The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Salfit; patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jericho and in Salfit. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Nil‘in, and Wadi Fukin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. At an anti-occupation protest in Silwad nr. Ramallah, IDF troops shoot and injure 4 Palestinians with live ammunition. (PCHR 9/11)

Israel publishes tenders for 283 new homes in Elkana settlement in the n. West Bank. Expansion of the settlement was approved in 1/2014. (AFP, JP 9/5)

U.S. and Iranian officials meet for a 2d day of talks in Geneva, with the teams led by Dep. Secy. of State William Burns and Under Secy. of State Wendy Sherman, and Iran’s Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi, respectively. Separately, a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) leaked to the press says that Iran has failed to address concerns about suspected atomic bomb research. Tehran has reportedly only implemented 3 out of 5 agreed transparency steps. (AFP, AP, REU 9/5)

An Israeli surveillance device is remotely detonated in Adlun village, s. Lebanon, killing a Hizballah mbr. as he attempts to dismantle it. (AFP, AP 9/5)

The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and Balata r.c. at night; patrols in Hebron and 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians demonstrate at Haram al-Sharif against Israeli restrictions on worshippers’ access. (MNA 6/10; PCHR 6/12)

Reuven Rivlin is elected pres. of Israel by a vote in the Knesset of 63–53, defeating Meir Sheetrit. The 74-year-old mbr. of Likud replaces Peres. (REU 6/10)

Iranian pres. Rouhani says that Tehran will “do its best” to secure a deal over its disputed nuclear program. After further U.S.-Iranian discussions in Geneva on 6/9, Iran’s chief negotiator and dep. FM Araghchi says that the talks were “fruitful” but that “divergences remain and the consultations are going to continue.” (AFP, REU 6/10)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 3 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, arresting 2 and confiscating a boat. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and wounds a Palestinian nr. Hebron who the military says charged them. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin, Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, and in 1 village and Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, and in 1 village and alFawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers and Palestinians clash nr. Bayt Furik and Itamar settlement, after settlers enter the village’s olive grove. (JP 1/20; PCHR 1/23)

A rocket fired from inside Egypt strikes the outskirts of Israeli resort Eilat, causing no damage or injuries. It is later claimed by Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. (AFP 1/20; INN 1/21)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon withdraws the invitation to Iran to join the Syria peace talks, after the SNC threatened to cancel its own participation should reps. from Iran attend. The UN Secy.-Gen.’s spokesperson Martin Nesirky says that Ban is dismayed at Iran’s refusal to endorse the 6/30/12 Geneva Communiqué, as demanded. Ban later says that he thought he had reached an “oral understanding” with Iranian FM Zarif, before extending the invitation. Iranian spokesperson Marzieh Afkham says that Ban’s change of mind shows he faced “some pressure.” (AP, REU 1/20; AP 1/21)

The 6-mo. interim deal reached by reps. from Iran and the P5+1 on 11/24/13 goes into effect. Iran unplugs banks of centrifuges and the EU and U.S. partially lift sanctions, and focus turns to a new phase of negotiations aimed at securing a permanent agreement. EU foreign affairs chief Ashton says she hopes a new round of talks with Tehran could start within a few weeks. The IAEA reports that Iran has begun diluting its stockpile of enriched uranium and that enrichment at the Natanz plant is suspended. (AP, REU 1/20)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces kill a senior Islamic Jihad operative in an air strike on Jabaliya r.c., wounding 2 (including a child). The Israeli military claims the targeted operative was responsible for rocket fire. Two other Israeli air strikes cause some damage but no injuries. Islamic Jihad say that strikes on Gaza may lead to the end of the cease-fire broadly observed since 11/2012. Separately, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, Jenin and 1 nearby village, and in Nablus at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, and in Hebron and 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night. (MNA, REU 1/19; PCHR 1/23)

Israel’s Justice Minister Livni and Special Envoy Yitzhak Molcho depart for Washington to meet with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry, to discuss details of his draft framework for a peace agreement. Other attendees of their meeting include Israeli amb. to the U.S. Ron Dermer and U.S. mediator Martin Indyk. Meanwhile, Israeli radio reports that Netanyahu has told Kerry that he intends to annex a 4th bloc of settlements, adding Beit El-Ofra-Psagot to the Etzion, Ma’ale Adumim and Ariel blocs. (AFP, HA, JP 1/19)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon says that he invited Iran to the Syria peace talks in Switzerland and held discussions with Iranian FM Zarif about the constructive role the country could play. In response, the U.S. says the invitation should be withdrawn unless Tehran states its support for the 2012 agreement establishing a Syrian transition govt. (i.e., the 6/30/12 Geneva Communiqué). Meanwhile, the Islamic Front opposition alliance rejects participation in the talks. (AP, HA, REU 1/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces open fire with live ammunition during a raid of Silwad village nr. Ramallah, wounding 4. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers nr. Hebron cut down or vandalize around 40 Palestinianowned olive trees. 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). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in where 1 is wounded by a bullet and Nabi Salih where 2 are wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets. (MNA 12/27; PCHR 1/2)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki says that Israel has informed the U.S. that the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners will be postponed 1 day, to 12/30. (MNA 12/27)

