The Palestine Chronology

The IDF launches a predawn raid on Balata r.c. and Hebron, placing the area under curfew, sparking clashes that leave 30 Palestinians wounded. The IDF also fires on a PSF post outside Bayt Hanun, killing a PSF officer; imposes a closure on Nablus; lifts the closure on Ramallah; demolishes a Palestinian home in Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids in Jaba, Kafr Haris. 2 Palestinians die of injuries received earlier. Israel releases some 100 Palestinian detainees, including Ahmad Jubara, the longest-serving detainee, jailed in 1975 for staging a bombing that killed 14 Israelis. Kach activists set up 4 new unauthorized settlement outposts in the West Bank. (HA, MM 6/3; NYT, PR, WP, WT 6/4; MA 6/4 in WNC 6/8; PCHR 6/5)

In Sharm al-Shaykh, Bush meets with Abbas and the leaders of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia for talks on “issues of common interest,” including the peace process, Iraq, international efforts to combat terrorism, economic cooperation. (BBC, MM, WP 6/3; DUS, ITAR-TASS, MENA, XIN 6/3 in WNC 6/4; SARR, THWR 6/3 in WNC 7/10; MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 6/4; QA, al-Quds 6/4 in WNC 6/7; DUS 6/6 in WNC 7/10; THWR 6/6, THWR, TSHR 6/7 in WNC 7/11; MM 6/10)

The IDF shoots British ISM activist Thomas Hurndall in Rafah, leaving him brain dead; the Briton was standing btwn. IDF soldiers and a group of stone-throwing Palestinian youths when troops opened fire, hitting him in the head. IDF helicopters fire missiles at a cemetery in Khan Yunis, injuring 7 Palestinians. The IDF also sends troops, 10s of tanks into Bureij, conducting house-to-house searches, arresting at least 4 Palestinians; conducts similar raids in Nablus, Qalandia. Jewish settlers shoot at Palestinian farmers working nr. Harsina settlement, wounding 5. (HA 4/11; NYT 4/12; LAW, PCHR 4/17)

“Frenzied looting” continues across Iraq, particularly in Baghdad, unchecked by coalition forces, spreads to private homes, hospitals, banks. In Washington, U.S. Secy. of Defense Donald Rumsfeld strongly criticizes press coverage of the mayhem, saying, “Stuff happens! Freedom’s untidy. And free people are free to make mistakes, and to commit crimes and do bad things.” (NYT, WP WT 4/12; MEI 4/18)

The IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian nr. Morag settlement; demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Bethlehem, 1 in al-Zawayda; raids al-Quds Open University in Ramallah, detaining 300 students for ID checks, holding a number for questioning; conducts arrest raids in Nablus, Qalqilya (targeting Hamas). The PA Preventive Security Forces (PSF) raid a Hamas training exercise nr. Jabaliya r.c., killing 1 Hamas mbr. Hamas later fires a Qassam rocket at a Gaza settlement, causing no damage or injuries. (HA 3/20; NYT 3/23; PCHR 3/27; LAW 3/28)

After dark, U.S.-led coalition forces launch missile, helicopter strikes on Basra, Baghdad in the 1st sustained aerial assaults on Iraq. Coalition troops are also reportedly operating in w. Iraq to prevent Scud missile strikes on Israel. (AP, HA, MM, REU 3/20)

The IDF carves out a 4 mi2 “security zone” in Gaza around Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahiya, Jabaliya r.c. to prevent Palestinians fr. firing rockets, mortars into Israel; stations 100 military vehicles in the zone; razes 100 dunams of land; says troops will stay indefinitely. The IDF also fatally shoots 3 Islamic Jihad mbrs. who attempt to infiltrate Netzarim settlement; conducts house searches in Nablus, breaking through walls to move from house to house. In the West Bank, 2 Hamas mbrs. dressed as yeshiva students infiltrate Kiryat Arba settlement, fatally shoot 2 Jewish settlers, wounding 6 before being killed by armed settlers. (HA 3/7; NYT, WP, WT 3/8; WP 3/9; PR 3/12; LAW, PCHR, WJW 3/13)

At the UNSC, UN chief weapons inspector Hans Blix reports that Iraq is cooperating with inspectors, who have yet to find evidence of WMDs; estimates inspections could be completed within wks. U.S. Secy. of State Colin Powell replies that Iraq clearly has not met the requirements for cooperation, disarmament set out in UNSC Res. 1441, saying, “There are some people who simply, in my judgment, don’t want to see the facts clearly.” The U.S., Britain submit a draft UNSC res. that would give Iraq until 3/17 to reveal all its WMDs or face retaliation. France, Germany, Russia argue for completing UN inspections, saying that lack of progress on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is much more of a threat to the region than Iraq. (WP 3/7; NYT, WP, WT 3/8; NYT 3/9; MM 3/10)

A Hamas suicide bomber fr. Hebron detonates a device on a bus in Haifa, killing 14 Israelis, 1 American, wounding 40; Israel seals the West Bank and Gaza borders until further notice, vows to respond “but not [on] a scale that would disrupt any U.S. preparations for a possible attack on Iraq.” Overnight, Palestinians also reportedly fire 13 antitank missiles and grenades at IDF forces on the Rafah border, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Nablus, 1 in Qalqilya, a mosque in Rafah r.c. that had been heavily damaged in earlier attacks; conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem, Qalqilya (targeting Fatah), Ramallah (nabbing senior Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades mbr. Abdallah Barghouti), Yamun; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. Late in the evening, the IDF launches a major raid into Jabaliya r.c., sending in 50 tanks and helicopters, firing several missiles, killing 3 Palestinians, wounding 11; fatally shoots Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad al-‘Asas in an exchange of gunfire in Bethlehem, leaving 1 IDF soldier wounded. A Jerusalem court sentences Israeli Arab Murad Ajluni to life plus 20 yrs. for taking part in a 3/02 AMB shooting in Tel Aviv that left 3 Israelis dead. (HA 3/5; Interfax, VOI 3/5 in WNC 3/6; HA, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 3/6; MA 3/6 in WNC 3/7; HA 3/7; LAW, PR 3/13; PCHR 3/13; JPI 3/14)

