The Palestine Chronology

Marking the 3d such attack in 3 days, Sarayat al-Shaykh Umar Hadid fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. Earlier in the day, the IDF deploys an Iron Dome missile defense battery nr. Sderot. Meanwhile,Israeli naval forces open fire on Gazan fishing boats, causing no damage. In the West Bank, around 2,000 Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus under an IDF escort, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 IDF soldier is lightly injured. Palestinians throw stones at Israeli cars nr. Hebron and Jerusalem, and later at an Egged bus nearby, causing minor damage. In Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, PASF troops disperse around 300 Palestinians protesting the PASF’s alleged use of excessive force in recent confrontations, including on 9/18. Israeli soldiers assault 2 Palestinian women during a raid nr. Hebron, demolish 5 Palestinian stores n. of Jerusalem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli forces conduct a series of raids throughout East Jerusalem neighborhoods, arresting 21 and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians (1 is injured) (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 9/20; HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/21; PCHR 10/1)

In response to a statement released by PM Netanyahu’s office on 9/19, Israeli atty. gen. Weinstein says that he has not approved increasing minimum sentences for those convicted of throwing stones or Molotov cocktails and that he opposes changing the Israeli police’s rules of engagement in East Jerusalem. After meeting with Weinstein and the security cabinet, Netanyahu backs off his proposal. According to a statement released by his office, Netanyahu is “leaning toward the idea raised in the meeting to stiffen penalties— setting mandatory minimum penalties for stone-throwers by means of a temporary provision that would be in place for a year at the first stage.” (HA, JP, TOI, YA 9/20)

In the West Bank, senior PA official Ziad Abu Ein dies hours after sustaining injuries in a confrontation with IDF soldiers at a nonviolent demonstration in Turmus ‘Ayya village nr. Ramallah. Palestinians gather to protest Abu Ein’s death, sparking further clashes with IDF troops; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured, several others are moderately injured from live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber-coated metal bullets, and 3 are arrested. Separately, Israeli authorities declare approximately 10,000 dunams of Palestinian land in the n. Jordan Valley to be a closed military zone. In the morning, a unit of Israeli soldiers conducts military drills nr. a school in c. Hebron, then fires tear gas canisters at the school, injuring dozens of Palestinian students and teachers. Israeli settlers attack several Palestinians nr. Bethlehem, causing no injuries. Then, s. of Nablus, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian factory. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian’s car in Silwan, completely destroying it. Israeli settlers attack an Egged bus driven by a Palestinian, breaking his windshield with a rock. Israeli police escort a group of right-wing Jewish activists into Haram al-Sharif. They also detain 1 Palestinian woman at a gate to the compound. Separately, IDF troops detain an 8-year-old Palestinian on his way home from school in Silwan and 4 Palestinians late at night during house searches and raids in al-Thawri. (AJ, HA, JP, MEMO, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 12/10; HA 12/11, 12/13; PCHR 12/18)

Labor Party leader Isaac Herzog and Hatnua Party leader Livni agree to run on a joint list in the 3/17/2015 election. Their agreement stipulates that, should they win, Herzog will serve as PM for 2 years, then Livni will take over for the next 2. (HA, JP 12/10)

In the Gaza Strip, gas shipments are held as a result of a dispute between the Palestinian Ministry of Finance in Gaza and the Palestinian Gen. Directorate of Petroleum. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler stabs a Palestinian man e. of Hebron, causing moderate injuries. Hours later, Israeli settlers attack a 12-year-old Palestinian in the H2 area of Hebron, causing major bruising. In response, the IDF sets up several mobile checkpoints around Hebron, and later detain and beat 1 Palestinian. Following the 3 incidents, hundreds of Israeli soldiers and a group of private settler security officers conduct military drills n. of Hebron. They also conduct house searches nr. Hebron and Salfit. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers and soldiers continue leveling land around the Ahiya outpost nr. Nablus. Unknown assailants throw stones at a bus full of Israeli settlers in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Jerusalem. Right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif with an escort of Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers. Meanwhile, Israeli police detain 1 Palestinian woman at an entrance to the compound. Israeli forces conduct arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Salfit; patrol in Anata r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents. Israeli security forces also arrest an 11-year-old Palestinian for throwing stones at an Egged bus nr. the Old City, and later take him to alMaskubiya prison. In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli police arrest 9 Druze for raising Hizballah flags at public events in recent mos. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish several homes in the unrecognized bedouin village al-‘Araqib. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/8; IMEMC, MEMO, MNA, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/10)

