The Palestine Chronology

Israeli-PA security comm. holds emergency mtg. to discuss shooting incident 12/17. Israel says incident raises doubts about feasibility of trusting Palestinian policemen to work with IDF soldiers, border police. (QY 12/20 in FBIS 12/20)

Iranian embassy in Amman denies U.S. Congressional reports that it is funding Hamas, Islamic Jihad. Jordan says it has put Iranian officials under security watch. (WT 12/19) (see 12/15)

Iran calls for Middle East to be declared nuclear-free zone when NPT comes up for extension 4/95. (WT 12/19)

Round of Israeli-Palestinian talks on elections ends in Cairo. PA Planning M Shaath says Israeli submitted its 1st response to PA's proposals for elections submitted 10/25, but does not elaborate. Sides also discuss transportation of goods, Palestinian prisoners. (MENA, RE 12/15, MENA, VOP 12/16 in FBIS 12/16)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli economic comm. announces decision to create subcommittee on investment, industrial cooperation, monetary, banking issues; goal to reach free trade agmt., most favored nation status btwn. 2 countries, based on NAFTA model. (JP 12/16 in FBIS 12/21)

Middle East Arms Control Group ends mtg. in Tunis. Mbrs. agree to form 3 regional security/conflict-prevention centers (Amman, Qatar, Tunis) with main headquarters in Cairo; do not agree on joint declaration defining security relations because of difference over Israel's signing of NPT. Next mtg. scheduled for 6/95. (HA 12/16 in FBIS 12/19)

Refugee Working Group ends mtg. in Ankara, submits proposal for vocational training program for Palestinian refugees. Plan would cost $20 m. over 3 yrs. (TRT Television 12/15 in FBIS 12/19)

U.S. Congressional Research Service reports Iran's Amb. to Jordan Ahmad Dastmalchian might be funding Hamas, Islamic Jihad for Palestine. (MM 12/16; WT 12/19)

Haaretz leaks Israeli FMin. memo on how Israel should deal with new Republican turnover in U.S. Congress. Memo urges AIPAC to overhaul its organization to lobby more effectively. (MEI 12/2, 12/16)

Arafat forms tripartite comm. (Fateh, Hamas, PA) to calm tensions following 11/18 violence. Islamic Jihad is angered that it is not included. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 12/6 in FBIS 12/9)

Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri resigns, says it is impossible to work with cabinet crippled by continued influence of militias. (MM 12/2; RL 12/2 in FBIS 12/2; NYT, WP 12/3; AFP 12/2, 12/3 in FBIS 12/5)

20,000 Hamas, Islamic Jihad supporters rally in Gaza on 1st anniversary of 'Imad `Aqal killing by IDF; call for dialogue with PA, end to intra-Palestinian fighting. PA approved rally after Israel Arab negotiators convinced Hamas supporters not to carry weapons. (AFP, QY, VOP 11/26 in FBIS 11/28; NYT, WT 11/27; CSM, MM 11/28; MEI 12/2; JP 12/3)

Fateh, PFLP, DFLP, FIDA, Palestinian People's Party sign agmt. to contain Gaza incidents, prevent their recurrence. (VOP 11/26 in FBIS 11/29)

PM Rabin meets with Pres. Clinton in Washington, gives Clinton proposal to be handed to Syrian Pres. al-Asad. Clinton says he will lobby to maintain level of aid to Israel; for continued cooperation with Arrow missile program; for U.S. troop presence in Golan Heights if agmt. btwn. Israel, Syria is reached. Sen. Robert Dole, expected to become Senate maj. leader, also pledges to keep econ. aid to Israel at current level. (MM 11/21; QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; MM, NYT, WP 11/22; MEI 12/2; MM 12/7)

Arafat, 10,000 supporters hold rally in Gaza City to show support for peace with Israel. (QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; MM, WP, WT 11/22; CSM 11/28; MEI 12/2)

Fateh sets up 7 "emergency committees" to patrol with Palestinian police, act against Hamas and Islamic Jihad, remove opposition graffiti and write pro-PA graffiti. Comm. mbrs. will be armed, in plain clothes, mostly fr. Fateh Hawks. (QY 11/22 in FBIS 11/22)

PLO, Hamas agree on formula to end violence, but Hamas will not sign accord until Arafat takes responsibility for 11/18 incident. (AFP, QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; CSM 11/22; WP 11/24).

