The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort shot and killed a Palestinian man during a raid in Dura al-Qara’. Israeli settlers also shot and injured a Palestinian in Shufa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians traveling near Burqa, injuring a Palestinian woman. Israeli settlers also opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle near Bizarya, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers vandalized olive trees near Tell. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians, including 2 minors, during raids in Shuqba and Jamma’in. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, Tarqumiyah, and Dar Salah, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. 65 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus. Around 750 Palestinians have been arrested by Israeli forces since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed around 100 Palestinians, including several people sheltering at an UNRWA school in Khan Yunis. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Haifa, Israeli police violently dispersed anti-war protesters, arresting 4 and injuring others with batons. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli soldiers in Shtula, injuring 5. Israel fired artillery shells and conducted drone strikes in Lebanon. Hezbollah said 2 of its members were killed. Protesters demonstrated outside of the German and U.S. embassies in Beirut. In Syria, Israel conducted airstrikes in the Quneitra province. In Turkey, 60 people, mostly police officers, were injured after protesters in Istanbul attempted to storm the Israeli consulate. There were also demonstrations in Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Iran, and the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, UNOCHA WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 3,500 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 853 children, and 12,500 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 65 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 15 children. More than 1,284 have been injured, including at least 300 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,562 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 11,887 housing units have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher as the latest data is from 10/14. The Palestinian civil defense team said that more than 1,000 Palestinians were under the rubble of buildings in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA, UNOCHA 10/18)

Palestinians in the West Bank observed a general strike in protest against the Israeli airstrike that killed 471 people at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City on 10/17. (WAFA, WAFA 10/18)

The Israeli military again called on Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate south to the al-Mawasi area. (AJ 10/17; HA, UNOCHA 10/18)

The PA leadership held an emergency meeting chaired by President Mahmoud Abbas, confirming a July 2023 decision to end security coordination with Israel and reaffirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-defense. (WAFA 10/18)

The Knesset approved temporary legislation to allow Israeli prisons to admit new inmates beyond their legal capacity, allowing worsening conditions for Palestinian prisoners, including reducing living spaces and forcing prisoners to sleep on mattresses on the floor. The bill will be in effect for 3 months. Israel prisons have received 500 new Palestinian prisoners since 10/7, including 118 who crossed from Gaza to Israel in relation to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The Israeli High Court of Justice ruled in 2017 that prisoners must be given at least 37.7 square feet of space. The Knesset ethics panel also voted to suspend Jewish Hadash MK Ofer Cassif from the Knesset for 45 days and revoked his salary for 14 days over his anti-war stance. (AJ, HA 10/18; HA 10/19)

U.S. president Joe Biden landed in Israel for meetings with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and the war cabinet. Biden was supposed to travel to Amman for meetings with President Abbas, Jordanian king Abdullah II, and Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, but the meetings were cancelled by the 3 leaders after Israel bombed al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, killing 471 people. Biden told Netanyahu during a meeting that “it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you” in reference to the hospital bombing. Biden cautioned Israel not to be consumed by rage, saying the U.S. made mistakes after 9/11. Biden also announced $100 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians as the Senate was working on passing a bill providing $10 billion in extra military aid to Israel. Biden said aid to Gaza could start arriving on 10/20, as Egypt needs to “patch the road” to the crossing. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) blocked an attempt by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) to prevent the Biden administration from dispersing the $100 million in aid to Palestinians. 33 Democratic senators urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to lead efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Around 300 Jewish Americans were arrested at the U.S. Capitol while protesting Israel’s war in Gaza. The protest was arranged by Jewish Voice for Peace. (HA 10/17; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 10/18; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 10/19; AJ 10/20)

After President Biden’s meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that Israel will not allow aid from its territory to enter Gaza until the captives are returned. The statement also said Israel demands that the Red Cross be able to visit the captives and that Israel will not “thwart” humanitarian aid from Egypt as long as it only consists of food, water, and medicine. (AJ 10/17; AJ, HA 10/18)

President el-Sisi said during a press conference with German chancellor Olaf Schulz that Israel could allow Palestinians in Gaza to stay in the Naqab desert until Israel can “do what they wish to do with the militant operatives in the Gaza Strip.” El-Sisi also spoke with President Biden about aid coming through the Rafah crossing. Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the sidelines of an OIC meeting in Jeddah, discussing the situation in Gaza. Amir-Abdollahian called on the OIC members to sanction Israel and expel Israeli ambassadors. The OIC called for an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to lift the siege of Gaza. (AP 10/16; AJ 10/17; AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; WAFA 10/19)

The U.S. blocked a UN Security Council resolution calling for humanitarian access to Gaza, protection of civilians, and condemning Hamas’ operation in Israel. The resolution, introduced by Brazil, was approved by 12 members of the Security Council, while Russia and the UK abstained. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres called “for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East.” (AJ 10/17; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU 10/18)

U.S. State Department director of the office of public and congressional affairs Josh Paul resigned in protest over the Biden administration’s policy toward the Israeli assault on Gaza and its “impulsive reaction built on confirmation bias, political convenience, intellectual bankruptcy, and bureaucratic inertia.” (AJ, HA 10/18; AJ, NYT 10/19)

Jewish Currents reported that the Palestinian academics and analysts Noura Erakat, Yousef Munayyer, and Omar Baddar had their interviews cut from segments on CBS and CNN. MSNBC last week temporarily removed 3 Muslim hosts, Mehdi Hasan, Ali Velshi, and Ayman Mohyeldin, who is Palestinian, from their programming. (JC 10/18)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler shot and killed 1 Palestinian man after he allegedly shot and wounded 6 settlers in the Ma’ale Adumim settlement. Israeli settlers also erected barbed wire fencing on Palestinian-owned land in al-Maleh. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor after he allegedly tried to stab 2 Israeli soldiers that stopped to interrogate him near as-Samu. Israeli forces also demolished a commercial structure in Deir Balut. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Sabastia, surveying the town’s Roman amphitheater. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces prevented a Palestinian ambulance from entering East Jerusalem at al-Zaim checkpoint, resulting in the death of a 40-year-old Palestinian man who had suffered a stroke. (AJ, AP, HA, QDS, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/1; MEE, WAFA 8/2; PCHR 8/3; HA 8/5; UNOCHA 8/11)

