The Palestine Chronology

The IDF lifts curfews in many West Bank areas for several hrs. to allow students to take yr.-end exams, then raids Palestine Polytechnic University in Hebron, detaining 300 students for questioning. The IDF raids a PA security post in Khan Yunis, arrests 6 PA border policemen. Israeli security officials bar entry at Ben-Gurion airport to PLO Negotiations Affairs Dept. legal adviser Michael Tarazi, a U.S. citizen who lives in Ramallah. (GS 7/2; NYT, WP, WT 7/3; AYM 7/3 in WNC 7/8)

Burns meets with other reps. of the Quartet (an ad hoc diplomatic grouping of the EU, Russia, UN, U.S. used to present a united international front on the peace process) in London to gauge their views of Bush's 6/24 speech, the PA's 100-day plan. Burns announces the formation of the International Task Force on Reform, a steering comm. comprising the Quartet and donors that will oversee donor assistance for PA reform efforts. (RMC 7/2 in WNC 7/3; MM 7/3; ITAR-TASS 7/3, al-Quds 7/4 in WNC 7/5; WP 7/4; NYT 7/9; USIS Washington File 7/12)

Before dawn, the IDF reoccupies Amari r.c., al-Bireh, Qadura r.c., and Ramallah, surrounding Arafat's offices (placing Arafat under de facto house arrest), arresting 13 PSF officers, meeting no resistance; imposes 24-hr. curfews on Aqaba, Dura, Iktaba, Tamun, Taysir, Tubas, Yatta; fires shells at residential areas of Khan Yunis; continues operations in Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus (fatally shooting 1 Palestinian), Qalqilya, Tulkarm areas; lifts curfews in Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya for 3 hrs. The IDF assassinates 2 Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades leaders, Yasir Raziq and `Amr Kufa, in Rafah, firing missiles at their taxis, also killing 2 passengers, 2 drivers, injuring 13 bystanders. Jewish settlers stone an ambulance nr. Tulkarm. In Gaza, Hamas supporters clash with PSF officers enforcing Shaykh Yasin's house arrest, leaving 1 Hamas supporter dead. (BBC, MM, NYT, PRCS press release, WP, WT 6/24; XIN 6/24 in WNC 6/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/25; LAW 6/26; PCHR, WJW 6/27; MEI 6/28)

After a wk.'s delay, Bush gives a major speech outlining the new U.S. policy toward the peace process. Without mentioning Israel's military escalations, Bush says in effect that the Palestinians must remove Arafat and create a Western-style democracy before the peace process can move forward. The U.S. halts direct dealings with Arafat. Bush's decision to call for Arafat's ouster was reportedly influenced heavily by an Israeli intelligence report he received last wk. (uncorroborated by the CIA) claiming that Arafat authorized a $20,000 payment to the AMB, which carried out the 6/19 suicide bombing. (AP, MM, NYT, WP 6/24; MA 6/24 in WNC 6/25; GS, MM, NYT, WP, WT, YA 6/25; AFP, ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA 6/25 in WNC 6/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/26; AFP, JT, Le Monde 6/26 in WNC 6/27; NYT, WJW, WP 6/27; JT, al-Nahar 6/27 in WNC 6/28; MEI, MM 6/28; NYT, USIS Washington File 6/30; WP, WT 7/1; AN 7/1 in WNC 7/2; JPI 7/5)

Arafat sends the U.S., Arab states a 6-page memorandum outlining an ambitious 100-day reform plan, including plans for presidential and legislative elections in 1/03 and municipal elections in 3/03. (MM 6/24; NYT 6/25; MM 6/26; El Pais 6/26 in WNC 6/27;NYT, WP, WT 6/27; XIN 6/27 in WNC 6/28; AYM 7/1 in WNC 7/3; AYM 7/10, 7/17, 7/21 in WNC 7/23)

