The Palestine Chronology

The IDF makes 3 air strikes on a site nr. Khan Yunis, killing 1 Islamic Jihad mbr., and wounding at least 2. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and Ramallah in the morning. (HA, REU, VOA 11/5; PCHR 11/17; OCHA 11/18)

In the West Bank, the IDF begins work on a new electricity network on Palestinian land to supply Jewish settlements n. and s. of Hebron; enters Thinnaba and Izbat al-Jarad villages nr. Tulkarm in the evening, patrolling the streets and firing percussion grenades; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Ramallah, in Nablus, nr. Jenin. The IDF also demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Silwan and Sur Bahir in East Jerusalem, displacing 21 Palestinians. (OCHA 3/4; PCHR 3/5; OCHA 3/10)

In Sharm al-Shaykh, Egypt and Norway host an international donor conference to raise $2 b. for the reconstruction of Gaza. In total, 75 states pledge more than $4 b. (WP 3/2; HA, WP, WT 3/3; see also VOA 2/27, WP 3/1)

After attending the donor conference, U.S. Secy. of State Hillary Clinton arrives in Israel for 3 days of talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. (IFM 3/3; NYT, WP, WTW 3/4; NYT, WP 3/5; WT 3/11)

On the 6th anniversary of the Oslo I signing, Israel, the PA hold ceremony at Erez crossing to mark official resumption of final status talks. PA chief negotiator Abbas, Israeli FM Levy host the event. U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross, Russian FMin. dir. for the Middle East Alexander Saltanov, EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos attend. (MM 9/13; XIN 9/13 in WNC 9/14; NYT, WP, WT 9/14; ITAR-TASS, SA, al-Wafd 9/14 in WNC 9/15; VOA 9/15 in WNC 9/16; WJW 9/16; MEI 9/17; JP 9/24)

While the Erez ceremony is taking place, Barak convenes ministerial comm. on Jerusalem to discuss consolidating Israel sovereignty over Jerusalem "especially in this year of intensive discussions on the permanent status agreement." (MM 9/14)

PA Culture and Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbuh says that the PA will not unilaterally declare a Palestinian state before the end of the 1-yr. period allotted under Wye II for completion of a final status agmt. (AFP 9/14 in WNC 9/15; WT 9/15; VOA 9/15 in WNC 9/16)

King Abdallah of Jordan arrives in Lebanon for 2 days of talks, meets with PM Salim al-Huss. Abdallah focuses on expanding Jordan's economic and political relations with Lebanon and Syria, says the 3 countries have a "strategic interest" in coordinating their positions on the peace process, especially on refugees, water. (MM 9/13; RL 9/13 in WNC 9/14; JT, RL, VOL 9/14 in WNC 9/15; NYT 9/15)

Muslim Brotherhood head `Abd al-Majid Dhunaybat meets with Jordanian PM `Abd al-Rauf al-Rawabida to mediate a reconciliation btwn. Hamas, the Jordanian government. (MM 9/13; al-Istiqlal 9/16 in WNC 9/26; SA 9/21 in WNC 9/24; AFP 9/25 in WNC 9/27; WT 9/26) (see 9/4)

Israel releases 1st 199 of 350 Palestinian prisoners, 4 days late by the new Wye II timetable. (MM 9/9; NYT, WP, WT 9/10; VOA 9/10 in WNC 9/13; JP 9/17)

Israel turns over to Arafat the maps of the 1st stage of the Wye II FRD. (WT 9/10)

Israel seals borders with the West Bank, Gaza for Rosh Hashanah. (MM 9/9; NYT 9/10)

Russia signs contract to build $60-m. power station for Jordan. (ITAR-TASS 9/9 in WNC 9/13)

Barak, Arafat meet at Erez crossing for 1st Israeli-PA summit on the peace process in 7 mos. Barak says he will move quickly to implement the Wye accord, but defers discussion on settlements and all other issues until he returns fr. his mtgs. with Pres. Clinton in the U.S. next wk. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP 7/12; VOA 7/12 in WNC 7/13; al-Quds 7/12 in WNC 7/15; MEI 7/16)

