The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers bring their cattle to graze on farmland in Deir Balut, causing damage to crops. Israeli settlers also fence off a tract of land and begin construction of a settlement road in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces fatally shoot 2 Palestinians and injure at least 3 others in Nur Shams refugee camp during the second day of its raid in Tulkarm, bringing the total number of casualties to 8 deaths and at least 26 injuries; Israeli soldiers also continue demolishing infrastructure, blow up 3 homes, and prevent medics from reaching wounded Palestinians. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 10 Palestinians, including 2 with live ammunition and 8 with baton rounds, during raids in al-Bireh and al-Am’ari refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces assault 4 Palestinians and injure others with tear gas during a raid in Husan. Israeli forces also demolish several homes and agricultural structures in Duma, displacing around 50 people. Israeli forces arrest 48 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hamala, Hebron, Deir al-Ghusun, Bayt Rima, Balaa, Nablus, Kafr ad-Dik, and Qalqilya. In Gaza, telecommunications services are down for the seventh day in a row. Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Rafah, Beit Hanun, Beit Lahiya, al-Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, Maghazi, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 172 people, including 16 in an airstrike on a home in Rafah and al-Quds TV news director Wael Fanouneh in an airstrike on Gaza City. Israeli forces also demolish al-Israa University in a controlled explosion after using it as a military base. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Aitaroun, Meiss Ej Jabal, Kfar Kila, and Odaisseh, causing damage. Lebanon’s National News Agency says Israel has used white phosphorus in Meiss Ej Jabal. In the Red Sea, the Houthi movement says it has attacked a ship 85 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen with “naval missiles,” causing damage. The U.S. military says it has bombed 2 anti-ship missiles ready to be launched in Yemen. In Iran, Pakistani forces bomb Baluchi separatists, killing 9 people, in what appears to be retaliation for an Iranian strike on Pakistan on 1/16. (NYT 1/17; AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/18; AJ, AP, AP, NYT, REU, REU 1/19)

More than 24,620 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 61,830 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 361 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 90 children. More than 4,252 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, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 191 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,178 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 98 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. UNRWA says the population of Rafah has quadrupled to more than 1.2 million. (AJ, NYT, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/18; AP, HA 1/19)

Lebanese officials say Hezbollah has rejected a U.S. proposal to move its militants further north from the Blue Line to reduce tensions with Israel, but that Hezbollah remains open to U.S. diplomacy to avoid further escalation. (HA, HA, REU 1/18)

A Haaretz investigation reveals that no Palestinian community in Israel is listed as eligible to receive weapons from the National Security Ministry, even as some of the communities are closer to Israeli “borders” than Jewish communities that are deemed eligible. (HA 1/18)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will continue to control all territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean, saying “it contradicts the idea of self-rule [for Palestinians]. So what? I tell this truth to our American friends.” Netanyahu adds, “[t]his conflict is not about a lack of a state, but about the existence of a state.” U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says in response that U.S. “support for Israel remains ironclad” despite disagreement on the issue. Miller also says that there is “no way” to solve Israel’s long-term security needs without the establishment of a Palestinian state. PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh says there will be no security and stability in the region without a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Saudi ambassador to the U.S. Reema bint Bandar Al Saud says any potential normalization agreement with Israel would be conditioned on a ceasefire and an “irrevocable” pathway for a Palestinian state. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/18; AP, AP, NYT, REU 1/19)

The Israeli cabinet discusses whether to transfer the responsibility of disbursing the PA tax revenue to either Norway or the U.S. The plan, which was brought forward by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, is opposed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and is not voted on. Smotrich’s plan includes forcing the third-party country to also deduct tax revenue that is allocated to Gaza. (HA 1/19)

Israeli war cabinet minister Gadi Eisenkot tells Channel 12 that he helped prevent an Israeli “preemptive strike” on Lebanon on 10/11/2023 and says Israel will not be able to retrieve the captives held in Gaza alive without a deal with Hamas. The Times of Israel quotes National Security Minister Ben-Gvir as telling Israeli soldiers in the West Bank that “[w]hen your life is in danger or [you] see a terrorist – even if he does not endanger you – shoot.” Ben-Gvir’s office later says he told the soldiers to shoot “armed terrorists.”  (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 1/18; AP, AP, AP, NYT 1/19)

U.S. president Joe Biden responds to a question about the efficacy of the U.S. attacks on Yemen saying “when you say working, are they stopping the Houthis? No. Are they going to continue? Yes.” (AP 1/18; AJ, AP 1/19)

Mexico and Chile refer Israel’s attacks on Gaza to the ICC over possible war crimes. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 1/18; AP, WAFA 1/19)

The European Parliament votes in favor of a permanent ceasefire on the condition that Hamas is dismantled and all captives are released, and for an acceleration of humanitarian aid to Gaza in a symbolic vote that pass 312-131, with 72 members abstaining. (AJ, AP, REU, WAFA 1/18)

Politico reports that U.S. officials have told Israeli leaders to restore telecommunications services in Gaza. (AJ 1/18)

