The Palestine Chronology

Prominent Likud mbr. Dan Meridor resigns fr. the party to form a centrist party, challenge Netanyahu for PM in upcoming elections. (NYT, WP, WT 12/23; MEI 12/25; JP 1/4; SA 1/8 in WNC 1/12; JP, MEI 1/15)

At Yemen's request, the Arab League calls an emergency FMs mtg. for 12/30 to discuss the U.S.-led attack on Iraq. (MENA 12/22 in WNC 12/23; MENA, Star 12/24 in WNC 12/28)

In Lebanon, 1,000 demonstrators march toward the U.S. emb. to protest the U.S.-led attack on Iraq (see 12/21). Jordanian pharmacists agree to boycott U.S., UK medicines. (AFP, VOL 12/22 in WNC 12/23; WT 12/23)

U.S. suspends tourist, student, business visas for Syrians indefinitely in response to attack on the U.S. emb. 12/19. (WT 12/23; MM 1/4; WT 1/6)

1 Lebanese woman, 6 children are killed, 1 man, another child are injured in IDF attack on suspected Hizballah base in s. Lebanon. (IDF Radio, RL 12/22 in WNC 12/23; WP, WT 12/23; ITV, MBC, SAPA [Johannesburg] 12/23, MENA, SA 12/24 in WNC 12/28; Interfax 12/24, VOA 12/26 in WNC 12/29; PR 1/1)

Voting along party lines, the House finds (228-206) grounds for Pres. Clinton's impeachment on 2 counts of perjury, obstruction of justice in the Monica Lewinsky case, moving the proceedings to the Senate. The Senate may dismiss the case, censure the pres., or vote to impeach. Clinton says that he will not resign. (NYT, WP, WT 12/20; WJW 12/24; MEI 12/25) (see 9/21)

Ramadan begins. U.S., Britain end their operation against Iraq after carrying out 650 sorties over 4 nights against 97 targets, only ¹/₃ of which were severely damaged or destroyed. At least 68 Iraqis have been killed. U.S. believes Iraq could restore its capabilities in a yr., reserves the right to use force again in the future. Albright describes U.S. policy toward Iraq as "containment plus regime change." (NYT 12/19; ITAR-TASS, MENA 12/19, MENA, YA 12/20, MA 12/21 in WNC 12/22; NYT, WP, WT 12/20; MM, WP, WT 12/21; Tishrin 12/21 in WNC 12/28; WJW 12/24; MEI 12/25)

In Syria, 1,000s protest against the U.S.-led attack on Iraq; more than 100 climb the U.S. emb. to tear down the flag and break into, vandalize the amb.'s residence; others attack the British cultural mission; lawyers strike in solidarity with Iraq. In Egypt, over 4,000 students at universities across the country demonstrate for 3d day; trade, journalists, teachers unions call for protests; pharmacists agree to boycott U.S., UK medicines. In Jordan, 2,000 students march in protest. In the West Bank, 3,000 Palestinians in Hebron, 2,500 in Jinin ignore ban on pro-Iraq demonstrations, clash with the IDF, leaving 100 injured. 15,000 Yemenis hold anti-U.S. march. 2,000 Sudanese protest outside the closed U.S. emb. Lebanon's grand mufti condemns the U.S.-led operation. (AFP, JTV, MENA, RL, SANA 12/19, JT, SANA 12/20 in WNC 12/22; NYT, WP, WT 12/20; JP 12/21; CSM 12/22; JP 12/28; al-Bayan 12/29 in WNC 12/31)

PA ends closures of TV, radio, newspaper bureaus imposed 12/18. (Times of London 12/21)

U.S. stages 2d strike on Iraq, having hit more than 50 targets with over 200 Tomahawk missiles 12/16. Democratic congressmen accuse Republicans, many of whom questioned the timing of the attacks, of being unpatriotic. Russia recalls its ambs. fr. Washington (for the 1st time since World War II), London; the Duma accuses the U.S. of "international terrorism." Lebanon denounces the operation. Jordan expresses regret. Syria opposes U.S. "double standards" in its Iraq, Israel policy. (MM 12/17; AFP, IRNA, MENA, Petra-JNA, RJ 12/17 in WNC 12/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/18; al-Thawra, Tishrin 12/18 in WNC 12/28; NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MENA 12/19, SATN 12/20, al-Ahram 12/21 in WNC 12/22; MEI 12/25)

Across the West Bank and in Gaza City, Palestinians protest the U.S.-led attack on Iraq. The largest demonstration, attended by 3,000 Palestinians, is held in Nablus. In el-Bireh, the IDF shoots, kills 1 Palestinian, injures 16 others. (WP, WT 12/18; MEI 12/25)

In Egypt, the government expresses its "regret" over the U.S.-led strike on Iraq; the Arab League, al-Azhar's chief cleric denounce use of military force; Cairo University students go on hunger strike to protest; Egyptian police lock American University in Cairo students on campus to keep them fr. demonstrating. (MENA, RE 12/17 in WNC 12/21)

Immediately upon his return to the U.S., Pres. Clinton convenes his senior advisers to "discuss the UNSCOM report on Iraq"; they unanimously recommend a strike. Clinton orders forces in the Gulf to attack immediately; 1st sorties reach Iraq around 5 p.m., leaving 2 Iraqis (Iraq says 25) dead, 30 injured. A token force of 18 British planes takes part. House postpones indefinitely its vote on impeachment, set for tomorrow. Operation Desert Fox is expected to conclude in 3-4 days, before the beginning of Ramadan. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chmn. Gen. Henry Shelton says decision was made in 11/98 to attack immediately if the UNSCOM report was negative. However, sources say that the White House informed the JCS 12/13 that a strike would be ordered this wk. Various congressmen say that they were briefed on the plan 3 wks. ago. Arab states are silent. France, Russia condemn the operation. Canada, Japan support it. (RJ 12/16 in WNC 12/17; ITV 12/16, AFP, ATL, JT 12/17 in WNC 12/21; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/17; MM, WP 12/18; MEI 12/25; GIU 1/5, 1/6)

