The Palestine Chronology

Based on recommendations made at the Sharm al-Shaykh follow-up mtg., Canada, PA sign agmt. whereby Canada agrees to provide the PA with explosive-detecting equipment similar to what the U.S. gave Israel. (PBC 3/31 in FBIS 4/1)

IDF prevents several Fatah Revolutionary Council (FRC) mbrs. fr. leaving the West Bank to attend a mtg. in Gaza. (VOP 3/30 in FBIS 4/1)

500 Palestinian police fire bullets, tear gas to disperse a pro-Hamas student demonstration at al-Najah University in Nablus; arrest 2 demonstrators. The university calls a 2-day strike to protest the action. (WT 3/31; NYT 4/3) (see 3/29)

Hizballah fires 9 rockets fr. s. Lebanon toward n. Israel in retaliation for an Israeli helicopter attack that killed 2 Lebanese civilians, wounded 1 earlier in the day. 2 rockets hit w. Galilee, slightly injuring 1 Israeli. U.S. calls on Israel, Lebanon, Syria to diffuse tensions along the border. Israel admits shelling of civilian targets was a mistake. (AFP, ITV, QY, VOL 3/30, IDF Radio, QY, RL, VOL 3/31 in FBIS 4/1; WT 3/31; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 4/1; MM 4/2)

Hamas West Bank political leader Shaykh Jamil Hamami calls on Israel's most-wanted, Qassam Brigades Gaza head Muhammad Dayf, to surrender to PA authorities. Dayf is 1 of the last 2 of 37 men Israel demands the PA arrest. (QY 3/29 in FBIS 3/29)

PA police use clubs to disperse 500 Palestinians demonstrating in support of Hamas detainees outside Nablus prison, detains 3. (QY 3/29 in FBIS 4/1)

Israeli navy releases a Lebanese fishing boat that was captured off the coast of Tyre, s. Lebanon, 3 wks. ago. (RL 4/1 in FBIS 4/1)

At PM Peres's invitation, the 29 nations and organizations who met at Sharm al-Shaykh 3/13 convene 2-day mtg. in Washington to continue discussions on antiterrorism measures. (MM, NYT 3/28; MENA, VOA, VOP 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; NYT, WP, WT 3/29; NYT, WP 3/30; VOA, VOP 3/30 in FBIS 4/1; SARR 4/2 in FBIS 4/3; WJW 4/4; MEI 4/12)

In predawn raids, the IDF places a military closure on Birzeit, Abu Qash, Abu Shaykhadin; carries out house-to-house searches; arrests more than 370 Palestinian students, raising the total number of Palestinians arrested since the 2/25 bombings to 806. (VOP 3/28 in FBIS 3/28; JMCC, VOP 3/28, QY 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; CSM, WP 3/29; al-Quds al-Arabi, VOP 3/29 in FBIS 4/1; MEI 4/12)

The Shamgar Commission investigating Rabin's assassination issues its final report; blasts the Shin Bet for exposing the PM to "serious risks," failing to act on worsening assessments of the threats to his life. (MM 3/28; QY 3/28 in FBIS 3/28; QY 3/28 in FBIS 3/29; IGPO 3/28 in FBIS 4/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/29; QY 3/31 in FBIS 4/1; WJW 4/4) (see 11/19/95)

Confessed Rabin assassin Yigal Amir is found guilty of murder, is sentenced to life in prison. In Israel, the death penalty is reserved for Nazi war crimes, espionage. (MM 3/27; QY 3/27 in FBIS 3/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 3/28)

3 Egyptians hijack a plane fr. Egypt to Libya; release passengers; surrender; ask for audience with Egyptian, Libyan, U.S. leaders to present "a message fr. God" to help the Palestinians. (AFP, MENA 3/27, MENA 3/28 in FBIS 3/28; NYT, WT 3/28)

Israel's Likud party holds its 1st ever primary to select its slate of MK candidates, excluding candidate for PM, for the 5/29 elections. Retired Gen. Yitzhak Mordechai is selected to head the list, with fmr. DM Ariel Sharon 2d, Oslo opponent Benjamin Begin 3d, party veteran Dan Meridor 4th. Combined with the coalition agmt. with Gesher, Tsomet (see 3/12), the slate suggests a Likud government would have security-oriented hardliners in its top posts. (MM 3/26, 3/27; QY 3/27 in FBIS 3/27; MM, NYT 3/28; WJW 4/4; MEI 4/12)

