67 / 15139 Results
  • June 8, 2002

    The IDF says that in the past 24 hrs., it has killed 6 Palestinians attempting attacks on Israeli targets, including 2 Palestinians swimming toward the Gaza settlement of Dugit,...

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  • June 7, 2002

    Before dawn, the IDF sends troops back into Jenin; declares a curfew on Jenin, 5 surrounding villages; conducts arrest raids in Tulkarm. Nr. Hebron, 2 PFLP gunmen infiltrate a new...

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  • October 29, 2000

    With Israeli-Palestinian clashes showing no sign of abating, IDF chief of staff Gen. Shaul Mofaz announces that the army will begin initiating attacks on Palestinian targets, especially Fatah...

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  • August 23, 2000

    In the 1st 3-way mtg. since Camp David, U.S. special envoy Ross meets with the PA's Erakat, Israel's Ben-Ami in Jerusalem. No progress is reported. (AYM 8/25 in WNC 8/28)

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  • August 17, 2000

    U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross arrives in Israel to assess the possibility of holding another round of Camp David talks; he meets with the heads of the PA, Israeli negotiating teams. U.S....

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  • August 13, 2000

    In an off-the-record briefing, a U.S. official says that Pres. Clinton is prepared to reconvene the Camp David summit talks, but only if he is assured that Israel, the PA are ready to settle all...

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  • August 4, 2000

    In Amman, Jordanian riot police break up a demonstration by 500 Palestinians who planned to march to the UN offices in Amman to present UN officials with a memo to Secy.-Gen. Annan, protesting...

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  • July 30, 2000

    In Jericho, Eran and Erakat, the Israeli and PA interim affairs negotiators, discuss PA-Israeli relations in the wake of the Camp David summit, agree to hold more mtgs. this wk. to try to move...

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  • July 25, 2000

    At Camp David, Arafat passes a letter to Clinton saying he sees no reason to continue talks, since Barak has adopted a take-it-or-leave-it position regarding U.S. proposals on Jerusalem. After a...

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  • July 23, 2000

    Pres. Clinton returns fr. Japan in the afternoon and goes straight to Camp David, where he meets with the U.S. peace team and then talks separately with Arafat, Barak to decide how to proceed. He...

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  • July 22, 2000

    At Camp David, PA, Israeli teams break for the Jewish Sabbath. Secy. of State Albright meets with Arafat to discuss core issues. (NYT, WP, WT 7/23; SA 7/23 in WNC 7/24)

    Jordanian FM `Abd al...

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  • July 21, 2000

    Low-key PA-Israeli talks continue at Camp David, with Secy. of State Albright shuttling btwn. negotiating teams. (MM, State Dept. press briefing 7/21; NYT, WP 7/22; al-Quds 7/22 in WNC 7/24...

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  • July 17, 2000

    As PA-Israeli talks continue at Camp David, U.S. officials begin lowering expectations for an agmt. to be concluded, hinting that teams may take a break of a couple of wks., then resume mtgs. (MM...

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  • July 16, 2000

    PA-Israeli talks continue at Camp David. In his 1st comments since talks began, Pres. Clinton says there has been some progress toward an agmt., "but I can't say I know we will succeed." Today,...

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  • July 15, 2000

    PA, Israeli teams take a break fr. formal talks, go sightseeing. After the Jewish Sabbath ends, Clinton holds a 3-way mtg. with Arafat, Barak. PM Barak also phones presidential candidates, VP Al...

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  • July 13, 2000

    PA-Israeli final status talks continue for the 3d day at Camp David. The State Dept. characterizes the negotiations as "comfortable" and "informal" but refuses to discuss substance or progress....

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  • July 12, 2000

    PA-Israeli final status talks continue at Camp David. Pres. Clinton holds more 1-on-1 mtgs. with Arafat, Barak. Secy. of State Albright, special envoy Ross meet with Israeli, PA teams. PA, Israeli...

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  • July 10, 2000

    In the morning, PM Barak goes to Cairo to discuss the final status talks with Pres. Mubarak. He then returns to Israel and narrowly survives a Knesset vote on 2 no-confidence motions, freeing him...

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  • July 9, 2000

    PM Barak delays his departure for Camp David after 3 coalition parties--National Religious party, Shas, Yisrael Ba'Aliya--quit the government. In addition, FM Levy announces he will not attend...

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  • July 15, 1999

    In Washington, PM Barak, Pres. Clinton hold private 21/2-hr. mtg., without aides or note-takers, to discuss framework for resuming Israeli-Arab negotiations. Barak reportedly...

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  • February 24, 1998

    Arafat, King Hussein reject Netanyahu's proposal for Camp David-style talks. (WT 2/25; JT 2/25 in WNC 3/3) (see 2/23)

    Mossad chief Yatom resigns under heavy...