A Palestinian wounded by the IDF 2 wks. ago deteriorates rapidly, dies after an Israeli hospital insisted on transferring him to a Palestinian hospital on 2/25 despite the extreme weather. The IDF arrests an Islamic Jihad mbr. in the West Bank, blows up a car it says he was rigging as a bomb; blows up 9 Palestinian homes in Rafah, 1 in Balata r.c. (also destroying 2 nearby homes). An IDF military court accuses a Nablus-based PFLP cell of plotting to assassinate Shas leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the Israeli amb. to Jordan. A Tel Aviv court sentences an Israeli Arab to 4 yrs. for transferring arms to the tanzim. (HA 2/26; HA, LAW, PCHR, PM 2/27; LAW 3/13)

Bush outlines his vision for the Middle East in a post-Saddam Hussein environment, arguing that the overthrow of the Iraqi pres. and his regime will serve as a catalyst for peace in the region, explicitly linking resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and creation of a “truly democratic Palestinian state” to removing Hussein (HA, NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MENA 2/27 in WNC 2/28; JP, WP 2/28; al-Quds 3/2 in WNC 3/5; MM 3/5; WJW 3/6; MEI 3/7)

The IDF bulldozes 7 Palestinian homes and an electricity grid in Rafah, 3 homes in Dayr al-Balah; conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. An Israeli military court sentences Gazan Hamas mbr. Palestinian Nabil Okal, arrested in 6/00, to 27 yrs. in prison for training with al-Qa`ida in Afghanistan, plotting anti-Israeli attacks; he is not accused of being a mbr. of al-Qa`ida or of taking any violent action; Okal has denied the charges. Israel transfers $58 m. to the PA in VAT taxes. YESHA settlers council reports that the West Bank, settlement population increased by 6% in 2002, reaching 226,028; has increased by 11.8% over the past 2 yrs. despite the intifada; Israel’s Interior Min. confirms the numbers. (HA 2/3; HA, NYT 2/4; LAW, PCHR 2/5; al-Quds 2/5 in WNC 2/7; TJT 2/6)

Countries begin recalling their embassy staff fr. Iraq in anticipation of a U.S. strike. The U.S. strongly urges its citizens to leave the Persian Gulf. (WT 2/4)

The IDF sends tanks into Jenin, clashes with residents, killing 4 Palestinians, wounding 1 Palestinian journalist; 2 IDF soldiers are also wounded. The IDF demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in Rafah, 2 in Balata r.c.; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Jabaliya r.c.; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians protesting the curfew in Nablus, killing 1 Palestinian; fires on residential areas of Tal al-Sultan. (AP, HA, PM 1/28; LAW, PCHR 1/29)

Sharon and his Likud party win a landslide election victory largely at the Labor party’s expense. Likud gets 38 seats (up fr. 19 in the 2/01 elections; higher even that top projections, which figured Likud would take 32 seats), Labor gets 19 seats (down fr. 25), Shinui comes in 3d with 15 seats (up fr. 6), and the ultra-Orthodox Shas party gets 11 seats (down fr. 17); Meretz, 1 of Israel’s clear-cut peace parties, gets 6 seats (down fr. 10); the far-right National Union party, not represented in the last Knesset, gets 7 seats. Yisra’el Ba’Aliya party head Natan Sharansky quits the Knesset, Meretz head Yossi Sarid resign fr. as party chmn. in light of their parties’ poor showing. During the day, Israeli police detain 4 Israeli Arabs for leading a 15-car caravan around the Galilee, calling for an election boycott. Voter turnout was 68.5%-- lowest in Israel’s history. Sharon has 42 days to form a majority coalition. The new Knesset will have 40 freshmen MKs. (HA, MM, WP 1/28; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/29; AYM, al-Quds 1/29 in WNC 1/30; JP, MM, WJW, WP 1/30; JPI 1/31; PR 2/5; MEI 2/7; MM 2/18)

Bush gives State of the Union address, focusing on Iraq; says Saddam Hussein has missed his “final chance” by showing “utter contempt” for the UN inspectors; claims Iraq is hiding and amassing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs; including an active nuclear weapons program), deceiving inspectors, aiding al-Qa`ida; says the U.S. seeks to work with an international coalition to remove Hussein but will go it alone if necessary, adding that “The liberty we prize is not America’s gift to the world; it is God’s gift to humanity.” Regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict, he says only that the U.S. will continue to work for a “secure Israel and a democratic Palestine.” (NYT, WP, WT 1/29; MM 1/30; MA 1/30 in WNC 1/31; MEI 2/7)

The IDF fatally shoots 2 Palestinians nr. Atzmona settlement; conducts arrest raids (targeting Hamas, Islamic Jihad, PFLP) in Bethlehem, al-Fahs, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, al-Qarara, Ramallah, Tufah; demolishes a Palestinian home in Ras al-Amud, 1 in `Aqbat Tafuh. Late in the evening, IDF helicopters fire missiles at the Gaza City home of senior Hamas mbr. Muhammad Atil, killing his 2 teenage children, wounding 11. The IDF reports that it has removed fr. his post an intelligence officer who “disrupted” a planned air strike in retaliation to the 1/5 Tel Aviv bombing in order to “prevent harm to innocent Palestinians”; the officer was in possession of, refused to share intelligence information critical to the mission. The IDF begins work on a 45 km stretch of the separation fence btwn. Kafr Salim and Beit She’an, nr. Jenin. (HA, REU 1/27; HA, NYT, WT 1/28; MA 1/28 in WNC 1/29; LAW, PCHR, PR 1/29; PR 2/5)

