The Palestine Chronology

Secy. of State Baker criticizes 11/4 opening of Israeli settlement in Golan, calling it "provocative." (NYT 11/6)

Chmn. Arafat arrives in Amman for discussions with King Hussein in advance of return of Palestinian, Jordanian delegates from Madrid. The two cochair a committee overseeing activities of the joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation to the peace talks. (MEM 11/6)

Five Palestinians are injured when violent confrontations break out between Palestinians, Israeli security forces in Jenin following assassination of Fateh activist Mahdi Abu al-Hasan by Israeli undercover agents. Abu al-Hasan, whom security forces had been seeking for some time, was reportedly ambushed in his car without warning. (MEM 11/6)

First direct Moscow-Tel Aviv flight transporting Jewish immigrants carried out by Aeroflot arrives with 125 Soviet Jews. Flight was operated by Transair, an Aeroflot subsidiary. (Qol Yisra'el 11/5 in FBIS 11/6)

Israel, South Lebanon Army shell targets outside of Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon for tenth consecutive day. Gen. Antoine Lahad, commander of the South Lebanon Army, states Israeli-Lebanese peace talks will not lead to dismantling of SLA or of the "security zone." (MEM 11/6)

Israeli DM Arens makes secret trip to China. (ITV 11/8 in FBIS 11/17)

Iraq formally accepts U.N. Sec. Council cease-fire resolution; "While declaring that this resolution is unjust, [we] have found there was no other choice than to accept it in order to defeat the American-Zionist plot," says National Assembly speaker Saadi Mehdi Saleh [NYT, WP 4/7; BADS 4/7 in FBIS 4/8; INA 4/8 in FBIS 4/9; CSM 4/8; MET 4/16].

PLO leadership in Tunis endorses proposed meeting between Sec. Baker and o.t. Palestinians during Baker's upcoming visit to Israel [ADS 4/7 in FBIS 4/8].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Algeria, meets with Pres. Bendjedid to discuss postwar Gulf situation [AGS, APS 4/6 in FBIS 4/8].

Rep. Les Aspin, chrmn. of House Armed Services Committee, meets in Damascus with Pres. Asad. Aspin earlier met with King Hussein and Israeli D.M. Arens [DDS 4/6 in FBIS 4/9].

Israeli troops shoot dead 2 Palestinians in overnight clashes in West Bank [FJ 4/15; MET 4/16].

SCUD missile fired at Israel lands in uninhabited area, 2d missile hits residential area, light injuries are reported; missile launched at Riyadh is intercepted by Patriot missile [SPA, IDF 2/11, IDF 2/12 in FBIS 2/12; LAT, NYT, WP, WT, MEM 2/12].

As part of previously announced aid package, Germany delivers to Israel check for $3.3 million to help repair missile damage to Tel Aviv [LAT, MEM 2/12].

Environmental experts say oil slick in Gulf will severely damage Gulf states' fishing industry [LAT 2/12].

Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens meets with Pres. Bush, other U.S. officials in Washington; Arens describes "casualties and damage that have affected the Israeli civilian population" [IDF 2/11 in FBIS 2/12; LAT, NYT, WP, WT 2/12].

Iraqi cabinet min. Abdullah Fadel says "thousands" of Iraqi civilians have been killed in allied bombing raids, and adds that several mosques and churches have been destroyed; U.S. calls statement "propaganda" [NYT 2/12].

Pentagon offers cumulative U.S. combat losses: 12 killed in action, 12 wounded, 28 missing, and 8 POWs, with 18 aircraft lost in combat. More defections push number of Iraqi POWs past 1,000 [NYT, WP 2/12].

P.M. Major meets in Bonn with Chancellor Kohl to discuss Gulf war; King Hussein meets in Amman with Chrmn. Arafat [ADS 2/11 in FBIS 2/12; NYT 2/12].

Knesset rejects 3 motions of no-confidence submitted because of continuing curfew in o.t. [IDF 2/11 in FBIS 2/12].

U.S. and Iraq again fail to agree on dates to send respective F.M.s to Washington and Baghdad [NYT, LAT 12/13].

Pres. Chadli Benjedid of Algeria meets with Saddam Hussein in Baghdad after stopover in Amman for talks with King Hussein [INA 12/12 in FBIS 12/13; NYT, CSM 12/13; MET 12/25].