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  • October 7, 1997

    PA-Israeli subcomm. mtgs. resume for 1st time in 7 mos. with a security subcomm. mtg. in Tel Aviv. Joint Steering Comm. will meet once every 2 wks. to discuss progress of 8 subcomms.(ITV 10/7 in...

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  • March 19, 1997

    Netanyahu proposes that Israel, the PA bypass the 3 stages of FRD and hold Camp-David-style negotiations. Arafat refuses (ITV 3/19, IDF Radio 3/20 in WNC 3/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/20; ITV 3/20, MA 3...

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  • November 3, 1992

    Democratic Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton wins U.S. presidential election with 370 electoral votes over Pres. Bush's 168. (NYT, WP 10/4)

    In interview published simultaneously by al-Sharq al...

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  • August 27, 1992

    Palestinian negotiators call Israeli election proposal submitted 8/25 "unacceptable," but negotiable. Hanan Ashrawi says the proposal is "quite a regression" from the Camp David Accords, upon...

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  • July 15, 1992

    Israeli soldiers surround al-Najah University in Nablus. Some 3,000-4,000 students and others refuse to submit to searches; IDF imposes curfew on Nablus and 4 nearby refugee camps. (WP 7/16; NYT 7...

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  • February 7, 1992

    Israeli Amb. to U.S. Shoval, Secy. of State Baker, meet in Washington, discuss Israeli alternative to 1/24 U.S. proposal on loan guarantees. Two sides differ on how many Jewish homes are currently...

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  • June 29, 1989

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Right-wing Knesset members lead group of Israelis, escorted by IDF, on hike through W. Bank to demonstrate Israeli sovereignty [LAT 6/...

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  • June 15, 1989

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli chief of staff Shomron states that only way military can put down uprising is by mass deportation, starvation, or genocide [WP 6...

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  • December 30, 1988

    Social/Economic/Political

    Other Countries: In Der Spiegel interview Egyptian Pres. Mubarak calls Shamir "stubborn," states that Camp David is outdated [NYT 12/30].

    Military...

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The IDF says that in the past 24 hrs., it has killed 6 Palestinians attempting attacks on Israeli targets, including 2 Palestinians swimming toward the Gaza settlement of Dugit, carrying grenades and guns. In addition, 3 Palestinians are killed in a mysterious explosion nr. Rafah; 2 Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) mbrs. are fatally shot by the IDF when they open fire on an army base at Yitzhar settlement, injuring 4 IDF soldiers. The IDF raids Halhul, looking for the 2d gunman involved in the 6/7 attack nr. Karmei Tsur. (NYT, WP, WT 6/9; MEI 6/14)

After a 2d round of talks with Mubarak at Camp David, Bush announces that the U.S. is "not ready to lay down a specific calendar" for political talks leading to a Palestinian state, the most urgent issue is PA reform. (NYT, WP, WT 6/9; MENA 6/9 in WNC 6/10; MM 6/10; MENA 6/10 in WNC 6/11; JPI, MEI 6/14; al-Ra'i 7/15 in WNC 7/17)

Before dawn, the IDF sends troops back into Jenin; declares a curfew on Jenin, 5 surrounding villages; conducts arrest raids in Tulkarm. Nr. Hebron, 2 PFLP gunmen infiltrate a new settlement enclave nr. Karmei Tsur, killing 3 Jewish settlers, wounding 5; 1 PFLP mbr. is shot dead, the other escapes. (NYT, WP, WT 6/8; WP 6/9; MEI 6/14)

Mubarak meets with Bush at Camp David. (MENA 6/7, 6/8 in WNC 6/10; MENA 6/7 in WNC 6/11; WP, WT 6/8; MEI 6/14)

With Israeli-Palestinian clashes showing no sign of abating, IDF chief of staff Gen. Shaul Mofaz announces that the army will begin initiating attacks on Palestinian targets, especially Fatah leaders, and using more force against demonstrators. During the day, 5 Palestinians are killed, over 100 injured; a 6th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Nr. Qarni crossing in Gaza, IDF tanks fire on Palestinian demonstrators, killing 2, wounding 25. Also in Gaza, Palestinian gunmen fire on and detonate a small bomb nr. a bus carrying Jewish settlers under IDF escort, causing no injuries. In drive-by shooting in East Jerusalem, Jewish settlers wound a Palestinian security guard outside Agusta Victoria hospital. Armed settlers also open fire on Palestinians in Haris, wounding 3. Other hot spots are nr. Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah. Nr. Ariel settlement, the IDF bulldozes Palestinian olive groves. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/30; AYM 10/30 in WNC 11/1; NYT, WP 10/31; AIC 11/2; al-Quds 11/9 in WNC 11/13)

