The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed demolition notices to a Palestinian family in Jenin and for several houses and animal barns in Fasayil in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces also demolished a water irrigation pipeline in Bardala. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and Jericho. During the raid near Jericho, 2 Palestinians were injured and hospitalized after confrontations with Israeli forces. Israeli settlers threw stones at 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle near Nablus, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in Bayt Hanina and a house under construction in Jabal Mukabir. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen west of Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian was injured and damage to equipment was reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian bird hunters east of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions to level land near Khan Yunis. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/4; PCHR 2/6)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu backtracked on his announcement that Israel would immediately start annexing the Jordan Valley following his meeting with U.S. president Donald Trump on 1/28. Prime Minister Netanyahu now said that Israel would start annexing the Jordan Valley after the Israeli elections on 3/2. Netanyahu’s decision to wait was reportedly made after pressure from U.S. senior advisor to the president Jared Kushner. (HA 2/4)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian school in ‘Ayn Bus was set on fire, damaging classrooms, and racist Hebrew graffiti was painted on the building. Israeli forces seized tracts of land north of Hebron to expand an Israeli settlement. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Biddu, Bethlehem Tubas, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jenin. During a raid in Jenin, Israeli forces confiscated a vehicle and cash. Palestinians protested the U.S. administration’s version of a peace plan in several places throughout the West Bank; at least 12 Palestinians were reported injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned store in Wadi al-Juz. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during raids in Silwan and the Old City, and 5 at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Palestinians also protested the U.S. administration’s peace plan. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28; PCHR 1/30)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted in the 3 corruption cases against him. Prime Minister Netanyahu had earlier on that day, before the indictment, withdrawn his request for immunity from prosecution. (AJ, HA 1/28)

U.S. president Donald Trump, flanked by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, presented the U.S. administration’s version of a peace plan, which on all contentious issues took maximalist Israeli positions. The plan presented a vision for 2 states; however, the map of these 2 “states” presented with the plan showed a carved-up West Bank where the majority of Israeli settlements and the Jordan Valley were annexed by Israel. A swath of land in Israel, where some 250,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel live, would be annexed to the Palestinian “state.” Some land in Israel along the Egyptian border would also be part of the Palestinian state. Jerusalem would become part of Israel and the Palestinian capitol would be east of Jerusalem on the West Bank side of the separation border. Gaza and the West Bank would be connected by a bridge or a tunnel. The Palestinian state would be demilitarized, including disarming Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ). Israel would control all of Palestine’s international borders. There would be no right of return for Palestinians as “[t]heir Arab brothers have the moral responsibility to integrate them into their countries as the Jews were integrated into the State of Israel.” Furthermore, the peace plan would allow Jews to pray on Haram al-Sharif and the PA would have to stop paying stipends to families of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Palestinians, according to the plan, would have 4 years after the “peace deal” was signed to achieve the right to their own state. (BBC, NPR, NYT, REU 1/28; AJ, HA 1/29; HA 1/30)

The Palestinian leadership’s response to the U.S. administration’s vision of a peace plan was condemnation. PA president Mahmoud Abbas said that “Trump and Netanyahu declared the slap of the century, not the deal. And we will respond with slaps.” At President Abbas’s speech were representatives from Hamas and PIJ. Hamas said Abbas had spoken with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and that the 2 had agreed to stand together in unity on the matter. Abbas also called for an urgent session at the Arab League to discuss the U.S. peace plan. (AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 1/28)

