The Palestine Chronology

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in the Middle East. Ross gives Netanyahu a letter fr. Pres. Clinton, expressing respect Netanyahu's decision to move forward on an agmt. despite his hard-line views, inviting him to visit Washington soon. Israel's Shahak, PA's Abbas hold intense negotiations in Jerusalem. (NYT, WT 12/31; NYT, WP 1/1; MM 1/2)

Under pressure from FM Levy, Netanyahu agrees to submit any Hebron deal for cabinet approval. 7 of 18 cabinet mbrs. have said that they would veto an agmt. or abstain; 2 are uncertain of how they would vote. (WP 1/1; NYT 1/2)

In the largest protest against the PM since he was elected in 5/96, 100,000s of Israeli workers across the country, led by Histadrut labor federation, walk off their jobs to protest Netanyahu's plans to raise taxes, slash services, sell state companies. (YA 12/30 in WNC 12/31; WP, WT 12/31; MEI 1/10)

PM Netanyahu rejects PA request to share control of Rachel's Tomb in Hebron. DM Mordechai, Arafat meet in Gaza to discuss Hebron redeployment. (IDF Radio, ITV 12/29 in WNC 12/31; CSM, WP, WT 12/30)

In Cairo, Damascus Declaration states (Egypt, Syria, 6 Gulf states) close their 14th semiannual 2-day mtg.; call on the U.S. to put financial pressure on Israel to stop settling Jews in occupied Arab territory. (WT 12/30; RE 12/29, IRNA 12/30 in WNC 12/31)

PA says that a protocol on further redeployment, 2 U.S. letters of assurance will be attached to a Hebron agmt. Details still have to be worked out. (RMC 12/28 in WNC 12/31; JP 1/4)

Islamic University of Hebron reopens. (NYT, WT 12/29) (see 12/24)

At the 11th session of the Turkish-Iraqi Economic Comm., the 2 countries sign an agmt. to promote bilateral cooperation in industry, trade. (INA 12/28 in WNC 12/31) (see 12/24)

PA, Israeli negotiators continue talks, say they hope to finalize a Hebron deal by 1/1, complete redeployment by 1/5. Debates continue on security control of Tomb of the Patriarchs/al-Ibrahimi Mosque; al-Shuhada street; type of weapons to be used by PA police; the buffer zone btwn. H1, H2 areas; restrictions on Jewish construction. (IDF Radio, ITV 12/27 in WNC 12/30; WT 12/28, 12/29)

Two mos. after being suspended fr. the negotiations with the PA, Israeli Coordinator of Activities in the Occupied Territories Maj. Gen. Oren Shahor submits his resignation fr. the IDF. (IDF Radio, QY 12/27 in WNC 12/30; JP 1/4)

U.S. special envoy Ross returns to Washington, will head back to the Middle East region next wk. PA, Israeli negotiations continue talks on Hebron. (NYT, WP, WT 12/26; IDF Radio 12/26 in WNC 12/30)

In anticipation of the resumption of final status talks, PM Netanyahu's inner cabinet begins debate on the government's plan for a permanent arrangement with the PA. (IDF Radio 12/25 in WNC 12/27)

In Hebron, IDF, Israeli police block, arrest 20 Jewish settlers attempting to seize 2 vacant houses in the Arab section of town. 5 Palestinians are arrested after 3 firebombs are thrown at an IDF position in the city center. (NYT, WP, WT 12/26; MEI 1/10)

At Erez crossing, Arafat, Netanyahu hold their longest face-to-face mtg. to date to try to final issues preventing a Hebron deal. (IDF Radio, RMC 12/24 in WNC 12/27; NYT, WP, WT 12/25; CSM 12/27; MA 12/27 in WNC 12/30; JP 1/4)

In Hurghada, Egypt, Pres. Mubarak discusses PA-Israeli talks with Israeli DM Mordechai. (RE 12/24 in WNC 12/27; WT 12/25; JP 1/4)

Israel permits Islamic University of Hebron, which was closed in 3/96, to reopen within 2 days; lifts curfew on Hebron; reopens to Palestinian traffic a road in Gaza that runs by Netzarim settlement. (NYT 12/25; CSM, WT 12/27; JP 1/4) (see 11/24)

