11/30/12

* Palestine wins historic upgrade at the UN Sixty-five years to the day after the UN voted for the partition of mandatory Palestine - a move the Jews accepted and the Arabs rejected - the same body overwhelmingly vote.

* Hamas Reminder: Our Goal is Israel's Destruction While Hamas welcomed a UN vote to recognize "Palestine" on Thursday, on the same day it issued a statement rejecting the UN's famous Resolution 181.

* Netanyahu: Abbas Speech Venomous, Israel Will Respond Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's Office responded on Thursday to the speech given by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas to the UN General Assembly.

* Israel approves building of 3,000 units in J'lem, W. Bank Israel approved the construction of 3,000 new housing units in Jerusalem and in the West Bank on Friday.

* 'It's a first step to a country,' says elated young Palestinian journalist The excitement was palpable. The guest and media seating were packed. Every delegation seemed to be in full attendance down on the General Assembly floor.

* Egypt's assembly finalizes new constitution An Islamist-led assembly finalized a new constitution early on Friday aimed at transforming Egypt and paving the way for an end to a crisis.

* Non-member state observer status is born On May 16, 1948, the day after David Ben-Gurion declared independence in Tel Aviv.

* UN vote marks EU defeat for Israel Just one EU country - the Czech Republic - voted against Palestine's bid to become a UN "observer state" on Thursday ((29 November).

* Egyptians protest after constitution finalized Thousands of Egyptians protested against President Mohamed Morsi on Friday after an Islamist-led assembly raced through approval of a new constitution.

* US Supreme Court considers gay union cases The nine justices of the US Supreme Court are meeting to decide whether to consider cases on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage.

11/29/12

* The day that never ended One day in 1947, the members of a new organization convened in a building that had once been a skating rink and changed the world by holding a vote.

* PM: UN can't force Israel to compromise on security With Israel facing a stinging diplomatic defeat Thursday at the UN, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said that regardless of how many vote against Israel, "no force in the world will get me to compromise on Israel's security."

* Hamas, Jihad in 'Mini-flipflop' Over Statehood Bid PA terror groups in Gaza announced earlier this week that they supported the PA's statehood bid and were fully behind PA chief Mahmoud Abbas.

* Egypt assembly votes on constitution The Islamist-dominated assembly writing a new Egyptian constitution has convened to vote on the final draft.

* Babylonian relic to visit US with historic message of tolerance It is a deeply unimpressive looking object - about the size and shape of a rugby ball, made from hardened clay and incised all over with the stick-like characters of Babylonian cuneiform.

* Obama Calls Rice 'Extraordinary,' as Another Republican Voices Concerns President Obama came to the defense of Susan E. Rice, his embattled ambassador to the United Nations.

* UN to vote on Palestinian enhanced status The UN General Assembly is set to vote on upgrading the Palestinian status from observer entity to observer state.

* Syria shuts off internet access across the country Two US-based internet-monitoring companies say Syria has shut off the internet nationwide.

* Women in Green: Annex Judea and Samaria! The Women in Green movement is calling on the Israeli government to immediately annex Judea and Samaria.

* Turkish PM Threatens Ottoman TV Series Islamist Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has begun to threaten producers of a popular Turkish television series about the Ottoman Empire.

11/28/12

* Muslims Claim Netanyahu Plans to Build 'False' Holy Temple Al Aqsa officials warn that the "new Likud" is planning to build a "false" Third Holy Temple and divide the Muslim compound.

* Opponents Blame Muslim Brotherhood for Egyptian Leader's 'Overreach' Hundreds of Egyptians continued to demonstrate for a sixth consecutive day against President Mohamed Morsi.

* Israel pulls back from threat to topple Palestinian leadership over UN vote After weeks of shrill warnings over Thursday's United Nations vote on Palestinian statehood, Israel has backed away from threats to cancel the Oslo peace accords and topple the Palestinian leadership.

* Pakistan Claims it Test-Fired Nuclear Capable Ballistic Missile Pakistan on Wednesday said it has successfully test-fired a medium-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

* 'Iran will press on with uranium enrichment' Iran will continue enriching uranium "with intensity", with the number of enrichment centrifuges it has operating to increase substantially in the current year.

* David's Sling success caught on film The Defense Ministry on Tuesday published the video showing Sunday's first successful interception of a target missile by the new David's Sling missile defense system.

* EU countries declare positions on Palestine's UN bid France has said it will vote Yes in a UN vote on making Palestine into an "observer state," but the UK will only back the move with strings attached.

* Egypt: Copts sentenced to death for anti-Islam film Cairo court gives death penalty to Egyptian Christians tried in absentia for participating in "Innocence of Muslims" video.

* King of Saudi Arabia 'Clinically Dead' The king of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, is clinically dead.

* Erdogan plans to visit Gaza with Mashaal next week Turkish prime minister says Hamas leader invited him to join Gaza visit after previously planned trips were cancelled.

11/27/12

* European debt crisis a bigger global threat than US fiscal cliff, says OECD Europe's debt crisis remains a far bigger threat to the world's economy than the "fiscal cliff", according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

* Following Gaza 'victory,' Hamas sets its sights on the West Bank Less than a week after reaching a ceasefire agreement with Israel, Hamas's Gaza prime minister on Tuesday outlined the movement's next goal in its struggle: the West Bank.

* Last Jews in Ethiopia Prepare for the Promised Land The last 2,000 "Falash Mura [wanderer in Ethiopia's Amharic language] Jews are preparing to come to the Promised Land next year".

* Hamas Cease-Fire Video: Death to Israel Hamas has removed any doubts of its cease-fire intentions with a post-truce music video urging "Death to Israel" with "blood and fire."

