The Palestine Chronology

The IDF sends tanks into Jenin, clashes with residents, killing 4 Palestinians, wounding 1 Palestinian journalist; 2 IDF soldiers are also wounded. The IDF demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in Rafah, 2 in Balata r.c.; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Jabaliya r.c.; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians protesting the curfew in Nablus, killing 1 Palestinian; fires on residential areas of Tal al-Sultan. (AP, HA, PM 1/28; LAW, PCHR 1/29)

Sharon and his Likud party win a landslide election victory largely at the Labor party’s expense. Likud gets 38 seats (up fr. 19 in the 2/01 elections; higher even that top projections, which figured Likud would take 32 seats), Labor gets 19 seats (down fr. 25), Shinui comes in 3d with 15 seats (up fr. 6), and the ultra-Orthodox Shas party gets 11 seats (down fr. 17); Meretz, 1 of Israel’s clear-cut peace parties, gets 6 seats (down fr. 10); the far-right National Union party, not represented in the last Knesset, gets 7 seats. Yisra’el Ba’Aliya party head Natan Sharansky quits the Knesset, Meretz head Yossi Sarid resign fr. as party chmn. in light of their parties’ poor showing. During the day, Israeli police detain 4 Israeli Arabs for leading a 15-car caravan around the Galilee, calling for an election boycott. Voter turnout was 68.5%-- lowest in Israel’s history. Sharon has 42 days to form a majority coalition. The new Knesset will have 40 freshmen MKs. (HA, MM, WP 1/28; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/29; AYM, al-Quds 1/29 in WNC 1/30; JP, MM, WJW, WP 1/30; JPI 1/31; PR 2/5; MEI 2/7; MM 2/18)

Bush gives State of the Union address, focusing on Iraq; says Saddam Hussein has missed his “final chance” by showing “utter contempt” for the UN inspectors; claims Iraq is hiding and amassing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs; including an active nuclear weapons program), deceiving inspectors, aiding al-Qa`ida; says the U.S. seeks to work with an international coalition to remove Hussein but will go it alone if necessary, adding that “The liberty we prize is not America’s gift to the world; it is God’s gift to humanity.” Regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict, he says only that the U.S. will continue to work for a “secure Israel and a democratic Palestine.” (NYT, WP, WT 1/29; MM 1/30; MA 1/30 in WNC 1/31; MEI 2/7)

The IDF calls up 1,000 reservists in preparation for "crushing and decisive action" against the Palestinians; reoccupies Dura; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, destroying several Palestinian homes; continues operations in Beitunia, Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm; lifts curfews in most areas for several hrs. to allow Palestinians to resupply; lifts curfews entirely in Awarta, Hawara; imposes a 24-hr. curfew on Bayt Sahur. During the curfew break in 2 camps nr. Nablus, troops open fire on Palestinians for unknown reasons, wounding 8. (AFP 6/22; NYT, WP, WT 6/23; LAW 6/26; PCHR 6/27)

Over 150 people take part in the ground breaking for a new Jewish settlement n. of Jerusalem nr. Kochav Ya'acov. The new enclave is part of a new program to "transplant" entire Jewish communities, with their rabbis, to Israel. A New York rabbi raised the idea in his town, and 25 local families committed to purchase homes in the new settlement. Meretz MK Yossi Sarid offers to find them a safer location inside Israel, but they decline. (INN 6/22) (see 5/19)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 3 Palestinians dead. A 4th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. In a "gun battle" nr. Rafah, the IDF shoots dead 2 Palestinians, wounds at least 40 others; no Israelis are injured. (LAW 12/20; LAW, WP 12/21)

After 2 days of Bolling talks, the U.S. brings PA negotiator Erakat, Israeli negotiator Ben-Ami together at the White House in a mtg. with Clinton, Secy. of State Madeleine Albright. Sides agree to begin direct talks on 12/21. (XIN 12/20 in WNC 12/26; HA, MENL, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/21; al-Quds 12/22 in WNC 12/27)

Arafat goes to Egypt to consult with Mubarak. Israeli Meretz party leader Yossi Sarid is also in Egypt for mtgs. with Mubarak but there is no indication he meets with Arafat. (MENA 12/20 in WNC 12/21; NYT 12/21)

In Alexandria, Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak holds separate talks with Arafat, Meretz MK Yossi Sarid on the Jerusalem impasse; with Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` on the Syrian, Palestinian tracks and possibly holding a mini-Arab summit on the peace process. (MENA 8/21 in WNC 8/22; MM 8/22; MENA 8/23 in WNC 8/24; WJW, WP 8/24)

After Shas agrees to stay in the coalition if Meretz cabinet mbrs. leave, Trade M Ran Cohen, Agriculture M Haim Oron, Education M Sarid resign their posts. Meretz, which holds 10 Knesset seats, vows to continue to support Barak's peace policy. (MM, WJW, WT 6/22; CSM, JP, MM, WP, WT 6/23; MA 6/23, IRNA 6/24 in WNC 6/27; MA 6/23, al-Quds 6/24, MA 6/25 in WNC 6/29; MM 6/27; JP 6/30)

