The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Likud bloc and Labor agree on July 23 as date for Knesset elections.

Other Countries: US Pres. Reagan calls bill to move embassy to Jerusalem "most unwise." Joint US Congressional Resolution proclaiming May 6-13, 1984, "National-jewish Heritage Week" enacted by Pres. Reagan.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: On eve of Land Day, occupation forces launch wide campaign of arrests of 15 to 20-yr.-old men throughout West Bank refugee camps.

Arab World: IDF tanks storm Jibsheet mosque, S. Lebanon during 5 a.m. prayer; soldiers open fire, killing at least 6 (teenage girl bleeds to death while Israelis prevent aid from ambulance and Red Cross workers).

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/ Israel: At press conference, Rev. Shehadeh Shehadeh cites Israeli land expropriation of 68% of Palestinian land as theme for upcoming Land Day demonstrations.

Other Countries: EEC FMs issue statement denouncing Israel settlement policy and call for PLO role in peace negotiations. Israeli Pres. Herzog arrives in London for official visit. During visit to Jordan Queen Elizabeth speaks at state banquet of need for just solution to "the tragedy that has befallen the Palestinian people."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Explosive charges planted near bus stop on Bethlehem road and at Jerusalem train station found and defused.

Arab World: Several young men arbitrarily arrested by IDF removed by helicopter from Jibsheet village, S. Lebanon.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5th anniversary of signing of Egypt-Israel peace treaty. Abu Ali Shahin wins temporary injunction against proposed expulsion from Gaza, Palestine. 4 American Jews formally charged with attack on Arab bus near Ramallah (3/4/84). 3 Alignment MKs walk out of Constitution Com. mtg. as Kach leader Kahane arrives uninvited. Tel Aviv U. pres. and Alignment candidate for Finance Min. Ben-Shahar alerts economics conference that Israeli GNP growth is slower than Arab neighbors.

Arab World: UK's Queen Elizabeth arrives in Jordan for state visit. Shlomo Ilya, recently dismissed from post as "civil administration" head in West Bank for misconduct, appointed IDF commander in S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Commemorating Egypt-Israel treaty anniversary, US & Israel reaffirm March 1979 memorandum, extending (for 5 more years) and expanding Israel's prospects for arms sales in US.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: League for Human and Civil Rights in Israel charges IDF detention center at Fara'a (West Bank) is factory for torture of inmates (mostly minors). 2 prisoners to be freed in Nov. 1983 prisoner exchange still held in Atlit prison, appeal to High Court for release. Haifa U.'s Arab Student Union pres. suspended for semester on charges of disturbing MK Sharon lecture (1/19/84), at which he and student companions were tear gassed while attempting to enter lecture hall. Pres. Herzog rejects pardon request by Uri Adiv. [See JPS (Winter 1984) pp. 176-178.] Naturei Karta's Rabbi Hirsch says on US television PLO is sole & democratically-chosen representative of Palestinian people.

Other Countries: Israeli DM Arens reportedly calls US Sec. of Defense Weinberger "a prime candidate for psychoanalysis."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF uses tear gas against Arab students demonstrating near yeshiva at Joseph's Tomb, Nablus. Egged bus traveling between Kafr Saba and Qalqilya, and IDF patrol near Balata refugee camp stoned. IDF soldier wounded while forcing dispersal of demonstrators at Nur Shams refugee camp. Beitunia students protest Egypt-Israel treaty and moves by local mayor to normalize relations with "civil administration. "

Arab World: In S. Lebanon, Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army invades Jibsheet village, kills 2 women, 1 man; IDF searches village, rounding up about 100 "suspects of hostility to Israel." IDF patrol ambushed south of Zahrani River, 1 assailant killed. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 200-400 Palestinians and Jews gather at Kerem Shalom settlement to protest detention of Abu Ali Shahin in nearby Dahniya village, Gaza.

