09:30:

No injuries are being reported in a fire that erupted in Kever Dovid HaMelech, apparently started by many yahrzeit candles left unattended.

10:25:

Jerusalem police has closed Har Habayis to visitors in light of recent events and the “sensitive nature of the holy site”.

13:04:

Temperatures are beginning to climb and are expected to reach into the 90sF by the beginning of next week.

13:05:

MK Shaul Mofaz warns the imminent cuts in the state budget will deliver a devastating blow to fiscally weaker families, telling Israel Radio “we will have to say Kaddish for the financial situation of so many families as a result of these cuts.”

13:13:

IDF Homefront Command reports low turnout for gas masks distribution, citing since the gas masks distribution project began in 2010, 4.6 million kits were handed out, which accounts for 58% of the population.

13:30

Following abduction of Egyptian soldiers in Sinai by Jihadist organization, Gaza placed its border with Egypt on high alert, Gazan Interior Ministry officials report.

14:39:

Another increase in home electric rates in Israel, this time 6.4%.

15:02:

Bomb demolition technicians neutralized a pipe bomb in the area of the northern entrance to the Gush Etzion community of Efrat.

15:11:

Syrian Sana news agency reports 5 Russian warships crossed Suez Canal, entering the Mediterranean, heading to dock in Cyprus explaining they are “protecting Russian interests in the region”.

15:33:

The budget for the President’s Residence in 2012 climbed past 62 million NIS.

16:34:

A rabid dog was discovered by health authorities in Kibbutz Snir in the Golan Heights. Anyone who believes that may have had contact with the animal is instructed to call health officials at 04-6994257 or 04-6994218.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)