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  • March 12, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers used pepper spray to assault 3 Palestinian women picking gundelia flowers near Kisan. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the Homesh...

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  • September 7, 2013

    In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian laborers attempting to cross the separation wall nr. Hebron, wounding 2. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and...

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  • April 17, 2006

    An Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device in a Tel Aviv deli, killing 9 Israelis, wounding 59. Abbas condemns the attack, the deadliest since an 8/31/04 bombing killed 16 Israelis in...

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  • January 25, 2003

    The IDF completes demolition of 4 bridges linking Bayt Hanun, Gaza City; pulls forces out of Bayt Hanun. Late in the evening, the IDF sends tanks, helicopter gunships into central Gaza City in its...

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  • February 10, 2002

    The IDF conducts a predawn arrest raid in Nablus's Askar refugee camp, detaining at least 3 Palestinians, seizing 1 Palestinian apartment as an observation post, and exchanging gunfire with...

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  • May 21, 2001

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. Under police surveillance, Israelis, Jewish settlers march through Jerusalem to celebrate Jerusalem Day, marking Israel's capture...

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  • May 13, 2001

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Late this evening, the IDF helicopter gunships, naval boats shells PSF posts across the Gaza Strip specifically targeting, destroying at least 8 PSF armored...

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  • April 9, 2001

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. After Palestinians fire a mortar at Atzmona settlement in Gaza, causing no injuries, the IDF deploys helicopter gunships to hover...

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  • April 6, 2001

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. After Palestinians fire mortars at Netzarim settlement in Gaza and across the Green Line into Israel, causing no damage, the IDF deploys tanks, helicopter...

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  • April 3, 2001

    Israel launches 1 of its most severe strikes since 9/28 after Palestinians fire 3 homemade mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, wounding a 10-mo.-old boy. IDF helicopter gunships, tanks shell 4...

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  • March 29, 2001

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 3 Palestinians dead. Israeli gunships hover over Palestinian territory but do not fire. The IDF directs shelling, heavy machine gun fire at...

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  • November 20, 2000

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify when Palestinians detonate a large roadside bomb nr. Gaza's Kefar Darom settlement as an armored school bus escorted by IDF troops passes. 2...

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  • October 20, 2000

    Israel-Palestinian clashes escalate to the highest point in 2 wks., leaving 10 Palestinians dead, some 400 wounded. Barak vows to halt the peace process officially on 10/23 if the violence has not...

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  • October 3, 2000

    This morning, the IDF begins pulling back reinforcements fr. the West Bank, Gaza after reaching a new agmt. with the PA. Initially, clashes abate, but fighting continues at old hot spots (e.g.,...

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  • October 1, 2000

    On the 4th day of Palestinian-Israeli clashes, another attempt to secure a cease-fire fails, and rioting spreads to Israeli cities, including Acre, Jaffa, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, and Israeli Arab...

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  • February 16, 1994

    Israeli-PLO security, civilian affairs comm. negotiations continue in Taba.  Security comm. discusses release of Palestinian prisoners, establishment of Palestinian police.  Israeli negotiator Gen...

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  • April 4, 1990

    Shimon Peres tells reporters he has majority of votes in Knesset, enough to form new gov't. [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 4/ 5, CSM 4/6].

    In Paris, former Pres. Jimmy Carter meets with PLO Chrmn....

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  • January 13, 1990

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli investigating officer finds that soldier who shot dead 22-year-old Palestinian on 12/28 violated army orders [MET 1/23].

    ...

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  • September 14, 1989

    Military Action

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot, kill Palestinian activist in the Gaza Strip, prompting large demonstration. Army reports Mohammad Arafat Akraa was shot...

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  • May 25, 1988

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories. Several demonstrations areheld on 40-day anniversary of the death of Abu Jihad...

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  • December 24, 1986

    Military Action

    Arab World: Israel attacks targets in Biqa' Valley. Islamic Resistance Movement claims it shot down 1 of 2 Israeli helicopters used in the attack [WP 12/25].

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  • September 11, 1986

    Social/Economic/Political

    Arab World: Egyptian Pres. Mubarak and Israeli P.M. Peres meet in Alexandria (first time in five years Egyptian and Israeli leaders have met); Egypt returns...

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  • August 29, 1983

    Military Action:

    10,000-13,000 Lebanese Army troops cordon off 14 sq. km. area around Hayy al-Sollom and Burj al-Barajneh, begin sweep against Muslim militias, heavy fighting from dawn to...

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  • May 27, 1983

    Military Action:

    IDF on state of alert as Syrians begin military maneuvers near Israeli lines in Golan Heights and eastern Lebanon; Palestinian guerrillas attack IDF patrol in Bekaa; IDF...

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  • February 18, 1983

    Military Action:

    IDF has blown up five vehicles suspected of being booby-trapped in past two weeks; Lebanese Army blocks IDF patrol at new checkpoint south of Beirut; IDF Merkava tank hit...

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  • November 16, 1982

    Military Action:

    IDF jeeps and APCs come under RPG attack near Shuweifat; artillery, machine gun exchanges between Druze and Phalange in Aley, IDF rushes 50 APCs and tanks, 500 troops to...

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  • July 3, 1982

    Military Action:

    IDF armored troops seal off West Beirut as Israeli and Palestinian gunners trade artillery, machine-gun fire in southern suburbs, in first major clash in 8 days; IDF drops...

