The Palestine Chronology

PA cabinet approves draft interim agmt. with Israel. (CSM 8/17; JP 8/26) (see 8/11)

In Gaza, Egypt-Israel-Jordan-PA technical comm. on refugees opens 2-day mtg. on 1967 displaced persons. (HA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16; QY 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

In Damascus, PLO's Faruq al-Qaddumi begins 3 days of mtgs. with Syrian officials (incl. FM Faruq al-Shara`), Palestinian opposition leaders fr. DFLP (Nayif Hawatmeh), Fatah (Hani al-Hassan), Hamas (Abu-Muhammad Mustafa), PFLP (George Habash), PFLP-GC, Saiqa; briefs them on his blueprint for political change, discusses rejuvenating the PLO, rallying the PA's opposition in light of the 8/11 agmt. (SARR 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; MM 8/17; Al-Hayat 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; MM 8/18 Al-Hayat 8/18, 8/20 in FBIS 8/25; MM 8/22)

Swedish Dep. FM Mona Sahlin postpones return visit to Israel after Israel again refuses her request to meet with Palestinians in Orient House. (JP 8/26; WT 8/30) (see 5/15)

IDF solider is court-martialed, jailed for refusing to evict Jewish settlers fr. illegal West Bank camp. (QY 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir approves regulation giving responsibility for security inside settlements to Israeli police only, leaving IDF to handle security around settlements and intervene inside only in emergencies. (MA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16) (see 8/6)

Special Israeli ministerial comm. (led by PM Yitzhak Rabin, Police M Moshe Shahal) overrides the orders of Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir, Justice M David Liba'i, extends Shin Bet's authority to use physical force on Palestinian suspects during interrogation for 2 mos. (HA 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; NYT 8/17; JP 8/19, 8/26)

2 Israeli historians announce findings that Israeli troops carried out several mass killings in the Sinai in 1967 in which about 1,000 Egyptian prisoners were killed. (WP, WT 8/18; WP, WT 8/19; NYT, WT 8/21; JP 8/26)

In Gaza, PA arrests 4 Hamas mbrs on charge of plotting an attack inside Israel. IDF extends closure of o.t. begun 8/9 to 8/18. (QY 8/16, IDF Radio 8/17 in FBIS 8/17; MA 8/18 in IL 8/18)

In Tunis, PLO Exec. Comm. opens 2-day mtg. to discuss Oslo B agmt. 10 of 18 mbrs. attend. PLO Dep. Qaddumi, PFLP, DFLP boycott. Fr. Amman, Qaddumi strongly criticizes Oslo B, calls on PLO, Fatah to adopt his alternative draft "Palestinian National Program." (AFP 8/12, AFP, al-Ra'y 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; SA 8/13, RMC, VOP 8/15 in FBIS 8/15; MM 8/15, 8/16; SA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Israel says U.S. Amb. Indyk is pressuring it to include Jordanian companies in the U.S.-Israel BIRD Foundation for research and development of advanced technologies. (YA 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli Police M Shahal warns PA that the East Jerusalem Municipal Council is illegal (see 6/10), Palestinians introducing themselves as mbrs. of the council will be arrested; tells Palestinian bodies operating offices in East Jerusalem to close within 2 wks or police will move against them. (QY 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli police arrest 3 settlers in connection with death of Palestinian 8/13. 250 settlers protest the arrest. (QY 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; CSM 8/15)

In retaliation for attack 8/13, IAF launches 14 strikes against PFLP-GC bases nr. al-Nai'ma, s. Lebanon, injuring 6 civilians. Arab League calls on U.S., Russia to rein in Israel. (QPAR, RE 8/14 in FBIS 8/15; NYT 8/15; SARR 8/15 in FBIS 8/16)

IDF closes West Bank, Gaza until 8/16. (ITV 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

In Damascus, Lebanese PM Hariri, Syrian Pres. Asad discuss coordinating positions for next steps in negotiations with Israel. (RL, SATN 8/12 in FBIS 8/14)

DFLP, PFLP, PFLP-GC denounce Oslo B agmt. (QPAR, RMC 8/12 in FBIS 8/14)

Settlers occupy Palestinian land nr. Ein Areek settlement nr. Ramallah, move in 3 mobile homes, set up check points on road to control access. (PR 8/18)

In Taba, chief negotiators Qurai`, Savir initial draft "partial agreement" on expansion of self-rule though some points are still being discussed by subcomms. This "Oslo B" agmt. includes: area demarcations for West Bank villages and 2d stage of IDF redeployment; timetable for withdrawal fr. most towns, cities; prisoner release; understandings on taxation, amending PLO covenant. Ad-hoc comm. on Hebron to be formed. Water issue deferred to Israel-PA-U.S. comm. Redeployment is to begin next mo. (MM, WP 8/11; QY 8/11 in IL 8/11; FT, HA, IDF Radio, JP, MA, MENA, QY, RE, VOP, YA 8/11 in FBIS 8/11; NYT 8/12; AFP 8/12 in FBIS 8/14; FT 8/14; CSM 8/15; PR 8/18)