Shortly after the U.S. peace plan was released, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he would convene the Israeli cabinet on 2/1 to start annexing Israeli settlements, the Jordan Valley, and the northern Dead Sea. Jared Kushner, senior advisor to President Trump, said shortly after Netanyahu’s announcement that he did not believe that Israel would start annexing West Bank settlements on 2/1, contradicting the Israeli prime minister. (HA, HA, HA 1/29)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was injured by Israeli forces using live ammunition when clashes erupted during a late-night raid in Tubas. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Nablus. During the Jenin raid, a Palestinian was hospitalized after being hit by a rubber-coated bullet. Separately, during a late-night raid in Bayt Furik, Israeli forces confiscated 362 Jordanian Dinars ($510) and 12,070 NIS ($3,500). Israeli forces prevented a farmer from working his land and seized 2 tractors near Bayt Dajan, and seized 3 residential tents in Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 2 Palestinian-owned houses in Silwan. In an effort suppress Fatah members and supporters celebrating the party’s 55-year anniversary in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested Fatah’s secretary-general in Jerusalem in Wadi al-Juz and 1 Fatah activist in Issawiyya. Israeli forces also removed several Fatah flags from Silwan, al-Tur, and Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/1; PCHR 1/2)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had decided to request immunity from prosecution by the Knesset in the 3 criminal cases against him. The Knesset House Committee has to discuss Prime Minister Netanyahu’s request according to Israeli law, and if the committee approves his request, it will go to a vote in the Knesset. However, the House Committee is not expected to assemble before the March elections as it has not been appointed since the Knesset was 1st dissolved in April 2019. Netanyahu also resigned his positions as minister of Health, Welfare, Agriculture, and Diaspora Affairs as required by the indictment against him in the 3 criminal cases. Israel has no law against removing the prime minister from office while indicted. Netanyahu said he would appoint replacements for the 4 ministries in the coming days. (HA 1/1; HA 1/2)

In Baghdad, Iraqi protesters continued attacking the U.S. embassy for the 2d day in a row; however, the crowd was much smaller and no protester breached the gates to the embassy compound. By the end of the day, protesters had vacated the area on orders from the Popular Mobilisation Forces, an Iraqi government-sanctioned paramilitary umbrella organization. (AJ, AJ, NYT, WP 1/1)

In the West Bank, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Nablus, Salfit, Jericho, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces struck several targets, causing damage; no injuries were reported. An IDF spokesperson said that the attack was in response to a rocket fired at Israel on 12/25. Israeli forces also made incursions east of Rafah. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; HA, HA 12/27; PCHR 1/2)

The organizing committee of the Great March of Return announced the suspension of the weekly Great March of Return protest to the end of March 2020. The announcement also declared that from April 2020, the protest would be monthly instead of weekly. (AJ, HA 12/26)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu won the Likud leadership primary over his rival Gideon Sa’ar with 72.5 percent of the vote. Netanyahu said in his victory speech that he would work toward U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and all Israeli settlements in the West Bank. (AJ 12/26; AJ, HA 12/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized a Palestinian-owned car during a late-night raid in Salfit. Israeli forces and Palestinians clashed at the entrance to al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested during the confrontation. Another 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Hebron and 1 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Bayt Hanun. In Israel, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rushed offstage during a speech in Ashqelon after a rocket was fired from Gaza; the rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. (WAFA, WAFA 12/25; CNN, HA, PCHR 12/26; HA, HA 12/27)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Issawiyya and Silwan. (WAFA, WAFA 9/2)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh expressed “great concern” over news that Israel and the U.S. were planning to implement parts of the economic peace deal announced at the June Manama workshop. So far, a field hospital is being constructed near the Erez crossing funded and operated by a U.S. evangelical Christian group FriendShips. FriendShips advertise that its medical volunteers will be able “to see and enjoy the Biblical sites of Israel when not working on the site in Gaza.” (TOI 12/1; WAFA 12/2; REU 12/3)

The organizing committee of the Great March of Return protests announced that it would resume planning weekly protests after canceling them for 3 weeks due to tensions between Gaza and Israel. (HA 12/2)

In the West Bank, 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Bayt Awa, Yatta, and Bethlehem; 1 at a flying checkpoint near Jenin. 1 Palestinian teenager was hospitalized after being beaten by Israeli forces during a daytime raid near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during daytime raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/5)

Israel’s defense minister Naftali Bennett ordered the “planning processes to be advanced” for new settler housing in Hebron. The plan includes development of a closed fruit and vegetable market for settler housing. According to Defense Minister Bennett, the new settlement housing “will create territorial continuation from the Cave of the Patriarchs [al-Ibrahimi Mosque] to the Avraham Avinu neighborhood, and double the number of Jewish residents in the city.” PLO’s secretary general Saeb Erakat said in a tweet that Bennett’s announcement was the “first tangible result of the U.S. decision to legitimize colonization,” referring to U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo’s announcement from 11/18 that the U.S. no longer considers the Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law. Defense Minister Bennett also sent a letter to the Palestinian municipal government of Hebron demanding consent for the demolition of the fruit and vegetable market, threatening that Bennett would start legal proceedings to lift the municipality’s protected status over the site. (AJ, AP, HA, WAFA, WAFA 12/1; HA 12/8)

