The Palestine Chronology

Israeli Infrastructures M Sharon takes Netanyahu, 7 cabinet mbrs. on a tour of the West Bank to underscore need for Israel to retain security zones after FRD. (IDF Radio 12/28, al-Quds 1/29 in WNC 1/1; WT 12/29; JP 1/10) (see 12/23)

Saying that Pollard "has paid a heavier price than any other person convicted of a similar crime" in the U.S., PM Netanyahu orders the formation of a special ministerial team (PM, DM, FM, atty. gen., MKs Limor Livnat and Yuli Edelstein) to lobby for Pollard's release. (YA 12/29 in WNC 1/1; JP 1/3) (see 12/14)

Azerbaijan announces support for plan, backed by U.S., to transport Caspian oil, gas through Turkey. Meanwhile, Iran, Turkey, Turkmenistan sign agmt. opposed by U.S. to construct gas pipeline fr. Turkmenistan, through Iran and Turkey, to Europe. (Interfax [Moscow], IRNA, ITAR-TASS 12/28 in WNC 1/1) (see 11/19)

Israeli Peace Bloc runs ad signed by 68 prominent Israelis, calling on Israelis to boycott products made in settlements so as to promote peace, remind Israelis that the settlements are not part of Israel. (PR 1/2)

In Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 3 Jewish extremists planning to catapult a pig's head into the al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard during a Ramadan prayer service. Ramadan begins later this mo. (WT 12/27; ITV 12/28 in WNC 1/1; JP 1/3)

Despite the Shin Bet's approval, Netanyahu cancels 12/17 MOU on security. (MM 12/23; NYT 12/24; IDF Radio, YA 12/24 in WNC 12/29; WJW 12/25, 1/1; MM 1/6; SA 1/8 in WNC 1/11)

In Amman, PA Local Government M Erakat briefs Jordanian PM Majali on the peace process. (JTV 12/22 in WNC 12/29)

The 33d World Zionist Congress opens in Jerusalem. (JP 1/3)

PA Central Bureau of Statistics begins its 1st census of the West Bank, Gaza, expected to last 15 days. After determining that existing legislation did not prevent PA census taking in East Jerusalem, Israel quickly pushes legislation through Knesset banning any Palestinian "activity in East Jerusalem bearing a governmental and political character and which is inconsistent with the sovereignty of the state of Israel," arrests at least 1 census taker. (MM 12/10; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/11; PR 12/12; MA 12/12 in WNC 12/16; MEI, PR 12/19; IDF Radio 12/29 in WNC 1/1)

In Jerusalem, Arafat adviser Abbas discusses final status scenarios with Likud MK Dan Meridor. (YA 12/12 in WNC 12/15)

Turkey's Pres. Suleyman Demirel leaves OIC summit a day early in protest of other mbrs.'s calls for halt to normalization with Israel, failure to pass 2 pro-Turkish resolutions on Cyprus, Greece. (NYT 12/12)

Following executions 12/8, Jordan recalls its chargé d'affaires from Iraq, gives 7 Iraqi diplomats a wk. to leave the country, vows to close its border with Iraq if it goes through with the execution of a 5th student. (MM 12/11; SA 12/12 in WNC 12/15; NYT 12/14; JT 12/15 in WNC 12/16; MEI 1/16)

In Ramallah, Arafat discusses peace process, 11/30 Israeli cabinet decision with Jordanian PM al-Majali. (al-Dustur, al-Quds, VOA 12/3 in WNC 12/9; MEI 12/5; al-Majd 12/8 in WNC 12/17)

In Jerusalem, Orient House head Faisal Husseini meets with French FM Vedrine. (al-Safir 12/3 in WNC 12/9)

EU special envoy Moratinos holds talks Lebanon with PM Hariri, FM Buwayz, Chamber Speaker Nabih Birri. (RL 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

After talks with Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad in Damascus, Austrian chancellor Klima says that Israel must implement FRDs, halt settlement construction, resume talks on the Golan Heights; "delaying tactics" are no longer acceptable. (Oesterreich Eins Radio Network [Vienna], SATN 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

Israel announces plans to increase the number of Palestinian laborers allowed into Israel fr. 52,000 to 140,000 within 5 yrs. to replace foreign workers. (WT 12/3)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 SLA mbrs. (VOL 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

Arafat sends letter to UN Secy. Gen. Kofi Annan, requesting full Palestinian membership in the UN, something thus far granted only to independent states. (WP 11/30)

King Hussein gives speech inaugurating Jordan's new parliament in which he reaffirms support for the Palestinians, including their right to have the capital of a Palestinian state "in Jerusalem." Jordanian opposition parties criticize the phrase as an acceptance of partition. (JTV 11/29 in WNC 12/7; MM 12/17)

Across the West Bank, Palestinians hold demonstrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the UN partition res., which created Israel. In Bethlehem, the IDF opens fire with rubber bullets on 5,000 Palestinians marching to demand Israel release Palestinian prisoners, injuring 40 (including a PA policeman), making today the worst single day of Palestinian-Israeli clashes in mos. In contrast, few Israelis celebrate the anniversary. (NYT, WP, WT 11/30; WP 12/1; MEI 12/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bombs, killing 3 SLA mbrs., wounding 5 IDF soldiers. (RL 11/29 in WNC 12/9; WP 11/30)

