The Palestine Chronology

PLO-Israel talks resume in Taba, Egypt. Israeli delegation led by IDF Maj. Gen. Amnon Shahak, PLO by Nabil Shaath. Shaath estimates 3 weeks required for sides to reach Gaza-Jericho withdrawal agreement (MENA 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; NYT, WT 1/10; CSM, WP 1/11)

"Kahane Chai" mbrs. assault U.S. journalist Robert Friedman, visiting West Bank settlement of Tapuah. Group holds Friedman responsible for "witch hunt" against late Rabbi Meir Kahane, murdered in New York in 1990. (WP 1/11; WT 1/12)

3 U.S. congressional staffers tour villages nr. Sultan Ya'qub, Lebanon, in search for evidence of IDF soldiers missing since 1986. (RL, VOL 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; WT 1/11)

U.S.-Israel Joint Political-Military Group begins 20th session of talks on U.S.-Israel strategic cooperation with mtg. of military affairs. subcomm. Plenum, chaired by Israeli DMin. DG David Ivry and U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Robert Galluci, to meet 1/12. (MM 1/10)

"Damascus Declaration" countries (GCC states, Egypt, Syria) issue statement on upcoming Clinton-al-Asad summit "affirming their strong backing for Pres. Asad." (MM 1/10)

Hamas-PLO reconciliation meeting in Khartoum collapses as Hamas fails to show up (see 10/11); Chmn. Arafat meets with Sudanese Islamic leader Hasan al-Turabi, who had offered to serve as mediator. Hamas releases statement in Amman demanding apology from Arafat for threatening their group, tying it to Iran (see 11/7). (MM 11/17; Jordan Times 11/17 in FBIS 11/17)

Jewish settlers toss grenade into crowded market of Jerusalem's Old City Muslim quarter, killing 71-year-old Palestinian man, wounding 11 others. Radical groups Kach and Kahane Hay both claim responsibility for the attack, 2 years after the assassination of Rabbi Meir Kahane in New York. (MM 11/16; MM, NYT, WT 11/17)

In Tel Aviv, some 100,000 demonstrate against territorial compromise on the Golan Heights. (WT 11/17; Qol Yisra'el 11/17 in FBIS 11/17)

Commission investigating Palestinian prisoner conditions issues 20 main recommendations that have been approved by the police min. (MM 11/16)

Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council issues statement allowing all Soviet citizens to leave Iraq providing Soviet gov't. assumes responsibility for breaching worker contracts [MEM 12/4; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, CSM 12/5; INA 12/4 in FBIS 12/4].

After meeting in Cairo with Saudi and Syrian F.M.s, Pres. Mubarak urges creation of new Arab alliance grouping Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria as a "foundation to serve the Arab people." Tripartite statement is also issued. King Hussein of Jordan and Vice Pres. al-Beedh of Yemen fly to Baghdad to meet with Saddam Hussein and Yasir Arafat [MENA 12/4 in FBIS 12/5; NYT, LAT, MEM 12/5; WP 12/6; AVP 12/6 in FBIS 12/7; MET 12/18].

Kuwait's ambassador to U.S. says Bush admin. has assured his gov't.-in-exile that U.S. would make "absolutely no concessions" when it meets with Iraqi officials [NYT 12/5].

New York Newsday reports Kach party members mailed to a television reporter a "hit list," threatening lives of at least 8 supporters of Palestinian rights, including M.T. Mehdi, Arthur Hertzberg, Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said, and Anthony Lewis. Threats are aimed at avenging assassination of Kach founder Meir Kahane [WT, WP, MEM 12/5].

In Brussels, 12-country EC agrees that It- aly, current holder of EC presidency, could hold talks with Iraqi F.M. Aziz if Aziz first meets with Pres. Bush [MEM 12/5].

Responding to growing fear over rash of Palestinian knife attacks on Israelis, police broaden surveillance of Arab workers in Israel with spot check searches and new roadblocks along W. Bank [NYT, MEM 12/5].

In his new autobiography An American Life, published today, Ronald Reagan says Israel was the instigator and prime mover in Iran-contra affair; that then-P.M. Shimon Peres "was behind the proposal" [WP 11/5].

Sec. Baker and King Fahd agree to framework for command and control over American and Saudi military forces in event of war [WP 11/5, 11/6; NYT 11/5; SPA 11/5 in FBIS 11/6].

Returning to Paris from Egypt, Pres. Mitterrand meets King Hussein to discuss Gulf crisis [JTE 11/6 in FBIS 11/6].

