The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during a late-night raid in Tubas; Islamic Jihad said the man was a member of the organization, and PCHR said the man was throwing stones at Israeli forces but posed no imminent threat to them when they shot him from a distance of 33 yards; 2 Palestinians were arrested during the raid. Israeli forces also demolished 1 grocery store, 1 vegetable store, and 1 gas station near Qalandia and demolished 1 residential structure and 5 agricultural structures in Tarqumiyah, displacing 4. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian pupils heading to a school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, injuring 1 with a tear gas canister to his arm and some 70 with tear gas. 11 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during late-night raids in Ya‘bad, Bayt Dajan, and Zababdeh; 3 were arrested while driving near Beita. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Ras al-Amud In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/16; ALM, MEMO 11/17; PCHR 11/18)

It was reported in Israeli media that PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with new director of the Shin Bet Ronen Bar in the last week. The 2 were said to have discussed security coordination and efforts to reach a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Director Bar had also in recent days held meetings with head of Egyptian intelligence Abbas Kamel and Jordanian officials. (HA, JP, MEMO 11/16)

An Israeli military court refuted claims by defense and foreign ministers Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid that a Spanish woman working for Health Work Committees had any links to the 6 Palestinian rights organizations that Israel last month deemed terrorist. The 2 ministers had tried to justify the designation by using the conviction of the Spanish woman as evidence, which the military court then rejected. The Spanish woman was also sentenced by the military court to 13 months in prison and a fine of $16,000 after entering a plea deal. (HA 11/16; AP, TOI 11/17)

The cybersecurity firm ESET published a report saying that the Israeli spyware company Candiru’s spyware was used to hack 20 websites in the UK, Yemen, South Africa, Italy, Iran, and Syria, including Middle East Eye. The hackers were able to use the websites to gain access to computers of website visitors. (GDN, VICE 11/16; HA, MEMO 11/17)

U.S. ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield met with Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz in Israel. According to the readout from the meeting, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield urged Gantz to curb settlement activity. (HA 11/16; MEMO 11/17)

Palestine Legal submitted a civil rights complaint against the George Washington University (GWU) to the DC office for human rights for discriminating against Palestinians. High-level GWU administrators had forced its employees to cancel a session for Palestinian students experiencing trauma related to the Israeli assault on Gaza in May. In addition, organizers of the event at GWU were forced to apologize for the language used in advertising the event. (JC 11/16; MEE, WAFA 11/17)

UNRWA said that 8 countries had pledged $614 million during a donor conference hosted by Jordan and Sweden. (WAFA, WAFA 11/16; MEMO, WAFA 11/17)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces at the Qalandia checkpoint. The man, who is hearing and speech impaired, did not hear that he was ordered to stop. Elsewhere, 1 Palestinian man was shot and injured in Bethlehem after he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail near Rachel’s Tomb. 9 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Hebron, Salfit, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces after allegedly stabbing 1 Israeli police officer in the Old City. Israeli settlers set fire to 13 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Bayt Safafa. 1 Palestinian started demolishing his own 3 shops in Jabal Mukabir. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired shells at Gaza, causing damage in Bayt Hanun and Khan Yunis. Incendiary balloons were launched at Israel; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza City; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/17; HA 8/18; PCHR 8/19)

1 Israeli soldier received 3 months of community service and was demoted to the rank of private by a military court after entering a plea deal for the murder of a Palestinian whom Israeli forces acknowledged posed no danger. (HA 8/17)

Egyptian officials arrived in Gaza to negotiate a de-escalation of tension between Israel and Hamas and other Palestinian factions in Gaza. (HA, HA 8/17)

Israeli officials told Haaretz that, despite normalizing relations with the UAE, Israel is still opposed to the U.S. selling advanced weapons such as F-35 fighter jets to the UAE. However, Haaretz reported that some Israeli officials believe that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had promised to support the sale of weapons to the UAE as part of the normalization deal. In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that both Israel and the UAE are “advanced democracies.” (AJ, HA, HA 8/18)

U.S. senior advisor to president Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, said that the U.S. will not permit Israel to annex parts of the West Bank “for some time” and said that “Israel has agreed with us that they will not move forward [on annexation] without our consent.” (AJ, HA 8/17)

At a rally in Wisconsin, U.S. president Donald Trump said that he moved “the capital of Israel [U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel] to Jerusalem . . . for the Evangelicals.” He continued that “the Evangelicals are more excited by that than Jewish people.” (HILL 8/17; IN 8/18; HA 8/19)

