The Palestine Chronology

Pres. Bush orders U.S. forces in Gulf in- creased by about 200,000, a new deployment he says would ensure that an "offensive military option" is available if needed. Increase will raise number of troops in region to about 430,000 [WP, NYT 11/9].

After meeting with Sec. Baker, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze says that although USSR wants a diplomatic settlement to Gulf crisis, military force may be required to expel Iraq from Kuwait [WP, NYT 11/9].

Washington Post reports that in the past week 3 Marine generals have warned that U.S. military supply lines in Gulf are showing signs of strain and have urged that military stockpiles be increased before any U.S. offensive [WP 11/9].

Israeli soldier and Arab are killed in gunfight after 5 Arabs cross border from Jordan, allegedly seeking revenge on 1 month anniversary of Haram al-Sharif killings [IDF, JDS 11/8 in FBIS 11/9; MEM 11/8; WP, NYT 11/9].

D.M. Moshe Arens says Israel will not let Lebanese gov't regain control of S. Lebanon "security zone" controlled by Israel [NYT 11/9].

Saddam Hussein has dismissed his military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Nazir al-Khazraji, according to Iraqi army newspaper Al-Qadisiya [MEM 11/8; NYT 11/9]. 

Hinting that a new peace initiative might be under way in Gulf crisis, USSR asks UN Sec. Council to postpone approving new resolution condemning Iraq; Primakov arrives in Baghdad for talks with Saddam Hussein [NYT, WP 10/28].

Bush admin. officials say White House did not approve or disapprove of Lebanese and Syrian actions and believes that while Syria's ouster of Gen. Aoun in Beirut was violent, it was the only solution that offered any promise for Lebanon [NYT 10/28].

EC leaders say Iraq's selective release of foreign hostages would not erode their unity in the Gulf crisis, and say they are "prepared to consider additional steps" within UN framework if sanctions do not force Iraq out of Kuwait [NYT, LAT 10/29]; Jordanian officials say they expect to receive $1.5 billion from EC to fend off economic collapse in Jordan [MEM 10/29].

Sec. Baker says U.S. will release $400 million in loan guarantees for housing Soviet Jewish immigrants as a result of Israeli assurances [JDS 10/2 in FBIS 10/3; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 10/3].

Joint resolution expressing Congress' approval of Pres. Bush's handling of Gulf crisis passes Senate by vote of 96-3 [WP, LAT, NYT, WT 10/3].

Soviet Union complains Iraq is delaying exit visas for Soviet specialists whose contracts have expired and who want to return home [LAT 10/3].

Senate Appropriations subcommittee on foreign operations approves admin. proposal to forgive Egypt's $7 billion military debt; also authorizes Israel to redirect up to $200 million of U.S. economic assistance to "defense purposes" during the Gulf crisis [CDS 10/3 in FBIS 10/5; WP 10/3].

Chief of Soviet General Staff, Gen. Mikhail A. Moiseyev, says economic sanctions against Iraq are working and that no force should be used in Gulf unless it is approved by the UN [NYT 10/3].

Addressing UN Gen. Assembly, Saudi F.M. Prince Saud al-Faisal urges Iraq to leave Kuwait in order to strengthen rights of Palestinians [NYT, MEM 10/3].

Bethlehem University reopens, becoming the 1st university to open after 30 months [IDF 10/2 in FBIS 10/2].

Japanese P.M. Toshiki Kaifu arrives in Cairo for meeting with Pres. Mubarak [MENA 10/2 in FBIS 10/3; WT 10/3].

IDF troops shoot dead 3 W. Bank Palestinians, another dies from wounds received last week, in one of the highest single-day death tolls in recent months [MEM 10/3].

Jordan reopens its borders to Gulf-bound trucks; ban had interrupted flow of Lebanese, Syrian, and Turkish produce and meat to Gulf states. Jordan says it lifted ban to "test the good intentions" of Saudi gov't, implying ban would be reimposed if trucks were not given passage through Saudi Arabia; Saudis claim Jordan "caved in" to Syrian pressure [MEM 10/3]. 

45th session of the UN Gen. Assembly opens; French Pres. Mitterrand denounces Iraq, but outlines 4-stage plan to solve conflicts in Middle East (including Arab-Israeli and Lebanese). Iranian F.M. Velayati says Iran will abide by Sec. Council sanctions [LAT, NYT, WP, WT, MEM 9/25].

