The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians during a raid in Rumana, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot, injured, and arrested 1 Palestinian man riding a motorcycle near Qalqilya. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issued stop-work orders for 8 structures in Deir Balut. Near the Israeli-Lebanese border fence, 2 Israeli soldiers were injured after their vehicle hit a landmine. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/21; PCHR 3/23; UNOCHA 3/31)

The U.S. summoned the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog to the State Department to protest the 3/20 Israeli repeal of parts of the 2005 Disengagement Law. In response Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said that the Knesset had removed legislation that was “discriminatory and humiliating” against Jews and that his government does not intend to build new settlements in the area. (AX, HA 3/21; ALM, HA, HA, REU 3/22; AP 3/23)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog phoned PA president Mahmoud Abbas to congratulate him on the start of Ramadan. (WAFA 3/21)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing damage. In the West Bank, dozens of Palestinian and international activists rebuild the “Gate of Jerusalem” tent camp in Abu Dis, and the IDF tears it down hours later for the 2d time in 2 days. Meanwhile, 100s of Palestinians march through Ramallah to the home of the Jordanian amb. following ISIS’s 2/3 video depicting its fighters killing a Jordanian hostage. In the morning, IDF troops raid a Palestinian high school in Nablus, evacuating it and detaining its principal and asst. principal. The IDF arrests a Palestinian child at the Allenby border crossing with Jordan; conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, Salfit, and in Tulkarm. Israeli forces also deliver demolition orders to Palestinians in Silwan nr. Ramallah for several wells. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest a 10-year-old Palestinian outside his home in al-Tur. In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, an IDF soldier is moderately injured by a landmine nr. the border. (HA, MNA, WAFA 2/4; MNA, WAFA 2/5; PCHR 2/12)

The Israeli govt. continues freezing transfers of tax revenues to the PA in response to the Palestinians’ accession to the ICC. Following the 1/2 freeze of NIS 500 m. (around $127.6 m.) of revenues collected in 12/2014, Israel collected around $100 m. worth of revenues in 1/2015. A senior Israeli official says that the freeze will continue until the govt. “finishes formulating its response to the PA’s unilateral move to the ICC, a step that runs contrary to all previous agreements.” (JP 2/4; MNA 2/11)

Israeli amb. to the U.S. Ron Dermer meets with 7 Jewish Democrats from the House of Reps. to discuss PM Netanyahu’s 3/3 speech to Congress. The mbrs. criticize the timing of the speech. (AP, POL 2/4)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 3 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops subsequently launch attacks on 4 targets in s. Gaza, causing no injuries. Separately, a Palestinian in possession of a grenade is arrested by Israeli soldiers after entering Israel through the perimeter fence. In the West Bank, a 17-yearold Palestinian is killed when he steps on a landmine in the n. Jordan Valley. Separately, an elderly Palestinian dies of a heart attack in Haris nr. Salfit during an IDF raid of the village. In al-Bireh, IDF troops clash with residents during a raid, causing no serious injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 4 nearby villages, Nablus and Balata r.c., ‘Askar r.c. and 3 villages nearby, Bethlehem and 3 villages nearby, 3 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm, and in al-Bireh. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 6/22)

In Gaza, the IDF makes a late-night air strike on a group of Hamas mbrs. in Khan Yunis, missing them, hitting an apartment building, causing no injuries; makes a latenight incursion into Bayt Hanun, under cover of aircraft that fire on several groups of Palestinians and buildings, killing a 55-yr.-old Palestinian in his home, seriously wounding another Palestinian, demolishing several greenhouses, damaging 5 homes. A Palestinian shepherd is injured when he accidentally triggers a landmine e. of Jabaliya r.c. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots, wounds an unarmed Palestinian who strays nr. the separation wall northwest of Jerusalem; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, in Anata e. of Jerusalem and Qabatya, and nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Qalqilya. Jewish settlers fr. Karnei Shomron nr. Tulkarm stone Palestinian cars passing by the settlement, damaging 1. (PCHR 4/24; OCHA, PCHR 4/30)

The IDF makes an air strike on Bayt Lahiya in a failed attempt to assassinate Islamic Jihad mbrs. Ihab Abu Jarad, Nidal Shaqqura, and Muhammad alZa’nin as they walk in a crowded residential area, wounding the 3, as well as 6 bystanders, including 2 children and a mentally disabled person; bulldozes land on the Palestinian side of the Qarni industrial zone (for a 2d day), nr. the border fence e. of Dayr al-Balah. Late at night, the IDF sends troops into Bayt Hanun, raiding a home and arresting 7 mbrs. of a Palestinian family. An IDF special forces unit attempts an incursion into al-Bureij r.c. but is forced to retreat by Palestinian gunmen firing machine guns and mortars; no injuries are reported. Egyptian border police find separate caches of 40 landmines, 500 kg of explosives nr. the Rafah border. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus, in Bethlehem and Jenin town and r.c., and nr. Hebron, Tubas, Tulkarm. (OCHA, PCHR 3/19; PCHR 3/27)

