The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, causing damage. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Umm Safa, al-Mughayyir, Beit Duqqu, Hebron, Dura, and Beit Umar. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was shot and killed in Baqa al-Gharbiyye, marking the 111th murder in the Palestinian community in Israel in 2022. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/29; HA, WAFA 12/30; PCHR 1/5; UNOCHA 1/16)

The Israeli military said it had filed indictments against 2 Druze soldiers who threw an explosive device at a Palestinian home near Bethlehem in November. (AJ, REU 12/29; AN, AP 12/30)

Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the new prime minister of Israel after winning the election on 11/1. Eli Cohen of the Likud Party was appointed foreign minister, Yoav Gallant of Likud defense minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit national security minister, and Bezalel Smotrich of the Religious Zionism Party as finance minister and a minister at the defense ministry in charge of the administration of the West Bank. (HA, MEE 12/28; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, AX, AX, F24, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, REU, SKY, TOI, WAFA 12/29; ALM, AX, WAFA 12/30 AP 1/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers in Lasayfer in the Masafer Yatta area, forcing them to leave the area. Israeli settlers also fenced off Palestinian farmland near Khirbet as-Samra in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Jaba‘. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with a baton round during a late-night raid in Dheisheh refugee camp. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bethlehem, and Tuqu’. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/28; MEMO, PCHR 12/29; UNOCHA 1/16)

The Knesset passed the so-called Ben-Gvir law, granting incoming National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Otzma Yehudit party more authority over the Israeli police when he is sworn in. The law broadens the national security minister’s authority over police policy and police investigations. The coalition agreement between Benjamin Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir will see the Border Police become an independent entity under Ben-Gvir’s authority. The incoming government coalition also published a text laying out some policies, including that “[t]he Jewish people have an exclusive and inalienable right to all parts of the Land of Israel. The government will promote and develop settlements in all parts of the Land of Israel - - in the Galilee, the Negev, the Golan, Judea and Samaria [the West Bank].” (AJ, AP, GDN, HA, HA, IN, MEE, MEMO, NYT, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 12/28; TOI 12/29)

Jordanian king Abdullah II told CNN that he is prepared for conflict with Israel if the incoming government crosses his red lines regarding the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA, MEE 12/28; MEMO, WAFA 12/29)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured by unidentified stone throwers hitting his car near the Carmiel settlement. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with a baton round and injured others with tear gas during a raid in ‘Usarin. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians in al-Bireh. It was reported that the Israeli forces used expanding bullets known as dumdum. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 2 agricultural structures in Nahalin. Israeli forces also delivered 10 stop-work orders for 10 homes in Qarawat Bani Hassan. (MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; HA 12/7; PCHR 12/8; UNOCHA 12/22)

The French foreign ministry said that it is assisting Palestinian human rights lawyer Salah Hamouri with legal support and has urged Israel to release Hamouri and allow him to reside in East Jerusalem, where he is from. An Israeli court decided to extend Hamouri’s detention until 1/1/2023. (WAFA 12/6; ALM 12/7)

Al Jazeera announced that it had filed a lawsuit with the ICC against Israel over the killing of its journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Al Jazeera said it had found new evidence that refutes Israel’s claim that Abu Akleh was killed by mistake in an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. The U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. opposed Al Jazeera’s lawsuit at the ICC. Itamar Ben-Gvir, presumed to be the next Israeli national security minister, subsequently said that Al Jazeera should be expelled from Israel. (AJ, GDN, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA 12/6; AJ, AJ, MEMO, MEMO 12/7; MDW 12/11)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli soldier attacked 1 Israeli activist in Hebron, hitting him in the face after forcing him to the ground in Hebron; the activist was later sentenced to 5 days of house arrest and banned from entering Hebron for 2 weeks while the soldier was placed in detention for 28 days. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 10 with tear gas. In Israel, Israelis set fire to 8 vehicles and sprayed racist graffiti in Abu Ghosh and Ein Naqquba; 1 suspect was later arrested and put in administrative detention for 4 months for the torching of cars in Abu Ghosh. (HA, HA, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/25; HA 11/27; HA, HA 11/28; HA 11/29; PCHR 12/1; UNOCHA 12/16)

Israeli prime minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu signed a coalition agreement with Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir which will see the party gain 3 ministerial positions, including public security minister. The position will also be renamed to national security minister and will have its powers extended, including oversight of the Border Police in the West Bank. A 2nd ministry set to be granted to Otzma Yehudit is the Ministry for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee, which will also be expanded to include oversight of settlement outposts in the West Bank. Several PA officials warned about the consequences of the Netanyahu-Ben-Gvir coalition. (AJ, HA, MEE, MEMO, REU 11/25; AP, MEMO, WAFA 11/26; MDW, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/27; WAFA, WAFA 11/28)

In the West Bank, the body of 1 Druze citizen of Israel was kidnapped for a 2nd time after it was arranged that the body would be transferred to Israel in a Red Crescent ambulance. The ambulance was stopped by armed men and the body taken to an unknown location. The Druze man was taken from a hospital in Jenin on 11/22. Hundreds of Palestinians marched in Jenin calling for the release of the body to his family. 1 Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli live fire during a raid in Nablus in July. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near al-Bireh, causing damage. Israeli settlers also set fire to 1 Palestinian vehicle and threw stones at a house in Burin, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in Nablus and injured 4 others. Israeli forces also demolished 1 Palestinian school serving 22 Palestinian children in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, the Israeli Nature Authority seized 12 Palestinian-owned cows near Umm al-Ghabar in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders against 11 residential structures and ordered the demolition of 20 agricultural structures near Jericho, delivered stop-work orders against 2 houses in ‘Azzun, a demolition notice against a house under construction in Forush Bayt Dajan, and demolished 1 house in al-Khader. Meanwhile, Israeli forces closed the Jalameh checkpoint. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ya‘bad, Bir al-Basha, and Fahma. In Jerusalem, 2 bombs went off at a bus stop in Givat Shaul, killing 1 Canadian Israeli minor and injuring 22 others. No one took responsibility for the attack. 1 Israeli man later succumbed to his wounds on 11/26, raising the death toll to 2. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AN, AN, AP, AP, AP, AX, BBC, F24, GDN, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, IN, JP, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, REU, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/23; AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 11/24; MDW, UNOCHA WAFA 11/25; ALM, AP, HA 11/26; UNOCHA 12/16)

Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is slated to become the next Israeli public security minister, called for collective punishment of towns and villages where alleged Palestinian attackers are from and for assassinations of Palestinian members of militant groups. (HA, MEMO 11/23)

Prime Minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu made an agreement with the Religious Zionism party that it will be granted control of the Civil Administration, which oversees the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. (HA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces issued notices to residents of al-Khader, Nahalin, and Artas that Israel will seize 320 dunams (79 acres) of land for expansion of the Daniel, Eliezer, and Efrat settlements. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house under construction in Azzun ‘Atma. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Nabi Salih. 45 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Sira, Hebron, and Surif. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Sur Baher, displacing 4. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/16; MEMO, PCHR 11/17; UNOCHA 11/25)

Israeli prime minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu and Otzma Yehudit party leader Itamar Ben-Gvir agreed to amend the Disengagement Plan Implementation Law to allow Israeli settlers to repopulate the Homesh settlement outpost, create a yeshiva in the Evyatar settlement outpost, and to create infrastructure to several Israeli settlement outposts. The PA called on the international community to act to prevent the deal from being implemented. (HA, TOI, TOI 11/16; AJ, JP, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, TOI 11/17; BBC, MEMO, MEMO 11/18)

Germany and the PA signed an agreement worth $22 million to support vocational and technical education in the West Bank. (WAFA 11/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided Jenin, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and arresting 1. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices to 2 families for several structures in Humsa. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nil‘in, Burqa, Qalqilya, Aida refugee camp, Hebron, and Kuseis. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level agricultural land east of Dayr al-Balah. Israeli forces also opened fire east of Khan Yunis and al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/10; PCHR 11/17; UNOCHA 11/25)

Israel ended the trial program to extend the hours at the Allenby Bridge crossing. The trial program ran from 11/6 to 11/10 and was initiated under U.S. pressure during President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel in July. The U.S. had announced that Israel would open the crossing 24 hours a day from September, but Israel insisted on carrying out the trial before changing the operating hours. The Times of Israel reported that Israel is preparing to open the Allenby crossing 24 hours a day between Sunday morning and Friday afternoon and on Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. starting from 2 April 2023. (AN 11/13; TOI 11/24)

Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir attended an event commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the death of Israeli American terrorist Meir Kahane. Ben-Gvir, who is expected to become a minister in the incoming Benjamin Netanyahu-led government, was jeered when he said that unlike Kahane he does not support expelling all Palestinians from Israel. Ben-Gvir said “Kahane’s main characteristic was love.” At the event, participants burned Palestinian flags. U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price called Ben-Gvir’s attendance “abhorrent.” (HA 11/9; AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU 11/10; MEE, MEMO 11/11)

Adalah and the Center for Constitutional Rights wrote a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken and ambassador to Israel Tom Nides urging them not to move forward with plans to build an embassy in Jerusalem on lands confiscated from Palestinians. The letter, written on behalf of the Palestinian landowners, stated “[s]hould the US proceed with this plan, it would not only be complicit with Israel's illegal confiscation of Palestinian-owned land, but it would also become an active participant in the seizure of the land of US citizens.” (MEE, WAFA 11/11; WAFA 11/14; MDW 11/17)

The Israeli government and the world soccer federation FIFA announced that direct flights between Israel and Qatar would be available for World Cup ticket holders. Palestinian ticket holders were said to be allowed to use Ben-Gurion International Airport if they receive a special permit. (AJ, AP, ALM, HA, MEMO, REU 11/10; REU 11/17; HA 11/18; AJ, MEE, REU 11/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Qaryut. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the siege of Nablus at the Huwwara checkpoint, causing tear-gas related injuries. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 4 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat within 6 nautical miles off the coast. (MEMO, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/1; PCHR 11/3; UNOCHA 11/13)

An Israeli court approved the demolition of a school in al-Samiya. The school was inaugurated in January and built with EU funding. (WAFA 11/1; MEMO 11/2)

Israel held general elections for the 5th time since 2019. The right-wing bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu won a majority of the seats and is expected to form a government in the coming weeks. The Likud Party won the most seats with 32. Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid gained 24 seats while the third largest party was the Religious Zionism alliance, made up of the Zionist National Union-Tkuma and the Otzma Yehudit party and led by Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, which won 14 seats. The Palestinian parties Hadash-Ta‘al and the United Arab List each gained 5 seats. Balad, Meretz and the Ayelet Shaked-led Habayit Hayehudi did not make the electoral threshold. It was reported that the U.S. was considering a “no-contact” policy in dealing with a potential minister Ben-Gvir given his extremist ideology and actions. The voter turnout among Palestinian citizens of Israel was 55%. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AX, MEE, NYT, NYT 11/1; AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU 11/2; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, AP, AX, BBC, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEMO, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 11/3; AJ, ALM, GDN, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, TOI 11/4; HA, HA, MDW 11/6)

Algeria hosted the 1st summit of the Arab League since 2019. The leaders of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco did not attend the summit. PA president Mahmoud Abbas held a meeting with acting U.S. assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs Yael Lambert on the sidelines of the summit. (WAFA 10/31; AJ, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA 11/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole olive harvests and harvesting equipment in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also razed Palestinian farmland in Wadi al-Faw. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Ramallah. Israeli forces demolished 3 Palestinian houses in al-Doyouk al-Tahta. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces placed dirt mounds at the main entrance to ‘Azzun. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jaba‘, Nablus, Iraq Burin, Biddu, Tuqu‘, Hebron, Dura, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished parts of their own home in the Old City. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan and Jabel Mukaber. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 5 Palestinian fishermen and seized 1 boat. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26; HA, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, WAFA 10/27; UNOCHA 11/13)

