Timeline of West Bank

Chronology

7 events spanning the history of West Bank. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1949

   The West Bank was declared part of Jordanian territory.

   The West Bank was declared part of Jordanian territory after Israel and Jordan signed armistice agreements in 1949.

2. 1993

   Negotiations in Norway culminate in the signing of the Declaration of Principles.

   Negotiations in Norway culminate in the signing of the Declaration of Principles between Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The Palestinians consent to recognizing Israel. In return, Israel would gradually dismantle its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza and transfer authority to an interim Palestinian Authority (PA), initiated by a 1994 agreement.

3. 1996

   The country’s first national elections.

   In the country’s first national elections, Palestinians elect Yasser Arafat as the PA’s chairman as well as members of the Palestinian Authority legislative body, the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).

4. 1998

   Under the Wye River Memorandum, Israel agrees to further withdrawals from the West Bank.

   Under the Wye River Memorandum, Israel agrees to further withdrawals from the West Bank.

5. 2002

   Israeli forces besiege Yasser Arafat’s Ramallah compound.

   Israeli forces besiege Yasser Arafat’s Ramallah compound and reoccupy almost all of the West Bank. Arafat signs the Palestinian Authority Basic Law, which provides the legal foundation for the PA.

6. 2004

   The PA holds municipal elections in 26 West Bank localities.

   The PA holds municipal elections in 26 West Bank localities for the first time in almost three decades.

7. 2005

   Israel evacuates its settlers and withdraws troops from Gaza.

   Israel evacuates its settlers and withdraws troops from Gaza, ending almost 40 years of military occupation.