF also opens fire on stone-throwing Palestinian youths who challenge troops entering ‘Urif village nr. Nablus. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm and 2 nr. Jenin at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 1/1, PCHR 2/1)

Israel’s High Court of Justice gives the state an extended deadline for the demolition of unauthorized settler outpost Amona in the c. West Bank, delaying removal until the end of 4/2013. The outpost was set up on the site of a previous outpost of the same name that was evacuated in 2006, and had been slated for evacuation in February. (ToI 1/1)

Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz reports that around 50 residents of Issawiyya in East Jerusalem have been arrested over the last month in clashes with security forces. Tensions are linked to the hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner Samer Issawi, who comes from the village. (HA 1/1)

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) registers its opposition to the 12/27 Hamas-imposed ban on Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip working with the Israeli media. (Guardian 1/1)

Palestinians demonstrate in Nablus against a recent decision to end refugees’ exemption from electricity costs. Around 200 protesters clash with PA security forces, angry that a debt-exemption clause is not applicable to non-refugees. (MNA 1/1)

Senior Likud officials speak at a conference in Jerusalem on a ‘‘one-state solution,’’ including Min. Yuli Edelstein, who voices support for the annexation of Area C of the West Bank. Likud politician and Knesset candidate Moshe Feiglin outlines his plan to pay Palestinian families in the West Bank $500,000 each to emigrate abroad. (Guardian, ToI 1/1)

A report in JTA indicates that 2 major American Jewish groups—the American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC) and the Reform movement—are in disagreement about how to respond to the Palestinians’ successful UN bid. AIPAC has supported 2 congressional bids to shut down the PLO office in Washington, D.C., while the Reform movement has urged Obama not to punish the Palestinians for the initiative. Both groups, however, are apparently waiting to see if the Palestinians will use their new status to bring Israel before the ICC before backing penalties. (JTA 1/1)

IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire warning shots and tear gas at Palestinians and international activists staging a nonviolent march towards the Erez crossing to protest Israel’s imposition of a no-go zone, causing no serious injuries. The IDF raids several auto repair shops in Barta’a village nr. Jenin, confiscating 17 cars with Israeli license plates. Nr. Hebron, 2 Palestinian teenagers are killed and 3 are wounded when then accidentally trigger an unexploded IDF mortar shell while scavenging at a refuse dump. OCHA reports that 1 Palestinian was killed in the previous week in a smuggling tunnel accident on the Rafah border. (PCHR 3/8; OCHA 3/9)

On the morning of Super Tuesday primary voting, the 3 leading Republican presidential candidates (Gingrich, Romney, and Santorum) address the AIPAC conference via satellite, accusing Obama of being weak on Iran and insufficiently supportive of Israel. Sometime today, Netanyahu gives Romney a personal briefing by phone on the situation in Iran. (NYT 3/7; WJW 3/15; NYT 4/8)

Obama holds a press conference to criticize Republicans and other mbrs. of Congress for “beating the drums of war” against Iran, stating: “When I see the casualness with which some of these folks talk about war, I’m reminded of the costs involved in war . . . [T]his is not a game.” (NYT 3/7)

Obama and Netanyahu meet at the White House to discuss Iran. Obama reiterates that the U.S. wants time for diplomacy to work but has left all options, including a military strike, on the table. He also says that Israel has the right to act in its own national interests. Afterward, Netanyahu tells a cheering AIPAC audience that sanctions have done nothing to slow Iran’s progress toward achieving a nuclear weapon and warns that time for diplomacy is running out. Observers say (WP 3/6) Obama’s statement “could easily be considered green light for Israeli action. And if Obama is flashing a green light, Israel’s advocates in Congress are waving a starter’s flag.” (NYT, WT 3/6; MA, Raidió Teilifís Éireann, REU, WJW 3/8; OCHA 3/9)

After 6 mos. of negotiation with the UN, Israel permits the 1st 2 truckloads of Palestinian exports to the West Bank (date bars for distribution to needy children through the UN’s World Food Program) since the beginning of the siege in mid-2007; the UN notes that this does not mark the resumption of regular trade between Gaza and the West Bank. The IDF patrols in `Ayn al-Sultan r.c. and 2 villages nr. Jericho, 3 villages nr. Jenin, and 2 nr. Qalqilya during the date; patrols in Tulkarm town and r.c., 2 nearby villages late at night; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron (including Bayt Umar) and Nablus. The Palestinian Center for Human Rights notes (3/8) that 45 Bayt Umar residents (including 20 children) have been arrested by the IDF since 1/1/2012. Dozens of Palestinians march to the IDF’s Atara checkpoint outside Ramallah to mark the 2d anniversary of the death of a local Palestinian family when a IDF jeep collided with their taxi; IDF troops at checkpoint fire tear gas and stun grenades at the marchers who respond by throwing stones; during the exchange, an IDF soldier fires a tear gas canister at a Palestinian teenager 20 meters away, hitting him in the head and fracturing his skull, critically injuring him. (PCHR 3/8)

