SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Thursday, day 44 of the virtual Gaza ceasefire.

*Today is Gilad Shalit’s 768th day in Hamas captivity.

*IDF soldiers involved in counter-terror operations throughout Yehuda and Shomron arrested 8 suspects during the night. The suspects were turned over to the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) for interrogation.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit calls the current identity cards and passports “a disgrace” and “the easiest in the world to forge.” He promises in 2009, the printing of biometric passports and digital ID cards will get underway.

*The Knesset on Wednesday ended the summer session, now breaking for summer recess.

*Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri called PM Olmert’s decision not to seek reelection another Hamas victory.

*PA negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat stated that despite Olmert’s announcement, talks towards an agreement with Israel will continue.

*DM Barak called on the UN to impose tougher sanctions on Iran.

*Following PM Olmert’s announcement, MK Shteinitz calls on the attorney general to freeze all senior government appointments to prevent any last minutes deal-making before the prime minister leaves office.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)