The Palestine Chronology

World leaders, incl. Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, Jordanian King Hussein, Omani FM Bin-`Alawi, Qatari Culture M Hamad Bin `Abd al-Aziz al-Kuwari, attend PM Rabin's funeral. Arafat--who Israel officials stressed was "not welcome" at the funeral, held in Jerusalem--does not go. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/6; FBIS supplement, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/7; CSM 11/8)

After Rabin's funeral, Pres. Clinton holds separate mtgs about continuing the peace process with Mubarak, King Hussein, Acting PM Peres, Pres. Weizman. Peres holds private mgts with King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak, Omani FM Bin-`Alawi to discuss bilateral relations, peace process. (IDF Radio, QY 11/6, RJ, QY 11/7 in FBIS 11/7; WP 11/7; MM 11/8; HA 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

After repeated requests fr. the PA, the Arab League permanent representatives hold a discussion on the congressional decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem; consider convening mtg. of all Arab FMs. (MENA 11/6 in FBIS 11/8) (see 10/26)

Over dinner, U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk, U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, UN coordinator Larsen persuade Arafat to call FM Peres, invite him to open intensive one-on-one talks on transfer of authority. Peres accepts. (JP 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; MM 8/10; WP 8/12)

PM Rabin rejects Secy. of State Christopher's request to resume talks with Syria on the ambassadorial level, says talks must include military advisers. (ITV 8/2, AFP 8/3 in FBIS 8/2)

Israeli cabinet meets on but does not approve transfer of 8 spheres of authority to the PA. (MM 8/2; QY 8/2 in FBIS 8/2; QY 8/2 in FBIS 8/3) (see 5/22)

In Amman, PM Bin Shakir, PA Tourism M Ilyas Frayj discuss bilateral relations in light of the peace process. (RJ 8/2 in FBIS 8/3; RJ 8/3 in FBIS 8/7)

Israeli Supreme Court overturns ban on Jewish visitors to Temple Mount/al-Aqsa mosque courtyard during Jewish holidays. Jews will be allowed to tour the site beginning 8/5 but will still be prohibited fr. praying there. Site has been closed to Jews since 1990 riots left 17 Palestinians dead, 150 wounded. (QY 8/3 in FBIS 8/4; WP 8/7; MENA 8/4, VOP 8/5, 8/7 in FBIS 8/7)

PLO's Qaddumi arrives in Tripoli for talks on bilateral relations with Libyan officials. (Great Jamahiriyya Radio 8/2 in FBIS 8/2)

IAF strikes PFLP-GC bases in Syrian-controlled Biqa` Valley. Though the site is within range of Syrian antiaircraft batteries and despite the fact Syrian DM Mustafa Tlas is visiting Syrian army units in the area, Syria does not open fire. (CSM 8/3; YA 8/2 in IL 8/3; QPAR 8/2 in FBIS 8/4)

At the Russian Compound police headquarters in Jerusalem, 1,000 settlers demonstrate against expansion of Palestinian self-rule. Similar demonstration by over 1,000 Jews is held outside the Israeli consulate in New York. (QY 8/2 in FBIS 8/3; WJW 8/10)

Jordan's King Hussein makes 1-day trip to Egypt to discuss bilateral relations, regional issues, developments in peace process with Pres. Mubarak. (MENA, RJ 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; MENA, RE 8/1 in FBIS 8/2)

In preparation for redeployment, IDF announces plans to build 12.4-mi. fence btwn. Tulkarm, Qalqiliyya, along the "seamline," which they say is "approximately" the Green Line. (MM 8/2)

PM Rabin inaugurates West Bank north-south road that allows settlers to bypass Jericho. (MM 8/1)

Israeli police, soldiers clear 200 settlers fr. Beit El encampment, arrest 100. All of those arrested 7/31, 8/1 are quickly released. (QY 8/1 in FBIS 8/2; NYT, WT 8/2)

Senate approves draft bill that would cancel Jordan's debt, sends it to Pres. Clinton for signature. (al-Dustur, JTV 7/22 in FBIS 7/24)

In Amman, Jordanian FM Kabariti receives Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk, discusses bilateral relations, peace process, Bosnia, sanctions on Iraq. (RJ 7/22 in FBIS 7/24)

