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  • May 29, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in Burin, throwing Molotov cocktails at several homes. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian man working his land near Ya‘bad,...

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  • October 27, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 6 agricultural structures and 1 residential structure and delivered stop-work orders for 2 houses and a water well in Wadi Rahal....

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  • March 3, 2013

    The PA reports that Jewish settlers from Elon Moreh have erected a new outpost east of Nablus consisting of 10 mobile homes and an access road. Meanwhile, Israeli police report that 56 so-called...

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  • October 27, 2010

    IDF troops on the e. Gaza border fire on Islamic Jihad mbrs. planting roadside bombs nr. the border fence e. of Jabaliya r.c., killing 1 Islamic Jihad mbr. and damaging a nearby Palestinian home....

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  • October 19, 2008

    In the first such cross-border incident in Gaza since 9/16, the IDF sends bulldozers and armored vehicles into areas n. of Bayt Hanun to level land along the border. In the West Bank, the IDF...

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  • February 14, 2006

    Palestinians fire 2 rockets fr. Gaza towards Ashkelon, damaging a building; in response, IDF artillery shells n. Gaza, hitting an apartment building, causing damage but no injuries; the IDF closes...

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  • October 20, 2005

    The IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement around Jerusalem, in Hebron citing the Sukkoth holiday; continues arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, as well as in Jaba’ nr. Jenin; fires...

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  • October 18, 2005

    The IDF seriously injures a Palestinian woman in a hit-and-run nr. Bayt Fajjar; bulldozes 24 d. of agricultural land, including 150 olive trees, in ‘Azun ‘Atma; conducts arrest raids, house...

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  • April 17, 2005

    Israel announces that it has arrested 3 PFLP mbrs. for allegedly plotting to assassinate Shas party leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The IDF orders 27 bedouin to evacuate 3 sites nr. Tubas. Israel also...

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  • October 9, 2002

    The IDF makes a predawn raid on Salfit, imposing a curfew, blowing up 2 Palestinian homes; fires on Palestinian protesters in Rafah, killing 2 Palestinian teenagers, wounding 25 others (including...

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  • March 28, 2002

    A Hamas gunman infiltrates Elon Moreh settlement, kills 4 Jewish settlers. 1 Israeli injured in the 3/27 Netanya attack dies. The IDF closes main roads across Gaza, cutting the Strip into 3...

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  • January 31, 1999

    In Davos, Switzerland, Arafat, Mubarak discuss Israel's failure to implement Wye, construction of settlements, demolition of Palestinian homes, confiscation of Palestinian Jerusalem ID cards. (RE...

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  • December 31, 1998

    Citing Hizballah Katyusha attacks 12/23, Israel adopts "more aggressive" policy toward Lebanon that will include attacks on Hizballah bases deep inside Lebanon, preemptive strikes on units...

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  • July 29, 1997

    PC special investigative comm. into PA corruption reads its report to the council; says up to $340 m. (half of the PA budget) has been misspent (including foreign aid donations), half of the EA...

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  • April 5, 1984

    Social/Economic/Political:

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: WZO completes placement of 30 buildings on hilltop S.E. of Nablus to form Tel Haim settlement [adjacent to former Elon Moreh, ordered...

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  • April 2, 1984

    Social/Economic/Political:

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military authorities order 1-mo. closure of Bir Zeit U. after Land Day demonstrations there. Elon Moreh settler, convicted of...

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  • March 30, 1984

    Social/Economic/Political:

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: 9th annual Land Day commemorated throughout Palestine in demonstrations protesting Israeli land theft and discriminatory policies;...

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  • May 4, 1983

    Military Action:

    Bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes in Beirut suburb of Baabda; IDF vehicle detonates mine near Ein Zahlata; IDF tank hits mine in Bekaa region.

    Casualties:

    6...

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  • January 9, 1983

    Military Action:

    Marines prevent IDF from entering Bourj-al-Barajneh for second time, but IDF moves into Lailaki using random anti-tank grenades and machine gun fire to search area; after...