In Gaza, the IDF sends tanks and bulldozers, supported by air craft, into al-Bureij r.c., clashing with local gunmen, killing 4 Palestinians (including at least 3 civilians), wounding at least 40 (including at least 3 women, 15 children, 15 gunmen), detaining 60 for questioning, demolishing 1 Palestinian home, seriously damaging 10 others, bulldozing 90 d. of olive groves and 20 beehives before withdrawing in the afternoon; 5 IDF soldiers are wounded by an antitank missile fired at their vehicle. Palestinians fire 17 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus and Jenin town and r.c., and nr. Hebron. A Palestinian shepherd is killed when he accidentally triggers an IDF landmine in the Jordan Valley. (WP, WT 1/7; OCHA 2/9; PCHR 1/10)

In Gaza, the IDF makes an air strike targeting a car in n. Gaza carrying 3 Islamic Jihad mbrs. allegedly coming fr. a rocket-launching site, hitting the car after the men escape; sends troops into Bayt Hanun and makes 2 air strikes on agricultural lands in the area, causing no reported injuries, withdrawing troops in the afternoon; makes a helicopter air strike on a Hamas training base nr. Dayr al-Balah, missing the target, hitting an open area, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus, in Hebron and Jenin town and r.c., and nr. Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm. Meanwhile, in Rafah, the ESF attempts to arrest an Islamic Jihad mbr. violating the acting Hamas government’s ban on carrying weapons in public, sparking an exchange of fire that causes no injuries; the Islamic Jihad mbr. escapes. (NYT 9/4; OCHA 9/5; PCHR 9/6)

After a week of increased Lebanese army shelling of Nahr al-Barid and reinforcing of positions surrounding the camp, the remaining FI mbrs. holed up in the r.c. make a last-ditch, predawn effort to flee, clashing with soldiers who kill more than 50 FI mbrs., capture 32, and take control of the camp; 5 Lebanese soldiers are also killed, bringing the toll since the crisis began on 5/20/07 to at least 163 soldiers, 222 FI mbrs., 42 civilians. The army says it must conduct demining operations in the camp before refugees may return; Lebanese PM Fuad Siniora vows to repair all damage. (NYT, WP, WT 9/3; WT 9/4, 9/16)

In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes a communal water cistern nr. Hebron; conducts patrols in Dura nr. Hebron (randomly checking Palestinian IDs), Tulkarm town and r.c. (firing on stone-throwing Palestinians who confront the troops); conducts arrest raids, house searches in Nablus, Tulkarm town and r.c. and nr. Jenin. Palestinians fire 2 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In ongoing raids in Egypt (see 2/21), Egyptian security forces discover 1 ton of explosives (mostly TNT recovered from land mines) hidden nr. the border with Gaza that they believe was intended to be smuggled into the Strip; say that they have now arrested 57 Egyptians and Palestinians believed to be part of a network planning bombings in the Sinai targeting Israeli tourists, but also including 3 Palestinians who allegedly confess to being mbrs. of Islamic Jihad and to plotting to carry out suicide attacks in Israel. On the 2d anniversary of the 1st weekly nonviolent protests in Bil‘in against the separation wall, 10s of Palestinians and Israeli and international activists demonstrate; the IDF fires rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, percussion grenades to disperse them, beating some, injuring 13 (including a CNN cameraman). (WP 2/24; NYT 2/25; OCHA 2/28; PCHR 3/1)

The IDF pulls most troops out of Bayt Hanun before dawn; bulldozers and tanks remain positioned nr. Bayt Lahiya. Clashes continue in Jabaliya during the day, leaving at least 8 Palestinians dead, including an AMB mbr. assassinated in an air strike on his car in n. Gaza (3 AMB mbrs. are wounded), 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs. nr. Bayt Lahiya, the sister-in-law of Change and Reform PC mbr. Jamila al-Shanti (who helped organize the 11/3 women’s demonstration in Bayt Hanun), 2 Palestinians affiliated with Hamas are killed in Jabaliya r.c. when the IDF fires tank shells at Palestinians who allegedly fired RPGs fr. Shanti’s home, a Palestinian civilian fatally shot nr. Bayt Lahiya. IDF air strikes destroy the Gaza City home of a senior Hamas military cmdr., damage several neighboring homes after ordering the residents to leave. A Palestinian wounded in Bayt Hanun on 11/6 dies. Palestinians fire 6 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel (4 hitting nr. Ashkelon), causing no damage or injuries; IDF artillery shells Bayt Hanun in response. The IDF says it seized “large amounts of weaponry” during the operation, including rocket launchers, RPGs, mines, rifles, ammunition but no rockets or antitank weapons. The UN estimates that some 250 Palestinians were wounded, 30 Palestinian homes demolished, 100 damaged (residents put the number at around 40 demolished, 400 damaged), water and sewerage systems damaged, large tracks of trees uprooted during the operation. In the West Bank, the IDF sends undercover units into Qalqilya (in a car with Palestinian license plates to arrest several wanted Palestinians, wounding 1), al-Yamun nr. Jenin (assassinating AMB mbrs. Tahir ‘Abahra, Salim Abu al-Hayja, Mahmud Abu Hasan, ‘Ala’ Khamaysa and killing 1 Palestinian bystander, wounding 3 Palestinians); conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem. (IFM, REU 11/7; NYT, WP, WT 11/8; PCHR, WP 11/9)

