The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers opened fire at 1 Palestinian-owned house in Hebron, causing damage, and vandalized 3 Palestinian-owned vehicles. Israeli settlers also uprooted 50 olive seedlings in Kisan. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Beita, injuring 1 journalist with a rubber-coated bullet. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Beit Umar; no serious injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also arrested in Arrabah 3 siblings of 1 of the 6 Palestinians who escaped the Gilboa prison on 9/6 and 2 cousins of another escapee in Bir al-Basha. 3 others were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-Arroub refugee camp, Hebron, and al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler opened fire at Palestinians in al-Ram; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man by the Lion’s Gate in the Old City, claiming that he had tried to stab an Israeli soldier; 1 Israeli soldier was lightly injured by a stray bullet fired by another Israeli soldier. Israeli forces let the man bleed to death without providing aid. Israeli forces also forcefully removed Palestinians during a sit-in protest at the Haram al-Sharif compound, arresting 3. In Gaza, 1 rocket was launched at Israel and was intercepted, after 2 of the Palestinian escapees were arrested. Israel subsequently conducted air strikes at 3 different locations in Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah; causing damage. In Israel, 2 of the 6 Palestinian prisoners who escaped Gilboa prison on 9/6, Mahmoud Aradeh and Yakub Kadari, were arrested near Nazareth. (AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEE, MEMO, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/10; AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA 9/11; AJ 9/13; PCHR 9/16)

Qatar’s ambassador to Gaza Mohammed al-Emadi said that the PA no longer will partake in facilitating getting Qatari aid to Palestinians in Gaza because of fears that banks in the West Bank could be exposed to lawsuits as Hamas is considered a terrorist organization in several countries. (HA, REU 9/10; MEMO 9/11 HA 9/12)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun and prime minister-designate Najib Mikati said that a Lebanese government had been formed and that the new government would hold its 1st meeting on 9/13. It is Lebanon’s 1st government in more than 1 year. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, WAFA 9/10; REU 9/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers started construction of a settler-only road southwest of Nablus, connecting 2 settlements. Israeli settlers also vandalized electric poles in Jalud. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized some 300 Palestinian-owned olive trees in al-Jaba‘. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian passing through a hole in the separation wall near Jenin. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Qaddura refugee camp, Kafr Malik, Tulkarm, and Balata refugee camp; during the raid in Balata refugee camp, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed; 2 Israeli soldiers were reported lightly and moderately injured. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya; clashes ensued during the raids and 1 military SUV was burned. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; PCHR 10/15)

Israel’s civil administration’s supreme planning council approved 1,877 new settler units in 11 different settlements throughout the West Bank. Jordan, the Arab League, and the PA condemned the Israeli settlement expansion. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/14; AJ, HA, PCN, WAFA 10/15)

The Israeli approved the Israeli-UAE normalization agreement in an 80-13 vote. (HA 10/14)

In Lebanon, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon began at a UN base. The 2 sides negotiated, with the U.S. as mediator, where their maritime borders should be drawn. Hezbollah and Amal criticized the Lebanese government for sending civilians and politicians to the negotiations. (AJ, HA, REU 10/14)

India donated $1 million for UNRWA general programming. (WAFA 10/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Bethlehem and Hebron; 1 Palestinian child was injured by broken glass in his eye. Israeli settlers also uprooted dozens of Palestinian-owned olive saplings east of Yatta. Israeli forces opened fire at a vehicle with 5 Palestinians inside at a military checkpoint near Jenin, causing damage to the vehicle; no injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested in and around Hebron, Qalqilya, and Nablus; during a raid in Tammun, Israeli forces seized mobile phones, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. During a different raid in Sabastiyya, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained the secretary of Fatah in Jerusalem Yasser Darwish and banned him from entry to the West Bank for 3 months. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, the Old City, and al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Shawka; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9; PCHR 10/15)

An Israeli court ruled that Israel can demolish 1 school east of Ramallah under the pretext that it was built without a permit. The school enrolls 50 students and was financed by donations from France, Finland, Luxembourg, Ireland, Spain, the UK, and Sweden. (WAFA 10/8; WAFA 10/9)

Secretary-general of the PLO Saeb Erakat said that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. (AJ, JP, TOI, WAFA 10/9)

Israel and Jordan signed a deal allowing airlines from each country to fly over each other’s airspace. (HA 10/8)

Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Hariri, who resigned after prolonged protests at the end of 2019, said that he is a possible candidate to head the new Lebanese government. (REU 10/8; AJ 10/9)

The U.S. Trump administration announced new sanctions on Iran that effectively shuts off the country from the global financial system. The new sanctions are expected to halt flows of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to Iran. (AJ, REU 10/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed protest in Kafr Qaddum; 2 Palestinians were shot with rubber-coated bullets. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Abasan and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire and sprayed water at Palestinian fishermen within the allowed fishing zone; no injuries were reported. In Israel, protest outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence continued. (AJ, REU 8/8; PCHR 8/13)

6 Palestinians succumbed to the COVID-19 virus in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, bringing the comprehensive death toll stemming from COVID-19 in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to 104. (WAFA 8/8)

A Hamas official told Haaretz that incendiary balloons sent to Israel in recent days were meant to signal to Israel that Hamas is frustrated with stalled negotiations with Israel. (HA 8/8)

