The Palestine Chronology

Leader of the messianic Temple Mount movement and ultranationalist MK Yehuda Glick (Likud) and MK Shuli Moalem-Refaeli (Jewish Home) visit Haram al-Sharif under heavy police protection. Their visit follows Israeli PM Netanyahu’s decision to temporarily lift his ban on MKs and ministers visiting the sanctuary for 1 day only (Netanyahu initially imposed the ban in 10/2015 amid escalating violence across the oPt; see JPS 45 [2, 3]). Israeli forces plan to assess today’s visit and to make a recommendation about the ban’s future. A spokesperson for the Islamic Waqf says the decision to lift the ban is “unacceptable” and shows that “extremist right-wing entities are in control of the Israeli occupation’s government.” Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian in the Old City and another during a raid in Abu Dis. In the West Bank, IDF troops escort hundreds of Israeli settlers to visit Joseph’s Tomb near Nablus overnight, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths from nearby Balata refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are injured. IDF troops also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol in and around Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian Bedouin homes near Hebron, causing minor damage. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/29; TOI 8/30; PCHR 9/1; PCHR 9/14)

Israeli ambassador to Egypt Govrin flies to Cairo to resume his post. Along with 8 staffers, he will work out of his home rather than in the Israeli embassy, which was evacuated due to security concerns in 12/2016. (AP, TOI 8/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raze Palestinian land near Hebron to make space for the expansion of a nearby settlement. The IDF arrest 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid near Bethlehem, and patrol near Hebron and Qalqilya during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 4 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Approximately 300 Israeli settlers, accompanied by several members of Knesset (MKs), establish a synagogue in Silwan, while Israeli forces cordon off the area, restricting Palestinian movement. (MNA, WAFA 8/24; PCHR 9/1)

U.S. pres. Donald Trump’s senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner meets with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in the morning in Tel Aviv. He says that Trump is “committed to finding a solution that will bring prosperity and peace” to the region. Netanyahu’s office later says that the meeting was “effective and significant.” No further details are made public. Kushner later discusses the Trump administration’s peace efforts with Palestinian Authority (PA) pres. Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. He reportedly says that the Trump administration is planning to present a peace plan to the Palestinians and Israelis within 3–4 months, and asks Abbas to refrain from unilateral moves in international fora in the meantime. After the meeting, the PA releases a statement: “The PA and the U.S. delegation had a productive meeting focused on how to begin substantive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Both sides agreed to continue with the U.S.-led conversations as the best way to reach a comprehensive peace deal.” (HA, REU, TOI, WAFA 8/24; MNA, NYT 8/25)

The atmosphere surrounding Haram alSharif remains tense as Israeli forces remove more of the security measures implemented in the wake of the deadly attack on 7/14, and Muslim worshippers continue praying outside the sanctuary. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalqilya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians (there are no serious injuries). They arrest 13 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate 1 car during further raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron and Jenin. Israeli settlers begin moving furniture into the building they occupied in c. Hebron on 7/25. The IDF then declares the building a closed military zone to halt escalating tensions. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. Bayt Hanun and open fire on agricultural lands nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya twice, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/26; PCHR 7/27; EI 7/28; PCHR 8/3)

Two days after Israel’s security cabinet decided to remove the new metal detectors at Haram al-Sharif, and 1 day after the Islamic Waqf decided to continue protests at the sanctuary, the Israeli press reports that PM Netanyahu has ordered that security checks at the sanctuary be performed with handheld metal detectors only, as they were prior to the deadly attack on 7/14. The Waqf then decides to meet again on 7/27 to discuss developments. Meanwhile, Waqf officials meet with Israeli police and reiterate their demands for all the new security measures to be removed and for conditions at the sanctuary to “return to what they were before.” They specifically asked for the removal of 5 new cameras and several metal railings at the site, and a reduction in police presence. The Israeli police deny that they are in contact with the Waqf. (HA, TOI 7/27)

The Israeli authorities return to their families in Umm al-Fahm the bodies of the 3 Palestinians who allegedly perpetrated the deadly attack in East Jerusalem on 7/14. (MNA 7/27)

Israel’s Knesset passes the first reading of the “United Jerusalem Law,” which the Ministerial Comm. for Legislation first approved on 7/16. (KNE, TOI 7/26; MNA 7/27)

