The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces installed an iron gate at the northern entrance to Halhul. Israeli forces also razed an agricultural road in Khirbat al-Makhul near Ya’bad and placed dirt mounts on it, making it impassable. Elsewhere, Israeli forces took measurements for punitive demolitions of 2 homes in Hebron belonging to the family of 2 Palestinians who are accused of killing an Israeli settler on 8/21. 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tulkarm, Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/23; PCHR 8/24; UNOCHA 9/11)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told Israeli Channel 12 News’ Mohammad Magadli during a panel discussion that “my right, the right of my wife and my children to move around Judea and Samaria [the West Bank] is more important than freedom of movement for the Arabs [Palestinians]. The right to life comes before freedom of movement. Sorry, Mohammad, but that is the reality.” Ben-Gvir also said that he “is handing out arms to anyone who can defend themselves,” referring to settlers. The U.S. State Department later condemned Ben-Gvir’s remarks on Palestinians’ freedom of movement, calling them racist. (HA, MEE 8/23; AJ, HA, HA, HA, MEE 8/24; ALM, HA, MEE, QDS, WAFA, WAFA 8/25; HA 8/27)

United Arab List chairperson Mansour Abbas and Blue and White party chairperson Benny Gantz visited Tira, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fire National Security Minister Ben-Gvir over the Israeli police’s inaction in solving crimes in Palestinian communities in Israel. (HA, WAFA 8/24)

Israel said it would increase its natural gas extraction from the Tamar offshore gas field in order to increase exports to Egypt by 38.7 billion cubic meters over the next 11 years. Israeli energy minister Israel Katz said the deal would strengthen diplomatic ties with Egypt. (REU 8/23; ALM 8/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian farmers in Lasayfer in the Masafer Yatta area, forcing them to leave the area. Israeli settlers also fenced off Palestinian farmland near Khirbet as-Samra in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian during a raid in Jaba‘. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with a baton round during a late-night raid in Dheisheh refugee camp. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp, Dheisheh refugee camp, Bethlehem, and Tuqu’. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian farmers east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/28; MEMO, PCHR 12/29; UNOCHA 1/16)

The Knesset passed the so-called Ben-Gvir law, granting incoming National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of the Otzma Yehudit party more authority over the Israeli police when he is sworn in. The law broadens the national security minister’s authority over police policy and police investigations. The coalition agreement between Benjamin Netanyahu and Ben-Gvir will see the Border Police become an independent entity under Ben-Gvir’s authority. The incoming government coalition also published a text laying out some policies, including that “[t]he Jewish people have an exclusive and inalienable right to all parts of the Land of Israel. The government will promote and develop settlements in all parts of the Land of Israel - - in the Galilee, the Negev, the Golan, Judea and Samaria [the West Bank].” (AJ, AP, GDN, HA, HA, IN, MEE, MEMO, NYT, TOI, WAFA, WAFA 12/28; TOI 12/29)

Jordanian king Abdullah II told CNN that he is prepared for conflict with Israel if the incoming government crosses his red lines regarding the Haram al-Sharif compound. (HA, MEE 12/28; MEMO, WAFA 12/29)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian child, shot by Israeli forces during a raid in al-Bireh on 9/28, succumbed to his injuries. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles in Huwwara and attacked Israeli soldiers with pepper-spray; 1 off-duty Israeli soldier was later arrested for attacking Israeli soldiers. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near al-Bireh. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers set fire to a vehicle and a water tank and vandalized 80 olive and almond trees in al-Mughayyir. Israeli forces temporarily expelled Palestinians in parts of Khirbat al-Karmil to convene a conference for settlers and soldiers in the village, which is in Area A. Israeli forces also assaulted 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint near Beit Furik, causing injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near al-Bireh, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bethlehem, injuring 2 minors with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition in al-Ram. Israeli forces also closed the main entrance to Beit Umar. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Sa‘ir, injuring 1 minor with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 2 minors with live ammunition and arresting 4. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Nabi Salih, injuring 1 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, causing tear-gas related injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians in ‘Azzun, causing tear-gas related injuries and assaulting a crew of journalists from Palestine TV. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Biddu, injuring 1 with a baton round. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting against restrictions imposed on Nablus, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house in Dura, displacing 8, and destroyed a water pump south of Nablus, disrupting water supply in Burin, Madama, ‘Urif, and Asira al-Qibliya. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided a house in Shu‘fat where the family and friends of a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces on 10/19 were meeting to remember him. Israeli authorities delivered a demolition notice against a Palestinian-owned home in Silwan. 1 minor was arrested during a late-night raid in Isawiya. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, NBC, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20; MDW 10/21; PCHR 10/27; UNOCHA 11/1)

Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank observed a general strike in protest over the killing of a Palestinian man on 10/19 near Ma’ale Adumim. (F24, MEMO, WAFA 10/20)

The new Israeli-imposed restrictions for entry into the West Bank, outside of Israeli settlements, took effect. The heavily criticized restrictions were 1st published earlier this year in the policy paper “Procedure for entry and residence of foreigners in the Judea and Samaria area,” issued by Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and have been slightly amended after criticism by U.S. and EU lawmakers. (GDN, MDW 10/20; NA, TOI 10/21)

Haaretz reported that Israel will approve the purchase of 2 helicopters by the PA for usage of PA officials. The helicopters, which will be stationed in Jordan, are reportedly funded by Gulf state donations. The PA will need permission from Israel to use the helicopters in the West Bank. (HA 10/20; ALM 10/21)

At a conference in Eliat attended by Morocco, Bahrain, and the UAE, Israel and Bahrain signed an agricultural cooperation deal. (REU 10/20)

The ACLU filed an appeal with the U.S. supreme court asking it to review the appeals court decision to uphold an Arkansas state law that penalizes companies boycotting Israel. The ACLU said the law violates the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. (ACLU, AJ, FOX, GDN 10/20; TOI 10/21; MDW 10/25)

The UN-mandated commission of inquiry on the occupied West Bank, Gaza, east Jerusalem, and Israel released a 28-page report, calling on the International Court of Justice to make a legal opinion on the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and said the occupation is unlawful due to its permanence and Israel’s “de-facto annexation policy.” (AP, UN, WAFA 10/20; HA, MEE, WAFA 10/21)

In the West Bank, 4 Israeli soldiers were injured by an explosive device thrown at them at a military checkpoint near Nabi Saleh. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near the Ofra settlement, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 1 other during a raid in Qabatiya; 5 were arrested. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition notice against retaining walls in al-Khader. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, al-Bireh, Nablus, Qabalan, Hebron, and Bani Na’im. (ABC, AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEMO, NA, PCHR, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; PCHR 9/8; UNOCHA 9/16)

Israel said its probe into the death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh found that an Israeli soldier “highly probably” shot and killed Abu Akleh in Jenin on 5/11. The Israeli army claimed that Abu Akleh likely was shot by a soldier using a telescopic scope, misidentifying Abu Akleh as a Palestinian militant during crossfire. Abu Akleh was wearing a vest and helmet clearly marking her as a journalist and eyewitnesses and several independent investigations have concluded that no crossfire happened during the killing of Abu Akleh. The Israeli military advocate general’s office said that it will not open an investigation into any potential wrongdoing by any of the soldiers involved. PA president Mahmoud Abbas condemned Israel’s report, calling it “another Israeli attempt to evade responsibility for murder.” U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said “[w]e welcome Israel’s review of this tragic incident, and again underscore the importance of accountability in this case, such as policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.” (AA, AJ, AJ, AJ, AX, DW, FOX, GDN, HA, HA, HA, MDW, MEE, MEMO, NBC, NPR, NYT, REU, TOI, SKY, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WSJ 9/5; AJ, AP, CNN, HA, HA, JP, MEMO, REU, WAFA 9/6; ALM, GDN, MEE, MEMO 9/7; AP, HA 9/8; HA 9/12)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli civil administration was seeking to legalize 30 of 35 agricultural settlement outposts using a new regulation that allows legalizing outposts on “state land.” The move will need the approval of the defense minister and justice ministry. (HA, HA, MEE 9/5)

The Jerusalem municipality planning and building committee approved construction of 700 new settlement units in East Jerusalem in the Givat HaShaked settlement adjacent to Beit Safafa. In addition to the housing units, a school and commercial buildings were also approved. (ABC, AP, HA, PCN 9/5; MEMO 9/7)