In Ramallah, the PSF arrests Ghlem, Arafat's adviser for refugee affairs, for criticizing the PA's handling of the refugee issue. (MENL 6/25; LAW 6/26; MEI 6/30; LAW 7/4, 8/1) (see 6/20)

4 Shas cabinet mbrs. submit their resignations, which do not take effect for 48 hrs., giving PM Barak a last chance to strike a deal with the party to keep it in the coalition. Meretz cabinet mbrs., including Education M Yossi Sarid, tell Barak they are willing to resign if it will help him reach an agmt. with Shas that would preserve the coalition. (MM 6/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/21; AYM 6/21 in WNC 6/22; CSM, WJW 6/22; MEI 6/30) (see 6/13)

The PA says that per a request by U.S. Pres. Clinton, it will not push Israel to carry out the 3d FRD by the 6/23 deadline in light of Barak's coalition troubles. (State Dept. press briefing 6/20; AYM 6/20, 6/23 in WNC 6/27; NYT 6/21; MEI 6/30) (see 6/15)

Arafat convenes the PLO Exec. Comm. (PLOEC) to brief mbrs. on the Stockholm talks, to discuss status of the peace process, to set 7/2-3 as the date for a PLO Central Council (PLOCC) session to debate a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. (SA 6/29 in WNC 6/30; AYM 7/3 in WNC 7/5)

Agents fr. Force 17, Arafat's "presidential" guard, raid the Gaza office of 'Abd al-Fattah Ghanem, 1 of Arafat's advisers on refugee affairs, confiscating files, documents. (LAW 6/26) PA General Intelligence Service arrests without charge al-Sharq al-Awsat correspondent Abdallah Isa. The arrest comes 1 wk. after Isa was released fr. 2 mos. of detention without charge or trial. (SA 6/22 in WNC 6/27)

Nr. Qarni crossing in Gaza, a Jewish setter is lightly injured when a roadside bomb explodes nr. a convoy of settler cars escorted by the IDF. (IsRN 6/21; JP 6/30)

Barak for the 1st time says that Israel would not annex Palestinian villages nr. Jerusalem but would seek to annex most Jewish settlements in a final agmt.; says Israel might make a "down payment" on future land transfers, possibly handing over Palestinian villages nr. Jerusalem. (MM 4/10; Hatzofe 4/12 in WNC 4/13; AYM 4/12 in WNC 4/14; MM, NYT, WT 4/17; WJW 4/20; WP 5/4)

Another 4 senior Israeli officials confirm that under the right conditions, Israel would formally recognize a Palestinian state. The 5 officials who have made statements since 4/15 are Internal Security M Ben Ami, Regional Cooperation M Shimon Peres, M without portfolio Haim Ramon, Education M Sarid, Dep. DM Ephraim Sneh. (WP 4/17)

Israeli FM Levy arrives in Paris to meet with French officials. (Le Monde 5/6 in WNC 5/10)

Israel postpones the release of 13 Lebanese detainees after the family of IDF airman Arad files an appeal of the High Court's 4/12 ruling. (NYT, WT 4/17)

After a 6-wk. investigation, Israeli police recommend that Transportation M Mordechai be indicted on charges of having sexually assaulted 3 women over 8 yrs. Police say that the statue of limitations has expired on "several" other incidents. (NYT, WP, WT 4/17; JP 4/14; WJW 4/20) (see 3/7)

At Bolling AFB, Secy. of State Albright meets with PA, Israeli negotiating teams. (WT 3/28)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Israel to brief Barak on Clinton's 3/26 mtg. with Asad. Afterward Barak tells the Knesset that Asad is "not ready for the type of decisions that are necessary to reach a peace agreement." (WP 3/27; MM, WP, WT 3/28; WJW 3/30)

Syrian FM Shara` says that the Israeli proposals Pres. Clinton brought to Geneva not only were not new or better but worse than previously. (MM 3/27; WP 3/28, 3/29; WT 3/31; MEI 4/7)

In an unprecedented move, Israel's Interior M Natan Sharansky announces that he will restore to the Israeli Arab village of Kafr al-Qasim 250 acres of its land that had been taken to develop the neighboring Jewish town of Rosh Ha'ayin. The step is intended to promote democracy, social justice, and equal opportunities for all citizens. (NYT 3/28; MM 3/30)

Israel's atty. gen. opens a criminal investigation of Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef to determine whether to charge him with incitement for a 3/18 sermon in which he said that Education M Sarid's should be "extirpated" and his memory obliterated for recommending Palestinian poetry be included in Israeli curricula (see 3/13). (MM 3/27; NYT, WP 3/28; JP 3/31; CSM 4/4)

In the Knesset, 5 no-confidence votes against the Barak government fail. The most serious motion attacked Bark's presumed intent to give away Arab neighborhoods abutting Jerusalem. (NYT 3/28)

Barak narrowly wins a no-confidence vote (47-42, with 3 abstentions) in the Knesset, which was called after heated public debate over Education M Yossi Sarid's decision to include 5 poems by Palestinian nationalist poet Mahmud Darwish in school curricula. (MM 3/13; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/14; AYM 3/14 in WNC 3/15; NYT 3/15; MENL, WJW 3/16; MEI 3/24)

