1. U.S., ISRAEL DIFFER ON IRAN NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY…The United States and Israel agree that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon but differ as to the readiness of the Iranians. The difference emerged during talks this week while Israel’s Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was meeting senior administration officials in Washington. Washington feels the Iranians are around a decade away from posing a real threat, however, Jerusalem believes the point of no return could be as close as 12 to 18 months away. Meanwhile, President George W. Bush and Sharon say they have no intention of attacking Iran. The White House says it favors negotiations.
2. ISRAEL TO CONTINUE JERUSALEM LINK TO POST-’67 AREAS…Israel intends linking Jerusalem to the nearby dormitory town Ma’aleh Adumim, despite international criticism. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said work will continue on the project, which will join the capital with the town to its east in the post-1967 areas. If the Palestinians are entitled to territorial contiguity, then so is Israel, Sharon said on Wednesday during a series of TV interviews to American networks.
3. U.S. COURT JAILS HAMAS BACKERS…A Dallas, Texas, court has found three brothers guilty of channeling money to the Hamas terrorist organization. The indictment of the Elashi brothers was personally announced by then Attorney-General John Ashcroft three years ago. Two of the brothers were found guilty on all 21 counts, the third on just three. They transferred more than a quarter of a million dollars to senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouq.
4. HAMAS CLAIMS GAZA WITHDRAWAL AS VICTORY…Hamas says the planned Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is a clear victory for the movement and its armed struggle. The comment was made by senior Hamas official Mahmoud A-Zahhar in an interview with the British newspaper The Times, which was published on Thursday. The Syrian- and Iranian-backed Hizbullah terrorist organization made a similar claim when Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000.
5. EGYPT, ISRAEL TO INCREASE BUSINESS TIES…As part of the warming in relations between Egypt and Israel in recent months top business leaders from both countries are expected to meet in the near future to discuss increased cooperation. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak agreed to the Israeli proposal, according to Jerusalem. In the next few days the two are expected to announce the completion of a gas deal that will see Egyptian gas pumped into Israel. There is also talk of Japan working with Egypt and Israel on joint agricultural and other projects.