The Palestine Chronology

The IDF fatally shoots 2 AMB mbrs. laying a roadside bomb nr. the Rafah border; fatally shoots a Palestinian farmer tilling a field nr. Khan Yunis; raids a hospital in Nablus, closing it for 3 hrs., but leaving without arresting anyone; conducts arrest raids in Nablus (targeting the tanz im), Qalqilya (targeting the PFLP). A Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Jewish settlers set up a tent at the site of the fatal 5/5 shooting of a Jewish settler on the Nablus–Ramallah road, vowing to erect a permanent settlement at the location. Palestinians fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage or injuries. Israel releases another 35 Palestinian prisoners—significantly less than the 120 Israel had said it would release today. (HA 5/12; NYT, WP 5/13; PCHR 5/15)

Powell meets briefly with Quartet reps. in Jerusalem before meeting with Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak in Cairo, King Abdallah of Jordan in Amman to rally Arab support for a PA crackdown on Palestinian militant groups. Powell says that it makes “no difference” whether or not Israel has declared acceptance of the road map; the important thing is for both sides to begin implementation. (HA, NYT, WP 5/12; MENA 5/12 in WNC 5/13; HA, WP, WT 5/13)

Late in the evening, on the eve of Powell’s arrival in Saudi Arabia, suicide bombers in Riyadh simultaneously detonate 3 car bombs outside residential compounds for foreigners and 1 outside a Saudi-U.S.-owned business, killing 34 persons (including8 Americans, 5 Saudis), wounding around 200 (including at least 40 Americans), many seriously. Most of the bombers appear to be Saudi, but no group takes responsibility; the U.S., Saudi Arabia suspect al-Qa‘ida. (BBC, NYT, WP, WT 5/13; NYT, REU, WP, WT 5/14; NYT, WP 5 /15)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue unabated, leaving 4 Palestinians dead, more than 60 injured, mostly in Gaza. The IDF bars an ambulance fr. taking a seriously wounded Palestinian into Jordan for treatment. Jewish settlers fr. Beitar Ilit assault Palestinians harvesting their olive grove; the IDF intervenes, forcing the Palestinians to leave. (ADM, LAW 10/21; NYT, WP, WT 10/22; JT 11/9 in WNC 11/13)

In Cairo, Arab League opens a 2-day emergency session on the recent Israeli-Palestinian violence, the peace process. (WT 10/21; NYT, WP, WT 10/22; MM 10/23; MENA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; MEI 10/27; MM 11/7)

1,000s of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, Syria stage demonstrations calling on Arab leaders to sever all ties with Israel. Demonstration in solidarity with the Palestinian people are held in Italy, Kenya, the UK, Yemen. In the U.S., rallies are held in Austin, Miami Beach, San Francisco. Israeli Jews, Arabs fr. the mixed community of Neve Shalom host a peace rally in Haifa, but barely 1,000 Israelis attend. (UPI 10/21; WP 10/22; WJW 11/9)

In Cairo, Egyptian FM Musa, PA Planning M Nabil Shaath end 2 days of consultations on the peace process. Shaath also meets with Arab League secy. gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid to request that the Arab League intervene with Lebanon to ease tensions regarding Palestinian refugees (see 11/20). (MENA, 11/21, MENA, al-Nahar 11/22 in WNC 11/23)

Israeli Education M Yossi Katz, who handles Labor party relations with the PA, says Israel bears some responsibility for the Palestinian refugee problem, should allow 100,000 Palestinian refugees to return to areas inside the Green Line. Labor says it may remove Katz fr. his party posts because of his comments. PM Barak says no refugees will be allowed to return to Israel in a final settlement. (MM 11/23, 11/24; al-Quds 12/1 in WNC 12/3; MM 12/2; JP, MM 12/3)

Jordan "suspends" cases against all Hamas mbrs. detained since 8/30; sends 4 senior Hamas leaders (Ibrahim Ghawshah, Musa Abu Marzuq, Khalid Mishal, and Muhammad Nazzal, who were arrested 9/22) to Qatar; and releases the remaining 20 Hamas activists. (SA 11/21, AFP, DUS 11/22 in WNC 11/23; MENA 11/21, JT, SA 11/23 in WNC 11/24; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/22; MM 11/25; MEI 11/26; AYM 11/27 in WNC 12/1; JP 12/3)

