The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces closed off large parts of Hebron to Palestinians, including forcing Palestinians to close their shops in the Bab al-Zawyeh area to allow Israeli settlers to tour it. Israeli forces also seized an excavator in Burin. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Burqin, and Deir Ghasana, 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near al-Khader, and 1 was arrested at the entrance to Zabbuba. In East Jerusalem, nearly 1,700 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound on the Jewish holiday Tisha B’Av, drawing criticism from the Israeli governing party the United Arab List, the PA, Hamas, the EU, and Jordan. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters on and around the Haram al-Sharif compound who were expressing anger over the settler incursion, causing injuries and 5 arrests. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/18; MEMO, MEMO 7/19; PCHR 7/29)

The Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt was open for 1 day. (MEMO, WAFA 7/19)

In a statement after the Israeli settlers had toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett said the Israeli security forces had preserved “freedom of worship for Jews on the Mound [the Haram al-Sharif compound],” a significant departure from the status quo of the Holy Sites and a 1st from an Israeli prime minister. Under the status quo agreement, only Muslims have the right to worship on the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 day later, Prime Minister Bennett clarified that the wording was a mistake and that he meant “visit” rather than “worship.” (HA, MEMO 7/18; AP, HA, JP, WAFA 7/19)

The Israeli high court of justice rejected a petition from Peace Now to stop the transfer of Israeli public funds to the Amana movement, which funds and builds unauthorized constructions in Israeli settlements and settlement outposts. (HA 7/19)

Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid said that the Israeli government would examine the diplomatic ramifications of the demolition and eviction of the bedouin community Khan al-Ahmar. (HA 7/18; MEMO 7/19)

The PFLP-GC said it had elected a new leader, Talal Naji, to replace Ahmed Jibril who died on 7/7 after months of sickness. (AP, HA 7/18)

17 news outlets published a Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International investigation based on a leak of more than 50,000 records of phone numbers, which had been targeted for surveillance with Pegasus spyware from the Israeli spyware company NSO Group’s clients. The investigation found that at least 180 journalists from 21 countries had been targeted by 12 NSO Group clients, including the governments of Bahrain, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, India, the UAE, Mexico, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Togo, and Rwanda. The investigation also found that heads of governments, including Pakistan’s prime minister Imran Khan, France’s president Emmanuel Macron, and Morocco’s king Mohammed VI, were among possible victims. Furthermore, the investigation showed that Pegasus spyware was installed on Saudi dissent journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancée’s phone and that his son had been listed for targeting before Khashoggi was murdered by special forces in Saudi’s embassy in Istanbul on 10/2/2018. Charges against NSO Group that its spyware was used against Khashoggi have been denied by the company. The Israeli government approves all sales of spyware from NSO Group to potential clients. Amazon subsequently said it had shut down its servers used by NSO Group. The investigation comes as a different investigation into another Israeli spyware company Candiru was released on 7/15. Later, after the Forbidden Stories investigation was published and with international criticism mounting, the Knesset’s foreign affairs and defense committee chairman Ram Ben Barak on 7/22 said that his committee would review the process of granting licenses to export spyware to other countries. France and Luxembourg said they would start investigations into the Israeli-made spyware. (NYT 7/17; AI, AJ, F24, GDN, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, NYT 7/18; AJ, ALM, AP, GDN, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NPR, REU, REU 7/19; AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEE, REU 7/20; AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU, REU 7/21; AJ, ALM, BBC, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE 7/22; HA, MEE, MEE 7/23; CNN, HILL 7/25)

Knesset Foreign Affairs Comm. debates proposals for a withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. (MM 3/16; IDF Radio 3/16 in WNC 3/17; WP 3/17)

UK FM and EU Chmn. Robin Cook arrives in Egypt, the 1st stop on a 3-day Middle East tour; then heads to Jordan. (JTV, LPA, MENA 3/16 in WNC 3/17; JTV, MENA 3/16, RE 3/17 in WNC 3/19; NYT, WT 3/17; PR 3/20)

Under pressure fr. settlers groups, right-wing MKs, PM Netanyahu orders Israeli FMin. to amend press release that termed the 3/13 Hebron incident a provocation by Jewish settlers to say that the settlers' entry into the PA sector was prompted by a Palestinian shooting in a nearby neighborhood. (ITV 3/16 in WNC 3/17)