Tensions remain high at Haram al-Sharif, as Palestinians hold a “day of rage” across the oPt. Muslim worshippers clash with Israeli forces after midday prayers at the Lion’s Gate to the Old City; 2 Palestinians are injured and arrested. Elsewhere, Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters clash with Israeli forces at Qalandia checkpoint, Shu‘fat, Ramallah, and Bethlehem; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. Protests in Nablus and Tubas are without incident. Meanwhile, after a number of Jewish settlers perform religious rituals at Haram al-Sharif, the Israeli police temporarily suspended Jewish visitation rights to the sanctuary. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/19; PCHR 7/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces confiscate water pumps and tanks from Bedouin villages in the n. Jordan Valley. IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 10 Palestinians during raids in Silwan, al-Tur, Issawiyya, and Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/19; PCHR 7/20; PCHR 7/27)

After consulting with top security officials, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We want to solve this crisis in the quietest way possible and to bring back the calm.” Israel’s security agencies reportedly support removing the new metal detectors. Separately, a White House spokesperson says that the U.S. is “very concerned” about the situation and calls on “the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to make a good faith effort to reduce tensions and to find a solution that assures public safety and the security of the site and maintains the status quo.” (TOI 7/19; SA, TOI 7/20)

Israel’s Knesset passes a preliminary reading of the “United Jerusalem Law,” which the Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approved on 7/16. (KNE, MNA, TOI 7/19; HA 7/20)

Dozens of Muslim worshippers gather in the streets outside Haram al-Sharif for predawn prayers and to protest the new Israeli security measures at the sanctuary. They refuse to pass through the new metal detectors installed on 7/16, honoring the Islamic Waqf’s 7/16 call for a boycott. Later, Israeli forces violently disperse Muslims gathering outside the sanctuary for evening prayers, lightly injuring at least 15, including Palestinian National Initiative chair Mustafa Barghouti. Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home in al-Za’ayem. They also conduct a raid in Silwan, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. Late at night, Israeli forces raid al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital, attempting to arrest the Palestinian injured in Silwan earlier in the day. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Tubas, Hebron, Nablus, and Salfit; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/17; MNA, WAFA, YA 7/18; PCHR 7/20)

The Israeli authorities seize 70 dunams (approx. 17 acres) of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem for “military purposes,” according to a local anti-settlement activist. (WAFA 7/17; MNA 7/18)

Israel’s Knesset passes the 1st reading of a bill that would add the Ministry of Strategic Affairs, which oversees efforts to counter the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, on the list of bodies exempt from Israel’s Freedom of Information Law that permits citizens to obtain information from the govt. Should the bill pass, the ministry’s ability to keep its anti-BDS activities and methods secret from the public would be ensured. (KNE, MNA 7/18; MDW 7/19)

After the Israeli police install new security cameras, turnstiles and metal detectors at 3 entrances to Haram al-Sharif (which was closed after the deadly attack on 7/14), the Islamic Waqf calls for a Muslim boycott of the sanctuary as long as the new security measures are in place. Muslim worshippers then refuse to enter the sanctuary throughout the day and pray outside; 10 protesters are injured and 3 are arrested during scuffles with Israeli forces late at night. Meanwhile, senior Palestinian officials convene in Ramallah and reaffirm that the status quo at Haram al-Sharif should not change after the deadly attack nr. the sanctuary on 7/14. Israeli PM Netanyahu insists that the new security measures do not change the status quo. “Changing the status quo would be a wrong move,” he says. “It would lead to unforeseeable consequences in the world and regional order.” (HA, MNA, PNN, TOI, WAFA 7/16; MNA, WAFA 7/17; PCHR 7/20)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during a raid on his home in Nabi Salih village nr. Ramallah. An IDF spokesperson says the soldiers opened fire after the man trained a gun on them, alleging that the deceased was responsible for the shooting attack nr. Ramallah on 7/15. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Khan Yunis and Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2 fishermen. (HA, MNA, WAFA 7/16; PCHR 7/20)