The Israeli cabinet asks the Knesset to renew the state of emergency law for 6 mos. rather than 1 yr. as has been the case since the law was adopted in 1948. The 6-mo. extension would be the 1st legislative step toward abolishing the state of emergency, under which Israel may legally hold Arabs without charge or trial and confiscate civilian goods for military use. (MEI 11/22)

Israelis living along the n. border with Lebanon hold a 1-day strike to show concern for their safety following a withdrawal of IDF troops fr. s. Lebanon. (MM 11/22)

Turkish officials arrive in Israel for 4 days of talks on joint tourism programs. (ATL 11/21 in WNC 11/23)

In Damascus, Jordan's King Abdallah, Syria's Pres. Asad hold 3 rounds of talks on promoting bilateral ties, marking a thaw in relations that deteriorated after Jordan, Israel signed a peace treaty in 1994. (MM, WT 4/21; SATN 4/21 in WNC 4/22; al-Thawra 4/21 in WNC 4/26; NYT 4/22; JTV, al-Ra'i 4/22 in WNC 4/23; CSM 4/23)

In Cairo, Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak, Arab League secy. gen. (MENA 4/21 in WNC 4/22; WP 4/22; al-Quds 4/22 in WNC 4/26)

Jordanian officials report that Israel has dropped plans to cut water supplies to the kingdom this yr. due to drought. (AFP, JT 4/21 in WNC 4/22; HA [international edition] 4/23; al-Ra'i 4/28 in WNC 4/30; MEI 5/7) (see 3/14)

Faisal Husseini, in his capacity as a PLO official, holds political briefing at Orient House in East Jerusalem for 30 foreign diplomats, incl. EU officials, several Arab ambs. Husseini is also the PA's minister for Jerusalem affairs. (MM, WP, WT 4/23; JP, MM, PR 4/30) (see 3/18)

IDF lifts closure on the West Bank, Gaza that was imposed on 4/19. (NYT 4/23)

King Hussein meets with Pres. Clinton at the White House to express concern over U.S. hard-line policy on Iraq, stalled peace process. (al-Ra'i, RJ 6/15, al-Dustur, JTV, al-Ra'i, RJ 6/16 in WNC 6/17; NYT, WT 6/16; WP 6/17; al-Ra'i 6/17 in WNC 6/19)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak meets with Labor Chmn. Barak. Mubarak comments that he has lost faith in PM Netanyahu. Netanyahu tells the press "this pronouncement is typical of Arab leaders who don't get what they want." (IDF Radio 6/15 in WNC 6/17; MENA, RE 6/15 in WNC 6/17)

PC grants Arafat's request to delay no-confidence motion for 10 days to give him a chance to form new cabinet. Hamas, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine say that they will not join the EA. (MM 6/15; WP 6/16; WT 6/17; MEI 6/19; JP 6/20; PR 6/26; MEI 7/3)

Israeli Interior Min. demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem, saying that they were build without permits on areas zoned as "open space." U.S. calls on Israel to refrain fr. such "provocative acts." (LAW, MM, NYT 6/16; JTV 6/16 in WNC 6/17; ITV 6/19 in WNC 6/23; PR 6/26; JP 6/27)

In Rabat, Jordan's PM Majali, Morocco's King Hassan set up joint higher comm. for coordination in all fields; discuss peace process, possible Arab summit. (MKR 6/15, MAP 6/16 in WNC 6/17)

Labor Chmn. Barak arrives in Cairo for mtg. with Pres. Mubarak. (WT 7/16)

In Amman, Jordanian PM Majali discusses with Arafat dep. Abbas ways of coordinating the Arab positions on the peace process. (RJ 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

In an emergency session, the UNGA adopts (131-3, with 14 abstentions) a resolution condemning Israeli settlement policy, threatening to cut back Israel rights within th UN. Israel, Micronesia, the U.S. vote against (see 7/10); Russia abstains. (MM 7/15; IDF Radio 7/15 in WNC 7/16; MM, NYT, WT 7/16; ITV 7/16 in WNC 7/17; CSM, MM 7/17; Hatzofe, Interfax [Moscow], RE 7/17 in WNC 7/18; Xinhua [Beijing] 7/17, SAPA [Johannesburg] 7/21 in WNC 7/24; MM, PR 7/18; MEI 7/25; JP 7/26)