Israel delayed the implementation of new regulations for foreigners visiting the West Bank outside of Israeli settlements after criticism from the U.S. and others. The coordinator of government activities in the territories (COGAT) also updated the new regulations called “Procedure for entry and residence of foreigners in the Judea and Samaria area,” scrapping some of the most controversial new rules, such as forcing foreign spouses of Palestinians to leave the West Bank for a minimum of 6 months for a “cooling off” period and requiring foreigners to tell the Israeli government if they have started a relationship with a Palestinian resident of the West Bank. U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides expressed concerns regarding Israeli limitations to who can study and teach at Palestinian academic institutions. The regulations were originally released by COGAT in April. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh called the regulations racist and said they were aimed at Palestinians with foreign passports. (MEE, TOI, WAFA 9/3; JP, MEMO, TOI 9/4; AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, MDW, MEE, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; HA 9/7)

The EU provided $35 million to the PA to help pay for salaries and pensions for August. (WAFA 9/5)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested 9 Palestinian protesters during a general strike in Hebron over rising food prices. Food prices have been rising throughout the world due to Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian wheat and global supply chain issues. In Palestine, prices on flour, sugar, and cooking oil have risen up to 30% in the last quarter. 1 Israeli settler opened fire at Palestinians, claiming they had thrown stones at him; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces delivered a demolition notice for part of a Palestinian home in al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also raided Nabi Salih, firing tear gas at Palestinians protesting the incursion; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a Palestinian protest in Tubas, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered notices to Palestinians in Tarqumiyah informing them that 600 dunams (148 acres) of agricultural land will be seized by Israel to expand the settlements of Telem and Adora. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Silwan, firing tear gas at Palestinians and causing injuries. In Jerusalem, Israeli right-wing activists raided the Greek Garden and the Church of Holy Trinity on Mount Zion, damaging property of the Greek Orthodox church. The Greek foreign ministry called on Israel to take “appropriate action” against the perpetrators. (AN, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/6; WAFA 6/7; HA, MDW, PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

The Israeli Knesset failed to pass the 1st vote on extending the Emergency Regulations – Judea and Samaria, Jurisdiction and Legal Aid, extending Israeli law to Israeli settlers living in the West Bank. 58 voted against and 52 voted for, as the Israeli right-wing opposition voted against the measure to trigger the dissolution of the coalition government. The emergency regulation expires at the end of June. 2 party members in the Israeli coalition, Mazen Ghanaim from the United Arab List and Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi from Meretz, voted against the bill, as did the members of the Joint Arab List. (AJ, AJ, AP, GDN, NYT, POL, TOI 6/6; ALM, HA, HA, JP, MDW, TOI 6/7; AP 6/8; AP, TOI 6/10)

The Palestinian Prisoner Society reported that 1 Palestinian prisoner who has been hunger-striking for 96 days in protest over his administrative detention was in critical condition. (WAFA 6/6)

Amnesty International (AI) called on Israel to “immediately release” Salah Hammouri, a Palestinian-French human rights lawyer who works for Addameer and who has been held in administrative detention since 3/7. AI also demanded that Israel ensure that Hammouri’s East Jerusalem residency status will not be revoked. (AI 6/6)

A survey conducted by the Israeli Democracy Institute found that 60% of Israeli Jews favored segregation from the country’s Palestinian community, up from 45% in last year’s survey. In comparison, about 20% of Palestinian citizens of Israel favored segregation. (HA 6/6)

In Syria, Syrian media reported that the Syrian military had intercepted Israeli missiles targeting Damascus. (HA, REU 6/6; JP, TOI 6/7)

U.S. senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) sent a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, urging the Biden administration to ensure a “full and transparent investigation” into the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/11 in Jenin refugee camp. The 2 senators gave the Biden administration 30 days to report on progress related to the investigation. (AJ, HA, MDW, MEE, TOI, WP 6/7)

Haaretz reported on recently released documents at the Israeli State Archive, which details conversations between Israeli and U.S. officials during the 1st Israeli Invasion of Lebanon. In the trove of released documents are conversations between then Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin and U.S. president Ronald Reagan, where President Reagan suggests that Palestinian refugees in Lebanon become Lebanese citizens. Prime Minister Begin responds by suggesting that Palestinians in Lebanon be deported to Libya, Iraq, Syria, or Saudi Arabia. (HA 6/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area, causing injuries from assault and tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in Hebron. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Arroub refugee camp, Bethlehem, and Jaba‘. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at 2 Palestinian fishermen, injuring both with baton rounds and seizing their boat; both were transferred to a hospital for treatment. Israeli naval forces also arrested 2 fishermen within 2 nautical miles and confiscated their boat; neither was injured. Meanwhile, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen 550 yards from the shore, damaging 2 boats and 15 searchlights. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians were arrested near the Gaza fence. (MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/4; PCHR 6/5; PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with French president Emmanuel Macron via phone. (WAFA 6/4)

