The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Hijackers of Alia jet release 71 passengers, blow up plane [LAT 6/13]. Later, a Palestinian unsuccessfully commandeers Lebanese airliner in "retaliation" for Shi'ite effort [NYT 6/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset House Committee lifts parliamentary immunity and freedom of movement from MK Muhammad Mi'ari, leader of Progressive List for Peace [FJ 6/14], on grounds he voiced support for PLO and refused to condemn "PLO terrorism."

Arab World: Shi'a hijack Jordanian Alia airliner in Beirut to protest Arab League criticism of Shi'ite siege of Palestinian camps [NYT 6/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prime Minister Peres proposes alternative peace plan to King Hussein's, based on "direct talks" with Jordanians and non-PLO Palestinians, with U.S. participation [NYT 6/11]. Nablus village of Bidya and neighboring villages placed under curfew by IDF following hand grenade attack on Israeli military vehicle [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: SLA captures French colonel involved in negotiations for release of Finns; he's later released: Gen. Antoine Lahd calls seizure a "mistake" [NYT 6/10].

Military Action

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports IDF recently destroyed 8 homes of southem Lebanese thought to have fired rockets at IDF and SLA positions in security zone UP 6/10]. Last IDF combat battalion withdraws from Lebanon; undisclosed number of patrols, advisers, and observers remain [NYT 6/11]. Rockets hit settlements in northern Israel [LT 6/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P. M. Peres opposes "preliminary talks" between U.S. and joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation [JP 6/10]. Eleven Palestinian women political prisoners at Neve Tertza prison near Ramleh begin work strike to protest decision to integrate them with criminal prisoners [FJ 6/14]. Women punished by being held in cells 23 hours a day. Israeli military officials announce that starting 6/10 no joumalists will be permitted to enter southern Lebanon from Israel [WP 6/10]. IDF declare Hebron village of Raq'ah closed military area; impose curfew after 6/4 grenade attack on military vehicle [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: At urging of PLO Chairman Arafat, Arab League meets in Tunis to discuss three-week-old crisis [NYT 6/10]; declines to conduct inquiry into massacres of Palestinians in camps [LT 6/10]. Syrian-sponsored peace talks are deadlocked: Palestinians refuse to surrender arms to Amal [LAT 6/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Petrol bomb is thrown into Israeli bus in Nablus, West Bank; no injuries. Tourist bus stoned near Hebron. Shots fired at IDF truck in Gaza [JP 6/10].

Arab World: Palestinian fighters in Druzec-ontrolled hills east of Beirut bombard Shi'ite militia attacking three Palestinian camps [NYT 6/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: SLA commander Gen. Antoine Lahd orders release of 4 of 25 Finnish UNIFIL soldiers [NYT 6/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF patrol sprayed with automatic gunfire on road outside Gaza. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF reserve soldier found dead (strangled) in Westem Negev [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: SLA seizes 25 Finnish UNIFIL soldiers in southern Lebanese "security zone" in retaliation for UNIFIL seizure of 11 SLA men and their deliverance to Amal custody [NYT 6/8]. UN says 11 deserted the SLA [WP 6/10]. Kuwait daily al-Qabas reports attempted coup d'etat in Jordan last month while King Hussein was in U.S. (Jordanian officials deny the story.) Al-Qabas names Hasan 'Ubaydat, secretary general of Jordanian Ba'th party, who entered Jordan from Syria, as leader of the coup attempt. 'Ubaydat is reportedly arrested and an arms cache uncovered [JWP].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Residents of Balata refugee camp near Nablus demonstrate against harassment and arrests; stone military vehicles; smash window of one and injure driver. Several youths arrested [FJ 6/14]. Administrators of Bir Zeit U. announce cancellation of semester following violence between student political groups [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: IDF complete three-stage withdrawal from southem Lebanon. Amal chief Nabih Birri says Amal would join forces with Palestinian fighters if Israel kept troops in southern Lebanon and retained a security zone north of its border [NYT 6/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P. M. Peres asks MKs not to attend Pax Christi "International Peace Congress" in Amsterdam, in which delegates from PLO, Mapam, Labor party, Progressive List for Peace, Citizens Rights Movement, and Peace Now are expected to participate [JP 6/6]. Three Israelis charged in Jerusalem District Court in connection with murder of Jerusalem taxi driver Khamis Tutunji [JP 6/6]: Daniel Eizenmann, 26; Michal Hillel, 24; and Gil Fuchs, 20.

