The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, IDF troops discover and dismantle a small explosive device in Bethlehem. They also shoot and injure a Palestinian while he and a companion are walking along a road nr. Silwad village. It’s unclear why the soldiers opened fire and what exactly the 2 Palestinians were doing at the time, but 1 is injured and both are arrested. The IDF arrests 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Qalqilya and Hebron; and patrols nr. Salfit and Hebron during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis; there are no injuries reported. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (MNA, WAFA 8/7; PCHR 8/11)

Israel’s Public Security Minister Erdan and Interior Minister Aryeh Deri meet and agree to form an anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) task force that will “expel” from and “ban the entry of” BDS activists in Israel. Rather than pushing for new legislation, they will instead focus on gathering intelligence to buttress calls for deportation. It’s unclear if the task force will focus only on foreign visitors, or on Palestinians and Israelis as well. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 8/7; IMEMC 8/8)

Israeli forces raid Yatta village nr. Hebron late at night and carry out the punitive demolition orders for the homes of the 2 Palestinians who shot and killed 4 Israelis in Tel Aviv on 6/8. In accordance with a court order, 1 of the homes is only partially destroyed. The IDF temporarily closes the major Beit El checkpoint nr. Ramallah after soldiers find a suspicious object nearby; arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid nr. Hebron, and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. IDF troops briefly clash with Palestinians participating in a sit-in in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in Ramallah, detaining 1 temporarily and causing no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police detain 4 Islamic Waqf employees doing minor repair work at Haram al-Sharif while a group of Jewish settlers tour the sanctuary. The Waqf employees are accused of doing repairs without permission from the Israel Antiquities Authority. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina for the 6th time since 1995, when the family first started seeking a permit for the newly built structure, and also demolish 3 livestock structures in al-Nabi Samuel. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Qatanna. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City and later nr. Jabaliya r.c., destroying the engine of 1 boat and causing no injuries. (MNA, WAFA 8/3; JP, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 8/4; PCHR 8/11)

U.S. and Israeli officials conclude a 3-day round of negotiations on a new military aid agreement. They reportedly settle all remaining discrepancies, except for gaps on some technical issues. A U.S. official says, “We’ve made progress and closed many of the remaining gaps,” adding, “We hope soon to be able to reach final agreement”. (HA, JP 8/4)

The Israeli press reports that Israel’s Defense Ministry has issued tenders for the construction of an underground wall to encircle Gaza. The wall is being designed to deter Hamas’s tunneling efforts. Construction is set to start in 10/2016. (TOI, YA 8/3)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian man and arrest 2 others on a raid in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem overnight, and arrest a youth outside a settlement nr. Bethlehem for allegedly planning a stabbing attack in the evening. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, sparking minor clashes nr. Ramallah (there are no serious injuries). Meanwhile, Israeli forces level a 150-m fence in al-Aghwar. Mekorot, Israel’s national water company, justifies the demolition by citing plans for new pipes to supply a nearby settlement. Late at night in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a car showroom and 2 stores in Sur al-Bahir, and arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA 8/1; MNA, WAFA 8/2; PCHR 8/4)

There is a flurry of IDF activity in the Hebron region today, mostly related to the ongoing Israeli investigation into the killing of an Israeli settler on 7/1. IDF troops arrest 17 Palestinians during raids nr. the city, including 11 allegedly involved in the 7/1 killing. During one of the raids, Israeli soldiers open fire on a wanted Palestinian’s home to draw him out. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/31; PCHR 8/4)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man at a checkpoint nr. Nablus after he allegedly attempts to charge at and stab them. No Israelis are injured. Separately, they shoot and injure a Palestinian attempting to enter Jerusalem for work. IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in and around Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus, arresting 9 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in al-Thawri to avoid paying NIS 50,000 (approx. $13,000) for an Israeli demolition crew. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. In Israel, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting the Israeli plan to demolish their village, Umm al-Hiran, in s. Israel and replace it with a Jewish Israeli town (1 Palestinian is injured and 5 are arrested). (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 7/31; HA, JP, MNA 8/1; PCHR 8/4)