The Knesset approves a motion to dissolve itself, officially setting 3/17/2015 as the date for national elections. Israel’s major parties begin discussions about potential coalitions, blocs, and joint lists. Before the vote, PM Netanyahu, in his capacity as acting fin. min., asks the Knesset Finance Comm. to allocate $20 m. for settlements in the West Bank. (HA, JP, MEMO, NYT, TOI, YA 12/8; YA 12/9)

The 122 mbr. states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) grant Palestine observer status, which is seen as symbolically advancing the Palestinians toward signing the Rome Statute and attaining full membership at the ICC. (AP, NYT 12/9)

A delegation of Hamas officials arrives in Tehran for talks on repairing ties with the Iranian govt. The visit is reportedly a prelude to a future visit of Hamas leader Khalid Mishal. (MEMO, WAFA, YA 12/9; TOI, YA 2/17)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of al-Bureij r.c. arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to cross the fence into Israel after firing warning shots. Off the coast nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval forces detain 12 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate 5 of their boats. Around 20 Palestinian youth volunteer to help clean up the European Hospital in Khan Yunis as the hospital sanitation workers continue their strike for a 4th day. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Hebron while Israeli soldiers stand by. At the al-Karama crossing into Jordan, the IDF arrests a Palestinian Al-Quds University prof. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; patrols in Hebron and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Salfit. In East Jerusalem, 5 Israeli settlers board an Egged bus and assault its Palestinian driver, causing him moderate injuries before Israeli police intervene. (MNA, WAFA 12/6; MNA 12/7; IMEMC 12/9; PCHR 12/10)

Palestinian prisoners threaten to go on a hunger strike if the Israeli Prison Service does not meet demands of a fellow prisoner, Nahar al-Sa‘adi, who has been on hunger strike since 11/20 in protest of a lack of family visits and his year-long solitary confinement; 70 of them begin a strike on 12/9. (MNA 12/6, 12/9)

In the Gaza Strip, unknown Palestinians fire shots toward IDF troops nr. the Erez crossing, causing no injuries. In 2 separate incidents, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF informs residents nr. Jenin that 1,000s of dunams of land in the area will be seized; delivers demolition orders for 8 structures to Palestinians in a village nr. Hebron. Elsewhere, a Palestinian throws a Molotov cocktail at a settler nr. Hawara village s. of Nablus, and IDF troops impose a curfew on the village. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and in Jenin r.c. Clashes break out with residents nr. Nablus, injuring 4 Palestinians in ‘Askar r.c. Late at night, a group of settlers, accompanied by IDF troops, enters a village e. of Ramallah and tries to burn a Palestinian’s home, but residents stop them. An Israeli settler attempts to run over 3 Palestinians with his car s. of Hebron, causing no injuries or damage. In East Jerusalem, municipal authorities and IDF troops deliver a demolition order to the Silwan home of the Palestinian who was suspected of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29 and was killed hours later by Israeli security forces. (See QU in JPS 174 for more.) In Israel, police arrest a U.S. citizen, saying that he has been living in Israel illegally for 18 mos., he possesses illegal weapons, and that he is planning attacks on Haram al-Sharif with his roommate, an IDF soldier. (MNA, WAFA 11/19; IMEMC, MNA, PCHR 11/20; PCHR 11/27; AFP, JP, HA 12/9)

Israeli authorities announce that the bodies of the 2 Palestinians who attacked a synagogue in West Jerusalem on 11/18 will not be returned to their families. Following the announcement, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces break out in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Jabal Mukabir, where the men were from, Sur al-Bahir, Silwan, Issawiyya, and al-Tur; 12 Palestinians are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. (HA, TOI 11/19; MNA 11/20)

Palestinian bus drivers working for Egged continue their strike for a 2d day, protesting the death of a driver on 11/16. (IMEMC 11/19)

Israeli authorities approve the construction of 78 new homes in 2 settlements in East Jerusalem. (AA, REU 11/19)