A day before the Knesset reconvenes, Barak and Sharon are still unable to reach an agmt. on forming a unity government despite 7 days of talks. The Shas party, which pulled out of Barak's coalition in 7/00, before the Camp David talks, says it will give Barak a 1-mo. safety net against no-confidence votes. In return, Barak suspends plans for secular social reforms (see 8/20). (MM, NYT, WT, YA 10/30; MM, WT 10/31; MM 11/1; WJW 11/2; MEI 11/10)

In the 1st 3-way mtg. since Camp David, U.S. special envoy Ross meets with the PA's Erakat, Israel's Ben-Ami in Jerusalem. No progress is reported. (AYM 8/25 in WNC 8/28)

U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross arrives in Israel to assess the possibility of holding another round of Camp David talks; he meets with the heads of the PA, Israeli negotiating teams. U.S. officials say that Pres. Bill Clinton is not prepared to hold another session with PA head Yasir Arafat, Barak unless they are ready to make decisions on Jerusalem. (MM, NYT, WT 8/17; WP, WT 8/18)

In an off-the-record briefing, a U.S. official says that Pres. Clinton is prepared to reconvene the Camp David summit talks, but only if he is assured that Israel, the PA are ready to settle all outstanding issues, including Jerusalem. The official also says "the Egyptians have made it clear to us that they are prepared to be helpful" in persuading Arafat to compromise. (NYT 8/14)

The IDF, YESHA settlers council reach an agmt. to evacuate a number of illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank that have been set up since the Camp David talks ended in order to create facts on the ground in advance of any final status agmt. btwn. Israel, the PA. (YA [Internet] 8/14)

In Amman, Jordanian riot police break up a demonstration by 500 Palestinians who planned to march to the UN offices in Amman to present UN officials with a memo to Secy.-Gen. Annan, protesting Israel's Camp David refusal to grant Palestinians sovereignty over East Jerusalem or to recognize the right of return as part of a final peace agmt. No one is arrested. (DUS 8/5 in WNC 8/7)

In Jericho, Eran and Erakat, the Israeli and PA interim affairs negotiators, discuss PA-Israeli relations in the wake of the Camp David summit, agree to hold more mtgs. this wk. to try to move final status negotiations forward. (WT 7/31)

The Israeli and PA senior negotiators on security affairs, Israel's Internal Security M Ben-Ami and the PA's Gaza PSF head Muhammad Dahlan meet in Gaza to review security arrangements discussed at Camp David, discuss the release of more Palestinian prisoners. (Associated Press [Internet] 7/30; JP [Internet] 7/31)

The PA police arrest senior Hamas official `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi on charges of incitement for criticizing the PA's handling of the Camp David talks. (al-Quds 7/31 in WNC 8/2; LAW 8/3; HJ 8/3 in WNC 8/4; al-Quds 8/10 in WNC 8/14)

UNIFIL resumes its deployment in s. Lebanon, setting up bases at 4 points along the blue line. (WT 7/31; WJW 8/3) (see 7/28)

After receiving assurances for his safety fr. pres. Lahoud, Fmr. pres. Amin Gemayel, a Christian leader who was forced into exile over his alliance with the U.S. against Syria during the Lebanese civil war, returns to Lebanon for the 1st time in 8 yrs. Some 3,000 supports rally to welcome him in his hometown of Bikfayya. (WP 7/31; MM 8/3; see also MM 7/19)

Jewish settlers erect 30 mobile homes on 3 sites (Qaryat, Jaloud, Lubban) nr. Nablus, and confiscate 50 dunams of Palestinian land in Mawasi nr. Rafah, begin constructing 50 greenhouses. (PA Information Min. press release 7/30; LAW 8/10)

At Camp David, Arafat passes a letter to Clinton saying he sees no reason to continue talks, since Barak has adopted a take-it-or-leave-it position regarding U.S. proposals on Jerusalem. After a final set of 1-on-1 mtgs. with Arafat and Barak, Clinton declares an end to the Camp David summit. The U.S., Israel, the PA issue a 5-point statement of negotiating principles, express hope that a deal may still be reached by 9/13. In announcing the failure of the summit, Clinton essentially lays the blame on Arafat, stating that Barak showed more flexibility. (Interfax, MENA 7/25 in WNC 7/26; MENA, XIN 7/25, ABC [Madrid], ATL, Interfax, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MA, MENA, al-Quds, SA 7/26 in WNC 7/27; MM, NYT, PR [Internet], WP, WT 7/26; AYM, DUS 7/26, Le Monde, SA, TT 7/27 in WNC 7/28; Arab News [Jeddah] 7/26, JT 7/30 in WNC 7/31; HA [Internet], NYT, WJW 7/27; AYM 7/28 in WNC 8/2; MIL 7/28 in WNC 8/3; NYT 7/29; WP 7/30)

UN Secy.-Gen. Annan suspends the UNIFIL deployment in light of new Israeli violations of the blue line. (XIN 7/25 in WNC 7/27; WP 7/26; MEI 7/28)

