The Palestine Chronology

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 8 Palestinians, 1 German doctor dead, over 110 Palestinians injured. (1 Palestinian dies en route to the hospital when his ambulance is blocked by Jewish settlers for over an hr.) A 9th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF shells Fatah headquarters in Hebron, Salfit, Tulkarm and an armory in Jericho. The IDF also shells residential areas of Bayt Jala, Bethlehem, Dayr al-Balah, Nablus, Tulkarm and bulldozes Palestinian agricultural lands in Rafah. IDF shelling in Bayt Jala damages a school and a cultural center, destroys an unfinished apartment complex. In Hebron, Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian property, uproot trees, damage an irrigation system. (ADM, LAW 11/15; AP, HA [Internet], LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/16; NYT, WP 11/17)

A demonstration in support of the Palestinians is held at New York University, where 2 IDF soldiers speak as part of a national tour to present the Israeli position on the ongoing clashes. (al-Awda Internet news group 11/15)

On the anniversary of the PLO's 1988 declaration of independence in Algiers, the PA does not unilaterally declare a Palestinian state or reaffirm the Algiers declaration as Israel, the U.S. had feared. Due to the ongoing closure, the PLOCC is unable to meet as planned. (AP 11/15) (see 9/10)

Senior Israeli, PA officials reportedly hold a secret mtg. at the Egyptian mission to the UN in New York to discuss options for a UN buffer force in the West Bank, Gaza. (WP 11/16, 11/18)

First Lady Hillary Clinton (the senator-elect fr. NY), U.S. special envoy Ross, Russian FM Ivanov are among those who attend the funeral of PM Yitzhak Rabin's widow, Leah Rabin, who died on 11/12. Arafat sends his condolences via video tape, which is aired on Israeli TV. Afterward, Ross meets with Barak. (MA [Internet], MM 11/15; MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 11/16; JP 11/24)

In Marseilles, France, a 2-day Euro-Mediterranean FMs mtg. opens to review regional cooperation efforts over the past 5 yrs. The session focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis as it affects regional stability. (AFP [Internet], JT [Internet] 11/15; see also JT 11/13 in WNC 11/14; AYM 11/14 in WNC 11/15; SA 11/15, ANSA, ATL 11/16 in WNC 11/17)

In Lebanon, PM Hariri, Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah hold their 1st in 8 yrs. during which they reportedly agreed not to give Israel a pretext to strike Lebanon while upholding Beirut's right to recover Shaba` Farms, to coordinate efforts to keep the issue of Syria's troop presence in the country out of the public domain. (MM 11/17)

Israeli FMin. says it is having trouble planning a speaking tour of U.S. for a group of senior IDF reserve officers. PM Rabin is dispatching the delegation to encourage U.S. Jews to support the peace process, explain the Israeli government's positions, however, many Jewish conservative, reform groups are refusing to meet. (HA 9/11 in FBIS 9/12)

Reacting to the expulsion 9/8 of 350 Palestinian refugees with Lebanese laissez-passer, Lebanon closes sea routes with Libya, says Palestinians wishing to return must obtain entry visas fr. Lebanese embassy, but orders embassies not to issue new documents or visas without case-by-case approval by the Interior Min. Libya sends 10s of busses carrying 50 Palestinians each to Egypt, prompting Egypt to stop allowing in Palestinians without permits to enter Gaza, leaving 100s stranded on the border. (VOL 9/7, MENA, VOL 9/8 in FBIS 9/8; NYT, WP, WT 9/10; MBC, RL 9/8, AFP, RL, VOL 9/9, AFP, RL, VOL 9/10 in FBIS 9/11; MM 9/11; NYT 9/13)

Frmr. Israeli Islamic Movement mbrs. led by Shaykh Atif Khatib announce they will present an Islamic list for 10/96 Knesset elections that will incl. a candidate for PM. It would be the 1st time an Arab would run for PM. Shaykh Khatib says the new party, Islamic Arab Faction, will be left leaning, pro-peace process, for Arab equality. (YA 9/10 in FBIS 9/12; HA 9/18 in FBIS 9/21)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers storm Palestinian girls school, beat headmistress, injure 4 girls (aged 6-10) who took part in street protest. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/11; NYT 9/13)

In Nablus, armed men kidnap Fatah Hawk official Na'il Shubaytah. 25 Fatah Hawks march through city armed with grenades, pistols, machine guns in protest; accuse supporters of Issam Abu Bakr, who was suspended fr. the group 1 mo. ago. (AFP 9/10 in FBIS 9/11)

At Tel Ashqelon prison in Israel, 20 Palestinian prisoners beat to death their Hamas cell mate `Abd al-Fatah al-Rantisi, who was serving a 15-yr. sentence as a collaborator. (AFP 9/10 in FBIS 9/11)

In Cairo, Israel, PA sign pact, giving PA control over 8 spheres of West Bank administration. (VOP 8/20 in FBIS 8/21; MM 8/21; QY 8/20 in FBIS 8/22; MENA, VOP 8/27 in FBIS 8/28; WP, WT 8/28; CSM, MM 8/29; JP 9/2; WJW 9/7)

Jordan's King Hussein meets with Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres in Aqaba to discuss Iraqi defections. (IL 8/28; Al-Aswaq 8/28 in FBIS 8/28)

In Damascus, German Economics M Spranger meets with Pres. Asad. (SANA, SATN 8/27 in FBIS 8/28)

Israel demands extradition of Dudin, Khatib in connection with 12/24/94 Jerusalem bombing, vows to keep closure on Jericho (begun 8/22) in place until pair is turned over. For 1st time, IDF stops journalists fr. entering Jericho while under closure. In continuing crackdown in the West Bank, IDF arrests 12 alleged Hamas mbrs, says recent arrests have prevented 2 bombings, a plan to kidnap IDF soldiers. (QY 8/27, JP 8/28 in FBIS 8/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/28) (see 8/25)