PM Netanyahu says that he is prepared to call early elections unless the Knesset ratifies his hard-line policies on Wye implementation as outlined in his 12-point list of demands given to Clinton 12/15. (NYT, WP, WT 12/17; ITV 12/20 in WNC 12/22)

Israeli Finance M Neeman resigns in frustration over PM Netanyahu's political manipulation of the budget process. Netanyahu takes over the finance portfolio himself, giving himself control over budget allocations, which he could use to his political advantage if early elections are called. DM Mordechai is also reportedly threatening to leave over Wye implementation delays. (MM 12/16; MA, YA 12/16 in WNC 12/17; MM, NYT 12/17; NYT 12/19; WP 12/22; MEI 12/25; JP 12/28; Globes [Internet] 1/13 in WNC 1/14)

Peace Now reports that new housing starts in settlements more than doubled in 1998 compared to 1997. In the 1st half of 1998, construction began on 1,420 new units, up 136% fr. the same period last yr. In the 2d half of 1998, 640 units were started, up 121%. (Associated Press [Internet] 12/16)

Pres. Clinton meets with Netanyahu, Arafat at Erez border crossing, where Netanyahu gives him a list of 12 demands that the PA must meet before Israel will continue Wye implementation. Clinton warns that it would be "unfortunate" if Israel fell too far behind in the implementation schedule. He then attends tree lighting ceremony in Bethlehem with Arafat, tours Masada with Netanyahu. (MM 12/15; ITV, QY, RE 12/15 in WNC 12/16; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/16; JT 12/16 in WNC 12/17; MA 12/16 in WNC 12/21; al-Hayat al-Jadida 12/16, al-Quds 12/17, MA 12/18 in WNC 12/22; al-Ba`th 12/16 in WNC 12/28; MM, PR 12/18)

PISMC meets to discuss all pending peace process issues. The only agmt. reached is to create an "informal channel" to discuss the prisoner release issue. (ITV 12/15 in WNC 12/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/16)

Secy. Albright leaves the U.S. delegation in Israel to make side trip to Amman to meet with Crown Prince Hassan. (JTV 12/15 in WNC 12/17; NYT 12/16; MM 12/18)

UNSCOM head Richard Butler reports to the UN that by failure to comply with 5 of 300 recent inspections requests, Iraq has failed to honor the promises of cooperation that prompted Pres. Clinton to call off a major military strike 11/14. U.S. officials say that the Clinton administration played a direct role in shaping Butler's text during multiple conversations with him 12/14 at secure sites in the U.S. mission to the UN, convinced him to order inspectors out of Iraq today without informing UN. (NYT, WP, WT 12/16; AFP, RJ 12/16 in WNC 12/17; NYT 12/17; Tishrin 12/19 in WNC 12/28; al-Akhbar, MENA 12/21 in WNC 12/22; MEI 12/25) (see 12/13)

Palestinian prisoners end hunger strike. (ITV 12/15 in WNC 12/16; MEI 12/25) (see 12/12)

 Clinton flies into Gaza airport by helicopter to attend the PNC session on the PLO charter, becoming the 1st sitting president to set foot on Palestinian soil. PNC mbrs., other officials approve the nullification of clauses of the PLO charter by show of hands. PM Netanyahu says he is satisfied but still will not carry out the next stage of the FRD on 12/18. U.S. says it will not press Netanyahu on the issue because of the upcoming Knesset no-confidence vote 12/21. In a luncheon speech, Pres. Clinton refers the Palestinian people's "chance to determine their own destiny on their own land," but does not speak of the right to self-determination or statehood directly. Palestinians view his visit to Gaza as tacit U.S. acknowledgement of their right to sovereignty. (CSM, MM 12/14; al-Aswaq, al-Dustur, IDF Radio, ITV, JT, MENA, al-Ra`i RE, al-Safir 12/14 in WNC 12/15; IDF Radio, ITV 12/14, AFP, JT, MA, RE 12/15 in WNC 12/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/15; WJW 12/17; ITAR-TASS 12/17 in WNC 12/21; Tishrin 12/16, al-Thawra 12/17 in WNC 12/28; PR 12/18; JP 12/21; MEI 12/25)

Hillary Clinton visits a Palestinian refugee camp in Gaza, the Israeli-Palestinian town of Neve Shalom. (CSM 12/14; WP, WT 12/15; PR 12/18)

U.S. Commerce Secy. William Daley attends the official opening of th Qarni industrial zone. Coca Cola will be the first U.S. company to open operations in the zone. A total of 22 factories in the zone are ready for operation; 14 have been leased. (JP 12/21, 12/28)

Secy. Albright meets with Israeli DM Mordechai to discuss Wye implementation, Lebanon. (IDF Radio 12/14 in WNC 12/15)

Palestinians in Lebanese, Syrian refugee camps demonstrate against Wye agmt., amendment of the PLO charter. (VOL 12/14 in WNC 12/15; SATN 12/14 in WNC 12/16)

Jordan confirms that it recently deported, but did not turn over to the IDF, 3 Palestinians carrying PA passports fr. the kingdom because they are mbrs. of Hamas's Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, pose a security threat. (JT 12/15 in WNC 12/16; al-Dustur 12/15 in WNC 12/17)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians are wounded in clash with IDF. (AFP [Internet] 12/15)

