The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces nr. Khan Yunis open fire on Palestinian demonstrators planting olive trees close to the border fence, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 4 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the morning, and in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr Jericho at night. Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles nr. Jenin, causing damage but no injuries. Separately, a Jewish settler shoots and wounds a Palestinian nr. Nablus. (MNA 3/31; PCHR 4/3)

In an unscheduled trip, aimed at salvaging the negotiations, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets in Jerusalem with Israeli PM Netanyahu and then PA Pres. Abbas in Ramallah. Meanwhile, Abbas meets with the Fatah Executive Cmte. in Ramallah to discuss latest developments. Imprisoned Palestinian leaders Marwan Barghouti and Ahmed Sa’adat call the negotiations “fruitless,” and urge the leadership to seek unilateral recognition. Separately, Jordan’s King Abdallah holds talks with Israeli opposition leader MK Isaac Herzog (Labor) in Amman, with no details provided of the contents of their discussions. (AFP, JP, MNA 3/31)

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert is convicted of accepting a bribe in relation to a real-estate deal when he was mayor of Jerusalem. (REU 3/31)

Chair of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey meets with IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz in Jerusalem, with discussions including the possibility of cooperation between Israel and some Gulf States, according to remarks Dempsey makes following the meeting. (HA, NYT 3/31)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Jericho at night. A Jewish settler opens fire on a car nr. Yitzhar settlement, wounding the Palestinian driver. (PCHR 4/3)

Land Day demonstrations take place in Israel, with an estimated 15,000 participants holding rallies against continued discriminatory land and housing policies in the Galilee and Negev. There are no serious clashes and 2 reported arrests in total. (AFP, JP, YA 3/30)

Israeli PM Netanyahu tells the weekly meeting of his cabinet that there will be no prisoner release without “receiving something of clear value [in return].” The 4th batch of prisoners was due for release on 3/29. Israel’s Economics and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett, meanwhile, says Israel does not need to worry about the possibility of the Palestinians going to the UN. Also, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat meets with U.S. Special Envoy Martin Indyk in Jerusalem. (HA, MNA, ToI 3/30)

Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon meets with Chair of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey in Jerusalem, assuring him that the relationship with the U.S. is a “cornerstone” of Israeli security. (HA 3/30)

Gunmen kill 1 Egyptian officer and wound 3 others in an attack nr. Shaykh Zuwayd in n. Sinai. (AP, MNA AP 3/30)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops nr. Jabaliya open fire on Palestinians throwing stones at their positions, wounding 1. In separate incidents off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen , causing no damage or injuries in either case. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin and Qalqilya at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 village and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho at night. Dozens of Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Hebron, causing no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse a Palestinian Land Day demonstration outside Damascus Gate, causing no serious injuries. (AFP, MNA 3/29; PCHR 4/3)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian protesters throwing stones at military positions on the border fence nr. Jabaliya, wounding 1. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian child in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron during a patrol. Israeli soldiers violently disperse a Land Day demonstration in Burin village nr. Nablus, causing no serious injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village in the afternoon; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Jericho at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih). There are no serious injuries. (MNA 3/28; PCHR 4/3)

Fatah Central Cmte. mbr. Jibril Rajub says that “the Israeli govt. has informed us through the U.S. mediator that it will not abide with its commitment to release the 4th batch of Palestinian prisoners scheduled for [3/29].” Rajub also says that the failure to release the prisoners “will mark the beginning of the efforts in the international community to challenge the legality of the occupation.” U.S. efforts designed to extend the negotiations beyond their deadline on 4/29 continue, with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry continuing conversations with Israeli PM Netanyahu and PA Pres. Abbas over the phone in Rome, and U.S. Special Envoy Indyk conducting further diplomacy in Jerusalem. (AFP, HA, JP 3/28)

U.S. Pres. Obama visits Saudi Arabia for a fence-mending trip to the key U.S. ally. Obama reassures King Abdallah that he would support moderate Syrian rebels and reject a bad nuclear deal with Iran, during talks in the king’s desert camp. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry also travels with the president. It is the 3d official meeting between Obama and Abdallah in 6 years. An unnamed U.S. official says that Washington is considering allowing shipments of portable air defense systems to Syrian rebels as part of efforts to assuage Saudi concerns. (AP, REU 3/28)

