The Palestine Chronology

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, 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, 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 settlers stole olive harvest in Qaryut and flooded 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of Palestinian farmland planted with olive trees with sewage waste in al-Jaba‘. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Israeli forces at Yitzhar settlement. Israeli forces delivered notices that 2,522 dunams (623 acres) of land would be seized, including 2,000 in al-Jaba‘, 372 south of Hebron, and 150 near Bayt Liqya. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-Ram, Yatta, Nablus, Jenin, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces summoned 2 members of the parents’ committee that organized a school strike in Issawiyya on 11/2 in protest over Israeli forces breaking into the school and arresting 1 student; 1 of the 2 members was arrested and clashes between Israeli forces and local Palestinians broke out, resulting in the arrest of 3 Palestinian minors. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/4; HA, HA 11/5; PCHR 11/7)

The Israeli housing cabinet approved the controversial cable car project which would connect Western Jerusalem with East Jerusalem’s Old City. The project is currently under review by Israel’s attorney general and it would need a final procedural approval by the Israeli government. The project, if approved, would likely be challenged in the Israeli high court of justice. (HA 11/4; CNN 11/5 BBC 11/6)

After Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel on 10/29 in protest of Israel holding 2 Jordanian citizens in administrative detention, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the 2 would be released to Jordan. (HA 11/4)

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, 1 Palestinian woman was killed by Israeli forces using live ammunition by a checkpoint in Qalandia after allegedly trying to stab an Israeli soldier. Israeli forces also chopped down more than 100 olive trees in Burqin, delivered stop-work orders for a number of houses under construction in Barta‘a, razed 145 dunams (35.8 acres) of agricultural land for expansion of the Karni Shomron settlement near Qalqilya, and demolished 2 agricultural structures in Atuf in the Jordan Valley. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Aida refugee camp and 1 at a checkpoint near Jaba‘. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces handed demolition orders for several homes in Issawiyya. In Gaza, 7 Palestinians were injured after rockets fired from Gaza landed inside the territory. Separately, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural land east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/18; PCHR 9/19)

A day after the general elections in Israel, it remained unclear which of the 2 top contenders, Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, would be able to form a government coalition. (AJ, HA 9/18)

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, Israeli forces arrested 17 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Ramallah, Tubas, Jenin, Hebron, and Nablus. In Gaza, an Israeli drone was intercepted by Hamas. Later, rockets were fired from Gaza into Israel, close to where Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was addressing a crowd; he was subsequently evacuated. Israel then struck 15 different targets in Gaza, causing damage but no injuries were reported. Israel forces also opened fire near the Gaza fence; no injuries were reported. (HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/10; HA, HA, WAFA 9/11; PCHR 9/12)

Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that, if reelected, he would annex the Jordan Valley from the northern part of the West Bank to the southern part, effectively surrounding the West Bank by Israel and creating small enclaves of Palestinian cities and villages in the area annexed, including Jericho. Netanyahu’s announcement drew condemnation from many countries and organizations. The U.S. responded that, “[t]here is no change in United States policy at this time.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas warned that if Israel annexed parts of the West Bank, the PA would end all agreements with Israel. (HA, HA 9/10; AJ, WAFA 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 authorities issued 3 military orders to seize Palestinian-owned land for settlement expansion in Bayt Jala, Tuqu‘, and Rashidiyya. Israeli forces closed down Palestinian stores and schools in Hebron in anticipation of a visit by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Zawata; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus. Israeli settlers raided Madama village, burning herbs and damaging olive trees. The raid led to clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces; 1 Palestinian was injured by a tear gas canister to his head and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/4; PCHR, WAFA 9/5)

Prime Minister Netanyahu visited Hebron, declaring that Israeli settlement in Hebron is a victory for Israel in light of the “horrible massacre 90 years ago.” Netanyahu’s visit was condemned by the PA spokesperson calling the visit a dangerous escalation. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/4)

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 claimed to have found an explosive device near Nablus. Israeli forces also demolished a Palestinian-owned house and restaurant in Bayt Jala near Bethlehem. 25 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Abu Dis, Nablus, Jenin, and Salfit. In Gaza, 3 rockets were launched toward Israel, causing no damage. Later, Israel struck targets east of Bayt Lahiya allegedly belonging to Hamas; damage was reported but no injuries. Hamas later denied responsibility for the rockets launched. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces opened fired on Palestinian fishermen 3 nautical miles from the shore of Bayt Lahiya; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/26; PCHR 8/29; WAFA 9/3)

Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced via Twitter that 300 new settlement units in the Dolev settlement would be sent for approval to the Planning Committee. Prime Minister Netanyahu also announced that Israel was cutting allowed oil imports to Gaza by 50% after rockets were fired at Israel. (HA, Twitter, WAFA 8/26)

It was reported by the Lebanese state-run media outlet National News Agency that Israel attacked a base for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command with 3 missiles in Qusaya in Northern Lebanon, causing damage to structures but no injuries. Lebanon’s president Michel Aoun also said of the Israeli strike against Hezbollah in Beirut on 8/25 that it was a declaration of war on Lebanon. (AJ, BBC, REU, WAFA 8/26; HA 8/27)

Iraqi president Barham Salih and prime minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi condemned Israel’s attack on Iraqi groups on 8/25, calling it an “attack on Iraqi sovereignty.” The U.S. Department of Defense issued a statement opposing Israel’s attacks in Iraq, saying that the U.S. supports Iraqi sovereignty and opposes “external actors” operating in Iraq. (HA 8/26; HA 8/27)

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, 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, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian farmland in Jalud near Nablus, causing 400 olive trees to be burned down. The same group of settlers also attacked a school in Jalud with stones. Elsewhere, a Palestinian was struck by a bullet fired during an Israeli military drill in ‘Ayn al-Rummana near Jenin. Separately, in Yasuf near Nablus, 15 Israeli settlers attacked the home of a Palestinian family by throwing stones, causing damage to a vehicle and the house. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/5; HA 6/12)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed a new Justice Minister, Amir Ohana. Haaretz reported that Ohana was appointed because he supports changes that would grant Netanyahu immunity in the legal cases he is facing. (HA 6/5)

U.S. House representatives and senators reintroduced a bipartisan bill to allocate $50 million to invest in the Palestinian economy and programs promoting Israeli-Palestinian relations. The bill was first introduced in October 2018; the reintroduced bill is more detailed about where the funding would be directed. The bill also mentions support for a 2-state solution. According to Axios, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer and other Israeli officials have been lobbying senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to remove language about a 2-state solution. (Axios, HA 6/5)

In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during daytime raids in and around Hebron and Jenin. The raids in Bayt Umar near Hebron sparked confrontations with Palestinians, causing tear gas suffocation injuries. In a separate incident in al-‘Arub refugee camp near Hebron, a Palestinian was hospitalized after being shot by Israeli forces raiding the camp. The raid led to confrontations with Palestinians. (WAFA 6/4; WAFA 6/5)

After firing the Israeli minister of justice Ayelet Shaked and minister of education Naftali Bennett, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assumed the role of head of both ministries. In addition to the prime ministry, Netanyahu is head of the health, defense, education, and justice ministries. (HA 6/4)

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, 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, 21 Palestinians were arrested by Israeli forces during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Nablus, Jenin, and Jericho. During the raids, 1 Palestinian was hospitalized and 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle was seized. (WAFA 5/23)

Israeli authorities announced that they were limiting the Gaza fishing zone to 10 nautical miles from 15 after the Israeli fire service said that they had put out 11 small fires believed to be ignited by incendiary balloons from Gaza. (HA 5/22)

Israel’s attorney general delayed Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pre-indictment hearing until 2 and 3 October upon Netanyahu’s request. (HA 5/22)

U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt said in a meeting at the UN Security Council that the UNRWA had failed and should be dismantled, calling it a “Band-Aid solution.” UNRWA chief Pierre Krähenbühl said after Greenblatt’s remarks that, “Palestinian refugees should remember that the mandate is protected by the General Assembly [of the UN], and of course, we will engage with member states to ensure what we hope is a safe renewal of the mandate.” (FOX, MDW 5/22; AJ 5/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from making a road to their agricultural land east of Nablus. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested 11 Palestinians in and around Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. The raid in Jenin triggered confrontations with local Palestinians, wounding 3 of them; 2 from live ammunition, and 1 from being hit by an Israeli military vehicle. Others suffered from tear gas inhalation. An additional 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, and Jenin. Israeli settlers chopped down dozens of Palestinian-owned almond trees near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police evicted Muslim worshippers from the al-Aqsa Mosque for the 3d day in a row. Israeli settlers with military escort also stormed the Haram al-Sharif compound to perform prayers. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions to level land east of Bayt Hanun. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/13; MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/14)

The Israeli civil administration approved 2 roads to isolated Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The construction of the roads requires the Israeli government to seize 807 dunams (200 acres) of Palestinian-owned land. The construction is scheduled to start in July. (HA 5/13)