Arab World: Lebanese police take over positions vacated by French MNF pullout.

Military Action:

Arab World: Abu Nidal group claims responsibility for bomb blast outside Intercontinental Hotel, Amman.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 former Ansar prisoners Ghassan Zeidan & Mohammed Yunis held in Atlit prison submit habeus corpus petitions to High Court that Israel violated Nov. exchange agreement for their release. 3 Black Americans (2 bishops and 1 journalist) detained at Lydd airport because of skin color; no official apology offered; Tourism Ministry spokesman Shoshani explains Blacks singled out as part of "security check."

Arab World: PFLP-DFLP Joint Command, Palestine Liberation Front and Palestine Communist Party meet in Aden to discuss unification and revitalization of PLO.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mutilated and decapitated body of Bilal Jamal Najjar, Najah U. student who disappeared (3/11/84), and was last seen in Israeli prison, found near Majdal Fadel village.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Knesset approves motions calling for elections in May or June.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Some 20 born-again Jews of Mahane Yisrael yeshiva, Jerusalem attack 2 Christians and 2 Messianic Jews living nearby who are then evicted by their landlord; victims decline to file complaint against attackers.

Social/Economic/Political:

Other Countries: Canadian FM MacEachen tells Canada-Israel Com. a negotiated peace with secure Israeli borders and a Palestinian homeland in West Bank and Gaza still possible. Bowing to pro-Israel pressure, Reagan admin. abandons proposed arms sale to Jordan. Swedish gov't. statement affirms support for Palestinian state in 1967 occupied territories.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bowing to demands from Knesset, PM Shamir forms committee to discuss early elections.

Other Countries: US Sec of State Shultz says Hussein's criticism of US dealt serious "setback" to missile sale to Jordan.

Military Action:

Other Countries: W. German press reports Israel recently supplied Iran with over $500 million in weapons, and reveals future sale plans.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF disband Tulkarm Red Crescent Society admin. council for unspecified reasons. Arab World: Jordan's Queen Noor criticizes US-Israeli ties before World Affairs Council, Washington, DC.

Other Countries: On Middle East fact-finding mission, UN Undersec. Gen. Urquhart told by Shamir of Israel's opposition to UNIFIL troops in S. Lebanon. Israel claims smuggled Palestinian vegetables from West Bank & Gaza sold on Israeli market.

Military Action:

Arab World: 1 IDF soldier killed, 1 wounded in roadside bomb blast near Sarafand, S. Lebanon; IDF conducts house-to-house search, arresting several "suspects."

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF reserve sergeant Rami Givoni, refusing service in Lebanon, returns military orders and documents to DM's office. Najah Nat'l. U. students resume classes after 1-mo. closure by Israeli military.

Arab World: In US TV inteview, King Hussein suggests alternative sources for arms if denied sale by US.

Military Action:

Arab World: IDF command cars fired upon near Kamal al-Luz, S. Lebanon; 1 Israeli wounded.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: On anniversary of since-abrogated Israeli-Lebanese agreement, Lebanese Christian Agency (Phalange) opens semi-diplomatic mission in Jerusalem Hilton Hotel as liaison to Israeli gov't.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestinle/Israel: Jaffa settler Rafi Hen, suspected financier of B'nai Yehuda cult accused of plotting destruction of al-Aqsa Mosque, released on IS50,000 bail. 4-man Soviet peace delegation visit at invitation of peace movement representatives. Austrian Institute for Peace Research and Tel Aviv-based Int'l. Com. for Peace in the Middle East meet for 2-day conference at American Colony Hotel, Jersualem.

Social Economic/Political:

Arab World: Participants in Lebanon reconciliation talks agree all political prisoners of Lebanon's warring factions be released. IDF reopens Sidon port after 10-day closure.

