In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces shoot at Palestinian farmers working close to the perimeter fence nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest...
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December 1, 2013
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March 19, 2012
Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts morning patrols in 2 villages each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in...
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April 22, 2001
A Palestinian suicide bomber kills himself, 1 Israeli civilian and wounds around 40 others at a bus stop in Kefar Saba, outside Tel Aviv. Though the Popular Army Front+nReturn...
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November 2, 2000
Early this morning, Arafat, Peres wrap up talks, and Barak announces that the sides have agreed to try again to implement the 10/17 Sharm al-Shaykh arrangements. The Israeli cabinet suspends...
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July 22, 2000
At Camp David, PA, Israeli teams break for the Jewish Sabbath. Secy. of State Albright meets with Arafat to discuss core issues. (NYT, WP, WT 7/23; SA 7/23 in WNC 7/24)
Jordanian FM `Abd al...
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October 9, 1998
PM Netanyahu appoints current Infrastructures M Sharon as FM and chief negotiator with the Palestinians to head upcoming Washington talks, final status negotiations. He also keeps his position as...
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May 26, 1998
PM Netanyahu arrives in China for 3-day visit. (MM 5/26)
In Cairo, Arafat attends Arab League mtg. called to commemorate the 50th anniversary of al-Nakba; calls for Arab summit on the peace...
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March 16, 1998
Knesset Foreign Affairs Comm. debates proposals for a withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. (MM 3/16; IDF Radio 3/16 in WNC 3/17; WP 3/17)
UK FM and EU Chmn. Robin Cook...
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June 30, 1997
Israeli FM Levy threatens to quit the cabinet after news of Infrastructure M Sharon's secret mtg. with Arafat dep. Abbas 6/16 is leaked to the press. (CSM, MM 6/30; NYT, WT 7/1; WJW 7/3; PR 7/4)...
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April 15, 1997
U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in the Middle East; holds talks in Gaza with Arafat, in Jerusalem with Netanyahu. (WP 4/15; CSM, WP 4/16)
EU-Mediterranean business conference opens in Malta...
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April 8, 1997
Arafat reportedly takes ill on his way to mtg. in Egypt, returns to Gaza with his physician under ambulance escort. PA makes no statement. (IDF Radio 4/9 in WNC 4/10)
At a mtg. in Gaza...
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March 24, 1997
The U.S. calls on Arafat to explicitly rule out the use of terror in the Middle East. PSF head Dahlan says the PA is shutting down its security, intelligence cooperation with Israel. Netanyahu...
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December 10, 1996
Israel says that, under a Hebron deal, PA policemen may operate in H2 as part of joint mobile units. (Hatzofe 12/10 in WNC 12/11)
Jordanian Information M Marwan Mu`ashir begins 5-day...
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September 10, 1996
In Paris, Israeli FM Levy discusses peace process with Pres. Chirac, FM Hervé de Charette. (France-Inter Radio Network [Paris], ITV 9/10 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/11)
In New York, Israeli PM...
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July 23, 1996
Weekly PC mtg. begins 1 day early in Ramallah. (JMCC 7/17 in FBIS 7/18; PR 8/2)
PA's Arafat, Israeli FM Levy hold 1st mtg. at Erez checkpoint. Arafat presents list of Israeli violations. (...
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March 20, 1996
In al-Fawwar refugee camp, the IDF blows up the homes of the 2/25 Jerusalem and Ashkelon suicide bombers, homes of 2 Palestinians suspected of involvement in 8/21/95 bus bombing. (MM 3/20; QY 3/20...
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March 6, 1996
IDF deploys tanks along the Green Line for the 1st time since 1967; says they are only their for observation purposes, it is not planning to launch an operation into the West Bank. (AFP, MA, VOP 3...
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February 27, 1996
Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Amnon Shahak meets with Arafat at Erez checkpoint, gives him list of 13 wanted Hamas men, instructs the PA to break the movement's organization, warns IDF may...
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January 22, 1996
CEC calls for recount of Gaza ballots after numerous charges of irregularities. (WT 1/23)
In Washington, Israeli FM Barak, U.S. Defense Secy. Perry, Secy of State Christopher meet. (ITV 1/...
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November 10, 1995
Israeli police arrest IDF soldier fr. elite unit, his father in connection with Rabin's assassination. Police also say they believe Yigal Amir began mobilizing a group of young religious...
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September 11, 1995
New EU rotating head, Spanish PM Felipe Gonzalez arrives in Jerusalem on 1st leg of regional tour to show EU political, economic support of the peace process; meets with PM Rabin then with Arafat...
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May 8, 1995
PA-Israeli Joint Liaison Comm. meets for 2d day in Cairo. FM Peres offers PA Planning M Shaath sudden concessions to Palestinians at negotiating table in light of Jerusalem issue). Sides agree to...
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March 21, 1995
King Hussein, U.S. VP Gore meet in Amman. King criticizes congressional decision to cut Jordan's debt forgiveness. Gore promises U.S. will forgive all debt. (JTV, RJ 3/21, RJ 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; WP...
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February 4, 1995
Egyptian, Jordanian, Palestinian delegations begin mtgs. in Cairo to discuss 1967 refugees, ways of securing right of return, seek to coordinate positions before mtg. with Israel at end of mo....
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January 4, 1995
IDF soldiers, Palestinian police exchange gunfire across Gaza border at Erez checkpoint; 2 Palestinian police officers, 2 Palestinian civilians wounded. (MM 1/4; QY 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; NYT, WP, WT 1/...
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December 27, 1994
PM Rabin returns fr. Oman; says he discussed bilateral issues, possible agricultural assistance to Oman. Omani Information Min. says visit was meant to demonstrate Oman's support of peace process...
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December 19, 1994
Syrian, Israeli negotiators meet in Washington; U.S. Special Middle East Coordinator Dennis Ross observes. Military officers do not participate, pending agreement on composition of expanded...
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October 5, 1994
Secy. of State Christopher holds "constructive" mtg. with Syrian FM al-Shara` in Washington on peace talks, improving Syrian-U.S. relations. Al-Shara` then holds mtgs. with U.S. Jewish leaders. (...
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September 8, 1994
Israeli PM Rabin publicly outlines timetable for early withdrawal fr. Golan for 1st time: proposes initial "very slight" pullback for 3 yrs. (preserving all settlements) in exchange for full...
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August 30, 1994
Israel rejects PNA election proposal, says a 100-mbr. legislative council is too large, Israel needs more time to see how PNA runs depts. already transferred. (IDF Radio 8/31 in FBIS 8/31; QY 9/4...
