The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: No. 2 Kach official Yehuda Richter given 8-yr. sentence for firing on Arab bus in March [JWP 12/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Law student Aziza Kharaja sentenced to 5 mos. for membership in illegal organization [her 2 sisters held in Neve Tertza on similar charges]. PM Peres announces invitation to Egypt's Pres. Mubarak for talks on bilateral relations. After 2-yr. silence, crewman of M. S. Moran reveals to Hadashot that ship's Capt. Gilad set Tanzanian stowaway adrift on high seas (3/82).

Arab World: Israel proposes cease-fire to Amal forces in S. Lebanon, but refuse release of detained Amal leaders (arrested 11/9) in exchange for resumed talks with Lebanon.

Other Countries: Greek PM Papandreou ends visit to Syria & Jordan and agrees to promote their interests among fellow EEC members.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities demolish 33 homes of farmers in jiftlik (Ghor al-Fari'a). [Jiftlik produces 15% of West Bank GNP. Israelis demolished adjacent al-'Ajajreh, Sattariya & al-Mahrouq villages in 1967.] Haifa U. student Saour Saour attacked by Kach students while posting notice offering to help Palestinians enroll. Stone-throwing incidents reported in Jabal al-Muqabber (Jerusalem), Bethlehem & Ramallah; police respond with tear gas.

Arab World: IDF convoy ambushed near Sarafand; 1 Israeli seriously wounded, later dies.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kach-member Yehuda Richter gets 5-yr. prison term for attack on Palestinian bus (3/4/84). Jerusalem Mayor Kollek & police chief Bar Lev attempt compromise with Supreme Muslim Council to avoid strike in protest at presence of unruly border guards at al-Haram al-Sharif. Davar reports Israel negotiating to buy 1st nuclear reactor for energy use. [Israel already has at least 2 reactors; uses are not publicized.] Govt. bars 5 witnesses named by Time magazine from testifying in imminent Sharon libel case.

Arab World: Voice of PLO (Baghdad) condemns US policy, raps Arab-Americans for misguidedness inbelieving they can effect neutral US role in Arab-Zionist conflict.

Other Countries: US federal jury awards Vanessa Redgrave $100,000 in suit against Bostom Symphony canceling her performance on basis of her support for PLO.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset House Com. decides (8-5) to discuss MK Sarid's request to revoke Kach MK Kahane's parliamentary immunity. Caller claiming to be "Avenger" phones in death threat to Pres. Herzog. UK Foreign Sec. Howe meets with Elias Freij, Rashad Shawa, Gabi Baramki & Hikmat al-Masri in E. Jerusalem. Before Tel Aviv U. audience, US amb. to Israel Lewis criticizes Reagan peace plan, saying timing was "abysmal," tactics "worse," and results to date are "nil." Ciskei Pres. Lennox Sebe inaugurates "twinning" of Ariel settlement and Ciskei's capital, Bisho.

Arab World: In al-Sharq al-Awsat interview, King Hussein criticizes US role in Middle East and says he will buy Soviet weapons.

Other Countries: In global nuclear weapons survey, Carnegie Endowment for Intl. Peace reports Israel has capability to deploy 10-20 nuclear bombs. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cabinet approves DM Rabin's plan for negotiated "political-military" solution & IDF withdrawal from Lebanon. 2nd Natl. Conference of Jewish-Arab Committee Against Racism meets at Nahmani Theater, Tel Aviv. Kahane pelted with tomatoes at speech in Bir al-Sab'a, praising "brave Jews" for rocket attack on Arab bus; Kach and Peace Now followers exchange blows; police intervene, arresting 1 Peace Now & 2 Kach members. MK Miari proposes national service program to counter discrimination against Palestinians for not serving in IDF. MK Peled calls for defense budget cuts & cancellation of Lavi program.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab bus attacked in S. Jerusalem with 66 mm anti-tank rocket; 1 Sa'ir man killed, 10 injured; attackers leave weapon with note identifying selves as "Avengers"; 3 Jews held for questioning. Students stone Israeli jeep from Bethlehem U. campus; troops disperse throng with tear gas, shoot 1 student in leg, continue siege till nightfall.

Arab World: 1 IDF soldier wounded by land mine near Amik, E. Lebanon; another in shoot-out near Lake Karoun.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dheisheh camp residents demonstrate & Nablus merchants strike in solidarity with Jnaid prison inmates on 12th day of their hunger strike. 45 Arab local councils and municipal workers strike over unpaid salaries owed by Israel.

