The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor using rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Malik. Israeli forces also seized a tractor north of Jericho and handed demolition orders for 5 residential structures and a council building near Yatta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed protests during the funeral procession for the Palestinian man who was shot by Israeli forces in the Old City on 5/30. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz said the Israeli government was “sorry for this incident” and that it would be investigated quickly. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed a gathering to commemorate the death of Faisal Husseini in Shaykh Jarrah. 5 Palestinian organizers were arrested, including PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith. The Haram al-Sharif compound reopened after it was closed on 3/15 in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Israeli settlers led by Yehuda Glick toured the Haram al-Sharif compound; during the tour, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinians on the compound, including the head of the Palestinian Prisoner’s Society and a Waqf guard. 1 other Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Silwan. In Israel, Israeli authorities demolished 4 Palestinian-owned homes in al-Tira. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/31; WAFA 6/1; PCHR 6/4)

5 people were killed in air strikes in eastern Syria. The British based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that Israel was likely responsible for the air strikes. (TOI 5/31)

In the West Bank, videos released by B’tselem shows Israeli soldiers slashing tires on Palestinian-owned vehicles and throwing tear gas at Palestinian homes in Kafr Qaddum. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man at a military checkpoint south of Tulkarm. Israeli settlers with Israeli force protection threw stones and bottles at Palestinian homes in the Old City of Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian man with autism was shot dead by Israeli forces in the Old City while he was making his way to a school for disabled people. According to Israeli border police, officers thought he was carrying a gun and ordered him to stop; when he started running the Israeli officers shot him dead, finding no weapon on his body. 2 Palestinian families were forced to demolish their own homes in Jabal Mukabir, displacing 11 people. (AJ, HA, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/30; HA, MDW 5/31; HA 6/1; PCHR 6/4)

An Israeli border police officer was sentenced to 2 years in prison for robbing Palestinians of thousands of dollars while pulling Palestinians over at a checkpoint between Israel and the West Bank. (HA 5/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian as he allegedly attempted to ram his car into them south of Nabi Salih; no Israeli soldiers were injured. The family of the Palestinian man said he was picking up family members nearby and that his car slid before he was shot. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum using rubber-coated bullets and tear gas, injuring 5. Elsewhere, Israeli forces informed a Palestinian family that it would seize 3.5 dunams (0.86 acres) of the land near Ya‘bad to expand a nearby Israeli settlement. Israeli forces also issued a stop-work order for rehabilitation of a road east of Bethlehem. 4 Palestinians were arrested and 1 vehicle was confiscated near Sabastiyya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrested the former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem during a house raid in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij and on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/29; HA, PCHR, WAFA 5/30; PCHR 6/4)

The Lebanese government agreed to extend the UN peacekeeping mission mandate for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon on the southern border. (HA 5/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee from doing restoration work in al-Ibrahimi Mosque. Israeli forces also delivered demolition orders for 6 Palestinian-owned homes in al-Tira. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided al-‘Arub refugee camp, firing tear gas and sound bombs at Palestinians; no injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ya‘bad, Jalazun refugee camp, Hebron, and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/28; PCHR 6/4)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israel Hayom newspaper in an interview that Palestinians living in the Jordan Valley “will remain Palestinian subjects” after Israel’s impending annexation. There are over 50,000 Palestinians living in the parts of the West Bank that Israel is planning to annex. Netanyahu also said that he does not consider what the Trump administration calls a Palestinian state an actual state as it will remain under Israeli control. (HA, Israel Hayom, TOI 5/28)

The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah expressed concern over the rise in demolitions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2020 compared to the number of demolitions in the same period in 2019. (WAFA 5/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished vending stalls in ‘Ayn al-Bayda and Bardala; demolished 3 agricultural structures and razed land east of Hebron; demolished 1 house under construction in Bayt Dajan; handed demolition orders for 3 tents south of Yatta; handed stop-work orders for construction in al-Walaja; and demolished 2 tourist facilities under construction in Sabastiyya. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Tulkarm and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their own house in Silwan to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/27; PCHR 5/28)

