The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: The Sunday Times (London) reports retired U.S. Air Force general, working in London, arranged sale of arms to Iran [LT 11/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot and wound Ramallah student [FJ 1/2].

Arab World: PLO forces halt Amal offensive in Beirut and advance in S. Lebanon. More than 100 are killed, 269 wounded in the two battle areas. The PLO in Tunis calls for Arab League meeting to discuss fighting [WSJ, GU 12/1].

Social/Economic/Political Other Countries: Convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard says he feels abandoned by Israeli govemment and acted only out of "Zionist commitment to Israel" [JP 11/29].

Military Action

Arab World: The PLO establishes hold on village of Maghdushah near Sidon. Amal militia claim heavy PLO fire in W. Beirut killed 3 civilians, wounded 29. At least 36 people have been reported killed, 269 wounded since a cease-fire was supposed to have gone into effect at 3 p.m., 11/28 [BG, WP 11/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel charges former technician Mordechai Vanunu with treason, aiding an enemy in wartime, and 2 counts of aggravated espionage [WP 11/29; LAT 11/28]. P.M. Shamir states that the U. S. govemment has not requested permission to question Israelis in connection with the arm shipments to Iran but that such a request would be considered [NYT 11/29]. Pres. Herzog retums from 19-day visit to Asia and the Pacific [JP 11/29].

Arab World: Syria expels 3 W. German diplomats and an "unspecified number" of military attaches and withdraws its ambassador from Bonn [BG 11/29].

Other Countries: U.S. Customs agent testifies that a Syrian diplomat was "assisting" arms dealer Kevin Gilday in his planned sale of an aircraft tracking system to Syria [WP 11/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports about Israel's role in U.S. arms sales to Iran implicate senior Israeli officials, including P.M. Shamir, F.M. Peres, Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Director-General of Israeli For. Ministry David Kimche, and Israeli businessmen Al Schwimmer and Ya'akov Nimrodi, both involved in the nation's arms industry [WT 11/27]. Israeli officials state that Kimche and Amiram Nir, Peres' adviser on terrorism, are willing to cooperate in American investigation of the arms deal [LAT 11/28]. Former Armenian Bishop Shahe Ajamyan, accused of attempting to bribe the Jerusalem district commissioner, is released after 21 days in detention [FJ 12/5]. Social Improvement Association is established to protect Jerusalem's Arab residents [FJ 1/2].

Arab World: Saudi Arabian government denies 'Adnan Khashoggi organized U.S. shipment of arms to Iran [PI 11/28].

Other Countries: W. Germany expels 2 Syrian diplomats and 2 military attaches, delays replacing its ambassador to Damascus, but maintains diplomatic ties [WSJ 11/28].

Military Actions

Arab World: Israeli jets attack Palestinian bases near Sidon, killing at least 4 and wounding 3. (The Los Angeles Times reports 11 killed and 20 wounded in the raid.) Palestine National Salvation Front and Amal representatives rportedly have agreed to 9-point plan to end the fighting which has so far left 131 dead and 351 wounded [WP, LT 11/27; LAT 11/28]. PLO fighters in Lebanon reject the agreement [FJ 12/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli government acknowledges transferring arms to Iran at U.S. request but denies any financial role in the U.S.-Iran arms sales [WP 11/26, 11/27; NYT 11/26]. Israeli and Palestinian writers gather in Jaffa to express solidarity with journalist Akram Haniyyah and opposition to his deportation order [FJ 11/28]. Israeli troops arrest approximately 150 villagers in Bayt Hanun after a firebomb isthrown at an army jeep [FJ 12/5].

Other Countries: W. German court convicts a Jordanian and a Palestinian of bombing the German Arab Friendship Society on 3/29. Syrian ambassador in E. Berlin denies any Syrian involvement [NYT 11/27].

Military Action

Arab World: PLO and Amal militia continue to fight in W. Beirut and S. Lebanon [NYT 11/27]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: The New York Times reports that Saudi Arabian arms dealer 'Adnan Khashoggi played important role in financing U.S.-Iran arms deals [NYT 11/26]. U.S. customs agents arrest arms dealer Kevin Gilday and charge him and 3 others with attempting to sell military equipmento Libya and Syria [WP 11/26]. U.S. Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese claims Israel acted on its own when it sent arms to Iran in late summer 1985, announces that profits from the arms deals were used to fund the Nicaraguan contras. Israeli government replies that U.S. requested the shipment and that Israel had no knowledge of funds diverted to the contras [LAT 11/26]. Head of Higher Islamic Council requests international protection for Jerusalem's Old City Arab residents [FJ 1/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F.M. Peres defends Israel's role in the U.S.-Iran arms sales [WP 11/25]. Authorities demolish mosque and private Arab house in Galilee village of Kammani. Government does not recognize Kammani and claims mosque was built illegally [FJ 11/28].