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In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in Burin, throwing Molotov cocktails at several homes. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian man working his land near Ya‘bad, causing bruises. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bazariya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Burin, injuring 2 with baton rounds and 7 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dayr Sharaf, injuring 1 with a baton round and 23 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Jalama checkpoint, causing tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Atuf, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided Dheisheh refugee camp, injuring 3 Palestinians with live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, some 70,000 Israeli settlers and racist right-wing Israeli activists marched through the Old City, chanting racist and Islamophobic slogans like “Death to Arabs,” insulting the Prophet Muhammad, and mocking the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh during the annual flag march; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the march; 81 were injured by baton rounds and pepper spray, 23 of whom were treated at hospitals. More than 60 were arrested, only 2 of which were Israeli settlers. Israeli settlers also attacked several Palestinians and their property in the Old City, including with assault and pepper spray. More than 2,500 Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, raising Israeli flags. Elsewhere, after the flag march, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and their property, including several vehicles in Sheikh Jarrah, assaulting 1 Palestinian journalist covering the events for the Israeli public broadcaster Kan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians east of al-Qarara and Gaza City; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (REU, WAFA 5/26; ALM, HA, MEE, REU 5/27; ALM, HA, MDW 5/28; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, NPR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 5/29; AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, CNN, HA, HA, HA, IN, LAT, MEE 5/30; MEMO 5/31; AP, HA, HA 6/2; UNOCHA 6/4)

While speaking at Elon Moreh during an event celebrating the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, the commander of the Samaria brigade Roi Zweig said that “the [Israeli] army and the settlement enterprise are one and the same.” (HA 5/30; MDW 6/3)

The Israeli government told the high court of justice that it is enforcing a ban on Israeli settlers accessing the Homesh settlement outpost. Haaretz reporting said that the Israeli military is not enforcing the ban and allows Israeli settlers to access the outpost regularly. (HA 6/2)

The Times of Israel reported that the U.S. Biden administration had shelved plans to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem and instead is promoting the deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr to special envoy to Palestinians. The Palestinian Affairs Unit at the U.S. embassy to Israel will, according to the TOI reporting, begin to report to Hady Amr rather than to the U.S. ambassador to Israel. PA officials have voiced frustration with the U.S. administration for failing to fulfill its promises to Palestine and using the Israeli government coalition’s instability as an excuse. (TOI 5/29; AA 5/30; MEMO 5/31; HA 6/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 6 agricultural structures and 1 residential structure and delivered stop-work orders for 2 houses and a water well in Wadi Rahal. Israeli forces also raided Khirbet Humsa, seizing tools and tents used for agricultural purposes. 10 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during late-night raids in and around Tuqu’, Hebron, Beit Umar, and Bir al-Basha, and 2 were arrested at a checkpoint near Jenin. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces confiscated 2 boats anchored 7 nautical miles from the coast. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; PCHR 10/28)

An Israeli military court convicted 1 Palestinian man of murdering an Israeli settler in the northern West Bank on 12/20/2020. (HA, JP, TOI 10/27)

Israel’s civil administration advanced, for the 1st time during the U.S. Biden administration, settlement units to be built in the West Bank. 2,860 housing units were approved in Har Brakha, Revava, Elon Moreh, Hermesh, Karnei Shomron, Beit El, Givat Ze’ev, Kefar Etzion, Alon Shvut, Teneh, Sansana, Vered Yericho, Ma’aleh Mikhmash, Efrat, Tal Manashe, Talmon, Shima’a, and Kedumim. The approval also included the retroactive approval of units in Elon Moreh, Alei Zahav, Peduel, and Eli, and the “legalization” of the Mitzpe Danny outpost and an outpost in Haroeh Haivri. The U.S. publicly criticized the move and privately asked Israel to reverse course on 10/26. (AP, HA, JP, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, PCN, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 10/27; AJ, ALM, CNN, HA 10/28)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with EU officials, including the high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell in Brussels. Prime Minister Shtayyeh called on the EU to take concrete steps to end Israeli settlement expansion. Shtayyeh also called on the EU to recognize the State of Palestine. Separetly, Shtayyeh called on Belgium to recognize the State of Palestine during a meeting with the speaker of the Belgian parliament. (WAFA 10/27; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/28)