Iran announces it has signed a deal with Anglo-Dutch Royal Dutch/Shell and the British Lasmo to explore Caspian Sea oil reserves. The $19.8-m. deal is just below the threshold set by the U.S. under its Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, which threatens economic reprisals against any company investing more than $20 m. in those countries oil industries. (WT 12/16)

In Ramallah, Palestinians ambush an IDF patrol car, beat 1 soldier. Israel suspends FRD until the PA complies with a new list of demands, including publicly abandoning plans to declare a state in 5/99, accepting Israeli criteria for prisoner releases, halting all acts of incitement and violence. U.S. rejects demands, says accord "should be implemented as signed." IDF subdues the demonstration, injuring 11 Palestinians. (ITV 12/2 in WNC 12/4; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/3; MM 12/4; MEI 12/11)

A Palestinian is stabbed to death in East Jerusalem. During the funeral, mourners set fire to an Israeli car and stone Israeli police, who fire rubber bullets. Riot continues for several hrs. (MM 12/2; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 12/3; PR 12/11; JP 12/14)

IDF demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in the Jordan Valley. (AFP [Internet] 12/2)

Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel taps veteran left-wing politician Bulent Ecevit to form a new government. (MM 12/3) (see 11/25)

In Washington, Israeli Finance M Yaakov Neeman, DMin. Dir. Gen. Ilan Biran meet with senior U.S. officials to assure them that the $1.2-b. aid that the U.S. plans to give Israel will not be used directly for settlements. An Israeli-U.S. team is formed to complete details of the aid package within 1 mo. for submission to Congress in mid-1/99. (Globes [Internet] 11/22; MM 11/23; Globes [Internet] 11/23 in WNC 11/30) (see 11/19)

Israel, Jordan discuss bilateral trade issues, Israeli obstacles to Jordanian trade with the occupied territories. (JT 11/23 in WNC 11/30)

Jordan, Syria open 2-day mtg. on Yarmuk River water. (JT, Petra-JNA 11/23 in WNC 11/24; JT 11/24, 11/26 in WNC 11/30; WT 11/25)

Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails begin hunger strike to protest Israel's release of criminals, rather than political prisoners. (CSM 11/23; MM 11/25; IDF Radio 11/26 in WNC 11/30; MEI 12/11) (see 11/20)

Israel approves construction of high-tech industrial center, engineering school at the Kiryat Arba settlement. (AFP [Internet] 11/22; PR 11/27)

Jewish settlers demand that the Israeli government provide armored busses for schoolchildren, build lookout posts along key roads, construct helicopter landing pads, issue military equipment (e.g., machine guns, tear gas, rubber-coated bullets) to settlements. (MM 11/23)

Jewish settlers occupy abandoned rail station at Sebastia in the West Bank; demand government permission to open a religious seminary, museum there. Settlers also occupy hilltops nr. Bethlehem, nr. Nablus. (ITV 11/22 in WNC 11/24)

IDF demolishes Palestinian home in Taybeh nr. Hebron. (PR 1/8)

A wk. after avoiding U.S. airstrikes by resuming cooperation with the UN (see 11/15), Iraq rebuffs a UN request for documents. U.S. warns that withholding documents alone could trigger airstrikes. (NYT 11/23; WT 11/24)

With government permission, Jordanian women's groups, opposition parties stage 2d pro-Iraq rally in Amman. (JT 11/23 in WNC 11/24) (see 11/17)

Israel carries out 1st stage of FRD. (MM 11/20; YA 11/20 in WNC 11/23; NYT, WT 11/21; RE 11/22 in WNC 11/24; MEI, PR 11/27)

Israel releases the 1st 250 Palestinian prisoners. (MM 11/20; NYT, WP 11/21; AFP, RE, YA 11/22 in WNC 11/24; YA 11/26 in WNC 11/30; MEI 11/27)

Israel, Britain sign a 10-yr. military cooperation pact aimed at facilitating joint research in defense technologies, especially naval high-tech, unmanned aerial vehicles. (JP 11/30)

Italian court rejects Turkey's request for extradition of Kurdish separatist leader Abdallah Ocalan, citing law that bars extradition to country that has the death penalty. Ocalan, head of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), is freed fr. custody but ordered to stay in Rome. Turkey orders boycott of Italian goods in protest. (RAI Televideo Teletex 11/20 in WNC 11/23; NYT 11/21; ATL 11/21 in WNC 11/24; WP, WT 11/22; MM 11/23; NYT 11/24; CSM 11/30) (see 11/12)

As the Knesset begins debate on ratification of the 10/23 Wye River Memorandum, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu suspends the agmt.'s implementation, saying he will not carry out the 1st of 3 stages of further redeployment (FRD) required by Wye until PA head Yasir Arafat retracts his 11/15 threat to stage an uprising against Israel if Palestinian access to Jerusalem is blocked. (MM 11/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/17; WJW 11/19)

U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross meets with Arafat in Jericho. (ITV 11/16 in WNC 11/18; WT 11/17)

In Cairo, Netanyahu political adviser Uzi Arad discusses Wye agmt. with Egyptian FM `Amr Musa, who criticizes Israeli implementation delays. (MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/17, WNC 11/18)

In Gaza, Israel, Jordan, the U.S. meet to discuss the Irbid industrial zone project. (Petra-JNA 11/17 in WNC 11/19; JT 11/23 in WNC 11/24; Petra-JNA 11/23 in WNC 11/30)

In Cairo, Russia, Egypt hold high-level experts mtg. on defense cooperation. Russian DM hopes deepening military ties "will become an important factor of peace and stability in the Middle East." (Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/17; MENA 11/17 in WNC 11/18)

After 3 days of talks, Oman, Iran reach military cooperation agmt. to enhance Gulf security, which will include joint exercises. (IRNA 11/16 in WNC 11/17)

