The Palestine Chronology

 Clinton flies into Gaza airport by helicopter to attend the PNC session on the PLO charter, becoming the 1st sitting president to set foot on Palestinian soil. PNC mbrs., other officials approve the nullification of clauses of the PLO charter by show of hands. PM Netanyahu says he is satisfied but still will not carry out the next stage of the FRD on 12/18. U.S. says it will not press Netanyahu on the issue because of the upcoming Knesset no-confidence vote 12/21. In a luncheon speech, Pres. Clinton refers the Palestinian people's "chance to determine their own destiny on their own land," but does not speak of the right to self-determination or statehood directly. Palestinians view his visit to Gaza as tacit U.S. acknowledgement of their right to sovereignty. (CSM, MM 12/14; al-Aswaq, al-Dustur, IDF Radio, ITV, JT, MENA, al-Ra`i RE, al-Safir 12/14 in WNC 12/15; IDF Radio, ITV 12/14, AFP, JT, MA, RE 12/15 in WNC 12/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/15; WJW 12/17; ITAR-TASS 12/17 in WNC 12/21; Tishrin 12/16, al-Thawra 12/17 in WNC 12/28; PR 12/18; JP 12/21; MEI 12/25)

Hillary Clinton visits a Palestinian refugee camp in Gaza, the Israeli-Palestinian town of Neve Shalom. (CSM 12/14; WP, WT 12/15; PR 12/18)

U.S. Commerce Secy. William Daley attends the official opening of th Qarni industrial zone. Coca Cola will be the first U.S. company to open operations in the zone. A total of 22 factories in the zone are ready for operation; 14 have been leased. (JP 12/21, 12/28)

Secy. Albright meets with Israeli DM Mordechai to discuss Wye implementation, Lebanon. (IDF Radio 12/14 in WNC 12/15)

Palestinians in Lebanese, Syrian refugee camps demonstrate against Wye agmt., amendment of the PLO charter. (VOL 12/14 in WNC 12/15; SATN 12/14 in WNC 12/16)

Jordan confirms that it recently deported, but did not turn over to the IDF, 3 Palestinians carrying PA passports fr. the kingdom because they are mbrs. of Hamas's Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, pose a security threat. (JT 12/15 in WNC 12/16; al-Dustur 12/15 in WNC 12/17)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians are wounded in clash with IDF. (AFP [Internet] 12/15)

Iran announces it has signed a deal with Anglo-Dutch Royal Dutch/Shell and the British Lasmo to explore Caspian Sea oil reserves. The $19.8-m. deal is just below the threshold set by the U.S. under its Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, which threatens economic reprisals against any company investing more than $20 m. in those countries oil industries. (WT 12/16)

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 again postpones cabinet discussion of Wye agmt., demands that the U.S. obtain a written timetable fr. the PA for arrest of 30 fugitives, claims agmt. cannot pass ratification with oral assurances alone. State Dept. says that the PA has met its obligation, U.S. considers the agmt. to have entered into force 11/2. (MM 11/3; IDF Radio, ITV 11/3, MENA 11/4 in WNC 11/6; NYT, WP, WT 11/4; NYT 11/5) (see 11/2)

Arafat says that arrest of Hamas activists will continue, crackdown has not gone far enough. Since 10/29, 250-450 alleged Hamas activists have been arrested. (MM, WP 11/4) (see 11/1)

Israel arrests right-wing settler leader Rabbi Moshe Levinger on charges of incitement. (WT 11/4; JP 11/16)

Overnight, Jewish settlers move at least 10 trailers onto a new settlement site on the West Bank hill. Another 3 trailers appear on a hill nr. the existing Ma'ale Mikhmas settlement. 3 other new settlements have been founded since the 10/23 Wye signing. (WT 11/4; MM 11/9, 11/13)

In London, U.S. Secy. of Defense William Cohen begins tour of EU, Arab allies to gauge support for strike on Iraq, says forces would be ready for attack within days. Cohen's tour is unusually secretive; no journalists are accompanying him as usual, his schedule has not been released. (NYT, WP, WT 11/4; al-Dustur, Petra-JNA, al-Ra`i, RE, RJ 11/4 in WNC 11/6; JP 11/9) (see 10/31)

Lebanon calls on the EU, UN to halt Israeli theft of fertile topsoil fr. s. Lebanon; says that 20+n30 Israeli civilians, the IDF have taken 100s of tons of soil since 9/98. (RL 11/3, 11/5 in WNC 11/6; NYT 11/4, 11/6)