Palestinian factions close 4-days of talks in Egypt without reaching an agmt. on a cease-fire and national unity platform. (HA, MM 1/27; MENA 1/27 in WNC 1/28; MENA, SA, XIN 1/28 in WNC 1/29; PCHR, PR 1/29; MM 1/30; MEI 2/21)

International Atomic Energy Agency, UN inspectors report that Iraq has generally cooperated with inspections but has not been proactive; they have found no evidence of biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons but say some questions remain. (MM 1/27; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/28; MM 1/31)

Before dawn, in retaliation for the 11/10 AMB kibbutz attack, the IDF sends 150 tanks, APCs into Nablus and its surrounding r.c.’s (Askar r.c., `Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c., Balata r.c.), conducts house-to-house searches, occupies schools and buldings as outposts, surrounds Nablus’s Old City, fires on residential areas of adjacent Balata r.c. In another predawn attack, IDF helicopters fire missiles at the same car repair shop targetted on 11/11, destroying it, killing a 2-yr.-old Palestinian child, damaging several surrounding homes. The IDF also arrests 30 Hamas mbrs. across the West Bank, 11 of them in Nablus, some in Birzeit; fires on residential areas of Tal al-Sultan. (LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, PR, WP, WT 11/13; MM, NYT, WT 11/14)

Israeli atty. gen. Eliyakim Rubinstein announces that the government intends to press charges against Greek Orthodox spiritual head Father Theodosis Atallah Hanna for “unauthorized contact with the enemy,” meeting with “terrorists,” inciting violence for recent travels to Lebanon, Syria to visit Greek Orthodox communities there. Father Theodosis notes that the atty. gen. has not charged rabbis who visit Jewish comunities in Iraq, Syria, or Yemen. (Father Theodosis press release 11/13)

Iraq accepts UN Res. 1441 unconditionally, opening the door for arms inspectors to return to Iraq for the 1st time since UN arms experts left in 1998 beginning on 11/18. (AP 11/13; MENA 11/13 in WNC 11/14; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/14; MM 11/15)

Israeli security forces guarding the U.S. emb. in Tel Aviv capture a Palestinian suicide bomber when he bolts fr. the entrance of a nearby cafe after his explosives belt set off a metal detector; no one is injured. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received on 9/30. The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian in her home in Nablus, shells residential areas of Bayt Hanun. Israel bars access to al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers to Palestinians under age 40. Jewish settlers retake the only inhabited settler outpost removed by the IDF on 10/10; the IDF says it has shut 17 of 24 unauthorized outposts it aims to close. (HA, MM 10/11; NYT, WP 10/12; WT 10/13; MM 10/14; LAW, PCHR, PR 10/16)

Some 5,000 Christian evangelicals hold a rally in solidarity with Israel on the sidelines of a Christian Coalition conference in Washington. Addressing the rally, Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson states that "Palestine has been occupied by Yasir Arafat and his thugs . . . [and] we cannot turn it over to them." House majority whip Tom DeLay (R-TX) declares that when he visited the Jewish state, "I didn't see any occupied territory--what I saw was Israel." (WJW 10/17; JPI 10/25; Guardian 10/28)

Senate passes (77-23) a concurrent res. approved by the House (296-133) on 10/10 giving Bush the authority to strike Iraq unilaterally, meaning he needs no further congressional approval to deploy troops, order air strikes, wage a ground war with Iraq. The Pentagon issues orders for the army's V Corps, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force to deploy headquarters staffs, which would coordinate an attack on Iraq, to Kuwait, marking the 1st official nonroutine dispatch of conventional ground forces to the Gulf. (NYT, WP, WT 10/11; NYT 10/12)

Israel ends the siege on Arafat's compound in Ramallah, allowing Arafat, all those inside with him to leave; troops remain in Ramallah however. A Palestinian heart attack victim dies at an IDF checkpoint nr. Khan Yunis when troops deny his passage to a hospital for several hrs. Palestinians in Nablus defy the curfew by reopening schools. The IDF surrounds 3 Nablus schools, forces them to close; fires on curfew breakers in nearby Balata r.c., injuring 3 children. The IDF also fires tear gas into an education center for children and the mentally disabled in Shu`fat r.c., injuring 150 children; demolishes 4 Palestinian houses nr. Netzarim settlement; fires on stone-throwing Palestinian children nr. Bayt Hanun and Khan Yunis, injuring 4. (AFP, JT 9/29, Interfax, MENA, QA 9/30 in WNC 10/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/30; CSM 10/1; LAW, PCHR 10/2; MEI 10/11; WP 11/8)

The Jerusalem Report, citing Britain’s respected Jane’s Foreign Report, claims that IDF special forces are currently operating inside western Iraq, with the knowledge of the U.S., to locate missile launchers that could be used against Israel. (JP 9/29)

The IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes nr. Gaza City, damaging 8 others; halts an ambulance nr. Nablus, taking a relative of the patient into custody; fires tear gas at PRCS property, ambulances, paramedics in Nablus, Tulkarm. Palestinians fire 2 mortars, a rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, damaging 1 home, causing no injuries; the IDF believes the rocket was a new, larger Qassam-3, with a range of up to 12 km. Palestinian gunmen fire at a Jewish settler vehicle nr. Tulkarm, injuring 1 settler. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 9/10. An Israeli court indicts 4 East Jerusalem Palestinians for murder for their alleged role in the 7/31/02 Hebrew University bombing. A Palestinian indicted in civilian court on terrorism charges on 7/30 is convicted, sentenced to 22 yrs. Israel announces that 6 wks. ago it arrested 10 bedouin IDF soldiers fr. the Galilee on charges of spying for Hizballah. (JTA 9/12; HA, WP 9/13; LAW, PCHR 9/18; PCHR 9/20; HA 10/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/24; MM 10/29)