In apparent response to the Arab League's 3/12 statement), Israel steps up bombing campaigns against Amal, Fatah-Uprising, Hizballah, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC), Lebanese army targets in s. Lebanon and nr. the Lebanese-Syrian border, killing 1 Lebanese soldier, 1 civilian, wounding several others. The attacks on Fatah-Uprising and PFLP-GC are the first since 1986. (MM 3/13, 3/14; MENA 3/14 in WNC 3/15; MM, NYT 3/15)

Prince Hassan of Jordan says that he will not be able to make a previously arranged trip to Israel to day to receive an honorary doctorate. (DUS 3/14 in WNC 3/15)

PA Social Affairs M Intisar al-Wazir resigns to protest cuts to her budget for stipends to families of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or jailed in Israel, the PA's failure to fund pay raises for civil servants. Arafat refuses her resignation, appoints a panel to investigate ways of meeting these budget needs. (MENL 3/21; MEI 3/24; PR [Internet] 3/29; MENL 4/3)

As a goodwill gesture before Id, Arafat orders the PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) to release 18 Hamas activists being held as administrative detainees. (al-Quds 3/13 in WNC 3/16)

Syrian PM Miru presents his new government. FM Faruq al-Shara`, DM Mustafa Tlas, Interior M Muhammad Harba, Finance M Muhammad Khalid al-Mahaini, Economics M Muhammad Imadi, 8 other Ms retain their posts; 22 new mbrs. are all technocrats. (MM, WT 3/15; MM 3/20; MEI 3/24)

Lebanese Shi`i leader Mustafa al-Dirani, jailed in Israel since being abducted fr. Lebanon by the IDF in 5/94, files a $1.5-m. law suit against the Israeli government, alleging that he was raped and tortured during interrogations. (WP 3/14; WT 3/15; IRNA 3/15 in WNC 3/16; WJW 3/16)

PA Planning M Nabil Shaath receives Jordanian FM Abdallah Khatib for talks on the peace process, briefs him on Arafat's recent visit to Washington. The 2 men also discuss holding a 3-way (Egypt, Jordan, PA) and 4-way (including Israel) ministerial mtgs. on displaced persons. (DUS 10/7 in WNC 10/11)

Orient House head Faisal Husseini hosts delegation of 20 Jordanian parliamentarians, urges Jordan to support the PA in its final status talks with Israel. (MM 10/7)

Israel's Education M Yossi Sarid urges Israeli teachers to mark the anniversary of the 1956 Kafr al-Qasim massacre in their classrooms for the 1st time this yr.; says Israel owes it to its Palestinian citizens to commemorate the incident in which the IDF shot dead 47 Israeli Arabs (including 15 women, 11 children) as they returned to the village of Kafr al-Qasim, unaware of a military curfew that barred movement after dark. (NYT, WT 10/7; MM 10/12; WJW 10/14)

Saying that the incident had nothing to do with Iran, Iranian pres. Khatami rejects a request fr. Pres. Clinton for help in investigating the 1996 Khobar barracks bombing in Saudi Arabia in which 19 U.S. soldiers were killed. Clinton secretly sent a letter to Khatami in late 8/99 asking for assistance. (WP 10/7; see also MM 9/10)

Jordan's State Security Court issues new charges against detained Hamas political chief Mishal, spokesman Ghawshah, 2 of which can carry the death penalty. (MM 10/7, 10/8; MEI 10/15)

In s. Lebanon, 2 civilians are wounded by IDF shelling. (RL 10/6 in WNC 10/8)

New Israeli government is sworn in, with PM Barak's 7-party governing coalition--comprising the Center party, Meretz, National Religious party, One Israel, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Yisrael Ba'Aliya--will give him control of 75 of the 120 Knesset seats. One Israel's David Levy, who resigned as Netanyahu's FM 18 mos. ago, resumes the FM position. Fmr. Labor PM Shimon Peres is given the new position of regional development minister, which aims to promote economic integration btwn. Israel, Arab states. Oslo architect Yossi Beilin (One Israel) will hold the justice portfolio; Yossi Sarid (Meretz), education; Natan Sharansky (Yisrael Ba'Aliya), interior; Avraham Shohat (One Israel), finance. Barak will serve as DM as well as PM. Shas party mbrs. are given heath, infrastructure, labor, religious affairs portfolios. Barak says he will make peace process his priority; wants to hold simultaneous negotiations with PA, Syria and withdraw troops fr. s. Lebanon. Arafat, Asad issue statements saying they are willing to work with Barak for peace. (MM 7/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/7; AFP, France-Info Radio, IDF Radio, JT, JTV 7/7 in WNC 7/8; WJW 7/8; Interfax, MA 7/8 in WNC 7/9; MM 7/9; MEI 7/16)

Arafat makes 1-day trip to Cairo to discuss the peace process with Pres. Mubarak. (WT 7/7)

Syrian pres. Asad leaves Russia after 2 days of talks. Russia, Syria agree to step up technical, military cooperation but do not finalize arms deal. U.S. warns Moscow that it might cancel $50 m. in aid to Russia if it completes a deal with Damascus. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/7; Interfax 7/8 in WNC 7/9; MM 7/9; MEI 7/16)

Palestinian High Court orders the PA to release Hamas mbr. Muhammad Jadallah, who has been detained without charge since 3/24/96. (al-Quds 7/8 in WNC 7/12)