For the 2d day in a row, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Oman’s FM Alawi in London to discuss the negotiations between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. (AP 11/19)

Jordan’s govt. formally condemns the attack on the West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18. The Jordanian parliament holds a moment of silence for the 2 Palestinians who were killed by Israeli police after perpetrating the attack, and Jordanian PM Abdullah Ensour sends a letter of condolence to the men’s family. (TOI 11/21)

Two Palestinian men attack a synagogue in West Jerusalem, killing 4 rabbis and 1 Druze policeman, and injuring around 8 others. Policemen shoot and kill the 2 men. Later in the day, Israeli security forces raid the men’s homes in Jabal Mukabir, East Jerusalem, and arrest 12 of their relatives. Clashes break out between Palestinians and Israeli officers in the neighborhood, injuring 22 Palestinians with tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets. More clashes erupt in Sur al-Bahir, Wadi al-Juz, and al-Tur. Israeli PM Netanyahu orders the punitive demolition of the 2 men’s homes, and adds additional border police in Jerusalem. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT 11/18; MNA 11/19, 11/20; ALM 11/21)

A 15-year-old Palestinian dies in a hospital in Turkey, succumbing to injuries sustained on 7/21 in Gaza during Israel’s Operation Protective Edge (OPE). (PCHR 11/20)

In the Gaza Strip, public servants in ministry offices, schools, and public universities begin a general strike, protesting the fact that their full salaries haven’t been paid for over a year. In the West Bank, Palestinians nr. Tulkarm protest the recent Israeli violence in Jerusalem, sparking clashes with IDF soldiers. Dozens of Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian school in ‘Urif village nr. Nablus in response to the killing of the 4 rabbis, and IDF troops injure 6 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets, including a Reuters cameraman. Meanwhile, an Israeli settler shoots and seriously injures a Palestinian youth after a settler demonstration e. of Ramallah and Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian home s. of Nablus. Separately, settlers throw rocks at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus and Hebron. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian in Baytin village nr. Ramallah. Also, IDF troops search the Hebron homes of 2 of the Palestinian men accused of kidnapping and killing 3 Israeli settler teenagers on 6/12; and raid Bayt Umar village. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers stab a Palestinian man on the street in Kafr ‘Aqab, moderately injuring him. Separately, Israeli minister of internal security Yitzhak Aharonovitch enters Shu‘fat r.c. and Palestinian youth throw stones and bottles at him. In the ensuing clashes with Israeli security forces, several Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. Israeli forces demolish the home of the Palestinian man who was killed by police after driving a vehicle into a group of pedestrians on 10/22. Also, Israeli police arrest a Palestinian man on the charge of incitement after he posts videos and images to a Facebook page supporting violence against Israelis. (MNA, SAFA, WAFA 11/18; MNA 11/19; PCHR 11/20; JP 11/24)

Palestinian bus drivers working for the Israeli bus company Egged go on strike in protest of the death of their colleague on 11/16. Over 40 of them quit after Egged decides not to provide additional security. (IMEMC 11/19; AFP 12/4)

Reps. of Iran and the P5+1 (U.S., UK, China, France, Russia, and Germany) resume negotiations in Vienna over Iran’s disputed nuclear program, aiming to meet the Joint Plan of Action’s extended deadline of 11/24. In London, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Oman’s FM Yusuf bin Alawi, a mediator in the talks with Iran. (GDN, HA 11/18; AP 11/19; NYT 11/20)

The Spanish parliament passes a symbolic res. urging recognition of Palestine as a state after Israel and the Palestinians negotiate a res. to their conflict. (IHY, REU 11/18)