PSF head Muhammad Dahlan claims the PSF has discovered a secret group within the Qassam Brigades that is controlled by the Hamas leadership in Jordan; says the PA has detained all but 2 mbrs. (Muhammad Daif, Yahya al-Ghoul) of the Qassam Brigades and a total of 70 percent of Hamas mbrs. overall. (WT 3/27; CSM 4/8)

IDF arrests 10 additional alleged Hamas mbrs. in the Bethlehem, Hebron, Janin, Tulkarm areas. To date Israel has arrested over 400 persons suspected of hostile anti-Israeli activities. (QY 3/26 in FBIS 3/26)

Fmr. U.S. Pres. George Bush meets with Syrian Pres. Asad in Damascus; then drives to Beirut to meet with Pres. Hrawi. Bush is on a regional tour to thank Gulf War allies (incl., Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain) for their support during that conflict. (RL, SARR, VOL 3/26 in FBIS 3/26; RL 3/26, 3/27 in FBIS 3/27; MM 3/27; WT 3/27; NYT 4/5)

Fmr. negotiator, current PC mbr. Hanan Ashrawi (I-Jerusalem) says that she will meet lawyers' requests to submit an affidavit in defense of Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq for his extradition hearing, scheduled for 4/2 in New York. (AFP 3/26 in FBIS 3/26)

Israeli Maj. Gen. Shahor complains to the PA that it has ignored Israeli approval to reactivate a loading station at Erez crossing which would allow construction materials to enter Gaza; has not improved security at Qarni crossing point as agreed by erecting fences, increasing guards, reducing sized of loads so they may be searched more easily. He complains the PA is not cooperating with Israeli efforts to lift the closure. (JP 3/26 in FBIS 3/26)

Israel's Labor party holds its 1st ever primary to select its slate of MK candidates, excluding candidate for PM, for the 5/29 elections. In a sign of party unity, current Tourism M Uzi Baram is selected over FM Barak and Interior M Haim Ramon to head the list. (MM 3/25, 3/26; QY 3/26 in FBIS 3/27; CSM, MM 3/27; MM, NYT 3/28; WJW 4/4; MEI 4/12)

U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv turns down a visa request from Rabin assassin Yigal Amir's brother and sister, who requested entry to the U.S. to fund-raise for Yigal and Hagai Amir's defense. (QY 3/25 in FBIS 3/26)

Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard cuts short a prison meeting with an Israeli diplomat because he feels the visitor is not high-ranking enough, says U.S. will not deal seriously with his case until Israel does. (WT 3/26) (see 1/24)

Bank of Israel's annual report shows that the government is subsidizing private sector loans with the U.S. loan guarantees. By the end of 1995 $1.7 b. was transferred to private companies, 86 percent of which went to 1 company. (HA 3/25 in FBIS 3/25)

IDF eases closure to permit Palestinians to return to their jobs in West Bank Jewish settlements; allows ambulances to transport medial emergencies fr. West Bank, Gaza into Israel, but they must undergo inspections at crossing points. (QY 3/24 in FBIS 3/25; MEI 3/29)

Israeli Dep. FM Eli Dayan says the U.S. has pledged to urge Morocco's King Hassan to visit Israel shortly, denies such a visit aims to bolster Labor before the election. (JP 3/25 in FBIS 3/25)

PM Peres officially announces that Maj. Gen. Yatom has been appointed as the new Mossad head. (QY 3/24 in FBIS 3/25) (see 3/19)

IDF builds up forces, tightens security checkpoints in s. Lebanon. (RL 3/24 in FBIS 3/25)

Iraq holds its first parliamentary elections since the Gulf War. (CSM 3/25)

IDF places curfew on the village of Isawiyya nr. Tulkarm after a molotov cocktail is thrown at 2 Israeli vehicles. (QY 3/23 in FBIS 3/25)

In Gaza, National Islamic Salvation Party (NISP) leaders hold "get-acquainted" mtg. with Arafat. PA police detain NISP dep. head Fu'ad Nahal on his way home fr. the mtg., question him for 20 hrs. on alleged fund-raising for Hamas. (QY 3/23, AFP 3/24 in FBIS 3/25; WT 3/24; PR 3/29) (see 11/18/95)

