Monday, May 04, 2009

05/04/09

* Israel's hard-right foreign minister begins European tour Israel's foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, begins his European tour in a bid to soothe European Union concerns over the new government's commitment to the peace process.

* Gingrich: "Obama endangering Israel" Former US House speaker Newt Gingrich blasted the Obama administration for setting itself on a collision course with Israel and endangering the Jewish state.

* Most Israelis would support Iran strike A vast majority (66%) of Israelis said they would support military action if diplomatic and economic efforts failed to get Iran to stop uranium enrichment.

* Arrow operators prepare for Iranian threat Air Force reservists who operate the Arrow and Patriot missile defense systems have recently begun spending one day a week on duty to sharpen their skills, amid fears that in a conflict with Iran.

* New Ambassador to U.S. Favors Razing Jewish Yesha Communities The Netanyahu government's choice for U.S. Ambassador is Dr. Michael Oren, who favors Israel withdrawing unilaterally from most of Judea and Samaria and razing most settlements.

* Christians in Jerusalem Down to Just 2% from 20% On the eve of Pope Benedict 16's upcoming visit to Israel, an Israeli research group says that the number of Christians living in Jerusalem has shrunk to 14,000, down from 31,000 at the end of the British Mandate.

* Saudi crown prince's surgery raises questions Saudi Arabia's crown prince was convalescing Saturday in Morocco where he arrived this week after surgery for an undisclosed illness in New York City.

* Jerusalem, the heart of the Jewish people Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat welcomed visitors to Jerusalem on Monday ahead of Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming visit to the region.

* France considers ban on 'anti-Zionist' voting lists France is examining the possibility of banning the "anti-Zionist" voting lists French comedian Dieudonne wants to present for the European Parliament elections in June.

* Pope visit to Israel fraught with potential minefields The official Israeli government Web site for Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming trip to Israel and the West Bank promotes the May 11-15 visit as a "Bridge for Peace."