IDF troops shoot 2 men nr. the border fence separating Syrian-controlled territory from the occupied Golan Heights. The IDF subsequently says that the “infiltrators” were seeking to break through the fence, but does not comment on the condition of the men. Israeli media report that the 2 men died at the scene. (AFP, HA, REU 3/28)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops nr. Bayt Hanun open fire on Palestinians demonstrating in the lead-up to Land Day on 3/30, causing no serious injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron ad Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the morning, in Salfit and 2 nearby villages, 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, al-Fawar r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, and in Jericho at night. Jewish settlers cut down more than 50 olive trees nr. Nablus. (PCHR 4/3)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire at Palestinian fishing boats, injuring 4 and damaging 2 boats. The Israeli military claims that the boats were identified in a “suspected smuggling attempt.” In the West Bank, residents sent fire to an Israeli watchtower in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, as a week of clashes continues. Meanwhile, Israeli bulldozers level Palestinian land in Susia, nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. In the al-Tur neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolish a Palestinian building containing 2 apartments, a mosque, and a medical center. (AFP, MNA 3/26; PCHR 3/27)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry arrives in Amman for talks with King Abdallah and then PA Pres. Abbas, in a last-minute effort aimed at preventing the peace negotiations from collapsing. Kerry also speaks with Israeli PM Netanyahu by phone. A Palestinian source cited by AFP says that Abbas refuses to discuss a U.S. framework agreement for the continuation of talks unless Israel releases the scheduled 4th batch of Palestinian prisoners on 3/29. Meanwhile, the Arab League summit in Kuwait closes with a final declaration by Arab leaders expressing support for Abbas’s efforts and rejecting the demand for recognition as a Jewish state. (HA 3/25; AFP, JP 3/26)

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announces that more than 49% of the raw materials for Syria’s poison gas and nerve agent program have been shipped overseas, with the total percentage of chemicals either removed or destroyed standing at 53.6%. (AP 3/26)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct 2 separate limited incursions nr. Bayt Hanun and Khan Yunis to level land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and nearby al-‘Arub r.c., and 1 village nr. Nablus at night; patrols in Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 3/25)

In a speech at the 25th Arab League summit in Kuwait, PA Pres. Abbas attacks Israel’s attitude toward the peace negotiations, citing violations of international law and bilateral agreements. Abbas specifically refers to settlement construction, the killing of civilians, and attempts to change the status quo at Haram al-Sharif. The Palestinian leader also asserts that an extension of negotiations must be part of a proposal based on the international community’s decisions and with a clear timetable. (HA 3/25)

Israeli forces fire a shell into the n. Gaza Strip, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 3 with rubber-coated metal bullets in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, in ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. in Nablus, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night; patrols in Salfit and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in Hebron and 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nearby in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops raid the al-Quds University students’ dormitory in Abu Dis. Meanwhile, right-wing Jewish activists vandalize 45 cars in the Bayt Hanina neighborhood, leaving “price tag” graffiti nearby. Separately, a Palestinian-owned shop in Jerusalem is the target of an arson attempt, with anti-Arab slogans left at the scene. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 3/25; PCHR 3/27)

Unnamed Palestinian officials tell Maan news agency that PA Pres. Abbas has agreed to extend peace negotiations if certain conditions are met, namely a settlement construction freeze and the release of more prisoners. A final batch of 30 prisoners is due to be released on 3/29, and Fatah Central Cmte. mbr. Mohamed Ashtiya tells the media that without the release, the PA will turn to UN agencies. Meanwhile, Haaretz reports that officials working for U.S. Secy. of State Kerry have been visiting Ramallah over the last 2 days. (MNA, HA 3/25)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound 8 Palestinian youth with rubber-coated metal bullets in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, while 2 soldiers sustain moderate injuries. Palestinians throw a Molotov cocktail at a settler-driven car nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. In response, Israeli forces raid Burin village and fire tear gas at residents. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, and 1 village each in Jenin, Ramallah and Tulkarm at night; patrols in Salfit and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tullkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (MNA 3/23; PCHR 3/27)

