The Palestine Chronology

PC opens 2-day session in Ramallah. (VOP 7/5 in FBIS 7/5; PWR 7/7; PR 7/12)

Israeli sources say formation of a cease-fire monitoring comm. for s. Lebanon is being held up by a disagreement btwn. Israel, U.S. over the assurances the U.S. promised Israel in a side letter accompanying the cease-fire agmt. (see 4/26). Based on the letter, which has never been made public, Israel demands comm. decisions be made by consensus, not by majority; freedom of movement in s. Lebanon; each country would be able to send inspectors to its own territory only. U.S. disagrees. (HA 7/3 in FBIS 7/3) (see 6/19)

Israeli FM Levy threatens to resign his post if PM Netanyahu does not finalize cabinet position for Sharon within 5 days. (MM 7/3; QY 7/3 in FBIS 7/3; NYT, WT 7/4) (see 6/19)

PA police find Islamic Jihad figure Salih Tahayna stabbed to death nr. al-Bireh. Tahayna was sentence by Israel to 30 yrs. in jail for firing at IDF soldiers, but escaped earlier this yr. during a prisoner transfer. Islamic Jihad blames Mossad, vows revenge. (AFP, QPAR, SARR 7/4 in FBIS 7/5)

PA begins releasing some of the 1,000 Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. arrested after the series of suicide bombings 2+n3/96. (PR 7/12) (see 6/16)

In Gaza, National Islamic Salvation Party (NISP) leaders hold "get-acquainted" mtg. with Arafat. PA police detain NISP dep. head Fu'ad Nahal on his way home fr. the mtg., question him for 20 hrs. on alleged fund-raising for Hamas. (QY 3/23, AFP 3/24 in FBIS 3/25; WT 3/24; PR 3/29) (see 11/18/95)

Arafat says that since the recent wave of bombings the PA has detained 900 Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs., incl. 35 of 37 wanted by Israel. (QY 3/22 in FBIS 3/22)

In al-Fawwar refugee camp in the West Bank, IDF blows up the family home of the Palestinian who carried out the 2/25 Jerusalem bombing. IDF also blows up home in s. Lebanon where a Hizballah suicide bomber hid. (AFP, QY 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; ITV 3/22 in FBIS 3/25; WT 3/23)

Police in Spain capture escaped Achille Lauro hijacker Molqi in Seville. U.S., Italy both seek his extradition. (NYT, WP, WT 3/23) (see 3/13)

In Gaza, the Palestinian Council (PC) meets for the 1st time to swear in its mbrs. (MM 3/7; QY, VOP 3/7 in FBIS 3/7; PBC 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MEI 3/15)

Lebanon closes all the crossing points into the Israeli self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon to prevent entry of any Palestinians who might be deported by Israel in connection with the recent bombings. (VOL 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

Israeli FM Ehud Barak warns Arafat that if he does not crack down on Islamists in Gaza soon, Israel will send troops into Gaza. (WT 3/9)

Israeli police detain Sulayman Ahmad Aghbariyya, an Israeli-Arab who is deputy mayor of Umm al-Fahm and head of the charity organization the Islamic Salvation Committee, on suspicion of transferring over $3 m. fr. abroad to relatives of Hamas mbrs. (QY 3/7 in FBIS 3/7) (see 3/6)

Hamas issues a leaflet dissociating itself fr. the 3/5 Qassam Brigades leaflet announcing it will disarm, fr. all Yahya Ayyash Units leaflets; calls them an attempt by Israel to undermine the movement. (JMCC 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for 3/4 Tel Aviv bombing. (VOL 3/7 in FBIS 3/8) (see 3/6)

The Pentagon announces that U.S. warplanes will be stationed temporarily in Jordan next mo. to carry out surveillance flights over s. Iraq. It will be the 1st time Jordan has allowed U.S. warplanes to use its territory to overfly Iraq. (RJ 3/8, RMC 3/9, JT 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/11; NYT 4/9; MM 3/15; JT 4/9 in FBIS 4/9)

In a pre-dawn raid, IDF declares al-Fawwar refugee camp nr. Hebron a closed military zone, rounds up 1,000 men 16-64 yrs. old, arrests 30, seals homes of 2 suicide bombers. IDF also raids the Islamic College in Abu-Dis, arrests 14 students; arrests 10s of Palestinians in Hebron, Ramallah and holds them for questioning by Shin Bet. (MM 3/4, QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; IDF Radio, QY 3/4, QY 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; MM, NYT, WP 3/5)

