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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

At the close of its 3-day mtg., the Arab League issues a final communiqué, praising efforts by Secy. of State Albright to restart peace talks; denouncing Israel's continued settlement expansion, particularly Ras al-Amud; ignoring Turkish-Israeli military maneuvers scheduled for 11/97; leaving it to individual mbrs. to decide whether to boycott the upcoming Doha econommic summit (see 9/13). FMs also vote to ignore UN sanctions against Libya. (CSM, MM, NYT, WT 9/22; al-Ittihad, MENA 9/23 in WNC 9/24; MM 9/25)

Palestinian owner of 1 Ras al-Amud house occupied by rabbinical students, Fuad Hadiya, returns from Romania to reclaim his property, asserting that he never sold it. Moskowitz claims that the Palestinian family willingly sold the building to Jews, who in turn sold it to him. (CSM, NYT 9/22; WT 9/24; PR 10/3) (see 9/18)

Israeli cabinet secy. Dani Nave leaves for Washington to prepare for FM Levy's mtg. with Arafat adviser Mahmud Abbas, Secy. of State Albright 9/28+n29. (MM, WT 9/22)

The Geneva-based World Council of Churches issues a letter condemning Israel's "intransignet" policies toward Palestinians, including collective punishment. (WT 9/22)

Israeli elite paratrooper, undercover units arrest nearly 100 of West Bank Palestinians in an extensive crackdown (concentrated in the area of Assira) on alleged Islamists. Until now, Israel has reported no leads in the 7/30, 9/4 suicide bombings. At the same time, IDF allows 4,000 Palestinian construction workers to enter Israel. 10,000 Palestinians were allowed entry last wk. (NYT, WT 9/22; WP 9/24; MEI 9/26)

Jordan releases Hamas spokesman Ghawshah. (MM 9/22; al-Quds 9/23 in WNC 9/25) (see 9/8)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrrives in Jordan after 2-day visit to Egypt. (RE, RJ 9/18 in WNC 9/19)

Moskowitz vows to go ahead with plans to build 130 apartments for Jews at Ras al-Amud. Ateret Cohanim prepares plans to move "thousands" of supporters to the neighborhood. Several MKs threaten to resign if the government forces an eviction. Meanwhile, 100s of Israelis, Palestinians protest at the heavily guarded site. At one point, Israeli police charge Palestinian protesters, beating them with batons, injuring several. (MM 917; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 9/18; MEI 9/26) (see 9/16)

IDF says that regular, reserve units have begun training for the 1st time for the prospect of "large-scale guerilla warfare" in the West Bank, Gaza. (WT 9/18)

Secy. of State Albright ends her trip to the Middle East with an unscheduled stop in Beirut, where she calls on all foreign powers to get out of Lebanon. On her way home, she acknowledges that the situation in the region "is probably even worse than I thought"; says that if she can't make a difference, she will concentrate on other international issues--"I can't be occupied with this full time." (RL 9/15 in WNC 9/16; CSM, NYT, WP 9/16; SA 9/17 in WNC 9/19; PR 9/19)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak receives Arafat in Alexandria. (MENA, RE 9/15 in WNC 9/15)

EU FMs meet in Brussels, agree to give PA additional $4.6 m. to help cover administrative deficits incurred due to the closure, call on Israel to release tax money. The Jordan-EU association agmt. is not signed because of because of technical differences, however the EU agrees to give Jordan $11.4 m. in special finanical aid to help "meet the needs of the most disadvantaged sections" of Jordan's population. (RJ 9/24 in WNC 9/26)

Israel turns over $35 m. in tax money owed the PA, lifts the internal closure on PA-controlled cities. Palestinians are still barred fr. entering Israel. (WT 9/16) (see 9/14)

In Ras al-Amud, MKs representing Molodet, the National Religious Party, Tsomet, Gesher visit settlers to express their support. At the site, riot police break up protest by 40 Peace Now mbrs., MK Yael Dayan, Meretz leader Yossi Sarid, Orient House's Faisal Husseini. (MM 9/15; NYT, WP 9/16; RJ 9/16 in WNC 9/17; WJW 9/18; MEI 9/26) (see 9/13)

