The Palestine Chronology

In Cairo, Egyptian FM Musa holds talks on the peace process with EU special envoy Moratinos, who says that the EU expects Israeli PM-elect Barak to restore confidence btwn. the parties to the peace process by freezing settlement activity, urges him to restart talks with Syria. (MENA 6/1 in WNC 6/2; al-Quds 6/2 in WNC 6/8; MEI 6/18)

In Tunisia, King Abdallah of Jordan holds talks with Pres. Zein al-Abidine Ben Ali on the peace process, bilateral relations. (Tunis-7 Television 6/1 in WNC 6/2; Tunisian Republic Radio Network 6/2 in WNC 6/3)

For 2d day, Hizballah strikes SLA mbrs. evacuating Jazzin, killing 2, wounding 1. In response, the IDF shells Hizballah targets. Hizballah returns mortar fire, injuring 2 more SLA mbrs. In separate raids, IDF injures 1 Lebanese army soldier, 3 civilians. (MM 6/1; RL 6/1 in WNC 6/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/2; RL 6/2 in WNC 6/3; `Ukaz 6/2 in WNC 6/8; WT 6/3; JP 6/11) (see 5/31)

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

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

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

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

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

2 day Euro-Med conference opens in Stuttgart, Germany. (MENA 4/15, al-Quds 4/17 in WNC 4/19; MM 4/16; al-Ayyam 4/17 in WNC 4/21; PR 4/23; al-Wasat 4/26 in WNC 4/30)

Most of the 81 diplomatic missions in Israel, including the EU and U.S., decline an invitation fr. Israeli FM Sharon to participate in a 2 hr. "study tour" of the West Bank on 4/16 to gain a better understanding of Israeli security needs in advance of final status talks with the PA. (MM 4/15)

In response to death of IDF soldier 4/12, IDF reoccupies Arnun, outside its self-declared security zone, this time setting up SLA camp inside the village. Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss asks France, the UN, the U.S. to intervene with Israel. U.S. suggests that Lebanese army be deployed in Arnun, but Huss refuses, saying army will not be used as a "screen to defend" the IDF. (RL 4/15, AFP, IRNA 4/16 in WNC 4/19; MM, NYT 4/16; NYT, WP 4/17; RL, Xinhua 4/20 in WNC 4/21; MM 4/21; MEI 4/23, 5/7) (see 2/28)

Shas head Deri is sentenced to 4 yrs. in prison. Analysts believe the ruling could improve PM Netanyahu's chances for reelection by rallying Shas supporters to his cause; one of Netanyahu's campaign promises has been to aid Israelis who feel marginalized by what he describes as the "elites," including judges. Deri will remain free pending appeal, may remain party leader even if jailed. (MM 4/15; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/16; JP, MEI 4/23) (see 3/17)

3 UN comms. on Iraq (disarmament, sanctions, missing-in-action issues) present their first reports to an informal mtg. of the UN Security Council (UNSC). UNSC mbrs. are still divided on how best to proceed with monitoring (e.g., whether or not to lift sanctions, dissolve UNSCOM). (MEI 4/23)

IDF begins clearing 300 dunams of Palestinian land, olive groves held by Bayt Dujn, al-Sawiyya villages for construction of new bypass road to Ariel settlement. In other incidents, settlers place 8 trailers on hilltop nr. Karnei Shomron settlement, begin expansion of Elkana settlement onto some 200 dunams of Palestinian land held by Mashah village. (al-Ayyam 4/16 in WNC 4/23)

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

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

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

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

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

Arafat arrives in Cairo for 2 days of mtgs. on the peace process with Mubarak. (MENA 12/29 in WNC 12/23)

China's FM Qian Qichen arrives in Lebanon on 1st leg of regional tour to discuss peace process, bilateral relations. (VOL, Xinhua [Beijing] 12/19 in WNC 12/22)

2 Jordanian parliamentary mbrs., Muhammad Rafat, Hamada al-Fara'ina make controversial private 4-day visit to Israel, meet with Israeli MKs. (al-Majd, JT 12/26 in WNC 12/29)