After 21 straight hrs. of talks with Pres. Clinton, Israel, PA reach an agmt. at Wye. Following a delay caused by Netanyahu's last minute claim that the U.S. backed out of a promise to release spy for Israel Pollard as part of the deal, the agmt. is signed at the White House. (MM, PR 10/23; IDF Radio, ITV, MENA 10/23 in WNC 10/26; IDF Radio, ITV, JTV, MENA 10/23, ATL, ITAR-TASS, JT, MENA, RE, RJ, al-Thawra 10/24, al-Ahram, al-Aswaq, ITV, MENA, al-Ra'i, RL, YA 10/25, MA, RL, al-Wafd 10/26 in WNC 10/27; NYT, WP, WT 10/24; WT 10/25; al-Ahram 10/25. al-Akhbar, al-Ba'th, al-Jumhuriyya, MENA 10/26, AFP 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MM 10/26; WJW 10/29; MEI 10/30; SA 10/30 in WNC 11/6; JP 11/2; NYT 11/11; WT 11/12; MM 11/13)

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)

At Wye, Pres. Clinton, King Hussein meet with Arafat, Netanyahu. Talks break at 1 a.m., having made little progress. On the sidelines, FM Sharon meets with reps. of Victims of Terror (see 10/18). Clinton phones Egyptian pres. Mubarak to brief him on talks. (MM 10/20; AFP, RJ 10/20 in WNC 10/21; ITV, MENA 10/20, al-Ahram, MA, RJ 10/21 in WNC 10/22; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/21; al-Quds 10/21 in WNC 10/23; al-Ra'i 10/21 in WNC 10/26; NYT, WP 10/25)

Israeli Finance M Yaakov Neeman says that Israel will not pay the costs of redeployment fr. the West Bank, money "should come from abroad." (WT 10/21)

Hamas claims responsibility for 10/19 grenade attack in Beersheba. PSF detains 20 alleged Hamas mbrs. in PA-controlled Hebron. (AFP 10/20 in WNC 10/22; NYT, WP, WT 10/21; LAW 10/22; PR 10/23)

Overnight, shots are fired, Molotov cocktails thrown at IDF post in Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. (IDF Radio 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

After 2-days of talks, Syria, Turkey reach agmt. under which Syria promises to halt all support to the PKK; arrest, bring to court any Kurdish rebels found in its territory; deny entry to PKK leader Ocalan, who, according to Turkish PM Yilmaz, has been in Russia for over a wk. (ATL 10/20, ATL, HUR, MENA 10/21 in WNC 10/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/21; MM, NYT, WP 10/22; al-Ahram, MENA, RJ 10/22 in WNC 10/23; SATN 10/22, MIL 10/23 in WNC 10/26; MIL 10/23 in WNC 10/27; MEI 10/30) (see 10/19)

In s. Lebanon, SLA opens fire on a civilian car, injuring 1. In a separate incident, a child is injured by IDF shelling. (RL 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

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)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Netanyahu, then with Arafat. Ross also meets with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, who urges him to pressure Israel into accepting U.S. initiatives. (MM 9/10; ITV 9/10, MA 9/11 in WNC 9/14; NYT 9/11; MM 9/14)

100 IDF troops storm house nr. Hebron, killing Imad, `Adil Awadallah--wanted by Israel for staging attacks for Hamas. Some Palestinians accuses the PA of collaborating with Israel to set up the raid. PA suspects that raid was timed to scuttle Ross's visit. The IDF seals the West Bank, Gaza. (MM, NYT 9/11; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 9/12; al-Ra'i, RE 9/12, AFP, al-Aswaq, MA, MENA 9/13 in WNC 9/15; YA 9/13, JT 9/14 in WNC 9/16; MM, NYT 9/14; WT 9/16; MEI, PR 9/18; JP 9/19) (see 8/25)

IDF troops fire rubber bullets, live ammunition at Palestinians protesting at Shuafat refugee camp in Jerusalem, killing a Palestinian bystander. (NYT 9/11)

Israel's Immigrant Absorption M Yuli Edelstein goes to Washington on PM Netanyahu's behalf to ask the U.S. for the 1st time to release spy for Israel Jonathan Pollard. Edelstein asks 5 congressmen to back Clinton if he pardons Pollard. (WJW 9/17; JP 9/19) (see 5/15)

A bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 4 SLA mbrs., including the cmdr. for Jazzin. (VOL 9/10 in WNC 9/11) (see 8/28)

In retaliation for the 8/7 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, the U.S. launches 79 Tomahawk cruise missiles striking 6 training camps in Afghanistan reportedly connected to Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden; a pharmaceutical plant in Khartoum, Sudan, in which Bin Laden possibly holds stock. U.S. claims that "terrorists" at the sites were planning attacks on U.S. interests. Sudan says plant was a legitimate medical drug company. Sudanese stone the U.S. embassy in protest. (ITV 8/20 in WNC 8/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/21; AFP, IDF Radio, ITV, JTV, MENA, News [Islamabad], RE, RJ, VIRI, VOL, YA 8/21 in WNC 8/24; NYT, WP, WT 8/22; al-Dustur, MENA, Petra-JNA, RE, RJ, SANA, VOL 8/22, JT, MA, MENA, al-Ra'i, RJ 8/23, al-Ahram, MENA, al-Ra'i 8/24, MENA, al-Dustur, al-Wafd 8/25 in WNC 8/26; MM 8/24; MM 8/28; MEI 9/4)

