SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Today, Tuesday, is day 70 of the virtual Gaza ceasefire.

*Today is Gilad Shalit’s 794th day in Hamas captivity.

*Israel has closed Gaza crossings on Tuesday following the firing of two Kassam rockets into Southern Israel on Monday.

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

*UNIFIL forces deny an official Lebanese report that 8 IDF soldiers entered about 100 meters into Lebanese territory near Mays al-Jabal, crossing the international border. There has been no comment from Israeli officials.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*Finance Minister Roni Bar-On stated on Monday the current Knesset has lived out its days and it is time for elections.

*Mofaz: Following the Kadima primaries and a new government, it may be necessary to go over the 2009 budget again to make the appropriate changes.

*Police continue the search for 4.5-year-old Rose from Netanya.

*Peace Now calls for a cessation of construction in Yehuda and Shomron. A report released by the radical left-wing organization states construction in “settlements” continues at a brisk pace.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)