The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attempted to set a Palestinian-owned home on fire in Hebron, but fled when the family living in the home woke up. Israeli forces demolished 1 retaining wall and 1 agricultural structure in al-Maniya. Israeli forces also temporarily evicted 6 Palestinian families from their homes in in Khirbat Ibziq to conduct a military exercise; during the drill, 2 cows were killed and 3 were injured. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silat al-Harithiya, ‘Anata, Dheisheh refugee camp, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for several commercial structures in Wadi al-Juz; 1 Palestinian minor was arrested during a late-night raid in Isawiya. In Israel, 20 Palestinian-owned vehicles were vandalized and racist anti-Palestinian graffiti was sprayed in Kafr Qasem. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; PCHR 2/10; UNOCHA 2/11)

Israeli police arrested 1 Israeli settler in the Givat Ronen settlement outpost in relation to an attack on Israeli activists helping Palestinians planting trees in Burin on 1/21. (HA 2/7)

According to figures obtained by Haaretz from Israeli police, charges were only filed in 3.8% of criminal cases where Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians or their property. (HA 2/7)

On the 2d day of the 31st session of the PLO Central Council, Rawhi Fattouh was elected speaker of the National Council, replacing Salim Zanoun, who retired. Hussein al-Sheikh was appointed as a PLO negotiator with Israel and the U.S. Al-Sheikh was also 1 of 3 new members elected to the PLO executive committee. Hamas called the appointments “illegal” and said they lacked support from the national consensus. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the PFLP later issued a joint statement calling the appointments “a violation of decisions based on national consensus.” (REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; HA 2/8; AJ 2/10)

The Knesset approved the 1st of 3 votes of the citizenship law that would prevent family reunifications of Palestinians married to Israeli citizens. Meretz and United Arab List boycotted the vote. Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked told Yedioth Ahronoth in an interview that the bill is meant to prevent a “creeping right of return.” (HA 2/7; HA, MEE 2/9)

Palestinian member of the Knesset from the Meretz party and minister for Regional Cooperation Issawi Frej was hospitalized after suffering a stroke. Frej’s chief of staff said he would make a full recovery. (HA 2/8)

Calcalist reported that Israeli police used the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware against Israeli journalists, politicians, rights activists, former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son Avner, and people involved in the court case against Benjamin Netanyahu. On 2/1, Israeli police admitted to misusing the Pegasus spyware. (AP 2/6; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, TOI 2/7)

The German news outlet Deutsche Welle fired 5 Palestinian and Lebanese employees, saying the had posted anti-Semitic content on social media. The social media posts in question were largely criticism of Israel and not targeting Jewish people. Deutsche Welle was criticized for trying to silence criticism of Israel. (AJ 2/11; MEMO 2/15; HA 2/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli undercover forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians, including 2 PA security officers, and injured 2 others, including 1 PA officer near the PA intelligence headquarters in Jenin. Israel said that its anti-terror unit was in Jenin to arrest 2 Islamic Jihad members when they shot the 4 Palestinians; the PA presidency condemned the killing of the 3 Palestinians and the PA prime minister called the Israeli actions an act of state terrorism. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a raid in al-Fawar refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids and around Bethlehem, Jaba‘, Silwad, and Izzariya; 4 were arrested at checkpoints near Jenin and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a visit to the Old City by Itamar Ben-Gvir from the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party at the Damascus Gate plaza, using stun grenades; 30 Palestinians were arrested. Ben-Gvir was banned by Israeli police from marching through the Old City on 6/9. Palestinians also protested against evictions of Palestinians from Batn al-Hawa, outside of an Israeli court holding a hearing on the matter (see below); 3 were arrested. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 shed and razed land in Issawiyya. 1 was arrested during a house raid in Batn al-Hawa. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, BBC, HA, HA, JP, JP, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/10; MEMO 6/11; PCHR 6/17)

An Israeli court delayed a hearing on an eviction case against 2 Palestinian families in Batn al-Hawa. The hearing was postponed to 8/7. (AJ 6/10)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz approved the construction of an elevator at al-Ibrahimi Mosque, which is also a shine for Jewish people, allowing Israeli settlers with walking disabilities to enter the mosque. The approval violates the 1997 Hebron protocol signed by the PA and Israel. (ALM 6/23)

