The Palestine Chronology

In an Israeli cabinet mtg., PM Barak admits that 4 past PMs (Yitzhak Shamir, Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, Benjamin Netanyahu) had affectively guaranteed to withdraw fr. the Golan Heights to the 6/4/67 border with Syria; says he will not "erase the past." (MM, NYT, WP 2/28; CSM, MM 2/29; XIN 2/29 in WNC 3/1; WJW 3/2; AYM 3/5 in WNC 3/9; JP, MEI 3/10)

In Ramallah, Palestinians march to PA headquarters to protest the arrest of a total of 69 Birzeit students since the 2/26 attack on French PM Jospin. 3,000 Palestinian students in Hebron, Lebanese in Sidon hold anti-Jospin demonstrations. (LAW, NYT, WP, WT 2/28; al-Quds 2/29 in WNC 3/3; MEI 3/10)

In 2d day of mtgs., FM Peres presses Argentinean Pres. Carlos Menem to step up investigation of Jewish center bombing 7/94, welcomes his attempts to mediate btwn. Syria, Israel. (WT 1/15, NYT 1/17; MEI 1/20) (see 11/23)

American, Arab officials say plans for regional bank are being scaled back to overcome opposition fr. Saudi Arabia, France. Bank expected to have initial capital of only $1.5 b., not expected to give subsidized loans. (NYT 1/14) (see 1/11)

Lebanese FM Buwayz, Peter Martinez, head of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan desk at U.S. State Dept., meet in Beirut; discuss agenda for upcoming U.S.-Lebanon Security Comm. mtg. to cover bilateral relations only. (VOL 1/14 in FBIS 1/17)

YESHA Council reports that through natural growth, new arrivals West Bank settler population has grown 17% since PM Rabin took office. (QY 1/14 in FBIS 1/17; NYT 1/16, 1/20)

Frmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir gives interview on Gulf War; says Israel was in constant communication with Jordan, flew reconnaissance flights over Iraq, was shocked frmr. U.S. pres. George Bush ended war before Saddam Hussein was overthrown. (IDF Radio 1/14 in FBIS 1/17; WP, WT 1/15)

In reaction to ax attack 1/12, settlers fr. Kiryat Arba riot in Hebron's main market, fire rifles in air, destroy Palestinian merchandise. IDF uses tear gas to disperse Palestinians, injuring 10. (MEI 1/20)

PM Rabin, speaking to AIPAC annual conference in Washington, asserts "Jerusalem will remain united under Israel's sovereignty." Rabin meets Secy. of State Christopher, proposes to speed up transfer of administrative powers to Palestinians in o.t. Christopher reportedly urges Rabin to consider PLO proposals for Palestinian police presence in Hebron. Admin. sources say Christopher did not endorse PLO proposals but that U.S. is not adverse to them. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/16)

40,000 Israelis demonstrate in Tel Aviv for retention of o.t. settlements. Moledet leader Rehavam Zeevi, frmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir, Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu, and Hebron settlement leader Rabbi Moshe Levinger address rally. (MM, WP, WT 3/16)

Police chain shut Jerusalem offices of Kach and Kahane Chai, order them sealed for 6 mos. (MM 3/16)

4 Gaza Fateh officials meet Labor MKs in Jerusalem to discuss restarting Israel-PLO talks. (MM, WT 3/16)

Israeli human-rights group B'Tselem issues report charging that IDF, police, and courts have failed to enforce law on crimes committed by settlers against Palestinians. Report notes that 62 Palestinians were killed by settlers between 1988 and 1993 but only 1 settler convicted of murder and in only 7 cases were settlers' lives threatened. IDF does not dispute report. (MM 3/15; CSM, NYT, WP 3/16)

Border Police shoot dead Palestinian, later identified as PFLP mbr., in Gaza after he fires at patrol. (WP 3/16; MEI 4/15)

Firefight in Hebron btwn. escaped Palestinian prisoners and IDF kills 3 escapees, 1 other Palestinian. In Gaza Strip, Hamas mbr. kills 1 Israeli, wounds another before being shot and killed. (Qol Yisra'el 1/14 in FBIS 1/14; MM 1/14; WP, WT 1/15)

Jerusalem Media and Communications Centre poll shows 45% of Palestinians in o.t. support DoP, 40% oppose. Same poll in 9/93 showed 69% in favor, 28% opposed. (WP 1/15)

Frmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir, in excerpt of memoirs published by Yediot Aharonot, admits ordering 1943 killing of Eliahu Giladi, his predecessor as head of underground "Stem Gang." (NYT, WT 1/15; JP 2/19)

Israeli FM Peres and PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud 'Abbas release statement saying PLO-Israel talks on Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho will resume in Taba, Egypt, "based on the Declaration of Principles and the Cairo understandings." (Qol Yisra'el 1/6 in FBIS 1/6; MM, WT 1/6; CSM, WP 1/7)

Talks in Tunis btwn. PLO leadership, Palestinian delegation demanding reform conclude. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 1/6 in FBIS 1/10; MM 1/7)

