The Palestine Chronology

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)

Speaking to Jerusalem Post in first interview since forming new gov't. Yitzhak Shamir blames U.S. criticism for stirring up Arab hostility; lays down restrictive condition for peace talks, saying Israel will not negotiate with any Palestinian who opposes limited autonomy for O.T.; new gov't.'s guidelines also stipulate no role for E. Jerusalem Palestinians in any part of peace process [MEM 6/ 13; WP, NYT, LAT 6/14; LAT 6/16].

New Israeli police minister Roni Milo says Sec. James Baker's formula for talks is "no longer relevant" to his gov't. [NYT 6/14]; while F.M. David Levy says Baker plan had "distorted" the Israeli peace initiative it was to implement; calls for U.S. to "get back to basics" with Israel. Agriculture minister Rafael Eitan calls for deportation of Palestinian intifada leaders [WP 6/14].

Speaking before House Foreign Affairs Committee, Sec. Baker expresses impatience at peace process and especially with Israel, implying that if positive moves are not forthcoming quickly, U.S. will disengage from Middle East peace process: "When you're serious about peace, call us," he says, giving out White House telephone number [NYT, WT, WP, LAT, MEM 6/14; MET 6/19].

Shamir, responding to Arab requests, authorizes UN fact-finding mission to O.T.; move prompts harsh rebuke from far right-wing supporters of Shamir's gov't. [JDS 6/13 in FBIS 6/13; NYT 6/ 14].

Immigration min. Yitzhak Peretz says that 50,000 Jews, over 90% from USSR, have immigrated to Israel in 1990; nearly 200 have settled in O.T. [MET 6/ 26].

New D.M. Moshe Arens spends day visiting 2 largest Jewish settlements in W.Bank; says he is making a statement about his priorities [NYT 6/14; MET 6/ 26].

Israeli army jails for 10 days soldier who threw tear gas grenade into UN maternity clinic in Gaza. 66 infants were treated for gas inhalation in 6/12 incident [WT 6/14; MET 6/26].

Beirut radio reports of skirmish in S.Lebanon between Israeli and SLA troops and Shiite militias; no injuries [BVL 6/13 in FBIS 6/13]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Arab nations decide to defer action on UN resolution recognizing Palestinian state, yielding to U.S. warnings it would withhold funds if resolution was passed [NYT 12/6].

U.S. undersecretary for Near Eastern and South Asian affairs John Kelly meets with Shamir, Arens, and Peres to brief them on Malta summit. Later Kelly flies to Cairo to brief Mubarak [FBIS 12/5, 12/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army shoots, kills 5 Arabs crossing into southern Israel from Egypt through the Sinai [NYT, WP, FBIS 12/6; JP 12/16].

Ha'aretz reports IDF plans to build prison in Gush 'Ezyon area. The jail would hold 4,000 inmates [FBIS 12/5].

Arab World: 5 Palestinians are killed in Ayn al-Hulwah camp near Sidon when masked man opens fire in street [FBIS 12/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports of Defense and Foreign Relations Subcom. and Rotenstreich-Tsur commission argue government decision-making processes were faulty in handling of Pollard spy case, criticize P.M. Shamir, F.M. Peres, Defense Minister Rabin, and former Defense Minister Moshe Arens; do not recommend any action [BG, NYT 5/27]. Israeli troops use live ammunition to disperse crowd gathered in Nablus streets to celebratend of Ramadan; 1 Palestinian is killed [FJ 5/31]. Newly elected board members of 2 Gaza trade unions are ordered to suspend activities and cancel results of recent elections [FJ 5/31]. Lydda municipal workers destroy 9 Arab houses, charging the homes were uninhabitable [FJ 5/31]. Burned body of Jibril Ibrahim Husayn al-Darawish, former employee of United Nations Truce Supervision Organization headquarters inJerusalem, is found in Hebron [FJ 5/31]. During press conference in Amman, recently deported student leader Marwan Barghuthi condemns Israeli policy of expulsion [FJ 5/31]. Fadwa al-Labadi, grade school teacher from Abu Dis, is fired on security charges [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: Egypt's Revolution, group opposed to Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, claims responsibility for attack on U.S. officials in Cairo [PI 5/27].

Social/Economic/Political

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

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

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

Military Action

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

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.] 