The Israeli Knesset voted down a bill that would recognize the 1956 Kafr Qasim massacre. Only 12 members voted for the bill while 93 voted against. The bill was sponsored by Aida Touma-Sliman, Ofer Cassif, and Ayman Odeh of the Joint Arab List. (HA 10/26; HA 10/27; HA 10/28)

U.S. deputy of state for management and resources Brian McKeon told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that it is his understanding that the U.S. needs Israel’s permission to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. (HA, JP, MEMO 10/28)

Florida’s boycott of the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company’s parent company Unilever went into effect after a 90-day period given to the company to reverse Ben & Jerry’s decision to stop selling ice cream in West Bank settlements and to end its franchise agreement in Israel. Florida will now stop new investments in Unilever, but its $39 million already invested in the company will not be affected. (TOI 11/26; JP 11/27; MEMO 11/29)

The PA reports that Jewish settlers from Elon Moreh have erected a new outpost east of Nablus consisting of 10 mobile homes and an access road. Meanwhile, Israeli police report that 56 so-called ‘‘price tag’’ attacks against Palestinians occurred in Jerusalem and the surrounding area over the past year, but no charges have been filed in any of the incidents. The number of attacks is up from 28 recorded cases in 2011. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon (clashes, no injuries), and in Jericho, nearby ‘Aqaba r.c., and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in Bethlehem, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (MNA, ToI 3/3; PCHR 3/7)

The American Israel Public Affairs Cmte. (AIPAC) begins its annual conference in Washington D.C., featuring a morning appearance by Israel’s amb. to the U.S. Michael Oren. (WP 3/4)

IDF troops on the e. Gaza border fire on Islamic Jihad mbrs. planting roadside bombs nr. the border fence e. of Jabaliya r.c., killing 1 Islamic Jihad mbr. and damaging a nearby Palestinian home. Earlier in the day, unidentified Palestinians fire 1 mortar fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials in demolished buildings nr. the border fence n. of Bayt Lahiya, wounding 1. In the West Bank, IDF troops and intelligence units raid the homes of 2 local Hamas leaders and 1 local Islamic Jihad leader in Jenin, stating they had not come to arrest the men but to speak with them; the intelligence officers’ questions focus on relations between the PA and Hamas, the prospects for national reconciliation, Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and prospects for peace, the PA dismissal of Hamas mbrs. fr. public jobs, and the financial and political bans on Hamas. The IDF also bulldozes 18 d. of Palestinian agricultural land in Issawiyya nr. Jerusalem; patrols in Bayt Liqya late at night without incident; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah and nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin; conducts late-night patrols in Tulkarm, stopping Palestinian drivers to search their vehicles and check their IDs. Palestinians in Dayr al-Khattab village nr. Nablus report that in the previous wk. settlers fr. nearby Elon Moreh settlement pumped wastewater onto the villages agricultural lands, damaging 220 olive trees. Inside Israel, 100s of Israeli police escort 10s of right-wing Jewish extremists chanting “death to terrorists” on a march through the Israeli-Palestinian town of Umm al-Fahm in a show of force, sparking stone-throwing clashes with Palestinian residents; Israeli police respond with tear gas, stun grenades, and batons; 10 people are arrested, and around 24 injured (including 2 Israeli Arab MKs). (Financial Times, YA 10/27; NYT, PCHR 10/28; PCHR 11/4; OCHA 11/5)

In the first such cross-border incident in Gaza since 9/16, the IDF sends bulldozers and armored vehicles into areas n. of Bayt Hanun to level land along the border. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Bayt Furik nr. Nablus. Jewish settlers fr. Ramat Yishai beat a Palestinian family harvesting olives in Hebron, steal their olives. Jewish settlers fr. Elon Moreh attack Palestinains harvesting olives nr. Nablus. Under pressure to prevent further clashes like those that recently occurred in Acre, Israeli police arrest 3 Israeli Jews for assaulting Palestinians in Jerusalem and stoning Palestinian cars. Also in Israel, right-wing Jewish extremists vandalize buildings in Tel Aviv with graffiti threatening Peace Now secy. gen. Yariv Oppenheimer (cf. 9/24). (OCHA, WT 10/22; PCHR, WJW 10/23; AIC 11/9)

