The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts synchronized late-night house searches in 4 villages south and west of Jenin, arresting only 1 Palestinian; conducts other late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya. Palestinians in Yasuf receive Israel’s chief rabbi Yona Metzger, who requested permission to make an official visit to condemn the 12/11 arson and vandalism attack on the village mosque by Jewish settlers. In Gaza, 10,000s of Palestinians rally to mark Hamas’s 22d anniversary. In the West Bank, the PA security forces (PASF) begin rounding up Hamas mbrs. to prevent anniversary rallies there. (NYT, WP, WT 12/15; OCHA, PCHR 12/16; WJW 12/17)

A Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) suicide bomber dressed as an IDF soldier detonates a device in a Netanya market, killing 2 Israelis, wounding 50. The PFLP says the attack is to protest the PA's continued detention of the group's leader, Ahmad Saadat, under U.S.-British supervision in connection with the 10/01 PFLP assassination of Tourism M Rehavam Ze'evi. The IDF sends tanks, APCs into Ramallah after shots are fired at a Jewish settler driving nearby; troops withdraw to the outskirts of the city a short time later. The IDF also makes incursions into several villages nr. Hebron, Tulkarm; partially demolishes 2 factories, bulldozes a strip of agricultural land, 7 greenhouses nr. Qarni crossing in Gaza; lifts a week-long 24 hr. curfew on the al-Mawasi area of Gaza. (AP, Palestine Media Center 5/19; AFP 5/19 in WNC 5/20; NYT, WP, WT 5/20; Interfax 5/20 in WNC 5/21; WT 5/21; LAW 5/22; JPI 5/31)

Israel releases tenders for the construction of 957 housing units in Jewish settlements. (HA 5/19; WT 5/21)

The European Union (EU) says that Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain have agreed to take the 13 Palestinians deported to Cyprus on 5/10 as part of the Israeli-PA deal to end the Church of the Nativity stand-off. (AFP, CNA 5/19 in WNC 5/20; NYT 5/20)

Around 90 Peruvian converts to Judaism are airlifted to Israel to take up residence in Alon Shvut, Karmei Tzur settlements. The Ashkenazi chief rabbinate sent a delegation of rabbis on a 2 wk. mission to impoverished rural areas Peru in early 5/02 to convert anyone "who said they were willing to immigrate to Israeli immediately." (HA 7/19; WT 7/24)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes diminish overall, though sharp fighting is reported on the Gaza coast. (WP 11/4)

On the sidelines of a Euro-Mediterranean economic conference in Spain, Spanish PM José María Aznar hosts a working lunch with Arafat, Peres, Mubarak to discuss the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Although Peres lacks a mandate fr. Sharon to conduct negotiations, the men reportedly hold "serious and intense" talks on the situation. (AFP, MM, REU 11/2; RNE 11/2 in WNC 11/3; MENA 11/2, EFE [Madrid], RNE 11/3 in WNC 11/5; WT 11/3) (see 10/30)

The U.S. widens its campaign to freeze "terrorist" assets to include all groups on the State Dept. list of "terrorist" orgs., including Hamas, Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP. (NYT, WP 11/3; WJW 11/8; SAF 11/8 in WNC 11/9; MM 11/13; SA 11/13 in WNC 11/14; JT 11/19 in WNC 11/20) (see 9/24)

Based on new intelligence information, the IDF chief rabbi officially declares dead the 3 IDF soldiers kidnapped by Hizballah in 10/00. (MM 11/2; WP 11/3)

Before leaving Cairo, Arafat discuss the peace process with Arab League secy.-gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid. (MENA 3/23 in WNC 3/27)

Syrian FM Shara`, Russian FM Ivanov discuss the Syrian-Israeli negotiations by phone. (Interfax 3/23 in WNC 3/27)

