The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 300 Arabs and Jews demonstrate in Haifa in solidarity with the residents of the occupied territories [FJ 12/25].

Other Countries: White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan publicly denies Pres. Reagan approved August 1985 Israeli arms shipment to Iran, contradicting testimony from former National Security Adviser Robert McFarlane [LAT 12/19]. Britain pledges aid for Jordan's W. Bank and Gaza Strip development project UP 12/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Syrian troops take Sami Turk, a commander of Sunni fundamentalist group known as Tawhid (Islamic Unification Movement), into custody. Tawhid members kill 15 Syrian soldiers in protest. Leftist Lebanese parties join with Syrian forces in 36-hour battle, which leaves over 200 dead [WP 1/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's Supreme Court rules that authorities cannot legally discriminate against converts to Judaism [BG 12/2; LAT 12/3]. P.M. Shamir denies Israel knowingly helped channel funds to Nicaraguan rebels [NYT 12/3].

Other Countries: W. German reports indicate 2 Arabs found guilty of bombing at W. Berlin club in March may have been double agents working for Israel [WP 12/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops, attempting to control demonstration at UNRWA Teachers Training Center in Ramallah, shoot and wound a student in the head. At least 15 others are arrested in protests in the W. Bank 11/30 and 12/1 marking anniversary of the 1947 Palestine partition plan. Four colleges are ordered closed for a week [FJ 12/5].

Arab World: Amal, Sixth Lebanese Army Brigade, and Syrian commandos unite to launch major offensive against Shatila refugee camp. Palestinian forces hold off attackers [FJ 12/5]. Forty-six are killed, 111 wounded in heavy fighting between PLO and Amal forces in Beirut and S. Lebanon. One-day general strike in Sidon protests the on-going battle in that city [BG 12/2]. The Amal and the PNSF are reported to reach agreement on cease-fire in S. Lebanon [JP 12/2]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli government acknowledges transferring arms to Iran at U.S. request but denies any financial role in the U.S.-Iran arms sales [WP 11/26, 11/27; NYT 11/26]. Israeli and Palestinian writers gather in Jaffa to express solidarity with journalist Akram Haniyyah and opposition to his deportation order [FJ 11/28]. Israeli troops arrest approximately 150 villagers in Bayt Hanun after a firebomb isthrown at an army jeep [FJ 12/5].

Other Countries: W. German court convicts a Jordanian and a Palestinian of bombing the German Arab Friendship Society on 3/29. Syrian ambassador in E. Berlin denies any Syrian involvement [NYT 11/27].

Military Action

Arab World: PLO and Amal militia continue to fight in W. Beirut and S. Lebanon [NYT 11/27]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: The New York Times reports that Saudi Arabian arms dealer 'Adnan Khashoggi played important role in financing U.S.-Iran arms deals [NYT 11/26]. U.S. customs agents arrest arms dealer Kevin Gilday and charge him and 3 others with attempting to sell military equipmento Libya and Syria [WP 11/26]. U.S. Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese claims Israel acted on its own when it sent arms to Iran in late summer 1985, announces that profits from the arms deals were used to fund the Nicaraguan contras. Israeli government replies that U.S. requested the shipment and that Israel had no knowledge of funds diverted to the contras [LAT 11/26]. Head of Higher Islamic Council requests international protection for Jerusalem's Old City Arab residents [FJ 1/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Justice Ministry lawyers have been refusing to cooperate with Shin Bet's legal department to protest fact that two top Shin Bet lawyers, pardoned for role in Shin Bet cover-up, were allowed to keep jobs (NYT 9/30). Jordan says it will resume payment of salaries of 280 lawyers and judges in West Bank who boycott Israeli legal system in show of solidarity with Palestinians (JP 10/1).

Other Countries: Mordechai Vanunu, former Israeli nuclear reactor employee, disappears in London after giving story to Sunday Times about Israeli nuclear weapon factory (5 October) (WP 11/10). French Minister of Cooperation cites evidence linking Syria with terrorist bombing groups but stops short of accusing Syria of backing terrorists (NYT 10/1).

Military Action

Arab World: In S. Lebanon, IDF kill two Arabs (FBIS 10/1).

