The Palestine Chronology

Arafat issues presidential decree delaying start of campaign period to 1/7. CEC calls on candidates to follow original campaign schedule. Nomination period is extended through 12/31 because of additional seats. Voter registration is reopened until 1/5. (JMCC, VOP 12/30 in FBIS 1/2; CSM 1/19)

1st round of Syrian-Israeli talks ends. Delegations decide to stay in Washington for further informal discussions until negotiations resume 1/3. (ITV, SATN 12/29, RMC 12/30, RMC, SARR 12/31 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WP 12/30)

After rumors that Israel proposed an interim agmt. with Syria that would recognize the Syrian presence in Lebanon spark Lebanese-American fears of a shift in U.S. policy, Pres. Clinton issues statement reaffirming the U.S. commitment to "Lebanon's full independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity." (MM 12/14; WJW 1/18)

Arafat issues presidential decree, calling for the establishment of an election appeals court composed of judges Zuhayr al-Surani, `Abdallah Ghazlan, Imad Salim, Sami Saba, Shukri al-Nashashibi; extends nomination period, set to close today, to 12/29. (al-Nahar 12/24 in FBIS 12/27)

Arafat arrives in Bethlehem to open the city's first Christmas celebrations under Palestinian rule. (NYT, WP, WT 12/23; CSM, WT 12/25 12/26)

Lebanese Pres. Hariri says Lebanon would be willing to negotiate a separate peace deal with Israel but would only sign it when an overall agmt. with Syria had been reached. (AFP 12/23 in FBIS 12/26)

In Cairo, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak meets separately with Syrian Pres. Asad, Israeli FM Barak in preparation for the opening of Syrian-Israeli negotiations 12/27. After the mtg., in his 1st public statement on resuming talks with Israel, Pres. Asad says Syrian negotiators will go into the talks with no preconditions. (WT 12/24; RE 12/23, ITV 12/24, 12/25 in FBIS 12/26; JP 12/30)

PA temporary election commission extends deadline for accepting nomination applications for president, Palestinian Council to midnight 12/23. (VOP 12/23 in FBIS 12/26)

Arafat issues presidential decree forming the Central Election Commission (CEC) to replace the temporary election commission. Groups such as the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights immediately criticize the high percentage of Fatah mbrs. on the CEC, which is supposed to be entirely independent, with mbrs. chosen fr. among judges, academics, lawyers. (VOP 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

PM Peres says Israel would be prepared to close its nuclear program if there was a regional peace in the Middle East, but does not admit Dimona is a nuclear facility. (NYT 12/23; ITV, QY 12/22, ITV 12/23, ITV, QY 12/24 in FBIS 12/26; QY 12/26 in FBIS 12/27; JP 12/30)

IDF kills 2 Hizballah mbrs. in clash in s. Lebanon. 2 SLA soldiers are killed in separate incident. (QY, VOL 12/22, RL 12/23 in FBIS 12/26)

IDF completes withdrawal fr. Bethlehem. (MM 12/21; QY, VOP 12/21 in FBIS 12/22; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/22; JP 12/30)

At PISMC mtg. in Jerusalem, PA demands Israel withdraw immediately fr. Abu-Dis, Sawahirah villages nr. Jerusalem, both part of Bethlehem municipality under Oslo II. Israel says there was a mistake on the Oslo II maps, incorrectly placing the 2 villages in the withdrawal zone; it expects the PA to agree to the corrected maps that exclude them fr. the municipality. (QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

Samiha Khalil, fmr. gen. secy. of the General Union of Palestinian Women and head of a respected West Bank charity, announces she will run against Arafat for the presidency as an independent in 1/20 elections. A PNC mbr., she says she will vote against amending the PLO covenant. (WT 12/28; CSM 1/4; WP 1/19)

PA, Hamas closed 4 days of their 1st formal, high-level reconciliation talks in Cairo, agree talks were positive but fail to reach accord. Hamas refuses to sign pledge to participate in Palestinian elections, cease attacks on Israeli targets, but agrees not to call for election boycott. (MM 12/18; MENA, VOP 12/18, MENA 12/19 in FBIS 12/19; CSM, WT 12/19; MENA, VOP 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20; MBC, RE, VOP 12/20, MENA, VOP 12/21 in FBIS 12/21; MENA, RMC, VOP 12/21, RE, SA 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; CSM, NYT 12/22; al-Quds 12/22 in FBIS 12/26; JP 12/30) (see 11/18)

