The Palestine Chronology

In Cairo, reps. fr. the Arab League, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, the OIC, the PA, Syria end wk.-long mtg. on Israeli policies toward the Palestinians, peace process. (JT 12/31 in WNC 1/2)

In Cairo, PA Planning M Shaath briefs Egyptian FM Musa, Mubarak adviser Osama Baz on the peace process. (MENA 12/30 in WNC 1/1)

Jordan says that the experimental stage during which Israeli planes use the Aqaba airport is proceeding well, both sides are satisfied with results. (al-Dustur 12/30 in WNC 1/1)

Ramadan begins. (WP, WT 12/31)

5 mos. after it was submitted, Arafat accepts the Executive Authority's (EA) resignation. No date for cabinet reshuffle is set. (NYT, WP, WT 12/30; CSM 1/2; JP 1/10) (see 12/23)

Israeli Infrastructures M Sharon again tours West Bank, this time presenting his FRD plan to local settlers' group. (ITV 12/29 in WNC 1/1) (see 12/28)

Jordan's State Security Court sentences 4 Jordanians linked with the Islamist group Bay'at al-Imam, to terms ranging 10+n15 yrs. of hard labor for plotting attacks on Israel. A 5th suspect is still being tried in a separate court. (JT 12/30 in WNC 1/1) (see 8/8)

Jordan, Iraq sign oil cooperation accord. (RJ 12/29, al-Ra'i 12/30 in WNC 1/1; MM 1/5)

Bomb explodes in Ba'albeck, Lebanon, killing 1 woman, wounding her husband, child. (VOL 12/30 in WNC 1/1)

In Cairo, Damascus Declaration states (6 GCC states plus Egypt, Syria) open 2-day mtg. on formation of an Arab common market, creation of free trade zone among mbr. states. (MENA, RE 12/28 in WNC 1/1)

Group of Israeli cyclists on 2-day tour of Jordan to show support for the 10/94 Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty stop at the Saudi Arabian border, hand border guards letter to King Fahd, calling on Saudi Arabia to make peace with Israel. (JT 12/28 in WNC 1/1)

Palestinian Council (PC) suspends its session, gives Arafat 1 wk. to carry out reforms, cabinet reshuffle called in its a PC 5-mo.-old corruption report. (NYT, WP 12/30; CSM 1/2; JP 1/10)

Netanyahu, several Ms tour the West Bank to study security problems related to FRD. (MM 12/23)

Jordan, Israel hold talks on Jordanian-Israeli-PA economic relations. (RJ 12/23, JT 12/26 in WNC 12/29; WT 12/24; RJ 12/27 in WNC 1/1)

Chinese FM Qichen spends day in PA self-rule areas; meets with Arafat, Planning M Shaath; reaffirms China's support for creation of Palestinian state. (Xinhua [Beijing] 12/24 in WNC 12/29).

Arafat, his wife Suha light Christmas tree in Bethlehem to open holiday celebrations. (WP 12/24)

Donor's 2-day Consultative Group mtg. opens in Paris, reviews PA's Palestinian Development Program for 1998+n2000. (PR 12/19, 1/2)

The Israeli cabinet begins debate on ministerial team proposals for size of area to be retained by Israel in a final agmt., reaches no conclusion. Netanyahu criticizes EU, U.S. for pressuring Israel on FRD issue. During the cabinet session, 100s of West Bank settlers protest government willingness to discuss FRD. (ITV 12/14 in WNC 12/16; CSM, MM, NYT 12/15)

Asst. Secy. of State Indyk meets with PM Netanyahu; holds 2d mtg. with Israeli DM Mordechai, focuses on Iran's missile development program; then heads to Jordan, meets with Crown Prince Hasan. (RJ 12/14, QY 12/15 in WNC 12/16; MA 12/15 in WNC 12/17)

Iranian pres. Muhammad Khatami calls for dialogue with the U.S. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/15; MA, QY, YA 12/15 in WNC 12/16; MEI 12/19)

