The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a carshop in Beitin, damaging all the vehicles. Israeli settlers also vandalize Palestinian-owned vehicles in al-Twana, puncturing tires and smashing windshields. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers dig graves outside of a school in al-Ma’rajat. Israeli settlers also kill 2 Palestinian-owned sheep in Kisan. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man at the Annab checkpoint near Tulkarm, claiming he had opened fire at the soldiers. Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during raids in Beit Furik and al-Bireh. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault 2 Palestinians in Ya’bad and seize a vehicle and a forklift. Israeli forces also demolish a home in Lasifar in the Masafer Yatta area and a water well in Ras Atiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb al-Mawasi, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Jabalia refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Rafah, killing at least 195 people. Israeli forces also shoot and kill several Palestinians with live ammunition in Khan Yunis. A video released by ITV News shows a man being interviewed while holding a white flag shortly before Israeli snipers shoot and kill him. Meanwhile, Israeli forces attack people fleeing from Khan Yunis to Rafah with both live ammunition and tank fire. In Lebanon, Hezbollah forces fire 12 missiles at an Israeli air base on Mount Meron; no damage is reported. In Syria, U.S. forces kill 2 people in an airstrike near the Iraqi border. In Yemen, U.S. and UK forces attack 18 Houthi-linked sites in the Sanaa, Hodeidah, Taiz, and Baida governates. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/23; AP, HA, ITV 1/24)

More than 25,490 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 63,345 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 364 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 92 children. More than 4,348 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 219 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,203 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 185 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 1/23)

The Israeli military says its forces have encircled Khan Yunis and issued an evacuation order for parts of the city affecting 500,000 people. A Palestinian woman says Israeli forces set fire to the tent her and her family were sheltering in on 1/22 in al-Mawasi, killing her husband and daughter. The PA warns the international community that Israel is pressuring Palestinians to move to Rafah as part of its goal of displacing Palestinians from Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 1/23; AJ, AJ, NYT 1/24)

Hamas calls on the UN, Red Cross, and the WHO to intervene and stop Israeli attacks on Palestinian hospitals, as both the Nasser and al-Amal hospitals are under attack. Reuters report that Hamas rejects an Israeli proposal that would see 6 leaders of Hamas removed from Gaza, including Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 1/23; AJ, AP, NYT 1/24)

Israel acknowledges that it is demolishing Palestinian homes in Gaza to widen the “buffer zone” between residential areas of Gaza and the Gaza fence. In response, U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken says “[w]hen it comes to the permanent status of Gaza going forward, we have been clear, we remain clear about not encroaching on its territory.” France also says it opposes Israeli plans to reduce the size of Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT 1/23; AJ, HA 1/25)

Israeli tourism minister Haim Katz announces a conference for the resettlement of Gaza on 1/28 called “Conference for the Victory of Israel – Settlement Brings Security: Returning to the Gaza Strip and Northern Samaria,” inviting members of the Israeli public. In a video, Katz says the “withdrawal [of the Israeli settlements in Gaza in 2005] created the Nazi monster.” In response to the killing of 21 Israeli soldiers on 1/22, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says Israel “must continue to subdue, crush, and mow down the Nazi enemy in Gaza with all our might.” (AJ 1/23; AJ, HA, HA 1/24)

At the UN Security Council, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres reiterates his calls for an immediate ceasefire and condemns Israeli’s collective punishment of Palestinians. PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki tells the council that Israel will continue killing Palestinian civilians if the council does not act. Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan says if there is a ceasefire now Hamas will remain in power and attempt another “Holocaust.” (AJ, HA, UNOCHA 1/23; AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/24)

210 members of the U.S. Congress sign a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, condemning the South African case against Israel at the ICJ and calling it disgusting. (AJ 1/24)

Palestine Legal says it has received several reports of FBI agents visiting pro-Palestinian activists in response to social media posts critical of Israel’s attacks on Gaza. (AJ 1/23)

The Palestine national soccer team advances to the knockout stage of the Asian Cup for the first time after beating Hong Kong. (AJ, HA 1/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort raided Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians protesting the incursion; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian farmers with pepper spray east of Hebron. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 1 mosque, 3 houses, and 1 commercial structure in Marda. Israeli forces also forced Palestinian business owners to close their shops in Huwwara, claiming that stones had been thrown at Israeli settlers near the shops. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 4 water wells in Khallet al-Dabe. Israeli forces also demolished 1 commercial structure in ‘Anata. Israeli military said that shots were fired from a car at Israeli soldiers near Nablus; no injuries were reported. 13 Palestinians were arrested, including 10 during late-night raids in Dahariya, Za‘atra, Silwad, and Zeita; 3 were arrested at checkpoints near Bethlehem and Nablus. (TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2; MEMO, MEMO, PCHR 2/3)

