Occupation/Human rights
Palestinians are the majority. Is it apartheid yet?, +972 Magazine
“Israel has always valued Jewish supremacy over democracy. But new demographics could bolster the Palestinians’ efforts to challenge this system,” writes Amjad Iraqi.
For first time in 80 years, Palestinians return to their villages, Al Jazeera
To commemorate Land Day, group of Palestinian refugees returned to the villages they were expelled from in 1948.
If this happened in Alabama there would be uproar. In Israel, it's the norm, Middle East Eye
A town freezes a new housing project to stop the entry of Palestinian citizens. But the mayor insists he’s not racist.
In First, Settler Who Carried Out 'Price Tag' Attacks Convicted of Membership in Terror Group , Ha'aretz
Three Jewish settlers were handed prison sentences on Thursday for attacking Palestinians and arson. One of the three – all convicted by the Lod District Court as part of a plea bargain – was convicted of membership of a terrorist organization. This is the first time a court has convicted a perpetrator of so-called ‘price tag’ attacks of such an offense.
As Donors Flee Palestinians, Israel’s Right Faces an Unpleasant Dilemma , Ha'aretz
Aid has kept the West Bank and Gaza afloat. Without it, Israel may have to countenance real economic development and what that means.
Settler Violence Against Palestinians Is on the Rise, but Goes Regularly Unpunished , Ha'aretz
The army argues that they don’t have the authority to arrest Israelis and that the police, who must do the investigating, don’t come in time, so the enforcement is ineffective.
US-Israeli/Palestinian relations
U.S. ambassador to Israel: If Abbas won't negotiate, someone else will, Axios
“Time doesn’t stand still…and if he is not interested is negotiating – I am sure somebody else will. Vacuums tend to be filled. If he creates a vacuum I am sure somebody will fill it,” US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said.
Israeli politics
Israeli deputy minister: annex West Bank but don’t give Palestinians right to vote , Middle East Monitor
“Even if we apply Israeli law in Judea and Samaria, full civil rights are not just given, and certainly not on the first day. We will have to wait several years as is customary in every country,” Israeli deputy defense minister MK Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan said.
Israel, Palestine & the Middle East
MBS meets AIPAC, anti-BDS leaders during US visit, Al Jazeera
Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, known as MBS, has met leaders from a number of right-wing Jewish organisations during his tour of the United States.
Jordanian minister slams Israel for allowing Jewish ritual near Al Aqsa, Jerusalem Post
“Israel must cease all such acts that offend Muslims worldwide and would only feed religious conflict and extremism in the region.”
Palestinian politics
Palestinian budget excludes Gaza, unless it toes the line, Al-Monitor
PA stages ‘campaign of arrests’ against Fatah dissidents, critics, Times of Israel
Palestinian Authority security forces have arrested several supporters of Mohammad Dahlan, a deposed senior Fatah official and arch-rival of President Mahmoud Abbas.
Palestinian Intel Chief to Head to Egypt With 'Proof' Hamas Behind Attempted Hit on PM , Ha'aretz
According to a Palestinian source, Egypt is pressuring Abbas not to follow through with punitive steps against Hamas that the Palestinian Authority announced last week, urging the PA to avoid dashing efforts at reconciliation with Hamas.
Gaza
Gaza’s Refugees Have Always Haunted Israel. Now They’re on the March , Ha'aretz
Gazans are marching on Israel, with a stark reminder that the narrow, impoverished and blockaded territory constitutes a refugee crisis – and a moral calamity for Israel.
BDS and Settlement boycotts
Are BDS boycotts hurting brand Israel?, Al Jazeera
Israel has made countering BDS a diplomatic priority but just how much of an impact does the movement have?
Boycott Israel campaigners urge Netflix to drop ‘racist’ hit series ‘Fauda’, Times of Israel
The boycott Israel movement has asked Netflix to stop offering a hit Israeli television drama series about the adventures of an undercover unit operating in the West Bank, claiming it serves as propaganda for the Israeli army and gives legitimization to “war criminals.”