The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural lands east of Jalud, destroying olive trees and hay bales. Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians with live ammunition during a late-night raid in Halhul. 2 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces, including prominent lawyer and critic of the PA Fareed al-Atrash at a checkpoint near Bethlehem, and 1 in his home in Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in Silwan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Isawiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions east of al-Fukhari. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/4; WAFA 7/7; PCHR 7/8)

WAFA reported that Israel will seize 8,500 dunams (2,000 acres) of land in Qarawat Bani Hassan and Deir Istiya. (WAFA 7/4)

1 Palestinian woman from East Jerusalem was sentenced to 30 months in prison and 12 months of probation for having contact with members of Hezbollah. (AP, HA 7/4)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz and other senior military officials inaugurated a monument for the members of the South Lebanon Army who were killed while fighting with Israel. The South Lebanon Army often functioned as an Israel proxy in attacking Palestinian and Lebanese people in Lebanon until 2000. (HA 7/5)

A military plane belonging to Morocco landed in Israel as Moroccan forces were said to partake in a joint military drill with Israel and other countries. (HA 7/5)

In Gaza, the IDF continues operations in al-Maghazi r.c., engaging in heavy clashes with local gunmen, killing 4 armed Palestinians and 1 bystander, wounding at least 32 (in addition, 1 Palestinian child wounded in al-Maghazi on 7/19 dies of her injuries); drops leaflets across Gaza warning that “anyone who has . . . an arsenal, ammunition, or weapons in their house must destroy them or will face dangerous consequences.” The IDF also continues to shell n. and s. Gaza to prevent rocket fire; makes air strikes on 2 groups of Palestinians allegedly laying roadside bombs (no injuries are reported); fires warning shots fr. gunboats to keep Palestinian fishermen fr. going out to sea. Palestinians fire at least 1 rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, lightly wounding 1 Israeli. In the West Bank, the IDF continues major operations in Nablus, surrounding the local PA headquarters where a number of wanted Palestinians have taken refuge since fighting began on 7/19; 15 give themselves up during the day, but 10 remain inside, as IDF tanks shell the building and bulldozers begin to demolish the structure, troops fire on stone-throwing Palestinians who confront them (wounding 5). Also in Nablus, some 4,000 Palestinians demonstrate in support of Hizballah. The IDF also conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron; clears Palestinian trees nr. Har Homa settlement. (NYT, WP 7/21; IFM 7/22; PCHR 7/27)

Israel warns Lebanese s. of the Litani River that they have 24 hrs. to evacuate to the north. The IDF increases pinpoint ground operations in s. Lebanon, engaging in fierce clashes with Hizballah, leaving at least 2 IDF soldiers, 2 Hizballah mbrs. dead and 6 IDF soldiers injured; sends tanks, bulldozers across the n. border to destroy tunnels, bunkers, posts used by Hizballah (Hizballah claims to destroy 2 tanks; the IDF does not comment); continues air and artillery strikes on 150 targets across Lebanon, including Baalbek, Hermel, and al-Khiyam (destroying the infamous jail there, formerly run by Israel’s proxy, the South Lebanon Army). Late in the evening, 2 IDF helicopters collide over n. Israel nr. the Lebanese border, killing at least 4 IDF soldiers. Hizballah fires some 40 rockets at n. Israel, hitting Carmiel, Kiryat Shimona, Safad, Tiberias; there are no reported injuries. Syria reports that more than 140,000 people have crossed over fr. Lebanon since the violence began. Some 10,000 foreigners are evacuated by sea fr. Beirut and Tyre (including some 2,250 Americans and many Southeast Asian laborers evacuated by the Indian navy); UNIFIL evacuates its post at Naqura. Lebanese report that the cost of basic goods has risen 500% in some areas. (BBC, UNIS, WP 7/20; AP, NYT, WP, WT 7/21; WP 7/22)

Arafat rejects a request by Barak for a 1-on-1 mtg., saying there is no point in meeting unless there is a chance for progress. (WT 9/24)

The State Dept. announces that it has suspended the security clearance of Amb. to Israel Indyk pending completion of an investigation into whether he mishandled classified material. (NYT, WP 9/23; MENA 9/23 in WNC 9/27; WT 9/24; MM, NYT, WT 9/25; MM 9/26; WJW 9/28; MEI, WT 9/29)

Just 4 mos. after fleeing to Israel during the IDF withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon, 118 South Lebanon Army (SLA) refugees, mostly women and children, return to Lebanon. (RL 9/22 in WNC 9/27; NYT 9/23)

IDF troops fire at a group of Lebanese and foreign journalists, Hizballah mbrs. standing at the Kafr Shuba Gate on the blue line, injuring 1 Hizballah mbr. (RL 9/22 in WNC 9/27)

