The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured in a stabbing incident near Hizma; Israeli forces later arrested 1 Palestinian man for the stabbing and for a similar stabbing against an Israeli settler on 3/2. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a raid in Nablus, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure in Kardala. 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Kobar, Ramallah, Nablus, Bayt Dajan, Jenin, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, Harmala, Hebron, and Yatta. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 3/3; PCHR 3/10; UNOCHA 3/11)

The Jerusalem district court froze registration of ownership of the Alexander Nevsky Church in the Old City of Jerusalem, saying that the decision of ownership of the church was for the Israeli government to decide. The Russian government has tried to register the ownership of the church for itself rather than the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society. The Israeli justice ministry said in January 2020 that the church would be registered as owned by the state of Russia as part of a deal between Israel and Russia over the release of an Israeli citizen who was arrested in Moscow for drug trafficking. (HA 3/3)

The Saudi Arabian state news agency SPA reported that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman said Israel could become an ally of Saudi Arabia if Israel “solve[s] its problems with the Palestinians.” Crown Prince bin Salman also said Saudi Arabia will continue talks with Iran to solve the 2 countries’ conflict. (HA, MEMO, REU, TOI 3/3)

The Israeli company American Quality Products (AQP), which is licensed to manufacture and distribute Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in Israel, filed a lawsuit against Ben & Jerry’s and its parent company Unilever in a U.S. court. The lawsuit claims that Ben & Jerry’s decision to end its licensing agreement as part of a disengagement from Israeli settlements is unlawful. AQP is using U.S. state and federal anti-BDS laws as its premise for suing Ben & Jerry’s. (CNN, HA, JP, MEMO, REU, TOI, WSJ 3/3)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler claimed that a Palestinian tried to stab him near the Yitzhar settlement; no injuries or arrests were reported. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in the same area around Huwwara. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers stole 7 sheep from a Palestinian family in Jalud. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets during a raid in Kaubar. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm refugee camp, Anabta, Tell, Tubas, Kafr Malik, and Bethlehem. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Gaza City and within 4 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers and shepherds east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/24; PCHR 2/25)

U.S. secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the U.S. will seek a seat at the UN Human Rights Council and that the U.S. would counter “unacceptable bias against Israel.” (ALM, JP, NBC, REU 2/24)

The chairman of the house foreign affairs committee Gregory Meeks (D-NY) said that even if Israel were to de jure annex the West Bank, he would not support leveraging U.S. military aid to Israel. Rep. Meeks has previously made comments to the opposite effect. (HA, MEE 2/24)

The U.S. state of Kentucky adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) controversial working definition of anti-Semitism. Kentucky is the 1st U.S. state to adopt the IHRA’s working definition of anti-Semitism, which conflates criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. For more about the IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism, see the IPS publication Zionism, Israel, and Anti-Semitism: Dangerous Conflation. (HA 2/28)

The Israeli high court of justice ruled that Israeli officials must explain why the Jerusalem cable car project was approved at Israel’s national infrastructure committee and not through the Jerusalem district and planning committee and why they have categorized the project as a transportation project and not a tourism project. The high court of justice gave the Israeli government until 4/22 to respond and meanwhile the project was ruled to be suspended. (ALM 3/10)

Palestinian negotiator Haydar 'Abd alShafi denies knowledge of Israeli-PLO contacts (Jerusalem al-Nahar 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

Test flight of Israeli-made Arrow missile fails, jeopardizing U.S. support for ABM weapon. (WT 7/16; IDF Radio 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

Guerrillas attack SLA position near al- 'Ayshiyah in southern Lebanon with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. IDF and SLA return fire. IDF troop and artillery movements reported near Hula and al-Majidiyah, including reinforcement of 10 armored cars and 100 troops, with mechanized company at Hula. Hizballah claims katyusha attack on SLA positions at 'Ali al-Tahir, Sujud. IDF shells Kafr Tibnit and other villages in lqlim al-Tuffah. (Qol Yisra'el, Voice of the Mountain 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

Lebanese govt. orders PFLP-GC head Ahmadjibril to leave Lebanon. Jibril's presence had become an embarrassment after 7/8 ambush of IDF in southern Lebanon and Jibril press conference afterward. (MM 7/15)

