The Palestine Chronology

Israeli media reports that PM Benjamin Netanyahu may adopt a package of ‘‘goodwill gestures’’ ahead of U.S. Pres. Obama’s upcoming visit, including transferring responsibility for 2 West Bank roads to the PA, releasing Fatah prisoners, and approving building plans for Palestinian villages in Area C currently considered illegal. Netanyahu’s office denies the reports and says that any practical steps would only be taken if the Palestinian leadership returns to talks without conditions. (MNA, ToI 3/5)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers uproot around 100 olive trees in Nahalin village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Nablus, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. (AP 3/5; PCHR 3/6)

Israeli security service Shin Bet publishes statistics indicating a 70% increase in violent attacks by Palestinians in the occupied territories during 2/2013 (138 incidents) compared to 1/2013 (83 incidents), most of which were the throwing of Molotov cocktails. (HA 3/5; XIN 8/6)

Hamas reports that PA security forces arrested 66 of the movement’s supporters in the West Bank during 2/2013, and summoned another 38 for interrogation. A senior Hamas official in the Gaza Strip says that PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas had ‘‘sold the reconciliation in return for an American smile.’’ (JP 3/5)

A week after assuming office, U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel hosts Israeli DM Ehud Barak at the Pentagon for talks on Iran and Syria, among other topics. Hagel assures Barak that there would be no interruption of funding for Israeli defense systems like Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling, even as the looming sequester looks set to cost Israel around $155 million in defense assistance. (HA, JTA 3/5)

Armed Palestinians fire a mortar from the Gaza Strip into Israel, causing no injuries. Later in the day, an unofficial truce, believed to have been negotiated by Egyptian intelligence, takes hold, bringing relative calm after 4 days of IDF strikes and Palestinian rocket fire. An aide to Israel’s DM Ehud Barak denies any agreement had been reached with Hamas. (ToI 10/25)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and FM Avigdor Lieberman announce that their respective Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu parties will run together in the upcoming elections. Reports suggest that there would be no rotation of the PM slot and Netanyahu would remain leader. Lieberman tells reporters that the unity deal was first discussed a year ago. Labor leader Shelley Yacimovich urges a unification of ‘‘centrist’’ parties to challenge the new alliance. Some analysts claim that the move signals the forming of a ‘‘war cabinet’’ for confronting Iran. (HA, JP 10/25; HA, YA 10/26)

Al-Qa‘ida in the Arabian Peninsula issues a statement of condolences for the deaths of 2 Salafist jihadists killed by the IDF in the Gaza Strip on 10/13. (JP 10/25)

The IDF conducts late-night patrols and house searches in 4 villages nr. Hebron (3 synchronized). (PCHR 8/16; OCHA 8/18; PCHR 8/30; OCHA 8/31)

Fmr. Israeli national security adviser Uzi Arad warns that Pres. Obama has only a ‘‘brief window of opportunity’’ to dissuade PM Netanyahu and DM Barak against striking Iran, saying Obama must quickly impose stiffer sanctions and publicly declare his willingness to use military force. Analysts say (NYT 8/16) that ‘‘Dayan’s assessment seems to buttress the theory that the collective saber rattling is part of a campaign to pressure the Obama administration.’’ (NYT 8/16)

U.S. secy. of state Clinton meets with Israeli leaders (including PM Netanyahu, Pres. Peres, DM Barak, FM Avigdor Lieberman) and Quartet special envoy Tony Blair in Jerusalem and with PA PM Salam Fayyad in Ramallah. Though the main purpose of her visit is to discuss Iran, Syria, and other regional changes brought by the Arab Spring, she tells the Israeli and Palestinian sides that they must resume peace talks soon and avoid all unilateral actions. She emphasizes that while the international community is ready to offer ample support for a return to negotiations, the hard work must be done by the parties themselves. (WP 7/17)

Israel allows 40 Palestinian prisoners held in its Ramon prison to receive visits from family members from Gaza, marking the 1st time Israel has allowed family visits for Gazan prisoners since Hamas seized control of the Strip in 6/2007. Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts evening arrest raids, house searches nr. Qalqilya; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin; and conducts late-night patrols in al-Nabi Salih. (TOI 7/16; WP 7/17; PCHR 7/19; OCHA 7/20)

Christians United for Israel (CUFI) opens its 7th annual conference in Washington. At least 5,600 participants attend. Organizers note that CUFI now has 1.1 m. members, 754,000 Facebook fans, and 96 college chapters. The conference theme is ‘‘Defend America; Vote Israel.’’ CUFI founder James Hagee focuses on the importance of Christian Zionism and supporting Israel as part of ‘‘living out God’s mandate.’’ Other speakers include Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), fmr. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations head Malcolm Hoenlein, and Zionist Organization of America pres. Morton Klein. The speakers focus on Iran, U.S.-Israel security cooperation, and halting Palestinian incitement. (WJW 7/19)

Israeli naval vessels halt and seize 2 Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, detaining 4 fishermen. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night patrols in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and in 1 village nr. Jericho, and late-night house searches nr. Bethlehem, summoning 1 Palestinian for interrogation. (PCHR 5/31, 6/7; OCHA 6/8)

At a conference sponsored by Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), Israeli DM Ehud Barak says Israel should consider imposing final borders on the Palestinians, becoming the senior-most official to propose unilateral actions in light of the stalled peace process. Others (unnamed) reportedly (NYT 5/31)

urged against drastic unilateral steps, recommending that ‘‘unilateral steps could be phased in over many years and be designed ... to give Israel a stronger hand in final status’’—effectively what the Israel has been doing as unstated policy for decades. Speaking at the same conference, Gen. Shlomo Brom (Ret.), who heads INSS’s program on the Palestinian conflict, called the unilateral route ‘‘the only remaining course of action,’’ and former Israeli military intelligence chief Amos Yadlin, also an INSS staff member, told the conference that unilateralism was ‘‘the best of all evils,’’ urging Israel to take action in its own selfinterest, ‘‘without conditioning it on the agreement of the Palestinians.’’ (NYT 5/31)

