The Palestine Chronology

French cargo firm Calberson announces that it is terminating its 892 Israeli contracts due to the economic and political situation in Israel, difficulties in the peace process. (Globes [Internet] 4/29 in WNC 5/2)

Ignoring appeals fr. the U.S. to break off all political, economic ties with Iran, EU states decided to send their ambs. back to Tehran, say it would not be in their economic interests to impose sanctions, but suspend all high-level contacts, maintain arms embargo. (NYT, WP, WT 4/30) (see 4/21)

ILMG begins discussion of Israel's complaint regarding wounding of 2 IDF soldiers 4/25, Lebanon's complaint on IDF shooting of school bus 4/27. (RL 4/29 in WNC 4/30)

In Amman, EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos discusses ways of bridging gaps in the peace process with Crown Prince Hassan, FM Tarawnah. (RJ 4/28 in WNC 4/29)

France, Turkey, UK, U.S. begin 10 days of joint military maneuvers in the Aegean. (Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation Radio [Nicosia] 4/29 in WNC 4/30)

Labor MK Beilin holds unauthorized mtg. with Arafat to suggest plan for restarting PA-Israeli talks. (MM 4/28; PR 5/2; JP 5/10)

In the West Bank village of Haris (area B), IDF troops on routine patrol are pelted by rocks, open fire on Palestinian youths, killing 1, wounding 2. (MM 4/28; ITV 4/28 in WNC 4/29; PR 5/2)

In Beirut, a bomb explodes outside the home of the dir. gen. of Lebanon's Information Min., causing material damage but no injuries. No one claims responsibility. (RL 4/28 in WNC 4/29)

IDF fires on areas in s. Lebanon, hitting and damaging a school bus but injuring none of the students on board. (RL 4/27, 4/28 in WNC 4/29)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak travels to Kuwait to discuss the Arab stance on the peace process with Shaykh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Sabah. (RE 4/26 in WNC 4/29)

The UNGA passes (134-3, with 11 abstentions) a resolution condemning Israeli settlement construction. (NYT, WT 4/26; ITV 4/26, SANA 4/27 in WNC 4/29; MM 4/28, 4/29; MEI 5/2)

In New York, Hamas political leader Abu Marzuq signs an agmt. that he will not contest the terrorism charges against him, will give up his residency status; in return, the U.S. will drop exclusion proceedings, release him to Jordan, which has agreed to grant him asylum. (AFP, RJ 4/30 in WNC 5/1; NYT, WP 5/1; NYT 5/2; WP 5/9) (see 4/22)

Israeli police find bodies of 2 Israeli women in a West Bank nature reserve nr. Jerusalem, suspect Palestinian assailants, but offer no proof. (WP 4/26; MM 4/28; WJW 5/1; JP 5/10)

Israeli court extends by 10 days the remand of businessman Manbar while it considers whether to charge him with selling arms to Iran. (ITV 4/25 in WNC 4/28) (see 3/27)

For 3d time, Iraq violates the U.S. no-fly zone to ferry pilgrims fr. Saudi Arabia to Iraq. (WP 4/26; CSM, MEI 5/2) (see 4/23)

In Miami, Palestinian refugee fr. Lebanon who hijacked an Iberian plane fr. Madrid to Miami on 7/26/96 is found guilty of federal air piracy charges, will be sentenced 8/11/97. (WT 4/26) (see also 7/30/96)

2 IDF soldiers are wounded by mortar fire nr. the Israeli, s. Lebanon border. IDF claims soldiers were hit while in Israeli territory; Lebanon, SLA claim soldiers were in s. Lebanon. (MM 4/25; RL 4/26 in WNC 4/29)

UNGA opens emergency special session to discuss Israeli settlement construction, particularly at Har Homa. (VIRI 4/24 in WNC 4/15; WT 4/26)

IDF shells areas in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 Lebanese civilians, 1 Lebanese Internal Security Forces officer. (RL 4/24 in WNC 4/25)

In Jerusalem, 10,000 Shas party supporters hold rally in support of party head Deri, against the Israeli judicial system, which they claim discriminates against Sephardic Jews and has targeted Deri for ethnic, religious reasons. (CSM, MM, NYT 4/24; MM 4/25; YA 4/25 in WNC 4/28; NYT 4/28; WT 4/29; JP 5/3)