The pope spends the day in Israel, visiting Yad Vashem, meeting with Pres. Ezer Weizman and Israel's chief rabbis, leading mass in Jerusalem. The pope also hosts a "healing and reconciliation" mtg. to which he invites Chief Rabbi Martin Lau, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Ikram Sabri. Sabri refuses to sit on the same podium as Lau and so refuses to attend. The PA sends Shaykh Taysir Tamimi in his place. Their speeches Lau, Tamimi both stress their peoples' rights over Jerusalem. (MM 3/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 3/24; NYT 3/26; JP 3/31; MEI 4/7)

Israel's Ministerial Comm. on Jerusalem announces plans to set aside an area within the city to serve as a future "embassy row," to begin work on a ring road around Jerusalem. (NYT 11/26; AYM 11/26 in WNC 11/30; JP 12/3)

In Cairo, Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak, PM Atif Ubayd receive Israel's Regional Cooperation M Shimon Peres for talks on the peace process, economic issues. Peres urges Egypt to convene MENA economic conference. (MENA 11/25 in WNC 11/26)

Outside the PM's office in Jerusalem, 2,000 Israeli Arabs demonstrate for more state funds, an end to discrimination against them by the Jewish population. Police clash with demonstrators injuring several, including MKs Azmi Bishara, Talab al-Sane', Ahmad Tibi. (MM, NYT 11/25; WJW 12/2)

Israel's chief rabbi bans crucifixes, Christmas trees fr. Israeli hotel lobbies during the millennium holidays "because they are offensive to Jews." (WP 11/25; JP 12/3; WP 12/24)

The Lebanese army arrests Fatah cmdrs. Brig. Taha Muhammad `Abd al-Qadir (also known as Khalid Arif), Col. Khalid Shayib nr. Tyre. The PA views the arrests of the men, who have been wanted for yrs., as an attempt to pressure Palestinian refugees in final status talks. (RL 11/24 in WNC 11/26; MM 11/25; AFP 11/25 in WNC 11/29; al-Safir 11/30 in WNC 12/1; AYM 12/1 in WNC 12/2; MM 12/3) (see 10/27)

At the close of their 4th joint economic commission session in Tehran, Iran and Syria sign a memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation, agree to form a joint council of trade officials to expand private sector ties. (IRNA 11/25 in WNC 11/26)

Knesset Foreign Affairs Comm. debates proposals for a withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. (MM 3/16; IDF Radio 3/16 in WNC 3/17; WP 3/17)

UK FM and EU Chmn. Robin Cook arrives in Egypt, the 1st stop on a 3-day Middle East tour; then heads to Jordan. (JTV, LPA, MENA 3/16 in WNC 3/17; JTV, MENA 3/16, RE 3/17 in WNC 3/19; NYT, WT 3/17; PR 3/20)

Under pressure fr. settlers groups, right-wing MKs, PM Netanyahu orders Israeli FMin. to amend press release that termed the 3/13 Hebron incident a provocation by Jewish settlers to say that the settlers' entry into the PA sector was prompted by a Palestinian shooting in a nearby neighborhood. (ITV 3/16 in WNC 3/17)

PA's West Bank Preventive Security Force (PSF) head Col. Jibril Rajub that if settlers reenter the Palestinian sector of Hebron again to attack Palestinians, they will "not leave alive." (ITV 3/16 in WNC 3/17; CSM, NYT, WP 3/17; JP 3/28) (see 3/14)

Vatican "repents" for failing to prevent, halt the Holocaust. Jewish leaders (including Israel's chief rabbi; heads of the American Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League) criticize statement as "too little too late." (NYT, WP, WT 3/17; WJW 3/19; MM 3/20; NYT 3/27; JP 3/28; NYT Magazine 4/26)

Israeli officials say 6 Fateh Hawks killed by IDF undercover unit 3/28 killed in error. Officials say the 6 were not fugitives and did not fire on Israeli soldiers, and were part of security apparatus being established by Fateh in anticipation of IDF withdrawal. Witnesses tell press, B'Tselem Palestinians shot in the head at close range after being wounded. (MM 3/29; CSM, NYT, WP 3/30)

