Israel News 05/07/2008

Hamas has announced that it is suspending negotiations for the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Schalit due to Israel’s continued closure of the Gaza Strip’s crossings. Hamas official Moussa Abu-Marzouk was quoted as saying that "it makes no sense for us to begin negotiating on the matter of Scchalit's release when Israel is not committed to the calm." 07/03/08

In an exclusive interview with Infolive.tv, Colombia's Ambassador in Israel Juan Urtado Cano talks about the daring raid to release Ingrid Betancourt along with American and Colombian hostages who had been held captive by Farc. Cano also discusses the close security cooperation between Colombia and Israel and confirms that military training is conducted in both countries.07/03/08

Ingrid Betancourt held hostage by the Farc rebels in Colombia since 2002 was set free on Wednesday by the Colombian authorities. Former IDF officers and commanders from elite units trained the Colombian security forces who launched the bullet free operation to free three Americans and 11 members of the Colombian security forces along with Betancourt. 07/03/08

A pledge by French President Nicolas Sarkozy that France will do everything to bring about the release of IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, following the dramatic rescue operation of Ingrid Betancourt and 14 other hostages, kindled a glimmer of hope for the Schalit family. In an exclusive interview with Infolive.tv, Noam Schalit said he is positive Sarkozy will act to free his son, and said he will consider traveling to the upcoming conference in Paris, to remind the world that Gilad is still held in captivity.07/03/08

Speaking from his bunker on Hizbullah-run television on Wednesday, Hassan Nasrallah spoke about Ron Arad, the upcoming prisoner exchange with Israel and Hizbullah's plans. 07/03/08

Ingrid Betancourt held hostage by the Farc rebels in Colombia since 2002 was set free on Wednesday by the Colombian authorities. Former IDF officers and commanders trained the Colombian security forces who setBetancourt and 14 other hostages free on Wednesday. Following her release Betancourt compared the Colombian military operation to that of the Israeli army.Sarkozy commenting on her release said France will not forget Gilad Schalit.07/02/08

An off-duty soldier and a policeman from an elite unit at the scene of the Jerusalem attack shot the terrorist dead. The soldier, M,, 18, is the brother-in-law of IDF officer David Shapira, who killed the terrorist in the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva attack on March 6. Policeman Eli Mizrahi told reporters he did what he had been trained to do. A policewoman also fired shots at the terrorist wounding him, but he continued his rampage until he was shot dead. The BBC took the footage. 07/02/08

Terrifying seconds showing the bulldozer plowing into passing buses and vehicles, horrifying shots of the attack as it unfolded in downtown Jerusalem. The footage was filmed on a mobile phone.07/02/08

In a terror attack in downtown Jerusalem Wednesday noon, an east Jerusalemite rammed his bulldozer into passing traffic hitting one bus and causing another bus to overturn,plowed into several vehicles before he was shot dead by a special police patrol unit. Three Israelis were killed aside from the terrorist and 46 wounded, some seriously.07/02/08

Initial Report - In a terror attack in downtown Jerusalem, an east Jerusalem tractor driver rammed into traffic causing a bus to overturn and killied a female driver, before he was shot dead by policemen. Unconfirmed reports claim at least 2 people were killed in the attack,and scores wounded, other networks claimed seven people were killed.07/02/08

Most of the artists invited to perform at the 27th annual Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts announced they were pulling out of the event after it was discovered that the French production company is headed by a Jew and its Israeli branch was involved in Israel's 60th Independence Day celebrations.07/02/08

An Egyptian newspaper reported on Tuesday that Hamas recently handed over to Egyptian authorities a videotape of IDF soldier Gilad Schalit as proof that the soldier who has been held captive for two years in Gaza is still alive. In addition another letter written by Schalit accompanied the videotape.07/02/08

Pentagon officials fear that Israel may attack Iran's nuclear facilities before the end of this year, a move they say that will have enormous security and economic repercussions for the United States and the rest of the world, The ABC television network quoted a Pentagon official saying chances of an Israeli attack on Iran are rapidly increasing.07/01/08

In a deal brokered by the United Nations, Brazil has become home to 93 Palestinian refugee families from Iraq and Jordan where they receive assistance from the local government to get on their feet, including the chance to play soccer. The youth receive soccer training at local clubs and dream to play with the country's leading soccer teams.07/01/08

The Russian Compound is one of the oldest districts in central Jerusalem, and includes a large Russian Orthodox church, the Museum for Undergound Prisoners where Jews were detained and put to death by the British during the mandate period. Several former pilgrim hostels are used today as government buildings, the local Jerusalem lock up, courthouses and the Museum of Underground Prisoners, where Jews were tortured and put to death during the British Mandate period. The compound covers 68 dunams.07/01/08