The Palestine Chronology

Following fist-fights with UNIFIL troops trying to halt their advance, IDF troops, tanks bulldoze through UNIFIL barriers and move out of "security zone" to attack villages in S. Lebanon suspected of sheltering Islamic Resistance Movement bases which have been shelling N. Israel. Villages of Yatar, Kafra are captured. Several more rockets are fired at N. Israel, "security zone" and are answered with heavy IDF, SLA bombardment. Amal, communist party, armed civilians join the battle against Israeli forces. Two Israelis are killed and three wounded; at least 7 Hizballah fighters are killed and 17 wounded. In addition, 3 civilians and 4 Fijian UNIFIL troops are wounded. UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali demands Israeli withdrawal while State Dept. calls on Israel, Syria, Lebanon to "exercise restraint." (Qol Yisra'el 2/20 in FBIS 2/20, FBIS 2/21; IDF Radio, Voice of Lebanon 2/20 in FBIS 2/21; WP 2/21)

PM Shamir wins renomination as head of Likud party. FM David Levy finishes second, Housing Min. Ariel Sharon third. (WP 2/21)

Arab League council begins emergency meeting on Israeli settlements. (MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports circulate regarding Kach's intent to establish armed patrols in E. Jerusalem to "maintain order" [FJ 4/26]. US State Dept. official Murphy meets with Palestinians from occupied territories to persuade them to join joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation for future peace talks; is told no Palestinian will participate except through the PLO and that the US must not ask for more concessions from the Palestinian people [FJ 5/3].

Other Countries: US columnist Jack Anderson reveals US knew in advance about 9/22/79 joint Israel-S. Africa nuclear test in S. Atlantic [WP 4/26, NYT 5/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Palestinian, Muslim fighters enter Abra, Mieh Mieh village, Qayaa, Hilaliya, Bramiya, Majdalun, Qanah; looting reported [NYT, LAT 4/27]. 4 IDF soldiers wounded as mortar rounds hit IDF position in Tyre. SLA position near Yater attacked; no report of casualties [JP 4/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: US State Dept. official Murphy meets with W. Bank leaders at US consulate in E. Jerusalem; group presents petition signed by 22 leaders from occupied territories stating their support of PLO as sole representative of Palestinian people, urging creation of Palestinian state [WP 4/14]. Palestinian artist Sulayman Mansour prevented from traveling across Allenby Bridge to attend European seminars on Palestinian art [FJ 4/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF, SLA raid Yater; 8 arrested, 7 homes destroyed; Irish UNIFIL troops forced to leave post in village by gunpoint; IDF later blocks other UNIFIL troops from entering village [PI, MG 4/17]. Roadside bomb explodes as IDF patrol passes near Burj al-Shamali camp; no injuries. 4 IDF troops wounded when vehicle hits mine E. of Tyre [JP 4/17].