The Palestine Chronology

Monthly 2-day mtg. of the  task force of the Multilateral Working Group on Economic Development opens in Cairo. (al-Hayat, MM 5/16; al-Sha`b 5/19 in FBIS 5/23)

In Tel Aviv, PA, Israel hold 1st talks on expanding self-rule, marking 1st time talks have been held inside Israel. Sides agree to transfer 5 more spheres (energy, insurance, labor, postal services, trade and industry) by 7/1. (AFP, MENA, VOP 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; JP 5/27)

In Washington, Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara`, Amb. to U.S. Walid Mu`allim meet with special Middle East envoy Dennis Ross, National Security Council (NSC) adviser Mark Parris; discuss peace process. (RMC, SARR 5/16 in FBIS 5/17)

In continuing crackdown, PA arrests 10 Hamas mbrs., bringing total detained in past 48 hrs. to 20. (AFP 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; MM 5/17)

Steve Abrams, frmr. dep. council for the House Comm. on International Relations, becomes AIPAC's senior lobbyist on economic and trade issues. "For me," he says, "this is coming home." (JP 7/27)

PA-Israeli Joint Liaison Comm. meets for 2d day in Cairo. FM Peres offers PA Planning M Shaath sudden concessions to Palestinians at negotiating table in light of Jerusalem issue). Sides agree to set up unofficial Jerusalem Comm. to address expropriation issue. Israel offers to broaden PA autonomy in West Bank, Gaza but dispute over land confiscation in Jerusalem prevents agmt. (MENA 5/7, QY, RE 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; MENA, VOP 5/8 in FBIS 5/9; WT 5/9; MEI, WP 5/12)

At AIPAC conference, Sen. Dole announces he will submit legislation to force U.S. to move embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel reacts coolly. Jordan, Morocco, UAE criticize  initiative, urge UNSC action. (ITV 5/8, QY 5/9 in FBIS 5/9; CSM, MM, WP 5/10; NYT, WT 5/11; MEI, WP 5/12)

Syria refuses Jordan's request to name amb. to Jordan, host visit of Jordanian FM Kabariti to Damascus to try to improve bilateral relations. (MM 5/9; al-Bilad 5/10 in FBIS 5/9 [dates as printed]; al-Quds 5/9 in FBIS 5/12) (see 12/14/94)

Rabin meets with mbrs. of Congress; presses them not to reduce foreign aid, aid to Israel, Arab partners in peace effort; discusses Iranian threat, talks with  Syria, PA about efforts to end attacks against Israeli targets; backs away fr. supporting Dole initiative to move embassy to Jerusalem. (NYT, WT 5/9)

In Amman, Jordan, Israel initial draft agmts. on regulating agriculture, energy, environmental cooperation; postpone initialing draft trade accord that will give Israel preferential tariffs for Jordanian goods. The accord would be 1st by Arab country to give preferential treatment to Israel. (WT 5/9)

Jordan's amb. to Israel Muasher warns Dep. FM Beilin that Jordan will chill relations with Israel if it does not reverse land confiscations in Jerusalem. (WP 5/12, CSM 5/15)

Jordan reportedly gives 2 Hamas mbrs. residing in Amman 1-mo. notice to leave country. (MM 5/9) (see 4/13)

IDF closes al-Quds office in Nablus, claiming it materials there linking the paper to Hamas. (HA, JP 5/10 in FBIS 5/11) (see 1/16)

Israel releases 250 pro-Fatah Palestinian prisoners, lifts curfew on Hebron (see 4/19) as goodwill gesture for Id al-Adha. (QY 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; NYT 5/9; CSM 5/10)

PLO Tokyo mission closes due to lack of funds. (al-Manar 5/8 in FBIS 5/11)

Before AIPAC talk, Clinton reportedly meets with Rabin, offers "bridging proposals" for security arrangements to move Syrian-Israeli talks forward; Rabin accepts proposals. Israeli negotiator Rabinovitch denies report. (QY 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; MM 5/10, 5/11; QY 5/11 in FBIS 5/11)

Clinton, Rabin address AIPAC convention, stress need to maintain level of aid to Israel, fear of terrorism exported fr. Iran. Rabin's prepared speech calls for giving aid to PA, but he omits reference in actual speech. Clinton is 1st president to address AIPAC. 55 senators, 114 representatives attend. (WT 5/7; MM, NYT 5/9; HA 5/9 in FBIS 5/9; WJW 5/11)

