The Palestine Chronology

In Washington, PM Shamir discusses upcoming bilateral peace talks with Secy. of State Baker, expresses reservations about holding talks in Washington. Israel continues to push for holding talks in the Middle Est. (LAT 11/22)

Labor party adopts new party platform at its convention, dropping opposition to negotiations with PLO [see 11/19]. Platform also calls for one-year freeze on settlement building, recognizes Palestinian "national rights." But document states that Labor opposes creation of an independent Palestinian state, affirms that party does not oppose expansion of existing settlements. (MM 11/12; NYT 11/22)

Shamir, referring to creation of a Palestinian state, tells annual gathering of Council of Jewish Federations in Baltimore that there is "no room for two states in such a small area." Poll of Council members indicates 85% disagree with Shamir's policy of not surrendering any territory at all to Arabs as part of peace negotiations. (MM 11/21)

Debate breaks out in Lebanese parliament over UNIFIL's request that Lebanon withdraw army units deployed 11/18 in Tayr Diba, S. Lebanon. Most ministers argue army should remain to reestablish control over country. UNIFIL spokesman insists UNIFIL does not oppose this policy but merely seeks an orderly transfer of power. (MM 11/22)

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)

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) 

Bulldozers, under IDF guard, begin clearing ground near Alon in the W. Bank for new Israeli settlement [WT 4/ 26; JDS 4/25 in FBIS 4/26].

Hussein Musawi, Hizballah leader, urges groups not to release any U.S. hostages because of ill will on part of U.S., says release of Robert Pohill was met by House vote recognizing united Jerusalem as Israel's capital [NYT, LAT, WT 4/26].

U.S. House 4/24 resolution evokes sharp criticism from PLO, most Arab gov'ts. [MENA, ADS, DDS 4/25 in FBIS 4/26].

Arab diplomats ask Cyprus's parliament to restrict Soviet Jewish emigrants from using Cypriot ports as they travel to Israel [WT 4/26].

As first Eastern European leader to visit Israel, Czech Pres. Vaclav Havel briefs interim P.M. Shamir on meeting Havel had with PLO Chrmn. Arafat, offers help in mediating between Israel and the Palestinians [WP 4/26].

According to Washington Times, new gov't. of Nicaragua has asked Mossad, Israeli intelligence service, to reorganize Sandinista intelligence apparatus [WT 4/ 25].

Pro-Israeli supporters question Thomas Dine's criticism of Israeli gov't., speculating Dine was trying to help AIPAC with its critics in U.S. [WT 4/26].

Israeli soldier throws stun grenade at Swiss Red Cross worker in W. Bank camp near Ramallah [MET 5/8-14].

Israeli "There Is A Limit" movement reports 108 IDF regulars and reservists have been jailed for refusing to serve in O.T. [HAM 4/25 in FBIS 4/26].

Caretaker P.M. Shamir has set in motion plans quickly to begin construction of 5 more settlements in O.T. Labor MK Avraham Burg says "part of [Shamir's] plan is to kill the peace process" [WT 4/ 2].

Responding to Shamir's plans, U.S. State Dep't. spokesperson says "It's disturbing that an Israeli leadership which was unable to move forward on peace seems ready to move forward on new settlements" [LAT, WT 4/3].

Washington-based National Conference on Soviet Jewry reports that 7,280 Soviet Jews emigrated to Israel during March. The figure is confirmed by Israeli immigration officials [NYT 4/3].

Rabbi Meir Kahane goes on trial on charges of sedition for calling Arabs at rally last year "cancer spreading in our midst" [WT 4/3].