* Painting Depicts Obama as Crucified Christ A painting that features President Obama posed as Jesus Christ crucified on is on display at a community college art gallery in Boston.

* Jamie Foxx: 'Our Lord and Savior Barack Obama' Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx recently called Barack Obama "our lord and savior".

* Iranian warships to make port call in Sudan Move comes as Sudanese officials say they will relocate sections of the Yarmouk military plant following alleged Israeli strike.

* Yasser Arafat's remains exhumed in murder inquiry The remains of Yasser Arafat have been exhumed as part of an investigation into how the Palestinian leader died.

* Top Egyptian Islamist: Expect Assassination Campaign A senior member of Egypt's former militant Islamist group al-Gamaa al-Islamiya has warned that liberal politicians and intellectuals who oppose President Mohammed Morsi's latest constitutional declaration could face a campaign of targeted assassinations.

* Neo-Nazi Hungarian Lawmaker Calls for 'Jewish List' In an act that far too greatly recalled the policies of the Nazi regime, a far-right Hungarian lawmaker released a statement Monday saying that a list should be compiled of all of the Jewish members of parliament and government.

11/26/12

* Hamas lends support to Abbas's UN statehood bid Mashaal calls PA president to back bid in unexpected change of heart; Hamas spokesman Abu Zuhri says group backs any political gain Abbas can achieve at UN "without causing harm to the national Palestinian rights."

* For Syria's new opposition head, Zionism is "a cancerous movement" Mouaz al-Khatib, widely seen as a moderate religious figure, also praised Saddam Hussein for "terrifying the Jews".

* Hezbollah says it would hit Tel Aviv in future war Lebanon's Hezbollah group would fire thousands of rockets into Israel in any future war and target cities in the country's heartland, the group's leader said Sunday.

* Islamic Jihad in Gaza receives praise from Iran's Ahmadinejad after Gaza fighting Leader Ramadan Shallah says Iran supports Palestinians militarily and financially.

* Hamas Lost - But Won, Says Ex-GOP Policy Advisor Hamas won a diplomatic victory by being recognized in negotiations after losing militarily, said ex-GOP foreign policy advisor Abrams.

* Op-Ed: Expose: the Vatican Welcomes Iran Iran has a large diplomatic corps at the Vatican, considering that it is a Moslem country. And that is not all.

* Jamie Foxx: 'Our Lord and Savior Barack Obama' Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx recently called Barack Obama "our lord and savior."

* Report: Cairo Brokering Hamas, Israeli Demands Representatives of Israel and terrorist group Hamas reportedly were in Cairo Monday to discuss the cease-fire in Gaza, Arab media said

* EU countries consider sanctions on Israeli settlers EU diplomats have given the green light for member states to impose visa bans on violent Israeli settlers.

* Iran warns Turkey not to deploy Patriot missiles Iran said Turkey's plans to deploy Patriot defensive missiles near its border with Syria would add to the region's problems, as fears grow of the Syrian civil war spilling across frontiers.

11/24/12

* Ahmadinejad: Israel must 'bow' to Palestinian rights Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told the head of the Hamas government in Gaza on Saturday that eight days of cross-border fighting showed that Israel had no choice but to "bow" to Palestinian rights.

* Israel will negotiate with 'other Palestinian groups' if Abbas pushes statehood bid, deputy FM says Israel will negotiate with other Palestinian factors if Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas presses forward with his statehood bid at the United Nations this week.

* Jordan refuses Iran 'oil for religious tourism' deal Official Jordanian sources expressed reservations about remarks by Iran's ambassador in Amman that Tehran is prepared to provide the Hashemite Kingdom with free oil and energy products for 30 years.

* Egypt's Mursi faces judicial revolt over decree Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi faces a rebellion from judges who accused him on Saturday of expanding his powers at their expense.

* A look at powers decreed by Egypt's president Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi issued decrees giving himself broad powers and effectively neutering the judiciary.

* Arafat to be exhumed next week in poison probe The corpse of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat will be exhumed next week to investigate allegations he was poisoned, a senior Palestinian official said Saturday.

* Pope Benedict XVI appoints six non-European cardinals Pope Benedict XVI has appointed six priests from non-European countries to be cardinals, at a service in the Vatican's St Peter's Basilica.

* Nasrallah: Netanyahu failed to destroy Hamas Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu failed in his attempt to destroy "the Palestinian resistance" in Gaza during Operation Pillar of Defense.

* 'Over 40,000 killed since start of Syria conflict' More than 40,000 people have been killed in 20 months of conflict between Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces and those fighting for his overthrow.

* Gantz: The Other Side Will Understand What Happened to It Chief of Staff Benny Gantz on Friday visited Israelis who had been hurt by recent Gaza rocket attacks and were hospitalized at the Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva.

11/23/12

* Protests rock Egypt after Morsi seizes new powers Demonstrators storm Brotherhood HQ in Alexandria, pelt Port Said office with stones, and call for Egyptian president's ouster in Cairo.

* Gaza confrontation showcases new Sunni bloc Operation Pillar of Defense and the means by which it was concluded have showcased the arrival of a new player in Middle East strategy and diplomacy.

* 'Over 40,000 killed since start of Syria conflict' More than 40,000 people have been killed in 20 months of conflict between Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces and those fighting for his overthrow.

* Egypt Brotherhood leader blasts peace with Israel The top leader of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood denounced peace efforts with Israel and urged holy war to liberate Palestinian territories.

* Anti-Israel Protesters Target Synagogue in Venezuela Leaders of the Jewish community in Venezuela said about 50 anti-Israel protesters gathered outside the country's largest synagogue.

