The Palestine Chronology

2 Palestinians shot dead by IDF during protests against Hebron massacre. (NYT, WP 3/1)

PM Rabin calls on PLO to return to talks, hints he would allow an "international presence" in Gaza and Jericho. PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh says PLO sending 2 envoys to Washington to discuss talks' resumption. PLO demands international presence in o.t. to protect Palestinians, disarmament of all settlers, barring settlers fr. Palestinian cities and population centers, dismantling some settlements, including Qiryat Arba. U.S. rejects adding restrictions on settlers to negotiating agenda, but is willing to discuss international presence. (Tunisian TV 2/28 in FBIS 3/1; NYT, WP 3/1; NYT 3/2)

PM Rabin denounces extremist settlers in speech to Knesset, saying "You are not part of the community of Israel.... You are not partners in the Zionist enterprise. You are a foreign implant. ... a shame on Zionism and an embarrassment to Judaism." State Dept. spokesman Michael McCurry calls Israeli measures against settlers "unprecedented," says U.S. govt. "commended" steps. (MM 2/28; MM, NYT 3/1)

Mbrs. of Israeli commission of inquiry to investigate Hebron massacre named. Panel is chaired by Chief Justice Meir Shamgar and includes 1 Palestinian, Israeli-Arab Judge 'Abd alRahman Zuabi of the Nazareth district court. (MM 2/28; NYT 3/1)

UNSC continues debate on Hebron massacre, fails to agree on resolution because of differences on "international presence," reference to Jerusalem. (NYT 3/1)

Syria, Jordan confirm delegations not returning to Washington talks with Israel, but govts. say they are still committed to peace process, Syrian FMin. spokesman saying boycott "applies only to this session." (NYT, CSM 3/1)

Israeli cabinet orders some settlers disarmed, 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in response to Hebron massacre, establishes commission of inquiry to investigate massacre. Govt. orders administrative detention of 5 Kach mbrs., but apprehends only 1 as well as 2 low-level activists. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls Israeli moves "hollow and superficial," reiterates demand for international protection of Palestinians ino.t. Settlers' council "rejects out of hand the proposals ... to confiscatehe weapons of Jews." (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Rioting against Hebron massacre continues in o.t., Israel, spreading to Negev. 3 Palestinians killed in demonstrations, including 1 Israeli Arab, bringing casualty totals to 65 dead, 360 wounded since 2/25. (WP, WT 2/28; CSM, NYT 3/1)

PLO Chmn. Arafat charges that "some elements of the Israeli army" assisted Baruch Goldstein in Hebron massacre. IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom counters that soldiers fired into air, all 111 cartridge cases recovered at crime scene fired fr. Goldstein's rifle. (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Funeral of Hebron attacker Baruch Gold.. stein draws 300 mourners for procession fr. Jerusalem to Qiryat Arba. Mourners denounce journalists covering event as "Nazis"; Rabbi Yaacov Perrin, giving eulogy, proclaims "1 m. Arabs are not worth a Jewish fingernail." (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria withdraw negotiators fr. Washington talks with Israel in solidarity with PLO. (RMC 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

UN Sec. Gen. Butrus Butrus-Ghali suggests sending international monitors to protect Palestinians in o.t. U.S. mission to UN calls offer not "particularly helpful or useful." Statement notes DoP provides for "temporary" international presence, but says UN should not "prejudge" Israel-PLO discussions. Russia supports Butrus-Ghali's position. (NYT 2/28)

Bomb made of 2 82mm mortar shells explodes in Sayyidal-Naja Maronite Church in Zuq Mika'il, nr. Juniya, Lebanon, killing 9 and wounding 60. PM Hariri calls bombing "a plot ordered fr. abroad." Info M Michel Samaha, Damascus Radio, and Maronite Bishop Bishara Rai blame Israel. (RL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; SARR 2/27 in FBIS 3/1; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

