Arafat, Barak, Clinton, Mubarak, King Abdallah, the UN's Annan, the EU's Solana meet in Sharm al-Shaykh. Talks continue for 16 hrs., stretching past midnight, without success. A separate, very...
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October 16, 2000
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October 12, 2000
Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate again. In Ramallah, 2 IDF reservists--"at least partially in uniform," driving a private vehicle, most likely armed--stray deep into area A, cross paths with a...
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September 11, 2000
In Cairo, Arafat briefs Mubarak on the latest developments in the peace process. (MENA 9/11 in WNC 9/14; CSM, NYT 9/12)
Israel's Housing Min. reports that Jewish settlement construction is...
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June 7, 2000
Secy. of State Albright meets with Syrian FM Shara' during a stopover in Cairo to brief Pres. Mubarak on her talks with Barak, Arafat. Albright exchanges ideas with Shara' on possible formulas for...
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March 28, 2000
The 1st round of PA-Israeli FAPS talks at Bolling ends. The State Dept. says the teams spent this round "attempting to achieve a better understanding of each other's needs and...
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December 12, 1999
Secy. of State Albright says that mos. of behind-the-scenes contacts have narrowed gaps btwn. Syria, Israel on issues of territory, security, and future diplomatic, cultural, trade relations; the...
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July 23, 1999
King Hassan II of Morocco dies of a heart attack, is succeed by his son, Sidi Muhammad, who becomes King Muhammad VI. Israeli PM Barak cancels mtgs. with Arafat and Mubarak, scheduled for this...
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July 20, 1999
Pres. Clinton phones Syrian pres. Asad to brief him on his talks with Israeli PM Barak, encourages Syria to resume negotiations with Israel. (MM 7/20; WT 7/21)
Meeting on the peace process...
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July 14, 1999
On the 1st stop of his regional tour, Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel meets with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, PM Barak in Jerusalem; says that resumption of Syrian-Israeli negotiations would not...
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July 6, 1999
New Israeli government is sworn in, with PM Barak's 7-party governing coalition--comprising the Center party, Meretz, National Religious party, One Israel, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Yisrael Ba'...
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July 5, 1998
In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, King Hussein, PA's Arafat hold tripartite summit in Cairo to discuss latest developments in the peace process given the "deteriorating situation in the occupied...
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June 10, 1998
In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Saudi FM Prince Saud al-Faysal discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. (MENA 6/10 in WNC 6/11; MENA 6/12 in WNC 6/15)
In Gaza, Arafat, Jordanian PM Majali...
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June 4, 1997
PM Netanyahu presents "Allon plus" final settlement proposal to his inner cabinet. (IDF Radio 6/4 in WNC 6/5; ITV 6/4, RE, YA 6/6 in WNC 6/9; MM, WT 6/5; ITV, MA, RE 6/5 in WNC 6/6; PR 6/6; MM 6/9...
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December 26, 1995
IDF completes withdrawal fr. 60 West Bank villages nr. Hebron, Ramallah, completing its pullout fr. more than 400 West Bank villages as stipulated in Oslo II. (CSM, WT 12/27; NYT, WT 12/28)
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November 6, 1995
World leaders, incl. Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Jordanian King Hussein, Omani FM Bin-`Alawi, Qatari Culture M Hamad Bin `Abd al-Aziz al-Kuwari, attend PM Rabin's funeral. Arafat--who Israel officials...
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October 22, 1995
3-day UN 50th anniversary celebration begins in New York. Over 130 world leaders, incl. Arafat, PM Rabin, King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak attend. On sidelines, Arafat meets with King Hussein, Pres....
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September 12, 1995
In Amman, technical comm. on refugees opens 2 days of talks. (WT 9/13; CSM 9/15)
PM Rabin arrives in Moscow for 3-day visit. (MM 9/12; QY, YA 9/12 in FBIS 9/12; DAVAR 9/17 in FBIS 9/...
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June 5, 1995
Arafat makes unscheduled visit to Cairo to discuss status of peace talks with Pres. Mubarak. (MENA 6/5 in FBIS 6/5; VOP 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)
IDF uncovers "wide-scale Hamas network" in East...
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April 5, 1995
Pres. Mubarak meets with Pres. Clinton, assures him Egypt will not lobby against U.S. efforts to renew NPT but still wants assurances fr. Israel. Clinton promises to push for nuclear-free Middle...
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February 22, 1995
Israel-PA talks on elections close without progress in Cairo. PA negotiator Local Government M Saeb Erakat gives Israeli delegation 6 proposal papers on international supervision of elections. (...
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October 18, 1994
Arafat calls Jordanian-Israeli agmt. betrayal of Palestinian interest, "outrageous infringement" on DOP; expresses outrage that King Hussein did not confer with him. Syrian Pres. al-Asad warns...
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October 14, 1994
Hamas extends deadline for release of 200-300 prisoners by 24 hrs. Within 1 hr., based on information from Arafat, IDF raids West Bank house where IDF soldier is being held. Kidnapped soldier, 1...
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May 4, 1994
PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin sign 186-page Gaza-Jericho self-rule accord after 6-hr. negotiating session. Cairo ceremony presided over by Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak; 2,500 attendees...
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April 4, 1994
IDF begins evacuation of HQ in Jericho, Gaza Strip as withdrawal starts. Troops in Gaza redeploy to guard Gush Qatif bloc of settlements. 2 Palestinians wounded by IDF while stoning departing...
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December 8, 1993
PLO and Israeli negotiators in Cairo exchange proposals to bridge disagreements on implementing Gaza-Jericho withdrawal. (NYT 12/9)
Secy. of State Christopher meets Egyptian Pres. Mubarak...
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March 31, 1991
Israeli gov't. imposes new restriction on Palestinians, forbidding workers to drive their own cars into Israel; gov't. also pledges to accelerate deportations of activists and affirms policy of...
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February 4, 1990
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mordechai Eliahu, a chief Israeli rabbi, lifts standing ban on air travel on Jewish sabbath days so that Soviet Jews could arrive in...