In Gaza, the IDF begins allowing limited humanitarian and food supplies through the Kerem Shalom, Sufa crossings (closed since 6/25); sends an undercover unit into Abasan in s. Gaza to capture senior Hamas mbr. Yunis Abu Daka, firing on his home, killing his brother Yusuf Abu Daka, then conducts air strikes on the house causing severe damage (Yunis Abu Daka is not captured). In the West Bank, the IDF sends an undercover unit into Jenin, driving a car with Palestinian license plates, that shoots, seriously wounds Islamic Jihad’s West Bank military cmdr. Hussam Jaradat in an assassination attempt; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron and Qalqilya, in Bethlehem and Nablus, nr. Jenin. A previously unknown group called the Holy Jihad Brigade releases a video tape of 2 Fox News journalists kidnapped in Gaza City on 8/14, demanding that the U.S. release all Muslims fr. its jails within 72 hrs., marking the 1st time that a Palestinian militant group has made demands of a foreign country other than Israel, which is not mentioned in the statement; all major Palestinian groups denounce the kidnapping and deny involvement. PA civil servants launch a series of strikes to press PA PM Ismail Haniyeh’s government to take action to pay back salaries. (Miftah 8/23; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 8/24; OCHA 8/25; PCHR 8/31; NYT 9/1)

Without explanation, the IDF shells Shaba‘ village, inside Lebanon, fr. the disputed Shaba‘ Farms region, causing no damage or injuries. In s. Lebanon, 3 Lebanese troops are killed when they accidentally detonate an unexploded IDF missile that they are trying to disarm; an IDF soldier is killed, 3 are wounded when they accidentally trigger one of the 1,000s of Israeli landmines left over fr. Israel’s previous occupation. (NYT, WP 8/24)

In Gaza, the IDF drops leaflets on and makes automated phone calls to residents in n. Gaza warning them to evacuate areas around rocket launch sites, buildings used by militants; shells Bayt Lahiya, killing 3 Palestinian civilians, wounding 11 others (the IDF says a shell may have misfired); repeatedly shells Bayt Hanun and perimeter, killing 3 Palestinian civilians, wounding 8; shells a shed on a farm nr. Gaza City, allegedly serving as a weapons depot. IDF troops stationed at the Dahaniyya airport fire on residential areas of nearby al-Shuka, wounding 1 Palestinian woman outside her home. Palestinians fire 8 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Late in the evening, the IDF conducts air strikes destroying 2 Palestinian homes in Gaza City and Khan Yunis (belonging to an Islamic Jihad mbr.), damaging surrounding stores and residences, wounding 3 bystanders; in both cases, the IDF phoned the homes 20 min. before the attack to warn residents to evacuate. The IDF also makes an air strike destroying a house of a Hamas mbr. under construction in Brazil r.c., also destroying 2 neighboring homes, damaging several others, wounding 15 bystanders (including 7 children). In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Beitunia nr. Ramallah; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Jericho, Tulkarm, and in ‘Askar r.c., Azariyya, Jenin town and r.c.; bulldozes 35 d. of Palestinian land for construction of the separation wall nr. Jerusalem. (WP 7/24; NYT, WP 7/25; PCHR 7/27; B’Tselem 8/3)

IDF ground forces advance another halfmile into s. Lebanon, using bulldozers to clear roads and demolish buildings, engaging Hizballah mbrs. in Bint Jubayl and encountering artillery fire, antitank weapons, land mines, leaving 2 IDF soldiers dead, 14–20 IDF soldiers wounded, 2 Hizballah mbrs. captured, an unknown number of Hizballah casualties, up to 5 IDF tanks disabled; an IDF helicopter returning fr. Bint Jubayl crashes in the n. Galilee, killing another 2 IDF soldiers. Meanwhile, IDF-Hizballah clashes continue in Maroun al-Ras. The IDF also continues air strikes across Lebanon, targeting at least 70 Hizballah sites (particularly around Tyre), killing at least 7 Lebanese civilians; also hitting a UN post, injuring 4 UNIFIL soldiers. Hizballah fires around 80 rockets into n. Israel, injuring 20 Israelis, 2 seriously, and starting brush fires. (JAZ, NBC Nightly News, Slate, Wall Street Journal 7/24; NYT, WP, WT 7/25; WP 7/26)

