(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

SECURITY/DEFENSE:

*Israeli motorists were attacked by Arabs hurling rocks between Tapuach Jct. & Migdalim in Shomron on Tuesday morning. (This is a major roadway connecting the Gush Dan area to the Jordan Valley).

*Mortar shells fired from Gaza landed near Kissufim on Tuesday morning. No injuries.

*Two people sustained light injuries in a mortar shell attack in Netiv HaAsarah on Tuesday morning.

*13:20 – rockets fired from Gaza landed in open areas without injuries or damage.

*An explosion was reported on Tuesday afternoon in the Halhoul Bridge area near Chevron. No injuries were reported. The cause of the blast is under investigation.

*Rimonim and Kochav HaShachar residents are meeting to discuss the decline in security following the removal of an area IDF checkpoint.

*DM Ehud Barak announced if violence and rocket attacks cease, the crossings to Gaza may be reopened.

POLITICS, DOMESTIC & MORE:

*Chevron residents are blamed for placing glue in the locks of Arab-owned stores in the area of the Ma’arat HaMachpelah, preventing at least six stores from opening for business on Tuesday morning Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) reported.

*Health Ministry officials warn against using skin care products from the PDS Israel Company, which do not have ministry approval. They are marketed similar to the Care & Beauty Line which is approved, officials add. The unauthorized products include the Spa Body Lotion, moisturizing cream and cream for dry skin.

*Shas MK Shlomo Benizri announced he will not resign despite his conviction on bribery and fraud charges. He called his conviction the “greatest lie since the establishment of the state”.

*Employment services employees will begin a strike on Wednesday morning making it impossible for anyone to register for unemployment benefits.