Despite Pres. Khatami's dismissal of senior police officials responsible for storming a Tehran University dormitory on 7/9, 15,000 students there continue to demonstrate. Students in towns across Iran hold "sympathy marches" in solidarity with the Tehran rally. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/12; GIU 7/13; MEI 7/16)

Anticipating resumption of negotiations, Arafat meets with King Abdallah in Gaza to set a common agenda, discuss possible 5-way summit (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, PA, Syria). PA informs Israel that it would not reject Jordanian participation in final status talks on Jerusalem. (al-Quds 5/26 in WNC 5/27; al-Bayan 5/26, VOA 5/28 in WNC 6/1; MM, NYT 5/27; JP 6/4)

PM Netanyahu appears in public, convenes his inner cabinet for the 1st time since the 5/17 election. The Israeli media has accused him of abandoning his office, which he holds until Barak forms a government. (NYT, WP 5/27)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA mbr. is killed, 2 are wounded when a rocket fired by Hizballah hits their car. 2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed by IDF shelling. (NYT 5/27)

In Berlin, the EU issues its most far-reaching statement to date on Palestinian rights, recommends final status talks be completed within a yr. Arafat welcomes the statement. PM Netanyahu accuses the EU of jeopardizing Israel's existence. (MEI, MM, PR, WP, WT 3/26; RJ 3/26, RE, VOA 3/27, YA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; TJT 3/26, MENA, Le Monde 3/29 in WNC 3/30; WP 3/27; MM 3/29; MEI 4/9; al-Ahram 4/26 in WNC 4/29; PR 4/23)

PA releases Hamas spokesman Mahmud Zahhar, arrested 45 days ago for treating a Hamas fugitive who escaped after killing a PA policeman in 2/99. (NYT 3/27; MEI 4/23) (see 2/13)

Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 2 IDF soldiers. (RL 3/26 in WNC 3/29)

Refugee Working Group holds 2 mtgs. in Paris to follow up on family reunification talks. (al-Hayat 3/22; MM 4/6)

Jordan, Egypt, PA hold long-delayed tripartite coordination mtg. in Amman to discuss the post-Oslo period (MENA, RJ, VOA 3/20, al-Quds 3/21 in WNC 3/22; WT 3/21; JT 3/22 in WNC 3/23)

In Athens, Arafat meets with Greek pres. Kostis Stephanopoulos. (Athens News Agency 3/21 in WNC 3/22)

The PA releases 2 Palestinian political detainees. 1 of the prisoners, Harb al-Daqs, had been held without charge for 3 yrs. (PR 3/26)

Following cooperation talks with the Muslim Brotherhood's Islamic Action Front (IAF) party, Jordan's main opposition party, King Abdallah releases 15 Islamists who were detained over the past few wks. for security reasons, orders general amnesty to coincide with upcoming Id al-Adha holiday under which some 600 prisoners will be freed. (AFP 3/20 in WNC 3/22)

Lebanese military court sentences 6 persons to death for collaborating with Israel. (MENA 3/20 in WNC 3/22)

Arafat meets with Spanish FM Abel Matutes in Madrid. (RNE International [Madrid] 3/16 in WNC 3/19; WT 3/17)

U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross makes last minute trip to Madrid to meet with Arafat regarding his upcoming mtg. in Washington with Pres. Clinton on 3/23. (RNE International [Madrid] 3/16 in WNC 3/19; NYT 3/17)

U.S. House of Representatives approves (380-24) a resolution urging Pres. Clinton to oppose any unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. (WP 3/17; WJW 2/18; MM 3/19, 3/22)

On his 1st trip abroad as head of state, King Abdullah of Jordan goes to Cairo, where he, Egyptian pres. Mubarak discuss peace process and economics, inaugurate $229 m. electricity grid linking Jordan, Egypt. (MENA, RJ, VOA 3/16 in WNC 3/17; MM, WP 3/17)

After mtg. with Palestinian notables in Rafah, Arafat stays the execution of PA police officer sentenced 3/10, orders a further investigation, releases all Palestinians detained during recent demonstrations. Arafat then leaves for a tour of the Gulf, Europe to continue consultations on Palestinian statehood with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Finland, Norway, Spain. (MM 3/16; CSM 3/18; VOA 3/18 in WNC 3/19; PR 3/19; MEI 3/26)

