'US has no better friend than Israel'

US Vice President Joe Biden tried to put the furor over announcement of plans to build 1,600 units in Ramat Shlomo behind him, saying during a speech Thursday at Tel Aviv University that he condemned the move because as a friend he was compelled to "deliver the hardest truth".

Barak: No imminent danger from Iran

Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Monday downplayed the so-called Iranian threat, encouraging a more relaxed discourse on what he didn't perceive as an imminent danger to the Jewish State.

PM hopeful on restarting peace talks

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday expressed hope that the visits of US Vice President Joe Biden and special Mideast envoy George Mitchell to Israel next week will help restart the peace process with the Palestinians, even if it would initially be in the form of indirect negotiations.

'We need citizenship law because of Palestinian terror'

Palestinian terrorist organizations have not let up on their intentions to perpetrate mass attacks in Israel and therefore the temporary legislation forbidding Palestinian men under 35 and women under 25 from living here should not be rejected by the High Court of Justice, the state argued Tuesday.

PM: Iran arms race is runaway train

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday addressed the state of affairs on Iranian sanctions, or lack thereof, and briefed members of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on the latest developments on negotiations toward a prisoner swap with Hamas.

Pilot gas mask center opens in Or Yehuda

Purim is the traditional time of year for wearing masks, but the residents of Or Yehuda, who lined up at the post office Sunday, were there to receive masks of a completely different kind.

PM won’t see Obama in March at AIPAC

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who has traveled to the US three times since becoming prime minister last spring, will return there twice in the next two months: once for the AIPAC policy conference in March, and again in April for US President Barack Obama’s global nuclear conference.

'Documents prove Olmert's guilt'

Prosecutors expressed confidence that they had incriminating evidence against Ehud Olmert during the first day of testimony in the trial of the former prime minister in the Jerusalem District Court on Thursday.

MKs call for immediate change to polygamy law

Knesset members on Tuesday called for an immediate change to the country’s laws on polygamy, which allow prosecution of a man married to multiple women but not of a man in permanent relationships with more than one woman.

IAF unveils massive ‘super-drone’

The air force unveiled a new drone as wide as a Boeing 737 on Sunday, at the Tel Nof air base near Rehovot, marking a new stage in Israel’s long-range operational and intelligence capabilities.

'Biometric law will make identity theft harder'

Effective use of biometric data could have prevented the apparent theft of Anglo-Israelis’ identities, MK Meir Sheetrit (Kadima), the architect of the country’sBiometric ID Law, and a former minister of intelligence services, told The Jerusalem Post Thursday evening.

'Elon had sex with male students'

Former Yeshivat Hakotel head Rabbi Mordechai Elon had sexual relations with male students in the past, a rabbinical forum that works to prevent sexual abuse in the national-religious sector said in a statement Wednesday.

Ayalon: Time for PA to live up to its commitments

Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon on Wednesday said it was time for the Palestinian Authority to live up to its commitments. "We also call on Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and President Mahmoud Abbas to cease the incitement against Israel.

Backpackers, business travelers not heeding travel warnings

Backpackers and business travelers are generally not heeding travel warnings issued by the Counter-Terrorism Bureau of the National Security Council, a government official told The Jerusalem Post on Monday.

Lieberman: No fruition for talks

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Monday that even if peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority now resume, nothing will come to fruition.

IDF foils kidnap attempt near Hebron

A Palestinian man armed with a knife attempted to kidnap an IDF soldier near a mosque in Hebron on Friday afternoon, Army Radio reported. Soldiers on patrol in the area opened fire, and confirmed a hit on the assailant.

Survey: Israeli-Arab support for national service declines

The percentage of Israeli-Arab youths who support volunteering for national service has fallen over the past two years, from 77 percent to 54%, a new poll to be released on Thursday states.

Israeli stabbed to death by Palestinian in West Bank

Man waiting in jeep at Tapuah junction when attacked through open window, vehicle overturns as he tries to speed away; assailant lightly hurt as he is run over by security officer, arrested. 

Beit Yehonatan eviction order never mailed out

The planned distribution of evacuation orders at Beit Yehonatan, a seven-story structure owned by Jews in the predominately Arab east Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, was called off on Monday, as Jerusalem Police and the city’s municipality traded blame for an apparent breakdown in coordination.

Lieberman: My critics are losers

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Monday lashed out against politicians who had criticized him last week over what they perceived as diplomatic misconduct with Syria, calling them “losers who lost the election.”

J'lem tones down Syria rhetoric

Concerned that a sudden, nasty war of words with Damascus could spiral out of control and lead to disastrous, unintended consequences, Jerusalem scaled back the rhetoric on Thursday night, with the government’s highest echelon sending out one message: Israel wants peace talks with Syria, not war.

Possible third barrel bomb discovered at Palmahim beach

Police sappers were checking a suspicious object found on the Palmahim beach near Rishon Lezion on Wednesday afternoon to determine whether it was another barrel containing explosives. Police closed down the entire area.

IDF to return to strategic hilltop

The IDF has agreed to erect a watchtower on a strategic Gush Etzion hilltop called Shdema, thereby handing a partial victory to settlers who have campaigned for two years to ensure that it remains under Israeli control.

Israel delivers details of IDF Cast Lead probes

Barak says rebuttal sent to Ban Ki-moon illustrates the responsible and moral nature of the army, "even under impossible conditions," calls Goldstone Report "distorted, false, and biased." 

Police informer leads to arrest of 32 southern mobsters

A police informer from the criminal underworld has led to the arrests of 32 suspected gangsters belonging to at least three crime organizations in the South and Center, police revealed on Thursday, following the lifting of a media gag order.

Police chief: Crime down by 3% in '09

Israel Police Insp.-Gen. David Cohen released crime figures on Tuesday pointing to a three percent drop in crime from 2008 to 2009. Cohen made the statistics available during a press meeting at the national police headquarters in Jerusalem, to sum up the past year and decade.

MK Said Nafa stripped of immunity after visit to Syria

MK Said Nafa (Balad), who was charged in December with illegally visiting an enemy country after a trip to Syria, was stripped of his parliamentary immunity on Tuesday following a stormy session of the Knesset Committee, thus setting the stage for his criminal trial.

PM urges world to act against those who threaten Jewish state

On the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu urged the international community to fight anti-Semitism by warning that those who hate Jews and want to destroy Israel will eventually move on to the rest of the world, too.

2 charged with demanding ransom for refugees

Eritrean citizens living in Jerusalem indicted for conspiring with Sinai gang to kidnap African refugees, demand ransom from their relatives living in Israel

Palestinians stressed over Mitchell visit

US special envoy to Middle East arriving in Israel, PA Wednesday night. Palestinians fear Mitchell may pressure leadership to drop precondition of settlement freeze and return to negotiations table

MI chief: Iran won't give up nukes without pressure

Major-General Amos Yadlin tells Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Islamic Republic is moving forward with its nuclear program, says its easy for international community to accuse Israel of security measures since it hasn't faced terror recently

Israeli cabinet convenes in Berlin

Prime Minister Netanyahu, several of his ministers hold joint session with German Chancellor Merkel's government in former heart of Nazi regime, highlighting nations' bond six decades after Holocaust

West Bank protests: 2 Border Guard, 1 soldier injured

Palestinians, leftists gather to protest route of separation fence, hurl stones at security forces. Two Border Guard officers lightly injured near Neve Tzuf, soldier lightly hurt near Naalin

Israeli polygamist suspected of enslavement, rape

Police arrest Goel Ratzon, reported to have 89 children from 32 women who call themselves his wives. Authorities say arrest made possible by human trafficking law, complainant who came forward last year

Sheikh Salah sentenced to 9 months in prison for assaulting officer

Leader of northern branch of Islamic Movement in Israel, who was convicted of disturbances, assaulting police officer, sentenced to additional six months probation. Judge writes in conviction: 'This is hefty punishment in order to make clear to convicted gravity of offences he committed’

Turkey summons Israeli ambassador

Envoy to Ankara Gabby Levy summoned over reprimand meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon and Turkish ambassador to Israel. Turkish FM says government discussing incident, to publish response shortly. Meanwhile, industry, trade, labor minister called Ayalon's behavior 'undignified'

Barak: Iron Dome system won't be ready tomorrow morning

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said it will take years before the country's new rocket defense system will be fully deployed along borders with Gaza and Lebanon - but once in place, the Iron Dome system would significantly reduce hostilities.

PM met with Olmert on Shalit

Netanyahu met with predecessor last week to discuss conditions of possible prisoner exchange deal for release of captive soldier

Protestors: East Jerusalem yeshiva – irreversible damage

Peace Now activists protest decision to build 24 housing units in al-Tur neighborhood. 'Any additional settler in this place is a nail in the coffin of peace,' says Jerusalem council member

Egyptian border guard shot dead at Gaza frontier

Security officials say border guard shot dead by Palestinian sniper as Gazan youths hurl stones across border at Egyptian security forces. Meanwhile, medical officials say at least 20 Palestinians injured in clashes as Egyptians open fire

Mediator in Gaza for response

German mediator returns to Gaza to receive Hamas' position on prisoner exchange deal for release of Gilad Shalit. Mediator to meet with Mahmoud al-Zahar, Khalil al-Haya, who are slated to reject offer, but stress they wish to continue talks

MK El-Sana: Settlers are cancerous tumor

Tumult erupts in Knesset's Constitution Committee after MK El-Sana says there's no connection between human rights, settlers who persecute, abuse out of principal. Committee chairman MK Rotem responds, 'If settlers are cancerous tumor I hope it grows until Palestinian state ceases to exist'

2 years in prison for J'lem duo who planned to kidnap soldier

Two young men plan to kidnap soldiers in order to instigate prisoner swap deal in exchange for their family members sentenced to life in Israeli prisons, receive prison sentences themselves

'Don't free Hamas inmates to W. Bank'

Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief Yuval Diskin gave a 2009 security summary Tuesday, saying that there had been a decrease in terror against Israelis, but warning against the release of Hamas terrorists to Judea and Samaria in a deal to secure the release of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit.

Likud minister, Kadima faction criticize PM's unity proposal

Kadima Chairwoman Tzipi Livni presents faction with Netanyahu's proposal to join government and is met with opposition. Criticism also heard in Likud ranks as Minister Eitan comes out against move saying it is "bad for State, bad for democracy'

Hamas: Israel's response unacceptable

Top sources within Islamist group say Jerusalem's position on prisoner exchange outline unsatisfactory. Final answer to be given after Hamas heads in Damascus, Gaza, West Bank confer

Hamas: Clarifications received, accept our demands

Under heavy cloud of secrecy, Hamas sources confirm receipt of clarifications of Israel's stance on prisoner exchange deal. Source says: 'We are determined to responds positively, but Israeli reservations cannot void deal of our demands'

Noam Shalit: I expect process to be over soon

Drama around Shalit deal at its peak: Discussion of seven-minister forum on prisoner exchange deal halted, scheduled to reconvene later Monday. Captive soldier's parents enter PMO to be briefed on progress. Noam Shalit: I am no longer optimistic, but not pessimistic either

Barak to leave for Turkey next month

Defense minister meets in his office with Turkish Ambassador to Israel Ahmet Oguz Celikkol, receives formal invitation to visit Turkey and meet with his counterpart, Vecdi Gonul. Barak: Relations with Turkey important to Israel from all possible aspects'

Analysis: Quelling the flames of the freeze

Almost a month has passed since the government imposed a freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank, and violence between security forces and settlers continues to flare - even to intensify, according to some in the security establishment.

Abbas names 1967 borders as precondition for talks

PLO Central Committee convenes in Ramallah to discuss plan aimed at resolving its political crisis. Palestinian president clarifies he will not seek another term and slams building freeze, which he says 'is not considered a halt of settlement activity'

Israeli sources deny report of arrest warrant against Livni in London

Al-Jazeera reports that London judge issues arrest warrant against opposition chairwoman for allegedly committing war crimes during Operation Cast Lead. Livni's office denies canceling her trip to UK for this reason, say: Opposition chairwoman proud of all her decisions on Cast Lead

Clashes break out after mosque arson

Palestinians throw stones at IDF forces in West Bank village of Yasuf, where fire was set to mosque, lightly injuring Border Guard officer; say Israeli forces responded with tear gas, live fire, leaving two Palestinians lightly injured. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Ehud Barak condemns vandalism, calls for perpetrators to be brought to justice

Palestinians fake cancer to flee blockaded Gaza

Gaza resident obtains bogus medical report saying he has cancer for $260 in order to enter Israel. Fatah loyalist bribes doctor with $100 to escape Hamas harassment. Israeli human rights activist says fakers are minority, but clog up system for real patients enduring longer checks as result

Knesset adopts referendum bill

Sixty-eight MKs vote in favor of 'continuity law' allowing Israeli parliament to continue legislative discussions on bill obligating national referendum on withdrawals. Labor Chairman Barak supports motion despite opposing bill

EU mulls proposal on Jerusalem as joint capital

European Union foreign ministers discuss proposal for 27-nation bloc to recognize J'lem as capital of both Israel, Palestinian state. 'If there is to be (peace) a way must be found to resolve status of Jerusalem as capital of two states', document says 

Report: German mediator in Gaza with Israel's response

Al-Jazeera network says mediator in possible prisoner exchange deal has arrived in Strip to deliver Israel's answer to Hamas' recent offer. 'If Israel's response is unconvincing, the entire deal will be reexamined,' Palestinian source states

Report: Palestinian moderately hurt in Naalin

Palestinians say 20-year-old protestor injured by 'Tutu bullet' during anti-fence rally in West Bank city. IDF says man lightly wounded by crowd dispersal weapon used in response to stone throwing

Yesha leaders to PM: We'll continue campaign against freeze

Yesha Council heads disappointed with meeting with prime minister. 'I left the meeting very sad,' Pinchas Wallerstein says. Knesset committee on West Bank affairs urges suspension of orders

Peres says will have to pardon many prisoners

President meets with high school students, talks about Shalit deal negotiations. Despite high price, he says, government acting responsibly to bring kidnapped soldier back home. 'Gilad has become a symbol for the Israeli youth and state,' he says

Samir Kuntar: Israel will give in to Hamas' demands

Murderer released in exchange for bodies of two Israeli soldiers assures Palestinians, 'Enemy's government will consent to names demanded by resistance organizations and to number of prisoners'

Nasrallah rages against 'hegemonic' US

Hezbollah chief broadcasts political platform, which promotes battle against 'unlimited expansionism'

Settler leaders: We won't let inspectors into settlements

Settler leaders on Monday vowed not to let Civil Administration inspectors into the settlements as one of a series of protest measures they have instigated against last week's security cabinet decision to freeze new construction projects that have not yet broken ground.