The Financial Times, citing unnamed “senior Arab officials,” reports that Arab states will present a plan that will see normalization of Saudi ties with Israel in exchange for Palestine becoming a full member of the UN, irreversible steps toward Palestinian statehood, and Israel ceasing its attacks on Gaza. (AJ, FT, HA 1/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces fatally shoot 2 Palestinian children in al-Bireh; Israel claims they threw explosives at a military base. Israeli forces also fatally shoot a 14-year-old Palestinian during a raid in Ein as-Sultan refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fatally shoot 2 Palestinians near Sa’ir, saying they tried to break through a checkpoint. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 1 Palestinian during a raid in Deir Sammit. Meanwhile, Israeli forces issue stop-work orders for several homes in Furush Bayt Dajan and 2 homes in Duma. Israeli forces arrest 40 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities order owners of 200 homes and other facilities in the Old City to demolish or partially demolish their property, saying they were built illegally after 2015. In Gaza, the telecommunications outage from 1/12 continues for the third day in a row. Israeli forces bomb Beit Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Rafah, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 125 people, including 2 Paltel workers trying to restore telecommunications services and 3 relatives of MK Ahmad Tibi in Nuseirat refugee camp. Heavy rain mixed with sewage flood homes and tents in Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah. Near the Blue Line, Israeli forces fatally shoot 4 people in Shebaa Farms; the Alez al-Islami Brigades say the 4 men were members of their organization. A guided missile fired from Lebanon kills 2 Israelis in Yuval. Israeli forces conduct airstrikes 20 miles north of the Blue Line. In the Red Sea, U.S. forces shoot down a cruise missile fired at a U.S. military ship. (HA 1/13; AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/14; HA, UNOCHA 1/15)

More than 23,868 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,350 women and children, and around 60,582 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 345 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 87 children. More than 4,197 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, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 186 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,113 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 64 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing, while 113 trucks enter via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society says Israel has arrested 5,875 Palestinians in the West Bank since 10/7. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, AX, AX, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/14)

Hamas releases a video of 3 captives who are seen appealing to the Israeli government to stop the attacks on Gaza. Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida says the fate of many of the Hamas-held captives is unknown as Israeli attacks may have killed a lot of them. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 1/14; REU 1/15)

The Israeli military releases data on the 100th day of its assault on Gaza, saying it has bombed 30,000 locations, arrested 2,300 Palestinians in Gaza and 2,650 in the West Bank, and killed 9,000 militants in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will keep fighting until “total victory.” (AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/14)

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz speaks to UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (AJ, AJ, HA 1/14)

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says it is time for Israel to start transitioning to a “lower intensity” operation in Gaza. President Joe Biden marks the 100th day of Israel’s war by releasing a statement that does not mention the killing of Palestinians but instead focuses on the Israelis held captive in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also tweets about the captives and does not mention the suffering of Palestinians. (AJ, AP, WhiteHouse 1/14; AJ 1/15)

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi says during a press conference with Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo that there should be an international peace conference to set a timetable for the implementation of a 2-state solution. (HA 1/14)

Axios reports that President Biden’s patience with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is running out, citing unnamed U.S. officials. Biden is said to have spoken to Netanyahu almost every other day since 10/7 until a phone call on 12/23 where Biden ended the conversation in anger over Israel withholding the PA’s tax revenue, not allowing enough aid to enter Gaza, the intensity of the Israeli bombing of Gaza, and the lack of engagement on plans for after Israel’s war. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) tells Axios that “Netanyahu has given Biden the finger” at every juncture and that the Biden administration pleads with Netanyahu but gets “slapped in the face over and over again.” Axios also says Secretary Blinken’s visit to Israel earlier in the week was contentious due to the Israeli refusal to pay the PA its full tax revenue. (AP 1/13; AX 1/14; HA 1/15)

Israeli Channel 12 reports that war cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot pressed the rest of the war cabinet to make a deal with Hamas to free the remaining captives, however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly disagreed, saying military pressure is the only way forward. Channel 12 also reports that the Bank of Israel expects the war on Gaza to cost $54 billion between 2023 and 2025. So far, the war has cost Israel $6.6 billion. (AJ 1/14)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler pepper sprayed 1 Palestinian minor in Huwwara. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure and 1 agricultural structure in Nabi Musa, demolished 15 commercial structures in Wadi al-Qelt, and demolished 2 homes in Duma. During the demolitions in Duma, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 journalist with a baton round and injured others with tear gas. Israeli forces also notified Palestinians in Hizma and Jaba’ that Israel will seize 500 dunams (123 acres) of land between the 2 villages to expand a settler-only road. 28 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Mughayyir, Kafr Malik, al-Bireh, Nur Shams refugee camp, Nablus, Jericho, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, and Hebron. In Gaza, 12 rockets were launched at Israel, causing no damage. Israeli forces subsequently launched airstrikes at Gaza, causing damage. In the Naqab, Israeli authorities demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Umm Batin. (HA, REU 2/1; AJ, AP, AP, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2 AJ 2/3; PCHR 2/9; UNOCHA 2/21)

Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen met with Abdel Fatah Al Burhan, president of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council, in Khartoum. After the meeting the 2 parties announced that Sudan will sign a normalization deal with Israel in Washington D.C. later in 2023. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEE 2/2; ALM 2/3)

