The Palestine Chronology

On the 3d day of its attack on Iraq, the U.S. can confirm that only 18 of its 89 targets have been severely damaged or destroyed, despite having fired more laser-guided missiles in 2 days than during the entire 1991 Gulf War. Only U.S. planes stationed in Kuwait, Oman have flown; Saudi Arabia, Turkey have not permitted their bases to be used as staging grounds. (ATL, ITV 12/18 in WNC 12/22; NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MEI 12/25)

For the 2d day, U.S.-British strikes on Iraq prompt street protests across the Middle East. 15,000 Palestinians demonstrate in Nablus, while 1,000s of others protest in Bethlehem, Gaza City, Hebron, Jinin, Ramallah. PA police break up protest in Gaza City only; the PA closes some television, radio stations, news bureaus for reporting on the demonstrations. Syria's grand mufti denounces the U.S.-led operation. Pro-Iraq demonstrations are held in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Yemen. (MM 12/18; SANA 12/18, al-Ra'i 12/19, JT 12/20 in WNC 12/22; NYT, WT 12/19; MEI 12/25)

Fmr. UNSCOM cheif inspector Scott Ritter claims that UNSCOM head Butler chose sites for inspection that he knew would provoke the Iraqis, then ordered halt to inspections on 12/13 to meet U.S. bombing time table; also says that the White House national security staff helped draft Butler's 12/15 report to ensure it contained sufficiently tough language to justify an attack. Butler denies showing his report to the U.S. in advance of its release, but National Security Adviser (NSA) Sandy Berger admits Butler briefed him personally 12/13. (WT 12/19; WP 12/20; MENA 12/20, al-Akhbar, MA 12/21 in WNC 12/22) (see 12/16)

PA police arrest 4 leading Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) mbrs., 8 journalists at march marking PFLP's 31st anniversary. (NYT, WT 12/19)

Knesset approves additional NIS 20 m. to fund expanding settlements in the West Bank, Golan. (PR 1/1)

Immediately upon his return to the U.S., Pres. Clinton convenes his senior advisers to "discuss the UNSCOM report on Iraq"; they unanimously recommend a strike. Clinton orders forces in the Gulf to attack immediately; 1st sorties reach Iraq around 5 p.m., leaving 2 Iraqis (Iraq says 25) dead, 30 injured. A token force of 18 British planes takes part. House postpones indefinitely its vote on impeachment, set for tomorrow. Operation Desert Fox is expected to conclude in 3-4 days, before the beginning of Ramadan. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chmn. Gen. Henry Shelton says decision was made in 11/98 to attack immediately if the UNSCOM report was negative. However, sources say that the White House informed the JCS 12/13 that a strike would be ordered this wk. Various congressmen say that they were briefed on the plan 3 wks. ago. Arab states are silent. France, Russia condemn the operation. Canada, Japan support it. (RJ 12/16 in WNC 12/17; ITV 12/16, AFP, ATL, JT 12/17 in WNC 12/21; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/17; MM, WP 12/18; MEI 12/25; GIU 1/5, 1/6)

PM Netanyahu says that he is prepared to call early elections unless the Knesset ratifies his hard-line policies on Wye implementation as outlined in his 12-point list of demands given to Clinton 12/15. (NYT, WP, WT 12/17; ITV 12/20 in WNC 12/22)

Israeli Finance M Neeman resigns in frustration over PM Netanyahu's political manipulation of the budget process. Netanyahu takes over the finance portfolio himself, giving himself control over budget allocations, which he could use to his political advantage if early elections are called. DM Mordechai is also reportedly threatening to leave over Wye implementation delays. (MM 12/16; MA, YA 12/16 in WNC 12/17; MM, NYT 12/17; NYT 12/19; WP 12/22; MEI 12/25; JP 12/28; Globes [Internet] 1/13 in WNC 1/14)

Peace Now reports that new housing starts in settlements more than doubled in 1998 compared to 1997. In the 1st half of 1998, construction began on 1,420 new units, up 136% fr. the same period last yr. In the 2d half of 1998, 640 units were started, up 121%. (Associated Press [Internet] 12/16)

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)

 The U.S. calls on the PA to halt hunger strikes, criticisms of the prisoner release; speed confiscations of illegal weapons, reduction in number of PA police. (NYT 12/12)