Iraqi oil M arrives in Turkey for 4-day visit to discuss boosting bilateral trade in light of the oil-for-food deal. (INA 12/24 in WNC 12/27; INA 12/26, 12/27 in WNC 12/30) (see 12/9)

In s. Lebanon, roadside bomb explodes, killing 2 mbrs. of the IDF's Egoz unit, wounding 2. Hizballah claims responsibility. In separate incident in s. Lebanon, a Lebanese child is wounded by IDF shelling. (ITV, QY, RL 12/24, ITV 12/25 in WNC 12/27; WP 12/25; WJW 1/23) (see 12/14)

U.S. special envoy Ross holds intensive talks with Israeli, PA negotiators, offers some ideas (not specified) for bridging gaps. DM Mordechai says that Israeli will implement further redeployment immediately after a Hebron deal is reached, if Arafat promises to "wage an uncompromising war against terrorism." (IDF Radio, ITV 12/22 in WNC 12/24; MM, NYT, WP 12/23)

In Lod, Israeli military court sentences 2 Palestinians to 2 consecutive life terms each for driving suicide bombers to the scenes of the 2-3/96 bombings in Israel. (WP, WT 12/23)

After 2 firebombs are thrown at a Jewish settlement without causing injuries, IDF imposes a curfew on Hebron; rounds up 100 Palestinians; then forces Palestinian stores to closes, prompting riot. (CSM, WP, WT 12/23; WJW 12/26)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Israel, meets with PM Netanyahu, heads to Gaza for talks with Arafat. (ITV 12/21 in WNC 12/24; NYT, WP, WT 12/22; NYT 12/23; JP 12/28)

In Hebron, a scuffle btwn. settlers, Palestinian children escalates into a melee btwn. 100s of settlers, Palestinians. IDF soldiers intervene; hit, kick, punch Palestinians, leaving 1 unconscious; arrests 2 Palestinians. (NYT, WP, WT 12/22; JP 12/28)

A group of Christian churches, nongovernmental organizations, individuals forming the coalition of Churches for Middle East Peace takes out an ad in the NYT calling for a shared Jerusalem, assuring the rights of all religions in the city. (NYT 12/21)

Ignoring U.S. appeals (see 12/20), Turkey, Iran sign 7 trade accords, granting each other most favored nation trading status, increasing the annual volume of trade btwn. the countries fr. $960 m. to $2 b., establishing a joint chamber of commerce, outlining maritime cooperation. Agmts. were drafted by the joint economic commission 12/16. (NYT, WP, WT 12/22; IRNA, VIRI 12/22, IRNA 12/23 in WNC 12/24; CSM, 12/24; WT 12/25)

PM Netanyahu hold discussions with the FM, DM, national infrastructure M, defense officials regarding a document submitted several days ago by U.S. Amb. Indyk. The document constitutes a compromise document on Hebron, incorporating understandings reached so far btwn. the Israel, the PA; including clauses relating to continued implementation of Oslo, incl. Israeli commitment to a timetable for redeployment. Netanyahu says he has no intention of adhering to a timetable. (YA 12/19 in WNC 12/20)

Secy. of State Christopher says that special envoy Ross will soon return to the Middle East to "reenergize" the PA-Israeli talks; claims that the Israelis have made some concessions (unspecified) and it is time for the PA to reciprocate. PA denies Israel has made concessions. (NYT 12/20)

Israel expresses concern that the PA will expand the Gaza port beyond the agreed upon plans to create a commercial, rather than a fishing, port, in which case Israel would have no control over entering and departing craft. (MA 12/20 in WNC 12/23)

Arafat has private audience with the Pope at the Vatican. (WT 12/20)

Israeli FM Levy meets with King Hussein, PM Kabariti in Jordan. Levy, who is the 1st Israeli official to visit since the 9/24 tunnel opening, inaugurates the new Israeli embassy in the Rabiyya neighborhood of Amman. On arrival, He is met at the airport by a subcabinet-level official. (RJ 12/19 in WNC 12/20; JTV, RJ 12/19 in WNC 12/23; JP 12/28)

YESHA settlers' council ends 2-day convention; announces 3 "red lines" which, if crossed, will put an end to their support for Netanyahu. Action will be taken if Netanyahu does not go ahead with construction of housing units in East Jerusalem, Hebron; implements further redeployment fr. area C; does not allow "extensive and comprehensive" settlement. (IDF Radio 12/19 in WNC 12/23)