In the West Bank, IDF storms Palestinian homes in 3 villages nr. Hebron, arrests 5 alleged Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. on charges of planning an attack in Israel. At least 36 Palestinian have been arrested in similar raids in the Hebron area over the past mo. (MM, WP 7/7; AYM 7/7 in WNC 7/12)

PA-Israeli talks resume btwn. Netanyahu atty. Molho, PA Local Government M Erakat. Despite the lack of new ideas, the PA does not call a halt to talks. (CSM, MM 8/3; RE 8/3, AFP 8/4 in WNC 8/7; IGPO, MM, NYT 8/4)

In Amman, Crown Prince Hassan receives Israeli MK Yossi Sarid for talks on the peace process. (Petra-JNA 8/4 in WNC 8/6)

In Washington, Labor Chmn. Barak, MKs Yossi Beilin, Shlomo Ben-Ami, Ephraim Sneh (who are on a 5-day U.S. tour) meet with 12 AIPAC officials. The 4 men criticize AIPAC's recent lobbying efforts, such as the letter signed by 81 senators to Pres. Clinton, saying that AIPAC is "looking for battles at the expense of Israeli security." Netanyahu calls the U.S. trip "subversive." (CSM, MM 8/3; IGPO, MM 8/4; WJW 8/6, 8/13; JP 8/15)

Palestinian archaeologists working on the 1st dig in the PA self-rule areas uncover remains of Canaanite homes they believe date fr. around 3000 B.C.. (WT 8/5)

IDF demolishes reconstructed section Palestinian home in Anata that was 1st knocked down 7/9. (LAW 8/3)

Off the coast of Tyre, Israeli naval forces seize a Lebanese fishing boat, arrest 2 fishermen. (RL 8/3 in WNC 8/7)

Coordination Comm. of the Refugee Working Group opens 3-day mtg. in Montebello, Canada. (FOFOGNET Digest [Internet] 4/30; PR 5/1).

British PM Blair arrives in Jordan, visits the Palestinian refugee camp Baq`a with Crown Prince Hassan, has lunch with King Hussein. Blair then leaves for Israel, where he discusses with PM Netanyahu EU ideas for reviving peace talks, including suggestion for multilateral mtg. in London. (al-Dustur, JTV, LPA, RJ 4/19, al-Ra'i, VOA 4/20 in WNC 4/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/20; MM 4/21; ITV 4/21 in WNC 4/23; MEI, PR 4/24)

Arafat, King Hussein adviser, Israel's Meretz party chmn. Sarid meet in Gaza; agree in principle to form Israeli-PA-Jordanian-Egyptian group to encourage the EU, U.S. to increase their participation in the peace process. Arafat says he will discuss idea with Egyptian FM Musa. (MM 4/20) (see 4/13)

A small group of unarmed Palestinian shepherds encounters 3 armed Jewish settlers on piece of disputed land nr. Hebron. In ensuing confrontation 1 settler is shot dead, 1 Palestinian is seriously wounded, 1 settler is injured. Israeli police cannot determine who shot whom or how fight unfolded. No weapons are recovered. (MM, NYT, WP 4/20; PR 4/24; JP 4/25)

In Latakia, Lebanese PM Hariri, Pres. Ilyas Hrawi, Speaker Nabih Birri meet with Syria's Pres. Asad to coordinate action plan against Israel's offer for conditional implementation of UN Res. 425. (RL 4/13 in WNC 4/15; RL 4/14 in WNC 4/16; al-Safir [Beirut] 4/15 in WNC 4/16; MEI 4/24)

In Amman, King Hussein receives Israel's Meretz party chmn. Yossi Sarid, who proposes forming Arab-Israeli group to promote peace process. (JTV 4/13 in WNC 4/16)

Israel detains PSF officer Yahya Qaddus on charges of spying for Syria. (PR 4/17)

PA police arrest more than 12 Hamas supporters who took part in an anti-Israeli rally in Nablus 4/11. (MM 4/14)

Netanyahu, Clinton meet in Washington. Clinton presents U.S. proposal for a 3-stage second FRD fr. at least 10% of the West Bank. Secy. of State Albright also holds 2 mtgs. with Netanyahu during the day to discuss "appropriate elements for a further redeployment." Netanyahu does not agree to anything. (NYT, WP, WT 1/20; IDF Radio, MA 1/20 in WNC 1/21; ITV 1/20, IDF Radio, MENA, RE 1/21, JT 1/22 in WNC 1/23; MM, WP, WT 1/21; CSM, MM, WJW 1/22; Tishrin 1/22, YA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; CSM, NYT 1/23; MM 1/26; MEI 1/30)

In Paris, PA's Arafat, fmr. Israeli PM Peres sign agmt. with the World Bank that will create a new Peace Technology Fund for invest in the West Bank, Gaza. Arafat also meets with Pres. Chirac. (NYT 1/21; PR 1/23; JP 1/31)

Reversing its 1/16 decision in the face of public outcry, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum invites Arafat to make official visit 1/23. Arafat says he will do so if time permits. (WP 1/20; MM, NYT, WT 1/21; WJW, WP 1/22; MM 1/26, 1/27; MEI 1/30)