Citing "security reasons," IDF demolishes Palestinian home in Surif, leaving 6 people homeless. (LAW 5/6) (see 4/17)

U.S.-Jordan Joint Military Commission convenes 2-day mtg. to discuss joint exercises, cooperation, U.S. aid to Jordan. (RJ 4/22 in WNC 4/23)

ILMG convenes to address Israeli complaint regarding 4/13 roadside bombing that killed 2 SLA mbrs., injured a civilian with them. Israel claims the SLA mbrs. were off duty, in civilian clothes, meaning the attack was against a civilian target. Lebanon claims the men were armed, therefore a legitimate target. (RL 4/23 in WNC 4/24; RL 4/24 in WNC 4/25) (see also 4/16)

In Amman, Jordan PM Majali holds talks with Hamas leaders on possible release scenarios for Abu Marzuq, suggesting Jordan may grant him asylum. (al-Ra'i 4/23 in WNC 4/24; al-Quds al-`Arabi 4/24 in WNC 4/25) (see 4/7)

In Bayt Lif, s. Lebanon, IDF, SLA blow up the house of a Lebanese citizen for "illegally" fleeing the Israeli self-declared security zone for n. Lebanon. (R L 4/22 in WNC 4/23)

Labor, Meretz parties file lawsuits with the Israeli High Court appealing the atty. gen. decision not to indict PM Netanyahu, Justice M Hanegbi. Hearings will be held in 5/97. (MM 4/21; WP 4/22; MM 4/23) (see 4/19)

Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza, barring Palestinians fr. entering Israel during the 8-day Passover holiday. (WT 4/22; CSM 4/25)

In a prerelease of a joint paper for Foreign Affairs, fmr. National Security Advisers Zbigniew Brzezinski, Brent Scowcroft conclude that U.S. dual containment policy "lacks strategic viability and carries a high financial and diplomatic cost," sanctions have been ineffectual; suggest the U.S. offer Iran, Iraq incentives to alter their behavior instead of just punishing them. (MM 4/21)

Following Germany's 4/10 ruling, U.S. announces decision to encourage its EU allies to impose sanctions on Iran; sends mission to France, Germany, Holland, UK. (NYT, WT 4/22; CSM 4/25)

Iraq again defies the southern U.S. no-fly zone by sending 9 helicopters to fly home pilgrims returning from Mecca. U.S. says it will tolerate the flights. (MM, WT 4/22; NYT, WP 4/23; MEI 5/2) (see 4/9)

UN Human Rights Comm. votes (51-1, with 1 abstention) to express grave concern over Israel's actions in Lebanon's Biqa` Valley, denounce Israel's persistent violations of the 1949 Geneva Conventions. (al-Manar Television 4/21 in WNC 4/24)

Labor leader and fmr. PM Peres calls on Netanyahu to resign over the Bar-On affair. (ITV 4/20 in WNC 4/22)

Israel releases Hamas leader `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi after 3 yrs. in prison. (MM 4/23; PR 4/25) (see 8/23/95)

In s. Lebanon, 2 SLA mbrs. are killed by separate bombs placed by Hizballah. Israel retaliates by shelling areas around Jazzin. (AFP, RL 4/20 in WNC 4/22; WP 4/21)

Israeli state atty. Arbel, atty. gen. Rubinstein decide not to indict PM Netanyahu, Justice M Hanegbi in the Bar-On affair, saying they have credible but insufficient testimony to convict; agree to indict Shas leader Deri for extortion by threats; say investigations of Dir. Gen. Lieberman will continue. 100s of Shas mbrs. riot in Jerusalem after receiving the news. Labor leader Peres says forming a coalition government with Likud is out of the question. (IDF Radio, ITV 4/19, IDF Radio, YA 4/20, al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 4/21 in WNC 4/22; WT 4/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/21; NYT 4/22; MA, YA 4/23 in WNC 4/24; MM 4/23; Globes [Internet] 4/23 in WNC 4/29; CSM, MM 4/24; Globes [Internet] 4/24 in WNC 4/28; PR 4/25; 4/28; JP 5/10) (see 4/16; WJW 5/1; MEI 5/2; JP 5/3)

Russian dep. FM Posuvalyuk returns to Lebanon for 2d mtg. with PM Hariri to brief him on his talks with Israel 4/18. (RL 4/19 in WNC 4/22) (see 4/16, 4/18)