Military Action:

Israeli jets bomb guerrilla bases in areas around Sofar, Falougha and Bhamdoun, reportedly hit as-Saiqa, Syrian Baath party, PFLP-GC and Druze positions, intense and effective anti-aircraft fire deployed; brief exchanges of artillery fire between LAF and PSP around Souq al-Gharb; fierce fighting continues around Baddawi, PLO loyalists and rebels both claim control of major parts of camp; all areas of Tripoli come under rocket and artillery fire.

Casualties:

1 Israeli jet shot down by shoulder fired SAM-7, pilot is rescued by LAF patrol after parachuting into Beirut suburb, Syria says 2nd jet was downed; casualty reports from air raid range from 2-18 killed, 8 wounded, damage to targets reportedly minimal; no reliable estimates possible of casualties in Tripoli, ambulances unable to move; Red Cross estimates 13,000-15,000 refugees from fighting at camps are in Tripoli.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF says air raid in Lebanon is reaction to long chain of terrorist attacks against IDF in South Lebanon, 35 IDF soldiers killed, 64 wounded since redeployment to Awali on September 4; Arens, addressing Moral Majority delegation in Jerusalem, says there will be no withdrawal from the West Bank; minister without portfolio Ben Porat says his plan to rehouse 250,000 Palestinians now living in refugee camps will cost between $2 and $1.5 b. over next six years, Shamir to raise the subject in forthcoming meetings with Reagan; IDF say group of Muslim extremists has confessed to the killing of a Jewish religious student in Hebron on July 7; settlers block road near Halhoul after stone throwing incident, enter town, break windows of cars and houses.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel ends 2 days of meetings in Saudi Arabia with King Fahd.

US and Other Countries: Rumsfeld makes first official visit to Damascus, meets FM Khaddam; Iranian official says 14 Revolutionary Guards and about 30 Lebanese were killed in Israeli and French air raids near Baalbek last week; Soviet Union calls on PLO factions to cease senseless bloodshed, resolve differences through political means.

Military Action:

Heavy artillery, rocket and mortar exchanges continue overnight and throughout the day between LAF, PSP and Amal militias; bazookas, light arms fired at IDF HQ in Sidon, IDF position near Zahrani river; IDF closes Awali bridges for third consecutive day; Marines close off section of Corniche near British embassy in Beirut; at Tripoli, anti-Arafat forces move toward Baddawi camp, pro-Arafat forces attack positions on Mount Torbol.

Casualties:

3 LAF soldiers, 2 civilians killed, 1 LAF soldier injured; 1 IDF soldier wounded near Sidon; 20 killed, 100 wounded in Tripoli; 12 of 35 fuel storage tanks near Baddawi camp burning.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Government says Syria must have known about and given tacit support to Friday's bombing of Tyre IDF HQ.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Head of Islamic Unification Movement in Tripoli says his militia will fight with Arafat; Fateh Central Committee meets in Tunis, expels 10 rebel leaders.

Arab Governments: King Fahd, President Mubarak call on Assad to halt fighting in Tripoli; Egypt denies it is supplying arms to Arafat.

US and Other Countries: Eagleburger leaves Israel after week of meetings, Shamir and Arens to visit US later this month.

Military Action:

IDF reports that army engineering corps is building fortifications on 50 km. line along Awali river, constructing 40 km. of new roads, improving 50 km. of existing roads, redeployment cost estimated at $30 m.; IDF statistics show 263 attacks against IDF positions and personnel during 1983, with 32 killed and 180 wounded.

Casualties:

Christians from villages near Kfar Falus hold sit-in demonstrations at Phalange barracks, block IDF removal of militiamen.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: McFarlane meets Shamir and Arens, who reportedly reject Lebanese request that Israel publish timetable for complete withdrawal of IDF; Druze IDF captain resigns from army to protest treatment of Lebanese Druze, will form group to support demand for IDF expulsion of Phalangists from Chouf.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Central Council meets in Tunis.

Military Action:

Heavy fighting between rival militias in Tripoli as Syrian troops pull back from 7 positions in the city.

Casualties:

Christian villages near Sidon and Nabatieh hold demonstrations to protest IDF order that 3 Phalangist barracks and offices in South Lebanon be closed, IDF says only Kfar Falus base affected, Phalangist forces refuse to remove bases; truck loaded with fresh fish from Israel blown up in Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens, in Washington, says IDF move in Lebanon is contingent on nothing except Israeli security interests, will occur in one step rather than phases.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Artillery, RPG and machine gun exchanges continue between rival PLO factions near Shtawra.

US and Other Countries: Reagan meets Shamir, Arens; Shultz describes IDF redeployment as step in direction of total withdrawal, not part of effort by Israel to stay in Lebanon; US officials say IDF pullback does not comply with actual provisions of Lebanese-Israeli agreement but it is being accepted as consistent with its spirit.

