The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Electric Co. official announces Israel will build first nuclear power plant in Negev [JP 1/1].

Arab World: King Hussein and Pres. Asad end two days of talks; no official statement is issued [NYT, TS 1/1]. Yasir Arafat issues statement blaming unnamed Arab intelligence services for backing renegade Palestinian groups, denounces terrorism [WP 1/1], vows to continue legitimate armed struggle against Israeli occupation [TS 1/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz reports attacks on Israeli military have increased in past 10 days (leading up to 21st anniversary of founding of Fateh), cites 4 grenade and arson attacks, including 12/22 arson of Egged buses in Gaza [FJ 1/3]. Israeli troops and SLA militia raid S. Lebanese Shi'ite village of Kunin, arrest 32 men, force 2,000 residents to leave, blow up and burn houses, according to witnesses quoted by Lebanese police; Israeli military state SLA searched Kunin for gunmen who attacked SLA patrol night before, killing 4 [NYT 1/1].

Arab World: Unidentified gunmen ambush Pres. Jumayyil's empty limousine, in apparent assassination attempt [WP, TS 1/1]. Asad Shaftari, intelligence head of the Lebanese Forces (Christian) also narrowly escapes death when his car is attacked [LAT 1/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: In Damascus Nabih Birri, Walid Jumblatt, Elie Hubayqa sign peace agreement brokered by Syrian V. Pres. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam over past 3 months [NYT, WP 12/29]. Plan increases Syrian supervision over Lebanon, gradually gives more power to Muslims [WP 12/30]. Sulayman Khatir, Egyptian policeman charged with killing 7 Israelis in the Sinai last October, is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor [WP, NYT 12/29]. Organization of the Oppressed of the Earth threatens to kill 3 Lebanese Jewish hostages unless Israel and SLA release 300 Shi'ite hostages from Khiam detention camp, stop shelling S. Lebanese Shi'ite villages [NYT, WP 12/29].

Other Countries: Note found in pocket of gunman who attacked Rome airport states the airport attacks were reprisal for 10/1 Israeli bombing of PLO headquarters in Tunis, that 7 attacking gunmen belong to "Martyrs of Palestine" organization, previously unheard of [NYT, WP 12/29]. Italian police find Moroccan passport in pocket of dead attacker which came from same stock as those used by Malta hijackers [OB 12/29]. Pres. Reagan sends message asking Israel not to be deterred from the peace process in wake of airport attacks; White House official says Israel is being asked not to retaliate [NYT 12/29]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab local councils inside the green line end strike following agreement with Israeli officials over $6 million in owed funds; P.M. Peres acknowledges Arab councils receive smaller budgets than Jewish ones, states inequity should be righted [JP 12/26; FJ 1/3].

Arab World: PLO rep. in Cairo Tayyib 'Abd al-Rahim states PLO seeks Arab summit conference to adopt unified peace policy [BG 12/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Body of Lebanese Jew Chaim Cohen Halala is found with 3 gunshot wounds in head; Organization for the Op, pressed of the Earth claims responsibility, says he was killed in retaliation for 12/22 SLA shelling of Shi'ite villages in S. Lebanon which killed 5, wounded 8. Organization holds 3 other Lebanese Jews hostage, warns against further shelling [WP, BG 12/26; WP 12/23]. 2 SLA militiamen are killed by Lebanese guerrillas in S. Lebanon security zone [PI 1/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: International Center for Peace in the Middle East holds simulated intl. peace conference, filmed for TV; Hanna Siniora, Iliyas Furayj, Harold Saunders, Abba Eban, Moshe Ma'oz, among others, participate [JP 12/16; FJ 12/20]. Israel states Syrian missiles stationed along border with Lebanon in past 3 weeks threaten reconnaissance flights over Lebanon, must be withdrawn [NYT, WP 12/16].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA militia shell 5 villages in S. Lebanon security zone; Israeli tanks shell 4 villages southeast of Tyre [BG 12/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Paestinian political prisoner Jibril Rajub, from West Bank, enters third week of hunger strike to protest his detention without charge or trial [FJ 12/6]. Pres. Chaim Herzog pardons 2 members of Jewish underground convicted of conspiring to blow up Dome of the Rock [NYT, WP, JP 12/9].