In Tripoli, Lebanon, an explosive device detonates nr. the regional Syrian intelligence headquarters, injuring 2 Syrian officers. Syria says that a civil-war era bomb detonator was accidentally burned with other trash, exploded. (MM 12/19; RL 12/19 in WNC 12/20; al-Sharq al-Awsat 12/19 in WNC 12/23; MA 12/22 in WNC 12/24) (see 12/18)

Iran's Pres. Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, his 240-mbr. delegation begin 3-day visit to Turkey. Iran and Turkey will discuss economic, defense cooperation. (MM 12/19; Milliyet [Istanbul], VIRI 12/19, IRNA, VIRI 12/20 in WNC 12/23; MM 12/20; IRNA 12/20, VIRI 12/21, 12/22 in WNC 12/24)

Israeli, PA talks on Hebron resume for 1st time in 9 days. (ITV 12/16 in WNC 12/18; PR 12/20)

PA negotiator Erakat, Netanyahu adviser Molho meet briefly in Jerusalem to try to ease tensions that have built up since Israel's 12/13 decision to restore settler benefits. (CSM, WP, WT 12/17) (see 12/5)

Pres. Clinton criticizes Israel for planning to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank, reinstating benefits to West Bank settlers. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/17; CSM, MM 12/18; WJW 12/19; IDF Radio, YA 12/19 in WNC 12/23; MEI 12/20; JP 12/28) (see 12/13)

IDF unseals Ramallah. (PR 12/20) (see 12/11)

In Washington, representatives of 29 nations (incl. Arab states, Brazil, Canada, the EU, Japan, the U.S.) pledge $3.2 b. toward the post-civil war reconstruction of Lebanon. The U.S. promises $20 m. over several yrs. (incl. $12 m. next yr. for education, environment). EU states pledge $1.5 b. (MM 12/16; RL 12/16 in WNC 12/17; MM, WP, WT 12/17; RL 12/17 in WNC 12/18; MM 12/18; al-Safir 12/18 in WNC 12/23; MEI 12/20; RL 12/23 in WNC 12/24; WJW 12/26; al-Safir 1/14 in WNC 1/17; CSM 1/15)

In Ankara, the 13th Iranian-Turkish joint economic commission session opens. (IRNA 12/16 in WNC 12/18, 12/19; MM 12/19)

ILMG meets at Naqura to consider a complaint by Israel regarding the launching of rockets into n. Israel 12/13. Although the Lebanese delegation does not believe katayushas actually were fired, the group concludes that at least 1 rocket, launched by an unknown party, landed in n. Israel. (RL 12/16 in WNC 12/17; RL 12/16 in WNC 12/18; RL 12/17 in WNC 12/19; MM 12/19; IGPO 12/26)

Israel says that, under a Hebron deal, PA policemen may operate in H2 as part of joint mobile units. (Hatzofe 12/10 in WNC 12/11)

Jordanian Information M Marwan Mu`ashir begins 5-day trip to Tel Aviv, emphasizes Jordan's concern over Israeli settlement policy. (JT 12/10 in WNC 12/11; IDF Radio 12/11 in WNC 12/12; MEI 12/20)

The U.S. consul general says that Israel is threatening to revoke residency rights of Palestinian-Americans living in Jerusalem unless they give up their U.S. passports. The U.S. protests, says it knows of 60 cases when Israelis threatened Americans with the loss of their Jerusalem IDs. (WP 12/10; PR 12/20; JP 12/21)

Israel grants special entry permits to 120 Palestinian journalists accredited by the IGPO. (IGPO 12/10 in WNC 12/12)

PA allocates only $40,000 of the $70,000 necessary to stage the annual Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. (WT 12/11; WT 12/23; PR 12/20)

In Beirut, EU special envoy Moratinos meets with Lebanese FM Buwayz. (RL 12/10 in WNC 12/11; MEI 1/24)

Iraq says it will give Turkey priority in exporting Iraqi oil now that the UN oil-for-food deal has been implemented. (INA 12/10 in WNC 12/11) (see 12/9)

ILMG continues discussions begun 12/9. (RMC 12/10 in WNC 12/11; RL 12/10 in WNC 12/12)