* Iran courts closer ties with Jordan, Egypt Iran made very public overtures to both Jordan and Egypt this week in what can be seen as its ongoing attempts to extend its influence in the region.

* Iran: Israeli Ceasefire a Sign of Weakness Despite Gaza's main terrorist groups losing huge numbers of weapons and launch sites in Israel's Operation Pillar of Defense, Iran and Hamas have been spinning the week-long battle as a victory for their side.

* IDF chief of staff: As the dust settles, Hamas will realize the price it has paid IDF chief of staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz said that all the objectives laid out ahead of Operation Pillar of Defense were met successfully during the eight days of fighting.

* EU diplomats aim for Iran nuclear talks next month The world's top military powers and Iran aim to restart talks on nuclear proliferation in December or January.

* High Alert in Judea, Samaria The IDF is on alert in Judea, Samaria (Shomron) and Jerusalem on Friday over threats of further terrorist attacks.

11/22/12

* PM: We're ready to take a harsher stance if truce fails PM: Israel is giving the cease-fire with Hamas a chance; Barak: Truce is not an agreement but a set of understandings between Israel and Egypt, Hamas and Egypt; IDF official: Hamas will be shocked by level of damage in Gaza.

* Mofaz: Hamas won upper hand, truce a mistake Politicians to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's Right and Left spoke out against Wednesday night's cease-fire, with only Labor, Meretz and others on the Left supporting it.

* Long-term success or blip in the chart of the conflict? With a fragile ceasefire agreement taking effect, a wide-lens look at Operation Pillar of Defense.

* Former PM: Syria Under Russia, Iran Control Former Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab warned in a BBC interview Wednesday that Syrian policy is controlled by Russia and Iran.

* Israel says it "fulfilled all its goals," while Hamas hails an "exceptional victory" The facts, figures and rival claims as eight days of conflict come to an end.

* Analysis: Military op ends, election campaign begins PM had a difficult tight rope to walk, so soon before elections.

* In CNN interview professing a desire for peace, Mashaal asks, "How can I accept Israel? They have occupied my land" After 8-day conflict that saw hundreds of rockets fired into Israel, Hamas leader claims his group does not target civilians.

* Abbas to Clinton: UN statehood bid to move forward PA president rejects US' request to refrain from asking the UN to upgrade the status of a Palestinian state to non-member.

* Hamas Declares Nov. 22 Gaza Public Holiday The Hamas terrorist organization has declared November 22, the day after its ceasefire was signed with Israel, as a public holiday in Gaza.

* The Vatican on Gaza: Israel is a Baby-Killer Not a word was heard from the Vatican all the years Sderot babies were in mortal danger. They began noticing the violence last week.

11/21/12

* Hamas and Israel agree Gaza ceasefire at Cairo talks Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement which governs Gaza have agreed a ceasefire to end a week of violence in which nearly 160 people have died.

* In Israel-Hamas clash, Iran casts a shadow In the latest round of fighting between Israelis and the Palestinian militants of Hamas in Gaza, one key player looms like an ominous, lengthening shadow: Iran.

* Hamas Missiles Drown Out Talk of Ceasefire Hamas unleashed new rounds of rocket missile bombardments on southern Israel Wednesday morning as United Nations and American officials try to reach a ceasefire.

* While fighting rages between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah watches and waits While the death toll from the Israel-Gaza conflict has mounted, Hezbollah has offered quiet words of encouragement to the Palestinians.

* Hamas 'blesses' terror attack on Tel Aviv bus Hamas praised the terrorist bombing of a bus in Tel Aviv Wednesday afternoon, but stopped short of claiming responsibility.

* Iran Confirms: 'We Are Proud to Defend Hamas' Militarily Iran has sent financial and military aid to Hamas in Gaza in an attempt to boost the efforts of the terrorist group.

* Greece: Lack of deal 'threatens euro' The failure of eurozone ministers to reach a deal to give Greece its latest bailout payment threatens the whole bloc.

* Israel 'outshouts' Hamas TV, radio Though Israel had put plans for a ground operation in Gaza on hold Tuesday, one invasion had taken place in Operation Pillar of Defense.

* 1,408 Missiles in 8 Days Fired by Gaza at Israel As the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah approaches, Israel marks the eighth day of Operation Pillar of Defense by counting the missiles fired.

* Soldiers Keep Up the Spirit, Sing: We Rely on G-d The Israeli soldiers training and preparing in southern Israel are keeping up full of motivation and faith despite the long wait before they may or may not receive the command to enter Gaza.

* From 'sewage pipes with wings' to sophisticated missiles On Sunday afternoon, in a moshav near Ashkelon, Eyal went out to the fields behind his father's house.

11/20/12

* Israel freezes plans for ground operation as Clinton heads to the region Israel has agreed not to launch a ground operation in Gaza for at least 24 hours.

* Hamas Leader: Israel Bluffing; 'I Dare You to Invade' Hamas' supreme leader Khaled Mashaal charged in Cairo that Israel is bluffing by preparing for a ground incursion in Gaza.

* No Obama Veto on Ground Op, Says Ambassador Israel's Ambassador in the United States, Michael Oren, told IDF Radio Tuesday that there is no American veto on a possible ground maneuver by the IDF in Gaza.

* Rocket attacks on Israel 'are not terror, they're our right,' Gaza activist says Palestinians don't want an 'absurd ceasefire just like the last times,' Sarah Salibi, a 21-year-old from Jabalya.

