The Palestine Chronology

In a warning to PM Netanyahu, the Knesset passes (60-6, with 1 abstention, 53 coalition mbrs. boycotting) the 1st reading of a bill to dissolve parliament, which if enacted would effectively topple Netanyahu's government. (MM 7/29; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/30; MENA 7/30 in WNC 8/6; MM 7/31)

In Casablanca, the Jerusalem Comm. of the Organization of the Islamic Conference opens 2-day mtg. to address recent Israeli decisions on Jerusalem, esp. 6/21 approval to expand municipal boundaries. On the sidelines, Egyptian FM Musa briefs Syrian FM Shara` on his trip to Paris 6/27-28. (MENA 7/29 in WNC 7/30; MENA 7/29, RE 7/31 in WNC 8/6; al-Wafd 7/31 in WNC 8/10; al-Dustur, RJ 8/1 in WNC 8/7)

In a press interview, Israeli Labor MK Ori Orr makes very derogatory statements against Sephardic Jews, causing uproar, highlighting ethnic tensions among Jews in Israel. (MM 7/30, 7/31)

Speaking before a congressional comm., Asst Secy. of State Indyk says that U.S. will continue efforts to contain Iraq, defines new policy toward Iran as being closer to the EU policy of "open dialogue," effectively ending the U.S. policy of dual containment. (GIU 7/31)

As part of the U.S.'s increasing attempts to destabilize the Iraqi regime, the U.S.-sponsored Radio Free Europe/Liberty announces that it will soon begin broadcasting to Iraq, Iran fr. a secret location in Czechoslovakia. (WP 7/30) (see 7/21)

Donor countries promise to release $125 m. of promised aid to PA immediately to help self-rule transition. Arafat says money will go to improving Gaza slums. (VOP 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; CSM, MM, WP, WT 12/1; Le Soir 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; JP 12/3; WJW 12/8; MEI 12/16)

Labor MK Ori Orr suggests Israel postpone troop withdrawal fr. West Bank but uproot some settlements ahead of schedule. Similar statements made separately by Environmental M Sarid. Comments widely thought to be "trial balloons" sent up by Rabin government. (JP, QY 11/30 in MM 11/30; MM 12/2)

Israel, Palestinians, donor countries sign "memorandum of understanding" outlining PA's needs for next 4 mos., issues of taxation, Israeli aid, contributions fr. donor countries. (QY 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli borders comm. ends 2nd 2-day round of talks in Aqaba. Each side delegates 3 teams to carry out primary delineation of border, to be completed 12/6. (PETRA 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on treaty implementation creates 2 subcommittees comprising representatives fr. armed forces and Mins. of Interior, Agriculture, Water respectively to implement Jordanian law in al-Ghamar, Baqurah areas by 1/95, in keeping with Jordan-Israel treaty annexes. (PETRA 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

ITV reports Israeli Amb. Itamar Rabinovitch, Syrian Amb. Walid Mu`allim recently held talks in Washington on security arrangements in which senior army officers fr. both sides participated; some progress was made. (ITV 11/30, HA 12/1 in FBIS 12/1)

UNRWA approves $163,810 in new small-business loans for projects in Gaza, bring number of UNRWA loans to Gaza to 157. (UNRWA News 11/30)

IDF soldier is axed to death by Palestinian in Afula, northern Israel; IDF arrests 40 Hamas mbrs. in West Bank. (IDF Radio 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/1; PR 12/4; WJW 12/8; JP 12/10)

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Karp report criticizing Israeli law enforcement practices toward Arabs in West Bank made public; report reveals Jewish settlers who kill West Bank Palestinians enjoy high degree of immunity from police investigation. Israeli gov't. announces no intention of intervening to salvage Gemayel presidency in Beirut, in spite of reported pleas from Phalange emissaries. Interior Ministry official attacks Jerusalem Mayor Kollek for accusing political motives behind gov't. refusal to approve 5 replacement generators for Arab-owned Jerusalem Electric Co. Spokesman for Council of Jewish Settlements ("Judea & Samaria") reveals IDF commander Aluf Ori Orr instructed settlers not to cooperate with civilian police after attacks on Arabs. PM Shamir and US amb. Lewis meet for urgent talks on LAF setback. Gaza-Majdal Road checkpoints withdrawn by Israel, thereby removing only visible demarkation of 1948 border.

Other Countries: US Pres. Reagan announces plan to withdraw Marines from Beirut to warships offshore. European Parliament Pres. Dankert, speaking to Knesset, suggests Israel coordinate efforts with Morocco and Tunisia to protect agricultural exports to Europe if Spain and Portugal admitted to EEC.