Iranian pres. Muhammad Khatami says he is ready for talks with the U.S. only if they are based on mututal respect, noninterference in Iranian affairs. (WT 9/17)

Jordanian cabinet approves government decision to joint the Chemical Weapons Ban Treaty, which took effect 4/97. (al-Ra'i 9/15 in WNC 9/16)

Jordan, PA sign administrative cooperation protocol, set up follow-up comm. to meet every 6 mos. (RJ 8/24 in WNC 8/26)

PM Netanyahu arrives in China on 1st leg of Asian tour. (MM 8/26; WP, WT 8/27, CSM 9/3, JP 9/6)

In Bethlehem, IDF clashes with Palestinians protesting continued closure. (CSM 8/25)

IDF demolishes 1 Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. (PHRIC 10/21)

ILMG holds 2d emergency mtg. on the worsening situation in Lebanon; calls on Israel, Lebanon to do everything possible to halt attacks against civilians. Lebanon wanted ILMG to reprimand Israel for the SLA's attack on Sidon 8/18, but the group, which operates by consensus, stays away from assigning blame for specific incidents. (NYT 8/25; RL 8/25 in WNC 8/26; al-Diyar 8/25, RL 8/26 in WNC 8/27) (see 8/20)

Israel annouces plans to build a dam just inside the boundary of land claimed by Syria. U.S. criticizes the decision; Syria says that it proves that Israel does not want peace; Jordan says that it is "totally against the spirit" of the 1994 Jordan-Israeli peace treaty. (MM 8/22; AFP, RMC 8/24, RMC 8/25 in WNC 8/26; MM, NYT 8/26; al-Dustur, JT 8/26 in WNC 8/27; al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 8/27 in WNC 8/28; NYT 8/28; MM 10/28)

Netanyahu phones Secy. of State Albright to warn the U.S. that the peace process is in serious trouble, blames Arafat exclusively, claims PA is not abiding by understandings reached in mtgs. with U.S. special envoy Denis Ross 8/10+n13. (ITV 8/23 in WNC 8/26; WT 8/25)

PA Executive Authority (EA), PLO Exec. Comm. discuss report published in Jane's Foreign Report that Israeli military sources were considering setting up an ultrasecret special unit that would carry out "punitive actions" against Palestinian politicians. The report concludes that the group being considered might be similar to the Lakam unit of the 1970s--a unit that reported only to the PM, was unknown to the Shin Bet, Mosad. (NYT 8/24; WT 8/25)

Netanyahu's inner cabinet discusses Russian military aid to Iran. The cabinet proposes freezing economic cooperation projects with Russia if it continues to help Iran. (NYT 8/25) (see 8/21)

Hizballah detonates roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr. (Voice of the South 8/22 in WNC 8/25; MEI 8/29)

Israel decides to release 1/3 of the tax revenues ($12 m.) that it has withheld fr. the PA as a nod to the PA's cooperation on the trilateral security panel 8/18. (MM 8/18; IDF Radio, IGPO 8/18 in WNC 8/20; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/19; PR 8/22)

PA police begin inforcing a boycott on the import of certain Israeli goods to the occupied territories, halting and searching commercial vehicles. (JT 8/18 in WNC 8/20; MM 8/21; CSM, NYT, PR 8/22) (see 8/16)

Citing the deadlock in the peace process, Indonesia rejects an Israeli request for PM Netanyahu to visit the country during a trip to Japan, South Korea next wk. (YA 8/19 in WNC 8/20)

IDF demolishes 4 Palestinian homes nr. Hebron. (PR 9/5)

Jordan arrests 6 people, including an Israeli, who were trying to smuggle guns into the West Bank via the Dead Sea tourist area. (JT 8/27 in WNC 8/28; Shihan 9/6 in WNC 9/10; JP 10/11)

