The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli officials dismiss Arafat's Cairo Declaration as having no significance [BG 11/9]. Jewish Press cites poll in Hadashot which finds nearly 75% of all Israelis favor capital punishment for Palestinians found guilty of politically motivated murder [JWP 11/8]. Israeli officials state Israel has no intention of pulling remaining forces out of security zone or turning protection of border over to UNIFIL troops [MG 11/9].

Arab World: King Hussein praises Yasir Arafat's "Cairo Declaration" on the use of violence, saying move will enhance prospects for peace [PI, WP 11/9].

Other Countries: FBI states Jewish Defense League is "possible responsible group" in recent bomb attacks against ADC office in Santa Ana and two East Coast men purported to have Nazi ties; 2 of the attacks resulted in deaths [NYT, WP 11/9]. Leader of JDL threatens to sue FBI for slander [BG 11/10].

Military Action

Other Countries: Car bomb explodes in Nicosia killing manager of Iraqi Airlines' Cyprus branch moments after another bomb explodes inside airline's office there; phone caller claims responsibility on behalf of pro-Syrian Eagles of the Revolution Organization, states attack is first in series of operations against Iraqi govt. in retaliation for its support of Yasir Arafat, states organization isPalestinian [LT 11/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres praises U.S. interception of plane carrying 4 hijackers [BG 10/12].

Arab World: PLO officials in Tunis condemn U.S. interception of Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers; PLO officials in Tunis say Tunisia had refused entry to an Egyptian airplane thought to be carrying the 4 hijackers before the plane left Egypt [NYT 10/11]. Anonymous telephone caller to Beirut newspaper threatens to strike at "U.S. interests" throughout the world if the 4 hijackers are hurt in prison [LT 10/12]. Egypt condemns the U.S. interception of plane carrying 4 hijackers, expresses "deep regret" at "surprising" American action [WP, NYT 10/12].

Other Countries: Bomb in office kills regional executive director of American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in Santa Ana, Califomia, Alex Odeh, 37, and injures 7 others. Odeh had appeared on TV the night before and called Yasir Arafat "a man of peace." No one claims responsibility; Jewish Defense League praises the action [NYT, WP 10/12]. Public prosecutor in Italy charges 4 hijackers with murder, kidnapping, hijacking of a ship, and possession of arms and explosives. Uncertainty remains over how 2 other senior Palestinian officials also taken into custody when the plane carrying them was intercepted will be treated; they are Abu al-'Abbas, head of the faction of the Palestine Liberation Front which allegedly carried out the hijacking, and another unidentified PLO official [NYT, WP 10/12]. U.S. agrees to let Italians prosecute hijackers but will maintain extradition request [NYT 10/13]. Jewish Press reports House Ways and Means Committee has adopted legislation to exempt Israel Bonds from a 1984 provision which increases taxes on loans made at below market level interest rates. Israel Bonds, at interest rates of 4%, are far below market level [JWP 10/11]. Harvard U. announces Prof. Nadav Safran "erred" in not reporting use of CIA funds to organize conference on fundamentalist Islam and to write book on Saudi Arabian security; Safran will not be disciplined [NYT, WP 10/12]