The Palestine Chronology

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Pres. Mubarak on Wye implementation, Pres. Clinton's visit to the region. The pair agree to hold mtg. with Jordan to coordinate plans to press Israel to implement the Wye agmt., hat settlement expansion. Arafat asks Mubarak to revive the Egyptian-French initiative for an international summit on the peace process. (MENA 12/26 in WNC 12/29; SA 1/3, MENA 1/3, 1/4 in WNC 1/5; AFP 1/6 in WNC 1/7)

Claiming that Israel has orchestrated early elections to freeze the peace process, the PA lobbies the U.S. to convene high-level mtg. in Washington in 1/99 to force Israel to implement Wye. (WT 12/27; CSM 12/28; JP 1/4, 1/11)

Iraq threatens to shoot down U.S., British planes flying surveillance in the no-fly zones; fires artillery at British planes in the s. no-fly zone, causing no damage. (WP, WT 12/27; WT 12/28; GIU 1/5, 1/6)

In Israel, Pres. Clinton urges continued implementation of Wye accord, notes progress on both sides. U.S. special envoy Ross tells PM Netanyahu that Israel must recognize that the Palestinians are entitled to aspirations to statehood. Secy. Albright asks Israeli FM Sharon to find a "creative" way to make sure that the 2d stage of FRD takes place 12/18 as called for, but he says he cannot help. (MM, NYT, WP 12/14; PR 12/18)

In Jerusalem, Clinton's senior advisers on Iraq (including CIA, Defense Dept. heads) hold teleconference with White House officials. After mtg. Secy. Albright, Defense Secy. William Cohen brief the pres. on the group's unanimous recommendation to strike Iraq. (MM 12/18; WP 12/20; MEI 12/25) (see 12/10, 12/11)

In Cairo, Egyptian, Jordanian FMs discuss final status talks, their need to coordinate with the PA on all future steps related to the peace process. (MENA, RE 12/14 in WNC 12/15)

PSF arrests Islamic Jihad leader Abdallah Shami on incitement charges for statements to the press that he would not hesitate to kill Pres. Clinton. (WT 1/23)

As the Knesset begins debate on ratification of the 10/23 Wye River Memorandum, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu suspends the agmt.'s implementation, saying he will not carry out the 1st of 3 stages of further redeployment (FRD) required by Wye until PA head Yasir Arafat retracts his 11/15 threat to stage an uprising against Israel if Palestinian access to Jerusalem is blocked. (MM 11/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/17; WJW 11/19)

U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross meets with Arafat in Jericho. (ITV 11/16 in WNC 11/18; WT 11/17)

In Cairo, Netanyahu political adviser Uzi Arad discusses Wye agmt. with Egyptian FM `Amr Musa, who criticizes Israeli implementation delays. (MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/17, WNC 11/18)

In Gaza, Israel, Jordan, the U.S. meet to discuss the Irbid industrial zone project. (Petra-JNA 11/17 in WNC 11/19; JT 11/23 in WNC 11/24; Petra-JNA 11/23 in WNC 11/30)

In Cairo, Russia, Egypt hold high-level experts mtg. on defense cooperation. Russian DM hopes deepening military ties "will become an important factor of peace and stability in the Middle East." (Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/17; MENA 11/17 in WNC 11/18)

After 3 days of talks, Oman, Iran reach military cooperation agmt. to enhance Gulf security, which will include joint exercises. (IRNA 11/16 in WNC 11/17)

PM Netanyahu announces creation of Birthright Israel program, which will pay for any Jew aged 15+n26 to visit Israel in hopes of rebuilding Jewish identity of youth, who more frequently marry non-Jews, are nonpracticing. The program, expected to cost $300 m., will be funded by the Israeli government, major North American Jewish donors, the Council of Jewish Federations. (NYT 11/16; WJW 11/19, 11/26, 1/7)

Citing Israeli FM Ariel Sharon's 11/15 call for settlers to "grab" disputed West Bank land, 30 settlers fr. Keddumim set up "presettlement" on nearby hilltop. (MM 11/17; MA 11/17 in WNC 11/18; WT 11/19)

Palestinians in al-Khader protest confiscation of land for bypass road. (CSM 11/17)

Israel Defense Force (IDF) convoy triggers roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, killing 3 soldiers, wounding 4. Hizballah claims responsibility. (AFP, ITV, RL 11/16 in WNC 11/17; MM, WP 11/17; WT 11/18; MEI 11/27; JP 11/30)