Suicide bomber sets off explosion in Tel Aviv shopping district, killing 15, wounding 126. Bomber is identified as a man fr. Ramallah. A caller claiming to be fr. Hamas says Islamic Jihad is responsible. PM Peres vows to send IDF into self-rule areas to root out Hamas. U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton says he will allow the FBI, CIA to assist Peres in an antiterror campaign. (MM 3/4; IDF Radio, ITV, QPAR, VOP 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/5; WJW 3/7; PR 3/8 MEI 3/15)

After an emergency cabinet session, PM Peres announces formation of a special antiterror war headquarters which is authorized to "act everywhere, using all means, without any limitation on regions," incl. house demolitions, deportations, entry of IDF forces into zone B. (QY 3/4, MA 3/5 in FBIS 3/5)

Israel recalls its negotiating team fr. Washington. (IDF Radio, SARR 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; NYT 3/5; MM 3/5; IDF Radio 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; SATN 3/6 in FBIS 3/7) (see 3/3)

Hamas political leaders, Mahmud Zahhar, Muhammad Sham'ah hold a news conference; deny political wing is responsible for recent bombings; call on Qassam Brigades, Yahya Ayyash Units to halt all military actions. PA says it believes both 2/27 leaflets fr. Qassam Brigades are real; think the one denying responsibility came fr. cadres inside West Bank, Gaza and the one claiming responsibility came from cadres abroad. (MM 3/5; Der Spiegel, ITV 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; PR 3/8)

In Gaza City, Fatah rallies 1,000s of supporters, some carrying signs in Hebrew reading "yes to peace, no to violence" and "terrorism is our enemy," to protest against recent bombings. (MM 3/4; QY, VOP 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; WP, WT 3/5)

In Tel Aviv, over 1,000 Israelis hold violent protest outside the DMin. to denounce the Oslo agmts.; 100 rally outside PM Peres's home; some 200 protest at the site of the Tel Aviv bombing; 100 rally in Jerusalem. Israeli police detain 10s for questioning. (HA 3/5 in FBIS 3/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah mbrs. ambush an IDF convoy, killing 4 IDF soldiers, wounding 9. In 1st attack, IDF shoots back, killing 2 Hizballah mbrs. In a separate incident, a little-known Palestinian group, Islamic Revolutionary Army, ambushes a 2d convoy, wounding 1 IDF soldier. Peres sends 100s of troops fr. n. Israel into s. Lebanon to reinforce the border. (MM 3/5; VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; IDF Radio 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; WT 3/6; MM 3/7)

Third round of Syrian-Israeli "exploratory" talks convene in Maryland. (MM, WT 2/28; JP, MA, SARR 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; NYT 2/29; QY 2/29 in FBIS 2/29; MA, QY 3/1 in FBIS 3/1)

Arafat demands Islamists turn in unlicensed weapons, explosives before the PA security forces begin house-to-house searches 3/1 or risk 15-yr. sentences for possession. PA detains 70 more Hamas supporters in Gaza. (VOP 2/28 in FBIS 2/29; WP, WT 2/29; QY 2/29 in FBIS 2/29)

Arafat convenes military field court comprising the heads of Nablus security branches to try the Qalqilya PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) head Col. `Abd al-Rahim Abu `Awn, PA police head Col. Musa Jadallah for actions in violation of the Oslo agmts. for attending memorial rally for Yahya Ayyash. (QY, VOP 2/28 in FBIS 2/29)

Israel eases the closure on the West Bank, Gaza, allowing produce to cross the borders. (IGPO 2/28 in FBIS 3/1; NYT 2/29)

In Damascus, Iranian VP Habibi meets with Palestinian rejectionist leaders, incl. Hamas, Islamic Jihad officials. Habibi then heads to Beirut to meet with Lebanese Pres. Ilyas Hrawi, who tells him that Lebanon supports Hizballah, but Hizballah must conform to Lebanon's political stance. (MM 2/28; RL, VOL 2/28 in FBIS 2/29; MM 2/29; SARR 2/29, RL, SA 3/1 in FBIS 3/1; MENA 3/1 in FBIS 3/6)

