Several US Jewish groups condemned the public destruction of a copy of the New Testament by Israeli Knesset member Michael Ben-Ari. Ben-Ari, a member of the National Union Party and reportedly a devotee of the late Meir Kahane, invited a legislative aide to photograph him ripping up a New Testament and throwing it in the garbage. Ben-Ari then had the photos sent to Israel's daily Maariv. The book reportedly was mailed to Ben-Ari and the Knesset's other members by a messianic Jewish group called the Bible Society …More

A months-long hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners came to an end today, thanks to a deal fostered by Egyptian negotiators. Nearly 1,600 prisoners held in Israeli cells refused food, some for as many as 77 days, in a protest against administrative detentions, solitary confinement and a ban on family visits. Administrative detention is a method of holding terrorist suspects and Israel did not agree to cease the practice, though some Palestinian outlets are saying the opposite. Israel officials have confirmed, …More

Israeli President Shimon Peres is planning to join Facebook ahead of his visit to the social network's headquarters on March 6, where he will meet the company’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg. [Ynet] The Orthodox Union has developed a smartphone app to let consumers know what products have been certified by the OU as kosher. [Ynet] Israeli environmentalists are warning that new road construction in Jerusalem could do irrevocable damage to the Jerusalem Forest. [Haaretz] Knesset Speaker Reuven …More