UN envoy to the Middle East Terje Larsen says Palestinians standard of living has dropped 50% since signing of Oslo agmt., appeals to donor countries to send promised aid. (AFP 11/22 in FBIS 11/23; QY 11/23 in FBIS 11/29)

Arafat holds mtgs. with Fateh, Islamic groups; indirectly accuses Israel of sparking 11/18 violence in attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders; releases 31 Islamic Jihad mbrs. fr. jail to appease opposition. Protests continue, Hamas asks Arafat to fire Justice M Frayh Abu-Midyan, 2 senior police officials. (NYT, WP, WT 11/21; VOP 11/20, 11/21 in FBIS 11/22, MM 11/22; PR 11/27; MEI 12/2)

PM Rabin states some Israelis are acting with "criminal irresponsibility" by "spreading lies" in the U.S. to discourage U.S. government fr. stationing of troops in Golan, asks embassy staff in U.S. to confront them. (IDF Radio, QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/21) (see 9/29)

Israeli FM Shimon Peres suggests Israel ease economic pressure on PA by giving PA $13 m. in tax money collected fr. Palestinians working in Israel. Some MKs oppose suggestion, saying Israel should not fund Palestinian autonomy. (QY 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; WP 11/21)

Sen. Helms calls Syrian efforts at peace a "fraud," says he will oppose U.S. troop presence in Golan as head of Foreign Relations Comm. (QY 11/20, Davar 11/21 in FBIS 11/21; NYT, WP 11/22)

PM Rabin orders more troops to guard settlements in Gaza Strip. (WP, WT 11/21)

7 Fateh Central Comm. mbrs. living outside autonomous areas hold mtg. in Tunis to discuss 11/18 violence. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 11/25 in FBIS 11/29)

New weekly newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadid is issued in o.t., claiming to be "new opposition," accepting PA while improving its performance fr. within. It is published by frmr. PLO Amb. to Moscow Nabil `Amr, edited by Hafiz Barghouti. (PR 11/20)

14 killed, 200 injured when Palestinian police fire on 2,000 Hamas, Islamic Jihad protesters in Gaza City, sparking riot. Hamas leader Mahmud Zahhar calls on crowd to desist to no avail. PA banned unauthorized political gatherings 11/12. (MM 11/18; QPAR, QY, RMC, SARR, VOP 11/18, AFP, RE, VOP 11/19 in FBIS 11/21; NYT, WP, WT 11/19; PR 11/20; CSM, MM 11/21; MM 11/22; MM, WJW 11/24; JP 11/26; PR 11/27 MEI 12/2)

U.S. State Dept. issues statement attributing intra-Palestinian violence to donor countries' failure to deliver funds. (NYT 11/19)

Jordan, Israel end talks in Amman on implementing peace treaty. Decide to establish diplomatic relations 11/27, open embassies 12/10. (JT 11/19 in FBIS 11/21)

Israeli PM Rabin says he will tie Palestinian elections to revocation of parts of PLO charter. (MM 11/17; NYT 11/18)

PM Rabin arrives in U.S. to lobby Congress mbrs. for continuation of Israel's $3 b. annual foreign aid. Incoming head of U.S. Foreign Relations Comm., Sen. Jesse Helms, has suggested halting Israel's $1.2 b. economic aid, simultaneously forgiving Israel's debt. (MM, WT 11/16; IDF Radio 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; WT 11/17; WJW 11/24)

Jordan lifts economic boycott against Israel, drafts customs regulations based on Israeli-Jordanian agmt. (AFP 11/16 in FBIS 11/16)

Arafat holds PLO Exec. Comm. mtg. in Gaza (previously scheduled for 11/15) after 2 mbrs. arrive fr. abroad. The 8 mbrs. in attendance cannot form the quorum of 12 required by PLO charter. Those attending are: Arafat, PA Finance M Muhammad Zuhdi al-Nashashibi, PA Education M Yasir `Amr, PA Culture M Yasir `Abid Rabbu, PA Labor M Samir Ghawshah, Palestine Liberation Front leader Ali Ishaq, independents Juweid Sourani, Jamal Sourani. (PR 11/20)

UNRWA Commissioner-General Ilter Türkmen meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss current conditions, developments in autonomous areas, project coordination. (UNRWA News 11/30)

