The Palestine Chronology

Presidential elections are held in the U.S., but the race btwn. VP Al Gore (D) and Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) is too close to call. The election rests on some 1,500 votes in Florida, where ballot errors could swing results. At the least, Florida absentee ballots must be tabulated and regular votes recounted, meaning it could be weeks before the new president is declared. (MM 11/7; NYT, WP, WT 11/8; al-Quds 11/8 in WNC 11/9; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; AYM, al-Quds 11/9, HJ 11/10 in WNC 11/13; MM 11/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead, 150 injured. A 2d Palestinian dies of wounds received earlier. Jewish settlers block roads, attack Palestinians, damage property in Hebron and nr. Nablus, Rafah, Tulkarm. Off Gaza, a fishing boat laden with explosives detonates nr. an Israeli patrol ship, killing the suicide bomber. The IDF shells areas of Bayt Jala in response to Palestinian sniping at Gilo settlement. IDF chief of staff Mofaz says the IDF is preparing contingencies for the evacuation of all 7,000 Jewish settlers in Gaza. Barak allows the Gaza airport, closed since 10/22, to reopen. (ADM, LAW 11/7; al-Quds 11/7 in WNC 11/9; NYT, WP 11/8)

In keeping with the 10/17 Sharm agmts., the White House names fmr. senator George Mitchell (D-ME) to lead an inquiry into the causes of the Israeli-Palestinian clashes. Also named to the panel are fmr. Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel, Norwegian FM Thorbjoern Jagland, fmr. senator Warren B. Rudman (R-NH), EU foreign policy dir. Solana. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/8; AYM 11/9 in WNC 11/13; MEI 11/24)

Israel opens the s. safe-passage route linking Gaza, the West Bank. (MM 10/25; NYT, WP, WT 10/26; WJW 10/28; NYT 10/31; JP 11/5)

In Washington, Israel's Internal Security M Ben-Ami meets with Asst. Secy. of State Indyk, special envoy Ross for talks on the peace process. (WT 10/25; MM 10/26; WP 10/27; MM 10/29)

In Gaza, British FM Robin Cook meets with Arafat. (LPA 10/25 in WNC 10/26; MM 10/26)

In Ankara to inaugurate a housing complex that Israelis have built for Turkish earthquake survivors, PM Barak pledges to boost military cooperation, economic ties with Turkey; briefs Pres. Suleyman Demirel on status of Israeli-Syrian track; discusses possible bilateral military trade, water projects. (MM 10/25; ATL 10/25 in WNC 10/26; ATL 10/25, 10/26 in WNC 10/27; MM, WP 10/26; JP 11/5)

At Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem, an IDF soldier fatally shoots a Palestinian man. Officially, the IDF says the man came at the soldier with a knife, but a number of Palestinian witnesses claim that the solider's gun went off accidentally, and, after leading the distraught soldier away, other IDF troops planted the knife. The incident prompts demonstrations by 100s of Palestinians who throw stones, bottles at the troops, who respond by firing rubber bullets and tear gas, injuring 15. (MM, NYT, WP 10/26; MEI 10/29; JP 11/5)

Israel approves Arafat's request to allow DFLP leader Hawatimah to take up residence in the PA self-rule areas. Hawatimah currently lives in Damascus. (MM 10/25; NYT 10/26; AYM 10/28 in WNC 11/2)

The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. (LAW, MM 10/26; MM 10/28)

On the 1st stop of his regional tour, Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel meets with Israeli pres. Ezer Weizman, PM Barak in Jerusalem; says that resumption of Syrian-Israeli negotiations would not affect Turkish-Israeli ties, despite tensions btwn. Ankara, Damascus. (MM 7/14; ATL 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MA 7/14 in WNC 7/16; NYT 7/15; WA 7/23 in WNC 7/26)

Arafat discusses peace process with Egyptian pres. Mubarak on the sidelines of the Organization of African Unity mtg. in Algiers. Arafat then departs for brief visit to Lithuania. (BNS [Tallinn], MENA 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

After 6 days of proreform student protests in Iran, crowds across the country (including 100,000 people in Tehran alone) turn out for counterdemonstrations organized by conservative officials. (CSM, NYT, WP 7/15; CSM, MEI, MM 7/16; MM 7/19; WJW 7/22)