Other Countries: In response to remarks by King Hussein, Reagan admin. says "there is no possibility of progress toward peace" unless Jordan and other Arab countries change their attitude and agree to negotiate with Israel; White House sends cable to US amb. Viets in Amman, demanding explanation why Washington not alerted to Hussein's seeming abrupt loss of confidence; State Dep't. suggests Syrian-backed extremism provoked his rejection of Reagan "peace initiatives."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Home-made bomb hurled at IDF patrol near Gaza; no casualties.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military sources announce plans to expel Palestinian leader Abu Ali Shahin held incommunicado for past 11 months on charges of illegal residence in Gaza. After 2-week study, IMF delegation endorses Israel Treasury policies. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Amin Tarif criticizes Golani Druze for demonstrating in Nabi Shu'eib against Israeli occupation. French national Henri Eichholtzer given 4-year sentence for passing informaiton to PLO; evidence convicting Eichholtzer allegedly found among documents looted from Beirut by IDF. Suspended al-Najah U.'s Council of Deans issues statement of concern over restriction on academic life.

Arab World: In New York Times interview, King Hussein rules out direct negotiations with Israel in near future and says US lost all credibility as mediator by its lopsided policy.

Other Countries: At New York fundraiser, MK Sharon warns arms sold to Jordan will only aim at Israel, and US "must stop immediately the dangerous arms race in the Middle East." Greek police arrest Palestinian Alani Abdul Rahim charged with assassination attempt on Israeli diplomatic mission head in Athens.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5th American Jewish Kach settler arrested in connection with shooting of Arab bus passengers (3/4/84) and other "TNT" activities. 6 Israeli settlers tried in Jersualem for rioting and arson of Hebron market last year. Tel Aviv police unit leader Hafetz suspended for leaking information of "TNT" to press. Knesset defeats bill to declare "Hatikvah" Israel's national anthem, with its theme of a historic Jewish yearning for the "land of Israel." National Com. of Arab Town Councils urges adoption of national anthem that expresses the notion of two nations living in a single country. Returning from 3-day visit to Cairo int'l. trade fair, Israeli Industry & Trade Minister Patt reports no improvement in Israel-Egypt relations in sight; says 50% decrease in exports to Egypt since 1982 linked to poor political relations. US Marine commander Gen. Kelley begins 2-day official visit with IDF and DM Arens. At Jerusalem rally PM Shamir claims USSR refused renewed relations with Israel because of its hatred of the Jewish people. Members of Makuya sect of Japanese Christian zealots conduct pro-Israel march in Jerusalem.

Arab World: Beirut cease-fire called by leaders at reconciliation talks in Lausanne.

Other Countries: French Minister of Industry Fabius and Israeli Trade Minister Patt agree to further cooperation in commerce and industrial research. Pres. Reagan defends proposed arms package to Jordan before United Jewish Appeal. Added to his recent refusal to assist in obtaining Israel's permission for West Bank delegates to attend PNC session, Reagan refuses to support or withhold veto on Jordan's draft resolution condemning Israeli settlements in occupied territories as illegal. 4 JDL members arrested for criminal trespass and possession of noxious chemicals, and held in suspicion of bomb threat at Greensburgh, NY Town Hall showing of Russian architecture film. [JDL seeks severance of all US relations with USSR until all Soviet Jews permitted to emigrate freely.] 

Social/Economic/Political:

Arab World: Jordan holds 1st election in 17 years to fill 8 remaining parliament seats.

Other Countries: US amb. to Cairo reportedly tells US Senators he hopes for advance notice of plans to move US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, so he and staff will have the chance to get out of town. Netherlands gov't. decides to remove last remaining office in Jerusalem to its embassy in Tel Aviv. Jamaica National Investments Co, and Wild World Promoters of Israel join in $30 million venture to export vegetables to US (duty free under Reagan's Caribbean Basin Initiative). Speaking before UJA convention in Washington, Israeli amb. to US Rosenne warns Israel will be reluctant to negotiate with any other Arab country if Egypt does not return amb. to Israel soon.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kiryat Arba school bus hit by stones near Halhoul; authorities force closure of 5 nearby shops. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied PalestinelIsrael: Police announce 4 JDL members arrested for attack on Arab bus (3/4/84) were under surveillance for past year, background information on suspects requested from Los Angeles and NY police. Labor's hawkish Ben Gurion Circle quits Rafael Eitan's Tzomet movement in party loyalty ultimatum.

