The Palestine Chronology

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)

PM Rabin says that if the PLO and Hamas announce a complete halt to the intifada and pass a 9-month test-period of calm he would begin allowing back the deportees at a rate of 100/month. Hanan Ashrawi terms the offer "unfeasible." (IDF Radio 1/1 in FBIS 1/4)

Lebanon rejects 12/31 Israeli proposal to allow the 10 mistakenly deported Palestinians to return to Israel through Lebanese-controlled crossing points. Lebanon says they must return the way they came, via Zumayriyya, which has been closed and mined by Israel and the SLA. (AFP 1/1 in FBIS 1/4)

Deportees spokesman 'Abd al-'Aziz al-Rantisi welcomes French proposal to put UNIFIL in provisional care of the deportees, as long as it is a temporary solution until UNSCR 799 is implemented. (Radio Lebanon 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

PM Rabin tells Red Cross officials that Israel will allow passage of relief to the deportees only if Lebanon does also. (AFP 1/1, Qol Yisra'el 1/2 in FBIS 1/4)

Dahaf Institute poll of 523 Jewish Israelis finds 68% feel Israel should not allow a Red Cross convoy of supplies to pass through the "security zone," 32% feel passage should be allowed. 47% feel Israel should agree to PLO participation in peace talks, 53% oppose. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 1/1 in FBIS 1/4)

Demonstrations throughout o.t. mark Fateh Day. (MM 1/1)

Deported Palestinians attempt to cross back south into Israeli-controlled territory, SLA fires warning shots and mortars, injuring 3. Deportees issue statement calling for continued Lebanese refusal to admit the deportees, comprehensive Arab withdrawal from the peace talks, and intl. pressure on Israel. Meretz mins. call on govt. to allow deportees to enter "security zone." (Qol Yisra'el 12/21, al-Rajv 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; MM 12/21; NYT 12/22)

HADASH MK Hashim Mahamid informs Labor party that his party's 3 MKs will no longer supporthe govt. in upcoming votes, to protest the deportation decision. (Qol Yisra'el 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

Lebanon bars all intl. relief agencies from supplying the deportees. (VOL 12/21 in FBIS 12/21)

10-year-old Palestinian boy killed by IDF during clashes in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. (Qol Yisra'el 12/21 in FBIS 12/23; NYT 12/22)

UN Development Program announces it will invest $20 million in W. Bank and Gaza Strip projects in the coming year, "hopefully" to be increased to $35 million the following year. Activities are to be coordinated with Israel. (MM 11/10)

IDF kills Palestinian gunman in Gaza Strip. (MM 11/10)

Hamas calls for "days of escalation" on 11/19 (date of 1935 death of Shaykh 'Izz al-Din al-Qassim), 11/22 (25th anniv. of UNSC 242), 11/25 and 27, general strike on 11/29 (date of 1947 UN partition res.). (QPAR 11/10 in FBIS 11/10)

Israel overflies, drops flares over S. Lebanon all night, shells targets, amasses armor and artillery along northern border, concentrates positions in eastern "security zone" overlooking Nabatiyya and Jazzin. Hizballah fires rockets into "security zone" and Israel, attacks Israeli patrol in Jazzin, 10 mi. north of "security zone." SLA detains Lebanese Army sergeant in Khiyam prison. (Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon, VOL 11/10 in FBIS 11/10)

IDF confirms 11/4 UN findings of Syrian disengagement violations, choosing, as they have in the past, to turn a"blind eye" to these longstanding violations. (Hadashot 1 1/1 1 in FBIS 11/13)

Jordan sentences 2 Muslim Brotherhood MPs to 20 years hard labor, 2 shopkeepers to 10 years hard labor, for membership in outlawed, Iranian-backed dissident orgs. (MM 11/10; NYT, WP 11/11

PLO pol. dept head Faruq al-Qaddumi says PLO and Arab states must carefully examine the proposal to hold next round of multilateral refugee talks in Tunis. Israel accepted the Tunisian offer, which he says is a "U.S. demand" (see 10/22). (SANA 10/31 in FBIS 11/2)