Pres. Saddam Hussein says in speech to his armed forces Iraq would use its stockpile of nerve gases against any aggressor, especially Israel. Hussein says if West was trying to "give Israel a cover in order to strike at some [Iraqi] industrial metalworks, by God we will make fire eat up half of Israel if it tried [to strike] against Iraq" [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prime Minister Peres announces last stage of IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon will be completed by 6 June; but unspecified number of soldiers will remain in "security zone" [NYT 6/3]. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Samuel Lewis ends 8-year tour of duty [JTA 6/3]. Council of Jewish Settlements in West Bank calls for official action to deport Palestinians released 20 May [JTA 6/3]. Council Chair Yisrael Har'el says harassment tactics used againsthem by settlers igenerating sympathy for Palestinians among some Israelis. Wives of Jewish underground defendants end 13-day hunger strike after receiving order from rabbi to desist and assurances Knesset bill will be introduced to grant defendants clemency. Defendants tell court attempted Temple Mount sabotage was intended only "to frighten," not kill. Summer visiting season for relatives to West Bank residents begins. 2,500 visitors will be allowed to cross Allenby Bridge per day, up from 1,250; 1,100 over Damiya Bridge, up from 800 [JP 6/3]. Israeli settlers in West Bank and Gaza meet at Pesagot near Ramallah to discuss how to torpedo the envisaged peace talks with Jordan and how to force out of the country Arabs freed May 20 [JP 6/3]. Rejecting Hussein Plan and U.S. overtures, Shamir and Likud want direct talks with non-PLO/PNC-Jordanian or Jordanian-Palestinian delegation. Peres and Labor party take "wait and see" position on delegation that includes PNC members.

Arab Countries: Red Cross evacuates 29 from Burj al-Barajinah [FT 6/3]. 93 Palestinians taken to hospitals in Druze-held mountain town of Shuwayfat. Shi'a militiamen take 5 Palestinians from ambulances, later let them be evacuated.

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz sends message to P. M. Peres seeking Israeli backing for projected American talks with Jordanian-Palestinian delegation as step toward direct talks with Israel [NYT 6/3]. U.S. accepts PNC representation idelegation. Shultz says he is glad PLO has accepted UN resolutions 242 and 338 but says U.S. needs public statement before considering talking to PLO [JTA 6/3]. He opposes Hussein's proposal of Soviet participation in peace talks. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Former Stern Gang leader PM Shamir publicly denounces terrorism by Jewish settlers, and tells Knesset Israeli gov't. will not surrender its sovereignty over West Bank, but is ready to talk peace with any Arab leader. Reiterating that Israel considers Camp David only formula for settlement, PM Shamir rejects Chrmn. Arafat's call for peace conference under UN auspices.

Arab World: Lebanese amb. to Libya Farhat [dismissed by Libya when his gov't. signed agreement with Israel May 17, 1983] returns to his post. Egypt's FM Hassan Ali summons Israeli amb. Sassoon to protest Israel's "inhuman and illegal practices in occupied Arab territories".

Other Countries: In UN Security Council session, Zehdi Terzi accuses Israel of killing or wounding 60 refugees in its recent attack on Ain al-Hilweh camp, S. Lebanon. In effort to monitor Arab influence in US, American Jewish Congress pres. Mann announces nationwide push for legislation compelling colleges & universities to report sources of grants over $100,000 a year. Meeting with Israel's Science Minister, Thai Science Min. Lathopitat says he wants stronger industrial ties with Israel. After rash of complaints, British mail order house Freemans issues apology after accidentally shipping Israeli-made bras to Abu Dhabi.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: EL-OP unveils new ship-board air defense system Spirtas. Military court sentences 7 Nablus men charged with murder of Hebron settler; 4 get life, 3 get 20-25 years.