Maj. Gen. Saadi Tuma Abbas, battle-hardened hero of Iran-Iraq war, is appointed new Iraqi D.M., replacing Gen. Shanshal who leaves at age 70 [BADS 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 12/13; MET 12/25].

P.M. Shamir meets in Washington with Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze to discuss Israeli-Soviet relations; Shamir says Shevardnadze promises not to bring up international peace conference as precondition for renewing ties [IDF 12/12, JDS 12/13 in FBIS 12/13; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 12/13].

D.M. Moshe Arens says Jewish settlements in o.t. "are growing and blossoming" and their population has increased to 100,000 despite intifada [WT 12/13].

Israeli Interior Minister Ayre Deri bars Palestinian nationalist Sari Nusseibah from leaving Israel for 3 months [JTS 12/12 in FBIS 12/18; MEM 12/14; MET 12/25].

At meeting on solidarity with intifada, Yasir Arafat says Gulf crisis has cost Palestinians more than $10 billion, and that $1.4 billion annual contributions from Palestinians in Gulf to Palestinians in o.t. have ceased [AVP 12/13 in FBIS 12/14; MAP 12/13 in FBIS 12/17].

Iraqi gov't. orders 250,000 additional troops and reservists to Kuwait and decries U.S. criticism of its plan to release foreign hostages. Troops will join estimated 430,000 already stationed in Kuwait (cf. 11/20) [BADS 11/19 in FBIS 11/19; LAT, NYT, WT, WP 11/20; CSM 11/21; MET 11/27].

Pres. Bush meets Pres. Gorbachev in Paris; Bush fails to win Soviet approval for UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force in Gulf. Meeting between Bush and Jordan's King Hussein is indefinitely postponed, reportedly because of King's 11/17 speech and differences on Gulf crisis [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 11/20; CSM 11/21].

Arab countries at UN say they will end efforts made since 1982 to expel Israel from UN, but in return want Gen. Assembly to declare that Israel does not represent territories occupied after 1967 war [WP 11/20; NYT 11/21].

Housing Min. Ariel Sharon says special effort is being made to build housing in E. Jerusalem, indicating that of 17,000 new units planned, 15,000 will be built over green line (cf. 11/21) LIDS 11/20 in FBIS 11/20].

More than 100 W. Bank Palestinians are issued green ID cards, barring them from working is Israel; D.M. Moshe Arens has agreed to issue 2,400 new green IDs, bringing number of barred Palestinians to 10,000 [JPD 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; MEM 11/20; FJ 11/26].

U.S. officials say P.M. Shamir's 11/18 "sea to river" remark will hurt chances for Arab-Israeli peace, ask for clarification; comment also draws criticism from Israeli Labor party officials [WT, WP, MEM 11/20; JPI 12/1].

Morocco's King Hassan suggests that obstacles to proposed Arab summit on Gulf crisis might be removed by first convening smaller gathering of key Arab heads of state [MEM 11/20].

Facing rising congressional opposition, White House backs off from plan to sell Saudi Arabia over $20 billion in military hardware; legislative support appears possible for fraction of total sale (cf. 9/20) [WP 9/20].

Bush admin. promises to deliver additional F-15 fighters and Patriot missiles to Israel, but defers action on Israel's request for more than $1 billion in new military aid [WP 9/20]; Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens raises questions about whether U.S. is honoring its commitment to maintain Israel's military advantage in Middle East [NYT 9/20].

Bush admin. officials say they are satisfied with Soviet cooperation in isolating Iraq; note with enthusiasm Soviet overtures toward Israel, Saudi Arabia [NYT 9/20].

In move reflecting impatience with stance of newly-unified Yemen, Saudi Arabia abolishes "exemptions" governing residence requests for expatriates, a move affecting 2.2 million Yemenis in Saudi Arabia hitherto exempted form many tight restrictions affecting other foreign workers [MEM 9/20; MET 10/2].

Jordanian gov't makes strong public plea for international financial aid, warning that unless it is compensated for enforcing embargo against Iraq, its economy may collapse [NYT 9/20].

