The Palestine Chronology

3-days of elections talks close in Cairo. Sides agree PA will be in charge of maintaining security during elections, joint patrols will be used. PM Rabin says Palestinians fr. Jerusalem will not be allowed to run; Israel, not the PA, will carry out population census using 5,000 Palestinian teachers (see 4/28). A tripartite (EU, Israel, PA) comm. will be set up to discuss international monitors during elections. (AFP, IDF Radio, MENA, VOP 5/16, MENA 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; AFP, MENA, QY, VOP 5/17 in FBIS 5/18; PR 5/21)

2-day multilateral steering comm. mtgs on peace process open in Montreux, Switzerland. Syria, Lebanon boycott. Working groups on water, arms control, refugees, economic development, environment meet. (HA, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18)

For 1st time since 1990, U.S. vetoes UN resolution criticizing Israel. U.S. Amb. Madeline Albright calls veto "a matter of principle." Last-minute Russian proposal for UNSC presidential letter reproving Israel is rejected by U.S. as too strong, by PLO as too weak. Resolution would have invalidated Israel's 4/27 seizure of 134 acres of Arab-owed land in East Jerusalem. (MENA, VOP 5/17, MENA, QY, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; MM, NYT, WT 5/18; AFP, ITV, MENA, RE, RMC, VOP 5/18, MENA, VOP 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; MM, WT 5/19; MEI 6/9, 6/26) (see Doc. D7 in JPS 96)

PM Rabin says Israel would not object to having Syria deploy an early warning station on Israeli territory if Israel can maintain an equivalent system on Syrian soil. (MM 5/17)

60 of 80 mbrs. of the Jordanian parliament, incl. deputies who had approved the Jordan-Israel treaty, ask the government to freeze or cancel the treaty, recall Jordan's amb. to Israel, expel the Israeli amb. in protest over Israel's land confiscations. (MM 5/18; QY, RJ, SARR 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; SA 5/19 in FBIS 5/23; JP 5/27)

In Rabat, Arab League Secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid talks with King Hassan on holding summit to discuss Israeli confiscations of Palestinian land in Jerusalem, leaves for Cairo to confer with Pres. Husni Mubarak. Mubarak, Syria's Pres. Hafiz al-Asad discuss plans by phone. (MKR, RE 5/18, RE 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; RMC 5/19, AFP, RMC 5/21 in FBIS 5/22)

PA police raid 5 Gaza mosques in search of "inflammatory material," tear pro-Hamas placards off walls; issue order banning "provocative actions in mosques." (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17)

MK `Abd al-Wahhab Darawshah, head of Israel's Arab Democratic Party (ADP), says Arafat has urged him to withdraw ADP's no confidence motion over the Jerusalem land confiscation. Arafat's office denies it, saying PA does not interfere in Israeli domestic affairs. (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18) (see 5/15)

1 IDF soldier, 1 Hizballah mbr. are killed, 7 Hizballah mbrs, 3 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr. are wounded in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. (MM 5/17; CSM, MM 5/18; JP 5/27; MEI 6/9)

Israeli cabinet upholds confiscation of 134 acres announced 4/27. PM Rabin refuses to block decision, promises Israel will not confiscate any more Arab land in Jerusalem for housing purposes without Palestinian consent. Arab League calls promise "worthless." (QY 5/14, 5/15 in FBIS 5/15; CSM, WT 5/15; QY 5/14, ITV 5/15 in FBIS 5/16; JP 5/20)

Palestinian-Israeli Jerusalem Comm. opens 2-days of talks. (VOP 5/14 in FBIS 5/15)

In Cairo, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid meets with Pres. Mubarak regarding convening summit on Jerusalem expropriations. (MENA 5/14 in FBIS 5/15)

PA military court convicts, sentences Sayyid Abu Musamih, Hamas official and editor of al-Watan arrested 5/13, to 2 yrs in jail for writing "seditious" articles, increasing tensions btwn. Hamas, PA. Al-Watan is ordered to close for 3 mos. (AFP 5/14 in FBIS 5/15; WT 5/15; AFP, QY 5/15 in FBIS 5/16; NYT 5/21)

IDF detains, questions, photographs PA policemen, min. officials at checkpoint as they return to self-rule areas. PA protests. (VOP 5/15 in FBIS 5/16)

PM Rabin tells VP Gore Israel will not discuss a Middle East nuclear-free zone until it has peace agmts. with all its neighbors, Iran; hints Israel will not meet 7/1 deadline on elections talks with PA (see 3/9) if Arafat does not prevent incidents like 3/19 shooting, 3/21 truck incident. PA Planning M Shaath says he "never believed that date in the first place." (MM 3/23; QY 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; IDF Radio, QY 3/23, HA 3/24 in FBIS 3/24; MM 3/24; NYT, WP 3/25; MEI 3/31; JP 4/1)

Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak meet in Cairo to discuss peace process, asks him to relay message to Pres. Clinton regarding impediments to implementing DOP. Arafat then meets with U.S. Foreign Relations Council delegation, discusses economic aid. (MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; MENA, VOP 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Syrian FM al-Shara`, Egyptian FM Musa meet in Cairo to discuss Syrian-Israeli negotiations. (MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; SATN 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Arab League passes resolution supporting indefinite NPT renewal but saying 22 mbr.-states are free to vote how they will; does not link renewal with Israel's joining NPT. U.S. official says "if the Egyptians were lobbying [against renewal], the Arab League resolution would never have passed." (AFP 3/22, 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/24; WT 3/31)

Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert says PA has violated Israeli authority over the city by taking control of all 20 Waqf schools (previously run by Jordan). PA funding for schools is part of $27 m. raised by Arafat advisor Husseini fr. Saudi Arabia. Remaining money is slated for Jerusalem housing (see 3/13). (JP 3/24 in FBIS 3/27; JP 4/1; WJW 5/5; JP 5/13)

To date, 93 senators have signed on to Sen. Alfonse D'Amato and Sen. D. Patrick Moynihan's letter, calling on the pres. to move the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (WJW 3/23) (see 2/3)

IDF, Hizballah exchange fire in s. Lebanon, leaving 1 civilian dead, 1 wounded. (AFP, RL 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on expanding self-rule resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation head Yo'el Singer says target date for Palestinian elections is 6/15, Israel will not object to any party's participation. (MENA 3/13, MENA, VOP 3/14, VOP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15; CSM 3/15; AFP 3/14, MENA, QY 3/15, VOP 3/16 in FBIS 3/16)

Secy. of State Christopher stops in Damascus briefly on his return to Washington, meets with FM Faruq al-Shara`, announces talks btwn. Israel, Syria will resume in Washington soon. (WP 3/14; SARR 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; SARR, SATN 3/14 in FBIS 3/15; MM, NYT, WP 3/15; AN, CSM 3/16; MEI 3/17)

British PM Major meets with Arafat in Gaza, discusses developments in peace process, economic issues. Arafat expresses urgent need for aid. Major then meets with Arafat advisor Faisal Husseini at British consulate in Jerusalem, while Asst. British FM Andrew Green meets with a Palestinian delegation at Orient House. Major then meets with PM Rabin, discusses bilateral relations, leaves for mtg. with King Hussein. (IDF Radio, VOP 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; JTV, QY, VOP 3/14, RJ, VOP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15) (see 3/6)

Arab League issues statement at close of seminar on Jerusalem, says Jerusalem issue is key to peace process, calls on nations to uphold 1980 UNSC Res. 478 asking nations not to move diplomatic offices to the city. (MENA 3/14 in FBIS 3/17)

U.S., Israeli forces begin 3 wks of war games in Negev desert. (MM 3/14; WT 3/15; JP 4/1)

PA releases Shaykh al-Safadi, arrested 4/12. (QY 4/14 in FBIS 4/15)

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)

PM Rabin tells Knesset that Israel has placed 2,400 Palestinians under administrative detention since 10/19, currently has 5,000-6,000 Palestinians incarcerated. (QY 2/14 in FBIS 2/15; MM 2/15; MEI 2/17; PR 2/20) (see 1/24)

Syrian FM al-Shara` says Syria will not sign NPT unless Israel does. (WT 2/15)

Representative fr. 14 Arab League states (incl. Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE) meet in Cairo to forge joint position on NPT issue. (AFP 2/13 in FBIS 2/14)

Palestinians demonstrate throughout o.t. on 1st anniversary of Hebron massacre. IDF soldiers fire on demonstrators in West Bank, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 7. (QY 2/14 in FBIS 2/15; CSM, MM, WP, WT 2/15; PR 2/20)

Remaining lands occupied by Israel are returned to Jordan at mtg. of the joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on treaty implementation, armies deploy along newly demarcated border. 300 Israeli farmers are given entry permits so they can continue working farms. (JTV, QY, RJ 2/9 in FBIS 2/10; Al-Aswaq 2/11 in FBIS 2/14)

Rabin, Arafat meet at Erez to restart negotiations but talks break down when Rabin refuses to lift closure of o.t. Rabin demands PA crackdown on opposition, impose ban on carrying weapons without a license, create judicial system proposed 2/7 immediately, take legal and punitive steps against terrorism; approves additional 2,000 Palestinian policemen. Arafat says this will put him in conflict with opposition groups outside Hamas, Islamic Jihad. Both agree to meet again in 1 wk. Arafat suggests Israel redeploy fr. one West Bank town as first step in interim settlement. (MM 2/9; IDF Radio, MENA, QY, VOP 2/9, RMC, VOP 2/10 in FBIS 2/10; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/10; WT 2/12; MEI 2/17)

Russian envoy Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with Jordan's King Hussein, PM Shakir, FM al-Kabariti in Amman to discuss peace process, bilateral relations. (RJ 2/9 in FBIS 2/10)

Palestinian police raid Gaza headquarters of Islamic Jihad, also arrest 3 Hamas leaders. (WT 2/10)

Arafat meets with delegation fr. EU headed by French FM Juppé in Gaza. Delegation also meets with PA representatives at Orient House, says Israel's temporary closure is justified but peace process must move forward. (MM 2/9; AFP, QY, VOP 2/9 in FBIS 2/10; NYT 2/10; MEI 2/17)

Rep. Gingrich's wife says her job with the Israeli Export Development Co., attracting American companies to high tech business park in Israel, poses no conflict of interest with her husband's job as House speaker. She was offered the job after visiting Israeli on a tour run by AIPAC. (WT 2/10; CSM 2/15)

Israeli-Palestinian joint comm. for commodities and transportation crossings concludes 3d mtg. at Erez checkpoint. Progress noted on customs, security, transportation of goods. Agree PA will be responsible for construction of Gaza port point, donor countries will provide financing. (WY 12/5 in FBIS 12/6)

Multilateral Working Group on Economic Development holds follow-up mtg. in Cairo. Representatives fr. Egypt, Jordan, Israel, EU, Japan, U.S., France, the PA agree to form 3 regional councils on finance, trade, tourism to strengthen regional cooperation. (MENA 12/7 in FBIS 12/8)

Egyptian FM Musa meets with Israeli FM Peres in Budapest during Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), briefs him on Mubarak's talks with al-Asad 12/1. (QY 12/5 in FBIS 12/5)

Pres. Clinton telephones Pres. al-Asad to discuss peace process, Secy. of State Warren Christopher's upcoming trip to region. Later, meets Israeli FM Peres in Budapest, says he does not have good news fr. Syria. (MM 12/5; 12/5 in FBIS 12/6)

FMs of Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, Tunisia hold "mini-summit" at CSCE conference; agree to form regional security organization similar to CSCE that would meet biannually in Vienna on FM level. (HA 12/6 in FBIS 12/7)