Israeli atty. gen. Elyakim Rubinstein says he will not take legal action against those calling for the "voluntary transfer" of Arabs fr. Israel, saying "voluntary transfer" is "immoral" not illegal. (The 13 Palestinians deported to Cyprus in 5/02 were "voluntarily exiled" as part of a deal brokered by Israel and the PA; see 5/22) (HA 6/24; MM 6/27)

In response to Israeli appeals to local satellite channels to drop coverage of BBC World and CNN International because of their "pro-Palestinian bias" (1 channel replaced CNN with Fox News coverage on 6/20), CNN chief news exec. Eason Jordan arrives in Israel to apologize publicly on behalf of the network, to unveil a special 5-part series on Israeli victims of violence (aired 6/24-28) and a Web "memorial" to Israeli victims of Palestinian violence. (WT 6/24; NYT 6/25; WJW 6/27; MEI 6/2; see also JTA 6/20, MSNBC 6/21)

The IDF sends tanks into PA-controlled Hebron, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 4 before withdrawing. In Gaza, the IDF fatally shoots 4 Palestinians who allegedly try to infiltrate Kefar Darom settlement, sparking an exchange of gunfire with local PSF officers that leaves 1 PSF mbr. dead. A 7th Palestinian is fatally shot at an IDF checkpoint elsewhere. In Bethlehem, IDF snipers fatally shoot 2 Palestinians inside the Church of the Nativity, but the IDF allows 9 Palestinian children, 2 corpses to be evacuated. In Arafat's Ramallah compound, a PA judge sentences 4 PFLP mbrs. to terms of 1-18 yrs. for their involvement in the Ze'evi assassination; Israel dismisses the trial as invalid, repeats demands their extradition. In Jenin r.c., Palestinians reject U.S.-donated emergency aid, saying the U.S. is culpable in the destruction of the camp. The IDF begins constructing a security fence, buffer zone along 7.5 km of the Green Line nr. Tulkarm. (CNN, Irish Times [Internet], Jewish Telegraphic Agency, MM, NYT, WT 4/25; AFP, USIS Washington File, WP, WT 4/26; AYM 4/26 in WNC 4/29; AFP, HA, MM 4/30; JP 5/16; AYM 5/16 in WNC 5/21)

IDF forces pull back fr. parts of Nablus, Ramallah but reenter them later in the day. In Tal, IDF soldiers fire on protesters who assemble to block tanks fr. reentering Nablus, killing 1 Palestinian. The IDF also shells residential areas of Nablus, causing 1 Palestinian to die of a heart attack; conducts arrest raids in Hebron, Karawat Bani Zayd. In Gaza, the PSF again attempts to take Hamas spokesman Rantisi into custody but clashes with 100s of Hamas mbrs. and supporters, leaving 15 rioters and PSF officers injured. Israel says attempts to arrest Rantisi were designed to fail. Late tonight in Gaza, the PSF fires on a group of Islamic Jihad mbrs. preparing to launch a mortar at a Jewish settlement, killing 1 Palestinian. (AFP, MM 12/20; NYT, WP, WT 12/21; AYM, al-Quds 12/22 in WNC 12/26; PCHR 12/26)

In Washington, Zinni briefs Powell on his talks with Israel, the PA. Afterward, the U.S. says it will Zinni back to the region once it sees "sustained and decisive" action by both sides toward halting violence, noting that the PA in particular must do more to "combat terror and violence." (USIS Washington File 12/20; MENA 12/21 in WNC 12/26)

Israeli-Palestinian violence continues, leaving 1 Jewish settler dead. Palestinians fire 3 large mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. The IDF tightens the closure on Tulkarm; flies helicopters over Bethlehem. Jewish settlers block roads, stone passing Palestinian vehicles nr. Qalqilya; shoot at water tanks on buildings in Ramallah; vandalize Palestinian homes in Silat al-Dahir, which is under its 10th day of curfew. (HP 6/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/29; Between the Lines 7/01)