Haaretz reported that Israeli attorney general Avichai Mendelblit authorized establishing an Israeli settlement on the evacuated Evyatar settlement outpost near Beita. Attorney General Mendelblit is leaving office this week. Palestinians have held weekly protests at the site since the outpost was erected in May 2021. The outpost was evacuated in June 2021, but the houses erected remained as the settlers struck a deal with the Israeli government that they could move back if Israel deemed that the land is state-owned. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz will have to declare the area state-owned, after which there will be a 45-day period to file objections. Several Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the past year while protesting the outpost. In a letter from Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid to Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, Lapid warned that if the Israeli government legalized the Evyatar settlement outpost, it “could have serious diplomatic consequences and damage foreign relations, first and foremost from the United States,” saying that the U.S. has already made this clear to him. Labor and Meretz publicly opposed legalizing the settlement outpost. (AP, HA, IN 2/2; HA, JP, MEE, TOI, TOI, TOI 2/3; HA, HA, HA 2/4; UNOCHA 2/11)

The Shin Bet admitted to having threatened random Palestinians in Israel that it would “settle the score” if they had participated in protests related to the May 2021 uprising in Israel that coincided with Israeli attacks on Gaza and eviction threats against Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah. (HA, MEE 2/3)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Amnesty International’s secretary-general Agnès Callamard in Ramallah, discussing the report Amnesty released on 2/1 that charged Israel with the crime of apartheid. (WAFA 2/2)

Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, at a conference in Tel Aviv, that the Israeli military on 4 occasions had offered assistance to Lebanon. According to Gantz, the offers were made to strengthen the Lebanese army in facing “the strengthening of Hezbollah under Iran’s support.” Israeli military sources later denied that Israel had made such offers and that Israel had only offered humanitarian aid following the explosion in the Beirut port. (HA 2/2; MEMO 2/3)

Israel, Oman, and Saudi Arabia all took part in the International Maritime Exercise 2022, led by the U.S. and with the participation of nearly 60 countries. It was the 1st time that Saudi Arabia and Oman partook in a naval exercise with Israel, which they have no formal relations with. (AJ, ALM 2/2)

The FBI confirmed reporting from the New York Times published on 1/28 that the agency had bought the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, but claimed to never have used it. The FBI further stated that it had bought the spyware for “product testing and evaluation.” (ALM, AP, HA, REU 2/2; MEMO 2/3)

In Tel Aviv, U.S. special envoy Ross says that the U.S. plans to play a much less active role in final status negotiations, thinks "permanent status is not something that should be mediated." (USIS Washington File 1/12; NYT, WP 1/13; PR 1/15)

After 4 yrs., Lebanon lifts travel restrictions on Palestinians, dropping requirement for Palestinians to obtain visas to return to Lebanon. (RL 1/12 in WNC 1/13; NYT 1/13; RL 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

Netanyahu's office warns the PA that Israel would bar Arafat, PA officials fr. leaving he autonomous enclaves should the PA unilaterally declare statehood. (MEI 1/15)

PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. millionaire Irving Moskovitz, who is in town to decided which right-wing candidate for PM he will support financially in the 5/17 elections. Netanyahu gives assurances that he will not halt Moskovitz's construction of 132 units in the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem. Congressman Michael Forbes (R-NY) is accompanying Moskovitz. (MM, WP 1/14; MM 1/21; JP 1/22; PR 1/29)

In what police, FBI term a sophisticated operation, burglars break into offices of prominent Washington polling firm, Greenberg Quinlan Research, that is advising Israeli PM-candidate Barak. Firm says that its international work was targeted, but it is uncertain whether files on Barak were among those stolen. (MM, WP 1/13; YA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; WJW 1/14; MM 1/20)

Israeli Religious Affairs M Eli Suissa cuts the size of local religious councils to keep them all Orthodox. A recent High Court ruling ordered the powerful councils (which run marriage bureaus and burial societies, maintain synagogues and ritual baths, supervise kosher inspections for both religious and secular Jews) be expanded to include Reform, Conservative Jews. (WT 1/13)

IDF lifts closure on Hebron imposed 1/4. (MM 1/14, MEI 1/15)

Unidentified assailant stabs, wounds Palestinian in West Jerusalem. (MM 1/12; PR 1/15, JP 1/22)

IDF uproots Palestinian orchard nr. Jewish settlement in the West Bank. (AFP [Internet] 1/12)

