The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 30 olive, sage, and thyme seedlings and wrote racist graffiti on 1 well and 1 agricultural structure in Qusra. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with live ammunition, 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian man south of Bethlehem, alleging that he tried to stab an Israeli soldier with a broken bottle. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israeli harassment of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, at the Separation wall near Bethlehem, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 2 arrests. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against Israeli harassment of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, at a checkpoint in Jenin, 1 minor was injured by live ammunition and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Bethlehem, and 2 at checkpoints near Jenin and Yatta. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the Damascus Gate plaza dispersing Palestinians in the area; 1 Palestinian minor was reportedly beaten by Israeli police before he was arrested. 1 other Palestinian minor was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire and fired tear gas at Palestinian protesters east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/6)

Chief of Mossad Yossi Cohen met with U.S. president Joe Biden as he and other Israeli senior officials tried lobby the U.S. not to reenter the Iran nuclear deal. Cohen and Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. Gilad Erdan also met with U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken on 4/29. (AJ, HA 4/29; ALM 4/30; HA 5/1; AJ, JP 5/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 13 olive trees in Hares. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling between Nablus and Jenin. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others were injured by tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tulkarm, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed protesters in Qalqilya, arresting 1. 4 Palestinians were arrested at checkpoints near Bethlehem, Qalandia, and Hizma. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters, injuring 50 using rubber-coated bullets, beatings, and tear gas near the Haram al-Sharif compound, Silwan, Issawiyya, Wadi al-Juz, and Shaykh Jarrah; 4 were arrested. In Gaza, several dozen rockets were fired at Israel and Israel fired missiles and shells at Gaza east of al-Bureij refugee camp; causing damage; 2 groups, the Nidal al-Amoudi Division and the Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades, claimed responsibility for the rockets fired at Israel, saying they were in response to the violence by Israeli right-wing activists in Jerusalem on 4/22. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/23; AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA 4/24; HA 4/25; PCHR 4/29)

Israeli public security affairs minister Amir Ohana condemned attacks against Jewish-Israelis in Jerusalem on 4/22, despite the fact that large crowds of right-wing Israeli activists and Israeli settlers had attacked Palestinians throughout Jerusalem, leading to more than 100 injuries. The attacks were planned by the Lehava group, which has links to right-wing Israeli lawmakers in the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party. The U.S. embassy in Israel said that the U.S. is “deeply concerned about the incidents of violence” and called on “all responsible voices” to promote calm. Jordan condemned the violence, saying that Israel as “the occupying power” in East Jerusalem must protect the Palestinian residents against the violence. The UAE also later called on Israel to protect Palestinians from “acts of violence committed by right-wing extremist groups in the occupied East Jerusalem.” (HA 4/23; WAFA 4/24; WAFA, WAFA 4/25; AP, WAFA 4/26)

Saudi Arabia announced an indefinite ban on Lebanese agricultural products after finding 5.3 million pills of the amphetamine Captagon hidden in a shipment of pomegranates. (AJ 4/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, for the 4th night in a row, Palestinians protested the Israeli-imposed restrictions on the Old City during the month of Ramadan; Israel limited the number of Palestinians from the West Bank who were allowed to partake in the 1st Friday prayers of Ramadan at the Haram al-Sharif to 10,000, requiring all to have been vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. Israel also closed the Damascus Gate plaza; 6 Palestinians were reported injured, including 4 who were hospitalized. 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles, on 2 different occasions, west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 4/16; HA, HA 4/17; PCHR 4/22)

The speaker of the Iranian parliament said Iran had enriched uranium at 60 percent after Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said it would do so in response to the Israeli attack on the Natanz nuclear site on 4/11. (AP, HA, REU 4/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 journalists with sponge grenades; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protests in al-Mughayyir, injuring 6 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces injured 5 Palestinians with live ammunition during a late-night raid in ‘Askar refugee camp; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers sprayed pepper spray at a 13-year-old Palestinian boy in Hebron who had asked them to help him find his stolen bike; the Israeli soldiers subsequently refused to help him receive aid at a hospital. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during house raids in and around Hebron, Bayt Umar, and Zabbuba, and 1 at the Qalandia checkpoint. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Qarara; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/2; PCHR 4/8; B’Tselem 4/22)