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces shoot at Palestinian farmers working close to the perimeter fence nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah at night; patrols in Hebron and al-‘Arub r.c. in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces escort 24 Jewish Israelis at Haram al-Sharif, prompting clashes with worshippers. (MNA 12/1; PCHR 12/5)
An anonymous official in Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office says that the govt. will not be proceeding with the preliminary planning procedures for 24,000 settlement homes, as previously indicated on the Housing Ministry’s website. Israeli TV reports that the PA directly appealed to U.S. Secy. of State Kerry about the matter, threatening to quit the negotiations if the tenders were not cancelled. Meanwhile, PA Pres. Abbas meets with opposition leader MK Isaac Herzog in Ramallah, and tells him he is keen to reach an agreement with Israel. In a statement released after the meeting, Herzog says, “We have a partner that is ready to go the distance for peace and take original, brave steps on core issues.” (HA, JP 12/1)
Iranian pres. Ruhani says construction will soon start on a 2nd nuclear power plant, according to local media reports. Meanwhile, Iranian FM Zarif meets with his Kuwaiti counterpart Shaykh Sabah Khaled al-Sabah, on his 1st official visit to a Gulf Arab country. Following the meeting, Zarif says that the 6-mo. interim deal with the West is in the Gulf states’ interests. (AFP, JP 12/1)
Egyptian security forces violently disperse anti-govt. demonstrators in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, as the cmte. charged with amending the constitution approves changes to the text in the 2nd day of discussions. The new constitution give women and Christians “suitable representation” and also stipulates there must be elections, either parliamentary or presidential, within 90 days of the document’s adoption. The use of military tribunals for civilians is also scaled back, to be permitted only in cases of attacks on military personnel or property. However, the armed forces are given the exclusive right to name the defense minister for the next 2 presidential terms. The draft constitution is now handed over to Egyptian interim pres. Adly Mansour who has 1 mo. to call a national referendum. (AP, REU 12/1)
Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts morning patrols in 2 villages each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the morning and afternoon patrols in Qalqilya and in 2 villages each nr. Jenin, Qalqilya (synchronized), and Tulkarm; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Nablus. (JP 3/19; PCHR 3/22; OCHA 3/23)
In Toulouse, France, a gunman on a motor scooter opens fire on a Jewish school, killing a rabbi and 4 students (all dual French-Israeli citizens), wounding another 6 students (1 seriously). Authorities say the shooting appears linked to 2 recent shootings of 3 French soldiers in and nr. Toulouse. In those attacks, an assailant believed to be targeting French soldiers of Arab extraction to punish them as traitors for participating in the French military given its involvement in Afghanistan allegedly lured and shot 3 soldiers; 2 of North African origin were killed, whereas a black soldier was wounded. (NYT, WP, WT 3/20)
British FM Hague meets with Israel’s Vice PM Dan Meridor on a 2-day official visit to Israel. Talks cover Iran but focus on economic cooperation. (JPI 3/30)
A Palestinian suicide bomber kills himself, 1 Israeli civilian and wounds around 40 others at a bus stop in Kefar Saba, outside Tel Aviv. Though the Popular Army Front+nReturn Battalions claims responsibility, Israel blames the PA directly. Later, a bomb goes off in Haifa, slightly wounding 3 Israeli police officers. Israel-Palestinian clashes continue in the West Bank and Gaza, leaving 1 Palestinian, 1 Jewish settler dead. A 3d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF takes over a Palestinian home in PA-controlled Dayr al-Balah for use as a new IDF post, displacing a family of 12. (AP 4/22; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/23; AN, JT, SA 4/23 in WNC 4/25; al-Quds 4/25 in WNC 4/30)
Israeli FM Peres confirms reports that he has been holding secret talks with PA officials with Sharon's permission, but he gives no details. PC speaker and PA senior negotiator Ahmad Qurai` says he and Peres have been discussing the Jordanian-Egyptian nonpaper. (NYT 4/23; AYM 4/24 in WNC 4/25; NYT 4/25)
Early this morning, Arafat, Peres wrap up talks, and Barak announces that the sides have agreed to try again to implement the 10/17 Sharm al-Shaykh arrangements. The Israeli cabinet suspends punitive attacks on Palestinian targets. Differences quickly arise, however, over plans for Arafat, Barak to issue statements on ending the violence. As the sides discuss how to resolve their differences, 2 Islamic Jihad activists detonated a car bomb in West Jerusalem, killing 2 Israelis, wounding 9. (AFP [Internet], MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 11/2; ATL, Interfax, MENA, XIN 11/2 in WNC 11/3; ATL, Cyprus News Agency 11/2, MENA, al-Quds 11/4, al-Quds 11/5 in WNC 11/6; JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/3; MM 11/6; MEI 11/10)
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead, 80 wounded. Nr. Nablus, Jewish settlers uproot a Palestinian olive grove; attack Palestinian cars and property around Hawwara, Hebron, Tulkarm. The IDF confiscates and levels 70 dunams of Palestinian land to build a road linking Morag, Gush Katif settlements. However, Israel acknowledges that PA police are making more of an effort to halt stone throwers; Arafat unequivocally denounces the Islamic Jihad bombing; and Barak phones Arafat to express condolences over today's Palestinian fatalities. In Gaza, the IDF evacuates a position linking Qarni to Netzarim settlement, pulls tanks back fr. main roads. (AFP [Internet], MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 11/2; JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/3; MEI 11/10)
While in New York, Israel's Ben-Ami (promoted to FM today) reportedly sets up a public relations (PR) headquarters to aid in Israel's PR efforts in the North America. The office head, fmr. IBA dir. gen. Aryeh Mekel, will coordinate among the FMin.'s PR dept., a special steering comm. of senior officials of U.S. Jewish organizations, and 6 major U.S. PR firms that have been contracted. (MA [Internet] 11/8; HA [Internet] 11/13)
Israel begins reviewing a project for 4,000 new housing units in Har Homa settlement (Jabal Abu Ghunaym) in East Jerusalem. If approved, the site would be known as Har Homa B, would link Har Homa with Gilo settlement. (al-Quds 11/2 in WNC 11/3; LAW 11/4)