Arab World: Pres. Mubarak on US television pledges not to abrogate Camp David peace treaty as condition for joining ArabLeague; reiterates Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and progress on Palestinian autonomy conditions for returning Egypt's amb. to Tel Aviv. Syrian Pres. Assad names 3 vice-Presidents: Rifa'at Assad for defense and security, Abdul Halim Khaddam for political and foreign affairs, and Mohammed Masharqa for party affairs.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 7-yr.-old Palestinian boy shot and wounded by Israeli troops at Balata refugee camp demonstration.

Arab World: IDF soldier dies from wound sustained in Sidon harbor explosions (3/4/84).

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel-sponsored Federation of Village Leagues formally dissolved.

Arab World: Lebanese rival leaders arrive in Lausanne for reconciliation talks. Soviet 1st dep. premier Aliyev begins 3- day talks with Syrian leaders in Damascus.

Other Countries: Arafat meets with Chinese Pres. Li Xiannian in Amman, accepting invitation to visit China in April. PLO sports and youth organization in Tunis announces hopes for Palestinian team participation in Los Angeles Olympics.

Military Action:

Arab World: Israeli public works engineer dies of injuries suffered in ambush while working for IDF in S. Lebanon.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine! Israel: Central Bureau of Statistics reports overall imports for Jan.-Feb., 1984 down 11% compared with same period in 1983; fuel imports down 9%, private car imports down 57%, diamonds up by 21%. On Israeli TV Sharon presents himself as candidate for premiership. 8 Arab men arrested in connection with Ashdod bus bombing (3/7/84).

Arab World: Chinese Pres. Li Xiannian meets King Hussein in Amman. Egypt's FM Ghali in Jerusalem Post interview reveals his delegation mtg. with Israeli Labor leaders (May 1982) was assured Labor would only support surgical strike in S. Lebanon along lines of 1978 Litani campaign.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestinle/Israel:Unknown dawn attackers fire at Umm al-Fahm homes for 3rd time in four weeks; no casualties. Arab World: 2 hand grenades thrown at IDF convoy outside Nabatiya; no casualties reported.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: International Women's Day celebrations held in Palestinian towns, largest of which sponsored by Women's Work Com. in Jerusalem. Israeli military blockade refuses women access to Jerusalem. 9-mo. hunger strike at Neve Terza women's prison ends with some rights restored to inmates. In Knesset State Control Com. hearings, West Bank leaders Raja Shehadeh, Muhammad Nasser and Beit Jala mayor al-Araj accuse West Bank court system of corruption, citing hampering of legal process, confiscation of files, arbitrary transfer ofcases, and Israeli officials' lying to High Court of Justice. Supreme Court reduces Kach settlers' sentence from 39 to 30 mos. for firing on passing car driven by Yatta village resident. Leaders of segregationist MENA organization protest High Court of Justice ban on their anti-Arab demonstrations planned for Nazareth central square. Over 700 Grenada & Beirut-veteran Marines arrive in Haifa aboard USS Guam for 4-days of "R&R." Noting that bomb detonated on Ashdod bus (3/7/84) was IDF type, police spokesman Nitzav Caspi suggests bombing "not perpetrated by 'terrorists'."

Other Countries: US Joint Chiefs of staff Chrmn. Vessey holds mtg. with World Jewish Congress leaders.

Military Action: Occupied Palestine/Israel: Having already lost half their land to Israeli confiscations, Palestinian Druze residents of Beit Jann obstruct Israeli "nature reservists" destroying village road; 1 villager suffers head injuries, 1 young woman suffers broken arm when struck by Israeli with axe.