The Israeli cabinet approved an allocation of 40 million shekels ($11.5 million) for construction of 1st-aid stations and security in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The chairperson of the Joint Arab List Ayman Odeh subsequently sent a letter to the Israeli attorney general demanding an examination of the constitutionality of the allocation, saying that the approval “raise[s] a grave suspicion of a budget allocation in exchange for a political favor.” (HA 12/1)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. president Donald Trump spoke on the phone and, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the 2 discussed recognizing the Jordan Valley as Israel’s official eastern border in addition to a defense pact and Iran. (HA, TOI 12/2)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian was killed and 1 injured when an Israeli bulldozer crashed into a vehicle west of Hebron. Israeli forces punitively demolished 4 homes of alleged attackers in Bayt Kahil near Hebron, demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Asira, and razed a tract of farmland near Husan. Israeli forces also stopped PA minister of culture Atef Abu Saif at the Qalandia checkpoint and told him he was banned from East Jerusalem. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Ramallah, Hebron and, Nablus. Israeli settlers set fire to a Palestinian-owned vehicle and vandalized houses with racist graffiti northwest of Ramallah, cut 30 olive trees in al-Sawiya, and vandalized 4 vehicles in Dayr ‘Ammar. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City. In Israel, 40 vehicles were vandalized and racist graffiti was sprayed on walls in the predominantly Palestinian town of Jaljulia. (HA, HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28; PCHR 12/5)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his government will transfer $11.5 million for West Bank settlements during a meeting with settler councils. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement comes 1 week after he was indicted in the 3 corruption cases against him. (HA 11/29)

The far-right government that took power after the coup in Bolivia announced that it will renew Bolivia’s diplomatic ties with Israel. The 2 counties have not had diplomatic ties since Operation Cast Lead in 2009. (HA 11/28)

The governments of the Brussels and Wallonia regions of Belgium said they had pulled out of a planned trade delegation going to Israel, citing Israeli violations of international law and lack of progress in the peace process. (HA 12/1)

Japan provided a grant of $89,000 for the construction of 3 classrooms in Awarta. (WAFA 11/28)

In the West Bank, 26 Palestinians were injured when Israeli settlers and military escort toured Joseph’s Tomb, leading to clashes; 15 Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated bullets, 11 others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces struck at least 3 targets, causing damage but no injuries. (AJ 11/26; WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/27; PCHR 11/28)

Israel started construction to expand the Nof Tzion settlement in Jabal Mukabir of East Jerusalem. The settlement will be the largest in East Jerusalem when the construction finishes. 96 Israeli settler families currently live in the settlement and an additional 476 settlement units are expected be constructed. (HA 11/27)

The committee behind the Great March of Return canceled the weekly protest scheduled for 11/29 for the 3d week in a row. In a statement, the committee said that they wanted to prevent Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu from being able to distract from his own pollical and personal issue by shedding blood. (HA 11/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a shack housing 11 people east of Yatta. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bayt Umar, al-Shuyukh, and Dahaysha refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith during a house raid in Silwan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmland on 2 separate occasions east of Khuza‘a and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen on 2 separate occasions off the shore of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 11/21; PCHR 11/28)

Israel’s attorney general Avichai Mendelblit announced that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be charged with bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in the corruption cases 1000, 2000, and 4000. (HA, HA, NYT 11/21; CNN 11/22)

107 members of U.S. congress signed a letter sent to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticizing the decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal under international law, announced on 11/18. The letter was initiated by Andy Levin (D-MI) and expressed “strong disagreement with the State Department’s decision to reverse decades of bipartisan U.S. policy on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.” The members of congress further warned that the U.S. administration’s policies have “discredited the United States as an honest broker between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.” (HA 11/23)

The Netherlands announced that it will stop paying $1.5 million yearly in aid to the PA because of the stipends the PA pays to families of Palestinian prisoners and families of Palestinians killed by Israel. Israel frames these payments as “terrorist salaries.” The head of the Palestinian Prisoners’ Association said, “From a Palestinian perspective, the payments are meant to assist the families of Palestinians who are imprisoned by Israel for various political charges.” Pro-Israel lobbies in the Netherlands have tried to persuade the country from contributing to the PA. (AJ, HA 11/21)