Employees from the Israeli ministry of education inspected the bags of students from the al-Iman School in Beit Hanina looking for Palestinian textbooks. (WAFA 10/26; WAFA 10/27)

4 members of the Lion’s Den turned themselves in to the PA after negotiations with PA security officials. (HA 10/27)

In Syria, 4 people were reportedly killed in Israeli air strikes near Damascus. (AP 10/26; AJ, HA 10/27)

Axios reported that UAE foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan told former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the UAE has concerns about Netanyahu’s alliance with Itamar Ben-Gvir and the Otzma Yehudit party. According to Axios, foreign minister Al Nahyan told Netanyahu that a government that includes the Otzma Yehudit party could impact the UAE-Israel relationship. (AX, HA 10/26; MEMO 10/27)

Israel’s president Isaac Herzog met with U.S. president Joe Biden in Washington. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, REU 10/26)

In the West Bank, dozens of Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces stormed Huwwara, attacking Palestinians, stores, and vehicles; 53 Palestinians were injured and 6 were arrested. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian vendors selling produce in Bardala, damaging their products. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dura, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man during a raid in Aqabat Jabr refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession for a Palestinian minor killed on 10/12 in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 Palestinians with baton rounds during a raid in Kafr Dan, tear-gas related injuries were also reported. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Anata, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bethlehem, Hebron, Qalandia refugee camp, and Kafr Dan. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers stormed the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; 20 Palestinians and 2 settlers were injured. Dozens of Palestinian-owned vehicles were vandalized and 5 Palestinians were arrested. MK Itamar Ben-Gvir joined the settlers brandishing guns and threatening to shoot Palestinians. Israeli settlers also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Sur Baher, displacing 3. 13 Palestinians were arrested in Isawiya and al-Thuri. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at al-Bureij refugee camp near a school, causing tear-gas related injuries among students and staff. (ABC, AP, HA, HA, MEE, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 10/13; AJ, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, WAFA 10/14; MEE 10/15; UNOCHA 10/16; PCHR 10/20; UNOCHA 11/1)

Israeli deputy mayor of Jerusalem Aryeh King called on Jewish settlers to volunteer to “protect” East Jerusalem neighborhoods during ongoing Palestinian protests in East Jerusalem over Israel’s continued siege of ‘Anata and Shu‘fat. (HA 10/12)

Israeli public security minister Omer Bar-Lev instructed Israeli police to ease the checkpoint restrictions around Shu‘fat, in what was described as an effort to ease tensions in East Jerusalem after days of protests against the siege of Shu‘fat and ‘Anata, which started on 10/8. (HA 10/13)

14 Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, signed an agreement in Algeria to hold Palestinian elections. The agreement comes after 2 days of meetings mediated by Algerian officials. At the meetings were Hamas chairman of the political bureau Ismail Haniyeh, Fatah member Azzam al-Ahmad, and PFLP secretary general Talal Naji. The agreement recognized the PLO as the sole representative for the Palestinian people and called for elections within 1 year. According to leader of the DFLP Tayseer Khalid, Hamas and Fatah rejected a clause in the agreement to form a unity government. (AJ, CNN, F24, HA, JP, MEMO, NA, REU 10/13; MEMO, NAT 10/14; MEMO 10/15)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Kazakhstan. During the meeting, President Abbas said he does not trust the U.S. as a mediator for peace, instead voicing support of mediation efforts by the Quartet. Abbas also met with the leaders of Qatar, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. A U.S. spokesperson criticized Abbas’s comments, calling President Putin “a far cry from the type of international partner needed to constructively address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” (AP, HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/13; ALM, AX, TOI 10/15 HA, JP 10/16)

Lebanese president Michel Aoun officially said that Lebanon had accepted the maritime boundaries agreement with Israel, emphasizing that the agreement “does not signify any type of normalization.” Knesset members will vote on the agreement in 2 weeks. (AP, HA, MEMO, REU 10/13)

In the West Bank, Palestinians in several cities observed a general strike in solidarity with residents of Shu‘fat and ‘Anata, which have been closed by Israel since 10/8. Palestinians in Nablus also observed a general strike in protest against Israeli closures of all the entrances to the city. Israeli settlers attacked 1 vehicle transporting patients to an-Najah Hospital, damaging the vehicle. Israeli settlers with military escort also visited Joseph’s Tomb, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians resisting the incursion near Nablus; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Huwwara, attacking businesses and people and blocking a road, 1 Palestinian was injured. Israeli settlers also set fire to a poultry facility and truck in Qusra. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other while violently dispersing Palestinian protesters at al-Arroub refugee camp. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring 1 with a baton round and causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Ramallah, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian man after forcing him out of his vehicle at a checkpoint near Bayt Lid. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Coinciding with the tour, Israeli forces assaulted and arrested 3 at the compound, including 2 Waqf guards. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Isawiya, Silwan, al-Tur, Ras al-Amud, Shu‘fat refugee camp, Jabel Mukaber, Sur Baher, and Bayt Hanina, using tear gas and stun grenades. A general strike was also observed by Palestinians in East Jerusalem in solidarity with Shu‘fat and ‘Anata. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/12; ALM, BBC, GDN, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR 10/13; UNOCHA 10/16; UNOCHA 11/1)

The Israeli cabinet approved the maritime border agreement with Lebanon, sending it to the Knesset for final approval in 2 weeks. (AP, HA 10/12)

The U.S. White House released its National Security Strategy. The strategy included language referring to expanding normalization deals for Israel and a commitment to Israel as a “Jewish and democratic” state. The strategy paper also restated president Joe Biden’s position in support of a 2-state solution “along the 1967 lines, with mutually agreed swaps.” The paper did not mention any effort to restart negotiations. (White House 10/12; MEE 10/13)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man was shot and killed after allegedly stabbing 1 Israeli soldier near the Hebron settlement Kiryat Arba. Israeli settlers, led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, toured Nabi Samwil, leading to attacks on Palestinians. Israeli settlers also vandalized a greenhouse near Zawata. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set up tents outside of al-‘Awja. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 7 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 5 with baton rounds and 23 others with tear gas. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 during late-night raids in al-Yamun and 1 at the Za‘atra checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Ras al-Amud, displacing 11. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Shu‘fat refugee camp. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/2; PCHR 9/8; UNOCHA 9/16)

