SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Tuesday, day 49 of the virtual Gaza ceasefire.

*Today is Gilad Shalit’s 773rd day in Hamas captivity.

*IDF soldiers involved in counter-terror operations throughout Yehuda, Shomron and the Jordan Valley on Monday night arrested 9 suspected terrorists. The suspects were turned over to the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) for interrogation.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) officials reportedly questioned Ahmed Hilles, the leader of the Gazan Fatah terrorists rescued by IDF soldiers on Saturday. A number of other senior clan members were also questioned by Shin Bet agents, security officials reported on Monday night.

*Likud opposition MK Limor Livnat turned to Attorney General Menachem Mazuz on Monday requesting that he instructs Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to refrain from advancing negotiations with Syria, stating such a move should not occur until a new government takes office.

*According to a J. Post report from Monday, UTJ MK Rav Meir Porush will be the chareidi candidate for Jerusalem mayor, reporting that Mayor Rabbi Uri Lupoliansky has agreed to the coalition rotation agreement and his will step down.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)