Arab World: 2 Katyushas fall in IDF-occupied territory near Ba'loul, east of Lake Karoun.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5th American Jewish Kach settler arrested in connection with shooting of Arab bus passengers (3/4/84) and other "TNT" activities. 6 Israeli settlers tried in Jersualem for rioting and arson of Hebron market last year. Tel Aviv police unit leader Hafetz suspended for leaking information of "TNT" to press. Knesset defeats bill to declare "Hatikvah" Israel's national anthem, with its theme of a historic Jewish yearning for the "land of Israel." National Com. of Arab Town Councils urges adoption of national anthem that expresses the notion of two nations living in a single country. Returning from 3-day visit to Cairo int'l. trade fair, Israeli Industry & Trade Minister Patt reports no improvement in Israel-Egypt relations in sight; says 50% decrease in exports to Egypt since 1982 linked to poor political relations. US Marine commander Gen. Kelley begins 2-day official visit with IDF and DM Arens. At Jerusalem rally PM Shamir claims USSR refused renewed relations with Israel because of its hatred of the Jewish people. Members of Makuya sect of Japanese Christian zealots conduct pro-Israel march in Jerusalem.

Arab World: Beirut cease-fire called by leaders at reconciliation talks in Lausanne.

Other Countries: French Minister of Industry Fabius and Israeli Trade Minister Patt agree to further cooperation in commerce and industrial research. Pres. Reagan defends proposed arms package to Jordan before United Jewish Appeal. Added to his recent refusal to assist in obtaining Israel's permission for West Bank delegates to attend PNC session, Reagan refuses to support or withhold veto on Jordan's draft resolution condemning Israeli settlements in occupied territories as illegal. 4 JDL members arrested for criminal trespass and possession of noxious chemicals, and held in suspicion of bomb threat at Greensburgh, NY Town Hall showing of Russian architecture film. [JDL seeks severance of all US relations with USSR until all Soviet Jews permitted to emigrate freely.] 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Karp report criticizing Israeli law enforcement practices toward Arabs in West Bank made public; report reveals Jewish settlers who kill West Bank Palestinians enjoy high degree of immunity from police investigation. Israeli gov't. announces no intention of intervening to salvage Gemayel presidency in Beirut, in spite of reported pleas from Phalange emissaries. Interior Ministry official attacks Jerusalem Mayor Kollek for accusing political motives behind gov't. refusal to approve 5 replacement generators for Arab-owned Jerusalem Electric Co. Spokesman for Council of Jewish Settlements ("Judea & Samaria") reveals IDF commander Aluf Ori Orr instructed settlers not to cooperate with civilian police after attacks on Arabs. PM Shamir and US amb. Lewis meet for urgent talks on LAF setback. Gaza-Majdal Road checkpoints withdrawn by Israel, thereby removing only visible demarkation of 1948 border.

Other Countries: US Pres. Reagan announces plan to withdraw Marines from Beirut to warships offshore. European Parliament Pres. Dankert, speaking to Knesset, suggests Israel coordinate efforts with Morocco and Tunisia to protect agricultural exports to Europe if Spain and Portugal admitted to EEC. 

Military Action:

IDF jeeps and APCs come under RPG attack near Shuweifat; artillery, machine gun exchanges between Druze and Phalange in Aley, IDF rushes 50 APCs and tanks, 500 troops to area, imposes curfew and cuts traffic between Chouf villages; IDF forces withdraw from Yarze area housing Lebanese Army command and home of US Ambassador Dillon.

Casualties:

UNRWA begins distributing cement and stoves in Ain el-Hilweh; 1 attacker killed, 1 IDF soldier wounded in Shuweifat.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon tells Knesset committee Israel will withdraw to 40 miles above border only after PLO and Syria withdraw troops and Israeli prisoners are returned, but will stay there until Lebanon signs security agreement allowing direct IDF involvement in security arrangements; Shamir tells US Jewish leaders in Israel that multinational peacekeeping force is unnecessary for ensuring safety of South Lebanon; Jerusalem Post poll shows Sharon support dropping since massacre; Commission of Inquiry interviews Yiram Yair, IDF commander in area of camps during massacre, behind closed doors; Statistics Bureau puts price rise at 106 percent since start of year, and inflation rate may reach 138 percent by end of year; two week old memo revealed which ordered Israeli military governors to "neutralize to the maximum" pro-Jordanian elements among West Bank Arabs and to step up support for Village Leagues, in apparent attempt to block options for peace settlement involving Jordan; Likud MK Dror Zeigerman says government initiative in issuing memo would imply plan for ultimate annexation of occupied territories, and warns such a plan would turn the West Bank into "Israel's Viet Nam"; Peace Now issues statement condemning Civil Administrator for implementing "corrupt colonialist policies"; heads of Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian churches in Jerusalem threaten to close holy places over Christmas unless expulsion order against Armenian Deputy Patriarch Karanjian is rescinded, but Interior Ministry refuses to reveal basis for decision to not renew visa; Tehiya Party, at annual meeting, demands that Israel annex West Bank and Gaza; Nahal plans five outposts, three settlements in West Bank in coming year; Bethlehem University student council leader put under town arrest for six months.

