The Palestine Chronology

The IDF levels land inside the Gaza border s. of Qarni crossing. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in Hebron and nr. Jenin. In Khan Yunis, unidentified assailants set fire to the offices of the Fatah-affiliated al-Majd Association. A PFLP mbr. dies of injuries he sustained 8 mos. ago while preparing an explosive device. (OCHA 12/26; PCHR 12/27)

The IDF fires on residential areas of Nablus, Rafah; conducts arrest raids in Beitunia, Beita nr. Nablus, Dura, al-Majd nr. Hebron; raids the Nabih Salih campaign headquarters of an unidentified candidate in the 1/9 elections, confiscating election placards, documents. In Bayt Lahiya, a Hamas mbr. dies either when a rocket he is preparing explodes prematurely (according to the IDF) or when he is hit by an IDF tank shell (according to Palestinians). Jewish settlers clash with IDF soldiers who remove 2 structures at an unauthorized West Bank settlement outpost of Mitzpe Yitzhar; 1 soldier is wounded, 15 settlers are arrested; 1 soldier is arrested for encouraging his colleagues to refuse to evacuate the site (he is court-martialed and ordered jailed for 28 days on 1/4). (VOI, VOP 1/3 in WNC 1/5; NYT, WP, WT 1/4; VOI 1/4 in WNC 1/6; WT 1/5; HA, PCHR 1/6)

Arafat, en route to Damascus for talks with Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad, receives word that the visit has been postponed. Shortly thereafter, Peres announces that he will meet with Arafat on 9/26. Although Israeli-Palestinian violence increases today, Sharon does not cancel the mtg. Acceding to Israeli demands to curb incitement, Arafat closes a photo and art exhibit on the uprising in Nablus that features a mock-up of the Jerusalem pizzeria bombed on 8/9. Palestinians fire 2 mortars in Gaza, 1 landing inside the Strip, the other inside Israel, neither causing damage. The IDF forcibly moves 16 bedouin fr. Hebron Hills into area A; opens fire on a Palestinian vehicle nr. Yatta, wounding 4 Palestinians. (AFP, AP, GS, HA, MM, PMC 9/25; Radio Monte Carlo 9/25 in WNC 9/26; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/26; DUS, QA, SAF 9/26 in WNC 9/27; WJW 9/27; SAF 9/27 in WNC 9/28; al-Quds 9/30, al-Majd 10/8 in WNC 10/9)

2 bombs, the 4th and 5th since Sharon's 2/6 election, explode outside the Jewish settlements of Talpiot, French Hill in East Jerusalem, killing an apparent Palestinian suicide bomber, injuring 35 Israelis. Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for both attacks. Right-wing opposition MKs, Jewish settlers accuse Sharon of not taking Israeli security seriously and demand retaliation, with Likud Education M Limor Livnat saying Arafat should be targeted. Sharon's office says Israel will respond "at the time and place we choose." (AFP [Internet], MM 3/27; ITAR-TASS 3/27 in WNC 3/28; MM, NYT, WP 3/28; WJW 3/29; AFP 3/29 in WNC 3/30; JP, MEI 4/6)

In the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. In Hebron, Jewish settlers attempt to storm Abu Sunayna for a 2d day, are push back by the IDF (which continues to urge Palestinian residents to evacuate the area). After dark, the settlers set fire to 5 Palestinian-owned stores, 7 cars, Waqf offices in the PA-controlled section of Hebron. Jewish settlers place caravans on confiscated Palestinian land on Mount Jarzim in Nablus. Israel arrests 2 Israeli border policemen for beating, torturing a Palestinian at a checkpoint into Israel earlier today. (MM 3/27; HA, HP, NYT, WP 3/28; AFP [Internet], NYT 3/29; MEI 4/6)

The 1st full Arab League summit in 12 yrs. opens in Amman. The agenda covers the peace process, aid to the Palestinians, Arab solidarity, inter-Arab economic ties, sanctions on Iraq. (MM 3/27; AN, DUS, JT, SA 3/27 in WNC 3/28; AYM 3/27, HJ, JT, SA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JP, MEI 4/6)

On the sidelines of the Arab summit, Syrian pres. Asad meets with Arafat, marking the 1st senior-level Palestinian-Syrian mtg. since 1993. (JT 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JT, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; DUS 3/30 in WNC 4/2; al-Majd 4/2 in WNC 4/3; AYM 4/2, HJ 4/3 in WNC 4/5; JP, MEI 4/6; MM 4/20)

After a week of negotiations on 2 compromise proposals fail, the U.S. vetoes a UNSC resolution backing a UN observer force to help protect the Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza. (AP 3/27; XIN 3/27 in WNC 3/28; WP 3/28; MM, NYT, WJW, WT 3/29; al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; MM 3/30; al-Quds 4/3 in WNC 4/5)

As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, Hamas activist Mahmud Madani is assassinated by IDF soldiers in Balata. The IDF shells residential areas of Bayt Jala, al-Khadir, Tulkarm. (WP 2/20; LAW, WT 2/22; al-Majd 3/12 in WNC 3/13)

An Israeli commission begins public hearings into the death of 13 Israeli Arabs at the hands of Israeli police during clashes in Israel in 10/00. (HA, NYT, WP 2/20; MM, WJW 2/22; WJW 3/1; Newsweek 3/5; WJW 3/15; MM 3/26)

