Pres. Bush states U.S. aid to assist resettlement of Soviet Jews in Israel should not be linked with freeze in Israeli settlement building, but calls such building "counterproductive," adding that...
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July 1, 1991
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May 4, 1991
New York Times reports that Israeli gov't. is acknowledging for 1st time that tens of thousands of Soviet Jews are postponing or canceling their moves to Israel because of the lack of...
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December 8, 1990
New York Times reports that, with enough Soviet Jews to elect an MK arriving every 6 weeks, political parties are competing for large new voter pool; that immigrants may dramatically...
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July 19, 1990
U.S. State Dep't. abruptly postpones meeting of joint U.S.-Israeli Security Assistance Planning Committee, which coordinates U.S. military aid to Israel; speculation arises that delay is intended...
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July 7, 1990
Israeli foreign ministry turns down compromise solution for expediting $400 million in U.S. loan guarantees; solution offered by ass't. sec. of state Dennis Ross stipulated Israel would receive...
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June 28, 1990
Pres. Bush receives "very long and detailed" letter on the peace process from P.M. Shamir, in reply to Bush's own letter; Shamir rejects inclusion of deportees and E. Jerusalem Palestinians in...
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June 4, 1990
Responding to Gorbachev's 6/3 statement, Yitzhak Shamir defends right of Soviet Jews to live in O.T., saying democracy cannot limit where people live [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 6/5]; Palestinians and other...
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May 6, 1990
Shimon Peres says he would form another unity gov't. with Likud if two parties could agree on how to proceed with peace talks [WT 5/7].
Islamic Jihad movement leaflet calls on Palestinians...
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March 29, 1990
Western nations join UN Sec. Council debate on flow of Soviet Jews to Israel, with both Britain and France saying Israeli settlements in O.T. and E. Jerusalem are illegal [WT 3/30].
Israeli...
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March 12, 1990
Deported Palestinians in Algiers stage sit-ins in front of U.S. and Soviet embassies, protesting Soviet Jewish emigration [AGS 3/12 in FBIS 3/13].
Arab League Council in Tunis calls for...
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March 3, 1990
In California, Pres. Bush states "My position is that the foreign policy of the United Statesays we do not believe there should be new settlements in the West Bank or in East Jerusalem" [WP 3/6...
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February 28, 1990
Polish officials will comply with F.M. Arens's request for Poland to serve as transit point for emigrating Soviet Jews [MAA 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].
February poll conducted by Modi'in Ezrahi...
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February 22, 1990
Labor Party votes to give Shamir and Likud 2 weeks to accept Labor's 4-point compromise formula for starting talks between Israel and Palestinians, or face dissolution of gov't. [NYT, WP, LAT 2/23...
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February 21, 1990
U.S. State Dep't. releases annual report to Congress on global human rights; it sharply criticizes Israel's actions in O.T., finds fault with most Arab nations as well [WP 2/22]; Israel criticizes...
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February 19, 1990
Israel has told Jordan it objects to any Jordanian-Iraqi military cooperation. Israeli military source expresses concern that "a military alliance . .. is being set up against us" (cf. 2/20) [HAD...
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February 6, 1990
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestine Human Rights Information Center reports that at least 130 Palestinian houses have been partially or totally sealed in the...
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February 4, 1990
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mordechai Eliahu, a chief Israeli rabbi, lifts standing ban on air travel on Jewish sabbath days so that Soviet Jews could arrive in...
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January 31, 1990
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli D.M. Rabin says that Israel has temporarily halted W. Bank deportations. The announcement comes after complaints from Israeli...
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January 28, 1990
Social/Economic/Political
Arab World: Arab leaders, including King Husayn and President Mubarak, warn that if Soviet Jews are settled in the O.T., their presence will severely threaten...
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January 17, 1990
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: With Soviet Jewish immigrants arriving in Israel at rate of more than 1,000 per week, Israeli officials acknowledge they do not have...
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April 8, 1989
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied PalestinelIsrael: Jerusalem Post reports that secret govemment report anticipates massive emigration of Jews from Soviet Union; U.S. will be...
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November 24, 1985
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Meron Benvenisti publishes study update stating number of Israelis living in West Bank and East Jerusalem may be as high as 140,000,...
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November 18, 1985
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres tells Knesset committee Israel has agreed to substitution by U.S. of condition that PLO recognize Israel's right to exist...
