The Palestine Chronology

Hizballah attacks an IDF base in s. Lebanon, killing another IDF solder, triggering another round of Israeli airstrikes on Hizballah targets. PM Barak orders his reps. to leave an ILMG mtg., where France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. are discussing the recent clashes. Israel accuses Syria of using Hizballah to gain concessions in negotiations. The State Dept. accuses Hizballah of trying to derail the peace process, calls the continued strikes on the IDF/SLA "particularly egregious in the context of Israel's repeated commitment to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the middle of this year." (MM 2/11; AFP, MENA, RL 2/11, AFP, RL 2/12, RL 2/13 in WNC 2/14; NYT, WP, WT 2/12; MM 2/14; JP 2/18)

PA General Intelligence calls in for questioning Palestinian journalist Khaled Amayreh regarding his new weekly paper, Hebron Times, which is critical of the PA; threatens to close the paper if he does not begin publishing material favorable to Arafat. (Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group press release 2/21)

Cabinet mbrs., settlers criticize PM Rabin for temporarily halting settlement construction, giving assurances to Arafat 1/19. Settlers groups say if halt includes construction around Jerusalem, they will attempt to bring government down. (NYT 1/21)

Syrian FM al-Shara` meets with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, gives him letter fr. Pres. al-Asad regarding peace talks. (SARR 1/20, 1/21 in FBIS 1/23; WP 1/22; JP 1/28)

Hizballah, PFLP-GC launch joint attack against IDF, SLA in southern Lebanon. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed. (VOL 1/20 in FBIS 1/20; QPAR 1/20 in FBIS 1/24)

Officials fr. 39 countries, financial institutions meet at State Dept. in Washington to discuss Middle East regional finance. Israel, Egypt, Jordan, PA agree to work toward setting up regional bank despite EU, Saudi Arabian opposition at Casablanca conference 11/94. U.S. promises to lobby internationally for support for project. (NYT 1/12; JT 1/14 in FBIS 1/18)

Oman informs Israel it will delay establishment of diplomatic relations, apparently as a result of Alexandria summit 12/29. Israeli Dep. FM Beilin dismisses declaration as insignificant. (QY 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; MM 1/12; QY 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; MM 2/6)

Arafat meets with Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood officials, asks them to mediate btwn. PLO, Hamas. (AFP 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; Al-Sha`b 1/13 in FBIS 1/24; PR 1/15; Al-Musawwar 1/20 in FBIS 1/24)

UNRWA announces the following donations: $3.3 m. fr. Denmark for training centers in West Bank; $3.8 m. fr. Denmark for Gaza Hospital; $2.3 m. fr. Netherlands, $1.5 m. fr. Kuwait, $50,000 fr. Brazil, $40,000 fr. Portugal, $25,000 fr. Indonesia for UNRWA operations; $700,000 fr. Germany, $685,000 fr. Switzerland for education. (UNRWA News 1/11)

2 IDF soldiers lightly wounded when bomb explodes nr. their patrol at Kissufim crossing, Gaza. (MM 1/11)

Hizballah attacks IDF patrol in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA respond, using planes, tanks, artillery. 4 Hizballah mbrs. killed; 2 IDF, 1 SLA soldiers, 3 civilians wounded. (IDF Radio 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; WP, WT 1/12)

Hizballah shells IDF, SLA positions in southern Lebanon. 2 Lebanese policemen are killed when Israeli helicopter gunship fires guided missile at their jeep. (QY, RL 12/23 in FBIS 12/23; NYT, WP, WT 11/24; MEI 1/6)

Arafat appoints 1st 2 Hamas mbrs. to official posts in PNA. Hamid Bitawi, Mahmud Salamah become deputy justices to supreme religious courts. (AFP 11/12, JP 11/13 in FBIS 11/15)

Israel's Ministerial Comm. on General Security Services permits interrogators greater leeway in pressuring detainees during questioning. Decision to be reviewed after 3-mos. (QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/15; NYT 11/17; CSM 11/22)

Fateh High Council postpones its West Bank elections until after general elections, implementation of autonomy in West Bank, withdrawal of IDF forces. (JP 11/13 in FBIS 11/15)