At Camp David, PA, Israeli teams break for the Jewish Sabbath. Secy. of State Albright meets with Arafat to discuss core issues. (NYT, WP, WT 7/23; SA 7/23 in WNC 7/24)
Jordanian FM `Abd al-Ilah Khatib flies to Alexandria to discuss with Egyptian FM `Amr Musa "the results and information that [have] reached us on the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations . . . at Camp David." (MENA 7/22 in WNC 7/24; MM, NYT 7/24)
PM Netanyahu appoints current Infrastructures M Sharon as FM and chief negotiator with the Palestinians to head upcoming Washington talks, final status negotiations. He also keeps his position as infrastructures M. (MM 10/9; ITV, RMC 10/9, JT, MENA, al-Nahar, al-Ra'i 10/10, al-Akhbar, Petra-JNA, al-Ra'i, VOA 10/11 in WNC 10/14; NYT, WP, WT 10/10; WT 10/11; MM 10/12; CSM 10/14; MM, WJW 10/15; MEI, PR 10/16; MA 10/16 in WNC 10/19; JP 10/17, 10/29) (see 10/8)
In Ankara, Iranian FM Kharrazi discusses Turkish-Syrian tensions with Turkish FM Cem, then phones Egyptian FM Musa to brief him on his mediation efforts. (IRIB Television, IRNA, MENA, SANA 10/9 in WNC 10/14; IRNA 10/15 in WNC 10/16)
Yemen, Eritrea accept ruling of a London-based international arbitration panel that Eritrea should return most islands in the disputed Red Sea Hanish Archipelago that it occupied in 1995. (MM 10/12; JT 10/13 in WNC 10/14)
In continuing clashes in Hebron, 32 Palestinians are wounded by rubber bullets fired by the IDF. (NYT 10/10)
A Palestinian stabs to death an IDF soldier as she gets off a bus in Tomer settlement nr. Jericho. (MM 10/9; NYT, WP 10/10; PR 10/16)
A Palestinian woman dies of complications during labor when the IDF refuses to let her through a checkpoint to reach the Hebron hospital due to the ongoing closure. (PR 10/16) (see 9/22)
PM Netanyahu arrives in China for 3-day visit. (MM 5/26)
In Cairo, Arafat attends Arab League mtg. called to commemorate the 50th anniversary of al-Nakba; calls for Arab summit on the peace process. (MENA, RE 5/26 in WNC 5/27)
Egyptian FM `Amr Musa arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein on Mubarak's trip to France, possible Arab summit; says Pres. Mubarak is discussing summit idea with other Arab leaders, including Morocco's King Hassan, who arrived in Cairo today for 3-day official visit, and Syria's Pres. Asad. (MENA, RE, RJ 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM 5/27, 5/28)
In Tel Aviv, Israel's DM Yitzhak Mordechai meets with Turkey's dep. chief of staff, Gen. Cevik Bir, for talks on the peace process, furthering military cooperation, possible joint arms projects. (WT 5/27)
Saudi Arabia's FM Prince Saud al-Faisal arrives in Iran for 2-day talks on improving bilateral ties. (WT 5/27)
Hamas's Shaykh Yasin visits Syria's Yarmuk refugee camp, where he receives warm welcome fr. Palestinian refuges. (WP 6/11) (see 5/25)
In East Jerusalem, Israeli border policemen clash with Palestinians protesting illegal construction by Jewish settlers (see 5/25). To halt violence, Israel's Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert bans the construction in the name of Israel's Antiquities Dept., orders the demolition of the settlers' illegal dwellings. (ITV 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM, NYT 5/27; WJW 5/28; MM 6/3; MEI 6/5; WT 6/9)
Yemen reports that over the past 2 days, Saudi troops have seized the island of Harim in the Red Sea as part of an attempt to pressure Sana' to make territorial concessions in the 2 countries' border demarcation negotiations, which just resumed last wk. The island is 1 of 3 uninhabited but strategically significant Red Sea islands in dispute. (MM 5/26)
3 SLA mbrs., 3 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. 4 civilians are injured, over 100 flee their homes. (ITV, RL, VOL 5/26 in WNC 5/27)
Knesset Foreign Affairs Comm. debates proposals for a withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. (MM 3/16; IDF Radio 3/16 in WNC 3/17; WP 3/17)
UK FM and EU Chmn. Robin Cook arrives in Egypt, the 1st stop on a 3-day Middle East tour; then heads to Jordan. (JTV, LPA, MENA 3/16 in WNC 3/17; JTV, MENA 3/16, RE 3/17 in WNC 3/19; NYT, WT 3/17; PR 3/20)
Under pressure fr. settlers groups, right-wing MKs, PM Netanyahu orders Israeli FMin. to amend press release that termed the 3/13 Hebron incident a provocation by Jewish settlers to say that the settlers' entry into the PA sector was prompted by a Palestinian shooting in a nearby neighborhood. (ITV 3/16 in WNC 3/17)
PA's West Bank Preventive Security Force (PSF) head Col. Jibril Rajub that if settlers reenter the Palestinian sector of Hebron again to attack Palestinians, they will "not leave alive." (ITV 3/16 in WNC 3/17; CSM, NYT, WP 3/17; JP 3/28) (see 3/14)
Vatican "repents" for failing to prevent, halt the Holocaust. Jewish leaders (including Israel's chief rabbi; heads of the American Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League) criticize statement as "too little too late." (NYT, WP, WT 3/17; WJW 3/19; MM 3/20; NYT 3/27; JP 3/28; NYT Magazine 4/26)
Israeli FM Levy threatens to quit the cabinet after news of Infrastructure M Sharon's secret mtg. with Arafat dep. Abbas 6/16 is leaked to the press. (CSM, MM 6/30; NYT, WT 7/1; WJW 7/3; PR 7/4)
Palestinian Nasir Radwan dies as a result of injuries sustained in a beating by PA Force 17 mbrs. hrs. after his arrest 6/23. Arafat orders 8 officers to be tried by PA military court on assault charges. (LAW, WP 7/1; PR 7/4)
Israeli court releases on bail Nahum Korman, the settler arrested in the beating death of an 11-yr.-old Palestinian boy in Hussan, West Bank, on 10/28/96. Korman may not enter the West Bank until the conclusion of legal proceedings against him. (LAW 7/1) (see 11/1/96)
Turkey's Pres. Demirel approves PM Yilmaz's new, fully secular government coalition. (NYT, WP, WT 7/1; Istanbul Zaman 7/1 in WNC 7/2; MM 7/2; WJW 7/10)
Saudi Arabia asks Lebanon, Afghanistan to extradite 12 persons believed responsible for the 6/25/96 al-Khobar barracks bombing. (WP, WT 7/1) (see 6/27)
2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in clash with IDF in s. Lebanon. (Voice of the Oppressed [Ba'albeck] 7/1 in WNC 7/2)
U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in the Middle East; holds talks in Gaza with Arafat, in Jerusalem with Netanyahu. (WP 4/15; CSM, WP 4/16)
EU-Mediterranean business conference opens in Malta. Arafat, Israeli FM Levy meet on the sidelines in the highest level contact since talks broke down in 3/97. (CSM, MM, WT 4/15; Radio France Internationale [Paris] 4/15 in WNC 4/16; CSM, MM 4/16; De Volkskrank [Amsterdam], SANA 4/16 in WNC 4/17; CSM, NYT, WP 4/17; MEI, PR 4/18)