With Israeli approval, Lebanese army reopens Kafr Falus crossing point btwn. Sidon, SLA-controlled Jazzin in s. Lebanon. By opening the crossing, which has been closed since 1985, the army hopes to prove to Israel that it is capable of reestablishing authority over all of s. Lebanon. The army tried to reopen the crossing in 8/97 but was shelled by IDF, SLA. (VOL 12/19 in WNC 12/22; WT 12/20)

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)

U.S. special envoy Ross announces that Israel, the PA have resumed security cooperation, result will make or break long-term peace efforts. (MM 8/12; AFP 8/12 in WNC 8/13; MM, WP, WT 8/13; MM, CSM, NYT 8/14)

In Nablus, 10,000 Palestinians march to protest U.S., Israeli efforts to press Arafat to crack down on anti-Israeli militants in the West Bank, Gaza. Palestinians in Gaza stage a smaller rally. (CSM, WP, WT 8/13)

Syria formally rejects an Israeli proposal for a new formula to resume negotiations. (MM 8/13; YA 8/13 in WNC 8/14; YA 8/14 in WNC 8/15)

MEPFA expires, forcing the PLO to close its office in Washington. The U.S. will continue diplomatic contacts with the PA. U.S. assistance to Palestinian projects will not be interrupted. (NYT, WP, WT 8/13; MM, WP 8/14; PR 8/15) (see 8/1)

PA military court finds 3 Force 17 mbrs. guilty of treason for "spying for the Israeli intelligence service"; condemns 1 to death, 1 to life with hard labor, 1 to 15 yrs. with hard labor. (NYT, WP, WT 8/13) (see 7/19)

Israel eases restrictions on produce crossing fr. the West Bank and Gaza, allowing 3 trucks of eggplants into Israel. (IDF Radio 8/12 in WNC 8/13; WT 8/13)

Nr. Bethlehem, 2 Palestinian cousins sneak through the IDF blockade of the city--1 to get heart medication, 1 to get money owned him by his employer nr. Jerusalem. They are caught, severely beaten by the IDF, sent back to a hospital in Bethlehem. (WP 8/16)

Palestinian woman gives birth at an IDF checkpoint outside Ramallah after soldiers refuses to let her into the PA-controlled city to reach a hospital. (WT 8/13)

SLA vacates 7 Lebanese villages s. of Sidon, turning them over to the Lebanese army. (RL 8/12 in WNC 8/13)

Israel releases Joseph, Jean Nahra, who were kidnapped in s. Lebanon by the IDF 7/9, taken to al-Khiyam prison. Israel has never explained their detention. (WT 8/13) (see 8/7)

British PM John Major sends letter on peace process to Israeli PM-elect Netanyahu. (MA 6/10 in FBIS 6/10)

In Damascus, Pres. Asad, Iranian FM Ali Akhbar Velayati open 2-day mtg. (SARR 6/9, 6/10 in FBIS 6/10; RMC, SARR 6/10 in FBIS 6/11; AFP 6/16 in FBIS 6/17)

Qatari, Syrian FMs meet in Damascus. (SARR 6/9 in FBIS 6/10; MM 6/10)

Israeli couple is killed in an apparent drive-by shooting in Zekharia, a rural area of central Israel. In belief the assailants are Palestinian, IDF closes shops in Hebron, searches Palestinian cars. PA condemns the killing. (AFP 6/9, QY 6/10 in FBIS 6/10; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/10; CSM, NYT, WP 6/11; WJW 6/13)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA soldier is seriously wounded by roadside bomb. IDF responds with heavy artillery bombardment of Hizballah targets in Nabatiyya, Iqlim al-Tuffah, killing 1 Lebanese army soldier; describes situation as very tense. (QY 6/9, MENA, QY, RL 6/10 in FBIS 6/10)

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)

Egyptian parliamentarians denounce Israel for hostility toward Egypt, "reaping benefits of peace" while refusing to sign NPT, move forward on Palestinian self-rule, or withdraw fr. Golan. Israeli Pres. Weizman telephones Pres. Mubarak to discuss worsening relations, fears that conflict with Egypt could derail peace talks. (MENA 1/16 in FBIS 1/17; MM 1/17; WJW, WP 1/19; WJW 1/26)