King Hussein replaces PM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali with Chief of the Royal Court Fayiz al-Tarawnah after Majali officially resigns over recent water pollution scandal. Tarawnah is replaced by FM Jawad al-Anani. Abdallah al-Khatib is named FM. (MM 8/20; AFP, JT, JTV, RJ 8/20 in WNC 8/21; JTV 8/20; CSM, WP 8/21) (see 8/16)

In Tal Rumayda, one of the most tightly guarded Israeli enclave, an unknown assailant stabs to death a Jewish settler rabbi, wounds another before setting fire to the settlers' home. Settlers take to the streets, attack Palestinians. IDF seals Hebron, places curfew on Israeli-controlled sector of Hebron. (MM, NYT, WP 8/21; IDF Radio 8/21 in WNC 8/24; NYT, WT 7/22; ITV 8/22 in WNC 8/26; CSM 8/25)

IDF demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in Samu`a village in the West Bank. (PR 9/4)

PA, Israeli teams continue negotiations on outstanding Oslo II issues at Jewish settlement in the West Bank, make little progress. (MM 7/20; ITV 7/20 in WNC 7/23; MM, WP 7/21; WJW 7/23; PR 7/24)

In Gaza, EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Arafat, PA Planning M Shaath. (WJW 7/23)

Jordan, Israel expand joint airport agmt. (Globes [Internet] 7/20 in WNC 7/21; JT 7/21 in WNC 7/23)

Joint Jordanian-Palestinian economic comm. convenes in Amman. (JT 7/21 in WNC 7/23; al-Ra'i 7/21 in WNC 7/24)

In Sidon, s. Lebanon, the Armed Struggle Command, the Palestinian police force responsible for security in the refugee camps, hands over to Lebanese authorities Ahmad al-Masri, a Fatah lieutenant who is suspected of being part of a pro-Israel spy ring. Lebanese officials have asked that a 2d Fatah lieutenant, Khalid al-Qonn, also be turned in. (RL 7/21 in WNC 7/23; WT 7/22) (see 7/19)

Israeli DM Mordechai, PA negotiator Abbas meet at U.S. Amb. Walker's residence in Tel Aviv to discuss scope of Israeli FRD; make no progress but agree to continue mtgs. 7/20, set up small teams to discuss issues blocking FRD. (IDF Radio, ITV 7/19, MA 7/20 in WNC 7/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/20; WJW 7/23; PR 7/24; JP, NYT 7/25; MEI 7/31)

Hrs. before Mordechai-Abbas mtg. begins, Israeli police in Jerusalem claim to foil attempted car bombing by Hamas. PA claims that Israel fabricated the story to pressure the PA team in the FRD talks. Hamas denies any connection to car's driver. (IDF Radio, ITV 7/19 in WNC 7/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/20; PR 7/24; YA 7/24 in WNC 7/28; JP 7/25; MEI 7/31)

In Jerusalem, PM Netanyahu receives Jordanian FM Anani for talks on the peace process. Anani then goes to Ramallah to meet with Arafat. (JTV, QY, RJ 7/19 in WNC 7/21; WP 7/20; al-Ra'i 7/20, MA, RJ 7/22 in WNC 7/23; MM 7/23; Petra-JNA 7/23 in WNC 7/24; al-Dustur 7/25 in WNC 7/28)

In Sidon, s. Lebanon, Lebanese authorities arrest 3 Palestinians, including 1 fmr. Fatah mbr., on suspicion of being part of a pro-Israel spy ring. (WT 7/22) (see 7/8)

Yemen accuses Saudi Arabia of attacking a Duwayma island in the Red Sea with ships, long-range artillery, killing 3 Yemeni coast guards, wounding 9; says attack stopped after contacts were made with the Saudi government. (MM 7/20; MM, WP 7/21; RJ 7/21 in WNC 7/23; WP 7/24; NYT 7/26; MEI 7/31) (see 6/23)

King Hussein meets with Pres. Clinton at the White House to express concern over U.S. hard-line policy on Iraq, stalled peace process. (al-Ra'i, RJ 6/15, al-Dustur, JTV, al-Ra'i, RJ 6/16 in WNC 6/17; NYT, WT 6/16; WP 6/17; al-Ra'i 6/17 in WNC 6/19)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak meets with Labor Chmn. Barak. Mubarak comments that he has lost faith in PM Netanyahu. Netanyahu tells the press "this pronouncement is typical of Arab leaders who don't get what they want." (IDF Radio 6/15 in WNC 6/17; MENA, RE 6/15 in WNC 6/17)

PC grants Arafat's request to delay no-confidence motion for 10 days to give him a chance to form new cabinet. Hamas, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine say that they will not join the EA. (MM 6/15; WP 6/16; WT 6/17; MEI 6/19; JP 6/20; PR 6/26; MEI 7/3)

Israeli Interior Min. demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, saying that they were build without permits on areas zoned as "open space." U.S. calls on Israel to refrain fr. such "provocative acts." (LAW, MM, NYT 6/16; JTV 6/16 in WNC 6/17; ITV 6/19 in WNC 6/23; PR 6/26; JP 6/27)