Jordan holds local municipal elections. Islamic Action Front, the main Islamist opposition, wins majority of seats in Irbid, Russayfa, Zarqa; takes 5 of 20 elected seats in Amman. (Petra-JNA, RJ 7/14 in WNC 7/15; MM 7/16; NYT 7/17; MEI 7/30; MM 8/5)

Syrian pres. Asad grants amnesty to 150,000 prisoners jailed for cheating on food rations, dodging military service, smuggling, economic offenses. 100s of Palestinians, Jordanian nationals are among those freed. A number of Jordanians held as political prisoners will not be released. (MM 7/14; NYT 7/15; JT 8/3 in WNC 8/5)

Iran wins $50 m. contract to construct a power plant, repair several existing plants in Syria. (Iran News 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

IDF dismantles, confiscates a telephone communications network serving 10s of residents in the Palestinian neighborhood of al-Ram in East Jerusalem. The network was set up 18 mos. ago by the Palestinian Communications Company. (al-Ayyam 7/15 in WNC 7/19)

For the 1st time since the Barak government was sworn in, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in the West Bank. (INFOPAL [Internet] 7/30)

U.S., Israel hold final round of talks on how Israel would use the $1.2 b. in special assistance to implement the Wye agmt. U.S. reportedly would disburse the money when the IDF begins the remaining FRDs ordered under Wye. (Globes [Internet] 1/11 in WNC 1/13; Hatzofe 1/28 in WNC 1/29) (see 11/22)

National security agencies, senior advisers begin to send White House recommendations on Pollard clemency. Clinton has set no deadline on when he will make a decision. 60 Senators send letter to Pres. Clinton urging him not to reduce Pollard's sentence. (NYT 1/11; NYT, WP, WT 1/12; WJW, WT 1/14; MM 1/15; New Yorker 1/18; MM 1/21)

Likud elder statesman Moshe Arens emerges fr. political retirement to challenge his protege, Netanyahu, for the party's nomination for PM. In 1982, Arens hired Netanyahu, then a furniture salesman, as his political counselor in the Israeli emb. in Washington; promoted Netanyahu's career until his election as PM in 1996. Rafael Eitan will also challenge Netanyahu within Likud. DM Mordechai is considering a run. (MM 1/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/12; MEI 1/15; JP 1/22)

Several Palestinians protesting continued closure of Hebron are injured in clash with the IDF. (al-Hayat al-Jadida [Internet] 1/12)

Kuwait puts its troops on high alert following the Iraqi parliament's approval 1/10 of a statement holding Saudi Arabia, Kuwait fully responsible for the 12/98 U.S.-led attack, reserving the right to seek compensation. Iraq also considered passing a statement revoking recognition of Kuwait's borders but did not. (NYT, WP 1/12; MENA 1/14 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/18)

U.S. fires missiles at 2 Iraqi air defense installations in after radar was turned on U.S. planes in the n. no-fly zone. (NYT, WP 1/12)

New pro-secular Turkish government under Pres. Demirel, PM Ecevit takes power, will govern until 4/18 general elections. (MM 1/11; NYT, WP 1/12; MEI 1/15)

In Ramallah, Palestinians ambush an IDF patrol car, beat 1 soldier. Israel suspends FRD until the PA complies with a new list of demands, including publicly abandoning plans to declare a state in 5/99, accepting Israeli criteria for prisoner releases, halting all acts of incitement and violence. U.S. rejects demands, says accord "should be implemented as signed." IDF subdues the demonstration, injuring 11 Palestinians. (ITV 12/2 in WNC 12/4; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/3; MM 12/4; MEI 12/11)

A Palestinian is stabbed to death in East Jerusalem. During the funeral, mourners set fire to an Israeli car and stone Israeli police, who fire rubber bullets. Riot continues for several hrs. (MM 12/2; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 12/3; PR 12/11; JP 12/14)

IDF demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in the Jordan Valley. (AFP [Internet] 12/2)

Turkish pres. Suleyman Demirel taps veteran left-wing politician Bulent Ecevit to form a new government. (MM 12/3) (see 11/25)