PM Netanyahu announces creation of Birthright Israel program, which will pay for any Jew aged 15+n26 to visit Israel in hopes of rebuilding Jewish identity of youth, who more frequently marry non-Jews, are nonpracticing. The program, expected to cost $300 m., will be funded by the Israeli government, major North American Jewish donors, the Council of Jewish Federations. (NYT 11/16; WJW 11/19, 11/26, 1/7)

Citing Israeli FM Ariel Sharon's 11/15 call for settlers to "grab" disputed West Bank land, 30 settlers fr. Keddumim set up "presettlement" on nearby hilltop. (MM 11/17; MA 11/17 in WNC 11/18; WT 11/19)

Palestinians in al-Khader protest confiscation of land for bypass road. (CSM 11/17)

Israel Defense Force (IDF) convoy triggers roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, killing 3 soldiers, wounding 4. Hizballah claims responsibility. (AFP, ITV, RL 11/16 in WNC 11/17; MM, WP 11/17; WT 11/18; MEI 11/27; JP 11/30)

For 2d day in a row, Pres. Clinton aborts a strike on Iraq, this time accepting Iraq's clarifications on renewing cooperation with the UN. Clinton also halts new deployments to the Gulf, but warns that next time Iraq fails to comply, U.S. may not stand down. Arab states welcome U.S. decision; Israel remains skeptical. (CSM, GIU, NYT, WP, WT 11/16)

In a radio address, Arafat says that Palestinians will retain the right to stage a new intifada if Israel blocks their access to Jerusalem's holy sites. (WP, WT 11/16; NYT, WP, WT 11/17)

Further escalating the rhetoric, Israeli FM Sharon urges Jewish settlers to "grab" unoccupied West Bank land so it does not fall under PA control in a final agmt. (AFP [Internet] 11/16; NYT, WP, WT 11/17)

Nr. Bethlehem, Palestinian protesters attempting to prevent bulldozing of 40 acres. of Palestinian land for creation of settler bypass road clash with IDF, leaving 2 soldiers injured. (WP 11/16)

The Sunday Times of London reports that Israel is working on a genetic weapon that would target Arabs but not Jews. Jane's, the respected British defence monitor, finds rumors credible. Porton Down, Britain's biological defense facility, says such a bacterial or viral weapon is theoretically possible. The British Medial Association has reportedly opened an investigation out of concern. (Sunday Times 11/15)

U.S. sends additional forces to the Gulf for possible strike on Iraq. UN pulls weapons inspectors, relief personnel out of Iraq. Pres. Clinton tells PM Netanyahu that Arab states are resisting backing U.S. moves because Israel has not begun Wye implementation. (MM 11/10; GIU, NYT, WP, WT 11/11; WP 11/12; Petra-JNA 11/12 in WNC 11/13)

Under "intense" U.S. pressure, PM Netanyahu says that he is now satisfied with PA security assurances, will convene cabinet 11/11 to ratify Wye. (MM 11/10; AFP 11/10 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP 11/11)

In Washington, an Israeli DMin. delegation asks Pentagon, State Dept. for $15-b. over the next 10 yrs. to modernize the IDF. (MA 11/11 in WNC 11/13)

Israeli municipal elections are held. Labor wins mayoralties in Tel Aviv, Beersheba, Haifa. Likud's Olmert wins reelection in Jerusalem. Police report that this has been the most violent campaign in Israel's history, with 313 cases of election-related violence, including 51 acts of serious property damage, 61 instances of bodily harm, numerous death threats. (MM, NYT 11/10; MM, NYT 11/11; CSM, WT 11/12; MM 11/13)

2 IDF soldiers are shot, wounded nr. a Jewish settlement in the West Bank. (MM 11/10; AFP 11/10 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP 11/11)

Israeli DM Mordechai approves plan to fortify 33 West Bank settlements that will be nr. area A after the 2d FRD. (Los Angeles Times 11/10; Hatzofe 11/11 in WNC 11/13)

Nr. Sidon, Lebanon, a grenade is thrown in Mieh Mieh refugee camp, a bomb goes off in `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp. Explosions cause damage but no injuries. (VOL 11/10 in WNC 11/13)

Car bomb explodes in Jerusalem market, wounding 21. The 2 suicide bombers were jailed previously as mbrs. of Islamic Jihad. Israeli cabinet puts off vote on Wye agmt. PM Netanyahu suspends implementation until he is satisfied that the PA is taking sufficient steps against terrorism. (MM 11/6; AFP, IDF Radio, ITV 11/6, JT, MENA, al-Ra'i 11/7, ITV, SA 11/8, ITV, al-Majd, VIRI, VOA 11/9 in WNC 11/12; NYT, WP, WT 11/7; NYT, WP 11/8; CSM, MM 11/9; al-Akhbar, YA 11/10 in WNC 11/13; MM 11/11; JP, MEI 11/16)

PA arrests 7 DFLP, PFLP mbrs. who speak out against the Wye agmt. 3 are released later in the day. (PCHR 11/8)

Israel confirms that its citizens were stealing topsoil fr. s. Lebanon, says IDF will prevent future thefts. (NYT, WP 11/7; RL 11/7 in WNC 11/12; RL 11/10 in WNC 11/13; WT 11/11) (see 11/3)

PA submits security work plan to the U.S. in keeping with the Wye timetable. PM Netanyahu, however, says he cannot implement the agmt. because it has not been ratified (see 10/27). The cabinet is now set to debate ratification 11/3+n4, the Knesset 11/11+n12. (MM 11/2; AFP, ITV 11/2 in WNC 11/6; NYT, WP, WT 11/3; al-Ahram, MA 11/3 in WNC 11/6; NYT, WT 11/4)