In Rabat, Jordan's PM Majali, Morocco's King Hassan set up joint higher comm. for coordination in all fields; discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. (MKR 6/15, MAP 6/16 in WNC 6/17)

In 3d mtg. with U.S. envoy Ross, PM Netanyahu presents proposal for an "escrow" arrangement for FRD (see Peace Monitor). After presenting the idea to PA officials, who reject it, Ross returns home, having made no progress. (IDF Radio, ITV 5/10, IDF Radio, Les Echos [Paris] 5/11 in WNC 5/12; WP, WT 5/11; CSM, NYT 5/12)

PM Netanyahu does not raise U.S. FRD proposal, Washington invitation for discussion in weekly cabinet mtg. (WP, WT 5/11) (see 5/6)

DM Mordechai appoints Maj. Gen Shaul Mofaz over Maj. Gen. Matan Vilnai to replace Lt. Gen. Amnon Shahak as IDF chief of staff. Netanyahu openly preferred Vilnai but would not overrule Mordechai's choice. Previous chiefs of staff have all served for 4 yrs., but Shahak informed Mordechai in 7/97 that he did not want to return after his 3d yr. ended in 1/98 because he does not like working with Netanyahu. (MM 5/11)

Jordan's General Intelligence Dept. announces arrest of 7 Jordanians, 1 "Arab national" on charges of carrying out 5 bombing in Jordan over the past 2 mos. (MM 5/11; al-Hadath [Amman] 5/11 in WNC 5/12; JT, al-Ra'i 5/11 in WNC 5/13)

Nr. Tyre in s. Lebanon, physical fight breaks out btwn. Hizballah, Amal mbrs., leaving 5 injured. After mtg. on recent clashes (see 5/8), the 2 groups issue a joint statement saying that the incidents were isolated, nonpolitical; they will turn brawlers over to Lebanese authorities, abide by judicial ruling. (RL 5/10 in WNC 5/12)

After mtg. with Arafat late 5/2, VP Gore holds unscheduled 2-a.m. mtg. with Netanyahu to discuss peace process; then heads to Cairo for pre-dawn mtg. with Pres. Mubarak regarding London talks, bilateral economic relations. Later in the day, Arafat flies to Cairo to meet with Mubarak before heading to London mtgs. (WP 5/3; ESC Television, MENA, RE 5/3 in WNC 5/6; NYT, WP, WT 5/4)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan travels to Turkey to participate in mtg. of new Atlantic Initiative Group, which stresses human rights as the basis for security, stability in the Middle East. Conferences discusses peace process, Iraq. (JTV 5/3 in WNC 5/6)

Group of 17 German army cadets arrives in Israel for 1st joint training program. (NYT, WT 5/4; ITV 5/4 in WNC 5/8)

Iran calls on Turkey to expand bilateral economic relations. (IRNA 5/3 in WNC 5/6)

Jordan Information Min. says that police have detained 50+n60 suspects for questioning in connection with 4/29, 4/30 bombings. (AFP 5/3, al-Quds al-Arabi, al-Ra'i 5/4 in WNC 5/6; al-Hadath 5/4, al-Hayat al-Jadida, JT, al-Sabil 5/5, RJ 5/6, al-Ra'i 5/7 in WNC 5/8; RJ 5/10 in WNC 5/12; al-Hadath 5/11 in WNC 5/13)

Israeli military court convicts, sentences Palestinian Riyad Abu Hamdiyya to 4 life terms in prison for participation in 1/9/97, 3/21/97 bombings in Tel Aviv. (NYT 5/4)

In Elat, Israel's PM Netanyahu, Jordan's King Hussein hold surprise talks on the stalled peace process, bilateral relations. (ITV, JTV 4/16 in WNC 4/17; NYT, WP 4/17; al-Ra'i 4/17 in WNC 4/20; RJ 4/17, JT 4/18; VOA 4/20 in WNC 4/21; JT 4/21 in WNC 4/23; MEI 4/24; SA 4/26 in WNC 5/1)

In Damascus, Lebanese PM Hariri, FM Buwayz, Syrian VP Khaddam, FM Shara` prepare joint position paper on Israel's conditional withdrawal scenario. (RL, SATN 4/17 in WNC 4/20; RL, SA 4/18 in WNC 4/21; MEI 4/24)

Vatican FM Archbishop Jean Louis Tauran rules out visit to Israel by Pope in nr. future, saying it would be "unthinkable . . . because it would be seen to sanction international situations of injustice." (La Repubblica [Rome] 4/17 in WNC 4/20) (see 3/16)

Roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing an SLA mbr. (VOL 4/16 in WNC 4/17)