A car bomb in Beirut kills 7 people and wounds more than 50, including Mohammad Chatah, former minister and mbr. of the March 14 coalition. Former PM Saad Hariri hints that Hizballah is behind the attack and Fares Souaid, secy.-gen. of March 14, calls for the creation of a govt. that excludes Hizballah. (AFP, DS, REU 12/27)

Clashes break out across Egypt between supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood and security forces, 3 are killed and 87 wounded, with more than 250 arrested. The group’s supporters had gathered to protest the govt.’s classification of the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization on 12/24. (AFP, AP, REU 12/27)

Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calls for new direct talks with the U.S. over Tehran’s nuclear program. Separately, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi, says that the country is building a new generation of centrifuges for uranium enrichment, in what is seen as a gesture toward hard-liners unhappy with the ongoing negotiations with reps. of the P5+1 in Geneva. (AP 12/27)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man in Qalqilya during a raid. The IDF says that the man, a Palestinian intelligence officer, opened fire on them first. Locals say he was shot in the back. PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh puts out a press release condemning the killing of 2 Palestinians in 24 hours in Jenin and Qalqilya. Also, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and Qalqilya at night. (MNA, PCHR, REU, WAFA 12/19)

Reps. from Iran resume talks with those of the P5+1 in Geneva, to work on how to put into practice the 6-mo. interim deal reached in 11/ 2013. Meanwhile, more than a quarter of the Senate—13 Democrats and 13 Republicans— cosponsors a new bill that would strengthen sanctions against Iran intensified should Tehran violate the deal White House spokesperson Jay Carney says that Obama would veto the new bill if Congress passes it, or any similar measure. (AFP, AP, REU 12/19)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Jabaliya r.c., wounding 1. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tulkarm in the morning, and in Tubas and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Salfit at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village at night. Separately, Israeli forces notify Bedouin families nr. Bethlehem that they must evacuate their homes before military exercises are conducted. (MNA 12/16; PCHR 12/19)

Israel opens Kerem Shalom crossing with Gaza to allow for entry of fuel and goods, and exit for 7 truckloads of strawberries and flowers bound for Europe. Israel also allows cement and gravel for UN projects to enter. (WAFA 12/16)

The EU’s Foreign Affairs Council announces that Israelis and Palestinians will be offered an unprecedented assistance package in the event of a final status peace deal. The incentives, under the bracket of “Special Privileged Partnership,” include political, economic, and security support. The EU also says that it is ready to contribute to post-conflict arrangements as part of ensuring any deal’s long-term viability. (HA 12/13; WAFA 12/16)

Israeli, Lebanese, and UN military officers meet to defuse tension following fatal crossborder gunfire the previous day. A statement from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says that the Lebanese soldier who killed an Israeli soldier was acting alone. Israeli DM Ya’alon says that the Lebanese authorities promised to punish the shooter. (AFP, AP, REU 12/16)

UN emergency relief coordinator Valerie Amos issues an appeal at a meeting of donor countries in Geneva for $6.5 billion for Syria and its neighbors, including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, each of which host significant populations of Syrian refugees. Separately, UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres cites Turkish officials’ estimate that the number of Syrian refugees in the country will reach 1.5 m. by the end of 2014. (REU 12/16)

The Muslim Brotherhood-led Anti-Coup Alliance in Egypt announces that it will call for a boycott of the constitutional referendum scheduled for 1/2014. Spokesperson Hamza alFarawy says that the group rejects “any vote under military rule.” (AFP 12/16)

EU foreign ministers release a statement pledging to suspend some sanctions on Iran as soon as the IAEA verifies that Tehran has begun limiting its nuclear activities, in accordance with the 6-mo. interim agreement signed in 11/2013. Meanwhile, Iranian FM Zarif calls U.S. Secy. of State Kerry to protest the expansion of sanctions on 12/12. (AP, REU 12/16)