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In the West Bank, Israeli settlers used pepper spray to assault 3 Palestinian women picking gundelia flowers near Kisan. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the Homesh settlement outpost. Later, when Israeli forces tried to intervene, the Israeli settlers threw stones at the Israeli forces. (WAFA 3/12; HA 3/16; PCHR 3/17; UNOCHA 3/25)

The Israeli Jerusalem municipality’s planning and building committee approved a plan to build 730 new Israeli settlement units in the Pisgat Ze’ev settlement in East Jerusalem. The PA and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the plan approval. (WAFA, WAFA 3/12; WAFA 3/13)

In response to an Israeli attack in Syria that killed 2 members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on 3/7, Iran fired 12 missiles at Irbil in Iraq targeting Israeli “strategic centers,” according to Iranian state media. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard released a statement saying it would continue to respond to Israeli attacks on Iranians in the future. Lebanese media reported that 4 Israeli officers were killed in the attack, while Iraqi and American sources said that there were no casualties. U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan condemned the Iranian attack and said that the U.S. is working with Iraq to help it gain missile defense capabilities. The New York Times later reported that the Iranian attack was also a response to a secret Israeli attack on an Iranian drone facility in Kermanshah on 2/12, which allegedly was carried out from Iraq with the use of 6 suicide quadcopter drones. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU, REU 3/13; AJ, AP, AP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO 3/14; ALM, HA, MEMO 3/15; HA, HA, NYT 3/16; HA, MEMO 3/17)

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv that he would like to have a top-level meeting with Russia in Jerusalem to end the war, pointing out that early Israeli leaders were from Ukraine. Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett has presented himself as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, but he has been criticized by some Ukrainian officials for trying to persuade Ukraine into give up territory to Russia to end the war. Others have criticized Prime Minister Bennett for avoiding to take a hard stance against Russia and supporting Ukraine by trying to mediate. (ALM, AX, HA 3/11; HA, HA, MEMO, REU, REU 3/12; HA 3/13; ALM 3/15; HA 3/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian laborers attempting to cross the separation wall nr. Hebron, wounding 2. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Jenin at night. In al-‘Arub r.c., Israeli forces detain more than 30 Palestinians after a petrol bomb is thrown at a military watchtower nr. the camp. (MNA 9/7; PCHR 9/12)

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton says that the EU will ensure new funding guidelines regarding West Bank settlements will not harm relations with Israel, speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania, after a meeting with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry. Ashton says the guidelines will be implemented “sensitively.” Kerry urges the EU to postpone altogether the new restrictions. (HA, REU 9/7)

U.S. Pres. Obama uses his weekly radio and internet address to reassure Americans of the necessity and limits of a military strike on Syria. A recent poll showed that only 19% of the U.S. public supports an intervention. An AIPAC source tells the media that the Israel lobby organization plans to send 250 activists to lobby lawmakers in Washington during the coming week, to push for support for a military strike on Syria. Meanwhile, EU FMs meeting in Lithuania blame the Asad regime for the use of chemical weapons but do not endorse military action. (AP, REU 9/7)

The Egyptian military launches a major offensive against Islamist militants in the n. Sinai, deploying helicopter gunships and armored vehicles in an attack that kills 9 fighters and wounds another 20. Fifteen are arrested, and 2 Egyptian soldiers are also killed. Egyptian authorities also close the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip, citing “security concerns.” (AP, MNA, REU 9/7)

An Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device in a Tel Aviv deli, killing 9 Israelis, wounding 59. Abbas condemns the attack, the deadliest since an 8/31/04 bombing killed 16 Israelis in Beersheba and since the 2/05 cease-fire was declared, whereas a Hamas spokesman in Gaza calls the bombing “a natural result of the continued Israeli crimes against our people”; the U.S. says that “the burden of responsibility for preventing terrorist attacks such as this one rests with the Palestinian Authority.” The IDF continues to shell the n. Gaza no-go zone (killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 2) and the s. Gaza coast from land and sea; makes an air strike on a building in Gaza City allegedly used as a factory to make rockets, causing no injuries; reopens the Sufa and Qarni crossings (closed on 4/13 and 4/15); sends troops into Nablus, where they fire on Palestinian stone throwers and on residential areas, wounding at least 16 Palestinians and damaging a clearly marked AP press vehicle; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Jenin town and r.c. (arresting the father of the 4/17 suicide bomber), in Tulkarm town and r.c., and nr. Hebron, Qalqilya. Jewish settlers fr. Elon Moreh fire on Palestinian shepherds, steal some sheep nr. Nablus. (HA, NYT, YA 4/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/18; HA, MM 4/19; PCHR 4/20; OCHA 4/23)

The IDF completes demolition of 4 bridges linking Bayt Hanun, Gaza City; pulls forces out of Bayt Hanun. Late in the evening, the IDF sends tanks, helicopter gunships into central Gaza City in its deepest incursion into Gaza since the al-Aqsa intifada began, marking a major military escalation just 3 days before Israeli elections. IDF soldiers clash with Palestinians fr. around the area who race to block the incursion, killing 12 Palestinians (3 of them armed, 2 of them children), injuring at least 40, demolishing 3 Palestinian homes and 2 workshops, raiding 10s of buildings and shops. IDF troops guarding Gan Or, Neve Dekalim settlements fire on residential areas of Khan Yunis. Jewish settlers fire at 2 Palestinians grazing sheep nr. Mod’in settlement, killing 1. (HA 1/25; AFP 1/25 in WNC 1/31; HA, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; WP 1/27; ATL 1/27 in WNC 1/28; LAW, PCHR, PR 1/29; MEI 2/7; WP 2/10; MEI 2/21)