Israeli politician Yossi Sarid of Meretz calls on Pres. Clinton to recognize the Palestinians' right to their own state now if he hopes to rescue the peace process. (WT 1/21)

Israeli extremist group Kach distributes leaflets in Hebron, warning that if American Christians living in the city do not leave Israel, their lives will be endangered. (IDF Radio 1/20 in WNC 1/21)

54 mbrs. of the Catholic hierarchy send letter to Pres. Clinton, calling for end to sanctions on Iraq. 3 Catholic bishops also begin hunger strike. (WP 1/21)

Secy. of State Albright ends her trip to the Middle East with an unscheduled stop in Beirut, where she calls on all foreign powers to get out of Lebanon. On her way home, she acknowledges that the situation in the region "is probably even worse than I thought"; says that if she can't make a difference, she will concentrate on other international issues--"I can't be occupied with this full time." (RL 9/15 in WNC 9/16; CSM, NYT, WP 9/16; SA 9/17 in WNC 9/19; PR 9/19)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak receives Arafat in Alexandria. (MENA, RE 9/15 in WNC 9/15)

EU FMs meet in Brussels, agree to give PA additional $4.6 m. to help cover administrative deficits incurred due to the closure, call on Israel to release tax money. The Jordan-EU association agmt. is not signed because of because of technical differences, however the EU agrees to give Jordan $11.4 m. in special finanical aid to help "meet the needs of the most disadvantaged sections" of Jordan's population. (RJ 9/24 in WNC 9/26)

Israel turns over $35 m. in tax money owed the PA, lifts the internal closure on PA-controlled cities. Palestinians are still barred fr. entering Israel. (WT 9/16) (see 9/14)

In Ras al-Amud, MKs representing Molodet, the National Religious Party, Tsomet, Gesher visit settlers to express their support. At the site, riot police break up protest by 40 Peace Now mbrs., MK Yael Dayan, Meretz leader Yossi Sarid, Orient House's Faisal Husseini. (MM 9/15; NYT, WP 9/16; RJ 9/16 in WNC 9/17; WJW 9/18; MEI 9/26) (see 9/13)

Iranian pres. Muhammad Khatami says he is ready for talks with the U.S. only if they are based on mututal respect, noninterference in Iranian affairs. (WT 9/17)

Jordanian cabinet approves government decision to joint the Chemical Weapons Ban Treaty, which took effect 4/97. (al-Ra'i 9/15 in WNC 9/16)

Syria, Israel end 3 days of talks in Maryland, reportedly hit an impasse. Israeli Environmental M Sarid blames FM Barak. (MM 1/25, 1/26; QY, SARR 1/26, IDF Radio 1/27, HA, MA, QY, YA 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; WT 1/27; MM 1/29; JP 2/3)

Without admitting responsibility, Israel gives $400,000 in restitution to widow of Moroccan man (mistakenly believed to be PLO intelligence chief Hassan Salameh) allegedly killed by Mossad agents in Norway in 1973. (NYT, WP 1/27)

Congress passes (371-42 House, 82-8 Senate) 1996 foreign appropriations bill as part of continuing resolution to fund the government through 3/15. Resolution allows full payment to Israel within 2 wks. of $3 b. in civilian and military aid, $80 m. for refugee resettlement; includes provisions giving Israel equal-to-NATO status for stockpiling of U.S. weapons, preventing U.S. defense contractors fr. legally overcharging Israel. (QY 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; JP 2/3, 2/10)

In Cairo, PA, Israel open 3 days of talks on transfer of authority, focus on electricity, communications, water, public works. PA says it will accept phased Israeli withdrawal fr. West Bank within framework of agmt. that includes specific timetable. (MENA 6/20 in FBIS 6/21)

Multilateral Working Group on Water meets in Amman, then  convenes joint mtg. with working group on environment. Syrian, Lebanese representatives reportedly meet with Israeli delegate behind scenes. (IGPO 6/19; QY 6/30 in FBIS 7/5; MBC 7/15 in FBIS 7/17)

Under terms of 10/26 Jordan-Israel treaty, water pipeline fr. Lake Tiberias to Israel begins operating. (RJ 6/20 in FBIS 6/28; NYT 6/21)

PM Rabin, FM Peres, Environment M Sarid, IDF officers tour West Bank n. of Jerusalem to view plans for redeployment of IDF troops outside Palestinian towns. (QY 6/20 in FBIS 6/21)

Israeli FMin. deems PA's 1st "active" year "reasonably successful," Arafat "a dominant and indispensable figure" who successfully handled his opposition. (MA 6/20 in FBIS 6/20)

East Jerusalem Municipal Council, formally reactivated by Arafat 6/12, holds 1st mgt. (HA 6/26 in FBIS 6/27) (see 5/30)

House approves antiterrorism bill similar to that passed in the Senate 6/7 by vote of 23-12. Differences between the two must be worked out in committee. (WT 6/21) (see 8/4)

256 mbrs. of Congress send letter to Secy. of State Christopher in support of moving U.S. embassy fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Letter is a companion to the one sent by 93 senators 3/95. Christopher sends letter to Dole dissuading him fr. voting for bill. (Near East Report 7/3)

