The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Justice Min. circulates draft bill banning racist incitement in Knesset. "Civil admin." orders 4-day closure of Bethlehem U. DM Rabin says he agrees "in principle" to establishment of bank by Palestinians in West Bank.

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat heads Palestinian delegation to Algiers for anniversary celebration of Algerian Revolution.

Other Countries: US transfers $1.2 billion to Israel in largest single grant payment ever. Israel Bonds Pres. Halevy tells Jerusalem Post Bond sales dropped by 1/3 after US offered Israel moratorium on debt repayment.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset House Com. decides (8-5) to discuss MK Sarid's request to revoke Kach MK Kahane's parliamentary immunity. Caller claiming to be "Avenger" phones in death threat to Pres. Herzog. UK Foreign Sec. Howe meets with Elias Freij, Rashad Shawa, Gabi Baramki & Hikmat al-Masri in E. Jerusalem. Before Tel Aviv U. audience, US amb. to Israel Lewis criticizes Reagan peace plan, saying timing was "abysmal," tactics "worse," and results to date are "nil." Ciskei Pres. Lennox Sebe inaugurates "twinning" of Ariel settlement and Ciskei's capital, Bisho.

Arab World: In al-Sharq al-Awsat interview, King Hussein criticizes US role in Middle East and says he will buy Soviet weapons.

Other Countries: In global nuclear weapons survey, Carnegie Endowment for Intl. Peace reports Israel has capability to deploy 10-20 nuclear bombs. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kafr Qasim residents commemorate 28th anniversary of massacre there, when Israeli troops murdered 48. IDF armored corps unveils new Merkava IItank. Safad hospital stops accepting S. Lebanese war victims.

Arab World: Lebanese Druze leader Junblatt summoned to Damascus as Beirut fighting flares. Lebanese civilian Ahmed Salem, detained at Mar Elias, tells press conf. of Israeli torture there.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cabinet approves DM Rabin's plan for negotiated "political-military" solution & IDF withdrawal from Lebanon. 2nd Natl. Conference of Jewish-Arab Committee Against Racism meets at Nahmani Theater, Tel Aviv. Kahane pelted with tomatoes at speech in Bir al-Sab'a, praising "brave Jews" for rocket attack on Arab bus; Kach and Peace Now followers exchange blows; police intervene, arresting 1 Peace Now & 2 Kach members. MK Miari proposes national service program to counter discrimination against Palestinians for not serving in IDF. MK Peled calls for defense budget cuts & cancellation of Lavi program.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab bus attacked in S. Jerusalem with 66 mm anti-tank rocket; 1 Sa'ir man killed, 10 injured; attackers leave weapon with note identifying selves as "Avengers"; 3 Jews held for questioning. Students stone Israeli jeep from Bethlehem U. campus; troops disperse throng with tear gas, shoot 1 student in leg, continue siege till nightfall.

Arab World: 1 IDF soldier wounded by land mine near Amik, E. Lebanon; another in shoot-out near Lake Karoun.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 800 students representing all 4 West Bank groups (Student Action Front (SAF), Progressive Students Union Bloc (PSUB), Student Youth Movement (SYM) & Student Unity Bloc (SYB)), meet at Bethlehem U. to protest renewed Jordanian-Egyptian relations. Ramallah military court sentences 7 Azeh & Aida camp youths to 1-3-yr. terms for throwing petrol bombs at Israeli cars and forming a hostile organization.

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Jordan agrees to host 17th Palestine National Council mtg. in Amman.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel announces capture of Fateh leader Ali Khalil Riba'i at Dura, south of al-Khalil (Hebron). Gaza man Abulrahman Darabiya shot & wounded by unknown gunman; later, PFLP (in Damascus) claims victim is Israeli agent.

Arab World: 3 commandos killed, 3 Israelis wounded in clash along Awali River; 4 more commandos reported killed by IDF in Jabal Baroukh area.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres rejects recovery plan of dollarizing economy.

Other Countries: Intl. Commission of Jurists (Geneva) & World University Service (London) publish report on Israeli harassment of West Bank universities. Greek Supreme Court rules in favor of extraditing Palestinian Abdel Osama al-Zomor held for smuggling explosives to Italy where suspected in 1982 Rome synagogue blast. New York Zionists announce formation of "Israel National Fund" for Jewish investment in occupied territories. Amnesty Int'l. report publishes criticism of Israel imprisoning Palestinians for PLO membership.

