The Palestine Chronology

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

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

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

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

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

Israeli forces punitively demolish the Ramallah-area home of the Palestinian who killed an Israeli settler and injured 2 others in an alleged stabbing attack in the nearby Adam settlement on 7/26. The demolition sparks minor clashes with Palestinian residents of Kobar village, where the home is located; no injuries are reported. Elsewhere in the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents of the area. Amid the clashes, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in a vehicle allegedly speeding towards their position; 5 Palestinians are injured (2 seriously). IDF raids near Ramallah spark additional clashes; 1 Palestinian is injured and a Palestinian journalist is arrested. IDF troops arrest 17 more Palestinians, assault and injure 1, and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 8/28; MNA, WAFA 8/29; PCHR 8/30)

The Jerusalem District Court rules that the Mitzpeh Kramim settlement outpost in the West Bank can be retroactively authorized, setting a precedent that could allow for the authorization of other illegal outposts that were established “in good faith” and with government support. Israel’s Civil Administration previously stated that it approved the construction of the outpost in 1999 based on erroneous mapping of the area. Israeli NGO Peace Now responds, “It is absurd to attribute ‘good faith’ to the settlers of an illegal outpost whose homes were built illegally and without permits on private Palestinians land, because of a ‘mistake’ made by the authorities in allocating the land.” (HA, YA 8/29)

With Egypt-mediated negotiations in Cairo ongoing, Hamas releases a statement affirming that there is a “national consensus” among the Palestinians in favor of a long-term cease-fire agreement with Israel and criticizing PA president Mahmoud Abbas for undermining the indirect talks toward a deal. Meanwhile, there are reports that both the talks on a long-term cease-fire with Israel and on the Palestinian reconciliation process have stalled. (JP, TOI 8/28)

In the West Bank, thousands of Israeli settlers gather at the illegal Netiv Ha’avot settlement outpost near Bethlehem to protest the impending evacuation and demolition of 15 homes therein. The High Court of Justice initially ordered the outpost demolished by early 3/2018 in response to a petition from the Israeli NGO Peace Now in 2016. The court then allowed a three-month delay to give the government time to facilitate a smooth relocation process for the residents. Separately, settlers enter Burin village near Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. The Israeli authorities issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction in al-Khadir village near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hebron and Nablus, and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence, sparking a number of small fires in southern Israel. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Dayr al-Balah and open fire on Palestinian farmland nearby, causing no damage or injuries. In north Israel, Israeli police arrest a West Bank Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli civilian in Afula. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/11; TOI 6/12; PCHR 6/14)

In the West Bank, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian during a patrol in ‘Azun village near Qalqilya. They also arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus, and patrol near Hebron. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF patrol outside a settlement near Hebron, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Qalandia refugee camp and Issawiyya; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest a Palestinian during a late-night raid in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/19)

After days of positivity from both Hamas and the PA in the wake of the 10/12 reconciliation deal, a Hamas spokesperson criticizes the PA for not prioritizing the rollback of sanctions on Gaza. “It is not justified to continue the sanctions on Gaza, while the [PA] government is content with talking about getting control of border crossings and exploration for [natural] gas in Gaza,” he writes, on Twitter. His comments come after the Fatah Central Committee neglected to discuss the sanctions at a meeting on 10/15. Meanwhile, the PA’s director of border crossings, Nazmi Muhanna, arrives in Gaza. He says he is there to “to carry out the first article of the reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo [on 10/12] regarding taking over the crossings.” (TOI 10/16; MNA, TOI 10/17)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that the Licensing Subcommittee of Israel’s Civil Administration has approved 31 building permits for new housing units in central Hebron, marking the first approval of new settlement construction in Hebron in 15 years. (AP, PCN, REU, TOI, YA 10/16; TOI 10/17)

A Syrian antiaircraft battery positioned east of Damascus fires on Israeli fighter jets allegedly flying in Lebanese air space, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IAF launches an air strike on the battery. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 10/16)

IDF troops arrest a Palestinian at Qalandia checkpoint after she allegedly stabs and injures 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, they arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during raids nr. Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers raze a small plot of Palestinian agricultural land outside al-Khadir village nr. Bethlehem. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians are injured in an accidental explosion at a Hamas military site. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/24; TOI 4/26; PCHR 4/27)

The Jerusalem Municipality files for public review of a plan to confiscate 1,300 m2 nr. Haram al-Sharif to build a visitor center. The Israeli NGO Peace Now will report on the plan on 4/25, saying that “dragged by settler organizations, the Israeli govt. is willing to go out of its way to approve this sensitive plan through a highly unusual procedure.” (MNA 4/25; PCN 4/25)