The Ghaith-Sub Laban family, who were evicted from their home in the Old City of East Jerusalem, received a letter ordering them to pay for their own eviction by paying $4,613 to the Israeli police and $4,500 to the company that carried out the eviction. The family also owe $3,500 in court fees. The Ghaith-Sub Laban family was evicted on 7/11 as Israeli settlers took over their home. (HA 8/11; WAFA 8/13; MEMO 8/14)

The Israeli National Planning and Building Council approved the establishment of 5 new communities in the Naqab, including 4 Jewish communities and 1 for Bedouins. A memorandum discussed in the Southern District Planning and Building Committee last month said the goal of the Jewish communities is to prevent the expansion of Bedouin communities along Routh 25 and to bolster the Jewish presence in the area. (HA 7/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set up a tent near Qaryut. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian farmers and set a car on fire in ‘Asira al-Qibliya. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a late-night raid in Qalqilya. Israeli forces also razed land, uprooting 120 olive and almond trees in Qusra. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided ‘Asira al-Qibliya, injuring 15 with tear gas. Palestinian militants from al-Ayyash Battalion launched an improvised rocket at Israel from Jenin before it exploded near the launch site. The launch was said to be retaliation for the settler tour of the Haram al-Sharif compound (see below). In East Jerusalem, Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound for the third time this year. Ben-Gvir was joined by Naqab and Galilee development minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf and some 1,780 other settlers. Hamas, the PA, Morocco, and Jordan condemned the touring of the compound. Palestinians were prevented from entering the compound during the incursion. 16 Jews were arrested at the compound for praying at the site. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AN, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/27; AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/28; UNOCHA 7/29; PCHR 8/3; UNOCHA 8/11)

Hours after National Security Minister Ben-Gvir toured the Haram al-Sharif compound, Bahrain said it had to postpone a visit by Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, citing King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa’s schedule. (HA 7/28; HA 7/30)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan met with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, discussing Saudi-Israeli normalization. The New York Times reported that King Salman had intervened to insist that a deal would have to include concessions to Palestine. Later on 7/28, President Biden said at a campaign event that “[t]here is a rapprochement maybe under way” in relation to the Saudi-Israel normalization talks. (White House 7/27; AJ, AP, HA, REU 7/28; NYT 7/29; HA, REU 7/30; REU 7/31)

The UN Security Council held a meeting on the situation in the Middle East, discussing the increase in violence in the West Bank. (WAFA 7/27)

The Arab League submitted written statements to the ICJ in support of Palestine. (WAFA 7/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 1 bulldozer in Jalbun. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Beit Sira, Turmus ‘Ayya, Sanjar, Sa’ir, and Fawwar refugee camp. (WAFA, WAFA 3/5; PCHR 3/9; UNOCHA 3/19)

Israel said it will close all crossings to the West Bank and Gaza from 5:00 p.m. on 3/6 to 12:00 a.m. on 3/8 for the Jewish Purim holiday. (HA 3/5)

Israel deported 1 Palestinian released from the Naqab Prison to Hebron when he was released after serving 20 years. The man who was a resident of Haifa before he was arrested had his Israeli residency status revoked in 2019. (WAFA 3/5)

The Knesset extended the Citizenship Law, banning Palestinians from the West Bank who marry Israeli citizens from being granted residency status. The Citizenship Law has been extended yearly since 2002. (HA, TOI 3/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Aqraba. Israeli forces also issued a demolition notice for a house in Idhna, giving the family 8 days to demolish their home. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fired tear gas near a school in Silwad, causing tear-gas related injuries to students and staff. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Abu Dis, Tulkarm, Nablus, Jifna, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Isawiya. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/9; PCHR 1/12; UNOCHA 2/16)

The Israeli prison service began transferring Palestinians to different prisons in Israel to impede contact between them. 70 Palestinian prisoners, including Palestinian presidential candidate Marwan Barghouti, were transferred to the Nafha prison. A total of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will, according to the plans, be transferred from the prison they are incarcerated in to a new location. (HA, WAFA 1/9; ALM, MEMO 1/10)

Israel Hayom reported that Israel forces had demolished 2 structures at an archeological site in Khirbet Tarfin in Area B on 11/24/2022. The demolition was approved by then Defense Minister Benny Gantz. (HA 1/10)

Likud Party MK Hanoch Milwidsky told the Knesset during a debate on revoking citizenship for Palestinians convicted of terrorism that he prefers Jewish terrorists and will not seek to revoke their citizenship. The proposed legislation Milwidsky was defending would see Palestinians receiving prisoner stipends from the PA, or through a foreign body, having their citizenship revoked. Midwidsky said, “I prefer Jewish murderers to Arab murderers and as a general rule in the Jewish state I prefer Jews to disloyal Arabs here.” (HA, TOI, WAFA 1/9; MEE 1/10)

Representatives from the U.S., Israel, the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, and Morocco met in Abu Dhabi for the first day of a two-day summit of the Negev Forum, discussing normalization and regional integration. The members of the forum issued a document on 1/10 stating that they want to develop and implement initiatives to strengthen the Palestinian economy and quality of life. (AX, MEE 1/8; ALM, MEMO 1/9; TOI 1/10; AX 1/11; AN, MEMO 1/12)

The U.S. Supreme Court allowed a lawsuit brought by WhatsApp against the Israeli spyware company NSO Group to continue, denying the NSO Group immunity as a foreign government agent. NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware has been used to spy on activists and journalists in several countries, with more than 100 cases where the spyware having been installed via WhatsApp messages in more than 100 cases. (AJ, MDW, MEE 1/9; MEMO 1/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized more than 100 olive trees near Turmus ‘Ayya. Israeli settlers also vandalized 60 olive trees in Jalud, spraying them with chemicals. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Qibya and 1 Palestinian home east of Jericho. 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Balata refugee camp, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished 1 bakery in Shu’fat refugee camp and 1 house under construction in Bayt Hanina. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Shu’fat refugee camp. In the Naqab, Israel began construction of a new town, Hiran, on the lands of Umm al-Hiran which Israel has slated for demolition. The demolition of Umm al-Hiran and construction of Hiran has been halted since 2017 when Israeli police killed 1 Palestinian man trying to protect his property. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/7; MEMO 11/8; MDW 11/9; PCHR 11/10; UNOCHA 11/13)