Overnight, the IDF drops 2 quarter-ton bombs on a 3-story building in Gaza City in an attempt to assassinate chief Hamas bomb-maker Muhammad Dayif, 4 times previously the target of Israeli assassination since 2000, wounding Dayif, killing senior Hamas mbr. Nabil al-Salima,his wife and 7 children, wounding Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades n. Gaza cmdr. Ahmad al-Gander and at least 33 bystanders, seriously damaging 15 surrounding homes. At the same time, the IDF also expands Operation Summer Rains with a major incursion into central Gaza, sending 10s of tanks, APCs, armored bulldozers across the Kissufim crossing under helicopter and drone escort and moving troops north fr. positions nr. Abasan, cutting the Strip in half, ordering PA security forces to leave the area, shelling and bulldozing surrounding areas. During the day, the IDF reportedly kills at least 22 other Palestinians and wounds at least 14 in major gun battles nr. Dayr al-Balah in central Gaza and in air and artillery strikes around Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis; the PRC’s Salah al-Din Brigades Khan Yunis leader Hisham Abu Nusayra, a PA policeman are killed in separate air strikes in Khan Yunis and a police station in alQarara is hit. The IDF also bulldozes 65 d. of agricultural land, partially demolishes 8 Palestinian homes and a car, and occupies 10 Palestinian homes as military posts in Dayr al-Balah; withdraws fr. the Qarni industrial estate (held since 7/8), allowing humanitarian and commercial imports to resume, and from Dahaniyya airport (held since 6/28), allowing PA security forces to enter the airport and the Rafah crossing and around 1,000 displaced Palestinians (see 7/8) to return to their homes. Palestinians try to fire rockets fr. Gaza toward Kissufim, but they fall short, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF sends undercover units into Dura, Nablus to conduct arrest raids. A Palestinian militant dies of injuries received during the 7/7 IDF air strikes on Bayt Lahiya. (BBC, HA, IMEMC, NYT, OCHA, PCHR, WP, WT 7/12; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 7/13; PCHR 7/20; NYT 7/21; B’Tselem 8/3)

Before dawn, Hizballah launches a crossborder attack on Israel, dubbed Operation True Promise, firing rockets across the Blue Line into n. Israel as a diversion; sending fighters in to n. Israel to attack an IDF patrol btwn. Zarit and Shetula, capturing 2 IDF soldiers, killing 3 soldiers, wounding 2. The IDF sends troops into Lebanon to search for the missing soldiers, where an IDF tank hits a mine, killing 4 IDF soldiers and marking Israel’s 1st ground incursion into Lebanon since its 5/00 withdrawal. (An 8th IDF soldier is killed, 2 others are wounded in Lebanon late in the evening as they try to recover the remains of the 4 tank occupants.) The IDF also launches air strikes and directs heavy artillery, tank fire on some 40 Hizballah positions, roads, bridges, power stations in s. Lebanon, killing at least 2 Lebanese civilians, 1 Lebanese soldier, wounding at least 10. The Lebanese government requests that UNIFIL broker a cease-fire, but Israel says a cease-fire would be contingent upon return of the captured soldiers. Hizballah leader Shaykh Hasan Nasrallah says the group plans to hold the 2 soldiers for the release of 3–4 Lebanese held by Israel. During the day, IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz calls up a reserve infantry division for deployment to the n. Israel border and sends the Israeli navy into Lebanese waters, threatening a massive invasion of Lebanon; makes air strikes on a Palestinian guerrilla base s. of Beirut. (BBC, HA, IFM 7/12; HA, IFM, NYT, WP, WT 7/13; UNIS 7/14)

Overnight, 10,000s of Hamas supporters rally outside the PC building in Ramallah in solidarity with the Hamas-led government. During the day, the IDF launches an air strike at a minibus traveling in downtown Gaza City, assassinating 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs. (Shawqi al-Saiqali, Hamad Wadiya); 7 minutes later, as medics and crowds gather at the scene, the IDF makes a 2d air strike on the site, killing 4 Palestinian medics, 5 Palestinian bystanders, wounding 32; IDF chief of staff Dan Halutz says, “We are saddened by the deaths of these innocent Palestinians but hold absolutely no responsibility for them.” The IDF also occupies a Palestinian home in Jenin as a sniper post, then assassinates AMB mbr. Muhammad al-Wahish with a bullet to the chest (the target of an assassination attempt earlier in 2006); fires across the border on a funeral procession in Jabaliya r.c., wounding 3 Palestinian teenagers; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Jenin and nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus. In addition, the IDF claims that its investigation of the 6/9 explosion on the Bayt Lahiya beach that killed 8 Palestinians was not caused by Israeli fire but by a Palestinian land mine; Palestinians and a Human Rights Watch senior military analyst dispute this based on the crater pattern, shrapnel at the scene, injuries of the wounded. Jewish settlers fr. Avraham Avino settlement vandalize several Palestinian homes in Hebron. Jewish settlers fr. Ma’on settlement beat several Palestinian farmers working their fields in Yatta, outside Hebron, pouring toxic substances onto their agricultural land, setting fire to 1,500 sq. m. of crops. In Nablus, Hamas mbrs. rally against Fatah rampages in Ramallah on 6/12. (MM, NYT, PCHR 6/13; IFM, NYT, WP, WT 6/14; PCHR 6/15; MM 6/16; Guardian, HA, Independent 6/17; OCHA, REU 6/21)

