241 / 15150 Results
  • December 30, 2018

    In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 22 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron, Bethlehem,...

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  • December 29, 2018

    Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Rafah for a 3d day in a row, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-...

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  • December 26, 2018

    In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver after he allegedly attempts to ram a group of Israeli settlers at Huwwara checkpoint. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during...

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  • December 25, 2018

    In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Israeli...

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  • December 24, 2018

    Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian fishing boats sailing in a...

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  • December 23, 2018

    In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 18...

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  • December 20, 2018

    IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver after he runs through a roadblock at the Beit El checkpoint late at night. The other occupants of the vehicle say that they were driving through a...

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  • December 19, 2018

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze an area of Palestinian farmland near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus and...

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  • December 18, 2018

    In the West Bank, hundreds of armed Israeli settlers visit the Saint Saba Monastery outside Bethlehem overnight, sparking a tense confrontation between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the...

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  • December 16, 2018

    In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire at a Palestinian vehicle driving outside Silwad village near Ramallah, injuring the driver. They also shoot and critically injure a Palestinian minor during...

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  • December 14, 2018

    After a day of violence and intense IDF activity across the Ramallah region on 12/13, tensions remain high in the West Bank. The Israeli authorities maintain the closure of all major roads in the...

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  • December 13, 2018

    In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and injures 2 Israeli police officers in the Old City. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians...

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  • December 12, 2018

    Undercover Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after apprehending him on a road outside Surda village near Ramallah late at night. The man was wanted in connection to the drive-by shooting...

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  • December 10, 2018

    In the West Bank, hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 4 Palestinians...

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  • December 9, 2018

    Unidentified persons riding in a vehicle open fire on Israeli settlers waiting on the side of a road near the Ofra settlement; 7 of the settlers are injured, including 1 pregnant woman. IDF troops...

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  • December 8, 2018

    In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own 2 homes in Silwan in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in...

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  • December 7, 2018

    Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Jalabiya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp...

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  • December 6, 2018

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces seize a concrete pump and 2 mixers from a Palestinian construction site in Bayt Dajan near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and...

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  • December 5, 2018

    Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Hanun. They also open fire on 2 Palestinian children approaching the border fence near Gaza City and...

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  • December 4, 2018

    IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian amid clashes sparked by an overnight arrest raid in Tulkarm (a video of the incident will circulate later in the week showing that Israeli soldiers shot the...

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  • December 3, 2018

    Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s north coast to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on approximately 30 Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli...

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  • December 2, 2018

    In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering in Nablus to protest the detention of several Fatah activists earlier this week; 5 Palestinians are reportedly...

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  • December 1, 2018

    In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently suppress a Palestinian demonstration near the Old City against the poor treatment of Palestinians in Israeli prisons; there are no serious injuries or...

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  • November 30, 2018

    Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. Hamas reportedly orders the protesters to stay away from the fence so as not to provoke any...

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  • November 29, 2018

    In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces disperse with tear gas Palestinian students on their way to school in Abu Dis. The students respond by throwing stones at the Israeli forces; there are no...

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  • November 28, 2018

    In Gaza, a Palestinian is seriously injured when he accidentally detonates a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance in Bayt Hanun. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian...

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  • November 27, 2018

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential structure in Suba village near Hebron and deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction outside Yatta....

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  • November 26, 2018

    IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver at the Gush Etzion junction south of Bethlehem after he allegedly rams his car into a group of Israeli soldiers; 3 Israeli soldiers are injured in...

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  • November 25, 2018

    In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians gathering near the Old City to protest the detention of Adnan Ghaith, the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, on 11/24; 1 protester is...

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  • November 24, 2018

    Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds and bird-hunters near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on...

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In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 22 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 11 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir, Issawiyya, al-Tur, Shu‘fat refugee camp, and the Old City. (WAFA 12/30; PCHR 1/3)

After PA Agriculture Minister Sufian Sultan sends a message to Israel’s Agriculture Ministry informing them of his intention to reverse the PA’s 12/2 ban on imports of lamb from Israel, Israel’s Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel lifts his 12/17 ban on imports of Palestinian produce. “In light of the Palestinian agriculture minister’s notification that he is allowing the free entry of Israeli-bred lamb [into Palestinian markets], I cancel my order to block the transfer of produce from the PA to Israel,” Ariel says in a statement. Shortly after Ariel’s statement, the PA Agriculture Ministry cancels the ban on imports of Israeli produce that the PA cabinet approved on 12/27. (TOI, WAFA 12/31)

One day after Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked announce the formation of their new political party, Israeli polls project that their Hayamin Hehadash will win between 6 and 14 seats in the Knesset in the upcoming election on 4/9. Hosen L’Yisrael, the new party led by former IDF Chief of General Staff Benny Gantz, is projected to win between 13 and 15 seats, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud is projected to win between 27 and 31. (HA 12/30)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Rafah for a 3d day in a row, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in Silwan. (PCHR 1/3)

IDF officials tell the Israeli press that they believe Hamas permitted the firing of a rocket into Israel on 12/28 in retaliation for the IDF’s killing of a Palestinian protester earlier in the day. (HA 12/29)

Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, the leaders of the right-wing Jewish Home Party, announce that they will be forming a new right-wing party, called Hayamin Hehadash, or The New Right, in an effort to attract both secular and religious voters in the 4/9 election. “We are starting a true partnership between those who are religious and secular,” Bennett says. In recent months, Bennett has been in conflict with some other leaders of Jewish Home over his efforts to consolidate his power as chair of the party. (HA, JP, JP 12/30)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian driver after he allegedly attempts to ram a group of Israeli settlers at Huwwara checkpoint. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car repair shop near Nablus. Israeli settlers assault and injure a Palestinian shepherd working his land near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a number of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; PCHR 12/27; PCHR 1/3)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki says that he plans to initiate an application for the State of Palestine to obtain full membership at the UN during his next visit to New York City in 1/2019. The application, if accepted by the UN Security Council, would see Palestine’s status upgraded from non-member observer state. Later, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon says that Israel and the U.S. are already working together to “stop the [new Palestinian] initiative.” (JP, WAFA 12/26; TOI 12/27)

PA security forces seal off the entrances to the Palestinian Legislative Council building in Ramallah, preventing Hamas officials from holding a planned press conference. A PA official says that although Hamas claims they were attempting to hold a press conference, their true intention was to open a session of the PLC in protest of the 12/22 announcement of a new round of PLC elections. (JP, TOI 12/26)

The High Planning Committee of Israel’s Civil Administration meets for a 2d day to discuss proposals to expand Israel’s West Bank settlements. Between today and yesterday, they have advanced plans for 2,191 new residences in various settlements, 3 new industrial zones, and the retroactive authorization of 2 illegal settlement outposts. Separately, Israel’s Civil Administration announces plans to put together a new proposal for as many as 2,500 new settler residences at the site of the Givat Eitam outpost near Bethlehem, which is within the municipal boundaries of the Efrat settlement, but not contiguous to any of that settlement’s buildings. According to the Israeli NGO Peace Now, an expanded Givat Eitam would “block Bethlehem from the south, and prevent any development in the only direction that has not yet been blocked by settlements.” (HA, PCN, TOI 12/26)

Haaretz reports that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the IDF to declare an end to Operation Northern Shield, but to continue detecting and demolishing the cross-border tunnels allegedly built by Hezbollah. Some senior defense sources say that Netanyahu no longer has a political reason for a formal operation in the north now that he is running for re-election. Meanwhile, the IDF announces that it has uncovered and demolished a 5th cross-border tunnel and the Knesset votes to dissolve itself, officially triggering snap elections. (HA, JP, TOI 12/26; MNA 12/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 12 Palestinians during raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Israeli forces bulldoze 70 dunams (approximately 17.3 acres) of Palestinian land near Qalqilya, apparently clearing the area for the expansion of a nearby settlement. They also confiscate a tractor from a Palestinian farm near Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside Burqa village near Nablus, damaging 1 windshield; and destroy the door to a nearby pharmacy, damage traffic signs, and uproot a number of trees in the area. They also uproot approximately 200 olive saplings from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Rafah, causing 2 fishing boats to drown. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. (WAFA, WAFA 12/25; WAFA 12/26; PCHR 12/27)

Touring the Israel-Lebanon border area, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that the IDF has done “extraordinary work” in detecting and demolishing tunnels built by Hezbollah into northern Israel since the launch of Operation Northern Shield. He also says that the operation is nearly complete. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/25; JP 12/26)

One day after the Israeli ruling coalition announced that early elections would be held on 4/9/19, the main Israeli television stations publish polls projecting that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Likud Party will win the most votes. According to one poll, 52% of the Israeli public wants Netanyahu to continue as prime minister. (HA, JP, TOI 12/26)

The High Planning Committee of Israel’s Civil Administration convenes for the first of 2 days of meetings to discuss new West Bank settlement expansion plans. (TOI 12/25; PCN, TOI 12/26)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian fishing boats sailing in a symbolic challenge of the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations, as well as similar protests along the border fence near Khan Yunis and Gaza City; at least 25 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering outside Ofer Prison to demonstrate in support of the Palestinians imprisoned inside; there are no serious injuries reported. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Jenin and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir, al-Tur, and Shu‘fat refugee camp. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 12/24; PCHR 12/27)

The heads of the parties in Israel’s ruling coalition announce their decision to dissolve the current Knesset and hold early elections on 4/9/19. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that the decision was unanimous and that he intends to bring new parties into the current coalition after the elections. Netanyahu reportedly made his decision to push for early elections on 12/22 after consulting with his lawyers and top aides about a variety of issues, including several stalled legislative initiatives and the percolating corruption case against him. Netanyahu also says that the IDF has asserted control over the northern border and that this is the “perfect” time for early elections. Later, the ruling coalition agrees with the opposition to suspend work on all legislation that they don’t agree on until the Knesset is dissolved. Meanwhile, a senior White House official says that Israel’s early elections are “one of many factors we are considering in evaluating the timing of the release of [the Trump administration’s long awaited Palestinian-Israeli] peace plan.” (HA, HA, MNA 12/24; HA, HA 12/25)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area; there are no serious injuries. They arrest 18 Palestinians during further raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick leads more than 100 right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 12/23; PCHR 12/27)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat says that the decision, announced on 12/22, to dissolve the Palestinian Legislative Council “goes hand in hand with efforts of transition from the period of the Palestinian Authority to into the State of Palestine period.” (MNA 12/23)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver after he runs through a roadblock at the Beit El checkpoint late at night. The other occupants of the vehicle say that they were driving through a poorly lit area and that the deceased could not tell where he was going. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah. Unidentified assailants open fire on Israeli soldiers outside the Ofra settlement near Ramallah, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists puncture the tires of 40 Palestinian vehicles and spray racist graffiti in Bayt Hanina overnight. (HA, MNA, MNA, PCHR, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/20; EI, MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/21; PCHR 12/27)

