The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers started building structures on Palestinian land near ‘Ayn al-Auja. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving in Turmus ‘Ayya, injuring 1 minor. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Khirbet Ma‘in, displacing 8, including 6 minors. Israeli forces also seized 3 agricultural tents in Ras al-Tin, 1 bulldozer in Deir Balut, and 1 residential structure in ‘Ayn Samia, displacing 8, including 6 minors. Elsewhere, Israeli forces razed 500 meters of newly paved road and placed 7 dirt mounds on the road near ‘Asirah al-Shamaliyah. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beitunia, al-Mughayyir, al-Bireh, Biddu, Bethlehem, Jaba‘, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 3 buildings, displacing 6 Palestinians in Wadi Hummus. 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Gaza City. In West Jerusalem, 5 Israelis attacked 1 Palestinian man after hearing him speaking Arabic at the site of the Mamilla Cemetery, which now serves as a park; the man suffered multiple fractures and was treated at Hadassah Hospital for his injuries. (MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/23; BTselem, WAFA 11/24; HA, PCHR 11/25)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia. Members of Fatah said that President Abbas was seeking more Russian involvement in the peace process as part of his push to move from U.S. mediation to international conferences. (MEMO, WAFA 11/23; ALM 11/24)

The Jerusalem Media and Communications Center released a survey conducted in October with 715 participants from the West Bank and East Jerusalem and 485 from Gaza. The survey found that support for a 2-state solution had dropped from 39% in April to 29% and support for a 1-state solution had increased from 21.5% to 26%. A large discreptency was found between the West Bank and Gaza. In the West Bank, 30% supported a 1-state solution—more than the support of a 2-state solution—while in Gaza, 20% supported a 1-state solution and 38%, a 2-state solution. The survey also found 70% of respondents wanted a new date for general elections and 42% said that they did not plan to participate. 34% would vote for Fatah at PLC elections (highest among Palestinians in Gaza), 10% for Hamas, and some 34% said that they would not vote. Support for PA president Abbas was down to 35% from 50% in April. (JMCC 11/23; JP 11/25; MEMO 11/26)

Israel’s president Isaac Herzog met with UK prime minister Boris Johnson in London. During their meeting, Prime Minister Johnson said that the UK’s decision to designate all of Hamas as a terrorist organization “was a difficult and controversial decision,” but right. (HA 11/23)

The tech company Apple said it had filed a lawsuit against NSO Group and its parent company OSY Technologies for its hacking of Apple users’ phones with the Pegasus software. It was reported on 11/22 that NSO Group is at risk of defaulting on $500,000,000 worth of debt. (AP, HA, HA, NYT 11/23; MEMO, MEMO 11/24)

The German Development Bank signed an agreement worth $11.2 to support infrastructure projects in the West Bank. (WAFA 11/23)

Weekly PC mtg. begins 1 day early in Ramallah. (JMCC 7/17 in FBIS 7/18; PR 8/2)

PA's Arafat, Israeli FM Levy hold 1st mtg. at Erez checkpoint. Arafat presents list of Israeli violations. (MM 7/23; QY, al-Ra`i 7/23 in FBIS 7/23; IDF Radio, PBC, QY, VOP 7/23 in FBIS 7/24; al-Hayat, JP, MA, SA, YA 7/24 in FBIS 7/25; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/24; MM 7/25; MEI 8/2)

IDF eases closure on West Bank, allowing several 1,000 more Palestinian workers into Israel. (QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/23) (see 7/16)

UN spokeswoman Sylvana Foa (an American citizen) denounces U.S.'s Rubin for accusations made 7/22; says U.S.'s "bully tactics, threats, and blatant attempts at intimidating staff mbrs. have a very disconcerting odor of the McCarthy era." (WP 7/24)

In s. Lebanon, 2 Amal mbrs. are wounded in shootout with IDF patrol. (QY, RL 7/24 in FBIS 7/25)

Israeli allows 10,000 more Palestinian workers fr. Gaza into Israel, raising total number of permits issued fr. 25,000 to 35,000; allows more trucks carrying goods into, out of the self-rule areas through Israeli checkpoints. (QY 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; JP 7/27; WJW 8/1)