At the INSS conference in Tel Aviv, Israeli DM Ehud Barak also states that Israel and the U.S. have different assessments of the Iranian nuclear timetable, stating, ‘‘Our clock is ticking faster.’’ He says Israel believes that Iran is rapidly approaching a ‘‘zone of immunity’’—the point at which its nuclear facilities would be so decentralized and well fortified that they would be beyond reach of a military strike. Speaking at the same forum, Israeli PM Netanyahu says that the only safe route is for Iran to stop all enrichment, to send all its uranium abroad, and to dismantle its nuclear facilities at Fordo, all of which must be verified by the IAEA. Meanwhile, former Mossad chief Meir Dagan argues that ‘‘if we bomb ... we will give them the legitimacy to attain nuclear military capability.’’ Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi (Ret.), former IDF chief of staff, recommended that more time be given for diplomacy and sanctions to work. (WP, WT 5/31)

Washington Times runs a special report on how Israel’s expanding relationship with China is raising international concerns. The report states that Israel has recently been expanding trade relations and military ties with China, seeing it as a large, emerging market for its military goods and an influential player who could pressure Iran. (WT 5/30; see QU in JPS 165 for details)

Israeli naval vessels fire warning shots at Palestinian fishing boats off the c. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Tulkarm and 2 villages in Ramallah in the morning; in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah in the afternoon; and in Jericho and 1 village nr. Jenin late at night. The IDF also conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Jenin, Nablus, Salfit, Tulkarm, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Jewish settlers fr. Tekoa settlement nr. Bethlehem vandalize Palestinian homes in nearby Taqqua’ village; IDF troops observe but do not intervene. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that in the previous week: (1) Israeli authorities demolished a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem’s al-Tur neighborhood (marking the 1st residence demolished in East Jerusalem for 2 mos.) and ordered a Palestinian family to demolish an addition to their home; (2) the IDF removed a major roadblock on the main north–south road to Hebron, significantly reducing travel times between Hebron and 4 villages to the east; and (3) 2 Palestinians died and 4 (including a teenager) were injured in 4 smuggling tunnel accidents on the Rafah border. (PCHR 5/23; OCHA 5/25)

At the close of 2 days of talks in Tehran with Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, IAEA head Yukiya Amano announces that Iran has agreed in principle to provide the IAEA with access to Iran’s nuclear scientists and facilities, but it has not yet signed a formal statement to this effect. P5+1 nations (the 5 permanent UNSC members plus Germany) call the deal ‘‘a step in the right direction,’’ but say they will judge Iran by its actions. Israeli DM Ehud Barak comments: ‘‘It looks like the Iranians are trying to reach a technical agreement that will create a deception of progress in talks in order to reduce the pressure ahead of talks tomorrow in Baghdad and postpone harshening of sanctions.’’ (WP 5/23)

IDF troops make 2 brief incursion into Gaza to level land and clear lines of sight along the border fence nr. Bayt Lahiya in the north and Khan Yunis in the south. IDF soldiers on the n. Gaza border nr. Bayt Lahiya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers who stray too near the border fence, forcing them to leave. IDF soldiers on the s. Gaza border open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas e. of Abasan, causing no reported damage or injuries. Israeli naval vessels fire at Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm in the morning; in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm in the evening; and in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 1 each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm late at night. The IDF also conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin, including rearresting a PA General Intelligence officer released in the 2011 prisoner swap that freed captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. (PCHR 5/23; OCHA 5/25)

News hits the media that the new U.S. amb. to Israel Dan Shapiro recently told a meeting of the Israeli Bar Association that the U.S. is ready and willing to use military force against Iran if diplomacy and sanctions fail, stating that the military option is ‘‘not just available, but it’s ready. The necessary planning has been done.’’ A tape of Shapiro’s address was leaked to the AP, with an anonymous Israeli official stating: ‘‘Quite clearly he didn’t mean this to be public. ... For the Iranians to understand that he really means it, they have to hear it publicly and clearly.’’ (AP, ITV 5/17; NYT, WT 5/18; see Quarterly Update [QU] in JPS 165 for details on Iran.)

At a private fundraising event in Florida that is secretly taped and leaked to the media on 9/18/12, Republican presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney states that ‘‘the Palestinians have no interest whatsoever in establishing peace’’ and are ‘‘committed to the destruction and elimination of Israel.’’ He also opposes creation of an independent Palestinian state, assuming that it would become a client state of Iran. In terms of a U.S. mediating role in the peace process, he states: ‘‘The idea of pushing on the Israelis—to give something up, to get the Palestinians to act, is the worst idea in the world.’’ In response to the leak, which was seen (e.g., NYT 9/19)

as likely to damage Romney’s ability to act as a peace broker if elected, Romney publicly states on 9/18 that he stands by his longtime support for the U.S. official position advocating a negotiated 2-state solution. (Mother Jones 9/18; NYT 9/19)

Israeli DM Ehud Barak meets with U.S. secy. of defense Leon Panetta in Washington to request an additional $680 m./yr. in aid over 3 yrs. to help purchase 3–4 new Iron Dome antimissile batteries and another $168 m. for 3 other missile programs jointly developed with the U.S. (This is on top of an increase of $99.9 m. in funding for FY 2013 already requested by the Obama admin.) With the appeal coinciding with Israel cutting its defense budget by 5% per year for 2013 and 2014, critics complain (e.g., WP 5/17) that the U.S. is effectively helping balance Israel’s budget before balancing its own. (WP 5/17)