Arafat says he is healthy despite the uncontrollable trembling of this lower lip, which an Israeli doctor has said may be a sign of Parkinson's disease. (WP 11/20; MEI 11/21; 11/30 in WNC 12/9)

Israel agrees to allow 250 civilian PLO employees to take up permanent residence in the West Bank/Gaza.(al-Dustur 11/19 in WNC 11/21; PR 11/21)

Israel court jails for 5 yrs. a PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) officer convicted of abducting an Arab informer for Israel fr. Jerusalem, taking him to Jericho, torturing him. (WP 11/20)

Israel places Gaza resident Ashraf Atta Ahmad Kandil under administrative detention in an Israeli prison for 6 mos. He is the only Gazan under administrative detention, along with 600 West Bank Palestinians. (PCHR 1/15)

Russia's minister of science and technology arrives in Israel for mtg. of the joint Russian-Israeli Economic Comm. to discus ways of increasing cooperation. (Globes [Internet] 11/19 in WNC 11/21)

Facing the erosion of its efforts to isolate Iran economically, U.S. announces new policy of pushing for a "Eurasian transportation corridor" (fr. Azerbaijan to Turkey) to bring Caspian oil to the West; pressuring Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan to shelve proposal for pipeline through Iran to the Gulf. U.S. Energy Secy. Federico Peña says U.S. has no plans to help finance the Eurasian corridor project. (NYT, WP, WT 11/20; MM 11/26)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 1 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbr. (VOL 11/19 in WNC 11/21)

In London, Jordan's King Hussein, Israel's PM Netanyahu meet for the first time since Israel's attempted assassination of Hamas political leader Khalid Mishal in Amman 9/25. (MM, WT 11/18; SA, JT 11/19 in WNC 11/21; al-Dustur, JT, Star 11/20 in WNC 11/25; JP 11/29)

Doha economic summit ends. All participants sign final communiqué, including Israel, which unsuccessfully tried to block section stressing that Oslo negotiations are based on land for peace. 2 major Jordanian, Qatari investment companies sign $25-m. partnership, industrial investment agmt. (MM 11/18; WP, WT 11/19; JT 11/19 in WNC 11/21; SA 11/19 in WNC 11/25; WJW 11/27)

At the end of a 3-wk. evaluation following a sharp rise in casualties in s. Lebanon, top IDF officials unanimously reaffirm decision to stay in s. Lebanon until an agmt. on redeployment is achieved with Lebanon, Syria. (MM 11/19; YA 11/19 in WNC 11/21)

Knesset threatens Israeli banks with prosecution if they persist in refusing to identify owners of dormant Nazi-era accounts holding an estimated total of $57 m. (WT 11/19)

In Bethlehem, a Palestinian boy is shot dead by IDF sniper guarding DM Yitzhak Mordechai on visit to Rachel's Tomb. (MEI 12/5)

IDF demolishes Palestinian home, workshop in al-Ram, n. of Jerusalem. (PR 11/21)

Employing a "dual-track" strategy of military and diplomatic pressure, Russian FM Yevgeny Primakov opens talks in Moscow with Iraqi Dep. PM Tariq `Aziz, while U.S. pres. Bill Clinton sends 12 additional military aircraft to the Gulf, authorizes cmdrs. to deploy 30 more if they deem it necessary. (MM 11/18; CSM, MM, WP, WT 11/19) (see 11/17; ITV 11/19 in WNC 11/21; MEI 11/21)

In Cairo, PA negotiators brief Egypt's Pres. Mubarak on 11/3-6 Washington talks with Israel. Citing the talks' failure, Egypt announces that despite U.S. pressure, it will boycott the Doha economic summit. (MENA, RE 11/11 in WNC 11/12; NYT, WP, WT 11/12; WJW 11/13)

High-level EU delegation leaves Egypt for Jordan after visit of several hrs. (JTV, MENA 11/11 in WNC 11/12; RJ 11/12 in WNC 11/14)

At the Likud convention, Netanyahu backs away fr. call to abolish party primary elections in the face of pressue fr. party mbrs. (including fmr. Science M Benjamin Begin, fmr. Finance M Dan Meridor, Tel Aviv Mayor Roni Milo, DM Mordechai, Infrastructures M Sharon, Jerusalem Mayor Olmert) strong enough to split party, force new elections. (IDF Radio 11/11 in WNC 11/12; ITV, MA 11/12 in WNC 11/14) (see 11/9)

Israel's 1st El Al flight lands at Jordan's Aqaba airport. (HA, JT 11/11; al-Dustur 11/11 in WNC 11/12; JT 11/12 in WNC 11/14) (see 8/31)

Palestinian boy is left brain-dead when IDF opens fire with rubber bullets on crowd protesting reopening of the newly fortified Rachel's Tomb, a Jewish shrine in an Israeli-controlled salient in Bethlehem. (NYT 11/12, 11/14)

