The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gov't. orders Palestinian money-changers in Jerusalem stop trading in US dollars. Ramallah military court fines Fatmeh Ja'afari IS 20,000 for possessing "illegal literature" [purchased in Jerusalem]. DM Rabin meets with Mayor Freij, approves $700,000 Saudi grant for Bethlehem development projects. FM Shamir calls for creation of new UN including "only democratic countries." Nahal inaugurates 4 settlements: Rotem in Jordan Valley, Heahzut near Gush Etzion, Amitai & Ye'elon in Negev. Morechet Benyamin Co. dumps truckloads of rubble on jib village land, rendering it unusable for farming. FM Shamir expresses alarm to visiting US congressmen at apparent Jordanian-PLO rapprochement.

Arab World: PNC Chrmn. Khalid Fahoum declines to issue invitations to PNC mtg. called by Chrmn. Arafat pending further unity talks. Christians & Muslim unite in general strike through S. Lebanon to protest Israeli kidnapping of Amal Shi'ite leaders; Phalangist Joseph Ghanem sends letter of solidarity with demonstrators in Sidon.

Other Countries: 9th anniversary of UN resolution equating Zionism with racism. Special UN panel publicizes findings on Israeli activity in occupied territories; reports Israel continues to disregard Geneva Convention on civilian rights under occupation. In New York Federal Court, hearings begin for Ariel Sharon's libel suit against Time magazine.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew imposed on Dheisheh camp after Border Policeman hit with thrown rock; boys' school raided by Border Police; area declared closed military zone.

Arab World: 2 Israeli soldiers wounded by light arms fire in Jibsheet; 2 wounded by RPG fire in Ghaziya village, S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in El AL office, Vienna; no injuries.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Herut Executive mtg., FM Shamir says Reagan plan no longer exists.

Arab World: To avoid Arab criticism that they are upgrading relations with Israel, Lebanese cabinet proposes direct talks with UN-sponsored Lebanese-Israeli Mixed Armistice Commission framework; Israel refuses. Popular Palestinian Committees of al-Yarmouk camp (Damascus) cable Syrian gov't. to protest arrest campaign of camp residents in past week. Morocco refuses entry to 2 Israelis invited to attend World Conference on Poetry in Marrakesh.

Other Countries: French chrmn. of World Jewish Congress named by France to its UN delegation.

Military Action

Arab World: 3 guerrillas reported killed, 1 captured by IDF near Bater al-Chouf, Lebanon.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres says Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon no longer contingent upon simultaneous Syrian withdrawal.

Arab World: Jordan and Egypt announce resumption of full diplomatic relations; US and Israel claim the move is a victory for Camp David process; Syria and Libya denounce it, call for boycott of Egypt.

Other Countries: Israeli FM Shamir meets with Soviet FM Gromyko at UN in New York.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Min.of Police Bar Lev refuses Jewish terror suspects' request for prison leave over Jewish holidays.

Arab World: In Damascus, Democratic Alliance calls for convening PNC.

Other Countries: US envoy Murphy arrives in Tel Aviv to discuss with PM Peres possible mediation between Israel and Syria over IDF withdrawal from Lebanon. Israeli FM Shamir meets Egyptian FM Abd al-Meguid in New York. US threatens withdrawal from Intl. Atomic Energy Agency if it does not recognize Israel.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF and SLA patrols come under light arms fire near Jezzine and in Tyre, S. Lebanon. 1 IDF soldier & 1 Shin Bet agent killed, 1 soldier wounded in ambush near Mishki village, eastern Beqaa.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza artist Fathi Ghabin released from prison after serving 4 of 6-mo. sentence for "incitement" through his painting. Religious, intellectual and political personalities from all Palestine conclude 2nd annual Arab Christian and Muslim Heritage Conference at Theological Center for Ecumenical Studies in Tantur (Bethlehem), calling on educational institutions to raise level of Arabic instruction, and teach elements of Islamic and Christian religions. Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Shamir report "serious obstacles," particularly issue of West Bank settlements, block formation of unity government. Bank of Israel announces foreign currency reserves dropped by US$192 million in August [total reserves now US$2.4 billion; US$3 billion needed to cover 3 mos. basic commodity imports].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli soldier wounded dismantling bomb at "Voice of Lebanon" radio station at Lebanese border.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Peres and Shamir agree on plan to alternate PMship for 25 mos. each. In response to Umm al-Fahm confrontation (8/29), MK Kahane vows to bar Arab workers from entering Israeli towns and settlements.