In light of the need to expand UNIFIL, UN Secy.-Gen. Annan meets with mbrs. of Congress to urge them to release money that the U.S. has pledged to UN peacekeeping. Currently, 4 missions (Congo, East Timor, Kosovo, Sierra Leone) are underfunded because the Senate Appropriations Comm. has placed a hold on $368 m. (WT 5/26)

Israel's Interior M Natan Sharansky meets with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata, informs her of Israel's intention to establish a national body to handle requests for asylum fr. 1,500 SLA mbrs. and their familles, totalling 6,420 persons in all, who have fled Lebanon with the IDF pullout. (MM 5/25; WJW 6/1; JP, MEI 6/2)

Hizballah gen. secy. Hassan Nasrallah says that his organization will turn over to the Lebanese authorities tanks, guns, and ammunition abandoned by the IDF and SLA but does not offer to disarm itself. Nasrallah says Hizballah refuses to commit its military resources to either Syria or the Palestinians in their quests to liberate their land fr. Israel, though it supports both goals. (NYT, WP 5/26)

The IDF lifts the ban on Israeli travel to Jericho. (NYT 5/26; JP 6/2) (see 5/21)

PA, Israel resume their Stockholm channel of final status talks. IsRN, MM 5/18; NYT 5/20)

In the heaviest fighting in 2 wks., 2 IODF soldiers, 2 SLA mbrs., 1 Hizballah mbr., 1 soldier with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and 4 Lebanese civilians are injured in s. Lebanon. Recently, Hizballah has stepped up attacks on the IDF and SLA, wanting Israel's withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon to occur under pressure. Hizballah has also increased videotaping its attacks, so they can be aired on Lebanese television. (MM, NYT, WP 5/19)

The PA High Court voids the Acting Council of the Palestinian Bar Association's revocation of the certification of38 Palestinian lawyers, allowing them to practice legally again. (MENL 5/18) (see 5/17)

U.S. special envoy Ross convinces Israel, PA to resume FAPS talks in Elat. Negotiators complain that reporters are getting in their way. (MM 5/3; NYT 5/4; al-Quds 5/4 in WNC 5/8; MEI 5/5) (see 5/2)

The FMs of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria open a 2-day mtg. in Palmayra, Syria, to coordinate their stands on the peace process, explore the possibility of holding an Arab summit. (MM, NYT 5/3; MENA 5/3 in WNC 5/4; MM 5/4; MENA 5/4 in WNC 5/5; MENA 5/6 in WNC 5/8; MM 5/8)

The Israeli DMin. says that around 10/00, Israel will deploy a $250-m. laser-based air defense system, developed jointly with the U.S., to protect against missiles fired into Israel following a withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. (MM 5/3; WP 5/4)

PA Dep. Education M Naim Abu al-Humus resigns in protest of the failure of the PA to respond to teachers' demands for pay increases. Teachers fr. Hebron hold a large sit-in strike outside the PA Education Min. offices to protest the PA's inaction regarding their salary increases. (MENL, PCHR 5/3; MENL 5/4; PR 5/10) (see 5/2)

The PA High Court suspends the 2/28 decree requiring all demonstrations, public mtgs. to receive prior authorization fr. the PA police. (PCHR 5/3)

In Iqlim al-Tuffah, outside Israel's self-declared security zone, an Israeli plane drops a 660-lb. bomb on the home of Amal regional cmdr. Abbas Hallal, injuring his mother, 14 civilians (including 6 children). Israel claims the shelling was a mistake. In 2 other IDF and SLA attacks in s. Lebanon, 3 Hizballah mbrs. and 2 civilians are killed. (NYT 5/4; MM, NYT, WP 5/5)

In the Netherlands, the trial of 2 Libyans charged in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am 103 opens. The Libyans plead not guilty, blame the crime on the PFLP-GC and the Palestinian Poplar Struggle Front. Both groups deny the charge. (MM, NYT, WP 5/4; MEI 5/5; CSM 5/9)

Barak wins unanimous approval of his cabinet to pull the IDF out of s. Lebanon by 7/00, even without an accord with Syria. Israel also promises to "honor its commitments" to the SLA. (XIN 3/5, DUS, Interfax 3/6 in WNC 3/7; XIN 3/5, 3/7 in WNC 3/8; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/6; al-Quds 3/6 in WNC 3/9; MM 3/7; CSM, MEI 3/10)

PA police release all Palestinian students still being held for participating in anti-Jospin demonstrations. (NYT, WP 3/6; MM 3/8) (see 3/2)