On the sidelines of the Malta conference, Jordanian FM Tarawnah, Syrian FM Shara` discuss improving bilateral relations. (al-Dustur 4/23 in WNC 4/24)
In Surif, 3 critically ill Palestinians die when IDF troops enforcing curfew deny them access to medical treatment. (NYT 4/16)
Israeli police recommend felony indictments in the Bar-On affair be sought against Justice M Hanegbi, chief of staff Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahu political ally and Shas head Arye Deri. (ITV 4/15 in WNC 4/16; MM, WP, WT 4/16; YA 4/16 in WNC 4/17) (see 2/28)
In Mina, Saudi Arabia, an estimated 210 Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani pilgrims participating in the Hajj are killed, 800 are injured when canisters of cooking fuel ignite tents. At least 70,000 tents are destroyed, leaving 100,000s of pilgrims temporarily without shelter. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/16; MM 4/22, 4/24; MEI 5/2)
SLA releases 7 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon to mark the end of Ramadan. (RL 4/15 in WNC 4/16)
Arafat reportedly takes ill on his way to mtg. in Egypt, returns to Gaza with his physician under ambulance escort. PA makes no statement. (IDF Radio 4/9 in WNC 4/10)
At a mtg. in Gaza attended by Arafat, PA security chiefs refuse a request by the CIA, Israeli security officials to reestablish security coordination immediately. (ITV, MA 4/9 in WNC 4/10; MM 4/10; ITV, YA 4/10 in WNC 4/11; WT 4/11; ITV 4/11 in WNC 4/15; MEI 4/18)
In the Israeli controlled enclave of Hebron (H2), 2 Jewish yeshiva students open fire with Uzi submachine guns (provided by the IDF), killing a Palestinian, sparking riots in the PA controlled section of the city (H1) during which IDF troops kill 2 Palestinians, wound 100; 5 soldiers are also injured. PA policemen prevent riots fr. spilling over into H2; some are injured by Palestinian protesters, others by rubber bullets fired at the protesters by the IDF. (MM 4/8; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/9; ITV 4/9 in WNC 4/10; PR 4/11; MEI 4/18; JP 4/19)
Israeli FM Levy arrives in Turkey for talks with PM Erbakan. (MM 4/8; Anatolia [Ankara] 4/8 in WNC 4/9; VIRI 4/8, Sabah [Istanbul] 4/9 in WNC 4/10; VIRI 4/10; Milliyet (Istanbul) 4/11 in WNC 4/16)
The U.S. calls on Arafat to explicitly rule out the use of terror in the Middle East. PSF head Dahlan says the PA is shutting down its security, intelligence cooperation with Israel. Netanyahu adviser Gold confirms that only low-level security contacts are being held. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/25; WT 3/26; MA, YA 3/26 in WNC 3/27; PR 3/28)
PM Netanyahu says that the PA must meet 6 demands for the peace process to continue. (MM 3/24; PR 3/28)
PA Culture M Yasir `Abid Rabbu, Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman hold mtg. to try to defuse tension in the wake of the 3/21 bombing. Israeli FM Levy refuses to attend. (IDF Radio 3/24; MM 3/25)
The Pan-Arab Congress holds its 7th session on Casablanca; calls on nations to protest Israel's construction in East Jerusalem by suspending negotiations, halting normalization. (MAP [Rabat] 3/24 in WNC 3/25)
Jordanian, Israeli military officials meet in Tel Aviv to discuss the 3/13 shooting incident in Jordan, agree on new regulations to ensure better cooperation in future border incidents. (Hatzofe [Tel Aviv], IDF Radio 3/25 in WNC 3/26; NYT, WT 3/25; SA 3/26 in WNC 3/27)
Demonstrations by 100s of Palestinians continue in the West Bank, spread to Gaza, where 1 Palestinian is shot, wounded by and IDF soldier manning a road block. (CSM, NYT, WT 3/25)
Israel says that, under a Hebron deal, PA policemen may operate in H2 as part of joint mobile units. (Hatzofe 12/10 in WNC 12/11)
Jordanian Information M Marwan Mu`ashir begins 5-day trip to Tel Aviv, emphasizes Jordan's concern over Israeli settlement policy. (JT 12/10 in WNC 12/11; IDF Radio 12/11 in WNC 12/12; MEI 12/20)
The U.S. consul general says that Israel is threatening to revoke residency rights of Palestinian-Americans living in Jerusalem unless they give up their U.S. passports. The U.S. protests, says it knows of 60 cases when Israelis threatened Americans with the loss of their Jerusalem IDs. (WP 12/10; PR 12/20; JP 12/21)
Israel grants special entry permits to 120 Palestinian journalists accredited by the IGPO. (IGPO 12/10 in WNC 12/12)
PA allocates only $40,000 of the $70,000 necessary to stage the annual Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. (WT 12/11; WT 12/23; PR 12/20)
In Beirut, EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Lebanese FM Buwayz. (RL 12/10 in WNC 12/11; MEI 1/24)
Iraq says it will give Turkey priority in exporting Iraqi oil now that the UN oil-for-food deal has been implemented. (INA 12/10 in WNC 12/11) (see 12/9)
ILMG continues discussions begun 12/9. (RMC 12/10 in WNC 12/11; RL 12/10 in WNC 12/12)
In Paris, Israeli FM Levy discusses peace process with Pres. Chirac, FM Hervé de Charette. (France-Inter Radio Network [Paris], ITV 9/10 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/11)
In New York, Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with mbrs. of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, visits Lubavitcher Hasidic spiritual leader Rebbe Menachem Schneerson's grave. (ITV 9/10 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/11; MA 9/11 in WNC 9/13; WJW 9/12, 9/19)
In implementation of cabinet decision 8/2, IDF Central Commander Maj. Gen Uzi Dayan signs order setting procedures for authorization of settlement construction, expansion in the West Bank, Gaza. The order requires local planning comms. to obtain permission of DM Yitzhak Mordechai at every stage of most construction projects. Settlers term procedures needlessly cumbersome. (HA 9/11 in IL 9/11)
Israel's Prime Minster's Office announces new "Israel 2000" program intended to make development towns and regions economically self-sufficient. Program will be implemented in 19 communities. Residents will be given housing subsidies, loans, stipends; municipal boundaries of these locations will be expanded. (HA 9/11 in IL 9/11)
In Hebron, Jewish settlers break into 4 Palestinians stores, confiscate their goods, occupy them. The IDF sealed the stores in the city center after the al-Ibrahimi mosque massacre in 2/94. (PR 9/20)
South Africa says it will not renew existing defense, economic contracts with Israel; though relations remain good, South Africa is adjusting to a peacetime domestic economy. (IDF Radio 9/10 in WNC 9/12)