Meretz MK Michal Rozin said at an event that her party will support Emergency Regulations – Judea and Samaria, Jurisdiction and Legal Aid, extending Israeli law to Israeli settlers living in the West Bank. Rozin explained that her party is doing so to ensure that the government coalition does not dissolve. The regulation is set to expire at the end of June and Israeli justice minister Gideon Sa’ar is seeking to extend it for 5 years. Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his party Likud will abstain on voting to extend the regulation. (HA 5/31; HA 6/2; ALM, HA, HA 6/3; HA 6/4; AP, HA 6/6)

A UK-based Iranian opposition group, Iran International, reported that an Iranian engineer, Ayoob Entezari, was assassinated by poison at a dinner in Yazd. Iran denied the reporting, saying Entezari died of a disease. It was reported that Entezari was working on drone and missile technology. Entezari’s death followed 3 incidents in the last 2 weeks, in which 2 colonels and 1 other engineer were killed in Iran. (HA, TOI 6/4; HA, TOI 6/5; HA, JP 6/6)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian homes in Kafl Haris, injuring 2. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian and wounded 4 others during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. 6 were arrested during the raid and a punitive demolition notice was posted on the family home of 1 Palestinian who allegedly killed 3 Israelis on 4/7 in Tel Aviv. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ramallah, Hebron, and Beit Duqqu. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah, arrested 6, and seized 1 boat. (AJ, AP, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/27; MEMO, PCHR 4/28; UNOCHA 5/13)

1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was sentenced to 14 years in prison for allegedly planning an attack in Jerusalem in November 2020. According to the Israeli prosecutor, the man admitted that he wanted to harm Israeli soldiers but not civilians. (HA 4/27)

A 97-page Israeli document called “Procedure for Entry and Residence for Foreigners in Judea and Samaria Area,” originally published in February, surfaced in the media. The document, which will replace a 4-page ordinance on entry to the West Bank on 5/22, further complicates travel to the West Bank, especially for Palestinians. Palestinians holding foreign citizenship must, according to the new ordinance, include names and ID numbers of all relatives and people they might stay with while traveling to the West Bank. Palestinians must also declare if they own property in the West Bank or stand to inherit. Foreigners visiting Palestinians in the West Bank must also be given prior permission while those visiting settlers do not have to. Israel will also limit the number of foreign students at West Bank universities to 150; this will not apply to settlement universities. (AJ 4/27; AP 5/5)

In Syria, 9 people were killed, including 5 Syrian soldiers, during an Israeli air attack near Damascus. The 4 other victims were described as soldiers of other nationalities. (AP 4/26; AJ, AP, HA, MEMO 4/27; MEMO 4/28)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman. The 2 discussed the recent events at the Haram al-Sharif compound. (WAFA 4/27)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices for residential structures, 1 stable, and 1 stone wall; a stop-work notice for a water well and fencing in al-Walaja; and demolished and seized 5 tin structures in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya. 19 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, al-‘Arub refugee camp, al-Fawar refugee camp, Nahalin, Nablus, and Bardala. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 house in Silwan, displacing a family of 9. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against the killing of an unarmed Palestinian man on 5/30; 6 people were arrested. Another 3 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya. In Israel, Israeli forces violently dispersed hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel protesting against the planned demolition of an 18th-century Muslim burial ground in Jaffa. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/9; TOI 6/10; PCHR 6/11)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh told journalists that if Israel moves forward with annexing West Bank territory, the PA would declare an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital. Prime Minister Shtayyeh further stated that the PA had sent a counterproposal to the U.S. peace plan to the Quartet. (AJ, HA, REU 6/9)

