Recent statements from Tehran and Gaza rulers Hamas have given “Iran credit for providing Hamas with its current arsenal as well as technology for the manufacture of weapons”, claims an official comment by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF)’s Strategic Division.

The British Foreign Office slammed Israel’s decision to construct further settlement homes in southern Jerusalem’s Gilo neighbourhood, as Minister Alistair Burt cautioned that “by taking these steps, despite the international community repeatedly raising our profound concerns, the Israeli government is damaging Israel’s international reputation”.

Moscow says Assad's exit cannot be precondition for talks; Brahimi in Moscow Saturday to discuss peace proposals; Russia has invited head of opposition Syrian National Coalition.

Turkey has dropped its opposition to Israel’s participation in non-military NATO activities.

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Tuesday welcomed the ''peaceful and orderly environment'' that prevailed during the referendum in Egypt on a new constitution.

Syria said it wouldn't use chemical weapons, but later that day rebels claimed they were under a poison gas attack.

Vice Premier: Israel is following developments in Syria closely, but has seen no proof supporting opposition claims of WMD use.

Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor called on the Security Council to express its opposition to Hezbollah’s recent moves to amass arms.

According to National Journal, Washington’s political news magazine, the White House is rethinking his choice of Republican Chuck Hagel to succeed Leon Panetta as the next Secretary of Defense

The European Union and Russia urged Israel and the Palestinians ''to engage in direct and substantial negotiations without preconditions'' in 2013 in order to achieve a lasting solution to their conflict, after summit talks in Brussels on Friday attended by EU leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin.