The Palestine Chronology

Israel's Likud party holds its 1st ever primary to select its slate of MK candidates, excluding candidate for PM, for the 5/29 elections. Retired Gen. Yitzhak Mordechai is selected to head the list, with fmr. DM Ariel Sharon 2d, Oslo opponent Benjamin Begin 3d, party veteran Dan Meridor 4th. Combined with the coalition agmt. with Gesher, Tsomet (see 3/12), the slate suggests a Likud government would have security-oriented hardliners in its top posts. (MM 3/26, 3/27; QY 3/27 in FBIS 3/27; MM, NYT 3/28; WJW 4/4; MEI 4/12)

PSF head Muhammad Dahlan claims the PSF has discovered a secret group within the Qassam Brigades that is controlled by the Hamas leadership in Jordan; says the PA has detained all but 2 mbrs. (Muhammad Daif, Yahya al-Ghoul) of the Qassam Brigades and a total of 70 percent of Hamas mbrs. overall. (WT 3/27; CSM 4/8)

IDF arrests 10 additional alleged Hamas mbrs. in the Bethlehem, Hebron, Janin, Tulkarm areas. To date Israel has arrested over 400 persons suspected of hostile anti-Israeli activities. (QY 3/26 in FBIS 3/26)

Fmr. U.S. Pres. George Bush meets with Syrian Pres. Asad in Damascus; then drives to Beirut to meet with Pres. Hrawi. Bush is on a regional tour to thank Gulf War allies (incl., Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain) for their support during that conflict. (RL, SARR, VOL 3/26 in FBIS 3/26; RL 3/26, 3/27 in FBIS 3/27; MM 3/27; WT 3/27; NYT 4/5)

Fmr. negotiator, current PC mbr. Hanan Ashrawi (I-Jerusalem) says that she will meet lawyers' requests to submit an affidavit in defense of Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq for his extradition hearing, scheduled for 4/2 in New York. (AFP 3/26 in FBIS 3/26)

IDF completes withdrawal fr. Bethlehem. (MM 12/21; QY, VOP 12/21 in FBIS 12/22; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/22; JP 12/30)

At PISMC mtg. in Jerusalem, PA demands Israel withdraw immediately fr. Abu-Dis, Sawahirah villages nr. Jerusalem, both part of Bethlehem municipality under Oslo II. Israel says there was a mistake on the Oslo II maps, incorrectly placing the 2 villages in the withdrawal zone; it expects the PA to agree to the corrected maps that exclude them fr. the municipality. (QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

Samiha Khalil, fmr. gen. secy. of the General Union of Palestinian Women and head of a respected West Bank charity, announces she will run against Arafat for the presidency as an independent in 1/20 elections. A PNC mbr., she says she will vote against amending the PLO covenant. (WT 12/28; CSM 1/4; WP 1/19)

PA, Hamas closed 4 days of their 1st formal, high-level reconciliation talks in Cairo, agree talks were positive but fail to reach accord. Hamas refuses to sign pledge to participate in Palestinian elections, cease attacks on Israeli targets, but agrees not to call for election boycott. (MM 12/18; MENA, VOP 12/18, MENA 12/19 in FBIS 12/19; CSM, WT 12/19; MENA, VOP 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20; MBC, RE, VOP 12/20, MENA, VOP 12/21 in FBIS 12/21; MENA, RMC, VOP 12/21, RE, SA 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; CSM, NYT 12/22; al-Quds 12/22 in FBIS 12/26; JP 12/30) (see 11/18)

Likud MK and fmr. DM Ariel Sharon announces that he will not run for PM, endorses party chmn. Benjamin Netanyahu. (QY 12/21, JP 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; JP 12/30)

Ahmad Tibi, Arafat adviser and head of the Israeli Islamic Movement, says his movement has created a party, the Arab Movement for Change, to participate in the 10/96 Knesset elections. (ITV 12/21 in FBIS 12/22) (see 9/10)

In s. Lebanon, IDF clashes with Amal, killing 3 Amal mbrs. (WT 12/26)

PLO Exec. Comm. approves program for self-rule authority, reaffirming commitment to agreements with Israel and calling for end to settlements.  Program envisions Jerusalem as capital of Palestinian state.  (WP 5/29)

Yesha settlers' council says frmr. Israeli DM Ariel Sharon has raised over $7 m. overseas to support settlement activities.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/28 in FBIS 6/1)

PLO officials Ahmad Qurai`, Nabil Shaath named to economics portfolios in Palestinian National Authority, among 14 appointed ministers in admin. to run Gaza, Jericho until elections held.  (RJ 5/28 in FBIS 5/31; NYT, WP 5/29)

PLO cancels contract with Austrian public-relations firm Teleaxis Holding.  $7.5 m. contract would have given company exclusive rights to arrange media coverage of PLO Chmn. Arafat's visit to Jericho.  (WT 5/29)

Hamas claims responsibility for killing 2 alleged collaborators in Gaza City.  (JP 6/4)

Frmr. Israeli DM Ariel Sharon announces he will run for PM election in 1996, prompting criticism by Likud colleagues, party leader Binyamin Netanyahu calling him a "subversive."  (MM 5/27; NYT, WP, WT 5/28; JP 6/4)

Israel-PLO talks on implementing DoP resume in Taba, Egypt. (MENA 1/18 in FBIS 1/18; WT 1/19)

Secy. of Defense-designate Adm. Bobby Inman holds press conference to announce 1/6 withdrawal of his name, citing opposition to his nomination by Sen. Bob Dole, NYT columnist William Safire. Inman says Safire motivated by his 1981 decision as dep. director of CIA to restrict U.S. satellite intelligence provided to Israel after Israeli bombing of Iraqi nuclear reactor. Inman says then-Israeli DM Ariel Sharon complained about limitation to Secy. of Defense Caspar Weinberger, who supported Inman. (NYT, WP, WT 1/19)

PM Rabin says peace btwn. Israel and Syria may require Israel to pay a "painful price," notes he "expected more" fr. al-Asad but would "make do" and negotiate on basis of al-Asad's 1/16 Geneva statements. Rabin echoes calls for national referendum on Golan withdrawal. AP reports opposition by Likud, govt. coalition to plans for Israeli referendum on withdrawal fr. Golan. (MM 1/18, 1/19; NYT, WT 1/19)

IDF clashes with Palestinian stonethrowers at Hebron college. 7 Palestinians shot and wounded. (NYT 1/20)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Tunis with U.S. State Dept. official Dennis Ross, NSC official Martin Indyk, then flies to Cairo for meetings with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, American Jewish Congress trustees seeking end to Arab boycott of Israel. Ross proceeds to Amman for talks with Jordanian officials. (Radio Jordan 10/19 in FBIS 10/20; WP 10/21)

Syria, Saudi Arabia issue joint statement in Riyadh on peace process, saying "'just and comprehensive" settlement only achievable with Israel's "full withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories," including Golan. (MM 10/10)

Israel frees Salim Husayn al-Zrai, 50, held in prison 23 years. Sentenced to life imprisonment in 1970 for infiltration attempt, Fateh activist released because of PLO adherence to its 9/13 commitment not to attack Israel. Release of this longest-held Palestinian prisoner of Israel interpreted as indicating future mass release of Palestinian prisoners. (CSM, NYT 10/20)

Israeli defense officials announce failure of 10/14 test of U.S.-funded Arrow missile. Another test in August also failed, and the GAO issued a report that month criticizing Israeli management of the program (see 10/23). (WT 10/20)

Likud Central Comm. meets in Tel Aviv to consider plans by Binyamin Netanyahu, Ariel Sharon, and Meir Shitreet on autonomy schemes alternative to DoP. (MM 10/19)

Secy. of State Christopher meets in Israel with PM Rabin, FM Peres, then with Palestinians led by Faisal Husseini, who tell him that all deportees must be returned for talks to resume. Palestinians read the secy. a letter from Chmn. Arafat, present 5-point memo assessing peace process. (NYT 2/24; Sanaa VOP 2/25 in FBIS 2/26)

Some 7,000 march against territorial compromise on the Golan Heights in Jerusalem. (MM 2/24)

Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies (Tel Aviv U.) publishes poll of non-settler, non-kibbutz mbr. Israeli Jewish pop. showing 58% believe the Arabs want peace, 95% of Israelis want peace; 29% favor Palestinian autonomy, 20% favor returning o.t. to Jordan; favor of a Palestinian state, annexation, and annexation with transfer each garnered 13%. 46% refuse to give back any of the Golan Heights, 33% would give back a small part. 75% believe military action can stop the intifada and terrorism, 60% feel the govt. has been too soft on this. (Davar 2/23 in FBIS 2/25)

Police Min. Moshe Shahal has set up team of jurists to work out a plan for o.t. police force to operate under the autonomy, one which will be a "clear expression of Palestinian self-rule." Historical models include British-French policing of the Hebrides. (Davar 2/23 in FBIS 2/26)

Israeli National Planning and Building Council subcomms. approve plan to build school for handicapped children in East Jerusalem, ending former Housing Min. Ariel Sharon's plan to build 200 Jewish housing units on the site. (Qol Yisra'el 2/26 in FBIS 2/26)

IDF shoots dead UN nurse watching demonstrations from his roof in Rafah, Gaza Strip-50th Palestinian killed by IDF since 12/17/92. (WT 2/24)

U.S. House Republican Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare releases "The New Islamist International," a report asserting Iranian backing of attacks on UN and Muslims in Bosnia while throwing blame on the Serbs, as well as other actions of intl. radical Islamist agenda. Report follows up similar 10/3/92 report. (WJW 4/22)

Arye Bar, Israeli construction and housing min. dir. gen. meets with Fin. Min. Yitzhak Modai on behalf of hospitalized Housing Min. Ariel Sharon; Modai instructs treasury to approve construction of 4,000 new housing units in Israel and o.t. (Modai had earlier approved 2,000 of the housing min.'s 4,500-unit request.) Housing min. announces more than 16,000 housing units are in various stages of construction in o.t. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

Hamas members storm houses of Fateh members in Khan Yunis, wounding several. IDF opens fire on residents of Jabaliya, Dayr al-Balah camps, Gaza, wounding 3. (AFP 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

Hizballah attacks Israeli intelligence position in Bint Jubayl (inside S. Lebanon "security zone"); Israel shells Litani River basin. Armed dispute in 'Ayn al-Hilwa camp near Sidon kills 2. (VOL, Voice of the Oppressed 7/6 in FBIS 7/6)

Israel releases 4 Palestinians into custody of Red Cross in Tyre, Lebanon. The 4 "Fateh activists" had served out sentences at Asqalan prison following their arrest 12/20/90 on a "suspicious vessel" (embarked in Cyprus) off the Lebanese coast. (Qol Yisra'el 7/5 in FBIS 7/6; AFP 7/5 in FBIS 7/7)

Arab League Council concludes 2-day emergency meeting in Cairo to discuss situation in S. Lebanon; endorses 2 draft resolutions urging an end to Israeli aggression and promoting reconstruction, as well as a statement urging UNSC to resort to Chapter VII of UN Charter to halt Israeli aggression, implement res. 425. (MENA 7/5 in FBIS 7/7; MM 7/6)

Jordanian parliament passes law legalizing independent political parties; first multiparty elections since 1954 will be held in 11/93. (MM 7/6)

Gunbattle in Gaza City leaves 3 Palestinians, 1 Border Guard dead; a second Israelis wounded. IDF imposes 3-day travel ban on Gaza. Curfew clamped on Nusayrat, Maghazi refugee camps and Sabra, Shaykh Radwan neighborhoods of Gaza City. Palestinian from Gaza later stabs, kills Jewish girl in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, triggering anti-Arab riot by Jewish residents. PM Shamir states assailant should have been killed at the scene. (ITV 5/24 in FBIS 5/26; WP 5/25, 5/28; MM 5/26)

In statement published in Egyptian press, Yemeni official asserts Yemeni Jews are free to travel anywhere but Israel (Housing Min. Ariel Sharon stated 5/19 that Israel is trying to arrange for emigration of remaining Jews in Yemen to Israel). (MENA 5/24 in FBIS 5/27)

Syria reinforces troop concentrations in Biqa' Valley following 5/21 Israeli attack on Hizballah position near Lebanese-Syrian border. (Arab Republic of Egypt Radio 5/24 in FBIS 5/24; WP 5/26)

Fifth round of Arab-Israeli peace talks open in Washington. Israeli proposes agreement for municipal elections in selected o.t. localities. Israel insists such a plan is not a substitute for continued negotiations regarding Palestinian autonomy. Israeli-Jordanian talks center on water use. (MM 4/28; WP 4/29; NYT, MM 4/30; Jordan Television 4/28 in FBIS 4/29)

U.S., Russia issue invitations for upcoming third round, multilateral talks. Meetings dealing with five different topics are scheduled to be held in May in different world capitals: arms control, 5/11 in Washington; economic development, 5/11 in Brussels; water, 5/12 in Vienna; refugee problems, 5/13 in Ottawa; environmental issues, 5/18 in Tokyo. (NYT 4/29)

State Dept. announces Syria has informed U.S. it has lifted travel ban and restrictions on purchase and sale of property formerly applied to Syrian Jews [see 4/13]. (NYT, MM 4/28)

Israeli state comptroller issues report criticizing mismanagement, waste, and corruption in numerous government agencies. Report recommended criminal investigations in several instances of corruption within housing ministry, headed by Ariel Sharon [atty. gen. began investigating housing ministry 4/26 after comptroller informed him in advance of report's findings]. (NYT, MM 4/28)

Supporters of Hamas win all 10 seats in elections for student council of a teachers' academy in Ramallah. Hamas also calls on merchants in o.t. to observe strike in protest of resumption of peace talks. Strike observed in some localities in Gaza; in W. Bank, only shops in Hebron were closed. (MM 4/27, 4/29)

IDF states it has apologized for disturbing church services in Ramallah 4/24, but continues to dispute priests' account of what happened [see 4/24]. (MM 4/27)

Palestinian Popular Struggle Front's Central Committee ends meeting in Damascus [begun 4/25] in which it deposed Secy. Gen. Samir Ghawsha and replaced him with Khalid 'Abd al-Majid. (Radio Free Lebanon 4/28 in FBIS 4/29; al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio 4/29 in FBIS 4/30; Sawt al-Kuwait 5/1, al-Hayat 5/2 in FBIS 5/8; INA 5/3 in FBIS 5/4)

Ateret Cohanim seminary announces housing ministry, headed by Ariel Sharon, has given it land to build some 200 homes in Muslim Quarter of E. Jerusalem. Housing project would represent the largest block of Jewish housing in the Muslim Quarter. Spokeswoman for Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek states Kollek opposes the proposed move. (MM 3/30)

EC "troika," traveling inthe region to discuss peace process, arrives in Gaza. (Republic of Egypt Radio 3/27 in FBIS 3/30)

International Monetary Fund approves $250 million loan to Israel to help it overcome damage suffered by economy during Gulf war. (Qol Yisra'el 3/27 in FBIS 4/1)