Other Countries: MK Kahane arrives in US for political and fundraising tour.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army turns over Asfar settlement, SE of Bethlehem to "civilian" yeshiva students from abroad in inauguration ceremony. PM Shamir lays cornerstone of new West Bank settlement Givat Ehud. Nazareth Central Court renews indefinitely detention of 7 Golani Druze suspected of raising Palestine flag and threatening destruction of collaborators' houses.

Military Action

Arab World: RPGs destroy IDF guardpost in S. Lebanon, killing 1. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: State attorney denies June 1980 car bomb victims Karim Khalaf & Ibrahim Tawil access to files compiled from evidence. Bulldozers open several roads on al-Jib villagers' land; owners file case in protest. Arriving in Jerusalem, UN Sec. Gen. De Cuellar received by PM Shamir and FM Kimche who charge UN encourages "terrorists and murderers" seeking Israel's destruction. Kfar Darom yeshiva members tour Gaza, looking for site of future settlement in heart of Gaza city.

Arab World: Lebanese parliament votes in favor of Karami government.

Other Countries: In Geneva, Arab & Muslim countries walk out when Costa Rica Pres. Monge addresses ILO conf. to protest his moving embassy to Jerusalem; US delegation leads standing ovation by Western bloc.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF conducts search of Burj al-Rahal, S. Lebanon; residents hurl stones at IDF, troops shoot at villagers, killing 2. Head of Israel-backed "national guard" in Idwri village, S. Lebanon injured by car-bomb explosion. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Former Stern Gang leader PM Shamir publicly denounces terrorism by Jewish settlers, and tells Knesset Israeli gov't. will not surrender its sovereignty over West Bank, but is ready to talk peace with any Arab leader. Reiterating that Israel considers Camp David only formula for settlement, PM Shamir rejects Chrmn. Arafat's call for peace conference under UN auspices.

Arab World: Lebanese amb. to Libya Farhat [dismissed by Libya when his gov't. signed agreement with Israel May 17, 1983] returns to his post. Egypt's FM Hassan Ali summons Israeli amb. Sassoon to protest Israel's "inhuman and illegal practices in occupied Arab territories".

Other Countries: In UN Security Council session, Zehdi Terzi accuses Israel of killing or wounding 60 refugees in its recent attack on Ain al-Hilweh camp, S. Lebanon. In effort to monitor Arab influence in US, American Jewish Congress pres. Mann announces nationwide push for legislation compelling colleges & universities to report sources of grants over $100,000 a year. Meeting with Israel's Science Minister, Thai Science Min. Lathopitat says he wants stronger industrial ties with Israel. After rash of complaints, British mail order house Freemans issues apology after accidentally shipping Israeli-made bras to Abu Dhabi.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: EL-OP unveils new ship-board air defense system Spirtas. Military court sentences 7 Nablus men charged with murder of Hebron settler; 4 get life, 3 get 20-25 years.

Arab World: 2 Katyushas fall in IDF-occupied territory near Ba'loul, east of Lake Karoun.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Shamir wins Likud nomination for premiership challenge by MK Sharon. 60 Muslim Labor Party members meet to nominate Knesset candidate.

Other Countries: In al-Anba' interview, former US Pres. Carter says under current Israeli policies Jerusalem has become city of "killing and hatred."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers open fire on car failing to stop at roadblock near Hebron, 2 killed. Israeli military command claims 2 Palestinian men suspected as guerrillas shot dead near Idna, West Bank.

Arab World: IDF shoots and kills Lebanese civilian as he approaches checkpoint in southern Sidon

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Shamir insists reaction to settler-terrorist bomb plot (4/27/84) should not hinder further settlement, calling settlers "pioneers" who create historical facts that will last for generations. Sakhnin prisoner Zbeidat released to house arrest on lawyer's petition for medical treatment of injuries suffered during torture in Acre and Jalameh prisons. Supreme Court upholds military censorship of newspaper Hadashot. Bank Leumi group reports 1983 loss of IS7,748 million ($71.9 million) after taxes. Bank Hapoalim's losses reported at $101 million.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF disband Tulkarm Red Crescent Society admin. council for unspecified reasons. Arab World: Jordan's Queen Noor criticizes US-Israeli ties before World Affairs Council, Washington, DC.

Other Countries: On Middle East fact-finding mission, UN Undersec. Gen. Urquhart told by Shamir of Israel's opposition to UNIFIL troops in S. Lebanon. Israel claims smuggled Palestinian vegetables from West Bank & Gaza sold on Israeli market.

Military Action:

Arab World: 1 IDF soldier killed, 1 wounded in roadside bomb blast near Sarafand, S. Lebanon; IDF conducts house-to-house search, arresting several "suspects."