PSF West Bank cmdr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf tours Jenin in preparation IDF withdrawal, says he expects to be given responsibility for Jenin in next several wks. (VOP 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

PA graduates 125 new security agents to be deployed in West Bank after IDF pullback. (WJW 8/3)

Nr. Beyt El, West Bank, Israeli police arrest 13 settlers blocking roads, burning tires, clashing with police in protest over government negotiations with the PA. (MM 7/21; QY 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

In dawn raids in Gaza City, PA police arrest 11 PFLP mbrs., incl. top officials, in connection with 7/18 attack. (AFP 7/21 in FBIS 7/24)

Israel, PA begin intensive, week-long negotiations to finalize West Bank deal by 7/25. In Zichron Ya'acov, 150 Israeli, Palestinian negotiators break into 4 negotiating committees (on redeployment and security, water, elections, transfer of authority) to begin drafting self-rule accord. (WT 7/16; QY, VOP 7/16 in FBIS 7/17; CSM, MM, NYT 7/17)

PM Rabin announces that partial control for Jewish religious sites such as Rachel's tomb in Bethlehem, Joseph's tomb in Nablus, the Altar of Joshua on Mount Ebal, the Herodian mountain, the Qumran caves, other archaeological sites in West Bank eventually will be turned over to the PA. PA will have total control of access roads to the sites. (QY 7/16 in FBIS 7/17; MM 7/17; WJW 7/20) (see 7/10)

Israeli cabinet meets to discuss methods of financing redeployment, projected costs. (QY 7/16 in FBIS 7/18)

Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk meets with Syrian FM al-Shara` in Damascus, discusses bilateral relations, peace process. (SARR 7/16 in FBIS 7/17; MM 7/17)

Israeli Dep. DM Gur, best known for capturing Temple Mount fr. Jordan during the 1967 war, commits suicide nr. Tel Aviv. He was suffering fr. inoperable cancer. (QY 7/16 in FBIS 7/17; MM, WT 7/17, JP 7/22)

PM Rabin, FM Peres brief Norwegian FM Godal on redeployment, transfer of authority talks with PA, negotiations with Syria. (IDF Radio, QY 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau arrives in Lebanon to discuss bilateral relations, assure Pres. Hrawi that the U.S. has not forgotten the Lebanese track of the peace process even though Christopher did not visit Beirut on his recent tour. (MM 6/13, 6/14; RL 6/14 in FBIS 6/14; MM 6/15; RL, VOL 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Nr. Rafah in Gaza, Israeli border guards shoot, kill 3 Palestinians (1 Fatah Hawk, 2 fr. Force 17--Arafat's "presidential guard") in border crossing incident. Arafat says he will investigate. (WP 6/14; QY, VOP 6/14 in FBIS 6/14; IDF Radio, VOP 6/14 in FBIS 6/15; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 6/15; PR 6/18; WJW 6/22; JP 6/24; MEI 7/21)

Israeli FMin. says DMin. routinely detains mail fr. self-rule areas, o.t., Israel Arabs to assess attitudes toward Israel, PA; says it is entitled to do this "by virtue of its responsibility for the PA's external security and foreign relations." Both international, intercity mail are effected. (HA 6/14 in FBIS 6/16)

Israeli police arrest 5 yeshiva students in connection with 6/13 attack on Faisal Husseini's house. (JP 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

At Neve Ilan nr. Jerusalem, Israel, PA hold talks on transferring 8 new spheres of power, establishing 9 industrial parks. (QY 6/13 in FBIS 6/13) (see 5/22, 5/29)

Arafat meets with Norwegian FM Bjørn Godal in Gaza, discusses current status of negotiations with Israel. (QY 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Robert Pelletreau arrives in Cairo for talks with FM Musa on bilateral relations, peace process. (MENA 6/13 in FBIS 6/13)

Shin Bet reports that number of anti-Israeli incidents has reached its lowest point since the beginning of the intifada; most incidents take place in Israeli occupied territory, very few come fr. Gaza. (ITV 6/13 in FBIS 6/15)

IDF changes requirements for Palestinian workers to enter Israel, rescinds permits of 4,000 single men under 30; henceforth only married men over 30 will be allowed in. PA protests. (MA 6/14 in FBIS 6/15)