Higher Jordanian-Qatari Comm. ends 2-day session in Doha. The 2 states sign agmts. on land transport, commercial shipping and ports, judicial affairs; agree to expand bilateral cooperation in all fields, particularly economics. (RJ 7/15, 7/16 in WNC 7/17; JT 7/16 in WNC 7/18)

Hizballah fires at least 2 katyusha rockets fr. s. Lebanon toward n. Israel. One lands inside s. Lebanon, wounding a civilian; the other lands inside Israel, causing no damage. (RL 7/16 in WNC 7/17) (see 7/7)

Jordan's Council of Presidents of Professional Assns. (CPPA) announces a preliminary decision to call on all mbrs. to boycott the 11/97 Jordanian elections. However, several member assns. (e.g., Bar Assn., Contractors Assn., Dentists Assn., Journalists Assn., some mbrs. of the Veterinarians Assn.) disagree with the decision. Meanwhile, the Higher Comm. for Coordination Among the Opposition Parties (HCCAOP) defers decision on whether to boycott until the IAF announces its position. The government states that elections will be held on schedule, whether or not the opposition participates. (al-Dustur 7/15, al-Dustur, al-Ra'i 7/16 in WNC 7/17; MM 7/16; JT 7/16, 7/17 in WNC 7/18; MM 7/22) (see 6/19, 7/12)

At the close of their mtg. in Amman, representatives of the 33 nations of the Euro-Arab Parliamentary Dialogue issue a declaration urging Israel to fulfill its commitments to the Oslo accords. (JT, JTV, RJ 12/1, JT 12/2 in WNC 12/3) (see 11/29)

In Cairo, Arab League holds emergency session on Israeli settlement activity, warns Israel that expanding settlements will endanger peacemaking; says existing settlements should be dismantled, but stops short of Syria's demand that Arabs suspend relations with Israel. (RE, RMC 12/1 in WNC 12/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/2; WT 12/4; PR 12/6)

PM Netanyahu meets with Jordan valley settler leaders, says Jordan valley is "inseparable from the State of Israel," promises additional 470 housing units for the area, denounces Arab League statement. (MM, WP, WT 12/2; CSM 12/3)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Pres. Mubarak on negotiations with Israel. (RE 12/2 in WNC 12/3)

Jordan's PM Kabariti, Iraq's trade M discuss trade btwn. the two nations ahead of implementation of the UN oil-for-food agmt. (JTV 12/2 in WNC 12/4) (see 11/25) (RJ 12/9 in WNC 12/11)

France assumes the chairmanship of ILMG fr. the U.S. (RL 12/1 in WNC 12/3) (see 7/12)

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)

PA-Israeli Joint Liaison Comm. meets for 2d day in Cairo. FM Peres offers PA Planning M Shaath sudden concessions to Palestinians at negotiating table in light of Jerusalem issue). Sides agree to set up unofficial Jerusalem Comm. to address expropriation issue. Israel offers to broaden PA autonomy in West Bank, Gaza but dispute over land confiscation in Jerusalem prevents agmt. (MENA 5/7, QY, RE 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; MENA, VOP 5/8 in FBIS 5/9; WT 5/9; MEI, WP 5/12)

At AIPAC conference, Sen. Dole announces he will submit legislation to force U.S. to move embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel reacts coolly. Jordan, Morocco, UAE criticize  initiative, urge UNSC action. (ITV 5/8, QY 5/9 in FBIS 5/9; CSM, MM, WP 5/10; NYT, WT 5/11; MEI, WP 5/12)

Syria refuses Jordan's request to name amb. to Jordan, host visit of Jordanian FM Kabariti to Damascus to try to improve bilateral relations. (MM 5/9; al-Bilad 5/10 in FBIS 5/9 [dates as printed]; al-Quds 5/9 in FBIS 5/12) (see 12/14/94)