Smaller protests expected at Intel this Shabbat

While no breakthrough has emerged from efforts to forge an agreement between hi-tech giant Intel and haredi protesters opposed to the company's operation of its Jerusalem microchip factory on the Jewish day of rest, protests in front of Intel's Har Hotzvim offices this Saturday will be much smaller in scale. 

Rivlin attacks Neeman, Livni's plan for gov't reform

Two days after media reports that opposition leader Tzipi Livni of Kadima and Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman met to draw up a plan for promoting governmental reform, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin was expected Thursday morning to attack the two for what he claimed was an effort to bypass the legislature.

Hamas leader accuses Israel of undermining talks

Source familiar with prisoner exchange talks says Israel's refusal to release top Hamas prisoners Ibrahim Hamed, Abdallah Barghouti delaying agreement. Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya: Zionist entity fully responsible for failure of efforts to finalize deal for Shalit's release

Civilian helicopter crash off Netanya coast kills 4

Rescue forces rushed to Sironit beach in Netanya upon reports of helicopter crash at arounf 2:30 pm. Magen David Adom services say two people were killed

PMO: Part of Shalit reports intentionally distorted

Amid reports of progress on deal for release of captive soldier, Prime Minister's Office stresses reports in foreign media 'not credible', says 'efforts continuously underway, out of media's sight'

Samir Kuntar: Israel will give in to Hamas' demands

Murderer released in exchange for bodies of two Israeli soldiers assures Palestinians, 'Enemy's government will consent to names demanded by resistance organizations and to number of prisoners'

Youth who stabbed Arab 'a serial attacker'

Police tell court 16-year-old boy who stabbed 42-year-old man in Jerusalem on Thursday suspected of attacking Palestinians in east Jerusalem, near West Bank settlements

Barghouti wants popular, diplomatic action

Former Fatah leader in West Bank says in interview from his prison cell that peace talks with Israel have failed, Palestinians must launch popular and diplomatic campaigns to achieve statehood

Obama: Plan to build 900 units in Gilo doesn't make Israel safer

Israel's latest plan to build some 900 units in the capital's southeastern Gilo neighborhood complicates efforts to relaunch peace talks and embitters the Palestinians, US President Barack Obama said Wednesday.

Netanyahu: Disobedience will cause State to collapse

Prime minister visits Navy base in Haifa, comments on Nachshon Battalion troops' protest against settlement evacuation. 'There is no place for refusing orders," he says. IDF chief also condemns phenomenon

Barkat voices his support for Intel

A day after violent haredi protests rocked the offices of hi-tech giant Intel in the capital's Har Hotzvim industrial park, Mayor Nir Barkat and Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer on Sunday voiced unequivocal support for the company during an inauguration ceremony for its new International Die Prep-Jerusalem (IDPj) facility there.

Drought levy likely to be frozen, but water prices to jump 25% on January 1

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to approve a deal to freeze the drought levy for three-and-a-half months and raise water prices in two phases, during a meeting on Friday morning.

Teitel indicted, says 'God is proud of what I have done'

Ya'acov "Jake" Teitel was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, holding and manufacturing weapons and inciting violence, according to an indictment served in the Jerusalem District Court on Thursday morning.

Abbas: We won't lose hope, our revolution is history's longest

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas blamed Israel for the impasse in peace talks, but said Palestinians would not lose hope and let despair enter their souls, in an address on Wednesday to thousands of Fatah supporters convened at the Mukata headquarters in Ramallah for ceremonies marking the fifth anniversary of the death of PLO founder and leader Yasser Arafat

IDF chief Ashkenazi: Sanctions could work against 'rational' Iran

The IDF chief went on to comment on recent efforts by the six world powers to halt Teheran's nuclear program, saying, "A change in international policy... can bring about change within Iran."

Labor rebels form new movement but can't split

The Labor Party took another step toward the precipice on Sunday night when its four rebellious MKs formed a new movement called the Democratic Stage, at a political rally in Tel Aviv's ZOA House.

Ayalon: Threat of striking Iranian nuclear facilities not a bluff

Israel is not bluffing when it warns that all options are still on the table and that it may strike Iranian nuclear facilities, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said in an interview with the British Sky television channel on Friday.

New Jewish neighbors raise spectre of eviction for Sheikh Jarrah residents

Nearly two-dozen neighbors gathered inside a home on Othman Bin Afan Street in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah Wednesday afternoon, some 24 hours after a group of Jews had entered the front section of the home to carry out renovations.

Defense officials say weapons were bound for Syria

Special Navy forces discovered a massive amount of weapons and ammunition on a cargo ship some 100 nautical miles west of Israel overnight Tuesday after boarding the vessel, which was flying an Antiguan flag.

Yadlin: Qom facility has no possible civilian use

The recently-revealed Iranian nuclear facility in the Shi'a holy city of Qom has "no possible civilian use," Military Intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Amos Yadlin said Tuesday morning, directly contradicting statements made by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in September.

Oshrenko family murder suspect is in custody, police say

A 39-year-old man has been held in custody for several days on suspicion of carrying out Israel's worst multiple-homicide, in which six members of the Oshrenko family, including two young children, were brutally stabbed to death in their Rishon Lezion home last month, police announced Monday.

Netanyahu to Mitchell: UN Iran initiative 'a positive first step'

Netanyahu began the meeting by expressing his "appreciation for the president's ongoing efforts to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear military capability," referring to the latest UN initiative to diminish the threat of an Iranian atom bomb.

Ahmadinejad: 'We will not retreat even an iota' on nuclear rights

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday his country "will not retreat even an iota" on its nuclear rights, but added that the West had moved "from confrontation to interaction" with Iran over its controversial uranium enrichment, which he called the nation's "inalienable right."

Elior Chen lands at Ben Gurion Airport

Elior Chen, the self-styled rabbi who allegedly influenced some of his followers to abuse their children in order to "correct their corrupt souls" landed at the Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesday afternoon, after he was extradited to Israel overnight Tuesday.

'Woman refusing to walk on other street side attacked'

Yoel "Yoelish" Kraus, the kambatz, or "operations director" for the Eda Haharedit organization, was released to house arrest on Monday after being arrested the previous evening for assaulting a haredi woman who refused to move to the other side of the street in the capital's Mea She'arim neighborhood, police said.

Tax Authority raids Maccabi TA offices seeking evidence

Tax Authority investigators raided the offices of the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club on Sunday, nearly a week after former team manager Moni Fanan committed suicide and it was alleged that he had run a "private bank" used by a number of Maccabi players.

IDF must allow Palestinians to use 'Israelis only' road

The High Court of Justice on Thursday accepted a petition filed by the Association of Civil Rights in Israel and ordered the state to cancel an order prohibiting Palestinians from driving on a road linking small villages near Hebron to the larger towns that provide them with vital services.

'Decision on how to proceed in Lieberman case to come within a few weeks'

The decision on whether to close the file on Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman or to invite him to a hearing that will determine whether or not the state will press charges against him will be made in a few weeks, State Attorney Moshe Lador said in an interview published Tuesday.

Daughter of US Chabad envoys killed by school bus

Tragedy struck in the capital's Rehavia neighborhood on Monday afternoon, when a three-year-old girl was hit and killed by a minibus that had dropped her off across the street from her home.

'They were always very quick to help anyone in need'

Crowds of mourners gathered at Kibbutz Givat Brenner's cemetery on Sunday to bury the Oshrenkos, the Rishon Lezion family of six who were brutally stabbed to death in what police said was the worst criminal murder in Israeli history.

Knesset panel to discuss Israel's dire int'l standing

MK Tzahi Hanegbi (Kadima), chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, told The Jerusalem Post that he welcomed a call on Thursday by MK Ophir Paz-Pines (Labor) to schedule a hearing on Israel's international standing in light of the Goldstone Report.

'Raising alcohol prices would reduce youth crime'

Welfare and Social Services Ministry Director-General Nahum Itzkovitz called on the Treasury Wednesday to increase taxes on alcoholic beverages in an attempt to fight rising levels of violence.

Ahead of UNSC debate, Barak urges Goldstone rejection

Ahead of Wednesday's UN Security Council debate set to be used by Palestinian diplomats and representatives of Arab states to press for action on the Goldstone Report, Defense Minister Ehud Barak held a series of phone conversations with world statesmen and diplomats in a bid to convince them not to adopt the findings of the report

Netanyahu: PA must recognize Israel as Jewish state for there to be peace

The Goldstone Report wasn't the only topic on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's agenda Monday at the opening of the Knesset's winter session. Iran and the peace process with the Palestinian Authority formed the other half of his address to the parliament on Monday afternoon.

After drill cancellation, Barak says Turkey major player in ME

Following Turkey's cancellation of a joint military exercise on Sunday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that "despite the ups and downs, Turkey continues to be a major player in our region."

Police want to bring Negev Beduin 'into the force'

One of the biggest challenges facing police when dealing with crimes within the Beduin community is figuring out how to confront the custom of holding sulha reconciliation ceremonies between individuals and clans following violent incidents.

Peres to Mitchell: We have full faith in Obama's policies

US Middle East envoy George Mitchell kicked off his latest round of talks in the region with a meeting with President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon, before heading to talks with Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

Israeli scientist Ada Yonath wins Nobel Prize for chemistry

Israeli scientist Ada Yonath, as well as American scientists Venkatraman Ramakrishnan and Thomas Steitz, were awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in chemistry on Wednesday, for mapping ribosomes, the protein-producing factories within cells, at the atomic level.

Lieberman angers his staff by appointing former Mossad spy ambassador to Turkmenistan

Some Foreign Ministry diplomats are upset at Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's decision to appoint former Mossad man Reuven Dinal as ambassador to Turkmenistan.

'Muslims in Jerusalem are ungrateful'

Jerusalem's Muslim residents are "ungrateful," the city's police chief, Cmdr. Aharon Franco said Monday, in the wake of recent clashes between police and Palestinian rioters in the Old City.

Captive Israeli soldier reportedly appears relaxed, not terrified

After over three years in which IDF St.-Sgt. Gilad Schalit has been held in Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, Israel breathed a sigh of relief on Friday afternoon after it was verified by video footage that he was healthy and clear-minded.

Knesset committee hears bereaved IDF families on allowing their children to join combat units

The Children's Rights Committee held a hearing Wednesday, scheduled in the shadow of IDF Capt. Assaf Ramon's death last month, to examine the question of okaying combat service for children of bereaved families.

Schalit family 'yearning for first sign of life from Gilad'

The Schalit family on Wednesday welcomed the news about the deal struck between Israel and Hamas by which Israel would release 20 female Palestinian prisoners in return for a video proving the captured IDF soldier was alive and well.

Palestinian group seeks arrest warrant for Barak on 'war crimes'

In the first case since the publication of the Goldstone Report, a group of Palestinians are seeking to obtain an arrest warrant in the UK on Tuesday for Defense Minister Ehud Barak on alleged "war crimes" charges.

'Reform claims of gender segregation at Kotel plaza false'

The Western Wall's Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitz and Jewish Agency officials have blasted critics from the Israeli Reform Movement, saying that their claim that agency events at the holy site could be canceled due to forced gender separation were false.

Tamir: Netiv Ha'avot outpost removes Gush from consensus

Touring the Netiv Ha'avot outpost in Gush Etzion along with other members of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Wednesday, MK Yuli Tamir (Labor) confronted the settlers and reprimanded them for what she said was their illegal presence at the site.

Peres hopes tripartite meeting will lead to peace negotiations

President Shimon Peres on Tuesday expressed hope that the tripartite meeting between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and US President Barack Obama scheduled to be held in New York later in the day, will lead to the resumption of Middle East peace talks.

Ayalon: Military option against Iran is still on the table

Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon insisted Monday that the military option against Iran was still on the table, rejecting comments made by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev last week and published Sunday.

Peres slams British Labor MPs for UK's misplaced criticism of Israel

Although the tone of the conversation was cordial, and voices were not raised, President Shimon Peres did not mince words when he received a delegation of the British Labor Friends of Israel at Beit Hanassi on Thursday.

Mandelblit: Israel right not to cooperate with Goldstone

The distorted and one-sided content in the United Nations report on Operation Cast Lead proves that Israel had been right not to cooperate with the fact-finding mission led by South African Judge Richard Goldstone, IDF Judge-Advocate General Brig.-Gen. Avichai Mandelblit told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday.

Peres: UN report mocks history, Israel had to defend itself

President Shimon Peres on Wednesday slammed the Goldstone Commission's report on Operation Cast Lead, saying the report "mocks history and fails to distinguish between aggressor and those acting in self-defense."

Mitchell makes last push for concessions on settlements

Washington's special Mideast envoy launched a last-ditch push Tuesday to wring an Israeli promise to curtail settlement construction and persuade the Palestinians to attend a high-profile US meeting meant as a prelude to peacemaking.

Netanyahu to FADC: Settlement halt won't be permanent

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday that a settlement construction freeze in the West Bank would not be permanent.

Nat'l Parents Association to petition High Court against school strike

Shlomo Buhbut, head of the Union of Local Authorities, which called the strike Thursday to protest against government-initiated budget cuts, called on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to reach agreements with the local authorities on their budget demands before Sunday.

Construction on luxurious Pisgat Ze'ev apartments to begin in coming months

New apartments set to be built in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Pisgat Ze'ev will be larger and more expensive than existing housing units in the area, and while the project is only in the preliminary planning stages - construction is expected to begin within the next three months - eager buyers are already lining up.

PM's 'military installation' tour was 'secret trip to Russia'

The reason for Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's mysterious 10-hour disappearance from the media radar on Monday was a clandestine trip to Russia, according to a report Wednesday by the Hebrew language daily Yediot Aharonot.