PA Pres. Abbas meets U.S. Special Envoy Indyk in Ramallah to discuss the latest developments in the peace process, but no further details are revealed. (MNA, WAFA 3/23)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 3 Palestinians in Jenin, and wound 11, during the course of an arrest raid targeting 1 of the deceased, a wanted mbr. of the Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades. The other 2 men are killed when they attempt to recover the body of the 1st. A funeral march for the 3 men attracts more than 10,000 mourners, who chant slogans for revenge, an end to peace talks, and for Hamas-Fatah reconciliation. In a joint statement, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, the Fatah-linked al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, and Islamic Jihad’s Sayara al-Quds Brigades threaten a “painful” retaliation, and accuse the PA of complicity in the killings. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports that the security establishment is pointing to “increasing opposition” in recent mos. by residents when soldiers enter refugee camps for raids and other operations. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages; patrols in Hebron in the morning, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night. In East Jerusalem, some 150 Palestinians protest outside Damascus Gate, angry at the deadly raid in Jenin. Subsequent clashes with Israeli security forces result in no injuries. (JP, MNA, REU 3/22; PCHR 2/27)

PA Pres. Abbas tells an emergency meeting of the Fatah Central Cmte. in Ramallah that the he won’t make any concessions on the rights of Palestinians rights “regardless of the pressures and threats.” Abbas briefs officials on his latest trip to Washington—he returned on 3/20—and the state of the peace talks. The cmte. expresses support for Abbas’s positions, including a fully independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. (YA 3/22)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops shoot and wound 2 Palestinians participating in a demonstration at the border fence. Separately, Israeli military authorities reveal that they have discovered a tunnel under the border with the Gaza Strip that, they say, was dug by Hamas. In the West Bank, residents of Aida r.c. make a small hole in the separation wall and set an army watchtower on fire with a Molotov cocktail. In ensuing clashes, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian protesters and an Italian journalist is wounded with a rubber-coated metal bullet. In a raid on al-Zabbuda village nr. Jenin, IDF troops wound 1 resident who is struck by a tear gas canister. In Silwad nr. Ramallah, Palestinians clash with Israeli soldiers, and 3 residents are wounded by live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and 4 villages nr. Hebron and Qalqilya at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin and Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). In each Bil‘in and Kafr Qaddum, 1 is injured by live ammunition. In Nabi Salih, 2 are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian worshippers pray in the streets after Israeli authorities prohibit men younger than 50 from entering Haram al-Sharif, a restriction in place to accommodate the Jerusalem marathon. (JP, MNA 3/21; PCHR 3/27)

Responding to the previous day’s announcement from the Israeli Interior Ministry, PA spokesperson Rudayna says that the peace negotiations have reached an impasse because of ongoing Israeli settlement activity. (AFP 3/21)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki says that the Obama administration is disappointed by the lack of apology from Israeli DM Ya’alon, for his recent criticism of the U.S. on 3/17. Ya’alon subsequently expresses regret at causing offense, but does not apologize or retract his statement, despite reports he had done so in phone conversation to U.S. Defense Secy. Hagel. (REU 3/21)

In the West Bank, Palestinians throw a Molotov cocktail at a settler bus nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. In response, the IDF imposes a closure on Burin village. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians nr. Nablus, injuring 2 children. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Nablus in the afternoon, and in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in Qalqilya in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, far-right MK Moshe Feiglin (Likud) tours Haram al-Sharif with other activists, prompting clashes between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli forces. (MNA 3/20; PCHR 3/27)

The PA Foreign Ministry says in a statement that it is waiting for word from Pres. Abbas before seeking recognition in international UN agencies. Pursuit of recognition is reportedly dependent on whether or not Israel releases the scheduled 4th batch of prisoners. PA Pres. Abbas returns from Washington to Ramallah, where he is received by a large welcoming reception of supporters. (JP, NYT, REU 3/20)

A report by the IAEA says that Iran is meeting its commitments under the 6-mo. interim deal signed in 11/2013, but has yet to finish work on a planned plant designed to convert uranium gas into an oxide form. (REU 3/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian teenager by the separation wall nr. Hebron. Family and witnesses say the boy was foraging for plants with friends when shot, while an Israeli military spokesperson claims that the deceased was spotted damaging the fence and ignored warnings to move away. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Hebron, and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops demolish a Palestinian-owned home in Bayt Hanina, as well as 2 mobile homes and sheep barns in al-Ashraqiya. More than 90 Israeli army recruits and some 20 right-wing Jewish activists enter and tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, PNN, REU, 3/19; PCHR 3/20)