Overnight, Israel deploys helicopters to hover over Beirut, areas in n., e. Lebanon, threatening attack. Helicopters return to bases around 4 a.m., but Lebanese forces remain on high alert. Hizballah attacks an SLA post in s. Lebanon, wounding 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 3/13 in WNC 3/16; WT 3/14)

In London, Arafat meets with British PM Tony Blair. (SA 3/11 in WNC 3/12; VOA 3/18 in WNC 3/19; PR 3/19)

For 2d day in Gaza, PA police clash with 100s of Palestinians protesting PA police shooting of demonstrators 3/10. PA declares area a closed military zone, confiscates film fr. 6 photographers, detain 3 journalists. More than 50 Palestinians, including 17 policemen, are injured. (WT 3/12; RMC 3/12 in WNC 3/16; PR 3/19; MEI 3/26)

U.S. Senate approves (98-1) resolution urging Pres. Bill Clinton not to recognized a unilaterally declared Palestinian state. (RMC 3/12 in WNC 3/16; al-Jazira 3/13 in WNC 3/17; al-Quds 3/17 in WNC 3/22; WJW 3/18; PR 3/19) (see Doc. C3)

Iranian pres. Khatami meets with Pope John Paul II. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/12; MM 3/15)

On the last day of his regional tour, U.S. Defense Secy. Cohen stops in Egypt, pays courtesy call on PM Netanyahu in Israel. (MM 3/11; MENA 3/11 in WNC 3/12; NYT, WP, WT 3/12; WT 3/13; al-Quds 3/13 in WNC 3/17; MM 3/17; al-Watan al-Arabi 3/26 in WNC 4/5)

Saudi Arabia signs protocol with Afghanistan's Taliban under which only Taliban-certified Afghans may participate in the Hajj, lending credence to rumors that the Taliban broke with Saudi dissident Bin Laden a mo. or so ago, is no longer providing him safe haven. (GIU 3/16; see NYT 3/4)

In Amman, Turkey, Jordan hold talks in the context of their security cooperation agmt. on combatting terrorism, drug smuggling, organized crime. (ATL 3/12 in WNC 3/16)

Turkish lawyer Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu agrees to take up Ocalan's defense again but says that he still does not feel secure. (NYT 3/12) (see 2/25)

Hizballah attacks a South Lebanon Army (SLA) post in s. Lebanon, wounding 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 3/11 in WNC 3/12)

Arafat meets with King Abdullah in Amman. (VOA 3/18 in WNC 3/19; PR 3/19)

In Gaza, a Palestinian security court sentences to death a PA policeman for killing a fellow policeman, sparking demonstrations across Gaza by Palestinians who feel that the court decision was made under pressure fr. the murdered man's influential family, not based on evidence. PA police fatally shoot 2 demonstrators, wound several others. (PCHR 3/10; NYT, WP 3/11; CSM 3/18; PR 3/19; MEI 3/26)

U.S. Defense Secy. Cohen leaves Kuwait for Amman to discuss with King Abdallah the $200 m. military aid package now before Congress. (MM 3/10; RJ, Xinhua 3/10 in WNC 3/11; MM, NYT, WP 3/11; MEI 3/12)

Rana Raslan becomes 1st Israeli Arab to win Miss Israel beauty contest. PM Netanyahu claims her victory proves that Israeli Arabs are treated as equals to Jews, but 64% of Israeli Jews polled say they cannot accept Raslan as representing Israel. (NYT, WP 3/11; MM 3/12; WJW 3/18; JP 3/19; WT 4/6)

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)

The Israeli cabinet votes unanimously (with 1 abstention) to PM Netanyahu's request to suspend Wye implementation until the PA meets his 12 new conditions, setting showdown with the Knesset 12/21. (WP, WT 12/21; MA, VOA 12/21 in WNC 12/22; NYT 12/22) (see 12/16)

A small bomb explodes at a gate of Jerusalem's Old City, injuring 1 Israeli, who is arrested on suspicion of attempting to harm Palestinians. (WT 12/21)

