The Palestine Chronology

Netanyahu sends top aides to brief Arafat, Clinton, Egyptian pres. Mubarak on 11/30 cabinet decision. Arafat sends PA Planning M Nabil Shaath to Cairo to brief Mubarak on the PA's view of the decision. (IDF Radio, MENA, QY, RE 12/1 in WNC 12/9; MM 12/2; NYT 12/3; MEI 12/5)

In Amman, Austrian chancellor Viktor Klima, Jordanian PM `Abd al-Salam Majali discuss peace process, bilateral relations. (JTV, RJ 12/1, JT 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

An adviser to Netanyahu says that Israel would "feel free" to annex the West Bank if Arafat unilaterally declared statehood there and in Gaza. (ITV 12/1 in WNC 12/9; MM 12/2; CSM, WP 12/3)

Israeli cabinet approves construction of 900 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Alfe Menashe. (CSM 12/2)

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)

UN Comm. Against Torture discusses Israeli torture of Palestinian detainees. (WT 11/12)

Vatican signs agmt. with Israel, defining church's legal status in holy land for 1st time in 500 yrs. (WP, WT 11/11; WJW 11/13)

At the Likud convention, PM Netanyahu is booed, jeered off the stage by his own central comm. mbrs. when he attempts to give his speech as party head. (WT 11/12)

In Damascus, Iran, Syria discuss expanding economic cooperation, review draft agmt. on boosting bilateral trade. (IRNA 11/10 in WNC 11/12)

100s of Palestinians in West Bank, Gaza rally in support of Iraq in its current conflict with the U.S. (WP 11/11) (see 11/2)

In Amman, Russian FM Primakov meets with King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan. (ITAR-TASS [Moscow], JT, RJ 10/28 in WNC 10/29; MM 0/19; RJ 10/29 in WNC 10/30)

Iraq, Syria hold water talks in Damascus, again urge Turkey to join in 3-way discussion. (INA 10/28 in WNC 10/30; al-Thawra 10/31 in WNC 11/6) (see 10/22)

At the close of 4 days of mtgs., Iran, Lebanon have signed 4 agmts. covering land and maritime transport, dual taxation, boosting trade, encouraging investment btwn. the 2 countries. Iran also agrees to request to provide Lebanon with crude oil at preferential prices. (SA 10/29 in WNC 10/30; see also MM 10/27, IRIB Television [Tehran] 10/27 in WNC 10/29)

PC mbr. Musa Abu Sabha is detained by Israeli police at Gaza checkpoint for driving a car reported stolen in Israel. PA atty. gen. demands that Abu Sabha's immunity be lifted, but PC Legal Council refuses, saying that he cannot be tried while in Israeli detention, he must be extradited to PA. (PR 11/7)

IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem. (LAW 10/29)

IDF clashes with Hizballah in s. Lebanon, leaving at least 2 Hizballah mbrs. dead. (ITV 10/28 in WNC 10/29)

In Gaza, Arafat, Israeli DM Mordechai discuss improving security cooperation, try to finalize accord on Rafah airport, but reach no  agmts. U.S. special envoy Ross observes. (NYT, WP, WT 10/22)

Unaware that a live microphone is broadcasting his statements, PM Netanyahu tells Rabbi Yitzhak Kadouri that the "people on the left have forgotten what it means to be Jewish. They think that if we . . . give [the Arabs] part of the land . . . they will look after us. Who has ever heard anything like it?" (MM 10/22; WP 10/23; MM 10/28)

In Amman, local Hamas leader Khalid Mishal is admited to hospital with convulsions apparently the result of an altercation with 2 Canadian tourists. His condition mysteriously worsens overnight, suggesting possible poisining. Hamas claims Israel attempted to assasinate Mashal in retaliation for attack on embassy guards 9/22. (RJ, RMC 9/25 in WNC 9/26; NYT 9/26; RMC 9/26, al-Quds al-Arabi 9/27, al-Ra'i 9/28 in WNC 9/30; WT 9/28; MM, NYT 9/29, 10/1; NYT 10/2; al-Ra'i 10/5 in WNC 10/7; JP 10/11; NYT 10/15; MM 10/23)