PA demands that Israel provide dates for further redeployment in the West Bank, release of Palestinian prisoners along with a Hebron protocol; open the central market and al-Shuhada street in Hebron; allow PA police in Hebron joint patrol units to carry same weapons as the IDF; eliminate the term "hot pursuit" fr. any Hebron deal. (IDF Radio 12/8 in WNC 12/10)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Mubarak on talks with Israel. (WT 12/7; RE 12/7 in WNC 12/10; PR 12/13)

In Gaza, Arafat briefs the Egyptian, Jordanian, PA delegations to the quadripartite refugee comm. on status of negotiations with Israel in preparation for full comm. mtg. 12/8. (PR 12/12)

Israeli police arrest Hebron settler leader Noam Arnon over a disturbance inside the Tomb of the Patriarchs/al-Ibrahimi Mosque. (NYT 12/10)

Jordan, Turkey begin discussing details of implementing their military agmt., signed a decade ago; focus on technical exchanges, joint training. (al-Ra'i 12/7 in WNC 12/10)

Roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding 2. Hizballah takes responsibility. Subsequent Israeli shelling wounds 6 civilians, incl. 1 child. (RL 12/7, 12/8 in WNC 12/10; NYT, WP 12/8; MM 12/9, 12/13)

PA negotiators say 3-way summit btwn. Egypt, Israel, PA to clinch a deal on Hebron may occur 12/7, though no date has been set. Arafat, Netanyahu say they are willing to meet. (WT 12/7; JP 12/14)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Miguel Angel Moratinos delivers Pres. Asad a message fr. PM Netanyahu, saying that Israel is interested in resuming negotiations, easing tensions. (MM 12/6; SATN 12/6 in WNC 12/10; MEI 1/24)

In Karak, Jordanian PM Kabariti issues an unprecedented public apology to Iraq for accusing Iraq of instigating the 8/16-18 bread riots. (MEI 12/20)

4 Africans are officially nominated to succeed UN Secy. Gen. Butros-Ghali: Mauritania's Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, Niger's Hamid Algabid, Ghana's Kofi Annan, Ivory Coast's Amara Essy. (NYT, WT 12/7)

IDF lifts ban prohibiting Israelis fr. entering the PA self-rule area of Bethlehem. The ban has been in place since the 9/24-28 clashes. (JP 12/14)

PA military court sentences Palestinian guard Assam Jalaita, who shot to death prisoner Fityani 12/3, to life in prison with hard labor. (NYT 12/7; JP 12/14)

U.S. Court of Appeals rules (8-2) that the Federal Election Commission (FEC) misapplied the federal campaign finance law in a 1992 decision that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) did not fall under the FEC's jurisdiction, suggesting that AIPAC should register as a political action comm. (PAC) rather than a lobby. The FEC has 90 days to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, find another reason why AIPAC should not be registered as a PAC, or declare AIPAC a PAC. (WJW 12/12, 12/19)

At weekly PC session, mbrs. threaten the executive with a no-confidence vote if it does not take firm action on behalf of prisoners, says the leadership is "not dealing seriously" with the prisoner issue in negotiations with Israel. (PR 12/13)

Responding to PM Netanyahu's 12/4 suggestion, Arafat says that he is willing to take part in a bilateral summit to finalize terms of an Israeli redeployment in Hebron. (WP 12/6)

Jordan, PA hold trade talks in Amman; discuss holding future trilateral economic mtgs. with Israel on provisions for Jordanian exports to/imports fr. the PA self-rule areas. (RJ 12/5 in WNC 12/9)

IDF says that 17 mos. ago, after 5 mos. of preparation, a special forces unit named Egoz began operating against Hizballah in s. Lebanon. To date Egoz mbrs., chosen fr. Golani Brigade recruits, have killed 16 Hizballah fighters or officials. 2 Egoz mbrs. have been killed. (MM 12/5; JP 12/14)

In New York, donors pledge $133 m. to the annual UNRWA pledging conference for regular programs, operations for 1997. (UNRWA press release 12/9; JT 12/13 in WNC 12/16)