* EU: Israel has right to proportional self-defense Foreign ministers from all 27 European Union nations agreed Monday that Israel has a right to defend itself, but must do so proportionally.

* Rockets land south of Jerusalem; no injuries or damage For the second time since the beginning of Operation Pillar of Defense, Hamas on Tuesday afternoon fired rockets that landed in the vicinity of Jerusalem.

* What is the Hamas endgame? Military operations often bear deeply symbolic names.

* IDF Maj. Gen. (Res.): Israel 'running out of targets' Israel faces a turning point in its war against Hamas militants.

* U.S. sends warships near Israel in case evacuation needed Three U.S. Navy amphibious warships are returning to the eastern Mediterranean to remain on standby in the event they are needed to assist Americans leaving Israel in the coming days.

* Iran Is Out of Its Mind, Says Peres Israel's President Shimon Peres accused Iran of encouraging the Palestinians to continue rocket attacks on Israel.

11/19/12

* Around the world, protests held for and against Israel's Gaza operation Usain Bolt wouldn't always make it to safety in time, pro-Israel protesters told at rallies in Australia; in South Africa, Tutu slams "fanatics on both sides".

* Arab paper: Syria, Iran instigated Gaza conflict Asharq Alawsat editor claims Syria, Iran caused escalation between Israel, Gaza to aid Assad regime.

* Turkey's Erdogan calls Israel a 'terrorist state' Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is to travel to Gaza with a group of foreign ministers from the Arab League.

* Islamic Jihad leader: Hamas rockets 'Iranian made' Supplying proxies with weapons, training is part of Iran's doctrine of asymmetric warfare.

* Blair: Quartet is working to end Gaza conflict President Peres says Israel has no ambition to conquer land, blames Iran for promoting terrorism in the Middle East.

* Hackers target Israeli site Groupon over Gaza op Muslim extremists claiming to be from Pakistan warn against Israeli soldiers from entering Gaza in online attack.

* Thousands pray for IDF at the Western Wall Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar leads thousands in "slihot" prayers for the safety of IDF and Israeli citizens.

* Vast Majority of Israelis Approve of Operation, Poll Shows A poll conducted on behalf of a political education group shows that the vast majority of Israelis support Operation Pillar of Defense.

* EU countries urge Israel not to invade Gaza Two leading EU countries have urged Israel not to launch ground operations in Gaza.

* Cracks form in Syrian opposition Islamist groups reject newly formed coalition, announce formation of "Islamic state" in Aleppo.

11/17/12

* Gaza crisis: Fresh fire exchanged as violence continues Israel hit 200 sites overnight, including PM Ismail Haniya's office.

* Hamas Headquarters Leveled, 'Gaza Power Grid Targeted' The IDF's pounding of Hamas' infrastructure in Gaza entered its fourth day Saturday, and is deemed as highly successful until this point.

* West Supports Israel, Urges Egypt to Work Towards Ceasefire Western nations on Friday pushed Egypt to persuade Hamas terrorists to end rocket attacks from Gaza and backed Israel's right to self-defense.

* PA Arab Demonstrators: Bomb Tel Aviv Thousands of Palestinian Authority Arabs rallied across the PA-assigned areas of Judea and Samaria on Friday.

* Iron Dome protects Tel Aviv as army warns of long fight ahead The IDF has been stepping up its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Saturday.

* Mediterranean: EU Parliament,Union for Med re-launched The Union for the Mediterranean is an 'essential project to guarantee peace, stability and progress in the Mediterranean' area.

* New euro notes to show tragic princess In Greek mythology, the Phoenician princess Europa was abducted and raped by the king of the gods, Zeus.

* Temple Institute To Celebrate 25 Years with Art Auction The Temple Institute will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a gala dinner and art auction Wednesday November 14th in Dallas, Texas.

* Five EU countries call for new military 'structure' Five leading EU countries, but not the UK, have said the Union needs a new military "structure" to manage overseas operations.

11/16/12

* Gaza conflict: Militant rocket targets Jerusalem Hamas militants have launched a rocket on Jerusalem - the first time the holy city has been targeted in decades - and the first such attack from Gaza.

* Barak seeks 75,000 reservists for possible Gaza operation As government mulls a ground operation, defense minister seeks to increase cabinet's approval of reservists from 30,000; thus far, 16,000 draft orders issued to reserves.

* King: Petraeus Said CIA's Talking Points Were Edited to Play Down Terrorism Representative Peter King stated that former CIA Director David Petraeus stated that he knew the Benghazi attack was terrorism and that the talking points given to Ambassador Susan Rice were different from the ones prepared by the CIA. 

* PM: We are going to continue hitting Hamas hard Prime minister and president meet on Friday in light of Gaza escalation; Netanyahu: "Hamas deliberately targets our children."

* Protesters in Jordan capital call for King to quit Protesters call for downfall of the regime in third day of demonstration against fuel price hikes.

* Worldwide protests against Gaza violence Thousands gathered in Egyptian cities on Friday to protest against Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip as Egypt's president vowed to support the enclave's people in the face of "blatant aggression".

* IAEA: Iran ready to sharply increase nuclear work Latest report from UN nuclear watchdog could soon double number of centrifuges operating in Fordow bunker site.

* Commanders Prepare Troops for Ground Invasion IDF commanders began Friday morning to brief their troops in advance of a possible ground operation in Gaza. Thousands of reservists have been called up for duty, and a total of at least 16,000 will be summoned for service.

* Five EU countries call for new military 'structure' Five leading EU countries, but not the UK, have said the Union needs a new military "structure" to manage overseas operations.

