The Palestine Chronology

Jordan's King Abdallah stops in Damascus on his way home fr. Morocco to hold previously unannounced talks with Pres. Asad on strategies for reviving Israeli-Syrian negotiations. On his return to Amman, the king phones PM Barak to brief him on his talk with Asad. (JTV, RJ 7/26 in WNC 7/27; WP, WT 7/27; QA, SA 7/27 in WNC 7/28; YA 7/28 in WNC 7/29; QA 7/29 in WNC 8/2; NYT 7/30)

PC speaker Ahmad Qurai` visits the Knesset as a guest of the new Knesset speaker, Burg. (MM 7/26; MM, NYT, WT 7/27; NYT 7/28; WT, MEI 7/30; JP 8/6)

At the Knesset, Likud brings a no-confidence motion against Barak, charging that he informed Arab leaders of his peace plans before briefing his own government. Few MKs show up for the vote, and the motion fails by a large majority. (NYT 7/27)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak receives Turkish pres. Demirel for talks on the peace process, regional issues. (ATL, MENA 7/26 in WNC 7/27; ATL 7/26 in WNC 7/27)

The IDF enters the West Bank village of Aqaba, dismantles and removes the village's electricity system, which residents had installed at their own expense, because the Israeli Civil Administration had never provided them with electricity. (Israel Peace Bloc press release 8/5)

New Israeli government is sworn in, with PM Barak's 7-party governing coalition--comprising the Center party, Meretz, National Religious party, One Israel, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Yisrael Ba'Aliya--will give him control of 75 of the 120 Knesset seats. One Israel's David Levy, who resigned as Netanyahu's FM 18 mos. ago, resumes the FM position. Fmr. Labor PM Shimon Peres is given the new position of regional development minister, which aims to promote economic integration btwn. Israel, Arab states. Oslo architect Yossi Beilin (One Israel) will hold the justice portfolio; Yossi Sarid (Meretz), education; Natan Sharansky (Yisrael Ba'Aliya), interior; Avraham Shohat (One Israel), finance. Barak will serve as DM as well as PM. Shas party mbrs. are given heath, infrastructure, labor, religious affairs portfolios. Barak says he will make peace process his priority; wants to hold simultaneous negotiations with PA, Syria and withdraw troops fr. s. Lebanon. Arafat, Asad issue statements saying they are willing to work with Barak for peace. (MM 7/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/7; AFP, France-Info Radio, IDF Radio, JT, JTV 7/7 in WNC 7/8; WJW 7/8; Interfax, MA 7/8 in WNC 7/9; MM 7/9; MEI 7/16)

Arafat makes 1-day trip to Cairo to discuss the peace process with Pres. Mubarak. (WT 7/7)

Syrian pres. Asad leaves Russia after 2 days of talks. Russia, Syria agree to step up technical, military cooperation but do not finalize arms deal. U.S. warns Moscow that it might cancel $50 m. in aid to Russia if it completes a deal with Damascus. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/7; Interfax 7/8 in WNC 7/9; MM 7/9; MEI 7/16)

Palestinian High Court orders the PA to release Hamas mbr. Muhammad Jadallah, who has been detained without charge since 3/24/96. (al-Quds 7/8 in WNC 7/12)

In the West Bank, IDF storms Palestinian homes in 3 villages nr. Hebron, arrests 5 alleged Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. on charges of planning an attack in Israel. At least 36 Palestinian have been arrested in similar raids in the Hebron area over the past mo. (MM, WP 7/7; AYM 7/7 in WNC 7/12)

King Abdallah of Jordan phones U.S. Secy. of State Albright to urge the U.S. to halt Israeli aggressions against Lebanon. France condemns Israel's 6/24 attack an "overreaction," dispatches a special envoy, FMin. Dir. for the Middle East Yves Aubin de la Messuziere, to Lebanon, Syria, Israel, the PA areas to examine the Lebanese situation, current status of the peace process. (JTV 6/25, AFP, RMC 6/26, AFP 6/27 in WNC 6/28)

In his 1st major statements since elections, PM-elect Barak reiterates promise to seek withdrawal of IDF fr. s. Lebanon within a yr. (MM 5/20; YA 5/20 in WNC 5/21; al-Sinnara 5/20 in WNC 5/25; NYT, WP, WT 5/21; NYT 5/23; MM 6/3)

Turkey sentences to death top aide to Abdallah Ocalan, head of the Turkish separatist group the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK). The aide, Semdin Sakik was convicted of treason for masterminding 191 PKK attacks that killed 283 people. (WP 5/21; Zaman 5/26 in WNC 5/28) (see 3/11)