PSF releases `Abd al-Salam al-Hirbawi. (JMCC 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; WT 7/22; MEI 8/2) (see 7/20)

Under a deal brokered by Germany, Israel swaps bodies of 123 Arab militiamen for the remains of 2 IDF soldiers, Yossi Fink and Rahamim Alshaykh, who were captured by Hizballah in s. Lebanon in 2/86. Hizballah also frees 21 SLA mbrs. in return for 45 prisoners held in al-Khiyam prison. PM Netanyahu calls return of the dead "a step in the right direction." DM Mordechai thanks Iran, Lebanon, Syria for their cooperation. (IDF Radio, QY, RL, VOL 7/21, QY, RL 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/22; MA, RMC 7/22 in FBIS 7/23; CSM, WT 7/23; JP 7/27; MM 8/2) (see 7/10)

Israel seals Ramallah, preventing Palestinians fr. leaving the city, after PSF mbrs. allegedly abduct an Israeli Arab fr. East Jerusalem in connection with a land dispute with the Coptic Church there. PSF says it arrested, did not kidnap, `Abd al-Salam al-Hirbawi. (WT 7/21; QY 7/20, JMCC, QY, VOP 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; WT 7/22; JP 7/27; MEI 8/2)

For the 2d wk., street clashes erupt btwn. over 10,000 orthodox, secular Jews over plans to close Jerusalem's Bar Ilan Street during Sabbath. 2,500 riot police attempt to keep order. (NYT 7/21; CSM 8/6; WJW 8/8) (see 7/13)

Joint EA, PLO Exec. Comm. mtg. is held in Nablus. (VOP 7/20 in FBIS 7/22)

Israel lodges formal complaint with the PA over the arrest of Israeli Arabs by PA police in the self-rule areas, accuses police of stealing Israeli cars. (QY 7/19 in FBIS 7/19)

Nr. Nablus, more than 100 Palestinians tear down fences, throw stones at settlers who illegally confiscated Palestinian land for Karyut settlement. 10s of settlers attack Palestinians with clubs, destroy Palestinian cars, beat 3 journalists, confiscate film fr. their cameras. IDF fires teargas to break up clash, imposes curfew. (JMCC, QY 7/19 in FBIS 7/22; NYT 7/20)

Palestinian Omar Muhammad Ali Rizaq, who admitted killing 2 passengers (incl. 1 American) during a 1985 hijacking of an Egyptair flight fr. Athens to Malta, is convicted in the U.S. Rizaq was convicted, served 7 yrs. in Malta, and was released by Maltese officials before being arrested by U.S. agents in Nigeria in 1993. He was tried under U.S. antiterrorism statues that permit prosection when Americans are victims. (NYT 7/20)

PC opens 2-day session in Nablus. (JMCC 7/17 in FBIS 7/18)

500,000 Israelis comply with 1-day general strike called by Histadrut to oppose PM Netanyahu's economic liberalization plans, $1.6-b. budget cut. (MM 7/17; QY 7/17 in FBIS 7/17; NYT 7/18, 7/31) (see 7/1)

Israel's United Kibbutz Movement says it has discussed with the Construction Min. plans to build 4-5 "presettlements" btwn. Gaza, Hebron to alter the demographic balance btwn. Arabs, Jews in that area. (QY 7/17 in FBIS 7/18)

Nr. Hebron, 2 Palestinians suspected of collaborating with Israel are shot to death by 6 masked men. Villagers claim pair was killed by PSF. (QY 7/17, 7/18 in FBIS 7/18)

Jordanian-Lebanese comm. ends trade talks in Beirut. (JTV 7/17 in FBIS 7/18)

Following the al-Khobar barracks bombing 6/25, U.S. Defense Secy. Perry decides to transfer 4,000 (or 2/3 of) U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia to more remote areas in the Saudi dessert, where they will be more easily protected. (NYT, WP 7/18)