* Minister: Haniyeh, Zahar legitimate targets Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz says Hamas leaders legitimate assassination targets while former IAF chief stresses: 'Ground operation will take heavy toll'

11/15/12

* Booms heard in Tel Aviv area following warning siren Two booms were heard following an air raid siren in Tel Aviv Thursday evening, just an hour after a rocket from the Gaza Strip exploded in an open field outside of Rishon Lezion.

* IAF Leads Anti-Terror Operation, Releases Aerial Footage The IAF is targeting Gaza missiles and launchers as part of Operation Pillar of Defense.

* Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Russia chorus condemnation of Israel's resort to force, US leads Western supporters On day two of Operation Pillar of Defense, Israel was getting strong support from several Western countries.

* Rocket Falls Near Tel Aviv, IDF Massing Armor Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and residents were told to head for shelter Thursday evening.

* Hamas trying to restore shattered morale There were no signs whatsoever Thursday that Hamas was interested in a cease-fire with Israel at this stage.

* Blame game and biblical exegesis: World press reports on Operation Pillar of Defense Operation Pillar of Defense is making headlines around the world, with media outlets choosing to highlight different aspects of the conflict.

* Israel and Hamas compete for EU sympathy Both sides in the new Gaza conflict are competing for international sympathy as fighting escalates.

* Netanyahu: Picture of Bleeding Baby Says It All Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued a statement to the international media Thursday afternoon, in which he said Israel would continue to do its best to avoid civilian casualties on the enemy side.

* Israel's Ambassador to Egypt Left Cairo Israeli ambassador to Egypt, Yaakov Amitai, reportedly left Cairo on Wednesday night.

* China confirms leadership change Mr Xi led the new Politburo Standing Committee onto the stage at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

11/14/12

* 'Syrian villages on Israel border in rebel hands' Nearly all of the Syrian villages along the border with Israel are in rebel hands, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Wednesday, during a tour of the Golan Heights region with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

* IDF assassinates Hamas military leader Ahmed Jabari, readies for ground operation in Gaza The Israeli Air Force on Wednesday bombed a car in Gaza City, killing Ahmed Jabari, the head of Hamas's armed wing.

* Protests erupt in West Bank ahead of anniversary of Palestinian declaration of independence Palestinians, supported by foreign activists, were demonstrating in dozens of places across the West Bank on Wednesday ahead of the 24th anniversary of their declaration of independence on November 15.

* Temple Institute To Celebrate 25 Years with Art Auction The Temple Institute will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a gala dinner and art auction Wednesday November 14th in Dallas, Texas.

* FM: Israel will act on Iran as it did in Iraq, Syria Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman said on Wednesday that Israel's handling of the Iranian threat will be the same as actions taken against Iraq and Syria.

* Palestinian refugees in Jordan want return to Israel The aroma of toasted coffee mixes with sounds of vendors shouting from behind shabby stalls in the market of the Baqaa camp for Palestinian refugees.

* European workers stage austerity protests Workers across the European Union are staging a series of protests and strikes against rising unemployment and austerity measures.

* Netanyahu and Barak in Golan Uncertain of What the Future Holds Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak visited the Golan Heights Wednesday afternoon.

* Riots in Jordan May Spark Arab Spring Revolution Sharp price hikes in Jordan have fanned the flames of anger and sparked riots that the Muslim Brotherhood warns could be the beginning of another Arab Spring revolution across the river from Israel's eastern border.

* Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood Blames Israel for Escalation Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, the parent movement of Hamas and the movement to which President Mohammed Morsi belongs, sharply criticized Israel on Tuesday over the escalation in the south.

11/13/12

* Israel considers resumption of Gaza assassinations Israel is considering resuming its contentious practice of assassinating militant leaders in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

* Nasrallah touts lack of IDF response to drone as sign of Hezbollah's might Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said Monday that Israel's lack of response to the drone that entered its airspace in October was a sign of the Shiite militia's newfound strength.

* Google report reveals sharp increase in government requests for users' data Government surveillance of citizens' online lives is rising sharply around the world, according to Google's latest report.

* Egypt's Constitution Draft Based on Islam Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood-led government is suggesting that the country's new constitution be based on the principles of Islam.

* Abbas Confirms UN Bid for November 29 Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas announced on Monday that the PA will present its bid for non-state UN membership.

* Iran unveils new missile systems during army drills Iran unveiled new missile and artillery systems on Tuesday.

* 'Over 50% chance for Iran conflict in coming year' David Gergen, senior political analyst for CNN, has said that the chances for conflict with Iran erupting in the next two to 24 months are greater than 50 percent.

* David Petraeus CIA scandal engulfs US Gen John Allen One of the most senior generals in the US military has been linked to a woman involved in the downfall of CIA Director David Petraeus.

* Arafat's Tomb Sealed Off in Preparation of Exhumation Workers have sealed off the tomb of former Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat in Ramallah in preparation for the possible exhumation of his body.

* Mossad tried to kill Saddam in the 1970s In the 1970s, long before the West saw Saddam Hussein as a potentially mass-murdering despot, the Mossad tried to kill him with a bomb hidden in a book.

11/12/12

* Temple Mount: The ordinary made holy Sites and Insights: It's amazing that most important religious site was for centuries a mere elevated hill where farmers threshed wheat.

* IDF scores direct hit on Syrian target, after another mortar hits the Golan Israeli forces fire on source of shelling for first time; government officials unsure Syrian fire is unintentional.

* The approach of an unwanted war in Gaza Neither Israel nor Hamas nor Egypt seems to wish it, but as rocket fire intensifies again, a deeper conflict looms.

* Abbas "No" Puts Obama in His Place Obama called Abbas to express opposition to his bid to the UN. Abbas did what Netanyahu could never do - tell the president "no".