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March 24, 1988
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army prevents attempt by Palestinian parents and teachers to reopen 6 schools in Ramallah [WP 3/25]. Mordechai Vanunu is found guilty of...
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February 28, 1988
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Following inner cabinet meeting, 3 Likud ministers call for barring media from W. Bank and Gaza Strip [LAT 2/29]. In Tel Aviv, Sec. of...
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July 9, 1987
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Faysal Husayni, director of the Arab Studies Society and spokesman for Com. Confronting the Iron Fist, is released from prison after...
Arafat, Barak, Clinton, Mubarak, King Abdallah, the UN's Annan, the EU's Solana meet in Sharm al-Shaykh. Talks continue for 16 hrs., stretching past midnight, without success. A separate, very heated mtg. is held among Secy. of State Albright, Israel's acting FM Ben-Ami, the PA's Local Government M Erakat, Egyptian FM Musa to draft an outline of the rules of disengagement. (MM 10/16; ITAR-TASS, MENA, RL 10/16 in WNC 10/17; al-Quds 10/16, JT 10/17 in WNC 10/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/17; AYM 10/17 in WNC 10/9)
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same level of the past few days, with most clashes occurring on the outskirts of Palestinian cities, which are encircled by IDF troops. 2 Palestinians are killed by Israeli gunfire; 1 Palestinian dies of illness after being denied access to medical treatment by the IDF for 2 days because of the internal closure; 190 Palestinians are injured. The IDF expands its Netzarim Junction base, begins clearing agricultural land along roads nr. Khan Yunis. (ADM, LAW 10/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/17; Globes [Internet] 10/25)
In Gaza, Fatah, Hamas stage demonstrations against Arafat's participation in the Sharm al-Shaykh talks. Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, hold similar protests in `Ayn al-Hilwa, Baalbek, Tyre. In Iran, 1,000s of students march to the local UN offices to urge UN support for the Palestinians, condemnation of Israel. Smaller rallies in solidarity with the Palestinians are held in Amman, Ankara, Tokyo. In the U.S., demonstrations are held in Madison, San Francisco. (UPI 10/16; ATL, RL 10/16 in WNC 10/17; JT 10/17 in WNC 10/18)
The UNGA, citing a rule that allows it to take up matters of international peace and security when the UNSC proves unable or unwilling to do so, begins preparing for an emergency session to debate a resolution condemning recent Israeli violence. U.S. Amb. Holbrooke protests. (WT 10/17; WP 10/18; WJW 10/19; MEI 10/27) (see 10/12)
Hizballah says that Tenenbaum, the 4th IDF solider taken captive, approached Lebanese contacts in Europe, claiming to be an intelligence agent for a country other than Israel. He was lured to Beirut, traveling on a fake passport, on the pretense of meeting with a Hizballah official. Israel does not comment. At the request of Shin Bet, the Israeli High Court imposes a ban on publishing information about the affair. (NYT, WP 10/17; WJW 10/19) (see 10/15)
Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate again. In Ramallah, 2 IDF reservists--"at least partially in uniform," driving a private vehicle, most likely armed--stray deep into area A, cross paths with a funeral procession. The crowd, assuming the soldiers are on an undercover operation, attack them and set their car afire. (Some reports say a body burned beyond recognition, possibly a 3d IDF soldier, is found in the vehicle.) PA police intervene and take the 2 reservists into protective custody, removing them to a nearby police station. When news of the incident spreads, 1,000s of Palestinians descend on the station (manned by 21 officers), break in, and kill the soldiers, injuring 15 policemen in the process. Declaring that the PA has "crossed the line," Barak seals borders with Egypt and Jordan, authorizes IDF air strikes against Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah and Gaza, the Palestinian Broadcasting Center in Ramallah, the Gaza port, various PA police stations, including those in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. When the strikes occur, Arafat is in his Gaza office waiting for CIA Dir. Tenet to arrive to discuss the possibility of convening the U.S.-Israeli-PA trilateral security comm. (formed in 1998) to explore ways of halting the violence. Neither Arafat nor Tenet is injured, but 43 Palestinians are wounded. In Gaza City, Palestinians pack belongings into cars, prepare to flee. In Jericho, Palestinians set fire to a 6th-century synagogue. Jewish settlers attack, fire on Palestinian cars nr. Bethlehem, Jinin. In retaliation, IDF helicopters fire rockets at the PA police academy in Jericho. During the Israeli air strikes, the PA releases around 60 Hamas, Islamic Jihad prisoners for their safety. (ADM, AP, LAW, MM, NYT 10/12; ATL, AYM, IRNA, LPA, MENA, XIN 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MENA, XIN 10/12, SA 10/13 in WNC 10/16; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; WP, WT 10/14; MENA 10/16 in WNC 10/17; WJW 10/19; JP 10/20; MEI 10/27; MA 11/6 in WNC 11/9)
In Yemen's port of Aden, a small, explosive-laden boat rams the USS Cole, an Aegis destroyer in port for refueling, killing 17 U.S. servicemen, injuring 35. (AP, MM 10/12; AFP [Internet], CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; NYT, WP, WT 10/14, 10/15, 10/16; MEI 10/27)
In the U.S., the primary concern of the public, government, and media is the attack on the USS Cole, while Israel's attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure, PA offices are viewed as a limited military response to the death of Israeli soldiers in PA custody, if not at the hands of the PA. Clinton, Albright express outrage over the murder, call on both sides to halt the violence. Clinton says he appreciates Palestinian frustration, but "there can be no possible justification for mob violence." 96 senators send Clinton a letter urging him to express solidarity with Israel "at this critical moment." (NYT, WP, WT 10/13; MEI, MM 10/27; MEI 11/10) (see Doc. D4)
