The Palestine Chronology

After 19 days of recounting votes, Florida certifies Texas gov. George W. Bush as winner of the 11/7 presidential elections in the state, giving him the electoral college votes to become president. Lawyers for Democratic rival, VP Al Gore, plan to challenge the Florida certification, which will drag out the process for at least a wk. (NYT, WP, WT 11/27; MEI 12/22)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Nr. Qalqilya, IDF snipers fatally shoot 4 Palestinians (each hit 4-11 times). A 5th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF shells residential areas in Khan Yunis, damaging 1 home. The IDF also bulldozes 10s of dunams of Palestinian land nr. Dugit settlement, Kefar Darom settlement, Kissufim crossing (destroying 1 home, damaging another), Netzarim Junction, Rafah crossing (destroying 4 storerooms, 6 irrigation systems, 1 well serving 50 families). (LAW 11/26; LAW, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 11/27; PCHR 12/18)

In Cairo, PA, Israeli security officials hold mtgs. on halting the clashes. (YA 11/27)

Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb nr. an IDF convoy in the Shaba` Farms area of the Golan Heights, killing 1 soldier, injuring 2. Israel responds with airstrikes, artillery and machine gun fire on Hizballah targets in s. Lebanon, wounding 1 Lebanese civilian. (IDF Radio [Internet] 11/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT, YA 11/27; MM 11/28; MEI 12/8; WP 1/30)

Democratic Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton wins U.S. presidential election with 370 electoral votes over Pres. Bush's 168. (NYT, WP 10/4)

In interview published simultaneously by al-Sharq al-Awsat and the French journal Politique Internationale, U.S. President-elect Bill Clinton is quoted as saying he will end the "pro-Arab bias" that characterized Pres. Bush's Middle East policy. He said he would support Palestinian self-determination in the context of the Camp David Accords, which he would revive with the help of an immediately appointed special envoy, possibly former Pres. Jimmy Carter. (MM 11/3)

AIPAC Pres. David Steiner resigns as a result of disclosure of 10/22 taped phone conversation with New York businessman Harry Katz. (WT 11/4; WP 11/5)