03/30/13

* The Garden Tomb: Where Jesus Rose Again? On Easter Sunday, millions of Christians around the world will be celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

* Jesus' crucifixion marked in Jerusalem Hundreds of Christians streamed through the cobblestone alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City on Friday.

* Obama promoted Egypt-Iran-Turkey alliance in 'tense' Israel meeting Diplomatic sources said President Barack Obama has proposed an alliance by Egypt, Iran and Turkey.

* Israeli intel: Iran has deployed 50,000 troops in Syria Israel's intelligence community has determined that Iran deployed 50,000 troops in Syria.

* Syrian opposition: Iranian arms on way to Assad Sources in the Syrian opposition said on Saturday that a ship carrying Iranian arms sailing under a Tanzanian flag was in the Red Sea.

* Pope prays for 'Muslim brothers' in Easter ritual Two young women and two Muslims were among 12 people whose feet Pope Francis washed and kissed.

* North Korea enters 'state of war' with South North Korea has said it is entering a "state of war" with South Korea in the latest escalation of rhetoric against its neighbour and the US.

* Big depositors in Cyprus to lose far more than feared Big depositors in Cyprus's largest bank stand to lose far more than initially feared under a European Union rescue package.

* 'Jew in the box' exhibit at Jewish Museum in Germany causes stir "Are there still Jews in Germany?" "Are the Jews a chosen people?".

* Priestly Blessing at Kotel: Photos Thousands attended the traditional Passover priestly blessing, or Birkat Cohanim, at the Kotel. 

03/29/13

* Jews Flock to Jerusalem - Pictures Jews flocked to Jerusalem this week for the Passover holiday.

* Thousands take part in Land Day rallies Some 2,000 Arab-Israelis participated in a Land Day march in Taibe.

* Israeli Cabinet minister makes rare visit to Temple Mount Housing Minister Uri Ariel became the first serving Cabinet minister in recent memory to visit the Temple Mount.

* Iran, N. Korea, Syria Block Arms Trade Treaty Iran, North Korea and Syria twice blocked attempts at the United Nations on Thursday to agree on the first treaty on the conventional arms trade.

* Egypt Arrests Scuba Divers Accused of Cutting Internet Cables The Egyptian military has arrested three scuba divers accused of cutting an undersea Internet cable off the coast of the northern city of Alexandria.

* North Korea tensions: Russia's Lavrov fears 'spiral' The North Korean situation could spiral out of control, Russia has warned.

* Cypriot banks re-open without panic Cyprus' banks opened without panic on Thursday (March 28) after a 10 day lockout as the government struggled to agree a 10 billion rescue package.

* Cyprus becomes first ever euro-country to impose cash controls Cyprus will become the first ever eurozone country to impose capital controls.

* Navy Wants Lasers on Marines' Trucks to Shoot Down Drones If there was any doubt that the military has new confidence in its forthcoming laser arsenal, the Navy’s top geeks want to outfit Marines with a laser cannon.

* Iran said advancing 'at murderous pace,' could have bomb by July Iran could have the capability to build a nuclear bomb by July. 

03/28/13

* Thousands gather at Western Wall for priestly blessing Thousands gathered at the Western Wall plaza in the Old City of Jerusalem on Thursday to celebrate the traditional priestly blessing.

* UN sees Syrian war spilling into Israel It's no longer only Israel that is concerned that the Syrian civil war could cross borders.

* Hamas boasts of 'persuading Israeli spies to repent' Hamas on Wednesday boasted of its success in persuading purported collaborators with Israel to admit their crime and repent.

* Israel's Jewish population passes 6 million mark Israel's population has crossed the eight million threshold over Passover.

* Putin orders surprise Black Sea military exercises Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered surprise military exercises in the Black Sea region, to test the armed forces' battle readiness.

* Cyprus banks reopen amid tight security and tough curbs Branches were replenished with cash overnight and police were deployed amid fears of a run on the banks.

* Syria crisis: University of Damascus hit by mortars Mortar fire has hit the University of Damascus, killing 15 students, Syrian state media say.

* US B-2 stealth bombers in South Korea drill The US has flown two B-2 stealth bombers over South Korea as part of a military exercise.

* Thousands Visit Ancient Shilo Thousands of people visited ancient Shilo, in the Binyamin region - site of the ancient Tabernacle that preceded the Jewish Temple.

* The final days of the UN's Golan peacekeepers? Peacekeepers, the blue-helmeted warriors of the United Nations, know what to do when two attacking armies begin to advance toward one another. 

03/27/13

* Feiglin: State Buying Muslim Honor with Israeli Pride Israel is sacrificing its sovereignty and national honor for the sake of Muslim quiet, MK Moshe Feiglin (Likud) said Wednesday, after he was barred from the Temple Mount.

* North Korea to cut all channels with South as "war may break out any time" Reclusive North Korea is to cut the last channel of communications with the South because war could break out at "any moment".

* Ahmadinejad hits the road to pitch his political heir During a celebration last week to mark the Persian new year, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did something quietly remarkable.

* Erdogan: Homosexuality 'contrary to Islam' Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan called homosexuality a "sexual preference" and said it conflicted with the "culture of Islam".

* Syrian Cleric Supported Blowing Up American and Israeli Targets A Syrian Sunni cleric who was killed last week in a suicide bomb attack on a central Damascus mosque has in the past expressed support for Hizbullah.

* Abbas accuses Israel of 'destructive' J'lem plan Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday accused Israel of carrying out a "destructive" plan against Jerusalem.