Alleged stabbing attacks continue across the oPt. Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron when a knife is found on her person, and arrest another Palestinian youth after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli police officers in Issawiyya, East Jerusalem. Israeli forces also assault and arrest 4 Palestinian youths nr. the Old City of Jerusalem. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlement in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and 2 areas along Gaza’s border; 5 Palestinians are injured. Israeli authorities keep the Erez border crossing closed for the 3d of 3 planned days and maintain the closure of the West Bank, as decided on 3/22. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and bird hunters nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries. Separately, Israeli settlers in c. Hebron verbally assault the human rights worker who captured video of the unprovoked killing nearby on 3/24. IDF troops conduct raids nr. Jenin, Tubas, and Bethlehem, arresting 1 Palestinian and issuing arrest summons to 5; patrol in Tulkarm and nr. Hebron. Israeli forces shut down a checkpoint nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 2 Palestinians are injured. (MNA, TOI 3/25; MNA 3/26; PCHR 3/31)

At the Jaffa Military Court, IDF prosecutors formally charge with murder the Israeli soldier who shot and killed an incapacitated Palestinian in c. Hebron on 3/24. (TOI 3/27)

Argentina and Uruguay recognize Palestine as “a free and independent state” within the 1967 borders. The Israeli FMin. calls the moves “disappointing” and “regrettable.” (JAZ, YA 12/7)

To mark the anniversary of the founding of their movement, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) mbrs. fire a Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF fires warning shots at an unidentified Palestinian nr. the Qarni crossing into Gaza, causing no reported injures; restricts animal fodder and wheat imports through the crossing for the rest of the week as punishment. The IDF makes an incursion into s. Gaza to level lands along the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, firing on surrounding areas, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 10 residential structures belonging to 15 Palestinian families (101 persons, including 42 children), a school, and 2 other small classroom structures, and at least 17 animal shelters in Khirbat Tana nr. Nablus. The IDF also conducts daytime patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and 2 e. of Tulkarm; conducts late-night patrols in Bayt Liqya, firing live ammunition, tear gas, and stun grenades on stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no injuries; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Hebron. In Gaza, a Hamas-affiliated military court sentences 4 Palestinians to death (3 for a 2007 kidnapping and murder; 1 for collaborating with Israel). (JP, MNA 12/6; OCHA 12/8; PCHR 12/9; OCHA 12/10)

Israel allows 3 truckloads of aluminum, 3 of wood into Gaza for the 1st time since 6/07 and 10/08, respectively. Late at night, unidentified Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF seizes 7 d. of Palestinian land nr. Ramat Yishai settlement in Hebron claiming security reasons; makes a late-night incursion into al-Ma‘sara, raiding and searching the home of a local organizer of weekly protests against the separation wall, threatening to arrest him if he continues to organize demonstrations. Hamas authorities in Gaza execute 2 Palestinians convicted in a Hamas military court of collaborating with Israel in the assassination of several resistance fighters, marking the 1st executions since Hamas took control of Gaza in 6/07. (JP 4/15; NYT, WT 4/16; OCHA, PCHR 4/22)

As the quarter opens, Israel’s siege of Gaza continues, with Israel barring all exports, all but limited humanitarian imports, and most cross-border transit by individuals (with very limited exceptions for extreme medical cases, VIPs, and international NGO workers). Violence in the West Bank is low and restrictions on Palestinian movement between major population centers have eased noticeably. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks are on hold as Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmud Abbas refuses to resume negotiations until Israel implements a comprehensive settlement freeze (which Israel rejects).Today in Gaza, 4 Palestinians are injured when a smuggling tunnel under the Rafah border collapses. In the West Bank, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Tubas, in Bayt Fajjar nr. Bethlehem, and in Qalandia refugee camp (r.c.) nr. Ramallah. Of note, 6 IDF soldiers refuse orders to dismantle structures at an unauthorized settlement outpost; they are relieved of duty pending a court-martial hearing. (NYT 11/17; OCHA, WP 11/18; PCHR 11/19)

IDF troops on the n. Gaza border shoot, seriously wound 2 armed Palestinians nr. the border fence n. of Bayt Lahiya. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Jenin town and r.c., in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem. In Nablus, PA security forces loyal to Abbas release Hamas official and senior adviser to fmr. Interior M Qawasmi Ahmad Dolah (arrested on 7/2); 6 other Hamas officials recently arrested in Nablus have been freed in the past few days. In Gaza, Hamas says that it is installing a temporary legal comm. comprising an Islamic law expert, a military court lawyer, and the head of the main prison temporarily to replace the nonfunctioning PA court system. (AP 7/21; WT 7/22; OCHA 7/25; PCHR 7/26)