Rabin meets with mbrs. of Congress; presses them not to reduce foreign aid, aid to Israel, Arab partners in peace effort; discusses Iranian threat, talks with  Syria, PA about efforts to end attacks against Israeli targets; backs away fr. supporting Dole initiative to move embassy to Jerusalem. (NYT, WT 5/9)

In Amman, Jordan, Israel initial draft agmts. on regulating agriculture, energy, environmental cooperation; postpone initialing draft trade accord that will give Israel preferential tariffs for Jordanian goods. The accord would be 1st by Arab country to give preferential treatment to Israel. (WT 5/9)

Jordan's amb. to Israel Muasher warns Dep. FM Beilin that Jordan will chill relations with Israel if it does not reverse land confiscations in Jerusalem. (WP 5/12, CSM 5/15)

Jordan reportedly gives 2 Hamas mbrs. residing in Amman 1-mo. notice to leave country. (MM 5/9) (see 4/13)

IDF closes al-Quds office in Nablus, claiming it materials there linking the paper to Hamas. (HA, JP 5/10 in FBIS 5/11) (see 1/16)

Israel releases 250 pro-Fatah Palestinian prisoners, lifts curfew on Hebron (see 4/19) as goodwill gesture for Id al-Adha. (QY 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; NYT 5/9; CSM 5/10)

PLO Tokyo mission closes due to lack of funds. (al-Manar 5/8 in FBIS 5/11)

Israel Housing Min. officials confirm that 134 acres confiscated 4/27 is part of plan to confiscate 1,100 acres of Arab land in Jerusalem for 7,000 new housing units to increase Jewish population of city by 10,000s. (CSM 5/3; WJW 5/4; MEI 5/12; JP 5/13; CSM 5/15)

U.S. Amb. to the UN Albright meets with King Hussein, PM Kabariti, discusses Jerusalem confiscations, U.S. policy toward Iran, Iraq, urges Jordan to joint NPT; heads to Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak on same issues. (MM 5/3; RJ 3/3 in FBIS 3/3; MENA 5/3, JT 5/4 in FBIS 5/4; WT 5/4)

Unidentified persons set fire to offices of al-Umma, a PFLP, anti-PA newspaper. (ITV 5/3 in FBIS 5/4) (see 4/26)

U.S. Pres. Clinton arrives in Cairo for start of Middle East tour; meets with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, PLO Chmn. Arafat; presses Arafat to support Israel-Jordan agmt., clamp down on Hamas. (NYT 10/25; MENA 10/25 in FBIS 10/26; WP, WT 10/26; JP 11/5)

Multilaterals on environment open in Bahrain. Delegations fr. 45 states attend. Israel's call for summit on desertification of region is met by "Arab reservations." Saudi delegation refuses to meet with Israeli delegation. (Wakh 10/25 in FBIS 10/26; AFP 10/25 in FBIS 10/27)

2 days of Palestinian-Israeli talks on elections end in Cairo. PNA submits proposal for 100-mbr. "Autonomy Council" with legislative powers. Israeli response expected in 1 wk. (AFP, MENA 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

Arafat, rebutting King Hussein's comments of 10/24, says if Jordan, Israel do not accept Jerusalem as capital of future Palestinian state, "they can drink sea water." (MM 10/25; JP 11/5)

Knesset ratifies Jordan-Israel agmt. by vote of 105 to 3, with 6 abstentions. (MM 10/26; JP 11/5; WP 11/7)

Vatican establishes "permanent and official" relations with PLO to balance its ties with Israel, assure access to Jerusalem holy sites after final status is resolved. PLO will open office in Vatican. (NYT, WP, WT 10/26; WJW 11/3)

Israeli, U.S. reach agmt. to start construction of U.S. "diplomatic buildings" in Jerusalem suspected to house U.S. embassy in future. (HA 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

Alleged Hamas mbr. Shadi Muslih 'Isa, 18, attacks Israeli police officer, civilian at Erez crossing point, Gaza Strip, and is shot dead. (MM 11/16)

16-yr.-old Palestinian student Rami Ghazzawi killed when IDF fires on youths stoning settler cars in al-Birah. 3 other students wounded. (MM 11/16)

Settlers in Hebron riot, overturning stalls at fruit and vegetable market and attacking Palestinian cars. (MM 11/16)