In Paris, Jordanian Finance M Michel Martu meets with the Paris Club, which agrees to reschedule $1.15 b. of Jordan's debt. (RJ 5/20 in WNC 5/21; JTV 5/27 in WNC 6/1; MEI 6/18)

Jordan, Syria sign agricultural cooperation agmt. (SANA 5/20 in WNC 5/21)

In Beirut, Iranian, Lebanese officials discuss expanding bilateral relations, resuming direct flights btwn. Tehran, Beirut. (IRNA 5/21 in WNC 5/25)

At the end of Khatami's 2 day visit, Iran, Qatar sign 8 cooperation agmts. (IRNA 5/20 in WNC 5/21; IRNA 5/22 in WNC 5/28; MM 5/24)

Israel announces it will close PLO offices at Orient House, calling 4/21 briefing for diplomats a PA "provocation." PA accuses PM Netanyahu of trying to ignite an incident in Jerusalem before the 5/17 Israeli elections; claims that mtg. was a PLO event, not a violation of the ban on PA diplomatic activity in Jerusalem. (MM, WP, WT 4/23; AFP 4/23 in WNC 4/26; al-Quds 4/23, MENA, RJ 4/24, MENA 4/25 in WNC 4/27; WJW 4/29; PR 4/30)

In Damascus, Jordan's King Abdallah holds final round of talks on bilateral ties, regional issues with Pres. Asad before returning to Amman. (MM 4/22; JT, JTV 4/22 in WNC 4/23; WT 4/23; al-Ra'i 4/23 in WNC 4/26; Petra-JNA 4/25 in WNC 4/27; JP 4/30; MEI 5/7; MM 5/12; al-Watan al-Arabi 5/14 in WNC 5/18)

Russian FM Ivanov arrives in Israel on 1st leg of regional tour aimed at reviving the peace process. Israeli candidates, vying for votes fr. Israel's Russian immigrants, who make up 14% of the electorate, queue to meet him. (MM 4/22; ITAR-TASS 4/22 in WNC 4/23; WT 4/23; AFP 4/23 in WNC 4/26; JP 4/30; MEI 5/7; WP 5/8)

IDF closes Palestinian school nr. Ariel settlement in the West Bank following stone throwing incidents nearby. (IDF Radio 4/22 in WNC 4/23)

In Damascus, Jordan's King Abdallah, Syria's Pres. Asad hold 3 rounds of talks on promoting bilateral ties, marking a thaw in relations that deteriorated after Jordan, Israel signed a peace treaty in 1994. (MM, WT 4/21; SATN 4/21 in WNC 4/22; al-Thawra 4/21 in WNC 4/26; NYT 4/22; JTV, al-Ra'i 4/22 in WNC 4/23; CSM 4/23)

In Cairo, Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak, Arab League secy. gen. (MENA 4/21 in WNC 4/22; WP 4/22; al-Quds 4/22 in WNC 4/26)

Jordanian officials report that Israel has dropped plans to cut water supplies to the kingdom this yr. due to drought. (AFP, JT 4/21 in WNC 4/22; HA [international edition] 4/23; al-Ra'i 4/28 in WNC 4/30; MEI 5/7) (see 3/14)

Faisal Husseini, in his capacity as a PLO official, holds political briefing at Orient House in East Jerusalem for 30 foreign diplomats, incl. EU officials, several Arab ambs. Husseini is also the PA's minister for Jerusalem affairs. (MM, WP, WT 4/23; JP, MM, PR 4/30) (see 3/18)

IDF lifts closure on the West Bank, Gaza that was imposed on 4/19. (NYT 4/23)

Jordan's King Abdallah arrives in Libya for talks with Qaddafi on bilateral relations, expanding economic ties in light of sanctions suspension. He also meets with Arafat, in the country to discuss declaration of state issue. (Great Jamahiriyya Radio, Libyan Television Network, al-Ra'i, RJ 4/17, JTV, Libyan Television Network, RJ 4/18 in WNC 4/19; JT [Internet] 4/19; al-Bayan 4/19 in WNC 4/20; MEI 4/23)

In Amman, Arafat meets with King Abdallah. (RJ 4/4 in WNC 4/5; WT 4/5; al-Riyad 4/7 in WNC 4/15)