At the annual Likud party convention in Tel Aviv, Israeli PM Netanyahu expresses support for holding early elections in 9/2012, stating that waiting until scheduled elections in 10/2013 could “damage the state,” but he does not official call for early elections, as many had expected. Polls show that Netanyahu would likely win by a large margin and gain the leeway to form a more supportive and stable ruling coalition, leading some analysts to speculate (see NYT, WP 5/7) that a strong 9/2012 victory might embolden Netanyahu to stage an Israeli pre-emptive strike on Iran before U.S. presidential elections in 11/2012. The polls also indicate that the big losers in an early election would be DM Ehud Barak’s Independence party (likely to lose its 1 Knesset seat and control of the Defense Min. portfolio) and the opposition party Kadima (likely to lose half of its 28 seats).NYT, WP 5/7; NYT 5/9)

The IDF makes a brief incursion into the border area e. of al-Maghazi r.c. in c. Gaza, arresting 2 Palestinians who were attempting to cross into Israel to search for jobs. Israeli naval vessels twice fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the s. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts daytime patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Tubas; and conducts late-night patrols in Bayt Umar, Qalqilya, Tulkarm and 1 nearby village. (PCHR 5/10; OCHA 5/11)

Thailand officially recognizes Palestine as an independent state, becoming the 131st country to do so. (NYT 1/21)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF detains Hamas-affiliated PC speaker ‘Aziz Dweik at Jaba’ checkpoint nr. Jerusalem, placing him in administrative detention; makes a late-night raid on Hamas-affiliated Change and Reform PC mbr. Khalid Thwaib’s home in Za’atara village nr. Bethlehem, arresting him and confiscating his computers, phone, and files. The IDF also conducts synchronized morning patrols in 2 villages n. of Jericho; conducts other daytime patrols in 3 villages nr Ramallah, 1 nr. Jenin, 1 nr. Jericho; conducts evening patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho; conducts late-night patrols in al-Bireh. (JP 1/19; WT 1/25; PCHR 1/26; OCHA 1/27)

The U.S.’s new Joint Chiefs of Staff head Gen. Martin Dempsey begins a 3-day visit to Israel for talks on Iran, regional security, and military-tomilitary strategic coordination. He will meet with PM Netanyahu, Pres. Shimon Peres, DM Barak, and senior IDF commanders. (NYT, WT 1/20; NYT, WP 1/21)

Pro-Israel groups (including the Anti-Defamation League [ADL] and American Jewish Committee [AJC]) publicly accuse the Center for American Progress (CAP; a Washington-based think tank seen as close to the Obama admin.) of “anti-Semitism,” citing several Twitter posts by CAP staffers to their private Twitter accounts referring to “Israel-firsters” (i.e., Americans who put Israel’s national interests before America’s) and accusing AIPAC of pushing the U.S. toward war with Iran. The ADL and AJC allege that the private Tweets are part of a “very troubling” pattern of “anti-Semitism and borderline anti-Semitism” at CAP. Former AIPAC spokesman Josh Block says that the pro-Israel groups went public with their complaints only after CAP officials ignored a compilation of CAP staffer’s writings and public statements that he quietly presented to them in 12/2011 that he said amounted to “outrageous vilification of pro-Israel Americans.” CAP says it is “baffled and appalled” by the charges. Some on the left of the pro-Israel spectrum, such as J Street, say the issue is overblown and they suspect that it is being brought forward now “to shut down needed policy debates,” cautioning groups such as the ADL and AJC to “tread lightly” with accusations of anti-Semitism or “people won’t take you seriously.”(WP 1/20)

Israel allows limited diesel and gasoline for personal vehicles into Gaza for the 1st time since 11/2/08. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night searches of homes and shops in Barta‘a village w. of Jenin, arresting at least 200 nonresident Palestinian laborers who are staying in the village because it affords shorter commutes to jobs inside Israel; stages late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin and in Balata r.c., al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas. The IDF also removes 3 mobile homes fr. a new unauthorized settlement outpost named Inbalim nr. Ma’ale Mikhmas settlement nr. Hebron; settlers scuffle with Israeli border police at the site, injuring 2. An Israeli court rules that the Jewish settlers that occupied the Farhan-Hijazi properties in Shaykh Jarrah on 7/26 must halt construction on the site until the court reaches a final verdict on ownership; settlers ignore the ruling and keep building. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers storm and occupy another Palestinian home in Shaykh Jarrah (the Abu Diyab property), throwing stones at neighboring Palestinian homes fr. the roof before eventually leaving. (OCHA, PCHR 7/30; OCHA 8/18)

U.S. defense secy. Robert Gates begins a 2-day visit to Israel to meet with PM Netanyahu, DM Barak, other Israeli officials regarding bilateral defense concerns, highest among them Iran. In the afternoon, Gates goes to Amman to meet with King Abdallah of Jordan. (NYT 7/26; WP 7/27; WP, WT 7/28)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate to their highest point in recent wks. after the IDF assassinates Force 17 cmdr. Massud Ayyad, firing 4 air-to-surface rockets at his car as he drove through Jabaliyya. Israel claims Ayyad led a Gaza-based cell of Hizballah, which it asserts has been ordered by Iran to take up operations in the West Bank, Gaza. Barak, who personally ordered the assassination, publicly congratulates the IDF. A 2d Palestinian, 14 yrs. old, is fatally shot in a separate incident. Hot spots are in Bethlehem, Gaza, Hebron, Ramallah. The IDF orders 4 schools in al-Khadir shut for 2 wks.; bulldozes 5,000 dunams of Palestinian agricultural land in Halhul; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Bayt Sahur (damaging the YMCA), al-Bireh, Khan Yunis, Tulkarm. Jewish settlers place caravans on Palestinian land nr. Surayf. (AP, LAW, REU 2/13; NYT, WP, WT 2/14; MENA 2/14 in WNC 2/15; NYT 2/15)

