The Palestine Chronology

Sec. of State Baker, in testimony before U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee, calls continued building of Israeli settlements "largest obstacle" to convening proposed Middle East peace conference. Remarks come in wake of four new settlements established in occupied territories since Baker began his recent peace initiative. (See JPS 80, doc. D2)

More than 200,000 Israelis now live in occupied territories. (NYT, WP, LAT 5/23)

Pres. al-Asad and Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi sign a "Treaty of Brotherhood, Cooperation and Coordination" in Damascus. (See JPS 80, doc. B9). Treaty establishes joint Syrian-Lebanese institutions for coordinating defense, security, foreign and economy policy, under authority of higher council comprising the two country's presidents, prime ministers and parliamentary speakers. Treaty transforms Syrian influence in Lebanon into formal role.

Treaty calls for Syria to redeploy its 40,000 troops in Lebanon in Biqa' valley. Syrian troops currently effectively control two-thirds of Lebanon.

Lebanese Maronite Catholic Patriarch Nasr Allah Sufayr opposes accord, stating that it would lead to Syrian domination of Lebanon. Israel voiced opposition to the accord as well. (NYT, WP, LAT 5/23)

Israeli def. ministry confirms that Polish Pres. Walesa promised Def. Min. Moshe Arens that Poland will not sell tanks to Syria out of deference to Israel. (LAT 5/22)

Knesset erupts into shouting match when Knesset Speaker Dov Shilansky (Likud) calls on Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan to halt his 25-day fast. Nathan began fast 3/25 to protest Israeli law forbidding Israelis to meet with members of PLO. Shilansky's statement came in wake of failed motion to abolish law. Nathan has publicly met Yasir Arafat several times since law was passed, serving 122 days in prison in 1990 as result. (NYT 5/23; MEM 7/15)

Los Angeles Times reports that Coca-Cola Company was removed last month from list of companies boycotted by Arab League for their dealings with Israel. Japanese car manufacturer Toyota also reported last month that it will begin selling cars in Israel in 1992, a departure from its policy of dealing solely with Arab countries. (LAT 5/22) 

Military Action:

IDF reportedly constructing series of large and sophisticated military bases across South and central Lebanon, including airstrip at Damour, barracks and transport facilities at Sidon, fortified posts in Arkoub and Bekaa Valleys, logistics HQ near Marjayoun; Syrian forces and IDF exchange artillery fire in Bekaa; Haddad says he must formally be made military governor of South Lebanon.

Casualties:

9 suspects indicted for grenade attack that wounded 5 US Marines on March 16.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF seals 4 Dahariya homes of Palestinians who reportedly admitted to attacks in Hebron area, including stone-throwing that killed Israeli woman in January; IDF orders West Bank schools to remain closed until April 19, Jenin schools closed indefinitely; Umm Safa and Gibya residents report thousands of dunams seized for nearby Ateret settlement; molotov cocktail thrown at border police patrol in Bethlehem; Jerusalem Mayor Kollek warns civic and religious leaders of Shufat and Beit Hanina if they don't stop stone-throwing along road to Neve Ya'acov settlement then police and army will; Peace Now begins protests near site of proposed Upper Nablus settlement; court orders Ministry of Defense to pay compensation of IS2m. to family of Palestinian woman shot by Israeli soldier in April 1982, soldier given 5 months suspended sentence; Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs spokesman offers 3,939 apartments and building plots in West Bank and Gaza, announces campaign to expand 68 settlements, increase Jewish population in occupied territories 30-50,000 in next 18 months; Chief of Staff Eitan, in farewell statement to Cabinet, says there should be 10 new Jewish settlements for each stone-throwing incident, when Israelis have settled the land all the Arabs will be able to do about it is scurry around like drugged roaches in a bottle; 2 Likud MKs recommend that soldiers be instructed to aim higher if shooting at demonstrators' legs doesn't stop stone-throwing; Israeli Electric Corporation completes 4-year project to supply electricity to West Bank settlements and villages at cost of IS360m.; Association for Civil Rights says ban on section of '83 film is attack on freedom of expression, asks for its revocation.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO stresses importance of continuing relations and dialogue with Jordan; Habib participates for first time in troop withdrawal negotiations at Netanya.