First busload of Israeli tourists enters Jordan. (WT 11/14)

SLA, IDF exchange heavy fire with Hizballah in southern Lebanon, no casualties reported. (QY, RL 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Islamic Jihad suicide bomber on bicycle kills 3 IDF reservists, wounds 11 at Netzarim checkpoint, Gaza, in revenge for Abed assassination 11/2. (MM 11/11; AFP, IDF Radio, QY, VOP 11/11 in FBIS 11/14; NYT, WP, WT 11/12; JP 11/19)

Arafat condemns Islamic Jihad attack, orders roundup of Jihad mbrs. 1000's of Palestinians demonstrate in support of Islamic Jihad. (NYT, WP, WT 11/12)

Israel agrees to reconsider ban on import of produce fr. Gaza due to cholera outbreak. (VOP 11/11 in FBIS 11/16) (see 11/8)

Fateh mbr. Sami Sharaf is killed by unknown men as he leaves his home in Sidon, Lebanon. (RL 11/11 in FBIS 11/14)

Amal shells SLA positions in southern Lebanon, killing 3 SLA soldiers. (RL 11/11 in FBIS 11/14)

King Hussein arrives in Israel, meets with Rabin. Trip marks 1st visit to Israel by Arab head of state since Sadat's 1981 trip. (ITV, JTV, QY 11/10 in FBIS 11/14; WT 11/11; JP 11/19)

Israel-Jordan border crossing at Shaykh Hussayn Bridge is opened. (QY 11/10 in FBIS 11/10; WT 11/11)

1 civilian killed as IDF shells Sribbin village in southern Lebanon in response to Amal attack on SLA position. (RL 11/10 in FBIS 11/14)

Iraqi Pres. Hussein signs statement accepting sovereignty of Kuwait, setting stage for UNSC debate on lifting sanctions. (NYT, WP, WT 11/11)

Unidentified Israeli sources say Abed, killed 11/2, was planning car bombing inside Israel. PM Rabin reiterates that if Arafat cannot control Islamists Israel will. Comments raise speculation that Abed's death was an IDF hit. Israeli government does not deny charge. (IDF Radio 11/3, HA 11/4 in FBIS 11/4; NYT 11/5)

1000's of Palestinians rally in Gaza City to protest Abed's assassination, criticize Arafat. (AFP 11/4 in FBIS 11/8; WT 11/5)

Irish UNIFIL post in southern Lebanon is hit by 7 IDF artillery shells, SLA machine gun fire; heavy damage, one injury reported. (RL 11/5 in FBIS 11/7)

Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty is signed on Israel-Jordan border by PM Rabin, King Hussein. Agmt. removes trade sanctions, opens border btwn. the countries, gives Jordan special rights to holy cities in Jerusalem. Clinton attends, but neither Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, Arafat are invited. PLO factions, Hamas order general strike in Israeli o.t., autonomous areas to protest signing. (MM 10/26; VOP 10/26 in FBIS 10/26; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/27; JP 11/5)

Pres. Clinton addresses joint session of Jordanian parliament; outlines Middle East economic plan; says U.S. will help establish a Middle East Development Bank, provide $75 m. for new private investment in Jordan. (MM 10/27)

Multilaterals on environment end. Mbrs. agree on "Codes of good conduct and cooperation," need to prevent industrial pollution and toxic dumping, creation of regional environmental protection center in Manama. Gulf states refuse to work with Israel on Aqaba cleanup project. (AFP 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

Hizballah shells Israeli positions in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA respond, shelling Hizballah camps. No damage reported. (QY 10/26 in FBIS 10/26; NYT, WP, WT 10/27; JP 11/5)

Israel suspends all negotiations with PLO after Hamas announces it is holding an IDF soldier hostage. Hamas says it will kill the soldier 10/14 if 200 Palestinian prisoners--inc. Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, Shaykh Salah Shehadeh, Shaykh `Abd al-Karim Obeid, Mustafa al-Dirani--are not released. PM Rabin calls emergency cabinet mtg., suspends transfer of aid fr. donor countries, seals Gaza, says he holds Arafat responsible. Arafat condemns abduction, calls mtg. of PSF. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/12; AFP, ITV, JP, Al-Quds radio 10/11, MENA, VOP , QY 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; CSM 10/13; HA 10/14 in FBIS 10/14)

