The Palestine Chronology

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)

Syrian pres. Asad, Israeli PM-elect Barak trade public compliments in the press another sign that their nations are moving toward resuming peace talks. (MM 6/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/24; MENA 6/24 in WNC 6/28)

In Ramallah, the U.S.-Palestinian Bilateral Comm. meets for the 3d time. (MM 6/23; al-Quds 6/23 in WNC 6/28; JP 7/2)

Israeli-PA joint aviation comm. meets in Gaza. (AYM 6/24 in WNC 6/28)

Iran announces that it has set up a $128-m. fund to pay compensation for some factories seized after the 1979 revolution. Claims must be filed by 8/23. (NYT, WT 6/24)

Jewish settlers fr. Efrat seize a 25-acre plot of land belonging to the Palestinian village of Khadr that they plan to use for a graveyard, set up six mobile homes on a nearby hill. (AFP [Internet] 6/23)

IDF intensifies shelling of Hizballah targets in s. Lebanon, wounding a Lebanese boy and his grandfather. Hizballah responds by firing mortars at an IDF-SLA base nr. the Lebanese-Israeli border. (NYT 6/24)

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)

Arafat appeals to PC to delay no-confidence motions over government mismanagement set for 6/15, agrees to reshuffle the EA. (WP 6/12; MEI, PR 6/19; PR 6/26; MEI 7/3) (see 6/9)

IDF grants Ariel settlement nr. Nablus "city status," making it the 2d Israeli "city" in the West Bank after Ma'ale Adumim; grants permission for establishment of civil guard units in the West Bank (which basically allows settlers to form paramilitary units). (MM 6/12; PR 6/19; PR 7/10)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah shells SLA convoy, killing 1 SLA mbr., wounding 1. (RL 6/12 in WNC 6/15)

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)

Arafat, Pres. Mubarak hold talks on the peace process in Alexandria. (RE 8/25 in WNC 8/26; RE 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Japan. (IDF Radio, Kyodo [Tokyo] 8/25 in WNC 8/26; MM 8/26; MM, WP, WT 8/27, CSM 9/3, JP 9/6) (see 8/24)

Saying that the Oslo process must be "redefined," Israeli mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert promises to build additional housing projects, including some in disputed territories. (WT 8/26)

In Bethlehem, the IDF fires tear gas, rubber bullets at Palestinians protesting the continued internal closure. When troops move closer to the PA-controlled area, PA police take up postitions behind walls, baracades. Only when troops pull back, do they intervene to disperse the protesters. (WP, WT 8/26)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem, 2 nr. Jerusalem for allegedly being built without permits. (LAW 8/25; WP, WT 8/26; IDF Radio 8/26 in WNC 8/27; PR 8/29)

Israeli police, Shabak agents break into the Golan Heights home of Ilham Abu Salih--a Druze who heads a student organization at Damascus University, representing 400 Golani Druze students; arrest her on suspicion of being a Syrian spy. Druze in Majdal Shams stage protests, burning tires, waving Syrian flags. Syria complains to the UN. (al-Anwar 8/29 in WNC 9/4; NYT, WP 9/4; JP 9/6)

After much critism, Labor Chmn. Barak reverses the dismissal of Labor party personnel announced 8/21, saying he erred in abruptly laying off the workers. (MA 8/29 in WNC 9/2; JP 9/6)

As fighting continues in Lebanon, IAF fires rockets at PFLP-GC targets s. of Beirut, causing no injuries. Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 1 SLA mbr. (QPAR 8/25 in WNC 8/26; CSM, WP 8/26)

Israel decides to release 1/3 of the tax revenues ($12 m.) that it has withheld fr. the PA as a nod to the PA's cooperation on the trilateral security panel 8/18. (MM 8/18; IDF Radio, IGPO 8/18 in WNC 8/20; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/19; PR 8/22)

PA police begin inforcing a boycott on the import of certain Israeli goods to the occupied territories, halting and searching commercial vehicles. (JT 8/18 in WNC 8/20; MM 8/21; CSM, NYT, PR 8/22) (see 8/16)

