The Palestine Chronology

A Palestinian gunman dressed in an IDF paratrooper uniform opens fire at the Afula bus station inside Israel, killing 3 Israelis, wounding 7 before being fatally shot by police. In Hebron, the IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian, wounds 3 others; shells residential areas of the PA-controlled section of the city. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia, al-Qarara (where soldiers occupy a residential building as an outpost). In Bethlehem, a mysterious explosion seriously injuries senior Fatah mbr. Rami Kamel. (HA, IGPO 10/4; HP, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

Angered by continued U.S. pressure on Israel to exercise restraint toward the Palestinians while Washington builds its coalition against Bin Laden, Sharon accuses the U.S. of sacrificing Israel to "appease the Arabs" the way Britain sacrificed Czechoslovakia to Hitler in 1938. The Israeli cabinet authorizes the IDF to "take all necessary measures" to defend Israeli citizens. (BBC 10/4; AFP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MA, NYT 10/6; JT, al-Quds 10/7, AKH 10/8 in WNC 10/9; MM 10/8; AN 10/10 in WNC 10/11; MM 10/11; MA 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/12; MM 10/25; ITAR-TASS 10/24 in WNC 10/25)

Czechoslovakia announces plans to open a permanent mission to the PA in Ramallah in the coming mos. (CTK [Prague], Noviny [Prague] 3/10 in WNC 3/13)

The Executive Authority ratifies the Wye agmt. (NYT 10/31; WP 11/1)

Israeli FM Sharon sends letter to UN Secy. Gen. Annan on Wye agmt.; UN stands on Israel, peace process (YA 10/30 in WNC 11/2; Reuters [Internet] 11/2; MM 11/3) (see Doc. C1)

PSF arrests 10s of alleged Hamas mbrs.; searches Shaykh Yasin's home, confiscating papers, weapons fr. his body guards. Netanyahu's office dismisses crackdown as a "show" to save the Wye agmt. (MM 10/30; LAW, NYT, WT 10/31; NYT 11/2; PR 11/6)

PM Netanyahu announces allocation of nearly $1 m. for maintaining security of Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, $60 m. for construction of bypass roads in the West Bank. (PR 11/6; MEI 11/16)

U.S.-sponsored Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty begins propaganda broadcasts to Iraq, Iran fr. Czechoslovakia. (WT 10/31; WP 11/4) (see 7/29)

In a warning to PM Netanyahu, the Knesset passes (60-6, with 1 abstention, 53 coalition mbrs. boycotting) the 1st reading of a bill to dissolve parliament, which if enacted would effectively topple Netanyahu's government. (MM 7/29; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/30; MENA 7/30 in WNC 8/6; MM 7/31)

In Casablanca, the Jerusalem Comm. of the Organization of the Islamic Conference opens 2-day mtg. to address recent Israeli decisions on Jerusalem, esp. 6/21 approval to expand municipal boundaries. On the sidelines, Egyptian FM Musa briefs Syrian FM Shara` on his trip to Paris 6/27-28. (MENA 7/29 in WNC 7/30; MENA 7/29, RE 7/31 in WNC 8/6; al-Wafd 7/31 in WNC 8/10; al-Dustur, RJ 8/1 in WNC 8/7)

In a press interview, Israeli Labor MK Ori Orr makes very derogatory statements against Sephardic Jews, causing uproar, highlighting ethnic tensions among Jews in Israel. (MM 7/30, 7/31)

Speaking before a congressional comm., Asst Secy. of State Indyk says that U.S. will continue efforts to contain Iraq, defines new policy toward Iran as being closer to the EU policy of "open dialogue," effectively ending the U.S. policy of dual containment. (GIU 7/31)

As part of the U.S.'s increasing attempts to destabilize the Iraqi regime, the U.S.-sponsored Radio Free Europe/Liberty announces that it will soon begin broadcasting to Iraq, Iran fr. a secret location in Czechoslovakia. (WP 7/30) (see 7/21)

IDF relaxes restrictions governing procedures under which soldiers in "life-threatening" situations can shoot suspects in o.t. (NYT 2/3)