Israel rejects U.S. compromise formula for release of Palestinian political prisoners, reaffirms it will not implement 2d stage of FRD unless the full Palestine National Council (PNC) votes to annul the PLO charter. Nr. Qalqilya, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians demonstrating for the release of political prisoners, killing 2, wounding 27. (MM 12/11; ITV 12/11, 12/12 in WNC 12/15; LAW, WP, WT 12/12)

One of Israel's most wanted, Hamas mbr. Yahya al-Gul, escapes fr. a PA prison in Gaza, where he had been held since 3/98. PA places his family under house arrest. (PR 1/15)

In Gaza, 200 mbrs. of Palestinian opposition parties, Hamas, 8 Palestinian Council mbrs. hold conference to denounce the Wye agmt., annulment of the PLO charter; call on PLO mbrs. to boycott 12/14 PNC mtg. (WT 12/12)

UNSCOM carries out 14 surprise inspections without Iraqi interference. (WP 12/12) (see 12/9)

Lebanon files protest with the UN Security Council (UNSC) against repeated Israeli mock raids over Beirut since 12/9. (RL 12/11 in WNC 12/14)

Palestinians across the occupied territories stage most violent protests in 7 mos. to mark the 11th anniversary of the beginning of the intifada. PM Netanyahu claims PA is deliberately escalating violence ahead of Clinton's visit. IDF responds with percussion grenades, rubber-coated bullets, live ammunition, leaving 1 Palestinian dead, some 200 injured. The worst clashes are in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. In Jericho, Palestinians throw rocks through the windows of the new Oasis casino. Settlers threaten to stage their own demonstrations; ask IDF permission to open fire on Palestinians who approach their border fences. Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin joins prisoners' hunger strike (see 12/5). (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/10; YA 12/10 in WNC 12/14)

Israel's High Court unanimously votes to overturn 50-yr.-old statue exempting Ultraorthodox Jews fr. serving in the IDF. (NYT, WP, WT 12/10)

IDF court-martials soldier who was ambushed, beaten by Palestinians in Ramallah 12/3 for not carrying a loaded weapon, leaving his post without permission. Top IDF cmdrs. say that he should have shot his attackers. (WP, WT 12/10; PR 12/11; JP 12/14)

Acting on Israeli complaints, PA police raid a Palestinian factory in Hebron manufacturing counterfeit compact discs of Israeli artists. (YA 12/9 in WNC 12/14)

Over 80% of settlers in Ganim sign draft bill prepared by Labor, saying that they would to evacuate the settlement in exchange for financial compensation. (ITV 12/9 in WNC 12/14) (see 12/8)

Iraq refuses to accommodate UN Special Comm. (UNSCOM) weapons inspectors demanding access to a Ba`th party offices. (CSM, WT 12/10; WP 12/11)

In Washington, Pres. Clinton meets with Netanyahu and Arafat, who agree on essentials of a 13% FRD but differ on "parallel" Palestinian actions to ensure Israeli security. Announce plans for another 3-way mtg. in the U.S. in mid-10/98 to finalize agmt. (MM 9/28; ITV 9/28 in WNC 9/29; HA [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; Les Echos 9/29 in WNC 9/30; CSM 9/30; al-Akhbar 9/30 in WNC 10/1; WJW 10/1; MEI, MM, PR 10/2; JP 10/3, 10/10)

Arafat returns to New York City to address the UNGA. Under pressure fr. the U.S., he does not mention declaring of a state in 5/99. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; CSM 9/30; MM 10/1; MEI, MM, PR 10/2; JP 10/10) (see 9/23)

Fmr. UNSCOM inspector Ritter reveals that for 4 yrs., Israel analyzed intelligence data on Iraq for UNSCOM. (MM 9/28; HA [Internet], WP 9/29; MM, WT 9/30; al-Thawra 9/30 in WNC 10/6; MM 10/1 WP 10/11, 10/12) (see 8/26)

In Umm al-Fahm, Israeli Arabs, Israeli security forces clash for 2d day, with some police firing live ammunition, leaving 11 residents wounded. Town observes general strike to protest police brutality. (MM 9/28; MM, WT 9/29; MEI, PR 10/2; MM 10/5; JP 10/10)

Israeli police free settler who killed a Palestinian boy 9/17. (MEI, PR 10/2) (see 9/19)

UNSCOM chief inspector Scott Ritter resigns in protest over recent revelations that the U.S. repeatedly urged UNSCOM to forgo "challenge inspections" at Iraqi sites thought to house weapons of mass destruction. (MM 9/3; MA 9/3 in WNC 9/11; MM 9/4; MM 9/9, 9/11; Babil 9/17 in WNC 9/25; NYT, WP 10/2; WP 10/11, 10/12) (see 8/7)