Arafat orders release of 30 Islamic Jihad mbrs. arrested in crackdown following 11/11 suicide bombing. (QY 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Jane's Intelligence Review says Israel has 200+ nuclear weapons, incl. gravity bombs, missiles, shells, mines; is currently testing sea-launched cruise missile. (WT 11/17, 11/19)

Israel hands over responsibility for tourism, social services in West Bank to PNA. Tourism dept. has no control over religious, archeological sites outside Jericho; can only issue licenses to hotels, tour guides, supervise souvenir shops. Soc. services dept. can issue welfare checks, run rehab. programs, treatment centers, but IDF will prevent transfer of money to Islamist groups. (MM 11/15; QY 11/15 in FBIS 11/16; NYT 11/16)

Israeli FMin. Dir. Gen. Uri Savir says mtg. was held recently at undisclosed location btwn. Israeli, Lebanese officials to discuss curbing Hizballah, Islamic Jihad. (MM 11/16)

PNA requests gas, electricity links with Egypt, opening of Rafah border point to Egyptian goods in hopes of breaking Palestinian dependence on Israel. (MENA 11/15 in FBIS 11/16)

Israeli-Jordanian committees on security, tourism convene to discuss implementation of peace agmt. (QY, RJ 11/15 in FBIS 11/16)

PLO Exec. Comm. is canceled after 10 of 18 mbrs. fail to show. (RMC 11/15, QY 11/16 in FBIS 11/16; AFP, QY, VOP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

PM Rabin accuses Chmn. Arafat of doing little to prevent attacks on Israelis, says Israel-PLO accord may collapse, adds that arrest of 180 Islamic Jihad mbrs. is not enough of a reaction to bombing 11/11. (WT 11/16)

Lebanese Pres. Hrawi says Lebanon will not make peace with Israel until Israel withdraws unconditionally fr. the south, vows if solution to Palestinian refugee issues comes at Lebanon's expense, he "will ask the Palestinians to leave Lebanon." (RL 11/14 in FBIS 11/14; WT 11/16)

Secy. of State Christopher cancels trip to Middle East planned for end of Nov., cites U.S. elections. (MM 11/14)

Arafat phones King Hussein to discuss possible trip to Amman for talks on Palestinian-Jordanian relations. (RMC, VOP 11/14 in FBIS 11/15)

Israeli Housing Min. begins construction of 1,050 houses in Betar settlement south of Jerusalem. (RMC 11/14 in FBIS 11/15)

Arafat meets with Israeli Peace Now delegation in Gaza, discusses PNA economic problems. (QY 11/14 in FBIS 11/15)

Number of Islamic Jihad mbrs. arrested by Palestinian police rises to 180. 100's protest arrests. Rabin says Arafat is not doing enough. (MM 11/14; CSM, NYT, WT 11/15)

Arafat announces PLO Exec. Comm mtg. to hold 1st mtg, in Gaza 11/15. (VOP 11/12 in FBIS 11/14; QY 11/15 in FBIS 11/15)

Palestinian police arrest more than 100 Islamic Jihad mbrs. following bombing 11/11. Arafat announces ban on political rallies by opponents of Israel-PLO accords. (AFP, QY 11/12, ITV 11/13 in FBIS 11/14; NYT 11/13, 11/15)

Israeli Finance M Shohat says if U.S. long-term interest rates rise much further, it will be uneconomical to raise funds by means of U.S. loan guarantees. (JP 11/12)

1,000 students rally at Univ. of Jordan to protest Israeli-Jordanian agmt. (STV 11/12, Al-Majd 11/14 in FBIS 11/15)

Islamic Jihad suicide bomber on bicycle kills 3 IDF reservists, wounds 11 at Netzarim checkpoint, Gaza, in revenge for Abed assassination 11/2. (MM 11/11; AFP, IDF Radio, QY, VOP 11/11 in FBIS 11/14; NYT, WP, WT 11/12; JP 11/19)

Arafat condemns Islamic Jihad attack, orders roundup of Jihad mbrs. 1000's of Palestinians demonstrate in support of Islamic Jihad. (NYT, WP, WT 11/12)

Israel agrees to reconsider ban on import of produce fr. Gaza due to cholera outbreak. (VOP 11/11 in FBIS 11/16) (see 11/8)

Fateh mbr. Sami Sharaf is killed by unknown men as he leaves his home in Sidon, Lebanon. (RL 11/11 in FBIS 11/14)