* Iran launches large-scale air defense drills Israel's precision air strike on Oct. 24, against the Yarmouk weapons production facility in the suburbs of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, was - apart from destroying a facility which provided rockets and missiles to Hamas to use against Israel - clearly intended to send a direct message to the Iranian political leadership that Israel could also successfully strike at nuclear weapons production facilities in Iran.

* Analysis: Hezbollah's lethal anti-Semitism Norway, Austria slam Lebanon-based Shi-ite group's Jew-hatred; EU efforts to ban terrorist group focus on anti-Jewish rhetoric.

* Israel a leader in some areas of space exploration State has launched 13 satellites that have collectively accumulated 66 orbiting years and achieved 100% orbit mission successes.

* U.S. seen passing Saudis as global oil king by 2020 The global energy market is in for a major shake-up over the next eight years.

* Iraq government split over canceled $4.2 billion arms deal with Russia Iraq, in a move that could divide the government, has canceled a major weapons deal with Russia.

* David Petraeus: Broadwell affair was 'colossal mistake' Former CIA director David Petraeus has acknowledged his extra-marital affair was a "colossal mistake", his former spokesman has told ABC News.

11/10/12

* Yaalon Warns Syria: Israel Will Act to Defend its Citizens After condemnation by the United Nations and Israeli warnings to Syria not to enter the demilitarized buffer zone have done nothing to halt the numerous incidences of Syrian spill over into the Golan Heights, Israel's deputy prime minister Moshe Yaalon warned Damascus on Friday that it would act to defend its sovereignty.

* As major Chinese leadership change begins, questions swirl Those who think the U.S. electoral college is a complicated system for choosing a leader should take a look at China right now.

* Army jeep reportedly struck by anti-tank missile on Gaza border An Israeli army jeep on Saturday afternoon was reportedly hit by an anti-tank missile on the Gaza border, east of Gaza City.

* Iraq cancels $4.2bn Russian arms deal over 'corruption' Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has suspicions about corruption within his own team.

* PA: There's no going back on decision to go to UN The Palestinian Authority Saturday denied that PA President Mahmoud Abbas was considering postponing a request to the UN to upgrade the status of a Palestinian state.

* Gmail probe led FBI to CIA chief David Petraeus's affair CIA director David Petraeus's extra-marital affair, which forced him to resign, was uncovered during an investigation into a potential breach of his Gmail account.

* Kessler: FBI Investigation Led to Petraeus Resignation The resignation of David H. Petraeus as CIA director followed an FBI investigation of many months, raising the question of why he was not forced out until after the election.

* 10,000 Rally in Cairo, Demand Sharia Law More than 10,000 ultraconservative Muslims demonstrated Friday in Tahrir Square central Cairo, demanding that Egypt's new constitution be based on the rulings of Islamic Sharia law.

* New euro notes to show tragic princess In Greek mythology, the Phoenician princess Europa was abducted and raped by the king of the gods, Zeus.

* Saudis set to buy 25 US army planes in $6.7b. deal Saudi Arabia plans to buy 20 C-130J military transport planes, five KC-130J refueling aircraft (Hercules) and related equipment from Lockheed Martin Corp. valued at about $6.7 billion, the Pentagon said.

11/09/12

* Yair Lapid: The PA Will Give Up Jerusalem If Israel does not compromise on the unity of Jerusalem, or on the so-called "right of return," the Palestinian Authority will give up on both, political newcomer Yair Lapid, head of the Yesh Atid party, argued.

* How is China choosing its new leaders? Given China's powerful economy and increasing military clout, there is heightened international interest in the country's upcoming change in leadership.

* As thousands flee Syria, Assad denies civil war claims Syrian President Bashar al-Assad denied there was a civil war in his country as the number of refugees fleeing the conflict surged.

* Sudan's Bashir denounces Israel as enemy Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir says his country is seeking the capability to defend itself against Israeli strikes.

* Twelve EU countries likely to back Palestine's UN bid Palestine can count on about 12 Yes votes by EU countries when it tries to upgrade its UN status, in a move expected later this month.

* Thousands of Islamists protest for sharia in Egypt Thousands of Islamists rallied in Cairo on Friday to demand immediate introduction of sharia.

* Ya'alon: We've sent warning messages to Syria Israel has sent a number of warning messages to Syria and is ready to defend itself, Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya'alon said.

* EU to be federalised in the long run, Merkel says The EU commission will eventually become a government, the council of member states an "upper chamber" and the European Parliament more powerful.

* CIA Director Petraeus resigns over affair CIA Director David Petraeus resigned his post as head of the nation's leading spy agency.

* Peres pushes Putin on Iran nuclear issue Israel and Russia share a joint understanding that problems such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be resolved and the only way to reach a settlement is through dialogue.

11/08/12

* House Panel to Hold Closed Hearing on Deadly Libya Attack The U.S. House Intelligence Committee is planning to hold a closed hearing next week to discuss the brutal attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

* Turkey to Ask NATO for Patriot Missiles on Syrian Border Turkey is planning to ask NATO for Patriot missiles to help defend its southern region from Syria.

* China congress: Hu Jintao opens party meeting on leadership change Addressing more than 2,000 delegates, Mr Hu said that a failure to tackle the issue "could prove fatal to the party".

* Obama win opens way for new Mideast push: Blair President Barack Obama's election victory opens the way for renewed efforts to revive moribund peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

* Peres warns: Iran threatening another Holocaust President Shimon Peres joined Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday to inaugurate the city's brand new Russian Jewish museum and tolerance center.

