DDM Matan Vilnai stated Western nations are well aware that Israel�s five-day preparedness exercise is for defense purposes, not offensive preparedness. He made his remarks on Monday while visiting an MDA center.

**A number of youths burned a tire and tried closing the road, the entrance to Yerushalayim from Highway 1 on Monday night. Police extinguished the blaze and distanced the protestors, who decried the government�s dismantling of unauthorized outposts in Yehuda and Shomron. 4 arrests were made.

**Monday evening: Two Israeli who entered a PA autonomous area near PA-occupied Bet Lechem were handed over to Israeli authorities by PA police.

**Kadima opposition party MK Yisrael Hasson on Monday stated the current administration�s policies are isolating Israel among the international community.

**Shas leader Interior Minister Eli Yishai later this week will meet with settlement leaders regarding the escalating conflict surrounding unauthorized outposts throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

**Chaggai Hadas will later this week meet with Noam and Aviva Shalit in his new capacity, responsible for negotiations towards obtaining their son�s release from Hamas captivity. The Shalits are returning from NYC where they led Sunday�s Salute to Israel Parade.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)