Arab World: As Arab League chrmn., Morocco's King Hassan calls for summit mtg. on Jordan's new relations with Egypt. In speech before Jordan's parliament, King Hussein rejects peace talks as proposed by Israel, calls for UN-sponsored negotiations.

Other Countries: US-based AAI Corp. (div. of United Industries Corp.) agrees to produce & market in US remotely-piloted vehicles (RPVs) Mastiff &Scout made by Israeli cos. Tadiran & Israel Aircraft Industries. 100-mm. guns made by Israel displayed atop Chinese Type 69 tanks in Peking military parade.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dheisheh camp youths throw stones at Israeli vehicles, smash 1 bus window. Police detain 4 Kach members attempting to enter Dheisheh after curfew.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kach demonstrators march on Umm al-Fahm trying to establish Arab "emigration" office there; counter demonstration joined by local Palestinians and Jewish sympathizers; police intervene to forestall violence.

Arab World: Pierre Gemayel dies of heart attack in Lebanon.

Other Countries: UN Security Council hears Lebanon's case against Israeli actions in S. Lebanon.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF reveals new upgraded Soviet T-54 & T-55 tanks adapted from those captured in wars with Arab armies.

Arab World: IDF armored convoys advance north of Awali River in new offensive against resistance. 3 IDF troops wounded by roadside bomb near Marjayoun.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Pres. Herzog grants Peres 21-day extension to form coalition gov't. 4 MKs arriving for inspection tour at Tel Mond prison beaten by Kach demonstrators; 40 mins. later police arrive, delivering Interior Min. Burg's orders barring MKs' entrance.

Arab World: Walid Jumblatt calls for negotiations with Israel to end IDF occupation of S. Lebanon.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF reportedly kill 2 resistance fighters near Tyre; IDF position attacked by Katyusha fire near Lake Karoun.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Shefa 'Amr, Arab Local Councils pass resolution not to allow Kach members into their towns and villages.

Arab World: Haaretz reports Tahal plan to divert Hasbani River water to Israel using existing oil pipelines in Golan and S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: US State Dep't. begins review of Meir Kahane's dual US-Israeli citizenship.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli rabbis join mass demonstration in Umm alFahm against fascist Kach movement.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Abu Dis village mukhtar 'Issa Jaffal dismissed by occupation authorities for refusing to urge villagers to drop suit against confiscation of 2500 dunums of their land. Beitunia College students strike, hold peaceful march protesting Village League members vandalizing, firing and hurling stones at student dormitories over past week. Israel's foreign reserves fall $351 million in July to just over $2.6 billion. Ministerial Economic Committee decides to cut all gov't. contracts to 25% over next 3 mos. Pres. Herzog urges Shamir and Peres to meet to consider joint rule proposals. Herzog refuses to invite Meir Kahane for customary post-election consultations. Umm al-Fahm Village Council conference at Tel Aviv Press Club disrupted by Kach members.

Arab World: In Le Monde inteview, Syrian Pres. Assad rules out linkage between IDF withdrawal and removal of Syrian troops from Lebanon.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem municipal employees assault Palestinian women selling vegetables at Damascus Gate, then destroy produce. Arab World: Israeli helicopters, F-16s & gunboats shell and drop experimental phosphorous & helium bombs on Nahr al-Bared camp, N. Lebanon where 16,000 Palestine refugees live; [casualty figures unavailable]. IDF kill 2 suspected of planting roadside bomb near Sidon. Grenade tossed at SLA patrols in Tyre; no injuries reported; IDF close Tyre port.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel rejects recent USSR peace proposal based on Brezhnev plan. Jerusalem mayor Kollek tells news conference of drive against Kach and Meir Kahane with appeal to support anti-racism bill. Defendents Amjad Rabaya and Wafiq Sawalha tried for armed attack on W. Jerusalem street (4/2/84) admit charges, insisting on POW status. Najah student sentenced to 10 mos. charged with membership in Palestinian organization. Police summon head of Gaza Citrus Producers' Union, warning of legal retaliation against Union for assisting farmers to obtain financialid.