Israel imposed a ban on seafood and fish exports from Gaza to the West Bank, saying that 20 tons of fish were attempted to be smuggled from the West Bank to Israel. The collective punishment imposed on fishermen and workers in Gaza affected some 5,500 Palestinians employed in the industry. (HA 11/9; HA 11/10; MEMO 11/11)

1 Israeli settler succumbed to injuries sustained in a stabbing attack 2 weeks prior in al-Funduq. (HA 11/8)

Israeli forces arrested 1 Israeli settler accused of attacking Israeli forces and Palestinians. The man was later placed in administrative detention, the only Jewish person out of more than 800 administrative detainees, after an Israeli court only allowed Israeli police to hold him until 11/11. (HA 11/9)

1 Israeli settler was indicted by the Israeli state prosecutor’s office on terrorism-related charges for assaulting 1 Palestinian man in Sheikh Jarrah on 10/13. (HA 11/7)

U.S. president Joe Biden called incoming Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on his election. President Biden told Netanyahu, “[w]e're brothers, we'll make history together … my commitment to Israel is indisputable." (AJ, ALM, AX, HA 11/7)

The UN Human Rights Council established independent commission of inquiry began hearings in Geneva on Israeli human rights abuses. (AJ, MEMO, MEMO 11/7)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided al-Ibrahimi Mosque and prevented Muslim worshippers from entering the mosque. Israeli forces also sealed the entrance to Nabi Saleh. Elsewhere, Israeli forces dismantled and seized 2 residential structures in al-Muarajat, displacing 12. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 1 with a rubber-coated bullet. 9 Palestinians were arrested, including 8 during late-night raids in Sa‘ir, Yatta, as-Samu, and Tell; 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian stabbed and injured 1 Israeli soldier and 1 Israeli settler while being arrested in relation to a car-torching incident in Ras al-Amud. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the vicinity of the Gaza fence. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was attacked by 4 Israeli Jewish people, who yelled “death to Arabs,” used pepper spray through the window of his vehicle, and vandalized his vehicle in Beersheba. The man was placed in house arrest after receiving treatment at a hospital, despite a judge saying that the Palestinian man was clearly attacked 1st by the Israelis. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; MEMO, WAFA 3/21; HA 3/23; PCHR 3/24; UNOCHA 3/25)

Israel said it had arrested 2 Palestinian men in the Galilee region for allegedly working with Hezbollah. (HA 3/20)

A Jewish vigilante militia set up by a former Israeli police officer was formally launched in the Naqab desert. The militia, The Barel Rangers, says it will patrol the Naqab to protect Jewish residents against Palestinian attacks. (AJ 3/24; MEE 3/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Burqa but were chased away by Palestinian residents; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also uprooted some 200 olive tree saplings in Khallet Hassan and stole 4 sheep in Kafr Malik. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 6 others with live ammunition during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor and injured 3 others with live ammunition and a concussion bomb during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for 7 Palestinian-owned homes west of Jericho and razed lands in Beit Safafa. 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Balata refugee camp, Jenin, Salfit, Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem. In the Naqab, Israeli undercover forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man during an arrest raid in Rahat; an autopsy later contradicted the Israeli forces’ explanation that the man was pointing a gun at them when he was killed, as it revealed that he was shot twice in the back. Israeli authorities also demolished 2 Palestinian-owned homes in Umm al-Fahm. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/15; MEMO, MEMO, MEMO 3/16; HA, PCHR 3/17; UNOCHA 3/25)

The security coordinator at the Gilad settlement outpost was arrested by Israeli forces on suspicion of having aided settler vandalism in Fara‘ata in the West Bank on 3/14. Another security guard at the settlement was also arrested for partaking in the vandalism. (HA 3/17)

The Israeli supreme court voted to uphold the Israeli ministry of justice’s decision to seize 7.5 acres of land owned by residents in the Israeli town of Taibeh, using the Absentee Property Law despite the Palestinian owners not having left their property during the Nakba. The ministry of justice decided to seize the land in 2017 after the owners applied to fill a quarry to convert into agricultural lands. Furthermore, the 3 supreme court justices ruled that the families must pay $9,100 in court fees. (HA 3/15; HA 3/18)

The EU delayed its annual $236 million aid to the PA and various Palestinian civil society projects, as a Hungarian representative wanted to condition the aid on removing “incitement” from Palestinian schoolbooks. The European Commission will have to rule on the Hungarian demand before the aid can be released to the PA. PA representatives told Haaretz that the Hungarian delegate is behaving like the Israeli far-right by raising demands on conditioning aid to Palestine. PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki has told the Hungarian delegate that the PA will not accept the demand. (HA 3/15; WAFA 3/16)

U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides told Americans for Peace Now, during a virtual event, that he is infuriated by Israeli settlement expansion but that he is unable to stop it. He further stated that he did everything in his capacity to stop Israeli plans to construct settlements in the E1 area. Ambassador Nides also said that the U.S. wants to reopen its consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem but that the Israelis are “aggressively” opposing it and that both Israel and the PA are making “too big a deal” over the issue. Lastly, Nides rejected the idea that the Palestinians can be bought off by economic incentives as they do not see this as a trade-off for political negotiations. (JP 3/16; MEMO, WAFA 3/17)