Amid heightened tensions and the ongoing IDF closures in the Hebron district, Israeli settlers enter Kafr Haris village nr. Hebron overnight to perform religious rituals. Palestinians in the area report that a group of Israeli settlers have been setting up a new illegal settlement outpost outside the village. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in Silwad village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. Late at night, IDF troops arrest 10 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during further raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jenin; and patrol in 5 villages nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians suspected of stone-throwing in Issawiyya. They also conduct raids in the Old City, breaking up a minor physical confrontation between Jewish Israelis and Palestinian youths (7 Palestinians are assaulted and 4 are arrested). Meanwhile, a Palestinian demolishes a room of his home in Silwan to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In s. Israel, Israeli forces arrest several bedouin Palestinians after they try to stop an Israeli bulldozer from leveling land outside their village, al-Araqib. (MNA, WAFA 7/24; MNA 7/25; PCHR 7/28)

The Israeli press reports that the mayor of Yatta village, along with several human rights organizations, has submitted a petition to Israel’s High Court of Justice to lift the IDF’s closure of Yatta, which was imposed in the wake of the 6/8 attack in Tel Aviv. The petition states that all entry and exit from the village has been prohibited since 7/2, when the closure was re-enforced. The mayor reportedly complained to the IDF, which responded that the closure will continue because it is a “military-security need” and that it is “part of the effort to prevent further attackers from leaving the area.” (HA 7/24)

The Israeli press reports that the Jerusalem Municipality’s Local Planning and Construction Comm. presented plans for 770 settler housing units between the Gilo settlement and Bayt Jala late last week. The Israeli authorities previously approved 1,200 units in the area, and the reports today appear to cover the same development. (MNA 7/24)

The IDF maintains its restrictions on Palestinian movement in and around Bethlehem, put in place on 7/22, including a new road closure in a nearby village, as well as its general closure of the Hebron district, in place since 7/1. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids and house searches in Bethlehem, nr. Salfit, and nr. Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Israeli settlers verbally assault and physically threaten Palestinians working their land nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian homes and farming areas nr. Khan Yunis. (MNA, WAFA 7/23; MNA 7/24; PCHR 7/28)

A PIJ fighteris killed and 2 others are injured when a tunnel collapses along the Gaza-Israel border nr. Khan Yunis. (JP, MNA 7/19)

The IDF continues its closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, conducting raids and patrols throughout the day. Amid heightened tensions in the region, IDF troops shoot and fatally injure a Palestinian youth after he allegedly stabs and lightly injures 2 Israeli soldiers with a screwdriver outside al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. (The Palestinian youth will succumb to his injuries on 7/19.) The IDF then closes the main road connecting Hebron to Jerusalem. The alleged perpetrator’s brother was killed in a similar confrontation on 4/14. Separately, IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian truck nr. Hebron after it collided with an Israeli settler vehicle; the Palestinian driver is injured and arrested. An Israeli settler driver allegedly rams and injures a Palestinian youth nr. Hebron. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of a Palestinian home nr. Jenin overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya, as well as in the Hebron district. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia r.c. and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/18; MNA, WAFA 7/19; PCHR 7/21)

IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian vehicle, killing 1 youth and critically injuring another during a raid in al-Ram village nr. Jerusalem. A 3d Palestinian is arrested after the incident. The IDF claims that the vehicle was speeding toward the soldiers and that they assumed it was going to ram them. Palestinian witnesses dispute the IDF’s narrative. Minor clashes between the IDF and Palestinian youths break out after the incident; 1 Palestinian is arrested. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/13)

The IDF largely maintains the closure of Hebron and the surrounding district that has been in place since 7/1. IDF troops in the area arrest 1 Palestinian and threaten punitive demolition of a Palestinian home in Dura during late-night raids, and patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth nr. Ramallah when he is found to be carrying a knife. The IDF conducts late-night raids in a village nr. Bethlehem, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths (there are no serious injuries). Palestinian activists prevent Israeli forces from leveling agricultural land nr. Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 homes under construction as well as a steel structure in Jabal Mukabir. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr. Khan Yunis and nr. Bayt Lahiya. Late at night, Israeli forces set off explosives along the border fence in c. Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. The IDF says that the explosions, reported by Palestinians in the area as air strikes, were “controlled detonations.” (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/13; MNA, PCHR, WAFA 7/14; PCHR 7/21)

As its closure of Hebron and its surrounding district continues, the IDF conducts raids in and around the city, arresting 6 Palestinians, destroying some property, and sparking clashes in both Dura and Sa‘ir (2 Palestinians are injured). IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during further raids and house searches in Qalqilya, and nr. Bethlehem and Jenin; and patrol during the day nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Qalqilya. Israeli forces also raze a swath of Palestinian land nr. Ramallah. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis and open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Bayt Hanun late at night, causing 1 minor injury. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians in Silwan and arrest 3 Palestinians during raids and patrols nr. the Old City and in Kafr ‘Aqab. (MNA, WAFA 7/11; PCHR 7/14)