Syrian technical mission arrives in Buenos Aires for mtgs. on possible purchase of nuclear material for small reactor to be used for medical purposes. Argentina says it will solidify deal but not make a sale before Syria signs peace agmt. with Israel. (MM 7/14; YA 7/14 in FBIS 7/14; WT 7/23; QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/24; WJW 8/10; SA 8/15 in FBIS 8/16)

100s of settlers reoccupy hill nr. Efrat from which they were evicted 7/31. (WP 8/12)

FM Peres meets with Arafat before, after PA-Israeli "drafting comm." mtg. Both say they are closer to reaching preliminary self-rule agmt. Meanwhile, 10 comms meet in Elat to work out differences on specific issues blocking a final agmt. (MM, WT 8/10; AFP, ITV, MENA, QY, VOP 8/10, VOP 8/11 in FBIS 8/11)

2d group of 150 Palestinians is deported fr. Libya. Libya says it will continue expelling Palestinians to the self-rule areas via Egypt. PA says it has no agmt. with Libya to accept the deportees but PA, Israel have agreed to let them into Gaza. [Over the past 2 days, some 2,500 Egyptians have also been expelled. There are 40,000 Palestinians, 800,000-900,000 Egyptians in Libya.] (AFP, MENA 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; MM 8/11; PR 8/18) (see 8/9)

Jordan gives asylum to Iraqi defectors Lt. Gen. Hussein Kamel Hassan, Lt. Col. Saddam Kamel Hassan (both sons-in-law of Pres. Saddam Hussein), their families, 15 other army officers. Lt. Gen. Kamel headed Iraq's weapons program; Lt. Col. Kamel was chief of security. (NYT, WP, WT 8/11; CSM 8/14)

PA police arrest 5 Hamas mbrs. in Gaza, IDF arrests 17 West Bank Palestinians; all are accused of plotting attacks for Hamas. IDF orders West Bank, Gaza closure extended until 8/13. (QY 8/10 in FBIS 8/10; YA 8/11 in IL 8/11; WP 8/12) (see 8/9)

In Taba, PA, Israel modify zones defined 6/17, accepted 6/27: Zone A will include only Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqiliyya; Zone B will include Ramallah, Bethlehem as well as villages, refugee camps; Zone C remains the same. PA also gives Israel a working paper proposing 3-stage prisoner release. (MM 8/9; QY 8/9 in FBIS 8/9)

200 Palestinians are deported fr. Libya, sent on busses through Egypt to Rafah checkpoint at Gaza border. (AFP, MENA 8/10 in FBIS 8/11)

Based on information received fr. the PA, IDF closes West Bank, Gaza until 8/11, citing security precautions. (ITV 8/9 in FBIS 8/10; WT 8/10; YA 8/11 in IL 8/11)

Settlers set up makeshift camp on 25 acres of land nr. Carmel Zur settlement nr. Hebron. 100s of Palestinians protest, clash with IDF soldiers. (PR 8/18)

Tel Aviv District Court charges Israeli-Arab Muhammad al-Mu`ati Hajj Abdallah, a Shin Bet operative, with offering the PA his services as a double agent. (QY 8/9 in FBIS 8/9)

Arafat, Peres continue talks in Taba. PA, Israel agree on timetable for Israeli withdrawal fr. parts of the West Bank after PA agrees to allow IDF until 2/97 to complete redeployment. IDF would withdraw fr. some towns 6 mos after elections, give up control of roads 1 yr. after elections (which would ideally be held in 12/95). (MM 8/8; VOP 8/8 in FBIS 8/8; MENA, QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; CSM, NYT, WT 8/9; WT 8/10)

In more than 20 Israeli cities, settlers block roads during rush hour, clash with Israeli police in their 1st protests inside the Green Line against expanded Palestinian self-rule. 130 are arrested; primary organizer Moshe Reiglin is fined IS10,000 ($3,300). (MM 8/8; QY 8/8 in IL 8/8; QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; MM, NYT, WT 8/9; WT 8/10; PR 8/18)

In the West Bank, settlers set up encampments nr. Alfe Menashe, Hebron, Elon Moreh, Ofra, al-Nabi Samu'il bringing to 15 the number of new sites occupied by right-wing Jews in recent days. (QY 8/8, 8/9 in FBIS 8/9)

PM Rabin holds follow-up mtg. settler leaders (see 8/4), refuses their request to see maps of the planned IDF redeployment fr. the West Bank. Leaders vow to continue antigovernment protests. (MM 8/8; QY 8/8 in IL 8/8; Davar 8/8 in FBIS 8/8; QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; MM 8/10)

5 dissident PFLP-GC mbrs hold reconciliation talks with Arafat; ask him to allow 100 PFLP-GC mbrs. to return to Gaza, hold mtg. to oust Ahmad Jibril as leader. Arafat says he will consider the request. (AFP 8/8 in FBIS 8/9)

U.S. formally arrests Hamas's Abu Marzuq, begins extradition proceedings that could result in his being deported to Israel on charges of terrorism, conspiracy to commit murder. (NYT, WP 8/9; WT 8/10) (see 7/31)

Under new media law (see 7/18), PA closes Hamas's al-Watan and an Islamic Jihad's al-Istiqlal for criticizing Arafat, printing material "against the Palestinian Authority" that harms the PA's relations with Arab states, leaking photo of Arafat's baby to the French press. (AFP 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; MM, WT 8/7; PR 8/11)

In Gaza, Arafat receives Israeli Arab Front delegation, discusses peace process, future of Israeli settlements. Front voices support for Arafat, PA. (VOP 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

PM Rabin, Police M Shahal, Justice M Liba'i, Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir, reps of the police, IDF, Shin Bet meet, decide police only will be used to handle protesting settlers; IDF will be called in as needed. (MM 8/7; MA 8/7 in FBIS 8/7; MA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Arab League passes resolution condemning Israel's 8/2 decision on Temple Mount/al-Aqsa mosque. (MENA 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

Israeli police open Temple Mount/al-Aqsa courtyard to Jews but then close site to all after sensing tensions with Palestinians. 100s of Jews overrun police barriers, try to force their way in, clash with police and Palestinians. Area will be closed until 8/7. (QY 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; CSM, WP 8/7; HA 8/7 in IL 8/7; PR 8/11; JP 8/12) (see 8/2)

In Ramallah, Fatah, Peace Now agree to wage joint media campaign to promote the peace process. (Davar 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

Several mbrs of the House, headed by Rep. Nick Rahall, fly to Lebanon in effort to end U.S. travel ban. (WT 8/4)

At close of 2d full wk. of intensive negotiations, PA, Israel are still far apart on timetable for redeployment, water rights, security arrangements, control over state land, participation of Jerusalem residents in elections, future of Hebron, electricity; will resume talks 8/7. (CSM 8/4; VOP 8/4 in FBIS 8/8; WT 8/6)

PM Rabin meets with 8 settler leaders in effort to prevent further protests, schedules follow-up mtg. for 8/8. (MM 8/4; QY 8/4 in FBIS 8/4; PR 8/11) (see 7/10)

Jordanian Democratic Progressive Party, Jordanian Socialist Democratic Party, Jordanian Arab Democratic Party merge to form new group: the Jordanian Unionist Democratic Party. (JT 8/4 in FBIS 8/4)

Clinton's antiterrorism bill gets hung up in the Judiciary Comm. over bipartisan fears of government intrusion in the personal lives of citizens. Final version may not reach Clinton until early 10/95. (WP 8/6) (see 4/6, 6/20)

PA, Israel halt talks in the water, electricity comms 1 day early because they have made no progress; will resume talks 8/7. (VOP 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

Israel reports that trade with Egypt rose 162% in the 1st 6 mos of 1995. (JP 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

After forcibly removing 500 settlers fr. 2 sites they had reclaimed since 7/31, 8/1 evictions, Israeli police, IDF, Pres. Weizman convince the 500 to suspend protests for 3 days. Meanwhile 800 other settlers take over site nr. Kedumim settlement, Ramallah, and are evicted. (MM, WT 8/3; QY 8/3 in FBIS 8/3; HA 8/3 in IL 8/3; QY 8/3 in FBIS 8/4; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/4)

In Jenin, IDF raids Iman nursery school, run by Islamic Waqf, confiscates administrative papers. (PR 8/11)

In Elat, Israel, PA reopen talks on transfer of authority that were suspended after 7/24 bombing; again divide into 4 comms (see 7/16); also discuss release of security prisoners. Israel reopens borders with West Bank, Gaza. (NYT 7/30; CSM, MM, WP, WT 7/31; QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; VOP 7/31 in FBIS 8/1; MEI, PR 8/4)

Syrian FM al-Shara` denies Israeli accusations Syria has backtracked on its negotiating positions; claims Gens. Shahak, Shihabi had agreed on an aerial- and satellite-based early warning system with no ground posts, meaning Israel is the one that has changed positions; says talks btwn. military advisers can resume if an agenda on security arrangements is agreed upon. (MM 7/31)

By consensus, UN mbrs. (incl., Israel, U.S.) permit Arafat to speak with other heads of states at 50th anniversary commemorative session to be held 10/22. Arafat draws earlier time slot than Rabin in lottery to determine order of speakers. (WT 7/31; MM 8/7) (see 7/5)

Israel makes 1st Arrow-2 missile launch test. Officials say missile could be deployed within 18 mos. The project has cost $500 m. so far, is expected to total $1.2 b.--mostly paid by the U.S. (QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; WT 8/2; WJW 8/3)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah mbrs. ambush IDF convoy, killing 1 soldier, wounding 2. IDF, SLA shell Hizballah positions n. of self-declared security zone in response. (ITV, VOL 7/30, RL 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; CSM, MM, WP 7/31)

Israeli legal experts say Israel does not have enough evidence to press charges against Hamas's Abu Marzuq. Israel's Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir advises against extradition. (YA 7/30, IDF Radio 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; MM 7/31)

In Tel Aviv, PA Planning M Shaath, Israeli Economics M Beilin agree to coordinate their economic planning activities, discuss plans for joining electricity grids. (MM 7/28; HA 7/30 in FBIS 7/31)

PM Rabin asks U.S. to turn over Hamas figure Abu Marzuq but concedes lack of evidence to prosecute him on fundraising, terrorism charges. U.S. doubts Israel will file formal extradition request because doing so would raise tensions in negotiations with PA. PA, Hamas denounce Abu Marzuq's detention. (QPAR 7/28, QPAR, QY, RMC 7/29, AFP, YA 7/30 in FBIS 7/31; NYT, WP, WT 7/29; MM, NYT, WP 7/31)

In Washington, U.S. Secy. of State Christopher meets with Syrian Amb. Mu`allim, says Israel seeks concrete proposals fr. Syria before resuming talks. (QY 7/28 in FBIS 8/1)

Despite heated debates, lower house of Jordanian parliament passes legislation (51-21) overturning 3 laws that treat Israel as an enemy state; refers new legislation to finance, judiciary comms for recommendation to upper house. (MM 6/29; RJ, SARR 7/26, JT 7/27 in FBIS 7/27; MM 7/27; MEI 8/4) (see 7/20)

In 59-59 tie vote, PM Rabin's governing coalition defeats Kahalani bill that would have required special 70-MK majority for withdrawal fr. Golan. Conservative MKs complain that U.S. amb. Indyk lobbied MKs to vote against the measure; U.S. embassy, Shas's Deri deny it. (MM 7/26; ITV 7/25, IDF Radio, QY, YA 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/27; CSM 8/2; WJW 8/3; MEI 8/4; JP 8/5) (see 9/7/94, 5/1) (see 7/25)

In Jerusalem, 4 settlers open fire on Faisal Husseini's house, stone Palestinians' cars, shoot at nearby homes. Damage, but no casualties, reported. Israel police capture 3 suspects. (VOP 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; ITV, RMC 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Reversing his 7/16 decision, PM Rabin promises Rachel's tomb will remain under full Israeli control, Jews will have access to Machapela Cave (Hebron), Joseph's tomb (Nablus), comm. of MKs fr. religious parties will be set up to advise Israeli negotiators on holy sites in West Bank. (MM 7/25; JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/25; MA, QY 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; JP 8/5)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk holds prescheduled mtg. with MKs Arye Deri, David Levi, Moshe Qatzav, Nisim Zvili, Gedalya Gal. (MM 7/26; HA 7/28 in FBIS 7/30)

At Tulkarm checkpoint, Palestinian workers upset by delays in entering Israel despite their permits begin riot. IDF shoots, wounds 2. (PR 8/4)

PA police arrest 20 Hamas mbrs. in connection with 7/24 attack. (AFP 7/25 in FBIS 7/26)

Knesset approves establishment of 1-man breakaway faction fr. Moledet named Right of Israel. Party head MK Sha'ul Gutman will keep his seat, likely align with Kach. (JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/26) (see 7/19)

U.S. immigration (INS) officials detain, strip search Hamas mbr. Abu Marzuq, his wife, and 6 children on entry to the U.S. at Kennedy airport. While out of the country, Abu Marzuq, a permanent U.S. resident who has lived in Virginia for 14 yrs., was placed on the INS terrorism watch list on suspicion of being a Hamas decision maker, fund-raiser for Hamas. He may either be tried in the U.S., extradited to Israel (if requested), or deported to the UAE (his point of departure for the U.S.). (WP 7/27; NYT, WT 7/28; MEI 8/4) (see 5/31)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA mbr. killed, 3 wounded when Hizballah mbrs. detonate roadside bomb.