The U.S. criticizes Israel's "targeted killing" of Ayyad, saying it causes a serious deterioration in the security situation. (NYT 2/15)

Sharon's top foreign policy advisers Moshe Arens (fmr. DM), Dore Gold (fmr. amb. to the UN), Zalman Shoval (fmr. amb. to the U.S.) arrive in Washington to meet with officials fr. the White House, State Dept., Congress. (SA 2/13 in WNC 2/14; NYT 2/14, 2/15)

Arafat, Barak, Clinton, Mubarak, King Abdallah, the UN's Annan, the EU's Solana meet in Sharm al-Shaykh. Talks continue for 16 hrs., stretching past midnight, without success. A separate, very heated mtg. is held among Secy. of State Albright, Israel's acting FM Ben-Ami, the PA's Local Government M Erakat, Egyptian FM Musa to draft an outline of the rules of disengagement. (MM 10/16; ITAR-TASS, MENA, RL 10/16 in WNC 10/17; al-Quds 10/16, JT 10/17 in WNC 10/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/17; AYM 10/17 in WNC 10/9)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same level of the past few days, with most clashes occurring on the outskirts of Palestinian cities, which are encircled by IDF troops. 2 Palestinians are killed by Israeli gunfire; 1 Palestinian dies of illness after being denied access to medical treatment by the IDF for 2 days because of the internal closure; 190 Palestinians are injured. The IDF expands its Netzarim Junction base, begins clearing agricultural land along roads nr. Khan Yunis. (ADM, LAW 10/16; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/17; Globes [Internet] 10/25)

In Gaza, Fatah, Hamas stage demonstrations against Arafat's participation in the Sharm al-Shaykh talks. Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, hold similar protests in `Ayn al-Hilwa, Baalbek, Tyre. In Iran, 1,000s of students march to the local UN offices to urge UN support for the Palestinians, condemnation of Israel. Smaller rallies in solidarity with the Palestinians are held in Amman, Ankara, Tokyo. In the U.S., demonstrations are held in Madison, San Francisco. (UPI 10/16; ATL, RL 10/16 in WNC 10/17; JT 10/17 in WNC 10/18)

The UNGA, citing a rule that allows it to take up matters of international peace and security when the UNSC proves unable or unwilling to do so, begins preparing for an emergency session to debate a resolution condemning recent Israeli violence. U.S. Amb. Holbrooke protests. (WT 10/17; WP 10/18; WJW 10/19; MEI 10/27) (see 10/12)

Hizballah says that Tenenbaum, the 4th IDF solider taken captive, approached Lebanese contacts in Europe, claiming to be an intelligence agent for a country other than Israel. He was lured to Beirut, traveling on a fake passport, on the pretense of meeting with a Hizballah official. Israel does not comment. At the request of Shin Bet, the Israeli High Court imposes a ban on publishing information about the affair. (NYT, WP 10/17; WJW 10/19) (see 10/15)

At Camp David, MD, Arafat, Barak, Clinton open their 3-way summit on final status issues under a media blackout. According to the State Dept., Clinton 1st holds brief 1-on-1 mtgs. with Arafat, Barak. Then the 3 men meet briefly together. Then the Israeli, PA, U.S. teams hold a short opening session. Later in the evening, Clinton holds 2 mtgs. with Arafat, 1 with Barak. (MM, CSM 7/11; White House press briefing 7/11, 7/12; XIN 7/11, Le Monde, al-Quds 7/12 in WNC 7/13; CSM, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/12; MM, WJW 7/13; MEI 7/14)

During their 1-on-1 talks, Barak informs Clinton that Israel has suspended the sale of an AWACS technology to China. (MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 7/13; AFP, Zhongguo Tongxun She [Hong Kong] 7/13 in WNC 7/17; Le Monde, SA 7/14 in WNC 7/18; JP 7/21)

In Nablus, and Ramallah, 100s of Palestinian refugees hold a rally to urge Arafat not to back down on the refugees' right of return at the Camp David summit. In Jerusalem, 1,500 Israelis rally to support Barak's decision to go to Camp David. (MM, NYT 7/12)

A U.S. federal judge orders Iran to pay $327 m. to the families of 2 Americans killed in a suicide bombing in Israel on 2/25/96, saying the evidence shows that fmr. Iranian officials aided Hamas in staging the attack. This is the 4th time that a U.S. judge has ordered Iran to pay damages under a 1996 act that allows American victims of terrorist acts abroad legal recourse in U.S. courts. (WP 7/12; WJW 7/13)

U.S. special envoy Ross, U.S. Amb. Indyk meet with senior PA, Israeli negotiators (including the PA's Abbas and Qurai`, Israel's Levy) to discuss the impasse in the FAPS talks. Later, Ross meets with PM Barak. (WT 5/7)

Following Israel's latest round of attacks on Lebanon, the Arab League convenes an emergency session in Cairo; calls for a freeze in normalization, a halt to all Arab participation in the multilateral negotiations until there is substantial progress on all tracks of the peace process. (MENA 5/6 in WNC 5/8; JT [Internet] 5/7; MENA 5/9 in WNC 5/10)

All Palestinian teachers resumes their general strike after a PA Executive Authority mtg. 5/5 fails to move them closer to their goal of higher wages, better working conditions. (MENL 5/7; LAW 5/8) (see 5/2)