G-7 summit closes in Lyons, France; issues statement on the peace process. (al-Dustur, RE, SARR 6/30 in FBIS 7/1; al-Ayyam 6/30, SARR 7/1 in FBIS 7/2; VOP 7/3 in FBIS 7/3; MENA 7/3 in FBIS 7/5; al-Manar 7/8 in FBIS 7/10)

In his inaugural speech, new Turkish PM Erbakan says his government will honor all agmts. made by previous governments. His coalition partner, Ciller, assures Israel this incl. the Turkish-Israeli military pact. (MA, QY 6/30, IDF Radio 7/1 in FBIS 7/1; CSM, MM 7/1; NYT 7/3; WJW 7/4; MM 7/8)

Pro-Fatah Popular Committees release 2d leaflet calling for renewal of intifada. (JMCC, QY 7/1, HA 7/2 in FBIS 7/2; PR 7/5) (see 6/21)

PM Netanyahu, DM Yitzhak Mordechai, FM Levy, IDF officials hold mtg. on Hebron security. (QY 6/20, 6/21 in FBIS 6/21; ITV 6/21 in FBIS 6/25)

In Hebron, pro-Fatah Strike Forces of the Popular Committees for Palestinian National Solidarity release leaflet calling for renewal of the intifada, demonstrations 7/7, general strike 7/9. (JMCC 7/1 in FBIS 7/2; PR 7/5)

PC ends 2-day session in Ramallah. (VOP 6/20 in FBIS 6/21; PR 6/28)

Israel further eases closure, permitting Palestinian trucks to enter Israel for the 1st time in 3 mos., Palestinian prisoners to receive visitors. (CSM 6/21) (see 6/5)

PSF, Israeli officials meet in Gaza. PSF head Muhammad Dahlan says he can prevent Hamas attacks during 1st 100 days of new Israeli government but is rapidly losing support on the street for the PA's continued crackdown on Hamas; after 100 days he can make no guarantees. (QY 6/21 in FBIS 6/21)

After talks with the PA, the Qassam Brigades offers Israel a freeze on military action "for a specific period, which is renewable," in exchange for a halt to Israel's crackdown on Hamas. (QY 6/20 in FBIS 6/20; AFP, JMCC 6/20 in FBIS 6/21; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/21)

State Dept. hands Israeli defense officials an intelligence report, containing classified CIA information, alleging Israel has transferred U.S. military avionics--incl. advanced radar-detection system, electronic warfare equipment--to China. Israel denies transaction. (WT 6/19; QY 6/20 in FBIS 6/21; WJW 8/22) (see 1/8/95)

With all regular ballots in the Israeli elections counted, Netanyahu is ahead by 21,399 votes (0.7 percent); Likud, Labor are losing Knesset seats; religious parties are gaining seats. 150,000 absentee and military ballots, which in the past have gone overwhelmingly to Likud, have yet to be counted. The Israeli stock market drops 5 percent, value of the shekel falls. (MM, WP 5/30; IDF Radio, QY 5/30 in FBIS 5/30; MENA, QY, SARR 5/30, JP, QY 5/31 in FBIS 5/31; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/31; MEI, PR 6/7)

Netanyahu says that if he wins he will work to strengthen peace btwn. Israel, "Arab states with whom Israel already has peaceful relations." (QY 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; NYT 5/31)

Aides describe Pres. Clinton as "crestfallen" over Netanyahu's probable win, believing it to be a setback to his image as a peacemaker. Yet, Clinton says that, whatever the results, the U.S. will continue its support for Israel. (MM 5/30; NYT, WP, WT 5/31) (see 5/28)

PA says it will deal with any election outcome; if Likud wins, it must still continue the peace process. (JMCC, ITV 5/30 in FBIS 5/31)

Hamas says Netanyahu win would be a declaration of war against Palestinians, Arabs. (QY, RMC 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; AFP 6/2 in FBIS 6/3)