The Israeli high court of justice ruled the “Law for the Regularization of Settlement in Judea and Samaria [the West Bank]” unconstitutional. The law was approved in 2017 and allowed use of Palestinian-owned land to build settlements and legalize settlement outposts. (HA, NYT, REU 6/9; WAFA 6/10)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished part of a house, a car wash, and another small structure in al-Jib. Israeli forces also razed land and set up caravans in Huwwara. Israeli settlers set up mobile homes on Palestinian-owned land near the Maskiyot settlement in the Jordan Valley. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Salfit, Jenin, and Bethlehem. In the raid near Bethlehem, Israeli forces clashed with local residents, leaving 1 Palestinian injured by live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a car wash in Sur al-Bahir, a commercial structure in Bayt Hanina, and 4 commercial structures in Silwan. Israeli forces also raided Issawiyya, confiscating Palestinian flags. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/17; WAFA 7/18)

Several heads of international organizations such as the UN, the World Bank, and the UNRWA called for Israel to halt planned demolitions of 10 residential buildings in Sur al-Bahir in East Jerusalem. The buildings are scheduled to be demolished on 7/18. (WAFA 7/17)

U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt said in an interview with PBS that he rejects the term “occupied” to describe the West Bank, saying that, “Judea and Samaria . . . is disputed” rather than occupied. Of illegal Israeli settlement, Greenblatt said, “I don’t even like the word settlement. I think it’s a pejorative term. I use the term neighborhoods and cities.” (PBS 7/17; HA 7/18)

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 West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Salfit in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Hebron, Nablus and 1 village and Balata r.c. nearby, 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm at night. Jewish settlers from Yitzhar chop down an estimated 60 olive trees nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinian demonstrators in al-‘Izzariya, a protest in support of defending al-Aqsa mosque from Jewish extremists. There are no serious injuries. (MNA 4/27; PCHR 4/30)

The PLO Central Council in Ramallah adopts a plan to pursue efforts to join 63 UN bodies and international treaties, according to a public statement issued on the final day of a 2-day meeting. Separately, PA Pres. Abbas issues a statement to mark Holocaust Day, denouncing the Nazi genocide. Israeli PM Netanyahu dismisses the comments during an interview with U.S. television network CBS, and says that Israel will not negotiate with a Palestinian govt. backed by Hamas. Meanwhile, IDF Maj.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai tells a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Subcmte. on Judea and Samaria that construction plans for 19 Palestinian villages in Area C of the West Bank have been frozen in response to the reconciliation deal. In addition, U.S. Dep. National Security Adviser Tony Blinken tells CNN that the U.S. is ready to suspend aid to the PA if a unity govt. backed by Hamas fails to recognize Israel. U.S. Special Envoy Indyk leaves Israel for consultations in Washington. EU foreign affairs chief Ashton releases a statement expressing concern over the latest developments in the peace process, and reiterates EU support for the U.S.-led peace talks. She also welcomes the Palestinian unity govt., affirming that it must abide by the principles of nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and commitment to previous agreements. (AFP, JP, REU, WAFA, YA 4/27; HA 4/28)

Remarks made by U.S. Secy. of State Kerry on 4/25 at a private meeting in Washington are published by the Daily Beast, in which he says that without a 2-state solution soon, Israel risks becoming an “apartheid state.” In response, pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC says it is “deeply troubled” by the comments. (HA, NYT 4/28)

Israel announces that the military has completed the main section of the 142-mi. Israel-Egypt border fence, a task that took 21=2 yrs. at a cost of around $377 m. PM Netanyahu, visiting the fence, says that ‘‘tens of thousands’’ of African migrants (‘‘infiltrators’’) will soon be forcibly repatriated. (ToI, AP 1/2)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Victoria Nuland says that the Obama admin. is urging Israeli and Palestinian leaders to resume direct talks in 2013 and halt ‘‘counter-productive unilateral actions.’’ (AFP 1/2)

Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz reports that Israeli authorities have begun barring foreign nationals living and working in the West Bank from entering East Jerusalem and Israel by stamping their passports with ‘‘Judea and Samaria only.’’ Some of these people are Palestinians born in the West Bank, but whose residency status was rescinded by Israel pre1994 due to a prolonged stay abroad. (HA 2/1)

The IDF orders dozens of Palestinians in the Jordan Valley to leave their homes for the duration of military exercises. Bedouin communities say that these temporary evacuation orders have increased in frequency and that they are being pressured to permanently leave the area. (AP 1/2)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, Jewish settlers enter Jalud village nr. Nablus and clash with residents, injuring 4 Palestinians (including 1 child). Settlers also vandalize a mosque nr. Efrat settlement s. of Bethlehem. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. (AP 1/2; PCHR, PNN 1/3)