Pres. Clinton nominates Amb. to the UN Albright for secy. of state, Sen. William S. Cohen (R-ME) for secy. of defense, National Security Adviser (NSA) Anthony Lake for CIA dir., Dep. NSA Samuel Berger for NSA. (ITV 12/5, MA 12/6 in WNC 12/9; MM, NYT, WP, WP 12/6; VIRI 12/6, RMC 12/7, al-Dustur 12/8 in WNC 12/10; MM 12/9; JT, RL 12/10 in WNC 12/11; WJW 12/12; MEI 12/20; WJW 12/26, 1/2)

PA announces it will make an official inquiry into Fityani's death in PA custody 12/3. (NYT 12/6; PR 12/13)

PM Netanyahu says that PA, Israeli teams have exhausted their work; he and Arafat should hold a summit to wrap up the long-stalled talks on Hebron. (ITV 12/4 in WNC 12/6; MM 12/5; WP 12/6)

Israel, PA agree to set up a hot line in order to improve communications btwn. the Israeli Internal Security Min., the PSF in case of emergency. (IDF Radio 12/4 in WNC 12/6)

The World Bank loans Lebanon $35.7 m. for rehabilitation of the health sector. (RL 12/4 in WNC 12/6)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir announces his resignation, will step down 1/1/97. (MM 12/4; JP 12/14)

After the U.S. hints that it may drop its preference for an African candidate and begin considering non-Africans, UN Secy. Gen. Butros-Ghali temporarily suspends his candidacy for a 2d term, allowing other nominations to be made. (WP 12/5; CSM, MEI, WT 12/6)

In Tel Aviv, U.S. Amb. Indyk meets a delegation of rabbis fr. the International Rabbinical Coalition for the Land of Israel, which requests the U.S. lift its pressure for evacuating settlers fr. Hebron. (ITV 12/3 in WNC 12/6)

In Damascus, Iranian FM Ali Akbar Velayati delivers to Pres. Asad a letter fr. Pres. Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, discusses with Syrian FM Shara` measures to be adopted in case Israel launches an attack against Syria. (IRNA, VIRI 12/3 in WNC 12/4; WT 12/4; IRNA 12/4 in WNC 12/5; SANA 12/3 in WNC 12/6)

Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak says there is little more Egypt can do to help Butros-Ghali win a 2d term as UN secy. gen. if the U.S. continues to veto him, but Egypt will continue to support his bid. (NYT, WP 12/4) (see 11/29)

In Jericho, a PA jail guard shoots, kills prisoner Rashid Fityani, a suspected collaborator who was arrested 1/15/95 and never came to trial. PA Preventive Security Forces (PSF) says Fityani had been fighting with the guard. He is at least the 10th to die in PA custody. (NYT 12/6; PR 12/13; JP 12/14)

In Hebron, Palestinians clash with settlers, IDF. Several Palestinians are injured, 9 are arrested. (WT 12/1; ITV 12/1 in WNC 12/3; JP 12/7)

The Jordanian Interior Min. grants a license to operate to a new human rights organization, the Jordanian Human Rights Society, headed by Sulayman Suways. (al-Dustur 12/1 in WNC 12/3) (see 10/19)

Iraq sentences 4 Iraqis to death, 1 to life imprisonment for committing crimes against Jordanians. (al-Dustur 11/30 in WNC 12/3)     

IDF kills 2 Hizballah mbrs. in s. Lebanon. (ITV 11/30, RL 12/1 in WNC 12/3)

PC concludes weekly 2-day session in Ramallah. Talks focus on Jerusalem: PC mbrs. complain that numerous ministries deal with issues related to Jerusalem, but without coordination; ask Waqf's to account for its use of donations to the city fr. diaspora Palestinians; suggest a Jerusalem ministry be established. (PR 12/6)

In Jericho, Jordanian PM `Abd al-Karim Kabariti, Arafat discuss peace process, bilateral ties. (RJ 11/28 in WNC 12/2)

South Africa calls on Israel to withdraw fr. Hebron; to take action to show that it intends to comply with existing peace agmts.; to refrain fr. provocative actions, such as the 9/24 tunnel opening. (South African Press Association 11/28 in WNC 12/2) (see 9/10)

Jewish settlers confiscate 120 acres of Palestinian land around Urtas village nr. Bethlehem. (PR 12/6)