The Jerusalem municipality approves construction permits for 184 housing units in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, with 144 in Har Homa C, and 40 in Pisgat Ze’ev. (HA, REU 3/19)

In response to the previous day’s roadside bombing, the Israeli air force conducts air strikes against several Syrian military targets, killing 1 soldier and wounding 7. It is unclear which group planted the bomb, but Israeli DM Ya’alon says that Israel holds Pres. Bashar al-Asad responsible for “what happen in [his govt.’s] territory.” (AP, REU 3/19)

Israeli DM Ya’alon telephones U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel to make amends for remarks he made at Tel Aviv University on 3/17, but reports differ on whether or not he makes an explicit apology. Earlier, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and Israeli PM Netanyahu spoke about the Israeli DM’s comments, and Netanyahu addressed the Knesset, saying that the U.S. remains Israel’s greatest ally. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki says that“clearly [Ya’alon’s] comments were not constructive” and that “it is certainly confusing to us.” (HA, JP 3/19)

Meetings in Vienna between representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries break up without agreement on the issues of uranium enrichment levels and the Arak heavy-water reactor, with the sides agreeing to meet again in Vienna from 4/7 to 4/9. (REU 3/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinian protesters outside Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, causing no serious injuries. During a raid in Tuqu‘ village nr. Bethlehem, IDF troops wound 1 Palestinian with live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages at night; patrols in Jenin in the morning, in 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron, Ramallah and Tulkarm at night. (MNA 3/18; PCHR 3/20)

Israel’s Economics and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett says that the 4th and final Palestinian prisoner release is uncertain to take place as scheduled because the peace negotiations are at a standstill. In response, PA Minister of Prisoner Affairs Issa Qarage says that any delay would be “political blackmail” and could “foil negotiations.” Israeli chief negotiator Tzipi Livni also says that the scheduled 3/29 prisoner release is linked to Palestinian willingness to show commitment to an extension of peace talks. (AFP, JP, MNA 3/18)

A roadside bombing wounds 4 Israeli soldiers patrolling along the border with Syria in the occupied Golan Heights, including 1 seriously. Israeli PM Netanyahu vows to “act forcefully to preserve Israel’s security” in reference to “jihadists and Hizballah elements” operating alongside the border. (AFP, JP, REU 3/18) 

Representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries begin talks in Vienna, with EU foreign affairs chief Ashton leading the negotiations on behalf of the world powers. Discussions focus on what an unnamed EU official calls the “nitty-gritty” of a deal. (AP, REU 3/17) In a speech made at Tel Aviv University, Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon says that the U.S. “shows weakness” in various areas around the world, including with regard to Iran, and that U.S. military aid to Israel needs to be seen “in proportion.” An unnamed senior U.S. official responds, saying that Ya’alon is “undermining” security ties between the 2 countries. (HA 3/18)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on an open area nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Khan Yunis, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF clash with Palestinians in Hebron, wounding 4 with rubber-coated metal bullets. Meanwhile, Palestinians throw Molotov cocktails at a vehicle driven by a Jewish settler nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in Hebron and 2 nearby villages and 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in Jenin and 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Qalqilya at night. (MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/20)

PA Pres. Abbas meets with U.S. Pres. Obama in the White House, with the American leader urging both Abbas and Israeli PM Netanyahu to take “risks” for peace. In a joint press conference, Abbas says that a scheduled Israeli release of Palestinian prisoners would indicate Netanyahu’s commitment to the peace negotiations. (AFP, HA 3/17)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry announces a new special envoy for Syria, with career diplomat Daniel Rubinstein succeeding the retired Robert Ford. (AP 3/17)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Khan Yunis, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Nablus at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron and in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers destroy more than 50 olive trees nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces enter Haram al-Sharif and clashes break out with Palestinian worshippers, wounding 4 with rubber-coated metal bullets. (MNA 3/16; PCHR 3/20)

PA Pres. Abbas meets with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry in Washington, where, according to an unnamed State Dept. official, Kerry urges him “to make the tough decisions that will be necessary” before the 4/29 deadline for the peace negotiations. The same official describes the talks as “frank and productive.” (REU, HA 3/16)

