The Elephant In The Election Booth

"A senior television editor told me: The elections here are being held as if we are in Sweden. There is an elephant that no one wants to talk about, and then your song came and put that elephant in the room."
--Yizhar Ashdot on his anti-war song.

• Israel launches diplomatic blitz against Palestinian statehood bid at UN - PA expected to seek UN General Assembly recognition as 'non-member observer state' in November; Israeli envoys warn move could spark third intifada or collapse of Palestinian Authority. (Haaretz+)
  
• Tense Egyptian-mediated truce takes hold in south -Despite one mortar falling on Israel Thursday morning, Israel and Hamas say Egypt helped restore calm • Hamas suffered serious blows and asked for a cease-fire, says Moshe Ya'alon • Sderot mayor goes on hunger strike to protest budget cuts to his beleaguered city. (Israel Hayom)
  
• UN investigator calls for boycott of firms linked to Israeli settlements - UN investigator on human rights alleges that companies dealing with settlers are in violation of international human rights laws. (Agencies, Haaretz)
  
• Tel-Aviv University to take part in East Jerusalem dig funded by pro-settlement group - Silwan residents say excavations in City of David promote Elad's political agenda. Tel Aviv University: It's an academic project. (Haaretz+)
  
• Report: Israel sells drones to Azerbaijan - Global Post reports Israel, Russia and Iran violating UN-imposed embargo by selling arms to Armenia, Azerbaijan. Observers: Border skirmishes may escalate to wider regional conflict. (Ynet)
  

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