In Cairo, FMs of Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen hold 2d mtg. to prepare agenda for 1/24 Arab League mtg. on Iraq. Jordan does not condemn mtg. but is upset at not being included, blames Syria, warns that "forming axes" only deepens Arab divisions. (MM 1/12; MENA, RE 1/12 in WNC 1/13; MM 1/13; al-Dustur, MENA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; MM 1/14; JT, MENA, RE 1/14 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/15) (see 1/3)

The U.S. secretly sends letters to Arab states urging them to support its position on Iraq at the 1/24 Arab League mtg. (MM 1/22)

U.S. planes fire on Iraqi missile battery in n. no-fly zone. Defense Dept. says that Iraq has sent planes into the no-fly zones 66 times in the past 2 wks., targeted U.S. and British planes 12 times, increased its number of missile sites fr. 9 to 17. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/13)

Israeli High Court publicizes 4-mo.-old secret ruling that condones as a "vital interest of the country" Israel's kidnapping, continued detention of 21 Lebanese men solely as "bargaining cards" for future prisoner exchanges, deals with Lebanese resistance; admits men, some of whom have been held for a decade, pose no security threat to Israel. (NYT 3/5; WT 3/11; MM 3/13; JP 3/14)

U.S. acknowledges that the CIA, FBI have been training PA security services with Israel's knowledge since mid-1996. (NYT 3/5; JP 3/14)

Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman is reelected (63-49) in race against Netanyahu-backed Likud candidate Shaul Amor, who ran a controversial campaign based on support to Sephardic Jews against discrimination by Ashkenazis. (MM 3/4; NYT, WP, WT 3/5; WT 3/9)

PM Netanyahu names Efraim Halevy as new head of Mossad. (MM 3/4; MM, NYT, WP 3/5; SA 3/8 in WNC 3/10; WT 3/31) (see 2/24)

In Ramallah, the PC votes (56-1) to urge Arafat to dissolve the EA within 1 mo., appoint a new cabinet. After the session, Israel prevents 18 PC mbrs. fr. returning to their homes in Gaza. (CSM, WP, WT 8/1; LAW 8/7; PR 8/8)

With less than 24-hrs. notice, Syrian Pres. Asad travels to Iran as head of a delegation comprising his VP, FM, several senior military cmdrs.; discusses Syrian-Iranian relations with outgoing Pres. Rafsanjani. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; MM 8/1; SATN 7/31, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/1 in WNC 8/4; MA 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MEI 8/8)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, FM Tarawnah meet with EU special envoy Moratinos. (RJ 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

Following a mtg. with his inner cabinet, PM Netanyahu threatens to send commandos into PA areas to preempt any new anti-Israeli attacks, to halt transfer of all tax revenues to the PA, to jam all Palestinian radio and television broadcasts; calls on the U.S., international donors to halt aid to the PA. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP, WT 8/1)

IDF detains 2 Palestinian families fr. the West Bank town of Dahariyya whose sons have been missing for over a yr., but they are unable to identify the 7/30 bombers' bodies. Israeli cabinet orders the arrest of PA's Gaza police cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jabali for encouraging attacks on Israeli settlements (see 7/23). PA police arrest 28 Hamas mbrs., including Rantisi. PA, Israeli security forces hold 2 mtgs. during the day. (MM 7/31; IDF Radio, QY, RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/1)

New York City police seize 5 pipe bombs, arrest 1 Egyptian, 2 Jordanians in a raid on a Brooklyn apartment. Police were tipped to the bombs by a Pakistani, Muhammad Shindli, who believed that his friends, Ghazi Ibrahim Abu Mayzar and Lafi Khalil (who both identify themselves as Palestinian), were planning to bomb the New York subway. Abu Mayzar had stated in his application for asylum in the U.S. that he had been arrested in Israel on charges of "being a mbr. of a terrorist organization." The 3d man, Egyptian `Abd al-Rahman Musabah, is detained as a witness. Hamas denies any connection to the men. (NYT, WP, WT 8/1; RJ 8/1 in WNC 8/4; NYT, WP 8/2; AFP 8/2 in WNC 8/5; NYT, WT 8/3; al-Hadath [Amman] 8/4 in WNC 8/5; NYT 8/5; WJW 8/7; MEI 8/8)

Unnamed Gulf diplomats reveal that Sidi al-Madani al-Ghazi Mustafa al-Tayyib, financial director for Saudi dissident and alleged "terrorist financier" Osama bin Laden, has been in custody in Saudi Arabia since 5/97. Saudi authorities have passed some of Tayyib's revealed information to the CIA, FBI to track militant groups in Detroit, New York. (WT 8/1)

Lebanese court sentences 5 Japanese Red Army mbrs. to 3 yrs. in jail on charges of forging official stamps, illegal entry into Lebanon, forging passports. (VOL 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP 8/1) (see 7/29)