Likud MK and fmr. DM Ariel Sharon announces that he will not run for PM, endorses party chmn. Benjamin Netanyahu. (QY 12/21, JP 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; JP 12/30)

Ahmad Tibi, Arafat adviser and head of the Israeli Islamic Movement, says his movement has created a party, the Arab Movement for Change, to participate in the 10/96 Knesset elections. (ITV 12/21 in FBIS 12/22) (see 9/10)

In s. Lebanon, IDF clashes with Amal, killing 3 Amal mbrs. (WT 12/26)

Arafat meets with Qatari officials in Doha. (MM 12/20)

Israel bars entry to 7 U.S. Jews, incl. Rabbi Abraham Hecht of New York, calling them security risks in light of the Rabin assassination. (QY 12/20 in FBIS 12/20; NYT, WT 12/21; JP 12/30; WJW 1/18)

Syrian parliament ratifies general amnesty agmt. (SARR 12/20 in FBIS 12/20) (see 11/16, 12/13)

IDF kills 3 Amal mbrs., wounds 2 in clash in s. Lebanon. (QY, RL 12/21 in FBIS 12/21)

Jordan's Press and Publications Dept. cautions newspapers that it is illegal to publish proceedings of the Shubailat case (see 12/9). Press law states papers may only write on proceedings of a case once the court has issued a verdict, given permission for the article. (JT 12/19 in FBIS 12/19) (see 12/18)

UN comm. in charge of distributing reparations to Israelis who were injured by Iraqi missiles during the Gulf War transfers $307,500 in damages to 93 persons who submitted claims of serious physical, emotional suffering. 430 claims have yet to be assessed. (IL 12/20)

Rand Institute, working on behalf of the U.S. Defense Dept., estimates Israel could build 70 nuclear weapons with its estimated 770 lbs. of weapons-grade plutonium produced by Dimona since 1964; estimates Dimona is producing 35 lb./yr. of plutonium (or 3 bombs/yr.). (HA 12/19 in FBIS 12/21; WT 2/7)

SLA soldier is wounded by roadside bomb in s. Lebanon. (IDF Radio 12/20 in FBIS 12/20) 

In Jericho, Secy. of State Christopher announces that Syria, Israel will resume negotiations in Washington 12/27. (ITV, QY, SATN, VOP 12/16, ITV 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, WP, WT 12/17; MM 12/18; JP 12/23)

In Gaza, 30,000 attend rally to celebrate Hamas's 8th anniversary. (WT 12/17; PR 12/29)

PA temporary election commission begins accepting nominations for president, legislative council. (VOP 12/13, AFP 12/14 in FBIS 12/14; VOP 12/14 in FBIS 12/15; MM 12/15)

In Damascus, U.S. Secy. of State Christopher meets with Pres. Asad. (MM, NYT, WT 12/15; SARR 12/15, 12/17 in FBIS 12/18)

Syria reports it has warned Syrian-based Iraqi opposition leaders against collaborating with Israel after detecting "stepped-up Israeli intelligence activity" in the Kurdish enclave n. of Iraq, receiving information that Israel has set up fixed intelligence-gathering outposts at border crossings with Turkey. (MM 12/14)

In Hebron, Palestinian stabs, wounds 2 Jewish settlers; is shot dead by Israeli border police. IDF places curfew on the city. (MM 12/14)

IDF declares Nablus area a closed military zone, begins final redeployment 6 days ahead of schedule. IDF arrests 13 yeshiva students who refuse to leave Joseph's tomb, inside the closed zone; 40 others settlers who arrive at the tomb to confront the IDF are detained. After withdraw, Jewish settlers who attend yeshiva in the city will continue to receive IDF protection. (IL, NYT, WP 12/12; QY 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; CSM 12/13; MEI 12/15)