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: In Genoa, Achille Lauro trial ends; 11 are convicted, 3 given life terms [WP 7/11].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli gunboat intercepts vessel carrying 4 armed Arab guerrillas off S. Lebanon; 2 Israeli soldiers and all 4 guerrillas are killed, 9 other Israeli soldiers wounded in ensuingun battle on land; PFLP and Syrian-backed National Syrian Social party claim responsibility [WP 7/14; NYT 7/15; FJ 7/18]. Hours later Israeli helicopter gunships attack 'Ain al-Hilwah refugee camp, near Sidon, killing 1 and wounding 8 [WP 7/14; NYT 7/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet appoints Yosef Harish, a district court judge, as attorney general, removing Yitzhak Zamir, who had opposed cabinet by ordering investigation of Shin Bet Chief Avraham Shalom. Investigation order is suspended. Israel Radio says Zamir found evidence showing Shalom ordered 2 Palestinians clubbed to death after they were arrested for attack on Israeli bus [NYT 6/2]. Harish favors secret investigation into Shin Bet case [LT 6/3]. Jerusalem District Electric Company workers strike over nonpayment of salaries. The East Jerusalem utility owes $12 million to Israel Electric Corp., which has refused to approve payment of salaries; JDEC's property attached in court UP 6/2]. Three Palestinians and 1 Tunisian are formally charged with membership in Fateh organization in Israeli military court in Lydda; the 4 were captured on 3/29 when the Israeli navy intercepted their vessel heading from Syria to Lebanon [FJ 6/6].

Arab World: Four hundred Fateh dissidents elect 'Atallah 'Atallah, former Jordanian army officer also known as Abu Za'im, as commander in chief [MG 6/2]. PLO military deputy Khalil al-Wazir calls election "theatricals" and "illegal" [BG 6/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Cease-fire in south Beirut negotiated by Algeria and Iran fails after a few hours. Estimated dead by now 55, and 348 wounded since 5/19 [BG 6/2]. Israeli forces raid Habbaniyeh in Lebanese "security zone" and pound Nabatiyah-Arab Salim-Jarjuh axis [OJ 6/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M.: Thatcher, ending trip to Israel with news conference, says if PLO refuses to renounce terrorism and recognize Israel other negotiating representatives of Palestinian people must be found; says "ultimate solution" to Palestinian problem is federation of Jordan, West Bank, and Gaza [WP 5/28]. In Knesset, P.M. Peres survives four votes of no-confidence over Shalom crisis [LT 5/29]. Six hundred Palestinian prisoners in Junayd prison near Nablus go on hunger strike to protest conditions [FJ 5/30].

Arab World: Syrian V.P. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam arrives in Moscow to discuss possible attack against Syria and PLO bases by Israel and U.S. Syrian Pres. al-Asad ends Greek visit; joint communique with P.M. Papandreou states Greece will initiate actions within EEC to start dialogue on M.E. solution.

Other Countries: Italian judicial officials issue warrants for arrest of 14 alleged Arab terrorists, including Abu Nidal, in connection with terror incidents in Italy last year [WP 5/28].

Military Action

Arab World: Eight killed and 60 wounded in Amal-Palestinian gunfight at Burj al-Burajinah [LT 5/28].

Other Countries: In London, PLO representative Faisal 'Awayda condemns Thatcher's visit and wams of terror attacks if PLO is left out of peace process [MG 5/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Margaret Thatcher arrives in Jerusalem, first official visit by British P.M. to Israel [NYT 5/24].

Arab World: King Hussein travels to Damascus to meet Syrian President alAsad, aiming to reconcile Syria and Iraq, isolate Fateh [LT, JP 5/26; MG 5/28]. Yasir Arafat travels to Algeria to discuss steps for intra-Palestinian reconciliation. PLO in Tunis launches appeal to "halt the new plot in which certain Arab parties are implicated againsthe Palestinian people and their camps in Lebanon."

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel Aircraft Industries announces $1 billion in sales for 1985/86 fiscal year [JP 5/15]. Three border policemen are charged before a police tribunal with using excessive force in the 1984 arrest of a Palestinian [JP 5/16].

Arab World: Faruq al-Qaddumi, head of the PLO political department, meets French foreign minister in Paris, the first such meeting in two years [LM 5/16]. An undetermined number are killed, and as many as 200 students and 18 police injured in clashes during protests at University of Yarmuk at Irbid in northem Jordan [GU 6/14; MG 5/16]. (Estimates of death range from 3 to 18.) Riots, involving 2,000 students, are reportedly over growing Jordanian-Syrian cooperation against PLO, though nominal causes are high tuition fees and U.S. air strikes on Libya [NYT 5/21; JP 5/16].

Other Countries: Geneva-based WHO condemns for 11th successive year Israeli seizure of Arab territories and says foreign occupation is bad for mental and physical health; condemns diversion of water and hindrance of development of Arab health organizations [JP 5/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres and the Israeli army chief of staff issue separate statements indicating that Israel has no intention of beginning a war with Syria and they see no immediate evidence that the Syrians are planning a war with Israel [NYT 5/10].

Other Countries: Yasir Arafat arrives in Togo, last stop on his 7-nation African tour in which he is discussing "Arab-African issues" [LAT 5/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Over 700 Israeli border police and security forces gather in 4 Druze villages in the Golan Heights to prevent rallies and demonstrations the 40th anniversary of Syria's independence; busloads of sympathizers from the occupied territories areturned back at roadblocks [JP 4/18].

Other Countries: Ecuador, a member of OPEC, recently repaid a $5 million debt to Israel in oil despite an embargo by OPEC on sales to Israel, according to a report in Ha'Aretz [JC 4/17].