Gen. John Shalikashvili, chmn. of Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrives in Israel for mtg. at Israeli DMin. on possible security arrangements for Golan. (MM, WT 12/6; MM 12/7)

Maj. Gen. Danny Rothschild resigns as Israeli negotiator to talks on elections, is replaced by Brig. Gen. Gadi Zohar. (AFP 12/5 in FBIS 12/5; WT 12/6; JP 12/17) (see 12/3)

Israel grants citizenship to 618 collaborators and their families. (Ma'ariv 12/5 in FBIS 12/7)

Near East Report reports Israel ranks highest in voting coincidence with U.S. in UN for 1994 (93.5%), Arab League states lowest (22.8%). (Near East Report 12/5)

Hariri agrees to stay on as PM of Lebanon after Syrian Pres. al-Asad hosts reconciliation mtg. btwn. Hariri, parliament speaker Nabih Birri. (MM 12/5; MENA 12/5 in FBIS 12/6; WP 12/6; RL 12/9 in FBIS 12/9) (see 12/2)

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)

Arab League "strongly denounces" Israeli PM Rabin's decision to build new housing in West Bank settlement, calling it a "flagrant violation" of the DOP. (MENA, RE 9/27 in FBIS 9/28)

Israeli FM Peres meets with Argentinean Pres. Carlos Menem in New York, asks him to help arrange mtg. btwn. PM Rabin, Syrian Pres. al-Asad. (QY 9/27 in FBIS 9/29)

Jordan renounces religious links to West Bank, reaffirms spiritual authority in Jerusalem in move to avoid conflict with PLO. PNA says it will assume administrative, financial duties for West Bank religious institutions next mo. (JTV 9/27 in FBIS 9/28; NYT 9/28; MM 9/28; QY 9/28 in FBIS 9/28; AFP 9/28 in FBIS 9/29; MEI 10/7; JP 10/8)

Hamas calls on its mbrs. to avoid clashes with Palestinian police. (VOP 9/27 in FBIS 9/28; WT 9/28) (see 9/24)

Palestinian military delegation arrives in Moscow for wk.-long stay, signs agmt. with Russian DMin. for delivery of 45 BT-82 armored personnel carriers, spare parts, ammunition for use by Palestinian police. (MM 9/15; Al-Hayat 9/27 in FBIS 9/29)

UNRWA approves $250 m. worth of projects for Gaza, West Bank to be implemented over the next 2 yrs. (UNRWA News 9/21)

Libya's Pan-Arab Unity Min. releases statement saying Palestinian autonomy "must be fought," bringing Palestinian-Libyan relations to new low. (MM 9/15)

Arab League FM's meeting in Cairo reject Israeli steps to give Jordan distinguished religious role in Jerusalem; pledge they will not sign NPT unless Israel signs in move planned by Syria to pressure Israel to adhere to NPT, open installations to inspection. (AFP 9/15, VOP 9/16 in FBIS 9/16) (see 8/31)

Arafat stops in Moscow for mtg. with Russian Dep. FM Igor Ivanov, says he is "deeply satisfied with the role Russia is playing" in peace process, invites Russian observers to oversee elections scheduled for 11/1. Ivanov briefs Arafat on Russian efforts on Syrian-Israeli track. (MM 9/15)

Salah `Abd al-Shafi, in charge of U.S. aid to Gaza, blames Arafat for economic delays, says "no one [in PNA] knows who is responsible for what, to the extent where foreign businessmen have to go directly to . . . Arafat . . . to make any progress with their plans." (La Tribune Desfosses 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

French FM Alain Juppé criticizes Israeli PM Rabin's statements on Syria, Lebanon made 9/5, says "Lebanon must be the master of its destiny and sovereignty." (MM 9/14)

Arab League session opens in Cairo with speech by SG 'Ismat `Abd al-Majid praising Arab-Israeli negotiations, encouraging Israel to progress on Syrian, Lebanese tracks. (MENA 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