Pres. Clinton holds positive telephone conversation with Pres. Asad, then meets with PM Peres. Peres asks for assurances that money fr. its $3 b. 1996 aid package will be received by 1/1/96 even if the foreign aid bill has not been passed (aid for FY 1996 was to begin 10/95); gives Clinton a letter, asking for Pollard's release (see 11/21). (ITV, QY, SARR 12/11, QY 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/12; MM 12/13; MA, SARR 12/13 in FBIS 12/13; WJW 12/14; MM 12/15; HA 12/15 in FBIS 12/15; CSM 1/4; WJW 1/18)

Israel Amb. to the U.S. and chief negotiator with Syria Rabinovitch says Israel is ready to make unspecified "significant concessions" to Syria. (WT 12/12)

In Paris, PA, France sign $15-m. cooperation agmt. (VOP 12/11, 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; PR 12/29)

PA announces creation of National Dialogue Office (NDO) to be headed by fmr. Hamas mbr. Faluji. At the same time, Faluji announces the indefinite closure of al-Watan. NDO will promote dialogue btwn. the PA, other political, social forces amid recognition of the "changed reality" following fr. the Oslo process. (HA 12/12 in FBIS 12/14)

In Gaza, Arafat, Hamas delegation meet to discuss of Hamas-PA talks on elections scheduled for 12/18-21 in Cairo. (VOP 12/12 in FBIS 12/12)

In Gaza, Arafat discusses joint ventures opportunities with Poland's Construction M Barbara Blida, delegation of Polish businessmen. (VOP 12/11 in FBIS 12/12)

Syria grants special amnesty to fmr. secy. gen. of Syria's Muslim Brotherhood `Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah, allowing him to return to Damascus after 16-yrs. exile. (RMC 12/11 in FBIS 12/11; MM 12/14) (see 11/30)

After strongly criticizing King Hussein during a press conference, Laith Shubailat, head of Jordan's engineers' union and leading opponent of normalization with Israel, is arrested on charges of inciting sedition that could get him up to 5 yrs. in jail. (NYT, WT 12/10; AFP, MENA, RMC 12/9, JT, al-Ra'i 12/10 in FBIS 12/11; MM 12/11; JT 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; JP 12/16; al-Safir 12/30 in FBIS 1/4)

In s. Lebanon, despite being warned that UN personnel are operating in the area, IDF tanks mistakenly open fire on UN patrol, injuring 3 UNIFIL (UN Interim Force in Lebanon) soldiers. (QY 12/10 in FBIS 12/11; NYT, WP 12/11)

First joint IDF-PA patrols of Janin area begin. Israel gives PA control over the empty al-Fari`a prison nr. Nablus. (QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/13)

In continuing crackdown on right-wing extremists, Israeli police indict 29 more Jewish settlers, say 50 other indictments will be issued soon. (WP, WT 11/15) (see 11/13)

In Nablus, frmr. Fatah Hawks mbrs shoot, wound 4 Palestinians in 2 separate incidents. Frmr. Fatah Hawks have acted as self-styled custodians of moral standards in Nablus since May, killing 2, wounding at least 22 for such offenses as running lotteries. (AFP 11/14 in FBIS 11/15) (see 10/12)

IDF completes redeployment fr. Janin. 1,000 PA policemen take up posts. (CSM 11/13; QY, VOP 11/13 in FBIS 11/13; QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14; NYT, WT 11/14; WT 11/15)

PA receives control over transportation, communications, meteorological spheres for Nablus, Tulkarm. (VOP 11/12 in FBIS 11/13)

Israel allows Fatah rejectionist Hani al-Hassan into Gaza. (QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

In gesture to Hamas, PA releases 24 Hamas mbrs fr. PA prisons. (AFP, QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Over 1,000 Labor party mbrs vote to support the party's central comm. decision to make Peres party head, form government. (ITV, QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14; NYT, WT 11/14)

Israeli police indict 24 Jewish settlers--incl. head of Hebron settlers Rabbi Moshe Levinger, head of Kach Baruch Marzel, spokesman for Eyal Itamar Ben-Gvir--on charges of disturbing the peace, assaulting police, attacking Palestinians over the last 2 yrs. (WP, WT 11/15)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir meets with immigration officials to discuss banning entry, citizenship to some radical American Jews; notes that Jewish groups in the U.S. have raised over $100,000 for Yigal Amir's defense fund. (CSM, WT 11/14) (see 11/8)