Political Responses:

Israell Occupied rerritories: Birzeit students protest attack on Islamic college, IDF responds with tear gas, rubber bullets, automatic weapons fire, 4 to 8 students reported wounded.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh rebels continue attacks on loyalist positions in Jdita.

US and Other Countries: Shultz reportedly tells Shamir and Arens US would like postponement of partial IDF withdrawal so that formula for withdrawal of all foreign forces can be found; US accepts Israeli position that no date will be set for second phase of IDF withdrawal.

Casualties:

3 IDF border police injured in Sidon attack.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Masked gunmen enter Islamic college in Hebron, kill 3, wound 33 students and teachers with automatic weapon fire, grenade; no suspects held in Hebron attack, editorials speculate that Jewish settlers responsible; 1 woman killed, another wounded when settlers open fire in Nablus; curfews imposed on Hebron, Halhoul, Nablus.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fighting between PLO factions continues in and around Jdita, 14 persons reportedly killed, 20 houses destroyed.

US and Other Countries: Shultz meets Shamir and Arens.

Military Action:

2 rockets land near IDF HQin Sidon; IDF checkpoint at Damour comes under fire from gunmen in car.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens and Shamir travel to Washington at Reagan's invitation for 3 days of talks.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat travels to Saudi Arabia for meeting with King Fahd; rival PLO units engage in artillery and RPG battles near villages of Taanayel and Jdita, loyalists reportedly hold positions; Gemayel meets Mitterrand in Paris, calls for UN plebiscite in Syrian and IDF held areas.

Military Action:

Grenade thrown at IDF convoy near Sidon; IDF reports 4 other attacks on its positions over weekend; Syrian forces maintain encirclement of loyalist PLO positions.

Casualties:

2 IDF soldiers wounded in grenade attack.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Grand Mufti of Jerusalem issues statement urging PLO rebels to support Arafat, promises martyr status to any Muslim who assassinates Assad; 700 West Bank representatives of student, professional, political and trade union organizations meet at Al-Aqsa mosque, criticize Syrian and Libyan intervention in Palestinian affairs, call on rebels to support present PLO leadership; Habib arrives in Israel for talks with Begin, Shamir, Arens, reportedly will seek to delay IDF redeployment until Begin-Reagan meeting on July 27.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat returns to Tunis; PFLP official calls Arafat expulsion from Syria an insult to the entire PLO; PFLP and DFLP, split since 1969, announce merger to enhance unity of PLO.

Arab Governments: Syria describes Arafat as a defeatist who has chosen the path of the wilderness.

Military Action:

Heavy fighting during the night in Chouf; 5 artillery rounds fired at US ships off Beirut, fall short of targets.

Casualties:

5 killed in Chouf battles, total of 23 killed, 70 wounded in past 3 days.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Defense Minister Arens says IDF withdrawal from Lebanon is conditional on evacuation of Syrian and PLO forces, says it is too early to decide on unilateral withdrawal to the Awali line; Foreign Minister Shamir says IDF will deploy and position itself in safest possible arrangement if Syria does not fulfill its promise to evacuate its troops; Labor Party Chairman Peres says Alignment will not support the Lebanon agreement, the previous situation of informal agreements with Haddad was better and wasn't conditional on Syrian support.

US and Other Countries: Secretary Shultz holds 4 hours of talks in Damascus with President Assad, first high level US meeting with him since 1977, says Syrians are not enthusiastic about the agreement, question of Syrian and PLO withdrawal is primarily up to Lebanese; Shultz travels to Jeddah, meets King Fahd; in Nairobi, Kenya, Israeli Bat Dor Dance Company performs despite protests from political and trade union officials, PLO and Arab League representatives.

Military Action:

Bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes in Beirut suburb of Baabda; IDF vehicle detonates mine near Ein Zahlata; IDF tank hits mine in Bekaa region.