Across Israel, Palestinian citizens gather to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the killing of 13 Palestinians by Israeli forces in 10/2000. Around 2,000 people, including several Joint List MKs, march through Sakhnin to mark the occasion. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during raids and house searches nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Salfit; and patrol during the day nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in the Old City, al-Tur, and Silwan. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/1; PCHR 10/6)

The Israeli authorities announce that the IDF will be imposing a general closure of the West Bank and a temporary moratorium on passage to and from Gaza between midnight on 10/2 and midnight on 10/4 during the upcoming Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. Only medical and humanitarian exceptions will be allowed. (HA, JP, MNA 10/2)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that the Israeli Civil Admin. has advanced plans to build a new settlement outpost nr. Nablus, likely with the intention of housing the 40-odd families from the condemned Amona outpost. The plan for the new settlement includes 98 housing units, with an option to increase the number of units to 300. Peace Now also reports that plans for a new industrial zone nr. Ramallah were also advanced. (JP, MNA, PCN 10/2)

Overnight in the West Bank, IDF troops assault the Hebron-area home of a Palestinian, allegedly a mbr. of PIJ involved in the killing of an Israeli on 7/1. After declaring the village a closed military zone, they cut the Internet and electricity, fire anti-tank missiles and other artillery at his 3-story residential building for 7 hours, and eventually demolish it, killing the man and injuring a 2d Palestinian. The operation sparks clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians in the area; 5 Palestinians are injured and 3 are arrested. (BBC, MNA, WAFA 7/27; PCHR 8/4)

After the major IDF operation nr. Hebron overnight, the PA announces that the IDF has agreed to begin lifting its general closure of Hebron and the surrounding district, which it put in place in the wake of a Palestinian’s shooting of a settler on 7/1. Tension remains high in Hebron, as the IDF patrols the region throughout the day. (JP 7/27)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids in Nablus and nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police arrest 2 mbrs. of the Islamic Waqf after they allegedly assault 2 Israeli archaeologists at Haram al-Sharif, and arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces confront a Palestinian fishing party late at night, damaging 1 boat and arresting 5 Palestinians. Meanwhile, a Gazan succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with Israeli forces on 11/23/2001. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish several structures in the bedouin village of al-Araqib for the 101st time since 6/2010. The demolitions spark minor clashes, and several Palestinians are arrested. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/27; EI, MNA, PCHR, WAFA 7/28; PCHR 8/4)

Israeli NGO Peace Now announces that the Israeli govt. has opened tenders for the construction of 323 housing units in Israeli settlements nr. Jerusalem, including 89 in Gilo, 36 in Neve Ya’acov, 68 in Pisgat Ze’ev, and 130 in Har Homa. Meanwhile, the Israeli Knesset’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation gives preliminary approval to a bill that would make some West Bank settlements eligible for special tax breaks in connection with the severity of their security situation. (MNA, PNOW 7/27; HA, TOI 7/28)

In Gaza, Hamas reports that 1 of its fighters was killed this morning in a tunnel collapse. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler and several IDF soldiers assault 4 Palestinian youths in c. Hebron, causing minor injuries. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians throwing stones and protesting the recent Israeli crackdown on the oPt in 1 village nr. Qalqilya; 2 Palestinians are injured. Late at night, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking a brief exchange of fire with armed Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. Meanwhile, the IDF raids the Bethlehem offices of a PA-run charity and the Nablus office of a prisoners’ rights group, destroying and confiscating property and ordering the latter to shut down. The IDF conducts further raids and house searches in Jenin and 1 village nearby, arresting 1 Palestinian; patrols in 4 villages nr. Hebron; delivers a stop-work order to a home under construction nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian in Issawiyya and 3 Palestinians on late-night raids in Kafr ‘Aqab. (MNA, WAFA 12/28; MNA, WAFA 12/ 29; PCHR 12/31)

Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that Israel’s Ministry of Housing has continued working on plans for thousands of housing units in the E1 area e. of Jerusalem, despite the PM Netanyahu’s public cancellation of tenders for similar units in 11/2013. (AFP, HA, MNA, PCN, TOI 12/28)

