The Palestine Chronology

2-day PC mtg. opens. (QY 6/7 in FBIS 6/7; PR 6/14)

In Aqaba, Jordan's King Hussein, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, PA's Arafat hold follow-up mtg. to their 5/11+n12 unity summit to focus on ways of supporting the Palestinians when peace talks resume. (MM 6/5; MENA, RJ 6/5 in FBIS 6/5; JT, JTV, SARR 6/5 in FBIS 6/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/6)

Israel's dep. mayor of Jerusalem, Shmuel Meir, urges PM-elect Netanyahu to approve a plan to tear down 2,000 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem that were built without permits, build 50,000 houses for Jews. (QY 6/6 in FBIS 6/6)

Israel's Justice Min. rejects an appeal demanding that blank ballots be counted in the PM elections. Were the blank ballots counted, neither Peres nor Netanyahu would have gained the 50% needed to win the premiership. (QY 6/5 in FBIS 6/6) (see 5/31)

IDF eases closure on West Bank, Gaza, allowing 22,000 married Palestinians over the age of 35 to attend their jobs in Israel. 350 Palestinian merchants are also allowed in. (QY 6/5 in FBIS 6/5) (see 6/2)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers seize, occupy Palestinian owned bathhouse. 1,000s of settlers hold street party to celebrate Netanyahu win. (MM 6/6, WT 6/8; MENA 6/8 in FBIS 6/10; PR 6/14)

In s. Lebanon, heads of Hizballah, the Higher Islamic Shiite Council meet to discuss local, regional developments arising fr. the Israeli elections. (RL 6/6 in FBIS 6/6)

Syria rejects FM Peres's 4/18 proposal move negotiations forward, says problem lies in Israel's position not in structure of talks. (MM 4/19)

In New York, Lebanese FM Buwayz concludes 2 days of mtgs. with Secy. of State Christopher, Asst. Secy. of State Robert Pelletreau regarding Syrian-Israeli talks, future of Lebanese track, NPT, Arab boycott, U.S. travel ban. (RL 4/20 in FBIS 4/20)

Representatives of all Palestinian factions meet in Gaza, agree to set up joint comm. to discuss security in the self-rule areas. (IDF Radio 4/20 in FBIS 4/20)

Car bomb explodes at federal building in Oklahoma City, killing 31, leaving some 200 unaccounted for. Authorities begin search for 2 "Middle Eastern looking" men who left scene in pickup truck. Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, Hizballah, Lebanon's Higher Shi`ite Islamic Council condemn attack. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/20; QPAR, QY, RL 4/20 in FBIS 4/20; JTV, MENA, RE, RL, VOL 4/20, AFP 4/21 in FBIS 4/21; AFP 4/21 in FBIS 4/24)

Hebron settlers say they will erect building in city to house 10 new Jewish families, increasing settler population in Hebron by 25%. Plan has not been approved by Israeli government. IDF lifts daytime curfew on Palestinians, dusk-to-dawn curfew continues. (WP 4/20)

Yitzhak Magen, Israel's chief archaeologist for West Bank, announces plans to begin ripping up parts of 5th-century Byzantine church on Mount Gerizim to uncover 2,000-yr.-old replica of Jerusalem temple. (WT 4/19; JP 4/29)

PM Shamir chairs ministerial meeting to discuss formation of Jewish "civil guard" in o.t. (ITV 12/25 in FBIS 12/26)

Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek leads demonstration against settlers who moved into contested homes in Silwan. (MM 1/2)

Shiite cleric Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah addresses Beirut conference on intifada. Representatives from Fateh-Revolutionary Council [Abu Nidal], PFLP, Iranian Revolutionary Guards also speak. (Voice of Oppressed 12/26 in FBIS 12/27)

GCC ends summit, reaffirms commitment to "Damascus Declaration." Meeting also issues "Kuwait Declaration" supporting peace talks based on UN Sec. Council resolutions 242, 338, 425, affirming GCC support of multilateral talks with Israel. (MM 1/2)

Israel, Zambia renew diplomatic ties broken since 1973. (Qol Yisra'el 12/25 in FBIS 12/31)