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Lebanese Pres. Gemayel meets with John Paul II and Italian leaders in Rome.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nuseirat camp (Gaza) man sentenced to 5 1/2 yrs. for selling weapons. 1st Palestinian judge appointed to "Judea & Samaria" Judicial Appointments Com. Histadrut Exec. Com. mtg. turns into brawl as MK Ran Cohen calls MK Sharon "criminal." PM Peres says he will decline US offer to defer for 90 days $500 million loan now due. US and Israeli officials discuss joint Central America & Third World development & other programs.

Arab World: In special session, Lebanese cabinet meets to discuss deteriorating economic situation. Lebanese Pres. Gemayel flies to Libya for mtg. with Col. Qadhafi.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Israelis found slain in valley between Bethlehem & Jerusalem; Dheisheh resident held suspect.

Arab World: Lebanese Army 6th Brigade surrounds Bourj al-Barajneh camp, Beirut in response to reported PFLP-DFLP shoot-out there.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Herut Executive mtg., FM Shamir says Reagan plan no longer exists.

Arab World: To avoid Arab criticism that they are upgrading relations with Israel, Lebanese cabinet proposes direct talks with UN-sponsored Lebanese-Israeli Mixed Armistice Commission framework; Israel refuses. Popular Palestinian Committees of al-Yarmouk camp (Damascus) cable Syrian gov't. to protest arrest campaign of camp residents in past week. Morocco refuses entry to 2 Israelis invited to attend World Conference on Poetry in Marrakesh.

Other Countries: French chrmn. of World Jewish Congress named by France to its UN delegation.

Military Action

Arab World: 3 guerrillas reported killed, 1 captured by IDF near Bater al-Chouf, Lebanon.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Israel Radio interview, Industry & Commerce Min. Sharon denounces Israeli govt. proposals to withdraw from Lebanon & improve "quality of life" for West Bank Palestinians.

Other Countries: Vatican denies NBC report that Pope John Paul II decided "in principle" to establish relations with Israel. In Tokyo, Tunisian PM Mzali warns new Egypt-Jordan relations may divide Arab world.

Military Action

Arab World: 600th IDF soldier killed in Lebanon by RPG attack on patrol at Zahrani River bridge.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 4,000 armed settlers, incl. 6 MKs, hold parade through al-Khalil (Hebron) streets, celebrating Simhat Torah. 77 Palestinian lawyers meet in Jerusalem to discuss forming their own local union.

Arab World: Speaking to Palestinians in Qatar, Chrmn. Arafat says PLO will get closer to Egypt "as it moves away from the policies of Camp David." US embassy in Beirut begins evacuating "non-essential" personnel.

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Trial begins in Vanessa Redgrave suit against Boston Symphony Orchestra for dismissing her, allegedly for her support of PLO.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel govt. publicizes conditions for complete withdrawal from S. Lebanon: Syrian commitment not to advance into area and to prevent guerrilla infiltration into area; continued deployment of SLA in undefined area adjacent to Israel-Lebanon border; and redeployment of UN troops north of SLA from sea coast to Syrian border. DM Rabin rejects Peace Now appeal to ban Gush Emunim Simhat Torah celebration & parade in al-Khalil (Hebron) planned as support for Jewish terror suspects now on trial. Mayors of Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Jericho, Qalqilya, Rafah & Khan Younis, and Hebron's education dep't. and village league heads attend cocktail reception for US Defense Sec. Weinberger given by DM Rabin.

Arab World: Lebanese gov't. announces readiness to talk directly with Israel on IDF pullout (before Israel publicizes its terms same day). In al-Siyasa (Kuwait) interview, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak says he rejects Israeli PM's offer for summit because Israel has not moved toward "comprehensive peace. "

Other Countries: US Defense Sec. Weinberger announces Reagan admin. will grant Israel access to latest US technology for Lavi fighter. American Federation of Ramallah (Palestine) endorses Reagan-Bush reelection. UN General Assembly votes (80-41, 22 abst.) to reject Irani challenge of Israel's credentials.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: With order nisi, High Court blocks demolition of 7 Jabaliya camp houses as "unlicensed." PM Peres presents options to cabinet for partial or total troop withdrawal from S. Lebanon. In Tel Aviv, US Defense Sec. Weinberger pledges US will buy $100 million more in Israeli products in 1984 to offset large Israeli purchases of American military equipment. Al-Bireh Arab Nursing College students begin slowdown strike to protest administrative measures. Abu Dis Science and Technology College students strike over newly required English proficiency & minimum passing grade requirements.