The London-based daily al-Hayat reports that Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad recently received fmr. chief of staff Shihabi on his return fr. medical treatment in the U.S., suggesting anticorruption charges against him have been dropped. (MM 7/25; SA 7/30 in WNC 7/31) (see 6/6)

Jewish settlers level 25 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Qalqilya. (LAW 8/10)

Pres. Clinton returns fr. Japan in the afternoon and goes straight to Camp David, where he meets with the U.S. peace team and then talks separately with Arafat, Barak to decide how to proceed. He then goes into talks with PA, Israeli negotiators that continue overnight, focusing on Jerusalem. (XIN 7/23 in WNC 7/24; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/24; XIN 7/24 in WNC 7/26; MM 7/26)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak travels to Riyadh to discuss the final status talks on Jerusalem with Saudi Arabia's King Fahd, Crown Prince Abdallah. (NYT 7/23; MENA 7/23 in WNC 7/24; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/24; al-Quds 7/24 in WNC 7/26; MM, NYT 7/27)

Pope John Paul calls for Jerusalem to be granted "international status" under a permanent arrangement. (MM, NYT, WT 7/24; al-Quds 7/24 in WNC 7/26; ANSA 8/2 in WNC 8/4)

In Okinawa, EU leaders say the G-8 states have agreed to Pres. Clinton's request share the cost of any Camp David peace agmt.; no figures were discussed. (WT 7/24)

Amid rumors that Arafat has conceded the refugees' right of return at talks in Camp David, PLOEC mbr. As`ad `Abd al-Rahman resigns his position as PLO refugee affairs coordinator. (HA [Internet], MENL 7/23; SA 7/25 in WNC 7/27)

In Gaza, Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin says he would declare a truce with Israel if Barak agreed to withdraw completely to the 1967 borders fr. Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem. (NYT 7/24; WJW 7/17)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers assault a delegation of Arab Americans who arrived in the town on a solidarity visit. (MEI 7/28)

Without prior notice, the IDF seals off and begins leveling 4,000 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem. When the owner, Ali Mahameed, and his family attempt to stop them, IDF soldiers assault them. (LAW 8/10)

At Camp David, PA, Israeli teams break for the Jewish Sabbath. Secy. of State Albright meets with Arafat to discuss core issues. (NYT, WP, WT 7/23; SA 7/23 in WNC 7/24)

Jordanian FM `Abd al-Ilah Khatib flies to Alexandria to discuss with Egyptian FM `Amr Musa "the results and information that [have] reached us on the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations . . . at Camp David." (MENA 7/22 in WNC 7/24; MM, NYT 7/24)

Low-key PA-Israeli talks continue at Camp David, with Secy. of State Albright shuttling btwn. negotiating teams. (MM, State Dept. press briefing 7/21; NYT, WP 7/22; al-Quds 7/22 in WNC 7/24)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak receives a call fr. Israeli PM Barak fr. Camp David. He then phones Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad and Jordan's King Abdallah to exchange views on the latest developments at the summit. (MENA 7/21 in WNC 7/24)

Police in Charlotte, NC, arrest 18 people for a money laundering scheme in which they allegedly skimmed cigarette taxes, funneled the profits of upward of $1 m. to Hizballah in Lebanon. Hizballah denies any connection to those arrested. (WP, WT 7/22; NYT 7/24)

As PA-Israeli talks continue at Camp David, U.S. officials begin lowering expectations for an agmt. to be concluded, hinting that teams may take a break of a couple of wks., then resume mtgs. (MM, White House press briefing 9/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/18; SA 7/23 in WNC 7/24; NYT 7/29)

Bashar al-Asad is sworn in as pres. of Syria at a special session of parliament. He gives an inaugural address in which he vows to continue to seek peace with Israel on the basis of Israel's full withdrawal fr. the Golan to the 6/4/67 lines and to implement economic and administrative reforms. (WT 7/17; ITAR-TASS, MENA 7/17, MENA 7/18 in WNC 7/19; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/18; NYT, WT 7/19; MM 7/20, 7/21; JP, MEI 7/28)

In Qalqilya, clashes btwn. West Bank, Gazan Palestinians continue for the 2d day. In total, 7 people have been injured, 40 arrested, and 7 buildings housing Gazan laborers have been burned. The PA rushes 400 policemen into Qalqilya fr. Nablus and surrounding towns to quell the riots, protect the city's 200 Gazan laborers. (WP 7/18)

Palestinians stone 4 Israeli busses that mistakenly enter Qalandiyya refugee camp en route to a nearby Jewish settlement to pick up settlers holding a demonstration against the Camp David talks. 3 drivers abandon their busses and flee in the 4th bus, suffering light injuries. Qalandiyya residents torch the 3 deserted busses. The IDF accuses the PA of incitement. (JP [Internet] 7/17)