In Jerusalem, U.S. special envoy Ross hosts mtg. btwn. Israeli FM Levy, Arafat adviser Abbas; encourages them to speed up subcomm. negotiations. Levy says Israel is willing to limit settlement construction to a "necessary minimum." Ross aslo meets separately with Netanyahu, Arafat. (MM 10/20; IDF Radio 10/20 in WNC 10/22; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 10/21; MEI 10/24)

Israel, Jordan agree in principle to set up a joint authority to oversee Jordan Valley development (incl. tourism, water, agriculture, industrial park projects); Israeli proposal for a Las Vegas-style tourism, commercial center in the Aqaba-Elat area. (Globes [Internet] 10/20 in WNC 10/22)

Jordan announces it will send high-level delegation to Doha economic summit. At mtg., Jordan plans to submit projects for transforming Aqaba region into free trade and tourist zone; improving water and waste-water infrastructure; enlarging petroleum refinery at al-Zarqa'; creating small industries, magnesium plant in Dead Sea area; building railway, port; developing tourist sites. (RJ 10/20 in WNC 10/22; see also JT 10/19 in WNC 10/22; RJ 10/24, JT 10/26, al-Ra'i 10/27 in WNC 10/29)

In Beirut, 2 gunmen open fire on 2 of Abu Nidal relatives, killing Omar Banna, wounding Nasireddin Banna. Lebanese officials claim the shooting stemmed fr. intra-Palestinian disputes. (WP 10/21; WT 10/22; MM 10/29)

Israel releases $57 m. of tax money owed the PA. (MM, WT 10/15; MA 10/15 in WNC 10/16) (see 9/28)

Israel, Jordan hold 2 mtgs. in Israel (Jerusalem, Ma'ale Efrayim) aimed at enhancing security cooperation, especially to prevent border infiltrations. (ITV, QY 10/14 in WNC 10/15; al-Ra'i 10/16 in WNC 10/20) (see 10/10)

PA prisoner dies in PA custody, reportedly as a result of a heart attack. (Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group press release 11/11)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in al-Arub refugee camp nr. Bethlehem; also plans to demolish homes of relatives of 3 suicide bombers identified 9/23, seal home of 4th bomber. (LAW 10/14; NYT, WT 10/15)

SLA Cmdr. Antoine Lahd warns that his men are likely to turn against Israel if the IDF unilaterally withdraws fr. s. Lebanon; thinks half would joint Hizballah, half would form new anti-Israeli militia. (MM 10/14; ITV 10/14 in WNC 10/15; MM 10/17)

Israel air force attacks Hizballah radio station in s. Lebanon, causing extensive damage. (RL 10/14 in WNC 10/15)

In Amman, Jordan's FM Tarawnah, Israel's Amb. to Jordan Eran discuss peace process. Israel pledges not to violate 10/94 peace treaty, particularly articles pertaining to security. (RJ 10/12 in WNC 10/15; al-Quds, al-Ra'i 10/15 in WNC 10/16)

Israel opens official inquiry into botched assassination of Hamas's Mishal. (NYT, WP 10/13; JP 10/18; ITV 11/2, 11/3 in WNC 11/4)

Jordan, Iraq discuss expanding bilateral trade under UN oil-for-food deal. (RJ 10/12 in WNC 10/15)

In the 1st legal judgement against Israel's nuclear reactor, a Tel Aviv court finds Dimona managers guilty of negligence by allowing least 3 radioactive leaks since the 1960s. (YA 10/12, QY 10/13 in WNC 10/15; WT 10/13)

U.S. special envoy Ross holds separate mtgs. with Israeli FM Levy, Arafat adviser Abbas in preparation for Israeli-PA subcomm. talks 10/7. (NYT, WP 10/6; al-Quds 10/6 in WNC 10/7; MEI 10/10)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin returns to Gaza, is greeted by 30,000 Palestinians at Yarmuk stadium. (MM 10/6, RJ  10/6 in WNC 10/7; NYT, WP, WT 10/7; MEI, PR 10/10; JP 10/18) (see 10/2)

Israel frees 11 Palestinian prisoners, 9 Jordanian detainees, says 50 others will be released over the next 2 wks. In exhange, Jordan allows the 8 Mossad agents (2 who carried out the attack, plus 6 who helped) involved in the assasination attempt against Mishal to return to Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 10/7; JT, JTV, MENA, RMC 10/7 in WNC 10/8; SA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/10)

At the close of its 3-day mtg., the Arab League issues a final communiqué, praising efforts by Secy. of State Albright to restart peace talks; denouncing Israel's continued settlement expansion, particularly Ras al-Amud; ignoring Turkish-Israeli military maneuvers scheduled for 11/97; leaving it to individual mbrs. to decide whether to boycott the upcoming Doha econommic summit (see 9/13). FMs also vote to ignore UN sanctions against Libya. (CSM, MM, NYT, WT 9/22; al-Ittihad, MENA 9/23 in WNC 9/24; MM 9/25)

Palestinian owner of 1 Ras al-Amud house occupied by rabbinical students, Fuad Hadiya, returns from Romania to reclaim his property, asserting that he never sold it. Moskowitz claims that the Palestinian family willingly sold the building to Jews, who in turn sold it to him. (CSM, NYT 9/22; WT 9/24; PR 10/3) (see 9/18)