As part of a bid to win Pollard's release, Netanyahu sends letter of support to Pollard, stating "the entire nation is concerned by your continued imprisonment." Some senior Israeli FMin. officials reportedly disapprove of the "festival of ministerial visits" to Pollard. (WP, WT 12/15; WJW 12/18) (see 12/12)

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan makes unscheduled visit to Ramallah via Jordan to meet with Arafat. Israel denied a visa to Farrakhan, who is on a 52-nation world tour, unless he publicly apologizes for past declarations viewed as anti-Semitic by Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 12/15; NYT, WP, WT 12/16; WJW 12/18; WT 12/22)

Israeli ministerial team on FRD meets. (MM 12/11; YA 12/12 in WNC 12/15) (see 12/7)

OIC summit closes, issues final statement calling for solidarity with the Palestinian people; denouncing Israeli "state terrorism," stating that "the killing of innocent people is forbidden by Islam." Iran releases 2 Jordanian POWs fr. the 1980+n88 Iran-Iraq war into Crown Prince Hasan's custody as a thanks for attending the conference. (MM 12/11; WT 12/12; MENA 12/12, JT 12/15 IN WNC 12/16; MEI, PR 12/19)

Daniel Kurtzer is sworn in as the new U.S. amb. to Egypt. (WJW 1/1; JP 1/3; al-Ahram 1/7 in WNC 1/10)

PA Central Bureau of Statistics begins its 1st census of the West Bank, Gaza, expected to last 15 days. After determining that existing legislation did not prevent PA census taking in East Jerusalem, Israel quickly pushes legislation through Knesset banning any Palestinian "activity in East Jerusalem bearing a governmental and political character and which is inconsistent with the sovereignty of the state of Israel," arrests at least 1 census taker. (MM 12/10; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/11; PR 12/12; MA 12/12 in WNC 12/16; MEI, PR 12/19; IDF Radio 12/29 in WNC 1/1)

In Jerusalem, Arafat adviser Abbas discusses final status scenarios with Likud MK Dan Meridor. (YA 12/12 in WNC 12/15)

Turkey's Pres. Suleyman Demirel leaves OIC summit a day early in protest of other mbrs.'s calls for halt to normalization with Israel, failure to pass 2 pro-Turkish resolutions on Cyprus, Greece. (NYT 12/12)

Following executions 12/8, Jordan recalls its chargé d'affaires from Iraq, gives 7 Iraqi diplomats a wk. to leave the country, vows to close its border with Iraq if it goes through with the execution of a 5th student. (MM 12/11; SA 12/12 in WNC 12/15; NYT 12/14; JT 12/15 in WNC 12/16; MEI 1/16)

3-day OIC conference opens in Tehran. Egypt's Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein, Morocco's King Hassan stay away under U.S. pressure; Egypt sends delegation headed by FM Musa. Jordan's Crown Prince Hasan, Syria's Pres. Asad, Lebanon's PM Hariri, Pres. Ilyas Hrawi; PA's Arafat attend; Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince `Abdullah; Iraq's VP Ramadan. (MM 12/9; MM, WT 12/10; JTV 12/11 in WNC 12/15; MEI 12/19)

PA mission to the UN suspends effort to upgrade its status to a level just short of full UN General Assembly (UNGA) membership after failing to muster enough votes to defeat an EU amendment that would have delayed putting the measure into effect. (NYT 12/11; PR 12/12)

Multilateral Refugee Working Group opens 2-day mtg. in Aqaba. (JT 12/4, 12/6 in WNC 12/9)

Netanyahu and ministerial team on FRD created by the cabinet 11/30 hold their 1st mtg., begin discussions on areas to be retained in final settlement. (MM, NYT 12/3; IDF Radio, ITV 12/3 in WNC 12/9; MM 12/4; YA 12/4 in WNC 12/9, 12/17; WT 12/5; PR 12/12)

Russian special envoy Viktor Posuvalyuk arrives in Jordan to discuss the peace process. Posuvalyuk is following up on tour (10/24-30) of FM Yevgeny Primakov (ITAR-TASS, RJ 12/3, JT, RJ 12/4 in WNC 12/9)