Israeli police release Fatah's Ghunaym. (Al-Quds 8/28 in FBIS 8/30) (see 8/21)

IDF lifts closure on West Bank, but says closure on Jericho will remain in place through 8/30. (QY, VOP 8/27 in FBIS 8/28)

PA cabinet approves draft interim agmt. with Israel. (CSM 8/17; JP 8/26) (see 8/11)

In Gaza, Egypt-Israel-Jordan-PA technical comm. on refugees opens 2-day mtg. on 1967 displaced persons. (HA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16; QY 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

In Damascus, PLO's Faruq al-Qaddumi begins 3 days of mtgs. with Syrian officials (incl. FM Faruq al-Shara`), Palestinian opposition leaders fr. DFLP (Nayif Hawatmeh), Fatah (Hani al-Hassan), Hamas (Abu-Muhammad Mustafa), PFLP (George Habash), PFLP-GC, Saiqa; briefs them on his blueprint for political change, discusses rejuvenating the PLO, rallying the PA's opposition in light of the 8/11 agmt. (SARR 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; MM 8/17; Al-Hayat 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; MM 8/18 Al-Hayat 8/18, 8/20 in FBIS 8/25; MM 8/22)

Swedish Dep. FM Mona Sahlin postpones return visit to Israel after Israel again refuses her request to meet with Palestinians in Orient House. (JP 8/26; WT 8/30) (see 5/15)

IDF solider is court-martialed, jailed for refusing to evict Jewish settlers fr. illegal West Bank camp. (QY 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir approves regulation giving responsibility for security inside settlements to Israeli police only, leaving IDF to handle security around settlements and intervene inside only in emergencies. (MA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16) (see 8/6)

Special Israeli ministerial comm. (led by PM Yitzhak Rabin, Police M Moshe Shahal) overrides the orders of Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir, Justice M David Liba'i, extends Shin Bet's authority to use physical force on Palestinian suspects during interrogation for 2 mos. (HA 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; NYT 8/17; JP 8/19, 8/26)

2 Israeli historians announce findings that Israeli troops carried out several mass killings in the Sinai in 1967 in which about 1,000 Egyptian prisoners were killed. (WP, WT 8/18; WP, WT 8/19; NYT, WT 8/21; JP 8/26)

In Gaza, PA arrests 4 Hamas mbrs on charge of plotting an attack inside Israel. IDF extends closure of o.t. begun 8/9 to 8/18. (QY 8/16, IDF Radio 8/17 in FBIS 8/17; MA 8/18 in IL 8/18)

U.S. envoy Ross makes unexpected return trip to Damascus to meet with FM al-Shara`, unsuccessfully tries to set date and agenda of next round of Syrian-Israeli military talks. (MM 7/13; MBC, SARR 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/14)

PA charge d'affaires to Jordan `Umar al-Khatib announces Israel, PA have agreed that "PA nationals" abroad, whose travel permits were valid when they left but have expired, may return to the PA areas at any time without having to renew the permits, no matter how long they were abroad. (al-Ra'y 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Delegates fr. Egypt, the EU, Israel, Jordan, the PA hold land transport infrastructure working group mtg. in Amman; discuss need for regional highway system, construction of bridges in Jordan. (JTV 7/13 in FBIS 7/18)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. and frmr. top negotiator Mahmud Abbas meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss the Palestinian stand on negotiations with Israel. (VOP 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Heads of 4 leading U.S. rabbinical movements present Congress mbrs. with signatures of 600 U.S. rabbis supporting continued aid to the PLO. (MM 7/14)

Israeli Civil Administration appoints Lt. Col. Barukh Nagar, convicted several yrs ago of attacking 2 Palestinians, as governor of Hebron. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

PM Rabin says hill nr. Efrat occupied by settlers 7/12 has been zoned for settlement for more than a yr., says he will approve requests that mobile homes be set up at the site. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Hamas-PFLP coalition wins al-Najah student elections by vote of 43-28, marking 1st time in 14 yrs. that Fatah has lost the election. (PR 7/28)

Jordanian FMin. says FM Kabariti has held several mtgs. with the Kuwaiti charge d'affaires in Amman, numerous Jordanian officials have met with their Kuwaiti counterparts in an attempt to normalize relations, which soured during the Gulf War. (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Jordan's 1st amb. to Israel, Marwan Muasher, arrives in Tel Aviv to assume his duties. Israel's 1st amb.to Jordan, Shimon Shamir, arrives in Amman to take his post. (MM, WT 4/6; RJ, JT 4/6 in FBIS 4/6; JP 4/15; WJW 4/20)

U.S. envoy Ross arrives in Israel for brief shuttle btwn. Israel, Syria; meets with PM Rabin, military Chief of Staff Shahak, senior IDF officials to discuss security arrangements within framework of agmt. with Syria. Israelis present demand for 1:9 geographical ratio for demilitarized zones. Ross will transmit Israeli suggestions, concerns to Syria 4/7. (MM 4/6; IDF Radio 4/7 in FBIS 4/7; MA 4/7 in FBIS 4/10)

Israeli, Egyptian FMs meet in Paris to try to solve NPT conflict . Egypt says it is willing to sign a ban on chemical weapons in exchange but no final compromise is reached. Sides agree to continue discussions within Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control, upgrade working group talks to FM level. (WP 4/5; CSM 4/6; MBC, MENA 4/6 in FBIS 4/7; HA 4/19 in FBIS 4/20)

Israeli Housing M Binyamin Ben-Eliezer says he will present plan to ministerial comm. for additional 5,600 homes beyond Green Line, incl. 1,300 units in Matityahu settlement, 3,000 units in Ma'ale Adumim, finishing work on 800 units in Giva'at Ze'ev. (MM 4/7; QY 4/6, JP 4/7 in FBIS 4/7)

