Quote of the day:
"We don't like it, but we have a responsibility as a government to steer the country according to long-term strategic considerations."
--Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon on the release of 26 Palestinian prisoners last night.
- Israeli forces raid African-Palestinian neighborhood in Jerusalem's Old City - Israeli forces raided the African neighborhood of the Old City and assaulted Moayyad Salaymeh, 22, before detaining him on Tuesday, leading to clashes with locals. (Maan)
- Obama, Netanyahu discuss Iran; Kerry: We won't succumb to fear tactics - White House says leaders also discussed Israel-PA peace talks. US secretary of state on Israeli demand for more pressure on Iran: 'Some have suggested that somehow there's something wrong with giving diplomacy a chance.' (Agencies, Ynet)
- Knesset speaker boycotts Hollande's Israel visit - Yuli Edelstein orders cancelation of French president's visit to Knesset after latter decides withdraws plan to address plenum in favor of other venue. (Yedioth/Ynet)
- (Governor of BoI) Flug calls for more Arabs, haredim in workforce - In her first public speech as Governor of the Bank of Israel, Karnit Flug said, "The economy is in good shape," but warned that current demographic trends would reduce annual growth by 1.3%. (Globes)
- Report: Elderly in Israel – poorest in Western world - Prior to tax, pensions, poor are in great shape in relation to global situation. After – picture changes completely. Taub Center report says one fifth of Israel’s elderly live below poverty level – seven times more than in most developed countries. (Ynet)
- Controversial civil union bill tabled, precipitating coalition tumult - Habayit Hayehudi vows to oppose civil union bills, threatens a split with ally Yesh Atid over the issue. Former Supreme Court judge says the lack of civil marriage constitutes a violation of the constitutional right to marry. (Israel Hayom)
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