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November 17, 1985
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military destroys house in Jaba village of alleged member of guerrilla cell responsible for several attacks in Hebron area,...
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November 1, 1985
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz reports Israeli and Jordanian officials have been meeting secretly for over 2 months in negotiations [TS 11/2]. MK...
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July 24, 1985
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: All shops close in East Jerusalem in general strike to protest Israeli closure of the Hospice Hospital in Jerusalem's Old City [FJ 7/26...
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January 2, 1983
Military Action:
IDF attacked twice in Sidon; fighting continues in Tripoli.
Casualties:
Tripoli death toll for weekend is 17.
Political Responses:
Israel/...
Pres. Bush states U.S. aid to assist resettlement of Soviet Jews in Israel should not be linked with freeze in Israeli settlement building, but calls such building "counterproductive," adding that U.S. is "not giving one inch on the settlements question." Statement comes in wake of continued controversy over Israeli refusal to halt settlement activity in face of American pressure. U.S. anxious to obtain Israeli pledge to cease building settlements prior to proposed peace conference. (NYT, MEM 7/2; WP 7/3)
Lebanese army moves into Sidon and surrounding area as scheduled, establishing its first presence in area since 1975. Army's action comes as continuation of central government policy of disarming militias and deploying army throughout Lebanon. Thousands of residents flee, fearing PLO army clash. PLO, army commanders confer near Sidon over ways to avoid conflict. PLO refuses to disarm as long as Israel still controls parts of S. Lebanon: also seeks discussions on Palestinians' rights in Lebanon. Government welcomes talks, but only after deployment of army in Sidon area. (MEM 7/1, 7/4)
Cmdr. of Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army Antoine Lahad states willingness to release 300 Lebanese prisoners held by SLA in return for Israelis held by Islamic, Palestinian factions. (NYT 7/4)
New York Times reports that Israeli gov't. is acknowledging for 1st time that tens of thousands of Soviet Jews are postponing or canceling their moves to Israel because of the lack of employment for those already there [NYT 5/5].
For 1st time since PLO established foothold in Lebanon, gov't. authorities have begun to prosecute Palestinian fighters on charges of illegal possession of weapons, according to Lebanese officials. Military prosecutor brings charges against 6 PFLP and 2 Fateh members [NYT 5/5].
New York Times reports that, with enough Soviet Jews to elect an MK arriving every 6 weeks, political parties are competing for large new voter pool; that immigrants may dramatically reshape Israeli politics in near future [NYT 12/9].
PLO leader Arafat delivers speech stressing Palestinian unity as o.t. prepares to mark anniversary of intifada [AVP 12/9, BVP 12/10 in FBIS 12/10; MEM 12/10]; Palestinians in o.t. begin 2-day general strike to commemorate 10/8 Haram al-Sharif killings [WP 12/9].
GCC finance ministers meet for summit in Doha to discuss disruption of economies because of Gulf crisis [WAKH 12/8 in FBIS 12/11]; while Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries opens meeting in Cairo [MENA 12/8 in FBIS 12/11].
U.S. State Dep't. abruptly postpones meeting of joint U.S.-Israeli Security Assistance Planning Committee, which coordinates U.S. military aid to Israel; speculation arises that delay is intended to put pressure on Israel, despite U.S. statements to the contrary [JDS 7/20 in FBIS 7/20; WP 7/20].
Jordan accuses Israel of obstructing transit over Jordan River bridges, and reducing number of people allowed to enter O.T.; Jordanians say reduction violates agreed-upon quota [JDS 7/19 in FBIS 7/ 20].
Jewish Agency offices open in Warsaw for first time since World War II. Agency chrmn. Simha Dinitz meets with Polish P.M. Tadeusz Mazowiecki to discuss possible transport of Soviet Jews to Israel via Warsaw [HAA 7/20 in FBIS 7/20].
Egyptian newspaper editorials attack Arafat, Palestinians; attacks are occasioned by anti-Egypt remarks attributed to Arafat at Arab League meeting 7/15- 16 [MEM 7/24].
USSR reports that during first 6 months of 1990, 48,276 Soviet Jews have emigrated to Israel [MTS 7/19 in FBIS 7/20].
Israeli foreign ministry turns down compromise solution for expediting $400 million in U.S. loan guarantees; solution offered by ass't. sec. of state Dennis Ross stipulated Israel would receive funding in exchange for guarantee that money would be invested within green line, and that all expenditures would be documented for U.S. review [MAA 7/8 in FBIS 7/9].
