The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented activists from visiting Ein al-Rashash, declaring the village a closed military zone. Israeli forces also seized 1 tractor in Kafr ad-Dik. In Gaza, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near the Gaza fence, injuring 2 with live ammunition near the Karni crossing. Israeli forces also conducted air strikes east of Gaza City causing damage, citing fires started by incendiary balloons. (AP, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA 9/23; PCHR 9/27)

In Lebanon, Israeli forces fired smoke grenades at Lebanese forces using a bulldozer to remove an earthen berm erected by Israeli forces at the Blue Line near Kfar Chouba in the Bastra area. The Lebanese forces responded by firing tear gas at the Israel forces. (AJ, AP, REU 9/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians at a market in Hebron City, injuring 1 and causing damage to a ceramic store; Israeli forces dispersed Palestinians with tear gas who attempted to fend off the settlers. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian herders with clubs in the Masafer Yatta area, causing injuries. 20 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bethlehem, Jenin, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in al-Tur, displacing 20 Palestinians; 9 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces while protesting the demolition. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian bird hunters east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Beit Lahiya; no injuries were reported. 2 Palestinians were arrested while trying to enter Israel via the Gaza fence. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/25; PCHR 1/27)

Israel said it had sentenced an Israeli soldier who uploaded a video of himself firing shots into Gaza from Israel with 10 days in prison. The soldier uploaded the video to the social media platform TikTok. (MEMO 1/25)

Unidentified perpetrators attacked a UNIFIL patrol in Ramyah, injuring 1 UNIFIL soldier and damaging 2 vehicles. Lebanese forces intervened on behalf of the UNIFIL soldiers. (MEMO 1/26)

A bipartisan group of 42 members of the U.S. house of representatives wrote to secretary of state Antony Blinken urging him to lobby against the UN human rights council’s inquiry into human rights violations in Israel, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, set up after the Israeli attacks on Gaza in May 2021. The group, led by Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), argued that the inquiry has a “disproportionate focus on Israel,” calling it “outrageous and unjust.” (HA 1/27; MEE 1/28)

It was reported that the U.S.-based venture capital firm Integrity Partners are in talks with the NSO Group to acquire the company in 2022–23. NSO Group is an Israeli spyware company responsible for the hacking of the accounts of rights activists and politicians around the world with its Pegasus spyware. Integrity Partners says they will restructure the company to only allow the governments of New Zealand, the U.S., Australia, the UK, and Canada to use its spyware. The 5 countries have an intelligence-sharing program called Five Eyes. (HA 1/25; REU 1/26; MEMO 1/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 80 olive trees in al-Mughayyir. 1 Palestinian man hit 1 Israeli soldier with his car at the Qalandia checkpoint, injuring the soldier. According to Israeli authorities, the man intentionally rammed the soldier. Both were admitted to hospitals. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor and injured 1 other, claiming the 2 were throwing Molotov cocktails at cars driving near Bayt Jala. Israeli forces also delivered notifications to Palestinians in Yasuf that Israel will seize 40 dunams (9.9 acres) of land from residents to expand the Taffouh settlement. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized and demolished structures used for agricultural and residential purposes in the Bedouin community of Qabbon. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Kahel, Beit ‘Anin, Biddu, Beit Sahour, and al-Arroub refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 3 were arrested during house raids in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Gaza. (AP, HA, HA, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; MEE 10/15; AJ 10/17; PCHR 10/21)

The PA wrote a letter to the African Union’s Executive Council urging it to revoke Israel’s observer status, which it was given on 7/22 to the dismay of many of the Union’s members. (ALM, MEE, MEMO, WAFA 10/14)

In Lebanon, 6 protesters were killed and dozens injured in clashes during a demonstration against the judge presiding over the probe into the blast that killed more than 200 people on 8/7/2020. The demonstration was supported by Hezbollah; Amal movement supporters clashed with the Christian Lebanese Forces after being shot at during the protest. The Christian Lebanese Forces said Hezbollah had incited the violence. Videos showed heavily armed people in civilian clothes firing weapons and 1 man in civilian clothes firing an RPG. The U.S. subsequently offered the Lebanese army $67 million in military aid. (AP 10/13; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, REU, REU, REU 10/14; AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, REU 10/15; HA, REU, REU 10/16; REU 10/17; AJ, REU 10/18)

Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz called on the Israeli military to “systematically, aggressively and uncompromisingly” act against settlers who are violent toward Palestinians or Israeli forces, as an uptick in Israeli settler violence had been recorded. (AP 10/15; AJ 10/17)