Mubarak invites Arafat, Barak, Clinton to Sharm al-Shaykh for a summit. Mubarak also meets with King Abdallah of Jordan on the escalating crisis, upcoming Arab summit. (MENA 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MM, NYT, WP 10/13)
In Biarritz, France, Pres. Chirac convenes an emergency EU mtg. to discuss the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence, implores both sides to halt the fighting. (MM 10/13; AFP, EFE [Madrid] 10/13 in WNC 10/16; WP 10/14; SA 10/15 in WNC 10/17)
UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, in Lebanon to discuss the Hizballah kidnapping of 3 IDF soldiers, cuts short his visit, returns to Israel to try to calm the situation. (WP 10/13)
The Arab League denounces the Israel air strikes, warns that "all options" are open to the Arab world if the escalation continues. In Cairo, angry crowds march through the streets demanding Egypt take military action against Israel. In Beirut, demonstrations break out on university campuses. Elsewhere in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria--including in the Palestinian camps--the streets are quiet; the governments release no official statements on events but heighten visibility of police, military. Anti-Israeli, anti-U.S. demonstrations are noted in Indonesia, South Africa. In the U.S., demonstrations are held in Boston, Dearborn, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Raleigh, San Diego, Washington. In France, numerous acts of anti-Jewish vandalism, including attacks on synagogues, are noted in Lille, Paris, Rouen. (AP 10/12; AFP [Internet], WP 10/13; JT 10/13 in WNC 10/16; WP 10/14)
At the UN, U.S. Amb. Holbrooke warns Arab, nonaligned diplomats they may "jeopardize" relations with the U.S. if they push for a special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to censure Israel, for a UNSC res. calling on Israel to cease hostilities. (TT 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/13; NYT, WP 10/14)
In Cairo, Arafat briefs Mubarak on the latest developments in the peace process. (MENA 9/11 in WNC 9/14; CSM, NYT 9/12)
Israel's Housing Min. reports that Jewish settlement construction is up 96% during the 1st half of 2000 as compared to the 1st half of 1999. Since Barak took office in 7/99 work has begun on 1,384 new settlement housing units in Jerusalem, 540 elsewhere. (MM 9/12)
Lebanese living along the blue line report that the IDF has moved new missile batteries into n. Israel since the Lebanese elections ended on 9/3. (al-Nahar 9/12 in WNC 9/14; MM 9/14 in WNC 9/18)
Secy. of State Albright meets with Syrian FM Shara' during a stopover in Cairo to brief Pres. Mubarak on her talks with Barak, Arafat. Albright exchanges ideas with Shara' on possible formulas for renewing Syrian-Israeli talks but tells both him and Mubarak that the Clinton administration's priority in its remaining mos. will be the Israeli-PA track (MENA 6/7 in WNC 6/8; CSM, NYT, WJW, WP 6/8; MENA 6/8 in WNC 6/9; MEI 6/16)
UNIFIL begins patrolling s.Lebanon to ensure that the IDF is behind the blue line. (WT 6/7; NYT 6/8)
The donors' Ad Hoc Liaison Comm. (AHLC) opens a 2-day mtg. in Lisbon. (AYM 6/7 in WNC 6/8; AHLC press release, MENL 6/8; PR 6/28; UN press release 7/28)
The Knesset passes (61-48, with 11 absent) a preliminary motion to dissolve parliament, call new elections. (CSM, IsRN, MA [Internet], MM 6/7; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/8; CSM 6/9; NYT 6/10; AYM 6/10 in WNC 6/13; MEI 6/16) (see 6/5)
The 1st round of PA-Israeli FAPS talks at Bolling ends. The State Dept. says the teams spent this round "attempting to achieve a better understanding of each other's needs and requirements." No progress was made on narrowing the gaps in their positions. Teams agree to open a 2d round of talks at Bolling on 4/6. (NYT, WP, WT 3/29; AYM, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; AYM 4/1 in WNC 4/6)
Barak phones Egypt's Mubarak in Washington to brief him on Israel's views on the 3/26 Clinton-Asad mtg. in Geneva. Egyptian FM Musa phones Syrian FM Shara` to discuss Syria's view of the 3/26 mtg. (MENA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MEI 4/7)
In Washington for talks on bilateral relations, Pres. Mubarak meets with Pres. Clinton to discuss the peace process. Clinton calls for "intensifying" PA-Israeli negotiations, says that "the ball is in [Asad's] court" regarding movement on the Syrian-Israeli track. (MENA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/29; MENA 3/29 in WNC 3/30; MM 3/30; DUS, MENA 3/30 in WNC 3/31; MM 4/3; MEI 4/7)
Jordan indicts 28 Arabs allegedly linked to Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden on terrorism charges for conspiring to attack U.S., Israeli targets during New Year's celebrations. 15 suspects are in custody; 13 others are at large. Most of the suspects are Jordanian, others are Algerian, Iraqi, Palestinian, Yemeni. (DUS 3/28 in WNC 3/29; NYT, WP 3/29; DUS 3/29 in WNC 3/30; NYT 4/11)
After a 7-mo. investigation, Israeli police recommend that fmr. PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara be indicted on criminal charges of fraud, bribery, theft of 700 state gifts worth $100,000, obstruction of justice. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/29)
Bowing to Washington, OPEC agrees to boost oil output. (Iran refuses to sign the agmt. in protest to the U.S. but agrees to comply in effect.) Clinton calls the move "good news . . . for the American consumer," but many OPEC officials complain that the heavy-handed U.S. pressure (especially fr. Energy Secy. Bill Richardson, who hopes to be chosen as VP Al Gore's running mate for the 11/00 U.S. elections) makes their own political and economic situations more awkward. (CSM, NYT, WP 3/29; WP 3/30; MEI 4/7) (see 3/24)