More than 10,000 Jordanians take part in pro-Iraq demonstrations in Amman. (RJ 12/20 in WNC 12/22)

In s. Lebanon, 2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed by IDF shelling. (RL 12/20 in WNC 12/22)

Car bomb explodes in Jerusalem market, wounding 21. The 2 suicide bombers were jailed previously as mbrs. of Islamic Jihad. Israeli cabinet puts off vote on Wye agmt. PM Netanyahu suspends implementation until he is satisfied that the PA is taking sufficient steps against terrorism. (MM 11/6; AFP, IDF Radio, ITV 11/6, JT, MENA, al-Ra'i 11/7, ITV, SA 11/8, ITV, al-Majd, VIRI, VOA 11/9 in WNC 11/12; NYT, WP, WT 11/7; NYT, WP 11/8; CSM, MM 11/9; al-Akhbar, YA 11/10 in WNC 11/13; MM 11/11; JP, MEI 11/16)

PA arrests 7 DFLP, PFLP mbrs. who speak out against the Wye agmt. 3 are released later in the day. (PCHR 11/8)

Israel confirms that its citizens were stealing topsoil fr. s. Lebanon, says IDF will prevent future thefts. (NYT, WP 11/7; RL 11/7 in WNC 11/12; RL 11/10 in WNC 11/13; WT 11/11) (see 11/3)

PM Netanyahu postpones cabinet discussion of Wye agmt. for 4th time, saying he will not convene cabinet until the PA clarifies when it will arrest 30 wanted Palestinians. Arafat accuses Netanyahu of adding new conditions to try to wreck the agmt. U.S. says Israel is seeking "extrapolations of commitments." (ITV, RE 11/4 in WNC 11/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/5; SA 11/6 in WNC 11/12) (see 11/3)

In Cairo, PA Planning M Nabil Shaath, negotiator Qurai` discuss Israeli delays in Wye implementation with Pres. Mubarak, FM Musa; ask for Egypt's continued support of the PA. (MENA, RE 11/4, VOA 11/5 in WNC 11/6)

PKK leader Ocalan asks Russia for political asylum. (ATL 11/4 in WNC 11/6; NYT 11/5; ATL 11/6 in WNC 11/12) (see 10/20)

An SLA convoy triggers 2 roadside bombs nr. Jazzin in s. Lebanon, killing 3 SLA mbrs., wounding 1. (VOL 11/4)

PM Netanyahu cancels 10/29 Knesset vote on the Wye agmt. (which is expected to pass easily), predicting that the PA will not meet a 11/2 deadline to present the U.S. with a security work plan. (NYT, WP, WT 10/28; al-Ahram 10/28, VOA 10/29 in WNC 10/30; MM 10/29, 10/30; ITV 10/31, AFP 11/1 in WNC 11/6)

Israel begins construction of water reservoir for Almon settlement, Anaton IDF camp nr. Ramallah that will require confiscation of 100s of dunams of Palestinian land. Nr. Hebron, settlers place 3 trailers on 100 dunums of confiscated land for establishment of new Yatta settlement. (PR 11/6)

PA police arrests 2 Palestinians for 10/26 settler murder in Hebron. Israelis have not found killers of Palestinian slain in reprisal attack nr. Nablus, where today Palestinian protesters clash with IDF soldiers, leaving 9 injured. In addition, Fatah enforces general strikes in Bethlehem, Nablus to protest the PA's 10/25 raid on its Ramallah office. (AFP [Internet] 10/27; IDF Radio, ITV 10/27 in WNC 10/29; NYT, WP 10/28; PR 10/30; JP 11/9)

In Sidon, a car bomb explodes, killing an Islamic Jihad official, wounding 3. An SLA mbr. is killed in a Hizballah attack in s. Lebanon. (VOL 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MA 10/28 in WNC 10/29; RL 10/28 in WNC 10/30; RL 10/31 in WNC 11/6)