The U.S. Biden administration formally rejoined the UN Human Rights Council after the Trump administration left the council in 2018, citing anti-Israel bias. U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. would “vigorously oppose the council’s disproportionate attention on Israel.” (NYT 10/14; WAFA 10/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces claimed that it had stopped 2 stabbing attempts, including 1 in Tubas where 1 Palestinian man was shot after allegedly trying to stab a soldier. WAFA reported that the man was shot during a late-night raid and was in serious condition; and in a settlement outpost where 1 Palestinian woman allegedly tried to stab 1 settler before being arrested. Israeli forces also shot with live ammunition and injured 2 Palestinian minors during a raid in al-Khadir; 1 was reported in serious condition and the other in moderate condition. Israeli forces claimed the 2 had thrown Molotov cocktails at the forces. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided the offices of the Palestinian Health Work Committees in Ramallah, seizing computers; 2 were arrested. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest against settlement expansion south of Hebron, injuring 1 with a tear gas canister while others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction and a water well in Bani Na‘im and delivered a stop-work order for 3 houses under construction in Zawata. 13 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ramallah, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Hebron, Tuqu‘, Aida refugee camp, Tubas, and Bayt Duqqu. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian man died in a fire in Kafr Aqab after Israeli forces held up Israeli fire trucks at the Qalandia checkpoint, saying they had to wait for military escort; Kafr Aqab is located in the Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem municipality, but on the West Bank side of the separation wall. Israeli police prevented Palestinians from holding an event celebrating International Women’s Day in al-Tur, arresting 2 women and seizing clothes and other material on display; Israeli police said the event was arranged by the PA. Israel considers PA activity in East Jerusalem illegal. 4 Palestinians were also arrested in Shu‘fat refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (ALM, HA, HA, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/8; HA 3/9; PCHR 3/11)

Israel began vaccinating Palestinians in the West Bank who hold Israeli work permits against the COVID-19 virus. Israel has allocated enough doses for 120,000 Palestinian workers. (HA, WAPO 3/8)

Hezbollah said that it and Lebanese forces in 2 separate incidents had intercepted Israeli drones flying over Lebanese air space. (HA 3/9)

In Lebanon, protests continued for the 7th day in a row as the Lebanese financial crisis continued to worsen and the country’s political crisis remained unresolved. (AJ, HA, REU 3/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed protest in Kafr Qaddum; 2 Palestinians were shot with rubber-coated bullets. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Abasan and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire and sprayed water at Palestinian fishermen within the allowed fishing zone; no injuries were reported. In Israel, protest outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence continued. (AJ, REU 8/8; PCHR 8/13)

6 Palestinians succumbed to the COVID-19 virus in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, bringing the comprehensive death toll stemming from COVID-19 in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to 104. (WAFA 8/8)

A Hamas official told Haaretz that incendiary balloons sent to Israel in recent days were meant to signal to Israel that Hamas is frustrated with stalled negotiations with Israel. (HA 8/8)

In Lebanon, protesters clashed with Lebanese forces in Beirut as calls for the Lebanese government to resign continued. 1 police officer was killed and more than 170 protesters were wounded. (AJ, REU, REU, REU, REU 8/8; HA 8/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in 2 separate incidents in Hebron. In the 1st incident, 1 Palestinian man was hospitalized after 4 settlers attacked him while Israeli soldiers chose not to intervene. In the 2d incident, a larger group of settlers attacked 1 Palestinian man; when an Israeli soldier intervened, the settlers attacked him as well. Israeli settlers also vandalized several vehicles in Hebron. South of Hebron, in Susiya, Israeli settlers raided the village and attacked Palestinian-owned homes. Elsewhere, in Kafr Haris, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Islamic shrine and 1 Palestinian-owned home. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets, including 3 journalists, and damaged 1 ambulance. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in Zubaydat and Ni‘lin, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Burqa and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Sur Bahir to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/12; HA, WAFA 6/13; HA 6/14; PCHR 6/18)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz and Israeli justice minister Avi Nissenkorn told their ministries to find ways to legalize Israeli structures built on privately-owned Palestinian land in the West Bank. (HA 6/12)

In Lebanon, protesters rallied against the Lebanese government for the 2d day in a row after Lebanese currency lost 60 percent of its value in recent weeks. At least 33 people, including 2 soldiers, were injured in clashes between protesters and Lebanese forces. (REU 6/12; AJ, AJ 6/13)

