The Palestine Chronology

Vatican Undersecy. for Foreign Relations Msgr. Claudio Celli and Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin sign 15-point "fundamental agreement" establishing diplomatic relations. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/31)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Cairo with Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa, refuses to accept Israeli proposals on Gaza-Jericho agreement. Arafat flies to Amman for consultations with Jordan's King Hussein. (RJ 12/20 in FBIS 1/3; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/31)

3 Fateh-Uprising guerrillas killed by IDF while crossing Lebanon-Israel border. IDF rockets village in southern Lebanon in retaliation. (Qol Yisra'el 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; CSM, NYT, WT 12/31)

Demonstrations in Gaza mark anniversary of founding of Fateh. (WP, WT 12/3)

Syrian Chief Rabbi Ibrahim Hamra confirms govt. is issuing exit visas to Jews at rate of 25-30 a day. Hamra says community numbers 1,250 and that not all who receive visas will leave. (WP 12/31)

30 Japanese businesses announce plans to form Japan-Israel Business Club to promote Japanese-Israeli trade. (WT 12/31)

IDF seals off 4 settlements nr. Nablus and prevents procession of settlers fr. bringing Torah scrolls to Jewish religious center in Nablus. 15 settlers arrested. New orders, issued 12/12 but only made public today, permit IDF to place Jewish settlements as well as Palestinian towns and villages under curfew, take "strong action" against law-breaking settlers. (NYT, WT 12/17)

FM Peres, in Paris, says Israel and PLO have agreed to open economic market btwn. Israel and Palestinian self-governing areas, allowing Palestinians to freely export farm produce to Israel and import goods fr. Arab states. Disagreements over currency, ties with Jordan remain. (MM 12/16)

Unnamed PLO, Israeli officials meet privately at undisclosed locations to try to bridge differences preventing implementation of Gaza-Jericho withdrawal. PLO-Israel talks in al-Arish on civil issues recess. (CSM 12/17; MENA 12/16 in FBIS 12/17)

Syrian Pres. al-Asad meets U.S. congressional delegation made up of Sens. DeConcini (D-AZ), Specter (R-PA), Grassley (RIA), and Graham (D-FL) and Rep. Richardson (D-NM). Talks focus on overcoming impediments to peace process. (SARR 12/16 in FBIS 12/16; MM 12/17)

Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Israel at start of Middle East tour. PM Rabin tells U.S. to stay out of Israel-PLO talks, saying "we do not need uncles, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers." (NYT, WT 12/4)

PLO Political Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi meets in Washington with U.S., World Bank officials to discuss economic development of o.t. (San'a' VOP 12/3 in FBIS 12/7)

Settlers rampage in Hebron, wounding 4 Palestinians. IDF does nothing to stop gunbearing settlers, but detains 20 Palestinian stone-throwers. In Gaza, alleged Fateh mbrs. open fire on 2 IDF posts; no casualties reported. (MM 12/3; NYT, WP, WT 12/4)

Israel Antiquities Authority's "Operation Scroll" scheduled to end. Search for ancient Hebrew and Jewish artifacts, started 11/14, involved 30 archaeologists and 300 workers, examined 350 sites, and cost $350,000. Operation protested by Palestinians, who say it violated 1954 UN convention on cultural artifacts and was intended to strip o.t. sites before Palestinian autonomy. (WP 12/4)

5,000 Palestinians march in Khan Yunis funeral of Ahmad Abu al-Rish. 1 Palestinian wounded by IDF gunfire in clashes in Gaza City. (WT 11/30)

Fateh hawks cmdr. Taysir Bardini, 26, captured by IDF after gun, grenade battle in Rafah camp, Gaza Strip. Hawks announce "resumption of intensive military action" against Israeli targets. (AFP 11/29 in FBIS 11/30; MM, NYT 11/30)