Casualties:

6 IDF soldiers wounded in Baabda attack, 3 in Ein Zahlata; Lebanese police report 3 Palestinians killed in two attacks on IDF positions in South Lebanon; stray machine gun fire by IDF penetrates US Marine base after Baabda attack, no injuries; UNRWA officials report escalation in attacks on Palestinians in Sidon, said to coincide with arrival there of Phalange officer Elie Hobeika, armed and masked men of Guardians of Cedars threatening Palestinians, 4 killed, 2 wounded since April 28.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shultz returns to Jerusalem, meets with Begin, Shamir, Arens; Begin says he will call Cabinet meeting to decide on draft troop withdrawal agreement; Ministry of Absorption reports that only 11 of the 114 Jews leaving the Soviet Union last month came to Israel; Elon Moreh settlers fire on Nablus youths when stones are thrown at their car, 13 students arrested, school closed; window of Israeli truck broken by stones near Kalandia camp; 400 students hold sit-in demonstration at Tireh UNRWA Training Center.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel says the danger of signing an agreement with Israel without obtaining the withdrawal of Syria, the PLO and some Iranians is that Israel will not withdraw and the agreement will have no value; PLO seeks guarantees for security of Palestinians in Lebanon as precondition for withdrawal of PLO forces, Saudi information minister to intervene with Lebanese officials this week on issues of murders of Palestinians, threats to refugees, bombings of shops, expulsions, detention, attacks by Lebanese Army on Palestinian women crossing into East Lebanon to visit husbands and fathers with PLO forces.

Arab Governments: Jordan considering limitations on export of West Bank produce to East Bank, restrictions on entry of West Bank students to University of Jordan, holding of elections on East Bank only.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues talks in Beirut, then returns to Jerusalem; Reagan says PLO council was never elected by the Palestinian people, referendum on alternative leadership might not be practical; French foreign minister meets PLO official, asks PLO to cancel UN conference on Palestine scheduled for UNESCO's Paris headquarters in August.

Military Action:

2 122mm Katyusha rockets fired over residence of US ambassador while Secretary Shultz and other officials are sleeping there.

Casualties:

2 Israeli POWs held by PFLP-GC seen on videotape in Vienna, POWs to be turned over to PLO Executive Committee, visited by Red Cross.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Window of IDF vehicle smashed in Nablus; curfews on central Nablus, and Balata, al-Aza and Askar refugee camps; Jacobo Timerman's son Daniel jailed for second time for refusing military service in Lebanon.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat in Damascus for meetings with PLO military and political officials.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues meetings in Beirut, then travels to Jerusalem, meets Shamir, Arens and Begin, also meets families of 4 Israeli POWs who ask him to intervene for their release; IDF marching band leads 19th Salute to Israel Parade down Fifth Avenue in New York.

Military Action:

IDF vehicle damaged by mine north of Sidon; IDF tank sets off mine south of Beirut; light weapons fire at IDF position in Bekaa; time bomb explodes in Tyre; IDF reported to have established 30 militias in South Lebanon villages.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier killed, 3 injured near Sidon; shops in Tyre badly damaged by time bomb.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Windows of 22 vehicles smashed during night in Beit Jala, no suspects; curfews at Balata and al-Aza camps after stone-throwing; Israeli delegation visiting Zaire this week signs agreement granting El Al and Air Zaire flying rights between the two countries.

US and Other Countries: Shultz meets Begin, Arens, Shamir in Jerusalem; State Dept. alters official maps of the Middle East to show West Bank as territory whose status has yet to be determined rather than as a part of Jordan.

Military Action:

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

Casualties:

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

Political Responses:

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

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

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

Military Action:

Car packed with anti-tank mines explodes 400 yards from US Marine position in Beirut, no serious injuries reported.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Habib arrives with US draft agreement, meets with Shamir; Moshe Arens takes office as Minister of Defense, reportedly tells Cabinet meeting that US Defense Secretary Weinberger favors Arabs in conflicts with Israel and that he had business connections with Arab countries in the past; Russian-made grenade found on Israeli bus in Tel Aviv, 40 Arabs arrested for questioning; farmers of Mouwya village in Triangle protest that extension of IDF firing range cuts off access to their almond groves; Histadrut representatives say thousands of Arab building workers in Eilat live in appalling and inhuman conditions, some contractors keep their workers in huts like stables.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat tells Sudanese Socialist Union National Congress in Khartoum that if one Arab country had entered the war in Lebanon the road to Jerusalem would have been opened.

US and Other Countries: US investors reportedly established 18 new companies in Israel in 1982 and expanded 10 existing ones; 130 retired American admirals and generals sign open letter, published as full page ad in Neu York Times, urging Reagan to revitalize the strategic cooperation between the United States and Israel, thereby enhancing the safety and well-being of the free peoples of the world.