Military Action

Arab World: Bodies of 1 kidnaped American, Peter Kilburn, and 2 kidnaped Britons, Philip Padfield and John Leigh Douglas, are found near Beirut with note stating they were killed in retaliation for Britain's role in the U.S. bombing raids on Libya; note is signed by "Arab Fida'iyyin Cells" [NYT, WP, FT 4/18; LT. 4/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres rejects pressure from Labor Party Central Committee to break 1984 agreement with Likud bloc to rotate offices with Foreign Minister Shamir, due to take place in October [NYT, MG 3/24].

Arab World: East Jerusalem newspaper al-Mithaq reports Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad has outlined terms under which he would be willing to begin dialogue with Fateh organization: (1) PLO must issue statement in Arafat's name praising Syrian army's role in 1982 Lebanon war; (2) statement must contain apology for media campaign PLO has conducted against Syria since its evacuation from Beirut; (3) statement must praise Syria's rejection of "capitulatory" solutions to M.E. conflict, affirm Syria's efforts to prevent cantonization of Lebanon; (4) statement must criticize "reactionary" Arab efforts to pressure PLO to accept UN Security Council Resolution 242 [JP 3/24]. Yasir Arafat states it is up to the U.S. to break the deadlock in M.E. peace efforts that followed the collapse of Jordanian efforts to bring the Palestinians into the talks with Israel [BG 3/24]. Arafat states he has sent new proposals for a M.E. peace settlement to the U.S., awaits a response [PI 3/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli security authorities seal 1 house and 3 rooms belonging to 4 residents of Tulkarm accused of throwing fire bombs at Israeli vehicles [JP 3/7].

Arab World: Israeli journalist Uri Avneri is expelled from Jordan to Egypt after reportedly holding contacts with Jordanian and PLO officials in Amman; Avneri retums to Israel, states he met with senior Jordanian and Palestinian personalities, including at least 1 cabinet minister and PNC members, denies he was expelled. (Avneri's trip was approved by P.M. Peres, Foreign Minister Shamir, and Defense Minister Rabin) [JP 3/7; WP 3/8]. Syrian Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shar' concludes 2 days of apparently unproductive talks in England with senior British officials; he states in press conference that Israel is main obstacle to peace in the M.E., that Syria allows Abu Nidal group to maintain political press office in Damascus but it "has nothing to do with violence" [WP, MG, LT 3/6].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA soldier is killed by roadside bomb; Israelis kill 2 Arab guerrillas in S. Lebanon "security zone"; Lebanese security sources say Israeli troops kill 1 farmer, injure another in raid outside "security zone" [MG 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Egyptian naval patrol rams Israeli pleasure boat off coast of Taba, injuring several tourists aboard [LT 2/6].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. issues legal brief stating an American Jew's religious and/or political affinity for Israel may form part of basis for depriving him/her of U.S. citizenship; brief was prepared in relation to MK Meir Kahane case [NYT 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli planes intercept Libyan executive jet over Mediterranean, force it to land in Israel; military sources state they were looking for Abu Nidal. Passengers are interrogated, plane released. Libya denounces action, charges U.S. complicity [NYT, WP 2/5]. Syria accuses Israel of air piracy, requests emergency session of UN Security Council to discuss interception of Libyan jet [NYT 2/5]. U.S. State Dept. refrains from making judgment on action [NYT 2/5]. Bomb explodes in Ramat Gan, injuring 3 [NYT, LAT 2/5].

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in Paris bookstore, wounding 4 [NYT 2/5]. Group calling itself the Committee of Solidarity with Arab and Middle Eastern Political Prisoners claims responsibility [NYT 2/5]. (A bomb found the day before in the Eiffel Tower was safely defused) [LAT, NYT 2/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Following all-night session, Israeli Inner Cabinet approves package compromise dal to send Taba dispute to binding international arbitration if conciliation fails; agreement conditional on Egypt's return of ambassador to Tel Aviv, full normalization of relations. P.M. Peres threatened tobring down govt. if cabinet disagreed [WP, NYT 1/14]. Thirteen Palestinians are detained in connection with land fraud case, bringing total to 30 [JP 1/15]. Haifa U. sociologist Sami Smooha publicizes recent poll results showing 58% of Israelis believe it is "impossible to trust most Arabs," 47% want Palestinians to be encouraged to leave the country [JP 1/14]

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee begins meetings in Baghdad; 4 seats belonging to opposition factions remain empty, Muhammad 'Abbas does not attend. PLO spokesman tells Toronto Star the Soviet Union offered to help reunite PLO factions in return for a guaranteed part in M.E. peace negotiations [TS 1/15]. Egyptian chief coroner confirms Sulayman Khatir committed suicide [LT 1/14].

Other Countries: Reagan administration urges Syria to expel Abu Nidal group from Syrian-controlled Biqa' Valley [JTA 1/14].