Arafat decides to replace editorial board of Jericho-based al-Aqsa newspaper with journalists who are Fatah mbrs. Decision is criticized as interference with freedom of press. (ITV 4/6 in FBIS 4/7)

Congressional hearings open on Clinton's Omnibus Counterterrorism Bill to speed deportation of illegal immigrants suspected of terrorism, prohibit fundraising for organizations the pres. deems dangerous, grant FBI broader authority to investigate, order wiretaps. Arab-American, Muslim groups protest bill, fearing it will be used to discriminate against them, curb legitimate fundraising. (WP 4/7)

Bomb explodes on Gaza border as IDF foot patrol passes, wounding 1 soldier. No one claims responsibility. (JP 4/6 in FBIS 4/7; NYT 4/7)

Syrian, Israeli negotiators meet in Washington; U.S. Special Middle East Coordinator Dennis Ross observes. Military officers do not participate, pending agreement on composition of expanded delegations. (MM 12/20; QY 12/20 in FBIS 12/20)

Likud leader Netanyahu says Israeli army officials already met secretly with Syrian Amb. Mu`allim, U.S. coordinator Ross in Washington this month. FM Peres does not deny mtg. took place. (MM 12/19; WT 12/20; MENA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22) (see 11/30)

Rabin's government wins no-confidence vote (56 to 41) brought by Ultraorthodox rabbis who used FM Peres comments that King David was an adulterer to force PM Rabin to bring religious parties into the coalition in hopes of derailing the peace process. (WT 12/19; NYT 12/19; IDF Radio 12/19 in FBIS 12/21; WJW 12/22)

FM Peres makes statement before Knesset denying contacts with Iraq, reaffirming support for sanctions after receiving "demand" fr. U.S. to help consolidate support for U.S. position on Iraq. (HA 12/21 in FBIS 12/22)

Arafat asks French FMin. to transport 2,000 Fateh cadres fr. camps in Sidon and Tyre, Lebanon, to Gaza to bolster police force, help contain Islamist opposition. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says Lebanon has no objection. (Al-Majd 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; Al-Ra'y 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; AFP 1/4, RL 1/5 in FBIS 1/5; MM 1/6)

Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman arrives in Cairo for 3 days of talks with Pres. Mubarak. Weizman says UN Res. 242 must be applied to Jerusalem "so that part of it would remain Arab." (MM 12/19; MENA 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20, 12/21; MENA 12/20, QY 12/21 in FBIS 12/21)

Arafat meets with UNRWA delegation to discuss moving UNRWA headquarters to Gaza; meets with U.S. Congressional delegation to discuss recent events in peace process, Israeli land confiscation. (VOP 12/20 in FBIS 12/20; PR 12/24; MEI 1/6)

PFLP-GC says it is reducing its military, organizational cadres by 30% and stopping payments to families of martyrs and wounded because of financial problems. (Al-Muharrir 12/19 in FBIS 12/19; Shishan 1/27)

2 IDF soldiers, 1 Hizballah mbr., 1 Palestinian Islamic Revolutionary Army mbr. killed in clashes in southern Lebanon. IDF shells villages north of self-declared "security zone," wounding 1 civilian. (RL 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20, 12/21; QY 12/19 in FBIS 12/22; NYT 12/20)

Arafat holds mtgs. with Fateh, Islamic groups; indirectly accuses Israel of sparking 11/18 violence in attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders; releases 31 Islamic Jihad mbrs. fr. jail to appease opposition. Protests continue, Hamas asks Arafat to fire Justice M Frayh Abu-Midyan, 2 senior police officials. (NYT, WP, WT 11/21; VOP 11/20, 11/21 in FBIS 11/22, MM 11/22; PR 11/27; MEI 12/2)

PM Rabin states some Israelis are acting with "criminal irresponsibility" by "spreading lies" in the U.S. to discourage U.S. government fr. stationing of troops in Golan, asks embassy staff in U.S. to confront them. (IDF Radio, QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/21) (see 9/29)

Israeli FM Shimon Peres suggests Israel ease economic pressure on PA by giving PA $13 m. in tax money collected fr. Palestinians working in Israel. Some MKs oppose suggestion, saying Israel should not fund Palestinian autonomy. (QY 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; WP 11/21)

Sen. Helms calls Syrian efforts at peace a "fraud," says he will oppose U.S. troop presence in Golan as head of Foreign Relations Comm. (QY 11/20, Davar 11/21 in FBIS 11/21; NYT, WP 11/22)

PM Rabin orders more troops to guard settlements in Gaza Strip. (WP, WT 11/21)

7 Fateh Central Comm. mbrs. living outside autonomous areas hold mtg. in Tunis to discuss 11/18 violence. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 11/25 in FBIS 11/29)

New weekly newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadid is issued in o.t., claiming to be "new opposition," accepting PA while improving its performance fr. within. It is published by frmr. PLO Amb. to Moscow Nabil `Amr, edited by Hafiz Barghouti. (PR 11/20)

Israeli PM Rabin, PLO Chmn. Arafat hold unusually friendly mtg. to discuss elections, redeployment of IDF. Both agree to start negotiations on elections 10/3. Arafat tells Rabin he is trying to convene PNC to amend charter. (QY, VOP 9/25 in FBIS 9/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/26; Davar 9/26 in FBIS 9/27; WJW 9/29; MEI 10/7)

Arab League Asst. Sec. Gen. `Adnan 'Imran says the league rejects Israel's demand to withdraw UN resolutions on the Palestinian question, calls U.S. decision to issue Amb. Albright's memorandum "regrettable." (RE 9/25 in FBIS 9/26) (see 9/20)

Fatah's Supreme Comm. announces formation of preparatory comm. for elections, calls on all political forces to participate in elections, denounces Israel's procrastination on elections process. (VOP 9/25 in FBIS 9/26)

1 settler stabbed, wounded in Gaza by Palestinian carrying leaflet fr. Hamas. Hamas denies responsibility. (WT 9/26)