At the UN, Secy. of State Albright says that Israel's decision to expand Efrat settlement "is not at all helpful" to the peace process, calls on Israel to "honor the time-out" on construction. (MM, NYT, WT 9/26; YA 10/8 in WNC 10/9) (see 9/24)

PA shuts a Hamas television station; seals more than 20 Hamas-owned charities in Gaza offering social, welfare, education services; arrests 13 suspected Hamas mbrs. in Qalqilya. (LAW 9/25; ITV 9/25 in WNC 9/26; NYT, WT 9/26; PCHR 9/29; PR 10/3)

In Amman, Jordan, U.S. sign agmt. forgiving the remaining $63.4 m. of Jordan's debt to the U.S. Since 1994, the U.S. has written off $700 m. of Jordanian debts. (RJ 9/25 in WNC 9/26)

Jordan orders 7 newspapers (al-Bilad, al-Hadath, Hawadith al-Sa`a, al-Majd, al-Mithaq, al-Sayad, Sawt al-Mara`a) to suspend publication for failure to comply with Article 24 of the new press law, which requires all weekly newspapers to raise their capital to JD300,000. (JT 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MM 10/21)

2 SLA mbrs., 1 civilian are wounded by Hizballah shelling in s. Lebanon. (RL 9/25 in WNC 9/26)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrrives in Jordan after 2-day visit to Egypt. (RE, RJ 9/18 in WNC 9/19)

Moskowitz vows to go ahead with plans to build 130 apartments for Jews at Ras al-Amud. Ateret Cohanim prepares plans to move "thousands" of supporters to the neighborhood. Several MKs threaten to resign if the government forces an eviction. Meanwhile, 100s of Israelis, Palestinians protest at the heavily guarded site. At one point, Israeli police charge Palestinian protesters, beating them with batons, injuring several. (MM 917; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 9/18; MEI 9/26) (see 9/16)

IDF says that regular, reserve units have begun training for the 1st time for the prospect of "large-scale guerilla warfare" in the West Bank, Gaza. (WT 9/18)

PM Netanyahu presents 4-page list of new security demands that the PA must fill before it will be given control over any more land, other concessions. (WT 9/10)

En route to Tel Aviv, Secy. of State Albright says that the goal of her 1st trip to the Middle East will be to "establish the importance of mutual responsibility," that she cannot accept Israel's view that the Oslo process has failed and should be scrapped in favor of final status negotiations, that Israel must implement interim arrangements. (CSM, WP 9/10; MEI 9/12)

Under heavy Israeli, U.S. pressure, PA detains some 200 alleged Hamas mbrs. fr. Gaza for questioning, jails 50+n100 of them. (NYT 9/10)

In Gaza, 1,000s of Palestinians hold rally to protest proposed cuts in UNRWA services. The rally coincides with a donor mtg. in Amman to raise emergency funds for the agency. (WT 9/10) (see 8/19)

UN announces that at the end of this yr., host contries will end a large resettlement program for Iraqi refugees fr. the 1990+n91 Gulf War, leaving in question the fate of the 6,800 refugees still in camps in Saudi Arabia. (WT 9/10)

After the U.S. Justice Dept. drops charges against him for lack of evidence, Saudi Arabia asks the U.S. to extradite Hani al-Sayigh, a suspect in the 1996 al-Khobar barracks bombing. (WT 9/10) (see 7/30)

ILMG concludes 2-day mtg. on 9/5 Israeli commando raid; does not term raid a violation of the 4/96 understanding but warns all sides against targeting civilians, operating fr. civilian-populated areas. (RL 9/9 in WNC 9/10; RL 9/10 in WANC 9/11)

In Gaza, Palestinian Authority (PA) head Yasir Arafat meets with Yitzhak Molho, personal atty. and adviser to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyhau. No details about the mtg. are released. (WT 8/18)

The PA says it will match Israel's freeze (imposed since the 7/30 bombings) on transfers of monies owed the PA with a selective boycott of Israeli goods, calls for national unity talks with Palestinian groups opposed to the Oslo process. (NYT, WT 8/17; CSM, NYT 8/18; PR 8/22)

Jordanian Amb. to Israel Umar al-Rifa`i submits offical complaint to Israel, stating that he, Jordanian writer Nasir al-Din al-Nashashibi were harassed at an Israel checkpoint into Israel. (al-Dustur 8/17 in WNC 8/20)