Most Israeli banks, hospitals, airports, government agencies, public transportation, telecommunications services, the stock exchange shut down as 700,000 Israeli workers observe general strike called by Histadrut labor federation to protest government labor policies, including controversial pension deal. (MM 12/3)

The group Jews for an Exclusively Jewish State and Rule, which is associated with Kach, sends death threats to 3 Arab MKs. (MA 12/5 in WNC 12/9)

In Ramallah, Arafat discusses peace process, 11/30 Israeli cabinet decision with Jordanian PM al-Majali. (al-Dustur, al-Quds, VOA 12/3 in WNC 12/9; MEI 12/5; al-Majd 12/8 in WNC 12/17)

In Jerusalem, Orient House head Faisal Husseini meets with French FM Vedrine. (al-Safir 12/3 in WNC 12/9)

EU special envoy Moratinos holds talks Lebanon with PM Hariri, FM Buwayz, Chamber Speaker Nabih Birri. (RL 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

After talks with Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad in Damascus, Austrian chancellor Klima says that Israel must implement FRDs, halt settlement construction, resume talks on the Golan Heights; "delaying tactics" are no longer acceptable. (Oesterreich Eins Radio Network [Vienna], SATN 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

Israel announces plans to increase the number of Palestinian laborers allowed into Israel fr. 52,000 to 140,000 within 5 yrs. to replace foreign workers. (WT 12/3)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, wounding 2 SLA mbrs. (VOL 12/2 in WNC 12/9)

Arafat sends letter to UN Secy. Gen. Kofi Annan, requesting full Palestinian membership in the UN, something thus far granted only to independent states. (WP 11/30)

King Hussein gives speech inaugurating Jordan's new parliament in which he reaffirms support for the Palestinians, including their right to have the capital of a Palestinian state "in Jerusalem." Jordanian opposition parties criticize the phrase as an acceptance of partition. (JTV 11/29 in WNC 12/7; MM 12/17)

Across the West Bank, Palestinians hold demonstrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the UN partition res., which created Israel. In Bethlehem, the IDF opens fire with rubber bullets on 5,000 Palestinians marching to demand Israel release Palestinian prisoners, injuring 40 (including a PA policeman), making today the worst single day of Palestinian-Israeli clashes in mos. In contrast, few Israelis celebrate the anniversary. (NYT, WP, WT 11/30; WP 12/1; MEI 12/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bombs, killing 3 SLA mbrs., wounding 5 IDF soldiers. (RL 11/29 in WNC 12/9; WP 11/30)

Israel leaks to the press a new FRD offer under which it would withdraw fr. 6-8% of the West Bank. (MM, WP, WT 11/25; ITV, JP, MA, QY 11/25 in WNC 11/27; CSM, NYT, WT 11/26; JP 12/6) (compare 11/23)

French FM Hubert Vedrine arrives in Israel, meets with PM Netanyahu, FM David Levy, DM Mordechai, Labor chmn. Ehud Barak. (YA 11/24 in WNC 11/26; ITV 11/24, Les Echos [Paris], Liberation [Paris] 11/25 in WNC 11/27)

In Brussels, EU, Jordan sign long-awaited association agmt., giving Jordanian products preferential status. (RJ 11/24 in WNC 11/26)

Arafat adviser Mahmud Abbas meets with MK Meir Shitreet, the Shas leader MK Arye Deri to discuss holding regular mtgs. btwn. PA, Sephardic Jewish reps. Deri briefs PM Netanyahu on the mtg. (YA 11/27 in WNC 12/9)

In an Atlanta jail, Israeli MK Yuli Edelstein meets with convicted spy for Israel Jonathan Pollard, hands him letter fr. PM Netanyahu, saying that he "is committed to bringing about your release." (MA 11/24 in WNC 11/26)

4 Amal mbrs. are killed in clash with IDF in s. Lebanon. (RL, VOL 11/24 in WNC 11/26; WP 11/25; RL 11/25 in WNC 11/27)

In London, Jordan's King Hussein, Israel's PM Netanyahu meet for the first time since Israel's attempted assassination of Hamas political leader Khalid Mishal in Amman 9/25. (MM, WT 11/18; SA, JT 11/19 in WNC 11/21; al-Dustur, JT, Star 11/20 in WNC 11/25; JP 11/29)