Israel’s Knesset passes the so-called NGO bill into law, 57–48, following a 6-hour debate in which opponents of the bill cited numerous international reports criticizing the bill’s chilling effect on freedoms of speech. Inter alia, the law requires NGOs receiving more than 50% of their budget from public foreign entities to reveal the sources of their funding in all communications with public officials, on TV, newspapers, billboards, and online. (AP, HA 7/11; MNA, REU, TOI, YA 7/12)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops discover and dismantle a suspected explosive device nr. Khan Yunis. Off the coast nr. Khan Yunis, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, small groups of Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Islamic Waqf guards remove a rabbi and his grandson from the sanctuary when they attempt to begin prayers. In the West Bank, Israeli authorities return the body of a Palestinian shot and killed on 6/21 and close down several checkpoints nr. Nablus after a suspected rock-throwing incident in the area. Israeli troops arrest 1 Palestinian during late-night raids in Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron and Jenin throughout the day. (MNA, WAFA 6/22; MNA, PCHR, TOI 6/23; PCHR 6/30)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian nr. Ramallah after he and other youths throw stones and Molotov cocktails at Israeli settlers in the area, lightly injuring 3 settlers (4 of the other Palestinian youths are injured). Some witnesses say there was no stone throwing and that the youths were just walking home. The PA describes the killing as “extrajudicial.” Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the Qalqilya-area home of a Palestinian who was killed on 3/8 after he attacked a group of Israelis and U.S. tourists (see JPS 45 [4]). They also deliver stop-work orders to several Palestinian homes under construction nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 16 Palestinians and destroy part of a home during late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Nablus, Bethlehem, Tubas, and Tulkarm. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during raids in Sur al-Bahir, Issawiyya, and Abu Dis. (BBC, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/21; PCHR 6/23)

The PA cabinet decides to hold municipal elections on 10/8, though it is unclear whether this round of elections will include both Gaza and the West Bank. Hamas boycotted the last round of municipal elections in 2012, so no ballots were cast in Gaza (see JPS 42 [2]). (MNA 6/21)

In East Jerusalem, around 60 Jewish settlers tour Haram al-Sharif. Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian and confiscate a number of computers during a raid nr. Shu‘fat r.c. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid Nur Shams r.c. nr. Tulkarm late at night, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths (3 are injured, 1 seriously). They arrest 7 more Palestinians during raids nr. Bethlehem and Nablus. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis on 2 occasions, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 6/20; MNA, WAFA 6/21; PCHR 6/23)

The EU Foreign Affairs Council endorses the French peace initiative at its monthly meeting in Brussels. The Council also requests the EU’s External Action Service to devise a set of economic and security incentives to cajole the Israelis and Palestinians into an agreement. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/20; AP, HA, WAFA, YA 6/21)

The IDF conducts more raids in Yatta, targeting the homes of the Palestinians who allegedly attacked Israelis on 6/8. Israeli forces demolish 2 homes, an agricultural structure, a barn, and an outdoor kitchen in a village nr. Yatta, sparking clashes with Palestinians and international solidarity activists; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in ‘Arura village nr. Ramallah, arresting 1 Palestinian. Israeli forces close down a main road into Zatara village nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, a Palestinian from Hebron succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with the IDF on 5/4. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) site nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA 6/19; MNA 6/20; PCHR 6/23)

The head of Gaza’s fishing union says that the Israeli authorities have decided to temporarily extend the fishing zone off Gaza’s s. coast to 9 naut. mi. through 6/26. They had briefly extended the fishing zone off Gaza’s s. coast to 9 naut. mi. on 4/3 before reducing it to 6 on 6/6. (MNA 6/20)

Israel’s cabinet approves a NIS 72 m. (approx. $19 m.) increase in the budget for settlements in the West Bank because of their “unique daily security situation.” The increase comes on top of NIS 340 m. (approx. $88 m.) for the settlements, which is to be administered by multiple depts. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/19; HA, MNA, WAFA 6/20)