IDF kills 3 Palestinians-1 each in Jerusalem, Tulkarm, and Gaza Strip-protesting Hebron massacre. 50 Palestinians wounded. Demonstrations throughout o.t. and in Israeli-Arab towns of Jaffa, Ramla, and Nazareth and in Galilee villages. 40 Israeli Arabs arrested in Nazareth, 10 in Ramla. Closure imposed on West Bank Palestinians and total curfew on Hebron; IDF guards posted at entrance to Qiryat Arba settlement. Qiryat Arba settlers travel under IDF escort. (Qol Yisra'el 2/26 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/27; WP 2/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat demands international protection for Palestinians in o.t. Israel-PLO talks in Cairo, Taba postponed pending decision of PLO leaders. Arafat recalls PLO negotiators fr. Cairo, Paris, and Washington for consultations, emergency mtg. of PLO Exec. Comm. Israeli FM Peres accepts Pres. Clinton's invitation to shift talks to Washington, but rejects international presence in o.t. (MENA 2/26, 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/27)

UNSC debates Hebron massacre for 5 hours, takes no action. PLO, Organization of the Islamic Conference request international protection for Palestinians. U.S. delegation opposes monitors. (NYT, WP 2/27; NYT 2/28)

Demonstrations against Hebron massacre in Palestinian r.c.s throughout Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. King Hussein declares 3 days of mourning. (NYT 2/27)

Hebron Massacre. 29 Palestinians killed when American-born settler, IDF reservist, and Kach mbr. Dr. Baruch Goldstein opens fire with IDF-issued Galil assault rifle on Muslim worshippers at Haram al-Ibrahimi in Hebron ("Cave of the Patriarchs") before being bludgeoned to death by survivors. 6 more Palestinians killed in clashes with IDF outside main Hebron hospital, 5othershot dead elsewhere in o.t. Hundreds wounded in bloodiest single day in o.t. since 1967 war. Palestinians riot throughout o.t., including at Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem. Gaza Strip closed off fr. Israel. (MENA, SPA 2/25 in FBIS 2/28; MM 2/25; WP 2/26, 2/27)

PFLP, PFLP-GC, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad issue statements vowing revenge for massacre. (AFP 2/25, QPAR 2/25, al-Ray 2/26 in FBIS 2/28)

Unidentified Palestinians axe to death 79-year-old Israeli at Kfar Sava bus station. (JP 3/5)

PLO issues statement condemning 2/18 killing of settler Zipporah Sasson.  Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawsha denounces PLO statement, saying Sasson's killing was unintentional.  (MM 2/25)

IDF attacks house in Abu Dis, West Bank, with anti-tank rockets in 7-hr. standoff with Hamas militants.  `Abd al-Rahman Hamdan, 23, killed, `Ali Ahmad `Ali Amudi, 19, arrested.  IDF claims the 2 Khan Yunis r.c. residents part of Hamas cell that killed 8 Israelis, including Shin Bet agent Noam Cohen, killed 2/13.  (MM 2/25)

Syrian Dep. Chief Rabbi Yusuf Jajati announces that all 1,000 Jews remaining in Syria have been given exit visas, fulfilling commitment made by Pres. al-Asad.  Jajati notes most of est. 4,000 Syrian Jews had moved to U.S., but 3-4 families had returned due to language, financial problems.  (MM 2/24; WP 2/25)

Beirut's al-Nahar reports U.S. selling 175 used M-113 APCs to Lebanese army for $35 m.  (MM 2/24)

Round of Cairo talks btwn. PLO and Israel on Gaza-Jericho autonomy ends, PLO official Nabil Shaath telling reporters "there is only a little left [to do]" on autonomy agreement.  Israeli negotiator Amnon Shahak agrees "real progress has been made."  (MENA 2/23 in FBIS 2/24; MM 2/24)

Israeli PM Rabin, in Lisbon, says Israel willing to allow 8,000-mbr. Palestinian security force in Gaza and Jericho to be equipped with patrol boats, "1 or 2" helicopters.  (MM 2/23; WT 2/24)

