For the first time in Israel's history the meeting of defense army headquarters adopted a decision on calling up Russian-speaking repatriates to a separate military unit.

The "Battalion Alia" movement, consisting of officers and soldiers of former Soviet Army, unites more than 500 repatriates with a military experience. After the intifada had begun, many repatriates, not liable for a call-up, expressed their desire to help their country. The "Battalion Alia" initially defended some strategically important settlements in Judea and Samaria. Then some sub-units of battalion participated in strategic exercises of TSAKHAL. And after such "fight test" the army decided to create a separate military unit.

Stealing of armament and ammunition from the Israeli army warehouses has increased by "tens of per cent" during the recent year.

Palestinian bandits and criminal structures have received a significant part of stolen arms. The inspection revealed that robberies had mostly occurred at warehouses in Judea, Samaria and Gaza Strip. 107 units of infantry weapons, 511 binoculars and night-vision devices as well as 2000 units of army ammunition (including flak jackets) are known to have been stolen. The TSAKHAL commandment addressed, through the "Ba-Khame" weekly, those involved in stealing to bring back the stolen units. Those to decide to make this step will remain anonymous and unpunished.

Jerusalem municipality put to the auction well-known statues of lions - decoration of the city streets. 81 statues were sold for about 300 thousand USD. The most expensive (22 thousand USD) turned to be the "Arye Deri" statue - a lion resembling former leader of SHAS party. "Lion-soccer player", painted in "Betar" team colours, went to the Strom family for 18 thousand USD.

The most part of money made will be spent on charitable needs.

According to the poll data, 33% of Israelis answering the question: "What is the way to stop violence?" - indicated they are for one-sided decision, i.e. for withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Western bank, erection of a "protection wall". 29% said that only negotiations might stop the violence.

At the same time, 28% consider this problem be sold only by means of Israel's military might; 51% - peace is impossible in the Near East. And 41% are sure the problem is not to be solved.