Japan contributed $1.5 million to UNRWA for food security programs in Gaza. (WAFA 9/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in Burin, throwing Molotov cocktails at several homes. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian man working his land near Ya‘bad, causing bruises. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bazariya, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Burin, injuring 2 with baton rounds and 7 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dayr Sharaf, injuring 1 with a baton round and 23 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Jalama checkpoint, causing tear-gas related injuries. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Atuf, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided Dheisheh refugee camp, injuring 3 Palestinians with live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, some 70,000 Israeli settlers and racist right-wing Israeli activists marched through the Old City, chanting racist and Islamophobic slogans like “Death to Arabs,” insulting the Prophet Muhammad, and mocking the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh during the annual flag march; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the march; 81 were injured by baton rounds and pepper spray, 23 of whom were treated at hospitals. More than 60 were arrested, only 2 of which were Israeli settlers. Israeli settlers also attacked several Palestinians and their property in the Old City, including with assault and pepper spray. More than 2,500 Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir also toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, raising Israeli flags. Elsewhere, after the flag march, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians and their property, including several vehicles in Sheikh Jarrah, assaulting 1 Palestinian journalist covering the events for the Israeli public broadcaster Kan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians east of al-Qarara and Gaza City; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (REU, WAFA 5/26; ALM, HA, MEE, REU 5/27; ALM, HA, MDW 5/28; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEE, NPR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 5/29; AJ, AJ, ALM, ALM, AP, CNN, HA, HA, HA, IN, LAT, MEE 5/30; MEMO 5/31; AP, HA, HA 6/2; UNOCHA 6/4)

While speaking at Elon Moreh during an event celebrating the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem, the commander of the Samaria brigade Roi Zweig said that “the [Israeli] army and the settlement enterprise are one and the same.” (HA 5/30; MDW 6/3)

The Israeli government told the high court of justice that it is enforcing a ban on Israeli settlers accessing the Homesh settlement outpost. Haaretz reporting said that the Israeli military is not enforcing the ban and allows Israeli settlers to access the outpost regularly. (HA 6/2)

The Times of Israel reported that the U.S. Biden administration had shelved plans to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem and instead is promoting the deputy assistant secretary of state for Israeli and Palestinian affairs Hady Amr to special envoy to Palestinians. The Palestinian Affairs Unit at the U.S. embassy to Israel will, according to the TOI reporting, begin to report to Hady Amr rather than to the U.S. ambassador to Israel. PA officials have voiced frustration with the U.S. administration for failing to fulfill its promises to Palestine and using the Israeli government coalition’s instability as an excuse. (TOI 5/29; AA 5/30; MEMO 5/31; HA 6/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 5 Palestinians during a raid in Jalazun refugee camp, including 1 with live ammunition and 4 using baton rounds; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 3 were arrested. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Meithalun. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Sanur and Jaba‘. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 5/1; PCHR 5/12; UNOCHA 5/13)

Israel announced that it will close all crossings between Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel from 3pm on 5/3 to midnight on 5/5 for the Israeli celebrations of Memorial Day and Independence Day. (HA 5/1)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog spoke with PA president Mahmoud Abbas, wishing him a happy Eid. (HA 5/1)

Israeli military judge Dov Gilboa attended a conference of the Kahanist party Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power). At the conference, Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir celebrated Gilboa for a 2018 opinion imposing the death penalty on a Palestinian man. (HA 5/4)

In the West Bank, 1000s of Israeli settlers with military protection marched to the partially evacuated Homesh settlement outpost, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians protesting the march; 79 Palestinians were injured. Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz had originally warned that Israeli forces would not protect the settlers, but reversed that decision. The march was attended by Yamina MK Idit Silman and Religious Zionist MK Itamar Ben-Gvir. Israeli settlers also vandalized 40 olive trees in Jaba‘. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized solar panels, electric poles, and a water tank in Wadi Qana. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man using live ammunition in Hebron. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Wadi as-Samen. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Haram al-Sharif compound to make way for Israeli settlers touring the site. Around 622 Israeli settlers visited the compound. 2 Palestinians were arrested in al-Tur and the Old City. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 4/19; WAFA 4/20; PCHR 4/21; HA, HA 4/25; UNOCHA 5/13)

The UAE summoned the Israeli envoy to the country, demanding that Israel cease to put Palestinian lives at risk at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA, JP, MEMO, REU, WAFA 4/19; ALM 4/21)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken spoke with PA president Mahmoud Abbas, Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi, and Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid in an effort to calm the situation at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also spoke with Israel’s president Isaac Herzog about the situation at the compound. According to President Erdoğan’s Twitter account, he told President Herzog that he was “very upset” about the events at the compound over the weekend. (HA, MEMO, MEMO, REU, REU, WAFA 4/19)

The UN security council convened to discuss the Israeli incursions into the Haram al-Sharif compound, which led to nearly 200 Palestinian injuries over the weekend. The meeting was requested by Jordan. (HA 4/19)