The IDF continues targeting Yatta in the aftermath of the 6/8 killings in Tel Aviv, raiding homes in the village late at night and taking new photographs and measurements of 1 of the attackers’ homes, threatening punitive demolition. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron, Tulkarm, Salfit, and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Ramallah and Salfit. An IDF jeep rams and injures a Palestinian youth nr. Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-‘Izzariya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Rafah. There are no injuries in either incident. Meanwhile, a Palestinian is injured when he accidentally detonates a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance in Gaza City. (MNA, WAFA 6/18; PCHR 6/23)

Palestinian national reconciliation talks in Doha break down halfway through their last scheduled day. Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri says that Fatah officials reneged on agreements made in previous rounds of negotiations and that Fatah withdrew during the 2d session of talks today. A Fatah spokesperson says that Hamas is “not ready yet for national unity and political partnership.” (MNA 6/18)

Two days after the deadly attack in Tel Aviv, the IDF seals all border crossings between Israel and the West Bank and Gaza overnight, except for humanitarian and medical cases. The largescale closure will continue through midnight on 6/12. Elderly Gazans are barred from attending Friday prayers in Haram al-Sharif today. The IDF also maintains its closure of Yatta village, home of the 6/8 attackers, arresting 3 Palestinians during raids in the area throughout the day. (MNA, TOI, YA 6/10; MNA 6/13; PCHR 6/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and injure a mentally disabled Palestinian man after he allegedly attempts to stab Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint nr. Nablus. No Israelis are injured. The IDF arrests 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Tulkarm and Hebron, sparking minor clashes, but no serious injuries; and patrol nr. Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron. An Israeli settler driver rams a flock of Palestinian sheep nr. Jericho, killing 25. In East Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities only permit Palestinian men over the age of 45, as well as Palestinian women of any age, to visit Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli police deploy heavily across the city and assault, injure, and arrest 5 Palestinians outside the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. In Israel, 5 Palestinian-owned vehicles are vandalized in price-tag attacks in the Galilee. Israeli police arrest 12 Palestinians at construction sites in Petah Tikva on the grounds that they did not have the proper work permits. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/10; PCHR 6/16)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 2 planned days ahead of Ramadan on 6/6. At the end of the day, around 800 Palestinians are stranded at the crossing due to the 7:00 P.M. curfew Egypt imposes on the n. Sinai Peninsula. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians demonstrating against the occupation in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is injured. IDF troops also arrest 8 Palestinians during latenight raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Ramallah and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus throughout the day. (MNA 6/4; MNA 6/5; OCHA, PCHR 6/9)

Responding to Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 5/30 comments, Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil Elaraby says that the league will reject any alterations or piecemeal acceptance of the Arab Peace Initiative. (MNA 6/4)

To facilitate travel to and from Gaza for Ramadan, the Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to traffic from both directions for the first of 4 planned days this week. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr. Khan Yunis and Dayr al-Balah, and arrest a Palestinian armed with a knife attempting to cross the border into Israel. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids and house searches in Hebron and nr. Jenin and Tulkarm. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 6/1; PCHR 6/2; OCHA, PCHR 6/9)

A PA spokesperson criticizes Israeli PM Netanyahu’s 5/30 pledge of support for the Arab Peace Initiative, saying “the Israeli statements regarding the 2-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative must be accompanied by actions on the ground and recognition [of] an independent Palestinian state.” (HA, JP, TOI 6/1)

For the first time in a week, a Palestinian youth allegedly stabs and injures an IDF soldier in Tel Aviv. He is arrested after the incident. Elsewhere, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, and in East Jerusalem; they also patrol nr. Hebron and Salfit throughout the day. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr. Khan Yunis and establish a watchtower nr. Gaza City. (HA, MNA, TOI 5/30; PCHR 6/2)