Jordanian, Palestinian officials conclude talks in Amman, announce broad agmts. on trade, customs, banking, civil aviation; agree to draw up position papers on Awqaf, refugees. (JT 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; JTV 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

U.S. FM Christopher meets with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, says both Syria, Israel have made significant movements towards peace, says he has been pleased al-Asad has taken U.S. advice and made public gestures showing he is serious. (SARR 10/11 in FBIS 10/11; WP 10/12)

FM Christopher leaves Syria for Amman, meets with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan to discuss U.S.-Jordanian relations, peace talks, Iraqi maneuvers. (JTV 10/11 in FBIS 10/12, MM 10/12)

PM Rabin confirms that rifles used in Hamas attack 10/10 were AK47's belonging to the Palestinian police. (NYT 10/12)

The Nobel committee decides to award the Nobel Peace Prize to PLO chmn. Arafat, Israeli PM Rabin. (MM 10/11; NYT, WT 10/12; CSM, WJW 10/13; MM 10/14)

U.S. Commerce Sec. Ron Brown holds mtg. with mbrs. of Overseas Private Investment Corp. (OPIC) delegation of Palestinian businessmen on 5-day visit to seek American funding for projects in West Bank, Gaza. (WT 10/12; JP 10/15)

Iraqi retreat is detected by U.S. intelligence. Pres. Clinton says it is too early to reach conclusions on Saddam Hussein's action, U.S. will continue reinforcement of the Gulf, may press for enlarging demilitarized zone along Kuwaiti border. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12)

IDF, SLA continue shelling southern Lebanon, "deport" 26 Kufr Hunah villagers fr. self-declared security zone. Lebanese FM Buwayz asks UN to act. (RL 10/11 in FBIS 10/12; MM 10/12)

Khalid al-Hassan dies of cancer in Rabat. Was a founding mbr. of PLO, senior advisor to Arafat, considered intellectual leader of conservative branch in Fateh. (NYT 10/9)

2,000 pro-Fateh Palestinians march through Gaza City demanding freedom for remaining Palestinian prisoners. (WT 10/9)

Hizballah attacks 6 SLA positions in southern Lebanon, IDF returns heavy fire, no casualties. UNIFIL protests IDF use of banned cluster bombs, shelling of Irish UN h.q. during fighting. (JP 10/9 in FBIS 10/12; MM 10/10)

Talks begin in Washington btwn. Israel, Palestinians, donor countries to prepare for mtg. in Paris 9/9 on aid to PNA. Tentative agmt. reached to release interim assistance. (VOP 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

Senior IDF officials hold mtg. to review 1st 3 mos. of redeployment; announce satisfaction with joint patrols, coordination with Palestinian police; note "significant decline" in attacks. (QY 9/2 in FBIS 9/2)

Poll released by Haifa University shows 25% increase over last yr. in number of Israelis supporting some withdrawal fr. Golan: 27% for total, 37% for partial withdrawal. (QY 9/2 in FBIS 9/7; FT 9/12)

Hizballah shells IDF, SLA positions in southern Lebanon. 1 SLA mbr. killed; 4 SLA, 3 IDF soldiers wounded. (ITV, QY, RL 9/4 in FBIS 9/6)

IDF arrests 1 soldier, 2 Israeli citizens fr. Qiryat Arba for helping unidentified extremist organization obtain weapons. (HA, WP 9/5; Ma'ariv 9/5 in FBIS 9/9; MEI 9/9; JP 9/17)

Palestinian police arrest 5 DFLP mbrs. in connection with earlier attack on IDF post in Gaza. (QY 9/4 in FBIS 9/8)

