The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during raids in and around Qalqilya, Hebron, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Ramallah, and Jenin. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij, and Gaza City, killing at least 92 people. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Naqoura, Aitaroun, Ayta ash Shab, Marwahin, and Hamool. Hezbollah forces fire anti-tank missiles at Metula; there are no reports of injuries or damage. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb the southern part of the country, wounding a Syrian soldier. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/17; UNOCHA 3/18)

More than 31,645 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 73,676 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 426 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,665 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 247 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,476 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 192 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza, including 13 trucks that arrive in Jabalia refugee camp and Gaza City. The aid arriving in Jabalia is the first in 4 months. U.S. forces airdrop 28,000 meals and 34,500 bottles of water over northern Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 3/17; UNOCHA, UNOCHA 3/18)

Adalah says it has documented 19 clear cases of torture in Israeli prisons since 10/7/2023, including sexual violence. (AJ 3/17)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh meets with a delegation of Chinese diplomats in Doha, discussing the situation in Gaza and the political situation in Palestine. (AJ 3/17)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira in Ramallah, warning against the humanitarian consequences of an Israeli invasion of Rafah. (AJ, WAFA 3/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says during a press conference with German chancellor Olaf Scholz that Israel will invade Rafah, but that Israel will enable civilians to leave the city. Scholz says an invasion of Rafah would make regional peace “very difficult.” Scholz also says Israel has a “right to defend itself” but adds the humanitarian cost of Israel’s attacks on Gaza is “extremely high, many will argue much too high.” (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, REU 3/17)

Haaretz reports that Israeli finance minister and minister with a portfolio at the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich is trying to appoint a settler, Hillel Roth, from the Yitzhar settlement as the deputy head of the Civil Administration and transfer authority over settlement building regulations to him instead of the military’s Central Command. (HA 3/17; HA 3/18)

Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani meets with UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed in Doha, discussing ceasefire negotiations. (AJ 3/17)

U.S. president Joe Biden meets with Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar, saying that a ceasefire and more humanitarian aid is needed in Gaza. Varadkar says Irish solidarity with Palestinians is rooted in the Irish “story of displacement, of dispossession, a national identity questioned and denied, forced emigration, discrimination, and now hunger.” (HA 3/15; AJ, HA, NYT 3/17)

U.S. senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) says in an interview that Israel’s claim that UNRWA is a Hamas proxy is “just flat-out lies” and says Prime Minister Netanyahu wants to get rid of UNRWA because he wants to destroy hopes of a 2-state solution. (AJ 3/17)

U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump reiterates his support for Israel’s attacks on Gaza, saying Israel should “finish it up and do it quickly and get back to the world of peace,” claiming he would make a normalization agreement between Iran and Israel. (AJ, HA, HA 3/17)

In the West Bank, 2 Israeli settlers were wounded by gunfire near Joseph’s Tomb. Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinians in Kisan; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near the Yitzhar settlement, damaging 3. Israeli forces shot and injured 4 Palestinians with live ammunition, 5 with baton rounds, and 13 with shrapnel, and fired an anti-tank missile at a home during an arrest raid in Rujeib. Israeli forces also placed dirt mounds at the main entrance to Silwad. 13 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Zeita, Deir al-Ghusun, Attil, Seida, Huwwara, Tubas, Qalqilya, Jenin, Beit Umar, and Deir Sammit. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. (MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; MEMO 8/31; PCHR 9/1)

An Israeli district court in Beersheba sentenced the former director of World Vision in Gaza, Mohammad al-Halabi, with another 6 years in prison, in addition to the 6 years he has already spent in Israeli prison. Human Rights Watch’s Israel and Palestine director Omar Shakir called the sentencing “a profound miscarriage of justice . . . The al-Halabi case exposes how Israel uses its legal system to provide a veneer of legality to mask its ugly apartheid over millions of Palestinians.” (AJ, GDN, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/30; BBC, MDW, WAFA 8/31; MEMO 9/1)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces during a raid in Jenin refugee camp on 5/13 succumbed to his injuries. An Israeli settlement guard detained 1 Palestinian minor near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli settlers also vandalized 50 olive trees in Yasuf. Israeli forces arrested 1 Palestinian man from al-Bireh carrying an axe; Israeli police claimed that a suicide note was found on his person. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during a Nakba Day commemoration near al-Bireh, injuring 20, including 7 with live ammunition, 3 with baton rounds, and 6 with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians commemorating the Nakba at Palestine Technical University in Tulkarm, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition notice for 1 house in as-Samu. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah; no injuries were reported. In Israel, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinian students at Tel Aviv University during a Nakba Day protest, claiming the 3 had assaulted right-wing counter protesters; 2 were released the same day. (AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/15; HA, MDW, MEMO, MEMO 5/16; PCHR 5/19; UNOCHA 6/4)

Israel reopened the crossings between Gaza and Israel for the 1st time since 5/3. (HA 5/14; MEMO 5/15; PCHR 5/19)