A suicide car bomb attack kills 4 people in al-Nabi Othman, a Lebanese village nr. the Syrian border. The dead include 2 Hizballah mbrs. Jabhat al-Nusra Front in Lebanon claims responsibility on Twitter. (AFP 3/16)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. Later, the navy also opens fire on the beach, destroying a fisherman’s equipment store. In the West Bank, 1 Israeli soldier is wounded after being struck by a rock during clashes between Palestinians and Jewish settlers nr. Nablus. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya and Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. (MNA 3/15; PCHR 3/20)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and wound a Palestinian with live ammunition during a protest at the entrance to Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah. There is also a demonstration against the occupation in Silwad, also nr. Ramallah. During a separate protest in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in (1 international struck by a tear gas canister) and in Kafr Qaddum (4 struck by tear gas canisters). Meanwhile, Jewish settlers uproot 30 olive trees close to Yatta nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops clash with residents of Abu Dis and al-‘Izzariya neighborhoods, leaving 35 injured. In addition, thousands of Palestinian worshippers pray in the streets after the Israeli authorities prohibit anyone under the age of 40 from praying at Haram al-Sharif. (MNA 3/14; PCHR 3/20)

An explosive device targets an Israeli military vehicle patrolling the border with Lebanon, causing damage but no injuries. In response, the Israeli army shells a Hizballah position. Lebanese sources say that 5 shells hit open terrain, causing no injuries. Despite the IDF’s announcement that the explosion had a “Hizballah connection,” the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) claim responsibility on Twitter. (HA, NYT 3/14)

Jordanians demonstrate in Amman nr. the Israeli embassy, urging the govt. to annul the 2 countries’ peace treaty and expel Israel’s amb. The protest takes place following the killing of a Palestinian-Jordanian judge on 3/10 at the Allenby Bridge crossing, and was jointly organized by leftist, Islamist, nationalist, and youth parties. (REU 3/14)

In the Gaza Strip, an Egyptian-brokered truce between Israel and Islamic Jihad is secured. A leader of the Palestinian group, Khaled al-Batsh, writes on Facebook that “intensive Egyptian contacts and efforts” mean a restoration of “the agreement for calm . . . in accordance with understandings reached [on 11/21/12] in Cairo,” a reference to the end of Operation Pillar of Defense. Hamas Dep. FM Ghazi Hamad says that Egypt deliberately ignored the govt. in Gaza and communicated directly with Islamic Jihad, a claim corroborated by an anonymous Egyptian security official. Following the cease-fire, the Popular Resistance Cmte. (PRC) fires 8 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the Israeli air force conducts air strikes against 4 sites in Rafah and Jabaliya, targeting a PRC training camp and Izzeddin alQassam Brigades sites, causing damage but no injuries, except in Rafah, where 3 civilians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops wound 2 Palestinians during a clash with mourners at a funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon; patrols in 3 villages, al-‘Arub r.c. and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (AFP, HA, MNA, REU, WAFA 13/3; PCHR 3/20)

Israeli science minister Yaakov Peri says that unless Palestinians agree to an extension of peace talks, it would be difficult for Israel to go ahead with a scheduled 4th prisoner release. Israeli FM Lieberman says that “negotiations should be extended to the end of the year at least.” Separately, Israeli authorities approve construction permits for 387 housing units in Ramat Shlomo settlement in East Jerusalem, part of the 1,500 unit-plan approved in 2/2012 by the Jerusalem municipality. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry tells the House Foreign Relations Cmte. that PM Netanyahu’s insistence on a public statement of recognition from the Palestinians of Israel as a Jewish state is “a mistake.” (AIC, AFP 3/13; JP 3/14)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire approximately 70 rockets; 41 of which land in s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries, and 3 are intercepted by Iron Dome missile defense batteries. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the barrage, saying that it is in retaliation for the killing of Palestinians in the last 2 days, including 3 of its mbrs. the previous day. (They also put the number of projectiles fired at 130.) In response, the Israeli air force conducts air strikes on 29 targets throughout the Gaza Strip, with the Israeli military saying that Hamas authorities are responsible for any projectile fire emanating from the territory. The Israeli air strikes cause no injuries but inflict significant damage at a number of military training sites operated by the Saraya al-Quds Brigades and also by the Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades. Reacting to the violence, UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon condemns the rocket attacks and “urges all actors to exercise maximum restraint.” PA Pres. Abbas releases a statement condemning “Israeli military escalation,” and PLO senior official Hanan Ashrawi condemns the killings of Palestinians by Israel over recent days. U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki condemns the rocket attacks and reaffirms Israel’s right to defend itself. In the West Bank, IDF troops injure 5 Palestinians with live ammunition and rubber-coated metal bullets during clashes with residents in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin, Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, and Nur Shams r.c. nr. Tulkarm at night; patrols in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (HA, MNA, REU 3/12; PCHR 3/13)