Other Countries: Representatives of Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, U.S., and Turkey meet to discuss U.S. policy on water resources in the Middle East at conference sponsored by Georgetown University's Center for Strategic and International Studies [WP 12/15].

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinians break through Amal lines near Sidon. At least 50 are killed, 85 wounded in the battle [WP, NYT 11/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel continues with plans to expel Palestinian newspaper editor, writer, and poet Akram Haniyyah although he has not been charged with any crime [WP 11/23]. Memorial march for a murdered Jewish student ends in anti-Arab violence in Jerusalem [LAT 11/24; FJ 11/28].

Arab World: Representatives of Fateh and the Syrian-based PFLP meet in Moscow to discuss plans to reconcile the two factions [NYT 11/24]. Egypt's Pres. Mubarak and Jordan's King Hussein end two days of talks in Cairo [LAT 11/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinian forces seize Christian village of Maghdushah [F) 11/28]. 14 are killed, 39 wounded in fighting between Palestinians and Amal militiamen throughout Beirut and S. Lebanon [BS 11/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli sources acknowledge that at least 7 shiploads of military supplies have been sent to Iran since 1979 in addition to the U.S.-sponsored sales [LAT 11/22]. Anwar Nusseibeh, a leading Palestinian, dies in Jerusalem after a long illness UP 11/29].

Arab World: Jordan's King Hussein calls U.S. arms sales to Iran an "insult to all Arabs" during summit meeting with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak [WP 11/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli official states U.S.-Iran negotiations began with Israel's offer to act on behalf of the U.S. Aide also says Israel acted only with "the explicit approval of Washington" in further establishing ties with Iran [NYT 11/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: High level representatives of Fateh and PFLP meet in Prague to discuss reunifying the PLO. Fateh Central Committee member Abu Jihad leaves Prague for Moscow [FJ 11/21]. U.S. Pres. Reagan attempts to smooth relations with Arab countries angered by his shipment of arms to Iran [LAT 11/20].

Military Action

Arab World: A man apparently on a mission to bomb SLA post blows up his car killing 3 UN soldiers, a Lebanese woman, and himself [WP 11/21]. Israeli helicopters and navy ship shell Sidon port injuring 3 [FJ 11/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hanna Siniora, editor of al-Fajr, is charged with violating censorship laws related to a 1985 television interview and the 1986 al-Fajr diary [FJ 11/21].

Other Countries: W. German government states it will not break diplomatic relations with Syria despite evidence that Syria was involved in terrorist activity in Germany [WP 11/20]. U.S. Congress begins inquiries into the arms sales to Iran [BS 11/20]. U.S. Pres. Reagan says U.S. never condoned Israeli arms shipments to Iran but later states a third country was involved in the "secret project" [WP, NYT 11/20]. The Washington Post reports Israeli arms dealer Ya'acov Nimrodi arranged the U.S.-Iran arms sale [WP 11/19]. Turkey allows Syrian intelligence agent implicated in assassination of a Jordanian diplomat in Ankara to leave the country quietly [IN 11/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Rival PLO factions unite to defend the Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp against Shi'i forces. Eight are killed, 38 wounded in the fighting near Beirut. The Lebanese pound hits a record low against foreign currencies [WT, NYT 11/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian-American Prof. Muhammad Shadid announces that Israeli authorities have revoked his work permit, forcing him to leave the country when his visa expires. Israeli action comes after the publication of a poll Shadid conducted showing that most Palestinians in the W. Bank and Gaza consider the PLO their representative [LAT 11/19; NYT 11/21]. General strike in E. Jerusalem protests Jewish anti-Arab violence that has erupted since the stabbing of a Jewish seminary student [FJ 11/21]. Israeli High Court upholds government decision to confiscate land from Sur Bahir, near Bethlehem. Land owners are fined for delaying forestry projects [FJ 11/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Statements by 2 Palestinians on trial for terrorism in W. Germany indicate they were supplied with explosives by a Syrian intelligence officer [WP 11/19]. U. S. Pres. Reagan states he has no plans to sell more military equipment to Iran [WP 11/18].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli helicopters fire on Palestinian camp 'Ayn al-Hilwah, the second attack near S;don in 2 days. Police report 4 Palestinians wounded. In the same area, at least 6 people are killed and 43 wounded in fighting between Palestinians and Amal [PI 11/18; FJ 11/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Violence erupts against Arabs in Jerusalem after stabbing death of Jewish seminary student on 11/15. Three Palestinians have been charged with the murder [BG 11/18; JP 11/29]. Members of International Federation of Journalists meet with P.M. Shamir to request release of Palestinian journalist Akram Haniyyah and revocation of his expulsion order [FJ 11/21].

Arab World; Syrian Pres. al-Asad denies British and U.S. accusations of Syrian involvement in failed attempt to bomb El Al jet [NYT 11/17].

