The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on agricultural lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Tulkarm in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 12/12) 

Israeli PM Netanyahu tells his Likud-Yisrael Beitenu faction at the Knesset that the govt. is not on the way to a final-status agreement with the Palestinians, ahead of U.S. Secy. of State Kerry’s on 12/11, his 9th trip to the region since taking office. Netanyahu also reportedly rejects the U.S. Gen. John Allen’s security plan, saying it was important to maintain Israeli forces on the border shared with Jordan. Meanwhile, PLO Secy.-Gen. Yasir ‘Abid Rabbuh also rejects the U.S. security proposals, which he says will lead to a “total failure” of Kerry’s efforts. Separately, PA Minister of Prisoners Issa Qarage says that any delays to the scheduled release of a 3rd group of Palestinian prisoners on 12/29 will be considered a serious blow to the peace process. (AFP, AP, JP 12/9)

Israel, Jordan, and the PA sign a watersharing agreement that includes the proposed construction of a desalination plant in Jordan on the Gulf of Aqaba, and a pilot study for a pipeline linking the Red Sea-Dead Sea. Israel also intends to sell more water from the Sea of Galilee to Jordan and to sell water to the PA at reduced rates. The agreement is signed at the World Bank in Washington. (See document A2 in JPS 171 for more on the water-sharing agreement.) (AFP, REU 12/9)

Ahmet Uzumcu, head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), says that the removal of chemical weapons from Syria, scheduled in 2 stages for 12/31 and 2/5/14, may be delayed slightly due to the difficulties of operating during the ongoing violent conflict. (REU 12/9)

Mohamed Badie, leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, appears in a Cairo court for the 1st time since being detained on 8/20. Meanwhile, Egyptian armed forces shoot and kill an Islamist militant nr. Shaykh Zuweidi in the Sinai Peninsula, describing him as a leader of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. (AP, JP, REU 12/9)

U.S special envoy Ross holds final unsuccessful mtg. with PM Netanyahu. State Dept. says that since no gaps were closed during Ross's tour, it is not considering a Washington summit; says that "one option has always been for us to disengage from this kind of direct catalytic role." Ross goes to Sharm al-Shaykh to brief Egyptian pres. Mubarak. (MM 3/30; IDF Radio, MENA 3/30 in WNC 3/31; ITV, QY 3/30, al-Dustur, IDF Radio, ITV, JT, QY 3/31 in WNC 4/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/31; CSM, MM 4/1; SA 4/1 in WNC 4/3; WJW 4/2; MENA 4/2 in WNC 4/4; MM 4/3; MEI 4/10; JP 4/11)

In Riyadh, Egyptian FM Musa, Syrian FM Shara`, Saudi Arabian FM Prince Sa'ud al-Faisal open surprise 2-day mtg. to discuss peace process, possibly convening larger Arab summit. (RE 3/30 in WNC 3/31; MM 3/31; MENA, RE 3/31 in WNC 4/2; MM 4/1; al-Ittihad [Abu Dhabi] 4/2 in WNC 4/3)

Iranian FM Kharrazi arrives in Lebanon for 3-day visit, meets with Pres. Hrawi. (IRNA, RL, VOL 3/30 in WNC 3/31; IRNA 3/30, IRNA, RL 3/31 in WNC 4/2; IRNA, RL, VIRI 4/1 in WNC 4/3; al-Ahd [Beirut] 4/3 in WNC 4/13)

Jordan, Israel hold 1-day naval exercise in the Gulf of Aqaba. This is the 1st such joint exercise. (RJ 3/30, JT 3/31 in WNC 4/2)

Jordan receives last 3 F-16s fr. the U.S. (al-Ra'i 3/31 in WNC 4/2; JT 4/4 in WNC 4/7)

Palestinians across the West Bank, Gaza mark Land Day, the anniversary of the 1976 incident in which the IDF opened fire on Palestinians protesting Israeli land confiscations, killing 6. Clashes with IDF are reported in Bethlehem, al-Bireh, Hebron, Jinin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah; 17 Palestinians are injured. Israeli Arab leaders order general strike. (NYT 3/29; MM 3/30; al-Dustur 3/31 in WNC 4/2; MA 4/6 in WNC 4/7; JP 4/11)

Israeli High Court rejects appeal to prevent demolition of mosque in Jordan Valley, school and home nr. Nablus, home nr. Tulkarm. (LAW 3/31)

50 Christian evangelical groups make unprecedented promise not to carry out missionary activity in Israel, saying that they "rejoice in the presence of the Jewish people in this country of their ancestors" and they will avoid "activities which . . . alienate them from their tradition and community." (WT 3/31)

Saudi Arabia ends its inquiry into the 6/96 Khobar barracks bombing, says bombers cannot be positively identified. U.S., which suspects Iranian involvement and has complained that Saudi Arabia has not been forthcoming with information, says its investigation is still open. (NYT 3/31; WT 4/1)

French FM Vedrine meets with Arafat in Ramallah. (Les Echos [Paris] 11/24 in WNC 11/27)

EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos arrives in Lebanon for talks with PM Rafiq Hariri, FM Faris Buwayz. (VOL 11/25 in WNC 12/9)