Iran's Guardian Council says it has found evidence of voter fraud in the 5/5 elections, raising speculation that it may nullify victories of reform candidates. The council has already annulled 12 reformist victories fr. the 2/18 round of elections. (NYT, WP, WT 5/8)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah attacks an IDF patrol, killing 1 soldier. For the 2d time in 24 hrs., Israel responds with airstrikes against civilian sites, Hizballah bases, wounding 2 persons. Claiming that Hizballah launched strikes fr. civilian areas, PM Barak says Israel will no longer honor the 1996 April Understanding prohibiting all parties in s. Lebanon fr. involving civilians in violence. (AFP, MENA, RL 2/8, RL 2/9 in WNC 2/10; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/9; AYM, al-Quds 2/9 in WNC 2/11; WJW 2/10; MEI 2/11; JP 2/18)

In Jericho, PA police using a bulldozer force their way into a disputed Russian Orthodox monastery in an apparent effort to divide the property btwn. the 2 branches of the church, but U.S. consular officials intervene, persuading the PA to halt the action at least temporarily. (WP 2/9) (see 1/15)

In Cairo, Egypt, Iran hold talks on expanding agricultural cooperation. (MENA 2/8 in WNC 2/10)

Hizballah attacks an IDF post in s. Lebanon killing 3 IDF soldiers, wounding 4. Barak does not order a severe response but vows that Israel will retaliate "at the place and the time of our choosing." He also says Syria must rein in Hizballah for talks to resume. (MM 1/31; RL 1/31 in WNC 2/1, 2/7; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/1; al-Safir 2/1 in WNC 2/2; MM 2/2; WJW 2/3; MEI 2/11)

On the 2d day of their joint economic comm. mtg. in Tehran, Iran, Lebanon sign 3 memoranda of understanding on expanding economic, trade, commercial relations; discuss possible joint industrial projects. (IRIB Television, IRNA 1/30 in WNC 1/31; IRIB Television 1/31 in WNC 2/1)

Israel's State Comptroller Eliezer Goldberg fines PM Barak's One Israel/Labor party $3.4 m. and places it under criminal investigation for allegedly carrying out a "systematic and massive" illegal fundraising scheme that netted more than $2 m. for Barak's spring 1999 campaign. In total, 12 of the 31 parties that took part in the 5/99 elections (and 10 of the 15 parties now in the Knesset) are charged with campaign finance violations. (MM 1/27; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 1/28; WP 1/29; WT 1/30; WJW 2/3; JP 2/4)

Israel rejects plans for construction of a new terminal for the joint Aqaba-Elat airport project with Jordan, citing environmental concerns. (JT 1/28 in WNC 1/31)

In Ankara, Turkey, Iran close a 2-day session of their joint economic commission, which focused on expanding trade ties, particularly in the energy sector. The sides sign a memorandum of understanding on construction of a natural gas pipeline. (ATL, IRNA 1/26 in WNC 1/27; ATL 1/27 in WNC 1/28)

In Jerusalem, the Israeli, PA final status teams hold their 4th round of talks, begin detailing their positions on issues that will be addressed in the framework agmt. on permanent status (FAPS). The PA demands that Israel compensate Palestinians damages suffered due to yrs. of occupation, stresses that Oslo agmts. do not give Israel the right to unilaterally decide the FRDs. (AYM 11/19 in WNC 11/23; WJW 11/25)

On the sidelines of OSCE talks, Egyptian FM `Amr Musa discusses with U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, Israeli PM Barak, Israeli FM Levy the possibility of resuming Syrian-Israeli talks; complains that implementation of Wye II is moving too slowly. (MENA 11/18 in WNC 11/22; MENA 11/19 in WNC 11/23)

At the OSCE talks, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey sign several agmts. to build an oil pipeline fr. Baku to Ceyhan. The U.S. pressed hard for the agmt., which is economically inviable yet will not be financed by the U.S., because it provides a route to move Caspian oil to the West that bypasses Iran, Russia. (ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS 11/18 in WNC 11/22; NYT, WP 11/19; Turan [Baku] 11/19, Iran News, Rossiyskaya Gazeta [Moscow] 11/20, Interfax 11/22 in WNC 11/23; NYT 11/21; MM 11/24)

In Cairo, Egyptian, Turkish officials discuss promoting bilateral trade, establishing free trade zone. Egypt agrees in principle to export gas to Turkey. (MENA 11/18 in WNC 11/22)

In Istanbul for the 11/18+n19 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mtg., U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton, Israeli PM Ehud Barak meet to discuss resuming the Syrian-Israeli track, progress on the PA-Israeli track. (MM 11/17, 11/18; SA 11/18 in WNC 11/22; NYT 11/20)

Mbrs. of the Palestinian Bar Assn. hold a sit-in to protest the Palestinian Council's (PC) approval of the Bar Association Law no. 3 of 1999, which lawyers believe restricts their work. (LAW 11/18)

Mauritania sends its 1st official delegation to Israel since establishing diplomatic ties on 10/28. (AFP 11/17 in WNC 11/22)

In Tehran, Iran, Qatar discuss expanding bilateral economic, political, security relations. (IRNA 11/17 in WNC 11/22)

Lebanese PM Huss meets with Islamic Jihad reps. to discuss their resistance activities in s. Lebanon. Jihad reps. agree not to take actions that "conflict with Lebanese government's stance." (RL 11/17 in WNC 11/22; al-Safir 11/19 in WNC 11/23) (see 11/16)