PM Netanyahu's government survives no-confidence motion by one vote in the Knesset, due to support fr. Israeli Arab MKs. (NYT 11/3)

PA president's office issues order regulating accreditation, movement of press correspondents. PA Information Min. denounces the president's office for acting outside its jurisdiction, claims new measures are null and void. (PR 11/6; PCHR 11/8)

Israel increases the number of Palestinian workers allowed into Israel fr. 47,000 to 60,000. (WT 11/4)

In East Jerusalem, fights break out btwn. Israeli police, Palestinians protesting Jewish settlers' continued preparations for a new settlement in Ras al-Amud. (MM, WP, WT 11/3) (see 11/1)

A Jewish settler wanted for killing a Palestinian nr. Nablus 10/26 surrenders to Israeli police, who order him held for 6 days. (NYT 11/3; WT 11/4; JP 11/9)

Syrian pres. Asad goes to Sharm al-Shaykh for important discussion with Pres. Mubarak on Wye agmt. Joint press conference scheduled for after the mtg. is canceled. (MENA, SATN 11/1 in WNC 11/6; MM 11/2)

Hamas's Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades threatens to ignore orders against attacking the PSF if crackdown continues. PSF has arrested more than 130 alleged Hamas mbrs. since the Wye agmt. was signed. PA, Hamas officials meet on reducing tensions. Hamas agrees to avoid issuing "fiery" statements denouncing the PA. PA releases Gaza spokesman Mahmud Zahhar, arrested in recent sweeps, as good will gesture. (CSM, MM, WP, WT 11/2; MM 11/4; CSM, PR 11/6; JP 11/9; YA 11/12 in WNC 11/13)

PM Netanyahu approves construction of 200 housing units on 80 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kiryat Arba. IDF says that settlers are setting up farms outside existing settlement boundaries to create facts on the ground before an FRD. Secy. Albright phones Netanyahu to discuss the matter. (ITV, MA 11/1 in WNC 11/6; MM, NYT 11/2; MM, WT 11/3; PR 11/6; MA 11/9 in WNC 11/12; LAW 11/11)

Jewish settlers erect barbed-wire fence around the area of Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem, begin leveling land for new settlement. Settlers also place trailers on a hill nr. Ramallah. (AFP [Internet] 11/1; ITV 11/1, al-Quds 11/3 in WNC 11/6; NYT, WP 11/2; AFP 11/2, al-Ahram, ITAR-TASS 11/3 in WNC 11/6; MM 11/3; PR 11/6; JP 11/9) (see 8/27)

In Gaza, an IDF jeep intercepts a car bomb, absorbing the blast before it can ram a settler school bus. IDF seals the Gaza Strip. Hamas claims responsibility. PA places Shaykh Yasin under house arrest, detains more than 100 alleged Hamas activists. (MM 10/29; AFP, IDF Radio 10/29 in WNC 10/30; ITV, JTV, QY 10/29 in WNC 11/2; MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 10/30; SA 10/30, JT 10/31, al-Ahram 11/2 in WNC 11/6; NYT 10/31; PR 11/6; JP 11/9; MEI 11/16)

In Ankara, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, U.S., Uzbekistan sign a "political declaration of support" for construction of a Baku-Ceyhan pipeline. (Interfax 10/29 in WNC 11/2; MM 11/6) (see 10/22)

Arafat returns to Gaza. (NYT, WP 10/29)

In Jericho, PA military court sentences 4 military intelligence officers to prison terms of 3-4 yrs. for raiding Fatah office in Ramallah 10/25. (AFP [Internet] 10/28; PR 10/30)

IDF lifts curfew on Palestinians in Israeli-controlled Hebron. (AP [Internet] 10/28; PR 11/6)

In Damascus, Syria, Turkey hold follow-up security mtg., plan to meet again in early 11/98. (ATL, SATN 10/28 in WNC 10/29) (see 10/20)

Egypt upgrades its diplomatic mission in Iran. (WP 10/29)

Amal attacks an SLA patrol in s. Lebanon, wounding 4 SLA mbrs. (VOL 10/29 in WNC 11/2)

PM Netanyahu cancels 10/29 Knesset vote on the Wye agmt. (which is expected to pass easily), predicting that the PA will not meet a 11/2 deadline to present the U.S. with a security work plan. (NYT, WP, WT 10/28; al-Ahram 10/28, VOA 10/29 in WNC 10/30; MM 10/29, 10/30; ITV 10/31, AFP 11/1 in WNC 11/6)

Israel begins construction of water reservoir for Almon settlement, Anaton IDF camp nr. Ramallah that will require confiscation of 100s of dunams of Palestinian land. Nr. Hebron, settlers place 3 trailers on 100 dunums of confiscated land for establishment of new Yatta settlement. (PR 11/6)

PA police arrests 2 Palestinians for 10/26 settler murder in Hebron. Israelis have not found killers of Palestinian slain in reprisal attack nr. Nablus, where today Palestinian protesters clash with IDF soldiers, leaving 9 injured. In addition, Fatah enforces general strikes in Bethlehem, Nablus to protest the PA's 10/25 raid on its Ramallah office. (AFP [Internet] 10/27; IDF Radio, ITV 10/27 in WNC 10/29; NYT, WP 10/28; PR 10/30; JP 11/9)

In Sidon, a car bomb explodes, killing an Islamic Jihad official, wounding 3. An SLA mbr. is killed in a Hizballah attack in s. Lebanon. (VOL 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MA 10/28 in WNC 10/29; RL 10/28 in WNC 10/30; RL 10/31 in WNC 11/6)