In the West Bank, 4 Israeli soldiers are injured in a suspected ramming attack outside an Israeli settlement nr. Salfit, and Israeli forces later arrest a Palestinian suspect during a late-night raid nr. Ramallah. IDF troops injure 9 Palestinians in clashes with student protesters at the Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm. The IDF conducts a raid in Ramallah late at night, sparking clashes with stone-throwers wherein 2 Palestinians are injured; conducts further late-night raids and house searches in Tulkarm, Tulkarm r.c. and 1 nearby village, Jenin, and 1 village nr. Ramallah, arresting 12 Palestinians; patrols in 7 villages and al-Fawar r. c. nr. Hebron. Palestinians throw stones at Israeli settlers’ cars on a road to Jerusalem, causing minor damage and light injuries. Off Gaza’s coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police disperse 40 right-wing Jewish activists demonstrating outside Haram al-Sharif, arresting 2 who allegedly planned to erect a menorah to commemorate Hanukkah. Israeli forces also assault and arrest 4 Palestinian youths in al-Tur; arrest 2 Palestinians walking in the Old City. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 12/10; HA, MNA 12/11; PCHR 12/17)

Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that the Israeli govt. designated as “state land” a 30-dunam (7.4-acre) swath of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem in 11/2015. The previous designation of state land came in 8/2014. (PCN 12/10; MNA 12/11)

Off Gaza’s coast nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage to 1 boat. IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of al-Bureij r.c. open fire on nearby agricultural land. In the West Bank, IDF troops confiscate and damage property on late-night raids and house searches in a village nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, right-wing Jewish activist Glick leads a protest in the Old City against the closure of Haram al-Sharif to non-Muslims during the final 10 days of Ramadan. (MNA, WAFA 7/14; PCHR 7/30)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that Israel’s Civil Admin. recently allocated 300 dunams (around 75 acres) of land for the expansion of a settlement s. of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, 3 Palestinians who work in an Israeli industrial zone nr. Tulkarm file a complaint with the Israeli National Labor Court to recognize their right to share equal working conditions. The court will deny their request on 7/19. Currently Palestinians working in Israeli-controlled areas are subject to 1967 Jordanian law while their Israeli counterparts are subject to different labor laws. (MNA 7/14; JP 7/15)

Israeli PM Netanyahu reportedly says, “We cannot develop the settlements further, but rather need to preserve what we have,” in comments to a settler organization called the West Bank Regional Council (WBRC). The Yesha Council, a settler umbrella group including the WBRC, responds, saying “a govt. that does not build in Judea and Samaria loses its right to exist.” The Likud Party then denies that Netanyahu made any statement of policy regarding a settlement freeze. (TOI, YA 7/14)

In Vienna, the P5+1 and Iran reach a final, comprehensive agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. U.S. pres. Obama calls Netanyahu to discuss the agreement, and he reportedly offers to hold talks on increasing military aid to Israel. Netanyahu refuses “at this juncture.” (AP, HA, JP, JTA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI 7/14; HA, NYT 7/15)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. (PCHR 10/2)

Israeli nongovernmental organization Peace Now reports that the Jerusalem municipality is going ahead with the proposed construction of 2,610 new settler homes in Givat Hamatos, a settlement in East Jerusalem. Tenders can now be published for the project, soliciting construction of the units. The U.S. is “deeply concerned” with the news and the announcement overshadows a meeting in the White House between Pres. Obama and Israeli PM Netanyahu. (AFP, WP 10/1)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 3 shells into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Separately, Palestinians detonate a small bomb on the border with Israel, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and wounds 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet during clashes in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in Nablus and 3 villages nearby and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers vandalize 8 Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, and leave “price-tag” graffiti. (MNA, WAFA 1/21; JP 1/22; PCHR 1/23)

Israel announces plans for 381 housing units in West Bank settlement Givat Ze’ev nr. Ramallah. Israeli NGO Peace Now also reports that building plans were advanced by the Jerusalem municipality for a new settler-run visitor center in Silwan. (AFP, JP 1/21)

A car bomb kills 4 people and wounds more than 30 in Beirut, striking in a Hizballah-dominated neighborhood of the city. The attack is claimed by Jabhat al-Nusra in Lebanon, assumed to be connected to the Syriabased al-Qa‘ida-linked group. (AFP, AP 1/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure 4 Palestinians with live ammunition during clashes in Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and nearby Balata r.c. in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Hebron and 1 nearby village, and Qalqilya in the afternoon. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in (3 wounded by bullets, 1 wounded by a tear gas canister), Ni‘lin (1 wounded by a bullet), Nabi Salih (2 wounded by bullets) and Kafr Qaddum (3 struck by tear gas canisters). (AFP, MNA 1/10; PCHR 1/16)

Israel publishes tenders for 1,400 new homes in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and also reissues tenders for 582 units in East Jerusalem that had failed to attract bids from contractors. According to NGO Peace Now, today’s announcement means that Israel has announced 5,349 new homes since peace talks restarted in 7/2013. (REU 1/10)