Argentina becomes 1st Latin American nation to join U.S.-led multinational force in Middle East, sending 2 warships [NYT, CSM 9/20; WP 9/23].

Iraq announces it has impounded assets of nations that had frozen Iraqi money and property abroad and is withholding payments on its debts; Revolutionary Command Council decrees says order applies to gov'ts, companies, banks, and institutions [MEM 9/19; LAT, WP, CSM 9/20].

Searching for "Arab solution" to Gulf crisis, King Hussein, King Hassan, and Pres. Benjedid meet in Rabat [NYT 9/21].

Hamas and Fateh issue joint communique calling for end to conflict between the 2 groups and for future coordination in activities [FT 9/24; QUD 9/22 in FBIS 9/24; MET 10/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Tel Aviv newspaper Davar reports Moshe Arens recently held meetings with prominent Palestinian leaders from the O.T. [FBIS 8/22].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Arafat arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein and senior Jordanian officials [FBIS 8/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 15-year-old Palestinian is killed, 12 are wounded in clash with IDF forces in Jabaliyyah camp. Commercial strike held in Ramallah [FBIS 8/ 21]. 3 Palestinians are wounded by gunfire while collecting magnetic ID cards in Jabaliyyah camp [FBIS 8/23]. In Jerusalem, Israeli soldier is stabbed by Palestinian youth, who is later arrested; the soldier was slightly injured [MET 8/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army announces arrest of 3 West Bankers in alleged kidnap-slaying of two Afula teachers. The three, aged 17-19, are arrested at their homes in the village of Arabbuna, near Jenin. Homes of their families are demolished. Arabbuna is placed under curfew [WP 7/29]. Kach movement members along with Temple Mount Faithful group attempt to enter al-Aqsa Mosque compound to pray. Police refuse to allow Kach members in, allow Temple Mount Faithful in on condition they not pray. One man prays near the Dome of the Rock and is forcibly expelled [FJ 8/2]. Israeli newspaper Ha'Aretz finds 70 percent of Israelis favor death penalty for those convicted of politically motivated killings. Minister without Portfolio Moshe Arens, Foreign Minister Shamir, and Deputy Prime Minister David Levy also favor death penalty for such killings [LAT 7/29]. Two Afula teachers are buried; 1,000 extra police and border guards are mobilized to keep the peace. Three police are injured by angry protesters at the funeral [LAT 7/29].

Arab World: Walid Jumblatt and Nabih Birri announce new pact of cooperation called the "National Front," ending 3- month feud; vow to support each other if fighting erupts with pro-Arafat Palestinian factions [CT, MG 7/29]. Artillery and sniper fire break out between East and West Beirut. Car bomb explodes in Shi'ite suburb of Beirut, injuring three [MG 7/29]. King Hussein is first Arab leader to confirm attendence at the upcoming Arab summit meeting in Casablanca [CT 7/29]. A high-level Palestinian delegation led by Faruq al-Qaddumis reported to have arrived in Tripoli, Libya [JP 7/29].

Other Countries: Manila newspaper Bulletin Today reports Israelis are giving military training to young Filipinos on Palawan Island [JP 7/29].

Military Action

Arab World: Two SLA soldiers are killed and 8 taken prisoner in dawn attack by Amal in security zone [LT 7/29].

Military Action:

6 separate attacks against IDF include tank damaged by mine near Kafr Shima, explosion on road south of Damour near IDF patrol, APC hit by explosion at Kabar Shamoun, small arms fire at IDF trucks in Beirut, bomb near troop buses, small arms fire at IDF patrols near Zaharani river.

Casualties:

IDF reports 1 soldier killed, 3 injured in attacks, Lebanese National Resistance Front says 20 IDF killed or wounded.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel makes no official response to Hussein's decision regarding negotiations, reportedly considers Reagan plan dead; new WZO settlement department plan calls for 57 new settlements in next 4 years, bringing total to 165, with Jewish population of West Bank 100,000 by 1986 and Jewish-Arab population parity at 1.3 million in 30 years; spokesman for Israeli Embassy in US says West Bank land is being sold in the US not by government but by private group associated with Kedumim settlement; 10,000 dunums from Surif village near Hebron declared state land under military order 59; High Court legalizes 1976 imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) in occupied territories; Cabinet nominates Meir Rosenne, ambassador to France, to replace Arens as ambassador to US.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO officials deny Jordanian statement that Hussein and Arafat had reached agreement on a course of political action; Issam Sartawi assassinated at Socialist International congress in Portugal, Abu Nidal group claims responsibility.

