05/31/10

* IDF forces met with pre-planned violence when attempting to board flotilla Early this morning (31 May), IDF naval forces intercepted six ships attempting to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.

* Gaza flotilla participants created war atmosphere before confronting Israel Participants chanted Islamic battle cry invoking killing of Jews and called for Martyrdom.

* Report: Israel to deploy nuclear-armed submarines off Iran coast Sunday Times quotes IDF official saying the 3 German-made long range submarines will gather intelligence, act as deterrent and potentially land Mossad agents.

* New Video: Israel's Critical Security Needs In light of the upcoming Obama-Netanyahu meeting at the White House next week, the video below, presented by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, details Israel's critical security needs and explains they are basic to any peace agreement that sees Israel's continued existence as a given.

* Flotilla Upstages Obama, Netanyahu on Way Home Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is leaving Canada to fly home to oversee the flotilla crisis, instead of flying to Washington to meet U.S. President Barack Obama.

* ECB ups bond purchases as Spain vows labor law The European Central Bank disclosed increased purchases of euro zone government bonds on Monday as Spain assured investors it would reform its rigid labor market even if employers and trade unions cannot agree.

* Istanbul rally: Israel will drown in blood Some 10,000 protestors hold demonstrations in Turkey's main cities following deadly IDF takeover of Gaza aid flotilla, call to close down 'Zionist embassy'

* Several Israeli Arab protesters arrested in mass rallies over Gaza flotilla deaths Israeli forces on high alert on Lebanon, Gaza and Syria borders; Hezbollah demands 'international punishment' of Israel.

* Can the EU survive Europe's crisis? Forged out of the ashes of World War II and the end of the Cold War, the European Union was meant to create peace and prosperity across the region.

* China aims to be become supercomputer superpower China is ramping up efforts to become the world's supercomputing superpower.

05/29/10

* UN talks back conference on nuclear-free Middle East Nearly 200 nations, signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), have agreed to work towards a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East.

* 'Israel is an obstacle to peace' Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal on Friday called Israel "the obstacle" to peace in the Middle East and urged the US to "deal with this reality and not put pressure on the Palestinian or the Arab side."

* Satellite Pictures Seen of Hizbullah Base on Syrian Soil Hizbullah terrorists are running weapons to Lebanon from secret arms depots in Syria where the terrorists have been accorded their own living quarters, arms storage site and a fleet of trucks, according to the London Times.

* Israel: NPT deal hypocritical Jerusalem sources wonder why Israel only state mentioned in Non-Proliferation Treaty conference, which called for inspection of its nuclear facilities.

* Hamas: Flotilla shows whole world opposes Gaza siege The Hamas leader in Gaza Ismail Haniyeh said Saturday that if Israel behaved like pirates and attacked the international Freedom Flotilla carrying 10,000 tons of aid meant for Gaza, then the Palestinians will have won.

* Iraq's al-Maliki says he's only party PM nominee Iraq's prime minister said Saturday he is the only nominee from his political party to run the nation's next government, rejecting suggestions of a consensus candidate to satisfy those concerned about his leadership.

* 'Iran critics must get rid of nukes' Nations criticizing an Iranian nuclear fuel-swap deal brokered by Brazil and Turkey should eliminate their own nuclear weapon stockpiles, Turkey's leader said Friday.

* US turns 'charm offensive' on Jews The first-ever Jewish America Heritage Month celebration at the White House on Thursday underscored the Obama administration's determination not to be locked into Washington's conventional notions of Jewish leadership.

* China faces pressure to act over North Korea at summit China is to face renewed pressure from South Korea to censure North Korea over the sinking of one of the South's warships, amid rising tensions.

* Toronto prepares to walk with Israel Residents of Toronto, Canada will get a chance to show their love for Israel on Sunday, when an expected 15,000 supporters will join the annual day-long UJA Walk with Israel.

05/28/10

* Syria accused of arming Hezbollah from secret bases Hezbollah is running weapons, including surface-to-surface missiles, from secret arms depots in Syria to its bases in Lebanon.

* Assad: Iran supports Israel talks Iran indicated approval of Syria's indirect peace talks with Israel, Syrian President Bashar Assad said.

* Tension, uncertainty on last day of U.N. nuclear conference Negotiations on a global action plan on nuclear weapons came down to the wire Friday, with diplomats haggling over a proposal to start talks on establishing a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East.

* Israel Navy prepares to counter aid convoy despite reports of delay The Israel Navy has started preparing for the arrival of the Gaza aid flotilla by sending ships to counter the convoy in the Israeli-controlled waters.

* China PM seeks to cool Korean standoff Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak on Friday he condemned acts threatening stability on the Korean Peninsula.

* Pakistan mosque attacks in Lahore kill scores Gunmen have launched simultaneous raids on two mosques of the minority Ahmadi Islamic sect in Lahore, killing more than 80 people, Pakistani police say.

* Geithner talks up stability deal The US and Europe are in broad agreement on imposing more conservative rules on financial institutions.

* Chemical War Drill Ends: Photo Essay Pictures by IDF Spokesman's Unit photographers of the war drill held this week show that while chemical war is ugly and awful, drills for it can be photogenic.

* Obama: Jews' outlook on the future should be a lesson to all Americans U.S. President Barack Obama launched Jewish Heritage Month on Thursday as he hosted some 200 guests at the White House to honor the contribution of Jewish Americans.