After considering 6/28 letter from P.M. Shamir to Pres. Bush, admin. officials conclude that another attempto organize Israeli-Palestinian talks may be justified [NYT 7/8; MEM 7/9].
USSR informs Arab nations that its diplomats in Israel will visit Jewish settdements in O.T. to investigate if Soviet Jews are living there [KUNA 7/7 in FBIS 7/9]; USSR sends message to PLO conveying its anxiety over possible deterioration of Middle East situation [ADS 7/7 in FBIS 7/9].
In Ta'izz, Yemen, Pres. Mubarak, PLO chrmn. Arafat, and Pres. Salih meet to discuss Palestinian developments since suspension of U.S.-PLO dialogue [MENA 7/7 in FBIS 7/9].
Israeli radio reports 60 families of Soviet immigrants totalling about 160 people have settled in town of Qatzrin in Golan Heights in past few weeks, but additional immigration there has been halted due to housing shortage [JDS 7/7 in FBIS 7/9].
Pres. Bush receives "very long and detailed" letter on the peace process from P.M. Shamir, in reply to Bush's own letter; Shamir rejects inclusion of deportees and E. Jerusalem Palestinians in Israeli-Palestinian talks, reminds Bush that Israel will not talk to PLO [WT, WP, NYT, LAT, MEM 6/29; NYT 7/8 (for details of letter see MEM 7/9)].
Palestinians in O.T. hold strike in protest against Israel's annexation of E. Jerusalem 23 years ago [MEM 6/28].
UN envoy Jean-Claude Amie meets in E. Jerusalem with Palestinian notables from W.Bank, including former Hebron mayor Mustafa al-Natshah [JDS 6/29 in FBIS 6/29].
Sources claim EC will appoint permanent representative in E. Jerusalem in November 1990 to study first hand human rights situation and to ascertain whether Soviet Jews are being settled in O.T. [RAY 6/28, JDS 6/29 in FBIS 6/ 29].
Survey conducted by Ha'Aretz over 6/ 23-6/24 finds 88,000 Jews are settled in O.T. 1988 Israeli census claimed 70,000 settlers, and Ha'Aretz forecasts number to rise to 95,000 by September [MEM 6/28].
Responding to Gorbachev's 6/3 statement, Yitzhak Shamir defends right of Soviet Jews to live in O.T., saying democracy cannot limit where people live [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 6/5]; Palestinians and other Arab officials welcome Gorbachev's statement [KUNA 6/4 in FBIS 6/6; NYT 6/5].
U.S. officials say they would like U.S.-PLO dialogue to remain open, but would suspend it if Arafat does not discipline Abul Abbas or condemn 5/30 attempted attack on Israel, U.S. also threatens to veto Arab calls to move UN Gen.Assembly to Geneva to hear Arafat speak; at the same time, U.S. decides to give Arafat more time to acquiesce [NYT, WP, WT 6/5]. Threat of loss of U.S.-PLO dialogue is causing little distress among Palestinian leaders [CSM 6/5].
Explaining recent PLO shift in diplomatic focus from Egypt to Iraq, PLO Exec. Committee member Abdullah Jourani says "maybe [then] the Americans will try to understand us better. Maybe they will try to understand we are not ready to surrender" [WP 6/5].
PLO receives from Iraq $25 million in urgent aid to support intifada over and above regular monthly aid from Iraq [WAKH 6/3 in FBIS 6/4].
April 1988 survey by Israeli sociologist Sammy Smooha, released today, finds that majority of Jews in Israel "regard the Israeli Arabs as a hostile minority...and their attitudes and behaviors not as a legitimate dissent but rather as subversion"; 57% of respondents favored denying Israeli Arabs right to vote in national elections [FJ 6/11].
Third Soviet-Arab dialogue conference opens in Moscow; discussions involve Soviet Jewish emigration [TASS 6/ 4].
Shimon Peres says he would form another unity gov't. with Likud if two parties could agree on how to proceed with peace talks [WT 5/7].
Islamic Jihad movement leaflet calls on Palestinians in O.T. to launch "a revolution of daggers" against Soviet Jews, and to escalate uprising [WT 5/7].
Chrmn. Arafat orders about 2,500 Fateh troops to move from Jordan to Iraq [WT 5/7].