PLO Political Dept. head al-Qaddumi meets with Arab FM's after Arab League opening, discusses PNA financing, Jerusalem, progress on self-rule; issues statement saying there have been no positive results in the past yr. except more Palestinians can return to their homes, occupation continues. (MENA 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

Islamic Jihad welcomes Hamas' plan to set up Islamic party, says it will take part in elections, hinting Islamic party may become umbrella for all Islamist groups. (HA 9/16 in FBIS 9/20) (see 9/7)

Gaza military court sentences Palestinian policeman to 7 yrs. in jail for selling his M-16 rifle to a Palestinian civilian. (AFP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

IDF kills 21-year-old Palestinian in Gaza City after a stone-throwing incident. (Qol Yisra'el 6/9 in FBIS 6/10; MM 6/9)

12-year-old Palestinian killed and 10 injured by IDF in raid on al-Burayj refugee camp in Gaza. (Qol Yisra'el 6/9 in FBIS 6/10)

Fateh official Ahmad Muhammad alMakhzumi shot dead in 'Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp, Sidon, Lebanon; Fateh accuses Fateh Revolutionary Council (FRC-"Abu Nidal" faction) of the assassination. (RFL, VOL 6/10 in FBIS 6/10)

4 Lebanese civilians killed in Zillaya by IDF missiles during clashes in southern Lebanon between IDF, SLA, and Lebanese resistance. (AFP 6/8 in FBIS 6/10)

GCC FMs meeting in Riyadh "renew" their "full support" for the peace process. (SPA 6/8 in FBIS 6/9).

At Arab FMs meeting in Damascus, Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara' receives call from Secy. of State Christopher. FMs delay decision on resuming talks until after Arab League meeting 4/20. PM Rabin tells Israeli delegation to delay departure for Washington. (AFP, MENA, SANA 4/17 in FBIS 4/19; NYT, WP 4/18)

"Hundreds" of Druze in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights, demonstrate on Syrian independence day. Stonethrowers wound 11 Israeli police, dispersing the crowd with tear gas. (Qol Yisra'el 4/17 in FBIS 4/20)

Hizballah, Amal shell SLA positions in "security zone," killing 1 SLA soldier. Israel, SLA shell villages. (NYT 4/18)

Israeli soldiers surround al-Najah University in Nablus. Some 3,000-4,000 students and others refuse to submit to searches; IDF imposes curfew on Nablus and 4 nearby refugee camps. (WP 7/16; NYT 7/17)

PLO Exec. Comm. issues statement criticizing Rabin's "iron fist policy," and calling for int'l. action to lift the siege. (Algiers VOP 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Construction and housing min. Benyamin Ben-Eliezer "cancel[s] endorsement" of approved but unsigned contracts for 3,000 housing units in the o.t. Council of Jewish Settlements of Judea, Samaria, and Gaza considers this a "declaration of war." (Qol Yisra'el, IDF Radio 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Fateh official Abu-Nidal al-Asmar narrowly escapes death as a bomb destroys his car in Sidon. (AFP 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Israeli undercover unit shoots dead Hamas-'Izz al-Din al-Qassim faction mbr. in Gaza City. (MM 7/16)

Amal claims an attack on an SLA patrol in al-Qantara, S. Lebanon, kills 6 Israeli soldiers and 1 Amal militiaman. SLA responds by shelling "security zone" border villages of al-Qantara, al-Qabrikha. (VOL 7/15 in FBIS 7/15; Radio Lebanon 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

PM Rabin "rules out" Palestinian legislative elections as outlined in Camp David Accords. (WP 7/16)

Pres. Herzog leaves for 2-day visit to Turkey, firstrip to Turkey by an Israeli president. (Qol Yisra'el 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Arye Bar, Israeli construction and housing min. dir. gen. meets with Fin. Min. Yitzhak Modai on behalf of hospitalized Housing Min. Ariel Sharon; Modai instructs treasury to approve construction of 4,000 new housing units in Israel and o.t. (Modai had earlier approved 2,000 of the housing min.'s 4,500-unit request.) Housing min. announces more than 16,000 housing units are in various stages of construction in o.t. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