Jordan's King Abdallah begins a 3 day visit to Saudi Arabia today on 1st leg of regional tour aimed at restoring Arab solidarity, inter-Arab coordination; meets with King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdallah, who urge Jordan to limit ties with Iraq. (MM 4/6; JTV 4/6 in WNC 4/7; MM 4/7; `Ukaz 4/7, al-Ra'i 4/9 in WNC 4/14; al-Riyad 4/7 in WNC 4/15; MM 4/9; MEI 4/23)

Clashes erupt in Nazareth btwn. Christians and Muslims, who oppose planned construction of a plaza for millennium Christian pilgrims nr. a mosque. More than 70 Israeli police arrive but make no effort to stop the rioting, which leaves 7 Palestinians injured. There have been nonviolent protests over the project for more than a yr. (WP, WT 4/5; MM 4/8; MEI 4/23)

Egypt recalls its diplomatic mission fr. Belgrade to protest attacks against Albanians in Kosovo. (MENA 4/4 in WNC 4/5)

IDF shelling in s. Lebanon, injures 8 Lebanese civilians, including 5 children. (VOL 4/4 in WNC 4/5; WP 4/5; RL 4/5, 4/6 in WNC 4/7; WT 4/9; JP 4/16)

New Jordanian government issues 1st policy statement, strongly emphasizing internal, economic affairs over foreign affairs. The statement does, however, emphasize that Jordan supports peace with Israel, but "not peace at any price." (JTV 4/3, JT 4/4 in WNC 4/5; MM 4/6, 4/9)

The Red Crescent Society reports that the IDF has prevented 1 of its doctors fr. entering Dayr Abu Mishal. Since the IDF blockade began 3/31, more than 50 Palestinians have been denied entry to the village, some 8 persons have been prevented fr. leaving to seek medical treatment. (LAW 4/5)

In Damascus, U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Martin Indyk meets with Syrian pres. Asad to discuss resuming talks with Israel after 5/17 elections. (SATN 3/14 in WNC 3/17; WT 3/15; al-Bayan 3/22 in WNC 3/24; al-Watan al-Arabi 3/26 in WNC 4/5)

Israel tells Jordan that this yr., it will be unable to provide the quantity of water promised under the 1994 peace agmt. due to an unusually dry winter, proposes a 60% cutback. Jordan says Israel must provide full allotment. (NYT, WP, WT 3/15; JT, JTV 3/15, AFP, al-Dustur, JT 3/16 in WNC 3/17; MM, WP 3/16; MM, WT 3/17; MM 3/19; al-Quds 3/20 in WNC 3/22; WJW 3/25; MEI 3/26)

King Abdallah of Jordan replaces PM Tarawnah with fmr. dep. PM `Abd al-Rauf al-Rawabda, Chief of the Royal Court Jawad Anani with fmr. PM `Abd al-Karim Kabariti. Rawabda, who is strongly disliked by the opposition and Jordanian Palestinians, immediately announces new 25 mbr. cabinet, which retains all but 7 mbrs. of the outgoing cabinet. Abdallah urges new cabinet to consolidate ties with Israel, work for more open government, freer press. Analysts interpret changes as marking further side-lining of Prince Hassan, increased focus on internal affairs. (AFP, MENA, RJ 3/4 in WNC 3/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/5; JT 3/7 in WNC 3/8; al-Dustur 3/7, al-Bayan 3/8 in WNC 3/9; MM 3/9, 3/10; al-Bilad 3/10 in WNC 3/11; JP, MEI 3/12; al-Watan al-Arabi 3/12 in WNC 3/22; JTV 4/3 in WNC 4/5)

Lebanon's fmr. Energy M Shahih Barsoumian is arrested on suspicion of corruption involving hundreds of millions of dollars in fuel imports, the 1st major public figure to fall in the government's continuing antigraft crackdown. (NYT 3/5, 3/6) (see 1/7)

At the UAE's request, the Gulf Cooperation Council holds an emergency mtg. to discuss Iranian military maneuvers nr. 3 disputed islands (see 2/27); issues statement denounces Iran's actions, urging mediation to resolve dispute. (MM 3/5)

After lull in attacks following disruption of oil exports 2/28, British jets strike surface-to-air missile sites in s. Iraq. (NYT 3/5, 3/7)