Doha economic summit ends. All participants sign final communiqué, including Israel, which unsuccessfully tried to block section stressing that Oslo negotiations are based on land for peace. 2 major Jordanian, Qatari investment companies sign $25-m. partnership, industrial investment agmt. (MM 11/18; WP, WT 11/19; JT 11/19 in WNC 11/21; SA 11/19 in WNC 11/25; WJW 11/27)

At the end of a 3-wk. evaluation following a sharp rise in casualties in s. Lebanon, top IDF officials unanimously reaffirm decision to stay in s. Lebanon until an agmt. on redeployment is achieved with Lebanon, Syria. (MM 11/19; YA 11/19 in WNC 11/21)

Knesset threatens Israeli banks with prosecution if they persist in refusing to identify owners of dormant Nazi-era accounts holding an estimated total of $57 m. (WT 11/19)

In Bethlehem, a Palestinian boy is shot dead by IDF sniper guarding DM Yitzhak Mordechai on visit to Rachel's Tomb. (MEI 12/5)

IDF demolishes Palestinian home, workshop in al-Ram, n. of Jerusalem. (PR 11/21)

Employing a "dual-track" strategy of military and diplomatic pressure, Russian FM Yevgeny Primakov opens talks in Moscow with Iraqi Dep. PM Tariq `Aziz, while U.S. pres. Bill Clinton sends 12 additional military aircraft to the Gulf, authorizes cmdrs. to deploy 30 more if they deem it necessary. (MM 11/18; CSM, MM, WP, WT 11/19) (see 11/17; ITV 11/19 in WNC 11/21; MEI 11/21)

At the Doha summit, U.S. Undersecy. of State for Economic Affairs Stuart Eizenstat says that the administration will seek funding fr. Congress for the Middle East Development Bank in the FY 1999 budget, MEDB operations can begin within 4 mos. of receiving funding, bank mbrs. have already started selecting projects (concentrating on cross-border infrastructure projects) to fund. The U.S. also signs a protocol for a new $60 m. equity fund to promote U.S. private investment in the West Bank/Gaza, Jordan. (MM 11/17)

Settlers begin construction of 6 new housing units in Hebron's Jewish quarter. (ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/21)

In Luxor, Egypt, gunmen aligned with the Islamic Group open fire on tourists in the Valley of the Kings, killing 58 foreigners, 3 Egyptians, wounding 24 foreigners. Police take chase, kill 6 gunmen. (ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; MM, WT 11/19; MM 11/20; MEI, MM 11/21)

Secy. of State Albright ends 2-day tour of the Gulf to discuss latest standoff btwn. Iraq, the UN. Finding no support fr. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia for military action, U.S. agrees to try to reach negotiated settlement. U.S., UK present France, Russia with position paper, offering to allow Iraq to buy more goods with oil proceeds if it cooperates fully with UN inspection teams. Russia offers to lead mediation. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; MEI 11/21) (see 11/13)

Russia expels Iranian accused of trying to buy missile technology. (WP 11/18)

Doha economic summit opens. Only 6 Arab countries (Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, Yemen) are among the 66 countries attending. U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, who originally planned to stay for the whole 3-day conference, attends a few hrs. of the mtg., then leaves for Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia to discuss Iraq's failure to adhere to UN inspections requirements. (WT 11/16; al-Dustur, SATN 11/16, JT, Radio Qatar, SA 11/17 in WNC 11/19; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 11/17; WT 11/18, 11/19; JT 11/19 in WNC 11/21; MEI 11/21; WT 11/23; JP 11/29; Star 12/4 in WNC 12/9)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Indiana to attend mtg. of the General Assembly of Jewish Federations in Indianapolis, then heads to California for function honoring actor Kirk Douglas. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/17; MM 11/18)

In Cairo, PA leader Yasir Arafat briefs Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak on his talks with U.S. Secy. of State Albright 11/15. (RE 11/16 in WNC 11/19)