IDF soldiers enforcing the Hebron closure prevent Palestinian woman in labor fr. reaching hospital, causing her baby's death. (LAW, WP 8/27; JP 9/5, 9/12; WP 9/19)

Libya tentatively accepts proposal approved by Britain, U.S. to try 2 suspects in the 1988 Pan Am bombing in the Hague under Scottish law. (MM 8/26; NYT, WP, WT 8/27; WP, WT 8/28; MEI 9/4; WP 9/30) (see 7/30)

Five settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement abduct a Palestinian teenager, take him to the graves of 2 settlers killed 8/5, hold him there for 2 hrs., beat him. (PR 9/4)

Settlers in Hebron set fire to a Palestinian home nr. the Jewish sector of the city, injuring 1 man. IDF soldiers enforcing th curfew on the city prevent fire fighters fr. reaching the site. (PR 9/4)

Amal shells an SLA post in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr., wounding another. (RL 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

Bombs explode almost simultaneously at the U.S. embassies in Kenya, Tanzania, leaving 256 dead, some 5,000 injured. The unheard of Islamic Army for the Liberation of the Holy Places claims responsibility, saying it wants Western troops out of Muslim countries. Egyptian Islamic Jihad, Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden, Iraq are the prime suspects. (The CIA listening post monitoring Iraq is headquartered in Nairobi, and 8 yrs. ago today the 1st U.S. troops landed on Saudi soil following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.) U.S., Israel immediately send rescue teams to Kenya, where there is significant damage. PM Netanyahu offers to investigate the incidents. (MM 8/7; AFP 8/7, AFP, al-Jumhuriyya, SA 8/8, AFP, al-Wafd, YA 8/9, al-Ahram 8/10 in WNC 8/11; NYT, WP, WT 8/8; Independent, WT 8/9; IGPO, NYT, WP, WT 8/10; MA 8/11 in WNC 8/12; al-Safir 8/11 in WNC 8/14; WP 8/12; SA 8/12 in WNC 8/13; MM 8/13; NYT 8/20; WT 8/24)

Israeli DM Mordechai phones U.S. special envoy Ross to ask him to come to the region to help move talks forward. Ross says he will not come until there are signs of real progress. (MA 8/9 in WNC 8/11)

High-level U.S. official phones UNSCOM head Butler to urge him to postpone "challenge inspections" planned for 8/9 so as to avoid a new crisis with Iraq. Butler orders the UNSCOM team to leave Baghdad to protests U.S.'s "go-slow" policy. (WP 8/14; WP, WT 8/15; NYT 8/17; WP 8/18) (see 8/4)

In Washington, the Israeli Labor party delegation meets with over 600 U.S. Jewish leaders, congressmen, mbrs. of the U.S. administration to brief them on Labor's positions toward the peace process. Party chmn. Barak says that despite the delegation's critical tone, they are not advocating U.S. pressure on Israel. (MM 8/5; MA 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

Iraq rejects UNSCOM proposal for accelerated inspection schedule, demands that the UN lift sanctions, says it will not cooperate further with inspectors. Publicly, the U.S. warns that noncooperation will insure that Iraq remains under sanctions indefinitely. But, behind the scenes, Secy. Albright phones UNSCOM head Richard Butler--as she reportedly has done several times in recent mos.--to urge him not to carry out 2 surprise "challenge inspections" planned for 8/6 so as to avoid a new crisis with Iraq. Butler agrees only to delay inspections until 8/9. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/5; MM 8/6, 8/7; MM 8/10; NYT 8/13; WP 8/14; WP, WT 8/15; NYT 8/17; WP 8/18) (see 6/24)

IDF demolishes 23d Palestinian home this mo., bringing to 81 the number of Palestinian homes demolished since the beginning of the year. By comparison, 171 Palestinian homes were demolished in 1997. (NYT, WT 6/23) (see 6/18)

Mbrs. of Elad settler group raid a Palestinian bakery in East Jerusalem, claim that it is located on land which is to be confiscated by Israel. (PR 6/26)

Egypt, Turkey sign memorandum of understanding on construction of pipeline which would transport natural gas fr. Egypt to Turkey via the Mediterranean. (Anatolia 6/22 in WNC 6/23)

UNSCOM claims to have proof, based on evidence obtained in confidential U.S. army laboratory analysis, that Iraq put VX nerve gas in missile warheads before the 1991 Gulf War. (WP 6/23; MM 6/24, 6/25) (see 6/18)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin arrives in Egypt fr. the Sudan on his way home to Gaza. (MENA 6/22 in WNC 6/23) (see 6/8)