Israel, the U.S. begin a 6-day air defense exercise in Israel, part of the joint military maneuvers that began in 1/01. (WT 2/19)

Pres. Asad receives Jordanian chief of the royal court Kabariti, who was sent to Damascus by King Abdallah to assess the Syrian position on the peace process in advance of the king's mtg. with Israeli PM Barak on 7/13. (SATN 7/12 in WNC 7/13; WP 7/13; al-Bayan 7/14 in WNC 7/15)

Unnamed sources in Amman claim that the Jordanian government has begun cracking down on Hamas, aiming to end its political presence in the kingdom. The move reportedly comes in response to Hamas attempts to take control of the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood in a power play against the less radical Hamas leadership in Gaza. Others say that Jordan is clamping down on Hamas, the Brotherhood in anticipation of confederation talks with the PA in the wake of a final settlement btwn. the PA, Israel. Hamas leaders do not comment. (MM 7/12; al-Ittihad 7/12, QA 7/16 in WNC 7/19; MM 7/16; al-Majd 7/19 in WNC 7/20; YA 7/25 in WNC 7/26; WA 7/26 in WNC 8/2)

Student demonstrations continue in Iran for the 5th day. Iranian police, Ansar-e Hezbollah mbrs. beat protesters, injuring 50. 24 senior Iranian military officers send letter to Pres. Khatami, warning him that they are running out of patience with his reformist agenda, blaming him for student protests. (MM 7/12; CSM, GIU, NYT, WP, WT 7/13; MEI 7/16; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/21; WP 7/22)

A roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, injuring an SLA mbr. (VOL 7/12 in WNC 7/13)

High-level Israeli, PA security officials discuss ways of facilitating movement of Palestinian goods and people though checkpoints, border crossings. (AYM 5/27, al-Majd 5/31 in WNC 6/1)

Israel's Peace Now says that Jewish settlers have established 3 new settlement enclaves nr. Nablus since 5/17 elections in a race to grab occupied Palestinian land before PM-elect Barak takes office. (NYT, WT 5/26)

Hizballah, South Lebanon Army (SLA) clash in s. Lebanon, leaving 2 Hizballah mbrs. 1 SLA mbr. dead. (AFP 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

King Hussein leaves the Mayo Clinic after 6 mos. of cancer treatment, goes to his home in Washington. He will also spend time in London before returning to Jordan. (JTV 12/29 in WNC 12/31; NYT 12/30; al-Watan al-Arabi 1/8, al-Majd 1/11 in WNC 1/12; JP 1/11)

Israel's Environmental M Rafael Eitan announces that he is leaving Tsomet to form a new party, challenge Netanyahu. (WT 12/30; NYT, WT 12/31)

Jewish settlers begin work on 15,000-sq.-m. recreation, tourist center in Qatzrin on the Golan Heights. (Hatzofe 12/29 in WNC 12/30)

Jordan reports gas shortages due to halt in supplies fr. Iraq during the U.S.-led attack, but says new shipments are already on their way. (JT 12/30 in WNC 12/31; JT 1/3, 1/4 in WNC 1/5)

Jordanian government stops large solidarity mtg. to be held in Amman tonight btwn. the Iraq's National Assembly Speaker Sa'dun Hammadi, in town for the 12/28 APU mtg., and Jordanian political, unionist, independent figures. (al-Bayan 12/29, JT, SA 12/30 in WNC 12/31; SA 1/13 in WNC 1/14) (see 11/27)

Israel assassinates a top Hizballah explosives expert Zahi Ahmad Haydar in s. Lebanon. The British Foreign Report claims that the target was actually spiritual leader Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah, but Hizballah discovered the bomb, Haydar was killed trying to dismantle it. (WP, WT 1/2; SA 1/3 in WNC 1/5; MA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; RL 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

As the House approves 4 articles of impeachment against him in Washington, Pres. Clinton arrives in Tel Aviv on 1st stop of 4-day visit. At the airport, PM Netanyahu offers Clinton a "lukewarm" greeting, warns that the Wye agmt. is unraveling, says he will not halt his criticism of the PA, which he accuses of violating every clause of the Wye accord. (ITV, MENA 12/12, JT 12/13 in WNC 12/15; NYT, WP, WT 12/13; GIU, NYT 12/14; PR 12/18)

In Damascus, 8 PLO opposition groups, Hamas, Islamic Jihad open 2-day conference to reaffirm opposition to the Oslo process, adherence to PLO charter. Jordan prevents 32 Palestinians fr. crossing border to attend. (JT, SA 12/12, JTV 12/13, JT 12/14 in WNC 12/15; MM 12/14; al-Majd 12/14 in WNC 12/17; MEI 12/25; al-Watan al-Arabi 1/1 in WNC 1/5)

Jordanian PM Fayiz al-Tarawnah arrives in Gaza for coordination mtg. with Arafat. Both men call on Palestinian prisoners to end their hunger strike (see 12/11). (RJ 12/12 in WNC 12/15; al-Majd 12/14 in WNC 12/16)

In Gaza, 100s of Palestinians demonstrate against Israel's refusal to release political prisoners. During similar demonstration in Bethlehem, PA police, IDF clash with Palestinians, leaving 7 injured. (NYT, WT 12/13)