Fatah Central Committee member Mohammed Shtayyeh announces that the PA recently informed the Israeli government that it would stop honoring past agreements should the IDF violent crackdown on the Ramallah area continue. He does not clarify which past agreements he is referring to. (WAFA 12/20)

The IDF announces that it has begun demolishing or sealing Hezbollah’s cross-border tunnels in the context of Operation Northern Shield. “This stage will be carried out with a number of techniques and measures, which will render the tunnels entirely unusable and will prevent Hezbollah from utilizing them and carrying out its plans,” according to an IDF statement. The IDF has reportedly uncovered 4 such tunnels so far. (TOI 12/20; HA, TOI 12/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze an area of Palestinian farmland near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault and injure several Palestinian farmers working their lands near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hizma and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces also conduct a limited incursion to level land near al-Bureij refugee camp. (MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/20)

The undersecretary of the PA’s Agriculture Ministry, Abdallah Lahlouh, says that the PA has not been officially informed of any new Israeli policy to ban imports of fruits and vegetables from the West Bank, but that the PA will respond in kind if the recent reports of a ban continue. Although it was not publically announced at the time, Israel’s Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel ordered such a ban on 12/17 after the PA barred Palestinian meat-sellers from buying lamb from Israel on 12/2. (TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/19)

Israel’s Knesset passes a first reading of a bill that would allow the IDF to order the expulsion of the families of Palestinian assailants from their homes, despite objections from Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and senior IDF officers. The Knesset also passes a first reading of the so-called Young Settlement Bill, which would allow for the temporary retroactive authorization of certain settlement outposts in the West Bank and which the Israeli cabinet unanimously approved on 12/16. (HA 12/19; HA 12/20)

At a UN Security Council meeting on alleged violations of Resolution 1701, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon presents new information that he claims shows the extent of Hezbollah’s tunneling operations along the Israel-Lebanon border. He also says that Israel “gave UNIFIL precise information about the location of [1 of the tunnels],” but that compromised Lebanese army officers leaked the information to Hezbollah, allowing the group to conceal certain offensive operations. “Lebanese army officials are working for Hezbollah, while UNIFIL is not working to fulfill its mandate in the region in the necessary manner,” Danon alleges. While several UNSC members condemn Hezbollah’s tunneling activities, the UNSC takes no action at today’s meeting. (HA, HA, TOI, YA 12/19; TOI 12/20)

UN World Food Programme (WFP) country director Stephen Kearney announces that funding shortfalls have forced “drastic” cuts to food aid initiatives planned in the West Bank and Gaza in 2019. Starting on 1/1/19, the WFP plans to suspend food assistance to 27,000 people in the West Bank and reduce by 20% the food aid delivered to 166,000 additional recipients across the occupied Palestinian territories. “The major donor that we have had in the past years has been the U.S.,” Kearney says. “They have cut funding, not just to UNRWA, who work with the refugees in Gaza, but also to the rest of the humanitarian community, including WFP.” A WFP spokesperson says that an additional $57 million would be needed to maintain the current level of food aid in 2019. (AFP, AJ, REU, TOI 12/19; MEE 12/20)

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) announces that it has filed a legal challenge to an anti-BDS law in Texas on behalf of 4 Texans who either lost their jobs or lost the opportunity to be hired after they refused to renounce their support for boycotts against Israel or its settlements in the West Bank. “Whatever you may think about boycotts of Israel, the bottom line is that political boycotts are a legitimate form of nonviolent protest,” says an ACLU lawyer. “The state cannot use the contracting process as an ideological litmus test or to tell people what kind of causes they may or may not support.” Texas’s anti-BDS law, which requires all state contractors to certify that they do not support or participate in any boycotts of Israel or its West Bank settlements, has been on the books since 5/2/17. (HA, TOI 12/19)

In the West Bank, hundreds of armed Israeli settlers visit the Saint Saba Monastery outside Bethlehem overnight, sparking a tense confrontation between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no clashes or injuries reported. Separately, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Yasuf village near Salfit overnight; uproot approximately 100 trees on a Palestinian farm near Hebron; and damage a Palestinian vehicle’s windshield near Nablus. Israeli forces uproot approximately 200 cactus seedlings from a Palestinian farm near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Tubas, Jenin, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah. An IDF raid in Dahaysha refugee camp sparks minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured. Unidentified assailants throw stones at an Israeli settler family driving near Hebron, lightly injuring a settler infant. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians at a checkpoint at the entrance to Issawiyya and 15 more Palestinians during raids in the neighborhood. They also demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Jabal Mukabir. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian bird-hinter approaching the border fence near Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, MNA 12/18; MNA, MNA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/20)