Pres. Mubarak meets with Saudi F.M. Prince Saud al-Faisal to discuss Gulf crisis [MENA 9/24 in FBIS 9/25; MET 10/2].

West German gov't says it will donate nearly $500 million worth of East German military equipment to U.S. forces in Gulf; South Korea announces a contribution of $220 million in cash, goods, and services to support multinational force [LAT 9/25].

Saudi Arabia expels 14 Iraqi, 56 Yemeni, and 10 Jordanian diplomats, accusing them of spying; action is seen primarily as retaliation for Jordan and Yemen stand on Gulf crisis [WT 9/25].

IDF prepares to demolish more than 20 Palestinian houses and shops around area in Bureij camp where Israeli soldier was killed 9/20. Supreme Court issues temporary restraining order after half the buildings are destroyed [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 9/25; MET 10/2].

In testimony to House Foreign Affairs Committee, Sec. Baker calls for creation of U.S.-led NATO-style security structure in Middle East to prevent renewed Iraqi aggression even if present crisis ends without warfare (cf. 9/5) [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 9/5; CSM 9/6].

Speaking in Vladivostok, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze calls for international conference on the Middle East that would include the Gulf crisis, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and Lebanon [WT, WP 9/5]; Israel sharply rejects the idea [JPI 9/15].

Washington Post reports that U.S. commander in Saudi Arabia Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf complained to Defense Dep't and White House about Saudi Lt. Gen. Khaled bin Sultan's remarks on 8/29 that any decision to use U.S. forces deployed in Kingdom would have to follow consultations between King Fahd and Pres. Bush. Bush conveyed to Saudi ambassador "military concern that U.S. forces be unquestionably under U.S. command," and ambassador reiterated what Saudis contend was original agreement between Fahd and Def. Sec. Cheney that U.S. forces were invited to Kingdom to defend Saudi Arabia from attack by Iraq [WP, MEM 9/4].

Cheney says U.S. would "consult closely" with Saudis before launching offensive action from Saudi territory, but stops short of saying whether Saudi approval would be required [MEM 9/5].

Bush admin. begins asking economic allies for at least $25 billion to help defray American military expenses and support countries that have been hurt by embargo on Iraq and Kuwait [LAT, WP 9/5].

Israeli finance minister Yitzhak Modai says if U.S. forgives Egypt's debt, Israel will demand that most of its $4.6 billion debt also be erased [LAT 9/5; MET 9/18].

Qatar expels more than 70 Palestinian families, including several PLO members, apparently because of Palestinian support for Iraq [NYT 9/5; MET 9/18].

Media report of growing crisis in Jordan as hundreds of thousands of refugees flee Kuwait and Iraq for the Hashemite kingdom [NYT, WP 9/5; MET 9/18].

As'ad al-As'ad, ass't sec.-gen. of Arab League, is named as acting sec.-gen. until replacement for Chedli Klibi is determined [TDS 9/4 in FBIS 9/5].

White House formally announces sale of 24 jet fighters, 150 tanks, other hardware worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia; sale causes concern among pro-Israel lobby and its congressional allies [MEM 8/29; LAT, CSM 8/30; WT 8/31; MET 9/11].

On tour of Gulf states, British defense secretary Tom King says he's sending 4 additional warships - 3 mine-hunters and 1 destroyer - to the Gulf [LAT 8/30].

U.S. C-5 military transport aircraft carrying supplies to Gulf troops crashes shortly after takeoff in W. Germany, killing 12 soldiers [MEM 8/29; NYT, LAT, WT, CSM, WP 8/30].

10 of 13 OPEC nations, meeting in Vienna, endorse temporary production increase to make up for supplies lost because of Gulf crisis; Iran opposes agreement, Libya and Iraq are absent [AFP 8/29 in FBIS 8/29; NYT, WP 8/30; CSM 8/31].

21-member World Islamic Council denounces Saudi Arabia for inviting "anti-Islamic U.S. troops" into Middle East [INRA 8/29 in FBIS 8/30].

Speech read on behalf of Yasir Arafat to meeting of UN nongovernmental organizations in Geneva says PLO does not take sides in Gulf crisis, links Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait to other "occupied" lands-Lebanon, Golan, and Palestine [AVP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30].