Riots erupt in o.t. in response to 3/28 killings. 17-yr.-old killed by IDF, 70 Palestinians, 4IDF soldiers wounded in al-Burayj r.c. 70-yr.-old Israeli attacked nr. Tel Aviv by 2 Palestinians with axes. Army closes o.t. schools for 2 days in response to violence. (MM 3/29, 3/30; WP 3/30)

International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) issues report on 2/25 Hebron massacre, urges Israel to investigate its arming of settlers and commission of inquiry to charge all culpable in massacre and to appoint counsel for victims. (MM 3/29)

Conference of 200 rabbis in Qiryat Arba, including frmr. Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Avraham Shapira, decides IDF soldiers should defy any orders to evacuate settlements, threatens to mobilize resistance to any evacuation moves. (MM 3/30; WT 3/31; NYT 4/1)

Israeli cabinet discusses removing settlers fr. Hebron. Frmr. Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren issues ruling saying ending Jewish presence in Hebron "requires us to resist it to the death, all of us, every Jew." FM Peres says closing Hebron settlement "not necessary," but tells CNN curfews will be applied to Jewish settlers as well as to Palestinians. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/7)

British Foreign Secy. Douglas Hurd, after mtg. with PLO official Nabil Shaath, says Britain agrees to take part in "international presence" to protect Palestinians in o.t. Foreign Office later says UK contingent would be civilian, not military. Norway also agrees to participate. EU Commissioner Hans van den Broeck calls for prompt Israeli action to enhance Palestinians' security. PLO "FM" Faruq Qaddumi says PLO still insisting on international protection, but not necessarily as part of UNSC resolution. (WP, WT 3/7)

PLO issues statement condemning 2/18 killing of settler Zipporah Sasson.  Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawsha denounces PLO statement, saying Sasson's killing was unintentional.  (MM 2/25)

IDF attacks house in Abu Dis, West Bank, with anti-tank rockets in 7-hr. standoff with Hamas militants.  `Abd al-Rahman Hamdan, 23, killed, `Ali Ahmad `Ali Amudi, 19, arrested.  IDF claims the 2 Khan Yunis r.c. residents part of Hamas cell that killed 8 Israelis, including Shin Bet agent Noam Cohen, killed 2/13.  (MM 2/25)

Syrian Dep. Chief Rabbi Yusuf Jajati announces that all 1,000 Jews remaining in Syria have been given exit visas, fulfilling commitment made by Pres. al-Asad.  Jajati notes most of est. 4,000 Syrian Jews had moved to U.S., but 3-4 families had returned due to language, financial problems.  (MM 2/24; WP 2/25)

Beirut's al-Nahar reports U.S. selling 175 used M-113 APCs to Lebanese army for $35 m.  (MM 2/24)

Israeli, PLO negotiators meet in Cairo to prepare for another round of talks btwn. PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli FM Peres to follow up on negotiations in Davos, Switzerland. Israeli PM Rabin and aides play down expectations autonomy accord will be reached soon. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/2)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, addressing UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, calls for continued investigation of Israeli humanrights violations, saying "the human rights process must go on despite the current negotiations." (WP 2/2)

State Dept. annual report on human rights cites Israel for use of torture, death squads against Palestinians in o.t. (NYT 2/2)

Israel announces plans to test-launch "Arrow 2" missile by end of year, deploy U.S.-funded anti-ballistic missile system by 1997. (WT 2/2)

PLO sources say PLO security officers will go to U.S. for training. (WT 2/2)

B'nai B'rith Int'l. announces return of delegation fr. visit to Morocco, where King Hassan II told it he seeks trade and tourism ties with Israel. (WT 2/2)

Knesset unanimously approves law allowing Israeli state attorney to investigate complaints against Shin Bet. Previously secret police agency, often accused of torture and abuse of prisoners, investigated allegations itself. (MM 2/2; WT 2/9)

4-day "Religious Leadership in Secular Society" conference grouping 400 Christian and Jewish leaders opens in Jerusalem. Frmr. Israeli Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren refuses to attend, as do many Israeli rabbis. (MM 2/1)