In Lebanon, protesters clashed with Lebanese forces in Beirut as calls for the Lebanese government to resign continued. 1 police officer was killed and more than 170 protesters were wounded. (AJ, REU, REU, REU, REU 8/8; HA 8/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians in 2 separate incidents in Hebron. In the 1st incident, 1 Palestinian man was hospitalized after 4 settlers attacked him while Israeli soldiers chose not to intervene. In the 2d incident, a larger group of settlers attacked 1 Palestinian man; when an Israeli soldier intervened, the settlers attacked him as well. Israeli settlers also vandalized several vehicles in Hebron. South of Hebron, in Susiya, Israeli settlers raided the village and attacked Palestinian-owned homes. Elsewhere, in Kafr Haris, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Islamic shrine and 1 Palestinian-owned home. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets, including 3 journalists, and damaged 1 ambulance. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in Zubaydat and Ni‘lin, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Burqa and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Sur Bahir to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/12; HA, WAFA 6/13; HA 6/14; PCHR 6/18)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz and Israeli justice minister Avi Nissenkorn told their ministries to find ways to legalize Israeli structures built on privately-owned Palestinian land in the West Bank. (HA 6/12)

In Lebanon, protesters rallied against the Lebanese government for the 2d day in a row after Lebanese currency lost 60 percent of its value in recent weeks. At least 33 people, including 2 soldiers, were injured in clashes between protesters and Lebanese forces. (REU 6/12; AJ, AJ 6/13)

The EU informed BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights that it had canceled its funding for a project called Mobilizing for Justice in East Jerusalem, totaling $1.9 million. BADIL had refused to sign what was called the anti-terrorism clause, which made the EU pull its funding. In a press release, BADIL said that it had proposed different language for the clause and that the EU’s proposed language “criminalizes the Palestinian struggle against oppression . . . the article violates both Palestinian and international law, as well as the declared obligations of the EU itself.” (BADIL 6/16; TOI 6/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian as he allegedly attempted to ram his car into them south of Nabi Salih; no Israeli soldiers were injured. The family of the Palestinian man said he was picking up family members nearby and that his car slid before he was shot. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas, injuring 5. Elsewhere, Israeli forces informed a Palestinian family that it would seize 3.5 dunams (0.86 acres) of the land near Ya‘bad to expand a nearby Israeli settlement. Israeli forces also issued a stop-work order for rehabilitation of a road east of Bethlehem. 4 Palestinians were arrested and 1 vehicle was confiscated near Sabastiyya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrested the former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem during a house raid in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij and on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/29; HA, PCHR, WAFA 5/30; PCHR 6/4)

The Lebanese government agreed to extend the UN peacekeeping mission mandate for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon on the southern border. (HA 5/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of part of the Tulkarm-area home of a Palestinian suspected of shooting and killing 2 Israeli settlers on 10/7 (IDF troops shot and killed the suspect during an arrest raid on 12/12). The demolition sparks clashes with Palestinian residents of the area; 3 Palestinians are arrested and 6 are injured. Separately, IDF troops arrest 20 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers assault and severely injure a Palestinian after they force him out of his car outside Bethlehem. In the evening, hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s northern border to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on 20 Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; 22 Palestinians are injured. Also off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 12/17; EI, MNA, MNA 12/18; PCHR 12/20)

In response to the PA’s ban on Palestinian purchases of lamb from Israel on 12/2, Israel’s Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel imposes a ban on Palestinian fruit and vegetable imports. Ariel neglects to announce the ban to the public. Palestinian farmers export between 280 and 300 tons of produce to Israel per day, and the ban is expected to cost the Palestinian economy approximately NIS 1 million (approximately $265,545) per day. (JP 12/19; TOI 12/27)

After the IDF announced the discovery of a 4th Hezbollah-built cross-border tunnel on 12/16, UNIFIL states that 2 of the 4 were built in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. “UNIFIL has requested the Lebanese authorities to ensure urgent follow-up actions in accordance with the responsibilities of the Government of Lebanon pursuant to resolution 1701,” a UNIFIL statement reads. Earlier in the day, the Lebanese Armed Forces go on high alert after several Lebanese soldiers confront IDF troops installing barbed wire along the border near Mays al-Jabal village. UNIFIL forces are deployed to the scene to defuse the situation and prevent misunderstandings, according to a UNIFIL spokesperson. (AP, HA, TOI, TOI 12/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seize a concrete pump and 2 mixers from a Palestinian construction site in Bayt Dajan near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Hizma. (MNA 12/6; PCHR 12/13)

In response to the IDF’s Operation Northern Shield, Lebanese prime minister Sa‘d Hariri tweets, “The developments in the southern Lebanon border are no reason for escalation. This is what the Lebanese government wants and is acting towards.” Hariri also says that representatives of UNIFIL, Lebanon, and Israel met on 12/5 to discuss the operation, and that the Lebanese officials affirmed that Israel’s “consistent infiltration of Lebanese territory and airspace is an obvious violation of [UNSC Resolution 1701] and its principles.” Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there is a “reasonable possibility” that the IDF will have to expand Operation Northern Shield to activities in southern Lebanon. “We are denying our enemies the tunnels weapon in a systematic, determined manner and we will do whatever it takes,” he says. In the evening, an IDF spokesperson announces that Israeli forces have discovered another major cross-border tunnel built by Hezbollah and that Israeli officials have asked for UNIFIL’s support in destroying it from the Lebanese side of the border. (HA, HA, JP, TOI, TOI, YA, YA 12/6)