U.S special envoy Ross holds final unsuccessful mtg. with PM Netanyahu. State Dept. says that since no gaps were closed during Ross's tour, it is not considering a Washington summit; says that "one option has always been for us to disengage from this kind of direct catalytic role." Ross goes to Sharm al-Shaykh to brief Egyptian pres. Mubarak. (MM 3/30; IDF Radio, MENA 3/30 in WNC 3/31; ITV, QY 3/30, al-Dustur, IDF Radio, ITV, JT, QY 3/31 in WNC 4/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/31; CSM, MM 4/1; SA 4/1 in WNC 4/3; WJW 4/2; MENA 4/2 in WNC 4/4; MM 4/3; MEI 4/10; JP 4/11)

In Riyadh, Egyptian FM Musa, Syrian FM Shara`, Saudi Arabian FM Prince Sa'ud al-Faisal open surprise 2-day mtg. to discuss peace process, possibly convening larger Arab summit. (RE 3/30 in WNC 3/31; MM 3/31; MENA, RE 3/31 in WNC 4/2; MM 4/1; al-Ittihad [Abu Dhabi] 4/2 in WNC 4/3)

Iranian FM Kharrazi arrives in Lebanon for 3-day visit, meets with Pres. Hrawi. (IRNA, RL, VOL 3/30 in WNC 3/31; IRNA 3/30, IRNA, RL 3/31 in WNC 4/2; IRNA, RL, VIRI 4/1 in WNC 4/3; al-Ahd [Beirut] 4/3 in WNC 4/13)

Jordan, Israel hold 1-day naval exercise in the Gulf of Aqaba. This is the 1st such joint exercise. (RJ 3/30, JT 3/31 in WNC 4/2)

Jordan receives last 3 F-16s fr. the U.S. (al-Ra'i 3/31 in WNC 4/2; JT 4/4 in WNC 4/7)

Palestinians across the West Bank, Gaza mark Land Day, the anniversary of the 1976 incident in which the IDF opened fire on Palestinians protesting Israeli land confiscations, killing 6. Clashes with IDF are reported in Bethlehem, al-Bireh, Hebron, Jinin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah; 17 Palestinians are injured. Israeli Arab leaders order general strike. (NYT 3/29; MM 3/30; al-Dustur 3/31 in WNC 4/2; MA 4/6 in WNC 4/7; JP 4/11)

Israeli High Court rejects appeal to prevent demolition of mosque in Jordan Valley, school and home nr. Nablus, home nr. Tulkarm. (LAW 3/31)

50 Christian evangelical groups make unprecedented promise not to carry out missionary activity in Israel, saying that they "rejoice in the presence of the Jewish people in this country of their ancestors" and they will avoid "activities which . . . alienate them from their tradition and community." (WT 3/31)

Saudi Arabia ends its inquiry into the 6/96 Khobar barracks bombing, says bombers cannot be positively identified. U.S., which suspects Iranian involvement and has complained that Saudi Arabia has not been forthcoming with information, says its investigation is still open. (NYT 3/31; WT 4/1)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan reaches agmt. (signed 2/23) with Iraq on resuming unrestricted inspections under which UN Special Committee (UNSCOM) teams of technical experts will be accompanied by senior diplomats appointed by Annan to act as observers. The UNSC must approve the agmt. U.S. expresses cautious optimism. (RJ 2/22, ITV, MENA, RJ 2/23, al-Ahram, al-Ra'i, RL 2/24 in WNC 2/26; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/23; Le Soir [Brussels] 2/25 in WNC 3/3; MEI, PR 2/27)

Violent clashes continue in Ma'an, Jordan, for 3d straight day. (JTV, MBC, RJ 2/22, JT, JTV, RJ 2/23 in WNC 2/26; MM, WP, WT 2/23; WP 2/26; MEI 2/27) (see 2/21)

In Cairo, 15,000 students fr. `Ayn Shams, Cairo university demonstrate against U.S. policy toward Iraq. (MENA, RMC 2/22 in WNC 2/26)

3 Palestinians are injured when IDF breaks up "pro-Iraq" demonstration in Birzeit. Another protest is held at al-Najah University in Nablus. (ITV 2/22 in WNC 2/26; PR 2/27)

Jordan arrests 3 Jordanians for plotting attacks on Israeli targets, possession of explosives. (SA 2/23 in WNC 2/26)

Israeli cabinet decides that Netanyahu cannot leave for 1/20 mtg. with Clinton in Washington without a FRD decision approved by the entire government. Cabinet mbrs. also discus 12-page document drafted by the PM's Office listing new conditions the PA must meet for redeployment to take place. (NYT 1/5; MM 1/7; PR 1/9)

Israeli FM Levy resigns. (ITV, MA 1/4, al-Ra'i YA 1/5 in WNC 1/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/5; WP 1/6; MM 1/8; MM, PR 1/9; JP 1/10; MEI 1/16) (see 1/1)

Israeli Cabinet Secy. Dani Nave, Netanyahu's military attaché Shimon Shapira reportedly hold "secret" talks with Jordanian officials in Amman. No details are reported. (JT 1/10 in WNC 1/13)