Citizen Lab found that spyware from the Israel company Cytrox was found on a CNN Greece journalist’s phone. The journalist was working on covering a Greek corruption scandal when his phone was infected with the spyware known as Predator. (HA 4/19)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he had stabbed and injured 1 other Israeli settler with a screwdriver in a bus near the Efrat settlement south of Bethlehem. Israeli settlers threw an incendiary device at 1 Palestinian minor in Jinba, causing burns to his face and hands. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian herder near Fasayil, throwing stones and releasing a dog on him, causing injuries. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians and injured 14 others during a daytime arrest raid in Jenin refugee camp. Israel said that the arrest raid was related to the attack on 3/29 in Bnei Brak in which 5 were killed; 31 were arrested during the raid. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned the raid, saying Israel wants to escalate tensions ahead of the start of Ramadan. During the raid, Palestinian patients at a nearby hospital suffered tear-gas related injuries. 24 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Aida refugee camp, Bayt Jala, Husan, al-Ubeidiya, Wadi Abu Freiha, Hebron, al-Ramadin, Dura, Qalandia refugee camp, al-Zawiya, Salem, al-Far‘a refugee camp, Jenin, Ya‘bad, Nabi Elias, and Azzun. In East Jerusalem, far-right Israeli MK Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. The Joint List party and PA president Mahmoud Abbas criticized the Israeli government for allowing Ben-Gvir to tour the compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Abasan; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/31; WAFA 4/1; HA 4/2; MEMO 4/5; PCHR 4/7; UNOCHA 4/10)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers chanted racist slogans at Palestinians traveling near the entrance of Nabi Salih. Israeli settlers also threw stones at a Palestinian vehicle in the Masafer Yatta area, causing damage to the car. Israeli forces seized 1 tractor in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces also blocked an agricultural road near Qusra with dirt mounds. Elsewhere, Israeli forces dismantled and seized 2 residential structures in al-Ouja, displacing 12. Israeli forces also raided Bayt Liqya, leading to a confrontation with Palestinians; 3 were injured by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 32 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint near Burqa and 30 during late-night raids in Abu Dis, Tuqu‘, Madama, Tell, Kafr al-Labad, Kafr Abbush, Illar, Ya‘bad, Fahma, and Tayba. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir toured Sheikh Jarrah. 1 Palestinian minor was arrested in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/23; PCHR, WAFA 3/24; UNOCHA 4/10)

Haaretz reported that declassified material from the Shin Bet revealed that Israel funded and ran the Khaim prison together with the South Lebanon Army in the southern part of Lebanon. The documents revealed that from 1985 to 2000, prisoners in the Khaim prison were tortured and held in indefinite detention without a trial. (HA 3/23)

The Middle East Studies Association passed a resolution endorsing the BDS movement. 768 members voted in favor of the resolution while 167 voted against. (HA 3/23; WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/25)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian who was shot by Israeli forces during a protest in Burqa on 3/1 succumbed to his wounds. Israeli settlers uprooted and stole grape saplings and damaged a stone wall and barbed wire fence in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers also razed a plot of land near Battir. Israeli forces violently dispersed a memorial service held for a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 3/1 at the Khadouri Technical University campus north of Hebron, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also confiscated 2 water pumps and electric cables in Birin. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Khallet al-Eideh near Hebron and assaulted 2 Palestinians resisting the demolition. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for a residential structure in the Abu al-Nuwwar Bedouin community east of Jerusalem. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun refugee camp, al-Ram, Deir Abu Mash‘al, Tuqu‘, Hebron, Yatta, al-Zawiya, Jenin, and Fahma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian house under construction in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Beit Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian famers east of Beit Hanun and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, anti-Palestinian graffiti was sprayed on 1 Palestinian vehicle and the tires of 30 vehicles were slashed in Jaljulia. (HA, HA, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/9; MEMO, PCHR 3/10; UNOCHA 3/11; UNOCHA 3/25)

Israel’s police commissioner Kobi Shabtai instructed the Israeli police to halt Palestinian home evictions and demolitions in East Jerusalem and the Naqab during the month of Ramadan. (HA 3/9)

The Israeli civil administration said, after having to respond to a freedom of information petition from HaMoked, that during 2021 it had banned 10,594 Palestinians from the West Bank from traveling abroad. According to a source in the civil administration, travel bans can be applied to Palestinians by Israel automatically, for example, in cases where the person is a relative of someone deemed by Israel to be involved with terrorism. (HA, MEE 3/9; MEMO 3/10)

PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh met with Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid. Civil Affairs Minister al-Sheikh said he stressed to Lapid the need for a political horizon and an end to Israeli settlement expansion. (WAFA 3/9)

The Jewish Agency said that “[i]f all goes well, we will bring tens of thousands [of Ukrainians] to Israel in the coming year,” referring to the refugee crisis in Ukraine as Russia has declared war on the country. (HA 3/9)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. President Erdoğan told reporters after the meeting that he believes the 2 countries are entering an era of mutual ties. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, HA, NYT, REU 3/9; HA, TOI 3/10)

Former U.S. vice president Mike Pence toured Hebron, including al-Ibrahimi Mosque, with Israeli settler activists MK Itamar Ben-Gvir and Baruch Marzel, who were both leaders of the Kach movement. Vice President Pence also received an honorary degree from the settler university in Ariel and met with former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, current prime minister Naftali Bennett, president Isaac Herzog, and foreign minister Yair Lapid. (AX 3/9; AP, HA, WAFA, WP 3/10; MEMO 3/11)

Belgium signed a cooperation agreement with the PA worth $77 million over 5 years. The funding is earmarked for education, vocational training, job creation, and climate issues in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza. (WAFA 3/9; MEMO 3/10)

China donated 200,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines to UNRWA to help inoculate Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. (WAFA 3/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli MK Itamar Ben-Gvir drew a gun at Palestinians, claiming they were throwing stones at settler vehicles near al-Arroub refugee camp; no injuries or damage were reported. Later in the day, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting Ben-Gvir’s actions, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli settlers also stole around 200 olive trees and saplings in Kafr ad-Dik and vandalized an agricultural structure. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor in Abu Dis, claiming he had thrown a Molotov cocktail at Israeli soldiers while they were raiding the village. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hebron, Aida refugee camp, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 2 Israeli settlers were arrested for allegedly damaging church property in the Old City. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian, saying he had stabbed 2 Israeli police officers in the Old City; Israeli forces later arrested his brother during a house raid in al-Tur where Israeli forces took measurements for a punitive demolition. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen northwest of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/6; JP, MEMO, PCHR, TOI, WAFA 3/7; PCHR 3/10; UNOCHA 3/11)