Israeli Environment M Yossi Sarid meets with Arafat, Planning M Shaath in Gaza; discusses redeployment, elections, transfer of powers, release of prisoners; calls on Arafat to settle for partial troop pullback in West Bank to be followed by Palestinian elections in the fall. Arafat rejects offer. (MM 6/15; QY, RE, VOP 6/15 in FBIS 6/16; CSM, WT 6/16; MEI 6/23)

PA Transportation M `Abd al-`Aziz al-Hajj Ahmad announces draft transportation agmt. with Jordan, opening of commerce crossing point at King Hussein Bridge. (al-Dustur 6/15 in FBIS 6/16; JTV 6/15 in FBIS 6/19; PR 6/18)

IDF seizes 30 dunums of land belonging to al-Wadiri Agricultural College nr. Tulkarm, begins clearing area to build joint liaison office in advance of redeployment. (QY 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

After allegedly finding "inciting" Hamas material during raid, IDF closes Aroura mosque nr. Ramallah for 5 mos. (PR 6/25) (see 5/17)

In Beirut, U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau says U.S. will begin easing travel ban on Lebanon by allowing airlines to ticket non-Americans for travel btwn. the 2 countries; urges Lebanon to sign international antiterrorism agmt. Hizballah balks, saying U.S. is in no position to call others "terrorists." (MM 6/15)

Hizballah fires 12 rockets into n. Israel, killing 1, wounding 1. IAF strikes targets north of self-declared security zone, wounding 4. (MM 6/15; IDF Radio, QY 6/15, IDF Radio, MA, QY 6/16 in FBIS 6/16; MM 6/16; MEI 7/21)

Israeli Environmental M Yossi Sarid says Palestinian state will eventually emerge fr. negotiations; borders will probably coincide with separation plan; officially it will not be a state "but in reality it will be." The statement, thought to be trial balloon, is denounced by PM Rabin, Likud. (QY 3/19, IDF Radio 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; WJW 3/23; ITV 3/24 in FBIS 3/28; JP 3/25; JP 4/1)

11th round of Israel-PA talks on elections start in Cairo. Both sides suggest bringing international observers into o.t. to help organize elections. (MENA 2/20, MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MENA, VOP 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM, NYT 2/22; MEI 3/3)

Arafat convenes PLO Executive Comm. in Cairo to reassess peace process, detainees and elections issues, configuration and functioning of PA. 9 mbrs. attend; DFLP, PFLP boycott. Chief PLO spokesman and PA Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbu calls for suspension of talks with Israel. PM Rabin asks PLO not to suspend talks. (AFP, MENA, RMC, VOP 2/20, VOP 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; CSM, MM 2/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/22; MENA 2/21, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; al-Sharq al-Awsat 2/21, QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; JP 3/4)

4-way (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) ministerial mtg. on refugees scheduled for 2/26 is postponed until further notice at Israel's request. (al-Aswaq 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; RJ 2/24 in FBIS 2/24; JT 2/25 in FBIS 2/27)

Arab League condemns Israel for recent attacks on civilians in s. Lebanon, calls on UN to do the same. (RE 2/21 in FBIS 2/21) (see 2/19, 2/20)

PM Rabin gives Shas 2 unassigned portfolios--interior and religious affairs--giving Shas significant influence over ruling coalition of which it is not a part. Meretz M Yossi Sarid threatens to resign. (MM 2/20 QY 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; JP 3/4)

IDF arrests Hamas political leader Shaykh Jamil Hamami in his home in the West Bank following the "seizure of a very large quantity of inflammatory material . . . that incriminated him" during 1/27 raid on Abu Dis College of Science and Technology. (ITV 2/21 in FBIS 2/22)

Frmr. Nablus mayor Bassam al-Shak`a announces establishment of new group, Palestinian National Grouping (PNG; al-Tajammu` al-Watani al-Filistini), opposed to Oslo Accord, calls on Arafat to resign. Group includes independents, mbrs. of Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP. (QPAR, QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; RMC 2/25 in FBIS 2/26; ITV 2/25, QY 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; MA 2/26 in FBIS 2/28; al-Quds, SARR 2/28 in FBIS 3/1)

In response to German reports that Israel, Iran are negotiating release of Israeli airman Ron Arad, PM Rabin admits Germany has been talking to Iran on Israel's behalf but has had no success. (ITV 2/20, QY 2/21, 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; MM, WP 2/21; IDF radio 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MM, NYT 2/22; WT 2/27; JP 3/4, 3/11; WJW 3/16)

King Hussein hosts 29-mbr. Knesset delegation in Amman, briefs it on peace process, treaty implementation. Mbrs. of delegation dine with 30 mbrs. of parliament. (al-Aswaq, JTV 2/5, JT 2/6 in FBIS 2/6; MM 2/ 6; JTV 2/6 in FBIS 2/7)

Jordanian-Israeli aviation comm. meets. Israel accepts some Jordanian demands related to air corridors, routes; Royal Jordanian, El Al agree on joint tourist packages. (JT 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; MM 2/6; JP 2/7 in FBIS 2/8)

Israel cabinet extends closure of West Bank, Gaza, imposed 1/22; says only teachers, doctors, Palestinian agricultural goods can enter. PA, U.S. Commerce Secy. Ron Brown, in Israel on 4-day official visit to discuss Israeli-U.S. trade, criticize decision. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/6; VOP 2/6 in FBIS 2/6; QY 2/5 in FBIS 2/7; WJW 2/9)