PLO-Israel talks in Cairo, al-Arish resume. PLO official Nabil Shaath reports progress on release of Palestinian prisoners, but PM Rabin refuses to give details. Environment M. Yossi Sarid says "it's obvious more Palestinian prisoners will be released gradually." (MM 11/29, 11/30; WT 11/30)

Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza ("Yesha") announces formation of "Hashomer" volunteer guard units to defend settlements. Also, "Irgun Yehudi Leumi" (IYAL- Jewish Nationalist Organization) issues leaflets in settlements calling on settlers to refuse mandatory IDF service. (MM 11/30)

Hadashot publisher Amos Schocken tells IDF radio afternoon tabloid will close due to low circulation and falling advertising revenues. (MM 11/29; WT 12/1)

PLO Chmn. Arafat orders Palestinian forces to prepare to enter o.t. to form Gaza-Jericho police force. (CSM, NYT, WT 11/22)

Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza issues statement pledging "militant direct action" against Israel-PLO DoP, urging settlers to ignore Palestinian police. (NYT 11/22)

Jordan's King Hussein meets in Damascus with Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad to coordinate positions prior to tour by Secy. of State Christopher. 2 sides affirm "necessity of reaching a just and comprehensive peace." (MM, NYT 11/22)

PM Rabin returns to Israel after 10-day tour of U.S., Canada. At press conference, Rabin says Israel will try to meet 12/13 deadline for withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho, but says "it's not a holy date." (Qol Yisra'el 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; MM 11/22)

House of Representatives passes 425-1 resolution urging Arab League to lift boycott of Israel. (WJW 11/25)

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak orders reinforcement of IDF units in o.t. to act "with determination" against Palestinian rioters and Israeli settlers who break law. (MM 11/19)

Internal IDF document forsees "bloodletting btwn. Jews," civil revolt, and refusal of IDF soldiers to obey orders as consequences of DoP. (Ha'Aretz 11/19 in FBIS 11/22)

Palestinian business owners announce formation in Abu Dhabi of Palestinian Development and Investment Company, with an initial capital of $200 m., $100 m. of which already subscribed. (MM 11/19)

French FM Juppe holds talks in Beirut with Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi, PM al-Hariri, FM Buwayz, focusing on trade, economic, cultural relations, security cooperation, and Lebanese-Israeli talks. (RL 11/19 in FBIS 11/19)

Israeli cabinet mbrs., including Environment Min. Yossi Sarid and Dep. DM Mordechai Gur, call PLO Chmn. Arafat's condemnation of 10/29 killing of Israeli settler Haim Mizrachi inadequate, want evidence PLO can control situation. Police Min. Moshe Shahal says PLO must control Hamas, Islamic Jihad. Sarid says IDF not doing enough to control settlers. FM Peres, Justice Min David Libai ask A.G. Michael Ben-Yair to examine outlawing "Committee for Road Safety," Kach-affiliated sttler vigilante group. Peres says talks with PLO on implementing 9/13 agreement will proceed. (MM, NYT, WT 11/15)

"Black September 13 Brigades" issue statement claiming responsibility for 10/29 killing of settler Haim Mizrachi. (MM 11/15)

Israeli Antiquities Authority archeology teams fan out in Judean Desert, West Bank, in search for ancient Hebrew and Jewish artifacts. Move is protested by Palestinian researchers advising peace delegation as an attempt at last-minute looting of Palestinian cultural heritage. (NYT 11/15)

Jerusalem Mayor-elect Ehud Olmert promises to avoid "unnecessary confrontation" with Jerusalem's Palestinians, pledges to "respect sensitivities on the other side" and expand municipal services in East Jerusalem. However, he also declares "every Jew can purchase property anywhere in Jerusalem," says new construction will "ensure complete rule of the people of Israel" over entire city. (NYT, WT 11/4)

Protests by Beit El settlers continue for 4th day. In what settler leaders declare a "Jewish uprising," rioters bum tires, block roads, and set on fire a Palestinian school. (NYT, WT 11/2)