Egypt returns its amb. to Qatar. (MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/19) (see 11/7)

Iraq offers to allow American UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) inspectors expelled 11/13 to return, provided UN experts fr. other nations are given equal authority. (NYT, WP, WT 11/17)

150 Palestinians clash with Israel Defense Force (IDF) troops following funeral for boy who was severely injured by IDF 11/11 and died 11/15. (WP 11/17)

In Cairo, PA negotiators brief Egypt's Pres. Mubarak on 11/3-6 Washington talks with Israel. Citing the talks' failure, Egypt announces that despite U.S. pressure, it will boycott the Doha economic summit. (MENA, RE 11/11 in WNC 11/12; NYT, WP, WT 11/12; WJW 11/13)

High-level EU delegation leaves Egypt for Jordan after visit of several hrs. (JTV, MENA 11/11 in WNC 11/12; RJ 11/12 in WNC 11/14)

At the Likud convention, Netanyahu backs away fr. call to abolish party primary elections in the face of pressue fr. party mbrs. (including fmr. Science M Benjamin Begin, fmr. Finance M Dan Meridor, Tel Aviv Mayor Roni Milo, DM Mordechai, Infrastructures M Sharon, Jerusalem Mayor Olmert) strong enough to split party, force new elections. (IDF Radio 11/11 in WNC 11/12; ITV, MA 11/12 in WNC 11/14) (see 11/9)

Israel's 1st El Al flight lands at Jordan's Aqaba airport. (HA, JT 11/11; al-Dustur 11/11 in WNC 11/12; JT 11/12 in WNC 11/14) (see 8/31)

Palestinian boy is left brain-dead when IDF opens fire with rubber bullets on crowd protesting reopening of the newly fortified Rachel's Tomb, a Jewish shrine in an Israeli-controlled salient in Bethlehem. (NYT 11/12, 11/14)

Jordan holds parliamentary elections. Progovernment independents win 62 of 80 seats. 9 oppositon parties boycott, lowering voter turnout to just over 50%, but 8 Islamists win seats as independents (reducing Islamist parliamentarians by half). 10 seats are won by leftist, nationalist opposition and conservatives. 17 women run for seats (in comparison to 12 in 1989, 3 in 1993), but none win. New parliament is considered weak, centrist, with high tribal affiliation. (MM, WP 11/4; JTV, RJ 11/4, RJ 11/5 in WNC 11/6; WP 11/5; NYT 11/6; JT 11/6 in WNC 11/8)

Israeli court rules against Infrastructures M Sharon, who sued author Uzi Benziman for libel in 1991 for writing that as DM, Sharon had deceived PM Menachem Begin during the 1982 war in Lebanon. Court states evidence shows that Sharon persued a personal adgenda in 1982, failed to inform the PM of his true intentions. (MM 11/4-6)

In Washington, Israeli, PA delegations (led by Israeli FM Levy, Arafat adviser Abbas) open 4 days of of high-level talks under U.S. auspices. (MM 11/3; MA 11/3 in WNC 11/4; NYT, WT, WP 11/4)

Jordan becomes the 1st Middle Eastern state to ratify the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Although Israel has signed the CWC, the government has not ratified it. (RJ 11/3 in WNC 11/6; WT 11/5)

As a "temporary security measure," IDF troops occupy Palestinian home in Azzariyya, a Palestinian neighborhood of Jersualem. PA lodges formal complaint with Israeli Military Liaison Office. (PR 11/7)

Iraq, Jordan sign agricultural cooperation accord. (IRNA 11/2 in WNC 11/4; RJ 11/3 in WNC 11/6)

Iraq again forbids entry to 2 American UNSCOM mbrs. U.S. says it has not ruled out a military response. Kuwait, other Arab states say that U.S. military action would be unacceptable. (CSM 11/3) (see 10/30)

In Jerusalem, U.S. special envoy Ross hosts mtg. btwn. Israeli FM Levy, Arafat adviser Abbas; encourages them to speed up subcomm. negotiations. Levy says Israel is willing to limit settlement construction to a "necessary minimum." Ross aslo meets separately with Netanyahu, Arafat. (MM 10/20; IDF Radio 10/20 in WNC 10/22; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 10/21; MEI 10/24)

