Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Palestinian shops, schools, government offices, banks, and other businesses across the oPt observe a general strike in protest of U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on the occasion of U.S. VP Pence’s visit to Israel. IDF troops violently disperse protests in al-Bireh, Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, central Hebron, and nearby Sa‘ir village; 2 Palestinians are arrested. Meanwhile, Israeli border police shoot and injure 2 Palestinians at the Za’atra checkpoint near Nablus, allegedly after they attempt to stab soldiers stationed in the area. The IDF closes the checkpoint after the incident. IDF troops arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Salfit, Jenin, and Bethlehem; and patrol near Hebron. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/23; PCHR 1/25)

On his 2d and final day in Israel, U.S. VP Pence visits Yad Vashem, the Western Wall, and meets with Israeli pres. Reuven Rivlin. In an interview with Reuters, Pence discusses the U.S. peace initiative. “The White House has been working with our partners in the region to see if we can develop a framework for peace,” he says. “I think it all just depends now on when the Palestinians are going to come back to the table.” (HA, JP, REU, TOI, YA 1/23)