Israeli Justice M. David Libai, at Maale Ephraim settlement, warns settlers that no one could "take the law into his own hands," says govt. "will have to subdue any attempt to have influence by illegal means." IDF states it will act "firmly and aggressively" to stop settler assaults, will use "reasonable force." (MM 11/16; NYT 11/17)

PM Rabin tells Secy. of State Christopher 12/13 deadline for implementation of DoP may not be met. (MM 11/16, 11/17)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on implementation of Gaza-Jericho provisions of DoP resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation led by IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak, Palestinian by PLO official Nabil Shaath. (Cairo TV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris chaired by Fin. M. Avraham Shohat and PEDRA DG Ahmad Qurai' establish 3 subcomms. on trade and labor, taxation and banking, and currency. Subcomms. are to meet 11/23-25 in Paris, heads of delegations on 11/25. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Gov. Muhammad al-Nabulsi says agreement reached with Palestinians to retain Jordanian dinar as o.t. currency, have CBJ supervise and monitor banking. (JTV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Multilateral talks on Middle East environment end in Cairo with Israeli-Arab agreement on Gulf of Aqaba oil spills, dispute on Israeli nuclear waste, Jordan Valley land reclamation. Delegates fr. 40 countries, in 4th mtg., agree on 20 environmental projects. (MENA 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Palestinian leaders in o.t., Jordan, "and elsewhere" submit memorandum to PLO Chmn. Arafat criticizing PLO performance, demanding reforms. (MM 11/17, al-Ray 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Knesset Golan caucus considers bill fr. Likud and NRP mbrs. to amend law annexing Golan to require majority of 80 MKs for any change in law. Labor mbrs. of caucus express sympathy with bill, which given current Knesset divisions would effectively bar negotiations with Syria. (MM 11/17)

Syrian VP Khaddam tells foreign correspondents PLO Chmn. Arafat "fell into a big trap" in signing DoP, notes "There are 4 million Palestinian refugees living outside the territories covered by the 'Gaza-Jericho First' agreement." Khaddam claims Arafat "abandoned coordination with the Arab parties," states "I believe the majority of the Palestinian people do not support the agreement." (MM 11/16; SARR 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Hizballah offensive on IDF and SLA; Katyusha barrages fired in "security zone," assaults on 2 IDF, 6 SLA posts. 12 SLA mbrs. taken prisoner, at least 2 IDF soldiers and 2 SLA mbrs. wounded. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed in attack. IAF bombs 3 Hizballah bases nr. Ba'labakk, knocks out radio antenna. "Black September 13 Brigades," Fateh group opposed to DoP, claims responsibility for katyusha barrage on Qiryat Shemona. (MM 11/16, 11/17; IDF Radio, AFP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin, in interview with JP, says Syria behind Kurdish attacks in Turkey, Israel and Turkey should cooperate on counter-terrorism. (MM 11/16)

Israel Archaeologists Society calls for end to govt. Antiquities Authority search for scrolls in West Bank ("Operation Scroll"), saying search aims at denying Palestinian scholars access to materials and will complicate future Israeli cooperation with Palestinians and Jordan. (WT 11/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Tunis with U.S. State Dept. official Dennis Ross, NSC official Martin Indyk, then flies to Cairo for meetings with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, American Jewish Congress trustees seeking end to Arab boycott of Israel. Ross proceeds to Amman for talks with Jordanian officials. (Radio Jordan 10/19 in FBIS 10/20; WP 10/21)

Syria, Saudi Arabia issue joint statement in Riyadh on peace process, saying "'just and comprehensive" settlement only achievable with Israel's "full withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories," including Golan. (MM 10/10)

Israel frees Salim Husayn al-Zrai, 50, held in prison 23 years. Sentenced to life imprisonment in 1970 for infiltration attempt, Fateh activist released because of PLO adherence to its 9/13 commitment not to attack Israel. Release of this longest-held Palestinian prisoner of Israel interpreted as indicating future mass release of Palestinian prisoners. (CSM, NYT 10/20)

Israeli defense officials announce failure of 10/14 test of U.S.-funded Arrow missile. Another test in August also failed, and the GAO issued a report that month criticizing Israeli management of the program (see 10/23). (WT 10/20)

Likud Central Comm. meets in Tel Aviv to consider plans by Binyamin Netanyahu, Ariel Sharon, and Meir Shitreet on autonomy schemes alternative to DoP. (MM 10/19)

In rare public showing, 43 Saudi businessmen and intellectuals publish in Cairo daily an open letter to King Fahd calling on him to establish national and municipal consultative councils and to curb the power of the mutaween, the Islamic religious police [WP 4/16].

