The Israeli media reported Thursday that French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a ''liar'' in a private conversation with US President Barack Obama after France was sidelined on the Gilad Shalit deal.

Blast hit jeep carrying French peacekeepers on outskirts of Tyre; third attack on UNIFIL forces deployed to keep peace along Lebanon's south border with Israel.

Israel's Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman described Russia's controversial legislative elections as democratically sound.

Republican White House hopefuls slammed US President Barack Obama's policy towards Israel on Wednesday, charging he has undermined its security, set back Middle East peace efforts, and coddled Iran.

European Union heads of state or government meet Thursday and Friday in Brussels to discuss the latest developments in financial markets and the economic and financial crisis.

Close relations between Egypt and Israel are not a strange idea

Rival Islamists in Egypt’s parliamentary election played up their differences in a first-round run-off vote, with the top-placed Muslim Brotherhood anxious to show a moderate face to Egyptians hungry for stability.

Prime minister says ruling army to issue decree allowing him ''presidential powers'' as parliamentary run-off continues.

Hassan Nasrallah attends Beirut rally, telling crowds his group is ''increasing in numbers'' and vowing support for Syria.

The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, has invited young political leaders from the European Union, Israel and Palestine to Brussels as part of its efforts to foster a lasting peace in the Middle East, his office said.