In Oslo, Israel, Jordan, PA initial agmt. on managing scarce water resources. (QY 2/13, JP 2/14 in FBIS 2/14; WT 2/14)

Egypt-Israel-Jordan-PA technical comm. on refugees opens 2-day mtg. in Cairo. (MENA 2/13 in FBIS 2/13; MENA 2/13 in FBIS 2/14; MENA, QY 2/14 in FBIS 2/15)

EU troika meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus. (MM 2/14) (see 1/22)

Arafat receives Congressional delegation in Jericho. (VOP 2/13 in FBIS 2/14) (see 2/8)

PA police arrest 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs. in the West Bank on charges of plotting a bombing inside Israel. (QY 2/13 in FBIS 2/14)

Israeli gunboats fire on Lebanese fishing vessels off the coast of Tyre, s. Lebanon, sinking 1 boat. (RL 2/12 in FBIS 2/12) (see 2/5)

In Saudi Arabia, King Fahd resumes his full duties. (MM 2/13) (see 1/1)

Arafat appoints comm. to draw up Palestinian constitution.  (al-Quds 2/4 in FBIS 2/5)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Jerusalem on his 17th tour of the region and his 2d shuttle btwn. Syria, Israel this yr. to bridge gaps btwn. the pair following their latest round of talks. (QY, SARR, YA 2/4, SARR 2/5 in FBIS 2/5)

In Jordan, King Hussein replaces PM Bin Shakir with FM Kabariti, who is fully supportive of the king's normalization with Israel; reshuffles cabinet, excluding the Islamic Action Front. (JT, JTV, RJ 2/4 in FBIS 2/5; MM, WT 2/5; RJ 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; CSM 2/6)

1,000's of Islamic Jihad supporters attend funeral of 2 mbrs. killed by PA police 2/3, call for revenge against Arafat. (MM 2/5)

Nr. Nablus, Palestinian boy is shot on his way to school allegedly by IDF. (CSM, WP, WT 2/5)

Israeli naval forces detain 3 Lebanese fishermen off the coast of Tyre, s. Lebanon; stop, search ship arriving fr. Europe. (RL 2/4 in FBIS 2/6) (see 11/19)

DFLP, Fatah, PFLP, PPSF, FIDA, PPP, Arab Liberation Front form permanent committee on Jerusalem to pressure Pres. Clinton to block embassy move. (VOP 11/1 in FBIS 11/2)

In Ramallah, settler rabbi is shot, seriously wounded when his car is ambushed. DFLP claims responsibility. IDF closes Jericho area. (AFP, QY, VOP 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; CSM 11/2)

In retaliation for Islamic Jihad leader Shiqaqi's assassination 10/26, Hizballah strikes IDF, SLA convoy in s. Lebanon, killing 2 SLA mbrs, wounding 3 SLA mbrs and 5 IDF soldiers. Meanwhile, 40,000 mourners attend Shiqaqi's funeral in Damascus; 1,000s more hold memorial rally in Tehran. (MM 11/1; QY 11/1 in FBIS 11/1; QPAR, RMC, SANA, SARR 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/2)

Under new media law (see 7/18), PA closes Hamas's al-Watan and an Islamic Jihad's al-Istiqlal for criticizing Arafat, printing material "against the Palestinian Authority" that harms the PA's relations with Arab states, leaking photo of Arafat's baby to the French press. (AFP 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; MM, WT 8/7; PR 8/11)

In Gaza, Arafat receives Israeli Arab Front delegation, discusses peace process, future of Israeli settlements. Front voices support for Arafat, PA. (VOP 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

PM Rabin, Police M Shahal, Justice M Liba'i, Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir, reps of the police, IDF, Shin Bet meet, decide police only will be used to handle protesting settlers; IDF will be called in as needed. (MM 8/7; MA 8/7 in FBIS 8/7; MA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Arab League passes resolution condemning Israel's 8/2 decision on Temple Mount/al-Aqsa mosque. (MENA 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

Israeli police open Temple Mount/al-Aqsa courtyard to Jews but then close site to all after sensing tensions with Palestinians. 100s of Jews overrun police barriers, try to force their way in, clash with police and Palestinians. Area will be closed until 8/7. (QY 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; CSM, WP 8/7; HA 8/7 in IL 8/7; PR 8/11; JP 8/12) (see 8/2)