More than 500 Google employees signed a petition in protest over Google’s decision to relocate 1 Jewish employee from the U.S. to Brazil after she voiced criticism of Google’s contract with the Israeli cloud server Project Nimbus. The Google employee said the company was attempting to force her out of her job by giving her 17 days to agree to relocate to São Paulo. (LAT 3/15; JP, MEMO, TOI, WAFA 3/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 50 olive saplings in Kafr ad-Dik. A contractor working for the Israeli military intentionally rammed a 75-year-old Palestinian man, who was said to be in critical condition; the man was standing in front of a tow truck to prevent it from seizing cars from his village Umm al-Khair, when the truck driver plowed into him. Israeli soldiers at the scene did not assist the man after he was hit and instead left the area with the cars. Israel said that stones had been thrown at the truck leading up to the incident and that the driver had been hit by 1 of the stones. The man succumbed to his injuries on 1/17. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Burqa, Beita, and Abu Dis. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Silwan, displacing 6. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and al-Fukhari; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of the shore; no injuries were reported. In Israel, a right-wing Israeli protester assaulted 1 Palestinian journalist interviewing him outside of the hospital where a Palestinian prisoner is being treated in relation to his hunger strike. (MEE, MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/5; HA, MEMO, PCHR 1/6; HA 1/14; HA, MEMO, WAFA 1/17)

A local committee in Israel approved more than 3,500 new settlement units in East Jerusalem. The plans will be discussed further at a municipal committee meeting on 1/17. (AP 1/5; MEMO, MEMO 1/6; MEMO, WAFA 1/7)

The Israeli government postponed discussions of a new settlement in the E-1 area north of Abu Dis and between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim indefinitely. (HA 1/5)

The Knesset passed legislation to connect homes constructed without permits to the electric grid in the Naqab desert. The legislation was put forward by Mansour Abbas of the United Arab List. It passed 61-0 as the Israeli opposition boycotted the vote due to the legislation being fast-tracked. During discussions of the legislation, Walid Taha of the United Arab List gave a speech in Arabic, angering members of the Likud party and leading Abbas to ask Taha to continue in Hebrew. (HA 1/4; HA 1/5; ALM 1/7)

1 Palestinian American man was sentenced by an Israeli military court to 2 life sentences and $820,000 in fines, in addition to having his home demolished, for the killing of 1 Israeli settler and injuring 2 other settlers near Za’tara on 5/2/2021. (HA, MEE 1/5)

1 Jewish Israeli man was sentenced to 1 year in prison for partaking in a mob attack in Bat Yam that in May 2021 caused serious injury to 1 Palestinian man. The Palestinian man was pulled out of his car and beaten by at least a dozen Israelis. The Jewish Israeli man was not charged with incitement to terror and theft with racist motives after entering a plea deal. (AP, HA 1/5)

In Syria, Israeli tanks opened fire at Syria from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel said it had fired warning shots at 6 suspicious people in Syria. (MEMO, REU, REU 1/5)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz met with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman, discussing security issues. (AP, ALM, HA, REU 1/5; ALM 1/6)

Haaretz reported that, due to a technical error, the Israeli state archive had revealed censored material from the Israeli cabinet meeting during the Nakba in the summer of 1948. Amongst the information accidentally released was agricultural minister Aharon Zisling’s statement to other high-level Israeli leaders that he “can forgive instances of rape” by Jewish militants against Palestinian women, which he considered less severe than stealing from Jews. In another instance, Israel’s prime minister David Ben-Gurion told the cabinet that he is against “wholesale demolition of villages . . . but there are places that constituted a great danger and constitute a great danger, and we must wipe them out. But this must be done responsibly, with consideration before the act.” (HA 1/5; MEE, WAFA 1/6)

In the West Bank, 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Jenin, and Salfit. Israeli forces also raided houses in the Hebron area and set up flying checkpoints around Hebron. A Palestinian demolished his own home in Bir Oneh, west of Bethlehem, to avoid Israeli demolition fees. For the 3d day in a row, Palestinian schoolchildren suffered tear gas inhalation in Hebron after Israeli forces fired tear gas grenades into the yards of 4 different schools. In the West Bank village of ‘Ayn Yabrud, 25 Palestinian-owned cars were vandalized by Israeli settlers. The cars were punctured and sprayed with graffiti spelling “revenge” accompanied by a Star of David. In East Jerusalem, dozens of Israeli settlers protected by Israeli forces stormed Haram al-Sharif through the Moroccan Gate to perform prayers. Seven Palestinian minors were arrested in East Jerusalem during late-night raids, including the son of the PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith. (MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA 4/9; HA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, 4/10)

The Israeli Prison Service started relocating hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners in the Naqab and Ramon prisons in order to obstruct their hunger strike that began 4/8. (WAFA 4/9)

Airbnb announced that it was reversing its policy of removing West Bank settlement listings from its website (Airbnb announced that policy in November 2018) after settling a lawsuit against the company by Jewish American plaintiffs. (HA, Airbnb 4/9; MNA 4/10)

As citizens of Israel went to vote in the Israeli general elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party handed out around 1,200 small cameras to Israeli right-wing activists so that they could film at polling stations in predominantly Palestinian areas of Israel to intimidate Palestinian voters. Israeli police confiscated dozens of these cameras at polling stations. The Hadash-Ta’al list filed an urgent complaint to the Central Elections Committee to have the cameras removed immediately. (HA, MNA, +972 4/9; HA 4/15)

At sundown, Israeli authorities close Haram al-Sharif and Hebron’s al-Ibrahimi Mosque to non-Jewish visitors until 10/24 for the Sukkot holiday. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct a raid in Qatabiya village nr. Jenin, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Nablus and Hebron; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinians picking olives nr. Nablus, causing no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, a large number of Israeli forces deploy across Silwan after unidentified assailants throw Molotov cocktails at a settler home in the neighborhood. In Israel, around 1,200 bedouins gather outside the Ramat Hanegev council building to protest Israel’s ongoing evacuation and demolition of their homes. Their village, Bir Hadaj, is partially unrecognized, and part of it is slated for destruction in the context of the Israeli plan to redevelop the Negev. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Gaza City, causing no injuries or damage. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/16; WAFA 10/19; PCHR 10/20)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 2d of 2 planned days. (MNA 10/16)

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)

