The Palestine Chronology

Bush admin. says Israel's 6/24 pledge not to make special effort to settle Soviet Jews in O.T. is "a hopeful development," but one that stops short of what is necessary to free $400 million in U.S. aid for immigrant housing [LAT 6/26]; despite Sharon's statement, Israeli immigration officials say they have not been notified of any policy change [NYT 6/27]; official says Sharon's statement was most definitely not a change in Israeli policy [LAT 6/26; MEM 6/29].

P.M. Shamir has sent letter to EC leaders who will meet in Dublin on 6/27. Letter declares Israeli intent to renew peace effort, adds Arab countries continue terrorism against Israel [YA 6/25 in FBIS 6/28].

Health Minister Ehud Olmert, who was in charge of minority affairs in previous gov't., announces NIS 850 million proposal to gradually improve Israeli Arab towns and villages over a 10-year period. Plan has yet to be approved by full gov't. [JPD 6/26 in FBIS 6/26].

Egyptian analysts say suspension of U.S.-PLO dialogue harms Egypt's role and prestige as interlocutor between PLO and Washington [CSM 6/26].

Ariel Sharon, new housing minister, promises Israel will make no special effort to settle Soviet Jewish emigrants in O.T.: "We do not divert and we do not send any Russian immigrants or any Jew who comes from Russia" to O.T. (cf. 6/25) [IDF 6/24 in FBIS 6/25; WP, LAT, NYT 6/25; CSM 6/27].

Knesset announces plans to allow armed civilian units to patrol perimeters of O.T. settlements; creation of settlers' Civil Guard comes under fire [MEM 6/ 25].

East German president of parliament Sabine Bergmann-Pohl and her West German counterpart Rita Suessmuth visit Israel apparently to allay Israeli concerns about a unified Germany. Bergmann-Pohl says she hopes she "will be able to assist in speeding up the creation of diplomatic relations between the two countries" [WT 6/26].

Israeli transport minister Moshe Qatzav suspends inauguration of direct commercial flights between Tel Aviv and Prague because of dispute over security arrangements in Czech capital UPD 6/25 in FBIS 6/28].

Inspector general of Israeli police, Yaakov Turner, warns Palestinian residents of E. Jerusalem that more of them would be killed if they continue demonstrations that began on 6/20 [JDS 6/24 in FBIS 6/28; NYT 6/25].

Hanna Siniora, editor of Al-Fajr, says of U.S. decision to suspend dialogue with PLO that "the whole area is slipping toward a bottomless pit of hatred and suspicion." Editorials say suspension of dialogue has "put the whole region on a powder keg" and amount to reward for Shamir's intransigence [CSM 6/25].

King Hussein calls on U.S. to reassess its Middle East policy and open door for Soviet Jews who wish to settle in U.S. rather than Israel [WSJ 6/25]

Egyptian F.M. Esmat Abdel Meguid flies to Washington hoping to avert crisis in U.S.-Arab relations and reassert Egypt's role in peace process [LAT 6/25].

Hadashot reports since Arye Bibi, commander of Jerusalem district police, assumed his post, 5 Arabs have been killed by police or border guard fire in the district. Under Bibi's predecessor Yosef Yehuday, no one was killed by police gunfire; due to relative quiet in O.T., Jerusalem is becoming intifada's frontline [HAD 6/25 in FBIS 6/28].

Abul Abbas, leader of PLF group responsible for 5/30 attempted seaborne raid on Israel, says that he is prepared to accept disciplinary action from PLO Exec. Committee, adds that Arafat may "take any measure he sees as necessary to protect the national achievements of our people." Abbas adds that he has given to Arafat a file on the attack to show raid had been aimed at military targets [NYT 6/24].

New York Times reports Abu Nidal is losing control over his Fateh Revolutionary Council; dissidentsay they will follow Arafat [NYT 6/24].

Israeli navy destroy speedboat, kills two unidentified people, off coast of S.Lebanon; military sources claim terrorists aboard were en route to Israel [JDS 6/24 in FBIS 6/25].

Joyce Starr, co-chair of Global Strategy Council, a U.S. thinktank, advises that untreated sewage is causing sanitary and environmental problems in Gaza Strip: "Gaza is a sewage time bomb waiting to explode... .[it] has reached the limits of its disposable water resources" [LAT 6/24]. 