Other Countries: USSR calls for renewal of Geneva Middle East peace talks including USSR, US, Israel, PLO & Arab states.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli-made bomb thrown at Shefa 'Amr home; no injuries. Kach members beat up 2 Palestinian laborers; victims hospitalized in serious condition.

Arab World: IDF units attacked by rocket fire near Jezzine and S. of Tyre.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Both Labor and Likud blocs reject Meir Kahane in coalition-building schemes. Umm al-Fahm residents demonstrate against Kach and Meir Kahane's threat to open Jewish immigration office there.

Arab World: Lebanese army begins 2nd phase of security plan by bulldozing barricades dividing Beirut.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In radio interview, MK Sharon dissociates himself from Meir Kahane's words and deeds, but warns movements on left far more dangerous. No. 2 man in Kach party & dual US-Israeli citizen Yehuda Richter found guilty of attack on Palestinian bus (3/4/84), injuring 6; charges of arson against Arab homes and property still outstanding. New 15% tax imposed on Israelis traveling abroad who buy dollars or overseas tour packages.

Other Countries: In London, Marwan al-Banna, Nanof al-Rosan & Hussein Said sentenced to 30 to 35 yrs. for attempted assassination of Israeli amb. to UK Argov in June 1982; their appeals rejected.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF kill 1 Lebanese suspected of laying roadside bomb near Sidon; shoot 2 motorcyclists failing to halt at Sidon roadblock. 2 IDF troops wounded when grenade thrown at patrol in Nabatiya.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli political parties begin negotiating for coalition partners. Kach party members celebrate Meir Kahane's win, stage violent march through Jerusalem, toting pistols and shouting "death to the Arabs." Arab press editorials express pessimism over election as augur of Zionist extremism.

Arab World: IDF reopens single road between Beirut & S. Lebanon; IDF governor at Sidon links S. Lebanon blockade policy to Karami's decision to close IDF liaison office.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 bombs hurled at IDF patrols in Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza; no injuries.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Today's elections yield no clear victor; of a total 120 Knesset seats, Alignment wins 45, Likud 41; "Progressive Slate for Peace" gains 2; Meir Kahane as Kach candidate wins 1.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestine Women's Union holds 1 st annual conference in Jerusalem, issuing statement supporting PLO unity. US-born Kach member gets 4-yr. term (with portion suspended) for raids on Arab property and arson. Hasim Abu Hamad placed under town arrest in Abasan al-Kabirah, Gaza, for membership in Palestinian organization.

Arab World: 3 Ansar escapees hold press conference in Beirut, urging Lebanese gov't. and ICRC to intervene to improve conditions of those imprisoned by Israel.

Military Action

Arab World: Various sources report Shin Bet arrests Rushdi Nahhas in his Bidyas, S. Lebanon bicycle shop, executing him in front of his wife & mother.

Other Countries: Scotland Yard's Anti-Terrorist authorities arrest 3 Mossad-linked Israelis in attempted kidnapping of Nigerian opposition figure Umaru Dikko, found in Lagos-bound crate.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Supreme Court overrules Central Election Com. decision and allows Kach and Progressive List for Peace slates in July elections. About 40 IDF soldiers, including elite Golani Brigade members, demonstrate against IDF presence in Lebanon, deliver written protests to PM Shamir and DM Arens. Town arrest renewed for 6 mos. for al-Fajr journalists Musa Jaradat & Fathi Jaradat in Sa'ir, near Hebron. Oslo University donates 2,000 books to Najah Nat'l. U.

Arab World: In Quneitra (Golan Heights) ceremony, Israel exchanges 291 Syrian soldiers & 20 Golan residents held prisoner for 6 POWs taken by Syria; bodies of 5 IDF and 72 Syrian casualties also exchanged.

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in Colombo hotel killing local woman; Sri Lanka police believe intended for 2 resident Israeli advisors.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Trial of 22 Jewish terror suspects begins in Jerusalem with defense request for 3-mo. adjournment; defendents' supporters attempt to eject attending attorney Darwish Nasser from courtroom as "PLO presence." Election officials ban Meir Kahane's Kach party from upcoming elections. 6 Palestinian prisoners escape Rafah prison, Gaza; 1 rearrested.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb discovered and defused at Beit Safafa soccer field before game.