Arab World: Red Cross tries to enter Shatila camp, where 20 are believed to have died of cholera.

Other Countries: Hisham Sharabi states he is not interested in participating in peace talks, has not been approached by anyone [AP 6/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli health officials confiscate and destroy Arab-produced "Jneidi" brand dairy productsold in East Jerusalem saying producers did not have permits and products "may be hazardous to health" [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: PLO says 700 Palestinians were arrested in Syria for protesting violence in Lebanese camps. At least 30 killed at Sabra, still under seige. Shi'a bulldoze camp buildings. In Beirut, 3 Palestinian factions issue joint appeal for unity: PFLP, Fateh, and Palestine Communist Party.

Other Countries: U.S. Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and John Heinz (R-Penn.) introduce nonbinding resolution (with 69 backers) opposing arms sales to Jordan until Jordan opens direct negotiations with Israel. Reagan administration calls measure "a serious mistake." U.S. wants to provide Jordan with $300 million in military credits to allow it to buy 54 F-20 fighter planes and two advanced anti-aircraft defense systems. Agreement was made in 1981. U.S. sees Jordan threatened by Syria.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli daily Hadashot reports U.S. gave Israel unofficial list of 9 Palestinian candidates for Jordanian-Palestinian delegation to tentative ME peace talks three weeks ago. 9 are: Walid Khalidi, Harvard U. political science professor; Edward Said, Columbia U. English professor; Hisham Sharabi, of Georgetown U.; Rashid Khalidi, visiting fellow at Washington's Wilson Center; Bethlehem Mayor Iliyas Furayj; Hikmat al-Masri, former speaker of Jordanian Parliament; Rashad Shawwa, deposed Gaza mayor; Anwar Nusseibeh, former Jordanian minister and head of East Jerusalem Electric Co.; and Ahmad Sidqi al-Dajani, former senior official in PLO executive committee, now living in Cairo. PLO spokesman says [AP 6/5] PNC speaker 'Abd al-Hamid al-Sayih is also under consideration.

Arab World: IDF and SLA (Israeli-backed South Lebanese Army) raid 2 Shi'ite villages, arrest about 40 men and destroy 5 homes in Majd al-Salim as punishment for hiding weapons or shielding fighters [LAT 6/4].

Other Countries: Foreign Min. Shamir, in England, tells P. M. Thatcher and Foreign Min. Geoffrey Howe that Israel opposes Jordanian scheme for peace talks. Thatcher supports Jordanian plan [LT 6/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF bulldozes ten houses in villages near Hebron; expels residents [AF 6/7]. Security forces announce arrest of 9 in connection with killing of Rafah Mayor 'Abd al-Hamid Kishta, 65, in September; of Isma'il al-Khatib, 38, head of the al-Azhar Islamic College in Gaza in November; and with grenade attack on bus near market in Tel Aviv [JP 6/4]. Arrests of 9 Palestinians and Israelis were made "several months ago" in Gaza. Others were arrested for supplying 9 with weapons stolen from IDF. IDF uproots 1,300 olive trees, illegally planted in army firing area near Bethlehem [JP 6/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prime Minister Peres announces last stage of IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon will be completed by 6 June; but unspecified number of soldiers will remain in "security zone" [NYT 6/3]. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Samuel Lewis ends 8-year tour of duty [JTA 6/3]. Council of Jewish Settlements in West Bank calls for official action to deport Palestinians released 20 May [JTA 6/3]. Council Chair Yisrael Har'el says harassment tactics used againsthem by settlers igenerating sympathy for Palestinians among some Israelis. Wives of Jewish underground defendants end 13-day hunger strike after receiving order from rabbi to desist and assurances Knesset bill will be introduced to grant defendants clemency. Defendants tell court attempted Temple Mount sabotage was intended only "to frighten," not kill. Summer visiting season for relatives to West Bank residents begins. 2,500 visitors will be allowed to cross Allenby Bridge per day, up from 1,250; 1,100 over Damiya Bridge, up from 800 [JP 6/3]. Israeli settlers in West Bank and Gaza meet at Pesagot near Ramallah to discuss how to torpedo the envisaged peace talks with Jordan and how to force out of the country Arabs freed May 20 [JP 6/3]. Rejecting Hussein Plan and U.S. overtures, Shamir and Likud want direct talks with non-PLO/PNC-Jordanian or Jordanian-Palestinian delegation. Peres and Labor party take "wait and see" position on delegation that includes PNC members.