Overnight in the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and critically injure a Palestinian man with live ammunition during clashes sparked by a raid in a village nr. Jenin; he will succumb to his injuries later in the day. Late at night, IDF troopsshoot and kill another Palestinian during a raid of his home in a village nr. Hebron. Israeli forces destroy 450 olive trees, a Romanera well, and level land outside Hebron; deliver stop-work orders to 5 Palestinian homes under construction in a village nr. Qalqilya; patrol in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 nr. Ramallah during the day. The IDF conducts late-night raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, Tulkarm and 1 nearby village, 2 villages nr. Nablus, and in Qalqilya and Jenin, arresting 11 Palestinians and assaulting 1. In East Jerusalem, dozens of right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif under an Israeli police escort; 3 Palestinians are detained at exits to the sanctuary. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish 2 homes in bedouin villages in the Negev. (AFP, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/22; PCHR 7/30)

The European Council on Foreign Relations, an influential think tank, publishes a report on EU policy toward Israel. It proposes labeling of settlement produce in addition to other measures meant to discourage settlement growth, including sanctions against Israeli banks. After the report is published, the stock prices of 4 major Israeli banks drop in value, leading a senior EU official to say, “We have no intention of imposing restrictions on Israeli banks.” (+972, ECFR, HA, JP, MNA, REU, TOI 7/22; MEMO, REU, TOI, YA 7/23)

In the West Bank, hundreds of Israeli settlers gather nr. Nablus to protest recent attacks by Palestinians, including on 5/4. Late at night, Israeli settlers attempt to assault a Palestinian truck driver nr. Nablus, but he escapes. Meanwhile, IDF troops assault a PA security officer during a raid in a village nr. Nablus. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Ramallah, arresting 6 Palestinians; patrols nr. Ramallah and in a village nr. Hebron. They also clash with stone-throwing Palestinians on raids in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police detain and assault 3 Palestinian women in Haram al-Sharif as a group of right-wing Jewish activists tour the sanctuary. Later, Israeli forces assault a Palestinian man nr. the Old City. (MNA 5/5; AFP, MNA 5/6; PCHR 5/7)

Israel’s Supreme Court rejects a petition to abort the state’s plans to demolish a bedouin village in the Negev and replace it with a new Jewish town. The bedouin residents of Umm al-Hiran filed the petition in 11/2013. Around 1,000 bedouins will be relocated when the evictions begin; they plan to appeal the decision. (HA 5/6; NYT 5/16)

A PLO delegation meets with Syrian dep. FM Mekdad and other Syrian officials to discuss humanitarian efforts in Yarmouk r.c. It is the 2d PLO delegation to travel to Syria for such talks since ISIS fighters entered the camp on 4/1. (AFP 5/5)

Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan launches a hunger strike to demand an end to his administrative detention by Israel. He was arrested on 7/8/2014 and administratively detained for the 10th time in his life. In 2012, he led a high-profile hunger strike in protest of administrative detentions. (MNA 5/14)

In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the bedouin village al-‘Araqib in the Negev for the 81st time since it was 1st targeted in 2010; detain the head of the Prisoners’ Families Comm. in Jerusalem, Amjad Abu Asab, at Ben Gurion airport where he was on his way to participate in a conference in Turkey. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians are killed in separate incidents in underground tunnels: an Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades (IQB) mbr. dies in a Hamas-operated tunnel w. of Rafah; and, a man dies of accidental electrocution in a smuggling tunnel also nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. Israeli settlers destroy 40 olive trees nr. Hebron and, separately, attack a Palestinian nearby, lightly injuring him. In East Jerusalem, 78 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, PNN 2/19; PCHR 2/26)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) delivers a report on Iran’s nuclear program, concluding that the Iranian govt. is still not fully cooperating though it has largely upheld its obligations under the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA), which governs its negotiations with the P5+1. IAEA officials will discuss these issues with Iranian officials in Tehran on 3/9. (AP, FT, HA, NYT, REU 2/19; REU 2/20)

In the Gaza Strip, gas shipments are held as a result of a dispute between the Palestinian Ministry of Finance in Gaza and the Palestinian Gen. Directorate of Petroleum. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler stabs a Palestinian man e. of Hebron, causing moderate injuries. Hours later, Israeli settlers attack a 12-year-old Palestinian in the H2 area of Hebron, causing major bruising. In response, the IDF sets up several mobile checkpoints around Hebron, and later detain and beat 1 Palestinian. Following the 3 incidents, hundreds of Israeli soldiers and a group of private settler security officers conduct military drills n. of Hebron. They also conduct house searches nr. Hebron and Salfit. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers and soldiers continue leveling land around the Ahiya outpost nr. Nablus. Unknown assailants throw stones at a bus full of Israeli settlers in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc nr. Jerusalem. Right-wing Jewish activists enter Haram al-Sharif with an escort of Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers. Meanwhile, Israeli police detain 1 Palestinian woman at an entrance to the compound. Israeli forces conduct arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Salfit; patrol in Anata r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents. Israeli security forces also arrest an 11-year-old Palestinian for throwing stones at an Egged bus nr. the Old City, and later take him to alMaskubiya prison. In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli police arrest 9 Druze for raising Hizballah flags at public events in recent mos. In the Negev, Israeli forces demolish several homes in the unrecognized bedouin village al-‘Araqib. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 12/8; IMEMC, MEMO, MNA, WAFA 12/9; PCHR 12/10)

The Knesset approves a motion to dissolve itself, officially setting 3/17/2015 as the date for national elections. Israel’s major parties begin discussions about potential coalitions, blocs, and joint lists. Before the vote, PM Netanyahu, in his capacity as acting fin. min., asks the Knesset Finance Comm. to allocate $20 m. for settlements in the West Bank. (HA, JP, MEMO, NYT, TOI, YA 12/8; YA 12/9)

The 122 mbr. states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) grant Palestine observer status, which is seen as symbolically advancing the Palestinians toward signing the Rome Statute and attaining full membership at the ICC. (AP, NYT 12/9)

A delegation of Hamas officials arrives in Tehran for talks on repairing ties with the Iranian govt. The visit is reportedly a prelude to a future visit of Hamas leader Khalid Mishal. (MEMO, WAFA, YA 12/9; TOI, YA 2/17)