The IDF arrests 17 Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Hebron; claims they planned, carried out anti-Israeli attacks on orders fr. their “headquarters” in Syria; says it is still searching for the cell leader Diab Suwayki, whom it has tried to assassinate twice. The IDF also demolishes 5 Palestinian homes in, fires on residential areas of Rafah; demolishes a Palestinian home in Bayt Furik; raids 2 buildings in Ramallah containing medical and law offices, destroying furniture, files; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in Tulkarm, seriously injuring a 13-yr.-old Palestinian; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis r.c.; confiscates 76 Palestinian taxis operating on the Ramallah+nJerusalem road (see 1/20); conducts arrest raids in Balata r.c., Jenin, Nablus. A Hamas gunman ambushes, lightly wounds a Jewish settler nr. Dayr al-Balah; in response, the IDF demolishes 4 Palestinian homes, bulldozes 31 dunams of land nr. Kefar Darom. The IDF says it has noticed increased efforts by the PA to halt the firing of Qassam missiles and planting of bombs in Gaza; says the PA stepped up efforts before elections, but has continued them after elections as well. An Israeli court orders Arafat, the PA to pay more than $10 m. in damages to Israel's Egged bus company for losses caused by Palestinian suicide bombings. (AP, HA, PM, REU 2/4; LAW, PCHR, PR, WP, WT 2/5; TJT, WJW 2/6)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ahmad Qadir Mansur, convicted of bombing Egged bus in February 1987, is sentenced to life imprisonment [FJ 2/21].

Arab World: Lt. Col. William Higgins, U.S. marine serving in Lebanon with UN Truce Supervision Organization, is abducted by unknown gunmen near Tyre [WP 2/18]. PLO officials announce they are postponing plans to charter ship of return for 130 deported Palestinians [NYT 2/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In village of Shuyukh, near Hebron, Israeli troops open fire on stone-throwing demonstrators protesting predawn raid; 1 Palestinian is killed, at least 3 others injured [WP, NYT 2/18]. Protests are also reported in Ramallah and Jabalya and Shu'fat camps [NYT 2/18; FJ 2/21]. Army imposes curfew Qabatiyyah village after demonstration [FJ 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military orders all government schools in W. Bank closed for 2 days [LAT 12/21; FJ 12/27]. Israeli cabinet discusses violence in the occupied territories, defends army's handling of disturbances [LAT 12/21]. Davar reports police investigation into death of 'Awad Hamdan, Palestinian who died while in police custody, had uncovered evidence suggesting 1of 3 Israeli interrogators was involved in Hamdan's death; other interrogators will be reprimanded for lying to Landau Commission [FJ 12/27]. Israel orders Hebron U., Abu Dis College, and al-'Asriyyah Community College closed for 1 month because of recent student protests [FJ 12/27]. Umm al-Fahm residents protest Israeli measures in occupied territories, call for end to occupation [FJ 12/27]. In meeting with Pres. Herzog, Italy's Pres. Cossiga expresses concern about events in occupied territories [FBIS 12/22].

Arab World: Egypt delivers formal protest of Israel's handling of occupied territory disturbances to Israeli ambassador, the 5th such protest in 12 days. Hani al-Hassan, aide to PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat, arrives in Egypt for talks [NYT 12/21]. In Sidon, 7,500 Palestinian and Lebanese Muslim protesters join in anti-Israel march [CSM, LAT 12/21].

Other Countries: Pope John Paul II appeals for peace in Holy Land, expresses support for Palestinian people [WP 12/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Violent disturbances continue in W. Bank and Gaza Strip; at least 6 are shot, wounded in clashes with Israeli troops, 4 of them during large demonstration in West Bank's Far'ah refugee camp [LAT 12/21]. Curfews are imposed on Far'ah and 'Askar refugee camps [NYT 12/21]. Soldiers clash with large demonstration in Ramallah, and Am'ari, Jalazun, and Qalandiya refugee camps [FJ 12/27]. Protesters burn, destroy Egged bus carrying workers from Rafah [FJ 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Group of 9 Palestinian W. Bank and Gaza Strip leaders refuses to meet with U.S. Sec. of State Shultz in Israel [LAT 10/19]. Shultz concludes 3 days of talks with P. M. Shamir and F. M. Peres [WP 10/19]. One of 4 Gazans shot by Israeli border guards 10/17 says guards opened fire after car stopped [FJ 10/25]. Palestinian youth is shot in leg by guard at Egged bus stop [FJ 10/25]. In Kisan, 2 Palestinian houses are demolished; house in al-Sawahrah al-Sharqiyyah is also bulldozed [FJ 10/25]. Body of Misbah al-Suri, Gaza resident killed 10/1 by IDF soldiers, is delivered to family for burial [FJ 10/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers raid Jabaliyyah refugee camp school to break up demonstration; 1 student is injured [FJ 10/25]. Troops use tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstration at Islamic University in Gaza [FJ 10/25]. In the W. Bank, 1 Palestinian is wounded when IDF soldiers clash with demonstrators at Jenin refugee camp; 3 other Palestinians are shot, wounded in Nablus [FJ 10/25]. Israeli troops teargas anti-Israel demonstrators at Arab College of Nursing in al-Birah. School administration closes college for 2 days [FJ 10/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli police arrest 3 Lydda residents on charges of involvement in throwing grenade at Egged bus carrying IDF soldiers [FJ 10/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin, responding to demands that Israel release 400 prisoners within a week in exchange for 4 university professors held in Lebanon, says Israel will not become "an international bank of prisoners" [NYT 2/2]. Israel announces Maj. Gen. Dan Shomron will be next Chief of Staff of IDF [FT 2/3]. Bomb explodes on Egged bus on route from Haifa to Jerusalem, injuring 9 Israelis [FJ 2/6; JP 2/7]. Twelve students suffer acid burns during demonstrations in Jabaliyyah refugee camp [FJ 2/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres demands resignation of Finance Minister Yitzhak Modai, who publicly criticized Peres over the weekend [LAT, CT 4/8]. Smith Research Center poll finds 54% of Israeli public wants rotation agreement between P. M. Peres and Foreign Minister Shamir to be honored [JP 4/7].