The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 2 nr. Ramallah in the morning; 1 each nr. Jenin (firing tear gas and percussion grenades at stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no serious injuries), Salfit, and Ramallah in the afternoon; and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm late at night. The IDF also conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in al-Arroub r.c., Nablus, 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Ramallah. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus stone a Palestinian taxi traveling the Tulkarm–Ramallah, causing damage but no injuries.(PCHR 3/8; OCHA 3/9)

AIPAC opens its annual 3-day conference in Washington, which focuses this on putting pressure on Obama to take a harder stance toward Iran and to be more supportive of Israel vis-àvis Iran, including supporting a U.S. military strike. It is AIPAC’s largest conference to date, with 13,000 attending (including 1,600 students from 500 campuses and more than 200 college presidents from all 50 states). Obama, in his address, states that “now is not the time for bluster.” Though he is willing to use “all elements of American power” to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, “diplomacy backed by pressure” (i.e., sanctions) must be allowed time to succeed. Obama also reiterates his support for creation of a Palestinian state and a negotiated 2-state solution, but otherwise does not discuss the peace process. (NYT 3/4; NYT, WP 3/5; WJW 3/8)

Thailand officially recognizes Palestine as an independent state, becoming the 131st country to do so. (NYT 1/21)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF detains Hamas-affiliated PC speaker ‘Aziz Dweik at Jaba’ checkpoint nr. Jerusalem, placing him in administrative detention; makes a late-night raid on Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform PC mbr. Khalid Thwaib’s home in Za’atara village nr. Bethlehem, arresting him and confiscating his computers, phone, and files. The IDF also conducts synchronized morning patrols in 2 villages n. of Jericho; conducts other daytime patrols in 3 villages nr Ramallah, 1 nr. Jenin, 1 nr. Jericho; conducts evening patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho; conducts late-night patrols in al-Bireh. (JP 1/19; WT 1/25; PCHR 1/26; OCHA 1/27)

The U.S.’s new Joint Chiefs of Staff head Gen. Martin Dempsey begins a 3-day visit to Israel for talks on Iran, regional security, and military-tomilitary strategic coordination. He will meet with PM Netanyahu, Pres. Shimon Peres, DM Barak, and senior IDF commanders. (NYT, WT 1/20; NYT, WP 1/21)

Pro-Israel groups (including the Anti-Defamation League [ADL] and American Jewish Committee [AJC]) publicly accuse the Center for American Progress (CAP; a Washington-based think tank seen as close to the Obama admin.) of “anti-Semitism,” citing several Twitter posts by CAP staffers to their private Twitter accounts referring to “Israel-firsters” (i.e., Americans who put Israel’s national interests before America’s) and accusing AIPAC of pushing the U.S. toward war with Iran. The ADL and AJC allege that the private Tweets are part of a “very troubling” pattern of “anti-Semitism and borderline anti-Semitism” at CAP. Former AIPAC spokesman Josh Block says that the pro-Israel groups went public with their complaints only after CAP officials ignored a compilation of CAP staffer’s writings and public statements that he quietly presented to them in 12/2011 that he said amounted to “outrageous vilification of pro-Israel Americans.” CAP says it is “baffled and appalled” by the charges. Some on the left of the pro-Israel spectrum, such as J Street, say the issue is overblown and they suspect that it is being brought forward now “to shut down needed policy debates,” cautioning groups such as the ADL and AJC to “tread lightly” with accusations of anti-Semitism or “people won’t take you seriously.”(WP 1/20)

Netanyahu addresses AIPAC, leaving aside discussion of the peace process to praise areas of bilateral cooperation. (IFM 5/23; JTA 5/24)

PA PM Salam Fayyad suffers a heart attack while visiting the U.S. for his son’s college graduation. He is given immediate catheterization to open a clogged artery and is discharged on 5/25 after 2 days of observation. (NYT, WP 5/24)

A Palestinian is killed and another is injured when a smuggling tunnel on Gaza’s Rafah border with Egypt collapses. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts synchronized patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning; raids and searches a business in Silat al-Dahir nr. Jenin, without giving cause; conducts late-night patrols in Nabi Salih, firing tear gas and warning shots at stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no serious injuries. Jewish settlers attempt to set up a new settlement outpost in Jerusalem’s E1 development area. (HA 5/23; PCHR 5/26; OCHA 5/27)