Amal shells SLA positions in southern Lebanon, killing 3 SLA soldiers. (RL 11/11 in FBIS 11/14)

Gazans eject Arafat from funeral of Hani Abed as 1000's protest Arafat's leadership, blame Israel for car bombing. (MM 11/3; IDF Radio, QY 11/3 in FBIS 11/4; CSM, WP, WT 11/4; JP 11/5)

More than 3,500 Palestinians return to work in Israel as closure of West Bank, Gaza is lifted further. Rabin approves permits for 5,000 others. (QY 11/3 in FBIS 11/3; QY 11/3 in FBIS 11/4)

Arafat meets with delegation fr. Hamas, Islamic Jihad to discuss Abed assassination. (VOP 11/4 in FBIS 11/7)

Israeli Housing Min. notes largest ever rise in number of people moving to Qatzrin settlement in Golan--345 in past 3 mos.; says Min. will sell 120 remaining apartments within weeks, will provide buyers with government subsidized mortgages. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 11/3 in FBIS 11/4)

Fateh Central Comm. holds elections, elects younger men more critical of PNA, rejects Arafat's proposal to hold regular mtgs. in Gaza despite PM Rabin's approval for mbrs. to enter autonomous areas. Arafat displeased. (Al-Sharq al-Awsat 11/3 in FBIS 11/4; VOP 11/6, JP 11/7 in FBIS 11/9)

PM Rabin rejects offer by 2 Hamas leaders, Shaykhs Jamil Hamami and Hussein Abu Kwaik, to open dialogue. Offer is thought to be response to Dep. FM Beilin's statements 10/24. (WT 11/3)

Car bomb kills Hani Abed, leader of Islamic Jihad in Gaza; armed supporters riot, vow reprisals against Israel; no one claims responsibility for attack. (AFP 11/2 in FBIS 11/3; MM 11/3; VOP 11/3 in FBIS 11/4; WT 11/3; JP 11/5)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher announces he will resume trips btwn. Israel, Syria end of Nov. to spur Syrian track. (MM 11/3)

Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak on peace process, Casablanca; departs. (MENA 11/2 in FBIS 11/3)

In statement to Turkish reporters, PM Rabin suggests piping water fr. Turkey to Israel, Syria, Lebanon once peace agmts. are signed. (TRT Television, Ankara 11/2 in FBIS 11/3)

IDF orders Kiryat Arba settlers to remove stone monument honoring Baruch Goldstein, perpetrator of Hebron massacre. (WT 11/3; JP 11/12)

Israel shells areas of southern Lebanon. (RL 11/1 in FBIS 11/2)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher cancels plans to visit Middle East this wk. due to Haiti invasion, should arrive after 9/20. (MM 9/12)

U.S. VP Gore announces U.S. will loan Palestinian private sector $87 m. for 9 projects planned to create 1,800 temporary and permanent jobs in Gaza, West Bank. (MM 9/13; JP 9/24)

At Labor Party caucus, PM Rabin says if Knesset passes law requiring special majority for withdrawal fr. Golan, it will torpedo talks with Syria, divert money fr. welfare to defense; calls proposal "racist move, aimed at minimizing . . . the Arab vote." Most Labor hawks defer to Rabin. Likud Party chmn. Moshe Qatzav says Likud will not honor withdrawal agmt. if national referendum is not held. (ITV 9/11 in FBIS 9/13; MM 9/12; QY 9/12 in FBIS 9/13; JP 9/17; MM 9/21; JP 9/24) (see 9/7)

Israeli-Palestinian Security Comm. meets to discuss release of Palestinian detainees, safe passage, joint patrols. No agmts. reached. (QY, VOP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13)

Israeli Finance M Avraham Shohat meets Arafat in Gaza, gives PNA $5 m. in VAT taxes on goods imported to the self-rule areas via Israeli ports, says Israel will speed up transfer of tax funds as goodwill gesture. (IDF Radio, QY, VOP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13; MM 9/13; JP 9/24)

Jordanian-Israeli talks on borders, water, security, energy, environment, tourism, economy continue in Tiberias. Jordan-Israel-U.S. trilateral comm. continues talks on development of Jordan Rift. (RJ 9/11 in FBIS 9/12; MM 9/12)

Israel PM Rabin, Pres. Clinton hold joint teleconference with American Jews at 70 sites around U.S.; discuss peace process, threat from Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Iran. (MM, WP, WT 9/13; QY 9/13 in FBIS 9/13)