A Lebanese, Mahmud Rafih, confesses to running a network for Mossad, killing asenior Islamic Jihad mbr. on 5/26. (WP 6/14; MM 6/16; XIN 6/17; MM 6/20; SFR 6/21)

The PA says it has arrested 15 PSF officers on suspicion of having taken part in attacks on Israelis. In Gaza, the PSF attempts to arrest Hamas spokesman `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi, but 100s of Hamas mbrs. and supporters surround Rantisi's home, engage in a gun battle with PSF officers. The PSF also closes a shop in Gaza that allegedly made homemade mortars. A senior Hamas official says that the group has taken a decision to halt suicide operations in Israel but does not intend to announce it publicly. Nr. Tubas, a Palestinian shepherd is seriously injured when he steps on a land mine thought to have been buried by the IDF (see 11/22). (AFP, LAW, PCHR 12/19; NYT, WP 12/20; WP 12/21, 12/22)

Israeli, PA security officials hold talks on possible new security arrangements in the West Bank. (NYT 12/20; WT 12/21)

U.S. Pres. Clinton phones Israeli PM Barak to congratulate him on Israel's pullout fr. Lebanon, to discuss the peace process. Barak agrees to meet Clinton in Berlin on 6/1. (WT 5/29)

In s. Lebanon, a crowd of Lebanese, Palestinian demonstrators shouts insults and occasionally throws rocks across the border with Israel. When at least 1 Lebanese runs several yards into Israel to plant a Hizballah flag, the lIDF opens fire with rubber bullets, injuring 4 demonstrators. In 2 other incidents, 2 Lebanese children are killed and 7 Lebanese wounded when their car hits an IDF land mine in a newly vacated area of s. Lebanon, and a Hizballah mbr. shoots and kills a Lebanese Christan in the 1st such incident since the Israeli withdrawal. (NYT, WP 5/29; MEI 6/2)

Across the West Bank and Gaza, Palestinians hold rallies to celebrate Israel's withdrawal fr. Lebanon, congratulate Hizballah (IRNA 5/28 in WNC 6/1)

In Damascus, Iranian FM Kharrazi holds talks with Syrian Pres. Asad, FM Faruq al-Shara' on Israel's unilateral withdrawal fr. Lebanon, aid for Lebanon's reconstruction, strengthening bilateral ties. (IRNA 5/28, 5/29 in WNC 5/30)

Fmr. Syrian dep. PM for economic affairs Salim Yasin is arrested in a crackdown on corruption. His assets and those of Mufid 'Abd al-Karim, a fmr. transportation official arrested awk. ago, are seized. (MM 5/30; WT 5/31; MM 6/5) (see 5/21)

In Oslo, Norway opens ceremonies honoring slain Israeli PM Yitzhak Rabin, attended by PA's Arafat, Israeli PM Barak, U.S. Pres. Clinton, Russian PM Vladimir Putin. On the sidelines, Clinton meets separately with Arafat and Barak, with no aides present; urges them to move swiftly toward a final status agmt. Toward midnight, Arafat, Barak hold private mtg. (MM 11/1; AFP, ITAR-TASS, SA, XIN 11/1 in WNC 11/2; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/2; AYM, al-Quds 11/2 in WNC 11/4; WJW 11/4)

In Oslo, Israeli negotiator Eran, PA negotiator `Abid Rabbuh, UN special envoy Larsen discuss final status talks, agree that 1st negotiating session to draft framework agmt. will be held on 11/8, not 11/7 as planned on 10/29. (MM 11/1)

2 of 4 Jewish settler families are evacuated fr. Mitzpe Hagit, 1 of 10 settlements ordered removed by Barak. (WP 11/3)

In a compromise agmt. btwn. Israel's Chief Rabinate (an umbrella group of municipal rabbis) and Israel's tourism industry, Christians celebrating millennial holidays in Israel will have to confine their festivities to closed-off hotel halls to preserve the Jewish character of public places, particularly in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv. The ban includes displaying Christmas trees, which the Chief Rabinate claims "defile Judaism and undermine Israel's Jewish character." (WT 11/3)

At the close of 4 days of mtgs. in New York, 300 INC delegates elect a 65-mbr. central council, 7-mbr. leadership team (including "independents," Kurds, an Islamist, and a monarchist). (MM 11/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/2)

In s. Lebanon, 4 civilians are injured, 2 by IDF shelling, 2 by an IDF land mine. (RL 11/1 in WNC 11/2, 11/3)

Barak names Amb. to Jordan Oded Eran, to head final status negotiations with the PA. The PA reportedly does not think Eran is a senior enough figure, thinks his appointment is proof that Barak wants to conduct real negotiations in a back channel. (MM 10/26; NYT 10/27; AYM 10/27 in WNC 10/28; AYM 10/30, 11/1 in WNC 11/3; NYT 10/31; JP 11/5) (see 9/16)

