The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Monday praised the United States’ decision to close its embassy in Damascus, saying that the step ''sends a strong signal that the ongoing brutal repression of the Syrian people is unacceptable, that the Assad regime no longer has credibility and that Syria is becoming a pariah among nations.''

Ahead of memorable interview with Barbara Walters, Assad is told that the 'American psyche can be easily manipulated when they hear that there are 'mistakes' done and now we are 'fixing it.''

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned his officials to stop ''blabbing'' about the possibility of an attack targeting Iran's nuclear programme, the newspaper Maariv reported on Monday.

Russia and China blocked approval of a U.N. Security Council resolution that would have backed an Arab League peace plan for Syria.

Egypt's gas pipeline to Israel was attacked for the 12th time in a year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to visit the United States at the beginning of March, his office said on Sunday.

Activists report 'most violent bombardment in recent days,' worse than an attack on the city on Friday which residents say killed more than 200 people.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has warned that ''time is urgently running out'' to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Deputy Foreign Minister quoted as saying Russia cannot back resolution calling for 'Syrian-led political transition.'

Speaking at Herzliya Conference, Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz says that threats facing Israel have increased and intensified in recent years.