The EU informed BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights that it had canceled its funding for a project called Mobilizing for Justice in East Jerusalem, totaling $1.9 million. BADIL had refused to sign what was called the anti-terrorism clause, which made the EU pull its funding. In a press release, BADIL said that it had proposed different language for the clause and that the EU’s proposed language “criminalizes the Palestinian struggle against oppression . . . the article violates both Palestinian and international law, as well as the declared obligations of the EU itself.” (BADIL 6/16; TOI 6/17)

After mtg. with Palestinian notables in Rafah, Arafat stays the execution of PA police officer sentenced 3/10, orders a further investigation, releases all Palestinians detained during recent demonstrations. Arafat then leaves for a tour of the Gulf, Europe to continue consultations on Palestinian statehood with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Finland, Norway, Spain. (MM 3/16; CSM 3/18; VOA 3/18 in WNC 3/19; PR 3/19; MEI 3/26)

Overnight, Israel deploys helicopters to hover over Beirut, areas in n., e. Lebanon, threatening attack. Helicopters return to bases around 4 a.m., but Lebanese forces remain on high alert. Hizballah attacks an SLA post in s. Lebanon, wounding 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 3/13 in WNC 3/16; WT 3/14)

PA chief negotiators Local Government Saeb Erakat, Planning M Nabil Shaath arrive in Washington at Secy. Albright's invitation to discuss "refinements" to U.S. FRD proposal. Albright admits that the U.S. cannot get Israel to accept the 13.1% proposal; says PA will have to reopen talks with Israel itself. (MM 7/10; NYT 7/12; MEI, PR 7/17; WP 7/23)

The Israeli human rights group B'Tselem reports that since 6/28, 100s of Israeli security forces have been conducting aggressive searches in East Jerusalem's Shu'afat refugee camp. (B'Tselem press release 7/9; MENA 7/13 in WNC 7/15; PR 7/17)

IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Anata, al-Jib, Kharabtha villages nr. Ramallah. (LAW 7/10; PR 7/17)

In a 2d spy case, Lebanon's military prosecutor charges 18 mbrs. of the Lebanese Forces (a banned Christian right-wing militia group active during the 1975-90 civil war) with colluding with Israel; carrying out bombings (including 12/18/96 bus attack in Tabarja), attacks aimed at assassinating Lebanese politicians. 11 of the accused are under arrest, 7 are at large. (MM 7/9; RL 7/9 in WNC 713; MM, WP 7/10; MEI 7/17; al-Watan al-Arabi 7/17 in WNC 7/23) (see 6/19, 7/8)

In Paris, U.S. special envoy Ross, UN Coordinator Terje Larsen open 2 days of mediation aimed at scheduling a Netanyahu-Arafat mtg., reaching a firm timetable for Israeli redeployment in Hebron (see 8/22). Ross also meets with Netanyahu adviser Gold, Egypt's Baz. (MM 8/27; MA, YA 8/27 in WNC 8/30; MM 8/28; HA, QY 8/28 in IL 8/28; NYT, WP 8/29; WT 9/5; JP 9/7 WT 9/10)

Israeli police hoist bulldozer over Old City walls into East Jerusalem, demolish Palestinian building which they claim was being constructed without a permit. Israel says building was to be a social club for the PA. Palestinians say it was to be a clinic for the disabled, home for the elderly, funded by $30 m. fr. Canada, Sweden. (LAWE, MM 8/27; NYT, WT 8/28; MM, NYT, WP 8/29; MM 8/30; MEI, PR 9/6; PR 9/13)

Israel approves construction of new 1,806-unit neighborhood inside the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Sefer. 1st stage of construction will incl. 900 housing units and bring as many as 15,000 new settlers. (MA 8/27 in WNC 8/30; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 8/28; NYT, WP 8/29; PR 8/30; MEI 9/20)

PA released al-Damir Exec. Dir. Muhammad Dahman, who was arrested 8/12 on charges of fabricating a news story about the death in custody of Naher Dahlan 8/11. (PR 8/30)

In Beirut, U.S. Amb. to Lebanon Richard Jones, Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group (ILMG) U.S. coordinator David Greenlee meet with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Birri to discuss Lebanon's assessment of the 1st ILMG sessions 8/8, 8/15. (RL 8/27 in WNC 8/29; RL 8/29 in WNC 9/3)

In Beirut, fmr. Lebanese Forces leader Samir Ja`Ja` is charged with killing PM Rashid Karami in 1987. (NYT 8/28) (see 7/13)