Lieberman: Despite settlement freeze, Right won't topple gov't

The Right will not bring down Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's government, and Israel Beiteinu will not leave the coalition in the face of the anticipated six-month moratorium on new construction in the West Bank, Foreign Minister and Israel Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman said on Tuesday.

Barak approves 455 new W. Bank units

Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved on Sunday evening the construction of 455 new housing units in Judea and Samaria settlements, a Defense Ministry statement confirmed on Monday morning.

US Embassy doubts Washington signed off on PM's W. Bank plan

It was unclear if Washington had prior knowledge of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's plan to approve hundreds of new housing units in the West Bank before considering a brief settlement freeze, but Kurt Hoyer, spokesman for the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, said it was "doubtful" the Obama administration had signed off on the decision.

Aharonovitch: No local police forces outside existing command structure

Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch delivered two bombshells from the Knesset podium Wednesday during a special plenum session to discuss the summer's wave of violent crime - opposing a plan for local police forces and saying that he planned to enlist haredi national service volunteers in the Israel Police.

Israeli, PA ministers meet in J'lem to discuss economy

Israeli and Palestinian Cabinet ministers shared ideas on Wednesday for shoring up the fledgling Palestinian economic recovery, in the first high-level talks between the sides since Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu took office in March.

Barak: Don't whine over Schalit issue

Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday reiterated statements he made last week, telling students and protesters at a school in the South that Israel would continue to work to secure the freedom of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, but "not at any cost, and not under any circumstances."

Israeli-Arab indicted for Hizbullah plot to assassinate Ashkenazi

Hizbullah recruited an Israeli-Arab and ordered him to collect intelligence on IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi ahead of plans to assassinate him to avenge the death of the guerrilla group's military leader Imad Mughniyeh.

Schalit family marks Gilad's 23rd b'day

Marking her captive son's 23rd birthday with friends and family at Mitzpe Hila in the Galilee on Thursday evening, Aviva Schalit asked Gilad to forgive her "for failing to protect you and prevent the immense suffering you are experiencing.

9 suspects charged in Karp murder

The Tel Aviv District Court on Thursday morning charged three Jaljulya residents, including a 17-year-old, with the murder of Leonard 'Arik' Karp on the city's Tel Baruch boardwalk two weeks ago. The indictment charged that the three killed the 59-year-old man "in cold blood."

Teachers' union head hopeful year will begin on time

With less than a week to go before the start of the 2009/2010 school year, and a number of unresolved problems still facing the country's education system, Secondary School Teachers' Union head Ran Erez believes that solutions could still be found.

MKs, leftists tour West Bank outposts

'If outposts are not removed by end of Knesset's summer recess, Labor will reconsider path in coalition," MK Ben-Simon says. Rightist lawmaker in response: He contracted 'Peace Now virus'

'Israel won't accept limitations on its sovereignty in Jerusalem'

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will make it clear in his discussions with US and European officials abroad that Israel will not accept any limitations on its sovereignty in Jerusalem, sources at the Prime Minister's Office said, immediately before his plane took off from Tel Aviv on Monday afternoon.

Hundreds attend Topaz funeral

Hundreds of mourners attend funeral of former ratings king who committed suicide by hanging himself in prison cell. Brother says, 'Media did not kill Dudu, it killed our people, because it behaves worse than prisoners'. Topaz's ex-wife says 'he made only one mistake', asks for forgiveness on his behalf

Entertainer Dudu Topaz commits suicide

Veteran TV personality, held while undergoing trial for multiple charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, hangs himself in detention cell; pronounced dead at the scene. IPS, police launch investigations.

Tenant admits to killing Jerusalem landlord

Police said Wednesday that Avi Dar, suspected of stabbing his landlord Tzipora Nahamu to death in her Jerusalem apartment the previous night, had admitted to the crime, but was refusing to answer questions regarding his motive.

Two Tel Aviv men indicted in Felix Halfon shooting

Two Tel Aviv men were indicted Tuesday in connection with shooting former national soccer team defender and Hapoel Tel Aviv star Felix Halfon some two weeks ago outside a Tel Aviv nightclub.

Two more people die, possibly of swine flu

Two people died Monday morning in what the Health Ministry said were potentially complications related to swine flu.

HRW, Israel in war of words

Following IDF's dismissal of report on Palestinian civilians shot dead during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza despite waving white flags, rights group accuses Israeli government of waging propaganda war 'instead of responding to report's findings by making false allegations'

'Hamas ready to deal positively with Obama's ME peace plan'

"We have an initial readiness to accept it and deal with it positively, but we will also reject it if it doesn't include an American recognition of the Palestinian rights," Yousef Rizka told the Chinese Xinhua news agency.

Hamas: Israel will soon cave in to all our conditions for Schalit

"Israel will soon cave in to the conditions of the factions that abducted Gilad Schalit and accept all of them," Hamas Justice Minister Muhammad Faraj al-Ghul said Wednesday.

General quits after lying about accident

Faris, one of the army's highest-ranking Druse officers, was commander of the Galilee Division, which is deployed along the border with Lebanon, for the past two years. His term ended Sunday. Previously, Faris served as commander of the Givati Brigade and of Division 80, which is stationed along the Egyptian border.

Lieberman: Fatah 'burying' any chance of peace in coming years

The political platform formulated at the Fatah General Assembly in Bethlehem, combined with unrest in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, "has buried any chance of coming to an agreement with the Palestinians in the next few years," Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Monday.

Israel to sign deal to purchase French swine flu vaccine

After the Health Ministry announced Israel's fifth swine flu death on Friday morning, an agreement was set to be signed Friday afternoon at Deputy Health Minister's Ya'acov Litzman's office for the purchase of options to buy swine flu vaccines worth NIS 7 million from French largest company in the world devoted entirely to human vaccines.

Fatah adopts resolution blaming Israel for Arafat's death

The sixth General Assembly of Fatah unanimously adopted on Thursday a proposal calling for the establishment of a committee which would investigate the death of former Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat while abiding by the following guidelines: that Israel bears full responsibility for his death, that the issue continues to remain open, and that the investigation enlists international support.

Soldier killed in training accident

An IDF soldier was killed early Wednesday morning after a tank overturned during a training exercise in the Golan Heights. Three other soldiers were lightly injured in the accident.

Edelstein: Fatah congress a declaration of war

Information minister launched scathing attack on Palestinian President Abbas, his people. 'The most violent and extreme settlement of all is the Palestinian state, which will be established by the moderates who call for an armed struggle and the right of return,' he says

'Some 700 swine flu deaths this winter'

If swine flu spreads like regular flu, there will be some 700 deaths from the H1N1 virus this winter, Health Ministry Director-General Prof. Avi Yisraeli said during a Knesset Labor, Welfare and Health Committee meeting on Monday, adding that most of the deaths would be among youngsters and pregnant women.

Foreign minister: There is no basis for the police decision

Israel Police recommended that the state indict Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, announcing on Sunday that evidence exists to back up suspicions that he had received bribes, fraudulently received goods, violated his public office, sabotaged a legal proceeding, harassed a witness, and laundered millions of shekels using a host of shell companies and bank accounts.

Opposition, skepticism in Pisgat Ze'ev over reports PM has agreed to a freeze

Residents of Pisgat Ze'ev reacted with dismay and anger on Thursday over a report that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had frozen the construction of 900 apartments in the east Jerusalem neighborhood after continued American pressure.

Peres: Let kids of foreign workers stay

With a mass expulsion of children of refugees and foreign workers only days away, President Shimon Peres made a last ditch plea to Interior Minister Eli Yishai on Thursday, strongly urging him to reconsider the plans.

Arafat's former financial aide convicted in Karine A affair

An IDF military court in the West Bank has convicted Yasser Arafat's former financial aide Fuad Shubaki of illegal arms dealing, as well as organizing and financing the Karine A weapons boat, which the IDF caught carrying advanced weaponry in the Red Sea as it was making its way to the Gaza Strip in 2002.

Ashkenazi: There is no imminent threat of war on Lebanon border

Despite the turmoil caused by the explosion of a hidden weapons depot in southern Lebanon nearly two weeks ago, the IDF does not view the situation in the North as indicative of an impending war, IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi said Tuesday.

'Netanyahu gone out on a limb and is looking for a way down'

Despite vocal opposition among senior Likud lawmakers, coalition chairman Ze'ev Elkin (Likud) told associates Sunday that he planned to present the "Mofaz bill" for its first reading on the Knesset floor Monday, and then push it through a marathon committee hearing in time for a final vote as early as the next night.

Prosecutors appeal release of 'abusive mom' to her home

Prosecutors on Friday afternoon launched an appeal against Jerusalem Magistrate's Court President Judge Shlomit Dotan's ruling that the haredi woman suspected of abusing her child could serve the remainder of her house arrest in her own home with her other children under the supervision of a third party.

Hundreds of rightists to attempt Tisha Be'Av Temple Mt. ascent

Hundreds of right-wing activists are intending to attempt to march up to the Temple Mount next Thursday morning, Tisha Be'Av, in protest of the US demand to cease construction in east Jerusalem.

Netanyahu adviser snubs Erekat over talks with Iranian FM

National Security Adviser Uzi Arad on Monday turned down a request by top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat for a meeting due to recent talks the latter held with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, the Prime Minister's Office said Wednesday.

Settlers: Haredi struggle proves only violence works

As IDF searches for perpetrators in West Bank olive tree arson, settlers distribute leaflet encouraging adoption of fighting tactics of haredim during their struggle against city of Jerusalem and police

Mazuz closes Cremieux case against former PM Olmert

Following the police lead, Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz on Monday closed the case against former prime minister Ehud Olmert over alleged irregularities in his purchase of a home on Jerusalem's Rehov Cremieux due to insufficient evidence, the Justice Ministry announced.

PM to push key electoral reforms this month

After passing the 2009/10 state budget on Wednesday, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu shifted his attention to obtaining approval of two key electoral reforms by the time the Knesset's summer recess begins on July 29.

'Olmert ordered his subordinates to carry out acts of fraud'

Former prime minister Ehud Olmert's Australian-Israeli external affairs coordinator and Diaspora affairs adviser, Rachel Rizby-Raz, was indicted on Thursday for allegedly acting to secure travel funds for the ex-premier in an improper manner.

Haredim burn garbage bins, hurl stones over mother's arrest

Scores of haredim on Wednesday blocked traffic on Rehov Bar-Ilan, Rehov Yehezkel and Kikar Hashabat with burning garbage bins and hurled stones at security forces and cars, in a protest over the arrest of a Jerusalem woman who allegedly near-starved her three-year-old son to death. Riots were reported to have spread to Beit Shemesh as well.

'IDF warships cross Suez Canal from Mediterranean to Red Sea'

Two Sa'ar-5 class Navy ships reportedly crossed through the Suez Canal from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea on Tuesday to beef up Israel's naval presence in the Red Sea.

Recognition of Jewish state is key

Palestinian recognition of the Jewish nature of Israel is an essential condition to peace, as well as their willingness to relinquish the demand that the descendents of Palestinian refugees be allowed to resettle in the Jewish state, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Sunday.

Benny Gantz appointed IDF deputy chief of the general staff

Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi and Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced Friday a round of new appointments within the General Staff.

Security wall barely built in past 15 months

Almost no progress has been made toward completing the West Bank security barrier in the past 15 months, according to numbers provided to by the Defense Ministry on Wednesday.

OC Northern Command: Israel 'no longer like a spider web'

As grieving families convened on Mount Adir, a peak from where a vista of Lebanon can be viewed, to mark the third anniversary of the Second Lebanon War, OC Northern Command Maj.-Gen. Gadi Eizenkot said that Israel can "no longer be likened to a spider web."

High Court to decide fate of Migron

The High Court of Justice will have to decide between ordering an immediate dismantling of the illegal outpost of Migron by force or waiting at least one year to see whether the residents of the outpost will voluntarily choose to build new homes in the settlement of Adam, east of the separation barrier.

Netanyahu: Israelis support two states

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's use of the words "two states for two peoples" at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting was "most certainly" the result of intensive efforts by the US to restart the diplomatic process with the Palestinians, senior diplomatic officials said Sunday.

Arabs shouldn't live with Jews, Shas minister says

Jews and Israeli-Arabs should not live next to one another, Construction and Housing Minister Ariel Attias said on Thursday. He warned of the "expansion of a population that doesn't love the State of Israel, to say the least."

Merkel: Settlements endanger two-state deal

German Chancellor demands Israeli construction in West Bank stop, saying it endangers 'two-state solution that is urgently needed'. Merkel also addresses Iranian nuclear program, post-election unrest, saying next week's G8 summit must send 'strong message of unity'

Court: Harshen charges over bound Palestinian's shooting

The High Court on Wednesday unanimously accepted the petition against a lieutenant-colonel and a sergeant charged with being responsible for the shooting of a bound and blindfolded Palestinian during a protest in Ni'lin last July, ruling to cancel the misconduct charges on which the IDF indicted them.

Israeli Navy Takes Control of Aid Boat Headed for Gaza

Small ferry carrying medical supplies that set sail from Cyprus Monday with 21 peace activists, medical supplies intercepted off Strip's shore; passengers say army jammed boat's radio signals

State approves construction of 50 new housing units in Adam

Hours before Defense Minister Ehud Barak leaves for the United States, the Defense Ministry on Monday notified the High Court that in accordance with a 1996 government master plan for the construction of 1,450 housing units in a new neighborhood in the West Bank settlement of Adam.

New Mofaz plan to cause Kadima strife

Kadima MK Shaul Mofaz, the party's No. 2 politician, will next week unveil a plan for temporary Palestinian statehood, urge the government to accept it and seek to bring Kadima into the coalition, Mofaz told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday.

IDF to radically reduce army presence in 5 West Bank cities

Israel has decided to radically reduce its military presence in the West Bank cities of Kalkilya, Ramallah, Jericho, Jenin, and Bethlehem as part of an effort to bolster the Palestinian Authority, defense officials said on Thursday.

Hirchson sentenced to five years and five months in prison

Former finance minister Avraham Hirchson was sentenced Wednesday to five years and five months in jail by the Tel Aviv District Court for stealing NIS 2.3 million from the National Federation of Workers and its subsidiary organization, Nili.