In Paris, PM Barak discusses with Pres. Chirac the role of France, the EU in restarting the peace process. Chirac stresses that he has conveyed no messages btwn. Barak and Syrian pres. Asad, whose FM was in Paris on 9/18. (MM 9/22; AFP, France-Info Radio, LCI Television 9/22 in WNC 9/25; MM, NYT 9/23; MA 9/23 in WNC 9/26)

On the sidelines of the UNGA mtg. in New York, Secy. of State Albright holds a breakfast mtg. with Egyptian FM Musa to discuss the peace process, Iraq, bilateral ties; urges Egypt to take the lead in resuming multilateral talks now that Wye II has been signed and final status talks formally resumed. Egypt has not decided whether the time is right for multilateral working groups to restart mtgs. (MM 9/22; MENA 9/22 in WNC 9/25; MM, WT 9/23; MEI 10/1)

Later in the day, Albright meets with Syrian FM Shara` to discuss resuming Israeli-Syrian negotiations. (MM 9/22; MENA 9/22 in WNC 9/25; MM, WT 9/23; MM 9/24; RMC 9/25 in WNC 9/27; MEI 10/1)

This evening, Albright hosts a reception for Israeli FM Levy. 12 Arab, several EU reps. attend. Lebanese PM Huss, Syrian FM Shara` stay away. The U.S. and Russian cohosts urge attendees to resume multilateral talks regardless of the degree of progress in other negotiations. (MM 9/22; MENA 9/22 in WNC 9/25; MM, WT 9/23; MM 9/28; WJW 9/30; MEI 10/1, 10/29)

Jordan arrests 3 Hamas leaders (Abu Marzuq, Ghawshah, Mishal), 4 bodyguards on their return to Amman fr. Iran, charging them with membership in an illegal organization and possession of handguns. Abu Marzuq, a Yemeni-passport holder, is deported to the UAE, his point of departure for Jordan. (MM 9/22; AFP 9/22 in WNC 9/25; MM, NYT, WP 9/23; AFP, RMC 9/23 in WNC 9/26; CSM, MM 9/24; WT 9/26; MM 9/27; WJW 9/30; JP, MEI 10/1; NYT, WP 10/7; MEI 10/15) (see 9/13)

In s. Lebanon, a Lebanese soldier is killed, 6 are wounded by IDF shelling. (WP 9/23; RL 9/23 in WNC 9/26; WP 9/24)

PA chief negotiator Erakat delays his trip to Washington to meet with U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, originally set for 8/26, until 8/27, saying that the PA, Israel appear close to a compromise on the Wye implementation timetable. (MM, NYT 8/26)

In Amman, Jordan, Israel hold technical comm. mtg. to discuss ways of providing Jordan with water directly fr. the Yarmuk River to ease drought effects. (JT 8/25 in WNC 8/27)

Setting aside objections of religious parties, Israeli High Court orders giant electrical components to be moved on the Sabbath to avoid traffic problems. United Torah Judaism threatens to withdraw fr. Barak's ruling coalition in protest. (MM, NYT, WP 8/26; NYT 8/27) (see 8/15)

A group of 13 American scholars working in Iran is ordered to pull out of Tehran 10 days ahead of schedule. Under orders fr. "the highest authorities in Washington," they are ordered to leave on the 1st plane available and are instructed not to discuss their travel plans with Iranian friends, contact anyone to cancel appointments, send e-mail, or call home. U.S. officials refuse to comment, saying the situation is "very sensitive." (WP 9/3, 9/4)

American Arab organizations issue a report documenting a pattern of cases in which the State Dept. did the bare minimum for Arab Americans detained by Israel, but rushed to the aid of non-Arab Americans detained by other foreign governments. (WP 8/26; MM 8/27; al-Riyad 8/28 in WNC 9/1)

The Turkish separatist group, the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), begins to pull out of Turkey a wk. ahead of schedule. Over the past yr., the PKK has suffered major military defeats at the hands of the Turkish military, lost Syria as its patron, suffered the arrest of its leader, Abdallah Ocalan. On 8/5, the party agreed to heed the call of Ocalan, who has been sentenced to death by Turkey, to end its 14-yr. insurgency for self-rule, take its cause to the political arena. (WP 8/26)

PM Barak phones Pres. Clinton for 2d time this wk. to discuss Secy. of State Albright's upcoming visit. (WT 8/15) (see 8/11)

In his 1st coalition battle, PM Barak faces losing his Knesset majority as the Shas party threatens to resign in protest of a government decision to transport a large electrical turbine by vehicle on the Sabbath, when roads are relatively empty. (MM 8/13; WP 8/14; NYT 8/15; MEI 8/20)

Iran, Turkey end 4 days of security talks in Ankara, agree to set up a hot line to coordinate their attacks on Kurdish rebels. The teams fail to reach other agmts., such as Turkish compensation for the 7/19 border strike on Iran. (IRNA 8/13, TT, VIRI 8/14 in WNC 8/16; NYT, WP 8/14)

After being briefed by Erakat on his 8/1 mtg. with Sher, Arafat accuses Israel of a breach of trust, saying Israel is trying to "avoid the accurate and honest implementation of what has been agreed upon" under Wye. (NYT 8/3; MA, al-Quds 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MM 8/6)

Israeli PM Barak meets with Russian pres. Boris Yeltsin in Moscow for talks on the peace process, urges Russia to halt transfer of military technology to Iran, Iraq. (MM 8/2; Interfax, ITAR-TASS, NTV [Moscow] 8/2 in WNC 8/3; NYT 8/3; MM 8/4; Ekho Moskvy 8/6 in WNC 8/9)

