The Palestine Chronology

In an Israeli cabinet mtg., PM Barak admits that 4 past PMs (Yitzhak Shamir, Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, Benjamin Netanyahu) had affectively guaranteed to withdraw fr. the Golan Heights to the 6/4/67 border with Syria; says he will not "erase the past." (MM, NYT, WP 2/28; CSM, MM 2/29; XIN 2/29 in WNC 3/1; WJW 3/2; AYM 3/5 in WNC 3/9; JP, MEI 3/10)

In Ramallah, Palestinians march to PA headquarters to protest the arrest of a total of 69 Birzeit students since the 2/26 attack on French PM Jospin. 3,000 Palestinian students in Hebron, Lebanese in Sidon hold anti-Jospin demonstrations. (LAW, NYT, WP, WT 2/28; al-Quds 2/29 in WNC 3/3; MEI 3/10)

PM Barak tells his cabinet that although he had made no new commitments to Syria in order to resume talks, he "would not erase" any promises made in previous negotiations under PMs Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, or Benjamin Netanyahu. (CSM, NYT, WP 12/14)

At the Knesset, PM Barak gives a speech, telling Israelis to prepare to pay "a heavy territorial price" for peace with Syria. After 7 hrs. of debate, MKs pass (47-31, with 24 abstentions, 18 absent) a vote of confidence giving Barak a mandate to negotiate with Syria. 1,000s of Golan settlers demonstrate outside. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP 12/14; CSM 12/15; WJW 12/16)

Russian dep. FM Sredin arrives in Amman for a 2-day visit. He discusses the peace process with the Russian rep. to the PA and Russian ambs. to Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria. (ITAR-TASS 12/14 in WNC 12/15)

In Bayt Awa, nr. Hebron, IDF commandos searching for 2 wanted Hamas mbrs. storm a house, killing 2 Palestinians, arresting 3. DM Efraim Sneh admits that there was a "contract" out for 1 of the men for killing an undercover Israeli border policeman in 1/99. (WT 12/14; NYT, WP 12/15; VIRI 12/15 in WNC 12/16; LAW 12/16; JP, MEI 12/24)

The U.S. reports the arrest in the Middle East of 13 mbrs. of a suspected terrorist group with links to Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden that was believed to be planning New Year's attacks around the world. (NYT, WP 12/14; WT 12/15)

In his 1st public reaction to Netanyahu's win, Arafat demands the new Israeli government stick to the agmts. signed by fmr. PM Yitzhak Rabin, caretaker PM Peres, particularly by withdrawing fr. Hebron. (MM 6/3)

After 3-hr. mtg. with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, Syrian Pres. Asad says resuming peace talks with Israel is impossible until the policies of the Netanyahu government become clear. Mubarak echoes his wait-and-see position. (MM 6/3; MENA, RE 6/3 in FBIS 6/4; NYT, WP, WT 6/4; SARR 6/4 in FBIS 6/5)

Amb. to Israel Martin Indyk says U.S. will make sure Netanyahu redeploys troops in Hebron. (CSM, WT 6/4)

U.S. special envoy Ross phones PM-elect Netanyahu, offers to fly to Israel to brief him on the negotiations. Netanyahu say mtg. would be premature. (NYT 6/7)

Likud's Sharon threatens to resign his Knesset seat if Netanyahu does not offer him a senior cabinet position. (IDF Radio 6/3 in FBIS 6/4; YA 6/5 in FBIS 6/5)

In Hebron, Palestinians clash with IDF after troops detain a number of PA policemen, search their vehicle. (MM, WP, WT 6/4)

In the West Bank, 4 Israeli phone company workers are slightly injured when a bomb explodes in an olive grove as they enter it to repair a phone line. (CSM, WP 6/4)

NISP says it is holding talks with Hamas to bring the two groups' positions closer together, calls on all factions to end armed operations. (al-Hayat al-Jadida 6/3 in FBIS 6/5)

In Lebanon, British FM Jeremy Hanley, Lebanese PM Hariri, FM Buwayz discuss European economic assistance to Lebanon for reconstruction, following Israel's 4/96 offensive. (VOL 6/3 in FBIS 6/4)

Political infighting prompts Turkish opposition to call for a no-confidence vote on PM Yilmaz that will likely topple his 3-mo.-old government. (WT 6/4; CSM 6/5)