Secy. of State Baker modifies 5/22 statement concerning Israeli settlement-building as an obstacle to peace, notes that "other obstacles" present equal difficulties. Baker was criticized by American Jewish organizations, some U.S. senators, for singling out Israel in his remarks. Pres. Bush backs Baker's criticism of Israeli settlement building. (NYT, WP 5/24)

Israel begins airlifting remaining 16,000 Ethiopian Jews in Ethiopia to Israel in "Operation Solomon" following secret talks with the collapsing government of Ethiopia. 5/22 letter from Pres. Bush to acting Ethiopian Pres. Lt.-Gen. Tesfaye Gebre-Kidan promising U.S. mediation efforts in Ethiopian civil war in return for unrestricted Jewish emigration paved way for airlift. Bush had earlier written Ethiopian Pres. Mengistu Haile Mariam in April urging release of the Jews. Unnamed U.S. official states Bush asked Israeli Prime Min. Yitzhak Shamir not to settle the Ethiopians in the occupied territories. Aide to Shamir confirmed Israel told U.S. it had "no intention" of settling immigrants on what he termed "occupied land." Simha Dinitz, Israel'senior immigration official, confirmed that none would be placed in occupied territories. Western relief workers complained that valuable resources expended on operation could have been used to aid Ethiopian famine victims remaining in Ethiopia. Airlift comes as Israel is struggling to absorb nearly 250,000 Soviet Jewish immigrants who arrived in past 20 months. 12,000 Ethiopian Jews were airlifted to Israel in "Operation Moses" in 1984 before Arab criticism prompted Ethiopian government to halt exodus. 8,000 others came to Israel after emigration resumed on small scale in 1989. By beginning of 1991, more than 20,000 Ethiopian Jews were living in Israel. (NYT, WP 5/25, 5/26; LAT 5/27; NYT 6/6)

U.S. state department issues cautious statement on 5/22 Syrian-Lebanese treaty, noting that it will monitor events to determine if Lebanon's independence is respected. (WP 5/25)

Israeli Def. Min. Spokesman Danny Naveh states that Israel will release all Lebanese prisoners held by Israel, including alleged Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh 'Abd al-Karim 'Ubayd, in exchange for Israeli prisoners held in Lebanon. Hizballah spokesman added that Israel must release Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners, that Hizballah could only release those Israelis it holds and not those held by other groups. A total of seven Israelis were captured or reported missing in Lebanon since 1982 Israeli invasion, of whom only two are believed to be alive. Hizballah admits to holding two Israelis. Hizballah is seeking release of Shi'ites held both by Israel and Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army. Agreement came in wake of statement earlier in the week by Shaykh 'Abbas al-Musawi, new leader of Hizballah, that Hizballah would release the two Israelis if Israel freed Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners it held. The proposed exchange could lead to release of Western hostages held in Lebanon as well. (WP 5/25; NYT 5/26)

U.S. joins other 14 members of U.N. Security Council in voting to deplore 5/18 deportation of four Palestinians from Gaza. (WP, LAT 5/25; see JPS 80, doc. A5) 

Sec. Baker arrives in Kuwait City and presses Kuwaiti gov't. for greater democracy and more respect for human rights [WP, LAT, MEM 4/23; MET 4/30].

GCC committee for finance and economic cooperation opens meetings in Riyadh; ministers set up multi-billion dollar development fund [MEM 4/22, 4/23; SPA 4/22 in FBIS 4/23].

In Baghdad, autonomy talks between Kurdish leaders and Iraqi gov't. enter 3d day [NYT 4/23]; exiled Iraqi Shiite leaders denounce Baghdad talks [LAT 4/23].

Kurdish leaders again call for more international aid, ask that refugee camps be enlarged [WP 4/23].

IDF lifts ban on journalists freely entering o.t. that was imposed 1/17 at stalt of Gulf war, according to Israeli Defense Ministry [MEM 4/22].

Report by opposition members of Knesset, including Dedi Zucker, says Shamir gov't. is enticing Jews to o.t. with large, low-cost mortgages; settlers receive 50% more aid than other Israelis, report states [MEM 4/23].

Kuwait gov't. announces that registration of all non-Kuwaiti residents has begun. Expatriates are told they risk 6 months in prison if they do not bring papers to Interior Ministry for vetting [MEM 4/23].