In the West Bank at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 nearby villages; Jenin, Jenin r.c., and 1 nearby village; 2 villages nr. Bethlehem; and Balata r.c. nr. Nablus. IDF troops also patrol in Tulkarm in the morning, in 3 villages nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and 3 villages nr. Jenin, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. (PCHR 11/28)

Reps. from Iran and the P5+1 reach a deal in Geneva. The “Joint Plan of Action” establishes a 6-mo. interim period, in which the 2 sides swap confidence-building measures to facilitate negotiations over a long-term agreement. Specific measures include a 5% limit on Iran’s uranium enrichment, well below the level required for weapons-grade material, and approximately $4.2 b. in sanctions relief. (To read the full text of the agreement, see document A1 in JPS 171.) The interim deal is endorsed by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Pres. Hassan Ruhani, while U.S. Pres. Barack Obama says the agreement cuts off Tehran’s possible routes to a nuclear bomb. Separately, reports surface in the media that the U.S. and Iran had been holding secret talks since 3/2013, away from the P5+1 track, reportedly led by Dep. Secy. of State William Burns. It is also reported that Obama advised Netanyahu of these talks in 9/2013. (AP, HA, REU 11/24; AP 11/25)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 11/21)

At a conference in Sderot, Israeli FM Avigdor Lieberman declares that a peace deal with the Palestinians is impossible in the foreseeable future. He also claims that ties with the U.S. are “deteriorating,” and that Israel must “seek other allies with common interests.” Dep. FM Ze’ev Elkin, speaking in Moscow on a trip for talks with Pres. Vladimir Putin, subsequently tries to downplay his boss’ remarks, affirming that “there is no one who can take the place of the Americans.” Meanwhile, senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath says that Palestinian negotiators Saeb Erakat and Mohammed Shtayyeh will remain on a temporary basis until a new team can be formed. (HA, MNA, REU, YA 11/20)

Negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group of powers resume in Geneva, with hopes of reaching an interim accord on confidence-building steps. Optimism is expressed publicly by the likes of Britain’s Foreign Secy. William Hague, and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a speech in Tehran, in which he says that Iran will not retreat “one iota” from its nuclear rights but says that his country seeks friendly relations with the U.S. Also in his speech, Khamenei describes Israel as “a rabid dog,” which provokes an angry response from Israeli PM Netanyahu who is in Russia to appeal for tougher terms in a nuclear agreement with Iran. (AP, JTA, REU 11/20)

Israel’s “David’s Sling” missile defense system, co-developed with the U.S. and designed to protect the country from potential attack by Syrian and Hizballah-held missiles, passes a 2nd live test. Israeli defense officials say that the system could be deployed in 2014, a year ahead of the Israeli Air Force’s official deadline. (HA, REU 11/20)

A suicide car bomb attack kills 11 Egyptian soldiers nr. al-Arish in the Sinai Peninsula, wounding 37. Separately, a grenade attack on a checkpoint in Cairo injures 4 policemen. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing with Gaza due to a technical fault with the terminal’s computers. (AP, MNA, REU 11/20)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Jabaliya r.c. and level land close to the border zone, and also open fire on farmers, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops kill 2 Palestinians in separate incidents at checkpoints; 1st, at Za’atra nr. Nablus, where a Palestinian shoots fireworks at soldiers and is shot dead, and 2d, at Container checkpoint nr. Bethlehem where Israeli soldiers say a Palestinian attempted to attack them. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkam in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian cars nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces close 2 offices of charities it says are cover for Hamas activities. (JP, MNA 11/7; PCHR 11/14)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry heads to Amman, Jordan, and holds talks with King Abdallah and FM Nasser Judeh, with the king praising the “trust” Kerry has among all sides in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. At a joint press conference with Judeh, Kerry says that Israeli and Palestinians leaders had reaffirmed to him their commitment to negotiations. Later that day, Kerry holds another round of talks with Abbas, in Amman. In media interviews, he also reveals he will return the next day for another meeting with Netanyahu, an unplanned addition to the trip. In an interview broadcast on Israeli television, Kerry warns that without a peace deal, Israel could face a 3d intifada and “increasing isolation” and “delegitimization.” (AFP, AP, REU 11/7)

Swiss scientists say that tests show Yasir Arafat died with high levels of radioactive polonium in his body, but do not say that this was definitively the cause of death. Palestinian officials demand an international investigation into the “killing” of their former leader, according to PLO official Wassel Abu Yousef. (AFP, BBC, REU 11/7)

Diplomats from Iran and the P5+1 group begin talks in Geneva, coordinated by the EU’s Catherine Ashton, in an attempt to work out the details of a deal to end the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program. (HA, REU 11/7)