The United Arab Emirates announced a new $12.5 million contribution to UNRWA. (WAFA 11/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 6 houses near Ramallah. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian-owned house in al-Suwana; and demolished a shed and razed Palestinian-owned land in Issawiyya. PA Jerusalem Governor Adnan Gheith was summoned for interrogation. In Gaza, Israeli forces shot down a drone flying over Gaza. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinian farmland on 2 separate occasions east of Khan Yunis and Bayt Hanun. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/29; PCHR 10/31)

Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel in protest over Israel holding 2 Jordanian citizens in administrative detention; 1 has been held since 8/20 and the other since 9/2. Jordan’s foreign minister Ayman al-Safadi also demanded that Israel release the 2 Jordanians, calling administrative detention illegal. (AJ, HA 10/30)

Lebanon’s prime minister Sa’d Hariri resigned after days of protest against his government. (AJ, HA 10/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned vehicles and defaced buildings with racist graffiti in Yatma. Israeli forces also fired sound bombs and tear gas during a raid on a wedding ceremony east of Hebron. 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Tulkarm, and 2 were arrested during clashes in Hebron. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian photojournalist covering a raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian minor at a mosque in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on a Palestinian sanitation truck, causing damage. In Gaza, 95 Palestinians were injured during the 80th weekly Great March of Return protest, including 36 by live ammunition; others were injured by rubber-coated bullets and tear gas. (PCHR, WAFA 10/25; PCHR 10/31)

Malaysia announced that the country would open an embassy to Palestine in Jordan. Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said, “[w]e know that Israel will not allow Malaysia to open an embassy in the Occupied Territory. As such, we will open the embassy in Jordan.” (WAFA 10/25)

In the West Bank, for the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement clashed with Israeli forces. Israeli settlers also damaged a Palestinian-owned home near Jalud. Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian minor who allegedly was throwing stones near Qalqilya. Israeli forces handed out notices in Qaryut informing residents of plans to seize 700 dunams (173 acres) of Palestinian-owned land. Elsewhere, in ‘Azun, Israeli forces closed a metal gate on an eastern entrance and put up a flying checkpoint on the western entrance to the town. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 at a checkpoint in Qalqilya; and 1 during a house raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound; at the same time, Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians in the area. In Gaza, the Erez border crossing was closed by Israel. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21; PCHR 10/24)

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Reuven Rivlin that he was not able to form a government, handing the coalition building efforts to his rival Benny Gantz. (HA 10/21)

After 5 days of protests in Lebanon, the Lebanese cabinet approved new measures to deal with the country’s economic crisis, including cutting the salaries of top officials in half. Prime Minister Sa’d Hariri said that the measures would reduce the country’s deficit by $3.4 billion in 2020. (HA 10/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized agricultural tools near Bethlehem. Protesters in Ramallah sealed off the offices of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Ramallah, demanding action on behalf of a Palestinian prisoner said to be in critical condition after torture during his interrogation on 9/25. 2 Palestinians were arrested at a flying checkpoint between Bethlehem and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 4 Palestinian-owned sheep barns in Jabal Mukabir. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles from Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also opened fire on agricultural lands northeast of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/2; PCHR 10/3)

In Israel, the pre-indictment hearings in the 3 corruption cases against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began. (AJ 10/2)

In Aachen, Germany, a Lebanese artist was denied a prize because the mayor of the city deemed that the artist supported BDS and had refused to distance himself from the movement. (WAFA 10/3; WAFA 10/4)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man was rushed to a hospital in Ramallah after being beaten by Israeli forces at a checkpoint outside of Ramallah. Israeli forces also arrested 19 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers slashed tires and sprayed racist graffiti on walls in Duma village. Israeli forces razed land and demolished 1 house and 2 greenhouses in al-Walaja. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Khan Yunis. Israeli forces also arrested 1 Palestinian at the Erez crossing. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/16; PCHR 9/19)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with the Israeli Army Radio that he “intends to extend [Israeli] sovereignty on all the settlements and the [settlement] blocs . . . sites that have security importance or are important to Israel’s heritage.” PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said in response that the “Jordan Valley is part of Palestinian lands and any settlement or annexation is illegal,” further stating that the PA will sue Israel in international courts. (AJ, WAFA 9/16)