In a speech to the opening session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) a day after the 1st anniversary of the al-Qa`ida attacks on the U.S., Bush warns the UN to take action quickly to force Iraq to "unconditionally accept" inspection, disarmament of its chemical and biological weapons and nuclear research facilities, intimating that the U.S. will take action unilaterally if the UN does not. Bush also reiterates his support for the creation of "an independent and democratic Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security," adding that "Palestinians deserve a government that serves their interests and listens to their voices." (NYT, Jerusalem Times, WP, WT 9/12; HA, MM 9/13; AYM 9/13, MENA, al-Quds 9/14, MENA 9/15 in WNC 9/16; NYT 9/14; JT, WP 9/15; MM 9/17; MEI 9/27)

The American Jewish Comm., Israel 21c (a Silicon Valley+n based group supported by executives of high-tech companies) launch an ad campaign to run on cable TV news stations in 100 U.S. cities promoting Israel's side in its conflict with the Palestinians, portraying Israel as the only democratic country and country sharing American values in the Middle East. (JTA 9/17; AP 9/18; WJW 9/19, 9/26)

A Hamas gunman infiltrates Elon Moreh settlement, kills 4 Jewish settlers. 1 Israeli injured in the 3/27 Netanya attack dies. The IDF closes main roads across Gaza, cutting the Strip into 3 sections. The PSF arrests senior Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. Arafat issues an urgent appeal for an unconditional cease-fire. Sharon convenes his cabinet to discuss the escalating Palestinian attacks. U.S. Secy. of State Colin Powell phones Sharon to urge against exiling Arafat. The cabinet agrees to "totally isolate" Arafat, calls up 20,000 IDF reserves in preparation for a major assault. (HA 3/28; XIN 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 3/29; NYT 3/30; WT 4/1; MEI 4/5; WP 5/6)

The Arab summit unanimously adopts the Saudi initiative, pledges $480 m. aid to the Palestinians, urges against a U.S. attack on Iraq. (CNN 3/28; al-Quds, XIN 3/28 in WNC 3/29; HA, NYT, WP, WT 3/29; al-Majallah 3/30 in WNC 4/1; HA 4/4; MEI, MM 4/5)

The IDF sends tanks, troops into Artas village, nr. Bethlehem, to detain a wanted Islamic Jihad mbr. Omar Ayish. In the process the IDF wound 4 Palestinians; throw a grenade into the Ayish home, causing damage but no injuries; leave a trail of cars crushed and overturned by tanks. In response to the raid, Palestinian gunmen fire on Gilo fr. Bayt Jala, lightly injuring 1 Jewish settler. IDF soldiers detain and beat a Red Crescent doctor, ambulance driver at a checkpoint in Nablus. The doctor is released after several hrs. but the driver is kept in custody. (AP 1/29; NYT, PCHR 1/30)

Omri Sharon, the PM's son, meets Arafat in Ramallah to arrange a secret mtg. btwn. Sharon, senior PA officials in Jerusalem for 1/30. (SA 2/3 in WNC 2/4; MM 2/4)

In his State of the Union address, Bush calls Iran, Iraq, North Korea an "axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world"; also refers to a "terrorist underworld, including groups like Hamas, Hizballah, [and] Islamic Jihad." (HA, NYT, WP, WT 1/30; MM 1/31; MM 2/1; MA 2/1 in WNC 2/4; JP, MEI 2/8)

2 bombs, the 4th and 5th since Sharon's 2/6 election, explode outside the Jewish settlements of Talpiot, French Hill in East Jerusalem, killing an apparent Palestinian suicide bomber, injuring 35 Israelis. Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for both attacks. Right-wing opposition MKs, Jewish settlers accuse Sharon of not taking Israeli security seriously and demand retaliation, with Likud Education M Limor Livnat saying Arafat should be targeted. Sharon's office says Israel will respond "at the time and place we choose." (AFP [Internet], MM 3/27; ITAR-TASS 3/27 in WNC 3/28; MM, NYT, WP 3/28; WJW 3/29; AFP 3/29 in WNC 3/30; JP, MEI 4/6)

In the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. In Hebron, Jewish settlers attempt to storm Abu Sunayna for a 2d day, are push back by the IDF (which continues to urge Palestinian residents to evacuate the area). After dark, the settlers set fire to 5 Palestinian-owned stores, 7 cars, Waqf offices in the PA-controlled section of Hebron. Jewish settlers place caravans on confiscated Palestinian land on Mount Jarzim in Nablus. Israel arrests 2 Israeli border policemen for beating, torturing a Palestinian at a checkpoint into Israel earlier today. (MM 3/27; HA, HP, NYT, WP 3/28; AFP [Internet], NYT 3/29; MEI 4/6)

The 1st full Arab League summit in 12 yrs. opens in Amman. The agenda covers the peace process, aid to the Palestinians, Arab solidarity, inter-Arab economic ties, sanctions on Iraq. (MM 3/27; AN, DUS, JT, SA 3/27 in WNC 3/28; AYM 3/27, HJ, JT, SA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JP, MEI 4/6)

On the sidelines of the Arab summit, Syrian pres. Asad meets with Arafat, marking the 1st senior-level Palestinian-Syrian mtg. since 1993. (JT 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JT, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; DUS 3/30 in WNC 4/2; al-Majd 4/2 in WNC 4/3; AYM 4/2, HJ 4/3 in WNC 4/5; JP, MEI 4/6; MM 4/20)