Secy. of State Christopher, testifying to Senate Foreign Relations Comm., says U.S. would provide peacekeepers for Golan Heights if Israel and Syria "consider it crucial to their reaching an agreement."  Christopher calls Syria-Israel talks "serious."  (MM 2/24)

FM Peres criticizes some settlements in Gaza Strip as "totally illogical," saying Netzarim "has no agricultural importance, no economic importance, no security importance."  (MM 2/22)

15 settler families, most fr. Ariel, sign petition for Knesset assistance to help them leave o.t.  MKs Yossi Katz (Labor) and Avraham Poraz (Meretz) submit Knesset bills calling for comprehensive compensation plan for settlers leaving o.t., while Labor MKs Haggai Merom and Avraham Burg set up "hot line" for settlers who wish to leave.  (MM 2/23)

Lebanese govt. officials, responding to U.S. concerns over violence in southern Lebanon, agree to restrain actions of guerrilla groups in south.  Int. M Bishara Mirhaj says "We will not approve of any operation that undermines the responsibility of the state in south Lebanon."  (NYT 2/25)

Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics puts Israeli population at end 1993 at 5.325 m., compared to 5.196 m. in 1992.  CBS says settlements' population at 115,000 compared to 105,000 in 1992, Palestinian population in o.t. 1.9 m.  (MM 2/23)

Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu meets in Washington with VP Al Gore, Senate Minority Leader Robert Dole.  Gore expresses both personal and official Clinton admin. opposition to Palestinian state, according to Netanyahu, while Dole says Senate would oppose posting U.S. troops on Golan.  (MM 2/23)

Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan expresses "respect and appreciation" for Saudi fund-raising drive for Islamic holy places in Jerusalem.  (RJ 2/22 in FBIS 2/23)

Senate confirms Strobe Talbott as dep. secy. of state by 66-31 vote.  Opponents had charged Talbott was overly critical of Israel while a journalist for Time magazine, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)  calling Talbott's articles "insulting, immature and incorrect," Sen. Minority Leader Robert Dole (R-KS) accusing Talbott of "clear anti-Israel bias." (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/23)

PLO-Israel security comm. resumes talks in Cairo to settle details of Gaza-Jericho autonomy plan.  Civilian affairs comm. also expected to resume sessions.  (MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM 2/23)

UN holds talks in Geneva with France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom on training Palestinian police force.  (MM 2/24)

FM Peres, speaking to Knesset Economics Comm. names Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, and Tunisia as Arab countries working to end Arab boycott of Israel.  Peres observes "the Arab boycott is the Arab world's problem, no less than ours."  (MM 2/21; Qol Yisra`el 2/21 in FBIS 2/24)

Syrian Interior M Muhammad Harba, speaking to Damascus conference on drug trafficking, says Syria rejects Israeli proposal for secret negotiations, calls Israeli proposal for referendum on Golan Heights an obstacle to peace.  (MM 2/21)

Settlers block West Bank roads with rocks, burning tires in continuing protests over killing of Zipporah Sasson.  Blockade coincides with "rush hour" of Palestinians going to work in Israel.  IDF prevents clashes by turning away Palestinian cars before they reach settler roadblocks.  Ballistics tests reportedly link weapon in Sasson killing to killing of Shin Bet officer previous week and 4 Israelis in 12/93.  (MM 2/21; CSM 2/22)

Lawyer for imprisoned Hamas leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin says his client's "life is under threat," but Israeli Prisons Authority spokesman says "there is no deterioration" in Yasin's condition.  Yasin is serving 15-yr. sentence in prison nr. Netanya for ordering killings of collaborators.  (MM 2/21)

Hamas issues leaflet warning Druze, Bedouin citizens of Israel to leave IDF "which has killed the sons of your people."  Hamas claims IDF replacing Jewish units in Gaza with Druze- and Bedouin-manned units.  (MM 2/21)