Israeli cabinet secy. Dani Nave leaves for Washington to prepare for FM Levy's mtg. with Arafat adviser Mahmud Abbas, Secy. of State Albright 9/28+n29. (MM, WT 9/22)

The Geneva-based World Council of Churches issues a letter condemning Israel's "intransignet" policies toward Palestinians, including collective punishment. (WT 9/22)

Israeli elite paratrooper, undercover units arrest nearly 100 of West Bank Palestinians in an extensive crackdown (concentrated in the area of Assira) on alleged Islamists. Until now, Israel has reported no leads in the 7/30, 9/4 suicide bombings. At the same time, IDF allows 4,000 Palestinian construction workers to enter Israel. 10,000 Palestinians were allowed entry last wk. (NYT, WT 9/22; WP 9/24; MEI 9/26)

Jordan releases Hamas spokesman Ghawshah. (MM 9/22; al-Quds 9/23 in WNC 9/25) (see 9/8)

Fearing Palestinian protests over the Ras al-Amud "compromise" (see 9/18) after Friday prayers, IDF reinforces troops in Jerusalem. (MM 9/19) (see 9/18)

In Ramallah, Secy. of State Albright meets with Arafat; says PA must crack down on Islamists in a comprenehsive, relentless, and sustained manner; says that she is encouraged by Arafat promises to do so. Albright then meets again with PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem, calls for a "time-out" on Israeli settlement expansion, land confiscation, house demolitions, confiscations of Palestinian IDs. (MM 9/11; AFP 9/11 in WNC 9/12; CSM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 9/12; MM 9/15; PR 9/19; JP 9/20; MEI 9/26) (see Doc. D1)

Citing Russia's role in helping Iran build missiles and nuclear weapons, PM Netanyahu orders his government to halt talks with Moscow on buying natural gas. (WT 9/13)

In Jerusalem, Secy. of State Albright has breakfast with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, who urges her to be firm with Netanyahu. She then meets with PM Netanyahu, insists that security must come before negotiations but that Israel must implement interim agmts. and should make tax transfers to the PA, ease closure, halt "unilateral actions" that hinder confidence. (MM 9/10; IDF Radio, ITV, RE 9/10 in WNC 9/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/11; YA 9/11 in WNC 9/12; PR 9/12; MM 9/15; PR 9/19; JP 9/20; MEI 9/26)

UNRWA reverses some cuts in services after donors give $19 m. toward the agency's $20 m. budget shortfall for the rest of the yr. (UNRWA press release 9/10; JT, RJ 9/10 in WNC 9/11; PR 9/12; MEI 9/26) (see 9/9)

3 suicide bombers detonate explosive devices in Ben Yehuda market in Jerusalem, killing 4 Israelis, injuring 192. A faction of Hamas's military wing, the Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, claims responsibility. PM Netanyahu cancels a security mtg. with PA, CIA  officials, saying "we're sick of talks"; reseals borders with the West Bank, Gaza; reimposes the internal closure on PA-controlled cities; gives PA a list of 10s of Palestinians it wants arrested. PA arrests 2 Hamas leaders, 8 Hamas mbrs.; shuts Hamas newspaper in Gaza. (MM 9/4; AFP, IDF Radio, ITV, JTV, MENA, VOL 9/4, VOA 9/5 in WNC 9/8; NYT, WP, WT 9/5; AFP, IDF Radio, YA 9/5 in WNC 9/9; WP, WT 9/6; NYT 9/7, 9/9; WJW 9/11; LAW, MEI, PR 9/12; JP, WP 9/13; CSM 9/24)

State Dept. says that Secy. of State Madeleine Albright will go ahead with her trip to the region next wk.; that while there has been increased security coordination, the U.S. has "not been satisfied with the degree of unilateral efforts to crack down on terrorist infrastruture." (MM 9/4; NYT, WP, WT 9/5; WT 9/7)

As part of the plan to "unify Jerusalem," Israel sets up 2 new police stations in East Jerusalem. Each station will have 130 officers. (YA 9/4 in WNC 9/9)

12 Sephardic Jews fr. Israel arrive in Jericho, ask the PA for political asylum, accuse Israeli authorities of trying to kill them. PA puts them up in a local hotel. (WT 9/10)

In Tel Aviv, Jordan, Israel hold talks on Jordan Valley development, water desalination project, protecting Jordan River fr. salt water pollution. (JT, JTV 8/26 in WNC 8/27; al-Dustur 8/27 in WNC 8/28; JT 8/28 in WNC 8/29)

More than 500 Jewish leaders, scholars fr. around the world gather in Basel, Switzerland, for 3-day commeoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1st Zionist Congress that launched the drive to create a Jewish homeland. The congress convened 22 times btwn. 1897  and 12/46. (WT 8/27; NYT 8/29; MM 9/2; WJW 9/4; JP 9/6)

Arafat says that he has resumed security cooperation with Israel to an extent that would permit U.S. Secy. of State Albright to visit the region next mo. Israel says the PA has not done enough, is enouraging demonstrations against the closure. (NYT 8/27)