2d IDF officer arrested in connection with illegal extremist right-wing organization. Lt. Qobi Pino, settler fr. Qiryat Arba, is 10th arrested for anti-Arab activity. (IDF Radio 9/12 in FBIS 9/14)

Israeli police arrest 2 settlers fr. Hebron area (bringing total arrested 9), say more arrests are expected in crackdown on anti-Arab extremists. Settlers claim detainees have been tortured by Shin Bet, Israeli AG opens investigation. (MM 9/12; WT 9/13; NYT 9/15)

Hamas, DFLP, PFLP, Islamic Jihad hold mtg. in Gaza, issue statement criticizing Arafat, recent arrests, Oslo and Cairo agmts. (QY, QPAR 9/11 in FBIS 9/12; QPAR, VOP 9/12 in FBIS 9/13)

Israeli PM Rabin publicly outlines timetable for early withdrawal fr. Golan for 1st time: proposes initial "very slight" pullback for 3 yrs. (preserving all settlements) in exchange for full normalization of relations, inc. exchange of ambs. Syrian FM al-Shara` replies Syria is ready for a "warm peace," but long period of withdrawal is unacceptable. (MM 9/8; ITV 9/8 in FBIS 9/14; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/9; JP 9/17)

IDF says it will change patrol routes in southern Gaza after study shows 1 soldier wounded in earlier attack was shot accidently by Palestinian police. New roads will be built for IDF use only; joint patrols will "only meet at junctions." (HA 9/8 in FBIS 98)

Arafat meets with Hamas leaders for 1st time, says PNA will give financial aid to Islamic University in Gaza, a Hamas stronghold. (AFP 9/8 in FBIS 9/9; JP 9/17)

Israeli FM Peres says Orient House is open for political meetings with diplomats, contradicting previous government statements. (Al-Hamishmar 9/8 in FBIS 9/8)

IDF arrests 1 settler fr. Qiryat Arba, 1 fr. Hebron on charges of harassing Arabs. (IDF Radio, QY 9/8 in FBIS 9/9; MM 9/9)

Hizballah fires on IDF patrol in Marj `Uyun in southern Lebanon, kill 1 soldier. 2 hrs. later, 2 Lebanese civilians wounded by IDF retaliatory fire. (ITV 9/8 in FBIS 9/9; WP 9/9; WJW 9/15)

Palestinian police release 10 Islamic Jihad mbrs. arrested 9/6. (QY 9/8 in FBIS 9/9)

American Jewish Comm. release survey showing 77% of American Jews approve of Israel's handling of peace negotiations; 53% believe PLO's true intent is to destroy Israel; 44% believe Palestinians are interested in "lasting peace." (Near East Report 9/19)

Syrian FM al-Shara` calls Israeli proposal of 8/23 recipe for resumption of Lebanese civil war; rebukes Rabin for saying Israel would agree to continued Syrian presence in Lebanon, saying that is a matter for Syria, Lebanon to discuss. (MM 9/7) (see 8/23, 9/5)

Arafat meets with World Bank officials in preparation for Paris mtg. of donor countries 9/9. World Bank says it will release $30 m. of $180 m. slotted for development of autonomous areas. (VOP 9/7 in FBIS 9/7; JP 9/17)

MK's Shimon Shetrit, Avigdor Kahalani meet with 6 MK's fr. Labor, Yi'ud, Shas, draft bill that would require any withdrawal fr. Golan to have broad national backing, be supported by special majority of 70 MK's. (ITV 9/9 in FBIS 9/13)

Hamas says it is forming a political party so its mbrs. can take political posts in PNA, take part in elections. (CSM 9/13)

Arafat permits senior Hamas figure, Imad Faluji, to start daily newspaper Al-Watan. (MM 9/8)

DFLP SG Nayif Hawatmeh says crackdown on Islamic Jihad, DFLP paired with Hamas rapprochement is Arafat's divide-and-rule tactic. Hamas, Islamic Jihad, DFLP each issue leaflet demanding release of mbrs. recently arrested by Palestinian police. DFLP claims 14 mbrs. arrested in past wk. (MM 9/7, 9/8)

Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi says he is considering deporting 30,000 Palestinians to Gaza now that it is autonomous. Palestinians in Libya report many have been fired from jobs recently, lending weight to the threat. (Al-Quds 9/7 in MM 9/7; MM 9/15)