US and Other Countries: French President Mitterrand, in Paris meeting, tells Arab League delegation headed by King Hussein that Arabs and PLO should recognize Israel; State Department issues unusually strong 2 page statement that Israel's deportation of teachers from West Bank universities (which are partly funded by US foreign aid) undermines peace negotiations.

Military Action:

US Marines in Lebanon celebrate Corp's 207th birthday; IDF ends first large-scale military exercises since Lebanon invasion.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Commission of Inquiry hears testimony of IDF officers in closed session and investigators interview soldiers and Israeli reporters; Shamir charges Egypt with peace treaty violations, says it courts PLO and allows domestic anti-Semitic campaign; Civil Administration orders a Jordanian and 2 US lecturers at Birzeit Univ. to stop teaching and leave area after they refuse to sign anti-PLO pledge; World Zionist Organization announces plans to double number of Jewish settlers in West Bank in 1983, and by 2010 to total of 1.4 million.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, interviewed in Tunisia, says US is partly to blame for Beirut massacres and shows unofficial negotiating documents with US written guarantees of security for camps, also says 3,000 Palestinians and 2,000 Lebanese prisoners released so far.

Arab Governments: Egypt strengthening defensive positions in Sinai; Egyptian Defense Minister Ghazala calls for "unified Arab strategy" to meet threat of Israel; King Hussein, in interview, says he backs Reagan peace proposals but wants US to gain concessions from Israel before he will join peace talks.

US and Other Countries: US officials concede Arafat's statements on US guarantees, says US accepted only oral commitments from Israelis and Phalange on safety of camps; Representative Lee Hamilton (D-IN) meets with West Bank and Gaza mayors in Jerusalem.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army takes over more positions vacated by PLO near luxury hotels and in Fakhani district; Murabitun turns over more weaponry to Lebanese Army.

Casualties:

Eight missing IDF soldiers still unaccounted for; 23 IDF soldiers injured when bus caught fire south of Tyre; traffic police return to West Beirut as well as other municipal services as heavy traffic flows into area; Fuad Chehab Bridge reopens.

Political Responses:

israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel drops request to resume autonomy talks because of difficulties posed by Reagan proposals; Sharon tells Lebanese Israel wants peace treaty or security belt; Shamir urges military links with new Lebanese government in talk to EEC, rejects UN role on border; Begin popularity higher than ever in Jerusalem Post poll (Sharon's popularity begins decline); Sharon holds Syrians responsible for eight captured IDF soldiers; Sharon warns IDF forces will advance unless LNM militia with-draws from outskirts of Beirut; West Bank university staff being forced to sign formal renunciation of PLO as condition for employment.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat leaves Tunis for Morocco talks; Foreign Minister Butros fears failure of Fez summit may further weaken Arab resolve, unity of action; after meeting at Salam's house Lebanese "Muslim Conference" issues list of principles and demands as basis for negotiating with Gemayel-list rejects incorporation of militias into Lebanese Army, calls on Gemayel to guarantee rights, preserve "Arab" character of Lebanon (head of Murabitun and former Prime Minister Karami refuse to attend, demand that Gemayel presidency be boycotted).