PA's West Bank Preventive Security Force (PSF) head Col. Jibril Rajub that if settlers reenter the Palestinian sector of Hebron again to attack Palestinians, they will "not leave alive." (ITV 3/16 in WNC 3/17; CSM, NYT, WP 3/17; JP 3/28) (see 3/14)

Vatican "repents" for failing to prevent, halt the Holocaust. Jewish leaders (including Israel's chief rabbi; heads of the American Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League) criticize statement as "too little too late." (NYT, WP, WT 3/17; WJW 3/19; MM 3/20; NYT 3/27; JP 3/28; NYT Magazine 4/26)

In Elat, PA suspends negotiations for several hours in protest over Jericho closure, Israeli delay in letting PSF head Col. Jibril Rajub leave Jericho to attend negotiations. Israeli FMin. criticizes closure, urges IDF to lift it. IDF agrees to ease it. (MM 9/28; IDF Radio, ITV, QY, VOP 8/28 in FBIS 8/28)

In Jericho, 100s of Palestinians riot in protest of closure, temporarily take over IDF command post, wounding 3 border policemen. PA police quell riot, make no arrests. (QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/28; MM 8/29; WJW 9/7)

Israel, Jordan sign cooperation agmt. on health. (RJ, QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/29)

PLO's Qaddumi arrives in Amman for talks with PM Kabariti regarding Jordanian-Palestinian relations, peace process, upcoming Arab League mgt. (RJ 8/28 in FBIS 8/29; RJ 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Brazilian FM Luiz Felipe Lampreia, group of leading Brazilian businessmen discuss trade issues with PM Rabin, FM Peres in Israel. (JP 8/29 in FBIS 8/31)

Knesset holds special plenum to discuss security situation in wake of 8/21 bombing, large-scale protests by right-wing settlers. (QY 8/28 in FBIS 8/29)

In reaction to Pres. Mubarak's demand 8/25, Israeli Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir expresses regret for IDF soldiers alleged killing of Egyptian POWs during 1956, 1967 wars but says Israeli law does not permit a person to be prosecuted for a crime committed more than 20 yrs before. (ITV 8/28 in FBIS 8/29; MM, WT 8/29; MA 8/29 in FBIS 8/31; CSM 8/30; JP 9/2)

Israeli cabinet votes to approve "Gaza-Jericho lst" agreement with PLO. Int. Min. Arye Deri, Econ. Min. Shimon Shitreet abstain. 4,000 right-wing protesters demonstrate against accord outside PM's office. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/31; Qol Yisra'el 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Dahaf poll shows 53% of Israeli Jews support accord with PLO. (Yediot Aharanot 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Norwegian FM Johan Jorgen Holst says Norway hosted 14 rounds of talks btwn. Israel and PLO leading to agreement. (MM 8/31; NYT 9/1)

MK Hanan Porat of National Religious Party, supported by Likud MKs, occupies synagogue in Jericho, declares he is opening settlement. (MM 8/31)

PLO Chmn. Arafat denies Jordan and Syria displeased with PLO-Israel accord; flies to Yemen, then Egypt to rally Arab support for PLO-Israel agreement. (Yemeni Republic Radio, MENA 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; MM, WP 8/31)

PFLP-GC chief Ahmad Jibril threatens in statemento kill Arafat, says Arafat will "pay the price" for Gaza-Jericho accord, warns agreement would "trigger a civil war in Palestine" and "liquidate the intifada." Spokesman for Jibril later argues statement not a threat but a prediction. (AFP 8/30 in FBIS 8/30, 8/31; MM, NYT 8/31)

PFLP-GC, PNSF issue statements denouncing Gaza-Jericho plan, PLO leadership. (QPAR 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Palestinian negotiator Haydar 'Abd alShafi denies knowledge of Israeli-PLO contacts (Jerusalem al-Nahar 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

Test flight of Israeli-made Arrow missile fails, jeopardizing U.S. support for ABM weapon. (WT 7/16; IDF Radio 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

Guerrillas attack SLA position near al- 'Ayshiyah in southern Lebanon with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. IDF and SLA return fire. IDF troop and artillery movements reported near Hula and al-Majidiyah, including reinforcement of 10 armored cars and 100 troops, with mechanized company at Hula. Hizballah claims katyusha attack on SLA positions at 'Ali al-Tahir, Sujud. IDF shells Kafr Tibnit and other villages in lqlim al-Tuffah. (Qol Yisra'el, Voice of the Mountain 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Lebanese govt. orders PFLP-GC head Ahmadjibril to leave Lebanon. Jibril's presence had become an embarrassment after 7/8 ambush of IDF in southern Lebanon and Jibril press conference afterward. (MM 7/15)

