The Palestine Chronology

PM Netanyahu, Arafat adviser Mahmud Abbas meet secretly at Netanyahu's home for brief talks on the peace process before Netanyahu leaves for China. (MM 6/12)

To mark Jerusalem Day, Israel stages largest military parade (13,000 troops) through West Jerusalem since 1973, attended by U.S. congressional delegation. Groups of right-wing Israelis try to enter al-Aqsa Mosque, march on Orient House. IDF bans Palestinian entry into Jerusalem for the day, sparking clashes btwn. IDF, Palestinians in Bethlehem. (al-Dustur, RJ 5/24 in WNC 5/27; WT 5/25; PR 5/29; MEI 6/5)

In Amman, Israeli FMin. Dir. Gen. Eytan Bentzur, Jordanian FM Fayiz Tarawnah discuss Israeli proposal for conditional withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. Jordan stresses need for Israel to unconditionally implement UN Res. 425. (JT, al-Quds, al-Ra'i 5/25 in WNC 5/27)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak briefs Arafat on his trip to France. Arafat then heads to Saudi Arabia to discuss possible Arab summit. (MENA 5/24, RE 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

Syria asks Iran's help in constructing steel mills. Both countries agree to expand cultural, art exchanges to pave way for closer bilateral relations. (IRNA 5/24, 5/25 in WNC 5/27)

In Damascus, Hamas's Shaykh Yasin meets with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad. (AFP, al-Majd 5/25 in WNC 5/27) (see 5/23)

1st Lebanese municipal elections since 1963 begin. Elections are held on 4 consecutive Sundays. (RL 5/25, 5/26 in WNC 5/27; MM 5/26; al-Safir 5/27 in WNC 6/1; WP 6/1; MEI 6/5)

In Ramallah, Arafat discusses peace process, 11/30 Israeli cabinet decision with Jordanian PM al-Majali. (al-Dustur, al-Quds, VOA 12/3 in WNC 12/9; MEI 12/5; al-Majd 12/8 in WNC 12/17)

In Jerusalem, Orient House head Faisal Husseini meets with French FM Vedrine. (al-Safir 12/3 in WNC 12/9)

EU special envoy Moratinos holds talks Lebanon with PM Hariri, FM Buwayz, Chamber Speaker Nabih Birri. (RL 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

After talks with Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad in Damascus, Austrian chancellor Klima says that Israel must implement FRDs, halt settlement construction, resume talks on the Golan Heights; "delaying tactics" are no longer acceptable. (Oesterreich Eins Radio Network [Vienna], SATN 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

Israel announces plans to increase the number of Palestinian laborers allowed into Israel fr. 52,000 to 140,000 within 5 yrs. to replace foreign workers. (WT 12/3)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 SLA mbrs. (VOL 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

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)

U.S. Pres. Clinton announces Jordan-Israel summit btwn. King Hussein, PM Rabin, will be held at White House 7/25.  Hussein and Rabin to address joint session of Congress, attend state dinner as well has hold substantive mtgs.  Clinton call Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad before making announcement.  (MM 7/15; NYT, WP, WT 7/16)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, speaking to reporters in Gaza, asserts Palestinian right to "raise the Palestinian flag" in Jerusalem.  Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin calls Arafat remarks "a very grave statement."  (NYT, WT 7/16)

22-hr. siege of house in Hebron, including firing of over 100 antitank rockets, ends with deaths of 4 Hamas militants (added to death previous day of pregnant woman). IDF use of roof of neighboring Mohtasseb Children's Hospital as firing position protested by residents, ICRC, human rights orgs. 18 Palestinians wounded by IDF in protests against siege. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls Secy. of State Christopher to demand end of IDF "aggression" against Palestinians. State Dept. expresses "concern" at incident. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/24)

IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak testifies to commission of inquiry on Hebron massacre, saying "it is reasonable to assume" that a settler firing a weapon is doing so in self-defense, but adds "In no case is there, nor can there be, an army order that says it is forbidden to shoot at a settler even if he is shooting at others or at you." (MM, NYT, WP 3/24)