In his 1st visit to Israel, Arafat flies to Tel Aviv to pay his condolences to Leah Rabin. (MM, NYT, WP 11/10; QY 11/10 in FBIS 11/13; WT 11/11; CSM 11/13)

British Foreign Secy. Malcolm Rifkind meets with PM Peres in Israel; then meets with Arafat. (JTV, VOP 11/9, JTV, RJ 11/10 in FBIS 11/13; NYT 11/11)

Israeli police arrest 3 friends of Yigal Amir--Drori Adini, Michael Epstein, Ohad Skornik--in connection with Rabin's assassination; say they believe Amir did not act alone. In the yard of the nursery school in Herziliya run by Amir's mother, police uncover crates of arms, grenades, explosives, detonator, fuses. Of the 5 arrested thus far, all are native-born religious nationalists, in their 20s, fr. middle-class backgrounds; all completed military service, 2 in elite brigades; 4 attended Bar-Ilan University. (MM 11/9; QY 11/9 in FBIS 11/9; CSM, NYT, WP 11/10; NYT, WT 11/11)

Israel turns over post and telecommunications sphere to the PA. (VOP 11/8 in FBIS 11/8; VOP 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

Acting PM Peres opens a commission of inquiry into Rabin's assassination. Chief Justice Aharon Barak will head the comm., which will limit its probe to the act itself, not investigate Jewish extremism. The comm. will have subpoena powers. (NYT, WP, WT 11/9; CSM 11/10)

As a result of the 11/7 Shin Bet report presented to the cabinet today, head of Israel's bodyguard unit resigns; head of the VIP security unit is fired; 2 bodyguards are suspended. (MM 11/8; QY 11/8 in FBIS 11/8; WP, WT 11/9; CSM 11/10)

Israeli police arrest Eyal's Raviv on charges of failing to prevent a crime and conspiracy in Rabin's assassination. Raviv admits he heard Yigal Amir speak of killing Rabin but did not take him seriously. (NYT, WP, WT 11/9; CSM 11/10)

In Jerusalem, Israeli religious, settler, Yishuv leaders hold public mtg. to discuss whether or not the religious right, settlers movement, or religious schools bear responsibility for Rabin's assassination. (NYT 11/9; WP 11/10)

Calling him a "great Jewish hero," Orthodox Jews in New York set up hot line to raise funds for Amir's legal defense. Hot line director Moshe Gross says his 20 volunteers are receiving 60-70 calls an hour. Asked if his group is connected with Kahane Chai, Gross says: "We [believe] he wasn't religious enough." (NYT 11/10; CSM 11/14)

In Jerusalem, Acting PM Peres says he will not call early elections. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8)

Shin Bet gives cabinet a preliminary report on security guarding PM Rabin at the peace rally; says there were not enough bodyguards, guards failed to form a phalanx around Rabin, intelligence had inadequate information on Jewish extremists. (WP, WT 11/8; MM, NYT, WT 11/9)

In television, press interviews, Leah Rabin, Rabin's widow, accuses Netanyahu, Likud of inciting violence; blames them for Rabin's death. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8)

Justice M Liba'i says the government is writing legislation to crack down on militants, tightening restrictions against inciting violence and perhaps banning demonstrations outside elected officials' homes. (IDF Radio, YA 11/7 in FBIS 11/8; WP 11/8)

Israeli police search Kfar Tapuah, a settlement nr. Nablus which has a large Kahane Chai following, looking for links btwn. the Amir brothers and the banned movements Kahane Chai, Kach. 4 rightist nationalists who praised Rabin's assassination are arrested, questioned, but released for lack of evidence. (MM 11/7; IDF Radio, QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/8; NYT, WP, WT 11/8)

Eyal, Kach leaders go underground, fearing their arrest by the IDF. Eyal head Avishai Raviv admits Yigal Amir was a mbr. of his organization. (NYT, WP 11/8) (see 11/4)

IDF eases closure, allowing Gaza laborers over 35 yrs old, West Bank laborers over 30 yrs old into Israel. (IDF Radio 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; NYT, WT 11/8) (see 11/4)

World leaders, incl. Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Jordanian King Hussein, Omani FM Bin-`Alawi, Qatari Culture M Hamad Bin `Abd al-Aziz al-Kuwari, attend PM Rabin's funeral. Arafat--who Israel officials stressed was "not welcome" at the funeral, held in Jerusalem--does not go. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/6; FBIS supplement, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/7; CSM 11/8)