Obama gives a major address to the American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC). While he restates his belief that discussion of final borders should take the 1967 lines as the starting point for negotiations, he clarifies that agreed land swaps would be necessary and would certainly result in “a border that is different than the one that existed on June 4, 1967,” stating that any controversy over his 5/19 speech was “not based on substance.” (JTA, NYT, WP, WT 5/23)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Jericho; patrols in al-Jarushiyya village nr. Tulkarm, randomly stopping cars and checking IDs; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around al-‘Arub r.c. and nr. Tulkarm; searches the home of Hamas politburo mbr. Aysha Dar Suleiman in ‘Arura village nr. Ramallah, arresting her. Jewish settlers heavily damage a Palestinian home located between the Gush Etzion and Efrat settlements nr. Bethlehem. Jewish settlers fr. Tafuh settlement s. of Nablus attack 3 Palestinian women traveling on the Nablus–Ramallah road. Jewish settlers fr. Keddumim settlement uproot 70 olive trees fr. neighboring Kafr Qaddum village. (PCHR 5/26; OCHA 5/27)

Clinton, Netanyahu both address the AIPAC conference in Washington and then hold an 80-min. meeting on the sidelines to discuss recent tensions. In the evening, Netanyahu holds a working dinner with Biden on bilateral relations. (JTA 3/22; JTA, NYT, WP, WT 3/23; WJW 3/25; JPI 4/2)

In Gaza, 1 IDF soldier is killed by friendly fire when IDF infantry and tank units on the Gaza border are mobilized to halt 3 unarmed Palestinians nr. the border fence, and the tank crew accidentally fires on the infantry unit on the Israeli side of the border; the Palestinians are not injured. After unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries, the IDF makes an air strike on an alleged weapons depot in Gaza City, destroying it and lightly injuring 8 Palestinian civilians (including 1 woman and 2 children). Later in the evening, unidentified Palestinians fire another rocket toward Israel, but it lands harmlessly nr. the Erez crossing. Late in the evening, IDF troops on the central Gaza border e. of Dayr al-Balah shoot, wound an unarmed Palestinian outside his home 500 m fr. the border. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas. (HA, JP, NYT, YA 3/23; OCHA, PCHR, WJW 3/25)

The IDF continues its attack on the PA's Ramallah compound, flattening 6 buildings (including an intelligence office, jail) leaving 1 Force 17 mbr., 1 PA intelligence officer dead. Troops reportedly are "poised and ready" to capture or kill Arafat, but pull back and out of Ramallah before dawn, after Sharon promises Bush he will not harm the PA leader. The IDF pulls out of Jenin, Nablus in the evening; sends tanks into Beitunia, arrests 6 Palestinians. A Palestinian gunman fatally shoots a Jewish settler driving nr. Shiloh settlement. (AP, MM, WT 6/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/7; al-Quds 6/7 in WNC 6/10)

Mubarak meets with U.S. VP Dick Cheney, Secy. of State Colin Powell, mbrs. of Congress. (MENA 6/6 in WNC 6/7; MENA 6/6, 6/7 in WNC 6/10; MM, WP 6/7)

Rep. Hilliard loses a tight run-off election to a candidate backed with $1.4 m. fr. AIPAC. (AP 6/26; MEI 7/12) (see 6/5)

On their 7th straight day, Palestinian demonstrations in the West Bank and Gaza escalate again (see 5/14-15), leaving 100 Palestinians injured. The worst fighting takes place in Hebron, Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah, Tulkarm. Since 5/14, 5 Palestinians have been killed, some 600 injured. (NYT, WP, WT 5/21; AYM 5/22 in WNC 5/23)

In s. Lebanon, the IDF attacks a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) base a mile fr. the Syrian border, destroying 10 tanks, killing 3 PFLP-GC mbrs., wounding 3 others. (WP, WT 5/21)

With increased fighting in s. Lebanon and the occupied territories, PM Barak cancels plans to leave today for the U.S. to meet with Pres. Bill Clinton (5/22-23) and American Jewish leaders (5/21) and to address the annual American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC) conference (5/22). (NYT, WP, WT 5/21; AYM 5/22 in WNC 5/23, 5/24)

PA-Israeli talks resume btwn. Netanyahu atty. Molho, PA Local Government M Erakat. Despite the lack of new ideas, the PA does not call a halt to talks. (CSM, MM 8/3; RE 8/3, AFP 8/4 in WNC 8/7; IGPO, MM, NYT 8/4)

In Amman, Crown Prince Hassan receives Israeli MK Yossi Sarid for talks on the peace process. (Petra-JNA 8/4 in WNC 8/6)

