The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dheisheh camp residents demonstrate & Nablus merchants strike in solidarity with Jnaid prison inmates on 12th day of their hunger strike. 45 Arab local councils and municipal workers strike over unpaid salaries owed by Israel.

Arab World: As Arab League chrmn., Morocco's King Hassan calls for summit mtg. on Jordan's new relations with Egypt. In speech before Jordan's parliament, King Hussein rejects peace talks as proposed by Israel, calls for UN-sponsored negotiations.

Other Countries: US-based AAI Corp. (div. of United Industries Corp.) agrees to produce & market in US remotely-piloted vehicles (RPVs) Mastiff &Scout made by Israeli cos. Tadiran & Israel Aircraft Industries. 100-mm. guns made by Israel displayed atop Chinese Type 69 tanks in Peking military parade.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dheisheh camp youths throw stones at Israeli vehicles, smash 1 bus window. Police detain 4 Kach members attempting to enter Dheisheh after curfew.

Social/Economic/Politica

l Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet agrees to withdraw IDF from Lebanon if Syria agrees not to advance its troops and UN and militia forces guarantee secure border. Israeli Army quartermaster gen. Erez grants 1-mo. amnesty to reservists to return estimated $250 million worth of stolen weapons, ammunition and equipment before arrests begin. Dir. Gen. of Finance Ministry Baruch resigns, charging govt. failing to take proper action to revive economy. Largest Israeli textile co. Ata offered for sale for 1 shekel, providing buyer assumes co.'s $25 million debt.

Arab World: In Kuwait, Chrmn. Arafat urges return of Egypt to Arab fold. Other Countries: US fiscal yr. ends with $2.61 billion official aid to Israel. Israeli diplomat replaces Mossad agent as Israeli amb. to Sri Lanka.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Tentative agreement reached in Nablus to reconcile 3-yr.-old rivalry in Federation of West Bank Labor Unions.

Arab World: Kuwait gov't. criticizes King Hussein for defying Arab summit decisions by new relations with Cairo.

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese & Palestinian resistance claim responsibility for killing IDF intelligence officer "Abu al-Nur." Light weapons fired at IDF post in Jezzine & at civil guard post in Haboush village, S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Sri Lankan Defense Ministry spokesman reports departure of Israeli military staff after training counterinsurgency forces.

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: US envoy Murphy meets Lebanese Pres. Gemayel & PM Karami in Beirut. Other Countries: Before UN General Assembly, Egypts FM Abd al-Meguid calls for int'l. conference to protect rights of Arabs in Israeli-occupied territories. Int'l. Progress Organization holds 3-day conf. in Brussels, calls for US recognition of PLO and int'l. Middle East peace conf. under UN auspices.

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli troops shoot & wound Sidon resident for breaking through IDF roadblock. Light arms fire directed at IDF outpost in Kamel al-Luz, S. Lebanon. 

Military Action

Arab World: In S. Lebanon, roadside bomb explodes as IDF patrol passes near Kafr Kuk; light weapons fired at patrol in Sidon; IDF patrol hits land mine 2 km south of Nabatiya.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: On Israeli radio, Bethlehem Mayor Freij welcomes renewed Jordan-Egypt ties. High Court grants injunction to 9 Beit Amin villagers halting Israeli development on their land. Israeli FM Shamir meets with Spanish FM Moran to discuss possible future diplomatic relations.

Arab World: Palestinian Natl. Alliance condemns Jordan for renewed relations with Egypt. US envoy Murphy returns to Damascus for further talks with Syrian officials.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres says Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon no longer contingent upon simultaneous Syrian withdrawal.

Arab World: Jordan and Egypt announce resumption of full diplomatic relations; US and Israel claim the move is a victory for Camp David process; Syria and Libya denounce it, call for boycott of Egypt.

Other Countries: Israeli FM Shamir meets with Soviet FM Gromyko at UN in New York.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Min.of Police Bar Lev refuses Jewish terror suspects' request for prison leave over Jewish holidays.

Arab World: In Damascus, Democratic Alliance calls for convening PNC.