Rabbi Meir Kahane, controversial founder of militant Jewish Defense League and Kach party, is assassinated by Egyptian-American after delivering lecture in New York City (cf. 11/6, 11/7) [WP 11/6, 11/7, 11/8; NYT 11/6].

Former W. German chancellor Willy Brandt flies to Baghdad with $4 million worth of baby food and medicine on hostage "rescue" mission that embarrasses German gov't and draws objections from European officials worried about growing number of special envoys visiting Iraq [INA 11/5 in FBIS 11/6; WP, NYT, MEM 11/6].

Twenty-four of world's wealthiest nations, joined together since September as Gulf Crisis Financial Coordination Group, pledge to give $13 billion in special aid to nations hurt worst by economic sanctions against Iraq. Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan are to receive $10.5 billion by end of 1991. Group mem-bers include U.S., Japan, and EC nations (cf. 11/9) [MEM, NYT 11/6].

P.M. Shamir's gov't survives vote of con- fidence, 57-50; vote called for by Labor and leftist parties [JDS 11/5 in FBIS 11/6; MEM 11/6].

Amal and Hizballah sign peace accord in Damascus under supervision of top Syrian and Iranian officials. Agreement apparently will end battle for supremacy in S. Lebanon [INRA, DST 11/5 in FBIS 11/6; MEM 11/6; NYT, WP 11/7].

Bomb explodes in Jewish sector of Jerusalem, kills 72-year-old man, wounds 9 others; police round up dozens of Palestinians; angry Jewish shopowners try to attack them, shout anti-Arab epithets [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 5/29; IDF 5/28 in FBIS 5/29; FJ 6/4].

Arab League summit opens in Baghdad; Saddam Husein takes hard line against Israel and U.S. despitefforts by Egypt, Saudi Arabia to tone down rhetoric. 5 Arab states, including Syria do not attend summit [NYT, WP, WT 5/29; INA 5/28 in FBIS 5/29].

Israeli parliamentary panel votes 13-11 to approve retroactively the gov't.'s $1.8 million financing of Jewish settlement in St. John's Hospice in E. Jerusalem [WT 5/29].

Israeli high court gives permission to far-right Kach movement, led by Rabbi Meir Kahane, to hold demonstration in Rishon le Zion in support of 5/20 killings [sic] [NYT 5/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hadashot reports that Meir Kahane's Kach movement has set up Jewish "strike forces" to provoke and terrorize Arab population [FBIS 5/25]. Jerusalem court convicts Hanna Siniora, editor of al-Fajr, of censorship violation 2 1/2 years ago when al-Fajr published interview with Arafat without prior approval of censor [FBIS 5/26].

Arab World: Arafat speaks at Arab summit, asks for more money for intifadah; declares that none of the $128 million pledged at Algiers Arab summit (6/88) has been paid [FBIS 5/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jabalya camp Israeli troops shoot, kill 20-year-old Palestinian. [FBIS 5/26, FJ 5/29]. In O.T. at least 48 Palestinians are wounded in clashes [FBIS 5/26]. Israeli military court acquits 4 Israeli soldiers of manslaughter in beating death of Palestinian; the court convicts 4 of brutality, rules that their orders were "manifestly illegal" [WP 5/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The West Bank Data Base Project releases 2 reports: One charges there is a double standard in the justice system of the occupied territories; the other argues the population of the occupied territoriess 1.7 million instead of the official Israeli figure of 1.4 million and that Palestinians in the occupied territories are worse off in terms of economic and social development than they were at the beginning of the occupation [WP, CSM 10/19]. Israel's Supreme Court rules that Kach cannot compete in upcoming Israeli elections, that the Progressive List for Peace can run. Kach leader Meir Kahane calls for Kach supporters to boycott the upcoming election [WP, NYT 10/19]. Report in Christian Science Monitor says that Palestinians living in the occupied territories and earning the equivalent of $16,000 per year are taxed at 55 percent, while Israeli settlers earning about $30,000 per year are taxed at 48 percent [CSM 10/ 19]. Police order Dar al-Tifl school in East Jerusalem closed for 10 days [FJ 10/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During clashes in Nablus Israeli troops shoot, kill 2 Palestinian boys, wound 5 others including American press correspondent [WP 10/19, FJ 10/ 23]. Demonstrations occur throughout the occupied territories: in Gaza City 18-yearold Palestinian is shot, wounded; in Nusayrat 14-year-old Palestinian is shot, wounded; in Jerusalem 16-year-old Palestinian is shot, wounded [FJ 10/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel bans Meir Kahane's Kach party from 1 November elections on the grounds that the party is racist [WP 10/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 24-year-old Palestinian from Balatah dies from wounds received 9/26. In Nablus 5 Palestinians are shot, wounded during confrontations. In Nur Shams a Palestinian is shot, wounded. During demonstrations inBeach and Jabalya camps and Khan Yunis 4 Palestinians are injured [FJ 10/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The L.A. Times reports that in May only 86 of 1,145 Soviet Jewish emigres with visas for Israel arrived in Israel. Most went to U.S. [LAT 6/3]. Palestinians start a 3-day strike to protest the arrival of Sec. of State George Shultz in the region [NYT 6/4].

