The Palestine Chronology

PM Netanyahu makes surprise visit to Hebron, promises settlers he will build them new homes. Settlers, Palestinians scuffle again when curfew is lifted for several hours to allow Palestinians to shop for food. (MM 8/25; CSM, WT 8/26; PR 8/28) (see 8/23)

An Israeli Housing Min. document states that a quarter of settlement housing units built btwn. 1989 and 1992 are still empty; only 45% of the units have been sold. (MA 8/25 in WNC 8/27; HA [Internet], WT 8/26)

Israel allows Syrian wives of 13 Golani Druze to take up residence in the Golan Heights. (IGPO 8/25)

IDF helicopter unit assassinates Amal operations chief Hussam al-Amin in Tyre, Lebanon. Amal fires 26 rockets into n. Israel, damaging buildings and cars, knocking out power, injuring 9 Israelis. 9 Lebanese civilians are injured in IDF counterattacks. (RL 8/25 in WNC 8/26; AFP, RL 8/25 in WNC 8/27; IGPO, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/26; CSM, MM, WP 8/27; MA 8/27 in WNC 8/28; VOL 8/28 in WNC 8/31; WJW 9/3; MEI 9/4; JP 9/5)

At Arab FMs meeting in Damascus, Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara' receives call from Secy. of State Christopher. FMs delay decision on resuming talks until after Arab League meeting 4/20. PM Rabin tells Israeli delegation to delay departure for Washington. (AFP, MENA, SANA 4/17 in FBIS 4/19; NYT, WP 4/18)

"Hundreds" of Druze in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights, demonstrate on Syrian independence day. Stonethrowers wound 11 Israeli police, dispersing the crowd with tear gas. (Qol Yisra'el 4/17 in FBIS 4/20)

Hizballah, Amal shell SLA positions in "security zone," killing 1 SLA soldier. Israel, SLA shell villages. (NYT 4/18)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Reports indicate F. M. Peres has rejected U.S.S.R. offer to establish low-level diplomatic ties and is pressing for full diplomatic relations with U.S. S. R. [NYT 10/2]. Druze local councils in 10 villages begin 2-day warning strike protesting Israel's refusal to disburse funds as promised [FJ 10/4].

Other Countries: Egyptian F. M. 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid holds talks with Israeli F. M. Shimon Peres in New York [FBIS 10/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot at car allegedly refusing to stop at roadblock in Gaza Strip, killing 3 Palestinians [FJ 10/4].

Arab World: Clashes between Palestinian and Amal forces are reported east of Sidon [FBIS 10/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Poice raid W. Jerusalem Alternative Information Center, confiscate material, arrest director, and order center closed for 6 months on charges center has been "rendering services" to PFLP [NYT 2/18; FJ 2/20]. Trial of John Demjanjuk, accused of being Treblinka concentration camp prison guard known as "Ivan the Terrible," opens in Jerusalem [GU 2/17].

Arab World: Washington Post describes Saudi Arabian arms build-up asresponse to Israeli military threat [WP 2/16]. Syria asks Amal to ease its siege of Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps in Beirut and Rashidiyyah camp near Tyre [OB 2/17]. Kuwait announces plan to contribute $5 million to joint PLO-Jordanian fund [NYT 2/18].

Other Countries: Reports confirm U.S. has upgraded Israel's status to non-NATO ally [PI 2/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers shoot and wound 9 youths during 2 demonstrations in Gaza City. As punishment for campus demonstrations, military authorities order Islamic University of Gaza closed for 3 days. Demonstrations are also held in Khan Yunis and Rafah. Commercial strike closes most shops and students block roads in Jerusalem. Roger Heacock, American Birzeit University professor, isarrested on charges of incitement. Military attempto storm Ramallah's Teachers Training College and break up demonstration fails [FJ 2/20].

Arab World: At least 25 killed, 100 wounded in fierce street fighting between Amal, communist, Druze, Palestinian, and Murabitun forces in W. Beirut [BS 2/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine withdraws offer to trade U.S. hostages for 400 Arab prisoners held in Israel [BS 2/15].