Arab World: Lebanese parliament elects (Shi'ite) Hussein al-Husseini as speaker. King Hussein meets Pres. Sadam Hussein in Baghdad.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF imposes new prohibition against travelers crossing Awali without permit.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Central Bureau of Statistics reports cost-of-living index soared by 21.4% in Sept., 450% over past 12 mos., and estimates 1984 inflation rate at 900-1, 300%. 12 members of Israeli Com. for Solidarity with Bir Zeit U. arrested in 2 days demonstrating against settler harassment at Dheisheh camp.

Arab World: Shi'ites celebrate feast of Ashoura. IDF/Gen. Lahd announce pardon for SLA members who killed & injured Sohmor civilians (9/20).

Other Countries: US offers Irael deferment until March of $500 million in military procurement loans now due. US reaffirms its aversion to role as mediator in IDF S. Lebanon withdrawal talks. Syrian Pres. Assad arrives in Moscow for 3-day talks with Pres. Chemenko.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 6 Petah Tikva schoolchildren injured as time bomb explodes near their bus north of Nablus.

Arab World: Lebanese resistance fighters attack IDF patrols near Nabatiya, near Sarafand & in Zahrani region.

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Jordanian officials hold talks with French DM Hemu in Paris, reportedly finalize major arms deal. Pres. Reagan promotes 1st rabbi (Israel Drazin) to Brigadier Gen. in US Army.

Military Action

Arab World: Roadside bomb explodes near IDF patrol east of Tyre; no injuries.

Socia/lEconomic/Political

Arab World: US Defense Sec. Weinberger arrives in Cairo for 2-day visit; Mubarak urges US sell defense weapons to Jordan as incentive to join "peace process."

Other Countries: US Sec. Council votes (13-0, 2 abst.) to extend UNIFIL mandate in Lebanon for 6 mos.

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Egypt's Pres. Mubarak returns from Jordan visit, saying the 2 countries agree on strategy to settle Palestinian problem, but Jordan would not necessarily join US-sponsored Camp David "peace process."

Military Action

Arab World: 1 Druze IDF soldier killed, 1 Lebanese resistance fighter killed in exchange of fire near Jezzine, S. Lebanon. Lebanese resistance fighters kill 5 SLA members, wound 1, in Marjayoun, S. Lebanon.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Ittihad reports Taibeh youths [arrested 10/6] beaten in detention. Bir Zeit U. student council calls for students so return to university, but no response; administration dismisses staff for the day.

Other Countries: In US vice-presidential debate, VP Bush suggests solving Palestine problem could end intl. terrorism.

Military Action

Arab World: Several IDF patrol soldiers killed or wounded by bomb on Deir Mimas-Marjayoun road.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF coordinator in Lebanon tells Maariv he doesn't believe most S. Lebanon Shi'ites oppose Israel.

Other Countries: In Washington press conference, Israeli PM Peres says Israel willing to withdraw from S.E. Lebanon, if replaced with UN force.

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Egypt's Pres. Mubarak arrives in Amman for first Arab state visit by an Egyptian leader since Camp David agreements.

Other Countries: In Washington, US Pres. Reagan promises emergency aid to Israeli PM Peres in case of balance of payments crisis.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several injured & 16 youths arrested in unprovoked Israeli police attack on Taibeh village during general strike there in expectation of MK Kahane's visit; 8 youths released because of their young age; Village Council issues protest letter to police chief Bar Lev.

Arab World: UNRWA reveals IDF has blocked food & medical supplies to refugees in S. Lebanon for nearly 3 weeks, and now has broken agreemento lift blockade.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cntral Bureau of Statistics reports Israel's foreign trade deficit dropped by 21% in 1-9/1984. Price inspectors report 70% of Israeli department stores and supermarkets selling at illegally inflated prices. Jerusalem Post reports IDF reservists already returned 5,000 grenades, 7 RPGs, 2 Maag machine guns, 52 mm mortar & 40 Kalashnikov assault rifles, various rifles, submachine guns, pistols, ammunition and bomb fuses since 1-mo. amnesty announced (9/30).

Other Countries: In Washington, Israeli PM Peres asks US for $700 million to $1 billion annual handout for next 3 yrs. to stem economic crisis.