Palestinians fire 2 rockets fr. Gaza towards Ashkelon, damaging a building; in response, IDF artillery shells n. Gaza, hitting an apartment building, causing damage but no injuries; the IDF closes the Sufa commercial crossing into Gaza for the day. The IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in and just southeast of Jerusalem; conducts arrest raids nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya and in Askar r.c., Bayt Jala, Qabatya (occupying 2 homes as observation posts), Tulkarm. Nr. al-Arub r.c., IDF soldiers stop and search a Palestinian school bus; when a student on the bus allegedly opens a window without permission, a soldier shoots him in the face, seriously wounding him. Jewish settlers fr. Elon Moreh nr. Nablus vandalize Palestinian homes in nearby Bayt Furik; the IDF intervenes, removes the settlers. AMB Nablus cmdr. Nasir Abu Aziz says the Nablus faction will take steps to foil the success of the Hamas-led government, saying “we would continue opening fire until they [Hamas] fail in their cabinet as they foiled Fatah.” (IMEMC, XIN 2/14; HA, PCHR 2/16)

The IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement around Jerusalem, in Hebron citing the Sukkoth holiday; continues arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, as well as in Jaba’ nr. Jenin; fires on stonethrowing Palestinians along the Jerusalem– Bethlehem road nr. Kefar Etzion, killing 1 Palestinian. The IDF also ends escorts of Palestinian children in s. Hebron, citing concerns that troops could be drawn into clashes with angry Jewish settlers targeting Palestinians for retribution following the 10/16 drive-by shootings; the IDF began escorts about 1 yr. ago to protect the children fr. repeated attacks by Jewish settlers fr. Ma’on. Jewish settlers fr. Elon Moreh cut down 30 olive trees, burn another 200 in Salim in revenge for the drive-by shootings on 10/16. (HA 10/20; HA, Independent 10/21; PCHR 10/27)

Abbas, Bush meet in Washington but do not announce any new initiatives. In a pessimistic statement, Bush cautions that a Palestinian state might not be established by the time he leaves office in 2009. (AFP, REU 10/20; AFP, HA, JTA, NYT, WP, WT 10/21; WT 10/22; YA 10/23; JTA 10/24; DS 10/25)

The IDF seriously injures a Palestinian woman in a hit-and-run nr. Bayt Fajjar; bulldozes 24 d. of agricultural land, including 150 olive trees, in ‘Azun ‘Atma; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Aida r.c., Dahaysha r.c., Dura, Kharsa nr. Hebron; moves into and fires on residential areas of Bayt ’Awa nr. Hebron, then fires on stone-throwing Palestinians who confront the troops, seriously wounding a 13-yr.-old boy, moderately wounding a 12-yr.-old boy; conducts late-night patrols in Jenin, firing on residential areas. Palestinians throw a pipe bomb at an Israeli border police patrol s. of Jerusalem, lightly injuring 3 officers. Jewish settlers fr. Elon Moreh set fire to 300 d. of Palestinian olive groves in nearby Salim. A previously unknown group calling itself Knights of the Storm (thought to be a Fatah offshoot) claims to have kidnapped 2 Palestinian collaborators in Gaza City, saying they took action when the PA security forces failed to do so. (HA, IMEMC, PM, REU 10/18; WP, WT 10/19; PCHR 10/20)

Israel announces that it has arrested 3 PFLP mbrs. for allegedly plotting to assassinate Shas party leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The IDF orders 27 bedouin to evacuate 3 sites nr. Tubas. Israel also opens bidding on 50 plots of land in Elkana settlement nr. Nablus for construction of new homes. The IDF issues military orders for the demolition of 3 Palestinian homes, 10 wells, 6 sewage systems outside Yatta for expansion of Carmiel settlement; resumes construction on a segment of the separation wall n. of Jerusalem; starts construction of a settler bypass road linking Neve Yaqub settlement to others around Jerusalem; raids Dayr al-Balah for a 2d day, arrests 3 Palestinians who allegedly attempted to sneak into Israel to find work; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Askar r.c. nr. Nablus, Silwad nr. Ramallah. Jewish settlers set up 2 new unauthorized outposts nr. Elon Moreh settlement nr. Nablus, nr. Hebron. A Jewish settler injures a 12-yr.-old Palestinian child in a hit-and-run nr. Bethlehem. Palestinians fire on IDF soldiers outside Neve Dekalim settlement, lightly wounding 1. In Jenin, 10s of AMB mbrs. take over a main intersection, close down a government building, demanding that the PA provide jobs to unemployed militants, fmr. prisoners, relatives of Palestinians killed by the IDF. Palestinian teachers open a 2-day strike to protest PC inactivity in amending the civil service law to increase teacher salaries (see 4/6). (NYT 4/18; MM 4/19; OCHA, PR 4/20; PCHR 4/21)