In Gaza, Israeli, PA justice discuss Israeli plans to grant citizenship to collaborators, other justice issues; PA demands Israel look into claims that the IDF murdered 450 Palestinians in Khan Yunis btwn. 11/6-8/56, during the Sinai campaign. Israel denies event took place. (QY, VOP 9/6 in FBIS 9/7)

In Jerusalem, PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. and Arafat critic Mahmud Abbas meets with Israeli Economic M Beilin to discuss status of Jerusalem. (VOP 9/6 in FBIS 9/7)

1,000 mbrs of the Action Comm. for the Abolition of the Autonomy Plan, a group of IDF reservists, send petition to PM Rabin, saying they will not obey orders to remove West Bank settlers. (MM 9/7)

Continuing the naval blockade begun in 2/96, Israeli gunboats off the coast of Tyre fire on Lebanese fishermen. (RL 9/6 in FBIS 9/6) (see 5/10)

In Copenhagen, Syrian FM Shara` discusses peace process, Syrian-EU relations with Danish PM Poul Rasmussen, FM Niels Petersen, other parliamentary, FMin. officials. (SANA 8/24 in FBIS 8/25)

In light of Hamas's claim of responsibility for 7/24, 8/21 attacks, PA halts talks with the group about its participation in elections. (WT 8/25)

Throughout Jerusalem, 1000s of right-wing Jewish protesters calling for PM Rabin's resignation clash with Israeli police. 3 police, 3 demonstrators are injured, 14 arrested. (ITV 8/24 in FBIS 8/25; JP 9/2)

PA police arrest `Abd al-Majid Dudin, Rashid Khatib after the pair flees to Jericho to evade IDF troops intent on arresting them as Hamas attackers. IDF demands they be returned to Israel; PA refuses. (WT 8/27; CSM 8/28; JP 9/2)

Islamic National Path Movement, a newly formed Hamas breakaway group which accepts the DOP as a fait accompli, calls to Hamas to end attacks, give the PA a chance. The party is the 17th to be formed this yr. (JP 8/24 in FBIS 8/24)

1 IDF soldier is wounded, 3 Hizballah mbrs. killed in IDF attack on Hizballah base in s. Lebanon. (QY 8/25 in FBIS 8/28)

Reversing his 7/16 decision, PM Rabin promises Rachel's tomb will remain under full Israeli control, Jews will have access to Machapela Cave (Hebron), Joseph's tomb (Nablus), comm. of MKs fr. religious parties will be set up to advise Israeli negotiators on holy sites in West Bank. (MM 7/25; JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/25; MA, QY 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; JP 8/5)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk holds prescheduled mtg. with MKs Arye Deri, David Levi, Moshe Qatzav, Nisim Zvili, Gedalya Gal. (MM 7/26; HA 7/28 in FBIS 7/30)

At Tulkarm checkpoint, Palestinian workers upset by delays in entering Israel despite their permits begin riot. IDF shoots, wounds 2. (PR 8/4)

PA police arrest 20 Hamas mbrs. in connection with 7/24 attack. (AFP 7/25 in FBIS 7/26)

Knesset approves establishment of 1-man breakaway faction fr. Moledet named Right of Israel. Party head MK Sha'ul Gutman will keep his seat, likely align with Kach. (JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/26) (see 7/19)

U.S. immigration (INS) officials detain, strip search Hamas mbr. Abu Marzuq, his wife, and 6 children on entry to the U.S. at Kennedy airport. While out of the country, Abu Marzuq, a permanent U.S. resident who has lived in Virginia for 14 yrs., was placed on the INS terrorism watch list on suspicion of being a Hamas decision maker, fund-raiser for Hamas. He may either be tried in the U.S., extradited to Israel (if requested), or deported to the UAE (his point of departure for the U.S.). (WP 7/27; NYT, WT 7/28; MEI 8/4) (see 5/31)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA mbr. killed, 3 wounded when Hizballah mbrs. detonate roadside bomb.