In the West Bank, 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid near Tulkarm; 3 were arrested during a daytime raid near Salfit; and 1 was arrested at a flying checkpoint near Nablus for allegedly carrying a gun. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian homes in Hebron, smashing several windows using rocks. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in the Old City and Issawiyya. Israeli settlers razed land and set up caravans and construction material in Jabal al-Mintar, intending to build an illegal outpost. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands and shepherds east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions to level land east of Rafah. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/15; PCHR 9/19)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas issued a decision to refer a number of Palestinian judges to early retirement based on the recommendation of the Transitional Judicial Council. (WAFA 9/15)

The Israeli government approved its proposal to legalize the Mevo’ot Yeriho settlement in the Jordan Valley at a meeting in the area. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the final approval will be given by the next government after the Israeli elections on 9/17. Netanyahu also said that the U.S. peace plan would be released immediately after the Israeli elections. A PA presidential spokesperson criticized the Israeli decision to hold the cabinet meeting in the Jordan Valley. (HA, WAFA 9/15)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians during a raid in al-‘Arub refugee camp, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 2 caravans, 1 tent, 1 solar panel, and 2 rooms near Yatta. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Birzeit, Yatta, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 2 buildings under construction in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces shelled multiple locations throughout the area; causing damage but no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/11; PCHR 9/12)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Facebook page had an automated pop-up message, warning voters that “Arabs want to annihilate us all—women, children, and men,” and urged voters not to vote for a left-wing government “that relies on Arabs who want to destroy us all.” Joint List chairperson Ayman Odeh said that he had reached out to Facebook to end Netanyahu’s “racist and dangerous incitement against the Arab population.” (HA 9/11)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian journalist was injured by Israeli forces while covering a protest organized by students from Birzeit University at a checkpoint north of Ramallah. Later in a separate incident, a Palestinian child was injured by a rubber-coated bullet to the chest fired by Israeli forces in Bayt Rima; 1 Palestinian was arrested during the incident. An additional 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus. Israeli forces also demolished an agricultural building near Tarqumiyya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian turned himself in to the police after Israeli forces had raided his home and handed his family an arrest summons. 2 other Palestinians were arrested during daytime raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural land on 2 separate occasions; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces also made incursions to level land east of al-Bureij refugee camp. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/9; WAFA 9/10; PCHR 9/12)

Israel’s high court of justice ruled that Israel is permitted to hold the bodies of accused terrorists for the purpose of negotiating with terrorist organizations, overturning a previous ruling by the court. (HA, WAFA 9/9)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Israel had uncovered sites of Iran’s nuclear program. Iran refuted Netanyahu’s accusation. (HA 9/9; AJ, HA 9/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 8 Palestinians, including 7 during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Halhul, and Salfit, and 1 at a flying checkpoint in Hebron; among the arrested at a late-night raid in Ramallah was 1 Palestinian instructor from Birzeit University in Ramallah. Israeli forces also conducted house raids in Zabbuba near Jenin; no arrests were reported. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian-owned vehicles travelling on a road northeast of Ramallah, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. 1 Palestinian demolished his store in Silwan after receiving a demolition order by Israeli authorities. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1; PCHR 9/5)

After more than 340 Palestinians had been arrested in Issawiyya in East Jerusalem during the summer, it was reported that the Israeli police, the Jerusalem Municipality, and residents of Issawiyya had come to an agreement on limiting Israeli operations in Issawiyya. The agreement includes that residents of Issawiyya cancel a school strike on 9/2, the 1st day of the school year. (HA 9/1)

According to the Palestinian Energy Authority, Qatar will be cutting the amount of fuel it funds for Gaza by 50 percent, causing the hours of electricity available in Gaza to drop from 8 hours per day to 5 or 6. (HA 9/1)

At a visit to the Israeli settlement of Elkana, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that that he aspires to apply Israeli sovereignty to all Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Netanyahu’s announcement comes 2 weeks before the Israeli general election. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/1)

The al-Kasom Regional Council in the Negev, which presides over a large Bedouin community, announced that 17,000 students would not start the school year as planned on 9/2 as the Israeli education ministry had not given it enough money to begin the school year as planned. (HA 9/1)

