The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz reports Israeli and Jordanian officials have been meeting secretly for over 2 months in negotiations [TS 11/2]. MK Geula Cohen states P. M. Shimon Peres has told her of a plan to return Golan Heights to Syria in exchange for Soviet permission to let 20,000 Soviet Jews emigrate [DT 11/2]. Al-Fajr reports formal charges of "incitement" have been filed against Ziad Abu 'Ain, who has been detained for 3 months under administrative detention order [FJ 11/1]. Kach movement sent threat letters to several Palestinian restaurant owners in Tel Aviv last week; Progressive List for Peace received similar threats by phone at their Tel Aviv office last week [FJ 11/1]. Israel's balance of payments deficit this year is expected to reach $5 billion, the same as last year [FT 11/7]. Eilat opens new duty-free port in efforto revive town's economy [LT 11/2].

Arab World: Jewish Week reports Israeli factory has marketed almost $12 million worth of agricultural machinery to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, Iraq, and the oil-producing emirates of the Persian Gulf; according to the reporthe Arab govts. are aware of the transactions but choose not to take official notice [JW 11/1]. Jewish Week reports Sudan's former first Vice President Maj. Gen. 'Umar al-Tayyib went on trial last week, accused of conspiring with Israel and the U.S. to fly 10,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel in Operation Moses; if found guilty, al-Tayyib could be hanged. Former Pres. Ja'far Numayri is named as coconspirator in the case [JW 11/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Grenade is thrown at Israeli patrol in Gaza Strip; 2 soldiers lightly wounded [JTA 11/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: "Ma'aneh" (Response) established to oppose racism; members range from Mapam, Peace Now, to Likud, seek to outlaw Kach demonstrations, suspend Kahane from Knesset [JP 9/24]. High Court of Israel issues order allowing Israel radio to broadcast ads promoting settlement in Eli, in the West Bank; legality of ads to be determined at later date by panel of 3 judges [JP 9/24]. Pres. Mubarak meets Pres. Reagan in U.S., says PLO has already "implicitly" accepted U.S. terms for dialogue [NYT 9/24].

Other Countries: Speaking at opening session of UN General Assembly, Sec. of St. Shultz states U.S. admin. wants direct Arab-Israeli peace negotiations before end of the year [JP 9/24]. Near East Report states 40 congressmen recently sent letter to Pres. Reagan asking him to adhere to policy of not negotiating or recognizing the PLO [NER 9/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nail bomb explodes outside Acre cafe, slightly injuring 1 passerby [JP 9/24]. 122-mm. katyusha lands 4 miles inside Galilee panhandle; no casualties,light damage [NYT 9/25].

Arab World: Israeli troops kill 2 guerrillas in S. Lebanon security belt [NYT 9/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Thousands of demonstrators attempt to disrupt Kach rally addressed by MK Meir Kahane [JP 9/20]. Jerusalem Post reports reduction of manpower in Israeli army to be "deep and widespread" due to defense budget cuts [JP 9/20].

Other Countries: Concluding 2-day visit to Jordan, British P.M. Thatcher announces Br. cabinet officials will soon meet Jordanian-Palestinian delegation, including PLO officials Muhammad Milham and lliyas Khuri, in support of recent Hussein-Arafat initiative. Israel denounces proposed visit [WP 9/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops in Gaza open fire on car in which father and son were travelling; 6-year-old Ayman Jundiyya dies; his father is injured in the shoulder [JP 9/22, 23; FJ 9/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Thousands of soldiers and paramilitary personnel are sent to the occupied territories to try to contain the mounting violence [JP 9/8]. In the last 6 weeks there have been 26 attacks on Israelis inside the green line and in the occupied territories, with 6 Israelis killed [BG 9/8]. Thousands of Palestinians and Israelis attend antiracism rally in Afula, scene of riots one month ago when 2 local schoolteachers were found murdered. Rally ends peacefully, despite counterrally staged by the Kach movement [JP 9/8]. Israeli censors ban a play at the Haifa municipal theater which depicts brutality by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank [LT 9/7].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports PLO spokesmen in Tunis claim responsibility for the 9/6 bomb in the Israeli market in Jerusalem [JP 9/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A hand grenade is thrown at the military govt. building in Mas'ada in the Golan Heights; no injuries are reported [JP 9/9]. Settlers attack the house of Zuhira al-Atrash, 65, widow and mother of 5, mistaking it for the house of an ex-prisoner released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange [NYT 9/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army announces it has arrested Yusuf Muhammad Abu Armanah, 22, and Sa'id Fakhri Ibrahim Afanah, 23, both from Rafah, who have allegedly confessed to the 9/5 stabbing of an Israeli truck driver in Gaza. Their families' tar-paper residences have been destroyed [LAT 9/7; FJ 9/13]. MK Meir Kahane's Kach movement forms new group "Hatzala" (Parents for their Children) to oppose Min. of Education's plans to sponsor meetings between Israeli and Palestinian children. Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef strongly opposed the Ed. Min.'s plan last week, saying he would urge religious parents to remove their children from the national religious school network if it is implemented [JWP 9/6].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports 6 kidnapped members of the Lebanese Jewish community are being held by the Hizballah group [JP 9/61.