Israel announces that it has arrested an American of Lebanese extraction for acting on behalf of a "Lebanese terrorist group." The man is married to an Israeli woman. The couple had been visiting family in Acre. (WP 1/5; ITV 1/7 in WNC 1/10; JP 1/17)

Around 30 Jewish settlers temporarily move into empty buildings in Hebron to protest what they consider inadequate IDF security measures to protect them. (WJW 1/8; JP 1/17) (see 1/2)

In Ramallah, Jordanian-PA joint ministerial comm. ends 2 days of talks on trade exchange and border-related issues. (JT, RJ 12/25 in WNC 12/29; al-Dustur 12/26, RJ 12/27, al-Ra`i 12/29 in WNC 1/1; TJT 1/2 in WNC 1/7)

In Tel Aviv, a group of Israelis attack a diplomatic car belonging to the Jordanian embassy. (al-Ra'i 12/29 in WNC 1/1; YA 12/31 in WNC 1/2)

2 settlers are arrested for shooting at a Palestinian in the West Bank village of Arif. (ITV 12/25 in WNC 12/29)

Israel releases $57 m. of tax money owed the PA. (MM, WT 10/15; MA 10/15 in WNC 10/16) (see 9/28)

Israel, Jordan hold 2 mtgs. in Israel (Jerusalem, Ma'ale Efrayim) aimed at enhancing security cooperation, especially to prevent border infiltrations. (ITV, QY 10/14 in WNC 10/15; al-Ra'i 10/16 in WNC 10/20) (see 10/10)

PA prisoner dies in PA custody, reportedly as a result of a heart attack. (Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group press release 11/11)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in al-Arub refugee camp nr. Bethlehem; also plans to demolish homes of relatives of 3 suicide bombers identified 9/23, seal home of 4th bomber. (LAW 10/14; NYT, WT 10/15)

SLA Cmdr. Antoine Lahd warns that his men are likely to turn against Israel if the IDF unilaterally withdraws fr. s. Lebanon; thinks half would joint Hizballah, half would form new anti-Israeli militia. (MM 10/14; ITV 10/14 in WNC 10/15; MM 10/17)

Israel air force attacks Hizballah radio station in s. Lebanon, causing extensive damage. (RL 10/14 in WNC 10/15)

Jordan, Israel sign agmt. on Israeli use of Aqaba airport for trial period beginning immediately. (RJ 8/31 in WNC 9/4; al-Ra'i 9/28 in WNC 9/30) (see 8/21)

In Cairo, an Egyptian court convicts Israeli Arab Azzam Azzam of spying for Israel, sentences him to 15 yrs. hard labor. (MM, NYT, WT 9/1; WP 9/2; ITV 9/2 in WNC 9/4; WJW 9/4; JP 9/13) (see 11/2/96)

In Damascus, Syrian PM Mahmud Zuhbi, Iraqi Trade M Muhammad Mahdi Salih hold first high-level mtg. btwn. Syrian, Iraqi officials since 1980, discuss newly restored trade ties. (SANA 8/31, INA 9/1 in WNC 9/4; WT 9/1)

Israel annouces plans to build a dam just inside the boundary of land claimed by Syria. U.S. criticizes the decision; Syria says that it proves that Israel does not want peace; Jordan says that it is "totally against the spirit" of the 1994 Jordan-Israeli peace treaty. (MM 8/22; AFP, RMC 8/24, RMC 8/25 in WNC 8/26; MM, NYT 8/26; al-Dustur, JT 8/26 in WNC 8/27; al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 8/27 in WNC 8/28; NYT 8/28; MM 10/28)

Netanyahu phones Secy. of State Albright to warn the U.S. that the peace process is in serious trouble, blames Arafat exclusively, claims PA is not abiding by understandings reached in mtgs. with U.S. special envoy Denis Ross 8/10+n13. (ITV 8/23 in WNC 8/26; WT 8/25)

PA Executive Authority (EA), PLO Exec. Comm. discuss report published in Jane's Foreign Report that Israeli military sources were considering setting up an ultrasecret special unit that would carry out "punitive actions" against Palestinian politicians. The report concludes that the group being considered might be similar to the Lakam unit of the 1970s--a unit that reported only to the PM, was unknown to the Shin Bet, Mosad. (NYT 8/24; WT 8/25)

Netanyahu's inner cabinet discusses Russian military aid to Iran. The cabinet proposes freezing economic cooperation projects with Russia if it continues to help Iran. (NYT 8/25) (see 8/21)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr. (Voice of the South 8/22 in WNC 8/25; MEI 8/29)

Before leaving for Washington, U.S special envoy Ross says that Secy. of State Albright is planning to make her 1st trip to the region, possibly in 9/97. Timing will depend on how well/quickly PA-Israeli-U.S. security coordination develops. (MM 8/13; al-Dustur 8/13, ITV 8/14 in WNC 8/15; MM, NYT, WP 8/14; MM, NYT, WT 8/15)