In Ramallah, Fatah, Peace Now agree to wage joint media campaign to promote the peace process. (Davar 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

Several mbrs of the House, headed by Rep. Nick Rahall, fly to Lebanon in effort to end U.S. travel ban. (WT 8/4)

Lebanese FM Buwayz sets 3 conditions for resumption of negotiations with Israel: U.S. must send Lebanon a credible Israeli proposal for review; proposal must not contradict Lebanese principles for resuming talks; Israel must 1st withdraw fr. s. Lebanon. (RL 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Multilateral Working Group on Water closes session in Amman. Parties propose joint projects totalling $50 m. (IGPO 6/23 in FBIS 6/28)

FM Peres, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meet in Amman, discuss water, technical, scientific cooperation. (MM 6/22; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; RJ 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Arafat holds mtgs with Israeli Knesset Dep. Speaker Rafael Edri on implementation of 2d stage of self-rule; with UN coordinator Terje Larsen on UN activities in the o.t.; with World Bank rep. Kem Chin on donor states' assistance. (VOP 6/23 in FBIS 6/23)

Mahmud al-Khawaja, top leader of Islamic Jihad, is killed in a drive-by shooting in Gaza. Islamic Jihad blames Israeli security services, vows retaliation. Israel neither confirms, denies the accusation. (AFP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; AFP 6/22, SA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 6/23; PR 7/2)

In Hebron, IDF shuts 4th mosque in 2 wks. after security forces find alleged Hamas material during raid. (PR 6/18; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/15)

In Ramallah, IDF shoots, wounds 4 Palestinians during demonstration by 100s of Palestinians in support of prisoners' hunger strike. (HA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/17)

IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 child. (QY 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; WP 6/24)

To date, 55 senators have signed onto Sen. Robert Dole's bill that would move the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (see 5/9). Secy. of State Christopher warns senators Clinton will veto. (JP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22)

On visit to Austria, Israeli Dep. FM Beilin says it makes no difference to Israel which elements are in control of s. Lebanon "so long as the safety of the inhabitants is maintained." Statement thought to be a concessionary signal to Syria. (MM 4/20)

Syrian VP Khaddam says Syria still wants full withdrawal to 6/4/67 border [the 1967 border incl. a strip of land along the Sea of Galilee not incl. in the international border], "equality" in security arrangements, recent signals fr. Israel have not changed Syria's position. (MM 4/20)

U.S. says Saudi Arabia failed to cooperate with U.S. effort 2 wks ago to seize Islamic Jihad's Imad Mughniyya in connection with 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing. Saudis refused to let plane in which Mughniyya was flying land on Saudi soil. (NYT, WP, WT 4/22; al-Hayat 4/23 in FBIS 4/25; MM, WT 4/24; WJW 4/27)

Previously unknown group, Islamic Salvation Front for Palestine, releases 2d communiqué in 2 wks threatening to attack Israeli targets in Egypt, Algeria, France, Britain, U.S. if PA crackdown on Islamist groups continues. Hamas, Islamic Jihad say they have never heard of the group. (AFP, QY 4/20 in FBIS 4/21)

FBI switches focus of search for Oklahoma bombers to domestic separatist, white supremacist groups; Middle Eastern connection termed unlikely. (NYT, WP, WT 4/21; WP 4/22; MM 2/24) (see 4/19)

Syria rejects FM Peres's 4/18 proposal move negotiations forward, says problem lies in Israel's position not in structure of talks. (MM 4/19)

In New York, Lebanese FM Buwayz concludes 2 days of mtgs. with Secy. of State Christopher, Asst. Secy. of State Robert Pelletreau regarding Syrian-Israeli talks, future of Lebanese track, NPT, Arab boycott, U.S. travel ban. (RL 4/20 in FBIS 4/20)

Representatives of all Palestinian factions meet in Gaza, agree to set up joint comm. to discuss security in the self-rule areas. (IDF Radio 4/20 in FBIS 4/20)