After a week of negotiations on 2 compromise proposals fail, the U.S. vetoes a UNSC resolution backing a UN observer force to help protect the Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza. (AP 3/27; XIN 3/27 in WNC 3/28; WP 3/28; MM, NYT, WJW, WT 3/29; al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; MM 3/30; al-Quds 4/3 in WNC 4/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. A 2d, ailing Palestinian dies at an IDF checkpoint that she was barred fr. crossing to reach a hospital in Nablus. Palestinians detonate 2 roadside bombs nr. IDF convoys in Gaza, wounding 1 soldier. The IDF shells residential areas nr. Bayt Hanun; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, Netzarim Junction, Shaykh Ajlin. YESHA settlers council call on the government to assassinate or expel Arafat. (HP 2/26; NYT, WT 2/27; WT 2/28; WJW 3/1; AYM 3/3 in WNC 3/8; MEI 3/9)

The Labor party central comm. votes (67% to 32%, with more than half of the 1,675 mbrs. not voting) to join a unity government led by Likud's Sharon. Likud says it offered Labor 8 cabinet posts (including DM, FM), equal say in determining security and diplomatic policy. (MM 2/26; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/27; HA, MM 2/28; al-Ra'i 2/28 in WNC 3/2; MEI 3/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Powell stops in Saudi Arabia, then heads to Damascus to meet Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, who agrees to funnel Iraq's revenues oil transported through Syria's pipeline to the UN oil-for-food program. (MM 2/26; NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MM 2/28; SA 3/4 in WNC 3/5; MEI 3/9; JT 3/9 in WNC 3/11)

The State Dept.'s annual human rights report criticizes Israel for using "excessive force," committing "numerous serious human rights abuses" against Palestinians; faults PA forces for participating in, or at least failing to prevent, violence. (NYT, WP 2/26; WT 2/28; AYM 2/28 in WNC 3/5; WJW 3/1; MM 3/14)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 11 Palestinians, 1 IDF soldier dead and over 200 Palestinians, 1 IDF soldier, 1 American wounded. 8 Palestinians and 1 IDF soldier are killed during a gun battle outside Gush Katif settlement in Gaza; the IDF confirms that the soldier is killed by IDF gunfire, 6 of Palestinians are likely killed by settler gunfire. Nr. Rachel's Tomb, an American photographer is seriously wounded by live ammunition fired by the IDF. The IDF shells an unfinished building al-Bireh, killing 2 Fatah mbrs. The 11th Palestinian is fatally shot at Erez crossing. 3 Palestinians die of injuries received earlier. IDF shelling, heavy machine gun fire is reported in Hebron, Nablus. The IDF clears more Palestinian land in the Rafah area. (LAW, PCHR 11/11; LAW, MEZ, NYT, WP, WT 11/12; MA 11/13 in WNC 11/14; NYT 11/19)

An OIC summit opens in Qatar, focusing on the Palestinian situation. (ATL, MENA, RL 11/11, ATL, AYM, IRNA, MENA 11/12 in WNC 11/13; WP 11/12; HA [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/13; IRNA, MENA, RL 11/13 in WNC 11/14; ATL, AYM 11/13, Iraq News Agency, DUS 11/14 in WNC 11/16; MM, NYT, WP 11/14; MM 11/15, 11/16; WP 11/22; JP, MEI 11/24)

In Rome, 30,000 Italians protest against Israel's "massacre of innocent Palestinians." Similar, smaller rallies are held in Oslo, Stockholm. (ANSA 11/11 in WNC 11/13; IsraelWire [Internet] 11/12, 11/13)

Israeli-Palestinian fighting in the West Bank and Gaza abates slightly but escalates again this evening, leaving at least 3 Palestinians dead. The most serious incident is in Nablus, where the IDF, implementing the Sharm agmts., turns over Joseph's Tomb to the PSF. Palestinians celebrating the IDF pullback overrun the PSF, destroy the tomb. In response, armed Jewish settlers roam areas around West Bank settlements, stoning and firing at Palestinian cars, killing 1 Palestinian. Inside Israel, Jews fr. Upper Nazareth rampage through Arab Nazareth throwing stones at Israeli Palestinians, sparking a riot; when Israeli Arabs start to fight back, Israeli riot police intervene, using tear gas and live ammunition, shooting dead 2 Israeli Arabs. In Tiberias, Jews vandalize a historic mosque. The IDF moves tanks into the West Bank to guard the Jewish settlement of Psagot, which has been the target of Palestinian sniping. At Rafah airport, Palestinians fire on a bus Israeli airport workers, injuring 8. Israel shuts the airport. (LAW 10/7; MENA, RL 10/7, al-Quds 10/8, AFP, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; ADM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; MM, NYT, WT 10/9; AYM 10/9, MA 10/10, 10/11 in WNC 10/12; NYT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13; WJW 10/19; WP 10/28)

Barak calls up IDF reservists, sets an ultimatum of 48 hrs. for Palestinians to halt their assaults on IDF outposts, Jewish settlements or "we will regard this as a cessation by Arafat of the peace process, and we will order the army to use all means at its disposal." Barak also says he is considering forming a "unity government" with Likud MK Sharon. (AYM 10/7, al-Quds 10/9 in WNC 10/12; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AYM 10/8 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/9; Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/11; JP, MEI 10/13)