PA police arrest 3 Palestinian car thieves who murdered an Israeli taxi driver in Jericho 8/14. Within hrs. the 3 men are tried, convicted to long prison terms. Israeli police praise the move, but government says cooperation in criminal matters does not prove that the PA is cracking down on "terrorism." (WT 8/17; NYT 8/18; CSM, WP 8/19; IGPO 8/28 in WNC 9/4)

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attack Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) bases in s. Lebanon, drawing fire fr. the Lebanese army. No injuries are reported. (RL 8/16, 8/17 in WNC 8/20)

In Ramallah, the PC votes (56-1) to urge Arafat to dissolve the EA within 1 mo., appoint a new cabinet. After the session, Israel prevents 18 PC mbrs. fr. returning to their homes in Gaza. (CSM, WP, WT 8/1; LAW 8/7; PR 8/8)

With less than 24-hrs. notice, Syrian Pres. Asad travels to Iran as head of a delegation comprising his VP, FM, several senior military cmdrs.; discusses Syrian-Iranian relations with outgoing Pres. Rafsanjani. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; MM 8/1; SATN 7/31, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/1 in WNC 8/4; MA 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MEI 8/8)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, FM Tarawnah meet with EU special envoy Moratinos. (RJ 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

Following a mtg. with his inner cabinet, PM Netanyahu threatens to send commandos into PA areas to preempt any new anti-Israeli attacks, to halt transfer of all tax revenues to the PA, to jam all Palestinian radio and television broadcasts; calls on the U.S., international donors to halt aid to the PA. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP, WT 8/1)

IDF detains 2 Palestinian families fr. the West Bank town of Dahariyya whose sons have been missing for over a yr., but they are unable to identify the 7/30 bombers' bodies. Israeli cabinet orders the arrest of PA's Gaza police cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jabali for encouraging attacks on Israeli settlements (see 7/23). PA police arrest 28 Hamas mbrs., including Rantisi. PA, Israeli security forces hold 2 mtgs. during the day. (MM 7/31; IDF Radio, QY, RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/1)

New York City police seize 5 pipe bombs, arrest 1 Egyptian, 2 Jordanians in a raid on a Brooklyn apartment. Police were tipped to the bombs by a Pakistani, Muhammad Shindli, who believed that his friends, Ghazi Ibrahim Abu Mayzar and Lafi Khalil (who both identify themselves as Palestinian), were planning to bomb the New York subway. Abu Mayzar had stated in his application for asylum in the U.S. that he had been arrested in Israel on charges of "being a mbr. of a terrorist organization." The 3d man, Egyptian `Abd al-Rahman Musabah, is detained as a witness. Hamas denies any connection to the men. (NYT, WP, WT 8/1; RJ 8/1 in WNC 8/4; NYT, WP 8/2; AFP 8/2 in WNC 8/5; NYT, WT 8/3; al-Hadath [Amman] 8/4 in WNC 8/5; NYT 8/5; WJW 8/7; MEI 8/8)

Unnamed Gulf diplomats reveal that Sidi al-Madani al-Ghazi Mustafa al-Tayyib, financial director for Saudi dissident and alleged "terrorist financier" Osama bin Laden, has been in custody in Saudi Arabia since 5/97. Saudi authorities have passed some of Tayyib's revealed information to the CIA, FBI to track militant groups in Detroit, New York. (WT 8/1)

Lebanese court sentences 5 Japanese Red Army mbrs. to 3 yrs. in jail on charges of forging official stamps, illegal entry into Lebanon, forging passports. (VOL 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP 8/1) (see 7/29)

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)

Unidentified assailants fire 4 tracer bullets at IDF Maj. Gen. Matan Vilna'i's helicopter as it overflies the Palestinian village of Salfit in the West Bank. IDF has no leads. (ITV 7/24 in WNC 7/28)

Jordanian administration meets with Muslim Brotherhood officials to try to avoid an election boycott; issues royal decree stating that elections will be held on schedule. (MM 7/23, 7/24; JT 7/24 in WNC 7/25; Star 7/24 in WNC 7/28; MM 7/25) (see 7/19)

Israel revokes Gaza police chief Brig. Gen. Jabali's VIP card. (ITV 7/23 in WNC 7/24) (see 7/20)