Secy. Albright holds 2d round of mtgs. with Arafat, Netanyahu. Netanyahu then heads to Ariel settlement for celebration marking Ariel's new city status (see 6/11) also attended by DM Mordechai, Infrastructures M Ariel Sharon. (MM 10/6; ITV 10/6, JT 10/7 in WNC 10/8; NYT, WP 10/7; ITV 10/7 in WNC 10/9; NYT 10/8; PR 10/9; MEI 10/16; JP 10/17)

CIA Dir. George Tenet meets with Israeli, PA officials on security MOU. Israel, PA reach understanding on long-delayed opening of Gaza industrial park after an FRD agmt. is finalized, discuss forming an "anti-incitement" comm. (WP 10/8; ITV, QY 10/13 in WNC 10/15; MEI, PR 10/16) (see 9/8)

While Egypt's Mubarak shuttles btwn. Turkey's Demirel in Ankara and Syria's Asad in Damascus, Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz cancels leaves for all troops, gives Syria a "last warning" on support for Kurdish separatists. (MM 10/6; ATL, ESC Television, INA, ITAR-TASS, MENA 10/6 in WNC 10/7; MENA, al-Sabil, SATN 10/6, ATL, al-Dustur 10/7 in WNC 10/8; CSM, MM, WP, WT 10/7; ATL, HA, HUR, Iran News, al-Liwa', MENA, MIL 10/7, ATL, MIL 10/8 in WNC 10/9; MM 10/8; MA 10/9 in WNC 10/14) (see 10/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizbullah mbrs. detonate roadside bombs as an IDF convoy passes, killing 2 soldiers, wounding 6. (MM 10/6; WT 10/7; JP 10/17)

Secy. Albright, envoy Ross, Asst. Secy. of State Martin Indyk arrive in the Middle East to prepare for talks in Washington beginning 10/15. Albright meets with Netanyahu, then travels to Gaza to meet with Arafat. (MM 10/5; HA [Internet], WT 10/6)

Turkish pres. Demirel postpones mtg. with Egyptian pres. Mubarak that was set for today. Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan phones Demirel to urge him to find a diplomatic solution to crisis with Syria. (MM 10/5; ATL, JT, RJ, RL 10/5 in WNC 10/6; IRIB Television, JTV, Petra-JNA, SATN 10/5, IRNA, Petra-JNA, Sabah 10/6 in WNC 10/7; CSM 10/6; MEI 10/16) (see 10/4)

In a mtg. with outgoing Lebanese pres. Ilyas Hrawi in Damascus, Syrian pres. Asad taps army chief Gen. Emile Lahoud as the next Lebanese pres. Lahoud is widely considered to be an incorrupt, popular "new face," untainted by politics and unlikely to draw the military into the government. (RL, SANA 10/5 in WNC 10/6; AFP, RL al-Safir, SANA 10/5, RL, VOL 10/6 in WNC 10/7; MM, WP, WT 10/7; RL 10/7 in WNC 10/8; RL, RMC 10/8 in WNC 10/9; al-Watan al-Arabi 10/9 in WNC 10/15; Petra-JNA 10/11 in WNC 10/14; MM 10/12; MEI 10/16)

In s. Lebanon, Amal detonates 2 bombs as an IDF-SLA patrol passes, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding 4. (AFP, RL, VOL 10/5 in WNC 10/6)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Pres. Mubarak on his talks with Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright; discusses idea of holding international summit on the peace process. (MENA 10/1 in WNC 10/2)

Turkey sends 10,000 troops to its border with Syria. Pres. Suleyman Demirel threatens "counter" Syrian support Kurdish separatists. (ATL 10/1 in WNC 10/2; HUR 10/1, ATL 10/2 in WNC 10/5; HUR 10/2 in WNC 10/6; MM, WP, WT 10/2; MM 10/6; MEI 10/16) (see 9/30)

El Al confirms that the cargo plane that crashed in Amsterdam in 1992 carried DMMP with the permission of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. (Globes [Internet] 10/1 in WNC 10/2; NYT, WP 10/2; al-Bath 10/2 in WNC 10/6; WP 10/3; MEI 10/16) (see 10/1)