Israeli FM Peres arrives in Cairo for mtg. with Egyptian officials, PA negotiators, says recent confiscation of land in Jerusalem "is not a political development" but a demographic one. (MENA, QY 5/7, MENA 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; QY 5/8 in FBIS 5/9; CSM 5/9; WJW 5/11)

2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in clash with IDF, SLA in s. Lebanon. (VOL 5/7 in FBIS 5/8)

Remaining lands occupied by Israel are returned to Jordan at mtg. of the joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on treaty implementation, armies deploy along newly demarcated border. 300 Israeli farmers are given entry permits so they can continue working farms. (JTV, QY, RJ 2/9 in FBIS 2/10; Al-Aswaq 2/11 in FBIS 2/14)

Rabin, Arafat meet at Erez to restart negotiations but talks break down when Rabin refuses to lift closure of o.t. Rabin demands PA crackdown on opposition, impose ban on carrying weapons without a license, create judicial system proposed 2/7 immediately, take legal and punitive steps against terrorism; approves additional 2,000 Palestinian policemen. Arafat says this will put him in conflict with opposition groups outside Hamas, Islamic Jihad. Both agree to meet again in 1 wk. Arafat suggests Israel redeploy fr. one West Bank town as first step in interim settlement. (MM 2/9; IDF Radio, MENA, QY, VOP 2/9, RMC, VOP 2/10 in FBIS 2/10; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/10; WT 2/12; MEI 2/17)

Russian envoy Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with Jordan's King Hussein, PM Shakir, FM al-Kabariti in Amman to discuss peace process, bilateral relations. (RJ 2/9 in FBIS 2/10)

Palestinian police raid Gaza headquarters of Islamic Jihad, also arrest 3 Hamas leaders. (WT 2/10)

Arafat meets with delegation fr. EU headed by French FM Juppé in Gaza. Delegation also meets with PA representatives at Orient House, says Israel's temporary closure is justified but peace process must move forward. (MM 2/9; AFP, QY, VOP 2/9 in FBIS 2/10; NYT 2/10; MEI 2/17)

Rep. Gingrich's wife says her job with the Israeli Export Development Co., attracting American companies to high tech business park in Israel, poses no conflict of interest with her husband's job as House speaker. She was offered the job after visiting Israeli on a tour run by AIPAC. (WT 2/10; CSM 2/15)

PM Rabin, Arafat, King Hussein each meet with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, then meet together. Syria, Lebanon refuse to attend. Parties focus on settlements but cannot get Rabin to curb construction; issue communiqué, condemning political violence, calling for adherence to DOP, establishment of regional bank. Rabin complains that IDF has arrested over 200 in West Bank since 1/22 bombings while Arafat has only arrested 7 in Gaza. (CSM, MM, WP, WT 2/2; MENA, QPAR, QY, RE, SARR, VOL, VOP 2/2, AFP, IDF Radio, JP, MENA, QY 2/3 in FBIS 2/3; CSM, MEI, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/3; NYT 2/5; CSM, MM, NYT 2/6; QPAR, RMC, SATV, VOP 2/3, 2/4, JP, QY, VOL, VOP 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; JP, Yedi'ot Aharonot 2/5 in FBIS 2/7; JP 2/11; MEI 2/17)

Israel gives Lebanese Army ultimatum, demanding it cease surveilling, pursuing, detaining, searching, interrogating Lebanese citizens with ties to Israel. (VOL 2/2 in FBIS 2/3; al-Hayat 2/3 in FBIS 2/7)

Frmr. AIPAC researcher Martin Indyk "sails through" Senate hearings on his appointment as U.S. amb. to Israel. No mbr. of Foreign Relations Comm. opposes his appointment; only 3 mbrs. show up to question him; Sen. Helms, the comm. chair, is not among them. (WP, WT 2/2; MM, WT 2/3; WJW 2/9)

10s of Palestinians demonstrate outside Arafat's office in Gaza, protesting PA demolition of several homes built illegally on public land. Palestinian police break up protest, arrest 10. (QY 2/2 in FBIS 2/3; WP 2/27)