In s. Lebanon, 2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed during an operation against the IDF/SLA. (MEI 3/10)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) says it will resume full participation in the PLO Executive Comm. and Central Council, which it has boycotted since the singing of the 1993 Oslo Accord. (NYT 2/18; AYM 2/21 in WNC 2/28)

At an American Comm. on Jerusalem briefing on Capitol Hill, eminent Palestinian historian Walid Khalidi reveals findings of a 3-yr. investigation, proving that the ownership of the proposed site for a U.S. emb. in Jerusalem, as mandated by Congress's 1995 Jerusalem Emb. Act, is largely private property (some of which can be claimed by U.S. citizens) and Waqf land that have been illegally confiscated by Israel. (ACJ press release 2/17)

PA teachers go on strike to protest their low salaries. Arafat had promised pay raises as part of the civil service law but the salary increases were not worked into the FY 2000 budget approved on 1/26. (MENL 2/18; LAW 2/22; MEI 2/25)

Demonstrations continue in Beirut, where 2,000 Lebanese hold protest outside the U.S. emb.; several are injured when army, police units break them up. (MM 2/17; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/18; MM 2/21)

In s. Lebanon, an IDF soldier is killed by Hizballah shelling. In a separate incident, a roadside bomb planted by Hizballah explodes injuring 1 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbr. Israel does not stage major retaliatory attacks. (RL 2/17 in WNC 2/18; MM 2/21)

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)

Israel carries out airstrikes on Lebanon for 3d day. Israeli FM Levy warns that if Hizballah responds by firing rockets into n. Israel, "the soil of Lebanon will burn. . . . Vital interests of Lebanon will go up in flames, and it will take many years to restore them." Disputing Barak's 2/8 claims, UN monitors in s. Lebanon say they observed all but 1 of the recent Hizballah strikes on IDF/SLA targets and none was staged fr. a civilian area. UN cmdr. Goksel says that "it looks to me that [the Israelis] are creating an atmosphere to do what they wanted to do already." (AFP, RL, SA 2/9 in WNC 2/10; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/10; MM 2/11; JP 2/18)

Israel releases the summary of an official report that says that during the intifada, Shin Bet interrogators committed systematic abuses against Palestinian detainees. The report was submitted to the Knesset subcomm. on intelligence in 1995 but was kept secret until the High Court ordered it to be released. (NYT 2/10; LAW 2/11; Guardian Weekly 2/17)

In Elat, Israel, the PA begin 10 days of intensive FAPS talks. (WT 1/30; AFP, AYM 1/30 in WNC 1/31; al-Quds 1/30 in WNC 2/1; NYT, WP, WT 1/31; MM 2/3)

At Pres. Clinton's recommendation, Barak goes to Cairo to discuss with Mubarak ways to speed the multitrack peace process. Mubarak briefs Barak on his recent mtgs. with Arafat, Asad, King Abdallah. (MENA 1/30 in WNC 1/31, 2/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/31; MM 2/1; WJW 2/3) (see 1/22)

In Davos, Secy. of State Albright meets separately with PA's Arafat, Jordan's King Abdallah, Egypt's FM Musa, Israel's Regional Cooperation M Peres for talks on the peace process. Peres also meets with Bahrain's crown prince Shaykh Salman Bin-Hamad al-Khalifa. (AFP 1/30 in WNC 1/31; MM, NYT 1/31; MM 2/1, 2/2)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates a large roadside bomb, killing the SLA's 2d in command Col. `Aql Hashim. Israel considers the assassination a significant blow since Hashim was the only likely successor to SLA Cmdr. Antoine Lahd, who is expected to retire soon. The IDF makes a limited counterattack on Hizballah targets, killing 1 civilian. (RL 1/30 in WNC 1/31; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/31; MM 2/2; WJW 2/3; al-Safir 2/3 in WNC 2/4; MEI 2/11)

Barak names Amb. to Jordan Oded Eran, to head final status negotiations with the PA. The PA reportedly does not think Eran is a senior enough figure, thinks his appointment is proof that Barak wants to conduct real negotiations in a back channel. (MM 10/26; NYT 10/27; AYM 10/27 in WNC 10/28; AYM 10/30, 11/1 in WNC 11/3; NYT 10/31; JP 11/5) (see 9/16)

Israel also announces that David Ivri, a fmr. air force cmdr. and DMin. dir. gen. who is now on Israel's national security adviser, will replace Zalman Shoval as amb. to the U.S. Washington reportedly asked for Ivri's appointment, just as Barak asked for Indyk to return as U.S. amb. to Israel (see 10/20). (MM, WP, WT 10/27; MM 10/28; JP 11/5)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Israel for talks with Arafat, Barak in advance of the 11/2 Oslo summit.  During their meeting in Gaza, Ross, Arafat also discuss Israeli settlement activity, land confiscations, house demolitions. (AYM 10/26 in WNC 10/28; WT 10/27; AYM 10/30, 11/1 in WNC 11/3) (see 10/20)