IDF halts demolition of Palestinian house in East Jerusalem after clash btwn. troops, Palestinians injures 12. (QY 6/13 in FBIS 6/14; CSM, NYT 6/15; PR 6/18; MEI 6/23)

Settlers take over 13 abandoned buildings at Barquan, West Bank, begin laying water pipes and electrical lines. IDF calls action "possibly illegal" but does not halt it. (MM 6/13; NYT 6/15; WP 6/26)

In East Jerusalem, settlers open fire on home of Arafat adviser Faisal Husseini. (ITV 6/13, VOP 6/13, 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

In Lebanon, fighting btwn. pro-, anti-Arafat groups at `Ayn al-Hilwa erupts anew. 7 Palestinians, 1 Lebanese are killed, 20 Palestinians are wounded in the heavy exchange of mortar, rocket, and machine-gun fire. Lebanese army deploys troops around `Ayn al-Hilwa, camps nr. Tyre. (MM 6/13; AFP, VOL 6/13 in FBIS 6/13; QPAR, VOL 6/13, RL 6/14 in FBIS 6/14; MEI 7/21)

In Washington, several dozen orthodox rabbis meet with Congressmen, deliver 30,000 signatures fr. constituents urging an end to U.S. aid to PLO. (WP 6/14; MM 6/26)

In Amman, King Hussein opens mtg. btwn. Arafat, 120 Jordanian businessmen to encourage investment in Palestine. Arafat then meets with PM Sharif Zaid Bin Shakir to discuss bilateral relations, leaves for similar talks with Pres. Mubarak, Arab League Secy. Gen. `Abd al-Majid in Cairo. (JTV, RJ 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; VOP 5/25 in FBIS 5/26; MEI 5/28; MENA 5/29 in FBIS 5/30)

In Brussels, PA, Israeli negotiators meet with EU officials to discuss EU sponsorship, financing of 700-mbr. international monitor team for forthcoming elections. (MM 5/24; SA 5/25 in FBIS 5/26) (see 5/17)

In Tel Aviv, Russian Dep. FM Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with FM Peres, Dep. FM Beilin; offers to host next mtg. of Multilateral Working Group on Arms Control. (QY 5/24, HA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25)

Israeli Housing Min. approves construction of 1,500 units in East Jerusalem for Palestinian families. Units would be the 1st ever built by Israel for Palestinians in annexed East Jerusalem. (AFP 5/24 in FBIS 5/24)

In student council elections at Birzeit, Fatah wins 21 seats, Hamas 18, PFLP 8, PPP 3, DFLP 1. Islamic Jihad did not run. Fida received 16 of the 2,385 votes. Islamic bloc wins majority of seats in al-Bireh Medical College, `Abdallah Bin Husayn College elections. Fatah wins at Bethlehem University. (ITV 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; MEI 6/9)

Jordanian FM Kabariti, Secy. of State Christopher meet in New York, discuss peace talks, NPT, bilateral relations. (RJ 4/18 in FBIS 4/18)

Israel expels 2 Palestinian political prisoners, mbrs. of Fatah, to Lebanon. Lebanon refuses pair entry, leaving them stranded in Israel's self-declared security zone, under UN protection. (WT 4/19; JP 4/29) (see 2/27)

In trial lasting fr. midnight to 3 a.m., PA military court sentences Hamas mbr. to 7 yrs for smuggling explosives to attack Israelis. (QY 4/17 in FBIS 4/18; CSM 4/18; NYT 5/3)

Representatives fr. 177 nations meet in New York for start of month-long talks on renewing NPT. Israel's amb. to the UN defends Israel's decision not to sign agmt., saying "We are the only state directly threatened in the Middle East by other states . . . ." (WT 4/17; MM, WT 4/18)

U.S. envoy Ross stops briefly in Amman to discuss bilateral relations, update Crown Prince Hassan on recent shuttle mission btwn. Syria, Israel; leaves for Washington. (MM 4/10; RJ 4/10 in FBIS 4/11)

Middle East Economic Summit steering comm. (incl. representatives fr. 30 countries, international bodies) meets in Amman, announces follow-up conference to 10/94 Casablanca summit will be held 10/29-31. (JT 4/11 in FBIS 4/11; WT 4/23; MM 4/27)

