Occupied Palestine/Israel: Six settlers demonstrate outside offices of al-Fajr newspaper in Jerusalem demanding it be shut because "it serves the PLO" [JP...
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Administrative detention order is issued against ex-political prisoner Ziad Abu 'Ain, for allegedly planning to hijack Israeli bus. (Abu...
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Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports settler magazine Aleph Yud carries call for settlers to "prepare for civil war" [JP 11/4; JTA 11/6]. Knesset House Committee unanimously agrees to continue preparing amendment to house rules which would prevent introduction of racist or discriminatory legislation [JP 11/5]. Education Ministry orders youth weekly Hamtzan be barred from distribution in high schools after attorney general rules an article in it may constitute call to insurrection; article argues for need for "civil war for the sake of peace" [JP 11/10]. Two thousand demonstrators outside Knesset rally in favor of bill against racism [JP 11/5].
Arab World: Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak [NYT 11/5]. Saudi Arabia denies Israeli claims made before UN that Saudi Arabia exports oil to S. Africa, states Saudi Arabia is firmly committed to total embargo against S. Africa [JC 11/4].
Other Countries: Washington Post reports pro-Israel PACs in U.S. gave more money to Republicans than Democrats in first 6 months of this year, a sharp break from previous contribution pattems [WP 11/4].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes in Haifa; no injuries [JTA 11/5]. Another bomb goes off in Ashkelon; no casualties [JTA 11/5].
Arab World: Suicide bomber 'Amir al-Aathar, 24, drives into SLA post in security zone, killing at least 3 in 2nd such attack in 24 hours; Syrian Social Nationalist party claims responsibility [BG 11/5].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Six settlers demonstrate outside offices of al-Fajr newspaper in Jerusalem demanding it be shut because "it serves the PLO" [JP 9/12; FJ 9/13]. Jerusalem Post reports the National Insurance Institute released study showing the number of wage-earning families living below the poverty level in Israel increased 25% last year; 1 out of every 10 breadwinners is now categorized as "the working poor" [JP 9/11]. Energy Min. Moshe Shahal announces Israel will drastically cut oil purchases from Mexico following Mexico's failure to buy an agreed $100 million worth of Israeli exports [JP 9/12].
Arab World: Washington Post reports a 20- member "fact-finding" delegation from the American Jewish Congress has met with Pres. Husni Mubarak and King Hussein in a fact-finding mission to the Middle East. Mubarak and Hussein suggesthe PLO "be put to the test" by the U.S. on the issue of publicly recognizing Israel's right to exist [WP 9/12]. The U.S. should do this by agreeing to meet a Jordanian-Palestinian delegation [LAT 9/12].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli guards storm prisoners in their cells at Gaza prison, using tear gas and clubs, seriously injuring 2. Personal belongings of some prisoners are confiscated. Food and water are denied the prisoners for the following 3 days, and family visits are cancelled [FJ 9/27].
Arab World: Suicide car bomber Mariam Khayr al-Din, 18, rams a checkpoint at Hasbaya, outside the security zone. Casualty reports vary: Israel radio says she killed herself and wounded two SLA militiamen; Syrian Social Nationalist party claims she killed 18 militiamen and 2 Israeli intelligence officers [NYT, LT, LAT 9/12].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Administrative detention order is issued against ex-political prisoner Ziad Abu 'Ain, for allegedly planning to hijack Israeli bus. (Abu 'Ain spent less than 3 months at home following his release in the 5/20 prisoner exchange) [FJ 8/9]. Nablus remains under curfew following 7/30 murder of Albert Buchris. Five hundred police and a helicopter monitor his funeral [JTA 8/1]. Army enters al-Najah University and raids student council offices; preparations had been underway for student elections [JP 8/2]. Knesset passes bill requiring anyone running for Knesset to give up second citizenship [WP, PI, JTA 8/1]. Israeli police break into the site of preparations for the second annual Palestinian heritage festival in Tireh, order volunteers to stop work on the basis they do not have building permits [FJ 8/9]. Funeral is held in Afula for Israeli shot to death in West Bank. Riot police disperse crowd outside police station [PI 8/1]. Mayor Shalom Wach of Kiryat Arba cancels plan to dismiss all Palestinian workers employed by the municipality following Attorney General Zamir's ruling the plan is illegal UTA 8/1]. New American Ambassador to Israel Thomas Pickering assures P. M. Peres there has been no change in U.S. policy towards the PLO; U.S. will engage in talks with a Palestinian-Jordanian delegation only if convinced it will lead to direct talks with Israel; U.S. is ready, if requested, to help Israel and Egypt resolve Taba dispute [JTA 8/1]. The Jerusalem Post reports charges of corruption have been made against several Israeli companies and individuals operating in the black "homeland" of Ciskei; contracts with the trade commissioners in Israel have been terminated; all commercial relations with Israel have been cut [JP 7/31, JTA 8/5].
Military Action
Arab World: Suicide car bomb attack against an Israeli armored patrol in the security zone kills at least 3 Lebanese, including the driver, wounds unknown number of others, including Israeli soldiers. Syrian Social Nationalist party claims responsibility, saying its member, 'Ali Ghazi Talib, 22, carried out the attack [NYT 8/1].