Other Countries: Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil arrives in London after EEC ministers deny his request for financial support [LT 2/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli patrols use tear gas, rubber bullets to break up demonstrations in Nablus and Ramallah, arrest 18 students during protest at Hebron University. In Majdal Shams, hundreds of Druze youths gather for rally marking 5th anniversary of imposition of Israeli law on Golan Heights; 13 are arrested following violent clashes with Israeli police, 5 Israeli police injured UP 2/21; SG 2/15].

Arab World: Amal temporarily halts siege of Rashidiyyah refugee camp, south of Tyre, to permit UNRWA food trucks and ambulance to enter camp [CSM 2/17; NYT 2/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Justice Minister denies France's request to extradite William Nakash, convicted of 1983 murder of an Arab in France [FJ 12/12].

Other Countries: The Times (London) reports discovery of plot to kidnap British ambassador in Turkey and exchange him for arrested members of Abu Nidal organization [LT 12/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers firing to break up student demonstration kill 2 Palestinian students, wound at least 11 others outside Birzeit University. Demonstration was in response to an Israeli military roadblock [FJ, NYT 12/5].

Arab World: Police records reveal that the last two months of fighting between Shi'a and Palestinians in Lebanon have left 550 dead, 2,000 wounded, and large numbers dislocated [NYT 12/5]. Israeli gunboats attack Palestinian refugee camps in S. Lebanon, the third time Israeli military has supported Amal in the last 2 weeks of fighting. Druze and Amal leaders announce draft agreement for solution to camps war. Plan still requires Palestinian support [FT 12/5]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several thousand people, including several Jews, march to commemorate 30th anniversary of 1956 Kafr Qasim massacre (WP 10/30).

Other Countries: Le Monde reports that Syria helped France reach "truce" with group believed to have exploded bombs in Paris. "Truce" will last until February when Georges Ibrahim 'Abdallah is to stand trial. Meanwhile, Saudi newspaper publishes interview with French interior minister saying Syrian and French secret services were involved in "real cooperation" to prevent terrorist bombings (NYT, WP 10/30).

Military Action

Arab World: In Lebanon, Palestinian Amal rocket and artillery battles spread to Beirut suburb Burj al-Barajinah, which has been quiet since the summer when 200 were killed in Palestinian camps. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt warns Palestinians against using south Lebanon for "military adventurism." AP reports UN and Palestinian sources estimate 3,500 Palestinian guerrillas have returned to refugee camps in Lebanon in past six months (NYT, WP 10/30). Syria begins formation of joint leftist force to fight Fateh in the Lebanese camps. Force would comprise fighters from Druze Progressive Socialist party, Lebanese Ba'th, Syrian Social Nationalist party, and Lebanese Communist party (JP 10/30).

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: King Hussein arrives in France, is met by P.M. Chirac.

Other Countries: U.S. will investigate possible Israeli spy ring in U.S. [LAT 6/3].

Military Action

Arab World: In south Beirut, Amal is attacked by Druze and Sunni militias as it continues fighting Palestinians in camps [LT 6/3].

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/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Imam of Katibeh Mosque in Gaza given 18 mos. prison term for "incitement" after denouncing murder of Hebron U. students last July. Gaza artist, Fathi Ghabin's detention extended for producing "inciting" posters. Raphael Eitan and Chaim Herzog lead public castigation of 6 Israeli POWs returned by PLO in November prisoner exchange and 2 others still captive for cowardly surrender. Gush Emunim settlers camp at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus declaring to create permanent Jewish presence there; Peace Now warns of demonstration next day, supports DM Zipori's position that encampment is illegal. Teachers in 10 Israeli gov't. schools in Ramallah and al-Bireh strike over low wages. Life sentences given 2 Palestinians charged with killing Ramallah Village League head (1981), and an attack on IDF officer imposed as "(mayor" of al-Bireh; 2 others sentenced to 12-14 years for attacking Israeli settler in Hebron.

Arab World: Arafat accepts outline of Saudi-organized ceasefire in Tripoli. After letter from Pres. Reagan reiterating US position, King Hussein says he is prepared to resume talks with Arafat on joint Palestinian-Jordanian approach to negotiations with Israel; in light of current struggle in Tripoli, Hussein promises to put "no conditions on him. " Rebel spokesman asserts Tripoli fighting results from Arafat's refusal to heed Coordination Committee proposals. Tyre municipality opens special employment office for men released from Ansar prison; appeals to UNRWA to provide jobs.