Car bomb explodes at federal building in Oklahoma City, killing 31, leaving some 200 unaccounted for. Authorities begin search for 2 "Middle Eastern looking" men who left scene in pickup truck. Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, Hizballah, Lebanon's Higher Shi`ite Islamic Council condemn attack. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/20; QPAR, QY, RL 4/20 in FBIS 4/20; JTV, MENA, RE, RL, VOL 4/20, AFP 4/21 in FBIS 4/21; AFP 4/21 in FBIS 4/24)

Hebron settlers say they will erect building in city to house 10 new Jewish families, increasing settler population in Hebron by 25%. Plan has not been approved by Israeli government. IDF lifts daytime curfew on Palestinians, dusk-to-dawn curfew continues. (WP 4/20)

Yitzhak Magen, Israel's chief archaeologist for West Bank, announces plans to begin ripping up parts of 5th-century Byzantine church on Mount Gerizim to uncover 2,000-yr.-old replica of Jerusalem temple. (WT 4/19; JP 4/29)

U.S. special coordinator Ross flies to Cairo to brief Pres. Mubarak on talks with PM Rabin, Pres. al-Asad, then returns to Tel Aviv for scheduled mtg. with PM Rabin, which Rabin cancels. Israeli Amb. Rabinovitch says Syria's insistence on "equality" is preventing progress in talks. (ITV, MENA 4/9 in FBIS 4/10; MM 4/10; WJW 4/13)

In 2 separate incidents nr. Jewish settlements in Gaza,  suicide bombers drive explosive-laden cars into bus, military jeep, killing 8 (incl. 1 American), wounding 46 (incl. 3 Americans). Islamic Jihad takes credit for 1st bombing, Hamas for 2d. Both are apparently in response to 4/2 explosion for which both groups blame Israel. PM Rabin credits closure with preventing attacks fr. occurring inside Israel, says he will not let attacks halt negotiations. Pres. Weizman calls for halt to talks.(IDF Radio, QPAR, QY, SARR, SATN, VOP 4/9 in FBIS 4/10; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/10; CSM, WP 4/11; MEI, WJW 4/14)

Secy. of State Christopher sends Arafat message that he must take stronger measures to ensure those attacking Israelis are found, shut down. (MM 4/10)

IDF says 2 main Gaza roads will be permanently closed to Palestinians following bombings. Closing the roads--used by 1000s of Palestinians, 10s of Israelis daily--is meant to curb "terrorists' . . . freedom of action." (IDF Radio, HA 4/10 in FBIS 4/10; MM 4/11)

PM Rabin's settlement review comm. announces mtg. to consider 6,000 new housing units around Jerusalem, quickly calls it off when FM Peres, Communications M Shulamit Aloni, Justice M David Libai protest expansion. (NYT 4/10; WJW 4/13)

Hizballah tanks shell SLA patrol nr. Marja'uyun in s. Lebanon, killing 5 SLA mbrs. (WP 4/10)

Israeli sources say Syria, Israel have resumed low-level talks in Washington through mtgs. with U.S. special Middle East coordinator Dennis Ross, some progress has been made on security issues. (ITV 2/26 in FBIS 2/27)

Syria pledges it will not sign NPT unless Israel joins. (WT 2/27)

IDF moves additional 300 troops, 20 tanks into s. Lebanon, deploys them nr. Nabitiyya, Marja'uyun. (MM 2/27)

Israel extends naval blockade of s. Lebanon fr. Sidon to Damur (20 km. south of Beirut). PM Rabin says goal is "a peace agreement with an independent and sovereign Lebanon and a war against the enemies of peace." Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri calls blockade political, military, economic terrorism that will not force Lebanon to break its alliance with Syria. (MM, NYT 2/27; al-Hamishmar, VOL 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; VOL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; MM 2/28; QY 2/28 in FBIS 3/1; MEI 3/3; JP 3/4) (see 2/23)

In Tel Aviv, Israeli, PA, U.S. officials discuss establishment of industrial zones in o.t. Israel, PA agree to write position paper on project for U.S., outlining funding, creation of joint supervisory comm. (IGPO 2/27)

PA, Israeli delegations meet at Erez to discuss import, export of agricultural goods, allowing Palestinian trucks carrying produce entry into Israel. Virtually no trucks have been allowed to enter since closure began 1/22. (VOP 2/26 in FBIS 2/28)

PM Rabin says he plans to import over the next few months 20,000 foreign laborers to eliminate the need for Palestinian workers in Israel. (CSM 2/28; WT 3/1)