Nr. Shaba` Farms, IDF soldiers fire across the blue line into Lebanon at 100s of Palestinian refugees staging a protest, killing 2, wounding 15. In response, Hizballah guerrillas cross into Golan Heights, kidnap 3 IDF soldiers; fire rockets at the IDF's Shaba` outpost, injuring 6 soldiers. Barak reinforces the border area, sends Israeli warplanes and attack helicopters into Lebanon to strike Hizballah targets, injuring 4 Lebanese civilians. U.S.'s Albright phones Lebanese pres. Lahoud, Syrian pres. Asad to urge them to intercede with Hizballah to release the IDF soldiers. France, Germany, the Red Cross, Russia, the UN open channels with Hizballah, which demands Israel release at least 19 Lebanese political prisoners (kidnaped by the IDF in Lebanon, held without trial for as long as 20 yrs.) in exchange for the soldiers. (CNN [Internet] 10/7; RL 10/7, AYM 10/8, Interfax 10/9, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; Manar TV [Internet], MM, NYT, WT 10/9; al-Quds 10/9, DUS, al-Safir 10/10 in WNC 10/12; MM, NYT, WP 10/10; NYT, WJW, WP 10/12; JP, MEI 10/13; JP 10/27, 11/3)

After 6 days of debate, the UNSC passes (14 to 0, with the U.S. abstaining) a watered down resolution that condemns the "excessive use of force" against the Palestinians but does not mention Israel by name. U.S. Amb. Richard Holbrooke threatened to veto stronger language. (AP 10/7; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AYM 10/8 in WNC 10/13; MM, NYT, WT 10/9; CSM, WP 10/10; MEI 10/13)

In Amman, Jordanian police open fire on Palestinian refugees demonstrating for the closure of the Israeli emb., killing 1, arresting 97. Demonstrations condemning Israeli violence, U.S. support of Israel are held in Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, France, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, the UAE, and Yemen. In the U.S., rallies are held in Albuquerque, Dearborn, New York. (BBC, al-Jazeera TV [Internet] 10/7; AFP, ATL, MENA 10/7, JT 10/8 in WNC 10/10; Daily Star 10/12 in WNC 10/13; Gulf News [Internet], NYT 10/8; MM 10/11; AYM 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/13)

Arafat meets with Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak in Cairo. (MENA 2/20 in WNC 2/22)

PA High Court orders the PA General Intelligence Service (GIS) to release Wael Farraj, jailed without charge since 4/25/96. GIS refuses to release him. (PR 2/26; PCHR 3/1; MEI 4/23)

In Amman, King Abdallah meets with Chmn. of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Henry Shelton on cementing security ties, boosting bilateral aid. (WP 2/21; MEI 2/26)

Jewish settlers seize 100 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Nablus for settlement expansion. (al-Hayat al-Jadida 2/21 in WNC 2/22)

Arab League condemns Turkey's latest incursion into n. Iraq, calls for immediate withdrawal. (RE 2/20 in WNC 2/22) (see 2/18)

After a 5 wk. trial, the Senate, voting along party lines, acquits Pres. Clinton on both articles of impeachment (45-55; 50-50). (NYT, WP, WT 2/13)

Arafat resurrects idea of Palestinian confederation with Jordan in a final peace arrangement. (NYT, WP, WT 2/13; `Ukaz 2/13 in WNC 2/17; al-Ayyam 2/13, al-Hayat al-Jadida 2/14 in WNC 2/18)

200 Palestinian protesters storm PA jail in Jericho, demanding release of 5 Islamists held there without charge. The 5 are among the 48 political prisoners who have been on hunger strike since 1/24. Protesters scuffle with PA police but eventually leave the building peacefully. In Nablus, 1,000 Palestinians hold rally in solidarity with prisoners. (WP 2/13; MEI 2/26)

In keeping with its 1/30 decision, the UN creates a panel to review Iraq's disarmament record, recommend ways of ensuring Iraq fulfills agmt. to abandon unconventional weapons. 20-mbr. panel contains 12 UNSCOM mbrs., including the ranking American UNSCOM inspector but not chmn. Butler. UN also creates 2 other panels on humanitarian affairs, prisoners of war and Kuwaiti property. (NYT 2/13)

Israel declines U.S. invitation to hold trilateral mtg. with the PA in Washington in 2/99 to discuss Wye implementation. Israeli FM Sharon says time is not right. (YA 1/25 in WNC 1/26) (see 1/17)

Ousted DM Mordechai joins the new Shahak-Meridor party. Netanyahu terms Mordechai "immoral" for consorting with centrists. (NYT, WP, WT 1/25; MA 1/25 in WNC 1/26) (see 1/23)

Israelis of Rumanian origin establish new political party, the Progressive Center Party. 14 requests to form new parties have been submitted since the last Knesset elections. Only 3 have been approved. (MA 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

Arab League mtg. on Iraq convenes in Cairo. Iraq attends but walks out in protest of what it calls a biased final statement that could give the U.S. a pretext to launch more airstrikes. The statement expresses "deep concern" over, but does not denounce, 12/98 U.S.-led attack; insists Iraq recognize Kuwait, comply with UN resolutions as a prelude to sanctions relief. Participants agree to set up ministerial comm. to work toward lifting economic sanctions on Iraq in accordance with a specific UN compliance time table. (WP 1/24; AFP, MENA, RE 1/24, al-Ayyam, al-Dustur, MENA, SANA 1/25 in WNC 1/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/25; MENA, al-Quds al-Arabi 1/25, al-Safir 1/26 in WNC 1/27; MM, WT 1/26; MENA 1/28 in WNC 1/29; MEI 1/29)

48 Hamas, Islamic Jihad prisoners in the PA's Nablus, Jericho, Jneid jails begin hunger strike to protest the PA's failure to adhere to the PC's 1/13 call to free political prisoners held without charge at the end of Ramadan. (LAW, MEI, PR 1/29) (see 1/17)

Jewish settlers bulldoze Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem, including property of a historic monastery, to expand Efrat settlement. (INFOPAL 1/25)

U.S. planes attack 2 more Iraqi missile sites in the n. no-fly zone. (NYT, WP 1/25)