Israeli PM Rabin visits Allenby Bridge to reaffirm that Israel will control border crossings during autonomy period. (NYT, WP, WT 1/7)

Alleged Islamic Jihad mbr. stabs IDF soldier in Jerusalem and is shot dead. (Qol Yisra'el 1/6 in FBIS 1/6; MM 1/6; WP 1/7)

Frmr. Israeli PM Yitzhak Shamir, in radio interview, comments on 1/5 bomb incident in New York, saying "Peace Now has caused the State of Israel more harm than would have been caused had the bombs gone off." Shamir faces criticism for remarks, claims he meant to say opposite of what he did. (NYT 1/8; WJW 1/13)

Secy. of State Christopher meets in Damascus with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, who agrees to let U.S. investigators search for 7 Israelis missing in Lebanon and to grant exit permits to Syrian Jews by end 12/93. Christopher calls talks "positive and constructive," al-Asad's moves "important humanitarian gestures." U.S. agrees to allow Kuwait to transfer 3 U.S.-made aircraft to Syria in a relaxation of sanctions on Damascus. (NYT, WP, WT 12/6; NYT 12/7)

Israel-PLO talks in Cairo and al-'Arish, Sinai, on Palestinian autonomy resume. (WT 12/6)

Jordanian, Israeli govts. sign accord on economic cooperation, initialed by negotiators in Washington 12/1. (MM 12/7)

Palestinian grocer Talal al-Bakri, shot 12/4 in Hebron by settlers, dies. 5 settlers arrested in connection with killing. (NYT, WP, WT 12/6)

Israeli AG Ben-Yair calls settlers' council a "seditious" organization, while Ag. M. Yaacov Tsur calls 12/4 shooting of Talal al-Bakri an incident of "Jewish terror." (MM 12/6)

Armed Palestinian, Khalid Awad Shihada, attacks Israelis on suburban Tel Aviv bus, killing reserve IDF soldier before being killed himself. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for attack. Israelis demonstrate at attack site, some shouting "Death to Arabs!" (NYT, WP, WT 12/6)

Frmr. Israeli PM Shamir tells Zionist Organization of America mtg. in Baltimore that Israeli govt. has made a pact with "terrorists and murderers" in signing DoP, says agreement reflects "an Arab plan to destroy Israel in stages." (WT 12/7)

Israeli Border Police capture suspected armed Palestinian activist near al-Najah University, Nablus. In pursuit of 20 "wanted" armed activists, IDF demands that everyone leaving university submit to body search; 200 students barricade themselves inside the university. Army says activists entered the university following campus elections (which favored Fateh over Hamas, 11 to 0). Leaders Faisal Husseini and Sa'ib 'Urayqat travel to Nablus to calm the situation. (Qol Yisra'el 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Outgoing PM Shamir meets privately with PM Rabin, formally hands over prime ministership. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

Qalqiliya (W. Bank) Chamber of Commerce holds elections, PLO-identified National List wins 8 of 9 seats, Islamic List (Hamas) wins 1. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli undercover unit shoots dead "wanted" Fateh Black Panther activist near Janin, W. Bank. (MM 7/14)

Arab and Palestinian leaders and delegates reject Rabin's invitation in 7/13 speech for meeting in Jerusalem before positive concrete steps are taken by new govt., express cautious optimism about peace process. (NYT, WP 7/14, 15)

IDF fires incendiary shells into Nabatiyya area, S. Lebanon. Islamic Resistance attacks Israeli patrol, IDF resumes shelling "security zone" border villages of Jaru, 'Ayn Bu Siwar. (Radio Lebanon 7/14 in FBIS 7/15; Voice of the Oppressed 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Pres. Mubarak sends cable of congratulations to PM Rabin. (MENA 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

PM Rabin addresses new Knesset, offering to travel to Arab capitals, inviting Palestinian delegation and Arab country leaders to Jerusalem, and calling for Palestinian acceptance of autonomy. Yitzhak Shamir addresses Knesset, offers praise for old admin., warnings and criticism for the new. Knesset approves new cabinet by a vote of 67 to 53, 17 new cabinet mbrs. sworn in. Pres. Bush congratulates Rabin, invites him to Kennebunkport, Maine, announces Secy. of State. Baker will travel to the region to meet with Rabin, Arab leaders. (ITV 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; NYT, WP 7/14)

Faisal Husseini, not considered part of the Palestinian negotiating team by PM Rabin because he is from Jerusalem, and therefore not among Rabin's 7/13 "invitees," offers counter-invitation fr Rabin to call him at home in Jerusalem. Husseini's position is seen as direct challenge to Syria, which sees Rabin as "carbon copy" of Shamir. (MM 7/14)

Fateh and Hamas sign new, more elaborate agreement to end violence in Gaza Strip as a result of NRC mediation (see 7/8, 10). Eightteen committees have been set up to enforce the agreement. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli undercover unit disguised as Arabs infiltrate, join 20 Hamas marchers in Gaza city. Hamas activist attacks 1 soldier, IDF opens fire; in ensuing confusion, 1 Hamas activist dies (from IDF bullets) as Hamas reportedly believes undercover IDF are Fateh activists. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/22)