Nr. Ramallah, 1 Palestinian is killed, 2 are wounded when PA General Intelligence officers open fire on the wrong car in a botch ambush. PA arrests the shooters. (PR 4/25; JP 5/17)

Death toll in Mina fire (see 41/5) rises to over 400. New reports suggest that as many as 1,300 pilgrims were injured. (WP, WT 4/19)

Ceremonies are held in Lebanon to mark the 1st anniversary of Israel's massacre of over 100 Lebanese civilians at the UN compound in Qana. (RL 4/18 in WNC 4/21)

Russian dep. FM Posuvalyuk discusses state of the peace process with Crown Prince Hassan in Amman, then heads to Israel. (RJ 4/16 in WNC 4/18) (see 4/16)

Arafat, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Amnon Shahak, Shin Bet head Ami Aylon hold mtg. on security coordination Gaza. U.S. special envoy Ross also attends. (ITV 4/18 in WNC 4/21; MA 4/23 in WNC 4/24)

IDF demolishes home of a relative of suicide bomber Ghanimat in Surif, leaving 10 people homeless. (LAW 5/6) (see 4/16)

Fmr. Israeli pres. (1983+n93) Chaim Herzog dies in Tel Aviv. (NYT, WT 4/18; JP 4/26)

Israeli police formally call for PM Netanyahu's indictment on charges of "fraud and breach of trust" in connection with the Bar-On affair. Israeli state atty. Edna Arbel, atty. gen. Elyakim Rubinstein must now decide whether to file the charges. Labor leader Peres urges Netanyahu to step down, call new elections. (MM 4/16; IDF Radio, ITV 4/16, IDF Radio, MA, YA 4/17 in WNC 4/18; ITV 4/16 in WNC 4/29; MM, NYT, WP, WP 4/17; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/18; WT 4/19; WP 4/20; MEI 5/2) (see 4/15)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Netanyahu, who rejects his suggestion that Israel make gestures toward the Palestinians to regain their confidence, demands PA show proof it is fighting "terrorism." (NYT, WT 4/17; IDF Radio 4/18 in WNC 4/21)

On the 1st leg of his regional tour, Russian dep. FM Posuvalyuk meets with Lebanese PM Hariri in Beirut, discusses the peace process. (RL 4/16 in WNC 4/17)

Israel reseals the West Bank after warning of possible Palestinian attack. (WT 4/16)

IDF demolishes home of a relative of suicide bomber Ghanimat in Surif, leaving 12 people homeless. (WP 4/17; LAW 5/6) (see 3/31)

Death toll in Mina fire (see 4/15) rises to 343. (NYT, WP 4/17)

SLA mbr. wounded in the 4/13 attack dies. (RL 4/16 in WNC 4/17)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in the Middle East; holds talks in Gaza with Arafat, in Jerusalem with Netanyahu. (WP 4/15; CSM, WP 4/16)

EU-Mediterranean business conference opens in Malta. Arafat, Israeli FM Levy meet on the sidelines in the highest level contact since talks broke down in 3/97. (CSM, MM, WT 4/15; Radio France Internationale [Paris] 4/15 in WNC 4/16; CSM, MM 4/16; De Volkskrank [Amsterdam], SANA 4/16 in WNC 4/17; CSM, NYT, WP 4/17; MEI, PR 4/18)

On the sidelines of the Malta conference, Jordanian FM Tarawnah, Syrian FM Shara` discuss improving bilateral relations. (al-Dustur 4/23 in WNC 4/24)

In Surif, 3 critically ill Palestinians die when IDF troops enforcing curfew deny them access to medical treatment. (NYT 4/16)

Israeli police recommend felony indictments in the Bar-On affair be sought against Justice M Hanegbi, chief of staff Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahu political ally and Shas head Arye Deri. (ITV 4/15 in WNC 4/16; MM, WP, WT 4/16; YA 4/16 in WNC 4/17) (see 2/28)

In Mina, Saudi Arabia, an estimated 210 Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani pilgrims participating in the Hajj are killed, 800 are injured when canisters of cooking fuel ignite tents. At least 70,000 tents are destroyed, leaving 100,000s of pilgrims temporarily without shelter. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/16; MM 4/22, 4/24; MEI 5/2)

SLA releases 7 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon to mark the end of Ramadan. (RL 4/15 in WNC 4/16)