The U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that the U.S. would not extend waivers for 3 of 4 sanctions allowing Russian, Chinese, and European companies to work on Iranian nuclear sites in the interest of non-proliferation. (AJ 5/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with Israeli force protection razed 47 dunams (11.6 acres) of Palestinian-owned land between Dayr Dibwan and Rammun. Israeli forces prevented Palestinian worshippers from accessing al-Ibrahimi Mosque. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural shed in Aqraba and delivered demolition notifications for 10 water wells in al-Zawiya. 2 Palestinians were arrested at checkpoints near Qalqilya and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, authorities banned 1 Palestinian Waqf guard from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound for 6 months. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian minor was killed after picking up an unexploded ordinance near his home in Bayt Lahiya. Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah east of Khuza‘a and north of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/26; PCHR, PCHR 5/28)

The ICC requested from the PA clarification about which agreements with Israel it had ended as this could affect the ICC probe into war crimes committed by Israel and Hamas in the occupied Palestinian territories. (HA 5/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers rammed a car into a flock of Palestinian-owned sheep, killing 3 of them and injuring 12 others near Yatta. Also near Yatta, in a separate incident, Israeli settlers set fire to more than 30 dunams (7.4 acres) of Palestinian wheat and barley fields. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinian farmers tending their land near al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces also demolished 1 barn and 1 tent east of Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces after he allegedly attempted to attack them with a knife and pepper spray in Jabal al-Mukabir; no Israeli soldiers were injured. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/25; PCHR 5/28)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh declared an end to the COVID-19-related lockdown of the West Bank on 5/26. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 5/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Huwwara and opened fire on Palestinians; no injuries were reported. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Hebron and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted Palestinian worshippers performing nightly prayers at the end of Ramadan at the Haram al-Sharif compound. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Silwan and 1 in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/24; PCHR 5/28)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court for the 1st day of his corruption trial. (REU, REU 5/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 2 Palestinians during a raid in Dayr Nidham. Israeli forces arrested 2 Palestinians in Hebron’s Old City. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in the Old City. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian woman succumbed to the COVID-19 virus; she is the 1st to die from COVID-19 in Gaza. The woman had arrived in Gaza via the Rafah crossing on 5/19. Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, Independent, WAFA, WAFA 5/23; PCHR 5/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement threw stones at Palestinian houses and vehicles near Huwwara when Palestinians confronted the settlers. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ya‘bad. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi and Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA 5/22; PCHR 5/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 2 Palestinians while throwing stones at a Palestinian-owned house in Yatma. Separately, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian-owned agricultural lands east of Tulkarm, damaging olive and almond trees. Israeli forces also confiscated 1 residential caravan in Bayt Dajan. 26 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Umar, Dura, Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Ya‘bad, Jenin, Nablus, and Qalqilya. During a raid near Ramallah, 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet; 1 other Palestinian was injured by gunfire in Qalqilya, and clashes erupted during a raid in Ya‘bad; no injuries were reported there. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were injured in 2 separate attacks by unidentified perpetrators; 1 4-year-old girl was hit in the head by a bullet in Issawiyya and 1 man and his child were shot while working in a store in Shu‘fat. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/28)

The PA formally informed Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and the CIA that it was no longer participating in security coordination and intelligence sharing. PA forces also left Area B which, like Area C, is under Israeli military control. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also said that the PA would not accept COVID-19-related aid sent from UAE on a direct plane to Israel landing on 5/20, noting that the PA had not been informed about the shipment before it took off. All the COVID-19 material will instead go to Gaza, which witnessed 29 new confirmed COVID-19 cases today. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 5/21)

18 Democratic senators signed a letter addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, warning that annexation of parts of the West Bank “would betray our shared democratic values by denying Palestinians’ right to self-determination in a viable, sovereign, independent and contiguous state.” It further stated that annexation would likely erode the American people’s support for the U.S.-Israeli special relationship. (HA 5/21; WAFA 5/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces ordered a Palestinian family to leave their 2 mobile homes and stop further construction north of Jericho. Separately, Israeli forces seized a mobile home in Bayt Dajan. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired an artillery shell and flare bombs east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli forces shot and injured a man crossing from Jordan to Israel south of the Sea of Galilee. Israeli authorities said another man managed to flee and that Israeli police found a bag containing 9 handguns, 6 rifles, and NIS 500,000 ($143,000). (HA, WAFA, WAFA 5/20; PCHR 5/21)