Secy. of State Albright says that mos. of behind-the-scenes contacts have narrowed gaps btwn. Syria, Israel on issues of territory, security, and future diplomatic, cultural, trade relations; the cumulative effect of the exchanges made each side confident that they now have a real chance to reach an agmt. (WP 12/13)
In Damascus, Syrian FM Shara` says that he is "so optimistic [as] to say that a few months could be enough to reach a peace agreement" with Israel. In Israel, PM Barak tells his cabinet he thinks an agreement could we reached in a few wks. (NYT, WT 12/13)
Egyptian FM Musa makes 1-day trip to Damascus to give Syrian FM Shara` a message fr. Pres. Mubarak to Pres. Asad, to discuss the peace process. (MENA 12/12 in WNC 12/13; NYT 12/13)
Vowing to block efforts by PM Barak to trade land for peace with Syria, Jewish settlers inaugurate new 390 unit neighborhood in Qatzrin, the largest Golan settlement. There are 17,000 settlers on the Golan. (CSM, WT 12/13)
Israel informs the PA that it will not release any Palestinian prisoners to mark Ramadan until Barak returns fr. talks with Shara` in Washington. Almost 2,000 Palestinians are still in Israeli jails. (AFP 12/12 in WNC 12/13)
In Beirut, Russian dep. FM Sredin holds talk with Lebanese PM Huss on the resumption of Syrian-Israeli talks. (ITAR-TASS 12/12 in WNC 12/13)
King Hassan II of Morocco dies of a heart attack, is succeed by his son, Sidi Muhammad, who becomes King Muhammad VI. Israeli PM Barak cancels mtgs. with Arafat and Mubarak, scheduled for this weekend, to attend the funeral. (NYT, WP, WT 7/24; NYT, WP 7/25; CSM 7/26; WJW 7/29; JP, MEI 7/30)
Pres. Clinton phones Syrian pres. Asad to brief him on his talks with Israeli PM Barak, encourages Syria to resume negotiations with Israel. (MM 7/20; WT 7/21)
Meeting on the peace process with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, Arafat says that Barak's 15-mo. timetable for final settlement is unacceptable; says that when the PLO agreed in 5/99 to put of its unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state, it was assured by the EU and the U.S. that an extension would not exceed 1 yr. (MENA 7/20 in WNC 7/21; MM 7/21; CSM, NYT, WJW 7/22; MEI 7/30)
In Washington, Israeli PM Barak holds 2d round of talks with Secy. of State Albright, meets with congressional leaders, departs for London to meet with British PM Tony Blair. Barak tells Congress mbrs. that they should not push for implementation of the Jerusalem Embassy Act now. (WT 7/20; MM, NYT, WT 7/21)
Israel's new interior M, Sharansky, says he wants to stop Israel's policy of stripping Palestinians of their residency rights if they leave Jerusalem for more than 7 yrs. (CSM, NYT 7/21; LAW, WP 7/22; JP 7/30)
In Gaza, IDF troops fire rubber bullets at Palestinians protesting Jewish settlement expansion, injuring 9. (CSM 7/21)
On the 1st stop of his regional tour, Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel meets with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, PM Barak in Jerusalem; says that resumption of Syrian-Israeli negotiations would not affect Turkish-Israeli ties, despite tensions btwn. Ankara, Damascus. (MM 7/14; ATL 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MA 7/14 in WNC 7/16; NYT 7/15; WA 7/23 in WNC 7/26)
Arafat discusses peace process with Egyptian pres. Mubarak on the sidelines of the Organization of African Unity mtg. in Algiers. Arafat then departs for brief visit to Lithuania. (BNS [Tallinn], MENA 7/15 in WNC 7/16)
After 6 days of proreform student protests in Iran, crowds across the country (including 100,000 people in Tehran alone) turn out for counterdemonstrations organized by conservative officials. (CSM, NYT, WP 7/15; CSM, MEI, MM 7/16; MM 7/19; WJW 7/22)
Jordan holds local municipal elections. Islamic Action Front, the main Islamist opposition, wins majority of seats in Irbid, Russayfa, Zarqa; takes 5 of 20 elected seats in Amman. (Petra-JNA, RJ 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MM 7/16; NYT 7/17; MEI 7/30; MM 8/5)
Syrian pres. Asad grants amnesty to 150,000 prisoners jailed for cheating on food rations, dodging military service, smuggling, economic offenses. 100s of Palestinians, Jordanian nationals are among those freed. A number of Jordanians held as political prisoners will not be released. (MM 7/14; NYT 7/15; JT 8/3 in WNC 8/5)
Iran wins $50 m. contract to construct a power plant, repair several existing plants in Syria. (Iran News 7/15 in WNC 7/19)
IDF dismantles, confiscates a telephone communications network serving 10s of residents in the Palestinian neighborhood of al-Ram in East Jerusalem. The network was set up 18 mos. ago by the Palestinian Communications Company. (al-Ayyam 7/15 in WNC 7/19)
For the 1st time since the Barak government was sworn in, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in the West Bank. (INFOPAL [Internet] 7/30)
New Israeli government is sworn in, with PM Barak's 7-party governing coalition--comprising the Center party, Meretz, National Religious party, One Israel, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Yisrael Ba'Aliya--will give him control of 75 of the 120 Knesset seats. One Israel's David Levy, who resigned as Netanyahu's FM 18 mos. ago, resumes the FM position. Fmr. Labor PM Shimon Peres is given the new position of regional development minister, which aims to promote economic integration btwn. Israel, Arab states. Oslo architect Yossi Beilin (One Israel) will hold the justice portfolio; Yossi Sarid (Meretz), education; Natan Sharansky (Yisrael Ba'Aliya), interior; Avraham Shohat (One Israel), finance. Barak will serve as DM as well as PM. Shas party mbrs. are given heath, infrastructure, labor, religious affairs portfolios. Barak says he will make peace process his priority; wants to hold simultaneous negotiations with PA, Syria and withdraw troops fr. s. Lebanon. Arafat, Asad issue statements saying they are willing to work with Barak for peace. (MM 7/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/7; AFP, France-Info Radio, IDF Radio, JT, JTV 7/7 in WNC 7/8; WJW 7/8; Interfax, MA 7/8 in WNC 7/9; MM 7/9; MEI 7/16)