Pres. Clinton, King Hussein rejoin Wye talks. By evening, some agmts. have been reached, others are near. Over dinner, King Hussein gives an "impassioned speech," calling on Arafat, Netanyahu to keep making progress. Egypt's Mubarak phones Clinton to discuss the talks. (MM 10/22; VOA 10/22 in WNC 10/23; ITV, MENA 10/22 in WNC 10/26; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; JT, JTV, al-Ra'i 10/22, Shihan 10/24 in WNC 10/23 [dates as published]; JTV 10/22, IDF Radio 10/23 in WNC 10/26; NYT 10/25)

State Dept., White House meet with major U.S. oil companies to press them to build a pipeline to bring Caspian crude fr. Azerbaijan to Turkey, avoiding Russia, Iran. Oil companies do not believe the region can export enough oil in the nr. future to justify the $3.7-b. project, which the U.S. does not want to fund. (WP 10/28; MEI, WP, WT 10/30) (see 10/21)

An Israeli court orders 3 border policemen detained on suspicion of having shot at a Palestinian van 10/18. (WP 10/23) (see 10/21)

Israeli police arrest a mbr. of a right-wing Jewish group for carrying out 7 knife attacks on Palestinians in Jerusalem btwn. 11/97 and 5/98, killing 1. (AFP [Internet] 10/22)

PA, Israeli security teams work on draft security MOU. (QY 10/15 in WNC 10/16) (see 10/6)

Unidentified gunmen open fire on 2 Israelis at a spring nr. Jerusalem, killing 1. IDF places curfew on the nearby Palestinian village of Walaja. (MM 10/13; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/14; MA 10/14 in WNC 10/16; CSM, WJW 10/15; JP 10/29)

Turkish DM Ismet Sezgin says that PKK leader Ocalan has left Syria, that Syria has closed some PKK camps, which could help defuse tensions. Meanwhile, Ocalan tells PKK mbrs. to prepare for end to cease-fire on Turkey (see 9/1). (ATL, MIL 10/13 in WNC 10/14; MM, WP, WT 10/14; MENA, MIL, VOA 10/14 in WNC 10/15; ATL 10/15 in WNC 10/16; HUR 10/19 in WNC 10/20; MED Television 10/19 in WNC 10/22) (see 10/12)

Lebanese parliament amends the constitution to allow the election of Gen. Lahoud as the next pres. on 10/15. Only 4 legislators, all associated with Druze leader Walid Junblatt, opposed amending article 49, which requires senior public employees to leave their posts 2 yrs. before seeking the presidency. (RL 10/13 in WNC 10/14; WP, WT 10/14; al-Quds al-Arabi 10/14 in WNC 10/27) (see 10/5)

Israel eases closure on the occupied territories, allowing 25,000 Palestinian workers, 8,000 businessmen into Israel; but says it will not be lifted until after Washington talks. The curfew on Palestinians in Israeli-controlled Hebron, imposed 9/30, is lifted. (HA [Internet] 10/13; ITV 10/14 in WNC 10/16; NYT 10/15; MEI 10/16)

PM Netanyahu appoints current Infrastructures M Sharon as FM and chief negotiator with the Palestinians to head upcoming Washington talks, final status negotiations. He also keeps his position as infrastructures M. (MM 10/9; ITV, RMC 10/9, JT, MENA, al-Nahar, al-Ra'i 10/10, al-Akhbar, Petra-JNA, al-Ra'i, VOA 10/11 in WNC 10/14; NYT, WP, WT 10/10; WT 10/11; MM 10/12; CSM 10/14; MM, WJW 10/15; MEI, PR 10/16; MA 10/16 in WNC 10/19; JP 10/17, 10/29) (see 10/8)

In Ankara, Iranian FM Kharrazi discusses Turkish-Syrian tensions with Turkish FM Cem, then phones Egyptian FM Musa to brief him on his mediation efforts. (IRIB Television, IRNA, MENA, SANA 10/9 in WNC 10/14; IRNA 10/15 in WNC 10/16)

Yemen, Eritrea accept ruling of a London-based international arbitration panel that Eritrea should return most islands in the disputed Red Sea Hanish Archipelago that it occupied in 1995. (MM 10/12; JT 10/13 in WNC 10/14)

In continuing clashes in Hebron, 32 Palestinians are wounded by rubber bullets fired by the IDF. (NYT 10/10)