Israel, Jordan agree in principle to set up a joint authority to oversee Jordan Valley development (incl. tourism, water, agriculture, industrial park projects); Israeli proposal for a Las Vegas-style tourism, commercial center in the Aqaba-Elat area. (Globes [Internet] 10/20 in WNC 10/22)

Jordan announces it will send high-level delegation to Doha economic summit. At mtg., Jordan plans to submit projects for transforming Aqaba region into free trade and tourist zone; improving water and waste-water infrastructure; enlarging petroleum refinery at al-Zarqa'; creating small industries, magnesium plant in Dead Sea area; building railway, port; developing tourist sites. (RJ 10/20 in WNC 10/22; see also JT 10/19 in WNC 10/22; RJ 10/24, JT 10/26, al-Ra'i 10/27 in WNC 10/29)

In Beirut, 2 gunmen open fire on 2 of Abu Nidal relatives, killing Omar Banna, wounding Nasireddin Banna. Lebanese officials claim the shooting stemmed fr. intra-Palestinian disputes. (WP 10/21; WT 10/22; MM 10/29)

U.S. special envoy Ross returns to the Middle East; meets separately with Netanyahu, Arafat; listens to complaints fr. both sides to try to forge compromise package/new framework for further negotiations. (WT 10/19; MM, NYT, WT 10/20)

Shaykh Yasin announces that Hamas has temporarily halted attacks on Israel; cooling-off period will last if Israel halts punitive measures against Palestinians, such as economic sanctions, closures, house  demolitions, land seizures. (WP, WT 10/20)

Israel agrees to extradite Sheinbein, must now fight appeal by Sheinbein's lawyers. (WT 10/18; NYT, WP 10/20; WJW 10/23; MEI 10/24) (see 9/29)

Japan creates $60 m. fund to support Jordan's socioeconomic development, discusses possibility of rescheduling Jordan's $72 m. debt to Tokyo. (JT 10/20 in WNC 10/22)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb as SLA vehicle passes, killing 2 SLA mbrs. (IDF Radio, RL 10/19 in WNC 10/22)

Palestine Observer Mission at the UN announces plans to introduce a resolution in the UN General Assemby (UNGA) by early 11/97 that would deny Israel's right to represent East Jerusalem, Golan Heights, meaning credentials for Israeli reps. would have to be issued fr. Tel Aviv, symbolically cutting Israel's territory back to pre-1967 lines. The mission will also try to have its observer status upgraded to "special observer," so that reps. can participate in plenary session, on comms. and working groups. (WT 10/14, 10/17; NYT 10/24)

Jordan, Syria end 2 days of mtgs. on  water; sign minutes of mtg., agreeing to go ahead with construction of al-Wahda dam on the Yarmuk River in Syrian territory. (RJ 10/13, JT 10/14 in WNC 10/15)

After Canada receives an official apology fr. Israel for using forged Canadian passports in Mishal attack 9/25, Canadaian amb. returns to  Tel Aviv. (Radio Canada International 10/13 in WNC 10/15) (see 10/2)

Israel releases 2d batch 9 Jordanian detainees, flies them to Amman. (JTV 10/13 in WNC 10/15; CSM, WT 10/14; NYT 10/15) (see 10/6)

4,000 Palestinians attend rally in Nalbus to celebrate Shaykh Yasin's return to Gaza. (WT 10/14) (see 10/6)

Turkey begins pulling troops out of n. Iraq after its latest incursion against the PKK, which began on 9/21. (WT 10/14)

A Jordanian trying to sneak into Israel is shot dead by the Israeli border guards. (ITV 10/11, al-Dustur 10/12 in WNC 10/15)

EU releases to Jordan $44 m. for economic reform projects. The $44 m. is part of a $110 m. package fr. the "MEDA project," an aid instrument adopted in 7/96 following the 11/95 Barcelona conference to launch EU-Mediterranean partnership. (JT 10/18 in WNC 10/22)