Chadian president Mahamat Idriss Deby and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the opening ceremony for the new Chadian embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, REU 2/1; HA 2/2)

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris. According to the French daily Le Monde, Macron told Netanyahu that “France will assume that Israel has disconnected from the two countries’ democratic perception,” if Netanyahu moves ahead with his planned changes to the Israeli judicial system. (HA 2/2; ALM, HA 2/3)

Jordanian king Abdullah II met with U.S. president Joe Biden at the White House, discussing the need to preserve the status quo at the Jerusalem Holy Sites. (AX 2/1; MEE 2/2; AJ 2/3)

The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives voted 218-211 to remove representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from the foreign affairs committee due to her criticism of Israel. (HA, MDW, MEE 2/2; MEE 2/3)

The EU announced a support package to Palestine worth $319 million, including $214 to the PA, $32 for clean water projects in Gaza, $29 to small and medium sized businesses, $13 million earmarked for Palestinians in East Jerusalem, $8.5 million for infrastructure in Area C, and $5 million for judicial support. (WAFA 2/2)

In the West Bank, the body of 1 Druze citizen of Israel was kidnapped for a 2nd time after it was arranged that the body would be transferred to Israel in a Red Crescent ambulance. The ambulance was stopped by armed men and the body taken to an unknown location. The Druze man was taken from a hospital in Jenin on 11/22. Hundreds of Palestinians marched in Jenin calling for the release of the body to his family. 1 Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained by Israeli live fire during a raid in Nablus in July. Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles near al-Bireh, causing damage. Israeli settlers also set fire to 1 Palestinian vehicle and threw stones at a house in Burin, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling near Huwwara, causing damage. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian minor during a raid in Nablus and injured 4 others. Israeli forces also demolished 1 Palestinian school serving 22 Palestinian children in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, the Israeli Nature Authority seized 12 Palestinian-owned cows near Umm al-Ghabar in the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders against 11 residential structures and ordered the demolition of 20 agricultural structures near Jericho, delivered stop-work orders against 2 houses in ‘Azzun, a demolition notice against a house under construction in Forush Bayt Dajan, and demolished 1 house in al-Khader. Meanwhile, Israeli forces closed the Jalameh checkpoint. 3 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ya‘bad, Bir al-Basha, and Fahma. In Jerusalem, 2 bombs went off at a bus stop in Givat Shaul, killing 1 Canadian Israeli minor and injuring 22 others. No one took responsibility for the attack. 1 Israeli man later succumbed to his wounds on 11/26, raising the death toll to 2. (AJ, AJ, ALM, AN, AN, AP, AP, AP, AX, BBC, F24, GDN, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, IN, JP, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, REU, REU, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/23; AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 11/24; MDW, UNOCHA WAFA 11/25; ALM, AP, HA 11/26; UNOCHA 12/16)

Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is slated to become the next Israeli public security minister, called for collective punishment of towns and villages where alleged Palestinian attackers are from and for assassinations of Palestinian members of militant groups. (HA, MEMO 11/23)

Prime Minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu made an agreement with the Religious Zionism party that it will be granted control of the Civil Administration, which oversees the Israeli occupation of the West Bank. (HA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted some 35 olive trees in Hebron. Israeli undercover forces assassinated 1 Palestinian in al-Bireh from close range before leaving him to bleed out. Israeli forces also delivered demolition notices for 3 industrial structures in Dayr Sharif. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered notices for land seizures to complete a 9.3-mile-long water pipeline to 2 Israeli settlements near Salfit. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Biddu, Bayt Duqqu, al-Za’ayyem, Kafr Dan, Jaba‘, Nablus, Aqabat Jabir, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians protested Israeli-planned evictions of Palestinians in Batn al-Hawa in Silwan. 6 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur and the Old City, including 1 man for gesturing his middle finger at Israeli police in the Old City. (AJ, MEE, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/25; HA, PCHR, WAFA 5/26; PCHR 5/27; AJ 5/30; HA 7/2; HA 7/4)

Israel reopened the Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings for humanitarian aid and aid workers. The Kerem Shalom crossing remained closed for exports. Israel also allowed Gaza fishermen to fish up to 6 nautical miles from shore. (HA 5/24; HA, HA 5/25)

PA health minister Mai al-Kaila said the PA had received 103,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and that 46,800 of them would be sent to Gaza. 203,161 Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are fully vaccinated. (WAFA 5/25)

Jordan summoned the Israeli ambassador to the country to complain about the detention of 2 Jordanian citizens in Israel and the lack of access for the Jordanian embassy to talk to them. (WAFA 5/25; MEE 6/1)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken landed in Tel Aviv for meetings with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi, and defense minister Benny Gantz. Later in the day, Secretary Blinken met with PA president Mahmoud Abbas and PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh in Ramallah, as well as Palestinian activists at the offices of AMIDEAST. At a press conference with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Blinken reiterated the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s “right to defend itself” and said that the U.S. will help rebuild Gaza while preventing Hamas from benefiting from any U.S. aid. Netanyahu said that Israel would have a “very powerful response” if Hamas breaks the ceasefire. During a meeting with President Abbas in Ramallah, Blinken announced that the U.S. would reopen the consulate general in West Jerusalem, servicing Palestinians. The Trump administration closed the consulate and merged it with the Israeli embassy after it was moved to Jerusalem. Blinken also said that the Biden administration is asking Congress to approve $75 million in aid to Gaza and another $30 million to UNRWA. (AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, AX, AX, CBS, CNN, FOX, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WSJ 5/25; AP, MEMO, WAFA 5/26; AX 5/27)

Indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. through Germany, France, Britain, Russia, and China continued in Vienna to facilitate a reentry of the U.S. to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and for Iran to restart its compliance with the deal. (AP 5/25)

The government of Ireland recognized Israel’s settlement activity as de facto annexation of Palestinian lands. (RTE 5/25; MEE, WAFA 5/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces handed notices informing residents that Israel will confiscate 13 dunams (3.2 acres) of land in Hizma. Israeli forces also confiscated 25,000 NIS ($7,000) during a raid in Bayt Furik. 16 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Abu Dis, al-Bireh, Dheisheh refugee camp, Kafr Malik, Birzeit, ‘Azun, al-Khadir, Nablus, Hebron, and Dura, including 6 members of the same family during a house raid in Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers with police escort moved into 16 apartments in Silwan that had been sold to the settler organization Ateret Cohanim. Israeli forces banned a children’s event in the Old City, claiming it was funded by the PA. In Israel, Israeli prison units clashed with Palestinian prisoners in the Rimon prison; the units were raiding 2 sections of the prison. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/8; PCHR 4/15)

Israel said it would not cooperate with the ICC investigation into alleged war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory after 2 days of meetings between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, and Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Israel said that its rejection is based on its belief that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over the occupied territory, since it argues that the PA is not a state and Israel is not a party to the ICC. (AJ, AP, JP 4/8; HA 4/11)

Israel fired missiles at Syria near Damascus, killing at least 3 people. Syrian state news said it had intercepted most of the missiles. (AJ, HA, JP, TOI 4/8)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 Palestinian-owned agricultural structure in Kafr al-Dik. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 7 Palestinian-owned homes in Ma‘in. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-Khadir, Husan, Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarm, Abu Dis, ‘Azun, Beita, Ramallah, al-Bireh, Sabastiyya, and Jenin refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces seized, for a 2d time, tents sheltering a family whose house was demolished in Issawiyya. 11 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Issawiyya, Shu‘fat refugee camp, and al-Tur; confrontations erupted during the raids in Issawiyya, leading to tear-gas related injuries and damage to property. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah; no injuries were reported. (PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; PCHR 3/11)

Israeli authorities allowed changes to the structure of al-Ibrahimi Mosque, allowing the construction of an elevator to the designated Jewish area of the mosque. (WAFA 3/4)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas extended the COVID-19-related state of emergency for another 30 days. (WAFA 3/4)

According to Haaretz reporting, the Shin Bet has been threatening some Palestinian activists with administrative detention if they run in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Haaretz confirmed that at least 1 Palestinian activist was arrested and put in administrative detention for 4 months after announcing that he would run in the elections. (HA 3/4)

Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen and Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss a joint COVID-19 plan. Prime Minister Frederiksen had, prior to the trip, praised Israel’s vaccination campaign and said that Denmark is considering opening a vaccine factory with and/or in Israel, leading her own left-wing coalition to denounce her trip. The EU expressed dismay at the 2 European leaders’ trip, saying that cooperation on COVID-19 response was an EU issue 1st and foremost. (POL, POL 3/1; GDN, HA, REU 3/2; GDN, POL 3/3; AP, DR.DK, HA, POL, REU, TOI 3/4)

U.S. vice president Kamala Harris spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the ICC investigation into Israel. Vice President Harris expressed support for the normalization deals between Israel, the U.S., and several Arab and African countries during the Trump administration. (REU 3/4; AJ, HA, TOI 3/5)

Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz told FOX News that Israel is constantly updating preparations to strike Iran. Defense Minister Gantz also said that Hezbollah has hundreds of thousands of missiles. (AP, AJ, FOX, HA 3/5)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers and Israeli forces attacked Palestinian journalists filming in the vicinity of the Ariel settlement. Israeli settlers also began construction on a tract of land in ‘Ayn Bus. Israeli forces seized and demolished residential tents in Khirbet Humsa provided by humanitarian agencies to displaced residents after Israeli forces demolished and confiscated and demolished 46 residential structures on 2/1 and 2/3. Israeli forces also demolished 1 water well in al-Mughayyir and 2 residential structures in Khirbet Yarza. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters demonstrating against stop-work orders delivered in al-Twana, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a late-night raid near Jenin. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian trying to enter Israel for work near the separation barrier in Barta‘a. 14 Palestinians were arrested, including 13 during late-night raids in and around Jalazun refugee camp, Hebron, Nablus, Qabatiya, and al-Bireh, and 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinian citizens of Israel were arrested at the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian famers east of Gaza City and Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/8; CNN 2/10 PCHR 2/11)

PA and Hamas officials and members of 12 other Palestinian factions met in Cairo to discuss reconciliation and the Palestinian elections. (AJ, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/8)