Other Countries: Greece and Israel sign a cultural and scientific cooperation agreement [JC, JTA 4/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ten people are injured, one seriously, by gasoline bomb thrown through back window of Egged bus in north Jerusalem suburb of Neve Ya'acov UP 4/9].

Arab World: Israeli planes attack Palestinian guerrilla bases around Sidon, killing 2 and wounding 20 [NYT, WP 4/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Yasir Arafat holds talks in Cairo with Pres. Husni Mubarak [NYT 2/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bombs explode in Afula, Haifa, cause no injury; 3rd bomb found on Egged bus safely defused. Several Palestinians detained [NYT 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Electric Co. official announces Israel will build first nuclear power plant in Negev [JP 1/1].

Arab World: King Hussein and Pres. Asad end two days of talks; no official statement is issued [NYT, TS 1/1]. Yasir Arafat issues statement blaming unnamed Arab intelligence services for backing renegade Palestinian groups, denounces terrorism [WP 1/1], vows to continue legitimate armed struggle against Israeli occupation [TS 1/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz reports attacks on Israeli military have increased in past 10 days (leading up to 21st anniversary of founding of Fateh), cites 4 grenade and arson attacks, including 12/22 arson of Egged buses in Gaza [FJ 1/3]. Israeli troops and SLA militia raid S. Lebanese Shi'ite village of Kunin, arrest 32 men, force 2,000 residents to leave, blow up and burn houses, according to witnesses quoted by Lebanese police; Israeli military state SLA searched Kunin for gunmen who attacked SLA patrol night before, killing 4 [NYT 1/1].

Arab World: Unidentified gunmen ambush Pres. Jumayyil's empty limousine, in apparent assassination attempt [WP, TS 1/1]. Asad Shaftari, intelligence head of the Lebanese Forces (Christian) also narrowly escapes death when his car is attacked [LAT 1/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army bulldozes home of suspect accused of killing Israeli reservist one month earlier in Hebron's old market [JP, JTA 9/27]. Israeli court awards Ariel Sharon $2,000 for court costs in Israel in suit against Time magazine, rules Time defamed former defense minister [CSM 9/27]. Israel asks Cyprus to extradite 3 arrested in Lamaca for murder of 3 Israelis to Israel for trial [NYT 9/27]. Min. of Econ. and Planning Gad Ya'acobi reports an association of S. American businessmen interested ininvesting in Israel, particularly govt. -owned companies, is being formed UP 9/27]. High Court reduces jail sentence of Jewish underground defendant Gilad Peli from 10 to 4.5 years after he expressed remorse for his deeds and cooperated during the investigation [JP 9/27].