Mourners at Ashkelon funeral of Zipporah Sasson chant "death to Arabs!" but cabinet declines to close off o.t., FM Peres saying "there is no need at the moment to renew the closure," closure "neither effective nor required."  Environment M Yossi Sarid warns, "if [PLO Chmn. Arafat] and his people do not bring down the level of terrorism, terrorism will bring them down."  Israeli cabinet discusses closure of o.t. as possible response to Sasson murder, but FM Peres says "it is unfair to punish innocent people." (MM, NYT, WT 2/21)

Police M Moshe Shahal announces plans to deploy Civil Guard units in all major settlements in o.t. as part of IDF redeployment plans.  (MM 2/21)

Associated Press reports Israel preparing to evacuate Palestinian informers and their families to Israel fr. villages of Dahaniya in the Gaza Strip and Fahmi in the West Bank in anticipation of Palestinian autonomy.  Report says 13 of 100 families in Dahaniya and 24 of 105 in Fahmi have received Israeli i.d.s  (WT 2/20)

Jordan arrests 15 FRC ("Abu Nidal") mbrs. in raid on Amman office posing as trading company.  Most had served prison terms in 1970s for terrorist crimes.  Move follows arrests in Lebanon of FRC mbrs. for murder of Jordanian diplomat, Jordanian accusations of Libyan complicity.  (MM, WP 2/23)

King Fahd announces Saudi fund-raising drive for restoration of Islamic holy places in Jerusalem.  (MM 2/24)

NYT reports Israeli govt. planning up to 15,000 new apartments in "Greater Jerusalem."  (NYT 2/19)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, in interview with The Guardian and Jordan Times, claims Fateh has evidence of direct Israeli involvement in o.t. arms traffic, which "has accelerated in recent weeks,"  accusing IDF of playing "a very dangerous game" since it knows "that these weapons, while they are withdrawing, will not be used against them.  Then against whom will they be used?"  (MM 2/18; JT 2/17-18 in FBIS 2/17)

Zipporah Sasson of Ariel settlement, West Bank, killed in gun attack claimed by Hamas on Trans-Samarian Highway.  Settler was 5 mos. pregnant. Settlers block roads to protest killing. (Qol Yisra'el 2/19 in FBIS 2/22; WP, WT 2/20; CSM 2/22; JP 2/26)

Current round of Israel-PLO talks in Taba ends, both sides reporting progress.  PM Rabin says talks held in a "good atmosphere."  Security comm. divides into subcomms. on police, prisoners.  PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says draft agreement on Palestinian police force reached.  (MENA, IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/17)

During 2d day of bilateral Arab-Israeli talks in Washington, Israeli negotiators Uri Lubrani, Itamar Rabinovich complain to Lebanese delegate Suhail Shammas, Syrian amb. Muwaffaq al-Allaf over 2/16 katyusha incident.  Meanwhile, Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi, Syrian Pres. al-Asad meet in Damascus to discuss tensions in southern Lebanon.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17; SARR 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Israel-Jordan-U.S. economic talks in Washington end, Jordanian side expressing reluctance to pursue joint projects with Israel until Israel-Syrian talks achieve progress, Israeli-Jordanian disputes over refugees, water, Arava region resolved.  (Qol Yisra'el 2/18 in FBIS 2/18).

Israeli PM Rabin blames 2/16 katyusha attack on "Black September 13" group, notes "our understandings with Syria regarding Hizballah remain in effect."  (Qol Yisra'el 2/17 in FBIS 2/18; MM 2/18)

Anwar Rashid Tahir Qtait, 24, killed by IDF at checkpoint in Saris [Misilyah??] village, nr. Janin in West Bank, when he makes a "threatening gesture."  In Halhul, IDF shoots and seriously wounds at least 4 Palestinians protesting 2/16 killing of Najwan al-`Izza.  (MM 2/17; IDF Radio 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

Israeli Yuval Golan, stabbed in Hebron 12/29/93 by Palestinian, dies of wounds, becoming 201st Israeli killed by Palestinians during intifada according to AFP figures.  1,179 Palestinians killed by Israeli gunfire in same period.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