* Gay marriage: Supreme Court hears Defense of Marriage Act case The US Supreme Court is considering whether to strike down a law denying federal benefits to same-sex couples, a day after weighing a gay marriage ban.

* Egyptian mosque turned into house of torture for Christians after Muslim Brotherhood protest Islamic hard-liners stormed a mosque in suburban Cairo, turning it into torture chamber for Christians.

* PA: We don't want Turkish PM to visit Gaza The Palestinian Authority is opposed to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's intention to visit the Gaza Strip.

* Global internet slows after 'biggest attack in history' The internet around the world has been slowed down in what security experts are describing as the biggest cyber-attack of its kind in history.

03/26/13

* Supreme Court weighs in on gay marriage The court could uphold the 2008 ban, narrowly overturn it, or invalidate all state same-sex marriage bans in the US.

* Al Qaeda brigade captures Syrian-Israeli-Jordanian border junction The highly strategic intersection of the Syrian, Israeli and Jordan borders, just east of the Golan, was captured by the Al Musanna Brigade of al Qaeda's Syrian arm.

* Israeli military states it was returning fire from Syria The Israel Army has resumed fire into neighboring Syria.

* Mortars strike Damascus Mortar rounds struck several areas of Damascus on Tuesday, killing up to four people, a government official said.

* Opposition takes Syria seat at Arab League summit Syria's opposition National Coalition has taken the country's official seat at the Arab League summit in Qatar.

* Passover on the battlefields of the US Civil War It was April 24, 1864, at the height of the American Civil War, and in between his duties as an infantryman, young Isaac J. Levy sat down in camp.

* North Korea orders artillery to be combat ready, targeting U.S. bases North Korea said on Tuesday its strategic rocket and long-range artillery units have been ordered to be combat ready, targeting U.S. military bases on Guam, Hawaii and mainland.

* Obama hosts Passover Seder, enthuses about Israel visit US President Barack Obama hosted a Passover Seder Monday, in what has become an annual White House tradition.

* Euro chief spooks markets with Cyprus comments Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem on Monday (25 March) spooked markets when he said that Cyprus' bailout is a template for future eurozone bank re-structurings - comments he later modified.

* Jordan shuts Syria border crossing, UN pulls staff Jordan closed its main border crossing with Syria on Monday after two days of fighting there between Syrian troops and rebel fighters.

03/25/13

* IDF Imposes Passover Closure on PA Areas IDF imposes a general closure on PA-assigned areas ahead of the Passover holiday. It will be in effect until Tuesday at 11:59 p.m.

* Pesach (Passover) Holiday to Begin Monday Eve Jewish families world over will sit down to the Seder Monday night, read the Haggadah and recall the Exodus. Chag Sameach!Happy Holiday!

* UN reports major increase in Israeli air activity over Lebanon 10 days ago, in particularly unusual incident, 25 Israeli jets flew missions along the Lebanese coast, reports say; Israeli drones also flew over Hezbollah areas in south.

* 'Egypt seizes weaponry, arrests terrorists in Sinai' Sinai security forces arrest 25 Hamas, Al-Qaida terrorists; police reveal workshop producing fake army uniforms near Cairo.

* Temple Activists Detained, Lamb Seized Several Temple Movement activists tried to make the Pesach sacrifice on the Temple Mount.

* '64% of Americans want military action to stop Iran' Pew Research poll also finds 49% of Americans sympathize with Israel more than Palestinians, while only 12% said reverse.

* China President Xi Jinping hails ties with Africa New President Xi Jinping has hailed the strength of China's ties with African nations.

* Cyprus defends bailout deal amid recession fears The government of Cyprus has defended a 10bn-euro bailout deal to save its banks from collapse, amid warnings the island faces deep recession.

* Apple can now track you indoors Still recovering from the backlash to its flawed Maps app, Apple is looking to beef up the iPhone's indoor location capabilities by acquiring WiFiSlam. 

* Israel fights off locust scourge on Passover eve Crop dusters bombard latest swarm of grasshoppers with pesticide in an effort to save south's crops

03/23/13

* Obama ends Middle East trip with visit to Petra ruins US President Barack Obama has ended his visit to the Middle East with a trip to the famous ruins of the ancient city of Petra in Jordan.

* Xi Jinping: Russia-China ties 'guarantee world peace' Mr Xi, on his first official overseas trip as leader, has already met President Vladimir Putin.

* As Obama flies home, Kerry gets down to business US Secretary of State John Kerry is meeting Israeli and Palestinian leaders to further explore options for relaunching stalled peace talks after President Barack Obama's Mideast trip this week.

* Erdogan backtracks on understandings with Netanyahu Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared to backtrack Saturday on understandings reached with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a dramatic US-brokered phone call.

* Dinosaur-killing space rock 'was a comet' Researchers in New Hampshire suggest the 180km-wide Chicxulub crater in Mexico was carved out by a smaller object than previously thought.

* Pope Francis visit Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo Newly elected Pope Francis has met his predecessor for lunch, the first time such a meeting has been possible for more than 600 years.

* Cyprus weighs big bank levy; bailout goes down to wire The island's finance minister, Michael Sarris, reported "significant progress" in talks with international lenders.

* What is the Free Syrian Army? An inside look Last month, I visited northern Syria three times with the Free Syrian Army (FSA).

* Thousands of protesters, Islamists clash in Cairo Several thousand opponents of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood clashed with supporters of the Islamist group.

* 'Obama to Abbas: Don't go to ICC over settlements' US President Barack Obama asked Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during his visit to Israel.