In keeping with the 9/17/96 press law, Lebanon's Council of Ministers issues new licenses for television, radio companies; orders authorities to shut down 5 television stations, 20 radio networks whose licenses are not renewed. (RL 7/24 in WNC 7/25; al-Nahar, RL 7/26 in WNC 7/29; SA 8/1 in WNC 8/4; RL 8/7, 8/8 in WNC 8/11)

4 SLA mbrs. are wounded in clash with Hizballah in s. Lebanon. (RL 7/24 in WNC 7/25)

On the sidelines of th EU FMs' mtg. in Brussels, Arafat, Israeli FM Levy hold the highest Israeli-PA mtg. since the pair met in Malta 4/15. Afterward, both men say that they made significant progress toward resuming Oslo II implementation negotiations. (MM 7/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/23; YA 7/25 in WNC 7/28)

In Washington, Israeli cabinet secy. Nave holds 2d mtg. with U.S. special envoy Ross. (MM, NYT 7/23; WJW 7/24) (see 7/21)

In Jerusalem, Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman discusses with Arafat dep. Abbas ways of restarting the peace talks. (NYT 7/24)

On their way fr. attending a Fatah rally in Nablus in support PA policeman Col. Musaymi (see 7/20), 4 PC mbrs. (all Fatah mbrs.) are arrested by the IDF, detained under orders fr. "high places" at the IDF's West Bank military headquarters for 5 hrs. (PR 7/25)

In Tel Aviv, an Israeli Arab wielding a sword and knife stabs 2 Israeli women at a sidewalk cafe, lightly injures 11 others. In a separate incident in Gaza, a Palestinian woman stabs, slightly wounds an Israeli border guard nr. a Jewish settlement; is arrested by PA police. (WP 7/23; PR 7/25; JP 8/2)

PA reports that the IDF has sent 8 tanks, several armored personnel carriers, long-range 175-mm. Howitzer guns into Gaza to reinforce Gush Qatif settlement bloc. (al-Hayat al-Jadida 7/22 in WNC 7/23)

Syria allows businessmen to travel to Iraq individually, declaring void explicit restrictions on travel to Iraq that have been placed on Syrian passports since 1980. (RMC 7/22 in WNC 7/23) (see 7/19)

In Ramallah, Arafat holds mtg. with Netanyahu atty. Molho discuss Israeli arrest of 3 PA policemen 7/15, resumption of security coordination, hopes for resumption of negotiations. (MA 7/22 in WNC 7/23)

At EU special envoy Moratinos's invitation, Israeli FM Levy, PA Planning M Shaath meet to discuss possible confidence-building measures as part of EU bid to advance the stalled peace process ahead of a mtg. of EU FMs 7/22. The pair also discusses Israeli allegations regarding 3 PA policemen (see 7/17). (WT 7/21; JP 7/26)

Israeli cabinet approves legislation (opposed by Arabs, human rights groups) to block compensation to Palestinians wounded by the IDF, the families of those killed during the intifada. The Knesset must now vote on the measure. (WT 7/23; MEI 7/25; MM 7/29)

Israeli Infrastructure M Sharon proposes amendment to the direct-election law that would reduce fr. 80 to 61 the number of MKs needed to oust the PM without dissolving the Knesset. Netanyahu denounces the proposal. (ITV 7/20, QY, YA 7/21 in WNC 7/22; MEI 7/25) (see 7/18)

On Arafat's orders, the PSF arrests 4 PA policemen--including Col. Jihad Musaymi, Col. Nafiz Musmar--based on Israel's claim that Musaymi, acting on orders fr. Gaza police chief Brig. Gen. Ghazi Jabali, sent squads under his command to carry out unspecified anti-Israeli attacks. (AFP, MA 7/20 in WNC 7/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/21; MEI 7/25; JP 7/26)

Abington returns to Washington after 4 yrs. as U.S. consul gen. in Jerusalem. Jason Walles will serve as acting consul gen. until a new person can be appointed. (WT 7/21)

In Amman, University of Jordan students stage an on-campus procession to denounce the 7/19 Daqamsa verdict, settler provocations in Hebron. (MM 7/21; JT 7/21 in WNC 7/22)