Arab Countries: Red Cross evacuates 29 from Burj al-Barajinah [FT 6/3]. 93 Palestinians taken to hospitals in Druze-held mountain town of Shuwayfat. Shi'a militiamen take 5 Palestinians from ambulances, later let them be evacuated.

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz sends message to P. M. Peres seeking Israeli backing for projected American talks with Jordanian-Palestinian delegation as step toward direct talks with Israel [NYT 6/3]. U.S. accepts PNC representation idelegation. Shultz says he is glad PLO has accepted UN resolutions 242 and 338 but says U.S. needs public statement before considering talking to PLO [JTA 6/3]. He opposes Hussein's proposal of Soviet participation in peace talks. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military authorities arrest 40 Gaza fishermen and seize their boats for fishing outside designated zone [FJ 6/7]. 3,000 Peace Now demonstrators march past Foreign Min. Shamir's Jerusalem flat demanding justice, not pardon, for Jewish undergound defendants [JP 6/2].

Arab World: Amal militia attack Burj al-Barajinah camp. Red Cross removes 32 wounded, about 100 remain. Militia stops rescue after 1 hour [WP 6/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Amal fighters, backed by troops of Lebanese Army's 6th Brigade, gain complete control of Sabra camp, Beirut. Nabih Berri announces ceasefire, accepted by PNSF [NYT, WP 6/1]. Palestinian, Amal fighters engage in artillery battle near Baalbek [LT 6/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres rejects King Hussein's 5/29 call for intl. conference on Middle East peace; US State Dept. asserts US has "major difficulties" with concept of such a conference [NYT, WP 5/31]. Confessed Jewish underground defendant Menachem Neuberger sentenced to 22-mo. prison term [NYT 5/31].

Arab World: In Damascus, Pres. Assad confers with Pres. Gemayel on Beirut fighting [NYT 5/31].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: fighting in Sabra, Shatila camps sporadic; heavier combat rages near Burj al-Barajneh between Shi'ite, Palestinian fighters [NYT 5/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nationalist Palestinian organizations call for general strike to protest Shi'ite attacks on Beirut camps [JP 5/30]. Court releases convicted Jewish underground defendant Ze'ev Friedman after serving 13 mos. detention during trial; leniency shown because Friedman suffers from a"severe illness" [JTA 5/31]. Knesset defeats motions for inquiry into Lebanon war [NYT 5/30]. IDF releases 249 ex-Ansar prisoners held in Israel [WP 5/30].

Arab World: In Tunis, PLO Central Comm. approves joint Palestinian-Jordanian peace efforts aimed at creating independent Palestinian state in confederation with Jordan [WP, PI, WSJ 5/30].

Other Countries: In Washington, King Hussein states PLO, Jordan in agreement on holding negotiations with Israel in context of intl. conference; asserts PLO participation will be on basis of UN Sec. Council resolutions 242, 338 [NYT 5/30, LM 5/31].

Military Action

Arab World: Fighting continues in Beirut between Shi'ite, Palestinian forces [NYT 5/31]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Fearing more factional confrontations, Al-Najah U. administration closes campus for 2 days [JP 5/29].

Arab World: In Tunis, PLO Central Comm. affirms Palestinians' right to defend themselves in Beirut camps [LM 5/30].

Other Countries: King Hussein arrives in Washington for talks with US officials [NYT 5/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Carrying weapons, settlers enter Deir al-Hatab, demand expulsion of Samir Salah Yusuf Husayn (former prisonereleased 5/20) [TS 5/29].

Arab World: Palestinian fighters mount counterattack from Sabra camp, Beirut, against besieging Amal, Lebanese Army's 6th Brigade troops; 20 Shi'ites killed [NYT 5/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several thousand protesters demonstrate for and against clemency for Jewish underground defendants [JP 5/28]. Settlers post "wanted" posters depicting some of former prisoners released 5/20 in Hebron, Nablus [JP 5/28].

Arab World: In Tunis, Chmn. Arafat claims Amal, Lebanese Army's 6th Brigade troops massacred 60 Palestinian civilians on 5/26 in Sabra camp, Beirut [LT, MG 5/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bombs thrown at Israeli bus near Dura; no injuries. 2nd bus stoned near Am'ari camp [JP 5/28].