Citing the deadlock in the peace process, Indonesia rejects an Israeli request for PM Netanyahu to visit the country during a trip to Japan, South Korea next wk. (YA 8/19 in WNC 8/20)

IDF demolishes 4 Palestinian homes nr. Hebron. (PR 9/5)

Jordan arrests 6 people, including an Israeli, who were trying to smuggle guns into the West Bank via the Dead Sea tourist area. (JT 8/27 in WNC 8/28; Shihan 9/6 in WNC 9/10; JP 10/11)

3 Lebanese civilians are killed by a roadside explosion in Jazzin, which is controlled by the South Lebanon Army (SLA). In response, the SLA shells the largely pro-Hizballah city of Sidon, killing at least 6 civilians, wounding 38--the highest civilian toll since the 4/96 understanding. Hizballah, supported by Lebanese army artillery, then shells source of SLA fire (a village nr. Jazzin), killing 1 civilian, wounding 2. Israel files a complaint with the Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group (ILMG), blaming Hizballah for the initial roadside bombing; reprimands the "rogue commander" of the SLA who allegedly ordered the Sidon attack. (MM 8/18; RL, VOL 8/18 in WNC 8/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/19; VOL 8/19 in WNC 8/21; CSM, WP 8/20; NYT 8/21; MM 8/22) (see 8/12)

Iraq announces plans to permit Iranian pilgrims to visit Shi`ite holy sites at Najaf, Karbala for the 1st time in 17 yrs. beginning 9/4. (MM 8/19)

At the invitiation of the Lebanese Soccer Federation, the Iraqi national soccer team arrives in Beirut to play match against Lebanon's team. (INA 8/18 in WNC 8/20) (see 7/11)

Palestinian home in Hebron is fire bombed, injuring 5 Palestinians, 1 critically. PA police suspect settlers. (MEI 11/8)

Israeli Infrastructure M Sharon unveils plans to build 2 new settlements that would double the number of Jewish settlers in the West Bank. (ITV 11/3 in WNC 11/5; MM 11/4; CSM, MM, WP, WT 11/5; PR 11/8; WP 11/19)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb and SLA convoy passes, killing 1 SLA mbr. In response, IDF shells highlands n. of Israeli occupied zone, wounding 1 civilian. Israel admits responsibility for mistakenly firing at a village. (RL, al-Ra'i 11/3 in WNC 11/5; WP 11/4; JP 11/16)

In al-Fawwar refugee camp, the IDF blows up the homes of the 2/25 Jerusalem and Ashkelon suicide bombers, homes of 2 Palestinians suspected of involvement in 8/21/95 bus bombing. (MM 3/20; QY 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; QY 3/20, 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM 3/21)

In s. Lebanon, a Hizballah suicide bomber kills 1 IDF soldier, 1 SLA soldier, wounds 1 Israeli civilian [as reported], 7 IDF soldiers. IDF shells areas n., s. of the self-declared security zone, injuring 1 farmer. (MM 3/20; QY, RL, VOL 3/20, RL 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/21)

PM Peres, FM Barak hold late-night mtg. on s. Lebanon, how to handle escalating attacks. PM Peres then briefs U.S. Amb. Indyk. Following that mtg., the U.S. relays sharp message to Syria, demanding it curb Hizballah. (IDF Radio, MA, QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; ITV 3/22 in FBIS 3/25)

Iraqi war hero Lt. Gen. Nizar Khazraji, fmr. army chief of staff, defects to Jordan by escaping through the Kurdish enclave in n. Iraq. (MM 3/20; WT 3/21; JP 3/21, al-Ra'i 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; NYT, WP 3/22; JT 3/23, JT, al-Ra'i 3/24 in FBIS 3/25; MM 3/25; JT 4/4 in FBIS 4/5)

PA, Jordan sign 1st comprehensive trade accord, defining terms for shipments across Jordan river, preferential tariff system, free trade btwn. autonomous areas, Jordan. (RJ 5/4 in FBIS 5/4; JP 5/13)

Israeli embassy in Amman holds independence day celebration but few invited Jordanian officials attend. (SARR 5/4 in FBIS 5/5; JP 5/13; WT 5/17)