Citing Hizballah Katyusha attacks 12/23, Israel adopts "more aggressive" policy toward Lebanon that will include attacks on Hizballah bases deep inside Lebanon, preemptive strikes on units planting roadside bombs, destruction of Lebanese infrastructure if n. Israel is attacked. Lebanon fears Israel is planning an unprovoked attack during run-up to 5/99 elections. (IDF Radio 1/1, IRNA, al-Quds, RL 1/2, YA 1/3 in WNC 1/5; WT 1/2; RL 1/11 in WNC 1/12; MA 1/24 in WNC 1/26)

U.S. temporarily closes emb. in Israel after receiving a "credible" threats. (ITV 12/31 in WNC 1/4, 1/5; NYT, WP, WT 1/1)

The Israeli Housing Min. issues tenders for construction of 1,051 new housing units in West Bank settlements including 651 units in Beitar Ilit nr. Jerusalem, where 10,000 ultra-Orthodox settlers live. (NYT 1/1; JP 1/11)

Under IDF protection, Jewish settlers move trailers to hills nr. Nablus, confiscating additional Palestinian land to expand Elon Moreh settlement. (al-Hayat al-Jadida 12/31 in WNC 1/5)

10s of Jordanians stage sit-in outside the U.S. emb. in Amman to protest U.S.-led attack on Iraq. (al-Dustur 1/1 in WNC 1/5)

On the 3d day of its attack on Iraq, the U.S. can confirm that only 18 of its 89 targets have been severely damaged or destroyed, despite having fired more laser-guided missiles in 2 days than during the entire 1991 Gulf War. Only U.S. planes stationed in Kuwait, Oman have flown; Saudi Arabia, Turkey have not permitted their bases to be used as staging grounds. (ATL, ITV 12/18 in WNC 12/22; NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MEI 12/25)

For the 2d day, U.S.-British strikes on Iraq prompt street protests across the Middle East. 15,000 Palestinians demonstrate in Nablus, while 1,000s of others protest in Bethlehem, Gaza City, Hebron, Jinin, Ramallah. PA police break up protest in Gaza City only; the PA closes some television, radio stations, news bureaus for reporting on the demonstrations. Syria's grand mufti denounces the U.S.-led operation. Pro-Iraq demonstrations are held in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Yemen. (MM 12/18; SANA 12/18, al-Ra'i 12/19, JT 12/20 in WNC 12/22; NYT, WT 12/19; MEI 12/25)

Fmr. UNSCOM cheif inspector Scott Ritter claims that UNSCOM head Butler chose sites for inspection that he knew would provoke the Iraqis, then ordered halt to inspections on 12/13 to meet U.S. bombing time table; also says that the White House national security staff helped draft Butler's 12/15 report to ensure it contained sufficiently tough language to justify an attack. Butler denies showing his report to the U.S. in advance of its release, but National Security Adviser (NSA) Sandy Berger admits Butler briefed him personally 12/13. (WT 12/19; WP 12/20; MENA 12/20, al-Akhbar, MA 12/21 in WNC 12/22) (see 12/16)

PA police arrest 4 leading Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) mbrs., 8 journalists at march marking PFLP's 31st anniversary. (NYT, WT 12/19)

Knesset approves additional NIS 20 m. to fund expanding settlements in the West Bank, Golan. (PR 1/1)

U.S. stages 2d strike on Iraq, having hit more than 50 targets with over 200 Tomahawk missiles 12/16. Democratic congressmen accuse Republicans, many of whom questioned the timing of the attacks, of being unpatriotic. Russia recalls its ambs. fr. Washington (for the 1st time since World War II), London; the Duma accuses the U.S. of "international terrorism." Lebanon denounces the operation. Jordan expresses regret. Syria opposes U.S. "double standards" in its Iraq, Israel policy. (MM 12/17; AFP, IRNA, MENA, Petra-JNA, RJ 12/17 in WNC 12/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/18; al-Thawra, Tishrin 12/18 in WNC 12/28; NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MENA 12/19, SATN 12/20, al-Ahram 12/21 in WNC 12/22; MEI 12/25)

Across the West Bank and in Gaza City, Palestinians protest the U.S.-led attack on Iraq. The largest demonstration, attended by 3,000 Palestinians, is held in Nablus. In el-Bireh, the IDF shoots, kills 1 Palestinian, injures 16 others. (WP, WT 12/18; MEI 12/25)

In Egypt, the government expresses its "regret" over the U.S.-led strike on Iraq; the Arab League, al-Azhar's chief cleric denounce use of military force; Cairo University students go on hunger strike to protest; Egyptian police lock American University in Cairo students on campus to keep them fr. demonstrating. (MENA, RE 12/17 in WNC 12/21)

In Washington, Israeli Finance M Yaakov Neeman, DMin. Dir. Gen. Ilan Biran meet with senior U.S. officials to assure them that the $1.2-b. aid that the U.S. plans to give Israel will not be used directly for settlements. An Israeli-U.S. team is formed to complete details of the aid package within 1 mo. for submission to Congress in mid-1/99. (Globes [Internet] 11/22; MM 11/23; Globes [Internet] 11/23 in WNC 11/30) (see 11/19)

Israel, Jordan discuss bilateral trade issues, Israeli obstacles to Jordanian trade with the occupied territories. (JT 11/23 in WNC 11/30)

Jordan, Syria open 2-day mtg. on Yarmuk River water. (JT, Petra-JNA 11/23 in WNC 11/24; JT 11/24, 11/26 in WNC 11/30; WT 11/25)

Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails begin hunger strike to protest Israel's release of criminals, rather than political prisoners. (CSM 11/23; MM 11/25; IDF Radio 11/26 in WNC 11/30; MEI 12/11) (see 11/20)