King Hussein dies. Crown Prince Abdallah is sworn in as King Abdallah II, appoints his half-brother Hamza as crown prince. Jordan declares a wk. of mourning. Syria, Egypt announce official 3-day mourning period. Syria also postpones 2/8 presidential elections. (IDF Radio, Interfax, IRNA, JTV, RJ, RL, VIRI 2/7 in WNC 2/8; AFP, Xinhua 2/7 in WNC 2/9; GIU, CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/8; MA, SA 2/8 in WNC 2/9; CSM 2/9; WJW 2/11; JP, MEI, PR 2/12)

Jordan's cabinet declares King Hussein incapacitated, transfers authority to Crown Prince Abdallah. U.S., Arab states pledge political, financial support for the new leader to ensure a smooth transition. Pres. Clinton says U.S. will accelerate transfer of $300 m. promised after Wye. UAE transfers $250 m. to Jordanian banks to shore up the dinar. (IRNA, JTV, MENA, Petra-JNA, RJ, SATN 2/6, MA, SA 2/7 in WNC 2/8; NYT, WP, WT 2/7)

3,000 Palestinians march to the PA headquarters in Hebron protesting "PA subservience to Israel and the CIA," demanding release of political prisoners held in PA jails. (MEI 2/12)

King Hussein lands in Jordan, is transported to a hospital, reportedly in a coma. The family decides to keep him on life support. (NYT, WP, WT 2/5; JTV, RMC 2/5, SA 2/6 in WNC 2/8)

King Hussein returns to Jordan in critical condition, with no further hope for treatment. (AFP, JTV, RJ 2/4 in WNC 2/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/5; NYT 2/6)

Pres. Clinton, Arafat meet on sidelines of Washington prayer breakfast despite protests fr. the Christian Right, boycott of breakfast by some congressmen, Christian groups. Clinton warns Arafat against declaring a state in 5/99, urges him to do more to ease Israeli safety concerns. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/5; JP, PR 2/12)

PA arrests 40 Palestinians on charges of planning attacks against Jewish settlers in Gaza for Hamas's military wing. (NYT, WT 2/5; JP 2/12)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes nr. Hebron. (Christian Peace Team press release 2/6)

UNSCOM head Butler says that he will not seek another term as chmn. when his contract expires in 6/99 but refuses to resign. (NYT, WP, WT 2/5) (see 1/6)

King Hussein undergoes bone marrow transplant at Mayo Clinic. (MM 2/2; JTV 2/2 in WNC 2/4; NYT, WP, WT 2/3)

On a television talk show, PM Netanyahu compares Labor campaign rival Barak to Hitler. The audience, stacked with Likud supporters sent by the PM's Office, applauds Netanyahu's statements; insults, spits on Labor party mbrs. in the audience. (MM 2/2; MM, WT 2/3; MA 2/3 in WNC 2/4; MM 2/4; JP 2/12)

U.S. planes destroy 2 of 3 new antiship missile sites in s. Iraq. Pentagon says that U.S., British jets have attacked more antiaircraft, missile batteries than they did during the 12/16-19 operation. (NYT, WP 2/3)

King Hussein designates Prince Abdallah as heir to the throne. (JT 1/25 in WNC 1/26; JTV, Petra-JNA 1/25, 1/26 in WNC 1/27; NYT, WP, WT 1/26; Petra-JNA, RJ 1/26, RJ 1/27 in WNC 1/28; NYT 1/27; MEI, PR 1/29; al-Dustur 1/30 in WNC 2/2; CSM 2/2; WT 2/3; WJW 2/4) (see 1/22)

PM Netanyahu wins Likud primary over Arens. (Netanyahu takes over 75% of the votes, but only 30% of Likud mbrs. participate) Fmr. DM Mordechai announces that he will challenge Netanyahu for the premiership as leader of an emerging centrist party that includes fmr. IDF chief of staff Shahak, fmr. Finance M Meridor, fmr. Tel Aviv mayor Roni Milo. Shahak, Meridor drop their bids for PM. (MM 1/25; CSM, WP, WT 1/26; WJW 1/28, 2/4) (see 1/24)

Britain says that it is not party to U.S. attempts to overthrow Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein, it will not assist the Iraqi opposition militarily. (MENA 1/25 in WNC 1/26) (see 1/21)

U.S. planes strike antimissile batteries in n., s. no-fly zones for 3d straight day. In Basra, 1 or more U.S. missiles goes astray, killing 11 Iraqi civilians, wounding 59. The U.S. recently expanded its strikes to include security infrastructure as well as missile batteries, radar stations; says that containing Saddam Hussein through low-visibility, sustained, reactive bombing is the only military action politically acceptable to Arab states. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; MENA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; JT 1/28 in WNC 1/29; MEI 1/29; NYT, WP 2/3; WP 2/13) (see 1/21)