A video from 3/24/2019 surfaced showing Israeli prison guards at the Ketzion Prison in the Negev abusing 55 shackled Palestinian prisoners. The video shows that the prisoners were piled on top of each other and beaten with batons and kicked by the prison guards, even as they lie still on the concrete ground. (HA, MEE, WAFA 6/10; HA 6/11)

Former Mossad director Yossi Cohen implied in an interview with Israeli Channel 12 that Israel was behind attacks on Iran’s nuclear facility Natanz and on Iranian scientists. (AP, TOI 6/11)

In an interview with Yedioth Ahronoth, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that the sale of U.S. F-35s to the UAE was “crucial” to a normalization deal between the UAE and Israel. (HA, TOI 6/10)

China donated $1 million to the PA for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines. (WAFA 6/10)

In the West Bank, PA governors imposed lockdowns of several governates and cities, including Hebron city, Abu Falah village, and Nablus governate for 5 days, and several towns and villages in the Bethlehem governate for 7 days, to curb the spread of COVID-19. Later, the PA said it would impose a 5-day lockdown in the West Bank starting 7/3. Palestinians protested in Ramallah against Israel’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank. Israeli settlers razed land in ‘Ayn Bus and southeast of Qalqilya. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jalazun refugee camp, Birzeit, Kafr al-Dik, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Jabal Mukabir and 1 residential shack in Issawiyya. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-Tur, Silwan and Bayt Hanina. In Gaza, Palestinians in Gaza City protested the planned Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/1)

According to Haaretz sources in Gaza, Hamas’s military wing tested long-range missiles. (HA 7/1)

Israel’s foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi told Israel’s Army Radio that, “[i]t seems unlikely to me that this [announcement of plans for annexation of parts of the West Bank] will happen today . . . I reckon there will be nothing today.” Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously announced that annexation of parts of the West Bank would begin on 7/1. (AJ, HA, REU 7/1)

The Syrian, Russian, and Turkish president issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s attacks on Syria and U.S. president Donald Trump’s decision to recognize the occupied Golan Heights as part of Israel. (AJ, HA 7/1)

In an op-ed in the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, UK prime minister Boris Johnson warned Israel against annexation of parts of the West Bank, saying that it would be a violation of international law and that the “UK will not recognize any changes to the 1967 lines, except those agreed between both parties.” (HA, YNET, REU, WAFA 7/1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval forces twice open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage and detaining 4 Palestinian fishermen. In the West Bank, 100s of Palestinians organized by Fatah gather in various locations to call for boycotts of Israeli products, an end to the Israeli occupation, and for the Israeli govt. to unfreeze transfers of tax revenues held since 1/2. Dozens of Israeli settlers, accompanied by IDF troops perform religious rites in a Palestinian village nr. Nablus, leading to clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in nearby Balata r.c. and ‘Askar r.c.; 1 Palestinian is moderately injured by live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Qalqilya; patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. and Nur Shams r.c., as well as nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, an undercover Israeli policeman arrests a 10-year-old Palestinian in Shu‘fat suspected of throwing stones at the light rail, sparking clashes in the area during which 1 Israeli officer is lightly injured. Meanwhile, Israeli municipal officials deliver a demolition notice to a Palestinian in Sur al-Bahir. Israeli police detain 3 Palestinian women as they exit Haram alSharif. (MNA 1/24; WAFA 1/25; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 1/26; MNA, WAFA 1/27; PCHR 1/29) 

Reps. of the Middle East Quartet (the U.S., EU, UN, and Russia) meet in Brussels to discuss methods of revitalizing the peace negotiations in the wake of the 12/30 UNSC vote rejecting a timetable for the Israeli occupation. (REU 1/27)