Arab Governments: Jordan says Hussein and Arafat had reached agreement in principle and detail, PLO now proposes different course, so Jordan will not enter peace talks on basis of Reagan plan, will not act separately or in lieu of any party, and will leave it to PLO and Palestinian people to choose the ways and means for the salvation of themselves and their land.

US and Other Countries: Reagan says radical elements in PLO introduced changes in peace proposals that are an impediment, and are unacceptable to King Fahd, King Hussein and to US; Reagan telephones Kings Fahd, Hussein, and Hassan II of Morocco.

Military Action:

Syrians and Israelis exchange tank and mortar fire east of Beirut for first time in 4 months; gun battles in Tripoli between rival militias; Beirut offices of Arab Deterrent Force closed, premises handed over to Lebanese Army.

Casualties:

Lebanese doctor shot and killed at roadblock by Fiji UNIFIL soldier in South Lebanon; 3 killed, including Syrian soldier, 6 wounded in Tripoli.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Land Day demonstrations in Israel, West Bank, Gaza, 3,000 extra police on duty; 10-20,000 make Land Day march from Sakhnin to Deir Hanna; tear gas fired at demonstrators in Sakhnin; Peace Now demonstrates outside government exhibition in Tel Aviv of residential construction and housing finance opportunities for Jews on the West Bank; Labor Party chairman Peres says position of Haddad forces must not be infringed by troop withdrawal agreement, Israel should not submit to any preconditions, such as settlement freeze, prior to peace talks with Hussein; Habib meets Arens and Shamir who reject notion that Lebanese Army, without Haddad, can provide effective security on northern border; 7 year-old boy killed, 2 children wounded in Shefar Am when hand grenade they find explodes; commercial strike in East Jerusalem; IDF shoots, kills 18 year-old in Tarqumiya, near Hebron, during demonstration; curfews imposed in Nablus, 4 refugee camps; 2 molotov cocktails thrown at IDF vehicles in West Bank; 2 molotov cocktails thrown at IDF vehicles in West Bank; 2 grenades thrown at IDF vehicles in Gaza; 13 persons injured by stones; Al-Fajr editor-in-chief arrested; director of West Bank public health services says clinical symptoms of 53 girls from Arraba, taken ill on March 21, point to something more than a case of mass hysteria.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, in Damascus, tells rally he rejects Reagan plan, and Fez summit resolutions are only basis for solution to Palestine problem.

US and Other Countries: Soviet Union accuses Israel of planning a piratic strike against Syria, warns it would be playing with fire.

Military Action:

Grenades, mortars, rockets fired in Tripoli fighting between Lebanese Communist Party rnilitia and Soldiers of God militia; land mine explodes near Khiyam; Italian MNF patrol attacked with RPGs near airport; remote-controlled bomb explodes near IDF vehicle outside refugee camp near Tyre, area closed and searched; IDF surrounds town of Barja, arrests 3 Lebanese suspected of involvement in ambushes.

Casualties:

2 killed, 7 wounded in Tripoli fighting, schools and shops closed in old quarter of city; 9 Italian MNF wounded in 2 Beirut attacks, 2 vehicles destroyed; Lebanese Army informs residents of Burj al-Barajneh camp in Beirut that government prohibits repairs of bombed-out roofs, arrests 15 on charges of abusive construction, threatens to arrest additional 34 tomorrow.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Defense Minister Arens orders drastic cuts in ministry's National Security Unit, expanded by Sharon to proportions of alternative general staff; Arens tells Knesset Foreign Affairs committee there is no need to freeze West Bank settlements to entice King Hussein to enter peace negotiations; Cabinet selects Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Moshe Levy to replace IDF Chief of Staff Eitan; Central Bureau of Statistics says inflation rate is 130% a year; 3 suspects in attempt to take over Temple Mount released on bail; Nazareth municipal employee sentenced to 3 months in jail for participating in illegal Land Day demonstration in 1982; two new Chief Rabbis elected for 10-year terms, say that West Bank and South Lebanon are part of Israel; Bedouins call off hunger strike after Agriculture Ministry official agrees to meet them; curfews remain in force in Halhoul, Dheisheh, Aida, Jalazon and Ein Beit Alma, new curfew imposed on Balata camp; IDF seizes house opposite al-Amari camp for lookout post; 5 Village League members armed with automatic rifles enter village of Nuba, threaten to destroy it unless alleged demonstrators are turned in, IDF later arrests 3 residents,on charges of calling Hebron Village League head a traitor.

