"There will be no civil war. Ten percent of the population cannot threaten the remaining 90 percent with a civil war."--Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid speaks against the status quo between the secular public and the ultra-Orthodox in his first Knesset speech.
- Israel gives final approval for 90 new West Bank homes, just ahead of Obama visit - Government publishes final approval of deal that was cut in June to construct new housing units in Beit El in exchange for a quiet evacuation of the nearby Ulpana outpost. (Haaretz+)
- Israeli forces demolish home, water well near Hebron - Israeli bulldozers arrived in Beit Awwa village and destroyed a residential property, shed and water well in the area, witnesses told Ma'an. Eight members of Rasim Mustafa Sweiti's family were made homeless by the demolition. (Maan)
- Netanyahu hints Israel will prevent Syria transferring arms to Hezbollah - Speaking in Jerusalem to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Prime Minister also reiterates support for two-state solution. (Haaretz+)
- Barak makes surprise visit to U.S., days before top Netanyahu aides' own trip -The purpose of the trip is still not clear, but the outgoing defense minister is to meet with senior intelligence and Pentagon officials; this is Barak's fourth trip abroad in the last month alone. (Haaretz+)
- Israel Prison Service begins rehabilitating security prisoners – but only Jews - The Prison Service decision to rehabilitate members of the Bat Ayin underground marks a shift in policy, but one that applies only to Jewish security prisoners. (Haaretz)
- Voter registration opens in Gaza - Electoral registration centers opened in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the first step towards holding long-overdue Palestinian national elections. (Maan)
- Israel to grant Turkey access to Gaza for construction of hospital - Turkey reportedly sees permit as hint of Israel's willingness to patch up countries' bruised relations since Mavi Marmara incident; hospital set to be largest in Palestinian territories. (Haaretz+ and Maan)
- Egyptian court sentences two Israelis to prison - Court overturns decision to deport former IDF soldier Andrey Pshenichnikov to Israel; another Israeli, Ahmad Daif from Umm al-Fahm, sentenced to two years in prison. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
For the full News from Israel.
