The Palestine Chronology

Military Action:

3 US ships carrying standby Marine force of 2000 leave coast of Lebanon, head for US by way of Indian Ocean.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet devalues shekel 23%, now worth approx 80 to $1 [2 months ago it was 53 to $1]; food subsidies cut 50%, bread and dairy prices rise 50%, gasoline rises 23%, panic buying ensues; government to make $ lb in budget cuts, offers plan to protect commercial bank stockholders.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Jumblatt rejects presidential palace as meeting site, proposes Greek ship anchored inside Lebanese waters; LAF Chief of Staff travels to Jumblatt's village, meets Druze defectors, delays return to his command; IDF reportedly establishing new militias in South Lebanon; Haddad cites medical reasons, relinquishes command of his militia.

Casualties:

Phalange militia releases 200 Druze civilians held hostage during fighting.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Jumblatt visist 300-600 Druze and other soldiers reportedly defecting from LAF, says LAF should be united, return to barracks until national reconciliation is achieved; Gemayel accuses Jumblatt of wanting to partition Lebanon; Haddad admitted to Israeli hospital, reportedly suffers from cancer.