The Palestine Chronology

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels attack Palestinian fishermen at sea nr. Bayt Lahiya, arresting 2. In the West Bank, between Ramallah and Dayr Jarir, Israeli forces attack Palestinians attempting to unblock a road closed by the Israeli military the day before, causing no injuries. IDF troops also attack Palestinians demonstrating in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah in solidarity with prisoners, injuring 3. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Bethlehem, 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Nablus at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. (MNA 5/19; PCHR 5/23)

Egyptian police keep the Rafah crossing closed for a 3d consecutive day, and also close the al-Awja border crossing, used to transfer goods between Egypt and Israel, in protest at the kidnapping of security officers by suspected Islamists. The kidnappers post a video online which shows their 7 captives and urges the govt. to meet their demands. (AP, MNA, REU 5/19)

In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures a number of Palestinians in various clashes. Outside al-Jalazun refugee camp (r.c.) nr. Ramallah, Palestinians throw stones over the perimeter fence in the direction of the Beit El settlement, and IDF troops shoot and wound 9 with live ammunition, none seriously. In the Abu Dis neighborhood of East Jerusalem, Palestinians open a small hole in the separation wall during protests marking Nakba Day (5/15), and IDF troops respond by opening fire with rubber-coated metal bullets, causing a few, non-serious injuries. In al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, IDF troops shoot and wound 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets after residents throw stones at an army patrol. In Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, the IDF shoots and wounds 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet, in clashes sparked by an army patrol. In addition, there are also clashes between Jewish settlers and Palestinians, after the settlers set fire to lands of Nablus area villages. Separately, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning and patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in al-Shakara area and 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries. (MNA 5/17; AFP 5/18; PCHR 5/23)

Egyptian police close the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip in protest at the abduction of 3 of their colleagues along with 4 soldiers the previous day (5/16). (MNA 5/17)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Russia for talks with Pres. Vladimir Putin about the peace process and regional developments, including Syria. Netanyahu asks Putin not to supply S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Bashar al-Asad’s regime. (HA 5/14)

The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor Fatou Bensouda says she will open a preliminary examination into Israel’s 2010 attack on the Gaza-bound Mavi Marmara aid flotilla, following a referral from Comoros, to which one of the vessels raided was registered. (REU 5/14)

Thousands of Palestinians hold Nakba Day rallies in cities across the West Bank; the IDF violently disperses protesters in al-Khader, causing no serious injuries. The IDF also patrols in al- ‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, injuring 1 Palestinian in clashes. Jewish settlers uproot around 150 trees south of Nablus and also set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands in Bayt Furik village nr. Nablus. There is also a ‘‘price tag’’ attack in in Umm al-Qutuf village in Wadi Ara, a Palestinian village inside the Green Line, in which suspected Jewish extremists vandalize a mosque and 3 vehicles. (JTA, MNA, WAFA 5/14; PCHR 5/16)

Fatah and Hamas representatives hold reconciliation talks in Cairo. Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouq says the sides have pledged to complete formation of a long-anticipated unity government within 3 months (see QU 168 for details). (JP, MNA 5/14)

Egypt’s upper house holds a special session to discuss recent clashes (5/7) in al-Aqsa Mosque and demands the immediate expulsion of Israeli ambassador Ya’akov Amitai in protest, but the government takes no immediate action. (ToI 5/14)

Israeli media, citing anonymous government officials, reports that issuance of tenders for construction of 1,500 new settlement housing units in Ramat Shlomo settlement in East Jerusalem have been delayed for at least 3 weeks for ‘‘political reasons’’ related to the peace process. (JP 5/13)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack Palestinian property and agricultural lands in 2 villages nr. Nablus, causing damage but no injuries. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 5/13; PCHR 5/16)

Turkish media report that Ankara is close to agreement with Israel over joint energy projects involving the natural gas discoveries off Israel’s coast. (JP 5/13)

Two small rockets and later a mortar land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. While the IDF says the fire is ‘‘accidental spillover’’ from the Syrian civil war, rather than intentional, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command says that Syrian government has given the Damascusbased group permission to attack Israeli targets in the Golan Heights. Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad says that Syria is capable of facing Israel, but does not suggest Damascus will retaliate for the recent Israeli air strikes (e.g., 5/5). Hizballah’s deputy head Naim Qassem says that the Israeli attacks aim to boost the opposition fighters and does not comment on claims that missiles bound for the Lebanese group were the target. Meanwhile, Syrian rebel faction the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade says that it is holding 4 Filipino UN peacekeepers it detained on the Syrian side of the ceasefire line between Syria and the occupied Golan Heights, claiming that fighting had endangered the observers. (AP, JP, REU, WP 5/7)

Israeli officials say that PM Benjamin Netanyahu has promised U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry to ‘‘rein in’’ settlement construction until mid-6/2013 in the context of renewed efforts to resume negotiations. (HA 5/7)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the north Gaza coast, causing no damage or injuries.