Kamal Kharrazi, Iran's UN ambassador says that it is doubtful any more U.S. hostages will be released until U.S. forces Israel to release Arab hostages [WT 5/7].
Western nations join UN Sec. Council debate on flow of Soviet Jews to Israel, with both Britain and France saying Israeli settlements in O.T. and E. Jerusalem are illegal [WT 3/30].
Israeli authorities impose curfew on Gaza; order special precautions in W. Bank and Arab areas in Israel in hopes of forestalling violence on the anniversary of 1976 Land Day, when a number of Israeli Arabs protesting land expropriation in Galilee were shot by IDF [WP, WT 3/30].
Israeli col. Yehuda Meir pleads not guilty in military court to brutality charges, saying he was following orders. He is accused of ordering his men "to systematically break the bones of 20 Palestinians from the villages of Beita and Hammara" in W. Bank [WT 3/30].
Deported Palestinians in Algiers stage sit-ins in front of U.S. and Soviet embassies, protesting Soviet Jewish emigration [AGS 3/12 in FBIS 3/13].
Arab League Council in Tunis calls for holding Arab summit as soon as possible to discuss immigration of Soviet Jews to Israel [SPA 3/12 in FBIS 3/14].
Regarding 3/8 comment by Israeli housing minister David Levy, Soviet for. min. information head G. Gerasimov says "certain circles in Israel are blatantly setting out to violate the norms of international law, and are intentionally erecting obstacles to a peaceful settlement," and USSR "condemns these lawless actions" (TASS 3/12].
In California, Pres. Bush states "My position is that the foreign policy of the United Statesays we do not believe there should be new settlements in the West Bank or in East Jerusalem" [WP 3/6].
Shamir discusses Mideast peace process with Likud ministers amid reports he has decided to support U.S.-backed plan to convene Israeli-Palestinian talks in Cairo [WP 3/4].
Israel is requesting more than $1 billion in loans, gifts, and donations from American Jews and U.S. gov't. to help pay for resettling Soviet Jews [NYT 3/3].
Hamas has sent letter to Chrmn. Arafat and PLO leadership, stating Palestinian state is objective of intifada; Hamas also urged PLO to discontinue contacts with U.S. [BAY 3/3 in FBIS 3/5].
King Hussein spends day in Iraq holding talks with Pres. Saddam Hussein [ADS, ATS 3/3 in FBIS 3/5].
Polish officials will comply with F.M. Arens's request for Poland to serve as transit point for emigrating Soviet Jews [MAA 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].
February poll conducted by Modi'in Ezrahi Research Institute indicates 60% of surveyed Israelis are in favor of settling new immigrants in O.T. [HAD 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].
P.M. Shamir, speaking before Presidents of American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, says if Israel were to leave O.T. "a Beirut-like situation" would develop [IGP 2/28 in FBIS 3/2].
Led by economics minister Yitzhak Modai, 5 Likud Knesset members announce the formation of opposition party, "The Party for the Promotion of the Zionist Idea" [NYT 3/1; JDS 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].
Yasir Arafat meets with Nelson Mandela in Lusaka; the two note they are fighting common struggle against imperialism and racism [SVP 3/1 in FBIS 3/ 2].
W. Bank Civil Admin. allows 3 religious colleges/seminaries toreopen [JDS 2/28 in FBIS 2/28].
Arabs in E. Jerusalem and Gaza Strip hold general strike to protest Israel's continued closure of Palestinian universities [MET 3/13-19].
Labor Party votes to give Shamir and Likud 2 weeks to accept Labor's 4-point compromise formula for starting talks between Israel and Palestinians, or face dissolution of gov't. [NYT, WP, LAT 2/23; IDF 2/22 in FBIS 2/23].
Christian Science Monitor reports growing concern among Sephardic Jews that funding for new immigrants will come at expense of Sephardics [CSM 2/22].
During telephone conversation with Pres. Bush, P.M. Shamir insists Israel is not directing Soviet Jews to live in O.T. [JDS 2/22 in FBIS 2/23].
Security sources report core of Hamas movement has moved from Gaza to Nablus and Tulkarm. Same sources say Hamas leaflets now on high-quality paper and computerized, indicating Israeli Arab involvement [HAA 2/22 in FBIS 2/23].
Pres. Bush and Sec. Baker suggest Israeli gov't. stop delaying implementing of its own peace plan, and make necessary compromises to open negotiations [NYT 2/23].