03/22/13

* Jerusalem police restrict Temple Mount entry Jerusalem's police force announced late Thursday that access to the Temple Mount would be restricted on Friday.

* Obama rounds up Mideast trip with two-day visit to Jordan Jordan's king and his nation's top military brass welcomed President Barack Obama to Jordan.

* 'Most Palestinians hate Obama'; US president gets heated reception in West Bank John Kerry, the US secretary of state, hit the red carpet first, followed by Barack Obama.

* Temple Groups Practice Passover Sacrifice Jewish groups held a mock Passover sacrifice on Thursday opposite the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

* Historic visit comes to close, Obama departs Israel With the red carpet rolled out behind him, US President Barack Obama boarded Air Force One and departed Israel.

* Netanyahu apologizes to Turkey over Gaza flotilla In a dramatic development that occurred just as US President Barack Obama was leaving the country, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke with Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan.

* Obama's Israel visit leaves Arabs upset The warm and friendly visit of US President Barack Obama to Israel was bound to lead to criticism from the Muslim world.

* Cyprus crisis: Coming hours 'to decide' fate The coming hours will decide Cyprus' fate as it struggles to meet the terms of an international financial bailout.

* Obama's Middle East policy in tatters: Column President Obama's first journey to Israel as president comes amid earth-shattering change in Middle East.

* Cyprus on the brink of euro exit after ECB ultimatum Cyprus is on the brink of bankruptcy and of becoming the first-ever country to leave the euro after the European Central Bank (ECB) issued an ultimatum.

03/21/13

* Khamenei: Iran Will 'Annihilate' Tel Aviv, Haifa Iran will "annihilate" the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa if it comes under attack by the Jewish state, "supreme leader" Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Thursday.

* Flustered Barack Obama on the back foot over Israeli settlements In a stark contrast to his smooth-running public appearances with Israeli leaders, the US president found himself on the back foot when forced to address the issue after a 90-minute meeting with Mr Abbas.

* Obama's mixed message: Jews should leave biblical heartland When he arrived in Israel on Wednesday, US President Barack Obama clearly and unequivocally reaffirmed the historical and biblical connection of the Jewish people to this land.

* Obama: Palestinians 'deserve' a negotiated state President Obama told Palestinians they "deserve an end to occupation" and an "independent state of their own."

* Large Arab Anti-Obama Protest as President Goes to Ramallah As U.S. President Barack H. Obama arrived in Ramallah for talks with Palestinian Authority officials, a large anti-Obama demonstration was taking place a few blocks away from the Muqata.

* Turkey Kurds: PKK chief Ocalan calls for ceasefire The jailed leader of Kurdish rebels fighting Turkey, Abdullah Ocalan, has called for a truce after years of war.

* Ban on Passover sacrifice gets groups' goat The Association of Temple Organizations, refused permission to perform its annual Passover sacrifice reenactment by the Jerusalem Veterinary Services.

* President Obama Hails 'Twilight of Israel's Founding Generation' U.S. President Barack Obama addressed a young audience in Jerusalem Thursday afternoon with a message that some will see as inspiring, and others as incitement.

* Obama Visits Israel Museum, Sees the Dead Sea Scrolls The Israel Museum in Jerusalem is the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel and is ranked among the world's leading art and archaeology museums.

* Russian PM lectures Barroso on Cyprus Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev humbled European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso in public remarks on Thursday (21 March) over the EU's handling of Cyprus.

03/20/13

* God, Obama or Uri Ariel? The question of whether divine or earthly powers control building on the Temple Mount was asked jokingly as Attias handed over the Construction and Housing Ministry to Uri Ariel.

* Israeli sources: Chemical weapons used in Syria Chemical weapons were used on civilians in Syria on Tuesday.

* Obama: Israel's founding an unparalleled story of redemption US President Barack Obama landed at Ben-Gurion Airport on Wednesday for his first trip to Israel as president.

* Suits, flags, and colorful hats: Obama comes to Israel The United States was in full imperial power-projection mode Wednesday at Ben-Gurion Airport.

* US Pres. Obama in Israel: 'Peace Must Come to Holy Land' "Peace must come to the Holy Land," proclaimed US President Barack Obama on Wednesday after stepping down on to the tarmac at Ben Gurion Int'l Airport.

* Steinitz: 'Apparently Clear Chemical Weapons Used in Syria' Either Syrian rebels or the Damascus regime have used chemical weapons in the country's two-year civil war.

* Netanyahu Invited to Russia To Discuss Mideast Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been invited to Moscow by President Vladimir Putin to discuss the current crises involving Syria and Iran.

* Peres hosts Obama in Jerusalem President Barack Obama is making his first visit to Israel as president.

* Cypriot minister in Moscow as Putin enters bailout crisis Cypriot finance minister Michalis Sarris headed for Moscow early on Wednesday (20 March) for talks with his Russian counterpart.

* 'Israel Needs a Credible Military Option on Iran' Former Israel Air Force Commander Ido Nechushtan said Tuesday that Israel needed a "credible military option" against Iran.

03/19/13

* Pope Francis in plea for poor as inauguration Mass held Pope Francis has inaugurated his papacy at a Mass in Rome, calling on global leaders and all the people of the world to defend the poor and the weak.

* Baghdad hit by deadly blasts on invasion anniversary Up to 60 people have been killed in a series of car and suicide bombings mainly in Shia areas in and around Iraq's capital, Baghdad, officials say.

* In the West Bank as Obama visits, a subtle escalation of violence A mid-level army officer in the Bethlehem region, whose command covers 300,000 Palestinians and 100,000 Israelis, stood on a flat patch of earth just above the Jerusalem-Hebron route recently and pointed to a scythe-like bend in the road.

