“We’re already getting cancellations of conference participation and this is playing straight into the hands of the BDS movement.”-- Prof. Sidra Ezrahi, signatory of petition slamming Tel Aviv University for its involvement in East Jerusalem archaeological dig. (Haaretz+)

• Despite international uproar, Israeli planning committee advances new construction plan beyond Green Line - The newly approved plan for 1,000 housing units in Jerusalem's Gilo neighborhood is among more than 5,000 new settler homes Israel pressed ahead over the past weeks. (Haaretz)
• PM vows to keep building in Jerusalem - Speaking at campaign launch event, Netanyahu pledges to continue supporting Jewish settlements; Lieberman: We want to build in Jerusalem while the Left wants to divide it. (Ynet)
• Olmert: We're on verge of third intifada - Former PM says that Palestinian tension and frustration are mounting but stresses opportunity for peace is still viable. (Ynet)
• Petition slams Tel Aviv University's involvement in East Jerusalem dig - Over 80 academics call on university administration to withdraw its participation in archaeological excavations in the City of David national park, operated by the pro-settlement NGO, Elad. The petition’s organizers expressed their concern that the dig would strengthen those who support a boycott against Israeli academics. (Haaretz+)
• Netanyahu to Jewish Agency: Find solution for non-Orthodox women at Western Wall - Last week, Israeli police detained women from a liberal Jewish group who approached the holy site in Jerusalem carrying prayer shawls. (Haaretz+)
• At Midnight Mass, top cleric congratulates Abbas on U.N. bid - Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal gives sermon at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity and praises Palestinian President for being 'at the forefront of those who worked and continue to work for nonviolence, peace and justice.' (Haaretz+)
• White House rethinks Hagel nomination for Defense Secretary - Following widespread criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, Obama administration official tells National Journal it is "fair" to say Obama is weighing candidates other than Hagel for Defense Secretary. If chosen, candidate Michèle Flournoy would be first female defense secretary. (Israel Hayom)

For the full News from Israel.