Arafat says that since the recent wave of bombings the PA has detained 900 Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs., incl. 35 of 37 wanted by Israel. (QY 3/22 in FBIS 3/22)

In al-Fawwar refugee camp in the West Bank, IDF blows up the family home of the Palestinian who carried out the 2/25 Jerusalem bombing. IDF also blows up home in s. Lebanon where a Hizballah suicide bomber hid. (AFP, QY 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; ITV 3/22 in FBIS 3/25; WT 3/23)

Police in Spain capture escaped Achille Lauro hijacker Molqi in Seville. U.S., Italy both seek his extradition. (NYT, WP, WT 3/23) (see 3/13)

Israel allows more Palestinian workers to resume their jobs in the Erez industrial zone; permits 30 doctors to leave West Bank, Gaza for their jobs in East Jerusalem hospitals. (QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/21)

In Abu-Dis, the IDF bulldozes the home of Palestinian involved in attacks on Israelis in 10/94 and 12/94. Nr. Nablus, IDF demolishes home of 3d Palestinian connected with 8/21/95 bus bombing. (QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM 3/22) (see 3/20)

IDF bans entry to Gaza of vaccines, other medicines through Hanun checkpoint. (PBC 3/21 in FBIS 3/21)

PA police arrest several Hamas mbrs. during a raid aimed at arresting Muhammad Daif, the new head of the Qassam Brigades following the assassination of Yahya Ayyash. (CSM 3/22)

Influential Lebanese Shi`ite figure Riyad `Abdallah announces formation of the Movement of Democratic Reformers, the Foundation Movement. Party will be based in s. Lebanon, have the objective of making "peace with Syria and Israel on the grounds of geographical continuity." Hizballah accuses `Abdallah of being an SLA agent. (AFP, MBC 3/21 in FBIS 3/22)

World Bank bars U.S. fr. bidding on $2.1 b. in International Development Association contracts after the U.S. falls $934 m. behind in meeting its pledges. (WT 3/22)

Hizballah Sec. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah says that since the beginning of the yr., Israeli shelling in Lebanon has left 2 civilians dead, 24 wounded, 92 homes and buildings (incl. a church and hospital) damaged. (MM 3/21)

In al-Fawwar refugee camp, the IDF blows up the homes of the 2/25 Jerusalem and Ashkelon suicide bombers, homes of 2 Palestinians suspected of involvement in 8/21/95 bus bombing. (MM 3/20; QY 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; QY 3/20, 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM 3/21)

In s. Lebanon, a Hizballah suicide bomber kills 1 IDF soldier, 1 SLA soldier, wounds 1 Israeli civilian [as reported], 7 IDF soldiers. IDF shells areas n., s. of the self-declared security zone, injuring 1 farmer. (MM 3/20; QY, RL, VOL 3/20, RL 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/21)

PM Peres, FM Barak hold late-night mtg. on s. Lebanon, how to handle escalating attacks. PM Peres then briefs U.S. Amb. Indyk. Following that mtg., the U.S. relays sharp message to Syria, demanding it curb Hizballah. (IDF Radio, MA, QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; ITV 3/22 in FBIS 3/25)

Iraqi war hero Lt. Gen. Nizar Khazraji, fmr. army chief of staff, defects to Jordan by escaping through the Kurdish enclave in n. Iraq. (MM 3/20; WT 3/21; JP 3/21, al-Ra'i 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; NYT, WP 3/22; JT 3/23, JT, al-Ra'i 3/24 in FBIS 3/25; MM 3/25; JT 4/4 in FBIS 4/5)

IDF removes all military roadblocks on the exits of Palestinian cities, villages; says closure on al-Fawwar will be reimposed at 6 p.m. (VOP 3/18, QY 3/19 in FBIS 3/19)

Israel's High Court rules that the IDF can demolish the homes of Palestinians suspected of involvement in the recent suicide bombings. PM Peres says his government is preparing a list of those Islamists who may be deported; families of those listed will not be deported. (MM 3/19; CSM, MM 3/20) (see 3/4-5)