PM Rabin postpones "safe passage" btwn. Gaza, Jericho citing lack of PNA action toward recent Hamas attacks. (MEI 8/26)

Jordanian-Palestinian talks end in Amman. Joint comm. is formed to meet monthly, discuss economic, political, administrative issues. Plans for Palestinian currency suspended, Jordanian dinar to be primary currency of PNA areas for 3-yr. period. (JTV 8/22, MM 8/23; VOP 8/23 in FBIS 8/23; RJ 8/23 in FBIS 8/24; Al-Dustur 9/3 in FBIS 9/7)

171 Palestinian figures, inc. 82 mbrs of PNC, PLO Central Council, PLO Executive Comm. issue statement criticizing Arafat; reject calls for PNC mtg. in Gaza, amendment of charter; denounce DOP. (MM 8/23; Al-Dustur 8/23 in FBIS 8/24; CSM 8/25; MEI 8/26)

Curfew on Rafah is lifted. (QY in FBIS 8/22)

IDF detains 15 Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Janin. (QY 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Palestinian prisoners released 8/19 hold press conference to protest Israel's demand they remain in Gaza, Jericho for remainder of their sentences, criticize Arafat. (ITV 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israeli PM Rabin promises NIS 16 m. to build new road in West Bank so settlers can bypass Jericho. (QY 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israel shells villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah, Jabal Abu Rashid southern Lebanon in response to 8/18 Hizballah attack. (WT 8/24)

New Palestinian group calling itself Palestinian National Liberation Movement-Fateh Soldiers of Right (jund al-haq) issues leaflet in o.t. saying it will "remove injustice, fight corrution, and restore Fateh's past status." (Al-Ra'y 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

PNA Justice M Freih Abu Middein announces investigation into death in custody of Rafah r.c. resident.  Prisoner held on suspicion of drug smuggling, collaboration.  Justice Min. statement says prisoner died of "excessive violence" during interrogation.  3 interrogators detained and under investigation.   Palestinian human-rights orgs., including Hanan Ashrawi's Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights, call it a "case of maltreatment and torture."  (NYT 7/10; CSM, MM 7/11)

Israel announces 24-hr. closure of Gaza Strip to start early 7/11 in response to weekend clashes btwn. Palestinians, IDF.  (WSJ, WT 7/11; CSM 7/12)

Israeli Civil Admin., with PLO approval, appoints Fateh mbr. Ghassan al-Shak`a mayor of Nablus.  (Israeli Channel 2 TV 7/10 in FBIS 7/11)

Israel welcomes King Hussein's offer of a summit mtg. with PM Rabin.  (CSM 7/11)

Arafat performs `umra pilgrimage in Mecca, returns to Tunis. PNA Planning M Nabil Shaath says Arafat visit restored Palestinian-Saudi relations PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir `Abd-Rabbuh tells reporters PLO HQ, including Political Dept., International and Pan-Arab Relations Dept., and Returnees Dept. will remain in Tunis despite Arafat's move to Gaza.  (MENA 7/10 in FBIS 7/11; MM 7/11; WT 7/13)

Israeli navy kills 2 PFLP frogmen off coast nr. Naqura.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/13; MM 7/12; JP 7/23)

Palestinian police in Gaza Strip arrest 10 PLO activists, including frmr. Fateh Gaza office head Sami Abu Samhadanah, for blocking road to Israeli settlement.  (WT 6/22)

Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons start hunger strike to protest continued detention, lack of PLO pressure for their release.  Palestinians claim only 3,500 prisoners released of 5,000 promised to be freed under 5/4 agreement.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/20 in FBIS 6/21; WT 6/22; TJT 6/24)

Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin tells U.S. reporters Israel sees no progress in talks with Syria unless U.S. becomes more involved.  Beilin specifically calls for visit to region by Secy of State Christopher.  PM Rabin, touring Golan IDF bases, says he expects Christopher in June or July, urges "higher level" Syrian-Israeli negotiations, proposes mtg. with Jordan's King Hussein.  (WP, WT 6/22)

Jordan's King Hussein tells reporters in Washington Jordan will pursue peace treaty with Israel irrespective of Syrian position, saying Jordan's progress with Israel "has nothing to do" with "any other track" of peace process.  Hussein says a mtg. with Israel's PM Rabin possible before treaty reached.  (NYT, WSJ, WT 6/22; WP 6/23)

Israeli authorities arrest more than 300 Hamas and Islamic Jihad mbrs. in o.t. in crackdown ordered by PM Rabin. Rabin says govt. will fight terrorism "with all the means available to us." (MM 4/19; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/20)

6 Fateh mbrs., fugitives fr. Gaza Strip, allowed to return fr. Egypt. Among those returned is "Black Panther" leader Salim Shurafa, 28. PM Rabin pledges to allow return of 20-30,000 Palestinians, mostly relatives of Palestinian police, after agreement with PLO reached. (WP, WT 4/20)

Israeli AG Michael Ben-Yair tells Jerusalem Bar Assoc. that Israeli law does not apply in o.t. "unless the Knesset expressly states this," and that settlers are as subject to military law as Palestinians. Ben-Yair says that in criminal cases "parallel" authority applies to settlers, so they are tried by Israeli law in Israeli courts, not military courts. Settlers' council criticizes Ben-Yairemarks, calls for mtg. (MM 4/20)

Hamas Damascus political office head Musa Abu Marzuq, in interview with Jordanian Islamist weekly al-Sabil, says Hamas would make peace with Israel in return for complete Israeli withdrawal fr. o.t., dismantlement of all settlements. Statement expands on hint of compromise in 4/17 statements by Hamas reps. in Jordan. (WT 4/20; CSM 4/21)