The Israeli Prison Service transferred 1 Palestinian hunger-striker being held in administrative detention to solitary confinement. (WAFA 5/20)

At the UN Security Council (UNSC), the UN envoy to the Middle East Nikolay Mladenov told the council that Israel annexing part of the West Bank “would constitute the most serious violation of international law . . . [and] close the door to a renewal of negotiations.” He further stated that “Israel must abandon its treat of annexation.” Mladenov also called on the Quartet to take up a more active role. EU representatives at the UNSC also called Israel’s plans a violation of international law, expressing concern. In turn, Israel’s envoy to the UN Danny Danon told the council that “[a]ny decision on the topic of sovereignty will be made solely by the Israeli government with coordination with the American administration.” Separately, the Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov told the new Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi that Russia opposes Israel’s annexation plans during a call. (AJ, HA, REU 5/20)

The EU, Italy, and Finland pledge to contribute $18.6 million to the PA for payments of medical referrals to East Jerusalem hospitals. (WAFA 5/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ya‘bad, Kaubar, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 8 Palestinians including a Waqf guard at the Haram al-Sharif compound, 1 other in the Old City, 5 during late-night raids in the Old City, and delivered 2 summonses for interrogations. In Gaza, Israeli forces detained a Palestinian journalist returning via the Erez Crossing from Jordan, where he had undergone treatment for liver cancer. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/19; PCHR 5/21)

The Islamic Waqf announced that the Haram al-Sharif compound and al-Aqsa Mosque would reopen after the end of Ramadan. (WAFA 5/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas announced that the PA will end all agreements with Israel and the U.S., including security agreements, because of Israel’s plans to annex parts of the West Bank. Haaretz reported that Palestinian sources said that coordination with Israel would continue at a lower level of engagement, at least for a time. In a speech, President Abbas said that, by Israel making the unilateral decision to annex parts of the West Bank, it has “annulled the Oslo agreement and all agreements signed with it, after snubbing all these years all these agreements and all the resolutions of the international legitimacy and international law.” Abbas further stated that the PA is ready to negotiate within the parameters of the Arab Peace Initiative, and that it had signed agreements “to accede to international agreements and conventions that we [the PA] have not yet joined.” (Guardian, WAFA, WAFA 5/19; HA, NYT, WAFA 5/20)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and German foreign minister Heiko Maas released a joint statement after a virtual meeting, stipulating that “[a]nnexation of any part of occupied Palestinian territories including East Jerusalem constitutes a clear violation of international law and seriously undermines the chances for the two-state solution within a final status agreement.” It further read that Germany “took note of the Palestinian view that such a step would put an end to all signed agreements.” Separately, the French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned that Israeli annexation will have consequences for the EU’s relationship with Israel. (HA, WAFA 5/19)

A plane from the UAE with COVID-19-related aid materials for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza landed in Israel. The aid package included 14 tons of medical supplies, including 10 ventilators. The direct flight from the UAE to Israel is the 1st of its kind. (AJ, HA, REU 5/19)

The EU Police Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support donated $65,500 worth of protective equipment and hand sanitizer to the Palestinian Civil Police. (WAFA 5/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces leveled some 15 dunams (3.7 acres) of land planted with olive trees southeast of Tulkarm. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Jericho, and Abu Dis. During a raid in Bayt Umar, Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler stabbed 1 Palestinian minor in the Old City, causing moderate injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Palestinians protested the killing of a mentally disabled Palestinian citizen of Israel on 5/13. The man had pulled out a knife while at the hospital for an examination but did not use it; when he got in a car, hospital security guards pulled him out and he lightly injured 1 guard, to which guards responded by shooting him 5 times while he was lying incapacitated on the ground. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/18; PCHR 5/21)