Challenging Israeli censorship laws, the daily paper Ha'Aretz publishes the name of the new Mossad chief Maj. Gen. Danny Yatom. (NYT, WT 3/19; QY 3/19 in FBIS 3/19; CSM 3/20; MM 3/22) (see 1/10)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Martin Indyk relays to PM Peres a message fr. Pres. Clinton urging Israel to avoid a military operation against Hizballah in s. Lebanon. (ITV 3/19, RL 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; QY 3/22 in FBIS 3/22)

Israeli FM Barak says that the IDF will respond to increasing tensions in s. Lebanon by carrying out more operations, "even beyond the security zone"; warns that Israel may be forced "to act in a way that also harms the interests of the Lebanese government." Since 2/16, Hizballah attacks on IDF, SLA position have caused an unusually high number of deaths, injuries. (MA 3/19 in FBIS 3/19; ITV 3/20 in FBIS 3/21)

In Amman, Jordanian Information M Marwan Mu`asher received a U.S. Jewish delegation fr. B'nai B'rith. (RJ 3/19 in FBIS 3/20)

PSF captures no. 3 on Israel's 2/27 most-wanted list--Hamas's Muhammad Sanwar. (ITV 3/18 in FBIS 3/19)

Commenting on why PSF head Col. Rajub is still working despite announcements (3/8) that he was fired by Arafat, PSF Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf confirms Rajub still holds his position, says only that "what happened with [Rajub] is in internal matter." (Panorama [Milan] 3/21 in FBIS 3/19 [dates as published])

In Amman, al-Majd editor Fahd al-Rimawi is found innocent of charges of disturbing Jordan's relations with Bahrain. (JT 3/19 in FBIS 3/19) (see 12/18/95)

In Amman, Laith Shubailat, pres. of the Jordan Engineers Association, is sentenced to 3 yrs. in prison for slandering King Hussein. (JT 3/18 in FBIS 3/18) (see 12/9/95)

At Erez crossing point, Palestinians pelt IDF soldiers with rotting potatoes, flowers, spoiled because they could not be moved to marketplaces in Israel because of the closure. (WT 3/17)

Allenby Bridge crossing is opened for 7 hrs.; Gaza residents are not allowed to cross. (RJ 3/15 in FBIS 3/18)

PA security forces arrest 35 Islamic Jihad mbrs., inc. spokesman `Abdallah al-Shami and top mbr. Muhammad al-Hindi, in continuing crackdown on Islamists. (JTV 3/16 in FBIS 3/18; WT 3/17)

At 6 a.m., Israel lifts restrictions imposed 3/5 confining Palestinians to their towns. Orders barring movement of residents in al-Fawwar camp, Burqa nr. Nablus--the homes of the recent suicide bombers--are kept in place, as is the closure preventing Palestinians fr. entering Israel. Palestinian workers are allowed to return to their jobs in the Erez industrial zone. Transportation of goods is permitted through Qarni crossing point fr. Gaza into Israel. Palestinian fishermen are permitted to go farther out to sea. (QY 3/15 in FBIS 3/15; QY 3/15 in FBIS 3/18; WT 3/16; QY, VOP 3/16, QY 3/18 in FBIS 3/18; MEI 3/29)

When Qarni crossing is not opened by noon, Israel files an official protest with the PA. Israeli Maj. Gen. Oren Shahor criticizes the PA, saying such "neglectful conduct harms the Palestinian residents, although Israel is trying to help them given the current security restrictions." (QY 3/15 in FBIS 3/15)

IDF announces that 3 soldiers will be courtmartialed for allowing a suicide bomber to slip past a checkpoint 3/4. (NYT 3/17)

Israel estimates that 95 percent of Hamas's $70-m. annual budget goes toward charities, hospitals, clinics, schools, with only a small proportion going to pay for weapons and military operations. (NYT 3/15)

IDF blows up the home of Yahya Ayyash's family in Rafat, West Bank. Israeli officials say the use of explosives rather than bulldozers to demolish the home is meant as a statement to would-be bombers. (QY 3/14 in FBIS 3/15; NYT, WP, WT 3/15; MM 3/20)

In the West Bank, Palestinian infant dies when IDF refuses to allow parents to pass a checkpoint to get to a hospital. (WP 3/15, 3/25; MEI 3/29)

Lebanon's chief Shi'ite leaders call a nationwide strike to protest Israel's occupation of s. Lebanon. Most schools, stores, businesses, government offices close. Hizballah attacks IDF patrol, wounding 8 soldiers. (MM, WT 3/15; VOL 3/15 in FBIS 3/18)

