The Palestine Chronology

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 Geneva, King Hussein tells UN conference on global warming that Gulf war would result in an ecological catastrophe and death toll "beyond our wildest fears" [WP 11/7]; Hussein meets with P.M. Thatcher to discuss Gulf crisis [NYT 11/7].

Sec. Baker holds short meeting with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo to discuss Gulf crisis [MENA 11/6 in FBIS 11/6].

Pentagon announces it is considering a call-up of army combat reserve units; Def. Sec. Cheney has given permission for Marines to summon 3,000 reservists to fill out brigade [WP 11/7].

Saddam orders the release of at least 77 Japanese hostages and 31 more from Western Europe after his meetings with former Japanese P.M. Nakasone [INA 11/6 in FBIS 11/6, 11/7; WP, NYT 11/7].

Two W. Bank Palestinians are shot to death near Nablus, apparently by Israeli civilian seeking revenge for Meir Kahane's 10/5 assassination; Kahane's followers in Israel threaten more retaliatory attacks, while gov't leaders appeal for restraint. In Brooklyn, thousands of Jews attend memorial service for Kahane [JDS 11/6 in FBIS 11/6; MEM 11/6; WP 11/7].

UNIFIL troops prevent Israeli soldiers from stationing surface-to-surface missile launcher into UNIFIL's area of operations in S. Lebanon; IDF says area is in "security zone" controlled by Israel [BVL, YA 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; MEM 11/8].

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].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: MK Meir Kahane renounces his U.S. citizenship [LAT 8/12].

Arab World: Libyan leader Mu'ammar Qadhdhafi offers to pay salaries of W. Bank employees in wake of King Hussein's severing of ties with the W. Bank [LAT 8/12].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Ya'bad, Palestinian youth is shot, injured by Israeli soldiers [FJ 8/14]. Israeli military judge sentences pregnant Palestinian to 4- months in prison for throwing rock [LAT 8/12]. Military officers inform residents of Bayt Ummar they are going to seal 40 houses; residents stone military car, injure officer [FJ 8/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ariel Sharon states in TV interview that P.M. Shimon Peres has been holding "more than (secret) contacts" with Jordanian, Palestinian, and U.S. leaders and has been holding actual "talks"; Sharon claims Peres should have reported this "process" to the government [JP 10/24]. P.M. Shimon Peres meetsecretly with Sri Lankan P.M. Jayawardene in Paris; there are no diplomatic relations between 2 countries, but 15-year-old trade ban between 2 countries was lifted this July, Israel has trained Sri Lankan police in "anti-terrorist" techniques [JP 10/29]

Arab World: PLO headquarters in Tunis condemns Israel's proposals for direct negotiations with Jordan, says PLO involvement is necessary for peace in the M. E. [PI 10/24]. King Hussein welcomes the "spirit" of Peres' 10/21 negotiations proposal at the UN although says it did not "meet the needs of the moment" [NYT 10/24].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan, facing overwhelming congressional pressure, endorses resolution barring arms sale to Jordan until 1 March 1986 unless Jordan begins "direct and meaningful peace negotiations" with Israel before then [NYT, WP, LAT, BG 10/24]. Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports Canada has refused to grant entry visa to MK Meir Kahane, who is in U.S. on fund-raising tour [JTA 10/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two bombs explode in market in Afula, injuring 5Israelis including a baby; 80 Palestinians are rounded up for questioning. Bombs are the 3rd and 4th in 4 days inside the green line [WP, JTA 10/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres arrives in Washington for talks with Reagan administration [NYT, LAT 10/17]. MK Meir Kahane is granted "certificate of identity" by U.S. consulate in Jerusalem [WP 10/17]. Knesset members walk out during half-hour speech by MK Meir Kahane in which he condemns Education Ministry's plans to sponsor meetings between Israeli and Palestinian students [JP 10/17].