In Washington, Labor Chmn. Barak, MKs Yossi Beilin, Shlomo Ben-Ami, Ephraim Sneh (who are on a 5-day U.S. tour) meet with 12 AIPAC officials. The 4 men criticize AIPAC's recent lobbying efforts, such as the letter signed by 81 senators to Pres. Clinton, saying that AIPAC is "looking for battles at the expense of Israeli security." Netanyahu calls the U.S. trip "subversive." (CSM, MM 8/3; IGPO, MM 8/4; WJW 8/6, 8/13; JP 8/15)

Palestinian archaeologists working on the 1st dig in the PA self-rule areas uncover remains of Canaanite homes they believe date fr. around 3000 B.C.. (WT 8/5)

IDF demolishes reconstructed section Palestinian home in Anata that was 1st knocked down 7/9. (LAW 8/3)

Off the coast of Tyre, Israeli naval forces seize a Lebanese fishing boat, arrest 2 fishermen. (RL 8/3 in WNC 8/7)

Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, the PA, the Arab League hold mtg. in Lebanon to prepare for Euro-Mediterranean meeting next wk. in Italy; also discuss possible Arab summit on the peace process. (SANA 6/1, RL, VOL 6/2 in WNC 6/3; WT 6/2; MM 6/4; al-Jumhuriyya 6/6 in WNC 6/9)

In Amman, Jordan's King Hussein opens 2 days of talks with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah on possibility of holding an Arab summit. (MM 6/1; al-Aswaq, JTV, MBC, RJ 6/1, AFP, al-Dustur, RJ 6/2 in WNC 6/3; VOA 6/3 in WNC 6/4; al-Ittihad,al-Ra'i 6/3, al-Ra'i 6/5 in WNC 6/8, 6/9; MM 6/12; al-Watan al-Arabi 6/12 in WNC 6/15; MEI 6/19)

U.S. Supreme Court rules (6-3) to send case against AIPAC brought by 6 fmr. government officials back to the Federal Election Comm. (FEC) for a decision based on new election laws. The 6 officials, led by James Akins, claim that AIPAC should be treated legally as a political action comm., meaning its membership lists, donations records would be made public. (WJW 6/4) (see 1/14)

Nr. Hebron, Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned cars. (WT 6/3)

PA Planning M Nabil Shaath arrives in Amman on 4-day visit, holds talks with Jordanian FM Anani on economic cooperation, creation of free trade zone. (RJ 5/19 in WNC 5/23; RJ 5/22 in WNC 5/27)

PA Elections Appeals Court cancels the Gaza by-election set for 5/29 to fill Haidar `Abd al-Shafi's seat on the Palestinian Council (PC). (PCHR 5/21; PR 5/29)

Israeli DM Yitzhak Mordechai discusses with Russian special envoy Viktor Posuvalyuk Israel's conditional withdrawal proposal for s. Lebanon, Russian military assistance to Iran. Posuvalyuk then heads to Amman for talks with Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan. (IDF Radio, QY, RJ 5/19 in WNC 5/21; JTV 5/19 in WNC 5/27)

The American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC) holds rally on Capitol Hill to commemorate Israel's 50th anniversary. Speakers addressing the rally include Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS), Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO). (MM 5/20; Near East Report 6/1)

Kuwait releases last 3 of 13 Jordanian detainees pardoned 4/26. (JTV 5/19 in WNC 5/21) (see 5/13)

Jordanian court pardons opposition leader Laith Shubailat, sentenced 5/12 to 9 mos. in prison for inciting anti-U.S. riots in Ma'an in 2/98, pending withdrawal of his appeal. Shubailat is already free on appeal. (RJ 5/19, JT 5/20 in WNC 5/21)

Roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 2 civilians. SLA, Hizballah blame each other. (RL 5/19 in WNC 5/21)

In Washington, Secy. Albright meets with PM Netanyahu but fails to overcome differences keeping Israel fr. reaching an FRD agmt., resuming talks with the PA. Netanyahu again raises escrow idea. In a couched criticism of Israel, Clinton expresses suspicions that "some of the actors in th Middle East drama" are carrying out "a deliberate strategy of delay." Netanyahu is at the start of a 5-day U.S. visit to meet with congressional leaders, attend AIPAC, American Jewish Comm. mtgs. (MM, NYT 5/13; NYT, WP, WT 5/14; MA 5/14 in WNC 5/15)

Russian special envoy Posuvalyuk arrives in Beirut for 2 days of talks with PM Hariri on peace process, Israel's s. Lebanon withdrawal offer. (RL, VOL 5/13 in WNC 5/14; RL 5/14 in WNC 5/15)

Kuwait releases 4 of the 13 Jordanian detainees pardoned 4/26. (JTV 5/13 in WNC 5/15) (see 5/7)

In Jerusalem, a Palestinian is stabbed to death by an Ultraorthodox Jew. He is the 6th Palestinian to be stabbed in Jerusalem since 2/17, the 1st to die of his injuries. (NYT, WP 5/14)

