SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Wanted Popular Front terrorist Samir Mabruk was arrested in a joint border police and ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) operation in Shechem on Tuesday night.

*Kassam rockets landed near Nachal Ohz fuel depot on Wednesday evening. No injuries.

*16:55: Two mortar shells landed near Nachal Oz. No injuries.

*20:00: An Israeli was lightly injured in a rock-throwing attack near Kalkilye in Shomron.

*20:37: Kassam rocket launch detected near Miflasim. No injuries.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*The three candidates in the upcoming premiership race telephoned Nir Barkat, the Jerusalem Mayor-elect with congratulatory wishes. Barkat told reporters he called on the three to work to ensure Jerusalem’s future which he states is a “national mission”.

*PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) announced a Yasser Arafat museum is under construction in his Ramallah Mukata Headquarters to house books and other memorabilia of the late terrorist leader. The project completion is expected to be in about 18 months.

*The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued an injunction preventing a Bet El Yeshiva from moving ahead with construction since two Arabs insist the land set aside for the project in the Shomron community is Arab owned. The court also instructed authorities to ensure the construction project is halted until the matter is resolved.

*Former Police Chief Assaf Chafetz is running for a slot on the Likud Party lineup.

*A scuffle erupted between Chevron residents and IDF Major-General Gershon Cohen, who was visiting the area. Cohen oversaw the government’s expulsion from Gaza in 2005. Area residents began shouting at him and harassing him at the Machpelah. Police arrived and dispersed the crowd, restoring order.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)