1-day Antiterrorism summit is held in Sharm al-Shaykh. (CSM, MM, WP 3/13; MENA, RE, RJ, SARR 3/13 in FBIS 3/13; ITV, MENA, PBC, SARR 3/13, HA 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/14; MEI, MM 3/15; MM 3/18; WJW 3/21; VOA 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; UNRWA News 3/27; MEI 3/29)

Israel opens some official channels with the PA; agrees to increase the number of trucks transporting foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals into the West Bank, Gaza to 75/day from 35/day; partially lifts wk.-long naval blockade on Gaza, allowing fishermen to operate within 4 mi. of the coast. (MM 3/13; CSM, NYT 3/15; WT 3/16)

In Beirut, Lebanon, an appeals court frees 2 fmr. PFLP mbrs. convicted of 1976 kidnapping, killing if U.S. Amb. Francis Meloy his economic counselor, and his driver. Judges rule that killings were covered under the 1990 amnesty for political crimes. U.S. denounces verdict. (NYT, WP 3/14; al-Nahar 3/14, MENA, VOL 3/18, RL 3/19 in FBIS 3/19; WP, WT 3/19; RL 3/19, 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; MM 3/20, 3/22)

U.S. offers $2-m. reward for the capture of escaped Abu-Abbas hijacker Molqi. (WT 3/14) (see 2/26)

To protest the antiterrorism summit in Sharm al-Shaykh, Hizballah attacks several IDF, SLA posts in s. Lebanon, loosing 2 cadres, inflicting no casualties. (MM 3/13; WT 3/15)

PSF bulldozes a monument in Khan Yunis commemorating Yahya Ayyash. (QY 3/12 in FBIS 3/12)

Likud's Benjamin Netanyahu, Gesher's Levy, Tsomet's Rafael Eitan sign deal creating an alliance btwn. their parties in the upcoming elections. Levy, Eitan will not challenge Netanyahu for the PM position. (QY 3/12 in FBIS 3/13; WT 3/13; CSM 3/20; WJW, WP 3/21)

In Rafah, PA police arrest Hamas leader Sayyid Abu-Musamih. (QY 3/11 in FBIS 3/12; WT 3/12) (see 12/12/95)

Overnight and early morning, IDF raids several villages in the Bethlehem, Nablus, Tulkarm areas; arrests 29 alleged Hamas mbrs. (QY 3/11 in FBIS 3/12)

IDF lifts curfew btwn. Palestinian villages, cities for 12 hrs. to allow Palestinians to stock up on food, supplies; opens Allenby bridge crossing to tourists, those with visas. (PBC 3/10, QY, VOP 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; VOP 3/11 in FBIS 3/12)

PA arrests 3 senior Hamas mbrs., incl. 1 of Israel's most wanted--`Abd al-Fatah Sutari, dep. cmdr. of the Qassam Brigades. The PA has now arrested 8 of the 13 Hamas mbrs. on Shahak's 2/27 list. (QY 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; NYT, WP, WT 3/11)

Israel places the Israeli Arab mayor Aghbariyya, under house arrest. (WP 3/11) (see 3/7)

In Jerusalem, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani publicly questions Arafat's credibility as Israel's negotiating partner just as PM Peres, across town, praises Arafat for his efforts to round up Hamas activists. Giuliani is on a 2-day visit to show New York's support for Israel in the wake of the bombings. (NYT 3/11, 3/14; WJW 3/21)

Hizballah stages a series of attacks on IDF positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 solider, wounding 4. (ITV, VOL 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; MM, NYT, WT 3/11)

German FM Kinkel meets with Arafat in Gaza. On his return to Israel, IDF soldiers at Erez checkpoint demand to search his car to ascertain that no "extremist elements" are "using" his entourage to carry out attacks inside Israel, delay car for half hr. before letting it pass unchecked. Kinkel protests to the Israeli FMin. Israeli officials complain the diplomats "failed to show understanding for Israel's security problems." (QY 3/9 in FBIS 3/11)

PA security forces expand crackdown on Hamas, raiding Islamic organization, clubs, welfare organizations; confiscating equipment; detaining anyone on hand. PA says it has arrested over 600 individuals in Gaza alone over the last wk. (NYT 3/10)