The Israeli cabinet unanimously approves Yisrael Beytenu chair Lieberman as DM; the Knesset approves his appointment in a 55–43 vote, and he is then sworn in. In a press conference following the vote, PM Netanyahu welcomes Egyptian pres. al-Sisi’s 5/17 speech calling for a return to Palestinian-Israeli peace talks predicated on the Arab Peace Initiative, stating that the initiative has some “positive elements.” His embrace of the Arab Peace Initiative is widely viewed as a ploy to deflect allegations that he has formed the most rightwing govt. in Israeli history and has no intention of making peace with the Palestinians. (HA, JP, KNE, MNA, TOI, YA 5/30; REU 5/31)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers and shepherds nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious injuries. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats twice late at night (7 fishermen are arrested). There are no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Hebron and nr. Ramallah, arresting 5 Palestinians; and patrol nr. Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in a village nr. Ramallah and another nr. Tulkarm late at night, arresting 3 Palestinian youths; and patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Bethlehem. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian youth in c. Hebron, causing no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian “attempting to damage the security fence” nr. Gaza City, according to the IDF; and open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in Shu‘fat overnight, reportedly to clear space to connect 2 Israeli settlements in the area. They also arrest a Palestinian during a late-night raid in Jabal Mukabir. (MNA, WAFA 5/18; PCHR 5/19; PCHR 5/26)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu offers Yisrael Beytenu chair Avigdor Lieberman the role of defense minister (DM). Lieberman accepts, opening final negotiations on the terms of his party’s entrance to the ruling coalition. (JP, YA 5/18; HA, TOI, YA 5/19; MEMO 5/20)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Elsewhere in the oPt, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron and in a village nr. Qalqilya, causing no serious injuries and leading to the destruction of 3 olive trees. IDF troops also arrest 2 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron and in East Jerusalem; patrol nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers break into a Palestinian home in Hebron and assault a resident, causing moderate injuries. In Israel, hundreds of PCI march through Haifa to the site of a Palestinian village destroyed in 1948 in commemoration of the Nakba. (MNA, WAFA 5/14; PCHR 5/19)

For a 2d day in a row, the IDF maintains its “general closure” of the West Bank and Gaza surrounding Israel’s Independence Day. Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 2d of 2 planned days. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen working nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli border police arrest 6 Palestinian youths throwing stones and setting fires nr. the separation wall outside Jerusalem. IDF troops patrol in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police disperse right-wing Jewish activists marching toward Haram al-Sharif in commemoration of Israeli Independence Day; 5 activists are arrested. They also arrest 10 rightwing Jewish activists after they assault Palestinians nr. Haram al-Sharif; there are no serious injuries. In Israel, thousands of PCI march through Rahat in the Negev calling for Palestinian refugees to be afforded their right of return. (HA, MNA, OCHA, TOI 5/12; PCHR 5/19)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Bethlehem, arresting 7 Palestinians, assaulting 1, and confiscating some property; patrol in 4 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in a village nr. Bethlehem in the morning. In East Jerusalem, around 40 Israeli settlers storm a Palestinian-owned building in the Old City, performing prayers and claiming ownership of the property. Israeli forces confiscate a small swath of land in Shaykh Jarrah and turn it over to a private settler organization, and arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-‘Izzariya and Qatanna. (MNA, WAFA 5/9; PCHR 5/12)

At the Jaffa Military Court, the manslaughter trial of the Israeli soldier who shot and killed a prone and detained Palestinian in Hebron on 3/24 begins. (HA, TOI, YA 5/9)

Israel’s consul-gen. in Istanbul Shai Cohen says that Israeli-Turkish reconciliation will have to wait for the formation of a new govt. in Ankara. Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoğlu is set to step down on 5/22 following a dispute with Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. (REU, TOI 5/10)

Late at night in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces return the body of a Palestinian killed in a confrontation with Israeli border police in 11/2015. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jabal Mukabir, Qalandia r.c., and Issawiyya; and assault and arrest a Palestinian in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze 50 dunams (around 12.3 acres) of Palestinian land nr. Qalqilya, uprooting 50 olive trees; and issue a stopwork order to a water pipeline under construction in the Jordan Valley. IDF troops conduct late-night house searches and raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus, arresting 10 Palestinians and confiscating some property; patrol nr. Hebron, Ramallah, Salfit, and Tulkarm. (MNA, WAFA 5/8; MNA 5/9; PCHR 5/12)

In a 5th day of cross-border violence in Gaza, Palestinian fighters fire 2 mortar shells into s. Israel overnight, causing damage and no injuries; Israeli forces respond with air strikes on 2 Hamas targets nr. Khan Yunis and artillery fire on areas nr. Rafah, causing damage. Following the morning’s violence, Israel and Hamas agree to deescalate tensions along Gaza’s border. Israeli forces pull back from the so-called Access Restricted Areas along the border fence and Hamas fighters maintain a cease-fire. Qatar, Egypt, and the UN were reportedly involved in the deescalation talks. Meanwhile, Israeli officials say they plan to continue anti-tunnel operations in the coming weeks. (JP, TOI 5/7; YA 5/8; PCHR 5/12)