Other Countries: Congressional sources say administration has tentatively decided not to propose selling advanced F-15 fighter planes to Saudi Arabia. U.S. Sec. of State George Shultz announces U.S. is releasing the first $750 million of $1.5 billion in special economic aid approved last month by Congress for Israel. $250 million is going to Egypt, $53 million to Jordan, and $3 million is planned for aid to Palestinians in the occupied territories [WP 9/7]. Jewish Press reports the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council (NJCRAC) in the U.S. called on major Jewish groups and federations to condemn MK Meir Kahane during his upcoming visit to the U.S. and is putting pressure on the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. and television shows to cancel their invitations to Kahane to speak while here [JWP 9/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes seriously wounding the man trying to place it in an Israeli market; 20 Palestinians are detained [LAT 9/7].

Arab World: Palestinian and Shi'ite gunmen battle for the 4th straight day around Burj al-Barajinah camp in south Beirut; 23 killed and 70 wounded ovemight. Shi'ite militia is backed by Soviet T-54 tanks. The DFLP issues a statement from Damascus accusing Amal militia of executing 17 Palestinian civilians in the street. The Druze and Murabitun militias have joined forces with the Palestinians against Amal militia [NYT, DT, WP, LT 9/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military officials state they have uncovered underground political cell in Golan town of Majd al-Shams responsible for attacks against IDF and civilians during the past 6 months [JTA 8/28]. Latest poll by Modi'in Ezrachi shows that if elections were held, Kach would be third largest party in the Knesset, getting 11 seats in the 120-seat parliament. Labor would get 51 seats and Likud 24 [PI, USN 8/28]. Curfews continue in Tulkarm and Jenin while investigations are conducted into 8/24 attacks on Israelis. [JP 8/28]. Chicago Tribune reports more than 70 Israeli-owned West Bank land offices are under investigation in unfolding land fraud scandal. Among those questioned are former senior officials in Agriculture Ministry involved in settlement activity, ex-officials in the West Bank military government, police authorities, and several land brokers, 4 of whom have been arrested [CT 8/27]. P. M. Peres says Chairman Afarat is directly responsible for attacks against Israelis, and Israeli govemment has evidence to prove it. He says 'Amman has been wamed of the consequences of letting the PLO station itself in 'Amman [DT 8/28]. Isramco, U.S. oil company with oil and gas interests in Israel, announces it is launching expanded program for oil and gas production in the Negev. Company plans to spend between $5-6 million by the end of the first quarter of 1986 UC 8/27].

Other Countries: First International Christian Zionist Congress convenes in Basel, Switzerland for three days, gathering 500 Christian lay leaders and theologians, active supporters of Israel. Congress is organized by the Intemational Christian Embassy in Jerusalem [JTA 8/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian in Qalqilya is shot as he tries to flee IDF patrol attempting to detain him and 2 others [JP 7/28]. The wounded man was hospitalized and the 2 arrested.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers and their supporters parade through Hebron's main streets carrying 5 Torah scrolls evacuated from the city during the 1936 riots. Event marks anniversary of 1929 violence in Hebron [JP 8/6]. Israeli P. M. Peres announces Israel "totally rejects" apartheid system of South Africa [JP 8/6]. Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee unanimously condemns apartheid in South Africa [JP 8/7]. Residents of Mitzpe Jericho send away 20 youths attending the Kach training camp on field adjoining the settlement, saying the presence of Kach violates the spirit of Mitzpe Jericho [JJP 8/6].

Other Countries: U.S. State Department criticizes new security measures approved for occupied territories by the Israeli Cabinet; asks they not be implemented [WP, LAT 8/6].

Military Action

Arab World: Two Israeli soldiers and 3 Lebanese guerrillas die in a shootout in south Lebanon. The Lebanese attackers are believed to have been from Amal [NYT 8/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet approves series of harsh security measures in the occupied territories, capital punishment not among them. Measures include deportation of "persons who constitute a security risk," indefinite "administrative detention" without charges for Palestinians suspected of security offenses, an increase in prison capacity in the West Bank, and closing Palestinian newspapers that violate censorship regulations [LAT 8/5]. Forty-three Palestinian local councils in Israel and their employees hold rally outside Israeli prime minister's office to protest government failure to provide promised funds to alleviate their financial difficulties. They demand budgets equal to those of Israeli local councils. The 43 councils have an accumulated debt of $10 million; some have not been able to pay employees for 3 months [FJ 8/2, 8/9]. Public opinion poll by Pori Research Institute published in Ha'Aretz shows 10.6 percent of those who voted for Likud in last Knesset elections would now vote for Kach. Another poll by the Modi'in Ezrachi Institute shows Kahane would increase his Knesset seats to 5 if elections were held now [JTA 8/5].