Vehicles bearing $15 million in Qatari money enter Gaza via the Erez border crossing. This marks the 2d shipment of Qatari funds into Gaza with the purpose of paying the salaries of civil servants of the Hamas-run government and supporting families not able to cover basic needs in Gaza. The first shipment of Qatari money into Gaza occurred on 11/8. Israeli security officials say that the shipments have opened a window of opportunity for Israel to propose humanitarian solutions for Gaza and possibly to secure a long-term cease-fire. (JP, TOI 12/6; HA, JP, TOI 12/7)

The UN General Assembly votes down a U.S.-proposed resolution condemning Hamas “for repeatedly firing rockets into Israel and for inciting violence, thereby putting civilians at risk,” with only 87 votes in favor (a two-thirds supermajority is required to approve this type of measure). Israeli prime minister Netanyahu tweets, “While it did not achieve a two-thirds majority, this is the first time that a majority of countries have voted against Hamas and I commend each of the 87 countries that took a principled stand against Hamas.” (AP, BBC, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI, YA 12/7)

PA pres. Mahmud Abbas addresses the UNGA in New York, announcing as expected that his government will seek non-member observer state status for Palestine (see Doc. B4 in JPS 166). Abbas also refers to current Israeli policies as ‘‘ethnic cleansing,’’ singling out settlement construction and home demolition for particular criticism. Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) criticize the speech for not offering anything new, but Fatah praises it as ‘‘historic.’’ Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu also addresses the assembly, notably literally drawing a ‘‘red line’’ on a cartoon of a bomb to illustrate his claim that Iran would be capable of making a nuclear weapon within a year. In contrast, U.S. officials play down the notion that Iran is on the brink of achieving a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Iran is making progress in building a research reactor capable of potential weapon material, and Israeli media describe the Netanyahu government as urging the EU to impose further sanctions on Iran in light of the economic damage achieved by sanctions to date. (AP, HA, MNA, REU, ToI 9/27)

Israel approves a proposal to allow 5,000 additional entry permits for Palestinian construction and agricultural workers, bringing the total number of work permits issued by Israel to West Bank Palestinians to over 45,000. Israel also allows, for the 1st time since 2007, 3 truckloads of furniture to be exported from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank, destined for PA-run schools. This marks the 3d time in 2012 that Israel permitted the passage of goods from Gaza to the West Bank. Meanwhile Egypt informed Palestinian officials of their intention to ease travel through the Rafah crossing over coming days. (JP, MNA 9/27)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers fr. Beitar Ilit settlement nr. Bethlehem dump sewage water on agriculture lands in the Fukin valley. Jewish settlers fr. Brakha settlement nr. Burin village s. of Nablus cut down over 60 olive trees. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Tulkarm (firing sound bombs), and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; conducts a house raid and summons in Qalqilya in the morning and house raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night (beating 2 residents, arresting another 2, and firing tear-gas canisters at homes) at night. (PCHR 10/4)

U.S. and Lebanese government officials allege that Hizballah has sent military advisers to help the Asad government in Syria. UNRWA estimates that the total number of refugees fleeing Syria will reach 700,000 by the end of 2012. (REU, WP 9/27)

IDF troops make a brief incursion into c. Gaza northeast of al-Bureij r.c. to level land and clear lines of sight. In the West Bank, an IDF undercover unit enters Nabi Salih in the morning, arresting a 10- yr.-old Palestinian boy for throwing stones. The IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Tulkarm and nr. Jenin. (PCHR 1/27; OCHA 1/28)

With the support of the majority of parliament, Lebanese pres. Suleiman taps Hizballah’s candidate, billionaire Sunni businessman Najib Mikati, as PM designate to form the next Lebanese government. (NYT, WP 1/25)

As the quarter opens,Israel’s blockade of Gaza enters its 6th mo., allowing no goods or people out (except for very limited medical emergencies) and letting only limited food and fuel supplies and a handful of diplomats and international aid workers in; Palestinians are receiving on average 6–8 hrs./day of electricity and 2–3 hrs./day of water after Israel’s bombing of Gaza’s sole generator on 6/28. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continues Operation Summer Rains (see Quarterly Update in JPS 141), which began on 6/28 after the capture of an IDF soldier in a Palestinian cross-border raid fr. Gaza on 6/25, making occasional ground incursions into Gaza, maintaining troops at the Dahaniyya airport site outside of Rafah. In Gaza, the IDF launches air strikes, destroying a empty Palestinian home in Gaza City, causing no injuries; sends at least 50 armored vehicles into the outskirts of Bayt Hanun, firing on residential areas, bulldozing large areas of agricultural land, ordering residents of 15 houses to surrender for ID checks, arresting 2 before withdrawing across the border. Also in Gaza, 1 Palestinian is killed, 3 are injured when they apparently prematurely detonate explosives they are handling. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Azun nr. Qalqilya (firing on stone-throwing youths who confront them, wounding 2), Fahma nr. Jenin (firing on residential areas, damaging homes), Jenin town and refugee camp (r.c.; wounding 1 Palestinian), al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem (firing on residential areas); conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron, Salfit. In Khan Yunis, a 14-yr.-old Palestinian boy is killed in crossfire btwn. Hamas Executive Support Force (ESF) mbrs., Fatah gunmen. (PCHR 8/17; OCHA 8/23; PCHR 8/24)