2 suicide bombers dressed as ultra-Orthodox Jews detonate explosives in a crowded market in Jerusalem, killing 13 Israelis, wounding more than 170 Israelis, Palestinians. IDF immediately seals the West Bank, Gaza, preventing even town-to-town movement; suspends recognition of Palestinian passports; sends troops to seal the PA-controlled cities. A letter signed by Hamas's military wing, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, takes responsibility, but Israeli security question its authenticity, Hamas political leader `Abd al-Aziz Rantisi says Hamas was not involved. (MM 7/30; IDF Radio, ITV, RE 7/30 in WNC 7/31; IDF Radio, ITV, JTV 7/30, MA, RAI Uno Television [Rome], RE, YA 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/31; ITV 7/31 in WNC 8/6; CSM, WT 8/1; AFP, MAP [Rabat], VOA 8/1 in WNC 8/4; NYT 8/3; al-Dustur, al-Majd 8/4 in WNC 8/7; CSM 8/5; WJW 8/7; MEI, PR 8/8; JP 8/9; CSM 8/11)

In the wake of the bombings, PM Netanyahu, FM Levy phone Secy. of State Albright, demand that the U.S. put pressure Arafat. The Israeli cabinet suspends all contacts with the PA until Arafat acts against Islamists "with determination," destroys their infrastructure. However, 1 mtg. btwn. Israeli, PA security officials is held. Over night, an IDF helicopter hovers over Arafat's Gaza headquarters, an Israeli warplane circles the Gaza Strip. (MM 7/30; ITV 7/30 in WNC 7/31; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/31; YA 7/31 in WNC 8/4; WT 8/1)

As a result of the bombings, U.S. special envoy Ross cancels plans to leave today for the Middle East to meet with Arafat, Netanyahu. (MM, WT 7/30; NYT, WP, WT 7/31)

In Amman, King Hussein receives Israeli Knesset "Coalition Bloc for Peace," comprising Gesher, Third Way, Yisra'el B'Aliya, Shas MKs and the dir. of Israel's International Center of Peace in the Middle East. (JTV 7/30 in WNC 7/31)

State Dept. lifts the 12-yr.-old ban forbidding Americans to travel to Lebanon after that government agrees to take new steps to improve security at various locations, pledges to ratify an international convention against hostage-taking. The decision does not include lifting the ban on flights by Lebanese carriers to the U.S. or by U.S. carriers to Lebanon. (MM, WP 7/30; RL, RMC 7/30 in WNC 7/31; WT 7/31; al-Safir 7/31 in WNC 8/1; RL 8/4 in WNC 8/5; WT 8/6; al-Safir 8/6 in WNC 8/8; MEI 8/8)

Saudi Arabian dissident Sayigh backs out of a plea agmt. with the FBI to cooperate in the al-Khobar bombing case; says that he is innocent of any wrongdoing; was pressured by Canadian immigration officials to make statements on the bombing to avoid being deported to Saudi Arabia, where he faces execution. (NYT, WT 7/31) (see 6/30)

ILMG opens 2-day mtg. to discuss 1 Lebanese, 3 Israeli complaints. (VOL 7/30, RL 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

UN extends the UNIFIL mandate for 6 mos. (RL 7/30 in WNC 8/1)

Israeli naval forces detain 5 Lebanese fishermen off the coast of s. Lebanon, interrogate them before releasing them. (RL 7/29 in WNC 7/30) (see 7/28)

Netanyahu offers the position of finance M, left vacant by Meridor, to Yaacov Neeman, the choice of Netanyahu's Orthodox coalition partners, rather than Infrastructures M Sharon, who lobbied for the position. (ITV 7/6, 7/7 in WNC 7/8, 7/9; MM 7/7; CSM, NYT, WT 7/8; CSM 7/9; WJW 7/10; JP 7/19) (see 6/18)

Higher Iranian-Syrian Comm. ends 2-day mtg. in Damascus. The 2 countries agree expand bilateral ties; reach accords on export of Iranian tractors to Syria, technical cooperation, economic and industrial cooperation. (IRNA, SATN 7/6, IRNA, SA, VIRI 7/7 in WNC 7/8)

London Times reports that the FBI is on the verge of revealing the identity of a National Security Council employee currently under surveillance on suspicion of being Mega, an Israeli mole. (London Times 7/6) (see 5/16)

Muhammad al-Hindi, a senior Islamic Jihad military leader, is released fr. PA prison in Gaza. (YA 7/11 in WNC 7/14)

