In the West Bank and Gaza, sporadic clashes btwn. Palestinians, IDF continue for the 4th day. No injuries are reported. (NYT 5/18)
U.S. special envoy Ross returns to Washington. (State Dept. press briefing 5/17)
In the Knesset 2 opposition bills that would limit PM Barak's margin of maneuver in the peace talks with the PA pass initial readings. MKs approve, however, the cabinet's 5/15 decision to transfer 3 Palestinian villages nr. Jerusalem (Abu Dis, Azariyya, Sawahara al-Sharqiyya) to full PA control, which is expected to take place before PM Barak leaves for the U.S. (MENL, MM 5/17; Hatzofe 5/17 in WNC 5/22; MM, NYT 5/18; al-Quds 5/23 in WNC 5/24; al-Quds 5/26 in WNC 5/31)
The Acting Council of the Palestinian Bar Association revokes the accreditation of a 38th Palestinian lawyer working for a human rights organization in Jerusalem. (LAW 5/18) (see 5/9)
Palestinian teachers cancel their strike and return to classrooms to express solidarity with Palestinians injured in recent clashes with the IDF. They have still not reached a settlement with the PA regarding their salaries. (MENL 5/17)