Israeli embassy in Washington pays $62,870 in D.C. parking fines accumulated by its diplomats, 1st country to comply with federal law imposing dollar-for-dollar reduction in U.S. aid to nations with outstanding parking debts. (WP 11/2)

Jewish settlerset fire to 8 Palestinian homes in al-Birah, stone Palestinian cars in Ramallah, block West Bank roads in protest over killing of settler Haim Mizrachi by presumed Hamas militants. Settler, abducted 10/29, found stabbed to death in burned car north of Ramallah. Also, Palestinian involved in land sales to Israelis killed by masked gunmen. (NYT, WP, WT 10/31)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Syrian Pres. alAsad hold talks on peace process in Latakia. (SATV 10/30 in FBIS 11/1)

3,000 Palestinian women march in Rafah refugee camp, Gaza Strip, to demand immediate release of all remaining Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. (WP 10/31

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)

PFLP, DFLP announce they are exploring reuniting 2 leftist factions, split since 1969. Fateh Cent. Comm. mbr. Hani al-Hasan, an opponent of DoP, meets in Damascus with PFLP's Habash, DFLP's Hawatmah, and Khalid al-Fahum of PNSF. (AFP, RMC 9/28 in FBIS 9/29)

IDF raids Islamic center-comprising mosque, kindergarten, and public library-in Gaza City. 30 Israeli soldiers search female teachers, frighten schoolchildren, and defile mosque by not removing boots upon entry. (WT 9/29)

Israeli newspapers HaAretz, Ma'a nv, Davar report that Israeli PM Rabin and Jordanian King Hussein met 9/26 in Aqaba to discuss future relations in wake of PLO-Israel accord. Both Rabin's spokesman and Palace officials in Amman deny meeting. Ma'aniv publishes list of 22 meetings Hussein held with Israeli leaders between 1963 and 1991. (MM 9/28; NYT, WP 9/29)

Senate Foreign Relations Comm. approves by voice vote Middle East Peace Facilitation Act. Bill waives ban on U.S. relations with and aid to PLO. Measure passes full Senate next day. (WP, WT 9/29)

American Jewish Comm. poll shows 90% of American Jews believe Israel will gain fr. recognizing PLO; 57% favor establishment of a Palestinian state; 42% believe PLO cannot be trusted to honor commitments on terrorism; 47% oppose continued settlement activity in o.t.; 43% support it. (WP 9/28)

U.S. Middle East coordinator Dennis Ross meets in Moscow with Deputy FM Yossi Beilin prior to visiting Middle East to discuss U.S. proposals on peace process. (Ha Aretz 7/7 in FBIS 7/7)

FM Peres meets Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Alexandria, discusses U.S. document and Jerusalem issue. (MENA 7/6 in FBIS 7/6)

Jerusalem deputy mayor Avraham Kahila claims Jewish population of East Jerusalem now at 160,000, 5,000 larger than Palestinian population. (Ha Aretz 7/6 in FBIS 7/7; WT 7/7)

Tsomet and National Religious Party submit no-confidence motions in Knesset against Labor government, citing stalemate in peace talks and situation in southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 7/6 in FBIS 7/7)

Lebanese parliament rejects 7/1 U.S. Senate resolution, characterizing it as "interference" in Lebanon's affairs, and "denounces the American Senate's perpetual silence" on Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Lebanese cabinet joins in denunciation the following day (see 7/1). (MM 7/7)

Middle East Watch issues report charging Israeli undercover units with "unjustified killings" committed as government policy. (MM 6/29)

Israeli authorities license new West Bank newspaper. Named al-Qabas, first issue expected in one month. (al-Fajr 7/5)

AIPAC Dir. Thomas Dine resigns, admitting to have termed Orthodox Jews "smelly" and "low class" in published remarks on mainstream Jewish attitudes toward them. (WP, WT 6/30)

Israeli-Resistance clashes and shelling continue in southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon 6/29 in FBIS 6/30)