Two days after an Israel-Hizballah cease-fire went into effect ending 34 days of war (Israel dubbed its offensive Operation Change of Direction; see Chronology in JPS 141), the Lebanese government reaches a compromise agreement with Hizballah under which only the army will be allow to “carry weapons” s. of the Litani (allowing Hizballah to store weapons nr. the border with Israel) and the Lebanese cabinet votes to order the army to prepare to deploy across s. Lebanon (a precondition for an Israeli withdrawal). The UN estimates that since 8/14, more than 200,000 Lebanese have returned to their homes and 60,000 have returned fr. Syria, leaving more than 700,000 still internally displaced. The Lebanese government now puts the comprehensive toll at 1,152 Lebanese killed and some 3,700 wounded, with numbers expected to rise as more bodies are recovered. (UN Information Service, WP 8/16; NYT, WP, WT 8/17)

Overnight, the IDF drops 2 quarter-ton bombs on a 3-story building in Gaza City in an attempt to assassinate chief Hamas bomb-maker Muhammad Dayif, 4 times previously the target of Israeli assassination since 2000, wounding Dayif, killing senior Hamas mbr. Nabil al-Salima,his wife and 7 children, wounding Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades n. Gaza cmdr. Ahmad al-Gander and at least 33 bystanders, seriously damaging 15 surrounding homes. At the same time, the IDF also expands Operation Summer Rains with a major incursion into central Gaza, sending 10s of tanks, APCs, armored bulldozers across the Kissufim crossing under helicopter and drone escort and moving troops north fr. positions nr. Abasan, cutting the Strip in half, ordering PA security forces to leave the area, shelling and bulldozing surrounding areas. During the day, the IDF reportedly kills at least 22 other Palestinians and wounds at least 14 in major gun battles nr. Dayr al-Balah in central Gaza and in air and artillery strikes around Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis; the PRC’s Salah al-Din Brigades Khan Yunis leader Hisham Abu Nusayra, a PA policeman are killed in separate air strikes in Khan Yunis and a police station in alQarara is hit. The IDF also bulldozes 65 d. of agricultural land, partially demolishes 8 Palestinian homes and a car, and occupies 10 Palestinian homes as military posts in Dayr al-Balah; withdraws fr. the Qarni industrial estate (held since 7/8), allowing humanitarian and commercial imports to resume, and from Dahaniyya airport (held since 6/28), allowing PA security forces to enter the airport and the Rafah crossing and around 1,000 displaced Palestinians (see 7/8) to return to their homes. Palestinians try to fire rockets fr. Gaza toward Kissufim, but they fall short, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF sends undercover units into Dura, Nablus to conduct arrest raids. A Palestinian militant dies of injuries received during the 7/7 IDF air strikes on Bayt Lahiya. (BBC, HA, IMEMC, NYT, OCHA, PCHR, WP, WT 7/12; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 7/13; PCHR 7/20; NYT 7/21; B’Tselem 8/3)

Before dawn, Hizballah launches a crossborder attack on Israel, dubbed Operation True Promise, firing rockets across the Blue Line into n. Israel as a diversion; sending fighters in to n. Israel to attack an IDF patrol btwn. Zarit and Shetula, capturing 2 IDF soldiers, killing 3 soldiers, wounding 2. The IDF sends troops into Lebanon to search for the missing soldiers, where an IDF tank hits a mine, killing 4 IDF soldiers and marking Israel’s 1st ground incursion into Lebanon since its 5/00 withdrawal. (An 8th IDF soldier is killed, 2 others are wounded in Lebanon late in the evening as they try to recover the remains of the 4 tank occupants.) The IDF also launches air strikes and directs heavy artillery, tank fire on some 40 Hizballah positions, roads, bridges, power stations in s. Lebanon, killing at least 2 Lebanese civilians, 1 Lebanese soldier, wounding at least 10. The Lebanese government requests that UNIFIL broker a cease-fire, but Israel says a cease-fire would be contingent upon return of the captured soldiers. Hizballah leader Shaykh Hasan Nasrallah says the group plans to hold the 2 soldiers for the release of 3–4 Lebanese held by Israel. During the day, IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz calls up a reserve infantry division for deployment to the n. Israel border and sends the Israeli navy into Lebanese waters, threatening a massive invasion of Lebanon; makes air strikes on a Palestinian guerrilla base s. of Beirut. (BBC, HA, IFM 7/12; HA, IFM, NYT, WP, WT 7/13; UNIS 7/14)

Yugoslavia accepts an international peace plan negotiated by Russia, Finland (acting for NATO) for ending Kosovo conflict. The plan provides "substantial autonomy" for Kosovo, return of all 850,000 ethnic Albanian refugees. U.S. expresses cautious optimism, says air war, which began 3/24, will continue until treaty is fully implemented. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/4; WP 6/5; GIU 6/7; MM 6/11; GIU 6/14)

In Damascus, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah holds a 2d round of talks with Pres. Asad before leaving for Amman, where he meets with King Abdallah. (`Ukaz 6/2 in WNC 6/8; MM 6/4)