Ha’Aretz reports that “several wks. ago” Sharon met secretly with YESHA rabbis, promised that he would open the Temple Mount to Jewish worshipers soon. One rabbi warned Sharon that he came to power in part because of his 9/00 visit to Temple Mount, that he risks losing power if he does not follow through and reopen the holy site to Jews soon. Sharon says he will “work behind the scenes” to achieve that goal, that he would be interested in joining a growing number of Jewish protesters who circle the Temple Mount once a mo. to protest the ban on Jewish worship at the site. (HA 1/25)

The IDF conducts a predawn arrest raid in Nablus's Askar refugee camp, detaining at least 3 Palestinians, seizing 1 Palestinian apartment as an observation post, and exchanging gunfire with residents, leaving 1 soldier wounded. The IDF conducts another predawn arrest raid in Dayr al-Balah, shelling residential areas, occupying 2 Palestinian homes as observation posts. In Beersheba, 2 Hamas gunmen open fire outside an IDF base, killing 2 IDF soldiers, wounding 4 before being shot dead by troops. In response, the IDF F-16s drop bombs on a PSF headquarters in Gaza and Ansar 2 prison; helicopter gunships fire missiles on targets around Gaza City and Jabaliya, injuring 20 Palestinians, including employees of the UN Special Coordinator's Office (UNSCO), which is damaged in the attack. UNSCO protests. Later, Palestinians fire 2 objects fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no injuries; at least 1 of the devices leaves a 7-ft. hole, leading the IDF to suspect that it was a Qassam-2 rocket, rather than a mortar, which would mark the 1st time Palestinians have fired one of the homemade missiles. The IDF later reports it has confiscated 3 empty rocket launchers in Gaza. Jewish settlers severely beat a Palestinian teenager nr. Tal Rumayda; beat, rob another teenager nr. Nablus; bulldoze 12 dunams of olive groves nr. Antalia settlement. (MEZ, WP 2/10; XIN 2/10 in WNC 2/11; MM, NYT, WP 2/11; CSM 2/12; JT 2/12 in WNC 2/13; LAW, PCHR 2/13; MEI 2/22)

Sharon returns fr. the U.S., immediately calls for a mtg. of his inner cabinet to discuss how to respond to recent Palestinian attacks. (NYT 2/11)

The State Dept. confirms that Powell has received correspondence fr. Arafat regarding the Karine A affair, saying he was not involved but that as leader of the PA, he will take responsibility for the incident, punish those responsible. (WT 2/11; NYT 2/12, 2/14)

An IDF autopsy performed in the presence of a Palestinian doctor confirms that the 14-yr.-old Palestinian who died in Jerusalem on 2/8 was killed by an IDF bullet. (LAW 2/10, 2/13)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. Under police surveillance, Israelis, Jewish settlers march through Jerusalem to celebrate Jerusalem Day, marking Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 war. IDF helicopter gunships shell PSF post, a factory in Gaza where Israel claims mortars have been made. The IDF also sends tanks into al-Qarara to fire on several Palestinian homes; bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land nr. Netzarim settlement; fires heavy machine guns at residential areas of Bayt Jala, al-Bireh, Hebron, Gaza City, al-Tira. (NYT, WT 5/21; London Press Association 5/21 in WNC 5/22; HP 5/22; NYT 5/23; PCHR 5/24; LAW 5/25; MEI 6/1)

Powell urges Israel, the PA to implement the Mitchell Comm. recommendations by declaring an unconditional cease-fire but does not endorse the comm.'s call for a settlement freeze (saying Israel should "restrain" settlement expansion as a confidence building measure after violence halts). Powell says he will not meet with Arafat or Sharon as discussed on 5/16; instead charges U.S. Amb. to Jordan William Burns, who has been nominated as asst. secy. of state for Near East affairs, with exploring what confidence building measures could be employed once violence ceases. (MENA 5/21 in WNC 5/22; ITAR-TASS 5/21, AYM, HJ, MENA 5/22 in WNC 5/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/22; MM, WP 5/23; AYM, HA, JT, MA, MENA, QA, al-Ra'i 5/23 in WNC 5/24; WJW 5/24; QA 5/25 in WNC 5/29; MEI 6/1; NYT 6/2)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Late this evening, the IDF helicopter gunships, naval boats shells PSF posts across the Gaza Strip specifically targeting, destroying at least 8 PSF armored personnel carriers, not aiming at adjacent PSF buildings; 3 PSF officers are wounded. The IDF says the attacks were in response to the "unprecedented number of mortar attacks" (they report 17) on Jewish settlements in Gaza in the past wk. The IDF also sends tanks, bulldozers into Rafah to demolish 2 Palestinian homes; 2 other homes are damaged by shelling. (MA 5/13 in WNC 5/14; WP, WT 5/14; PCHR 5/17)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. After Palestinians fire a mortar at Atzmona settlement in Gaza, causing no injuries, the IDF deploys helicopter gunships to hover over Gaza City. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Beitunia (hitting an elementary school occupied by over 700 students, causing damage but no injuries), al-Khadir, Khan Yunis. Israel partially lifts a ban on Palestinian laborers, issuing 3,200 entry permits; expects 1,000 Palestinians to resume jobs in Israel on 4/10. Israel also apologizes for the shooting incident at the Erez crossing on 4/4, however a U.S.-brokered mtg. btwn. Israeli, PA security officials, planned early in the day, is canceled by the PA. (MM 4/9; WT 4/10; SA, XIN 4/10 in WNC 4/11; LAW 4/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. After Palestinians fire mortars at Netzarim settlement in Gaza and across the Green Line into Israel, causing no damage, the IDF deploys tanks, helicopter gunships to shell 4 PSF posts in Gaza. The IDF also demolishes 3 Palestinian homes, damages 2 others, bulldozes more than 27 dunams of agricultural land in Shaykh Ajlin; shells residential areas of al-Aza refugee camp. Israeli commandos detain 2 Fatah mbrs. in area C. (AFP [Internet] 4/6; NYT, WT 4/7; MM 4/9; LAW 4/12)