In Washington, Egyptian FM Amr Musa meets with U.S. special envoy Ross, says Egypt will soon launch a diplomatic campaign to lobby the EU, U.S. for initiatives to salvage the peace process. (WP 4/15)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers, complaining that IDF protective measures at Beyt Hadassah settlement make them feel as if they are living in a ghetto, turn on IDF soldiers, pelting them with stones, eggs, tomatoes and soaking them with water hoses. 1 settler tries to stab a soldier but is overpowered. (WT 4/15)

PM Netanyahu says that the 1st houses at Har Homa will not be completed until 2000 (the year Netanyahu's term ends), work on infrastructure will continue. (MM 4/14; YA 4/14 in WNC 4/15; CSM, NYT 4/15)

At the Allenby Bridge crossing, a Palestinian woman fr. Qalqilya returning to the West Bank fr. Jordan shoots, wounds 2 Israelis, 1 Palestinian. (RJ, RMC 4/13 in WNC 4/15; MM, NYT, WT 4/14)

Israel eases closure of the West Bank, Gaza, allowing 20,000 Palestinian men over age 35 to go to their jobs in Israel. (IDF Radio, QY 4/13 in WNC 4/15; CSM 4/14; WT 4/15)

In Hebron, clashes btwn. Jewish settlers, Palestinians continue. 3 Palestinians are injured. (WT 4/14)

Israel reinforces troops in s. Lebanon. Hizballah detonates bomb nr. SLA patrol, killing 1 SLA mbr., wounding another SLA mbr., 1 civilian traveling with them. (RL 4/14 in WNC 4/15)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers, Palestinians hold counterdemonstrations in Israeli controled H2. IDF soldiers shoot rubber bullets, wounding 6 Palestinians, including a PA policeman. (ITV 4/12 in WNC 4/15; NYT, WP, WT 4/13)

In Washington, senior Palestinian negotiators hold 3 hrs. of talks with U.S. special envoy Ross. (NYT 4/12; MEI, PR 4/18)

King Hussein returns to Jordan fr. the U.S. (RJ 4/11 in WNC 4/14)

12 Palestinians, 3 IDF soldiers are injured in clashes in Hebron. There have been daily confrontations in Hebron since the 4/8. (ITV 4/11 in WNC 4/14; NYT 4/12)

PA delegation led by Arafat dep. Abbas, Local Government M Erakat arrives in Washington, meets with Secy. of State Albright, special envoy Ross. (WT 4/10; CSM, MM, PR, WP, WT 4/11; MM 4/14)

In Hebron, 7 Palestinians are wounded by rubber bullets in the latest round of clashes with the IDF. Israeli Justice M Hanegbi urges security forces to be tougher on Palestinian demonstrators. (MM 4/10; IDF Radio 4/10 in WNC 4/11; WT 4/11)

German court rules that Iran's top leaders ordered the 1992 assassination of 4 Kurdish dissidents in Germany. In response, EU mbr. nations (excluding Greece) withdraw their ambs. to Iran in protest to that government's support of terrorism. Iran responds in kind. (CSM 4/11; AFP 4/11 in WNC 4/14; VIRI 4/11 in WNC 4/15; MM 4/15; VIRI 4/18 in WNC 4/21; CSM 4/25; WT 4/28; NYT 4/30; MEI 5/2; al-Ahd [Beirut] 5/2 in WNC 5/7; WJW 5/15)

After the funeral in Hebron of 1 of the 3 men killed 4/8, 1,000s of Palestinians throw stones and molotov cocktails at IDF soldiers, who firing rubber bullets, tear gas at protesters, injuring 31. PA police form cordons, block streets with trucks, man rooftops to prevent riot fr. spreading. 3 IDF soldiers, 2 PA policemen are also injured. (MM 4/9; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/10; PR 4/11)

Israeli officials release on bail the 2 yeshiva students who shot, killed a Palestinian man 4/8. PA Local Government M Erakat accuses Netanyahu of giving "the green light to settler terrorism." (WT 4/10)

Birzeit University holds student council elections. Fatah wins 22 of 51 seats; Hamas wins 20 seats, PFLP-Palestine People's Party lists wins 8 seats; Islamic Jihad wins 1 seat. (MEI, PR 4/18; JP 4/19)

Iraq defies the southern U.S. no-fly zone by transporting a planeload of elderly pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj. (RMC 4/9 in WNC 4/10; MM 4/14; WT 4/23; MEI 5/2)