Arab World: Continued heavy fighting between Shi'ite, Palestinian forces in Beirut halts Red Cross attempt to evacuate wounded in camps; at least 8 killed, 35 wounded [NYT, LAT 5/28]. 5 IDF troops wounded by resistance action in Majdal Salim area, S. Lebanon [JP 5/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Arab League Sec. Gen. Chedli Klibi meets with Pres. Gemayel, Nabih Berri but fails to secure ceasefire in Beirut. Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia press Syria for intervention in fighting. In Tunis, PLO Central Comm. holds emergency meeting to discuss Beirut fighting [NYT 5/27].

Military Action

Arab World: Fighting continues between Shi'ite, Palestinian forces in Beirut; at least 3 killed, 57 wounded; 26,000 have fled; Amal fires on Red Cross convoy attempting to enter Burj al-Barajneh [NYT, WP, LT 5/27]. IDF kill 13 resistance fighters inside "security zone" in S. Lebanon [LT 5/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: 5,000 Palestinians hold general strike in 'Ain al-Hilweh camp, Lebanon, to protest recent fighting in Beirut. Shi'ites in Nabatiya, Lebanon also protest [WP 5/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: Amal, Palestinian fighters clash in Wavell camp; 4 killed; Syrian troops intervene. Similar fighting continues in Beirut camps [NYT 5/26]. IDF kill 3 resistance fighters near Tebnin [OB 5/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gen. Amnon Shishak tells settler leaders they cannot take law into their own hands (in wake of attacks, threats against prisoners released 5/20) [NYT 5/25]. Poll indicates 70% of Israelis support 5/20 prisoner exchange agreement; 73% also support clemency for Jewish underground defendants [MG 5/26]. 10 injured in clash between students representing rival Palestinian factions at Bir Zeit U. [JP 5/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF announce discovery of purported PFLP cell in W. Bank responsible for 2/4 killing of IDF soldier in Ramallah; 30 arrested; 5 homes in Saffra, Beitur al-Tahta destroyed [PI, LM 5/25]. Settlers drive through Hebron, smash car windows, fire shots at home of Palestinian released in 5/20 prisoner exchange [LAT 5/25].

Arab World: Shi'ite-Palestinian fighting continues in Sabra, Shatila, Burj al-Barajneh camps, Beirut; at least 12 killed, 100 wounded; Syrian-sponsored ceasefire plan fails; Amal refuses to allow Red Cross into camps [NYT, WP, PI 5/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish underground defendant Menachem Neuberger pleads guilty to charges of plotting to blow up al-Haram al-Sharif [WP, PI 5/24]. PM Peres asks Attorney Gen. Yitzhak Zamir for legal opinion concerning release of Jewish underground defendants; opposes executive branch interference in legal process [JTA 5/24].

Arab World: Officials from Amal, Palestine National Salvation Front meet in Mukhtara, Lebanon to seek resolution of Shi'ite-Palestinian fighting in Beirut [NYT 5/24]. PFLP, DFLP, Chmn. Arafat accuse Shi'ite fighters of massacres against Palestinian civilians in Beirut camps; Arafat also accuses Nabih Berri of making secret agreement with Israel to hinder anti-Israeli resistance in S. Lebanon [WP 5/24, LM 5/25]. Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara accuses Chmn. Arafat of provoking recent Amal-Palestinian fighting in Beirut [MG 5/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers attack homes of Talib Gheith in Hebron, Muhammad Abu Kishik in Askar camp (both former prisoners releasd 5/20) [NYT 5/25].

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: fighting continues between Amal, Lebanese Army's 6th Brigade and Palestinian fighters in Beirut camps; Palestinians launch Katyushas against Shi'ite areas of city; 33 killed, 193 wounded [NYT, MG 5/24]. Amal stages searches for Palestinians throughout Beirut; at least 200 arrested [PI 5/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In interview, US Ambassador Samuel Lewis states Cabinet Min. Ariel Sharon briefed US special envoy Philip Habib on IDF plans to drive PLO from Lebanon months before actual invasion [WP 5/24]. Police arrest Musa Adawi [released 5/20 during prisoner exchange] for "incitement" [JP 5/27].