Arab World: National Catholic Reporter reports SLA and Israeli army hold hundreds of prisoners-mostly Shi'a, but including some Palestinians-in S. Lebanon detention center at Khiam; detainees are tortured, held without charge, denied access to lawyers [NCR 12/6].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz describes Syria as being of "key importance," indicates U.S. is trying to persuade Damascus to join M.E. peace process [JP 12/8].

SociaL/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Tel Aviv court sentences 16-year-old Palestinian to 7 years for hiding bodies of 2 Israeli teachers slain near Jerusalem [LT 11/20]. Boston Globe reports over 70 military operations have been carried out against Israeli and SLA troops in S. Lebanon security zone in first 2 weeks of November; Israel recently staged 10-day blockade on port of Tyre, shelled Tyre and 6 other villages north of security zone with heavy artillery and tank fire on 11/18 [BG 11/19; WP 11/21].

Other Countries: U.S. officials deny U.S. has changed position on PLO recognition of Israel's right to exist before it may participate in M.E. peace talks [JP 11/20]. Italian magistrates identify 16 Palestinians sought in hijacking of Achille Lauro [NYT 11/20].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli fighter jets on routine flight over Lebanon shoot down 2 Syrian MIG-23s in Syrian air space after they try to approach the Israeli aircraft, according to commander of Israeli air force [NYT, WP, JP 11/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military destroys house in Jaba village of alleged member of guerrilla cell responsible for several attacks in Hebron area, according to military sources [JP 11/18]. Military seals homes of 3 Palestinians in Sa'ir village who allegedly fired at civilian and military vehicles in the West Bank, according to military sources [JP 11/19]. 9 Palestinians are arrested in Aylut village, near Nazareth, in confrontation with Israeli authorities over attempt to confiscate their land [FJ 11/22]. Israeli Cabinet sends message to Reagan-Gorbachev summit meeting asking them to agree on allowing Soviet Jews to emigrate [LT, CT 11/18].

Arab World: King Hussein and Pres. Mubarak arrive in Oman for talks [FT 11/18]. Syrian Vice Pres. Abd al-Halim Khaddam states the Jordanian-PLO peace plan of last February is "dead" [JP 11/17]. Toronto Star reports Yasir Arafat has appealed to Syria to join the Jordanian-Palestinian M.E. peace initiative, welcomed Syria's rapprochement with Jordan [TS 11/17; WP 11/18]. Shi'ite Muslim group the "Organization of the Oppressed of the Earth" states it will hold 4 Lebanese Jews hostage until more than 300 Arab prisoners held at Khiam prison camp in S. Lebanon are released [PI 11/18]. Israeli military states SLA maintains Khiam camp, not Israel [JP 11/19]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli official states U.S. involvement in secret diplomatic contacts between Jordan, Egypt, and Israel is intensifying daily [WP, CSM 11/4].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports Israeli military expels 4 leading Druze shaykhs from village of Hasbaya in security zone in S. Lebanon [JP 11/3]. Israeli settlers in the Golan Heights block bridges leading there, stage demonstrations against their poor financial situation; settlements there owe $20 million to Northern Moshavim Purchasing Association [JP 11/3; JTA 11/4]. Institute for Strategic Studies in London annual report, Survey of Military Balances, states that Syria has almost 3 times as many troops in regular army as Israel [JP 11/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes in Afula (5th in recent weeks); no injuries. Palestinians are rounded up for questioning [JP 11/4]. Bomb goes off at bus stop near French Hill; no injuries [JP 11/4]. Katyusha rockets land in Galilee; no casualties [JTA 11/4].

Arab World: Three people trying to smuggle explosives into 'Aysha village in S. Lebanon using a donkey are killed when SLA militiamen open fire on them, detonating the explosives [JP 11/4]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet holds 6-hour debate on P.M. Peres' recent overtures to Jordan; unity govt. appears in no danger, but Likud members charge Peres violated basic agreement in formation of unity govt. whereby peace efforts were to adhere to the 1979 Camp David framework [NYT, LAT 10/28]. Washington Post reports W. Bank Palestinians oppose Peres' proposals because they attempt to exclude the PLO [WP 10/27]. The Observer reports P.M. Shimon Peres met secretly earlier in the month with King Hussein in Paris, urged Hussein to come out publicly in favor of direct talks with Israel [OB 10/27].

Arab World: Jordanian Min. of Info. Muhammad Khatib states bilateral talks with Israel outside international conference and without the PLO are unacceptable to Jordan [WP 10/28].

