(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel 7:51AM IL)

SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Sunday, day 11 of the virtual ceasefire.

*Rocks were thrown at vehicles on the Yerushalayim – Tel Aviv Highway near the Israeli Arab community of Abu Gosh during the night. Damage reported.

*Mortar shells were fired at Gaza periphery communities on motzei Shabbos. No injuries.

*Dozens of dunam of olive trees were uprooted by Arabs near Kochav HaShachar in the Benjamin Regional Council district of Shomron on Shabbos. (A dunam = ¼ acre).

*A military vehicle was targeted in a firebomb attack in the Ramallah area. No injuries.

*A suspected terrorist was taken into custody by IDF soldiers operating in the Chevron area.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*YNET survey of cabinet ministers predicts the Hizbullah prisoner exchange deal will be approved.

*The fare on buses and trains expected to increase 2.5% this week.

*Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai plans to open Gaza crossings on Sunday to permit 80 trucks with supplies into Gaza despite mortar rocket fire on Saturday night.

*PA: America pushing for new talks with Israel that will result in a deal before President Bush steps down towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.

*Karnit Goldwasser fears if the cabinet does not approve the deal on Sunday, it may be the last chance to bring the boys home and avoid having more “Ron Arads”.

*Postal Authority sanctions continue on Sunday. There is still no mail delivery to mobile post locations. Strikers are also halting mail delivery to government offices and diplomatic pouches among other sanctions.

*State-employed social workers are continuing their strike, now about 80 days.