IDF tanks fire shells at 2 Palestinians “moving suspiciously” near Brakha settlement, killing them. The IDF raids a Palestinian radio station in Nablus, confiscating all equipment; demolishes a Palestinian house in Rafah without warning, while its residents are sleeping (6 are injured before they manage to flee); fires on residential areas of Ramallah; raids, demolishes an Islamic charitable society orphanage in Bayt Awla nr. Hebron that houses 300 children under 12. Jewish settlers seize a Palestinian house in East Jerusalem, nr. Jabal Mukabir, claiming they own the structure, which will be the basis of a new enclave. (JTA 9/3; LAW, PCHR, Radio Tariq al-Mahabbeh [Ramallah], WP 9/4; MEI 9/13)

The Israeli High Court rules that the government can banish to Gaza the West Bank relatives of Palestinians accused of staging attacks on Israelis only in "extreme cases" where "that person, by his own deeds, constitutes a danger to the security of the state." The ruling argues that such forced transfer constitutes "assigned residence" under Articles 41 + n43 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, is there for legal under international law. The court thus upholds an 8/12 military court order to expel to Gaza for 2 yrs. the brother, sister of senior AMB mbr. Ali Ajuri (assassinated 8/6/02) for allegedly aiding in the staging of the 7/17/02 Tel Aviv bombing; overrules an order to expel another Palestinian for lending a car, food to his brother, Naseer Assida, without knowing he was (allegedly) plotting the 7/16/02 ambush of a settler bus; Assida has not been captured. (HA, JP, MM 9/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/4; MM, WJW 9/5)

A female AMB suicide bomber detonates a device at a bus station in Jerusalem, killing 6 Israelis, injuring around 50. In Jenin r.c., eyewitnesses report that IDF bulldozers are burying Palestinian bodies; Israel says it is merely burying the dead to prevent a health crisis; the IDF says it plans to move corpses to a remote "enemy's cemetery" in the Jordan Valley. Sharon's office says the 200 Palestinians in the Church of the Nativity can end their siege by either submitting themselves to trial in an IDF military court or going into exile abroad. The IDF raids the PA Agriculture Min. offices in Ramallah; fatally shoots a Palestinian shopkeeper in Bayt Sahur. In Gaza's Jabaliya r.c., 30,000s Palestinians attend a Hamas rally. (AP, HA, LAW 4/12; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 4/13; MM 4/16)

In talks with Powell, Sharon refuses to set a timetable for withdrawal fr. PA areas, says he will not hold any political talks as long as violence continues, recommends a Madrid-style peace conference once a cease-fire is in place. (AP, CNN, MM 4/12; NYT, WP, WT 4/13; XIN 4/15 in WNC 4/16; MM 4/16; MENA, al-Quds 4/16 in WNC 4/17; MEI 4/19; al-Quds 4/19 in WNC 4/22)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Jewish settler dead. Jewish settlers place trailers in new locations, establishing new settlement enclaves. Palestinians step up attacks on Jewish settlements, firing on Gilo fr. Bayt Jala for the 1st time in more than a mo., detonating a roadside bomb nr. an IDF convoy outside Kefar Darom settlement, but causing no injuries. IDF soldiers return to Mawasi, "advise" 22 Palestinian families to leave immediately before bulldozers arrive to demolish their homes, seal the area (see 2/10); bulldozers arrive but leave after several hrs. when residents refuse to evacuate. (Gush Shalom press release, NYT, WP 2/12; NYT 2/13)

A PA military court sentences to death West Bank PSF officer Hassan Musallam for abetting the IDF by passing information to Israeli soldiers, deliberately firing on IDF soldiers to provide them with a pretext to retaliate. (LAW, NYT 2/12)

Labor MK Peres says he would be willing to serve as FM in a unity government under Sharon. Labor MKs Yossi Beilin, Ben-Ami, Yael Dayan denounce his position; Uzi Baram resigns fr. the party in protest, ending a 25 yr. Knesset career. (Guardian [Internet] 2/12)

Barak holds talks with top officials, advisers regarding upcoming round of talks with Syria. Barak has not yet appointed the negotiating team, which is scheduled to begin mtgs. on 1/3. (AFP 12/27 in WNC 12/29)

The Shas party threatens to leave Barak's governing coalition if he does not approve funding in the FY 2000 budget for its religious schools, which are $24 m. in debt. If Shas shifts its 17 Knesset seats to the opposition, Barak would be left with a minority government that might not be able to win a referendum on a peace deal with Syria. (XIN 12/27 in WNC 12/29; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/28)