Israel approves operation of PA buses btwn. Gaza, West Bank to allow "freer passage." (HA, YA 7/8 in WNC 7/9; Hatzofe 7/10 in WNC 7/11; PR 7/18)

PM Netanyahu survives no-confidence motion by vote of 48-39. In an agmt. signed before the vote, Netanyahu promises FM Levy control in talks with the PA in exchange for his support on the no-confidence motion. (MM, WT 7/8) (see 6/24)

ILMG  blames Israel shelling for injuring Lebanese civilians 7/2, 7/6; determines 1 Hizballah rocket landed inside Israeli territory 7/3; urges both sides to adhere to the 4/97 agmt. (VOL 7/7 in WNC 7/8; RL 7/8 in WNC 7/9)

2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in clash with IDF in s. Lebanon. (Radio Free Lebanon 7/7 in WNC 7/9)

The UNSCO in Gaza closes an annual 2-day mtg., attended by over 20 UN agencies active in the West Bank and Gaza, to coordinate future plans, strategies. Participants drafted a UN Program of Cooperation, due to be made public later in 8/97. (UNSCO press release 7/3)

In advance of congressional debate on renewal of the Middle East Peace Facilitation Act, which permits U.S. aid to the PLO, Netanyahu's director of policy planning David Bar-Ilan endorses the distribution to congressmen of video tapes showing Arafat calling for jihad, praising anti-Israeli attacks. The tapes are distributed by Reps. Jim Saxton (R-NJ), Robert Andrews (D-NJ). (WJW 7/3)

PA military court sentences 3 Force 17 officers to death for the fatal beating, allegedly over a personal dispute, of Nasir Radwan. 2 other officers are sentenced to 5 yrs. in prison, 1 is given 6 mos., 2 are acquited. Arafat must approve the death penalties. (LAW, WP 7/4; JP 7/12) (see 7/1)

DM Mordechai, the Chief Sephardi Rabbi Baqshi-Doron apologize on Israel's behalf for the anti-Muslim posters placed around Hebron by a settler 6/28. (ITV 7/3 in WNC 7/7)

Israeli special forces infiltrate a group of Palestinian protesters in the PA-controlled section of Hebron, draw weapons to make series of violent arrests. In plain view of reporters, 1 Palestinian is beaten unconscious, dragged 100s of yards over asphalt covered by broken glass. (MM 7/3; WP 7/5; JP 7/12)

Lebanon lodges complaint with ILMG regarding shelling of civilian areas 7/2, which left 1 wounded. (RL, VOL 7/3 in WNC 7/7)

Hizballah fires several rockets fr. s. Lebanon toward n. Israel. The rockets land along the Israeli-Lebanese border, causing no damage or injuries. (RL 7/3 in WNC 7/7)

Under pressure fr. Egypt and the U.S., Arafat agrees to resume security coordination with Israel. (MM 7/1, 7/2)

In Hebron, Palestinians escalate protests against posters depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a pig. IDF soldiers shoot, wound 25 Palestinians. A crude pipe bomb is thrown at the soldiers, injuring 2. PA calls for 1-hr. general strike 7/2. Pro-Oslo factions stage march in support of the PA's stand, but only 500 persons, rather than the 1,000s that organizers anticipated, take part. (IDF Radio 7/1 in WNC 7/2; CSM, NYT, WT 7/2; YA 7/2 in WNC 7/3; PR 7/4) (see 6/28)

8 Force 17 mbrs. indicted in the beating death of Nasir Radwan plead not guilty. 1,000s of Palestinians protest brutality of PA security forces at Radwan's funeral in Gaza. (NYT, WP, WT 7/2; JP 7/5) (see 6/30)

Saudi Arabian envoy visits Iran to deliver to Pres. Rafsanjani messages fr. King Fahd, Crown Prince Abdullah on expanding bilateral relations. (WP, WT 7/2)

1 Hizballah mbr. is killed in clash with IDF in s. Lebanon. (RL 7/2 in WNC 7/3)

Donors hold Local Aid Coordination Comm. in Gaza. (UN Special Coordinator's Office [UNSCO] press release 6/26)

Damascus Declaration states close 2-day mtg. in Latakia, Syria; issue final statement calling for Israeli withdrawal fr. all occupied territories, denouncing 6/10 House decision on Jerusalem, suggesting formation of an Arab common market, taking no firm position on the Doha economic summit. (MM 6/26; SATN 6/26 in WNC 6/27; MM 6/30; MEI 7/11)