* Millions face hunger in arid belt of Africa At this time of year, the Gadabeji Reserve should be refuge for the nomadic tribes who travel across a moonscape on the edge of the Sahara to graze their cattle.

05/27/10

* Netanyahu: Time for direct talks with Palestinians Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday it's time to move to direct talks with the Palestinians.

* Obama doctrine to make clear no war on Islam, aide says President Barack Obama's new national security strategy will make clear the United States is not at war with Islam.

* PM to get warm welcome from Obama Next week's meeting in Washington between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama will be "hugs and kisses".

* European Council seen as winner under Lisbon Treaty Not quite six months in place, the EU's Lisbon Treaty has already led to a significant shift in the Brussels power landscape.

* North Korea to Suspend Naval Hot Line With South North Korea said on Thursday that it was cutting off a naval hot line used to prevent clashes on its disputed sea border with South Korea.

* Hizbullah's Preferred Spies: Arab Citizens of Israel Hizbullah is increasing its efforts to recruit Arab citizens of Israel as spies.

* See-sawing euro highlights Chinese influence The vagaries of modern-day currency trading and the huge influence of Chinese policy decisions were on full display on Thursday.

* 'PA boycott is a declaration of war' The Palestinian Authority has "declared war" on the Israeli economy by boycotting settlement goods.

* Boats Head to Gaza, in Defiance of Israeli Blockade Israel was preparing for a showdown on Thursday as a flotilla of up to nine vessels carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists and thousands of tons of supplies headed for Gaza.

* Moscow's opportunism in the Middle East After a deliberately much-trumpeted visit by its president to Syria last week, Russia has been heralded, for the umpteenth time in recent years.

05/26/10

* 'Recon for attack a warning to Iran' Reports that the Pentagon has okayed reconnaissance missions over Iran were seen in Jerusalem on Tuesday as the first public signs of practical preparations for a possible US military operation against Iran.

* Rahm Emanuel invites Netanyahu to discuss shared 'security interests' with Obama White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel on Wednesday invited Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington.

* Excitement on Temple Mount as Rabbi Prostrates Himself A large group of hareidi-religious Jews ascended the Temple Mount Tuesday and received friendly service from the police there.

* Begin: PM won't extend freeze There is "no way" Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will extend the 10-month settlement construction moratorium beyond its September 26 expiration.

* 'We're not ready for chemical attack' Israel is not sufficiently prepared for a chemical missile attack, a top IDF Home Front Command officer warned on Tuesday.

* Van Rompuy wants clearer 'hierarchy' to deal with future crises European Council President Herman Van Rompuy has said he is looking to establish a clearer "hierarchy" among the EU institutions and member states.

* 'We will destroy Israel-bound ships' If Israel imposes a sea blockade on Lebanon in a future war between them, Hizbullah would attack Israeli ships in the Mediterranean.

* US demands world response over Korea warship sinking US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the international community must respond in the growing crisis over the sinking of a South Korean warship.

* 'Palestinians are hijacked by Iran' Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas came out against Iran on Wednesday, calling his people "hijacked, at the hands of the Iranians."

* Battle for Kandahar, Heart of Afghanistan's Taliban Country Since arriving in Afghanistan one year ago, Gen. Stanley McChrystal and his staff have had their eye on one prize above all others: the southern province of Kandahar.

05/25/10

* Clinton calls Iran nuke deal 'ploy' US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday rejected as inadequate an Iranian plan to swap some of its enriched uranium for reactor fuel and called the offer a "transparent ploy" to try to avoid new UN Security Council sanctions over its suspect nuclear program.

* Could US-Trained PA Military Turn Guns on Israel? During a military exercise with the IDF’s elite Kfir Brigade last week at the Tze'elim base in Israel’s south, GOC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Avi Mizrahi warned soldiers of potential challenges they may face in the near future.

* Egypt Portrays Israel as Enemy in Training Maneuvers The Egyptian military completed large scale training maneuvers in the Sinai Peninsula on Sunday.

* Secret Saudi Document Shows Kingdom Linked with Al-Qaeda Terror An Iraqi news agency has revealed more evidence linking Saudi Arabia with terror.

* Europe's markets suffer new falls on debt worries European stock markets closed sharply lower after a day of continued fears about eurozone debt problems and their potential impact on the global economic recovery.

* Pentagon 'to boost covert missions in Middle East' The Pentagon has ordered an expansion of covert missions by US special operation forces in the Middle East and Central Asia.

* Barroso says German calls for treaty change are 'naive' European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has said Germany's plans to try to change the treaty to enhance economic governance in the eurozone are "naive".

* N.Korea accuses South, threatens action North Korea accused South Korea's navy Tuesday of trespassing in its waters and threatened military action, further raising tensions sparked by the sinking of one of Seoul's warships in March.

* Samaria to Shelter Jews in Case of Chemical War, Drill Shows In case of a war involving the possible use of chemical warheads, communities in Samaria could serve as a refuge for citizens escaping Israel's coastal plain and other regions.

* Housing Minister Planning for End of Construction Freeze Housing Minister Ariel Attias took part in a joyous ceremony in the Southern Hevron Hills region on Monday evening, and stated confidently: "My ministry is not refraining from, and is even budgeting for, future housing plans everywhere".