In nationwide address, King Fahd renews limited pledge of political reform, announcing "notable progress" in establishing consultative assembly [LAT 4/17; SPA 4/15 in FBIS 4/16].

King also promises to expand the country's armed forces and equip them with world's best weapons [MEM 4/16; CSM 4/18].

Kuwaiti soldiers take up positions along demilitarized zone as U.S. troops continue to leave area [WP 4/16].

Most U.S. troops move quickly out of southern Iraq [LAT 4/16].

In southern Lebanon, SIA troops kill 2 Arabs just west of Israel's "security zone"; it is 2d such killing in 2 days [JDS, AFP 4/15 in FBIS 4/15; MET 4/23].

Arab crosses border from Jordan into Israel, fires on Israeli patrol and is shot dead by IDF; 1 Israeli soldier is wounded [JDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/16].

Palestinian is shot dead by security guards after throwing stone at Israeli bus north of Jerusalem [MEM 4/15; JDS 4/15 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Eight Jewish families move into mobile homes in West Bank, opening 1st new settlement, named Revava, to be established in o.t. under P.M. Shamir's current gov't. (cf. 4/16) [MEM, CSM 4/16; JDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/16; JPI 4/27].

Leftist Israelis stage demonstration at Revava, protesting its establishment [JDS 4/15 in FBIS 4/17].

In Cairo, Arab League meeting opens with introductory speeches; all 21 nation-members attend; pro-Western nations, particularly Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, dismiss Iraq's justifications for occupying Kuwait and hint that they no longer regard PLO as sole representative of Palestinians [NYT, WP 3/31; MENA 3/20 in FBIS 4/1; CSM 4/1].

Palestinians in o.t. hold general strike to mark Land Day, but within Israel, Land Day strike is canceled for 1st time in years, underscoring political differences among Israel's 800,000 Arabs [NYT, WP 3/31; FJ 4/8; MET 4/9].

At news conference in Kuwait, GCC Sec.- Gen. announces member states have decided to cut financial aid to Jordan and PLO because of their Gulf war stands (cf. 4/1) [ADS 3/30 in FBIS 4/1; MET 4/9].

Palestinian military court in Sanaa sentences Hani Muhammad al-Hasan to death for the assassination of Abu Iyad on 16 January [MENA 3/30 in FBIS 4/2]. 

After meeting in Cairo with Pres. Mubarak, Sec. Baker arrives in Jerusalem and meets with F.M. Levy, Baker says he is pleased with initial Israeli responses to Pres. Bush's peace initiative; announces plans to meet with Palestinian leaders from o.t., but will ignore their insistence that they speak for the PLO [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/12; MENA 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; MENA, JDS 3/11, IDF 3/12 in FBIS 3/12; CSM 3/13; JPI 3/23].

Israeli troops shoot dead 6 heavily armed Arabs who had crossed border from Jordan; 3 Israeli soldiers are slightly wounded in the 2-hour gun battle [NYT 3/12; JDS 3/11 in FBIS 3/11; JPI 3/23].

U.S. military officials say Iraq will turn over the bodies of 14 allied soldiers killed in Gulf war; 24 U.S. soldiers remain missing in action [LAT, WP 3/12].

23 Iraqi opposition groups begin 3-day conference in Beirut to solidify their stand and offer alternative to Saddam Hussein's regime [LAT, CSM 3/12; BDS 3/11 in FBIS 3/12].

Allied air strikes have left Iraq's oil production capacity reduced by two-thirds, according to oil industry experts [LAT 3/12].

U.S. Commerce Dep't. makes public list of $500 million in advanced American goods, including lasers and computers, that were sold to Iraq with Washington's approval between 1985 and August 1990 [NYT 3/12].