Pres. Asad meets with Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi, joined later by VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam and FM Faruk al-Shara' in Damascus. (Syrian Arab TV 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

SLA commander Antun Lahd categorically rejects Lebanese elections given current circumstances. (MM 7/14)

Israel, SLA shells Hizballah target, UNIFIL village of Yatar killing 1 civilian, in response to Islamic Resistance mortaring of "security zone" village of Bayt Lif. (MM 7/13; Radio Lebanon 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; WP 7/14)

Labor party Chmn. Yitzhak Rabin forms governing coalition with Meretz and SHAS (Torah Observing Sephardim) parties, for a total of 62 seats in the Knesset (see 6/23). Right wing Tsomet party under Rafael Eytan left out over increasing disagreement with Rabin. (NYT 7/10)

Hamas and Fateh release "joint statement" calling for temporary truce after meeting in Amman. (WP 7/10)

Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi condemns violence in the Gaza Strip, calls on two sides to "immediately and unconditionally" halt attacks, intends to continue mediation in statement on behalf of NRC (see 7/8). (Al-Fajr 7/9 in FBIS 7/9)

EC grants ECU 15 million (about $20 million) for industrial and agricultural development to 4 Palestinian loan institutions in o.t. Agreement was signed in Jerusalem by EC rep. Thomas Dupla and Faisal Husseini, and is part of ECU 60 million package allocated to the o.t. (Al-Fajr 7/10 in FBIS 7/17)

Amnesty International releases report critizing Israel's holding of 2,000 Palestinians in "administrative detention" without charge or trial and its "unjustifiable" killing of 90 Palestinians. Report states about 170 Palestinians, most of them suspected collaborators, were killed by other Palestinians. (WP 7/10)

PLO issues statement rejecting Lebanese plan for refugee resettlement and compensation calling on Lebanon to support Palestinian right to return and settle in their own independent homeland. (VOL 7/9 in FBIS 7/15)

Jersualem Post reports PM Shamir has urged Pres. Bush to free Jonathan Pollard, convicted to life sentence in 1986 for spying for Israel. (WP 7/10)

Bahij Abu al-Hana, head of Biqa' Valley branch of Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council, is shot dead near his home in Ta'lbaya, Lebanon. (AFP 7/9 in FBIS 7/9)

Multilateral talks on refugees open in Ottawa with Palestinians asserting that solution for Palestinian refugees should be made through implementation of UN Gen. Assembly Res. 194, which calls for repatriation of refugees or compensation. Israel boycotts talks. (MM 5/12)

Responding to 5/12 U.S. statement regarding right of Palestinian refugees to return, PM Shamir states "There is only a Jewish 'right of return' to the Land of Israel." State Dept. clarifies 5/12 statement, reaffirming U.S. support for Res. 194 and Sec. Council Res. 237 (adopted 14 June 1967) regarding return of Palestinian refugees but adding that this remains a matter to be negotiated between Palestinians and Israel. (NYT, MM 5/14)

Multilateral talks on water open in Vienna with more than 30 delegations attending. (WP 5/14)

Palestinian negotiators Zakariyal-Agha, 'Abd al-Rahman Hamad are refused entry into Gaza by Israeli authorities at Rafah border crossing point for a second time after they again refused to allow border guards to search documents they were carrying [see 5/12]. (MM 5/15)

Annual assembly of World Health Organization passes resolution criticizing Israel for health conditions in o.t. (MM 5/14)

In Jerusalem, Jordanian-controlled Higher Islamic Council warns against intervention by "foreign or international bodies" in repair work to Islamic holy sites in E. Jerusalem, an apparent reference to Saudi attempts to finance repairs of shrines in coordination with UNESCO [Jordan has traditionally been responsible for shrines' maintenance] [see 4/29, 5/5, 5/11, 5/12]. (MM 5/13; NYT 5/14)

Shaykh Ishaq Idris Sakhouta, head of Cairo-based and Saudi-financed World Islamic League, begins visit to Israel and o.t. After praying at al-Aqsa mosque in E. Jerusalem, Sakhouta praises Israel's handling of Islamic shrines in Jerusalem during meeting with Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek [Sakhouta's visit is being financed by an Israeli tourist company which seeks to increase Muslim tourism to Islamic holy sites in o.t.] (MM 5/14)

IDF kill "wanted" Palestinian in Immatin, near Tulkarm. Separate gun battle between IDF and 3 Palestinians leaves 1 Palestinian wounded. (Qol Yisra'el 5/14 in FBIS 5/14

PLO Central Council begins meeting in Tunis. Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi secretly address meeting. (Jordan Times 5/10 in FBIS 5/11)