Hizballah mbrs. ambush an IDF-SLA patrol in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding 1 SLA mbr. IDF strikes Hizballah targets in response, wounding 7 Lebanese civilians. Hizballah retaliates, firing at least 7 rockets into n. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. (IDF Radio, VOL 7/6 in WNC 7/8; MM, NYT 7/7; JP 7/19)

FBI begins investigating whether a "senior U.S. government official" has been passing highly sensitive information to Israel. U.S. officials say that in 1/97, the National Security Agency intercepted a transmission btwn. 2 Israeli intelligence officers in Washington and Tel Aviv, discussing a request by Israeli Amb. to the U.S. Eliahu Ben-Elissar to activate a alleged mole code-named Mega to obtain the secret letter of assurances fr. fmr. Secy. of State Christopher to Arafat, which was attached to the Hebron protocol and has never been made public. The transmission suggests that Mega has provide information to Israel in the past. Israel denies spying. (WP 5/7; NYT, WP 5/8; MM 5/8; IDF Radio, ITV, YA 5/8 in WNC 5/9; MM, WP, WT 5/9; SANA 5/12 in WNC 5/13; MEI 5/16; JP 5/17)

Arafat, Israeli pres. Weizman meet in advance of U.S. special envoy Ross's arrival 5/8. (MM, WT 5/6; ITV 5/6 in WNC 5/7; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 5/7; AFP, YA 5/7 in WNC 5/8; WJW 5/8; JP 5/10; MM 5/12)

After Arafat-Weizman mtg., an Israeli-PA-U.S. security mtg. is held to discuss resuming coordination. (MM 5/7; ITV 5/7 in WNC 5/8)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak accepts Iran's invitation to attend the 12/97 OIC mtg. in Tehran but says that Egypt is not considering resuming diplomatic relations with Iran (severed after Egypt signed its peace treaty with Israel in 1979). (WT 5/7)

Iran's FM Velayati arrives in Beirut for mtg. with FM Buwayz. (VOL 5/6 in WNC 5/7; IRNA 5/7 in WNC 5/8)

Israeli police forcibly evacuate 30 Jewish settlers fr. a shack they had set up nr. Nablus in an attempt to expand Yitzhar settlement. (MM, NYT 5/7; IDF Radio 5/7 in WNC 5/8; PR 5/16)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, Ramallah for being constructed without a permit. (LAW 5/6; PR 5/16) (see 5/5)

A bomb explosion in s. Lebanon blamed on Israel kills 2 civilians, injures 2. A 2d bomb at the same site is dismantled. In a separate incident, Israeli planes attack suspected Hizballah targets in the Biqa` Valley, injuring 1 civilian. (RL, VOL 5/6 in WNC 5/7; WP 5/7)

King Hussein returns home fr. trip to Morocco, UK, Germany, Ireland. (JTV 2/20 in WNC 2/24)

FBI chief Louis Freeh arrives in Jordan to discuss extradition of Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq, raising speculation the U.S., Israel prefer to deport him to a 3d country. Freeh arrived in Amman fr. Israel, is heading to Egypt. (NYT 2/21; SA 2/22 in WNC 2/25; al-Ra'i 2/24 in WNC 2/26; JP 3/1; MEI 3/7) (see 2/11)

ILMG closes 2-days of talks on death of 1 Lebanese civilian, wounding of 2 others during IDF shelling 2/18; blames Israel for the death. (RL 2/19 in WNC 2/20; RL 2/20 in WNC 2/21; RL 2/20, 2/21 in WNC 2/24; al-Nahar 2/21, RL 2/22 in WNC 2/25)

IDF mine explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 1 Lebanese civilian. (RL 2/21 in WNC 2/24)

After discussions with MKs, Netanyahu approves the construction of 6,500 housing units for 30,000 Israelis at Har Homa in East Jerusalem. (MM 2/19; CSM, MM, WP, WT 2/20; YA 2/20 in WNC 2/21; MM 2/21; MA 2/21 in WNC 2/24; MM 2/27) (see 2/18)

IDF demolishes 2 buildings nr. Nablus in area B, 1 of which belongs to the UNRWA. In recent mos. most homes demolished by the IDF have been in area C, the rest in area B. Almost 300 Palestinian homes have been demolished since the signing of the Declaration of Principles in 9/93. (al-Hayat al-Jadida 2/20 in WNC 2/24; PR 3/28)

Arafat makes 1-day visit to Anakara, Turkey; heads to Russia for 2-day official visit. (WT 2/20; WJW 2/27; MM 3/3)

Jordan's King Hussein's 2-day visit to Morocco, heads to Ireland for official visit. (RJ 2/19 in WNC 2/20; JTV, London Press Association 2/19 in WNC 2/21)