The U.S. lifted sanctions on ICC officials Fatou Bensouda and Phakiso Mochochoko, who were sanctioned by the Trump administration in June 2020 in retaliation for their work on the probe into war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory and Afghanistan. Secretary of state Antony Blinken said, “[w]e continue to disagree strongly with the ICC’s actions relating to the Afghanistan and Palestinian situations . . . We maintain our longstanding objection to the court’s efforts to assert jurisdiction over personnel of non-States Parties such as the United States and Israel. We believe, however, that our concerns about these cases would be better addressed through engagement with all stakeholders in the ICC process rather than through the imposition of sanctions.” Secretary Blinken spoke with Israel’s foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi before the announcement. During the call, Blinken told Foreign Minister Ashkenazi that the U.S. believes Israelis and Palestinians should have equal measurers of freedom security, prosperity, and democracy. (HA 4/2; HA, TOI 4/3)

The EU said that Iran and the U.S. will hold indirect talks in Vienna on 4/6. The meeting comes as the EU and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signatories are trying to get the U.S. back into the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and Iran to start complying with the agreement again. (AJ, HA, REU 4/2; REU 4/3; HA 4/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 minor who was hit by a stun grenade; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Wadi al-Juz. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/26; PCHR 4/1)

Israel handed over the body of 1 Palestinian man who was shot and killed by Israeli settlers on 2/5 to his family. (WAFA 3/26)

Haaretz reported that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ignoring a request made by Jordan to have Israel supply water, as Jordan is experiencing a water shortage. Israel provides Jordan with water as agreed in the 2 countries’ peace agreement and Israel sometimes provides Jordan with extra water when Jordan is experiencing droughts. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to ignore Jordan’s request is reportedly in retaliation for Jordan’s decision to close its airspace to him for a planned trip to the UAE after Israel complicated a planned visit by Jordan’s crown prince to the Haram al-Sharif compound on 3/10, which the crown prince ultimately canceled. (HA 3/26; HA, HA 3/29)

In the West Bank, Israel settlers with military escort raided Madama, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed anti-settlement protests in Bayt Dajan and Kafr Qaddum; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in Yatta, Halhul, and al-Arub refugee camp, and 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2 who were treated at a hospital. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Juhur al-Dik; no injuries were reported. In Israel, thousands of Palestinian-Israelis in Umm al-Fahm protested Israeli police brutality directed at the Palestinian community in Israel; the mayor of Umm al-Fahm was threatened by Israeli police before the protest, saying that he would be held responsible for any disorder during the protest. (HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5; WAFA 3/6; HA 3/7; PCHR 3/11)

The World Bank approved a $15 million grant to help Palestinian municipalities maintain services and hire people affected by COVID-19-related layoffs. (WAFA 3/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stormed Kafr Haris, closing the area to Palestinians. Israeli settlers also uprooted 20 olive saplings in Kisan. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces forced 4 families of Palestinian-Israelis picnicking near Jibiya to leave the area saying they were not allowed to be in the area; 1 of the settlers Zvi Bar Yosef has been filmed harassing Palestinians in the area before. Israeli settlers also hid metal rods in a road in Kafr Malik puncturing the wheels of a tractor. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor with live ammunition near Ramallah. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters in Kafr Qaddum, Hebron, Bayt Dajan, and Dayr Jarir, leading to tear-gas related injuries; 1 Palestinian minor was taken to a hospital after being hit with a rubber-coated bullet during the protest in Kafr Qaddum. 2 Palestinians were arrested while riding a motorcycle in Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized tents sheltering a family who’s house was demolished on 2/21 in Issawiyya. 3 Palestinians were arrested in Silwan and al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli police violently dispersed a protest in Umm al-Fahm against gun violence in the Palestinian-Israeli community; several people were reported injured, including the mayor of Umm al-Fahm, MK Yousef Jabareen, and 1 Israeli police officer. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/26; WAFA 2/27; HA 3/2; PCHR 3/4)

All checkpoints to Gaza and the West Bank were closed by Israel for the Purim holiday. Closures are expected to last until the evening of 2/28. (HA 2/25)

1 Palestinian man who is a resident of Israel and Gaza was indicted by Israel for providing intelligence about locations of Israeli Iron Dome batteries to Hamas. (HA 2/26)

The U.S. released a declassified report that concluded that Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is responsible for the murder of U.S. resident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi on 10/2/2018. Despite publishing that the administration had reaching that conclusion the Biden administration said it would not move to punish Mohammed bin Salman. President Joe Biden said during his presidential campaign that he would hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its actions after the Saudi royal family had been shielded by the Trump administration. (CNN, CNN, NPR, NYT, NYT 2/26; AJ, GDN 1/3)