Following fist-fights with UNIFIL troops trying to halt their advance, IDF troops, tanks bulldoze through UNIFIL barriers and move out of "security zone" to attack villages in S. Lebanon suspected of sheltering Islamic Resistance Movement bases which have been shelling N. Israel. Villages of Yatar, Kafra are captured. Several more rockets are fired at N. Israel, "security zone" and are answered with heavy IDF, SLA bombardment. Amal, communist party, armed civilians join the battle against Israeli forces. Two Israelis are killed and three wounded; at least 7 Hizballah fighters are killed and 17 wounded. In addition, 3 civilians and 4 Fijian UNIFIL troops are wounded. UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali demands Israeli withdrawal while State Dept. calls on Israel, Syria, Lebanon to "exercise restraint." (Qol Yisra'el 2/20 in FBIS 2/20, FBIS 2/21; IDF Radio, Voice of Lebanon 2/20 in FBIS 2/21; WP 2/21)

PM Shamir wins renomination as head of Likud party. FM David Levy finishes second, Housing Min. Ariel Sharon third. (WP 2/21)

Arab League council begins emergency meeting on Israeli settlements. (MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21)

Hundreds of Jewish settlers invade Silwan, on outskrits of East Jerusalem, and occupy eight Palestinian homes they claim were bought or leased from the government but occupied by Palestinians. Occupation of the homes was planned by Housing Minister Ariel Sharon, and several right-wing Knesset members, including Michael Eytan, Yuval Ne'eman, and Ge'ula Cohen, joined the settlers in a move some openly stated was an attempt to bring down the government of PM Shamir and disrupt U.S. efforts to convene a peace conference [see 10/4]. Police evacuate most of the homes, but PM Shamir tells settlers they can control one of them. Shamir calls settlers' action "unnecessary" and takes no action against Sharon. (MEM 10/9; WP 10/10, 10/14)

Sharon announces he will challenge PM Shamir for the Likud party's nomination for prime minister in 1992. (WP 10/11)

Four Israeli F-15 fighter planes fly on a reconnaissance mission over western Iraq. Iraqi officials claim the planes entered from Syrian airspace and left over Saudi airspace. U.S. strongly protested the action. One U.S. official claimed the planes traveled over Jordan, not Syria and Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials claim U.S. is not providing enough information on Iraqi missile sites in Iraq, that Israel must gather such information itself. (NYT, WP 10/9; WP 10/10)

Israeli newspaper Qol Ha'ir reports Sharon and the militant religious Ateret Cohanim movement have prepared a plan to establish 26 "settlement points" within Palestinian neighborhoods in the Jerusalem area, including 200 housing units in Silwan on eastern outskirts of East Jerusalem (HaAretz 10/4 in FBIS 10/4)

Settlers from Golan present PM Shamir a five-year plan for increased Israeli settlement on the Golan Heights. The plans call for expenditures of $200 million in roads, infrastructure, and for increasing number of settlers from present figure of 11,500 to 40,000 within four years. Shamir accepts plan by noting there was "no shadow of doubt" about Israel's future control of Golan. (MEM 10/4)

Israeli newspaper HaAretz reports that Israel, Germany have failed to reach an understanding over Israel's request for DM10 billion in credito assist settling Jewish immigrants. Among other reasons, Israel's request was based upon the fact that the former East Germany never paid reparations to Israel as did West Germany [see 8/28]. (HaAretz 10/4 in FBIS 10/8)

U.S. Secy. of State Baker meets with PM Shamir in Jerusalem, discusses loan guarantee controversy. Baker also delivers a draft letter outlining U.S. "assurances" to Israel and the Palestinians concerning proposed peace conference. Talks with Palestinians are inconclusive, and Baker suggests they travel to meet him in Amman for follow-up discussions. (WP 9/17)

Israeli peace movement Peace Now issues report claiming Israeli government has decided to invest $50 million in schemes to encourage Israeli investment ino.t., including tax relief, grants, and state guarantees. One fourth of funds would go for building factories, remainder on labor-intensive projects. (MEM 9/17)

Housing min. Ariel Sharon states 15,780 homes have been built in o.t. since April 1990, the first time Sharon has announced such a figure as housing minister

PLO, Hamas officials meet in Amman to discuss Hamas participation in upcoming PNC meeting. Hamas demands 40 seats in council. (AFP 8/26, in FBIS 8/27; MEM 8/27)

Israeli police question Hanan Ashrawi, Faisal Husseini on their recent meetings in London with Palestinian officials to determine if they violated Israeli law banning contact with PLO. (MEM 8/27)

After heated debates, Lebanese parliament approves amnesty for war crimes committed during Lebanese civil war. (NYT 8/27)

Hizbullah admits it holds two Israeli prisoners. (WP 8/27)

Israeli housing min. Ariel Sharon details major plan to expand Israeli settlements. Plan would expand settlements in Jerusalem area to link them with large settlement of Ma'ale Adumim, which itself would be expanded to reach Jericho, cutting the West Bank in half. Thousands of new homes would be built. (MEM 8/27, 8/29)

Israeli cabinet agrees to equal funding of Arab, Jewish municipalities following 10- day sit-in by Arab mayors. Mayors indicate they will take their protest to the Israeli labor federation, the Histadrut, to protest unfair practices by that body, which is dominated by the Labor party. (MEM 8/27)

Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq issues report on increased Jewish settlement in o.t. Places number of settlers in W. Bank, Gaza at 104,000 along with 127,700 in E. Jerusalem. (MEM 8/27)

Soviet, Ethiopian Jewish immigrants clash in Jerusalem hotel where they live; four injured. Soviets have complained of preferential treatment extended to Ethiopians. (MEM 8/27, 8/29)