Latvia and Israel sign protocol for economic cooperation, the first such agreement between a Soviet republic and Israel. Protocol "envisions joint research and development. . .and also the exchange of scientific information" [TASS 6/22].

D.M. Moshe Arens plans to appeal for legislative changes allowing for creation of settlers' Civil Guard in O.T. (cf. 6/24) [HAA 6/24 in FBIS 6/28].

Col. Yehuda Meir, under court-martial indictment for allegedly breaking bones of Palestinians, admits to doing so but says he was carrying out orders issued by then-D.M. Yitzhak Rabin in January 1988 [LAT 6/23].

Sec. of State James Baker tells reporters there can be no dialogue between Israel and Palestinians from O.T. without "acquiescence" of PLO, as evidenced by Israel's vain attempts to find PLO alternative for 22 years [MEM 6/22].

Arab League issues statement saying suspension of U.S.-PLO dialogue was not in best interests of Middle East peace, adds that U.S. will be held responsible for deterioration of situation inside O.T. [KUNA 6/21 in FBIS 6/22].

Jean-Claude Amie, UN special envoy, arrives in Israel to begin fact-finding mission [MEM 6/21; JDS 6/22 in FBIS 6/ 25; MET 7/3].

In television interview, Nelson Mandela describes Yasir Arafat as "a comrade in arms" and says it would be "a grave mistake" to change his view of Arafat "on the basis of the interests of the Jewish community" [WP 6/22].

PLO Exec. Committee, meeting in Baghdad, issues statement saying U.S. decision to end dialogue constitutes "a challenge" to Arab League, calls on Arab states to implement resolutions adopted at Baghdad summit in May [WP, LAT 6/22; BVP 6/21, DUS 6/22 in FBIS 6/22]; further Arab reaction is mixed [NYT, LAT 6/22].

French Pres. Francois Mitterrand tells reporters that U.S. should display same firmness with Israel as it has with PLO: "One must be able to speak to Israel and the PLO at the same time. . .If steps were taken that would permit speaking to Israel with the same firmness, that would be a good thing" [WP 6/22].

Senate Foreign Relations Committe unanimously approves commendation of Pres. Bush for suspending U.S.-PLO dialogue; entire Senate is expected to approve commendation soon [WP, WT 6/ 22].

New York Times reports of emergence of "tent towns" in Israel; mass immigration has driven up rent prices and housing is in such short supply that rents are beyond reach of young Israeli families, who are forced to live in tents. Soviet immigrants receive gov't. subsidies and are more able to afford higher rents [NYT 6/22].

Pres. Bush announces he is suspending 18-month U.S.-PLO dialogue because of PLO's failure to condemn 5/30 attempted raid on Israel. Bush says suspension was "not an easy call," and "though we are specific in calling for the condemnation of this particular terrorist attack, once that is done we can resume talks." [KUNA 6/20 in FBIS 6/21; NYT, WP, LAT, WT, MEM 6/21; ADS 6/21 in FBIS 6/21].

In Jerusalem, World Zionist Organization defeats resolution opposing settlement of Soviet Jews in O.T.; P.M. Shamir speaks to group before vote, warns that Arabs are trying to sabotage immigration with threats of war [LAT, WT 6/21]; Shamir also calls on USSR not to curtail immigration UDS 6/20 in FBIS 6/21].

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee meets with FBI officials to discuss unsolved 1985 assassination of Alex Odeh; ADC accuses Israel of sheltering the killers, urges U.S. pressure on Israel to solve case [WT 6/21].

Worsening economic conditions in Gaza have created new political extremism and rise in influence of Hamas, other Islamic groups [CSM 6/21]. 

World Zionist Organization exec. committee drafts resolution opposing settlement of Soviet Jews on occupied Palestinian land. The 165-member general council in Jerusalem is to vote on resolution on 6/20 (cf. 6/20) [WT 6/20].

Labor party's Central Bureau schedules meeting for next week to decide whether to call for party elections; an increasing number of Laborites are calling for Shimon Peres to be replaced as party leader by Yitzhak Rabin [NYT 6/20].

Israeli judge orders Israeli Arab poet Shafik Habib placed under house arrest on charges of incitement. Authorities say Habib's poems, written in Arabic, call for attacks on Israel with stones, firebombs and ammunition. Habib denies charges [WP, LAT 6/20].