Other Countries: The Sunday Times (London) reports that then-P.M. Peres ordered Mossad in September 1986 to capture Mordechai Vanunu and return him to Israel [LT 11/16]. (Vanunu is a former nuclear technician who sold secrets related to underground atomic bomb factory in the Negev to The Times.) Pres. Herzog's visit to Singapore draws angry protest from Southeast Asian Muslims [LT 11/17].

Military Action

Arab World: Two Israeli bombers attack PLO bases near Sidon. Fateh reports heavy casualties and property damage [NYT 11/17]. Witnesses claim 2 PLO members were killed and 5 others wounded in the raid [PI 11/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M.Shamir says he is prepared to attack guerrilla bases inside Syria (WP 11/13).

Other Countries: Israel tells Britain Mordechai Vanunu left Britain voluntarily (contrary tospeculation Israeli agents abducted him) (WP 11/14). In nationally broadcast TV address, Pres. Reagan denies he paid "ransom" for U.S. hostages in Lebanon (WP 11/14).

Military Action

Arab World: In south Lebanon, two Shi'is are killed in clash with IDF (JP 11/14).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In response to right-wing protests, human rights activist Anatoly Shcharansky says he didn't know Palestinians he met on 11/9 were pro-PLO (NYT 11/13). IDF soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian man in Gaza after he failed to stop at a roadblock. Israeli is stabbed and wounded by unknown attacker in market (WP 11/13).

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan acknowledges sending military supplies to Iran, defends action as necessary for establishing link to moderate elements there (NYT 11/12).

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Two French hostages held in Lebanon, arrive in France (NYT, WP 11/12). Pres. Reagan decides to persevere to seek release of American hostages in Lebanon through Iranian contacts, causing dismay in U.S. administration (NYT, WP 11/12). 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Deputy P.M. Yitzhak Navon criticizes government's delay in announcing arrest of Mordechai Vanunu, who disappeared in London after telling an English newspaper about Israeli nuclear bomb factory (WP 11/11). Newsweek reports Peres approved Israel's role as middleman in U.S. -Iran arms deal (JP 11/10).

Other Countries: Britain wins support of European Community allies for ban on arms sales to Syriand other limited measures (WP, NYT 11/11). Washington Times publishes interview with French P.M. Chirac in which he says Israel might have set up 4/17 El Al bomb plot to embarrass Syria (NYT 11/10). Pres. Reagan rejects congressional demands that he disclose details of dealings with Iran, citing need for secrecy in obtaining release of American hostages in Lebanon (NYT 11/11).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel acknowledges it has Mordechai Vanunu in custody, detained under court order. (Vanunu could face trial for treason for disclosing Israeli nuclear weapons secrets to English newspaper.) Vanunu will be represented by lawyer Amnon Zichroni, well-known activist for Israeli-Palestinian peace (JP, NYT, WP 11/10). In Jerusalem, Faysal Husayni of the Arab Studies Center and Palestinian journalist meet with human rights activist Anatoly Shcharansky to seek Shcharansky's help in preventing expulsion of al-Sha'b editor Akram Haniyyah (NYT 11/13).

Other Countries: U.S. Sec. of State Shultz is reportedly worried about armshipments to Iran, which he feels undermine U.S. antiterrorism policy (NYT 11/9).

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: King Hussein appeals for foreign aid to finance his $1.3 billion development plan for West Bank and Gaza (JP 11/9).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Four Israeli leftists who met PLO officials in Romania are given court summonses upon their return to Israel (JP 11/9).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem branch of Israeli Journalists Union protests expulsion of al-Sha'b editor Akram Haniyyah (JP 11/7).

Other Countries: U.S. intelligence sources reveal that U. S. sent military spare parts to Iran in exchange for release of U.S. hostages in Lebanon, and persuaded Israel to do the same. Operation has been going on since 1985 (NYT 11/7). Turkish prosecutors accuse Abu Nidal group of 9/6 massacre at Istanbul synagogue (WP 11/7).

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Delegation of Israeli leftists flies to Romania to meet 31 PLO leaders, defying Israeli law (NYT 11/7; WP 11/6). Israel and U.S. sign agreement granting Israel $6 million for "Star Wars" research (JP 11/6).

Military Action

Arab World: Gun battles resume in Burj al-Barajinah between Amal and Palestinians after two-day lull; 5 are killed, 22 wounded (NYT 11/5). WP says 10 killed, 29 wounded (WP 11/5). 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli occupation authorities isssue expulsion order for Akram Haniyyah, editor of East Jerusalem daily al-Sha'b, for "hostile activities on behalf of Fateh" (WP 11/4).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Unrest in West Bank marks anniversary of Balfour Declaration (NYT 11/3).

Arab World: Islamic Jihad frees American hostage David Jacobsen after 17 months' captivity in West Beirut. Six Americans remain missing, two held by Islamic Jihad (NYT, WP 11/3).