In Bethlehem, Palestinians protest continued internal closure, clash with IDF troops at checkpoints leading out of town. PA police stand by but do not intervene. An elementary school is evacuated, 10s of girls are taken to the hospital when 7 IDF teargas canisters land in the schoolyard. (Interfax [Moscow] 8/26 in WNC 8/27; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/27; PR 8/29)

Israel releases 1 of the PA policemen arrested 7/15 on suspicion of plotting anti-Israeli attacks. (NYT 8/28)

IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in the Ras al-Amud neighborhhod of Jerusalem; 2 in Qusra, 1 in Beita, both nr. Nablus. (LAW 8/26; PR 9/5) (see 7/26)

The Israeli Justice Min. agrees to free a Palestinian, Imad Sabih, who has been jailed without charge for 2 yrs., to let him study in the Netherlands. Sabih will not be allowed to return to Israel or the occupied territories for 4 yrs. (NYT, WT 8/27; LAW 8/28; al-Ayyam 8/28 in WNC 9/4)

Iranian parliament passes bill allowing all foreign firms, excluding U.S. and Israeli firms, to register in Iran. Registered firms may engage in all lawful business activities in economic, commericial, industrial fields. (IRNA 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

Arafat, Pres. Mubarak hold talks on the peace process in Alexandria. (RE 8/25 in WNC 8/26; RE 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Japan. (IDF Radio, Kyodo [Tokyo] 8/25 in WNC 8/26; MM 8/26; MM, WP, WT 8/27, CSM 9/3, JP 9/6) (see 8/24)

Saying that the Oslo process must be "redefined," Israeli mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert promises to build additional housing projects, including some in disputed territories. (WT 8/26)

In Bethlehem, the IDF fires tear gas, rubber bullets at Palestinians protesting the continued internal closure. When troops move closer to the PA-controlled area, PA police take up postitions behind walls, baracades. Only when troops pull back, do they intervene to disperse the protesters. (WP, WT 8/26)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem, 2 nr. Jerusalem for allegedly being built without permits. (LAW 8/25; WP, WT 8/26; IDF Radio 8/26 in WNC 8/27; PR 8/29)

Israeli police, Shabak agents break into the Golan Heights home of Ilham Abu Salih--a Druze who heads a student organization at Damascus University, representing 400 Golani Druze students; arrest her on suspicion of being a Syrian spy. Druze in Majdal Shams stage protests, burning tires, waving Syrian flags. Syria complains to the UN. (al-Anwar 8/29 in WNC 9/4; NYT, WP 9/4; JP 9/6)

After much critism, Labor Chmn. Barak reverses the dismissal of Labor party personnel announced 8/21, saying he erred in abruptly laying off the workers. (MA 8/29 in WNC 9/2; JP 9/6)

As fighting continues in Lebanon, IAF fires rockets at PFLP-GC targets s. of Beirut, causing no injuries. Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 1 SLA mbr. (QPAR 8/25 in WNC 8/26; CSM, WP 8/26)

In Gaza, Arafat opens 2-day national dialogue mtg., meets with Hamas leader `Abd al-Aziz Rantisi, warns that Israeli actions in response to the 7/30 bombings could lead to another uprising. Islamic Jihad mbrs. also attend. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/21; RMC 8/21 in WNC 8/22; MM, NYT, PR, WT 8/22; RE 8/22 in WNC 8/25; PR 8/29; CSM 8/30, 9/8) (see 8/16)

In Amman, a 2-day "popular conference for the defense of Jerusalem" opens. (al-Dustur, JT 8/21 in WNC 8/22; JT 8/23 in WNC 8/26)

In Bethlehem, PA police beat Palestinian Salih Musa during a traffic dispute, take him to Bethlehem hospital. 6 policmen are later arrested in connection with the incident. Bethlehem is still under the internal closure imposed by Israel following the 7/30 bombings. (LAW 8/21)

In retaliation for Hizballah's 8/19 shelling, Israeli air force (IAF) strikes far n. of the self-declared security zone, hitting a Hizballah base, an area nr. the Lebanese army unit that took part in the 8/18 shelling, a power station, injuring 2 Lebanese civilians. ILMG holds an emergency mtg. to discuss the deteriorating situation. Israel says that strike on power station was meant to show the Lebanese government that "a situation in which Israeli citizens cannot live peacefully while the Lebanese continue to live their lives normally will not be tolerated." (MM 8/20; AFP, RL, VOL 8/20 in WNC 8/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/21; WT 8/25)

PLO Political Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi and delegation arrive in Damascus for talks with Pres. Asad regarding recent events in the Middle East. (SANA 8/15 in WNC 8/18)

In Aqabat Jabr refugee camp, Israeli police find the auto of an Israeli taxi driver who disappeared en route btwn. Jerusalem and the West Bank settlement of Beyt Ha'arava 8/14. Israeli police place a curfew on the Jericho area. Israeli police, IDF, PA police begin search. (ITV, QY 8/15 in WNC 8/18)