Israeli troops kill Nabil Hammad near Ramallah, the 1,000th Palestinian killed by security forces or settlers since beginning of intifada, according to count maintained by London-based Middle East Mirror. (MEM 7/30)

Radio Israel reports Israeli military has extended for another year the closure order against Arab Studies Association, headed by Faisal Husseini and based in Jerusalem. (FBIS, MEM 7/29)

Israeli Housing Min. Ariel Sharon states construction uderway on new settlement of Avneh Hafetz near Tulkarm, which he hopes will become the largest settlement in occupied territories. Statement is latest in a series of public moves, statements by Sharon to demonstrate Israeli commitment to furthering settlement building in face of increased U.S., international criticism. (MEM 7/30) 

Fighting breaks out between Lebanese army and PLO, allied Islamic forces as PLO forces refuse to evacuate positions east of Sidon, Army blockades Palestinian refugee camps of al-Mi'a wa Mi'a, 'Ayn al-Hilwa. PLO officials in Tunis call for discussion with Lebanese government. (NYT, LAT, MEM 7/2; WP 7/3)

Israeli Housing Min. Ariel Sharon inaugurates new neighborhood of Israeli settlement of Mevo Dotan in the northern West Bank, one day after Pres. Bush described settlements as "counterproductive." (MEM 7/2; WP 7/3)

Palestinian leaders Hanan Ashrawi, Faisal Husseini meet with Secy. of State Baker in Washington, discuss U.S. peace initiative. (MEM 7/3)

In interview with Washington Post, Iraqi Deputy P.M. Tariq Aziz concedes that Saddam's regime has made "mistakes" because it has been in power so long, but adds that Baghdad is committed to move towards democracy [WP 5/8].

UN special envoy reports that Iraqi Kurds are returning home from border camps faster than expected - more than 4,000 a day - indicating that allied effort to establish security zone is working [WP 5/8].

Iraqi gov't. officials and Kurdish opposition begin new round of talks to hammer out details of agreement that would give Kurds autonomy [NYT 5/8; INA 5/7 in FBIS 5/8].

Housing Min. Ariel Sharon presents plan to MKs for additional Jewish housing in Jerusalem, Sharon wishes to establish contiguous territorial and demographic strip between Jerusalem and nearby settlements, according to Israeli media [JNT 5/7, YA 5/8 in FBIS 5/8]

Senior Bush admin. officials say U.S. wants Iraq to pay for American-led effort to help Kurds; operation is expected to cost over $500 million over 6 months [NYT 5/2].

Kuwaiti gov't. announces that the more than 400,000 Kuwaitis who have spent last 8 months in exile could begin returning home on 5/11 [WP, LAT 5/2].

Israeli Housing Minister Ariel Sharon meets with HUD Sec. Jack Kemp, but at White House insistence to avoid "official" meeting because of Sharon's pro-settlement views, talks are moved from Kemp's HUD office to the Israeli embassy (cf. 5/2) [WP 5/1, 5/3; NYT, LAT 5/2; CSM 5/3; IDF 5/2 in FBIS 5/2].

PLO spokesperson strongly condemns 4/30 stabbing death of French tourist in Bethlehem. Faisal Husseini sends victim's family cable of condolence. 19-year-old Palestinian surrenders to Israeli authorities and is charged with the stabbing [MEM 5/1; RMC, AVP 5/1 in FBIS 5/2].

Absorption Min. Yitzhak Perez says 17,700 immigrants arrived in Israel during April, and that some 55,000 immigrants arrived during 1st third of the year [IDF 5/1 in FBIS 5/2].

UNLU issues call no. 70, appealing for unified Palestinian response to Sec. Baker's peace initiative, warning that U.S. is trying to "impose an American solution to Palestine question," and condemning 4/30 stabbing of French tourist [MEM 5/2; AVP 5/2 in FBIS 5/3].

Israeli human rights group B'Tselem reports Israeli security forces killed 6 Palestinians during April, a 7th died after exposure to tear gas [FJ 5/6].

On ABC television, Israeli Housing Min. Ariel Sharon defends construction of o.t. settlements, saying West Bank has to be settled to provide military "strategic depth." On same program, Nat. Sec. Advisor Brent Scowcroft disagrees, saying "land for peace" is only real solution that will provide Israel any strategic security (cf. 4/15) [WP, MEM 4/15].

Two Arabs, allegedly from Abu Nidal's faction, are killed by IDF gunfire in "security zone" in southern Lebanon [IDF 4/14 in FBIS 4/15; RFL, BVL 4/15 in FBIS 4/17].

More than 200 Palestinians demonstrate in Rafah camp, marking 3d anniversary of assassination of Abu Jihad [AFP 4/15 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Palestinian is shot dead after allegedly trying to run down IDF soldier with his car [MEM 4/15; JDS 4/14 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Despite opposition from U.S., Israeli F.M. Levy urges gov't. to push quietly ahead with settlements in o.t.: "Our right [to settlements] cannot be challenged. There is one difference-don't upset the whole world" [MEM 4/15].

Findings of poll conducted by Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies in Tel Aviv are released: 90% of Israeli public favors use of nuclear weapons under certain circumstances; 49% believes Arabs final goal is to destroy Israel and kill Jews [MEM 4/15]. 