Israel also announces that David Ivri, a fmr. air force cmdr. and DMin. dir. gen. who is now on Israel's national security adviser, will replace Zalman Shoval as amb. to the U.S. Washington reportedly asked for Ivri's appointment, just as Barak asked for Indyk to return as U.S. amb. to Israel (see 10/20). (MM, WP, WT 10/27; MM 10/28; JP 11/5)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Israel for talks with Arafat, Barak in advance of the 11/2 Oslo summit.  During their meeting in Gaza, Ross, Arafat also discuss Israeli settlement activity, land confiscations, house demolitions. (AYM 10/26 in WNC 10/28; WT 10/27; AYM 10/30, 11/1 in WNC 11/3) (see 10/20)

In Israel, U.S. Defense Secy. William Cohen assures PM Barak, that the Clinton administration will press Congress to approve $1.2 b. in aid to help Israel implement the Wye accords; expresses concerns over Israel's proposed sale to India of Popeye air-to-surface missiles, which was jointly developed by Israel, the U.S. (WT 10/26; NYT, WP 10/27)

British FM Cook meets with the PA Jerusalem Affairs M Husseini at the American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem for talks on Jerusalem's contested identity. Israeli, Palestinian security officials scuffle over who should guard Cook. (MM, NYT, WT 10/27; JP 11/5)

In Bethlehem, Palestinians, IDF troops clash for 2d day. Although the city is under PA security control, IDF troops are deployed to guard Rachel's Tomb, a Jewish religious site. A total of 30 Palestinians, 2 Israelis have been injured since 10/25. (MM, WP 10/27)

The IDF demolishes 2d Palestinian home in East Jerusalem in a 24-hr. period. (LAW 10/26)

In s. Lebanon, IDF shelling injures 4 civilians, damages 30 homes, an electricity station, and a water network. (RL 10/26 in WNC 10/27; RL 10/28 in WNC 10/29)

On the 5th anniversary of the assassination of its leader Fathi Shiqaqi by Mossad, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, aided by Hizballah, detonates a roadside mine in s. Lebanon, targeting IDF and SLA forces. This is the 1st time Islamic Jihad has staged an attack in Lebanon. No injuries are reported. (NYT 10/28; MEI 11/12)

PM Netanyahu angers Jordan by giving a speech warning Israelis that Jordan could form an alliance with Iraq if Baghdad attacked Israel. (WT 2/28; JP, PR 3/5; MEI 3/12)

PA executes PSF officer condemned to death 2/25. (NYT, WP, WT 2/27; JP, PR 3/5; MEI 3/12)

Iran holds 1st local elections since 1979. More than 280,000 candidates run for 200,000 seats nationwide. So many people turn out to vote that some polling stations run out of ballots, hrs. for voting are extended. (NYT, WP 2/26; NYT, WP 2/27; WP 2/28; CSM, MM 3/1; MM 3/2)

To protest Israel's annexation of Arnun on 2/18, 2,000 Lebanese students, residents of nearby villages break through an IDF military cordon, cut through barbed wire, cross suspected minefield, enter the village. IDF fires warning shots fr. outside Arnun, but does not try to expel protesters. Students leave at nightfall; IDF does not attempt to reenter the village. (NYT, WT 2/27; RMC 2/28 in WNC 3/1; MEI 3/12)

In Gaza, British PM Blair, Arafat sign security cooperation agmt. After mtg. Blair announces that Arafat, Netanyahu have agreed to meet separately with him, U.S. Secy. of State Albright in a London summit beginning 5/4 in what the U.S. warns might be a last chance to save the peace process. (MM 4/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/21; ITV, LPA, MA, RE, SA 4/21 in WNC 4/23; MM 4/23; PR 4/24, 5/1; JP 5/2)

Netanyahu invites extreme hard-liner retired Gen. Rehavam Ze'evi, his Moledet party to join the cabinet as minister without portfolio. Ze'evi has advocated deportation of Palestinians fr. Israel, occupied territories; warned Arafat in 1993 that he would be assassinated if he dared to visit Israel; publicly insulted Asst. Secy. of State Indyk when he was serving as amb. to Israel. (MM 4/22; al-Quds al-Arabi 4/23 in WNC 4/27; MM 4/24; WT 5/5; MM 4/27)

Iran, Iraq hold mtg. to discuss freeing all remaining POWs, fate of MIAs. (CSM, WP 4/21)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA mbr. is injured when land mine explodes. (VOL 4/20 in WNC 4/21)

Albright meets with Arafat in Geneva, then flies back to Paris for 2d mtg. with Netanyahu. (NYT, WP, WT 12/7; IDF Radio, MA, MENA, YA 12/7, YA 12/8 in WNC 12/9; CSM 12/8; MM 12/9)

In Paris, French pres. Jacques Chirac meets with Netanyahu, blames Israel for the deteriorating peace process. (YA 12/12 in WNC 12/16)

Hizballah attacks IDF compound in s. Lebanon. 2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed, 1 IDF officer is wounded. Elsewhere in s. Lebanon, a civilian is injured by an IDF land mine. (RL, VOL 12/6, 12/7 in WNC 12/9; MEI 12/19)