IDF kills Hamas mbr. in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. Demonstrations erupt throughout Strip. (al-Fajr 11/9)

Lebanese PM-designate Rafiq al-Hariri meets with Pres. Asad, other Syrian officials in Damascus, then returns to Beirut to announce new govt. Chamber of Deputies speaker Nabih Birri criticizes the new cabinet, will travel to Damascus for consultations. (Radio Lebanon, VOL 10/31 in FBIS 11/2)

Hizballah mbr. is killed after exploding a roadside bomb near SLA patrol inside "security zone." Israel shells villages north of "security zone." (Qol Yisra'el 10/31, Voice of the Oppressed 11/1 in FBIS 11/3)

In interview with Middle East Insight magazine, Pres. candidate Bill Clinton says Arab states should end boycott against Israel. (WT 11/12)

Bilateral talks in Washington adjourn until 11/9. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Two-day multilateral conference on economics opens in Paris, with World Bank suggesting establishment of Middle East reconstruction bank modeled on similar European bank. Dr. Fayiz al-Tarawina, head of the Jordanian delegation, says the Arab states will reject any joint projects with Israel before withdrawal from the o.t. Syria and Lebanon boycott, London-based businessman Zayn Mi'asi heads the Palestinian team, and Bank of Israel gov. Ya'akov Frenkel heads the Israeli delegation. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/29; MM 10/30)

Chmn. Arafat sends Madrid conf. anniversary messages to leaders of U.S., Russia, China, France, Japan, Austria, Great Britain and Sweden urging them to help remove Israeli obstacles to progress in peace talks. (Akhbar al-Usbu' 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Fateh Cent. Comm. mbr. Hani al-Hassan issues statement praising Saudi Arabia's support of the Palestinian cause and the kingdom's treatment of its Palestinian community. (Saudi Arabian TV 10/29 in FBIS 10/30)

King Hassan of Morocco meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus. (MM 10/30)

Israel shells Iqlim al-Tuffah, western Biqa' regions, overflies Sidon and surrounding refugee camps. SLA soldier is wounded in bomb attack north of "security zone," southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

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)

French FM Roland Dumas meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, then meets separately with PM Rabin and FM Peres in Jerusalem. The U.S. has reportedly sent word to Israel that the Dumas initiatives, centered on arranging a Rabin-Asad summit, do not advance the peace process. Palestinian and Jordanian sources are "suspicious" of Dumas' efforts, as he has made no effort to meet with the PLO, and appears to be working toward only a partial settlement. (Ha'Aretz al-Quds, al-Dustur 10/5 in MM 10/5)

Al-Sharq al-Awsat reports that Chmn. Arafat has solicited the help of Pres. Mubarak in curbing Syrian support of oppositionist Palestinian factions. Ten such orgs. signed a statement attacking the peace process 9/18 in Damascus. Mubarak reportedly promised to speak to Pres. Asad on the matter. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 10/4 in FBIS 10/8)

Hizballah gunmen attack Bayt Yahun crossing point in central "security zone," S. Lebanon, kill SLA security chief Hussein 'Abd al-Nabi, 1 other SLA militiaman. Hizballah loses 2 in the fighting. Israel shells and strafes the area. (Radio Lebanon, AFP 10/4 in FBIS 10/5; al-Nahr 10/5 in MM 10/5

Lebanon holds 2nd round of elections in the central part of the country, heavily boycotted by Christians; Muslims register heavy turnout. (NYT, WP 8/31)

SLA unit clashes with Hizballah fighters in S. Lebanon "security zone"; bomb is exploded under an SLA patrol; Israel shells Litani river basin, Zawtar region north of "security zone." (VOL 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Arab foreign ministers meet with President Asad, conclude meeting in Damascus, issue final statement endorsing new round of peace talks, calling for participation of PLO and diaspora Palestinians, acknowledging Israeli "change of tone" but lack of commitment to peace. (NYT 7/26)

Secretary of State Baker says he would like to reconvene peace talks in Washington, D.C. on 8/10. (NYT 7/26)