Following protests on 1/1, the PA announces that it will cancel outstanding electricity bill debts for every West Bank resident. Those being investigated for electricity theft will not be included in the deal. (MNA 1/2)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. In a predawn strike, IDF bulldozers move into Brazil camp in PA-controlled Rafah under cover of tank, machine gun fire to demolish 20 Palestinian homes, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding at least 14, leaving 150 homeless. Israel claims the aim of the 4-hr. assault was to halt sniper fire fr. the area. (AP, BBC, NYT, REU 5/2; BDL, NYT, WP, WT 5/3; al-Quds 5/3 in WNC 5/4; LAW, MM 5/4; MEI 5/18)

In Washington, Israeli FM Peres discusses with Secy. of State Powell Israel's position on the Jordanian-Egyptian initiative, urges the U.S. to help arrange a cease-fire. Powell, echoing Israel's positions, says the U.S. it supports the Arab proposal as the "beginning of a dialogue. But, of course, that dialogue cannot get underway until violence is brought down" significantly; he does not mention the Israeli attack on Brazil hrs. earlier. The State Dept., however, denounces the Brazil attack as "undermin[ing] the efforts to defuse the situation." (MENA 5/2 in WNC 5/3; WP, WT 5/3; MM 5/4)

At a mtg. of his inner cabinet held in the Jewish settlement of Ofra, Sharon says that he cannot foresee Israel ever ceding sovereignty over the Jordan Valley "from the Jordanian border in the east to the mountain ridges of Judea and Samaria and the Allon Road in the west." (JP [Internet] 5/3; WJW 5/10)

U.S. special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Dennis Ross begins Middle East tour to build on DoP, with visit to Cairo to meet Egyptian, Arab League leaders. (MENA 10/18 in FBIS 10/19; CSM 10/19)

West Bank settlers plan civil disobedience, tax revolt, other measures against Israeli-Palestinian DoP, according to Yechiel Leiter of Council of Jewish Settlements in Judea and Samaria. (WT 10/18)

Fateh, PPP urge boycott of Jerusalem municipal elections by East Jerusalem Palestinians. (MM 10/18)

Faisal Husseini and Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi condemn 3/1 killings in Tel Aviv. Husseini receives letter from Secy. of State Christopher through U.S. consul-general in Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 3/2 in FBIS 3/2; al-Quds 3/5 in FBIS 3/8)

U.S. severs contacts with Hamas, saying they were cultivated to keep up with "developments in the Islamic world," denying any "political dialogue." Hamas will for the first time appear in the State Dept.'s annual report on terrorism, tobe issued 4/1. (WT 3/3)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud Abbas meets with Russian FM Kozyrev in Moscow, discusses deportees. (al-Hayat 3/4 in FBIS 3/8)

Israeli Health Min. Haim Ramon (Labor) and Interior Min. Aryeh Deri (SHAS) urge govt. to consider unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. (NYT 3/3; Qol Yisra'el 3/2 in FBIS 3/2)

Council of Jewish Settlements in Judea, Samaria and Gaza calls on settlers to open fire if attacked with stones (first in air to deter, then at body if endangered). IDF strongly rebukes lst-ever such call by settlers. (HaAretz 3/3 in FBIS 3/3)

Peace Now reports settlement expansion in at least 8 sites. (Al Hamishmar 3/2 in FBIS 3/3)

Israeli driver stoned and shot dead by Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza Strip. Shots fired from an Israeli car being stoned in East Jerusalem kill 1 Palestinian. (MM 3/2; NYT 3/3; IDF Radio, Qol Yisra'el 3/2 in FBIS 3/3)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Council of Jewish Settlers in Judea, Samaria and Gaza issue statement saying any govt. decision to cede even part of Israel's "sovereignty" over those areas would be illegal, "ought not to be obeyed," and should be met with campaign of civil disobedience, including refusal to pay taxes or to serve in the military [JP 11/6].

Arab World: Mubarak and Arafat hold 4 hours of talks; Egyptian officials report Mubarak is pressing Arafat to rectify the "ambiguous stand" of the PLO toward the Hussein-Arafat agreement, take clear steps to show PLO can be a responsible partner in negotiations [WP, BG 11/6]. SLA Commander Antoine Lahad states he hopes all Israeli units, apart from logistical support, will be out of security zone in near future, stresses relations are good with Israel but SLA intends to manage own affairs [JP 11/6].