The Israeli high court of justice rejected 4 petitions against the planned Jerusalem cable car project. The project had been heavily criticized by Palestinians for seeking to deepen the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem and by Israelis who believe the cable car would harm the aesthetics of the city. (AP, HA, REU 5/15; MEE 5/16)

The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett instructed his government to examine options of demolishing the family homes of Palestinian citizens of Israel convicted of committing attacks against Israeli Jews and whether Israel can deport their families to Gaza. (JP 5/16)

Berlin police arrested more than 170 pro-Palestine protesters marking Nakba Day. Berlin police had banned all Palestinian events and protests in the days surrounding Nakba Day, citing the potential for anti-Semitic sentiments. 1 of the banned pro-Palestine protests was organized by the Jewish organization Jüdische Stimme. (HRW 5/20; +972 5/21)

Members of the Somalia parliament elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the country’s new president. During Mohamud’s previous tenure, he secretly met with then Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in 2016, discussing potential normalization. (TOI 5/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Israeli forces demolishing a settlement outpost near the Yitzhar settlement; 3 soldiers and 1 settler were injured and several military vehicles were damaged. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Sabastia. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man near Haris at the Ariel settlement, claiming he had charged Israeli settlers and soldiers with a knife; no Israeli injuries were reported. 2 Palestinians were arrested for driving with the Palestinian man to the Ariel settlement: 1 on 12/31 and 1 on 1/2. The PA called the killing an execution. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 5 with rubber-coated bullets, including 1 minor. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets and 7 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed a protest in Bayt Dajan, injuring 44 Palestinians with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shut down the main road between Nablus and Jenin. Israeli forces also delivered a demolition order for a house in Umm al-Rihan. 1 Palestinian minor was arrested during a house raid in Beit Fajjar. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using a rubber-coated bullet during a raid in Isawiya; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting the Israeli eviction plans against the Salem family in Sheikh Jarrah; 1 minor was arrested and several Palestinian flags were confiscated. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Jabel Mukaber, assaulting 1 and arresting 1. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinian shepherds east of al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Palestinian Israeli man was killed in Umm al-Fahm, marking the 126th murder of a Palestinian Israeli in 2021. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, JP, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/31; MEMO 1/1; TOI 1/2; PCHR 1/6)

B’Tselem reported that 2021 saw the most killing of Palestinians since 2014. According to B’Tselem, 319 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces and Israeli settlers. 9 Israelis were killed by Palestinians. The human rights organization also said 2021 saw the most demolitions of Palestinian homes in 5 years. 295 residential structures were demolished, displacing 895 Palestinians, including 463 minors. Israel also demolished 548 non-residential structures. (B’Tselem 1/4/2022)

Israel’s ministry of defense announced that it had signed a deal with the U.S. to buy 12 Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky CH-53K helicopters and 2 Boeing KC-46 refueling planes. (MEMO 12/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement raided ‘Asira al-Qibliya but were repelled by locals before causing any damages. Israeli forces shot and killed 4 Palestinians during a late-night house raid in Jenin refugee camp; 3 others were injured by live ammunition. PA presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh condemned the killings and called on the international community to intervene. Israeli forces also shot and injured 3 Palestinians using live ammunition during a raid in Tammun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces also seized solar panels in Baziq and Yarzeh, demolished 1 room in Deir Balut, razed 1 road in Atuf, and uprooted olive trees in Bardala. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work orders for 2 houses and 1 agricultural structure in Masafer Yatta and a warehouse in Haris. Israel said it had arrested 1 armed Palestinian man dressed as an Israeli soldier near Qaryut. 7 others were arrested during late-night raids in and around Qusra, Kafr Qallil, Abu Nujaym, Aida refugee camp, and Hebron. In Gaza, 1 rocket was launched at Israel before being intercepted by the Iron Dome. Hamas denied responsibility. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, GDN, HA, HA, HA, JP, MDW, MEE, MEMO, REU, REU, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/16; AA, HA, HQ 8/17; PCHR 8/19)

Israel confiscated 23 tons of chocolate bars headed for Gaza, claiming the chocolate would benefit Hamas economically. The confiscation order was signed by Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz. (JP 8/16; AA, MEE, MEMO 8/17; ALM 8/24)

Hamas’s political leader Ismail Haniyeh congratulated the Taliban on taking over most of Afghanistan as the organization entered Kabul after the U.S. removed most of its forces. Chaotic scenes were filmed in the Kabul airport as foreigners and many Afghan people desperately sought to flee the country. (MEMO 8/17; ALM 8/19)

The UNRWA warned that 30,000 Palestinian refugees were at risk in southern Syria after fighting between the Syrian government and local militias intensified in Daraa in late July. (MEMO 8/4; WAFA 8/16; AA, MEMO 8/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers blocked a road between Jerusalem and Hebron. Israeli settlers also vandalized 10 olive trees, 2 water tanks, and an irrigation system in Wadi Qana. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan; 1 Palestinian sustained fractures from a fall after being chased by the forces. Israeli forces also raided Luban al-Sharqiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries and 1 arrest of a minor. Elsewhere, Israeli forces handed demolition orders for 4 commercial structures in Dayr Qadis. Israeli forces also blocked several roads in the Masafer Yatta area and sealed entrances to Beita. 23 Palestinians were arrested, including 19 during late-night raids in Ni‘lin and Bayt Umar, 2 were arrested and their car seized in Hebron, and 2 were arrested on a street in Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian home in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/23; PCHR 6/24)