IDF troops stationed along the border nr. Gaza City open fire on Palestinian farmers, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces confront Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, arresting 2 fishermen and confiscating their boat. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian attempting to climb the separation wall and enter Jerusalem, causing minor injuries; and arrest a Palestinian at a checkpoint in Jericho when they find he is carrying a knife. They also conduct raids and house searches in Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Tulkarm and Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinian human rights activists in Hebron, destroying some of their personal property. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinians in Silwan, arresting 3. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 5/7; PCHR 5/12)

Cross-border violence in Gaza continues for a 4th day. Hamas forces fire at least 2 mortar shells at an IDF position overnight nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Israeli forces then shell Hamas positions in e. Rafah and an Islamic Jihad position nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Also in Gaza, 3 Palestinian children die in a house fire sparked by a candle they were using because power outages have lasted 18 hours per day. Hamas officials will blame the Israeli blockade for their deaths. Across the oPt, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlements in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. the Erez crossing; 4 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct late-night raids nr. Jenin and Hebron, arresting 3 Palestinians; patrol nr. Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, around 300 elderly Gazans visit Haram al-Sharif after the Israeli authorities lift a 2-week ban on Gazans’ Friday visits to the sanctuary. (BBC, HA, JP, MNA, OCHA, TOI, YA 5/6; HA 5/7; PCHR 5/12)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis, causing damage to 1. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Nablus, arresting 5 Palestinians and confiscating some property; patrol in 4 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers assault an Israeli border security officer when he attempts to inspect an illegal structure in a settlement nr. Hebron. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/1; PCHR 5/5)

Amid continuing heightened tension across the oPt during Passover, Israeli forces escort hundreds of Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus and to Solomon’s Pools outside Bethlehem in the morning, sparking clashes in Nablus with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. Also, around 200 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif; 5 are removed from the area when they attempt to perform religious rites. Israeli authorities close the Kerem Shalom crossing with Gaza, indicating that they plan to keep it closed through 4/30. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah after he and another Palestinian allegedly attempt to stab an Israeli soldier. They also conduct raids nr. Bethlehem, issuing arrest summons to 3 Palestinians; patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Jericho. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/28; PCHR 5/5)

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office releases a statement formally rejecting the French peace initiative, including the peace conference planned for 5/30 in Paris. “Israel is ready immediately to begin direct negotiations with the Palestinians without any preconditions,” it reads, adding that “any other diplomatic initiative distances the Palestinians from the table of direct negotiations.” Meanwhile, a U.S. State Dept. spokesperson reiterates that the Obama admin. has not yet taken a position on the French initiative. (HA, TOI, USSD 4/28; MNA 4/29)

In the West Bank, Palestinians hold a funeral in al-‘Arub r.c. for the Palestinian killed on 4/14. Some mourners clash with IDF troops in the area; there are no injuries. IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, arresting 8 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrol nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers prevent a Palestinian farmer from accessing his land nr. Bethlehem. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Khan Yunis. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Rafah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli soldiers assault and interrogate a Palestinian in Sur al-Bahir, causing light injuries. Israeli forces raid Silwan and deliver 2 demolition orders to Palestinian-owned buildings. (MNA, WAFA 4/16; WAFA, YA 4/17; PCHR 4/21)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. Early in the morning in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian homes under construction in a village nr. Bethlehem and a playground in a village nr. Nablus. They also reopen a road e. of Hebron that they closed on 3/14, following a formal request from the PA. IDF troops patrol in a village nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stonethrowing Palestinians; 2 Palestinians are arrested and there are no serious injuries. They conduct further raids and house searches nr. Nablus, Jericho, and in Tulkarm, arresting 4 Palestinians; patrol nr. Qalqilya, Jericho, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Municipality prepares to demolish a Palestinian home in Wadi al-Juz, but Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office intervenes, canceling the demolition to avoid increasing tensions in the city ahead of Passover. Meanwhile, the extreme messianic group Temple Institute says that it conducted a secret Jewish wedding at Haram al-Sharif, violating the ban on Jewish religious ceremonies at the sanctuary. (MNA, WAFA 4/12; MNA, TOI, YA 4/13; PCHR 4/14)

COGAT announces that the Israeli govt. has given approval, in principle, to a Palestinian request to build a power plant nr. Jenin. (YA, 4/12; MNA, YA 4/13)

A U.S. State Dept. spokesperson says that the U.S. opposes a UNSC res. censuring Israel’s settlements, such as the one the Palestinian leadership is currently circulating. He adds, “I can firmly shut the door,” ending all speculation about U.S. support for the effort. (USSD 4/12; JP 4/13)