Hamas's `Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade issues statement offering "protection and weapons" to Palestinian collaborators who kill their Shin Bet control officers.  (AFP 2/17 in FBIS 2/18)

MK `Abd al-Wahab Darawsha (Arab Democratic party) announces Syrian govt. has allowed him to visit Damascus at head of 31-mbr. delegation to pay condolences on death of Basil al-Asad.  Visit will be 1st official trip by Israeli Arab allowed by Syria.  PM Rabin calls trip a "positive step." (MM, WP 2/18; WT 2/19; NYT 2/20)

Congolese Int. M Martin Mberri confirms Brazzaville has signed $50 m. contract with Israeli company for training, equipping Congolese army.  Officials say 40 Israelis training presidential guard unit, 20 more to come.  Mberri says France will train regular army and police.  Congo armed forces fighting guerrillas loyal to frmr. dictator Denis Sassou-Nguesso for 8 mos.  (WP 2/18)

Israeli-PLO security, civilian affairs comm. negotiations continue in Taba.  Security comm. discusses release of Palestinian prisoners, establishment of Palestinian police.  Israeli negotiator Gen. Amnon Shahak says draft paper on Palestinian police force "almost achieved."   Civilian Affairs comm. divides into subcoms. on electricity and civil planning, communications.  Palestinian negotiator Radwan Abu-Ayyash estimates cost of Palestinian broadcast network at $30 m.-$50 m. (MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16)

Bilateral Arab-Israeli talks resume in Washington. (Qol Yisra'el 2/16 in FBIS 2/16)

Egyptian State Broadcasting Authority renews official contact with Israeli Broadcasting Authority, broken during 1982 Lebanon war.  (MM 2/17; JP 2/26)

Higher Jordanian-Palestinian Comm. completes 2 days of mtgs. in Amman.  Jordanian Information M. Jawad al-Anani says PLO and Jordan have agreed on joint strategy in economic talks with Israel set for Paris.  Israel-Jordan joint economic comm. meets in Washington with U.S. participation. (RJ 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16, 2/17)

AFP reports 1st all-Palestinian bank in o.t., "Commercial Bank of Palestine," will start operations 3/15 in Ramallah.  Bank, with capital of $14 m., is headed by businessman Suhail Jad`awn.  (AFP 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

U.S. State Dept. announces Secy. of State Christopher will visit Middle East during 3/94. (MM 2/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat accuses "Israeli officers" of condoning arms trade in o.t., warning flow of weapons "could lead to another Afghanistan among the Palestinians." (NYT 2/17)

IDF kills purported PFLP mbr. Najwan Mahmud Muhammad al-`Izza, 21, in Halhul, West Bank.  (MM 2/17) [CHALLENGE--2/15]

122-mm. katyusha rocket fired on northern Israel fr. southern Lebanon in 1st incident in 6 mos.  IDF blames attack on Palestinian opposition groups.  IDF tanks, artillery come to aid of SLA patrol ambushed by Hizballah.  Hizballah claims 12 SLA mbrs. killed or wounded.  (NYT, MM, WT 2/17; MM 2/18)

Israeli cabinet extends term of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak to 1/95.  Barak had been set to retire 4/94.  (MM 2/16)

PM Rabin's spokesman Oded Ben-Ami defends allowing 30 elite IDF veterans to serve in Congo as advisers, denying soldiers are mercenaries.  Opponents cite Congolese civil war as reason to bar Israeli support of Brazzaville regime.  Press reports say over 2,000 IDF veterans have served in Africa since 1960s.  (NYT 2/17)

FRC mbrs. Yusuf Sha`ban, Salim Mahyub confess to killing Jordanian diplomat Na'ib al-Ma'aytah in Beirut 1/29.  Bassam Atiya, also arrested, denies involvement.  (RL 2/16 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17)