Emile Habibi receives prestigious Israel Prize for Literature from Pres. Herzog, PM Shamir [see 3/17]. Tehiya party leader Yuval Ne'em'an disrupts ceremony by rising from the audience and announcing he was returning the Israel Prize awarded to him 23 years ago to protest awarding of prize to Habibi, whom he described as anti-Israeli. [Habibi had been urged by many Palestinian writers in Israel, o.t., and abroad to refuse the award. He stated that he decided to accept it, however, to pay tribute to achievements made by Palestinian population of Israel]. (MM 5/8)

Undercover unit shoots, injures Palestinian youth in Sa'ir near Hebron. Second Palestinian tries to drive youth to a hospital but is chased by the troops, who open fire on his car, killing him. (MM 5/8)

Faisal Husseini and 10 other PLO-approved Palestinian delegates arrive in Moscow for 1/28 multilateral talks. Delegation includes Palestinians from E. Jerusalem and the diaspora. Husseini begins negotiations with U.S., Russian officials over which delegates will be allowed to participate. U.S., Russia insist that conditions set before Madrid conference-no Palestinians from Jerusalem or exile can participate-still apply. (NYT 1/28)

Government survives five Knesset noconfidence votes (presented as one vote). Tehiya, Moledet parties, which recently resigned from government, abstain from voting, but their defection ensures early elections as Likud-led coalition no longer possesses a majority. (NYT 1/28)

Delegation of American Jewish leaders tells PM Shamir in Jerusalem that Israel cannot expect U.S. loan guarantees if settlement activity continues. (NYT 1/29)

Israeli delegation leaves Washington after little progress in peace talks. No agreement was reached concerning future talks. (NYT 1/17)

Tehiya, Moledet parties announce they will shortly resign from government, honoring past threats to quit should Israel discuss Palestinian self-rule during peace talks. Cabinets mbrs. Yuval Ne'eman (Tehiya), Rehavaam Ze'evi (Moledet) announce decision after meeting with PM Shamir and reading Israeli proposal made to Palestinians in Washington which discussed self-rule. (NYT 1/17)

Palestinian delegation presents PLO-approved autonomy plan to Israeli team in Washington. (NYT 1/17)

Hundreds of settlers converge on seven sites, attempt to establish settlements. Settlers also block roads and demonstrate outside homes of PM Shamir, DM Arens, threatening to take matters into their own hands if IDF cannot protect them from attacks by Palestinians. IDF forces most of them to leave. Balata refugee camp, nine villages n. of Ramallah curfewed. (Qol Yisra'el 1/15 in FBIS 1/15, 1/16; Voice of Palestine 1/15 in FBIS 1/17; MM 1/15)

Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek states road scheduled to be built on top of archeological site will be completed as planned [see 1/14]. (MM 1/16)

Kuwaiti press reports statements by planning minister that Kuwait will ensure that Kuwaitis comprise 60% of future population, as compared with 30% before Gulf war, even if this slows economic recovery. Kuwait will also lend $15 million to Syria to assist former Syrian residents of Kuwait establish businesses in Syria. (MM 1/15)

At Madrid peace conference, PM Shamir delivers first opening address of the day. He is followed by Jordanian FM Kamil Abu Jaber, chief Palestinian delegate Haydar Abd al-Shafi, Lebanese FM Faris Bouez, and Syrian FM Faruq al-Sharaa (NYT 11/1)

After hearing Abd al-Shafi's speech on the radio, hundreds of Palestinians march through Ramallah waving olive branches and shaking hands with Israeli security forces, who did not break up the demonstration. Similar marches took place in E. Jerusalem, throughout occupied territories. (MEM 10/31, 11/1)

In another move toward PLO-Saudi reconciliation, Fateh Central Comm. Mbr. and top aide to Chmn. Arafat Nabil Sha'th, who was appointed as behind-the-scenes PLO coordinator of Palestinian delegates at Madrid, meets with Saudi representative to talks, Prince Sa'ud bin Faysal, along with Palestinian delegates and members of the steering committee. (MEM 11/1)

Kuwaiti FM Shaykh Salim al-Sabah reiterates Kuwaiti hostility toward PLO, however, describing PLO position during the Gulf war as "shameful" while affirming Kuwaiti support for Palestinian cause. (MEM 11/1)

Israeli, South Lebanon Army forces continue shelling Nabatiyya area, other regions of S. Lebanon. (MEM 11/1)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Sharaa confirms Syria will attend peace conference but will not participate in subsequent talks on regional issues unless Israel displays willingness to withdraw from occupied Arab territories [see 9/26]. Al-Sharaa also states he will not shake hands with Israeli delegates at conference. (MEM, WP 10/17)

Tunisia, Morocco indicate they will take part in peace conference as observers. (MEM 10/17)

Secy. of State Baker travels to Jerusalem, holds discussions with PM Shamir, Palestinian negotiators. Talks with Palestinians centered on Palestinian delegation to peace conference. Two sides continue to disagree over Israeli demand that such a delegation not include Palestinians from East Jerusalem, a demand which Baker has urged Palestinian negotiators to accede to in order that the Palestinians not be left out of the peace process. (WP 10/17)