U.S. House Foreign Affairs internal operations subcommittee holds hearing on proposed VOA transmitter to be built this summer in the Negev; environmentalists testify against what would be the world's largest radio transmitter [WP 2/ 22].
Soviet Union announces it will not permit any commercial air flights between USSR and Israel, concerned that Soviet Jews are being resettled in O.T. [WP 2/ 23].
Israeli troops confine some 250,000 W. Bank Palestinians to their homes to counter call for unrest on DFLP's 21st anniversary [HAA 2/23 in FBIS 2/23; MET 3/6-12].
Israeli warplanes bomb military camps east of Sidon, wounding at least 3 [JDS 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; MET 3/6-12].
U.S. State Dep't. releases annual report to Congress on global human rights; it sharply criticizes Israel's actions in O.T., finds fault with most Arab nations as well [WP 2/22]; Israel criticizes report: "Everything we are doing arises from Arab violence," says Moshe Raviv of foreign ministry [NYT 2/22].
PLO's Bassam Abu Sharif tells reporters in Tunis that resettlement of Soviet Jews in O.T. is "an act of war against the Palestinian people," and that "such an action can only beget similar reactions-that is, acts of war" [LAT 2/23].
In Tunis, Arafat meets with Soviet ambassador to Tunisia, discusses Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [AVP 2/21 in FBIS 2/22].
At the Kremlin, Nabil Amr presents his credentials to Soviet V.P. Anatoliy Lukyanov as ambassador of State of Palestine to USSR [TASS 2/21].
U.S. plans to give Egypt 700 surplus M-60 tanks made obsolete by cutbacks in U.S. forces in Europe (cf. 2/27) [WT 3/2].
Israel has told Jordan it objects to any Jordanian-Iraqi military cooperation. Israeli military source expresses concern that "a military alliance . .. is being set up against us" (cf. 2/20) [HAD 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].
5 Knesset members announce reestablishment of Likud faction Liberal Party, which had previously merged with Herut movement [JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].
High-level Palestinian delegation, sent by Yasir Arafat, arrives in Beirut to meet with Gen. Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea [MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21].
Under pressure from Arab gov'ts., Soviet Union rejects U.S. appeal to allow direct flights for Soviet Jews from Moscow to Tel Aviv [NYT 2/20].
Soviet ambassador to Cairo, Gennadiy Zhuravlev, has stressed USSR readiness to host Israeli-Palestinian talks; denies this undermines Egypt's role [RYF 2/19 in FBIS 2/28].
Israeli air force bombs DFLP bases near Kfar Jarah, 4 miles east of Sidon in Lebanon; one person reported killed [LAT 2/ 20; IDF 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestine Human Rights Information Center reports that at least 130 Palestinian houses have been partially or totally sealed in the first 2 years of the intifada; also approximately 270 Palestinian homes have been demolished by IDF [NYT 2/7].
Likud Central Committee reschedules meeting postponed because of 2/4 bus attack in Egypt to 2/12 [FBIS 2/6].
Arab World: PLO officially denounces 2/4 bus attack in Egypt, says attack cannot be viewed in isolation from daily Israeli violence against Palestinians in O.T., reaffirms policies prohibiting armed actions outside Israel and the O.T. [NYT 2/7].
PNC in Amman sends Gorbachev a 5-page memorandum asking "in the name of human rights, we appeal to you to take speedy measures to stop the emigration to Soviet Jews" to Israel [LAT 2/7].
Other Countries: Environmentalists call on Pres. Bush to cancel $300 million project to build VOA and Radio free Europe radio transmitter in the Negev [WP 2/7].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports 2 Israeli settlers shoot, kill 45-year-old Palestinian in Nablus [FJ 2/12].
At least 20 Gazans are injured in clashes with soldiers; IDF uses light aircraft to track demonstrators after about 400 youths gather near Rafah [FBIS 2/7].
Arab World: SLA checkpoint on the border of Israel's "security zone" comes under fire from unidentified fighters [FBIS 2/7].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mordechai Eliahu, a chief Israeli rabbi, lifts standing ban on air travel on Jewish sabbath days so that Soviet Jews could arrive in Israel at any time [MET 2/13].
Arab World: Two masked men intercept bus travelling north of Cairo, open fire on Israeli tourists, at least 8 killed, 15 wounded [WP, NYT, LAT, FBIS, CSM 2/5].