In the West Bank, IDF troops uproot around 60 olive trees in Tuqu‘ village nr. Bethlehem, while separately, Jewish settlers nr. Nablus attack a house in Burin village, throwing stones and a Molotov cocktail, causing no injuries. (MNA 11/25; PCHR 11/28)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now announces that an Israeli military cmte. has approved the construction of 829 new homes in West Bank settlements Givat Ze’ev, Nofei Prat, Shilo, Givat Salit, and Nokdim. The planned construction is condemned by Nabil Abu Rdeineh, aide to PA Pres. Abbas, as a “policy of escalation aimed at putting obstacles in front of the peace process.” (AFP, REU 11/25)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon announces that an international peace conference on Syria will take place in Switzerland on 1/22/14, in an attempt to bring about direct talks between the Syrian govt. and opposition forces. The statement describes 1 of the key goals of the peace talks as “the establishment, based on mutual consent, of a transitional governing body with full executive powers, including over military and security entities.” (AP, REU 11/25) 

Pres. Obama, speaking during a visit to San Francisco, defends the deal with Iran, saying that the U.S. “cannot close the door on diplomacy.” In a clear criticism of those who have attacked the agreement, Obama says that “tough talk and bluster may be the easy thing to do politically, but it’s not the right thing to do for our security.” Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu announces that national security adviser Yossi Cohen will visit Washington to discuss the agreement with U.S. officials. In the UK, Foreign Secy. William Hague urges Israel to refrain “from taking any steps that would undermine this agreement.” (REU 11/25; AP 11/26)

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)

The Israeli government issues tenders for 198 new settlement homes in Hebron and Efrata (Gush Etzion bloc). Meanwhile, the Jerusalem municipality approves the planned relocation of the National Defense College to the Mount of Olives. Also, Israeli NGO Peace Now says that approval for settlement plans jumped 300% in 2012, and that under Netanyahu’s premiership, 40% of construction starts in settlements were in settlements located outside of the so-called blocs that Israel intends to keep under a final-status agreement. (AP, JP, YA 1/16)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF fires warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials close to the border fence in the n. Gaza Strip, causing no injuries. In a separate incident, the IDF shells an open area 200 m from the border nr. Bureij, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, The IDF raids Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, opening fire on Palestinians with live ammunition, rubber-coated steel bullets, and tear-gas grenades, seriously wounding 1. The IDF says that Palestinian protesters threw stones and firebombs at the Separation Wall and Israeli forces. Palestinian news agencies report that the raid was in response to the Palestinians opening a hole in the bottom of the wall nr. Rachel’s Tomb. The IDF also demolishes sheep barns and sheds nr. Jericho; patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Salfit at night. Meanwhile, an IDF investigation concludes that Israeli soldiers fired 80 bullets without justification when they mortally wounded a Palestinian man in al-Nabi Salih on 11/17 (he died on 11/19). Jewish settlers raze land nr. 2 separate settlements in the Jordan Valley and nr. Nablus in preparation for expansion. (MNA, WAFA 1/16; PCHR, PNN 1/17)

Israeli security forces dismantle Palestinian protest camp Bab al-Shams in the E1 zone nr. Jerusalem, after the Supreme Court authorizes the government to dismantle the site. Protesters were removed on 1/12, but the tents had remained. Separately, the High Court of Justice orders the state to refrain from evicting Palestinians from 8 villages in the s. Hebron Hills in an area the IDF has designated a firing zone for training. (REU 1/16; AFP, HA 1/17)

Dep. head of Hamas’s political bureau Musa Abu Marzuq says that the movement will not agree to dismantle the IQB as part of a prospective reconciliation deal with Fatah. He makes the comments in response to recent reports in al-Quds al-Arabi that Fatah is demanding Hamas dismantle its armed wing and integrate it into the PA security forces. (ToI 1/16)

The EU grants €100 m. to the PA and to UNRWA to provide essential services in the West Bank. Palestinian pres. Abbas announces that Saudi Arabia will give the struggling PA $100 m. to alleviate the PA’s financial crisis. (IMEMC, REU 1/16)

Israeli newspaper Yedi’ot Aharonot reports that the EU is preparing a new plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, to be presented following the forthcoming Israeli elections. The plan reportedly will be detailed and aim to complete negotiations on core issues during 2013. The initiative is sponsored by the British and French foreign ministries, but could be adopted by the whole EU. The PA subsequently says it is unaware of such a plan. Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdallah tells the French media that his country is working with European countries to restart the stalled negotiations. (AFP, JP 1/13; JP 1/14)