UN Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov reports to the UN Security Council (UNSC) that the Israeli authorities approved or advanced approximately 2,200 new housing units in West Bank and East Jerusalem settlements between 9/13 and 12/14, marking a record low since the UNSC established its current monitoring system with Resolution 2334 of 12/2016. (HA, TOI, YA 12/19)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the secret U.S.-backed effort to build a relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia has ground to a halt recently following the Saudi government’s removal of 2 top officials involved in the killing of a dissident journalist in Istanbul on 10/2. The killing and the ensuing international outcry have reportedly restricted Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “room to maneuver” and “dampened [his] appetite for risky foreign policy endeavors.” Israeli prime minister Netanyahu said as recently as last week that the killing of the journalist was “horrific,” but that it did not overshadow the value of a strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia. (HA, TOI, WSJ 12/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire at a Palestinian vehicle driving outside Silwad village near Ramallah, injuring the driver. They also shoot and critically injure a Palestinian minor during clashes sparked by an alleged stone-throwing attack outside Qalqilya. IDF raids in al-Khadir near Bethlehem and Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah spark additional clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured and 7 are arrested. IDF troops arrest 11 more Palestinians during further raids near Salfit, Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving between Nablus and Ramallah, between Nablus and Tulkarm, and outside Hebron, causing minor damage to several. Three settler families set up makeshift homes on Palestinian-owned land outside the Kiryat Arba settlement in protest of the recent Palestinian attacks on their fellow settlers. Unidentified assailants throw stones at Israeli settlers driving near Nablus, moderately injuring 1 settler. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Meanwhile, an Israeli settler assaults a Palestinian near the Old City. Israeli forces then arrest the Palestinian victim of the assault and a 2d Palestinian during raids in Silwan. A Palestinian demolishes his own home in Jabal Mukabir to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/16; MNA, MNA 12/17; HA 12/18; PCHR 12/20)

Following a week of escalated tensions and violence across the West Bank, Israel’s Education Minister Naftali Bennett leads a rally outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem calling for a stronger crackdown on the occupied Palestinian territories. Bennett accuses the “security establishment” of choosing “the rights of Palestinians over the security of Israelis.” The crowd chants slogans calling for Netanyahu to resign. Meanwhile, the Israeli cabinet unanimously votes to back a piece of legislation, dubbed the “Young Settlement Bill,” which would direct the government to administer 66 illegal settlement outposts as it would legal settlements for a period of 2 years. During that time, the government would be directed to figure out a way to retroactively authorize the 66 outposts. (TOI 12/16; FMEP 12/21)

The IDF announces that it has discovered a fourth Hezbollah-built tunnel leading from southern Lebanon into northern Israel in the context of Operation Northern Shield. (HA, TOI, WP 12/16; TOI 12/18)

After a day of violence and intense IDF activity across the Ramallah region on 12/13, tensions remain high in the West Bank. The Israeli authorities maintain the closure of all major roads in the area while they search for the perpetrator of the attack that left 2 Israeli soldiers dead. One Palestinian is killed during clashes sparked by an IDF raid in Jalazun refugee camp. Six Palestinians are injured during clashes sparked by a similar raid in nearby al-Bireh. Two more Palestinians are injured when IDF troops violently disperse a protest outside nearby al-Mughayyir. Separately, a Palestinian stabs and lightly injures an Israeli soldier at an IDF post outside the Beit El settlement; the soldier moderately injures the Palestinian in the ensuing confrontation (the Palestinian will turn himself in to the IDF on 12/15). Unidentified assailants throw rocks at Israeli troops outside al-Bireh, moderately injuring 1 soldier. The IDF then seals off the main Ramallah-Nablus road and conducts raids in the area searching for the assailants. IDF troops shoot and injure 5 Palestinians during clashes sparked by a raid in al-Laban near Nablus; violently disperse Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in central Hebron, Luban al-Sharqiyya near Nablus, and Bil‘in near Ramallah (4 Palestinians are injured); arrest 1 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during additional raids near Hebron; and patrol near Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus and Qalqilya, and open fire on a Palestinian passersby in Jalazun refugee camp (1 Palestinian is injured and several vehicles are damaged). In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse thousands of Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, and Rafah; at least 60 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/14; TOI 12/15; PCHR 12/20)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and injures 2 Israeli police officers in the Old City. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians allegedly involved in a Hamas-affiliated wedding in the Old City. In the West Bank, armed Palestinians open fire on IDF troops setting up a mobile checkpoint outside the Ofra settlement, killing 2 soldiers and critically injuring 2 more. After the shooting, the IDF shuts down all roads leading into Ramallah and conducts extensive raids in the area searching for the assailants; 40 Palestinians are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver after he allegedly rams a group of Israelis outside al-Bireh, lightly injuring 1. Some Palestinian witnesses say that the initial collision appeared to be an accident. IDF troops later conduct raids in al-Bireh, arresting 5 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 28 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving near Nablus, damaging 7 and sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no reported injuries. Later, the IDF shuts down several checkpoints south of Nablus to secure the area for a settler protest against recent Palestinian violence. Some of the settler protesters throw stones at Palestinian homes in the area; 2 Palestinians are injured and there is no major damage reported. Israeli settlers also throw stones and otherwise assault Palestinians and their property near al-Bireh, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron; 2 Palestinians are injured, 1 Palestinian home is damaged, and 20 Palestinian vehicles are lightly damaged. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. (HA, JP, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/13; EI, MNA, TOI, YA 12/14; PCHR 12/20)