Other Countries: US envoy Murphy arrives in Tel Aviv to discuss with PM Peres possible mediation between Israel and Syria over IDF withdrawal from Lebanon. Israeli FM Shamir meets Egyptian FM Abd al-Meguid in New York. US threatens withdrawal from Intl. Atomic Energy Agency if it does not recognize Israel.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF and SLA patrols come under light arms fire near Jezzine and in Tyre, S. Lebanon. 1 IDF soldier & 1 Shin Bet agent killed, 1 soldier wounded in ambush near Mishki village, eastern Beqaa.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jnaid inmates begin hunger strike against poor prison conditions. Israeli govt. imposes additional taxes up to 2% on private cars, boats, aircraft, business inventories, commercial bldgs. and equipment. Finance Min. Modai announces plan to cut basic food and fuel subsidies.

Arab World: 3 US Navy vessels arrive off Beirut as US Asst. Sec. of State Murphy arrives to investigate embassy annex bombing (9/20), then leaves for official visit to Damascus.

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese resistance forces ambush IDF patrol near al-Rihan village, S. Lebanon; IDF patrol kills 3 suspected assailants. 5 commandos in rubber dinghy attack IDF post at Awali River bridge; 6 Israelis injured, 3 commandos killed by IDF tank fire, 2 captured. 

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 4 Palestinians injured when Jewish extremists hurl bomb into Old Jerusalem cafe.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arinoam Katrieli sentenced to 15 mos. for plot to attack al-Haram al-Sharif. Israeli govt. announces plan to raise income tax over next 4 mos. as part of austerity program.

Other Countries: Malta refuses credentials of new Israeli amb. Facing press allegations of failure to ensure adequate security at US embassy annex in Beirut (bombed 9/20), US Pres. Reagan analogizes: "Anyone that's ever had their kitchen done over knows that it never gets done as soon as you wish it would."

Military Action

Arab World: IDF announce arrest of 15 Druze militia men for 9/20 Israeli-supervised ambush of Sohmor villagers; FM Shamir calls ambush "clash between ethnic groups, which is part of the reality in Lebanon," adds "we should not rush to draw conclusions about the South Lebanon Army."

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: UN Undersec. Urquhart meets with DM Rabin and Gen. Moshe Levy to discuss possible expanded UNIFIL role in Lebanon.

Other Countries: US Senate passes bill HR3398 (96-0) containing provision for a Free Trade Area with Israel. EL AL (London) reveals it has been supplying food to Arab airlines.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Youths on Ramallah-Nablus road and near Dhahariya village stone Israeli vehicles.

Arab World: After Israeli-led "South Lebanon Army" patrol ambushed nearby, killing 4, IDF troops and SLA forces herd together unarmed Shi'ite male villagers (between ages 15 & 60) and unleash revenge-seeking Druze SLA militia members to kill 13 and wound 27. Suicide truck bombing at US Embassy annex in Aukar (East Beirut) kills 23. IDF expels 4 British journalists from S. Lebanon [as Israel bars journalists without written IDF permission from area].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police arrest 300 Palestinian intinerant workers in Herzliya in move to prevent their gathering in Israeli residential areas. DM Rabin rejects West Bank settlers' demands that he expel Palestinians involved in acts against Jewish squatters. 4 Turkish MPs defy Ankara policy, meet FM Shamir in Jerusalem. Israeli police detain 30 Gazans, incl. (paralyzed) Shaikh A. I. Yassin suspected of Islamic Assoc. (Gaza) plot to execute 300 West Bank & Gaza notables.

Military Action

Other Countries: Israel delivers 12 Kfir jets on lease to US Navy.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military governate orders confiscation of 1,300 dunums of land belonging to 30 Mazra al-Qibliyeh village families. IDF lift al-Khidr curfew, detain several suspected in bus ambush (9/17). Hundreds of 'Arara village students demonstrate, commemorating Sabra & Shatila massacres, police arrest 15 for interrogation.

Arab World: Palestinian Workers Federation begins 3-day conf. in Damascus.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops raid Dheisheh camp, searching for suspects in bus ambush.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jerusalem press conference, staff and student representatives of West Bank universities condemn closure of Najah Nat'l. U. (since 7/30/84). Military orders ban Gaza table tennis tournament (scheduled for 9/21).

Arab World: Portuguese & Eritrean labor delegations visit Chrmn. Arafat at Tunis HQ. PDR Yemen leader Ali Nasser Mohammed arrives in Damascus for talks with officials on PLO-Syria reconciliation.