After Rabin's funeral, Pres. Clinton holds separate mtgs about continuing the peace process with Mubarak, King Hussein, Acting PM Peres, Pres. Weizman. Peres holds private mgts with King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak, Omani FM Bin-`Alawi to discuss bilateral relations, peace process. (IDF Radio, QY 11/6, RJ, QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; WP 11/7; MM 11/8; HA 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

After repeated requests fr. the PA, the Arab League permanent representatives hold a discussion on the congressional decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem; consider convening mtg. of all Arab FMs. (MENA 11/6 in FBIS 11/8) (see 10/26)

PM Rabin is assassinated by an Israeli Jew while leaving peace rally attended by 100,000 in Tel Aviv. The gunman, Yigal Amir, a 25-yr.-old law student fr. Bar-Ilan University, is captured, admits to shooting, says he acted alone. Amir is also a reserve soldier in the elite Golani brigade, frmr. emissary to Russia for immigration affairs at the Jewish Agency, and an a mbr. of Eyal--a right-wing settler group, known for violence against Arabs, protesting expanded Palestinian self-rule by setting up makeshift encampments in the West Bank. Security officials say Rabin's bodyguards mistook Amir for a limousine driver. (NYT, WP, WT 11/5; FBIS special supplement, NYT, MM, WP, WT 11/6; WJW 11/9; JP 11/11)

Arab leaders (excl. Libya's Qaddafi, Iran's Pres. Hashemi Rafsanjani condemn Rabin's assassination. In the territories, Palestinians generally express respect for Rabin, concern over his death, fear for the future of the peace process and their safety fr. settlers. In s. Lebanon, Palestinian refugees, Hizballah mbrs. celebrate Rabin's death. (WT 11/5; CSM, FBIS supplement, MM, NYT, WT 11/6)

In the West Bank, Palestinians clash with IDF troops after Jewish settler apparently kills a Palestinian boy. (NYT 11/5)

In Gaza, 1000s of Palestinians stage rally in commemoration of Shiqaqi. (HA 11/5 in FBIS 11/7)

Following the assassination, IDF order the closure of the West Bank, Gaza. (QY 11/5 in FBIS 11/6; NYT 11/7)

Portuguese Pres. Mario Soares meets with Pres. Weizman in Israel; requests Portugal's forgiveness fr. Jewish people for the Inquisition. (IL 11/7)

Israel proposes compensating Palestinians for land to be confiscated for building bypass roads in hopes of minimizing protests. PA protest, saying Oslo II does not approve confiscation of any lands. (QY 10/31 in FBIS 11/1)

Amman economic summit closes; issues formal declaration. (MM 10/31; JTV, Wakh [Manama] 10/31 in FBIS 11/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/1; Al-Aswaq, JT 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; MEI 11/3; JP 11/11)

IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Shahak authorizes the IDF to redraw redeployment maps. (JP 10/31 in FBIS 10/31)

On sidelines of Amman summit, Arafat meets with Swiss Economics M Franz Blancard, Chinese 1st Dep. FM Vian Tenri Pe. (VOP 10/30 in FBIS 10/30)

On his return fr. the summit, Secy. of State Christopher stops in Damascus to meet with Pres. Asad. (MM 10/30; SARR 10/30 in FBIS 10/30; SARR 10/30 in FBIS 10/31; CSM, MM, WT 10/31; QY 10/31 in FBIS 11/1)

In response to threats fr. Islamic Jihad following Shiqaqi's assassination 10/26, IDF raises the age limit for Palestinians entering Israel to 35 yrs; bars entry to all students, vehicles. Meanwhile, 1000s of Islamic Jihad supporters hold protest at Netzarim junction. (VOP 10/30 in FBIS 10/31; MM, WT 10/31; WP 11/1)

Following Qaddafi's temporary halt to expulsions (announced 10/25), around 750 Palestinians are allowed to return to Libya fr. Egypt. (AFP 10/30 in FBIS 10/31)

Israel, Jordan sign agricultural agmt. (IL 10/26; JP 11/4)

In Gaza, Arafat receives U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, condemns Congress's vote on U.S. embassy legislation. (VOP 10/26 in FBIS 10/26)