PA cracks down on Islamist opposition in reaction to 4/9 bombings, arresting 112 alleged Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. Arafat convenes new military court for closed-door, all-night trial; 1 Islamic Jihad mbr. given 15-yr. sentence for recruiting bombers. U.S. applauds measures. Palestinian police, Hamas mbrs. exchange gunfire in Gaza, no casualties. 1 American, 1 Israeli die of wounds sustained in bombings. (NYT 4/10; QY 4/10 in FBIS 4/10; AFP 4/10 in FBIS 4/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/11; NYT 4/13; JP 4/22)

Israel's Chief of Staff Shahak, Planning Branch head Maj. Gen. Uzi Dayan present PM Rabin with road separation plan for Gaza, recommending construction of separate north-south routes for Palestinians, leaving existing highways for IDF, Israelis only; say roads closed 4/9 will remain closed until Palestinians accept plan. (MM 4/11)

PM Rabin tells Knesset Foreign Affairs Comm. that Israel has retracted its demand Syria cut its standing army as part of a peace agmt.; Syria realizes Israel has special security needs, no longer demands geographical "symmetry" in security arrangements, instead emphasizes overall "equality"; sides are deadlocked on principles underlying security arrangements. (MM 4/4; JP 4/4 in FBIS 4/4) (see 2/28)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak has preliminary mtg. with Secy. of State Christopher to discuss NPT, peace process, bilateral relations. Christopher gives Mubarak report on Israel's nuclear program. (RE 4/3 in FBIS 4/4)

In response to queries by Senate Intelligence Comm., CIA reports that presently there is no clear successor to Arafat should he be removed, no evidence PA is involved in anti-Israeli attacks, little danger of Israel being attacked by outside power. (MM 5/4)    

Israeli Amb. to the UN Gad Ya'aqobi says he has requested the UN remove its Truce Supervision Organization observer force fr. the Jordan-Israel border now that a treaty has been signed. (HA 4/3 in FBIS 4/5; WJW 4/13)

Fatah issues statement condemning Hamas for 4/2 explosion in Gaza, obstructing peace, dividing Palestinians. (al-Aqsa 4/4 in FBIS 4/7)

Despite PA ban on unapproved demonstrations, some 10,000 Hamas supporters rally in Gaza, claiming Israel, PA are behind 4/2 explosion. (NYT, WT 4/4; QY 4/5 in FBIS 4/6)

Round of Israeli-Syrian talks in Washington close. Israelis say sides are close to an agmt. on principles concerning security arrangements in the Golan after Israeli withdrawal. Syrians are more pessimistic. U.S. envoy Ross says he will head to Israel, Syria next wk. to finalize definition of security arrangements, pave way for talks btwn. military advisors. (QY 3/28, IDF Radio, QY 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/29, 3/30, 4/5)

In Cairo, PA-Israeli delegations close 2-day mtg. on elections, redeployment, composition and powers of legislative council. Sides agree to reach phased agmt. by or during June on redeployment, elections, revision of laws, transfer of authorities, economic issues; generally agree to separate exec., legislative powers, create subcommittees to follow up executive activity. (RE 3/28 in FBIS 3/28; MENA 3/28, 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; MM 3/29)

Russian FM Kozyrev arrives in Damascus, meets with FM al-Shara`, discusses bilateral relations, military cooperation, Syrian-Israeli negotiations. (SATN 3/29 in FBIS 3/30; MM 3/30)

PA Interior Min. begins issuing Palestinian passports. Jordan says it will recognize them. (VOP 3/28 in FBIS 3/29; JT, RJ 3/30 in FBIS 3/30; WJW 5/4)

Palestinian truck driver hits 4 IDF soldiers guarding Netzarim settlement in Gaza, killing 2; is shot 50 times by IDF, dies at scene. PA agrees to Police M Shahal's request to build bypass road around Netzarim so Israelis, Palestinians will not use same road. (QY 3/29 in FBIS 3/29; VOP 3/29 in FBIS 3/30; MM 3/30; QY 3/30 in FBIS 3/31; NYT, WP 3/30; JP 4/8)

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)

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)

PM Rabin gives television address on bombings. (MM 1/23; ITV 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; MM, WT 1/24; MEI 2/3)

