The Palestine Chronology

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)

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)

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)

Unnamed Western, Arab diplomats report that Syria is concentrating 3-4 army divisions at strategic points nr. Israel, including moving the 14th Special Forces Division to the Mount Hermon foothills, the 51st Division e. of Lebanon's Biqa` Valley. Syria says the redeployments are defensive. (WT 7/5)

Jordan announces that it has submitted to the World Bank 58 water sector proposals that would provide Jordan with 676 mcm of additional water fr. 1997 to 2000. (JT 7/5 in WNC 7/8)

IDF bans entry into the PA-controlled enclave of Hebron (H1) to prevent Palestinians fr. outside Hebron fr. entering H1 to take part in demonstrations. (Hatzofe 7/6 in WNC 7/8)

In Nablus, 30,000 Palestinians angered by distribution of anti-Muslim posters in Hebron stage protest, clash with IDF. Demonstrations also continue in Hebron, where the IDF wounds 6 Palestinians with live ammunition, 29 with rubber bullets. Netanyahu accuses Arafat of doing nothing to halt the protests. (NYT, WP, WT 7/5) (see 7/2)

In Ba'albeck, 10,000 Lebanese join the unauthorized "Revolution of the Hungry" demonstration called by fmr. Hizballah chief Shaykh Subhi Tufayli (who split with Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah in protest over Hizballah's decision to participate in the 1992, 1996 elections) to protest the government's economic policies, neglect of the Biqa` region. Lebanese army sends many troops, military police to monitor protesters. No clashes are reported. (MM 7/4; RL, RMC 7/4 in WNC 7/8; al-Safir 7/5 in WNC 7/9; al-Diyar 7/6 in WNC 7/11; MEI 7/11; MM 7/14; MEI 7/25)

PA security officials say that they have arrested 2 Palestinians, Ayash Daoud and Husni Fayiz, on charges of selling Palestinian land to Jews in the 1980s. (WT 7/3) (see 6/10)

PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) arrests Fathi Ahmad Subuh, a prof. at al-Azhar Univeristy's Gaza campus, for asking 2 questions regarding PA, al-Azhar University corruption on his final exam 6/21. (LAW 7/7; PR 7/18; JP 7/19; NYT 8/16)

In Gaza, settlers fr. Gush Qatif settlement bulldoze land belonging to Palestinians fr. Dayr al-Balah, precipitating Palestinian demonstration. IDF soldiers fire on protesters with live ammunition, killing 1, wounding 6. (MM 7/2; NYT, WT 7/3; PR 7/4)

In Hebron, Palestinians observe general strike, hold demonstrations to protest anti-Muslim posters, throw more than 100 molotov cocktails at soldiers. IDF snipers fire on the demonstrators, wounding 7 with live ammunition, 30 with rubber bullets. (MM 7/2; NYT, WT 7/3) (see 7/1)

In Amman, Jordan, the U.S. sign an investment promotion agmt. to provide investors fr. both countries with financial guarantees. Only 3 other Middle Eastern countries (Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia) have similar agmts. with the U.S. (RJ 7/2 in WNC 7/3)

Jordan abolishes its 50% non-Jordanian equity ownership ceiling in the Amman Financial Market, transportation, insurance, banking, telecommunications, agricultural sectors. (JT 7/2 in WNC 7/3; JT 7/6 in WNC 7/8)

In s. Lebanon, 1 Lebanese civilian is wounded by IDF shelling. Later, 1 SLA mbr. is killed, 3 are wounded in a Hizballah attack nr. Jazzin. (RL 7/2 in WNC 7/3)

In exchange for the Yisrael B'Aliya's support in the 6/24 no-confidence vote, PM Netanyahu agrees to transfer $63 m. to the Immigration Min. to settle Russian immigrants. (MM 6/24; NYT, WP, WT 6/25; CSM 6/27)

Jordan signs $25 m. in loan agmts. with the Arab Monetary Fund, Arab Trade and Financing Program. (RJ 6/23 in WNC 6/24)

Israel orders the demolition of 17 Palestinian homes nr. a settler bypass road nr. Hebron. The homes, some dating back to the 1960s, house over 160 persons. (LAW 6/23; MM 7/8)

ILMG meets to discuss violence in Jazzin (see 6/18, 6/20), Arnun and Maghdusha (6/22); warns all sides to prevent endangering civilians. (RL, RMC 6/23 in WNC 6/24; RL 6/24 in WNC 6/25; MM 6/26, 6/27)