In Aqaba, King Hussein, PM Netanyahu discuss the current impasse in the peace process. (MM 8/13; JT, JTV, al-Ra'i, RJ 8/13 in WNC 8/14; RJ 8/13, JT, RJ, YA 8/14 in WNC 8/15; CSM, NYT, WP 8/14; NYT 8/15)

IDF demolishes 10 more Palestinian homes--8 in East Jerusalem, 2 in the West Bank. (LAW 8/13; WP 8/14)

In Baghdad, Syrian, Iraqi FMin. officials begin discussions on the demarcation of borders btwn. their countries. (SA 8/14 in WNC 8/15) (see 8/6)

ILMG concludes mtgs. begun 8/10, voices extreme concern over the escalation of serious incidents, urges all parties to refrain fr. conducting attacks that can affect civilian-populated areas. (RL 8/13 in WNC 8/14) (see 8/11)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan travels to Cairo to brief Pres. Mubarak on his talks with PM Netanyahu. (RE, RJ 8/7 in WNC 8/8)

IDF demolishes 2 more Palestinian homes in Jerusalem ostensibly for having no permit. (LAW 8/7; CSM 8/8)

Israel says that it is no longer seeking the arrest of PA police cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jabali. (ITV 8/7 in WNC 8/8) (see 7/31)

Jordan's al-Mustaqbal Party announces that it will boycott the 11/97 elections. (al-Ra'i 8/7 in WNC 8/11) (see 7/28)

As violence in s. Lebanon escalates to levels not seen since the 4/96 understanding, 1 Lebanese woman, 2 children are killed by a roadside bomb planted by unknown assailants; 1 SLA mbr. is killed by a bomb planted in his car; 1 farmer is killed by IDF retaliatory shelling. (RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8; WP 8/8)

Israel releases Lebanese reporter Nahra. (RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8) (see 7/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright endorses PM Netanyahu's plan for accelerated final status talks with the PA, stresses that no progress can be made until Israel is certain that the PA is making 100% effort to fight "terrorism"; says that she will travel to the region at the end of the mo. (MM 8/6; ITV, QY 8/6 in WNC 8/7; NYT, WP, WT 8/7; IDF Radio, IGPO, ITV, MA, YA 8/7, Hatzofe 8/8 in WNC 8/8; MM, NYT 8/8; NYT 8/9; al-Thawra 8/9, IDF Radio 8/10 in WNC 8/12)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, PM Majali meet with PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The crown prince terms the Israeli-Palestinian situation a "very dangerous crisis," recommends Israel adopt a softer line with the Palestinians, invites Netanyahu to visit Amman next wk. (MM, NYT 8/6; ITV, JTV, RJ, YA 8/6 in WNC 8/7; CSM 8/7; MA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Ra'i 8/7 in WNC 8/11)

In Amman, King Hussein meets delegation fr. Israel's Histadrut Labor federation. (JTV 8/6 in WNC 8/8)

The U.S. group Builders for Peace, initiated by VP Al Gore to promote economic development in the territories, announces it is closing its doors, saying that "political conditions in the region . . . render the prospects of success for any given project remote." (Builders for Peace press release 8/6)

For the first day since the 7/30 bombings, Israel allows flour, vital goods, medical supplies to enter the West Bank, Gaza. (NYT 8/7; WT 8/8)

A delegation fr. the Syrian Chamber of Commerce travels to Iraq to discuss trade contracts under the UN oil-for-food agmt. (SA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Quds al-Arabi 8/8 in WNC 8/11) (see 8/3)

IDF sends reinforcements to s. Lebanon. (RL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

5 UNIFIL soldiers are killed when their helicopter crashes in s. Lebanon. UN suspects mechanical failure. (AFP, London Press Association 8/6, RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8; WP 8/7; JP 8/16)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA soldier is killed when Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb as his car passes. Hizballah also fires several katyushas toward n. Israel, but they land in s. Lebanon, causing no injuries. (MM 8/7; Voice of the South 8/7 in WNC 8/8; MM 8/8)

Lebanon files claim with ILMG regarding death of a civilian in s. Lebanon 8/5. (VOL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

Labor Chmn. Barak arrives in Cairo for mtg. with Pres. Mubarak. (WT 7/16)

In Amman, Jordanian PM Majali discusses with Arafat dep. Abbas ways of coordinating the Arab positions on the peace process. (RJ 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

In an emergency session, the UNGA adopts (131-3, with 14 abstentions) a resolution condemning Israeli settlement policy, threatening to cut back Israel rights within th UN. Israel, Micronesia, the U.S. vote against (see 7/10); Russia abstains. (MM 7/15; IDF Radio 7/15 in WNC 7/16; MM, NYT, WT 7/16; ITV 7/16 in WNC 7/17; CSM, MM 7/17; Hatzofe, Interfax [Moscow], RE 7/17 in WNC 7/18; Xinhua [Beijing] 7/17, SAPA [Johannesburg] 7/21 in WNC 7/24; MM, PR 7/18; MEI 7/25; JP 7/26)