Delegation led by Iranian Trade M Yahya Al-e-Eshaq begins 3-day visit to Syria. (IRNA 8/28, 8/29 in WNC 9/3) (see 8/18)

In Izmir, Turkey, Iraq discuss developing trade, industrial cooperation. (INA [Baghdad] 8/27 in WNC 8/30) (see 8/22)

In Washington, France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. resume talks on the function of the Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire monitoring group; agree U.S., France will be group's cochairs. (MM 5/20; MM, WT 5/21) (see 5/19)

Cmdr. of the Turkey's navy, Adm. Guven Erkaya, arrives in Israel for an official visit. (MM 5/20, 5/21)

Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini holds talks with Moroccan businessmen. (PR 5/31)

IDF arrests 13 Palestinians nr. Nablus, Tulkarm, Janin in connection with attacks on Israelis. (QY 5/20 in FBIS 5/21)

Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz accuses Syria of backing the Kurdish Worker's Party. Syrian denounces the accusation. (SARR 5/20, 5/21 in FBIS 5/21; JP 6/1)

UN signs deal with Iraq, allowing Iraq to sell $2 b. of oil over 6 mos.; use money to buy food, medicine. (CSM, MM 5/22; JP 5/22 in FBIS 5/22; JP 6/1)

In Beirut, fmr. Lebanese Forces militia leader Samir Ja`ja` is convicted of murdering Phalange faction rival Ilyas al-Zayik in 1992, is given death sentence commuted to life in prison. (NYT 5/21) (see 6/24/95)

Syrian VP Khaddam, Iranian FM Hassan Habibi convene 2-day Syrian-Iranian Joint Comm. mtg. to discuss Hizballah, Syrian-Israeli negotiations. Khaddam reportedly asks Iran to help Syria push talks with Israel to a "positive conclusion" by accepting Syrian plan to disarm Lebanese branch of Hizballah following peace agmt. (MM 6/20; Voice of Iran 6/24, SA 6/25 in FBIS 6/25; MM 6/29)

In Amman, King Hussein, Arab Democratic Party MK Darawshah discuss Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. (JTV 6/24 in FBIS 6/29)

1000s of Palestinians clash with IDF across the West Bank as widespread protests erupted in support of hunger-striking prisoners (see 6/17). Outside Orient House, 13 Palestinians are injured when Israeli police fire rubber bullets at demonstrators. In Nablus, IDF uses live ammunition to disperse 200 women, wounding 2. PM Rabin says cabinet will discuss prisoners issue at mtg. next wk. (WP, WT 6/25; MM 6/26; WJW 6/29)

Israeli border police kill 1 Palestinian, capture 2d, let 3d escape when trio attempts to cross border fr. Jordan into West Bank. (QY 6/26 in FBIS 6/27)

Lebanese Forces cmdr. Samir Ja`ja` is given death sentence, commuted to life with hard labor for murdering Dany Chamoun and his family in 10/90. (RL, VOL 6/24 in FBIS 6/27; WP, WT 6/25; MEI 7/7; MM, WT 7/26)

U.S. Middle East peace talks coordinator Dennis Ross arrives in Tunis for 2 mtgs. with PLO Chmn. Arafat. Ross joins Norwegian Dep. FM Terje Rod Larsen and Israeli delegation seeking Israel-PLO agreement on security for Palestinians in o.t. Palestinian officialsay they are "refining" Norwegian proposal on security force. U.S. role in talks is described as marginal. (MM 3/21; NYT 3/22)

IDF Brig. Gen. Moshe Yaalon, West Bank cmdr. 1992-93, tells commission of inquiry into Hebron massacre of "absolute prohibition" on using live ammunition against settlers. Israeli press reports that PM Rabin told Israeli cabinet 3/20 that commission's hearings were causing "incalculable" damage to Israel's reputation. (NYT 3/22)

Settler bus ambushed nr. Ateret, 14 mi. north of Jerusalem, in apparent revenge attack for Hebron massacre. 1 Israeli killed and at least 1 wounded. (NYT 3/22)

Hizballah ambush kills 2 IDF soldiers, roadside bombs kill 2 SLA mbrs. Israeli shelling kills 12-yr.-old schoolgirl in Nabatiya, wounds 22 others. (MM 3/21)

Al-Safir reports arrests of 5 suspects in 2/27 church bombing in Zuq Mika'il, Lebanon. Suspects, including 1 monk, are reportedly affiliated with Lebanese Forces (LF) and "Guardians of the Cedar" factions, had sought refuge in Israeli-controlled "security zone." (MM 3/21)