European members of the UN security council, Estonia, France, Ireland, Norway, and the UK, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern “at the recent repeated demolitions and confiscation of items, including of EU- and donor-funded structures carried out by Israeli authorities at Humsa Al-Baqaia in the Jordan Valley.” (AJ 2/27; WAFA 2/28)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers tried to abduct 1 Palestinian man near Husan but ended up robbing him of NIS 25,000 ($7,600), the Palestinian man claimed. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Bayt Dajan and Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries; 1 Palestinian was hit by a sponge grenade during the protest in Kafr Qaddum. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jenin and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 2/19; WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/25)

Israel released the body of 1 Palestinian prisoner who died of a heart attack in an Israeli prison on 9/2/2020 to his family. (WAFA 2/19)

The PA said that Israel had agreed to vaccinate some 100,000 Palestinian workers from the West Bank who regularly travel to Israel for work. Israeli officials later said that it had not decided whether it would vaccinate the Palestinian workers, but it would discuss the issue. (HA, WAFA 2/19; HA 2/22)

In a statement released by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he announced that the president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, assured him that he would move the country’s capital to Jerusalem from Herzliya. The statement did not say when the move would happen. (AP, HA 2/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and military escort raided Qusra and Asira leading to confrontations with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also forced 1 Palestinian family of 13 to remove their residential tents in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Ras Kaskar, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in al-Tur; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 1 Palestinian was arrested. 1 Palestinian family started demolishing parts of their own house in Sur Bahir in order to avoid exorbitant Israel demolition fees. In Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Jabaliya refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/13; PCHR 2/18)

Israeli protesters demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the 34th Saturday in a row. The protesters are demanding Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resignation over his corruption cases, COVID-19 response, and the Israeli economy. (WAFA 2/14)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler killed 1 Palestinian and injured 2 others after ramming his car into them while they were hiking near Bardala; this was the 2d Palestinian killed by a settler using their vehicle in 3 days. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian farmers working their land in Shu‘fa, forcing them to leave. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raided Luban al-Sharqiyya, leading to confrontations with Palestinians. Israeli settlers also severely injured 1 Palestinian man in Kafr Qalil. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers assaulted 2 Palestinian women south of Jenin. Israeli settlers with military protection also attacked Palestinians protesting settlement expansion near Bidya; 1 Palestinian was injured by a tear gas canister. Israeli forces violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in Dayr Jarir, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 4 with live ammunition; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a tree planting event in Burin; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 8 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Salfit, injuring 6 Palestinians who were hit with tear gas canisters. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own barn to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees in al-Fureidis village. 2 Palestinians were arrested in and around Jenin and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/12; WAFA, WAFA 2/13; PCHR 2/18)

A U.S. federal appeals court ruled an Arkansan law requiring state contractors to pledge not to boycott Israel unconstitutional. (AP 2/12)

British lawyer Karim Khan was elected to be the next ICC chief prosecutor when Fatou Bensouda’s 9-year term expires in June. Karim Khan, who may be the prosecutor in charge of a potential ICC war crimes investigation of Israel and Hamas, received 72 votes of 123. Khan is currently leading a UN team investigating allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed by ISIS in Iraq. (AP 2/12; WAFA 2/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces harassed and threatened a family of Palestinian citizens of Israel who were picnicking near Jibiya to leave the area. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinian herders near al-Twana, forcing them to leave their livestock. Israeli forces injured 3 Palestinians during clashes at a raid in Jenin, including 2 who were shot with rubber-coated bullets and 1 who was run over by a military vehicle. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a tree planting event in Bidya, causing injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians after establishing a checkpoint near Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during an Israeli raid in al-Tur. In Israel, more than 10,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel marched against gun violence in Tamra; 1 Palestinian-Israeli passerby was shot and killed by Israeli police during a shootout on 2/1. (AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/6; WAFA 2/7; HA, TOI 2/8; HA 2/9; PCHR 2/11)

In Israel, protesters demonstrated outside of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence for the 33d Saturday in a row. This week, the thousands of anti-corruption protesters were joined by Palestinians from Silwan who protested the systematic eviction of Palestinians from the East Jerusalem neighborhood. (AP, HA 2/6; REU 2/7)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the newly appointed UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland. (WAFA 2/6)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot 1 Palestinian man near Ras Karkar; according to Israeli authorities, the Palestinian man was unarmed and was shot at a settlement outpost near Ras Karkar; Israeli forces subsequently raided the deceased Palestinian’s house. Israeli settlers also raided Luban al-Sharqiyya, leading to confrontations between Palestinians and the settlers’ military escort; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Malik, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 Palestinians with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians near Silwad, injuring 1 with live ammunition. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid near Nablus. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Abasan and al-Showka; no injuries were reported. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/5; HA 2/11; PCHR 2/11)