Other Countries: Red Cross officials state Israeli and SLA troops have prevented them from seeing scores of prisoners being held in S. Lebanon since June. Over 100 families await word of missing relatives who have disappeared inside the security zone [TS 10/28]. French Pres. Francois Mitterrand supports Shimon Peres' offer to negotiate directly with Jordan, pledges French assistance in the process [JTA 10/28].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli planes raid alleged guerrilla bases in Lebanon's Biqa' Valley, the 13th such raid this year. Planes are said to have made direct hits on PFLP-GC bases. Christian radio station Voice of Lebanon reports base belonging to proSyrian al-Sa'iqa faction is also hit. No casualties are reported; tanks and ammunition dumps are reportedly hit [NYT, TS 10/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Five Palestinians are sentenced to life imprisonment for alleged kidnap, torture, and murder of Dani Katz, 15, in December 1983 [LT 10/15]. Israeli military asks SLA to stop harassing UNIFIL troops in Lebanon following reports of serious incidents involving the SLA [JP 10/15].

Arab World: The Times quotes senior PLO official as saying the organization is near bankruptcy because Arab countries have not met their financial commitments [LT, MG 10/14]. U.S. State Dept. spokesman says body of man washed up near Syrian port of Tartus may be that of Leon Klinghoffer [NYT 10/15]. Tunis branch of the Palestine Liberation Front issues statement acknowledging the real target of the hijackers of the Achille Lauro was the Israeli port of Ashdod [WP 10/15]. Pres. Mubarak demands public apology from the U.S. to "all Egyptians" for interception of Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers [WP, LAT 10/15].

Other Countries: Britain calls off talks with joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation on M.E. peace process, saying the Palestinian members of the delegation refused to sign a previously agreed upon statement renouncing "terrorism" and explicitly recognizing Israel's right to exist. The Palestinians state they had not seen the statement before and could not sign it unless it had already been approved by the entire PLO Executive Committee. British For. Sec. Geoffrey Howe states he is "very disappointed and surprised" by the PLO delegates' refusal to do so [NYT, WP, DT 10/15]. The EEC announces its decision to cancel scheduled talks with the joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation following Britain's decision [DT 10/15]. UN General Assembly averts U.S. boycott by dropping invitation to Yasir Arafat to attend 40th anniversary commemoration [NYT, WP 10/15]. The Times reports China and North Korea have denied entry to Kozo Okamoto, only survivor of the Japanese Red Army attack on Lod airport in 1972, who was released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange [LT 10/14]. The Guardian reports Spanish police are nearly positive the corpses of 2 Israelis found in Barcelona were members of Mossad [MG 10/14]. President of Ivory Coast announces his country is prepared to renew ties with Israel [JP 10/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bomb thrown at Israeli bus near Ramallah slightly injures 1 passenger [JP 10/15].

Arab World: Israeli fighter bombers fly deep into Jordanian territory at dawn; no attacks reported [NYT 10/15]. Syria states a shoulder-held missile was recently fired at an Israeli jet near the Golan Heights but missed its target. Syria sent a formal apology to Israel for the attack, saying it was ordered by a junior-level commander and did not reflect a change in Syria's adherence to the cease-fire. Israel reportedly accepted the explanation [NYT, WP 10/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Farmers from Surif and Jib'a villages near Hebron claim settlers have recently prevented them from entering 2,000 dunums of their land planted with olive and other trees [JP 9/4].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks with 'Usama al-Baz, Pres. Mubarak's chief political advisor UP 9/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldier Avraham Sorek, 37, stabbed to death, another soldier seriously wounded by two unidentified men in Hebron's old marketplace. Hebron declared "closed military area"; many arrests reported. Sorek is 15th Israeli killed this year, allegedly by Palestinian guerrillas [NYT, WP, LAT, FT 9/4; LT 9/5].

Arab World: Fighting breaks out between Palestinian and Shi'ite militiamen around Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp in southem Beirut [MG 9/12]. Car bomb explodes at a South Lebanon Army checkpost; Israeli sources say only the driver, Ahmad Husayn Khadr, 24, is killed. Pro-Syrian Lebanese Ba'th party claims responsibility, states 30 SLA militiamen died in attack [WP, NYT, PI 9/4]. Beirut radio states SLA gunners shell 10 villages in retaliation [WP 9/4].