Public security minister draws ire for Temple Mount visit

Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch on Tuesday made a rare visit to Jerusalem's Temple Mount, drawing condemnations from the Islamic Waqf, who charged that the tour was a "provocation."

Katsav fails to reply to charges against him

Former president Moshe Katsav failed to obey a court order to submit his response to the state's indictment by noon on Sunday, and instead demanded that the attorney-general grant his lawyers another hearing and hand over more investigative material.

Opposition moves to stymie budget bill at every turn

With even coalition MKs vociferously opposing aspects of the draft 2009/10 state budget and the Economic Arrangements Bill, the least the government could hope for was that the opposition would continue its two-day-old boycott and be absent on Thursday as the House Committee prepared the legislation for its second and third readings.

Backlash to Shabbat parking lot closure gathers steam

While Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat's decision to temporarily close a downtown city parking lot on Shabbat has calmed the extremist haredi street in the capital, a secular backlash to the decision, which began with a demonstration of their own last Saturday afternoon, is gathering steam.

Lieberman in US to discuss Palestinian state

Definitions of what constitutes a demilitarized Palestinian state and a settlement freeze are expected to be high on the agenda of talks Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman will hold in Washington Wednesday, the highest level meetings between the two countries since Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's address Sunday at Bar-Ilan University.

All Likud ministers fall in line behind Netanyahu

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu received the backing of all of his ministers and almost his entire Likud faction on Monday for his plan that he announced Sunday for a demilitarized Palestinian state.

Zvi Hendel rejects blame on Gaza evacuees for pullout woes

"The climate created by the government was to break the Gaza leadership and not to talk to us," former MK Zvi Hendel said Sunday, in testimony before the State Commission of Inquiry on the Handling by the Authorized Authorities of the Evacuees from Gush Katif and Northern Samaria.

Jerusalemites protest car park closure

Several hundred Jerusalemites gathered in the capital's Kikar Safra on Saturday afternoon to protest what they called Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat's "capitulation" to the city's haredi community over the Shabbat operation of a municipal parking lot.

Massive turnout as Iranians choose their next president

Iranians packed polling stations from boutique-lined streets in north Teheran to conservative bastions in the countryside Friday with a choice that's left the nation divided and on edge: Keeping hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in power or electing a reformist who favors greater freedoms and improved ties with the United States.

Gaza settlers still living in rented apartments

One hundred fifty families who have been living in rented apartments in Ashkelon since 2005's withdrawal from Gaza are still waiting for their permanent homes and the end is not yet in sight, the head of the group said on Wednesday.

Barak calls on Netanyahu to endorse two-state solution

Speaking to junior high school students in the Knesset, Barak said that the Labor Party had joined the coalition based on the understanding that Netanyahu was committed to previous agreements and would see it as his duty to promote the peace process.

Barak, Ya'alon to give major policy speeches before PM

Five days before Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is to deliver a major address expected to outline his diplomatic plans, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Vice Premier and Minister of Strategic Affairs Moshe Ya'alon are scheduled to deliver significant policy speeches on Tuesday that are expected to foreshadow what Netanyahu will say.

Source: Booby-trapped horses used in failed terror attack

Under the cover of morning fog, a group of around 10 Palestinian gunmen armed with "huge amounts of explosives" launched a failed Gaza border assault at the Karni Crossing on Monday, in which booby-trapped horses were used, a security source told the Jerusalem Post.

Palestinian protestor reportedly killed in West Bank

Demonstrators say Israeli security forces fire tear gas grenades before weeky Na'alin demonstration even begins, try to take over Palestinian home without seizure order.

Police: Topaz planned attacks on more TV stars

In addition to the three people Dudu Topaz ordered attacked, the entertainer had planned on sending hired goons to physically assault at least three more popular television show presenters, police said on Thursday.

Lieberman in Moscow: Israel has no intention of bombing Iran

Israel does not intend to bomb Iran, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Wednesday in the most explicit comments on the matter by a top minister of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's government to date.

Lieberman 'deeply disappointed' over Russia-Hamas contacts

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the new US administration's approach to Iran has increased chances of resolving the standoff over its nuclear program, but gave no indication of whether Moscow would increase pressure on Tehran.

PM: Demand to halt natural W. Bank growth 'unreasonable'

The premier thereby confirmed a exclusive Jerusalem Post report published Monday stating that despite intense pressure from the Obama administration to do so, Israel will not freeze settlement construction for natural growth.

Highly wanted Hamas fugitive killed in gunfight with police

Elite anti-terror police commandos killed Abd el-Majid Dudin on Wednesday, the police announced Thursday afternoon. Dudin was a Hamas armed wing leader in the West Bank and was the brain behind a series of deadly terror attacks in Israel.

PM: We're bound by agreements signed by previous governments

Israel is committed to agreements signed by previous governments and will strive towards peace, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Wednesday, adding that Israel and the US "saw eye to eye" on the regional initiatives promoted by US President Barack Obama.

'Dana Bennet murdered by serial killer'

Dana Bennet, the 18-year-old Israeli-American girl who disappeared six years ago and whose remains were uncovered earlier this month, was murdered by a man who is also suspected of carrying out three other killings, police revealed on Tuesday.

Peres: Israeli concessions brought on rockets

Despite the pleasantries and the politeness, there was hard talk on Sunday between a US congressional delegation led by Gary Ackerman, (D-NY), the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee panel on the Middle East, and President Shimon Peres.

Israel reportedly plans to assassinate Hassan Nasrallah'

Israel is plotting to assassinate Hizbullah chief Hassan Nasrallah, and its upcoming home front drill is in fact a general rehearsal for the anticipated repercussions of the targeted killing, Hizbullah senior Nawaf al-Mussawi said.

Security forces demolish West Bank outpost Maoz Esther

Civil Administration and police forces on Thursday morning demolished a minor Jewish outpost named Maoz Esther near Kokhav Hashachar in Samaria, the West Bank, three days after US President Barack Obama told visiting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that he must call a halt to settlement activity.

Barak: We'll evacuate illegal outposts peacefully or with force

Defense Minister Ehud Barak met with leaders of the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria on Wednesday, to discuss halting construction in West Bank settlements. The defense minister stressed that all illegal outposts must be evacuated, saying, "If this isn't done through negotiations, it will be carried out with swift and tough enforcement."

Diskin: No chance for peace process while Hamas rules Gaza

A day after US President Barack Obama informed Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of his intention to launch a new regional peace effort, Shin Bet head Yuval Diskin told the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Tuesday morning that there was "no chance for an effective peace process so long as Hamas rules the Gaza Strip."

Police officer: Grandfather admitted to stuffing Rose in suitcase

Senior officers involved in search for murdered four-year-old testify before Petah Tikva District Court, say suspect admitted stuffing child's body in suitcase. Social worker says it took nearly a month to begin search after girl was reported missing.

Peres: There's a real opportunity for peace without preconditions

Following his meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah on Sunday afternoon on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, President Shimon Peres said that he believes there is now a real opportunity to make significant progress in the peace process without preconditions.

59 MKs expected to support budget in Knesset

The 2009-2010 state budget will likely pass by a vote of 59 MKs in favor, 48 against and nine MKs not participating in the vote, according to a survey of MKs and spokesmen in the Knesset factions on Thursday.

Abdullah urges PM to commit to 2-state solution immediately

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu made an unannounced, lightning visit to Aqaba on Thursday where Jordan's King Abdullah II urged him to commit to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Belinkov resigns from Finance Ministry

The Treasury's budget director, Ram Belinkov, resigned from his position on Wednesday, stating in his letter of resignation to Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz that his "responsibility to the budget of the state and to the economy obligates him to resign from his job."

Sela head: Gaza evacuees could have been in permanent homes by now

All 1,090 evacuee families from the Gaza Strip who wanted to live communally could have been living in their permanent homes by now had they accepted the government housing solutions offered at the time, while continuing to fight for the other terms they wanted, Zvia Shimon, head of the Disengagement Administration (Sela), said Monday.

Netanyahu and Mubarak meet in Sharm

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday took his first trip abroad since assuming office, traveling to Sharm e-Sheikh for a meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during which he was expected to discuss how he sees the regional challenges, and where he wants to take the diplomatic process.

After outcry, PM rethinks budget cuts

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday caved in to pressure from the Histadrut Labor Federation and fierce political opposition to ameliorate the Treasury's budget cut proposal.

Sixth case of swine flu confirmed in Israel

A woman who returned to Israel from Mexico with her husband was hospitalized along with her husband, who was confirmed as having the disease. She and her husband were released and asked to remain in their house. The Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv, where they were hospitalized, notified her on Thursday that she also had the disease.

Barkat presents first master plan for Jerusalem in 50 years

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat on Tuesday presented a city master plan for the next two decades that envisions the capital becoming the greenest city in Israel, and includes affordable housing for young residents thousands of new apartments for Arab resident of the eastern neighborhoods, and the expansion of tourism and employment.

'Thousands of teachers to lose their jobs'

The Union of Local Authorities on Monday warned of a wave of dismissals in the education system due to the expected cuts to the education budget, saying thousands of workers, including teachers, psychologists, secretaries and janitors, were set to lose their lobs.

Frattini urges stronger Israel-EU ties after meeting Lieberman

"What they call the upgrading between Europe and Israel must not stop because that way Europe can play a major role" in the Middle East peace process, Frattini said at a press conference in Rome alongside his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman.

IAF bombs two smuggling tunnels in southern Gaza Strip

The IAF bombed two smuggling tunnels in two separate air strikes in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday afternoon, the IDF said. The air strikes came a day after a Kassam rocket fired by Palestinian terrorists in the Strip hit the Eshkol region. No one was wounded and no damage was reported in the attack.

Netanyahu issues further orders to stave off spread of swine flu

After holding a discussion with senior government officials in Jerusalem on Thursday, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued further orders to stave off the spread of swine flu in Israel.

Netanyahu: We're committed to bringing Gilad Schalit home

Speaking during the annual Independence Day reception at the President's Residence for past and present IDF commanders, Netanyahu said that "we are committed to bringing Gilad Schalit home in one piece to his parents."

Analysis: Netanyahu bids to change 'diskette'

The theme is clear in the extensive interview we carry in our Independence Day supplement today with Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman: Successive governments of Left and Right, from Yitzhak Rabin's in the early 1990s through to Ehud Olmert's, have made "every effort" yet failed to achieve a permanent accord with the Palestinians.

Israel's population on eve of 61st Independence Day: 7,411,000

Israel's population on the eve of its 61st Independence Day numbers 7,411,000, according to data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics Monday afternoon. Last year, the population was 7,282,000, and when Israel was established, it was just 806,000.

Site of Joseph's Tomb vandalized

Visitors to Joseph's Tomb in Nablus Wednesday evening were dismayed to see swastikas and other anti-Semitic vandalism at the holy site. "We saw a drawing of a Star of David with a boot stamping on it on one wall," said David Ha'ivri, a spokesman for Samaria Regional Council chairman Gershon Masika, who was one of the visitors.

Dekel resignation will not affect Schalit release efforts, security experts say

The resignation of Ofer Dekel, former prime minister Ehud Olmert's envoy to negotiate the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit, will not have a significant influence on future release efforts, security experts told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday.

Israelis would trust NATO in W. Bank

Almost two-thirds of Israeli Jews support sending NATO troops to the West Bank in a peacekeeping capacity, according to a poll conducted by Jerusalem-based KEEVOON Research and set to be released on Wednesday.

German soldiers walk alongside Jews in March of the Living

For the first time ever, German soldiers were among the thousands of young people who were participating in the March of the Living on Tuesday at the former Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

IAF mulling purchase of 'stealthy' F-15s

Facing soaring costs and American opposition to the integration of Israeli systems into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Israel Air Force is reviewing specifications of a new and advanced model of the F-15 Eagle, which is claimed to have enhanced stealth capabilities.

Barak calls for Israeli initiative for comprehensive peace

During a policy review meeting convened by Netanyhau, Barak suggested a formula according to which Israel's security requirements and its demands that it be recognized as a Jewish state could be met.

How much wiggle room does Netanyahu have?

As US envoy George Mitchell reaffirmed American support for a Palestinian state during his governmental rounds here on Thursday, it remained unclear how far Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu can and is willing to go in order to acquiesce to such a vision without destroying his own coalition.

IDF tightens borders with Egypt and Jordan

The IDF has beefed up forces along Israel's borders with Egypt and Jordan out of concern that terror cells currently operating in the Sinai Peninsula will infiltrate into Israel, defense officials said Wednesday.

Israel, US to hold largest-ever joint missile defense drill

In the face of Iran's continued pursuit of nuclear capability, Israel and the United States will hold an unprecedented and massive exercise later this year to jointly test three different ballistic missile defense systems, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

Officials: No confrontation expected with Mitchell

Jerusalem does not expect any confrontation with the US when Middle East envoy George Mitchell arrives Thursday for his first meeting with Binyamin Netanyahu as prime minister, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

Soldiers to get instruction in fighting off kidnapping attempts

Facing a growing kidnapping threat, the IDF Ground Forces Command has established a new training regimen to train soldiers how to fight off a Hamas kidnapping attempt. The decision to establish the new course was made following Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, during which Hamas operatives made a number of attempts to kidnap IDF soldiers.

At least 16 Palestinians hurt in clash with Bat Ayin settlers

A week after an ax-wielding terrorist infiltrated the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin killing a young boy and wounding another boy, at least sixteen Palestinians were wounded in a clash with Bat Ayin settlers.

Man rams car into cops razing bulldozer terrorist's home

An Arab motorist was shot and killed in east Jerusalem Tuesday morning after hitting three border policemen, who were overseeing the demolition of the home of a Palestinian terrorist who carried out a lethal bulldozer attack in Jerusalem last year.

Netanyahu to ask Sharansky to be Jewish Agency chairman

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will soon ask former minister and dissident Natan Sharansky to serve as chairman of the Jewish Agency, sources close to the two men confirmed on Sunday.