Arab World: Tunisian Pres. Habib Bourguiba is reportedly at odds with most of his main advisors over whether to allow the PLO to retain its political headquarters in Tunis; Bourguiba is said to favor having the PLO leave, while his cabinet is arguing for closer relations with the rest of the Arab world [NYT 10/17]. King Hussein cuts short vacation in Northern Scotland and holds talks with British Foreign Office Minister for the M.E. Timothy Reton following failure of British to meet 2 PLO officials. Hussein then returns to 'Amman for talks with the PLO [DT 10/17]. Egyptian pilot of intercepted plane states U.S. jet fighters threated to fire on him if he did not agree to land in Sicily [MG 10/17]. Anti-American demonstrations erupt in Cairo for 2nd time in 4 days; leaders of opposition parties meet with Mubarak to ask that he sever relations with the U.S. and Israel [LAT 10/17].

Other Countries: U.S. announces body of man found on Syrian coast has been "positively identified" as that of Leon Klinghoffer [NYT 10/17]. UN General Assembly rejects attempt by 18 Arab states to oust Israel from the assembly. Egypt, Jordan, and Oman do not join in the effort [NYT 10/17]. Italian govt. falls over Achille Lauro affair. Republican party of Defense Minister Giovanni Spadolini withdraws from coalition in protest of decision to let Muhammad 'Abbas go free [NYT 10/17]. Socialist International, meeting in Vienna, lambasts Irael for Tunis air raid; speakers from Labor and Social Democratic parties from 10 countries (including Austria, W. Germany, Italy, and Tunisia) condemn the raid. Statement is issued at conclusion calling for political negotiations without preconditions, stating "all parties involved in the conflict must take part" [JP 10/17]. Spain's consul-general says Spain is expected to establish diplomatic ties with Israel by 31 December 1985, the day Spain is scheduled to enter the EEC [JP 10/18]. 

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: Reagan administration assures Israel it will not engage in "indirect negotiations or prenegotiations" with proposed Jordanian-Palestinian delegation [LAT 8/14]. Rabbi Meir Kahane is prevented from speaking at a rally in downtown Jerusalem. Hundreds, including members of the Committee Against Racism, gather to heckle; Kahane forced to leave after half an hour [JTA 8/16]. Israel unveils first locally produced hydrofoil missile boat; states it will be used to prevent infiltration from the sea [JC 8/14].

Arab World: U.S. envoy Richard Murphy meets with King Hussein [JTA 8/15]. Financial Times reports Jordan will purchase electronic warfare equipment and other high technology items from a list of British defense supplies through a loan backed by the British government [FT 8/14]. Jordan TV reports that missing Israeli soldier Zecharia Baumel is being held in Damascus by the DFLP [JTA 8/16].

Military Action

Arab World: Car packed with 400 pounds of nail-studded TNT explodes in Christian East Beirut, killing 15 and wounding 120. No group claims responsibility [NYT, MG 8/15].

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: Israel releases 2 more passengers of ferry boat hijacked 6/29, including school-boy Mazen Masri kidnapped by IDF while returning home from school in Britain. Central Elections Com. censors Meir Kahane campaign broadcast.

Arab World: National Alliance [PFLPGC, Popular Struggle Front, Saiqa & the dissidents] issues statement criticizing Democratic Alliance for not publicizing ongoing dialogue. Lebanese cabinet appoints commission to investigate fate of missing persons. Other Countries: In Cairo, French and Egyptian presidents Mitterrand &Mubarak announce agreement that Reagan plan offers best chance for peace, but int'l. conference proposed by King Hussein is possible alternative. France authorizes assembly of Mirage 2000 warplanes in Egypt, and agrees in principle to their sale to other Arab states.

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.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics reports Israeli population grew by 1.7%; Arabs by 2.8% in 1983. Meir Kahane detained for illegal demonstration supporting Jewish terror against Arabs; Kahane allowed by interrogators to escape.