Israel-PLO talks on deployment ofinternational force in Hebron resume in Cairo. (MM 3/23; NYT, WP 3/24)

U.S. envoy Dennis Ross meets for 3 hrs. in Damascus with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, delivers message fr. Pres. Clinton. (MM 3/23)

20 katyushas fired into "security zone," killing 1 Lebanese woman in village of Rihan. (MM 3/23)

"Palestine Development and Investment Inc." launched at Amman ceremony. $200 m. company made up of 141 investors will invest in o.t. housing and industry. (MM 3/24)

Pres. Clinton refuses clemency for convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard. (NYT, WP, WT 3/24)

Lebanese police issue warrants for arrest of 7 men, 2 women-including 4 mbrs. of LF elite assault unit-in 2/27 bombing of Maronite church in Zuq Mika'il. Police detain Fuad Malek, dep. leader of LF. Govt. issues decree dissolving party despite LF chief Samir Ja'ja"s denial of involvement. 5 of the suspects already arrested, including 3 LF security officers. (MM 3/23; NYT, WT 3/24; CSM 4/8)

Jordan's King Hussein, on private visit to U.S., meets Pres. Clinton at White House, discusses Arab-Israeli peace talks. (WT 1/22)

Basil al-Asad, presumed heir-apparent of his father, Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, dies in a car crash in Damascus. (NYT, WP, WT 1/22)

Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Oslo for funeral of Norwegian FM Johan Jorgen Holst, mtgs. with Israeli FM Peres, PLO Chmn. Arafat. State Dept. sources travelling with Christopher say U.S. will not insert self into Israel-PLO talks. (WP, WT 1/22)

Arab League Sec.-Gen. Ismat 'Abd al-Majid, after mtg. with Secy. of Commerce Brown, says 3/94 mtg. of Arab League FMs will discuss lifting secondary and tertiary boycotts of Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 1/22)

Israeli farmer Moshe Becker, 60, stabbed to death in orchard nr. Rishon le-Zion, Israel. 3 Palestinians fr. Gaza Strip arrested for attack. (Qol Yisra'el 1/21 in FBIS 1/25; NYT 1/22)

Delegation of 80 American Reform rabbis leaves Jordan after brief tour following visits to Egypt, Israel. (JT 1/22 in FBIS 1/25)

PLO Chmn. Arafat orders Palestinian forces to prepare to enter o.t. to form Gaza-Jericho police force. (CSM, NYT, WT 11/22)

Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza issues statement pledging "militant direct action" against Israel-PLO DoP, urging settlers to ignore Palestinian police. (NYT 11/22)

Jordan's King Hussein meets in Damascus with Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad to coordinate positions prior to tour by Secy. of State Christopher. 2 sides affirm "necessity of reaching a just and comprehensive peace." (MM, NYT 11/22)

PM Rabin returns to Israel after 10-day tour of U.S., Canada. At press conference, Rabin says Israel will try to meet 12/13 deadline for withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho, but says "it's not a holy date." (Qol Yisra'el 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; MM 11/22)

House of Representatives passes 425-1 resolution urging Arab League to lift boycott of Israel. (WJW 11/25)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Shamir reiterates rejection of intemational peace conference, talks with PLO [FBIS 2/28]. Israel announces that Palestinians from O.T. involved in demonstrations, political activity as well as those who have not paid their taxes will be denied permits to work in Israel [MET 3/7].

Arab World: Palestinian sources state that Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze has invited Arafat, Hafiz al-Asad to Moscow in order to mend fences [FBIS 2/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus soldier is killed by cinder block dropped by Palestinian [FBIS 2/24, WP 2/25]. In Gaza at least 9 Palestinians are wounded by soldiers [WP 3/25].