Protecting so many ministers poses 'major challenge' for Shin Bet

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) is responsible for providing security for seven government officials who are described as "state symbols": the prime minister, the president, the head of the opposition, the defense minister, the foreign minister, the speaker of the Knesset and the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Axe-wielding terrorist kills boy, wounds 7-year-old in Bat Ayin

An axe-wielding terrorist infiltrated the West Bank settlement of Bat Ayin Thursday afternoon, killing 16-year-old Shlomo Nativ and wounded a 7-year-old boy. Government spokesman Mark Regev condemned the attack as a "senseless act of brutality against innocents."

Lieberman: Israel is not obligated by Annapolis process

New Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman entered his office with a bang on Wednesday afternoon, saying that while Israel is committed to every aspect of the Road Map, it is not obligated by the Annapolis process.

Livni rapped at ministry farewell

Stinging criticism of Tzipi Livni's performance as foreign minister that has been whispered in the ministry's corridors for the last two years burst into the open Monday at a parting ceremony she held with the ministry's employees.

Netanyahu continues assigning portfolios to fellow Likud MKs

Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu continued to fill his cabinet on Monday afternoon,the latest appointments being Likud MK Limor Livnat, who received the Culture and Sports portfolio.

Netanyahu's team presents its plans

Binyamin Netanyahu's 100-day team introduced a platform Thursday for the new government to follow during its first few months. The team, headed by Likud MK Yuval Steinitz, convened in the Knesset and presented plans it had formulated to handle the economic crisis.

Police close Cremieux case against Olmert

After lengthy, three-year investigation into alleged real estate scam, National Fraud Unit decides to end investigation citing lack of evidentiary basis. The police decided Thursday to close the Cremieux case pending against outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, citing lack of evidence.

Netanyahu: Unity came with a price

Prime minister-designate lauds faction members for 'demonstrating personal and national responsibility and a level of restraint unheard-of in Israeli politics,' says hopes to finalize coalition within next few days

15 hurt, 12 arrested after Umm el-Fahm right-wing march

Some 15 people, including the police commissioner's deputy, Insp.-Gen. Shahar Ayalon, were lightly injured on Tuesday morning, during violence which broke out between Umm el-Fahm residents and Border Police forces after a right-wing march in the Arab city.

Barak defends right to conduct coalition talks with Likud

Labor chairman Ehud Barak on Monday defended his right to conduct coalition talks with Likud after several members of his party sent a letter to prime minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu in which they blasted the talks as "unauthorized" and said they were in opposition to Labor's constitution.

Peres greets Iranians in Persian on Iranian new year festival

President Shimon Peres issued an audio greeting to the Iranian people, urging them to shake off the rule of "an oppressive and fanatical regime" and return to relations of peace and harmony with Israel, which, he recalled, the two countries enjoyed when the Shah was in power, until 1979.

Former president Moshe Katsav charged with two counts of rape

Over two-and-a-half years after the initial rumors emerged that then-president Moshe Katsav had sexually assaulted an employee at Beit Hanassi, the State Prosecutor's office on Thursday afternoon submitted a scathing indictment against the former president.

Hope fades for Schalits as deal falls apart

After an emotional roller coaster ride, in which their hopes for their son's release were raised and then dashed, the parents of captive soldier Gilad Schalit remained on Tuesday night in the protest tent they pitched 10 days ago outside Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's Jerusalem home.

Cabinet convenes on Schalit talks; Yishai: It's up to next gov't

A special cabinet session on the outcome of the recent failed talks over captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit's release began Tuesday afternoon amid the increasing likelihood that the matter of the captured soldier would be left to the next government to resolve.

'Diskin, Dekel will return from Cairo with Schalit proposal'

Outgoing Pensioners Affairs Minister Rafi Eitan said Monday that he believed that Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) head Yuval Diskin and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's special envoy for prisoner swap contacts, Ofer Dekel, would return from Cairo with a recommendation for a deal to release captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit.

Hundreds of demonstrators block road to PM's home

Demonstrators in the protest tent in Jerusalem where the Schalit family is staying began blocking the road to the prime minister's residence where the tent is located on Friday morning.

Diplomats: Teheran seeking to buy banned carbon fiber

Two diplomats on Thursday said that Iran's national car company has made plans to purchase large quantities of carbon fiber, which is under UN embargo because it could be used in the country's nuclear program. The automaker's chief executive denied the allegation.

NGO reports 30% increase in families seeking welfare

There has been a 30 percent increase in the number of needy families countrywide seeking out citizens' rights advice and emergency social welfare assistance to help weather the economic crisis, the association for community empowerment Yedid reported Tuesday.

Fischer presents NIS 4.4b. plan to weather financial crisis

Governor of the Bank of Israel (BoI) Prof. Stanley Fischer on Tuesday convened a special press conference to discuss the current economic and financial climate and make recommendations on measures to cope with the crisis.

Netanyahu: 'Unnecessary public deliberations only weaken us'

At the beginning of a Likud faction meeting Monday morning, Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu said coalition negotiations were still continuing, and asked party members to refrain from discussing proceedings, including cabinet appointments, with the media.

Police urge third Olmert indictment

Police have amassed enough evidence for state prosecutors to indict Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for breach of trust and fraud in the Investment Center affair, the National Fraud Unit announced on Thursday.

2 cops lightly hurt, terrorist shot dead in Jerusalem attack

A Palestinian driver rammed a bulldozer into a bus and a police car on a Jerusalem highway Thursday, lightly wounding two officers before he was shot dead - the latest in a string of attacks by Palestinian terrorists using heavy machinery against Israeli civilian targets.

Clinton: Israeli home demolitions in east J'lem 'unhelpful'

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Wednesday said that Israel's demolition of Arab homes in Jerusalem had been "unhelpful" to Middle East peace efforts.

Clinton: US will do all it can to prevent nuclear Iran

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday met with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, afterward saying that the two had had a "broad discussion" about Iran and that that there had been common understanding about the threat emanating from Teheran.

Netanyahu still hoping for broad gov't

Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu on Monday afternoon told Likud faction members that although he understands the importance of building the new government as soon as possible, he has not yet given up hope of forming a unity government with Labor.

Netanyahu-Livni meeting ends without breakthrough on unity

Friday's meeting between Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni, billed as a last-ditch attempt to form a national unity government, ended without a breakthrough, with Livni insisting that she was heading for the opposition.

Egypt urges rival Palestinian factions to end divisions

Egypt urged all Palestinian factions on Thursday to work on ending their internal chasm in reconciliation talks aimed at pushing rivals Hamas and Fatah to form an interim unity government. "Your people are looking forward to seeing the beginning of your unity," said Gen. Omar Sulieman, Egypt's intelligence head, in nationally televised comments.

Yishai insists: No pre-existing deal between Shas and Likud

At the start of coalition talks between Likud and Shas at Ramat Gan's Kfar Hamaccabia Hotel on Wednesday afternoon, Yishai said that he would not raise the issue of portfolios, and instead devote the talks to finding solutions to the economic crisis and unemployment.

Olmert: Efforts to free Schalit to continue despite 'leaks'

Israel is continuing in its efforts to attain the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, despite the "irresponsible" leaks from people involved in the negotiations, outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Tuesday.

PMO: Removal of Gilad from Egypt will not affect Schalit deal

The Prime Minister's Office lashed out at the Defense Ministry on Monday evening for allegedly taking advantage of the removal of Amos Gilad's role in negotiating with Egyptian moderators over a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Peres tasks Netanyahu with forming new government

After the failure of his last-ditch effort to muster Kadima leader Tzipi Livni's support for a unity government on Friday, President Shimon Peres formally entrusted Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu with the task of building a coalition.

Peres likely to summon Livni, Netanyahu to discuss who will be PM

President Shimon Peres is expected to summon Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Kadima leader Tzipi Livni on Friday to discuss which one of the rivals should become Israel's next prime minister.

Security cabinet decides: No truce before Schalit released

Israel will not accept a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip before Gilad Schalit is released, the security cabinet decided unanimously Wednesday, after discussing the issue for several hours. In doing so, the cabinet accepted the position of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

'Hamas agrees to demand that Schalit deal precede cease-fire'

Hamas has no objection to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's demand that a deal for the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Scahlit be finalized before a cease-fire agreement, as long as Israel releases all of the prisoners on Hamas's list, a senior member of the organization was quoted by the London-based Arabic daily Al-Hayat as saying Tuesday.

Kadima okays Israel Beiteinu's demands; Bibi urges unity gov't

As well as civil unions and an eased conversion process, Lieberman is also seeking to be appointed defense minister or finance minister, wants Daniel Friedmann to stay in the justice portfolio, strongly advocates electoral reform and wants the next coalition committed to toppling Hamas in Gaza.

Shin Bet chief: Egypt not doing enough to combat smuggling

Less than a month after the end of Operation Cast Lead, which was launched in order to stop Palestinian rocket fire into southern Israel, two senior security officials on Sunday lamented Egypt's failure to completely prevent Hamas from restocking its missile supply by properly cracking down on the underground smuggling routes.

One Palestinian killed as IAF attacks in Khan Yunis

IAF aircraft struck in the Gaza Strip town of Khan Yunis Friday afternoon, Palestinian medical officials said, after two Kassam rockets were earlier fired at southern Israel. The air strike reportedly killed one man and critically wounded another.

Yishai: Shas and UTJ working together to preserve 'status quo'

The Shas faction convened Thursday afternoon to discuss the election results and coalition talks, amid the increasing likelihood that if it were to join a right-wing government, the ultra-orthodox party would have to sit with the secular Israel Beiteinu, which is pushing for easing conversion rules and civil marriage reforms.

Livni to Lieberman: This is an opportunity for unity

Following Tuesday's general election, apparently won by Kadima leader Tzipi Livni but in which the right-wing bloc emerged as the largest, coalition talks started swiftly, with Livni holding talks with Israel Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman, and Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu meeting with both Shas leader and United Torah Ya'acov Litzman.

Livni may not be able to form gov't due to large right-wing bloc

With voting stations officially closed, exit polls at 10 p.m. suggested that Kadima would win. However, due to the dramatic rise in support of the Likud and Israel Beiteinu compared with the previous election, it seemed that Likud Chairman Binyamin Netanyahu would have a better chance than Kadima head Tzipi Livni of forming the next coalition.

Voters turn out en masse despite forecast of apathy

As of 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, some 41.9 percent of the 5.2 million people eligible to vote had cast their ballots at the 9,263 polling stations available nationwide, the Central Elections Committee said. The turnout was 3% higher than the figure registered at the same stage of the 2006 general election.

Despite 'Compass,' many unlikely to vote

On Tuesday, Israelis will go to their fifth general elections within a decade, and it seems the more Israelis go to elections, the less they're interested in them. In the first elections in 1949, 86.9 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots. In 2001, that number dropped to 62%.

UNRWA suspends Gaza aid after Hamas steals supplies

The seizure of the 200 tons of supplies took place Thursday night and in response, UNRWA officials informed the Gaza Coordination and Liaison Administration that it was suspending its deliveries to the Gaza Strip until further notice. The supplies confiscated included flour and other basic commodities.

Russian official: Iran's Bushehr will be operational before 2010

Russia plans to begin operating the nuclear reactor it has been building for Iran over the past several years before the end of 2009, the Interfax News Agency quoted a top official as saying on Thursday.

Tamir announces nationwide 'smart' classroom program

Education Minister Yuli Tamir announced plans to enhance the country's schools with fully networked classrooms and dedicated programming, during a special meeting at the IDC Herzliya Conference on Tuesday.

Netanyahu promises to topple Hamas regime in Gaza if elected

Tzipi Livni and the people of Kadima scoffed at the predictions regarding rocket fire. A government under my leadership will overthrow the Hamas rule in Gaza and bring about a cessation of rocket fire," Netanyahu said during a tour of Ashkelon following the first Grad rocket attack since the conclusion of Operation Cast Lead some two weeks ago.

Gunman killed as IAF hits terror cell after mortar shell strike

Minutes after a mortar shell struck an open area in the Eshkol region on Monday, IAF warplanes responded, launching a missile at a vehicle in the southern Gaza Strip. According to witnesses in the area, one person was killed and three others were wounded in the attack.

Middle-class jobless fall between cracks as economic crisis deepens

Hundreds of middle-class people unemployed as a result of the economic crisis could end up falling through the government's social welfare net and find themselves ineligible for welfare benefits despite having paid National Insurance for their entire working life.

Spanish court probes Halutz, Ben-Eliezer for 2002 Gaza attack

A Spanish judge on Thursday launched a probe of seven current or former Israeli officials over a 2002 bombing in Gaza that killed a Hamas terrorist and 14 other people, including nine children.

Mitchell: It is 'critical' that Gaza ceasefire be extended

It is "critical" that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas be extended in order to maintain the calm and advance peace efforts, George Mitchell, the US Middle East envoy said on Wednesday.

Hamas gunman hit by IAF strike in Gaza after IDF soldier killed

The Islamic Hamas movement said one of its members has been wounded in an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip. The airstrike comes hours after a roadside bomb along Israel's border with Gaza killed an IDF soldier and wounded three others.

Top EU official: Hamas bears full responsibility for Gaza war

Hamas bears full responsibility for the war in Gaza, a top EU official said Monday in the Strip, calling the group "a terrorist movement." "At this time we have to also recall the overwhelming responsibility of Hamas," Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, told reporters.

Hamas wants Abbas to end peace talks with Israel

A senior Hamas official said Sunday the Palestinian Authority must end security coordination and peace talks with Israel before any reconciliation talks between the two rival Palestinian groups can take place.

Barak to propose resolution backing IDF in case of lawsuits

Defense Minster Ehud Barak will on Sunday present a draft resolution regarding support and legal aid for IDF officers and soldiers facing court cases related to Operation Cast Lead. An onslaught of international lawsuits against Israeli officials alleging war crimes against the Gaza population during the operation has been widely anticipated.

Report: No more than 600 died in Gaza

The number of Palestinians killed in Operation Cast Lead did not exceed five or six hundred, Lorenzo Cremonesi, a correspondent for Italy's Corriere della sera reported on Thursday. Cremonesi based his report on tours of hospitals in the Gaza Strip and on interviews with families of casualties.