Israeli forces and Hezbollah operatives exchanged missiles near the border of Israel and Lebanon. According to Hezbollah, it fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli military vehicles. The Israeli military and Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that it had hit the Hezbollah cell that fired the anti-tank missiles with “100 shells, aerial fire and various measures.” (HA 9/1; AJ, AJ, HA 9/2; HA 9/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces sealed off ‘Azun east of Qalqilya. Israeli forces also demolished and confiscated a barrack and confiscated a welding machine and other tools in Dura near Hebron. Israeli forces arrested 21 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers with military escort performed religious rituals and prayers at Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus, leading to confrontations with local residents suffering tear gas inhalation. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces handed demolition orders for several structures to Palestinians in Issawiyya. Israeli forces also arrested 2 Palestinians, 1 during a late-night raid in the Old City and 1 during a raid at Haram al-Sharif. (WAFA, WAFA 8/19; WAFA 8/20; PCHR 8/22)

An Israeli official said that Israel had been in contact with countries in the Middle East to facilitate Palestinians in Gaza emigrating. The official also said that Israel would pay for the flights of Palestinians wanting to leave Gaza; however according to the official, no country had been willing to allow Palestinians from Gaza to immigrate to their country via the Israeli proposal. (HA 8/20)

At a press conference with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ukraine’s newly inaugurated president Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his administration would open an investment center in Jerusalem. According to Haaretz, Israeli had hoped that Ukraine would have moved its embassy to Jerusalem. (HA 8/19)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was killed near the Migdal Oz settlement; there was no identified suspect. After the settler’s body was found, Israeli forces set up roadblocks in the area south of Bethlehem. Israeli settlers later in the day threw stones at Palestinian vehicles north of Ramallah. Israeli authorities gave demolition notices for 4 residential houses and an industrial structure in Bayt Awa near Hebron. Israeli forces seized a Palestinian-owned tractor in Ras al-Ahmar in the Jordan Valley. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin, Kafr Nimeh, and Jalazun. In East Jerusalem, some 260 Israeli settlers with police escort toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 2 Palestinians were arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/8)

In the aftermath of the murder of the Israeli settler, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Palestinians for the murder of the settler and vowed more Israeli settlements in the West Bank. (HA 8/8)

In the West Bank, 4 Palestinians were arrested during 3 late-night raids in Jenin and 1 at a checkpoint east of Tulkarm. Israeli forces also demolished a house under construction in Wadi Rahal south of Bethlehem. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians near Nabi Saleh, northwest of Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya and Shu’fat. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. By the Gaza fence, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 8/4; PCHR 8/8)

Israel’s Higher Planning Committee approved plans for 2,304 Israeli settlement housing units in the West Bank. (PeaceNow 8/4; AJ, MDW 8/6)

The PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh announced that since Israel demolished Palestinian-owned buildings in Area A and B on 6/22, the PA would no longer consider the West Bank divided into separate areas, but all under PA control. (WAFA 8/4)

The PA also announced that it would pay out 60% of civil servants’ salaries for July. The PA has been paying only 60% of salaries since February this year due to its financial crisis. (WAFA 8/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished a car wash and a carpentry shop in Kafr Haris near Salfit. Israeli forces also razed farmland in al-Buqa‘a near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Israel, Israeli forces demolished the bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 148th time. While the village was being demolished, 1 of its residents was arrested. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 7/25; WAFA 7/26)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas tweeted that the PA is ending all agreements signed with Israel, including security cooperation. The announcement came after Israel’s continued holding back of Palestinian tax revenue and demolition of 13 apartment buildings in Areas A and B on 7/22. Before Abbas’s announcement, the PA’s prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said that the division between Areas A, B, and C no longer exists, as Israel violated PA sovereignty in Area A on 7/22. Also on 7/22, the PLO’s secretary general Saeb Erakat made a similar announcement to that of President Abbas’s. (WAFA, WAFA 7/25; AJ, HA 7/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti on several structures, including a mosque, and punctured the tires of 3 vehicles in Kafr Malik near Ramallah. Israeli settlers also uprooted 30 olive trees near Bani Na‘im. Israeli forces arrested 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah. Israeli authorities also approved cutting down around 2,000 olive trees south of Bethlehem. In Gaza, 5 Palestinians were hospitalized after suffering from tear gas inhalation east of Rafah. In the Israeli city of Afula, local Jewish Israelis, including the city’s mayor, protested the sale of a home to a Palestinian-Israeli family. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/16; HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/17)

The Israeli Jerusalem municipality approved naming streets in the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem after Jewish rabbis. (HA 6/17)