Jordanian, Israeli naval search and rescue teams hold joint exercises in the Gulf of Aqaba. (IGPO 11/25)

IDF reports that a new settlement, Kfar Oranim, is under construction in the West Bank nr. the settlement of Modi'in. 100 houses are being build, 500 are planned; 5 families moved in over the last few days. DMin. says it is unaware of the construction, thinks it is a private initiative. (IDF Radio 11/25 in WNC 11/27)

Israel announces it will turn over $8.3 m. of tax money to PA. (MM 11/23; PR 11/27; QY 11/23 in FBIS 11/29; NYT 11/24) (see 11/20)

Jordanian Council of Ms approves creation of 4 comms. to address implementation of Jordan-Israel treaty: a Jordanian Consultants Steering Comm., a Jordanian comm. to follow up on implementation decisions, the Jordanian delegation to the joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on implementation, the Jordanian delegation to the joint comm. on Jordan Rift development. (RJ 11/23 in FBIS 11/25)

4 Fateh Central Comm. mbrs. (al-Qaddumi, Abu-Mahir Gunaym, Sakhr Habash, Muhammad Jihad) meet in Tunis; issue statement, objecting to Arafat's attempts to involve Fateh in PA's battles with Islamist opposition. (Al-Majd 11/28 in FBIS 12/2; CSM 12/7) (see 11/22)

Argentine Pres. Carlos Menem ends visit to Syria; announces he brought message fr. Israeli FM Peres to Pres. al-Asad, expressing Israel's willingness to withdraw fully fr. Golan. Peres denies Menem's remarks. (Telam 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; MM 11/24; QY, SATN 11/23 in FBIS 11/25; WT 11/24; JP 12/3) (see 9/27)

1st shipping agmt. btwn. Israel, Jordan reached; allows free passage of small vessels on both sides of Gulf of Elat, shipping licenses, radio communications. (QY 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; RJ 11/23 in FBIS 11/25)

3,000 rally in Jericho in support of Arafat, peace process. PA Preventative Security Forces (PSF) men, inc. Col. Jibril Rajub, get into fistfight with mbrs. of Arafat's presidential guard over which group is allowed to carry arms at rally. (MM, NYT, WP 11/24; CSM 11/28)

PA, Islamist opposition reach agmt. to avoid future clashes, pursue mediation, reconciliation in wake of 11/18 incident. Agmt. is signed by Arafat adviser, Ahmad al-Tibi, leader of Islamic Movement inside Green Line, Shaykh `Abdullah Nimr Darwish. (MM 11/24; AFP 11/23, VOP 11/24 in FBIS 11/29)

Israeli FM Peres, Arafat meet in Oslo; agree on $2.3 b aid package for autonomous areas after dropping aid to East Jerusalem projects; release 15-pt. joint declaration promising to no longer raise disputed issues with donor countries. (ITV 9/13 in FBIS 9/14; QY 9/13 in FBIS 9/15; MM, WT 9/14)

Special Knesset session is held to discuss Israeli negotiations with Syria, 11 motions are presented to restrict govt. action; less than 1/3 of MK's are present. Dep. DM Mordechai Gur says govt. will hold referendum only if it thinks an agmt. reached with Syria is significantly different from what the people want. (MM 9/14; JP 9/24)

Jordan-Israel talks conclude successfully: cooperation btwn. navies in Gulf of Eilat, new crossing point at Shaykh Hussein bridge, joint marketing of trips to Jordan, Israel agreed upon; research to begin on digging canal btwn. Red and Dead Seas. No progress made on water. (MM 9/13; JTV, QY, RJ 9/13 in FBIS 9/14)

197 Palestinian mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad return fr. Lebanon at end of 1-yr. exile. The Islamist activists will be processed through Israeli prisons before returning to homes in o.t. PM Rabin, touring Gaza settlement, promises "tough measures" if "we have even the slightest suspicion that [the returnees] intend or are involved" in attacks on Israelis. (NYT, WP, WT 12/16)

Israel-PLO talks on civil issues related to Gaza-Jericho self-rule resume in al-Arish, Sinai. (MM 12/15)

Working group of Middle East Multilateral Talks Economic Development Comm. ends mtg. in Cairo, approves 4 agricultural projects, pollution control project for Gulf of Aqaba, and joint tourism project for Egypt, Israel, and o.t. (MENA 12/15 in FBIS 12/16)

Ashraf Muhammad Halil, 18, killed by IDF when he attacks soldiers with ax during search of his tool bag in Jabaliya camp, Gaza. (WT 12/16)

Alleged Hamas mbr. Shadi Muslih 'Isa, 18, attacks Israeli police officer, civilian at Erez crossing point, Gaza Strip, and is shot dead. (MM 11/16)

16-yr.-old Palestinian student Rami Ghazzawi killed when IDF fires on youths stoning settler cars in al-Birah. 3 other students wounded. (MM 11/16)

Settlers in Hebron riot, overturning stalls at fruit and vegetable market and attacking Palestinian cars. (MM 11/16)