In Tel Aviv, annual 2-day strategic mtgs. btwn. Israel, Turkey begin. Israel assures Turkey that a peace deal with Syria would not harm Turkish interests. A Jordanian observer attends. (ATL 12/27 in WNC 12/28; ATL 12/29 in WNC 12/30)

Barak forbids the Supreme Planning Council in the Israeli Civil Administration to meet unless its agenda has been approved in advance by him or someone appointed by him. Peace activists had disclosed that the council had approved 2,757 new units in West Bank settlements despite Barak's 12/7 decision to suspend settlement expansion until 2/00 to facilitate FAPS talks. (WT 12/28)

PA military court sentences to death a PA Preventive Security Force officer Hashim Abu Nahil for the murder of Ayman Abu Nahil during a family feud on 11/23. This is the 27th death sentence issued by the military court since it was set up in 1994. (LAW 12/28; al-Quds 12/28 in WNC 12/30; al-Quds 12/29 in WNC 1/2; JP 1/7)

Hamas, PA officials say that PA police have detained 40 Hamas activists in Gaza, 50 in the West Bank in the last few days on charges of plotting attacks on Israelis. (HJ, SA 8/26 in WNC 8/30; NYT, WP 8/27)

PA military court sentences to death Palestinian Ayman Abu Saada for fatally injuring PA police lt. Hani Abu Zayna during a confrontation btwn. 2 families on 8/23; Abu Zayna died on 8/25. Human rights groups denounce the summary trial, capital sentence. (PCHR 8/27; AYM 8/27 in WNC 8/30; LAW 8/28; JP, MEI 9/3)

Lebanese military court sentences 29 fmr. SLA mbrs. to prison terms of 6 mos. to 2 yrs. for collaboration with Israel. 83 of the 200 SLA mbrs. who surrendered when the SLA withdrew fr. Jazzin in 5+n6/99 have been convicted. (NYT 8/27)

Amal attacks an SLA patrol in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 SLA mbrs. (RL, VOL 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

Refugee Working Group holds 2 mtgs. in Paris to follow up on family reunification talks. (al-Hayat 3/22; MM 4/6)

Jordan, Egypt, PA hold long-delayed tripartite coordination mtg. in Amman to discuss the post-Oslo period (MENA, RJ, VOA 3/20, al-Quds 3/21 in WNC 3/22; WT 3/21; JT 3/22 in WNC 3/23)

In Athens, Arafat meets with Greek pres. Kostis Stephanopoulos. (Athens News Agency 3/21 in WNC 3/22)

The PA releases 2 Palestinian political detainees. 1 of the prisoners, Harb al-Daqs, had been held without charge for 3 yrs. (PR 3/26)

Following cooperation talks with the Muslim Brotherhood's Islamic Action Front (IAF) party, Jordan's main opposition party, King Abdallah releases 15 Islamists who were detained over the past few wks. for security reasons, orders general amnesty to coincide with upcoming Id al-Adha holiday under which some 600 prisoners will be freed. (AFP 3/20 in WNC 3/22)

Lebanese military court sentences 6 persons to death for collaborating with Israel. (MENA 3/20 in WNC 3/22)

The PA rejects Israel's offer to partially implement the expired Wye agmt. by opening the open s. safe passage route, releasing more criminal prisoners; says that any proposal for partial implementation must include transfer of land. (NYT, WP 2/26)

In a 1-hr. trial, PA military court finds Palestinian Col. Ahmad Abu Mustafa guilty of kidnapping, raping a 6-yr.-old boy; sentences him to death for "inciting the public against the Palestinian Authority." 2,000 Palestinians stage demonstration in Gaza to demand Abu Mustafa's punishment. (NYT 2/26; NYT, WT, WP 2/27; PR 3/5; MEI 3/12)

Bashar al-Asad, son of Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad, goes to Amman to offer condolences to King Abdallah on the passing of King Hussein. (MM 2/26)

Israeli High Court rules (3-2) that American Samuel Sheinbein, charged committing murder in the U.S. in 9/97, is a citizen of Israel, cannot be extradited, will be tried in Israel. The decision reverses a lower court judgement that Sheinbein did not qualify for automatic citizenship through his father, who was born in Mandated Palestine. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/26; WJW 3/4; JP 3/5) (see 9/5/98)

Saudi businessman Salih Idris, whose pharmaceutical plant in Sudan was bombed by the U.S. in 8/98 for allegedly housing chemical weapons for Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden, files suit against the U.S. Treasury Dept. for freezing his London assets without formally declaring him linked to a designated terrorist, as the law demands. The U.S. has never given proof of Idris's ties to Bin Laden. (WP 2/26; WT 2/27; see also WP, WT 2/4)