In East Jerusalem, some 40 rightwing Israelis enter the al-Aqsa Mosque compound protected by Israeli security forces, sparking clashes with Palestinian worshippers.

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack Palestinian vehicles and agricultural land nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, 1 village nr. Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm. (MNA, WAFA 5/7; PCHR 5/9)

In Washington, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry and VP Joe Biden meet with senior Arab officials including the Bahraini, Egyptian, Jordanian and Qatari FMs, and representatives from the PA, Arab League, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia for talks on the peace process. Qatari PM Shaykh Hamad Bin Jassem al-Thani, speaking on behalf of the Arab League delegation, cites the possibility of a border agreement that includes mutually agree and minor land swaps between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Kerry affirms the importance of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative that promised full normalization for Israel’s complete withdrawal from the occupied territories (including the Golan). (AP, REU 29/4)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 1 rocket from Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In response to recent rocket fire (see also 4/27), Israel closes the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing, further restricts movement through the Erez crossing to ‘‘humanitarian cases,’’ though it cancels visits for Gazan families of Palestinians jailed in Israel (VIPs were the only others allowed to cross Gaza). Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishermen off the south Gaza coast east of Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers evict several hundred Bedouin from Wadi al-Malih village in the Jordan Valley after declaring the area a live fire training zone (see 4/24). Meanwhile, Israel demolishes 4 Palestinian apartments in the al-Tur neighborhood of East Jerusalem, as well as a water well and utility room in the al-Fawar r.c. in Hebron. The IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon. At night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem, in Hebron, in 5 villages nr. Hebron, in Nablus, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians in Bayt Furik village nr. Nablus, injuring 2. (AFP, MNA REU 4/29; PCHR 5/2)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon urges the Syrian government to allow experts into the country to investigate reports of alleged use of chemical weapons. Damascus wants any investigation limited to a 3/2013 incident nr. Aleppo while Ban wants to also include a 12/2012 incident in Homs. (see 4/24) (AP 4/29)

Palestinian prisoner and administrative detainee Samer al-Issawi agrees to end his hunger strike—which has lasted for more than 8 months and inspired widespread Palestinian protest in solidarity—in exchange for an early release. At one such rally today, IDF soldiers clash with residents in Abu Dis, East Jerusalem, shooting and injuring 1. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers destroy hundreds of almond and olive trees in Bayt Dajan nr. Nablus, while in Dayr Jarir nr. Ramallah, settlers attack Palestinian property and set fire to 10 vehicles. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jericho, 3 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Salfit and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. IDF soldiers conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin and in 1 village nr. Jericho at night. The IDF conduct a ground incursion close to the border nr. Bayt Hanun and level land. (REU, WAFA 4/22; MNA 4/23; PCHR 4/25)

An Israeli delegation meets their Turkish counterparts in Ankara to discuss ways of improving bilateral relations, including the question of financial compensation by Israel to the families of Turkish activists killed on the Mavi Marmara in 2010. (JP 4/21)

Al-Ahram cites Palestinian government sources claiming that Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas has asked Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey play a more prominent role in the drive for national reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas. (HA 4/22)

U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel announces an arms deal with Israel at a press conference in Tel Aviv alongside Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon. The sale includes V-22 Osprey helicopter-plane aircraft, refueling tankers, advanced radars for fighter jets, and advanced missiles that target air defenses. During their remarks, Ya’alon tacitly confirms that Israel was responsible for a 1/30 air strike on an army convoy in Syria, saying that Israel has already acted to stop weapons falling into Hizballah’s hands: ‘‘When they crossed this red line, we acted.’’ (AFP, JP 4/22)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 3 villages each nr. Jenin, and nr. Ramallah, 1 village each nr. Jericho, and nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Nablus, 2 villages nr. Nablus and 1 nr. Bethlehem at night. During nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals are violently dispersed by IDF soldiers in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, Silwad), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), and in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah. There are no serious injuries, except in Silwad (3) and al-Jalazun (3). (PCHR 4/25)

Newly re-elected Hamas leader Khalid Mishal convenes senior Hamas officials in Qatar to discuss, among other issues, prospects for forming a national unity government in the wake of PA PM Salam Fayyad’s 4/13 resignation, and ways of pressuring Israel to free Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, Pres. Mahmud Abbas says he will launch talks in the near future on forming a new cabinet. (AFP, MNA 4/19)