EU delegation arrives in Beirut on 1st leg of regional tour. (RL 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

PA submits request to Arab League for summit to discuss U.S. embassy issue. Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid rules out possibility, says Arab FMs can discuss matter on sidelines of Amman economic summit. (MENA, VOP 10/26, VOA 10/27 in FBIS 10/27)

In Jerusalem, Jewish Agency's Board of Governors meets to discuss its "most severe fiscal crisis to date," plans to cut $110 m. in social services, educational projects in the next 2 yrs. Board chmn. Charles Goodman says restructuring is needed, fears irrelevancy. Pres. of the United Israel Appeal (UIA), which funnels money fr. United Jewish Appeal to the agency, says UIA is facing "monumental debt," must make "massive, massive cuts." (WJW 10/26; JP 11/11)

Islamic Jihad leader Fathi Shiqaqi is assassinated in Malta, en route to Damascus fr. a mtg. in Libya to persuade Qaddafi fr. deporting more Palestinians. Islamic Jihad blames Mossad. (WT 10/29; AFP 10/29, QY 10/30 in FBIS 10/30; MM, WP, WT 10/30; WP 11/1; MEI 11/3; JP 11/4)

IDF begins redeployment fr. Janin, 60 surrounding villages. 1st 10 Palestinian policemen arrive in Janin to crowds of Palestinian well-wishers. (MM 10/25; VOP 10/25 in FBIS 10/25; NYT, WP 10/26; MEI 11/3)

1st of 7 new West Bank district liaison and coordinating offices begins operating in Janin. (HA 10/27 in FBIS 11/1)

In Washington, PM Rabin  meets with Pres. Clinton, Defense Secy. Perry. Later in the day, Congress holds official reception on Capitol Hill to mark Israel's Jerusalem 3000 celebration, commemorating the establishment by King David of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. PM Rabin, Jerusalem Mayor Olmert, Senate Majority Leader Dole (R-KS), Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MS) attend. Knesset sends Congress telegram congratulating them on the U.S. embassy vote. (QY 9/5 in FBIS 9/5; MM, NYT 10/25; MM, WT 10/26; MM 10/27)

Jordan, Israel sign trade agmt. (QY 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

Libya's Qaddafi temporarily halts expulsion of Palestinians for 3-6 mos to allow Arab states time to prepare for the eventual deportation of all Palestinians to the self-rule areas. (NYT, WT 10/26)

IAF begins using infrared night-vision security system on the border with Lebanon. (JP 10/25 in FBIS 10/27)

In New York, Syrian FM Shara` meets with the State Dept. peace team. U.S. special envoy Ross gives Shara` U.S. ideas for resuming negotiations to transmit to Pres. Asad. (SATN 10/24 in FBIS 10/25; MM 11/26)

Israel, Jordan sign agmt. on cooperation btwn. police forces. (QY 10/24 in FBIS 10/24)

Congress approves new version of bill on moving U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Congress rushed to pass the bill before PM Rabin's, Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert's arrival 10/25, for Jerusalem 3000 celebrations in Washington (see 9/4). (MM, WT 10/24; AFP, QY, RMC, VOP 10/24, JP, QY, SARR 10/25 in FBIS 10/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/25; HA, MENA, QY, RJ, RL, SARR, VOP 10/25, RJ, VOA, VOP 10/26 in FBIS 10/26; NYT 10/26; CSM 10/27; PWR 10/30; MEI 11/3)

 1st UN convoy arrives in Libyan-Egyptian border camp to deliver food, clothing, blankets to 1,036 Palestinians detained there. (WT 10/25)

In s. Lebanon, PFLP-GC loses 2 mbrs in attack on SLA outpost. (VOL 10/24 in FBIS 10/25)

3-day UN 50th anniversary celebration begins in New York. Over 130 world leaders, incl. Arafat, PM Rabin, King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak attend. On sidelines, Arafat meets with King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak, Saudi Arabian Prince Sultan Bin `Abd al-`Aziz. PM Rabin meets with King Hussein. (NYT, WP 10/22; JTV, VOP 10/22 in FBIS 10/25; NYT, WP 10/23; MM 10/24; WJW 10/26)