Hamas members storm houses of Fateh members in Khan Yunis, wounding several. IDF opens fire on residents of Jabaliya, Dayr al-Balah camps, Gaza, wounding 3. (AFP 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

Hizballah attacks Israeli intelligence position in Bint Jubayl (inside S. Lebanon "security zone"); Israel shells Litani River basin. Armed dispute in 'Ayn al-Hilwa camp near Sidon kills 2. (VOL, Voice of the Oppressed 7/6 in FBIS 7/6)

Israel releases 4 Palestinians into custody of Red Cross in Tyre, Lebanon. The 4 "Fateh activists" had served out sentences at Asqalan prison following their arrest 12/20/90 on a "suspicious vessel" (embarked in Cyprus) off the Lebanese coast. (Qol Yisra'el 7/5 in FBIS 7/6; AFP 7/5 in FBIS 7/7)

Arab League Council concludes 2-day emergency meeting in Cairo to discuss situation in S. Lebanon; endorses 2 draft resolutions urging an end to Israeli aggression and promoting reconstruction, as well as a statement urging UNSC to resort to Chapter VII of UN Charter to halt Israeli aggression, implement res. 425. (MENA 7/5 in FBIS 7/7; MM 7/6)

Jordanian parliament passes law legalizing independent political parties; first multiparty elections since 1954 will be held in 11/93. (MM 7/6)

Police arrest 115 peace activists near Janin trying to march from Israel into W. Bank, including a member of Belgian parliament. Marchers were participating in 6-day march by 400 Israeli and foreign activists calling for end to Israeli occupation in o.t. (WP, MM 6/8)

Four FMs meeting in Amman conclude their talks, issue final communique calling for extraordinary session of Arab League Council to discuss Lebanese situation. (Jordan TV, AFP 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

Fateh and Hamas proclaim "pact of honor"; leaflet issued in o.t. seeks to end organizational feuding and further dialogue between Islamic Resistance Movement and PLO. (Jordan TV 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; MM 6/8)

Mukhtar of Gaza's Dayr al-Balah refugee camp, Shafiq al-Hasi, is killed by masked men in local market. (Qol Yisra'el 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

Cairo-Amman Bank opens branch in Tulkarm. (Al-Sha'b 6/7 in FBIS 6/10

Faruq al-Qaddumi, top official of both Fateh and PLO, arrives at head of Fateh delegation to Syria in aftermath of Chmn. Arafat's recent meetings with Pres. al-Asad. (NYT 11/10; AFP 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Israeli aircraft attack alleged DFLP positions in Rashidiyya refugee camp near Tyre, Fateh-Force 17 positions in 'Ayn al-Hilwa camp near Sidon in S. Lebanon, while Israeli-South Lebanon Army bombardment of S. Lebanese villages continues. (MEM 11/8)

Israeli DM Arens returns from China. (Qol Yisra'el 11/22 in FBIS 11/22)

U.S. troops begin leaving Gulf; Def. Sec. Cheney says U.S. will return average of 5,000 troops per day over next few weeks [LAT, WP, CSM 3/8; MET 3/19].

En route to Saudi Arabia as part of 11-day Middle East tour, Sec. Baker says he will propose series of "confidence-building measures" between Israel and Arab states to open path to broader peace talks [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

In Kuwait, at least 2 Palestinians have been shot dead and 5 others hospitalized from beatings and shootings, as Palestinians raise concerns about reprisals against their community in Kuwait [LAT, NYT, WP 3/8].

Israeli gov't. rejects Pres. Bush's call for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict that includes trading land for peace; F.M. David Levy says attempts to pressure Israel are not welcome [LAT, WT 3/8; JDS, IDF, PDS 3/7, MAA 3/8 in FBIS 3/8]; in separate statements, PLO and Egypt welcome what they call "positive elements" in Pres. Bush's 3/6 speech [AVP, MENA 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; MEM 3/7].

