The Central Bureau of Statistics reports the jobless rate in the first quarter of 2009 has reached 7.6%.

**Opposition leader Tzipi Livni called on PM Netanyahu to “be a man” and backtrack from plans to impost a 16% tax on fruits and vegetables. She added that “Bibi understands economics and there is no reason for his errors”.

**The Vaad Rabbanim of the Benjamin Council in Shomron on Wednesday called on PM Netanyahu not to remove outposts.

**Police on Wednesday questioned FM Lieberman ‘under caution’ pertaining to ongoing fraud investigation against him.

**Former PM Olmert’s attorney withdrew requested postponement of hearings after the High Court responded in an abrasive tone to yet another foot-dragging move.

**Three people are hospitalized, suspected of contracting swine flu.

**MK (Kadima) Shaul Mofaz stated planned government financial policies are no less threatening to Israel than Iran.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)