After mtg. separately with Arafat and Sharon, Powell announces that the sides have agreed that after 7 days of "complete quite," they will observe a 6 wk. cooling-off period, followed by a "several mos." of confidence building, only after which negotiations would resume. FM Peres says that if even 1 Palestinian attack takes place during the 7-day or 6 wk. periods, the clock would reset to zero. At least 3,000 Palestinians rally in Gaza City to protest Powell's visit. (AP, CNN, USIS Washington File 6/28; XIN 6/28 in WNC 6/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/29; HJ 6/29, MENA 6/30, 7/1 in WNC 7/2; AYM 6/30 in WNC 7/6; WP 7/1; MM 7/2; WJW 7/5; MEI 7/13)

Claiming Syria is responsible for allowing the 4/14 Hizballah attack, Israel conducts late-night air strikes against a Syrian radar station deep inside Lebanon, killing 3 Syrian soldiers, wounding 4. The State Dept. urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint but refuses to condemn Israeli actions, saying "the primary event in this situation is the fact that Hizballah escalated the situation in what we think was a clear provocation." (BBC, CNN, NYT, USIS Washington File, WP, WT 4/16; JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/17; AFP, Interfax, IRNA, MENA, RL 4/16 in WNC 4/17; MA 4/17 in WNC 4/18; MENA 4/17, IRNA, JT, QA 4/18 in WNC 4/19; MM, WT 4/18; WJW 4/19; MEI, WP 4/20; JP 4/27; MA 4/27 in WNC 4/30)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The IDF shells residential areas of Hebron, Khan Yunis, Rafah; bulldozes 22 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Qalqilya; conducts arrest raids in Jama`in, Sawahara al-Sharqiyya. (LAW 4/20)

To protest Israeli raids on Lebanon, Jordanian FM `Abd al-Ilah Khatib cancels his planned visit to Tel Aviv on 4/16. (al-Ra'i 4/15 in WNC 4/16; WP 4/16; NYT, WP 4/17; MEI 4/20)

2 bombs, the 4th and 5th since Sharon's 2/6 election, explode outside the Jewish settlements of Talpiot, French Hill in East Jerusalem, killing an apparent Palestinian suicide bomber, injuring 35 Israelis. Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for both attacks. Right-wing opposition MKs, Jewish settlers accuse Sharon of not taking Israeli security seriously and demand retaliation, with Likud Education M Limor Livnat saying Arafat should be targeted. Sharon's office says Israel will respond "at the time and place we choose." (AFP [Internet], MM 3/27; ITAR-TASS 3/27 in WNC 3/28; MM, NYT, WP 3/28; WJW 3/29; AFP 3/29 in WNC 3/30; JP, MEI 4/6)

In the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. In Hebron, Jewish settlers attempt to storm Abu Sunayna for a 2d day, are push back by the IDF (which continues to urge Palestinian residents to evacuate the area). After dark, the settlers set fire to 5 Palestinian-owned stores, 7 cars, Waqf offices in the PA-controlled section of Hebron. Jewish settlers place caravans on confiscated Palestinian land on Mount Jarzim in Nablus. Israel arrests 2 Israeli border policemen for beating, torturing a Palestinian at a checkpoint into Israel earlier today. (MM 3/27; HA, HP, NYT, WP 3/28; AFP [Internet], NYT 3/29; MEI 4/6)

The 1st full Arab League summit in 12 yrs. opens in Amman. The agenda covers the peace process, aid to the Palestinians, Arab solidarity, inter-Arab economic ties, sanctions on Iraq. (MM 3/27; AN, DUS, JT, SA 3/27 in WNC 3/28; AYM 3/27, HJ, JT, SA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JP, MEI 4/6)

On the sidelines of the Arab summit, Syrian pres. Asad meets with Arafat, marking the 1st senior-level Palestinian-Syrian mtg. since 1993. (JT 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JT, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; DUS 3/30 in WNC 4/2; al-Majd 4/2 in WNC 4/3; AYM 4/2, HJ 4/3 in WNC 4/5; JP, MEI 4/6; MM 4/20)