Israeli cabinet issues statement warning guerrillas in southern Lebanon that Israel will retaliate for recent attacks in "security zone." Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi replies that "lf peace is not achieved in the south, the entire Lebanese people will join the resistance in fighting Israel." (Qol Yisra'el 7/18 in FBIS 7/19; CSM, WT 7/19)

Israeli warplanes overfly lqlim al-Tuffah and Beirut as tensions on Lebanon-Israel border mount. (MM 7/19)

IDF wounds 6 Palestinians, including a 10-year-old shot in the head, in clash at Jabalya refugee camp in Gaza. (WT 7/19)

Fateh Central Committee and Revolutionary Council meet in Tunis. (Sawt al-Sha'b 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

"Over 14,000" laborers from Gaza Strip arrive at jobs in Israel, according to ITV; figure is about half the normal number. (Qol Yisra'el 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Former Soviet Pres. Gorbachev criticizes PLO stance during Gulf war, does not plan to meet with Palestinian reps. (Palestinian delegation had not requested a meeting with Gorbachev, according to his spokesman.) (Qol Yisra'el 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Israeli aircraft launch mock raids over Sidon, Iqlim al-Tuffah region, S. Lebanon; helicopters fire tracer bullets over al-Rashidiyya camp. Palestinian and Lebanese forces respond with anti-aircraft fire. Security sources say 20 killed, 53 wounded in Israeli raids since 5/21. (AFP 6/15 in FBIS 6/15)

Hanan Ashrawi informs U.S. consul in E. Jerusalem that Palestinians will attend 12/4 talks in Washington. Lebanon also accepts. (Qol Yisra'el 11/25 in FBIS 11/26; MM 11/25)

Israeli attorney general notifies Israeli supreme court that he believes Jewish settlers still occupying eight Arab homes in Silwan [see 10/9] should be evicted. (MM 11/26)

Israeli finance minister proposes compromise in U.S. loan guarantee controversy whereby U.S. would phase out economic aid to Israel by end of decade in return for the guarantees. Spokesman for PM Shamir states Shamir is unaware of proposal. (WP 11/26)

Rocket fired from Israeli-SLA position kills three Lebanese army troops, wounds two in Iqlim al-Tuffah region of S. Lebanon; Lebanese forces return fire. Israel later claims rocket was aimed at Hizballah positions and regrets deaths of Lebanese troops. (MM 11/26)

Two-day tripartite meeting of foreign ministers of Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia begins in Cairo; this is 3d meeting since Gulf crisis began [MENA, RMC 12/3 in FBIS 12/4; MET 12/11].

Greater Beirut officially comes under control of Lebanese Army after Lebanese Forces militia vacate positions [MEM 12/3; NYT, WT, WP, CSM 12/4; BDS, BVL, RFL 12/3 in FBIS 12/4; MET 12/11].

Def. Sec. Cheney tells Senate Armed Services Committee that military action rather than economic sanctions is only sure way of forcing Iraq out of Kuwait [NYT, WT, WP, MEM 12/4; CSM 12/5].

Soviet television reports that 1,000 of the 3,000 Soviet citizens still held in Iraq will be allowed to return to USSR within next 3 weeks [NYT, WT, WP 12/4].

In separate statements before English-speaking or American audiences, Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens, Housing Min. Ariel Sharon, Deputy F.M. Benjamin Netanyahu, and several MKs offer sharp warnings that Iraq should not be left with its army and weapons intact after Gulf crisis [NYT 12/4; WP 12/6]; Sharon compares Sec. Baker's proposed Baghdad trip to Neville Chamberlain in World War II [JDS 12/3 in FBIS 12/4].

Israeli military court sentences to 30 years each of 12 Arabs apprehended in PLF's May 1990 attempted attack on Tel Aviv beach [IDF 12/3 in FBIS 12/5; LAT 12/4; MEM 12/4; MET 12/11].

Quoting B'Tselem data, HaAretz reports that Palestinians are prohibited from building on 68% of West Bank's 5.5 million dunums [HAA 12/3 in FBIS 12/5].

Israeli air force and navy confront "fishing vessel that appeared suspicious" off coast of Gaza; force it ashore and shoot dead 1 crew member who tries to flee; five others are detained [JDS 12/4 in FBIS 12/4; MEM 12/4].