The Israeli supreme court upheld a decision by the Israeli military to punitively demolish the home of an alleged attacker in Turmus ‘Ayya, despite the alleged attacker not having lived in the house for years as he became a resident of the U.S. before he allegedly shot 3 Israeli settlers on 5/2; the demolition will displace his wife and children, who all have U.S. citizenship. (AP, NBC 6/23; AN 6/24)

The Israeli civil administration approved 31 zoning plans for settlement expansion in Maale Adumim, Alfei Manashe, Elkana, Havat Sde Bar, and Yitzhar, including housing units, a commercial center, and a park. Chairperson of the Joint List Ayman Odeh criticized the new Israeli government, saying that “the left is surrendering to the right . . . the right continues to sabotage the chances of peace and to deepen the occupation, repression, and dispossession of millions of Palestinians.” (AP, HA 6/23)

A poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 51% of American democrats think that the U.S. is not supportive enough of Palestinians. Of all the participants in the poll, 32% thought that the U.S. is not supportive enough of Palestinians, while 37% thought the U.S. support was as it should be. (AP, HA 6/23)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli police have not opened an investigation into the killing of a Palestinian shot by an Israeli settler on 5/14 in al-Rihiya. (HA 6/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers in the Yitzhar settlement erected a sign saying, “[e]ntry for Arabs is dangerous.” Israeli settlers also stole olive harvests in Burin. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Burqa, injuring 5 with rocks and damaging vehicles. Palestinians accessing their land on the other side of the separation barrier from where they live found some 60 olive trees were vandalized and olive crops were stolen. Israeli forces blocked off several roads to villages in the Jenin area, preventing Palestinians from harvesting their olive crops. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Halhul, Kafr Qaddum, Nablus, and Ya‘bad. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of al-Sudaniyya; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/12; PCHR 10/15)

Israel approved construction of 500 new settlement housing units in the Tzur Hadasah settlement near Bethlehem. (MEMO, WAFA 10/12)

B’Tselem said that a Palestinian man who has been hunger striking to protest his administrative detention for nearly 80 days is “on the verge of death.” (AJ 10/12)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh asked members of the EU parliament, during an online debate, to recognize the state of Palestine and to be more active in a future peace process. (WAFA 10/13)

The Israeli cabinet approved Israel’s normalization deal with the UAE; the Knesset is set to vote on the deal on 10/15. (HA, HA, REU 10/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to a tractor and wrote racist graffiti in ‘Urif and slashed tires on several vehicles and wrote racist graffiti on buildings in Yasuf. Israeli settlers also threw stones and paint at an Israeli border police vehicle near the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli settlers also set fire to Palestinian agricultural lands in Asira; subsequently, local Palestinians and Israeli forces clashed in the area, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also razed land east of Tulkarm. Separately, Israeli forces injured 3 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets as they were seeking to enter Israel via the separation wall near Far‘un. 20 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hizma, Bethlehem, Salfit, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished part of their house built to accommodate their disabled son in Sur Bahir. 4 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in Issawiyya and the Old City, and 1 Waqf guard at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles at Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Dayr al-Balah, causing damage; incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza toward Israel, sparking fires. 1 unexploded Israeli shell was found at an UNRWA school west of Gaza City. Israel announced that it would stop all imports of fuel into Gaza as collective punishment for incendiary balloons landing in Israel. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; HA, HA 8/14; PCHR 8/16; PCHR 8/17; PCHR 8/19)

Russia announced that it would open trade representation offices in Bethlehem, Hebron, and Nablus. (WAFA 8/13)

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Israel and the UAE had agreed to establish full diplomatic ties and that Israel, as part of the agreement, had decided to suspend annexation of parts of the West Bank. In a joint statement from the 3 parties, it said that “Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty over areas outlined in the President’s Vision for Peace and focus its efforts now on expanding ties with other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.” Later, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that annexation is “still on the table” and a promise he is committed to. Subsequently, President Trump said, “Israel agreed not to annex parts of the West Bank. It is more than taking it off the table—they agreed not to do it. This is a very smart concession by Israel. It is off the table now.” U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman later said that annexation is “off the table now but it’s not off the table permanently. You can’t have peace and annexation at the same time.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas called the deal a “betrayal of Jerusalem, al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian cause.” The PA also recalled its ambassador to the UAE. Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum said of the deal: “[t]his announcement is a reward for the Israeli occupation’s crimes . . . The normalization is a stabbing in the back of our people.” U.S. officials also said that Bahrain and Oman are likely to soon normalize relations with Israel. (HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 8/13; AJ, AJ, REU, REU, REU 8/14; HA 8/15; REU 8/16; AJ 8/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished parts of a settlement outpost near the Yitzhar settlement. During the demolition, Israeli settlers attacked the Israeli forces, wounding 1. Israeli settlers closed a road between Nablus and Qalqilya and threw stones at Palestinian vehicles. Israeli forces razed Palestinian-owned land in Yasuf and east of Salfit. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces razed land and 1 Palestinian family started demolishing their own home in Jabal Mukabir. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israel fired missiles at Gaza City, Rafah, and al-Bureij, causing damage and incendiary balloons from Gaza landing in Israel. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of Bayt Hanun; no injuries were reported. Israel announced that it had reduced the Gaza fishing zone to 8 nautical miles from 15 at its maximum as collective punishment for incendiary balloons landing in Israel. (AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/12; HA, PCHR, PCHR 8/13; HA, HA 8/14)