Israel launches 1 of its most severe strikes since 9/28 after Palestinians fire 3 homemade mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, wounding a 10-mo.-old boy. IDF helicopter gunships, tanks shell 4 PA targets in Gaza City and nr. Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Rafah, injuring 70 Palestinians, destroying the Force 17 complex at the fmr. Ansar II Israeli prison. Sharon says the strike "exacts a price from those who were supposed to maintain security . . . and didn't." Elsewhere in the West Bank and Gaza, the IDF notes an increase in Palestinian drive-by shootings and sniper, grenade, and Molotov cocktail attacks. The IDF also demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in Anata; 2 homes, 1 shed in Azariyya; 1 in Zu`aym. Israel releases 3 Force 17 abducted fr. area A on 4/1, saying they have no connection to "terrorism." (HP 4/3; LAW, MM, NYT, PMC, WP 4/4; Interfax 4/4 in WNC 4/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 3 Palestinians dead. Israeli gunships hover over Palestinian territory but do not fire. The IDF directs shelling, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Hebron (especially Abu Sunayna). Jewish settlers in Hebron confiscate 200 dunams of Palestinian land in al-Buwayta, erect a tent; set fire to a Palestinian store in the central market area. (AFP [Internet] 3/29; HP, LAW, WP, WT 3/30)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify when Palestinians detonate a large roadside bomb nr. Gaza's Kefar Darom settlement as an armored school bus escorted by IDF troops passes. 2 Jewish settlers, both adults, are killed and 9 are wounded, including children. Although the Arafat denounces the bombing, Barak blames Arafat and Fatah directly, convenes his security cabinet, and orders IDF helicopter gunships, naval vessels to shell at least 12 buildings in Gaza City (including Arafat's Fatah and PA headquarters, PA Preventive Security Force offices, Force 17 offices, Voice of Palestine Radio, a Palestinian TV station), killing 2 Palestinians, injuring 125, hitting 4 private homes, and cutting power to areas of the city. Other helicopter gunships target areas nr. Rafah. Nr. Kefar Darom and in Ramallah, the IDF razes 10s of dunams of Palestinian orchards along the roads so Palestinians will have "no place to hide." A 3d Palestinian is shot dead by the IDF in the West Bank. Jewish settlers fire on Palestinians harvesting an olive grove nr. Salfit, injuring several Palestinians; uproot an olive grove nr. Qalqilya; fire on Palestinian cars nr. Jinin, injuring 1. (ADM, HA, LAW, MEZ, MM 11/20; RMC 11/20 in WNC 11/21; HA, MEZ, NYT, WP, WT 11/21; Interfax, MA, XIN 11/21 in WNC 11/22; HJ 11/21, AYM 11/22 in WNC 11/24; NYT, WP 11/22; MEI, MM 11/24; AYM 11/24 in WNC 11/29; MENL 11/29)

The State Dept. for the 1st time since 9/28 states that "Israelis also need to understand that the excessive use of force is not the right way to go." Special envoy Ross postpones a visit to the region set to begin today. (NYT, WP, WT 11/21; MM 11/22)

Following the Kefar Darom attack, Shas declares it will not renew Barak's "safety net," which it agreed to provide until the end of 11/00. With Shas's support, Barak has survived no-confidence motions since the Knesset reconvened on 10/30. (AFP [Internet] 11/20) (see 11/13)

Israel-Palestinian clashes escalate to the highest point in 2 wks., leaving 10 Palestinians dead, some 400 wounded. Barak vows to halt the peace process officially on 10/23 if the violence has not ceased by the end of the 10/21-22 Arab League mtg. Israel again restricts Palestinian access to Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque. The IDF fire shells fr. helicopter gunships and tanks, bars ambulances fr. reaching the injured, fires on at least 1 ambulance. The most severe clashes are around Nablus, Ramallah. Nr. Ma'ale Amos settlement nr. Bethlehem, armed Jewish settlers prevent Palestinian farmers fr. harvesting their crops. In Bayt Sahur, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home. (ADM, MM, NYT 10/20; HA [Internet], NYT, WP, WT 10/21; MEI 10/27)