05/24/10

* Israel arms may not be enough to stop nukes Strategist suggests cutting Iran's power

* Assad: Peace for Golan Heights In interview, Syrian president discusses Hizbullah, US influence.

* Surveillance Suspected as Spacecraft’s Main Role A team of amateur sky watchers has pierced the veil of secrecy surrounding the debut flight of the nation’s first robotic spaceplane.

* At West Point, Obama offers new security strategy President Obama on Saturday offered a glimpse of a new national security doctrine that distances his administration from George W. Bush's policy of preemptive war.

* Obama Advisor: Warm Words for Saudi Arabia, Hizbullah, Al-Quds John Brennan, Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security, called Jerusalem “Al-Quds,” praised Saudi Arabian religious tolerance, and is encouraging of Hizbullah.

* Hizbullah Hypes New Jihad Tourist Center Hizbullah guerrillas are promoting themselves to the folks at home, and winning credibility and legitimacy in the process, with weekly tours of southern Lebanon in what the group is calling “Jihad Tourism.”

* Well-Bred Muslim Urges More Fort Hood-Style Murders A U.S.-born Muslim cleric urges Muslims in the United States Army to kill their comrades in arms before they take part in military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

* Lebanese PM to discuss Mideast tension with Obama Hariri's Washington visit comes amid Israeli claims Hizbullah has acquired Scud missiles from Syria

* Netanyahu: The PA is Hurting Its Own People Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu warned Monday that the Palestinian Authority's boycott of Judea and Samaria products and its attempts to keep Israel out of the OECD are steps that will harm PA Arabs, not Israelis.

* US urges action to contain 'precarious' Korea situation The US secretary of state says her country is working hard to avoid an escalation after a report blamed North Korea for the sinking of a South Korean warship.

05/22/10

* Hizbullah arms of 'grave concern' The US has "grave concerns" about Syria's arming of Hizbullah in Lebanon.

* Lebanon PM slams Israel defense drill Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri on Saturday lashed out at Israel's defense exercises and said they ran counter to current Middle East peace efforts.

* Israel military planners see West Bank takeover Officials said Israel's military has been preparing for the prospect that it would be required to recapture the West Bank as part of any regional war.

* Lebanon PM: International community must take responsibility for Middle East peace Ahead of a trip to Washington, Lebanese Prime Minister Said Hariri called on the international community to step up pressure on Israel and the Palestinians to strike a peace deal.

* Erdogan: Support nuclear deal Turkey's prime minister is seeking international support for a deal under which Iran would ship much of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey.

* US, Egypt seek Mideast nuclear arms ban deal The United States and Egypt are working to bridge differences on a proposed Middle East nuclear arms ban.

* Proximity talks off to rocky start US envoy George Mitchell left Israel on Thursday afternoon, ending the second round of proximity talks.

* Ya'alon: Building to resume in September Vice Premier Moshe Ya’alon vowed on Thursday evening that settlement construction will resume when the moratorium on housing starts expires on September 26.

* EU Diplomat Quits Delegation Over 'Anti-Israel Propaganda' Italian Member of European Parliament Gabriele Albertini, a senior foreign relations official, has stepped out of a delegation to Israel.

* US Congress Approves Iron Dome Spending The United States Congress voted Thursday to approve $205 million in aid to Israel for the Iron Dome missile defense system.

* Merkel and Cameron disagree on EU treaty change UK Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday (21 May) rejected the the idea of a new EU treaty change to accommodate German chancellor Angela Merkel's vision of stronger economic co-ordination in the EU.

05/21/10

* Hezbollah on high alert ahead of IDF drill Thousands of Hezbollah fighters have been ordered to maintain a heightened state of alert ahead of a large-scale Israel Defense Forces exercise which begins Sunday.

* Facing a Rift, U.S. Spy Chief to Step Down Dennis C. Blair, whose often tumultuous tenure as director of national intelligence was marked by frequent clashes with White House officials.

* PA launches diplomatic intifada A furious Jerusalem on Thursday denounced a declared Palestinian Authority effort to isolate Israel.

* The greatest book, the original version Is there a way to scientifically reconstruct the original biblical text? And if so, what would the halachic ramifications of such an achievement be?

* EP members quit delegation Two more European Parliament members withdrew their participation Thursday in a controversial European Parliament delegation visit to the Middle East.

* EU finance ministers' taskforce meets in Brussels EU finance ministers are meeting in Brussels at the end of a week of instability on the markets and signs of disunity between members.

* Terror Teddy Bear Teaches Martyrdom Hamas continues to educate children to become "martyrs" who die while waging war on Israel.

* What Do They Mean by "East Jerusalem"? Ramat Shlomo, in the news because of Israel's now-suspended plans to expand it, is one of several new neighborhoods in the historic Jewish capital.

* Church warns cell scientists not to play God Catholic Church officials said Friday the recent creation by researchers of the first synthetic cell can be a positive development if correctly used, but warned scientists that only God can create life.

* Scientists Discover a New Type of Supernova Israeli scientists, working with their counterparts in the US, Germany, and elsewhere, have discovered what appears to be a third type of supernova.

05/20/10

* Iran says can destroy Israel in week Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's chief of staff, Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, said Wednesday that if Israel attacked Iran it would be destroyed within a week.