After a week of negotiations on 2 compromise proposals fail, the U.S. vetoes a UNSC resolution backing a UN observer force to help protect the Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza. (AP 3/27; XIN 3/27 in WNC 3/28; WP 3/28; MM, NYT, WJW, WT 3/29; al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; MM 3/30; al-Quds 4/3 in WNC 4/5)

In Taba, Israeli, PA teams divide into 4 working groups on Jerusalem, borders, security guarantees, refugees; they exchange maps and working papers. The PA team issues a statement criticizing Clinton for "mistakes and failures" in earlier negotiations. (MM, USIS Washington File, HA, YA 1/22; MENA 1/22 in WNC 1/23; AYM, MENA 1/22 in WNC 1/24; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/23; MEI 1/26)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Hamas takes responsibility for a roadside bombing today in Gaza that injures 1 IDF soldier. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians fr. Shu`fat. (NYT, WP 1/23; ADM 2/5)

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer announces that Pres. Bush will begin looking into moving the U.S. emb. to Jerusalem but gives no further details. (HA 1/22; WJW 1/25)

In Amman, the Jordan professional associations' antinormalization comm. publishes its 2d "list of shame," naming companies and individuals who have or are engaging in normalizing activities or promoting normalization with Israel. (DUS 1/25 in WNC 1/26; MM 1/26; JT 1/26 in WNC 1/29; FAV, MM 1/29; JT 1/29 in WNC 1/30; WT 1/31; JT 1/31 in WNC 2/1; JT 2/2 in WNC 2/5; MEI 2/9)

Israel withdraws its last troops fr. s. Lebanon, marking the end of 18 yrs. of occupation. The IDF blows up each of its remaining posts and destroys major roads leading north as it pulls out. Just before the pullout is complete, 4 Hizbaliah mbrs. are killed in an IDF air raid. (MM 5/23; DUS, IRNA, MENA 5/23 in WNC 5/24; IRNA 5/23, CTK [Prague], IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MENA, XIN 5/24 in WNC 5/25; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/24; AYM, DUS 5/24 in WNC 5/26; CSM, WJW, WP 5/25; AYM, DUS 5/25, CNA, IRNA, MENA 5/26, ATh 4/27 in WNC 5/30; AYM 5/25 in WNC 5/31; NYT 5/26; CSM 5/30; AYM, DUS 5/30 in WNC 6/1; DUS 5/30 in WNC 6/2; JP, MEI 6/2)

The UN Security Council (UNSC) "strongly endorses" Secy.-Gen. Annan's 5/22 recommendations. (USIS Washington File 5/23; NYT 5/24; Interfax 5/24 in WNC 5/25)

In Washington, Clinton holds 4 hrs. of talks with Barak on PA-Israeli final status talks, IDF withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon, the Syrian-Israeli negotiations, Israel's planned sale of AWACS technology to China. (MM 4/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/12; al-Anwar 4/12 in WNC 4/17; WJW 4/13; MM, WP 4/14; WJW 4/20; JP, MEI 4/21)

The U.S. State Dept. confirms receipt of a Syrian response to the proposals presented by Pres. Clinton in Geneva on 3/26. Secy. of State Albright says "there is not much give" in the Syrian position, "but I do think it's important that they responded." (MM 4/11; USIS Washington File 4/12; WP 4/14) (see 4/10)

Jewish settlers in the West Bank, angry over Israel's rejection of 60+n70 requests to authorize new settlement construction, say they will start carry out expansions illegally. They begin bulldozing on Olive Hill nr. Efrat, with a plan to build 230 housing units. (NYT 4/12; AYM 4/12 in WNC 4/13; NYT 4/13; MEI 4/21)