At least 10 "anti-Israeli combatants" are killed in 2 incidents of fighting with IDF, SLA troops in S. Lebanon [IDF, AFP 12/3 in FBIS 12/4]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli government says that it has no official policy of settling Soviet Jewish immigrants in the O.T.; that every immigrant is free to choose his or her own place of residence [NYT, WP, LAT 1/31].

Other Countries: The Washington Post reports that Israel has stepped up its deportations of "non-resident" Palestinians in the O.T. [WP 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: IDF reopens UNRWA school in Nablus after 10 days of closure [FJ 2/12].

IDF bulldozes Palestinian home in Burin village, near Nablus [FJ 2/12]; another house in the Nablus is demolished, and 2 others are sealed [FBIS 1/31; FJ 2/5].

At least 11 Palestinians are wounded in clashes in the Gaza Strip, including a 12- year-old who lost an eye from bullet; 2 IDF soldiers are also wounded [FBIS 2/1].

Jewish settlers in Hebron smash windows of Arab homes, fire shots in the air [FBIS 2/1].

Arab World: Gen. Michel Aoun bans the Lebanese Forces Christian militia, saying there should be no "armed elements outside the framework of the [Lebanese] army." Move poses risk of intra-Christian war [WP 1/31].

Israeli army sends reinforcements to S. Lebanon "security zone" [FBIS 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Egyptian and Israeli negotiators on Taba dispute announce agreement on all but two conditions for arbitration: arbitrators and demarcation of boundaries of 700-meter beach [NYT, WP 8/11].

Arab World: In Baghdad, PLO Executive Committeends 2-day meeting with statement condemning U.S., Israeli, and jordanian plans to improve conditions in West Bank and Gaza as attempts to perpetuate Israeli occupation, calls for unity among all Palestinian factions [NYT 8/11; FJ 8/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF conducts military exercises on Golan Heights [JTA 8/11].

Arab World: IDF helicopter gunships attack Fateh and Abu Musa faction positions at 'Ain al-Hilwah and Mieh Mieh refugee camps in S. Lebanon following rocket attacks from S. Lebanon into Galilee [NYT, WP 8/111. Rivals for control of the Christian militias in Lebanon strike each other: Lebanese Forces rebel against leader Samir Ja'ja' and seize control of East Beirut [PI 8/11], hold it for 24 hours [LT 8/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: In New York, U.S. federal marshals arrest Craig Leitner, 1 of 5 (including 4 Americans) charged in Israel for the 3/4/84 assault on a Palestinian bus near Ramallah which injured 6; Leitner is arraigned, ordered held without bail pending extradition hearings [NYT, WP 1/16]. U.S. officials state Israel may lose $77 million in as-yet-undispersed military assistance under Gramm-Rudman budget cuts [JP 1/16].

Military Action

Arab World: Forces loyal to Lebanese Pres. Amin Jumayyil defeat forces loyal to Elie Hubayqa, commander of the Christian Lebanese Forces militia, in fierce fighting over the Syrian-sponsored peace agreement Hubayqa signed and which Jumayyil opposes because it requires concessions from Christians; 350 reported killed in fighting [WP, LAT 1/16; NYT 1/17; TI 2/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Electric Co. official announces Israel will build first nuclear power plant in Negev [JP 1/1].

Arab World: King Hussein and Pres. Asad end two days of talks; no official statement is issued [NYT, TS 1/1]. Yasir Arafat issues statement blaming unnamed Arab intelligence services for backing renegade Palestinian groups, denounces terrorism [WP 1/1], vows to continue legitimate armed struggle against Israeli occupation [TS 1/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz reports attacks on Israeli military have increased in past 10 days (leading up to 21st anniversary of founding of Fateh), cites 4 grenade and arson attacks, including 12/22 arson of Egged buses in Gaza [FJ 1/3]. Israeli troops and SLA militia raid S. Lebanese Shi'ite village of Kunin, arrest 32 men, force 2,000 residents to leave, blow up and burn houses, according to witnesses quoted by Lebanese police; Israeli military state SLA searched Kunin for gunmen who attacked SLA patrol night before, killing 4 [NYT 1/1].

Arab World: Unidentified gunmen ambush Pres. Jumayyil's empty limousine, in apparent assassination attempt [WP, TS 1/1]. Asad Shaftari, intelligence head of the Lebanese Forces (Christian) also narrowly escapes death when his car is attacked [LAT 1/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Najah U. officials condemn 4/22 seizure of university-owned land by IDF as attempt to expand nearby Jnaid prison [FJ 4/26].