Arafat makes 1-day trip to Cairo to discuss the peace process with Pres. Mubarak. (WT 7/7)
Syrian pres. Asad leaves Russia after 2 days of talks. Russia, Syria agree to step up technical, military cooperation but do not finalize arms deal. U.S. warns Moscow that it might cancel $50 m. in aid to Russia if it completes a deal with Damascus. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/7; Interfax 7/8 in WNC 7/9; MM 7/9; MEI 7/16)
Palestinian High Court orders the PA to release Hamas mbr. Muhammad Jadallah, who has been detained without charge since 3/24/96. (al-Quds 7/8 in WNC 7/12)
In the West Bank, IDF storms Palestinian homes in 3 villages nr. Hebron, arrests 5 alleged Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. on charges of planning an attack in Israel. At least 36 Palestinian have been arrested in similar raids in the Hebron area over the past mo. (MM, WP 7/7; AYM 7/7 in WNC 7/12)
In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, King Hussein, PA's Arafat hold tripartite summit in Cairo to discuss latest developments in the peace process given the "deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories"; warn that tensions are reaching dangerous levels; discuss 6/30 UNSC debate, possible Arab summit. (AFP, ESC Television, IDF Radio, MENA, VOA 7/5, MENA, VOA 7/6 in WNC 7/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/6; al-Akhbar 7/6 in WNC 7/13; CSM, PR 7/10; MEI 7/17)
PM Netanyahu, Public Security M Avigdor Kahalani, the head of the Shin Bet, reps. of other security bodies hold follow-up mtg. on how to deal with the "worrisome phenomenon" of "Palestinization" of Israeli Arabs. (MA 7/7 in WNC 7/13; PR 7/17) (see 7/1)
In the 2d of 4 days of talks in Amman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia discuss converting their current trade agmt. into a free trade agmt. (JT, RJ 7/5 in WNC 7/7)
Jewish settlers torch 4 Palestinian produce stalls in the Hebron market. (WJW 7/9)
In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Saudi FM Prince Saud al-Faysal discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. (MENA 6/10 in WNC 6/11; MENA 6/12 in WNC 6/15)
In Gaza, Arafat, Jordanian PM Majali discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. Majali hands Arafat a letter fr. King Hussein, outlining Netanyahu's position on FRD as transmitted to the king via Israeli DM Mordechai on 6/7. (JTV 6/10 in WNC 6/12; Shihan 6/27 in WNC 6/30; al-Dustur 7/1 in WNC 7/2)
Syrian FM Shara` meets with PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. and Arafat adviser on refugee affairs As`ad `Abd al-Rahman to reopen discussion on refugee issues. (RMC 6/12 in WNC 6/15)
During their 2d day of talks, Iran, Turkey sign memorandum of understanding on setting up a joint chamber of commerce, beginning engineering and technical cooperation on natural gas. (IRIB Television 6/10, MENA 6/11 in WNC 6/12; IRNA 6/11, 6/13 in WNC 6/17)
In Hebron district, IDF bulldozes 70 dunams of Palestinians orchards, saying it has warned Palestinians not to farm "state land." Trees on the land were 5+n10 yrs. old. (Christian Peacemaker Teams press release 7/14)
In East Jerusalem, Israeli peace activists protesting settlement activity clash with Israeli police. (CSM 6/11)
Some 50 Christian human rights activists stage sit-in to protest settler's occupation of Silwan homes 5/8. (WT 6/11)
PM Netanyahu presents "Allon plus" final settlement proposal to his inner cabinet. (IDF Radio 6/4 in WNC 6/5; ITV 6/4, RE, YA 6/6 in WNC 6/9; MM, WT 6/5; ITV, MA, RE 6/5 in WNC 6/6; PR 6/6; MM 6/9; MEI 6/13; JP 6/14)
In Cairo, Arafat, Mubarak, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah hold tripartite mtg. on the peace process, Egyptian mediation. (RE 6/4 in WNC 6/5; MM 6/5)
Kuwait's acting PM Shaykh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah says that it is time to renew ties (severed during the 1990+n91 Gulf War) with Jordan, Yemen. (MM 6/5, 6/6; RJ 6/22, al-Dustur 6/23 in WNC 6/24; MM 6/23; SA 7/2 in WNC 7/7)
Based on the 5/24 GCO corruption report, the PA fires Atty. Gen. Khalid al-Kidra. Publicly, Kidra resigns, citing poor health, but is placed under house arrest immediately. (MEI, PR 6/13; JP 6/14; CSM 6/18; JP 6/21; WP 7/30)
IDF storms Bayt Fajjar village nr. Bethlehem, detains 27 Palestinians allegedly connected to Hamas. (ITV 6/4 in WNC 6/5; MA 6/5 in WNC 6/6)
UN Security Council unanimously approves 6-mo. extension to Iraq's oil-for-food deal. (WP 6/5)
4 explosive devises are detonated on a s. Lebanon road, killing 1 Lebanese civilian, wounding 2 others. 1 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbr. is killed in a separate explosion. (AFP, RL 6 /4 in WNC 6/5)
IDF completes withdrawal fr. 60 West Bank villages nr. Hebron, Ramallah, completing its pullout fr. more than 400 West Bank villages as stipulated in Oslo II. (CSM, WT 12/27; NYT, WT 12/28)
Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, King Hussein meet in Aqaba. (JTV, MENA, RJ 12/26 in FBIS 12/27)
Fmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir announces he is retiring, will not run for reelection in 10/96. (CSM, WT 12/27)
World leaders, incl. Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Jordanian King Hussein, Omani FM Bin-`Alawi, Qatari Culture M Hamad Bin `Abd al-Aziz al-Kuwari, attend PM Rabin's funeral. Arafat--who Israel officials stressed was "not welcome" at the funeral, held in Jerusalem--does not go. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/6; FBIS supplement, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/7; CSM 11/8)
After Rabin's funeral, Pres. Clinton holds separate mtgs about continuing the peace process with Mubarak, King Hussein, Acting PM Peres, Pres. Weizman. Peres holds private mgts with King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak, Omani FM Bin-`Alawi to discuss bilateral relations, peace process. (IDF Radio, QY 11/6, RJ, QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; WP 11/7; MM 11/8; HA 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)