Saddam Hussein shuffles his cabinet, elevating the only Shiite in senior gov't. position, Saadoun Hammadi to P.M. Deputy P.M. and F.M. Tarik Aziz is relieved of F.M. post and replaced by Ahmad Hussein Khudayyir. U.S. dismisses moves as insignificant because "Saddam Hussein still appears to be calling the shots" [NYT, WP 3/24; BADS 3/23 in FBIS 3/25; CSM 3/25; MET 4/2].

Arab man stabs and wounds Jewish couple on their farm north of Tel Aviv; IDF shoots dead 19-year-old Palestinian who was with demonstrators outside Tulkarm [NYT 3/24].

Deputy P.M. Aziz arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein [MET 4/2]

Speaking to Jerusalem Post in first interview since forming new gov't. Yitzhak Shamir blames U.S. criticism for stirring up Arab hostility; lays down restrictive condition for peace talks, saying Israel will not negotiate with any Palestinian who opposes limited autonomy for O.T.; new gov't.'s guidelines also stipulate no role for E. Jerusalem Palestinians in any part of peace process [MEM 6/ 13; WP, NYT, LAT 6/14; LAT 6/16].

New Israeli police minister Roni Milo says Sec. James Baker's formula for talks is "no longer relevant" to his gov't. [NYT 6/14]; while F.M. David Levy says Baker plan had "distorted" the Israeli peace initiative it was to implement; calls for U.S. to "get back to basics" with Israel. Agriculture minister Rafael Eitan calls for deportation of Palestinian intifada leaders [WP 6/14].

Speaking before House Foreign Affairs Committee, Sec. Baker expresses impatience at peace process and especially with Israel, implying that if positive moves are not forthcoming quickly, U.S. will disengage from Middle East peace process: "When you're serious about peace, call us," he says, giving out White House telephone number [NYT, WT, WP, LAT, MEM 6/14; MET 6/19].

Shamir, responding to Arab requests, authorizes UN fact-finding mission to O.T.; move prompts harsh rebuke from far right-wing supporters of Shamir's gov't. [JDS 6/13 in FBIS 6/13; NYT 6/ 14].

Immigration min. Yitzhak Peretz says that 50,000 Jews, over 90% from USSR, have immigrated to Israel in 1990; nearly 200 have settled in O.T. [MET 6/ 26].

New D.M. Moshe Arens spends day visiting 2 largest Jewish settlements in W.Bank; says he is making a statement about his priorities [NYT 6/14; MET 6/ 26].

Israeli army jails for 10 days soldier who threw tear gas grenade into UN maternity clinic in Gaza. 66 infants were treated for gas inhalation in 6/12 incident [WT 6/14; MET 6/26].

Beirut radio reports of skirmish in S.Lebanon between Israeli and SLA troops and Shiite militias; no injuries [BVL 6/13 in FBIS 6/13]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bethlehem U. reopens after 3-month military-ordered closure and immediately receives new closure order [NYT 2/4]. Hebron Polytechnic Institute and Hebron U. are closed indefinitely. Israel postpones indefinitely reopening of schools in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm [FJ 2/7]. In Nazareth, 50 Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Jewish leaders condemn Israeli measures in occupied territories, express support for uprising [FJ 2/7].

Arab World: Lebanese Shi'i coalition Islamic Resistance Front threatens to kill Israeli soldier held captive for 2 years [WP 2/2].