Pres. Mubarak telephones P.M. Shamir, conveys condolences about bus attack, affirms that incident should not impede peace process [FBIS 2/5].
PLO Executive Committee issues statement reporting on meetings held in Tunis [FBIS 2/5].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli army says it will charge 3 soldiers accused of beating a 13-year-old Palestinian and burning him with cigarettes [LAT 2/5].
54-year-old Gaza man is shot dead; he was suspected of collaborating with Israel; at least 9 Gazans are wounded in various clashes [FBIS 2/6].
Gaza Civil Administration reports IDF closed 25 schools in January in the Strip because of disturbances [FBIS 2/6].
Arab World: Lebanese troops loyal to Christian leader Aoun battle fellow Christians north of Beirut in fierce fighting [WP, LAT 2/5]; hand-to-hand combat in East Beirut is reported [MET 2/13].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli D.M. Rabin says that Israel has temporarily halted W. Bank deportations. The announcement comes after complaints from Israeli human rights activists and a U.S. State Dep't call for more flexibility in deportations [WP 2/1].
Jerusalem Domestic Service reports that 4,600 Soviet Jews arrived in Israel during January [FBIS 2/1].
Arab World: The Fifth Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches ends 6- day meeting in Nicosia with a call to support Palestinian independence [FJ 2/5].
Arafat meets with Soviet envoy Gennedy Tarasov in Tunis over emigration of Soviet Jews to Israel [MET 2/13].
ACC parliamentary committee opens meeting in Baghdad [FBIS 2/7].
Other Countries: UN Sec. Council extends the mandate of UNIFIL for another 6 months [MET 2/13].
Many of the Soviet Jews emigrating to Israel tell of rampant anti-Semitism in the USSR [NYT 2/4].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military demolishes 2 homes in Qabalan village, near Nablus [FJ 2/12].
General strike called for by UNLU is observed in O.T. [FBIS 2/1; FJ 2/5].
At least 12 Palestinians are wounded in clashes in O.T. [FBIS 2/1; FJ 2/5].
Israeli military closes 7 Gaza Strip schools for security reasons [FJ 2/5].
Gazan accused of collaborating with Israel is killed [MET 2/13].
Arab World: Army troops loyal to Aoun battle militias outlawed on 1/30. At least 28 people are killed [WP 2/1; MET 2/13].
Social/Economic/Political
Arab World: Arab leaders, including King Husayn and President Mubarak, warn that if Soviet Jews are settled in the O.T., their presence will severely threaten peace process [NYT, WP 1/29].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: At least 13 Palestinians are injured in clashes with soldiers throughout O.T. [FJ 2/5].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: With Soviet Jewish immigrants arriving in Israel at rate of more than 1,000 per week, Israeli officials acknowledge they do not have plan to handie the immigration, and new housing construction is months away [NYT 1/18].
Israeli political and military leaders react with alarm to Senator Robert Dole's suggestion that some U.S. aid to Israel be reapportioned to E. Europe [WP, LAT 1/ 18].
Arab World: In 2 interviews, Arafat expresses frustration over slowness of peace process. Arafat says to Cairo weekly Al Mussawar if peace efforts stop he will "immediately announce [his] resignation." Speaking in Baghdad, Arafat accuses Arabs of "impotence" vis-a-vis Israel, decries Arabs more concerned with events in Lebanon than in O.T., and criticizes Shamir's plan to resettle Soviet Jews in W. Bank [NYT 1/18].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli police announce that it has removed police officer from his post for "committing brutalities" during the 12/30 Peace Now rally in Jerusalem [FJ 1/29].
General strike called for by UNLU is observed in O.T. Leaflet attributed to Hamas sharply attacks Arafat for his willingness to recognize Israel [FBIS 1/171.
At least 2 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with IDF troops in O.T. [FBIS 1/ 18].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied PalestinelIsrael: Jerusalem Post reports that secret govemment report anticipates massive emigration of Jews from Soviet Union; U.S. will be unwilling or unable to accept such large numbers of immigrants. The report supports Israeli attempts to bar Soviet Jews with Israeli visas from dropping out and to persuade American Jews to limit their "competition" for Soviet Jewry [JP 4/8]. Palestinians observe general strike in O.T. [FBIS 4/10].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Rafah Palestinians clash with Israeli troops, 3 Palestinians are injured. In Gaza City 2 Palestinians are injured during protests [FJ 4/17].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Meron Benvenisti publishes study update stating number of Israelis living in West Bank and East Jerusalem may be as high as 140,000, compared to 930,000 Palestinians in the same area [NYT 11/25; CSM, JTA 11/26].
