The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish underground member Uri Meir receives presidential pardon and is freed after serving half of his prison sentence. His health is cited as a reason for the pardon [JWP 9/13]. Israel frees remaining 119 Lebanese and Palestinian detainees from Atlit prison near Haifa; they are released in Tyre, Lebanon. They are the last of the group of over 700 prisoners whose release was demanded by the hijackers of TWA Flight 847 in June [NYT, JP 9/11]. "Operation Independence," spearheaded by a group of businessmen from the U.S. and other countries, begins meetings in Jerusalem to plan ways for Israel to reduce its chronic trade deficit and reduce financial dependence on the U.S. by increasing Israeli exports by $500 million, and tourism revenue by another $500 million [WP 9/11].

Other Countries: Jerusalem Post reports Britain has blocked a proposed Israeli sale of 16 U.S.-made Skyhawk jets to Argentina [JP 9/10].

Military Action

Arab World: Syrian observers are deployed around Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp to monitor the 9/9 cease-fire; however, sporadic fighting continues. Palestinian residents are trapped inside the camp. Palestinian homes in mixed neighborhoods outside the camp are looted and burned [MG 9/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce announce the economy ismoving into a recession [JP 8/28]. Defense Week reports U.S. is acting to prevent Israel from concluding $100 million deal to sell old American-built A-4 Skyhawk attack jets to Argentina. Israel reportedly concluded the deal before asking for required "third-party transfer license" from U.S. According to the report, at least 12 A-4s are at Ben-Gurion Airport waiting to be transferred [BG 8/28]. Energy Min. Moshe Shahal announces $5 million international center for solar research will be set up at Sde Boker. First phase will be completed by 1989 [JC 8/29]. IDF artillery corps announces it has developed 2 new pieces of equipment which give Israeli gunners "first shot accuracy" and make maps "almost superfluous" [JTA 8/29].

Military Action

Arab World: Suicide car bomber attacks a SLA post near Jazzin, killing about 15 people, including undetermined number of SLA soldiers. State-owned Lebanese radio says member of "Asad brigade" of Lebanese branch of the Ba'th carried out the attack [FT 8/29]. In Tyre, Amal militiamen take Palestinians atgunpoint from convoy of 113 prisoners released from Atlit prison in Israel and drive off with them, terming them "Israeli collaborators." Some 66 Palestinians were said to have been released from Israel. Most others were said to belong to Hizballah [MG 8/29].

Military Action:

Joint Druze-Phalange committee does not meet as tensions in Chouf run high over kidnappings by both sides; large IDF force patrols area; cease-fire broken near Bhamdoun but reestablished after IDF arrives; IDF truck carrying ammunition goes up in flames near Deir al-Qamar; Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam visits Tripoli, negotiates immediate cease-fire after 4 hour meeting with local leaders.

Casualties:

IDF planning to reopen former PLO school at el-Mahshuk, near Tyre (many refugees still live in other schools, preventing reopening); students on strike in Chouf area; 2 killed, 25 wounded in Chouf; 3 IDF soldiers wounded in truck explosion.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon declines to testify again before Commisison of Inquiry; Chief of Staff Eitan, Director of Military Intelligence Saguy, head of Mossad, and Sharon's civilian aide Dudai all decide to give additional evidence or to cross-examine witnesses; Shamir meets with Argentine president and foreign minister to discuss Lebanese war, Malvinas, "disappeared" Israeli citizens, ends visit amid indications Argentina will seek large arms purchases; majority of World Zionist Congress vote for resolution, proposed by Labor Party, calling for peace settlement based on "territorial compromise," but parliamentary maneuvering blocks formal adoption.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat meets with former World Jewish Congress president Philip Klutznik in Tunis; Lebanese Foreign Minister Salem meets with Reagan, asks for more troops, also says Colombia, Brazil and Portugal have been asked to donate troops; Gemayel and Wazzan meet with Draper to discuss US proposal of partial withdrawal as first step to create momentum; to seek solution to disagreement on venue of peace talks; Draper departs to join Habib in Israel; Gemayel telephones Assad following meeting.

Arab Governments: Syria sends two high-level delegates to Tripoli port to try to end fighting.

US and Other Countries: Presidential adviser Edwin Meese says US will sell arms to Jordan without demanding its participation in peace talks, says issues unrelated; Honduran foreign minister denies arms deal with Israel but expects agreement on economic and technical assistance; Habib arrives in Israel; Britain postpones trade envoy's visit to Saudi Arabia in wake of tensions from postponing visit by Arab League delegation including PLO representative.