3 Lebanese civilians are killed by a roadside explosion in Jazzin, which is controlled by the South Lebanon Army (SLA). In response, the SLA shells the largely pro-Hizballah city of Sidon, killing at least 6 civilians, wounding 38--the highest civilian toll since the 4/96 understanding. Hizballah, supported by Lebanese army artillery, then shells source of SLA fire (a village nr. Jazzin), killing 1 civilian, wounding 2. Israel files a complaint with the Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group (ILMG), blaming Hizballah for the initial roadside bombing; reprimands the "rogue commander" of the SLA who allegedly ordered the Sidon attack. (MM 8/18; RL, VOL 8/18 in WNC 8/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/19; VOL 8/19 in WNC 8/21; CSM, WP 8/20; NYT 8/21; MM 8/22) (see 8/12)

Iraq announces plans to permit Iranian pilgrims to visit Shi`ite holy sites at Najaf, Karbala for the 1st time in 17 yrs. beginning 9/4. (MM 8/19)

At the invitiation of the Lebanese Soccer Federation, the Iraqi national soccer team arrives in Beirut to play match against Lebanon's team. (INA 8/18 in WNC 8/20) (see 7/11)

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Jerusalem for talks with PA, Israel aimed at easing tensions, resuming security contacts that would pave way for visit by Secy. of State Albright, resumption of negotiations. (NYT 8/9; Radio France Internationale 8/9 in WNC 8/12; NYT, WT 8/10; JP 8/16)

Arafat calls emergency session of the PC to discuss conditions in the territories since the 7/30 bombings. (NYT, WT 8/10)

Nearly 2 wks. after the 7/30 bombings, Israel is still unable to identify the bombers. While some Israeli news reports claim that unnamed government officials have determined that the bombers were Palestinians fr. Nablus or Surif, other unnamed Israeli, PA officials claim that several indicators (the labels on the bombers clothing had been cut off, their finger prints are not on file, their bombs left no chemical residue, they carried Jordanian dinars) suggest that the bombers came fr. abroad, perhaps fr. Lebanon. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says that Israel is propagating these rumors to justify its recent intensification of attacks on Lebanon. (RL 8/9, al-Hayat al-Jadida 8/10 in WNC 8/12; WP 8/11, WT 8/18)

Israel eases the "inner closure" to allow Palestinian movement btwn. Janin, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. Bethlehem, H1 in Hebron, Ramallah are still sealed. Palestinians are permitted to cross the border into Jordan, but the overall ban on Palestinians entering Israel remains in effect. (WT 8/10, 8/13)

PA police uncover a cache of weapons, explosives in Qalqilya, arrest several Palestinians. (NYT 8/10; YA 8/10 in WNC 8/12; NYT 8/11; LAW 8/20)

Israeli Air Force (IAF) stages 2 attacks targeting Hizballah, PFLP-GC training camps in the Biqa` Valley, killing 1 Hizballah mbr. and 1 PFLP-GC mbr., wounding 4 Hizballah mbrs. 1 SLA mbr. is wounded in a separate clash with Hizballah. (RL 8/9 in WNC 8/12; NYT, WT 8/10; MM 8/11)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan travels to Cairo to brief Pres. Mubarak on his talks with PM Netanyahu. (RE, RJ 8/7 in WNC 8/8)

IDF demolishes 2 more Palestinian homes in Jerusalem ostensibly for having no permit. (LAW 8/7; CSM 8/8)

Israel says that it is no longer seeking the arrest of PA police cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jabali. (ITV 8/7 in WNC 8/8) (see 7/31)

Jordan's al-Mustaqbal Party announces that it will boycott the 11/97 elections. (al-Ra'i 8/7 in WNC 8/11) (see 7/28)

As violence in s. Lebanon escalates to levels not seen since the 4/96 understanding, 1 Lebanese woman, 2 children are killed by a roadside bomb planted by unknown assailants; 1 SLA mbr. is killed by a bomb planted in his car; 1 farmer is killed by IDF retaliatory shelling. (RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8; WP 8/8)