Arab World:The Sunday Times reports testimony of British doctor on conditions in the 3 Beirut refugee camps besieged 2 months ago. According to Dr. Swee Chai Ang, over 1,500 Palestinians are missing, feared to have been kidnapped or killed. Palestinians are still being killed, although war of the camps technically ended in June and the camps of Sabra, Shatila, and Burj al-Barajinah are now protected by Lebanese army and internal security forces [LT 8/4]. Libya, which had threatened toboycott Arab summit, sends senior official [WSJ 8/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Petrol bomb hurled at a border police patrol outside 'Ain Beit al-Ma', near Nablus injures 2 policemen. Curfew is imposed [JP 8/5]. Another petrol bomb incident is reported in Azzariya, near Jerusalem; no injuries reported [JP 8/6]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Najah University is ordered closed for two months, following 7/31 raid in which army officials say they found "inciting" material [FJ 8/9]. Chinese government spokesman denies reports about secret arms deal between China and Israel [NYT 8/3]. Israeli sources confirm top-ranking Israeli diplomat last month paid "private" visit to the Soviet Union [JTA 8/2]. Police at military roadblock outside Jenin detain 12 Kach supporters apparently on their way to Arrabuna, home of three Palestinians suspected of killing two Israeli schoolteachers [JP 8/2]. Curfew on Nablus continues {JP 8/4].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli warplanes destroy headquarters of Syrian Socialist Nationalist party in the Biqa' Valley; group claimed responsibility for suicide car bomb attacks against Israeli troops in security zone. Members of SSNP say some leaders escaped, 2 killed, and 4 injured [NYT 8/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army announces arrest of 3 West Bankers in alleged kidnap-slaying of two Afula teachers. The three, aged 17-19, are arrested at their homes in the village of Arabbuna, near Jenin. Homes of their families are demolished. Arabbuna is placed under curfew [WP 7/29]. Kach movement members along with Temple Mount Faithful group attempt to enter al-Aqsa Mosque compound to pray. Police refuse to allow Kach members in, allow Temple Mount Faithful in on condition they not pray. One man prays near the Dome of the Rock and is forcibly expelled [FJ 8/2]. Israeli newspaper Ha'Aretz finds 70 percent of Israelis favor death penalty for those convicted of politically motivated killings. Minister without Portfolio Moshe Arens, Foreign Minister Shamir, and Deputy Prime Minister David Levy also favor death penalty for such killings [LAT 7/29]. Two Afula teachers are buried; 1,000 extra police and border guards are mobilized to keep the peace. Three police are injured by angry protesters at the funeral [LAT 7/29].

Arab World: Walid Jumblatt and Nabih Birri announce new pact of cooperation called the "National Front," ending 3- month feud; vow to support each other if fighting erupts with pro-Arafat Palestinian factions [CT, MG 7/29]. Artillery and sniper fire break out between East and West Beirut. Car bomb explodes in Shi'ite suburb of Beirut, injuring three [MG 7/29]. King Hussein is first Arab leader to confirm attendence at the upcoming Arab summit meeting in Casablanca [CT 7/29]. A high-level Palestinian delegation led by Faruq al-Qaddumis reported to have arrived in Tripoli, Libya [JP 7/29].

Other Countries: Manila newspaper Bulletin Today reports Israelis are giving military training to young Filipinos on Palawan Island [JP 7/29].

Military Action

Arab World: Two SLA soldiers are killed and 8 taken prisoner in dawn attack by Amal in security zone [LT 7/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli High Court issues order nisi blocking deportation of ex-prisoner Khalid Muhammad Tantash until court hears his case. Tantash was released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange agreement. Last week Tantash was notified through the Red Cross of the Israelis' intention to deport him because he does not have an identity card [FJ 7/26]. Kiryat Arba local council concludes agreement to fire town's Palestinian employees, press institutions to hire only Jewish laborers, and work for total Sabbath observance. Kach party is represented in council [JP 7/21]. Thirteen American black leaders in govemment, civil rights, and the church arrive for ten-day "crash course on Israel" organized by the American-Israel Friendship League [JP 7/19].

Arab World: Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal Hasan 'Ali is quoted as urging U.S. to go ahead with preliminary peace talks with Jordanian-Palestinian delegation despite Israeli objections [JP 7/21].