Arafat approves creation of Palestine Telecommunications Co., plans to have 600,000 phone lines, 200,000 mobile phones in use within 10 yrs. (VOP 5/4 in FBIS 5/5)

PA military court sentences 4 Palestinians to 6 mos. in jail for burning Israeli fields nr. Erez. (QY 5/4 in FBIS 5/5)

3 Israeli policemen, 1 Palestinian are hurt when Jewish extremists try to force their way in to al-Aqsa compound to pray. (CSM 5/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah shells IDF tank wounding 1 soldier, fires mortars at SLA position. IDF returns fire, killing 2 Lebanese civilians. (QY, VOL 5/4 in FBIS 5/4; RL 5/4, 5/5 in FBIS 5/5; WT 5/6)

Arafat says he is prepared to accept early empowerment over Jenin provided it is part of a comprehensive IDF redeployment and elections plan, suggesting a willingness to consider phased IDF withdrawal. (QY 2/19; MM 3/6) (see 2/16)

PM Rabin appoints expert on Jewish extremism to head Shin Bet. (WT 2/20; WJW 3/2)

Israeli cabinet approves 1,800-unit expansion of Ma'ale Adumim, Givat Ze'ev, Beitar settlements nr. Jerusalem. PA says decision threatens peace talks. (MM, WP, WT 2/20; CSM 2/21)

In mtg. of Knesset Foreign Affairs Comm., IDF Northern Command Cmdr. Gen. Amiram Levin asserts the Lebanese Army, under orders fr. Syria, is actively helping Hizballah by supplying arms, providing cover in attacks on IDF, SLA positions in s. Lebanon. (QY 2/20, HA 2/21 in FBIS 2/23)

Hizballah attacks SLA position nr. Marja'uyun in s. Lebanon. Israeli Air Force (IAF) strikes Hizballah positions in response. 2 civilians, 2 Hizballah mbrs., 1 mbr. of SLA killed. Lebanese Chamber of Deputies Speaker Nabih Birri calls for Arab League mtg. on Israeli attacks. FM Faris Buwayz says Israel attacks will derail peace process. (RL, VOL 2/19 in FBIS 2/21; WT 2/20)

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)

U.S. Middle East peace talks coordinator Dennis Ross arrives in Tunis for 2 mtgs. with PLO Chmn. Arafat. Ross joins Norwegian Dep. FM Terje Rod Larsen and Israeli delegation seeking Israel-PLO agreement on security for Palestinians in o.t. Palestinian officialsay they are "refining" Norwegian proposal on security force. U.S. role in talks is described as marginal. (MM 3/21; NYT 3/22)

IDF Brig. Gen. Moshe Yaalon, West Bank cmdr. 1992-93, tells commission of inquiry into Hebron massacre of "absolute prohibition" on using live ammunition against settlers. Israeli press reports that PM Rabin told Israeli cabinet 3/20 that commission's hearings were causing "incalculable" damage to Israel's reputation. (NYT 3/22)

Settler bus ambushed nr. Ateret, 14 mi. north of Jerusalem, in apparent revenge attack for Hebron massacre. 1 Israeli killed and at least 1 wounded. (NYT 3/22)

Hizballah ambush kills 2 IDF soldiers, roadside bombs kill 2 SLA mbrs. Israeli shelling kills 12-yr.-old schoolgirl in Nabatiya, wounds 22 others. (MM 3/21)

Al-Safir reports arrests of 5 suspects in 2/27 church bombing in Zuq Mika'il, Lebanon. Suspects, including 1 monk, are reportedly affiliated with Lebanese Forces (LF) and "Guardians of the Cedar" factions, had sought refuge in Israeli-controlled "security zone." (MM 3/21)

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-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)

U.S. presents 2-page draft joint statement of principles on self-rule to Israeli and Palestinian delegations. Palestinians criticize U.S. for consulting Israel before presenting them with the draft, do not attend informal trilateral meeting to accept the document. (MM 5/13; IDF Radio, MENA, Qol Yisra'el 5/13 in FBIS 5/13; NYT 5/14)

