* Livni wins Israel party primary Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has won the leadership of the governing Kadima party, putting her on track to succeed Ehud Olmert as prime minister.
* Abbas appoints new PA governor for Jerusalem Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has decided to appoint a new PA governor in Jerusalem.
* Hamas, Islamic Jihad beef up security around leaders fearing Israeli assassination bid In recent days, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have reinforced the security details around their top leaders in Damascus.
* Shas: Jerusalem key to forming new government Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's apparent victory in the Kadima primary elections on Wednesday elicited responses across Israel's political spectrum.
* Europeans keep faith out of politics Europeans remain strongly religious but like to keep faith out of politics while cultivating an open mind to various forms of spirituality.
* Olmert: Israel's future does not lie in West Bank As he prepares to bid the post of Kadima chairman farewell, Ehud Olmert again renounced the Greater Israel vision, saying Israel's future does not lie in Judea and Samaria.
* Turkey vents frustration over EU talks Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticised the EU for proceeding too slowly with Ankara's accession talks.
* Israeli general: War with Syria may include chemical, guerilla warfare Any future military conflict with Syria may include chemical warfare and fighting against guerrilla and regular army forces.
* Gold prices post biggest 1-day gain ever Gold prices exploded Wednesday—posting the biggest one-day gain ever in dollar terms.
* Olmert expected to step down on Sunday Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is expected to step down from office on Sunday. He will make the announcement at the weekly cabinet meeting and then formally tender his resignation to President Shimon Peres.