Lebanese authorities arrest 10 suspects in connection with grenade attack nr. U.S. embassy 6/21. (RL 6/22 in WNC 6/23)

PM Netanyahu presents draft plan to extend Jerusalem's municipal boundaries, tighten Israel's control over the city, support Jews moving into East Jerusalem (particularly Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghunaym); tells reporters, "I think this is a basic change in Jerusalem's status that will be remembered as a turning point." (MM, NYT, PR, WP 6/19; al-Ahram al-Masa'i, ITV, RE 6/20, JTV, MENA, RJ 6/21, MENA 6/22 in WNC 6/23; al-Thawra 6/21 in WNC 6/25; WJW 6/25; PR 6/26; JP 6/27; MEI 7/3; JP 7/4)

In Washington, Refugee Working Group opens 2-day intersessional mtg. (USIS Washington File 6/19)

Commenting on Albright's 6/17 speech, Iran says that words are inadequate, U.S. should take actions (such as halting aid to Iranian opposition groups, unfreezing funds in U.S.) to show its good will. (MM, NYT, WT 6/19; MEI 7/3)

UNSCOM head Butler submits report that Iraq is refusing to turn over documents about its missiles, biological and chemical weapons. Iraq claims documents do not exist, it is not require to turn over information. (WP, WT 6/19; al-Ahram 6/19 in WNC 6/22; al-Ahram 6/21 in WNC 6/23; MM 6/24) (see 6/14)

IDF demolishes 6 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem in Israeli-controlled area C. (ITV 6/18 in WNC 6/22) (see 6/17)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Arafat discuss peace process. (MENA 6/14 in WNC 6/17; WT 6/17)

Saying that he alone will discuss political issues, PM Netanyahu cuts off presentation to the cabinet by IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Amnon Shahak on the IDF's assessment that there could be Palestinian violence if an FRD agmt. is not reached soon, dismisses Shahak fr. the room. Before leaving, Shahak says that from now on, he will tell the cabinet "only what it wants to hear." (MM 6/15; MA 6/15 in WNC 6/17; MA 6/16 in WNC 6/18; WT 6/29; JP 6/27)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad say they are considering Arafat invitation to join the EA. Israel says that inviting Hamas to join the authority without demanding that it "renounce terrorism and disarm its military wing makes a mockery of the PA's promise to . . . uproot the terrorist infrastructure." (IGPO, MM, WP 6/15; WT 6/17; PR 6/19)

Egypt, Iran sign memorandum of understanding on extending trade exchanges, preparing for mutual investment, establishing joint banks. (VIRI 6/15 in WNC 6/17; IRIB Television 6/17 in WNC 6/18)

Iraq, UNSCOM agree on 2-mo. plan to speed up disarmament verifications. (NYT, WP, WT 6/15; MA 6/16 in WNC 6/18; MM 6/17, 6/19) (see 6/4)

Israeli media reports that Israel has been holding talks in Europe with leaders of the previous anti-Taliban government in Afghanistan, possibly regarding setting up intelligence bases on the Iran border or establishing diplomatic ties. (YA 6/14, MA 6/17 in WNC 6/18)

Lebanon holds last round of municipal elections. Hizballah-supported candidates win only 5 of 21 seats in Baalbeck, while Amal-supported candidates win 16. (AFP 6/14, RL 6/15, 6/16 in WNC 6/17; MM 6/16; MM, WP 6/17; MEI 6/19; MM 6/23)

In Palermo, Italy, 2-day Euro-Mediterranean mtg. (attended by 15 EU FMs, 12 Mediterranean FMs) closes. This is an ad hoc mtg., outside the normal cycle of "Barcelona" conferences, held to set priorities for preparation for the 4/99 Euro-Mediterranean conference planned for Stuttgart, Germany. The Barcelona process focuses on 3 areas for Mediterranean cooperation, unification: politics and security; economics and finance; social and cultural issues. The last mtg. was held in 3/97. (RJ 6/4, SA 6/5 in WNC 6/8; JTV 6/5 in WNC 6/9; JP 6/13)

Jordan, U.S. end their annual 1-mo. joint military maneuvers in the Jordanian desert. (JTV 6/4 in WNC 6/8)

Palestinian High Court orders PA police to release Hamas spokesman `Abd al-Aziz Rantisi, who was arrested 4/9. PA police refuse to comply. (PCHR press release 6/4)