Italy contributed $8.1 million for UNRWA core programming. (WAFA 8/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stole olive harvest in Qaryut and flooded 5 dunams (1.2 acres) of Palestinian farmland planted with olive trees with sewage waste in al-Jaba‘. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Israeli forces at Yitzhar settlement. Israeli forces delivered notices that 2,522 dunams (623 acres) of land would be seized, including 2,000 in al-Jaba‘, 372 south of Hebron, and 150 near Bayt Liqya. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around al-Ram, Yatta, Nablus, Jenin, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces summoned 2 members of the parents’ committee that organized a school strike in Issawiyya on 11/2 in protest over Israeli forces breaking into the school and arresting 1 student; 1 of the 2 members was arrested and clashes between Israeli forces and local Palestinians broke out, resulting in the arrest of 3 Palestinian minors. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmlands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen off the shore of Jabalia; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/4; HA, HA 11/5; PCHR 11/7)

The Israeli housing cabinet approved the controversial cable car project which would connect Western Jerusalem with East Jerusalem’s Old City. The project is currently under review by Israel’s attorney general and it would need a final procedural approval by the Israeli government. The project, if approved, would likely be challenged in the Israeli high court of justice. (HA 11/4; CNN 11/5 BBC 11/6)

After Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel on 10/29 in protest of Israel holding 2 Jordanian citizens in administrative detention, Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the 2 would be released to Jordan. (HA 11/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian man at a checkpoint near Jenin; the man was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries. Israeli forces also punitively demolished, for a second time, the family home in al-Am‘ari refugee camp of a Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli soldier in May 2018. During the demolition, Israeli forces clashed with protesting Palestinians, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also demolished several structures erected by Israeli settlers outside the Yitzhar settlement; the demolition happened after settlers threw stones at Israeli forces on 10/21. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Yasuf and stole the harvest when the Palestinians fled their fields. Israeli forces also forced Palestinian farmers to leave their olive fields while harvesting olives in Luban al-Sharqiyya. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during the punitive demolition, and 4 during raids in and around Nablus and Jenin. (HA, HA, IDF Twitter, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/24; PCHR 10/31)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces seized 1 tractor and 2 vehicles during a raid in Ras al-Ahmar in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces also demolished 4 barns and a house under construction near Bayt Jala. Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement raided ‘Urif south of Nablus, throwing stones and bottles at buildings, causing damage. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 1 house in Bayt Hanina and 1 wall in Issawiyya. Israeli forces also arrested 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen in 3 separate incidents; 1 Palestinian was arrested and 1 boat confiscated. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/6; PCHR 8/8)

An Israeli court ruled that 6 Palestinians from the bedouin village of al-Araqib in southern Israel have to pay $372,000 for their own evictions. Al-Araqib was last demolished on 8/5 for the 149^th time since 2010. (HA 8/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces detained 14 Palestinians during daytime and late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement ignited a fire, destroying hundreds of Palestinian-owned olive trees in Burin. Separately, Israeli settlers cut down 160 olive trees near Susiya. Israeli forces demolished a cement wall in Hizma, a caravan in Idhna near Hebron, and seized a garbage truck in Bayt Furik. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces forcefully evicted a Palestinian family from their home in Silwan to make way for Israeli settlers; at least 1 member of the family was arrested. Israeli forces also arrested 4 Palestinians during daytime and late-night raids in Qatanna and Silwan. In Issawiyya, Israeli forces destroyed a monument erected for a Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces on 6/27. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/10; HA, WAFA 7/11)

In the West Bank, 3 Israeli settlers were arrested; 2 of them for hate crimes against Palestinians and 1 for the attack on Israeli forces on 5/25. All 3 settlers were from the Yitzhar settlement. Israeli forces also arrested 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Jericho, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 3 Palestinians during late-night raids. Separately, 3 Palestinians were arrested in the al-Aqsa Mosque when a group of Israeli settlers toured the mosque, leading to a verbal confrontation with Muslim worshippers. (HA, WAFA 5/26)

Israeli authorities expanded the Gaza fishing zone from 10 nautical miles to 15. (HA 5/26)