* Iraq election recount battle over, now comes the hard part The tense challenges to Iraq’s May 6 election results appear over – breaking one political log jam.

* US Envoy Mitchell meets Abbas, Netanyahu on Israeli-Palestinian talks A fresh round of mediation by US Middle East Envoy George Mitchell between the Israelis and Palestinians began this week.

* Obama, Erdogan discuss Iran deal US President Barack Obama phoned Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday to discuss efforts to engage Iran diplomatically on the issue of its nuclear program.

* US Joins Pro-Muslim 'Alliance of Civilizations' The Obama administration has announced the United States will join the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, another openly anti-Israel organization.

* UK coalition to push for ME peace A two-state solution and the push for peace in the Middle East is the goal of the UK's new Conservative and Liberal Democrat government.

* 'North Korean torpedo' sank South's navy ship A North Korean submarine's torpedo sank a South Korean navy ship on 26 March causing the deaths of 46 sailors.

* Germany's Merkel calls for tougher finance regulation German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stepped up calls for tougher regulation of banks and financial markets.

* Pakistan blocks access to YouTube in internet crackdown Access to the social network Facebook has also been barred as part of a crackdown on websites seen to be hosting un-Islamic content.

* Greece standstill as new anti-austerity strike begins Much of Greece's transport network has been immobilised, as trade unions stage another 24-hour general strike against austerity measures.

05/19/10

* Merkel: Europe faces historic test in euro crisis German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for tougher regulation aimed at stock and bond traders along with a crackdown on government debt to contain the continent's financial crisis.

* UN powers back new Iran sanctions The United States introduced a United Nations resolution aimed at Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program.

* Curfew in Bangkok after surrender of red-shirt leaders Thailand's authorities have put the capital Bangkok under curfew after red-shirt protest leaders surrendered to troops storming their barricades.

* World Cup bomb plot detailed by al-Qaeda suspect An alleged al-Qaeda militant detained in Iraq has given details about a plan he had to attack the World Cup in South Africa next month.

* 'PA seeks future NATO presence' The Palestinian Authority is considering allowing the permanent stationing of NATO forces in the future Palestinian state.

* Volcker Says Time Is Running Out for U.S. to Tackle Fiscal Woes Former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, a top outside adviser to President Barack Obama, said time is “growing short” for the U.S. to address problems ranging from its budget deficit to Social Security obligations.

* NATO report calls Iran a 'major Article 5 threat' A NATO report said Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs constituted a major threat to the security of the Western alliance.

* Pakistan shuts down Facebook over 'Draw Mohammed' Day Pakistan is blocking access to Facebook in response to an online group calling on people to draw the Prophet Mohammed.

* PA official: Israel jeopardizing peace talks Special US envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Chief Palestinian Negotiator Saeb Erekat in Ramallah Saturday.

* Britons spend nearly 'one day a month online' British web users are spending 65% more time online than three years ago, according to research of net habits.

05/18/10

* Israel's Deputy P.M. Ya'alon: 'We are already in a military confrontation with Iran' Despite declarations of peace, Israel is actively preparing for a regional war over the next few months.

* Israeli Shavuot: Praying at the Wall, Learning, Dairy Food Jewish men and women in Israel will join their brethren around the world to learn all night Tuesday.

* Gov't rejects Iran deal as a ruse The Israeli government described the latest Iranian nuclear deal as a trick designed to prevent the imposition of UN Security Council sanctions.

* EU skeptical about Iran nuclear deal The EU on Monday (17 May) expressed reservations over a surprise deal brokered by Turkey and Brazil under which Iran would ship enriched uranium to Turkey in exchange for nuclear fuel.

* Greece receives first tranche of EU bail-out loan Greece has received the first tranche of a 110bn-euro ($136bn; £94bn) loan to help it overcome its debt crisis, the European Union has said.

* Iraq Arrests Al-Qaeda Terrorist in Plot to Blow Up World Cup Iraqi security forces have arrested a former Saudi colonel who plotted with Al-Qaeda’s number two terrorist to blow up the World Cup in South Africa next month.

* New Desalination Plants Water the Desert A huge new desalination plant dedicated this week is planned to help end Israel’s constant worry for enough water for farms, factories and homes.

* 20,000 Expected at NYC Israel Day Event The 17th annual Israel Day Concert in New York City is quickly approaching, and organizer, Dr. Joseph Frager, whose indefatigable efforts for the Jewish people include helping found Arutz Sheva, expects a record 20,000 people to attend.

* Clinton: Major world powers agree to impose sanctions on Iran Major world powers have agreed on a draft sanctions resolution against Iran and will circulate it to the full UN Security Council on Tuesday.

* Senior MEP quits Israel trip in 'propaganda' row The EU parliament's most senior foreign relations personality has opted to quit an official trip to Israel next week.

05/17/10

* Iran Preparing to Block Gulf Oil and Wreck Western Economies Iran’s recently-concluded war games concentrated on preparations to block the Persian Gulf and wreck Western economies in the event that the United Nations Security Council tries to place harsh sanctions against it.

* Israel plays wargame assuming Iran has nuclear bomb A nuclear-armed Iran would blunt Israel's military autonomy, a wargame involving former Israeli generals and diplomats has concluded, though some players predicted Tehran would also exercise restraint.

* PM named world's most influential Jew Post chooses Netanyahu for annual list.