In Cairo, PFLP closes 2 days of reconciliation talks with Fatah, PC mbrs. Although PFLP's Habash refuses to meet with Arafat, both groups describe the mtg. as a positive, agree to set up a follow-up comm. to outline principles of a comprehensive national dialogue that would create a unified position on final status talks with Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 8/2; al-Arabi, al-Quds 8/2 in WNC 8/5; MM, WT 8/3; al-Sha`b 8/6 in WNC 8/9; AYM 8/8 in WNC 8/10; MM 8/9) (see 7/30)

Israeli Finance M Shohat, PA Trade M Mahir al-Masri discuss Wye articles on economic issues, resuming mtgs. of the joint Israeli-PA economic comm., which has not convened for 2 yrs. (AYM 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Israel's Environmental M Dalia Itzik tours Gaza with her PA counterpart Yusif Abu Safiyya. The pair discuss water pollution, destruction of green areas, possible joint projects. (NYT 8/4)

2-day Jordanian-Syrian Higher Comm. mtg. opens in Amman. Talks focus on economic relations. (JTV 8/2 in WNC 8/3; Petra-JNA, RJ 8/3, JT 8/4 in WNC 8/5) (see 7/22)

In Athens, a small homemade bomb explodes outside the offices of the Greece-Israeli Friendship Society, causing damage but no injuries. A caller claims responsibility on behalf of the previously unknown Black Star Group. (Athens News Agency 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Turkey's military dismisses 58 officers suspected of being antisecularist Islamists or leftists. (WP, WT 8/4)

World leaders attend funeral of King Hassan II of Morocco in Rabat. Egypt's Mubarak, Israel's Barak, Jordan's King Abdallah, PA's Arafat, U.S.'s Clinton attend. Although Syria's Asad stays in Damascus to avoid meeting Barak, his brother, Rifat, attends, grants an interview to the Israeli daily Ma'ariv afterward. On the sidelines, Barak holds brief, warm mtg. with Algerian pres. Bouteflika; also speaks with leaders of Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Yemen. Kuwaiti crown prince Saad Abdallah Sabah refuses to shake hands with Arafat. Clinton speaks briefly with Arafat, Barak, Mubarak about the peace process. (ATL, MAP [Rabat], MENA 7/25 in WNC 7/26; CSM, MM, NYT, USIS Washington File, WP, WT 7/26; RE 7/26 in WNC 7/27; MM, WT 7/27; MA, QA 7/27 in WNC 7/28; MM, WP 7/28; QA 7/28 in WNC 7/29; MEI, MM 7/30; al-Watan [Algiers] 7/31 in WNC 8/2; Le Monde 8/1-2; JP 8/6)

Israeli PM Barak sends the IDF to remove 5 mobile homes placed by Jewish settlers on a West Bank hilltop on 7/23 to expand an existing encampment, Shvut Rahel. Barak does not order the dismantling of Shvut Rahel itself--1 of 25 new enclaves that have been set up since the Wye agmt. was signed in 10/98. (NYT, WP 7/26)

In Amman, Iran, Jordan hold talks on expanding cooperation in culture, religion, tourism. (IRNA, RJ 7/25 in WNC 7/26)

IDF bulldozes the temporary shelter constructed by the Palestinian family whose home was demolished on 7/14. (INFOPAL [Internet] 7/30)

PM Barak's chief of staff Danny Yatom says that Israel is prepared to restart talks with Syria fr. the point at which they left off in 3/96, as Syria demands, but disagrees with Syria about what that point is. Syria claims that fmr. PM Yitzhak Rabin had agreed to withdraw to the 6/4/67 border. Israel claims the 6/4/67 discussion was only hypothetical. (NYT 7/23; WT 7/24)

In Israel, PM Barak receives Spanish PM Aznar for talks on the peace process, Aznar's mtg. with Asad on 7/19. Aznar says that Syria asked him to relay "some specific issues" to Israel but does not elaborate publicly. Barak asks Aznar to convey messages to Arafat, Asad. (MM 7/22; RNE-1 Radio 7/22 in WNC 7/23; NYT, WT 7/23; MA 7/23 in WNC 7/26) (see 7/19)

Israel's Interior Min. refuses to renew the Jerusalem residency card of respected Palestinian prof. Musa Budeiri, gives him 30 days to leave Israel. (Guardian [Internet] 8/5; CSM 8/12; MEI 8/20) (see 7/20)

Iran captures 2 Turkish soldiers inside its territory. (VIRI 7/23, ATL 7/25 in WNC 7/26; HUR 7/26, 7/27 in WNC 7/28; WP 8/10) (see 7/18)

Israeli officials announce that PM Barak has told U.S. officials that he has set a target deadline of 15 mos. for achieving a comprehensive framework for Middle East peace. His plan calls for simultaneous negotiations with Lebanon, the PA, Syria. Today Barak returns to Washington fr. New York to attend dinner in his honor hosted by First Lady Hillary Clinton; 400 guests attend. (MM, NYT, WT 7/19; MENA 7/19 in WNC 7/20; WJW 7/22; JP 7/23)

Iran claims, Turkey denies that Turkish jets today attacked an Iranian military base and a tribal encampment inside Iran's western border, killing 5, injuring 10. (IRIB Television 7/18 in WNC 7/19; WP 7/19; ATL, IRNA, TT 7/19 in WNC 7/20; HUR 7/19 in WNC 7/22; GIU, MM, WP 7/20; IRNA 7/25 in WNC 7/26)

On the 1st stop of his regional tour, Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel meets with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, PM Barak in Jerusalem; says that resumption of Syrian-Israeli negotiations would not affect Turkish-Israeli ties, despite tensions btwn. Ankara, Damascus. (MM 7/14; ATL 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MA 7/14 in WNC 7/16; NYT 7/15; WA 7/23 in WNC 7/26)