Jordanian officials release al-Ahali editor Usama al-Rantisi after he is charged with "publishing material deemed as instigating public disorder" during the 8/16-17 riots. The 4 al-Bilad journalists detained 8/20, 1 fr. al-Majd, another fr. al-Aswaq are still in custody awaiting trial. ASB Secy. Gen. Tayseer Homsi is arrested for alleged involvement in the riots. (MM 9/11; JT 9/11 in WNC 9/12)
Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood (JMB) denounces self-described "West Bank JMB official" Sa'id Bilal for requesting that the PA license, and thereby legalize, JMB activities in the self-rule areas; says Bilal is not a JMB mbr. Hamas concurs, claims attempts to form a JMB branch in the territories is an attempt by the PA to divide the Islamist opposition. (al-Ra'i 9/10 in WNC 9/12; VIRI 9/16 in WNC 9/18)
U.S. publicly redefines its strategic interest in Iraq for the 1st time in 5 yrs., saying it is interested solely in containing Saddam Hussein's military operations nr. the Kuwaiti, Saudi oil fields, rather than curbing his influence in n. Iraq and assuring humanitarian aid to the Kurds. (NYT, WP 9/11) (see 9/9)
Iraqi delegation arrives in Ankara for 2 days of talks with PM Erbakan, FM Ciller regarding bilateral relations, establishment of "security zone" in n. Iraq. Iraq proposes instead that Turkey conclude a border security arrangement with the KDP to prevent PKK mbrs. fr. crossing into Turkey. (MM 9/10; INA [Baghdad], TDN 9/11 in WNC 9/13; Milliyet [Istanbul] 9/12 in WNC 9/17 MEI 9/20) (see 9/6)
Weekly PC mtg. begins 1 day early in Ramallah. (JMCC 7/17 in FBIS 7/18; PR 8/2)
PA's Arafat, Israeli FM Levy hold 1st mtg. at Erez checkpoint. Arafat presents list of Israeli violations. (MM 7/23; QY, al-Ra`i 7/23 in FBIS 7/23; IDF Radio, PBC, QY, VOP 7/23 in FBIS 7/24; al-Hayat, JP, MA, SA, YA 7/24 in FBIS 7/25; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/24; MM 7/25; MEI 8/2)
IDF eases closure on West Bank, allowing several 1,000 more Palestinian workers into Israel. (QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/23) (see 7/16)
UN spokeswoman Sylvana Foa (an American citizen) denounces U.S.'s Rubin for accusations made 7/22; says U.S.'s "bully tactics, threats, and blatant attempts at intimidating staff mbrs. have a very disconcerting odor of the McCarthy era." (WP 7/24)
In s. Lebanon, 2 Amal mbrs. are wounded in shootout with IDF patrol. (QY, RL 7/24 in FBIS 7/25)
In al-Fawwar refugee camp, the IDF blows up the homes of the 2/25 Jerusalem and Ashkelon suicide bombers, homes of 2 Palestinians suspected of involvement in 8/21/95 bus bombing. (MM 3/20; QY 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; QY 3/20, 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM 3/21)
In s. Lebanon, a Hizballah suicide bomber kills 1 IDF soldier, 1 SLA soldier, wounds 1 Israeli civilian [as reported], 7 IDF soldiers. IDF shells areas n., s. of the self-declared security zone, injuring 1 farmer. (MM 3/20; QY, RL, VOL 3/20, RL 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/21)
PM Peres, FM Barak hold late-night mtg. on s. Lebanon, how to handle escalating attacks. PM Peres then briefs U.S. Amb. Indyk. Following that mtg., the U.S. relays sharp message to Syria, demanding it curb Hizballah. (IDF Radio, MA, QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; ITV 3/22 in FBIS 3/25)
Iraqi war hero Lt. Gen. Nizar Khazraji, fmr. army chief of staff, defects to Jordan by escaping through the Kurdish enclave in n. Iraq. (MM 3/20; WT 3/21; JP 3/21, al-Ra'i 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; NYT, WP 3/22; JT 3/23, JT, al-Ra'i 3/24 in FBIS 3/25; MM 3/25; JT 4/4 in FBIS 4/5)
IDF deploys tanks along the Green Line for the 1st time since 1967; says they are only their for observation purposes, it is not planning to launch an operation into the West Bank. (AFP, MA, VOP 3/7 in FBIS 3/7; NYT 3/8, 3/10)
Jordan says there are no official Hamas outlets in the kingdom; Hamas's presence is confined to holders of Jordanian passports, whose activities are confined to propaganda and political activities; Jordan is considering banning these activities. (al-Hayat al-Jadida, JTV, RJ 3/6 in FBIS 3/7)
IDF seals the Islamic Technical Institute in Abu-Dis and the Islamic College, Islamic College of Sciences, Polytechnic College in Hebron; announces that the policy on demolition of houses of suicide bombers and accomplices in the Jerusalem area has been changed: To date, such houses have been sealed only, now they may be razed. (MM 3/6; QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/7)
PA military court in Jericho sentences Hamas's Muhammad Abu-Wardah (arrested 3/4) to life imprisonment with hard labor for training suicide bombers and "harming the Palestinian people's interests." (MM 3/6; VOP 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; ITV, JMCC, VOP 3/6, IDF Radio, JP 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)
IDF, Shin Bet announce they have arrested an Israeli-Arab for bringing the Tel Aviv suicide bomber into Israel in exchange for $1,000, say an Islamic Jihad mbr. coordinated the deal (see 3/4). Israeli-Arab leaders are quick to condemn the man's actions as aberrant for the community. IDF also says it has uncovered the Hamas cell led by Muhammad Abu-Wardah that they believe is responsible for the Ashkelon, Jerusalem bombings. (QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/7; NYT, WP 3/7; QY 3/8 in FBIS 3/8) (see 3/6)
PSF detains 10s of alleged Hamas mbrs. in Balata refugee camp, Kafr Khalil, Nablus, bringing to 400 the number of persons recently detained. (QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/6, 3/7)
In Nablus, 1,000s of Fatah supporters hold peace rally. (WT 3/7)
State Dept. warns U.S. citizens against travelling on Israeli busses. Israeli Dep. FM Dayan officially protests. (Davar 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)
Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Amnon Shahak meets with Arafat at Erez checkpoint, gives him list of 13 wanted Hamas men, instructs the PA to break the movement's organization, warns IDF may not withdrawal fr. Hebron if action is not taken. Arafat says he has no intention of attacking Hamas leaders or institutions not linked to the armed wing. (MM 2/27; Davar, IDF Radio, QY 2/27, JP, QY 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; MM, NYT, WT 2/28; WP 2/29)
In Gaza, 2 more leaflets signed by Hamas's Qassam Brigades are issued, 1 claiming and 1 denying responsibility for the 2/25 bombings, increasing speculation that there is a split within the movement. (AFP, PBC, RMC 2/27 in FBIS 2/28) (see 2/25)