Israel’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approves a bill, dubbed the “United Jerusalem Law,” that would require a supermajority of the Knesset, 80 MKs, to agree to any concession of land within Jerusalem’s current city limits. It would also stipulate that a simple majority, 61 MKs, could approve a shift in Jerusalem’s borders, which would allow land outside the city to be ceded in the context of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. The bill now goes to the full Knesset for a 1st reading. (HA, KNE 7/16)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian lands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish the Bedouin village al-‘Araqib for the 114th time since 2010. (MNA, WAFA 6/14; PCHR 6/16; PCHR 6/22)

The Israeli press reports that the Israeli PM’s office approved a plan to increase the municipal boundaries of Qalqilya, which would allow the construction of approximately 14,000 new Palestinian homes in Area C of the West Bank. (It will be reported that only approximately 5,000 new homes could be built in the space allotted.) PM Netanyahu’s office later confirms that the plan was presented in 2016 and approved by the cabinet. The Samaria Regional Council pledges to file a formal petition against the plan. (HA, JP, TOI 6/14)

Israel’s Knesset advances a bill that would deduct from the monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA a sum equal to the amount that the PA pays to Palestinians convicted of serious crimes against Israelis and their families. It will now be sent to the Knesset Comm. on Foreign Affairs and Defense to prepare it for its 1st reading. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/14)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces briefly lock down Haram al-Sharif after an unidentified assailant throws a stone at Jewish settlers touring the sanctuary; 4 Palestinians are arrested and banned from Haram al-Sharif for various lengths of time in connection with the incident. Israeli forces also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and Wadi al-Juz. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver a stop-work order to a Palestinian home under construction nr. Jericho; arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah and Jenin; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c., causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. (JP, MNA, WAFA 6/11; MNA 6/12; PCHR 6/16)

Israel’s security cabinet approves a 40% reduction in the transfer of electricity to Gaza, acquiescing to the PA’s 4/27 request (see JPS 46 [4]). The security cabinet also discusses a proposal to build an artificial island off Gaza’s coast to host a port to facilitate economic growth and alleviate the region’s humanitarian crisis. DM Lieberman reportedly opposes the proposal, and no decision is made. (TOI 6/11; EI, JP, MNA 6/12; HA 6/13)

The Israeli Knesset’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approves a bill to deduct from Israel’s monthly transfers of tax revenues to the PA a sum equal to the amount the PA pays to Palestinians convicted of serious crimes against Israelis and their families. The bill is modeled after similar legislation introduced in the U.S. Congress in 2/2017 (see H.R. 1164 of 2/16/2017 and S. 474 of 2/28/2017 at congressionalmonitor.org, as well as H.R. 1164 of 2/16/2017). The sum deducted would be an estimated NIS 1 b. (approx. $280 m.) per year. (JP, MNA, TOI 6/11)

IDF troops raid a protest camp nr. Hebron where approx. 175 Palestinian and Israeli activists are protesting the eviction of an entire Palestinian community in the area. The IDF tears down the activists’ tents and confiscates their generator and sound system; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops also violently disperse Palestinians nr. Ramallah (Silwad and Nabi Salih) and Jericho rallying in solidarity with the hunger-striking prisoners; at least 11 Palestinians are injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shoot stun grenades and tear gas at Palestinian students in al-Khadir nr. Bethlehem, seriously injuring 1. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Bethlehem and Nablus, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. Israeli settlers attempt to cut the power supply to Burin village nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in al-Thawri. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 5/21; PCHR 5/25)

A Gaza court sentences 3 men to death for the 3/24 killing of senior Hamas military cmdr. Mazen Fuqaha (see JPS 46 [4]). (TOI 5/21; MNA 5/22)

Israel’s security cabinet approves a package of measures designed to facilitate economic growth in Area C of the West Bank. The package is explicitly meant as a confidence-building gesture of good faith ahead of U.S. pres. Trump’s visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) on 5/22–23. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT 5/21; TOI 5/22)

Israel’s security cabinet creates a comm. to address unregulated settlement outposts and the implementation of the so-called regulations law that the Knesset passed in 12/2016 (see JPS 46 [3]). The comm. is set to work on the issue for 3 years, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu and DM Avigdor Lieberman receiving updates every 3 mos. (JP 5/21)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian youths throwing stones at an IDF post nr. Ramallah; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest a Palestinian girl at the Qalandia checkpoint allegedly found to be carrying a knife. They arrest 3 more Palestinians during late-night raids in Ramallah and nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces escort Joint List member of Knesset (MK) Masud Ganaim from Haram al-Sharif after he violates the ban on Israeli MKs and ministers visiting the sanctuary. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/20; PCHR 5/25)