Palestinians, IDF troops clash in Hebron for 2d day, injuring 8 Palestinians. (HA [Internet], WP 10/2)

U.S. special envoy Ross holds separate mtgs. with Arafat in Gaza, Netanyahu in Jerusalem. (WT 3/29; JP 4/4)

In a conference call to 10's of American Jewish leaders, Secy. Albright says that the U.S. is frustrated by the delays in the peace process but will not give Israel an ultimatum for redeployment fr. the West Bank. Malcolm Hoenlein, exec. dir. of the Council of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, says that Albright has been holding conference call briefings on the peace process with Jewish leaders every 2 or 3 months. (MA 3/29 in WNC 3/20; MM, NYT 3/30; RE 3/30 in WNC 3/31)

In Aqaba, Jordan, Israel agree on "Aqaba-Elat Tourism Program" to encourage travel packages for large tourist groups; discuss recent decision by 2 tourist transport companies to cancel daily routes to the area because of low demand. (JT 3/28 in WNC 3/31)

In Ramallah, Jordan's Dep. PM Jawad al-Anani, Arafat discuss U.S. FRD initiative. (JTV 3/27 in WNC 3/30; al-Ra'i 3/28 in WNC 3/31)

In Ankara, PC delegation led by Speaker Qurai` discusses peace process with Pres. Suleyman Demirel. Qurai` says that PA respects Turkey's military cooperation agmt. with Israel. (Anatolia 3/27 in WNC 3/30)

In Amman, bomb explodes outside Modern American School, causing material damage but no injuries. No one takes responsibility. (RJ 3/28 in WNC 3/31; RJ 5/10 in WNC 5/13)

PA Central Bureau of Statistics begins its 1st census of the West Bank, Gaza, expected to last 15 days. After determining that existing legislation did not prevent PA census taking in East Jerusalem, Israel quickly pushes legislation through Knesset banning any Palestinian "activity in East Jerusalem bearing a governmental and political character and which is inconsistent with the sovereignty of the state of Israel," arrests at least 1 census taker. (MM 12/10; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/11; PR 12/12; MA 12/12 in WNC 12/16; MEI, PR 12/19; IDF Radio 12/29 in WNC 1/1)

In Jerusalem, Arafat adviser Abbas discusses final status scenarios with Likud MK Dan Meridor. (YA 12/12 in WNC 12/15)

Turkey's Pres. Suleyman Demirel leaves OIC summit a day early in protest of other mbrs.'s calls for halt to normalization with Israel, failure to pass 2 pro-Turkish resolutions on Cyprus, Greece. (NYT 12/12)

Following executions 12/8, Jordan recalls its chargé d'affaires from Iraq, gives 7 Iraqi diplomats a wk. to leave the country, vows to close its border with Iraq if it goes through with the execution of a 5th student. (MM 12/11; SA 12/12 in WNC 12/15; NYT 12/14; JT 12/15 in WNC 12/16; MEI 1/16)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrives in Beirut for talks on the peace process with Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz. (VOL 6/20 in WNC 6/23)

In Hebron, IDF troops in H2 clash with Palestinian demonstrators in H1, shooting across the dividing line btwn. the 2 sections of town, wounding at least 40 before PA security forces are able to disperse the crowd. Palestinians chant "PLO, Israel no!" Settlers complain that the IDF should use live ammunition instead of rubber bullets, the ⁴/₅ of Hebron turned over to the PA should be retaken. (NYT, WP, WT 6/21; MEI 6/27)

Turkish pres. Demirel asks Motherland party leader Mesut Yilmaz to form a new government, ending prospects for an Erbakan-Ciller coalition. (NYT, WP, WT 6/21; Milliyet [Istanbul] 6/21, 6/22 in WNC 6/24) (see 6/18)

SLA threatens to shell s. Lebanon's coastal road if any more bombs are detonated nr. Jazzin. (RL 6/20 in WNC 6/23; MM 6/26, 6/27) (see 6/18)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrives in Syria. (SANA 6/18 in WNC 6/19)