Other Countries: Attacker believed to be linked to Black September organization throws two hand grenades into Greek hotel, injuring 18 British tourists. Woman telephones Greek newspaper threatening Black September will "fill Athens with bombs" unless Greek police release Palestinian arrested 8/31 near Jordanian embassy with suitcase full of weapons [PI 9/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army orders 3 Palestinians deported for "subversive political activity," jails 15 others without charge under administrative detention orders [WP 8/30]. Israeli security authorities are holding an American, an Australian, and 6 Palestinians. The Westerners are accused of transporting Palestinians -said to be a commando squad - to Lebanon, from which the squad allegedly planned to attack Israel [WP 8/30]. Israeli State Prosecutor's Department decides to appeal for tougher sentences for 5 members of Jewish underground [TA 8/30].

Other Countries: First Intemational Christian Zionist Congress ends with appeal to all Jews to emigrate to Israel and to all Christians to give active help to Israel. Final resolutions provide for the creation of a $100 million fund to invest in industrial projects in Israel via a Basel-based company [TA 8/30].

Military Action

Arab World: Rival Druze and Shi'ite militias battle for control of West Beirut; fighting continues along the green line between east and west Beirut; 6 dead and 15 wounded. Christian and Muslim militias exchange 22 kidnap victims [NYT 8/30]. Fighting breaks out in Tripoli between pro-Syrian and Muslim fundamentalist militias [PI 8/30]. The SLA shells Sidon, apparently in revenge for 8/28 suicide car bombing of its checkpoint [PI 8/30]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Guardian reports 3 Israelis and 6 Palestinians have been detained in connection with land fraud investigation [MG 8/24]. Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin warns Amal that Israel will not allow it to carry out attacks across the northern border [MG 8/25]. The Washington Post reports Knesset Internal Affairs Committee voted 7-4 to block construction of the Mormon Center on Mount of Olives [WP 8/24]. A new memorial, called the Center for Special Studies in the Memory of the Fallen of Israel's Intelligence Community, opens in Tel Aviv [NYT 8/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Andre Alush, 40, is shot and killed by lone gunman in Tulkarm. Curfew is imposed [WP 8/25]. Avi Oved, of Tiberias, is shot three times in the marketplace of Jenin. His condition is serious. Curfew is immediately imposed [WP 8/25]. Katyusha rocket fired from Lebanon falls in northern Israel, causing no casualties [WP 8/25].

Arab World: IDF carry out large-scale search operations in 3 south Lebanese villages: Qabrikha, Majd al-Salim, and Shaqra. Search follows firing of a katyusha into the Galilee earlier in the week. Several arrests are made and a variety of weapons seized [MG 8/25]. The Arab Socialist Ba'th party claims suicide bomber killed or wounded 60 at a SLA checkpoint; Israel's army radio says one Lebanese Christian soldier was killed and 2 others wounded [MG 8/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman denies Israel "has directly sold weapons to the Contras or has given any direct assistance" [FT 8/8, JTA 8/9]. British Foreign Office announces it "regrets" Israel's new security measures [JP 8/8]. Israeli authorities detain 3 West Bankers suspected of throwing petrol bombs at border police patrol 8/4. Army spokesman said the 3 confessed to that and other gasoline bomb attacks [JP 8/8]. Local councils of developmentowns decide to co-opt settlements' local councils by giving them full membership in the Union of Local Councils. Move is designed to increase lobbying power of the development towns [JP 8/8]. Israeli religious schools are instructed by religious education division of the Ministry of Educationot to conduct meetings between Israelis and Palestinians because they may lead to intermarriage [JTA 8/8].

Arab World: Arab summit conference in Casablanca dispenses with principle of unanimity. Libya withdraws itrepresentation from the conference [WP, LAT 8/8]. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein decides at the last minute not to attend [LAT 8/8]. Lebanese President Amin Jumayyil says he supports his Muslim opponents' demand for greater power; blames country's 10- year-old civil war on the Palestinians [FT 8/7].