Arab Governments: Mubarak says it is imperative PLO join Jordan to facilitate negotiations; Moroccan sources say proposed Arab summit later this week likely to be postponed; Jordan reportedly considering reducing ties to West Bank; King Hussein meets British Foreign Secretary; Syria says Hussein's refusal to enter talks shows US does not hold key to Middle East peace.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says there is no alternative to the Reagan plan, suggests PLO should lose its 1974 Arab League mandate as sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people if this authority is not exercised constructively; House Foreign Affairs subcommittee links sale of advanced US weapons to Jordan to commitment to recognize Israel and enter into direct negotiations with it, increases Reagan's requests for economic aid to Israel from $785m. to $850m., all grants, increases grant portion of military aid from $550m. to $850m. out of $1.7b. total, and approves same amount for FY 1985 in largest single legislative package of aid for Israel ever approved; CIA director Casey reportedly travelled secretly to Israel last week to convince Israelis that Lebanese Army can control South Lebanon.

Military Action:

Syria reportedly backing former Lebanese army officer Lieutenant Ahmed al-Khatib to establish garrisons in Bekaa Valley; IDF tries to disarm UNIFIL convoy at roadblock near Khalde.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Military tribunal finds that orders by former commander of Hebron area to drive people from their homes, beat them, shoot solar heaters and break watches, were illegal, but that orders for strong treatment of troublemakers were generally consistent with law; 4 of 7 soldiers on trial are convicted of beating and brutally attacking Palestinians; 4,000 Israelis commemorate Peace Now activist killed by grenade during anti-Begin demonstrations; bomb explodes outside West German embassy in Tel Aviv on 50th anniversary of Hitler's rise to power; Labor Party chairman Peres says a Likud-Alignment government of national unity is not realistic; under guard of Israeli border police and army, 2,000 Palestinians rally in village of Habla in support of Village League position favoring Camp David accords.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: In speech at PNC meeting, PFLP head Habash calls for outright rejection of Reagan plan, renewal of armed struggle, close alliance with Syria and Soviet Union, and need for unity of PLO.

Arab Governments: 50 to 60 banking institutions in the Arab world, including banks owned by American, European and Japanese interests, are reportedly boycotting the Swift international system for monetary transfers because 10 Israeli banks have joined the system.

UN: British Ambassador tells Security Council that a freeze on Israeli West Bank settlements is imperative.

Military Action:

In wake of Tyre blast, IDF and Syrian forces go on alert in Bekaa, IDF rounds up several hundred Palestinians and Lebanese, sets up new roadblocks; gunmen fire on Lebanese Parliament Deputy Speaker Abu Fadel's car.

Casualties:

Death toll in Tyre explosion reaches 47 (32 Israelis, 15 Arabs), rises to 60 later in day, 50-60 still unaccounted for.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Prime Minister Begin arrives in Los Angeles to address Council of Jewish Organizations, is welcomed by Governor Brown, Mayor Bradley; Jerusalem Post poll continues to show strong Likud lead over Labor Party; four years after their founding, Village Leagues hold first public rally in Hebron (organized jointly with Israeli occupation authorities, who impose virtual curfew over Hebron as soldiers patrol streets, IDF and border police cars are positioned in hilly suburbs behind school where meeting is held, soldier patrols roof and armed Village League members act as guards and ushers, former Civil Administration chief Menahem Milson is guest speaker; League founder and head Mustafa Dudin stresses closer relations with Jordan, despite its having passed a death penalty for belonging to the Leagues, and calls on Israel to negotiate with the Leagues on autonomy for the occupied territories, speakers also express concern over taxation, destruction of illegal buildings, need to combat communism).

Arab Govemments: Egyptian Foreign Minister Hassan Ali accuses Israel of plans to annex occupied territories, urges US to open discussions with PLO following meetings with Reagan and Shultz in Washington, claims he brought proposal from PLO concerning involving Palestinians in peace process, announces Mubarak may visit US next year, expresses concern over lack of momentum following Reagan's peace proposals in September.

US and Other Countries: Reagan says failure to freeze settlements on West Bank is hindrance to peace process, refuses to rule out economic sanctions but says their discussion not helpful; Princess Anne visits Beirut for 10 hours to see medical clinic in Burj al-Barajneh funded by Save the Children.

UN: Arab countries reopen campaign in Security Council to halt Israeli West Bank settlements, but propose no resolutions in response to US pressure.