Other Countries: Three hundred delegates from Latin American countries meet in Cartagena in the 7th Congress of the Federation of American Arab Organizations (FEARAB), adopt program of advancing PLO's cause in the continent [JTA 11/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ovadia Baruchi, 60, is stabbed in East Jerusalem near Damascus Gate; condition is reported to be improving. A number of Palestinians are arrested [JP 11/6; JTA 11/7].

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Karp report criticizing Israeli law enforcement practices toward Arabs in West Bank made public; report reveals Jewish settlers who kill West Bank Palestinians enjoy high degree of immunity from police investigation. Israeli gov't. announces no intention of intervening to salvage Gemayel presidency in Beirut, in spite of reported pleas from Phalange emissaries. Interior Ministry official attacks Jerusalem Mayor Kollek for accusing political motives behind gov't. refusal to approve 5 replacement generators for Arab-owned Jerusalem Electric Co. Spokesman for Council of Jewish Settlements ("Judea & Samaria") reveals IDF commander Aluf Ori Orr instructed settlers not to cooperate with civilian police after attacks on Arabs. PM Shamir and US amb. Lewis meet for urgent talks on LAF setback. Gaza-Majdal Road checkpoints withdrawn by Israel, thereby removing only visible demarkation of 1948 border.

Other Countries: US Pres. Reagan announces plan to withdraw Marines from Beirut to warships offshore. European Parliament Pres. Dankert, speaking to Knesset, suggests Israel coordinate efforts with Morocco and Tunisia to protect agricultural exports to Europe if Spain and Portugal admitted to EEC. 

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: US envoy Habib and Prime Minister Begin hold 90 minute meeting during which Habib presents Begin with letter from Reagan; Defense Minister Sharon postpones departure to Zaire, takes 100 Herut Party members on tour of Israeli military positions in Lebanon, Sharon meets Saad Haddad in Marjayoun, says any peace agreement will have a role for Haddad as he is trustworthy friend of Israel; Sharon holds afternoon press conference in Kiryat Shemona, simultaneously with official press conference announcing agreement on Lebanon talks agenda, creating tension with Foreign Minister Shamir, Sharon notes de facto normalization has preceded diplomatic normalization, that since Nov. 15, 12,000 people and 1,100 vehicles have entered Ilsrael from Lebanon and 1,100 Israeli vehicles transported goods to Lebanon; Labor Party political bureau approves Histadrut companies involvement in construction of settlements in occupied territories; Energy Minister Yitzhak Modai urges strong posture on US pressure, says control of Judea and Samaria is vital for security; Civil Administration declares as state land 20,000 dunums in Dahariya, south of Hebron, gives Palestinians 21 days to appeal, area planned for land reserve along 1967 green line; 30 Kach members break into Hebron home of Moshe Levinger, demanding that Meir Kahane's Kach settlement nearby receive support and services from Kiryat Arba as does Levinger's group in Hebron.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat in Moscow press conference releases communique that Soviet Union shows understanding of the PLO position on confederation on the basis of voluntarity between an independent Palestinian state and Jordan; following Habib-Begin meeting, Israel and Lebanon, in talks held in Kiryat Shemona, agree on agenda for talks (including concurrent discussion on "termination of the state of war; security arrangements; framework for mutual relations, including issues such as liaison, ending hostile propaganda, the movement of goods, products and persons, communications, etc.; program of complete withdrawals, conditions for Israeli withdrawal, within the context of the evacuation of all foreign forces; possible guarantees"); Lebanese Parliament delegation visits Amman seeking Jordanian support in talks with Israel.

Arab Governments: Foreign Minister Abdel Halim Khaddam, at non-aligned conference in Nicaragua, says Syria will resist any agreement which does not call for Israeli withdrawal from all occupied territories and does not recognize inalienable rights of Palestinians.

US and Other Countries: Pentagon refuses to sign draft agreement on US access to Israeli military data due to unreasonable restrictions; secret plan revealed for mini-Rapid Deployment Force in Jordan to guard internal stability, respond to emergencies in friendly Gulf States, and possible use in inter-Arab wars; Henry Kissinger says Lebanon crisis has consequences helpful to prospects for peace, shows USSR can supply arms but not solutions, rout of PLO restores US military credibility; Representative Council of French Jewry protests French Middle East policy, says Foreign Minister Cheysson's recent statements show anti-Israel bias, asks government to close PLO Paris office and expel PLO representative Ibrahim Suss.