SLA completes withdrawal fr. Jazzin. Lebanese government says it will not grant amnesty to the 203 SLA mbrs. who elected to surrender to Lebanese authorities rather than evacuate. (MM 6/3; RL 6/3 in WNC 6/8; NYT, WT 6/4; JP 6/11)

Fewer than 3,000 Palestinians across the territories observe the PA's "day of rage" to protest Israeli settlement expansion. In Bethlehem, Gaza, Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm, demonstrators clash with IDF soldiers, who respond with tear gas and rubber bullets, in total injuring 36 Palestinians, killing 1. (MM 6/3; HJ 6/3 in WNC 6/8; al-Akhbar, al-Quds 6/3 in WNC 6/9; CSM, NYT 6/4; al-Quds 6/4 in WNC 6/11; LAW 6/6; MM 6/7; JP 6/11; MEI 6/18) (see 5/30)

At a roadblock nr. Yattir settlement in the West Bank, an IDF soldier fatally shoots a Palestinian motorist who allegedly tried to run him over. (CSM, NYT 6/4)

PM Netanyahu cuts short a trip to Britain to brief PM Tony Blair on the Wye agmt., cancels trip to Spain as a result of death of 2 IDF soldiers s. Lebanon 11/26; says Lebanese government is "directly responsible" for Hizballah's war on Israel. (MM 11/27; YA 11/27 in WNC 11/30; NYT, WP, WT 11/28; MEI 12/11)

Dir. of the PM's Bureau Uri Elitzur calls on the YESHA settlers council to take any steps that encourage settlement, including initiating new West Bank encampments, because "you don't know how long this government will last and what will be the depth of the further withdrawal." (MA 11/27 in WNC 11/30)

Jordanian government bans large pro-Iraq rally planned for today by Jordan's opposition parties. Mu'ta University administration dissolves its Islamist-dominated student council and suspend 8 students for holding demonstrations against the Wye agmt. (JT 11/28, 11/30 in WNC 12/1) (see 11/22)

IDF removes all military roadblocks on the exits of Palestinian cities, villages; says closure on al-Fawwar will be reimposed at 6 p.m. (VOP 3/18, QY 3/19 in FBIS 3/19)

Israel's High Court rules that the IDF can demolish the homes of Palestinians suspected of involvement in the recent suicide bombings. PM Peres says his government is preparing a list of those Islamists who may be deported; families of those listed will not be deported. (MM 3/19; CSM, MM 3/20) (see 3/4-5)

Challenging Israeli censorship laws, the daily paper Ha'Aretz publishes the name of the new Mossad chief Maj. Gen. Danny Yatom. (NYT, WT 3/19; QY 3/19 in FBIS 3/19; CSM 3/20; MM 3/22) (see 1/10)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Martin Indyk relays to PM Peres a message fr. Pres. Clinton urging Israel to avoid a military operation against Hizballah in s. Lebanon. (ITV 3/19, RL 3/20 in FBIS 3/20; QY 3/22 in FBIS 3/22)

Israeli FM Barak says that the IDF will respond to increasing tensions in s. Lebanon by carrying out more operations, "even beyond the security zone"; warns that Israel may be forced "to act in a way that also harms the interests of the Lebanese government." Since 2/16, Hizballah attacks on IDF, SLA position have caused an unusually high number of deaths, injuries. (MA 3/19 in FBIS 3/19; ITV 3/20 in FBIS 3/21)

In Amman, Jordanian Information M Marwan Mu`asher received a U.S. Jewish delegation fr. B'nai B'rith. (RJ 3/19 in FBIS 3/20)

The battle between Pres. Bush, Israeli government, becomes more personal when Israel cabinet mbr. Rehavam Ze'evi calls Bush "close to being an anti-Semite." (NYT 9/16)

DFLP split deepens as supporters of Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh announce recent "national congress" voted him general secretary. Both the 'Abd Rabbuh and Hawatma factions use the name DFLP. (Sawt al-Sha'b 9/16 in FBIS 9/17)

Lebanese FM Faris Bouez meets with Iranian FM 'Ali Akbar Velayati in Tehran, urges Iranian cooperation in disarming of Hizbullah militia, withdrawal of Iranian Revolutionary Guards in Lebanon. Velayati indicated Iran felt that the groups' presence assisted the anti-Israeli resistance, without which Israel could never be driven from S. Lebanon. The Lebanese government has issued an October deadline for Hizbullah to surrender its arms. (NYT 9/16)

PLO-Lebanese army ceasefire takes hold in Sidon area after 73 killed, 200 wounded, mostly Palestinians. Under terms of ceasefire agreement, PLO agrees to move heavy weapons out of S. Lebanon, restrict remaining 5,000 fighters, armed only with light infantry weapons, to the 'Ayn al-Hilwa and al-Mi'a wa Mi'a refugee camps. Army agrees not to enter camps as long as cease-fire remains in effect. Government states discussions on civil and social rights of Palestinians in Lebanon will take place. Government also agrees to release PLO prisoners. In Tunis, PLO Chmn. Arafat backs accord, telephones approval. Fighting came as result of attempt by Lebanese government to disarm all armed group in Lebanon. Army control of area could limit attacks on Israeli-backed forces in the "security zone" in S. Lebanon. (MEM 7/5; NYT, LAT 7/6)