Nr. Tel Aviv, suicide bomber kills 5 Israelis, injures 33 in bus bombing, marking 1st attack inside Israel since 1/22. Hamas is suspected. IDF seals Gaza, West Bank. PM Rabin temporarily halts negotiations but vows they will continue; both sides suggest continuing talks outside Israel. (MM 8/25; IDF Radio, QPAR, QY, SARR, VOP 7/24 in FBIS 7/24; QY, VOP 7/24 in FBIS 7/25; CSM, FT, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/25; NYT, WT 7/26; CSM, WJW 7/27; PR 7/28; MEI 8/4; JP 8/5) (see 7/12)

PA demands return of part of the Golan to Palestinian control in bid to improve their position in water negotiations with Israel; says Syria gave area to PLO in 1964. Unofficially, Syria disputes this, saying the Arab League gave the area to Syria after the 1948 war, sovereignty was affirmed under 1949 armistice agmt. (AFP 7/24 in FBIS 7/26; MM 7/25; VOP 7/26 in FBIS 7/27; AFP 7/26 in FBIS 7/28; MM 7/31)

At Erez checkpoint, PA Social Affairs M Intisar al-Wazir, Israeli Labor and Welfare M Ora Namir hold 1st talks on ways of cooperating on labor, social security, welfare; discuss economic importance of Palestinians working in Israel. (QY 7/24 in FBIS 7/25)

UN endorses 6-mo. extension of UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon but recommends 10% cut in size. (WT 7/26; RL 7/29 in FBIS 7/31)

Israeli Civil Administration gives eviction order to settlers occupying Givat Hatamar hill nr. Efrat. (QY 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Israel releases 3 Americans detained 7/22. (WP 7/25)

Suha Arafat gives birth to baby girl, Zahwa, in Paris. (NYT, WT 7/25; WSJ 7/26; MM 7/27; PR 7/28)

PA Economics M Qurai` says 7/25 target date for signing accord will be missed, intensive talks will continue; cites water, redeployment, security as major sticking points. (WT 7/23; CSM, NYT 7/24)

At weekly PA cabinet mtg., Planning M Shaath says Israel has agreed to release 2,541 Palestinian prisoners in 2 groups: 1st when interim agmt. is signed, 2d 2 mos later. 2,200 of those prisoners will be Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. (VOP 7/22 in FBIS 7/24) (see 7/20)

Israeli Civil Administration expropriates 18 dunums of Palestinian farm land nr. Jenin for construction of military bases following IDF redeployment. (HA 7/23 in FBIS 7/26)

IDF detains 3 American peace activists after they force open gates to the Islamic College of Hebron. Army reseals gates, which were welded shut following Palestinian antioccupation demonstrations in 1988. (WP, WT 7/23; JP 7/29)

Israel, PA close 5 days of mtgs to draft transfer of authority accord. FM Peres says sides have reached "very important understandings," made progress on water, redeployment issues; PA officials say 19 points of dispute remain. Israel says it will free up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners at the signing of the agmt., hopefully to occur 7/25. (MM 7/20; ITV, VOP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; WT 7/21; WP 7/22; CSM 7/24)

Jordanian parliament's joint legal comm. endorses (by vote of 17-3) draft legislation that will formally end Jordan's role in the Israeli boycott. The bill will be up for parliamentary vote later this mo. (RJ 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; NYT 7/21) (see 6/28)

Palestinian-Israeli, Jordanian businessmen close 3-day mtg. in Amman; agree to focus on 3 areas of cooperation: exporting Jordanian products to Israel, producing goods in Jordan to Israeli specifications for the Israeli market or for export to 3d countries via established Israeli networks, sharing Israeli technology. (JT 7/20 in FBIS 7/20; RJ 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

Israeli police arrest 11 Palestinians, accusing them of working for the PA's Preventative Security Force (PSF) in East Jerusalem. (QY 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

In Alexandria, Arafat, Pres. Mubarak, FM Peres discuss transfer of authority negotiations; agree to divide accord on 2d stage of DOP into 2 agmts: 1st dealing with points of accord (to precede elections), 2d with differences (to be discussed later). (MM, WT 7/19; RE, VOP 7/19 in FBIS 7/19; ITV, MENA, QY, VOP 7/19, JP, QY 7/20 in FBIS 7/20; MM 7/20; HA 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; al-Quds 7/20 in FBIS 7/25; PR 7/28)

One day after PA prohibits coverage of "security issues," Al-Quds cancels series of articles on how Palestinian informers for Israel have infiltrated the PLO, apologizes for running 1st installment. (WT 6/20)

Israel's Moledet party merges with Tehiya to become Moledet, Tenu'at Ne'emney Eretz Yisra'el Yotz'ey Hatehiya [Movement of Eretz Yisra'el Faithful Formerly of Tehiya]. (QY 7/19 in FBIS 7/20)

2,000 settlers hold antigovernment protest outside hotel in Zichron Ya'acov where PA, Israel are holding talks. (HA 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

Sharp differences emerge in PA-Israeli water talks. PA wants decision on water included in agmt. on transfer of authority. Israel is willing to discuss water distribution quotas only, says all other water issues must be set aside until final status talks. (QY 7/18 in FBIS 7/18; ITV, VOP 7/18 in FBIS 7/19; WT 7/19; CSM 7/20)

In Amman, 300 Jordanian, Palestinian-Israeli businessmen open 1st 3-day executive mtg. on reestablishing trade links, defining areas of cooperation. King Hussein, Crown Prince Hassan, FM Kabariti address opening banquet. (JT, JTV 7/19 in FBIS 7/20)

