The Palestine Chronology

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)

Israel, PA hold security mtg. to discuss coordination in wake of 11/6 car bombing. Israel asks PA to ban Islamic Jihad, Hamas as political groups. PA refuses. (AP [Internet] 11/8)

Islamic Jihad's Damascus spokesman takes responsibility for 11/6 car bombing, but Gaza headquarters denies it. PA says it has jailed several mbrs. of Islamic Jihad, closed a nursery school in Bethlehem run by the group. (NYT, WP 11/8; SA 11/8 in WNC 11/13; NYT 11/9; JP 11/16) (see 11/6)

Cyprus arrests 2 Israelis caught in a sensitive military area, charges them with spying on behalf of Turkey. (ITV 11/7, MA, QY, YA 11/9 in WNC 11/12; WP, WT 11/8; MM, NYT 11/9; MM 11/10; WJW 11/12; NYT 11/13) (see 6/17, 11/2)

U.S. Asst. Secy. Indyk briefs ambs. of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the UAE on the Wye agmt. (al-Akhbar, al-Ba'th, al-Jumhuriyya, MENA, RL 10/26, AFP 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MM, NYT, WP 10/27; MM 10/28; al-Ba'th 10/28 in WNC 11/2; al-Quds 10/28, SA 10/30, al-Ahram 11/2 in WNC 11/6; MM 10/29, 10/30; MM 11/2; WP 11/6)

In the Knesset, PM Netanyahu survives no-confidence motion, but Knesset Law Comm. agrees (9-7) to hear 1st reading of bill calling for the dissolution of parliament, new elections in 100 days. MKs criticize Netanyahu for linking Pollard with the peace process. (CSM, WP, WT 10/27)

In Gaza, the Arab Liberation Front, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Islamic National Salvation Party, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) issue statement denouncing the Wye agmt. (MENA 10/26 in WNC 10/27; PR 10/30)

200 Jewish settlers hold rally outside PM Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem, protesting the Wye agmt. At least 24 are detained by Israeli police. (ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/27; WP 10/27; YA 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MM 10/28)

Jordan, Israel begin long-delayed $1.65-m. joint project to build the `Adasiyya diversion wall to diver Yarmuk River water. (JT, RJ 10/27 in WNC 10/28; JP 211/9)

An Israeli settler is killed in Israeli-controlled Hebron in an apparent attack by Palestinians. IDF places curfew on Palestinians in Hebron's Israeli-controlled zone. Later, the body of a Palestinian is found outside Itamar settlement nr. Nablus. An anonymous caller claims Palestinian was killed to avenge the settler's death. (IDF Radio, ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/27; ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/28; CSM, LAW, MM, NYT, WP 10/27; MM 10/28; WJW 10/29; PR 10/30)

In Ramallah, Palestinians observe general strike, 100s of Fatah mbrs. march to protest 10/25 events, call on Arafat to punish security services. (NYT, WP 10/27; PR 10/30)

International experts submit final report Iraqi missile fragments to the UNSC, say results are inconclusive. Tests by Switzerland show no traces of VX; 1 sample in the 3d test by France shows traces of nerve agent that could be VX. French, Swiss, U.S. tests all show traces of unknown compound that could mask biological agents. (NYT, WP 10/27; MEI 10/30) (6/22)

U.S. says that a UN proposal to try the Pan Am bombing suspects in the Hague under Scottish law, tentatively agreed to by all parties, is in jeopardy because of Libyan demands that the 2 suspects not be imprisoned in Scotland if found guilty. (WP 10/27; WT 10/28) (see 9/29)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Netanyahu, then with Arafat. Ross also meets with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, who urges him to pressure Israel into accepting U.S. initiatives. (MM 9/10; ITV 9/10, MA 9/11 in WNC 9/14; NYT 9/11; MM 9/14)