FM Peres says Israel and Jordan have "agreed on all the items, practically," for a peace treaty; "what is missing . .. is a pen" (see 6/4). (NYT, WT 6/8)

Al-Hayat reports PLO has reduced monthly payments to o.t. from $1 1m to $1.6m; report coincides with visit to Abu Dhabi by PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud 'Abbas and Palestinian peace negotiator Faisal Husseini. (al-Hayat 6/7 in MM 6/7)

"Movement for Jewish Autonomy in Judaea, Samaria, and Gaza" issues a statement that it will resist IDF if it tries to evacuate settlements in the event of a peace treaty. (Ha'Aretz 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

Kuwaiti FM Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah announces that Kuwait "and other Arab countries" have "absolved" themselves of the secondary boycott of Israel out of national interest (see 6/11, 7/20). (KUNA 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; NYT, WT 6/9)

Meeting with EC delegation in Jerusalem, Faisal Husseini says Israel has created a new obstacle to resuming talks by turning the o.t. into a "massive collective prison" (sealed 3/31). EC reps. then meet with Israeli officials. (ITV 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; NYT 4/2)

Responding to an agricul. min. request, IDF orders 1,500 soldiers to work on farms hit hard by lack of Palestinian workers from o.t. (MM 4/2)

IDF gunboats, helicopters attack PFLP-GC, Islamic Jihad bases in Nahr al-Bared refugee camp, Tripoli, Lebanon, wounding 3. Palestinians repel Israeli troop landing at the coastal bases with heavy gunfire. Bomb inside "security zone" kills 2 SLA soldiers; Israel shells targets north. Fateh blames Israel for assassination of its top security official in Beirut. (AFP, RFL 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; IDF Radio 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; Algiers VOP 4/3 in FBIS 4/7; MM 4/1)

Four Palestinian suspected Abu Nidal mbrs. living in the U.S. are indicted on charges of conspiracy to smuggle money and weapons, and plan attacks on Jews and the Israeli embassy. (MM, NYT 4/2)

Hamas rep. in Amman Muhammad Nazzal reassures PLO that its diplomatic contacts (with U.S., among others) are not meant to establish Hamas as an alternative leadership. (Jordan Times 3/2 in FBIS 3/2)

MK Benyamin Netanyahu, other Likud MKs, tour Golan Heights, brief Jewish mayors on 2-stage Israeli withdrawal "plan." (HaAretz 3/1 in FBIS 3/1)

West Bank settlement guards have been granted "limited policing powers" allowing them to search, detain, and arrest any Palestinian on specified grounds of suspicion- a "far-reaching amendment" to existing laws. Agreement is result of appeal by Ariel "mayor" Ron Nachman to the High Court againsthe IDF. (Yedi'otAharonot 3/1 in FBIS 3/3)

Kuwaiti FM Shaykh Sabah al-Ahmad "rules out" restoration of ties with Arab states that opposed the war against Iraq, singling out Jordan and the PLO, who still support "false claims." (MM 3/1)

Italian TV runs interview (taped 2/13) with Pres. Saddam Hussein, who says if an Israeli-Palestinian settlement is "arrived at that satisfies the Palestinians, I will accept it," and recognize Israel. He is doubtful of such a settlement, though. (MM 3/1; Baghdad INA 3/4 in FBIS 3/5)

U.S. issues warning to travelers of a "heightened threat of terrorism" in Jordan. Jordanian ministers are "astonished" by the warning, asserting that Americans are safer in Jordan than back home. (MM 3/2, 3/3)

Pres. Mubarak meets with Conf. of Presidents of Major American Jewish Orgs. in Cairo. (MM 3/2, 3/5)

Gazan Islamic Jihad mbr. stabs 2 Israelis to death, wounds 9, in Tel Aviv. Israel seals Gaza Strip. (WP 3/2; NYT 3/3; AFP, Qol Yisra'el, IDF Radio 3/1 in FBIS 3/2)