After repeated requests fr. the PA, the Arab League permanent representatives hold a discussion on the congressional decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem; consider convening mtg. of all Arab FMs. (MENA 11/6 in FBIS 11/8) (see 10/26)
3-day UN 50th anniversary celebration begins in New York. Over 130 world leaders, incl. Arafat, PM Rabin, King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak attend. On sidelines, Arafat meets with King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak, Saudi Arabian Prince Sultan Bin `Abd al-`Aziz. PM Rabin meets with King Hussein. (NYT, WP 10/22; JTV, VOP 10/22 in FBIS 10/25; NYT, WP 10/23; MM 10/24; WJW 10/26)
Israeli Industry and Trade M Mikha Harish says he will encourage the business sector to significantly increase imports fr. the U.S. while cutting back on imports fr. the EU because of the large trade deficit Israel has with the EU. EC representative to Israel Albert Maes accuses Israel of "applying a discriminatory economic policy that harms the trade agmt. with Europe." (MA 10/22 in FBIS 10/23) (see 7/5)
Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PPSF) says it will participate in January elections. (VOP 10/22 in FBIS 10/23)
IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 Lebanese boy. (CSM 10/23)
In Amman, technical comm. on refugees opens 2 days of talks. (WT 9/13; CSM 9/15)
PM Rabin arrives in Moscow for 3-day visit. (MM 9/12; QY, YA 9/12 in FBIS 9/12; DAVAR 9/17 in FBIS 9/20)
Arafat holds emergency mtg. in Alexandria with Pres. Mubarak, FM Musa to discuss Libyan expulsions, peace process. (VOP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13; NYT 9/13; CSM 9/15) (see 9/10)
In Madrid, Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini meets with FM Javier Solana. (EFE [Madrid] 9/12 in FBIS 9/13)
In Amman, Spain's PM Gonzalez meets with Jordan's King Hussein, PM Bin Shakir; heads to Damascus to meet with Pres. Asad. (RJ, RNE-1 Radio [Madrid], SARR 9/12, SARR 9/13 in FBIS 9/13; MM 9/13; RJ 9/12 in FBIS 9/15)
In Washington, Pres. Clinton awards Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, acting on behalf of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Congressional Gold Medal, honoring moral and educational inspiration. Congress mbrs voted unanimously to award the medal (one of only 100 ever bestowed) to the late rabbi. (WJW 9/21; JP 9/26)
Arafat makes unscheduled visit to Cairo to discuss status of peace talks with Pres. Mubarak. (MENA 6/5 in FBIS 6/5; VOP 6/5 in FBIS 6/6)
IDF uncovers "wide-scale Hamas network" in East Jerusalem, arrests 45 alleged mbrs., accuses them of planning series of anti-Israeli attacks. (JP, QY 6/5 in FBIS 6/5; CSM, NYT, WT 6/6; WJW 6/8; JP 6/17; MEI 7/21)
Pres. Mubarak meets with Pres. Clinton, assures him Egypt will not lobby against U.S. efforts to renew NPT but still wants assurances fr. Israel. Clinton promises to push for nuclear-free Middle East after Israel makes peace with all its neighbors. (WP 4/5; MENA, RE 4/5 in FBIS 4/6; CSM, NYT 4/6; MM 4/7; RE 4/7, 4/8 in FBIS 4/10; MEI 4/14)
Jordan's King Hussein meets with UN Secy. Gen. Butros Ghali, permanent UNSC mbrs. in New York, discusses NPT, peace process. Butros Ghali praises Jordan's role in negotiations. (JTV 4/5 in FBIS 4/6)
Raji Sourani is fired fr. Gaza Center for Rights and Law after he fails to comply with PA requests to stop criticizing Arafat. (MM 4/5; JP 4/5 in FBIS 4/5; WP 4/11; JP 4/17) (see 2/17)
PA arrests 5 mbrs of its intelligence service for 4/1 killing of prisoner accused of informing for Israel. (NYT 4/6)
PA arrests al-Nahar journalist Tahir al-Nunu after he publishes article suggesting 4/2 explosion could have been carried out by Israel, supported by PA. Also arrests 6 Hamas mbrs. in connection with explosion. (QY 4/5 in FBIS 4/6; CSM 4/6; al-Nahar 4/6 in FBIS 4/7; NYT 4/7)
PA arrests 10 Hamas mbrs. in connection with 4/2 bombing. (AFP, QY 4/5 in FBIS 4/5)
Israel launches 1st spy satellite to monitor Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria. Syria condemns launch, says talks will suffer as a result. (QY 4/5 in FBIS 4/5; QY 4/5 in FBIS 4/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/6; JP 4/8; RMC 4/10 in FBIS 4/10; JP 4/15; JP 4/22; MM 4/28)
Israel-PA talks on elections close without progress in Cairo. PA negotiator Local Government M Saeb Erakat gives Israeli delegation 6 proposal papers on international supervision of elections. (IDF Radio, MENA 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; WP 2/23; JP 3/4; MEI 3/17)
PLO Executive Comm. mtg. closes without suspending talks with Israel. Arafat calls for emergency Arab summit, says PLO will send delegations to China, EU, Japan, Russia, U.S. in diplomatic effort to pressure Israel to set date for troop withdrawal, elections. Arafat begins by meeting with Pres. Mubarak, flying to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser hajj, coordinate with King Fahd. (MENA, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; MENA, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; CSM, FT, NYT 2/23; MEI 3/3; JP 3/4)
U.S. House Appropriations subcommittee increases Jordan's debt forgiveness fr. $99 m. to $149 m. for its support of peace process. (WT 2/23)
Clinton administration submits draft of FY 1996 budget, incl. $44.2 m. military, economic aid to Jordan. (JT 2/25 in FBIS 2/28)
PA Atty. Gen. Khalid al-Qidra says Palestinian security services are detaining 6 mbrs. of Abu Nidal Organization found in Gaza for "disturbing national security." (QY, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/23)
Israeli Labor Bureau says number of foreign workers replacing Palestinians in Israel has reached 70,695--860% more than last yr. PA estimates unemployment in Gaza to be 52%. (NYT, WT 2/22)