The FBI announces that David Tenenbaum, a mechanical engineer working for the army, has informed the Bureau that, for the past 10 yrs., he has "inadvertently" passed classified military information to Israeli officials. FBI, Defense Investigative Service say they are investigating, but have not filed charges. Israel denies any wrongdoing. (NYT, WT 2/20; ITV 2/20 in WNC 2/24; JP 3/1)

IDF arrests a Lebanese shepherd n. of the self-declared security zone, takes him and his flock to s. Lebanon. (RL 2/19 in WNC 2/20)

PM Netanyahu visits Israeli self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon; warns that continued attacks by Hizballah could trigger strong Israeli retaliation. Hrs. later, 1 SLA mbr. is killed by roadside bomb. (MM 8/20; RL 8/20 in WNC 8/23; WT 8/21; RMC 8/21 in WNC 8/27) (see 8/16)

In Beirut, Pres. Ilyas Hrawi, Kuwait's Shaykh Sabah discuss peace process, Arab unity. (RL 8/19 in WNC 8/22)

After receiving notices that their land lies in area C and has been designated a military area, Israel demolishes 4 50-yr.-old Palestinian homes nr. Nablus. (LAWE 8/21)

Israeli Housing Min. drafts plan to approve construction of 5,000 new housing units in the West Bank, along the Green Line, over next 2 yrs.; increase West Bank settler population by 70,000 over next 5 yrs. (IDF Radio 8/19 in WNC 8/22; WT 8/21; MM 8/28; JP 8/31)

In the Golan, Israeli police arrest Human Rights Watch worker Bashar Tarabiyya, a U.S. resident, on suspicion that he threatened national security, engaged in pro-Syrian activity. (MM 9/23, 9/27; JP 9/7)

Jordanian security forces round up 100s of people around the country following 3 days of bread riots. 500 have been arrested in Karak alone. Opposition leaders call on PM `Abd al-Karim Kabariti to resign. (JTV, RJ, RMC 8/19, al-Ra`i 8/20 in WNC 8/22; MM, WP 8/20; MEI 9/6) (see 9/18)

Iraq calls on Turkey, Syria to resume as soon as possible tripartite talks on distribution of the Euphrates, Tigris waters, halted since 1992. (Mother of Battles Radio [Baghdad] 8/19 in WNC 8/22) (see 6/30)

FBI announces plans to open 23 new offices around the world--incl. in Ankara, Cairo, Riyadh, Tel Aviv--that will focus on combatting terrorism, drug trafficking that affects the U.S. (WP 8/20)

In a pre-dawn raid, IDF declares al-Fawwar refugee camp nr. Hebron a closed military zone, rounds up 1,000 men 16-64 yrs. old, arrests 30, seals homes of 2 suicide bombers. IDF also raids the Islamic College in Abu-Dis, arrests 14 students; arrests 10s of Palestinians in Hebron, Ramallah and holds them for questioning by Shin Bet. (MM 3/4, QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; IDF Radio, QY 3/4, QY 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; MM, NYT, WP 3/5)

Suicide bomber sets off explosion in Tel Aviv shopping district, killing 15, wounding 126. Bomber is identified as a man fr. Ramallah. A caller claiming to be fr. Hamas says Islamic Jihad is responsible. PM Peres vows to send IDF into self-rule areas to root out Hamas. U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton says he will allow the FBI, CIA to assist Peres in an antiterror campaign. (MM 3/4; IDF Radio, ITV, QPAR, VOP 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/5; WJW 3/7; PR 3/8 MEI 3/15)

After an emergency cabinet session, PM Peres announces formation of a special antiterror war headquarters which is authorized to "act everywhere, using all means, without any limitation on regions," incl. house demolitions, deportations, entry of IDF forces into zone B. (QY 3/4, MA 3/5 in FBIS 3/5)

Israel recalls its negotiating team fr. Washington. (IDF Radio, SARR 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; NYT 3/5; MM 3/5; IDF Radio 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; SATN 3/6 in FBIS 3/7) (see 3/3)

Hamas political leaders, Mahmud Zahhar, Muhammad Sham'ah hold a news conference; deny political wing is responsible for recent bombings; call on Qassam Brigades, Yahya Ayyash Units to halt all military actions. PA says it believes both 2/27 leaflets fr. Qassam Brigades are real; think the one denying responsibility came fr. cadres inside West Bank, Gaza and the one claiming responsibility came from cadres abroad. (MM 3/5; Der Spiegel, ITV 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; PR 3/8)

In Gaza City, Fatah rallies 1,000s of supporters, some carrying signs in Hebrew reading "yes to peace, no to violence" and "terrorism is our enemy," to protest against recent bombings. (MM 3/4; QY, VOP 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; WP, WT 3/5)

