(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel 7:00AM IL)

SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Mortar shells fired into southern Israel late Sunday night landed in open areas without injuries or damage.

*IDF soldiers involved in counter-terror operations in Yehuda and Shomron arrested two suspects in Bet Lechem. They were turned over to ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) agents for interrogation.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*Cheftziba CEO Boaz Yona is scheduled to land in Israel on Monday at 5:00PM to turn himself over to authorities.

*After a week of protests, disabled Israelis on Sunday blocked roads at government offices in Yerushalayim in response to cabinet ministers who continue to ignore their demands for increased national government monetary assistance.

*PA talking about the establishment of a standing army in the final status agreement. Government officials adamantly reject the proposal.

*Haaretz reports Syria and Israel are aiming to engage in direct talks next month.

*The IDF in the coming weeks will be withdrawing new recruits from southern Zikim Base, insisting the decision is not related to rocket attacks in the area, stating other soldiers will be brought in their place.

*Yerushalayim Mayor Uri Lupoliansky states the capital is not a “settlement” and construction will continue.

*A 50-year-old male died of dehydration during a hike in Goren Park in the western Galil. Two others were transported to hospital in moderate condition, also suffering from dehydration.

*Petach Tikvah: An electric pole collapse onto a kindergarten building on Ein Ganim Street on Sunday. A fire erupted. No injuries.

*Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway: A serious motor vehicle accident took place early Sunday afternoon about one kilometer from Ganim in the direction of Tel Aviv. 11 victims were transported to hospital, with three listed in moderate-to-serious condition. The remainder was listed in light condition.

*Farmers and area residents on Sunday morning protested at Sufah Crossing against Israel’s ongoing policy permitting the infusion of supplies to the PA.

*IDF: There is an increase in terrorism reported in Jenin during recent months, adding PA efforts to combat terror have not been effective.

*Building and Planning Committee officials approve plan by Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupoliansky for 40,000 housing units in a number of neighborhoods, Arab and Jewish, including Issawiya, A-Tur, Shuafat, Gilo and Ramot.

*A 4-year-old boy was sustained moderate abdominal injuries when struck by a car on Yerushalayim’s Shiftei Yisrael Street. He was transported to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital.

*Ami Ayalon, a former ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) director and Israel Navy commander stated a military operation in Gaza will not bring Gilad Shalit home. Ayalon told visiting New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson that he believes a truce with Hamas will be a step in the right direction towards obtaining Shalit’s release.

*Senior aides to PM Olmert travel to Turkey for continued talks regarding Syria.