Israeli police stop attempt to establish new settlement in Golan Heights. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/15; JP 7/15 in MM 7/15)

Opposition Knesset factions (Likud, NRP, Tsomet, and Molodet) enter no-confidence motions, citing civil-service strike, kosher laws, and alleged Israeli-PLO dialogue. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

CSM reports that 10 U.S. state govts. hold Israeli bonds, 8% of $650m annual U.S. market. Poll commissioned by Arab American Institute shows 71.9% oppose buying Israeli bonds with tax money. (CSM 7/14)

On 2d day of meetings in Cairo, Pres. Mubarak and Pres. Asad say they are opposed to the splintering of Iraq, and call for intermational peace conference, after adequate preparations. On matter of Kurdish rebellion, Pres. Asad says it is "an intemal matter" [MENA 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; SANA 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; NYT, MEM 4/2].

Human rights groups working in Kuwait have turned up no proof to date that thousands of Kuwaitis were executed by Iraqis; Middle East Watch says that number is from 300 to 600. Also refuted is claim that Iraqi troops killed hundreds of premature babies by stealing incubators [WP 4/2].

Inquest by Jerusalem judge into Haram al-Sharif killings last October 8 turns up evidence that contradicts official Israeli gov't. version of events. Border officer testifies he saw other officers "shoot from the hip," in violation of regulations; another officer claims police fired on Palestinians who had sat down and begun to pray [WP, LAT 4/2].

U.S. officials disclose that Nat. Sec. Advisor Brent Scowcroft and senior White House aide Richard Haass made secret trip from 3/25 to 3/27 to Saudi Arabia for talks with King Fahd [WP, MEM 4/2].

Six Kuwaiti opposition groups, 96 leaders in all, sign manifesto demanding democracy [LAT, MEM 4/2].

Lt. Gen. Ehud Baraq assumes position of Israeli chief of staff, replacing Lt. Gen. Dan Shomron [JDS 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; CSM 4/2; FJ 4/8; JPI 4/13].

UNLU issues call no. 69, praising Iraqi "steadfastness" in face of coalition, criticizes attempts to find alternative Palestinian leadership [AVP 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; MEM 4/2].

U.S. State Dep't. criticizes Israel's 3/31 restrictions on Palestinians in o.t., stating what is needed is "dialogue and trust ... not imposing new restrictions" [MEM 4/2].

About 20 mobile homes are set up in West Bank settlement of Kiryat Arba to help meet growing housing needs of Soviet Jewish immigrants, around 400 of whom have moved to this settlement over the past year [MEM 4/3].

Israeli human rights group B'Tselem reports Israeli security forces killed 8 Palestinians during March; 5 in West Bank and 3 in Gaza Strip; 1 Israeli civilian was killed in o.t. during the month [FJ 4/8].

In defiance of Lebanese gov't. ban on private militias, PLO says it will not lay down its arms and that its fighters in southern Lebanon will continue to strike at Israel [NYT 4/2; RFL 4/1 in FBIS 4/2]. 

Pres. Bush says 2/18 Soviet proposal for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait "falls well short of what would be required" to end war with Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 2/20].

F.M. Aziz meets in Tehran with Iranian Pres. Rafsanjani; Baghdad gives no formal response to Soviet plan but reiterates 2/15 proposal. Iranian F.M. Velayati says he believes Iraq is "ready to withdraw from Kuwait unconditionally" [NYT, WP 2/20].

UN Sec. Council authorizes Red Cross to make emergency deliveries of water purification equipment to Iraq [NYT 2/20].

Allied planes attack targets in Iraq and Kuwait; single SCUD missile is launched at Israel, no casualties; U.S. A-10 plane is lost in combat, bringing American total to 22, and allied total to 31; U.S. military official says that Iraqi troops in Kuwait and southern Iraq are suffering "horrendous' casualties [JAA, JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20; NYT, LAT, WP 2/20; MET 3/5].

In separate forums, Soviet F.M. Bessmertnykh, envoy Primakov, and spokesman Ignatenko argue against beginning ground offensive against Iraq, saying its effect would only be enormous suffering and destruction; they add that Soviet proposal makes ground war unnecessary [NYT, WP 2/20].

