"Sandwiched between two Arab civil wars, expecting nothing from the peace talks, quietly legalizing discrimination against its minorities—Israel's year of superficial calm." Don Futterman sums up a less than positive year in Israel ahead of Rosh Hashana.
- Sharp rise in settlement building starts - Despite government's efforts to increase construction in bid to reduce housing prices, slowdown in building starts ongoing since 2011. While first half of 2013 sees 6% drop in number of building starts in Israel, construction in Judea and Samaria up 141%. (Ynet)
- Dozens of Palestinians protest against Hebron settler house - People gathered outside of a property belonging to the al-Rajabi family and demanded that settlers leave the premises. The Israeli high court is due to hold a session on Monday to decide the fate of the property, which has been disputed for years. (Maan)
- Bill equalizing labor rights for (Israeli women working in) West Bank handed back to military - Netanyahu delays cabinet vote on controversial Struck Law to give the IDF a chance to issue an order equalizing the rights of women working over the Green Line to those inside Israel proper. (Haaretz+ and Israel Hayom)
- Netanyahu: Law discriminating against women in West Bank to be amended - According to PM, controversial bill initiated by MK Struck to amend law that discriminates against women beyond Green Line will take effect by October, either by army order or by applying Israeli law on territories. (Ynet)
- Israeli forces reopen Hebron road after 12 years - The al-Harayeq gate south of Hebron will be open 24 hours a day as of Sunday. In July, Israel opened the road for eight hours daily, ending a 12-year closure that began during the Second Intifada. (Maan)
- Lapid meets Palestinian finance minister - Finance Minister Yair Lapid met in his office with his counterpart in the Palestinian Authority, Shukri Bashara. The two discussed different options to expand the economic cooperation between the two entities. (Ynet)
- Shin Bet foils Hamas terror attack on Jerusalem mall - Five operatives from East Jerusalem planned to plant bomb during the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days. (Haaretz+ and Ynet)
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