SLA releases 16 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison for humanitarian reasons. (VOL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

IDF drops airborne commando unit into Wadi al-Hujayr in s. Lebanon to set up an ambush on road btwn. al-Ghanduriyya and Burj Qalawayh. Results in 4-hr. combat with Hizballah, including IDF air support. IDF allegedly aborts 2d drop. (RL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

King Hussein designates Prince Abdallah as heir to the throne. (JT 1/25 in WNC 1/26; JTV, Petra-JNA 1/25, 1/26 in WNC 1/27; NYT, WP, WT 1/26; Petra-JNA, RJ 1/26, RJ 1/27 in WNC 1/28; NYT 1/27; MEI, PR 1/29; al-Dustur 1/30 in WNC 2/2; CSM 2/2; WT 2/3; WJW 2/4) (see 1/22)

PM Netanyahu wins Likud primary over Arens. (Netanyahu takes over 75% of the votes, but only 30% of Likud mbrs. participate) Fmr. DM Mordechai announces that he will challenge Netanyahu for the premiership as leader of an emerging centrist party that includes fmr. IDF chief of staff Shahak, fmr. Finance M Meridor, fmr. Tel Aviv mayor Roni Milo. Shahak, Meridor drop their bids for PM. (MM 1/25; CSM, WP, WT 1/26; WJW 1/28, 2/4) (see 1/24)

Britain says that it is not party to U.S. attempts to overthrow Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein, it will not assist the Iraqi opposition militarily. (MENA 1/25 in WNC 1/26) (see 1/21)

U.S. planes strike antimissile batteries in n., s. no-fly zones for 3d straight day. In Basra, 1 or more U.S. missiles goes astray, killing 11 Iraqi civilians, wounding 59. The U.S. recently expanded its strikes to include security infrastructure as well as missile batteries, radar stations; says that containing Saddam Hussein through low-visibility, sustained, reactive bombing is the only military action politically acceptable to Arab states. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; MENA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; JT 1/28 in WNC 1/29; MEI 1/29; NYT, WP 2/3; WP 2/13) (see 1/21)

SLA releases 16 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison for humanitarian reasons. (VOL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

IDF drops airborne commando unit into Wadi al-Hujayr in s. Lebanon to set up an ambush on road btwn. al-Ghanduriyya and Burj Qalawayh. Results in 4-hr. combat with Hizballah, including IDF air support. IDF allegedly aborts 2d drop. (RL 1/25 in WNC 1/26)

King Hussein removes his brother Prince Hassan as crown prince, says one of his sons (most likely Abdallah, his eldest by a previous marriage, or Hamza, his eldest by Queen Nur) will be designated regent soon. The king's letter of dismissal to Hassan, who was crown prince for 34 yrs., accuses him of meddling in army matters; settling personal scores by forcing soldiers to retire, changing ambassadorial staff; demanding to choose his own crown prince after his ascension rather than having a family council decide, as Hussein wants. King also meets with PM Tarawnah to reiterate his confidence in his government. (al-Hayat 1/22; al-Ittihad 1/22, JT, RJ 1/23 in WNC 1/26; NYT, WP, WT 1/23; NYT, WT 1/24; MA, YA 1/24 in WNC 1/26; JTV, Petra-JNA 1/25, 1/26 in WNC 1/27; JP, MEI 1/29) (see 1/20; Docs. B4, B5)

PA releases Islamic Jihad leader Shami. (WT 1/23) (see 12/13)

Saudi Arabia opens celebrations marking `Abd al-Aziz Ibn Saud's capture of Riyadh in 1902 (100 yrs. ago by the lunar calendar), unification of the country in a series of tribal wars. (NYT 1/23)

10,000s of Jordanians turn out to welcome King Hussein on his return to Jordan after 6 mos. of cancer treatment in the U.S. The king promises a "comprehensive review" of Jordan's course, hinting at change in succession. Arafat, leaders of Yemen, Qatar greet King Hussein at the airport. Israel, Syria, Saudi Arabia, the U.S. send congratulations. Israel also provides fighter escort to the king's plane on its flight over Israel. (JT, JTV, Petra-JNA, RJ, SATN 1/19 in WNC 1/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/20; AFP, JTV 1/20 in WNC 1/21; JTV 1/25 in WNC 1/27; MEI 1/29; al-Dustur 1/30 in WNC 2/2) (see 1/8)