Other Countries: U.S. envoy Philip Habib meets with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak in Paris before returning to Washington [WSJ 2/2]. U.S. vetos UN Security Council resolution setting forth UN role in Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations and calling on Israel to abide by Geneva Convention terms [WP 2/2]. In Rome, Jordan's King Hussein visits with Pope John Paul II, meets with Egyptian F. M. 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid [NYT 2/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In village of 'Anabta near Tulkarm, stone-throwing Palestinians attack army bus, settlers' cars, and police vehicle after blockading road. Israeli fires on demonstrators, killing 2, wounding 1. Officials are uncertain whether shots were fired by soldiers or settlers. Army patrol later disperses crowd with live ammunition, wounding 2 more. Settlers attack village during curfew, vandalizing houses, cars [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Crowds throw rocks, bottles and block roads in cities, villages, and camps throughout W. Bank; 3 Palestinians are wounded in Jenin, and 2 are injured by army gunfire in Hebron-region village of Bani Na'im; village is placed under curfew. Violent disturbances are also reported in E. Jerusalem [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Israeli authorities arrest 14 Palestinians during raid of Jerusalem's Thuri quarter [FJ 2/7]. More than 20 are arrested in early morning raid in Nablus [WP 2/2]. Balatah, new and old 'Askar, Duhayshah, Tulkarm, and Am'ari refugee camps and Nablus are under curfew [FJ 2/7]. In Gaza Strip, military imposes curfew on Burayj camp following violent stone-throwing demonstrations; curfew is lifted in Dayr al-Balah camp. Violent clashes are reported in Gaza Strip camps and cities; many Palestinians are injured by army gunfire and beatings [FJ 2/7]. At least 40 Palestinians have been killed since uprising began 12/9 [NYT 2/2]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab local councils inside the green line end strike following agreement with Israeli officials over $6 million in owed funds; P.M. Peres acknowledges Arab councils receive smaller budgets than Jewish ones, states inequity should be righted [JP 12/26; FJ 1/3].

Arab World: PLO rep. in Cairo Tayyib 'Abd al-Rahim states PLO seeks Arab summit conference to adopt unified peace policy [BG 12/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Body of Lebanese Jew Chaim Cohen Halala is found with 3 gunshot wounds in head; Organization for the Op, pressed of the Earth claims responsibility, says he was killed in retaliation for 12/22 SLA shelling of Shi'ite villages in S. Lebanon which killed 5, wounded 8. Organization holds 3 other Lebanese Jews hostage, warns against further shelling [WP, BG 12/26; WP 12/23]. 2 SLA militiamen are killed by Lebanese guerrillas in S. Lebanon security zone [PI 1/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's 10-member inner cabinet meets to discuss security situation in occupied territories, resolves to tell Jordan again to remove PLO "bases" recently set up there [LT, BG, FT 9/5]. Inner cabinet approves proposal from Ariel Sharon that the authorities conduct general review of institutions in occupied territories that are supportive of the PLO [FJ 9/6]. Israeli soldiers rebuild wall separating Hebron's main mosque from marketplace, which settlers destroyed after 9/3 stabbing of two soldiers [GD 9/5]. MKs Yossi Sarid and Dedi Zucker of the Citizen's Rights Movement present document to Police Min. Haim Bar-Lev alleging Jumbo construction company made millions of dollars from fraudulent and illegal land sales [JP 9/5]. P.M. Peres sends close aide Avraham Tamir to unannounced ovemight visit with Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak to discuss ways of advancing relations between the two nations [CSM 9/6]. Israeli settlers try to squat in Hebron where 2 Israeli soldiers were stabbed 9/3. Army evicts them [CSM 9/6]. Five hundred Ethiopian Jews demonstrate in Jerusalem against rabbinical demands that they undergo symbolic conversion before marrying [WP 9/7]. For. Min. Shamir leaves for Japan to try to persuade Japanese leaders to relax their adherence to Arab boycott and increase trade with Israel [JP 9/4].

Other Countries: Operation Independence, a group of 100 international Jewish business leaders wishing to strengthen Israel's economy, sponsors New York meeting of hotel, airline, and tourism groups and prominent Jewish business leaders to discuss ways to increase American tourism to Israel [JTA 9/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palesine/Israel: Several katyusha rockets land in Galilee; no injuries reported. This is 4th katyusha attack on Galilee in recent months [JP 9/5].

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb suspected PLO guerrilla base in Lebanon's Biqa' Valley, 11th such strike inside Lebanon this year [NYT 9/5]. Reports say 6 Palestinians killed and 10 wounded in the attack [CSM 9/6]. Shi'ite and Palestinian militias battle around Burj al-Baraj inah refugee camp south of Beirut in worst fighting since June, when Syrian-sponsored cease-fire ended fierce clashes in 3 Palestinian refugee camps. Latest fighting leaves 10 dead, 27 wounded [NYT, LAT 9/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army orders 3 Palestinians deported for "subversive political activity," jails 15 others without charge under administrative detention orders [WP 8/30]. Israeli security authorities are holding an American, an Australian, and 6 Palestinians. The Westerners are accused of transporting Palestinians -said to be a commando squad - to Lebanon, from which the squad allegedly planned to attack Israel [WP 8/30]. Israeli State Prosecutor's Department decides to appeal for tougher sentences for 5 members of Jewish underground [TA 8/30].