PM Netanyahu postpones cabinet discussion of Wye agmt. for 4th time, saying he will not convene cabinet until the PA clarifies when it will arrest 30 wanted Palestinians. Arafat accuses Netanyahu of adding new conditions to try to wreck the agmt. U.S. says Israel is seeking "extrapolations of commitments." (ITV, RE 11/4 in WNC 11/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/5; SA 11/6 in WNC 11/12) (see 11/3)

In Cairo, PA Planning M Nabil Shaath, negotiator Qurai` discuss Israeli delays in Wye implementation with Pres. Mubarak, FM Musa; ask for Egypt's continued support of the PA. (MENA, RE 11/4, VOA 11/5 in WNC 11/6)

PKK leader Ocalan asks Russia for political asylum. (ATL 11/4 in WNC 11/6; NYT 11/5; ATL 11/6 in WNC 11/12) (see 10/20)

An SLA convoy triggers 2 roadside bombs nr. Jazzin in s. Lebanon, killing 3 SLA mbrs., wounding 1. (VOL 11/4)

After a brief 3-way mtg. at the White House, Pres. Clinton, Arafat, PM Netanyahu, their delegations head to Wye Plantation in Maryland for negotiations. (MM, WJW 10/15; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; YA 10/16 in WNC 10/19; al-Akhbar 10/16 in WNC 10/20)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein discuss Wye talks by phone. In Cairo, Jordanian PM Tarawnah briefs Mubarak on Crown Prince Hassan's mtgs. with Arafat (10/12), Netanyahu (10/14). (MENA 10/15 in WNC 10/16; JTV 10/15 in WNC 10/19)

Lebanese parliament elects (118-0, with 10 absentees, including Druze leader Junblatt, his bloc) Gen. Lahoud as Lebanon's new pres. He will take office 11/24. (MM 10/15; RL 10/15 in WNC 10/16; SATN 10/15 in WNC 10/19; al-Nahar 10/15, RL 10/18 in WNC 10/20; NYT, WP, WT 10/16; RL 10/16 in WNC 10/19; al-Ittihad 10/18 in WNC 10/23; IRNA 10/19 in WNC 10/21; MM 10/28) (see 10/13)

Turkey rejects Syrian offer to discuss water sharing, says Syria must first drop support for Kurdish separatists. (NYT, WP 10/16; HUR 10/16 in WNC 10/19) (see 10/14)

PSF detains 2 Israelis outside PA negotiator Abbas's home in al-Bireh. The Israelis, who turn out to be settler security guards dressed in civilian clothes, claim they entered th PA area to pursue stone-throwers. (PR 10/23)

30 Jewish settlers led by a Molodet party MK occupy a vacant Palestinian home in East Jerusalem, sparking scuffles with Palestinians. 100 Israeli policemen are brought in to quell the disturbances. (IDF Radio 10/15 in WNC 10/19; NYT 10/16; PR 10/23)

Unidentified assailants fire bomb several Palestinian homes in Bethlehem, seriously damaging 1. Palestinians blame local Jewish settlers. (AFP [Internet] 10/17)

In Ramallah, Ross holds 3-hr. session with Arafat, who says the PA will not accept any changes to the U.S. 13.1% FRD proposal. (MM 9/9; ITV, RJ 9/9 in WNC 9/11; NYT, WT 9/10)

In Cairo, Netanyahu aides Dani Nave, Uzi Arad meet with Pres. Mubarak in a bid to persuade Egypt to press the PA to agree to Israeli FRD proposals. (WT 9/9; ITV, MENA 9/9 in WNC 9/11; MM 9/10)

UN Security Council (UNSC) unanimously votes to suspend periodic reviews of economic sanctions on Iraq, meaning that Iraq will no longer have guaranteed opportunities to challenge the sanctions. (NYT, WP, WT 9/10; MM 9/11)

In s. Lebanon, 2 SLA mbrs. are killed, 4 are wounded by a roadside bomb. (VOL 9/9 in WNC 9/11)

In Marsa Matruh, Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak meets with Arafat on the peace process, possible international summit. (MENA 8/18 in WNC 8/19; ESC Television 8/29 in WNC 8/20)

PA bans visits by Jews to Joseph's Tomb in Nablus after Jewish settlers, allowed by the IDF regional cmdr. to stay in the tomb for 1 mo. to observe a mourning period for 2 Yitzhar settlers killed 8/5, announce that they are going to establish a permanent settlement there. (MM 8/19; MEI, PR 9/4)