PM Rabin, speaking to AIPAC annual conference in Washington, asserts "Jerusalem will remain united under Israel's sovereignty." Rabin meets Secy. of State Christopher, proposes to speed up transfer of administrative powers to Palestinians in o.t. Christopher reportedly urges Rabin to consider PLO proposals for Palestinian police presence in Hebron. Admin. sources say Christopher did not endorse PLO proposals but that U.S. is not adverse to them. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/16)

40,000 Israelis demonstrate in Tel Aviv for retention of o.t. settlements. Moledet leader Rehavam Zeevi, frmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir, Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu, and Hebron settlement leader Rabbi Moshe Levinger address rally. (MM, WP, WT 3/16)

Police chain shut Jerusalem offices of Kach and Kahane Chai, order them sealed for 6 mos. (MM 3/16)

4 Gaza Fateh officials meet Labor MKs in Jerusalem to discuss restarting Israel-PLO talks. (MM, WT 3/16)

Israeli human-rights group B'Tselem issues report charging that IDF, police, and courts have failed to enforce law on crimes committed by settlers against Palestinians. Report notes that 62 Palestinians were killed by settlers between 1988 and 1993 but only 1 settler convicted of murder and in only 7 cases were settlers' lives threatened. IDF does not dispute report. (MM 3/15; CSM, NYT, WP 3/16)

Border Police shoot dead Palestinian, later identified as PFLP mbr., in Gaza after he fires at patrol. (WP 3/16; MEI 4/15)

Frmr. Palestinian negotiator Dr. Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi leads delegation to Tunis to demand that PLO Chmn. Arafat share power, set up collective leadership. (NYT, WT 1/3; NYT 1/4)

Israel informs PLO talks scheduled to resume 1/3 will not take place because Chmn. Arafat reneged on Cairo agreement. Arafat rejects Israeli criticism, telling Jericho rally "If Rabin thinks he is able to humiliate the Palestinian people, he is wrong.' PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath calls Rabin's criticisms "blackmail." (Algiers VOP, Qol Yisra'el 1/2 in FBIS 1/3; CSM, NYT, WP 1/3)

Demonstrations against DoP in Gaza end with 4 Palestinians shot and wounded by IDF (WP 1/3)

Shin Bet arrests 2 alleged Fateh mmbrs. in Khan Yunis for 12/31 killing of Israelis in Ramla. (MM 1/4)

IDF kills 1 Palestinian, wounds 80 in clashes in Gaza, worst violence since DoP signed 9/13. IDF cmdr. in Gaza Maj. Gen. Matan Vilnai meets 5 Fateh leaders to discuss cease-fire. Fateh sources say Vilnai agreed to end IDF searches for PLO militants, but IDF sources say only that Israel will reduce troop levels and ease some restrictions. Jacques Neriah, aide to PM Rabin, flies to Tunis for talks with PLO Chmn. Arafat. Arafat provides Neriah with i.d. tag of IDF soldier missing during 1982 war in Lebanon. (MM 11/30, 12/1; NYT, WP, WT 12/1)

Jordanian and Israeli officials meet in Washington for talks on economic cooperation. Working group also includes U.S., hosted by special coordinator Dennis Ross. (MM 11/30, 12/1)

VP Al Gore announces formation of "Builders for Peace," a task force to coordinate U.S. private investment in o.t. Group's co-presidents are James Zogby of Arab American Institute and frmr. U.S. Rep. Mel Levine. (WP 12/1)

U.S. and Russia introduce UNGA resolution drafted by Israel and PLO supporting DoP, Israel-Jordan common agenda. (MM 12/1)

U.S. Undersecy. of Defense Frank Wisner arrives in Jordan fr. Israel to discuss joint security cooperation. Tour also includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Gulf states. (MM 11/30)

CIA Director Adm. James Woolsey, appearing on CNN's "Larry King Live," acknowledges that "Israel is generally regarded as having some kind of nuclear capability" in 1st public U.S. recognition of Israeli nuclear weapons. (MM 12/1)

$7 m. wind turbine farm to supply electricity to Israel opened on Golan Heights. (MM 12/1)

PLO-Israel talks on transfer of authority over health, education, and other services open in al-Arish, Egypt. Israeli delegation headed by Brig. Gen. Gadi Zohar, head of Civil Administration in West Bank, PLO delegation by Jamal Tarifi. (MM 11/24)

PLO-Israel economic subcomms. on trade and labor, fiscal issues, and banking and finance begin sessions in Paris. (MM 11/24)

Hamas-PFLP-DFLP coalition opposed to DoP wins all 9 seats on Birzeit University student council, defeating Fateh-PPP slate favoring DoP. Result ends 16 yrs. of domination of student council by Fateh. (MM 11/24, 11/25; NYT 11/25)

Imad 'Aql, 21, alleged head of Hamas "'Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades" military wing, killed in shoot-out with IDF at Gaza City roadblock. PM Rabin calls action a "great achievement"; IDF Chief of Staff Barak terms it an "important achievement in the war against terror." Hamas, Fateh call 3-day general strike in protest. In al-Burayi camp, alleged drug trafficker Muhammad Ilian, 32, stabbed to death by masked Palestinians. (Qol Yisra'el 11/24 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, WP, WT 11/25)

Jordan's King Hussein pays official visit to Egypt, meeting Pres. Mubarak and ending 3 yrs' estrangement over Jordan's stance in 1990-91 Gulf crisis. (NYT, WP, WT 11/25)

IDF announces that 5 Palestinians arrested for 10/29 killing of settler Haim Mizrachi admitted to being mbrs. of Fateh not Hamas-but were not acting under Fateh orders; Israeli PM Rabin and U.S. Pres. Clinton, at Washington press conference, demand PLO Chmn. Arafat condemn the killing. Clinton also pledges to maintain level of U.S. aid to Israel, offers $250 m. in loan guarantees for implementation of 9/13 accord, considers allowing Israel to purchase U.S. supercomputers and F-15 fighter jets. (NYT, WP 11/13)