Hamas spokesman in Lebanon says Qassam Brigades will not disarm or halt attacks on Israel. (AFP 3/9 in FBIS 3/11) (see 3/5)

In Qalqilya, IDF delays ambulance at checkpoint for 1 hr., allowing Palestinian infant to die. IDF officials say officer in charge will be tried. (NYT 3/14)

Hizballah attacks IDF, SLA positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, 1 SLA soldier; wounding 2 IDF soldiers. IDF, SLA fire back, killing 2 Hizballah mbrs. (NYT 3/11)

PLO's Faruq Qaddumi arrives in Beirut fr. Damascus, meets with Lebanese FM Buwayz, announces he is making a tour of Arab states (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria) to gain support for a "council to look after Palestinian refugees abroad." (al-Hayat, al-Nahar 3/9 in FBIS 3/12; al-Nahar 3/31 in FBIS 4/3)

Lebanon puts its forces on alert, fearing either Israel will deport Palestinians to its territory or attack s. Lebanon. Israeli puts its forces in s. Lebanon on alert, fearing a Hizballah attack as a demonstration of support for recent bombings. (IDF Radio, RL 3/8 in FBIS 3/8; RL, VOL 3/10 in FBIS 3/11) (see 3/5, 3/7)

PA amb. to Ankara Fu'ad Yasin says 8 Palestinians have disappeared in Turkey, apparently for political reasons, since the recent bombings in Israel; says the PA is following the issue closely with Turkish officials. (MENA 3/8 in FBIS 3/8)

To prevent suspects connected to recent bombings fr. fleeing by sea, Israel bans all fishing off the Gaza coast. PA condemns the action as collective punishment, violation of Oslo accords. (IDF Radio 3/8 in FBIS 3/8; NYT 3/9; WT 3/11)

In Burqa, West Bank, IDF blows up house rented by family of the 3/3 bomber. In Jerusalem, the IDF serves the Conference of Sciences and Islamic Education offices in n. Jerusalem with closure, partial confiscation orders, saying offices are used as a Hamas base. (VOP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/9; MM 3/20)

PA police detain Hamas spokesman Zahhar in Gaza City. (AFP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11)

PSF West Bank head Col. Jibril Rajub is forced to resign after refusing to carry out Arafat's orders to arrest Hamas leaders. Hussayn Shaykh, current head of Ramallah security, is appointed to replace him. (ITV, QY, RMC 3/9, HA 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/10; QY 3/10 in FBIS 3/12)

In Gaza, the Palestinian Council (PC) meets for the 1st time to swear in its mbrs. (MM 3/7; QY, VOP 3/7 in FBIS 3/7; PBC 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MEI 3/15)

Lebanon closes all the crossing points into the Israeli self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon to prevent entry of any Palestinians who might be deported by Israel in connection with the recent bombings. (VOL 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

Israeli FM Ehud Barak warns Arafat that if he does not crack down on Islamists in Gaza soon, Israel will send troops into Gaza. (WT 3/9)

Israeli police detain Sulayman Ahmad Aghbariyya, an Israeli-Arab who is deputy mayor of Umm al-Fahm and head of the charity organization the Islamic Salvation Committee, on suspicion of transferring over $3 m. fr. abroad to relatives of Hamas mbrs. (QY 3/7 in FBIS 3/7) (see 3/6)

Hamas issues a leaflet dissociating itself fr. the 3/5 Qassam Brigades leaflet announcing it will disarm, fr. all Yahya Ayyash Units leaflets; calls them an attempt by Israel to undermine the movement. (JMCC 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for 3/4 Tel Aviv bombing. (VOL 3/7 in FBIS 3/8) (see 3/6)

The Pentagon announces that U.S. warplanes will be stationed temporarily in Jordan next mo. to carry out surveillance flights over s. Iraq. It will be the 1st time Jordan has allowed U.S. warplanes to use its territory to overfly Iraq. (RJ 3/8, RMC 3/9, JT 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/11; NYT 4/9; MM 3/15; JT 4/9 in FBIS 4/9)

IDF deploys tanks along the Green Line for the 1st time since 1967; says they are only their for observation purposes, it is not planning to launch an operation into the West Bank. (AFP, MA, VOP 3/7 in FBIS 3/7; NYT 3/8, 3/10)