The IDF makes a predawn raid on Salfit, imposing a curfew, blowing up 2 Palestinian homes; fires on Palestinian protesters in Rafah, killing 2 Palestinian teenagers, wounding 25 others (including a 1-yr.-old boy); lifts the day curfew on e. Nablus (see 10/7); fires on residential areas and 2 schoolyards in Khan Yunis, injuring 8 Palestinians (at least 4 of them children). The IDF removes caravans fr. 2 unoccupied settler outposts in the West Bank; Jewish settlers dismantle 2 other unoccupied outposts. Jewish settlers block, attack a group of 5 international peace activists, 100 Palestinians attempting to reach Palestinian olive groves btwn. Elon Moreh and Itamar settlements, injuring 6 Palestinians; the IDF intervenes, orders Palestinians to leave. Israel releases Reuters journalist Jussry al-Jamal whom the IDF has held without charge since arresting him 5 mos. ago during Operation Defensive Shield; 3 other Palestinian journalists detained in 4/02, a reporter for al-Quds and 2 photographers for Agence France-Presse, are still being held. Israel also links Tubas, 21 surrounding villages to the Israeli electricity grid; the PA funded the $517,000 cost of the link-up. (HA, MM, PCHR 10/9; HA, NYT, PM, WP, WT 10/10)

A Hamas gunman infiltrates Elon Moreh settlement, kills 4 Jewish settlers. 1 Israeli injured in the 3/27 Netanya attack dies. The IDF closes main roads across Gaza, cutting the Strip into 3 sections. The PSF arrests senior Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. Arafat issues an urgent appeal for an unconditional cease-fire. Sharon convenes his cabinet to discuss the escalating Palestinian attacks. U.S. Secy. of State Colin Powell phones Sharon to urge against exiling Arafat. The cabinet agrees to "totally isolate" Arafat, calls up 20,000 IDF reserves in preparation for a major assault. (HA 3/28; XIN 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 3/29; NYT 3/30; WT 4/1; MEI 4/5; WP 5/6)

The Arab summit unanimously adopts the Saudi initiative, pledges $480 m. aid to the Palestinians, urges against a U.S. attack on Iraq. (CNN 3/28; al-Quds, XIN 3/28 in WNC 3/29; HA, NYT, WP, WT 3/29; al-Majallah 3/30 in WNC 4/1; HA 4/4; MEI, MM 4/5)

In Davos, Switzerland, Arafat, Mubarak discuss Israel's failure to implement Wye, construction of settlements, demolition of Palestinian homes, confiscation of Palestinian Jerusalem ID cards. (RE 1/31 in WNC 2/2)

Jewish settlers set up 3 mobile homes on Palestinian land nr. Elon Moreh settlement. IDF declares area a closed military zone off-limits to civilians but does not remove settlers. (AFP [Internet] 2/2)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Indyk, special rep. Ricciardone stop in Kuwait on 2d leg of their Gulf tour. (MM 2/1) (see 1/30)

Syria amends officers' service law to raise mandatory retirement age fr. 67 to 70 yrs. Chief of Staff Ali Aslan, DM and Dep. Cheif of Staff Mustafa Talas are the only ones affected. (al-Nahar 2/1 in WNC 2/8)