The ICC ruled that it has territorial jurisdiction to persecute alleged war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories, as it found Palestine to be “a State Party to the [Rome] Statute.” The ICC defined the occupied Palestinian territories as the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Israel has argued that the ICC does not have jurisdiction to prosecute matters pertaining to Israel and Palestine because Israel is not party to the Rome Statute and because Palestine is not a state. The latter 2 of the 3 ICC judges ultimately disagreed with erasing the final hurdle to start a formal investigation, 6 years after the ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda started her preliminary investigation into alleged war crimes made by Israel and Hamas. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the ruling “pure anti-Semitism” and said, “[w]e will fight this perversion of justice with all our might.” The PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh praised the decision. The U.S. State Department’s spokesperson said the U.S. has “serious concern about the ICC’s attempts to exercise its jurisdiction over Israeli personnel. We have always taken the position that the court’s jurisdiction should be reserved for countries that consent to it or that are referred by the UN Security Council.” Haaretz reported that Israel has started briefing military personnel on potential implications for them if the proceedings move to a trial. (AJ, AX, DOS, HA, ICC, NYT, WAFA, WAFA 2/5; AJ, AP, HA, HA, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/6; AX, HA, HA, HA, MDW, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; WAFA 2/8)

An UNRWA spokesperson said that the UAE’s contributions to the agency dropped from $51.8 million in 2018 and in 2019 to $1 million in 2020. (AJ, HA 2/6)

The U.S. Biden administration notified Congress that it will remove the Houthi group from the list of foreign terrorist organizations. The Houthis were declared a terrorist organization by the Trump administration shortly before the Trump presidency ended. (REU 2/5; AJ 2/6; AJ 2/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers closed down a road between Nablus and Qalqilya, leading to confrontations between their military escort and Palestinians and injuries from physical assault and tear gas. Israeli settlers also raided Jinsafut, but were confronted and left without incident. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya. (WAFA 1/29; PCHR 2/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers blocked an intersection at the Bethlehem-Hebron road and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Burin and Madama. Israeli settlers also raided Kafr al-Dik, destroying 120 olive trees, and breaking windows of an agricultural structure and stealing its contents. Israeli forces violently dispersed anti-settlement protests in the Masafer Yatta area, near Yatta, leading to tear-gas related injuries; Israeli settlers also unleashed dogs on Palestinian journalists covering the protest, leading to the hospitalization of 1 and injuries to 1 other. Israeli forces also raided Bayt Fajjar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum; 2 Palestinians were hit by tear gas canisters. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Jenin. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya. In Gaza, 47 Palestinians were injured in a blast in Bayt Hanun; it is unclear what caused the explosion. (HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/23; WAFA 1/24; PCHR 1/28)

In Israel, protests against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued for the 31st Saturday in a row with thousands of people gathering outside of his official residence demanding his resignation over his corruption charges, COVID-19 response, and the Israeli economy. (AP 1/23; WAFA 1/24)

Palestinian-Israeli politician Sami Abu Shehadeh won the primaries for the leadership of the Balad party over the incumbent Mtanes Shihadeh. (JP 1/23; HA 1/24)

The U.S. national security council released a statement saying national security advisor Jake Sullivan promised Israeli national security advisor Meir Ben-Shabbat that the U.S. “will closely consult with Israel on all matters of regional security,” and that the U.S. would continue to build “on the success of Israel’s normalization arrangements.” (AX 1/23; AJ, MEE, REU, TOI 1/24; HA 1/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Halhul. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, Bayt Jarir, and Bayt Dajan; tear-gas related injuries were reported and 1 Palestinian was hit with a rubber-coated bullet in Kafr Qaddum. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian famers near al-Fukhari; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian-Israeli man was shot and killed by an unknown assailant after attending a prayer service in Umm al-Fahm protesting gun violence in parts of the Palestinian-Israeli community. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/22; HA 1/23; PCHR 1/28)

1 Palestinian from the South Hebron Hills who called the Israeli Civil Administration—the Israeli authority charged with controlling Palestinians in the West Bank—to complain about settler incursions on his property was told that the Civil Administration would declare his property a closed military zone if he contacted journalists or activists about his complaint. (HA 1/23)

In Syria, Israel reportedly struck 3 residential buildings in Hama with missile strikes, killing 4 people, including 2 children, and wounding several others. Syria also said it had intercepted Israeli missiles. (AJ, AP, HA, JP, REU, SANA, TOI 1/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Luban al-Sharqiyya. Israeli settlers also raided several Palestinian hamlets in Masafer Yatta; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during raids in Jaba‘, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 1 Palestinian was arrested in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/16; WAFA 1/17; PCHR 1/21)