IDF shells Iqlim al-Tuffah in southern Lebanon, arrests 4 civilians accused of aiding Hizballah. (RL 9/7 in FBIS 9/8)

Jordanian PM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali meets with PNA Transportation M `Abd al-`Aziz al-Haj Ahmad, Dir. of CAA Fayiz Zaydan on technical assistance in building PNA infrastructure. (RJ 9/6 in FBIS 9/7)

Palestinian police detain 49 Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Gaza after attack 9/4, say they discovered faxes to Islamic Jihad fr. Iran (some via 3d parties) during raids. (QY 9/6 in FBIS 9/6; MM, QPAR, VOP 9/6 in FBIS 9/7; WT 9/7; MM 9/8; CSM 9/13; JP 9/17)

Syrian government criticizes Morocco for normalizing relations with Israel. (WT 9/7)

Israel lifts ban preventing 44 PNC mbrs. from entering self-rule area, hoping they will convene mtg. to revise PLO charter. (WT 9/5)

Islamic Jihad kills 1 soldier, wounds 2 in drive-by shooting of IDF patrol on Gaza-Israel border. In separate incident, Palestinians injure 2 Israelis in stabbing in Jerusalem. (WT 9/5; QY, VOP 9/5 in FBIS 9/6)

Israeli FMin. issues formal apology to Pakistani PM Bhutto regarding dispute over her trip to Gaza. (MEI 9/9)

PM Rabin postpones "safe passage" btwn. Gaza, Jericho citing lack of PNA action toward recent Hamas attacks. (MEI 8/26)

Jordanian-Palestinian talks end in Amman. Joint comm. is formed to meet monthly, discuss economic, political, administrative issues. Plans for Palestinian currency suspended, Jordanian dinar to be primary currency of PNA areas for 3-yr. period. (JTV 8/22, MM 8/23; VOP 8/23 in FBIS 8/23; RJ 8/23 in FBIS 8/24; Al-Dustur 9/3 in FBIS 9/7)

171 Palestinian figures, inc. 82 mbrs of PNC, PLO Central Council, PLO Executive Comm. issue statement criticizing Arafat; reject calls for PNC mtg. in Gaza, amendment of charter; denounce DOP. (MM 8/23; Al-Dustur 8/23 in FBIS 8/24; CSM 8/25; MEI 8/26)

Curfew on Rafah is lifted. (QY in FBIS 8/22)

IDF detains 15 Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Janin. (QY 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Palestinian prisoners released 8/19 hold press conference to protest Israel's demand they remain in Gaza, Jericho for remainder of their sentences, criticize Arafat. (ITV 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israeli PM Rabin promises NIS 16 m. to build new road in West Bank so settlers can bypass Jericho. (QY 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israel shells villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah, Jabal Abu Rashid southern Lebanon in response to 8/18 Hizballah attack. (WT 8/24)

New Palestinian group calling itself Palestinian National Liberation Movement-Fateh Soldiers of Right (jund al-haq) issues leaflet in o.t. saying it will "remove injustice, fight corrution, and restore Fateh's past status." (Al-Ra'y 8/22 in FBIS 8/23)

Israeli FM Shimon Peres says Israeli-Palestinian Liaison Comm. agreed to international temporary force for deployment in West Bank. Troops to be fr. Australia, Turkey, Norway, Finland, 2 European countries. Palestinians to man Gaza, Jericho crossing pts. Israel to issue 35,000 new work permits to Gaza Palestinians. (MENA 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; JP 8/27)

Israel freezes plans for IDF withdrawal fr. o.t., ties extension of self-rule to a halt in Hamas attacks on Israelis. PM Yitzhak Rabin calls current steps by PNA to curb Hamas a publicity stunt. 5 of 40 Hamas mbrs. arrested by Palestinian police 8/15 still held. (QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; NYT 8/18)

Jordan's Tourism M Muhammad Al-Idwan arrives in Israel for joint talks, 1st high-level Jordanian official to publicly visit Israel. (Near East Report 8/22)

IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Ehud Barak meets Defense Secy. William Perry, JCS Chmn. Gen. John Shalikashvili, National Security Advisor Anthony Lake in Washington; stresses Israel should hold onto all of Golan for security purposes. (ITV 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; WT 8/19)