Hunger strike among Palestinian prisoners spreads to Tel Mond prison, the seventh prison now on strike. (MEM 7/8)

At press conference with Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan, PLO Chmn. Arafat declares willingness to have portions of Palestine National Charter which "threaten" Israel deleted as part of peace treaty in return for reciprocal Israeli measures. (MEM 7/5) 

Lebanese security officials claim that heavy equipment of Christian Lebanese Forces militia has been moved by ship from Juniya to Nagura, in Israeli "security zone." Move comes after Lebanese government orders militia to disarm in Beirut, surrounding areas, as part of nation-wide plan to reassert authority ofcentral government. (NYT 5/24)

U.S. Secy. of State James Baker departs Israel for Washington after talks with Israeli leadership, which still rejects U.N. role in proposed Middle East peace talks. Two sides reportedly agreed to include Palestinian participants in negotiations through joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation comprised of Palestinians living in Jordan. The trip is Baker's fourth to region within two months. (NYT, WP 5/17)

PLO Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi meets with Lebanese For. Min. Faris Buwayz in Cairo over PLO disarmament in S. Lebanon as directed by Lebanese government. Al-Qaddumi, while stating PLO will cooperate with government in establishing state's sovereignty, noted that PLO will not disarm, offering instead formation of Palestinian brigade which could coordinate with Lebanese army command. Buwayz rejected proposal. (MEM 5/17; NYT 5/18)

Al-Qaddumi also meets with Syrian For. Min. Faruq al-Shar' in Cairo to discuss U.S., Soviet peace initiatives. (MEM 5/17)

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Lebanese government states it will lodge formal protest with UN for Israeli air raid in S. Lebanon which killed 40 people [CSM 9/8].

Military Action:

Artillery exchanges between PSP, and LAF and LF throughout the day in Chouf, Metn and Aley regions, and in coastal area south of Beirut; sporadic artillery and machine gun fire between rival militias in Tripoli; commander of IDF-backed militia in South Lebanon disbands his unit, joins Amal.

Casualties:

2 killed, 6 wounded in Tripoli fighting; 3 killed in Chouf; Beirut airport closed after 6 shells hit runway, schools in East Beirut closed; French military helicopter crashes into sea off Beirut, 2 crew members killed, 1 missing.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens, in US, calls for unrelenting diplomatic and political pressure to force Syria to withdraw from Lebanon, says Lebanese government should employ guerrilla activity against Syrian forces in Lebanon; Shamir, in US, says US support for Israel, from point of view of American interests, is a bargain; settlers continue to occupy position near Joseph's Tomb in Nablus; petrol bomb thrown at IDF vehicle in Nablus.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Tripoli Higher Coordinating Committee meets separately with Arafat and rebel leaders to coordinate details of cease-fire and withdrawal of forces.

Arab Governments: Saudi ambassador to US criticizes US-Israel program for increased cooperation, says Israel is strategic liability to US, not strategic asset.

US and Other Countries: Gemayel arrives in Washington for meetings tomorrow with Reagan and senior US officials.

Military Action:

LAF and militiamen exchange fire throughout the night in southern suburbs of Beirut; brief small arms and RPG battles in sectors of Tripoli bordering on Baddawi camp.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese government orders staff of Iranian embassy to leave Beirut within 3 days, estimated 800 Shi'ite Muslims stage protest march in Burj al Barajneh camp.

Arab Governments: Saudi and Syrian FMs announce that rival Palestinian forces have agreed to cease-fire and to withdraw from Tripoli within 2 weeks, Tripoli Higher Coordinating Committee to supervise.

Military Action:

LAF and unidentified gunmen battle near airport, main highway access closed; artillery duels between LAF and PSP forces around Souq al-Gharb; LAF bombards sniper position in Bun al-Barajneh; US officials say snipers appear to be from pro-Iranian Hisballah faction; IDF position in Sidon attacked with RPGs and bazookas; 3 Katyushas fired south of Zahrani river.

Casualties:

2 LAF soldiers, 2 civilians killed near airport; 2 IDF border police killed, 1 wounded in Sidon.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh Central Committee ends 2-day meeting in Kuwait, says it will seek Arab-wide support to reconcile factional differences; commander of PLA forces in Syria defects to PLO rebels; Lebanese government announces start of reconciliation talks at Beirut airport tomorrow, PSP says site is completely unacceptable.

US and Other Countries: Joint Chiefs of Staff begin review of rules governing operations of Marines in Lebanon; Reagan meets National Security Council to review Middle East policy.

Military Action:

Artillery and machine gun battles continue between rival militias in Chouf, PSP captures Beiteddine, retakes Qabr Chamoun junction; shells fall on West Beirut; French MNF position hit, 2 French Super Etendard fighters reconnoiter mountain artillery positions; rockets, mortars fall near US Marines; US accelerates shipments of ammunition, other supplies to LAF; Britain moves 6 RAF Buccaneer long-range strike aircraft to Cyprus; IDF armored column enters village of Jalalya, 5 km north of Awali River.