Arab World: Sec. of State George Shultz visits Cairo to promote his peace proposals [NYT 6/4].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 20-year-old Arab is shot, killed by Israeli settlers near Hebron [NYT 6/4 Fl 6/5]. Ma'ariv reports the attack was carried out by members Meir Kahane's Kach in retaliation for 6/2 stabbing death of an Israeli religious student in West Jerusalem [FJ 6/12]. In Safa a Palestinian man is shot, killed by Israeli officer. Several areas in the West Bank and Gaza are declared closed military areas [FJ 6/5].

Arab World: Amal announces that it is disbanding its military apparatus in all but the south of Lebanon. Amal leader, Nabih Berri, told the fighters they should go south to fight Israel [NYT 6/4]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: "Ma'aneh" (Response) established to oppose racism; members range from Mapam, Peace Now, to Likud, seek to outlaw Kach demonstrations, suspend Kahane from Knesset [JP 9/24]. High Court of Israel issues order allowing Israel radio to broadcast ads promoting settlement in Eli, in the West Bank; legality of ads to be determined at later date by panel of 3 judges [JP 9/24]. Pres. Mubarak meets Pres. Reagan in U.S., says PLO has already "implicitly" accepted U.S. terms for dialogue [NYT 9/24].

Other Countries: Speaking at opening session of UN General Assembly, Sec. of St. Shultz states U.S. admin. wants direct Arab-Israeli peace negotiations before end of the year [JP 9/24]. Near East Report states 40 congressmen recently sent letter to Pres. Reagan asking him to adhere to policy of not negotiating or recognizing the PLO [NER 9/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nail bomb explodes outside Acre cafe, slightly injuring 1 passerby [JP 9/24]. 122-mm. katyusha lands 4 miles inside Galilee panhandle; no casualties,light damage [NYT 9/25].

Arab World: Israeli troops kill 2 guerrillas in S. Lebanon security belt [NYT 9/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Thousands of demonstrators attempt to disrupt Kach rally addressed by MK Meir Kahane [JP 9/20]. Jerusalem Post reports reduction of manpower in Israeli army to be "deep and widespread" due to defense budget cuts [JP 9/20].

Other Countries: Concluding 2-day visit to Jordan, British P.M. Thatcher announces Br. cabinet officials will soon meet Jordanian-Palestinian delegation, including PLO officials Muhammad Milham and lliyas Khuri, in support of recent Hussein-Arafat initiative. Israel denounces proposed visit [WP 9/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops in Gaza open fire on car in which father and son were travelling; 6-year-old Ayman Jundiyya dies; his father is injured in the shoulder [JP 9/22, 23; FJ 9/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army announces it has arrested Yusuf Muhammad Abu Armanah, 22, and Sa'id Fakhri Ibrahim Afanah, 23, both from Rafah, who have allegedly confessed to the 9/5 stabbing of an Israeli truck driver in Gaza. Their families' tar-paper residences have been destroyed [LAT 9/7; FJ 9/13]. MK Meir Kahane's Kach movement forms new group "Hatzala" (Parents for their Children) to oppose Min. of Education's plans to sponsor meetings between Israeli and Palestinian children. Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef strongly opposed the Ed. Min.'s plan last week, saying he would urge religious parents to remove their children from the national religious school network if it is implemented [JWP 9/6].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports 6 kidnapped members of the Lebanese Jewish community are being held by the Hizballah group [JP 9/61.