Arab World: Syria accuses Chmn. Arafat of provoking Shi'ite-Palestinian battle in Beirut [NYT 5/23]. In Amman, Chmn. Arafat calls for intervention of UN Sec. Council in Beirut fighting [LT 5/23]. Fateh Deputy-in-Command Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) asserts Israel, PLO negotiating another release of Palestinian prisoners in return for bodies of IDF soldiers killed in Lebanon [FT 5/23].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: Palestinian fighters fire Katyusha rockets into Shi'ite areas S. of Beirut to relieve Amal's seige of Palestinian camps in Beirut; 34 killed in continuing battle [NYT 5/23, 24]. Shi'ite forces storm Gaza Hospital in Shatila camp, kill 25 patients [LT 5/26, NYT 5/27]. IDF evacuate Kafr Huna, Rihan, Mashghara, 'Aisheh, Farara [JP 5/23].

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: Israel, PFLP-GC complete prisoner exchange; 1,150 prisoners held by Israel released in return for 3 IDF soldiers held by PFLP-GC; freed prisoners include Ziad Abu Ain (extradited by the US to Israel in 1981), Kozo Okamoto (convicted of 1972 attack at Lydda airport); 605 freed within Occupied Palestine/Israel [WP, NYT, JP 5/21]. Hundreds of Israeli demonstrators potest against prisoner release, demand parallel release of Jewish underground defendants [JP 5/21, NYT 5/22].

Arab World: In Amman, Chmn. Arafat accuses Syria of instigating Amal's attacks against Palestinian camps in Beirut [DT 5/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: Amal, Lebanese Army's Shi'ite 6th Brigade battle Palestinian fighters in Sabra, Shatila, Burj al-Barajneh camps; at least 35 killed, 125 wounded [NYT 5/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cabinet agrees on 20 measures to improve economy [NYT 5/20]. Supreme Court calls on Knesseto enact election law to ban "undemocratic" parties [NYT 5/20]. Court convicts Jewish underground defendant Ze'ev Friedman of 1980 attempted bombing of Dr. Ahmad Natshe in Bethlehem [JP 5/20]. Hebrew U. engineer states he purchased US-made krytrons (without necessary export license) for the school's physics dept. in 1976 [NYT 5/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Stone thrown at Israeli bus near Jalazoun camp injures passenger. Gasoline bombs thrown at 2nd Israeli bus on W. Bank; no injuries reported [JP 5/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes at soldiers' hitchhiking post on Geha hwy.; no injuries [JP 5/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel, Egypt agree on timetable for repatriation to Gaza of 5,000 Palestinians in Egyptian section of Rafah [WP 5/18]. 4 Jewish suspects arrested in connection with 4/23 killing of Palestinian taxi driver [NYT 5/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Govt. offers to return unused krytrons illegally obtained from US [NYT 5/17]. Central Bureau of Statistics announces Consumer Price Index rose by 19.4% in April [WP 5/16]. Cabinet holds emergency meeting to discuss economy [FT 5/171.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF impose curfew on Halhoul following 5/15 attack on bus in vicinity [JTA 5/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Maariv publishes poll indicating 65% of Israelis oppose any territorial concessions in W. Bank, 21.9% favor returning some W. Bank settlements [JTA 5/16]. Tzomet and Tehiya parties to merge [DFA 5/85].

Other Countries: US State Dept. admits it has known since early 1985 that Israel illegally obtained US-made krytron firing devices; has asked Israel to explain how devices have been used, return any unused devices [NYT, WP 5/16]. US State Dept. Director of Counter-terrorism Robert Oakley reveals PLO guarded US embassy in Beirut from mid-1970s to 1982 [TS 5/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus fired on with automatic weapon near Halhoul; 1 passenger injured; 1-day curfew imposed [JP 5/16]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Udi Adiv, former Matzpen member convicted in 1972 of spying for Syria, released from Ramle prison [MG 5/15].

Arab World: In Amman, Chmn. Arafat states he would endorse UN Sec. Council Res. 242 if US endorses Palestinian "self-determination" [WP 5/15].

Military Action

Arab World: IDF issue identity cards to residents of S. Lebanon "security zone" who request them [LAT 5/16]. IDF report resistance fighters fire from S. Lebanon across border at IDF ambulance; later retract report to avoid panic in N. Israeli towns [WSJ 5/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor party wins Histadrut elections with 67.3% of vote [NYT, WP 5/15]. State comptroller Yitzhak Tunik releases report indicating police regularly make unjustified arrests, harass suspects [LAT 5/14].