100 IDF troops storm house nr. Hebron, killing Imad, `Adil Awadallah--wanted by Israel for staging attacks for Hamas. Some Palestinians accuses the PA of collaborating with Israel to set up the raid. PA suspects that raid was timed to scuttle Ross's visit. The IDF seals the West Bank, Gaza. (MM, NYT 9/11; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 9/12; al-Ra'i, RE 9/12, AFP, al-Aswaq, MA, MENA 9/13 in WNC 9/15; YA 9/13, JT 9/14 in WNC 9/16; MM, NYT 9/14; WT 9/16; MEI, PR 9/18; JP 9/19) (see 8/25)

IDF troops fire rubber bullets, live ammunition at Palestinians protesting at Shuafat refugee camp in Jerusalem, killing a Palestinian bystander. (NYT 9/11)

Israel's Immigrant Absorption M Yuli Edelstein goes to Washington on PM Netanyahu's behalf to ask the U.S. for the 1st time to release spy for Israel Jonathan Pollard. Edelstein asks 5 congressmen to back Clinton if he pardons Pollard. (WJW 9/17; JP 9/19) (see 5/15)

A bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 4 SLA mbrs., including the cmdr. for Jazzin. (VOL 9/10 in WNC 9/11) (see 8/28)

PA, Israeli teams continue negotiations on outstanding Oslo II issues at Jewish settlement in the West Bank, make little progress. (MM 7/20; ITV 7/20 in WNC 7/23; MM, WP 7/21; WJW 7/23; PR 7/24)

In Gaza, EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Arafat, PA Planning M Shaath. (WJW 7/23)

Jordan, Israel expand joint airport agmt. (Globes [Internet] 7/20 in WNC 7/21; JT 7/21 in WNC 7/23)

Joint Jordanian-Palestinian economic comm. convenes in Amman. (JT 7/21 in WNC 7/23; al-Ra'i 7/21 in WNC 7/24)

In Sidon, s. Lebanon, the Armed Struggle Command, the Palestinian police force responsible for security in the refugee camps, hands over to Lebanese authorities Ahmad al-Masri, a Fatah lieutenant who is suspected of being part of a pro-Israel spy ring. Lebanese officials have asked that a 2d Fatah lieutenant, Khalid al-Qonn, also be turned in. (RL 7/21 in WNC 7/23; WT 7/22) (see 7/19)

IDF demolishes 4 Palestinian homes in the West Bank nr. Jerusalem. (WP 7/2) (see 6/23)

PA, Israeli security forces engage in 12-hr. standoff in Gaza over control of the Dayr al-Balah-Mouassi coastal road. (ITV 7/2 in WNC 7/6; MM, NYT 7/3; MM 7/6; YA 7/6 in WNC 7/7; MM 7/8; WJW 7/9; PR 7/10; JP 7/11; CSM, WT 7/13; MEI 7/17)

Hizballah attacks 18 Israeli, SLA positions across s. Lebanon using 122-mm. artillery, wounding 3 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr. and marking the 1st time Hizballah has used towed artillery--a qualitative escalation. 1 Hizballah mbr. is killed, several are wounded. (IDF Radio 7/2 in WNC 7/6; MEI 7/17)

Arafat speaks with Secy. Albright, urges the U.S. to publicly present its 13.1% FRD plan so as to pressure Israel. (WT 4/5)

81 senators send AIPAC-drafted letter to Pres. Clinton, urging him not to pressure Israel by publicly issuing a U.S. FRD proposal. AIPAC tried to get CPMAJO to endorse the letter, but it refused, saying AIPAC was creating an unnecessary sense of crisis. (WJW 4/2; NYT 4/7; MM 4/8; WJW 4/9; MEI 4/10; WT 4/13; NYT 4/26; MM 5/1) (see 3/29)

Egypt calls for exchange of ambs. with Iran. (IRNA 4/3 in WNC 4/6)

