14:00: Arabs in Hebron targeted a bus and an ambulance in rock-throwing attacks near the Machpelah. There were no reports of injuries.

** 38 people were killed in construction industry accidents in Israel in 2011 as compared to 23 in 2010.

** Defense Minister Ehud Barak is in Washington, DC where is will be meeting with Vice President Biden and the US Secretary of Defense to discuss the Iranian threat.

** Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman stated that the Tal Law cannot be extended, not even for one hour. He added that anyone that does not serve in the IDF or a national service program should not expect to receive anything from the country.

** Jerusalem inspectors working with Ministry of Industry & Trade and other agencies are cracking down on stores and vendors selling illegal fireworks and Purim costumes that do not comply with standards industry safety regulations.

** The Histadrut national labor federation has declared a ‘work dispute’ that clear the way for launching a strike of El Al, IsrAir and Arkia Airlines over a dispute surrounding a Civil Air Administration decision to deregulate flights.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)