In Tel Aviv, Labor's M Ehud Barak, Finance M Avraham Shohat, Housing M Binyamin Ben-Eliezer meet to discuss party's future. Some see mtg. as an attempt to oust PM Peres from the party; others see it as an attempt to outflank Interior M Hayim Ramon's bid for party leadership, assuming Peres will resign. Peres is furious with Barak for holding the mtg. (IDF Radio, QY 5/30 in FBIS 5/30; IDF Radio, ITV 5/31, IDF Radio 6/1 in FBIS 6/3; NYT 6/4; IDF Radio 6/5 in FBIS 6/7)

Likud opens unofficial contacts with ultraorthodox parties regarding formation of a coalition government. PM Peres says he would not consider joining a Likud-led coalition; other Labor mbrs. say they would. (QY 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; WP 5/31)

Tsomet leader Rafael Eitan says Oslo agmts. must be reopened, because the winning camp's views differ from those of the previous government. PA denounces his statement. (IDF Radio 5/30 in FBIS 5/30) (see 3/12)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates 2 roadside bombs, killing 4 IDF soldiers, wounding 7 IDF soldiers, 2 journalists, 1 SLA mbr. (VOL 5/30 in FBIS 5/30; ITV, VOL 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; MM, NYT, WT 5/31; JP 6/8)

At a time when Likud's PM Benjamin Netanyahu is presenting himself as a "mainstream" candidate for PM, Likud's Ariel Sharon writes a strongly-worded article for JP outlining Likud's hard-line views. He says Israel should not accept Oslo; IDF should be allowed to operate anywhere in the West Bank, Gaza; negotiations with Syria should be postponed until Pres. Hafiz al-Asad is out of power; Golan should never be returned. (NYT 5/25)

In an interview published simultaneously in Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, PM Peres calls on Gulf states to join forces with Israel against Iran. (MM 5/17)

IDF shoots, wounds most-wanted Hamas mbr., Hassan Salameh, as he flees fr. a vehicle inspection point nr. Hebron; later captures him at the Hebron hospital; also arrests passenger in Salameh's car, Raziq Rajub, a relative of PA Preventive Security Forces (PSF) head Jibril Rajub. Salameh is suspected of ordering, planning 3 of the 4 2+n3/96 suicide bombings. (QY, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/20; NYT, WT 5/19; PR 5/24; JP 5/25)

Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades issue leaflet, calling for national unity dialogue with the PA. (JMCC 5/17 in FBIS 5/20)

3,000 Palestinians attend National Islamic Salvation Party (NISP) rally in Gaza in support of Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq, currently detained in the U.S. Speaking at the rally, Hamas leader Mahmud Zahhar calls on Qassam Brigades not to take any violent actions before the Israeli elections 5/29, calls on leaders abroad to be sensitive to conditions in the territories. (VOP 5/17, AFP, QY, RMC, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/20) (see 11/18/95, 3/7)

Arab Parliamentary Union Council closes its 27th session in Qana, Lebanon; issues statement condemning Israel's attack on Lebanon, refusal to sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, occupation of s. Lebanon. (RL 5/17 in FBIS 5/20)

In Gaza, the Palestinian Council (PC) meets for the 1st time to swear in its mbrs. (MM 3/7; QY, VOP 3/7 in FBIS 3/7; PBC 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MEI 3/15)

Lebanon closes all the crossing points into the Israeli self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon to prevent entry of any Palestinians who might be deported by Israel in connection with the recent bombings. (VOL 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

Israeli FM Ehud Barak warns Arafat that if he does not crack down on Islamists in Gaza soon, Israel will send troops into Gaza. (WT 3/9)

Israeli police detain Sulayman Ahmad Aghbariyya, an Israeli-Arab who is deputy mayor of Umm al-Fahm and head of the charity organization the Islamic Salvation Committee, on suspicion of transferring over $3 m. fr. abroad to relatives of Hamas mbrs. (QY 3/7 in FBIS 3/7) (see 3/6)

Hamas issues a leaflet dissociating itself fr. the 3/5 Qassam Brigades leaflet announcing it will disarm, fr. all Yahya Ayyash Units leaflets; calls them an attempt by Israel to undermine the movement. (JMCC 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for 3/4 Tel Aviv bombing. (VOL 3/7 in FBIS 3/8) (see 3/6)