In Washington, U.S. cosmetics heir Ron Lauder holds confidential mtg. with Syrian Amb. Moualem to discuss ways of restarting the Syrian-Israeli talks, then briefs Secy. of State Albright. Israel's Dir. of Policy Planning Bar-Ilan says that the mtg. was not authorized, but was welcome, by Israel. (MM 7/7)

Israeli finance M Dan Meridor, a Likud mbr., resigns, saying he has lost faith in Netanyahu's leadership, the PM deliberately sabotaged his agreement with the Bank of Israel for currency liberalization. (MM 6/18; Globes [Internet], ITV 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 6/19; YA 6/19 in WNC 6/20; Globes [Internet] 6/19 in WNC 6/23; ITV 6/19, MA 6/20 in WNC 6/23; Globes [Internet] 6/19 in WNC 6/24; CSM, MM 6/20; WP 6/26; MEI 6/27)

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Subcomm. chmn., announces that the subcomm. will forward legislation to the full Appropriations Comm. without the annual $2.1 b. in foreign aid to Egypt; says Egypt is obstructing the peace process by refusing to attend multilateral talks, refusing Pres. Clinton's invitation to Washington 9/96, leading the effort to reimpose the Arab boycott, moving closer to Libya. State Dept. says that the administration stands behind its foreign aid request. (al-Wafd 6/20, al-Quds al-Arabi 6/23 in WNC 6/25; WT 6/21; MM 6/25; MM 8/14)

Syrian VP Khaddam arrives in Iran for talks with Pres. Rafsanjani on the peace process, Turkish intervention in n. Iraq, 6/10 House decision. (IRNA 6/18 in WNC 6/19; SA 6/19 in WNC 6/20)

After 11 mos. in office. Turkish PM Erbakan turns his resignation into Pres. Suleyman Demirel, says he is willing to enter a new coalition under Ciller. Legally it is Demirel who must ask Ciller to form a new government; he has not stated if he will abide by the new coalition arrangement. (AFP 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; MEI 6/27) (see 6/13)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan accepts a U.S. deal (passed by the House 6/11, the Senate 6/17) under which the UN would agree to reduce U.S. dues to 20% of the total budget by 1999, reduce U.S. peacekeeping to 25% by 1999, tighten the UN budget, reduce staff in exchange fr. the U.S. paying off $819 m. of its $1.3-b. debt over 3 yrs. The draft legislation must now be approved by the full Congress. (WT 6/19)

In Hebron, IDF clashes with Palestinians for 5th straight day, wounding 5. (MM 5/18; NYT 6/19; MEI 6/27)

In s. Lebanon, 3 SLA soldiers, 1 civilian are killed, 2 civilians are wounded by a roadside bomb. Israel blames Hizballah; responds by making in incursion into Jazzin, far n. of the self-declared security zone, arresting a number of youths, including a Lebanese soldier; submits complaint to ILMG, accusing Hizballah of planting the bomb. (VOL 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM 6/26; MEI, MM 6/27)

Iranian FM Velayati discusses bilateral cooperation with Turkey's Pres. Suleyman Demirel, denounces Turkey's plans to create "security zone" in n. Iraq. (IRNA 9/15 in WNC 9/17; VIRI 9/16 in WNC 9/18)

Kuwait says that, despite U.S. announcements 9/13, it has not given permission for the U.S. to deploy troops in its territory. U.S. Defense Secy. William Perry arrives in the emirate to secure the government's permission. (NYT, WP, WT 9/16; MM 9/17)

Last round of Lebanese elections is held in the Biqa` district. Syrian-backed candidates win 21 of the 23 seats. In the last 2 rounds of elections, Hizballah has won 7 seats, a decline of 1 from the last elections but an improvement over the 1st 3 rounds of voting. (CSM 9/16; RL 9/15, 9/17 in WNC 9/18; MM 9/17; CSM 9/18)

In Tel Aviv, PA, Israeli teams discuss safe-passage routes. (VOP 6/11, QY 6/12 in FBIS 6/12)

Likud's Roni Milo, Arafat adviser Husseini hold get acquainted mtg. in Tel Aviv. (ITV, VOP 6/11, QY 6/12 in FBIS 6/12; MM 6/12; QY 6/12, HA 6/13 in FBIS 6/13; MM 6/13)