Israeli naval vessels twice open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the n. Gaza coast, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinians clash with IDF forces in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, with demonstrators throwing Molotov cocktails at a military watchtower in the separation wall. In al-Khader nr. Bethlehem, IDF forces shoot and injure 3 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets in clashes. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Qalqilya, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Salfit, and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the morning, 1 village nr. Bethlehem in the afternoon, and in Hebron and nearby al-‘Arub.r.c. in Jenin r.c., in Jenin, and in Tulkarm at night. (MNA 4/14; PCHR 4/18)

Israel’s Military Advocate General announces that there will be no criminal investigation of Israel’s 11/18/12 airstrike on Gaza during Operation Pillar of Defense that killed 12 Palestinian civilians—including 10 members of the same family. (REU 4/14)

Lebanese pres. Michel Suleiman criticizes Israel’s continued routine violations of his country’s airspace (see 3/19) and urges the international community to end these breaches of United Nations Resolution 1701. (DS 4/14)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets with Israeli pres. Shimon Peres to discuss efforts to restart the peace process. Meanwhile, Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas arrives in Doha for a meeting organized by the Arab League and chaired by senior Qatari officials to plan a delegation to the UN in New York to revive negotiations. (HA, MNA 4/8)

Israel closes the Kerem Shalom goods crossing into Gaza in response to the 4/7 rocket fire. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF forces shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian photographer during clashes in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, and also shoot and injure a Palestinian construction worker in Madama village nr. Nablus. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, and 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. IDF forces also conduct house searches and arrest raids in and around Jenin and Tulkarm, nr. Hebron, in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem, and nr. Qalqilya and Salfit. (JP, MNA 4/8; PCHR 4/11)

UNRWA announces that it is reopening its Gaza Strip-based food distribution centers after last week’s suspension (4/4). (REU 4/8)

Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv reports that U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry is planning to visit Jerusalem and Ramallah ‘‘once every two weeks’’ in a bid to revive peace talks. His third trip to the region in 2 weeks (3/4, 3/24) begins 4/6. (AFP, AP 4/3)

Israeli soldiers stationed at a military post shoot and kill a Palestinian teenager nr. Tulkarm, after what the IDF says was a firebomb attack (an account disputed by witnesses). A Fatah-called general strike is observed in Hebron and East Jerusalem, as protests continue following the death of prisoner Maysara Abuhamdieh. Palestinians protesting the death clash with IDF forces in and around Hebron, in Nablus and Tulkarm, nr. Bethlehem, and outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah (where 7 are injured with rubber bullets). In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in and around Hebron and nearby al-‘Arub r.c. in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, in 1 village nr. Ramallah, and in Tulkarm at night. Unidentified Palestinian militants fire 2 rockets from Gaza into Israel, causing no injuries or damage. (HA, MNA 4/3; HA, PCHR 4/4)

A source in the office of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says that special envoy to Turkey Joseph Ciechanover and National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror will go to Ankara on 4/11 for the start of talks on restoring Turkish-Israeli ties. (HA 4/3)

U.S. and Jordanian officials say that the two countries are training Syrian opposition forces that could be used to establish a future buffer zone alongside Syria’s southern border. (WP 4/3)

The day before U.S. Pres. Obama arrives in Israel, the IDF and Israeli police raze 6 structures in 2 unauthorized Jewish settler outposts in the West Bank (Oz Zion and Ramat Migron). In retaliation, Jewish settlers vandalize 18 Palestinian cars and a bus in Nablus. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (MNA, YA 3/19; PCHR 3/21)

Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton sign a deal in Brussels for the EU to provide $9 million of new funding for Palestinian development, aimed at supporting the Palestinian presence in West Bank Area C (under full Israeli civilian and security control). Fayyad and his delegation then attend the annual meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC)—the main donor body responsible for formulating broad policy for development assistance to the Palestinians. There he presents a paper on how the Israeli occupation affects the Palestinian economy. Donors are asked by the Palestinian delegation to protect projects in Area C and are told how irregularities in aid transfers to the PA and Israel’s withholding of tax revenue have worsened a financial crisis. After talks, Norwegian FM and AHLC head Epsen Barth Eide says that progress was made towards securing the $1.2 billion needed to fund the PA this year (see QU 168). (AFP, MNA 3/18; HA 3/19)