U.S. commander Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf says Iraqi military machine is on verge of collapse, losing about 2 battalions of tanks a day to allied air strikes [LAT, WP 2/20].

Pope John Paul II summons bishops from countries involved in Gulf war, including U.S. and Iraq, to unprecedented peace-seeking conference from 3-4 March at the Vatican [MEM 2/19; LAT 2/20].

Moving to contain diplomatic fallout from its support for Iraq, PLO says it accepts the "spirit" of UN Sec. Council resolution 660; PLO also renews its call for talks with Israel [AFP 2/19 in FBIS 2/19].

In Luxembourg, EC "troika" foreign ministers decide to avoid talks with Yasir Arafat in their planned series of Middle East trips (cf. 2/21) [MEM 2/20].

U.S. State Dep't. reiterates its criticism of Israel's policy of administrative detention in light of Taher Shritch case [NYT, MEM 2/201

Pres. Bush says that U.S. military action against Iraq would not necessarily begin immediately after 1/15, even if Iraqi troops had not left Kuwait; Bush meets with UN Sec.- Gen. Perez de Cuellar at Camp David [NYT, LAT, WP 1/6].

In an interview with French legislator, Saddam says he is prepared to make certain "sacrifices" in return for guarantees that Iraq will not be attacked [WP 1/8].

U.S. State Dep't. rebukes Israel for increasing its firepower in recent clashes with Palestinians and apparently abandoning moderation IDF showed last summer [NYT 1/6].

F.M.'s of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria meet in Riyadh for 2-day talks to review Gulf crisis [DDS 1/5, MENA, SPA 1/6 in FBIS 1/7; WP 1/7].

Guido de Marco, Pres. of UN Gen. Assembly, arrives in Amman after visit to o.t.; calls for swift action to convene international conference on Middle East peace, says that worsening tension in o.t. is unacceptable [ADS 1/5 in FBIS 1/7]. 

Israeli helicopters shell "resistance" targets in Biqqa Valley in S. Lebanon [BDS 1/5 in FBIS 1/7]; Israel denies incident [WP 1/6].

IDF shoots dead infiltrator; Israeli officer is wounded in clash after man is spotted crossing border from Jordan into Israel [MEM 1/7].

U.S. State Dep't. abruptly postpones meeting of joint U.S.-Israeli Security Assistance Planning Committee, which coordinates U.S. military aid to Israel; speculation arises that delay is intended to put pressure on Israel, despite U.S. statements to the contrary [JDS 7/20 in FBIS 7/20; WP 7/20].

Jordan accuses Israel of obstructing transit over Jordan River bridges, and reducing number of people allowed to enter O.T.; Jordanians say reduction violates agreed-upon quota [JDS 7/19 in FBIS 7/ 20].

Jewish Agency offices open in Warsaw for first time since World War II. Agency chrmn. Simha Dinitz meets with Polish P.M. Tadeusz Mazowiecki to discuss possible transport of Soviet Jews to Israel via Warsaw [HAA 7/20 in FBIS 7/20].

Egyptian newspaper editorials attack Arafat, Palestinians; attacks are occasioned by anti-Egypt remarks attributed to Arafat at Arab League meeting 7/15- 16 [MEM 7/24].

USSR reports that during first 6 months of 1990, 48,276 Soviet Jews have emigrated to Israel [MTS 7/19 in FBIS 7/20].

Israeli soldiers thwart 2 boats off Tel Aviv coast carrying guerrillas of Palestine Liberation Front (PLF); 4 attackers are killed in firefight, 12 captured [WP, LAT, WT, NYT 5/31]; Israel calls on U.S. to end dialogue with PLO [WP 5/13]; U.S. State Dep't., White House issue sharp criticism; continuance of U.S.-PLO dialogue is questioned [LAT 5/13].

Concluding 3-day meeting, Arab League issues statement condemning emigration of Soviet Jews to Israel, finding U.S. responsible because of aid to Israel [TASS 5/30; WP, NYT, LAT, WT 5/31; CSM 6/1]; Sec.-Gen. Chedli Klibi delivers to U.S. ambassador to Tunisia Robert Pelletreau Arab League memorandum responding to earlier U.S. memorandum [MEM 6/8; QNA 6/8 in FBIS 6/13].