The IDF announces that it has dismissed 43 veterans and active reservists of Unit 8200, an intelligence gathering division, in response to their refusal of service, which they announced in a letter published by the Guardian and Yedioth Ahronoth on 9/12. (+972, HA, YA 1/26)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. alSudaniyya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah. IDF troops violently disperse an anti-occupation demonstration in Silwad nr. Ramallah, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Nil‘in), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces around Haram al-Sharif after Friday prayers. There are also violent clashes in Silwan. (JP, MNA 9/12; PCHR 9/18)

The Guardian and Yedioth Ahronoth publish a letter from 43 active reservists and veterans of Israel’s Unit 8200, an elite intelligence gathering division. It announces their collective refusal of service in protest of Israel’s oppressive policies toward the Palestinians. (Guardian, YA 9/12) (See Docs. C1 and C2 in JPS 174 for more.)

A mortar shell fired from inside Syria lands in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, likely a misfire during battles between Syrian govt. forces and rebels, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, YA 9/12)

Palestinian killed in Nablus when IDF fires on demonstrators demanding release of prisoners.  (NYT 6/25; TJT 7/1)

IDF soldier injured when IDF, Palestinian police in Gaza brawl over who should take a stone-throwing Palestinian into custody.  (NYT, WP 6/25)

PM Rabin, in interviews published in Yediot Aharonot and Maariv, says "Arafat as a Muslim is entitled . . . to visit Jerusalem" to pray.  Remarks draw criticism fr. right-wing Israelis, including Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert.  In other comments, Rabin warns war with Syria inevitable unless a peace treaty reached soon.  (MM 6/24; NYT, WP 6/25)

Yediot Aharonot publishes Israeli-Jordanian peace accord allegedly signed by FM Peres, King Hussein in Amman 3/11/93.  Peres, who had at time told Israelis to "remember" that date, refuses comment.  Agreement allegedly includes border adjustments in Wadi `Araba, full diplomatic relations, arrangements for holy sites, and cooperation in transport, water, and other fields.  (WT 6/25)

Secy of State Christopher visits Jericho, commends "skill and efficiency" of Palestinian self-rule area.  After mtg. local admin., Christopher is escorted by Faisal Husseini on tour of Hisham Palace.  (MM 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/18; TJT 5/20)

Christopher meets twice with PM Rabin, discusses Israel-Syria negotiations.  "Officials" report 3-stage Israeli withdrawal plan, to take place over 5-8 yrs.  National Security Advisor Anthony Lake, in Washington speech, says U.S. seeks "real peace" btwn. Israel and Syria, will "participate in the security arrangements" reached by the parties. (NYT 5/18, 5/19)

IDF formally turns over Gaza Strip civil admin. to Palestinians in exchange of papers at Erez checkpoint btwn. Israel, Gaza Strip.  (MM 5/17; NYT, WP 5/18; Yediot Aharonot 5/18 in FBIS 5/18)

Israeli motorist kills Palestinian when he fires on stone-throwers in Nablus.  (TJT 5/20)

2 settlers killed, 1 wounded when their car ambushed nr. Bet Hagai settlement, south of Hebron.  Hamas claims responsibility for attack.  (MM 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/18; JP 5/28)

Israel Radio broadcasts recording of 5/10 speech by PLO Chmn. Yasir Arafat to Muslim congregation in Johannesburg, South Africa, in which Palestinian leader calls for "jihad to liberate Jerusalem."  PM Rabin calls speech "a clear violation" of PLO commitments under 5/4 agreement.  (MM, WP, WT 5/18)

6 Fateh Hawks killed by 7 mbrs. of IDF undercover unit disguised as Palestinians while distributing leaflets after rally in Jabaliya r.c., Gaza Strip. At least 2 of the Hawks shot point-blank, according to witnesses. Jabaliya placed under curfew following incident. Fateh Gaza leadership calls for 3-day strike. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls emergency mtg. of leadership. (NYT, WP, WT 3/29)

Curfew imposed on Nablus and surrounding r.c.s. (MM 3/28)

Yediot Aharonot reports IMI, German companies Preusag, Kaiser, unnamed Jordanian company cooperating on 10-yr., $10 b. plan for digging "new" Jordan River to supply desalinated Mediterranean Sea water to Israel and Jordan. (WT 3/30)