Israeli court convicts 4 banks--Leumi, Hapoalim, Discount, and Mizrahi--and 9 bank executives in connection with 10/83 stock market crash precipitated by news of banks propping up own stocks.  Crash cost $7 b. in Israeli govt. payments to investors.  (CSM 2/17)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, Saudi amb. Prince Bandar announce Saudia Airlines will purchase 50 U.S.-made Boeing 747 and McDonnell-Douglas MD-11, MD-80, and MD-90 commercial aircraft worth $6 b.  Deal will be financed in part through U.S. Export-Import Bank loan guarantees.  (CSM, NYT, MM, WT 2/17)

Jordanian-Palestinian political comm. opens mtg. on cooperation in Amman under PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Faruq al-Qaddumi, Jordanian Dep. PM Sa'id al-Tall. (RJ 2/15 in FBIS 2/16)

Clashes in Gaza City btwn. stone-throwers and IDF leave 4 Palestinians wounded. In separate incident in Gaza Strip, 1 Palestinian killed. (MM 2/15; NYT 2/16)

PLO-Israel talks in Taba, Egypt on details of Gaza, Jericho autonomy resume. Discussions focus on size, deployment of Palestinian police force, release of Palestinian prisoners. PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says "there were no serious obstacles," adds "we are negotiating in good faith." (MENA 2/14 in FBIS 2/15; WT 2/15)

Jewish Agency Chmn. Simha Dinitz, frmr. Israeli amb. to U.S., charged with fraud and breach of trust for misuse of agency credit cards. Indictment charges head of quasi-governmental body with diverting $23,000 in agency funds to personal use. (NYT, WP 2/15)

Golan Druze stone Israeli police during protest marking 12th anniversary of Golan general strike. (MM 2/15)

Palestinian gunmen ambush Shin Bet car on patrol in Baytuniya, West Bank, killing 1 Shin Bet officer and wounding 2. (MM, WT 2/14)

Israeli Bank Leumi announces frmr. al-Fajr editor Hanna Siniora will head up International Palestinian Bank to support development projects. (MM 2/14)

FM Peres tells Israeli radio Israel will not be forced to abandon settlements, but rhetorically asks "what is the point?" in maintaining small, isolated settlements,pecifically referring to Netzarim in Gaza Strip. (NYT, WP, WT 2/12)

Weekly Mail and Guardian newspaper of South Africa cites court documents that reveal Israel aided South African nuclear-weapons program in 1970s. (WT 2/12)

Lebanese police announce arrests of 4 presumed FRC ("Abu Nidal") mbrs. in connection with 1/29 murder of Jordanian diplomat Na'ib Ma'aitah. Gunman, arrested 2/6, identified as FRC mbr. Yusuf Mahmud Sha'ban. (RL 2/11 in FBIS 2/14; MM 2/11; NYT 2/13)

Zeyneba Hardaga Susic, 76, a Bosnian Muslim fr. Sarajevo, arrives in Israel to take refuge. Susic and her family were designated "Righteous Gentiles" by Yad Vashem in 1985 for aiding Bosnian Jews in World War II, 1st Muslims so designated. (MM 2/11; WP 2/12)

Israeli PM Rabin calls Cairo accord signed by PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli FM Peres "a very important step," predicts "at least another month will be necessary in order to finish the details of the agreement to a full accord." (Qol Yisra'el 2/20 in FBIS 2/10; MM 2/10; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/11)

Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for abduction and murder of Ilan Sudri, Israeli taxi driver and frmr. border policeman missing fr. inside Israel. In separate incident, dozens of Palestinians detained in search for killers of Israeli citrus farmer found bludgeoned to death in Rehovot. (MM 2/10; WP 2/11)

AIPAC Pres. Steven Grossman announces appointment of Neil Sher, frmr. head of Dept. of Justice's Office of Special Investigations, as next AIPAC exec. dir. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/11; WJW 2/17)