Israel, Hungary sign anticrime cooperation agmt. (MTI (Budapest) 4/9 in WNC 4/10; Kossuth Radio [Budapest] 4/9 in WNC 4/11)

2 SLA mbrs. are wounded in an explosion in s. Lebanon. (RL 4/9 in WNC 4/10)

Arafat reportedly takes ill on his way to mtg. in Egypt, returns to Gaza with his physician under ambulance escort. PA makes no statement. (IDF Radio 4/9 in WNC 4/10)

At a mtg. in Gaza attended by Arafat, PA security chiefs refuse a request by the CIA, Israeli security officials to reestablish security coordination immediately. (ITV, MA 4/9 in WNC 4/10; MM 4/10; ITV, YA 4/10 in WNC 4/11; WT 4/11; ITV 4/11 in WNC 4/15; MEI 4/18)

In the Israeli controlled enclave of Hebron (H2), 2 Jewish yeshiva students open fire with Uzi submachine guns (provided by the IDF), killing a Palestinian, sparking riots in the PA controlled section of the city (H1) during which IDF troops kill 2 Palestinians, wound 100; 5 soldiers are also injured. PA policemen prevent riots fr. spilling over into H2; some are injured by Palestinian protesters, others by rubber bullets fired at the protesters by the IDF. (MM 4/8; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/9; ITV 4/9 in WNC 4/10; PR 4/11; MEI 4/18; JP 4/19)

Israeli FM Levy arrives in Turkey for talks with PM Erbakan. (MM 4/8; Anatolia [Ankara] 4/8 in WNC 4/9; VIRI 4/8, Sabah [Istanbul] 4/9 in WNC 4/10; VIRI 4/10; Milliyet (Istanbul) 4/11 in WNC 4/16)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Washington for AIPAC conference, holds talks with Pres. Clinton, Secy. of State Albright (MM 4/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8; ITV 4/8 in WNC 4/9; CSM, NYT 4/9; MA, La Repubblica [Rome] 4/9 in WNC 4/10; al-Thawra [Damascus] 4/9, RE, RL 4/10 in WNC 4/11; PR 4/11; al-Ahram [Cairo] 4/11 in WNC 4/17; WJW 4/17; MEI 4/18; MM 4/28)

In Amman, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, Arafat dep. Mahmud Abbas discuss Jordanian-PA coordination on political, economic issues. (RJ 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

In preparation for trial, Jordanian military team visits Israel to interview victims of the 3/13 Daqamsa shooting. (JT 4/9 in WNC 4/10) (see 3/27)

Vatican says that it has reached a critical stage in its relations with Israel, that Israel should renew its commitment to peace for normalization to progress further. (WJW 4/17)

In Moscow, Lebanese PM Hariri, Russian PM Viktor Chernomyrdin, Dep. FM Yevgeny Primakov discuss peace process, bilateral relations. (RL 4/7 in WNC 4/8; RL 4/8 in WNC 4/9)

In Manhattan, federal prosecutors for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) open exclusion proceedings against Hamas political leader Abu Marzuq. Abu Marzuq is willing to withdraw his application to reenter the U.S. and agree to exclusion (i.e., immediate deportation), but INS says he cannot do so without either conceding or contesting the terrorism charge, otherwise he could be detained indefinitely. Abu Marzuq refuses to concede; contesting the charge could take yrs. The exclusion proceeding is closed; the INS does not have to reveal the sources of its evidence. (MM 4/8; NYT 4/13; WJW 4/17; MEI 4/18) (see 4/3)

The Knesset Finance Comm. agrees (by vote of 6-5) to demand that the PA detail the use of funds in its Bank Leumi account. Some MKs suspect the account is a secret petty cash fund. (Globes [Internet] 4/7 in WNC 4/9)

In Kharbata village nr. Ramallah, a Jewish settler opens fire with an M-16, handgun on Palestinians who stone his car, wounding 2. Villagers say the settler is known for intimidating local Palestinians, driving through the village instead of using the Jewish-only bypass road. (MM 4/7; WT 4/8)

Islamic University of Hebron holds student council elections. Hamas-Islamic Jihad list wins 19 of 35 seats; pro-Arafat Fatah lists wins 15 seats; PFLP 1 seat. (WT 4/8; MEI, PR 4/18; JP 4/19)