Jordanian security arrests 8 Palestinians in Baq`a refugee camp for planning rallies for 12/14 to protest Arafat's annulment of the PLO charter. (JT 12/14 in WNC 12/15; al-Dustur 12/15 in WNC 12/16, 12/17)

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)

Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz arrives in Jordan for 2-day talks on bilateral relations with Crown Prince Hassan, marking 1st leg of Middle East tour. (JTV, Petra-JNA, al-Ra'i, RJ 9/6, JT, RJ, RL, SATN 9/7, JT 9/8 in WNC 9/9; MM 9/7; al-Majd 9/28 in WNC 9/29)

Nr. Jerusalem, at least 5 Palestinians, 5 Israeli policemen are wounded when IDF opens fire with rubber bullets on Palestinian protesters at Shuafat refugee camp. Shuafat resident Muhammad al-Karaki dies when an Israeli ambulance refuses to enter the camp without military escort. (WP 9/6; LAW 9/7; PR 9/11)

An Israeli judge rules that American teenager Samuel Sheinbein, wanted for murder in Maryland, is technically an Israeli citizen but may be extradited because his tie to Israel is only that of an "outside observer." Sheinbein's lawyer immediately appeals the ruling, which could have important impact on Israeli immigration. (NYT, WP, WT 9/7; WJW 9/10; MA 10/6 in WNC 10/7) (see 3/2)

PM Netanyahu, Arafat adviser Mahmud Abbas meet secretly at Netanyahu's home for brief talks on the peace process before Netanyahu leaves for China. (MM 6/12)

To mark Jerusalem Day, Israel stages largest military parade (13,000 troops) through West Jerusalem since 1973, attended by U.S. congressional delegation. Groups of right-wing Israelis try to enter al-Aqsa Mosque, march on Orient House. IDF bans Palestinian entry into Jerusalem for the day, sparking clashes btwn. IDF, Palestinians in Bethlehem. (al-Dustur, RJ 5/24 in WNC 5/27; WT 5/25; PR 5/29; MEI 6/5)

In Amman, Israeli FMin. Dir. Gen. Eytan Bentzur, Jordanian FM Fayiz Tarawnah discuss Israeli proposal for conditional withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. Jordan stresses need for Israel to unconditionally implement UN Res. 425. (JT, al-Quds, al-Ra'i 5/25 in WNC 5/27)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak briefs Arafat on his trip to France. Arafat then heads to Saudi Arabia to discuss possible Arab summit. (MENA 5/24, RE 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

Syria asks Iran's help in constructing steel mills. Both countries agree to expand cultural, art exchanges to pave way for closer bilateral relations. (IRNA 5/24, 5/25 in WNC 5/27)

In Damascus, Hamas's Shaykh Yasin meets with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad. (AFP, al-Majd 5/25 in WNC 5/27) (see 5/23)

1st Lebanese municipal elections since 1963 begin. Elections are held on 4 consecutive Sundays. (RL 5/25, 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM 5/26; al-Safir 5/27 in WNC 6/1; WP 6/1; MEI 6/5)

House Speaker Gingrich, House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MO) lead a congressional delegation to Israel to celebrate Israel's 50th anniversary and Jerusalem Day, marking Israel's capture of the eastern half of the city in 1967. (WP 5/23; WT 5/25; MM 5/26; NYT 5/28; PR 5/29; MEI, MM 6/5; JP 6/6)

In Damascus, Hamas's Shaykh Yasin meets with the leaders of the 10 Damascus-based Palestinian opposition groups. (al-Majd 5/25 in WNC 5/27) (see 5/20)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb, killing 2 SLA mbrs. (VOL 5/23 in WNC 5/27)

Israel 2-day official celebration of its 50th anniversary (by the Jewish calendar) begins. Jubilee officials have banned any reference to the Oslo process during official programs; Pres. Weizman, who is critical of government's handling of peace process, has not been scheduled to speak. IDF places closure on the West Bank, Gaza for the long weekend. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/29; Tishrin 4/29 in WNC 5/6; NYT, WT 4/30; Interfax, Star, Xinhua [Beijing] 4/30 in WNC 5/1; JP 5/2)

Jordanian government bans rally planned by 13 opposition parties to highlight the 50th anniversary of Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands. (JT 4/30 in WNC 5/1; al-Majd [Amman] 5/4 in WNC 5/6; MEI 5/8)

Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Yasin arrives unexpectedly in Iran. (MM 4/29; IRIB Television 5/2 in WNC 5/6; WT 5/4; MM 5/7; WT 5/13) (Peace Monitor)

Switzerland announces that Israel has paid a $2-m. bail to free Mossad agent arrested for spying 2/19. (WP 4/30; JP 5/9) (see 2/27)

In separate incidents in Amman, unknown assailants place bombs under the car of fmr. Jordanian intelligence chief Muhammad Kilani, outside the home of Senator Jawdat al-Subul. (AFP 4/29, al-Dustur 4/30 in WNC 5/1; MENA 4/30 in WNC 5/5; RJ 5/10 in WNC 5/13)

In s. Lebanon, a Lebanese civilian is seriously wounded by IDF shelling. (VOL 4/29 in WNC 5/1)

Arafat arrives in Cairo for 2 days of mtgs. on the peace process with Mubarak. (MENA 12/29 in WNC 12/23)