Israel releases Lebanese reporter Nahra. (RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8) (see 7/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Albright endorses PM Netanyahu's plan for accelerated final status talks with the PA, stresses that no progress can be made until Israel is certain that the PA is making 100% effort to fight "terrorism"; says that she will travel to the region at the end of the mo. (MM 8/6; ITV, QY 8/6 in WNC 8/7; NYT, WP, WT 8/7; IDF Radio, IGPO, ITV, MA, YA 8/7, Hatzofe 8/8 in WNC 8/8; MM, NYT 8/8; NYT 8/9; al-Thawra 8/9, IDF Radio 8/10 in WNC 8/12)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, PM Majali meet with PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The crown prince terms the Israeli-Palestinian situation a "very dangerous crisis," recommends Israel adopt a softer line with the Palestinians, invites Netanyahu to visit Amman next wk. (MM, NYT 8/6; ITV, JTV, RJ, YA 8/6 in WNC 8/7; CSM 8/7; MA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Ra'i 8/7 in WNC 8/11)

In Amman, King Hussein meets delegation fr. Israel's Histadrut Labor federation. (JTV 8/6 in WNC 8/8)

The U.S. group Builders for Peace, initiated by VP Al Gore to promote economic development in the territories, announces it is closing its doors, saying that "political conditions in the region . . . render the prospects of success for any given project remote." (Builders for Peace press release 8/6)

For the first day since the 7/30 bombings, Israel allows flour, vital goods, medical supplies to enter the West Bank, Gaza. (NYT 8/7; WT 8/8)

A delegation fr. the Syrian Chamber of Commerce travels to Iraq to discuss trade contracts under the UN oil-for-food agmt. (SA 8/7 in WNC 8/8; al-Quds al-Arabi 8/8 in WNC 8/11) (see 8/3)

IDF sends reinforcements to s. Lebanon. (RL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

5 UNIFIL soldiers are killed when their helicopter crashes in s. Lebanon. UN suspects mechanical failure. (AFP, London Press Association 8/6, RL 8/7 in WNC 8/8; WP 8/7; JP 8/16)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA soldier is killed when Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb as his car passes. Hizballah also fires several katyushas toward n. Israel, but they land in s. Lebanon, causing no injuries. (MM 8/7; Voice of the South 8/7 in WNC 8/8; MM 8/8)

Lebanon files claim with ILMG regarding death of a civilian in s. Lebanon 8/5. (VOL 8/6 in WNC 8/7)

EU special envoy Moratinos meets separately with Arafat, Netanyahu. Arafat then heads to Jordan for talks with King Hussein. King Hussein telephones U.S. Secy. of State Albright, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, PM Netanyahu to discuss mediation btwn. the PA, Israel.  (MM 8/4; AFP 8/4 in WNC 8/5; RJ 8/4, 8/5 in WNC 8/6; MM, WT 8/5; MM 8/8)

Despite warnings fr. the U.S. that the decision could exacerbate the present situation, Israeli cabinet approves list of retributive measures against the PA drawn up by the inner cabinet 7/31, blocks transfer of $15 m. in tax payments owed the PA. Netanyahu says he will use a "sliding scale," relaxing some of the economic measures as the PA takes steps against Islamists. (MM, NYT 8/5; al-Ayyam [Ramallah], YA 8/5 in WNC 8/6; CSM 8/6; al-Hayat al-Jadida 8/10 in WNC 8/12; WP 8/14)

Israel arrest 29 Palestinians suspected of "terrorist activity," demolishes 5 Palestinian homes allegedly built without permits in East Jerusalem. Since the bombing, Israel has arrested 145 Palestinians. Arafat calls the actions collective punishment meant to humiliate the Palestinians. (IDF Radio, ITV 8/4 in WNC 8/5; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 8/5; MM 8/8)

Iran's Khatami is sworn in as pres. (CSM 8/5)

An elite Israeli Egoz unit is flown n. of Israel's self-declare security zone in s. Lebanon; plants explosives nr. the home of 2 Hizballah cmdrs.; later detonates them by remote control, killing 5 Hizballah mbrs., wounding 2 Hizballah mbrs. and 3 civilians. (MM 8/4; AFP, ITV, RL, RMC 8/4 in WNC 8/5; MM, NYT 8/5; NYT, WT 8/6; Independent [London] 8/6 in WNC 8/7; WJW 8/7; JP 8/16)