Other Countries: First Intemational Christian Zionist Congress ends with appeal to all Jews to emigrate to Israel and to all Christians to give active help to Israel. Final resolutions provide for the creation of a $100 million fund to invest in industrial projects in Israel via a Basel-based company [TA 8/30].

Military Action

Arab World: Rival Druze and Shi'ite militias battle for control of West Beirut; fighting continues along the green line between east and west Beirut; 6 dead and 15 wounded. Christian and Muslim militias exchange 22 kidnap victims [NYT 8/30]. Fighting breaks out in Tripoli between pro-Syrian and Muslim fundamentalist militias [PI 8/30]. The SLA shells Sidon, apparently in revenge for 8/28 suicide car bombing of its checkpoint [PI 8/30]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli High Court issues order nisi blocking deportation of ex-prisoner Khalid Muhammad Tantash until court hears his case. Tantash was released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange agreement. Last week Tantash was notified through the Red Cross of the Israelis' intention to deport him because he does not have an identity card [FJ 7/26]. Kiryat Arba local council concludes agreement to fire town's Palestinian employees, press institutions to hire only Jewish laborers, and work for total Sabbath observance. Kach party is represented in council [JP 7/21]. Thirteen American black leaders in govemment, civil rights, and the church arrive for ten-day "crash course on Israel" organized by the American-Israel Friendship League [JP 7/19].

Arab World: Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal Hasan 'Ali is quoted as urging U.S. to go ahead with preliminary peace talks with Jordanian-Palestinian delegation despite Israeli objections [JP 7/21].

Military Action

Arab World: Shi'ite militiamen capture 6 SLA soldiers in Markaba village in Israel's security zone, reportedly free 8 held prisoner there [LT 7/20].

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: About 400 foreign business people attend Jerusalem Economic conference "Isratech '84" marketing Israeli high-tech goods and weaponry. Alternative Movement head Matti Peled demands gov't. explain disappearance of Saleh Baransi; police refuse to disclose any information.

Arab World: Arab League meet in Tunis, focusing on Iran-Iraq war; postpone till November discussion of Syrian complaint against Morocco for its official welcome to 35-member Israeli delegation to Rabat Jewish congress this mo.; ministers revise voting requirements from consensus to majority rule. Israeli occupiers deny journalists access to S. Lebanon except with IDF escort.

Other Countries: UN Security Council considers complaints of Israeli attacks on Palestine refugees in S. Lebanon. Yugoslav gov't. denies entry visas to Hapoel Israeli delegation to European Federation of Cooperative Sport in spite of efforts by Belgian representative. US AID issues report severely critical of Israeli economic policies. Confronted by American Jewish Committee delegation on stage mtg. in Washington with Pres. Reagan, Mexican Pres. de Madrid says Mexico is a "defender of Israel."

Military Action:

Arab World: In Lebanon: hand grenade attack on IDF in Sidon results in exchange of fire, 1 Lebanese civilian killed, 2 wounded, 1 IDF soldier wounded; Israeli planes bomb Shi'ite villages of Janta and Deir al-Ghazal in Beqaa Valley; inJanta, 4 wounded, 1 farmer killed while plowing his fields.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian Heritage Week festival exhibit destroyed in Bir Zeit U. fire; arson suspected. Israeli army denies any involvement in Ain al-Hilweh, S. Lebanon incidents (5/17/84).

Arab World: Muslim leaders march through Sabra refugee camp, protesting murder of Ain al-Hilweh refugees by Israeli-backed militia. Lebanon's PM Karami calls for united Lebanese effort to end Israeli occupation of S. Lebanon. Large rally held in Baalbek for Shi'ite soldiers, incuding Irani Revolutionary Guard. Thousands of Druze in Israeli-occupied Golan mark 40th anniversary of death of Nur al-Din Kanj Abu Salah, waving Syrian flags and shouting slogans of allegiance to Syria.