King Hussein, speaking to ambassadors of permanent UNSC mbrs., conditions Jordanian return to Arab-Israeli peace talks on end to searches (part of international embargo on Iraq) of ships bound for Jordan's Red Sea port of Aqaba. (MM 3/28; NYT 3/29)

Firefight in Hebron btwn. escaped Palestinian prisoners and IDF kills 3 escapees, 1 other Palestinian. In Gaza Strip, Hamas mbr. kills 1 Israeli, wounds another before being shot and killed. (Qol Yisra'el 1/14 in FBIS 1/14; MM 1/14; WP, WT 1/15)

Jerusalem Media and Communications Centre poll shows 45% of Palestinians in o.t. support DoP, 40% oppose. Same poll in 9/93 showed 69% in favor, 28% opposed. (WP 1/15)

Frmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir, in excerpt of memoirs published by Yediot Aharonot, admits ordering 1943 killing of Eliahu Giladi, his predecessor as head of underground "Stem Gang." (NYT, WT 1/15; JP 2/19)

Israel-PLO talks in Taba on implementation of Gaza-Jericho accord recess, PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath saying agreement reached on 35 of 38 issues. (WP 1/13)

IDF Central Command head Maj. Gen. Nehemia Tamari, top Israeli officer in West Bank, killed with 3 other officers in helicopter crash nr. Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el 1/12 in FBIS 1/12; MM 1/12; NYT 1/13)

Yediot Aharonot reports Israeli economic delegation in Morocco for talks with Moroccan PM, other officials. (MM 1/12)

Israelis fr. across political spectrum form "Peace Watch" to monitor compliance with Israel-PLO agreements. (MM 1/13

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah says Catholic Church will insist that Israel stop barring Palestinians fr. entering Jerusalem, notes "Jerusalem is still to be discussed" between Vatican, Israel. (NYT 1/1)

Polls show that 1/3 of Israeli settlers in West Bank and Gaza Strip would leave if offered compensation in cash or housing in Israel proper. (NYT 1/1)

Frmr. Israeli negotiator Yossi Olmert says private, unofficial Syrian-Israeli talks were held 5/93-10/93 in Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey under auspices of Initiative for Peace and Cooperation in the Middle East, a branch of Washington, DC-based Search for Common Ground. (WT 1/1; Yediot Aharonot 1/2 in FBIS 1/3; MM 1/4)

Fateh Hawks hold rally in Gaza attended by hundreds. (WP 1/1)

2 Israelis killed in Ramla by Palestinian attackers. (MM 1/4)

PLO reportedly firing locally hired employees at PLO diplomatic missions, asking redundant Palestinian representatives to resign. (AFP 8/24 in FBIS 8/24)

Jordan's King Hussein, in interview, criticizes PLO for not coordinating with Amman on "Gaza-Jericho lst" proposal. PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Hussein, Jordanian PM al-Majali to work out differences. Joint Jordanian-Palestinian Comm. for Econ. Affairs holds 1st meeting in Amman. (MM 8/24, 8/25; Radio Jordan 8/24 in FBIS 8/25)

Faisal Husseini denies advocating Palestinian national salvation govt. in 8/22 Hebron speech. (al-Quds 8/25 in FBIS 8/25)

Israeli FM Peres, in Copenhagen, denies Yediot Aharonot report that he met with PLO official in Stockholm previous week, saying "I met only Swedes." (MM 8/24)

Israeli PM Rabin rejects GAO criticism of Arrow program, denies Israel transferred U.S. technology to 3d parties. (Qol Yisra'el 8/24 in FBIS 8/24; WT 8/25)

Alleged collaborator murdered in Qabatiya, West Bank. (Qol Yisra'el 8/25 in FBIS 8/25)

Palestinian delegation head Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi warns that unless Israel concedes Palestinian rights in Jerusalem "it will kill the peace process." (NYT 7/17)

Secy. of State Christopher announces he will travel to Middle East 8/1-5 to pursue "role of honest broker" in peace talks. (USIA Wireless File 7/19)

Dahaf Institute poll indicates 42% of Israelis favor talks with PLO, 57% oppose. (Yediot Aharonot 7/16 in MM 7/16)

