The Palestine Chronology

PLO issues statement authorizing participation in multilateral talks in Moscow but only if Palestinians from E. Jerusalem, diaspora are included in delegation. (Radio Monte Carlo 1/26 in FBIS 1/30; MM 1/27)

PFLP-GC, DFLP, PPSF, PLF, Fateh-Uprising [Abu Musa], al-Sa'iqa, Hamas, Islamic Jihad in Palestine, Palestinian Revolutionary Communist Party meet in Damascus to urge Arab boycott of Moscow talks. PFLP was reported ready to attend, but decided not to. DFLP abstains from signing communique issued by the meeting. (al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio 1/26 in FBIS 1/27; MM 1/27)

PM Shamir rules out any freeze on settlement activity aspart of compromise to obtain U.S. loan guarantees. (WP 1/27)

Delegation of American Jewish leaders which has been touring Middle East holds press conference in Israel, states that U.S. decision to provide loan guarantees to Israel is dependent upon freeze in settlement activity. (MM 1/27)

Seven-hour battle near Bayt Layf, inside "security zone," leaves one IDF soldier, two Islamic Resistance Movement fighters dead. IDF artillery afterwards shells numerous villages in s. Lebanon. (NYT, MM 1/27; Ha'Aretz 1/27 in FBIS 1/29)

Member of advisory committee to Palestinian delegation Ziyad Abu Zayyad confirms the existence of an eight-page document discussing the eventual transfer of power from Israeli occupation forces to Palestinians in the o.t. during the "transitional period" of self-rule envisioned as part of the peace process. The document, which he states is only a draft proposal, was written by residents of the o.t. and suggests establishing management committees to oversee administration of the territories. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Five members of the new political committees in o.t. resign, but 25 new members are added. Move seen as part of behind-thescenes conflict between the original founders of the committees and the PLO, members of the Palestinian delegation over the nature of the committees. (Qol Yisra'el 11/13, Ha'Aretz 11/13, Israel Television 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Faisal Husseini holds debate with Riyad al-Maliki, leading PFLP supporter in West Bank and opponent of the peace process, at Bethlehem University. (MEM 11/12)

Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam meets with delegation from Palestinian National Salvation Front, including PNSF head Khalid al-Fahum, PFLP-GC Gen. Secy. Ahmad Jibril, Fateh-Uprising leader Sa'id Musa Muragha (Abu Musa), other top PNSF figures. Meeting comes in wake of improved Fateh-Syrian, PLO-Syrian relations. (al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio [clandestine] 11/12 in FBIS 11/14)

Pres. Bush, speaking before ameeting of Jewish American leaders in New York, regrets language he used during his 9/12 comments about the loan guarantees to Israel [in which he obliquely referred to the power of the Jewish lobby]. (MEM 11/13, 11/14)

Meeting of Israeli Labor party, called by Labor party leader Shimon Peres in an attempt to bridge gap among hard-liners and moderates within the party on foreign affairs and security matters, fails to reach agreement. Meeting comes in wake of rightward turn within Labor party toward security issues, evidenced by the tough 11/10 draft of the party's political platform adopted by the party's political committee and by the support given by several hard-line Labor parliamentarians to an 11/11 Knesset resolution that called for permanent Israeli control over Golan. (MEM 11/13)

Meeting of the "Damascus Declaration" nations ends without agreement on ways to turn their Gulf war alliance into a deeper multi-lateral relationship. (MEM 11/12)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Teenager from W. Bank village of Bayt Wazin is electrocuted while trying to hang Palestinian flag from power cable. Commercial strike continues in W. Bank. Israeli officials order al-Awdah, Arabic and English weekly magazine, closed. Government announces it will begin cutting water and electricity to W. Bank and Gaza Strip towns that do not pay their bills [NYT 5/3]. Dr. Zakariya al-Agha, head of the Arab Medical Association, is arrested, placed under administrative detention for 6 months [FJ 5/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several Balatah camp residents are arrested after military lifts curfew. Soldiers respond with live ammunition and rubber bullets to demonstration in 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camp. Several Palestinian protesters are injured by gunfire in 'Askar camp. Scattered demonstrations are reported in Bethlehem region, Ramallah region, and Gaza Strip. Army imposes curfew in 'Arrub camp [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: Led by tanks and helicopters, up to 2,000 Israeli troops cross into Lebanon in search of Palestinian commandos [WP 5/3]. Followers of Abu Musa battle Arafat loyalists in Shatila and Burj al-Barajinah camps; 10 have been killed and 40 wounded in 3 days of fighting [WP 5/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities issue 6-month town arrest orders against 2 unionists: Amal Wahdan, from al-Birah, of the Women's Work Committee; and 'Adnan Kilani, head of the Construction Workers Union in Ya'bad; arrests bring total number of known town arrestees in West Bank alone to 33 [FJ 8/14].