In the deadliest attack in more than 2 yrs., Israeli air force (IAF) bombards Fatah-Uprising training camp in s. Lebanon, killing 10 Palestinians, wounding 26. IAF also targets nearby PFLP-GC camp, causing damage but no injuries. France condemns the attacks. (MM 5/13; AFP, RL, VOL 5/13 in WNC 5/14; NYT, WP, WT 5/14)

Arafat speaks with Secy. Albright, urges the U.S. to publicly present its 13.1% FRD plan so as to pressure Israel. (WT 4/5)

81 senators send AIPAC-drafted letter to Pres. Clinton, urging him not to pressure Israel by publicly issuing a U.S. FRD proposal. AIPAC tried to get CPMAJO to endorse the letter, but it refused, saying AIPAC was creating an unnecessary sense of crisis. (WJW 4/2; NYT 4/7; MM 4/8; WJW 4/9; MEI 4/10; WT 4/13; NYT 4/26; MM 5/1) (see 3/29)

Egypt calls for exchange of ambs. with Iran. (IRNA 4/3 in WNC 4/6)

Some 10,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza hold rallies to denounce what they believe to be Israel's assassination of Hamas's Sharif. (MM 4/3; ITV 4/3 in WNC 4/6; WT 4/4) (see 4/2)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb as SLA unit passes, killing 7 SLA mbrs. IDF shells area in response, damaging 2 civilian homes. (RL, VOL 4/3 in WNC 4/6)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Netanyahu, who again rejects U.S. FRD proposal, claiming that PA has not backed adequate reciprocal security steps. Ross then meets with Arafat. (CSM, WP 3/30; JP 4/11)

In Amman, PA Local Government M Erakat briefs Jordan's Dep. PM Anani on U.S. special envoy Ross's mtgs. with Arafat. (JTV 3/29 in WNC 3/31)

In Washington, senior Israeli diplomats meet with AIPAC leaders at the Israeli amb.'s residence to discuss AIPAC efforts to have congressmen sign a letter urging the U.S. not to pressure Israel on FRD. AIPAC exec. dir. Howard Kohr denies group is coordinating lobbying efforts with the Israeli government, claims letter was initiated independently by Sens. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), Connie Mack (R-FL); emb. wanted briefing on the letter by AIPAC rather than the senators themselves because, according to Kohr, "No one knows more about the Hill than us." (NYT 4/26)

The body of Hamas mbr. Muhieddin Sharif is found in the debris of a car explosion in Ramallah, in area A. Israel claims he was making a car bomb, but PA autopsy shows that he died from 3 gunshot wounds hours before the explosion. Sharif has been on the top of Israel's wanted list for 2 yrs. (MM 4/1; ITV 4/1, 4/2 in WNC 4/4; CSM, MM, WJW, WP, WT 4/2; MM 4/7; MEI 4/10; PR 4/17)

PSF announces seizure of 7 arms caches, weapons factories belonging to Hamas. (MM 4/14)

Israeli cabinet approves 8 loosely defined zones, locations in the West Bank as areas of "vital national interest" that will not be returned under any deal with the PA. (MM 1/14; ITV 1/14 in WNC 1/15; NYT, WP, WT 1/15; SA 1/15 in WNC 1/20)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak makes unscheduled trip to Damascus to discuss peace process, regional issues with Pres. Asad. (MENA 1/14 in WNC 1/15; MENA, SATN 1/14 in WNC 1/20; Tishrin 1/15 in WNC 1/21; NYT 1/16; al-Ittihad al-Usbu`i [Abu Dhabi] 1/16 in WNC 1/23; al-Dammam al-Yawm 1/25 in WNC 2/2)

In Amman, Shas leader Deri discusses peace process with King Hussein. Later the king meets with the board of the American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC), stresses importance of Israeli adherence to Oslo agmts. (ITV, JTV 1/14 in WNC 1/20; MM 1/15; JT 1/17 in WNC 1/21) (see 1/8)

Georgian pres. Eduard Shevardnadze makes 1-day trip to Israel to discuss trade issues, sign Tbilisi-Jerusalem sister-city agmt. with PM Netanyahu. (Interfax [Moscow] 1/14 in WNC 1/15; Radio Tbilisi Network [Tbilisi] 1/19 in WNC 1/21)

Arab Parliamentary Union ends session in Luxor, Egypt; issues statement condemning "terrorism" in all its forms, affirms a people's right to national struggle to liberate occupied territory and regain national rights. (ESC Television [Cairo] 1/14 in WNC 1/15; RE 1/15 in WNC 1/20)

In Amman, Jordanian-Palestinian Transportation Comm. agrees on procedures for moving goods across the border. (JT 1/14 in WNC 1/15) (see 12/25)