A World Bank report warns of the continued deterioration of the Palestinian economy, citing Israeli-imposed restrictions and the impact of closures (See Docs in JPS 168). The report also notes a drop in donor funding, and the PA’s large debts to banks and suppliers. Palestinian gross domestic product grew 6.1% in the first three quarters of 2012, down from an 11% average in 2010 and 2011. (HA 3/12)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s new coalition government officially takes office. Speaking in the Knesset, Netanyahu says that Israel is ready for a ‘‘historic compromise’’ with the Palestinians. (JP, REU, WP 3/18)

In the West Bank, unidentified Palestinians open fire on and injure a Jewish settler at a bus stop nr. Nablus. The IDF patrols in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Nablus at night. (AP 3/18; PCHR 3/21)

A UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) fact-finding mission releases its report on Israel’s West Bank settlements, describing them as a ‘‘creeping form of annexation,’’ and calling on Israel to cease construction immediately and ‘‘initiate a process of withdrawal.’’ The report, presented by mission leader Christine Chanet, urges the international community to cut economic links with the settlements. The U.S. refuses to take part in the Council’s debate. Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay states that Israeli settler violence ‘‘continues to be perpetrated with impunity,’’ and further notes that excessive force by the IDF has resulted in Palestinian fatalities. (AFP, HA, JP, UNNC 3/18)

Lebanon reports that Israeli warplanes entered Lebanese airspace earlier in the day. Israel routinely conducts aerial surveillance over Lebanon even though this explicitly violates the 2006 Israel-Hizballah cease-fire agreement laid out in UN Res. 1701. (AP 3/18)

Iran and P5+1 group nuclear experts meet in Istanbul to review proposals put forward during the last round of talks in Kazakhstan (2/26-27). (AFP, XIN 3/18)

Israeli media reports that PM Benjamin Netanyahu may adopt a package of ‘‘goodwill gestures’’ ahead of U.S. Pres. Obama’s upcoming visit, including transferring responsibility for 2 West Bank roads to the PA, releasing Fatah prisoners, and approving building plans for Palestinian villages in Area C currently considered illegal. Netanyahu’s office denies the reports and says that any practical steps would only be taken if the Palestinian leadership returns to talks without conditions. (MNA, ToI 3/5)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers uproot around 100 olive trees in Nahalin village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Nablus, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. (AP 3/5; PCHR 3/6)

Israeli security service Shin Bet publishes statistics indicating a 70% increase in violent attacks by Palestinians in the occupied territories during 2/2013 (138 incidents) compared to 1/2013 (83 incidents), most of which were the throwing of Molotov cocktails. (HA 3/5; XIN 8/6)

Hamas reports that PA security forces arrested 66 of the movement’s supporters in the West Bank during 2/2013, and summoned another 38 for interrogation. A senior Hamas official in the Gaza Strip says that PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas had ‘‘sold the reconciliation in return for an American smile.’’ (JP 3/5)

A week after assuming office, U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel hosts Israeli DM Ehud Barak at the Pentagon for talks on Iran and Syria, among other topics. Hagel assures Barak that there would be no interruption of funding for Israeli defense systems like Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling, even as the looming sequester looks set to cost Israel around $155 million in defense assistance. (HA, JTA 3/5)

PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry in Saudi Arabia to discuss regional developments, the first such meeting between the two men since Kerry replaced Hillary Clinton. Abbas requests Washington pressure Israel to adopt a settlement construction freeze and release Palestinian prisoners as a condition for the resumption of peace talks. Kerry’s regional tour does not include a visit to Israel or the o.t. this time. (JP 3/4)

Hamas keeps the Kerem Shalom crossing closed reportedly due to a dispute over the collection of customs revenue with the Palestinian company operating the terminal. Israel shut the crossing on 2/26 after a rocket was fired out of the Gaza Strip into southern Israel. (MNA 3/4)

IDF forces make a brief incursion into Gaza to level land and clear lines of sight along the border fence nr. Juhr al-Dik. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon (where there are clashes, but no injuries. At night, the IDF conduct house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages each nr. Nablus and Qalqilya. (PCHR 3/6)

U.S. VP Joe Biden tells the American Israel Public Affairs Cmte. (AIPAC) policy conference in Washington that sanctions and diplomacy must be exhausted before the U.S. would consider using force to attack Iran’s nuclear program. (AP, REU 3/4)

The PA reports that Jewish settlers from Elon Moreh have erected a new outpost east of Nablus consisting of 10 mobile homes and an access road. Meanwhile, Israeli police report that 56 so-called ‘‘price tag’’ attacks against Palestinians occurred in Jerusalem and the surrounding area over the past year, but no charges have been filed in any of the incidents. The number of attacks is up from 28 recorded cases in 2011. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon (clashes, no injuries), and in Jericho, nearby ‘Aqaba r.c., and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in Bethlehem, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (MNA, ToI 3/3; PCHR 3/7)