Other Countries: Congressional sources say administration has tentatively decided not to propose selling advanced F-15 fighter planes to Saudi Arabia. U.S. Sec. of State George Shultz announces U.S. is releasing the first $750 million of $1.5 billion in special economic aid approved last month by Congress for Israel. $250 million is going to Egypt, $53 million to Jordan, and $3 million is planned for aid to Palestinians in the occupied territories [WP 9/7]. Jewish Press reports the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council (NJCRAC) in the U.S. called on major Jewish groups and federations to condemn MK Meir Kahane during his upcoming visit to the U.S. and is putting pressure on the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. and television shows to cancel their invitations to Kahane to speak while here [JWP 9/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes seriously wounding the man trying to place it in an Israeli market; 20 Palestinians are detained [LAT 9/7].

Arab World: Palestinian and Shi'ite gunmen battle for the 4th straight day around Burj al-Barajinah camp in south Beirut; 23 killed and 70 wounded ovemight. Shi'ite militia is backed by Soviet T-54 tanks. The DFLP issues a statement from Damascus accusing Amal militia of executing 17 Palestinian civilians in the street. The Druze and Murabitun militias have joined forces with the Palestinians against Amal militia [NYT, DT, WP, LT 9/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet approves series of harsh security measures in the occupied territories, capital punishment not among them. Measures include deportation of "persons who constitute a security risk," indefinite "administrative detention" without charges for Palestinians suspected of security offenses, an increase in prison capacity in the West Bank, and closing Palestinian newspapers that violate censorship regulations [LAT 8/5]. Forty-three Palestinian local councils in Israel and their employees hold rally outside Israeli prime minister's office to protest government failure to provide promised funds to alleviate their financial difficulties. They demand budgets equal to those of Israeli local councils. The 43 councils have an accumulated debt of $10 million; some have not been able to pay employees for 3 months [FJ 8/2, 8/9]. Public opinion poll by Pori Research Institute published in Ha'Aretz shows 10.6 percent of those who voted for Likud in last Knesset elections would now vote for Kach. Another poll by the Modi'in Ezrachi Institute shows Kahane would increase his Knesset seats to 5 if elections were held now [JTA 8/5].

Arab World:The Sunday Times reports testimony of British doctor on conditions in the 3 Beirut refugee camps besieged 2 months ago. According to Dr. Swee Chai Ang, over 1,500 Palestinians are missing, feared to have been kidnapped or killed. Palestinians are still being killed, although war of the camps technically ended in June and the camps of Sabra, Shatila, and Burj al-Barajinah are now protected by Lebanese army and internal security forces [LT 8/4]. Libya, which had threatened toboycott Arab summit, sends senior official [WSJ 8/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Petrol bomb hurled at a border police patrol outside 'Ain Beit al-Ma', near Nablus injures 2 policemen. Curfew is imposed [JP 8/5]. Another petrol bomb incident is reported in Azzariya, near Jerusalem; no injuries reported [JP 8/6]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset House Com. decides (8-5) to discuss MK Sarid's request to revoke Kach MK Kahane's parliamentary immunity. Caller claiming to be "Avenger" phones in death threat to Pres. Herzog. UK Foreign Sec. Howe meets with Elias Freij, Rashad Shawa, Gabi Baramki & Hikmat al-Masri in E. Jerusalem. Before Tel Aviv U. audience, US amb. to Israel Lewis criticizes Reagan peace plan, saying timing was "abysmal," tactics "worse," and results to date are "nil." Ciskei Pres. Lennox Sebe inaugurates "twinning" of Ariel settlement and Ciskei's capital, Bisho.

Arab World: In al-Sharq al-Awsat interview, King Hussein criticizes US role in Middle East and says he will buy Soviet weapons.

Other Countries: In global nuclear weapons survey, Carnegie Endowment for Intl. Peace reports Israel has capability to deploy 10-20 nuclear bombs. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Shefa 'Amr, Arab Local Councils pass resolution not to allow Kach members into their towns and villages.

Arab World: Haaretz reports Tahal plan to divert Hasbani River water to Israel using existing oil pipelines in Golan and S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: US State Dep't. begins review of Meir Kahane's dual US-Israeli citizenship.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Abu Dis village mukhtar 'Issa Jaffal dismissed by occupation authorities for refusing to urge villagers to drop suit against confiscation of 2500 dunums of their land. Beitunia College students strike, hold peaceful march protesting Village League members vandalizing, firing and hurling stones at student dormitories over past week. Israel's foreign reserves fall $351 million in July to just over $2.6 billion. Ministerial Economic Committee decides to cut all gov't. contracts to 25% over next 3 mos. Pres. Herzog urges Shamir and Peres to meet to consider joint rule proposals. Herzog refuses to invite Meir Kahane for customary post-election consultations. Umm al-Fahm Village Council conference at Tel Aviv Press Club disrupted by Kach members.