Israel’s FM Avigdor Lieberman says that while it was not possible to stop the UNGA voting in favor of the PA’s bid for recognition as a non-member observer state, the Israeli government would ‘‘exact a price’’ from Abbas in response. (HA 9/29)

Israel’s planning comm. approves establishment of a new Jewish community in the n. Negev in place of the Bedouin village Umm al-Hieran, whose roughly 500 residents will be forcibly relocated. (YA 9/29)

Israel releases 2 Hamas-affiliated mbrs. of the Palestinian Council after 15 mos. in administrative detention. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Jericho in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists protest land confiscation nr. Karme Tzur settlement nr. Hebron. (MNA 9/29; IMEMC 9/30; PCHR 10/4)

The Israeli DM announces that the 1st permanent section of a border fence between Israel and Egypt has been completed; Israel expects to finish the 135-mi. fence by mid-2012. In the West Bank, the IDF arrests Hamas-affiliated PC speaker Aziz Dweik (no location reported); patrols in 5 villages nr. Jenin, Salfit, and Tulkarm during the day, checking IDs and issuing 2 orders to appear for questioning. Some 200 IDF soldiers and Israeli border police demolish 4 structures at the unauthorized settlement outpost of Aley Ayin nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with Jewish settlers that leave 1 police car destroyed by fire and 6 Israeli border police and 5 settlers injured. Jewish settlers fr. Havat Gilad nr. Qalqilya set fire to nearby Palestinian crops; when local farmers try to chase them away, the IDF intervenes, firing tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets and beating the Palestinians, injuring 3. Israel’s Prawer Commission issues its final report on how best to implement the 2008 Goldberg Commission’s recommendation that Israel should legalize unrecognized bedouin villages in the Negev, so long as their territory does not overlap with existing land settlement plans for the benefit of the Jewish population. (HA, JTA 6/2; PCHR 6/9; OCHA 6/10)

Israel makes 2 air strikes on Gaza targeting the launch site of 4 mortars fired into Israel minutes earlier (causing no damage or injuries), hitting a nearby residential area, killing 4 Palestinian civilians (including 3 children) and wounding 11 (4 critically); Netanyahu expresses regret for accidentally harming civilians but accuses Palestinian militants of using civilians as human shields to carry out rocket and mortar attacks (even while there was no rocket fire at the time of the strikes). In the evening, Palestinians fire a manufactured Grad rocket and several mortars fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Later, the IDF carries out a 3d air strike, killing 4 Islamic Jihad mbrs. preparing to launch a rocket into Israel. The IDF also makes a brief incursion into Gaza northeast of Gaza City to level lands and clear lines of sight. Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishermen off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF makes a predawn raid on Awarta, imposing a curfew and arresting 9 Palestinians, possibly in connection to the 3/11 Itamar murders; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and Salfit. (IRM 3/22; NYT, REU, WP, WT 3/23; NYT, PCHR 3/24; OCHA 4/1)

The Knesset passes (37-25, with 58 abstaining or not voting) the “Nakba Law,” which allows state funding to be reduced to communities or groups that commemorate the Nakba, deny Israel is a Jewish state, question whether Israel is a democracy, or harm Israeli national symbols. It also passes (35-20, with 65 abstaining or not voting) the “Admissions Committee Law” allowing Negev and Galilee Jewish communities with fewer than 400 families to reject potential residents (i.e., Palestinians) who are “socially unacceptable.” (IsRN 3/23; JTA 3/24)

The IDF detains 2 Lebanese shepherds who accidentally crossed the Blue Line into Israeli territory and turns them over to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). (DS 3/23)

The IDF makes a brief incursion into Gaza e. of Gaza City to level land nr. the border fence. The UN reports that 9 Palestinians were killed and 16 injured in tunnel collapses in the previous wk. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Tulkarm. Jewish settlers evicted fr. Inbalim on 7/27 set up 3 new mobile homes in Givat Egoz outpost nr. Talmon settlement, also nr. Ramallah. An Israeli court reverses its 7/27 temporary injunction on construction at the Farhan-Hijazi properties in Shaykh Jarrah, ruling that Jewish settlers may keep building and living on the site until the next court session to discuss the case on 9/23/09. Meanwhile, Israeli police raid 2 other Palestinian homes in Shaykh Jarrah (the Ghawi and Hanun properties) where ownership is contested by Jewish groups, ordering residents to vacate the homes by 8/10/09 or face expulsion; settlers attempt to occupy the Hanun home but are fended off by the family; both families immediately file an appeal to the Israeli High Court. Timed with Mitchell’s visit (see 7/26), Jewish settlers, as a protest message to Obama, set up 11 new unauthorized settlement outposts, symbolizing the 11 settlements established by Zionists in the Negev in 1946 in defiance of British prohibition. The settlers hold a press conference inaugurating the new outposts in Neria settlement, established in 1991 to protest a visit by Secy. of State James Baker who was then pressuring Israel to halt settlement construction. (NYT 7/29; OCHA, PCHR 7/30; OCHA 8/18)

U.S. NSA Jones and his chief Middle East adviser Dennis Ross begin a 3-day trip to Israel, with talks focused on Iran. (WP 7/27; NYT 7/29)

Egypt allows the Rafah border crossing (closed since the incidents of 1/4) to reopen. The IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in Hebron and Tulkarm r.c., nr. Jenin, in and around Bethlehem. Palestinians fire 2 rockets fr. Gaza into the Negev, causing no damage or injuries. Some 200 IDF soldiers raid, shut down the offices of the Hebrew Battalion in Tapuach settlement after intelligence shows that it is connected with the outlawed extremist Kach movement; soldiers also confiscate 6 dogs they say settlers trained to attack Palestinians. (HA, YA 1/8; IMEMC, YA 1/9; PCHR 1/19)

In the mixed Jewish-Arab city of Acre, the New Forum for Strengthening the Jewish Community in Acre holds a conference aimed at finding ways of achieving a permanent Jewish majority in the city. The group, which includes mbrs. of the elected local city council and is supported by the mayor, believes that Acre “has the right to exist as a mixed city only if it has a permanent Jewish majority.” (HA 1/8, 1/9)