In Israel, U.S. Defense Secy. William Cohen assures PM Barak, that the Clinton administration will press Congress to approve $1.2 b. in aid to help Israel implement the Wye accords; expresses concerns over Israel's proposed sale to India of Popeye air-to-surface missiles, which was jointly developed by Israel, the U.S. (WT 10/26; NYT, WP 10/27)

British FM Cook meets with the PA Jerusalem Affairs M Husseini at the American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem for talks on Jerusalem's contested identity. Israeli, Palestinian security officials scuffle over who should guard Cook. (MM, NYT, WT 10/27; JP 11/5)

In Bethlehem, Palestinians, IDF troops clash for 2d day. Although the city is under PA security control, IDF troops are deployed to guard Rachel's Tomb, a Jewish religious site. A total of 30 Palestinians, 2 Israelis have been injured since 10/25. (MM, WP 10/27)

The IDF demolishes 2d Palestinian home in East Jerusalem in a 24-hr. period. (LAW 10/26)

In s. Lebanon, IDF shelling injures 4 civilians, damages 30 homes, an electricity station, and a water network. (RL 10/26 in WNC 10/27; RL 10/28 in WNC 10/29)

On the 5th anniversary of the assassination of its leader Fathi Shiqaqi by Mossad, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, aided by Hizballah, detonates a roadside mine in s. Lebanon, targeting IDF and SLA forces. This is the 1st time Islamic Jihad has staged an attack in Lebanon. No injuries are reported. (NYT 10/28; MEI 11/12)

After another round of Israeli-PA talks on the Wye timetable, PA chief negotiator Erakat says that an agmt. implementation is near, that there is "suddenly an atmosphere of trust between the two sides." (WP 8/25; YA 8/27 in WNC 9/1)

The PA suspends talks with Israel on the Wye prisoner release, citing lack of progress. Hisham `Abd al-Raziq, head of the PA team, calls the mtgs. "a waste of time." (NYT 8/25; AYM 8/25 in WNC 8/27)

Israel says that PM Barak has phoned European, Scandinavian leaders to urge them to promote a European-wide effort to aid Turkey's earthquake victims out of concern that militant Islamists might seek to gain political advantage fr. the Turkish government's inept response to the crisis. Islamic groups have worked intensively to help victims fr. the 1st day of the disaster, whereas the Turkish military did not join rescue efforts until several days after the quake. The government has also frozen the accounts, raided offices, confiscated the relief supplies of Islamic humanitarian groups, saying that they should "divert funds to purposes other than earthquake relief in the absence of strict government oversight." Israel also announces plans to assemble prefabricated city of 1,000 housing units for Turkish quake victims. (ATL 8/24 in WNC 8/25; WT 8/25; NYT, WP, WT 8/27; WP 8/29; ATL 8/31 in WNC 9/1)

Jordanian Artists Association expels one of its senior mbrs., Nadir Omran, for "normalizing" relations with Israel by inviting Israeli artists to participate in a theater festival earlier this yr. (JT 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

In s. Lebanon, 5 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbrs. are wounded in a clash with Hizballah. (VOL 8/24 in WNC 8/25)

Anticipating resumption of negotiations, Arafat meets with King Abdallah in Gaza to set a common agenda, discuss possible 5-way summit (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, PA, Syria). PA informs Israel that it would not reject Jordanian participation in final status talks on Jerusalem. (al-Quds 5/26 in WNC 5/27; al-Bayan 5/26, VOA 5/28 in WNC 6/1; MM, NYT 5/27; JP 6/4)

PM Netanyahu appears in public, convenes his inner cabinet for the 1st time since the 5/17 election. The Israeli media has accused him of abandoning his office, which he holds until Barak forms a government. (NYT, WP 5/27)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA mbr. is killed, 2 are wounded when a rocket fired by Hizballah hits their car. 2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed by IDF shelling. (NYT 5/27)

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)

In Gaza, the PLO Central Council (PCC) opens debate on statehood declaration, with 96 of 124 mbrs. attending. Arafat opens the mtg. by affirming Palestinians' right to independence, but recommending against declaring a state on 5/4. Hamas sends a 4 mbr. observer group led by Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, marking 1st time it has participated in a PLO mtg.; the move is criticized by Hamas political leaders in Jordan. Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine boycott. (MM 4/27; AFP, IDF Radio, JT 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/28; IDF Radio, MBC 4/28 in WNC 4/29; al-Ayyam 4/28, 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30; MEI 5/7; al-Istiqlal 5/7 in WNC 5/17; CSM 5/17)