A Palestinian stabs to death an IDF soldier as she gets off a bus in Tomer settlement nr. Jericho. (MM 10/9; NYT, WP 10/10; PR 10/16)

A Palestinian woman dies of complications during labor when the IDF refuses to let her through a checkpoint to reach the Hebron hospital due to the ongoing closure. (PR 10/16) (see 9/22)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak meets with Syrian pres. Asad in Damascus on 1st leg of shuttle aimed at reducing avoiding military conflict btwn. Syria, Turkey. Syria also accepts Iran's offer to mediate. To reassure Syria, Israel scales back its routine maneuvers in the Golan. (IRIB Television, Radio Kuwait, SATN 10/4, ATL, MENA, RL, VOA 10/5 in WNC 10/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; HUR, Sabah 10/5, MA, al-Quds 10/6 in WNC 10/7; al-Quds al-Arabi 10/5 in WNC 10/14; MM 10/6, 10/7; WP 10/8) (see 10/3)

U.S. holds 1-day naval exercise with Algeria as part of a quiet effort to rebuild ties; says maneuvers are a reward to Algeria for allowing foreign groups to investigate human rights allegations, not backing of it's war against Islamists. However, State Dept. says that "we're not going to . . . join their war until we're sure they are for reform and the human rights situation gets better." (WP 11/12)

Clashes btwn. Palestinians, IDF continue in Hebron, spread to Halhul. IDF says curfew will remain in place indefinitely. PSF arrests 2 prominent Hamas activists, 10 other suspected Hamas mbrs. in Hebron. (ITV 10/4 in WNC 10/6; HA [Internet] 10/6; PR 10/9)

Jewish settlers at the Ma'ate Hever settlement nr. Hebron move their boundary fences to enclose another 7 acres of Palestinian land. (MEI 10/16)

Pres. Clinton agrees to send special envoy Ross to the Middle East next wk. as part of a renewed U.S. mediation effort aimed at reaching a PA-Israeli FRD agmt. (MM 9/3; MA, YA 9/3 in WNC 9/4; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/4; IDF Radio 9/4 in WNC 9/8; WT 9/5; ITV, YA 9/6, ITV 9/7, VOA 9/8 in WNC 9/9; al-Ba`th 9/6 in WNC 9/11; WJW 9/10; JP 9/12)

Syria opens a trade center in Iraq. (WP 9/4)

Israeli authorities begin construction of new housing units on confiscated Palestinian land to expand the West Bank settlement of Mihula. (al-Quds 9/3 in WNC 9/9)

The Israeli daily Ma'ariv reports that PM Netanyahu, Labor Chmn Barak recently held (beginning 7/12) a series of detailed secret talks at a Mossad location in central Israel on possibility of forming a unity government. (MM 8/10, 8/14)

In Tel Aviv, Israel, Russia open talks on establishing bilateral consular relations. (ITAR-TASS 8/10 in WNC 8/11; Vesti 8/13 in WNC 8/14; Interfax 8/28 in WNC 8/20) (see 8/8)

U.S. gives Jordan a $54.3-m. grant to help cover costs of Jordan's international debt, economic reform programs, employment generation. (RJ 8/10 in WNC 8/12)

In Tehran, Jordan, Iran discuss expanding technical, industrial cooperation. After mtgs., Jordanian FM Anani leaves for Bahrain. (IRNA, RMC 8/10 in WNC 8/11; JTV 8/11, VOA 8/12 in WNC 8/13) (see 8/9)

An IDF soldier, 1 Hizballah mbr. are injured during a clash in s. Lebanon. (RL 8/10 in WNC 8/11)

Knesset wins support (42-20; with 58 MKs abstaining or absent) for 3 no-confidence motions accusing PM Netanyahu of hindering peace talks with the PA, but motions fail to secure the 61-vote simple majority for passage, ousting the government. (MM, WP 7/28)

PM Netanyahu says that Israel is offering the PA a "10 + 3" FRD formula, is still demanding that the full PNC convene to void the PLO charter. He promises that if the government reaches an agmt. with the PA during the 3-mo. Knesset recess (7/30-10/18), the government will convene the Knesset immediately to discuss, approve the deal. (IGPO, MM 7/27)