The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian involved in a traffic altercation with an IDF jeep nr. Jenin; occupies 2 medical clinics in Nablus, firing fr. the facilities on stone-throwing Palestinians, killing 1 Palestinian; fires on 3 Palestinians allegedly attempting to infiltrate the Israeli border fence in the Negev, killing 1 Palestinian (2 others escape); fatally beats a 17-yr.-old Palestinian for violating the curfew in Hebron; demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Dura; denies an ailing Palestinian woman passage through a checkpoint to a clinic, allowing her to die; conducts arrest raids nr. Tulkarm. Israeli courts sentence an Israeli Arab taxi driver to 15 yrs. for driving 2 suicide bombers to Tel Aviv, an East Jerusalem Palestinian to 6 yrs. for providing Palestinian militants with information used to carry out attacks on Israelis. (HA, JTA 12/30; NYT, WP, WT 12/31; LAW, PCHR, WP 1/1; NYT 1/2; PRCS press release 1/5)

The Israeli Central Elections Comm. decides to follow Atty. Gen. Rubinstein’s 2/19 advice to disqualify Israeli Arab MK Ahmad Tibi (Ta’al) fr. running in 1/03 elections on the grounds that he does not support the Jewish character of the State of Israel, supports armed attacks against it (a charge he denies); turns down a similar request to bar MK `Abd al-Malik Dahamshe and his United Arab List; rules that Herut mbr. Baruch Marzel, the fmr. head of the outlawed Kach movement who placed 2d on Herut’s slate of MK candidates, can participate in the 1/28 elections. The Knesset bans mbrs. of Kach, which advocates the deportation of Arabs fr. Israel and the occupied territories, from holding parliamentary office. (HA 12/30, 12/31; ADL, HA, MM 1/2; DUS 1/2 in WNC 1/3; MA 1/3 in WNC 1/6; WT 1/8; JPI, NYT 1/10)

Israel backs off plans to expel to Gaza 21 male relatives of suspected Palestinian militants (see 7/19). Sharon tells his cabinet that he will abide by Atty. Gen. Rubinstein's ruling that family mbrs. would have to have been directly involved in supporting the attacks in order to be deported. A small remote controlled bomb explodes underneath a commuter train in Rehovat nr. Tel Aviv, slightly injuring the driver; no one takes responsibility. The IDF conducts arrest raids in Jenin; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. A Jewish settler driving in Hebron deliberately runs over a Palestinian man, seriously injuring him. (MM, NYT, WT 7/22; MM 7/23; PCHR 7/24; LAW 7/31)

Sharon, Housing M Natan Sharansky announce plans to create 14 new Jewish localities in the Negev and Galilee to strengthen Jewish control of the land, create a security buffer btwn. Jenin and Afula (the site of numerous Palestinian attacks). (HA 7/22; Between the Lines 8/02)

The IDF sends tanks into PA-controlled Hebron fr. 3 directions to destroy 5 Force 17 posts, wounding 9 Palestinians. Armed Jewish settlers occupy a Palestinian building in the city, fire on Palestinians, wounding 1. Inside Israel, 2 Palestinians are killed while they are allegedly preparing a bomb nr. the stadium where the Maccabiah Games are scheduled to open today. In Bethlehem, Israeli undercover agents kidnap senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Mahmud Hamdan. (MM, WP 7/16; MM 7/17; AP 7/21; al-Haq press release 7/23)

During Sharon's address opening the Maccabiah Games, 8 Jewish women silently stand and hold signs saying "War Criminals" and "Stop Ethnic Cleansing." They are beaten by other Israeli spectators, removed by Israeli police, arrested, charged with "improper behavior," and released. The women also distribute a leaflet at the games denouncing Israeli actions. (Bat Shalom press release, HP 7/17; MEI 7/27)

In Cairo, Peres, Arafat meet after holding separate talks with Pres. Mubarak on the deteriorating Israeli-Palestinian situation. Peres warns Arafat that Israel will not hold back if there is another major bombing. (ITAR-TASS 7/15 in WNC 7/16, 7/17; MM, WT 7/16; MM 7/19; MENA 7/19 in WNC 7/23)

The Israeli cabinet approves construction of new communities in a vacant Negev area of Halutza Sands, bordering the southeast corner of the Gaza Strip, that the previous government had considered giving to the PA in a land-swap deal as part of a final status agmt. (NYT, WP, WT 7/16)

Palestinian National Authority holds 1st cabinet mtg. in Gaza City.  Weekly sessions are to alternate btwn. Gaza and Jericho.  (WT 6/29)

Israeli Commission of Inquiry into 2/25 Hebron massacre issues report, concludes settler Baruch Goldstein acted alone in killing 29 Palestinian Muslim worshippers at Haram al-Ibrahimi.  Report clears govt., IDF of any responsibility for attack but notes lapses in security at site, previous provocations by Goldstein.  Commission recommends Jewish worshippers be barred fr. carrying weapons, separation of Jews and Muslims.  Panel also urges IDF to clarify open-fire regulations.  Palestinians including Hebron Mayor Mustafa al-Natsha, Meretz MK Dedi Zucker criticize report, saying massacre took place because of "climate of threats and violence," double standard applied to settlers.  (MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 6/27; WJW 6/30; JP 7/9)

Israeli Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) denies broadcast allegations that radiation escaped during 1966 accident at Negev Nuclear Research Centre in Dimona, site of Israeli nuclear-weapons program, but admits accident, death of 1 employee.  Frmr. Dimona technician, 1 of 20 suing AEC for contracting cancer after incident, alleged radiation release in 6/24 Israel TV interview.  (WT 6/27)

Israeli cabinet orders some settlers disarmed, 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in response to Hebron massacre, establishes commission of inquiry to investigate massacre. Govt. orders administrative detention of 5 Kach mbrs., but apprehends only 1 as well as 2 low-level activists. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls Israeli moves "hollow and superficial," reiterates demand for international protection of Palestinians ino.t. Settlers' council "rejects out of hand the proposals ... to confiscatehe weapons of Jews." (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Rioting against Hebron massacre continues in o.t., Israel, spreading to Negev. 3 Palestinians killed in demonstrations, including 1 Israeli Arab, bringing casualty totals to 65 dead, 360 wounded since 2/25. (WP, WT 2/28; CSM, NYT 3/1)

