* 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.
* Barak 'disturbed' by Syria-Turkey drill While the Syrian-Turkish military maneuver taking place is a "disturbing development," Israel's strategic relationship with Istanbul will prevail over it, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said.
* Warnings as swine virus spreads A top European Union official has warned against travel to areas hit by a outbreak of swine flu, amid growing concern over the spread of the virus.
* Abbas: "I Don't Accept" Israel As Jewish State Palestinian Authority Chairman and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas openly refused to recognize Israel as a Jewish State.
* Czech EU presidency splits with commission over Israel Caretaker Czech prime minister and European Union president-in-office, Mirek Topolanek, has sharply criticised the European Commission for insisting Israel advance peace negotiations before upgrading EU-Israel relations.
* Assad: No talks till Israel cedes Golan Syrian President Bashar Assad believes that the return of the Golan Heights is a condition for peace talks between his country and Israel, but at the same time does not foresee such negotiations happening in the near future.
* Jerusalem settlement 'extended' Construction has begun on approximately 60 new homes in a Jewish settlement in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, the Israeli campaign group Peace Now says.
* Jordan: Israel Faces War If It Does not Agree to Arab Terms Israel faces all-out war within 18 months if it does not come to terms with the Arab world and allow the establishment of a new Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem, according to Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
* 'No delay' in US withdrawal from Iraq Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has said the recent wave of attacks in the country were isolated incidents which did not threaten overall security improvement, and would not delay the withdrawal of American forces.
* US may fund PA government with Hamas The Obama administration has asked Congress for minor changes in US law that would allow the continued provision of funds to the Palestinian Authority even if Hamas officials become part of a Palestinian unity government.