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu near his official residence for the 30th Saturday in a row. The protesters are demanding that Netanyahu steps down due to the corruption cases against him, the Israeli economy, and his COVID-19 response. (HA 1/16)

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid said in an interview that he is ready to form a government supported by Palestinian-Israeli members of Knesset and that he wanted to do so after the last Israeli election but his then coalition partner, and now deputy prime minister and defense minister, Benny Gantz, refused. (HA 1/16)

The U.S. designated the UAE and Bahrain as “major security partners,” tying the decision to the 2 countries’ normalization deals with Israel. (AJ, HA 1/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in al-Mughayyir, injuring 1 Palestinian with rubber-coated bullets and 1 Palestinian with tear gas canister shrapnel; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian man using live ammunition at a checkpoint near Qusra. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Twana and Kafr Qaddum; 5 were injured by rubber-coated bullets in Kafr Qaddum and tear-gas related injuries were reported during both protests. Israeli forces also sealed off al-Twana. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and al-Tur. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel protested in Umm al-Fahm against the Israeli police’s inaction in dealing with violence in their community. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/15; PCHR 1/21)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas signed a presidential decree setting dates for Palestinian elections. The elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council are scheduled to be held on 5/22 and presidential elections on 7/31. The decree was signed after weeks of meetings between chairman of the Palestinian Central Election Committee Hanna Nasser and Hamas and Fatah leadership. It remains unclear how the elections will be carried out given the Israeli-controlled physical barriers between Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Elections for the PLO National Council are scheduled for 8/31. Hamas welcomed the presidential decree. (AJ, HA, HILL, NYT, WAFA 1/15; AP, GDN, HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 1/16; AJ, SG, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/17; WAFA, WAFA 1/19)

An Israeli court froze the bidding process for an Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem after a petition by Palestinian residents and Ir Amim. The residents and human rights organization complained that 40% of the planned housing would be for Israeli citizens only, forbidding Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem from buying the property. At the same time, the Israeli ministry of housing and the Israel land authority opened the bidding process for the construction of 1,257 new settler units in the Givat Hamatos settlement in East Jerusalem. (HA, PCN 1/15; TOI 1/19 MEE 1/20)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian teen was severely injured by an unexploded ordinance left behind by Israeli forces in the Masafer Yatta area near Yatta. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in the Masafer Yatta area; 1 Palestinian was run over by an Israeli military vehicle and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 Palestinians who were hit by tear gas canisters. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan and Dayr Jarir, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Kafr Malik; 1 Palestinian was shot and injured by a rubber-coated bullet and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in Bayt Umar and east of al-Bireh, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also confiscated a Palestinian-owned tractor in Sinjil and a tractor and bulldozer in Bayt Dajan. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Jenin refugee camp, Halhul, and Dayr Jarir; clashes broke out during the raids in Jenin refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assaulted Palestinian minors and their older relatives, claiming that the minors had thrown stones at them in the Old City. 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their house in Ras al-Amud to avoid exorbitant Israeli demolition fees. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Juhur al-Dik and al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian who had entered Israel through the Gaza fence. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/8; PCHR 1/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers in the Masafer Yatta area, leading to injuries. Israeli forces violently dispersed anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during raids in Zabbuba, Hebron, and Bayt Fajjar; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, PA security forces entered Kafr ‘Aqab to respond to a triple homicide after getting permission by Israeli authorities; Kafr ‘Aqab is part of the Israeli-occupied Jerusalem municipality but lies on the West Bank side of the separation barrier. 1 Palestinian self-demolished his house under construction in Jabal Mukabir. 1 Palestinian child was arrested by Israeli forces. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; PCHR 1/7)

The PA extended the strict COVID-19 restrictions by 2 weeks, 1st instituted on 12/17 including curfew on evenings and nights on weekdays and all day and night during weekends. In Gaza, similar measures have been instituted. The extension was announced on a day when the PA recorded 25 new COVID-19-related deaths and 1,064 new cases in the West Bank and Gaza; East Jerusalem was not part of the tally. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2)

The PA said it received a letter from Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh conveying the party’s desire to move forward with reconciliation. In a statement, the PA thanked Egypt, Qatar, Russia, Turkey, and Jordan for their help in facilitating reconciliation. (WAFA 1/2)

Israeli settlers from East Jerusalem and the West Bank demonstrated against the Israeli police in East Jerusalem and Israel over the death of 1 Israeli settler who was killed in police pursuit after throwing stones at Palestinians. 14 people were arrested, 7 Israeli police officers were injured, and 2 police vehicles were damaged. (HA 1/2)