Military Action:

Bazooka rocket fired at IDF positions near Yanta in Bekaa; new clashes between Phalange and Jumblatt forces in Chouf; IDF imposes curfew; Phalangists, Muslims, Lebanese Army charge IDF with fomenting trouble to perpetuate its presence in area; State Department and US Marine contingent spokesman announce US infantrymen in four-man jeep patrols to enter East Beirut tomorrow at request of Gemayel, Lebanese Forces indicate they will acquiesce.

Casualties:

One IDF soldier wounded in crossfire and 10 Lebanese killed, 18 wounded in Chouf region; first tents erected for refugees at Ain el-Hilweh camp near Sidon; Lebanese farmers, merchants and members of Parliament complain of Israeli economic warfare charge Israel is "dumping" over $1 million/month of cheap fruits, vegetables, textiles and canned goods on Lebanese market, avoiding customs and possibly isolating Lebanon from traditional Arab markets.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir meets Draper, rejects participation in peacekeeping forces by Morocco and other countries that do not have relations with Israel, but would welcome Egyptian soldiers; West Bank Palestinians protest 65th anniversary of Balfour Declaration with rock throwing, tire burning, waving Palestinian flag; Israeli troops fire tear gas in Nablus, erect barricades in Rafah; two refugee camps under curfew suffer water and food shortages; Israeli envoy, speaking at Houston B'nai Brith meeting, claims 7,000 PLO guerrillas who were evacuated from Beirut have returned to Lebanon; public opinion poll indicates Likud gains, Labor loses popularity.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel returns from Morocco; Prime Minister Wazzan asks Parliament for emergency powers for 8 months to revise tax laws, increase treasury resources, reform civil service, citizenship and parliamentary election laws and links requested vote of confidence to approval of emergency powers; Wazzan again criticizes Israel for continued occupation of South Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Mubarak says he is willing to meet Begin anywhere to discuss disputes between their two countries, indicates Egypt has offered to buy disputed Taba hotel.

US and Other Countries: US announces military training teams, including 60 officers, will serve in Lebanon on temporary basis, and a small "security assistance office," staffed out of US European Command, will oversee upgrading of Lebanese forces; Pentagon officials estimate $135 million is available to Lebanon in cash and credits, and aid package includes 24 APCs and 12 155-mm artillery guns; State Department says no Moroccan troops would be added to peace-keeping force at least until after agreement on withdrawal of foreign forces.

Military Action:

Arafat checks front lines of PLO in Beirut, visits refugee camps, offices; PLO delegation arrives in Tunisia to prepare for PLO guerrilla arrivals; IDF position in Bekaa fortified; 177 wounded PLO fighters leave by ship for Greece; Syrian forces begin withdrawal from Beirut; 697 PLO guerrillas leave for North Yemen; second group of PLO guerrillas evacuated to Tartus; Italian troops and French reinforcements joined US Marines in overseeing evacuation.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier dies of wounds from attack north of Tyre; 1 IDF solider killed by Phalangists when he and two other soldiers tried to break into jewelry shop in Aley; UNRWA says tents needed to house 30,000 Palestinian refugees through winter (Lebanese government reportedly opposes more permanent housing, relocation further northward); thousands of Lebanese jam crossings into West Beirut as services slowly restored.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon warns Syria, calls on Lebanese cabinet to cooperate with US (later at New York meeting with Jewish groups, he defends invasion as step toward Middle East peace; 100 demonstrators protest outside); Sharon meets Shultz, says Israel opposed to Palestinian state as it already exists in Jordan; Deputy Minister of Communications Dov Shilansky, in radio debate, says Israeli media encouraged the enemy during the war; IDF lifts 10-day ban on travel from Nablus area to Jordan; Begin says inquiry commission should probe opposition, not war; Jerusalem Post poll finds Likud Party surges in popularity.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Farouk Kaddoumi to lead PLO delegation to Arab Foreign Ministers meeting tomorrow; Habib meets Gemayel, asks Salaam to cooperate with Gemayel, assures Wazzan, Sarkis no Phalangists will be near overland evacuation.

Arab Govemments: Assad writes Reagan; Egypt sets three conditions for resuming autonomy talks in meeting with Israeli Ambassador (total IDF withdrawal from Lebanon; freeze on all further settlements in the occupied territories).

US and Other Countries: US Jewish leaders tell Shultz not to "rehabilitate" PLO.

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.