12:40: Highway 6 was closed in the northbound direction from Kassam Interchange as a result of a MVA between a bus and a truck. One person was killed and at least 15 injured, Ichud Hatzalah reported.

** IDF soldiers detected an explosive device placed on a road south of Shechem. Bomb demolition technicians detonated the device in a controlled blast without incident.

** A firebomb was hurled at a Jewish motorist in Shomron in Chawarah, near Har Bracha. B’chasdei Hashem there were no injuries in the potentially fatal attack.

14:20: The Israel Navy arrested fishermen on a boat from Gaza that was found in prohibited waters north of Gaza. The fishermen were taken to the Ashdod naval base for questioning.

** After a three-year delay, the government has decided to begin a two-year pilot program in January 2013, launching the biometric database. Citizens willing to volunteer to give fingerprints and other data will receive a smart identification card to replace the antiquated laminated photo ID used today.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)