Jordan becomes a mbr. of the World Trade Organization. (NYT 4/12)

The White House announces that Arafat, Barak will come to Washington separately to meet with Clinton on final status talks. Clinton-Barak talks will also address the Syrian track. (NYT, WT 4/9; XIN 4/9 in WNC 4/11)

Syrian FM Shara` arrives in Cairo with a message to Pres. Mubarak fr. Pres. Asad regarding Israel's proposed unilateral withdrawal fr. s. Lebanon; says publicly that Syria would welcome a withdrawal, even if unilateral. (MENA 4/8 in WNC 4/11; NYT 4/10; USIS Washington File [Internet] 4/12; WP 4/14; al-Musawwar 4/14 in WNC 4/17; AYM 4/18 in WNC 4/20)

In an editorial in the London-based daily al-Hayat, British journalist and Asad biographer Patrick Seale offers an independent proposal, which Israel interprets as floated by Syria, for a compromise solution to the Golan withdrawal issue. (MM 4/8; NYT 4/10; see also MM 4/7)

In the 1st major public event on the Palestinian refugee issue, 100s of activists, students, scholars fr. around the world attend a conference in Boston aimed at developing an international action plan to support Palestinians' right of return. 100s more are turned way due to limited space. Speakers are respected senior academics and political analysts, including Edward Said, Noam Chomsky. (BDL 4/19; al-Safir [Internet] 5/1)

World leaders attend funeral of King Hassan II of Morocco in Rabat. Egypt's Mubarak, Israel's Barak, Jordan's King Abdallah, PA's Arafat, U.S.'s Clinton attend. Although Syria's Asad stays in Damascus to avoid meeting Barak, his brother, Rifat, attends, grants an interview to the Israeli daily Ma'ariv afterward. On the sidelines, Barak holds brief, warm mtg. with Algerian pres. Bouteflika; also speaks with leaders of Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Yemen. Kuwaiti crown prince Saad Abdallah Sabah refuses to shake hands with Arafat. Clinton speaks briefly with Arafat, Barak, Mubarak about the peace process. (ATL, MAP [Rabat], MENA 7/25 in WNC 7/26; CSM, MM, NYT, USIS Washington File, WP, WT 7/26; RE 7/26 in WNC 7/27; MM, WT 7/27; MA, QA 7/27 in WNC 7/28; MM, WP 7/28; QA 7/28 in WNC 7/29; MEI, MM 7/30; al-Watan [Algiers] 7/31 in WNC 8/2; Le Monde 8/1-2; JP 8/6)

Israeli PM Barak sends the IDF to remove 5 mobile homes placed by Jewish settlers on a West Bank hilltop on 7/23 to expand an existing encampment, Shvut Rahel. Barak does not order the dismantling of Shvut Rahel itself--1 of 25 new enclaves that have been set up since the Wye agmt. was signed in 10/98. (NYT, WP 7/26)

In Amman, Iran, Jordan hold talks on expanding cooperation in culture, religion, tourism. (IRNA, RJ 7/25 in WNC 7/26)

IDF bulldozes the temporary shelter constructed by the Palestinian family whose home was demolished on 7/14. (INFOPAL [Internet] 7/30)

In Washington, the U.S.-Israel Joint Political Military Group (JPMG) convenes to discuss exchanges aimed at improving Israel's defensive capabilities. (USIS Washington File 5/5)

Fmr. PLO guerrilla and current Palestine National Council mbr. Muhammad Oudeh admits to planning hostage-taking of Israelis at the 1972 Munich Olympics, says Arafat was briefed on plans, but that intention was never to kill the athletes. (WP, WT 5/4)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem. (LAW 5/5; MM 5/6)

Choosing not to contest his lawsuit, the U.S. unfreezes $24 m. in assets of Saudi businessman Idris, who owns al-Shifa pharmaceutical plant in Sudan, bombed by the U.S. in 8/98. Administration says its still has "concerns" about Idris based on sensitive intelligence sources. (NYT, WP 5/4; MM 5/14) (see 2/25)