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah leaves Syria for 3-day visit to Lebanon. (MM 6/26; RL 7/1 in WNC 7/2)

In hope of redirecting, unifying U.S. political, intelligence policy on Iraq, retired CIA agent Warren Marik goes public with the details of the U.S. operation, which he directed, to overthrow Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein. (WP 6/26; MM 7/2; al-Urdun 8/2 in WNC 8/5)

In Washington, Egypt's Baz briefs U.S. presidential adviser on national security Sandy Berger on Egyptian mediation efforts. (RE 6/5 in WNC 6/6; PR 6/6)

IDF arrests several Palestinian fishermen on charges of smuggling missiles into Gaza by sea. (PR 6/13) (see 6/2)

Lebanon submits to ILMG a complaint against Israel regarding the death, injury of Lebanese civilians in explosions 6/4. (RL 6/5 in WNC 6/6)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with Arafat in Gaza, then meets with PM Netanyahu, Pres. Weizman, FM Levy. (WJW 5/8; ITV, QY 5/8 in WNC 5/9; MM, WP 5/9; MEI, PR 5/16; JP 5/17)

Israel's PM Netanyahu, Jordan's King Hussein meet in Aqaba to discuss water issues, ways of resuming Israeli-PA negotiations. (MM 5/9; QY, RJ, YA 5/9 in WNC 5/12; JTV 5/9, RJ 5/10, JT 5/11, RJ 5/12 in WNC 5/13; NYT 5/10; JP 5/24) (see 5/6, Peace Monitor for details)

U.S. special envoy Ross, EU special envoy Moratinos meet in Israel to discuss the peace process. (IDF Radio 5/8 in WNC 5/9; AFP 5/9 in WNC 5/12; MEI 5/16)

Austrian FM Schuessel holds separate mtgs. with Israel's Netanyahu, PA's Arafat, EU's Moratinos. (Die Presse [Vienna] 5/9 in WNC 5/12)

Israeli cabinet secy. Nave admits that the intelligence transmission intercepted by the NSA in 1/97 was made. An unnamed Israeli intelligence official claims that "Mega" does not refer to a person but to something else. A 3d official claims "Mega" was a mistranslation of "Elga," the term used by Mossad for the CIA. U.S. declines to comment. (WP 5/9; MA, YA 5/9 in WNC 5/13; MM 5/13; YA 5/13 in WNC 5/14) (see 5/6)

Arafat arrives in Cairo, holds 2-hr. mtg. with FM Musa on the peace process. Possibility of a 4- or 5-way summit is not discussed. (RE 5/5 in WNC 5/6) (see 5/1)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Syrian pres. Asad, then heads to Israel to meet with FM Levy. (IDF Radio 5/4 in WNC 5/6 ; WT 5/5; JP 5/10)

Israeli Infrastructure M Sharon, Jordanian water and irrigation M Munthir Haddadin meet in Israel to discuss Jordan-Israel water sharing agmt. (MM 5/6, 5/7; SA 5/7 in WNC 5/8; MM 5/12; MEI 5/16)

At a news conference organized by the PSF, Palestinian Ibrahim Halabi says that he was recruited by Shin Bet to find Palestinian Islamists to carry out the 2 suicide attacks that occurred 4/1, that the bombs were rigged to explode prematurely. Israel calls the assertion "a ridiculous lie." (NYT 5/4; MEI 5/16; JP 5/17)

PA releases Gazan lawyer Jamil Salameh. (JP 5/17) (see 5/2)

Jordan says it has asked the U.S. for a written request for Jordan to grant asylum to Hamas's Abu Marzuq, will not accept him until letter is received. (JTV 5/4 in WNC 5/6) (see 4/25)

At their weekly mtg. the PA Executive Authority mbrs. decide to ban sales of Palestinian land to Israelis, punish offenders (no punishment is specified, recommended). (NYT 5/16, 5/19; WP 5/10; IDF Radio 5/19 in WNC 5/21; LAW 5/21)

After he writes an article saying that the PA should adopt Israeli standards of democracy, Gazan lawyer Jamil Salameh is arrested by the PA on charges of slander. (WP 5/3; JP 5/10; JP 5/17)