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak stops in Syria after Baghdad summit; meets with Pres. Asad to discuss summit resolutions [MENA 5/30 in FBIS 5/31].

In speech marking 42nd anniversary of Israeli statehood Shamir says he will not "accept every proposal or idea of an American secretary of state." U.S. State Dep't. spokesperson Margaret Tutwiler responds: "saying yes to Sec. Baker's questions meant saying yes to the gov't. of Israel's plan" [WP, WT, LAT 5/1].

Plans to build road in Cairo through ancient Jewish cemetery has provoked outcry. Pres. Mubarak, eager to preserve relations with world Jewish community, agrees to study alternatives that would keep Al Basatin cemetery intact [WT 5/ 1].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo to seek Pres. Mubarak's support for an Arab summit in May [MET 5/8-14].

U.S. hostage Frank Reed is freed in Beirut after 43 months of captivity [NYT, WP, WT, LAT 5/1].

Pres. Bush thanks Syria and Iran for help in securing freedom for 2 Americans in past 9 days. Robert Pohill delivers private message from his captors to Pres. Bush [WP, WT, LAT 5/1].

U.S. State Dep't. releases annual report "Pattern of Global Terrorism," which lists Syria and Iran as chief sponsors of state terrorism [WP, WT 5/1].

Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij, visiting New York, says 4/11 occupation of St. John's Hospice by Jewish settlers was "not an isolated incident" but "the beginning of a premeditated effort" by Jewish settlers to obtain control of Christian properties [NYT 5/6].

Israeli Supreme Court upholds eviction order of 150 Jewish settlers from Hospice of St. John in Jerusalem, saying all but 20 settlers must leave by 5/1; the 20 may remain in hospice as guards while lower court hears testimony on Panamanian-owned company that sublet to settlers [WP, NYT, LAT 4/27].

Labor party leader Shimon Peres officially surrenders his mandate to form new Israeli gov't. after 5 weeks of bargaining [NYT, LAT 4/27; IDF 4/26 in FBIS 4/ 26].

In departure from usual custom, Israel declines to release Muslim prisoners in celebration of Muslim holiday of Id al-Fitr, apparently to avoid speculation it is involved in prisoner exchange [NYT 4/ 27].

U.S. State Dep't. statement strongly criticizes start of 2 new Israeli settlements in O.T. [WP 4/27].

PLO rep. Hakam Balawi meets with ambassador Robert Pelletreau to discuss situation in O.T. [TDS 4/27 in FBIS 4/ 27].

Israel's Knesset Finance Committee approves NIS 2.44 billion plan to build 32,500 housing units for new immigrants [JPD 4/27 in FBIS 4/27].

Leaders of Christian churches in Israel and O.T. announce they will close all shrines for 1 day beginning at 9 A.M. on 4/27. The first-ever closure is to protest Israeli gov't. funding for Jewish settlers at Hospice of St. John [NYT, WT, LAT 4/ 24; FJ 4/30].

JTS reports 24,200 Soviet Jews have emigrated to Israel since start of 1990, JDS adds total number of immigrants is 28,740 [JTS, JDS 4/23 in FBIS 4/24].

Lebanese cleric Hussein Musawi and Iranian F.M. Ali Akbar Velayati suggest second Western hostage will be released soon, but reiterate that 4/22 freeing of Robert Pohill should be met with similar "goodwill" response [WP 4/24].

U.S. mission UN in Geneva says U.S. will stop paying contributions to UN bodies that admit State of Palestine or upgrade PLO's status; statement comes 2 weeks before opening of World Health Organization's assembly, to which PLO has applied for full membership [WT 4/ 24].

U.S. State Dep't. sharply criticizes Israeli gov't. for financing Jewish nationalists' takeover of church-owned hospice in Jerusalem; calls move "an insensitive and provocative action" [WP 4/24].

Pres. Bush telephones Pres. Asad to express appreciation for Syria's role in 4/ 22 release of Robert Pohill. Bush also telephones Jordan's King Hussein to discuss Middle East peace issues [WP 4/24]. 