The American Israel Public Affairs Cmte. (AIPAC) begins its annual conference in Washington D.C., featuring a morning appearance by Israel’s amb. to the U.S. Michael Oren. (WP 3/4)

Israeli pres. Shimon Peres gives PM Benjamin Netanyahu 2 more weeks to form a new government, after the initial 28-day period passes without a successful coalition agreement being reached. (HA, REU 3/2)

Israel’s Transportation Ministry announces that new Palestinian-only bus lines will soon operate between locations in the West Bank and central Israel. Israel presents the plan as a gesture to ease travel arrangements for Palestinian day laborers, but critics denounce the plan as de facto ‘‘segregation,’’ noting that Jewish settlers have voiced complaints about sharing buses with Palestinian workers. (YA 3/2; HA 3/3)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers from Havat Maon attack Palestinian farmers nr. Yatta south of Hebron. When Israeli soldiers arrive, they declare the area a closed military zone and arrest 1 Palestinian teenager. The IDF patrols in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, provoking clashes that cause no serious injuries. At night, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages and in 1 each village nr. Jenin and. Nablus. (PCHR 3/7)

An Israeli diplomatic source reveals that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Jordan’s King Abdullah II met in Jordan last week to discuss the peace process. No further details are revealed. (AFP 3/2)

Several mortars fired from inside Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no injuries or damage. Israel says that it assumes the mortars were misfired, but nonetheless files a complaint with the UN. (HA 3/2)

In the West Bank, Palestinian protesters clash with IDF soldiers nr. Huwara checkpoint south of Nablus, causing no injuries. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron, 3 villages each nr. Jenin, and nr. Tulkarm in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon (clashes in the latter, no injuries). At night, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. (MNA 2/28; PCHR 3/7)

The Syrian government, still fighting a bitter civil war, sends letters of complaint to the UN Security Council and UN secy.-gen. to protest Israel’s recent decision to go ahead with gas exploration in the occupied Golan Heights. (AP, REU 2/28) 

U.S. Senators introduce a bipartisanbacked resolution endorsing American military support (not further defined) for Israel if it were to attack Iran in selfdefense. (AP 2/28)

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry warns that ‘‘the two-state solution is now on life support’’ and that 2013 is a ‘‘critical year.’’ Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry says that Pres. Barack Obama will not bring a new peace initiative with him on his planned visit to the region in 3/2013. (HA, REU 2/26)

The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) claims responsibility for a single rocket fired into Israel from the Gaza Strip, which causes no casualties or damage. The group says the rocket is in retaliation for the death of Arafat Jaradat in Israeli detention. Israel responds by closing the Erez and Kerem Shalon crossings. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in and around Hebron and al-Fawar r.c. during the day, causing no serious injuries. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Nablus in the afternoon, and in and around Bethlehem and Aida r.c. and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Meanwhile, more than 200 activists and residents of Bayt Safafa in East Jerusalem protest plans for an extension of the Begin Highway that will run through the neighborhood. (HA, JP, REU 2/26; HA 2/27; PCHR 2/28)

The Palestinian Authority announces that it has paid the remainder of 1/2013 salaries owed PA civil servants. (MNA 2/26) The U.S. Senate confirms Chuck Hagel as the new defense secy. in a 58-41 vote. Only four Republicans voted to confirm his nomination, reflecting the controversy over Hagel’s appointment (see JPS 167). (REU 2/26)

Iran and the P5+1 group (permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany) begin two days of talks in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the first such meeting since 7/2012 (see QU 165). (AP, REU 2/26)

IDF soldiers shoot and wound 2 Palestinian teenagers, 1 seriously, in clashes between the army and protesters nr. Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem. Palestinians throwing stones at Israeli cars on a road nr. Beitar Illit settlement lightly injure an Israeli child. Hundreds of Palestinian protesters demonstrating in solidarity with hunger-striking prisoners march to Ofer prison nr. Ramallah and clash with Israeli forces, who wound 11 with rubber-coated metal bullets. IDF soldiers shoot and wound 1 Palestinian at demonstrations in Tulkarm, and IDF soldiers open fire and wound 2 at demonstrations in Taqou’ village nr. Bethlehem. Israeli soldiers arrest 19 Palestinian schoolchildren in Til village nr. Nablus and take them to Hawara detention facility, releasing them after around 5 hours. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Nablus in the afternoon (clashes in all three, no serious injuries), in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels opens fire on Palestinian fishermen off the north Gaza coast, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA, 2/25; HA 2/26; PCHR 2/28)

PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with his security chiefs and orders them to enforce calm in the West Bank. Meanwhile, in a press briefing U.S. deputy State Dept. spokesperson Patrick Ventrell calls on Israelis and Palestinians to ‘‘exercise maximum restraint’’ and ‘‘refrain from provocative actions that could destabilize conditions on the ground.’’ (AFP 2/25; HA 2/26)

Israel carries out a successful test of its upgraded Arrow III missile interceptor in, a joint project with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. (HA 2/25)

Across the West Bank, clashes continue between the IDF and Palestinians protesting in solidarity with prisoners in Israeli jails.