Israel approves construction of high-tech industrial center, engineering school at the Kiryat Arba settlement. (AFP [Internet] 11/22; PR 11/27)

Jewish settlers demand that the Israeli government provide armored busses for schoolchildren, build lookout posts along key roads, construct helicopter landing pads, issue military equipment (e.g., machine guns, tear gas, rubber-coated bullets) to settlements. (MM 11/23)

Jewish settlers occupy abandoned rail station at Sebastia in the West Bank; demand government permission to open a religious seminary, museum there. Settlers also occupy hilltops nr. Bethlehem, nr. Nablus. (ITV 11/22 in WNC 11/24)

IDF demolishes Palestinian home in Taybeh nr. Hebron. (PR 1/8)

A wk. after avoiding U.S. airstrikes by resuming cooperation with the UN (see 11/15), Iraq rebuffs a UN request for documents. U.S. warns that withholding documents alone could trigger airstrikes. (NYT 11/23; WT 11/24)

With government permission, Jordanian women's groups, opposition parties stage 2d pro-Iraq rally in Amman. (JT 11/23 in WNC 11/24) (see 11/17)

Citing Annan's letter, Iraq agrees to resume cooperation with the UN, forcing Pres. Clinton to abort a strike already in motion. At the UNSC, the U.S. rejects Iraq's announcement as "unacceptable"; Britain is skeptical but wants to leave options open; Secy. Gen. Annan, China, France, Russia welcome Iraqi decision but want clarifications. Annan warns that if the crisis resumes, "I doubt that there will be any time left for diplomacy." (NYT, WP, WT 11/15; WT 11/17)

In Nablus, U.S. envoy Ross discusses Wye implementation with Arafat. (WP, WT 11/15)

In an address to 1,000s of Palestinian in Nablus, Arafat says he will declare a state in 5/99. PM Netanyahu accuses Arafat of jeopardizing the Wye agmt. (WT 11/15; NYT 11/17)

U.S. envoy Ross meets again with PM Netanyahu, DM Mordechai. (WT 9/12)

Reacting to IDF raid 9/10, Palestinians fire at an Israeli bus carrying Jewish settlers to Nablus, causing no injuries. Israeli police fire rubber bullets at Palestinian protesters at a West Bank blockade, wounding 5. (NYT 9/11; NYT, WP, WT 9/12)

Yevgeny Primakov is approved as the new Russian PM. Primakov, who has an intelligence background, strongly supports the Arab position in the peace process, lifting of sanctions on Iraq. (MM 9/14; Vesti 9/17 in WNC 9/21; MM 9/18; ITAR-TASS 9/20 in WNC 9/22)

The Taliban admits its mbrs. killed at least 8 Iranian diplomats in 8/8 raid. Iran warns of retaliation. (MM 9/11; WP 9/12; RJ 9/13 in WNC 9/15; MM 9/15) (see 9/1)

After 2 days of heated debate, PC approves (55-28, with 3 abstentions) Arafat's new EA. (WP 8/9; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/10; JP 8/15)

PM Netanyahu turns down invitation fr. Norway to attend 5th anniversary commemoration of the Oslo accords scheduled to be held in Oslo 8/23-24. Fmr. Israeli PM Peres, Arafat plan to attend. (HA [Internet] 8/10, 8/18)

Jordanian FM Anani arrives in Iran for 2 days of talks on bilateral cultural, economic, political ties; meets with Majles speaker Ali Akbar Nateq-Nuri. (JTV 8/8, IRNA 8/9, JT 8/10 in WNC 8/11; MM 8/14)

Jordan's new amb. to Iraq, Hammud Katarneh, presents his credentials to Iraqi VP Taha Yassin Ramadan. Both men express desire to boost bilateral cooperation. (MM 8/12)

Israel's Atty. Gen. Elaykim Rubenstein, State Prosecutor Edna Arbel, National Chief of Police Yehuda Vilk meet to finalize new regulations for the IDF, police, Shin Bet that will eliminate special treatment for Jewish settlers who break the law in the occupied territories, especially in cases involving attacks on Palestinians. (HA [Internet] 8/11)

10s of Jewish settlers fr. settlements along the Lebanese border demonstrate outside PM Netanyahu's office to protest government plans to rescind the benefits granted the border settlements after Israel's assault on Lebanon 4/11-26/96. (HA [Internet] 8/10)

Palestinian prisoner Walid Qawasmeh dies en route to a Nablus hospital after 10 days in PA custody. PA says that he died of heat stroke. Autopsy today concludes that he had been tortured. (WP 8/11; LAW 8/12)

Arafat presents new cabinet to the PC. (MM 8/5; MM, NYT 8/6; LAW, MM, PR 8/7)

By phone, Secy. Albright tells PM Netanyahu that the freeze in the peace process is harming U.S. interests in the Middle East, is affecting the U.S.'s ability to forge a coalition against Iraq (see 8/4). Netanyahu asks Albright to send special envoy Ross back to the region, but she refuses. (MA 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

In Damascus, Iran, Syria hold talks on financial cooperation, joint investments, elimination of double taxation. (IRNA 8/5 in WNC 8/7) (see 8/2)

2 Jewish settlers on patrol around Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus are shot, killed. IDF places curfew on nearby Palestinian villages, search for attackers but do not find them. PM Netanyahu authorizes expansion of Yitzhar; settlers say that they will start work immediately. (MM, NYT 8/5; CSM, MM, WP, WT 8/6; MM 8/7; YA 8/7 in WNC 8/11; JP 8/15)

In s. Lebanon, 1 Hizballah mbr. is killed, 1 is wounded by IDF shelling. (RL 8/5 in WNC 8/6; VOL 8/5, RL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)