SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Continuing to ease restrictions on PA residents, the IDF over recent days removed 10 roadblocks in the Chevron district.

*3 firebombs were hurled at an Israeli vehicle at Yakir Junction in Shomron. No injuries.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*France today gave a letter to Syria in the hope it will make its way to Gilad Shalit. The letter is from Gilad’s parents.

*Damascus released a message that it hopes PM Olmert’s replacement will continue a dialogue with Syria.

*Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Thursday afternoon that a fifth round of talks between Israel and Syria will take place in two weeks time.

*A 4-year-old boy in Pardes Chana was reported in serious condition after being bitten by a Palestinian viper snake.

*In a 2nd story blaze in Elad, one person was seriously injured, one moderate, and others lightly.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)