* Obama's Israel visit sparks letter-writing blitz in Congress On the eve of President Barack Obama's trip to Israel, both houses of Congress sent letters to the president praising him for the visit.

* Kerry arrives in Israel, paving the way for Obama visit US Secretary of State John Kerry was set to arrive in Israel on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., some 19 hours before US President Barack Obama is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday.

* US: 'No reason to believe' Syrian rebels using WMD The US State Department on Tuesday said it had no reason to believe Syrian government charges that rebels had used chemical weapons in the country's civil war.

* Bethlehem removes historic 'Palestine' monument The Bethlehem Municipality has removed a stone monument of historic Palestine out of concern that US President Barack Obama would see it during his visit.

* Ties with Netanyahu very strong, says Abdullah Jordanian King Abdullah in a series of exclusive interviews with American magazine The Atlantic said that his relationship with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is "very strong."

* Blair: Iraq uprising would have been 'worse than Syria' Iraqis would have rebelled against Saddam Hussein if there had been no invasion and it would have been "a lot worse than Syria", Tony Blair has said.

* Cyprus overshadows EU leaders' Berlin meeting A dinner on Monday evening (18 March) in the German chancellery with Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, EU commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso that should have been about Europe's competitiveness was overshadowed.

03/18/13

* PM: There is No Jewish Future Without Israel Binyamin Netanyahu said that his objective as Prime Minister is to "ensure the future of the Jewish people".

* Obama to travel Jerusalem in 'The Beast' US president to ride around capital in moving fortress; 5,000 policemen to secure his every move

* Syria opposition to set up interim government Syria's main opposition group is launching its most serious attempt yet to form a rival government to President Bashar Assad's regime.

* Why Obama visiting the Dead Sea Scrolls is important US President Barack Obama appears to be warming up to Israel ahead of his visit later this week. 

* Saddam's specter lives on in Iraqi landmarks Monuments built by the dictator to celebrate his country's grandeur now serve as a reminder of his tyranny.

* Van Rompuy to retire from EU politics next year EU council chief Herman Van Rompuy on Sunday (17 March) said he will retire from politics when his mandate ends next year.

* Mariana Trench: Deepest ocean 'teems with microbes' The deepest place in the ocean is teeming with microscopic life, a study suggests.

* 'Facebook, Twitter are the true leaders of the Arab Spring' Due to social media, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon are no longer countries in the conventional sense, says top defense official.

* UN Demands Israel Freeze All Construction in Judea, Samaria The United Nations has demanded that Israel immediately freeze all construction in Judea, Samaria and significant parts of Jerusalem.

* Feiglin to be Deputy Knesset Speaker Netanyahu decides to promote his former arch-foe within Likud to the important position of Deputy Speaker.

03/16/13

* Syria regime expands use of cluster bombs: report The Syrian regime is expanding its use of widely banned cluster bombs, an international human rights group said Saturday as the deadlocked conflict entered its third year.

* Arab League calls on Gulf states to act, not just condemn Iran The Arab League has been urged to act against Iran, accused of undermining regional security.

* Obama heads to Middle East with low expectations Obama heads to Middle East with low expectations.

* The photos Saudi Arabia doesn't want seen - and proof Islam's most holy relics are being demolished in Mecca Archaeologists fear billion-pound development has led to destruction of key historical sites.

* 'CIA is collecting intelligence on Syrian rebels' 'LA Times' reports the US is collecting intelligence that would be used for possible drone strikes on extremists rebels.

* Pope Francis explains name, calls for church 'for the poor' The new pope gave an insight into his choice of the name Francis in an audience with journalists Saturday -- and said how he wished for a church that was both poor and "for the poor."

* Americans' sympathy for Israel at 22-year high Ahead of Obama's visit, Gallup poll finds 64% of Americans sympathize more with Israel, just 12% with the Palestinians.

* Temple-Times Passover Sacrifice Nixed by Government Veterinary Services officials say they won't authorize planned 'practice sacrifice' of Passover goat.

* Obama visit to stress plight of Mideast Christians Trip to Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity will 'underscore the need to protect the rights of minorities,' White House says.

* Netanyahu faces rocky future in new coalition Forced to rely on the support of two fast-rising rivals in his new governing coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now faces a reshaped and rocky landscape that could spell trouble ahead. 

03/15/13

* Netanyahu: We have a New Government Prime Minister writes citizens: "Thank you for awarding me the privilege of serving you as Prime Minister for the 3rd time."

* PM inks coalition deals with Bennett, Lapid Coalition negotiations came to an end after six weeks on Friday when Yesh Atid and Bayit Yehudi both signed coalition agreements with Likud Beytenu.

* 'Iranian arms could flood Syria if EU moves to arm rebels' European Union governments on Friday rejected Franco-British efforts to lift an EU arms embargo to allow weapons supplies to Syrian rebels.

* Francois Hollande defends Syria weapons plan France's president has defended his plan to supply arms to Syria's rebels, as activists mark two years since the anti-government uprising began.

* Pope Francis reaches out to Jews Like his predecessor, Pope Francis reached out to Rome's Jewish community at the very start of his pontificate.

* Russian Navy to establish a 'permanent' presence in the Mediterranean Russia, a leading ally of Syria, has decided to establish a permanent naval task force in the Mediterranean Sea.

* US to boost nuclear missile defences to counter North Korea US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has announced plans to boost missile defences on the US West Coast to counter the threat from North Korea.