PA-Israeli talks continue at Camp David. In his 1st comments since talks began, Pres. Clinton says there has been some progress toward an agmt., "but I can't say I know we will succeed." Today, Clinton meets with both delegations. In Emmitsburg, the PA, Israeli technical comms. on noncore issues meet; some sessions are held with U.S. reps. present. (White House press briefing 7/16; NYT, WP, WT 7/17; al-Quds, SA 7/17 in WNC 7/19)

 In Tel Aviv, some 100,000 Israelis, many of them Jewish settlers bussed in fr. the West Bank, protest against the Camp David talks. In Nablus, some 1,000 Palestinians hold a rally in support of the summit. Another 1,000 Palestinians in Jinin call on the PA to secure Palestinian sovereignty over East Jerusalem as part of an agmt. (JP [Internet], MA [Internet], NM, NYT, WP, WT, YA [Internet] 7/17; CSM 7/18; MA 7/21 in WNC 7/25)

For a 2d day in Hebron, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinians and attack Palestinian property. (al-Quds 7/22 in WNC 7/24; MEI 7/28) (see 7/15)

Jewish settlers confiscate 50 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Salfit. (LAW 8/10)

In Qalqilya, West Bank Palestinians clash with Palestinian migrant laborers fr. Gaza. Gazans have streamed into the West Bank looking for work since 10/99, when the safe-passage route linking the two PA-controlled areas was opened. (WP 7/18)

In Markaba, 2 Hizballah mbrs. are killed in a shootout with Amal mbrs.; up to 9 individuals fr. both sides are wounded. Both groups regret the incident, give no explanation of the cause. Reports suggest that Amal mbrs. picked a fight with Hizballah mbrs. hanging campaign posters for upcoming parliamentary elections, and the incident devolved into a shooting match. (MM 7/17; MEI 7/28)

PA, Israeli teams take a break fr. formal talks, go sightseeing. After the Jewish Sabbath ends, Clinton holds a 3-way mtg. with Arafat, Barak. PM Barak also phones presidential candidates, VP Al Gore and Texas gov. George W. Bush; no details are released. The White House also confirms that the PA, Israeli teams have begun meeting on noncore issues in Emmitsburg. (White House press conference, WT 7/16; DUS 7/16 in WNC 7/18; NYT, WP, WT 7/17; JP 7/21)

In Jerusalem, Israeli peace activists hold a rally in support of the Camp David talks. In the PA areas, various groups supporting and opposing the talks hold demonstrations. In Hebron, 100s of Jewish settlers adamantly opposed to the peace process throw rocks at Palestinians, claiming they are disturbing the Sabbath, sparking a riot that lasts 3 hrs. 3 Palestinian cameramen are badly beaten by IDF soldiers while trying to film the incident. (LAW 7/15; WP, WT 7/16; al-Quds 7/22 in WNC 7/24; MEI 7/28)

Jewish settlers occupy a hill top nr. Efrat settlement, clash with Israeli police who attempt to remove them. (IDF Radio [Internet] 7/16)

PA-Israeli final status talks continue for the 3d day at Camp David. The State Dept. characterizes the negotiations as "comfortable" and "informal" but refuses to discuss substance or progress. This evening, Arafat, Barak hold their 1st private mtg. Secy. of State Albright meets with Barak and with the PA and Israeli teams. Pres. Clinton spends the afternoon away fr. the talks, attending to other business, but returns in the evening and holds separate mtgs. with Arafat, Barak. (NYT, White House press briefing, WP, WT 7/14; AYM 7/14, 7/16 in WNC 7/24; al-Quds 7/15 in WNC 7/18)

PA-Israeli final status talks continue at Camp David. Pres. Clinton holds more 1-on-1 mtgs. with Arafat, Barak. Secy. of State Albright, special envoy Ross meet with Israeli, PA teams. PA, Israeli teams hold formal, informal sessions discussing "what the parties need to agree on in order to reach an overall agmt." (White House press briefing 7/12; MM, NYT, WT 7/13; DUS 7/13 in WNC 7/17; AYM 7/13 in WNC 7/18)

In Bethlehem, 100s of Palestinians hold a rally calling on the PA to protect refugee rights at the Camp David talks. (BDL, Reuters [Internet] 7/12)

The Israeli High Court upholds the conviction of Shas leader Arye Deri on bribery, corruption charges. Deri is to begin serving his 3-yr. sentence on 8/13. (MM 7/12; MM, NYT, WP 7/13; MA 7/13 in WNC 7/17; JP 7/21) (see 3/17/99)

A Tel Aviv court issues a 3-mo. continuance in the case of IDF detainees Obeid and Dirani, saying they should remain jailed until their case is decided. (NYT 7/13; WJW 7/20) (see 5/29)