Casualties:

1 French soldier wounded; Berberi Medical Center in Beirut damaged by shelling; 25-40,000 Christian refugees under siege by PSP forces in Deir al-Qamar reportedly running short of food, water.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: McFarlane holds talks with Christian, Muslim groups and with Gemayel, reportedly moving toward cease-fire and political dialogue involving Syria and Saudi Arabia; Lebanese government says it will begin censorship of newspapers on Saturday; Jumblatt gives assurances of safety to Christian refugees in Deir al-Qamar.

Military Action:

Fierce fighting continues between Muslim militias and Lebanese Army throughout West Beirut; Mourabitoun occupies Union National Building, engage nearby Army garrison in rifle and RPG battle; Lebanese Army barracks at Fahr al-Deen, and positions at Murr Tower and Holiday Inn attacked; Druze militia occupies Holiday Inn; French Embassy compound hit by rockets, French convoy ambushed; British convoy attacked at Galerie Semaan crossing; Italian positions hit; 3 US Marine positions come under fire, respond with rifles, machine guns; hooded gunmen occupy points along Green Line; long-range artillery fire hits West Beirut; US aircraft carrier Eisenhower, other warships move to within 5 miles of shore.

Casualties:

4 French military personnel killed, 4 wounded in Beirut attacks; most Beirut shops closed, electrical blackouts frequent, lines form to buy bread, drinking water; 4 Ansar prisoners wounded when IDF opens fire after guards hit by stones.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin tells Likud coalition his decision to retire as PM and Herut party leader is final; process of selecting new Herut leader begins; McFarlane, in Jerusalem, obtains commitment to postpone IDF withdrawal from Chouf for few more days.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese government officials and Muslim leaders meet.

US and Other Countries: Reagan tells Congress Marines will remain in Lebanon, resists pressure to invoke provisions of War Powers Resolution requiring withdrawal of troops in 60-90 days without Congressional approval; White House says US troops are not conducting combat operations; West German Chancellor Kohl postpones visit to Israel.

Military Action:

Lebanese National Resistance Front explodes booby trapped car near IDF checkpoint outside Nabatiyeh, some injuries; unidentified gunmen in car fire at and wound PLO official in Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Youths stone Israeli vehicles in Nablus, injure 1 soldier, 3 boys arrested; 3 men arrested in Nablus for telling school girls to leave classes for demonstration; boys and girls secondary schools in Ramallah closed for 30 days; stones thrown near Jalazon and al-Amari camps; hand grenade thrown at Israeli car on Jenin-Nablus road, no damage or injuries; border policeman disciplined for having used unreasonable force against Peace Now demonstrator on February 10; Deputy Agriculture Minister says between 20 and 30 private companies building settlements on West Bank, demand for houses is high, there should be 100,000 Israelis living there by 1985; Foreign Minister Shamir says Israel liberated 1967 territories from the countries that conquered them in 1948, these areas are parts of Eretz Yisrael and what is part of your country you do not annex; Finance Minister Aridor arrives in Johannesburg to discuss with senior South African officals investment, trade and arms deals.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat, visiting Sudan, says he will visit Egypt in near future but will only normalize relations if Egypt disentangles itself from the Camp David accord; Lebanese government announces sweeping measures against illegal trade, asks for MNF assistance to take over "illegitimate" ports of Pier 5 in Beirut and Dbayeh harbor in north Beirut, both controlled by Phalange militia since 1975-76 civil war; PM Wazzan reported to have told four Italian senators recently that Lebanon intends to expel all Palestinians in Lebanon, mentioning a figure of 500,000; Lebanese government cancels invitation to NY Mayor Koch after he enters the country from Israel via IDF helicopter.

Arab Governments: Egyptian-Israeli talks begin on Taba border dispute.

US and Other Countries: Former President Carter meets Mubarak and Habib in Cairo.

Military Action:

US and Israeli officials in Beirut agree to demarcate formal boundary between their two forces, using brightly painted barrels; IDF reported using tactic of "reconnaissance by fire," driving along Sidon road and spraying the orchards with machine gun fire; 160 French marines added to French contingent in MNF, another 140 to follow; Syrian Press Agency in West Beirut shattered by bomb.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 10 new settlements under preparation, 30 awaiting approval; World Zionist Organization predicts population parity between Jews and Arabs in West Bank could be achieved with 1.4 million Jews by year 2010.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PFLP leader George Habash tells Damascus press conference he will ask forthcoming PNC meeting in Algiers to reject Reagan plan and Arafat/ Hussein talks; Major Haddad tells press conference in Metulla that Lebanese government is too weak to guarantee agreement with Israel.

Arab Governments: Mubarak ends one day visit to France.

US and Other Countries: Reagan Administration reported to favor increased grant to loan ratio in $2.5 billion economic and military aid package for Israel; international commission headed by Sean MacBride announces findings that Israel's invasion of Lebanon violated international law and that Israel was involved in the "planning and preparation" of the Beirut massacres; in London, hearing continues on shooting of Israeli Ambassador Argov, currently hospitalized in Jerusalem suffering near total blindness and paralysis. 

