Israel’s ambassador to the European Union said that a new attempt to breach Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza is a ''clear political provocation''.

Two weeks after imposing sanctions to Syria, including travel bans and asset freezes on Syria top officials, the European Union is expected to extend the measures to include President Bashar al-Assad, in response to a violent repression on anti-government protests.

US President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed on Friday after three hours of talks at the White House that there can be no role for Iran-backed Hamas in Palestinian-Israeli peace talks because it is a terrorist group that does not accept the existence of the Jewish state.

Military attaché to Moscow Col. Vadim Leiderman was helping Israeli defense industries illegally obtain sensitive technology, report says.

PM en route to Washington says ''sometimes being right also means being smart,'' stresses he will bring up ''principal matters'' regarding Israel's existence with Obama during meeting.

Palestinians condemn plan to build 1550 homes in Har Homa, Pisgat Zeev; official says Israel determined to undermine Obama's attempts to revive talks.

The Zionist Organization of America urged AIPAC to rescind its invitation to President Obama after he called for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations on the basis of 1967 lines, saying Obama is the most hostile U.S. president ever to Israel.

Spokesman for Hamas says Obama needs to take concrete steps to protect rights of Palestinians; Palestinian President Abbas says he welcomes Obama's efforts to renew talks with Israel.

Top Republican contenders for the White House in 2012 accused President Barack Obama on Thursday of betraying staunch US ally srael in his new long-shot push for Middle East peace.

Comment reported in New York Times comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over the U.S. President's backing of a Palestinian state within 1967 borders.