A Palestinian youth succumbs to injuries sustained in a confrontation with IDF troops on 3/15 nr. Bethlehem. (MNA, TOI 5/21; PCHR 5/25)

U.S. pres. Donald Trump meets with Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on the first day of his first international trip as president. They discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, among other regional issues, and sign a joint “strategic vision,” including $110 b. in U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia over 10 years. (AP, REU 5/20)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian olive groves nr. Nablus, causing some damage before Palestinian residents of the area contain the blaze. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian allegedly carrying pipe bombs at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah, and 9 more Palestinians during raids in and around Bethlehem and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 1 Palestinian during a latenight raid in Qalandia r.c. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish 5 structures in the Bedouin village Sa‘wa. (JP, WAFA 5/10; PCHR 5/18)

Israel’s Knesset passes a preliminary reading of the so-called nation-state bill, which the Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approved on 5/7. The Constitution, Law, and Justice Comm. will now prepare it for a first reading in the full plenum. (HA, KNE 5/10)

Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian youth in the Old City of Jerusalem after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli police officer at Damascus Gate, causing no injuries. Palestinian witnesses say that she did not pose a threat to the police, and that she was “executed in cold blood.” Elsewhere in East Jerusalem, the Israeli police open a new station in Shu‘fat r.c. It’s the first of 5 new stations planned across East Jerusalem as part of the NIS 1 b. plan to increase security announced in 8/2016 (see JPS 46 [1]). Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during late-night raids in Silwan and the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct limited incursions to level land nr Dayr al-Balah and Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault Palestinian farmers protesting the expansion of a settler bypass road nr. Ramallah; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops confiscate surveillance tapes, arrest 8 Palestinians, and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Hebron; and patrol nr. Nablus and Hebron during the day. (HA, MNA 5/7; MNA 5/8; PCHR 5/11)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d of 3 planned days. They also announce that the crossing will be open an additional day on 5/9. (WAFA 5/7)

The IPS releases footage, taken on 4/27 and 5/5, purportedly showing Marwan Barghouti eating cookies and candy in his prison cell. Barghouti, the Fatah leader who organized the Dignity Strike, is currently being held at Kishon Prison. Some IPS sources say that they provided him with the food to see if they could get him to break his strike. Barghouti’s lawyer and various Palestinian leaders dismiss the videos as forgeries. (JP, NYT, TOI 5/7; HA 5/8)

Israel’s Ministerial Comm. for Legislation approves a new version of the so-called nation-state bill, which would cancel Arabic’s status as an “official language” of Israel and codify Israel’s status as the “national home of the Jewish people”. Disagreements over previous drafts of this bill led to the dissolution of the Knesset and national elections in 3/2015 (see JPS 44 [3, 4]). Unlike earlier drafts, the version approved today does not subordinate Israel’s democracy to its Jewish character. (HA, JP, TOI 5/7)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers throw stones at a Palestinian school in Burin village nr. Nablus, causing no injuries or damage; uproot around 90 grapevine seedlings outside Bethlehem; and assault a Palestinian taxi driver nr. Jerusalem. The IDF patrols nr. Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Dep. Knesset Speaker Moshe Feiglin tours Haram al-Sharif with a group of right-wing Jewish activists in the morning. In West Jerusalem, 2 Jewish Israelis assault and moderately injure a Palestinian taxi driver. In s. Israel, Israeli forces demolish a home in the Bedouin community Umm Batin nr. Beersheba. (MNA, WAFA 3/16; MNA 3/17; PCHR 3/23)

Ahead of his 2d meeting with U.S. envoy Greenblatt this week, Israeli PM Netanyahu says, “We are in the midst of a process of dialogue with the White House and our intention is to reach an agreed-upon policy regarding settlement construction. Agreedupon for us, of course, not just for the [U.S.] side.” Netanyahu and Greenblatt then make progress on the issue, pledging to continue contacts next week, according to a joint statement. Separately, Greenblatt meets with leaders of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organization for settlement municipalities. (HA, JP 3/16; JP 3/17)

