"History is not made by cynics, it is made by realists who are not afraid."--Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni at peace talks press conference in Washington with US Secretary of State and Palestinian Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat.
- Following Haaretz expose: Knesset committee to discuss banking discrimination against Arabs - Banking supervisor reiterates that discrimination is unacceptable and solicits public to report bias to the central bank. (Haaretz+)
- Dozens of Palestinian doctors demonstrated in Jerusalem: "We want to work in Israel" - The doctors, graduates of Al-Quds University in E. Jerusalem, state that they hold licenses to work in hospitals around the world, except in Israel, which refuses to recognize their academic degrees. The Council for HIgher Education: We are presently examining Al-Quds University's request for academic recognition. (Maariv, p. 13)
- Netanyahu opposes raising electoral threshold for Knesset representation - Opposition leaders claim Netanyahu told them he will reconsider position on controversial parts of so-called governability law; PM's office: He only said he has not looked into matter. (Haaretz+)
- Female Border Police member barred from eating in Haredi base - Incident follows assurances by senior IDF officers that Nahal Haredi bases are not closed to women. (Haaretz+)
- State cancels draft orders for thousands of haredim - Defense Minister Ya'alon decided to cancel summer recruit orders for haredim since new draft bill is yet to conclude legislative process. State claims haredi recruitment at this stage could risk legislation. (Ynet)
- Animals singer to perform in Israel despite criticism - Eric Burdon, former lead singer of British band The Animals, who last week canceled his performance in Israel citing political pressure, defies criticism, lands in Israel ahead of scheduled performance with Israeli rock band T-Slam. (Israel Hayom)
- EU gives $17 Million to cover east Jerusalem hospital tabs - Donation to cover 60% of Palestinian Authority’s debt; PA committed to hospitals which 'oppose Israeli occupation's practices in holy capital,' says Palestinian health minister. (Ynet)
- Hamas accuses: Fatah is blackening our name in Egypt - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Cairo and attacked Hamas for its involvement in what is happening in Egypt. Hamas responded by holding a press conference and stated that it has documents proving that Fatah is making trouble between Fatah and the new regime in Cairo. (Maariv, p. 10/NRG Hebrew)
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