A Palestinian court in Nablus sentenced 1 Palestinian man to 5 years in prison for selling Israeli settlement products. (WAFA 2/8)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu pleaded not guilty in response to the corruption charges against him in an Israeli court. Prime Minister Netanyahu was forced to appear in court but left after 30 minutes as the judges excused his absence. (REU 2/7; AJ, AP, AX, CBS, CNN, HA, WP 2/8)

The U.S. said it will rejoin the UN Human Rights Council as an observer after the Donald Trump administration left the UN body, citing anti-Israel bias in 2018. The Biden administration wants to rejoin as a full member at an unset date. (NYT 2/7; TOI 2/8)

In an interview with CNN, U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken said he applauded the normalization deals between Israel, the U.S., the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, and said that peace between Palestine and Israel is far away, saying the 2 need to engage in peace before the U.S. can get involved. Secretary Blinken also said the Biden administration supported a 2-state solution but when asked about whether a Palestinian state would have East Jerusalem as its capital, he said it was part of final status issues, despite saying the U.S. considers Israel’s capital Jerusalem. Former secretary of state John Kerry said the U.S. supports East Jerusalem as a future capital of Palestine during the Barack Obama administration. Lastly, Secretary Blinken said that the Biden administration would consider supporting the return of the Golan Heights to Syria if Bashar al-Asad was no longer in power. (HA, REU, State Department 2/8; HA 2/9; AJ 2/11)

Hundreds of right-wing Jewish activists visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; 2 Palestinians are killed and 12 more are injured. The IDF later says that an explosive device was thrown at a patrol, prompting the fatal shooting. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in a vehicle outside al-Khadir near Bethlehem; 1 Palestinian is killed and another is injured. The IDF later says that the men were throwing stones at Israeli vehicles. The local authorities in Bethlehem declare a general strike in protest of the killing. Meanwhile, IDF troops also shoot and injure a Palestinian youth in Bayt Sira village near Ramallah; arrest 3 Palestinians during late-night raids near Jenin; patrol in and around Tulkarm and Hebron; and violently disperse Palestinian students gathering in al-Bireh to protest the Israeli occupation (there are no serious injuries reported). Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and dismantle 3 Palestinian makeshift residential structures south of Hebron. Unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler bus near Salfit, causing minor damage. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles near Nablus, damaging several. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Muslim worshipper and an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries (2 fishermen are detained). Along Gaza’s border, hundreds of Gazans gather near al-Bureij refugee camp to set tires on fire, throw stones, and otherwise continue the Great March of Return late at night. After unidentified Gazans fly an incendiary balloon into southern Israel, the Israeli Air Force conducts an air strike near the protesters near al-Bureij refugee camp, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Gaza City and open fire on Palestinian farmlands near Khan Yunis, causing no major damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; MNA, MNA, WAFA 3/21; PCHR 3/28)

U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. They discuss a range of issues, and in a press conference after the meeting Netanyahu calls on the international community to recognize Israel’s control over the Golan Heights. (HA, JP, TOI 3/20)

Unidentified Palestinians fly an incendiary device from Gaza into southern Israel attached to a cluster of balloons, where it lands in an open area in the Sdot Negev Regional Council. IDF troops detonate the device, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the Israeli Air Force conducts 3 air strikes on Hamas sites in Khan Yunis, Gaza City, and Bayt Hanun, causing extensive damage. Also along Gaza’s border, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathering to continue the Great March of Return near al-Bureij refugee camp; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also open fire on Palestinian farmland near Rafah, Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, following the shooting attack on an Israeli settler vehicle at the nearby Beit El checkpoint on 1/5, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Bireh overnight, confiscating surveillance tapes and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents of the area throughout the day; several Palestinians are injured (1 critically). They also arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, and Tubas; and patrol near Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers uproot 60 olive and almond trees from a Palestinian grove near Hebron. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 1/6; PCHR 1/10)

Following a week of increasing tensions between Fatah and Hamas, the Fatah-dominated PA announces plans to remove its staff from the Rafah border crossing on 1/7. “This decision comes in the light of recent developments and brutal practices of the de facto gangs,” reads the PA statement. “Since we took over the Rafah crossing, Hamas has been obstructing the work of our crew there. We had to bear a lot in order to give the opportunity for the Egyptian effort to end the division.” The PA took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing in the context of the 10/12/17 Hamas-Fatah reconciliation agreement, which was never fully implemented. (JP, REU, WAFA 1/6)

U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman says that the Trump administration’s long-awaited Palestinian-Israeli peace plan will likely not be released for at least several more months. “We want to release it a way that gives it the best chance of getting a good reception,” he says, adding that the upcoming Israeli elections on 4/9 are “a factor, but not the only factor.” Meanwhile, U.S. national security advisor John Bolton meets with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Following the meeting, Bolton says that the U.S.-Israel relationship has never been stronger than it is now under Netanyahu and U.S. president Donald Trump. (HA, JP, JP, TOI 1/6)