Palestinian journalist Taher Shriteh, jailed without charge on 1/28/91, is freed on bail after international campaign to gain his release (cf. 3/11) [NYT, MEM 3/8; AFP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; MET 3/19].

House of Representatives votes to authorize $15.8 billion to pay for Gulf war, and also $650 million for Israel, and warns other nations that Congress "may consider appropriate action" if promised payments are not made [NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar selects Switzerland's ambassador to Washington, Edouard Brunner, asspecial Middle East envoy to begin new high-priority search for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict [WP 3/8].

Palestinian leaders representing Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP, but not Hamas, meet in Jerusalem with visiting EC "troika" representatives including Italian F.M. Gianni de Michelis; EC ministers also meet with Israeli P.M. Shamir and D.M. Arens, then depart for Jordan [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; FJ 3/11; MET 3/19].

Border policeman in Nablus is stabbed, wounded; attacker escapes and army imposes curfew on Nablus and adjacent refugee camps [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8]; 30 Palestinians are detained in Jerusalem after IDF opens fire on demonstrators [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/11].

Syria and Saudi Arabia sign wide-ranging cooperation agreement which both nations say was sign of desire to foster closer relations [MEM 3/8].

Italian F.M. de Michelis is quoted as calling for "internal revolt in the Palestinian [resistance] movement" now that PLO has "ruled itself out" of peace negotiations [MEM 3/7].

U.S., Saudi, British, and Kuwaiti aircraft launch attack on Iraq bombing Baghdad and other military targets in Iraq and Kuwait with massive waves of air attacks and ship-launched missiles. "We have no choice but to force Saddam from Kuwait" say Pres. Bush [NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/17].

Hours before war erupts, French National Assembly overwhelmingly approves use of French forces for military operations; P.M. Rocard places country's 10,000 troops and 76 aircraft in Saudi Arabia under U.S. command [NYT, LAT, WP 1/17].

Israel declares nationwide state of emergency as war breaks out; schools are closed; curfew is placed on entire Gaza Strip [JDS 1/16 in FBIS 1/16; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/17].

Many Arab gov'ts., reportedly including Egypt, are not given advance notice of allied attack. Jordanian radio delays for 3 hours before broadcasting news that war has begun [LAT, WT 1/17].

Arab League and Gulf countries issue statements condemning 1/14 assassination of PLO's Abu lyad and others [MENA 1/16 in FBIS 1/16; WAKH, AES 1/16 in FBIS 1/17].

PLO calls for general mobilization of its forces in Lebanon; warns them to be ready to strike at U.S. interests [AFP 1/16 in FBIS 1/17].

Israeli gunboats shell inland Amal positions in S. Lebanon; no injuries are reported [BDS 1/16 in FBIS 1/17].

Worried about the possibility of a 2-front war, Iraq begins reinforcing its border with Turkey [NYT 12/29].

Iraq test-fires Soviet-made SCUD missile; it is 3d test this month [LAT, WP 12/29].

White House announces that Pres. Bush has issued directive forgiving Egypt's remaining $997 million debt for military hardware, saying Gulf crisis makes move vital to U.S. interests [LAT, WP 12/29].

In biggest sailing of U.S. warships since Vietnam, 16,000 sailors including those on aircraft carriers Roosevelt and America, leave for Gulf [WP 12/29].

General strike called for by UNLU is observed in o.t. [FJ 1/7].

Iraqi employees of Arab League submit resignations in protest of decision to move League's headquarters back to Cairo [INA 12/28, AFP 12/29 in FBIS 12/31].

Iraqi gov't says only state-run Iraqi Airways planes may land in Iraq; reaffirms that those people allowed to leave may do so only on these planes [LAT, WP 9/4; MET 9/11].

Iraq refuses landing rights to British, Swiss, and French charter flights that were to have brought women, children out of Iraq and Kuwait [LAT 9/1, 9/2; NYT 9/4].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz urges nations with many citizens in Iraq and Kuwait to supply food to Iraq, saying it could not be responsible for what happened to them as a result of shortages [LAT 9/4].