Amid an uptick in Israeli violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, PA president Mahmoud Abbas accuses Israel of creating a climate of incitement through repeated incursions into major Palestinian cities. “Our constant policy is to reject violence, incursions and settlers’ terror and that incitement should stop and not to create an atmosphere that contributes to the aggravation of the situation.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, announces plans to promote the retroactive authorization of thousands of Israeli settler homes in the West Bank, the construction of 82 new homes in the Ofra settlement, and the establishment of 2 new settlement industrial zones in response to the violence. “They are thinking of uprooting us from our land, but they will not succeed,” he says. According to a senior Israeli official, Netanyahu also conveyed a message to Hamas threatening to break the cease-fire in Gaza if violence in the West Bank continues. In the evening, approximately 1,000 right-wing Israeli protesters gather outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem to call for his resignation, burn pictures of Abbas, and push for the IDF to “crush the terrorist authority,” as one protester puts it. (MNA, TOI 12/13; HA, HA, TOI 12/14)

Undercover Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after apprehending him on a road outside Surda village near Ramallah late at night. The man was wanted in connection to the drive-by shooting attack that led to the injury of 7 Israeli settlers on 12/9. After the killing, IDF troops raid the alleged attacker’s home in nearby Kobar village, detaining his extended family, arresting his father and brother, sparking clashes with residents of the area; 3 Palestinians are injured. Separately, they arrest 4 other Palestinians accused of conspiring to perpetrate the 12/9 attack and confiscate the vehicle they allegedly used during raids in and around Ramallah. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian amid a firefight sparked by an arrest raid in ‘Askar refugee camp near Nablus. The Palestinian was reportedly wanted in connection with the killing of 2 Israeli settlers on 10/7. IDF troops shoot and injure 1 Palestinian amid clashes sparked by an IDF raid in Nabi Salih village near Ramallah; arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Tubas, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car garage in Bayt Hanina and conduct raids at al-Quds University in Abu Dis, confiscating surveillance tapes and detaining several Palestinians. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI 12/12; HA, HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/13; PCHR 12/13)

An Israeli newborn succumbs to complications stemming from the drive-by shooting attack outside the Ofra settlement on 12/9. His mother was 7 months pregnant when she was shot and seriously injured in the attack. She gave birth hours after the shooting and remains in stable condition. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/12)

In the West Bank, hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area; 4 Palestinians are injured. Dozens of IDF troops raid the Ramallah headquarters of the PA’s Wafa News and Information Agency, detaining a number of employees, firing tear gas inside the building, and confiscating tapes from surveillance cameras in the building. The raid sparks minor clashes in central Ramallah; 5 Palestinians are injured. Israeli soldiers also shoot and injure 7 Palestinians during clashes sparked by IDF raids in Tubas and Nabi Salih village near Ramallah late at night. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 13 Palestinians during further raids near Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers puncture the tires of 3 Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in Beytin near Ramallah. A separate group of settlers throws rocks at Palestinian vehicles on a road outside Nablus, causing minor damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a raid in Jabal Mukabir. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are arrested and their boat is confiscated). Later in the day, hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s northern border to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a number of Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; 27 Palestinians are injured. (HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/10; MNA, MNA 12/11; PCHR 12/13)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that the Omani government has given permission for Israeli planes to fly through Omani airspace. “Therefore, only one small thing remains for us to do,” he adds, pointing to Saudi Arabia on a map. “We need to [make it so] that El Al can fly over this, and that’s it—we open new markets.” (AP, JP, TOI, YA 12/10)

Unidentified persons riding in a vehicle open fire on Israeli settlers waiting on the side of a road near the Ofra settlement; 7 of the settlers are injured, including 1 pregnant woman. IDF troops in the area open fire on the vehicle, but the assailants flee the scene without apparent injury. Later, IDF troops set up mobile checkpoints and conduct raids in and around the nearby village Silwad, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries reported. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Nablus; confiscate 3 makeshift residential structures outside Hebron; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. An Israeli settler driver rams an elderly Palestinian outside Ni‘lin, causing major injuries. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Ramin village near Tulkarm, causing light damage to 8 of them. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hizma, Issawiyya, Ras al-Amud, and Wadi al-Juz. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/9; MNA, WAFA 12/10; PCHR 12/13)

In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes their own 2 homes in Silwan in order to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Silwan. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem and Nablus; and patrol near Hebron. (WAFA 12/8; PCHR 12/13)

An IDF spokesperson announces that Israeli forces have discovered another Hezbollah-built cross-border tunnel in the context of Operation Northern Shield. “The tunnel is booby-trapped right now in a manner that would endanger the life of anyone attempting to enter it from the Lebanese side,” the spokesperson adds. Earlier in the day, IDF troops stationed along the Israel-Lebanon border fire warning shots at 3 people approaching the border fence from the other side. “Troops fired towards the suspects following fire procedures. The 3 fled, and work [to dismantle the tunnels] continues,” an IDF spokesperson later says of the incident. (HA, HA, JP, TOI, YA 12/8; AP, JP 12/9)