In Amman, Shas party head Arye Deri leads 24-mbr. delegation in talks on Jordan-Israel peace with King Hussein. (JTV 7/18, al-Hayat 7/19 in FBIS 7/19)

PA passes law restricting media coverage of "security issues," prohibiting reports that harm "national unity," requiring publishers to print retractions of any information contested by the PA. (HA 7/19 in FBIS 7/21; WT 7/20; PR 7/28)

Knesset swears in Yossi Beilin as M of Economy and Planning, Ehud Baraq as M of the Interior. (MM 7/17, 7/18; QY 7/18 in FBIS 7/19)

Israeli teenagers are found shot dead in the West Bank, nr. Wadi Kelt in 1st deadly attack since 4/9 bombing. PFLP takes responsibility. 10s of settlers block road outside PM Rabin's office, chanting "We want revenge!" (QY 7/18, MA 7/19 in FBIS 7/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/19; AFP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; PR 7/28)

PM Rabin says Syria is proposing that an ambassadors mtg. be held with military experts on site to participate as needed; calls this a violation of the 4-stage U.S. formula that Israel, Syria agreed to 3/22; says Israel will continue ambassadorial talks but will not allow Rabinovitch to discuss detailed security issues. (QY 7/17 in FBIS 7/17; QY 7/17 in FBIS 7/18; MM 7/18, 7/20)

Arafat receives Cypriot FM Alexandros Mikhailidhis, discusses Cypriot role in monitoring Palestinian elections. (VOP 7/17 in FBIS 7/20)

With PM Rabin's consent, settlers move 1st 6 of 18 mobile homes onto Hazayit hill nr. Efrat. 12 other families occupy empty apartments in Kiryat Arba to "stake their claim" before the IDF redeploys. (JP 7/18 in FBIS 7/18) (see 7/13)

Israel, PA begin intensive, week-long negotiations to finalize West Bank deal by 7/25. In Zichron Ya'acov, 150 Israeli, Palestinian negotiators break into 4 negotiating committees (on redeployment and security, water, elections, transfer of authority) to begin drafting self-rule accord. (WT 7/16; QY, VOP 7/16 in FBIS 7/17; CSM, MM, NYT 7/17)

PM Rabin announces that partial control for Jewish religious sites such as Rachel's tomb in Bethlehem, Joseph's tomb in Nablus, the Altar of Joshua on Mount Ebal, the Herodian mountain, the Qumran caves, other archaeological sites in West Bank eventually will be turned over to the PA. PA will have total control of access roads to the sites. (QY 7/16 in FBIS 7/17; MM 7/17; WJW 7/20) (see 7/10)

Israeli cabinet meets to discuss methods of financing redeployment, projected costs. (QY 7/16 in FBIS 7/18)

Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk meets with Syrian FM al-Shara` in Damascus, discusses bilateral relations, peace process. (SARR 7/16 in FBIS 7/17; MM 7/17)

Israeli Dep. DM Gur, best known for capturing Temple Mount fr. Jordan during the 1967 war, commits suicide nr. Tel Aviv. He was suffering fr. inoperable cancer. (QY 7/16 in FBIS 7/17; MM, WT 7/17, JP 7/22)

Syria says it will not send military chief of staff Gen. Shihabi to upcoming talks with Israel in Washington unless Israel drops demands for early warning station on the Golan, use of IDF soldiers in a multilateral observer force. FM Peres says talks have reached a crisis point, fault lays entirely with Syrians. (MM 7/17; CSM 7/17, 7/18; WJW 7/20; JP 7/22)

In East Jerusalem, Austrian Secy. of State Benita-Maria Gerrero-Waldner attends opening of clinic build with Austrian funds, visits Orient House; says she supports PA demands for sovereignty over East Jerusalem, has no plans of mtg. with Israeli officials. (QY 7/15 in FBIS 7/20)

IMF Dep. Dir. Stanley Fischer says Israel no longer needs financial aid, would serve itself better by demonstrating economic independence; notes Israel has had greater export growth since 1948 than Japan. (JP 7/15)

U.S. envoy Ross makes unexpected return trip to Damascus to meet with FM al-Shara`, unsuccessfully tries to set date and agenda of next round of Syrian-Israeli military talks. (MM 7/13; MBC, SARR 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/14)

PA charge d'affaires to Jordan `Umar al-Khatib announces Israel, PA have agreed that "PA nationals" abroad, whose travel permits were valid when they left but have expired, may return to the PA areas at any time without having to renew the permits, no matter how long they were abroad. (al-Ra'y 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Delegates fr. Egypt, the EU, Israel, Jordan, the PA hold land transport infrastructure working group mtg. in Amman; discuss need for regional highway system, construction of bridges in Jordan. (JTV 7/13 in FBIS 7/18)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. and frmr. top negotiator Mahmud Abbas meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss the Palestinian stand on negotiations with Israel. (VOP 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Heads of 4 leading U.S. rabbinical movements present Congress mbrs. with signatures of 600 U.S. rabbis supporting continued aid to the PLO. (MM 7/14)