Turkish officials allow 2 lawyers for Ocalan to see the jailed PKK leader for the 1st time. The mtg. lasts 20 minutes; jailers confine the discussion to Ocalan's health, forbid discussion of his case. Afterward, 1 lawyer is arrested for maintaining ties to the PKK. The other, Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu, quits, saying his life is in danger. (NYT, WT 2/27)

Rockets are fired fr. s. Lebanon into n. Israel, damaging a house but causing no injuries. Israel blames Hizballah, which denies responsibility. (AFP 2/28 in WNC 3/1; MM 3/1)

Palestinians across the occupied territories stage most violent protests in 7 mos. to mark the 11th anniversary of the beginning of the intifada. PM Netanyahu claims PA is deliberately escalating violence ahead of Clinton's visit. IDF responds with percussion grenades, rubber-coated bullets, live ammunition, leaving 1 Palestinian dead, some 200 injured. The worst clashes are in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. In Jericho, Palestinians throw rocks through the windows of the new Oasis casino. Settlers threaten to stage their own demonstrations; ask IDF permission to open fire on Palestinians who approach their border fences. Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin joins prisoners' hunger strike (see 12/5). (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/10; YA 12/10 in WNC 12/14)

Israel's High Court unanimously votes to overturn 50-yr.-old statue exempting Ultraorthodox Jews fr. serving in the IDF. (NYT, WP, WT 12/10)

IDF court-martials soldier who was ambushed, beaten by Palestinians in Ramallah 12/3 for not carrying a loaded weapon, leaving his post without permission. Top IDF cmdrs. say that he should have shot his attackers. (WP, WT 12/10; PR 12/11; JP 12/14)

Acting on Israeli complaints, PA police raid a Palestinian factory in Hebron manufacturing counterfeit compact discs of Israeli artists. (YA 12/9 in WNC 12/14)

Over 80% of settlers in Ganim sign draft bill prepared by Labor, saying that they would to evacuate the settlement in exchange for financial compensation. (ITV 12/9 in WNC 12/14) (see 12/8)

Iraq refuses to accommodate UN Special Comm. (UNSCOM) weapons inspectors demanding access to a Ba`th party offices. (CSM, WT 12/10; WP 12/11)

Arafat returns to Gaza. (NYT, WP 10/29)

In Jericho, PA military court sentences 4 military intelligence officers to prison terms of 3-4 yrs. for raiding Fatah office in Ramallah 10/25. (AFP [Internet] 10/28; PR 10/30)

IDF lifts curfew on Palestinians in Israeli-controlled Hebron. (AP [Internet] 10/28; PR 11/6)

In Damascus, Syria, Turkey hold follow-up security mtg., plan to meet again in early 11/98. (ATL, SATN 10/28 in WNC 10/29) (see 10/20)

Egypt upgrades its diplomatic mission in Iran. (WP 10/29)

Amal attacks an SLA patrol in s. Lebanon, wounding 4 SLA mbrs. (VOL 10/29 in WNC 11/2)

In Amman, King Hussein discusses peace process with Labor Chmn. Barak. The king then leaves for the U.S. for an irregular medical checkup to treat a fever he has been suffering for almost 2 wks. (IDF Radio, JTV, RJ 7/14 in WNC 7/15; JTV 7/14, JT 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

Zalman Shoval replaces Eliahu Ben-Elissar as Israeli amb. to the U.S. (IDF Radio 7/17 in WNC 7/20; WJW 8/6)

Lawyers for Nahum Manbar, an Israeli convicted of selling poisonous gas material to Iran, seeks to have his case declared a mistrial after learning that PM Netanyahu phoned the presiding judge during the proceedings to demand a harsh sentence for Manbar. (MM 7/14; WT 7/15) (see 6/17)

PA State Security Court (SSC) sentences PSF agent Fahmi al-Tawil to death for the murder of another PSF officer, Hamdi al-Krajha. The SSC is outside the PA civilian, military court system; frequently holds secret trials, without legal representation. (LAW 7/15)

After 2 days of high-level talks in Damascus, Iraq, Syria sign oil pipeline agmt. (WT 7/13, Iraqi News Agency 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MM 7/15; al-Quds al-Arabi 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

In hastily scheduled address to the National Press Club, Secy. Albright gives long-planned speech, urging Israel to accept U.S. terms for renewing accelerated final status talks that she calls "balanced, flexible, practical, and reasonable." Albright then heads to Capitol Hill for closed session with congressmen. She also holds hr.-long mtg. with small group of Jewish leaders. (ITV 5/12 in WNC 5/13; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/13; WJW 5/14)