Arab World: Israeli private contractor employed by IDF ambushed and killed near Lake Karoun, S. Lebanon. [Defense Ministry now affords civilian workers military status in S. Lebanon, making surviving families eligible for increased pensions.]

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Police discover huge cache of weapons, including 107 grenades, 80 loaded magazines, mines, anti-tank bazooka shells and several dozen kilos of explosives in evacuated Palestinian village of Lifta near Jerusalem; suspected to be linked with "TNT" cells. MK Tsaban's motion to establish a committee of inquiry into the invasion of Lebanon defeated in Knesset vote (42-33). PM Shamir accuses Egypt of "tretreating from the Camp David framework, " citing Egypt's failure to return its ambassador to Israel. MK Rabin says PLO operations against Israel were "child's play" compared to Shi'ite "terror" against IDF in S. Lebanon. Chief of Staff Levy tells Foreign Affairs & Defense Com. 2,000 [Palestinian] "terrorists" have returned to Beirut, and IDF withdrawal from S. Lebanon would not guarantee Israel secure borders. 4 American-Israeli youths arrested for last Sunday's attack on Arab bus near Ramallah. 5 Galilee Palestinians arrested on prima facie evidence of membership in religiousnationalist organization that may have set fire to 30 vehicles in recent months. Nablus mayor Shaka'a rejects military authorities' conditions placed on his travel permit to US.

Other Countries: US amb. to OAS Middendorf affirms US and Israel have mutual strategic interests in Central America where a battle is being waged by "atheistic Communism to destroy our 'Judeo-Christian civilization'." "Moral Majority" leader Jerry Falwell reaffirms support for Israel before group at Herzl Institute, NY, stating Israel's best friends in US are "Bible-believing Christians" and US should not have interrupted Israel's "liberation" of Lebanon from Syrian and PLO "slavery." Rev. Jesse Jackson's US presidential campaign staff compile evidence of "hounding" by some Jewish-American organizations.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Israelis killed and 9 wounded in booby-trapped bomb explosion on bus near Ashdod; Abu Nidal's PDFLP-GC in Damascus claims responsibility; 150 Arab men rounded up as suspects.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 21 women inmates begin new hunger strike to protest rights violations at Neve Terza prison.

Arab World: Gemayel announces plan to meet opposition representatives at Lausanne. Syrian cabinet resigns at Pres. Assad's request.

Other Countries: From Brussels, Spain's PM Felipe Gonzalez Marquez expresses interest in diplomatic relations with Israel, and hope it might contribute to peaceful solution in Middle East; reveals that, on recent visit to Riyadh, Saudi gov't. applied no pressure not to recognize Israel. US Federal Communications Commission rejects petition by "Americans for a Safe Israel" to deny license renewal of 7 NBC stations in New England for "distorting" news of Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bullet-filled petrol bomb thrown at Israeli patrol near Ramallah; no injuries. Petrol bomb thrown at home of Kalandiya village mukhtar. 1 passenger slightly wounded on Egged bus stoned near Eizariya near Jerusalem.