IDF troops fatally shoot 1 man, possibly 2, attempting to sneak across the blue line fr. Lebanon. (NYT, WT 10/22; MM 10/23; MEI 10/27)

Demonstrations in support of the Palestinians are reported in Bahrain, Lebanon, Pakistan. In the U.S., similar rallies are held in Chicago, Omaha, Memphis, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco. (Newsday [Internet] 10/21; Bahrain Freedom Movement press release 10/25)

The UNGA passes (92-6, with 46 abstentions) a resolution condemning Israel's "excessive use of force" against Palestinians. (WT 10/20; NYT, WP, WT 10/21; ANSA 10/25 in WNC 10/30; ANSA 11/7 in WNC 11/9; Hurriyet 11/9 in WNC 11/13)

This morning, the IDF begins pulling back reinforcements fr. the West Bank, Gaza after reaching a new agmt. with the PA. Initially, clashes abate, but fighting continues at old hot spots (e.g., Hebron, Nablus, Netzarim Junction, Ramallah, Tulkarm). Within hrs., the IDF sends reinforcements back in, firing antitank missiles and deploying helicopter gunships, tanks against Palestinians, killing 3, injuring 40. In Nablus, 27 Palestinians are injured when and IDF helicopter fires rockets at an apartment building. 1 Palestinian injured last wk. dies. Inside Israel, massive demonstrations continue across the Galilee following 2 funerals for Israeli Arabs killed by the Israeli police earlier in the wk. (MM 10/3; AFP, IRNA, MENA 10/3, JT, Le Monde 10/4 in WNC 10/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/4; AYM 10/4 in WNC 10/10; MEI 10/13)

Barak meets with Israeli Arab leaders to "ease concerns about the neglect of their community," agrees to set up a special cabinet comm. to address Arab concerns. Under pressure fr. Israeli Arab MKs, he bans police fr. using live ammunition against Israeli protesters unless there is "clear and immediate danger to life." The Israeli government also releases plans to improve roads in schools in Israeli Arab towns, raise the standard of living of the Arab minority. (MM 10/3; NYT, WT 10/4; MEI 10/13)

In Beirut, 20,000 Palestinians, Lebanese march to UN House to protest Israeli actions. Some 10,000 Palestinian refugees demonstrate in camps in Rashidiyya, Sidon, and Tyre. In Amman, Jordanians observe a strike in solidarity with the Palestinians, and Jordanian riot police wield clubs against 100s of stone-throwing demonstrators marching on the Israeli emb. In Norway, some 100 Norwegians take part in a violent protest outside the Israeli emb. in Oslo, burning flags, throwing bottles, breaking windows. Rallies are also reported in Egypt, Greece, Oman, Pakistan, the UAE. In the U.S., anti-Israeli protests are held in Austin, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Raleigh, San Francisco, Washington, and outside the CNN offices in Atlanta, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Toronto. (JP [Internet], MM 10/4; JT 10/4 in WNC 10/6; Daily Star [Internet] 10/5; MM 10/6; MEI 10/13)

The IDF admits that its soldiers fired the shots that killed a Muhammad al-Dura at Netzarim Junction on 10/1 but blames Palestinians for the "cynical use" of children in confrontations with IDF troops. (WP 10/4; NYT 10/5) (see 10/2)

On the 4th day of Palestinian-Israeli clashes, another attempt to secure a cease-fire fails, and rioting spreads to Israeli cities, including Acre, Jaffa, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, and Israeli Arab towns across the Galilee. In Umm al-Fahm, 1 Israeli Arab is shot dead by Israeli police, sparking massive rioting. In the West Bank and Gaza, the IDF rolls out heavy weapons--including tanks, antitank missiles, attack helicopters, grenades--to combat stone-throwing Palestinians, resulting in another 12 Palestinian fatalities, over 200 Palestinians wounded. The 1st IDF soldier is killed in street clashes (see 9/29). Jewish settlers in Jerusalem open fire on a Palestinian car, killing a toddler. The 1st confirmed incidents of Palestinians shooting at IDF troops take place in Gaza and Ramallah, but no IDF injuries are reported. The IDF places a 24-hr. curfew on Palestinians in Hebron. Israel states that its troops have "exercised restraint," accuses the PA of "orchestrating a campaign of spreading violence for political gain." Clinton phones Arafat to urge him to halt the violence; says that once the fighting stops, he will convene PA, Israeli security officials for a fact-finding session "to figure out what went wrong." (PCHR 10/1; IRNA, MENA 10/1 in WNC 10/2; AFP 10/1, IRNA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; AP, CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/2; HA [Internet], MM, NYT 10/3; MEI 10/13)

On his 1st official visit abroad as head of state, Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad arrives in Cairo to meet with Pres. Mubarak. Talks touch on bilateral relations, the peace process, Jerusalem. (MENA 10/1 in WNC 10/2, 10/3)

In Amman, Jordanians, Palestinians demonstrate against Israel's use of excessive force against Palestinians. (JT 10/5 in WNC 10/6)

Israeli-PLO security, civilian affairs comm. negotiations continue in Taba.  Security comm. discusses release of Palestinian prisoners, establishment of Palestinian police.  Israeli negotiator Gen. Amnon Shahak says draft paper on Palestinian police force "almost achieved."   Civilian Affairs comm. divides into subcoms. on electricity and civil planning, communications.  Palestinian negotiator Radwan Abu-Ayyash estimates cost of Palestinian broadcast network at $30 m.-$50 m. (MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16)