PLO delegation in Amman reportedly reaches agreement with Jordanian government over composition of joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation under joint leadership of King Hussein and Chmn. Arafat. But Jordanian government states it has discussed the issue not with the PLO but "people from the occupied territories" in effort to stem Israeli objections to PLO role in choosing Palestinian delegates. (MEM 10/16; WP 10/17)

PLO Central Comm. meets in Tunis to discuss Palestinian participation in peace conference. (WP 10/17)

Clandestine al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio reports statement has been issued in o.t. by PFLP-GC, Hamas, Fateh-Revolutionary Council [Abu Nidal], Islamic Jihad, Mujahid Islamic Trend, and Fateh-Uprising [Abu Musa] rejecting "conference of humiliation." (al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio 10/16, in FBIS 10/17)

Israeli military court sentences Shaykh Aimad Yasin, founder of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), to life imprisonment for ordering the deaths of several alleged Palestinian collaborators. Yasin was arrested in May 1989. (NYT 10/17)

Hundreds of Jewish settlers invade Silwan, on outskrits of East Jerusalem, and occupy eight Palestinian homes they claim were bought or leased from the government but occupied by Palestinians. Occupation of the homes was planned by Housing Minister Ariel Sharon, and several right-wing Knesset members, including Michael Eytan, Yuval Ne'eman, and Ge'ula Cohen, joined the settlers in a move some openly stated was an attempt to bring down the government of PM Shamir and disrupt U.S. efforts to convene a peace conference [see 10/4]. Police evacuate most of the homes, but PM Shamir tells settlers they can control one of them. Shamir calls settlers' action "unnecessary" and takes no action against Sharon. (MEM 10/9; WP 10/10, 10/14)

Sharon announces he will challenge PM Shamir for the Likud party's nomination for prime minister in 1992. (WP 10/11)

Addressing Knesset, PM Shamir declares Pres. Bush's stance on loan guarantees constitutes an attack on the "deepest foundations of Jewish and Zionist consciousness." Shamir also insists that Israel approve Palestinian delegates to peace conference and states Israel will not negotiate with any Palestinian who announces affiliation with PLO while at the conference. (WP, MEM 10/8)

Israeli security forces impose a ban on travel to Jerusalem for residents of the o.t. in an attempt to forestall violence on 8 October, first anniversary of the 1990 disturbances on the Haram al-Sharif which left 18 Palestinians dead. (AFP 10/8, in FBIS 10/9)

The new Israeli voluntary society Sikuy ("Chance") issues report indicating that 46% of Palestinian families in Israel live below the poverty line, compared to 8% of Jewish families. Palestinian academics hold only 10 of some 5,000 academic positions in Israel while only 17 of 1,310 senior positions in government are filled by Palestinians. (Davar 10/8, in FBIS 10/9)

Undercover Israeli agents kill Palestinian youth, 'Imad 'Abdullah 'Atiq, in Burkin village near Jenin. (MEM 10/7)

Turkish Pres. Turgut Ozal announces that proposed conference on Middle East water resources scheduled to meet 3-9 November in Turkey will be postponed [see 8/16]. (WP 10/8)

Four Israeli F-15 fighter planes fly on a reconnaissance mission over western Iraq. Iraqi officials claim the planes entered from Syrian airspace and left over Saudi airspace. U.S. strongly protested the action. One U.S. official claimed the planes traveled over Jordan, not Syria and Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials claim U.S. is not providing enough information on Iraqi missile sites in Iraq, that Israel must gather such information itself. (NYT, WP 10/9; WP 10/10)

Israeli newspaper Qol Ha'ir reports Sharon and the militant religious Ateret Cohanim movement have prepared a plan to establish 26 "settlement points" within Palestinian neighborhoods in the Jerusalem area, including 200 housing units in Silwan on eastern outskirts of East Jerusalem (HaAretz 10/4 in FBIS 10/4)

Settlers from Golan present PM Shamir a five-year plan for increased Israeli settlement on the Golan Heights. The plans call for expenditures of $200 million in roads, infrastructure, and for increasing number of settlers from present figure of 11,500 to 40,000 within four years. Shamir accepts plan by noting there was "no shadow of doubt" about Israel's future control of Golan. (MEM 10/4)

Israeli newspaper HaAretz reports that Israel, Germany have failed to reach an understanding over Israel's request for DM10 billion in credito assist settling Jewish immigrants. Among other reasons, Israel's request was based upon the fact that the former East Germany never paid reparations to Israel as did West Germany [see 8/28]. (HaAretz 10/4 in FBIS 10/8)

U.S. administration denies Secy. of State Baker linked future U.S. decision to grant Israel loan guarantees with freeze of Israel settlement building, stating reporters erred when reporting on Baker's 9/17 meeting with PM Shamir, but denial does little to assuage Israeli leaders, who were angered by the comment. (WP 9/19)

After arriving in Damascus, Baker is warned by Syrian FM al-Sharaa that U.S. loan guarantees to Israel would affect Arabs' attitude toward peace process. Baker also delivers draft U.S. assurances on the peace conference, including pledge to Syria that U.S. considers UN resolutions calling for Israeli withdrawal from the o.t. applied to "all fronts," including the Golan Heights. (WP, MEM 9/19)