Following the deadly shooting near Nablus on 1/9, the IDF shuts down the Huwwara checkpoint, slowing traffic in the Nablus area. IDF troops clash with Palestinian youths in Madama village near Nablus; 5 journalists are blocked from covering the conflict. Israeli settlers raze a swath of Palestinian farmland outside the Yitzhar settlement near Nablus. Elsewhere, IDF troops arrest 18 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron throughout the day. Around 500 Israeli settlers enter 2 villages near Qalqilya, sparking minor confrontations with the Palestinian residents; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Tur, Jabal Mukabir, Issawiyya, and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas near Juhur al-Dik late at night, causing no major damage. (MNA, WAFA 1/10; PCHR 1/11; PCHR 1/18)

The Higher Planning Commission of Israel’s Civil Administration advances plans for the construction of 1,122 new homes in 20 West Bank settlements, including 204 in Oranit and more than 50 in the Jordan Valley. The commission also publishes tenders for the construction of 651 units. (HA, JP, JTA, PCN, TOI 1/11)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint near Nablus, allegedly for carrying a knife. They also arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Hebron and patrol near Nablus, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Hebron. Israeli forces raze a swathe of Palestinian land south of Bethlehem to clear space for a new IDF training base, demolish a kindergarten in a Palestinian Bedouin community east of Jerusalem, and remove 6 prefab trailer homes near the Yitzhar settlement, sparking minor clashes with the Israeli settlers living in them (there are no serious injuries). Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya on 2 separate occasions, causing no damage or injuries. In Gaza, unidentified armed men open fire on a Hamas post in Rafah, causing no serious injuries. (MNA, WAFA 8/21; TOI 8/22; PCHR 8/24)

In the Gaza Strip, an Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades fighter is killed during a training exercise e. of Gaza City. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw rocks and glass bottles at Palestinian-owned vehicles nr. Nablus, causing damage. Overnight, a mentally disabled Palestinian enters a home in the Yitzhar settlement; Israeli settlers and settlement security officers beat the man, causing moderate injuries, before IDF troops arrive to detain him. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Hebron, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces raid the Jabal Mukabir homes of the 2 Palestinians who attacked a West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18, sparking clashes. Israeli security forces also enter Silwan, where they arrest 3 Palestinians, including Fatah’s secy.- gen. in Jerusalem; raid the Palestinian Football Association’s offices in al-Ram. Elsewhere, 3 young Israelis attack a Palestinian youth, causing moderate injuries. During a separate brawl in the Old City between Israeli and Palestinian youth, 1 Israeli is stabbed, another is lightly injured, and the Palestinians are arrested. Late at night, 5 Israeli settlers attack a Palestinian nr. the French Hill settlement. In West Jerusalem, an Israeli driver hits a Palestinian youth with his car and drives away, leaving the Palestinian with a fractured foot. (HA, MNA, WAFA, YA 11/24; HA, IMEMC, MNA 11/25; HA 11/26; PCHR 11/27)

In response to the Israel Prison Service’s increased restrictions on 11/23, Palestinian prisoners clash with Israeli prison guards at Rimon prison, and 6 prisoners are injured. (MNA, WAFA 11/24; PNN 11/25)

The Palestinian leadership has decided to postpone its submission of a UNSC res. calling for a timetable to end the Israeli occupation, originally planned for late 11/2014. The decision is reportedly caused by a combination of strong U.S. opposition, threats of sanctions, and bad timing, with the UNSC largely focused on the negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. PA FM Riyad al-Maliki also notes that the PA has failed to win the support of 9 UNSC mbrs. that would be needed for the res. to pass. (HA, JP, JTA, MNA, WAFA 11/24)

The Israeli embassy in Amman lodges a formal complaint with the Jordanian govt. about the letter of condolence that PM Ensour sent (11/19) to the family of the 2 Palestinian men who attacked a West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18. (HA, TOI 11/24)

In Vienna, reps. of Iran and the P5+1 agree on another extension to the Joint Plan of Action (signed on 11/24/2013). The talks, which began on 1/20/2014, will be extended 7 mos.; however, the negotiators plan to complete a political accord by the end of 3/2015, leaving final technical details for annexes to be agreed on by 7/1/2015. (AJ, BBC, HA, NBC, REU 11/24; ALM 12/1; ICG 12/10)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. alSudaniyya, Israeli naval forces detain 5 Palestinian fishermen and confiscate their boat. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin and 2 nearby villages in the morning, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Nablus, and in Salfit; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers from Yitzhar torch about 100 olive trees in Hawara nr. Nablus. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian drives his car into a light rail station, killing a baby and injuring another 8 people. (An Ecuadorian citizen will succumb to her injuries on 10/26.) The driver is immediately shot and killed by police. Israeli PM Netanyahu says that PA Pres. Abbas is responsible for inciting such acts. Separately, Palestinian protesters in Issawiyya and Silwan clash with Israeli security forces. (HA, JP, MNA, REU 10/22; PCHR 10/23; HA 10/26)