Military Action: Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus near Halhul is fired upon, injuring 7; curfew is imposed. Anonymous phone caller to Agence France Presse office in Jerusalem claims credit on behalf of Fateh's Force 17. Hundreds of Kiryat Arba settlers rampage through Halhul around midnight, smashing windows and cars, and attacking a mosque [JP 9/27, 29]. A roadside bomb is detonated by remote control on the Jerusalem-Ma'aleh Adumim highway asa car is passing; no injuries [JP 9/29]. Firebomb is thrown at another Egged bus as it passes Mt. Zion; no injuries [JTA 9/27]. Bomb explodes behind bus stop on Mt. Scopus, injuring 2;6 suspects arrested [JP 9/27].

Arab World: Israeli air force raids alleged Abu Musa base in Majdalun, Biqa' Valley, slightly injuring 1 [LT 9/28]. 

SociaL/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Another 20 Palestinians are put under administrative detention [NYT, LT 9/4]. Military review board rejects appeals submitted by 3 West Bank Palestinians against deportation orders issued against them a week ago. They are expected to appeal to Israeli High Court [FT 9/4]. Shafiqa Abu Sitteh, 25, "accidentally" shot by Israeli soldier in the Gaza Strip last week, dies from her wounds in Beersheba Hospital [FJ 9/6]. Israeli army spokesman reports Iraeli navy seized another yacht, the Gandha, off the coast of southern Lebanon on 8/31, arresting 2 Palestinians, a Greek, and a Briton who were aboard. Spokesman states Palestinians confessed to being members of Fateh and to planning attack against targets inside Israel. Def. Min. Yitzhak Rabin states Israeli navy will intercept vessels anywhere in the Mediterranean to prevent attacks on Israeli targets [LT, CT, MG, JP 9/3]. Israeli Chief of Staff Moshe Levy tours Golan Heights and declares 2-kilometer-wide strip along demarcation line a closed military zone. Army is reportedly building new fortifications and strengthening forces in the Golan [FJ 9/6]. Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports a Modi'in Ezrachi poll shows 60% of Israeli adult public favor amnesty for imprisoned members of Jewish underground; 34% oppose it UTA 9/3].

Other Countries: New York Times reports U.S. administrations discussing convening a meeting of Western European states to sponsor direct Arab-Israeli negotiations as alternative to the international conference which King Hussein and PLO insist on, which would include the Soviet Union [JP 9/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes at bus stop at Gilo settlement, south of Jerusalem, wounding 6; 11 Palestinians are arrested [JP 9/3]. Abu Musa faction of Fateh reportedly claims responsibility [MG 9/3]. Unidentified people ambush settler's car in Gaza Strip; Israeli police say several bullets hit the car. Several Palestinians detained by police [Fl 9/6]. Stones thrown at Egged bus smash its windshield near Ramallah; 3 Palestinian youths detained and released [Fl 9/6].

Arab World: Gunmen seriously wound Hussayn al-Hayabi, 50, Palestinian guerrilla official loyal to Arafat, after storming his home in 'Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp. Hayabi is 7th Arafat loyalist attacked since July in 'Ain al-Hilweh, and only one to survive [BG,WP,MG 9/3].

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In special session, military court considers charge that confession of Abd al-Aziz Qablawi, 16, to stone-throwing at IDF vehicles was untrue and extracted by torture at Fara'a prison.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 4 Arab men demanding release of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons commandeer Egged bus from Tel Aviv to Gaza with about 10 hostages; Shin Bet storms bus, kill commandos Jamal Qablan & Mohammed Barakeh (1 passenger killed and 7 wounded by stray gunfire), take Ahmed & Subhi Abu Jama'a into custody, bludgeoning them to death later; DM Arens on scene confirms only 2 killed in operation. IDF then destroys Gaza home of the 4, orders their families not to rebuild, places home villages under curfew. Arab World: Suicide car-bomber hits IDF armored personnel carrier, wounding at least 4 troops near Deir Qanoun.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: League for Human and Civil Rights in Israel charges IDF detention center at Fara'a (West Bank) is factory for torture of inmates (mostly minors). 2 prisoners to be freed in Nov. 1983 prisoner exchange still held in Atlit prison, appeal to High Court for release. Haifa U.'s Arab Student Union pres. suspended for semester on charges of disturbing MK Sharon lecture (1/19/84), at which he and student companions were tear gassed while attempting to enter lecture hall. Pres. Herzog rejects pardon request by Uri Adiv. [See JPS (Winter 1984) pp. 176-178.] Naturei Karta's Rabbi Hirsch says on US television PLO is sole & democratically-chosen representative of Palestinian people.