The Kuwaiti government denies the Comm. for the Defense of Islamic Issues permission to stage a rally outside parliament to protest Israel's policies on Jerusalem, U.S. support for Israeli actions. (AFP 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

SLA exchanges 3 Hizballah mbrs. being held at al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon for 1 SLA soldier held by Hizballah. (RL 4/7 in WNC 4/8)

In Minnesota, PM Netanyahu, King Hussein discuss ways of restarting Israeli-PA talks, especially Netanyahu's proposal for a Camp-David-style summit (see 4/1). (CSM, NYT, WP 4/7; RJ 4/7 in WNC 4/8; JTV 4/8 in WNC 4/9)

Netanyahu withdraws fr. a scheduled appearance before the Reform Jewish movement, the largest Jewish denomination in the U.S. Reform leaders regard the decision as a "deliberate affront." (WT 4/7) (see 4/1)

PA Higher Education M Ashrawi arrives in Washington to meet with Secy. of State Albright, U.S. special envoy Ross. (WP 4/7; MM 4/9)

The American Israel Public Affairs Comm. (AIPAC) annual 3-day conference opens in Washington. U.S. VP Al Gore, Amb. to the UN Richardson address the group. Gore praises "my friend Bibi" for his "passionate" devotion to Israeli security. (MM, WP 4/7; WP 4/8)

Nr. Tel Aviv, an explosion destroys a warehouse at a factory where Israel makes parts for the U.S.-funded Arrow antimissile missile. Israel says the explosion was accidental. (WT 4/7)

King Hussein undergoes prostate surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Doctors find no cancer. (JTV 4/5, RJ 4/7 in WNC 4/8; WP, WT 4/6; JTV 4/11 in WNC 4/14)

As Palestinian protests continue throughout the territories, 10,000 Israelis attend peace rally in Tel Aviv, encourage PM Netanyahu to resume talks with the PA immediately. (ITV 4/5 in WNC 4/8; WP, WT 4/6)

Israel says that the IDF, Shin Bet have detained 42 Hamas suspects in Surif since the 3/21 suicide bombing. (YA 4/6 in WNC 4/8; PR 4/18)

Israeli citizen David Mir, who owns 50% of the land which Israel confiscated for Har Homa and disapproves of Israel's decision to build, announces that he has been negotiating with Palestinians, other Arabs to transfer his rights to the land so as to turn the construction at Har Homa into construction on land confiscated fr. Arabs. (ITV 4/4 in WNC 4/7)

Turkey ratifies free trade agmt. with Israel (passed by the Knesset in 1996). (Analtolia [Ankara] 4/8 in WNC 4/9; VIRI 4/8 in WNC 4/10)

400 Palestinians clash with IDF troops in Hebron. 16 Palestinians are wounded by rubber bullets. Other clashes occur in Bethlehem, East Jerusalem. (WT 4/5)

Greece complains to the U.S. about recent Israeli initiatives, U.S. relations with Turkey. (MA 4/6 in WNC 4/8) (see 4/3)

In Lebanon, delegation fr. Hamas's political bureau meets with Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hasan Nasrallah to discuss peace process, Jerusalem. (al-'Ahd 4/4 in WNC 4/9)

Israeli DM Mordechai begins 2-day visit to Washington, meets with Secy. of State Albright, National Security Adviser Sandy Berger, Defense Secy. Cohen. (ITV, YA 4/3 in WNC 4/4; WT 4/4; WT 4/5; MA, SANA 4/6 in WNC 4/8; MM 4/7; JP 4/12; WP 4/14) (see 2/25; Peace Monitor for details)

Citing fears of reprisal attacks, Israel drops bid to extradite Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq. If the U.S. does not deport Abu Marzuq within 60 days of the date he dropped his fight against the extradition order (the U.S. and Israel claim that date is 4/7; Abu Marzuq's lawyers say it was 3/28),it legally must free him. (ITV 4/3 in WNC 4/4; NYT, WP, WT 4/4; al-Ra'i 4/4 in WNC 4/8; NYT 4/6; JP 4/12; MEI 4/18) (see 1/28)

Islamic Jihad's military wing issues leaflet claiming responsibility for the 4/1 bombs, saying Shaykh Shami had been "hasty" in denying the groups responsibility. (NYT 4/4) (see 4/2)

