Erev Shavuot -- Headlines
Sunday, June 08, 2008

Torah is the document that turned us from an unruly band of first, second and third cousins into a nation of priests and warriors with a King.

Russia says preparations for Iran nuclear reactor startup set for autumn [YNet News -- Hat Tip: Israel Matzav]

Russian news agencies said Saturday that preparations for the startup of a nuclear power plant in Iran will begin this autumn.

The agencies quoted Russian nuclear agency chief Sergei Kiriyenko as saying builders are in the final stages of work on the plant near the city of Bushehr.

His remarks Saturday were in line with a statement by the head of the Russian company building the plant that it would not be started up before late 2008. But Iran has said the reactor would begin operating at half its capacity this summer.

More Headlines from IsraelMatzav:

'Palestinian' caught with 6 pipe bombs at Hawara road block Condi wants opened

Obama on How the Jewish Lobby Works

Obama Flip-Flops on Israel [to get the Jewish Vote]

And from Arutz Sheva:

Arab Anger Forces Obama to Backtrack on Jerusalem

Responding to Obama's remarks, [regarding an undivided Jerusalem--made in a speech to the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee or, AIPAC] a livid Abbas told reporters, "This statement is totally rejected. The whole world knows that holy Jerusalem was occupied in 1967 and we will not accept a Palestinian state without having Jerusalem as the capital."

By Thursday Obama was quickly backpedaling, telling reporters "Well, obviously it's going to be up to the parties to negotiate a range of these issues. And Jerusalem will be part of those negotiations… As a practical matter, it would be very difficult to execute [a policy of the capital remaining undivided.]"

And from the JPost:

Gaza op likely before J'lem signs truce [JPost]

In response to the recent string of fatal Hamas rocket attacks, Israel is likely to conduct a medium-size military operation against the Islamist group before agreeing to a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, senior defense officials told The Jerusalem Post on Saturday.

A final decision on Israel's course will be made on Tuesday during a meeting between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. Barak, officials said, favored first striking at Hamas and only then agreeing to a truce.

"Under the current circumstances, accepting a cease-fire would appear as if we are giving in to Hamas's demands and ultimatums," a senior defense official said, adding that an operation would likely be launched soon.

According to the new strategy, the IDF will not reoccupy the Gaza Strip but will instead initiate an incursion to make Hamas "pay a price," and afterward agree to a cease-fire.

posted by Shoshana @ 10:46 PM