Senate postpones to 2/22 vote by full body on nomination of Strobe Talbott as dep. secy. of state due to Republican opposition. (WT 2/11; WJW 2/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli FM Peres reach partial agreement on security issues related to Palestinian autonomy in Gaza, Jericho, signing documents on control of border crossings, principles for interim agreement at ceremony in Cairo. (MENA 2/9 in FBIS 2/10; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/10)

Sen. For. Relations Comm. approves nomination of Strobe Talbott as dep. secy. of state by vote of 17-2. (WT 2/10)

IDF wounds 14 Palestinians in clashes in Jabaliya and Shatti camps in Gaza and in Janin and Hebron, West Bank. (Qol Yisra'el 2/8 in FBIS 2/9)

FRC ("Abu Nidal" faction) denies involvement in 1/29 murder of Jordanian diplomat in Beirut. (MM 2/8)

Strobe Talbott appears before Sen. For. Relations Comm. for confirmation as dep. secy. of state, asserts beliefs that "U.S.-Israeli relationship is unshakable" and that "a strong Israel is in America's interest" in effort to head off critics of his published comments on Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 2/9)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, Israeli FM Peres open talks in Cairo aimed at implementing Palestinian autonomy in Gaza and Jericho. Both sides report progress. (MENA 2/7, 2/8 in FBIS 2/8; WP, WT 2/8)

Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin meets in Washington with Qatari, Omani officials to discuss Qatar-Israel natural gas deal, multilateral mtg. on water set for 4/94 in Muscat. (MM 2/9)

Hizballah guerrillas ambush IDF patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 4 IDF soldiers and wounding 5. Ambush triggers IAF strikes on 3 villages, SLA, IDF shelling. (MM 2/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/8)

Meretz MKs Naomi Chazan and Benny Temkin demand that PM Rabin, in capacity as DM, ban travel of 40 IDF elite force veterans to Congo to act as military trainers. Leftist legislators view veterans as mercenaries being used to support Brazzaville regime. (WT 2/10)

Knesset recognizes "Yi'ud" faction made up of frmr. Tsomet MKs. (see 2/2) (MM 2/7)

Sens. Connie Mack (R-FL) and Alfonse D'Amato ask Pres. Clinton to withdraw nomination of Strobe Talbott as dep. secy. of state because of his "extreme views" on Israel, which "go beyond common criticisms to a systematic attack upon the foundations of America's close relationship with Israel." (WT 2/8)

Lebanese police arrest unnamed FRC ("Abu Nidal" group) mbr. for 1/29 murder in Beirut of Jordanian diplomat Na'ib Ma'aitah. (WT 2/9)

NYT reports that World Jewish Restitution Organization, a coalition of groups, and Israeli govt. seeking recovery of or compensation for assets in eastern Europe confiscated fr. Jews by Nazi, Communist govts. Value of communal and private assets estimated in billions of dollars. (NYT 2/6)

IDF shoots dead Ayman Suri, 11, outside UNRWA office in Jabaliya camp, Gaza Strip. In separate incident, Khayr Yusuf 'Abd Allah, 30, of Bala', West Bank, killed by IDF when he tries to evade roadblock while village under curfew. (Qol Yisra'el 2/5 in FBIS 2/7; WT 2/6)

Morocco hosts 4-day conference of Jews of Moroccan descent, including 20-mbr. Israeli delegation, in Casablanca to explore cultural, economic cooperation btwn. Israel and Morocco. (MM 2/4)

Washington, opened 1/24, adjourns without reported progress. (Qol Yisra'el 2/3 in FBIS 2/3; MM 2/4)

Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control and Regional Security ends Cairo mtg. opened 1/30 after discussing Russian-U.S. working paper, IAEA proposals. (MENA 2/3 in FBIS 2/4)

IDF soldier in truck, firing at stone-throwers in Shatti camp, Gaza Strip, critically wounds 13-yr.-old Mahmud Abu Hajar. IDF spokesman admits soldier's action violates IDF rules of engagement. (MM 2/3; NYT, WP 2/4)