3-days of elections talks close in Cairo. Sides agree PA will be in charge of maintaining security during elections, joint patrols will be used. PM Rabin says Palestinians fr. Jerusalem will not be allowed to run; Israel, not the PA, will carry out population census using 5,000 Palestinian teachers (see 4/28). A tripartite (EU, Israel, PA) comm. will be set up to discuss international monitors during elections. (AFP, IDF Radio, MENA, VOP 5/16, MENA 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; AFP, MENA, QY, VOP 5/17 in FBIS 5/18; PR 5/21)

2-day multilateral steering comm. mtgs on peace process open in Montreux, Switzerland. Syria, Lebanon boycott. Working groups on water, arms control, refugees, economic development, environment meet. (HA, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18)

For 1st time since 1990, U.S. vetoes UN resolution criticizing Israel. U.S. Amb. Madeline Albright calls veto "a matter of principle." Last-minute Russian proposal for UNSC presidential letter reproving Israel is rejected by U.S. as too strong, by PLO as too weak. Resolution would have invalidated Israel's 4/27 seizure of 134 acres of Arab-owed land in East Jerusalem. (MENA, VOP 5/17, MENA, QY, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; MM, NYT, WT 5/18; AFP, ITV, MENA, RE, RMC, VOP 5/18, MENA, VOP 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; MM, WT 5/19; MEI 6/9, 6/26) (see Doc. D7 in JPS 96)

PM Rabin says Israel would not object to having Syria deploy an early warning station on Israeli territory if Israel can maintain an equivalent system on Syrian soil. (MM 5/17)

60 of 80 mbrs. of the Jordanian parliament, incl. deputies who had approved the Jordan-Israel treaty, ask the government to freeze or cancel the treaty, recall Jordan's amb. to Israel, expel the Israeli amb. in protest over Israel's land confiscations. (MM 5/18; QY, RJ, SARR 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; SA 5/19 in FBIS 5/23; JP 5/27)

In Rabat, Arab League Secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid talks with King Hassan on holding summit to discuss Israeli confiscations of Palestinian land in Jerusalem, leaves for Cairo to confer with Pres. Husni Mubarak. Mubarak, Syria's Pres. Hafiz al-Asad discuss plans by phone. (MKR, RE 5/18, RE 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; RMC 5/19, AFP, RMC 5/21 in FBIS 5/22)

PA police raid 5 Gaza mosques in search of "inflammatory material," tear pro-Hamas placards off walls; issue order banning "provocative actions in mosques." (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17)

MK `Abd al-Wahhab Darawshah, head of Israel's Arab Democratic Party (ADP), says Arafat has urged him to withdraw ADP's no confidence motion over the Jerusalem land confiscation. Arafat's office denies it, saying PA does not interfere in Israeli domestic affairs. (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18) (see 5/15)

1 IDF soldier, 1 Hizballah mbr. are killed, 7 Hizballah mbrs, 3 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr. are wounded in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. (MM 5/17; CSM, MM 5/18; JP 5/27; MEI 6/9)

PM Rabin tells cabinet he will not suspend talks with Syria despite Hizballah attacks 3/31, only a diplomatic solution to the conflict is possible, Israel will not attempt a military solution; says Syria has promised Secy. of State Christopher it will restrain Hizballah. (MM 4/3)

Jordanian FM al-Kabariti, Syrian Amb. Mu`allim meet in Washington to discuss Syria's stand in talks with Israel. Mu`allim leaves for Syria to prepare for Ross visit. (RJ 4/2 in FBIS 4/4)

Russian FM Kozyrev meets with PM Rabin, Pres. Weizman, FM Peres in Jerusalem, discusses Israeli-Lebanese border tensions, NPT, Iran, peace process. (QY 4/2, HA 4/3 in FBIS 4/3)

Arafat advisor Husseini meets with Russian Dep. FM Viktor Posuvalyuk at Orient House to discuss Israeli obstacles to implementing DOP. (VOP 4/2 in FBIS 4/3)

PM Rabin approves 2,000 more work permits for Palestinian workers to enter Israel, bringing total to 27,000. (ITV 4/1 in FBIS 4/4)

Kamal Kahil, sr. mbr. of Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and no. 15 on Israel's most-wanted list, 7 others die, 30 are wounded in explosion in Gaza allegedly triggered when Kahil, 1 other Hamas mbr. accidently detonate bomb they are making. Hamas accuses Israel of assassinating Kahil, plotting to turn public opinion against Hamas. (QY, RMC, VOP 4/2 in FBIS 4/3; MM, WP, WT 4/3; AFP, ITV, QPAR, QY, VOP 4/3 in FBIS 4/4; MM, NYT 4/4; NYT 4/7; VOP 4/8 in FBIS 4/10; MEI, 4/14; JP 4/15)

PA says it is holding 3 Palestinian policemen after frmr. collaborator is found dead in Gaza. (AFP 4/2 in FBIS 4/4) (see 4/1)