Israel's National Planning Board votes not to approve VOA transmitter scheduled to be built in the Negev. Board shelves project until 2-year environmental study can be completed; agreement to build transmitter was signed in 1988 [NYT, WP 6/21].

P.M. Shamir invites Syrian Pres. Asad "to come, to talk, to conduct negotiations and maybe to get to peace." Shamir also criticizes U.S. for delaying decision on whether to continue U.S.-PLO dialogue [WP, NYT, LAT 6/19; JTS 6/18 in FBIS 6/19].

White House spokesperson Marlin Fitzwater says Pres. Bush has written "lengthy" letter sent to Shamir over past few days offering congratulations on new gov't. and discussing U.S.-Israeli relations [WP, WT 6/19; MEM 6/22 (details of letter in MEM 7/27)].

Tel Aviv court charges Israeli Ami Popper, 21, with the 5/20 murders of 7 Palestinians. Five-man psychiatric panel rejects notion that Popper is "derranged," as Israeli authorities had first claimed [IDF 6/18 in FBIS 6/18; LAT 6/ 19].

Cairo declines Shamir's 6/15 call for Israeli-Egyptian summit, saying Egypt expects "concrete actions towards peace and establishment of dialogue in Cairo with Palestinians and not mere messages conveying good intentions" [MAP 6/18 in FBIS 6/19].

In letter to Israeli Pres. Chaim Herzog released today, Theo Klein, former head (1983-89) of France's 700,000-strong Jewish community, says Israel should meet PLO [MEM 6/19].

Israel's new gov't. holds 1st formal meeting, does not discuss Middle East peace plans; officials say gov't. hopes "within a matter of weeks" to discuss deadlocked peace process [IDF 6/17 in FBIS 6/18; WT 6/18].

At least 3 people are killed, 15 wounded in large-scale fighting inTyre, S.Lebanon between Palestinian factions. Members of Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council are driven from Rashidiyah refugee camp by FRC dissidents, backed by Fateh forces loyal to Arafat [NYT, WT 6/18].

New York Times reports that despite numerous calls for electoral reform in Israel, new gov't. has shelved any notion of revamping current system [NYT 6/17].

Faisal Husayni meets with UN Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar in New York to discuss impending UN envoy mission to Israel [MEM 6/19].

Cairo announces P.M. Shamir cabled Pres. Mubarak, proposing meeting to examine bilateral relations (cf. 6/18) [MAP 6/18 in FBIS 6/19].

Ending 4-day visit to O.T., Women's International League for Peace and Freedom delegates condemn Israeli practices in O.T., call for Palestinian state, and convening of international conference [FJ 6/25].

Masked gunmen shoot, kill Fateh official Ahmed Selim Draz in Palestinian refugee camp in Tyre, S. Lebanon; afterwards fighting breaks out among various pro-Palestinian factions [LAT 6/16].

Israeli officials, including Avi Pazner, senior advisor to Shamir, reject Sec. Baker's 6/13 comments to House Foreign Affairs Committee, saying Baker misinterpreted Shamir's comment about talks, and that Shamir has not imposed new conditions on Israeli-Palestinian negotiations [WP, NYT, WT, LAT 6/15]; White House backs Baker's statements saying admin. is beginning to question seriousness of parties in the conflict [LAT, WT 6/15].

IDF frees from jail army lieutenant who threw tear gas grenade in UN maternity clinic on 6/12, saying his 10-day sentence was suspended by his commander after he appealed for leniency [WP, WT 6/15; MET 6/26].

Speaking to Jerusalem Post in first interview since forming new gov't. Yitzhak Shamir blames U.S. criticism for stirring up Arab hostility; lays down restrictive condition for peace talks, saying Israel will not negotiate with any Palestinian who opposes limited autonomy for O.T.; new gov't.'s guidelines also stipulate no role for E. Jerusalem Palestinians in any part of peace process [MEM 6/ 13; WP, NYT, LAT 6/14; LAT 6/16].

New Israeli police minister Roni Milo says Sec. James Baker's formula for talks is "no longer relevant" to his gov't. [NYT 6/14]; while F.M. David Levy says Baker plan had "distorted" the Israeli peace initiative it was to implement; calls for U.S. to "get back to basics" with Israel. Agriculture minister Rafael Eitan calls for deportation of Palestinian intifada leaders [WP 6/14].