At cabinet meeting, Israeli Environment M Sarid, Education M Amnon Rubinstein suggest making closure of Gaza, West Bank permanent, compensating Palestinians $330 m. annually for lost income. No vote is taken. (MM, WT 2/6)

Donor countries promise to release $125 m. of promised aid to PA immediately to help self-rule transition. Arafat says money will go to improving Gaza slums. (VOP 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; CSM, MM, WP, WT 12/1; Le Soir 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; JP 12/3; WJW 12/8; MEI 12/16)

Labor MK Ori Orr suggests Israel postpone troop withdrawal fr. West Bank but uproot some settlements ahead of schedule. Similar statements made separately by Environmental M Sarid. Comments widely thought to be "trial balloons" sent up by Rabin government. (JP, QY 11/30 in MM 11/30; MM 12/2)

Israel, Palestinians, donor countries sign "memorandum of understanding" outlining PA's needs for next 4 mos., issues of taxation, Israeli aid, contributions fr. donor countries. (QY 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli borders comm. ends 2nd 2-day round of talks in Aqaba. Each side delegates 3 teams to carry out primary delineation of border, to be completed 12/6. (PETRA 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on treaty implementation creates 2 subcommittees comprising representatives fr. armed forces and Mins. of Interior, Agriculture, Water respectively to implement Jordanian law in al-Ghamar, Baqurah areas by 1/95, in keeping with Jordan-Israel treaty annexes. (PETRA 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

ITV reports Israeli Amb. Itamar Rabinovitch, Syrian Amb. Walid Mu`allim recently held talks in Washington on security arrangements in which senior army officers fr. both sides participated; some progress was made. (ITV 11/30, HA 12/1 in FBIS 12/1)

UNRWA approves $163,810 in new small-business loans for projects in Gaza, bring number of UNRWA loans to Gaza to 157. (UNRWA News 11/30)

IDF soldier is axed to death by Palestinian in Afula, northern Israel; IDF arrests 40 Hamas mbrs. in West Bank. (IDF Radio 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/1; PR 12/4; WJW 12/8; JP 12/10)

U.S. envoy Dennis Ross arrives in Jerusalem, talks with PM Peres and FM Rabin, says "real gaps" remain btwn. Israeli, Syrian positions. Later meets with Arafat, discusses aid, elections. (MM 9/21; WT 9/22; VOP 9/22 in FBIS 9/22)

PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi, Jordanian PM al-Majali meet in Jordan, agree to resume PLO-Jordanian contacts at the "ministerial level" before end of the month. (JT 9/24 in FBIS 9/26)

Al-Qaddumi vows to fight new U.S. position in UN, strengthen language of resolutions presented. Egypt, Jordan say they will also oppose U.S. moves. (Reuters 9/21; RJ 9/26 in FBIS 9/26)

Israeli PM Rabin holds consultations on Palestinian elections with FM Peres, MK Shahal, MK Sarid, Chief of Staff Barak, IDF, police officials. Rabin, Barak want negotiations on elections only, talks on extending autonomy later. Peres, others say there is no choice but to discuss all issues simultaneously. (ITV, QY 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hasan, Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu meet in London, discuss Jordanian, Likud views on negotiations. Netanyahu suggest Jordan, Israel reach a "strategic consensus" opposing PLO; Hassan gives no reaction. (JTV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22; MM 9/22; JP 10/1)

Arafat meets with Hamas mbrs. inc. spokesmen Mahmud al-Zahhar, Isma'il Haniyah; discusses ways to enhance national unity, safeguard security in autonomous areas; releases 3 Hamas mbrs. detained after shooting 9/17. (VOP 9/22 in FBIS 9/22; AFP 9/22 in FBIS 9/23)

IDF imposes curfew on village of Biddu nr. Ramallah after riot sparked by death 9/18 of Palestinian by IDF at roadblock. (QY 9/21 in FBIS 9/21)

Arafat approves license of pro-Islamist daily newspaper, Al-Istiqlal to be run by `Ala' al-Saftawi, `Adnan `Abu-Hasnah. (VOP 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Israeli border police arrests 7 Palestinian policemen for being in Jerusalem area without permits. (ITV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Mourners at Ashkelon funeral of Zipporah Sasson chant "death to Arabs!" but cabinet declines to close off o.t., FM Peres saying "there is no need at the moment to renew the closure," closure "neither effective nor required."  Environment M Yossi Sarid warns, "if [PLO Chmn. Arafat] and his people do not bring down the level of terrorism, terrorism will bring them down."  Israeli cabinet discusses closure of o.t. as possible response to Sasson murder, but FM Peres says "it is unfair to punish innocent people." (MM, NYT, WT 2/21)

Police M Moshe Shahal announces plans to deploy Civil Guard units in all major settlements in o.t. as part of IDF redeployment plans.  (MM 2/21)

Associated Press reports Israel preparing to evacuate Palestinian informers and their families to Israel fr. villages of Dahaniya in the Gaza Strip and Fahmi in the West Bank in anticipation of Palestinian autonomy.  Report says 13 of 100 families in Dahaniya and 24 of 105 in Fahmi have received Israeli i.d.s  (WT 2/20)