In Tel Aviv, 30,000 Israelis, many bussed in fr. West Bank settlements, demonstrate against any FRD. (MM, WP 1/15)

U.S. Supreme Court begins to hear Akins vs. Federal Election Commission (FEC) case, culminating a 9-yr.-old battle in which a group of Washingtonians led by fmr. U.S. Amb. to Saudi Arabia James Akins has tried to convince the FEC that AIPAC should be regulated as a political action comm., subjecting it to strict campaign finance laws. (WJW 1/15; WJW 1/22)

Mossad acknowledges that during the 1970s and 1980s, special Mossad units brought Jews fr. Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Yemen to Israel. (YA 9/3 in WNC 9/8)

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) launches campaign to promote PM Netanyahu's "Allon plus" final status plan, which he announced 6/4. (WJW 9/4) 

PM Netanyahu decides not to fire Amb. to the U.S. Ben-Elissar. Instead he appoints his long-time personal friend Leonard Davis, fmr. head of AIPAC's Jerusalem office, to be the embassy's no. 2 man. Davis, a dual citizen who has never held a diplomatic position or worked with the FMin., will give up his U.S. citizenship. (WT 5/30) (see 5/19)

Jordanian PM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali announces plans to open a Human Rights Unit under his office. (RJ 5/29 in WNC 5/31) (see 11/30/96)

Al-Azhar head, Shaykh Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi sanctions the death penalty against those who sell Palestinian land to Jews. (VIRI 5/29 in WNC 5/31)

U.S. intelligence says that Egypt hopes to buy advanced SAM missiles fr. Russia, which would give Egypt the best tactical anti-ballistic-missile capability in the world, very good antiaircraft and anti-cruise-missile defenses. Congress is concerned Egypt will use its U.S. military aid to purchase the SAMs, which would be illegal. 90% of U.S. aid is tied to purchases of U.S. goods. (WT 5/30)

Brother of the Hamas suicide bomber who carried out the 3/21 attack, Omar Ghanimat, who has been detained without charge since the bombing, appeals to the Israeli High Court to stop his interrogation, charging that Shin Bet agents have tortured him. The High Court rejects the appeal, orders the Justice Min. to investigate. (WP 5/30; LAW 6/1)

UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) complains that 7 Hizballah gunmen halted and damaged a UN vehicle in s. Lebanon, performed mock executions on the 2 UNIFIL soldiers. In a separate incident nr. Tyre, 5 Hizballah gunmen stop, interrogate 2 UNIFIL soldiers driving in a marked UN truck. It is the 1st time in 10 yrs. that Hizballah has harassed UNIFIL soldiers. (AFP, RL 5/30 in WNC 6/2)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Washington for AIPAC conference, holds talks with Pres. Clinton, Secy. of State Albright (MM 4/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8; ITV 4/8 in WNC 4/9; CSM, NYT 4/9; MA, La Repubblica [Rome] 4/9 in WNC 4/10; al-Thawra [Damascus] 4/9, RE, RL 4/10 in WNC 4/11; PR 4/11; al-Ahram [Cairo] 4/11 in WNC 4/17; WJW 4/17; MEI 4/18; MM 4/28)

In Amman, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, Arafat dep. Mahmud Abbas discuss Jordanian-PA coordination on political, economic issues. (RJ 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

In preparation for trial, Jordanian military team visits Israel to interview victims of the 3/13 Daqamsa shooting. (JT 4/9 in WNC 4/10) (see 3/27)

Vatican says that it has reached a critical stage in its relations with Israel, that Israel should renew its commitment to peace for normalization to progress further. (WJW 4/17)

In Moscow, Lebanese PM Hariri, Russian PM Viktor Chernomyrdin, Dep. FM Yevgeny Primakov discuss peace process, bilateral relations. (RL 4/7 in WNC 4/8; RL 4/8 in WNC 4/9)

In Manhattan, federal prosecutors for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) open exclusion proceedings against Hamas political leader Abu Marzuq. Abu Marzuq is willing to withdraw his application to reenter the U.S. and agree to exclusion (i.e., immediate deportation), but INS says he cannot do so without either conceding or contesting the terrorism charge, otherwise he could be detained indefinitely. Abu Marzuq refuses to concede; contesting the charge could take yrs. The exclusion proceeding is closed; the INS does not have to reveal the sources of its evidence. (MM 4/8; NYT 4/13; WJW 4/17; MEI 4/18) (see 4/3)

The Knesset Finance Comm. agrees (by vote of 6-5) to demand that the PA detail the use of funds in its Bank Leumi account. Some MKs suspect the account is a secret petty cash fund. (Globes [Internet] 4/7 in WNC 4/9)