In the morning, PM Barak goes to Cairo to discuss the final status talks with Pres. Mubarak. He then returns to Israel and narrowly survives a Knesset vote on 2 no-confidence motions, freeing him to depart for Camp David late tonight. (Arafat left earlier in the day. (MM 7/10; MENA 7/10 in WNC 7/11; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/11; CSM 7/12; Le Monde 7/12 in WNC 7/13; MEI 7/14)

Israel's Ezer Weizman steps down as pres. The timing has nothing to with Barak's coalition crisis; indeed, Weizman's last act is to urge Barak to forge ahead with the Camp David summit. Weizman decided in 5/00 to retire today after a police investigation concluded on 4/6 he was guilty of fraud but that statute of limitations for prosecution had run out. The Knesset will choose a new pres. on 7/31 (NYT, WP 7/11; MM, WJW 7/13; JP 7/21)

Bashar al-Asad, the sole candidate, is elected pres. of Syria with 97% of the vote. Some 210,000 Syrians working in Lebanon returned home for the election. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/11; Interfax, MENA, SA 7/11, JT 7/12 in WNC 7/13; CSM, WP, WT 7/12; MEI 7/14)

PM Barak delays his departure for Camp David after 3 coalition parties--National Religious party, Shas, Yisrael Ba'Aliya--quit the government. In addition, FM Levy announces he will not attend summit because Barak has failed to consult with him on planned concessions. The opposition schedules 2 no-confidence votes for 7/10. Yet, public opinion polls show that 61% of Jewish Israelis support the talks with the PA. The U.S. says the summit must go ahead or Palestinian-Israeli tensions will rise further. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/10; AYM 7/11, Le Monde 7/12 in WNC 7/13; JP, MEI 7/14) (see 7/5)

In Washington, Secy. of State Albright holds mtgs. with the Israeli, PA peace teams sent in advance of Barak, Arafat to prepare for the Camp David summit, which is scheduled to begin on 7/11. The PA vows to hold a popular referendum of Palestinians inside and outside the territories on any agmt. that emerges fr. the talks. (JP [Internet], Reuters [Internet] 7/9; XIN 7/9 in WNC 7/11; WP 7/10)

In Cairo, Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak on his way to the Camp David summit. Arafat then heads to London for a similar mtg. with PM Blair. (MENA 7/9 in WNC 7/10; Associated Press [Internet] 7/10; MENA 7/10 in WNC 7/11; MENA 7/11 in WNC 7/13)

Although the U.S. plans to have a media blackout surrounding the Camp David talks, PM Barak dispatches a media information team that will operate fr. New York, Washington during the summit. MKs Rabbi Michel Melchoir, Yuli Tamir will head the team. (Prime Minister's Office press release 7/9; MA 7/10 in WNC 7/11; SA 7/14 in WNC 7/18; MA 7/24 in WNC 7/25)

Jordanian PM Abu al-Raghib says Jordan has informed Israel, the PA, the U.S. of Jordan's "firm refusal" to absorb any additional Palestinian refugees "under any pretext," including a final status agmt. (JT [Internet], MM 7/10; JT 7/14 in WNC 7/18)

IDF soldiers open fire on a Palestinian car nr. Kafr Darom settlement in Gaza, killing a woman, wounding 5 others. The IDF says the shooting was an accident. (NYT 7/10; WJW 7/13; MEI 7/14)

In Washington, PM Barak, Pres. Clinton hold private 21/2-hr. mtg., without aides or note-takers, to discuss framework for resuming Israeli-Arab negotiations. Barak reportedly tells Clinton his conditions for peace agmt. with Syria, saying Israel would never return to the pre-1967 borders (as Syria demands), and promises to implement the Wye agmt. with the PA, but says that "most" Jewish settlers would remain in the West Bank and Gaza. Publicly, Barak urges the U.S. to reduce its role in negotiations and in enforcing existing agmts., arguing that Israel, the PA have to work out their differences on their own, specifically asking the U.S. to end CIA's role in monitoring PA adherence to Wye security requirements. Clinton agrees that the U.S. has become "overly intrusive in the Middle East dialogue." This evening, the Clintons and Baraks have private dinner at Camp David. (CSM, MM 7/15; Xinhua 7/15 in WNC 7/16; al-Quds 7/15 in WNC 7/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/16; NYT, WP 7/17; NYT 7/21; WJW 7/22; CSM 7/28; MEI 7/30)

In Geneva, the signatories to the Fourth Geneva Convention meet at the UN's request to discuss Israel's human rights violations and settlement activity in the occupied territories, but adjourn after only 30 mins., with no debate, after approving a statement declaring settlements illegal. Australia, Canada, Israel, the U.S. boycott. (LAW, WT 7/15; al-Ayyam 7/17, Interfax 7/20 in WNC 7/21; al-Ahram 7/18 in WNC 7/19; JP 7/23; MEI 7/30) (see 7/13; Doc. A???)