Secy. of State Albright meets with Netanyahu in Paris on her way to Africa to discuss his new FRD proposal. Netanyahu holds separate mtg. with French PM Lionel Jospin, FM Vedrine; stresses that EU must take back seat to U.S. for the peace process to succeed. (MM 12/5; HA, IDF Radio, LCI Television [Paris] 12/5 in WNC 12/8; IDF Radio 12/5 in WNC 12/17; NYT, WP 12/6; HA, IDF Radio 12/7, YA 12/8 in WNC 12/9; WT 12/8; MM 12/9; JP 12/13; PR 12/19)

 Mossad officer Yehuda Gil admits relaying false information on Syria to the government for at least 6 of his 20 years at the agency. (MM 12/5; WP 12/6; ITV 12/6, IDF Radio, ITV 12/7 in WNC 12/9; NYT, WP, WT 12/7; al-Ba`th [Damascus] 12/7 in WNC 12/17; MM, WT 12/8; JP 12/13; see also MM 12/4)

 Russian special envoy Posuvalyuk arrives in Lebanon for talks with PM Hariri, Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah. Posuvalyuk then returns to Damascus. (ITAR-TASS, VOL 12/5 in WNC 12/8)

 In Gaza, IDF opens fire on Palestinian demonstrators, critically injuring a toddler, wounding 5. (WP 12/6)

 A day after the UN renews the old oil-for-food deal for 6 mos., Iraq stops pumping oil through its main pipeline to Turkey, says flow will resume when UN approves new plan for distribution of humanitarian goods bought with oil revenues; blames U.S. for blocking contracts to buy goods. (WP, WT 12/6)

In s. Lebanon, 3 Lebanese civilians are killed, 1 is wounded by IDF land mines. Hizballah responds by shelling IDF posts. (RL, VOL 12/5 in WNC 12/8; MEI 12/19)

In Beirut, unidentified gunmen open fire on car of Higher Islamic Shiite Council (HISC) head Imam Muhammad Mahdi Shams al-Din, wounding 1 bodyguard. HISC, Lebanese security claim incident was not an assassination attempt. (MENA, RL, VOL 12/5 in WNC 12/8; VOL 12/6 in WNC 12/9)

With PM Netanyahu's knowledge, Israeli Infrastructure M Ariel Sharon secretly holds mtg. with Arafat dep. Abbas to discuss each side's position on final status negotiations. FM Levy, DM Mordechai are not told of the mtg. (NYT, WT 6/29; MM 6/30; YA 6/30 in WNC 7/2; MM 7/1, 7/2; CSM 7/3; PR 7/4; JP 7/5; SA 7/8 in WNC 7/9; MEI 7/11)

In Hebron, IDF shoots, wounds 8 Palestinian demonstrators. (MM 6/16)

Palestinian Hakam Subhi Qamhawi dies in the PA General Intelligence interrogation center in Jericho. General Intelligence says he died of a heart attack. (LAW 6/17)

In Amman, the prosecution rests in the Daqamsa case. (JT 6/17 in WNC 6/19; JT 7/6 in WNC 7/8) (see 5/27)

In s. Lebanon, a Lebanese civilian is wounded when a bomb explodes nr. his truck. In a separate incident, 1 IDF soldier is killed, 3 are wounded when their tank hits a Hizballah land mine. (MM 6/16; VOL 6/16 in WNC 6/17)

King Hussein returns home fr. trip to Morocco, UK, Germany, Ireland. (JTV 2/20 in WNC 2/24)

FBI chief Louis Freeh arrives in Jordan to discuss extradition of Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq, raising speculation the U.S., Israel prefer to deport him to a 3d country. Freeh arrived in Amman fr. Israel, is heading to Egypt. (NYT 2/21; SA 2/22 in WNC 2/25; al-Ra'i 2/24 in WNC 2/26; JP 3/1; MEI 3/7) (see 2/11)

ILMG closes 2-days of talks on death of 1 Lebanese civilian, wounding of 2 others during IDF shelling 2/18; blames Israel for the death. (RL 2/19 in WNC 2/20; RL 2/20 in WNC 2/21; RL 2/20, 2/21 in WNC 2/24; al-Nahar 2/21, RL 2/22 in WNC 2/25)

IDF mine explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 1 Lebanese civilian. (RL 2/21 in WNC 2/24)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak meets separately with Arafat, U.S. special envoy Ross. Arafat then returns to Gaza to meet with the EA. (RE 1/11 in WNC 1/14; NYT, WP 1/12; JP 1/18)

Jordan's King Hussein phones Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Israeli PM Netanyahu, U.S. Secy. of State Christopher to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian track. (RJ 1/11 in WNC 1/14)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA patrol triggers a land mine, wounding 1 mbr. (RL 1/11 in WNC 1/14)

Al-Hayat's Riyadh bureau receives, defuses a 2d letter bomb. (NYT 1/14; WT 1/15) (see 1/4)

In Jerusalem, Israel, PA hold "expanded" round of talks on Hebron. The 2 sides discuss the possibility of another Arafat-Netanyahu mtg. A dispute arises over the Rafah airport: Israel demands that the PA tear down the terminal, which already has been completed, and build it elsewhere. (RJ 11/21 in WNC 11/22; ITV 11/21, MA 11/22 in WNC 11/25; WJW 11/28)