Gaza Strip smuggling tunnels operating again despite IDF op

AP Television News footage showed Palestinian smugglers Wednesday filling a fuel truck with petrol that came through a cross-border tunnel from Egypt. The footage also shows workers busy clearing blocked tunnels and bulldozers carrying out other repairs.

Sderot residents present a letter to UN requesting Hamas be brought to trial

A group of 35 young Sderot residents got on a bus to Jerusalem on Wednesday night, to present a letter to the United Nations demanding that Hamas leaders be brought to trial for war crimes.

Gaza gunmen fire at IDF patrols in first cease-fire violations

Gaza gunmen fired at IDF patrols on Tuesday afternoon in two separate incidents that mark the first violations of the cease-fire declared Sunday by Hamas. No one was wounded and no damage was reported in the two incidents, which took place near the Kissufim border crossing, in central Gaza, and in southern Gaza.

Israeli critically hurt in shooting attack near Kohav Hashahar

An Israeli man in his thirties suffered a critical gunshot wound to his head after his car came under fire north of the Kochav Hashahar settlement, near Ramallah, in an incident police say bears the hallmark of a terrorist attack. No Palestinian group has taken responsibility for the shooting.

Hamas: We will continue to smuggle weapons into Strip

A day after Hamas announced a truce with Israel, a spokesman for Izzadin Kassam, the group's military wing, stressed that Hamas will continue to rearm despite efforts to stop the weapon smuggling into the Gaza Strip.

Cabinet to decide on unilateral ceasefire Saturday evening

"Significant progress was made during talks held with the Egyptian intelligence chief. Over the weekend the prime minister and the defense minister will discuss the offered draft. Following the discussion, the cabinet for national security will be convened on Saturday evening to decide whether it should be adopted."

Mashaal: We won't accept Israeli conditions for cease-fire

Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal rejected Israel's conditions for a Gaza cease-fire and demanded an immediate opening of the territory's borders, taking a tough line Friday as he asked Arab countries to back him by cutting off any ties with Israel.

At least seven wounded as two Grad rockets hit Beersheba

At least seven people was wounded, one of them seriously, in Beersheba Thursday afternoon when two Grad rockets fired by Gaza terrorists hitBeersheba. One of the rockets reportedly scored a direct hit on a car. Channel 10 reported that a young boy was taken to Soroka Hospital with a head wound.

Grads hit Beersheba, Yavne; none hurt

The calm which southern Israel had enjoyed for the better part of Wednesday morning was shattered in the afternoon when warning sirens sounded nearly simultaneously in Ashdod, Ashkelon, Sderot, Sdot Negev, Yavne, Beersheba, and other communities around the Gaza periphery.

Barak: We respect the UN, but we're continuing with Gaza op

Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday reiterated that the IDF was continuing its offensive in Gaza while simultaneously, the political echelons were closely monitoring diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

4 injured by apparent friendly-fire

Four IDF paratroopers were injured on Monday, one seriously and three lightly, in an apparently friendly-fire incident in northern Gaza. Channel 2 reported that the three soldiers who were lightly injured received first aid treatment for shrapnel wounds at Ashkelon's Barzilai Hospital.

Gaza rocket strikes Ashkelon home, residents flee to shelter

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip on Monday fired 13 rockets at the western Negev, one of which scored a direct hit on a home in the northern Negev city of Ashkelon. The five residents of the house managed to flee to a bomb shelter before the strike, thus avoiding casualties. A number of people were treated for shock.

IAF: Hamas tried to down plane with anti-aircraft missile

Hamas tried to shoot down an IAF plane at the weekend using an anti-aircraft missile, the air force said during a briefing on Sunday. The IDF has said that Hamas possesses several shoulder-held ground-to-air missiles, and in air raids overnight Saturday, the IAF hit a Gaza mosque in which a number of them were stored.

Olmert: Gaza op to continue, UNSC resolution not practical

Despite the UN Security Council resolution calling for a Gaza cease-fire, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Friday afternoon that the IDF operation in the Strip would continue. "Israel has never agreed to external forces determining its right to defend its citizens," Olmert said.

IDF: Third soldier dead in 24 hours of Operation Cast Lead

Omer Rabinovitz, 23, was killed in close gunfights with Hamas gunmen, the IDF announced Thursday evening. Rabinovitz, an Arad resident, was a commander in Golani Brigade. He was the tenth IDF soldier to be killed since the Operation Cast Lead was launched two weeks ago.

IDF officer killed by anti-tank missile in central Gaza

Maj. Roi Rosner, 27, from Holon, was killed and a soldier was lightly wounded in a clash with Hamas gunmen in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday morning, the IDF announced. The two, from the Haruv Battalion of the Kfir Brigade, were hit when a Hamas operative fired an anti-tank missile at them while they were conducting searches near the Kissufim.

Israel views Egyptian-French ceasefire proposal 'favorably'

The Security Cabinet issued a statement at the end of a four-hour meeting Wednesday indicating that it was looking favorably upon French, US and Egyptian efforts to broker a Gaza cease-fire based on the establishment of an international mechanism to stop the smuggling of arms from Egypt into the Strip.

Sixth Israeli soldier killed in ground op, as IDF closes in on Gaza cities

Israel Defense Forces troops edged closer to Gaza's main cities on Tuesday, as a sixth IDF soldier was killed in the ground offensive against the coastal strip's Hamas rulers. The soldier was killed and four others wounded on Tuesday morning when militants opened fire on them during a patrol operation in Gaza City.

Fifth Israeli soldier killed in ground op, as IDF closes in on Gaza cities

Israel Defense Forces troops edged closer to Gaza's main cities on Tuesday, a day after four IDF soldiers were killed in the ground offensive against the coastal strip's Hamas rulers. The soldiers were killed in two separate incidents while battling Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, taking the army's death toll to five.

Heavy clashes between IDF and Hamas reported in north Gaza

Live footage from Al-Jazeera showed numerous explosions and fires in the area where the soldiers were said to be operating. Heavy firepower could be heard, and reports told of dozens of artillery shells, as well as air support which had been concentrated in the area.

Israeli soldier killed as IDF deepens Gaza ground operation

The death of Sergeant Dvir Emmanueloff, 22, who was killed during a firefight in northern Gaza's densely populated Jabalya refugee camp, was the first fatality suffered by Israel since it launched the ground operation on Saturday.

Hamas: If IDF invades Gaza, we may kidnap more Israeli soldiers

Exiled Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal said in a televised speech from Damascus on Friday that Hamas was ready to resist any Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip and might abduct more soldiers.

Israel destroys Hamas homes, flattens Gaza mosque

Israel bombed a mosque it claimed was used to store weapons and destroyed homes of more than a dozen Hamas operatives Friday, but under international pressure, the government allowed hundreds of Palestinians with foreign passports to leave besieged Gaza.

Nizar Rayyan considered successor of Ahmed Yassin

Sheikh Nizar Rayyan, a senior Hamas leader and cleric, was killed along with several others on Thursday when an IAF aircraft dropped a bomb on his Jabalya home, the IDF said. Palestinian medics said that seven people were killed and around 30 were wounded in the air strike.

Haniyeh: If IDF stops aggression, we'll talk about all issues

Only if Israel stops its aggression unconditionally, lifts the blockade and opens the Gaza crossings will Hamas agree to "talk about all issues - and seriously," Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said Wednesday night, at the end of the fifth day of the IDF's Operation Cast Lead.

Rocket barrages hit Beersheba, Ashkelon; 5 lightly hurt

Two long-range rockets fired from northern Gaza landed in Beersheba Wednesday morning. No injuries or damage were reported, but eight people were treated for shock. Residents were instructed to remain in secure spaces.

Rockets fired from Gaza kill 2 Israelis within hour

Two Israelis were killed Monday evening as Gaza militants pelted southern Israel with rockets and mortar shells, as Israel concluded its third day of aerial assaults on the Gaza Strip.

Israeli killed as barrage of Palestinian rockets pound west Negev

One Israeli was killed and fourteen others were wounded by a Palestinian Grad missile which exploded near a construction site in the coastal town of Ashkelon. Most of the victims were construction workers from the Galilee village of Manda and the Bedouin town of Rahat.

IDF destroys 40 smuggling tunnels in 4 minutes

IAF jets struck 40 smuggling tunnels connecting the Palestinian and Egyptian sides of Rafah, a Gaza Strip border town which has become a main entry point into Gaza of weapons, dynamite and other smuggled military equipment and consumer goods. According to reports, the bombing took a total of four minutes.

Expecting IDF offensive in Gaza, Egypt boosts border security

Egypt has boosted the security along its border with Gaza, officials said Friday, in anticipation of an imminent Israel Defense Forces operation within the territory, fearing an Israeli incursion would result in a breach of the border.

Olmert urges Gazans to reject their Hamas rulers

Outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Thursday urged Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to reject their Hamas rulers and warned he would not hesitate to use force to stop them from firing rockets at southern Israel.

Palestinian terrorists bombard Ashkelon with Grad rockets

Palestinian terrorists on Wednesday morning fired over 60 rockets and mortar shells from the Gaza Strip at Ashkelon and the western Negev, prompting Israel to hold up a shipment of aid scheduled to pass through to the Strip later Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Security Cabinet scrambled Defense Minister Ehud Barak to a special discussion on the massive rocket fire against western Negev Israeli communities.

Barak allows transfer of food, humanitarian supplies to Gaza

Despite continued firing of Kassam rockets at the Negev by Palestinian terrorists on Tuesday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak will allow a shipment of food and humanitarian supplies to residents of the Gaza Strip on Wednesday.

Gaza terrorists resume rocket fire on Negev after brief hiatus

Gaza terrorists fired four Kassam rockets at the western Negev on Tuesday, the first attacks after a day-long informal cease-fire. Two of the rockets hit an open area in the Eshkol region, while the others landed in the Sha'ar Hanegev region. No one was wounded and no damage was reported.

Hamas declares day-long Gaza truce as Qassam rocket hits Negev

Palestinian armed factions in the Gaza Strip are observing a 24-hour halt to rocket fire against Israel at the request of Egyptian mediators, a senior official of the ruling Islamist Hamas group said on Monday.

PM: 'A responsible gov't neither runs to battle nor runs from it'

"A responsible government neither runs to battle nor runs from it," Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said at the beginning of Sunday's cabinet meeting. He said that together with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, a range of scenarios to deal with the situation in Gaza had been prepared.

'Israel won't take 'half-truce' in Gaza'

The IDF is in its best form ever, and will be ready for attack, Infrastructures Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said on Friday. "There's a limit to what Israel can absorb, and at the moment it's like we're standing with stopwatch in hand," he said. "

Ben-Eliezer: IDF will use all its power to end Gaza rocket fire

Minister of National Infrastructures and former defense minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer on Friday warned that the Israel Defense Forces would utilize all its power to end cross-border rocket attacks by Gaza militants.

Hamas: Gaza cease-fire with Israel is officially over

The past six months have seen a dramatic drop in the number of rockets and mortars fired at southern Israel from Gaza, but close to 50 rockets have been fired over the past three days, giving weight to Hamas declarations this week that the calm period is over.

Kassam rocket attacks continue, IAF responds with airstrikes

With less than one day left until the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza factions expires, the tempo of hostilities between the two sides continued to rise on Wednesday. Terrorists continued to pound western Negev communities with rockets, and as of mid-afternoon Thursday, nine Kassams had slammed into the western Negev.

IDF on high alert ahead of cease-fire's end on Friday

Twenty-three Kassam rockets pounded the western Negev on Wednesday as the IDF went on high alert ahead of the official end of the cease-fire on Friday. One of the rockets struck next to a shopping center in Sderot, wounding three people and causing extensive damage to storefronts and parked cars. The wounded were evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon.

Witnesses say tour bus drivers were competing on the road

Eyewitnesses on Wednesday appeared to back reports that a race between two tour bus drivers was to blame for one of the buses tumbling into a ravine near Eilat the day before, killing 25 Russian travel agents. Ilana Yitzhaki, a marketing director for a hotel in which the passengers of the second bus were now staying, told Israel Radio that they had told hotel staff "about the game between the drivers all along the way - one overtaking the other, fooling around. [It was] something continuous."

Eilat crash driver: I lost control of bus when something fell on me

The driver of a bus that crashed near Eilat on Tuesday, killing at least 24 Russian tour guides, said he lost control of the vehicle when an object fell on him while overtaking. Dozens were injured Tuesday afternoon in the accident, one of the worst in Israel's history, as the bus swerved off a narrow desert road and plunged into a ravine.

At least 24 killed as tour bus falls into ravine near Eilat

At least twenty four people were killed and over 20 were injured when a private bus transporting Russian tourists from an airport near Eilat veered off the Mitzpe-Ramon-Eilat road and plummeted into a 80-meter ravine on Tuesday afternoon.

Israeli high court restricts West Bank barrier

Israel's separation barrier in the West Bank cannot run in wide loops around Israeli settlements to allow for their expansion, the country's Supreme Court ruled Monday in an order hailed by a lawyer for Palestinian villagers as a precedent-setting victory.

Israel frees more than 200 Palestinian prisoners

Israel released 224 Palestinian prisoners Monday in a gesture to moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as jubilant detainees waving Palestinian flags jumped on the roof of one of the buses carrying them to freedom.

Mashaal announces 'calm' will not be extended after Dec. 19

Damascus-based Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal was quoted on Sunday afternoon by a Hamas television station in Damascus as saying, "There will be no renewal of the calm after it expires." Following the announcement, senior officials in Jerusalem told Army Radio that both the IDF and Israeli government are well prepared to deal with any decision reached by the terror group.

'US spies on Israel to gain info on its atomic capabilities'

The United States routinely attempts to gather information on Israel's assumed atomic arsenal and secret government deliberations, a new official history of Israel's intelligence services, reviewed by Reuters, says.

Livni doesn't take back Shalit statements

Kadima chairwoman and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni refused to revoke her statements  on Corporal Gilad Shalit, during a Friday meeting with representatives of the Headquarters for the Release of Gilad Shalit.

IAF mulls purchase of new smart bomb

The Israel Air Force is considering purchasing a new and advanced smart bomb with an extended range that would allow fighter jets to hit targets in Damascus and Beirut without leaving Israeli airspace.