1st official Syrian-Israeli talks since suspension of negotiations 2/94 begin in Washington; are expanded to include military advisors fr. both sides in hopes of giving momentum to negotiations on the Golan. Israel sends military secy. Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom, IDF Chief of Staff Baraq; Syria sends Lt. Gen Hikmat al-Shishabi. (Ma'ariv 12/21, QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; QY 12/22, Ma'ariv 12/23 in FBIS 12/23; WP 12/23; NYT 12/24; WT 12/25; SARR 12/25 in FBIS 12/27; WT 12/26; NYT 12/31; MEI 1/6) (see 12/19)

Arafat cancels Fateh Central Comm. mtg. in Tunis at last minute, reportedly after learning he might be presented with a demand by the comm.'s majority to waive some of his powers, incorporate opposition into PA. (ITV 12/22 in FBIS 12/23; PR 12/24; MEI 1/20)

Arne Christianson, AIPAC legislative director and top Congressional lobbyist, announces he will leave AIPAC to become senior policy adviser to incoming House speaker Newt Gingrich. He will deal with budget, appropriations issues. Brad Gordon, current director of the House subcommittee on international operations, will replace Christianson at AIPAC. (WT 12/23: WJW 12/29)

2 IDF soldiers killed, 7 wounded when Hizballah attacks IDF post in southern Lebanon in retaliation for car bombing 12/21. (NYT, WP, WT 12/24; JP 12/31)

Palestinians, Israeli Peace Now activists begin sit-in to protest construction of 500 apartments in Efrat settlement in West Bank, nr. Jerusalem. (QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; PR 12/24; WT 12/31)

Hamas mbr. dies in West Bank, sparking Palestinian protests, clashes with IDF. IDF says man died when bomb he was making exploded; family says IDF killed him. (QY, VOP 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

PM Rabin denies Israel is responsible for car bomb detonated in Beirut 12/21. (ITV 12/22 in FBIS 12/23)

UNRWA announces frmr. U.S. Amb. to Iraq April Glaspie will become agency's head of operations in o.t. (JP 12/23 in FBIS 12/23)

Arafat, FM Peres meet at Erez checkpoint to discuss elections, troop withdrawal, implementation of DOP. Both say mtg. was constructive. (QY 12/8 in FBIS 12/8)

Israeli government releases vaguely worded statement saying it will uphold the DOP, but, Israeli cabinet remains divided on troop withdrawal. (QY 12/8 in FBIS 12/9; MM, NYT, WP 12/9; JP 12/17)

Jordanian FMin. initiates contacts with Syrian government in hopes of easing tensions following signing of Jordan-Israel peace treaty. (Al-Akhbar Al-Usbu` 12/8 in FBIS 12/8)

AIPAC announces it has restructured its operations to step up Congressional lobbying out of fear new Republican majority wants to reduce aid to Israel. (WT 12/14; WJW 12/15) (see 12/2)

Israeli Central Command Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran approves confiscation of 3,000 dunums of land to link Ma'ale Adumim settlement to Jerusalem, plans for 1,500 housing units, 10 hotels on site. Says expansion of Giv'at Ze'ev settlement fr. 22,000 to 40,000 dunums to link it with Jerusalem should be approved soon. (Ma'ariv 12/8 in FBIS 12/13; PR 12/24)

King Hussein asks M Ahmad 'Ubaydat, the only Senate mbr. to openly oppose the Jordan-Israel treaty and normalized relations with Israel, to resign. (JTV 12/8 in FBIS 12/8; CSM 12/22) (see 12/5)

1st issue of Hamas's daily Al-Watan is issued in Gaza. Shaykh `Imad al-Faluji, a Hamas leader in Gaza, is editor. (AFP, ITV 12/8 in FBIS 12/9; PR 12/18)

8 SLA soldiers killed in southern Lebanon when Hizballah detonates bomb as SLA patrol passes. (MM 12/9; ITV, RL 12/9 in FBIS 12/9; MEI 1/20)

Suha Tawil, Arafat's wife, announces she is pregnant. (NYT, WP, WT 12/9)

Haaretz leaks Israeli FMin. memo on how Israel should deal with new Republican turnover in U.S. Congress. Memo urges AIPAC to overhaul its organization to lobby more effectively. (MEI 12/2, 12/16)

Arafat forms tripartite comm. (Fateh, Hamas, PA) to calm tensions following 11/18 violence. Islamic Jihad is angered that it is not included. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 12/6 in FBIS 12/9)

Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri resigns, says it is impossible to work with cabinet crippled by continued influence of militias. (MM 12/2; RL 12/2 in FBIS 12/2; NYT, WP 12/3; AFP 12/2, 12/3 in FBIS 12/5)

Israeli PM Rabin criticizes Syria for not opening "secret" talks with Israel to advance negotiations, says Israel is relying on U.S. Secy. of State Christopher's shuttle trips btwn. the 2 countries. (ITV 9/5 in FBIS 9/8; ITV 9/8 in FBIS 9/9)

PM Rabin says Lebanese govt. "cannot do without Syrian support," and he would "prefer two Syrian divisions deployed in the northern Biqa` Valley than on the Golan Heights" within the context of a peace agmt. (JP 9/5 in MM 9/5; MM 9/6)

PM Rabin sends 4,500 American rabbis letter, text for Rosh Hashanah sermons praising peace process as part of larger effort by U.S. senators, administration officials, Israeli emb., AIPAC to get American Jews to support negotiations. (WP 9/6; WT 9/7; WJW 9/8)

Vatican rep. Msgr. Montezemolo meets with Arafat in Gaza, states his 1st role is papal envoy to Jerusalem and Palestine, 2d is amb. to Israel. (VOP 9/5 in FBIS 9/7; WT 9/6)

After 36-day ban and talks btwn. Arafat, Editor Uthman Hallaq, Al-Nahar reopens on condition it be loyal to PLO. (QY 9/3 in FBIS 9/7; MM 9/5; NYT, WP 9/6)

IDF arrests 8 Hamas mbrs. in connection with death of 3 Israelis in May/July. (MM, NYT 9/6)

The International Conference on Population and Development opens in Cairo. Saudi Arabia boycotts. Muslim delegates band with Vatican in protest over draft document's stand on contraception, abortion. (MENA 9/4 in FBIS 9/5; NYT, WP, WT 9/6; MEI 9/9)

PM Rabin, speaking to AIPAC annual conference in Washington, asserts "Jerusalem will remain united under Israel's sovereignty." Rabin meets Secy. of State Christopher, proposes to speed up transfer of administrative powers to Palestinians in o.t. Christopher reportedly urges Rabin to consider PLO proposals for Palestinian police presence in Hebron. Admin. sources say Christopher did not endorse PLO proposals but that U.S. is not adverse to them. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/16)

40,000 Israelis demonstrate in Tel Aviv for retention of o.t. settlements. Moledet leader Rehavam Zeevi, frmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir, Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu, and Hebron settlement leader Rabbi Moshe Levinger address rally. (MM, WP, WT 3/16)

Police chain shut Jerusalem offices of Kach and Kahane Chai, order them sealed for 6 mos. (MM 3/16)

4 Gaza Fateh officials meet Labor MKs in Jerusalem to discuss restarting Israel-PLO talks. (MM, WT 3/16)

Israeli human-rights group B'Tselem issues report charging that IDF, police, and courts have failed to enforce law on crimes committed by settlers against Palestinians. Report notes that 62 Palestinians were killed by settlers between 1988 and 1993 but only 1 settler convicted of murder and in only 7 cases were settlers' lives threatened. IDF does not dispute report. (MM 3/15; CSM, NYT, WP 3/16)

Border Police shoot dead Palestinian, later identified as PFLP mbr., in Gaza after he fires at patrol. (WP 3/16; MEI 4/15)

Israeli cabinet unanimously declares Kach and Kahane Chai movements "terrorist," bans them under 1948 Prevention of Terrorism Act. Kach issues statement denouncing ban but suspends operations pending judicial appeal. "Yesha" settlers' council accuses govt. of "arrogant and dangerous double standard." (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/14)

IDF clarifies regulations on firing at settlers, saying directives barring firing at settlers "did not apply to cases of murder" and that soldiers must fire back in life-threatening situations even if assailants are Israelis. (NYT 3/14)

UNSC deadlock over resolution on Hebron continues, U.S. seeking separate vote on paragraph referring to Jerusalem. VP Gore, addressing AIPAC annual convention, says Clinton admin. trying "to preserve our position on Jerusalem." (WP 3/14)

U.S. Pres. Clinton telephones Syrian Pres. al-Asad to urge resumption of Israeli-Syrian negotiations. Al-Asad reaffirms commitment to peace process. (MM, WT 3/14)