Arab World: In Le Monde inteview, Syrian Pres. Assad rules out linkage between IDF withdrawal and removal of Syrian troops from Lebanon.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem municipal employees assault Palestinian women selling vegetables at Damascus Gate, then destroy produce. Arab World: Israeli helicopters, F-16s & gunboats shell and drop experimental phosphorous & helium bombs on Nahr al-Bared camp, N. Lebanon where 16,000 Palestine refugees live; [casualty figures unavailable]. IDF kill 2 suspected of planting roadside bomb near Sidon. Grenade tossed at SLA patrols in Tyre; no injuries reported; IDF close Tyre port.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel rejects recent USSR peace proposal based on Brezhnev plan. Jerusalem mayor Kollek tells news conference of drive against Kach and Meir Kahane with appeal to support anti-racism bill. Defendents Amjad Rabaya and Wafiq Sawalha tried for armed attack on W. Jerusalem street (4/2/84) admit charges, insisting on POW status. Najah student sentenced to 10 mos. charged with membership in Palestinian organization. Police summon head of Gaza Citrus Producers' Union, warning of legal retaliation against Union for assisting farmers to obtain financialid.

Other Countries: USSR calls for renewal of Geneva Middle East peace talks including USSR, US, Israel, PLO & Arab states.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli-made bomb thrown at Shefa 'Amr home; no injuries. Kach members beat up 2 Palestinian laborers; victims hospitalized in serious condition.

Arab World: IDF units attacked by rocket fire near Jezzine and S. of Tyre.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Both Labor and Likud blocs reject Meir Kahane in coalition-building schemes. Umm al-Fahm residents demonstrate against Kach and Meir Kahane's threat to open Jewish immigration office there.

Arab World: Lebanese army begins 2nd phase of security plan by bulldozing barricades dividing Beirut.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In radio interview, MK Sharon dissociates himself from Meir Kahane's words and deeds, but warns movements on left far more dangerous. No. 2 man in Kach party & dual US-Israeli citizen Yehuda Richter found guilty of attack on Palestinian bus (3/4/84), injuring 6; charges of arson against Arab homes and property still outstanding. New 15% tax imposed on Israelis traveling abroad who buy dollars or overseas tour packages.

Other Countries: In London, Marwan al-Banna, Nanof al-Rosan & Hussein Said sentenced to 30 to 35 yrs. for attempted assassination of Israeli amb. to UK Argov in June 1982; their appeals rejected.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF kill 1 Lebanese suspected of laying roadside bomb near Sidon; shoot 2 motorcyclists failing to halt at Sidon roadblock. 2 IDF troops wounded when grenade thrown at patrol in Nabatiya.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli political parties begin negotiating for coalition partners. Kach party members celebrate Meir Kahane's win, stage violent march through Jerusalem, toting pistols and shouting "death to the Arabs." Arab press editorials express pessimism over election as augur of Zionist extremism.

Arab World: IDF reopens single road between Beirut & S. Lebanon; IDF governor at Sidon links S. Lebanon blockade policy to Karami's decision to close IDF liaison office.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 bombs hurled at IDF patrols in Jabaliya refugee camp, Gaza; no injuries.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Today's elections yield no clear victor; of a total 120 Knesset seats, Alignment wins 45, Likud 41; "Progressive Slate for Peace" gains 2; Meir Kahane as Kach candidate wins 1.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Trial of 22 Jewish terror suspects begins in Jerusalem with defense request for 3-mo. adjournment; defendents' supporters attempt to eject attending attorney Darwish Nasser from courtroom as "PLO presence." Election officials ban Meir Kahane's Kach party from upcoming elections. 6 Palestinian prisoners escape Rafah prison, Gaza; 1 rearrested.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb discovered and defused at Beit Safafa soccer field before game.

Arab World: Jordan's King Hussein announces willingness to send troops to aid Iraqi war effort.

