The Palestine Chronology

Secy. of State Albright phones PM Netanyahu to condemn his 6/18 plan to Judaize Jerusalem, then holds conference call with Council of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (CPMAJO) to explain U.S. position. State Dept. finds it "extremely hard to understand why Israel would even consider taking such a provocative step at this sensitive time." PA files complaint with UNSC. (NYT, WP 6/20; al-Ahram al-Masa'i, ITV 6/20, JTV, MENA 6/21, MENA 6/22 in WNC 6/23; MM, NYT, WT 6/22; MM 6/24; al-Ahram 6/24 in WNC 6/25; WJW 6/25; JP 6/27; MEI 7/3; JP 7/4; WT 7/13)

In Sana', 1,000s of Yemenis take to the streets to protest government's implementation of 25-55% increase in fuel prices to meet conditions to receive $80 m. in IMF loans. (WP 6/21; MM 6/22; WP 6/24; MM 6/29)

Pres. Clinton issues determination allowing U.S. air carriers to offer indirect flights to, fr. Lebanon. (NAAA Voice 6/98; VOL 6/23, RL 6/24 in WNC 6/25; MM 6/24)

The Jordanian Democratic Unionist Party (JDUP) votes to change its name to the Democratic Party of the Left to reflect changes in party membership since the JDUP was formed in 1995 by the merger of the Jordan Popular Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Jordanian Arab Democratic Party. Since 1995, most nationalists have resigned, leaving the party a completely leftist entity. (JT 6/27 in WNC 6/30) (see 8/4/95)

A roadside bomb explodes in Jazzin, killing an SLA mbr., his son (see 3/31). In a separate incident in Beirut, a car bomb kills 2 fmr. mbrs. of the Lebanese Forces Christian militia, one of whom was an explosives expert, leading to speculation that the men accidently triggered a bomb they were planting. (VOL 6/19 in WNC 6/22; WP 6/20; MM 6/23; RL, RMC 7/2 in WNC 7/6; VOL 7/7, al-Nahar 7/8 in WNC 7/13; MEI 7/17)

Fmr. Oslo negotiator Ya'ir Hirschfeld gives details of secret verbal understandings the Rabin government reached with the PA.  (Nequda 7/14 in FBIS 8/1; MM 7/31; PR 8/9)

In Jerusalem, secular Jews led by Meretz party activists drive down Bar Ilan Street, protesting plans to close the road during Sabbath (see 7/10). 1,000s of ultraorthodox Jews, led by UTJ MK Avraham Ravitz, hurl garbage, stones at the cars, sparking riot. Israeli police use water canons to disperse crowd, arrest 13. (WT 7/14; JP 7/14 in FBIS 7/15; NYT 7/15; WJW 7/18; JP 7/20; WJW 8/8)

In Beirut, fmr. Lebanese Forces militia leader Samir Ja`ja` is acquitted of trying to overthrow the government, masterminding 1994 church bombing that killed 11 worshipers. (WP, WT 7/14) (see 5/20)

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)

After 3 days of talks in Damascus, presidents of Syria and Iran agree to allow armed Iranian-backed forces to remain in southern Lebanon near Israel's "security zone"; Lebanese Forces militia announces it is surrendering its weapons to Lebanese Army [MEM 4/29; NYT, MEM 4/30; DDS 4/29 in FBIS 4/30]. Joint Syrian-Iranian declaration stresses that Iran must play a role in Middle East security arrangements [MEM 4/30].

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says that Iraq has given detailed response to requests for more information about location of its nuclear materials [NYT 4/30; AFP 4/30 in FBIS 5/1]; but will not disclose whereabouts of materials that escaped allied bombing unless Baghdad is assured materials will not be destroyed [WP 5/1].

American section of World Jewish Congress calls for commutation of Jonathan Jay Pollard's life sentence for spying for Israel [WP 4/30].

Pres. Bush says U.S. will resist Iraq's UN request to have economic sanctions lifted so that Baghdad can begin selling oil for badly needed currency; Bush says exception would be made for food imports [WP 4/30].

Media report that Egypt is quietly repatriating most of its nearly 40,000 troops who were deployed in Gulf war (cf. 5/8) [AFP 4/30 in FBIS 4/30].

UNLU issues unnumbered leaflet blaming Israeli gov't. for purposely "striking at the tourist sector in Jerusalem and spreading biased propaganda regarding alleged risks to tourists" [MEM 5/1].

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 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: 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:

PSP shells LAF and LF positions near Khalde; US maintains stepped-up pattern of reconnaissance flights; cease-fire holds in Tripoli, some fighting around Baddawi.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Demonstrations in support of Arafat occur in Jerusalem, Nablus, Gaza.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Representatives of Lebanese factions adjourn Geneva talks, will take proposals to leaders prior to start of second round of reconciliation conference, scheduled for next week; leader of Islamic Unification Movement militia in Tripoli says Arafat should remain in city as long as he likes.

Arab Governments: Syria agrees to visit by Gemayel next week.

USand Other Countries: Soviet officials end 2 days of talks with Syrian FM Khaddam, reportedly want Syria to restrain military pressure on Arafat, emphasize urgent need to end internal PLO conflict.

Military Action:

IDF tank detonates mine in Bekaa, no injuries reported; radio-controlled bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes near Nabrah, in Chouf.

Casualties:

3 IDF soldiers wounded in Chouf attack; ICRC delegates visit 2 Israeli POWs held in Syria.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Lawyers representing Bidya residents send protest telegram to Defense Minister Arens, say border police failed to protect residents who held court orders enjoining developers from working on the land; Supreme Court refuses appeal by Ziad Abu Ein, extradited to Israel from US in December 1981, against conviction and life imprisonment for bomb attack in Tiberias in 1979.

Palestinians/ Lebanese-PLO Chairman Arafat and Syrian President Assad meet formally for first time since September, reportedly agree to coordinate military resources against IDF in Bekaa Valley; Haddad says he will accept no post other than commander of Lebanese forces in South Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Jordan restricts West Bank Palestinians entering Jordan to one month permits.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues talks in Jerusalem, then returns to Beirut, says he thinks agreement possible by end of week, meets with Gemayel, Salem; Senate subcommittee hearing on US aid to Syria postponed after Reagan Administration expresses concern it could complicate Shultz mission.

UN: At WHO congress in Geneva, Israel blocks Kuwaiti-Libyan motion to put issue of mass illness on West Bank on agenda for full scale plenum debate.