Military Action

Arab World: A grenade thrown at a SLA post in security zone kills one SLA soldier [JTA 8/9]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: All shops close in East Jerusalem in general strike to protest Israeli closure of the Hospice Hospital in Jerusalem's Old City [FJ 7/26]. P. M. Peres says Israel should not give up part of Golan Heights in deal with U.S.S.R. for emigration of Soviet Jews UP 7/25]. Kiryat Arba's new nine-member local council - pledged to firing its Arab employees, pressing private businesses to do likewise, and to preventing economic ventures with Arab investors - is formally installed; dozens of secular residents enter building to protest [JP 7/25]. Israeli civil administration governing the occupied territories announces high school matriculation exam results improved on West Bank this year; schools were closed less than in the past; 64 percent of West Bank students passed their exams this year, compared with 54 percent last year [JP 7/25].

Arab World: Jordanian diplomat Ziad Sati, 40, is assassinated in Turkey; Islamic Jihad takes credit [CSM 7/26, NYT 7/25].

Other Countries: Reagan administration presents Middle East arms transfer study to special closed session of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee as basis for request to sell new arms to Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Congressional supporters of Israel warn administration against pursuing the arms sale, saying it would provoke an "enormously divisive" debate [WP 7/24, 25, JTA 7/25, BG 7/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel frees 74 Lebanese Shi'a, 6 Lebanese Sunnis, and 20 Palestinians held at Atlit prison since April, when Israel transferred 1,200 detainees from its Ansar prison in south Lebanon to Israel. Three hundred are still in detention. Any prisoner now detained in south Lebanon by Israel is sent to new prison run by SLA at Khiyam village, in the security zone [NYT 7/24]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Official UN Decade for Women Conference begins in Nairobi; 3,000 participants from 160 national delegations, including the PLO, attend [JTA 7/18, PI 7/23].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese Hisham 'Abbas, 22, kills himself, 2 South Lebanese Army soldiers, and 7 civilians in suicide car bomb attack at checkpoint in Israeli security zone [NYT 7/16]. 'Abbas belonged to pro-Syrian Ba'th Party in Lebanon. Katyushas are fired at SLA headquarters in Marja'yun.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset passes, on first reading, bill to outlaw racial incitement. Bill would amend Basic Law and penal law to prevent Knesset lists from running in elections if they negate existence of Israel, negate democratic nature of state, incite to racism, or are believed to be fronts for illegal activity [JP 7/10]. Israeli military government extends Employment Service Law and the National Insurance Institute Law to occupied territories; settlers are now eligible for unemployment compensation and income benefits [JP 7/9]. Israeli military authorities issue new military order requiring all local Palestinian newspapers to publish official ads from military governorate without alterations. Arab newspaper owners reject order and decide to confront it [FJ 7/12].

Arab World: Amal leader Nabih Birri and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, meeting in Damascus with Syrian government and Lebanese religious leaders, discuss a new security plan for Lebanon with Syrian-backed Palestine National Salvation Front. Plan requires all militias to disarm [MG 10/7].

Other Countries: Forum '85, nine-day NGO conference preceding official UN conference concluding Decade for Women, begins in Nairobi; 10,000 women participate in 1,800 workshops, seminars, and films. Eight women from occupied territories are prevented by Israelis from travelling to symposium; half a dozen make the trip [JP 7/14, NS 7/28].

Military Action

Arab World: Two Lebanese students backed by Syrian National Socialist party kill 15 Lebanese (including 2 South Lebanese Army soldiers) and themselves in 2 suicide car bomb attacks at security zone checkpoints. Two IDF soldiers are also injured [LT, JP, PI, LAT, TI 7/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prime Minister Peres proposes alternative peace plan to King Hussein's, based on "direct talks" with Jordanians and non-PLO Palestinians, with U.S. participation [NYT 6/11]. Nablus village of Bidya and neighboring villages placed under curfew by IDF following hand grenade attack on Israeli military vehicle [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: SLA captures French colonel involved in negotiations for release of Finns; he's later released: Gen. Antoine Lahd calls seizure a "mistake" [NYT 6/10].