Israel, Jordan conclude economic agmt. permitting Jordan to export up to $30 m. of goods to West Bank through Palestinian merchants licensed by PNA. (QY 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; NYT 8/17; JP 8/27)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` briefs Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak on U.S. Secy. of State Warren Christopher's visit to Damascus. Shara` reports Israel willing to withdraw fr. Golan in 2 yrs; Syria wants withdrawal within months. (WT 8/17)

Jordan's King Hussein cancels trip to Jerusalem to attend Mulid al-Nabi prayers. (MEI 8/26)

Monsignor Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo takes up his position as 1st Vatican amb. to Israel. (WT 9/6)

PNA announces it will begin disarming civilians. Civilians have 2-wk. grace period to obtain gun permits. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

Palestinian police arrest 3 Hamas mbrs. in connection with 8/14 shooting. (QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/17)

DFLP Central Comm. dismisses 10 Politburo, Central Com. mbrs. for urging front to join PNA as "constructive opposition." (WT 8/17; al-Sharq al-Awsat 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

U.S. demands Israel end any secret contacts with Iraq after learning Israeli Lebanon coordinator Uri Lubrani had met with Iraqi officials. (WT 8/17)

3 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbrs. killed by Hizballah in ambush in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA shell Hizballah targets. (MEI 8/26)

Secy of State Christopher meets PLO Chmn. Arafat, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Alexandria, Egypt.  Christopher rejects Arafat's demands for immediate negotiations over Jerusalem, warns PLO to adopt modern accounting procedures or risk delays in receiving international aid.  Christopher proceeds to Jerusalem for talks with Israelis.  (MENA 8/6, Jericho VOP 8/7 in FBIS 8/8; NYT, WP, WT 8/7)

Hamas, Marxist opposition lead 2-hr. protest by 700 at Gaza City Hall.  Demonstrators demand municipal elections, free press, resignation of Gaza City Council.  (WT 8/7)

Hizballah ambushes IDF patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 2 Israeli soldiers and wounding 3.  Hizballah fires 12 katyusha rockets into "security zone," northern Israel following ambush, wounding 3 Israeli civilians, and attacks IDF/SLA posts.  (NYT, WP, WT 8/7)

PLO official Nabil Shaath, visiting Jericho, postpones trip to Jerusalem's Haram al-Sharif in move interpreted as showing PLO reluctance to provoke Israeli right on Jerusalem issue.  (MM 6/20; NYT 6/21)

Jerusalem Waqf authorities stop Israeli bulldozers digging tunnel nr. Haram al-Sharif.  (TJT 6/24)

IAF airstrikes on Jabal al-Raffih in southern Lebanon wound 2 Hizballah guerrillas.  Raid follows Hizballah firing on 2 SLA positions. Incident is 22d IAF airstrike in Lebanon in year. Later, Hizballah ambush of IDF patrol in "security zone" kills 3 Israeli soldiers, wounds 3, according to Lebanese security sources.  IDF sources say only 1 killed.  Artillery and rocket duels erupt btwn. SLA, Hizballah.  (MM 6/20; CSM, WP, WSJ, WT 6/21; JP 7/2)

Syria deliberates on supplying Hizballah with SA-14 and SA-16 antiaircraft missiles in reaction to increased Israeli air raids, according to "diplomatic sources."  (WT 6/21)

Jordan's King Hussein, Secy of State Christopher meet in Washington.  Hussein says he hopes for high-level mtg. with Israel.  (MM 6/21; CSM, WP 6/22)

30 Palestinians wounded by IDF during clashes in Hebron, Ramallah.  Both cities placed under curfew.  In Gaza, Islamic University students, Netzarim settlers throw rocks at each other until dispersed by joint Israeli-Palestinian patrol.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/4 in FBIS 6/6; NYT 6/5)

International Labor Organization reports that economic survival of o.t. depends on access of 100,000 Palestinians to jobs in Israel.  (MM 6/6)

King Hussein criticizes lack of coordination in peace talks by other Arab parties, says Jordan will pursue a settlement with Israel at talks to resume 6/6 in Washington.  (WT 6/5)