A Qatari envoy headed by Mohammed al-Emadi arrived in Gaza to hold meetings with UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh about the transfer of $30 million in aid. (HA 5/13)

Israeli president Reuven Rivlin granted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 2 additional weeks to form the next government. The extension allows Netanyahu until 29 May to form a government. (JPOST, TOI 5/13)

PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi wrote on Twitter that her U.S. visa application had been rejected without any reason. In February, U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt invited her to meet him at the White House as Ashrawi and Greenblatt exchanged tweets about the U.S. peace plan. (HA, Twitter 5/13)

The UNRWA released a statement urging donors to contribute, as UNRWA needs an additional $60 million to continue providing food for 620,000 Palestinians in Gaza. (AJ 5/13)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a new settlement outpost on Palestinian-owned land east of Nablus. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces evicted Muslim worshippers from al-Aqsa Mosque following midnight prayers. The eviction led to confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinians, at least 1 Palestinian was arrested and others suffered from tear gas inhalation. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen, arresting 3 of them and confiscating 1 boat. (WAFA 5/11; MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA 5/12; WAFA 5/13)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party Likud said that Netanyahu will ask Israeli president Reuven Rivlin for an extension to form the next government. Likud cited Israeli holidays and the attack on Gaza as reasons for the delay. (HA 5/11)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces told 98 Palestinians that they would have to evacuate their property in the Jordan Valley in the next 4 weeks during specific time periods on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays for Israeli military training. Israeli forces also arrested 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces blocked several streets in Silwan and the Old City, impeding Palestinians from going to mosques to perform prayers. In Gaza, a Palestinian was shot and injured by an Israeli sniper near Bayt Hanun. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/7; MNA, MNA, WAFA 5/8

All Gaza and West Bank crossings into Israel were closed except for medical and other emergencies for the 2d day in a row. However, the Kerem Shalom crossing was partially opened for commercial traffic. Israeli authorities announced the closure on 5/6, citing Israeli celebrations of Memorial Day and Independence Day. (HA 5/6; MNA 5/7)

After blocking the transfer of Qatari-funded fuel to Gaza on 5/5, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the delivery of fuel to Gaza. (HA, MNA 5/7)

The Qatari government announced that it will send $480 million to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. $300 million is allocated for health and educational programs of the PA and $180 million for urgent humanitarian relief and for electricity in Gaza. (AJ 5/7)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo skipped a planned trip to Germany to meet German chancellor Angela Merkel to instead travel to Iraq and meet with Iraq’s president Barham Salih and Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi. Pompeo said he made the trip to Iraq because Iranian forces are “escalating their activity,” stating that Iranian threat of attacks were “very specific.” (AJ 5/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers using bulldozers razed Palestinian-owned land in Madama south of Nablus. Israel arrested 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bayt Safafa, Qalqilya, and Jenin. In Gaza, 2 bodies were found under the rubble of an apartment building destroyed by Israeli missiles in Bayt Hanun; this brings the comprehensive death toll to 32 Palestinians from the weekend’s violence. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 5/6; MNA, WAFA 5/7)

The Israeli army announced that all Gaza and West Bank crossings into Israel will be closed from midnight (Israeli time) 5/6 to midnight 5/9 for the Israeli celebrations of Memorial Day and Independence Day. Palestinians will be prohibited from entering Israel except for medical and other emergencies. (HA 5/6)

After the cease-fire reached between Hamas and Israel in the late hours of 5/5, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, “the battle is not over and requires patience and level-headedness. We are prepared to carry on.” The comment indicates that the Israeli bombing campaign is not over. A Hamas spokesperson said in response to Netanyahu’s statement: “Netanyahu’s declarations are ridiculous. The resistance factions have succeeded in deterring and humiliating his military. Our message is that this round is over, but the conflict will not be until we get our rights.” (HA 5/6)

The Israeli supreme court overturned Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to prevent 181 Palestinians from the West Bank to partake in a joint Memorial Day ceremony in Tel Aviv. However, only 100 Palestinians will be allowed to attend the Memorial Day ceremony. The event is organized by Combatants for Peace, a group of Israelis and Palestinians working for reconciliation. Netanyahu’s decision was 1st made public on 5/1. (HA 5/6)

U.S. acting secretary of defense Patrick Shanahan said that the U.S. was sending an aircraft carrier to the Middle East because of indications of a “credible threat by Iranian regime forces.” (AJ 5/6)