Speaking before House Foreign Affairs Committee, Sec. Baker expresses impatience at peace process and especially with Israel, implying that if positive moves are not forthcoming quickly, U.S. will disengage from Middle East peace process: "When you're serious about peace, call us," he says, giving out White House telephone number [NYT, WT, WP, LAT, MEM 6/14; MET 6/19].

Shamir, responding to Arab requests, authorizes UN fact-finding mission to O.T.; move prompts harsh rebuke from far right-wing supporters of Shamir's gov't. [JDS 6/13 in FBIS 6/13; NYT 6/ 14].

Immigration min. Yitzhak Peretz says that 50,000 Jews, over 90% from USSR, have immigrated to Israel in 1990; nearly 200 have settled in O.T. [MET 6/ 26].

New D.M. Moshe Arens spends day visiting 2 largest Jewish settlements in W.Bank; says he is making a statement about his priorities [NYT 6/14; MET 6/ 26].

Israeli army jails for 10 days soldier who threw tear gas grenade into UN maternity clinic in Gaza. 66 infants were treated for gas inhalation in 6/12 incident [WT 6/14; MET 6/26].

Beirut radio reports of skirmish in S.Lebanon between Israeli and SLA troops and Shiite militias; no injuries [BVL 6/13 in FBIS 6/13]. 

Testifying before Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sec. of State James Baker says U.S. will not rush to break off contacts with PLO, despite fact that PLO's response to 5/30 attempted attack has "fallen short of the mark." Baker reports that "an extraordinarily large number" of allies has urged Washington not to move too quickly or rashly [WT, WP 6/13]; Baker also says that at least 7 nations including Egypt and USSR have agreed to urge PLO to save its dialogue with U.S. [LAT 6/13]; Pres. Bush reiterates his call for PLO to roundly condemn 5/30 attempted attack [WP 6/13].

Officials in Bush admin. and Congress say Israel has emerged as leading supplier of advanced military technology to China, despite U.S.'s clearly expressed opposition to Israeli-Chinese military cooperation [LAT 6/13].

IDF soldier throws tear gas grenade into UN maternity clinic in Gaza Strip; 66 infants are treated for gas inhalation. IDF says soldier acted contrary to orders, and legal steps would be taken. IDF was responding to stonethrowing incident around the clinic (cf. 6/13, 6/14) [JDS 6/12 in FBIS 6/14; WT, WP, LAT 6/13; FJ 6/18]. 

Israel's parliament votes 62-57 (1 abstention) to approve right-wing gov't. under P.M. Shamir. Likud's narrow coalition includes 10 other parties or factions representing ultra-Orthodox religious groups and the extreme right [JDS 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; NYT, WP, WT, LAT 6/12; FJ 6/18].

In Tunis, PLO issue statement opposing any military action that targets civilians. Bush admin. is reportedly "disappointed" that PLO did not specifically condemn 5/30 attempted seaborne raid by Abul Abbas's PLF faction [BVP 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; WP, NYT, WT, LAT 6/12]; Robert Pelletreau, U.S. ambassador to Tunisia, meets with PLO representatives for fourth time in recent days; Swedish gov't. sends emissary to Arafat, urging him to take action acceptable to Washington [KUNA 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; NYT, WP 6/12].

UNLU issues call no. 58, calling for increased isolation of Israel and U.S. [SVP 6/11, 6/14 in FBIS 6/13, 6/15].

U.S. Vice Pres. Dan. Quayle, Def. Sec. Richard Cheney, and Virginia govemor L. Douglas Wilder speak before AIPAC's annual conference in Washington [WP, WT 6/12].

Fateh political dir. Zayd Wahbah tells reporters Fateh "had not conducted an infiltration attempt into Israel," referring to 6/10 allegation that SLA had captured Fateh infiltrators in S.Lebanon "security zone" [AFP 6/11 in FBIS 6/12].

Likud leader Yitzhak Shamir wins his party's near-unanimous approval to form new gov't., which he will present for Knesset vote on 6/11 [JDS 6/10 in FBIS 6/11; WP, LAT, WT 6/11].

U.S. Jewish delegation, concerned about anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela's statements supporting PLO, meets him in Geneva for reassurances, reports Mandela says African National Congress "accepts unequivocally the existence of the State of Israel, not only de facto but also its legal right to exist. . .within secure borders." Satisfied, delegation gives approval for warm welcome for Mandela on his arrival to U.S. on 6/20, a welcome that had been in doubt until meeting [WP, LAT, WT 6/ 11].