In Amman, Arafat adviser Abbas briefs PM Majali on peace process given failure to convene 5/11 Washington summit. (RJ 5/12 in WNC 5/13)

Israel for the 1st time names an Arab judge, `Abd al-Rahman Zuabi, to the High Court. (WP 5/13)

Croatian delegation arrives in Israel on 1st official Croatian visit, opens talks on expanding bilateral relations. (HINA [Zagreb] 5/12 in WNC 5/13; HINA 5/13 in WNC 5/14)

UAE announces plans to buy 80 F-16s fr. Lockheed Martin in a deal valued at $7 b. (WP 5/13)

Jordanian military court sentences opposition leader Shubailat to 9 mos. in prison for inciting anti-U.S. riots in Ma'an in 2/98. (RJ 5/12 in WNC 5/13; WP 5/13) (see 4/15)

Hizballah attacks IDF unit in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 soldiers. (WT 5/14)

Israeli FM Levy threatens to quit the cabinet after news of Infrastructure M Sharon's secret mtg. with Arafat dep. Abbas 6/16 is leaked to the press. (CSM, MM 6/30; NYT, WT 7/1; WJW 7/3; PR 7/4)

Palestinian Nasir Radwan dies as a result of injuries sustained in a beating by PA Force 17 mbrs. hrs. after his arrest 6/23. Arafat orders 8 officers to be tried by PA military court on assault charges. (LAW, WP 7/1; PR 7/4)

Israeli court releases on bail Nahum Korman, the settler arrested in the beating death of an 11-yr.-old Palestinian boy in Hussan, West Bank, on 10/28/96. Korman may not enter the West Bank until the conclusion of legal proceedings against him. (LAW 7/1) (see 11/1/96)

Turkey's Pres. Demirel approves PM Yilmaz's new, fully secular government coalition. (NYT, WP, WT 7/1; Istanbul Zaman 7/1 in WNC 7/2; MM 7/2; WJW 7/10)

Saudi Arabia asks Lebanon, Afghanistan to extradite 12 persons believed responsible for the 6/25/96 al-Khobar barracks bombing. (WP, WT 7/1) (see 6/27)

2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in clash with IDF in s. Lebanon. (Voice of the Oppressed [Ba'albeck] 7/1 in WNC 7/2)

After separate 2-hr. mtgs. with Arafat, King Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, U.S. special envoy Ross heads to Israel where he holds 3-hr. talks with PM Netanyahu, gives no details of the mtgs. (MM, WT 3/27; ITV, SANA 3/27 in WNC 3/28; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/28; MA 3/28 in WNC 3/31)

Israel sends tanks, troop reinforcements to surround PA self-rule areas in the West Bank. Palestinian protests throughout the territories continue. (MM 3/27; ITV 3/27 in WNC 3/28; NYT, WT 3/28; NYT 3/30)

Jordan's military investigation comm. into the 3/13 shooting of 7 Israeli girls concludes its interrogation of Pvt. Daqamsa, turns the case over to the military court. Daqamsa's lawyer claims that Daqamsa opened fire on the spur of the moment after the girls laughed at him while he was praying. (WP, WT 3/28; al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 3/28 in WNC 3/31) (see 3/22)

2 explosive devices are found in a drainage pipe nr. al-Aqsa Mosque, are disarmed by Israeli police. No one claims responsibility. (PR 4/4)

Israel arrests Israeli businessman Nahum Manbar on suspicion of selling chemical weapons parts to Iran. In a 12/95 interview, Manbar admitted selling arms to Iran, but denied that he sold any weapons that could harm Israel. (WT 4/17; NYT 4/18; JP 4/26)

2-day technical mtg. of the Multilateral Working Group on Refugee Affairs opens in Oslo. (Article 74 7/96)

2-day Syrian-European Cooperation Council mtg. closes in Luxembourg. (SATN 6/11, SARR 6/12, SARR 6/13 in FBIS 6/13)

U.S. says it is not insisting that Israel redeploy its troops in Hebron by today, the deadline set by PM Peres before the 5/29 elections. (MM, WP 6/12)

Netanyahu postpones trip to U.S. scheduled for 6/25 until 7/96. (NYT 6/12; WT 6/13)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir informs Netanyahu that 3 candidates for cabinet positions may not legally be qualified: Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert is under investigation by the Justice Min. for concealing illegal contributions to Likud in 1988; Shas MK Aryeh Deri is on trial for misusing party funds; Tsomet MK Eitan is under investigation for bribery, misusing classified IDF information. (NYT 6/13, 6/20)

