Thursday, December 12, 2013

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon. Meanwhile, a Palestinian man from Bethlehem dies of wounds he sustained when he was shot by an Israeli soldier in 2004. (PCHR 12/19)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry arrives in Israel for a visit focused on preparing a “framework agreement,” which will contain principles for a resolution of the main issues being negotiated by Israel and the Palestinians and govern future negotiations. Kerry first visits Ramallah for a meeting with Pres. Abbas. (AP, HA 12/12)

Israeli PM Netanyahu will halt legislative progress on a bill that would forcibly resettle Bedouin Palestinian citizens in the Negev, according to former cabinet minister Benny Begin, one of the architects of the plan on which the bill was based. (REU 12/12)

U.S. Treasury Under Secy. for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen announces that the Obama administration is citing more than a dozen companies and individuals for evading sanctions against Iran. In response, Iranian negotiators meeting with reps. from the P5+1 suspend the talks to consult with officials in Tehran. (AFP, AP 12/12)