Military Action

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports IDF recently destroyed 8 homes of southem Lebanese thought to have fired rockets at IDF and SLA positions in security zone UP 6/10]. Last IDF combat battalion withdraws from Lebanon; undisclosed number of patrols, advisers, and observers remain [NYT 6/11]. Rockets hit settlements in northern Israel [LT 6/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF reserve soldier found dead (strangled) in Westem Negev [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: SLA seizes 25 Finnish UNIFIL soldiers in southern Lebanese "security zone" in retaliation for UNIFIL seizure of 11 SLA men and their deliverance to Amal custody [NYT 6/8]. UN says 11 deserted the SLA [WP 6/10]. Kuwait daily al-Qabas reports attempted coup d'etat in Jordan last month while King Hussein was in U.S. (Jordanian officials deny the story.) Al-Qabas names Hasan 'Ubaydat, secretary general of Jordanian Ba'th party, who entered Jordan from Syria, as leader of the coup attempt. 'Ubaydat is reportedly arrested and an arms cache uncovered [JWP].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus stoned in N. Jerusalem; no injuries. Pipe bomb thrown at bus near Qalqiliya; no injuries [JP 5/7].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF, SLA organizing local militias in "security zone" villages [MG 5/3, JP 5/6]. Travel restrictions in zone include: cars must travel in pairs at night; all cars must contain at least 2 persons; walking outside villages at night forbidden; hunting forbidden; residents will be held responsible for behavior of family members, visitors [LAT, JP 5/7, LT 5/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: King Hussein states PLO must be recognized as "legitimate representative" of the Palestinian people in any future peace negotiations [WP 5/5, 5/10].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA arrests 5 Dutch UNIFIL soldiers near Jabal Batzil, S. Lebanon, questions them for several hours until persuaded by IDF to release them [JP 5/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports port under construction at Ra's Naqoura in SLA-controlled "security zone" in S. Lebanon [JP 5/2]. Israeli official states threat of IDF retaliation will create "balance of fear" for residents of "security zone" in S. Lebanon [TS, MG 5/3]. IDF dig trenches along border with Lebanon to prevent suicide car attacks; intend to guard border with elite troops, sophisticated electronic warning devices [LT 5/3, DT 5/4, MG 5/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF sentences Bethlehem U. student council president Jabara Shamali to 6 mo. house arrest following 4/19 raid which allegedly uncovered "seditious material" [LM 5/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres tours E. Jerusalem neighborhoods (1st visit of Israeli PM to E. Jerusalem since capture in 1967) [WP 4/30]. Deputy Premier Shamir indicates Likud would leave government if commission of inquiry into causes and conduct of war in Lebanon were created [MG 4/30].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF complete withdrawal from Tyre; Shi'ite militiamen erect checkpoints outside Palestinian camps outside city to prevent return of Palestinian fighters [NYT 4/30]. SLA exchanges artillery fire with Palestinian, Muslim forces near Jezzine [JP 4/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports circulate regarding Kach's intent to establish armed patrols in E. Jerusalem to "maintain order" [FJ 4/26]. US State Dept. official Murphy meets with Palestinians from occupied territories to persuade them to join joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation for future peace talks; is told no Palestinian will participate except through the PLO and that the US must not ask for more concessions from the Palestinian people [FJ 5/3].

Other Countries: US columnist Jack Anderson reveals US knew in advance about 9/22/79 joint Israel-S. Africa nuclear test in S. Atlantic [WP 4/26, NYT 5/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Palestinian, Muslim fighters enter Abra, Mieh Mieh village, Qayaa, Hilaliya, Bramiya, Majdalun, Qanah; looting reported [NYT, LAT 4/27]. 4 IDF soldiers wounded as mortar rounds hit IDF position in Tyre. SLA position near Yater attacked; no report of casualties [JP 4/28].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Amal joins Palestinians, Muslim militiamen in battle against Lebanese Forces, SLA in Sidon area [BG 4/21]. Roadside bomb injures 2 IDF soldiers near Rashaya. SLA soldier wounded in central occupation sector. Roadside bomb explodes. near IDF patrol, Raihan; no injuries. RPGs fired at IDF patrol near Tyre; no injuries [JP 4/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF release 37 of more than 1,100 Lebanese and Palestinians transferred 4/2 from Ansar prison camp [BG 4/19]. Convicted Jewish underground defendants Uri Maier, Dan Be'eri, Yossi Edri sentenced to terms ranging from 25 mos. to 3 yrs. [JP 4/19]. High Court orders Defense Ministry to explain absence of appeals court system in occupied territories [FJ 4/26].

Arab World: In Baghdad, joint PLO-Fateh leadership meeting rejects proposals of US State Dept. official Murphy which call for public PLO recognition of Israel's right to exist, UN Sec. Council Resolutions 242, 338 [FT 4/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF soldier shot, wounded in Gaza; assailant killed by 2nd soldier [JP 4/19].