Arab World: President Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia announces he has divorced his second wife, Wassila, who had been an influential member of Mr. Bourguiba's governing circle and a strong advocate of the Palestinian cause [WP 8/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb suspected PLO and Abu Musa faction bases near Ba'albek in Biqa' Valley in Lebanon, killing 3 [LT 8/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Egyptian and Israeli negotiators on Taba dispute announce agreement on all but two conditions for arbitration: arbitrators and demarcation of boundaries of 700-meter beach [NYT, WP 8/11].

Arab World: In Baghdad, PLO Executive Committeends 2-day meeting with statement condemning U.S., Israeli, and jordanian plans to improve conditions in West Bank and Gaza as attempts to perpetuate Israeli occupation, calls for unity among all Palestinian factions [NYT 8/11; FJ 8/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF conducts military exercises on Golan Heights [JTA 8/11].

Arab World: IDF helicopter gunships attack Fateh and Abu Musa faction positions at 'Ain al-Hilwah and Mieh Mieh refugee camps in S. Lebanon following rocket attacks from S. Lebanon into Galilee [NYT, WP 8/111. Rivals for control of the Christian militias in Lebanon strike each other: Lebanese Forces rebel against leader Samir Ja'ja' and seize control of East Beirut [PI 8/11], hold it for 24 hours [LT 8/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Pres. Mubarak asks France to organize intl. conference on M.E. peace to contact "both parties" - Israel and the Palestinians - in preparation for real conference [NYT, JTA 1/30]. Mubarak holds talks with W. German officials [NYT 1/30].

Other Countries: British Foreign Office stops processing documents on behalf of Arab Boycott Office, following visit by P.M. Peres [JTA 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gunman carrying Jordanian army papers crosses Jordan River, kills 2 Israeli soldiers on patrol, wounds 2 others before he is shot to death [NYT, LAT 1/30].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes bomb Palestinian guerrilla bases in S. Lebanon, killing at least 5, wounding 6; Israeli army states targets were 3 houses used by opposition PLO factions, including Abu Musa's Fateh faction, which claimed responsibility for 1/26 bombing of Jerusalem restaurant [WP, LAT 1/30]. Vacuum bombs were reportedly used in the raid [FJ 1/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army bulldozes home of suspect accused of killing Israeli reservist one month earlier in Hebron's old market [JP, JTA 9/27]. Israeli court awards Ariel Sharon $2,000 for court costs in Israel in suit against Time magazine, rules Time defamed former defense minister [CSM 9/27]. Israel asks Cyprus to extradite 3 arrested in Lamaca for murder of 3 Israelis to Israel for trial [NYT 9/27]. Min. of Econ. and Planning Gad Ya'acobi reports an association of S. American businessmen interested ininvesting in Israel, particularly govt. -owned companies, is being formed UP 9/27]. High Court reduces jail sentence of Jewish underground defendant Gilad Peli from 10 to 4.5 years after he expressed remorse for his deeds and cooperated during the investigation [JP 9/27].

Military Action: Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus near Halhul is fired upon, injuring 7; curfew is imposed. Anonymous phone caller to Agence France Presse office in Jerusalem claims credit on behalf of Fateh's Force 17. Hundreds of Kiryat Arba settlers rampage through Halhul around midnight, smashing windows and cars, and attacking a mosque [JP 9/27, 29]. A roadside bomb is detonated by remote control on the Jerusalem-Ma'aleh Adumim highway asa car is passing; no injuries [JP 9/29]. Firebomb is thrown at another Egged bus as it passes Mt. Zion; no injuries [JTA 9/27]. Bomb explodes behind bus stop on Mt. Scopus, injuring 2;6 suspects arrested [JP 9/27].

Arab World: Israeli air force raids alleged Abu Musa base in Majdalun, Biqa' Valley, slightly injuring 1 [LT 9/28]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Fifteen Jewish underground defendants found guilty, ending thirteen-monthrial in Jerusalem District Court. Group leader Menachem Livni, Shaul Nir, Uzi Sharabaf are convicted of murder, will receive mandatory life sentences; 12 others convicted of charges including attempted murder, manslaughter, attempted sabotage, illegal possession and transport of arms and explosives, damage to military property, membership in a terrorist organization, conspiracy to blow up the Dome of the Rock Mosque, and failure to prevent acrime [LT, NYT, WP 7/1 1].