Israelis and Palestinians agree to put family reunification at top of agenda during 2-day multilateral meeting on refugees in Oslo. (MM 5/13)

IDF shoots dead 2 Palestinians, 1 of them handicapped since being wounded early in intifada, in Gaza Strip. Two Palestinians stab, seriously wound 2 IDF soldiers in Nablus. (MM 5/12, 5/13)

Lebanon orders daily al-Safir closed for 1 week for printing the Israeli proposal in its 5/11 edition (see 5/4). (MM 5/12; VOL 5/12 in FBIS 5/12)

Hizballah kills 2 SLA militiamen istring of clashes inside "security zone." Israel unleashes up to 300 shells on Lebanese villages. (AFP, VOL, VOO 5/12 in FBIS 5/12)

Faisal Husseini and 40 delegation associates visit area in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, where homes were leveled by IDF 2/11 to offer sympathy, rally support for negotiations. Hamas and PLO supporters chant allegiance. (MM 2/17)

Pres. Mubarak meets with Chmn. Arafat in Cairo. (WT 2/20; MENA 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

Israeli Aircraft Industries announces U.S. Def. Dept. has awarded them and American co. TRW a $240m contract to build 56 unmanned airplanes. Sen. Daniel Inouye (DHI) announces U.S. has budgeted $57m to improve Haifa port, which will serve as U.S. Navy's major regional anchorage. But as chmn. of Senate def. appropriations subcomm., he tells Israeli officials that they should prepare for a possible cut in U.S. foreign aid. (MM 2/17; WT 2/18)

Jordan appoints Shaykh Sulayman al-Jabari Mufti of Jerusalem. (MM 2/19)

Israeli justice min. announces that Shin Bet agent in charge when Mustafa 'Akkawi died under 2/4/92 interrogation has been disciplined. (WT 2/18)

IDF shoots 2 Palestinian youths dead in West Bank; another shot dead, while fleeing, 10 minutes after curfew, in Gaza City. (NYT 2/19)

Hizballah and Israeli, SLA forces engage in largest artillery battle of the year, killing 3 Islamic fighters, 2 other Lebanese. Israel shells up to 30 villages, including Nabatiyya. (MM, NYT 2/18)

Israel unleashes over 1,000 shells and bombs on Hizballah target villages north of "security zone," S. Lebanon, killing at least 13 civilians and forcing evacuation of villages. Israeli gunboats shell Nahr al-Barid and al-Baddawi Palestinian refugee camps, 110 mi. north of Israeli border. Three SLA militiamen are wounded in Hizballah bomb attack in Jazzin, east of Sidon. Israeli farmer is wounded in firebomb attack in W. Bank and taken to hospital by local Palestinians. (MM 10/26; Qol Yisra'el, VOL 10/26, 10/27 in FBIS 10/27; NYT, WP 10/27, 10/28)

Palestinian delegation head Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi affirms UNSC 242 as basis for negotiations, noting linkage of transitional and final stages as an "inseparable single unit." (al-Quds 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

Ten Palestinian rejectionist factions (see 9/18, 10/15) organize mass protest of peace talks in Damascus, issue statement calling for "day of rage" on 10/28, the anniversary of the convening of the Madrid conference, consisting of marches, demonstrations, and sitins throughout o.t. (QPAR 10/26 in FBIS 10/27; MM 10/28)

Multilateral talks on the environment open in the Hague, Holland. (Qol Yisra'el 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

Peace conference opening ceremonies end as each of the delegations delivers closing remarks. It remains unclear whether or not Syria and Lebanon will proceed to the second phase of bilateral negotiations with Israel, although Palestinian delegates indicate they intend to hold such talks. (NYT 11/2)

Pro-peace conference demonstrations continue in occupied territories. (MEM 11/1)

Some 4,000 anti-peace conference demonstrators turn out in Amman to hear leaders of the country's Muslim Brotherhood movement state that their "long battle with world Zionism" has just begun. (MEM 11/1)