IDF soldiers shoot at vehicle, killing 4- year-old Palestinian boy; vehicle reportedly was suspected of carrying "wanted" activists. (Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Amal fighters clash with Israeli, SLA patrol in South Lebanon; Israeli artillery and helicopters shell and strafe Litani river basin, al-Tayyiba, Zawtar regions (Voice of the Mountain 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Secy. of State Baker continues talks with PM Rabin, joined by fin. min. and Bank of Israel gov. concerning loan guarantees. Baker also proposes U.S.-Israeli defense pact in return for Israeli readiness to withdraw from Golan Heights, parallel with Syrian readiness for peace agreement. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 7/21 in FBIS 7/21, 7/23 in FBIS 7/23; NYT, WP 7/21)

Baker then meets with 5 members and advisors of the Palestinian delegation, led by Faisal Husseini and Hanan Ashrawi. Ashrawi says the Palestinians would "tolerate" a near-total settlement freeze, as well as an accountable loan guarantee package. (NYT, WP 7/21)

Palestinian leaders submit memorandum to Baker calling on U.S. to resume dialogue with the PLO and halt all settlement construction in the o.t., including East Jerusalem. (Algiers VOP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

PLO Exec. Comm., PNC chairmanship, and general secretariat of Palestinian factions meet in Tunis to discuss Baker visit, Rabin govt., and peace process. (MENA 7/21 in FBIS 7/22)

Islamic resistance fighters attack SLA post in Tayr Harfa, S. Lebanon, damaging 1 tank, killing 1, wounding 4 Israeli soldiers. Israel shells villages of Haddathah, 'Ayta al-Jabal, Haris north of "security zone," conducts helicopter mock raids. (VOL, Radio Free Lebanon 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

Standoff at al-Najah University, Nablus, ends with peaceful compromise. Army lifts 4-day encirclement of campus and curfew on city, 6 Palestinian men agree to give up weapons, accept 3-year expulsion to Jordan. (MM 7/17; WP, NYT 7/18)

Hanan Ashrawi and Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi are interrogated in police HQ in Jerusalem on 6/18 meeting with PLO Chmn. Arafat in Amman. (IDF Radio 7/17 in FBIS 7/17)

SLA soldiers clash with DFLP members in central "security zone," S. Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 7/17 in FBIS 7/21)

Israeli charge d'affaires to Austria Peter Aran is elevated to rank of ambassador as Israel ends its protest of Austria's election of Kurt Waldheim as president. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 7/17 in FBIS 7/17)

Up to 1,000 Muslims demonstrate, bum U.S. and Israeli flags in Istanbul in protest of Israeli Pres. Haim Herzog's current visit. (MM 7/17)

Israeli soldiers surround al-Najah University in Nablus. Some 3,000-4,000 students and others refuse to submit to searches; IDF imposes curfew on Nablus and 4 nearby refugee camps. (WP 7/16; NYT 7/17)

PLO Exec. Comm. issues statement criticizing Rabin's "iron fist policy," and calling for int'l. action to lift the siege. (Algiers VOP 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Construction and housing min. Benyamin Ben-Eliezer "cancel[s] endorsement" of approved but unsigned contracts for 3,000 housing units in the o.t. Council of Jewish Settlements of Judea, Samaria, and Gaza considers this a "declaration of war." (Qol Yisra'el, IDF Radio 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Fateh official Abu-Nidal al-Asmar narrowly escapes death as a bomb destroys his car in Sidon. (AFP 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Israeli undercover unit shoots dead Hamas-'Izz al-Din al-Qassim faction mbr. in Gaza City. (MM 7/16)

Amal claims an attack on an SLA patrol in al-Qantara, S. Lebanon, kills 6 Israeli soldiers and 1 Amal militiaman. SLA responds by shelling "security zone" border villages of al-Qantara, al-Qabrikha. (VOL 7/15 in FBIS 7/15; Radio Lebanon 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

PM Rabin "rules out" Palestinian legislative elections as outlined in Camp David Accords. (WP 7/16)