3 Hizballah guerrillas killed by SLA during clashes in "security zone," southern Lebanon.  (NYT, WP, WT 6/5)

Conference marking 30th anniversary of PLO held in Jerusalem despite Israeli ban. IDF prohibits mtg. fr. convening at Ambassador Hotel, site of 1964 PLO founding conference. Participants led by Rev. Jesse Jackson march to Orient House to hold session. (NYT, WT 4/10)

Palestinian opposition factions attack 2 SIA posts nr. 'Ali Tahir, southern Lebanon; IDF/SLA kill 3, wound 3. IDF, SLA casualties not reported. (WT 4/10)

Frmr. Melkite (Greek Catholic) Archbishop of Jerusalem Hilarion Capucci, expelled by Israel in 1977 for 1974 arms-smuggling charge, claims Israel offered to allow him to return but he rejected offer because "it was tied to me not saying anything regarding the Palestinian cause or giving my opinion when I return." (NYT 4/10)

IDF guards at Haram al-Ibrahimi tell Israeli commission of inquiry Baruch Goldstein was wearing his army uniform and shooter's ear protectors when he entered shrine 2/25. During commission tour of massacre site, Hebron Muslim leader Shaykh Salih Natsha complains that IDF cleanup after attack destroyed important evidence. (MM 3/9; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/10)

400 Palestinians, including 135 PNC mbrs., and 5 PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs., sign petition demanding Israel-PLO negotiations remain suspended until Israel agrees to provide better protection for Palestinians in o.t. 100 PLO officials in Tunis issue separate, similar petition. (MM, NYT 3/1 1)

MK 'Abd al-Wahhab Darawsha and Israeli-Arab delegation meet in Damascus with Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad. Asad tells delegates he regards them as part of Arab nation, that Syria will pursue negotiations until it is convinced "there is no room for a just peace." Delegation supports Syrian peace policy, criticizes Israel's. (MM 3/10)

Israeli PM Rabin visits "security zone" in southern Lebanon, assures SLA cmndr. Antoine Lahd of continued Israeli support of SLA against Hizballah, Palestinian groups. (MM 3/9)

UN Human Rights Commission includes for 1st time, at U.S. urging, anti-Semitism in its annual condemnation of racism. Resolution also condemns anti-Arab, anti-Muslim prejudice. Commission also passes 5 resolutions criticizing Israeli policies in o.t. (NYT 3/10)

King Hussein departs Saudi Arabia after being denied mtg. with Saudi King Fahd. (MM 3/9)

Israeli commission of inquiry into Hebron massacre opens hearings in Jerusalem. IDF Central Command head Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom, local cmndr. Maj. Dov Stellman testify. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/9)

Israeli police report 3/7 arrests of 2 Kach leaders. 2 other Kach figuresentenced previous week to 3 mos.' administrative detention, leaving only 1 of 5 targeted Kach figures at large. (WT 3/9)

IAF bombs southern Lebanon in retaliation for 3/7 attacks on SLA. (WT 3/9)

IDF shoots dead 2 mbrs. of Hamas's 'Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades at Erez checkpoint, Gaza Strip when 1 pulls a gun. (MM 3/8; WP, WT 3/9)

Curfew on Jericho lifted, but 4 West Bank towns remain under total curfew. (NYT, WT 3/9)

Jordan's King Hussein arrives in Jeddah for 'umra pilgrimage to Mecca in 1st visit to Saudi Arabia since 1990-91 Gulf crisis. (MM 3/8)

IDF kills 2 Palestinians, 25 and 16, in Hebron after army jeep stoned. 4 other Palestinians wounded in separate clashes in o.t. IDF soldier, police officer wounded in Gaza by Palestinian gunman. (MM, WP, WT 3/8)

Hamas threatens suicide attacks on settlements of Qiryat Arba, Gush Qatif, Qadumin, Taqua, and Ariel (total population 24,000) if not evacuated by 3/15. Israeli Housing Min. reports 10 families have left QiIyat Arba. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)

7 SLA mbrs. killed in 3 Hizballah bomb explosions in southern Lebanon. At least 2 SLA officers, 4 soldiers wounded. 2 other Lebanese kidnapped, killed by Hizballah. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Israeli PM Rabin's advisers Jacques Neriah and Amos Gilad in Cairo to discuss resumption of peace talks, 1st such mtg. since Hebron massacre. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)