Other Countries: In Athens, former Austrian PM Bruno Kreisky, Western diplomats announce Israel to exchange 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for 3 IDF soldiers captured in 1982 and held by PFLP-GC; ICRC serving as intermediary [LAT 4/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian taxi driver shot, killed in Jerusalem with IDF-issue rifle; authorities fear revenge killing in response to 4/19 killing of Israeli taxi driver [JP 4/24]. IDF court in Lydda convicts Ahmad Safuri of 4/16/84 grenade attack on IDF base which injured one soldier [JP 4/24].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces evacuate hills overlooking Sidon [MG 4/24]. IDF kill 2 resistance fighters on Jabal Baruk. RPG fired at IDF post near Saleh. RPG fired at IDF position in Burj al-Shamali. Shots fired at IDF vehicle in Qasmiya region; no IDF casualties in any of the actions [JP 4/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: US, Israel sign free trade agreements; all tariffs between the 2 countries to be eliminated within 10 yrs. [NYT 4/23].

Arab World: Chmn. Arafat indicates US must support PLO as legitimate representative of Palestinian people for negotiations to progress [JP 4/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF sink Fateh commando ship 100 miles off coast; 20 killed, 8 captured; Fateh Deputy-in-Command Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) claims several fighters seached shore [WP, MG 4/23]. IDF confiscate five and one-half dunums of land in Beit Wazan belonging to al-Najah U. [FJ 4/26].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces announce unilateral ceasefire, plans to evacuate Sidon area; fighting continues [NYT 4/23]. Roadside bomb injures IDF soldier near Jwaiyeh [JP 4/23].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Amal joins Palestinians, Muslim militiamen in battle against Lebanese Forces, SLA in Sidon area [BG 4/21]. Roadside bomb injures 2 IDF soldiers near Rashaya. SLA soldier wounded in central occupation sector. Roadside bomb explodes. near IDF patrol, Raihan; no injuries. RPGs fired at IDF patrol near Tyre; no injuries [JP 4/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF release 37 of more than 1,100 Lebanese and Palestinians transferred 4/2 from Ansar prison camp [BG 4/19]. Convicted Jewish underground defendants Uri Maier, Dan Be'eri, Yossi Edri sentenced to terms ranging from 25 mos. to 3 yrs. [JP 4/19]. High Court orders Defense Ministry to explain absence of appeals court system in occupied territories [FJ 4/26].

Arab World: In Baghdad, joint PLO-Fateh leadership meeting rejects proposals of US State Dept. official Murphy which call for public PLO recognition of Israel's right to exist, UN Sec. Council Resolutions 242, 338 [FT 4/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF soldier shot, wounded in Gaza; assailant killed by 2nd soldier [JP 4/19].

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: Lebanese Forces, SLA bombard Mieh Mieh, 'Ain al-Hilweh; 8 killed [BG 4/19]. Amal militiamen surround Burj al-Barajneh, Sabra, Shatila camps, search residents entering and leaving [WP 4/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: US State Dept. official Richard Murphy meets with PM Peres, Deputy Premier Shamir in Jerusalem [JP 4/16]. Cabinet reverses 4/14 decision, votes to allow Cabinet Mbr. Ezer Weizman to travel to Egypt [NYT 4/16]. Haifa court convicts 5 Palestinian students from Haifa U. of "unlawful assembly" in reference to 1/19 fight between Palestinian, Jewish students [JP 4/16]. Members of Ramallah municipal council (who struck in April 1982 when occupation authorities deposed Mayor Karim Khalaf) reject IDF proposal to return to their posts [FJ 4/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese Army deploys units in Sidon area to stop fighting between SLA, Lebanese Forces and Palestinian/Muslim fighters [NYT 4/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: According to report issued by West Bank Data Base Project, 41% of W. Bank under direct Israeli govt. control, 11% under indirect control (due to development restrictions); remaining available growth areas specified for solely Jewish development [NYT, WP 4/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Sttler shot and killed in Ramallah; 24-hr. curfew imposed on Ramallah, al-Bireh; DFLP claims responsibility [LAT, JP 4/1; LAT 4/6].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces continue fighting Muslim militias, Palestinian fighters, Lebanese Army units in 'Ain al-Hilweh, Sidon area [NYT 4/1]. RPGs fired at IDF positions in Tyre, Qasmiya, Jwaiyeh; no injuries. Landmine defused by IDF near Lake Karoun [JP 4/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In interview with Jerusalem Arabic-language paper al-Quds, PM Peres advocates exchanging land for "total peace"; supports greater autonomy for residents of occupied territories [JP 3/31, FT 4/1]. Occupation authorities make numerous pre-emptive arrests, censor papers in W. Bank in preparation for 3/30 Land Day commemorations [FJ 4/5].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces militia shell Mieh Mieh camp; 3 killed, 40 wounded; Palestinian reinforcements from 'Ain al-Hilweh camp enter Mieh Mieh [NYT 3/30].