Chedli Klibi, longtime Sec.-Gen. of Arab League, abruptly resigns, giving no reason, but it was widely reported he was upbraided by Saudi and Syrian officials for not putting sufficient pressure on Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait [AFP 9/3 in FBIS 9/4; WT, MEM 9/4; NYT 9/5; CSM 9/6; MET 9/11].

U.S. official reports American combat aircraft have been deployed in Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain for first time [NYT, MEM 9/4].

Pres. Mubarak meets with U.S. delegation including 15 senators led by Claiborne Pell (D-RI) and 22 representatives headed by Richard Gephardt (D-MO) [MENA 9/3 in FBIS 9/5].

As part of Gulf tour, British foreign sec. Douglas Hurd arrives in Jeddah for 2-day working visit, meets with Saudi officials, including King Fahd [SPA 9/3 in FBIS 9/6].

In speech marking 1,000th day of intifada, Arafat says Palestinians can only take sides against "Zionism and its imperialist allies," confirms the PLO Gulf peace initiative calling for "withdrawal of occupation forces from Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, and the Golan," and that occupation forces should be replaced by UN [MEM 9/3].

Over 10,000 people gather at rally in Amman to celebrate 1,000th day of intifada and show support of Iraq [MEM 9/4]; in W. Bank, stores usually closed remain open in celebration [WT 9/5; LAT 9/6; FJ 9/10].

Sec. of Economic Development Group in E. Jerusalem says lack of funds coming from Gulf states and lost jobs of Palestinians could harm "tens of thousands of families" in O.T.; adds drying up of funds could hurt "the future of a Palestinian state" [LAT 9/4]; other officials agree [CSM 9/6].

Jerusalem Post reports 18,800 immigrants arrived in Israel in August, including 17,500 from USSR-more than in any one month since 1951 [MEM 9/3].

Israel's gov't-run television and radio ban the use of Arabic names for Palestinian villages and towns, ordering journalists and broadcasters to use the biblical Hebrew names [NYT 9/5; FJ 9/10].

Pres. Asad says he is ready to move forward on "a serious initiative toward peace," but that both he and Pres. Mubarak are waiting for Israel and Washington to take first step [WP, LAT, WT, MEM 7/16].

Arab League opens "foreign ministers" meeting in Tunis (but only 3 F.M.s, from Tunisia, Algeria, and Iraq, attend; others are ambassadors); PLO rep. warns that U.S. has given Israel "the green light" to crack down on Palestinians in O.T. [AFP 7/15 in FBIS 7/17]; at meeting, Yasir Arafat rejects renewed U.S. demands that PLO discipline Abul Abbas before restarting U.S.-PLO dialogue; Arafat accuses U.S. of "supporting Israel without limit" (cf. 7/19, 7/23) [WP, WT, MEM 7/16].

B'Tselem issues report "Firing by the Security Forces in the Territories," which states a "considerable percentage" of shooting deaths and injuries occur because IDF soldiers open fire in violation of army regulations. IDF categorically rejects report [JPD 7/16 in FBIS 7/17; MEM 7/17].

Israeli committee dealing with immigrant absorption takes measures granting, as of 8/1, immigrants the use of police and army barracks, hotels and youth hostels, and boarding and recreational homes as temporary residences [SOR 7/ 17 in FBIS 7/18; MEM 7/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Ashdod, Gaza, Arab municipal worker is stabbed by unknown attacker (JP 10/20).

Arab World: Arab League Council ends two-day meeting, 86th ordinary session, in Tunis in presence of nine foreign ministers; condemns Hasan-Peres meetings; agrees to hold first summit meetings in four years (date and place to be set). Council decides member states will sever diplomatic ties with Ivory Coast to protest opening of Ivorian embassy in Jerusalem (FBIS, WP 10/20; AFP 10/19).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF confirm Israeli fighter pilot, shot down 10/16, is being held by Amal (NYT 10/20).