* PA to Israelis: Go Back to Europe As Palestinian Authority officials agree to indirect "proximity" peace talks with Israel, PA television sends a different message.

* Most Israeli Jews are Religious or Traditional Most Israeli Jews over the age of 20 are at least somewhat religious, the Central Bureau of Statistics' new social survey showed.

* Arab Media Cheer Obama for De-Linking Muslims from Terror A leading international Arab newspaper has hailed U.S. President Barack Obama for officially removing the description “Muslim terrorist” as part of his campaign “to reach out to the Muslim world.”

* IDF Prepares Public for Nationwide Home Front Exercise The IDF Home Front Command has launched a media campaign in preparation for the national Home Front exercise known as Turning Point 4.

* EU ministers to debate controversial eurozone reform Eurozone finance ministers will discuss the parlous state of their beleaguered economies at a meeting in Brussels on Monday (17 May), after the bloc's recently agreed trillion-dollar support package failed to prevent the euro's slide last week.

* Drill to simulate massive rocket attack 68 local authorities to take part in five-day exercise next week.

* Iran Agrees to Ship Uranium to Turkey; West Unimpressed Iran has surprised the West again and agreed to a plan, announced by Brazil, to ship its nuclear reactors’ low-grade uranium to its new ally Turkey.

05/15/10

* Muslim cleric calls for 'Greater Iran' A radical cleric called Saturday for the creation of a "Greater Iran" that would rule over the entire Middle East and Central Asia.

* 'Russia to sell Syria weapons' Russia will supply Syria with warplanes, artillery systems and anti-aircraft missiles.

* Palestinians mark Nakba Day Bitter Palestinian rivals marched together Saturday in a rare show of unity as they marked 62 years of displacement in the war surrounding Israel's creation.

* Medvedev and Obama talk Iran, Mideast Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and US President Barack Obama on Thursday discussed Iran's suspect nuclear program.

* Archaeologist: Stop Muslim Temple Mount Denial, 'Barbaric' Digs Dr. Gabi Barkai, senior lecturer at Bar Ilan University and recipient of the Jerusalem Prize for Archaeology, says Israelis must demand that Israeli antiquities law be enforced.

* Pyongyang slams Israeli 'slander' North Korea on Saturday denying an Israeli allegation that Pyongyang was spreading weapons of mass destruction.

* Israeli Arab MK: What Israel is doing in Jerusalem is a second Nakba Israeli Arab MK Jamal Zahalka, marking the Palestinian "day of catastrophe" or Nakba, said Saturday that if Israel's government were to go ahead with its construction plans for East Jerusalem, a "third Intifada would erupt."

* Sudan Army Seizes Rebel Stronghold Sudanese army forces say they have killed scores of rebels and seized a rebel stronghold.

* Settlers launch interactive Web site A simple toolbar application on a laptop or iPhone is the settlers’ latest weapon in efforts to galvanize activist support for continued Jewish presence in Judea, Samaria and east Jerusalem.

* US Church set to ordain lesbian bishop The Episcopal Church in the US is set to go ahead with the controversial ordination of an openly lesbian bishop.

05/13/10

* Israel to Syria: We have no plans to attack Amid tension with Damascus, Netanyahu and Barak convey calming message to Syria President Assad through visiting Spain FM.

* Netanyahu: We will never divide Jerusalem The state ceremony marking 43 years since the reunification of Jerusalem was held Wednesday on Jerusalem's Ammunition Hill.

* Moscow to build nuke plant in Turkey While Jerusalem lashed out against Moscow on Wednesday for wanting to include Hamas in the diplomatic process, it took a much more low-key approach to news that Russia would build a nuclear reactor in Turkey.

* Israel Slams Russian Hypocrisy, Nixes Hamas Alluding to Russian hypocrisy vis-à-vis terrorism, Israel’s Foreign Ministry turns down Russia's request to include Hamas in the diplomatic process, saying Hamas is a terrorist group just like Chechen terrorists.

* Lieberman: Israel's gestures to Palestinians met with 'slaps in the face' Israel's many gestures to the Palestinians have been reciprocated by "slaps in the face," Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said yesterday.

* Mediterranean union not for conflict resolution, Fuele says The Union for the Mediterranean is not a platform for solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but a "project-oriented" club.

* Netanyahu turns to Bible in tussle over Jerusalem Beset by questions about Jerusalem's future in talks with the Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached for the Bible on Wednesday to stake out the Jewish state's contested claim on the city.

* Pope Benedict says giant Mass at Fatima shrine Up to half a million people are attending an open-air Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at the Catholic shrine of Fatima in Portugal.

* New UK government tones down Tories' EU policy The newly-minted Conservative-Liberal Democrat government coalition in London has forged an agreement on its future EU policy.

* Russia warns US against unilateral Iran sanctions Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the United States and other Western nations on Thursday against imposing unilateral sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

05/12/10

* In honor of Jerusalem Day, MKs get to dig into past Land of Israel Lobby members spend a day sifting through more than 2,000 years of history at the Temple Mount.

* N. Korea, Syria, Iran new axis of evil In Japan, FM says Pyongyang plotting to run arms to Hamas, Hizbullah.

* Medvedev: Include Hamas in talks In Turkey, Russian president says Gaza on brink of human tragedy.

* Fight for Jerusalem - fight for truth PM defends Jews' connection to capital on eve of Jerusalem Day.