The Pentagon announces that U.S. warplanes will be stationed temporarily in Jordan next mo. to carry out surveillance flights over s. Iraq. It will be the 1st time Jordan has allowed U.S. warplanes to use its territory to overfly Iraq. (RJ 3/8, RMC 3/9, JT 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/11; NYT 4/9; MM 3/15; JT 4/9 in FBIS 4/9)

IDF deploys tanks along the Green Line for the 1st time since 1967; says they are only their for observation purposes, it is not planning to launch an operation into the West Bank. (AFP, MA, VOP 3/7 in FBIS 3/7; NYT 3/8, 3/10)

Jordan says there are no official Hamas outlets in the kingdom; Hamas's presence is confined to holders of Jordanian passports, whose activities are confined to propaganda and political activities; Jordan is considering banning these activities. (al-Hayat al-Jadida, JTV, RJ 3/6 in FBIS 3/7)

IDF seals the Islamic Technical Institute in Abu-Dis and the Islamic College, Islamic College of Sciences, Polytechnic College in Hebron; announces that the policy on demolition of houses of suicide bombers and accomplices in the Jerusalem area has been changed: To date, such houses have been sealed only, now they may be razed. (MM 3/6; QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/7)

PA military court in Jericho sentences Hamas's Muhammad Abu-Wardah (arrested 3/4) to life imprisonment with hard labor for training suicide bombers and "harming the Palestinian people's interests." (MM 3/6; VOP 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; ITV, JMCC, VOP 3/6, IDF Radio, JP 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

IDF, Shin Bet announce they have arrested an Israeli-Arab for bringing the Tel Aviv suicide bomber into Israel in exchange for $1,000, say an Islamic Jihad mbr. coordinated the deal (see 3/4). Israeli-Arab leaders are quick to condemn the man's actions as aberrant for the community. IDF also says it has uncovered the Hamas cell led by Muhammad Abu-Wardah that they believe is responsible for the Ashkelon, Jerusalem bombings. (QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/7; NYT, WP 3/7; QY 3/8 in FBIS 3/8) (see 3/6)

PSF detains 10s of alleged Hamas mbrs. in Balata refugee camp, Kafr Khalil, Nablus, bringing to 400 the number of persons recently detained. (QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/6, 3/7)

In Nablus, 1,000s of Fatah supporters hold peace rally. (WT 3/7)

State Dept. warns U.S. citizens against travelling on Israeli busses. Israeli Dep. FM Dayan officially protests. (Davar 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

IDF deploys throughout the West Bank; blockades 465 Palestinian villages, bars residents fr. leaving them until further notice; busses all Gazans studying in the West Bank back to Gaza; carries out mass arrests. Arafat protests. IDF Central Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran says scope of IDF targets has been widened to include Islamic Jihad, PFLP in addition to Hamas. In Hebron, the IDF seals the homes of 11 suspected Hamas mbrs.; closes several Islamic colleges, youth and charity societies connected to Islamic Jihad, Hamas, PFLP. Arrests at al-Fawwar camp rise to 120. (MM 3/5; QY, VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; IDF Radio, QY 3/5, QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/6; NYT, WT 3/7)

PA seizes 15 West Bank, Gaza mosques, several Islamic welfare associations run by Hamas, puts them under PA control; appoints imams to give Friday sermons. PA police raid Gaza's Islamic University, say it will be disbanded in its current form, reopened as a branch of Cairo University. For the 1st time, PA security forces made joint arrest sweeps with the IDF, arresting the relatives of 1 suicide bomber. (AFP, ITV 3/5, QY, VOP 36 in FBIS 3/6; MM 3/6; MM, WT 3/7; NYT 3/8; NYT 3/9; QY 3/12 in FBIS 3/12; CSM 3/25)

Qassam Brigades issues leaflet in the West Bank announcing it will disarm, halt all military operation against Israelis in response to the call made 3/4 by the political leadership; says it will not be responsible for any action that may be carried out against Israelis. (MM 3/5; VOP 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; AFP, JMCC, VOP 3/6 in FBIS 3/7; AFP 3/9 in FBIS 3/11)