In Kharbata village nr. Ramallah, a Jewish settler opens fire with an M-16, handgun on Palestinians who stone his car, wounding 2. Villagers say the settler is known for intimidating local Palestinians, driving through the village instead of using the Jewish-only bypass road. (MM 4/7; WT 4/8)

Islamic University of Hebron holds student council elections. Hamas-Islamic Jihad list wins 19 of 35 seats; pro-Arafat Fatah lists wins 15 seats; PFLP 1 seat. (WT 4/8; MEI, PR 4/18; JP 4/19)

The Kuwaiti government denies the Comm. for the Defense of Islamic Issues permission to stage a rally outside parliament to protest Israel's policies on Jerusalem, U.S. support for Israeli actions. (AFP 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

SLA exchanges 3 Hizballah mbrs. being held at al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon for 1 SLA soldier held by Hizballah. (RL 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

In Minnesota, PM Netanyahu, King Hussein discuss ways of restarting Israeli-PA talks, especially Netanyahu's proposal for a Camp-David-style summit (see 4/1). (CSM, NYT, WP 4/7; RJ 4/7 in WNC 4/8; JTV 4/8 in WNC 4/9)

Netanyahu withdraws fr. a scheduled appearance before the Reform Jewish movement, the largest Jewish denomination in the U.S. Reform leaders regard the decision as a "deliberate affront." (WT 4/7) (see 4/1)

PA Higher Education M Ashrawi arrives in Washington to meet with Secy. of State Albright, U.S. special envoy Ross. (WP 4/7; MM 4/9)

The American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC) annual 3-day conference opens in Washington. U.S. VP Al Gore, Amb. to the UN Richardson address the group. Gore praises "my friend Bibi" for his "passionate" devotion to Israeli security. (MM, WP 4/7; WP 4/8)

Nr. Tel Aviv, an explosion destroys a warehouse at a factory where Israel makes parts for the U.S.-funded Arrow antimissile missile. Israel says the explosion was accidental. (WT 4/7)

PA negotiators say 3-way summit btwn. Egypt, Israel, PA to clinch a deal on Hebron may occur 12/7, though no date has been set. Arafat, Netanyahu say they are willing to meet. (WT 12/7; JP 12/14)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Miguel Angel Moratinos delivers Pres. Asad a message fr. PM Netanyahu, saying that Israel is interested in resuming negotiations, easing tensions. (MM 12/6; SATN 12/6 in WNC 12/10; MEI 1/24)

In Karak, Jordanian PM Kabariti issues an unprecedented public apology to Iraq for accusing Iraq of instigating the 8/16-18 bread riots. (MEI 12/20)

4 Africans are officially nominated to succeed UN Secy. Gen. Butros-Ghali: Mauritania's Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, Niger's Hamid Algabid, Ghana's Kofi Annan, Ivory Coast's Amara Essy. (NYT, WT 12/7)

IDF lifts ban prohibiting Israelis fr. entering the PA self-rule area of Bethlehem. The ban has been in place since the 9/24-28 clashes. (JP 12/14)

PA military court sentences Palestinian guard Assam Jalaita, who shot to death prisoner Fityani 12/3, to life in prison with hard labor. (NYT 12/7; JP 12/14)

U.S. Court of Appeals rules (8-2) that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) misapplied the federal campaign finance law in a 1992 decision that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) did not fall under the FEC's jurisdiction, suggesting that AIPAC should register as a political action comm. (PAC) rather than a lobby. The FEC has 90 days to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, find another reason why AIPAC should not be registered as a PAC, or declare AIPAC a PAC. (WJW 12/12, 12/19)

At Erez, 2d day of Israeli-PA talks focus Hebron, security; deadlock on issue of redeployment in Hebron, with Israel demanding IDF lookout posts over Arab neighborhoods, buffer zones separating settlers fr. Palestinians, pistols only for PA police, rights hot pursuit into Palestinian areas. (RJ 10/7 in WNC 10/8; al-Quds, ITV, QY 10/7 in WNC 10/10; MM, WT 10/8; QY 10/8 in IL 10/8; WP, WT 10/9; IGPO 10/8 in WNC 10/11; CSM 10/10)

AIPAC heads arrive in Israel on unscheduled visit to warn PM Netanyahu about growing criticisms in Congress of Israeli policy. (ITV 10/7 in WNC 10/10)

Knesset inaugurates al-Haq mosque, a prayer room in the Knesset building for the use of Muslim MKs. (YA 10/11 in IL 10/11; WJW 10/17)

Turkey signs deal with Libya to triple trade btwn. the 2 nations. Libya agrees to pay money owed Turkish contractors (see 8/22). U.S. denounces the agmt. (JANA [Tripoli] 10/7 in WNC 10/8; VIRI 10/7 in WNC 10/10; NYT 10/8; MM 10/9; Anatolia [Ankara] 10/9 in WNC 10/11)