The chairman of Qatar’s National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza Mohammed al-Emadi met Israeli and Palestinian officials in Israel and Gaza to discuss the implementation of the cease-fire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in May. The Qatari delegation also delivered $20 million for vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza and for humanitarian projects. Some 108,000 families will receive $400 in 4 $100 payments. (HA 6/16; HA 6/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a sign for a planned community in the Golan Heights called Trump Heights, named after U.S. president Donald Trump. Netanyahu decided to dedicate a settlement construction project to President Trump after Trump unilaterally recognized Israel’s annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights. (HA 6/16)

U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt told The Jerusalem Post that the U.S. administration may delay the unveiling of the U.S. peace plan until November 2019 because of the upcoming Israeli elections in September. In the interview, Greenblatt also said that he supports U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman’s statement from 6/8 that Israel has a right to annex parts of the West Bank. (AJ, HA 6/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers slashed the tires of 2 Palestinian-owned vehicles and sprayed racist graffiti on the walls of a mosque, a clinic, and residential structures in ‘Ayn Bus near Nablus. It was reported that the settlers were from the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli forces razed 1.2 acres of Palestinian-owned land in Asira near Nablus to expand an Israeli military camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 3 employees from the Islamic Waqf in the Old City of Jerusalem. In Gaza, for the 2d day in a row, a rocket exchange unfolded in Gaza after Israeli forces said that a rocket from Gaza had hit a building in Sderot, causing damage but no injuries. Israeli forces then bombed targets on a beach near Gaza City and in Khan Yunis, causing damage but no injuries. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/13; AJ, HA, WAFA 6/14)

Hamas prisoners in Israeli prisons threatened a hunger strike because the Israeli Prison Service breached an agreement made with prisoners in April. The prisoners claim that the prison service reinstalled cellphone-jamming devices in a wing of Ramon Prison. (HA 6/13)

At an Israeli Jerusalem municipality event attended by the Israeli mayor of Jerusalem and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a large screen displayed the Jerusalem skyline but with the Dome of the Rock removed from the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA 6/14)

U.S. officials blamed Iran for explosions, damaging 2 oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Iran denied responsibility for the explosions. (AJ 6/13; HA 6/14)

A senior adviser to the EU Court of Justice said that EU law requires products from Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank to be labeled as such, rather than from Israel. (CURIA, F24 6/13)

In the West Bank, 10 Palestinians were reported arrested by Israeli forces. In East Jerusalem, clashes between Israeli police and Muslim worshippers erupted after 120 Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound on the Israeli-celebrated Jerusalem Day, which included a flag march through the Old City. 1 Palestinian was injured with a head injury after being beaten by Israeli police and others suffered from tear gas inhalation. The march also left much of East Jerusalem closed to Palestinians. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids and throughout the day. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2)

The Israeli state comptroller criticized the Israeli and Jerusalem authorities for neglecting social services in East Jerusalem such as garbage disposal and street cleaning. The state comptroller also criticized the waiting time for East Jerusalem Palestinians seeking Israeli citizenship. (HA 6/2)

An Israeli police officer was charged with fracturing the leg of a Palestinian citizen of Israel and assaulting 7 others detained at a demonstration in Haifa in 2018. (HA 6/2)

Israel struck targets in Syria for the 2d day in a row. 2 people were reportedly killed and 2 others injured when Israeli missiles hit buildings at a Syrian military base in Homs. (HA 6/3; HA 6/4)

Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said of the still-unannounced U.S. peace plan that Egypt would not accept terms against Palestinian wishes. (HA 6/3)

U.S. president Donald Trump said of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to form a government that he is “not happy” with the outcome and that Israeli politicians “should get their act together.” (HA 6/3)

U.S. special adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump Jared Kushner said, when asked if he believed that Palestinians were capable of governing themselves, that “we’ll have to see. The hope is that they, over time, will become capable of governing.” Kushner would also not confirm if the U.S. peace plan includes 2 states. “I do think they should have self-determination. I’m going to leave the details until we come out with the plan.” (AJ 6/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 2 residential tents, a barn, and a fodder storage belonging to 1 Palestinian family in the northern Jordan Valley. In a similar but separate incident also in the northern part of the Jordan Valley, 1 Palestinian family had 2 residential tents and 3 barns demolished by Israeli forces. (WAFA, WAFA 5/30)

Prefabricated classrooms donated to Palestinian schoolchildren in the West Bank by the EU that were seized by Israel in October 2018 were announced to be auctioned by the Israeli civil administration. (Guardian 5/31)

