The Palestine Chronology

Prominent Likud mbr. Dan Meridor resigns fr. the party to form a centrist party, challenge Netanyahu for PM in upcoming elections. (NYT, WP, WT 12/23; MEI 12/25; JP 1/4; SA 1/8 in WNC 1/12; JP, MEI 1/15)

At Yemen's request, the Arab League calls an emergency FMs mtg. for 12/30 to discuss the U.S.-led attack on Iraq. (MENA 12/22 in WNC 12/23; MENA, Star 12/24 in WNC 12/28)

In Lebanon, 1,000 demonstrators march toward the U.S. emb. to protest the U.S.-led attack on Iraq (see 12/21). Jordanian pharmacists agree to boycott U.S., UK medicines. (AFP, VOL 12/22 in WNC 12/23; WT 12/23)

U.S. suspends tourist, student, business visas for Syrians indefinitely in response to attack on the U.S. emb. 12/19. (WT 12/23; MM 1/4; WT 1/6)

1 Lebanese woman, 6 children are killed, 1 man, another child are injured in IDF attack on suspected Hizballah base in s. Lebanon. (IDF Radio, RL 12/22 in WNC 12/23; WP, WT 12/23; ITV, MBC, SAPA [Johannesburg] 12/23, MENA, SA 12/24 in WNC 12/28; Interfax 12/24, VOA 12/26 in WNC 12/29; PR 1/1)

Pres. Clinton meets with Netanyahu, Arafat at Erez border crossing, where Netanyahu gives him a list of 12 demands that the PA must meet before Israel will continue Wye implementation. Clinton warns that it would be "unfortunate" if Israel fell too far behind in the implementation schedule. He then attends tree lighting ceremony in Bethlehem with Arafat, tours Masada with Netanyahu. (MM 12/15; ITV, QY, RE 12/15 in WNC 12/16; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/16; JT 12/16 in WNC 12/17; MA 12/16 in WNC 12/21; al-Hayat al-Jadida 12/16, al-Quds 12/17, MA 12/18 in WNC 12/22; al-Ba`th 12/16 in WNC 12/28; MM, PR 12/18)

PISMC meets to discuss all pending peace process issues. The only agmt. reached is to create an "informal channel" to discuss the prisoner release issue. (ITV 12/15 in WNC 12/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/16)

Secy. Albright leaves the U.S. delegation in Israel to make side trip to Amman to meet with Crown Prince Hassan. (JTV 12/15 in WNC 12/17; NYT 12/16; MM 12/18)

UNSCOM head Richard Butler reports to the UN that by failure to comply with 5 of 300 recent inspections requests, Iraq has failed to honor the promises of cooperation that prompted Pres. Clinton to call off a major military strike 11/14. U.S. officials say that the Clinton administration played a direct role in shaping Butler's text during multiple conversations with him 12/14 at secure sites in the U.S. mission to the UN, convinced him to order inspectors out of Iraq today without informing UN. (NYT, WP, WT 12/16; AFP, RJ 12/16 in WNC 12/17; NYT 12/17; Tishrin 12/19 in WNC 12/28; al-Akhbar, MENA 12/21 in WNC 12/22; MEI 12/25) (see 12/13)

Palestinian prisoners end hunger strike. (ITV 12/15 in WNC 12/16; MEI 12/25) (see 12/12)

Knesset ratifies the Wye agmt. Israeli cabinet postpones mtg. on approval of 1st stage of FRD to 11/19, pending PA moves to collect illegal weapons, clamp down on incitement. To appease Netanyahu (see 11/16), Arafat reiterates PA adherence to the peace process. Israeli officials meet with settlers to go over FRD maps. (MM 11/17; MA 11/17 in WNC 11/18; ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; WJW 11/19; PR 11/20; MEI 11/27)

Head of the Israeli branch of the United Jewish Appeal, Dov Lautman, say that U.S. Jews should spend their money on their own communities, must realize that Israel is no longer a poor country in need of intensive support. (NYT 11/18)

UN weapons inspectors return to Iraq. (CSM 11/18) (see 11/15)