Israeli PM Rabin calls Cairo accord signed by PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli FM Peres "a very important step," predicts "at least another month will be necessary in order to finish the details of the agreement to a full accord." (Qol Yisra'el 2/20 in FBIS 2/10; MM 2/10; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/11)

Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for abduction and murder of Ilan Sudri, Israeli taxi driver and frmr. border policeman missing fr. inside Israel. In separate incident, dozens of Palestinians detained in search for killers of Israeli citrus farmer found bludgeoned to death in Rehovot. (MM 2/10; WP 2/11)

AIPAC Pres. Steven Grossman announces appointment of Neil Sher, frmr. head of Dept. of Justice's Office of Special Investigations, as next AIPAC exec. dir. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/11; WJW 2/17)

Senate postpones to 2/22 vote by full body on nomination of Strobe Talbott as dep. secy. of state due to Republican opposition. (WT 2/11; WJW 2/17)

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)

In cabinet meeting, PM Rabin accuses U.S. of yielding to Palestinian pressure in considering Jerusalem negotiable. At same meeting, Meretz and some Labor cabinet members, reportedly including FM Peres, call for direct dialogue with PLO. (WT 7/5; MM 7/5; Qol Yisra'el 7/7 in FBIS 7/7)

Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin assails AIPAC as "right-wing" and unrepresentative of moderate American Jewry (see 7/1). (WT 7/5)

10th round of peace talks ends in Washington. Palestinian spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi expresses "strong resentment" of "totally unacceptable" current U.S. working paper. (RMC 7/1 in FBIS 7/1; WP 7/2)

PM Rabin comments on U.S. document, saying, "any changes [to the 12 May document] will not be received by us with great sympathy, but with a disappointment." (MM 7/1)

2 Palestinian gunmen fire on Israeli bus in Jerusalem, killing 1, then hijack a car; IDF shoots, kills them and the Israeli woman driver at a roadblock. (Qol Yisra'el 7/1 in FBIS 7/1; NYT, WP 7/2)

Jordan Bank reaches agreement with Israeli officials to open branches in Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron. (al-Nahar 7/1 in FBIS 7/2)

AIPAC VP Harvey Friedman resigns after Washington Jewish Week quotes him calling Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin "a little slimeball" in disagreement over Israeli govt's approach to peace process. (NYT 7/2)

U.S. Senate passes by unanimous consent S. Con. Res. 28, calling on Syria to withdraw its forces in Lebanon to the Biqa', Syria and Lebanon to disarm Hizballah, and characterizing 9/92 Lebanese elections as unrepresentative of "the full spectrum of the body politic of Lebanon." (Congressional Record 7/1)

Middle East Watch issues report charging Israeli undercover units with "unjustified killings" committed as government policy. (MM 6/29)

Israeli authorities license new West Bank newspaper. Named al-Qabas, first issue expected in one month. (al-Fajr 7/5)

AIPAC Dir. Thomas Dine resigns, admitting to have termed Orthodox Jews "smelly" and "low class" in published remarks on mainstream Jewish attitudes toward them. (WP, WT 6/30)

Israeli-Resistance clashes and shelling continue in southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon 6/29 in FBIS 6/30)

Secy. of Defense Aspin tells AIPAC that "Israel has never been safer," speaks of "commitment" to "strengthen U.S.-Israeli strategic partnership." (MM 6/16)

PM Rabin, speaking to Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comm., states, "I have made it known to Syria that I would not agree to withdraw from all of the Golan Heights even if Syria agrees to a full peace.... I will not leave security arrangements for the Golan in American hands." (MM 6/15)

Knesset votes 39-20 to revise 1986 law to legalize contacts with all factions of the PLO. (MM 1/13, 1/19; NYT, WP 1/20)

U.S. State Dept. releases its annual human rights report, noting 62% rise in IDF killings of Palestinians during 1991. (MM 1/20)

Pres.-elect Clinton transition team announces Edward Djerejian will retain his post as Asst. Secy. of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs; Dennis Ross, of Policy Planning, will become a consultant to the State Dept. on the peace process; Martin Indyk, exec. dir. of AIPAC-affiliated Washington Institute for Near East Policy, will become chief advisor on Arab-Israeli issues at the Nat'l. Security Council. (NYT 1/19)

Settlers open fire on Palestinian youths stoning their car, killing a 12-year-old boy, in Gaza City. Since 1/14, 5 Palestinians under the age of 15 have been killed in the Gaza Strip. (MM 1/19)