Citing Hizballah Katyusha attacks 12/23, Israel adopts "more aggressive" policy toward Lebanon that will include attacks on Hizballah bases deep inside Lebanon, preemptive strikes on units planting roadside bombs, destruction of Lebanese infrastructure if n. Israel is attacked. Lebanon fears Israel is planning an unprovoked attack during run-up to 5/99 elections. (IDF Radio 1/1, IRNA, al-Quds, RL 1/2, YA 1/3 in WNC 1/5; WT 1/2; RL 1/11 in WNC 1/12; MA 1/24 in WNC 1/26)

U.S. temporarily closes emb. in Israel after receiving a "credible" threats. (ITV 12/31 in WNC 1/4, 1/5; NYT, WP, WT 1/1)

The Israeli Housing Min. issues tenders for construction of 1,051 new housing units in West Bank settlements including 651 units in Beitar Ilit nr. Jerusalem, where 10,000 ultra-Orthodox settlers live. (NYT 1/1; JP 1/11)

Under IDF protection, Jewish settlers move trailers to hills nr. Nablus, confiscating additional Palestinian land to expand Elon Moreh settlement. (al-Hayat al-Jadida 12/31 in WNC 1/5)

10s of Jordanians stage sit-in outside the U.S. emb. in Amman to protest U.S.-led attack on Iraq. (al-Dustur 1/1 in WNC 1/5)

PC special investigative comm. into PA corruption reads its report to the council; says up to $340 m. (half of the PA budget) has been misspent (including foreign aid donations), half of the EA mbrs. are implicated in misappropriation of funds, others are unqualified; calls on Arafat to dissolve the cabinet, put 3 EA mbrs. (Planning M Shaath, Civil Affairs M Jamil Tarifi, Transportation M Ali al-Qawasmi) on trial. The PC report's conclusions are nonbinding. (CSM, WP, WT 7/30)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak makes previously unannounced visit to Damascus to discuss the peace process with Pres. Asad, who expresses "no hope" under current conditions. Mubarak then heads to Amman to meet with King Hussein. (RJ, SANA 7/29 in WNC 7/30; RJ 7/29 in WNC 7/31; MM, WT 7/30; MEI 8/8)

In Amman, King Hussein, FM Tarawnah meet with Israeli FM Levy, say that they are optimistic that Netanyahu's decision to block Ras al-Amud development will jump-start the peace process. (RJ 7/29 in WNC 7/30, 7/31; WT 7/30)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrives in Damascus for 2 days of talks with FM Shara` on reviving the Syrian-Israeli talks. (RJ 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

Israeli commandos enter Tulkarm (area A) to capture an Islamic Jihad mbr. Ghassan Mahdawi, who had escaped fr. an Israeli prison in 8/96. (al-Quds 7/29 in WNC 7/31; MM 7/31; CSM, NYT 8/1; JP 8/2)

Nr. Elon Moreh settlement in the West Bank, a Palestinian stabs an IDF soldier in the shoulder, is shot and killed by a 2d soldier. (ITV 7/29 in WNC 7/30, 8/1; JP 8/9)

A poll of young bedouin in the Negev conducted by Bersheeba University shows that 48% believe that Israel does not have a right to exist, 70% prefer to go to jail than serve in the IDF, 70% believe the term "Palestinian" describes them, 45% prefer to live in Israel than in an Arab state or the West. (YA 7/29 in WNC 7/31)

Japan requests extradition of 5 Red Army mbrs. currently standing trial in Lebanon. (RL 7/29 in WNC 7/30) (see 6/9)

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: WZO completes placement of 30 buildings on hilltop S.E. of Nablus to form Tel Haim settlement [adjacent to former Elon Moreh, ordered dismantled in 1979]. Jerusalem mayor Kollek's spokesman confirms plan for 75-acre Jewish cemetery east of city, saying it "will increase our hold" on West Bank. Report issued by "West Bank Data Project" concludes US funds intended for economic projects in occupied territories diverted by Israeli gov't. for its own use. Labor Party unanimously nominates Shimon Peres as PM candidate for 7/23 elections.

Other Countries: Zehdi Terzi speaks before Canadian Senate Foreign Affairs Com. as final witness in 2-yr. review of Canadian policy toward Middle East. US Pres. Reagan tells Jewish Community Relations Council in private New York mtg. that if Israel expelled from UN, "We will walk out with her."