Egyptian pol. advisor 'Usama al-Baz meets with PM Rabin, delivers message from Pres. Mubarak with proposal for Mubarak-Rabin summit. Message also reiterates Egyptian plan for deportees acceptable to Chmn. Arafat. (MENA, Qol Yisra'el 2/28, HaAretz 3/1 in FBIS 3/1)

Palestinian economist Ibrahim Matar says CIVAD budget publicized 2/27 should be 3 times bigger, and ignores many taxes o.t. Palestinians pay to the Israeli treasury. (MM 3/1)

PM Rabin tells Conf. of Presidents of Major American Jewish Orgs. that Israel will "try [its] best" not to give up the entire Golan Heights. (MM 3/1)

Israel arrests 4th Palestinian-American on charges of aiding Islamic groups. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; NYT, WT 3/8)

Israel successfully tests Arrow anti-missile system, 80% of which is financed by the U.S. (MM 3/1)

Secy. of State Christopher meets in Israel with PM Rabin, FM Peres, then with Palestinians led by Faisal Husseini, who tell him that all deportees must be returned for talks to resume. Palestinians read the secy. a letter from Chmn. Arafat, present 5-point memo assessing peace process. (NYT 2/24; Sanaa VOP 2/25 in FBIS 2/26)

Some 7,000 march against territorial compromise on the Golan Heights in Jerusalem. (MM 2/24)

Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies (Tel Aviv U.) publishes poll of non-settler, non-kibbutz mbr. Israeli Jewish pop. showing 58% believe the Arabs want peace, 95% of Israelis want peace; 29% favor Palestinian autonomy, 20% favor returning o.t. to Jordan; favor of a Palestinian state, annexation, and annexation with transfer each garnered 13%. 46% refuse to give back any of the Golan Heights, 33% would give back a small part. 75% believe military action can stop the intifada and terrorism, 60% feel the govt. has been too soft on this. (Davar 2/23 in FBIS 2/25)

Police Min. Moshe Shahal has set up team of jurists to work out a plan for o.t. police force to operate under the autonomy, one which will be a "clear expression of Palestinian self-rule." Historical models include British-French policing of the Hebrides. (Davar 2/23 in FBIS 2/26)

Israeli National Planning and Building Council subcomms. approve plan to build school for handicapped children in East Jerusalem, ending former Housing Min. Ariel Sharon's plan to build 200 Jewish housing units on the site. (Qol Yisra'el 2/26 in FBIS 2/26)

IDF shoots dead UN nurse watching demonstrations from his roof in Rafah, Gaza Strip-50th Palestinian killed by IDF since 12/17/92. (WT 2/24)

U.S. House Republican Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare releases "The New Islamist International," a report asserting Iranian backing of attacks on UN and Muslims in Bosnia while throwing blame on the Serbs, as well as other actions of intl. radical Islamist agenda. Report follows up similar 10/3/92 report. (WJW 4/22)

PLO announces that Palestinians will not participate in negotiations until UNSCR 799 is implemented in full, regardless of Arab states' participation. (MM 2/16)

FM Peres meets with Def. Secy. Les Aspin, Secy. of State Christopher, and VP Gore in Washington. (ITV 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

Speaking in Washington, FM Peres says he sees no reason why Jews cannot "lead normal lives under non-Jewish sovereignty" in addressing permanent arrangements with the Palestinians. (HaAretz 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

Arab League Council holds emergency meeting in Cairo, issues statement strongly condemning repressive Israeli measures in o.t. (MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

Israel grants temporary visas to arriving group of 84 Bosnian Muslims. Palestinian Israelis at first welcomed the idea and agreed to settle the refugees in their villages, but now see their arrival as an attempt by Israel to improve its image in the wake of the Palestinian deportations, and have withdrawn their offer. (MM 2/16, 2/17; NYT 2/18)

Hizballah fires rockets at SLA post in southern Lebanon; Israel, SLA shell target villages north of "security zone." (NYT 2/17)