1 Israeli settler was indicted for creating fake military checkpoints in the West Bank, using them to carjack Palestinian drivers. According to the indictment, he managed to steal 3 Palestinian-owned vehicles. (TOI 5/18)

The Israeli Prison Service transferred 1 Palestinian hunger-striker held in administrative detention to solitary confinement. (WAFA 5/18)

The PA foreign ministry summoned the head of the Austrian representative to Palestine for questioning after an Austrian representative questioned the legality of prosecuting Israel at the International Criminal Court. (WAFA 5/18)

In a statement congratulating Israel with the formation of its new government on 5/17, the EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell also reaffirmed the EU position that the union does not and will not recognize any changes to the 1967 borders unless agreed to by both parties, including maintaining that East Jerusalem will be the future capital of Palestine and that annexation of West Bank territory would be in violation of international law. Meanwhile, the Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau similarly stressed Canada’s commitment to international law in his congratulations to Israel on their new government. (EEAS, HA 5/18; WAFA 5/19)

Germany donated $760,000 to the Augusta Victoria hospital in East Jerusalem, which treats Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza. Separately, India provided $2 million to UNRWA core programming. (WAFA, WAFA 5/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 40 olive trees in Yatma. 6 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Yatta, and Bethlehem; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint between Nablus and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israel’s outgoing public security minister Gilad Erdan ordered 1 nonprofit organization helping Palestinian children from single-family homes with schoolwork to close because of alleged ties to the PA. The institution in charge of the organization, Volunteer for Hope, denies that the organization received any funds from the PA. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Bureij and al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 person crossing from Lebanon. (HA, WAFA 5/17; PCHR 5/21; HA 5/22)

The new Israeli government was sworn in. The new government is headed by Benjamin Netanyahu and has 36 ministers and 16 deputy ministers from 9 different parties. Benny Gantz will be deputy prime minister and defense minister for 18 months, when the coalition deal stipulates that Gantz will become the prime minister for the 2d half of the government term. During his speech to the Knesset, Netanyahu said of annexing Israeli settlements in the West Bank, “[i]t’s time to apply the Israeli law and write another glorious chapter in the history of Zionism.” (AJ, HA, REU 5/17; NPR 5/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continued to seal and conduct house raids in Ya‘bad for the 5th day in a row after 1 Israeli soldier was killed during a late-night raid on 5/12. Dozens of Palestinians were temporarily detained during the raids. Israeli forces also raided al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to clashes with Palestinians, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli settlers cut down some 40 olive trees in Nahalin. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian near ‘Aynbus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi, Dayr al-Balah, and Juhur al-Dik; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/16; PCHR 5/21)