Israeli NGO Peace Now says that Israel’s Defense Ministry has published plans for around 200 new housing units in the West Bank settlement of Rotem in the Jordan Valley. Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu tells the cabinet that the government will ‘‘not allow anyone to harm the contiguity between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim,’’ referring to the removal of Palestinian activists from the Bab al-Shams protest camp in the E1 area. (AFP, JP 1/13)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning and in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin in the afternoon, and in Nablus, Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus at night. (PCHR 1/17)

Armed Palestinians protest in Jenin r.c., demanding the PA security forces return confiscated weapons to the resistance. The PA vows (1/14) to investigate the demonstration. (MNA 1/14)

Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad meets Arab League mbrs. to discuss the PA’s cash crisis and ways of raising the $100 m. promised by Arab countries but as yet undelivered. Fayyad claims that the situation may push 1.5 m. Palestinians into poverty. The Arab League agrees to form a delegation to press mbr. states to meet their financial obligations to the PA. (AP, MNA 1/13)

Senior IDF officers brief Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that Syrian armed opposition groups have taken up positions along the border of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (JP 1/13)

The Pentagon is sending briefings to senators in order to rebut what it calls ‘‘myths’’ about Defense Secretary–designate Chuck Hagel in the face of opposition to his appointment, in particular by pro-Israel groups. (WT 1/13)

PA pres. Abbas and Hamas leader Khalid Mishal hold separate meetings with Egyptian pres. Mohamed Morsi in Cairo to discuss ending the split between Fatah and Hamas. The focus of the talks is on forming a Palestinian unity government and holding overdue presidential and parliamentary elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Hopes are not high that substantial progress will be made on implementing the national reconciliation deal agreed in Cairo in 2011. The developments are condemned by Israeli PM Netanyahu. (JP, REU 1/9)

PA labor min. Ahmad Majdalani says that the PA hopes that forthcoming regional meetings will result in promised aid transfers from Arab countries. Meanwhile, West Bank public transport workers go on strike following what they view as an unsatisfactory response from the Transportation Ministry to their demands for a reduction in fuel prices. (MNA 1/8; MNA, WAFA 1/9)

Israeli NGO Peace Now says that the government has legalized the status of unauthorized settlement outpost Nofei Nehemia nr. Nablus. (AFP 1/9)

Palestinian human rights group al-Haq says that the death of a Palestinian man in Hamas custody on 12/27 in the Gaza Strip must be thoroughly and transparently investigated. (MNA 1/9)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 4 villages nr. Jenin at night. (PCHR 1/17)

PA FM Riyad al-Malki says that 11/15 or 11/29 are possible dates for a UN vote on the Palestinian bid to be recognized as a non-member state, adding that consultations are ongoing for the formation of the draft resolution. (AFP 10/31)

Unidentified armed Palestinians fire 2 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, causing no injuries. IDF troops on the n. Gaza border open fire nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Israeli naval vessels open fire at fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and Tulkarm at night. (ToI 10/31; PCHR 11/8)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that Jewish settlers have set up 2 new settlement outposts with utilities infrastructure in the West Bank for the 1st time since 2005, located nr. Ramallah and Qalqilya. (AFP, JP 10/31)

Palestinians in the West Bank vote in local elections, the 1st elections in 6 yrs. Out of the 353 municipalities, the poll was held in only 92; 181 municipalities form councils without elections due to a lack of candidates. Hamas boycotts the elections. The Central Elections Commission reports that around 515,000 Palestinians were registered to vote, of which 55% turned out to vote (by comparison, three-quarters cast ballots in the 2006 parliamentary elections and twothirds in the 2004 and 2005 municipal elections). Fatah has mixed results, partly due to the fact that its own mbrs. ran against each other, some as independents (27 Fatah mbrs. were subsequently expelled from the party for running in non-Fatah lists). (AP, BBC, NYT 10/20; AP, MNA 10/21; see also MNA 10/18; AP 10/19)

Israeli FM Avigdor Lieberman criticizes European countries for their 10/19 opposition to plans for 100s of new homes in Gilo settlement, and PM Netanyahu vows to continue construction in East Jerusalem. Meanwhile, the Israeli NGO Peace Now reveals government plans to build a military academy on the Mount of Olives in occupied East Jerusalem. (AFP, ToI 10/20; JP 10/21)

The Israeli navy intercepts a boat (Estelle) of pro-Palestinian activists en route to the Gaza Strip. The IDF boards the vessel 30 naut. mi. off the Gaza coast and tows it to Ashdod. Separately, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (BBC 10/21;  PCHR 10/24)