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Settlement monitors report that Israel built or issued bids for 9,000 Israeli homes in Jerusalem and the West Bank under Ehud Olmert’s administration (1), while construction begins on 60 new housing units in East Jerusalem settlements (4). A Palestinian teenager is shot by a settler in the northern West Bank (2). In The Guardian, Ben White examines the uncertain future of the Fatah party (3). Continued political infighting has trapped hundreds of Palestinian patients in Gaza, unable to travel for medical treatments (6). Mohammed Assadi profiles Nabi Elyas, a Palestinian West Bank village catering to Israeli consumers (7). An aide to Prime Minister Netanyahu says that his Middle East policy should be completed by the time he visits Washington next month (11). Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat says a written plan for long-term peace was submitted to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert just before the Gaza war (12).
The Obama administration asks Congress to approve the potential continuation of aid to Palestine, even if officials backed by Hamas become part of a national accord government (1). Meanwhile, previously deadlocked unity talks between Hamas and Fatah resume in Cairo (7). Peace Now has reportedly obtained Israeli plans to expand the settlement of Maale Adumim near Jerusalem (2). BBC News examines the ongoing demolitions of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem (5). Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he won’t be pressured into resuming peace talks with Israel as long as settlement construction continues (6). The proposed route for the controversial separation barrier is amended around the Palestinian town of Bil’in (11). In conversations with Haaretz, Israeli defense and security sources commend the work of Palestinian security forces in the West Bank (12).
King Abdullah II of Jordan calls for an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in a speech to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (1). Secretary of State Clinton says that support for Israel in regards to Iran will only come “hand-in-hand” with progress towards a Palestinian state (2)(3). Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman calls the Arab Peace initiative ‘dangerous’ (5). Israeli mayor of Jerusalem rejects calls for a halt on demolitions of Arab homes (6). PM Netanyahu criticizes the EU for freezing their upgrade in ties (7). The candidate for Israel’s Ambassador to Washington supports a unilateral withdrawal of the West Bank including many settlements (9). Secretary Clinton vows that the US will only deal with a Palestinian government that commits to halting violence and recognizing the state of Israel (10). President Obama’s support for a two-state solution gives Arabs hope, but some skepticism remains.
The Israeli military announces the conclusion of several internal investigations of its conduct during the Gaza war (1), while Human Rights Watch deems the investigations an attempt to cover up misconduct (7). The Jewish Daily Forward speculates on the growing differences between President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu (2), and MJ Rosenberg offers his assessment of the issue (4). An Egyptian American Muslim woman is appointed as an advisor to President Obama (3). After meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi pledges strong support for a two-state solution (9). Jordan’s King Abdullah II meets with U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (10).
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announces that the U.S. will not recognize a Palestinian government that includes Hamas until it meets three international conditions (1). A poll released today shows that a majority of both Palestinians and Israelis are willing to accept a two-state solution (2). President Obama invites leaders of Israel, Egypt, and Palestine to Washington for talks in early June (3). The Economist assesses the state of the U.S. – Israeli relationship under new administrations (4). The first Hamas-licensed bank opens in Gaza (8). Israel demolishes a house in Arab East Jerusalem (9). President Obama meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah and reaffirms his commitment to the two-state solution (14).
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