Caretaker P.M. Shamir has set in motion plans quickly to begin construction of 5 more settlements in O.T. Labor MK Avraham Burg says "part of [Shamir's] plan is to kill the peace process" [WT 4/ 2].

Responding to Shamir's plans, U.S. State Dep't. spokesperson says "It's disturbing that an Israeli leadership which was unable to move forward on peace seems ready to move forward on new settlements" [LAT, WT 4/3].

Washington-based National Conference on Soviet Jewry reports that 7,280 Soviet Jews emigrated to Israel during March. The figure is confirmed by Israeli immigration officials [NYT 4/3].

Rabbi Meir Kahane goes on trial on charges of sedition for calling Arabs at rally last year "cancer spreading in our midst" [WT 4/3].

Pres. Saddam Hussein says in speech to his armed forces Iraq would use its stockpile of nerve gases against any aggressor, especially Israel. Hussein says if West was trying to "give Israel a cover in order to strike at some [Iraqi] industrial metalworks, by God we will make fire eat up half of Israel if it tried [to strike] against Iraq" [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 4/3].

Pres. Chaim Herzog asks Shimon Peres to try to form new Israeli gov't. [JTS 3/20 in FBIS 3/21; NYT, WT, WP, LAT 3/21].

Israeli gov't. press office head Yosi Olmert says 3/19 U.S. State Dep't report to Congress is "not relevant to reality" and that PLO continues to engage in terrorism [IGP 3/21 in FBIS 3/21].

IDF will interrupt new recruits' basic training to send them to O.T. for short tours of duty, beginning at end of March [JPD 3/20 in FBIS 3/20].

Jimmy Carter cancels visit to Tunis as Arafat is in Namibia [RMC 3/20 in FBIS 3/21].

General strike called for by UNLU is observed in O.T. [JDS 3/20 in FBIS 3/20].

U.S. State Dep't. sends to Congress report crediting Arafat and PLO with adhering to commitment to renounce terrorism (cf. 3/20) [NYT, WT 3/21].

IDF has increased fines for stonethrowing: 1,500 to 3,000 NIS fines are imposed as jail sentences proved ineffective deterrent [YA 3/19 in FBIS 3/19].

Jimmy Carter meets with delegation of 13 prominent Palestinians in Jerusalem, including Faisal Husayni, Sari Nusaybeh, and Hanna Sinyurah [JDS 3/19 in FBIS 3/20].

U.S. State Dep't. releases annual report to Congress on global human rights; it sharply criticizes Israel's actions in O.T., finds fault with most Arab nations as well [WP 2/22]; Israel criticizes report: "Everything we are doing arises from Arab violence," says Moshe Raviv of foreign ministry [NYT 2/22].

PLO's Bassam Abu Sharif tells reporters in Tunis that resettlement of Soviet Jews in O.T. is "an act of war against the Palestinian people," and that "such an action can only beget similar reactions-that is, acts of war" [LAT 2/23].

In Tunis, Arafat meets with Soviet ambassador to Tunisia, discusses Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [AVP 2/21 in FBIS 2/22].

At the Kremlin, Nabil Amr presents his credentials to Soviet V.P. Anatoliy Lukyanov as ambassador of State of Palestine to USSR [TASS 2/21].

U.S. plans to give Egypt 700 surplus M-60 tanks made obsolete by cutbacks in U.S. forces in Europe (cf. 2/27) [WT 3/2].

In advance of human rights report to be issued 2/21, U.S. State Dep't. says Israeli soldiers continue to violate Palestinian human rights, causing "avoidable deaths and injuries." State Dep't. also reports "significant increase in violence by Palestinians directed at other Palestinians" (cf. 2/21) [NYT 2/21].

Washington Post article cites recent statements by Israeli gov't. officials to the effect that PLO is continuing terrorism [WP 2/21].

Jordan's P.M. and D.M. Mudar Badran says financial considerations have forced Jordanian fighter pilots to train with Iraqi counterparts; this does not mean joint squadron is being formed. Badran accuses Israel of exploiting the subject [RAY 2/21 in FBIS 2/21].

Egypt's ambassador to Israel, Muhammad Basyuni, says "Egypt does not oppose Jewish immigration to Israel, but does oppose the settling of new immigrants in the territories" [MAA 2/21 in FBIS 2/22].