Other Countries: Israeli DM Arens reportedly calls US Sec. of Defense Weinberger "a prime candidate for psychoanalysis."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF uses tear gas against Arab students demonstrating near yeshiva at Joseph's Tomb, Nablus. Egged bus traveling between Kafr Saba and Qalqilya, and IDF patrol near Balata refugee camp stoned. IDF soldier wounded while forcing dispersal of demonstrators at Nur Shams refugee camp. Beitunia students protest Egypt-Israel treaty and moves by local mayor to normalize relations with "civil administration. "

Arab World: In S. Lebanon, Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army invades Jibsheet village, kills 2 women, 1 man; IDF searches village, rounding up about 100 "suspects of hostility to Israel." IDF patrol ambushed south of Zahrani River, 1 assailant killed. 

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 21 women inmates begin new hunger strike to protest rights violations at Neve Terza prison.

Arab World: Gemayel announces plan to meet opposition representatives at Lausanne. Syrian cabinet resigns at Pres. Assad's request.

Other Countries: From Brussels, Spain's PM Felipe Gonzalez Marquez expresses interest in diplomatic relations with Israel, and hope it might contribute to peaceful solution in Middle East; reveals that, on recent visit to Riyadh, Saudi gov't. applied no pressure not to recognize Israel. US Federal Communications Commission rejects petition by "Americans for a Safe Israel" to deny license renewal of 7 NBC stations in New England for "distorting" news of Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bullet-filled petrol bomb thrown at Israeli patrol near Ramallah; no injuries. Petrol bomb thrown at home of Kalandiya village mukhtar. 1 passenger slightly wounded on Egged bus stoned near Eizariya near Jerusalem.

Arab World: Lebanese man shot dead by IDF invaders, forcing way into Qana, S. Lebanon [HQ of Fijian UNIFIL battalion] amidst villager's protests. Israeli DM Arens inspects Sidon harbor area. IDF convoy carrying MK Sharon ambushed near Sidon; Sharon narrowly escapes injury as remote control device explodes.

Military Action:

Arafat leaves Beirut by boat after tumultuous departure, farewells to Lebanese Muslim leaders (accompanied to ship by Wazzan, Salam); Syrian troops leave West Beirut, take up new positions in Bekaa; Fathi Arafat welcomes 147 wounded in Greece.

Casualties:

Shootings on rise as evacuation nears end; IDF soldier wounded in mine ambush; traffic heavy in and out of West Beirut; IDF considers delaying release of al-Ansar detainees because of guerrilla attacks in Sidon, Tyre; Egged bus line of Israel plans to open line to Tyre, Sidon, Zaharani river.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon says occupied territories belong to Israel; Nablus women's associations visit Palestinian and Lebanese wounded in Haifa hospitals; Israeli journalist Uri Avneri interrogated by Israeli police concerning his interview with Arafat (Avneri claims interrogation aimed at silencing opposition to Begin/Sharon policies); IDF soldier Eli Gozansky sentenced to third prison term for refusing to serve in Lebanon (he had previously refused to serve in the occupied territories); 38 percent of Israelis support negotiations with PLO in public poll; pro-Begin group protests war reporting.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, before departure, holds press conference at home of Jumblatt (says 5000 killed, 48,000 wounded during invasion; 9,000 arrested, including 106 fighters, among which were wounded soldiers taken from Sidon, Tyre hospitals); 5 Maronites from Kaslik University meet Shamir in Jerusalem, ask US to support Phalange efforts to expel PLO, Syrians; Major Haddad watches evacuation as guest of IDF; PLO officials in Europe release files on Abu Nidal.

Arab Governments: Saudi King Fahd expresses willingness to drop his proposal for Israeli-Arab peace; King Hussein of Jordan visits Saudi Arabia, Iraq as part of Gulf tour; Arab foreign ministers agree on date for Fez summit.

US and Other Countries: State Department denies US proposed to Sharon a "demilitarized Palestinian state" in West Bank/Gaza Strip; Reagan Administration again reflects Israeli assertion that Jordan is a Palestinian state; Weinberger prepares for visit to Lebanon, Israel; poll in UK says majority of Britons support Palestinian rights; Israeli embassy attacked in Tokyo.