Quote of the day:"They reached out and I responded."--IDF spokesman Peter Lerner on his Twitter exchange with Hamas's military wing.
- Israeli rightists tour Aqsa compound under guard - Israeli rightists toured the Al-Aqsa compound on Thursday escorted by Israeli police, witnesses said. An Israeli rightist, who had recently been banned from entering the mosque compound, tried to enter the area to pray, but was stopped by Israeli forces. (Maan)
- IDF, Hamas correspond on Twitter, inadvertently create dialogue - Major Peter Lerner tweets regarding hit, dragging response from Hamas, to which he in turn replies on social media website. 'It's not dialogue,' Lerner insists. (Ynet)
- What I learned in kindergarten today about the Holocaust - Education Minister Shay Piron’s controversial plan to introduce mandatory K-12 Holocaust studies has drawn a range of responses from educators. How do you teach the Shoah to preschoolers? (Haaretz+)
- 'Courageous' novel set in West Bank outpost wins Israeli literary award - Israeli author Assaf Gavron wins prestigious Bernstein Prize for writers under 50, for his novel "The Hilltop." (Haaretz+)
- In waiting mode: Israel grapples with unclear Iranian threat - At conference hosted by Tel Aviv University, even hawks see room for compromise over Tehran’s nuclear program. (Haaretz+)
- Druze officer named commander of elite Golani infantry brigade - Col. Rassan Alian will command the Israel Defense Forces' Golani brigade, the second Druze officer to lead a regular infantry unit. (Haaretz+ andYnet)
- Minister: Major earthquake in Israel could kill 7,000 - Contractors aren't being offered adequate incentives to reinforce public housing projects, Home Front Defense Minister Gilad Erdan admits. (Haaretz+ andIsrael Hayom)
- Gaza students create energy-saving hospital cleaning device - Engineers hope device will soon be used to sterilize hospital rooms in Gaza. (Agencies, Haaretz)
- Report: White House working to stop Congress from siding with Netanyahu on Iran - The Obama administration is reportedly worried that Netanyahu's warnings on Iran will be translated into action by the legislative branch. Senators concerned administration will ease sanctions on Iran to facilitate talks. (Israel Hayom)
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