China's FM Qian Qichen arrives in Lebanon on 1st leg of regional tour to discuss peace process, bilateral relations. (VOL, Xinhua [Beijing] 12/19 in WNC 12/22)

2 Jordanian parliamentary mbrs., Muhammad Rafat, Hamada al-Fara'ina make controversial private 4-day visit to Israel, meet with Israeli MKs. (al-Majd, JT 12/26 in WNC 12/29)

With Israeli approval, Lebanese army reopens Kafr Falus crossing point btwn. Sidon, SLA-controlled Jazzin in s. Lebanon. By opening the crossing, which has been closed since 1985, the army hopes to prove to Israel that it is capable of reestablishing authority over all of s. Lebanon. The army tried to reopen the crossing in 8/97 but was shelled by IDF, SLA. (VOL 12/19 in WNC 12/22; WT 12/20)

In Ramallah, Arafat discusses peace process, 11/30 Israeli cabinet decision with Jordanian PM al-Majali. (al-Dustur, al-Quds, VOA 12/3 in WNC 12/9; MEI 12/5; al-Majd 12/8 in WNC 12/17)

In Jerusalem, Orient House head Faisal Husseini meets with French FM Vedrine. (al-Safir 12/3 in WNC 12/9)

EU special envoy Moratinos holds talks Lebanon with PM Hariri, FM Buwayz, Chamber Speaker Nabih Birri. (RL 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

After talks with Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad in Damascus, Austrian chancellor Klima says that Israel must implement FRDs, halt settlement construction, resume talks on the Golan Heights; "delaying tactics" are no longer acceptable. (Oesterreich Eins Radio Network [Vienna], SATN 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

Israel announces plans to increase the number of Palestinian laborers allowed into Israel fr. 52,000 to 140,000 within 5 yrs. to replace foreign workers. (WT 12/3)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 SLA mbrs. (VOL 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

In Amman, local Hamas leader Khalid Mishal is admited to hospital with convulsions apparently the result of an altercation with 2 Canadian tourists. His condition mysteriously worsens overnight, suggesting possible poisining. Hamas claims Israel attempted to assasinate Mashal in retaliation for attack on embassy guards 9/22. (RJ, RMC 9/25 in WNC 9/26; NYT 9/26; RMC 9/26, al-Quds al-Arabi 9/27, al-Ra'i 9/28 in WNC 9/30; WT 9/28; MM, NYT 9/29, 10/1; NYT 10/2; al-Ra'i 10/5 in WNC 10/7; JP 10/11; NYT 10/15; MM 10/23)

At the UN, Secy. of State Albright says that Israel's decision to expand Efrat settlement "is not at all helpful" to the peace process, calls on Israel to "honor the time-out" on construction. (MM, NYT, WT 9/26; YA 10/8 in WNC 10/9) (see 9/24)

PA shuts a Hamas television station; seals more than 20 Hamas-owned charities in Gaza offering social, welfare, education services; arrests 13 suspected Hamas mbrs. in Qalqilya. (LAW 9/25; ITV 9/25 in WNC 9/26; NYT, WT 9/26; PCHR 9/29; PR 10/3)

In Amman, Jordan, U.S. sign agmt. forgiving the remaining $63.4 m. of Jordan's debt to the U.S. Since 1994, the U.S. has written off $700 m. of Jordanian debts. (RJ 9/25 in WNC 9/26)

Jordan orders 7 newspapers (al-Bilad, al-Hadath, Hawadith al-Sa`a, al-Majd, al-Mithaq, al-Sayad, Sawt al-Mara`a) to suspend publication for failure to comply with Article 24 of the new press law, which requires all weekly newspapers to raise their capital to JD300,000. (JT 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MM 10/21)

2 SLA mbrs., 1 civilian are wounded by Hizballah shelling in s. Lebanon. (RL 9/25 in WNC 9/26)

2 suicide bombers dressed as ultra-Orthodox Jews detonate explosives in a crowded market in Jerusalem, killing 13 Israelis, wounding more than 170 Israelis, Palestinians. IDF immediately seals the West Bank, Gaza, preventing even town-to-town movement; suspends recognition of Palestinian passports; sends troops to seal the PA-controlled cities. A letter signed by Hamas's military wing, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, takes responsibility, but Israeli security question its authenticity, Hamas political leader `Abd al-Aziz Rantisi says Hamas was not involved. (MM 7/30; IDF Radio, ITV, RE 7/30 in WNC 7/31; IDF Radio, ITV, JTV 7/30, MA, RAI Uno Television [Rome], RE, YA 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/31; ITV 7/31 in WNC 8/6; CSM, WT 8/1; AFP, MAP [Rabat], VOA 8/1 in WNC 8/4; NYT 8/3; al-Dustur, al-Majd 8/4 in WNC 8/7; CSM 8/5; WJW 8/7; MEI, PR 8/8; JP 8/9; CSM 8/11)

In the wake of the bombings, PM Netanyahu, FM Levy phone Secy. of State Albright, demand that the U.S. put pressure Arafat. The Israeli cabinet suspends all contacts with the PA until Arafat acts against Islamists "with determination," destroys their infrastructure. However, 1 mtg. btwn. Israeli, PA security officials is held. Over night, an IDF helicopter hovers over Arafat's Gaza headquarters, an Israeli warplane circles the Gaza Strip. (MM 7/30; ITV 7/30 in WNC 7/31; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/31; YA 7/31 in WNC 8/4; WT 8/1)