In Tel Aviv, over 1,000 Israelis hold violent protest outside the DMin. to denounce the Oslo agmts.; 100 rally outside PM Peres's home; some 200 protest at the site of the Tel Aviv bombing; 100 rally in Jerusalem. Israeli police detain 10s for questioning. (HA 3/5 in FBIS 3/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah mbrs. ambush an IDF convoy, killing 4 IDF soldiers, wounding 9. In 1st attack, IDF shoots back, killing 2 Hizballah mbrs. In a separate incident, a little-known Palestinian group, Islamic Revolutionary Army, ambushes a 2d convoy, wounding 1 IDF soldier. Peres sends 100s of troops fr. n. Israel into s. Lebanon to reinforce the border. (MM 3/5; VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; IDF Radio 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; WT 3/6; MM 3/7)

On visit to Austria, Israeli Dep. FM Beilin says it makes no difference to Israel which elements are in control of s. Lebanon "so long as the safety of the inhabitants is maintained." Statement thought to be a concessionary signal to Syria. (MM 4/20)

Syrian VP Khaddam says Syria still wants full withdrawal to 6/4/67 border [the 1967 border incl. a strip of land along the Sea of Galilee not incl. in the international border], "equality" in security arrangements, recent signals fr. Israel have not changed Syria's position. (MM 4/20)

U.S. says Saudi Arabia failed to cooperate with U.S. effort 2 wks ago to seize Islamic Jihad's Imad Mughniyya in connection with 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing. Saudis refused to let plane in which Mughniyya was flying land on Saudi soil. (NYT, WP, WT 4/22; al-Hayat 4/23 in FBIS 4/25; MM, WT 4/24; WJW 4/27)

Previously unknown group, Islamic Salvation Front for Palestine, releases 2d communiqué in 2 wks threatening to attack Israeli targets in Egypt, Algeria, France, Britain, U.S. if PA crackdown on Islamist groups continues. Hamas, Islamic Jihad say they have never heard of the group. (AFP, QY 4/20 in FBIS 4/21)

FBI switches focus of search for Oklahoma bombers to domestic separatist, white supremacist groups; Middle Eastern connection termed unlikely. (NYT, WP, WT 4/21; WP 4/22; MM 2/24) (see 4/19)

Arab-Americans object to FBI policy of questioning business and community leaders of Arab descent [MEM 1/11; NYT, LAT 1/12].

White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater says Gulf military operation cost U.S. $10 billion in 1990, and that U.S. has received $6 billion "in cash and in-kind support from our allies to defray this cost" [NYT, LAT 1/12].

Pres. Saddam Hussein tells conference of Islamic leaders that he is preparing for holy war against multinational forces that could only be averted if greater priority is given to solving Palestine problem [NYT, LAT 1/12].

Senior UN officials urge Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar to ask Saddam for pledge to leave Kuwait immediately in return for international conference to address Palestine problem. Before leaving Geneva, Perez de Cuellar meets with EC leaders who offer peace proposal that includes stationing UN peacekeeping force in Gulf and convening international conference [MEM 1/11; NYT, LAT 1/12]; en route to Baghdad, Perez de Cuellar stops in Amman for meeting with King Hussein [ADS 1/11 in FBIS 1/14].

Pres. Gorbachev telephones Pres. Bush, and twice dispatches Soviet ambassador to White House to discuss Soviet's last-minute Gulf peace initiative [LAT 1/12].

Washington Post/ABC News poll finds 66% of respondents say U.S. should agree to international conference on Arab-Israeli issues if Iraq agrees to withdraw from Kuwait; 68% think if Iraqi doesn't withdraw, U.S. should go to war; 86% believe war is inevitable [WP 1/11].

4 PFLP fighters are killed in shootout with IDF troops in S. Lebanon [JDS 1/12 in FBIS 1/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 150,000 members of Israel's Clerks Union begin week-long strike for higher wages [CSM 9/21; JPI 9/26]. Jewish settlers, with protection of soldiers and police, occupy 18 rooms in Jerusalem house leased by Walid Zurba. Settlers claim to have bought the house [FJ 9/27]. W. Bank waqf leaders meet in Jerusalem, decide to boycott anyone who sells, rents, evacuates, or permits other buildings on his property [FJ 9/27]. Board of trustees decides to close al-Najah University until 10/24 [FJ 9/27]. Curfew is imposed on Dahayshah refugee camp after stoning incidents [FJ 9/27].