With government permission, Jordanian women's groups, opposition parties stage small rally outside the Iraqi emb. in Amman to express solidarity with Baghdad in the face of U.S. threats of attack. Jordan's Interior Min. says it would ban pro-Iraq demonstrations if the U.S. actually strikes. (JT 11/18 in WNC 11/19) (see 11/15)

At special session, PC approves the 1998 budget (37-22, with 6 abstentions), notes that budget deficit to day is still $36 m. (PR 7/3; JP 7/11)

UNSC hold day-long debate (42 reps. speak) on a resolution condemning Israel's recent plan to extend Jerusalem's municipal boundaries. U.S. Amb. to the UN Bill Richardson calls plan "unhelpful." (WT 6/30; MM, NYT, WT 7/1; al-Quds, RJ, SANA 7/1 in WNC 7/2; Petra-JNA, al-Quds, SANA 7/1 in WNC 7/6)

In Bethlehem, the PA, Vatican hold preliminary talks on establishing official status for the activities of the Roman Catholic church in the PA self-rule areas. (JT 7/1)

In an escalating row, PM Netanyahu accuses Pres. Weizman of "siding with the Arabs" on the peace process. Weizman says that Netanyahu is "cut off from reality," has deceived him repeatedly over peacemaking with the PA. (MM 6/30; YA 6/30 in WNC 7/1; ITV 6/30 in WNC 7/2; WP, WT 7/1) (see 6/29)

Israel takes delivery of the 1st of 3 German submarines capable of carrying nuclear-armed cruise missiles, which will make its nuclear arms less vulnerable to preemptive strike. Israel ordered the subs fr. Germany after failing to find a U.S. firm that would build what it wanted. Following disclosure that German companies supplied material to Iraq's chemical weapons program, Germany agrees to pay for 2 of the 3 subs, which are the most technically advanced of their kind in the world. (WT 7/1; JT 7/4 in WNC 7/7; WT 7/5; JP, WT 7/11; Die Welt 7/11 in WNC 7/15; JP 7/18)

U.S. fires on Iraqi radar station in s. Iraq after it locks radar on a British plane patrolling the southern no-fly zone. The missile misses the station, hits a nearby reservoir. This is the 1st time since 11/96 that Iraq threatened to shoot at an allied plane. (MM 6/30; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 7/1; WT 7/2)

Yemen's official news agency reports that 34 persons have been killed, 102 injured in violence that has been ongoing since the 6/19 decision to raise fuel prices. Nongovernment sources put the casualty figures twice as high. (MM 6/30; WP 7/1; MM 7/9; MEI 7/17) (see 6/20)

Egypt, Iran sign cooperation agmt. on health, cooperation. (IRNA 6/30 in WNC 7/2)9 jul

In Amman, Iran, Jordan hold talks on expanding trade cooperation, agree to set up joint venture comm. in Amman. (IRNA 6/30 in WNC 7/2)

PM Netanyahu presents draft plan to extend Jerusalem's municipal boundaries, tighten Israel's control over the city, support Jews moving into East Jerusalem (particularly Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghunaym); tells reporters, "I think this is a basic change in Jerusalem's status that will be remembered as a turning point." (MM, NYT, PR, WP 6/19; al-Ahram al-Masa'i, ITV, RE 6/20, JTV, MENA, RJ 6/21, MENA 6/22 in WNC 6/23; al-Thawra 6/21 in WNC 6/25; WJW 6/25; PR 6/26; JP 6/27; MEI 7/3; JP 7/4)

In Washington, Refugee Working Group opens 2-day intersessional mtg. (USIS Washington File 6/19)

Commenting on Albright's 6/17 speech, Iran says that words are inadequate, U.S. should take actions (such as halting aid to Iranian opposition groups, unfreezing funds in U.S.) to show its good will. (MM, NYT, WT 6/19; MEI 7/3)

UNSCOM head Butler submits report that Iraq is refusing to turn over documents about its missiles, biological and chemical weapons. Iraq claims documents do not exist, it is not require to turn over information. (WP, WT 6/19; al-Ahram 6/19 in WNC 6/22; al-Ahram 6/21 in WNC 6/23; MM 6/24) (see 6/14)