Numerous media reports claim that Egypt has arrested Fatah Revolutionary Council leader Sabri al-Banna (Abu Nidal) in Cairo, but Egypt denies them. Abu Nidal is known for staging lethal attacks on Israeli, Jewish, PLO targets in the 1970s, 1980s. (MM 8/18; HA, MA, YA in IGPO 8/18; al-Quds, SA 8/24 in WNC 8/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/26; MENA 8/26 in WNC 8/27; NYT 8/27; WT 8/31; MEI 9/4; AFP 9/12) (see 8/18)

In s. Lebanon, 2 IDF soldiers are killed in clash with Hizballah. (RL 8/18 in WNC 8/19)

In Amman, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan receives Israeli MK Yossi Beilin for talks on the Israeli-PA track, U.S. FRD proposal. (MA 7/12, al-Ra'i in WNC 7/14; JT 7/15 in WNC 7/16; MM 7/21)

In Cairo, Arab League opens 5-day conference on Palestinian affairs, including issues of refugees, economic and social conditions, Judaization of Jerusalem. Reps. fr. Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the PLO, Organization of the Islamic Conference attend. (MENA 7/13 in WNC 7/15; JT 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

In s. Lebanon, the IDF blows up 3 Lebanese homes nr. a crossing separating its self-declared security zone fr. unoccupied Lebanon. Off the coast of Tyre, the Israeli navy fires on Lebanese fishing boats, sinking one; the crew escapes. (RL 7/12 in WNC 7/14)

PM Netanyahu's security cabinet holds session to discuss the "growing Palestinization and religious radicalization among Israeli Arabs." (MA 7/7 in WNC 7/13)

Israeli pres. Weizman, PM Netanyahu meet for 1st time in over a mo., agree to halt their public debate over the peace process. (MM 7/1; CSM, MM, WP 7/2; JP 7/11) (see 6/30)

Israeli air force (IAF) cmdr. Eytan Ben-Eliyahu says that most of the present aircraft fleet is outdated, the IAF needs 100 modern fighter jets. (YA 7/1 in WNC 7/6) (see 6/28)

1st civil guard is formed in the Jewish settlement of Beitar Ilit. Other guard centers are being set up in Kiryat Arba, Ma'ale Adumim, Givat Ze'ev settlements. Units are planned in Efrat, Har Hadar, Oranit settlements. (PR 7/10) (see 6/11)

Syrian FMin. Undersecy. Adnan Umran arrives in Turkey for 2-day visit to discuss normalizing diplomatic relations. (WT 7/1; Anatolia 7/1 in WNC 7/2; Anatolia 7/1, 7/2 in WNC 7/6; WT 7/3; Milliyet 7/4 in WNC 7/7; MEI 7/31)

In Cairo, Egypt, Iran discuss enhancing media cooperation. (IRNA 7/1 in WNC 7/6)

Group representing 800 U.S. finance officials threatens to boycott Swiss banks unless they settle Holocaust era claims. U.S. administration opposes the threat of sanctions, which could disrupt U.S.-Swiss relations, trigger free trade dispute. (WT 7/3)

Israel reinforces troops in s. Lebanon, sending in more than 20 vehicles, including Merkava tanks, 175-mm. guns, surveillance cameras. (RL 7/1 in WNC 7/2)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Arafat discuss peace process. (MENA 6/14 in WNC 6/17; WT 6/17)

Saying that he alone will discuss political issues, PM Netanyahu cuts off presentation to the cabinet by IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Amnon Shahak on the IDF's assessment that there could be Palestinian violence if an FRD agmt. is not reached soon, dismisses Shahak fr. the room. Before leaving, Shahak says that from now on, he will tell the cabinet "only what it wants to hear." (MM 6/15; MA 6/15 in WNC 6/17; MA 6/16 in WNC 6/18; WT 6/29; JP 6/27)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad say they are considering Arafat invitation to join the EA. Israel says that inviting Hamas to join the authority without demanding that it "renounce terrorism and disarm its military wing makes a mockery of the PA's promise to . . . uproot the terrorist infrastructure." (IGPO, MM, WP 6/15; WT 6/17; PR 6/19)

Egypt, Iran sign memorandum of understanding on extending trade exchanges, preparing for mutual investment, establishing joint banks. (VIRI 6/15 in WNC 6/17; IRIB Television 6/17 in WNC 6/18)