Arafat receives message from Mikhail Gorbachev detailing outcome of U.S.- Soviet summit, reaffirming Soviet support for Palestinians [BVP 6/10 in FBIS 6/12].

Israeli police discover 80 desecrated graves in American section of Mount of Olives cemetery in Jerusalem; Mayor Teddy Kollek warns incident may further disrupt Arab-Jewish relations in the city [LAT 6/11].

SLA forces in S.Lebanon report capturing 3 Fateh soldiers inside "security zone" (cf. 6/11) [AFP 6/11 in FBIS 6/12]

PLO rep. Hakam Balawi meets in Tunis with U.S. ambassador Robert Pelletreau to discuss U.S.-PLO relations [TDS 6/9 in FBIS 6/12].

Salah Khalaf, senior PLO official, calls Shamir's new gov't. "a war cabinet, the worst in Israel's history." Arab mood blends apprehension, anger, and deepening hostility toward U.S. as Israel's main ally [NYT 6/10]; Shamir, however, states that new gov't. will not swing Israel toward narrow right-wing policies [WP 6/ 10].

Yitzhak Shamir says he has enough support to form right-wing gov't. in Israel; formally informs Pres. Herzog; Shamir is expected to win 62 votes of 120-member Knesset. He will present his gov't. to Likud party on 6/10 [JDS 6/8 in FBIS 6/8; NYT, LAT 6/9; MET 6/19].

Pres. Bush, Sec. Baker weigh ending U.S.-PLO dialogue, Bush describes 5/30 incident as "sheer terror" and that he'd like to see "Arafat speak out and denounce" PLF attempted raid. Baker says admin. is trying to do all it can to avoid breaking off dialogue [NYT, LAT 6/9].

Amal and Hizballah representatives meet in W.Beirut for first time in 16 months; negotiations are arranged by Syria in effort to end Shiite conflict [NYT 6/9].

PLO Exec. Committee concludes 3- day meeting in Baghdad, refuses to take immediate action against or to expell Abul Abbas, PLF leader behind 5/30 attempted raid; accuses U.S. of using the raid as pretext for questioning dialogue with PLO [WP, LAT 6/8; AVP 6/7 in FBIS 6/8].

Arab countries at UN announce plan to convene UN Gen.Assembly in emergency session to seek international force to protect Palestinians in O.T. [NYT 6/ 10].

Meeting in Baghdad, PLO Exec. Committee issues statement denouncing U.S. threat to end dialogue, reaffirming that it was faithful to all its pledges and commitments, and was not responsible for 5/30 attempted seaborne attack [BVP, BADS 6/6 in FBIS 6/7].

Four U.S. senators, Mack (R-FL), Lieberman (D-CT), Lautenberg (D-NJ), and Grassley (R-IA) introduce legislation urging Bush admin. to end U.S.,PLO dialogue [WP 6/7].

Bush admin. announces plans to sell $4 billion in arms to Saudi Arabia, including armored vehicles, anti-tank missiles, and improvement parts for Awacs; most American Jewish groups do not object to sale [NYT, WP 6/8].

Israeli authorities announce easing of residency regulations for Palestinians in O.T., saying spouses and children of O.T. residents will be allowed to remain even if they do not qualify for residence status themselves. Military spokesperson says some 250 Palestinians expelled for residency reasons from W.Bank between March and December 1989 will be readmitted [WP 6/7].

Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze tells Sec. Baker in Copenhagen that USSR will not curtail or halt emigration of Soviet Jews [WP, WIT 6/7].

Soviet legislature postpones final approval of law relaxing emigration restrictions which was condition for Congress to ratify new U.S.-Soviet trade agreement [WP 6/6].

PLO rep. Hakam Balawi meets in Tunis with U.S. ambassador Robert Pelletreau, who delivers letter to Arafat from Bush admin. explaining U.S. 5/31 UN veto [TDS 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

Israeli army and intelligence officials tell Knesset For. Affairs and Defence Committee that they believe 5/30 attempted raid by PLF members was directed at military, not civilian, targets (cf. 6/6) [JDS 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

General strike called for by UNLU to commemorate 23d anniversary of 1967 war is observed in W.Bank; 2 Palestinian youths in Nablus are killed by IDF bullets [IDF, JDS 6/5 in FBIS 6/7; WT, LAT 6/6].