In Cairo, Sec. Baker meets with Pres. Mubarak; F.M. Abdel Meguid says Egypt is prepared to consider American proposal for Arab-Israeli peace conference sponsored by Washington and Moscow, and would treat Israel's conditions for such a conference with an open mind [MEM 4/10; NYT, WP, LAT 4/11; MENA 4/10, 4/11 in FBIS 4/11; MET 4/23].

Housing Minister Ariel Sharon says that he intends to continue efforts to accelerate settlements in o.t., despite Sec. Baker's reported criticism of Sharon's policy at 4/9 meetings [NYT 4/11].

Pres. Bush signs emergency appropriations bill into law; it authorizes $650 million for Israel, $200 million for Turkey, and cuts off economic and military, but not humanitarian, aid to Jordan. Provision allows pres. to resume aid if he feels it will facilitate Middle East peace process [NYT 4/11].

Yasir Arafat delivers speech to mark 41st month of intifada outlining PLO's recent diplomatic activity [AVP 4/10 in FBIS 4/11].

Ha'Aretz reports that about 3% of some 223,000 new immigrants to Israel since January 1989 have settled in o.t., most in Jerusalem neighborhoods [HAA 4/11 in FBIS 4/12].

In interview with Paris-based Arabic-language weekly, Khaled al-Hassan, Fateh Central Committee member and PNC committee chair, calls for election of Palestinian provisional gov't. capable of ending PLO's isolation [MEM 4/11].

Israel releases 240 Palestinian prisoners for end of Ramadan; D.M. Arens promises to release more [FJ 4/15; MET 4/23].

White House and State Dep't. denounce Israeli decision to deport 4 Gaza Palestinians, suggesting that action could jeopardize efforts to bring about peace; Israeli Housing Minister Ariel Sharon calls for mass deportations of activists from o.t. [LAT, WT 3/26].

Iraq submits to UN detailed list of Kuwaiti gov't. property it took from the emirate, including $457 million in gold and $600 million in currency [LAT 3/26].

Bahraini F.M. says that overall "security arrangement" will be negotiated to insure permanent military presence by Western and friendly Arab nations in Gulf region [NYT 3/26].

In interview with Toronto Star, Yasir Arafat offers peace plan, says PLO would accept UN buffer zone on Palestinian side of border between Israel and future Palestinian state [WT 3/26; AFP, JDS 3/25, AGS 3/26 in FBIS 3/26].

Pres. Asad and King Hussein meet in Damascus as part of Arab fence-mending effort [WT 3/26; ADS, DDS 3/26 in FBIS 3/26; MET 4/2].

Israelis successfully test fire Arrow antiballistic missile; it is 2d test flight, and coordinated with American military [JDS 3/25 in FBIS 3/26].

For 2d time in 48 hours, U.S. fighter shoots down Iraqi warplane, this one over Kirkuk, Iraq. Bush admin. vows to continue to shoot down any military aircraft, and insists that it is not meddling in the uprising against Saddam Hussein [LAT, NYT, WP 3/23; MET 4/2].

Full Congress gives final approval of bill authorizing $42.6 billion in U.S. and allied payments toward cost of Gulf war, and passes $4.8-billion "dire emergency" bill that contains $650 million for Israel and $200 million for Turkey to defray war-related costs. Congress keeps provision cutting off aid to Jordan, but modifies it to allow resumption of aid if it is determined Jordan is aiding Middle East peace process. Bush admin. informs Congress that it intends to sell to Israel another Patriot missile unit for $350 million [WP, NYT, LAT 3/23].

Bush admin. is putting pressure on Japan to improve its relations with Israel, and, in particular, to end longstanding compliance by many Japanese companies with Arab boycott of trade with Israel [LAT 3/23].

UN Sec. Council's sanctions committee agrees to ease restrictions on food and other essential supplies for Iraq following 3/21 release of UN report warning of catastrophe in war-ravaged Iraq [LAT, NYT, WP 3/23; MET 4/2].

During tour of West Bank settlements, Housing Minister Ariel Sharon says construction of 13,000 housing units in o.t. has been approved for next 2 years. Plans contradict statements by P.M. Shamir who has told Bush admin. that gov't. has not approved such plans [LAT 3/23; JPI 3/30].

IDF says that 2 Arab guerrillas with automatic rifles crossing border from Jordan into northern Israel were shot dead by army patrol [LAT 3/23; JDS 3/22 in FBIS 3/22].

Sec. Baker holds 7-hour meeting with Pres. Asad in Damascus; American officials decline to comment on contents [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/14; CSM 3/15; MET 3/26].

Palestinian human rights workers and community leaders say more than 100 Palestinians have disappeared in the 2 weeks since allied forces recovered Kuwait; PLO says over 3,500 Palestinians have been detained at checkpoints. Bush admin. says this is "a big concern" [LAT, NYT, WT 3/14].

Taking 1st clear step to aid Iraqi insurgents, Pres. Bush accuses Iraq of violating cease-fire by using helicopter gunships against rebels; Bush warns Saddam Hussein against further use [NYT, LAT, WT 3/14; CSM 3/15].

Bush also warns Iran not to seize any Iraqi territory during rebellion [WP 3/14].