Arab World: Lebanese man shot dead by IDF invaders, forcing way into Qana, S. Lebanon [HQ of Fijian UNIFIL battalion] amidst villager's protests. Israeli DM Arens inspects Sidon harbor area. IDF convoy carrying MK Sharon ambushed near Sidon; Sharon narrowly escapes injury as remote control device explodes.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Galilee youths released after arrest (2/29/84) for hoisting Palestinian flag on anniversary of Sabra & Shatila massacres; in court, defendents describe torture used on them; suit filed against interrogators. MK Sarid submits letter of protest over MK Sharon's violation of Knesset "code of ethics" by accepting money for US lecture tour. [Sharon appealed for dispensation on grounds he is suing Time magazine for reporting his connection with Sabra & Shatila massacres.] PM Shamir denies charges by Sharon that his gov't. is bowing to US pressure to impede settlement drive. MKs Zakin (Mapam) and Aloni (CRM) urge PM Shamir to declare "TNT" a terrorist organization. [1948 Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance would then allow security agencies to fight Jewish terrorism.] After 3 years, Bani Zad village resumes relation with "civil administration" upon promise of IS10 million grant for civic improvements. 8 Palestinians arraigned in military court for murder of Kiryat Arba squatter Aharon Gross (7/7/83); 5 plead not guilty, 1 claims self-defense. 7 West Bank squatters and 2 from Green Line, all of US origin and followers of Meir Kahane, arrested for bombing attempt on al-Aqsa Mosque and shooting attack on Arab bus (3/4/84); news blackout on investigations imposed.

Arab World: Gemayel abrogates US-sponsored May 17 agreement with Israel. Israel protests Egypt's permitting Palestinian conference in Cairo later this month; complains conference will provide opportunity for "anti-Israeli propaganda."

Other Countries: European Community Commission Pres. Thorn says Egypt urging Europeans to press US to deal with PLO.

Military Action:

Arab World: Israelis bomb alleged PLO positions in 2 raids on Aley, Lebanon.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet approves "secret instructions" to deal with 42 West Bankers who met recently with Arafat in Amman; Cabinet Sec. Meridor maintains instructions consistent with gov't. policy prohibiting mtgs. between residents of territories and "terrorist leaders." [Israeli leftists meeting Arafat not to be prosecuted; Meridor affirms that laws applying to residents of occupied territories are different.] Gush Etzion Regional Council initiates new settlement Eruvin (near Ain Arube and Arube refugee camp); Palestinian residents protest over 6 dunums of their land expropriated for road to settlement.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Masked Israeli men ambush bus carrying 60 laborers and students from al-Mizra'a al-Sharqiya to Jerusalem, injuring 7; Shlomo Ben-Yosef Brigade of "TNT" claims responsibility.

Arab World: 15 IDF soldiers wounded, 1 Lebanese civilian killed in explosions at Sidon port; IDF closes area. 4 Israelis wounded in bazooka attack on personnel carrier at Baalul near Karoun Lake.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Grave of Christian, Nazi camp survivor Teresa Angelovitch (buried in Jewish cemetery with Jewish husband) robbed by Jewish extremists, body deposited in Muslim cemetery near Ramle. Deposed Gaza mayor Shawwa speaks to Labor Party conference in Jerusalem, endorses Hussein-Arafat talks as positive step toward ending Israeli occupation.

Social/Economic/Political:

Other Countries: Norwegian gov't. grants NKr 6 million to Red Cross for work in Lebanon. Lebanon's amb. to US Bouhabib says Reagan admin. damaged US credibility in Middle East by inadequate support of Gemayel gov't.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Elected Ramallah mayor Khalaf released from town arrest imposed in March 1982. Returning from US visit, Finance Min. Cohen-Orgad warns dollarization would have dangerous consequences, and refutespeculation he promised US to cut settlement budget.

Arab World: IDF lifts 2-day curfew on Arab Salim village in S. Lebanon after 2 Israelis killed in ambush (2/28/84).

Other Countries: USSR withdraws support from French proposal for UN force in Lebanon. Canadian MP Watson rejects Jewish community's protest at his mtg. with Chrmn. Arafat on recent Middle East tour. Int'l. Olympic Com. pres. Samaranch pledges to try to satisfy Israel's request to be included with European sports groupings. Int'l. Labor Org. votes to admit Israel to its Asian Regional Conference. US Senate Foreign Rel. Com. begins hearings on Sen. Moynihan's bill to transfer US embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. After attending brother's funeral, Israeli DM Arens meets with US Sec. of State Shultz to stress "common goals" and need for closer cooperation in Lebanon.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Shamir reacts to Hussein-Arafat talks; says if Hussein wants peace, he should realize the address for talks in Jerusalem.