U.S. Asst. Secy. Indyk briefs ambs. of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the UAE on the Wye agmt. (al-Akhbar, al-Ba'th, al-Jumhuriyya, MENA, RL 10/26, AFP 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MM, NYT, WP 10/27; MM 10/28; al-Ba'th 10/28 in WNC 11/2; al-Quds 10/28, SA 10/30, al-Ahram 11/2 in WNC 11/6; MM 10/29, 10/30; MM 11/2; WP 11/6)

In the Knesset, PM Netanyahu survives no-confidence motion, but Knesset Law Comm. agrees (9-7) to hear 1st reading of bill calling for the dissolution of parliament, new elections in 100 days. MKs criticize Netanyahu for linking Pollard with the peace process. (CSM, WP, WT 10/27)

In Gaza, the Arab Liberation Front, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Islamic National Salvation Party, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) issue statement denouncing the Wye agmt. (MENA 10/26 in WNC 10/27; PR 10/30)

200 Jewish settlers hold rally outside PM Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem, protesting the Wye agmt. At least 24 are detained by Israeli police. (ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/27; WP 10/27; YA 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MM 10/28)

Jordan, Israel begin long-delayed $1.65-m. joint project to build the `Adasiyya diversion wall to diver Yarmuk River water. (JT, RJ 10/27 in WNC 10/28; JP 211/9)

An Israeli settler is killed in Israeli-controlled Hebron in an apparent attack by Palestinians. IDF places curfew on Palestinians in Hebron's Israeli-controlled zone. Later, the body of a Palestinian is found outside Itamar settlement nr. Nablus. An anonymous caller claims Palestinian was killed to avenge the settler's death. (IDF Radio, ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/27; ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/28; CSM, LAW, MM, NYT, WP 10/27; MM 10/28; WJW 10/29; PR 10/30)

In Ramallah, Palestinians observe general strike, 100s of Fatah mbrs. march to protest 10/25 events, call on Arafat to punish security services. (NYT, WP 10/27; PR 10/30)

International experts submit final report Iraqi missile fragments to the UNSC, say results are inconclusive. Tests by Switzerland show no traces of VX; 1 sample in the 3d test by France shows traces of nerve agent that could be VX. French, Swiss, U.S. tests all show traces of unknown compound that could mask biological agents. (NYT, WP 10/27; MEI 10/30) (6/22)

U.S. says that a UN proposal to try the Pan Am bombing suspects in the Hague under Scottish law, tentatively agreed to by all parties, is in jeopardy because of Libyan demands that the 2 suspects not be imprisoned in Scotland if found guilty. (WP 10/27; WT 10/28) (see 9/29)

After 21 straight hrs. of talks with Pres. Clinton, Israel, PA reach an agmt. at Wye. Following a delay caused by Netanyahu's last minute claim that the U.S. backed out of a promise to release spy for Israel Pollard as part of the deal, the agmt. is signed at the White House. (MM, PR 10/23; IDF Radio, ITV, MENA 10/23 in WNC 10/26; IDF Radio, ITV, JTV, MENA 10/23, ATL, ITAR-TASS, JT, MENA, RE, RJ, al-Thawra 10/24, al-Ahram, al-Aswaq, ITV, MENA, al-Ra'i, RL, YA 10/25, MA, RL, al-Wafd 10/26 in WNC 10/27; NYT, WP, WT 10/24; WT 10/25; al-Ahram 10/25. al-Akhbar, al-Ba'th, al-Jumhuriyya, MENA 10/26, AFP 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MM 10/26; WJW 10/29; MEI 10/30; SA 10/30 in WNC 11/6; JP 11/2; NYT 11/11; WT 11/12; MM 11/13)

Pres. Clinton, King Hussein rejoin Wye talks. By evening, some agmts. have been reached, others are near. Over dinner, King Hussein gives an "impassioned speech," calling on Arafat, Netanyahu to keep making progress. Egypt's Mubarak phones Clinton to discuss the talks. (MM 10/22; VOA 10/22 in WNC 10/23; ITV, MENA 10/22 in WNC 10/26; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; JT, JTV, al-Ra'i 10/22, Shihan 10/24 in WNC 10/23 [dates as published]; JTV 10/22, IDF Radio 10/23 in WNC 10/26; NYT 10/25)

State Dept., White House meet with major U.S. oil companies to press them to build a pipeline to bring Caspian crude fr. Azerbaijan to Turkey, avoiding Russia, Iran. Oil companies do not believe the region can export enough oil in the nr. future to justify the $3.7-b. project, which the U.S. does not want to fund. (WP 10/28; MEI, WP, WT 10/30) (see 10/21)

An Israeli court orders 3 border policemen detained on suspicion of having shot at a Palestinian van 10/18. (WP 10/23) (see 10/21)

Israeli police arrest a mbr. of a right-wing Jewish group for carrying out 7 knife attacks on Palestinians in Jerusalem btwn. 11/97 and 5/98, killing 1. (AFP [Internet] 10/22)

At Wye, Pres. Clinton, King Hussein meet with Arafat, Netanyahu. Talks break at 1 a.m., having made little progress. On the sidelines, FM Sharon meets with reps. of Victims of Terror (see 10/18). Clinton phones Egyptian pres. Mubarak to brief him on talks. (MM 10/20; AFP, RJ 10/20 in WNC 10/21; ITV, MENA 10/20, al-Ahram, MA, RJ 10/21 in WNC 10/22; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/21; al-Quds 10/21 in WNC 10/23; al-Ra'i 10/21 in WNC 10/26; NYT, WP 10/25)

Israeli Finance M Yaakov Neeman says that Israel will not pay the costs of redeployment fr. the West Bank, money "should come from abroad." (WT 10/21)

Hamas claims responsibility for 10/19 grenade attack in Beersheba. PSF detains 20 alleged Hamas mbrs. in PA-controlled Hebron. (AFP 10/20 in WNC 10/22; NYT, WP, WT 10/21; LAW 10/22; PR 10/23)