Arab Governments: Syrian officials say troops will not be withdrawn from Lebanon if any Israeli-Lebanese agreement provides for Israeli troops in Lebanon and formal trade, tourist, or diplomatic ties; Egyptian and Israeli officials hold second round of talks in Cairo on reviving trade relations.

US and Other Countries: State Department announces progress after third day of talks between Shultz and Shamir, emphasizes proposals for increased US responsibility for security, including training and equipping elite Lebanese force to patrol border, expansion in size and responsibility of MNF, and creation of a joint Lebanese- Israeli-US military commission to oversee security zone in South Lebanon; US officials say incentives to Israel such as high aid levels and release of F-16s are likely to accompany agreement to troop withdrawal accord; in statement read to conference on Soviet Jewry, Reagan says plight of Soviet Jews who are denied right to emigrate will remain in forefront of US foreign policy and human rights concerns.

Military Action:

Car bomb explodes near pro-Israel Voice of Hope television station studio on Lebanese side of border near Metulla.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Municipal park in Jerusalem dedicated to memory of Emil Grunzweig, Peace Now demonstrator killed by grenade on February 10; guarded by 850 police, 1000 supporters of Committee Against the War in Lebanon march in Jerusalem for freedom of expression and against political violence; Foreign Minister Shamir says Israel will do utmost to strengthen ties with African regimes, is grateful to Zaire for being first Black African nation to resume diplomatic ties with Israel; Likud MK Y. Hurwitz says Israel has no choice but to sell arms to any country willing to buy them; 9 yeshiva students arrested after windows of Arab-owned stores smashed in Jerusalem's Old City, 5 charged; police fire shots and teargas, arrest 94, during protests against Carter visit in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm, Yatta, Halhoul, BeitJala, Ramallah, Jenin and Nablus; 3 women soldiers, 1 settler injured by stones in Hebron during protests against Defense Minister Arens visit; bombs discovered in two Hebron schools; Halhoul girls' high school closed until April; Jewish settlers fire on stone-throwing youths at Dheisheh camp and in Bethlehem.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat has talks with King Hussein at New Delhi Non-Aligned summit.

Arab Governments: Mubarak says he is in no hurry to resume diplomatic relations with Arab states that cut ties after 1979 peace treaty with Israel; Information Minister Iskander says Syria has no objection to withdrawing its troops from Lebanon if Israel does so at same time and if Lebanese authority and sovereignty over all Lebanon are established.

Casualties:

54 Palestinian middle class families from northeast Sidon, 15 families from central Sidon, 73 families of orchard workers in Adloun, 8 families from village of Kaddousieh have fled to Ain el-Hilweh camp in past week in response to Phalangist campaign of intimidation.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon files IS 10m ($270,000) libel suit in Jerusalem against Time Inc. for magazine's February 21 allegation that he had urged Gemayel family to take revenge for murder of Bashir; Israeli forces fire tear gas at Nablus crowds protesting shooting of 4 year old girl in Hebron, one secondary school closed for a month, and curfew imposed; police find and release 14 year old brother of wounded girl after he is detained by Kiryat Arba resident for alleged stone throwing; police arrest three Kiryat Arba settlers on suspicion they fired shots at Arab vehicle; bomb explodes near bus carrying Arabs in Hebron; Kiryat Arba residents stone passing Arab vehicles after their bus is hit by stone near Dheisheh camp; Kiryat Arba local councillor says in TV interview that the shooting attack in Hebron was child's play and vows that more severe action will be taken; two settlers injured by stones thrown at bus traveling to settlements of Ofra and Bet-El; special police squad formed to investigate settler harassment of Palestinians, after Hebron's Acting Mayor Natshe sends telegram to Defense Minister Arens demanding and end to the attacks; ousted chairman of Hebron Village League charges that Israeli Civil Administration provided his replacement with bank account and IS 1 m to buy support in the Hebron area.