Arab World: SLA troops shoot, kill UNIFIL soldier in Israeli-imposed "security zone" [FBIS 2/24]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In E. Jerusalem, Israeli riot police, supported by armored personnel carriers and water cannon, force 14 Palestinian merchants to close their shops; shopkeepers are arrested [WP 4/26]. In Gaza, army raids offices of lawyers', women's, and engineers' associations and Palestine Red Crescent Society [WP 4/26]. Israeli court sentences to death John Demjanjuk, convicted of being Treblinka death camp executioner [WP 4/26].

Arab World: Pres. Hafiz al-Asad holds 4-hour meeting with PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat [NYT 4/26; CSM 4/28].

Other Countries: UN Security Council approves resolution condemning assassination of PLO official Khalil al-Wazir; U.S. abstains [NYT 4/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army bulldozers uproot trees on 5 acres of land in Hussan village; villagers demonstrate and soldiers respond with tear gas and rubber bullets. Several Palestinians are injured during clashes in Gaza Strip [FJ 5/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shin Bet arrests 2 American schoolteachers in Ramallah on charges of possessing "inciteful materials" [LAT 2/29].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat says he is submitting to U.S. names of Palestinians with whom Sec. of State Shultz can meet [NYT 2/28]. Sec. Shultz meets with Syrian f.m. Faruq al-Shar' and Pres. Hafiz al-Asad in Damascus and with Jordanian p.m. Zayd Rifa'i and Crown Prince Hasan in Amman to discuss new U. S. peace proposals [NYT 2/28]. Syria and Jordan restate their support for UN-sponsored international conference [WP 2/28].

Other Countries: Estimated 4,000 participate in Amsterdam march protesting Israeli policies in occupied territories [FJ 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cashes between IDF troops and worshipers outside mosque and hospital in Halhul result in 1 dead, at least 5 injured by tear gas inhalation and live ammunition [NYT 2/28]. Troops use tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition in effort to disperse crowds from nearby 'Arrub camp blocking Jerusalem-Hebron highway; 1 is killed, and 4 wounded. Towns along road are ordered under curfew [WP 2/28]. In 'Ubaydiyyah, soldiers impose curfew, arrest 32 [FJ 2/28]. Curfew is also imposed in Jabalya, 'Arrub, and Burayj camps [FJ 2/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Defense Minister Rabin rejects P.M. Thatcher's call for free elections in occupied territories, says EEC should contributeo material improvement of territories [BG, MG 5/27]. P.M. Thatcher later meets 8 Palestinian leaders at British consulate in Jerusalem [CT 5/27], including Bethlehem Mayor Ilyas Furayj, Rashad al-Shawwa, and Hanna Siniora [CT, LT 5/27], who give her memo. Israeli Attomey General Zamir asks police to examine evidence in case involving Shin Bet head [NYT 5/27]. Zamir will proceed with prosecution of Shin Bet head Avraham Shalom [MG 5/27].

Arab World: King Hussein travels to Baghdad to meet Iraqi President Sadam Husayn [LAT 5/27]. Al-Ahram reports Syrian plot to assassinate PLO Chairman Arafat [MG 5/27] and replace him with Syrian-backed Khalid al-Fahum, former chairman of PNC. PLO Chairman Arafat meets in Tunis with Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek, president of EEC Council of Ministers, despite Israeli protests. Hafiz al-Asad, on official visit to Greece, condemns terrorism.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres rejects pressure from Labor Party Central Committee to break 1984 agreement with Likud bloc to rotate offices with Foreign Minister Shamir, due to take place in October [NYT, MG 3/24].

Arab World: East Jerusalem newspaper al-Mithaq reports Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad has outlined terms under which he would be willing to begin dialogue with Fateh organization: (1) PLO must issue statement in Arafat's name praising Syrian army's role in 1982 Lebanon war; (2) statement must contain apology for media campaign PLO has conducted against Syria since its evacuation from Beirut; (3) statement must praise Syria's rejection of "capitulatory" solutions to M.E. conflict, affirm Syria's efforts to prevent cantonization of Lebanon; (4) statement must criticize "reactionary" Arab efforts to pressure PLO to accept UN Security Council Resolution 242 [JP 3/24]. Yasir Arafat states it is up to the U.S. to break the deadlock in M.E. peace efforts that followed the collapse of Jordanian efforts to bring the Palestinians into the talks with Israel [BG 3/24]. Arafat states he has sent new proposals for a M.E. peace settlement to the U.S., awaits a response [PI 3/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: King Hussein calls on Palestinian people to decide who should lead them [NYT 2/23]. Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad has called King Hussein about a joint approach to M.E. peace following Hussein's decision to suspend talks with Yasir Arafat [LT 2/22].