After Israeli jurists confirm that the existing Oslo agmts. give Israel overriding responsibility for security in the West Bank and Gaza that would permit the IDF to reenter any PA area, Israel drops its demand for written guarantees fr. the PA detailing IDF hot pursuit rights in Hebron, a key sticking point of the talks. (MM 11/27; IDF Radio 11/27 in WNC 11/29; MM 11/28; IDF Radio 11/28 in WNC 12/2; CSM, MM 11/29)

JT reports that the PLO is setting up a new "superministry" that will replace the Tunis-based Department of Returnees Affairs and will have headquarters in Gaza and offices in Amman, Gaza, West Bank to deal with issues concerning Palestinian refugees. The main objectives of the superministry, which will not be tied to any PA ministry, are political mobilization of the refugees; improvement of refugees' living conditions; establishment and further development of bilateral ties with Arab and non-Arab countries, the UNRWA, the Multilateral Working Group on Refugees. (JT 11/27 in WNC 12/2)

Netanyahu adviser Gold arrives in London for talks with the British FMin. on ways of advancing regional cooperation. (IDF Radio 11/27 in WNC 12/2; MM 11/29) (see 12/25)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir reports that border police routinely mistreat Palestinians, recommends that officers convicted of abuse be punished more harshly. (WT 11/28) (see 11/26)

Turkey announces that it has canceled its purchase of Cobra helicopters fr. the U.S., gives the U.S. no explanation. (ANATOLIA 11/27 in WNC 11/29)

Israel reinforces troops, equipment in s. Lebanon. Israeli naval vessels detain, search a German ship entering Tyre port. (RL 11/27 in WNC 11/29) (see 11/23)

The Lebanese government passes a law suspending the closure of all unlicensed media outlets, which was set for 11/30 (see 9/17). Under the law, unlicensed outlets may continue to broadcast apolitical news only until they are explicitly denied a license. (al-Nahar 11/28 in WNC 12/4)

PA, Israeli talks on Hebron resume. Last mtg. was 11/21. (ITV 11/26 in WNC 11/29; ITV 11/27 in WNC 12/2)

PA says it will boycott all multilateral talks, except those on refugees, in protest of Israel's lack of progress in bilateral negotiations, refusal to implement Oslo accords. (NYT 11/27)

YESHA settlers' council calls on Israeli Pres. Ezer Weizman to lobby for a national unity government. Weizman stresses that he is not involved in politics. (ITV 11/26 in WNC 11/29; MA 11/29 in WNC 12/3)

In Hebron, 2 IDF soldiers are lightly wounded by a molotov cocktail. (ITV 11/26 in WNC 11/29)

Israeli judge releases 2 border policemen caught on videotape beating Palestinians (see 11/19), puts them under house arrest. (WT 11/27)

Ethiopia breaks ranks with African states regarding support for UN Secy. Gen. Butros-Ghali's reelection, says Africans should select an alternative candidate to avoid losing the position to a non-African. (WT 11/27; WT 12/3)

In Jerusalem, Israel, PA hold "expanded" round of talks on Hebron. The 2 sides discuss the possibility of another Arafat-Netanyahu mtg. A dispute arises over the Rafah airport: Israel demands that the PA tear down the terminal, which already has been completed, and build it elsewhere. (RJ 11/21 in WNC 11/22; ITV 11/21, MA 11/22 in WNC 11/25; WJW 11/28)

In a press interview, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak says that Egypt "will not stand idly by" if Israel attacks Syria. Israel denounces the statement as provocative; Syria welcomes it. (al-Nahar 11/21 in WNC 11/26)

2 Palestinian boys are killed, 3 are wounded when they uncover an 1967-era Israeli land mine nr. Jenin. PA-Israeli joint patrol searches the area, discovers 2 more mines. (PR 11/29)

At the UN Security Council (UNSC) in New York, U.S. vetoes a 14-1 decision to reelect Secy. Gen. Butros Butros-Ghali to a 2d, 5-yr. term. This vote is expected to be the 1st in a series btwn. now and 1/97, when the final decision on the secy. gen. must be made. U.S. amb. to the UN Madeline Albright says the U.S. is prepared to use its veto indefinitely; if African nations want a secy. gen. fr. their continent, they should begin looking for another person. (MM 11/19; RE 11/19 in WNC 11/21; MM, WP, WT 11/20; RE 11/20, al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 11/21 in WNC 11/22; MM 11/21; al-Quds al-Arabi 11/21, al-Dustur 11/22 in WNC 11/25; NYT 11/22; RE 11/22 in WNC 11/26; WJW 12/5)