Military Action

Arab World: Shi'ite militiamen capture 6 SLA soldiers in Markaba village in Israel's security zone, reportedly free 8 held prisoner there [LT 7/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Kach supporters charged with possessing large quantity of arms, supplying them to a fourth who had ammunition [FJ 7/11]. Israeli authorities issue closure order for Hospice Hospital in Jerusalem's Old City. Government will convert it into first aid station [FJ 7/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Min. announces Palestinians returning to occupied territories may now bring in unlimited amount of funds [JP 4/29]. Shu'fat mukhtar receives threatening letter from Kach movement; letter states 4/24 murder of Palestinian taxi driver was in revenge for attacks on Jews [FJ 5/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: RPG fired from Jordan at IDF patrol in Hamat Gader area; no casualties [JP 4/29].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF complete partial pullback from Tyre [JP 4/29]. IDF fire upon Irish UNIFIL truck [BG 4/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports circulate regarding Kach's intent to establish armed patrols in E. Jerusalem to "maintain order" [FJ 4/26]. US State Dept. official Murphy meets with Palestinians from occupied territories to persuade them to join joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation for future peace talks; is told no Palestinian will participate except through the PLO and that the US must not ask for more concessions from the Palestinian people [FJ 5/3].

Other Countries: US columnist Jack Anderson reveals US knew in advance about 9/22/79 joint Israel-S. Africa nuclear test in S. Atlantic [WP 4/26, NYT 5/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Palestinian, Muslim fighters enter Abra, Mieh Mieh village, Qayaa, Hilaliya, Bramiya, Majdalun, Qanah; looting reported [NYT, LAT 4/27]. 4 IDF soldiers wounded as mortar rounds hit IDF position in Tyre. SLA position near Yater attacked; no report of casualties [JP 4/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres issues statement indicating Israeli willingness to meet with Palestinian-Jordanian delegation, without PLO participation, "at any place and at any time" but opposes prior meeting between such delegation and US officials [BG 3/25]. Kach movement demonstrates at Haifa U., Technion; calls for expulsion of Palestinian students identifying with PLO from institutions of higher learning UP 3/25]. Govt. agrees to allow US Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty broadcasts [12/24] from Israel [NYT 3/25]. Interior Ministry approves application by Umm al-Fahm town council for municipal status [FJ 3/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 17-yr.-old Mir'i Salah Farhan shot by IDF during stone-throwing incident at Qalandiya camp [JTA 3/25, FJ 3/29]. Gasoline bomb thrown at IDF patrol in Tulkarm camp; no reported injuries [FJ 3/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Haifa District Court sentences members of PFLP-GC group convicted (1/20) for attempted bombing of Shalom Tower, Tel Aviv to terms ranging from 9-20 yrs. [JP 1/24]. Kach, Tehiya supporters disrupt meeting featuring MK Muhammad Mi'ari, harass him afterwards [FJ 2/1]. IDF destroy 40 dunums of grapevines in Gaza Zaytun bloc; part of steps [see 1/21] to expropriate 5,000 dunums of land south of Gaza city [FJ 2/15].

Arab World: Jordanian parliament amends passport law; Jordanian passport holders seeking to renew passports from abroad now must have applications sent to Amman for screening; authorities there will decide on approval, may require recall of applicant to Jordan; aimed at politically active individuals, especially on W. Bank [FJ 1/25].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA officer dies in booby-trapped car, Kafr Hula, S. Lebanon [JP 1/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cabinet approves 3-stage withdrawal from Lebanon, beginning within 5 wks. and to be completed within 6-9 mos.; DM Rabin states withdrawal not contingent upon coordination with UN, Lebanese [NYT 1/15, WP 1/15]. After receiving threats to leave, Upper Nazareth resident Awni Hanna Roak assaulted outside his home, located in building housing Kach movement election HQ's [FJ 1/25].

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat charges Israel settling Ethiopian Jews on land from which Palestinians have been expelled [GU 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers from Hinanit shoot and injure Palestinian from al-Araka [JP 1/15].

Arab World: 2 IDF troops, including a captain, killed in bombing near al-Ghazi, S. Lebanon; colonel, 6 other Israelis wounded [NYT 1/18, JP 1/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports Sakhnin residents received letters from Kach movement demanding they leave Israel "of their own free will" or face leaving "against their will" [JP 1/1]. Def. Ministry offers to allow burial of Fahd Qawasmeh [assassinated 12/29 in Amman] in W. Bank if 4 Israelis missing in Lebanon are repatriated [NYT 1/2]. IDF arrest 12 during mock funeral for Qawasmeh in Hebron [TS 1/2]. 

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: On 20th anniversary of founding of Fateh, bomb explodes near Jaffa Gate; police defuse bomb near Jerusalem City Hall; grenade thrown at Israeli vehicle in Gaza [JTA 1/2].

Arab World: Bomb explodes near IDF patrol in Sidon, S. Lebanon; 2 civilians injured. Shots fired at IDF patrol near Adousiya, SLA patrol near Jibsheet, S. Lebanon [JP 1/2].