In Amsterdam, a 2-day mtg. of EU leaders closes. Attendees issue statement for the 1st time urging Israel not to rule out the possibility of a Palestinian state. (MM 6/18)

In Washington, U.S. secy. of state Albright informs visiting Crown Prince Hassan of U.S. plans to give Jordan $100 m./yr. in aid for the next 5 yrs. (al-Aswaq, al-Dustur, JT 6/17, RJ 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, WT 6/18; WJW 6/19; JT 6/19 in WNC 6/20; al-Dustur 6/20 in WNC 6/23; MEI 6/27)

The Senate passes a version of House Res. 1757 that contains a section prohibiting most financial transactions with "state sponsors of terrorism," including Syria. A conference comm. must now work out the differences btwn. the bills. (WJW 7/24; MEI 7/25) (see 6/11)

6 wks. after the IDF forcibly evacuated settlers fr. their outpost nr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus (5/6), several settler families are living on the disputed site, guarded by IDF reservists, while IDF bulldozers break ground to expand the settlement and build a permanent IDF lookout. (YA 6/17 in WNC 6/19) (see 5/7)

Hani `Abd al-Rahim Sayigh, the Saudi accused of participating in the 6/25/96 al-Khobar barracks bombing, is extradited to the U.S. from Canada to provide testimony that could link Iran, Syria to the attack. Under his deal with the FBI, Sayigh will plead guilty to plotting a different attack that never took place in exchange for telling all he knows about the al-Khobar incident. (WP, WT 6/18; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; MM 6/24) (see 3/30)

Iraq announces that it will begin rebuilding, expanding the al-Tanf border post with Syria in the next wk. (MEI 6/13; WT 6/18; MM 6/30) (see 6/2, 6/4, 6/14)

In Hebron, IDF troops clash with Palestinian demonstrators for the 4th day, wounding 17 Palestinian. An AP photographer is attacked, kicked in the head by a Jewish settler; IDF soldiers do not intervene. (WP, WT 6/18; MEI 6/27)

Visiting delegation of American Reform and Conservative Jewish leaders convinces PM Netanyahu to shelve the legislation that would give Orthodox rabbinical courts exclusive jurisdiction over government recognition of conversions to Judaism (see 4/1), form 7-mbr. comm. (comprising 5 Orthodox, 1 Reform, 1 Conservative) to investigate the issue. (WT 6/20)

PA Justice M Frayh Abu-Madayn announces that Palestinians who sell or facilitate the sale of land to Jews will face the death penalty. (NYT, WT 5/6; NYT 5/16; JP 5/17; IDF Radio 5/19 in WNC 5/21; WT 5/21)

U.S. says that it has repeatedly protested to Israel "at the highest level" over complaints Israel has threatened to take away the U.S. passports of Palestinians who do not give up claims of residency in Jerusalem, stresses that Palestinian Americans cannot lose their U.S. citizenship involuntarily. (WT 5/6) (see 5/4)

In Cairo, EU special envoy Moratinos discusses peace process with Arab League secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid. (RE 5/5 in WNC 5/6)

Israel's new amb. to Jordan, Oded Eran, fmr. head of the Israeli delegation to the donor conferences, assumes his post in Amman. (RJ 5/5 in WNC 5/6)

U.S. releases Hamas political leader Abu Marzuq after 22 mos. in detention, flies him to Jordan. (AFP 5/5, JTV, al-Ra'i, RJ, RMC 5/6 in WNC 5/7; NYT, WT 5/6; RJ 5/6, JT 5/7 in WNC 5/8; MM 5/7; WJW 5/8; WP 5/9; SA 5/9 in WNC 5/13; mei 5/16; JP 5/17; al-Wasat 5/19-25 in WNC 5/21) (see 5/4)

PA policeman shoots, kills Palestinian at a checkpoint in Hebron. (WP 5/6; MEI 5/16)

IDF demolishes 5 Palestinian homes in Hebron's H2, saying they were constructed without permits. (LAW 5/6; WT 5/7; PR 5/16) (see 4/23)

Israeli court charges Manbar with assisting the enemy, providing information to an outside enemy with the intent of harming state security, providing Iran with means to manufacture chemical weapons in exchange for $16 m. (IDF Radio 5/5 in WNC 5/6; MA 5/7 in WNC 5/8; JP 5/17) (see 4/25)

Iranian FM Velayati arrives in Cairo on a 2-day visit to invite Pres. Mubarak to attend the upcoming (12/97) OIC conference in Tehran. This is the 1st high-level contact btwn. Iran, Egypt since Mubarak accused Tehran in 1995 of trying to have him killed. (IRNA 5/5 in WNC 5/6; NYT, WP, WT 5/6; IRNA, RE, SA 5/6 in WNC 5/7; MM 5/8, 5/9)