In Nablus, 1,000 Fatah mbrs. march in support of a statehood declaration on 5/4. (WT 4/28)

A Palestinian arrested by Israeli police on burglary charges on 4/27 is admitted to a Tel Aviv hospital having been beaten so severely that one of his kidneys stopped functioning. (Reuters [Internet] 5/6)

Without explanation, the GIS orders the Hamas weekly newspaper al-Risala closed "until further notice." Under pressure fr. unnamed PA officials, the paper is allowed to reopen several hrs. later. (AFP 4/27 in WNC 4/28; al-Hayat al-Jadida 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30)

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Commission passes (52-1) a resolution reaffirming the Palestinians' right to self-determination, right to return. The U.S. votes against. (ADC press release 4/28; Xinhua 4/28 in WNC 4/29; Prime Minister's Report 4/30) (see 4/23)

Israel claims that the PA has released 3 Hamas prisoners involved in attacks in which Israelis were killed. PA, Hamas deny the story. (IDF Radio 4/27 in WNC 4/28; NYT, WP 4/28; al-Ayyam 4/28 in WNC 4/29; PR 4/30; JP 5/7)

In Washington, Israeli DM Moshe Arens meets with Secy. of State Albright, NSA Berger, Secy. of Defense Cohen for talks on Arrow missile program, Israeli receipt of 60 new F-16D fighters, regional issues. Albright, Berger criticize Israeli settlement policy. (USIS Washington File 4/27; MM 4/28; IDF Radio, MA 5/3 in WNC 5/4; WJW 5/6; JP, MEI 5/7)

Lebanese security personnel arrest an Israeli woman, Mary Vizeman, on suspicion of spying after she is found in Tyre without a passport. Vizeman, who speaks Arabic well, claims that she came fr. Nazareth to visit a friend in Beirut. (VOL 4/28 in WNC 4/29; JP 5/7)

Hizballah attempts to capture 2 IDF/SLA posts in s. Lebanon, wounding 8 IDF soldiers, 3 SLA mbrs. IDF shells Hizballah targets in response, wounding 2 civilians. (VOL 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM 4/28)

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Commission passes (31-1, with 21 abstentions) resolution condemning Israel's "continued violations" in the occupied territories. The U.S. votes against. (Reuters [Internet] 4/23)

In Casablanca, Arab human rights groups open major 3 day conference on human rights conditions in the Arab world. It is the 1st international conference of the Arab Human Rights Movement. (INFOPAL 5/21)

Russian FM Ivanov meets with Arafat in Ramallah, then leaves for Egypt. (AFP, ITAR-TASS 4/23 in WNC 4/26; MENA 4/23 in WNC 4/27; MEI 5/7)

Jewish settlers set up new enclave on hilltop nr. Ma'ale Levona, nr. Ramallah. (AP [Internet] 4/24)

Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr., wounding a 2d. In an unrelated incident, the IDF shells a Lebanese army checkpoint n. of the self-declared security zone, injuring 3 civilians. (RL, VOL 4/23 in WNC 4/26; NYT, WP 4/24)

In London, Arafat meets with British PM Tony Blair. (SA 3/11 in WNC 3/12; VOA 3/18 in WNC 3/19; PR 3/19)

For 2d day in Gaza, PA police clash with 100s of Palestinians protesting PA police shooting of demonstrators 3/10. PA declares area a closed military zone, confiscates film fr. 6 photographers, detain 3 journalists. More than 50 Palestinians, including 17 policemen, are injured. (WT 3/12; RMC 3/12 in WNC 3/16; PR 3/19; MEI 3/26)

U.S. Senate approves (98-1) resolution urging Pres. Bill Clinton not to recognized a unilaterally declared Palestinian state. (RMC 3/12 in WNC 3/16; al-Jazira 3/13 in WNC 3/17; al-Quds 3/17 in WNC 3/22; WJW 3/18; PR 3/19) (see Doc. C3)

Iranian pres. Khatami meets with Pope John Paul II. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/12; MM 3/15)

On the last day of his regional tour, U.S. Defense Secy. Cohen stops in Egypt, pays courtesy call on PM Netanyahu in Israel. (MM 3/11; MENA 3/11 in WNC 3/12; NYT, WP, WT 3/12; WT 3/13; al-Quds 3/13 in WNC 3/17; MM 3/17; al-Watan al-Arabi 3/26 in WNC 4/5)