In a press interview, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak says that Egypt "will not stand idly by" if Israel attacks Syria. Israel denounces the statement as provocative; Syria welcomes it. (al-Nahar 11/21 in WNC 11/26)

2 Palestinian boys are killed, 3 are wounded when they uncover an 1967-era Israeli land mine nr. Jenin. PA-Israeli joint patrol searches the area, discovers 2 more mines. (PR 11/29)

Shoval sends petition signed by 1000s of Israelis to Clinton, Congress. (QY 10/15 in FBIS 10/16) (see 10/11)

In 2d attack in s. Lebanon in 3 days, Hizballah detonates land mine as IDF patrol passes, killing 6 soldiers, seriously wounding 1. Israeli ships shell Hizballah targets, IDF reinforcements move in fr. n. Israel. (IDF Radio, ITV, QY, RL, SARR, VOL 10/15 in FBIS 10/16; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; QY 10/15 in FBIS 10/17; WT 10/17; MM, NYT 10/18; JP, WP 10/28)

In Iraq's national referendum, Saddam Hussein wins 99.96% of the vote. (NYT, WP 10/15; CSM 10/16, 10/17)

Unnamed Syrian source reports first batch of Syrian troops has been dispatched to Saudi Arabia [DDS 8/21 in FBIS 8/22], foreign and defense ministers of 9-nation Western European Union vow to expand naval operations in Gulf and to share responsibility with U.S. for enforcing sanctions; 12-nation EC denounces detention of Westerners in Iraq, says their countries' embassies will defy Baghdad's orders to close [WP 8/22].

Military reports say Iraq has fortified Kuwait with up to 800 Scud missiles and 36 launchers, and with land mines placed around vital installations [WT 8/22].

During meeting with Iraqi deputy P.M. Hammadi, Soviet officials urge Iraq to provide guarantees for safety for all foreigners in Iraq and Kuwait [NYT 8/22].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz arrives in Amman, says Iraq is ready to discuss a wide range of Middle East issues with the U.S.; also says foreigners in Iraq are not "hostages." Bush admin. says it will not negotiate with Saddam until Iraq leaves Kuwait [NYT, WP 8/22].

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak makes emotional appeal to Saddam to withdraw from Kuwait [NYT, WP 8/22].

Sec. of Defense Richard Cheney returns to Washington after 6-nation tour of Gulf [WT 8/22].

Yemen says it will not allow Iraqi oil tankers to unload in Aden [NYT 8/22].

Survey conducted by Committee for the Protection of the Occupied Children of 1,000 households in Jenin area finds 47.5% of children 6-14 had been physically harmed by IDF soldiers, either by beating, shooting, or teargassing [HAA 8/22 in FBIS 8/24].

Lebanese parliament ratifies constitutional changes approved by Ta'if agreement 10 months ago, changes could establish political equality between Muslims and Christians [WP 8/22; NYT 8/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics states that 600 more people left Israel than arrived in 1988; overall population increasing at 1.6% per year; Jewish population at 1.3%; Muslim population at 3.7%; total population is 4,476,800; 82% of population is Jewish; 14% Muslim [FBIS 7/13]. Yossi Beilin, aide to Labor leader Peres, states that Israel holds indirectalks with PLO [FBIS 7/13, LAT 7/14].

Arab World: PLO officials state that PLO and Israel have held indirect talks [LAT 7/14].

Other Countries: British F. M. Geoffrey Howe meets with Bassam Abu Sharif, aide to Arafat [FJ 7/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Stone throwing Palestinian from Hebron is shot, killed. In Khan Yunis soldiershoot, kill 18-year-old Palestinian [FBIS 7/13, FJ 7/17].

Other Countries: Land mine kills SLA soldier in Israeli-imposed "security zone" in south Lebanon [MET 7/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's cabinet endorses Shamir's election proposal, 20-6 [NYT 5/15, MET 5/23].

Arab World: Syria announces it will not oppose Egypt participation in upcoming (5/23) Arab summit; Egypt was suspended from Arab League following 1979 treaty with Israel. Syrian, PLO officials schedule meetings during Arab summit [NYT 5/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In northern Israel Palestinian shoots, slightly injures 2 policemen before being seriously wounded [MET 5/23]. In Gaza 25-year-old Palestinian, suspected of collaboration, is found dead. Israeli troops shoot, wound 8 Palestinians in O.T. In Gaza curfew confines 210,000 Palestinians to their homes [NYT 5/13].

Arab World: Land mine kills SLA soldier, wounds another in Israeli-imposed "security zone" in S. Lebanon [MET 5/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot, injure at least 23 Palestinians in O.T. In Battir at least 30 residents are arrested during a curfew [FJ 4/10].

Arab World: Landmine injures Israeli soldier in S. Lebanon [FBIS 4/5, MET 4/11]. Israeli naval ship stops 2 boats on route to Cyprus from Beirut; 14 passengers are taken to Israel for interrogation [FBIS 4/5]