IDF demolishes 6 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem in Israeli-controlled area C. (ITV 6/18 in WNC 6/22) (see 6/17)

King Hussein meets with Pres. Clinton at the White House to express concern over U.S. hard-line policy on Iraq, stalled peace process. (al-Ra'i, RJ 6/15, al-Dustur, JTV, al-Ra'i, RJ 6/16 in WNC 6/17; NYT, WT 6/16; WP 6/17; al-Ra'i 6/17 in WNC 6/19)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak meets with Labor Chmn. Barak. Mubarak comments that he has lost faith in PM Netanyahu. Netanyahu tells the press "this pronouncement is typical of Arab leaders who don't get what they want." (IDF Radio 6/15 in WNC 6/17; MENA, RE 6/15 in WNC 6/17)

PC grants Arafat's request to delay no-confidence motion for 10 days to give him a chance to form new cabinet. Hamas, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine say that they will not join the EA. (MM 6/15; WP 6/16; WT 6/17; MEI 6/19; JP 6/20; PR 6/26; MEI 7/3)

Israeli Interior Min. demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, saying that they were build without permits on areas zoned as "open space." U.S. calls on Israel to refrain fr. such "provocative acts." (LAW, MM, NYT 6/16; JTV 6/16 in WNC 6/17; ITV 6/19 in WNC 6/23; PR 6/26; JP 6/27)

In Rabat, Jordan's PM Majali, Morocco's King Hassan set up joint higher comm. for coordination in all fields; discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. (MKR 6/15, MAP 6/16 in WNC 6/17)

After mtg. with Arafat late 5/2, VP Gore holds unscheduled 2-a.m. mtg. with Netanyahu to discuss peace process; then heads to Cairo for pre-dawn mtg. with Pres. Mubarak regarding London talks, bilateral economic relations. Later in the day, Arafat flies to Cairo to meet with Mubarak before heading to London mtgs. (WP 5/3; ESC Television, MENA, RE 5/3 in WNC 5/6; NYT, WP, WT 5/4)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan travels to Turkey to participate in mtg. of new Atlantic Initiative Group, which stresses human rights as the basis for security, stability in the Middle East. Conferences discusses peace process, Iraq. (JTV 5/3 in WNC 5/6)

Group of 17 German army cadets arrives in Israel for 1st joint training program. (NYT, WT 5/4; ITV 5/4 in WNC 5/8)

Iran calls on Turkey to expand bilateral economic relations. (IRNA 5/3 in WNC 5/6)

Jordan Information Min. says that police have detained 50+n60 suspects for questioning in connection with 4/29, 4/30 bombings. (AFP 5/3, al-Quds al-Arabi, al-Ra'i 5/4 in WNC 5/6; al-Hadath 5/4, al-Hayat al-Jadida, JT, al-Sabil 5/5, RJ 5/6, al-Ra'i 5/7 in WNC 5/8; RJ 5/10 in WNC 5/12; al-Hadath 5/11 in WNC 5/13)

Israeli military court convicts, sentences Palestinian Riyad Abu Hamdiyya to 4 life terms in prison for participation in 1/9/97, 3/21/97 bombings in Tel Aviv. (NYT 5/4)

U.S. officials say government is pushing Israel to come up with a "serious and credible" plan for further redeployment (FRD) fr. 10-15% the West Bank so that talks with the Palestinians in 12/97 can show progress, may present its own position on FRD if necessary. (NYT 11/24; MM 11/25)

Netanyahu accepts resignation of dir. gen. of the Prime Minister's Office, Avidgor Lieberman, who, during the Likud convention 11/9-11, led the campaign to change the party primary process, which almost split the party. (MM, NYT, WP 11/24; Globes [Internet], ITV 11/24 in WNC 11/26; WP, WT 11/25; MEI 12/5) (see 4/15)

Iraq insists that UNSCOM inspectors avoid 63 sensitive sites, including 8 "presidential palaces." (NYT, WP 11/24; MM 11/26)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` makes unexpected trip to Riyadh reportedly to discuss Iraq with Saudi Arabia's King Fahd. (MM 11/24; SA 11/24 in WNC 11/26; VIRI 11/24 in WNC 11/27; MM 12/1) (see 11/21)