Military Action:

Phalange and Druze militia exchange artillery and rocket fire during night and morning in Shweifat, Baabda, Aley and Bhamdoun; lDF sets up checkpoints on Beirut-Damascus highway to divert traffic from areas of fighting.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Chief of Staff Eitan tells Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that 117 IDF were killed in western Lebanon, 8 in Beirut, that Begin denied Eitan's request during war for 2 more hours to cross Beirut-Damascus highway and destroy Syrian T-72 tank group, that critics such as Yossi Sarid and Shulamit Aloni harmed the war effort by talking about number of Palestinian homeless and refugees; Shamir and Kimche meet for 2'h4 hours with Habib and Draper; Sharon arrives in Zaire; 1DF spokeswoman confirms 10 Israeli Druze soldiers were jailed for defying orders in South Lebanon; Knesset votes 46-44 not to censure Kiryat Arba Council for destroying 4 of Hebron municipality's electricity pylons; Elias Freij and Rashad Shawa say they are willing to be members of a Palestinian-Jordanian delegation in peace talks with Israel.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: After 3 days of meetings in Damascus, PLO Executive Committee does not give Arafat support for alliance with Jordan; Lebanese Government insists end to state of war must be linked to complete Israeli withdrawal; Foreign Minister Elie Salem says another month or 2 of intensive discussion necessary to clear differences with Israel, he is confident Syrian and Palestinian forces will leave when Israelis leave, Lebanon is prepared to guarantee it will never again be base of operations against Israel, calls for multinational force and UNIFIL to double in size; Prime Minister Wazzan asks Justice Minister Roger Shikhani to investigate missing persons and to speed up interrogation of hundreds of detainees.

US and Other Countries: State Department says that Carter and Ford rightly focus on settlements as obstacle, but they are not the major obstacle to peace, and refuse to call settlements illegal; Weinberger and French Defense Minister Charles Hernu hold talks in Washington, Hernu says France will increase its contingent in Lebanon and take on more responsibility after the withdrawal of Syrian, Israeli and Palestinian forces, providing US and Italy do the same.

UN: Security Council votes to extend mandate of 5,800 UNIFIL troops for another 6 months; Israeli Ambassador Yehuda Blum says UNIFL has outlived its usefulness; US delegate says UNIFIL is a positive element in the negotiations.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Prime Minister's office reacts angrily to reports that US may postpone Begin's visit if no progress is made in Lebanon peace talks; Eitan is criticized by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for comments on Lebanon yesterday; former military intelligence chief Shlomo Gazit, now President of Ben Gurion University in Beersheba, says Arafat's success is the large number of men Israel keeps mobilized to prevent terrorism, that security forces should not be kept on alert in the West Bank; El Al airlines resumes operations after 4 month strike over issue of flights on Sabbath and Jewish holidays; Minister for Science and Development Yuval Ne'eman, acting chair of Cabinet settlement committee, issues communique that settlements in West Bank, Gaza Strip and Golan Heights will continue despite US criticism; Israeli military experts reported organizing Zairian army; military roadblock around Najah University effectively implementing Order 854 which requires students from other districts to have special permit to attend university; Civil Administration says it is not involved in land dispute over Hebron municipality electricity pylons torn down by Kiryat Arba residents, that IDF is responsible; military authorities declare Hebron closed military area to prevent 50 Peace Now members from assisting Hebron residents re-erect and guard electricity pylons.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat meets with CPSU Secretary-General Yuri V. Andropov and Foreign Minister Andrei A. Gromyko, Arafat and Andropov declare that US shares full responsibility for Israel's criminally aggressvie actions because it gives Israel all the assistance it needs; Lebanese Government states preference for expanded role for UNIFIL throughout Lebanon after withdrawal of Israeli, Syrian and Palestinian forces; Dany Chamoun visits Saad Haddad in Marjayoun and Christian notables in Klea.

Arab Govemnments: King Fahd confers in Riyadh with Walid Jumblatt; Morocco retracts announcement on Arab League delegation, saying no decision will be made until Arab foreign ministers meet in Marrakesh; President Assad tells visiting Arab news agencies' directors that Syria rejects current Middle East peace plans, but would attend an Arab summit to map out collective action.

US and Other Countries: 500 at United Jewish Appeal luncheon addressed by Israeli President Navon, who says both Labor and Likud parties agree that a return to 1967 borders is not acceptable, PLO is a terrorist organization, a West Bank Palestinian state would be a security threat to Israel and base for Soviet intervention in the region, that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of Israel, but he says that Israel would take into consideration any change in the PLO covenant; Italian General Confederation of Labor meets with leaders of Rome's Jewish community to formulate plans to combat anti-Semitism.

Military Action:

RPGs, mortars and light weapons used in clashes around Aley; IDF convoy is ambushed in hills overlooking Beirut airport, IDF sets two shops ablaze while responding to attack; IDF holds Lebanese Druze suspected of shooting IDF officer in Aley last week.

Casualties:

1 killed, 4 wounded in Aley area.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Cabinet meets to discuss Sharon initiative and Habib proposals, drops condition that some of talks be held in Jerusalem; Habib meets with Begin to receive report on Israeli-Lebanese agreement; curfews maintained in Nablus and refugee camps of Balata and Deheisha; Peace Now demands that shooting incident be debated in Knesset.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Government, reacting to Israeli Cabinet decision, says it is ready to negotiate on withdrawal of IDF forces from Lebanon; Foreign Minister Salem says agreement is Israeli agenda for talks, but "we have ours," says US must be partner in talks; Lebanese officials avoid discussing alleged Sharon document.

US and Other Countries: Washington Post article reveals two unpublished letters signed by Habib last August guaranteeing safety of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.