The Palestine Chronology

WP reports that National Security Advisor Anthony Lake and CIA Dir. R. James Woolsey share Secy. of Defense Aspin's opposition to clemency for Jonathan Pollard, while Dep. AG Philip Heymann leads faction supporting commutation. (WP 12/29)

Israeli FM Peres, PLO official Mahmud 'Abbas say "constructive" results reached in Cairo mtg., but negotiations on implementation of Gaza-Jericho accord continue. (MENA 12/29 in FBIS 12/30; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/30)

Syrian Jewish sources report that hundreds of exit vias have been issued in recent days to Jews wishing to leave Syria, fulfilling commitment given to Secy. of State Christopher by Syrian Pres. al-Asad. (NYT 12/30)

IDF seals off 4 settlements nr. Nablus and prevents procession of settlers fr. bringing Torah scrolls to Jewish religious center in Nablus. 15 settlers arrested. New orders, issued 12/12 but only made public today, permit IDF to place Jewish settlements as well as Palestinian towns and villages under curfew, take "strong action" against law-breaking settlers. (NYT, WT 12/17)

FM Peres, in Paris, says Israel and PLO have agreed to open economic market btwn. Israel and Palestinian self-governing areas, allowing Palestinians to freely export farm produce to Israel and import goods fr. Arab states. Disagreements over currency, ties with Jordan remain. (MM 12/16)

Unnamed PLO, Israeli officials meet privately at undisclosed locations to try to bridge differences preventing implementation of Gaza-Jericho withdrawal. PLO-Israel talks in al-Arish on civil issues recess. (CSM 12/17; MENA 12/16 in FBIS 12/17)

Syrian Pres. al-Asad meets U.S. congressional delegation made up of Sens. DeConcini (D-AZ), Specter (R-PA), Grassley (RIA), and Graham (D-FL) and Rep. Richardson (D-NM). Talks focus on overcoming impediments to peace process. (SARR 12/16 in FBIS 12/16; MM 12/17)

197 Palestinian mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad return fr. Lebanon at end of 1-yr. exile. The Islamist activists will be processed through Israeli prisons before returning to homes in o.t. PM Rabin, touring Gaza settlement, promises "tough measures" if "we have even the slightest suspicion that [the returnees] intend or are involved" in attacks on Israelis. (NYT, WP, WT 12/16)

Israel-PLO talks on civil issues related to Gaza-Jericho self-rule resume in al-Arish, Sinai. (MM 12/15)

Working group of Middle East Multilateral Talks Economic Development Comm. ends mtg. in Cairo, approves 4 agricultural projects, pollution control project for Gulf of Aqaba, and joint tourism project for Egypt, Israel, and o.t. (MENA 12/15 in FBIS 12/16)

Ashraf Muhammad Halil, 18, killed by IDF when he attacks soldiers with ax during search of his tool bag in Jabaliya camp, Gaza. (WT 12/16)

IDF fires on Gaza City Palestinians protesting killing of Hamas leader Imad 'Aql, wounding btwn. 16 and 37. Ahmad 'Abd Allah Zahama killed in incident. Fadil Ziyad, 18, wounded in clash with IDF 11/24 in Gaza, dies in hospital. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/26)

Israeli archaeologists report finding 5,000-yr.-old skeleton of Canaanite soldier in cave nr. Jericho as part of month-long search of 350 caves in West Bank. (NYT 11/26)

PM Rabin tells ITV 12/13 deadline for start of IDF withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho "not sacred." (MM 11/26; NYT, WT 11/27)

Al-Arish, Cairo talks recess, negotiations to resume next week. (MENA 11/25 in FBIS 11/26)

Alleged Hamas mbr. Shadi Muslih 'Isa, 18, attacks Israeli police officer, civilian at Erez crossing point, Gaza Strip, and is shot dead. (MM 11/16)

16-yr.-old Palestinian student Rami Ghazzawi killed when IDF fires on youths stoning settler cars in al-Birah. 3 other students wounded. (MM 11/16)

Settlers in Hebron riot, overturning stalls at fruit and vegetable market and attacking Palestinian cars. (MM 11/16)

Israeli Justice M. David Libai, at Maale Ephraim settlement, warns settlers that no one could "take the law into his own hands," says govt. "will have to subdue any attempt to have influence by illegal means." IDF states it will act "firmly and aggressively" to stop settler assaults, will use "reasonable force." (MM 11/16; NYT 11/17)