* New air refueling system gives Israel capacity for strike on Iran Israel has developed the advanced air refueling systems that could facilitate a strike on Iran.

* EU wants member countries to co-ordinate budgets The European Commission wants EU countries to co-ordinate plans for national budgets in a move to strengthen financial co-operation.

* US President Obama backs Afghanistan's Taliban effort President Obama has backed Afghan efforts to "open the door" to Taliban militants who renounce violence and cut ties with the al-Qaeda.

* Black hole hurled out of galaxy A supermassive black hole may have been observed in the process of being hurled from its parent galaxy at high speed.

* Archaeologist: Stop Muslim Temple Mount Denial, Barbaric Digs Dr. Gabi Barkai, senior lecturer at Bar Ilan University and recipient of the Jerusalem Prize for Archaeology, says Israelis must demand that Israeli antiquities law be enforced at Israel's most important archaeological site– the Temple Mount.

* Jerusalem Day is Day of Remembrance for Ethiopian Jews Jerusalem Unification Day is the day Ethiopian immigrants memorialize the thousands who died or were killed on the their trek through the Sudan to reach the planes that would bring them to Israel in Operation Moses, the first aliyah from Ethiopia.

05/11/10

* Netanyahu: Iran trying to provoke war between Israel and Syria Israel seeks peace and has no intention to attack its neighbors, despite false rumors, the prime minister says.

* Ya'alon: weapons tech gives Israel an edge Israel's advances in weapons technology would given it an advantage in any war with Iran.

* Medvedev: ME tensions could spark disaster Russia's president said Tuesday that Israeli-Arab tensions threaten to draw the Middle East into a new catastrophe.

* PM marvels at Ethiopian aliah story Netanyahu issues heartfelt greeting on eve of Ethiopian Immigrant Day.

* Russia Wants to Build Nuclear Plants in Syria Russia, which is helping Iran build nuclear plants, now wants to add Syria to its list of investments in atomic energy.

* Israel says N.Korea shipping WMDs to Syria Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Tuesday accused nuclear power North Korea of supplying Syria with weapons of mass destruction.

* PM Urged to Place Temple Mount on Heritage List As Jerusalem Day approaches, redoubled efforts are underway to increase Jewish awareness of the Temple Mount.

* Regards from the Past: Ancient Water Bridge Found in Jerusalem Part of the ancient aqueduct that brought water to the Temple Mount has been exposed near the Sultan’s Pool across from Mt. Zion.

* Iraq boosts security after deadliest day this year Iraqi forces beefed up checkpoints, conducted house-to-house searches and rifled through cars Tuesday looking for suspects behind a devastating string of attacks across the country that killed 119 people a day earlier.

* Russia: Mideast tension could spark catastrophe Russia's president said Tuesday that Israeli-Arab tensions threaten to draw the Middle East into a new catastrophe.

05/10/10

* Ya'alon: Israel capable of attacking Iran Former IDF chief says technology has improved range, aerial refuelling, accuracy, and intelligence

* WWII Allies march in Moscow to mark 65 years since Nazi defeat President Peres among leaders from over 24 countries marking Victory Day in Moscow's Red Square.

* Demographic Revolution: Jewish, Arab Growth Equal in Jerusalem The Central Bureau of Statistics released data on Jerusalem's population Monday in honor of Jerusalem Day which begins Wednesday night.

* Medvedev, Assad to discuss Mideast peace Russian president expected to hand over message from Israel during visit in Damascus

* J'lem Day eve: Rabbis flock to Temple Mount Dozens of rabbis from Religious Zionism movement pray at Western Wall, then visit Temple Mount under police protection.

* EU risks 'marginalisation' in the next 20 years A new report has listed a bleak catalogue of the problems the EU is likely to face over the next 20 years.

* PM celebrates Israel’s OECD accession Netanyahu: 31 states' support proves isolation claims "exaggerated."

* Construction in East Jerusalem will push on Meridor: Israel will not accept a "discriminatory" policy.

* Gordon Brown stepping down as Labour leader Gordon Brown has said he is stepping down as Labour Party leader - as his party opens formal talks with the Lib Dems about forming a government.

* Markets Join Rush in Response to European Plan After weeks of uncertainty over the European debt crisis, Wall Street got some clarity on Monday and joined the rally in equity markets.

05/08/10

* China, Iran, North Korea have formed strategic alliance China, Iran and North Korea have established a strategic alliance that focuses on missile and nuclear development.

* PLO executive committee approves proximity talks with Israel The Palestinian Authority on Saturday got the green light to restart peace talks with Israel after the PLO's executive committee voted to approve indirect negotiations.

* 'We can't leave Euro to speculators' French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced early Saturday that the 16 eurozone nations will set up a financial defense plan by the time markets open next week to shield their shared currency against further attack.

* 'Talks doomed due to Arafat's legacy' Israeli-Palestinian negotiations are doomed to hit a brick wall because no Palestinian leader will accept anything less than what Yasser Arafat rejected at Camp David 10 years ago.

* UK parties consider a power deal Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is meeting his MPs and peers to discuss a power-sharing offer from the Conservatives.

* Plunge in US equities remains a mystery The day after $1,000bn was briefly wiped off the market value of US equities, traders were still trying to work out what caused share prices to plunge and then rebound so dramatically in a matter of minutes.