Unknown assailants in the Sinai Peninsula fire small arms and an antitank missile across the border into Israel at IDF troops, injuring 2. The IDF returns fire, killing 3. (AFP, HA, REU 10/22)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians collecting stones close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, wounding 2. IDF troops also conduct 2 separate limited incursions in the s. Gaza Strip to level land close to the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin, Qalqilya, and in Nur Shams r.c. in Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron, Jenin and Tulkarm at night. Jewish settlers from Yitzhar destroy around 150 olive trees nr. Nablus. (MNA 4/28; PCHR 4/30)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry releases a personal statement on the State Dept.’s website denying that he believes Israel is an “apartheid state or that it intends to become one,” in response to the previous day’s reports of his remarks on the subject. (See document D4 in JPS 172 for more.) He says that in hindsight, he “would have chosen a different word to describe my firm belief that the only way in the long term to have a Jewish state and 2 nations and 2 peoples living side by side in peace and security is through a 2-state solution.” (HA 4/28)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct 2 separate limited incursions to level land close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun and Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops kill 1 armed Palestinian after he sought refuge in a cave nr. Bayt Liqya village, a man wanted for his alleged role in an attack on an Israeli bus during “Operation Pillar of Defense” in 11/2012. In addition, a Palestinian run over by a settler car in Qalqilya on 10/15 dies in hospital from his injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in Hebron and 3 nearby villages at night. In Qabatya nr. Jenin, IDF troops set up a flying checkpoint at the entrance to the village where around 20 soldiers check IDs and inspect vehicles. Residents throw stones and soldiers fire tear gas, causing no reported injuries. Also in the West Bank, IDF troops temporarily displace 17 families in the n. Jordan Valley on the basis of conducting military drills. Jewish settlers nr. Bethlehem uproot 80 olive seedlings, and other settlers nr. Bethlehem pump sewage water on agricultural lands, while in a further separate incident nr. Bethlehem, settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles, causing minor damage. Settlers nr. Qalqilya uproot more than 50 olive trees, while separately, settlers from Yitzhar assault a Palestinian farmer from Burin village nr. Nablus. (MNA 10/22; PCHR 10/24)

PA Pres. Abbas warns that the Palestinians will not accept Israeli control over a border with Jordan and that it could be a deal breaker. Speaking on a visit to Lithuania, Abbas also praises EU demands that Israel stops settlement construction. (AFP 10/23)

Reps. of 11 countries from the “Friends of Syria” group meet in London to encourage the Syrian opposition to join talks under the proposed “Geneva 2” framework. However, SNC head Ahmed Jarba tells a news conference following the meeting that their conditions included the impossibility of Asad being allowed to remain in power. The SNC says it will continue internal discussions about whether or not to attend the proposed peace conference. (REU 10/22)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops operating from a border fence watchtower nr. Khan Yunis open fire and cause damage to a house. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, and 1 village nr. Jericho at night. Jewish settlers throw rocks and Molotov cocktails at Palestinian-owned homes and a car nr. Yitzhar settlement in the n. West Bank. (MNA 6/13; PCHR 6/20)

Israeli officials confirm that plans will proceed to build more than 1,000 new homes in Bruchin and Itamar settlements, drawing criticism from the U.S. administration, with U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki calling the announcement “unhelpful.” Bruchin was granted legal status last year, and its residents will be allowed to construct 550 new houses, while Itamar’s will be permitted to construct 537 new homes, in association with the relevant govt. agencies. (AP, REU 6/13)

An estimated 3,000 protesters march in Beersheba to demonstrate against the proposed Prawer Plan, which will displace tens of thousands of Bedouins in the Negev. Bedouins also conduct a community-wide strike in protest of the Plan. (AFP, YA 6/13)

U.S. Pres. Barack Obama authorizes sending U.S. weapons to Syrian rebels for the 1st time. Meanwhile, a statement from the White House says that between 100 and 150 people have died from chemical weapons attacks in Syria. (AP, REU 6/13)

UN spokesperson Martin Nesirky says that the peacekeeping dept. has asked Austria to delay to the end of 7/2013 its full troop withdrawal from the UNDOF mission in the Golan Heights to enable a smooth transition. Separately, the UN also says that Syrians are being killed at an average rate of 5,000 per month, with the overall death toll nearly 93,000. (AP 6/13)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Hebron; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Salfit and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Also in the West Bank, Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settlement destroy around 100 olive trees nr. Nablus. (MNA 5/25; PCHR 5/30)

Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court rules against elements of an election law passed by the Muslim Brotherhood-dominated legislature, sending the bill back to the Upper House for review. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets Pres. Mohamed Morsi on the sidelines of an African Union summit and urges the Egyptian govt. to implement economic reforms necessary to secure a $4.8 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. (AP, REU 5/25)