Hizballah, Amal hold mtg. in s. Lebanon to coordinate efforts against Israel. (RL 4/2 in FBIS 4/3)

PM Rabin tells VP Gore Israel will not discuss a Middle East nuclear-free zone until it has peace agmts. with all its neighbors, Iran; hints Israel will not meet 7/1 deadline on elections talks with PA (see 3/9) if Arafat does not prevent incidents like 3/19 shooting, 3/21 truck incident. PA Planning M Shaath says he "never believed that date in the first place." (MM 3/23; QY 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; IDF Radio, QY 3/23, HA 3/24 in FBIS 3/24; MM 3/24; NYT, WP 3/25; MEI 3/31; JP 4/1)

Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak meet in Cairo to discuss peace process, asks him to relay message to Pres. Clinton regarding impediments to implementing DOP. Arafat then meets with U.S. Foreign Relations Council delegation, discusses economic aid. (MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; MENA, VOP 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Syrian FM al-Shara`, Egyptian FM Musa meet in Cairo to discuss Syrian-Israeli negotiations. (MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; SATN 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Arab League passes resolution supporting indefinite NPT renewal but saying 22 mbr.-states are free to vote how they will; does not link renewal with Israel's joining NPT. U.S. official says "if the Egyptians were lobbying [against renewal], the Arab League resolution would never have passed." (AFP 3/22, 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/24; WT 3/31)

Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert says PA has violated Israeli authority over the city by taking control of all 20 Waqf schools (previously run by Jordan). PA funding for schools is part of $27 m. raised by Arafat advisor Husseini fr. Saudi Arabia. Remaining money is slated for Jerusalem housing (see 3/13). (JP 3/24 in FBIS 3/27; JP 4/1; WJW 5/5; JP 5/13)

To date, 93 senators have signed on to Sen. Alfonse D'Amato and Sen. D. Patrick Moynihan's letter, calling on the pres. to move the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (WJW 3/23) (see 2/3)

IDF, Hizballah exchange fire in s. Lebanon, leaving 1 civilian dead, 1 wounded. (AFP, RL 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

PM Rabin reiterates offer to Syria of  "very small" withdrawal fr. Golan in exchange for 3-yr. period to "test" full normalization, open border, exchange of embassies. Pres. al-Asad rejects proposal again, encourages U.S. to offer new ideas to activate talks. Both say if there is no progress by this summer, there will be little hope for an agmt. before 1996 Israeli, U.S. elections. (WT 3/6; RMC 3/5, 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; MM, WT 3/7; MM 3/8; WJW 3/9)

Annual IDF intelligence assessment is presented to Israeli cabinet. Report is pessimistic about securing peace with Syria, says Arafat is not asserting his authority in Gaza, finds probability for war low but says violent acts will likely increase. (MM, WT 3/6; QY 3/5, HA, JP, QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; WJW 3/9; JP 3/11)

Arafat, Israeli Police M Shahal meet to discuss "pending issues." IDF claims Arafat also transmitted message fr. Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein to PM Rabin expressing willingness to sign peace treaty with Israel. PA denies claim. (MM 3/6; al-Sharq al-Awsat 3/6 in FBIS 3/7)

Senate Foreign Affairs Comm. Chairman Jesse Helms calls for abolition of all foreign aid; asks that $3 b. aid to Israel become part of defense budget; claims similar plan was proposed by Secy. of State Christopher but was shot down by VP Al Gore, Dep. Secy. of State Strobe Talbott, Undersecretary of State Tim Wirth. (WT 3/6) (see 3/3)

Israeli ships enforcing naval blockade of s. Lebanon fire on Adlun port, south of Tyre, killing 1 fisherman. (QY, RL 3/5 in FBIS 3/6)

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)

Palestinian-Israeli Supreme Liaison Comm. meets at Erez checkpoint, agrees that Palestinians who visit Gaza fr. abroad may now stay for 7 mos. (as opposed to 3 mos. previously). (QY 1/16 in FBIS 1/17)

Jordanian-Israeli joint comms. on security, transportation, trade, water meet in Jordan to discuss implementation of treaty, following mtg. btwn. King Hussein, PM Rabin 1/13. (JTV 1/15 in FBIS 1/18)