Other Countries: Argentina will not let PLO open office in Buenos Aires, nor move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, Deputy Foreign Minister Jorge Sabato says [JTA 7/11].

Military Action

Arab World: IDF jets and helicopter gunships attack Nahr al-Barid and al-Baddawi Palestinian refugee camps near Tripoli, killing at least 24 and wounding 90. Refugee camps said to be bases for Abu Musa faction and PFLP-GC [LAT, PI, NYT, WP, AP 7/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: DM Rabin states recently-released Palestinian prisoners now residing in Occupied Palestine/Israel will be rearrested if commandos kidnap Israelis in the future for bargaining purposes [JP 5/22]. Amid calls by Likud bloc that the suspects be pardoned in wake of 5/20 release of Arab prisoners, Pres. Chaim Herzog states he will deal with clemency requests regarding the Jewish underground defendants only after sentencing [JP 5/23]. Settlers block Emmanuel-Jerusalem road protesting 5/19 attack on Israeli bus [JP 5/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF arrest 42 Palestinians celebrating 5/20 release of prisoners by Israel [LM 5/23]. 3 residents of al-Fardis (all former prisoners released in 5/20 prisoner exchange) agree to leave village after some 50 residents of Tekoa settlement raid village, demanding their expulsion. Settlers also harass residents of Hebron, Qalqiliya [JP 5/22, 23].

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: Fighting continues between Amal, Lebanese Army's 6th Brigade and Palestinian fighters in Sabra, Shatila, Burj al-Barajneh; pro-Arafat and Abu Musa forces join together to defend camps; at least 30 killed; Nabih Berri states he will never permit return of armed Palestinians to S. Lebanon [NYT 5/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish Agency, World Zionist Org. Settlement Dept. announce 3 new settlements to be established in N. Galilee [JP 3/26]. More than 300 relatives of striking Palestinian political prisoners at Ashkelon prison demonstrate in front of Intl. Red Cross offices in E. Jerusalem [FJ 3/29].

Arab World: In Amman, Fateh Deputy-incommand Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) states PLO forces loyal to Chmn. Arafat have moved back into S. Lebanon and that over 60 have been killed fighting the IDF in past 5 mos. [JP 3/26]. In Damascus, "Palestine National Salvation Front" is created to obstruct 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord, to work for greater "strategic alliance" with Syria; front includes PFLP, PFLP-GC, Sa'iqa, Popular Struggle Front, Palestinian National Front, and Abu Musa's Fateh dissidents [WP 3/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF summon mukhtars from villages SE of Tyre to meeting in Bint Jbeil; are told 500 IDF advisors will remain in security zone subsequent to IDF withdrawal [LT 3/30].

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet endorses dismissal of Hebron Mayor Natshe, will not allow formation of settler militias, decides to implement plan to restore old Jewish quarter, placing 500 Jewish families in central Hebron within 3 years.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO mediators say Arafat wants PFLP to appoint head of PLO forces in Lebanon, Fateh rebels propose Abu Musa.

Military Action:

Katyusha rocket fired in direction of Israel from Beaufort Castle area explodes near Lebanese border village of Klea.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli officials announce IDF will undertake staged pullback to more secure positions in Lebanon.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO delegation in Damascus ends first round of talks with rebels, claims some progress; Abu Musa says in interview that rebels are committed to PLO national charter, no reconciliation, no recognition, no negotiation with Israel, and a Palestinian state in the whole of Palestine; Lebanese officials meet Shultz, oppose IDF redeployment as first step toward partition.

Military Action:

Syrian Army encircles loyalist Fateh positions in Beqaa, prevents movement of arms and ammunition; Muslim militias battle in Tripoli.

Casualties:

10 killed in Tripoli fighting.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh rebel leader Abu Musa denies Syrian tank support in recent fighting; PLO Research Center in Beirut closed and sealed by Lebanese authorities.

Arab Governments: 20 Palestinian students, said to be members of the PFLP, expelled from Egypt.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says conditions under which a partial IDF withdrawal takes place would determine whether or not it was a setback; Dutch foreign ministry says its 612-man battalion with UNIFIL cannot do its job under Israeli occupation and will be withdrawn on October 19 if situation remains unchanged.

Military Action:

Israel and Syria increasing troop and weapons strength, fortifying positions along cease-fire line.