Arab World: Jordan's King Hussein announces willingness to send troops to aid Iraqi war effort.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5th anniversary of signing of Egypt-Israel peace treaty. Abu Ali Shahin wins temporary injunction against proposed expulsion from Gaza, Palestine. 4 American Jews formally charged with attack on Arab bus near Ramallah (3/4/84). 3 Alignment MKs walk out of Constitution Com. mtg. as Kach leader Kahane arrives uninvited. Tel Aviv U. pres. and Alignment candidate for Finance Min. Ben-Shahar alerts economics conference that Israeli GNP growth is slower than Arab neighbors.

Arab World: UK's Queen Elizabeth arrives in Jordan for state visit. Shlomo Ilya, recently dismissed from post as "civil administration" head in West Bank for misconduct, appointed IDF commander in S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Commemorating Egypt-Israel treaty anniversary, US & Israel reaffirm March 1979 memorandum, extending (for 5 more years) and expanding Israel's prospects for arms sales in US.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5th American Jewish Kach settler arrested in connection with shooting of Arab bus passengers (3/4/84) and other "TNT" activities. 6 Israeli settlers tried in Jersualem for rioting and arson of Hebron market last year. Tel Aviv police unit leader Hafetz suspended for leaking information of "TNT" to press. Knesset defeats bill to declare "Hatikvah" Israel's national anthem, with its theme of a historic Jewish yearning for the "land of Israel." National Com. of Arab Town Councils urges adoption of national anthem that expresses the notion of two nations living in a single country. Returning from 3-day visit to Cairo int'l. trade fair, Israeli Industry & Trade Minister Patt reports no improvement in Israel-Egypt relations in sight; says 50% decrease in exports to Egypt since 1982 linked to poor political relations. US Marine commander Gen. Kelley begins 2-day official visit with IDF and DM Arens. At Jerusalem rally PM Shamir claims USSR refused renewed relations with Israel because of its hatred of the Jewish people. Members of Makuya sect of Japanese Christian zealots conduct pro-Israel march in Jerusalem.

Arab World: Beirut cease-fire called by leaders at reconciliation talks in Lausanne.

Other Countries: French Minister of Industry Fabius and Israeli Trade Minister Patt agree to further cooperation in commerce and industrial research. Pres. Reagan defends proposed arms package to Jordan before United Jewish Appeal. Added to his recent refusal to assist in obtaining Israel's permission for West Bank delegates to attend PNC session, Reagan refuses to support or withhold veto on Jordan's draft resolution condemning Israeli settlements in occupied territories as illegal. 4 JDL members arrested for criminal trespass and possession of noxious chemicals, and held in suspicion of bomb threat at Greensburgh, NY Town Hall showing of Russian architecture film. [JDL seeks severance of all US relations with USSR until all Soviet Jews permitted to emigrate freely.] 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: International Women's Day celebrations held in Palestinian towns, largest of which sponsored by Women's Work Com. in Jerusalem. Israeli military blockade refuses women access to Jerusalem. 9-mo. hunger strike at Neve Terza women's prison ends with some rights restored to inmates. In Knesset State Control Com. hearings, West Bank leaders Raja Shehadeh, Muhammad Nasser and Beit Jala mayor al-Araj accuse West Bank court system of corruption, citing hampering of legal process, confiscation of files, arbitrary transfer ofcases, and Israeli officials' lying to High Court of Justice. Supreme Court reduces Kach settlers' sentence from 39 to 30 mos. for firing on passing car driven by Yatta village resident. Leaders of segregationist MENA organization protest High Court of Justice ban on their anti-Arab demonstrations planned for Nazareth central square. Over 700 Grenada & Beirut-veteran Marines arrive in Haifa aboard USS Guam for 4-days of "R&R." Noting that bomb detonated on Ashdod bus (3/7/84) was IDF type, police spokesman Nitzav Caspi suggests bombing "not perpetrated by 'terrorists'."

Other Countries: US Joint Chiefs of staff Chrmn. Vessey holds mtg. with World Jewish Congress leaders.

Military Action: Occupied Palestine/Israel: Having already lost half their land to Israeli confiscations, Palestinian Druze residents of Beit Jann obstruct Israeli "nature reservists" destroying village road; 1 villager suffers head injuries, 1 young woman suffers broken arm when struck by Israeli with axe.

Arab World: Israeli private contractor employed by IDF ambushed and killed near Lake Karoun, S. Lebanon. [Defense Ministry now affords civilian workers military status in S. Lebanon, making surviving families eligible for increased pensions.]