Saudi Arabia signs protocol with Afghanistan's Taliban under which only Taliban-certified Afghans may participate in the Hajj, lending credence to rumors that the Taliban broke with Saudi dissident Bin Laden a mo. or so ago, is no longer providing him safe haven. (GIU 3/16; see NYT 3/4)

In Amman, Turkey, Jordan hold talks in the context of their security cooperation agmt. on combatting terrorism, drug smuggling, organized crime. (ATL 3/12 in WNC 3/16)

Turkish lawyer Ahmet Zeki Okcuoglu agrees to take up Ocalan's defense again but says that he still does not feel secure. (NYT 3/12) (see 2/25)

Hizballah attacks a South Lebanon Army (SLA) post in s. Lebanon, wounding 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 3/11 in WNC 3/12)

In Amman, Israeli FM Sharon, Trade M Natan Sharansky meet with Crown Prince Hassan; sign agmt. forming bilateral mechanism for implementing several Jordan Valley projects. (ITV, JT, RJ 11/23 in WNC 11/24; JTV, Petra-JNA 11/23, JT 11/24 in WNC 11/30; MM 11/24)

Israel, the PA hold talks on selecting the remaining 500 Palestinian prisoners to be released under the Wye agmt., but reach impasse. (ITV 11/23 in WNC 11/24)

In Gaza, 1,500 Palestinians demonstrate against the PA for failing to secure Israel's release of political prisoners, attempt to break into PA negotiator Abbas's home but are pushed back by PA police. (JT [Internet] 11/24; MM 11/25; MEI 12/11)

Jewish settlers seize West Bank hilltop nr. Elon Moreh. IDF declares 2d hill nr. Itamar occupied by settlers 11/22 a closed military zone, orders settlers to leave. (CSM, JP [Internet] 11/24)

U.S. Amb. to Qatar Paul Theros says that the U.S. is building its largest military "warehouse" in Qatar, prepositioning equipment but not troops. (WT 11/24)

In s. Lebanon, 3 civilians are injured, houses are damaged by IDF shelling. 1 IDF soldier is killed, 2 South Lebanon Army (SLA) soldiers are wounded in Hizballah attack. (RL 11/23 in WNC 11/24; MA 11/24 in WNC 11/30)

PM Netanyahu cancels 10/29 Knesset vote on the Wye agmt. (which is expected to pass easily), predicting that the PA will not meet a 11/2 deadline to present the U.S. with a security work plan. (NYT, WP, WT 10/28; al-Ahram 10/28, VOA 10/29 in WNC 10/30; MM 10/29, 10/30; ITV 10/31, AFP 11/1 in WNC 11/6)

Israel begins construction of water reservoir for Almon settlement, Anaton IDF camp nr. Ramallah that will require confiscation of 100s of dunams of Palestinian land. Nr. Hebron, settlers place 3 trailers on 100 dunums of confiscated land for establishment of new Yatta settlement. (PR 11/6)

PA police arrests 2 Palestinians for 10/26 settler murder in Hebron. Israelis have not found killers of Palestinian slain in reprisal attack nr. Nablus, where today Palestinian protesters clash with IDF soldiers, leaving 9 injured. In addition, Fatah enforces general strikes in Bethlehem, Nablus to protest the PA's 10/25 raid on its Ramallah office. (AFP [Internet] 10/27; IDF Radio, ITV 10/27 in WNC 10/29; NYT, WP 10/28; PR 10/30; JP 11/9)

In Sidon, a car bomb explodes, killing an Islamic Jihad official, wounding 3. An SLA mbr. is killed in a Hizballah attack in s. Lebanon. (VOL 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MA 10/28 in WNC 10/29; RL 10/28 in WNC 10/30; RL 10/31 in WNC 11/6)

In Beirut, French pres. Jacques Chirac calls on Israel to leave s. Lebanon, Golan Heights, saying Israel must realize that it cannot have security without peace. (WP, WT 5/31; MM 6/1)

Hizballah, IDF clash n. of Israel's self-declared security zone in Lebanon, leaving 1 Hizballah mbr. dead, 2 wounded. In separate incidents IDF shoots, kills 2 Lebanese, possibly affiliated with Hizballah; Hizballah wounds 1 SLA mbr. (ITV 5/31 in WNC 6/30)

PM Netanyahu arrives in China for 3-day visit. (MM 5/26)

In Cairo, Arafat attends Arab League mtg. called to commemorate the 50th anniversary of al-Nakba; calls for Arab summit on the peace process. (MENA, RE 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

Egyptian FM `Amr Musa arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein on Mubarak's trip to France, possible Arab summit; says Pres. Mubarak is discussing summit idea with other Arab leaders, including Morocco's King Hassan, who arrived in Cairo today for 3-day official visit, and Syria's Pres. Asad. (MENA, RE, RJ 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM 5/27, 5/28)