The Israeli housing ministry published tenders for the construction of 805 housing units in East Jerusalem. (PeaceNow 5/30; HA 6/1)

Despite receiving a 2-week extension by the Israeli president Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to form a government, prompting a 2d round of elections to be held in September. (HA 5/30)

The 2 Trump administration officials leading the Middle East peace team, Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the 3d day of their trip rallying support for the U.S. peace plan and the upcoming summit in Bahrain. The U.S. delegation brought Netanyahu a gift from U.S. president Donald Trump: an updated State Department map with the Golan Heights incorporated into Israel proper. Trump made an arrow pointing at the Golan Heights, wrote the word “nice,” and signed the map. (HA 5/28; HA 5/30; QUDS 5/31)

The EU contributed $17 million to the PA to help pay for civil servant and pensioners salaries. The EU contribution was given as Israel continues to withhold tax revenue from the PA. (WAFA 5/30)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian living on the Israeli side of the separation fence, but in a village attached to the West Bank, had his entry permit to Israel revoked by Israeli authorities. The move rendered him homeless as he is unable to return to his home. Elsewhere in the West Bank, 15 Palestinian families were ordered to evacuate their homes in the Jordan Valley for Israeli military drills. In Gaza, a number of incendiary balloons sent from Gaza were said to have landed in Israel. (AJ, HA, WAFA 5/29)

Israeli authorities announced that they had reduced the Gaza fishing zone from 15 nautical miles to 10. (AJ, HA 5/29)

The 2 Trump administration officials leading the Middle East peace team, Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, met with King Abdullah of Jordan in Amman to discuss June’s Palestinian-Israeli peace summit in Bahrain. The 2 are scheduled to meet with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on May 30. CNN reported that King Abdullah told the U.S. delegation that any peace agreement must be based on 2 states, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. (HA 5/28; CNN 5/29)

Florida governor Ron DeSantis (R) held a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. The meeting prompted several organizations in Florida to file a complaint in court, arguing that having the cabinet meeting in Jerusalem violated the Florida constitution. At the meeting, DeSantis signed a bill prohibiting anti-Semitism in Florida public schools and universities. The bill mentions certain criticisms of Israel as anti-Semitic. (TBT 5/28; HA 5/30)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Abu Dis and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Israel, a Palestinian citizen of Israel was killed by an unknown perpetrator. His death marks the 25th Palestinian citizen of Israel to be killed inside Israel this year. (HA, WAFA 5/29)

The PA announced that civil servants in the West Bank and Gaza would only receive 60 percent of their salaries for May as Israel continues to withhold Palestinian tax revenues. (WAFA 5/28)

The 2 Trump administration officials leading the Middle East peace team, Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, met with King Mohammed VI of Morocco to discuss June’s Palestinian-Israeli peace summit in Bahrain. Kushner and Greenblatt are scheduled to meet King Abdullah of Jordan on 29 May and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 30 May. (HA 5/28)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo told a group of Jewish-American leaders at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations that the U.S. peace plan might be “unexecutable.” He also told the audience that if Israel starts to annex the West Bank, the U.S would consider “What would be the best ways to achieve the outcomes that we think are in America and Israel’s best interests.” Pompeo’s statements were secretly recorded and published in the Washington Post. (AJ, WAPO 6/2; HA 6/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinian during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jericho, and Halhul. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested by Israeli forces during a late-night raid. (WAFA 5/21)

PA social development minister Ahmed Majdalani said that, “There will be no Palestinian participation in the Manama workshop,” and further stipulated that, “Any Palestinian who would take part would be nothing but a collaborator for the Americans and Israel.” The message came in response to the White House announcement that the economic component of U.S. president Donald Trump’s peace plan would be presented in Bahrain in June. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said that, “The [Palestinian] cabinet wasn’t consulted about the reported workshop, neither over the content, nor the outcome nor timing.” (AJ, HA, WAFA 5/20)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with the Emir of Qatar Shaykh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani during the 1st day of a 3-day meeting. (WAFA 5/20)

Four hundred out of 535 members of the U.S. congress signed a letter to President Donald Trump calling on him to support Israel. The letter read, “With the region in flux, it remains critical that we reiterate to both friend and foe in the region that we continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself.” (HA 5/21)

Trump tweeted that, “If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!” Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif called Trump’s tweet a genocidal taunt in a separate tweet. (HA 5/20)