Israeli Industry and Trade M Mikha Harish says he will encourage the business sector to significantly increase imports fr. the U.S. while cutting back on imports fr. the EU because of the large trade deficit Israel has with the EU. EC representative to Israel Albert Maes accuses Israel of "applying a discriminatory economic policy that harms the trade agmt. with Europe." (MA 10/22 in FBIS 10/23) (see 7/5)

Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PPSF) says it will participate in January elections. (VOP 10/22 in FBIS 10/23)

IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 Lebanese boy. (CSM 10/23)

2-day CG donor mtg. opens. (PR 10/27)

Syria allows into the country 590 of the Palestinians stranded on the Libyan ferry off Cyprus. All 590 are either Syrian nationals or have Syrian travel documents. (AFP, SATN 10/18 in FBIS 10/19) (see 10/17)

Biannual 2-day U.S.-Israeli strategic cooperation mtg. opens in Washington. Talks focus on strategic issues, security implications of Oslo II agmt., arms control, status of multilateral arms control working group. Israel gives the U.S. progress reports on Arrow-2 missile, Ofek-3 satellite projects. (MM 10/9/ IL 10/20)

IDF moves reinforcements into s. Lebanon fr. n. Israel. (RL 10/19 in FBIS 10/19)

In Jericho, Palestinian-Israeli Steering and Monitoring Comm. holds its 1st mtg. (VOP 10/17 in FBIS 10/18; VOP 10/17 in FBIS 10/19)

IDF lifts closure on Gaza, but say they will allow only 26,600 Palestinian laborers into Israel, as compared to 35,000 before the closure. (VOP 10/17 in FBIS 10/17; IDF Radio 10/18 in FBIS 10/19)

100s of relatives of Palestinian prisoners rally in Ramallah. IDF disperses them with stun grenades, injuring 1. (QY 10/17 in FBIS 10/19)

Despite Qaddafi's promises to stop the expulsions, 650 Palestinians (incl. 332 children) forced to leave Libya 10/13 remain stranded on a ferry off the coast of Cyprus. Cyprus denies the passengers entry, but allows the ferry to anchor off Larnaca, take on food, fuel. (AFP 10/18 in FBIS 10/18; Cyprus Broadcasting Corp. Radio 10/18 in FBIS 10/19; NYT, WT 10/19) (see 10/12)

Lebanese security forces break up counterfeiting ring in Biqa` Valley responsible for circulating $50 m. in U.S. $20 bills. (Al-Nahhar 10/17 in FBIS 10/25)

PM Rabin travels to Marja'uyun to survey conditions, meet with SLA cmdr. Antoine Lahd; returns to Israel, convenes emergency cabinet mtg. to discuss recent attacks in s. Lebanon, but decides against large-scale retaliatory strike. (RL 10/16 in FBIS 10/17; CSM 10/17)

Fatah Central Comm. convenes its 6th congress--the 1st held in Gaza. 469 mbrs attend, elect 11 to the regional comm. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 10/17 in FBIS 10/19)

Lebanese government, parliament petition Pres. Hrawi to stay on past the 11/24 end of his term due to "national need," paving the way for an extension of his term despite constitutional barriers. (MM 10/16; RL, VOL 10/16 in FBIS 10/16; RL, VOL 10/16 in FBIS 10/17; WT 10/17) (see 9/17)

IDF eases closure on West Bank, Gaza. Individuals may cross border, but Palestinian vehicles may not enter. (MM 10/16; CSM 10/18) (see 10/4)

In Janin, Israeli security forces close down 5 PSF offices, interrogate staffs, saying under the Oslo agmts the PA may open police stations in rural areas, but not official PSF offices. (QY 10/14 in FBIS 10/16)

In the West Bank, Palestinians observe a commercial strike in protest over Israel's refusal to pardon all female prisoners. (QY 10/14 in FBIS 10/17)

Arafat accuses Hamas leaders abroad of blocking Hamas-PA reconciliation. (AFP 10/14 in FBIS 10/16)

While in Malta to receive peace award, Arafat's car is broadsided by a van, damaging the car but causing no injuries. Maltese authorities cannot explain how the van bypassed security measures set up for the motorcade. (WT 10/15)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with Hamas delegation that returned fr. the Sudan 10/7. (NYT 10/13; Al-Hayat, VOP 10/13, MENA 10/15 in FBIS 10/16)