Bilateral Arab-Israeli talks resume in Washington. (Qol Yisra'el 2/16 in FBIS 2/16)

Egyptian State Broadcasting Authority renews official contact with Israeli Broadcasting Authority, broken during 1982 Lebanon war.  (MM 2/17; JP 2/26)

Higher Jordanian-Palestinian Comm. completes 2 days of mtgs. in Amman.  Jordanian Information M. Jawad al-Anani says PLO and Jordan have agreed on joint strategy in economic talks with Israel set for Paris.  Israel-Jordan joint economic comm. meets in Washington with U.S. participation. (RJ 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16, 2/17)

AFP reports 1st all-Palestinian bank in o.t., "Commercial Bank of Palestine," will start operations 3/15 in Ramallah.  Bank, with capital of $14 m., is headed by businessman Suhail Jad`awn.  (AFP 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

U.S. State Dept. announces Secy. of State Christopher will visit Middle East during 3/94. (MM 2/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat accuses "Israeli officers" of condoning arms trade in o.t., warning flow of weapons "could lead to another Afghanistan among the Palestinians." (NYT 2/17)

IDF kills purported PFLP mbr. Najwan Mahmud Muhammad al-`Izza, 21, in Halhul, West Bank.  (MM 2/17) [CHALLENGE--2/15]

122-mm. katyusha rocket fired on northern Israel fr. southern Lebanon in 1st incident in 6 mos.  IDF blames attack on Palestinian opposition groups.  IDF tanks, artillery come to aid of SLA patrol ambushed by Hizballah.  Hizballah claims 12 SLA mbrs. killed or wounded.  (NYT, MM, WT 2/17; MM 2/18)

Israeli cabinet extends term of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak to 1/95.  Barak had been set to retire 4/94.  (MM 2/16)

PM Rabin's spokesman Oded Ben-Ami defends allowing 30 elite IDF veterans to serve in Congo as advisers, denying soldiers are mercenaries.  Opponents cite Congolese civil war as reason to bar Israeli support of Brazzaville regime.  Press reports say over 2,000 IDF veterans have served in Africa since 1960s.  (NYT 2/17)

FRC mbrs. Yusuf Sha`ban, Salim Mahyub confess to killing Jordanian diplomat Na'ib al-Ma'aytah in Beirut 1/29.  Bassam Atiya, also arrested, denies involvement.  (RL 2/16 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17)

Israeli court convicts 4 banks--Leumi, Hapoalim, Discount, and Mizrahi--and 9 bank executives in connection with 10/83 stock market crash precipitated by news of banks propping up own stocks.  Crash cost $7 b. in Israeli govt. payments to investors.  (CSM 2/17)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, Saudi amb. Prince Bandar announce Saudia Airlines will purchase 50 U.S.-made Boeing 747 and McDonnell-Douglas MD-11, MD-80, and MD-90 commercial aircraft worth $6 b.  Deal will be financed in part through U.S. Export-Import Bank loan guarantees.  (CSM, NYT, MM, WT 2/17)

Shimon Peres tells reporters he has majority of votes in Knesset, enough to form new gov't. [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 4/ 5, CSM 4/6].

In Paris, former Pres. Jimmy Carter meets with PLO Chrmn. Arafat, French Pres. Mitterrand in effort to revue stalled Middle East peace plan [WP, LAT 4/5].

Israeli helicopter gunships attack Rashidiyeh camp in S. Lebanon, at least 5 are wounded [MET 4/17-23].

Feuding between activists from PFLP and Fateh injures 8 Palestinians in W. Bank village of Awarta [MET 4/17-23].

Iraq's F.M. Tareq Aziz tells Arab ministers meeting in Amman that Iraq will destroy its chemical weapons if Israel does same and signs 1968 nuclear non-proliferation treaty [WT 4/5].

Libyan leader Qadhafi tells Tripoli Radio foreign hostages and prisoners of conscience should be freed to mark beginning of Ramadan [LAT 4/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli investigating officer finds that soldier who shot dead 22-year-old Palestinian on 12/28 violated army orders [MET 1/23].

Arab World: Arafat and Mubarak again meet in Cairo to discuss preparations for meeting with U.S., Israel [MET 1/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF troops shoot, wound 11 stone-throwing youths in various clashes in Gaza Strip [MET 1/ 23].

Arab World: Heavy fighting in Lebanon between Amal and Hizballah; Amal forces attack Israeli military vehicle, Israeli guns shell Tayr Harfa area [FBIS 1/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot, kill Palestinian activist in the Gaza Strip, prompting large demonstration. Army reports Mohammad Arafat Akraa was shot fleeing arrest [WP 9/15]. At least 10 Palestinians are wounded by gunfire in O.T. [FBIS 9/15].

Arab World: Soviet news agency Tass reports Israel fired a missile from a site near Jerusalem that landed 800 miles away in the Mediterranean north of Benghazi, Libya [\WP 9/20]. Israeli helicopter gunships fire rockets at two Abu Nidal guerrilla bases east of Sidon, Lebanon. Police report at least 3 people wounded [WP 9/15; MET 9/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories. Several demonstrations areheld on 40-day anniversary of the death of Abu Jihad. Several refugee camps are placed under curfews [NYT 5/26, FJ 5/29].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers injure 58 Palestinians during clashes in jabalya. The military uproots 150 trees in the village of Bayt Iba [FJ 5/29].