SociallEconomic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish terror trial reveals Israeli police & Gen. Security Services covered up advance knowledge of Jewish terror activities.

Other Countries: Israeli PM Peres meets Conference of Presidents of Jewish Orgs. in New York who pledge to double US-Jewish fund-raising for Israel to $1 billion.

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli-backed SLA believed responsible for murder of Amal officer Hasan Saab at 'Arab Salim, S. Lebanon.

Socia/lEconomic/Political

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat attends 35th anniversary celebration of German Democratic Republic in E. Berlin; meets with Soviet FM Gromyko, discusses possibility of Gromyko's personal intervention in PLO reconciliation with Syria.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: While on "Yom Kippur alert," Israeli soldiers shoot & kill 3 Arabs at night near Jordan Valley village Maraya, claiming they may have infiltrated from Jordan. Bir Zeit U. students begin 4-day strike in dispute over increase in fees for 1st yr. students, while student council negotiates with administration.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: High Court issues order nisi blocking military demolition of 2 Jabaliya camp (Gaza) homes for being built without license.

Military Action

Arab World: 200 new SLA recruits [half of them Shi'ite] begin training at Majadiya, S. Lebanon [current 2,100-man force is 60% Christian, 17% Shi'ite, 15% Druze, 8% Sunni].

Socia/lEconomic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike observed in E. Jerusalem in solidarity with Jnaid prison inmates' protest against deplorable conditions; prisoners suspend strike after police chief Bar Lev visits, promising improved conditions. 3-day curfew lifted at Dheisheh camp. Israel gov't. bans import of cars and 50 other luxury items for 6 mos. Bank Leumi reports $55 million profit for 1st half of 1984, but assets dropped $70 million; Bank Hapoalim reports $36 million profit, $1 billion drop in assets; Discount Bank gains $2.6 million profit, loses $70 million in assets United Mizrachi gains $1.58 million, largely by sale of assets, which rose by $400 million in Jan.-June 1984.

Other Countries: Austrian FM Gratz's courtesy visit to New York Mayor Koch reportedly turns into debate over policy toward PLO.

Military Action

Arab World: Roadside bomb discovered near SLA Gen. Lahd's HQ.

Other Countries: Bomb-laden car explodes near Israeli embassy housing in Nicosia; 1 injured; 1 Iraqi & 1 Yemeni arrested as suspects.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres' aides deny he will ask US for "handout" while on visit to Washington.

Other Countries: In UN General Assembly, Israeli FM Shamir announces IDF will leave Lebanon on single condition that no Palestinian fighters reenter S. Lebanon. US House of Representatives votes (416-6) authorizing Pres. Reagan to negotiate Free Trade Area agreement with Israel.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops seal 8 of 9 Dheisheh camp entrances; journalist Hamdi Farraj (under Dheisheh town arrest) detained & subsequently released.

Arab World: 3 Israeli soldiers wounded by gunfire while patroling above Awali River [area from which IDF had supposedly withdrawn]. IDF engineering corps officer wounded in grenade attack near Jnaya village, S. Lebanon.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mounted police with riot sticks break up demonstration at US Consulate, E. Jerusalem by 20 Palestinians protesting Jnaid prison conditions. Davar reports vegetable exports to Lebanon (10/83-9/84) total $14 million.

Other Countries: Israeli FM Shamir discusses conditions for IDF withdrawal from Lebanon with US Sec. of State Shultz; Shultz tells Lebanese FM Karami all sides must be more flexible before US can mediate Israeli withdrawal. 2 US House subcommittees jointly approve resolution calling for US embassy move to Jerusalem.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: MK Kahane (using Knesset privilege) & 300 armed Gush Etzion & Kiryat Arba settlers enter & raid Dheisheh camp [pop. 6,000], setting up roadblocks on Bethlehem-Hebron road, firing shots at houses and water reservoirs; Israeli soldiers later ordered settlers out of camp confines, but not from camp surroundings; troops arrest journalists Ali Qa'dam (al-Awda) & Marsha Hamilton (AP) on visit to camp. Military authorities break into student council mtg. in Bir Zeit U. Board of Trustees office and abduct student Marwan Barghouti; no charges filed.

Arab World: Mine explodes as IDF patrol car passes in S. Lebanon; no injuries reported. Self-styled "People's Court" organization claims responsibility for killing Palestinian woman found guilty of collaboration with IDF at 'Ain al-Hilweh camp, S. Lebanon.

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.