In a ceremony televised on Israeli networks, a conservative MK awards a plaque of gratitude to one of the settlers who shot, killed Palestinian-American 2/26. (NYT 2/28)
A Palestinian woman dies when the ambulance taking her to a hospital outside Gaza is delayed at Erez checkpoint for 5 hrs. (MM 3/20)
In Damascus, Pres. Asad, Iranian VP Hassan Habibi discuss boosting bilateral ties. Habibi expresses Iran's support for armed struggle against Israel by Palestinian rejectionist groups, incl. Hamas. (MM 2/27; Voice of Iran 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; RMC, SARR 2/27, SARR 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; WT 2/28; AFP, SARR 2/28 in FBIS 2/29; WT 4/25)
The Lebanese Cabinet passes decree outlawing gatherings and demonstrations "in order to prevent any acts that could disturb security and public safety." (RL 2/28 in FBIS 2/29)
U.S. extends its travel ban on Lebanon for 6 mos. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz protests. (RL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; WT 3/2)
In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb nr. an SLA patrol, killing 1 SLA mbr. (RL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28)
CEC calls for recount of Gaza ballots after numerous charges of irregularities. (WT 1/23)
In Washington, Israeli FM Barak, U.S. Defense Secy. Perry, Secy of State Christopher meet. (ITV 1/22 in FBIS 1/23; WJW 1/25)
Israel special ministry comm. extends for 3 mos. Shin Bet's authority to use physical force on Palestinian suspects during interrogation. (QY 1/22 in FBIS 1/23) (see 10/20)
IDF imposes curfew on several Palestinian villages nr. Hebron after gunfire is heard in the area. (QY 1/22 in FBIS 1/23)
Jordan lower's its ceiling on its exports Iraq fr. $400 m./yr. to $200 m./yr. (al-Majd, RMC 1/22 in FBIS 1/24; MM 1/23; JT 1/23, al-Aswaq, al-Hayat, JT, al-Ra'i 1/24, al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; JT 1/29 in FBIS 1/29)
Israeli police arrest IDF soldier fr. elite unit, his father in connection with Rabin's assassination. Police also say they believe Yigal Amir began mobilizing a group of young religious nationalists, mbrs of Eyal, nearly 2 yrs ago, with plans of attacking Palestinians, preventing redeployment; claim to have found rabbi who acted as their spiritual leader; say Rabin had been targeted on at least 3 other occasions. (MM 11/10; NYT, WP, WT 11/11; NYT 11/12; CSM 11/13)
In Cairo, British Foreign Secy. Rifkind meets with Pres. Mubarak, FM Musa. (MENA 11/10, RE 11/11 in FBIS 11/13)
Civil rights groups criticize letter issued by Israeli Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir, saying media could be prosecuted in connection with Rabin assassination for publishing statements seen as inciting violence. (WT 11/11)
New EU rotating head, Spanish PM Felipe Gonzalez arrives in Jerusalem on 1st leg of regional tour to show EU political, economic support of the peace process; meets with PM Rabin then with Arafat. (MM 9/12; JP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13; JP 9/23)
Lebanese M Michel al-Murr travels to Damascus to ask Pres. Asad to forbid entry to Palestinians deported fr. Libya unless they have visas to continue on to Lebanon. PM Hariri stresses that Lebanon is fully coordinating its position on the deportees with Syria. (MM 9/12)
U.S. protests Arab League, Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) plan to hold conference in Jerusalem 10/17-19. 70 states, excl. Israel have been invited. Arab League, OIC say U.S. approved plans 4 mos ago, but Israel's recent complaints let to formal U.S. disapproval. U.S. denies this. (WT 9/12)
PFLP mbrs Shahar and Yusuf Ra'i, wanted by Israel for killing 2 Israelis 7/18, are sentenced by the PA military court in Jericho to 7 yrs each. Israeli Justice M Liba'i calls trials a violation of the Oslo agmt. meant to avoid extraditing the pair. FM Peres says PA is not violating the DOP. (MM 9/12; IDF Radio, QY 9/12, QY 9/13 in FBIS 9/13; NYT 9/13) (see 8/27)
Likud party defector David Levy releases his new party's political platform, calling for secure peace; terming itself a "national-social centrist party" filling a vacuum btwn. the radical right (Likud), radical left (Labor); vowing not to withdraw fr. West Bank or give up Jerusalem, any settlements. (MA, QY 9/11 in FBIS 9/12)
The Israeli Interior Min. rejects Jonathan Pollard's request for citizenship. Pollard is currently jailed in the U.S. for spying on behalf of Israel. (QY 9/11 in FBIS 9/12; MM 9/29)
3 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in clash with IDF in s. Lebanon. (RL 9/11 in FBIS 9/12)
PA-Israeli Joint Liaison Comm. meets for 2d day in Cairo. FM Peres offers PA Planning M Shaath sudden concessions to Palestinians at negotiating table in light of Jerusalem issue). Sides agree to set up unofficial Jerusalem Comm. to address expropriation issue. Israel offers to broaden PA autonomy in West Bank, Gaza but dispute over land confiscation in Jerusalem prevents agmt. (MENA 5/7, QY, RE 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; MENA, VOP 5/8 in FBIS 5/9; WT 5/9; MEI, WP 5/12)
At AIPAC conference, Sen. Dole announces he will submit legislation to force U.S. to move embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel reacts coolly. Jordan, Morocco, UAE criticize initiative, urge UNSC action. (ITV 5/8, QY 5/9 in FBIS 5/9; CSM, MM, WP 5/10; NYT, WT 5/11; MEI, WP 5/12)
Syria refuses Jordan's request to name amb. to Jordan, host visit of Jordanian FM Kabariti to Damascus to try to improve bilateral relations. (MM 5/9; al-Bilad 5/10 in FBIS 5/9 [dates as printed]; al-Quds 5/9 in FBIS 5/12) (see 12/14/94)
Rabin meets with mbrs. of Congress; presses them not to reduce foreign aid, aid to Israel, Arab partners in peace effort; discusses Iranian threat, talks with Syria, PA about efforts to end attacks against Israeli targets; backs away fr. supporting Dole initiative to move embassy to Jerusalem. (NYT, WT 5/9)
In Amman, Jordan, Israel initial draft agmts. on regulating agriculture, energy, environmental cooperation; postpone initialing draft trade accord that will give Israel preferential tariffs for Jordanian goods. The accord would be 1st by Arab country to give preferential treatment to Israel. (WT 5/9)
Jordan's amb. to Israel Muasher warns Dep. FM Beilin that Jordan will chill relations with Israel if it does not reverse land confiscations in Jerusalem. (WP 5/12, CSM 5/15)
Jordan reportedly gives 2 Hamas mbrs. residing in Amman 1-mo. notice to leave country. (MM 5/9) (see 4/13)
IDF closes al-Quds office in Nablus, claiming it materials there linking the paper to Hamas. (HA, JP 5/10 in FBIS 5/11) (see 1/16)