Hamas announces the formation of a new comm. to administer Gaza. It will comprise mbrs. of the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Legislative Council bloc and other senior officials. “Hamas has not formed a substitute govt. to replace the [PA] consensus govt.,” according to senior Hamas official Salah Bardawil. “A governmental administrative comm. was formed, not an actual govt. [The comm.] aims to organize the work of state institutions, and any minister from Ramallah is welcome to come to Gaza and do his job, and the comm. will be at his service,” he adds. (ALM 3/22)

Israeli DM Lieberman names the Palestinian National Fund a terrorist organization due to its “continuous and sustained support of entities responsible for serious terrorist activity against Israel.” The PA fund is primarily used to disburse payments to Palestinians imprisoned in Israel on terrorismrelated charges, and to assist prisoners’ families. PA pres. Abbas calls the move “an Israeli attempt to impede, destroy, and belittle” the ongoing U.S.-led peace-making effort. (JP, TOI 3/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol nr. Nablus, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. They conduct further patrols nr. Hebron and Ramallah; and arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Ramallah, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian schools go on strike to protest the closure of al-Nukhba School on 2/23 and the Jerusalem Municipality’s 12/2016 decision to align its vacation calendar with the Israeli school calendar. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Issawiyya as well as 2 rooms in a Palestinian home in Silwan; arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Hizma and Issawiyya; and shut down a dept. of the Arab Studies Society in Bayt Hanina because of alleged affiliation with the PA (it will be reopened on 3/16). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In West Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse Palestinians protesting Israeli demolitions of Palestinian property outside the finance ministry’s headquarters; there are no serious injuries. In s. Israel, the Israel Land Authority (ILA) demolishes crops in a Bedouin-owned field nr. Beersheba. (HA, MNA, PLONAD, TOI, WAFA 3/14; PCHR 3/16; MNA 3/17)

The Israeli Knesset approves amendments to the Basic Law barring politicians from running for office if they are known to “support terrorism,” if they do not recognize Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, or if they incite racism or support armed resistance against Israel. In response, Joint List MK Ahmad Tibi says “there is a tendency in recent Knessets in which MKs from the right wing compete with themselves over which bill they can present to exclude authentic representatives of the Arab population.” (KNE, WAFA 3/15)

PA pres. Abbas meets with U.S. special representative for international negotiations Greenblatt in Ramallah. Abbas tells him that “under [U.S.] pres. Trump’s leadership a historic peace deal is possible,” according to a U.S. statement. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Netanyahu comments on his 3/13 meeting with Greenblatt, saying that “we’re in a process, but it’s a process of mutual dialogue, authentic and honest in the positive sense.” The process is “not yet visible to the media,” he adds. (MNA, NYT, HA, TOI 3/14)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Birzeit nr. Ramallah, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest a Palestinian in c. Hebron when he is found to be carrying a knife. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Nablus and Ramallah; and patrols during the day nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Bayt Hanina, arresting a Palestinian novelist whose new book they allege to have incited violence. They release her later in the day after she pays NIS 10,000 (approx. $2,700) in bail. A Palestinian family demolishes its own home outside the Old City to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. In Israel, around 3,000 Palestinian citizens march through Kabul village in the Galilee to protest the so-called muezzin bill, which passed a preliminary reading in the Knesset on 3/8. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/11; MNA 3/12; PCHR 3/16)

An IDF spokesperson announces a 24-hour extension to the Purim closure of crossings in and out of the West Bank and Gaza. Only humanitarian, medical, and exceptional cases will be allowed to cross between Gaza and the West Bank until 3/13. (HA, JP, MNA 3/11)

IDF troops conduct a raid on a house in al-Bireh nr. Ramallah in which they shoot and kill Basel al-Araj, a prominent Palestinian activist. Two other Palestinians are injured in confrontations with Israeli forces following the raid. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops shut down a workshop nr. Nablus, arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Jenin, and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in s. Hebron. Israeli settlers assault Palestinian farmers nr. Nablus, injuring 2. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct overnight raids in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing youths; 5 Palestinians are arrested and 3 are issued arrest summons. Meanwhile, Palestinian youths gather outside the Jerusalem Municipality complex nr. the Old City to protest the Israeli authorities’ closure of their school in Sur al-Bahir on 2/23. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nearby. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 3/6; PCHR 3/9)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the first of 3 planned days, allowing Palestinians to enter and exit Gaza. (MNA 3/6)