Jordan says there are no official Hamas outlets in the kingdom; Hamas's presence is confined to holders of Jordanian passports, whose activities are confined to propaganda and political activities; Jordan is considering banning these activities. (al-Hayat al-Jadida, JTV, RJ 3/6 in FBIS 3/7)

IDF seals the Islamic Technical Institute in Abu-Dis and the Islamic College, Islamic College of Sciences, Polytechnic College in Hebron; announces that the policy on demolition of houses of suicide bombers and accomplices in the Jerusalem area has been changed: To date, such houses have been sealed only, now they may be razed. (MM 3/6; QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/7)

PA military court in Jericho sentences Hamas's Muhammad Abu-Wardah (arrested 3/4) to life imprisonment with hard labor for training suicide bombers and "harming the Palestinian people's interests." (MM 3/6; VOP 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; ITV, JMCC, VOP 3/6, IDF Radio, JP 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

IDF, Shin Bet announce they have arrested an Israeli-Arab for bringing the Tel Aviv suicide bomber into Israel in exchange for $1,000, say an Islamic Jihad mbr. coordinated the deal (see 3/4). Israeli-Arab leaders are quick to condemn the man's actions as aberrant for the community. IDF also says it has uncovered the Hamas cell led by Muhammad Abu-Wardah that they believe is responsible for the Ashkelon, Jerusalem bombings. (QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/7; NYT, WP 3/7; QY 3/8 in FBIS 3/8) (see 3/6)

PSF detains 10s of alleged Hamas mbrs. in Balata refugee camp, Kafr Khalil, Nablus, bringing to 400 the number of persons recently detained. (QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/6, 3/7)

In Nablus, 1,000s of Fatah supporters hold peace rally. (WT 3/7)

State Dept. warns U.S. citizens against travelling on Israeli busses. Israeli Dep. FM Dayan officially protests. (Davar 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

IDF deploys throughout the West Bank; blockades 465 Palestinian villages, bars residents fr. leaving them until further notice; busses all Gazans studying in the West Bank back to Gaza; carries out mass arrests. Arafat protests. IDF Central Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran says scope of IDF targets has been widened to include Islamic Jihad, PFLP in addition to Hamas. In Hebron, the IDF seals the homes of 11 suspected Hamas mbrs.; closes several Islamic colleges, youth and charity societies connected to Islamic Jihad, Hamas, PFLP. Arrests at al-Fawwar camp rise to 120. (MM 3/5; QY, VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; IDF Radio, QY 3/5, QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/6; NYT, WT 3/7)

PA seizes 15 West Bank, Gaza mosques, several Islamic welfare associations run by Hamas, puts them under PA control; appoints imams to give Friday sermons. PA police raid Gaza's Islamic University, say it will be disbanded in its current form, reopened as a branch of Cairo University. For the 1st time, PA security forces made joint arrest sweeps with the IDF, arresting the relatives of 1 suicide bomber. (AFP, ITV 3/5, QY, VOP 36 in FBIS 3/6; MM 3/6; MM, WT 3/7; NYT 3/8; NYT 3/9; QY 3/12 in FBIS 3/12; CSM 3/25)

Qassam Brigades issues leaflet in the West Bank announcing it will disarm, halt all military operation against Israelis in response to the call made 3/4 by the political leadership; says it will not be responsible for any action that may be carried out against Israelis. (MM 3/5; VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; AFP, JMCC, VOP 3/6 in FBIS 3/7; AFP 3/9 in FBIS 3/11)

Israeli inner cabinet extends length of administrative detention to 12 mos. and, if necessary, longer; approves deportations for Palestinians connected with recent attacks. (WP 3/6; IDF Radio, MA, QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/6)

Pres. Clinton attends memorial service at the Israeli embassy in Washington for the victims of the recent bombings in Israel. (WJW 2/14)

In a pre-dawn raid, IDF declares al-Fawwar refugee camp nr. Hebron a closed military zone, rounds up 1,000 men 16-64 yrs. old, arrests 30, seals homes of 2 suicide bombers. IDF also raids the Islamic College in Abu-Dis, arrests 14 students; arrests 10s of Palestinians in Hebron, Ramallah and holds them for questioning by Shin Bet. (MM 3/4, QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; IDF Radio, QY 3/4, QY 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; MM, NYT, WP 3/5)