Palestinian journalist Taher Shriteh, released from Israeli prison on 3/8, is indicted on charges of aiding an illegal Arab group by giving them the publicly listed telephone number of Reuters in Jerusalem [NYT 3/17].

Gulf Crisis Financial Coordination Group, 27 wealthy countries, meet in Luxembourg, pledge $834 million in new aid to nations hardest hit by Gulf war [WT 3/12].

Public opinion survey published in Israeli newspaper Yedi'ot Ahronot shows 49% of respondents find "territories for peace" principle acceptable; 49% say it is unacceptable [YA 3/11 in FBIS 3/19].

Emotional address from Saddam Hussein urges Iraqi troops facing allied attack to "fight them and show no mercy"; Baghdad radio later reports that "the enemy attack has failed utterly" [BADS 2/24 in FBIS 2/25; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/25].

Egyptian and Syrian ground forces move several miles into southwestern Kuwait; high profile given to allied Arab forces reflects calculated coalition effort to dispel "West vs. Muslims" notion of war [NYT, LAT, WP 2/25; CSM 2/26].

Soviet Union expresses regret that allies yielded to their "instinct" to use military force rather than accept Soviet-brokered peace plan [LAT, WP 2/25].

PLO and Jordan sharply condemn U.S.- led ground offensive [LAT, WT 2/25].

"Hundreds of thousands" of Yemenis demonstrate against allied ground offensive [AFP, AES 2/24 in FBIS 2/25]; Cairo police use tear gas to disperse about 2,000 anti-war demonstrators [WP 2/25].

Def. Sec. Cheney says that allied Arab nations should take the lead in devising postwar security arrangements in the region [WP 2/25].

Jordanian P.M. Mudar Badran says the Gulf crisis has thus far cost Jordan at least $8 billion, double the value of its annual domestic economic output [MET 3/5].

Israeli OC Central Command closes 2 offices of Arab Studies Society on suspicion of serving PLO purposes [MEM 2/25]

Sec. Baker tells NATO allies he expects Saddam Hussein to take dramatic step, such as partial pullout from Kuwait, just before UN resolution authorizing use of force goes into effect on 1/15. NATO ministers issue statement saying "there can be no partial solutions" [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 12/18; CSM 12/19].

Iraq asks European Community to go ahead with scheduled high-level meeting on 12/20 in Rome between European leaders and Iraqi F.M. Aziz [NYT, WP 12/18].

Fourteen former senior gov't. officials, including former NSC advisers Richard Allen and Robert McFarlane, urge Bush admin. to use military force shortly after 1/15 deadline if Iraq does not leave Kuwait [NYT 12/18].

After meeting with Algeria's Pres. Benjedid in Cairo on efforts to find Arab solution to Gulf crisis, Pres. Mubarak says "we have not yet found a way for a solution" [CDS 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT 12/18]; Pres. Benjedid then travels to Libya, while Jordanian P.M. Mudar Badran goes to Syria in further diplomatic activity [APS, DDS 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT 12/18].

Ishak Mousa Husseini, noted Palestinian writer and teacher who sought to explain Arab history to the West, dies in Jerusalem at age 86 [NYT 12/23; FJ 12/24].

Shmeul Goren, coordinator of gov't. activities in o.t., tells Knesset committee that Gulf crisis has cut in half annual aid of $140 million from Gulf Palestinians to o.t. Palestinians; that o.t. exports have been cut by 50%; and that citrus exports from Gaza have been reduced by 80% [IDF 12/17 in FBIS 12/20].

Senior Jordanian official says Amman has rejected proposal by Israel for bilateral negotiations on water and other territorial disputes, declaring Jordan would enter talks with Israel only in international peace conference on Middle East [MEM 12/18].

Israeli police bar thousands of Palestinians from entering Jerusalem and send hundreds of officers into the Old City to prevent clashes caused by heightened tensions [NYT, LAT, WT, WP, CSM 12/18; FJ 12/24; MET 12/25].

Jerusalem Post reports that the Jewish Agency about a month ago ordered all Agency and World Zionist Organization institutions to stop employing Palestinians from o.t. for "security considerations" [JPD 12/18 in FBIS 12/18; MEM 12/18]. 

