July 2nd

Direct Syria-israel Talks Imminent, Turkish Officials Say ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews by Roee Nahmias - July 2, 2008 - 4:14pm Sources in the Turkish Foreign Ministry estimate that direct peace negotiations between Israel and Syria will follow the next round of indirect talks between the countries, London-based Arabic-language newspaper Al-Hayat reported on Wednesday. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's advisors, Yoram Turbowitz and Shalom Turgeman arrived in Ankara on Tuesday to discuss, among other things, the possibility of launching direct talks with Syrians. The fourth indirect round of talks is scheduled to begin in two weeks' time. » Read more

Olmert, Barak: Demolish Terrorists' Homes ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews by Roni Sofer - July 2, 2008 - 4:11pm After the shooting rampage at Mercaz Harav seminary in March left eight students dead, Defense Minister Ehud Barak called for the demolition of the terrorist's home in east Jerusalem. It was never carried out. Following Wednesday's deadly terror attack in Jerusalem which left three Israelis dead and dozens more wounded, Barak reiterated his position. » Read more

Israeli Settlers Fire Two Rockets On Palestinian Village In West Bank ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Kuwait News Agency (kuna) July 2, 2008 - 4:10pm Israeli settlers fired two rockets toward Boreen village near Nablus city north of the West Bank, Palestinian security sources said on Tuesday. The source said two settlers from Baraka settlement near the village fired the two rockets targeting Palestinians, but caused no injuries. The rockets dubbed (Sharon-1, Sharon-2) fell in a deserted area causing fire only, the sources said. » Read more

Gaza To Get Cement For First Time In A Year ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP) by Adel Zaanoun - July 2, 2008 - 4:09pm The Gaza Strip was to receive its first cement shipment in a year on Wednesday as Israel prepared to reopen border crossings it shut down after militant rocket attacks breached a truce. The Hamas rulers of the impoverished Palestinian enclave and the Israeli authorities said the cement would be shipped to Gaza on Wednesday as Israel eased its blockade. Authorities initially spoke of five tonnes of cement, but later said five truckloads would be sent to Gaza. "They will be delivered in the course of the day," Israeli military spokesman Peter Lerner told AFP. » Read more

Mideast Leaders Meet In Japan For Talks ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP) July 2, 2008 - 4:07pm Senior officials from Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority held talks Wednesday in Japan in a bid to lay the groundwork for peace by improving the Palestinian economy. Japan, which is seeking a greater role in the Middle East, hopes the talks will lead to a deal on its signature project in the region -- starting an agro-industrial park in the West Bank. » Read more

Israel Bars Un Rights Panel From Palestinian Areas ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Agence France Presse (AFP) July 2, 2008 - 4:05pm Israel's government has barred a UN human rights delegation from visiting the Palestinian areas on a fact-finding mission, the leader of the group said on Tuesday. "Israeli authorities did not allow us to visit the Palestinian territories," said Prasad Kariyawasam, head of the UN panel, adding that "no reasons were given by Israel because they do not recognize our mandate."  » Read more

Egyptian Police Injured In Gaza Border Clash ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Reuters July 2, 2008 - 4:04pm Palestinians clashed with Egyptian police at the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip on Wednesday when some of the Palestinians tried to force their way across, witnesses said. Dozens of Palestinians from the territory, controlled by the Islamic militant group Hamas, pelted Egyptian border police with stones, injuring at least six of them, Egyptian security and medical sources said. » Read more

Jerusalem 'bulldozer Terrorist' Was Palestinian Father-of-two Hossam Dawiath ATFP World Press Roundup Article from The Times by Sheera Frenkel - July 2, 2008 - 4:01pm A Palestinian construction worker at the wheel of a digger went on a rampage in central Jerusalem today, killing at least three people and injuring 45 in an act that brought terror back to the streets of Israel. Hossam Dwayyat, a 31-year-old Arab resident of East Jerusalem, wrought havoc on one of Jerusalem’s main thoroughfares, driving into oncoming traffic and leaving a trail of mangled vehicles in his wake. » Read more

July 1st

Bill Calling For Israeli Withdrawals Only By Referendum Approved In First Reading ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews by Amnon Meranda - July 1, 2008 - 4:02pm A bill stating that a referendum will be held before the ceding of any land belonging to the State of Israel has been approved in its preliminary reading by the Knesset on Monday. The motion was approved with a majority of 65 MKs, and was opposed by 18. According to the bill, if the government approves the ceding of Israeli land the decision will be brought before the Knesset, and if it is approved by the Knesset, a referendum will be held within 180 days. However, should a withdrawal be supported by at least 80 MKs, the matter will not be brought to a referendum. » Read more

Bill Banning Those Who Visit Enemy States From Knesset Duty Approved ATFP World Press Roundup Article from Ynetnews by Amnon Meranda - July 1, 2008 - 3:57pm The Knesset passed a bill on Monday determining that any Israeli citizen who visits enemy territory without a proper permit will not be able to serve in the Knesset for seven years. » Read more