The Palestine Chronology

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)

PM Netanyahu presents draft plan to extend Jerusalem's municipal boundaries, tighten Israel's control over the city, support Jews moving into East Jerusalem (particularly Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghunaym); tells reporters, "I think this is a basic change in Jerusalem's status that will be remembered as a turning point." (MM, NYT, PR, WP 6/19; al-Ahram al-Masa'i, ITV, RE 6/20, JTV, MENA, RJ 6/21, MENA 6/22 in WNC 6/23; al-Thawra 6/21 in WNC 6/25; WJW 6/25; PR 6/26; JP 6/27; MEI 7/3; JP 7/4)

In Washington, Refugee Working Group opens 2-day intersessional mtg. (USIS Washington File 6/19)

Commenting on Albright's 6/17 speech, Iran says that words are inadequate, U.S. should take actions (such as halting aid to Iranian opposition groups, unfreezing funds in U.S.) to show its good will. (MM, NYT, WT 6/19; MEI 7/3)

UNSCOM head Butler submits report that Iraq is refusing to turn over documents about its missiles, biological and chemical weapons. Iraq claims documents do not exist, it is not require to turn over information. (WP, WT 6/19; al-Ahram 6/19 in WNC 6/22; al-Ahram 6/21 in WNC 6/23; MM 6/24) (see 6/14)

IDF demolishes 6 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem in Israeli-controlled area C. (ITV 6/18 in WNC 6/22) (see 6/17)

In London, PM Netanyahu ends unsuccessful 4-day EU tour to promote new peace initiative based on a Camp David-style summit with the PA, conditional s. Lebanon withdrawal. (MA 3/8, IDF Radio, MA, RJ 3/9 in WNC 3/10; CSM, MM, WP 3/9; MM 3/10) (see 2/23)

In Amman, Israeli Infrastructures M Sharon, Trade M Natan Sharansky meet with King Hussein to try to mend relations damaged after Mossad's attempt on Mishal, discuss economic issues. (Globes [Internet], JTV 3/8, IDF Radio 3/9 in WNC 3/10; NYT 3/9; RJ 3/9, JT 3/10 in WNC 3/11; JT 3/11 in WNC 3/12, JT 3/16 in WNC 3/17, JP 3/21) (see 2/24)

King Hussein makes brief trip to Cairo for talks on peace process with Pres. Mubarak. (JTV, MENA, RJ 3/8, RJ, VOA 3/9 in WNC 3/10)

Israel acknowledges that 18 mos. ago it began to make it harder for non-Jewish immigrants who have married Israelis to stay in the country by refusing to begin citizen proceedings or deporting them. Israel claims that cases of "convenience marriages" are on the rise, while critics claim it is a government policy of religious discrimination. (WP 3/9)

U.S. offers to lift restrictions on number of U.S. satellites it would hire Russia to launch if Moscow halts transfers of long-range missile technology to Iran. Russia denies transfers have taken place. (NYT 3/9; WT 3/10) (see 3/6)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan says that U.S. would need to consult with--but would not necessarily require authorization of--the UNSC before mounting a military strike on Iraq. (WP, WT 3/9; WT 3/12) (see 3/2)

PSF says that it recently uncovered a shop for making Uzi submachine guns in Gaza, does not know how many guns were made or sold. (QY, YA 3/8 in WNC 3/11)

EU special envoy Moratinos discusses peace process with PA Local Government M Erakat. (al-Ra'i 2/5 in WNC 2/11)

Arafat arrives in Spain for 2-day visit, to be followed by trip to the Netherlands. (PALDEV Digest [Internet] 2/4)

In Cairo, Egypt, PA sign custom exemption agmt. (MENA 2/4 in WNC 2/6) (see Peace Monitor)

Netanyahu spokesman Bar-Ilan says that government will override Interior Min.'s 1/22 approval of "Jewish sector" construction plans for Ras al-Amud. (MM, NYT, WP 2/5)

Palestinians living nr. Efrat settlement protest Israeli plans to confiscate their land to build road for local settlers. (PR 2/13)

Jordan's Interior Min. announces it has approved establishment of new Jordan Labor Party, which advocates building relations btwn. Jordanian, Israeli peoples but opposes polices of current Likud government. (JT 2/4 in WNC 2/6; JT 2/10 in WNC 2/11)

Congress debates resolution allowing Pres. Clinton to launch attack on Iraq. White House prefers diplomatic solution with resort to targeted attack on military facilities, sites of suspected violations if there is no progress. Mbrs. of Joint Chiefs of Staff say list of targets belies lack of strategy, White House is only interested in "putting on a show"; recommend concentrated attacks on Republican Guard, facilities housing security details, mbrs. Saddam Hussein's inner circle. Conservative lawmakers--including Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS), Rep. Steven Solarz (D-NY)--say attack should aim to remove Saddam Hussein fr. power. (WT 2/4; NYT, WP, WT 2/5)