Other Countries: UN Security Council hears PLO complaint of Israeli attacks on S. Lebanon refugee camps in closed-door session. UNRWA spokesman in Vienna reports 1 killed, 20 injured in Israeli military operations in S. Lebanon refugee camp. Washington Post reports CIA director Casey allowed Israel access to sensitive satellite photographs. Pentagon officials confirm US & Israel working toward defense pact. Yeshiva U. Talmudic law prof. Rabbi Tendler decries arrests of Jewish terrorists and calls US Jews to their defense, claiming "a Jew . . . respects human life as no one else does." Fired from his Toronto congregation for denouncing Israeli invasion of Lebanon, Rabbi Slonim addresses Canadian Arab Federation, praying for better understanding between Arabs and Jews.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 more suspects arrested (one Kiryat Arba security officer) in connection with bus bombing plot (4/27/84). When asked in interview if practice of demolishing homes of terrorists will be applied to Jews, DM Arens refuses comment, but admits existence of "legal anomoly."

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat tells Kuwait newspaper al-Qabas of hopes to establish base in Egypt. Lebanon announces formation of new national unity gov't.; Shi'ite leader Berri refuses to join cabinet, criticizing lack of important Druze and Shi'ite role.

Other Countries: Swiss Socialist Party issues May Day statement of full support and sympathy for the PLO and its struggle (as well as freedom movements in El Salvador, Turkey & for Polisario); Zionist MP Hurvitz resigns from Swiss parliament and Socialist Party in protest. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Police discover huge cache of weapons, including 107 grenades, 80 loaded magazines, mines, anti-tank bazooka shells and several dozen kilos of explosives in evacuated Palestinian village of Lifta near Jerusalem; suspected to be linked with "TNT" cells. MK Tsaban's motion to establish a committee of inquiry into the invasion of Lebanon defeated in Knesset vote (42-33). PM Shamir accuses Egypt of "tretreating from the Camp David framework, " citing Egypt's failure to return its ambassador to Israel. MK Rabin says PLO operations against Israel were "child's play" compared to Shi'ite "terror" against IDF in S. Lebanon. Chief of Staff Levy tells Foreign Affairs & Defense Com. 2,000 [Palestinian] "terrorists" have returned to Beirut, and IDF withdrawal from S. Lebanon would not guarantee Israel secure borders. 4 American-Israeli youths arrested for last Sunday's attack on Arab bus near Ramallah. 5 Galilee Palestinians arrested on prima facie evidence of membership in religiousnationalist organization that may have set fire to 30 vehicles in recent months. Nablus mayor Shaka'a rejects military authorities' conditions placed on his travel permit to US.

Other Countries: US amb. to OAS Middendorf affirms US and Israel have mutual strategic interests in Central America where a battle is being waged by "atheistic Communism to destroy our 'Judeo-Christian civilization'." "Moral Majority" leader Jerry Falwell reaffirms support for Israel before group at Herzl Institute, NY, stating Israel's best friends in US are "Bible-believing Christians" and US should not have interrupted Israel's "liberation" of Lebanon from Syrian and PLO "slavery." Rev. Jesse Jackson's US presidential campaign staff compile evidence of "hounding" by some Jewish-American organizations.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Israelis killed and 9 wounded in booby-trapped bomb explosion on bus near Ashdod; Abu Nidal's PDFLP-GC in Damascus claims responsibility; 150 Arab men rounded up as suspects.

Military Action:

Syrian planes fire 2 air-to-air missiles at Israeli jets on reconnaissance flight over northern Lebanon, no hits reported; Israelis deny Lebanese report that pilotless drone plane was shot down over Bekaa by SA-6 missiles, say that reconnaissance flights will continue; Phalange and Druze militias exchange fire south of Beirut.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier killed, 14 injured when explosion damages troop bus in eastern Lebanon; Lebanese military prosecutor demands death penalty for pro-Iranian Lebanese Shiites charged with killing 6 Lebanese Army soldiers in March.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: MK Shulamit Aloni says over a period of years settlers in West Bank have committed many dozens of murders, assaulted and harassed Arabs, and committed hundreds of acts of vandalism all with backing of military government and former Defense Minister Sharon; Knesset votes 41-32 against motion calling for full parliamentary investigation of Jewish vigilantism in West Bank, Defense Minister Arens says only way of ameliorating legal situation in occupied territories is by applying Israeli law; police release suspect in grenade attack during February 10 Peace Now demonstration; Israeli Druze communities call for total strike to protest inability of IDF to halt Phalange-Druze battles in Lebanon; Arab local councils in Galilee and Triangle hold 2-hour strike to protest inclusion of Arab-owned land in jurisdiction of new Misgav regional council; Israel warns Syria not to play with fire after attack on Israeli jets; prototypes of Israeli-made missiles shown at International Aerospace show at Le Bourget, Israel Aircraft Industry spokesman says prototype of Lavi jet fighter will make first flight in February 1986; Israeli bus and car damaged by stones in West Bank; anti-Arab slogans written on walls near Bethlehem; security forces disperse residents of Hussan, in Bethlehem area, trying to stop Israeli surveyors.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh Central Committee, meeting in Damascus, cuts off food, fuel and pay to dissident PLO forces, estimated to number 150-500; Lebanese Foreign Minister meets ambassadors of 10 countries contributing to UNIFIL, would like troops to be deployed in Chouf region.