In Jerusalem’s Old City, Palestinian youths and Israeli police clash after Friday prayers, with Israeli security forces briefly entering the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Palestinians protest outside Ofer detention center nr. Ramallah, at Huwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, in Abud village nr. Ramallah (where 4 are wounded including one seriously), at Jalama checkpoint nr. Jenin, and in Tulkarm and nearby ‘Anabta village. In all cases, the IDF violently disperses the protests with tear gas, rubber-coated metal bullets and live ammunition, though no serious injuries are reported. The largest protest is in Hebron, where around 1,500 Palestinians clash with IDF forces and 1 Palestinian man is shot in the foot. In addition, Palestinian and international activists demonstrate in the center of Hebron for the opening of Shuhada Street. The IDF violently disperses the demonstrators, causing 3 moderate injuries with rubber-coated metal bullets. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin), 2 villages nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum, Jayyous) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara). Injuries include, 1 Palestinian is wounded from a tear gas canister to the head in Bil‘in and 8 Palestinians wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets (5 in Budrus and 3 in al-Nabi Salih). The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning; in al-Fawar refugee camp nr. Hebron (clashes but no serious injuries reported) and Qalqilya in the afternoon; and in 2 villages each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians close to the border fence in 2 incidents: nr. Bayt Hanun (wounding 2) and nr. Jabaliya (wounding 1). Israeli naval vessels open fire on fishermen working off the north Gaza coast, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA 2/22, PCHR 2/28)

PA senior negotiation officials Saeb Erekat and Mohammed Eshtaya arrive in Washington D.C. to update the Obama admin. about the PA’s current position on talks with Israel. They are expected to discuss conditions for a resumption of talks—settlement construction freeze and prisoner release— with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry. The PA officials will also ask Pres. Obama to present his own initiative to restart negotiations. (ToI 2/17; REU 2/19)

Palestinian journalists hold a sit-in protest outside the Ofer detention center as an Israeli military court hears the cases of detained Palestinian journalist Amir Abu Arafah and cartoonist Muhammad Sabanah. Israeli forces violently disperse the protesters, causing no serious injuries. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers from Esh Kodesh settlement outpost vandalize cars in Qusra village nr. Nablus. In a separate incident in the same village, the IDF demolishes an electricity grid in Qusra village nr. Nablus, provoking clashes with local residents. The IDF opens fire and wounds 2. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and in 1 village each nr. Bethelehem, Hebron, and Jenin. (MNA 2/20; MNA, PCHR 2/21)

Hamas Minister of Economy Alaa Rafati says that Egypt’s crackdown on cross-border tunnels will fail if no alternative methods for importing produce are presented. Rafati says that the authorities in Gaza have told Cairo a number of times that an official commercial route should be opened along the border. (MNA 2/20)

Australian television channel ABC broadcasts claims that dual IsraeliAustralian citizen Ben Zygier committed suicide in a high-security Israeli jail in 2010 after being held for months in great secrecy and known only as ‘‘Prisoner X.’’ ABC says that the man had been recruited by Mossad. The Israeli government refuses to comment and immediately forces Israeli publications to remove reference to the story from online and print editions. However, a number of MKs refer to the story in the Knesset. (HP, REU 2/12)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm in the morning, and in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Jerusalem, Nablus, and Ramallah at night. (PCHR 2/14)

International NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) concludes that at least 18 Israeli air strikes in Operation Pillar of Defense in November 2012 were in violation of the laws of war, highlighting specific attacks that killed at least 43 Palestinian civilians, including 12 children. (HRW 2/12)

Palestinian Ministry of Finance spokesperson Rami Mahdawi says that Israel is still withholding Palestinian tax revenue in breach of the 1994 Paris Protocol. (MNA 2/12)