Hrs. after they are released by the PA atty. gen., 10 Hamas mbrs. are rearrested by the PSF. The PSF also detain 2 PA officials for complying with the atty. gen.'s orders. (LAW 8/19)

Crown Prince Hassan's son Prince Rashid Bin al-Hassan is injured in a car accident on his way to Aqaba, 2 passengers are killed, 1 is injured. (JTV 8/15 in WNC 8/20)

U.S. special envoy Ross announces that Israel, the PA have resumed security cooperation, result will make or break long-term peace efforts. (MM 8/12; AFP 8/12 in WNC 8/13; MM, WP, WT 8/13; MM, CSM, NYT 8/14)

In Nablus, 10,000 Palestinians march to protest U.S., Israeli efforts to press Arafat to crack down on anti-Israeli militants in the West Bank, Gaza. Palestinians in Gaza stage a smaller rally. (CSM, WP, WT 8/13)

Syria formally rejects an Israeli proposal for a new formula to resume negotiations. (MM 8/13; YA 8/13 in WNC 8/14; YA 8/14 in WNC 8/15)

MEPFA expires, forcing the PLO to close its office in Washington. The U.S. will continue diplomatic contacts with the PA. U.S. assistance to Palestinian projects will not be interrupted. (NYT, WP, WT 8/13; MM, WP 8/14; PR 8/15) (see 8/1)

PA military court finds 3 Force 17 mbrs. guilty of treason for "spying for the Israeli intelligence service"; condemns 1 to death, 1 to life with hard labor, 1 to 15 yrs. with hard labor. (NYT, WP, WT 8/13) (see 7/19)

Israel eases restrictions on produce crossing fr. the West Bank and Gaza, allowing 3 trucks of eggplants into Israel. (IDF Radio 8/12 in WNC 8/13; WT 8/13)

Nr. Bethlehem, 2 Palestinian cousins sneak through the IDF blockade of the city--1 to get heart medication, 1 to get money owned him by his employer nr. Jerusalem. They are caught, severely beaten by the IDF, sent back to a hospital in Bethlehem. (WP 8/16)

Palestinian woman gives birth at an IDF checkpoint outside Ramallah after soldiers refuses to let her into the PA-controlled city to reach a hospital. (WT 8/13)

SLA vacates 7 Lebanese villages s. of Sidon, turning them over to the Lebanese army. (RL 8/12 in WNC 8/13)

Israel releases Joseph, Jean Nahra, who were kidnapped in s. Lebanon by the IDF 7/9, taken to al-Khiyam prison. Israel has never explained their detention. (WT 8/13) (see 8/7)

U.S. special envoy Ross continues shuttling btwn. Netanyahu, Arafat; says that as the 1st step toward salvaging the peace talks, Israel, the PA must work together to determine the identity of the 2 men responsible for the 7/30 bombings; says some progress has been made toward this end. In the evening, U.S., PA, Israeli security officials meet. (MM 8/11; ITV 8/11 in WNC 8/12; CSM, NYT, WP 8/12; MA 8/12 in WNC 8/12; JP 8/16)

During a brief confrontation, Palestinian youths angry over the closure clash with IDF troops at a checkpoint in Ramallah. (NYT 8/12)

1 Israeli injured in the 7/30 bombing dies, bringing death toll to 16, including the 2 bombers. (WP 8/12)

In Jerusalem, 150 Conservative, Reform Jewish men, women attempt to pray together at the Western Wall. They are jeered by Orthodox Jews, who call them "terrorists," "Hamas," "Christians"; are forcibly removed fr. the wall by Israeli police. (NYT 8/12)

Israel encourages Germany to take action against Hamas supporters suspected of operating in Berlin, Aachen. Israel charges that some 70 Hamas supporters have been fundraising in Germany since 1994. (Der Spiegel 8/11 in WNC 8/12)

Fmr. Jordanian FMin. official Muhammad al-Khalili announces the founding of Voice of Peace, a new newspaper to be published in Arabic, English, Hebrew. Israeli authors will be among the contributors. (al-Quds 8/11 in WNC 8/14)

IDF prevents an Amnesty International team fr. visiting al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon. (RL, VOL 8/11 in WNC 8/12)

After 40 hrs. of talks, ILMG recesses without taking a decision, plans to resume discussions 8/12. (RL 8/12 in WNC 8/13)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with Arafat in Ramallah, Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Taking Secy. of State Albright's lead (8/6), Ross adopts the Israeli demand that the PA take the 1st steps to revive the peace process in return promising more aggressive U.S. mediation. In the evening, PA, Israeli security officials meet with Ross, Arafat, Netanyahu envoy Molho present. (NYT, WP, WT 8/10; MM 8/11; JP, MA 8/11 in WNC 8/12; JP 8/16)

1 IDF soldier is killed, 3 are wounded clash with Hizballah in s. Lebanon. In a separate incident, 8 katyusha rockets land in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 civilians, damaging an orphanage. Israel blames Hizballah, which denies the charge. (ITV, RL 8/10, AFP, SA 8/11 in WNC 8/12; MM, NYT 8/11)