Higher Jordanian-Qatari Comm. ends 2-day session in Doha. The 2 states sign agmts. on land transport, commercial shipping and ports, judicial affairs; agree to expand bilateral cooperation in all fields, particularly economics. (RJ 7/15, 7/16 in WNC 7/17; JT 7/16 in WNC 7/18)

Hizballah fires at least 2 katyusha rockets fr. s. Lebanon toward n. Israel. One lands inside s. Lebanon, wounding a civilian; the other lands inside Israel, causing no damage. (RL 7/16 in WNC 7/17) (see 7/7)

Jordan's Council of Presidents of Professional Assns. (CPPA) announces a preliminary decision to call on all mbrs. to boycott the 11/97 Jordanian elections. However, several member assns. (e.g., Bar Assn., Contractors Assn., Dentists Assn., Journalists Assn., some mbrs. of the Veterinarians Assn.) disagree with the decision. Meanwhile, the Higher Comm. for Coordination Among the Opposition Parties (HCCAOP) defers decision on whether to boycott until the IAF announces its position. The government states that elections will be held on schedule, whether or not the opposition participates. (al-Dustur 7/15, al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 7/16 in WNC 7/17; MM 7/16; JT 7/16, 7/17 in WNC 7/18; MM 7/22) (see 6/19, 7/12)

Israeli inner cabinet holds discussion on the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem. (ITV 6/2 in WNC 6/3; MM 6/3)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak receives Syrian VP Khaddam for discussions on the peace process. (SATN 6/2 in WNC 6/3) (see 5/28)

PA military court convicts 5 PA General Intelligence officers with murder in the ambush of a car nr. Ramallah 4/18. 1 officer is sentenced to 5 yrs. in prison, 1 to 1 yr., 3 to 2 mos. (Mandela Institute press release 6/2)

Syria reopens 3 border crossings with Iraq--the 1st to be opened in 17 yrs. (RMC 6/2 in WNC 6/3, WNC 6/5; MM 6/3, 6/5; al-Ra'i 6/11 in WNC 6/13; MM 6/23) (see 5/19)

In Amman, 100 reps. of Jordanian opposition parties, professional unions, civil establishments announce plans to boycott the 11/97 elections if the government does not rescind the press law. (al-Ra'i 6/3 in WNC 6/5; Star 6/5 in WNC 6/6) (see 5/25)

In Tyre, 100s of Lebanese fishermen protest the Israeli naval blockade against s. Lebanon, detention of fishermen. (RL 6/2 in WNC 6/3) (see 5/30)

U.S special envoy Ross returns to Washington after 9 days of unsuccessful talks. (ITV, al-Manar 5/17 in WNC 5/22) (see 5/16)  

In advance of Jordan's 11/97 parliamentary elections, King Hussein unveils a new press law that sets sweeping restrictions on reporting, stiffens fines for offenders, places crushing financial obligations on opposition-dominated weekly newspapers. (al-Ra'i 5/18, Star 5/22 in WNC 5/23; MM, WP, WT 5/19)

On the 4th day of its incursion into Iraq to suppress the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Turkey says that it has killed 902 PKK mbrs., captured 141, lost 12 Turkish soldiers. (WP, WT 5/18; MM 5/19) (see 5/14)

Israeli DM Mordechai begins 2-day visit to Washington, meets with Secy. of State Albright, National Security Adviser Sandy Berger, Defense Secy. Cohen. (ITV, YA 4/3 in WNC 4/4; WT 4/4; WT 4/5; MA, SANA 4/6 in WNC 4/8; MM 4/7; JP 4/12; WP 4/14) (see 2/25; Peace Monitor for details)

Citing fears of reprisal attacks, Israel drops bid to extradite Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq. If the U.S. does not deport Abu Marzuq within 60 days of the date he dropped his fight against the extradition order (the U.S. and Israel claim that date is 4/7; Abu Marzuq's lawyers say it was 3/28),it legally must free him. (ITV 4/3 in WNC 4/4; NYT, WP, WT 4/4; al-Ra'i 4/4 in WNC 4/8; NYT 4/6; JP 4/12; MEI 4/18) (see 1/28)

Islamic Jihad's military wing issues leaflet claiming responsibility for the 4/1 bombs, saying Shaykh Shami had been "hasty" in denying the groups responsibility. (NYT 4/4) (see 4/2)

Palestinians, IDF clash nr. Har Homa. (WT 4/4)

Iran says it has 1st-hand information that 4 of its diplomats long believed dead were kidnapped in 1982, are being held in Israel. (IRNA 4/4 in WNC 4/7; WT 4/9)

Lebanon indicts 5 alleged Japanese Red Army mbrs. with passport forgery, illegal entry into Lebanon, forgery of official stamps. The 5 could receive up to 10 yrs. in prison. Japan has been trying to extradite the 5 men to face charges for guerilla activity. (WP 4/4) (see 3/14)

Egypt, Lebanon, Syria link new underwater telephone cable system. (SANA 4/3 in WNC 4/4)