Arab World: Pres. Gemayel received with full honors in Damascus for mtg. with Pres. Assad; both leaders agree discussions fruitful.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: 6-man team of US artillery spotters at Beit Meri, guiding fire from US 6th Fleet offshore, comes under attack 6 miles east of Beirut; USS Sims fires 20 rounds into surrounding area. Israel reports 400 Phalangists join Haddad's army; press for Israel to appoint Haddad's successor.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset passes 8th Basic Law (Justice System); Justice Minister Nissim speculates Israel will have a constitution of 11 Basic Laws within next 10 years.

Other Countries: 7 Canadian MPs meet Arafat in Amman while on Middle East tour sponsored by Arab League. Reagan admin. turns down appeal from Gemayel for increased use of US air and naval power in direct support of Beirut government.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 grenades explode in West Jerusalem, injuring 21; in Damascus, PFLP claims responsibility as retaliation for recent raids by Zionist settlers on Muslim shrines.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 1,000 kibbutzniks and 35 IDF reservists deonstrate at PM's office urging IDF withdrawal from Lebanon.

Arab World: Over 1,000 Egyptian lawyers demonstrate in Cairo, burning Israeli and US flags, on 4th anniversary of normalization of Israeli-Egyptian relations. Chairman Arafat and King Hussein hold secret session in Amman to discuss common approach to future of occupied territories.

Other Countries: Soviet FM Gromyko accuses US of blocking settlement in Lebanon; reaffirms Soviet offer to help set up international conference. Security Council vote on French proposal for UN force in Beirut delayed by Soviet objections to wording.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij heads delegation to Jordan to observe Arafat-Hussein talks; says will urge Arafat to join peace process.

Arab World: Chairman Arafat arrives from Tunis for talks with King Hussein on future of PLO-Jordan coordination.

Other Countries: Richard Arens, international human rights lawyer and board member of Search for Justice and Equality in Palestine/Israel, dies of heart failure in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Marine contingent completes withdrawal to warships off coast of Beirut; Shi'ite militia and rebel Lebanese Army units take bunkers vacated near airport; within hour after last Marine retreat, USS Caron and New Jersey blast anti-government positions in hills over Beirut; Israeli jets bomb positions around Souq al-Gharb as Druze militia fights last LAF holdout there.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Territories/Israel: Israeli Cabinet Settlement Committee head says Israeli settlers will double over coming 14 mos. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Arab World: General strike from Tyre to Sidon to protest Israeli-backed death-squad killing of Shi'ite leader Raghib Harb (2/16/84).

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: LAF officials say "at least 3,000 Palestinian fighters" in Bhamdoun; Israel F-15s bomb Bhamdoun, Mansuriya and Rweisat; Syrian gunners repell attackers. Ambush on Israeli patrol claims 1. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 4 Israeli Cabinet ministers oppose continued IDF forays north of Awali River line at risk of Israeli involvement in factional fighting. DM Arens sharply criticizes LAF performance against Druze and Shi'ite militias; justifies forays to north as defense against "terrorist infiltration." Representatives of Arab local councils meet in Shefa Amr; protest to gov't. and Histadrut increasing number of dismissal notices served Arab workers.

Other Countries: US suspends shipment of 130 armed personnel carriers to Lebanon, may not sell 35 tanks already planned. Israeli Industry and Trade Minister visits Bucharest for talks aimed at doubling Israeli exports to Rumania. US physicist Sam Cohen, veteran of Los Alamos atom-bomb project, proposes impregnable radiation barrier, or "nuclear wall" for Israeli borders to "end the tragedy of war in the Middle East." Reagan admin. clarifies stand against moving US-Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Arab World: Christian Phalange officers confirm Israel promised regular army patrols to aid in fighting back Druze and Shi'ites