450 PLO fighters loyal to Chmn. Arafat secretly land near Sidon, join in defense of Mieh Mieh [PI 3/30]. Katyusha fired at IDF position near Lake Karoun injures 4 [JP 3/31]. 

Military Action:

Heavy shelling by PSP militia, rockets and artillery fall in area from East Beirut north to Jounieh, and in airport area; Pentagon reportedly decides to keep battleship New Jersey stationed off Lebanon indefinitely.

Casualties:

5-7 killed, 30 wounded in East Beirut; LF militiamen kidnap Shi'ite civilians south of Beirut, Amal militiamen kidnap 60 Christian employees of MEA from buses on way to airport, later released; Beirut power station damaged, electricity rationing resumes.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 36th anniversary of UN vote to partition Palestine marked by demonstrations and protests throughout West Bank; IDF disperses Nablus demonstration with teargas; large demonstration in support of Arafat at Birzeit; settler injured by stone near Beit Omar, Hebron, 6 suspects arrested; estimated 500 Jewish settlers hold protest march through Nablus under heavy IDF protection, settlers establish command post near Tomb of Joseph in Nablus, say they will remain there until IDF takes stronger measures against Palestinians, chief-of-staff Levy flies in for meeting; President Herzog says IDF prisoners released by PLO had surrendered shamefully, press and military personnel question enthusiastic reception given to returnees.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat says he will leave Tripoli.

US and Other Countries: Reagan and Shamir end talks, agree on joint political-military committee, to begin meeting in January, to enhance Israeli-US cooperation, objectives include military planning, maneuvers, prepositioning of US equipment in Israel; other areas of agreement are: US willing to negotiate accord on duty-free trade and to permit $550 m. military aid to be spent on development of Lavi fighter, including $250 m. to be spent in Israel; US and Israel reaffirm commitment to May 17 Israeli-Lebanese troop withdrawal agreement; US reportedly will make cluster bomb technology available to Israel for production there, Shamir and Arens agree in principle not to use the weapons against civilians.

Military Action:

Arafat forces resist rocket and artillery attack on Baddawi camp, shells fall in Tripoli,more oil storage facilities hit; cease-fire in Tripoli accepted by combatants late in day; small arms fire directed at Marine positions in Beirut; PSP and LF militias engage in fierce artillery battles south of Aley; leader of IDF-backed militia in Kharouf shot and seriously wounded.

Casualties:

F-14 naval jet fighter on training mission from carrier John F. Kennedy crashes into Mediterranean, 2-man crew missing, presumed dead; UNRWA official in Tripoli says casualties in Nahr al-Bared fighting were exaggerated, 13 civilans were killed, 45 wounded.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Factional representatives meeting in Geneva report agreement in principle on constitutional and political changes in Lebanon, including Muslim-Christian parity in parlianment, establishment of supreme court.

Arab Governments: Delegations from Tripoli and from Gulf Cooperation Council in Damascus to discuss Tripoli cease-fire.

US and Other Countries: US State Dept. says it is revolted that once again the people of Lebanon, this time around Tripoli, are subjected to terror and injury by the radical and brutal behavior of Palestinian factions and their supporters.

Military Action:

Artillery fire exchanged between LF and PSP militias in Kharroub area south of Beirut; sniper fire continues against LAF and LF positions; Western military sources say Syria is blocking entry of Palestinian guerrillas to Chouf and evacuating those already there.

Casualties:

1 LF militiaman killed, several wounded by snipers in Deir al-Q;mar.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Talks on formation of government of national unity between PM-designate Shamir and Labor leader Peres break down.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire security committee agrees to put roads leading to airport under LAF control, remove militia checkpoints on roads south of Beirut, exchange persons kidnapped during fighting by opposing militias, permit Red Cross to enter battle areas.

Arab Govemnments: Mubarak, on official visit to US, meets Reagan, other administration officials, calls for reactivation of September 1982 Reagan plan.

US and Other Countries: Shultz and Syrian Foreign Minister discuss monitoring of Lebanon cease-fire, Syria reportedly objects to use of UN observers.