In Syria, 7 people were killed during air strikes in eastern Syria; the perpetrator of the air strikes was not identified. (HA, TOI 5/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and wounded 3 Palestinians who allegedly threw an explosive device at a military checkpoint in Abu Dis. 4 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces during clashes that erupted admist a raid in ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp, including 1 by live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently suppressed anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum and al-Sawiya, leading to 3 Palestinians injured from sounds bombs and rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 8 residential and agricultural structures in Nahalin and demolished 1 residential structure east of Ramallah, displacing 8 Palestinians. Israeli forces also sealed-off Ya‘bad in their continued harassment of the town since an Israeli soldier was killed during a raid on 5/12. 2 dunams (0.5 acres) of Palestinian-owned crops caught fire east of Yatta after Israeli forces fired flare bombs in the area. 3 Palestinians were arrested at a military checkpoint near Nablus; 1 vehicle was seized. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles northwest of Gaza City, injuring 2 Palestinians and damaging 1 boat. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/15; AJ 5/16; PCHR 5/17; PCHR 5/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed 1 Palestinian man after he allegedly deliberately tried to ram his car into Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint near Bayt Awa. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during raids in al-Yamun, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Separately, 1 Palestinian minor was injured by live ammunition during clashes when Israeli forces raided al-‘Arub refugee camp. Israeli forces also seized tents and a solar panel west of Jericho and demolished 1 animal barn and seized water pipes in the northern Jordan Valley. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles near Burin. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Beita and Kafr Qaddum; during 1 raid Israeli forces also seized 1 vehicle. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah and on agricultural lands east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinian citizens of Israel in Wadi Ara who were protesting the killing of 1 Palestinian suffering from mental illness on 5/13. (HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14; WAFA, WAFA 5/15; PCHR 5/21)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian minor was killed and 4 others wounded by Israeli forces using live ammunition during a late-night raid in al-Fawar refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Nabi Salih and Ya‘bad throughout the day, leading to 1 Palestinian being wounded by live ammunition and others suffering tear-gas related injuries; 1 Israeli soldier was killed during a raid in Ya‘bad on 5/12. Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti on walls in Bil‘in. 22 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Ya‘bad, Bethlehem, Hebron, Bayt Furik, and Jericho. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 2 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat 3 nautical miles west of Gaza City. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel, who suffered from mental illness, was killed by hospital security guards. The man had pulled out a knife while at the hospital for an examination but did not use it; when he got in a car, hospital security guards pulled him out and he lightly injured 1 guard, to which guards responded by shooting him 5 times while he was lying incapacitated on the ground. (AJ, HA, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; HA, PCHR 5/14; HA 5/18)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo visited Israel, where he met with Benjamin Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, Gabi Ashkenazi, and Director of the Mossad Yossi Cohen. The new Israeli government is set to be sworn in on May 14 with Netanyahu as prime minister, Benny Gantz as defense minister, and Gabi Ashkenazi as foreign minister. It was reported that Pompeo discussed Iran, COVID-19, and the Trump administration’s peace plan, as Israel is gearing up to discuss annexation of parts of the West Bank in June. (AJ, HA 5/13)

In the West Bank, during a late-night raid in Ya‘bad, 1 Israeli soldier was killed when an unknown assailant dropped a stone on his head. 1 Palestinian was shot and injured after alledgedly attempting to stab an Israeli soldier at the Qalandia checkpoint. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ya‘bad, Abu Dis, Ramallah, and Hebron. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; 1 Palestinian was hit by live ammunition. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of al-Bureij refugee camp. (HA, HA, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/12; PCHR 5/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home of an accused Palestinian attacker in Kaubar village near Ramallah. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the demolition, injuring 4 people, including 1 who was hit by a tear gas canister. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 13 structures and 1 public park in Nahalin, and 1 stop-work order for an agricultural structure south of Tubas. Israeli settlers stole seedlings and agricultural tools from a Palestinian plant nursery between Nablus and Tulkarm. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 6 during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Nablus, and 2 at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 14 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 on a street in the Old City and 13 during late-night raids in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Khan Yunis. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/11; PCHR 5/14)

Israel’s public security minister Gilad Erdan extended a ban of Palestine TV, operating in East Jerusalem, for another 6 months. (WAFA 5/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel by the separation wall in Far‘un. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinian youths in al-Fawar refugee camp; 3 Palestinian minors were injured, 2 of them by live ammunition, and 1 was arrested. 1 Palestinian was severely beaten and detained by Israeli forces at a checkpoint near Nablus. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Bayt Surik. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bayt Hanina and Qatanna. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 5/10; PCHR 5/14)

The Israeli cabinet ministers approved a $230 million advance payment of tax revenue over 4 installments to help the PA’s economy, which is badly impacted by the COVID-19 closures. Israel is still withholding hundreds of millions of dollars from the PA, which Israel believes is spent on stipends to Palestinian prisoners and their families. (HA 5/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers chopped down 40 olive trees in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces raided Qalqilya, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. Nearby, in Kafr Qaddum, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters; 1 Palestinian was injured by a rubber-coated bullet. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians seeking to enter Israel by the separation wall near Tulkarm; 1 Palestinian was injured by live ammunition. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a checkpoint in Hebron and 1 during a house raid in Balata refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA 5/9; PCHR 5/14)