An unnamed diplomat says that Jordan will replace Saudi Arabia on the UNSC for a 2-year term, after Riyadh rejects the position out of anger with the body’s inability to take what it deems appropriate action with regard to issues like Syria and Israeli-Palestinian relations. (AP 11/8)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 4 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Jericho at night. Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, damaging around 20 cars. (MNA 10/16; PCHR 10/23)

Talks between Iran and the P5+1 group end with negotiators sounding positive about a follow-up round set for 11/7–8 in Geneva, and speaking of progress in addressing concerns about Tehran’s nuclear program. However, 1 source of disagreement between the sides, according to U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki, is what sanctions relief might be provided if Iran took concrete steps demanded by the international community regarding the nuclear work. (AFP, AP, REU 10/16)

The Turkish army fires on what it describes as al-Qa‘ida-linked militants in n. Syria, after the latter accidentally fired a mortar shell into Turkey’s territory. (REU 10/16)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and al-Fawar and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Nablus, 3 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, the IDF attacks a funeral procession, sparking clashes where 2 Palestinians are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. In East Jerusalem, Israeli troops demolish residential and agricultural structures in al-Za’ayem village, displacing around 35 people. In addition, Israel’s Housing Minister Uri Ariel visits the al-Aqsa mosque compound under police protection, heading a tour group of around 100 rightist Jewish activists. (MNA, WAFA 9/11; PCHR 9/12)

The 5 permanent mbrs. of the UNSC meet at Russia’s UN mission to discuss the contents of a new res. on the securing and dismantling of Syria’s chemical weapons. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov speak by phone the day before heading to Geneva for talks with experts about the practicalities of the Russian proposal. France, for its part, aligns itself with the U.S. position of insisting that a military option remains on the table but that the diplomatic process will be prioritized. (AFP, AP, REU 9/11)

Three attacks including 2 car bombs kill 11 people and injure more than 15 in the Sinai, as the army continues its offensive against Islamist militants, including Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. The dead include 9 Egyptian officers targeted at the intelligence headquarters in Rafah. Meanwhile, Israeli officials arrive in Cairo on a private jet for discussions with Egyptians security officials expected to focus on events in the Sinai. (MNA, REU 9/11)

U.S. Amb. Joseph Macmanus tells a meeting of the IAEA that there are “troubling developments” in Iran’s nuclear program amid concerns that Tehran is stalling on achieving any progress in negotiations with the international community. Iran’s FM Mohammad Javad Zarif says that Iran’s nuclear work could take place under international safeguards but would not just go away. (REU 9/11)

PC gives Arafat until 6/15 to reshuffle the Executive Authority (EA; the PA's cabinet) or face no-confidence vote (he has not faced a no-confidence vote since the 1996 elections). (WP 6/12; MEI 7/3)

In Cairo, U.S. Asst. Secy. of State for Near East Affairs Martin Indyk briefs Pres. Mubarak on U.S. efforts to persuade Israel to accept the U.S. FRD proposal. (MENA, RE 6/9 in WNC 6/10; ITV, MENA 6/9 in WNC 6/11; MENA 6/9 in WNC 6/17)

In Vienna, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan discusses peace process with Chancellor Viktor Klima, who assumes the presidency of the EU on 7/1. (RJ 6/9 in WNC 6/10, 6/11; Der Standard 6/12 in WNC 6/15)

In Tel Aviv, Jordan, Israel discuss import of Jordanian agricultural goods, farm products to Israel, PA self-rule areas. (JT 6/11 in WNC 6/12)

Iran, Turkey convene economic summit in Tehran. (IRIB Television 6/9 in WNC 6/11; IRNA 6/10 in WNC 6/12)

In keeping with UN Res. ES-10/5 of 3/17, Switzerland opens in Geneva a 3-day experts-level mtg. btwn. Israel, the PLO, with the International Comm. of the Red Cross, to examine measures that would contribute to the effective application of the Fourth Geneva Conventions in the occupied territories. (Palestine and the UN 6/98)

Israeli Interior Min. approves construction of 58 housing units for Jewish settlers nr. the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem. (Palestine and the UN 6/98)

U.S. government arrests without charge Muhammad Salah, a naturalized U.S. citizen once arrested in Israel for being a mbr. of Hamas; seizes his home, bank accounts worth $1.4 m.; hopes its investigation will lead to an indictment on charges of funding Hamas "terrorism." (NYT 6/14; JP 6/20; Shihan 7/11 in WNC 7/14)