Israeli protesters demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the 28th Saturday in a row in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resigns due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (HA 1/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds using stones and clubs near Yatta. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Kafr Qaddum. Israeli forces shot and permanently paralyzed 1 Palestinian who refused to let go of his power generator during a house demolition in Khirbet al-Rakiz; a video of the incident showed that there was no threat to the Israeli soldiers and that the man was shot in the neck from a distance of 6 feet; when relatives tried to take the Palestinian man to the hospital, Israeli forces shot at their car, destroying a tire. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 8 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dayr Jarir, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided al-Fawar refugee camp, leading to clashes; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed protests in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during an incursion in Kafr Malik, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest near Qalqilya, injuring 1 Palestinian teen with a rubber-coated bullet. Israeli forces also demolished 250 olive trees, 100 grapevines, 100 almond trees, and 100 fig trees in Biddu. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Yatta and 1 at a checkpoint near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested by the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Abu Safiyya and Jabaliya refugee camp; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/1; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; PCHR 1/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling near Sinjil. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Jaba‘, causing tear-gas related injuries. PA forces arrested a number of attendants at a party held in the Nabi Musa mosque near Jericho; it was later revealed that the PA had approved the party as part of a promotional video intended to increase tourism. However, several attendees, including famous Palestinian DJ Sama Abdulhadi, were still detained days later. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers clashed with Israeli police and attacked Palestinian passersby during a demonstration against the police because of the death of an Israeli settler during a police pursuit on 12/21; chants of “Death to Arabs” were filmed during the protest. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians, including a minor, were wounded by Israeli forces during air attacks in Gaza City and substantial damage was reported in al-Bureij refugee camp and Dayr al-Balah, including to a mosque, a children’s hospital, a sports club, and a warehouse; Israel said it had intercepted 1 missile from Gaza prior to its attack. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 2 Christmas trees belonging to Catholic and Orthodox churches in Sakhnin were set on fire. (AJ, GDN, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; PCHR, WAFA 12/27; HA 12/28; ALM 12/30; PCHR 12/31)

Israeli protesters demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the 27th Saturday in a row in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resign due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (HA 12/26; WAFA 12/27)

According to reports in Le Monde, UAE and Israeli officials are working to eliminate the UNRWA and have been working toward that goal since the 2 countries’ normalization agreement in August. (JP, MEE, YNET 12/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dayr Jarir, injuring the village’s major and 1 other with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided Qabatiya, leading to clashes with Palestinians; 1 Palestinian was hit with a rubber-coated bullet, others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces took measurements of the house of a Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli settler on 12/21 for a punitive demolition. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Qalqilya and Dayr al-Ghusun. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural fields east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/25; PCHR 12/31)

The PA foreign ministry urged the UN Security Council to address the spike in Israeli settler violence against Palestinians. (WAFA 12/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Moroccan king Mohammed VI spoke via phone for the 1st time since the 2 countries’ normalization deal was announced on 12/10. Prime Minister Netanyahu said he had invited King Mohammed VI to Israel and later said that a Moroccan delegation would land in Israel soon. (AJ, HA 12/25; REU 12/26)

Israeli forces attacked the Syrian city of Masyaf near Lebanon, killing 6 people and causing damage. According to the Syrian military, it had intercepted a “barrage of Israeli missiles.” Low-flying Israeli fighters were filmed over Beirut shortly before the attack. (AJ, DT, HA, TOI 12/25)

Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told reporters in Istanbul that he wants relations with Israel to be better but that “[t]he Palestine policy is our red line. It is impossible for us to accept Israel’s Palestine policies. Their merciless acts that are unacceptable.” (AJ, HA, MEE, REU 12/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian in Huwwara; he was treated at a hospital for his injuries. Israeli settlers with military escort also attacked Palestinian homes in Hebron; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian shepherds and farmers in the Masafer Yatta area, causing several injuries. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using rubber-coated bullets near the separation barrier in the Jenin area. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, causing tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from farming their land in Jalud. 1 man alleged to be Palestinian threw a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint near Jit before driving away in his car; the soldier was unharmed. 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Kisan and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; TOI, WAFA 12/20; PCHR 12/24)

In Israel, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the 1st to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for the COVID-19 virus. Israel does not plan to offer vaccinations to Palestinians in the West Bank. The PA says it has secured the Russian-made vaccine Sputnik V, which will arrive in 2021. 20 percent of the Palestinian vaccinations are expected to be delivered for free from the World Health Organization as part of a scheme to deliver vaccinations to poorer countries. (AJ, AP 12/17; REU 12/18; AJ, REU 12/19; HA 12/20)