Iraq, UNSCOM agree on 2-mo. plan to speed up disarmament verifications. (NYT, WP, WT 6/15; MA 6/16 in WNC 6/18; MM 6/17, 6/19) (see 6/4)

Israeli media reports that Israel has been holding talks in Europe with leaders of the previous anti-Taliban government in Afghanistan, possibly regarding setting up intelligence bases on the Iran border or establishing diplomatic ties. (YA 6/14, MA 6/17 in WNC 6/18)

Lebanon holds last round of municipal elections. Hizballah-supported candidates win only 5 of 21 seats in Baalbeck, while Amal-supported candidates win 16. (AFP 6/14, RL 6/15, 6/16 in WNC 6/17; MM 6/16; MM, WP 6/17; MEI 6/19; MM 6/23)

Arafat arrives in Oman for talks on possible Arab summit. (Oman Television Network 6/3 in WNC 6/8)

In Cairo, the Arab League's Arab Economic Unity Council convenes annual session. (MENA 6/3 in WNC 6/4)

Algeria, Jordan sign 2 cooperation agmts, a free trade agmt. Crown Prince Hassan, Pres. Lamine Zeroual also discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. (RJ 6/3, ENTV [Algiers], JT 6/4 in WNC 6/8)

Egypt invites FBI agents into the country to arrest, extradite Palestinian bomb maker Muhammad Rashid, a mbr. of the 15th of May group known for placing bombs on international flights during the 1980s, including on a 1982 Pan Am flight in which 1 person died. (NYT, WP 6/4; WT 6/16)

In Cairo, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, PA's Arafat discuss peace process, British PM Blair's tour, upcoming visit by U.S. special envoy Ross. (MENA 4/22 in WNC 4/28)

In Beirut, Speaker Birri briefs Kuwait's National Assembly Speaker Ahmad `Abd al-Aziz al-Sa'dun on Israel's proposal for conditional withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon. (RL 4/22 in WNC 4/28)

Arab League mbrs. sign 1st Arab antiterrorism convention, which exempts armed attacks against foreign occupiers. (WT 4/22; RE 4/23 in WNC 4/28; PR 5/1)

Shaykh Murtada Burujirdi, top candidate for the position of grand spiritual leader of Shi'i Muslims worldwide, is assassinated in Najaf, Iraq. Iraqi officials have previously threatened him. (NYT 4/24; al-Ahd [Beirut] 4/24 in WNC 4/30)

A bomb explodes outside the Jordanian Highway Patrol Directorate in Suwaylih, n. of Amman, causing damage but no injuries. No one claims responsibility. (RJ 5/10 in WNC 5/13)

Yedi'ot Aharonot reports that in an interview with its paper last wk., fmr. CIA officer and convicted Russian mole Aldrich Ames stated that after the Pollard affair was uncovered, the CIA recruited a high-level Israeli to spy for the U.S. A U.S. intelligence source reportedly confirmed the story but said that the agent, who was never detected, was in place long before the Pollard incident, was removed when Pollard was captured. (YA 4/22, 4/24 in WNC 4/27)

An SLA mbr. is injured when a roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon. (VOL 4/22 in WNC 4/28)

Arafat meets with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak in Cairo. (MENA, RE 3/24 in WNC 3/25)

In Cairo, Arab League FMs discuss status of the peace process, forming united Arab stance on ways to deal with Israeli government. (MENA 3/24 in WNC 3/25)

In Washington, Israel's Communications M Limor Livnat meets with congressmen to urge them to pressure Pres. Clinton not to publicize a U.S. FRD plan. (ITV 3/24 in WNC 3/25) (see 3/3)

In Ankara, Turkey, Israel hold trade talks, sign trade protocol. (Anatolia [Ankara] 3/25 in WNC 3/27)

In Jerusalem, Israeli officials, reps fr. Russia's leading gas producer Gazprom discuss possibility of constructing pipeline to bring Russian gas to Israel via Turkey. (Interfax 3/24 in WNC 3/25)

New resistance group Lebanese Battalions for Resisting Israeli Occupation (LBRIO) stage 1st attack against IDF positions in s. Lebanon, with backup fr. Hizballah. Most LBRIO mbrs. are in their mid-20s, not officially mbrs. of any party or group, want to participate in resistance but do not want to join an Islamist group. According to Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah, LIBRO mbrs. are training, operating in tandem with Hizballah units until they are ready to operate on their own. (VOL 3/24 in WNC 3/25; al-Ahd [Beirut] 3/25 in WNC 3/27; al-Shira [Beirut] 3/30 in WNC 4/2)