Four more people die in clashes between residents of the Sunni Bab el-Tebbaneh district and Alawite area Jabal Mohsen, bringing the death toll over 6 days of fighting in Tripoli to 28, with over 200 wounded. Meanwhile, Hizballah head Hassan Nasrallah broadcasts a televised speech saying that the fall of the Bashar al-Asad govt. in Syria would be a disaster for the “resistance” and for Palestine and a victory for U.S. and Israeli interests. (AFP, HA 5/25)

Dozens of Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settlement enter Burin village nr. Nablus and clash with Palestinians. The IDF intervenes, violently dispersing the Palestinian residents with tear gas and rubber-coated metal bullets, but causing no serious injuries. Jewish settlers also enter Urif village nr. Nablus and clash with Palestinian residents, causing no serious injuries. In the West Bank at night, the IDF patrols in Jericho, 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 3 villages nr. Jenin, in Nablus, 1 village nr. Nablus, 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm. (AFP 5/11; PCHR 5/16)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine–General Command (PFLP–GC) says that it is forming combat units to recapture the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The announcement comes after Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad and Hizballah indicated that they would support such operations. (REU 5/11)

PLO Secy.-Gen. Fathi Abu al-Ardat says that at least 55,000 Palestinian refugees have fled Syria to Lebanon since the civil unrest in Syria began. (DS 5/11)

PA res. Abbas gives an interview to Israeli television in which he says there will be no 3d intifada and that he will not seek a return to inside Israel’s pre-1967 borders. His comments are welcomed by Israeli pres. Shimon Peres but criticized by both Israeli PM Netanyahu (who states that Abbas’s words do not match his actions) and by Gaza Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who calls the remarks ‘‘dangerous.’’ Abbas later clarifies through an adviser that he was not giving up the Palestinian refugees’ right of return, but was being ‘‘realistic.’’ (HA 11/1; AP 11/2; HA, WAFA 11/3)

PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erakat warns that the U.S. and Israel may impose economic restrictions on the PA after a successful upgrade at the UNGA in 11/2012. (JP 11/1)

In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 2 structures in a settler outpost nr. Yitzhar settlement and claims that that Jewish settlers attacked them with stones. The IDF also patrols in 7 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, in Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin, Jericho, and Ramallah at night; conducts late-night house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Qalqilya. (PCHR 11/8; JP 11/1)

The IDF issues a military order confiscating 29 dunams (d.; 4 d. = 1 acre) of Palestinian land in Dayr Istya village nr. Salfit for ‘‘security and military purposes and to combat terrorist attacks.’’ The IDF patrols in Tulkarm and 2 villages nr. Qalqilya in the morning; stages synchronized patrols in 3 villages nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon; conducts other patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin and Salfit in the afternoon; and undertakes late-night patrols in Tulkarm and neighboring Nur Shams r.c. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus set fire to a small plot of crop land and attack Palestinians in nearby Madama village. (PCHR 5/31; OCHA 6/1)

Washington Jewish Week reports that in the previous wk., a U.S. court awarded the family of an American teenager killed in a 2006 Islamic Jihad suicide bombing in Tel Aviv (his father was seriously injured in the attack) $332 m. in damages from Iran and Syria. The family’s lawyers argued that Islamic Jihad was sheltered by Syria and funded by Iran. The family is unlikely to collect the money. (WJW 5/24)

After a 2d day of P5+1 talks with Iran, EU foreign policy chief Ashton announces that ‘‘significant differences’’ remain, but enough ‘‘common ground’’ existed to schedule a 3d round of meetings in Moscow on 6/18–19. (NYT, WP, WT 5/25)

The New York Times runs a special report on a congressional race for a House seat representing Queens, NY, that has been dubbed ‘‘Israelapalooza’’ for the way in which the candidates have touted their pro-Israel credentials in effort to win the endorsement of Ed Koch, former Democratic mayor of New York City, and the votes of Jewish constituents who make up 20% of the district’s population. For example, candidate Grace Meng, who built her political career as an advocate for Chinese Americans and yet has never visited China, made a recent trip to Israel that she has highlighted during her campaign. (NYT 5/24)

The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Qalqilya in the morning; in 1 village nr. Nablus at midday (firing rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas at stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them, causing no serious injuries); in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon; and in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 each nr. Jericho and Ramallah late at night. The IDF also conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in al-Bireh. Armed Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus set fire to Palestinian crops and attack homes in nearby Asira village, then stone and open fire on local Palestinians who intervene, seriously wounding 1 Palestinian with live ammunition, lightly injuring 5 others with stones; the IDF observes but does not intervene. (PCHR 5/23; OCHA 5/25)

IDF troops on the s. Gaza border fire toward residential and agricultural areas e. of Rafah, wounding a Palestinian who is 1,000 m. from the border (well beyond the no-go zone). In the West Bank, the IDF conducts daytime patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Jenin, and late-night patrols in Tulkarm. Palestinians rally outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah to show solidarity with hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners; IDF troops fire on the demonstrators, wounding 4. For the 2d time in a week (see 4/24), Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus, escorted by IDF troops, throw stones at a Palestinian elementary school in nearby Ourif village; when local Palestinians throw stones back at the settlers, IDF soldiers fire tear gas at them to force them to disperse, causing no serious injuries. Jewish settlers accompanied by IDF troops raid and occupy a plot of Palestinian land in Imatin village nr. Qalqilya, arresting 2 Palestinian shepherds on the land. Jewish settlers block Palestinian traffic on the Nablus–Ramallah road nr. the IDF’s Za’atra checkpoint s. of Nablus. (PCHR 5/3; OCHA 5/4)