Qatar has expelled 20 PLO officials since beginning of Gulf crisis, according to Yasir Abd Rabbo [AFP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30]; Abd Rabbo also states that breaking the economic blockade against Iraq is an Arab responsibility [RAY 8/30 in FBIS 8/31].

Hamas distributes leaflet in O.T. calling for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait and Kuwaiti self-determination; UNLU also issues leaflet continuing its demand for withdrawal of foreign troops from Saudi Arabia and calls for strike on 9/26 "in solidarity with the Iraqi people" [JPD 8/30 in FBIS 8/30].

Japan unveils aid package to help finance international effort against Iraq, but package  draws criticism from U.S. because of absence of tangible aid to military buildup. Japanese program offers loans to Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan; sending 100 doctors, refrigeration equipment, and water to region (cf. 8/31) [MEM 8/29; NYT, WT 8/30].

Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij says he supports UN formula for unconditional Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait, believing it to be the only way to head off a new disaster for Palestinians [WP 8/301.

U.S. wins grudging Soviet consent to UN resolution allowing naval forces to enforce blockade of Iraq; consent clears way for Sec. Council vote on 8/25 (cf. 8/25) [LAT 8/25].

Pres. Gorbachev sends to Saddam message warning that Iraq's failure to head UN resolution ordering Iraq out of Kuwait will "prompt the Sec. Council to take corresponding additional measures" [NYT, LAT, WP 8/25]; but Gorbachev complies with Iraqi order to close Soviet embassy in Kuwait [LAT 8/25].

Iraqi troops surround foreign missions in Kuwait, including U.S. and British embassies; troops detain U.S. embassy personnel [LAT 8/25, 8/26].

Egypt announces it will keep its Kuwaiti embassy and consulate open, despite Iraq's order to close missions by midnight [CDS, MENA 8/24 in FBIS 8/27].

Jordan reopens its border with Iraq at al-Ruwayshid after 40-hour "formal closure" to catch up on backlog of some 200,000 refugees since 8/7 [LAT, WP 8/25; JTE 8/25 in FBIS 8/27; MET 9/4].

Islamic Dawn Organization frees hostage Brian Kennan, a teacher with dual Irish-British nationality, held in Lebanon for over 4 years [AFP 8/24, DDS 8/25 in FBIS 8/27; NYT, WP 8/25].

Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze tells Sec. Baker in Copenhagen that USSR will not curtail or halt emigration of Soviet Jews [WP, WIT 6/7].

Soviet legislature postpones final approval of law relaxing emigration restrictions which was condition for Congress to ratify new U.S.-Soviet trade agreement [WP 6/6].

PLO rep. Hakam Balawi meets in Tunis with U.S. ambassador Robert Pelletreau, who delivers letter to Arafat from Bush admin. explaining U.S. 5/31 UN veto [TDS 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

Israeli army and intelligence officials tell Knesset For. Affairs and Defence Committee that they believe 5/30 attempted raid by PLF members was directed at military, not civilian, targets (cf. 6/6) [JDS 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

General strike called for by UNLU to commemorate 23d anniversary of 1967 war is observed in W.Bank; 2 Palestinian youths in Nablus are killed by IDF bullets [IDF, JDS 6/5 in FBIS 6/7; WT, LAT 6/6].

IDF lifts collective bans on travel to Jordan that had been imposed on some 25 W.Bank communities for periods up to 2 years [JPD 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

Clashes in S.Lebanon between Shiite militiamen and SLA and Israeli soldiers; no injuries reported [BVL 6/5 in FBIS 6/6].

In letter dated 5/29, Yitzhak Shamir appeals to Mikhail Gorbachev not to bow to Arab pressure and curtail Jewish emigration to Israel. Shamir adds that Israel does not have policy of "directing" immigrants to O.T. [WP 6/26].

Saana Voice of Palestine broadcasts text of letter written by UNLU to members of Arab League summit in Baghdad calling for League to fully support PLO [SVP 5/29 in FBIS 6/4].

Israeli troops in S.Lebanon "security zone" shoot, kill unidentified person [JDS 5/29 in FBIS 5/29].

Demonstrations in Jordan over the past week, particularly in Baaqa refugee camp, reflect growing frustration at stalled peace process and increasing popularity of return to military option [MET 5/29].