The Washington Post reported that Israel was behind a cyber attack against Iran, which caused disruption at waterways and roads leading to the Shahid Rajaee port. The attack was allegedly retaliation to a cyber attack that Israel believes was carried out by Iran against Israel in April. (REU 5/18; AJ, HA 5/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces injured 4 Palestinians using live ammunition during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a house raid in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen 2 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya, injuring 2 fishermen with rubber-coated bullets; 2 boats were also damaged. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 5/8; PCHR 5/10; PCHR 5/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 450 Palestinian-owned grapevines in al-Khadir. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Issawiyya. (WAFA 5/7; PCHR 5/14)

The Knesset approved amendments to 2 Israeli basic laws, allowing Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz to fulfill their coalition agreement and to rotate the role of prime minister between them. (HA 5/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers leveled land near Dura. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian shepherds in Burqa, stealing 20 sheep; 1 Palestinian was in serious condition after the attack. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Taqqua. In Gaza, Israeli warplanes struck 3 places in and around Gaza City with rockets after alleging that 1 rocket was fired at Israel from Gaza; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen using live ammunition and water hoses 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; 1 boat was damaged. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel were striking in many places, for the 2d day in a row, to protest the disproportionately low compensation that business owners in Palestinian-majority neighborhoods have received of the COVID-19 aid, about 1.7 percent. (HA 5/5; JP, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/6; HA, PCHR 5/7)

Israeli defense minister Naftali Bennett announced plans for around 7,000 new settlement units in the Efrat settlement. The plans expand the settlement by seizing 1,100 dunams (271.8 acres) of Palestinian land. (AJ, HA, INN, REU, WAFA 5/6)

The Israeli high court of justice dismissed a petition against allowing Benjamin Netanyahu to form a government because he is criminally indicted, and petitions against the coalition agreement between Netanyahu and Benny Gantz. (REU 5/6; HA 5/7)

In the West Bank, PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended his state of emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 outbreak to June 5. Since the outbreak, the West Bank has had 345 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 2 COVID-19-related deaths. Israeli forces handed a demolition notice for a Palestinian-owned house in Ya‘bad and stop-work notifications for 6 structures near Tulkarm. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Bayt Awa. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 13 Palestinians during late-night raids; 7 of the arrested are accused of working for or being funded by the PA. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel went on strike in many places to protest the disproportionately low compensation that business owners in Palestinian-majority neighborhoods have received of the COVID-19 aid, about 1.7 percent. (HA 5/2; AJ, HA, JP, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/5; PCHR 5/7)

The EU donated $41 million to the PA to help payments of salaries and pensions to civil servants. (WAFA 5/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 agricultural structure east of Tubas. Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinians in and around Dura, Qiffin, Nablus, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Kafr ‘Aqab, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also arrested 2 Palestinians in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 5/4; PCHR 5/7)

Syrian state media said the Syrian government had intercepted Israeli missiles targeting a research center and a military base in the Aleppo province. Separately, the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Israel had attacked positions in Dayr al-Zor near the Iraqi border, killing 14 Iranian and Iraqi nationals. (REU 5/4; AJ, HA, HA 5/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian at a cemetery in ‘Aqabat Jabir refugee camp during clashes after a raid; Palestinians had allegedly thrown Molotov cocktails and stones at the Israeli forces. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian using rubber-coated bullets near the separation wall in Far‘un. Elsewhere, Israeli forces handed demolition orders for 2 houses near Salfit. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Azun. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in al-Tur, leading to tear-gas related injuries. (WAFA, WAFA 5/3; WAFA 5/4; PCHR 5/7)

Israel’s defense minister Naftali Bennett approved changes to the structure of the al-Ibrahimi Mosque/ Tomb of the Patriarchs without approval from the Hebron municipality, which violates the Oslo Accords. (HA, WAFA 5/4)

The PA and Israel agreed to reopen some crossings between Israel and the West Bank to allow Palestinian workers to go to Israel. The crossings are scheduled to be open 5/3 and 5/4. (AJ 5/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented Palestinian famers from working their land in al-Zawiya. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition near the separation wall south of Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas on farmers west of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 5/2; PCHR 5/7)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre donated $1 million to UNRWA programming in Gaza. (WAFA 5/2)