Other Countries: Meeting in Washington, Pres. Gemayel and Reagan agree to stand by May 17 Lebanese-Israeli agreement. US Sec. of Defense Weinberger tells Jewish leaders of Synagogue Council of America that Arafat is "irrelevant" to future of Middle East. Chile's FM ends visit to Israel; agreement reached to expand mutual trade and agricultural cooperation. Abu Ja'far, Dir. of PLO Political Dep't holds talks with Soviet charge d'affaires in Tunis; also received GDR, DPRK, Rumanian, Polish and Czech ambassadors on occasion of Int'l. Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People. Major oil co.s shipping under Liberian flag pressure Liberian gov't. to cancel plans for embassy in Jerusalem; ambassador reported looking for alternative location in Tel Aviv.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Palestinian casualties in Lebanon mountain artillery exchanges: 2 PFLP fighters, 1from Struggle Front, 2 from Liberation Army and 1 from al-Saiqa killed; 2 from Struggle Front wounded. Israel-backed militia chief in S. Lebanon, Abu Saleh, quits to renew loyalty to Amal militia. 1983 to date, 71 Druze quit Israeli military for religious reasons (compares with 19 in 1982).

Military Action:

IDF Border Police and General Security Services HQ in Tyre destroyed by car bomb, Islamic Jihad group claims responsibility; Israeli Air Force attacks PSP and Palestinian targets in Aley, Bhamdoun and Sofar areas near Beirut-Damascus highway, Syrian positions at Sofar reportedly hit, 16 T-54 tanks destroyed; heavy fighting continues in Tripoli around Baddawi and Nahr al-Bared refugee camps.

Casualties:

29 IDF personnel, mostly Druze border police, 10 Palestinian and Lebanese detainees killed, 29 Israelis, 3 Palestinians and Lebanese wounded in Tyre bombing, 7 more IDF soldiers wounded when ammunition explodes in rubble; up to 60 killed, 100 wounded in Israeli air attacks, PFLP-GC HQ destroyed; 24-hour curfew imposed on Tyre; 6 prisoners killed at Ansar when bulldozer collapses escape tunnel.

Political Responses:

Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Arens says it doesn't matter who mounteid attack on IDF HQ in Tyre, Lebanon is one big network of murderers and Israel will hit back strongly; advocate Lea Tsemel reveals that Israeli prison service used teargas against 30 Palestinian women prisoners in their cells at Neve Tertza prison on October 3 1.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Geneva talks adjourn, Gemayel to travel to US, European and Arab capitals, talks to resume on November 14; Arafat, under fire in Tripoli, says Syrians want to eliminate him so as to gain control of PLO as part of American-Syrian deal.

US and Other Countries: US Intelligence reportedly focuses on Islamic Amal movement, based in Baalbek, as being associated with Beirut bombings; Defense Department tests and plans to order $200 million worth of Israeli-designed anti-tank weapons, to be manufactured in US.

Military Action:

LAF and Druze exchange artillery and RPG fire around Souq al-Gharb; heavy fighting in Tripoli between pro- and anti-Syrian militias, Syrian artillery shells Islamic Unification Movement positions; IDF position near Tyre attacked with small arms fire.

Casualties:

6 LAF soldiers wounded at Souq al-Gharb; 47 killed, 70 wounded in Tripoli; Islamic Unification Movement [IUM] forces occupy most positions of pro-Syrian militia in Tripoli; 1 IDF soldier wounded near Tyre.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire security committee fails to meet as Amal delegate protests LAF arrest of Shi'ite soldiers returning home; Gemayel announces talks will begin on October 20 at undisclosed venue.

US and Other Countries: Reagan signs legislation authorizing Marines to remain in Lebanon for 18 months, but disclaims any concession of the constitutional authority of a President to deploy troops without Congressional approval.