Syrian FM al-Shara' rejects Israeli warning to curb guerrilla activity in southern Lebanon. (MM 7/16)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Officials indicate Israel's leaders have decided to postpone expulsion of 5 Palestinians [WP 1/29]. Police Min. Haim Bar-Lev tours Nablus and 'Askar camp, confirms Irael will build several new detention centers in occupied territories, including 1 for children [FBIS 1/28; WP 1/29]. Israeli bus used to transport Palestinian workers to jobs inside green line is torched in Tulkarm district. Commercial strike continues in Ramallah, al-Birah, and E. Jerusalem [FBIS 1/28, 1/29]. Leaflets signed by PLO and Unified National Com. for the Uprising call for general strike to continue, renewed mass demonstrations beginning 1/30 [WP 1/29, 2/2]. According to Israeli officials, 111 W. Bank residents and 18 Gazans have been placed under administrative detention since 12/9; 1,753 have been arrested; and 577 have already received prison sentences for participating in the uprising [FBIS 1/28].

Arab World: PFLP denies Jordanian accusations that it attempted to incite rebellion against the Hashimite regime [FBIS 1/29].

Other Countries: U.S. Pres. Reagan holds talks with Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak. Both urge Israeli and Palestinian acceptance of 6-month cooling-off period [NYT, WP 1/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian sources report 1 demonstrator is killed by army gunfire in Rafah [FJ 1/31]. Military rounds up males between the ages of 15 and 45 in Shu'fat during night raid [NYT 1/30]. Troops teargas Palestinian demonstrators in Nablus. Curfews continue in Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta village and Sa'ir [FBIS 1/28]. Curfew on Jabalya refugee camp is lifted [FBIS 1/29]. Military lifts curfew on Jalazun refugee camp, reimposes curfew on Qabatiyyah village following morning protests. Yediot Aharonot reports IDF has established a regional headquarters and several camps in Gaza Strip, a sign it plans to maintain high levels of deployment [FBIS 1/29]. IDF reports scattered incidents of stone throwing in Gaza Strip [FJ 1/31].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes conduct mock raids over al-Awwali Bridge. IDF gunboats fire flares over Sidon [FBIS 1/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhaq Rabin says new policy of "power, force, and beating" has brought "relative calm" to W. Bank and Gaza Strip. Striking shopowners in Ramallah charge soldiers have been beating them indiscriminately [WP 1/26]. Yediot Aharonot reports Palestinian workers are refusing to make wooden clubs for the army [LAT 1/26]. P. M. Shamir lifts travel restrictions on journalist Hanna Siniora. Cabinet Sec. Elyakim Rubinstein leaves on official visit to U.S. [WP 1/27]. Almost total commercial strike in E. Jerusalem keeps stores closed [FBIS 1/26]. Four Gazans facing deportation withdraw appeals to Israeli High Court [FBIS 1/25].

Arab World: In Sidon, Palestinian Revolutionary Council releases Amal official Hasan Darwish al-Darwish [FBIS 1/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfews on new and old 'Askar refugee camps are lifted; Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta curfew and Sa'ir blockade remain in force [FBIS 1/25]. Soldiers beat and teargas stone-throwing demonstrators in Rafah camp [FBIS 1/26]. Demonstrators blockade roads in al-Tur and other Jerusalem neighborhoods. Military lifts Jabalya camp curfew allowing workers to go to jobs in Israel. Curfew on Rafah camp is also lifted. In village of Idna, soldiers seize Arab-owned buses to raid village, attack protesters using tear gas and rubber bullets. Several villagers are injured. Many Palestinians are injureduring army's night raid of 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camp. Throughout territories, reports indicate many Palestinians suffer broken bones, other injuries caused by army beatings. In Gaza Strip's Nusayrat camp, troops force about 10,000 men to spend night in open air [FJ 1/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military officials confirm more than 1,000 Palestinians have been arrested in connection with recent rioting. Yediot Aharonot poll shows 69% of Israelis favor using tougher measures against violent disturbances in Gaza Strip and W. Bank; 80% support deporting Palestinians responsible for the unrest; 47% say they are in "a tougher mood" as a result of the riots [NYT 12/26]. Balatah and 'Askar refugee camps are ordered under curfew after demonstrations [FJ 12/27]. Demonstrations are reported in Gaza following Friday prayers [FJ 12/27]. Israeli authorities extend closure of Islamic U. in Gaza and Palestine Religious Institute additional week to 1/3 [FJ 12/27].