Israel’s Knesset passes a law barring foreign nationals who call for economic, cultural, or academic boycotts of Israel or “area under its control,” such as Israel’s settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), from receiving entry visas or residency rights. The interior minister is granted the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. (HA, JP, NYT 3/7)

In the West Bank, the IDF imposes heightened precautions at checkpoints in the Ramallah area, causing traffic jams across the region. It’s unclear why security is tightened. IDF troops also weld shut the door to a home and arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, and in Qalqilya; and patrol nr. Hebron during the day. Israeli forces demolish a water pipeline nr. Tubas and a residential structure in Khan al-Ahmar village nr. Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, 74 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif in the morning. Israeli forces arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and Shu‘fat refugee camp (r.c.). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and again nr. Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 2/20; PCHR 2/23)

Israel’s Knesset passes a new law requiring private businesses that choose not to sell products or services to Israel’s settlements in the West Bank or East Jerusalem to display signage indicating that on their premises. Businesses that fail to display proper signage will be fined. Member of the Knesset (MK) Shuli Moalem-Refaeli (Jewish Home), who proposed the legislation, says, “businesses that choose to discriminate against consumers who live in Judea and Samaria, in outlying areas or in Arab communities will be obligated to inform their customers in advance. If they fear being put on customers’ blacklists, they should them treat all equally.” (HA 2/20; MNA, TOI 2/21)

Unidentified fighters launch a rocket from Gaza into Israel, which lands in an open area nr. Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF then launches 3 rounds of air strikes on open areas and Hamas posts nr. Bayt Lahiya, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, injuring 3 Palestinians and causing extensive damage (1 chicken farm is completely destroyed in Gaza City, killing 1,000 chickens). IDF troops stationed along the border fence also open fire on Hamas posts nr. Bayt Hanun, causing bird hunters and farmers to flee the area. Earlier, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land along the border fence in s. Gaza. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian road under construction nr. Tubas. They also confiscate 3 drills. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Ramallah, and patrol during the day nr. Salfit, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. They also detain a Palestinian TV crew covering settlement growth nr. Nablus. Meanwhile, Palestinians living nr. Nablus discover that Israeli settlers have cut down 600 of their almond and olive trees. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/6; PCHR 2/9)

The Israeli Knesset passes, 60–52, the so-called regulations bill into law, retroactively authorizing settlements built “in good faith or at the state’s instruction” on privately owned Palestinian land. France, Jordan, Turkey, the EU, the UN, the Palestinians, and the UK all denounce the new law, but the U.S. does not offer a direct comment. Instead, a White House spokesperson says that the Trump admin. needs to “have a chance to fully consult with all parties on the way forward.” (AJ, EI, JP, NYT, TOI 2/6; HA, JP, TOI 2/7)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya. There are no injuries in either incident. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to a Palestinian home and a water pipeline under construction in Kardala village nr. Tulkarm. They also weld shut a car wash nr. Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 6 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Nablus, and patrol during the day nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. (MNA, WAFA 1/31; PCHR 2/2)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 4th and final day in a row. (MNA 1/31; MNA 2/1)

The PA cabinet announces that municipal elections will be held in the West Bank and Gaza on 5/13 (they were originally set for 10/8/16; see JPS 46 [2]). A Hamas spokesperson criticizes the announcement, saying that “elections should take place after disagreements are ended, reconciliation is achieved, and Palestinian institutions in Gaza and the West Bank are united.” (AP, JP, MNA, TOI 1/31)