After discussion with FM Levy, Israeli dep. finance M Magen decides not to resign. (ITV 5/2 in WNC 5/6) (see 4/30)

IDF eases closure allowing 28,000 Palestinians fr. the West Bank, 27,000 fr. Gaza into Israel. (MM 4/30; RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/2; NYT 5/2)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Moratinos discusses the peace process with Pres. Asad. (RMC 5/1 in WNC 5/2)

Israeli DM Mordechai hosts Turkey's DM Turhan Tayan. (MM 4/30; IDF Radio, IGPO 4/30 in WNC 5/1; MM 5/1; Anatolia [Ankara] 5/2 in WNC 5/2; WT 5/2; Turkiye [Istanbul] 5/4 in WNC 5/7; VIRI 5/6 in WNC 5/8; JP 5/10; MEI 5/16) (see 2/25, 4/4)

Knesset rejects opening further inquiry into Bar-On affair. (WT 5/3; JP 5/10) (see 4/21)

Israeli dep. finance M David Magen resigns to protest the atty. gen. decision not to indict PM Netanyahu. (ITV 4/30 in WNC 5/1; Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2; MM 5/1)

Palestinian television broadcasts of the PC weekly session are jammed for the 2d wk. in a row. Some PC mbrs. blame the PA, though Arafat's office claims it cannot determine the source of the interference. (Internews [Internet] 4/30; PR 5/16; WP 5/21)

Bank of Israel reports that for the 1st quarter of 1997 tourism has dropped 16%, the economic downturn which began in 7/96 continues. (Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2)

In Jordan, an Israeli tourist is stabbed, lightly injured. Jordanian police arrest perpetrator. (JTV, RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/1; JP 5/10)

Nr. Jerusalem, IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinian car that fails to stop at a checkpoint, killing the driver. (MM 4/30; RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/2; PR 5/2)

Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard petitions the Israeli High Court to order PM Netanyahu to acknowledge that Pollard was employed by Israel to spy on the U.S.; to reveal information regarding his employment, Israeli efforts to have him released. (Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2)

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)

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)

The U.S. calls on Arafat to explicitly rule out the use of terror in the Middle East. PSF head Dahlan says the PA is shutting down its security, intelligence cooperation with Israel. Netanyahu adviser Gold confirms that only low-level security contacts are being held. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/25; WT 3/26; MA, YA 3/26 in WNC 3/27; PR 3/28)

PM Netanyahu says that the PA must meet 6 demands for the peace process to continue. (MM 3/24; PR 3/28)

PA Culture M Yasir `Abid Rabbu, Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman hold mtg. to try to defuse tension in the wake of the 3/21 bombing. Israeli FM Levy refuses to attend. (IDF Radio 3/24; MM 3/25)

The Pan-Arab Congress holds its 7th session on Casablanca; calls on nations to protest Israel's construction in East Jerusalem by suspending negotiations, halting normalization. (MAP [Rabat] 3/24 in WNC 3/25)

Jordanian, Israeli military officials meet in Tel Aviv to discuss the 3/13 shooting incident in Jordan, agree on new regulations to ensure better cooperation in future border incidents. (Hatzofe [Tel Aviv], IDF Radio 3/25 in WNC 3/26; NYT, WT 3/25; SA 3/26 in WNC 3/27)

Demonstrations by 100s of Palestinians continue in the West Bank, spread to Gaza, where 1 Palestinian is shot, wounded by and IDF soldier manning a road block. (CSM, NYT, WT 3/25)

In Tel Aviv, a suicide bomber detonates explosive device killing himself, 3 Israelis, wounding 47. An anonymous caller claims responsibility on behalf of Hamas's Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, though some Hamas leaders deny the claim. Netanyahu blames Arafat, criticizes the U.S. for ignoring his warnings, seals the West Bank and Gaza, hints he may suspend negotiations with the PA, denounces as "obnoxious and immoral" a reporter's question linking bombing and Har Homa. Arafat condemns the attack. (MM 3/21; IDF Radio, ITV, RJ, RE, SATN, VIRI 3/21 in WNC 3/24; AFP 3/21 in WNC 3/31; NYT, WP, WT 3/22; al-Ra'i, VOA 3/22, YA 3/23 in WNC 3/25; CSM 3/24; NYT 3/26; PR 3/28; JP 3/29)