PLO envoy Hakam Balawi meets with U.S. ambassador to Tunisia Robert Pelletreau to discuss Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [SVP 2/21 in FBIS 2/23].

Hundreds of Israeli Arabs demonstrate against Interior and Finance ministries, urging them to honor pledge to aid Arab local councils in Israel [FJ 2/26].

Chrmn. of the Supreme Soviet International Affairs Committee, A.S. Dzasokhov, meets in Moscow with PLO Executive Committee members Mahmud Abbas and Sulayman Najjab to discuss strengthening Soviet-Palestinian relations [IZV 2/21].

2 UNIFIL soldiers are killed, at least 6 are wounded by artillery fire directed at S. Lebanon outpost from inside Israel's "security zone"; initial Israeli army statement says bombing occurred during gunfire between SLA and Hizballah [JDS 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; NYT 2/21]; UN protests to Israeli gov't. [WP 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli D.M. Rabin says that Israel has temporarily halted W. Bank deportations. The announcement comes after complaints from Israeli human rights activists and a U.S. State Dep't call for more flexibility in deportations [WP 2/1].

Jerusalem Domestic Service reports that 4,600 Soviet Jews arrived in Israel during January [FBIS 2/1].

Arab World: The Fifth Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches ends 6- day meeting in Nicosia with a call to support Palestinian independence [FJ 2/5].

Arafat meets with Soviet envoy Gennedy Tarasov in Tunis over emigration of Soviet Jews to Israel [MET 2/13].

ACC parliamentary committee opens meeting in Baghdad [FBIS 2/7].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Council extends the mandate of UNIFIL for another 6 months [MET 2/13].

Many of the Soviet Jews emigrating to Israel tell of rampant anti-Semitism in the USSR [NYT 2/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military demolishes 2 homes in Qabalan village, near Nablus [FJ 2/12].

General strike called for by UNLU is observed in O.T. [FBIS 2/1; FJ 2/5].

At least 12 Palestinians are wounded in clashes in O.T. [FBIS 2/1; FJ 2/5].

Israeli military closes 7 Gaza Strip schools for security reasons [FJ 2/5].

Gazan accused of collaborating with Israel is killed [MET 2/13].

Arab World: Army troops loyal to Aoun battle militias outlawed on 1/30. At least 28 people are killed [WP 2/1; MET 2/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. State and Defense Dep't officials say they strongly suspect Israel has sent cluster bombs to Ethiopia. Israel denies charge [NYT 1/21, LAT 1/ 22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 14 Palestinians are wounded, dozens overcome by tear gas, as IDF troops clash with Palestinians throughout O.T. [FJ 1/29].

Khan Yunis Palestinian accused of collaboration is killed. Palestinians stone 2 Israeli-owned cars, no injuries are reported [FBIS 1/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israeli: Israeli military reopens all 1,200 public, private, and UN schools in W. Bank closed since 11/13/ 89. [WP 1/11; MET 1/23].

Arab World: In Cairo, Arafat meets with Mubarak to discuss Middle East Peace prospects [FBIS 1/11, 1/12; MET 1/23].

Other Countries: USSR upgrades PLO mission in Moscow to "the Embassy of the State of Palestine." The announcement comes shortly after Israeli Science Minister Weizman and Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze hold first high-level contacts between the countries since 1967 [WP 1/11]; they also discuss possibility of Moscow granting official diplomatic status to Israel [FBIS 1/11].

U.S. State Dep't spokesperson says Baker is annoyed at failure of Israel and Arab world to cooperate, and that if footdragging continues he would focus on "many other areas in the world clamoring for his attention" [WP 1/11].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli forces shell Syrian and PFLP positions in S. Lebanon for the fifth time in 24 hours [FBIS 1/11; MET 1/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Yedi'ot Aharonot publishes interview with Shamir in which Shamir says a Palestinian state already exists, and that is Jordan [FBIS 12/11].

Arab World: U.S. State Dep't confirms Iraq has successfully tested satellitelaunching rocket; it is first Arab nation to do so [WP 12/9].

In Jordan, more than 1,000 Palestinians block Amman-Damascus highway, demonstrate against new P.M. Mudar Badran. The demonstration is dispersed by police firing tear gas [FBIS 12/11].