Demonstrators in Mosul, Iraq storm 2 prisons and release 4,000 political prisoners, according to Kurdish leaders. Clashes between loyalists and rebels are reported in Baghdad. Three-day Beirut conference of Iraqi opposition leaders ends with an appeal to Iraqi loyalists to help topple Saddam [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/14; KUNA, SANA, INRA 3/13 in FBIS 3/14].

Japan transfers equivalent of $8.6 billion to its Gulf Peace Fund, fulfilling its pledge of aid for allied forces, according to gov't. spokesperson. No mention is made of the fact that Japan had promised $9 billion [LAT 3/14].

Bassam Abu Sharif, advisor to Arafat, gives interview to Sky Television in which he suggests borders of Palestinian state are negotiable, offers other "concessions" (cf. 3/18) [AVP, BBC 3/13 in FBIS 3/14].

P.M. Shamir asks Aliyah Committee Chairman Ariel Sharon to withdraw his letter of resignation; Sharon complies [JDS 3/13 in FBIS 3/14].

Algerian National Television Service broadcasts 24-hour telethon to raise money for and express solidarity with people of Iraq [APS 3/14 in FBIS 3/14].

Meeting with Sec. Baker in Riyadh, representatives of the 8 Arab countries allied with U.S. in Gulf war give general endorsement to Pres. Bush's Middle East peace initiative; but press for concessions and flexibility from Israel [NYT, WP, LAT, CSM 3/11; KUNA 3/10 in FBIS 3/11].

On eve of Sec. Baker's visit to Israel, Palestinian fatally stabs 4 Israeli women at bus stop outside Jerusalem; police say assailant meant his action as "message" to Sec. Baker; Jewish bystanders throw stones at Palestinian cars and shout for revenge; Palestinians are barred from Jerusalem until further notice [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/11; IDF, JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; CSM 3/12; FJ 3/18; MET 3/19; JPI 3/23].

18-truck convoy of medicine, food, and water leaves Jordan for Iraq. Relief officials say they are "fighting against time to try to prevent another health catastrophe" as warming weather raises threat of cholera and typhoid [LAT 3/11; MET 3/19].

Jerusalem radio reports that Ariel Sharon has submitted to P.M. Shamir his resignation as chrmn. of Ministerial Committee on Aliyah, saying he could not operate without additional powers or Shamir's support (cf. 3/13) [JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11].

Internal report from Israel's Housing Ministry indicates more than 10,000 new housing units are to be located in o.t., despite previous pledges by gov't. to Bush admin. to place all homes in Israel [WP, LAT 3/11].

Yasir Abd Rabbo says PLO has authorized Palestinian figures in o.t. to meet with Sec. Baker during his visit to Israel [AFP, ADS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; AVP, TDS 3/11 in FBIS 3/12].

Israeli Inner Cabinet meets and reaffirms its adherence to its May 1989 peace plan; various ministers says Israel will not discuss Golan Heights [IDF, JDS 3/10 in FBIS 3/11]

Pentagon reportedly tells Pres. Bush that the dominant view held by American military officials is that U.S. troops will not be ready for offensive action against Iraq on 1/15, and that any attack should be deferred until February at earliest (cf. 12/26) [NYT, WP 12/25].

Iraq recalls its ambassadors from major European capitals, Washington, and Tokyo for consultations over deadlock in Gulf crisis [NYT, LAT, WP 12/25].

Saddam Hussein reportedly says Tel Aviv will be his 1st target in the event war breaks out; Israel promises swift and terrible retribution if attacked [LAT, WT, WP 12/25].

The Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie's statement from hidden location affirms his Muslim faith, says he will not publish paperback version of book (cf. 12/26) [LAT, WT 12/25].

Israel in 1990 received highest number of immigrants in one year since 1949; about 187,000 people, mostly Soviet Jews, have arrived to date, and authorities expect 200,000 by year's end [LAT, WT, WP 12/25].

Housing Minister Ariel Sharon announces gov't.'s plan to locate 2,500 more houses for Jewish settlers in o.t., almost certainly including new Soviet immigrants, despite past assurances new immigrants would not be settled in o.t. [WP 12/26; FJ 12/31].

W. Bank and Gaza observe general strike called for by UNLU; signs of Christmas are noticeably absent in Bethlehem [NYT, WT, WP 12/25].

Newly-appointed Lebanese P.M. Omar Karami forms 30-man pro-Syrian cabinet, half-Christian and half-Muslim. Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea refuses post because of cabinet's pro-Syrian tilt [BVL, BDS 12/24, AFP 12/25 in FBIS 12/26; AFP 12/24, BVL 12/26 in FBIS 12/27; NYT, WP 12/25].

Two-day tripartite meeting of foreign ministers of Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia begins in Cairo; this is 3d meeting since Gulf crisis began [MENA, RMC 12/3 in FBIS 12/4; MET 12/11].

Greater Beirut officially comes under control of Lebanese Army after Lebanese Forces militia vacate positions [MEM 12/3; NYT, WT, WP, CSM 12/4; BDS, BVL, RFL 12/3 in FBIS 12/4; MET 12/11].

Def. Sec. Cheney tells Senate Armed Services Committee that military action rather than economic sanctions is only sure way of forcing Iraq out of Kuwait [NYT, WT, WP, MEM 12/4; CSM 12/5].