57-mbr. Israeli-Arab delegation led by MK 'Abd al-Wahhab Darawsha arrives in Damascus in 1st visit by Israeli elected official. Group travels on Egyptian documents obtained in Cairo. Delegation met by Damascus Mayor Maj. Gen. Walid Hammamiya and PSF head Khalid al-Fahum. (MM 3/7)

Israeli-PLO security, civilian affairs comm. negotiations continue in Taba.  Security comm. discusses release of Palestinian prisoners, establishment of Palestinian police.  Israeli negotiator Gen. Amnon Shahak says draft paper on Palestinian police force "almost achieved."   Civilian Affairs comm. divides into subcoms. on electricity and civil planning, communications.  Palestinian negotiator Radwan Abu-Ayyash estimates cost of Palestinian broadcast network at $30 m.-$50 m. (MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16)

Bilateral Arab-Israeli talks resume in Washington. (Qol Yisra'el 2/16 in FBIS 2/16)

Egyptian State Broadcasting Authority renews official contact with Israeli Broadcasting Authority, broken during 1982 Lebanon war.  (MM 2/17; JP 2/26)

Higher Jordanian-Palestinian Comm. completes 2 days of mtgs. in Amman.  Jordanian Information M. Jawad al-Anani says PLO and Jordan have agreed on joint strategy in economic talks with Israel set for Paris.  Israel-Jordan joint economic comm. meets in Washington with U.S. participation. (RJ 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16, 2/17)

AFP reports 1st all-Palestinian bank in o.t., "Commercial Bank of Palestine," will start operations 3/15 in Ramallah.  Bank, with capital of $14 m., is headed by businessman Suhail Jad`awn.  (AFP 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

U.S. State Dept. announces Secy. of State Christopher will visit Middle East during 3/94. (MM 2/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat accuses "Israeli officers" of condoning arms trade in o.t., warning flow of weapons "could lead to another Afghanistan among the Palestinians." (NYT 2/17)

IDF kills purported PFLP mbr. Najwan Mahmud Muhammad al-`Izza, 21, in Halhul, West Bank.  (MM 2/17) [CHALLENGE--2/15]

122-mm. katyusha rocket fired on northern Israel fr. southern Lebanon in 1st incident in 6 mos.  IDF blames attack on Palestinian opposition groups.  IDF tanks, artillery come to aid of SLA patrol ambushed by Hizballah.  Hizballah claims 12 SLA mbrs. killed or wounded.  (NYT, MM, WT 2/17; MM 2/18)

Israeli cabinet extends term of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak to 1/95.  Barak had been set to retire 4/94.  (MM 2/16)

PM Rabin's spokesman Oded Ben-Ami defends allowing 30 elite IDF veterans to serve in Congo as advisers, denying soldiers are mercenaries.  Opponents cite Congolese civil war as reason to bar Israeli support of Brazzaville regime.  Press reports say over 2,000 IDF veterans have served in Africa since 1960s.  (NYT 2/17)

FRC mbrs. Yusuf Sha`ban, Salim Mahyub confess to killing Jordanian diplomat Na'ib al-Ma'aytah in Beirut 1/29.  Bassam Atiya, also arrested, denies involvement.  (RL 2/16 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17)

Israeli court convicts 4 banks--Leumi, Hapoalim, Discount, and Mizrahi--and 9 bank executives in connection with 10/83 stock market crash precipitated by news of banks propping up own stocks.  Crash cost $7 b. in Israeli govt. payments to investors.  (CSM 2/17)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, Saudi amb. Prince Bandar announce Saudia Airlines will purchase 50 U.S.-made Boeing 747 and McDonnell-Douglas MD-11, MD-80, and MD-90 commercial aircraft worth $6 b.  Deal will be financed in part through U.S. Export-Import Bank loan guarantees.  (CSM, NYT, MM, WT 2/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, Israeli FM Peres open talks in Cairo aimed at implementing Palestinian autonomy in Gaza and Jericho. Both sides report progress. (MENA 2/7, 2/8 in FBIS 2/8; WP, WT 2/8)

Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin meets in Washington with Qatari, Omani officials to discuss Qatar-Israel natural gas deal, multilateral mtg. on water set for 4/94 in Muscat. (MM 2/9)

Hizballah guerrillas ambush IDF patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 4 IDF soldiers and wounding 5. Ambush triggers IAF strikes on 3 villages, SLA, IDF shelling. (MM 2/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/8)

Meretz MKs Naomi Chazan and Benny Temkin demand that PM Rabin, in capacity as DM, ban travel of 40 IDF elite force veterans to Congo to act as military trainers. Leftist legislators view veterans as mercenaries being used to support Brazzaville regime. (WT 2/10)

Knesset recognizes "Yi'ud" faction made up of frmr. Tsomet MKs. (see 2/2) (MM 2/7)

Sens. Connie Mack (R-FL) and Alfonse D'Amato ask Pres. Clinton to withdraw nomination of Strobe Talbott as dep. secy. of state because of his "extreme views" on Israel, which "go beyond common criticisms to a systematic attack upon the foundations of America's close relationship with Israel." (WT 2/8)

PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi holds talks with Syrian FM al-Shar'a, other Syrian leaders in Damascus. (RMC, SARR 8/25 in FBIS 8/26)

Sources in Israeli PM Rabin's office quoted by JP say Rabin told Secy. of State Christopher Israel will withdraw fr. southern Lebanon 6 to 9 mos. after an agreement with Lebanon is signed and implemented. Rabin tells Knesset comm. Israeli conditions include integration of SLA into Lebanese army, security arrangements to be reached by bilateral comm., and disarming of Hizballah. Rabin also asserts that Israel will withdraw on, but not fr., the Golan to reach accord with Syria. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz rejects Israeli conditions, saying Israel must withdraw fr. southern Lebanon as a precondition for any agreement. (MM 8/25; VOM, VOL 8/25 in FBIS 8/26; MM 8/26)

Israeli High Court rejects Peace Now petition challenging legality of Israeli settlements in o.t. (WT 8/26)

Settler leaders establish new settlement of 7 families, 20 individuals, Dor Golan, near Moshav Shaal in Golan. PM Rabin's office does not regard site as settlement, while FM Peres says it may be dismantled. Settlement leaders say 8,000 new settlers will come to Golan in coming year. (Qol Yisra'el 8/25, IDF Radio 8/26 in FBIS 8/26; MM 8/26)

FM Peres says Israel will continue to negotiate with Palestinian delegation despite its members' appointment to PLO committee. Peres's statement that delegates' new status "makes no difference" effectively ends Israeli ban on negotiations with PLO. (NYT, WT 8/14)

18-year-old Salem Salem of Jaljulya, near Ramallah, shot and killed by IDF. (al-Fajr 8/16)

SLA commander Antoine Lahd calls Lebanese army deployment in southern Lebanon "ineffective." (ITV 8/13 in FBIS 8/16)

SLA positions at Shumariyeh and Alman, southern Lebanon, attacked with katyushas and mortars. (MM 7/20)

Lebanese army and Hizballah fire SAM-7 missile at overflying Israeli plane. (VOL 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

Hadashot reports that a secret Israeli envoy has met with the PLO in Tunis in an effort to bridge gaps in Israeli and Palestinian negotiating positions. Both PM Rabin and FM Peres deny the story. (MM 7/20)

10-year-old Izzat Matar, shot 7/18 by IDF, dies of his wounds in Gaza. (MM 7/21)

Kuwaiti govt., responding to confusion and controversy over its adherence to boycott of Israel, issues statemento Kuwait National Assembly saying it obeys boycott, but that "consequences of the Iraqi aggression" required "reexamination" of rules on secondary boycott of foreign companies dealing with Israel. Statement reiterates Kuwaiti adherence to all Arab League and GCC boycott rules, says end of Israeli settlements precondition for ending direct boycott (see 6/7, 6/11). (KUNA 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