Overnight, shots are fired, Molotov cocktails thrown at IDF post in Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. (IDF Radio 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

After 2-days of talks, Syria, Turkey reach agmt. under which Syria promises to halt all support to the PKK; arrest, bring to court any Kurdish rebels found in its territory; deny entry to PKK leader Ocalan, who, according to Turkish PM Yilmaz, has been in Russia for over a wk. (ATL 10/20, ATL, HUR, MENA 10/21 in WNC 10/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/21; MM, NYT, WP 10/22; al-Ahram, MENA, RJ 10/22 in WNC 10/23; SATN 10/22, MIL 10/23 in WNC 10/26; MIL 10/23 in WNC 10/27; MEI 10/30) (see 10/19)

In s. Lebanon, SLA opens fire on a civilian car, injuring 1. In a separate incident, a child is injured by IDF shelling. (RL 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

A Palestinian throws 2 grenades at a bus stop in Beersheba, Israel, injuring 64 Israeli civilians, soldiers, 3 of them seriously. Salim Rajab al-Sarsur, an alleged Hamas mbr. fr. PA-controlled Hebron, is detained by Israeli police. (MM 10/19; AFP, IDF Radio, MENA 10/19 in WNC 10/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/20; al-Dustur, IDF Radio, MA, SA, SANA, YA 10/20 in WNC 10/21; JTV 10/20 in WNC 10/22; WJW 10/22; JP 10/29; MEI 10/30)

At Wye, PM Netanyahu suspends all but security talks in light of Beersheba attack. Pres. Clinton cancels fund-raising trips for 10/20+n21, returns to Wye. Jordan's King Hussein flies fr. the Mayo Clinic to the airport nr. Wye, confers with Secy. Albright by phone, but does not join talks. Israeli pres. Weizman, Egyptian pres. Mubarak are also on standby. Syrian pres. Asad phones Mubarak to discuss Wye mtgs. (JTV 10/19 in WNC 10/20; MENA, SATN 10/19, al-Ahram, al-Dustur, HA, JTV, YA 10/20 in WNC 10/21; NYT, WP, WT 10/20; ITV 10/20 in WNC 10/22; WT 10/21; PR 10/23; MM 10/30; MM 11/10)

Turkey, Syria open security talks in Adana. (MM 10/19; ATL 10/19 in WNC 10/20; ATL, MIL 10/20 in WNC 10/21) (see 10/15)

After a brief 3-way mtg. at the White House, Pres. Clinton, Arafat, PM Netanyahu, their delegations head to Wye Plantation in Maryland for negotiations. (MM, WJW 10/15; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; YA 10/16 in WNC 10/19; al-Akhbar 10/16 in WNC 10/20)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein discuss Wye talks by phone. In Cairo, Jordanian PM Tarawnah briefs Mubarak on Crown Prince Hassan's mtgs. with Arafat (10/12), Netanyahu (10/14). (MENA 10/15 in WNC 10/16; JTV 10/15 in WNC 10/19)

Lebanese parliament elects (118-0, with 10 absentees, including Druze leader Junblatt, his bloc) Gen. Lahoud as Lebanon's new pres. He will take office 11/24. (MM 10/15; RL 10/15 in WNC 10/16; SATN 10/15 in WNC 10/19; al-Nahar 10/15, RL 10/18 in WNC 10/20; NYT, WP, WT 10/16; RL 10/16 in WNC 10/19; al-Ittihad 10/18 in WNC 10/23; IRNA 10/19 in WNC 10/21; MM 10/28) (see 10/13)

Turkey rejects Syrian offer to discuss water sharing, says Syria must first drop support for Kurdish separatists. (NYT, WP 10/16; HUR 10/16 in WNC 10/19) (see 10/14)

PSF detains 2 Israelis outside PA negotiator Abbas's home in al-Bireh. The Israelis, who turn out to be settler security guards dressed in civilian clothes, claim they entered th PA area to pursue stone-throwers. (PR 10/23)

30 Jewish settlers led by a Molodet party MK occupy a vacant Palestinian home in East Jerusalem, sparking scuffles with Palestinians. 100 Israeli policemen are brought in to quell the disturbances. (IDF Radio 10/15 in WNC 10/19; NYT 10/16; PR 10/23)

Unidentified assailants fire bomb several Palestinian homes in Bethlehem, seriously damaging 1. Palestinians blame local Jewish settlers. (AFP [Internet] 10/17)

In Amman, Arafat consults with Crown Prince Hassan on upcoming Washington talks. (RJ 10/12, al-Dustur 10/13 in WNC 10/14)

Egyptian FM Musa shuttles btwn. Ankara, Damascus to mediate their dispute. Turkey, Syria say that they see signs of defusing the crisis. (MM 10/12; ATL, al-Hadath, MENA, SATN 10/12, MENA 10/13 in WNC 10/14; WP, WT 10/13; AFP, MENA, Sabah 10/13, SA 10/14 in WNC 10/15; MEI 10/16)

In Tehran, Iran, Turkey set up comm. to demarcate their common border. (IRNA 10/12 in WNC 10/14)

PM Netanyahu meets with his security cabinet to discuss upcoming Washington talks; for the 1st time presents Ms with 2 2d FRD maps. (ITV 10/8 in WNC 10/14; NYT 10/10)

U.S. envoy Ross, Palestinian-Israeli Steering and Monitoring Comm. (PISMC) heads Saeb Erakat and Dani Nave discuss security at Gaza airport. (ITV 10/8 in WNC 10/14)

