The Palestine Chronology

Knesset defeats motions of no-confidence against gov't. by 60-55 margin, 4 MKs abstain and 1 is absent. Motions were brought by Labor and 3 small parties over immigrants' housing problems [JDS 8/1 in FBIS 8/2].

Washington Times reports that growing internal problems have caused USSR to cut back its Middle East role, pulling advisers out of Syria and cooling relations with PLO [WT 8/1].

5-member committee concludes arrangements for moving Arab League headquarters to Cairo; transfer to take place from October 1990 to June 1991 [MENA 8/1 in FBIS 8/2].

Israeli gunboat shoots, sinks rubber dinghy off Lebanese coast, 2 Arabs are killed; Israeli military states "terrorists" were heading towards waters off Israel's "security zone" when intercepted [JDS 8/ 1 in FBIS 8/1; WP 8/2; JPI 8/11].

10 people are killed, 50 wounded as Fateh-backed Amal forces clash with Hizballah troops in S.Lebanon [NYT 8/ 2]; intra-Palestinian fighting between 2 wings of Fateh takes place in 'Ayn al-Hulwah, S.Lebanon; at least 7 are killed [IHD 8/1 in FBIS 8/2; WT 8/2].

Cypriot police seal off Larnaca airport grounds in response to threat of attack by extremist groups against Aeroflot plane carrying Soviet Jews to Israel via Cyprus. Passengers are taken from plane and continue to Israel via ferry [TASS 4/13].

In television interview, Senator Bob Dole says he will work to repeal Senate's 3/22 resolution recognizing Jerusalem as capital of Israel [LAT 4/14].

Israeli gunboat fires upon, reportedly sinks, dinghy carrying Palestinians off Lebanese coast [NYT, LAT 4/14].