* Iran nuclear weapon over a year away, says Obama US President Barack Obama has told an Israeli television channel it would take Iran "over a year or so" to develop a nuclear weapon.

* Three Russian warships headed for Syrian port Three Russian warships anchored in Beirut en route to the port of Tartus in Syria.

* More Farmers Taking Security into Their Own Hands Jewish farmers in Judea and Samaria are tired of looking for help that does not come in fighting an Arab crime wave.

03/14/13

* Fatwa issued against Muslim travel to Aksa Mosque The Palestine Scholars Association, a radical Islamic body in the Palestinian territories, issued a fatwa on Wednesday banning foreign Muslims from visiting the Temple Mount as long as Jerusalem is under Israeli control.

* Philippines to Keep UN Forces in Golan Heights The Philippines said Thursday it would keep its contingent of United Nations peacekeepers in the Golan Heights.

* Francis begins his challenging papacy Pope Francis has begun his first day at the helm of the Catholic Church, attempting to set out his vision for his papacy amid a testing schedule.

* Saudi mufti: Clerics should unite in fatwa on Assad Saudi religious leader Sheikh Ayed al-Qarni called this week for all Muslim scholars to issue a joint fatwa (religious ruling) against Syrian President Bashar Assad.

* Politics clouding Obama's coming visit to Israel A week before President Barack Obama is set to arrive in the region, Middle East politics are already casting a cloud over the visit.

* Maduro claims Chavez swung race for Argentine pope Venezuela's acting president Nicolas Maduro joked on Wednesday that late leftist president Hugo Chavez's recent death must have played into the selection of the first Latin American pope.

* Bethlehem Set to Host First 'Palestine Marathon' The town of Bethlehem is set to host its first-ever marathon next month in a race starting at the Nativity Church.

* LHC cements Higgs boson identification Scientists at the Large Hadron Collider say the particle outlined in July 2012 looks increasingly to be a Higgs boson.

* EU leaders welcome 'non-European' pope EU leaders have hailed the election of the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years.

* Israel's new gov't 'recognizes the importance of Bible study' One of the central themes of Israel's recent election was "sharing the burden," a reference to the long-standing exemption from military service of ultra-Orthodox Jews.

03/13/13

* On the Temple Mount, a battle brews over Jewish prayer On Tuesday, the struggle of Jewish women fighting to worship with prayer shawls at the Western Wall in Jerusalem received renewed attention.

* Taking refugees off the table At a small gathering last week in New York City's Harvard Club, former Labor and Independence MK Dr. Einat Wilf argued against an "insane" policy that was perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

* U.S. Intelligence Director: We'll Know if Iran Diverts Uranium Iran could not produce enough highly-enriched uranium for an atomic bomb without being detected.

* Russia warns UK on arming Syrian rebels Any attempt by the UK to arm Syrian rebels would be a breach of international law, Russia has warned.

* Israel's next government agreed: 4 parties, 68 members Six weeks of coalition talks drew toward a successful conclusion Wednesday evening, when the Likud finally conceded the Education Ministry to Yesh Atid's Yair Lapid.

* World poll: Image of U.S. declines Worldwide approval of U.S. leadership dipped considerably during President Barack Obama's fourth year in office - but it increased in some countries, including Mexico.

* Argentina's Jorge Mario Bergoglio elected Pope Francis I Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has greeted crowds in Rome's St Peter's Square after his election as the Catholic Church's new Pope.

* New Pope Said to Have Good Relations With Argentine Jews The Roman College of Cardinals on Monday evening elected Jorge Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, as its new Pope. Bergoglio, who has taken the name Francis I for his office, is the first Pope to be chosen from outside of Europe.

* Coalition Deal Seen as Great Achievement for Religious Zionism The coalition agreement that will send Israel's 33rd government on its way is to be signed Wednesday night.

* Israel's ultra-Orthodox are suddenly political outsiders As Israel's new government takes shape, the country's powerful ultra-Orthodox Jewish political parties seem poised to find themselves in unfamiliar territory.

03/12/13

* Activist: Regain the Sovereignty of the Temple Mount Rabbi Yehuda Glick, spokesman for the Jewish Temple organizations reiterated on Monday the call to establish an official commission of inquiry into Friday's events on the Temple Mount.

* Gantz: Syrian Rebels May Target Israel Next IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz warned on Monday that rebel terror groups fighting against Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad may target Israel next.

* US Spy Chief Warns of Cyber Danger and North Korea Threat US spy chief James Clapper on Tuesday warned that America faced a growing threat of a crippling cyber attack and voiced alarm over North Korea's recent "belligerent" rhetoric.

* 'Killing Jews Is Worship' Ad Campaign Rolled Out On SF Muni Buses A controversy has been re-ignited this week as ten new ads go up on San Francisco Muni buses containing quotes used by terrorists.

* Rome conclave: Cardinals begin voting for new Pope The 115 cardinal-electors were locked in the chapel after swearing an oath of secrecy.

* Iraqi who tried to topple Saddam statue regrets it Kadom al-Jabouri, who became famous 10 years ago for trying to topple a statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad with a sledgehammer, now tells the British Observer he regrets that the dictator was ousted because of the chaos that followed.

* Israel's Iron Dome: Doubts over success rate A leading US expert on missile defence has raised doubts about the efficacy of Israel's Iron Dome defence system.

* US Slaps Sanctions on North Korea's Primary Trade Bank The United States on Monday slapped sanctions on North Korea's primary foreign exchange bank as it bids to force the isolated nation to abandon its nuclear program.

* Defense Ministry to set up new cyber center The Ministry of Defense will set up a new cyber body to support Israeli defense industries in coping with cyber threats.

