Southern Israeli municipality officials are expressing concerns pertaining to the planned opening of the new school year due to rocket attacks and the lack of fortified school buildings in many areas.

** Flights to the east coast of N. America from Ben-Gurion International Airport have resumed following Hurricane Irene. El Al is stepping up flights towards accommodating stranded passengers.

** Three people were taken into custody following a confrontation with police who arrived at the community of Adi Ad, in the Gush Shilo area of Shomron, where forces planned to destroy a vineyard in that location. The High-Court interceded and issued an order to halt demolition of the vineyard.

** IDF Southern Commander Major-General Tal Russo has ordered Route 12 north of Eilat to remain closed. Under special circumstances, with a military escort, vehicles will be permitted on the road, the site of a major terror attack that claimed eight lives 10 days ago. 

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)