* Israeli history of the week: Early videotapes The Library of Congress has recently digitalized a collection of over 10,000 photographs and videos taken by the "American Colony" in Jerusalem.

* Muslim Brotherhood: Obama Needs To 'Accept The Will Of The Arab People' Islamists in the Middle East are speaking out following President Barack Obama's re-election Tuesday night.

* For Pakistani Flag Industry, Obama Victory May Be Encouraging Many Pakistanis fear that President Barack Obama's re-election will mean a surge in American drone strikes.

* Egypt says it will back Palestinian bid to upgrade status at UN Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohammad Kamel Amr said on Thursday that his country would support the Palestinian bid to become a nonmember state at the United Nations.

* PM says conducting 'business as usual' with US Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he is conducting "business as usual" with the United States two days after the US President Barack Obama's reelection for a second term.

11/07/12

* President Barack Obama defeats Romney to win re-election President Barack Obama has been re-elected to a second term, defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

* Netanyahu: Israel-US alliance 'stronger than ever' Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu congratulated US President Barack Obama on Wednesday for winning a second term.

* Abbas, Erekat hope Obama will push for peace Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday congratulated US President Barack Obama for his reelection victory.

* Egypt's Mursi Hopes Obama Victory Will Boost 'Friendship' Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi on Wednesday congratulated President Barack Obama on his re-election victory.

* Obama re-election signals new phase in Syria war Western efforts to oust Syrian President Bashar Assad shifted dramatically Wednesday.

* Iran to take part in nuclear-free Middle East talks Iran, accused by the West of seeking to develop a nuclear weapons capability.

* Voters Backed Changes in Western Values American voters not only re-elected President Barack Obama, they also supported, in some states, change in traditional Western values by favoring marijuana and marriage among homosexuals, strictly prohibited by the Bible.

* Exit Polls: Obama Won 69% of Jewish Vote President Barack Obama won 69 percent of the Jewish vote, compared with 78 percent in 2008.

* Second time around, Obama victory fails to enthuse Arab world Arab commentators were divided Wednesday on whether Barack Obama's victory in the US presidential race bodes well for future Arab-American relations.

* Merkel calls Christianity world's 'most persecuted' religion Opposition lawmakers and human rights groups are criticizing German Chancellor Angela Merkel for claiming that Christianity is "the most persecuted religion worldwide."

11/06/12

* US election: Tight race for Obama and Romney Tens of millions of Americans are voting to decide whether to re-elect Democratic President Barack Obama or hand the job to Republican Mitt Romney.

* Romney and Obama - Both Say They Will Win Both President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney say they will win the presidential election Tuesday, but the winner may not be known for days, or weeks, if the initial results are near a tie.

* PM: In my tenure Iran won't develop nuclear bomb Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has pledged that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons if he is reelected on January 22.

* Netanyahu: I Will Attack Iran Alone if Necessary Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu promised on Monday that by the time his next term as Prime Minister is over, Iran will not have a nuclear weapons program.

* IDF Jeep Hit by Syrian Gunfire on Golan Heights An Israeli military jeep was hit Monday by Syrian gunfire on the Golan Heights.

* Russian Sub Skirts Coast A Russian nuclear-powered attack submarine cruised within 200 miles of the East Coast recently in the latest sign Russia is continuing to flex its naval and aerial power against the United States.

* Secret war against Iran heating up From a suspected Israeli airstrike in Sudan to cyber warfare in the Gulf and a drone shot down over Israel, the largely hidden war between Iran and its foes seems to be heating up and spreading.

* Hamas 'Planning Suicide Attacks from Judea and Samaria' According to websites associated with the Fatah movement, Hamas is planning to carry out suicide attacks against Israel from Judea and Samaria.

* US Drops Terror Sanctions Against Hamas-Linked American Citizen The U.S. Treasury Department on Monday dropped its sanctions against the only resident American citizen believed to be labeled a "specially designated terrorist".

* Sources: Israel Plans to Stop Annual PA 'Statehood Circus' As the PA is apparently gearing up to once again demand that the United Nations recognize its bid for statehood, Israel is again preparing to marshal its resources to prevent that recognition from taking place.

11/04/12

* US heads for cliffhanger election US presidential rivals Barack Obama and Mitt Romney face a final sprint across swing states for undecided voters, on their last day of campaigning.

* Stay on the alert, chief of staff tells troops on Syrian border Benny Gantz warns of dangers of further spillover from Syrian civil war following Saturday's Syrian tank incursion into the DMZ.

* Iran Claims to be Testing Latest Drone Iranian experts have succeeded in building a vertical take-off and landing drone which will be unveiled in the coming months.

* 50 Dead in Massive Syrian Suicide Bombing At least 50 are dead following a massive suicide bombing in central Syria, activists and state media report.

* Israel's successful Sudan air strike delivered a pointed message to Iran Israel's precision air strike on Oct. 24, against the Yarmouk weapons production facility in the suburbs of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, was - apart from destroying a facility which provided rockets and missiles to Hamas to use against Israel - clearly intended to send a direct message to the Iranian political leadership that Israel could also successfully strike at nuclear weapons production facilities in Iran.

* Sudanese Islamist: Obama Should Win, 'Baraka' Means Blessing A Sudanese opposition leader with links to al-Qaeda and Muslim Brotherhood said he hopes Obama will get re-elected Tuesday.

* US sees ECB chief as 'Mr Euro' The US Treasury has lobbied the European Central Bank (ECB) more than any other EU body on the eruo crisis, a new study shows.

* Center: Base practices coming under missile attack Drill reflects IDF assessment that in next round of fighting, Hezbollah will direct attacks at military nerve centers deep in Israel.