IDF says it will open 20 houses in Nablus that were sealed because of security offenses by owners. (QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23)
Arafat calls Jordanian-Israeli agmt. betrayal of Palestinian interest, "outrageous infringement" on DOP; expresses outrage that King Hussein did not confer with him. Syrian Pres. al-Asad warns leasing plan will not work for Golan. Other PNA, Fatah figures (e.g., Marwan Barghouti, Ilyas Frayj, Faisal Husseini, Rajub, Shaath) welcome agmt. (NYT, WP, WT 10/19; ITV 10/17, QY, RE 10/18, in FBIS 10/18; JP 10/29)
Syrian Pres. al-Asad condemns Jordan-Israel agmt., says it will not set precedent for Syrian-Israeli negotiations; leaves for Cairo to meet with Pres. Mubarak, discuss Jordanian-Israeli treaty, peace talks, Iraq. (MM 10/18; MENA 10/18 in FBIS 10/19; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/19; WJW 9/27)
Talks on elections resume in Cairo. Due to recent Hamas attacks, PNA says it will exclude those opposed to peace process from participating in elections, will allow Israelis to sit on election supervisory comm. (AFP 10/18 in FBIS 10/18; MENA 10/19 in FBIS 10/19)
Israeli-Jordanian talks resume in Aqaba to discuss final details of treaty; start outlining joint development projects (to be finalized within 9 mos.) (RJ 10/18 in FBIS 10/18)
Trilateral US-Jordan-Israel mtg. held to discuss aid, economic issues. (RJ 10/18 in FBIS 10/18)
Hamas extends deadline for release of 200-300 prisoners by 24 hrs. Within 1 hr., based on information from Arafat, IDF raids West Bank house where IDF soldier is being held. Kidnapped soldier, 1 other soldier killed, 12 wounded by kidnappers; 3 Hamas mbrs. killed, 2 arrested. Location of soldier in Israeli o.t. embarrasses PM Rabin, who swore he was in PNA controlled Gaza. Rabin vows to resume talks with PNA as soon as possible. (ITV, QY 10/14 in FBIS 10/17; NYT, WP, WT 10/15; CSM, MM 10/17; JP 10/22)
U.S. Secy. of State Christopher, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, PLO Chmn. Arafat hold talks in Cairo; discuss aid transfers, Hamas, other obstacles to peace. (MENA, RE 10/13 in FBIS 10/14, MM 10/14)
Multilateral arms control seminar on threat assessment closes in Paris. Positions presented, no draft document signed, but gaps btwn. parties "narrow significantly." Teams leave for Germany to attend military maneuvers. (Davar 10/14 in FBIS 10/17)
Israel gives PNA power to collect customs tariffs, conduct searches at Allenby Bridge. (VOP 10/14 in FBIS 1021)
PFLP's George Habbash, DFLP's Hawatmeh announce they want to unify the 2 groups into 1, inc. administration, finance, military, intelligence. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 10/14 in FBIS 10/18)
PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin sign 186-page Gaza-Jericho self-rule accord after 6-hr. negotiating session. Cairo ceremony presided over by Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak; 2,500 attendees include Secy. of State Christopher, Russian FM Andrei Kozyrev, Norwegian FM Bjorn Tore Godal, FMs of Japan, South Korea, Morocco, and Jordan. Arafat balks at signing maps accompanying accord, saying size of Jericho area not agreed upon, and ceremony stops for 35 minutes until Arafat reassured issue subject to further negotiation. Arafat asks for 3-week delay in withdrawal to allow PLO to prepare for taking power. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/4, 5/5; CSM 5/5)
Simultaneous with signing, Israel permits return of 15 Palestinian exiles, releases over 200 Palestinian prisoners, and allows entry into Gaza of 19 PLO police cmndrs. (MM 5/4; NYT, WP, WT 5/5)
Settlers attempt to occupy Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue in Jericho, staging prayer vigil. IDF remove settlers, detains 400 at Jericho base. Palestinian celebration in Jericho broken up by IDF with tear gas, percussion grenades. PLO officials arriving in Jericho in IDF jeeps stoned by local youths. (MM 5/4;NYT, WT 5/5; NYT 5/6)
Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawsha says group will not use force against Palestinian supporters of Gaza-Jericho agreement, but says Palestinian police should not try to stop attacks by opposition factions on settlers, IDF. (MM 5/4)
DFLP head Nayif Hawatmah, PFLP chief George Habash issue statements rejecting Gaza-Jericho accord, calling for continued resistance to occupation and new elections to PNC. (MM 5/4)
IDF begins evacuation of HQ in Jericho, Gaza Strip as withdrawal starts. Troops in Gaza redeploy to guard Gush Qatif bloc of settlements. 2 Palestinians wounded by IDF while stoning departing troops. (CSM, WT 4/5)
Bank of Jordan opens 1st West Bank branch, in Ramallah. (MM 4/5)
Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad flies to Cairo, meets twice with Pres. Husni Mubarak. (MM 4/5)
Israeli police ballistics expert testifies to Israeli commission of inquiry, says police have identified all but 1 of 115 shell casings recovered at Haram al-Ibrahimi in Hebron. 109 shells traced to attacker Baruch Goldstein's weapon, 5 to those of IDF guards. (NYT, WT 4/5)
PLO and Israeli negotiators in Cairo exchange proposals to bridge disagreements on implementing Gaza-Jericho withdrawal. (NYT 12/9)
Secy. of State Christopher meets Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, says U.S. does not object to delay in Gaza-Jericho withdrawal if Israel and PLO feel they need "a few more days or whatever period of time to work out some existing problems." (CSM, NYT, WT 12/9)
Settler shot and wounded by Palestinian in Bethlehem. IDF imposes curfew, searches Palestinian homes, detains several suspects. IDF reportedly reinforces troops in o.t. and detains dozens of Palestinian opponents of DoP as preventative measure before anniversary of intifada. (CSM, NYT, WT 12/9)
Israeli gov't. imposes new restriction on Palestinians, forbidding workers to drive their own cars into Israel; gov't. also pledges to accelerate deportations of activists and affirms policy of house demolitions (cf. 4/1, 4/2) [LAT, WP, WT 4/1; JDS 3/31 in FBIS 4/1, 4/2; CSM 4/2; FJ 4/8].
