The Palestine Chronology

A bill proposed by the Likud and other right-wing parties that would require a 2/3 majority vote to change the status of Jerusalem fails in the Knesset (52-55, with 2 abstentions). (QY 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MM, WP, WT 2/22)

UNLU leaflet promises that intifada leadership will punish those Palestinians who carry out executions of suspected collabora- tors [NYT 1/1].

Bomb prematurely explodes in West Jerusalem, killing Palestinian who is apparently handling the explosives [JDS 12/31 in FBIS 12/31; NYT, LAT, WT 1/1].

Iraq orders 17-year-olds to report for military duty [BVM 12/31 in FBIS 12/31; LAT 1/1].

Secret meeting takes place in Jerusalem between Major Teddy Kollek and Palestinian activist leader Faisal Husseini. They hold cordial discussion on topics including status of Jerusalem on condition that meeting not be made public immediately (cf. 1/4) [LAT 1/5].

Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics releases year-end figures: economic activity in o.t. has declined sharply; population of Israel rose to 4.8 million [JDS, HAA 1/1 in FBIS 1/3; MEM 1/2].

Economic and Planning Minister David Magen tells Knesset committee that by March 1991, Jews will be a demographic majority in Galilee; Magen announces establishment of Galilee Development Authority [HAA 1/1 in FBIS 1/4].

UNLU issues call no. 66 "denounc[ing] the imperialist role and the hostile policy of the U.S.," and calling on Egypt and Syria to withdraw their forces from Saudi Arabia [BVP 1/2 in FBIS 1/15].

In 21st and deadliest air attack in Lebanon this year, Israeli fighter-bombers kill 12 Fateh militiamen in predawn raid south of Sidon [JAA 12/31 in FBIS 12/31; NYT, WT 1/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin fails to persuade 3 MKs occupying apartment in Hebron to end illegal sit-in [WP 8/20]. Peres says govemment will remain sole body to authorize timing and location of settlement in occupied territories. Four more MKs join the protest sit-in: Yuval Ne'eman, Tehiya; Haim Druckman, Morasha; Benny Shalita and Dov Shilansky, Likud [JP 8/20]. Reports indicate Fara'a prison near Nablus has stepped up use of torture and intimidation. Water is often cut and quality of food is deteriorating. Overcrowding continues [FJ 8/23]. West Bank land dealer Moshe Zar submits defense in 9-month-old suit brought against him by 9 Beersheba residents who say he failed to deliver on IS 54 million of land purchases [JP 8/20]. Rabbi Meir Kahane, founder of Jewish Defense League, states he has resigned as group's leader, in move to save chances of getting visa to the U.S. since Knesset passed bill 7/31 outlawing MKs from having dual citizenship, which Kahane now has. Irv Rubin, 40, is appointed new leader [NYT 8/20].

Other Countries: Pope John Paul II, speaking in Casablanca, Morocco during an unprecedented visit to a Muslim country, states the status of Jerusalem, now under Israeli control, should be reviewed [WP 8/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bomb is thrown at Israeli military vehicle in Gaza Strip between Gaza City and Jabalya refugee camp. No casualties reported [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: SLA militia, trying to retaliate against Shi'ite attacks, mistakenly shell Irish UNIFIL post, narrowly miss killing troops [FT 8/20].