The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct 2 limited incursions nr. Khan Yunis to level land alongside the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. In Eizariya neighborhood in East Jerusalem, Palestinian protesters smash holes in the separation wall to mark 9 years since the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on the illegality of the barrier. (MNA 7/9; PCHR 7/11)

Gulf states approve $8 billion in aid for Egypt, as interim pres. Adly Mansour appoints economist Hazem el-Beblawi as prime minister. Saudi Arabia will give $5 billion in aid, and the United Arab Emirates a further $3 billion ($2 billion of the latter come in the form of an interest-free loan). The contributions are a much-needed boost for authorities financially struggling due to a drop in foreign investment. (AP, DS, REU 7/9)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirms the appointment of Ron Dermer as the country’s new amb. to the U.S. replacing Michael Oren in the fall. Dermer has spent 4 years as a political adviser to Netanyahu and is viewed as a supporter of the Republican Party. (HA, ToI 7/10)