Arafat, Egyptian FM Musa confer on the peace process in Helsinki, where Arafat is on an official visit. Finland currently holds the EU presidency. (MENA 7/15 in WNC 7/16; MENA 7/16 in WNC 7/19)

Arafat, King Hussein reject Netanyahu's proposal for Camp David-style talks. (WT 2/25; JT 2/25 in WNC 3/3) (see 2/23)

Mossad chief Yatom resigns under heavy pressure from within the agency to accept responsibility for failed assassination attempt on Hamas's Mishal. PM Netanyahu accepts resignation "with regret," praising Yatom's "personal integrity, self-sacrifice, and deep commitment to the country's security." (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/25; JT 2/25 in WNC 3/3; MM 2/26; WT 3/2; CSM 3/5; JP 3/7) (see 2/19)

100 mbrs. of Refah party, banned by the Turkish government 1/16, form new Virtue party. (WP, NYT 2/25; NYT 2/26; MEI 2/27; Zaman [Istanbul] 3/8 in WNC 3/10)

3 Lebanese homes in s. Lebanon are damages during Israeli air force raid. (RL 2/24)

PA-Israeli subcomm. mtgs. resume for 1st time in 7 mos. with a security subcomm. mtg. in Tel Aviv. Joint Steering Comm. will meet once every 2 wks. to discuss progress of 8 subcomms.(ITV 10/7 in WNC 10/8)

LACC meets in Ramallah. (UNSCO press release 10/26)

In Washington, Pres. Clinton discusses status of peace process with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman; rejects Weizman proposal for Camp David-style summit, saying sides are too far apart for success. (MM 10/8, WT 10/9; PR 10/10)

In Gaza, Hamas's Shaykh Yasin meets with Arafat; says that suicide bombings could be abandoned under certain conditions, but full truce would require full Israeli withdrawal fr. West Bank and Gaza, removal of settlements; stresses that Hamas is not challenging PA authority. (CSM, NYT 10/8)

In Beirut, Iraq, Lebanon hold talks on expanding trade, economic ties. (RL 10/7 in WNC 10/8)

In response to U.S. dipatch of an aircraft carrier to the Gulf 10/3, Iran announces that 10-day naval exercises involving more than 50 ships will begin 10/11. (NYT, WT 10/8; NYT, WP, WT 10/13; WT 10/14)

Netanyahu proposes that Israel, the PA bypass the 3 stages of FRD and hold Camp-David-style negotiations. Arafat refuses (ITV 3/19, IDF Radio 3/20 in WNC 3/21; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/20; ITV 3/20, MA 3/21 in WNC 3/24; CSM, MM 3/21; PR 3/28; JP 3/29)

Peaceful Palestinian protests continue at Har Homa, as IDF soldiers continue to deploy in force to guard construction workers. 200 Palestinians march in Ramallah, are kept away fr. Israeli checkpoints by PA security forces. (MM 3/19; NYT 3/20)

After receiving notice that their detentions had been extended without cause, 220 Palestinian administrative detainees being held without trial in Israel's Megiddo prison riot for 6 hrs. IDF soldiers fire tear gas, tents catch on fire, entire section of prison burns down. (LAW 3/23; PR 3/28, 4/18)

King Hussein accepts PM Kabariti's resignation, replaces him with fmr. PM `Abd al-Salam Majali, swears in new cabinet. Majali will lead a caretaker government until the 11/97 general elections. (MM 3/19; al-Dustur, JT, RJ, RMC 3/19 in WNC 3/20; JTV 3/19, al-Dustur, JT 3/20 in WNC 3/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 3/20; JT 3/20 in WNC 3/24, 3/25; al-Majd 3/24 in WNC 3/28; MM 3/25; JT 3/31 in WNC 4/1)

Jordan's Arab Organization for Human Rights, Islamic Action Front party, Jordan Bar Association separately announce that they have set up legal defense teams to represent Pvt. Daqamsa. In addition, more than 200 independent lawyers have volunteered to defend Daqamsa. (JT 3/19 in WNC 3/20) (see 3/18)

Cyprus, Lebanon sign extradition agmt. (RL 3/19 in WNC 3/21)

Hizballah attacks an IDF patrol in s. Lebanon, killing 1 soldier, wounding 3. (RL 3/19 in WNC 3/20; SATN 3/19 in WNC 3/21;MM 3/20)

Democratic Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton wins U.S. presidential election with 370 electoral votes over Pres. Bush's 168. (NYT, WP 10/4)

In interview published simultaneously by al-Sharq al-Awsat and the French journal Politique Internationale, U.S. President-elect Bill Clinton is quoted as saying he will end the "pro-Arab bias" that characterized Pres. Bush's Middle East policy. He said he would support Palestinian self-determination in the context of the Camp David Accords, which he would revive with the help of an immediately appointed special envoy, possibly former Pres. Jimmy Carter. (MM 11/3)