Before dawn at Erez checkpoint, Arafat, Netanyahu meet for the 1st time since 2/9, leave without speaking to reporters. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; IDF Radio 10/8 in WNC 10/9; CSM 10/9; PR 10/10)

King Hussein reveals that 2 days before the 9/25 attempt on Mishal's life, he sent Netanyahu a letter informing him that Hamas might be ready to establish a dialogue, halt suicide attacks. Israeli officals claim that the letter reached the PM a day after the attack. Hamas denies letter was sent. Despite the statement, King Hussein phones PM Netanyahu to says that he wants to rebuild the relationship btwn. Jordan, Israel. (MM 10/8; ITV, YA 10/8, SA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM, WT 10/9; PR 10/10)

2 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr. are killed, 6 IDF soldiers are wounded in clash with Hizballah in s. Lebanon. (IDF Radio, RL, VOL 10/8 in WNC 10/9; MM, NYT, WP 10/9; JP 10/18; MEI 10/24)

U.S. special envoy Ross holds separate mtgs. with Israeli FM Levy, Arafat adviser Abbas in preparation for Israeli-PA subcomm. talks 10/7. (NYT, WP 10/6; al-Quds 10/6 in WNC 10/7; MEI 10/10)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin returns to Gaza, is greeted by 30,000 Palestinians at Yarmuk stadium. (MM 10/6, RJ  10/6 in WNC 10/7; NYT, WP, WT 10/7; MEI, PR 10/10; JP 10/18) (see 10/2)

Israel frees 11 Palestinian prisoners, 9 Jordanian detainees, says 50 others will be released over the next 2 wks. In exhange, Jordan allows the 8 Mossad agents (2 who carried out the attack, plus 6 who helped) involved in the assasination attempt against Mishal to return to Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 10/7; JT, JTV, MENA, RMC 10/7 in WNC 10/8; SA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/10)

Pres. Clinton, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meet in Washington. (RJ 10/1 in WNC 10/2, 10/3; RJ 10/2, 10/3 in WNC 10/6)   Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, PA's Arafat meet in Alexandria. (MENA, RE 10/1 in WNC 10/2)

Workers in Hebron finish repairs, improvements to Shuhada Street. (PR 10/10; NYT 10/23) (see 9/2)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA soldier is killed in a clash with Hizballah. (RL 10/1 in WNC 10/2)

After a weekend of high-level negotiations with Jordan, Israel frees Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin (jailed since 5/89), sends him to Amman. Timing lends creedence to reports that Israeli Mossad agents posing as Canadian tourists attempted to assassinate Hamas's Mishal 9/25. Canada says the attackers, still in custody, have refused consular services. (Radio Canada International 9/30 in WNC 10/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/1; RJ 10/1 in WNC 10/2; SATN 10/1, al-Quds al-`Arabi 10/2 in WNC 10/3; ITV 10/1 in WNC 10/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/2; PR 10/3; MM 10/6; MEI 10/10; JP 10/11)

Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman pardons 2 Israelis, commutes the sentences of 4 other, all of whom are serving terms for killing Arabs. (ITV 10/1 in WNC 10/3; NYT, WT 10/2; PR 10/10; JP 10/11)

Saying that it seems "our . . . allies don't get it," Secy. of State Albright strongly criticizes France for supporting the $2 b. gas deal with Iran, not following U.S. policy of isolating Iran for supporting "terrorism." (NYT 10/1) (see 9/28)

In Tehran, Iran, Jordan open 2-day follow-up mtg. to the 9/28-29 mtgs., sign several agmts., establish Jordanian-Iranian Economic Cooperation Council. (JT 10/1 in WNC 10/2; al-Dustur 10/1 in WNC 10/7)

PM Netanyahu, DM Mordechai, Infrastructures M Sharon secretly fly to Amman to discuss attack on Hamas's Mishal. King Hussein refuses to meet them, sends Crown Prince Hassan instead. (NYT 10/10) (see 9/25)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright, Israeli FM Levy, Arafat adviser Abbas meet on the sidelines of the UNGA session in New York. (NYT, WP, WT 9/29; MEI 10/10)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak receives Israeli pres. Weizman in Alexandria. (MENA 9/28 in WNC 9/30; MM 9/29; JP 10/11)

