In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided Sa‘ir, attacking Palestinian homes. Israeli settlers with military escort also attacked Palestinians in Hebron, causing moderate injuries to at least 1. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 1 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also raided Tulkarm, leading to clashes with Palestinians; 2 were shot with rubber-coated bullets and 1 was hit by a tear gas canister. 5 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family began demolishing their own home in Silwan displacing 5, including 3 children. 4 Palestinians were arrested in Issawiyya, and the Old City. (WAFA, WAFA 12/12; WAFA 12/13; PCHR 12/17)
A PA health official said it was expecting shipments of 4 million doses of the Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine. The 1st shipment of 125,000 doses would be used on essential workers and elderly. PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh later said the vaccine is expected to arrive in the new year and that vaccinations will not be compulsory. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/12; WAFA 12/14)
For the 25th week in a row, Israelis protested against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside of his official residence and throughout Israel. Some 2,000 protesters were reported to have protested outside of Netanyahu’s official residence, while others gathered at his private residence. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resign due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (HA 12/12; WAFA 12/13)
Israeli foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi announced that Israel and Bhutan had established diplomatic relations. (AJ, HA, REU 12/12; ALM 12/14)