In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says that Egypt’s military coordination with Israel is at its “closest ever.” He adds, “We have a wide range of cooperation with the Israelis.” (AJ, CBS, HA 1/6)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and injures 2 Israeli police officers in the Old City. Separately, Israeli forces arrest 22 Palestinians allegedly involved in a Hamas-affiliated wedding in the Old City. In the West Bank, armed Palestinians open fire on IDF troops setting up a mobile checkpoint outside the Ofra settlement, killing 2 soldiers and critically injuring 2 more. After the shooting, the IDF shuts down all roads leading into Ramallah and conducts extensive raids in the area searching for the assailants; 40 Palestinians are arrested. Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian driver after he allegedly rams a group of Israelis outside al-Bireh, lightly injuring 1. Some Palestinian witnesses say that the initial collision appeared to be an accident. IDF troops later conduct raids in al-Bireh, arresting 5 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 28 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol near Tulkarm, Hebron, Nablus, and Ramallah. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles driving near Nablus, damaging 7 and sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinians in the area; there are no reported injuries. Later, the IDF shuts down several checkpoints south of Nablus to secure the area for a settler protest against recent Palestinian violence. Some of the settler protesters throw stones at Palestinian homes in the area; 2 Palestinians are injured and there is no major damage reported. Israeli settlers also throw stones and otherwise assault Palestinians and their property near al-Bireh, Ramallah, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Hebron; 2 Palestinians are injured, 1 Palestinian home is damaged, and 20 Palestinian vehicles are lightly damaged. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. (HA, JP, JP, JP, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 12/13; EI, MNA, TOI, YA 12/14; PCHR 12/20)

Amid an uptick in Israeli violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, PA president Mahmoud Abbas accuses Israel of creating a climate of incitement through repeated incursions into major Palestinian cities. “Our constant policy is to reject violence, incursions and settlers’ terror and that incitement should stop and not to create an atmosphere that contributes to the aggravation of the situation.” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, announces plans to promote the retroactive authorization of thousands of Israeli settler homes in the West Bank, the construction of 82 new homes in the Ofra settlement, and the establishment of 2 new settlement industrial zones in response to the violence. “They are thinking of uprooting us from our land, but they will not succeed,” he says. According to a senior Israeli official, Netanyahu also conveyed a message to Hamas threatening to break the cease-fire in Gaza if violence in the West Bank continues. In the evening, approximately 1,000 right-wing Israeli protesters gather outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem to call for his resignation, burn pictures of Abbas, and push for the IDF to “crush the terrorist authority,” as one protester puts it. (MNA, TOI 12/13; HA, HA, TOI 12/14)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Dayr Nizam, al-Bireh, and Beitunia near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with Palestinian youths in each village; 3 Palestinians are arrested. They arrest 21 more Palestinians and issue arrest summons to another during late-night raids in and around Nablus, Salfit, Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (PCHR 1/4)

Following the rocket fire from Gaza on 12/29, PM Netanyahu reiterates that Israel holds Hamas accountable for any rockets fired toward Israel, and says that Israeli forces have struck Hamas sites 40 times in recent weeks. He is responding to Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay’s 12/30 criticism. (TOI, WAFA 12/31)

The Likud Central Committee unanimously approves a resolution calling on the party’s leaders, including PM Netanyahu, to extend Israeli sovereignty to West Bank settlements: “On the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the regions of Judea and Samaria [the West Bank], including Jerusalem our eternal capital, the Likud Central Committee calls on the Likud’s elected officials to act to allow free construction and to apply the laws of Israel and its sovereignty to all liberated areas of Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria.” (TOI 12/31; HA, NYT 1/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shut down the north entrances to al-Bireh and Ramallah, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids near Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol near Hebron and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Biddu and Issawiyya. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmland near Dayr al-Balah, causing no serious damage. (WAFA 12/31; PCHR 1/4)

The IAF conducts air strikes on several Hamas sites in southern Gaza, causing moderate damage. This is the 2d round of IAF strikes in Gaza in response to rocket fire on 12/29. Meanwhile, Israel’s Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay criticizes PM Netanyahu for failing to stop the rocket fire from Gaza. (TOI, YA 12/30; WAFA 12/31; PCHR 1/4)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in clashes with IDF troops along Gaza’s border on 12/29. (HA, MNA, TOI 12/30; PCHR 1/4)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and kill a Palestinian and injure 2 others n. of Ramallah, claiming that the Palestinians opened fire on their patrol. Protests continue across the region as IDF troops clash with protesters in Bethlehem and outside Beit El settlement (where a similar protest was held on 11/16), injuring 6 Palestinians. Also nr. Bethlehem, Israeli forces indefinitely shut down 2 Palestinian factories, due to youth protests in the area and for “security reasons,” leaving around 150 Palestinians jobless. The IDF conducts raids and house searches in the Nablus, Hebron, al-Bireh, and Ramallah areas, including in al-‘Arub r.c., arresting 11 Palestinians total and confiscating property; patrols in and around Tulkarm and Hebron. In the Gaza Strip, unknown persons fire a rocket toward Israel, and it falls short of the border fence. Later that night, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launches air strikes at a military site nr. al-Bureij r.c. belonging to Palestinian armed groups. Off Gaza’s coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing damage but no injuries. During the ongoing protests in Gaza, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians e. of al-Bureij r.c., injuring 1 youth, and fire at Palestinian homes and agricultural land e. of Khan Yunis, causing damage. In East Jerusalem, undercover Israeli forces open fire in Ras al-Amud and arrest 10 Palestinian schoolchildren. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 11/17; TOI 11/18; PCHR 11/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu approves the construction of 454 new units in the Ramot Shlomo and Ramot settlements in East Jerusalem after a 2-year freeze on the project. (AS, JP, MNA, TOI 11/17)