* Syria, China, Iran: 'Enemies of the Internet' Syria, China, Iran, Bahrain and Vietnam are flagrantly spying online.

03/11/13

* Unprecedented: Firebombs on Temple Mount Jewish Temple groups demand inquiry as videos show policeman's uniform alight after he was struck by a fire bomb.

* Hamas attacks Islamic tourism to Jerusalem Gaza government slams Israeli, PA initiatives; calls on Arab League and clerics to bar religious pilgrimages to the city

* An army of 10,000 Israeli police prepare for Obama visit Police Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says thousands of police, in cooperation with Shin Bet, will take part in securing the three-day visit by US president in biggest security preparation since George Bush visited in 2008.

* Rebels: Hizbullah training thousands in Bekaa Valley to turn tide in Syrian war Sunni rebels have asserted that the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah was organizing another major military expedition in Syria.

* Syrian Rebels Vow to Conquer Golan, Refugees Refuse Israeli Aid Syrian refugees might be desperate, injured and starving - but they won't accept Israeli aid, as rebels vow to reconquer the Golan Heights.

* Minister: Expect Violence for Obama Visit Public Security Minister Aharonovich: "The Palestinians have not said the final word yet."

* Europe still has 'sleeping war demons' Former Eurogroup chief Jean-Claude Juncker has warned of "sleeping war demons" in Europe and compared the current situation to the year before the outbreak of the first world war, when everybody took peace for granted.

* Israel launches Obama visit app for Android, iOS Israel is busy getting ready for US President Barack Obama's visit later this month. That means lots of security arrangements and tackling other logistical issues...and launching an official iPhone and Android app.

* 'Obama is a Muslim, America is lucky to have him' Israel Today recently interviewed Palestinian doctor Jumana Odeh, who has won numerous awards internationally for her work with special needs children.

* EU elections to be held in May next year EU countries have opted to change the date of the EU elections next year in order to increase turnout.

03/09/13

* Obama coming even if PM fails to form gov't US President Barack Obama's visit to Israel is not contingent on the formation of a new Israeli government.

* Freed UN hostages entering Jordan after Syria release Rebels moved the hostages themselves after a UN team hoping to collect them inside Syria was delayed by clashes between rebels and government forces.

* Chimney fitted on Sistine Chapel roof for pope election Firefighters have fitted a chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican ahead of the conclave which will elect a new pope.

* Palestinians clash with police on Temple Mount Muslim worshipers throw stones, Molotov cocktails at police, that entered the Al-Aqsa compound to disperse the rioters.

* Lions and tigers and genocide? Oh yes Ten years before a tornado whirled Dorothy to a land of multicultural harmony, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" creator L. Frank Baum penned an editorial for the South Dakota newspaper he owned.

* Schiff: U.S. Will Win Currency War, Then "Implode" Investors should take immediate steps to protect themselves as a global currency war is about to create a massive economic "implosion" far worse than 2008.

* Locusts invade Israel, are stopped in their tracks A 1-million strong swarm of locusts that broke away from the plague-sized multitude that continues to attack northern Egypt invaded Israel on Tuesday, only to be stopped in its tracks a day later.

* Mob in Pakistani city torches Christian homes Hundreds of people in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore ransacked a Christian neighborhood Saturday.

* Egypt raises alert level in Sinai over jihadist fears Egypt's Interior Ministry told police in the Sinai peninsula to raise a state of emergency after obtaining intelligence that jihadists might attack their forces there.

* 70-strong Israeli coalition nearing completion Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made considerable progress toward building what is set to be a 70-strong coalition.

03/08/13

* Palestinians clash with police on Temple Mount Jerusalem police entered the Temple Mount on Friday following afternoon prayers.

* IDF ready for possible UN pullout from Syrian buffer zone Long before Wednesday's kidnapping of UN peacekeepers in the Syrian Golan Heights, segments of the the United Nations Disengagement Observation Force (UNDOF) knew their mission was taking a turn for the worse.

* Five Million Dutch have a Satanic View of Israel Yesterday, the major Dutch news site Dagelijkse Standaard published an article by Israeli anti-Semitism expert Dr. Manfred Gerstenfeld.

* Hamas: Obama Visit to Temple Mount - a Declaration of War The Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror groups threatened on Friday that a visit by U.S. President Barack Obama to the Temple Mount during his upcoming visit to Israel will be a declaration of war on the Arab and the Islamic world.

* China warns against Korea escalation China, the North's only major ally, said all sides should continue to talk and avoid "further escalation".

* Poll: Americans have unfavorable view of Iran Nearly nine out of 10 Americans view Iran unfavorably, making it the lowest rated country out of 22 nations that are frequently in the news.

* Venezuela holds Hugo Chavez state funeral The ceremony was attended by leaders from Latin America and beyond as huge crowds of supporters massed outside.

* Russia says Assad 'not bluffing' about staying put Syrian President Bashar Assad "is not bluffing" about his determination to stay in power.

* US, Israel, Greece in Joint Naval Exercise Israeli, Greek and US warships began a joint two-week Mediterranean naval exercise on Thursday.

* Election for new pope to begin on Tuesday Pope Benedict XVI stepped down last month after nearly eight years in office, becoming the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.

03/07/13

* Muslim mob prevents Jews from visiting Temple Mount Groups of Jewish visitors were prevented from ascending the Temple Mount (Judaism's holiest site) by a mob of hostile Muslim women on Wednesday morning.