The Israeli military spokesperson claimed that Israel had intercepted 2 Iranian drones in March of 2021, which Israel claimed to believe were transporting weapons to Gaza. (HA, MEMO 3/7)

Israel’s interior minister Ayelet Shaked said at the Knesset that too many Ukrainian refugees that are not Jewish have entered Israel since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 2/24. Interior Minister Shaked said she was working on an approach to bring in more Jewish Ukrainian refugees. (HA 3/6; HA, JDF 3/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Migdalim settlement dumped sewage waste on Palestinian agricultural lands in Qusra, damaging crops. Israeli settlers with military escort, for the 4th day in a row, tried to prevent Palestinian students from reaching their school in al-Lubban al-Sharqiya; Israeli forces assaulted 2 students and caused tear-gas related injuries to others. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in ‘Anata. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir set up a tent and Israeli flags near the eviction-threatened Salem family home in Sheikh Jarrah, leading to a confrontation between Palestinians and Israeli forces; no injuries were reported. Israeli authorities handed a demolition order against 1 Palestinian in Jabel Mukaber. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/24; PCHR 3/3; UNOCHA 3/11)

2 Palestinian prisoners, who earlier in the year suspended their more than 100-day-long hunger strikes in protest over their administrative detention after striking a deal with Israel, were released. (WAFA 2/24; MEMO 2/25)

PA finance minister Shukri Bishara warned that the PA will have to institute reforms in wages and health care in order to offset its large budget deficit. The 2021 fiscal year budget deficit was $757 million. (WAFA 2/24)

In Syria, Israeli forces fired missiles at Syrian targets near Damascus, killing 3 soldiers and causing damage. (AP, HA 2/24)

French interior minister Gérald Darmanin said on Twitter that he, at the request of President Emmanuel Macron, will ban 2 pro-Palestinian activist groups: Palestine Vaincra (Palestine Will Win) and Comité Palestine Action (Palestine Action Committee). Interior Minister Darmanin alleged that they promote anti-Israel hatred and that Palestine Vanicra is linked to the PFLP. (EI 2/24; MEMO 2/25)

After recognizing 2 separatist areas of Ukraine as independent, Russia declared war on Ukraine, sending in ground troops and conducting air strikes throughout Ukraine. (NYT, WAPO 2/23; AJ, CNN, HA, WAFA 2/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort, for the 3d day in a row, tried to prevent Palestinian students from reaching their school in al-Lubban al-Sharqiya. Israeli forces violently dispersed the funeral procession for a 14-year-old boy who was killed by Israeli forces on 2/22, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also prevented Palestinians from digging a water well in Thaher al-‘Abed near Ya‘bad. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 4 residential structures and 1 agricultural structure in Lasifer, displacing 30 Palestinians, and demolished 4 residential structures in Shaab al-Batm in the Masafer Yatta area, displacing 40 Palestinians. Israeli forces also delivered a punitive demolition notice against the home of 1 Palestinian prisoner in Silat al-Harithiya. 22 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Arroub refugee camp, Salfit, Nablus, Jenin, and Deir Jarir. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir toured Sheikh Jarrah in protest over the 2/22 Israeli court decision to freeze the eviction of the Salem family. 14 Palestinians from the West Bank were arrested near the Damascus Gate plaza for being in East Jerusalem without a permit. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/23; PCHR 2/24; UNOCHA 3/11)

In Syria, Israeli forces fired missiles at Syria from Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing material damage in the province of Quneitra. (AJ, AP, HA 2/23)

Minister at the negotiations affairs department of the PLO Dr. Shaddad Attili spoke at the Israel Climate Change Conference in Jerusalem, saying that Israelis and Palestinians, along with others in the region, have to cooperate on climate change. Dr. Attili said that Palestinians have pushed back on climate initiatives because of the economic crisis in the PA. 1 of the issues Attili pointed to was the lack of water security and the inequity in distribution of water between Israel and Palestine. The climate conference was organized by Haaretz and Hebrew University. (HA, HA 2/23)

At the UN security council, a French representative said that France will continue to support the 6 Palestinian rights organizations that Israel deemed terrorist organizations in October 2021, citing a lack of evidence. Also at the security council meeting, the PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour charged Israel with crimes of apartheid, listing a number of violations committed by Israel, while wearing a mask with the text “End Apartheid.” (MEMO, TOI 2/23; AJ, MEE, MEMO 2/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 50 olive trees in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian herders in Kisan and let their dogs attack Palestinian-owned sheep. Israeli forces delivered a demolition order against 1 EU-funded school in Ras al-Tin, affecting some 50 students from 1st to 6th grade, 2 water tanks, an agricultural structure, and a residential caravan in Atuf, and a stop-work order for a cemetery in Idhna. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Twana, Beit Umar, Bethlehem, Beit Fajjar, al-Lubban al-Sharqiya, Beita, Jaba‘, and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently removed a local activist in Sheikh Jarrah who had set up an outdoor “office” in protest over MK Itamar Ben-Gvir’s provocative field office in the neighborhood. 1 Palestinian family received a notice to demolish their own home in Jabel Mukaber. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Isawiya. (MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/16; PCHR 2/17; UNOCHA 2/28)

17 Israeli settlers were arrested for suspicion of assault and racially motivated vandalism for a raid against Palestinians and property in Huwwara on 1/24. 3 Palestinians were injured and several shops were damaged. (HA 2/16)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with İbrahim Kalın, senior advisor to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Turkish deputy foreign minister Sedat Önal in Ramallah before the 2 Turkish representatives were scheduled to meet Israeli president Isaac Herzog. (ALM, HA 2/17)

Axios reported that the U.S. Biden administration, through ambassador Tom Nides, has urged Israel to deescalate the situation in Sheikh Jarrah to avoid a larger scale conflict. (AX 2/16)