King Hussein says that the only way to break the logjam in current PA-Israeli talks is for Israel to fully implement its original agmts. with the Palestinians, says Jordan would support Palestinians in their quest for a an independent country. (WT 11/20)

Israel's mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert presents Housing M Meir Porush with a plan to build 2,200 housing units btwn. Pisgat Ze'ev and al-Za'im junction in a bid to link French Hill in East Jerusalem with Ma'ale Adumim. (IDF Radio 11/19 in WNC 11/20; CSM 1/9)

Some Jewish settler leaders say that they have received death threats fr. extremist settlers for suggesting that the shrine-like grave of Baruch Goldstein, who massacred 29 Arabs in Hebron 2/25/94, be dismantled. Goldstein's grave has become a pilgrimage site, with gardens, a fountain, and benches, where visitors meditate, read religious texts. (WT 11/20)

2 Israeli border policemen are arrested after Israeli television airs amateur videotape showing them beating Palestinian workers who were caught in Jerusalem without permits. Justice Min. says it is investigating another incident in which 3 border guards are accused of beating 8 Palestinians caught trying to cross into Israel nr. Qalqilya. (MM 11/19; CSM, WP, WT 11/20; WJW 1128; JP 11/30)

Palestinian human rights activist Iyad Sarraj says that Israel has refused to issue him a visa to attend a conference in Norway, saying he must stay in Gaza for security reasons. (WT 11/20)

German court sentences Palestinian woman to 12 yr. in jail for participation in 1977 hijacking of a Lufthansa airliner in Mallorca, Spain. She was arrested in 1994 in Oslo and extradited to Germany. (WP 11/20)

In Jarju', s. Lebanon, an Israeli shell filled with nails hits a residential home, causing damage but no injuries. (RL 11/21 in WNC 11/22)

Israeli, PA negotiations on Hebron resume in Jericho. (RJ 11/18 in WNC 11/19)

IDF eases closure, allowing 7,000 Palestinians fr. Gaza, 8,000 fr. West Bank into Israel to work, raising the total number of Palestinians allowed into Israel to 50,000. (WT 11/17)

Israel accuses Syria of developing with Russia nerve gas, other chemical weapons. (MM, WT 11/18)

In Ramallah, PA releases 3 Hamas mbrs. fr. jail to mark the 8th anniversary of the Palestine National Council's declaration of independence. (MM 11/18)

Shin Bet announces that it has detained Hamas mbr. Khadar Mubarak, is interrogating him on suspicion that has information that could prevent an attack. The detention is revealed after Mubarak's lawyer files a petition with the High Court, claiming that Mubarak is being tortured. (ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/19) (see 11/14)

PLO delegation led by Political Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi arrives in Beirut for 2-day talks on regional political developments. (RL 11/17, 11/19 in WNC 11/19)

Turkey inaugurates 2d bridge on the Turkish-Iraqi border at the al-Khubar border post. (Iraqi Television Network 11/17 in WNC 11/19)

Dore Gold, adviser to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, meets with Arafat adviser Mahmud Abbas, PA Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbu to discuss a memorandum of understanding or pledges concerning aspects of Oslo II that have not been implemented that Netanyahu would extend to Arafat as part of a Hebron deal. (ITV 11/16 in WNC 11/29; JP 11/23)

Arafat adviser Abbas heads to Amman to brief King Hussein on talks with Israel. (JTV 11/16 in WNC 11/19)

Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz tells PM Rafiq Hariri that, after his mtg. with U.S. Amb. Richard Jones 11/15, he is pessimistic that Israeli negotiations with Syrian will resume soon. (RL 11/16 in WNC 11/19)

Hamas mbr. Muhammad Assaf is killed in an explosion in Qabatiyya, West Bank. Israel claims that a bomb that he was preparing for a suicide attack in Israel went off accidentally. Palestinian Security Forces (PSF) arrest 5 men with ties to Assaf. (NYT, WP, WT 11/17; ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/19, 1/29; JP 11/23)