The Knesset adopts a new Basic Law by a vote of 68–0 that requires a referendum on any concessions of sovereign territory. It is the 1st new Basic Law since 1992. The territory in question include the occupied Golan Heights and occupied East Jerusalem, but not the West Bank. The law also states that a treaty with such a territorial dimension can also be approved without a national referendum if more than 80 MKs support it, and if fewer than 61 MKs support it, it will be rejected without a referendum. (JP 3/12)

Egypt’s military says it has destroyed 1,370 smuggling tunnels under its border with the Gaza Strip, without specifying a precise time scale. Authorities have maintained a heavy military presence in the Sinai Peninsula since the military overthrow of the govt. in 7/2013. (AFP 3/12)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces kill 3 Palestinians from the Saraya al-Quds Brigades (the armed wing of Islamic Jihad) in an air strike nr. Khan Yunis, shortly after they had fired a mortar shell toward IDF troops. Later in the day, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops conduct 2 separate limited incursions nr. Khan Yunis and nr. Rafah alongside the border fence to level land. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen working off the coast nr. Gaza City, and arrest 2, before releasing them later. In the West Bank, IDF troops wound an unspecified number of Palestinian youth during clashes nr. al-Azza r.c. in Bethlehem, at a rally organized to protest Israel’s recent killing of Palestinians. Separately, IDF troops wound 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets in clashes in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, after locals throw stones at soldiers conducting a raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 2 villages and ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. nearby, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and in Tulkarm at night. (MNA 3/11; PCHR 3/13)

The Knesset passes a new law that raises the threshold for entering the parliament from 2% to 3.25% of the vote in a general election. (The bill was previously approved by the cmte. on 3/3.) The bill passes with 67 yeas, though the vote is boycotted by all the opposition parties, including Labor, Shas, and United Arab List Ta’al. (HA 3/11)

A small homemade bomb explodes in front of the Israeli embassy in Cairo, causing no damage or injuries. (REU, ToI 3/11)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a man at the Allenby Bridge crossing on the Jordanian border. The man, a PalestinianJordanian judge who worked in Amman, was on his way to visit family in Nablus. The IDF initially says that he tried to attack the soldiers. However, many eyewitnesses describe a different version of the events. In response, PM Netanyahu’s office promises a joint investigation with Jordanian authorities, and expresses regret and sympathies. Jordanian FM Judeh condemns the killing, and summons the head of Israel’s mission in Amman. A protest also takes place outside the Israeli embassy in Amman, where demonstrators call for the annulment of the 2 countries’ peace treaty. IDF troops also shoot and kill a Palestinian in Baytin village nr. Ramallah, in response to a group of Palestinians throwing stones at vehicles owned by Jewish settlers. The man’s relatives say he was tending goats when he was shot. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Qalqilya at night. Jewish settlers cut down several trees and saplings in an-Nabi Samuil nr. Jerusalem. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. al-Sudaniyya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, wounding 2 with rubber-coated metal bullets, and causing damage to the boats and nets. Also, 2 fishermen are arrested. (MNA, REU, WAFA 3/10)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, in Nablus and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Jenin; patrols in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, and in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Tulkarm and in Jenin at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse dozens of Palestinians planting trees on their land in Anata that had been confiscated, causing no serious injuries. (MNA 3/9; PCHR 3/13)