IDF lifts collective bans on travel to Jordan that had been imposed on some 25 W.Bank communities for periods up to 2 years [JPD 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

Clashes in S.Lebanon between Shiite militiamen and SLA and Israeli soldiers; no injuries reported [BVL 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

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]. 

Ending his 2d summit meeting with Pres. Bush, Mikhail Gorbachev declares at joint news conference that exodus of Jews from USSR could be curtailed or halted if Israel continues to settle the emigres in O.T.  (cf. 6/4, 6/ 5) [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 6/4].

PLO officials are trying to seek a compromise formula to satisfy both U.S. demand that Abul Abbas be disciplined and PLO hard-liners [WP, LAT 6/4].

3-member UN team investigating missile technology proliferation begins 2 days of talks in Israel; previous consultations have taken place in Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq [LAT 6/4; MET 6/12].

European Community issues 2d statement in 2 weeks calling for greater UN involvement in O.T. and for international conference  [JTS 6/3 in FBIS 6/4].

Pres. Mubarak cables Pres. Bush asking for explanation of U.S. 5/31 veto [RMC 6/3 in FBIS 6/5].

PLO official Salah Khalaf says of U.S. demand to condemn 5/30 PLF attempted raid and expel Abul Abbas: "We reject the [demand] because it considers any military act a type of terrorism. This is not support or rejection of the Abul Abbas operation. It's a question of principle" [NYT 6/3].

Citing U.S. 5/31 UN veto, Palestinian leaders in Israel, O.T. announce they are suspending contacts with American officials in Israel, they ask Arab gov'ts. to put economic pressure on Washington [JDS 6/1 in FBIS 6/1; LAT 6/2; MET 6/ 12]; Fateh statement says U.S. has lost credibility because of veto [MENA 6/1 in FBIS 6/1; FJ 6/4].

Abu Ayash, Faisal Husayni, other Palestinian leaders conclude 13-day hunger strike in protest of the Rishon le Zion killings [JDS 6/1 in FBIS 6/1; LAT 6/2; FJ 6/4].

Maj. Gen. Amnon Shahak, Israel's military intelligence chief, says Yasir Arafat probably did not know beforehand about seaborne raid on Israel [LAT, NYT 6/2].

Yasir Arafat says PLO's institutional and official forces had no connection with 5/30 attempted attack on Israeli beach; sees "no reason" U.S. should end dialogue with PLO; says he cannot expell Abul Abbas from PNC, as PLF leader was elected democratically [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 6/1; WAKH 5/31 in FBIS 6/1 AVP 6/1 in FBIS 6/4]; U.S. sends message to PLO, outlining actions State Dep't. wishes Arafat to take [NYT, LAT 6/1]; PLO representative Hakam Balawi meets in Tunis with U.S. ambassador Robert Pelletreau to discuss 5/30 attempted attack [KUNA 6/1 in FBIS 6/4].

U.S. vetoes UN Sec. Council resolution to send special commission of inquiry to O.T. (cf. 6/1) [WT 6/1, LAT 6/ 2].

Private Israeli security specialist, Lt.Col. Yair Klein, ret., is indicted on charges of illegally exporting military equipment to drug cartel in Colombia [WP, LAT 6/1].

Israeli soldiers thwart 2 boats off Tel Aviv coast carrying guerrillas of Palestine Liberation Front (PLF); 4 attackers are killed in firefight, 12 captured [WP, LAT, WT, NYT 5/31]; Israel calls on U.S. to end dialogue with PLO [WP 5/13]; U.S. State Dep't., White House issue sharp criticism; continuance of U.S.-PLO dialogue is questioned [LAT 5/13].

Concluding 3-day meeting, Arab League issues statement condemning emigration of Soviet Jews to Israel, finding U.S. responsible because of aid to Israel [TASS 5/30; WP, NYT, LAT, WT 5/31; CSM 6/1]; Sec.-Gen. Chedli Klibi delivers to U.S. ambassador to Tunisia Robert Pelletreau Arab League memorandum responding to earlier U.S. memorandum [MEM 6/8; QNA 6/8 in FBIS 6/13].

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak stops in Syria after Baghdad summit; meets with Pres. Asad to discuss summit resolutions [MENA 5/30 in FBIS 5/31].