* Israel Concerned UN will Leave Golan After Abductions Israel expressed concern that UN peacekeeping force in Golan Heights could pull out after Syrian rebels snatched 21 troops.

* Iran's top leader unhappy with nuclear talks Iran's top leader said on Thursday that the West failed to offer any concessions during the latest talks.

* Obama, in Israel, will present 'general framework' for peace, Israel TV claims President Barack Obama will present a 'general framework' for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

* N. Korea threatens nuke strike, UN expands sanctions North Korea threatened the United States on Thursday with a preemptive nuclear strike.

* US's $60bn Iraq rebuilding effort 'achieved little' In his final report, the inspector general for Iraq reconstruction estimated the US wasted at least $8bn.

* 'Shi'ite terror network targeting Israelis overseas' A global Shi'ite terrorism network made up of Iranian Quds Force operatives and Hezbollah continues to target Israelis overseas.

* Ahmadinejad's claim that Chávez will be resurrected with Jesus 'went too far' Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has been criticised for saying that Hugo Chavez will be resurrected along with Jesus Christ.

* Jordan close to commissioning two nuclear reactors, declines to sign accord with U.S. Jordan is close to commissioning two nuclear reactors, to be built about 100 kilometers south of the Syrian border.

* Condemn terror, not settlements, Peres tells EU President Shimon Peres pushed back against recent European Union condemnation of Israeli settlements Wednesday.

03/06/13

* 'If Iran reaches critical point in nuke drive, Israel will attack' In a little-noticed exchange Tuesday at the Senate Armed Services Committee, a top US general said he had no doubt Israel would attack Iran if the Islamic Republic reached a critical point in its nuclear weapons drive.

* Hugo Chavez death: Thousands march with coffin Thousands of people have come out onto the streets of Venezuela's capital Caracas to pay tribute to President Hugo Chavez, who died on Tuesday.

* Muslim Women Block Jews from Temple Mount, Police Intervene Police were forced to intervene Wednesday morning when Muslim women blocked Jewish tourists from reaching the Temple Mount.

* Video: Chairman of Egypt's MB Calls for Israel's Destruction A new video posted by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) shows a clip from 2006 in which an official from Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood party called for Israel's destruction.

* Syria rebels detain UN Golan observers A video posted earlier on the internet showed men claiming to be Syrian rebels standing next to vehicles with the letters "UN" written on them.

* Latvia submits bid to join euro in 2014 The Latvian government on Tuesday (5 March) officially submitted a request for the EU commission to assess its readiness to join the euro.

* Agriculture Ministry sprays locusts in South Agriculture Ministry teams have been feverishly spraying the South of Israel's fields by air and on the ground.

* New Chaldean patriarch enthroned in Iraq Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church enthroned a new patriarch during a ceremonial mass Wednesday that was held amid tight security in Baghdad.

* Google says FBI watching the Web Google says the FBI is monitoring the Web for potential terrorist activity. But it can't say how extensive the surveillance is.

* US envoy walks out of nuke talks over Iran remark The US ambassador to the United Nations nuclear watchdog stormed out of an agency meeting on Wednesday in protest when Iran's representative accused Israel of "genocide," diplomats said.

03/05/13

* Top US commander: Iran sanctions not working Top US commander in the Middle East, General James Mattis, said the current sanctions and diplomatic efforts to stop Iran from gaining nuclear capabilities are not working.

* Russians Conduct Huge Nuke Drill Russian nuclear forces conducted a major exercise last month that tested the transport of both strategic and tactical nuclear weapons near Europe.

* Locust alert in Middle East as plague descends on Egypt and creates panic in Israel In a statement from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the infestation was described as a 'immature swarm'.

* British envoy calls for action against Jewish settlements Sir Vincent Fean, the UK consul general in the Arab-dominated section of the city, is among 27 European Union heads of mission to have signed a scathing report denouncing Israel's continued settlement activities.

* Israel warns UN of Syria war spilling over borders Israel warned the UN Security Council on Monday that it could not be expected to "stand idle" as Syria's civil war spills over its border.

* John Kerry Concedes Iran Is Moving Closer to Possessing Nuclear Weapon At the end of his first overseas trip as Secretary of State, John Kerry acknowledged that despite the continued diplomacy and tough sanctions being leveled against Iran, the regime continues to get closer to possessing a nuclear weapon.

* Future, pilot-free battlefield already in reach A soldier sits in an office chair in an air-conditioned metal chamber staring at two screens side by side.

* N. Korea vows to cancel Korean War cease-fire North Korea threatened on Tuesday to scrap an armistice that ended the 1950-53 civil war and sever a military "hotline" with the United States.

* Parliament chief criticises 'Frankenstein Europe' The EU's current institutional set-up resembles a 'Frankenstein' monster.

* US aims to aid Israel defense systems despite cuts New US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with his Israeli counterpart on Tuesday.

03/04/13

* MK Feiglin Explains Attempt to Enter Dome of the Rock "I am not calling on Jews to begin making pilgrimage to the location of the Temple itself," MK wrote.

* US, Saudi present united front on Syria, Iran The United States and Saudi Arabia on Monday presented a united front to Iran and Syria.

* 'Delusional' Syrian leader accuses West of enflaming conflict Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has warned Western countries that their support for "terrorists" in his civil war will see them "pay the price sooner or later."

* Israel on 'locust alert' following Egyptian plague Agriculture Ministry sets up special taskforce, issues warning to farmers as millions if insects descend on Egypt, fearing they may invade Israel.

* 'Abbas to Kerry: Push Israel for settlement freeze' PA official says Abbas urges Kerry to exert pressure on J'lem to release Palestinian prisoners in Saudi Arabia meeting.