As a result of the bombings, U.S. special envoy Ross cancels plans to leave today for the Middle East to meet with Arafat, Netanyahu. (MM, WT 7/30; NYT, WP, WT 7/31)

In Amman, King Hussein receives Israeli Knesset "Coalition Bloc for Peace," comprising Gesher, Third Way, Yisra'el B'Aliya, Shas MKs and the dir. of Israel's International Center of Peace in the Middle East. (JTV 7/30 in WNC 7/31)

State Dept. lifts the 12-yr.-old ban forbidding Americans to travel to Lebanon after that government agrees to take new steps to improve security at various locations, pledges to ratify an international convention against hostage-taking. The decision does not include lifting the ban on flights by Lebanese carriers to the U.S. or by U.S. carriers to Lebanon. (MM, WP 7/30; RL, RMC 7/30 in WNC 7/31; WT 7/31; al-Safir 7/31 in WNC 8/1; RL 8/4 in WNC 8/5; WT 8/6; al-Safir 8/6 in WNC 8/8; MEI 8/8)

Saudi Arabian dissident Sayigh backs out of a plea agmt. with the FBI to cooperate in the al-Khobar bombing case; says that he is innocent of any wrongdoing; was pressured by Canadian immigration officials to make statements on the bombing to avoid being deported to Saudi Arabia, where he faces execution. (NYT, WT 7/31) (see 6/30)

ILMG opens 2-day mtg. to discuss 1 Lebanese, 3 Israeli complaints. (VOL 7/30, RL 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

UN extends the UNIFIL mandate for 6 mos. (RL 7/30 in WNC 8/1)

Israeli naval forces detain 5 Lebanese fishermen off the coast of s. Lebanon, interrogate them before releasing them. (RL 7/29 in WNC 7/30) (see 7/28)

Netanyahu proposes that Israel, the PA bypass the 3 stages of FRD and hold Camp-David-style negotiations. Arafat refuses (ITV 3/19, IDF Radio 3/20 in WNC 3/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/20; ITV 3/20, MA 3/21 in WNC 3/24; CSM, MM 3/21; PR 3/28; JP 3/29)

Peaceful Palestinian protests continue at Har Homa, as IDF soldiers continue to deploy in force to guard construction workers. 200 Palestinians march in Ramallah, are kept away fr. Israeli checkpoints by PA security forces. (MM 3/19; NYT 3/20)

After receiving notice that their detentions had been extended without cause, 220 Palestinian administrative detainees being held without trial in Israel's Megiddo prison riot for 6 hrs. IDF soldiers fire tear gas, tents catch on fire, entire section of prison burns down. (LAW 3/23; PR 3/28, 4/18)

King Hussein accepts PM Kabariti's resignation, replaces him with fmr. PM `Abd al-Salam Majali, swears in new cabinet. Majali will lead a caretaker government until the 11/97 general elections. (MM 3/19; al-Dustur, JT, RJ, RMC 3/19 in WNC 3/20; JTV 3/19, al-Dustur, JT 3/20 in WNC 3/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 3/20; JT 3/20 in WNC 3/24, 3/25; al-Majd 3/24 in WNC 3/28; MM 3/25; JT 3/31 in WNC 4/1)

Jordan's Arab Organization for Human Rights, Islamic Action Front party, Jordan Bar Association separately announce that they have set up legal defense teams to represent Pvt. Daqamsa. In addition, more than 200 independent lawyers have volunteered to defend Daqamsa. (JT 3/19 in WNC 3/20) (see 3/18)

Cyprus, Lebanon sign extradition agmt. (RL 3/19 in WNC 3/21)

Hizballah attacks an IDF patrol in s. Lebanon, killing 1 soldier, wounding 3. (RL 3/19 in WNC 3/20; SATN 3/19 in WNC 3/21;MM 3/20)

In Paris, Israeli FM Levy discusses peace process with Pres. Chirac, FM Hervé de Charette. (France-Inter Radio Network [Paris], ITV 9/10 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/11)

In New York, Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with mbrs. of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, visits Lubavitcher Hasidic spiritual leader Rebbe Menachem Schneerson's grave. (ITV 9/10 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/11; MA 9/11 in WNC 9/13; WJW 9/12, 9/19)

In implementation of cabinet decision 8/2, IDF Central Commander Maj. Gen Uzi Dayan signs order setting procedures for authorization of settlement construction, expansion in the West Bank, Gaza. The order requires local planning comms. to obtain permission of DM Yitzhak Mordechai at every stage of most construction projects. Settlers term procedures needlessly cumbersome. (HA 9/11 in IL 9/11)

Israel's Prime Minster's Office announces new "Israel 2000" program intended to make development towns and regions economically self-sufficient. Program will be implemented in 19 communities. Residents will be given housing subsidies, loans, stipends; municipal boundaries of these locations will be expanded. (HA 9/11 in IL 9/11)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers break into 4 Palestinians stores, confiscate their goods, occupy them. The IDF sealed the stores in the city center after the al-Ibrahimi mosque massacre in 2/94. (PR 9/20)

South Africa says it will not renew existing defense, economic contracts with Israel; though relations remain good, South Africa is adjusting to a peacetime domestic economy. (IDF Radio 9/10 in WNC 9/12)