Israeli inner cabinet extends length of administrative detention to 12 mos. and, if necessary, longer; approves deportations for Palestinians connected with recent attacks. (WP 3/6; IDF Radio, MA, QY 3/6 in FBIS 3/6)

Pres. Clinton attends memorial service at the Israeli embassy in Washington for the victims of the recent bombings in Israel. (WJW 2/14)

Bus bomb goes of in Jerusalem, killing 19, wounding 10. Bomber is identified as a man fr. Hebron (see 2/26). Yahya Ayyash Units again claims responsibility, criticizes the Qassam Brigades for the 2/29 leaflet, offers its own 3-mo. cease-fire. PM Peres calls for total war on Hamas; reimposes full closure on West Bank, Gaza, incl. banning the entry into Israel of medical, humanitarian, VIP cases. Saying "not only Israelis will suffer from now on," he vows to seal or destroy the houses of the bombers' families, revives plan for national separation last suggested 10/19/94. (see also 10/19/94, 5/30/95). (WP 3/3; IDF Radio, ITV, JMCC, QPAR, QY, RJ, VOP, YA 3/3, QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 3/4; MM 3/5; PR 3/8; MEI 3/15; WJW 3/7, 3/21)

After the bombing, a mob of 100s of Israelis races toward the Old City, calling for revenge against Palestinians. Fearing a major clash, Israeli mounted police force the crowd back. Skirmishes between police, groups of angry Israeli youths erupt repeatedly throughout the day. IDF prohibits Israelis fr. entering PA areas. (QY 3/3, 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; NYT, WP 3/4)

Israel suspends indefinitely talks with Syria in Maryland in light of the bombing but leaves the negotiating team in Washington in hopes of resuming talks soon. (QY 3/3, HA 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; MM, NYT 3/4)

PA police arrest over 120 Hamas mbrs. in Gaza, bringing total number of Hamas men arrested in the past wk. to 380; raid Ramallah teacher's college. (MM 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/4; QY 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; MM 3/5)

Bus bomb explodes in downtown Jerusalem, killing 23 people (incl. 2 Americans), wounding 49. Second suicide bomb explodes at IDF hitchhiking post nr. Ashkelon, killing 2, wounding 29. Group calling itself The Yahya Ayyash Units, New Disciples claims responsibility in revenge for Ayyash's slaying 1/5 and to mark the 2d anniversary of the Hebron massacre. Israel seals West Bank, Gaza; halts all negotiations with the PA. (IDF Radio, JMCC, JTV, QPAR, QY, RJ, VOL, VOP 2/25, RJ, SARR, VOP 2/26 in FBIS 2/26; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/26; NYT 2/27; WJW 2/29; MEI, PR 3/1; PR 3/8)

Following bombings, PA police immediately detain 120 Hamas, Islamic Jihad supporters across the West Bank, Gaza. Hamas's Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades issues a leaflet saying it is not responsible for the bombings. (QY 2/25, IDF Radio, QY 2/26 in FBIS 2/26; IDF Radio, ITV 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; MM, NYT 2/27; QY 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; MM, NYT, WT 2/28)

In Ashkelon, an Israeli truck runs into a bus carrying Palestinian workers, injuring 20. (VOP 2/27 in FBIS 2/27)

Israel transfers 90 Palestinian prisoners to the custody of the PA in Jericho, releases 40 fr. Gaza. (MM 1/10)

Likud plasters posters throughout East Jerusalem, threatening to revoke the Jerusalem ID cards of Palestinians who vote in the 1/20 elections. Arafat protests. (AFP, JMCC 1/15 in FBIS 1/16)

U.S. VP Al Gore arrives in Tel Aviv for official visit, meets with Likud's Netanyahu. (IDF Radio 1/15 in FBIS 1/16; MM, WT 1/16; Davar 1/17 in FBIS 1/17)

10,000 Palestinians greet Arafat as arrives for his 1st visit to Ramallah since the IDF pulled out. Arafat then heads to Tulkarm, Qalqilya to celebrate the IDF's withdrawal there. (NYT, WP, WT 12/31; JP 1/6)