In the West Bank, an Israeli man from Beersheba goes missing nr. Hebron. IDF troops conduct a number of searches in surrounding villages and set up numerous mobile checkpoints in an effort to find the man and his alleged kidnappers. The man is found alive 10 hours later nr. Hebron, having staged the kidnapping for “romantic purposes.” Nr. Salfit, Israeli forces demolish 120 olive trees. The IDF conducts house searches and raids in 2 villages nr. Jenin, arresting 1; patrols in 6 villages nr. Hebron, 2 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Qalqilya. They also arrest Palestine Legislative Council (PLC) member and PFLP activist Khalida Jarrar in al-Bireh nr. Ramallah for allegedly violating restrictions on her movement. (She will be ordered to serve 6 mos. administrative detention on 4/5) A Palestinian man stabs an Israeli soldier nr. Nablus after IDF troops detain him and 5 other Palestinians attempting to cross over the separation wall. Israeli settlers throw stones at 2 Palestinian houses in a village nr. Nablus, then Israeli troops arrive and arrest the 2 homeowners. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/2; JP, MNA 4/3; EI, MNA 4/5; HA 4/6; PCHR 4/9)

On a visit to Hebron, PA PM Hamdallah says that Israel has still not transferred the recently unfrozen tax revenues to the PA as the Israeli PM’s office announced it would on 3/27. PA Pres. Abbas threatens to lodge a complaint with the ICC if the Israeli govt. does not transfer the funds. (MNA 4/2; TOI 4/3)

Israel’s Supreme Court rules in favor of Palestinian petitioners hoping to avert an Israeli plan to extend the separation wall through their land nr. Jerusalem. The plan, which has been contested since the IDF ordered it in 2006, would have expropriated of 3,000 dunams of private Palestinian and Vaticanowned land. (AP, MNA, TOI, YA 4/2)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and Energy and Water Minister Silvan Shalom authorize a $500 m. deal between the Delek Group and Noble Energy (energy companies in control of Israel’s offshore Tamar natural gas field) and 2 Jordanian companies that would ship 1.87 b. m3 of natural gas to Jordan over the next 15 years. (TOI 4/3)

In Lausanne, Switzerland, reps. of the P5+1 and Iran extend their 3/31 deadline, then agree on “key parameters” for a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in their negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. They will continue to negotiate on technical details ahead of their 6/30 deadline for a JCPOA. Pres. Obama says he will begin talks with congressional leaders to find a way for Congress to play a constructive oversight role in the implementation of the agreement. (AFP, BB, GDN, HA, NYT, POL 4/2; HA, TOI, YA 4/3)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF launches 6 air strikes, destroying a blacksmith workshop and causing damage to vacant training sites belong to various armed groups. There are no injuries. In the West Bank, OBK continues. IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in Haris village nr. Salfit during a raid, wounding 1. During separate raids, Israeli soldiers shoot at residents in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas, wounding 2, and shoot 1 in Balata r.c. nr. Nablus. IDF troops also demolish a house nr. Hebron because it was built without a permit. Also, IDF troops raid and confiscate property from 5 Hamas-linked charities. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 8 nearby villages, Jenin and 6 nearby villages, Tulkarm and 4 nearby villages, Nablus and 8 villages, ‘Askar r.c. and Balata r.c. nearby, Salfit and 1 nearby village, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, al-Bireh, Tubas, at night; patrols in Hebron at night. (MNA, WAFA 6/17; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with Quartet Rep. Blair in Tel Aviv and tells him that the 6/12 kidnapping “exposes the real face of Hamas.” Blair says that Hamas “cannot choose the political path on one hand and violence on the other.” Meanwhile, reps. from a number of factions, including Fatah and Hamas, hold a press conference in Gaza City. No group claims responsibility for the kidnapping of the teenage settlers. The reps. say they are prepared to confront any Israeli “aggression.” EU foreign affairs chief Ashton issues a statement condemning the abduction and urges “close cooperation between the Israeli and Palestinian security services.” (HA, JP, MNA 6/17)