* Watch: Plague of locusts hits Egypt Swarm comprised of some 30 million insects descends on Cairo and agricultural farms in Gaza; experts say authorities ignored UN warnings.

* Mars Curiosity rover put into 'safe mode' after glitch Nasa's Curiosity Mars rover has been put into "safe mode" after a computer glitch caused by corrupted files.

* Cardinals in Rome begin talks about choosing next Pope Roman Catholic cardinals from around the world have gathered in Rome to begin the process of electing the next Pope.

* Gunmen Attack Church in Libya's Benghazi: Ministry Gunmen have attacked an Egyptian Coptic church in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi, assaulting two priests.

* Barak: When We Say All Options Are on the Table, We Mean It Barak addresses AIPAC, calls on world to clearly tell Iran that all options are on the table to prevent its nuclear aspirations.

03/02/13

* 3 Syrian mortars land in southern Golan Heights Three Syrian mortars landed near moshav Ramat Magshimim in the southern Golan Heights on Saturday afternoon.

* Syria, Iran say US aid to rebels will extend war Syria and Iran said Saturday that Washington's decision to provide aid to rebels will only prolong the fighting.

* Cardinals to discuss their pope-selection task The College of Cardinals will meet twice Monday to begin discussing the issues the Roman Catholic Church faces as the cardinals prepare to choose a successor to Benedict XVI, pope emeritus.

* Hamas warns Obama: Don't visit Temple Mount Designated terrorist group Hamas has warned President Obama against visiting the holy Temple Mount site in Jerusalem.

* Kerry arrives in Egypt seeking crucial reform US Secretary of State John Kerry is calling on bickering Egyptian leaders and opposition politicians to forge a political consensus.

* Barak to be first foreign counterpart to meet Hagel Defense Minister Ehud Barak will be the first foreign defense chief to meet with newly confirmed US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

* Ethiopian runner wins Jerusalem marathon Some 20,000 runners took part Friday morning in the Jerusalem marathon.

* 'Obama will cancel visit if no new Israeli coalition by March 16' President Barack Obama will call off his imminent visit to Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not managed to form a new governing coalition by March 16.

* Van Rompuy tells Britain: leaving EU "not free" One of Europe's most powerful officials cautioned Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday that leaving the European Union could cost Britain dear.

* Netanyahu Planning New Construction Freeze Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu intends to "punish" the Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria by freezing all new construction in the region.

03/01/13

* Russia: 'Friends of Syria' encouraging extremists Russia said on Friday that decisions made at a "Friends of Syria" meeting in Rome.

* Kerry: Erdogan comments complicate Mideast process US Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday that comments by the Turkish prime minister equating Zionism to a crime against humanity complicate the efforts to find peace in the Middle East.

* Syrians literally blasted back into Stone Age Like countless other Syrians fleeing their country's civil war, Sami was eager to escape the bombs and artillery shells falling on his village.

* Hamas warns Obama: Don't visit Temple Mount Designated terrorist group Hamas has warned President Obama against visiting the holy Temple Mount site in Jerusalem when he visits Israel next month.

* Van Rompuy tells Britain: leaving EU "not free" One of Europe's most powerful officials cautioned Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday that leaving the European Union could cost Britain dear.

* UN: Mobile Phones to Match Globe's Population in 2014 The number of mobile telephones worldwide is set to catch up to the globe's population next year.

* Gaza Terrorists Open Fire at Southern Israel For the first since the end of the IDF's Pillar of Defense counterterrorism operation, Gaza-based terrorists opened fire on Friday afternoon .

* Obama: Court must end California gay marriage ban A California ban on gay marriages should be overturned by the US Supreme Court, the Obama administration says.

* Al Qaeda Mag Publishes 'Wanted: Dead or Alive' List The latest edition of the al Qaeda English-language magazine Inspire is out today.

* Senators: Support Israeli military action in Iran A group of bipartisan senators are promoting legislation promising Israel US support if the former chooses to attack Iran on its own.

03/01/13

* Russia: 'Friends of Syria' encouraging extremists Russia said on Friday that decisions made at a "Friends of Syria" meeting in Rome.

* Kerry: Erdogan comments complicate Mideast process US Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday that comments by the Turkish prime minister equating Zionism to a crime against humanity complicate the efforts to find peace in the Middle East.

* Syrians literally blasted back into Stone Age Like countless other Syrians fleeing their country's civil war, Sami was eager to escape the bombs and artillery shells falling on his village.

* Hamas warns Obama: Don't visit Temple Mount Designated terrorist group Hamas has warned President Obama against visiting the holy Temple Mount site in Jerusalem when he visits Israel next month.

* Van Rompuy tells Britain: leaving EU "not free" One of Europe's most powerful officials cautioned Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday that leaving the European Union could cost Britain dear.

* UN: Mobile Phones to Match Globe's Population in 2014 The number of mobile telephones worldwide is set to catch up to the globe's population next year.

* Gaza Terrorists Open Fire at Southern Israel For the first since the end of the IDF's Pillar of Defense counterterrorism operation, Gaza-based terrorists opened fire on Friday afternoon .

* Obama: Court must end California gay marriage ban A California ban on gay marriages should be overturned by the US Supreme Court, the Obama administration says.

* Al Qaeda Mag Publishes 'Wanted: Dead or Alive' List The latest edition of the al Qaeda English-language magazine Inspire is out today.

* Senators: Support Israeli military action in Iran A group of bipartisan senators are promoting legislation promising Israel US support if the former chooses to attack Iran on its own.