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5th American Jewish Kach settler arrested in connection with shooting of Arab bus passengers (3/4/84) and other "TNT" activities. 6 Israeli settlers tried in Jersualem for rioting and arson of Hebron market last year. Tel Aviv police unit leader Hafetz suspended for leaking information of "TNT" to press. Knesset defeats bill to declare "Hatikvah" Israel's national anthem, with its theme of a historic Jewish yearning for the "land of Israel." National Com. of Arab Town Councils urges adoption of national anthem that expresses the notion of two nations living in a single country. Returning from 3-day visit to Cairo int'l. trade fair, Israeli Industry & Trade Minister Patt reports no improvement in Israel-Egypt relations in sight; says 50% decrease in exports to Egypt since 1982 linked to poor political relations. US Marine commander Gen. Kelley begins 2-day official visit with IDF and DM Arens. At Jerusalem rally PM Shamir claims USSR refused renewed relations with Israel because of its hatred of the Jewish people. Members of Makuya sect of Japanese Christian zealots conduct pro-Israel march in Jerusalem.

Arab World: Beirut cease-fire called by leaders at reconciliation talks in Lausanne.

Other Countries: French Minister of Industry Fabius and Israeli Trade Minister Patt agree to further cooperation in commerce and industrial research. Pres. Reagan defends proposed arms package to Jordan before United Jewish Appeal. Added to his recent refusal to assist in obtaining Israel's permission for West Bank delegates to attend PNC session, Reagan refuses to support or withhold veto on Jordan's draft resolution condemning Israeli settlements in occupied territories as illegal. 4 JDL members arrested for criminal trespass and possession of noxious chemicals, and held in suspicion of bomb threat at Greensburgh, NY Town Hall showing of Russian architecture film. [JDL seeks severance of all US relations with USSR until all Soviet Jews permitted to emigrate freely.] 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Police discover huge cache of weapons, including 107 grenades, 80 loaded magazines, mines, anti-tank bazooka shells and several dozen kilos of explosives in evacuated Palestinian village of Lifta near Jerusalem; suspected to be linked with "TNT" cells. MK Tsaban's motion to establish a committee of inquiry into the invasion of Lebanon defeated in Knesset vote (42-33). PM Shamir accuses Egypt of "tretreating from the Camp David framework, " citing Egypt's failure to return its ambassador to Israel. MK Rabin says PLO operations against Israel were "child's play" compared to Shi'ite "terror" against IDF in S. Lebanon. Chief of Staff Levy tells Foreign Affairs & Defense Com. 2,000 [Palestinian] "terrorists" have returned to Beirut, and IDF withdrawal from S. Lebanon would not guarantee Israel secure borders. 4 American-Israeli youths arrested for last Sunday's attack on Arab bus near Ramallah. 5 Galilee Palestinians arrested on prima facie evidence of membership in religiousnationalist organization that may have set fire to 30 vehicles in recent months. Nablus mayor Shaka'a rejects military authorities' conditions placed on his travel permit to US.

Other Countries: US amb. to OAS Middendorf affirms US and Israel have mutual strategic interests in Central America where a battle is being waged by "atheistic Communism to destroy our 'Judeo-Christian civilization'." "Moral Majority" leader Jerry Falwell reaffirms support for Israel before group at Herzl Institute, NY, stating Israel's best friends in US are "Bible-believing Christians" and US should not have interrupted Israel's "liberation" of Lebanon from Syrian and PLO "slavery." Rev. Jesse Jackson's US presidential campaign staff compile evidence of "hounding" by some Jewish-American organizations.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Israelis killed and 9 wounded in booby-trapped bomb explosion on bus near Ashdod; Abu Nidal's PDFLP-GC in Damascus claims responsibility; 150 Arab men rounded up as suspects.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Galilee youths released after arrest (2/29/84) for hoisting Palestinian flag on anniversary of Sabra & Shatila massacres; in court, defendents describe torture used on them; suit filed against interrogators. MK Sarid submits letter of protest over MK Sharon's violation of Knesset "code of ethics" by accepting money for US lecture tour. [Sharon appealed for dispensation on grounds he is suing Time magazine for reporting his connection with Sabra & Shatila massacres.] PM Shamir denies charges by Sharon that his gov't. is bowing to US pressure to impede settlement drive. MKs Zakin (Mapam) and Aloni (CRM) urge PM Shamir to declare "TNT" a terrorist organization. [1948 Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance would then allow security agencies to fight Jewish terrorism.] After 3 years, Bani Zad village resumes relation with "civil administration" upon promise of IS10 million grant for civic improvements. 8 Palestinians arraigned in military court for murder of Kiryat Arba squatter Aharon Gross (7/7/83); 5 plead not guilty, 1 claims self-defense. 7 West Bank squatters and 2 from Green Line, all of US origin and followers of Meir Kahane, arrested for bombing attempt on al-Aqsa Mosque and shooting attack on Arab bus (3/4/84); news blackout on investigations imposed.