Arab World: Representatives of all Palestinian factions meet with Amal representative in Tyre to discuss conditions in Rashidiyyahnd Buss refugee camps [FJ 9/27]. Sharif al-Din Birzadah, secretary general of Organization of Islamic Conference, expresses dismay at U.S. decision to close PIO [FJ 9/27]. Al-Husayn Brigade (Lebanon) threatens to attack U.S. and U.S. embassies unless Fawwaz Yunis, Lebanese Shi'i captured by FBI, is released [CSM 9/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF soldiers shoot 2 Palestinians at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem after quarrel [FJ 9/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At Hebron University, police use tear gas and live ammunition to disperse student demonstration marking 5th anniversary of Sabra and Shatila massacres. Demonstrators in Ramallah, al-Birah, and Gaza burn tires, construct barricades, and force stores to close [LAT, FJ 9/20]. Birzeit University administration voluntarily closes university following student demonstrations [FJ 9/20]. Police disperse demonstrators protesting detention of Faysal Husayni, arrest Ishaq al-Budayri, assistant director of Arab Studies Society [FJ 9/20]. Arsonists set fire to 25 dunams of Jewish National Fund forest near Jenin UPI 9/26]. At al-Najah U., Islamic Bloc says it will not accept new university rules governing campus mosque, religious celebrations. Other student groups accept new regulations [FJ 9/20]. Walid Zurba of Jerusalem wins court order preventing Israeli developer from buying rooms in his house [FJ 9/20]. Israeli Ministry of Trade renounces measures adopted by inner cabinet to sever some economic and cultural ties with S. Africa [WP 9/20].

Other Countries: Fawwaz Yunis, Lebanese Shi'i, pleads not guilty in U.S. court to charges related to June 1985 hijacking of Jordanian plane. Attorney Gen. Edwin Meese announces Yunis was captured 9/13 after being lured onto FBI-rented yacht in Mediterranean [WP 9/18; NYT 9/19]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Muhammad Shakir Dahlan is expelled to Jordan, setting off protests throughout the Gaza Strip [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Fifth Islamic Summit opens in Kuwait. PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat meets with Jordan's King Hussein [LAT 1/27; FJ 1/30]. Kuwait officials say they would deny any request to release 17 convicted hostages in exchange for hostages held in Lebanon [LAT 1/27]. Anglican Church officials say Terry Waite's negotiations are continuing [WP 1/27].

Other Countries: U.S. FBI agents in Los Angeles arrest 8 Jordanians and one Kenyan, charging them with membership in PFLP [NYT 1/29; FJ 1/30]. U.S. Pres. Reagan testifies before Tower Commission that he has no memory of giving prior approval for Israeli sale of arms to Iran in 1985 [WP 1/27]. W. German officials in Frankfurt arrest 'Abbas 'Ali Hamadi, brother of Muhammad Hamadi who has been held since 1/13 [NYT 1/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army recruits, firing at Balatta refugee camp youths to "scare away" stone throwers, wound a Palestinian inside the camp [F 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: "Committee to Confronthe Iron Fist" forms in Jerusalem to publicize human rights abuses in occupied territories, especially administrative detention, 8/4 reinstatement of deportation policies [FJ 1/3]. Lawyers representing Palestinian political prisoners hold press conference to publicize hunger strike being staged by 1,500 prisoners for past week to protest prison conditions [FJ 12/13]. Israel submits request for $3.5 million in economic and military aid for fiscal 1987, the largest request ever [WP, LAT 12/12]. First settlement under the unity govt. is opened at Migdalim, 1 of 6 such planned UTA 12/12]. Defense Min. Rabin states UN troops are no longer needed in S. Lebanon, security zone is well enough patrolled by SLA and Israel [WP 12/12].

Other Countries: U.S. investigative team headed by Abraham Sofaer, State Dept. legal advisor, arrives in Israel to question 2 Israeli diplomats and senior counterterrorism official in Jonathan Pollard spy case; team includes reps. of U.S. Attorney General, justice Dept., States Attorney for D.C., and FBI [NYT 12/12]. UN General Assembly passes resolution calling on Israel immediately to cease cooperation with South Africa, especially in military and nuclear realms. (U. S. and Israel vote against the resolution) [DW 12/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Lod military court sentences 2 West Bank Palestinians to life for murder of Jewish couple near Jerusalem [WP, TS 11/22].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat and top aides, meeting in Baghdad, reiterate rejection of UN resolutions 242 and 338 [TS 11/22; MG 11/23].

Other Countries: Jonathan Jay Pollard, counterintelligence analyst for the U.S. Navy, is arrested by FBI on charges of spying and selling classified code information to Israel [NYT, WP 11/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Transmitters of the Christian Missionary Middle East Television station in S. Lebanon are blown up for second time in several months [JTA 11/25].