In Washington, Clinton meets with Arafat, encourages him to accept U.S. FRD proposal (see 1/20). Arafat refuses, saying that he expects Israel to hand over 91% of the est Bank before the final stages of the permanent status talks. Arafat agrees to renegotiate the 12/17 MOU on security, gives Clinton 2 letters: one, requested by the U.S., formalizing Palestinian recognition of Israel's right to exist, spelling out for the 1st time which of the 33 articles of the 1968 PLO charter were annulled in 1996; the other saying that a "time-out" on Israeli settlement construction should extend to every place on the West Bank that is not within 50 meters of an existing settlement structure. After mtg., Clinton says that he hopes that land for peace will prevail in the Middle East that "the Palestinians can realize their aspirations to live as a free people." (NYT, WP, WT 1/23; ITV, MENA 1/23, JT, RE 1/24 in WNC 1/27; MM, WT 1/26; MEI 1/30; MA 2/3 in WNC 2/4)

CIA Dir. George Tenet meets with Arafat at his hotel to discuss security issues, 12/17 MOU on security. (NYT, WP 1/23)

Israeli Interior Min. approves 2 building plans for the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud in Jerusalem: "Arab sector" plan includes the construction of "additional public space," 1,020 housing units; "Jewish sector" plan includes 132 housing units. Construction permits are not issued automatically; Jewish, Arab landowners must apply to the local authority for permits. (IGPO 2/4; MM, NYT 2/5) (see 9/14/97)

U.S. orders deportation of Hani al-Sayigh, a Saudi Arabian suspected of involvement in the 6/96 bombing of the U.S. barracks at al-Khobar. Sayigh fled Saudi Arabia for Canada (3/97), which then extradited him to the U.S. (6/97) at Washington's request to provide testimony linking Iran with the bombing. Sayigh failed to provide such information, and the U.S. was forced to drop charges of collusion against him for lacked evidence. He faces possible execution if he is sent back to Saudi Arabia. (NYT, WP) (see 9/9)

IDF opens fire with rubber bullets, live ammunition, teargas, percussion grenades on Palestinians protesting bulldozing of land nr. Neve Dalim settlement, injuring 4. (PCHR 1/24) (see 1/21)

Israel launches Ofek-4 satellite to spy on Iran, Iraq, Syria, but it disintegrates before entering orbit. (ITV 1/23 in WNC 1/27; WT 1/24; MM 1/26; JP 2/7)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Washington, holds separate mtgs. with American Jewish groups, Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson, House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), Moral Majority leader Jerry Falwell; gives speech to Voice United for Israel, a coalition dominated by Christian fundamentalists. Falwell tells Netanyahu that he will mobilize evangelical churches to oppose any FRD. (MM, WP, WT 1/20; IDF Radio 1/20 in WNC 1/21; ITV 1/20 in WNC 1/23; NYT, WP, WT 1/21; MM, WT 1/26; MEI 1/30)

Israel receives fr. the U.S. 1st 2 of 25 F-15I aircraft, which have a 2,400-mi. range--enough to hit Iran, Iraq, Libya without refueling--and ability to carry 11 tons of weapons. (Der Standaard [Groot-Bijgaarden] 1/20 in WNC 1/21; MENA 1/21 in WNC 1/23; MEI 1/30; JP 1/31)

In advance of his mtg. with Clinton 1/22, Arafat arrives in Cairo for 2 days of talks on the peace process with Mubarak. (MENA 1/19, 1/20 in WNC 1/21; PR 1/23)

In under 3 hrs., PA security court tries, sentences to 15 yrs. 2 Hamas mbrs. on charges of masterminding the 7/30, 9/4 suicide bombings. Jassir Samara, Nasim Abu Rus were arrested in a raid in Nablus 1/12. (LAW 1/19; WP, WT 1/20)

At the start of 3 days of mtgs. in Bucharest, Syria, Romania sign 4 cooperation agmts. covering transportation, trade, health and the environment, youth and sports. (Rompres [Bucharest] 1/19, Radio Romania Network [Bucharest] 1/20 in WNC 1/21)

Permanent extension of NPT is passed by consensus, without vote. Nations making critical speeches incl. Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria. (MM, NYT, WP 5/12; MENA 5/12, 5/13, 5/14, RE 5/14, MENA 5/15 in FBIS 5/15)

To date, 20 Republicans, 2 Democrats have signed on to Dole bill on move embassy to Jerusalem. Administration presses Democrats to reject bill. (MM 5/11)