Israel releases 250 pro-Fatah Palestinian prisoners, lifts curfew on Hebron (see 4/19) as goodwill gesture for Id al-Adha. (QY 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; NYT 5/9; CSM 5/10)
PLO Tokyo mission closes due to lack of funds. (al-Manar 5/8 in FBIS 5/11)
King Hussein, U.S. VP Gore meet in Amman. King criticizes congressional decision to cut Jordan's debt forgiveness. Gore promises U.S. will forgive all debt. (JTV, RJ 3/21, RJ 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; WP, WT 3/22; JP 4/1) (see 3/3, 3/13)
Israeli Dep. FM Beilin, Egyptian FM Musa meet in Cairo, say relations have improved since Knesset delegation visit 3/19. Beilin says Egypt now better understands Israel's security needs, NPT argument has abated. (QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/22)
In Beersheba, Israeli police arrest 2 Hamas mbrs., 1 Israeli bedouin with explosives-rigged truck with Gaza plates. Pair confesses to planning suicide attack. PM Rabin cancels mtg. with PA scheduled for 3/22 to discuss release of Palestinian prisoners, bans all vehicles with Gaza license plates fr. entering Israel. (MM 3/21; QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM, MM, WP 3/22; NYT 3/23; IDF Radio 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; PR 3/26; MM 3/27; JP 4/1)
10 Damascus-based Palestinian opposition groups close 2-day mtg. to assess peace process, PA administration, possible relations with PNG (see 2/21). PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. al-Qaddumi says he will head delegation to Damascus in next wk. to try to reach a conciliation agmt. with these groups. (al-Ray 3/23, QY 3/24 in FBIS 3/24)
Egyptian, Jordanian, Palestinian delegations begin mtgs. in Cairo to discuss 1967 refugees, ways of securing right of return, seek to coordinate positions before mtg. with Israel at end of mo. Egypt, Jordan agree to provide PA with any statistics, information they have, call on international community to do the same. (MENA, RE 2/4, RJ 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; JTV 2/6 in FBIS 2/7)
Amman Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce of Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jericho sign trade agmt. to encourage economic integration of, investment and development btwn. Palestinians, Jordan. (PETRA 2/4 in FBIS 2/8)
Israel's FM Peres, Dep. FM Beilin meet with Omani FM Yusuf Bin `Alawi in Aqaba; agree to open interests offices, discuss water issue. (JTV, RJ 2/4, QY 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; JP 2/11)
IDF bans Palestinians fr. leaving Jericho, incl. students enrolled in universities and institutes. PA protests. (VOP 2/4 in FBIS 2/6)
Israel's Islamic Movement leader, Shaykh `Abdallah Nimr Darweish, announces his group will mobilize supporters for the next election, may form ticket. The group--a legal party with unofficial ties to Hamas--previously boycotted Israeli elections. (MM 2/6)
Acting on tips fr. IDF, PSF captures 3 Palestinians allegedly planning to explode car bomb nr. Allenby Bridge. Israeli officials praise Arafat for preventing attack. (ITV 2/4 in FBIS 2/6; WT 2/6; JP 2/11)
FM Peres says that direct vote for Israeli PM, slated for next elections, should be postponed until current government has had at least 1 more term in office. (QY 2/4 in FBIS 2/6)
IDF soldiers, Palestinian police exchange gunfire across Gaza border at Erez checkpoint; 2 Palestinian police officers, 2 Palestinian civilians wounded. (MM 1/4; QY 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; NYT, WP, WT 1/5; WP 1/6)
FM Peres tells Knesset Israel is demanding a 4-yr. interim period btwn. implementation of 1st and 2d stages of withdrawal fr. Golan in talks with Syria . (MM 1/5; JP 1/5 in FBIS 1/6; JP 1/14)
Egypt, Jordan, Israel hold 1st tripartite mtg. on regional security in Elat to discuss prevention of cross-border infiltrations. (Ma'ariv 1/11 in FBIS 1/12)
Israeli Housing Min. Dir. Gen. Arye Mizrahi approves expansion of Ma'ale Adumin settlement toward Jerusalem, increase in number of houses fr. 5,000 to 18,000, movement of IDF roadblock marking Green Line so settlement would fall inside Green Line; says decision does not violate any agmts. because government already considers the settlement part of central Israel. (Yedi'ot Aharanot 1/5 in FBIS 1/5)
Lebanese FM Buwayz says idea for sending Palestinian refugees fr. Lebanon to Gaza, Jericho to serve as policemen has been debated for past 3 mos.; says Interior M Michel al-Murr drafted motion after 11/25 events, inviting PA to recruit policemen fr. camps, agreeing to send recruits with any light armor they possess as way of getting armed Palestinians out of country. (AFP 1/4, RL 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; MM 1/6) (see 12/19)
U.S. State Dept. confirms it is conducting investigation into reports Israel illegally sold China military technology. (WP, WT 1/5; HA 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; CSM 1/6; MEI 1/20) (see 1/3)
Israeli undercover agents kill 4 Palestinian supporters of PFLP in West Bank, nr. Ramallah; 1 agent wounded. Israel says men were wanted in attacks on collaborators. (QY 1/4 in FBIS 1/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/5; WJW 1/12)
PM Rabin returns fr. Oman; says he discussed bilateral issues, possible agricultural assistance to Oman. Omani Information Min. says visit was meant to demonstrate Oman's support of peace process. Rabin phones King Hussein to brief him on the trip. (WP 12/27; QY 12/27 in FBIS 12/27; JT 12/28 in FBIS 12/28; NYT 12/28)
PA says of Israeli law 12/25 prohibiting official Palestinian activities in Jerusalem is violation of DOP, says Orient House will continue operating. (VOP 12/26, 12/27 in FBIS 12/27; QY, VOP 12/27 in FBIS 12/28)
Joint Jordanian-Israeli transportation comm. meets in Tiberias, agrees to reach accord by end of 1/95. Joint borders comm. meets in Tiberias to begin demarcation of border. (RJ 12/27 in FBIS 12/28)
200 Palestinians, led by PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat, mbrs. of Peace Now, stage protest at Efrat settlement. 10s soldiers surround, beat, detain 50 protesters, disperse rest. PM Rabin, FM Peres asks for review of expansion project, will consider halting it. (QY 12/27 in FBIS 12/27; ITV 12/27, Ma'ariv 12/28 in FBIS 12/28; NYT, WT 12/28) (see 12/26)
Syrian, Israeli negotiators meet in Washington; U.S. Special Middle East Coordinator Dennis Ross observes. Military officers do not participate, pending agreement on composition of expanded delegations. (MM 12/20; QY 12/20 in FBIS 12/20)