Informed sources indicate secret U.S.- PLO talks carried out in Amman by PLO Exec. Comm. Mbr. Mahmud Abbas (Abu Mazin) and three officials from U.S. state department. Talks reportedly centered on Palestinian participation in peace talks. Americans reportedly tell Abbas that U.S. hopes PNC meeting in Algiers will allow Chmn. Arafat to authorize such participation and that Palestinians' only chance for representations as part of a joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation. (MEM 9/23)

In Amman, PNC Speaker Shaykh 'Abd al-Hamid al-Sa'ih states Israel has rejected a UN request  to allow PNC delegates living in o.t. permission to travel to Algiers to attend PNC meeting. PLO had earlier requested UN assistance in arranging Israeli permission. (Radio Jordan 9/18 in FBIS 9/18)

Al-Sa'ih also announces that PNC members Edward W. Said and Ibrahim Abu-Lughod, both professors at American universities, have resigned from PNC for personal reasons. (Radio Monte Carlo 9/18 in FBIS 9/19)

U.S. Defense Secy. Richard Cheney signs 10-year U.S.-Kuwaiti defense agreement with Kuwaiti Def. Min. Shaykh 'Ali al-Sabah in Washington. (MEM 9/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Baker meets with PM Shamir in Jerusalem, discusses loan guarantee controversy. Baker also delivers a draft letter outlining U.S. "assurances" to Israel and the Palestinians concerning proposed peace conference. Talks with Palestinians are inconclusive, and Baker suggests they travel to meet him in Amman for follow-up discussions. (WP 9/17)

Israeli peace movement Peace Now issues report claiming Israeli government has decided to invest $50 million in schemes to encourage Israeli investment ino.t., including tax relief, grants, and state guarantees. One fourth of funds would go for building factories, remainder on labor-intensive projects. (MEM 9/17)

Housing min. Ariel Sharon states 15,780 homes have been built in o.t. since April 1990, the first time Sharon has announced such a figure as housing minister

PLO Chmn. Arafat asserts his right to choose Palestinian delegates to peace conference, again rejects Israeli veto over delegation's composition. Arafat also indicates that Palestine National Council will convene in Algeria next month to discuss peace initiative. (NYT 8/7)

In statement to U.S. press, King Hussein states not every city in occupied territories need be represented at peace conference, in reference to PLO insistence that E. Jerusalem Palestinians be allowed to participate in peace conference. (MEM 8/6)

Israeli press reports Prime Min. Shamir told Israeli cabinet he will walk out of peace talks if Syria demands return of Golan Heights. (LAT 8/7)

Israeli activists demonstrate at Eshkolot, Israeli settlement established 8/5. (MEM 8/6)

Israeli cabinet approves Prime Min. Shamir's 8/1 decision to attend peace conference; vote was 14 in favor, 3 opposed.

Death threat againsthe three Palestinians who have been meeting recently with U.S. Secy. of State Baker [Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi, Zakariya al-Agha] issued in name of Islamic Jihad. (MEM 8/8, 8/9)

At economic summit in Britain, Group of Seven leaders (U.S., Canada, France, Italy, Britain, Japan, and Germany) endorse U.S.-led peace efforts, call for end to both Arab boycott of Israel and Israeli settlement-building. Prime Min. Shamir reacts to linkage of two issues with "disgust." (LAT 7/17; WP 7/20)

Fateh central committee mbr. Khalid al-Hasan criticizes PLO leadership for supporting Iraq in recent Gulf war, urges formation of provisional government comprised of Palestinian independents. He urged restoration of Palestinian-Arab relations. (MEM 7/17)

Hizballah fighters ambush Israeli troops in Kufr Huna, north of Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon. Three Israelis killed, including two officers; four others were wounded. One Hizballah fighter died. Clash was most lethal for Israeli troopsince Nov. 1990. Israel has recently begun dispatching patrols north of the "security zone" to engage anti-Israeli forces before their arrival in zone. (WP, MEM 7/18)

Lebanese Def. Min. Michel al-Murr accuses PLO of hiding medium and heavy weapons in refugee camps near Tyre, vows continued blockade of camps until weapons are surrendered. PLO denies it holds such weapons. Issue centers on definition of "medium" weapon: Lebanese army considers rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) as medium weapons; PLO does not. Lebanese army now has some 10,000 troops deployed in S. Lebanon. (MEM 7/16, 7/18)

PLO committee meeting in Tunis agrees to convene Palestine National Council (PNC) within three months, urges PLO executive committee to seek rapprochement with Hamas, Palestinian National Salvation Front groups, which boycotted the meeting after PLO invited only those PNSF groups which had membership in the Palestine National Council before 1983 to participate. PNSF, Islamic Jihad, Fateh-Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal) later call on committee to "reconsider" call for convening PNC in order to preserve "unity of Palestinian ranks." Committee also urged greaterepresentation from occupied territories within PNC. PNC currently has 637 seats, including 186 allocated to representatives from the occupied territories. PNC meeting would be first since August 1988, when it declared existence of independent Palestinian state, accepted U.N. Security Council resolution 242. (MEM 7/18, 7/26)

