"Had we conceded on the settlements, we would have received more points in the international arena, and our refusal to release the prisoners would have been accepted. But that would have been a very dangerous concession. It would have been our seal of approval for delegitimizing the settlement enterprise."--Likud Minister Gideon Sa'ar explained to right-wing ministers why they needed to approve the prisoner release.
- Cabinet: 'Price tag’ assailants belong to illegal organization- Defense ministry says series of measures will be used not only against perpetrators of 'price tag' attacks, but also against their ideological backers. (Haaretz+)
- Target numbers determined for recruiting Arabs to IDF: 6000 volunteers by 2017 - Government approved parts of Peri Committee recommendations to encourage Arabs to volunteers for Civil Service, not for IDF. (Israel Hayom, p. 11)
- Israel ramps up efforts to block illegal smuggling of waste into the West Bank - The Environmental Protection Ministry is setting up a new unit with the authority to arrest suspects, carry out searches and impound trucks at checkpoints. (Haaretz)
- Navy to begin installing system to counter Yakhont missile - The Barak 8 medium range missile is designed to intercept airborne threats, including enemy aircraft, UAVs, anti-ship missiles and cruise missiles. System could be operational on Saar 5 missile boats within the coming months. (Israel Hayom)
- Polish official accused of illicitly favoring Israel-made drones - Deputy defense minister's security clearance is revoked over his alleged preference and his close personal ties with the head of Rafael. (Haaretz+)
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