Arab World: Israeli air power and artillery aid the South Lebanon Army's attack on a Hizballah stronghold in S. Lebanon. Israeli helicopter gunships attack Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon. Amal announces it will join Hizballah in the fight against the Israelis. Amal also claims to have shot down an Israeli helicopter over Lebanon [NYT 5/26]. 

Military Action

Arab World: Israel attacks targets in Biqa' Valley. Islamic Resistance Movement claims it shot down 1 of 2 Israeli helicopters used in the attack [WP 12/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Egyptian Pres. Mubarak and Israeli P.M. Peres meet in Alexandria (first time in five years Egyptian and Israeli leaders have met); Egypt returns ambassador to Israel, withdrawn after 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon; two states agree on arbitration over Taba; discuss Palestinian issue (NYT, WP 9/12). In Tunis, PLO Chairman Arafat meets EC representative Claude Cheysson (FBIS 9/14). Islamic Jihad denies it kidnapped American Frank Reed in West Beirut (CSM 9/12).

Other Countries: French government rejects demands for release of convicted terrorists in exchange for ending bomb campaign (WP 9/12). Washington Post reports Israeli Trade Minister Ariel Sharon visited Istanbul secretly for three days in July (WP 9/11).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF and SLA fight Shi'i guerrillas in south Lebanon; five UNIFIL soldiers wounded in crossfire; IDF use helicopter gunships and artillery against Shi'a who attacked SLA outpost.

Military Action:

10,000-13,000 Lebanese Army troops cordon off 14 sq. km. area around Hayy al-Sollom and Burj al-Barajneh, begin sweep against Muslim militias, heavy fighting from dawn to noon, Army occupies 2 sq. km., claims to have captured Amal HQin Burj al-Barajneh; Druze gunners in Upper Metn fire artillery and rockets at East Beirut and industrial areas, and in support of Amal militia; US Marines come under fire, use 155 mm artillery, 81 mm mortars, rockets from Cobra helicopter gunships against Shi'ite positions near airport and in foothills; Amal militia drives Lebanese Army from garrison and checkpoints in West Beirut, Mourabitoun militia takes control of streets; Amal takes over Beirut TV station; snipers posted on rooftops, firing continues throughout day and evening.

Casualties:

2 US Marines killed, 14 wounded by mortar fire; 11 Lebanese soldiers killed, 60 wounded, estimated 12-50 kidnapped; civilian casualties estimated at 20 dead, 100+ wounded, 1 Lebanese Air Force fighter bomber destroyed at airport, 2 damaged; 2-4 Lebanese Army APCs, several tanks captured.

Political Responses:

PalestiniansI Lebanese: Gemayel convenes emergency session of Cabinet; Amal leader Nabih Berri says he wants no problems with US, denies that US positions were fired on by Amal militia.

US and Other Countries: Reagan accepts recommendation of crisis management group, headed by VP Bush, that there is no need to expand size or change role of US force in Lebanon; members of Congress press for declaration that fighting in Lebanon triggers provisions of War Powers Resolution; White House says attack on Marines was outgrowth of Syria's refusal to withdraw its troops and Syrian influence over Lebanese factions.

UN: 10-day Conference on Palestine opens under heavy security in Geneva, more than 90 countries participate, US, Canada, Israel boycott.

Military Action:

IDF on state of alert as Syrians begin military maneuvers near Israeli lines in Golan Heights and eastern Lebanon; Palestinian guerrillas attack IDF patrol in Bekaa; IDF tank hits mine south of Karoun dam, RPG fired at IDF vehicle near Sil, no casualties reported; artillery exchanges in Chouf.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier killed, 2 wounded, 1 Palestinian guerrilla killed in Bekaa battle.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin briefs opposition leaders on military situation in Bekaa; High Court orders attorney general's office to answer Arraba resident's complaint of beating and electric shock treatment; Justice Ministry official says some Israeli companies are buying and selling private land on West Bank that is not officially registered; trial in Haifa of 5 Arrabe residents accused of trying to poison water supply, blowing up water pipe, damaging road leading to Jewish settlement in western Galilee; Foreign Minister Shamir travels to Europe for meetings in Belgium, Italy and Luxembourg.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel calls for Arab summit or Arab League meeting to discuss Lebanese troop withdrawal agreement; Arafat tells PLO forces in Bekaa that only war can break the present stalemate; PLO military council member says all PLO forces should be returned to Lebanon from the 8 Arab countries to which they were moved last year.

Military Action:

IDF has blown up five vehicles suspected of being booby-trapped in past two weeks; Lebanese Army blocks IDF patrol at new checkpoint south of Beirut; IDF Merkava tank hit by RPG fired near Beirut-Damascus highway, Phalange radio attributes attack to Druze militia, says artillery and small arms fire continued for hours; Lebanon reportedly will introduce compulsory military service on April 18.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: David Kimche, head of Israeli delegation to Lebanon negotiations, meets Habib.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: At PNC, 29 new members added to council, of whom 23 are reportedly senior PLO officers loyal to Arafat; Saiqa leader Isam al-Qadi calls for rejection of Reagan plan and struggle to thwart it; smuggling of vegetables from Israel to Lebanon increasing, valued in January at about $300,000; value of Israeli goods sold to Lebanon since invasion estimated at $50 million; in Lebanese-Israeli-US negotiations, Israel agrees to Habib proposal for first-stage withdrawal of frontline forces.