Arab Governments: North Yemen opposes Israeli-Lebanon agreement, calls for immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops.

US and Other Countries: All European Community members except Greece support Israeli-Lebanese troop withdrawal agreement.

Military Action:

IDF jets, artillery attack Palestinian areas of West Beirut for second day (Fakhani and stadium areas, Burj al-Barajneh, Shatila, Ramlet el-Baida, Lailake, road into airport hit); Bekaa quiet (IDF rebuilding, resurfacing roads in area); two PLO attacks on IDF, one an ambush of soldiers near Bhamdoun, the other on military command center in Sidon (IDF, assisted by Phalangists, seals off city, sets curfew, searches vehicles and houses for guerrillas).

Casualties:

Salam says David Dodge (US educator kidnapped earlier in July) reportedly alive; WAFA says 56 killed, wounded in today's raids (estimates 182 casualties from IDF raids on West Beirut, Bekaa valley yesterday); civilians remain despite extensive damage in Fakhani (many buildings burn); IDF makes little effort at civil administration in the Bekaa, allowing Phalange to be in control; IDF continues blockade of West Beirut (despite some food getting through, doctors report rise in nutrition-related diseases).

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir says PLO does not want to leave Beirut, warns US of "grave danger" in tampering with UN Resolution 242; General Eliezer, in London, claims only 31,000 refugees have resulted from the Lebanese war (excluding Beirut), puts Arab deaths at 1,300 (including 1,000 "terrorists"); Eitan says Israel will not tolerate "war of attrition"; Israel plans to sell some of captured PLO weapons to Third World countries to offset the cost of the war; Begin signs agreement with the ultranationalist Tehiya Party (which opposes the Camp David Accords); 40 Palestinian women's societies in the occupied territories issue a statement demanding an end to the invasion, reaffirming their support for the PLO.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO denounces IDF raid as political act; PLO security actively seeking Dodge's release; PLO-Lebanese negotiations at a standstill while Habib tours Arab capitals; PLO spokesman says negotiations could be helped if US spoke directly to the PLO; Salam meets Wazzan, proposes timetable to make interim PLO withdrawals to other parts of Lebanon more acceptable; Bashir Gemayel, seeking support for his presidential bid, meets with Druze leader Arslan as slayings raise tensions between Phalange and Druze; Shiite Deputy Al-Zani released by Haddad forces; PLO representative in Paris slain by bomb (Abu Nidal and Jewish Armed Resistance both claim responsibility); Arslan meets with Israeli Druze leader Tarif, accompanied by Likud MK.

Arab Governments: Habib meets with Assad and Khaddam in Damascus (Syria reasserts view that focus of negotiations should be on achieving IDF withdrawal).

US and Other Countries: Weinberger cancels trip to California in concern over possible IDF invasion of Beirut; US officials reportedly see possibility of direct dealing with PLO if US forces sent to Beirut; Interior Secretary Watt's letter to Israeli Ambassador Arens, urging American Jews to support Administration energy policies to ensure US support for Israel, causes furor and is disavowed by White House.

Military Action:

IDF shelling and blockade maintained for fifth day as negotiations deadlocked; water and electricity are partially restored; IDF artillery and gunboats blast Palestinian neighborhoods, setting fires, with high casualties (other non-Palestinian areas hit); evening gunner duels mark IDF attempts to advance; IDF officers say IDF broke fifth cease-fire in retaliation for deaths of 5 IDF soldiers the night before; shells fall on US Ambassador's residence in Yarze; IDF shell hits nylon factory, igniting long fire and explosions; Israeli jets zoom over Beirut.