Military Action:

Arab World: IDF shoots and wounds 7 Lebanese civilians in Sidon after grenade thrown at Israeli patrol on main street.

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in Israel Aircraft Industries' Manhattan offices; "Red Guerrilla Resistance" claims responsibility. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military authorities order 1-mo. closure of Bir Zeit U. after Land Day demonstrations there. Elon Moreh settler, convicted of destroying evidence in murder of Aisha Bahash (12/8/83), sentenced to 3 mos. jail and 33 mos. suspended. Deputy sheriff of Albuquerque, NM Mike Mansour arrested without charge during family visit to Deir Dibwan, West Bank.

Arab World: At Beirut news conference, Ali Kamil Bishri captured by Amal militia says IDF paid him and 3 others in Israeli-sponsored death squad to murder Imam Raghib Harb in Jibsheet, S. Lebanon (2/16/84). Pres. Mubarak says he hopes to restore full diplomatic relations with USSR soon. Egypt and Cyprus agree to restore diplomatic relations.

Other Countries: Norwegian Palestine Solidarity Committee hosts 3-day conference in Oslo on "The State of Israel and the Palestine Question." Mayors of 10 US cities attend Jerusalem Conference of Mayors sponsored in part by American Jewish Congress.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Arab men throw grenades and open fire on shoppers in occupied Jerusalem, wounding 48; 1 gunman killed by armed shopkeepers, 2 arrested; DFLP and Abu Nidal group claim responsibility.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 9th annual Land Day commemorated throughout Palestine in demonstrations protesting Israeli land theft and discriminatory policies; military authorities impose curfews on Balata and Ain Beit Alma refugee camps near Nablus; Israeli troops open fire on demonstrators and bystanders in jenin and Qabatya villages and Balata and Dheisheh camps, 5 people wounded. Meanwhile, IDF bulldozes wheat crops, olive and almond groves of Kufr Qalil family in 2nd day of work on Elon Moreh access road as settlers look on. Fara'a prison detainee Walid A'ardeh testifies before Tel Aviv District Court to torture used to extract confession to unspecified charge. Interior Min. issues travel ban for Fr. Fawzi Khoury.

Arab World: Arab FMs meeting in Tunis warn US of unspecified retaliation if its embassy moved to Jerusalem; fail to agree on proposed reform of voting procedure and establishment of pan-Arab Court of Justice.

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat and Pres. Mubarak meet while attending Guinean Pres. Sekou Toure's funeral in Conakry. US formally ends participation in Lebanon MNF. Sweden's FM Schori criticizes Israeli policy in West Bank and Latin America during official 3-day visit to Tel Aviv. Lebanon's PM al-Wazzan tells US amb. Bartholomew that US shares responsibility for IDF repression in South because of its "unlimited military and political support for Israel."

Military Action:

Bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes in Beirut suburb of Baabda; IDF vehicle detonates mine near Ein Zahlata; IDF tank hits mine in Bekaa region.

Casualties:

6 IDF soldiers wounded in Baabda attack, 3 in Ein Zahlata; Lebanese police report 3 Palestinians killed in two attacks on IDF positions in South Lebanon; stray machine gun fire by IDF penetrates US Marine base after Baabda attack, no injuries; UNRWA officials report escalation in attacks on Palestinians in Sidon, said to coincide with arrival there of Phalange officer Elie Hobeika, armed and masked men of Guardians of Cedars threatening Palestinians, 4 killed, 2 wounded since April 28.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shultz returns to Jerusalem, meets with Begin, Shamir, Arens; Begin says he will call Cabinet meeting to decide on draft troop withdrawal agreement; Ministry of Absorption reports that only 11 of the 114 Jews leaving the Soviet Union last month came to Israel; Elon Moreh settlers fire on Nablus youths when stones are thrown at their car, 13 students arrested, school closed; window of Israeli truck broken by stones near Kalandia camp; 400 students hold sit-in demonstration at Tireh UNRWA Training Center.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel says the danger of signing an agreement with Israel without obtaining the withdrawal of Syria, the PLO and some Iranians is that Israel will not withdraw and the agreement will have no value; PLO seeks guarantees for security of Palestinians in Lebanon as precondition for withdrawal of PLO forces, Saudi information minister to intervene with Lebanese officials this week on issues of murders of Palestinians, threats to refugees, bombings of shops, expulsions, detention, attacks by Lebanese Army on Palestinian women crossing into East Lebanon to visit husbands and fathers with PLO forces.