ILMG convenes to discuss 5 Lebanese, 6 Israeli complaints regarding deaths, injury of civilians during attacks since 8/4. (RL 8/12 in WNC 8/12; RL 8/13 in WNC 8/15)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Jerusalem for talks with PA, Israel aimed at easing tensions, resuming security contacts that would pave way for visit by Secy. of State Albright, resumption of negotiations. (NYT 8/9; Radio France Internationale 8/9 in WNC 8/12; NYT, WT 8/10; JP 8/16)

Arafat calls emergency session of the PC to discuss conditions in the territories since the 7/30 bombings. (NYT, WT 8/10)

Nearly 2 wks. after the 7/30 bombings, Israel is still unable to identify the bombers. While some Israeli news reports claim that unnamed government officials have determined that the bombers were Palestinians fr. Nablus or Surif, other unnamed Israeli, PA officials claim that several indicators (the labels on the bombers clothing had been cut off, their finger prints are not on file, their bombs left no chemical residue, they carried Jordanian dinars) suggest that the bombers came fr. abroad, perhaps fr. Lebanon. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says that Israel is propagating these rumors to justify its recent intensification of attacks on Lebanon. (RL 8/9, al-Hayat al-Jadida 8/10 in WNC 8/12; WP 8/11, WT 8/18)

Israel eases the "inner closure" to allow Palestinian movement btwn. Janin, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. Bethlehem, H1 in Hebron, Ramallah are still sealed. Palestinians are permitted to cross the border into Jordan, but the overall ban on Palestinians entering Israel remains in effect. (WT 8/10, 8/13)

PA police uncover a cache of weapons, explosives in Qalqilya, arrest several Palestinians. (NYT 8/10; YA 8/10 in WNC 8/12; NYT 8/11; LAW 8/20)

Israeli Air Force (IAF) stages 2 attacks targeting Hizballah, PFLP-GC training camps in the Biqa` Valley, killing 1 Hizballah mbr. and 1 PFLP-GC mbr., wounding 4 Hizballah mbrs. 1 SLA mbr. is wounded in a separate clash with Hizballah. (RL 8/9 in WNC 8/12; NYT, WT 8/10; MM 8/11)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan travels to Cairo to brief Pres. Mubarak on his talks with PM Netanyahu. (RE, RJ 8/7 in WNC 8/8)

IDF demolishes 2 more Palestinian homes in Jerusalem ostensibly for having no permit. (LAW 8/7; CSM 8/8)

Israel says that it is no longer seeking the arrest of PA police cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jabali. (ITV 8/7 in WNC 8/8) (see 7/31)

Jordan's al-Mustaqbal Party announces that it will boycott the 11/97 elections. (al-Ra'i 8/7 in WNC 8/11) (see 7/28)

As violence in s. Lebanon escalates to levels not seen since the 4/96 understanding, 1 Lebanese woman, 2 children are killed by a roadside bomb planted by unknown assailants; 1 SLA mbr. is killed by a bomb planted in his car; 1 farmer is killed by IDF retaliatory shelling. (RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8; WP 8/8)

Israel releases Lebanese reporter Nahra. (RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8) (see 7/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright endorses PM Netanyahu's plan for accelerated final status talks with the PA, stresses that no progress can be made until Israel is certain that the PA is making 100% effort to fight "terrorism"; says that she will travel to the region at the end of the mo. (MM 8/6; ITV, QY 8/6 in WNC 8/7; NYT, WP, WT 8/7; IDF Radio, IGPO, ITV, MA, YA 8/7, Hatzofe 8/8 in WNC 8/8; MM, NYT 8/8; NYT 8/9; al-Thawra 8/9, IDF Radio 8/10 in WNC 8/12)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, PM Majali meet with PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The crown prince terms the Israeli-Palestinian situation a "very dangerous crisis," recommends Israel adopt a softer line with the Palestinians, invites Netanyahu to visit Amman next wk. (MM, NYT 8/6; ITV, JTV, RJ, YA 8/6 in WNC 8/7; CSM 8/7; MA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Ra'i 8/7 in WNC 8/11)

In Amman, King Hussein meets delegation fr. Israel's Histadrut Labor federation. (JTV 8/6 in WNC 8/8)

The U.S. group Builders for Peace, initiated by VP Al Gore to promote economic development in the territories, announces it is closing its doors, saying that "political conditions in the region . . . render the prospects of success for any given project remote." (Builders for Peace press release 8/6)

For the first day since the 7/30 bombings, Israel allows flour, vital goods, medical supplies to enter the West Bank, Gaza. (NYT 8/7; WT 8/8)

A delegation fr. the Syrian Chamber of Commerce travels to Iraq to discuss trade contracts under the UN oil-for-food agmt. (SA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Quds al-Arabi 8/8 in WNC 8/11) (see 8/3)

IDF sends reinforcements to s. Lebanon. (RL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

5 UNIFIL soldiers are killed when their helicopter crashes in s. Lebanon. UN suspects mechanical failure. (AFP, London Press Association 8/6, RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8; WP 8/7; JP 8/16)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA soldier is killed when Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb as his car passes. Hizballah also fires several katyushas toward n. Israel, but they land in s. Lebanon, causing no injuries. (MM 8/7; Voice of the South 8/7 in WNC 8/8; MM 8/8)