The Jordanian Popular Movement merges with the National Constitutional Party. (JT 5/6 in WNC 5/7; JT 5/7 in WNC 5/8) (see 2/28)

Hizballah detonates 3 roadside bombs in s. Lebanon, wounding 5 civilians, 2 SLA mbrs. (RL 5/5 in WNC 5/6, 5/7; WP 5/7)

PM Netanyahu says that the 1st houses at Har Homa will not be completed until 2000 (the year Netanyahu's term ends), work on infrastructure will continue. (MM 4/14; YA 4/14 in WNC 4/15; CSM, NYT 4/15)

At the Allenby Bridge crossing, a Palestinian woman fr. Qalqilya returning to the West Bank fr. Jordan shoots, wounds 2 Israelis, 1 Palestinian. (RJ, RMC 4/13 in WNC 4/15; MM, NYT, WT 4/14)

Israel eases closure of the West Bank, Gaza, allowing 20,000 Palestinian men over age 35 to go to their jobs in Israel. (IDF Radio, QY 4/13 in WNC 4/15; CSM 4/14; WT 4/15)

In Hebron, clashes btwn. Jewish settlers, Palestinians continue. 3 Palestinians are injured. (WT 4/14)

Israel reinforces troops in s. Lebanon. Hizballah detonates bomb nr. SLA patrol, killing 1 SLA mbr., wounding another SLA mbr., 1 civilian traveling with them. (RL 4/14 in WNC 4/15)

In Washington, senior Palestinian negotiators hold 3 hrs. of talks with U.S. special envoy Ross. (NYT 4/12; MEI, PR 4/18)

King Hussein returns to Jordan fr. the U.S. (RJ 4/11 in WNC 4/14)

12 Palestinians, 3 IDF soldiers are injured in clashes in Hebron. There have been daily confrontations in Hebron since the 4/8. (ITV 4/11 in WNC 4/14; NYT 4/12)

Clashes btwn. the IDF, Palestinians intensify throughout the West Bank. In Surif, an IDF soldier allegedly rapes a Palestinian woman during a raid on a home; IDF admits that "indecent acts" took place, arrests the soldier. 1,000s of Palestinians in Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus, 100s in Janin demonstrate. The IDF deploys tanks around Bethlehem, Nablus; flies helicopter gunships over Nablus. PA police fire in the air, club, and shove protesters in Nablus, Hebron to prevent them fr. reaching Jewish sites. To date some 460 Palestinians have been injured (mostly by rubber bullets, tear gas) in West Bank clashes. (LAW, NYT, WP, WT 3/31; PR 4/4)

Jordan's King Hussein arrives in Washington for talks with Pres. Clinton, swears in Jordanian amb. to the U.S. Fayiz Tarawnah as his new FM. (WT 3/31)

The Knesset approves $53 m. for construction of public institutions in Golan Heights settlements; general planing and development in the Golan, Jordan Valley, Gaza coast. (Globes [Internet] 3/30 in WNC 4/1)

Saudi Arabia requests that suspect in al-Khobar bombing held in Canada be extradited to Saudi Arabia, not the U.S. (NYT, WP 3/31) (see 3/18)

Israeli cabinet suspends all but security coordination with the PA, orders the PA to crack down on Islamist groups. (ITV 3/23, YA 3/24 in WNC 3/25; CSM, WT 3/24; VOA 3/24 in WNC 3/26; al-Quds al-Arabi 3/24 in WNC 3/28)

Unrest continues throughout the West Bank. Israeli border police shoot, wound 2 Palestinians at a roadblock outside Jerusalem. Nr. Bethlehem, IDF troops fire on 2 Palestinians fleeing a checkpoint, wounding both. In Hebron, PA police form cordons to keep Palestinian protesters fr. Jewish areas. (SATN 3/23 in WNC 3/25; WT 3/24)

OIC holds conference in Pakistan, discusses Jerusalem as one of its main topics, issues statement condemning "Israel's persistence in its settlement expansion." (ITV, RE, RL, SATN 3/23 in WNC 3/25; MM, WT 3/24; MM, WT 3/25; RE 3/25 in WNC 3/27)

World Bank says it will loan Jordan about $1 b. over the next 5 yrs. to help the kingdom's economic reform. (JT 3/24 in WNC 3/26)