Jordanian officials release al-Ahali editor Usama al-Rantisi after he is charged with "publishing material deemed as instigating public disorder" during the 8/16-17 riots. The 4 al-Bilad journalists detained 8/20, 1 fr. al-Majd, another fr. al-Aswaq are still in custody awaiting trial. ASB Secy. Gen. Tayseer Homsi is arrested for alleged involvement in the riots. (MM 9/11; JT 9/11 in WNC 9/12)

Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood (JMB) denounces self-described "West Bank JMB official" Sa'id Bilal for requesting that the PA license, and thereby legalize, JMB activities in the self-rule areas; says Bilal is not a JMB mbr. Hamas concurs, claims attempts to form a JMB branch in the territories is an attempt by the PA to divide the Islamist opposition. (al-Ra'i 9/10 in WNC 9/12; VIRI 9/16 in WNC 9/18)

U.S. publicly redefines its strategic interest in Iraq for the 1st time in 5 yrs., saying it is interested solely in containing Saddam Hussein's military operations nr. the Kuwaiti, Saudi oil fields, rather than curbing his influence in n. Iraq and assuring humanitarian aid to the Kurds. (NYT, WP 9/11) (see 9/9)

Iraqi delegation arrives in Ankara for 2 days of talks with PM Erbakan, FM Ciller regarding bilateral relations, establishment of "security zone" in n. Iraq. Iraq proposes instead that Turkey conclude a border security arrangement with the KDP to prevent PKK mbrs. fr. crossing into Turkey. (MM 9/10; INA [Baghdad], TDN 9/11 in WNC 9/13; Milliyet [Istanbul] 9/12 in WNC 9/17 MEI 9/20) (see 9/6)

PSF captures no. 3 on Israel's 2/27 most-wanted list--Hamas's Muhammad Sanwar. (ITV 3/18 in FBIS 3/19)

Commenting on why PSF head Col. Rajub is still working despite announcements (3/8) that he was fired by Arafat, PSF Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf confirms Rajub still holds his position, says only that "what happened with [Rajub] is in internal matter." (Panorama [Milan] 3/21 in FBIS 3/19 [dates as published])

In Amman, al-Majd editor Fahd al-Rimawi is found innocent of charges of disturbing Jordan's relations with Bahrain. (JT 3/19 in FBIS 3/19) (see 12/18/95)

CEC calls for recount of Gaza ballots after numerous charges of irregularities. (WT 1/23)

In Washington, Israeli FM Barak, U.S. Defense Secy. Perry, Secy of State Christopher meet. (ITV 1/22 in FBIS 1/23; WJW 1/25)

Israel special ministry comm. extends for 3 mos. Shin Bet's authority to use physical force on Palestinian suspects during interrogation. (QY 1/22 in FBIS 1/23) (see 10/20)

IDF imposes curfew on several Palestinian villages nr. Hebron after gunfire is heard in the area. (QY 1/22 in FBIS 1/23)

Jordan lower's its ceiling on its exports Iraq fr. $400 m./yr. to $200 m./yr. (al-Majd, RMC 1/22 in FBIS 1/24; MM 1/23; JT 1/23, al-Aswaq, al-Hayat, JT, al-Ra'i 1/24, al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; JT 1/29 in FBIS 1/29)

PM Peres presents Knesset with 10-point plan to govern talks with Syria. (QY 12/18 in FBIS 12/18; MM 12/19; RL, SATN 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; WJW 12/21; WT 12/26)

Jordanian prosecutor general orders detention of al-Majd Editor-in-Chief Fahd al-Rimawi for "disturbing the kingdom's relations with a foreign country" for publishing an article critical of Bahrain's government. If convicted, he could get 5 yrs. in jail. (al-Majd 12/18 in FBIS 12/18) (see 12/17)

IDF soldier is wounded in Hizballah attack in s. Lebanon. (QY, VOL 12/18 in FBIS 12/19)

Israel, PA reach tentative accord on transfer of West Bank agriculture, labor, local administration spheres; agree to table water issues for now. (CSM 7/13)

Israel, PA scrap idea of moving talks fr. Egypt to Italy because of Egypt's protests, Arafat's strong preference to keep negotiations in the region; say talks will resume in Egypt or Israel 7/14. PA Economic M Qurai` thanks Italy for hosting "three sessions of negotiations [that] have taken place in Italy in recent days, far from the media"--leading to speculation secret talks are being held. (QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; AFP, VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; AFP 7/13 in FBIS 7/17; al-Majd 7/17 in FBIS 7/18) (see 7/10, 7/11)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross holds follow-up mtg. with Syrian FM al-Shara`; returns to Israel, briefs PM Rabin; meets with Arafat in Gaza, assures him U.S. attaches importance to the conclusion of an agmt. on the next stage of self rule. (SARR 7/12, QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/13; al-Hayat 7/14 in FBIS 7/17)

Arafat meets with Russian charge d'affaires on Russia's decision to open a liaison mission to the PA; briefs Turkish consul general on current status of talks with Israel. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat meets with EU rep. Thomas Dupla about EU supervision of elections; briefs U.S. Consul Gen. Abington on latest events in the peace process. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