Lebanon files claim with ILMG regarding death of a civilian in s. Lebanon 8/5. (VOL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

PM Netanyahu tells his cabinet that Israel will not honor its peace agmts. with the PLO unless Arafat cracks down on Islamists. (MM 8/4)

14-mbr. Knesset Internal Affairs Comm. delegation representing almost all Israeli parties (except Moledet, Shas, Tsomet) arrives in Amman for a 2 day visit to discuss the current impasse in PA-Israeli talks resulting fr. the 7/30 bombings; encourages King Hussein to personally mediate btwn. the sides. Jordanian parliamentary mbrs. boycott the delegation. (RJ 8/3, 8/4 in WNC 8/5; JT 8/5 in WNC 8/6; SA 8/5 in WNC 8/7)

Israel continues arresting Palestinians following the 7/30 bombings, bringing the total arrested to 116; also demolishes 3 Palestinian homes allegedly built without permits nr. Jerusalem. (WP 8/4; LAW 8/5; PR 8/8)

Israeli authorities prevent a delegation of 20 young campers fr. Qatar, UAE (who just completed a summer program sponsored by the PA Youth and Sports Min.) fr. leaving Gaza for Egypt. (al-Quds 8/4 in WNC 8/5; PR 8/8)

Nr. the West Bank Jewish settlement of Karmel, a Palestinian is fatally shot fr. a passing car bearing Israeli license plates. (ITV 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MM, WP 8/4; NYT 8/5)

Iraq, Syria form a joint tourism company, which will run 2 daily trips to transport businessmen btwn. the countries. (RMC 8/4 in WNC 8/5) (see 8/1)

2 suicide bombers dressed as ultra-Orthodox Jews detonate explosives in a crowded market in Jerusalem, killing 13 Israelis, wounding more than 170 Israelis, Palestinians. IDF immediately seals the West Bank, Gaza, preventing even town-to-town movement; suspends recognition of Palestinian passports; sends troops to seal the PA-controlled cities. A letter signed by Hamas's military wing, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, takes responsibility, but Israeli security question its authenticity, Hamas political leader `Abd al-Aziz Rantisi says Hamas was not involved. (MM 7/30; IDF Radio, ITV, RE 7/30 in WNC 7/31; IDF Radio, ITV, JTV 7/30, MA, RAI Uno Television [Rome], RE, YA 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/31; ITV 7/31 in WNC 8/6; CSM, WT 8/1; AFP, MAP [Rabat], VOA 8/1 in WNC 8/4; NYT 8/3; al-Dustur, al-Majd 8/4 in WNC 8/7; CSM 8/5; WJW 8/7; MEI, PR 8/8; JP 8/9; CSM 8/11)

In the wake of the bombings, PM Netanyahu, FM Levy phone Secy. of State Albright, demand that the U.S. put pressure Arafat. The Israeli cabinet suspends all contacts with the PA until Arafat acts against Islamists "with determination," destroys their infrastructure. However, 1 mtg. btwn. Israeli, PA security officials is held. Over night, an IDF helicopter hovers over Arafat's Gaza headquarters, an Israeli warplane circles the Gaza Strip. (MM 7/30; ITV 7/30 in WNC 7/31; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/31; YA 7/31 in WNC 8/4; WT 8/1)

As a result of the bombings, U.S. special envoy Ross cancels plans to leave today for the Middle East to meet with Arafat, Netanyahu. (MM, WT 7/30; NYT, WP, WT 7/31)

In Amman, King Hussein receives Israeli Knesset "Coalition Bloc for Peace," comprising Gesher, Third Way, Yisra'el B'Aliya, Shas MKs and the dir. of Israel's International Center of Peace in the Middle East. (JTV 7/30 in WNC 7/31)

State Dept. lifts the 12-yr.-old ban forbidding Americans to travel to Lebanon after that government agrees to take new steps to improve security at various locations, pledges to ratify an international convention against hostage-taking. The decision does not include lifting the ban on flights by Lebanese carriers to the U.S. or by U.S. carriers to Lebanon. (MM, WP 7/30; RL, RMC 7/30 in WNC 7/31; WT 7/31; al-Safir 7/31 in WNC 8/1; RL 8/4 in WNC 8/5; WT 8/6; al-Safir 8/6 in WNC 8/8; MEI 8/8)

Saudi Arabian dissident Sayigh backs out of a plea agmt. with the FBI to cooperate in the al-Khobar bombing case; says that he is innocent of any wrongdoing; was pressured by Canadian immigration officials to make statements on the bombing to avoid being deported to Saudi Arabia, where he faces execution. (NYT, WT 7/31) (see 6/30)

ILMG opens 2-day mtg. to discuss 1 Lebanese, 3 Israeli complaints. (VOL 7/30, RL 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

UN extends the UNIFIL mandate for 6 mos. (RL 7/30 in WNC 8/1)

Israeli naval forces detain 5 Lebanese fishermen off the coast of s. Lebanon, interrogate them before releasing them. (RL 7/29 in WNC 7/30) (see 7/28)