January 15
America-led coalition forces attack the Iraqi Army in Iraq and Kuwait. Within days, Israeli cities would be attacked by Iraqi (conventional-warhead) missiles. Under American pressure, Israel abstains from retaliation.
January
As part of the “security measures” undertaken by Israel in the eve of the Gulf War, the general exit permit that was issued in 1972 is cancelled. Every resident of the Occupied Territories wanting to enter Israel must have an individual permit. In addition, Israel declares a full closure of the Occupied Territories, which will last for forty-one days. The policy is enforced only partially and will be enforced to a significantly greater extent beginning in March 1993.
March
A report by BTselem describes the Shabak’s interrogation and torture techniques, which include food and sleep deprivation, imprisonment in isolation, use of the “banana” technique, covering the detainee’s head with a dirty sack, and beatings.
March 31
Palestinians are prohibited from entering Israel in private vehicles.
September 12
President George H. W. Bush conditions the granting of loan guarantees to Israel on a freeze in settlement activity.
September 18
Abie Nathan, peace activist and director of The Voice of Peace radio station, is sentenced to fifteen months in prison for having violated the law prohibiting meeting with PLO members.
October 30
The Madrid Conference begins. Following the Iraqi surrender and the end of the Gulf War , the international conference is called by the foreign ministers of the United States and Russia in an attempt to achieve peace in the Middle East. The conference is attended by Israel and by almost all the Arab countries. The Palestinians are represented by a joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation; the Palestinian members of the delegation are approved by the PLO, but are not its officials. The conference leads to direct talks between Israel and the delegations from Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan-Palestine.
December 15
Palestinians are forbidden to approach within 150 meters of intercity roads in the Occupied Territories.