Arab World: PLO official Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) leaves Libya following official visit [FJ 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 20 Israeli soldiers capture 3 Palestine Liberation Front guerrillas who crossed into Israel from Jordan [NYT 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza City, Israeli driver opens fire on stone-throwing demonstrators who surrounded his car; 2 schoolgirls are wounded [WP, NYT 11/12]. Attomey General Yosef Harish orders investigation into death of 'Awad Hamdan, who died in Jenin Prison 7/21; Yediot Aharonot reports 3 Shin Bet officers have been suspended for lying about the incident [WP, NYT 11/12]. Israeli officials order 2 Dayr al-Balah schools closed until 11/15 after student demonstrations [FJ 11/15]. High-ranking Japanese trade delegation arrives in Israel [FBIS 11/13].

Arab World: Final declaration of Arab summit includes statement of support for UN-sponsored international peace conference and says member states may restore diplomatic ties with Egypt [NYT 11/12]. UAE announces resumption of diplomatic relations with Egypt [NYT 11/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Los Angeles Times-Yediot Aharonot poll shows Israelis are significantly more supportive than Americans of the U.S.-Iran arms negotiations. Americans are also more "suspicious of Tel Aviv's motives" in mediating the deal; 38% say that American aid to Israel should be decreased as a result [LAT 12/16].

Other Countries: Church of England envoy Terry Waite denies engaging in "any dealings in arms or money" in connection with the release of American hostages in Beirut [WP, IN 12/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers surround Nablus campus of al-Najah U. and use tear gas to disperse peaceful marchers. The troops refuse to allow students to return home until evening [FJ 12/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Trade and Industry Ministry announces $6.2 million plan to build new factories near at least four West Bank settlements and enlarge existing ones at ten others (FJ 9/5). Report in Yediot Aharonot says F.M. Shamir will be questioned by police in connection with Shin Bet investigation (FBIS 8/3).

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: PLO Political Department chief al-Qaddumi meets French Foreign Minister Jean-Bernard Raimon in Paris. They discuss Palestinian and Mideast situation and PLO-French relations after remarks by Chirac opposing Palestinian state are published in Yediot Aharonot (FBIS 8/27).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Yediot Aharonot publishes poll finding 57% of Israeli public favor dropping any kind of investigation into the Shin Bet affair, while 41% favor some kind of inquiry [NYT 7/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes in downtown Tel Aviv, injuring an Israeli woman; anonymous caller to Agence France Press claims responsibility on behalf of Fateh's Force 17 [NYT 7/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Yediot Aharonot reports secret talks between Jordanian Min. of State 'Adnan Abu Odeh and Dir. Gen. of PM's office Avraham Tamir on composition of joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation; PM Peres denies report [BG, JTA 3/11]. Cab. ministers Aryeh Nehamkin, Yosef Shapira appear as character witnesses in trial of Jewish underground member Uri Maier [JP 3/11]. More than 100 Palestinian students stage sit-in at Haifa U., protesting 3/6 punishment of student leaders; police intervention turns violent; 4 members of police injured, 11 students arrested [JP 3/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bomb thrown at IDF truck outside al-Am'ari camp; no injuries; 2-hr. curfew imposed, shops closed, 16-yr.-old arrested. Stones thrown at Israeli bus near Halhoul; passengers fire into the air, apprehend 12-yr.-old boy, hand him over to IDF [JP 3/11].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: car bomber detonates explosive-laden car in midst of IDF convoy less than one mile N. of Israeli border at Metulla; 12 IDF soldiers killed, 14 wounded [NYT 3/11]. IDF helicopters fire at civilians crossing Israeli front line N. of Tyre; 2 wounded [LT 3/11].