In Ramallah, the PC votes (56-1) to urge Arafat to dissolve the EA within 1 mo., appoint a new cabinet. After the session, Israel prevents 18 PC mbrs. fr. returning to their homes in Gaza. (CSM, WP, WT 8/1; LAW 8/7; PR 8/8)

With less than 24-hrs. notice, Syrian Pres. Asad travels to Iran as head of a delegation comprising his VP, FM, several senior military cmdrs.; discusses Syrian-Iranian relations with outgoing Pres. Rafsanjani. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; MM 8/1; SATN 7/31, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/1 in WNC 8/4; MA 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MEI 8/8)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, FM Tarawnah meet with EU special envoy Moratinos. (RJ 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

Following a mtg. with his inner cabinet, PM Netanyahu threatens to send commandos into PA areas to preempt any new anti-Israeli attacks, to halt transfer of all tax revenues to the PA, to jam all Palestinian radio and television broadcasts; calls on the U.S., international donors to halt aid to the PA. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP, WT 8/1)

IDF detains 2 Palestinian families fr. the West Bank town of Dahariyya whose sons have been missing for over a yr., but they are unable to identify the 7/30 bombers' bodies. Israeli cabinet orders the arrest of PA's Gaza police cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jabali for encouraging attacks on Israeli settlements (see 7/23). PA police arrest 28 Hamas mbrs., including Rantisi. PA, Israeli security forces hold 2 mtgs. during the day. (MM 7/31; IDF Radio, QY, RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/1)

New York City police seize 5 pipe bombs, arrest 1 Egyptian, 2 Jordanians in a raid on a Brooklyn apartment. Police were tipped to the bombs by a Pakistani, Muhammad Shindli, who believed that his friends, Ghazi Ibrahim Abu Mayzar and Lafi Khalil (who both identify themselves as Palestinian), were planning to bomb the New York subway. Abu Mayzar had stated in his application for asylum in the U.S. that he had been arrested in Israel on charges of "being a mbr. of a terrorist organization." The 3d man, Egyptian `Abd al-Rahman Musabah, is detained as a witness. Hamas denies any connection to the men. (NYT, WP, WT 8/1; RJ 8/1 in WNC 8/4; NYT, WP 8/2; AFP 8/2 in WNC 8/5; NYT, WT 8/3; al-Hadath [Amman] 8/4 in WNC 8/5; NYT 8/5; WJW 8/7; MEI 8/8)

Unnamed Gulf diplomats reveal that Sidi al-Madani al-Ghazi Mustafa al-Tayyib, financial director for Saudi dissident and alleged "terrorist financier" Osama bin Laden, has been in custody in Saudi Arabia since 5/97. Saudi authorities have passed some of Tayyib's revealed information to the CIA, FBI to track militant groups in Detroit, New York. (WT 8/1)

Lebanese court sentences 5 Japanese Red Army mbrs. to 3 yrs. in jail on charges of forging official stamps, illegal entry into Lebanon, forging passports. (VOL 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP 8/1) (see 7/29)

Israeli FM Levy, PA Planning M Shaath announce that within days, they will partially resume talks on the 8 subcomms. established to address outstanding Oslo II issues. Netanyahu's media adviser says that the PM is prepared to carry out the 2d FRD on schedule. (ITV 7/28 in WNC 7/29; CSM, MM, WP, WT 7/29; MA 7/29 in WNC 7/30; CSM, MM 7/30; JT 7/30 in WNC 7/31)

A Labor-Likud forum headed by MKs Beilin, Eytan hold mtg. to discuss the 2d FRD, resuming talks with the PA. (YA 7/29 in WNC 7/30)

The Israeli Interior Min. suspends the permit granting construction at Ras al-Amud. (MM 7/28; WP 8/28) (see 7/26)

In response to 3 homemade bombs thrown at Israeli soldiers 7/26+n27, the IDF closes Palestinian-owned shops in the Israeli-controlled section of Hebron (H2), detains 20 Palestinians for questioning. (WT 7/29)

The 11 opposition parties forming Jordan's HCCAOP fail to reach a consensus on boycotting the 11/97 elections, defer decision. 5 parties vote in favor of a boycott, 6 against. (JT 7/29 in WNC 7/30; JT 8/11 in WNC 8/12) (see 7/27)