PA says 500 guns have been registered since 5/11 deadline was declared 4/12. (JP 5/20, NYT 5/21)

PA, Israel reach agmt. that prevents disconnection of phone service to o.t. Israel will deduct communications debt. fr. aid it is donating to PA. (QY 5/12 in FBIS 5/12) (see 4/24)

PA receives 2 helicopters fr. Egypt for flying PA mbrs. btwn. Gaza, Jericho. Flights must have Israeli approval. (VOP 5/11 in FBIS 5/15; MENA 5/11 in FBIS 5/16)

Pres. Clinton picks Jay Footlik as his "special liaison" to the Jewish community. Footlik's job is to "monitor issues of concern to American Jews, ensuring Jewish access to the president and arranging for Clinton to attend relevant Jewish community events." (WJW 5/11)

In Brussels for international economic meetings, Sec. of State Baker rejects Soviet envoy Yevgeny Primakov's suggestion that solution to Gulf crisis be linked to Palestine question [LAT 11/17].

Soviet envoy Alexander Belonogov meets in Cairo with Pres. Mubarak to discuss Gulf crisis; Belonogov then leaves for Saudi Arabia [MENA 11/16, CDS 11/17 in FBIS 11/20].

Ultra-Orthodox Agudat Israel party joins P.M. Shamir's ruling coalition; belated agreement increases Likud majority from 62 Knesset seats out of 120, to 66 seats [JDS 11/16 in FBIS 11/16; NYT, LAT 11/17; CSM, MEM 11/19; JPI 11/24; MET 11/27].

Arab and nonaligned nations introduce Sec. Council resolution calling for UN observer force in occupied territories (o.t.) and for conference of 164 signators of Fourth Geneva Convention [LAT 11/17; MEM 11/19].

Iran and Iraq announce agreement on series of steps to end major disputes lingering from 8-year war; Iranian F.M. Velayati says he detects willingness by Iraq to end crisis by withdrawing from Kuwait [NYT 11/17].

700 members of U.S. Council of Jewish Federations pass without dissent resolution backing Bush admin. policy in Gulf, but say they will fight U.S. plans to sell weapons to Saudia Arabia [NYT 11/17].

IDF bars Gaza Strip and West Bank residents from Jerusalem as preventive measure against anticipated protests following prayers on Haram al-Sharif [FJ 11/19].

Israeli Immigration Minister Yitzhak Peretz ignites political row by calling for curbs on Soviet immigration, saying 4 of 10 newcomers are not Jewish [MEM 11/1].

UN Sec.Council unanimously declares Iraq's annexation of Kuwait "null and void" [WP, NYT 8/10].

Arab leaders postpone Cairo summit for one day to reach solution to Iraqi delegate's refusal to participate in summit with Kuwaiti delegate, saying Kuwait is part of Iraq [CDS, MENA 8/9, BVL 8/10 in FBIS 8/10; LAT, WP, NYT 8/10].

Arafat meets in Baghdad with Saddam Hussein to discuss Gulf crisis [INA 8/9 in FBIS 8/10].

P.M. Shamir sends message to Pres. Bush in effort to upgrade U.S.-Israel contacts during Gulf crisis; Ma'ariv notes that Bush has not consulted with Shamir as he has with other leaders in the region [MAA 8/10 in FBIS 8/10].

Israel successfully test-launches Arrow missile designed to intercept incoming rockets; U.S. funds 80% of Arrow program as part of Washington's SDI initiative; Arrow will not be fully operational for 5 years [DS 8/9 in FBIS 8/13; LAT, NYT, WP, WT 8/10; JPI 8/18].

Palestinian injured on 8/7 dies; he was injured as Jewish mobs avenging deaths of 2 Israeli boys overturned his car [WP 8/10]. Amal movement reports its troops attacked Israeli positions in S.Lebanon, wounding 3 [BDS 8/9 in FBIS 8/13].

Arafat returns to Alexandria and meets with Pres. Mubarak to try to persuade Egyptian leader to accept Iraqi-backed plan that would mean virtual capitulation by Kuwait in exchange for withdrawal of Iraqi troops [MENA 8/6 in FBIS 8/6; WP 8/7].

UN Sec.Council votes to impose worldwide trade embargo on Iraq and Kuwait [WP, LAT, WT, NYT 8/7].

Two teenage Israeli boys, missing since 8/4, are founded stabbed to death near E. Jerusalem, triggering rampage by hundreds of Jews seeking vengeance against Arabs; 4 Palestinians are wounded in attacks. Police believe Palestinian nationalists are responsible for the deaths JDS 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; WP, LAT, WT, NYT 8/7]; Israeli Arabs denounce killings and reprisal violence [JPD 8/7 in FBIS 8/8; JPI 8/18].