* Navy test-fires missiles from robot boats U.S. Navy ships face the growing threat of small boat swarms used by terrorists, pirates or enemy countries. New testing has shown off a possible counter that looks strangely similar except for the lack of human sailors — small robot boats armed with missiles.

* US military delegation visits Egypt's Sinai Egyptian and American officials say the deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command is paying a visit to American troops stationed in Egypt's troubled Sinai Peninsula, which has been plagued by lawlessness and hit by a string of militant attacks.

11/03/12

* Pentagon: Secret U.S. military commandos deployed to Libya Classified United States military units are operating in the region near Libya since the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, according to the director of operations for the Pentagon's Joint Staff.

* Iranians mark 'Day of Fighting the Global Arrogance' Protestors gather outside former US embassy in Tehran to celebrate 33rd anniversary of the Iranian hostage crisis.

* Islamists protest in Cairo, call for Sharia law More than 1,000 Egyptians descend on Tahrir Square to demand the incorporation of Islamic law into new constitution.

* Tony Blair: the EU needs a president Tony Blair has said the EU would be better off with a directly elected president, as he warned deep political rifts between countries could lead to a break-up.

* Jerusalem Mayor: Let My People Pray Jerusalem mayor calls to end discrimination, let Jews pray on the Temple Mount.

* 'PLO leader backs Jordan annexation of W. Bank' New proposal suggests establishment of a Palestinian-Jordanian confederation, Kaddoumi tells 'Al-Quds Al-Arabi.'

* Report: Radical Islamists made 'hundreds of visits' to Obama White House President Barack Obama has provided what was termed unprecedented access to supporters of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood and the Palestinian Hamas, a report said.

* Mother places suicide belt on child, on Fatah Facebook page in Lebanon Mother places suicide belt on her child: "I will put it on you and you will go to your death," on Fatah-Lebanon Facebook page.

* US Elections: Why Israel is a 'red state' Poll after poll shows Israelis favor Republican candidate Mitt Romney over US President Barack Obama. This even though their American Jewish brethren hold the opposite point of view. Why?

* Turkish PM in talks with Hamas to visit Gaza Erdogan would become second head of state to visit Strip since Hamas takeover in 2007.

11/2/12

* Jerusalem Mayor: Let My People Pray Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has come out against the ongoing discrimination against Jews on the Temple Mount.

* Pentagon: Secret U.S. military commandos deployed to Libya Classified United States military units are operating in the region near Libya since the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi.

* Sinai Salafists threaten Israel, Egypt security Security in the increasingly lawless Sinai Peninsula continued to be a pressing issue in both Egypt and Israel this week.

* Abbas calls on PM to return to the negotiating table Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called on Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday to return to the negotiating table.

* Firebombs Most Common Form of Terrorism in Judea and Samaria Firebomb attacks continued to be the most common form of terrorism in Judea and Samaria during the month of October.

* Muslim Clerics: Sandy is Divine Punishment Muslim clerics have claimed that Hurricane Sandy, which hit the United States this week, was a divine punishment for a film mocking the prophet Mohammed.

* Iran Media: U.S. Admiral Fired for 'Republican-Israeli' Plot State-owned Iranian news outlet Press TV claims that U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Charles M. Gaouette, head of the John C. Stennis carrier group, who has been recalled for "inappropriate leadership judgment," was part of a plot to overthrow the U.S. government if Barack Obama should be re-elected as president.

* Iran Army stages exercise near Iraq border The Iranian Army has conducted a combat air and ground exercise.

* 'America Wants Bloodshed,' Syrian Opposition Source Claims The United States wants the bloody civil war in Syria to continue, a leading opposition figure has accused.

* Hague tribunal slams Iran for mass murder A non-binding legal tribunal in The Hague consisting of political victims of Iran's regime in the 1980s issued an interim report in late October slamming Tehran's clerical leaders for massive human rights violations.

11/01/12

* Military chief: EU becoming 'marginal' in Asia-centric world EU countries must share military resources or become "marginal" powers on the world stage, a Swedish general has said.

* Hezbollah's latest muscle-flexing shows it is under duress and looking for a fight Hezbollah has been flexing its muscles of late, sending a drone into Israel and establishing a surveillance and telecommunication system along the border.

* Barak: Israel won't outsource its security to anyone Israel will not outsource its vital security interests to anyone.

* Egypt's Brotherhood: Shariah must be charter base Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood said Wednesday it is committed to enshrining Islamic Shariah law as the main source of a new constitution.

* US warns Israel off pre-emptive strike on Iran US military commanders have warned their Israeli counterparts that any action against Iran would severely limit the ability of American forces in the region to mount their own operations against the Iranian nuclear program.

* Israeli history photo of the week: German emperor The Library of Congress has recently digitalized a collection of over 10,000 photographs, taken by the "American Colony" in Jerusalem.

* PLO leader calls for 'return' of W. Bank to Jordan Farouk Kaddoumi, a veteran PLO official, dropped a political bombshell Wednesday with a call for "returning" the West Bank to Jordan.

* U.S. Monitoring Iran's Activities in Sudan The United States said on Wednesday it was monitoring a visit by two Iranian warships to a Sudanese port this week.

* Syrian jets pound rebel strongholds across country Syrian warplanes pounded opposition strongholds around Damascus and in the north Wednesday as President Bashar Assad's forces intensified airstrikes following the failure of a U.N.-backed cease-fire.

* Morsi removed Arab peace plan from UN speech Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi omitted from his United Nations speech an affirmation of the Arab League peace plan that was in the advance text of his address.