SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Egyptian forces arrest 33 people seeking to infiltrate into Israel.

*Nigerian police report the driver of the Israeli man kidnapped in Nigeria has been arrested as the investigation continues. The motive for the abduction remains unclear at this time.

*Israeli motorists were attacked with rocks in the Chalchul area north of Chevron during the evening rush hour. No injuries were reported.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*Morris Talansky, the state’s star witness against PM Olmert, is not expected to return to Israel to continue providing testimony.

*Police are continuing the search for the body of 4.5-year-old Rose, who was murdered by her grandfather.

*The Central Bureau of Statistics report unemployment is down 5.9% in the second quarter of 2008.

*Mrs. Miki Goldwasser: The government is occupied with primaries instead of concerning itself with obtaining the release of Gilad Shalit.

*The Yesha Settlement Council is calling on the IDF to remove the administrative order against three Shomron residents, whom are banished from their homes for 3-4 months beginning this Friday.

*Iranian General Mohammad Ali Jafari warned Israel that if attacked, Iran will strike at the “Zionist enemy” and launch rockets at “all Israeli territories”.

*DM Barak decides to permit the reopening of Gaza commercial crossings on Thursday.

*Public Minister Ami Ayalon on Wednesday night announced Israel must free prisoners with blood on their hands to obtain the release of Gilad Shalit.

*The Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court has called for the release of left-wing activist Prof. Jeff Halper, who was arrested on Tuesday after sneaking into Gaza and participating in the boat that docked in Gaza on Shabbos.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)