Arafat discusses peace process with Egyptian pres. Mubarak on the sidelines of the Organization of African Unity mtg. in Algiers. Arafat then departs for brief visit to Lithuania. (BNS [Tallinn], MENA 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

After 6 days of proreform student protests in Iran, crowds across the country (including 100,000 people in Tehran alone) turn out for counterdemonstrations organized by conservative officials. (CSM, NYT, WP 7/15; CSM, MEI, MM 7/16; MM 7/19; WJW 7/22)

Jordan holds local municipal elections. Islamic Action Front, the main Islamist opposition, wins majority of seats in Irbid, Russayfa, Zarqa; takes 5 of 20 elected seats in Amman. (Petra-JNA, RJ 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MM 7/16; NYT 7/17; MEI 7/30; MM 8/5)

Syrian pres. Asad grants amnesty to 150,000 prisoners jailed for cheating on food rations, dodging military service, smuggling, economic offenses. 100s of Palestinians, Jordanian nationals are among those freed. A number of Jordanians held as political prisoners will not be released. (MM 7/14; NYT 7/15; JT 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Iran wins $50 m. contract to construct a power plant, repair several existing plants in Syria. (Iran News 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

IDF dismantles, confiscates a telephone communications network serving 10s of residents in the Palestinian neighborhood of al-Ram in East Jerusalem. The network was set up 18 mos. ago by the Palestinian Communications Company. (al-Ayyam 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

For the 1st time since the Barak government was sworn in, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in the West Bank. (INFOPAL [Internet] 7/30)

In Rome, King Abdallah of Jordan holds talks with Italian officials, who agree to forgive or reschedule $130 m. of Jordan's debt. The king then heads to Aqaba, where he receives Israeli PM Barak for brief talks on the peace process. Barak promises to honor all agmts. with the Palestinians, including the Wye accord; says he has received positive messages fr. Damascus, hopes that negotiations with Syria will resume soon. (RJ 7/13, JT 7/14 in WNC 7/15; JT [Internet], MM, NYT 7/14)

PA Planning M Shaath says that the PA, under U.S. pressure to avoid friction with the new Israeli government, will seek the speedy adjournment of the 7/15 UN mtg. of the signatories to the Fourth Geneva Convention. The mtg. was planned as an open-ended session to consider possible sanctions against Israel for human rights violations and settlement activity in the occupied territories. (AFP, MBC 7/13 in WNC 7/15; NYT, WT 7/14)

In Iran, student demonstrations devolve into riots, with clashes btwn. student groups, other individuals on the one hand and police, Ansar-e Hezbollah mbrs. on the other. Some 1,400 demonstrators have been arrested over the past 6 days. (GIU, MM 7/13; AFP, IDF Radio, IRIB Television 7/13 in WNC 7/15; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 7/14; MEI 7/16; WP 7/18)

Lebanon asks the UN to investigate reports that Israel has again been stealing soil fr. s. Lebanon. The UN, U.S. intervened with Israel in 11/98 after the IDF confirmed that Israelis were hauling fertile topsoil fr. occupied s. Lebanon into Israel. (VOL 7/13 in WNC 7/15; WT 7/14; al-Ba`th 7/19 in WNC 7/23) (see 11/6/98)

In Tripoli, Iranian, Libyan officials discuss expanding bilateral ties. (IRNA 7/14 in WNC 7/15)

ILMG meets for 1st time since 6/24 incidents; discusses 16 Lebanese complaints, 21 Israeli complaints. (RL 7/13 in WNC 7/15; Tishrin 7/15 in WNC 7/20) (see 7/8)

Barak, Arafat meet at Erez crossing for 1st Israeli-PA summit on the peace process in 7 mos. Barak says he will move quickly to implement the Wye accord, but defers discussion on settlements and all other issues until he returns fr. his mtgs. with Pres. Clinton in the U.S. next wk. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP 7/12; VOA 7/12 in WNC 7/13; al-Quds 7/12 in WNC 7/15; MEI 7/16)

Despite Pres. Khatami's dismissal of senior police officials responsible for storming a Tehran University dormitory on 7/9, 15,000 students there continue to demonstrate. Students in towns across Iran hold "sympathy marches" in solidarity with the Tehran rally. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/12; GIU 7/13; MEI 7/16)

PM Barak's 1st domestic initiative, a bill to increase the number of cabinet ministers fr. 18 to 24, meets strong opposition fr. his own One Israel party (including new Knesset speaker Avraham Burg), the Likud party, and his newly appointed ministers Beilin and Peres. Barak claims that because his coalition includes 7 parties he needs the extra seats in the cabinet, while his opponents say the increase would bloat the government, only serve as a political pay-off to coalition mbrs. (NYT 7/9)

In his role as DM, Barak instructs the IDF to resume adherence to the April understandings on Lebanon, attending ILMG mtgs. (MM 7/9) (see 6/29)

Under pressure fr. Jewish groups, Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-MO) withdraws his nomination of an Arab American Muslim, Salam al-Marayati, for a position on the National Commission on Terrorism, a congressional advisory body. Some Jewish leaders accused Marayati of "condoning terrorism" for asserting that Israel shares the blame for inciting Palestinian violence. (NYT 7/10; WJW 7/15; MEI 7/16; MM 7/23; NYT 7/31)

Iran's parliament passes stronger curbs on press freedoms, immediately closes leading reformist newspaper, Salam. Angry Tehran University students stage protests, calling for accelerated government reform, crackdown on corruption, end to conservative dominance in security apparatuses. Mbrs. of the conservative Ansar-e Hezbollah group clash with students. (NYT 7/11; GIU 7/13; MEI 7/16)