Leaders of Christian churches in Israel and O.T. announce they will close all shrines for 1 day beginning at 9 A.M. on 4/27. The first-ever closure is to protest Israeli gov't. funding for Jewish settlers at Hospice of St. John [NYT, WT, LAT 4/ 24; FJ 4/30].

JTS reports 24,200 Soviet Jews have emigrated to Israel since start of 1990, JDS adds total number of immigrants is 28,740 [JTS, JDS 4/23 in FBIS 4/24].

Lebanese cleric Hussein Musawi and Iranian F.M. Ali Akbar Velayati suggest second Western hostage will be released soon, but reiterate that 4/22 freeing of Robert Pohill should be met with similar "goodwill" response [WP 4/24].

U.S. mission UN in Geneva says U.S. will stop paying contributions to UN bodies that admit State of Palestine or upgrade PLO's status; statement comes 2 weeks before opening of World Health Organization's assembly, to which PLO has applied for full membership [WT 4/ 24].

U.S. State Dep't. sharply criticizes Israeli gov't. for financing Jewish nationalists' takeover of church-owned hospice in Jerusalem; calls move "an insensitive and provocative action" [WP 4/24].

Pres. Bush telephones Pres. Asad to express appreciation for Syria's role in 4/ 22 release of Robert Pohill. Bush also telephones Jordan's King Hussein to discuss Middle East peace issues [WP 4/24]. 

Jimmy Carter arrives in Jerusalem after visits to Syria and Jordan; says Pres. Asad is willing to enter into peace talks with Israel at international conference [NYT, WP 3/19].

Iran's First Dep. For. Min., Moham med Ali Besharati, says chances for freedom for Western hostages in Lebanon have never been brighter, predicts they will be freed within 10 months [NYT 3/ 19].

General strike called for by Hamas is observed in W. Bank, E. Jerusalem; masked Palestinians wielding axes and knives enforce strike in Hebron [NYT 3/ 19].

Fateh Revolutionary Council closes extraordinary and ordinary sessions [SVP 3/21 in FBIS 3/23].

Two small religious parties, Shas and Agudat Israel, suggesthey would not join Lidud-led coalition as long as Shamir is party leader [NYT 3/ 17]; Los Angeles Times reports growing pressure on Shamir to resign [LAT 3/17].

Senate Democratic Leader George J. Mitchell (D-ME) sharply attacks Pres. Bush for "heavy-handed blunder," that "contributed to the recent political crisis in Israel." Mitchell is referring to Bush's 3/3 statement [LAT 3/17].

In letter dated 3/16 from Sec. Baker to Rep. Mel Levine (D-CA), Baker softens U.S. stand on Israeli settlements in E. Jerusalem, writing "Clearly, Jews and others can live where they want, East or West, and the city must remain undivided" [NYT 3/13].

Arafat meets in Tunis with Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan, who spent 4 months in prison for previous meeting with Arafat [BVP 3/17 in FBIS 3/20].

Jimmy Carter arrives in Jordan from Syria for talks about Middle East [MET 3/27-4/2].

In London, King Hussein meets with PLO advisor Bassam Abu Sharif [WAKH 3/16 in FBIS 3/19].

Israeli military reports killing 3 Palestinians, allegedly DFLP members, inside Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon [MET 3/27-4/2].

Brig. Gen. Shmu'el Zucker assumes duty as commander of IDF forces in Gaza; replaces Brig. Gen. Tzvi Poleg [IDF 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].

Sec. Baker indicates Bush admin. would back $400 million loan guarantee program for housing Soviet Jews in Israel only if Israel stopped settlements in O.T.; also says he favors cuts in U.S. aid to Israel, Egypt, other major recipients in order to provide money for emerging democracies [NYT, WP, WT 3/2; NYT 3/3].

Pres. Bush denies U.S. is holding direct or indirect talks with Iran or Syria about release of American hostages in Middle East [WP, WT 3/2].

Appearing before House Foreign Affairs Committee, Defense Sec. Richard Cheney defends plan to give Egypt 700 surplus U.S. tanks made obsolete by reduction of European forces, says Israel was consulted and did not object [WT 3/ 2].

Arab diplomatic sources say ACC leaders have agreed Egypt, Iraq, and Yemen Arab Republic will intervene militarily in event of Israeli military threat to Jordan [WFD 3/1 in FBIS 3/8].