Obama's atomic umbrella: U.S. nuclear strike if Iran nukes Israel

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's administration will offer Israel a "nuclear umbrella" against the threat of a nuclear attack by Iran, a well-placed American source said earlier this week. The source, said the U.S. will declare that an attack on Israel by Tehran would result in a devastating U.S. nuclear response against Iran.

Counter Terrorism Bureau issues travel advisory for Goa

The Counter Terrorism Bureau (CTB) issued a travel advisory on Wednesday, warning Israelis not to visit India's Goa region, this just two weeks after a series of terror attacks in Mumbai claimed the lives of 171 people.

Barak okays NIS 100m transfer to Gaza

Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Wednesday approved the transfer of some NIS 100 million from West Bank banks to banks in the Gaza Strip. The decision came in response to a "personal appeal" from Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salaam Fayad and a request from Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

UN panel demands Israel lift Gaza blockade, free Palestinian prisoners

The UN Human Rights Council called on Israel on Tuesday to take nearly 100 measures, from lifting its blockade on Gaza to releasing Arab detainees. The 47-member-state Council adopted its list of 99 recommendations by consensus at the end of a two-day review of Israel's human rights record.

Livni: I am ashamed to call situation with Gaza a ceasefire

Hours after Defense Minister Ehud Barak ordered the border crossings with the Gaza Strip opened to allow the passage of humanitarian aid, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni warned on Tuesday that the consequences of renewed Palestinian rocket into Israeli territory may be much tougher than yet another closure.

Nanny moves to Israel with boy orphaned in Mumbai

After hiding for hours in the besieged Jewish center in Mumbai, Sandra Samuel suddenly heard a cry that made her forget all fear for her own safety: 2-year-old Moshe was calling his nanny's name.

Low voter turnout recorded in first hours of Likud vote

Several hours after polls opened in the Likud primaries race on Monday, only 15% of the 99,000 registered Likud members cast their ballots. Party chairman Binyamin Netanyahu and his wife Sarah voted at the polling station at the Jerusalem International Convention Center just before noon.

Gov't allocates NIS 600m. for Gaza-area reinforcement plan

The government on Sunday approved the allocation of an additional NIS 600 million to build reinforced security rooms for Gaza-area residents. The fortified rooms will be built in three stages over several years.

U.S. warns nationals against traveling to Jerusalem amid Hebron tensions

U.S. citizens and staff workers at its embassy in Tel Aviv received an advisory on Friday to avoid traveling to Jerusalem in the wake of Thursday's evacuation of a Jewish squatters from a disputed house in the West Bank town of Hebron.

Clashes continue as evacuation of Hebron house completed

A large police force evacuated the disputed Beit Hashalom building in Hebron on Thursday afternoon which took approximately an hour and a half. Clashes between right-wing activists and security forces were reportedly continuing in the vicinity of the disputed house following the evacuation.

PA: Hebron tensions could erupt into all-out confrontation

The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday called on the Israeli government to pull all the settlers out of Hebron and warned that the growing tensions in the city could erupt into an all-out confrontation.

Qassams, mortars hit Negev; council head says 'war of attrition in south'

Three Qassam rockets fired from northern Gaza at around noon Wednesday landed in open areas within the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council limits. Earlier another rocket and 10 mortars were fired toward Israeli  communities surrounding the Hamas-controlled territory.

Israeli youth seriously wounded by stone-throwers in Hebron

A fragile calm appeared to have returned to Hebron on Tuesday afternooon, after Palestinians and settlers clashed earlier in the day. An Israeli youth, who was hit in the head by a rock, was seriously injured in the scuffles. Some 1,500 right-wing activists had poured into the city Monday night on the heels of rumors that the police was preparing to evacuate Beit Hashalom.

IDF kills Palestinian gunman in Gaza

Paratrooper unit spots cell approaching border fence near Khan Younis in attempt to plant explosive device. Gaza sources say one man killed, four injured in clash with soldiers. At least one Palestinian gunman was killed Friday by IDF soldiers east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip

Ramon joins calls for Olmert to go now

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert should suspend himself now, Vice Prime Minister Haim Ramon said on Saturday night. "I look at him as a friend and tell him that I don't see why it is good for him to stay on," Ramon said on Channel 2's Meet the Press program.

Foreign Ministry: All missing Israelis now accounted for

The Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that contact had been made with the last of the Israelis who were considered "missing" following the terror attacks in Mumbai, India which started last Wednesday and came to an end Saturday morning.

Livni calls on Olmert to take leave of absence

Kadima chairwoman says prime minister 'has no other option' but to leave office in light of Mazuz's decision to seek an indictment against him over double-billing affair. 'Olmert must conduct the battle to clear his name from home and not from his Knesset seat,' she adds

Barak: Hebron house will be vacated by force, if needed

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said the state would use force to evacauate settlers illegally inhabiting a house in the West Bank city of Hebron, if the squatters do not vacate the premises voluntarily.

Hamas leaders abroad question group's iron grip on Gaza

Internal Hamas correspondence intercepted by the Palestinian Authority and obtained by Haaretz reveals a deep divide between the organization's leadership abroad and its West Bank leadership, on the one hand, and the Gaza leadership on the other.

Ze'ev Jabotinsky's grandson joins Likud

Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu enjoyed three weeks of good press from the return of former ministers Bennie Begin and Dan Meridor and the joining of former IDF chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. (res.) Moshe Ya'alon.

Treasury submits 'safety net' plan

The plan would protect only people aged 60 and above and will only supply protection as of its initiation date and not retroactively. "It would be impossible to return the losses of 2008, considering the vast sums of money," a source at the Treasury said.

Hebron settler mob caught on video clashing with IDF troops

During the clashes that erupted early Thursday, some settlers began to attack Palestinian locals while others wounded an IDF soldier by pouring turpentine on him as he tried to stop them from throwing stones at Palestinians.

Polls show Likud heading to victory in elections

Following a string of newcomers joining Likud, including former IDF chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Ya'alon and former science minister Bennie Begin, three polls showed the party opening up a substantial lead over Kadima, with Labor continuing to slide.

Livni: Israel not a rabbis' monopoly

Foreign minister addresses UJC's General Assembly in Jerusalem, says 'Jewish state is the nature, tradition and history of our people, regardless of what one chooses to do at one's own home on Shabbat and holidays'

Palestinians: Mortars fired at IDF tanks that entered Gaza

IDF tanks entered the Gaza Strip briefly on Tuesday, for the first time in a week, Palestinian residents said. Terror groups said they fired rockets and mortars at the tanks.

Mobster Yaakov Alperon assassinated

Mob kingpin Yaakov Alperon was killed Monday when a bomb exploded in his car on a crowded Tel Aviv thoroughfare. Medics said that three other people were wounded, including a 13-year-old boy, when the car went up in flames on the corner of Yehuda Hamaccabi and Derech Namir.

Netanyahu pledges to continue negotiations with Palestinians

Opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu pledged on Sunday to continue talks with the Palestinians if elected prime minister, saying he would base such talks on economic development.

Five rockets slam into Ashkelon area

Five Grad-type Katyusha rockets were fired at the region, one of which hit the city center and another that landed on its outskirts. Three more struck open areas. Shortly afterwards, another Kassam rocket landed in a kibbutz in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council. Also, a mortar shell exploded near the Kissufim area.

IDF closes Gaza crossing after intel of terror attack received

The IDF on Thursday afternoon closed the Kerem Shalom crossing to the Gaza Strip, Israel Radio reported, due to intelligence received that terror organizations were planning an attack in the area.

6 mortar shells fired at western Negev

Several hours after IDF kills four terrorists attempting to carry out attack in Gaza region, Palestinians target southern Israel; no injuries or damages reported in attack, local residents urged to stay close to fortified sites.

Tight mayoral races in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem galvanize voters

As polling stations opened for mayoral and municipal elections across Israel Tuesday, residents of the country's major cities voted in relatively higher numbers in the closely watched races.

Olmert at Rabin memorial: We must give up parts of J'lem

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday used a Jerusalem memorial ceremony for former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin to reiterate that Israel must be willing to cede parts of the capital.

Livni: We see the need for a Palestine, as long as it's not a terror state

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Sunday that progress had been achieved in peace talks with the Palestinian Authority, and that Israel recognizes the need to establish a Palestinian state, on condition that an independent Palestine does not sponsor terrorism.

Israeli leaders congratulate Obama on presidential victory

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni congratulated US president-elect Barack Obama on his victory, saying that Israelis were "impressed by his commitment to the peace and security of Israel" during his recent visit.

Kadima resolves Mofaz dispute

The Kadima Party took a key step toward maintaining its image as a centrist party on Monday when its faction in the Knesset unanimously approved a plan to reserve the second slot on its list in the February 10 election for right-leaning Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz.

Alleged Lebanon spy was tracking Hezbollah for Israel

The Lebanese citizen who was recently arrested for allegedly spying on behalf of Israel has been identified as Ali Jarrah, the Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar reported on Monday. Jarrah is suspected of monitoring the movements of senior Hezbollah officials, according to the report. 

Shin Bet Chief: Israel far-right may use political murder to thwart peace

Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin warned on Sunday that Israel's radical right-wing could resort to armed attacks, including assassination of an Israeli leader, to scupper any accord under which the West Bank would be ceded to the Palestinians.

MKs turn to Mazuz in bid to stop Olmert resuming Syria talks

Likud MKs on Friday asked Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz to examine whether Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has the authority to resume peace talks with Syria while he only heads a transitional government.

Academic year to open as planned following budget talks

The 2008-2009 academic year will open as planned on Sunday after government officials and university heads came to an agreement regarding the year's budget. Fears that the year would not open on time emerged after the Council of University Presidents threatened to strike until a solution was met.

27 international activists sail into Gaza to protest blockade

A boat carrying 27 international activists sailed into the Gaza Strip on Wednesday to draw attention to the blockade sanctions on the Hamas-controlled territory. Israel threatened to block the boat, but navy ships did not intervene, and the boat sailed into a Gaza harbor, where it was greeted by Hamas policemen and Palestinian activists.

Kadima pulls Knesset dispersal bill, pushes for Feb. 10 election

Kadima faction head Yoel Hasson announced Tuesday that the party would push for holding elections on February 10 2009, 111 days after Monday's declaration by President Shimon Peres that he was not giving anyone the mandate to form a government in the current Knesset.

Barak: Time to trade capitalism for responsible financial doctrine

Labor chairman undeterred by polls predicting party's doom in upcoming elections, says party willing to fight for rightful place. Kadima leader Livni urges all parties to support bid for dissolution of Knesset  

Livni delays meeting with Peres to continue coalition talks

After announcing earlier in the day that she intended to approach President Shimon Peres in the afternoon and recommend going to general elections, Kadima leader Tzipi Livni made a last-minute decision on Sunday to postpone the meeting until 5:30 p.m., setting off speculation that coalition negotiations were still in the works.

Hamas gives Schalit letter from his dad

Hamas has passed on a letter to captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit written by his father, Noam. Noam Schalit said Friday French diplomats told him his letter was given to his son sometime in the last few weeks. He said the content was "personal" but did not offer more details.

Family found dead in Hod Hasharon

Two parents and two children were found dead in their apartment in Hod Hasharon on Thursday morning in what police suspect to be a murder-suicide. A Magen David Adom team pronounced the family of four dead upon arrival at the scene.

Soldier wounded in clashes with settlers in southern Hebron Hills

An IDF soldier was wounded Wednesday after he was attacked by a group of masked far-right Israeli activists while his unit was protecting Palestinian farmers harvesting their olive trees near the settlement of Otniel in the southern Hebron Hills.

Peres grants Livni two more weeks to form coalition gov't

President Shimon Peres on Monday granted Kadima leader Tzipi Livni a two-week extension to put together a coalition government. During the meeting, Livni told the president that she was serious about the obligation bestowed upon her to form a government, and that she hopes to complete the task as soon as possible.

Noam Schalit to Barak: The gov't had two years without protests

Responding to Defense Minister Ehud Barak's comments that demonstrations only raise the price that will be demanded for kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit's release, the captured soldiers father, Noam Schalit, commented that the government has had over two years without demonstrations to bring about a solution.

Woman killed in Tel Aviv hit-and-run

27-year-old Meital Aharonson was killed and another woman was moderately injured in the early hours of Friday morning in a hit-and-run road accident next to Tel Aviv's Rabin Square.

Six Israelis freed from captivity in Caribbean

Fifteen Israeli real estate contractors were taken hostage this week on the Caribbean island of West Caicos, due to an apparent labor dispute involving hundreds of Chinese laborers. The Foreign Ministry said Thursday it was working to ensure that the contractors, who have been in captivity for three days, would be released soon.

Report: Israel ready to free all prisoners Hamas demands for Shalit

The Saudi newspaper Ukaz on Thursday quoted a Palestinian source as saying that Israel has relayed to Hamas it is ready to release all the Palestinian prisoners the militant group demands in return for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.

Driver accused of sparking Acre riots released to house arrest

Jamal Taufik, the driver who entered Jewish east Acre on the evening of Yom Kippur and who is blamed by police for sparking a provocation that deteriorated into several nights of racial violence and rioting, was released to a week's house arrest on Wednesday and his driving license was confiscated for 30 days.

Peres in Acre: Both religions must live in mutual respect

Following the first quiet night in Acre since the outbreak of Arab-Jewish violence on the eve of Yom Kippur, President Shimon Peres arrived in the divided town and met with Arab and Jewish leaders. The president expressed surprise over the good will that existed between the two sides, and stressed the need to keep the clashes from boiling over and spreading to other mixed towns.

Arab driver apologizes for incident

Jamal Taufik, 48, of Acre's Old City, the Arab driver who drove though a Jewish part of the city on Yom Kippur, spoke at a meeting of the Knesset's Internal Affairs and Environment Committee on Sunday afternoon

Dichter vows to put Acre rioters, inciters 'behind lock and key'

Public Security Minister Avi Dichter vowed Friday to put the "perpetrators and inciters" of the Yom Kippur violence in Acre "behind lock and key." Following a meeting with Acre Mayor Shimon Lancry, Dichter said police had no prior intelligence of the violence and that the riots did not appear to be planned.

