"In an ideal world, in a civilized country that does not have a belligerent occupying regime, that has a system of equal justice for all and that has mechanisms of reconciliation and forgiveness, I would oppose the release of prisoners with and without blood on their hands."--Yedioth's Igal Sarna explains why he supports the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners tonight.
- Prime Minister's Office recruiting students to wage online hasbara (propaganda) battles - PMO and national student union to create covert units at universities to engage in diplomacy via social media; unit heads to receive full scholarships. (Haaretz+)
- Iron Dome battery successfully intercepts rocket targeting Eilat - Police in Eilat confirm no damage or casualties caused; incident marks first time Iron Dome system intercepts rocket over the southern resort city. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
- Israeli forces deny former PA minister entry to village - Israeli forces temporarily detained a former Palestinian minister at Bartaa checkpoint west of Jenin as he attempted to enter his village of origin Monday evening, even though he had a special Israeli permit. (Maan)
- UN summer camp in Nablus and Gaza: Jihad and violence - UNRWA holds summer camps for Palestinian children under the title, "Peace begins here." A video shows counselors calling for violent conquering of Jaffa and Acre (Akko). (Maariv, p. 6/NRG Hebrew)
- Israeli forces arrest journalist from Budrus village - Soldiers detained Mohammad Awad after raiding his home and breaking down the door. Awad has been detained several times by Palestinian Authority security forces over the past year and spent months in jail. (Maan)
- Border Guard officer confesses to stealing phones - Undercover Internal Affairs investigation leads police to arrest Border Guard drill sergeant for stealing iPhones, cash from recruits while they were in the field training. Border Patrol promise: If officer is guilt, he will be dismissed 'effective immediately.' (Ynet)
- Israeli soldiers deny medical help to boy bitten by snake - A young boy bitten by a snake in Nablus on Sunday was refused medical attention by Israeli soldiers manning the Hamra checkpoint, the boy's father said. He asked Israeli soldiers to allow him to pass the checkpoint and call an ambulance, but they refused. He said the soldiers were laughing as they left the area. (Maan)
- Post-Morsi Egypt curbs Palestinian visits from Gaza - Recent curbs are 'not a punishment' for Hamas' Islamist leanings, says official, citing escalating fight against Sinai militants. (Agencies, Haaretz)
For the full News from Israel.