Arab World: King Hussein orders reconvening of Jordan's parliament; 12 deputies now live under Israeli occupation. International Red Cross confirms that casualties of Israeli bombing raids near Baalbek (1/4/84) were mostly civilians; Baalbek closed in general strike.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Bomb in Qazizin market in Hebron; defused shortly before set to explode. 

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Hundreds of former residents of Birim, Maronite village on Israel's northern border evacuated in 1948, call on government to allow them to return now that security prevails, government reportedly will not agree to setting precedent since estimated 50,000 Arabs in Israel might also demand return to their original homes; another outbreak of mass sickness on West Bank causes hospitalization of 164 girls from Tulkarm and Anabta, 240 in Yatta; results of International Red Cross investigation of illnesses, released by Israeli Health Ministry, indicate no evidence of poison or toxic material, conclude that epidemic is mass phenomenon devoid of danger; curfew imposed in Yatta, 6 other areas; 2 IDF soldiers, border policeman, and 2 Nablus residents wounded by hand-grenade in Nablus; Israeli bank ransacked during protest demonstrations in Tulkarm; Israeli targets stoned in other West Bank towns; 18 year-old boy shot in arm and stomach by settler driving past al-Arub refugee camp, police question settler and impound his rifle; 2 Israelis injured by stones in Qalqilya; 2 Arab youths injured when Israeli driver swerves his car into group throwing stones; 65 year-old Jerusalem woman hospitalized after being beaten and stabbed, members of Jewish religious school seeking to take over her property are suspected; IDF investigating 2 settler-related shooting incidents in Hebron and Nablus areas; Muslim religious leaders call students to hold protest gathering at Dome of Rock against last year's Easter attack by Israeli soldier; police use teargas to disperse demonstration near Damascus Gate, 8 arrested; police prevent group of 50 Jewish religious nationalists, including Meir Kahane, from entering Temple Mount, group then holds prayers outside gates; teenage nephew of Kahane arrested after firing Uzi at Palestinian demonstrators.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat and Hussein hold third round of talks, Arafat tells news conference he is still committed to Fez summit resolutions, Farouk Kaddoumi says Reagan plan is not a vehicle for negotiation, Abujihad says PLO is not giving a mandate to anyone.

Arab Governments: Mubarak, in Peking, urges PLO and King Hussein to enter talks on Reagan plan soon, before next US election campaign.

US and Other Countries: US diplomats in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem reportedly sceptical of official Israeli explanation of mass illnesses, point to fact that Israelis on West Bank displayed same symptoms.

Casualties:

Israelis reportedly releasing an average of 11 men a day from Ansar detention camp.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet votes at Begin's request to retain Sharon on steering committee for Lebanon negotiations and on larger of two ministerial defense panels; new Defense Minister Arens not expected to return from US for another two weeks; Shamir says Israel now prepared to accept lightly-manned observation posts to watch for guerrilla infiltration in South Lebanon; after 10 days of investigation, Israeli police do not have specific line of inquiry into grenade attack on Peace Now demonstration, question and release Rabbi Meir Kahane; Israel reported negotiating to purchase a fusion energy reactor using equipment supplied by France, US technology; Eliahu Lankin, Israeli Ambassador to South Africa and former Irgun commander, likely to be new ambassador to Britain; curfew imposed on old Nablus market to enable installation of metal gates intended to seal the warren-like market during times of unrest; curfew lifted on Dheisheh refugee camp.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Issam Sartawi resigns from PNC after his speech to full council session on Saturday night is blocked by Arafat; PNC spokesman Ahmad Abdel Rahman says Sartawi did not reflect position of Fateh leadership when he advocated recognition of Israel; dozens of Palestinians, visiting relatives in Israel, apparently disappear in Arab villages to avoid returning to Lebanon.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says he is optimistic that one of these fine days the conditions will be right for King Hussein to enter negotiations with Israel.