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: Lebanese Forces, SLA bombard Mieh Mieh, 'Ain al-Hilweh; 8 killed [BG 4/19]. Amal militiamen surround Burj al-Barajneh, Sabra, Shatila camps, search residents entering and leaving [WP 4/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Likud-orchestrated move, Cabinet defeats motion to send Cabinet Mbr. Ezer Weizman to Cairo to meet Egyptian PM Kamal Hassan 'Ali [WP 4/15].

Arab World: US State Dept. official Richard Murphy meets with King Hussein in Amman [LAT 4/15].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF arrest more than 60 in al-Bass camp near Tyre [NYT, PI 4/15]. Lebanese Forces bombard Mieh Mieh, 'Ain al-Hilweh [PI, LT 4/15]. Reports surface that IDF, SLA maintain secret underground torture center, jail at site of former Lebanese Army barracks at Khiam; ICRC attempting to visit prisoners [LT, JP 4/14, CSM 4/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 200 representatives of professions, student groups, other institutions in occupied territories call for PLO unity, criticize 2/11 Arafat-Hussein agreement [FJ 4/19].

Arab World: Jordan removes travel restrictions (imposed 4/30/83) on residents of occupied territories (W. Bank residents were not allowed to remain in Jordan for more than 30 days; were required to fill out questionnaire concerning trip) [FJ 4/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces continue bombardment of Mieh Mieh, 'Ain al-Hilweh. IDF, SLA attack Yuhmur; 8 reportedly massacred [NYT 4/14, LT 4/15]. UNRWA reports finding 6 beheaded bodies of Palestinian refugees in Sidon area [NYT 4/16]. Katyusha, anti-tank rocket fired at IDF positions in Tyre; no casualties [JP 4/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: High Court rejects petition by MK Kahane to cancel Knesset's 12/18 decision to strip Kahane of parliamentary immunity with regard to freedom of movement; orders Kahane to pay IS 500,000 court costs [JP 4/2]. Foreign Min. official David Kimche tells UN diplomat Jean-Claude Aime that Israel does not want UNIFIL troops to be deployed along Israel-Lebanon border after IDF withdrawal [JP 4/2]. Inner cabinet unanimously approves plan to exchange 1,150 prisoners held by Israel for 3 IDF soldiers held by PFLP-GC in Syria (see 5/20/85) [JP 5/22].

Other Countries: US State Dept. spokesman Bernard Kalb, referring to 3/31 report by West Bank Data Base Project, states US opposed to W. Bank settlements, feels that settlement activity does not preclude chances for negotiated settlement [JP, JTA 4/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Border Police shoot and injure 4 students after stonethrowing incident during Land Day protest outside Bethlehem U. [LAT, JP 4/2]. IDF order settlers to evacuate hill near Umm Safa after they began clearing land for an illegal settlement in response to 3/31 killing of settler in Ramallah [JP 4/2].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF convoy attacked with RPGs near Jwaiyeh. 8 Katyushas fired at IDF position, Douer; no casualties reported. 2 SLA soldiers killed during ambush near 'Arab Salim [JP 4/2]. IDF soldier injured 3/30 in Douer, S. Lebanon, dies of wounds [JP 4/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Deposed Ramallah Mayor Karim Khalaf dies of heart attack in Jericho [JP 3/31]. E. Jerusalem merchants observe strike in commemoration of Land Day [JTA 4/2]. Land Day rallies held in Rahat, Sakhnin [JP 3/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Dheisheh residents shot, injured by authorities in Bethlehem during Land Day demonstration [FJ 4/5]. Stones thrown at Israeli car in Qalqiliya injures woman [JTA 4/2]. IDF erect roadblocks around al-Najah U. [FJ 4/5].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces militia, SLA continue shelling of Mieh Mieh camp; also attack 'Ain al-Hilweh; 40 killed; 30,000 flee 'Ain al-Hilweh [NYT 3/31, FT 4/2]. IDF raid 'Ain Qana, Kafr Malki, Kafr Hatta, Kafr Fila, Jabaa, 'Ain Bou Souwar, 'Arab Salim; 4 killed [WP, CT 3/31]. Resistance kills 1 IDF soldier, wounds 2nd, in Douer; 2 fighters killed [JP 3/31].