Even though the Israeli government effectively ended talks for the return of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, Hamas declared its desire to re-initiate the negotiations. The talks may resume by the end of the week in Cairo as the next Israeli government prepares to take over. It seems that also Palestinians are exerting the same pressure on Hamas as Israelis are on PM Ehud Olmert; Palestinian families of prisoners protested yesterday in support of an exchange for Shalit
A Palestinian goup affiliated with Hezbullah is thought to be behind a failed car bombing attack in Haifa. The group, the Free Galilee Brigades, filled an automobile with 1,000 kilos of explosives surrounded with ball bearings to serve as shrap metal for additional damage, although the trigger mechanism malfunctioned. The Israeli government announced that it will treat the incident effectively as a terror attack.
Haaretz columnist Gideon Levy’s latest piece expresses well-founded outrage at the stories regarding the treatment of Palestinians by IDF soldiers in Gaza recently revealed by his publication. His conclusion:
Change will not come without a major change in mindset. Until we recognize the Palestinians as human beings, just as we are, nothing will change. But then, the occupation would collapse, God forbid. In the meantime, prepare for the next war and the horrific testimonies about the most moral army in the world.
In order to combat the recession, the Israeli government sold US treasury notes, raising triple the initially intended amount, and may sell notes in Europe for more funding.
Palestinian unity talks may resume by the end of the month, according to Fatah officials.
In a Walter Reed Veterans Hospital-like scandal, Israeli soldiers wounded in the Second Lebanon War accuse the military of neglecting their care and abandoned them.