Arab Governments: Foreign Minister Khaddam says Syria will repulse any Israeli pre-emptive strike against SA-5 missiles, King Hussein will face internal difficulties if he tries to cooperate with the Reagan plan, Syrian troops won't leave Lebanon if Israel achieves even one of its present conditions for withdrawal.

US and Other Countries: Prior to his departure from Washington, Israeli Defense Minister Arens and Defense Secretary Weinberger reportedly agreed in principle to work out arrangement to share Israeli battlefield intelligence from Lebanon war; Weinberger rejects charge he is pro-Arab, Arens telephones Weinberger to deny reports he described Weinberger as being pro-Arab; Asst. Secretary of State Veliotes confirms House Foreign Affairs sub-committee formulation that Israel is currently undertaking de facto annexation process by its settlements on West Bank; Weinberger cails presence of SA-5 missiles (with 150 mile striking range) under command of Soviet personnel in Syria very serious and shows Syria is just another outpost of the Soviet empire; Shultz says US has warned Soviet Union that its military activity in Syria is dangerous to peace; New York Mayor Koch, on one week visit to Israel, meets Begin, says Israel's position on Lebanon makes eminent sense.

Military Action:

Syria permits US helicopters to enter Syrian-held territory to aid in rescue of blizzard victims, with deaths now numbering 47.

Political Response:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin tells visiting American Jews no Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon without adequate security arrangements, no halt to settlements, no deviation from Camp David, no independent Palestinian state; Foreign Minister Shamir says Reagan offer to guarantee security of northern border cannot replace a direct agreement between Israel and Lebanon, calls PNC meeting a deception and a fraud, repeats Israel's willingness to conduct negotiations with King Hussein only in framework of Camp David agreement, not in order to return Jerusalem to the PLO; one man remanded in custody by Jerusalem court in connectin with threats to life of Peace Now demonstrator; 500 Jews assemble near Dahariya village on West Bank to mourn death of woman hit by stones thrown at car, Rabbi Levinger of Kiryat Arba says there comes a moment for vengeance and the moment is now; Defense Minister Arens says Israel might resort to pre-emptive strike against Soviet SA-5 missiles based in Syria if build up continues and Israelis conclude they are faced with a mortal threat.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PNC re-elects Arafat as Chairman of PLO Executive Committee, approves Political Committee recommendations, modifying one on Reagan plan to state that PNC refuses to consider it as sound basis for a just and lasting soution to the Palestine problem, authorizes Executive Committee to pursue contacts with Jewish progressive and democratic forces; Abu Iyad tells press conference that PLO would step aside and let West Bank mayors negotiate with US or Israel if Reagan recognized Palestinian right to self-determination and creation of a state; 17th session of Lebanese-Israeli-US talks takes place at Netanya.

Arab Governments: Syria says it will withdraw all its 30,000 troops from Lebanon after all 30,000 Israeli troops have left.

US and Other Countries: Reagan says King Hussein should be supported in efforts to set up a joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation to negotiate future of West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem, and that US is prepared to take all necessary measures to guarantee the security of Israel's northern borders in the aftermath of the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army; Weinberger tells House Foreign Affairs Committee agreement near on transfer of Israeli military and intelligence data from Lebanon war to US, says delay in shipment of 75 F-16s to Israel due to examination of whether Israel had used US supplied weapons strictly in self-defense, says Israel does not need to develop the Lavi jet except to promote exports.

Military Action:

Syria reported to have East German and Cuban military advisers assisting with newly acquired Soviet equipment and upgrading military command and control structure; Haddad declares he has taken control of 25-mile zone of South Lebanon, establishes garrison post in Sidon, says purpose is to help legitimate authorities to restore sovereignty throughout the country; 150 French soldiers added to French MNF contingent, now numbers 2,200; Lebanese Cabinet decree places police at disposal of military commander, gives army right to arrest and try people threatening national security; IDF says it will increase patrols in Sidon in response to requests from Wazzan.