Kyrgyzstan's Pres. Askar Akayev, during a visit to Jerusalem, calls for "independence for the Palestinians." He is the 1st Muslim head of state to visit Jerusalem since Anwar Sadat. (MM 1/20)

Arab delegates to Washington peace talks warn that unless the incoming Clinton administration prods Israel into concessions, they will abandon negotiations early next year. Syria accepts invitation toresume negotiations in Washington 12/7. (NYT 11/21)

PLO office in London announces it sent a letter to the Pope asking to set up a Palestinian-Vatican commission similar to that of Israel and the Holy See, which is now exploring bilateral ties. (Reuters in MM 11/20)

Israeli Border Police shoot dead 2 armed Black Panther mbrs. near Jenin. (Qol Yisra'el 11/21 in FBIS 11/23)

AIPAC names new president. Steve Grossman, a businessman and chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic party, will replace David Steiner, who resigned 11/4. (NYT 11/21)

Democratic Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton wins U.S. presidential election with 370 electoral votes over Pres. Bush's 168. (NYT, WP 10/4)

In interview published simultaneously by al-Sharq al-Awsat and the French journal Politique Internationale, U.S. President-elect Bill Clinton is quoted as saying he will end the "pro-Arab bias" that characterized Pres. Bush's Middle East policy. He said he would support Palestinian self-determination in the context of the Camp David Accords, which he would revive with the help of an immediately appointed special envoy, possibly former Pres. Jimmy Carter. (MM 11/3)

AIPAC Pres. David Steiner resigns as a result of disclosure of 10/22 taped phone conversation with New York businessman Harry Katz. (WT 11/4; WP 11/5)

Pres. Bush announces that James Baker will leave his post as secy. of state 8/23 to become chief of staff at the White House. Baker will bring his 4 closest aides with him, will continue to direct the peace process, and will leave Lawrence S. Eagleburger as acting secy. of state. (WP 8/14)

In private meeting with top AIPAC executives, PM Rabin sharply criticizes the lobby for steering Israel toward an unneeded confrontation with the U.S. over the loan guarantees. According to the New York Times, Rabin said the organization "should not pursue their own initiatives, but rather take instructions from the Israeli embassy in Washington." (WP 8/16; NYT 8/22)

IDF shells Iqlim al-Tuffah, Litani River regions, overflies Nabatiyya and Sidon, S. Lebanon. (VOL, Radio Lebanon 8/13 in FBIS 8/13)

Chmn. Arafat's plane crashes in a desert sandstorm near al-Sarra in S. Libya. Three crewmen die; Arafat, 9 others survive. International effort to locate the plane begins. (NYT 4/8)

State Dept. officials meet with officials of Israeli for. ministry in Jerusalem to discuss ways of averting threatened Israeli boycott of any sessions of upcoming multilateral peace talks which include Palestinians from outside o.t. [U.S., Russia have agreed to allow diaspora Palestinians to participate in meetings dealing with refugee problems and economic development. Israel insists that original terms set for peace process excludes Palestinians from outside o.t.]. Americans propose allowing such Palestinians to participate as observers; Israel rejects the proposal. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 4/8 in FBIS 4/9)

Addressing the audience as "fellow Zionists," U.S. Vice Pres. Quayle tells annual meeting of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), most important pro-Israel lobbying group in U.S. that Pres. Bush shares their commitment to Israel's security. (WP 4/8)

Returning from Middle East, and acknowledging deep mutual distrust between Israelis and Arabs, Sec. Baker says both sides must move simultaneously to adopt "confidence-building measures" because neither side can be expected to make the initial concession [LAT, WT 3/18; CSM 3/19].

Tel Aviv district court sentences cashiered soldier Ami Popper to 7 consecutive life sentences plus 20 years in prison for the shooting deaths of 7 Palestinians in Rishon le Zion last May [NYT, LAT, WP 3/18; JDS 3/17 in FBIS 3/19; MET 3/26; JPD 3/30].

Palestinian workers are allowed to return to Jerusalem for 1st time since recent stabbings; workers are also allowed back to Tel Aviv and Haifa for 1st time since 17 January [NYT, LAT, CSM 3/18; JDS 3/17 in FBIS 3/18; MET 3/26]; general strike is observed in o.t. to mark beginning of Gulf war [FJ 3/25].

