(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel 7:30AM IL)

SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*IDF Human Resources Branch officials as of Sunday night contacted the families of ten soldiers who fell in the Second Lebanon War and were buried missing body parts following Sunday’s handover of body parts by Hizbullah.

*Southern area farmers vow to step up protests to block Gaza crossings, insisting as long as rocket attacks continue, merchandise and supplies will not be permitted to flow from Israel to Gaza. Farmers are demanding the government take appropriate action to halt the ongoing warfare.

*PA human rights officials reported on Sunday night that Gaza terrorists attacked and made off with a Christian school bus.

*An Israeli vehicle overturned near Hawarah in Shomron during the predawn hours on Monday as a result of rocks placed in the road by Arabs in the area. Four people were lightly injured.

*4 illegals who escaped in the evening from the Bet Jubrin detention facility were apprehended.

*2 mortar shells were fired at IDF troops near the northern Gaza border fence during the night. There were no injuries.

*An anti-tank rocket was fired at armor-plated IDF bulldozers operating near Kissufim. No injuries.

*PA: At least 23 protestors injured by teargas and rubber bullets in violent anti-fence protest at Na’alin in the Modi’in region.

*A border policeman was lightly injured on Sunday afternoon when a vehicle transporting illegals crashed Atarot Checkpoint in N. Jerusalem. The vehicle was apprehended in pursuit. Occupants taken into custody.

*Nissim Nasr welcomed home to Lebanon by thousands waving Hizbullah flags.

*7 suspected terrorists apprehended in southern Gaza on Sunday. They were turned over to ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) officials for interrogation.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*Channel 2 News: The prosecutor’s office is investigating if there was any connection between former President Moshe Katsav and criminals who were granted clemency by the former president.

*Police will be investigating Arkadi Gaydamak following a recent interview to the press for possible threats to public officials and police.

*Kaplan Hospital’s Dr. Morris Guy continues to improve after being stabbed 6 times by a patient last week. As a result of the damage sustained in the attack, his doctors report he will most likely not be able to return to performing surgery after he recuperates. Apparently, he now has limited motor ability in his left arm.

*University strike possible immediately after Shavuos if reforms are not implemented as per the Shochat Committee. This demands the national government allocate NIS 1.8 billion over the next 5 years.

*After declaring 2008 a drought year, government officials stated the damage to farmers was about NIS 20 million.

*On Sunday night, in southern Tel Aviv, a memorial service was held for the 21 victims of the Dolphinarium suicide bombing attack that occurred 7 years ago. Most of the victims were immigrants from the Former Soviet Union who visited the discotheque.

*German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated on Sunday that he sees hope regarding Lebanon. He made his comments following a meeting with the newly-elected president.

*Likud leader Netanyahu tells Homodia there is now money to increase monthly child allowance, not like in the past.

*PM Olmert and PA’s Abu Mazen to meet in Yerushalayim on Monday prior to Olmert’s departure for Washington.

*A policeman on a scooter was struck by a vehicle in Kfar Chabad on Sunday. He was injured very lightly and transported to Assaf HaRofeh Hospital for a more comprehensive exam.

*A 10-year-old boy with serious head injuries was brought to a Carmiel medical clinic. A helicopter was summoned to transport him to the trauma unit of Rambam Medical Center in Haifa. The cause of his injuries is unknown as this time.

*Former Minister Lapid to be laid to rest on Monday at noon, in the Kiryat Shaul Cemetery. As per the family’s request, the levaya will be conducted in accordance with halacha.

*Police Chief Dudi Cohen says investigation against PM Olmert is being handled professionally. He added it is at a critical stage.

*IDF Chief of Human Resources Major-General Elazar Stern contacting families of soldiers whose remains may be contained in Hizbullah return on Sunday. DNA testing will be performed to arrive at exact identity.

*11 people lightly injured in a vehicular accident near Hillel Yafeh Hospital in Chadera on Sunday afternoon.

*The government on Sunday decided to move ahead with elections to the Chief Rabbinate Council on Rosh Chodesh Tammuz. Elections were postponed since Nissan. According to law, the Chief Rabbinate Council ended its mandate at the end of Adar Bet. Dayan HaRav Yosef Malka to oversee elections.