Jordan arrests 15 FRC ("Abu Nidal") mbrs. in raid on Amman office posing as trading company.  Most had served prison terms in 1970s for terrorist crimes.  Move follows arrests in Lebanon of FRC mbrs. for murder of Jordanian diplomat, Jordanian accusations of Libyan complicity.  (MM, WP 2/23)

King Fahd announces Saudi fund-raising drive for restoration of Islamic holy places in Jerusalem.  (MM 2/24)

Israel-PLO talks on withdrawal held in Norway. Israeli delegation headed by FM Peres, includes Environment M. Yossi Sarid and IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amnon Shahak. PLO side includes Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh, Nabil Shaath, Ahmad Qurai'. (WP, WT 12/19)

Anti-DoP protests in Ramallah lead to IDF-Palestinian clashes in which 4 Palestinians wounded. (WP, WT 12/19)

5,000 Palestinians march in Khan Yunis funeral of Ahmad Abu al-Rish. 1 Palestinian wounded by IDF gunfire in clashes in Gaza City. (WT 11/30)

Fateh hawks cmdr. Taysir Bardini, 26, captured by IDF after gun, grenade battle in Rafah camp, Gaza Strip. Hawks announce "resumption of intensive military action" against Israeli targets. (AFP 11/29 in FBIS 11/30; MM, NYT 11/30)

PLO-Israel talks in Cairo, al-Arish resume. PLO official Nabil Shaath reports progress on release of Palestinian prisoners, but PM Rabin refuses to give details. Environment M. Yossi Sarid says "it's obvious more Palestinian prisoners will be released gradually." (MM 11/29, 11/30; WT 11/30)

Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza ("Yesha") announces formation of "Hashomer" volunteer guard units to defend settlements. Also, "Irgun Yehudi Leumi" (IYAL- Jewish Nationalist Organization) issues leaflets in settlements calling on settlers to refuse mandatory IDF service. (MM 11/30)

Hadashot publisher Amos Schocken tells IDF radio afternoon tabloid will close due to low circulation and falling advertising revenues. (MM 11/29; WT 12/1)

Israeli cabinet mbrs., including Environment Min. Yossi Sarid and Dep. DM Mordechai Gur, call PLO Chmn. Arafat's condemnation of 10/29 killing of Israeli settler Haim Mizrachi inadequate, want evidence PLO can control situation. Police Min. Moshe Shahal says PLO must control Hamas, Islamic Jihad. Sarid says IDF not doing enough to control settlers. FM Peres, Justice Min David Libai ask A.G. Michael Ben-Yair to examine outlawing "Committee for Road Safety," Kach-affiliated sttler vigilante group. Peres says talks with PLO on implementing 9/13 agreement will proceed. (MM, NYT, WT 11/15)

"Black September 13 Brigades" issue statement claiming responsibility for 10/29 killing of settler Haim Mizrachi. (MM 11/15)

Israeli Antiquities Authority archeology teams fan out in Judean Desert, West Bank, in search for ancient Hebrew and Jewish artifacts. Move is protested by Palestinian researchers advising peace delegation as an attempt at last-minute looting of Palestinian cultural heritage. (NYT 11/15)

Spokesman for PM Rabin confirms that Environment Min. Yossi Sarid notified Rabin before meeting with PLO official Nabil Shaath in Cairo in late July. Rabin approved, but did not endorse, meeting, spokesman says. Rabin states he "will not prevent a minister from meeting someone from the PLO, even though I don't think it's positive." Israeli PM does not rule out himself meeting with PLO, but asked if he would meet Chmn. Arafat, says "I hope not." (see 8/5) (MM 8/11, 8/12)

Israel grants visa to PNC mbr. and senior adviser to Palestinian peace delegation Hasan 'Abd al-Rahman, former PLO representative in U.S. and Canada, to visit his home village of Surda in the West Bank for his mother's funeral. (MM 8/11; WT 8/12)

Israeli Environment Min. Yossi Sarid is reported to have met with PLO official Nabil Shaath with PM Rabin's knowledge. Rabin's spokesman denies meeting was on behalf of PM. Shaath refuses to confirm or deny meeting, says Palestinians "cannot accept" 6/30 U.S. paper (MBC Television 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; NYT 8/6)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Jordan's King Hussein in Amman, then again with Palestinian and Israeli representatives in Jerusalem, bringing message from Syrian Pres. al-Asad to Israeli PM Rabin. Christopher states in Amman "there's been absolutely no change in the United States's position" on status of o.t. or Jerusalem (see 7/21). Rabin calls current shuttle diplomacy "a change for the better," says Palestinians "cannot get their act together." Christopher announces he will revisit Syria and assume role of "active intermediary." Palestinian delegation gives Christopher PLO memo on draft "statement of principles," but only after modifying it due to disagreements with Tunis's statements on jurisdiction of self-governing authority and Jerusalem. (JTV 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; Sawt al-Sha'b 8/5 in FBIS 8/5; Qol Yisra'el 8/5 in FBIS 8/6; NYT, WP 8/6)

Hizballah launches rockets into "security zone." IDF and SIA return fire. (WP 8/6)