Other Countries: UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar summoned Israeli UN ambassador this week and demanded Israel withdraw all its invading forces from S. Lebanon, expressed concern over extensive military operations Irael carried out in S. Lebanon in violation of international law [DW 2/22]. France has freed and expelled 2 members of the Abu Nidal organization who served half of their prison terms for assassinating a PLO leader and another Palestinian in France in 1978 [NYT, LT 2/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli army thins out forces in S. Lebanon, withdraws most mechanized infantry units to "security zone." Army sources confirm 2,000 Lebanese suspects were interrogated and "between 50 and 100" are still held. It is unclear how many of the estimated 3,000 Israeli troops used in the search remain in Lebanon [WP 2/23].

Other Countries: Soviet navy has increased number of vessels off Israeli coast to 3 warships, 1 spy ship, 2 support vessels [JDW 2/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Washington Post reports Soviet ambassador to Amman met Yasir Arafat at least 3 times in past 2 weeks, playing significant role in persuading him not to accept UN resolutions 242, 338; Soviets have promised to throw weight behind reuniting fragmented PLO [WP 2/10]. Jordanian P.M. Zayd al-Rifa'i flies to Damascus to brief Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad on latest developments and to invite Asad to visit Amman [NYT 2/10]. Officials from the 6 Palestinian groups comprising the Palestine National Salvation Front meet in Damascus, discuss strategy [NYT 2/10]. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Students of West Bank vocational institutes and colleges strike to protest renewed attempts by Jordan Ministry of Education to impose comprehensive exam. Heads of Jewish settlements in occupied Golan complain that Israeli gov't. neglecting development there. PM Shamir says there is no chance for revival of Reagan peace initiative. Dr. Khalil Budeiri, 1st Palestinian opthamologist and respected patriot, dies.

Arab World: Arafat arrives in Yemen Arab Republic with loyalists aboard Greek ship; 10 marriages and 1 birth took place on board during weeklong voyage.

Other Countries: US presidential candidate, Jesse Jackson, invited to Damascus for talks by Pres. Hafez al-Assad.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: 1 Israeli soldier killed in Sidon ambush.

Military Action:

IDF tank detonates mine in Bekaa, no injuries reported; radio-controlled bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes near Nabrah, in Chouf.

Casualties:

3 IDF soldiers wounded in Chouf attack; ICRC delegates visit 2 Israeli POWs held in Syria.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Lawyers representing Bidya residents send protest telegram to Defense Minister Arens, say border police failed to protect residents who held court orders enjoining developers from working on the land; Supreme Court refuses appeal by Ziad Abu Ein, extradited to Israel from US in December 1981, against conviction and life imprisonment for bomb attack in Tiberias in 1979.

Palestinians/ Lebanese-PLO Chairman Arafat and Syrian President Assad meet formally for first time since September, reportedly agree to coordinate military resources against IDF in Bekaa Valley; Haddad says he will accept no post other than commander of Lebanese forces in South Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Jordan restricts West Bank Palestinians entering Jordan to one month permits.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues talks in Jerusalem, then returns to Beirut, says he thinks agreement possible by end of week, meets with Gemayel, Salem; Senate subcommittee hearing on US aid to Syria postponed after Reagan Administration expresses concern it could complicate Shultz mission.

UN: At WHO congress in Geneva, Israel blocks Kuwaiti-Libyan motion to put issue of mass illness on West Bank on agenda for full scale plenum debate.