IDF undercover unit disguised as women and old men kills Fateh Hawks' leader Salim Muafi, 29, in surprise attack in Rafah, Gaza Strip. Hawks announce they will no longer obey PLO Chmn. Arafat's orders, escalate "armed struggle." IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Ehud Barak calls Muafi's killing a "great achievement." (WP 2/4)

IDF arrests 15 settlers attempting to establish new settlement nr. Maale Adumin, West Bank. (Qol Yisra'el 2/3 in FBIS 2/4)

Israeli Ag. Min. program comm. approves expansion of Moshav Ramot, Maale Gamla settlements in Golan Heights. (MM 2/4)

U.S. Agency for International Development releases $7 m. in aid to Palestinian Housing Council in East Jerusalem to fund 192 apartments in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip. Money is 1st installment of $500 m. pledged to support Israel-PLO DoP. (MM, WT 2/4)

Jordan reduces staff of Iranian embassy in Amman by 21 in move interpreted as Jordanian disapproval of Tehran's support for anti-DoP groups. (AFP 2/3 in FBIS 2/3; WP 2/4)

Zionist Organization of America, National Jewish Coalition circulate Time magazine columns by Dep. Secy. of State-designate Strobe Talbott criticizing Israeli policy in campaign to stop his nomination. Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs issues news release saying Talbott's views are reason he "should be disqualified" fr. post. Other Jewish groups, led by Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, meet with Talbott and refuse to condemn him as anti-Israel. (MM, NYT 2/4)

"Seeds of Peace" organization presents awards to Israeli FM Peres, PLO UN Observer Muhammad Nasir al-Kidwa, and Egyptian UN amb. Nabil al-'Arabi. Group put together Israeli, Arab children for summer camp, was present at 9/13 DoP signing. (NYT 2/5)

Unknown gunmen wound 3 Israelis in Hebron, West Bank. Leaflet found nearby claims responsibility for 'Izz al-Din Qassam brigades of Hamas. Palestinian residents of Hebron placed under strict curfew by IDF. (MM 2/2; WT 2/6)

UN Special Rapporteur Rene Felber tells Geneva mtg. of UN Human Rights Commission killings, torture, and land confiscation in o.t. have continued since 9/13 DoP, says both PLO and Israel should "contain violence." Felber also calls for independent investigation of torture allegations, release of Palestinian prisoners. (WT 2/5)

3 Tsomet MKs leave right-wing party to form "Independent and Democratic Israel," known by acronym of "Yi'ud." 3 charge party leadership with financial mismanagement. (Qol Yisra'el 2/2 in FBIS 2/3; MM 2/3; NYT 2/9; JP 2/12, 2/19)

Israeli, PLO negotiators meet in Cairo to prepare for another round of talks btwn. PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli FM Peres to follow up on negotiations in Davos, Switzerland. Israeli PM Rabin and aides play down expectations autonomy accord will be reached soon. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/2)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, addressing UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, calls for continued investigation of Israeli humanrights violations, saying "the human rights process must go on despite the current negotiations." (WP 2/2)

State Dept. annual report on human rights cites Israel for use of torture, death squads against Palestinians in o.t. (NYT 2/2)

Israel announces plans to test-launch "Arrow 2" missile by end of year, deploy U.S.-funded anti-ballistic missile system by 1997. (WT 2/2)

PLO sources say PLO security officers will go to U.S. for training. (WT 2/2)

B'nai B'rith Int'l. announces return of delegation fr. visit to Morocco, where King Hassan II told it he seeks trade and tourism ties with Israel. (WT 2/2)

Knesset unanimously approves law allowing Israeli state attorney to investigate complaints against Shin Bet. Previously secret police agency, often accused of torture and abuse of prisoners, investigated allegations itself. (MM 2/2; WT 2/9)

4-day "Religious Leadership in Secular Society" conference grouping 400 Christian and Jewish leaders opens in Jerusalem. Frmr. Israeli Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren refuses to attend, as do many Israeli rabbis. (MM 2/1)