Unified National Leadership of the Uprising issues leaflet no. 79 which condemns wanton killing of collaborators and stresses national unity. (Voice of Palestine 2/2 in FBIS 2/3)

Czechoslovakia ships another 12 T-72 tanks to Syria, this time aboard a Danish-registered ship. (MM 2/3)

PFLP leader Habash leaves France for Tunis. (NYT 2/2)

Syria protests to Germany over 1/29 seizure of shipment of tanks it purchased from Czechoslovakia. (MM 2/3)

Multilateral talks end in Moscow. Participants establish five working groups to discuss various topics in April and May in several venues. Groups and venues are: economic development, in Belgium; environment, in Japan; arms control and security, in Washington; refugees, in Canada; water resources, in either Turkey or Austria. Palestinian delegates send request to U.S., Russia, to create additional working groups on Jerusalem and human rights. (MM 1/29)

Secy. of State Baker meets with Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi, tells them U.S. and Russia will support expanded Palestinian participation in working groups in which Palestinians have a clear and important interest. (WP 1/30)

India, Israel announce establishment of diplomatic relations. (NYT 1/30)

Amnesty International issues report documenting Israeli torture practices in o.t. to UN Commission of Human Rights in Geneva. (MM 1/30)

Labor, Likud negotiators agree to hold elections 6/23; decision is subject to final approval but appears certain. Decision comes after three parties recently resigned from government, depriving it of a parliamentary majority. (IDF Radio 1/29 in FBIS 1/30)

Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek suggests Jerusalem could be divided into boroughs to accommodate Palestinian desire for increased self-rule. However, Kollek stresses that such a plan would not provide for full autonomy. (MM 1/30)

German navy intercepts German ship transporting 16 Czech-made, Soviet-designed T-72 tanks to Syria near Strait of Gibraltar, forces it to return to Germany, where investigation will be launched to determine whether or not German laws governing shipment of military materiel were violated. Syria and Czechoslovakia finalized deal involving 320 tanks in September 1991; U.S. and Israel later pressured Czechoslovakia to cancel the deal, but it refused. (WP, MM 1/31)

New York judge sentences Egyptian-born al-Sayyid Nusayr to 7 1/2 to 22 years in prison. Nusayr was acquitted 12/21 of murdering Rabbi Meir Kahane in New York, but convicted of several lesser charges. (WP 1/30)

Responding to international criticism about secret gov't. funding of Jewish settlement in Jerusalem, Israeli foreign ministry issues statement: "It is the right of Jews to live everywhere, and to purchase or rent property in all parts of the land of Israel, and especially in Jerusalem" [NYT 4/25].

UN spokesperson says Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar is deeply concerned over presence of Jewish settlers in Christian quarter of Jerusalem, and disturbed over Israeli officials' financial involvement [WP 4/25].

Through an emissary to interim P.M. Shamir, AIPAC exec. dir. Thomas Dine questions timing of Jewish settlement in Christian quarter of Jerusalem, criticizes Israeli gov't.'s secret financing of move (cf. 4/25) [NYT, WT 4/25].

Gov't of Greece has shelved its plans to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel until all settlers are evacuated from Greek Orthodox St. John's Hospice in Jerusalem [JPD 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Peretz Kidron of Yesh Gvul organization says at least 108 IDF reservists have gone to prison for refusing to serve in O.T. [MET 5/8-14].

Group called Islamic Jihad-Jerusalem threatens to kill Americans worldwide unless U.S. Senate repeals 3/22 resolution calling Jerusalem the capital of Israel [NYT 4/25].

U.S. House of Representatives votes 378 to 34 in favor of a nonbinding resolution affirming support for united Jerusalem as capital of Israel. Resolution, identical to one passed by Senate on 3/22, conflicts with official U.S. policy [WP, WT 4/25; FJ 4/30].

Syria's first ambassador to Egypt in 13 years, Isa Darwish, presents his credentials to Pres. Mubarak [MET 5/8-14].