Report: Hezbollah says Ron Arad died in 1988

An Israel Air Force airman captured in Lebanon in 1986 escaped two years later but probably died while trying to reach Israel on foot, the Hezbollah guerrilla group said in a report published by Maariv, an Israeli daily, on Wednesday.

Olmert meets Medvedev in bid to dissuade arming of Syria, Iran

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met Monday with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev at the Kremlin, the first tete-a-tete between the two leaders. Olmert seeks to persuade Medvedev not to sell weapons to Iran and Syria, but with little chance of success, diplomatic sources said.

Olmert: Livni not obligated by my stance

Talking to reporters before leaving for Moscow, prime minister clarifies that his views expressed in Yedioth Ahronoth interview, that Israel should quit most occupied land, are his private views and do not compel new Kadima chairwoman

Mofaz ends 'time-out' from politics

Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz showed up for Sunday morning's cabinet meeting, almost three weeks after he announced a "time-out" from politics after losing the Kadima leadership primary to Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

'US radar could jeopardize IDF secrets'

"Even a husband and wife have a few things they would like to keep from each other," one Israeli official tells Time Magazine.

Olmert refuses to respond to questions on Rishon Tours affair

Outgoing prime minister Ehud Olmert on Thursday was questioned for the eighth time at his official residence in Jerusalem, his first meeting with police investigators since stepping down earlier this month.

Qassam lands on Palestinian territory

A Shana Tova greeting from terror organizations: A Qassam rocket was fired Monday afternoon from the northern Gaza Strip towards Israel, but landed on the Palestinian side of the border. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

Holy site closed to 'punish' settlers

Following recent settler violence in the West Bank, the IDF Central Command canceled a number of scheduled visits to Joseph's Tomb in Nablus last week and says it will not permit any until the settler leadership forcefully condemns the attacks, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

Hamas calls for suicide attacks as thousands march in Gaza

A Hamas parliamentarian called on Friday for more suicide attacks against Israel as thousands of Palestinians marched through Gaza in honour of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day, an Iranian-declared observance.

C'tee presents PM with Schalit swap list

A committee of four ministers headed by Vice Premier Haim Ramon on Thursday presented Prime Minister Ehud Olmert with a list of 450 Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit.

767 lands safely in TA after false alarm

A passenger plane from Paris was intercepted by fighter jets and escorted to Ben Gurion International Airport Wednesday night after information was received that there may be an explosive on board.

Four Palestinians arrested after trying to run over soldiers

Four Palestinians were arrested on Wednesday afternoon after they tried to run over IDF soldiers near Ma'ale Levona north of Ramallah. No one was wounded and no damage was done.

'My son's no terrorist, it was a car accident'

The family of a Palestinian shot dead after his car plowed into pedestrians at a busy Jerusalem intersection challenged on Tuesday Israeli police allegations that he had carried out a deliberate terror attack.

19 hurt as terrorist plows car into Jerusalem crowd

At least 19 people were wounded at around 11 P.M. Monday night when a Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem drove his car into a crowd of Israel Defense Forces soldiers at a busy intersection in the capital.

Livni likely to be tapped Monday evening to form government

President Shimon Peres is likely to ask Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to try to form a new coalition government, a Peres spokeswoman said on Monday, a day after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert resigned.

Olmert to give resignation to Peres Sunday evening

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will submit his resignation to President Shimon Peres at the latter's official residence in Jerusalem at 7:30 P.M. Sunday, hours after announcing his decision to step down at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting.

Hamas lays out three conditions for the release of Gilad Shalit

Hamas will not renew negotiations for the release of abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit unless Israel meets its preconditions, the London-based newspaper Asharq Alawsat quoted a senior official of the Islamist group as saying Friday.

Mofaz announces temporary withdrawal from politics

Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, who lost the Kadima primary election to Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni by a small margin on Wednesday night, announced Thursday evening that he was leaving the government and the Knesset.

Man jailed for 16 years for deadly crash

Bracha, convicted of six counts of manslaughter for driving through a red light at Ginaton Junction while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, was also given a four-year suspended sentence and his driving license was suspended.

Kadima primaries underway

Ruling party's 114 polling stations open nationwide, candidates cast their votes at their hometowns. Livni calls on 'everyone to come and vote,' Mofaz predicts 'a good ending to this evening.' Olmert says he 'voted well'

Shalit family: Stop funneling funds to Gaza

The parents of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit  demanded Tuesday that Israel stop funneling funds to Gaza and convene a cabinet meeting which would discuss their son's abduction. Should their demand be turned down, they threatened, they would petition the High Court of Justice.

Palestinian stabs IDF soldier near Dead Sea

A Palestinian stabbed an IDF soldier Monday afternoon at Almog Junction, located on the Jerusalem-Dead Sea road near Ma'aleh Adumim. The soldier was lightly-moderately injured, and was evacuated to Hadassah Ein Karem Hospital in Jerusalem.

Gaza militant: Gilad Shalit is living in paradise

Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped by Gaza militants in 2006, is "living in paradise," the British newspaper Sunday Times quoted a leader of the Gaza Strip Doghmush clan as saying.

Citizens bid farewell to 4-year-old Rose

Since appearance of red suitcase on Yarkon riverbed carrying body of missing little girl, Israelis flock to area to say goodbye to young child who 'has no one to mourn her'

Police find suitcase believed to hold remains of missing 4-year-old girl

Police divers on Thursday found a red suitcase in the Yarkon River believed to contain the remains of 4-year-old Rose Pizem, who has been missing since May. Diver reported locating a suitcase that matches the description of the one Pizem's grandfather described.

Israeli scientists join experiment to break open 'Big Bang'

International physicists at the vast underground complex near Geneva inaugurated a 20-year project on Wednesday that will try to reenact the Big Bang, in an attempt to explain the origins of the universe and how it came to harbor life.

Report: IDF officers abroad urged to return over Hezbollah threats

Israel has issued a warning to all Israel Defense Forces reserves officers outside the country, urging them to return to Israel at once for fear that they may be targeted by Hezbollah, the Kuwaiti newspaper Al Jarida reported Tuesday.

Three hurt in suspected mob hit in Netanya

Assailants on mopeds fired into a Netanya kiosk on Monday, wounding one person critically and another two moderately, police said, in a suspected gangland assassination attempt.

Assad: We won't cut our ties with Hezbollah, despite Israel talks

Bashar Assad on Thursday said he will not cut Syria's ties with Hezbollah, despite other statements the Syrian President made during the day signaling progress in peace talks with Israel. A key Israeli demand in the indirect negotiations is that Syria cease its support for the Lebanese militia.

Israel allows weapons transfer to Palestinians

An Israeli security official on Friday said Israel allowed Palestinian security forces to receive a shipment of around 1,000 rifles and tens of thousands of bullents in a step aimed at bolstering the moderate Palestinian government.

Assad: Syria has handed peace proposal to Israel, awaiting response

Damascus has handed proposals for peace with Israel to Turkish mediators and is waiting for Israel's response before holding any face-to-face negotiations, Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Thursday.  

'Woman who killed her son was concerned over his disability'

Regina Kruchkov, the mother who was arrested Tuesday night for allegedly drowning her four-year-old son, Michael, was extremely devoted to him and had shown no signs of abusiveness, according to Sandra Kulyuk, the social worker who had dealt with the family's case.

Hamas leader Meshal 'leaves Syria for Sudan'

Kuwaiti newspaper Al Rai reported Tuesday that Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal has left Damascus to live in Sudan at Syria's request, in a move stemming from Syria's desire to advance indirect peace talks with Israel.

Nigeria gunmen release Israeli hostage after 6 days

Nigerian militants on Monday released an Israeli businessman abducted at gunpoint from his home in Port Harcourt last Tuesday. Ehud Avni, a 60-year-old project manager, was seized after an event held at the home of the governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi, in honor of Israel's ambassador, Moshe Ram.

Olmert meets with Abbas, draws fire for Jerusalem proposal

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jerusalem on Sunday, even as his plan to propose international involvement in negotiations over the capital drew fire from cabinet ministers.

Report: West fears Hezbollah setting up cells in Venezuela

The budding strategic partnership between Venezuela and Iran has prompted fears from Western governments that Hezbollah is establishing a growing number of operational cells in the South American country, the Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site on Thursday.

Nigerian group demands ransom of $12m for kidnapped Israeli

The Nigerian gang that kidnapped an Israeli employee of a construction company operating in Nigeria has demanded $12 million in ransom - the highest demand of this kind in the country's history, Haaretz revealed Friday.

Israeli businessman snatched at gunpoint in Nigeria

A group of gunmen kidnapped a 60-year-old Israeli man Tuesday night in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt. The gunmen ambushed the businessman as he entered his home in the port city. "The man, an Israeli, was abducted in his house last night by gunmen," said Rita Inoma-Abbey, spokeswoman for the Rivers state police.

Missing girl's grandfather suspected of killing her

45 year-old Netanya resident Ronny Ron is suspected of having murdered his granddaughter, 4-year-old Rose Ron, who has been missing for three months, stuffing her body into a suitcase which he allegedly dumped in the Yarkon River

Israel frees prisoners in gesture to Abbas

Israel on Monday freed nearly 200 jailed Palestinians — including a militant mastermind from the 1970s — in a goodwill gesture just hours before U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was to begin her latest peace mission to the region.

Israeli Arab charged with spying for Al-Qaida

The Be'er Sheva District Court on Friday charged an Israeli Arab man with spying on Israel on behalf of the Al-Qaida terror organization. A gag order lifted Friday revealed that Khaled Abu Rakak, a 24-year-old resident of Tel Sheva, was arrested in late July following a year-long Shin Bet investigation.

U.S. won't sell refueling jets to Israel, fearing strike on Iran

It emerged on Wednesday that the United States has refused to sell Jerusalem new refueling planes, fearing such a transaction could be interpreted as support for an Israeli attack on Iran. Jerusalem denied that report.

Olmert to Zubari: Your Olympic win brings tears of joy to Israel

Israeli windsurfer Shahar Zubari won a bronze medal on Wednesday as he sailed his final race in the 2008 Beijing Olympic games. It was Israel's first medal of the Beijing games, and its seventh of all time. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called Zubari after the race to congratulate him on his win.

Israel reopens key Gaza commercial crossing

Israel has allowed food and other supplies to enter the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip through a key commercial crossing that had been closed for months, Israeli and Palestinian officials said on Tuesday.

'McCain stronger on Israeli security'

Presumptive Republican Presidential nominee John McCain has a more stalwart view of Israel's security needs than his Democratic opponent, and would be better able to deal with Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program, former Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee said Monday.

PMO: Israel won't take in any Palestinian refugees

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that Israel will not allow the return of any Palestinian refugees as part of a future statehood deal, Olmert's office said on Thursday. The rare official statement was issued in response to the reports that Olmert had proposed absorbing 20,000 refugees per year for 10 years as part of an agreement to establish a Palestinian state in most of the West Bank and all of the Gaza Strip.

Cabinet okays release of 200 prisoners

The cabinet gave the green light Sunday morning to the release of some 200 Palestinian security prisoners as a goodwill gesture to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

U.S. puts brakes on Israeli plan for attack on Iran nuclear facilities

To compensate for rejection, U.S. offers Israel improved defenses against surface-to-surface missiles. The American administration has rejected an Israeli request for military equipment and support that would improve Israel's ability to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.

PRC: Our new rocket can reach as far as Ashdod

The Gaza-based Popular Resistance Committees has unveiled what it calls a new missile capable of reaching the nothern Negev cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon, according to media reports released this week. The group said the improved rocket can travel up to 26 kilometers, double the range of the previous version.

Two El Al planes set off to evacuate Israelis from Georgia

Flights come after Arkia said Mon. it couldn't fly out Israeli nationals waiting to leave war-torn country.Two El Al Israel Airlines plane set off on Tuesday on special flights to Tbilisi in order to evacuate Israeli nationals waiting to leave war-torn Georgia.

Olympics / After his father's death, swimmer Alon Mandel sets new Israeli record

Despite their loss, Mandel's family encouraged him to compete in Beijing and watched with bated breath.

On Tisha B'Av, rightists see Gush Katif as symbol of loss

Over the last three years, since Israel evacuated the settlements of the Gaza Strip, those who left their homes have felt a sense of loss. For these Israelis, and the religious Zionist community as a whole, this sense of loss has often manifested itself in comparisons between the loss of the Gaza settlement bloc on Tisha B'Av three years ago.

Abbas to demand release of Marwan Barghouti, PFLP head in meeting with Olmert

Meeting between Olmert and Abbas is first since Olmert announced he would step down.

Mofaz gets blessing from Shas leader

Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz visited the home of Shas spiritual mentor Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in Jerusalem's Har Nof neighborhood on Tuesday, and received a blessing from him ahead of the start of his campaign for the Kadima leadership.

Mofaz: Iran on way to major nuclear breakthrough

"As soon as 2010 (Iran) will have the option to reach (uranium production) at military levels," he told an audience in Washington. However, Mofaz said he supported diplomacy and spoke of other options as "last resort" said Mofazon Friday.

Olmert questioned for 5th time on corrupiton affairs

Fraud unit investigators interrogate PM on Talansky, Cremieux Street affairs and double claims for travel expenses he allegedly made as trade minister.

ANALYSIS: Israeli security forces losing control in the West Bank

Recent protests around the village of Na'alin in opposition to the separation fence seem to show a loss of control. The death of a 9-year-old, apparently shot by a Border Policeman, is the most serious turn of events so far.

PM accuses 'political rival' of communicating with Assad

Olmert tells Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee "there are those in Israel seeking informal contact with the Syrians. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday morning that Israeli public figures may be trying

Police free settlers arrested for seizing soldier's weapon

Police release men arrested for snatching rifle from soldier after determining initial report by army had been incorrect. In second incident, IDF says settler pulled out knife during altercation with troops, pressed it to soldier's throat. Settlers deny report, threaten to sue IDF for libel.

Talansky says police statement forced out of him

Third day of cross-examination proves dramatic as PM's legal team gets key witness to admit police investigators pressured him into less than truthful statements. Olmert's lawyers: Talansky probe may be investigated by state comptroller.