U.S. and international human rights officials say bodies of 20 to 30 people have been found tortured or shot, and many more are presumedead in what appear to be reprisal killings by Kuwaiti military against suspected pro-Iraqi collaborators [LAT 3/18].

Moving to mollify vocal democracy movement, Kuwaiti gov't. announces it will hold elections for new parliament within 6 months to a year [WP, WT, CSM 3/18; MET 3/26].

Insurgents in Iraq report fierce fighting between rebels and Iraqi troops in many parts of the country [NYT, WT 3/18]; Baghdad's daily newspapers carry accounts of widespread death and destruction in southern Iraq and say rebellion there has been crushed [WP 3/18].

Speaking at AIPAC conference, Israeli Health Min. Ehud Olmert says Israel is willing to begin peace negotiations with all Arab states and to discuss future of o.t. and Golan, but only with Arab delegation that excludes PLO (cf. 3/18) [WP 3/18; JDS 3/17 in FBIS 3/18; CSM 3/19].

Israel's parliament votes 62-57 (1 abstention) to approve right-wing gov't. under P.M. Shamir. Likud's narrow coalition includes 10 other parties or factions representing ultra-Orthodox religious groups and the extreme right [JDS 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; NYT, WP, WT, LAT 6/12; FJ 6/18].

In Tunis, PLO issue statement opposing any military action that targets civilians. Bush admin. is reportedly "disappointed" that PLO did not specifically condemn 5/30 attempted seaborne raid by Abul Abbas's PLF faction [BVP 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; WP, NYT, WT, LAT 6/12]; Robert Pelletreau, U.S. ambassador to Tunisia, meets with PLO representatives for fourth time in recent days; Swedish gov't. sends emissary to Arafat, urging him to take action acceptable to Washington [KUNA 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; NYT, WP 6/12].

UNLU issues call no. 58, calling for increased isolation of Israel and U.S. [SVP 6/11, 6/14 in FBIS 6/13, 6/15].

U.S. Vice Pres. Dan. Quayle, Def. Sec. Richard Cheney, and Virginia govemor L. Douglas Wilder speak before AIPAC's annual conference in Washington [WP, WT 6/12].

Fateh political dir. Zayd Wahbah tells reporters Fateh "had not conducted an infiltration attempt into Israel," referring to 6/10 allegation that SLA had captured Fateh infiltrators in S.Lebanon "security zone" [AFP 6/11 in FBIS 6/12].

Bulldozers, under IDF guard, begin clearing ground near Alon in the W. Bank for new Israeli settlement [WT 4/ 26; JDS 4/25 in FBIS 4/26].

Hussein Musawi, Hizballah leader, urges groups not to release any U.S. hostages because of ill will on part of U.S., says release of Robert Pohill was met by House vote recognizing united Jerusalem as Israel's capital [NYT, LAT, WT 4/26].

U.S. House 4/24 resolution evokes sharp criticism from PLO, most Arab gov'ts. [MENA, ADS, DDS 4/25 in FBIS 4/26].

Arab diplomats ask Cyprus's parliament to restrict Soviet Jewish emigrants from using Cypriot ports as they travel to Israel [WT 4/26].

As first Eastern European leader to visit Israel, Czech Pres. Vaclav Havel briefs interim P.M. Shamir on meeting Havel had with PLO Chrmn. Arafat, offers help in mediating between Israel and the Palestinians [WP 4/26].

According to Washington Times, new gov't. of Nicaragua has asked Mossad, Israeli intelligence service, to reorganize Sandinista intelligence apparatus [WT 4/ 25].

Pro-Israeli supporters question Thomas Dine's criticism of Israeli gov't., speculating Dine was trying to help AIPAC with its critics in U.S. [WT 4/26].

Israeli soldier throws stun grenade at Swiss Red Cross worker in W. Bank camp near Ramallah [MET 5/8-14].

Israeli "There Is A Limit" movement reports 108 IDF regulars and reservists have been jailed for refusing to serve in O.T. [HAM 4/25 in FBIS 4/26].

Responding to international criticism about secret gov't. funding of Jewish settlement in Jerusalem, Israeli foreign ministry issues statement: "It is the right of Jews to live everywhere, and to purchase or rent property in all parts of the land of Israel, and especially in Jerusalem" [NYT 4/25].

UN spokesperson says Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar is deeply concerned over presence of Jewish settlers in Christian quarter of Jerusalem, and disturbed over Israeli officials' financial involvement [WP 4/25].