In a speech at a conference in Ramallah, PA president Mahmoud Abbas outlines his plans for reforming his relationships with Israel, the U.S. and Hamas. “For the Israelis, we told them that we want to amend or cancel the Paris Agreement. They responded, ‘We will give you the answer after 2, 3 or 4 days.’ Two days later, [DM Avigdor Lieberman], who we were talking to, resigned and now we do not know who we are talking to.” The U.S., Abbas says, asked the Palestinians not to join international organizations. “But after the U.S. decision on Jerusalem, we decided to gradually accede to these organizations, and indeed we acceded to the Universal Postal Union.” Regarding Hamas, Abbas says that “there are a lot of issues between us that we will follow in order to ensure the interests of our people.” He also announces plans to dissolve the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), the PA’s parliament. The announcement is widely seen as Abbas’s latest effort to marginalize Hamas, which won 74 of the PLC’s 132 seats in the most recent election, in 2006. (MNA, REU 12/8; TOI, WAFA 12/9)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border to continue the Great March of Return. IDF troops violently disperse them near Rafah, Jalabiya refugee camp, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Gaza City; at least 33 Palestinians are injured. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the Israeli occupation in Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; several Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also patrol near Hebron, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces issue an order banning the PA’s governor in Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, from the West Bank for 6 months. When he was released from detention on 12/2, he was banned from the West Bank for 2 weeks. (JP, MNA, WAFA 12/7; MNA 12/8; PCHR 12/13)

Unidentified assailants shoot and kill a West Bank Palestinian in Jaljulia, a small town in northern Israel. The Israeli police reportedly suspect he was killed by Palestinians who disagreed with his practice of selling land in the West Bank to Israeli settlers. In a video posted online before the man’s death, he can be heard saying, “You can say I’m an agent or a collaborator... whoever owns land over the fence [in the West Bank] and isn’t thinking of selling will experience the same thing that happened to [Palestinian] refugees who are still holding keys [for their old houses] and believe the UN and UNRWA.” (HA 12/8; TOI 12/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seize a concrete pump and 2 mixers from a Palestinian construction site in Bayt Dajan near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Hizma. (MNA 12/6; PCHR 12/13)

In response to the IDF’s Operation Northern Shield, Lebanese prime minister Sa‘d Hariri tweets, “The developments in the southern Lebanon border are no reason for escalation. This is what the Lebanese government wants and is acting towards.” Hariri also says that representatives of UNIFIL, Lebanon, and Israel met on 12/5 to discuss the operation, and that the Lebanese officials affirmed that Israel’s “consistent infiltration of Lebanese territory and airspace is an obvious violation of [UNSC Resolution 1701] and its principles.” Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there is a “reasonable possibility” that the IDF will have to expand Operation Northern Shield to activities in southern Lebanon. “We are denying our enemies the tunnels weapon in a systematic, determined manner and we will do whatever it takes,” he says. In the evening, an IDF spokesperson announces that Israeli forces have discovered another major cross-border tunnel built by Hezbollah and that Israeli officials have asked for UNIFIL’s support in destroying it from the Lebanese side of the border. (HA, HA, JP, TOI, TOI, YA, YA 12/6)

Vehicles bearing $15 million in Qatari money enter Gaza via the Erez border crossing. This marks the 2d shipment of Qatari funds into Gaza with the purpose of paying the salaries of civil servants of the Hamas-run government and supporting families not able to cover basic needs in Gaza. The first shipment of Qatari money into Gaza occurred on 11/8. Israeli security officials say that the shipments have opened a window of opportunity for Israel to propose humanitarian solutions for Gaza and possibly to secure a long-term cease-fire. (JP, TOI 12/6; HA, JP, TOI 12/7)

The UN General Assembly votes down a U.S.-proposed resolution condemning Hamas “for repeatedly firing rockets into Israel and for inciting violence, thereby putting civilians at risk,” with only 87 votes in favor (a two-thirds supermajority is required to approve this type of measure). Israeli prime minister Netanyahu tweets, “While it did not achieve a two-thirds majority, this is the first time that a majority of countries have voted against Hamas and I commend each of the 87 countries that took a principled stand against Hamas.” (AP, BBC, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, TOI, YA 12/7)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Hanun. They also open fire on 2 Palestinian children approaching the border fence near Gaza City and Palestinian farmlands near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces dismantle a Palestinian elementary school in Khirbat al-Simia near Hebron. The school was put together recently and comprised a number of mobile, makeshift classrooms. IDF troops shoot and injure 3 Palestinians during clashes sparked by a raid in Jenin refugee camp; arrest 11 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during additional raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron. An Israeli settler driver runs over a Palestinian outside the Efrat settlement near Bethlehem, causing minor injuries. It’s unclear if the collision was an intentional ramming attack. IDF troops shoot and injure 2 Palestinian minors on their way home from school in al-Jaba‘. In East Jerusalem, 152 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 12/5; PCHR 12/6)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki submits a formal complaint to the ICC calling for chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to expedite her preliminary examination into alleged war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories. Bensouda initiated her examination shortly after the Palestinians acceded to the Rome Statue on 1/2/15. Later, Bensouda’s office responds, saying that they have made significant progress toward a decision on whether or not to open a full investigation. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/5)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian amid clashes sparked by an overnight arrest raid in Tulkarm (a video of the incident will circulate later in the week showing that Israeli soldiers shot the man in the back). Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 5 Palestinian commercial buildings in Haris village near Salfit. IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Salfit, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jerusalem, and Tubas; and patrol near Bethlehem and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish 4 Palestinian makeshift commercial structures outside Haris village near Salfit. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Jabal Mukabir, another in Sur Bahir, and 2 small commercial facilities in Bayt Hanina. A Palestinian demolishes his own small parking garage in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Hanun. They also open fire on a Hamas border security post near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/4; PCHR 12/6)