PLO Chmn. Arafat charges that "some elements of the Israeli army" assisted Baruch Goldstein in Hebron massacre. IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom counters that soldiers fired into air, all 111 cartridge cases recovered at crime scene fired fr. Goldstein's rifle. (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Funeral of Hebron attacker Baruch Gold.. stein draws 300 mourners for procession fr. Jerusalem to Qiryat Arba. Mourners denounce journalists covering event as "Nazis"; Rabbi Yaacov Perrin, giving eulogy, proclaims "1 m. Arabs are not worth a Jewish fingernail." (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria withdraw negotiators fr. Washington talks with Israel in solidarity with PLO. (RMC 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

UN Sec. Gen. Butrus Butrus-Ghali suggests sending international monitors to protect Palestinians in o.t. U.S. mission to UN calls offer not "particularly helpful or useful." Statement notes DoP provides for "temporary" international presence, but says UN should not "prejudge" Israel-PLO discussions. Russia supports Butrus-Ghali's position. (NYT 2/28)

Bomb made of 2 82mm mortar shells explodes in Sayyidal-Naja Maronite Church in Zuq Mika'il, nr. Juniya, Lebanon, killing 9 and wounding 60. PM Hariri calls bombing "a plot ordered fr. abroad." Info M Michel Samaha, Damascus Radio, and Maronite Bishop Bishara Rai blame Israel. (RL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; SARR 2/27 in FBIS 3/1; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: After several hours of questioning about Jewish terror against Arabs, police arrest Rabbi Levinger for withholding information. 31-member ad hoc com. drafts platform for new Arab-Jewish Knesset slate. "Organization of Partisans and Resistance Fighters" asks Interior & Justice ministers to ban pamphlet circulated by "Sons of the Torah," accusing Chaim Weizmann, Moshe Sharett, David Ben-Gurion and others in Jewish underground in Nazi Europe of permitting "Jewish blood to be spilled as oil to lubricate the wheels of the Zionist state." 5 men from Sakhnin go on trial for alleged murder of 15-yr.-old Jewish settler (12/84), all plead not guilty, claiming their confessions extracted by force. Ministerial Economic Com. approves Transport Minister's plan for Negev-Eilat railway.

Military Action:

Arab World: Israeli Army surround Nmariyeh village, S. Lebanon, conducts search, confiscates 20 residents' ID cards, orders them to appear at military compound. IDF patrol comes under light arms fire near Ansar, no injuries reported.

Military Action:

Marines prevent IDF from entering Bourj-al-Barajneh for second time, but IDF moves into Lailaki using random anti-tank grenades and machine gun fire to search area; after fourth encounter between IDF and Marines in 1 week, US Embassy in Beirut expresses concern; truce in Tripoli policed by PLO because Lebanese security forces refuse to patrol area so long as opposing forces maintain positions.

Casualties:

1 PLO member killed, 3 wounded in Tripoli.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Government rejects US-proposed compromise on agenda for Lebanon negotiations; at Cabinet meeting Begin promises Deputy Premier David Levy and Communications Minister Mordechai Zipori, both Herut Party critics of Sharon, that Cabinet will hold special debate on Lebanon; Young Guards of Labor Party elects as chairman Moshe Cohen, a political centrist who will seek to end leftward lurch of party, to terminate Labor's alignment with Mapam and a rapprochement with religious parties; all police units launch anti-terrorist drive following attack on bus, reveal several bomb incidents since summer, including 280 kg bomb in car in Negev defused, bomb under bench in Herzliya which wounded 4, 4.5 kg bomb in Jerusalem defused, security forces played down and withheld information on incidents; Israeli trade with Lebanon valued at $8 million each for November and December; Peace Now group demonstrates outside Prime Minister Begin's office; dozens of Palestinians arrested in Tel Aviv after yesterday's grenade attck, 2 molotov cocktails thrown at police station in Dheisheh refugee camp, no injuries, security forces seal area, search but no arrests; 10 Najah University students arrested, charged with incitement; Kiryat Arba residents pull down Hebron municipality electricity poles for second time, and Acting Mayor Mustafa Natshe says he received threatening letter from Kiryat Arba council demanding removal of the utility poles; Elon Moreh settlers fire shots into Nablus Dal al-Tafel kindergarten and its bus, military authorities seal off Nablus market area.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat holds talks with King Hussein in Amman, also attending are members of Joint Committee, as Hussein tells Arafat his talks with Reagan were positive and successful; Lebanese Director General of Internal Security Forces Hisham Shaar says conscription may be necessary to keep balance of Christians and Muslims in police force; reports circulating in Beirut that AUB President David Dodge, kidnapped during war, may be alive and held in Bekaa Valley; Internal Security Chief Hisham Shaar and Syrian Deputy Chief of Staff General Ali Aslan meet in Tripoli, agree to patrols there by Lebanese security forces.

Arab Governments: Egyptian President Mubarak calls on Hussein and Arafat to negotiate on the basis of the Reagan plan, before US presidential elections and more settlements make it too late to reach agreement, says that only thing that bothers him about US foreign policy is US Congress' decision to increase aid to Israel; Egyptian Foreign Minister Kamal Hassan Ali says Egyptian ambassador to Israel will return to his post as soon as agreement is reached on Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon; Saudi King Fahd holds series of meetings with Walid Jumblatt, Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohammed Boucetta, Fateh Executive Committee member Abu Mazen.

US and Other Countries: Senator Charles Percy (R-IL) states support for Israeli position that withdrawal from Lebanon should be accompanied by business-like relations; columnist Jack Anderson publishes opinion poll of the world's worst leaders with Menahem Begin ranking fifth after Khomeini, Qaddafi, Mobutu and Duvalier; 1,500 New York area Jews who have applied for aliya attend speech by Israeli President Navon in synagogue.