* Germany approves biggest cheque in history to save debt-swamped Greece German leaders today approved the country's share of the rescue package for debt-laden Greece after a boisterous debate in which the finance minister told them they had no alternative to the unpopular measure.

* Assad: Israel no peace partner Israel is not ready for peace with Damascus, Syrian President Bashar Assad said Saturday in a joint press conference with Turkish counter Abdullah Gul.

* Lebanon says it won't ask Hezbollah to disarm Lebanon's president says the government cannot ask Hezbollah to give up its weapons at a time of heightened tension with Israel.

* IAEA to discuss Israel's nuclear activities for first time Israel's secretive nuclear activities may undergo unprecedented scrutiny next month.

05/07/10

* 'Talks doomed due to Arafat's legacy' Israeli-Palestinian negotiations are doomed to hit a brick wall because no Palestinian leader will accept anything less than what Yasser Arafat rejected at Camp David 10 years ago.

* Obama, Egypt strategizing for nuke-free Israel Officials and analysts said President Barack Obama has approved efforts of a joint resolution as a means of pressuring Israel to give up its purported nuclear arsenal.

* Israeli aerospace official: Iran cruise missile poses 'extremely serious' threat Israel has been closely monitoring Iran's long-range cruise missile program.

* Iran hosts dinner seeking to avert UN sanctions Iran's foreign minister invited the United States and other members of the UN Security Council to dinner Thursday night.

* Looming specter of conflict It has been another busy week in the ongoing war of words waged by Iran and its allies against Israel.

* Tories Gain but Fail to Take Parliament After one of the most passionately contested elections in decades, Britain faced the stalemate of a hung Parliament on Friday.

* Plunging markets set backdrop for euro area meeting In a sign that the Greek emergency is increasingly taking on a global dimension, finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of Seven leading industrial nations are to hold a teleconference on Friday.

* Turkey MPs back key constitutional changes Turkey's parliament has approved all but one of 27 controversial changes to the constitution, which critics say could undermine the secular courts.

* Europe tries to douse debt crisis European leaders sought Friday to convince fearful markets that the Greek debt crisis won't spread to other countries and derail the continent's wobbly shared currency and hesitant economic recovery.

* Iran belongs to world's "nuclear club," cleric says Ahmad Khatami, a conservative hardliner in the clerical establishment, also warned the major powers that Iran could "endanger your entire world" in any future confrontation.

05/06/10

* IAEA chief focuses on Israel The head of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency is asking for international input on an Arab-led push to have Israel join the Nonproliferation Treaty.

* 'We're committed to missile defense' Washington remains determined to deploy its planned anti-missile system in Europe to counter the danger of Iran's nuclear program and its long-range ballistic missiles.

* U.S. exercise with Gulf states based on defense against attack by Iran The United States has launched one of its largest joint military exercises with Persian Gulf states.

* Israel official defends nuclear ambiguity as 'strategic advantage' An Israeli official on Thursday defended the country's "opaque" policy regarding its nuclear program a "strategic advantage", responding to mounting international pressure.

* Mubarak warns about "chaos" amid reform push Egypt's president warned opposition groups Thursday against fomenting "chaos" in the country and challenged them to outline plans to rival his for sustaining growth and development in the Arab world's most populous nation.

* Britons Go to Polls in Tight Race for Parliament Concluding one of the most passionate election campaigns in years, Britain went to the polls on Thursday.

* The United Nations as global enabler of terrorism In this ever changing world of politics overshadowed by the current threat to peace by rogue states, the United Nations is failing to fulfill its duty as guardian to peace and security.

* Israel Developing Switch To Make Computers 100s of Times Faster A new nano-based technology being developed at Tel Aviv University will make computers and the internet hundreds of times faster.

* Washington Post warns Obama against pressuring Israel The Washington Post warned US President Barack Obama Wednesday against applying too much pressure on Israel as proximity talks with the Palestinians begin.

* Sarkozy and Merkel keen to show united front ahead of summit In a time-honoured EU tradition, the leaders of France and Germany have sought to present a united front ahead of a euro area leaders' meeting this Friday.

05/05/10

* Nuke-free ME popular at NPT summit Against the backdrop of US pressure to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, attention is turning to Israel and the establishment of a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East.

* Abbas gives talks four months Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned that should the negotiations fail to focus on key issues, they could collapse within a few months.

* Iraq election: Shia groups agree coalition deal Iraq's two biggest Shia political groups have announced they are to form a coalition, the first such announcement since elections in March.

* Iran begins new military maneuvers in Persian Gulf Iran's military has kicked off new war games in the strategic Persian Gulf waters - the country's second military show in less than a month.

* Global markets tumble as IMF warns on Greek contagion Global markets tumbled on Tuesday (4 may) as fears over the eurozone's debt crisis prompted a mass sell-off by investors.

* Lapses Allowed Suspect to Board Plane Why was Faisal Shahzad permitted to board a flight for Dubai some 24 hours after investigators of the Times Square terrorism case learned he might be connected to the attempted bombing?

* PA to Open Offices Illegally in Jerusalem The Palestinian Authority has decided to invest economic and other resources in various projects designed to Arabize Jerusalem.