In Ankara, Israel's Pres. Weizman meets with Turkey's Pres. Demirel. (MM 6/12) (see 6/4)

In a private mtg., PM-elect Netanyahu promises Qatzrin Local Council head Sami Bar-Lev that some 14,000 housing units will be built in Qatzrin settlement during his current term. (IDF Radio 6/13 in FBIS 6/13)

Fatah Central Comm. forms a 12-mbr. "emergency council" to revitalize the movement's activities in the West Bank, Gaza. In addition to Arafat, the council comprises: Tayyib `Abd al-Rahim, Uthman Abu Gharbiyya, Salwa Abu Khadra, Zakhariyya al-Agha, Hakam Bal'awi, Mustafa Barghouti, Rawhi Fattuh, Sakhr Habash, Faisal Husseini, Salah al-Qudwa, Abbas Zaki. (VOP 6/11 in FBIS 6/11)

PA police claim to have found drugs in the search of Sarraj's office 6/10. Sarraj's lawyers say drugs were planted. (NYT 6/11; WT 6/12; MEI 6/21)

In response to the 6/10 Hizballah attack, PM-elect Netanyahu reinforces troops in s. Lebanon, says that once he forms his government he will act against Hizballah. His chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Amnon Shahak, says IDF would not hesitate to strike at Hizballah targets in s. Lebanon villages even if it meant civilians would be hurt. Strong tone of statements worries Arab leaders. (RL 6/11 in FBIS 6/12; CSM, NYT, WT 6/12)

In Bethlehem, 2-day Palestinian Council (PC) mtg. closes. (PBC, VOP 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; PR 5/24)

Israeli television reports that the PA's Yasir Arafat suffered a minor stroke earlier in the wk., while in Cairo. PA says he collapsed fr. a severe case of the flu, exhaustion. (ITV 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; AFP 5/19 in FBIS 5/20; Rose al-Yusuf 5/20 in FBIS 5/30)

Israel asks the PA to extradite 4 Palestinians serving sentences in PA jails for attacks inside Israel. PA says that since the men have been tried, convicted, and are serving time for the crimes under PA custody, the PA has no legal obligation to turn them over to Israel. (QY 5/16)

IDF tightens closure on West Bank, Gaza. Only Palestinians working in the Erez industrial zone may go to their jobs. Goods, produce may go through Qarni, Sufa crossing points. 50 Palestinian reporters will be allowed in to cover the run-up to the 5/29 Israeli elections. (QY 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; MEI 5/24) (see 5/13)

IDF declares Ramallah a closed military zone for Arafat's visit, meaning no Israeli traffic may enter the city. An identical closed military zone order for Nablus is lifted (see 5/15). (IDF Radio 5/16 in FBIS 5/17)

In Washington, France, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the U.S. end a wk. of talks on the Israeli-Lebanese cease-fire monitoring group; agree on draft for monitoring procedures, send it to their respective capitals for approval. (MM 5/16; RL, RMC, SARR 5/16, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; MM 5/17; WP 5/18; VOL 5/17, RL 5/19 in FBIS 5/20; MEI 5/24) (see 5/15)

In Ankara, Jordanian King Hussein, Turkish Pres. Suleyman Demirel hold 1-day mtg. on bilateral issues, incl. water, Iraq. Demirel assures king that Turkey's military cooperation agmt. with Israel does not harm Jordan's security. King Hussein says talks are positive, sides agree on all issues. (al-Dustur, RJ 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; MM 5/17)

Israeli authorities release information on man involved in the 4/12 East Jerusalem hotel explosion. They say the man, Husayn Maqdad, is a Lebanese Hizballah operative who was plotting a plane hijacking; claim he spent time at the Iranian embassy in Beirut. Hizballah denies having contact with him. (MM 5/16; AFP, QY 5/16 in FBIS 5/16; IDF Radio 5/16, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; PR 5/24; JP 5/25) (see 4/14)

In Nazareth, Israeli PM Shimon Peres meets with Israeli Arab voters to build their support, weakened by the closure of the territories and Israel's 4/96 assault on Lebanon. (NYT 5/18)

Israel launches its 1st commercial satellite, AMOS-I. (MM 5/16; JP 5/25)