Hizballah, Amal clash with IDF nr. Bayt Lif village in s. Lebanon. 7 civilians are killed; 6 civilians, 2 IDF soldiers are wounded. Several rockets land in n. Israel, causing no injuries or damage. (RL, VOL 11/23, VOL 11/24 in WNC 11/26; NYT, WP 11/24; al-Safir 11/28 in WNC 12/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright endorses PM Netanyahu's plan for accelerated final status talks with the PA, stresses that no progress can be made until Israel is certain that the PA is making 100% effort to fight "terrorism"; says that she will travel to the region at the end of the mo. (MM 8/6; ITV, QY 8/6 in WNC 8/7; NYT, WP, WT 8/7; IDF Radio, IGPO, ITV, MA, YA 8/7, Hatzofe 8/8 in WNC 8/8; MM, NYT 8/8; NYT 8/9; al-Thawra 8/9, IDF Radio 8/10 in WNC 8/12)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, PM Majali meet with PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The crown prince terms the Israeli-Palestinian situation a "very dangerous crisis," recommends Israel adopt a softer line with the Palestinians, invites Netanyahu to visit Amman next wk. (MM, NYT 8/6; ITV, JTV, RJ, YA 8/6 in WNC 8/7; CSM 8/7; MA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Ra'i 8/7 in WNC 8/11)

In Amman, King Hussein meets delegation fr. Israel's Histadrut Labor federation. (JTV 8/6 in WNC 8/8)

The U.S. group Builders for Peace, initiated by VP Al Gore to promote economic development in the territories, announces it is closing its doors, saying that "political conditions in the region . . . render the prospects of success for any given project remote." (Builders for Peace press release 8/6)

For the first day since the 7/30 bombings, Israel allows flour, vital goods, medical supplies to enter the West Bank, Gaza. (NYT 8/7; WT 8/8)

A delegation fr. the Syrian Chamber of Commerce travels to Iraq to discuss trade contracts under the UN oil-for-food agmt. (SA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Quds al-Arabi 8/8 in WNC 8/11) (see 8/3)

IDF sends reinforcements to s. Lebanon. (RL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

5 UNIFIL soldiers are killed when their helicopter crashes in s. Lebanon. UN suspects mechanical failure. (AFP, London Press Association 8/6, RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8; WP 8/7; JP 8/16)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA soldier is killed when Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb as his car passes. Hizballah also fires several katyushas toward n. Israel, but they land in s. Lebanon, causing no injuries. (MM 8/7; Voice of the South 8/7 in WNC 8/8; MM 8/8)

Lebanon files claim with ILMG regarding death of a civilian in s. Lebanon 8/5. (VOL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

PM Netanyahu tells his cabinet that Israel will not honor its peace agmts. with the PLO unless Arafat cracks down on Islamists. (MM 8/4)

14-mbr. Knesset Internal Affairs Comm. delegation representing almost all Israeli parties (except Moledet, Shas, Tsomet) arrives in Amman for a 2 day visit to discuss the current impasse in PA-Israeli talks resulting fr. the 7/30 bombings; encourages King Hussein to personally mediate btwn. the sides. Jordanian parliamentary mbrs. boycott the delegation. (RJ 8/3, 8/4 in WNC 8/5; JT 8/5 in WNC 8/6; SA 8/5 in WNC 8/7)

Israel continues arresting Palestinians following the 7/30 bombings, bringing the total arrested to 116; also demolishes 3 Palestinian homes allegedly built without permits nr. Jerusalem. (WP 8/4; LAW 8/5; PR 8/8)

Israeli authorities prevent a delegation of 20 young campers fr. Qatar, UAE (who just completed a summer program sponsored by the PA Youth and Sports Min.) fr. leaving Gaza for Egypt. (al-Quds 8/4 in WNC 8/5; PR 8/8)

Nr. the West Bank Jewish settlement of Karmel, a Palestinian is fatally shot fr. a passing car bearing Israeli license plates. (ITV 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MM, WP 8/4; NYT 8/5)