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) spoke at the Knesset, calling the establishment of Israel “the greatest political achievement of the 20th century.” Accompanying Speaker Pelosi to Israel were house representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Bill Keating (D-MA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Andy Kim (D-NJ). Pelosi also met with President Herzog, addressing the Iran Nuclear Deal. The American representatives also met with members of Palestinian civil society and were given a tour of East Jerusalem by settlement expert Daniel Seidemann. (MDW 2/14; AP, HA, MEE 2/16; HA, TOI 2/17; HA 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 9 Palestinian vehicles and sprayed racist graffiti in Jinsafut. Israeli settlers also razed 40 olive trees in Shufa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Palestinians, including a disabled man, in Burqa. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian house under construction in al-Bireh. Israeli forces also released an attack dog at a Palestinian during an arrest in al-Bireh; a video of the incident shows the man with his hands in the air as Israeli forces releases the dog on him. Israeli military later defended the act, calling it proper because the dog was wearing a muzzle. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Khirbat Makhul, Qarawat Bani Hassan, Kafr ad-Dik, Balata refugee camp, ‘Anata, Abu Dis, Hebron, and Halhul; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition during the raid in Abu Dis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers vandalized 15 Palestinian vehicles in Sheikh Jarrah. Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinians with stun grenades who were protesting a provocative settler presence led by Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Religious Zionism party, who had reopened a makeshift outdoor office in Sheikh Jarrah on 2/13; 1 was assaulted by Israeli police and 2 were arrested. Israeli forces also demolished 1 commercial structure in Bayt Hanina. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled 15 dunams (3.5 acres) of farmland near Khan Yunis. (ALM, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/14; MDW, MEMO, WAFA 2/15; MEMO 2/16; HA, MEE, PCHR 2/17; UNOCHA 2/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 5 agricultural structures in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli forces punitively demolished the family home in Silat al-Harithiya of 1 Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli settler on 12/16/2021 near the Homesh settlement outpost by detonating explosives placed in the house; Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the demolition, killing 1 minor with live ammunition and injuring 17. Israeli forces also demolished 1 agricultural structure and uprooted olive trees in Beit Umar and demolished 1 agricultural structure in Halhul. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinians with stun grenades, skunk water and rubber-coated bullets who were protesting the reopening of a makeshift outdoor office in Sheikh Jarrah by Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Religious Zionism party; 31 Palestinians were injured, including 6 by rubber-coated bullets and 1 by a stun grenade, and 12 were arrested including Palestinians and settlers. Ben-Gvir and other Israeli settlers declared that they are the “landlords” of Sheikh Jarrah and danced in front of the home of the Salem family who are threatened by eviction in the neighborhood while throwing various objects at the family. Israeli forces also closed off Sheikh Jarrah to Palestinians and pro-Palestinian activists. Israeli forces also removed MK Ahmed Tibi from the home of the Salem family while he was visiting their home in solidarity. Hamas and the PA condemned Ben-Gvir for his provocative acts. The EU expressed concern about the situation in Sheikh Jarrah. 2 Palestinian families demolished their own homes in Sur Baher, displacing 13. (AJ, HA, JP, MEE, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/13; AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA 2/14; TOI 2/15; WAFA 2/16; PCHR 2/17; UNOCHA 2/28)

The Ofer military court convicted the director of the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, Khitam Saafin, of being a member of the PFLP in a plea deal, but dropped all other charges, including the accusation that she had helped funnel donor money to the PFLP through the organization. The later charge was part of the “evidence” leveled by Israel against 6 Palestinian rights organization that were placed on Israel’s list of terror organizations in October 2021. Saafin was sentenced to 16 months in prison but will be released in May, as the sentence included time served. (HA, JP, TOI 2/22)

Israeli prison forces assaulted Palestinian prisoners in Megiddo and Ofer Prisons while raiding prison cells. (WAFA 2/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 80 olive trees and saplings in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also vandalized some 50 olive tree saplings in Surif. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron protesting against settler attacks on herders in the South Hebron Hills. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a settler incursion in Sheikh Jarrah and MK Itamar Ben-Gvir’s announcement that he will reopen his makeshift outdoor office in Sheikh Jarrah. Settlers threw stones and sprayed pepper spray at Palestinians. 2 Israeli settlers were injured, including 1 who was hit by a stone and 1 who was hit by a car; the driver of the car said he accidentally hit the settler after being sprayed with pepper spray by a settler. 6 Palestinians were arrested. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/12; HA, MEE, WAFA 2/13; PCHR 2/14; PCHR 2/17; UNOCHA 2/28)

Israel’s foreign ministry issued a statement saying that Israel will have a military officer stationed in Bahrain as a part of security agreements between the 2 countries following the normalization deal made in 2020. (MEE 2/11; AJ, HA, REU 2/12; MEMO 2/13)

The chairperson of Sudan’s transitional sovereignty council and de facto leader of the country since the coup in October 2021, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, told Sudanese TV that meetings between Sudanese and Israeli officials were part of security and intelligence cooperation between the 2 countries and not political. Chairperson al-Burhan further stated that Israel is not an enemy of Sudan. (AP, HA, REU 2/12; AJ, MEMO 2/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 60 olive tree saplings in Salfit. Israeli forces demolished 1 greenhouse in Jayyus and 1 house in Idhna. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 8 apartments and an animal barn in Qaryut. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in al-Bireh against assassination by Israeli forces of 3 Palestinians by Israeli forces in Nablus on 2/8, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians protesting a settler tour in Jericho, injuring 2 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. In Gaza, Palestinians marched in protest over the assassination by Israeli forces of 3 Palestinians by Israeli forces in Nablus on 2/8; the protesters condemned the killings and criticized the PA for its security cooperation with Israel. Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Abasan; no injuries were reported. 2 Palestinians crossed the Gaza fence and set 1 empty Israeli military vehicle on fire before returning to Gaza; no injuries were reported. In the Naqab desert, Israeli right-wing activists set up 20 mobile structures erecting a new settlement, calling it Ma’aleh Paula near the Bedouin village Beit Kama. Israeli police raided the new settlement, dismantling the structures and briefly detained 15 of the Israelis who refused to leave. The right-wing activists were joined by Itamar Ben-Gvir, Simcha Rothman, and Orit Strock of the Religious Zionism party, and Shlomo Karhi of Likud. Israeli authorities also demolished 3 apartments under construction in Nazareth, leading to a confrontation with local residents; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/9; AJ, MEMO, PCHR, WAFA 2/10; INT 2/15; UNOCHA 2/28)