PNA M of Trade and Econ. Ahmad Qurai` protests to Jordan that its trade agmt. with Israel (see 8/16) violates existing agmts. btwn. Israel, PLO. (ITV 8/17 in FBIS 8/18)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP issue leaflet saying Arafat's recent crackdown on Hamas is pushing Palestinians to "the edge of civil war." (AFP 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; MM 8/22)

IDF kills Palestinian trying to enter Israel fr. Gaza nr. Rafah. (QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; UNRWA News 8/24))

Secy of State Christopher meets Syrian Pres. al-Asad in Damascus, returns for U.S., noting "significant gaps" btwn. Israel and Syria, says he does not expect "any dramatic breakthrough in the nr. future."  Christopher says Asad "seemed relaxed" about upcoming Israeli-Jordanian summit.  (SARR 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM 7/22; NYT, WP, WT 7/23)

Israel reopens Erez crossing, Gaza Strip, after 5-day closure.  10,000 Palestinians enter Israel for work; another 10,000, most mbrs. of opposition groups, hold rally in Gaza City in support of 7/17 rioters.  (NYT 7/23)

IDF shoots Palestinian dead in Nablus, wounds 13.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/25; NYT 7/23)

Palestinian killed in Yatta village, nr. Hebron, when bomb left by IDF at firing range explodes.  (TJT 7/29)

Palestinian ambushes IDF patrol nr. settlement in Gaza Strip, wounds 1 soldier in attack claimed by Islamic Jihad.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM 7/22; WT 7/23)

3 bombs explode in Hebron; no casualties reported.  Clashes btwn. Palestinians, police erupt after explosions; 17 Palestinians wounded.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM 7/22; NYT, WT 7/23)

Israeli intelligence tells Argentine authorities "Followers of God" (NYT--"Partisans of God") group claims responsibility for 7/18 bombing of Jewish center in Buenos Aires, 7/19 bombing of commuter plane in Panama.  Death toll in Buenos Aires bombing now around 100--43 confirmed, 60 still missing.  Group known only fr. communiqué issued 3 mos. earlier in Sidon, Lebanon, pledging "all-out war" against Israel.  (NYT, WT 7/23)

Arafat visits Shatti, Jabaliya r.c.s in Gaza Strip as visit to Gaza, Jericho continues.  In speech, Arafat appeals directly to Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and PFLP to "help me lift the heavy burden" of occupation.  Arafat also chairs mtg. of Palestine National Authority.  (NYT, WT 7/3; CSM 7/5)

10,000 Israelis demonstrate in Jerusalem against Arafat visit.  Demonstrators later rampage through East Jerusalem, vandalizing Palestinian shops and 7 U.S. consulate cars.  (WT 7/3, 7/4; MM, NYT 7/4)

PLO official Nabil Shaath announces Arafat's visit to Gaza, Jericho advanced to 7/1 fr. 7/2.  Israel's chief's rabbis had complained that a Saturday visit would force Israeli soldiers to desecrate the Sabbath.  (MM 6/30; CSM, NYT, WP 7/1)

Israeli PM Rabin warns right-wing opponents he will take strong action to prevent violence by protestors against Arafat's visit to Gaza Strip, Jericho area rescheduled to start 7/1.  Settler leaders offer $30,000 bounty for Arafat's capture; others urge his assassination.  (NYT, WSJ, WT 7/1)

2 IDF soldiers wounded in Gaza Strip.  Caller to news agency claims responsibility for Hamas, calling attack "salute" to Arafat's visit.  Hamas repudiates attack after Palestinian police condemn it; Islamic Jihad claims responsibility.  (NYT, WP 7/1; JP 7/9)

Israel releases 170 Palestinian prisoners, including 2 Hamas leaders, but keeps 650 Hamas, Islamic Jihad prisoners in custody for refusing to sign pledges renouncing violent opposition to Israel-PLO agreements.  IDF Brig. Gen Yomtov Samya, Israeli delegate to Israel-PLO security comm., says more than 4,900 prisoners released, fulfilling 5/4 agreement.  (MM 6/16; CSM, MM,  NYT, WP, WSJ 6/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat informs Tunisian govt. PLO move to Jericho due to lack of funds to be postponed, PLO to retain 32 buildings in and around Tunis.  (WT 6/22)

Palestinian police chief Gen. Nasr Yusuf, special security unit head Col. Jibril Rajub reportedly feud over authority, Rajub refusing orders fr. Yusuf.  PLO Chmn. Arafat calls special mtg. of Fateh leadership to deal with dispute.  (WT 6/18)