Other Countries: Israel announces appointment of Benjamin Netanyahu as its amb. to UN.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2nd anniversay of massacres at Sabra and Shatila camps; Israeli troops respond with tear gas to demonstrations in Jalazoun and Dheisheh camps. Israeli bus ambushed near Bethlehem, 5 Israelis, 2 Palestinians in nearby car injured; police search, impose curfew on Dheisheh camp & al-Khidr village. Arab World: IDF position near Jezzine shelled by Katyushas fired from south of Awali River.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli gov't. announces 9% devaluation of shekel and plan for $1 billion national budget cut. Speaking before UJA in Jerusalem, PM Peres pledges Israel will withdraw from Lebanon "in a matter of several months." Trial begins of 20 Israelis suspected in bombing attacks on West Bank mayors (June 1980) and attack on Arab students of al-Khalil (Hebron) Islamic College (1983).

Socia/lEconomic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli police detain about 50 Gaza Palestinians in connection with 9/14 slaying of Mayor Qishta, hold 4 suspects. Israeli settlers posing as Japanese tourists check into Nablus hotel planning to demonstrate for Jewish settlement of Nablus; Israeli security forces ban demonstrators from streets. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian women's groups convene at Beit Hanina to rally support for striking Jnaid prison inmates. Knesset votes to approve coalition govt. (89-18, 1 abst., 12 absent); Peres takes oath as PM and calls on King Hussein to negotiate with Israel.

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat meets with UK amb. in Tunis.

Other Countries: US State Dept. announces willingness to grant "several hundred million dollars" additional aid to Israel, if sufficient anti-inflationary austerity measures taken.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Unidentified gunmen in passing car shoot and kill Rafah (Gaza) Mayor Abd al-Karim Qishta. Arab World: Lebanese militias twice repel Israeli gunboats firing on West Beirut.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gush Emunim squatters establish settlements Nachliel and Givat Helevona (a.k.a. Eli) north of Ramallah. Jewish squatters add 4 caravans to settlement at Tel Rumaida in al-Khalil (Hebron). In exchange for Progressive List for Peace (PLP) votes to support Shlomo Hillel as Knesset speaker, Labor agrees on 3 issues: to legislate against apartheid practices toward Palestinians, to approve proposed change in Umm al-Fahm's status to full township, and to consider favorably establishment of an Arab university in Israel. Canadian and British delegates meet with Palestinian mayors and community leaders in Jerusalem on eve of Int'l. Liberals Congress in Tel Aviv (9/13-16).

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat returns to Tunis, meets Soviet delegation there. Nabih Berri & Walid Junblatt boycott weekly Lebanese cabinet meeting to press gov't. to discuss political reforms and conditions in S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: In US, representatives of 11 relief and community service organizations meet State Dept. officials to protest Israeli policy toward Palestinian universities.

Military Action

Arab World: Beirut Radio reports 4 IDF troops killed in 2 S. Lebanon bomb attacks; IDF soldier injured by land mine in S. Lebanon (9/10) dies of injuries.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish Agency announces plan to spend $30 million on settlement projects in Galilee, Negev & Wadi al-Araba.

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat in Kuwait for official talks.

Other Countries: Texas investor Leroy Brenna launches "Strategic Israeli Fund Inc.," mutual fund for investing in Israeli companies.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF shoot Shiite villager near Tyre for "acting in a suspicious manner." Light arms fire directed at IDF patrol in Jbaa village; no casualties reported.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In campaign to repress leadership in occupied territories, Israeli authorities place Communist Party leader George Hazboun under 6-mo. town arrest in Bethlehem. Labor Party ratifies agreemento form national unity gov't. with Likud. Finance Minister Cohen-Orgad says Israel will ask for extra $750 million to $1 billion in emergency aid from US next year [for total $3.5 billion].

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat visits Baghdad, continues to Kuwait.

Other Countries: Israeli Laser Industries Ltd. buys remaining 50% of Metalworking Lasers International Ltd. through its US branch, Locke Technology Corp. US and Israeli agents bust $100 million counterfeiting ring, arresting 3 in NY and 7 in Israel, in plot to distribute "high quality" forged $10, $20 and $100 notes.