Military Action:

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

Political Response:

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

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

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

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

Military Action:

Reports that 5000 of Bashir Gemayel's militiamen, sent to Israel for training right after Israeli invasion, were to come under direct IDF control; Reagan approves Lebanese request for US Marines to join French and Italian troops in mobile patrols through East Beirut; car bomb explodes near US Marines camp outside Beirut, one Marine and two civilians injured.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: One British and one US doctor and US nurse from Gaza Hospital, in testimony before Commission of Inquiry, say they heard gunfire but were unaware of massacre until after it was over, saw hundreds of Palestinian refugees lined up along Sabra Street under guard when they were forced to leave hospital, Phalange had many walkie-talkies, contrary to Sharon's testimony; overheard IDF officers refer to presence of Haddad men in area, saw tractors in Shatila with Hebrew markings; 360-room luxury hotel at Taba near Eilat opens despite Egyptian protests; Shamir tells Knesset committee that Egypt has broken many Camp David agreements; Israel reportedly asks Roumania's help in securing release of IDF POWs held in Syria; Shamir says Arens supports continued settlement on West Bank.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat ends visit to Bucharest, issues joint statement with Ceausescu calling for renewed diplomatic peace efforts; Gemayel visits Morocco, talks with King Hassan focus on speeding up withdrawal of foreign forces and Moroccan offer to send 22,000 troops for peacekeeping; Gemayel meets with PLO leader Salah Khalaf in Morocco; Wazzan warns that Lebanese who collaborate with Israel may lose their citizenship, accuse Israel of paralyzing Lebanese Government functions.

Arab Governments: Mubarak restates Egyptian objections to Taba hotel opening, says Egypt will proceed with talks.

UN: US Ambassador Kirkpatrick says UN critics of Israel aim at "annihilation of Israel."

Military Action:

Syrians fire two anti-aircraft missiles at IAF jets overflying Bekaa, both miss, Israeli military command accuses Syria of cease-fire violations; plans to deploy 1,800 Lebanese Army soldiers in East Beirut delayed by tensions in Chouf area; new fighting flares before IDF reimposes curfew; fighting in Aley erupts day after Druze militiamen ambush Lebanese Army soldiers; artillery battles break out after gunmen fire on car in village of Kaifoun; gunbattles continue in village of Souk el-Gharb; IDF jeep comes under fire in village of Bchamoun; explosion in West Beirut flat kills 2, wounds 8; Sidon placed under tight IDF control following 2 attacks on IDF soldiers in past week, allegedly by newly-formed Lebanese National Patriotic Front.

Casualties:

One Lebanese Army soldier killed, 3 wounded in ambush; some Palestinians released from Answar have been rearrested in past few days; 6 Israeli soldiers captured by PLO are interviewed by ICRC team in camp near Barr Elias in eastern Bekaa.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir warns that Syrian missile attacks may delay withdrawal of foreign forces; Meridor says Israel willing to make political commitment to welfare of Palestinian refugees in upcoming negotiations with Lebanese, will seek guarantee that Lebanese will not tear down houses built by refugees who lost their homes in the fighting; Mapam leader Shemtov says PLO willingness to dialogue with Israel should not be ignored; Israeli Cabinet says Israel will agree to negotiate Taba issue only if Egypt resumes talks on all outstanding issues between two countries and ends diplomatic freeze; Israeli Ambassador to US Moshe Arens proposes 6-month moratorium on new settlements, but Begin rejects request and Arens is heavily criticized in Jerusalem; Drori testifies that he did not know of hundreds of civilian deaths until Saturday afternoon, yet feared mass civilian killings by Phalange, may have been told of Eitan decision to let Phalange enter camps only at time Phalange learned of it, and says Phalange asked IDF for tractors, were given one with IDF markings removed.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Information Minister Roger Shikhani warns press of need for "wisdom" in deciding what they print to avoid imposition of censorship; Lebanese Cabinet endorses plan to use existing military liaison committee for future talks, expanded to include at least one civilian legal expert and US representatives; PLO's Abu Jihad says PLO will not withdraw until IDF does first and Lebanese Government signs written guarantee of safety of civilians, says US guarantee no longer reliable after massacre, PLO uninterested in Draper negotiations and will deal with Lebanese separately, would like to retain PLO military presence in Lebanon, perhaps through Lebanese PLA unit; PLO official Khalid al-Hassan, in New York, says establishment of Palestinian state a prerequisite to PLO acceptance of US peace plan.