In Tel Aviv, Israel's DM Yitzhak Mordechai meets with Turkey's dep. chief of staff, Gen. Cevik Bir, for talks on the peace process, furthering military cooperation, possible joint arms projects. (WT 5/27)

Saudi Arabia's FM Prince Saud al-Faisal arrives in Iran for 2-day talks on improving bilateral ties. (WT 5/27)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin visits Syria's Yarmuk refugee camp, where he receives warm welcome fr. Palestinian refuges. (WP 6/11) (see 5/25)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli border policemen clash with Palestinians protesting illegal construction by Jewish settlers (see 5/25). To halt violence, Israel's Jerusalem mayor Ehud Olmert bans the construction in the name of Israel's Antiquities Dept., orders the demolition of the settlers' illegal dwellings. (ITV 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM, NYT 5/27; WJW 5/28; MM 6/3; MEI 6/5; WT 6/9)

Yemen reports that over the past 2 days, Saudi troops have seized the island of Harim in the Red Sea as part of an attempt to pressure Sana' to make territorial concessions in the 2 countries' border demarcation negotiations, which just resumed last wk. The island is 1 of 3 uninhabited but strategically significant Red Sea islands in dispute. (MM 5/26)

3 SLA mbrs., 3 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. 4 civilians are injured, over 100 flee their homes. (ITV, RL, VOL 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

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)

Pres. Clinton asks Secy. Albright to cancel her trip to Europe for the G-8 summit, meet with PM Netanyahu in Washington 5/13 in another effort to "overcome the remaining differences." (MM 5/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/12)

In a 2d emergency session, CPMAJO mbrs. vote 27-3 to ask for a mtg. with Clinton; to draft letter objecting pressure on Israel, Hillary Clinton's 5/6 statements. (WP, WT 5/12; WJW 5/14) (see 5/7)

In Beirut, FM Buwayz discusses Israel's conditional withdrawal proposal with Nigerian FM Mamane Sambo Sidikou. (RL 5/11 in WNC 5/12)

In Ankara, Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz, Dep. Chief of Staff Gen. Çevik Bir attend 50th anniversary reception at the Israeli embassy. (Anatolia 5/12 in WNC 5/13)

13 yrs. after denying him sanctuary claiming that he was not its spy, Israel officially recognizes Pollard as its agent in hopes of negotiating his release. (NYT, WP, WT 5/12; MA 5/13 in WNC 5/14; WJW 5/14) (see 4/14)

Iran, Iraq launch their 1st joint operation to search for remains of soldiers killed in their 1980+n88 war. (WP 5/12)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin arrives in Kuwait. (MM 5/12)

In retaliation for SLA shelling of Lebanese village that wounded 2 civilians, Hizballah units in s. Lebanon fire rockets at IDF base just inside n. Israel, injuring 2 soldiers. (AFP, ITV, MBC, RL 5/11 in WNC 5/12; ITV, VOL 5/11 in WNC 5/13; WT 5/12; al-Diyar 5/12 in WNC 5/18)

After mtg. with U.S. special envoy Ross, PM Netanyahu announces he will not attend 5/11 Washington summit, saying that the deadline does not afford Israel enough time to come to terms with the U.S. proposal. U.S. says it would consider a brief postponement if Israel seems to be moving toward a deal. (MM 5/8; IDF Radio, ITV, QY 5/8 in WNC 5/11; NYT, WP, WT 5/9)

In Rome, Lebanese pres. Hrawi discusses Israel's conditional withdrawal proposal, peace process with Pres. Scalfaro. (RL 5/9 in WNC 5/12) (see 3/31)

Uri Bar-Ner presents his credentials as Israeli amb. to Turkey, a post left vacant for 8 mos. (Anatolia [Ankara] 5/8 in WNC 5/12)

In s. Lebanon, 8 civilians are injured by IDF shelling. 1 SLA mbr. is killed in separate incident. (RL, VOL 5/8 in WNC 5/11)

In Beirut, shooting breaks out btwn. Hizballah, Amal mbrs., leaving 5 wounded. Lebanese army units intervene to halt fighting, wounding 2 others. (RL 5/9 in WNC 5/12)

Israeli pres. Weizman holds separate mtgs. with U.S. envoy Ross and Asst. Secy. Indyk, Israeli PM Netanyahu, Arafat adviser Abbas to encourage compromise to move peace process forward. (MA, SA 4/28 in WNC 4/30)

Pres. Clinton hosts White House ceremony celebrating Israel's 50th anniversary. (MM 4/28)