Casualties:

45 thefts of autos from Palestinians in South Lebanon reported by police.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin tells visiting members of European Parliament that their support for Reagan plan is destructive; Begin announces appointment of Moshe Arens to replace Sharon as Defense Minister; Parliament votes 61 to 56, with 1 abstention, to approve Sharon remaining in Cabinet without portfolio; Sharon receives ceremonial farewell with full military honors at Tel Aviv Defense Ministry; Israel reportedly plans to increase air force strength from 19 to 24 combat squadrons, deploying 600 high performance aircraft, by mid-1990s; Kalandia refugee camp and its UNRWA school, al-Amari camp, and the old Nablus market are placed under curfews; bus window smashed near Dheisheh camp, windows of Israeli cars broken in Ramallah; tires burned near Ramallah; one IDF soldier, one civil administrator injured by stones in Ramallah; Bethlehem Mayor Freij says Palestinians have only two months to prevent Israeli takeover of West Bank and Gaza from becoming an established fact.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: 16th session of Palestine National Council opens in Algiers, 360 members from 90 countries present, 180 from West Bank and Gaza absent; PLO Executive Committee reportedly will make following recommendations: Reagan plan is insufficient but not rejected, closer ties with progressive and democratic elements in Egypt, special link with King Hussein, confederation between independent Palestinian state and Jordan, PLO members to participate with Jordanians in any negotiations, endorsement of Arab League resolution at Fez, PNC to decide on question of contacts between PLO leaders and Israelis; Lebanese-Israeli-US negotiators at Khalde end 15th round of talks, announce they are putting into writing points of agreement reached so far.

US and Other Countries: Austrian Chancellor Kreisky says Reagan plan represents a change of attitude but as for solving the concrete questions, he is doubtful; US aerospace companies such as Northrop oppose use of Foreign Military Sales credits by Israel for development of the Lavie fighter, expected to compete in export market with such aircraft as General Dynamics F-16 and Northrop F-20; Defense Secretary Weinberger has talks with outgoing Israeli Ambassador Arens; Habib travels to Israel from Beirut; State Dept. expresses concern over murders of Palestinians in Sidon area.

Casualties:

Incidents of harrassment of Palestinian refugees growing (2 pregnant Palestinian women thrown out of Sidon hospital despite bills being guaranteed by UN); 40 Lebanese landowners petition Government to break long-standing property leases, which could lead to 7,000 homeless; Israeli and Palestinian doctors warn of dangers of typhoid and pneumonia in camps; Israel announces plans to distribute cement to Palestinian refugees this week but delays distributing heating stoves until colder weather; Eli Tzur says UNRWA turned down Israeli offer of 200 prefabs for educational, health centers in camps.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Mapam leader Shemtov says only PLO recognition of Israel can facilitate negotiations; Bethlehem Mayor Freij returns from 6-day trip to Jordan and meeting with King Hussein, confirms indirect talks between Israeli Labor Party and King Hussein, says he is optimistic about political outlook for West Bank; senior IDF General Uri Simhoni visits US in first official visit since invasion as Pentagon rift eases; Ambassador Moshe Arens meets Shultz, questions US policy of opposing settlements; Peres calls on Israeli government to negotiate with Hussein, otherwise it will be forced later to negotiate with PLO, says he met with 12 West Bank personalities who passed on his views to Hussein; senior IDF officer says Lebanese growing cooler to IDF presence; Communications Minister Zippori calls for extended compulsory military service for Israel's Arabs.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Wazzan says talks between Israel and Lebanon to begin next week in framework of military commission set up last summer.

Arab Governments: Butros Ghali says Egypt rejected Israeli offer to split disputed Taba land made during early negotiations; Egyptian Foreign Minister Hassan Ali meets high-level PLO delegation for talks in Paris.

US and Other Countries: Pentagon says small delegation of defense officials will travel to Israel to study lessons learned by IDF use of US equipment during invasion; in Administration's new high-level effort to bring about withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon, Habib will be sent back to region and Palestinian autonomy talks will be given less priority; following visit to Beirut with 3 other Congressmen, Congressman John Murtha (D-PA) calls for quick return of US Marine contingent from Lebanon.

UN: Morocco calls for urgent meeting of Security Council to discuss Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.