The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Shamir insists reaction to settler-terrorist bomb plot (4/27/84) should not hinder further settlement, calling settlers "pioneers" who create historical facts that will last for generations. Sakhnin prisoner Zbeidat released to house arrest on lawyer's petition for medical treatment of injuries suffered during torture in Acre and Jalameh prisons. Supreme Court upholds military censorship of newspaper Hadashot. Bank Leumi group reports 1983 loss of IS7,748 million ($71.9 million) after taxes. Bank Hapoalim's losses reported at $101 million.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Galilee youths held since 9/27/83 sentenced to 6-15 mos. prison for participation in 1983 Land Day demonstration; lawyer says youths subjected to physical and psychological torture while in Jalameh and Akka prisons. Israeli Ministerial Economic Committee sets Friday deadline for gov't. dep'ts. to present budget proposals with 9% overall spending cut; DM Arens rejects notion of cutting budget for development of Lavi bomber. Jerusalem Post poll reports 72% favor cut in spending for West Bank settlements. Settlers from Yakir and Kedumim, bitter over arrest of 3 Israelis suspected of Nablus killings (12/8/83), return IDF-issued weapons to Israeli authorities.

Arab World: Rev. Jesse Jackson meets Pres. Assad in Damascus, appeals release of US airman downed 12/4/83.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Incendiary bomb thrown at Israeli military patrol at Balata refugee camp; no casualties.

Arab World: Israelis reopen Awali River crossings after 3 days.