Casualties:

2 IDF soldiers wounded when bomb explodes near troop convoy in Sidon.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 2 IDF soldiers injured by stones thrown near Askar refugee camp outside Nablus; son of Arraba local council head (where mass illness first appeared) says in High Court appeal that he was tortured by jailors after arrest; Israel Educational Television signs agreement to assist in establishing television service in South African "homeland" of Bophuthatswana.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Mediation efforts continue between Fateh Central Committee and dissident officers; Col. Abu Musa says PLO forces loyal to him will remain in Bekaa even if Syria withdraws, denies his action constitutes mutiny, wants continuation of military option against Israel.

Arab Governments: Libya accuses PLO Chairman Arafat of involvement in alleged CIA plot to assassinate Col. Qiddafi; Syria says it will oppose Lebanese-Israeli agreement to the end.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says a partitioned Lebanon will result if Syria fails to withdraw its forces.

Military Action:

2 SA-7 missiles fired at IDF helicopter in eastern Lebanon, no damage reported; artillery exchanges continue in Chouf.

Casualties:

6 killed in Chouf fighting.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF drawing up contingency plans for unilateral troop pullback to Awali river; 30% of doctors return to work; Begin government survives 3 no-confidence motions in Knesset, all critical of economic policies; Arab employee of Russian Orthodox convent arrested in connection with murder of 2 nuns.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: AbuJihad says PLO forces have carried out 350 operations behind IDF lines in past 3 months, says Col. Qaddafi has provided $6m to dissident Fateh officer Col. Abu Musa; Arafat returns to Damascus after 2-day tour of PLO positions in northern Lebanon; Gemayel meets representatives of four nations contributing to MNF.

Arab Governments: Special envoy from King Fahd meets President Assad in Damascus.

US and Other Countries: Reagan Administration now supports Congressional move to increase military and economic grants to Israel by $400m.

Military Action:

Israeli jets break sound barrier in flights over Beirut.

Casualties:

UNRWA official says about 30 Palestinian civilians have been killed in South Lebanon by unidentified gunmen since January, hundreds more have fled their homes for refugee camps, UNRWA unable to obtain guarantees for safety and assistance of Palestinian camp population from IDF or Lebanese government.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Settlers in Western Negev demonstrate in Gaza against murder of 2 men in Gaza market in past 2 months; High Court increases from 4 months to 1 year prison sentence of Kiryat Arba resident convicted of wounding 5 year-old girl by shooting into house in Hebron; Israeli Civil Rights Movement gives Justice Ministry list of 70 instances during 1982-83 in which Jewish settlers or IDF and border police allegedly acted illegally against Arab residents; West Bank Civil Administration fires Arab director of public health services over his March 31 statement that symptoms of illness in Arraba pointed to something more than mass hysteria; Birzeit University student council head arrested in Jenin, hand is broken by security guard.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel and other officials meet special envoy Habib; commander of PLO artillery in Bekaa says he and his men place themselves under command of Abu Musa, support corrective movement within Fateh.

Arab Governments: Syria says it will never allow the liberated areas of Tripoli and Bekaa to fall into hands of Israel and Phalange; Libya calls for expulsion of Lebanon from Arab League.

US and Other Countries: Habib travels from Beirut via Cairo to Riyadh; Shultz tells House Foreign Affairs Committee Reagan has decided to permit sale of F-1 6s to Israel, cites Soviet military supplies and advisers in Syria as major factors.

Military Action:

Syrian Army reportedly constructing new fortifications and anti-tank ditches in Bekaa, 10 miles north of IDF positions.

Casualties:

Italian journalist expelled from Beirut by Lebanese security service.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Defense Minister Arens says prototype of Lavi jet fighter will be flying in 1986, it will be the most advanced plane in the world; Central Bureau of Statistics reports record monthly rise in cost of living index for April of 13.3%, 1983 rate to this point is equivalent to 160% inflation; demonstrations in Nablus on 35th anniversary of Israel's independence, 2 men shot, another injured while being chased by IDF patrol, curfew imposed, many arrests; demonstrations also in Ramallah and Kafr Sa'ir, school closed for 2 weeks; molotov cocktail thrown at IDF vehicle near Balata camp.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese-Israeli-US negotiators complete work at Netanya on final language of withdrawal agreement; Arafat says an effective war is only way to redraw political map of Middle East, all Palestinian ranks and leadership are disciplined and committed to national unity; Fateh military officers Abu Musa and Abu Khalid Amia criticize recent appointments by Arafat of military commanders in Lebanon, call for Fateh conference.

Arab Governments: Syrian President Assad meets and offers support to Lebanese opponents of withdrawal agreement, including Walid Jumblatt, George Hawi, Assem Kanso.