Palestinian human rights groups say Sarraj has been beaten by PA police while in custody. PA military court accuses him of striking an officer. Sarraj's lawyers have still not been permitted to see him. (NYT, WP 6/13; PR 6/21; WT 6/22; WP 6/26) (see 6/11)

In light of the Netanyahu win, Israel's Peace Now decides to shelve its campaign to encourage an Israeli withdrawal fr. the Golan in favor of the "less ambitious" goal of blocking new Jewish settlements in the West Bank. (WP 6/12)

Syria rejects latest U.S. proposal for breaking deadlock in Syrian-Israeli negotiations; says U.S. position adopts Israeli security arrangements, is designed to put Israel at ease. (WP 5/21; 5/26) (see 5/15)

In midnight trial, PA military court sentences 3 alleged Hamas mbrs. to 6 mo. each for incitement, carrying unlicensed weapons. (QY 5/20 in FBIS 5/22; AI Index 6/95)

PM Rabin bars poet, frmr. PLO official Mahmud Darwish fr. entering Israel, self-rule areas. (AFP 5/20 in FBIS 5/22)

PA Planning M Shaath says PA-Israeli Joint Liaison Comm. talks on expanding self-rule, scheduled for 4/30, are postponed until 5/8; gives no reason for delay. (AFP 4/22 in FBIS 4/24)

Islamic Jihad offers to end attacks against Israeli targets in Gaza, Jericho until 7/1, if PA releases mbrs. in prison, cancels prison terms imposed by military court, Israel promises not to carry out actions against Gaza. PM Rabin rejects deal unless all attacks are halted. (ITV 4/22, MENA, QY 4/23, AFP 4/24 in FBIS 4/24; CSM, MM 4/24; WT 4/25; WJW 4/27)

Following weekend of talks with PA, DFLP spokesman Ahmad Hamad announces group has decided to end all operations against Israel; expects DFLP detainees to be released, 1 DFLP office to be reopened, new paper al-Jamahir to publish as result. (QY 4/22, AFP, QY 4/24 in FBIS 4/24)

2 Hamas mbrs. are sentenced to 7 and 4 yrs respectively in PA closed military court. 15 mbrs. are released. (QY 4/22 in FBIS 4/24; NYT 4/24)

For 1st time since 12/94, PLO, Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. meet to discuss ways of ending anti-Israeli attacks fr., inside self-rule areas. Hamas, Islamic Jihad demand release of prisoners, review of new military court. Arafat refuses, asks Islamists to drop opposition to Oslo Accord, renounce violence. Sides agree to keep talking. (WT 4/15; NYT, WT 4/17; MM 4/18; MEI 4/28)

In 1st border infiltration attempt fr. Jordan in 2 yrs, 1 armed Palestinian trying to cross into West Bank is wounded by IDF. (QY 4/15, ITV 4/16 in FBIS 4/18; JP 4/22) (see 3/26)

U.S. envoy Ross stops briefly in Amman to discuss bilateral relations, update Crown Prince Hassan on recent shuttle mission btwn. Syria, Israel; leaves for Washington. (MM 4/10; RJ 4/10 in FBIS 4/11)

Middle East Economic Summit steering comm. (incl. representatives fr. 30 countries, international bodies) meets in Amman, announces follow-up conference to 10/94 Casablanca summit will be held 10/29-31. (JT 4/11 in FBIS 4/11; WT 4/23; MM 4/27)

PA cracks down on Islamist opposition in reaction to 4/9 bombings, arresting 112 alleged Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. Arafat convenes new military court for closed-door, all-night trial; 1 Islamic Jihad mbr. given 15-yr. sentence for recruiting bombers. U.S. applauds measures. Palestinian police, Hamas mbrs. exchange gunfire in Gaza, no casualties. 1 American, 1 Israeli die of wounds sustained in bombings. (NYT 4/10; QY 4/10 in FBIS 4/10; AFP 4/10 in FBIS 4/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/11; NYT 4/13; JP 4/22)

Israel's Chief of Staff Shahak, Planning Branch head Maj. Gen. Uzi Dayan present PM Rabin with road separation plan for Gaza, recommending construction of separate north-south routes for Palestinians, leaving existing highways for IDF, Israelis only; say roads closed 4/9 will remain closed until Palestinians accept plan. (MM 4/11)

PM Rabin, FM Peres appoint Shimon Shamir, frmr. amb. to Egypt, Israel's 1st amb. to Jordan. (IDF Radio 2/15 in FBIS 2/16; MM 2/16, 2/17)