Arab World: Gemayel abrogates US-sponsored May 17 agreement with Israel. Israel protests Egypt's permitting Palestinian conference in Cairo later this month; complains conference will provide opportunity for "anti-Israeli propaganda."

Other Countries: European Community Commission Pres. Thorn says Egypt urging Europeans to press US to deal with PLO.

Military Action:

Arab World: Israelis bomb alleged PLO positions in 2 raids on Aley, Lebanon.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Shamir reacts to Hussein-Arafat talks; says if Hussein wants peace, he should realize the address for talks in Jerusalem.

Arab World: Pres. Gemayel received with full honors in Damascus for mtg. with Pres. Assad; both leaders agree discussions fruitful.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: 6-man team of US artillery spotters at Beit Meri, guiding fire from US 6th Fleet offshore, comes under attack 6 miles east of Beirut; USS Sims fires 20 rounds into surrounding area. Israel reports 400 Phalangists join Haddad's army; press for Israel to appoint Haddad's successor.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Shamir warns Gemayel cancellation of May 17 agreement would end Lebanon's independence, and indicates Israel would have to occupy S. Lebanon indefinitely. Israeli northern border posts fail to reopen as planned due to protests by inspectors demanding pay increases.

Arab World: Senior Syrian officials say cancellation of May 17 agreement essential for Pres. Gemayel's political survival.

Other Countries: French-Egyptian peace plan rejects reviving amended UN Res. 242. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Karp report criticizing Israeli law enforcement practices toward Arabs in West Bank made public; report reveals Jewish settlers who kill West Bank Palestinians enjoy high degree of immunity from police investigation. Israeli gov't. announces no intention of intervening to salvage Gemayel presidency in Beirut, in spite of reported pleas from Phalange emissaries. Interior Ministry official attacks Jerusalem Mayor Kollek for accusing political motives behind gov't. refusal to approve 5 replacement generators for Arab-owned Jerusalem Electric Co. Spokesman for Council of Jewish Settlements ("Judea & Samaria") reveals IDF commander Aluf Ori Orr instructed settlers not to cooperate with civilian police after attacks on Arabs. PM Shamir and US amb. Lewis meet for urgent talks on LAF setback. Gaza-Majdal Road checkpoints withdrawn by Israel, thereby removing only visible demarkation of 1948 border.

Other Countries: US Pres. Reagan announces plan to withdraw Marines from Beirut to warships offshore. European Parliament Pres. Dankert, speaking to Knesset, suggests Israel coordinate efforts with Morocco and Tunisia to protect agricultural exports to Europe if Spain and Portugal admitted to EEC. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military authorities order closure of BZU central campus for 3 mos. after student demonstrations protesting attempt to blow up al-Aqsa Mosque. Shamir announces to Knesset plans for 5 new settlements for 7,000 settlers in Golan over coming 5 years. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF grenade bomb discovered in Jerusalem near Via Dolorosa; 3 found near Lions Gate.

Other Countries: Pentagon notifies US Congress of plan to sell 35 additional M48A5 tanks to Lebanon at cost of $28 million to total 137. Australian FM Bill Hayden urges freeze on settlements in occupied territories and Israel's recognition of Palestinian right to self-determination during talks with Shamir in Jerusalem. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 500 industrial, service & gov't. workers protest at Finance Ministry against yesterday's work sanctions. 2 Likud MKs present urgent agenda for freeze on new settlements in occupied territories. 15 Bedouin sheikhs present PM Shamir with complaints of deteriorating conditions as Israeli military continue to expropriate grazing and watering lands in Negev and Galilee; Shamir says the issue will be turned over to Agriculture Ministry. Mapam MK Elazar Granot proposes Alignment table bill abolishing state of emergency in effect in Israel since 1948.

Arab World: Jordanian Parliament meets for first time since 1976; amends constitution to permit Palestinians from Israeli-occupied West Bank to be appointed as members. Former Lebanese PM Saeb Salam protests to LAF commander Gen. Ibrahim Tannous recent LAF mass arrests of civilians carried out in Sabra and Shatila camps.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Grenade thrown under IDF patrol vehicle explodes without injury in Jericho.