Top news stories from Israel/Palestine: March 2, 2018

What We’re Reading

US-Israeli/Palestinian relations

California Democrats reject anti-BDS legislation,

On 25 February, at their annual convention in San Diego, California Democrats approved a set of positions on pending legislation that includes opposition to the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, “a federal bill that would impose draconian penalties for boycotts regarding Israel under certain circumstances”.

Americans in Israel warned to ‘keep a low profile’ after announcement on embassy’s move to Jerusalem,

The U.S. diplomatic mission in Israel urged Americans there to “keep a low profile” following last week’s announcement that the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will open in May.

Gaza

Who profits from keeping Gaza on the brink of humanitarian catastrophe?,

Keeping Gaza on the verge of collapse keeps international humanitarian aid money flowing to exactly where it benefits Israeli interests.

FMEP Resources

Settlement Report: March 2, 2018,

FMEP’s Weekly Settlement Report covers everything you need to know about Israeli settlement activity this week.

Occupation/Human rights

Why These Palestinians Are Desperate to Be Declared 'Clean' by Israel,

A day spent with Palestinians, as they waited for hours in the wind and rain in the hope that the Shin Bet security service would clear them for the privilege of applying for Israeli work permits.

[video] Tanks on your doorstep: Israeli military training part of daily life in northern Jordan Valley,

Israel increased the frequency of training exercises in the area beginning November 2017. Since then, training has taken place near 11 Palestinian communities and three Palestinian villages.

Israeli politics

Netanyahu questioned by Israeli police in telecoms corruption case,

Israeli police questioned Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday for the first time in a corruption case that involves the country’s largest telecommunications company Bezeq, Israel Radio said. Police allege the owners of Bezeq Telecom provided favourable coverage of the Israeli prime minister and his wife on a news website they controlled, in return for favours from communications regulators.

Palestinian politics

Dahlan encouraged to form Palestinian party outside Fatah,

As the supposed reconciliation between Palestinian parties Hamas and Fatah appears to be going nowhere after more than four months, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are encouraging dismissed Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan to form a new Palestinian party to challenge President Mahmoud Abbas.