Egyptian-Syrian commission agrees to formulate joint foreign policies between the countries. (LAT 7/18)

Meeting of 6 March Damascus Declaration signatoriesnds. The eight states indicate "total agreement" about amendments to declaration but refuse to state what they are. Observers see move as signalling the effective end of the Syrian-Egyptian-led Gulf security plan. (MEM 7/17)

U.S. Def. Secy. Cheney announces proposed sale of 20 "Apache" helicopter gunships to Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, the second major arms transfer announced since Pres. Bush's 5/29 proposal to limit arms supplies to region [see 5/30]. Cheney again denies any contradiction ipolicy. (NYT 6/5)

Israeli For. Min. Levy announces France has pledged $500 million in loan guarantees to build housing for immigrants to Israel. (MEM 6/5)

Israeli planes attack suspended Palestinian and Lebanese commando bases near Sidon, S. Lebanon, for second day. Two-day raids destroyed several ammunition, vehicle depots; 22 reported killed, 82 wounded in raids on bases of Fateh, PFLP, DFLP, Fateh-Revolutionary Council, Lebanese Popular Liberation Army. Raids are largest since the 1982 Lebanon war. (LAT 6/5; NYT, WP 6/6)

Prime Min. Shamir tells parliamentarians from Agudat Yisra'el party he opposes notion of "Jordan is Palestine," sees no value in replacing King Hussein with Arafat. (Radio Israel in FBIS 6/3)

Secy. of State Baker modifies 5/22 statement concerning Israeli settlement-building as an obstacle to peace, notes that "other obstacles" present equal difficulties. Baker was criticized by American Jewish organizations, some U.S. senators, for singling out Israel in his remarks. Pres. Bush backs Baker's criticism of Israeli settlement building. (NYT, WP 5/24)

Israel begins airlifting remaining 16,000 Ethiopian Jews in Ethiopia to Israel in "Operation Solomon" following secret talks with the collapsing government of Ethiopia. 5/22 letter from Pres. Bush to acting Ethiopian Pres. Lt.-Gen. Tesfaye Gebre-Kidan promising U.S. mediation efforts in Ethiopian civil war in return for unrestricted Jewish emigration paved way for airlift. Bush had earlier written Ethiopian Pres. Mengistu Haile Mariam in April urging release of the Jews. Unnamed U.S. official states Bush asked Israeli Prime Min. Yitzhak Shamir not to settle the Ethiopians in the occupied territories. Aide to Shamir confirmed Israel told U.S. it had "no intention" of settling immigrants on what he termed "occupied land." Simha Dinitz, Israel'senior immigration official, confirmed that none would be placed in occupied territories. Western relief workers complained that valuable resources expended on operation could have been used to aid Ethiopian famine victims remaining in Ethiopia. Airlift comes as Israel is struggling to absorb nearly 250,000 Soviet Jewish immigrants who arrived in past 20 months. 12,000 Ethiopian Jews were airlifted to Israel in "Operation Moses" in 1984 before Arab criticism prompted Ethiopian government to halt exodus. 8,000 others came to Israel after emigration resumed on small scale in 1989. By beginning of 1991, more than 20,000 Ethiopian Jews were living in Israel. (NYT, WP 5/25, 5/26; LAT 5/27; NYT 6/6)

U.S. state department issues cautious statement on 5/22 Syrian-Lebanese treaty, noting that it will monitor events to determine if Lebanon's independence is respected. (WP 5/25)

Israeli Def. Min. Spokesman Danny Naveh states that Israel will release all Lebanese prisoners held by Israel, including alleged Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh 'Abd al-Karim 'Ubayd, in exchange for Israeli prisoners held in Lebanon. Hizballah spokesman added that Israel must release Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners, that Hizballah could only release those Israelis it holds and not those held by other groups. A total of seven Israelis were captured or reported missing in Lebanon since 1982 Israeli invasion, of whom only two are believed to be alive. Hizballah admits to holding two Israelis. Hizballah is seeking release of Shi'ites held both by Israel and Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army. Agreement came in wake of statement earlier in the week by Shaykh 'Abbas al-Musawi, new leader of Hizballah, that Hizballah would release the two Israelis if Israel freed Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners it held. The proposed exchange could lead to release of Western hostages held in Lebanon as well. (WP 5/25; NYT 5/26)

U.S. joins other 14 members of U.N. Security Council in voting to deplore 5/18 deportation of four Palestinians from Gaza. (WP, LAT 5/25; see JPS 80, doc. A5) 

Pres. Bush says that U.S., British, and French troops will set up secure camps in northern Iraq that could shelter more than 500,000 Kurds until they could be coaxed back to their homes [NYT, WP, LAT 4/17].

Inspectors from International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) negotiate with Baghdad for permission to visit rubble of Iraq's 2 nuclear research reactors to see if country's supply of weapons-grade uranium is still intact, and if it is, to destroy it or remove it [WP 4/17].