In letter dated 5/29, Yitzhak Shamir appeals to Mikhail Gorbachev not to bow to Arab pressure and curtail Jewish emigration to Israel. Shamir adds that Israel does not have policy of "directing" immigrants to O.T. [WP 6/26].

Saana Voice of Palestine broadcasts text of letter written by UNLU to members of Arab League summit in Baghdad calling for League to fully support PLO [SVP 5/29 in FBIS 6/4].

Israeli troops in S.Lebanon "security zone" shoot, kill unidentified person [JDS 5/29 in FBIS 5/29].

Demonstrations in Jordan over the past week, particularly in Baaqa refugee camp, reflect growing frustration at stalled peace process and increasing popularity of return to military option [MET 5/29].

Bomb explodes in Jewish sector of Jerusalem, kills 72-year-old man, wounds 9 others; police round up dozens of Palestinians; angry Jewish shopowners try to attack them, shout anti-Arab epithets [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 5/29; IDF 5/28 in FBIS 5/29; FJ 6/4].

Arab League summit opens in Baghdad; Saddam Husein takes hard line against Israel and U.S. despitefforts by Egypt, Saudi Arabia to tone down rhetoric. 5 Arab states, including Syria do not attend summit [NYT, WP, WT 5/29; INA 5/28 in FBIS 5/29].

Israeli parliamentary panel votes 13-11 to approve retroactively the gov't.'s $1.8 million financing of Jewish settlement in St. John's Hospice in E. Jerusalem [WT 5/29].

Israeli high court gives permission to far-right Kach movement, led by Rabbi Meir Kahane, to hold demonstration in Rishon le Zion in support of 5/20 killings [sic] [NYT 5/29].

Mikhail Gorbachev sends letter to Arab summit to begin 5/28 in Baghdad [BADS 5/28 in FBIS 5/29].

Charter flights carrying 500 Soviet Jews a week to Israel from Warsaw will begin next month, according to Polish officials [NYT 5/30].

Israeli court sentences 41-year-old Jewish man to 3 years in prison for desecrating c.250 graves at Haifa cemetery. 2d man charged in incident is undergoing psychiatric examination [NYT, WT 5/28; MET 6/5].

Compromise proposal under which UN Sec. Council would send special envoys to investigate violence in O.T. falls through as U.S. supports Israel's opposition to proposal [WP 5/27].

UNLU issues call no. 57 condemning 5/20 Rishon le Zion killings [BVP 5/26 in FBIS 6/5].

Estimated 50,000 Israelis and Palestinians organized by Peace Now gather in Tel Aviv to protest Rishon le Zion killings [FJ 6/4].

In speech to UN Sec.Council in Geneva, Arafat urges that UN international force be sent to O.T. to protect Palestinians [NYT, LAT 5/26; RMC 5/25 in FBIS 5/29].

Socialist Intemational ends meeting in Cairo; Middle East statement for first time says establishment of Palestinian state is step toward Middle East peace. Israel's representative, Shimon Peres, does not vote [MENA 5/23 in FBIS 5/24; MEM 5/24; RPP 5/25 in FBIS 6/5].

U.S. Senate completes congressional action on bill containing $400 million in housing guarantees for Soviet Jews; no further vote is planned until admin. is satisfied money will not be used to settle immigrants beyond green line [MEM 5/25].

Gazans enter 5th day of curfew, many parts of W. Bank also remain under curfew; over 1 million Palestinians are confined to their homes [MEM 5/25].

Appearing on Israeli television, Shamir says that if UN votes to send observer force to O.T., it should know that "this decision would not be implemented, as many other UN decisions against Israel [have not been]" [WP 5/25]; Yitzhak Rabin believes Israel must oppose idea of UN observers, says "It is inconceivable that we, who observe international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. . should accept the supervision of an element which. . .has participated in almost no peaceful process" [JDS 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MET 6/5].

Bush admin., in effort to avoid confrontation with Israel, says it will discuss possibility of UN observer force in O.T., but objects to any permanent UN presence [LAT 5/25].

Members of House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East blast State Dept's. 3/19 report saying PLO has honored its commitment to renounce terrorism, call report a "whitewash and a pack of lies"; ass't.sec. of state John Kelly defends report [WP 5/25J.

PLO Exec. Committee member Mahmud Abbas meets in Moscow with Soviet F.M. Eduard Shevardnadze to discuss past week's violence in O.T. [TASS 5/24; KUNA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25].