Likud leader Netanyahu says Israeli army officials already met secretly with Syrian Amb. Mu`allim, U.S. coordinator Ross in Washington this month. FM Peres does not deny mtg. took place. (MM 12/19; WT 12/20; MENA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22) (see 11/30)
Rabin's government wins no-confidence vote (56 to 41) brought by Ultraorthodox rabbis who used FM Peres comments that King David was an adulterer to force PM Rabin to bring religious parties into the coalition in hopes of derailing the peace process. (WT 12/19; NYT 12/19; IDF Radio 12/19 in FBIS 12/21; WJW 12/22)
FM Peres makes statement before Knesset denying contacts with Iraq, reaffirming support for sanctions after receiving "demand" fr. U.S. to help consolidate support for U.S. position on Iraq. (HA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22)
Arafat asks French FMin. to transport 2,000 Fateh cadres fr. camps in Sidon and Tyre, Lebanon, to Gaza to bolster police force, help contain Islamist opposition. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says Lebanon has no objection. (Al-Majd 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; Al-Ra'y 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; AFP 1/4, RL 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; MM 1/6)
Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman arrives in Cairo for 3 days of talks with Pres. Mubarak. Weizman says UN Res. 242 must be applied to Jerusalem "so that part of it would remain Arab." (MM 12/19; MENA 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20, 12/21; MENA 12/20, QY 12/21 in FBIS 12/21)
Arafat meets with UNRWA delegation to discuss moving UNRWA headquarters to Gaza; meets with U.S. Congressional delegation to discuss recent events in peace process, Israeli land confiscation. (VOP 12/20 in FBIS 12/20; PR 12/24; MEI 1/6)
PFLP-GC says it is reducing its military, organizational cadres by 30% and stopping payments to families of martyrs and wounded because of financial problems. (Al-Muharrir 12/19 in FBIS 12/19; Shishan 1/27)
2 IDF soldiers, 1 Hizballah mbr., 1 Palestinian Islamic Revolutionary Army mbr. killed in clashes in southern Lebanon. IDF shells villages north of self-declared "security zone," wounding 1 civilian. (RL 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20, 12/21; QY 12/19 in FBIS 12/22; NYT 12/20)
Secy. of State Christopher holds "constructive" mtg. with Syrian FM al-Shara` in Washington on peace talks, improving Syrian-U.S. relations. Al-Shara` then holds mtgs. with U.S. Jewish leaders. (MM 10/6; SARR 10/6 in FBIS 10/7)
Israeli-PNA talks on elections are adjourned without much progress. Israel permits 6 Palestinian election offices to open immediately. (MM 10/5; WT 10/6; JP 10/15)
Dep. FM Beilin says Israel has established bilateral contacts with Algeria during multilateral talks on arms control in Canada, has discussed opening Algerian liaison office in Israel. (ITV 10/5 in FBIS 10/6)
Israeli FM Peres meets with Omani FM Yusuf Bin Alawi in New York to discuss possible low-level diplomatic exchanges. (WP 10/6)
18 settlers fr. Kiryat Arba are issued confinement orders by IDF, preventing them from going nr. the Cave of the Patriarchs for 3 mos. (QY 10/5 in FBIS 10/6)
Amal blows up SLA car in south of Lebanon, killing two SLA mbrs. IDF responds by shelling Litani river basin. (RL 10/5 in FBIS 10/6)
Israeli PM Rabin publicly outlines timetable for early withdrawal fr. Golan for 1st time: proposes initial "very slight" pullback for 3 yrs. (preserving all settlements) in exchange for full normalization of relations, inc. exchange of ambs. Syrian FM al-Shara` replies Syria is ready for a "warm peace," but long period of withdrawal is unacceptable. (MM 9/8; ITV 9/8 in FBIS 9/14; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/9; JP 9/17)
IDF says it will change patrol routes in southern Gaza after study shows 1 soldier wounded in earlier attack was shot accidently by Palestinian police. New roads will be built for IDF use only; joint patrols will "only meet at junctions." (HA 9/8 in FBIS 98)
Arafat meets with Hamas leaders for 1st time, says PNA will give financial aid to Islamic University in Gaza, a Hamas stronghold. (AFP 9/8 in FBIS 9/9; JP 9/17)
Israeli FM Peres says Orient House is open for political meetings with diplomats, contradicting previous government statements. (Al-Hamishmar 9/8 in FBIS 9/8)
IDF arrests 1 settler fr. Qiryat Arba, 1 fr. Hebron on charges of harassing Arabs. (IDF Radio, QY 9/8 in FBIS 9/9; MM 9/9)
Hizballah fires on IDF patrol in Marj `Uyun in southern Lebanon, kill 1 soldier. 2 hrs. later, 2 Lebanese civilians wounded by IDF retaliatory fire. (ITV 9/8 in FBIS 9/9; WP 9/9; WJW 9/15)
Palestinian police release 10 Islamic Jihad mbrs. arrested 9/6. (QY 9/8 in FBIS 9/9)
American Jewish Comm. release survey showing 77% of American Jews approve of Israel's handling of peace negotiations; 53% believe PLO's true intent is to destroy Israel; 44% believe Palestinians are interested in "lasting peace." (Near East Report 9/19)
Israel rejects PNA election proposal, says a 100-mbr. legislative council is too large, Israel needs more time to see how PNA runs depts. already transferred. (IDF Radio 8/31 in FBIS 8/31; QY 9/4 in FBIS 9/6; WP 9/16) (see 8/20)
Egyptian FM `Amr Musa arrives in Israel for talks with FM Peres, relays Arafat's concerns about delays at Erez checkpoint, work permits, Palestinian prisoners, economic and security issues. (MM 8/30; HA 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)
Col. 'Adil Salih, head of Arafat's presidential guard, resigns over "power struggle" btwn. various PNA security branches over who will patrol Tulkarm area. Col. Jibril Rajub, head of PSF in West Bank, accuses Salih of enlisting collaborators in his forces, cooperating with Jordanian intelligence. (QY 8/31 in FBIS 8/31; MM 9/1; JP 9/10)
Lebanese PM Hariri says his cabinet rejected the principle of resettlement of Palestinians in Lebanon. A committee under Dep. PM Michel al-Murr will be formed to study how to improve Palestinians conditions. (RL 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; MM 8/30, 8/31)
Jordan cancels $30 m. trade deal with Israel under pressure fr. PNA (see 8/16, 8/17); agrees to give Palestinian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) 2 helicopters, train CAA workers in maintenance, surveillance. (HA 8/30 in FBIS 9/1; Al-Dustur 8/31 in FBIS 9/9)
Results of Syrian national elections held 8/24-25 released. Pres. Hafiz al-Asad's Ba'ath party gains 61% majority. (MM 8/30)
3rd Kach mbr. released after serving 6-mo. administrative detention following Hebron massacre. (IDF Radio 8/30 in FBIS 9/2) (see 8/27)