The Senate Armed Services Comm. votes (14–11) along party lines to approve Pres. Obama’s nomination of Chuck Hagel to be the nation’s defense secretary, allowing his nomination to advance to the full Senate. Hagel’s nomination continues to be fiercely opposed by groups and senators known to have a pro-Israel line. (AP 2/12)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Victoria Nuland says that Secy. of State John Kerry, appointed on 2/1, is working to try to free up almost $700 m. in aid for the PA held up in Congress. Separate from that figure is an additional $100 m., which has been released but can only be used on anti-narcotics and law enforcement. (AFP 2/11)

Hamas says that the Egyptian army is flooding tunnels between the Gaza Strip and Sinai used for smuggling, and that there is a reinforced troop presence on the border. Meanwhile, Turkish media reports that Israel has agreed to allow Turkish trucks to bring building materials into Gaza for the construction of a hospital that will be opened by PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (HA 2/11)

Israeli NGO Peace Now says that Israel has given final approval to 90 new homes in Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah. (AFP 2/11)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF destroys 3 structures, including a home, in Bayt Awa village nr. Hebron. The demolitions prompt clashes with residents, and 1 Palestinian is injured from a tear-gas canister to the leg. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm in the morning; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem and nearby Aida r.c., Tulkarm, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm at night. (MNA 2/11; PCHR 2/14)

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank start registering to vote in preparation for legislative and presidential elections, the dates for which have not been set. Once the process is completed, an election could theoretically be called for 3 mos. later. (REU 2/11)

Two Israeli companies sign an agreement to acquire a 30% stake in exploration rights for gas and oil off Cyprus’s s. shore to be carried out by U.S. company Noble Energy. Cypriot commerce min. Neoclis Sylikiotis says the deal marks a ‘‘new era of Cyprus-Israeli strategic cooperation.’’ (AFP 2/11)

British newspaper the Sunday Times reports that U.S. pres. Obama plans during his visit to the region in 3/2013 to offer to increase U.S. pressure on Iran in exchange for Israeli PM Netanyahu making concessions to the Palestinians. (ToI 2/10)

Palestinian demonstrators—including Israeli Palestinian MK Ahmad Tibi— set up tents in Bayt Safafa, East Jerusalem, to protest Israel’s construction of a new highway intended to give Jewish settlers quicker access to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli navy arrests 4 Palestinian fishermen working 3 naut. mi. offshore nr. Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in Nablus, Hebron’s Old City and 1 village nr. Hebron, Jenin and 1 nearby village, and Silwan in East Jerusalem at night. (MNA 2/10; PCHR 2/14)

Palestinian factions end talks in Cairo without reaching an agreement on specific steps forward to achieve national reconciliation. Fatah delegation head Azzam al-Ahmad claims that there was consensus on most of the issues, but disagreement on several points regarding an election law for the PNC. (AFP, MNA 2/10)

Israel’s Turkel Comm., which was charged with investigating the 2010 attack on the Gaza-bound Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, publishes recommendations of substantial changes in the way that the army approaches possible war crimes committed by its own soldiers. (HA 2/6)

Israel’s military advocate gen. Danny Efroni reveals that the IDF is examining 70 cases in which non-combatant Palestinian civilians were killed during Operation Pillar of Defense. (YA 2/6)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Azza r.c. nr. Bethlehem, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 2/7)

A PA magistrate’s court in Nablus sentences a man to 1 yr. in prison for ‘‘extending his tongue’’ against the PA leadership and ‘‘fomenting sedition,’’ citing a 50-yr.-old Jordanian law. (JP 2/7)

Dep. Hizballah leader Naim Qassem dismisses Bulgaria’s 2/5 accusation that it was responsible for the 7/2012 Burgas bombing, saying that Israel was behind the ‘‘allegations and incitements.’’ Meanwhile, the Lebanese National News Agency reports that Israeli jets carried out a series of mock raids over s. Lebanon. (REU, ToI 2/6)

A U.S. State Dept.-funded study of Israeli and Palestinian school textbooks is published, concluding that both sides present a one-sided narrative. Israel’s Education Ministry condemns the research as politically motivated ‘‘libel.’’ (AP 2/4)

Around 200 Palestinians from inside Israel and East Jerusalem demonstrate outside the prison in Ramla, c. Israel, in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli jails. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. The IDF also opens fire on Palestinians collecting gravel in 2 separate incidents nr. Bayt Lahiya and Jabalya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Jenin at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron, Tulkarm, and 3 villages each nr. Hebron and Nablus at night. (AFP 2/4; PCHR 2/7)

A delegation from Saudi Arabia opens a 752-unit housing project in the Gaza Strip that it has funded for families whose homes were destroyed by Israel. Construction was overseen by UNRWA. (MNA 2/4)