Pres. Herzog leaves for 2-day visit to Turkey, firstrip to Turkey by an Israeli president. (Qol Yisra'el 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

PM Rabin addresses new Knesset, offering to travel to Arab capitals, inviting Palestinian delegation and Arab country leaders to Jerusalem, and calling for Palestinian acceptance of autonomy. Yitzhak Shamir addresses Knesset, offers praise for old admin., warnings and criticism for the new. Knesset approves new cabinet by a vote of 67 to 53, 17 new cabinet mbrs. sworn in. Pres. Bush congratulates Rabin, invites him to Kennebunkport, Maine, announces Secy. of State. Baker will travel to the region to meet with Rabin, Arab leaders. (ITV 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; NYT, WP 7/14)

Faisal Husseini, not considered part of the Palestinian negotiating team by PM Rabin because he is from Jerusalem, and therefore not among Rabin's 7/13 "invitees," offers counter-invitation fr Rabin to call him at home in Jerusalem. Husseini's position is seen as direct challenge to Syria, which sees Rabin as "carbon copy" of Shamir. (MM 7/14)

Fateh and Hamas sign new, more elaborate agreement to end violence in Gaza Strip as a result of NRC mediation (see 7/8, 10). Eightteen committees have been set up to enforce the agreement. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli undercover unit disguised as Arabs infiltrate, join 20 Hamas marchers in Gaza city. Hamas activist attacks 1 soldier, IDF opens fire; in ensuing confusion, 1 Hamas activist dies (from IDF bullets) as Hamas reportedly believes undercover IDF are Fateh activists. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/22)

Pres. Asad meets with Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi, joined later by VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam and FM Faruk al-Shara' in Damascus. (Syrian Arab TV 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

SLA commander Antun Lahd categorically rejects Lebanese elections given current circumstances. (MM 7/14)

Israel, SLA shells Hizballah target, UNIFIL village of Yatar killing 1 civilian, in response to Islamic Resistance mortaring of "security zone" village of Bayt Lif. (MM 7/13; Radio Lebanon 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; WP 7/14)

PM-designate Rabin announces new cabinet to the Labor party Cent. Comm. He named himself DM, Mordechai Gur dep. DM (in charge of "day-to-day" affairs), Avraham Shochat fin. min., Benyamin Ben-Eliezer construction and housing min., Shulamit Aloni education min. Labor has 13 minister portfolios, Meretz 3, and Shas 1-interior. (NYT 7/13)

Labor issues separate letters of commitment on social and political matters to HADASH (Democratic Front) and Arab Democratic Party, two Arab parties supporting but not part of new coalition who have a total of 5 Knesset seats. (ITV 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

Chmn. Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo. (MM 7/13)

PLO political advisor and delegation advisory comm. mbr. Nabil Shaath says Egypt is "the" Arab state capable of restoring Arab solidarity and boosting Palestinian negotiating strength, aswell as materially aiding the Palestinan people. (MENA 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

Palestinian delegation spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi is detained for several hours upon crossing the Allenby bridge from Jordan, regarding the delegation's 6/18 public meeting with PLO Chmn. Arafat. (Qol Yisra'el 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; NYT 7/13)

Israel, SLA heavily shells Iqlim al-Tuffah region in S. Lebanon, reportedly in retaliation for bomb attack on Israeli patrol. (MM 7/13)

UNLU issues addendum to call no. 84 (issued 7/4) commending and supporting efforts to end intra-Palestinian violence in Gaza Strip.