Iraq, Syria form a joint tourism company, which will run 2 daily trips to transport businessmen btwn. the countries. (RMC 8/4 in WNC 8/5) (see 8/1)

PA, Israel continue negotiations on Hebron. PA wants Israel to commit to completing further redeployment by next fall, as set out in the Oslo II agmt. U.S. special envoy Ross meets separately with Arafat, Netanyahu. (NYT, WP, WT 1/1; PR 1/3)

For 2d time in 1 wk., Jewish settlers break into Palestinian market area in Hebron, claim it as Jewish property. Israeli police arrest 15 settlers, eject them fr. the site. (WP, WT 1/1)

Bomb explodes on Damascus bus, killing 11, wounding 44. Citing Lubrani's statements 12/23, Syria accuses Israel of planting the device. U.S. calls charge "wild and irresponsible," demands proof of Israel's complicity. (RMC 1/2 in WNC 1/3; MBC, RJ, SATN 1/2, RMC 1/3 in WNC 1/6; MM, NYT, WT 1/3; ITV, RMC 1/4, al-Dustur 1/5, JT, QPAR, RJ, SATN 1/6 in WNC 1/7; al-Urdun 1/6 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/7; SANA 1/8 in WNC 1/9; MM, WJW 1/9; MEI 1/10; JP 1/11; NYT 1/28) (see 12/19)

The mandate for Operation Provide Comfort, set up by the U.S. and its allies after the Gulf War to protect the Kurds in n. Iraq, expires. Turkish parliament passes an extension of the mandate, though the title "Operation Provide Comfort" will no longer be used in order to stress that the project now is largely American, rather than international. France ceases participation, stating that the UN oil-for-food deal provides adequately for aid distribution in n. Iraq. (MEI 1/10)

On his way fr. Gaza to the weekly PC session in Ramallah, Arafat's helicopter is forced to hover for 45 mins. before being permitted to land. At the PC, Arafat accuses Israel of "declaring a state of war against the Palestinian people," rejects U.S. appeal for an Abbas-Gold meeting. For 1st time since 1993, he calls for 1-day general strike 8/29, prayer rally in Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque for 8/30. PM Netanyahu warns Arafat against an escalation of rhetoric, violence. (MM 8/28; ITV 8/28 in WNC 8/30; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/29; ITV 9/2 in WNC 9/4)

UN Coordinator Larsen leaves Paris for Israel immediately after Arafat speech to attempt to "serious crisis" btwn. PA, Israel. (WP 8/29)

Israel, Turkey sign defense industry deal, stepping up military cooperation. Agmt. includes technology exchanges, is expected to pave way for $650-m. deal for Israel to overhaul 54 Turkish F-4 Phantom jets. Iran expresses concern. (CSM, MM, WP 8/29; VIRI 8/29, TDN 8/30 in WNC 9/3; VIRI 8/29 in WNC 9/4; RJ 9/4 in WNC 9/6 JP 9/7)

In Tulkarm, IDF demolishes 5 Palestinian homes built without permits. (PR 9/6)

Israeli police release Human Rights Watch employee Tarabiyya, arrested 8/19. (IDF Radio 8/28 in WNC 8/30; JP 9/7)

Unidentified gunmen open fire on an Israeli bus traveling on a Israeli-only bypass road to the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba in the West Bank, slightly wounding 2. (MM, NYT, WP 8/29; MA 8/30 in WNC 9/5)

Israeli police arrest 3 Palestinians who pitch tents at site of clinic in East Jerusalem which was demolished 8/27. (WT 8/29)

Amal attacks 2 SLA patrols in s. Lebanon, killing 1 soldier, wounding 5. (RL 8/28 in WNC 8/30)

Iran, Turkey connect electricity grids in keeping with agmt. signed by Turkish PM Erbakan during his 8/11-13 visit. (VIRI 8/18 in WNC 9/3)

In n. Iraq, KDP, PUK fighting intensifies, with the PUK gaining the upper hand. Iran calls for talks to end fighting, is generally seen as being the winner of the current crisis. (MM 8/27) (see 8/25)