Israeli protesters demonstrated against Prime Minister Netanyahu for the 26th Saturday in a row in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resign due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (HA 12/19)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers raided the Masafer Yatta area, entering several Palestinian homes and assaulting the owners. Israeli settlers also destroyed water pipes and orange trees in Luban al-Sharqiyya. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Jenin, damaging 4. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using a rubber-coated bullet, hitting his head, during clashes in Kafr Malik. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Mughayyir; during the protest, Israeli settlers armed with guns and clubs fired shots and threatened to release attack dogs on Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries; Palestinians managed to shoot down 1 Israeli drone with stones. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces set up 2 metal gates on agricultural roads in the Jordan Valley. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in and around al-‘Izzariya, Zabbuba, and Jenin; 2 were arrested at checkpoints near Tulkarm and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/18; HA 12/19; +972, WAFA 12/21; PCHR 12/24)

1 Palestinian prisoner started an open-ended hunger strike after, despite completing a 10-month sentence in an Israeli prison, his detention continued. (WAFA 12/18)

According to Sudanese media outlets, Sudan revoked the citizenship of 3,000 foreign nationals, including Hamas leader Khaled Mishal. (TOI 12/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Sa‘ir, attacking Palestinian homes. Israeli settlers with military escort also attacked Palestinians in Hebron, causing moderate injuries to at least 1. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided Tulkarm, leading to clashes with Palestinians; 2 were shot with rubber-coated bullets and 1 was hit by a tear gas canister. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family began demolishing their own home in Silwan displacing 5, including 3 children. 4 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya, and the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA 12/12; WAFA 12/13; PCHR 12/17)

A PA health official said it was expecting shipments of 4 million doses of the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine. The 1st shipment of 125,000 doses would be used on essential workers and elderly. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh later said the vaccine is expected to arrive in the new year and that vaccinations will not be compulsory. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/12; WAFA 12/14)

For the 25th week in a row, Israelis protested against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside of his official residence and throughout Israel. Some 2,000 protesters were reported to have protested outside of Netanyahu’s official residence, while others gathered at his private residence. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resign due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (HA 12/12; WAFA 12/13)

Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi announced that Israel and Bhutan had established diplomatic relations. (AJ, HA, REU 12/12; ALM 12/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settler set up a mobile home on Palestinian land east of Hebron. Israeli forces violently dispersed an anti-settlement protest in al-Mughayyir, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians at an olive tree planting event in Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets while 15 others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also denied Palestinians access to their land near Salfit. Palestinians clashed with PA security forces during several demonstrations against COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in and around Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Nablus, al-Bireh, al-‘Izzariya, Luban al-Sharqiyya, and Huwwara. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Fukhari; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/11; HA 12/12; PCHR 12/17)

1 Palestinian man died of wounds sustained after being shot by Israeli forces at the Qalandia checkpoint on 8/16. The man, who had a hearing disability, was shot after he did not stop when told by Israeli forces. (WAFA 12/11; PCHR 12/17)

A member of Hezbollah was sentenced to 5 consecutive life sentences for killing former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri and 21 others in 2005. The man, Salim Jamil Ayyash, was sentenced in absentia by the UN-backed Lebanon Tribunal. (AJ, HA, REU 12/11)

A group of 22 Republican members of the U.S. House sent a letter to U.S. president Donald Trump urging the president to declassify a State Department report mandated by Congress in 2012 that distinguishes between Palestinian refugees born in Palestine before 1948 and those born outside of Palestine. The 22 Republicans said in the letter that they do not believe that descendants of Palestinian refugees born in Palestine before 1948 can be considered refugees and called the Right of Return a “fiction” that should “end.” (Rep. Doug Lamborn 12/11, MDW 12/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian using live ammunition during a protest against a settlement outpost in al-Mughayyir; 4 were shot by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a seed planting event in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum and a similar protest in Salfit; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Hebron, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 at a checkpoint in the Jordan Valley near Jenin and 1 during a late-night raid in Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler tried to set fire to the Church of All Nations, but only managed to cause moderate damage before being stopped by church guards; the settler was arrested by Israeli forces shortly after. PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the incident a terror attack. 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers near Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 4 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; AJ, HA, HA, HA, MEE, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/6; GDN 12/7; PCHR 12/10; +972 12/14)

The Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud said at a virtual meeting that Saudi Arabia’s demand before normalization with Israel is a “peace deal that delivers a Palestinian state with dignity and with a workable sovereignty that Palestinians can accept.” (AJ 12/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 400 grape saplings in Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli forces violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protests in Kafr Qaddum, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian minor who was hospitalized with a fractured skull after being hit by a rubber-coated bullet; 14 others were also injured by rubber-coated bullets and others suffered tear-gas related injuries during Israeli crackdowns on protests in Bayt Dajan and Kafr Malik. 10 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Bayt Dajan, Jenin, and Bethlehem. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/27; HA, WAFA 11/28; PCHR 12/3)

In the West Bank, a PA-issued 48-hour lockdown commenced to halt the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The lockdown will last until 11/29. (AJ, WAFA 11/27)

A top Iranian nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated while driving his car in Absard some 40 miles east of Tehran. Iran said that there were “serious indications of Israeli responsibility.” An anonymous Israeli official confirmed to the NYT that Israel was behind the assassination. The NYT also had 3 other intelligence sources confirm Israel’s involvement. According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, Fakhrizadeh was killed by a remote-controlled machine gun attached to a deserted car. The NYT reported a different story of the events in which 12 assassins caught up to Fakhrizadeh’s car and shot him before leaving the scene unharmed. Israel has previously claimed that Fakhrizadeh was the scientist behind Iran’s nuclear program and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in 2018 during a press conference that people should remember Fakhrizadeh’s name. Former CIA director John Brennan condemned the assassination, calling it “flagrant violation of international law.” The EU, UN, UAE, and Jordan also condemned the assassination. Israel assassinated at least 4 Iranian scientists between 2010 and 2012. Several Israeli public officials denied knowing who assassinated Fakhrizadeh. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU 11/27; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU 11/28; AJ, GDN, HA, HA, REU 11/29; AJ, FOX, HA, HA, NBC, REU, SKY, TOI, VOA 11/30; HA 12/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers leveled Palestinian-owned land near Kisan. Israeli forces detained and severely beat 3 Palestinians at a flying checkpoint near Bayt Fajjar; all 3 were later taken to a hospital in Bayt Jala. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Malik during an anti-settlement demonstration, injuring 1 Palestinian with a tear-gas canister; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; 1 Palestinian was hit with a rubber-coated bullet to his face. Israeli forces also seized construction materials in al-Walaja. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 paramedic during the protest in Kafr Malik, 1 during a raid in Hebron, and 6 at checkpoints near Nablus, Qalandia, and Bethlehem. (WAFA, WAFA 11/20; WAFA 11/21; PCHR 11/26)

The U.S. department of justice said that the Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard finished his parole and is now free to move to Israel. It had been uncertain if Pollard would have his parole extended since U.S. national security officials have objected to allowing Pollard’s parole to expire. Pollard was arrested in 1985 for spying on the U.S. on behalf of Israel and was handed a life sentence. He was released in 2015 but with limitations on his movement and he was banned from making public statements as part of his parole. Pollard was given Israeli citizenship in 1995 and Israeli prime ministers have long sought to have him released to Israel, where he is perceived as a hero. (NYT 11/20; HA, REU 11/21; HA, HA, HA, LAT 11/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole 20 Palestinian-owned sheep in Taybeh. Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians during clashes that unfolded as Israeli forces raided several neighborhoods in Ramallah; 1 was hit by live ammunition and 2 were hit by rubber-coated bullets. Israeli forces also violently dispersed the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets and 2 by tear-gas canisters; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also started paving a settler road east of Yatta and seized 1 tractor in Tuqu‘. 6 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, and Qaryut. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/13; PCHR 11/19)

The NYT reported that Israeli Mossad agents assassinated a senior al-Qaeda member, Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, in Tehran on 8/7. According to the reporting, 2 Mossad agents on a motorcycle shot the al-Qaeda member while he was walking the streets of Tehran. The assassination is said to have been carried out on the behest of the U.S. Iran denied the reporting, calling it false. Al-Qaeda has not said whether Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, who also is known as Abu Muhammad al-Masri, has been killed. (GDN, NYT, REU 11/13; AJ, AJ, HA, WP 11/14; HA, LAT 11/16)

CNN reported that top U.S. official Douglas Macgregor, during an interview in 2019, said that Mike Pompeo “has his hands out for money from the Israeli lobby, the Saudis and others” and that “[John] Bolton has become very, very rich and is in the position he’s in because of his unconditional support for the Israeli lobby.” Macgregor further stated that AIPAC has “enormous quantities of money that over many years have cultivated an enormous influence in power in Congress.” (HA 11/16)