Off the coast of Tyre, Lebanon, Israeli naval vessels fire on 6 Lebanese fishing boats, seize 2 of the boats, detain and interrogate 2 fishermen for several hrs. (AFP, RL 7/28 in WNC 7/29) (see 6/5)

Senior coalition MKs charge that Dr. Nimrod Novick, a fmr. adviser of Peres, delivered a document to the U.S. administration, outlining a U.S. initiative for resumption of Israeli-PA talks. (MM 7/24; YA 7/24 in WNC 7/25; ITV 7/24 in WNC 7/28)

At Erez checkpoint, Arafat, Labor Chmn. Barak meet; agree to set up joint comm. to exchange updates about the peace process. (IDF Radio 7/24 in WNC 7/25)

Ma'ariv publishes excerpts of what it claims are secret government documents about the permanent arrangement with the PA. According to the excerpts, which have similarities to the Abbas-Beilin proposal (see Doc. C3 in JPS 101), the Likud-led government would "agree to the existence of an independent Palestinian entity," with long-term restrictions on sovereignty. The documents reportedly also list in descending order of preference various options for each final status issue. Netanyahu admits the position paper was written but dismisses it as "not important," a draft, not policy. (MM 7/24; MA 7/24 in WNC 7/25, 7/28; MM 7/25)

Israeli Mayor of Jerusalem Olmert gives immediate permission for a right-wing American Jewish developer, Irving Moskowitz, to break ground for a new 70-unit Jewish settlement in the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud. Netanyahu says the move is legal, but the timing is wrong; he will block the plan. PA calls move deeply provocative. (MM, NYT 7/25; IDF Radio 7/25 in WNC 7/28; NYT, WP, WT 7/26; ITV, YA 7/27, IDF Radio 7/28 in WNC 7/29; WJW 7/31; JP 8/2, 8/9)

Backed by Israel's Histadrut labor federation, 60,000 workers at state-owned companies observe 1-day strike in solidarity with Bezeq telephone company employees, who are protesting government privatization programs. (NYT 7/25, 7/26)

Pres. Mubarak says that Iran is seeking military cooperation with Egypt to counter the growing military ties btwn. Israel, Turkey; Egypt will not take an immediate decision on the request. (al-Ahram 7/24 in WNC 7/29)

Syria opens 4th border crossing with Iraq. (see 7/22)

IAF's consultative council votes (80-16) to boycott Jordan's 11/97 elections. (MM 7/24, 7/25; RMC 7/24 in WNC 7/25; al-Dustur 7/25 in WNC 7/28; al-Dustur 7/29 in WNC 7/30) (see 7/23)

In s. Lebanon, 5 SLA mbrs. are wounded by 2 car bombs. In a separate incident, 1 IDF soldier is injured when an IDF artillery gun misfires while shelling Hizballah positions. (RL 7/24 in WNC 7/25; WT 8/6)

In Washington, PA Local Government M Erakat meets with special envoy Ross. (MM, WT 7/22; WJW 7/24)

In Gaza, Arafat, Shin Bet head Ami Ayalon discuss Israel's arrest of 3 PA policemen 7/15. Later, Egyptian amb. Basyuni hosts mtg. btwn. Israeli DM Mordechai, PA Planning M Shaath to discuss tensions surrounding arrest. The policemen have reportedly "confessed" under interrogation, prompting the IDF to detain the head of the PA forces in the Nablus area. (IDF Radio, ITV, QY 7/17 in WNC 7/18; MM, WT 7/18; ITV 7/18, MA 7/19, 7/20, Hatzofe 7/21 in WNC 7/22; JP 7/26) (see 7/9)

In Bir Nabala, IDF demolishes 19 Palestinian homes housing 47 persons. Soldiers do not let residents remove their belongings fr. the homes before destroying them. (LAW 7/7)

In Bayt Sahur, 2,000 Palestinians attend the funeral of boy killed by IDF 7/14. (WT 7/17)

World Bank grants Jordan a $50 m. loan for upgrading the kingdom's health care system. (JTV 7/17 in WNC 7/18)