In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinians in an air strike in Bayt Hanun, with the IDF saying that the men were on their way to launch rockets into s. Israel. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and 5 villages and ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. nearby, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron and in Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (HA, MNA, REU 3/3; PCHR 3/6)
Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics publishes new statistics on Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank. According to the data, new construction starts on housing units went from 1,133 in 2012 to 2,534 in 2013, constituting over a 120% increase. Meanwhile, PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas says that if U.S. Secy. of State Kerry’s framework agreement fails to provide satisfactory answers to core Palestinian issues, he will cease talks and turn to international bodies for recognition of Palestinian statehood, in remarks made during a meeting with the Israeli politician in Ramallah. (JP, REU, YA 3/3)
Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. Pres. Obama in the Oval Office to discuss Iran’s nuclear program and the negotiations with the Palestinians. In a joint press conference, Obama affirms his “absolute commitment” to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Obama also urges the Israeli leader to make “tough decisions” to save the struggling peace negotiations. Meanwhile, speaking at the annual AIPAC conference in Washington, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry assures attendees that the U.S. “will never let the West Bank turn into another Gaza.” He also justifies the talks with Iran, saying that “only strong diplomacy can justify more forceful options.” (HA, REU, ToI 3/3)
The Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Cmte. approves a bill that would, inter alia, raise the threshold for parties to enter the Knesset from 2% to 3.25% of valid votes cast, excluding parties with fewer than 4 seats. The bill will now be sent to the full Knesset for a final reading (see 3/11). This measure would have significant implications for the 3 Arab parties, which currently have 3 or 4 MKs each. (HA, JP 3/3)