Hours after the IDF announces that it yesterday launched Operation Northern Shield to uncover and demolish “attack” tunnels built by Hezbollah and leading into northern Israel, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says there has already been “operational successes” in the operation. “Whoever tries to harm the State of Israel will pay a heavy price,” he says. “We will continue with further actions—public and clandestine—in order to safeguard the security of Israel.” IDF officers predict it will likely take several weeks to locate and demolish all of the tunnels. Meanwhile, Lebanese president Michel Aoun calls on the Lebanese army to “closely monitor” the IDF activity along the border. (MEMO, HA, HA, HA, JP, JP, TOI 12/4; HA, MNA, MNA 12/5)

Hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s north coast to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on approximately 30 Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; at least 30 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion across Gaza’s border fence to level land near Dayr al-Balah and open fire on a Palestinian bird-hunter approaching the border fence near Bayt Hanun. In East Jerusalem, Israeli MK Yehuda Glick leads a group of 40 right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. A Palestinian demolishes his storehouse, parking area, and staircase in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes and a sheep barn in Fasayil village near Jericho. IDF troops shut down the main street in Bayt Umar while they conduct raids in the village, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest 20 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tubas, Hebron, Nablus; and patrol in and around Nablus, Jenin, and Hebron. (MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/3; MNA 12/4; PCHR 12/6)

The IDF launches a major military operation, dubbed Operation Northern Shield, aimed at exposing and demolishing tunnels stretching from southern Lebanon into northern Israel. Hezbollah has reportedly built a network of such tunnels since 2006. Kicking off the operation, Israeli forces uncover a tunnel stretching 40 meters into Israel and booby-trap it to prevent anyone from entering from the Lebanese side. (HA, JP, JP, TOI, YA 12/4)

Hours before the launch of Operation Northern Shield, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Brussels to discuss recent developments in the Middle East, including Iran’s nuclear program. Netanyahu reportedly tells Pompeo about Operation Northern Shield and asks him to tell the Lebanese government that they need to stop Hezbollah from acquiring precision-guided missiles. (HA, JP, TOI, TOI 12/3)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse dozens of Palestinians gathering in Nablus to protest the detention of several Fatah activists earlier this week; 5 Palestinians are reportedly injured. They violently disperse another protest in central Nablus against the Israeli occupation (1 Palestinian is injured); fire sound bombs and tear gas at Palestinian minors returning from school in central Hebron; arrest 17 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Jenin; and patrol in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli forces seize a tractor from a Palestinian farm outside Bardala in the northern Jordan Valley. Israeli settlers puncture the tires of 4 Palestinian vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Odlah village near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Hizma. In central Israel, right-wing Israeli activists puncture the tires of 32 Palestinian-owned vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in Kafr Kassim. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 12/2; PCHR 12/6)

The Israeli authorities release the PA’s governor in Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, from detention, but they also ban him from entering the West Bank for 2 weeks. Ghaith was arrested during a raid on his home on 11/24. The Israeli authorities also order the release of 32 other East Jerusalem Palestinians held on suspicion of supporting or serving in the PA security forces. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA 12/2)

Israel’s cabinet approves NIS 700 million (approximately $187 million) in funding for a plan to “strengthen the civilian resilience” of communities in southern Israel surrounding Gaza. “They are steadfast and we support them,” Prime Minister Netanyahu says. (TOI 12/2)

The PA Ministry of Agriculture imposes a ban on purchases of lamb from Israel. The move comes amid a drop in lamb prices, and ministry officials say it is an effort to protect Palestinian lamb sellers. (TOI, TOI, WAFA 12/19; TOI 12/27)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently suppress a Palestinian demonstration near the Old City against the poor treatment of Palestinians in Israeli prisons; there are no serious injuries or arrests reported. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/6)

Haaretz reports that 2 U.S. police departments have backed out of a program involving skill-sharing and cooperation with Israeli police officers, following pressure from Palestinian solidarity activists in their communities. This marks the first time in the 20-plus years of the bilateral policing program that a U.S. police department has pulled out due to political pressure. (HA 12/1)

Thousands of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s border fence to continue the Great March of Return. Hamas reportedly orders the protesters to stay away from the fence so as not to provoke any escalation of violence. Nevertheless, IDF troops violently disperse the demonstrations near Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Jabaliya refugee camp; 60 Palestinians are injured. Also along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis and open fire on Palestinian youths approaching the border fence near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians at a Friday protest against the Israeli occupation in 3 villages near Ramallah (Ras Karkar, al-Mughayyir, and Bil‘in) and Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya; 4 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. Israeli forces confiscate a bulldozer from a Palestinian construction site near Salfit. Israeli settlers puncture the tires of several Palestinian-owned vehicles and spray racist graffiti on nearby walls in al-Jaba‘ village near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in al-Salam. (JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; JP 12/1; PCHR 12/6)

A Jordanian laborer assaults and moderately injures 2 Israelis in Eilat. The Israeli police say they suspect the attacker of having political motivations. The Jordanian was in Israel with a work visa. His first day of work in Israel was 11/29. (HA 11/30)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces disperse with tear gas Palestinian students on their way to school in Abu Dis. The students respond by throwing stones at the Israeli forces; there are no reported injuries or damage in the ensuing confrontation. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Salfit, and Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds working near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 11/29; PCHR 12/6)

The Israeli authorities return 25 fishing boats belonging to Palestinian fishermen to the Gaza-based Ministry of Agriculture. The boats were confiscated from fishermen working off Gaza’s coast in recent months. According to the head of the local fishermen’s union, the Israelis still hold 33 fishing boats. (MNA 11/29; HA 12/1)

