SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Two PA residents have been sentenced to death by firing squad after being convicted of treason for assisting Israeli security officials.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*Hizbullah: Cabinet approval of the Regev-Goldwasser deal is an Israeli admission of Hizbullah’s victory.

*President Peres on Tuesday met in his residence with Nina Haran, the mother of Danny Haran, ahead of signing the presidential pardon that will permit the release of Samir Kuntar on Wednesday. Mr. Peres stated his hand “will tremble when he signs the papers.”

*The Knesset on Tuesday approved adding advanced Jewish studies in state schools. The bill was presented by Labor MK Rabbi Michael Melchior.

*The dollar dropped 0.81% closing on Tuesday at 3.3 to the shekel.

*Police arrested a 61-year-old father of 8 in Meah Shearim for selling drugs out of his home.

*Speaking at the wedding of his grandson in Ramat Gan, Moshe Talansky stated the cross-examination by Ehud Olmert’s attorney’s will not reveal any new information.

*“Scary” is the word used by Labor Minister Ami Ayalon in his comparison of the Gilad Shalit and Ron Arad cases. Ayalon is a former ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) chief and retired Israel Navy Commander.

*France expressed support for placing Sheba Farms under control of the international community.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)