Palestinian People's Party (PPP), formerly the Palestinian Communist party, says it will take part in elections. (QY 10/13 in FBIS 10/16)

Following events 10/10, 10/11, PM Rabin cancels appearance at Saharena celebrations in Ashqelon, fearing he would be prevented fr. speaking by hecklers. Shin Bet notes increasing number of attempts to attack ministers by extreme right-wingers; says it has increased its VIP detail to offer more protection. (YA 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

Egyptian FM Musa says Libya's Col. Qaddafi has agreed to stop expelling Palestinians, only final details of an agmt. of understanding need to be worked out. (NYT 10/13; VOP 10/13 in FBIS 10/16; BT 10/19) (see 10/6)

In Damascus, PLO's Qaddumi meets with FM Shara`, then with Palestinian opposition leaders to discuss implications of the Oslo II agmt., conditions of refugees in Libya, Lebanon. (SARR 10/12 in FBIS 10/13; Al-Hayat, RMC 10/13 in FBIS 10/16)

Peace Now releases figures for Israel's 1995 West Bank housing starts, showing the highest rate of construction since PM Rabin took office in 1992. So far this year there have been 1,398 starts compared with 1,290 for 1994, 980 for 1993, and 6,210 in 1992. Most of the 6,000 West Bank settler homes under construction are nr. Jerusalem. (WT 10/13)

2 Fatah Hawks handcuff, blindfold journalist Samir Al-Kurdi, lead him to the courtyard of Nablus mosque, shoot and wound him, citing "moral offenses." (JP 10/21, 10/28) (see 10/11)

PA arrests 5 Palestinians, incl. security agents, in connection with American Azzam Muhammad Ibrahim Muslih's death in custody 9/29. (WP 10/13; JP 10/21)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb, killing 3 IDF soldiers, wounding 6. (MM 10/13; RL 10/13 in FBIS 10/13; VOL 10/13 in FBIS 10/16) WT 10/16; MM 10/18; JP 10/21, 10/28)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus. (MM 10/10; SARR 10/10 in FBIS 10/10; SARR, SATN 10/10 in FBIS 10/11; MM 10/11; JP 10/21)

Donors' Joint Liaison Comm. (JLC) convenes in Gaza. (VOP 10/10 in FBIS 10/12; PWR 10/16)

IDF withdraws fr. 1st West Bank village, Salfit; starts dismantling training camp in Dotan, nr. Janin. (MM 10/10; VOP 10/10 in FBIS 10/10; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/11; VOP 10/10, QY 10/11 in FBIS 10/11; MM 10/16; BT 10/19; JP 10/21)

Israel begins releasing Palestinian prisoners. 20 Iraqi defectors (see 9/8) are also turned over to PA custody. (MM 10/10; QY 10/10 in FBIS 10/10; IDF Radio, ITV 10/10, QY 10/11 in FBIS 10/11; PR 10/13) (see 10/8)

At a gathering in their honor, immigrants fr. the U.S., other English-speaking countries shout down PM Rabin, prevent him fr. giving his keynote speech for 10 minutes, in protest over his peace policies. (MM 10/11; WT 11/9)

In Damascus, Syrian Pres. Asad's son, Bashar al-Asad, meets with Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hasan Nasrallah to discuss regional political changes, current situation in Lebanon, Israeli occupation of s. Lebanon. (RL 10/11 in FBIS 10/11)

10 IDF reserve soldiers say they will refuse to respond to their call-up orders because the Oslo II agmt. is against their moral beliefs. IDF says refusing to serve is crime, those who ignore their orders will be charged. (QY 10/10 in FBIS 10/10)

Off the coast of s. Lebanon, IDF gunboats fire on Lebanese fishing vessels. (RL 10/10 in FBIS 10/10) (see 9/6)

Israel releases 1 Palestinian female prisoner. 22 others refuse to sign pledges and leave. (WT 10/8; QY 10/8 in FBIS 10/10; MM, NYT, WP 10/9) (see 10/7)

Jordanian Interior Min. approves formation of the Jordanian Unionist Democratic Party. (JTV 10/8 in FBIS 10/11) (see 8/4)

IDF extends closure of West Bank, Gaza until 10/17, fearing attacks during the Sukkoth holiday. (see 10/4)