Israeli attomey gen. postpones hearings to discuss proposed building of 200 Jewish homes in Silwan, East Jerusalem, following appeal by Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek (MM 6/5)

Israeli Central Elections Comm. approves 25 party lists for the upcoming 13th Knesset elections. (Davar 6/4 in FBIS 6/5)

IDF lifts 5/27 curfew of Dayr al-Balah, Gaza. (Qol Yisra'el 6/4 in FBIS 6/4)

IDF helicopters attack PFLP-GC base in al-Rashidiyya refugee camp near Tyre, S. Lebanon. IDF-SLA shells Malita, Luwayza, Wadi al-Akhdar north of "security zone." (Radio Free Lebanon 6/4 in FBIS 6/4; MM 6/4)

Israeli Border Guard stabbed and wounded in Bethlehem; his Palestinian assailant is shot and killed. (MM 6/4)

Iranian FM 'Ali Akbar Velayati concludes visit to Syria. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 6/4 in FBIS 6/5)

Pres. Mubarak, FM 'Amr Musa, presidential advisor Usamah al-Baz meet with Pres. Asad in Damascus to discuss continued fighting between Islamic Resistance, combined SLA-IDF forces in S. Lebanon. At a press conference, Mubarak and Asad call for 8 signatories to 1991 "Damascus Declaration" to meet. (MM 6/3, 4)

Iranian FM Velayati meets with Hizballah officials in Damascus. (MM 6/3; NYT 6/4)

IDF closes al-Najah University in Nablus for one week, lifts curfew imposed 5/24 on Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza. (Qol Yisra'el 6/2 in FBIS 6/3; MM 6/4)

Israeli housing min. halts work on plans to build 200 Jewish residences in Muslim quarter in East Jerusalem. (MM 6/5)

Guerrillas from Lebanese Resistance, coalition of forces headed by Communist Party, attack SLA position in Qantara. (MM 6/3

IDF declares state of alert in "security zone" and N. Israel as artillery and rocket attacks continue between Hizballah-led Islamic Resistance Movement and IDF, SLA forces in S. Lebanon. (MM 5/20)

International Committee of the Red Cross calls on Israel to halt mistreatment of detainees in o.t. (MM 5/21)

Jordan's acting PM notifies UNESCO that it has historical responsibility for maintaining Islamic shrines in East Jerusalem, states that all funds must be channeled through Jordan. Political battle deepens between Jordan and Saudi Arabia over which country will fund repairs to Islamic sites in Jerusalem (see 5/16, 5/18). Jordan also announces that Chmn. Arafat sent letter to King Hussein thanking him for pledging funds to restore the shrines. (AFP, Radio Jordan 5/20 in FBIS 5/21; MM 5/21)

Strike observed in o.t. to commemorate May 1990 killing of 7 Palestinians workers in Rishon le Zion by an Israeli soldier. (MM 5/20)

Gunbattle breaks out between Palestinians and IDF undercover troops posing as Hamas activists in Rafah refugee camp, Gaza. The troops, wearing captured Hamas uniforms, were challenged by suspicious residents who demanded that the group speak to them in Arabic. At least 1 IDF soldier was wounded. Clash breaks out between Israeli settlers and residents of Husan, W. Bank, after settlers rampage through village, smashing automobile windows and attacking villagers. (MM 5/20)

Hizballah-led Islamic Resistance fighters capture SLA position inside Israeli "security zone" in 'Alman-Shumariya region of S. Lebanon - first time SLA position has been overrun in 4 years. 2 SLA troops killed, 4 others captured; 2 attackers died. Islamic Resistance forces later withdraw. IDF, SLA shell Jabal al-Safi, several villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah and Nabatiyya region, S. Lebanon. Hizballah forces fire rockets into "security zone." (MM 5/20, 5/21)

Chmn. Arafat, Fateh leaders meet with PFLP Asst. Gen. Secy. Abu al-'Ali Mustafa and other PFLP leaders in Tunis to discuss differences in advance of upcoming PLO Central Council meeting. (al-Ray 5/6 in FBIS 5/6)

Israel, Nigeria restore diplomatic relations suspended by Nigeria in 1973. (MM 5/5)

Disturbances break out in Dayr al-Balah refugee camp in Gaza after IDF arrests 3 "wanted" suspects. At least 9 Palestinians were injured. (HaAretz 5/5 in FBIS 5/6)

Responding to attacks from Islamic resistance, IDF, SLA artillery barrages kill 5, wounds 4 in Mashghara, S.Lebanon, northeast of Israeli "security zone." Bombardment of 5 villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah region wounds additional 11. (NYT 5/5)