In Cairo, Egyptian FM Musa, PA Planning M Shaath discuss peace process, Mubarak mtg. with Albright 2/3. (MENA 2/5 in WNC 2/6)

Turkey's Gen. Kivrikoglu meets with DM Mordechai. (IGPO 2/5)

Iranian Majles speaker Nateq-Nuri arrives in Lebanon for 2-day visit, talks on cultivating trade ties. (RL 2/5 in WNC 2/6; IRNA 2/5, RL 2/6 in WNC 2/10)

Saying that it "retains its right to self-defense and will operate according to its security interests," Israel rebuffs U.S. request to not retaliate against Iraq should it target Israel as a result of U.S. air strikes. (MM 2/5; MM, WP 2/6; WJW 2/12)

Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein orders release of all 1,200-1,300 Arab prisoners in apparent move to win sympathy in his dispute with the U.S. (NYT, WP 2/6; al-Aswaq [Amman], MENA 2/12 in WNC 2/15)

13 mbrs. of the Israeli Islamic Movement hold quiet demonstration against potential U.S. attack on Iraq in front of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv. (IDF Radio 2/5 in WNC 2/6)

SLA mbrs. block road in s. Lebanon in attempt to prevent French delegation fr. reaching ILMG mtg. UNIFIL intervenes, reopens road. (RL 2/5 in WNC 2/6; RL 2/6 in WNC 2/10)

EU special envoy Moratinos discusses peace process with PA Local Government M Erakat. (al-Ra'i 2/5 in WNC 2/11)

Arafat arrives in Spain for 2-day visit, to be followed by trip to the Netherlands. (PALDEV Digest [Internet] 2/4)

In Cairo, Egypt, PA sign custom exemption agmt. (MENA 2/4 in WNC 2/6) (see Peace Monitor)

Netanyahu spokesman Bar-Ilan says that government will override Interior Min.'s 1/22 approval of "Jewish sector" construction plans for Ras al-Amud. (MM, NYT, WP 2/5)

Palestinians living nr. Efrat settlement protest Israeli plans to confiscate their land to build road for local settlers. (PR 2/13)

Jordan's Interior Min. announces it has approved establishment of new Jordan Labor Party, which advocates building relations btwn. Jordanian, Israeli peoples but opposes polices of current Likud government. (JT 2/4 in WNC 2/6; JT 2/10 in WNC 2/11)

Congress debates resolution allowing Pres. Clinton to launch attack on Iraq. White House prefers diplomatic solution with resort to targeted attack on military facilities, sites of suspected violations if there is no progress. Mbrs. of Joint Chiefs of Staff say list of targets belies lack of strategy, White House is only interested in "putting on a show"; recommend concentrated attacks on Republican Guard, facilities housing security details, mbrs. Saddam Hussein's inner circle. Conservative lawmakers--including Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS), Rep. Steven Solarz (D-NY)--say attack should aim to remove Saddam Hussein fr. power. (WT 2/4; NYT, WP, WT 2/5)

Arafat arrives in Washington, meets with Secy. of State Albright, calls on U.S. to pressure Israel to fulfill withdrawal agmts. as outlined in Oslo accords. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/22)

American Jewish leaders (fr. such groups as American Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League) criticize Netanyahu for courting Christian Right. Netanyahu gives interview to Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network. (WP 1/22; MM 1/26) (see 1/19)

In Mecca, Jordan's King Hussein, Saudi Arabia's King Fahd discuss joint efforts to support the peace process. King Hussein is in Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser pilgrimage (al-`Umra). (RJ 1/21 in WNC 1/23; `Ukaz [Jiddah] 1/22 in WNC 1/27)

Dir. Gen. of the Israeli Cabinet Ariel Shomir travels to Cairo to deliver a letter fr. Pres. Weizman to Egypt's Pres. Mubarak. (MENA 1/21 in WNC 1/23)

World Bank secures financing for first export-oriented industrial estate at al-Muntar, Gaza. (World Bank press release 1/21)

IDF begins bulldozing Palestinian land nr. Neve Dalim settlement in Gaza as 1st step to expanding the settlement. (PCHR 1/24)

Jordan receives last installment of U.S. military equipment under the $1-m. 1996 draw-down agmt. (JTV 1/21 in WNC 1/23; al-Ra'i 1/26 in WNC 1/27)