British Foreign Sec. Douglas Hurd meets with PLO advisor Bassam Abu Sharif in London; Hurd reiterates Britain's objection to settling immigrants in O.T. [WAKH 3/2 in FBIS 3/2].

Speaking in Jerusalem, Shimon Peres reiterates it is not Israeli gov't. policy to settle Soviet Jews in O.T. [JDS 3/2 in FBIS 3/2].

3 trade union groups in W. Bank end 9-year rift, merge into 1 group: General Federation of Trade Unions in the West Bank, headed by Shahar Saeed [MET 3/ 13-19].

Explosion detonated by "resistance fighters" kills 2 Israelis in S. Lebanon [BDS 3/1 in FBIS 3/2]; security sources report Israel has brought additional armored reinforcements into its "security zone" in S. Lebanon [BNR 3/1 in FBIS 3/1]. 

In advance of human rights report to be issued 2/21, U.S. State Dep't. says Israeli soldiers continue to violate Palestinian human rights, causing "avoidable deaths and injuries." State Dep't. also reports "significant increase in violence by Palestinians directed at other Palestinians" (cf. 2/21) [NYT 2/21].

Washington Post article cites recent statements by Israeli gov't. officials to the effect that PLO is continuing terrorism [WP 2/21].

Jordan's P.M. and D.M. Mudar Badran says financial considerations have forced Jordanian fighter pilots to train with Iraqi counterparts; this does not mean joint squadron is being formed. Badran accuses Israel of exploiting the subject [RAY 2/21 in FBIS 2/21].

Egypt's ambassador to Israel, Muhammad Basyuni, says "Egypt does not oppose Jewish immigration to Israel, but does oppose the settling of new immigrants in the territories" [MAA 2/21 in FBIS 2/22].

PLO envoy Hakam Balawi meets with U.S. ambassador to Tunisia Robert Pelletreau to discuss Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [SVP 2/21 in FBIS 2/23].

Hundreds of Israeli Arabs demonstrate against Interior and Finance ministries, urging them to honor pledge to aid Arab local councils in Israel [FJ 2/26].

Chrmn. of the Supreme Soviet International Affairs Committee, A.S. Dzasokhov, meets in Moscow with PLO Executive Committee members Mahmud Abbas and Sulayman Najjab to discuss strengthening Soviet-Palestinian relations [IZV 2/21].

2 UNIFIL soldiers are killed, at least 6 are wounded by artillery fire directed at S. Lebanon outpost from inside Israel's "security zone"; initial Israeli army statement says bombing occurred during gunfire between SLA and Hizballah [JDS 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; NYT 2/21]; UN protests to Israeli gov't. [WP 2/21].

Israel has told Jordan it objects to any Jordanian-Iraqi military cooperation. Israeli military source expresses concern that "a military alliance . .. is being set up against us" (cf. 2/20) [HAD 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

5 Knesset members announce reestablishment of Likud faction Liberal Party, which had previously merged with Herut movement [JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

High-level Palestinian delegation, sent by Yasir Arafat, arrives in Beirut to meet with Gen. Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea [MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21].

Under pressure from Arab gov'ts., Soviet Union rejects U.S. appeal to allow direct flights for Soviet Jews from Moscow to Tel Aviv [NYT 2/20].

Soviet ambassador to Cairo, Gennadiy Zhuravlev, has stressed USSR readiness to host Israeli-Palestinian talks; denies this undermines Egypt's role [RYF 2/19 in FBIS 2/28].

Israeli air force bombs DFLP bases near Kfar Jarah, 4 miles east of Sidon in Lebanon; one person reported killed [LAT 2/ 20; IDF 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

Jordan's King Hussein, noting U.S. abstention on 2/16 UN resolution against settlement, expresses concern that U.S. is reducing opposition to Israeli settlements in O.T. [WP 2/18; ADS 2/18 in FBIS 2/ 20].

Arab gov'ts. are reported divided over King Hussein's call for a summit meeting to discuss Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel; senior diplomats call summit premature and potentially harmful to Middle East peace process [NYT 2/18].

Yasir Arafat tells Peggy Say, sister of U.S. hostage Terry Anderson, he is doing his "very best" to win the release of American hostages in Lebanon [WP 2/18; LAT 2/19].

Jordan and Iraq are rumored to have formed ajoint air squadron; seen as costcutting measure for Jordanian air force (cf. 2/18, 2/19) [RMC 2/17 in FBIS 2/ 20].