After 2 days of closed door briefings, Richard Butler, exec. chmn. of the UN Special Comm. (UNSCOM) in charge of Iraqi weapons inspections, gives the UN Security Council (UNSC) a "road map" of missing information UNSCOM needs before it can decide whether to lift sanctions; says Iraq could fulfill obligations by 10/98 if it continues its recent cooperative attitude. Iraq rejects agenda as nonstarter. (WP 6/5; NYT, WP 6/6; MM 6/26)

Discouraged by their mtg. 4/16, King Hussein sends PM Netanyahu a letter criticizing his hard-line policies. (MM 4/20; RJ 4/20 in WNC 4/21; MM 4/21; JT 4/21 in WNC 4/23; al-Ra'i 4/21 in WNC 4/30; al-Aswaq 4/22 in WNC 4/27; MEI 4/24; SA 4/26 in WNC 5/1)

British PM Blair, the current EU pres., arrives in Cairo on the 1st leg of his 1st Middle East tour; discusses with Pres. Mubarak the status of peace process, EU role. (MENA 4/17 in WNC 4/20; ESC Television [Cairo] 4/17, al-Ahram, ESC Television 4/18 in WNC 4/21; al-Quds al-Arabi 4/22, MENA 4/24 in WNC 4/27)

UNSCOM reports to the UNSC that it has made virtually no progress over the past 6 mos. in verifying that Iraq has destroyed any remaining weapons of mass destruction. (WT 4/18) (see 3/26)

In s. Lebanon, 4 IDF soldiers are wounded in attack by Amal. In 2 separate incidents, 1 civilian, 3 IDF soldiers are injured by Hizballah shelling. (RL 4/28 in WNC 4/21)

In Jerusalem, U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Netanyahu, who rejects U.S. proposal for 13.1% FRD. (PR, WP, WT 3/27; JP 4/4)

Lebanese PM Hariri meets with Austrian Chancellor Viktor Klima to discuss Lebanon's stand on Israel's proposal for conditional implementation of UN Res. 425. (RL 3/26 in WNC 3/27)

For the 1st time, UNSCOM successfully searches 1 of 8 the "presidential sites" that Saddam Hussein agreed to open after his 2/22 agmt. with the UN. (NYT, WP 3/27) (see 3/5)

Brig. Gen. Dov Tzedaqa becomes Israel's new head of the Civil Administration in the West Bank. (MA 3/27 in WNC 3/30)

In s. Lebanon, 2 Lebanese civilians are wounded during IDF shelling. (VOL 3/26 in WNC 3/27)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Spain on 1st stop on weekend shuttle to Europe (including stops in Germany, Norway, UK) to sell his plan for conditional withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. Netanyahu was also going to go to France but canceled because of a statement by the French amb. to Jordan that Netanyahu is blocking the peace process. (MM 3/5)

Israeli DM Mordechai leaves on 4-day tour of France, the Netherlands to discuss s. Lebanon withdrawal proposal. (MM 3/5; MM 3/10; Algemeen Dagblad [Rotterdam] 3/10 in WNC 3/11; PR 3/27)

Shin Bet arrests 5 Palestinians, including 1 PA policeman, on charges of operating a large Hamas cell responsible for at least 10 attacks on Israeli targets. (WP, WT 3/6; IGPO 3/8; WJW 3/12; PR 3/13)

Without Secy. Gen. Annan's knowledge, UNSCOM head Richard Butler dispatches a 50-mbr. team headed by Scott Ritter, previously accused by Iraq of being a U.S. spy, to Baghdad to test Iraqi compliance. The team resumes inspections without Iraqi interference at sites other than the 8 "presidential palaces." (MM 3/6; WP 3/11; MM 3/12) (see 2/23)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan reaches agmt. (signed 2/23) with Iraq on resuming unrestricted inspections under which UN Special Committee (UNSCOM) teams of technical experts will be accompanied by senior diplomats appointed by Annan to act as observers. The UNSC must approve the agmt. U.S. expresses cautious optimism. (RJ 2/22, ITV, MENA, RJ 2/23, al-Ahram, al-Ra'i, RL 2/24 in WNC 2/26; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/23; Le Soir [Brussels] 2/25 in WNC 3/3; MEI, PR 2/27)

Violent clashes continue in Ma'an, Jordan, for 3d straight day. (JTV, MBC, RJ 2/22, JT, JTV, RJ 2/23 in WNC 2/26; MM, WP, WT 2/23; WP 2/26; MEI 2/27) (see 2/21)