Vatican Undersecy. for Foreign Relations Msgr. Claudio Celli and Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin sign 15-point "fundamental agreement" establishing diplomatic relations. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/31)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Cairo with Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa, refuses to accept Israeli proposals on Gaza-Jericho agreement. Arafat flies to Amman for consultations with Jordan's King Hussein. (RJ 12/20 in FBIS 1/3; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/31)

3 Fateh-Uprising guerrillas killed by IDF while crossing Lebanon-Israel border. IDF rockets village in southern Lebanon in retaliation. (Qol Yisra'el 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; CSM, NYT, WT 12/31)

Demonstrations in Gaza mark anniversary of founding of Fateh. (WP, WT 12/3)

Syrian Chief Rabbi Ibrahim Hamra confirms govt. is issuing exit visas to Jews at rate of 25-30 a day. Hamra says community numbers 1,250 and that not all who receive visas will leave. (WP 12/31)

30 Japanese businesses announce plans to form Japan-Israel Business Club to promote Japanese-Israeli trade. (WT 12/31)

Israeli and PLO delegations complete 2 days of talks in Norway on implementation of DoP. No progress reported. (NYT, WP, WT 12/20)

Frmr. Israeli Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren says IDF soldiers must disobey any orders to evacuate settlements in o.t. Justice M. David Libai reviews Goren's remarks to see if he should be charged with sedition. (Qol Yisra'el 12/19 in FBIS 12/21; MM, NYT, WT 12/20)

PLO Chmn. Arafat leaves for tour of China, Malaysia, and Indonesia after brief stopover in Cairo following talks with King Hussein in Amman. (MENA 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Fateh leader Muhammad Abu Sha'ban killed in Gaza. The treasurer of the Gaza Bar Association, head of Gaza Center for Human Rights, and former head of Fateh-affiliated Political Comms. is shot by unknown gunmen on his way home fr. a rally in support of PLO-Israel agreement. (NYT 9/22)

Knesset debates ratification of Israel-PLO accord. PM Rabin calls agreement "hope for an end to tears," says "we will no longer live by our swords alone." Rabin calls pact with PLO "the victory of Zionism, which has also won the recognition of its most sworn and bitter enemies." Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu, opposing accord, says "this agreement abandons security of Israeli citizens," argues "We want to give peace a chance, but first we want to give life a chance." (NYT, WP 9/22)

Rally in Jerusalem against PLO-Israel accord called by opposition parties, settler and religious groups, draws 20,000, mostly yeshiva students, according to Israel Radio. (NYT 9/22; WP 9/23)

Pope John Paul II meets Israeli Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau at Castel Gandolfo, Italy, 1st meeting ever be tween a Catholic pontiff and either of Israel's chief rabbis. Vatican stresses that meeting is purely religious, but speculation is rife that it represents progress toward Vatican diplomatic recognition of Israel. Rabbi Shlomo Goren, former Ashkenazi chief rabbi, denounces meeting as "blasphemy beyond expression," a "mockery," and "meaningless." (NYT 9/22)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Avraham Shapira and Sephardic Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliahu say they oppose the antiracism bill currently before the Knesset on the grounds it may result in some portions of Judaism being declared racist [JWP 3/28].

Other Countries: A Greek captain and his Austrian chief mate are arraigned in a Greek court on charges of illegally transporting Israeli arms through Greek waters; arms were destined for Portugal, Guatemala, and several S. American countries [JP 3/30; JTA 4/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dr. 'Azmi Shu'aybi, 'Ali Abu Hilal, and Hasan 'Abd al-Jawad drop High Court appeal against deportation orders against them on grounds they cannot expect a reasonable decision [NYT 1/31]. Sephardi Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliahu proposes erecting a synagogue on the Haram al-Sharif [JTA 1/31].

Arab World: Talks break down between Yasir Arafat, King Hussein after 5days of discussion on how to secure role for PLO in M.E. peace process; PLO will accept UN resolutions 242, 338 only if the U.S. recognizes Palestinian righto self-determination within context of Jordanian-Palestinian confederation, and if U.S. guarantees effective peace conference [WP, BG 1/31]. Arab League condemns U.S. economic, military pressures against Libya, rejects Libya's demand for economic retaliation [WP, LAT 1/31]. Anonymous phone caller claims responsibility on behalf of Abu Nidal group for 1/29 killing of 2 Israeli soldiers in West Bank [BG 1/31].

