Amid yet more diplomatic tensions, Israeli Ambassador to Turkey Gabby Levy was called in for a clarification meeting in Ankara on Tuesday afternoon.

Pope Benedict XVI called for "universal recognition" of both Israel's right to exist and the rights of Palestinians to an independent state.

The government removed the gloves on Monday in response to provocative actions and comments coming from Ankara, with the Foreign Ministry slamming Turkey as the last country that can preach morality, and Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon calling in Turkey's envoy for a dressing down in front of the cameras.

An Iranian state broadcaster on Tuesday blamed "Zionist and American agents" for a bomb which killed Iranian nuclear physics professor Massoud Ali Mohammadi

National Security Adviser Jim Jones will meet with "key leaders" in the Middle East.

The Prime Minister's Office issued a complaint to the White House several days ago lamenting ongoing incitement against Israel by Palestinian leaders.

Washington is now considering the possibility of launching "proximity talks" between Israel and the Palestinians, as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas continues to object to direct talks.

US Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume negotiations, in comments made to a US television station Wednesday night.

A senior Palestinian Authority official on Wednesday accused Hamas of serving Iran's interests in the region at the expense of the Palestinians and Arabs.

In an echo of the fevered speculation that surrounded Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's initially secret visit to Russia in September, rumors are flying about a purported mystery trip Defense Minister Ehud Barak may have made during an otherwise unaccounted-for two days on Sunday and Monday.