Head of Israeli Army's Central Command, Maj. Gen. Yitzhak Mordekhay, meets with 24 W. Bank Palestinians to explain Army curfews and actions following 5/20 killings. Palestinians are top officials in education and commerce [JDS 5/25 in FBIS 5/25].

5-member Soviet delegation arrives in Israel to investigate violence in O.T.; head of group, Mikhail Kapitsa, accuses Israel of acting like "an elephant in a china shop" [MEM 5/25; MET 6/5]; Bernard Kouchner, French minister of state for humanitarian aid, also arrives for fact-finding tour, says he is "deeply depressed" by conditions in Gaza [MEM 5/25; FJ 5/28]. 

Sec. of State James Baker says U.S. "would be prepared to discuss the question of a United Nations observer team" going to O.T. when UN Sec. Council meets in Geneva on 5/25 [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 5/24; MEM 5/25].

European Community's exec. commission grants emergency aid of 500,000 ECU ($600,000) for Palestinian victims of violence in O.T. [MEM 5/24].

Israeli Maj. Gen. Matan Vilna'i, commander of Southern Command, orders stricter firing regulations in Gaza to reduce casualties; new orders give only senior commander of each sector authorization to allow firing of plastic or rubber bullets [MAA 5/24 in FBIS 5/25].

Mideast Mirror reports thousands of Palestinian workers have stayed away from their jobs since 5/20 killings, and renewal of communal tensions [MEM 5/ 23].

Pres. Bush telephones Pres. Mubarak to discuss recent events, especially Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [MENA 5/ 23 in FBIS 5/24; MENA 5/25 in FBIS 5/ 25].

Ambassadors to Tunisia from France, Italy, and Ireland, and European Community meet with Arafat to discuss past week's violence in O.T. [KUNA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25].

General strike is observed in Lebanon; banks, other businesses, are closed in solidarity with Palestinians condemning 5/20 killings; demonstrations are held in Beirut [BDS 5/23 in FBIS 5/24].

Arab foreign ministers conclude presummit working session begun 5/22 in Baghdad, adopt agenda for 5/28 summit [INA 5/23 in FBIS 5/24].

Scattered anti-Israel demonstrations take place in and near Amman refugee camps; some 200 protestors are dispersed at Ministry of Interior [JTE 5/24, 5/25 in FBIS 5/25]; at least I person is killed, several injured [MEM 5/24].

Yitzhak Shamir warns Israeli Arabs who yesterday protested 5/20 killings that they had "passed the limit of what is allowed" [NYT 5/23]; Pres. George Bush urges Israel to use maximum restraint in dealing with renewed Palestinian protests in wake of 5/20 killings [NYT, WP, MEM 5/23]; In departure from norm, Bush sends personal condolences to families of those Palestinians killed on 5/20, 5/21 [WP 5/23].

2 Gazans are killed, at least 14 wounded in continued clashes in Gaza set off by 5/20 killings; Palestinian wounded 5/21 by settler gunfire dies [JDS 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; NYT 5/23].

UN Sec. Council announces it will convene in Geneva to allow Yasir Arafat to address the body; U.S. agrees to the change [MEM 5/23].

U.S.-based Physicians for Human Rights releases report "Health Care in Detention: A Study of Israel's Treatment of Palestinians," which concludes Israeli health professionals are not "fulfilling their obligation to prevent physical abuse" and Palestinian detainees are subjected to "unacceptable" conditions [FJ 5/28].

In E. Jerusalem, police teargas procession of some 400 representatives of Palestinian organizations (and 3 Knesset members) as they seek to deliver to U.S. consulate petition calling for international protection for Palestinians [MEM 5/22].

Socialist Intemational conference opens in Cairo, Pres. Mubarak meets with various delegates, including Shimon Peres [MENA 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; WT 5/ 23; MEM 5/24].

Yasir Arafat telephones French Pres. Francois Mitterand to condemn 5/21 attack on French tourists in Amman, and to offer condolences to farnilies of victims [SVP 5/24 in FBIS 5/25].

New York Times reports a growing frustration among Israeli Arabs that they are being excluded from Israeli society. Awad Abdel Fatah, leader of Sons of the Village party, says "Palestinians in Israel are coming more and more to feel that we are not citizens of the state. And it's because the state itself does not act in a way to make us feel part of the state" [NYT 5/23].