Clinton sends personal letter to PM Rabin condemning 1/22 bombings, saying he was "personally sickened" by Palestinians that supported it. (IDF Radio 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; NYT 1/25)

Jordan, Palestinians agree on draft accord to settle difference over Jerusalem before Arafat's visit to Amman 1/25. Palestinians will recognize Jordanian custody of Muslim holy cites; Jordan will support Palestinian sovereignty over Jerusalem. Also agree on postal services, telecommunications, financial issues. (JTV, RJ 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; VOP 1/23, AFP, RJ 1/24, JT, RJ 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; WT 1/25; RJ 1/24, JT 1/25 in FBIS 1/26)

FM Peres says Israel will outlaw Hamas, Islamic Jihad charities, mosques in West Bank; says Israeli needs to "adopt draconian measures," incl. against attackers' families, to prevent further attacks. (IDF Radio 1/23 in FBIS 1/24)

Israeli Amb. David Sultan suggests Egyptian People's Assembly invite Knesset delegation to visit Cairo to ease tensions btwn. Israel, Egypt. Assembly declines. (MENA 1/23 in FBIS 1/23)

Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak meet, discuss bilateral relations. Mubarak says Egypt will not back down on NPT issue. (MENA 1/23 in FBIS 1/23)

PM Rabin's security advisors extend waiver of restrictions on Shin Bet for combatting terrorism. Health M Efraim Sneh comments "There are no limitations for the security services--[We have given them] a free hand." (WP, WT 1/24)

2 explosions at bus stop at Beyt Lid junction, Israel, kill 19, wound 65. 2 more later die of wounds, leaving 21 Israelis dead. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility as retribution for murder of Hani Abed 11/2, settlement construction. For 1st time, Israeli Pres. Weizman calls for government to stop talks. Arafat denounces attack. (AFP, IDF Radio, ITV, QPAR, QY, RMC, VOP 1/22, HA, QY 1/23 in FBIS 1/23; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/23; ITV, QPAR, VOP 1/23 in FBIS 1/24; SARR, VOP 1/23 in FBIS 1/25; WJW 1/26; JP 1/28; WJW 2/2; MEI 2/3; WP 2/5)

PM Rabin calls emergency cabinet mtg. to discuss explosions at Beyt Lid; delays release of Palestinian prisoners, opening of safe passage btwn. Gaza, Jericho; announces Palestinians will be barred fr. entering Israel for "a number of days"; reiterates idea of national separation (see 10/19). (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/23; ITV 1/22, QY, VOP 1/23 in FBIS 1/23; MM 1/23; CSM 1/24)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher calls Syrian FM al-Shara`, demands Syria stop providing safe haven to "terrorists," esp. Islamic Jihad leader Fathi Shiqaqi. Shiqaqi issues statement "reminding" U.S. he is in Syria only because Israel deported him. (MM 1/23; NYT, WT 1/24)

PA, Egypt, Jordan hold mtg. in Cairo to coordinate stance on 1967 refugees, discuss definition of "refugee" and requirements for right of return in preparation for negotiations with Israel. (MENA 1/22 in FBIS 1/24)

Multilateral talks steering comm. opens 2-day session in Cairo to discuss accomplishments of 5 working groups. Delegations fr. Egypt, Jordan, PA, Israel, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Japan, EU, U.S., Russia attend. (MENA 1/22, 1/23 in FBIS 1/23; RE 1/23 in FBIS 1/24)

PA Economics M Qurai` leads PA delegation to Amman for talks on bilateral relation with Jordanians in advance of Arafat visit 1/25. (JTV, RJ 1/22 in FBIS 1/23)

PM Rabin holds cabinet mtg. on settlement issue; creates comm. of 6 cabinet Ms, headed by him, to approve all housing plans for o.t., incl. privately financed construction. Building will be suspended until comm. meets later in wk. (IGPO, ITV 1/22 in FBIS 1/23; NYT 1/23; JP 1/28)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin meets with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Cairo to discuss bilateral relations and NPT. (MENA 1/22 in FBIS 1/23; MM 1/23; WT 1/25)

Hizballah's political chief Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah states for 1st time that all 6 Israeli MIAs are dead. Israel asserts air force navigator Ron Arad is still alive. (RL 1/23 in FBIS 1/25; WT 1/24)