Palestinian negotiator Haydar 'Abd alShafi denies knowledge of Israeli-PLO contacts (Jerusalem al-Nahar 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

Test flight of Israeli-made Arrow missile fails, jeopardizing U.S. support for ABM weapon. (WT 7/16; IDF Radio 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

Guerrillas attack SLA position near al- 'Ayshiyah in southern Lebanon with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. IDF and SLA return fire. IDF troop and artillery movements reported near Hula and al-Majidiyah, including reinforcement of 10 armored cars and 100 troops, with mechanized company at Hula. Hizballah claims katyusha attack on SLA positions at 'Ali al-Tahir, Sujud. IDF shells Kafr Tibnit and other villages in lqlim al-Tuffah. (Qol Yisra'el, Voice of the Mountain 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Lebanese govt. orders PFLP-GC head Ahmadjibril to leave Lebanon. Jibril's presence had become an embarrassment after 7/8 ambush of IDF in southern Lebanon and Jibril press conference afterward. (MM 7/15)

Israeli police stop attempt to establish new settlement in Golan Heights. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/15; JP 7/15 in MM 7/15)

Opposition Knesset factions (Likud, NRP, Tsomet, and Molodet) enter no-confidence motions, citing civil-service strike, kosher laws, and alleged Israeli-PLO dialogue. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

CSM reports that 10 U.S. state govts. hold Israeli bonds, 8% of $650m annual U.S. market. Poll commissioned by Arab American Institute shows 71.9% oppose buying Israeli bonds with tax money. (CSM 7/14)

PM Rabin holds lst-ever interview with o.t. newspaper al-Quds, says Israel would allow U.S. senators to monitor o.t. elections, East Jerusalemites would be allowed to vote (but not run). (al-Quds 6/10 in FBIS 6/11; MM 6/10; NYT 6/11)

SLA member killed in "security zone" bomb attack. SLA and IDF shell villages in southern Lebanon; 2 Hizballah members killed by IDF patrol. (Qol Yisra'el 6/11 in FBIS 6/11)

IDF kills 21-year-old Palestinian in Gaza City after a stone-throwing incident. (Qol Yisra'el 6/9 in FBIS 6/10; MM 6/9)

12-year-old Palestinian killed and 10 injured by IDF in raid on al-Burayj refugee camp in Gaza. (Qol Yisra'el 6/9 in FBIS 6/10)

Fateh official Ahmad Muhammad alMakhzumi shot dead in 'Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp, Sidon, Lebanon; Fateh accuses Fateh Revolutionary Council (FRC-"Abu Nidal" faction) of the assassination. (RFL, VOL 6/10 in FBIS 6/10)

4 Lebanese civilians killed in Zillaya by IDF missiles during clashes in southern Lebanon between IDF, SLA, and Lebanese resistance. (AFP 6/8 in FBIS 6/10)

GCC FMs meeting in Riyadh "renew" their "full support" for the peace process. (SPA 6/8 in FBIS 6/9).

IDF shoot 4 Palestinians dead in Gaza Strip, 3 of them during Hamas memorial service for those killed 5/10. (MM, NYT, WP 5/19)

IDF officer killed in clash with Hizballah inside the "security zone," southern Lebanon. Israel, SLA shell Lebanese villages. (VOS 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; Qol Yisra'el 5/18 in FBIS 5/20; MM, WP 5/19)

Hanan Ashrawi says Israel will allow 30 post-1967 deportees to return following resumption of talks 4/27. (AFP 4/22 in FBIS 4/22; MM 4/26)

PM Rabin meets with Egyptian pol. adv. 'Usama al-Baz, hands him message to deliver to Pres. Mubarak. (IDF Radio 4/22 In FBIS 4/23)

Hizballah, Palestinian groups fire rockets from southern Lebanon into Israel (largest barrage in 6 months), wounding 2 Israeli women. Israel, SLA shell villages north of "security zone." (NYT 4/23)

Washington Jewish Week reports that 4 U.S. congressional reps. have resigned from 15- mbr. task force that published report on terrorism 3/23, questioning the quality of the research. (WJW 4/22)