The PA fin. min. announces that public sector workers are being paid the remainder of delayed 12/2012 salaries, the final payment left over from 2012. (MNA 2/4)

Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu begins talks with Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid party over a possible coalition, with the latter expected to present a lengthy list of demands. (HA 3/2)

Chief PLO negotiator Saeb Erakat says that the PA will not return to negotiations until Israel stops settlement construction and releases Palestinian prisoners. He also says that there would be no EU initiative to resume peace talks without U.S. involvement. Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu’s aide Yitzhak Molho announces he will be stepping down from the Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu coalition negotiation team in order to remain as the PM’s special envoy for peace negotiations with the Palestinians. (JP 2/4; HA 2/3)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. The IDF also opens fire on Palestinians collecting gravel close to the border fence in the n. Gaza Strip, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Nablus governor Jibril al-Bakri says that the IDF has reopened several roads in Nablus that had been closed for 13 yrs. The IDF patrols in Jenin in the morning, in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 village nr. Jericho, 3 villages nr. Salfit, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Silwan neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem and 1 village nr. Nablus in the afternoon, and in Qalqilya, Nablus and 3 nearby villages, Bethlehem and 3 nearby villages, al-Bireh. Tulkarm, and Hebron and 3 nearby villages at night. The IDF detains 20 Hamas mbrs., including an individual involved in national reconciliation efforts. (MNA 2/3; AP 2/4; PCHR 2/7)

Israeli DM Ehud Barak tells a security conference in Munich that Israel means what it says with regard to threats to take preemptive action against its enemies. The comment is taken as hint of admission that Israel was behind the air strike in Syria. U.S. officials now say that the attack targeted a weapons shipment bound for Lebanon but also caused collateral damage to a nearby research center, an explanation for the discrepancy between accounts of the target (see 1/30, 1/31). Meanwhile, UK newspaper the Sunday Times reports that Israel is considering establishing a 10-mi. buffer zone inside Syria to protect itself from rebels. (AP, JP, WP 2/3)

U.S. pres Obama calls Israeli PM Netanyahu to congratulate him on the election results, the 1st foreign leader to do so. Obama tells Netanyahu that he looks forward to working closely with Israel on a ‘‘shared agenda for peace and security in the Middle East.’’ (HA 1/28)

The IDF opens fire on unidentified gunmen attempting to cross the IsraelEgypt border fence, injuring 2 who escape. (JP 1/28)

In East Jerusalem, IDF soldiers demolish 4 buildings and level land in the Silwan neigborhood, sparking clashes with residents. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Qalqilya, Tulkarm, and 1 village nr. Salfit at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron, Nablus, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. (MNA 1/28; PCHR 1/31)

Israeli human rights group B’Tselem publishes a report condemning what it calls the illegal use of deadly force by IDF soldiers that has resulted in the killing of 56 Palestinians in clashes since 2005. (REU 1/28)

Islamic Jihad Khalid al-Batsh, a representative of the Public Freedoms Comm. established by Fatah and Hamas to help the national reconciliation process, says that Hamas authorities have agreed to free recently detained Fatahaffiliated journalists. (MNA 1/28)

IDF troops on the Gaza border fire on Palestinians close the border fence in 2 separate incidents nr. Bayt Lahiya and Jabalya, wounding 1 Palestinian in each instance. Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes tents used by over 100 Palestinians in the n. Jordan Valley nr. Tubas; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 each nr Jericho and Tulkarm in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Jenin at night. Jewish settlers uproot almost 100 olive trees belonging to Palestinians from Husan village nr. Bethlehem. (WAFA 1/17; PCHR 1/23)

Following a meeting in Cairo, Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad announces that his party and Hamas have agreed on a set of principles to implement a reconciliation agreement. The deal includes the resumption of work by 1/30/13 of the Central Elections Commission, Public Freedoms Comm., and Social Reconciliation Comm. (MNA 1/17)

Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas holds a meeting with officials from the PA security forces following recent protests by Fatah-affiliated gunmen in Balata r.c. and Jenin r.c. (see 1/10). Abbas emphasizes that the government has a monopoly on the use of force. In the evening, 10 gunmen from Balata r.c. hand themselves in to PA security forces in Nablus in what Nablus governor Jibrin al-Bakri described as a ‘‘deal,’’ but without giving details. (MNA 1/17, 1/18)

Israel’s dep. FM Danny Ayalon tells a Turkish newspaper that Israel is ready to send a letter of apology to Ankara for the killing of 9 Turkish activists on the Mavi Marmara on 5/31/10, similar to the one the U.S. government sent to Islamabad over the killing of Pakistani soldiers. (JP 1/17)