Burglars break in to Greenberg Quinlan Research for 2d time, disabling a new sophisticated security system, stealing more sensitive material related to the Barak campaign. Barak advisers, who refused to speculate on the 1st robbery, this time directly blame the "Committee to Re-elect Netanyahu." Advisers also report that over the last 4 mos., homes of at least 7 Barak staff mbrs. have been burglarized, but nothing stolen. Netanyahu says break-ins were staged to "spread clouds of false accusations against the Likud." (MM, NYT, WP 1/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WJW, WP 1/21; WP 1/23; YA 1/29 in WNC 2/1; WJW 2/4) (see 1/13)

King Hussein meets with British PM Blair in London, says that he will return to Jordan on 1/19. (JTV 1/14 in WNC 1/20)

Israeli DM Mordechai, PA negotiator Abbas discuss keeping security contacts open despite the freeze in the peace process. (AFP [Internet] 1/16)

After convening 1/13 to continue consideration (begun in 1/97) of 6 petitions questioning the legality of interrogation methods used by Israeli security services, which human rights groups consider torture, the Israeli High Court adjourns without a ruling, date for continuation. Shin Bet of its own accord says it will soon change some of its methods to "make it easier" on those being interrogated, including introducing "more airy" bags to be put over suspects heads, "more comfortable" handcuffs. (YA 1/14 in WNC 1/16, 1/20; LAW 1/16; NYT 1/25)

An Israeli border policeman working undercover is killed, another is injured, 1 Palestinian is wounded in a shootout nr. Hebron. (MM 1/14; WP 1/15; JP 1/22)

U.S. attacks 2 more Iraqi missile batteries in the n. no-fly zone as daily challenges continue. (WP 1/15) (see 1/13)

In Damascus, Egyptian pres. Mubarak, Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad discuss peace process, U.S.-led attack on Iraq, need for Arab solidarity; call for Arab summit to discuss Iraq's future ties with Arab countries. (MENA, SATN 1/8 in WNC 1/12; WP 1/9)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meets with King Hussein at the royal residence in London, does not designate a regent when he departs Jordan as is customary. (JTV 1/8 in WNC 1/12)

In Turkey's 1st nuclear incident, workers in Istanbul mishandle cement blocks containing discarded cobalt 60 capsules used for cancer treatment, releasing radiation; fail to report it. The incident is gauged a 3 on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 7-point scale, making it 1 of only 20 incidents to reach that level among 500 accidents on record. (AFP 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

In response to 1/7 incidents, Hizballah fires mortars at n. Israel, causing no damage, injuries. (RL 1/8 in WNC 1/11)

King Hussein leaves the Mayo Clinic after 6 mos. of cancer treatment, goes to his home in Washington. He will also spend time in London before returning to Jordan. (JTV 12/29 in WNC 12/31; NYT 12/30; al-Watan al-Arabi 1/8, al-Majd 1/11 in WNC 1/12; JP 1/11)

Israel's Environmental M Rafael Eitan announces that he is leaving Tsomet to form a new party, challenge Netanyahu. (WT 12/30; NYT, WT 12/31)

Jewish settlers begin work on 15,000-sq.-m. recreation, tourist center in Qatzrin on the Golan Heights. (Hatzofe 12/29 in WNC 12/30)

Jordan reports gas shortages due to halt in supplies fr. Iraq during the U.S.-led attack, but says new shipments are already on their way. (JT 12/30 in WNC 12/31; JT 1/3, 1/4 in WNC 1/5)

Jordanian government stops large solidarity mtg. to be held in Amman tonight btwn. the Iraq's National Assembly Speaker Sa'dun Hammadi, in town for the 12/28 APU mtg., and Jordanian political, unionist, independent figures. (al-Bayan 12/29, JT, SA 12/30 in WNC 12/31; SA 1/13 in WNC 1/14) (see 11/27)

Israel assassinates a top Hizballah explosives expert Zahi Ahmad Haydar in s. Lebanon. The British Foreign Report claims that the target was actually spiritual leader Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah, but Hizballah discovered the bomb, Haydar was killed trying to dismantle it. (WP, WT 1/2; SA 1/3 in WNC 1/5; MA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; RL 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

Arafat inaugurates Abu Ammar Naval Base in Gaza. (PR 1/1)