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat says that the U.S. gave a commitment that Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners, as planned, on 3/29. Erekat speaks on his return from Washington, where he says that ideas were discussed with U.S. Special Envoy Martin Indyk. Erakat also emphasizes that the Palestinians will not take any unilateral action at the UN for the duration of the 9-mo. schedule for talks, which ends 4/29. Meanwhile in Cairo, Arab League FMs meet and release a statement endorsing PA Pres. Abbas’s rejection of the Israeli demand for recognition as a Jewish state. Speaking to Israeli media, PM Netanyahu says that should both sides accept a U.S.-proposed set of principles for the continuation of talks, negotiations would last at least another year. (HA, REU 3/9)

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton, on a visit to Tehran, says that reaching a longterm nuclear deal with Iran would be “difficult and challenging,” remarks made at a press conference alongside Iranian FM Zarif. Ashton is in Iran for a 2-day visit, the 1st by an EU foreign affairs chief since 2008.

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Jabaliya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid Yabad village nr. Jenin and residents respond by throwing stones. During the clashes, 1 Palestinian is wounded by a tear gas canister. During a protest in Yatta, nr. Hebron, over the confiscation of land, an Israeli military vehicle strikes a Palestinian child, seriously injuring her. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and Balata r.c. at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, in Hebron, and 1 village each. Jenin and Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. (MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/13)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries except in Bil‘in, where 1 is struck by a tear gas canister and in Nabi Salih, where 5 are wounded by bullets. (PCHR 3/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu tells Israeli television that the govt. would give up “some settlements” in the West Bank as part of a peace agreement, but that he would “ensure the number will be as small as possible,” if talks progress that far. Meanwhile, U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki tells reporters that the U.S. recognizes Israel as a Jewish state but that Palestinian recognition is not a precondition in peace talks. (JP, REU 3/7)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry visits Jordan for talks with King Abdallah in Aqaba on the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. (AFP, REU 3/7)

In clashes between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and Egyptian security forces across the country, including Suez, Alexandria, and al-Arish, 3 protesters are killed and 48 wounded. An Egyptian official says 17 police officers are wounded in the clashes in Cairo. (AFP, REU 3/7)

Iranian Foreign Ministry official Hamid Baidinejad says that representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries have held “substantive and useful” talks in Vienna in preparation for the next meeting of chief negotiators on 3/18. EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton confirms the Iranian official’s assessment of the talks, via a statement from her office in Brussels. (AFP, REU 3/7)

In response to the Israeli allegations regarding the ship intercepted in the Red Sea on 3/5, Iranian FM Zarif rejects Israeli allegations, calling claims of Iranian involvement a “lie.” Senior Islamic Jihad official Khalid al-Baths denies the group’s involvement in the seized missile shipment. (AFP, AP, REU 3/7)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers attack Palestinian farmers nr. Ramallah, seriously wounding 1. (PCHR 3/13)

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat holds talks with U.S. officials in Washington, though U.S. Secy. of State Kerry is in Paris and focused on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Israeli FM Avigdor Lieberman tells Israeli radio that the Palestinians are blocking progress in talks by “setting conditions,” a reference to a demand by Abbas for a settlement construction freeze. (HA, JTA 3/6)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinians throw Molotov cocktails at an Israeli vehicle nr. Nablus, causing no injuries, and the IDF subsequently imposes a curfew on the villages of Hawara and Bayta. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 3 villages nr. Jericho at night. (MNA 3/5; JP, PCHR 3/6)

Early in the morning, Israel intercepts a ship in the Red Sea carrying Iranian-made rockets bound for Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli govt. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad deny involvement, with the former dismissing Israel’s announcement of the action as a “silly joke.” White House spokesperson Jay Carney says that the action would not affect the ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran regarding the country’s disputed nuclear program. (MNA, REU, ToI 3/5)

Israeli forces on the border with Syria open fire on several men. The IDF subsequently identifies the targets as Hizballah fighters that were trying to plant a bomb on the fence between the Israeli occupied Golan Heights and Syrian territory. The Syrian state news agency, meanwhile, reports that Israeli forces fire shells into Syria, wounding 7 mbrs. of the security services. The attack is also reported by UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Separately, Syrian forces conduct air strikes on the outskirts of a Lebanese border town. (AP, REU 3/5)

The head of the mission charged with destroying Syria’s chemical weapons says that Damascus has accelerated its efforts after several missed deadlines. Sigrid Kaag makes the remarks to reporters following a closed-doors update to the UNSC where the official said around one-third of the weapons material had already been removed or destroyed. (AP, REU 3/5)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm and in Hebron in the morning, in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 3/6)