Arab Governments: Jordan considering limitations on export of West Bank produce to East Bank, restrictions on entry of West Bank students to University of Jordan, holding of elections on East Bank only.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues talks in Beirut, then returns to Jerusalem; Reagan says PLO council was never elected by the Palestinian people, referendum on alternative leadership might not be practical; French foreign minister meets PLO official, asks PLO to cancel UN conference on Palestine scheduled for UNESCO's Paris headquarters in August.

Military Action:

Marines prevent IDF from entering Bourj-al-Barajneh for second time, but IDF moves into Lailaki using random anti-tank grenades and machine gun fire to search area; after fourth encounter between IDF and Marines in 1 week, US Embassy in Beirut expresses concern; truce in Tripoli policed by PLO because Lebanese security forces refuse to patrol area so long as opposing forces maintain positions.

Casualties:

1 PLO member killed, 3 wounded in Tripoli.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Government rejects US-proposed compromise on agenda for Lebanon negotiations; at Cabinet meeting Begin promises Deputy Premier David Levy and Communications Minister Mordechai Zipori, both Herut Party critics of Sharon, that Cabinet will hold special debate on Lebanon; Young Guards of Labor Party elects as chairman Moshe Cohen, a political centrist who will seek to end leftward lurch of party, to terminate Labor's alignment with Mapam and a rapprochement with religious parties; all police units launch anti-terrorist drive following attack on bus, reveal several bomb incidents since summer, including 280 kg bomb in car in Negev defused, bomb under bench in Herzliya which wounded 4, 4.5 kg bomb in Jerusalem defused, security forces played down and withheld information on incidents; Israeli trade with Lebanon valued at $8 million each for November and December; Peace Now group demonstrates outside Prime Minister Begin's office; dozens of Palestinians arrested in Tel Aviv after yesterday's grenade attck, 2 molotov cocktails thrown at police station in Dheisheh refugee camp, no injuries, security forces seal area, search but no arrests; 10 Najah University students arrested, charged with incitement; Kiryat Arba residents pull down Hebron municipality electricity poles for second time, and Acting Mayor Mustafa Natshe says he received threatening letter from Kiryat Arba council demanding removal of the utility poles; Elon Moreh settlers fire shots into Nablus Dal al-Tafel kindergarten and its bus, military authorities seal off Nablus market area.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat holds talks with King Hussein in Amman, also attending are members of Joint Committee, as Hussein tells Arafat his talks with Reagan were positive and successful; Lebanese Director General of Internal Security Forces Hisham Shaar says conscription may be necessary to keep balance of Christians and Muslims in police force; reports circulating in Beirut that AUB President David Dodge, kidnapped during war, may be alive and held in Bekaa Valley; Internal Security Chief Hisham Shaar and Syrian Deputy Chief of Staff General Ali Aslan meet in Tripoli, agree to patrols there by Lebanese security forces.

Arab Governments: Egyptian President Mubarak calls on Hussein and Arafat to negotiate on the basis of the Reagan plan, before US presidential elections and more settlements make it too late to reach agreement, says that only thing that bothers him about US foreign policy is US Congress' decision to increase aid to Israel; Egyptian Foreign Minister Kamal Hassan Ali says Egyptian ambassador to Israel will return to his post as soon as agreement is reached on Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon; Saudi King Fahd holds series of meetings with Walid Jumblatt, Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohammed Boucetta, Fateh Executive Committee member Abu Mazen.

US and Other Countries: Senator Charles Percy (R-IL) states support for Israeli position that withdrawal from Lebanon should be accompanied by business-like relations; columnist Jack Anderson publishes opinion poll of the world's worst leaders with Menahem Begin ranking fifth after Khomeini, Qaddafi, Mobutu and Duvalier; 1,500 New York area Jews who have applied for aliya attend speech by Israeli President Navon in synagogue.