Revolutionary Council of Fateh meets in Tunis to discuss peace process, economic conditions, and 'Adnan Yasin spy scandal. Chmn. Arafat chairs meeting. (MENA 11/12 in FBIS 11/15)

2 Israelis wounded in stabbing attacks in Jerusalem, Gaza; 1 Palestinian killed, 2d wounded in clashes with IDF. (NYT 11/13)

Israeli PM Rabin formally signs letter recognizing PLO as "the representative of the Palestinian people" 10 hours after PLO Chmn. Arafat signs letters of recognition. (NYT 9/11)

U.S. Pres. Clinton lifts ban on U.S. contacts with PLO, saying PLO commitments to Israel "justify aresumption of our dialogue." Move paves way for PLO Chmn. Arafat to attend signing ceremony 9/13. (WP 9/11)

Fateh supporters hold march in Gaza in support of PLO-Israel agreement attended by thousands, with similar march held in East Jerusalem organized by PLO. Hamas leads counter-demonstrations in Gaza City and Rafah. 3 Hamas supporters wounded in clashes with IDF. (NYT 9/11)

PFLP and DFLP (Hawatmah) withdraw reps. fr. PLO Exec. Comm. to protest PLO-Israel agreement. Withdrawal coincides with resignation of PLO rep. in Lebanon Shafiq al-Hut and denunciation of accord by 10 Palestinian opposition factions. (RMC 9/10 in FBIS 9/10; WP 9/11)

Lebanese FM Buwayz rejects working paper submitted to Lebanon by Israel. (RL 9/10 in FBIS 9/13)

Hamas and the deportees issue separate statements rejecting PM Rabin's 1/1 proposal for the deportees' return in exchange for a halt to the intifada. (Qol Yisra'el 1/2 in FBIS 1/4)

Sudanese Islamic leader Hasan al-Turabi opens 3-day meeting between Hamas and Fateh leaders in Khartoum. Ibrahim Ghawshah heads the Hamas delegation, Nasr Yusif that of Fateh. (MM 1/4; AFP 1/2 in FBIS 1/4; SUNA 1/5 in FBIS 1/7)

Israel shells area near Palestinian deportees' tent camp in southern Lebanon. (NYT 1/4; AFP 1/2, VOL 1/3 in FBIS 1/4)

PM Rabin meets with UN special envoy James Jonah, calls on a third country to accept the deportees for the 2-year term of their exile. (Qol Yisra'el 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; WP 12/31)

UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghali meets with Chmr. Arafat in Geneva, says Israel should place the 415 deportees in internment camps, and prosecute suspected offenders in Israeli courts. French FM Roland Dumas meets with Butrus-Ghali and Arafat, proposes that UNIFIL take care of the deportees until a settlement is found. (NYT 12/31)

IDF clamps curfew on entire Gaza Strip until 1/3 to prevent clashes on Fateh Day, 1/1. (Qol Yisra'el 12/30 in FBIS 12/31)

Israeli govt. declares 1-week freeze on signing contracts for govt.-subsidized housing, including those affecting construction i the o.t. Freeze also is called on planning and early proceedings of new roads in o.t. About 3,000 units in early stages in o.t. are affected by the freeze, and govt. is still unsure about what to do with 4,000 completed units unattached to infrastructure, 12,000 in various stages of construction, and about 500 completed units that have been populated in the o.t. About 60% of these 16,500 scheduled units are in "political settlements." Financial incentives encouraging settlement will be ended. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; MM, NYT, WP 7/17)

The Jerusalem Report states that 100 of the 142 settlements in the o.t. are "political settlements" according to PM Rabin, and can therefore expect significant cuts in govt. aid. These include all 16 settlements inthe Gaza Strip, as well as large W. Bank settlements of Qedumim, Elqana, and possibly Ariel. (Likud MK and Ariel mayor Ron Nahman claims freeze will have "opposite result" in his settlement, plans to increase its pop. from 11,000 to 20,000 in a year.) (Al Hamishmar 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; HaAretz 7/17 in MM 7/17)

Fateh gunman shoots, wounds 3 unarmed Hamas supporters in Rafah, Gaza. Hamas gunmen shoot, wound 1 unarmed Fateh supporter. Some 1,000 Fateh supporters then raid mosque in Yibna camp, Hamas gunmen inside open fire, wound 8. IDF troops impose curfew on Yibna. Two-week total for Fateh-Hamas violence is 1 dead, about 150 wounded. (MM, WP 7/17)

Palestinians throughout o.t. stage commercial strike called for by PLO-backed UNLU to protest seige at al-Najah University. Palestinian-Israeli leaders including all 6 MKs meet to discuss strategy, form delegation to meet with PM Rabin concerning al-Najah. Some 250 prominent Palestinians begin hunger strike in Nablus to protest siege. (MM 7/16, 17; Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

U.S. State Dept. calls for "restraint" from Israel in its handling of situation at al-Najah University, Nablus. IDF soldiers continue to surround campus, searching all students who leave; students refuse to leave until army withdraws. (WP 7/17)

Faisal Husseini announces Israeli defense establishment proposal to deport wanted men in al-Najah University for 3 years as step to lifting siege; Palestinians are drafting counter-proposal, and have sent a letter to PM Rabin to lift siege and curfew of Nablus. (Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PLO representative calls on UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali to provide int'l. protection for Palestinians in o.t., implementation of res. 681 to deal with siege at al-Najah University. (Radio Algiers Network 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

PM Rabin agrees to meet with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo after U.S. Secy. of State Baker's upcoming visit; meeting would be first such visit since 1986. (WP 7/17)

Palestinian "rejectionist" groups - Hamas and the Palestine National Salvation Front (PFLP-GC, Fateh Uprising, Communist Revolutionary Party, and Sa'iqa) - meet in Damascus to discuss strategy of blocking the peace process and escalating the intifada. (MM 7/16)