Some 2,500 supporters of Hizbullah, anti-Arafat Palestinian groups protest peace conference in Sidon, S. Lebanon. Israeli jets later bomb Hizbullah positions near Luwayza, 'Arab Salim, S. Lebanon. Israeli, SLA artillery later shell Luwayza and Nabatiyya. (MEM 11/1; NYT 11/2)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 24 MKs denounce as racist Ariel's decision to make Arab workers wear badges [NYT 6/1]. Knesset Finance Committee approves NIS (new Israeli shekels) 30 million for settlements, roads in O.T., NIS 10 million for Jewish Agency's settlement department [FBIS 6/ 1]. Bank of Israel reports that intifadah cost Israel's economy $650 million in 1988; Israel's trade surplus with O.T. dropped 76% to $42 million; overall exports fell 4.2%; tourism fell 15% [FBIS 6/2].

Other Countries: Amnesty International reports that Israel has detained 5,000 Palestinians without charge or trial since beginning of uprising [NYT 6/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops open fire, kill 20-year-old Palestinian, wound 3 in Khan Yunis [LAT, NYT 6/1]. In Tel Aviv 18-year-old Palestinian from Nusayrat dies from wounds received 5/30; 15-year-old Palestinian dies from wounds received 2 weeks earlier [FBIS 5/31, NYT 6/1]. An additional 13 Palestinians are injured in Gaza; at least 4 Palestinians in W. Bank [FBIS 6/1]. Arab World: Israeli warplanes bomb Hizballah, Abu Nidal bases near Beirut; 5 guerrillas are killed, 3 injured [LAT 6/1]. IDF troops shoot, kill 3 guerrillas in south Lebanon, several members SLA reported killed [FBIS 5/31, MET 6/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories. Several demonstrations areheld on 40-day anniversary of the death of Abu Jihad. Several refugee camps are placed under curfews [NYT 5/26, FJ 5/29].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers injure 58 Palestinians during clashes in jabalya. The military uproots 150 trees in the village of Bayt Iba [FJ 5/29].

Arab World: Israeli air power and artillery aid the South Lebanon Army's attack on a Hizballah stronghold in S. Lebanon. Israeli helicopter gunships attack Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon. Amal announces it will join Hizballah in the fight against the Israelis. Amal also claims to have shot down an Israeli helicopter over Lebanon [NYT 5/26]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian youth from Beach camp wounded in 12/11 clash with Israeli troops dies in Gaza hospital [NYT 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Def. Min. Rabin returns from U.S. visit [NYT 12/23]. Al-Fajr Arabic daily resumes publication after 10-day closure [FJ 12/27]. Arab and Israeli Hebrew U. students demonstrate outside Knesset in solidarity with Palestinians in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 12/27]. Military extends closure of Gaza's Islamic U. and Palestine Religious Institute until 12/27 [FJ 12/27]. Israel releases 60 Gazans arrested during recent demonstrations [FJ 12/27].

Arab World: In Cairo, 'Ayn Shams U. students demonstrate in support of Palestinian uprising in the occupied territories [FBIS 12/29].

Other Countries: UN Security Council meeting on recent violence in the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip, W. Bank adjourns after PLO and some Arab governments push for more strongly worded resolution against Israel [NYT 12/22]. Midhat Hilali, Arab League official, is shot, wounded by unknown assailant in Athens [FJ 12/27]. Ibrahim Khalid, Palestinian gunman who survived December 1985 attack on Leonardo da Vinci airport, refuses to attend his trial [FJ 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inside the green line, hundreds of thousands of Arabs join general strike in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories. Israeli police, border guards respond to large demonstrations with tear gas, water cannons. About 200 Palestinians are arrested; 17 Israeli police, border guards injured [WP 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Stone-throwing, tire-burning crowds of demonstrators are reported in Jaffa, Nazareth, Lydda, Ramlah, and Abu Ghawsh. IDF troops fire on West Bank Palestinian crowds throwing Molotov cocktails, killing at least 2 in Jenin-area town of Tubas and 1 in Jenin. At least 22 are wounded by gunfire [NYT, WP 12/22]. Official Israeli death toll of Palestinians killed since 12/9 is now at 19 [CSM 12/22].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA forces raid Hizballah-held villages in S. Lebanon [FJ 12/27].