In Hebron, Palestinian protesters clashes with IDF troops for 2d day. IDF responds with live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, injuring over 100 Palestinians (including 20 wounded by live bullets). Some Palestinians throw stones at PA police, who intervene to push back demonstrators. (AFP 3/22 in WNC 3/31; NYT, WP, WT 3/23; SATN 3/23 in WNC 3/25; PR 3/28)

Israel closes the Allenby Bridge into Jordan to Palestinians. (RJ 3/22 in WNC 3/25)

PA orders rearrest of senior Hamas military figure Ibrahim Muqadima, who was released 3/19. Israel says it expects the PA to arrest 150 other Hamas, Islamic Jihad activists. (AFP, ITV 3/22 in WNC 3/25; WP, WT 3/23; WP 3/24)

Jordanian police prevent a 13-mbr. delegation fr. the al-Zubi tribe fr. visiting the Daqamsa family. (al-Dustur 3/23 in WNC 3/25) (see 3/19)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan receives Iraqi PM Tariq `Aziz for discussions on bilateral relations. (INA 3/22, JT 3/23 in WNC 3/25; al-Dustur 3/24 in WNC 3/26) (see 3/17)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates bomb outside home of SLA officer Kamal Nimr, killing him. (RL 3/22 in WNC 3/25; WT 3/23) (see 3/21)

In Tel Aviv, a suicide bomber detonates explosive device killing himself, 3 Israelis, wounding 47. An anonymous caller claims responsibility on behalf of Hamas's Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, though some Hamas leaders deny the claim. Netanyahu blames Arafat, criticizes the U.S. for ignoring his warnings, seals the West Bank and Gaza, hints he may suspend negotiations with the PA, denounces as "obnoxious and immoral" a reporter's question linking bombing and Har Homa. Arafat condemns the attack. (MM 3/21; IDF Radio, ITV, RJ, RE, SATN, VIRI 3/21 in WNC 3/24; AFP 3/21 in WNC 3/31; NYT, WP, WT 3/22; al-Ra'i, VOA 3/22, YA 3/23 in WNC 3/25; CSM 3/24; NYT 3/26; PR 3/28; JP 3/29)

IDF identifies the suicide bomber as Musa Ghanimat, a 28-yr.-old man fr. Surif village nr. Hebron (in area B); seals the village; places curfew on Hebron; arrests 13 people, including Ghanimat's 68-yr.-old father, other relatives; prepares to demolish family's house. Family mbrs. say that Ghanimat supported neither Hamas nor Fatah. (MM 3/21; IDF Radio 3/21 in WNC 3/24; WP 3/23; MA 3/25 in WNC 3/27; NYT 3/26; PR 3/28)

In Hebron, Palestinians protesting Israel's Har Homa, redeployment plans clash with armed settlers. IDF uses tear gas, rubber bullets on Palestinians to keep the two groups apart, injuring 30 Palestinians. (MM 3/21; IDF Radio 3/21 in WNC 3/24; YA 3/21 in WNC 3/24; NYT 3/22; PR 3/28)

Some 1,000 Palestinians in al-Baq'a r.c. in Jordan protest Israel's construction in East Jerusalem. (QPAR 3/21 in WNC 3/24)

U.S. vetoes a 2d UNSC resolution calling on Israel to halt construction at Har Homa. UNSC also issues statement expressing "revulsion" at today's bombing. (WP 3/21; RE 3/21 in WNC 3/24; NYT 3/22; WT 3/23; al-Dustur 3/23 in WNC 3/25; MM 3/24; al-Akhbar 3/24 in WNC 3/27; PR 3/28; MEI 4/18) (see 3/7)

King Hussein leaves for the U.S. for medical check-up, mtg. with Pres. Clinton. (RJ 3/21 in WNC 3/24; JT, RJ 3/23 in WNC 3/25)

In Baalbeck, Lebanon, a bomb explodes outside the home of a policeman, killing him, wounding 6 family mbrs. The bombers and their motive are unknown. (NYT 3/22)

1,000 IDF soldiers guard Israeli construction workers as they begin construction at Har Homa. Israeli police, border guards beat back Palestinian protesters with fists, boots, rifles. IDF snipers, other soldiers with belt-fed machine guns take up firing positions nr. the demonstrators. IDF seals Bethlehem, Hebron to prevent protests. Arafat calls on Palestinians not to resort to violence; Netanyahu claims that the PA "has prepared the ground for violence that [it] would initiate," U.S. says no proof exists. (MM 3/18; ITV 3/18, RE, SA 3/19 in WNC 3/20; NYT, WP, WT 3/19; MEI 3/21; TJT 3/21 in WNC 3/25)