Eight Arab states, including the State of Palestine, have agreed to Arab summit in Baghdad in late May (cf. 5/1) [KUNA 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Officials from PLO and Japan meet within framework of agreement reached last October, PLO to ask for assistance in creating jobs in O.T. [AVP 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Czechoslovakia's Pres. Havel says his country can serve as transit station for emigrating Soviet Jews [JDS 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Amid rumors that Israel will release captives held in S. Lebanon as payoffor release of U.S. hostage, Israeli officials say Israeli prisoners in Lebanon must be released as part of any deal [LAT 4/25].

Jerusalem's Greek Orthodox patriarch Diodorus I is overcome by tear gas as Israeli police disperse group of clergymen protesting Jewish nationals' occupation of church building in Old City's Christian quarter [WP, LAT, WT 4/13; JDS 4/12 in FBIS 4/13]; Jerusalem magistrate court issues evacuation order to settlers in church building [IDF 4/12 in FBIS 4/13].

PLO formally requests membership in World Health Organization. PLO made same request last year, was denied membership after U.S. delegation walked out in protest (cf. 4/23) [WP 4/13].

PLO rep. Hakam Balawi meets with U.S. ambassador Robert Pelletreau to discuss latest developments [TDS 4/13 in FBIS 4/18].

Arafat arrives in Czechoslovakia for state visit [NYT 4/13].

Elie'zer Schach, elderly rabbi with influence over Shas and Torah Flag religious parties, delivers speech disapproving of Israel as secular state; his criticism of Likud and Labor could prolong gov't. crisis [NYT 3/27; WP 3/28].

Israeli gov't. officials express satisfaction with 3/22 U.S. Senate resolution [JDP 3/26 in FBIS 3/26].

Syria and Jordan sign agreement to promote tourism between the 2 nations [MET 4/10-16].

In Tunis, Arab League Council conducts emergency meeting at request of Iraq; strongly condemns 3/22 U.S. Senate resolution [TDS, RDS 3/26 in FBIS 3/27].

Czechoslovakia's airline CSA and El Al agree to provide 2 fights aweek, 1 by each carrier, between the nations beginning this summer [JDP 3/27 in FBIS 3/ 27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli peace campaigner Abie Nathan, sentenced to 6 months in prison for meeting with Yasir Arafat, is released 2 months early for good behavior. He vows to continue the activities for which he was jailed [NYT, FBIS 2/12; MET 2/20].

Israel and Czechoslovakia renew diplomatic ties that were severed in 1967 [LAT 2/10; MET 2/20].

Arab World: The New York Times reports that a rift has developed between Egypt and the PLO over the 2/4 bus attack in Egypt. Egypt finds PLO's qualified condemnation of the attack as hampering the peace process, while PLO is seen as reluctant to give Egypt too great a role in the process [NYT 2/10].

Other Countries: 73 U.S. Senators have signed a letter to Pres. Bush urging against cutting aid to Israel and Egypt. The letter was drafted by Senators Levin and Wilson [LAT 2/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike called for by UNLU is observed in O.T. [FBIS 2/9; FJ 2/12].

20-year-old Qabatya resident is shot dead by Israeli soldiers after attacking soldiers with knife [FBIS, FJ 2/12].

At least 7 Palestinians are wounded throughout O.T. [FJ 2/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Poll of Israeli Jews suggests that 65% favor elections in O.T.; 58% feel that intifadah has not affected their lifestyles; D.M. Rabin is most popular minister [FBIS 4/19]. Al HaMishmar reports that Israel has spent NIS 100 million to operate detention facilitiesince intifadah began [FBIS 4/19].

Other Countries: In Czechoslovakia, MKs Me'ir Wilner, Tawfiq Zayyad of Democratic Front for Peace and Equality meet with Arafat [FBIS 4/21, 4/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nusayrat camp 5 Palestinians are injured as troops open fire on demonstrators. At least 17 Palestinians are injured throughout O.T. [FJ 4/24].

Arab World: IDF orders that all Palestinians killed during clashes in S. Lebanon be buried in Israel so that their bodies can be used to trade for Israeli bodies [FBIS 4/19]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Order closing 5- month-old al-Darb newspaper takes effect. Attomey for the paper's publisher is able to schedule High Court hearing for case for 10/6 [FJ 10/4].

