The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Supreme Court upholds military authorities' 12/4 decision not to allow local elections in occupied territories [JTA 12/26]. PM Peres visits Bethlehem, attends Christmas reception hosted by Mayor Freij [1st visit to Bethlehem by an Israeli PM] [LAT 12/25]. Trial of Shimon Barda, member of plot to bomb al-Aqsa and other holy sites, begins in Jerusalem [JP 12/25].

Other Countries: Diplomatic sources indicate US and Israel close to agreement on establishment of Voice of America radio transmitter in Israel for broadcasts to USSR [WP 12/25].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: bombs explode near IDF convoy south of Sidon; no injuries. Fire fight between resistance forces and SLA unit at Akiya Bridge, Litani River; RPGs fired at SLA roadblock near Nabatiya [JP 12/25].

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Yesh Gvul movement requests investigation of bank information leak when MK Ronni Milo charges $5,000 donated by the "leftist and anti-Israel" Presbyterian Church. IDF reserve corporal Marcello Weksler gets 2 weeks in jail for refusing service in Lebanon. (Weksler is 124th refusenik jailed.) A decision based on BritishMandate Defense (Emergency) Regulations (1945) to ban without explanation Arabic bi-weekly al-Masira upheld by Israeli High Court.

Arab World: Syrian and Israeli forces begin build-up in western sector of Beqaa Valley. IDF closes 4 Awali River crossings. 7 Israelis wounded in grenade attack near Nabatiya; 3 wounded by explosive charges at Litani River bridge. DFLP demands return of men responsible for Jerusalem shoot-out (4/3/84) in exchange for release of IDF PoW held for 1 year.