In Paris, Egyptian FM Musa opens 2 days of talks with French FM Hubert Vedrine on the peace process, possible international summit. (MENA 7/27 in WNC 7/28; MENA 7/27, AFP, MENA 7/28 in WNC 7/29; MENA 7/28, VOA 7/29 in WNC 7/30)

In West Jerusalem, a Palestinian is stabbed, injured by a Jewish settler, who is captured and arrested. (PR 7/31)

Al-Quds al-Arabi quotes sources as confirming that the exiled Saudi opposition has initiated extensive contacts with Yemen regarding possibility of setting up a base nr. the Saudi border. Yemen has already accused Saudi Arabia of funding, supplying, housing Yemeni opposition groups. (MM, WT 7/27; al-Quds al-Arabi 7/27 in GIU 7/29; MM 7/29, 8/3, 8/10) (see 7/26)

Syria's Pres. Asad arrives in France for 2 days of talks with Pres. Chirac on the peace process, the French-Egyptian proposal for an international summit (see 5/18). This is Asad's 1st trip to a Western nation in 22 yrs. (MM 7/16; AFP 7/16 in WNC 7/20; MEI, MM, WT 7/17; AFP 7/17 in WNC 7/20; NYT 7/18; SANA, SATN, VOA 7/18 MA 7/19, Les Echos 7/20 in WNC 7/21; WT 7/21; Tishrin 7/21 in WNC 7/24; MM 7/23; al-Watan al-Arabi 7/24 in WNC 7/28; MM 7/27; MEI 7/31)

In Gaza, PA Local Government M Erakat, Egyptian Amb. to Israel Muhammad Basyuni discuss peace process, upcoming resumption of PA-Israel talks. (MENA 7/16 in WNC 7/20)

Palestinian land dealer Badawi Jawlani, suspected of selling Palestinian land to Jews, is found murdered nr. Ramallah. (YA 7/17 in WNC 7/20) (see 6/10/97)

Israeli, U.S. officials say that they expect a conclusion to FRD negotiations by the end of the mo. Secy. Albright has spoken with PM Netanyahu 7 times in the past wk.; some conversations have been "heated." (NYT 7/12)

Egyptian FM Musa arrives in Washington for 4 days of high-level talks with the U.S. on bilateral relations, the peace process, including possible reduction in aid to Egypt. (RE, SA 7/10 in WNC 7/13; MENA, VOA 7/11, RE 7/12 in WNC 7/14; al-Riyad 7/12 in WNC 7/16; MM, WT 7/13; al-Ahram 7/14 in WNC 7/15; WP 7/15; WT 7/16; MEI 7/17)

In Amman, 2 days of elections for the Muslim Brotherhood's 45-mbr. Shura Council end. Preliminary data suggests that traditional balance of power in the movement will be maintained despite solidification of a new centrist grouping. (JT 7/11, al-Aswaq, al-Dustur 7/12 in WNC 7/14; JT 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MM 7/15; JT, SA 7/25 in WNC 7/28; al-Ra'i 8/3 in WNC 8/6; MM 8/6)

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)

Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, the PA, the Arab League hold mtg. in Lebanon to prepare for Euro-Mediterranean meeting next wk. in Italy; also discuss possible Arab summit on the peace process. (SANA 6/1, RL, VOL 6/2 in WNC 6/3; WT 6/2; MM 6/4; al-Jumhuriyya 6/6 in WNC 6/9)

In Amman, Jordan's King Hussein opens 2 days of talks with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah on possibility of holding an Arab summit. (MM 6/1; al-Aswaq, JTV, MBC, RJ 6/1, AFP, al-Dustur, RJ 6/2 in WNC 6/3; VOA 6/3 in WNC 6/4; al-Ittihad,al-Ra'i 6/3, al-Ra'i 6/5 in WNC 6/8, 6/9; MM 6/12; al-Watan al-Arabi 6/12 in WNC 6/15; MEI 6/19)