LF cmndr. Samir Ja`ja` indicted for 1990 murder of rival Dany Sham`un.  Ja`ja was charged 6/13 in 2/27 bombing of church in Zuq Mikhail.  (RL 6/16 in FBIS 6/17; MM 6/17)

Hamas stages rally against PLO-Israel accord at Gaza City's Islamic University, drawing 1,000s.  Demonstrators call for violence against IDF, settlers.  (WT 5/24)

Islamic Jihad refuses to surrender arms to Palestinian police, pledges to continues attacks on Israelis.  (MM 5/23)

Palestinian police at Erez checkpoint, Gaza Strip, shoot out tires of Israeli driver who refuses to stop.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/23 in FBIS 5/24; MM, WT 5/24)

PM Rabin demands PLO Chmn. Arafat reaffirm in writing PLO commitment to 5/4 accord, citing Arafat "jihad" speech in South Africa.  Police M Moshe Shahal says implementation of 5/4 agreement could be forestalled if attacks on Israelis continue.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/23, 5/24 in FBIS 5/24; MM 5/23; NYT, WP, WT 5/24)

Fateh Maj. Bassam Fawzi Mi`ari shot dead in Sidon by another Fateh mbr. in incident called "personal dispute."  Assailant turned over to Lebanese army.  (RL 5/23 in FBIS 5/24)

1 Palestinian killed, 2 captured, 4th presumed dead in IDF raid on Islamic Jihad hideout in Hebron. Several houses demolished by IDF anti-tank missiles in action. (CSM, MM, NYT, WT 5/23; TJT 5/27; JP 6/4)

Palestinian police erect roadblocks in Gaza Strip, check cars for weapons as part of response to 5/20 killing of 2 IDF soldiers at Erez checkpoint. PLO officials at Jericho news conference urge all factions to surrender weapons. (WT 5/23)

Settlers break into Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue in Jericho despite presence of Palestinian police, who do not intervene. (WT 5/23)

2 Israeli soldiers killed at Erez checkpoint, Gaza Strip.  Attackers flee into Gaza Strip self-rule area without pursuit by Palestinian police.  Islamic Jihad, Hamas claim responsibility.  Gaza police cmndr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf promises "we will stop them in the coming stages." Israel closes main roads into Gaza, bars Palestinian worker fr. Israel until 5/29 in retaliation.  PLO official Nabil Shaath, Gaza security chief Muhammad Dahlan meet IDF Maj. Gen. Amnon Shahak over incident.  2 Israeli garbage collectors wounded nr. Morag in Gush Qatif settlement bloc in separate shooting incident.  (MM 5/20; Qol Yisra'el 5/20 in FBIS 5/20; NYT, WP, WT 5/21; JP 5/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat signs decree voiding post-1967 laws in o.t.  (al-Quds 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; TJT 5/27)

Jordan's King Hussein, Syrian Pres. al-Asad hold talks on peace process in Damascus.  (RJ 5/20 in FBIS 5/20)

Israeli authorities arrest more than 300 Hamas and Islamic Jihad mbrs. in o.t. in crackdown ordered by PM Rabin. Rabin says govt. will fight terrorism "with all the means available to us." (MM 4/19; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/20)

6 Fateh mbrs., fugitives fr. Gaza Strip, allowed to return fr. Egypt. Among those returned is "Black Panther" leader Salim Shurafa, 28. PM Rabin pledges to allow return of 20-30,000 Palestinians, mostly relatives of Palestinian police, after agreement with PLO reached. (WP, WT 4/20)

Israeli AG Michael Ben-Yair tells Jerusalem Bar Assoc. that Israeli law does not apply in o.t. "unless the Knesset expressly states this," and that settlers are as subject to military law as Palestinians. Ben-Yair says that in criminal cases "parallel" authority applies to settlers, so they are tried by Israeli law in Israeli courts, not military courts. Settlers' council criticizes Ben-Yairemarks, calls for mtg. (MM 4/20)

Hamas Damascus political office head Musa Abu Marzuq, in interview with Jordanian Islamist weekly al-Sabil, says Hamas would make peace with Israel in return for complete Israeli withdrawal fr. o.t., dismantlement of all settlements. Statement expands on hint of compromise in 4/17 statements by Hamas reps. in Jordan. (WT 4/20; CSM 4/21)