Military Action

Arab World: Hizballah and Amal agree to cease-fire; it does not hold and at least 10 persons are killed [FBIS 12/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities bar Palestinian leader Faisal Husayni from O.T. for 6 months, calling him threat to Israeli security [NYT, WP 12/7].

Five Palestinians living on Egyptian side of Canada district, divided in half by Israeli border, crossed into Gaza Strip as first of 5,000 Arabs to be reunited with their families over next 5 years [NYT 12/ 8; JP 12/16].

The return of Palestinians prompts angry demonstrations by Israeli settlers [JP 12/16; FJ 12/25].

Israel and Egypt sign a new agreement on agricultural cooperation [FBIS 12/13].

Arab World: Egypt, speaking for PLO, formally accepts in principle the 5-point formula of Sec. Baker, adds 3 conditions [NYT, WP, FBIS 12/7; FBIS 12/14].

New Jordanian P.M. Mudar Badran announces formation of 23-member Cabinet that excludes Muslim Brotherhood, largest bloc in new Parliament [NYT, FBIS 12/7].

Other Countries: Under U.S. and international pressure, Arab nations at UN withdraw resolution that recognizes Palestinian state [NYT, WP 12/7].

U.S. State Dep't. releases official version of Baker's 5-point framework for an Israeli-Palestinian dialogue [NYT, WP 12/ 7].

Undersec. Kelly arrives in Amman, briefs Husayn on Malta summit [FBIS 12/ 7]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Shefa 'Amr, Arab Local Councils pass resolution not to allow Kach members into their towns and villages.

Arab World: Haaretz reports Tahal plan to divert Hasbani River water to Israel using existing oil pipelines in Golan and S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: US State Dep't. begins review of Meir Kahane's dual US-Israeli citizenship.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IS13 million exacted from Azza camp shopowner in 1st taxation of refugee camp shops. Qabatya youth sentenced to 2 mos. & charged IS100,000 for demonstrating. Jamal Awarneh gets life sentence for killing Jewish settler in Bethlehem (1982).

Arab World: In al-Ra'i (Amman) both Jordanian and PLO officials quoted saying Israeli election aided extremism and will lead to more Arab-Jewish violence in Palestine. Israeli liaison office in Dubayeh officially closed; Israel gov't. threatens closure "will necessarily cause great harm and suffering to the Lebanese people."

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat received by Malaysia's Sultan Iskandar in Kuala Lumpur for 3-day visit. US State Dep't. study possibility of revoking Meir Kahane's US citizenship for allegiance to foreign gov't.; officials say official action against him unlikely. Reagan aides meet Antiochian Orthodox and national Council of Churches leaders, reaffirm US stand against embassy transfer to Jerusalem. US Asst. Undersec. of State testifies before House Foreign Affairs Subcom. that, with outcome of Israel's elections, its economic situation is much worse than earlier suspected, and that US will resuscitate Reagan peace initiative.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Molotov cocktail hurled at IDF soldier patroling al-Ibrahimi Mosque, Hebron; curfew imposed, several passersby arrested & searched.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2-yr. town arrest ends for Qalqilya elected mayor Haj Amin Nasser. New settlement Yitzhar, SE of Nablus inaugurated. Settler Yehuda Cohen sentenced to 18 mos. (with 2 yrs. suspended) for plot to blow up Dome of the Rock. Nablus court issues 2nd order to halt destruction of Arab-owned land in Bidya by Israeli construction companies.

Arab World: Israel stops issuing permits to Lebanese to cross into occupied South.

Other Countries: US State Dep't. says it will regret any move to close Israel's liaison office in Lebanon.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF kill 1 resistance fighter in clash in Amiq village, S. Lebanon. Resistance fighters open fire on Israeli-backed "South Lebanon Army" checkpoint.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 25 Jewish terror suspects formally charged with membership in "terrorist organization"; suspects names remain secret. Musrara shopkeepers strike, Arab Chamber of Commerce (Jerusalem) meet to protest Israeli VAT collections, illegal under international law. West Bank military coordinator meets with Bethlehem & Beit Sahour mayors. Liberal Party votes to continue 19-yr.-old alliance with Herut.