PM Rabin tells Secy. of State Christopher 12/13 deadline for implementation of DoP may not be met. (MM 11/16, 11/17)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on implementation of Gaza-Jericho provisions of DoP resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation led by IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak, Palestinian by PLO official Nabil Shaath. (Cairo TV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris chaired by Fin. M. Avraham Shohat and PEDRA DG Ahmad Qurai' establish 3 subcomms. on trade and labor, taxation and banking, and currency. Subcomms. are to meet 11/23-25 in Paris, heads of delegations on 11/25. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Gov. Muhammad al-Nabulsi says agreement reached with Palestinians to retain Jordanian dinar as o.t. currency, have CBJ supervise and monitor banking. (JTV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Multilateral talks on Middle East environment end in Cairo with Israeli-Arab agreement on Gulf of Aqaba oil spills, dispute on Israeli nuclear waste, Jordan Valley land reclamation. Delegates fr. 40 countries, in 4th mtg., agree on 20 environmental projects. (MENA 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Palestinian leaders in o.t., Jordan, "and elsewhere" submit memorandum to PLO Chmn. Arafat criticizing PLO performance, demanding reforms. (MM 11/17, al-Ray 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Knesset Golan caucus considers bill fr. Likud and NRP mbrs. to amend law annexing Golan to require majority of 80 MKs for any change in law. Labor mbrs. of caucus express sympathy with bill, which given current Knesset divisions would effectively bar negotiations with Syria. (MM 11/17)

Syrian VP Khaddam tells foreign correspondents PLO Chmn. Arafat "fell into a big trap" in signing DoP, notes "There are 4 million Palestinian refugees living outside the territories covered by the 'Gaza-Jericho First' agreement." Khaddam claims Arafat "abandoned coordination with the Arab parties," states "I believe the majority of the Palestinian people do not support the agreement." (MM 11/16; SARR 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Hizballah offensive on IDF and SLA; Katyusha barrages fired in "security zone," assaults on 2 IDF, 6 SLA posts. 12 SLA mbrs. taken prisoner, at least 2 IDF soldiers and 2 SLA mbrs. wounded. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed in attack. IAF bombs 3 Hizballah bases nr. Ba'labakk, knocks out radio antenna. "Black September 13 Brigades," Fateh group opposed to DoP, claims responsibility for katyusha barrage on Qiryat Shemona. (MM 11/16, 11/17; IDF Radio, AFP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin, in interview with JP, says Syria behind Kurdish attacks in Turkey, Israel and Turkey should cooperate on counter-terrorism. (MM 11/16)

Israel Archaeologists Society calls for end to govt. Antiquities Authority search for scrolls in West Bank ("Operation Scroll"), saying search aims at denying Palestinian scholars access to materials and will complicate future Israeli cooperation with Palestinians and Jordan. (WT 11/17)

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators resume in Cairo talks to implement 9/13 agreement. Talks center on size of IDF force around Gaza settlements, extent of Palestinian authority in Jericho, and control of border crossings. (NYT 11/16)

Multilateral talks Environment Comm. holds session attended by delegates fr. over 40 countries in Cairo. (MENA 11/15 in FBIS 11/16)

Hebron settler kills Palestinian attacking him with hatchet; 2d attacker flees with settler's rifle. PFLP claims responsibility for attack fr. Beirut, names dead Palestinian as Muhammad Badawi Burkan, 26, of Hebron. Settlers riot, burning Palestinian vegetable stands and stoning Palestinian cars. In separate incident, Palestinian badly wounded in attack by Beit El settlers. (MM 11/15)

Hamas issues statement condemning PLO Chmn. Arafat's condemnation of 10/29 killing of settler Haim Mizrachi, calling it evidence of his "disgraceful submissiveness" and of his "readiness to liquidate the cause of our people." (MM 11/15)

Israeli Econ. Min. Shimon Shitreet says scope of support [for DoP] has diminished" due to recent killings of settlers. (CSM 11/16)

Qatar announces establishment of direct phone service to o.t., 1st Gulf state to do so. (MM 11/15)

U.S. Pres. Clinton assures Syrian Pres. al-Asad that U.S. and Israel support continued efforts for Syrian-Israeli agreement. Assurance transmitted in letter given Syrian FM al-Shara' by U.S. coordinator Dennis Ross, which also states Secy. of State Christopher will tour Middle East in early Dec. to pursue Arab-Israeli talks. (NYT, WP 11/16)

U.S. Dept. of Defense offers to sell Israel 20 modified F-15E (F-151) fighter-bombers, valued at $1.8 b. Israeli PM Rabin, after meeting with Secy. of Defense Les Aspin, says offer under consideration. (NYT, WP 11/16)

At meeting with journalists in Washington, Israeli PM Rabin identifies Ilam as major threat to Middle East peace, accuses Iran of supporting Somali militia leader Mohamed Farah Aideed. (WP 11/16)

Lt. Col. Muin Shabaita, 2d in command of Fateh militia in 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp, Sidon, Lebanon, killed by unknown gunmen. Fateh security chief at 'Ayn al-Hilwah, Abi Husayn Farhud, blames FRC ("Abu Nidal" faction) for killing. (NYT, WP 11/16)

Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith (ADL) agrees to San Francisco court injunction not to use illegal means to gather information. ADL was found to have access to police files on Arab Americans, among other groups, and was accused in criminal investigation of providing information to South Africa and Israel. Civil suits by targets of ADL investigations remain open. (WP 11/16)

Yediot Aharanot prints English text of Israeli-Palestinian Declaration of Principles (DoP), 1st publication of agreement. (MM, WP, WT 9/1)

Opening of 11th round bilateral Arab-Israeli peace talks in Washington eclipsed by news of Israel-PLO agreement. Eliakim Rubenstein, head of Israeli delegation, remains in Israel while rest of delegation goes to U.S. Rubenstein is rumored to be considering resigning out of opposition to dealing with PLO. (MM 9/1)

Secy. of State Christopher says U.S. will "strongly support" DoP, hints U.S. position on PLO will change due to Israel-PLO accord. (MM, WP 9/1)

PLO Chmn. Arafat concludes meetings in Alexandria with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, leaves for Khartoum to explain agreement to Sudanese govt. (MENA 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

Commercial strike in o.t. called by opposition factions only partially observed. (Qol Yisra'el 8/31 in FBIS 8/31)

Poll shows 76.4% of Gazans support Israel-PLO agreement. (ITV 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

16-year-old Azzam Abu Irmanah shot dead by IDF in Nusayrat refugee camp, Gaza; 3 others wounded in separate incidents. (MM 8/31)

PLO officials in Amman report that PIA brigade in Jordan is being retrained to serve as police in o.t. (MM 8/31)

Jordan's King Hussein flies to Damascus for emergency talks with Syrian Pres. alAsad concerning PLO-Israel agreement. Syrian spokesman Jubran Kourieh calls accord "a surprise to the 2 countries and over which there has been no coordination btwn. the Arab parties." (MM 8/31, 9/1; NYT 9/1)

Hamas spokesman in Amman Muhammad Nazzal says Islamist group will continue to fight for complete Israeli withdrawal, but says organization may take part in elections in enclaves vacated under "Gaza-Jericho lst" plan. (MM 8/31)

Israeli cabinet votes to approve "Gaza-Jericho lst" agreement with PLO. Int. Min. Arye Deri, Econ. Min. Shimon Shitreet abstain. 4,000 right-wing protesters demonstrate against accord outside PM's office. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/31; Qol Yisra'el 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Dahaf poll shows 53% of Israeli Jews support accord with PLO. (Yediot Aharanot 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

Norwegian FM Johan Jorgen Holst says Norway hosted 14 rounds of talks btwn. Israel and PLO leading to agreement. (MM 8/31; NYT 9/1)

MK Hanan Porat of National Religious Party, supported by Likud MKs, occupies synagogue in Jericho, declares he is opening settlement. (MM 8/31)

PLO Chmn. Arafat denies Jordan and Syria displeased with PLO-Israel accord; flies to Yemen, then Egypt to rally Arab support for PLO-Israel agreement. (Yemeni Republic Radio, MENA 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; MM, WP 8/31)

PFLP-GC chief Ahmad Jibril threatens in statemento kill Arafat, says Arafat will "pay the price" for Gaza-Jericho accord, warns agreement would "trigger a civil war in Palestine" and "liquidate the intifada." Spokesman for Jibril later argues statement not a threat but a prediction. (AFP 8/30 in FBIS 8/30, 8/31; MM, NYT 8/31)

PFLP-GC, PNSF issue statements denouncing Gaza-Jericho plan, PLO leadership. (QPAR 8/30 in FBIS 8/31)

PLO Exec. Comm. ends meeting, agrees to present "Gaza-Jericho lst" at 11th Washington round. Palestinian delegation leaves for Washington. (MENA, Tunisian Republic Radio 8/29 in FBIS 8/30)

Jordanian, Lebanese, Syrian delegations leave for Washington talks. (Radio Jordan, VOM 8/29 in FBIS 8/30)

91 PNC mbrs. sign memorandum rejecting "Gaza-Jericho lst," calling for PLO withdrawal fr. peace talks. (Sawt al-Sha'b 8/29 in FBIS 8/30)

Settlers' council denounces DoP as "national treason." (NYT, WP 8/30)

Palestinian negotiating delegation joins PLO Exec. Comm. meeting in Tunis. (MENA 8/29 in FBIS 8/30)

Hamas rejects Gaza-Jericho proposal, urges PLO withdrawal fr. peace talks. (al-Ray 8/29 in FBIS 8/30)

Pro-Arafat rally in East Jerusalem attended by 200 participants. (Qol Yisra'el 8/28 in FBIS 8/30)