Palestinians, IDF clash nr. Har Homa. (WT 4/4)

Iran says it has 1st-hand information that 4 of its diplomats long believed dead were kidnapped in 1982, are being held in Israel. (IRNA 4/4 in WNC 4/7; WT 4/9)

Lebanon indicts 5 alleged Japanese Red Army mbrs. with passport forgery, illegal entry into Lebanon, forgery of official stamps. The 5 could receive up to 10 yrs. in prison. Japan has been trying to extradite the 5 men to face charges for guerilla activity. (WP 4/4) (see 3/14)

Egypt, Lebanon, Syria link new underwater telephone cable system. (SANA 4/3 in WNC 4/4)

U.S. secy. of state Albright meets with King Hussein, speaks twice by phone with Arafat. Later, the king meets with Defense Secy. Cohen. (AFP, RJ 4/2 in WNC 4/4; WT 4/3)

At the UN, fmr. Secy. of State James Baker III criticizes the U.S. for vetoing recent UNSC resolutions on Israeli settlements, especially after having publicly criticized Israeli settlement decisions; says the vetoes send a mixed signal, Israel's Har Homa construction makes "a mockery of Resolutions 242 and 338." (WP, WT 4/3)

Israeli government acknowledges that DM Mordechai recently approved construction of 1,000s of housing units in West Bank settlements. (ITV 4/2 in WNC 4/3; NYT, WP, WT 4/3; JP 4/12)

Nr. Nablus, 2 settlers, who claim to have been attacked by Palestinian stone throwers, kidnap a disabled Palestinian youth, beat him, take him to their settlement. IDF soldiers at nearby checkpoint, informed by Palestinian witnesses, enter the settlement, free the youth, arrest the settlers. (PR 4/11)

Israel prevents 20 Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. fr. leaving Gaza to preform the haj although they had already obtained Israeli permission to do so. (al-Ayyam 44 in WNC 4/7)

Nr. Jalazun r.c. in the West Bank, an unidentified assailant throws a firebomb at an IDF truck, injuring 13 soldiers; IDF puts a curfew on Jalazun. In a nearby village, Israeli motorists beat a Palestinian they accuse of stoning their car, dump him at an army camp. (NYT, WP, WT 4/3)

Islamic Jihad leader Shaykh `Abbullah al-Shami denies Islamic Jihad was responsible for the 4/1 bombings in Gaza. Meanwhile, PA police detain 30 suspected Islamic Jihad mbrs. in connection with the explosions. 13 are released after questioning. (ITV 4/2 in WNC 4/7; CSM, NYT, WP 4/3; NYT 4/4)

In Washington, Pres. Clinton, Jordan's King Hussein discuss ideas for restarting Israeli-PA talks, policy toward Iraq. (NYT, WP, WT 4/2; al-Dustur, al-Ra'i, RJ 4/2 in WNC 4/3; NYT, WP 4/3; WT 4/8; RJ 4/12 in WNC 4/15; MEI 4/18) (see 3/19)

2 bombs explode nr. Jewish settlements in Gaza, killing 2, wounding 7 Palestinians. A wing of Islamic Jihad claims responsibility. (WP 4/1; AFP 4/1 in WNC 4/2; NYT, WP, WT 4/2; RMC 4/2 in WNC 4/3; PR 4/4; JP 4/12)

IDF troops shoot, kill 2 Palestinians in separate incidents: 1 during a demonstration; the other, an undercover PA policeman, as he approached an IDF checkpoint in an attempt to block other Palestinian protesters fr. advancing on the roadblock. (NYT, WP, WT 4/1; IDF Radio 4/1 in WNC 4/2)

The Knesset approves 1st reading of a bill that would grant the Orthodox rabbinical courts exclusive jurisdiction over those seeking to convert to Judaism, meaning that Jews converted by Reform or Conservative Jewish denominations would not be officially recognized as Jewish. Senior leaders of the Reform and Conservative movements in the U.S. (which represent 3 m. of the 3.5 m. U.S. Jews) threaten to withhold lobbying support, divert contributions to Israel away fr. the government if the bill is made law. (NYT, WP, WT 4/2; WP 4/3; WJW 4/10; NYT 4/17; Globes [Internet] 4/21 in WNC 4/24)

Hizballah attacks an SLA patrol in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr., wounding 5. (RL 4/1 in WNC 4/2; WT 4/2)