15 prominent Orthodox rabbis call on IDF soldiers to disobey any orders to redeploy, remove army bases fr. the West Bank. PM Rabin says appeal is a call for "anarchy," asks atty. gen. to see whether rabbis should be prosecuted. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; MM, NYT, WP 7/13; CSM, WT 7/14; CSM 7/17; WJW 7/20; MEI 7/21; JP 7/22)

Shin Bet tells PM Rabin that Hamas has shown no signs of trying to carry out attacks for 3 wks, they suspect the slowdown is a product of Hamas aspirations to take part in elections. (IDF Radio 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

In keeping with call by settler leaders 7/10, 100s of settlers block West Bank highway, try to move trailers into Hazayit hill to expand Efrat settlement; 42 are arrested by IDF. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; NYT 7/13; JP 7/22)

8th round of multilateral talks open in Amman. Multilateral Working Group on the Environment meets. (IGPO 6/19)

Irish FM Spring meets with Faisal Husseini at Orient House in East Jerusalem, discusses 7/1 deadline for agmt. on transfer of authority. Israeli Pres. Weizman cancels scheduled mtg. with Spring in protest; 100s of Israelis demonstrate. (QY 6/18 in FBIS 6/19; MM 6/19; VOP 6/19, QY 6/20 in FBIS 6/20)

Arafat arrives in Turkey for 2-days of talks with Pres. Sulayman Demirel, PM Tansu Ciller; encourages Turkey to give PA economic aid, put pressure on Israel. (VOP 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; VOP 6/20, MENA 6/21 in FBIS 6/21)

Jordanian Bar Association orders lawyer Ahmad al-Zu'bi to appear before disciplinary board for possible disbarment for leading Liberal party delegation on visit to Israel 6/12. (al-Majd 6/19 in FBIS 6/20)

After wks of negotiations btwn. Arafat and Imad al-Faluji, al-Faluji's pro-Hamas weekly al-Watan is permitted to reopen. Editor Sayyid Abu Musamih remains jailed. (HA 6/20 in FBIS 6/21; PR 7/25) (see 5/14)

Israeli lawmaker Avraham Burg is elected new chairman of Jewish Agency, calls assimilation the biggest threat facing the Jewish people. (WT 6/21; JP 7/15)

For 2d day, IDF moves reinforcements into Biqa` valley, raising tensions in s. Lebanon. (RL 6/19 in FBIS 6/20)

Arafat meets with representatives fr. the donor states and UNRWA in Gaza to discuss PA financial problems (VOP 3/6 in FBIS 3/7)

PA Local Government M Erakat gives Council of Ms draft law on Palestinian local rule for review. (VOP 3/6 in FBIS 3/6)

UK rejects Israeli request not to hold high-level mtgs. at Orient House in East Jerusalem during PM John Major's visit next wk. (QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/7; Times of London 3/8 in FBIS 3/8; QY 3/9 in FBIS 3/9; MM 3/10)

U.S. Christian leaders send letter to Clinton, urging him to press Israel to stop annexing land in Jerusalem. Letter angers Israel leaders, U.S. Jewish groups. (MM 3/8, 3/14)

Labor MK Avigdor Kahalani arrives in U.S. to lobby congressmen against stationing U.S. troops in Golan in framework of Syrian-Israeli peace agmt. (MM 3/6)

Tourism Ms fr. Israel, Egypt, Jordan hold joint press conference at ITB conference, the largest annual tourism conference, announce plans to launch joint marketing campaign in Europe. (HA 3/7 in FBIS 3/9; JP 3/18)

2 Israeli tour buses are stoned as they pass through Karama, Jordan, injuring 1 Israeli. (al-Majd 3/6 in FBIS 3/10)

Arafat announces he is establishing a military court system to try people suspected of security offenses. Human rights groups, several PNC mbrs. say decision undermines Palestinian democracy. (MM 2/13; Al-Majd 2/13 in FBIS 2/14; MM 2/15; NYT 2/16; MEI 2/17; PR 2/20)

Talks on elections resume in Cairo after 4-wk. break to try to draft agmt. on elections before Rabin-Arafat mtg. 2/9. (MM 2/7; MENA, VOP 2/7 in FBIS 2/8; WP 2/8)

FM Peres meets with leading mbrs. of Congress in Washington, incl. Rep. Gingrich, Sen. Helms, discusses foreign aid, peace process; then addresses heads of U.S. Jewish organizations. (MM 2/8)

2-day U.S.-Lebanese security talks headed by Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau, Lebanese Amb. Riad Tabbarah end in Washington; parties say mtg. was successful, they will meet again but give no date. U.S. should make decision on travel ban later this mo. (MM 2/8)

PSF raids, confiscates materials fr. DFLP offices, arrests over 60 DFLP supporters in Gaza in search for those who shot Israeli security guards 2/6. Those arrested incl. Wa'il Khalaf, DFLP representative in negotiations with PA on municipal councils. (MM, NYT, WT 2/8; MEI 2/17)

PSF arrests 20 Islamic Jihad mbrs., closes down offices of pro-Islamic Jihad paper al-Istiqlal. (MEI 2/17; PR 2/20)

U.S. Commerce Secy. Brown meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss Palestinian economic conditions, development. (VOP 2/7 in FBIS 2/8; WT 2/8)