PA permits reopening of Islamic Jihad's al-Istiqlal newspaper, closed by PA 2/7 for publishing anti-Jordanian articles. (QY 2/26 in FBIS 2/27)

Israeli cabinet extends closure of o.t. (VOP 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; VOP 2/28 in FBIS 3/1; WT 3/1)

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations calls on U.S. to move its embassy fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (WT 2/27)

11th round of Israel-PA talks on elections start in Cairo. Both sides suggest bringing international observers into o.t. to help organize elections. (MENA 2/20, MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MENA, VOP 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM, NYT 2/22; MEI 3/3)

Arafat convenes PLO Executive Comm. in Cairo to reassess peace process, detainees and elections issues, configuration and functioning of PA. 9 mbrs. attend; DFLP, PFLP boycott. Chief PLO spokesman and PA Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbu calls for suspension of talks with Israel. PM Rabin asks PLO not to suspend talks. (AFP, MENA, RMC, VOP 2/20, VOP 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; CSM, MM 2/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/22; MENA 2/21, VOP 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; al-Sharq al-Awsat 2/21, QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; JP 3/4)

4-way (Egypt, Israel, Jordan, PA) ministerial mtg. on refugees scheduled for 2/26 is postponed until further notice at Israel's request. (al-Aswaq 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; RJ 2/24 in FBIS 2/24; JT 2/25 in FBIS 2/27)

Arab League condemns Israel for recent attacks on civilians in s. Lebanon, calls on UN to do the same. (RE 2/21 in FBIS 2/21) (see 2/19, 2/20)

PM Rabin gives Shas 2 unassigned portfolios--interior and religious affairs--giving Shas significant influence over ruling coalition of which it is not a part. Meretz M Yossi Sarid threatens to resign. (MM 2/20 QY 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; JP 3/4)

IDF arrests Hamas political leader Shaykh Jamil Hamami in his home in the West Bank following the "seizure of a very large quantity of inflammatory material . . . that incriminated him" during 1/27 raid on Abu Dis College of Science and Technology. (ITV 2/21 in FBIS 2/22)

Frmr. Nablus mayor Bassam al-Shak`a announces establishment of new group, Palestinian National Grouping (PNG; al-Tajammu` al-Watani al-Filistini), opposed to Oslo Accord, calls on Arafat to resign. Group includes independents, mbrs. of Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP. (QPAR, QY 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; RMC 2/25 in FBIS 2/26; ITV 2/25, QY 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; MA 2/26 in FBIS 2/28; al-Quds, SARR 2/28 in FBIS 3/1)

In response to German reports that Israel, Iran are negotiating release of Israeli airman Ron Arad, PM Rabin admits Germany has been talking to Iran on Israel's behalf but has had no success. (ITV 2/20, QY 2/21, 2/22 in FBIS 2/22; MM, WP 2/21; IDF radio 2/21 in FBIS 2/21; MM, NYT 2/22; WT 2/27; JP 3/4, 3/11; WJW 3/16)

Arafat announces he is establishing a military court system to try people suspected of security offenses. Human rights groups, several PNC mbrs. say decision undermines Palestinian democracy. (MM 2/13; Al-Majd 2/13 in FBIS 2/14; MM 2/15; NYT 2/16; MEI 2/17; PR 2/20)

Talks on elections resume in Cairo after 4-wk. break to try to draft agmt. on elections before Rabin-Arafat mtg. 2/9. (MM 2/7; MENA, VOP 2/7 in FBIS 2/8; WP 2/8)

FM Peres meets with leading mbrs. of Congress in Washington, incl. Rep. Gingrich, Sen. Helms, discusses foreign aid, peace process; then addresses heads of U.S. Jewish organizations. (MM 2/8)

2-day U.S.-Lebanese security talks headed by Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau, Lebanese Amb. Riad Tabbarah end in Washington; parties say mtg. was successful, they will meet again but give no date. U.S. should make decision on travel ban later this mo. (MM 2/8)

PSF raids, confiscates materials fr. DFLP offices, arrests over 60 DFLP supporters in Gaza in search for those who shot Israeli security guards 2/6. Those arrested incl. Wa'il Khalaf, DFLP representative in negotiations with PA on municipal councils. (MM, NYT, WT 2/8; MEI 2/17)