After discussing plans with Jerusalem Mayor Kollek, Housing Min. Sharon confirms government is buying land and planning to build homes for Jews in several E. Jerusalem neighborhoods, including Muslim Quarter, Silwan, Wadi Jawz, and Mt. of Olives. (MM 4/7)

IDF convoy ambushed in Hula, S. Lebanon, inside Israeli "security zone" and less than 2 kilometers from Israeli-Lebanese border. 2 soldiers killed, 5 wounded, including 3 officers; 2 SLA soldiers are also wounded. Additional 2 IDF troops are wounded as reinforcements storm the building from which 3 gunmen fired, killing them. Islamic Jihad in Palestine, Islamic Resistance Movement claim joint responsibility for attack. SLA head Gen. Antoine Lahad was reportedly riding in convoy but was not injured. Maj.-Gen. Yitzhak Mordechai, commander of IDF Northern Command, had also been riding in convoy but left shortly before attack occurred. IDF heavy artillery bombards villages of Kabrikha, Shaqra, Majd al-Salim in retaliation. (WP, MM 4/7; Qol Yisra'el 4/7 in FBIS 4/8)

Following fist-fights with UNIFIL troops trying to halt their advance, IDF troops, tanks bulldoze through UNIFIL barriers and move out of "security zone" to attack villages in S. Lebanon suspected of sheltering Islamic Resistance Movement bases which have been shelling N. Israel. Villages of Yatar, Kafra are captured. Several more rockets are fired at N. Israel, "security zone" and are answered with heavy IDF, SLA bombardment. Amal, communist party, armed civilians join the battle against Israeli forces. Two Israelis are killed and three wounded; at least 7 Hizballah fighters are killed and 17 wounded. In addition, 3 civilians and 4 Fijian UNIFIL troops are wounded. UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali demands Israeli withdrawal while State Dept. calls on Israel, Syria, Lebanon to "exercise restraint." (Qol Yisra'el 2/20 in FBIS 2/20, FBIS 2/21; IDF Radio, Voice of Lebanon 2/20 in FBIS 2/21; WP 2/21)

PM Shamir wins renomination as head of Likud party. FM David Levy finishes second, Housing Min. Ariel Sharon third. (WP 2/21)

Arab League council begins emergency meeting on Israeli settlements. (MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21)

Hanan Ahhrawi announces that following discussions with State Dept. in wake of arrest of 2 negotiators [see 2/17], Palestinian delegation will attend next round of negotiations (IDF Radio 2/19 in FBIS 2/20)

Yitzhak Rabin elected head of Labor party, defeating incumbent Shimon Peres. (WP 2/21)

Islamic Resistance continues rocket attacks against Israeli targets. Most fall within "security zone," but 13 Israelis are injured when rockets land in N. Israel. IDF, SLA artillery continue bombarding S. Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 2/19 in FBIS 2/19, FBIS 2/20)

Hanan Ashrawi, spokeswoman for Palestinian delegation, announces delegation will not participate in upcoming negotiations due to recent Israeli arrest of 2 persons associated with the delegation [see 2/17]. PLO confirms the announcement. (AFP 2/18 in FBIS 2/18)

Islamic Resistance Movement fires more rockets into N. Israel and the "security zone." IDF, SLA artillery return fire. SLA radio orders villagers living immediately north of "security zone" to evacuate their homes before 5:00 A.M. on 2/19. (IDF Radio, Radio Free Lebanon 2/18 in FBIS 2/19; MM 2/20)

Tehiya, Moledet parties resign from cabinet as announced [see 1/16]. (NYT 1/20)

Iran paid kidnappers of American hostages in Lebanon between $1-2 million for each hostage released since August and financed their incarceration, according to article published in Washington Post based on information supplied by senior U.S. officials. (WP 1/19)

Hizballah claims responsibility for two bomb attacks in Tayr Harfa, a village lying inside Israeli "security zone." Israeli, SLA artillery later retaliate by shelling Hadath, Humin, Ayta al-Jabal, Sirbin, Kafra. (NYT 1/20)