Syrian, Israeli negotiators meet in Washington; U.S. Special Middle East Coordinator Dennis Ross observes. Military officers do not participate, pending agreement on composition of expanded delegations. (MM 12/20; QY 12/20 in FBIS 12/20)

Likud leader Netanyahu says Israeli army officials already met secretly with Syrian Amb. Mu`allim, U.S. coordinator Ross in Washington this month. FM Peres does not deny mtg. took place. (MM 12/19; WT 12/20; MENA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22) (see 11/30)

Rabin's government wins no-confidence vote (56 to 41) brought by Ultraorthodox rabbis who used FM Peres comments that King David was an adulterer to force PM Rabin to bring religious parties into the coalition in hopes of derailing the peace process. (WT 12/19; NYT 12/19; IDF Radio 12/19 in FBIS 12/21; WJW 12/22)

FM Peres makes statement before Knesset denying contacts with Iraq, reaffirming support for sanctions after receiving "demand" fr. U.S. to help consolidate support for U.S. position on Iraq. (HA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22)

Arafat asks French FMin. to transport 2,000 Fateh cadres fr. camps in Sidon and Tyre, Lebanon, to Gaza to bolster police force, help contain Islamist opposition. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says Lebanon has no objection. (Al-Majd 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; Al-Ra'y 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; AFP 1/4, RL 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; MM 1/6)

Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman arrives in Cairo for 3 days of talks with Pres. Mubarak. Weizman says UN Res. 242 must be applied to Jerusalem "so that part of it would remain Arab." (MM 12/19; MENA 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20, 12/21; MENA 12/20, QY 12/21 in FBIS 12/21)

Arafat meets with UNRWA delegation to discuss moving UNRWA headquarters to Gaza; meets with U.S. Congressional delegation to discuss recent events in peace process, Israeli land confiscation. (VOP 12/20 in FBIS 12/20; PR 12/24; MEI 1/6)

PFLP-GC says it is reducing its military, organizational cadres by 30% and stopping payments to families of martyrs and wounded because of financial problems. (Al-Muharrir 12/19 in FBIS 12/19; Shishan 1/27)

2 IDF soldiers, 1 Hizballah mbr., 1 Palestinian Islamic Revolutionary Army mbr. killed in clashes in southern Lebanon. IDF shells villages north of self-declared "security zone," wounding 1 civilian. (RL 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20, 12/21; QY 12/19 in FBIS 12/22; NYT 12/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher returns fr. trip to Middle East; says Israel, Syria will resume talks soon in Washington, with participation of military advisors. Syria suspended talks 2/94. (MM 12/12)

Memo by 4 founding mbrs. of FIDA (Salih Ra'fat, Mamduh Nawfal, Jamil Hilal, `A'ishah Awdah) urging its PA representatives (Yasir `Abid Rabbu, `Azmi al-Shu`aybi) to resign wins support of party's majority. Mbrs. agree to defer final decision on resignations until later date so leaders can decide how to proceed. (Al-Hayat 12/10 in FBIS 12/14)

Jordanian security authorities reject request by 8 Jordanian political parties to hold protest march 12/11, condemning exchange of embassies btwn. Israel, Jordan. (MENA 12/10, JT 12/11, Al-Majd 12/12 in FBIS 12/12)

Israel announces it will turn over $8.3 m. of tax money to PA. (MM 11/23; PR 11/27; QY 11/23 in FBIS 11/29; NYT 11/24) (see 11/20)

Jordanian Council of Ms approves creation of 4 comms. to address implementation of Jordan-Israel treaty: a Jordanian Consultants Steering Comm., a Jordanian comm. to follow up on implementation decisions, the Jordanian delegation to the joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on implementation, the Jordanian delegation to the joint comm. on Jordan Rift development. (RJ 11/23 in FBIS 11/25)

4 Fateh Central Comm. mbrs. (al-Qaddumi, Abu-Mahir Gunaym, Sakhr Habash, Muhammad Jihad) meet in Tunis; issue statement, objecting to Arafat's attempts to involve Fateh in PA's battles with Islamist opposition. (Al-Majd 11/28 in FBIS 12/2; CSM 12/7) (see 11/22)

Argentine Pres. Carlos Menem ends visit to Syria; announces he brought message fr. Israeli FM Peres to Pres. al-Asad, expressing Israel's willingness to withdraw fully fr. Golan. Peres denies Menem's remarks. (Telam 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; MM 11/24; QY, SATN 11/23 in FBIS 11/25; WT 11/24; JP 12/3) (see 9/27)

1st shipping agmt. btwn. Israel, Jordan reached; allows free passage of small vessels on both sides of Gulf of Elat, shipping licenses, radio communications. (QY 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; RJ 11/23 in FBIS 11/25)

3,000 rally in Jericho in support of Arafat, peace process. PA Preventative Security Forces (PSF) men, inc. Col. Jibril Rajub, get into fistfight with mbrs. of Arafat's presidential guard over which group is allowed to carry arms at rally. (MM, NYT, WP 11/24; CSM 11/28)

PA, Islamist opposition reach agmt. to avoid future clashes, pursue mediation, reconciliation in wake of 11/18 incident. Agmt. is signed by Arafat adviser, Ahmad al-Tibi, leader of Islamic Movement inside Green Line, Shaykh `Abdullah Nimr Darwish. (MM 11/24; AFP 11/23, VOP 11/24 in FBIS 11/29)