Israel's prominent parties set 5/17 as date for early elections; run-off for PM will be held 6/1 if necessary. In response, Arafat backs down on declaring state on 5/4/99, fearing it would provide "political ammunition" to Netanyahu or others. Prominent Likud MK Benjamin Begin quits the party to mount a right-wing challenge for the premiership. (YA 12/28 in WNC 12/29; NYT, WP, WT 12/29; MA 12/29 in WNC 12/30; WP 12/30; WJW 12/31; PR 1/1; MM 1/5; JP 1/11; MEI 1/15)

At the request of the Gulf States, chiefly Saudi Arabia, the Arab League postpones emergency session on Iraq set for 12/30 to 1/24. (MENA 12/28 in WNC 12/29; CSM 12/30; MM 1/4, 1/28) (see 12/22)

Israel extends 5%+n20% income tax breaks to settlements until 2000. (Globes [Internet] 12/29 in WNC 12/30)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Kafr Harith, West Bank, injuring the owner, his infant son. (LAW 12/30; PR 1/8)

Iraq fires antiaircraft missiles at U.S. planes over the n. no-fly zone. U.S. strikes the missile battery in response, killing 4 Iraqi soldiers, wounding 7. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/29; JTV 12/29 in WNC 12/31; GIU 1/5, 1/6) (see 12/26)

Jordan holds emergency session of the Arab Parliamentary Union (APU) to rally support for Iraq. Iraq sends delegation; Kuwait does not. Iraq protests that the mtg.'s final statement (which says U.S.-led attack jeopardized regional peace, worsened economic hardships for Iraqis) is not strong enough, should condemned U.S. intentions to overthrow the Iraqi regime. (al-Dustur, JT, JTV, MBC, al-Ra'i 12/27 in WNC 12/29; CSM 12/28; al-Bayan, al-Dustur 12/29 in WNC 12/31)

Voting along party lines, the House finds (228-206) grounds for Pres. Clinton's impeachment on 2 counts of perjury, obstruction of justice in the Monica Lewinsky case, moving the proceedings to the Senate. The Senate may dismiss the case, censure the pres., or vote to impeach. Clinton says that he will not resign. (NYT, WP, WT 12/20; WJW 12/24; MEI 12/25) (see 9/21)

Ramadan begins. U.S., Britain end their operation against Iraq after carrying out 650 sorties over 4 nights against 97 targets, only ¹/₃ of which were severely damaged or destroyed. At least 68 Iraqis have been killed. U.S. believes Iraq could restore its capabilities in a yr., reserves the right to use force again in the future. Albright describes U.S. policy toward Iraq as "containment plus regime change." (NYT 12/19; ITAR-TASS, MENA 12/19, MENA, YA 12/20, MA 12/21 in WNC 12/22; NYT, WP, WT 12/20; MM, WP, WT 12/21; Tishrin 12/21 in WNC 12/28; WJW 12/24; MEI 12/25)

In Syria, 1,000s protest against the U.S.-led attack on Iraq; more than 100 climb the U.S. emb. to tear down the flag and break into, vandalize the amb.'s residence; others attack the British cultural mission; lawyers strike in solidarity with Iraq. In Egypt, over 4,000 students at universities across the country demonstrate for 3d day; trade, journalists, teachers unions call for protests; pharmacists agree to boycott U.S., UK medicines. In Jordan, 2,000 students march in protest. In the West Bank, 3,000 Palestinians in Hebron, 2,500 in Jinin ignore ban on pro-Iraq demonstrations, clash with the IDF, leaving 100 injured. 15,000 Yemenis hold anti-U.S. march. 2,000 Sudanese protest outside the closed U.S. emb. Lebanon's grand mufti condemns the U.S.-led operation. (AFP, JTV, MENA, RL, SANA 12/19, JT, SANA 12/20 in WNC 12/22; NYT, WP, WT 12/20; JP 12/21; CSM 12/22; JP 12/28; al-Bayan 12/29 in WNC 12/31)

PA ends closures of TV, radio, newspaper bureaus imposed 12/18. (Times of London 12/21)

Pres. Clinton meets with Netanyahu, Arafat at Erez border crossing, where Netanyahu gives him a list of 12 demands that the PA must meet before Israel will continue Wye implementation. Clinton warns that it would be "unfortunate" if Israel fell too far behind in the implementation schedule. He then attends tree lighting ceremony in Bethlehem with Arafat, tours Masada with Netanyahu. (MM 12/15; ITV, QY, RE 12/15 in WNC 12/16; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/16; JT 12/16 in WNC 12/17; MA 12/16 in WNC 12/21; al-Hayat al-Jadida 12/16, al-Quds 12/17, MA 12/18 in WNC 12/22; al-Ba`th 12/16 in WNC 12/28; MM, PR 12/18)