Israeli Civil Administration appoints Lt. Col. Barukh Nagar, convicted several yrs ago of attacking 2 Palestinians, as governor of Hebron. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

PM Rabin says hill nr. Efrat occupied by settlers 7/12 has been zoned for settlement for more than a yr., says he will approve requests that mobile homes be set up at the site. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Hamas-PFLP coalition wins al-Najah student elections by vote of 43-28, marking 1st time in 14 yrs. that Fatah has lost the election. (PR 7/28)

Jordanian FMin. says FM Kabariti has held several mtgs. with the Kuwaiti charge d'affaires in Amman, numerous Jordanian officials have met with their Kuwaiti counterparts in an attempt to normalize relations, which soured during the Gulf War. (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Israel, PA reach tentative accord on transfer of West Bank agriculture, labor, local administration spheres; agree to table water issues for now. (CSM 7/13)

Israel, PA scrap idea of moving talks fr. Egypt to Italy because of Egypt's protests, Arafat's strong preference to keep negotiations in the region; say talks will resume in Egypt or Israel 7/14. PA Economic M Qurai` thanks Italy for hosting "three sessions of negotiations [that] have taken place in Italy in recent days, far from the media"--leading to speculation secret talks are being held. (QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; AFP, VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; AFP 7/13 in FBIS 7/17; al-Majd 7/17 in FBIS 7/18) (see 7/10, 7/11)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross holds follow-up mtg. with Syrian FM al-Shara`; returns to Israel, briefs PM Rabin; meets with Arafat in Gaza, assures him U.S. attaches importance to the conclusion of an agmt. on the next stage of self rule. (SARR 7/12, QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/13; al-Hayat 7/14 in FBIS 7/17)

Arafat meets with Russian charge d'affaires on Russia's decision to open a liaison mission to the PA; briefs Turkish consul general on current status of talks with Israel. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat meets with EU rep. Thomas Dupla about EU supervision of elections; briefs U.S. Consul Gen. Abington on latest events in the peace process. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

15 prominent Orthodox rabbis call on IDF soldiers to disobey any orders to redeploy, remove army bases fr. the West Bank. PM Rabin says appeal is a call for "anarchy," asks atty. gen. to see whether rabbis should be prosecuted. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; MM, NYT, WP 7/13; CSM, WT 7/14; CSM 7/17; WJW 7/20; MEI 7/21; JP 7/22)

Shin Bet tells PM Rabin that Hamas has shown no signs of trying to carry out attacks for 3 wks, they suspect the slowdown is a product of Hamas aspirations to take part in elections. (IDF Radio 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

In keeping with call by settler leaders 7/10, 100s of settlers block West Bank highway, try to move trailers into Hazayit hill to expand Efrat settlement; 42 are arrested by IDF. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; NYT 7/13; JP 7/22)

In Cairo, PA, Israel open 4-day mtg. on transfer of authority. Subcommittees will focus on communications, electricity, water. (MENA 7/6 in FBIS 7/6; MENA 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

PA says Economics M Qurai`, Israel's FM Dir. Gen. Savir are holding a special security comm. mtg. in Rome; a 2d comm., headed by PA's Shaath, is negotiating a prisoner release at an unnamed location. (MENA 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross, NSC adviser Mark Parris meet with Syrian Pres. Asad, transmit Israeli concerns about s. Lebanon. Asad expresses reservations about procedural matters, sending military advisers to next talks with Israel; accepts idea of ground early warning posts manned by international (non-Israeli) forces. (SARR 7/10, 7/11 in FBIS 7/11; MM 7/11; SARR 7/11 in FBIS 7/12; MM 7/14; WJW 7/20)

In Jerusalem, U.S. special envoy Ross meets with Israeli leaders, incl. PM Rabin, to prepare for 2d phase of talks btwn. Syrian, Israeli military experts. Ross also participates in a PA-Israeli session on redeployment at an undisclosed location. (MM 7/10; MENA, QY 7/10 in FBIS 7/10; CSM 7/11; al-Hayat 7/14 in FBIS 7/17)

Syria says Ross visit must achieve "progress in the right direction" on 4 demands if military experts are to join the next round of talks in Washington: Israeli withdrawal to 1967 border; no Israeli early warning sites on Syrian territory; equal and balanced security arrangements; Israeli withdrawal before normalization. (MM 7/10)

Israel, PA say they will move talks on widening self-rule to a military base in Florence, Italy this week; hope that keeping talks out of the limelight will help them reach an accord by 7/25. (NYT 7/11; WT 7/12)

PM Rabin, FM Peres tell cabinet mbrs. they are planning to set up 18 PA police stations in areas under IDF control, transfer responsibility for several religious sites to the PA. (ITV 7/10 in FBIS 7/11)