Arab Governments: Arab League talks start in Morocco; Egypt sharply criticizes Israel's settlement plans.

US and Other Countries: Soviet Union criticizes Reagan plan; IDF soldier who refused to serve in Lebanon has been named "prisoner of conscience" by Amnesty International; Hungary protests IDF occupation of its Beirut embassy.

Military Action:

Eight IDF soldiers captured by Syrians near Bhamdoun (IDF claims their capture is breach of cease-fire, asks US and ICRC to intercede for their release); clash between Syrian and IDF soldiers near Hadet el-jebbe northeast of Beirut.

Casualties:

Three IDF, one Syrian soldier killed in clash; US, Israeli officials confer on reopening Beirut airport (Lebanese reject Israeli presence there as mockery of government control); Lebanese security forces occupy two buildings formerly held by PLO; Murabitun relinquish more outposts; thousands of West Beirut residents return to find looted, damaged homes, thousands still displaced in South Lebanon or the Bekaa (150,000 estimated to have fled West Beirut during war).

Political Responses:

lsrael/ Occupied Territories: Following Begin's letter of protest to Reagan, Israel allocates $18.5 m. to build 3 new settlements on West Bank, announces approval for 7 more (9 of 10 to be located near Hebron); Shamir meets Draper on further withdrawals from Lebanon; Mayor Freij calls on Arab leaders to support Reagan plan, bring Egypt back into fold.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO says it will continue to study Reagan plan; Saeb Salam calls US offer of $95 m. to rebuild Lebanon "chickenfeed," says Israel should pay reparations.

Arab Governments: Assad confers with Kings of Jordan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia on Reagan plan and possible joint Arab proposal; Arab leaders gather for Fez summit.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says any Palestinian homeland must be "totally demilitarized," calls settlements "unwelcome development"; Reagan Administration strongly condemns Israeli plan for more settlements; Reagan responds to letter from Bethlehem Mayor Freij.

Military Action:

Last 700 PLO forces leave Beirut for North Yemen; Abu lyad and Abu Walid head last PLO group to leave Beirut; Arafat arrives in Greece to warm welcome by Papandreou.

Casualties:

Lebanese Army begins taking over Beirut security as stores open; relief agency officer estimates 20,000 wounded, 4,000 killed in war so far (Al-Nahar estimates 17,825 killed, 30,103 wounded); Amal militia release two Israel Radio workers who entered Burn al-Barajneh Monday.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli officials react angrily to Reagan proposals (Begin interrupts vacation to convene Cabinet meeting for tomorrow; Shamir says Reagan has departed from Camp David Accords; Tehiya Party members call for expanded settlements as answer to Reagan); Weinberger arrives in Israel, meets Sharon; Deputy Premier David Levy, dedicating new Jewish settlement, says government hopes to settle 100,000 Jews in West Bank during next 10 years; Shamir says Israel will never give up occupied territories; Begin meets Bashir Gemayel in secret meeting in Israel border town of Nahariya.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat says US pledge to protect Palestinian refugees left in Lebanon "fundamental" to PLO agreement to leave Beirut (choice of Greece as first stop seen as snub to Arabs); Lebanese government orders all barricades removed inside Beirut, bans armed men from streets, seeks to abolish Green Line (Murabitun reportedly orders forces to comply); Lebanese Muslims oppose quick withdrawal of multinational force.

US and Other Countries: Reagan, in letter to Begin and address to US population, urges "self-rule" by Palestinians in entity linked to Jordan, asks for halt to new Jewish settlements in occupied territories; Senator Hatfield charges $4.5 m. diverted from humanitarian assistance to Lebanon to help pay for PLO evacuation from Beirut; Weinberger meets with Gemayel, Butros, Wazzan, Habib, and says US Marines should leave Beirut within a few days, shocking Lebanese Muslim, European diplomats.