Other Countries: At American Jewish Press Association conference US Sec. of Defense Weinberger reveals US Navy purchased Israeli-made pilotless planes. [Both US Navy and Air Force have own drone development programs and 10 US companies produce them.] US State Dep't. spokesman says Reagan admin. asked Congress to defer action on proposed 8,000-man Gulf strike force based in Jordan. US embassy in Colombo reports Sri Lanka [having severed relations with Israel in 1970] to allow limited Israeli presence there to train Sri Lankan counter-insurgency forces.

Military Action: Occupied Palestine/Israel:

Police raid several Ramallah shops, fining or closing them for lack of license.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem's Palestinian theater and art complex Nuzha-al-Hakawati Center opens. Popular Gaza artist Fathi Ghabin sentenced to 6 mos. prison on charge of "incitement through his painting." Israeli police investigate complaint by prisoner Nasir Ibrahim of torture while imprisoned in Shefa 'Amr after arrest for demonstrating without permit during Shimon Peres visit to Kabul (4/8/84). In Bethlehem U. Student Council elections, Students' Progressive Front Bloc wins 8 seats, Youth Bloc wins 1. Jerusalem police arrest 4 American-Israeli Jews for planting at least a dozen booby-trapped grenades at churches, mosques and Arab homes in recent months; police announce these arrests wrap up "TNT" case investigations. In radio interview, Science & Development Min. Ne'eman says the 1980 car bombings of Palestinian mayors "had a positive effect." Herut elects Sharon to fourth-place position in party. 2 new settlements inaugurated: "Tel Haim" [see 3/29/30], and "Ma'aleh Levona" on Nablus-Ramallah road.

Other Countries: US State Dep't. spokesman indicates US will not support any resolution calling for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon that does not also call for secure northern border for Israel. Simon Wiesenthaler Center in New York requests papacy investigate possible Catholic Church role in sheltering former Nazi Walter Rauff, after Israeli gov't. failure to extradite him from Chile.

Social/Economic/Political:

Arab World: Representatives of Fateh, PFLP & DFLP issue communique after 3-day Aden mtg., calling for renewed drive for Palestinian state by all means, including armed struggle.

Other Countries: US State Dep't. rejects view of Benvenisti's West Bank Data Project report that Israeli occupation of the West Bank is nearly irreversible. Morocco announces break in diplomatic relations with Costa Rica and El Salvador.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 4th largest Israeli Bank, United Mizrahi announces $8.8 million loss for 1983. 

Other Countries: US State Dep't. denies widespread speculation US intends to fund covert activities in Central America by 3rd countries such as Israel on behalf of US interests

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Postal workers strike for improved benefits and working conditions. Death penalty conferred on 2 Palestinian men, Maher & Karim Yunis, convicted of killing Israeli soldier in 1980; families maintain confessions were extracted by torture. 6 mo. town arrest order imposed on Khaled Qidra Abd al- Hadi, Deputy General Secretary of Gaza Lawyers Union.

Arab World: Arafat meets with Fateh Central Committee in Sana'a, YAR. Cease-fire called in Beirut; after 3 days fighting, about 60 (mainly Lebanese and Palestinian civilians) killed, 150 wounded. Egyptian foreign affairs advisor says US should open talks with Arafat, calling him "a voice of reason and moderation."

Other Countries: US State Dep't. assails Soviet cut in Jewish emigration as "an unmitigated act of evil."

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Coordinating Bureau of Economic Organizations and Histadrut agree workers to get 17.9% cost of living raise, effective 12/25/83.

Other Countries: Israel Radio claims Reagan made secret pact with Israel to increase military aid in 1986; US State Dep't. asserts no secret agreement signed "while Shamir was here." [In fact, Reagan signed secret National Security Decision Directive for closer strategic cooperation and commitment to Israel on 10/9/83.]

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: US F-14s meet Syrian anti-aircraft fire over Beirut; US warships bombard Syrian-controlled hills. For fifth time in 9 days, Israeli gunboats shell Palestinians awaiting evacuation at Tripoli; Palestinian fighters return fire. 2 Israeli soldiers seriously wounded, 1 Lebanese killed in grenade attack on IDF patrol near Sidon; Israelis open fire on crowd gathering after incident.