Israel gives Egypt most favored nation (MNF) trading status retroactive to 1/1/95. (MENA 1/16 in FBIS 1/17) (see 1/3)

Arafat, Jordanian FM al-Kabariti meet in Morocco. Meanwhile, Jordanian PM Shakir meets with Nablus Chamber of Commerce delegation in Amman to discuss cooperation btwn. Jordan, PA. (RJ 1/16 in FBIS 1/19; MEI 1/20)

Israeli FMin. says it will begin canvassing embassies to see how many will be willing to move to Jerusalem after final status negotiations so FMin. can begin rezoning areas for construction. (MM 1/16)

PM Rabin authorizes confiscation of Palestinian lands for construction of 4 roads in West Bank (2 nr. Ramallah, 1 nr. Tulkarm, 1 nr. Hebron) so settlers can bypass Arab towns. (MM 1/16; QY 1/16 in FBIS 1/17) (see 1/15)

Israeli Housing M Ben-Eliezer circulates draft of report he will submit to cabinet 1/22. Report plans 77% increase in construction activity for 1995 as compared to 1994, mostly in Jerusalem area. (ITV 1/16 in FBIS 1/17; MM 1/20)

DFLP head Nayif Hawatmah applies to Israeli FMin. (via Russian FMin.) for permission to move to Gaza with several supporters. Israeli FMin. says it has passed application on to security officials for review. (MM 1/16; QY, VOL 1/16 in FBIS 1/17; Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 1/17 in FBIS 1/19; MEI 1/20)

Israeli police raid East Jerusalem offices of al-Quds newspaper; confiscate papers, equipment; say they suspect office of being Hamas base. (QY 1/16 in FBIS 1/17)

Lebanese army shells IDF, SLA positions for 1st time in 2 yrs. in response to Israeli attack 1/15. (HA 1/17 in FBIS 1/17)

Israeli PM Rabin says Israel will pull out of southern Lebanon in 9 mos. if, within 6 mos., Lebanese Army takes up positions on northern border of security zone, Hizballah is dismantled, SLA is integrated into Lebanese Army. (Al-Hayat 8/23 in MM 9/2; Beirut Times 8/25)

Jordan, Israel open talks on demarcation of northern border. (MM 8/23; JTV 8/23 in FBIS 8/24)

DFLP, PFLP-GC say they will not attend PNC mtg. if held in Gaza, call for escalation of armed struggle against Israel. Fida says amending charter, PNC meeting in Gaza are premature. (QY 8/23 in FBIS 8/23; Al-Quds 8/23 in FBIS 8/24; Al-Quds 8/24 in FBIS 8/25)

Cmdr. of Palestinian police in Gaza, Gen. Nasr Yusuf, says police can stop Hamas activists at any time, but PLO leadership has not given order. Says 4 Hamas mbrs. still held by Palestinian police. (QY 8/23 in FBIS 8/23; FT 8/26)

Palestinian AG Khalid al-Qudra says 4 police officers accused of beating Palestinian prisoner to death 5/94 will be tried in civil court next mo. (WT 8/24)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IDF and Hizballah exchange artillery fire, killing 1 Israeli soldier and wounding 2 SLA members. IDF claims Lebanese army involved in incident. (MM 7/22; NYT 7/23)

87 Palestinians among those deported to Lebanon 12/92 march toward Israeli border, demanding medical care. They return to their camp after reportedly being repulsed by IDF and SIA gunfire. (NYT 7/23)

Lebanon requests UN Security Council renew UNIFIL mandate for another 6-month term. (Radio Lebanon 7/22 in FBIS 7/22)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi, two other members of the Palestinian steering committee, fly to Morocco for consultations with Chmn. Arafat. (NYT 11/3)

Pro-peace marches continue in o.t., including one involving thousands of marchers in Jenin. Curfew imposed 10/27 on Nablus lifted, but is imposed on 400,000 Gaza residents. (MEM 11/4)