U.S. Supreme Court rules (6-3) to send case against AIPAC brought by 6 fmr. government officials back to the Federal Election Comm. (FEC) for a decision based on new election laws. The 6 officials, led by James Akins, claim that AIPAC should be treated legally as a political action comm., meaning its membership lists, donations records would be made public. (WJW 6/4) (see 1/14)

Nr. Hebron, Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba set fire to 2 Palestinian-owned cars. (WT 6/3)

In New York, PM Netanyahu meets with UN Secy. Gen. Annan, restates plans to withdraw fr. s. Lebanon but gives no time frame. (NYT, WP, WT 5/16)

Jordanian PM Anani arrives in Cairo to give FM Musa a message fr. King Hussein to Pres. Mubarak regarding their next steps in the peace process. (VOA 5/13 in WNC 5/14) (al-Ahram 5/14 in WNC 5/15)

In Geneva, UN Committee Against Torture convenes to discuss Israel's use of torture against Palestinian detainees. (Human Rights Watch press release 5/15)

Responding to the 5/14 violence, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mary Robinson calls on Israel to respect the Palestinians' right of peaceful assembly, avoid excessive use of military force. (WP, WT 5/16)

Reacting to 5/14 clashes, Palestinians leaving Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque throw stones fr. the mosque compound at Jews at the Wailing Wall below, causing no injures. In Hebron, IDF troops open fire on stone-throwing Palestinians along the dividing line btwn. PA, Jewish sectors, wounding an Israeli newspaper photographer. Similar clashes occur in Nablus. In Gaza, 100s of Palestinians attend funeral for nurse killed 5/14 while trying to evacuate the injured. In the Galilee, Israeli Arabs hold peaceful march to mark al-Nakba (see 4/14). (MM 5/15; ITV 5/15 in WNC 5/18; NYT, WP, WT 5/16)

Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon observe general strike to commemorate al-Nakba. (RL 5/15 in WNC 5/18)

In Cairo, 800 Egyptians hold rally at al-Azhar Mosque to mark 50th anniversary of al-Nakba, protest Israeli policies toward the Palestinians. (AFP, MENA 5/15 in WNC 5/18)

Israel's Cabinet Secy. Dani Nave visits Pollard to inform him of Netanyahu's 5/11 decision to recognize him as an Israeli agent. (ITV 5/15 in WNC 5/18; WP 5/17)

In London, Secy. Albright holds very brief final mtgs. with Arafat, Netanyahu. Albright sets deadline, summoning Arafat, Netanyahu to Washington 5/11. Acceptance of the "invitation" would require both sides to agree to the U.S. 13.1% FRD proposal (which Netanyahu still claims is impossible); and to begin accelerated final status negotiations at the 5/11 mtg., in advance of the redeployments. Arafat agrees, but Netanyahu says he must consult his cabinet at its weekly session 5/10. If Netanyahu fails to come to Washington, administration officials say they would be forced to "reevaluate and reexamine our role" in the peace process. Following the announcement, CPMAJO demands a conference call with Albright 5/6 to denounce pressure on Israel. (MM 5/5; IDF Radio, JTV 5/5, al-Dustur, MENA, VOL, YA 5/6, VOA 5/7 in WNC 5/8; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/6; NYT 5/7; CSM, MEI, MM, PR 5/8)

U.S., PA, Israeli teams stay in London to try to bridge gaps on FRD. U.S. delegation presents Netanyahu's C-plus idea to the PA team, which rejects it. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/6)

In Beirut, FM Buwayz discusses Israel's conditional withdrawal proposal with Chinese amb. An Huihou. China says it supports Lebanon's position but does not promise to use its veto should any amendments to UN Res. 425 come before the UNSC. (al-Safir 5/6 in WNC 5/8)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin arrives in the UAE. (MM 5/7; al-Bayan [Dubai] 5/10 in WNC 5/13; MM 5/12)

Kuwait allows families of 25 Jordanians still detained for allegedly collaborating with Iraq during the Gulf War to fly to Kuwait to visit their relatives. (al-Ra'i 5/5 in WNC 5/8) (see 4/27)

PA GIS agents arrest without charge Reuters reporter Abbas al-Moumani, who delivered Hamas video tape to the PA on 4/9. (LAW 5/8)