Other Countries: U.S. vetos UN Security Council resolution stating "provocative" visit by Israel MKs "violated the sanctity of the Haram al-Sharif" in Jerusalem; vote is 13-1, with 1 abstention [NYT 1/31; JTA 2/3]. Reagan administration postpones indefinitely proposed $1.9 billion arms sale to Jordan [LAT 1/31; NYT, WP 2/1]. United Jewish Appeal announces its 1985 campaign raised total of $637 million, a $51. 1 million increase over the year before [JTA 1/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two gunmen open fire from a moving car outside Jerusalem's Old City, killing an Israeli undercover police detective investigating drug cases, injuring 2 others; 4 Palestinians are arrested [WP, NYT 1/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports family of 1 of 3 Israeli soldiers reported missing in action during Lebanon war received information their relative was alive, imprisoned by Syrians; families are being briefed in Paris. Israeli Army, Foreign Ministry deny knowledge of the report [JP 1/21]. Jerusalem city inspectors tell Knesset Interior Committee allegations of unlicensed construction on the Haram al-Sharif have been investigated, are baseless [JP 1/21]. Sephardi Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliahu and Deputy Prime Minister David Levy inaugurate settlement in Dabboya building in heart of Hebron (where settlers have squatted since 1979) to provide permanent homes for dozens of settler families [JP 1/21; FJ 1/24].

Other Countries: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy meets with P.M. Peres at The Hague, then shuttles back to London where King Hussein is staying [WP 1/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres tells group of senators Jordan should publicly state it is not formally at war with Israel, recognize Israel's right to exist [WP 10/4]. Def. Min. Yitzhak Rabin states Yasir Arafat was not intended as a target in the 10/1 raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis UTA 10/4]. Ethiopian Jewish immigrants to Israel end 4-week protest outside chief rabbinate offices in Jerusalem after P.M. Peres works out compromise whereby only certain couples whose Judaism is suspect will be required to undergo ritual conversion; the decision will be left to local rabbis [LAT, LT 10/4].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat's deputy Abu Jihad and Pres. Mubarak both vow to continue working for a M.E. peace despite Israel's 10/1 air raid on Tunis [CT 10/4]. PLO officials state they are certain the 3 Israelis killed 9/25 in Cyprus were Mossad agents working undercover [DT 10/4]. Armored vehicles and riot police protect U.S. embassy in Tunis after bomb threats and demonstrations against Reagan's announcement of approval for the Israeli raid [LAT, LT 10/4].

Other Countries: Senior State Dept. official says the U.S. has implicitly warned Israel against attacking PLO bases in Jordan [LAT 10/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Following inquiries from Red Cross, Israeli army orders investigation into 9/17 killing of Munthir 'Awad, 18, of Gaza, by Israeli army [JP 9/19]. Women relatives of prisoners in Gaza prison begin sit-in at Red Cross office in Gaza to protest recent harassment and harsh measures used against prisoners [FJ 9/27]. Members of Lifta Gang who conspired to blow up Dome of the Rock last year are sentenced to 8 years in jail; 2 others who ordered the operation are found mentally incompetent and are institutionalized [JP 9/19]. The Central Bureau of Statistics announces Israel's population is 4.255 million: 82.5% Jewish; 13.5% Muslim; 2.3% Christian; 1.7% Druze and other. During the past year, the pop. increased 1.8%-1. 6% among Jews and 3.2% among Muslims [JTA 9/19]. Ethiopian Jews in Israel mark 15th day of sit-in protest on a Jerusalem street comer opposite the main offices of the chief rabbinate; the rabbinical authorities insisthe Ethiopians must undergo ritual conversion before marriage [LAT 9/19].