Arab World: King Hussein meets with key U.S. congressmen to discuss proposed U.S. arms sale to Jordan [WP 10/2].

Other Countries: Pentagon officials meet Israeli diplomats, ask for list of U.S. weapons used in Tunis air raid [DT 10/4]. EEC countries empower their president to meet a joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation, following Britain's decision to invite the delegation, including 2 prominent PLO members, to London for talks [JP 10/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Israel bombs PLO headquarters in Tunis, claiming retaliation for Lamaca killings and W. Bank violence; 61 Palestinians and 12 Tunisians killed, over 100 injured. 8 U.S.-made F-15s and 8 F- 16s used in the attack, raising speculation Israel may have violated U.S. Arms Export Control Act. White House spokesman Larry Speakes describes attack as a "legitimate response" to "terrorist atacks" [NYT, JP 10/2]. Jordan and Egypt condemn raid, vow to continue peace process. Egypt suspends Taba discussions in protest [NYT 10/2]. Saudi Arabia calls for UN sanctions against Israel. England, Greece, Czechoslovakia, China, Rumania, France, Kuwait, UAE, Turkey, Jewish leaders condemn raid [NYT 10/2; MG, LT 10/3]. Washington claims no advance knowledge of the attack [NYT 10/2]. Three SLA soldiers killed by unidentified gunmen in the security zone [JP 10/2].

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Imam of Katibeh Mosque in Gaza given 18 mos. prison term for "incitement" after denouncing murder of Hebron U. students last July. Gaza artist, Fathi Ghabin's detention extended for producing "inciting" posters. Raphael Eitan and Chaim Herzog lead public castigation of 6 Israeli POWs returned by PLO in November prisoner exchange and 2 others still captive for cowardly surrender. Gush Emunim settlers camp at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus declaring to create permanent Jewish presence there; Peace Now warns of demonstration next day, supports DM Zipori's position that encampment is illegal. Teachers in 10 Israeli gov't. schools in Ramallah and al-Bireh strike over low wages. Life sentences given 2 Palestinians charged with killing Ramallah Village League head (1981), and an attack on IDF officer imposed as "(mayor" of al-Bireh; 2 others sentenced to 12-14 years for attacking Israeli settler in Hebron.

Arab World: Arafat accepts outline of Saudi-organized ceasefire in Tripoli. After letter from Pres. Reagan reiterating US position, King Hussein says he is prepared to resume talks with Arafat on joint Palestinian-Jordanian approach to negotiations with Israel; in light of current struggle in Tripoli, Hussein promises to put "no conditions on him. " Rebel spokesman asserts Tripoli fighting results from Arafat's refusal to heed Coordination Committee proposals. Tyre municipality opens special employment office for men released from Ansar prison; appeals to UNRWA to provide jobs.

Other Countries: Meeting in Washington, Pres. Gemayel and Reagan agree to stand by May 17 Lebanese-Israeli agreement. US Sec. of Defense Weinberger tells Jewish leaders of Synagogue Council of America that Arafat is "irrelevant" to future of Middle East. Chile's FM ends visit to Israel; agreement reached to expand mutual trade and agricultural cooperation. Abu Ja'far, Dir. of PLO Political Dep't holds talks with Soviet charge d'affaires in Tunis; also received GDR, DPRK, Rumanian, Polish and Czech ambassadors on occasion of Int'l. Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People. Major oil co.s shipping under Liberian flag pressure Liberian gov't. to cancel plans for embassy in Jerusalem; ambassador reported looking for alternative location in Tel Aviv.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Palestinian casualties in Lebanon mountain artillery exchanges: 2 PFLP fighters, 1from Struggle Front, 2 from Liberation Army and 1 from al-Saiqa killed; 2 from Struggle Front wounded. Israel-backed militia chief in S. Lebanon, Abu Saleh, quits to renew loyalty to Amal militia. 1983 to date, 71 Druze quit Israeli military for religious reasons (compares with 19 in 1982).