Israel lifts curfew in Gaza Strip and some West Bank locations; Palestinians are still barred from entering Jerusalem [JDS 3/31 in FBIS 4/1; MET 4/9].
Iraqi troops retake city of Kirkuk from Kurdish rebels after 4 days of fighting; soldiers also take Irbil, 50 miles north of Kirkuk; thousands of refugees flee to Turkish and Iranian borders [LAT, WT, NYT 4/1].
In Easter message, Pope John Paul II condemns destruction in Gulf war, calls on world leaders to deal with plight of "oppressed peoples, such as the Palestinians, the Lebanese, the Kurds" [NYT, LAT, WT 4/1].
U.S. Anny announces plan to begin within 2 weeks to withdraw about 20,000 troops from southern Iraq, about 1/4 of its combat forces there [NYT 4/1].
Senior Iranian official accuses U.S. of misleading Iraqi people by encouraging them to overthrow Saddam Hussein, then giving Iraq "green light" to suppress rebellion [NYT 4/1].
Pres. Asad arrives in Cairo to discuss with Pres. Mubarak regional security arrangements in light of Gulf war [NYT 4/1; MENA 3/30, 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; CSM 4/1; MET 4/9].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mordechai Eliahu, a chief Israeli rabbi, lifts standing ban on air travel on Jewish sabbath days so that Soviet Jews could arrive in Israel at any time [MET 2/13].
Arab World: Two masked men intercept bus travelling north of Cairo, open fire on Israeli tourists, at least 8 killed, 15 wounded [WP, NYT, LAT, FBIS, CSM 2/5].
Pres. Mubarak telephones P.M. Shamir, conveys condolences about bus attack, affirms that incident should not impede peace process [FBIS 2/5].
PLO Executive Committee issues statement reporting on meetings held in Tunis [FBIS 2/5].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli army says it will charge 3 soldiers accused of beating a 13-year-old Palestinian and burning him with cigarettes [LAT 2/5].
54-year-old Gaza man is shot dead; he was suspected of collaborating with Israel; at least 9 Gazans are wounded in various clashes [FBIS 2/6].
Gaza Civil Administration reports IDF closed 25 schools in January in the Strip because of disturbances [FBIS 2/6].
Arab World: Lebanese troops loyal to Christian leader Aoun battle fellow Christians north of Beirut in fierce fighting [WP, LAT 2/5]; hand-to-hand combat in East Beirut is reported [MET 2/13].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army prevents attempt by Palestinian parents and teachers to reopen 6 schools in Ramallah [WP 3/25]. Mordechai Vanunu is found guilty of 1 count of treason and 2 counts of espionage for selling information about Israel's nuclear facility in Negev desert to Sunday Times (London) [CSM 3/25].
Arab World: Pres. Husni Mubarak sends message to Pres. Reagan protesting Israeli threat to attack Saudi Arabian missile sites [WP 3/25].
Other Countries: U.S. def. sec. Frank Carlucci and Egyptian def. min. 'Abd al-Halim Abu Ghazalah sign agreement allowing Egypt to bid on U.S. weapons contracts [WP 3/25]. U.S. officials report Israel has been conducting unusually intensive low-level bombing practice runs [WP 3/25].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: At Balatah refugee camp in Nablus, Israeli soldiers open fire after demonstrators attack military vehicles with stones and iron bars; 2 Palestinians are killed and 3 soldiers are injured. Curfew is imposed. At least 100 Palestinians have been killed by soldiers since uprising began [NYT 3/25; FJ 3/27]. Protesters set fire to Israeli bus in Hebron-area village of Shuyukh [FJ 3/27].
Arab World: IDF planes attack Palestinian targets near Sidon, S. Lebanon; 5 are killed or wounded [NYT 3/25]
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Following inner cabinet meeting, 3 Likud ministers call for barring media from W. Bank and Gaza Strip [LAT 2/29]. In Tel Aviv, Sec. of State Shultz meets separately with P.M. Shamir and F.M. Peres [WP 2/29]. Group of 300-400 Israeli Arabs and Jews begins march from Lebanese border to Jerusalem in call for end to occupation of W. Bank, Gaza Strip; march is organized by group called "Red Line" [NYT 3/1].
Arab World: Sec. Shultz holds 3 hours of talks with Egypt's Pres. Husni Mubarak in Cairo [CSM 2/29]. Mubarak voices support for Shultz plan [WP 2/29].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish settlers from Neve Zuf join IDF forces against stonethrowing Palestinian protesters in 'Abbud village, near Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are shot dead; settler is arrested in connection with the shootings [WP 2/29; FJ 3/6]. Army intervenes after settlers from Tekon and el-David settlements open fire in Bethlehem-area village of Faradis [FJ 3/6].
Arab World: Off coast of Tyre, Israeli gunboat attacks small boat, killing 2; 3 others escape. Reports from Lebanon indicate the 5 were Fateh fighters en route to attack Nahariya military base [WP 2/29].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Faysal Husayni, director of the Arab Studies Society and spokesman for Com. Confronting the Iron Fist, is released from prison after serving 3-month administrative detention [FJ 7/12]. JEC workers observe 1 -hour strike to protest inner cabinet's decision to split company's concession rights [FJ 7/12]. Israeli military closes road connecting Balatah refugee camp to Nablus-Ramallah road after several vehicles at the camp are stoned [FJ 7/12].
Arab World: Reports indicate Jordanian UN delegation is protesting Israeli plans to divert water from W. Bank Palestinian towns to Jewish settlements [BG 7/9].
Other Countries: Israeli F.M. Peres and Egyptian Pres. Mubarak discuss proposed UN-sponsored peace conference in Geneva [BG, CSM 7/10].