US Secretary of State John Kerry rejected the idea that he in any way considers Israel to be an apartheid state and expressed regret for use of the term during a recent closed meeting.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has expressed support for a new Palestinian unity government which adheres to Quartet requirements, fueling Israeli concerns over ‘back door’ international recognition of Hamas.

Decree creates possibility for hundreds of millions of Muslims from around world to visit holy site; fatwa says visits not be normalization of ties with Israel.

Netanyahu begins consultations exploring policy options if Hamas-Fatah pact consummated; if deal falls through, he is ready to renew direct talks.

Israeli-Arab village of Fureidis stages a general strike after vandals spray graffiti on a mosque and slash dozens of tires; car in Yokne'am vandalized marking 5th such attack in the town.

Erdogan says two countries have agreed on compensation for flotilla victims; Israeli officials confirm deal close.

PA President Abbas says negotiations can't be restarted without ''release of prisoners, a settlement freeze, and a discussion of maps and borders.''

43% of the olim came from the former Soviet Union, primarily Russia and the Ukraine, 17% came from France, 13% from the United States and 8% from Ethiopia.

Israeli official tells 'Post' that government is delaying announcement as not to ''distract attention away from the issue of Hamas.''

''The State of Israel of today is not only the only possible memorial standing for our perished brothers and sisters. Israel is a deterrence against any attempt at another Holocaust,'' said Israeli President Shimon Peres as Israel marked Yom HaShoah, the Holocaust Memorial Day.