US and Other Countries: Pentagon says it plans to sell Lebanese Army 107 armored troop carriers, .50-caliber machine guns and other equipment valued at about $25 million.

Military Action:

IDF jeeps and APCs come under RPG attack near Shuweifat; artillery, machine gun exchanges between Druze and Phalange in Aley, IDF rushes 50 APCs and tanks, 500 troops to area, imposes curfew and cuts traffic between Chouf villages; IDF forces withdraw from Yarze area housing Lebanese Army command and home of US Ambassador Dillon.

Casualties:

UNRWA begins distributing cement and stoves in Ain el-Hilweh; 1 attacker killed, 1 IDF soldier wounded in Shuweifat.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon tells Knesset committee Israel will withdraw to 40 miles above border only after PLO and Syria withdraw troops and Israeli prisoners are returned, but will stay there until Lebanon signs security agreement allowing direct IDF involvement in security arrangements; Shamir tells US Jewish leaders in Israel that multinational peacekeeping force is unnecessary for ensuring safety of South Lebanon; Jerusalem Post poll shows Sharon support dropping since massacre; Commission of Inquiry interviews Yiram Yair, IDF commander in area of camps during massacre, behind closed doors; Statistics Bureau puts price rise at 106 percent since start of year, and inflation rate may reach 138 percent by end of year; two week old memo revealed which ordered Israeli military governors to "neutralize to the maximum" pro-Jordanian elements among West Bank Arabs and to step up support for Village Leagues, in apparent attempt to block options for peace settlement involving Jordan; Likud MK Dror Zeigerman says government initiative in issuing memo would imply plan for ultimate annexation of occupied territories, and warns such a plan would turn the West Bank into "Israel's Viet Nam"; Peace Now issues statement condemning Civil Administrator for implementing "corrupt colonialist policies"; heads of Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian churches in Jerusalem threaten to close holy places over Christmas unless expulsion order against Armenian Deputy Patriarch Karanjian is rescinded, but Interior Ministry refuses to reveal basis for decision to not renew visa; Tehiya Party, at annual meeting, demands that Israel annex West Bank and Gaza; Nahal plans five outposts, three settlements in West Bank in coming year; Bethlehem University student council leader put under town arrest for six months.

US and Other Countries: French President Mitterrand, in Paris meeting, tells Arab League delegation headed by King Hussein that Arabs and PLO should recognize Israel; State Department issues unusually strong 2 page statement that Israel's deportation of teachers from West Bank universities (which are partly funded by US foreign aid) undermines peace negotiations.

Military Action:

IDF armored troops seal off West Beirut as Israeli and Palestinian gunners trade artillery, machine-gun fire in southern suburbs, in first major clash in 8 days; IDF drops concealment, openly sets up armored units for first time inside city at the Green Line; IDF and Phalange jointly patrolling crossing points; Israeli planes drop red flares over Palestinian refugee camps, as loudspeakers advise residents to move out; IDF digs out positions for tanks in hillsides above Beirut; IDF begins blockade, stopping all traffic coming into W. Beirut; IDF artillery in Sofar exchanges barrages with Syrians; 400 IDF tanks, 110 artillery pieces ring Beirut; Phalange radio reports IDF advances toward Burj al-Barajneh camp.

Arafat expects IDF attack with 3 divisions and planes, gunboats; PLO units maintain grenade, small arms attacks on IDF rear units.

Casualties:

Fires reported in vicinity of airport and in Burj al-Barajneh camp following fierce artillery duels; IDF units inwceased in Chouf area following killing of 3 Christian villagers by Druze militia-men (following week of violence against Druze villages by Phalange forces).

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir says Israel may not demand a multinational force along the border if some agreement can be reached; Shamir denies difference between political/ military actions of PLO, says IDF will not wait too much longer before assault on Beirut; Eitan suggests smaller military actions rather than all-out attack may be used; 270 IDF killed, 1270 injured; IDF says reservists in combat units may serve 60-90 days; 50- 70,000 people protest war in Tel Aviv, including reservists, as thousands of others attend exhibit of captured PLO and Syrian weapons; Justice Minister Nissim, Attorney General, and other officials meet tomorrow to consider legal action against Avnery for meeting Arafat.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Salam charges IDF broke cease-fire twice during day; agreement reached on deployment of multinational force alongside Lebanese Army, but not on continuing PLO presence in Lebanon; Lebanese government says PLO still refuses to offer formal set of proposals; Arafat later signs detailed document that PLO will evacuate Beirut (many Lebanese fear Israel will reject; Wazzan says only some progress, no agreement reached with PLO); Arafat hails "Paris Declaration" by 3 prominent Jews as "positive initiative toward a just ... peace"; Sarkis meets with French envoy Gutmann.

Arab Governments: Syria, Egypt, Jordan debate number of PLO members they are willing to take.

US and Other Countries: Habib meets with Sarkis; Ambassador Lewis meets Begin, reportedly asks more time for negotiations.

UN: UN mission heads for Lebanon to assess relief needs.