Arab World: Central Committee of the Palestine National Council convenes in Baghdad [JP 11/25]. Jordanian Parliament selects 4 new deputies to fill vacancies left by deaths of members from West Bank, where elections have not been held since 1967 [JP 11/25].
Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz states Soviet Union cannot be considered part of M.E. peace process until it restores diplomatic ties with Israel, improves policy on emigration of Soviet Jews [JTA 11/25]. California state legislator Tom Hayden promises P.M. Peres to help raise money in U. S. to train South African blacks in Histadrut programs in Israel; U.S. Democratic party will cooperate with Israeli Labor party in program [JP 11/25].
Military Action
Arab World: After hijackers throw 5 bodies out of hijacked plane in Malta, 80 Egyptian army commandos storm plane. Hijackers detonate grenades; about 60 people, including all but one hijacker, die in resulting blaze [NYT, WP 11/25; JTA, NYT, WP 11/26].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres tells Knesset committee Israel has agreed to substitution by U.S. of condition that PLO recognize Israel's right to exist with the condition that PLO agree to direct negotiations with Israel (1 of 3 U.S. conditions for PLO participation in talks; others are renunciation of terrorism and acceptance of UN resolutions 242, 338) [JP 11/19]. P.M. Peres states Israel would agree to Soviet participation in intl. M.E. peace conference if Moscow would allow free emigration of Soviet Jews to Israel [CT 11/19]. Former head of Israeli civil administration on the West Bank Menachem Milsen urges U.S. Jewish groups to establish aid programs for West Bank Palestinians to encourage moderate leaders there [JTA 11/19]. Israeli High Court rejects petition by MK Meir Kahane that he be allowed to table two bills which would limit rights of non-Jews and ban sexual relations between Jews and non-Jews [JP 11/19].
Other Countries: Four Palestinians accused of hijacking Achille Lauro are convicted, along with 5th man arrested in Genoa before the ship sailed, on preliminary charges of illegal possession of weapons and explosives [WP, LAT 11/19].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military destroys house in Jaba village of alleged member of guerrilla cell responsible for several attacks in Hebron area, according to military sources [JP 11/18]. Military seals homes of 3 Palestinians in Sa'ir village who allegedly fired at civilian and military vehicles in the West Bank, according to military sources [JP 11/19]. 9 Palestinians are arrested in Aylut village, near Nazareth, in confrontation with Israeli authorities over attempt to confiscate their land [FJ 11/22]. Israeli Cabinet sends message to Reagan-Gorbachev summit meeting asking them to agree on allowing Soviet Jews to emigrate [LT, CT 11/18].
Arab World: King Hussein and Pres. Mubarak arrive in Oman for talks [FT 11/18]. Syrian Vice Pres. Abd al-Halim Khaddam states the Jordanian-PLO peace plan of last February is "dead" [JP 11/17]. Toronto Star reports Yasir Arafat has appealed to Syria to join the Jordanian-Palestinian M.E. peace initiative, welcomed Syria's rapprochement with Jordan [TS 11/17; WP 11/18]. Shi'ite Muslim group the "Organization of the Oppressed of the Earth" states it will hold 4 Lebanese Jews hostage until more than 300 Arab prisoners held at Khiam prison camp in S. Lebanon are released [PI 11/18]. Israeli military states SLA maintains Khiam camp, not Israel [JP 11/19].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz reports Israeli and Jordanian officials have been meeting secretly for over 2 months in negotiations [TS 11/2]. MK Geula Cohen states P. M. Shimon Peres has told her of a plan to return Golan Heights to Syria in exchange for Soviet permission to let 20,000 Soviet Jews emigrate [DT 11/2]. Al-Fajr reports formal charges of "incitement" have been filed against Ziad Abu 'Ain, who has been detained for 3 months under administrative detention order [FJ 11/1]. Kach movement sent threat letters to several Palestinian restaurant owners in Tel Aviv last week; Progressive List for Peace received similar threats by phone at their Tel Aviv office last week [FJ 11/1]. Israel's balance of payments deficit this year is expected to reach $5 billion, the same as last year [FT 11/7]. Eilat opens new duty-free port in efforto revive town's economy [LT 11/2].