Israeli Justice M. David Libai, at Maale Ephraim settlement, warns settlers that no one could "take the law into his own hands," says govt. "will have to subdue any attempt to have influence by illegal means." IDF states it will act "firmly and aggressively" to stop settler assaults, will use "reasonable force." (MM 11/16; NYT 11/17)

PM Rabin tells Secy. of State Christopher 12/13 deadline for implementation of DoP may not be met. (MM 11/16, 11/17)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on implementation of Gaza-Jericho provisions of DoP resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation led by IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak, Palestinian by PLO official Nabil Shaath. (Cairo TV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris chaired by Fin. M. Avraham Shohat and PEDRA DG Ahmad Qurai' establish 3 subcomms. on trade and labor, taxation and banking, and currency. Subcomms. are to meet 11/23-25 in Paris, heads of delegations on 11/25. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Gov. Muhammad al-Nabulsi says agreement reached with Palestinians to retain Jordanian dinar as o.t. currency, have CBJ supervise and monitor banking. (JTV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Multilateral talks on Middle East environment end in Cairo with Israeli-Arab agreement on Gulf of Aqaba oil spills, dispute on Israeli nuclear waste, Jordan Valley land reclamation. Delegates fr. 40 countries, in 4th mtg., agree on 20 environmental projects. (MENA 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Palestinian leaders in o.t., Jordan, "and elsewhere" submit memorandum to PLO Chmn. Arafat criticizing PLO performance, demanding reforms. (MM 11/17, al-Ray 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Knesset Golan caucus considers bill fr. Likud and NRP mbrs. to amend law annexing Golan to require majority of 80 MKs for any change in law. Labor mbrs. of caucus express sympathy with bill, which given current Knesset divisions would effectively bar negotiations with Syria. (MM 11/17)

Syrian VP Khaddam tells foreign correspondents PLO Chmn. Arafat "fell into a big trap" in signing DoP, notes "There are 4 million Palestinian refugees living outside the territories covered by the 'Gaza-Jericho First' agreement." Khaddam claims Arafat "abandoned coordination with the Arab parties," states "I believe the majority of the Palestinian people do not support the agreement." (MM 11/16; SARR 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Hizballah offensive on IDF and SLA; Katyusha barrages fired in "security zone," assaults on 2 IDF, 6 SLA posts. 12 SLA mbrs. taken prisoner, at least 2 IDF soldiers and 2 SLA mbrs. wounded. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed in attack. IAF bombs 3 Hizballah bases nr. Ba'labakk, knocks out radio antenna. "Black September 13 Brigades," Fateh group opposed to DoP, claims responsibility for katyusha barrage on Qiryat Shemona. (MM 11/16, 11/17; IDF Radio, AFP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin, in interview with JP, says Syria behind Kurdish attacks in Turkey, Israel and Turkey should cooperate on counter-terrorism. (MM 11/16)

Israel Archaeologists Society calls for end to govt. Antiquities Authority search for scrolls in West Bank ("Operation Scroll"), saying search aims at denying Palestinian scholars access to materials and will complicate future Israeli cooperation with Palestinians and Jordan. (WT 11/17)

Chmn. Arafat, PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh, advisor Nabil Shaath meet with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo. (MENA 6/24 in FBIS 6/25)

Jordan formally rejects U.S. "Aqaba Plus" plan to station UN inspectors in the Gulf of Aqaba and along the Jordanian-Iraqi border to monitor compliance with UN sanctions against Iraq. (MM 6/25; Jordan Times 6/25 in FBIS 6/25)

Asst. Secy. of State Edward Djerejian delivers first official U.S. reaction to Israeli elections, addresses other topics in testimony before House subcomm. on Europe and the Middle East. Secy. of State James Baker calls for quick resumption of peace talks once the Labor-led govt. takes power. (MM, NYT 6/25)

Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad invites PM Mahmud al-Zu'bi to form new govt. after accepting resignation of current govt. (MM 6/25)

Israeli jets overfly Sidon, nearby camps at low altitude in S. Lebanon. (VOL 6/24 in FBIS 6/24)

Pleasure cruise in Gulf of Aqaba by Jordan's King Hussein is interrupted as Israeli naval patrol fires shots nearby. Israelis say they were clearing guns in routine weapons check, king's yacht flees into Saudi coastal waters, no injuries are reported [LAT 5/5].

Washington Post reports trust and goodwill between Washington and Jerusalem is eroding; U.S.-Israeli relations are at lowest since early 1980s [WP 4/28].

Mikhail Gorbachev receives Pres. Hafiz Asad in Moscow to discuss Soviet-Syrian relations and Middle East peace [PRAVDA 4/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: A letter signed by 51 U.S. senators calls upon State Dept. to deny Yasir Arafat a visa if he is invited to speak at the UN [NYT 9/30]. An intemational arbitration panel finds in favor of Egypt in its dispute with Israel conceming sovereignty over Taba, a resort on the Gulf of Aqaba [WP 9/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza troops use tear gas in confronting over 1,000 Palestinians attending the funeral of Rashad al-Shawwa. Troops shoot Palestinians in Bethlehem, Nablus, Artas, and al-Maghazi [FJ 10/2].