Military Action:

10,000-13,000 Lebanese Army troops cordon off 14 sq. km. area around Hayy al-Sollom and Burj al-Barajneh, begin sweep against Muslim militias, heavy fighting from dawn to noon, Army occupies 2 sq. km., claims to have captured Amal HQin Burj al-Barajneh; Druze gunners in Upper Metn fire artillery and rockets at East Beirut and industrial areas, and in support of Amal militia; US Marines come under fire, use 155 mm artillery, 81 mm mortars, rockets from Cobra helicopter gunships against Shi'ite positions near airport and in foothills; Amal militia drives Lebanese Army from garrison and checkpoints in West Beirut, Mourabitoun militia takes control of streets; Amal takes over Beirut TV station; snipers posted on rooftops, firing continues throughout day and evening.

Casualties:

2 US Marines killed, 14 wounded by mortar fire; 11 Lebanese soldiers killed, 60 wounded, estimated 12-50 kidnapped; civilian casualties estimated at 20 dead, 100+ wounded, 1 Lebanese Air Force fighter bomber destroyed at airport, 2 damaged; 2-4 Lebanese Army APCs, several tanks captured.

Political Responses:

PalestiniansI Lebanese: Gemayel convenes emergency session of Cabinet; Amal leader Nabih Berri says he wants no problems with US, denies that US positions were fired on by Amal militia.

US and Other Countries: Reagan accepts recommendation of crisis management group, headed by VP Bush, that there is no need to expand size or change role of US force in Lebanon; members of Congress press for declaration that fighting in Lebanon triggers provisions of War Powers Resolution; White House says attack on Marines was outgrowth of Syria's refusal to withdraw its troops and Syrian influence over Lebanese factions.

UN: 10-day Conference on Palestine opens under heavy security in Geneva, more than 90 countries participate, US, Canada, Israel boycott.

Military Action:

Artillery barrages continue sporadically in Israeli held-areas of Chouf, IDF bolsters forces in area, attempts to arrange cease-fire; strikes and demonstrations in Sidon, Tyre, Nabatiyeh and many villages to protest Friday's killing of Lebanese student by IDF.

Casualties:

Local Amal commander shot and wounded in Zifra during anti-IDF protests; 15 killed in Druze attack on Chouf village of Mtoulle; 65 men and women from Qaroun, western Bekaa, reportedly arrested by IDF after overnight search and interrogation of residents; 6 arrested by IDF in villages of Mazbut and Keter Mya.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Special envoy Habib meets Israeli officials with Lebanese response to clarifications; heads of Israeli and Lebanese delegations, and US special envoy Draper will sign agreement; WZO Settlement Department proposes establishing 6 settlements south of Hebron, expanding 4 existing ones; 1600 dunums from Akrabe village declared state land last week for settlement of Tel Haim; military authorities permit re-opening of Islamic University, closed since second week of March; former Defense Minister Sharon, in New York, opposes troop withdrawal agreement, says MNF prevents necessary steps being taken against terrorists in West Beirut.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Executive Committee calls on all Arab states to reject withdrawal agreement, says PLO presence in Lebanon is governed by bilateral, Arab and international agreements and cannot be abrogated unilaterally, the legitimate right to delineate borders with Lebanon belongs to the Palestinian people; Lebanese officials say that 8 pages of Israeli clarifications would change whole balance of agreement.

Arab Govemments: Syrian foreign minister, in Jeddah, says Syria rejects withdrawal agreement; King Hussein in London for meetings with PM Thatcher, other British officials; clandestine organization claims responsibility for bomb attacks against two American offices in Amman.

US and Other Countries: State Dept. official says Israel not expected to withdraw its troops until Syria agrees to withdraw its forces; 87 dependants of Soviet diplomats leave Beirut on orders from Soviet ambassador, Lebanese employees of Moscow Narodny Bank in Beirut advised they are being laid off.

Casualties:

Druze leaders ask government to restore electric power to Chouf region, blacked out for past 3 weeks; 6 IDF prisoners held by Fateh in Lebanon appear in Dutch TV program broadcast in Israel, PLO says their mothers are welcome to visit them.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Stones thrown at car of Israel-appointed mayor of Jenin, who opens fire with his pistol; stone-throwing in Nablus, el-Bireh, Jalazon and al-Amari camps; shots fired from car passing Jalazon; curfews imposed on central Nablus and Ramallah; Hebron prison inmates start hunger strike; students hold protest strikes at Najah University, Hebron's Islamic University; bomb defused in Hebron school; 300 members of Israeli Committee for Solidarity with Birzeit distribute pamphlets and hold protest march in Hebron, call for disarming of West Bank settlers and dismantling of settlements.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Christian and Muslim leaders publicly demand disbanding of Amal militia and expulsion of Iranian Revolutionary Guards after yesterday's attack on Lebanese Army unit near Baalbek.