Arab Governments: Egypt asks Israel to delay opening of luxury hotel at Taba.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army moves into Chouf replacing Israelis; IDF, reluctant to leave, keeps two tanks, squad of soldiers in Kfar Matta; Norwegian UNIFIL units set up post in Haddad militia's area of operation, prompting exchange of gunfire; IDF attacked by bazooka and light weapons east of Doha and at IDF roadblock near Sil, south of Beirut; Syrian radio reports IDF reinforcing armor units in Bekaa, a few miles south of Beirut-Damascus highway.

Casualties:

One IDF soldier wounded by bazooka fire east of Doha; 300 West Beirut residents spontaneously protest rumor of Lebanese Army withdrawal from their neighborhood.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Foreign Minister Shamir returns from 3-week visit to US; Israeli Ambassador Moshe Arens says US approved Israeli weapons, spare parts sales to Iran in attempt to make contacts in Iranian military that could be used to bring down Khomeini government; Israel reportedly agrees to provide arms and counter-insurgency training to Costa Rica; former Mossad head Meir Amit says net results of invasion are negative ("We've encouraged anti-Semitism,... highlighted the Palestinian problem instead of solving it" and by hitting PLO too hard, increased Arab solidarity); IDF mental health unit report indicates high mental illness rate among Israelis fighting in Lebanon (23 percent of total Israeli wounded are suffering psychiatric injuries, double "normal" wartime rate; 78 percent of 600 affected men are reservists).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel returns home, calling trip a success (government announces US has agreed to equip 7,500 of 28,000-man Lebanese Army, France has pledged $86 million in military equipment); Salam, in interview, accuses Sharon of arming Phalange and Druze to promote sectarian tension in Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Arab League delegation headed by Moroccan King Hassan (with Foreign Ministers of Morocco, Syria, Algeria, Jordan, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia) meets with Reagan for 3 hours and later with State Department, stresses only PLO agreement will enable Jordan to play negotiating role for West Bank; US officials refuse to meet with PLO representative Khalid al-Hassan who is accompanying Arab League delegation.

US and Other Countries: Reagan urges Arab League delegation to begin direct negotiation with Israel to achieve Palestinian rights; Shultz tells delegation simultaneous Israeli-PLO recognition" moot as Israel totally rejects idea; Hassan's use of word "coexistence" seen by US officials as implying Arab recognition of Israel; Jewish medical team, back in Britain after visiting 4 refugee camps. in Lebanon, says Palestinians want to be more self-reliant but Israelis are preventing them from rebuilding homes, reorganizing health services.

UN: Britain blocks move to bar Israel from UN-sponsored International Telecommunications Union at Nairobi meeting; Arab states at UN agree to postpone efforts to expel Israel from General Assembly.

Military Action:

Israeli ammunition dump west of Tiberias blows up, setting fires; dump had received captured PLO ammunition, some in bad condition; PLO and IDF accuse each other of cease-fire violations on Beirut outskirts; PLO says IDF opened up with tank, artillery and machine gun fire in southern suburbs; IDF accuses PLO of firing on positions with light weapons; sporadic shelling and shooting around Beirut tapers off after noon, as cease-fire generally holds. Casualties: IDF selectively reopens crossings closed without explanation Saturday; prices for food in W. Beirut more than double.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet discusses war for 5 hours at regular weekly meeting, postpones decision on new military action; Ben-Elissar (former Mossad officer) says Israel determined to force PLO to leave Lebanon regardless of cost in world public opinion, says Israel wants Lebanon governed by regime friendly to Israel; possible Kissinger role in Mideast negotiations received with lack of enthusiasm; Begin indicates he will accept 30-day implementation period for PLO evacuation; IDF begins process of releasing 220 youthful detainees.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Senior PLO official claims IDF preparing for military move against PLO strongholds; Wazzan dismisses prospect of Lebanese peace treaty with Israel, saying Lebanon would not sign unilateral treaty; Habib meets with Sarkis and Wazzan; Lebanese official says IDF policies in southern Lebanon expand the authority of Israel's right-wing allies at the expense of the Lebanese central government, claims IDF has disarmed Lebanese government troops and turned their camps over to Phalangists and Haddad followers.

Arab Governments: Saudi and Syrian foreign ministers arrive in Washington for talks with Reagan and Shultz; Egypt's Foreign Minister Ali sends message to Shultz and Shamir stressing need to end Lebanese conflict peacefully.

US and Other Countries: US, with Saudi help, pressing Syria to accept PLO guerrillas, also hopes some will go to Jordan; Reagan says administration has begun major review of Mideast problems, including whether to renew shipments of cluster bombs to Israel; Israeli Ambassador Arens meets with Shultz (first diplomat to meet with Shultz following his swearing in).