Casualties:

Beirut police estimate 22 killed, 38 wounded in the night (Beirut casualties now 2633 killed, 3612 wounded); appeals made for blood; 2 IDF soldiers found killed (armored personnel carrier hit near Tyre); even after water turned on again in West Beirut, so much of the pipeline is damaged, many residents still must get water in pails; one 23-ton shipment of foodstuffs by World Vision allowed in (no explanation of why others kept out); some Palestinians being allowed to return to camps in the south (mostly women and children, most men are in detention); 7000 new refugees reportedly have fled to Baalbek; 25-30,000 Shiites reportedly returning to Nabatiyeh area; water is still problem in South Lebanon (IDF destroyed water pumping station serving 120 villages in Tyre area, repairs to take 3 months); in Beirut, despite 5 centers for potable water distribution set up by UN, problem is dwindling gasoline for water trucks; IDF damage to Zahrani refinery will take 3 months to repair; ICRC estimates needs for next 3 months at $18 million, says 75 doctors/medical technicians have arrived to aid Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) and Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS); doctors say they are dealing with injuries hitherto unseen (dead to wounded ratio normally 1-5, now 50-50).

PLO displays to reporters extensive IDF anti-personnel weapons, most with US markings, including cluster bombs, canisters of hydrogen cyanide used against Syrians and in Burj al-Barajneh camp and neighborhood (other weapons used in Sabra and Shatila camps and Shia suburb of Ouzai); displayed also is slab of nougat with Hebrew markings, part of car bomb found in Beirut port area.

Israeli Cabinet spokesman Meridor says 331 Lebanese civilians killed, says IDF told him 1200 PLO "terrorists" and civilians killed in fighting in refugee camps (claims not much international aid needed, that international bodies agree with Israeli government figures, that Israeli ambulances sent to help wounded have come back to Israel as not needed); detention camps set up by IDF in southern Lebanon (fences, guard towers, earth embankments at Ansar, west of Nabatiyeh); Meridor says detainees will be treated as criminals, not POWs.

UN High Commission for Refugees, in Vienna, says IDF invasion has set back work in Lebanon by 32 years, destroying schools, camps, warehouses, clinics, leaving 175,000 of 237,000 registered refugees in urgent need of aid.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet hints PLO might be allowed to stay in Tripoli; government accepts only 7 of 9 points of reported US plan; Cabinet allows more time for negotiations; aide to Begin insists all PLO members must leave Beirut; Cabinet hears report from Sharon; Abba Eban disagrees with government rejection of political role for PLO; Kimche meets with Habib, who then calls Wazzan to contact Arafat; Mayor of Gaza warned that he and other elected town council members may be dismissed if they continue to refuse to cooperate with Israeli civil administration; IDF soldiers surround Bir Zeit campus, use tear gas, arrest 100 students in fourth day of protests against invasion.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Habib informs Wazzan that US will not send US Marines until PLO leaves Beirut (Wazzan reported shocked, asks what good are troops at that point); PLO still insisting on some political presence in Beirut, armed units attached to Lebanese Army; Lebanese landowners who rented to Palestinians after 1948 are asking IDF governor of Sidon to evict Palestinians; in Tyre, Lebanese landowners are evicting Palestinian residents, forcing them to live on beaches, in groves.

US and Other Countries: US fears troops may get caught in crossfire and changes plan not to allow Marines to be sent until after PLO evacuates; US Congressional resistance to use of US troops grows; Jewish Affairs magazine issues public statement demanding removal of IDF troops, ending of US aid to Israel; US position reportedly is no PLO troops should remain, but political/informational office is OK; USSR warns US against military intervention in Lebanon; Pakistan president sends telegrams to Reagan, other members of the UN Security Council asking them to force IDF to withdraw; Turkey calls for IDF withdrawal, but reportedly cooperates with Israel on captured Turks and Armenians fighting with the PLO.

UN: UN Secretary General says UN must rethink "peacekeeping" role in wake of IDF invasion (and Cyprus incident several years ago).