King Hussein arrives in Damascus for visit with Pres. Asad. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)

Islamic Resistance attacks Israeli, SLA roadblock in Kafr Huna, S. Lebanon. Israel overflies Arqub region, strengthens positions in al-Qantara, al-Tayyiba with armored vehicles. (Radio Lebanon 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam says Syria will not withdraw to eastern Lebanon in September, states that Taef accord requires withdrawal within 2 years of constitutional adoption of political reforms. (VOL 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)

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)

Labor party Chmn. Yitzhak Rabin forms governing coalition with Meretz and SHAS (Torah Observing Sephardim) parties, for a total of 62 seats in the Knesset (see 6/23). Right wing Tsomet party under Rafael Eytan left out over increasing disagreement with Rabin. (NYT 7/10)

Hamas and Fateh release "joint statement" calling for temporary truce after meeting in Amman. (WP 7/10)

Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi condemns violence in the Gaza Strip, calls on two sides to "immediately and unconditionally" halt attacks, intends to continue mediation in statement on behalf of NRC (see 7/8). (Al-Fajr 7/9 in FBIS 7/9)

EC grants ECU 15 million (about $20 million) for industrial and agricultural development to 4 Palestinian loan institutions in o.t. Agreement was signed in Jerusalem by EC rep. Thomas Dupla and Faisal Husseini, and is part of ECU 60 million package allocated to the o.t. (Al-Fajr 7/10 in FBIS 7/17)

Amnesty International releases report critizing Israel's holding of 2,000 Palestinians in "administrative detention" without charge or trial and its "unjustifiable" killing of 90 Palestinians. Report states about 170 Palestinians, most of them suspected collaborators, were killed by other Palestinians. (WP 7/10)

PLO issues statement rejecting Lebanese plan for refugee resettlement and compensation calling on Lebanon to support Palestinian right to return and settle in their own independent homeland. (VOL 7/9 in FBIS 7/15)

Jersualem Post reports PM Shamir has urged Pres. Bush to free Jonathan Pollard, convicted to life sentence in 1986 for spying for Israel. (WP 7/10)

Bahij Abu al-Hana, head of Biqa' Valley branch of Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council, is shot dead near his home in Ta'lbaya, Lebanon. (AFP 7/9 in FBIS 7/9)

Pres. Haim Herzog formally invites Yitzhak Rabin to form a new government. (WP 7/2)

PM-designate Yitzhak Rabin calls on Fin. Min. Yitzhak Modai to stop releasing fund for construction in the o.t. (Hadashot 7/3 in FBIS 7/6)

Hamas and Fateh members clash in Bani Suhayla, Gaza. Militant Hamas 'Izz al-Din al-Qassim battalions stage protest of Fateh in Khan Yunis. (AFP 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

"Association of Religious Sages in Palestine" is founded in Jerusalem. Most of the 77 members are junior clerics and Muslim Brotherhood or Hamas activists, and not senior waqf or Supreme Islamic Council clergy. Founding of org. seen as Hamas strategy of establishing institutions to rival those of PLO. (Ha'Aretz 7/6 in FBIS 7/9)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: D.M. Yitzhaq Rabin announces Fateh has refrained from attacking Israeli positions [WP 3/29].

Arab World: Saudi Arabia's King Fahd and Egypt's Pres. Mubarak meet in Egypt, discuss Middle East peace, bilateral relations [FBIS 3/29]. Chedli Klibi is reelected chairman of Arab League for 3rd 5-year term [FBIS 3/29]. PLO Executive Committee nominates Arafat to be president of State of Palestine [FBIS 3/29]. In Cairo, Arafat meets with leaders of Muslim Brotherhood [FBIS 4/5].

Other Countries: French Pres. Mitterand announces he will meet with PLO chairman Arafat [FBIS 3/29, FJ 4/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 19-year-old Palestinian from Salim dies from wounds received 3/13 [FJ 4/3]. At least 10 Palestinians are injured during clashes in O.T. In Balata 3 women are treated after receiving cut wounds on the head during clashes with troops [FBIS 3/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Pickering meets with Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhaq Rabin, says U.S. will send diplomatic observers to military trials of Palestinians arrested during recent violence [WP 12/29]. More than 300 Palestinian women hold 3-hour sit-in at UNRWA's Gaza office. Similar protest is held at Red Cross headquarters in Jerusalem [FJ 1/3]. Israel orders 2 Ramallah UNRWA schools, al-Tirah College and Teachers' College, closed for 1 month effective 12/22 [FJ 1/3]. Family of youth killed in recent Gaza uprising is ordered to pay IS 5,000 in medical costs related to shooting [FJ 1/3].

Arab World: Fateh Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal) announces execution of 5 charged with spying for Jordan and Israel [FJ 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF begins military maneuvers in Golan Heights and eastern Galilee [FBIS 12/29]. In Gaza Strip, military lifts curfew on Jabalya refugee camp; 2 entrances to Burayj camp are sealed [NYT 12/29].

Arab World: Amal militiamen capture, kill 4 members of Fateh near Beirut's Shatila refugee camp [FJ 1/3].

SociaL/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Another 20 Palestinians are put under administrative detention [NYT, LT 9/4]. Military review board rejects appeals submitted by 3 West Bank Palestinians against deportation orders issued against them a week ago. They are expected to appeal to Israeli High Court [FT 9/4]. Shafiqa Abu Sitteh, 25, "accidentally" shot by Israeli soldier in the Gaza Strip last week, dies from her wounds in Beersheba Hospital [FJ 9/6]. Israeli army spokesman reports Iraeli navy seized another yacht, the Gandha, off the coast of southern Lebanon on 8/31, arresting 2 Palestinians, a Greek, and a Briton who were aboard. Spokesman states Palestinians confessed to being members of Fateh and to planning attack against targets inside Israel. Def. Min. Yitzhak Rabin states Israeli navy will intercept vessels anywhere in the Mediterranean to prevent attacks on Israeli targets [LT, CT, MG, JP 9/3]. Israeli Chief of Staff Moshe Levy tours Golan Heights and declares 2-kilometer-wide strip along demarcation line a closed military zone. Army is reportedly building new fortifications and strengthening forces in the Golan [FJ 9/6]. Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports a Modi'in Ezrachi poll shows 60% of Israeli adult public favor amnesty for imprisoned members of Jewish underground; 34% oppose it UTA 9/3].

