Israel Authorizes More Weapons for PA Forces
In recent weeks, Israel has dismantled the large majority of checkpoints throughout Judea and Samaria, in an attempt to allow Palestinian Authority Arabs free movement between PA cities, as demanded by the United States. And in yet another "gesture" on the eve of what could be a critical meeting between Defense Minister Ehud Barak and U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell Monday, Barak has authorized the transfer of 1,000 Kalashnikov rifles to forces controlled by PA chief Mahmoud Abbas.
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Dayton: PA Troops a Winning Team
PA troops will also be able to use the Kalashnikovs and armored vehicles more effectively than they might have been able to in the past, thanks to the high-level troop training program directed by U.S. General Keith Dayton. Dayton, whose official title is U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, has already trained over 2,000 PA soldiers in advanced combat tactics, and he plans on training an additional 2,000.

Speaking at a Washington think-tank last month, Dayton was quoted as saying that his work has created a "new man" among PA residents. "For the first time, I think it's fair to say that the Palestinian security forces feel they are on a winning team," he said.



US armtwists Israeli firm on IAF deal: Report - India
Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post reported that US has pressurised Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to back out of partnership with Swedish aerospace company Saab, which is fielding its Gripen fighter for the MMRCA contract.

The Israeli defence ministry ordered IAI to pull out of the deal with Saab after Pentagon expressed concern that US technology would be integrated into the Gripen offered to India. "The stated concern was that western technology in Israeli hands would make its way to the Indians," an Israeli official told the newspaper.

But what was found "strange" with the US request was that American aviation majors Boeing and Lockheed Martin are themselves in the fray for the lucrative MMRCA deal.

Israeli officials said US had probably intervened because if IAI competed for the deal with Saab, it would force Boeing and Lockheed Martin to lower their prices.



Saudi denies would let Israeli jets pass for Iran attack
Riyadh rejects media reports it has agreed to allow IAF aircraft to use kingdom's airspace en route to attack on Iran's nuclear facilities



Israel calls for peace talks with Syria
Syria's President Bashar Assad won't receive the Golan Heights on a silver platter if he continues ties with Iran and Hezbollah, Israel's President warned.

Assad: 'There's no real Israeli partner for peace'
Also Tuesday, a day after President Shimon Peres said Syria could not expect to receive the Golan Heights from Israel on a silver platter, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said the country actually wanted the territory back on a "gold platter."



Emerging settlement deal will let both US, Israel claim victory
Uzi Arad: US must honor past understandings on West Bank construction; State Department denies reports on 2,500 housing units.

Livni: Netanyahu doesn't really believe in two-state solution

Mount of Olives to get Video Surveillance

UN: Israel must tear down West Bank fence
Unwalled villages?

Palestinians say Israel grab threatens seas project
Better to die of thirst than let teh ev0l Jooooos have their land, I guess.


Ancient Jerusalem Quarry Used to Build Second Temple Uncovered
A 2,000-year-old stone quarry, likely used by Herod the Great to build the Second Temple, was
uncovered in a Jerusalem neighborhood outside the walled Old City, the Israel Antiquities Authority said today.