Suicide bomber sets off explosion in Tel Aviv shopping district, killing 15, wounding 126. Bomber is identified as a man fr. Ramallah. A caller claiming to be fr. Hamas says Islamic Jihad is responsible. PM Peres vows to send IDF into self-rule areas to root out Hamas. U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton says he will allow the FBI, CIA to assist Peres in an antiterror campaign. (MM 3/4; IDF Radio, ITV, QPAR, VOP 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/5; WJW 3/7; PR 3/8 MEI 3/15)

After an emergency cabinet session, PM Peres announces formation of a special antiterror war headquarters which is authorized to "act everywhere, using all means, without any limitation on regions," incl. house demolitions, deportations, entry of IDF forces into zone B. (QY 3/4, MA 3/5 in FBIS 3/5)

Israel recalls its negotiating team fr. Washington. (IDF Radio, SARR 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; NYT 3/5; MM 3/5; IDF Radio 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; SATN 3/6 in FBIS 3/7) (see 3/3)

Hamas political leaders, Mahmud Zahhar, Muhammad Sham'ah hold a news conference; deny political wing is responsible for recent bombings; call on Qassam Brigades, Yahya Ayyash Units to halt all military actions. PA says it believes both 2/27 leaflets fr. Qassam Brigades are real; think the one denying responsibility came fr. cadres inside West Bank, Gaza and the one claiming responsibility came from cadres abroad. (MM 3/5; Der Spiegel, ITV 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; PR 3/8)

In Gaza City, Fatah rallies 1,000s of supporters, some carrying signs in Hebrew reading "yes to peace, no to violence" and "terrorism is our enemy," to protest against recent bombings. (MM 3/4; QY, VOP 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; WP, WT 3/5)

In Tel Aviv, over 1,000 Israelis hold violent protest outside the DMin. to denounce the Oslo agmts.; 100 rally outside PM Peres's home; some 200 protest at the site of the Tel Aviv bombing; 100 rally in Jerusalem. Israeli police detain 10s for questioning. (HA 3/5 in FBIS 3/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah mbrs. ambush an IDF convoy, killing 4 IDF soldiers, wounding 9. In 1st attack, IDF shoots back, killing 2 Hizballah mbrs. In a separate incident, a little-known Palestinian group, Islamic Revolutionary Army, ambushes a 2d convoy, wounding 1 IDF soldier. Peres sends 100s of troops fr. n. Israel into s. Lebanon to reinforce the border. (MM 3/5; VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; IDF Radio 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; WT 3/6; MM 3/7)

Bus bomb goes of in Jerusalem, killing 19, wounding 10. Bomber is identified as a man fr. Hebron (see 2/26). Yahya Ayyash Units again claims responsibility, criticizes the Qassam Brigades for the 2/29 leaflet, offers its own 3-mo. cease-fire. PM Peres calls for total war on Hamas; reimposes full closure on West Bank, Gaza, incl. banning the entry into Israel of medical, humanitarian, VIP cases. Saying "not only Israelis will suffer from now on," he vows to seal or destroy the houses of the bombers' families, revives plan for national separation last suggested 10/19/94. (see also 10/19/94, 5/30/95). (WP 3/3; IDF Radio, ITV, JMCC, QPAR, QY, RJ, VOP, YA 3/3, QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 3/4; MM 3/5; PR 3/8; MEI 3/15; WJW 3/7, 3/21)

After the bombing, a mob of 100s of Israelis races toward the Old City, calling for revenge against Palestinians. Fearing a major clash, Israeli mounted police force the crowd back. Skirmishes between police, groups of angry Israeli youths erupt repeatedly throughout the day. IDF prohibits Israelis fr. entering PA areas. (QY 3/3, 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; NYT, WP 3/4)

Israel suspends indefinitely talks with Syria in Maryland in light of the bombing but leaves the negotiating team in Washington in hopes of resuming talks soon. (QY 3/3, HA 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; MM, NYT 3/4)

PA police arrest over 120 Hamas mbrs. in Gaza, bringing total number of Hamas men arrested in the past wk. to 380; raid Ramallah teacher's college. (MM 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; MM 3/5)

In Gaza, PA police raid homes of Hamas mbrs., confiscate unlicensed weapons. (JP 3/3 in FBIS 3/4)