SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Today, Wednesday, is day 64 of the virtual Gaza ceasefire.

*Today is Gilad Shalit’s 788th day in Hamas captivity.

*IDF soldiers involved in counter-terror operations throughout Yehuda and Shomron on Tuesday night arrested seven suspects. Arrests were made in Chevron, Anata and Jenin. The suspects were turned over to the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) for interrogation.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*Hamas threatens if Israel continues foot-dragging, Gilad Shalit will become the next Ron Arad.

*DM Barak orders Gaza crossings closed until Thursday afternoon following a Kassam rocket attack on Tuesday night. On Thursday afternoon, the minister will reevaluate the situation regarding the opening of the crossings.

*Special Knesset session on Wednesday addressing social issues, health, education and related matters. Likud also seeking to address the planned release of terrorists.

*Israeli sailor Shachar Tzuberi won an Olympic bronze medal Wednesday.

*An Arab found carrying a four-inch knife was arrested in Chevron on Wednesday morning.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)