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli warplanes attack positions in Bhamdoun, S. Lebanon; DFLP Maj. Abu Kassim reported killed, 2 wounded. IDF soldier injured by roadside bomb near Ansariya, another injured by landmine near Medouha, S. Lebanon. Israeli troops raid Jbaa village, S. Lebanon, arrest several residents after grenade and machine-gun attack on IDF position there, killing 1, wounding 2.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kinneret Research Laboratory reports Sea of Galilee [source of 40% of Palestine's drinking water] reaching dangerous pollution levels. Mapam Party votes to end its political partnership with Labor Alignment to protest Labor/Likud accord and proposed cabinet post for Ariel Sharon.

Arab World: At Beirut rally, Nabih Berri encourages suicide attacks on Israeli occupiers in S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: PLO Political Dept. Chrmn. Qaddoumi holds press conf. in Malta. About 150 Jews & Arabs protest appearance of Meir Kahane at Silver Spring, MD (US) Jewish Community Center.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Miitary coordinator for occupied territories Shmuel Goren, directing commentso MKs who support Palestinian rights, says he will not hesitate "to stop any activity of Israeli parties in the West Bank & Gaza which might affect general order."

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: On Lebanese state radio, PM Karami assails US for vetoing UN resolution on Israeli occupation of S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: National Press Club (Washington) denies MK Kahane's request for speaking appearance. Palestine Aid Society (US) convenes 3rd national convention in Washington.

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat meets with officials in Jedda, then flies to San'a' to discuss preparations for next PNC meeting.

Other Countries: US vetoes UN Security Council resolution calling on Israel to "immediately lift all restrictions and obstacles" imposed on Lebanese civilians in Israeli-occupied S.Lebanon; US delegate calls resolution "unbalanced." Israel and Belize establish diplomatic relations

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha. Renewed talks produce basic agreement on bipartisan Israeli government. High Court refuses to make public Zorea Com. report regarding killing of Palestinian commandos in Gaza (4/12/84). Shattah prison (Nazareth) inmates find worms in food, stage hunger strike. Jnaid prison (Nablus) inmates strike after guards attack prisoners with tear gas in their cells, hospitalizing 4. Bank Hapoalim announces $8.2 million profit for 1st half of 1984.

Other Countries: In New York pre-trial hearing in his $50 million suit against Time, Ariel Sharon castigates its 2/21/83 issue's implication that he encouraged Sabra & Shatila massacres (9/82) as "blood libel."

Military Action

Arab World: IDF transfers responsibility for security in Nabatiya to South Lebanon Army; sends patrols north of Awali River. Israeli DM Arens meets SLA Gen. Lahd, expresses satisfaction with SLA performance. Former Lebanese PM Selim al-Hoss escapes remote-control bomb blast; 4 killed, 25 wounded.

SociallEconomic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Death sentences of Maher & Karim Yunis [conferred 12/271/84] for killing Jewish hitch-hiker (1980) commuted to life in prison by Lydd court. El Al airline announces $14.3 million loss in fiscal 1984.

Arab World: Christian Lawyer Joseph Hashem announced to replace deceased Pierre Gemayel as Lebanese Health and Communications Minister.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities demolish power station and grid belonging to Jerusalem Electric Co. at Ain al-Sultan camp claiming that construction was not licensed. About 50 armed Israeli squatters storm and take possession of Palestinian home near Herod's Gate, Old Jerusalem. 3 Dheisheh camp nationalists injured in stabbing by anti-nationalist group members after week of confrontations; nationalist supporters respond by demolishing Young Men's Muslim Assoc. headquarters.

Arab World: IDF engineer corps commander Cohen says IDF spending $17 million to fortify eastern front in Lebanon for winter. IDF release 45 detainees from Ansar concentration camp in S. Lebanon, where about 800 remain.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza military court charges 2 Israeli officers with 5/1/84 attack & blinding of Gaza man M. H; Abu Amra.

Arab World: 3 Palestinian Nat'l. Action leaders in Jordan voice opposition to PNC mtg. before agreement between all PLO groups. Lebanese Pres. Gemayel meets Pres. Assad in Damascus for talks on security and political reforms. Palestine Higher Military Council meets in Tunis, endorses Aden-Algiers agreement (6/27). Chrmn. Arafat meets with Algerian (FLN) officials.