PSF arrests 20 Islamic Jihad mbrs., closes down offices of pro-Islamic Jihad paper al-Istiqlal. (MEI 2/17; PR 2/20)

U.S. Commerce Secy. Brown meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss Palestinian economic conditions, development. (VOP 2/7 in FBIS 2/8; WT 2/8)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

197 Palestinian mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad return fr. Lebanon at end of 1-yr. exile. The Islamist activists will be processed through Israeli prisons before returning to homes in o.t. PM Rabin, touring Gaza settlement, promises "tough measures" if "we have even the slightest suspicion that [the returnees] intend or are involved" in attacks on Israelis. (NYT, WP, WT 12/16)

Israel-PLO talks on civil issues related to Gaza-Jericho self-rule resume in al-Arish, Sinai. (MM 12/15)

Working group of Middle East Multilateral Talks Economic Development Comm. ends mtg. in Cairo, approves 4 agricultural projects, pollution control project for Gulf of Aqaba, and joint tourism project for Egypt, Israel, and o.t. (MENA 12/15 in FBIS 12/16)

Ashraf Muhammad Halil, 18, killed by IDF when he attacks soldiers with ax during search of his tool bag in Jabaliya camp, Gaza. (WT 12/16)

Deadline for start of Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza, Jericho passes. PM Rabin tells reporters, "There are no sacred dates, and I cannot give a commitment that the implementation of the agreement will be finished by April 13th." Rabin also announces that remaining Palestinians expelled 12/17/92 to Lebanon will be allowed to return this week. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/14)

PLO Chmn. Arafat addresses European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, appealing for EU financial support to Palestinian development and noting financial crisis will limit size of Palestinian police force. (MM 12/14)

IDF announces it has been holding a "dialogue" with Hamas leaders in Gaza Strip. (IDF Radio 12/13 in FBIS 12/13)

Islamic Jihad mbr. Anwar Aziz hijacks ambulance btwn. Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya camp, Gaza Strip, for suicide-bomb attack. Aziz killed, IDF soldier wounded when Aziz drives explosives-filled ambulance into IDF jeep. 2 other Palestinians, said to be mbrs. of either Islamic Jihad or PFLP's Red Eagles, shot dead by IDF in Rafah. (MM 12/13; NYT, WP, WT 12/14)

41 Palestinian police trained in Jordan take up duty at Orient House, East Jerusalem hq. of Palestinian delegation to peace talks. (WP 12/14)

Secy. of State Christopher meets in Damascus with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, who agrees to let U.S. investigators search for 7 Israelis missing in Lebanon and to grant exit permits to Syrian Jews by end 12/93. Christopher calls talks "positive and constructive," al-Asad's moves "important humanitarian gestures." U.S. agrees to allow Kuwait to transfer 3 U.S.-made aircraft to Syria in a relaxation of sanctions on Damascus. (NYT, WP, WT 12/6; NYT 12/7)

Israel-PLO talks in Cairo and al-'Arish, Sinai, on Palestinian autonomy resume. (WT 12/6)

Jordanian, Israeli govts. sign accord on economic cooperation, initialed by negotiators in Washington 12/1. (MM 12/7)

Palestinian grocer Talal al-Bakri, shot 12/4 in Hebron by settlers, dies. 5 settlers arrested in connection with killing. (NYT, WP, WT 12/6)

Israeli AG Ben-Yair calls settlers' council a "seditious" organization, while Ag. M. Yaacov Tsur calls 12/4 shooting of Talal al-Bakri an incident of "Jewish terror." (MM 12/6)

Armed Palestinian, Khalid Awad Shihada, attacks Israelis on suburban Tel Aviv bus, killing reserve IDF soldier before being killed himself. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for attack. Israelis demonstrate at attack site, some shouting "Death to Arabs!" (NYT, WP, WT 12/6)

Frmr. Israeli PM Shamir tells Zionist Organization of America mtg. in Baltimore that Israeli govt. has made a pact with "terrorists and murderers" in signing DoP, says agreement reflects "an Arab plan to destroy Israel in stages." (WT 12/7)

Settlers demonstrate at Israel-Gaza Strip crossing points to protest 11/17 killing of IDF soldier Haim Darina, but IDF presents them fr. blocking roads. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the attack. (MM, RMC 11/18)