In Gaza, a Palestinian is seriously injured when he accidentally detonates a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance in Bayt Hanun. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct arrest raids in Talouzah village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian vehicle is damaged and there are no reported injuries. They arrest 5 more Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, and Ramallah; and patrol near Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Jabal Mukabir and a commercial building in Shu‘fat. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28; PCHR 11/29)

Israel’s High Court of Justice rules to grant ownership of 522 dunams (128 acres) of Palestinian land near Bethlehem to the Jewish National Fund, ending a 22-year legal battle. (MNA 11/28; FMEP 12/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential structure in Suba village near Hebron and deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction outside Yatta. Unidentified assailants throw rocks at an Israeli settler vehicle driving near Ramallah, causing minor damage and lightly injuring 1 settler. IDF troops arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Hebron, Tubas, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya, Tulkarm and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police disperse a small protest against the detention of the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, Adnan Ghaith, outside a police station near the Old City; several Palestinians are arrested. Israeli forces also arrest a Palestinian during a raid in the Old City. (TOI, WAFA 11/27; MNA 11/28; PCHR 11/29)

Haaretz reports that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is planning to lay off more than half of its employees in the West Bank and Gaza in the coming weeks, following U.S. president Trump’s decision to slash U.S. aid to the Palestinians earlier this year. (HA, TOI 11/27)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announces that the prime minister is planning to visit Chad soon to re-establish diplomatic ties. The announcement comes hours after Netanyahu meets with Chadian president Idriss Déby in Jerusalem. “The two discussed shared threats and the struggle against terrorism, increased cooperation between the nations in the areas of agriculture, counter terrorism, border security, technology, solar energy, water, health and more,” the prime minister’s office statement reads. (HA, JP, TOI 11/27)

Czech president Milos Zeman formally inaugurates the new Czech House, a cultural center in Jerusalem that he has described as the “first step” toward moving the Czech embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. In a joint press conference with Zeman, Israeli prime minister Netanyahu says, “We have no greater friend than the Czech Republic in the eastern hemisphere.” (HA, JP, TOI 11/27)

In a wide-ranging interview with the Washington Post, U.S. president Donald Trump says that Israel is the “one reason for the U.S. to remain in the Middle East.” He is responding to a question about the future of the U.S. military presence in the Middle East specifically. “Oil is becoming less and less of a reason because we’re producing more oil now than we’ve ever produced.” Meanwhile, Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon says that the Trump administration is planning to release its long-awaited plan for Palestinian-Israeli peace in early 2019. (WP, YA 11/27; HA, MNA, MNA, TOI 11/28)

The Israeli authorities announce the seizure of 66 acres of Catholic Church-owned land in the northern Jordan Valley for “military purposes.” In response, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem says, “The Patriarchate is looking into the aspects of this decision in order to address it in the appropriate manner, have it contested and to stop further damage.” (MNA 11/27; FMEP 12/7)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver at the Gush Etzion junction south of Bethlehem after he allegedly rams his car into a group of Israeli soldiers; 3 Israeli soldiers are injured in the collision. Palestinian eyewitnesses say that the collision only happened after the driver lost control of his vehicle. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Mariha village near Jenin. They also temporarily shut down Beit El checkpoint near Ramallah after a suspicious object is found on the premises. IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during raids near Nablus, Qalqilya, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Hebron; and patrol near Jenin, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Israeli settlers raze 10 dunams (approximately 2.5 acres) of Palestinian land near Nablus, then they set up water lines and prepare to expand settlement infrastructure in the area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 32 Fatah-affiliated Palestinians suspected of working for or otherwise supporting the PA’s security forces during raids across the city. Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians gather along Gaza’s northern coast to continue the Great March of Return and to cheer on a handful of Palestinian boats sailing in a symbolic challenge to the Israeli blockade. IDF troops and Israeli naval forces violently disperse the demonstrations; 19 Palestinians are injured. Also off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 11/26; MNA 11/27; PCHR 11/29)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians gathering near the Old City to protest the detention of Adnan Ghaith, the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, on 11/24; 1 protester is arrested. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers puncture the tires of 4 Palestinian vehicles and leave racist graffiti on nearby walls in al-Mughayyir near Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 15 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem; and patrol in and around Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a Hamas border control office near al-Maghazi refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/25; TOI 11/26; PCHR 11/29)

Along Gaza’s border fence, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian shepherds and bird-hunters near Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp late at night, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uproot 35 olive trees from a Palestinian grove outside Turmus ‘Ayya near Ramallah. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin and Bethlehem; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raid a Palestinian high school in Issawiyya, firing sound bombs toward the classrooms and sparking minor clashes; there are no reported injuries. They also arrest Adnan Ghaith, the PA’s governor of Jerusalem, during a raid on his home in Silwan. Ghaith was previously arrested on 10/21 and 11/1. A police spokesperson says only that today’s arrest has to do with money-related issues. The Israeli press reports that Ghaith is suspected of being involved with the selling of a contested piece of property in East Jerusalem. Other reports indicate that Ghaith is suspected of working with the PA’s security forces, which is forbidden for East Jerusalem residents under Israeli law, and with meeting PA officials and activists, which he was barred from doing after his arrest on 10/21. (HA, JP, MNA, MNA 11/25; AFP, TOI 11/26; PCHR 11/29)