Italian PM Prodi arrives in Lebanon for talks with PM Hariri, Speaker Nabih Birri regarding the peace process, economic issues. (RL, VOL 3/18 in WNC 3/19; RAI Televideo [Rome], SATN 3/18, RL 3/19 in WNC 3/20)

Iranian FM Velayati arrives in Qatar on a tour to the Gulf to improve Iranian-Gulf ties. (MM 3/19)

Jordanian police prevent 120 mbrs. of the Jordan Engineers Association fr. marching to the Daqamsa home to show solidarity with the soldier, his family. (WT 3/19; MEI 3/21) (see 3/17)

In Ankara, the Joint Iraqi-Turkish Comm. hold talks on economic, diplomatic relations. (INA 3/18 in WNC 3/19)

Saudi Arabian citizen Hani `Abd al-Rahim Sayigh is detained in Canada at U.S.'s request for extradition in connection with the al-Khobar barracks bombing in Saudi Arabia 6/25/96. (WP 3/24; MM 3/26; WP 3/27-29; NYT 3/31, 4/3; WP 4/5; MM 4/18) (see 11/24/96, 1/10/97)

PM Netanyahu cancels a trip to Jordan planned for 2/5 and postpones a mtg. with Arafat set for 2/6 after 2 Israeli helicopters, carrying an unusual amount of ammunition and explosives, collide over the Galilee on their way to s. Lebanon, killing 73 IDF soldiers, 13 of whom are officers. Over the past 3 yrs. 68 soldiers have been killed on duty in s. Lebanon. (RL 2/4 in WNC 2/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/5; AFP 2/5 in WNC 2/7; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 2/6; al-Dustur, RMC 2/6 in WNC 2/7; RL, VOL 2/6, RL 2/7 in WNC 2/10; MM 2/7; RL 2/7 in WNC 2/11; JP 2/15)

In Nabatiyya, Lebanon, leading Hizballah figures, incl. Secy. Gen. Hussein Nasrallah and his deputy Shaykh Naim Kassem, meet to discuss party fundraising. (MM 2/7)

Syrian VP Khaddam arrives in Libya to meet with Col. Qadhafi. (SATN 2/4 in WNC 2/6)

IDF bulldozes Palestinian homes in Jabbah, nr. Hebron, and al-Khadir for having no permits. 10s of other families receive notices that their homes will be demolished to make way for a by-pass road. (LAWE 2/13) (see 2/3)

Citing security reasons, Shin Bet revokes the press permit of al-Hayat's Jerusalem bureau chief Ruba Husari, making it impossible for her to enter Israel fr. her home in the West Bank. (WP 2/6)

Lebanon, Brazil sign 2 protocols: one on cultural issues, the other on air transport. (RL 2/4 in WNC 2/6; RL 2/6 in WNC 2/7) (see 12/16)

IDF shells Kfar Roumman village n. of the Israeli self-declared security zone. Lebanon says it will submit a complaint to ILMG. ILMG has already found Israel responsible 3 times for shelling villages in violation of the 4/96 understanding. (RL 2/4 in WNC 2/6; WT 2/5)

The WP reveals that Secy. of State Albright's grandparents were Jews who died in the Holocaust, says her family hid their Jewish identity from her. Albright was raised a Catholic. (WP 2/4)

Jordan's King Hussein travels to Gaza, Israel to try to break deadlock in PA-Israeli talks. As a result, U.S. envoy Ross, who had planned to return to Washington today because no agmt. seemed forthcoming, decides to stay. After an evening of talks, Arafat, Netanyahu agree to a compromise on further redeployment suggested by the king, opening the way for a Hebron deal to be signed. (IDF Radio, ITV, JTV, RJ, RMC 1/12, IDF Radio, QY, RJ 1/13 in WNC 1/14; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/13; CSM, MM 1/14; VOA 1/14 in WNC 1/15; WJW 1/16; JTV 1/16 in WNC 1/21; PR 1/17; al-Nahar 1/21 in WNC 1/24; MEI 1/24)

12 hrs. after assuming his post, Atty. Gen. Bar-On resigns amid rumors that he was appointed in exchange for a promise to arrange a plea bargain that would end the corruption trial of one of PM Netanyahu's allies, fmr. Interior M Arye Deri. (MM 1/13; NYT 1/24; JP 1/25; NYT 1/27; MEI 2/7) (see 1/10)

Syrian-Lebanese Joint Higher Council signs 3 agmts. on joint border offices and facilitating transportation btwn. the 2 countries, taxation, encouraging investment. (RMC 1/12 in WNC 1/14)