Military Action:

IDF strengthens positions in Bekaa Valley within 2 miles of Syrian frontlines; Haddad forces complete deployment in the Bekaa Valley; Lebanese National Resistance attacks IDF position near Khalde, claims 2 killed, others wounded; IDF vehicle destroyed by remote controlled mine east of Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Police discover group of settlers, mostly new immigrants from US, who plan to terrorize Hebron residents and force them to emigrate; two members of (Rabbi Kahane's) Kach settlement Al-Nakam remanded for week on charges of shooting at Palestinians; armed settlers break into Nablus' el-Farouk secondary school, fire shots above students' heads; in Yatta, armed settlers chase youths after being stopped at roadblock of burning tires, kidnap two high school students; in Ramallah and Nablus, students set up road blocks, burn tires; Dheisheh camp under curfew after stones thrown at Israeli traffic; bomb found in car of Hebron merchant; security forces reveal a bomb was found and defused last Friday next to the house of a Palestinian living near Jewish settlement of Beit Hadassah in center of Hebron; military command orders investigation of complaint that soldiers entered home of woman in Nablus, overturned furniture, beat her son; IDF soldiers and civil administrators confiscate keys to Hebron Village League offices after deposed head M. Nasr holds meeting there to reject his dismissal; IDF sentences three soliders to jail for refusing to serve in Lebanon and increases penalties; Military Intelligence Director Saguy and Beirut division commander Yaron, cited by Kahan commission, resign their posts but remain in military; Foreign Minister Shamir says Jordan should not feel apprehensive when Israeli leaders say Jordan is Palestine, it is merely a statement of geographic and demographic facts.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Israel rejects latest Habib compromise proposals, accepted by Lebanese; Habib flies to Cairo to brief Mubarak; Lebanese-Israeli negotiations continue at Khalde; IDF announces Hebrew language courses to be offered to Lebanese, with first course to be held for doctors, merchants, lawyers and teachers in Hasbaya.

US and Other Countries: Rep. Mervin Dymally (D-CA) reports that US aid to Israel during 1974-82 was $22.6 b, more than twice sum given to all Africa, and 25% more than Latin America; Time magazine stands by February 21 story over which Ariel Sharon has fifed libel suit.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: US envoy Habib and Prime Minister Begin hold 90 minute meeting during which Habib presents Begin with letter from Reagan; Defense Minister Sharon postpones departure to Zaire, takes 100 Herut Party members on tour of Israeli military positions in Lebanon, Sharon meets Saad Haddad in Marjayoun, says any peace agreement will have a role for Haddad as he is trustworthy friend of Israel; Sharon holds afternoon press conference in Kiryat Shemona, simultaneously with official press conference announcing agreement on Lebanon talks agenda, creating tension with Foreign Minister Shamir, Sharon notes de facto normalization has preceded diplomatic normalization, that since Nov. 15, 12,000 people and 1,100 vehicles have entered Ilsrael from Lebanon and 1,100 Israeli vehicles transported goods to Lebanon; Labor Party political bureau approves Histadrut companies involvement in construction of settlements in occupied territories; Energy Minister Yitzhak Modai urges strong posture on US pressure, says control of Judea and Samaria is vital for security; Civil Administration declares as state land 20,000 dunums in Dahariya, south of Hebron, gives Palestinians 21 days to appeal, area planned for land reserve along 1967 green line; 30 Kach members break into Hebron home of Moshe Levinger, demanding that Meir Kahane's Kach settlement nearby receive support and services from Kiryat Arba as does Levinger's group in Hebron.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat in Moscow press conference releases communique that Soviet Union shows understanding of the PLO position on confederation on the basis of voluntarity between an independent Palestinian state and Jordan; following Habib-Begin meeting, Israel and Lebanon, in talks held in Kiryat Shemona, agree on agenda for talks (including concurrent discussion on "termination of the state of war; security arrangements; framework for mutual relations, including issues such as liaison, ending hostile propaganda, the movement of goods, products and persons, communications, etc.; program of complete withdrawals, conditions for Israeli withdrawal, within the context of the evacuation of all foreign forces; possible guarantees"); Lebanese Parliament delegation visits Amman seeking Jordanian support in talks with Israel.

Arab Governments: Foreign Minister Abdel Halim Khaddam, at non-aligned conference in Nicaragua, says Syria will resist any agreement which does not call for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territories and does not recognize inalienable rights of Palestinians.

US and Other Countries: Pentagon refuses to sign draft agreement on US access to Israeli military data due to unreasonable restrictions; secret plan revealed for mini-Rapid Deployment Force in Jordan to guard internal stability, respond to emergencies in friendly Gulf States, and possible use in inter-Arab wars; Henry Kissinger says Lebanon crisis has consequences helpful to prospects for peace, shows USSR can supply arms but not solutions, rout of PLO restores US military credibility; Representative Council of French Jewry protests French Middle East policy, says Foreign Minister Cheysson's recent statements show anti-Israel bias, asks government to close PLO Paris office and expel PLO representative Ibrahim Suss.