* New IDF Weapon Defends Soldiers against Psychological Warfare IDF officers are learning how to help soldiers in the field respond to psychological methods used by the enemy to affect soldiers’ spirit and morale.

* After lengthy diplomacy, Mideast peace talks begin A U.S. mediator launched Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations Wednesday after a break of more than a year.

* Damascus slams US sanctions Syria has criticized the US renewal of sanctions against Damascus, describing them as a disappointment.

05/04/10

* Military Intelligence: Hezbollah Scuds tip of iceberg Israel is becoming increasingly concerned with the transfer of weapons from Syria to Hezbollah.

* Iran to hold more war games In the second military show in less than a month, Iran will hold a new set of maneuvers in the strategic waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

* Former US Ambassador John Bolton: Obama Damages Israeli Security John Bolton, former United States ambassador to the United Nations, told Bar Shem-Ur on IDF Army Radio Tuesday morning that "[U.S. President Barack] Obama is harming Israeli security".

* MI: Abbas laying the groundwork for failure of proximity talks Military Intelligence research division chief Brigadier General Yossi Baidatz on Tuesday presented a bleak forecast for the opening of a negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

* Let's stop pretending It is almost a year now that a certain ritual has marked the public discourse between Washington and Jerusalem.

* Pakistani militants 'planning wave of strikes on US' Hakimullah Mehsud, leader of the Pakistan Taliban, calls on supporters to attack US cities in two video messages broadcast at the weekend.

* Stocks, Euro Slide on Government Debt Concern; Commodities Sink European stocks erased their 2010 gain as equities around the world tumbled, while the euro slid to a one-year low.

* US envoy Mitchell returns to Middle East US Middle East envoy George Mitchell has returned to the region, attempting to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

* Times Square bomb suspect arrested in New York A man has been arrested in connection with the failed car-bomb attack in New York City on Saturday evening.

* New Google Tool Reveals Worldwide Censorship Data Internet users can now see how many times their government has asked the powerful Google search engine to remove content, or reveal information about those who use its services.

05/03/10

* Ahmadinejad to attend UN nuclear talks in New York Delegates from nearly 200 nations were gathering at the UN to review efforts to check the spread of nuclear weapons.

* PM, Mubarak discuss peace talks PMO says meeting constructive, took place in good atmosphere.

* Iran, Syria, Turkey Cementing Ties Iran made a point of declaring its solidarity with both Syria and Turkey in recent days, on the heels of joint Turkish-Syrian military exercises.

* US Targets Israel as Anti-Nuke Conference Begins The United States is working with both Egypt and Russia to rid Israel of its nuclear weapons, as part of a comprehensive plan to neutralize Iran’s nuclear power.

* Iraq election: Baghdad vote recount under way A manual recount of some of the ballots cast in Baghdad in Iraq's March election has begun in the capital.

* Greece Gets $146 Billion Rescue in EU, IMF Package Euro-region ministers agreed to a 110 billion-euro ($146 billion) rescue package for Greece to prevent a default and stop the worst crisis in the currency’s 11-year history from spreading through the rest of the bloc.

* Jewish luminaries petition EU parliament over settlements The leader of the Green group in the European Parliament, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, and French philosopher Bernard Henri-Levy are spearheading a new campaign for the EU to put pressure on Israel over settlement building.

* Get Ready for a Nuclear Iran Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and others will surely follow suit.

* Jordan River to run dry by next year 400 million cu.m. needed to rehabilitate river.

* Thousands of Anglican churchgoers could cross over to Rome with bishops Thousands of Anglican parishioners could convert to Catholicism after three leading traditionalist bishops told the Vatican they were ready to cross over to Rome.

05/01/10

* Iran: We'll cut off Israel's legs During a visit to Damascus, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi said: “We will stand alongside Syria against any [Israeli] threat ... If those who have violated Palestinian land want to try anything we will cut off their feet," he said.

* Israeli-Palestinian talks to start next week - Clinton Israeli-Palestinian proximity talks are set to start next week.

* US, Egypt negotiate Mideast nuclear-free zone US officials are in talks with Egypt over a plan to make the Middle East a nuclear-free zone, part of an effort to block the Iranian nuclear program.

* Rare Russian opposition rally says Putin is Stalin "Putin is Stalin! Putin is Brezhnev! Russia without Putin," chanted the crowd, including former chess master Garry Kasparov, one of the Kremlin's harshest critics who co-heads the democratic, pro-western Solidarity movement.

* Iran rivalry behind Cairo's Hizbullah tension Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah reacted angrily yesterday to an Egyptian court verdict which sentenced members of a terror cell organized by the movement in Egypt to prison terms.

* ECB President Favors Global Governance The President of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet, told Forbes that global governance is extremely necessary if we want to prevent another financial crisis.

* Eurozone to hold emergency Greek talks Eurozone finance ministers were set to hold emergency discussions this weekend to settle the remaining details of a multibillion-euro rescue package for Greece.

* Israel Nixes Weapons Sales to Turkey Israel has begun turning down Turkey's requests to buy certain advanced weapons, according to the military news and analysis sites.

* Netanyahu meeting Mubarak as cover for war An Arab editorial condemned Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Saturday for inviting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Sharm el-Sheikh Monday.

* EU-China talks over how, not if, to sanction Iran European talks with Chinese leaders over Iran have moved to the issue of how to target sanctions and away from whether sanctions should be applied at all.