Other Countries: Nigerian gov't. sanctions chiefs Oba Sijuade II and Alhaji Ado Bayero for recent visit to Jerusalem for talks with Israeli officials. Israel Aircraft Industries recruits 10 engineers from Lear Fan plant in Belfast, N. Ireland to accelerate production of Lavi jets. France's Chief Rabbi Rene Sirat condemns Kahane as "contrary to all ideals of Judaism." Venezuelan Confederation of Jewish Associations denounces Pan American Gymnastics Federation support for Palestine's membership in International Gymnastics Federation. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza artist Fathi Ghabin released from prison after serving 4 of 6-mo. sentence for "incitement" through his painting. Religious, intellectual and political personalities from all Palestine conclude 2nd annual Arab Christian and Muslim Heritage Conference at Theological Center for Ecumenical Studies in Tantur (Bethlehem), calling on educational institutions to raise level of Arabic instruction, and teach elements of Islamic and Christian religions. Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Shamir report "serious obstacles," particularly issue of West Bank settlements, block formation of unity government. Bank of Israel announces foreign currency reserves dropped by US$192 million in August [total reserves now US$2.4 billion; US$3 billion needed to cover 3 mos. basic commodity imports].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli soldier wounded dismantling bomb at "Voice of Lebanon" radio station at Lebanese border.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nablus Chamber of Commerce submits memorandum to "civil administration" outlining city's urgent social and economic problems; no response from authorities. 19 Palestinians arrested for stone-throwing during MK Kahane's attempted entry into Umm al-Fahm (8/29). Israeli troops raid Qalandiya refugee camp, detain several youths suspected of commandeering bulldozer from nearby quarry and flattening Israeli-built barrier at camp entrance.

Arab World: Druze leaders meet in Majd al-Shams (Golan) to demand dismissal of 30 teachers accepting Israeli ID cards. Chrmn. Arafat meets with French FM Cheysson in Tunis.

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat cables Chrmn. Truong Chinh on occasion of Vietnam's nat'l. day. 2nd anniversary of Reagan Middle East peace initiative. US Navy announces Israel will lend 12 Kfir jets on no-cost 4-yr. lease for use in combat training; Israel Aircraft Ind. will maintain jets for "firm fixed price."

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinian & Lebanese resistance detonate remote-control bomb as IDF patrol near Marjayoun, S. Lebanon, destroying jeep, wounding occupants.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Peres and Shamir agree on plan to alternate PMship for 25 mos. each. In response to Umm al-Fahm confrontation (8/29), MK Kahane vows to bar Arab workers from entering Israeli towns and settlements.

Other Countries: MK Kahane arrives in US for political and fundraising tour.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kach demonstrators march on Umm al-Fahm trying to establish Arab "emigration" office there; counter demonstration joined by local Palestinians and Jewish sympathizers; police intervene to forestall violence.

Arab World: Pierre Gemayel dies of heart attack in Lebanon.

Other Countries: UN Security Council hears Lebanon's case against Israeli actions in S. Lebanon.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF reveals new upgraded Soviet T-54 & T-55 tanks adapted from those captured in wars with Arab armies.

Arab World: IDF armored convoys advance north of Awali River in new offensive against resistance. 3 IDF troops wounded by roadside bomb near Marjayoun.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF jets attack Beqaa village Majdal Anjar, killing 100.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In radio interview, Educ. & Culture Min. Shmueli advises teachers to combat incitement against Arab citizens. Maariv quotes Ariel Sharon as saying Jordan rightfully belongs to Israel and will one day be settled by Jews.

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat arrives in Lusaka for visit with Zambian Pres. Kaunda. The Washington Times reports classified US defense document "Lessons Learned in Lebanon" concludes 20% IDF casualties in 1982 Lebanon invasion were self-inflicted, calls IDF "inept horde."

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Pres. Herzog grants Peres 21-day extension to form coalition gov't. 4 MKs arriving for inspection tour at Tel Mond prison beaten by Kach demonstrators; 40 mins. later police arrive, delivering Interior Min. Burg's orders barring MKs' entrance.

Arab World: Walid Jumblatt calls for negotiations with Israel to end IDF occupation of S. Lebanon.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF reportedly kill 2 resistance fighters near Tyre; IDF position attacked by Katyusha fire near Lake Karoun.