U.S. Asst. Secy. Indyk phones Syrian FM Shara` fr. Cairo to discuss crisis btwn. Syria, Turkey. Shara` calls on the U.S. to adopt a clear stand, back mediation efforts. Indyk publicly calls on Turkey to exercise self-restraint, then heads to Jordan to brief Crown Prince Hassan on Albright trip. (MENA 10/8 in WNC 10/9; SATN 10/8, RJ 10/9 in WNC 10/14)

In Moscow, Arafat briefs Russian Pres. Boris Yeltsin, PM Yevgeny Primakov, Duma Chmn. Gennady Seleznev on his recent mtgs. with Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright. (Interfax, ITAR-TASS 10/8 in WNC 10/14)

Iran reports clash with Taliban troops along the border with Afghanistan, marking the 1st significant military incident in their 2-mo.-old standoff. Taliban denies any clash took place. 270,000 Iranian troops are facing 10,000 Taliban troops along the border. (NYT, WP, WT 10/9; MEI 10/16) (see 9/12)

Iranian FM Kharrazi arrives in Syria for talks with senior officials on lowering tensions with Turkey. (IRNA, SANA 10/8 in WNC 10/9; MM 10/9; IRNA, SANA 10/9 in WNC 10/14)

In a ceremony attended by Israeli mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert and 50 mbrs. of the Ateret Cohanim settler group, 3 Jewish settler families move into a home in East Jerusalem. Israel also announces that 150 new housing units will be added to Ma'ale Mikhmas settlement nr. Ramallah. (AFP 10/9 [Internet])

In continuing clashes in Hebron, IDF troops open fire, killing a Palestinian protester, seriously wounding a news photographer, 20 other Palestinian protesters. (MM 10/8; CSM, NYT, PR, WT 10/9; WP 10/10; MEI, PR 10/16; JP 10/29)

Albright, Arafat, Netanyahu hold 3-way mtg. at Erez border crossing. Afterward, Netanyahu accepts spontaneous invitation by Arafat to lunch in Gaza, marking the 1st time Netanyahu has entered PA-controlled area. Albright returns to the U.S.; Arafat, U.S. Asst. Secy. Indyk head to Cairo to brief Pres. Mubarak; Ross stays for more preparatory mtgs. (MM 10/7; IDF Radio 10/7 in WNC 10/8; MENA 10/7 in WNC 10/9; al-Akhbar 10/7 in WNC 10/14; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; IDF Radio 10/8 in WNC 10/9; al-Thawra 10/9 in WNC 10/15; MEI, PR 10/16; JP 10/17; HA [Internet] 11/15)

Jewish settlers lay foundations for permanent homes at Tal Rumayda settlement in Hebron. (AFP [Internet], MM 10/7; MM 10/8; MEI, PR 10/16; JP 10/17) (see 9/4)

Secy. Albright, envoy Ross, Asst. Secy. of State Martin Indyk arrive in the Middle East to prepare for talks in Washington beginning 10/15. Albright meets with Netanyahu, then travels to Gaza to meet with Arafat. (MM 10/5; HA [Internet], WT 10/6)

Turkish pres. Demirel postpones mtg. with Egyptian pres. Mubarak that was set for today. Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan phones Demirel to urge him to find a diplomatic solution to crisis with Syria. (MM 10/5; ATL, JT, RJ, RL 10/5 in WNC 10/6; IRIB Television, JTV, Petra-JNA, SATN 10/5, IRNA, Petra-JNA, Sabah 10/6 in WNC 10/7; CSM 10/6; MEI 10/16) (see 10/4)

In a mtg. with outgoing Lebanese pres. Ilyas Hrawi in Damascus, Syrian pres. Asad taps army chief Gen. Emile Lahoud as the next Lebanese pres. Lahoud is widely considered to be an incorrupt, popular "new face," untainted by politics and unlikely to draw the military into the government. (RL, SANA 10/5 in WNC 10/6; AFP, RL al-Safir, SANA 10/5, RL, VOL 10/6 in WNC 10/7; MM, WP, WT 10/7; RL 10/7 in WNC 10/8; RL, RMC 10/8 in WNC 10/9; al-Watan al-Arabi 10/9 in WNC 10/15; Petra-JNA 10/11 in WNC 10/14; MM 10/12; MEI 10/16)

In s. Lebanon, Amal detonates 2 bombs as an IDF-SLA patrol passes, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding 4. (AFP, RL, VOL 10/5 in WNC 10/6)

U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Netanyahu, then with Arafat. Ross also meets with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, who urges him to pressure Israel into accepting U.S. initiatives. (MM 9/10; ITV 9/10, MA 9/11 in WNC 9/14; NYT 9/11; MM 9/14)

100 IDF troops storm house nr. Hebron, killing Imad, `Adil Awadallah--wanted by Israel for staging attacks for Hamas. Some Palestinians accuses the PA of collaborating with Israel to set up the raid. PA suspects that raid was timed to scuttle Ross's visit. The IDF seals the West Bank, Gaza. (MM, NYT 9/11; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 9/12; al-Ra'i, RE 9/12, AFP, al-Aswaq, MA, MENA 9/13 in WNC 9/15; YA 9/13, JT 9/14 in WNC 9/16; MM, NYT 9/14; WT 9/16; MEI, PR 9/18; JP 9/19) (see 8/25)

IDF troops fire rubber bullets, live ammunition at Palestinians protesting at Shuafat refugee camp in Jerusalem, killing a Palestinian bystander. (NYT 9/11)

Israel's Immigrant Absorption M Yuli Edelstein goes to Washington on PM Netanyahu's behalf to ask the U.S. for the 1st time to release spy for Israel Jonathan Pollard. Edelstein asks 5 congressmen to back Clinton if he pardons Pollard. (WJW 9/17; JP 9/19) (see 5/15)

A bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 4 SLA mbrs., including the cmdr. for Jazzin. (VOL 9/10 in WNC 9/11) (see 8/28)