The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided 2 schools in Ras al-Tin and Wadi al-Siq east of Ramallah, smashing windows and vandalizing classrooms. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Shukba, al-Mughayyir, Kafr Ra’i, al-Yamun, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Jerusalem, Israeli settlers blocked Route 1 and attacked a Palestinian family, injuring a child, with pepper spray during a protest calling for the release of Yehiel Indore who is charged with killing a Palestinian during a settler raid on Burqa on 8/4. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; HA, TOI 8/14; PCHR 8/17; UNOCHA 8/28)

The National Council of Arab Mayors in Israel said all Palestinian schools in Israel will go on strike from 9/1 if Palestinian municipalities do not receive $80 million promised to them by the previous government. The funds have been frozen by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The group also demonstrated outside of the prime minister’s office and the Finance Ministry. (HA, NA 8/13; HA, TOI 8/14)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes near Damascus, causing damage. (HA 8/13)

Former Israeli Northern Command commander Amiram Levin told the public broadcaster Kan that the situation in the West Bank is “total apartheid” and that soldiers are “beginning to be a partner in war crimes,” referring to a lack of enforcement against settler violence. Levin compared the situation to Nazi Germany, saying “[w]alk around Hebron, look at the streets. Streets where Arabs are no longer allowed to go on, only Jews. That is exactly what happened there, in that dark country [Nazi Germany].” (HA, JP, MEE, NA, TOI 8/13)

Arafat says he is prepared to accept early empowerment over Jenin provided it is part of a comprehensive IDF redeployment and elections plan, suggesting a willingness to consider phased IDF withdrawal. (QY 2/19; MM 3/6) (see 2/16)

PM Rabin appoints expert on Jewish extremism to head Shin Bet. (WT 2/20; WJW 3/2)

Israeli cabinet approves 1,800-unit expansion of Ma'ale Adumim, Givat Ze'ev, Beitar settlements nr. Jerusalem. PA says decision threatens peace talks. (MM, WP, WT 2/20; CSM 2/21)

In mtg. of Knesset Foreign Affairs Comm., IDF Northern Command Cmdr. Gen. Amiram Levin asserts the Lebanese Army, under orders fr. Syria, is actively helping Hizballah by supplying arms, providing cover in attacks on IDF, SLA positions in s. Lebanon. (QY 2/20, HA 2/21 in FBIS 2/23)

Hizballah attacks SLA position nr. Marja'uyun in s. Lebanon. Israeli Air Force (IAF) strikes Hizballah positions in response. 2 civilians, 2 Hizballah mbrs., 1 mbr. of SLA killed. Lebanese Chamber of Deputies Speaker Nabih Birri calls for Arab League mtg. on Israeli attacks. FM Faris Buwayz says Israel attacks will derail peace process. (RL, VOL 2/19 in FBIS 2/21; WT 2/20)

Donor countries close mtg. in Gaza, announce plan to speed transfer of aid to PA, give priority to creating jobs, developing roads, utilities. Conferees approve $695 m. for employment projects, infrastructure development, $500 m. of which was promised for last yr. (NYT 2/1)

Syrian FM al-Shara` gives U.S. Amb. to Syria Christopher Ross letter fr. Pres. al-Asad to Pres. Clinton, informs Ross that Syrian Amb. to U.S. Mu`allim will return to his post in Washington 2/6 after 2-mo. absence. (SARR 2/1 in FBIS 2/1; MM, WT 2/2)

Palestinian, Jordanian businessmen agree to establish Islamic Palestinian bank in autonomous areas. Bank will have initial capital of $10 m. (Al-Aswaq 1/31 in FBIS 2/3)

Israeli officials report that initial, low-level contacts have been made with Saudi Arabia, discussions held on possibilities for cooperation. (IDF Radio 1/31 in FBIS 2/1)

Gallup poll is released, showing 67.2% of Israelis polled believe talks with PA should be suspended; 17.8% say talks should be ended completely. (IMRA press release 1/31)

Israeli settlers seize West Bank outpost evacuated by IDF previous day. Soldiers immediately return to site, declare it a closed military area. (QY 1/30, 1/31 in FBIS 1/31)

IDF bans Jews fr. Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron during Ramadan, fearing violence btwn. Muslims, Jews at the site. (WT 2/1)

IDF, Hizballah exchange gunfire in southern Lebanon. 1 IDF soldier, 3 Hizballah mbrs. killed. New IDF Northern Command cmdr. Maj. Gen. 'Amiram Levin says attack was part of new IDF policy of initiating pinpointed raids against "terrorist" bases north of self-declared security zone. (ITV 1/31; HA 2/1 in FBIS 2/3)