Australian FM Evans meets with FM Peres, insists Israel back down from its positions on Jerusalem, NPT. Peres says requests are "totally out of the question." (QY 7/10, HA 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

PM Rabin meets with right-wing settler leaders to discuss transfer of power in the West Bank to the PA, guarantees their security under any agmt. Settlers threaten civil insurrection; make plans to "lay siege" to Rabin's office, permanently block roads in West Bank, clash with PA police at every opportunity. (WT 7/12; JP 7/22)

U.S. Senate delegation, accompanied by U.S. Consul Gen. Edward Abington, visits Arafat, discusses status of talks with Israel. Arafat then briefs Australian FM Gareth Evans on negotiations, the economy, Australia's role in international presence following expansion of self-rule. (VOP 7/9, 7/11 in FBIS 7/11)

50 Palestinians are wounded when they try to stop IDF bulldozers fr. clearing land for a joint Israeli-PA liaison office in the West Bank. (CSM 7/10)

VP Gore reverses decision to hire part-time speechwriter Richard Marius full-time after New Republic editor Martin Peretz protests Marius's 1992 book review that was critical of Israel; says hiring Marius could be a political embarrassment. (WP 7/19; MEI 8/4; WJW 8/10)

Israeli negotiator Savir says Israel will keep control of West Bank security after it redeploys. (WT 7/9)

5 Palestinians, 1 Israeli wounded in clashes in Jenin, Jerusalem. (WT 7/9)

IDF fires antipersonnel shells at alleged Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon, killing 3 Lebanese children, wounding 5. UN protests use of the shells, which are banned by international conventions. (CSM, WT 7/10; QY, RL 7/9, IDF Radio 7/10 in FBIS 7/10; MM 7/10; RL 7/11 in FBIS 7/11; JP 7/15; MEI 7/21)

In Cairo, mtg. of the technical comm. on refugees closes without any progress. (VOP 7/6 in FBIS 7/11)

Israeli Interior Min. reports that an unprecedented number of Jerusalem Arabs are requesting Israeli citizenship: 687 heads of households in 1st 6 mos of 1995 in comparison with 430 in all of 1994; 260 in 1993; 170 in 1992. (JP 7/6 in FBIS 7/6)

Palestinian prisoners end hunger strike after an announcement that the Israel-PA deal extending self-rule in the West Bank will include a staged prisoner release. (VOP 7/6 in FBIS 7/6; PR 7/9; QY 7/9 in FBIS 7/10; CSM, WP, WT 7/10)

Settlers block Qalqiliyya-Nablus road, move mobile homes onto hill nr. Kedumim settlement in protest over planned IDF redeployment. (MM 6/7)

IDF raids Jenin Waqf office, confiscates alleged Hamas material. (QY 7/9 in FBIS 7/12)

FM Peres says 7/4 agmt. calls for phased Israeli pullout fr. West Bank over 2 yrs, starting with 4 towns (Jenin, Nablus, Qalqiliyya, Tulkarm), adding Ramallah, Bethlehem after bypass roads are built; elections to be held end of 1995. PA official says initial pullout will begin 4 wks after agmt. is signed, end 25 days before elections. IDF would temporarily pullout of Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah during voting. PLO will amend charter. Peres warns 7/25 date for signing agmt. might be delayed several wks. Israel's Savir, PA's Qurai` meet in Jerusalem to compose subcomms. to address individual issues. (MM 7/5; HA, VOP 7/5 in FBIS 7/6; WP, WSJ, WT 7/6; PR 7/9) (see 6/27)

In Cairo, technical comm. on Palestinian refugees opens 2d mtg. (MENA 7/4 in FBIS 7/5)=

Arafat, UN Sec. Gen. Butros Butros Ghali meet in Jericho to discuss international presence, joint Israeli-PA patrols in West Bank during interim phase, possibility of Arafat speaking at UN's 50th anniversary conference. (VOP 7/6 in FBIS 7/7)

Addressing the Israeli-American Chamber of Commerce in Tel Aviv, U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk demands Israel abolish import barriers that discriminate against U.S. imports; notes that, while the U.S. gives Israel $3 b./yr. in loans, grants, $10 b./5 yrs in loan guarantees as incentive to by U.S. products, Israel last yr. ran $1-b. trade surplus with the U.S. and a $7.5-b. trade deficit with the EU. (MM, WSJ 7/6; MM 8/2)

In protest over 7/4 agmt., Jewish settlers begin work on new 600 unit West Bank settlement 6 miles w. of Ramallah. (WT 7/6)

100s of women march in Ramallah, demanding Israel free Palestinian prisoners. Clashes erupt with Israeli border police. (WP 7/6)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin arrives in Russia for talks aimed at dissuading Russia fr. concluding nuclear arms deal with Iran. (QY 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)