IDF identifies the suicide bomber as Musa Ghanimat, a 28-yr.-old man fr. Surif village nr. Hebron (in area B); seals the village; places curfew on Hebron; arrests 13 people, including Ghanimat's 68-yr.-old father, other relatives; prepares to demolish family's house. Family mbrs. say that Ghanimat supported neither Hamas nor Fatah. (MM 3/21; IDF Radio 3/21 in WNC 3/24; WP 3/23; MA 3/25 in WNC 3/27; NYT 3/26; PR 3/28)

In Hebron, Palestinians protesting Israel's Har Homa, redeployment plans clash with armed settlers. IDF uses tear gas, rubber bullets on Palestinians to keep the two groups apart, injuring 30 Palestinians. (MM 3/21; IDF Radio 3/21 in WNC 3/24; YA 3/21 in WNC 3/24; NYT 3/22; PR 3/28)

Some 1,000 Palestinians in al-Baq'a r.c. in Jordan protest Israel's construction in East Jerusalem. (QPAR 3/21 in WNC 3/24)

U.S. vetoes a 2d UNSC resolution calling on Israel to halt construction at Har Homa. UNSC also issues statement expressing "revulsion" at today's bombing. (WP 3/21; RE 3/21 in WNC 3/24; NYT 3/22; WT 3/23; al-Dustur 3/23 in WNC 3/25; MM 3/24; al-Akhbar 3/24 in WNC 3/27; PR 3/28; MEI 4/18) (see 3/7)

King Hussein leaves for the U.S. for medical check-up, mtg. with Pres. Clinton. (RJ 3/21 in WNC 3/24; JT, RJ 3/23 in WNC 3/25)

In Baalbeck, Lebanon, a bomb explodes outside the home of a policeman, killing him, wounding 6 family mbrs. The bombers and their motive are unknown. (NYT 3/22)

At Arafat's initiation, envoys fr. Egypt, EU, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Russia, U.S. meet in Gaza, criticize Netanyahu's plan for construction in East Jerusalem. U.S. blocks move to issue final declaration at end of mtg. (WT 3/15; NYT, WP, WT 3/16; PR 3/21; JP 3/22)

In Rabat, King Hassan, Egyptian pres. Mubarak hold talks on the peace process; ways to coordinate protection of Muslim, Arab rights in Jerusalem. (RTM Television [Rabat] 3/15 in WNC 3/19; MM 3/18)

Israeli ministerial comm. unanimously approves Har Homa construction plan, says 3,015 housing units for Arabs may be built adjacent to the Har Homa settlement, but does not approve any funding for their construction. (Since 1990, Israel has allowed Arabs to build only 663 units in East Jerusalem, while allowing Israelis to build 13,835 units.) (MM 2/26; SANA 2/26 in WNC 2/27; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/27; WP 3/2; JP 3/8) (see 2/19)

King Hussein sends an envoy to Israel to urge Netanyahu to reconsider the Har Homa decision. (WP 2/27) (see 2/25)

The Jordan-Israel Aqaba-Elat Comm. convenes in Aqaba. (al-Aswaq 2/27+n28 in WNC 3/3)

3 leftist Jordanian parties (Jordanian Arab Ba'th Socialist Party, the pan-Arab National Action Party, the Arab Land Party) announce they are merging to form the Jordanian Nationalist Democratic Front. Jordanian elections are 9 mos. away; Jordan's 26 official parties are trying to work out common platforms to field candidates on united lists. (JT 2/27 in WNC 3/3)

Turkey says it is considering recalling its envoys fr. Tehran amid a diplomatic crisis sparked by Iran's perceived support for Turkish Islamists who are politically opposed to the Turkish military, which advocates government secularism. (AFP 2/27 in WNC 3/4)

In Washington, the family of Alisa Flatow, killed in the 4/9/95 suicide bombing in the Gaza Strip, file a $150-m. lawsuit against Iran. The federal Antiterrorism Act of 1996 allows families of victims of terrorism to bring civil actions against countries designated by the State Dept. as sponsors of terrorism. Lawyers claim the bombing was carried out by Islamic Jihad, with Iran's financial backing. (WT 2/27; WJW 3/6; JP 3/8)