Arab World: Jewish Week reports Israeli factory has marketed almost $12 million worth of agricultural machinery to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, Iraq, and the oil-producing emirates of the Persian Gulf; according to the reporthe Arab govts. are aware of the transactions but choose not to take official notice [JW 11/1]. Jewish Week reports Sudan's former first Vice President Maj. Gen. 'Umar al-Tayyib went on trial last week, accused of conspiring with Israel and the U.S. to fly 10,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel in Operation Moses; if found guilty, al-Tayyib could be hanged. Former Pres. Ja'far Numayri is named as coconspirator in the case [JW 11/1].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Grenade is thrown at Israeli patrol in Gaza Strip; 2 soldiers lightly wounded [JTA 11/4].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: All shops close in East Jerusalem in general strike to protest Israeli closure of the Hospice Hospital in Jerusalem's Old City [FJ 7/26]. P. M. Peres says Israel should not give up part of Golan Heights in deal with U.S.S.R. for emigration of Soviet Jews UP 7/25]. Kiryat Arba's new nine-member local council - pledged to firing its Arab employees, pressing private businesses to do likewise, and to preventing economic ventures with Arab investors - is formally installed; dozens of secular residents enter building to protest [JP 7/25]. Israeli civil administration governing the occupied territories announces high school matriculation exam results improved on West Bank this year; schools were closed less than in the past; 64 percent of West Bank students passed their exams this year, compared with 54 percent last year [JP 7/25].
Arab World: Jordanian diplomat Ziad Sati, 40, is assassinated in Turkey; Islamic Jihad takes credit [CSM 7/26, NYT 7/25].
Other Countries: Reagan administration presents Middle East arms transfer study to special closed session of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee as basis for request to sell new arms to Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Congressional supporters of Israel warn administration against pursuing the arms sale, saying it would provoke an "enormously divisive" debate [WP 7/24, 25, JTA 7/25, BG 7/26].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel frees 74 Lebanese Shi'a, 6 Lebanese Sunnis, and 20 Palestinians held at Atlit prison since April, when Israel transferred 1,200 detainees from its Ansar prison in south Lebanon to Israel. Three hundred are still in detention. Any prisoner now detained in south Lebanon by Israel is sent to new prison run by SLA at Khiyam village, in the security zone [NYT 7/24].
Military Action:
IDF attacked twice in Sidon; fighting continues in Tripoli.
Casualties:
Tripoli death toll for weekend is 17.
Political Responses:
Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Cabinet discusses fighting in Chouf, is briefed on Lebanese negotiations by Foreign Minister Shamir and David Kimche, hears of new security measures to be taken to reduce Israeli casualties in Lebanon; 3 members of Committee Against the War in Lebanon on trial for breach of peace after distributing leaflets in Haifa; Government agrees to 12% wage increase for public employees, averting general strike; official statistics show GNP did not increase in 1982, while real wages declined 3%; Begin's adviser on Arab Affairs Ben-yamin Gur-Arye says Begin will see if evacuation of Negev Bedouin families can be postponed; Bedouin township of Rahat forms labor council, the first in the Negev; Commission of Inquiry completes hearing of testimony, allowing Sharon to submit written answers instead of appearing for questioning; Moshe Reich, Israeli builder on West Bank, acquitted of blackmail, assault and threatened assault based on charges by Palestinians that he tried to force them to sell land; Jenin military governor warns Attorney Zuhair Jarrar not to complain to press about December 29 cut off of his electricity and water ordered by Israeli-appointed mayor Shihab Sanouri; Theodore Mann, chair of National Conference on Soviet Jews, announces 2,600 exit visas issued in 1982; PM Begin meets with relatives of Israeli prisoners, promises them no withdrawl of IDF from Lebanon until release of prisoners; Jerusalem police report series of raids on Jerusalem bookstores, seizing Palestinian flags, cassettes, T-shirts and other pro-PLO material.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: Rashid Karami appeals to Syria to send envoy to stop fighting in Tripoli.
Arab Governments: Saudi Arabia says British Foreign Secretary Pym not welcome to visit after Thatcher government refuses PLO representative in Arab League delegation; Iraq announces that Saddam Hussein told Congressman Stephen Solarz (D-NY) on August 25, he accepts Israelis' need for security.