Through an emissary to interim P.M. Shamir, AIPAC exec. dir. Thomas Dine questions timing of Jewish settlement in Christian quarter of Jerusalem, criticizes Israeli gov't.'s secret financing of move (cf. 4/25) [NYT, WT 4/25].

Gov't of Greece has shelved its plans to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel until all settlers are evacuated from Greek Orthodox St. John's Hospice in Jerusalem [JPD 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Peretz Kidron of Yesh Gvul organization says at least 108 IDF reservists have gone to prison for refusing to serve in O.T. [MET 5/8-14].

Group called Islamic Jihad-Jerusalem threatens to kill Americans worldwide unless U.S. Senate repeals 3/22 resolution calling Jerusalem the capital of Israel [NYT 4/25].

U.S. House of Representatives votes 378 to 34 in favor of a nonbinding resolution affirming support for united Jerusalem as capital of Israel. Resolution, identical to one passed by Senate on 3/22, conflicts with official U.S. policy [WP, WT 4/25; FJ 4/30].

Syria's first ambassador to Egypt in 13 years, Isa Darwish, presents his credentials to Pres. Mubarak [MET 5/8-14].

Eight Arab states, including the State of Palestine, have agreed to Arab summit in Baghdad in late May (cf. 5/1) [KUNA 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Officials from PLO and Japan meet within framework of agreement reached last October, PLO to ask for assistance in creating jobs in O.T. [AVP 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Czechoslovakia's Pres. Havel says his country can serve as transit station for emigrating Soviet Jews [JDS 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Amid rumors that Israel will release captives held in S. Lebanon as payoffor release of U.S. hostage, Israeli officials say Israeli prisoners in Lebanon must be released as part of any deal [LAT 4/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinians in O.T. observe general strike to protest deportation of 8 Palestinians 6/29 [FBIS 7/3].

Other Countries: President Bush sends Shamir letter endorsing Baker's 5/22 speech to AIPAC [NYT 7/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At Meguiddo prison guards use tear gas to quell demonstration [FBIS 6/30]. In Gaza at least 9 Palestinians are wounded during demonstrations [FBIS 7/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: In Shabura district of Gaza City curfew is lifted after 18 days [FJ 5/29].

Other Countries: Secretary of State Baker tells Israel in a speech before AIPAC to forswear any idea of greater Israel that includes O.T. [NYT 5/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian driving near Asqelon is killed by stone thrown from passing car [FBIS 5/22, WP 5/23]. Palestinian from Dur al-Qari' dies from wounds received 5/18. In Gaza Strip at least 6 Palestinians are shot, injured [FJ 5/29]

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Former U.S. officials including former Undersec. of State George Ball and former ambassadors to Saudi Arabia and Qatar-file complaint with Federal Elections Commission charging that American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has violated federal election laws [NYT 1/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm 11- year-old Palestinian dies from gunshot wounds [WP 1/13, FJ 1/16]. In Tulkarm at least 60 people are injured as troops use live ammunition, tear gas, clubs to break up demonstrations at funeral of Palestinian who died 1/11 [FJ 1/16]. At least 16 people are arrested in Jerusalem area as troops break up demonstrations [WP 1/13, FJ 1/ 16]. Settlers,oldiers shoot, wound 4 Palestinians in Hebron. In Kafr Malik troops shoot, injure 2Palestinians. Troopshoot, wound Palestinian in Nusayrat refugee camp. In Khan Yunis soldiers shoot, injure 4 Palestinians. In Gaza 4 Palestinian homes are demolished [FJ 1/16]. Soldiers clash with settlers protesting IDF's failure to put down uprising [WP 1/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli pres. Chaim Herzog calls upon Likud leader Shamir to form new government; Shamir invites Labor into coalition [WP 11/15].

Other Countries: Washington Post publishes report, documents alleging that American Israel Public Affairs Committee endorses candidates and is connected to other pro-Israel PACs that distribute campaign funds [WP 11/14]. Pres. Reagan says that PLO is making "some progress" at the PNC meeting in Algiers [WP 11/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops shoot, wound 18-year-old Palestinian. In Gaza 3 Palestinians are shot, wounded by Israelis. Military authorities destroy or seal 9 Palestinian homes in the occupied territories. Troops arrest 54 Palestinians during sweep of the W. Bank [WP 11/15].