PM Netanyahu cancels visit to the U.S. to personally take charge of Hebron negotiations; agrees to a PA demand that Israel include a written pledge to honor all agmts. with the PA with a Hebron agmt., if the PA upholds all of its agmts. (MM 11/13; IDF Radio, ITV 11/13, RJ, VOA 11/14 in WNC 11/15; MM, NYT, WP 11/14; MM 11/15; JP 11/23)

Israeli High Court rules that the Shin Bet may not use force while questioning Muhammad Hamdan, an Islamic Jihad mbr. arrested 10/24, to extract information about any planned anti-Israeli attacks. (WP 11/15; MM 11/18)

Hizballah attacks SLA post in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr. (RL 11/13 in WNC 11/14)

Israel, PA agree to raise the level of Hebron talks in a bid to complete negotiations. Israeli chief of staff Shahak and Arafat adviser Abbas are chosen to lead discussions. (MM 11/12, 11/13)

3-day Cairo Economic Summit opens. (IGPO, MM 11/12; RE 11/12 in WNC 11/13; SATN 11/1, MA, RJ 11/13 in WNC 11/14; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/13; RJ 11/13 in WNC 11/15; WP, WT 11/14; CSM, MM 11/15; MA 11/15 in WNC 11/15; MM 11/18; MEI 11/22; JP 11/23; WT 12/4)

In Amman, Jordan's PM Kabariti, Turkey's FM Ciller discuss bilateral trade relations, ways of increasing Turkey's influence in the peace process, possibility of Turkey selling Jordan water. Ciller's 2-day trip began 11/11. (RJ 11/12 in WNC 11/13; JT, JTV, RJ 11/12 in WNC 11/14; MM 11/13)

King Hussein grants amnesty to those who took part in the 8/16+n18 bread riots. (RJ 11/12)

In New York, Egypt nominates Butros-Ghali for a 2d term as UN secy. gen., setting the stage for an expected veto by the U.S. (NYT 11/14; MEI 11/22)

In Ankara, PM Erbakan, Iraqi PM Tariq Aziz discuss bilateral relations. (INA 11/12 in WNC 11/13, 11/14)

Netanyahu phones Arafat, says that as part of a Hebron deal Israel is willing to provide an "oral statement" saying that Israel would act to implement remaining aspects of the Oslo II agmt. The PA had requested such assurances be in writing as part of the agmt. (MM 11/11)

In Ankara, Turkey, Iraq hold talks on increasing economic, trade, political ties. (INA 11/11 in WNC 11/13)

In Hebron, more than 8,000 Israelis march in support of Jewish settlers. IDF beats counterdemonstrators; bars Muslims fr. praying at al-Ibrahimi Mosque; arrests 8 Palestinian, 4 Israeli protesters. (RMC 11/9, ITV 11/10 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP 11/10; MEI 11/22)

In Amman, Laith Shubailat, pres. of the Jordan Engineers association and a leading opponent of normalization with Israel, is granted amnesty, released fr. prison. Shubailat was arrested 12/9/95 on charges of sedition for his statements during a press conference and was given 3 yrs. in jail. (NYT 11/10; MM 11/12; MEI 11/22) (see 3/17)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah shell hits IDF tank, killing 1 soldier, wounding 3. (ITV, RL 11/9, RL 11/10 in WNC 11/13; MM 11/11; WJW 11/14)

In Jerusalem, PM Netanyahu meets with settler leaders; says settlers will be "compensated" for any redeployment in Hebron; vows to personally oversee expansion of West Bank, Gaza settlements; promises 3,500 new housing units in West Bank areas around Jerusalem. (MM, WP 11/8; NYT 11/15; JP 11/16)

Israeli DM Mordechai meets with YESHA settlers' council, Hebron settler leaders. Settler leaders ask for more building permits, stepped-up security around settlements. (ITV 11/7 in WNC 11/12, 11/13)

In Washington, Secy. of State Christopher resigns his post. During his tenure as secy. of state, he has traveled to Israel 35 times, to Syria 24 times. He will stay on until a new secy. of state is appointed. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8; WJW 11/14)

Lebanese Pres. Hrawi issues decree appointing the new Lebanese government. (RL 11/7 in WNC 11/12; MEI 11/22) (see 10/15)