Hamas mbrs. Isma'il Haniyya, Khalid al-Hindi, Sa'id al-Namruti say the will run for seats on the Palestinian Council as independents. (JMCC 12/30 in FBIS 1/2)

In Madrid, PA, Spain sign joint cooperation agmt. (PWR 1/9)

PSF releases al-Quds editor `Alami (arrested 12/27). (QY 12/31 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WP 1/1; FT 1/3; CSM, WJW 1/4; JP 1/6)

After a Lebanese civilian is killed, 4 others wounded by IDF shelling, Hizballah fires rockets into n. Israel, wounds 2 IDF soldiers in clash in s. Lebanon. Israel blames Syria. (ITV, QY 12/30, QY 12/31, ITV 1/1 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WT 12/31; MM 1/2; JP 1/6)

Arafat issues presidential decree delaying start of campaign period to 1/7. CEC calls on candidates to follow original campaign schedule. Nomination period is extended through 12/31 because of additional seats. Voter registration is reopened until 1/5. (JMCC, VOP 12/30 in FBIS 1/2; CSM 1/19)

1st round of Syrian-Israeli talks ends. Delegations decide to stay in Washington for further informal discussions until negotiations resume 1/3. (ITV, SATN 12/29, RMC 12/30, RMC, SARR 12/31 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WP 12/30)

After rumors that Israel proposed an interim agmt. with Syria that would recognize the Syrian presence in Lebanon spark Lebanese-American fears of a shift in U.S. policy, Pres. Clinton issues statement reaffirming the U.S. commitment to "Lebanon's full independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity." (MM 12/14; WJW 1/18)

Jordanian FM `Abd al-Karim Kabariti returns from 3-day visit to Saudi Arabia, reports a "new phase" of warmer Saudi-Jordanian relations is at hand. (Al-Ra`y 8/18 in FBIS 8/22)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli police without warrants enter, search, photograph Land and Water Establishment (LAWE), Jerusalem Media and Communications Center, Palestinian Hydrology Group, PECDAR; question them on their relationship to the PA. (LAWE press release 8/17; QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/17; VOP 8/17 in FBIS 8/18) (see 8/14)

In Hebron, a 2-day mtg. on the city's future attended by 200 Islamist, nationalist figures ends. Parties call for evacuation of settlers, Palestinian sovereignty over the city. (QY, VOP 8/16, VOP 8/17 in FBIS 8/17)

Peace Now survey shows that 32% of settlers would leave the o.t. for compensation; 26% would stay under any conditions. (JP 9/9; JP 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

IDF extends Gaza closure to 8/20 so PA can continue hunt for wanted Hamas man, Wa'il Nasir. (MM 8/17; QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/18)

Secy. of State Christopher begins mission to revive Arab-Israeli talks with meeting in Alexandria with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, stating "the situation in Lebanon, perhaps paradoxically, has given a new burst of energy to the negotiations." (NYT 8/3)

PLO Chm. Arafat meets Egyptian Pres. Mubarak after latter's talks with Secy. of State Christopher. (MENA 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

Palestinian hijacks UNRWA bus in Gaza Strip, killing Israeli civilian employee of military government. (NYT 8/3)

Poll of Palestinians in o.t. conducted by Jerusalem Media and Communications Centre in conjunction with CNN and Dutch TV finds 51.7% oppose Palestinian-Jordanian confederation, 55.9% oppose continuation of peace talks on the Madrid formula, 50.1% support Palestinian withdrawal from talks, 87.7% believe PLO needs democratic reform, 32.9% support dividing Jerusalem, and 50.9% trust leadership of "national movements," as against 24.1% for "Islamic movements." Poll has margin of error of +3%, confidence level of 95%. (JMCC poll) Responding in part to complaints by Palestinian members of the Orthodox Church that the Patriarchate has been passing land to the Israeli government, Ecumenical Council of Orthodox Churches decides to boycott Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Diodoros I. (al-Fajr 8/16)

Lebanese govt. orders army to prepare for redeployment in south. UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghalinforms Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri of UN approval of move. (WP, WT 8/3)