PA Communications M Mashhour Abudaka resigns, citing unspecified personal reasons, though many insiders believe (see NYT 5/7) that he is strongly opposed to the recent string of arrests of journalists and public commentators who have criticized Abbas’s administration, particularly the 2/2012 arrest of journalist Rami Samara for criticizing him personally; Samara was released after 2 weeks. (NYT 5/7) (see 4/5/12, 4/15/12, and Quarterly Update in JPS 164 for details)

Jordan’s reformist PM, Awn alKhasawneh, suddenly resigns after only 6 mos. in office in a move seen (e.g., WP 4/27) as reflecting his differences with King Abdullah over the pace and extent of government reforms. Abdullah replaces him with veteran politician and close ally Fayiz Tarawnah. (WP 4/27)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 2 Qassam rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. IDF troops make a brief incursion into n. Gaza to level land and clear lines of sight along the border fence n. of Bayt Hanun, occasionally firing on the surrounding area to keep Palestinians away (no injuries reported). In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian water tanks serving Palestinian agricultural land in area C; bulldozes 1 d. of agricultural land nr. Qalandia (n. of Jerusalem) that was previously confiscated for construction of the separation wall; conducts morning patrols in Qalqilya and 1 nearby village, 2 villages each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm, and 1 nr. Jericho; afternoon patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Jenin; late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron; and late-night patrols in Bayt Umar, Birzeit, Jericho and 1 nearby village, Tulkarm, and 2 villages nr. Hebron and Ramallah (firing tear gas and stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them). Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus, escorted by IDF troops, throw stones at a Palestinian elementary school in nearby Ourif village; when local Palestinians throw stones back at the settlers, IDF soldiers fire tear gas at them to force them to disperse, causing no serious injuries. (JP, YA 4/23; PCHR 4/26; OCHA 4/27)

A Turkish official says that Turkey has blocked NATO from inviting Israel to participate in a NATO summit planned for Chicago in 5/2012 as part of a NATO outreach program to boost ties with nonmember states. NATO officials deny that the issue was ever discussed. Israel does not comment. (WP 4/24)

The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho and 2 nr. Ramallah in the morning; 1 each nr. Jenin (firing tear gas and percussion grenades at stone-throwing youths who confront them, causing no serious injuries), Salfit, and Ramallah in the afternoon; and in 2 villages nr. Jenin and 1 each nr. Qalqilya and Tulkarm late at night. The IDF also conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in al-Arroub r.c., Nablus, 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 nr. Ramallah. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus stone a Palestinian taxi traveling the Tulkarm–Ramallah, causing damage but no injuries.(PCHR 3/8; OCHA 3/9)

AIPAC opens its annual 3-day conference in Washington, which focuses this on putting pressure on Obama to take a harder stance toward Iran and to be more supportive of Israel vis-àvis Iran, including supporting a U.S. military strike. It is AIPAC’s largest conference to date, with 13,000 attending (including 1,600 students from 500 campuses and more than 200 college presidents from all 50 states). Obama, in his address, states that “now is not the time for bluster.” Though he is willing to use “all elements of American power” to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, “diplomacy backed by pressure” (i.e., sanctions) must be allowed time to succeed. Obama also reiterates his support for creation of a Palestinian state and a negotiated 2-state solution, but otherwise does not discuss the peace process. (NYT 3/4; NYT, WP 3/5; WJW 3/8)

Israel charges 5 Jewish settlers for (1) orchestrating the 12/13/11 riot at an IDF base to prevent the removal of Mitzpe Yitzhar outpost and (2) operating a hotline to collect tips on IDF and Israeli police movements in the West Bank and using the information to direct settlers to interfere with IDF operations; they could face 5 yrs. in prison if convicted; 4 of the 5 had restraining orders against them barring their entry to the West Bank. Prosecutors allege that some of the tips received (including regarding the planned evacuation of Mitzpe Yitzhar) were received fr. active- duty IDF soldiers and included classified aerial photos and maps. The charges are brought in a civil court in Jerusalem, despite a recent decision to allow military courts in the West Bank to try such cases. (NYT, WP 1/9)

The IDF conducts synchronized morning patrols in Tulkarm and 1 nearby village; conducts other morning patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, 1 nr. Qalqilya; conducts afternoon and evening patrols in 3 villages nr. Qalqilya, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jenin (firing tear gas and stun grenades at stonethrowing youths, causing no injuries); conducts late-night patrols in 2 villages nr. Jenin (synchronized) and 2 nr. Qalqilya; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Salfit. (PCHR 1/12; OCHA 1/13)