Iraqi troops invade Kuwait, take over country; attack comes less than 24 hours after 2 countries had broken off talks over Iraqi demands for territorial and financial concessions [MEM, WP, WT 8/2; WP, WT, NYT 8/3].

Invasion evokes swift condemnation from U.S., Western allies, Japan, and USSR. UN Sec. Council resolution condemns invasion. Israel calls for economic sanctions against Iraq and D.M. Arens says Israel will not tolerate any movement of Iraqi troops into Jordan [WP, WT, NYT, LAT 8/3].

Most Arab capitals ignore Kuwait's appeal for support, and urge foreign powers not to act so as to provide time for Arab diplomatic solution [WP 8/ 3]; Arab League foreign ministers hold emergency meeting in Cairo [MENA 8/2 in FBIS 8/2; MEM 8/3].

Following intense debate, Israeli gov't. adopts emergency plan to import 9,000 prefabricated houses and 5,000 trailer homes to ease severe housing shortage. Plan also allows for private entrepreneurs to import 6,000 more prefabricated houses by year's end [JDS 8/2 in FBIS 8/ 8; WP 8/3].

Semi-official Egyptian daily al-Ahram prints editorial warning that Egypt will take drastic measures if UNLU does not withdraw call no. 60 statement that Egypt is a U.S. puppet [MEM 8/2].

Israeli military helicopters strafe Shiite positions in al-Rashidiyah camp near Tyre, according to UNIFIL [JDS 8/2 in FBIS 8/3]. 

Israel has told Jordan it objects to any Jordanian-Iraqi military cooperation. Israeli military source expresses concern that "a military alliance . .. is being set up against us" (cf. 2/20) [HAD 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

5 Knesset members announce reestablishment of Likud faction Liberal Party, which had previously merged with Herut movement [JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

High-level Palestinian delegation, sent by Yasir Arafat, arrives in Beirut to meet with Gen. Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea [MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21].

Under pressure from Arab gov'ts., Soviet Union rejects U.S. appeal to allow direct flights for Soviet Jews from Moscow to Tel Aviv [NYT 2/20].

Soviet ambassador to Cairo, Gennadiy Zhuravlev, has stressed USSR readiness to host Israeli-Palestinian talks; denies this undermines Egypt's role [RYF 2/19 in FBIS 2/28].

Israeli air force bombs DFLP bases near Kfar Jarah, 4 miles east of Sidon in Lebanon; one person reported killed [LAT 2/ 20; IDF 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5th American Jewish Kach settler arrested in connection with shooting of Arab bus passengers (3/4/84) and other "TNT" activities. 6 Israeli settlers tried in Jersualem for rioting and arson of Hebron market last year. Tel Aviv police unit leader Hafetz suspended for leaking information of "TNT" to press. Knesset defeats bill to declare "Hatikvah" Israel's national anthem, with its theme of a historic Jewish yearning for the "land of Israel." National Com. of Arab Town Councils urges adoption of national anthem that expresses the notion of two nations living in a single country. Returning from 3-day visit to Cairo int'l. trade fair, Israeli Industry & Trade Minister Patt reports no improvement in Israel-Egypt relations in sight; says 50% decrease in exports to Egypt since 1982 linked to poor political relations. US Marine commander Gen. Kelley begins 2-day official visit with IDF and DM Arens. At Jerusalem rally PM Shamir claims USSR refused renewed relations with Israel because of its hatred of the Jewish people. Members of Makuya sect of Japanese Christian zealots conduct pro-Israel march in Jerusalem.

Arab World: Beirut cease-fire called by leaders at reconciliation talks in Lausanne.

Other Countries: French Minister of Industry Fabius and Israeli Trade Minister Patt agree to further cooperation in commerce and industrial research. Pres. Reagan defends proposed arms package to Jordan before United Jewish Appeal. Added to his recent refusal to assist in obtaining Israel's permission for West Bank delegates to attend PNC session, Reagan refuses to support or withhold veto on Jordan's draft resolution condemning Israeli settlements in occupied territories as illegal. 4 JDL members arrested for criminal trespass and possession of noxious chemicals, and held in suspicion of bomb threat at Greensburgh, NY Town Hall showing of Russian architecture film. [JDL seeks severance of all US relations with USSR until all Soviet Jews permitted to emigrate freely.]