Thousands flee Kufr Rumman, S. Lebanon, after Israeli troops order them to evacuate the area, which has come under recent heavy Israeli artillery fire. South Lebanon Army radio broadcast also orders 100,000 residents of some 100 villages near the Israeli "security zone" to flee. Israel denies it officially ordered the evacuation, claims order came from a local Israeli commander or from SLA acting on its own authority. As Israel continues its bombardment of the area, Lebanese pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi calls Lebanon's defense council into emergency session, and Shi'ite Amal militia announces a general mobilization, vowing to stand with Lebanese army troops in repelling any Israel attacks. (NYT, WP 11/3)

Pres. Bush states U.S. aid to assist resettlement of Soviet Jews in Israel should not be linked with freeze in Israeli settlement building, but calls such building "counterproductive," adding that U.S. is "not giving one inch on the settlements question." Statement comes in wake of continued controversy over Israeli refusal to halt settlement activity in face of American pressure. U.S. anxious to obtain Israeli pledge to cease building settlements prior to proposed peace conference. (NYT, MEM 7/2; WP 7/3)

Lebanese army moves into Sidon and surrounding area as scheduled, establishing its first presence in area since 1975. Army's action comes as continuation of central government policy of disarming militias and deploying army throughout Lebanon. Thousands of residents flee, fearing PLO army clash. PLO, army commanders confer near Sidon over ways to avoid conflict. PLO refuses to disarm as long as Israel still controls parts of S. Lebanon: also seeks discussions on Palestinians' rights in Lebanon. Government welcomes talks, but only after deployment of army in Sidon area. (MEM 7/1, 7/4)

Cmdr. of Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army Antoine Lahad states willingness to release 300 Lebanese prisoners held by SLA in return for Israelis held by Islamic, Palestinian factions. (NYT 7/4)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: US State Dept. official Richard Murphy meets with PM Peres, Deputy Premier Shamir in Jerusalem [JP 4/16]. Cabinet reverses 4/14 decision, votes to allow Cabinet Mbr. Ezer Weizman to travel to Egypt [NYT 4/16]. Haifa court convicts 5 Palestinian students from Haifa U. of "unlawful assembly" in reference to 1/19 fight between Palestinian, Jewish students [JP 4/16]. Members of Ramallah municipal council (who struck in April 1982 when occupation authorities deposed Mayor Karim Khalaf) reject IDF proposal to return to their posts [FJ 4/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese Army deploys units in Sidon area to stop fighting between SLA, Lebanese Forces and Palestinian/Muslim fighters [NYT 4/16].

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: In Jerusalem, The Foreign Press Assoc. protests 3/6 IDF treatment of 7 joumalists arrested near Tyre, S. Lebanon [NYT 3/7]. Led by Rabbi Moshe Levinger, more than 50 Gush Emunim settlers from Kiryat Arba march through downtown Hebron in celebration of Purim [FJ 3/15].

Other Countries: US Sec. of State Shultz testifies before Senate subcommittee that Israel has not made enough progress toward solving economic problems to warrant $2.6 billion in new aid [NYT 3/9].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF soldier killed in clash with Lebanese Army, resistance fighters after IDF kill 2 resistance fighters, pursue other suspects across last-stage withdrawal line near Kawthariyat al-Siyad [NYT, WP 3/7]. Resistance fighters battle SLA near Shukin; 4 SLA fighters wounded, 1 resistance commando killed [JP 3/8]. IDF position near Deir Qanun al-Nahr, SLA post near Qa'qa'iya Bridge attacked; no casualties reported [NYT 3/9]. IDF raid Hallusiya; 8 arrested; 4 houses destroyed. IDF raid Teir Filsay; arrest 14 [WP 3/8]. IDF raid Kafr Danis, make undisclosed number of arrests [LT 3/8]. SLA, Shin Bet forces kill 16-yr. old Insaf Kourani, wound 3 other women in Yatar; IDF, SLA block evacuation of wounded by Irish UNIFIL troops [LT, WP 3/8]. UNIFIL also report SLA attempts to block entrance of UNIFIL into village [WP 3/8].