Israeli police stop attempt to establish new settlement in Golan Heights. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/15; JP 7/15 in MM 7/15)

Opposition Knesset factions (Likud, NRP, Tsomet, and Molodet) enter no-confidence motions, citing civil-service strike, kosher laws, and alleged Israeli-PLO dialogue. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

CSM reports that 10 U.S. state govts. hold Israeli bonds, 8% of $650m annual U.S. market. Poll commissioned by Arab American Institute shows 71.9% oppose buying Israeli bonds with tax money. (CSM 7/14)

Member of advisory committee to Palestinian delegation Ziyad Abu Zayyad confirms the existence of an eight-page document discussing the eventual transfer of power from Israeli occupation forces to Palestinians in the o.t. during the "transitional period" of self-rule envisioned as part of the peace process. The document, which he states is only a draft proposal, was written by residents of the o.t. and suggests establishing management committees to oversee administration of the territories. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Five members of the new political committees in o.t. resign, but 25 new members are added. Move seen as part of behind-thescenes conflict between the original founders of the committees and the PLO, members of the Palestinian delegation over the nature of the committees. (Qol Yisra'el 11/13, Ha'Aretz 11/13, Israel Television 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Faisal Husseini holds debate with Riyad al-Maliki, leading PFLP supporter in West Bank and opponent of the peace process, at Bethlehem University. (MEM 11/12)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam meets with delegation from Palestinian National Salvation Front, including PNSF head Khalid al-Fahum, PFLP-GC Gen. Secy. Ahmad Jibril, Fateh-Uprising leader Sa'id Musa Muragha (Abu Musa), other top PNSF figures. Meeting comes in wake of improved Fateh-Syrian, PLO-Syrian relations. (al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio [clandestine] 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Pres. Bush, speaking before ameeting of Jewish American leaders in New York, regrets language he used during his 9/12 comments about the loan guarantees to Israel [in which he obliquely referred to the power of the Jewish lobby]. (MEM 11/13, 11/14)

Meeting of Israeli Labor party, called by Labor party leader Shimon Peres in an attempt to bridge gap among hard-liners and moderates within the party on foreign affairs and security matters, fails to reach agreement. Meeting comes in wake of rightward turn within Labor party toward security issues, evidenced by the tough 11/10 draft of the party's political platform adopted by the party's political committee and by the support given by several hard-line Labor parliamentarians to an 11/11 Knesset resolution that called for permanent Israeli control over Golan. (MEM 11/13)

Meeting of the "Damascus Declaration" nations ends without agreement on ways to turn their Gulf war alliance into a deeper multi-lateral relationship. (MEM 11/12)

Military Action:

Over 700 PLO guerrillas arrive by ship in Tartus including four top PLO leaders (George Habash, Nayef Hawatmeh, Ahmed Jibril, Talaat Yaqub), are greeted by Syrian Deputy Prime Minister Hamdoun; thousands of Tunisians led by Bourguiba greet 1,100 PLO fighters arriving in Tunisia aboard ferry (total evacuated in one week now estimated at 7,400); IDF reports PLO bazooka fire from West Beirut on IDF positions southeast of city, around airport; Lebanese Army reluctant to deploy along Beirut-Damascus road (Habib warns Sarkis that failure to move quickly may provide Israelis with pretext for moving into West Beirut); US forces refrain from deploying beyond port area; 147 PLO wounded arrive in Greece.

Casualties:

2 French soldiers slightly injured in mine-clearing operation.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Knesset extends emergency regulations allowing arrest of combattants/ civilians captured during the Lebanese invasion for another 6 months (would have expired in September); Shamir calls on other countries to drop recognition of PLO; Sharon attends Israel Bond dinner in US, warns Lebanon against new Syrian, PLO ties.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat receives delegation of Egyptian opposition parties; holds press conference at Saeb Salam's house; PLO spokesman Kaddoumi announces Arafat will attend Arab League summit in Morocco; Wazzan reaches agreement with Muslim leaders about deployment of troops in West Beirut.

Arab Governments: Arab foreign ministers meet in Morocco (only Libya, Mauretania absent).

US and Other Countries: US Administration hints it is about to launch new political initiative; Socialist International plans diplomatic initiative following return of study mission to Beirut; 600 US Jewish leaders pledge to raise $550 m. to help pay for war.