The IDF delivers a notice to the illegal Amona settlement outpost overnight, ordering residents to evacuate within 48 hours (midnight on 2/1 is the deadline). Israel’s High Court of Justice previously ordered the outpost demolished by 2/8. During the day, hundreds of settler youths flock to Amona to demonstrate in solidarity with its residents. Many of Amona’s residents are planning to resist the IDF’s order because the govt. has failed to implement its side of their 12/22 deal trading a pledge to peacefully evacuate for sanctioned relocation to a nearby plot of land. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 1/31)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 3,000 residences in Israel’s West Bank settlements. Hours earlier, a joint Knesset comm. approves the so-called regulations bill, clearing it for a 2d and 3d reading in the full plenum on 2/6. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 1/31; MNA, NYT, TOI, WAFA 2/1)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian approaching them at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm. They also conduct raids in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. The IDF arrests 1 Palestinian during a late-night raid in Qalqilya, and patrols nr. Qalqilya, Hebron, Salfit, and Ramallah during the day. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian cars driving between Ramallah and Nablus, damaging 10 and injuring 1 driver. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Hizma, arresting 1 Palestinian and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; there are no serious injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians attempting to cross into Israel nr. Dayr al-Balah. (MNA, PNN 1/30; PCHR 2/2)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 3d day in a row. (MNA 1/31)

Israel’s ruling coalition postpones until 2/6 a Knesset vote on the new draft of the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank. (HA, JP 1/30; TOI, YA 1/31)

The White House announces that U.S. pres. Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu have arranged to hold their first official meeting on 2/15. Netanyahu later says that he plans to coordinate policy on Iran’s ballistic missile program with Trump, responding to reports of Iran conducting a missile test on 1/29. (HA, JP, TOI 1/30)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian youth and injure 4 others during clashes sparked by an IDF arrest raid in Jenin r.c. Elsewhere in the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers detain 2 Palestinian youths at gunpoint outside a settlement nr. Qalqilya. They accuse the youths of planning a stabbing attack. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian nr. Ramallah when he is found with a knife. They arrest 7 more Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah, Tubas, Hebron, and Jenin, and patrol nr. Ramallah and Hebron during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians approaching the border fence nr. Rafah, causing no injuries. Then they arrest the 2 men. An unknown explosive detonates in Nuseirat r.c., injuring 2 Palestinians. In Israel, Israeli forces conduct raids in Umm al-Hiran in the Negev and prepare to demolish the 2 mobile homes donated to the community on 1/28. (JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 1/29; HA, MNA 1/30; PCHR 2/2)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for the 2d day in a row. (MNA 1/29; MNA 1/30)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says that the so-called regulations bill, which would retroactively authorize illegal settlement outposts in the West Bank and which he previously opposed, will be returning to the Knesset on 1/30 for a vote. The bill needs to pass 2 more readings before it becomes law. (MNA, TOI, YA 1/29)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2 fishermen (1 seriously). Meanwhile, Israeli aircraft spray herbicides on Palestinian agricultural fields along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops raid 2 shops in Husan village nr. Bethlehem, confiscating construction materials and tools. They arrest 7 Palestinians during further raids nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and in Tulkarm, and patrol nr. Qalqilya and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish an agricultural road, 3 animal shelters, and 3 residential facilities nr. Jericho. Israeli forces demolish 9 Palestinian structures nr. Jericho. An IDF soldier is injured when a pipe bomb explodes nr. him on a road nr. Ramallah. It’s unclear who is responsible for the attack. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Issawiyya. In Israel, Palestinian citizens of Israel travel in a convoy of around 200 vehicles from Qalanswa and Umm al-Hiran to the Knesset building in Jerusalem in protest against the recent home demolitions targeting their communities on 1/10 and 1/18. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 1/23)

In response to the demolitions in Qalanswa on 1/10, the Higher Follow-Up Comm. for Arab Citizens of Israel organizes a general strike today. Both the private and public sectors in Palestinian municipalities participate. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a road leading to al-Buwayb village southeast of Hebron. The IDF arrests 3 Palestinians and confiscates personal property during raids nr. Qalqilya and in Hebron and Nablus, and patrols nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 13 Palestinian structures in Jabal Mukabir, the neighborhood of the Palestinian who drove a truck into a group of Israelis on 1/8. (MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/11; PCHR 1/12; PCHR 1/19)

The Knesset’s Internal Affairs and Environment Comm. approves its 2d and 3d readings of a bill authorizing the govt. to bar supporters of a boycott against Israel or representatives of NGOs endorsing a boycott from entering the country. The bill is cleared for a 2d and 3d reading in the full plenum. Meanwhile, the Knesset passes a first reading of a bill that would bar Breaking the Silence and other left-wing NGOs from speaking at Israeli schools. (HA, JP, MNA 1/11; JP, TOI 1/12)