UNSC decides to maintain current level of international sanctions against Iraq. U.S. acknowledges that Iraq has made progress in complying with UN disarmament efforts. This is the 1st of 2 comprehensive reviews of Iraqi sanctions. 2d review should take place in 10/98. (NYT, WT 4/28; MM 4/29) (see 4/23)

Iran's Majles speaker Nateq-Nuri arrives in Kuwait for talks on expanding bilateral relations. (IRNA 4/27 in WNC 4/30; IRNA 4/30 in WNC 5/1) (see 4/25)

Kuwait pardons 13 Jordanian detainees held in Kuwaiti jails since the Gulf War. The last batch of detainees were pardoned 2/25/97, released 10 days later. Kuwait is still holding 25 Jordanians. (RJ 4/27, JT 4/28 in WNC 4/30; JT 4/29 in WNC 5/1)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 5 IDF soldiers. 1 IDF soldier, 1 SLA mbr. are wounded in separate clash with Hizballah. 2 Lebanese civilians are injured in Israel's retaliatory shelling. (MM 4/27; RL 4/27 in WNC 4/30; WP 4/28)

Arafat speaks with Secy. Albright, urges the U.S. to publicly present its 13.1% FRD plan so as to pressure Israel. (WT 4/5)

81 senators send AIPAC-drafted letter to Pres. Clinton, urging him not to pressure Israel by publicly issuing a U.S. FRD proposal. AIPAC tried to get CPMAJO to endorse the letter, but it refused, saying AIPAC was creating an unnecessary sense of crisis. (WJW 4/2; NYT 4/7; MM 4/8; WJW 4/9; MEI 4/10; WT 4/13; NYT 4/26; MM 5/1) (see 3/29)

Egypt calls for exchange of ambs. with Iran. (IRNA 4/3 in WNC 4/6)

Some 10,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza hold rallies to denounce what they believe to be Israel's assassination of Hamas's Sharif. (MM 4/3; ITV 4/3 in WNC 4/6; WT 4/4) (see 4/2)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb as SLA unit passes, killing 7 SLA mbrs. IDF shells area in response, damaging 2 civilian homes. (RL, VOL 4/3 in WNC 4/6)

Arafat, on visit to Amsterdam, tours Anne Frank House. (MENA 3/31 in WNC 4/2; IDF Radio 4/1 in WNC 4/3; WJW 4/9)

Lebanese FM Buwayz arrives in Rome for mtg. with the Pres. Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, PM Romano Prodi discusses Lebanon's demand for Israel's unconditional adherence to UN Res. 425. (RL 4/1 in WNC 4/3)

Nr. Nablus, IDF opens fire with rubber bullets on Palestinians protesting Israeli land confiscations, injuring 1. (WT 4/1)

Suspected Hizballah roadside bomb explodes in the Jazzin enclave in s. Lebanon, killing 6 civilians, wounding 1. IDF urgently contacts SLA to dissuade them fr. retaliating, which could spark fierce clashes similar to those that occurred in 8/97. (ITV 3/31 in WNC 4/1; MM, WP 4/1)

PM Netanyahu sends media adviser David Bar-Ilan to Washington to call on Jewish-American leaders, Christian Right, allies in Congress to fend off expected U.S. government initiative to press Israel for an FRD. (MM 3/3; WT 3/4; WJW 3/12)

Alerted by Jordanian security, IDF intercepts 2 boatloads of arms being smuggled to the West Bank via the Dead Sea, detains 1 Palestinian, claims the arms were intended for the PA. PA denies charge. (WT 3/1; WT 3/2; PR 3/6; JP 3/7)

Jordan lifts curfew on Ma'an. (WT 3/1) (see 2/22)

1 Hizballah mbr. is killed in an attack on an SLA post in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/28 in WNC 3/5)

U.S. special envoy Ross spends 3d day shuttling btwn. Israel, PA in search of formula to bridge gap btwn. them. PM Netanyahu says that any FRD would be implemented only after the PA fulfills all of their obligations under Oslo, comes up with "more effective" security measures. (MM 1/8; ITV 1/8 in WNC 1/11; NYT, WP 1/9; MEI 1/16; JP 1/17)

In Amman, King Hussein meets with Israeli Knesset Speaker Dan Tichon, Labor MK Salah Tarif. No details of mtg. are released. (JT 1/10 in WNC 1/13) (see 1/7)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb as and IDF-SLA patrol passes, wounding 4 IDF soldiers, 2 SLA mbrs., 1 cameraman. In separate incident, 1 civilian is wounded by IDF shelling. (RL, RMC 1/8 in WNC 1/11; WP 1/9; JP 1/17)