Hamas activists disrupt meeting in Tulkarm called to discuss peace and featuring Faisal Husseini. Militants throw rocks, bottles at Husseini and members of the audience. Fight ensues between supporters of Hamas, PLO afterwards. Hamas had earlier called for a strike in Tulkarm to stop Husseini, who decided to speak anyway. (MM 1/2)

SLA imposes curfew on Rashaf, S. Lebanon, following accusations that villagers participated in 12/29 attack which killed SLA soldier. UNIFIL later demands that SLA end the siege. Both SLA, UNIFIL maintain presence in village. (MM 1/14)

U.S. refuses Arab demand to reschedule negotiations due to Israeli refusal to attend 12/4 talks in Washington. (WP 12/6)

Islamic Resistance Movement fires rockets into Marjayun, S. Lebanon in retaliation for Israeli, SLA shelling of Shiite villages. (NYT 12/9)

Israeli communications ministry and telephone company Bezek end several days' experiment by which selected customers were allowed to call unnamed Arab countries directly through American installations. Experiment came in order to prepare Israel in the event that peace talks lead to agreement on direct communications between Israel, Arab world. Palestinian negotiator Faisal Husseini was among those who called, speaking to his brother in Jordan. (MM 12/5, 12/6)

U.S. extends invitations for second round, bilateral peace negotiations to convene 12/4 in Washington. Neither Israel nor Palestinians immediately accept, Israel because it favors holding talks in the Middle East and is angered that U.S. has pressed ahead with holding them in Washington, Palestinians because certain persons associated with their delegation might not be granted U.S. visas. Syria and Lebanon did not respond; Jordan immediately accepts. Invitations include U.S. suggestions on overcoming differences, an indication that U.S. intends to continue playing an active role in the peace making process. (NYT 11/23, 11/26; LAT 11/25)

Chief Palestinian negotiator Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi joins Faisal Husseini and PLO exec. comm. mbrs. Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh and Mahmud Abbas in Moscow for talks with FM Shevardnadze. Palestinians will push USSR to insist on direct PLO participation in multilateral discussions. (MM 11/22)

Israeli attorney general announces Israel will not prosecute Hanan Ashrawi on charges she met with PLO officials. (MM 11/22)

Fighting in S. Lebanon continues as SLA artillery bombards villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah region. (MM 11/22

Israeli police investigatory board determines police acted properly upon a report that armed men were present in building housing the Islamic court of E. Jerusalem, other offices shortly before police forces raided the site. Report also claims no documents were taken in 11/18 action. (MM 11/21)

EC announces appointment of its first representative to o.t., to be based in Brussels under terms of compromise recently reached between EC, Israel. EC sought to place delegate in the o.t.; Israel objected, fearing this would imply that the o.t. constitutes adiplomatic entity, and sought to attach the representative to EC mission in Tel Aviv. (MM 11/21)

Hizballah leader 'Abbas Musawi states that fate of Western hostages is separate from that of Arab prisoners held by Israel. (MM 11/20; NYT 11/21)

Girl is killed, five others wounded as SLA blows up two houses of suspected Hizballah guerrillas in Majd al-Sahm, S. Lebanon. Raid comes in midst of increased tension in S. Lebanon. (MM 11/20)

PFLP Gen. Secy. George Habash escalates PFLP's estrangement from PLO, threatening to withdraw from PLO should it continue "on its present course." (MBC Television 11/16 in FBIS 11/18)

Activists in Gaza City announce formation of municipal council for first time in 11 years and that negotiations among factions are underway concerning composition of the 17-mbr. council. Council will reportedly be headed by Fayiz Abu Rahma and funded by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Islamic countries, and European Community. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16, IDF Radio 11/17, Ha'Aretz 11/18 in FBIS 11/18; MM 11/18)

UN protests to Israel the death of Irish UNIFIL member killed night of 11/15-16 when SLA forces ambushed UNIFIL patrol near al-Tiri, S. Lebanon. Another Irish soldier was wounded; one SLA fighter died. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/18; MM 11/18)