PISMC meets to discuss all pending peace process issues. The only agmt. reached is to create an "informal channel" to discuss the prisoner release issue. (ITV 12/15 in WNC 12/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/16)

Secy. Albright leaves the U.S. delegation in Israel to make side trip to Amman to meet with Crown Prince Hassan. (JTV 12/15 in WNC 12/17; NYT 12/16; MM 12/18)

UNSCOM head Richard Butler reports to the UN that by failure to comply with 5 of 300 recent inspections requests, Iraq has failed to honor the promises of cooperation that prompted Pres. Clinton to call off a major military strike 11/14. U.S. officials say that the Clinton administration played a direct role in shaping Butler's text during multiple conversations with him 12/14 at secure sites in the U.S. mission to the UN, convinced him to order inspectors out of Iraq today without informing UN. (NYT, WP, WT 12/16; AFP, RJ 12/16 in WNC 12/17; NYT 12/17; Tishrin 12/19 in WNC 12/28; al-Akhbar, MENA 12/21 in WNC 12/22; MEI 12/25) (see 12/13)

Palestinian prisoners end hunger strike. (ITV 12/15 in WNC 12/16; MEI 12/25) (see 12/12)

As the House approves 4 articles of impeachment against him in Washington, Pres. Clinton arrives in Tel Aviv on 1st stop of 4-day visit. At the airport, PM Netanyahu offers Clinton a "lukewarm" greeting, warns that the Wye agmt. is unraveling, says he will not halt his criticism of the PA, which he accuses of violating every clause of the Wye accord. (ITV, MENA 12/12, JT 12/13 in WNC 12/15; NYT, WP, WT 12/13; GIU, NYT 12/14; PR 12/18)

In Damascus, 8 PLO opposition groups, Hamas, Islamic Jihad open 2-day conference to reaffirm opposition to the Oslo process, adherence to PLO charter. Jordan prevents 32 Palestinians fr. crossing border to attend. (JT, SA 12/12, JTV 12/13, JT 12/14 in WNC 12/15; MM 12/14; al-Majd 12/14 in WNC 12/17; MEI 12/25; al-Watan al-Arabi 1/1 in WNC 1/5)

Jordanian PM Fayiz al-Tarawnah arrives in Gaza for coordination mtg. with Arafat. Both men call on Palestinian prisoners to end their hunger strike (see 12/11). (RJ 12/12 in WNC 12/15; al-Majd 12/14 in WNC 12/16)

In Gaza, 100s of Palestinians demonstrate against Israel's refusal to release political prisoners. During similar demonstration in Bethlehem, PA police, IDF clash with Palestinians, leaving 7 injured. (NYT, WT 12/13)

Jordanian security arrests 8 Palestinians in Baq`a refugee camp for planning rallies for 12/14 to protest Arafat's annulment of the PLO charter. (JT 12/14 in WNC 12/15; al-Dustur 12/15 in WNC 12/16, 12/17)

In Amman, Israeli FM Sharon, Trade M Natan Sharansky meet with Crown Prince Hassan; sign agmt. forming bilateral mechanism for implementing several Jordan Valley projects. (ITV, JT, RJ 11/23 in WNC 11/24; JTV, Petra-JNA 11/23, JT 11/24 in WNC 11/30; MM 11/24)

Israel, the PA hold talks on selecting the remaining 500 Palestinian prisoners to be released under the Wye agmt., but reach impasse. (ITV 11/23 in WNC 11/24)

In Gaza, 1,500 Palestinians demonstrate against the PA for failing to secure Israel's release of political prisoners, attempt to break into PA negotiator Abbas's home but are pushed back by PA police. (JT [Internet] 11/24; MM 11/25; MEI 12/11)

Jewish settlers seize West Bank hilltop nr. Elon Moreh. IDF declares 2d hill nr. Itamar occupied by settlers 11/22 a closed military zone, orders settlers to leave. (CSM, JP [Internet] 11/24)

U.S. Amb. to Qatar Paul Theros says that the U.S. is building its largest military "warehouse" in Qatar, prepositioning equipment but not troops. (WT 11/24)

In s. Lebanon, 3 civilians are injured, houses are damaged by IDF shelling. 1 IDF soldier is killed, 2 South Lebanon Army (SLA) soldiers are wounded in Hizballah attack. (RL 11/23 in WNC 11/24; MA 11/24 in WNC 11/30)