In Mali, Secy. of State Christopher begins "unusually blunt" 5-nation African tour to urge sub-Saharan countries to put up a candidate to replace UN Secy. Gen. Butros-Ghali. It is the 1st trip in 6 yrs. by a secy. of state to sub-Saharan Africa. (NYT, WT 10/8; NYT 10/10, 10/11)

At the White House, Israel PM Netanyahu holds 1st mtg. with Pres. Clinton; also meets with Secy. of State Christopher, Secy. of Defense William Perry, leaders of AIPAC, World Bank Pres. James Wolfensohn. (ITV, QY, al-Ra'i, SARR 7/9, QY, SARR 7/10 in FBIS 7/10; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/10; MENA 7/10 in FBIS 7/11; WJW 7/11; MEI 7/19; JP 7/20)

In s. Lebanon, SLA mistakes group of Lebanese civilians for Hizballah patrol; opens fire, wounding 1. (WT 7/10; HA 7/10 in FBIS 7/11)

Israeli elections are held. After polls close, Peres is initially projected as the winner, but the gap with Netanyahu closes as the night wears on. At midnight, votes are still being counted, and the race is too close to call. Israeli Arab voter turnout is estimated to be 78 percent; Jewish voter turnout 80 percent. (CSM, MM 5/29; QY 5/29 in FBIS 5/30; NYT, WP, WT 5/30; MEI, PR 6/7)

PM Peres cancels all planned events for the day after security services receive warnings that Jewish extremists have planned to harm him election day. (QY 5/29 in FBIS 5/29; CSM 5/30)

In Beirut, Lebanese PM Hariri accuses Hizballah of trying to weaken the state. Hizballah says Hariri is trying to make Lebanon "his personal property." (MM, WT 5/30; MM 6/7)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates an explosive charge as a South Lebanon Army (SLA) convoy passes, killing 2 SLA mbrs. (VOL 5/29 in FBIS 5/29)

AIPAC board unanimously elects Kohr as new exec. dir. U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross calls Kohr a "strong leader and trustworthy partner." (WJW 6/6; WT 6/10) (see 5/23)

IDF tightens closure, forbidding Palestinians to attend their jobs in West Bank settlements. (QY 5/23 in FBIS 5/23) (see 5/18)

Turkey's PM Yilmaz says military cooperation pact with Israel has done more harm than good, provoking domestic and Arab opposition. Turkish FMin., however, says it is satisfied with the pact. (MM 5/23, MM 5/28) (see 5/20)

Lebanon sends Palestinian to Germany to stand trial for 1986 Berlin discotheque bombing. (VOL 5/23 in FBIS 5/24; NYT 5/24) (see 5/14)

American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC) exec. dir. Neil Sher resigns to pursue work related to securing restitution for Holocaust survivors fr. Swiss banks. Howard Kohr, who, unlike Sher, is a Likud supporter skeptical of the peace process, takes over as interim dir. (WJW 5/30; JP 6/1; WT 6/4)

PA signs contract with Islamic Waqf to lease the Allenby camp in west Jerusalem for 99 yrs. Israel already has leased the site to the U.S. for a future embassy. Palestinians claim the land is Waqf land that was illegally confiscated by Israel. (HA 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman visits SLA troops in s. Lebanon, promises Israel will not abandon them; says government is willing to withdraw to international border of Golan (see 4/18, 4/20) in exchange for peace, only sticking point on extent of withdrawal is over four small enclaves within 1967 Syrian border. (VOL 6/12 in FBIS 6/12; WP 6/13)

4 mbrs of Jordan's Liberal party arrive in Jerusalem for mtgs. with Pres. Weizman, FM Peres, Police M Shahal, other FMin. officials. (QY 6/12 in FBIS 6/13)

VP Gore swears in Harriet Zimmerman, AIPAC's VP, as board mbr. of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). USIP is an independent federal organization created and funded by Congress to promote international peace. (USIP News 6/12)

In advance of the probable renewal (6/30) of the waiver permitting U.S. aid to the PLO, Sen. Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY) introduces bill to amend MEPFA so as to halt direct aid to the PA, limit aid to humanitarian assistance channeled through federal agencies or volunteer groups. World Zionist Organization applauds bill; AIPAC denounces it. (WP 6/14; MM 6/19, 6/20; WJW 6/22; MEI 6/23)

Anti-Arafat Fatah mbrs allied with Khalid al-Shayib attempt to drive Arafat supporters out of `Ayn al-Hilwa r.c. in Lebanon. 2 Palestinians killed, 10 wounded in clashes. (VOL 6/12, AFP 6/13 in FBIS 6/13; MM 6/13)