Hizballah stages 3 attacks against IDF, SLA targets in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, injuring 5 IDF soldiers and SLA mbrs. (RL, VOL 5/3 in WNC 5/4; MM 5/4; WT 5/5; MEI 5/7)

In Gaza, the PLO Central Council (PCC) opens debate on statehood declaration, with 96 of 124 mbrs. attending. Arafat opens the mtg. by affirming Palestinians' right to independence, but recommending against declaring a state on 5/4. Hamas sends a 4 mbr. observer group led by Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, marking 1st time it has participated in a PLO mtg.; the move is criticized by Hamas political leaders in Jordan. Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine boycott. (MM 4/27; AFP, IDF Radio, JT 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/28; IDF Radio, MBC 4/28 in WNC 4/29; al-Ayyam 4/28, 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30; MEI 5/7; al-Istiqlal 5/7 in WNC 5/17; CSM 5/17)

In Nablus, 1,000 Fatah mbrs. march in support of a statehood declaration on 5/4. (WT 4/28)

A Palestinian arrested by Israeli police on burglary charges on 4/27 is admitted to a Tel Aviv hospital having been beaten so severely that one of his kidneys stopped functioning. (Reuters [Internet] 5/6)

Without explanation, the GIS orders the Hamas weekly newspaper al-Risala closed "until further notice." Under pressure fr. unnamed PA officials, the paper is allowed to reopen several hrs. later. (AFP 4/27 in WNC 4/28; al-Hayat al-Jadida 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30)

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Commission passes (52-1) a resolution reaffirming the Palestinians' right to self-determination, right to return. The U.S. votes against. (ADC press release 4/28; Xinhua 4/28 in WNC 4/29; Prime Minister's Report 4/30) (see 4/23)

Israel claims that the PA has released 3 Hamas prisoners involved in attacks in which Israelis were killed. PA, Hamas deny the story. (IDF Radio 4/27 in WNC 4/28; NYT, WP 4/28; al-Ayyam 4/28 in WNC 4/29; PR 4/30; JP 5/7)

In Washington, Israeli DM Moshe Arens meets with Secy. of State Albright, NSA Berger, Secy. of Defense Cohen for talks on Arrow missile program, Israeli receipt of 60 new F-16D fighters, regional issues. Albright, Berger criticize Israeli settlement policy. (USIS Washington File 4/27; MM 4/28; IDF Radio, MA 5/3 in WNC 5/4; WJW 5/6; JP, MEI 5/7)

Lebanese security personnel arrest an Israeli woman, Mary Vizeman, on suspicion of spying after she is found in Tyre without a passport. Vizeman, who speaks Arabic well, claims that she came fr. Nazareth to visit a friend in Beirut. (VOL 4/28 in WNC 4/29; JP 5/7)

Hizballah attempts to capture 2 IDF/SLA posts in s. Lebanon, wounding 8 IDF soldiers, 3 SLA mbrs. IDF shells Hizballah targets in response, wounding 2 civilians. (VOL 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM 4/28)

In Tel Aviv, U.S. special envoy Ross says that the U.S. plans to play a much less active role in final status negotiations, thinks "permanent status is not something that should be mediated." (USIS Washington File 1/12; NYT, WP 1/13; PR 1/15)

After 4 yrs., Lebanon lifts travel restrictions on Palestinians, dropping requirement for Palestinians to obtain visas to return to Lebanon. (RL 1/12 in WNC 1/13; NYT 1/13; RL 1/16 in WNC 1/20)

Netanyahu's office warns the PA that Israel would bar Arafat, PA officials fr. leaving he autonomous enclaves should the PA unilaterally declare statehood. (MEI 1/15)

PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. millionaire Irving Moskovitz, who is in town to decided which right-wing candidate for PM he will support financially in the 5/17 elections. Netanyahu gives assurances that he will not halt Moskovitz's construction of 132 units in the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem. Congressman Michael Forbes (R-NY) is accompanying Moskovitz. (MM, WP 1/14; MM 1/21; JP 1/22; PR 1/29)

In what police, FBI term a sophisticated operation, burglars break into offices of prominent Washington polling firm, Greenberg Quinlan Research, that is advising Israeli PM-candidate Barak. Firm says that its international work was targeted, but it is uncertain whether files on Barak were among those stolen. (MM, WP 1/13; YA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; WJW 1/14; MM 1/20)

Israeli Religious Affairs M Eli Suissa cuts the size of local religious councils to keep them all Orthodox. A recent High Court ruling ordered the powerful councils (which run marriage bureaus and burial societies, maintain synagogues and ritual baths, supervise kosher inspections for both religious and secular Jews) be expanded to include Reform, Conservative Jews. (WT 1/13)

IDF lifts closure on Hebron imposed 1/4. (MM 1/14, MEI 1/15)

Unidentified assailant stabs, wounds Palestinian in West Jerusalem. (MM 1/12; PR 1/15, JP 1/22)

IDF uproots Palestinian orchard nr. Jewish settlement in the West Bank. (AFP [Internet] 1/12)

In Cairo, FMs of Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen hold 2d mtg. to prepare agenda for 1/24 Arab League mtg. on Iraq. Jordan does not condemn mtg. but is upset at not being included, blames Syria, warns that "forming axes" only deepens Arab divisions. (MM 1/12; MENA, RE 1/12 in WNC 1/13; MM 1/13; al-Dustur, MENA 1/13 in WNC 1/14; MM 1/14; JT, MENA, RE 1/14 in WNC 1/16; MM 1/15) (see 1/3)

The U.S. secretly sends letters to Arab states urging them to support its position on Iraq at the 1/24 Arab League mtg. (MM 1/22)

U.S. planes fire on Iraqi missile battery in n. no-fly zone. Defense Dept. says that Iraq has sent planes into the no-fly zones 66 times in the past 2 wks., targeted U.S. and British planes 12 times, increased its number of missile sites fr. 9 to 17. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/13)

PC grants Arafat's request to give him until 7/25 to appoint a new cabinet. (WT 7/15; PR 7/17) (see 6/24)

State Dept. announces that despite fact that gaps on FRD have not narrowed, senior Israeli, PA officials have agreed to meet soon face to face for the 1st time in mos. to renew peace talks. Washington will not host the talks, and Secy. Albright is not optimistic about the outcome. (MM, USIS Washington File, WP, WT 7/14; al-Akhbar, YA 7/14 in WNC 7/15; WJW 7/16; PR 7/17)

King Hussein discusses peace process with fmr. Israeli PM Shimon Peres, who is in Amman to attend an international leadership conference. (RJ 7/13, JT 7/14 in WNC 7/15)

UNSC issues nonbinding statement urging Israel to not implement the plan or take any other steps which would prejudice the outcome of the peace process. (MM, NYT, WT 7/14; MENA 7/14 in WNC 7/15; WT 7/15; IRNA 7/15 in WNC 7/16; al-Ba`th 7/15 in WNC 7/20; PR 7/17; JP 7/25) (see 6/30)

A bomb explodes 100 feet from Orient House in East Jerusalem, slightly injuring 1 Palestinian. No one claims responsibility, although Jewish extremists are suspected. (IDF Radio 7/13 in WNC 7/15; WP 7/14; PR 7/17)

 In s. Lebanon, 1 Lebanese civilian, 2 UNIFIL soldiers are injured by IDF shelling. (RL 7/13, 7/14 in WNC 7/15)