Some 10,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza hold rallies to denounce what they believe to be Israel's assassination of Hamas's Sharif. (MM 4/3; ITV 4/3 in WNC 4/6; WT 4/4) (see 4/2)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb as SLA unit passes, killing 7 SLA mbrs. IDF shells area in response, damaging 2 civilian homes. (RL, VOL 4/3 in WNC 4/6)

In Washington, Israeli, PA teams hold separate follow-up talks on the peace process with State Dept. Dep. Special Coordinator for Arab-Israeli Negotiations Aaron Miller, special envoy Ross. No progress is made. Israeli team is led by Cabinet Secy. Nave, Netanyahu foreign policy adviser Uzi Arad. PA team is led by Local Government M Erakat; PLO Washington rep. Hassan `Abd al-Rahman also attends. (JT 2/10 in WNC 2/12; WP 2/10; MM, WJW 2/12; PR 2/13)

In Amman, EU Pres. Santer discusses peace process with Jordanian PM Majali. (RJ 2/10 in WNC 2/11)

In Amman, PA, Jordan open 3 days of talks on expanding cooperation in health-related fields. (JT 2/10 in WNC 2/11; JT 2/11 in WNC 2/12)

Russian special envoy Posuvalyuk delivers message to Israeli PM Netanyahu fr. Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein, saying that Iraq has "neither the intention nor the ability" to attack Israel. (WT 2/11; CSM 2/18)

After PM Netanyahu demands halt to Palestinian pro-Iraq demonstrations, PA's Gaza police chief Brig. Gen. Ghazi Jabali issues order preventing all marches, protests, flag burnings in area A. Human rights groups say order undermines right to peaceful assembly. (LAW 2/10; IDF Radio, ITV 2/10 in WNC 2/11; NYT 2/11; PR 2/13)

Jordan bans all demonstrations "for any reason," citing preservation of national security given the "delicate" regional situation. (JTV 2/10 in WNC 2/11; JTV 2/11, JT 2/12 in WNC 2/15; JTV 2/12 in WNC 2/17)

Defense Secy. Cohen says that Oman has given the U.S. permission to station support planes in Oman for an attack on Iraq; combat units will be station in Bahrain, Kuwait, Germany, Spain, Diego Garcia. (MM 2/10; CSM , MM 2/11)

Netanyahu, Clinton meet in Washington. Clinton presents U.S. proposal for a 3-stage second FRD fr. at least 10% of the West Bank. Secy. of State Albright also holds 2 mtgs. with Netanyahu during the day to discuss "appropriate elements for a further redeployment." Netanyahu does not agree to anything. (NYT, WP, WT 1/20; IDF Radio, MA 1/20 in WNC 1/21; ITV 1/20, IDF Radio, MENA, RE 1/21, JT 1/22 in WNC 1/23; MM, WP, WT 1/21; CSM, MM, WJW 1/22; Tishrin 1/22, YA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; CSM, NYT 1/23; MM 1/26; MEI 1/30)

In Paris, PA's Arafat, fmr. Israeli PM Peres sign agmt. with the World Bank that will create a new Peace Technology Fund for invest in the West Bank, Gaza. Arafat also meets with Pres. Chirac. (NYT 1/21; PR 1/23; JP 1/31)

Reversing its 1/16 decision in the face of public outcry, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum invites Arafat to make official visit 1/23. Arafat says he will do so if time permits. (WP 1/20; MM, NYT, WT 1/21; WJW, WP 1/22; MM 1/26, 1/27; MEI 1/30)

Israeli politician Yossi Sarid of Meretz calls on Pres. Clinton to recognize the Palestinians' right to their own state now if he hopes to rescue the peace process. (WT 1/21)

Israeli extremist group Kach distributes leaflets in Hebron, warning that if American Christians living in the city do not leave Israel, their lives will be endangered. (IDF Radio 1/20 in WNC 1/21)

54 mbrs. of the Catholic hierarchy send letter to Pres. Clinton, calling for end to sanctions on Iraq. 3 Catholic bishops also begin hunger strike. (WP 1/21)