Talks between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers on the disputed Iranian nuclear program continue in Vienna. Discussions last an hour and a half and cover “elements of the text that could be part of an agreement,” according to Michael Mann, an EU spokesperson. (AA, REU 6/17)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 1 Palestinian in al-Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, in clashes with residents during an arrest raid. IDF troops also shoot and wound 1 Palestinian during a raid in Jenin, and wound 3 with rubbercoated metal bullets during clashes with Bayt Umar residents nr. Hebron. At Qalandia checkpoint, Israeli troops violently disperse demonstrators, wounding 6, including 1 critically, with live ammunition. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages, Balata r.c. and 1 village nr. Nablus, and 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin at night; patrols in Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, 3 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya, and Salfit, and al-Bireh at night. Israeli settlers open fire on a Palestinian car nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire from the border fence nr. Jabaliya, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli authorities briefly open the Kerem Shalom crossing, which was closed on 6/12. (MNA, WAFA 6/16; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu delivers a televised statement and says that the military is “in the middle of a complex operation” in the search for the missing teens. Netanyahu also calls PA Pres. Abbas and tells him he expects help in ensuring the safe return of the youth, their 1st telephone conversation in almost a year. Subsequently, Abbas releases a statement condemning the kidnapping as well as the Israeli crackdown that has followed. Meanwhile, Hamas releases a statement condemning the Israeli operation in the West Bank, and also calls on the PA to stop security coordination with Israel. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA 6/16)

Talks between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers on the disputed Iranian nuclear program resume in Vienna, with discussions scheduled to last until 6/20. The 2 sides aim to resolve final differences, including the number of centrifuges Iran will operate, and begin drafting a final deal. (REU 6/17; AA 6/17)

In the Gaza Strip, armed Palestinians fire 4 rockets into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds with 8 air strikes in the Gaza Strip, targeting military training sites belonging to Hamas’s Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, Islamic Jihad’s al-Quds Brigades, and the Popular Resistance Comms. (PRC) in the c. Gaza Strip, Rafah, and Khan Yunis. Damage is sustained, and 2 civilians are wounded when they are hit by shrapnel in separate attacks. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, a 10-year-old boy dies, succumbing to injuries sustained in an Israeli air strike on 6/11. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Ramallah and 8 villages nearby, Nablus and 4 villages and ‘Askar r.c. nearby, Tulkarm and 3 villages and Nur Shams r.c. nearby, Tubas and 1 village and al-Fara‘a r.c. nearby, Jenin and 1 nearby village, Jericho and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nearby, 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Jerusalem, and al-Bireh at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho, 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers stone Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, injuring 3 and causing damage. Separately, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinians and their homes in Susia nr. Hebron. (HA, JP, MNA 6/14; PCHR 6/19)

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces that the Israeli govt. holds the PA responsible for the fate of the 3 missing Israeli teenagers, since “the terrorists originated from Palestinian territory.” Anonymous PA officials tell the media that Abbas has instructed his security services to help in the manhunt. Meanwhile, the IDF continues intensive sweeps of the s. West Bank, and wideranging arrest raids, which pick up 80 Palestinians, including 4 mbrs. of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). The IDF also imposes a closure on the s. West Bank, from Bethlehem to the Hebron region. IDF sources tell the media that the working assumption is that the youth are alive. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 6/15)

In an op-ed in the New York Times, former lead Israeli peace negotiator Gilead Sher, former Israeli Security Agency head Ami Ayalon, and Israeli entrepreneur Orni Petruschka (organizers of a new group called Blue White Future) argue that since serious Israeli-Palestinian peace talks are unlikely to resume soon, Israel should adopt a “radically new unilateral approach” (which they term “constructive unilateralism”): openly “strive . . . to establish facts on the ground” that would impose a 2-state solution based on 1967 borders with Israel’s desired land swaps “regardless of whether Palestinians leaders have agreed.” The proposed borders would be based on Israel’s separation wall. At the same time, Israel would cease settlement expansion in areas that it does not intend to keep and prepare a plan to relocate settlers (they estimate 100,000) from settlements that would fall under permanent Palestinian control. Relocation would not take place, and the IDF would remain deployed in the West Bank, until the Palestinians signed a formal final-status agreement recognizing Israel’s fait accomplis. They argue that the plan meshes well with the Palestinians’ own constructive unilateralism of late (i.e., Abbas’s mission to gain UN recognition of Palestinian statehood), since it would be easier for Israel to negotiate with the Palestinians state to state. (NYT 4/24)

Netanyahu’s special ministerial panel examining the future of 3 unauthorized West Bank settlement outposts legalizes the outposts of Bruchin (pop. 350) and Rachelim (pop. 240) in the north, and Sansanna (pop. 240) in the south, stating that “these communities were founded in the 1990s based on the decisions of a past government.” The panel also calls on the Israeli High Court to put off the 5/1/12 deadline to evacuate 30 homes in Ulpana outpost (constructed on private Palestinian land), which the government describes as a “neighborhood of Beit El” settlement. UN. Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-Moon calls the decision “illegal under international.” U.S. State Dept. spokeswoman Victoria Nuland says: “We don’t think this is helpful to the [peace] process, and we don’t accept the legitimacy of continued settlement activity.” (Forward, HA, JTA 4/24; NYT, WP 4/25; WP 4/28)

Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. They surround and confiscate 1 boat, detaining 2 fishermen. In the West Bank, the IDF bulldozes a Palestinian barnyard nr. Bethlehem; conducts morning patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (2 synchronized) and 1 nr. Jericho; afternoon patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin, Jericho, and Qalqilya; and late-night patrols in al-Bireh, 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jenin. Jewish settlers, escorted by IDF troops, enter Balata village nr. Nablus in the morning to pray at Joseph’s Tomb. (PCHR 4/26)