IDF makes 13 air strikes against PFLP-GC camps 10 miles south of Beirut, Lebanon, killing 3 Lebanese, wounding 4, forcing temporary closure of Beirut airport. (IDF Radio, QPAR, VOL 1/15 in FBIS 1/17; MM, NYT, WT 1/16; MEI 1/20)

Jordan, Israel agree to build railroad linking Irbid, Haifa and Aqaba, Elat. EU will help finance construction. (QY 1/15 in FBIS 1/18; MM 1/16)

House Speaker Gingrich, on visit to Israel, says he "strongly favor[s]" moving U.S. embassy fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, says "it's the right of Israel to define its capital, and we as an ally should . . . be responsive." State Dept. rejects idea. (MM 1/16; WT 1/16, 1/17; VOP 1/18 in FBIS 1/18)

PM Rabin orders all construction in o.t. to be suspended for 1 wk., until cabinet can meet to discuss settlements 1/22. (QY 1/15 in FBIS 1/17)

In Safa, West Bank, Palestinians plant 100s of trees to prevent land's confiscation for expansion of Kfar Rut, Maccabbim settlements. Similar plantings are held across West Bank. PA says Israel has confiscated 27 sq. mi. of land since signing of DOP; PM Rabin admits 450 acres have been taken to build bypass roads for settlers. (NYT 1/16; MEI 1/20)

Round of Israeli-Palestinian self-rule negotiations scheduled for today is postponed to 11/6 because of timing conflict with Casablanca conference. (RE 10/31 in FBIS 10/31)

Responding to Lebanese Pres. Hrawi's 10/29 statement, PM Rabin says Israel will not promise to withdraw fr. Lebanon to get stalled peace talks moving. (IDF Radio 10/31 in FBIS 10/31; AFP 10/31 in FBIS 11/1; MM, WP 11/1; MM 11/2; WJW 11/3)

Palestinian police take up posts at Rafah crossing point to Egypt. (MM 10/31; VOP 10/31 in FBIS 11/1; WT 11/2)

Government, business leaders fr. 80 countries meet in Casablanca for 3-day Middle East-North Africa Economic Summit to discuss regional stability, investment, development. Secy. of State Christopher encourages Arab states to end boycott of Israel, set up regional trade block. Lebanon, Syria boycott conference. (WT 10/30; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/31)

Israeli PM Rabin, Arafat meet in Casablanca, agree to station Palestinians at crossing points, reach no agmt. on elections. Rabin says IDF will hit Hamas in autonomous areas if Arafat does not, borders will reopen soon. Asked if reopening ends Rabin's "national separation" plan (see 10/19), spokesman Uri Dromi says "separation is easier said than done, and you can't do it overnight." (WT 10/30; NYT, WP, WT 10/31; VOP 10/31 in FBIS 11/1)

3,000 Palestinians rally to protest Israel-Jordan agmt. in Gaza. King Hussein reiterates that he is not competing for territorial control over West Bank, Gaza; says he will give control of religious site in East Jerusalem to Arafat when PNA is "ready to take up such responsibilities." (WT 10/31)

Al-Nahar newspaper announces it will close down indefinitely after being barred fr. distribution in Palestinian self-rule areas.  (WT 8/1)

PNA announces it will send 5-mbr. delegation under Faisal Husseini to Jordan to discuss strains in relations caused by Washington Declaration.  (Jericho VOP 7/31 in FBIS 8/1; NYT 8/2)

PM Rabin, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak meet at Taba, Sinai.  Rabin says Israel understands there are "certain requirements" for peace with Syria, asks for gestures fr. Damascus.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/1)

Pro-Iran Lebanese militants pledge to "bombard" northern Israel if Israel carries out threat of "painful response" to recent bombings.  UN sources say 5% of southern Lebanon's 300,000 inhabitants have fled.  (WT 8/1)

IDF undercover unit kills 2 Hamas activists, including 1 sought for killing Shin Bet officer, in raid on al-Ram, nr. Jerusalem.  Palestinian witnesses say the 2 were put up against a wall and shot in the back.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/31 in FBIS 6/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/1; JP 6/11)

Israel makes last salary payment to 7,600 Palestinian Civil Admin. employees in Gaza Strip.  Palestinian National Authority to assume paying salaries, as well as those of 9,000 Palestinian police officers.  (CSM 6/2; JP 6/11)