Palestinian police detain Palestinian human rights lawyer Raji Sourani for 16 hrs. after he criticizes Arafat's decision to set up military court system (see 2/7). (MM 2/15; QY 2/15 in FBIS 2/15; AFP 2/15 in FBIS 2/16; MM, NYT 2/16; PR 2/20)

South Africa's FM Alfred Nazo signs agmt. with PLO's al-Qaddumi, officially recognizing Palestine; says recognition should not affect South Africa's relations with Israel. (PR 2/20)

U.S. continues to pressure Egypt to sign NPT. Says it will not force issue with Israel because of its "vulnerable position" in the region, fears of angering American supporters of Israel. Some mbrs. of Congress say they will push to reduce foreign aid to Egypt if it does not sign. (NYT 2/16)

Israel releases 2 Arab-Americans arrested 1/93 on suspicion of funnelling money to Hamas, drops all charges. (NYT 2/16)

Arafat announces he is establishing a military court system to try people suspected of security offenses. Human rights groups, several PNC mbrs. say decision undermines Palestinian democracy. (MM 2/13; Al-Majd 2/13 in FBIS 2/14; MM 2/15; NYT 2/16; MEI 2/17; PR 2/20)

Talks on elections resume in Cairo after 4-wk. break to try to draft agmt. on elections before Rabin-Arafat mtg. 2/9. (MM 2/7; MENA, VOP 2/7 in FBIS 2/8; WP 2/8)

FM Peres meets with leading mbrs. of Congress in Washington, incl. Rep. Gingrich, Sen. Helms, discusses foreign aid, peace process; then addresses heads of U.S. Jewish organizations. (MM 2/8)

2-day U.S.-Lebanese security talks headed by Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau, Lebanese Amb. Riad Tabbarah end in Washington; parties say mtg. was successful, they will meet again but give no date. U.S. should make decision on travel ban later this mo. (MM 2/8)

PSF raids, confiscates materials fr. DFLP offices, arrests over 60 DFLP supporters in Gaza in search for those who shot Israeli security guards 2/6. Those arrested incl. Wa'il Khalaf, DFLP representative in negotiations with PA on municipal councils. (MM, NYT, WT 2/8; MEI 2/17)

PSF arrests 20 Islamic Jihad mbrs., closes down offices of pro-Islamic Jihad paper al-Istiqlal. (MEI 2/17; PR 2/20)

U.S. Commerce Secy. Brown meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss Palestinian economic conditions, development. (VOP 2/7 in FBIS 2/8; WT 2/8)

PLA's al-Aqsa Brigade takes up duties as Palestinian police in Jericho, ending Israeli occupation. Joint Israeli-Palestinian patrols commence immediately, 1 stopping Kach sympathizers trying to enter Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue. 9-yr.-old Palestinian killed when his brother accidentally fires a police officer's rifle. Officer whose weapon fired arrested, to be court-martialled for negligence. (MM 5/13; NYT, WP, WT 5/14; NYT 5/15)

IDF leaves another base in Khan Yunis, turning it over to Palestinian police. (WP 5/14)

Hamas-led marches in Gaza Strip clash with IDF. 2 Palestinians wounded by IDF gunfire. (WP 5/14)

Informal talks on final status of o.t. open at Bruno Kreisky Forum in Vienna, grouping MKs led by Eli Dayan (Labor), PLO delegation under Ahmad Tibi. (MM 5/13)

After meeting with German officials, leaders of the American Jewish Committee state Germany will eventually provide loan guarantees for Israel to compensate for E. Germany's failure to pay reparations to Israel after World War II as W. Germany did. (MM 2/5)

Following agreement between Labor, Likud on date for new elections, Knesset passes law dissolving itself effective 3/17/92. New elections set for 6/23. (Qol Yisra'el 2/4 in FBIS 2/5; MM 2/5)

Mustafa 'Abdallah 'Akkawi, E. Jerusalem resident carrying Israeli identity card who was arrested 1/22 on charges of membership in PFLP, dies at Shin Bet detention center in Hebron. He had complained to a military court 2/3 that he was being tortured while in detention. (WP 2/6)

Latvia and Israel sign protocol for economic cooperation, the first such agreement between a Soviet republic and Israel. Protocol "envisions joint research and development. . .and also the exchange of scientific information" [TASS 6/22].

D.M. Moshe Arens plans to appeal for legislative changes allowing for creation of settlers' Civil Guard in O.T. (cf. 6/24) [HAA 6/24 in FBIS 6/28].

Col. Yehuda Meir, under court-martial indictment for allegedly breaking bones of Palestinians, admits to doing so but says he was carrying out orders issued by then-D.M. Yitzhak Rabin in January 1988 [LAT 6/23].