AIPAC Pres. David Steiner resigns as a result of disclosure of 10/22 taped phone conversation with New York businessman Harry Katz. (WT 11/4; WP 11/5)

Palestinian negotiators call Israeli election proposal submitted 8/25 "unacceptable," but negotiable. Hanan Ashrawi says the proposal is "quite a regression" from the Camp David Accords, upon which the Rabin govt. has said its position is based. (NYT 8/28)

Israeli soldiers surround al-Najah University in Nablus. Some 3,000-4,000 students and others refuse to submit to searches; IDF imposes curfew on Nablus and 4 nearby refugee camps. (WP 7/16; NYT 7/17)

PLO Exec. Comm. issues statement criticizing Rabin's "iron fist policy," and calling for int'l. action to lift the siege. (Algiers VOP 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Construction and housing min. Benyamin Ben-Eliezer "cancel[s] endorsement" of approved but unsigned contracts for 3,000 housing units in the o.t. Council of Jewish Settlements of Judea, Samaria, and Gaza considers this a "declaration of war." (Qol Yisra'el, IDF Radio 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Fateh official Abu-Nidal al-Asmar narrowly escapes death as a bomb destroys his car in Sidon. (AFP 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Israeli undercover unit shoots dead Hamas-'Izz al-Din al-Qassim faction mbr. in Gaza City. (MM 7/16)

Amal claims an attack on an SLA patrol in al-Qantara, S. Lebanon, kills 6 Israeli soldiers and 1 Amal militiaman. SLA responds by shelling "security zone" border villages of al-Qantara, al-Qabrikha. (VOL 7/15 in FBIS 7/15; Radio Lebanon 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

PM Rabin "rules out" Palestinian legislative elections as outlined in Camp David Accords. (WP 7/16)

Pres. Herzog leaves for 2-day visit to Turkey, firstrip to Turkey by an Israeli president. (Qol Yisra'el 7/15 in FBIS 7/16)

Israeli Amb. to U.S. Shoval, Secy. of State Baker, meet in Washington, discuss Israeli alternative to 1/24 U.S. proposal on loan guarantees. Two sides differ on how many Jewish homes are currently under construction in o.t. Baker revises downward his 1/24 estimate of 9,000 to less than 6,000, based on U.S. intelligence sources. Shoval maintains 13,000. (NYT 2/8, WP 2/11)

Israeli press publishes interview with PM Shamir in which he states Israel is "not obligated to every word" of 1979 Camp David Accords. (NYT 2/8)

Danish court rules that ship detained in Denmark 2/3 while transporting tanks to Syria should be allowed to continue voyage, but justice ministry appeals decision to Danish high court. (MM 2/7)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Right-wing Knesset members lead group of Israelis, escorted by IDF, on hike through W. Bank to demonstrate Israeli sovereignty [LAT 6/ 30]. In Gaza first of 500 families from Canada camp in Sinai are resettled near Rafah as part of 1979 Camp David accord [FBIS 6/29].

Arab World: The rival governments in Lebanon resume relations with Egypt; ties were broken in 1979 with Egypt signed a treaty with Israel [LAT 7/1].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. calls deportation of 8 Palestinians "harmful" [LAT 6/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel deports 8 Palestinian activists to Lebanon [LAT, FBIS 6/30]. In Balatah camp troops shoot, wound 5 Palestinians. At least 4 others are injured throughout O.T. [FBIS 6/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli chief of staff Shomron states that only way military can put down uprising is by mass deportation, starvation, or genocide [WP 6/17, LAT 6/18]. Israel closes Holy Land Press Service run by Palestinian activist Sari Nusaybah [WP 6/17]. Military court sentences 4 soldiers charged with manslaughter in the beating death of 43-year-old Palestinian to 6-9 months in jail for brutality [NYT 6/16]. Shamir says election proposal for O.T. is Camp David agreement in new packaging [FBIS 6/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops shoot, injure at least 7 Palestinians in Gaza. In Wadi Fukin soldiers shoot, wound 3 Palestinians. Troops shoot, injure 4 Palestinians in Aida camp. In Bayt Lid troops open fire, injuring 3 Palestinians [FJ 6/19]. In Gaza 2 Palestinians accused of collaboration are killed [NYT 6/16].

Arab World: In south Lebanon 2 Israeli soldiers are wounded by mortars [FBIS 6/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: In Der Spiegel interview Egyptian Pres. Mubarak calls Shamir "stubborn," states that Camp David is outdated [NYT 12/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza City during demonstrations protesting killing of 2 Palestinians night before, troopshoot, kill 1 Palestinian. At least 9 others are injured 1FJ 1/2].