Israeli PM Netanyahu gives a speech to the collected 14,000 attendees of the annual American Israel Public Affairs Cmte. (AIPAC) conference in Washington. He urges PA Pres. Abbas to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and “abandon the fantasy” of the Palestinian refugees’ returning to modern day Israel. Netanyahu also makes an oblique reference to potential future arrangements in the Jordan Valley, rejecting the use of “foreign peace-keeping forces” as a means of securing Israel. The Israeli PM also condemns the Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS) campaign, claiming that anyone supporting a boycott should be “treated exactly as we treat any anti-Semite or bigot.” Addressing the question of Iran, Netanyahu reiterates his belief that pressure on Tehran should be intensified, not decreased. In response, senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath says that the speech is tantamount to “an official announcement of a unilateral end to negotiations.” PA spokesperson Rudayna says that the demand for recognition of Israel as a Jewish state is intended “to waste time and avoid reaching a true, just and viable peace agreement.” (AFP, FT, HA, REU 3/4)

In Egypt, Cairo’s Court of Urgent Matters bans Hamas from operating in Egypt, seizing the organization’s assets. Hamas official Bassem Naim tells AFP that the group has no properties to be seized in Egypt, and denounces the court decision as serving the Israeli occupation. (AFP, REU 3/4)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians in an air strike in Bayt Hanun, with the IDF saying that the men were on their way to launch rockets into s. Israel. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 5 villages and ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. nearby, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron and in Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (HA, MNA, REU 3/3; PCHR 3/6)

Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics publishes new statistics on Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank. According to the data, new construction starts on housing units went from 1,133 in 2012 to 2,534 in 2013, constituting over a 120% increase. Meanwhile, PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas says that if U.S. Secy. of State Kerry’s framework agreement fails to provide satisfactory answers to core Palestinian issues, he will cease talks and turn to international bodies for recognition of Palestinian statehood, in remarks made during a meeting with the Israeli politician in Ramallah. (JP, REU, YA 3/3)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. Pres. Obama in the Oval Office to discuss Iran’s nuclear program and the negotiations with the Palestinians. In a joint press conference, Obama affirms his “absolute commitment” to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Obama also urges the Israeli leader to make “tough decisions” to save the struggling peace negotiations. Meanwhile, speaking at the annual AIPAC conference in Washington, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry assures attendees that the U.S. “will never let the West Bank turn into another Gaza.” He also justifies the talks with Iran, saying that “only strong diplomacy can justify more forceful options.” (HA, REU, ToI 3/3)

The Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Cmte. approves a bill that would, inter alia, raise the threshold for parties to enter the Knesset from 2% to 3.25% of valid votes cast, excluding parties with fewer than 4 seats. The bill will now be sent to the full Knesset for a final reading (see 3/11). This measure would have significant implications for the 3 Arab parties, which currently have 3 or 4 MKs each. (HA, JP 3/3)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin, Tulkarm r.c. nr. Tulkarm and in Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm in the morning, in 1 village and al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar and al-Kharub r.c nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and in Nablus at night. Palestinians throw a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli car nr. Tuqu‘ village in the Bethlehem region, causing no injuries. Jewish settlers uproot more than 180 olive saplings nr. Qalqilya. Meanwhile, a Palestinian man dies of injuries sustained after being hit by a Jewish settler-driven car nr. Ramallah. (MNA, WAFA 3/2; PCHR 3/6)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu departs for a 6-day visit to the U.S., telling reporters at Ben Gurion Airport that he will continue to reject “pressures” with regard to Iran and the peace negotiations with the Palestinians. Bloomberg publishes an interview with U.S. Pres. Obama in which he criticizes Israel’s “aggressive settlement construction,” comments on the difficult choices facing Netanyahu, and warns that without a viable Palestinian state, the U.S.’s “ability to manage the international fallout is going to be limited.” Meanwhile, Asst. Secy.-Gen. on Palestinian Affairs at the Arab League Mohammad Sbeih says that the extension of negotiations will be dependent on upcoming discussions between Abbas and Obama. Sbeih adds that any deal would need to be based on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. (AFP, Bloomberg, MNA 3/2)