PM Netanyahu presents draft plan to extend Jerusalem's municipal boundaries, tighten Israel's control over the city, support Jews moving into East Jerusalem (particularly Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghunaym); tells reporters, "I think this is a basic change in Jerusalem's status that will be remembered as a turning point." (MM, NYT, PR, WP 6/19; al-Ahram al-Masa'i, ITV, RE 6/20, JTV, MENA, RJ 6/21, MENA 6/22 in WNC 6/23; al-Thawra 6/21 in WNC 6/25; WJW 6/25; PR 6/26; JP 6/27; MEI 7/3; JP 7/4)

In Washington, Refugee Working Group opens 2-day intersessional mtg. (USIS Washington File 6/19)

Commenting on Albright's 6/17 speech, Iran says that words are inadequate, U.S. should take actions (such as halting aid to Iranian opposition groups, unfreezing funds in U.S.) to show its good will. (MM, NYT, WT 6/19; MEI 7/3)

UNSCOM head Butler submits report that Iraq is refusing to turn over documents about its missiles, biological and chemical weapons. Iraq claims documents do not exist, it is not require to turn over information. (WP, WT 6/19; al-Ahram 6/19 in WNC 6/22; al-Ahram 6/21 in WNC 6/23; MM 6/24) (see 6/14)

IDF demolishes 6 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem in Israeli-controlled area C. (ITV 6/18 in WNC 6/22) (see 6/17)

Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Jerusalem on 1st leg of Middle East tour focused on advancing the Syrian-Israeli track, setting agenda for upcoming Washington talks; meets with PM Rabin. (WP 6/7; MM, WT 6/8; QY 6/8 in FBIS 6/9; MEI 7/21)

Arafat meets with U.S. special envoy Ross in Jericho to discuss peace process, industrial zones, Christopher visit. (MM 6/8; VOP 6/8 in FBIS 6/8)

Jordanian parliament opens extraordinary session to address lifting Israeli boycott. (WP 7/14)

Frmr. PLO negotiator Haidar `Abd al-Shafi announces establishment of new Movement for Democratic Construction. Group calls for democratic elections that "produce legitimate representatives of the Palestinians people."(al-Manar 6/12 in FBIS 6/15; JP 6/17; PR 6/25)

House approves foreign affairs bill (222-192) that would cut aid by $1 b. next yr. and $500 m. in 1997; preserve $3 b. for Israel, $2.1 b. for Egypt; bring USAID, USIA, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency under State Dept. The House Appropriations Subcomm. sets allocations for 1996 (incl., $3 b. for Israel, $80 m. for refugee resettlement in Israel). (WP 6/8; WT 6/9; Near East Report 6/19)

Palestinian delegation head Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi warns that unless Israel concedes Palestinian rights in Jerusalem "it will kill the peace process." (NYT 7/17)

Secy. of State Christopher announces he will travel to Middle East 8/1-5 to pursue "role of honest broker" in peace talks. (USIA Wireless File 7/19)

Dahaf Institute poll indicates 42% of Israelis favor talks with PLO, 57% oppose. (Yediot Aharonot 7/16 in MM 7/16)

Syrian FM al-Shara' rejects Israeli warning to curb guerrilla activity in southern Lebanon. (MM 7/16)

U.S. House of Representatives passes 273-144 H.R. 2333, the "State Department, USIA, and Related Agencies Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995." Bill, passed on to Senate, includes $80m per year to Israel in FY 1994 and 1995 for refugee resettlement out of an annual $593.5m in global U.S. refugee aid. Bill passed despite $10b. in U.S. loan guarantees to Israel made in 1992 and against evidence Israel does not need such aid (see 6/9). (MEPARC 6/93; WP 8/3)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel places Palestine Press Service editor Radwan Abu Ayyash under town arrest in Ramallah, preventing him from traveling to US on USIA-sponsored tour. Police arrest Shimon Barda, suspected arms supplier to Jewish terrorists (Lifta group). Hadashot publishes poll findings that 54% of Israelis want no Arabs in the country. Israel reaches labor agreement with Histadrut to increase public sector wages by some 15%.