"Freedom and Independence Party," affiliated with Fateh, PPP wins 6 of 9 seats in elections to admin. board of Bethlehem University students' council.  "Democratic Coalition" of PFLP and DFLP supporters wins 2 seats, while Islamic Movement wins 1.  (MM 6/1; TJT 6/3)

PM Rabin complains to Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comm. that Syria is "playing for time" and not "serious" about peace.  Rabin also says U.S. mediation effort has "exhausted itself," Washington talks "an exercise in treading water."  Secy of State Christopher calls Israel-Syria talks "difficult" and "at an early stage."  (WP 6/1)

UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) releases report during annual ministerial mtg. in Amman charging Israel of diverting 7.6 b. cubic feet a year of water fr. Litani, Wazzani rivers in Lebanon.  (MM, WT 6/1)

U.S. reportedly seeks to question Lebanese Shi`ite leader Mustafa al-Dirani, kidnapped 5/21 by Israel, in connection with 1988 kidnapping, 1989 murder of USMC Col. William Higgins, according to Beirut daily al-Diyar.  (WP 6/2)

Israel offers to allow back 10 Palestinians mistakenly deported. The 10 say they would like to return immediately, but that the only crossing point has been mined by Israel. Israel offers to allow an intl. org. to escort them back through 1 of 3 Lebanese-controlled crossing points. (NYT 1/1; Qol Yisra'el 12/31 in FBIS 12/31, 1/4)

Lebanon rejects 12/30 French proposal to place the deported Palestinians under the provisional care of UNIFIL in Lebanese-controlled territory. PM Rafiq al-Hariri meets with Russian then U.S. amb. to Lebanon. (NYT 12/31; VOL 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Al-Quds reports that the Palestinian delegation to peace talks has unanimously rejected PM Rabin's 12/27 invitation to an informal meeting. (al-Quds 12/31 in FBIS 1/5)

Four Palestinian factions (PFLP, DFLP-Hawatima faction, PPSF, PLF) issue statement criticizing Palestinian leadership's 12/27 statement for its lack of a plan of political action to counter the 12/17 deportations. (QPAR 1/2 in FBIS 1/4)

PLO advisor and Palestinian delegation steering comm. head Nabil Shaath says the deportations and the peace process are "two battles which have to be led separately," and the Palestinians may have to "bring it [the deportations] to the table of negotiations." (AFP 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Ha'Aretz reports that the o.t. security service Shin Bet initially gave PM Rabin a list of 6 Hamas leaders to be deported, and came up with 1 more name when asked to expand the list. Shin Bet was later surprised at the scope of expulsions the IDF was then ordered to carry out. (WP 1/1; Ha'Aretz 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

PLO, PNC, and DFLP (Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh wing) strongly condemn 9/5 tripartite rejection of Palestinian autonomy plan. (Sawt al-Sha'b 9/7 in FBIS 9/8)

PM Rabin meets with Golan settlers, refuses to declare that their settlements will not be hurt in an agreement with Syria, says importance of the Golan to Israel's security is not linked to settlements, "whether there are over 30 or half of that." (Qol Yisra'el 9/6, 9/7 in FBIS 9/8; Qol Yisra'el 9/10 in FBIS 9/10)

Annual Arab Economic Report (issued by Arab Monetary Fund, Arab League, and other orgs.) estimates that the Gulf crisis and war cost the Arab world $620 billion. (NYT 9/8)

Amal and Hizballah win 22 of 23 seats in 3rd round of Lebanese elections; Christians largely boycott the elections. (NYT, WP 6/9)

PM-designate Rabin appoints Shimon Peres as for. min., but reserves the right to "lead" negotiations on Palestinian autonomy. Rafael Eytan announces he and Tsomet's MKs will not join the governing coalition. (WP 7/12)

Clashes continue between Fateh and Hamas, injuring dozens, in Gaza Strip as Hamas rejects 7/10 "agreement." Opposing rallies are held in camps. Meanwhile, Hamas reps. in Amman praise agreement. Palestinian delegation from W. Bank led by Faisal Husseini arrives in Gaza City to help mediate the conflict. (MM 7/10; ITV 7/11 in FBIS 7/13; Jordan Times 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

Pres. Mubarak meets with Syrian FM Faruk al-Shara' in Cairo. (MENA 7/11 in FBIS 7/13)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam, PM Mahmud al-Zubi' meet separately with Lebanese PM Rashid al-Solh in Damascus, discuss S. Lebanon, bilateral relations, national accord implementation. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 7/11 in FBIS 7/13)