P.M. Shamir meets with Soviet P.M. in London; Shamir says that diplomatic relations between the 2 countries would have to be established before Moscow could have a role at Middle East peace conference [WP 4/17].

U.S. calls new Jewish settlement of Revava "an obstacle" and questions Israel's timing, with Sec. Baker due to arrive on 4/18 [NYT, WP, LAT, MEM 4/17; MET 4/30].

Israeli navy shells boat carrying 8 Palestinians, allegedly en route to Israel. All are killed [RFL 4/17 in FBIS 4/17].

Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics reports Israel's population has reached 4.9 million [IDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/19]. 

Federal District Court judges rule against 54 Democratic members of Congress who had sought an order forbidding Pres. Bush from going to war without first seeking con- gressional approval, but also rule Congress could force Bush to seek declaration of war if it chooses [NYT, WP 12/14].

Last U.S.-sponsored evacuation flight out of Iraq and Kuwait arrives in Frankfurt, carrying U.S. ambassador to Kuwait and 31 other Americans [AFP 12/13 in FBIS 12/13; ADS, INA 12/13 in FBIS 12/14; NYT, WP 12/4; LAT 12/15].

American official says U.S. wants to keep some UN sanctions against Iraq in place even if Saddam withdraws from Kuwait; sanctions would continue to ensure Saddam "can't keep up his massive military machine" [NYT 12/14]; U.S. officials accuse Saddam of stalling on setting dates for talks [WP 12/14].

New York Times/CBS News poll finds 45% of respondents believe U.S. should start military actions against Iraq if it does not leave Kuwait by 1/15; 48% say U.S. should wait for sanctions to work; 62% say sending troops to Saudi Arabia was correct thing to do [NYT 12/14].

Concluding 2-day meeting, OPEC ministers in Vienna agree to maintain present production levels and reinstate production ceiling of 22.5 million barrels per day once Gulf crisis is over [IRNA, AFP 12/13 in FBIS 12/13].

French F.M. Roland Dumas says Iraqi pledge to leave Kuwait would not be enough to satisfy UN, but it could move Gulf crisis towards peaceful solution [MEM 12/14].

Tel Aviv military court convicts Col. Yaacov Sadeh of causing death by negligence of Palestinian teenager during clash 17 months ago [MEM 12/14].

Labor party leader Shimon Peres says P.M. Shamir's gov't. has moved into W. Bank and Gaza hundreds of new trailer homes imported to ease housing shortage [JTS 12/13 in FBIS 12/14; MET 12/25].

Iraqi F.M. Tarik Aziz arrives in Moscow and meets with Pres. Gorbachev and F.M. Shevardnadze; Soviet Union demands that Iraq release more than 3,000 Soviet citizens stranded there, charging for 1st time that Baghdad was preventing them from leaving [FNS, MEM 11/26; TASS 11/26 in FBIS 11/26; PRA 11/27 in FBIS 11/27; NYT, WT, WP 11/27]; Pres. Gorbachev warns Saddam Hussein that "time is running out" and that USSR will agree to tougher UN action if Iraq does not leave Kuwait [LAT 11/27].

Saddam orders release of 3 American hostages; National Assembly votes to free all 58 Swedish hostages [BADS, AFP 11/26 in FBIS 11/27; LAT 11/27; MET 12/4].

U.S. army orders 10,567 more reservists into active duty in Gulf [LAT 11/27].

Israeli police report number and gravity of "terrorist" incidents perpetrated by Negev Bedouin have risen sharply since 10/8 Haram al-Sharif killings [DAV 11/27 in FBIS 11/27].

Police also report the arrest of 3 Meir Kahane followers for attacking Jewish shops that employ Palestinians [WT 11/27; MET 12/4; JPI 12/8].

P.M. Shamir's gov't. survives 2 no-confidence motions in Knesset brought about by Shamir's 11/18 "sea to Jordan" remark [JDS 11/26 in FBIS 11/28; MET 12/4].

22-year-old Egyptian police conscript is arrested in Suez and charged with 11/25 shooting deaths in Israel [MEM 11/27].

Washington Post reports that many Saudis, including some gov't officials, do not want Iraq's military capability completely destroyed in event of war because Iraq is the strongest Arab deterrent to Israel and Iran [WP 11/12].

Israeli officials say P.M. Shamir's gov't is demanding U.S. block any future effort by UN Sec. Council to implement Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar's 11/1 suggestion that Palestinians' safety be placed under UN auspices; in return, Israel would accept visit from UN rep. Jean Claude Aime [JDP 11/11 in FBIS 11/13; NYT 11/12; WP 11/12, 11/13].

King Hassan of Morocco urges Arab leaders to hold "last chance" summit to head off war in Gulf; Iraq insists Palestine problem be on summit agenda as prerequisite for Iraq's attendance [NYT 11/12; WP 11/12, 11/13].

Former U.S. Attorney Gen. Ramsey Clark meets with Iraqi officials in Baghdad during 3-day visit [BADS, INA 11/11 in FBIS 11/14].