The Palestine Chronology

In Tel Aviv, Israeli, PA talks on civil authority in Hebron reportedly reach agmt. Later in the day, talks on Hebron security resume in Jerusalem. U.S. special envoy Ross thinks an agmt. can be reached within the next 2 wks. (RJ 10/22 in WNC 10/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; WJW 10/24)

French Pres. Chirac visits East Jerusalem. (MM 10/22; IDF Radio 10/22 in WNC 10/23; LCI 10/22 in WNC 10/25; NYT, WP, WT 10/23; CSM, MM 10/24; MEI 10/25; JP 11/2; MEI 11/8)

In Beirut, Lebanese, French officials negotiate aspects of a partnership agmt. that they hope to sign by the end of the year. Outstanding issues (agriculture, rights of institutions and serviced, immigration) must wait until new Lebanese government is formed. (RL 10/22 in WNC 10/24)

Nr. Ramallah, IDF shoots (live ammunition), kills Palestinian youth during antisettlement protest. Also in the West Bank, a Palestinian motorist is killed when his car is fired upon nr. Ofra settlement. (MM 10/22; LAWE 10/23)

YA reports that several Turkish air force crews recently participated in joint training, military exercises with the Israeli air force in the Negev. (YA 10/22 in IL 10/22)

Lebanon's Press Association Council complains that "newspapers are not exercising . . . self-censorship," are publishing topics banned under the new media law (see 9/17); orders newspapers to cease publishing direct interviews with Israeli officials. (al-Nahar 10/23 in WNC 10/24) (see 10/2)

Birri is reelected as Lebanon's parliamentary speaker. (RL 10/22 in WNC 10/24; WT 10/23)

PM Netanyahu's spokesman Bar Ilan say several alternate proposals for redeployment in Hebron are being considered. (QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/8)

Palestinian arrested 8/2 during protests against Jumayil death is admitted to Nablus hospital, claiming he was also tortured by PA police. (WP, WT 8/10; MEI 8/16; WP 8/20)

IAF hits Hizballah targets nr. Baalbek, Lebanon, in response to Hizballah attacks 8/5+n6. Later in the day, the 1st mtg. of the ILMG is held in Naqura to discuss organizational, administrative issues related to the ILMG's operation. (MM, WT 8/8; IDF Radio 8/8 in FBIS 8/12; NYT 8/9)

Fatah Central Comm. decides to take disciplinary measures against the approximately 10 Fatah Council mbrs. on the PC who voted against the confidence motion presented by Arafat to the PC 6/27. PC mbr. Haydar `Abd al-Shafi (National Democratic Coalition-Gaza City) calls decision inappropriate. (QY 7/2 in FBIS 7/3)

IDF, Shin Bet recommend DM Mordechai significantly ease closure on the West Bank, Gaza; say closure is a good short-term solution, but in the long-term creates serious security problems. (MM 7/2; HA 7/2 in FBIS 7/2, CSM 7/3) (see 6/20)

In retaliation for ambush nr. Jericho 6/26, Israeli Air Force (IAF) shells Fatah-Uprising ammunition depot 3 mi. fr. the Syrian border in the Biqa` valley, well n. of the self-declared security zone. (QY, RL 7/2 in FBIS 7/2; CSM, NYT, WT 7/3; MM 7/5) 

Palestinian elections are held; 676 candidates run for the Palestinian Council, 2 for president. (WP, WT 1/20; ITV 1/20, QY 1/21 in FBIS 1/22; NYT, WT 1/21; CSM, MM, WT 1/22; WJW 1/25; JP 1/27; WJW 2/1; MEI 2/2; JP 2/3)

In East Jerusalem, 51 Arabs and Jews are arrested for incitement, disturbing the voting process. 3 are slightly injured. Kach mbrs. attack Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini, spray teargas at Palestinians, damage Palestinian shops. Heavy IDF deployments around polling stations keeps voter turnout low. (ITV, QY, VOP 1/20 in FBIS 1/22)

All Palestinian refugee camps in s. Lebanon--except al-Rashidiyya, which is strongly pro-Arafat--call general strikes to protest elections in the self-rule areas. (RL 1/20 in FBIS 1/22; MM 1/22)

PM Peres invites all PNC mbrs., incl. rejectionists and Islamists, to return to the self-rule areas (but not Jerusalem) for discussions on amending the PLO charter. (ITV, QY 1/20, JT, QY 1/22 in FBIS 1/22; MM 1/22)

IDF closes central Hebron after settler is stabbed, forcing voters find international observers who will escort them to the polls. Voter turnout estimated at 25 percent as a result. (QY 1/20 in FBIS 1/22; NYT, WT 1/21; WT 1/22)

McDonnel Douglas agrees to purchase $750 m. of equipment fr. Israeli defense companies in a buy-back deal under which the IAF will purchase 25 of McDonnel Douglas's F-15I planes for $2 b. (JP 1/20)