The PLO Central Council agreed to suspend the PLO recognition of Israel until Israel recognizes the state of Palestine along the 1967 borders and halts all settlement activity. The Central Council also voted to suspend security cooperation with Israel. For the decision to be enacted, it will need to be approved by the PLO Executive Committee. (HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 2/9; HA 2/13)

The World Bank released a report on the Palestinian economy, saying that it is held back by lack of access to a digital economy, partly due to Israeli restrictions on high-speed internet. Israel allows the West Bank to have 3G internet speeds and only 2G in Gaza. In Israel, the internet speed is 4G and moving toward 5G. (ALM, HA 2/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian surveyor in Kafr Qalil, causing injuries to his head. Israeli settlers with military escort made roadblocks around Sabastia. Israeli forces arrested and assaulted 1 80-year-old Palestinian American man in Jiljilyya during a late-night raid, leading to his death; the man was found dead by Palestinians in an empty house in Jiljilyya after being arrested by the Israeli forces; the U.S. called for an investigation into his death. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 2 houses and for work on the electric grid in Bayt Dajan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house, 2 water wells and 2 agricultural structures in al-Fakhit. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian journalist with a rubber-coated bullet during a raid in Beitunia. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Halhul, Hebron, Asira ash-Shamaliya, and Silat al-Harithiya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities delivered a demolition notice for a mosque in Isawiya and demolished 2 retaining walls in al-Walaja. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles off the coast; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 5 Palestinians were arrested for burning tires in Tel as-Sabi in protest over the Jewish National Fund’s forestation project on land Bedouins use for agriculture. Radical Israeli politician Itamar Ben-Gvir was among the people planting trees on the Bedouins’ land. (ALM, ALM, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, TOI, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WP 1/12; AJ, AP, MDW, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/13; HA 1/14; HA, WAFA 1/15; WAFA 1/16; NYT 1/20)

British consul general in Jerusalem Diane Corner met with Palestinians threatened by eviction in Sheikh Jarrah. (WAFA 1/13)

Haaretz reported that U.S. military personal charged with training Palestinian forces were given a tour of Hebron, including of al-Ibrahimi Mosque by settler advocate Noam Arnon. The tour was arranged by the Israeli military’s central command leader Yahuda Fuchs. (HA 1/12)

The Israeli supreme court reduced the sentence handed to an Israeli settler who had thrown a stun grenade at a Palestinian home in Sarta from 20 months to 12 months, reinstating a plea agreement a lower court had deemed too lenient. (HA 1/12; MEMO 1/13)

The United Arab List (UAL) boycotted sessions in the Knesset today in protest over a Jewish National Fund (JNF) forestation project in Bedouin-inhabited areas of the Naqab desert. In wake of the UAL boycott, the Israeli opposition passed 5 bills in preliminary votes. Labor minister Meir Cohen and UAL leader Mansour Abbas later came to an agreement that future work by the JNF must be negotiated by the coalition partners. (AP, HA, REU 1/12; ALM, HA, HA, HA 1/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers razed Palestinian-owned land around the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli settlers with military escort also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Bireh, causing damage. Israeli forces clashed with Israeli settlers as they evacuated the Oz Zion settlement outpost north of Jerusalem. Israeli undercover forces raided Birzeit University campus, forcing 5 students into a van with Palestinian license plates; 2 other students attempting to aid the 5 were shot and injured. The 5 students were released hours later. The PA condemned the raid. Israeli forces also demolished 2 residential structures and 1 agricultural structure near Idhna. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Beit Fajjar, al-Khader, Jalazun refugee camp, al-Am’ari refugee camp, Beita, and Anzah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by deputy mayor of Jerusalem Aryeh King and MK from the Religious Zionist party Itamar Ben-Gvir made a provocative tour in Sheikh Jarrah. Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian and confiscated his flag during the settler tour in Sheikh Jarrah. Israeli forces also demolished a car wash in Isawiya and a cemetery under construction in Umm Tuba. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. In the Naqab desert, as the Jewish National Fund began a forestation project near Sawa in defiance of protest from local Palestinian Bedouins of the al-Atrash tribe who use the land for agriculture, Israeli police violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near Hura; leader of the United Arab List Mansour Abbas threatened to boycott Knesset sessions if the work continued. (ALM 1/8; HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/10; PCHR 1/11; HA 1/12; PCHR, WAFA 1/13)

PA foreign ministry summoned the Dutch Head of Mission to Palestine Kees van Baar to protest the Dutch government’s decision, from 1/6, to end funding to the Palestinian Union of Agricultural Work Committees. (HA, WAFA 1/10)

Secretary general of the Fatah Central Committee Jibril Rajoub said at a press conference in Damascus that PA president Mahmoud Abbas would visit Syrian president Bashir al-Asad in Syria soon. The visit would be the 1st since the Syrian civil war. The UAE has lead the rehabilitation of President al-Asad’s government and King Abdullah II of Jordan recently followed suit with a phone call to al-Asad. (MEE 1/11; ALM 1/16)

Members of the U.S. House and Senate formed the Abraham Accords Congressional Caucus to promote normalization deals between Israel and various Arab and Muslim countries. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) said that the bipartisan caucus will work to “strengthen existing partnerships and widen the circle of peace to new countries.” (MEMO, TOI 1/11)

Pro-Palestine activists shut down a facility in Oldham that produces technology for the Israeli weapons manufacture Elbit. Activists have, through different methods of civil disobedience, obstructed the work at the factory over an 18-month period. During that time, 36 activists have been arrested by English police. (MDW, MEMO 1/11)