PLO establishes Development and Construction Bank under World Bank supervision to receive international funds for Palestinian development. (Al-Dustur 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Israeli Energy M. Moshe Shahal signs agreement with Egyptian Oil M. Hamdi al-Banbi on preparations for Egypt-Israel natural gas pipeline. (Qol Yisra'el 11/19 in FBIS 11/19)

King Hussein names 23 mbrs. of 40-mbr. Jordanian senate, including frmr. PM Zaid Rifa'i and Senate spkr. Ahmad Lawzi. (MM 11/19)

French FM Alain Juppe holds talks with Syrian Pres. al-Asad at start of tour of Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, proceeds to Amman for talks with Jordan's King Hussein. (MM 11/19; SARR, JNA 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Israeli archaeologists in "Operation Scroll" report finding 2d century A.D. manuscripts and artifacts in Wadi Qarantal, nr. Jericho. (NYT 11/19)

Hamas militants kill 2 IDF mbrs. in Gaza Strip. In response, Israeli PM Rabin excludes mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad fr. prisoner release scheduled for next day. (NYT, WP 10/25)

Kamal Abu Saleh, Palestinian reporter for AP and other news organizations, detained by IDF. (WT 10/26)

Hizballah, IDF clash in Sujud area of s. Lebanon, killing 2 guerrillas and wounding 1 IDF soldier. Hizballah claims 3 IDF mbrs. wounded in mortar attack. (CSM, WP 10/25)

PLO rep. in Jordan Tayib 'Abd al-Rahim announces that 2 plots to kill PLO Chmn. Arafat have been foiled. 1 attempt was by Arafat bodyguards suborned by FRC ("Abu Nidal"), 2d by unidentified group that sought to bomb Arafat's plane. (WT 10/10)

2 Israeli hikers fr. Jerusalem stabbed and shot to death in Wadi Qilt, near Jericho in the West Bank. "Al-Aqsa Brigade" of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, in statement released in Amman, claims responsibility, says 3 killed. Statement declares, "We will never surrender or accept any concessions on the land of Palestine which will become a graveyard for the Jews." PFLP also claims responsibility. (NYT 10/10; MM, NYT, WT 10/11)

PFLP guerrilla killed by Israeli soldiers as he sails jet ski off Lebanese coast near Israeli border. UN sources report 2 killed, not 1. (NYT 10/10, 10/11)

Palestinian factions opposed to DoP-including DFLP (Hawatmah faction), PFLP, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad-announce in Damascus establishment of National Islamic Front to counter PLO. Alliance fails to call congress to elect new PLO leadership due to reluctance of Islamic groups to identify with secular PLO. Front's declaration calls Palestinian police to be set up under PLO-Israel accord "a traitor force, and an oppressive enemy force." (CSM 10/14)

Jordan denounces 9/23 Israeli court ruling on status of Haram al-Sharif, says it will continue with restoration work on Dome of the Rock regardless of Israeli stance. (MM 10/11)

PLO rep. in Lebanon Shafiq al-Hut "suspends" mbrship. in PLO Exec. Comm. because of "political, financial and organizational" crises, calls for emergency meeting of PNC. (MM, WT 8/23)

Palestinian delegation head Faisal Husseini, addressing meeting in Hebron, warns Palestinian institutions are in a "state of total collapse," alludes to formation of "national salvation govt." to avert crisis. (MM 8/24)

DFLP head Nayif Hawatmah says large nmbr. of PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs. are considering "collective resignation" to protest Arafat's leadership. (RMC 8/22 in FBIS 8/23; MM 8/24)

Israel grants permanent residency to 6,000 Palestinians in o.t. under family reunification policy. (Qol Yisra'el 8/22 in FBIS 8/24)

Islamic Jihad claims 8/20 killing of guard at West Bank settlement. (VOL 8/22 in FBIS 8/24)

Jerusalem police announce plans for special 120-man force to patrol Haram al-Sharif. New force is result of inquiry into 10/90 clash between Muslim worshippers and Israeli police at al-Aqsa mosque. (WT 10/11)

4 Palestinians sentenced to long prison terms for the murder of Israeli border guard Nissim Toledano. Killing sparked the 12/92 expulsion of 415 alleged Hamas and Islamic Jihad activists to Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 8/10 in FBIS 8/10)