Other Countries: Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy testifies before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East that arms sales to Jordan are necessary to continue the momentum of the peace process and that the administration will go ahead with plans to sponsor such a sale [LAT 9/19]. P.M. Thatcher, on visit to 'Amman, states opportunity for peace must be seized before the end of the year and asks all parties to the conflicto take risks for peace [LT, FT, MG 9/19]. Mexico agrees to buy $21 million worth of Israeli goods by the end of this year and agrees to raise the amount for next year, in an effort to induce Israel to continue oil purchases from Mexico [JP 9/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jamal 'Awad, 18, of Gaza, is shot 4 times, critically wounded by Israeli soldiers after reportedly refusing to stop when ordered [FJ 9/20, 27].

Arab World: Over last few days, 26 residents of Bint Jbail, allegedly members of Hizballah, arrested on suspicion of attacking Israeli army, SLA soldiers in area; weapons found [JP 9/19]. SLA reportedly captures one guerrilla, kills another trying to infiltrate Hasbaya from Biqa' Valley [JP 9/20].

Other Countries: Palestinian publisher Michel Numari, 37, is shot and killed in central Athens by unidentified gunmen. Numari, who published al-Nashra Arabic weekly magazine, was said to be close to Yasir Arafat [LT, JP 9/19]. 

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: Affidavit submitted by Jewish underground defendant Menachem Livni states at least 7 rabbis were consulted, informed of group's terrorist activities, including settlement leader Moshe Levinger, former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, and MK Eliezer Waldman [JP 5/2].

Arab World: PLO Exec. Comm. Mbr. 'Abd al-Razzaq Yahya indicates Fateh would endorse UN Sec. Council Res. 242 if US recognizes Palestinians' right to self-determination [CSM, PI 5/2].

Other Countries: In Washington, Aerospace Daily reports Irael has deployed Jericho II nuclear-armed missiles in Negev, Golan [JP 5/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Stones injure 2 on Israeli bus near Arroub camp; one passenger fires at nearby taxi, wounds occupant [JP 5/2].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF kill 4 resistance fighters near Rihan [NYT 5/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza military court charges 2 Israeli officers with 5/1/84 attack & blinding of Gaza man M. H; Abu Amra.

Arab World: 3 Palestinian Nat'l. Action leaders in Jordan voice opposition to PNC mtg. before agreement between all PLO groups. Lebanese Pres. Gemayel meets Pres. Assad in Damascus for talks on security and political reforms. Palestine Higher Military Council meets in Tunis, endorses Aden-Algiers agreement (6/27). Chrmn. Arafat meets with Algerian (FLN) officials.

Other Countries: Nigerian gov't. sanctions chiefs Oba Sijuade II and Alhaji Ado Bayero for recent visit to Jerusalem for talks with Israeli officials. Israel Aircraft Industries recruits 10 engineers from Lear Fan plant in Belfast, N. Ireland to accelerate production of Lavi jets. France's Chief Rabbi Rene Sirat condemns Kahane as "contrary to all ideals of Judaism." Venezuelan Confederation of Jewish Associations denounces Pan American Gymnastics Federation support for Palestine's membership in International Gymnastics Federation. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL: Occupied Palestine/Israel: Homes of 13 Palestinian families demolished in Ras al- Amoud near Jerusalem and Israeli court grants the land to Israeli construction company, Tomer. 32 refugee families from Beach Camp (Gaza), whose homes demolished by occupation forces, appeal to UNRWA & other humanitarian agencies for aid in 2nd winter without proper shelter. Israel declares Dheisheh refugee camp closed military zone, forcing Israeli Committee for Solidarity with BZU volunteers to stop helping pave road; 2 Israelis & TV crew detained. EL AL forbids flights over "Temple Mount" on advice of former Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren that the holiness of the site extends to the air above it; "therefore, there is fear that religiously unclean people will defile that airspace by flying through it."

Arab World: 97 wounded Palestinian loyalist fighters evacuated by Italian hospital ship to Tunis and PDRY. Senior Egyptian official, Shafi Abdel Hamid, declines invitation to visit Israel.

Other Countries: US Asst. Sec. of Health signs 5-year agreement with Israel providing for exchange of information on social services and human development.