Arab World: In Tunis, PLO officials confirm Chmn. Arafat gave King Hussein list of Palestinians suitable for Palestinian-Jordanian delegation, reportedly without approval of PLO Executive or Fateh Central Committees. List given to US Sec. of State Shultz who rejected it; list contained names of PNC Pres. Shaykh 'Abd al-Hamid Sayeh, PLO Executive Committee mbrs. Muhammad Milhelm, Archbishop Elia Khoury. Fateh Second-in-Command Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) states King Hussein ready to declare Palestinian-Jordanian confederation to negotiate with Israel; states it would be wrong for PLO to accept such a move [CSM, MG 5/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Min. official Nachman Shai admits Israel obtained US-made krytron timing devices in violation of US export laws (devices can be used for nuclear weapons) [NWK 5/12, WP 5/14]. Border Police fine, dismiss officer for granting privileges to Jewish underground defendants; MK Meir Kahane states he will pay officer's fine [NYT 5/13, LT 5/14, JP 5/24]. Jewish underground defendant Yehuda Etzion admits participation in 1980 bombing against Nablus Mayor Bassam Shak'a; describes plot to destroy al-Haram al-Sharif as "cleansing" of a Jewish holy site [JTA 5/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 bombs explode in Jerusalem; no injuries. Police defuse 4th bomb near hotel in which US Sec. of State Shultz is residing; Abu Musa faction of Fateh, pro-Arafat Force 17 [based in S. Yemen] both claim responsibility [LAT MG 5/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres, Deputy Premier Shamir tell US Sec. of State Shultz that Israel will not meet with Palestinian-Jordanian delegation including members of Palestine National Council (US considers the PNC and PLO separate organizations and was considering Jordanian suggestion that PNC members be included in proposed joint delegation) [LAT 5/11]. Peres indicates he has no objections to US meeting with Palestinian-Jordanian delegation if such meeting would promote future direct talks with Israel [NYT 5/12]. Police inquiry appointed to investigate 5/7, 5/9 incidents in which Border Police afforded Jewish underground defendantspecial privileges [JP 5/10]. Jewish Agency announces 4 new settlements to be erected within 4 mos. [WP 5/11]. "First Conference on Palestinian Thought" opens in Nazareth [FJ 5/17].

Other Countries: Chinese PM Zhao Ziyang tells Chmn. Arafat China supports proposals for intl. conference under UN auspices dealing with peace in the Middle East [LAT 5/11]. In Portugal, Yusuf al-Awad is acquitted of 1983 assassination of Issam Sartawi [WP 5/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Border Police guarding Jewish undergroundefendants allow them to go swimming in Netanya following court proceedings [JP 5/10]. IDF open main entrance of Dheisheh camp [closed 6/83]; 18 others remain closed [FJ 5/17].

Other Countries: In Lisbon, US Sec. of State Shultz states Palestinian participation in negotiations "essential"; indicates he will discuss specific names of Palestinians during coming visit with Arab, Israeli leaders [NYT 5/10]. Chmn. Arafat arrives in Beijing seeking Chinese support for Palestinian-Jordanian peace efforts [NYT 5/10].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: 21-yr.-old Wafa Nur al-Din detonates bomb hidden in suitcase, killing herself and 2 others, including SLA officer [MG, TS 5/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: New campus at Bir Zeit U. reopened (closed 3/8 after IDF raid) [NYT 5/9]. Knesset no-confidence motion based upon allegations that Min. Ezer Weizman leaked secret information to US sources during Carter administration fails [JP 5/9]. Gush Emunim settlers erect tent settlement of Hadar Beitar near Palestinian village of Hussan [JP 5/10]. Palestinian students at Haifa U. protest 3/6 disciplinary action against colleagues [JP 5/90].

Arab World: Chmn. Arafat states he and King Hussein agreed on composition of joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation [BG 5/9]. In Tunis, PLO spokesman Ahmad 'Abd al-Rahman, PLO Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi, Fateh Second-in-Command Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) indicate only PLO Central Committee members may participate in joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation's talks with US officials [NYT, CSM 5/9]. 5 leaders of Palestine National Salvation Front, incl. Sec. Gen. Ahmad Yamani (Abu Mahir), meet with Lebanese PM Rashid Karami, Nabih Berri concerning bringing 13 Palestinian camps in Lebanon under PNSF control; are informed Palestinians cannot use S. Lebanon for rocket attacks against Israel [NYT, LT 5/9].

Military Action

Arab World: Off Lebanese coast near Tyre IDF gunboat sinks rubber dinghy carrying 5 Palestinian fighters [PI, NYT 5/9]. RPG wounds IDF soldier in Kantara, S. Lebanon [JP 5/9].