PM Netanyahu tells his cabinet that he has spotted the "first, preliminary steps" by the PA to crack down on Islamists; releases $17 m. of tax money withheld fr. the PA since the 7/30, 9/4 bombings; allows 8,000 more Palestinian workers into Israel. (CSM, NYT, WT 9/29)

At a Labor convention, party leader Ehud Barak asks forgiveness fr. Sephardic Jews for the way the party treated them in the early years of statehood. (NYT 9/30; JP 10/4; MM 10/22)

IDF demolishes 53 dwellings of 70 Jahalin bedouin families, a school nr. Azariyya in Jeruslem. (PHRIC 10/21) (see 8/19)

The 3 companies fr. France, Malaysia, Russia sign $2 b. deal to explore for  gas in Iran, challenging for the 1st time a 1996 law sponsored by Sens. Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY), Edward Kennedy (D-MA) requiring the U.S. to impose sanctions on any company that violates a 1996 law against investing more than $40 m. in Iran. (NYT 9/29; NYT, WP, WT 9/30; NYT 10/1; MEI 10/10) (see 7/26)

In Tehran, Iran, Jordan discuss expanding bilateral relations in trade, tourism, transportation. (RJ 9/28 in WNC 9/30; JT 10/1 in WNC 10/2)

500,000 Israeli workers honor an 8-hr. strike called by Histadrut to protest the Likud government's refusal to honor a Labor-initiated pension plan. (WT 9/28, 9/29)

Palestinians protesting Israeli settlements outside Kfar Darom in Gaza pelt IDF soldiers with stones, injuring 1. Soldiers open fire on demonstrators with rubber bullets, injuring 2. (WT 9/28)

Jordan suspends 6 more weekly newspapers (Faris, al-Hadaf, al-Najm al-`Arabi, Tariq al-Mustaqbal, al-Umma, al-Urdun). (JT 9/27 in WNC 9/30; MM 10/21) (see 9/25)

In Amman, local Hamas leader Khalid Mishal is admited to hospital with convulsions apparently the result of an altercation with 2 Canadian tourists. His condition mysteriously worsens overnight, suggesting possible poisining. Hamas claims Israel attempted to assasinate Mashal in retaliation for attack on embassy guards 9/22. (RJ, RMC 9/25 in WNC 9/26; NYT 9/26; RMC 9/26, al-Quds al-Arabi 9/27, al-Ra'i 9/28 in WNC 9/30; WT 9/28; MM, NYT 9/29, 10/1; NYT 10/2; al-Ra'i 10/5 in WNC 10/7; JP 10/11; NYT 10/15; MM 10/23)

At the UN, Secy. of State Albright says that Israel's decision to expand Efrat settlement "is not at all helpful" to the peace process, calls on Israel to "honor the time-out" on construction. (MM, NYT, WT 9/26; YA 10/8 in WNC 10/9) (see 9/24)

PA shuts a Hamas television station; seals more than 20 Hamas-owned charities in Gaza offering social, welfare, education services; arrests 13 suspected Hamas mbrs. in Qalqilya. (LAW 9/25; ITV 9/25 in WNC 9/26; NYT, WT 9/26; PCHR 9/29; PR 10/3)

In Amman, Jordan, U.S. sign agmt. forgiving the remaining $63.4 m. of Jordan's debt to the U.S. Since 1994, the U.S. has written off $700 m. of Jordanian debts. (RJ 9/25 in WNC 9/26)

Jordan orders 7 newspapers (al-Bilad, al-Hadath, Hawadith al-Sa`a, al-Majd, al-Mithaq, al-Sayad, Sawt al-Mara`a) to suspend publication for failure to comply with Article 24 of the new press law, which requires all weekly newspapers to raise their capital to JD300,000. (JT 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MM 10/21)

2 SLA mbrs., 1 civilian are wounded by Hizballah shelling in s. Lebanon. (RL 9/25 in WNC 9/26)