In Cairo, 15,000 students fr. `Ayn Shams, Cairo university demonstrate against U.S. policy toward Iraq. (MENA, RMC 2/22 in WNC 2/26)

3 Palestinians are injured when IDF breaks up "pro-Iraq" demonstration in Birzeit. Another protest is held at al-Najah University in Nablus. (ITV 2/22 in WNC 2/26; PR 2/27)

Jordan arrests 3 Jordanians for plotting attacks on Israeli targets, possession of explosives. (SA 2/23 in WNC 2/26)

Secy. of State Albright meets with Arafat to follow up on 1/22 mtg. with Clinton, urges him to consider the U.S. FRD proposal. After mtg., Albright announces that Arafat, Netanyahu have agreed to send envoys to Washington in 1 wk. to try to break impasse. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/2; CSM, NYT 2/3; MEI 2/13)

Netanyahu asks Secy. of State Albright for 2+n3 days advance warning of a U.S. attack on Iraq, immediate defensive measures against an Iraqi biological attack. Albright probes Israel's intentions on the manner, scale of its reprisal should Iraq strike Israel. (WP 2/2; MM 2/3; WT 2/5)

After mtg. with Arafat, Netanyahu, Secy. of State Albright heads to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia to gauge support for strike on Iraq. Kuwait supports use of force as last resort. Saudi Arabia says that U.S. may not stage attack on Iraq fr. its territory but will consider allowing U.S. planes to use its airspace. Arab League, France, Jordan, PA, Russia, Turkey send envoys to Iraq to persuade Saddam Hussein to abandon opposition to UNSCOM inspection of palaces. Egypt, Iran, Qatar, Syria warn attack would increase regional tensions. (NYT, WT 2/2; MM, WT 2/3; WP 2/4)

PM Netanyahu orders halt to preliminary negotiations (initiated by Infrastructures M Sharon) with Iran regarding repayment of Israelis $1.2 b. debt to Iran. (Globes [Internet] 2/1 in WNC 2/4) (see 9/20/97)

At entrance to Bethlehem, Palestinians clash with IDF for 3d straight day, leaving 6 Palestinians injured. During clash, IDF troops, PA police train weapons on each other but do not fire. (WT 2/2) (see 1/30)

Lebanese army eases siege on Britel to allow 10,000 Lebanese to hold funeral for Shaykh Khudr Tlays, Tufayli's right hand man who was killed in clash 1/30. Tufayli is still on the run. (MM, WT 2/2; MM 2/9; MEI 2/13)

3 civilians are wounded during IDF bombardment of Mashghara village in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

In preparation for Netanyahu's mtg. with Clinton 1/20, the Israel cabinet agrees not to carry out any FRD until the PA meets 12-page list of conditions (see 1/4), including extraditing PA prisoners; sets up interministeral comm. to monitor PA compliance with these demands. PA accuses Israel of stalling. (IDF Radio 1/13 in WNC 1/14; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 1/14; MA 1/14 in WNC 1/15; MM, WJW 1/15)

Arafat arrives in Amman for 2-day visit; discusses Ross visit, Arab positions on the peace process with King Hussein. (RJ 1/13 in WNC 1/14; JTV 1/13, RJ 1/14 in WNC 1/15; PR 1/16)

In Damascus, French FM Vedrine meets with Pres. Asad. (RFI 1/12 in WNC 1/14; SARR, SATN 1/13, RMC 1/14 in WNC 1/15)

Jordanian team led by FM Fayiz Tarawnah leaves for U.S. for talks on the 1999 economic, military aid package to the kingdom. (JT 1/14 in WNC 1/15; al-Aswaq 1/18 in WNC 1/21)

Iraq again blocks UNSCOM inspection team. (NYT, WP, WT 1/14) (see 1/11)

French FM Vedrine arrives in Lebanon to discuss the Lebanese-Israeli track of the peace process, Israeli statements regarding UN Res. 425 (see 1/2); calls for unconditional Israeli withdrawal fr. the south; brings no French initiatives. (RFI 1/11, VOL 1/12 in WNC 1/13; MM 1/13; RMC 1/15 in WNC 1/20; MM 1/16)

Iraq criticizes composition of new UNSCOM team, saying it is unbalanced in favor of the U.S., UK. New team is made up of 9 Americans, 5 British, 1 Russian, 1 Australian. (NYT, WP 1/12) (see 12/18)