Soviet television reports that 1,000 of the 3,000 Soviet citizens still held in Iraq will be allowed to return to USSR within next 3 weeks [NYT, WT, WP 12/4].

In separate statements before English-speaking or American audiences, Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens, Housing Min. Ariel Sharon, Deputy F.M. Benjamin Netanyahu, and several MKs offer sharp warnings that Iraq should not be left with its army and weapons intact after Gulf crisis [NYT 12/4; WP 12/6]; Sharon compares Sec. Baker's proposed Baghdad trip to Neville Chamberlain in World War II [JDS 12/3 in FBIS 12/4].

Israeli military court sentences to 30 years each of 12 Arabs apprehended in PLF's May 1990 attempted attack on Tel Aviv beach [IDF 12/3 in FBIS 12/5; LAT 12/4; MEM 12/4; MET 12/11].

Quoting B'Tselem data, HaAretz reports that Palestinians are prohibited from building on 68% of West Bank's 5.5 million dunums [HAA 12/3 in FBIS 12/5].

Israeli air force and navy confront "fishing vessel that appeared suspicious" off coast of Gaza; force it ashore and shoot dead 1 crew member who tries to flee; five others are detained [JDS 12/4 in FBIS 12/4; MEM 12/4].

At least 10 "anti-Israeli combatants" are killed in 2 incidents of fighting with IDF, SLA troops in S. Lebanon [IDF, AFP 12/3 in FBIS 12/4]. 

Pres. Bush arrives in Jeddah, meets with King Fahd and the Emir of Kuwait. Bush announces his intention to meet with Pres. Asad in Geneva; decision prompts "anger and hurt" in Israel [SPA, DDS 11/21, JPD 11/22 in FBIS 11/23; LAT, NYT, WT, MEM 11/21].

Media report Iraq has defaulted on at least $2.5 billion in loans guaranteed by U.S. gov't. and taxpayers will have to pick up Baghdad's debts [LAT, WT 11/22].

IDF announces it has set up 90 military outposts along roads in o.t. during past 6 months at cost of NIS 200,000 ($100,000) each [JDS 11/21 in FBIS 11/21].

PLO Exec. Committee issues statement criticizing Israeli P.M. Shamir's 11/18 remark [BVP 11/22 in FBIS 11/23]; Arab League also condemns Shamir statement [TDS 11/21 in FBIS 11/27]; PLO sends 2 memorandums to UN Sec.-Gen., one concerning Shamir's remark, the other regarding Ariel Sharon's 11/19 announcement on housing in E. Jerusalem [TDS 11/21 in FBIS 11/23].

B'Tselem report says Israeli military authorities are again stepping up punitive house demolitions in o.t. [MEM 11/22; MET 12/4].

Draft 1991 budget from Israeli Finance Ministry allocates $6.5 billion for resettling Soviet Jewish immigrants, nearly 4 times the 1990 allocation. Only $6.1 billion is earmarked for defense. Knesset is to begin budget debate on 11/25 [MEM 11/22].

Kuwaiti gov't.-in-exile sets up 35-member advisory council made up of Kuwaiti citizens; Kuwait becomes 3d GCC nation, after Saudi Arabia and Oman, this month to declare itself in favor of broadening popular participation in state affairs [MEM 11/22].

New York-based Middle East Watch issues 3d report on conditions in Kuwait since 8/2, accusing Iraqi forces of summary executions, torture, and collective punishment [MEM 11/22].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz makes surprise visit to Oman, 1st by Iraqi official to Gulf state since 8/2 [MEM 11/22].

Iraqi gov't. orders 250,000 additional troops and reservists to Kuwait and decries U.S. criticism of its plan to release foreign hostages. Troops will join estimated 430,000 already stationed in Kuwait (cf. 11/20) [BADS 11/19 in FBIS 11/19; LAT, NYT, WT, WP 11/20; CSM 11/21; MET 11/27].

Pres. Bush meets Pres. Gorbachev in Paris; Bush fails to win Soviet approval for UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force in Gulf. Meeting between Bush and Jordan's King Hussein is indefinitely postponed, reportedly because of King's 11/17 speech and differences on Gulf crisis [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 11/20; CSM 11/21].

Arab countries at UN say they will end efforts made since 1982 to expel Israel from UN, but in return want Gen. Assembly to declare that Israel does not represent territories occupied after 1967 war [WP 11/20; NYT 11/21].

Housing Min. Ariel Sharon says special effort is being made to build housing in E. Jerusalem, indicating that of 17,000 new units planned, 15,000 will be built over green line (cf. 11/21) LIDS 11/20 in FBIS 11/20].

More than 100 W. Bank Palestinians are issued green ID cards, barring them from working is Israel; D.M. Moshe Arens has agreed to issue 2,400 new green IDs, bringing number of barred Palestinians to 10,000 [JPD 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; MEM 11/20; FJ 11/26].

U.S. officials say P.M. Shamir's 11/18 "sea to river" remark will hurt chances for Arab-Israeli peace, ask for clarification; comment also draws criticism from Israeli Labor party officials [WT, WP, MEM 11/20; JPI 12/1].

Morocco's King Hassan suggests that obstacles to proposed Arab summit on Gulf crisis might be removed by first convening smaller gathering of key Arab heads of state [MEM 11/20].