Arab Governments: President Mubarak, at rally of National Democratic Party, accuses PLO of inciting Egyptian people and army against government, warns the 40,000 Palestinians living in Egypt they can be deported, says he refused PLO request to operate radio station; Jordan bans all imports from Lebanon unless accompanied by proof they were made in Lebanon.

US and Other Countries: After 5 1/2 week trial, British court sentences three men, alleged members of Abu Nidal group, to 30-35 years for attempted assassination of Israeli Ambassador Shlomo Argov in June 1982.

Military Action:

Bitter clashes and artillery duels in Chouf, 11 towns/villages bombed, Phalange reports fires burning out of control; IDF closes nearby Beirut-Damascus road, refuses Lebanese Army command that IDF disarm both factions; IDF, Druze and Phalange militias agree to conduct joint patrols, and a Druze- Phalange committee will meet weekly or when necessary to resolve disputes in Aley; gunbattles continue in Tripoli; US Marines begin training special unit of Lebanese Army; IDF jeep hits mine near Ain Ata near Hasbaya.

Casualties:

25 killed in 24 hours in Chouf; 10 killed, 30 wounded in Tripoli; 1 IDF soldier wounded in jeep; UNRWA opens first tent in Ain el-Hilweh to use as classroom; Lebanese merchants complain that Israeli merchants are misleading them, demanding 100 percent down payments, etc.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel rejects shuttle diplomacy proposal; Commission will end staff questioning of witnesses this week; Shamir arrives in Argentina, says he will raise human rights-related issues; Israel withholding information about military lessons of the war until US agrees to seek Israeli approval before sharing with NATO, to allow Israeli expert to observe any tests and share American conclusions with Israel (agreement on sharing information on Soviet weapons performance initialed November 25 but still without Weinberger signature); IDF soldier charged with illegal use of weapon when he shot demonstrators in Halhoul; Israeli Druze decide against anti-IDF strike to protest IDF policy in Chouf.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Foreign Minister Elie Salem, in Washington, says Israel is prime source of continuing tension in Lebanon, suggests all "illegal" Palestinians should leave Lebanon, warns of renewed fighting unless foreign troops withdraw within next four weeks, seeks US support for expanding number of peacekeeping force; Amal militia threatens "bloodbath" if kidnapped commander, Yakub Daher, is harmed.

Arab Governments: Mubarak begins tour of Europe to push for peace process.

US and Other Countries: Shultz meets Pope and Mubarak, discusses Lebanon; France says it is willing to increase Beirut troops

Military Action:

IDF patrol ambushed in Aley with exchange of grenades and gunfire, PLO claims credit; Druze-Phalange fighting continues for fifth day in Central Lebanon, rockets, mortars and artillery used; Druze leaders confer with Gemayel urging end to clashes; Palestinian refugee camps tense after reports of kidnappings of residents by armed men last night (Lebanese Army sources say Phalange intelligence supplying Army with names of Palestinian and LNM militia and helping in arms searches).

Casualties:

3 Druze women-killed in crossfire; water and electricity restored, streets cleaned in Beirut (official estimate of $12 billion for rehabilitation; AID to supply $110 m., EEC $100 m.); US AID head says tents for Palestinian refugees coming soon; 2 IDF wounded, one in Central Lebanon, one east of Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Bethlehem Mayor Freij declares support for Reagan plan and for important Jordanian role in peace plan, Mayor Shakaa rejects plan as not recognizing Palestinian rights; pro-Jordanian forces' activities on West Bank include grants to crafts and unions, Friday sermons in mosques, increased travel to Jordan by West Bank personalities; Israeli Civil Administration delays imposing military control over West Bank universities; Cabinet, in 4-hour meeting, demands Lebanon sign security accord (as well as prior pullout by PLO, release of IDF soldiers captured by Syria and PLO precondition for pullback).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Amal leaders say Wazzan promises to set up committee to seek solutions to squatter problems.