Other Countries: New York Times reports U.S. administrations discussing convening a meeting of Western European states to sponsor direct Arab-Israeli negotiations as alternative to the international conference which King Hussein and PLO insist on, which would include the Soviet Union [JP 9/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes at bus stop at Gilo settlement, south of Jerusalem, wounding 6; 11 Palestinians are arrested [JP 9/3]. Abu Musa faction of Fateh reportedly claims responsibility [MG 9/3]. Unidentified people ambush settler's car in Gaza Strip; Israeli police say several bullets hit the car. Several Palestinians detained by police [Fl 9/6]. Stones thrown at Egged bus smash its windshield near Ramallah; 3 Palestinian youths detained and released [Fl 9/6].

Arab World: Gunmen seriously wound Hussayn al-Hayabi, 50, Palestinian guerrilla official loyal to Arafat, after storming his home in 'Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp. Hayabi is 7th Arafat loyalist attacked since July in 'Ain al-Hilweh, and only one to survive [BG,WP,MG 9/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities arrest 4 al-Najah U. students without charges, jail them under administrative detention orders. Army claims they are local leaders of Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP [FJ 8/9]. Nine Palestinian ex-prisoners released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange are served with deportation notices. Army states they can be deported because they cannot prove residency before original detentions. The 9 are from a group of 31 (out of the 1,150 ex-prisoners released 5/20) who do not have West Bank or Gaza IDs. They had all been told upon release they must leave when their residency permits expire this week. Some have nowhere to go. The Red Cross is looking into their cases [CT 8/7].) The High Court orders a delay in the deportation of one of the ex-prisoners, 'Abd al-Mujid Rudad, who argued that his whole family lives in Tulkarm and that during his 17 years of detention he repeatedly expressed regret for his political activities [WP 8/7]. The defense minister and the military govemor of the Tulkarm area have 45 days to explain why they should not prevent his deportation [JP 8/7]. Defense Min. Yitzhak Rabin justifies recent security measures; says Israel will use "whatever means are effective" tomaintain order [LAT 8/7]. Israeli govemment inaugurates new settlement, Adura, near Hebron, first since Peres took office [PI 8/7]. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports announcement by Austrian-Arab Society in Vienna that Hospice Hospital will reopen as a full-scale hospital afterenovation. Agreement was reportedly worked out between Franz Cardinal Koenig, archbishop of Vienna, and Tahir Kan'an, Jordanian minister for the occupied territories [JTA 8/7]. Israel Radio announces that none of the security officers involved in storming of Israeli bus hijacked by Palestinians last year will be charged in the deaths of two of the four hijackers [NYT 8/7]. Reuters reports that Rabbi Meir Kahane is giving 60 youths paramilitary training in a summer camp in the West Bank [TS 8/6]. Thirty-member delegation including Texas and Oklahoma oilmen and 6 U.S. congressmen arrives in Israel on fact-finding mission organized by Council for a Secure America, group established last year to support U.S. legislation aimed at promoting domestic production of oil and gas [JP 8/6]. New U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Pickering presents credentials to President Chaim Herzog, reiterates U.S. opposition to new security measures, emphasizes U.S. support for Israel [CT 8/7].

Arab World: Seventeen representatives of Arab League member states assemble in Casablanca for Arab summit meeting [NYT 8/7]. Half the states attending are not represented by their heads of state [FT 8/7]. Fifteen pro-Syrian Muslim, Druze opposition leaders, and Greek Orthodox figures meet in Shtawra under Syrian sponsorship; proclaim National Unity Front to demand changes in Lebanon's system of political representation, now favoring the Maronites; call for a "democratic and secular" state with wide-ranging constitutional and electoral reforms [WP 8/7].

Military Action

Arab World: Suicide bomber riding a mule kills himself, the animal, and wounds at least one other in Hasbayya. Bomber is identified as Jamal Sati, 23, Sunni Muslim student and local Communist party chief [LAT 8/7]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Citizens' Rights Movement presents report to DM Rabin citing discrimination in Occupied Territories, outlining proposals for improvement; cites as example of discrimination 4,000 phone lines in Kiryat Arba as opposed to 700 in Hebron UP 2/14]. DM Rabin states no settlement will be erected on Tal Rumeida, Hebron; Cabinet Min. Ne'eman insists previous Likud govt. approved such proposed settlement [JP 2/15].

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat leaves for Rumania. PLO Political Dept. Head Farouq Qaddoumi, Fateh second-in-command Salah Khalaf insist PLO set up own independent state, have sole right to represent Palestinians at any peace talks [WP 2/15]. DFLP, PFLP criticize Arafat-Hussein accord [JP 2/15]. Lebanese security forces indicate over 1,000 SLA members have deserted since Israel announced withdrawal plans [LAT 2/16].

Other Countries: US State Dept. report on human rightsituation in Israel, Occupied Territories generally favorable [JP 2/14].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF kills 11 resistance fighters, captures 9 in firefight along the Awali River [NYT 2/15]. IDF raid Burj Rahhal after bomb explodes near convoy; 150 questioned, 60 detained; 1 man killed, another wounded; 3 homes, community center bulldozed; IDF, French UNIFIL troops engage in fistfight as French try to stop demolition of homes [WP 2/15, LT 2/28]. IDF troops fire upon car of NBC news correspondent Bonnie Anderson at Awali River bridge near Sidon; no injuries [WP 2/15, NYT 2/27].