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Main Issue on Olmert's Visit to Washington Is Iran Crisis
by Aluf Benn
 Senior foreign ministry sources said that the main issue Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will raise with the U.S. government in his visit to Washington next week is the crisis with Iran. According to the sources, the convergence plan for withdrawal from the West Bank will only be discussed in general terms. The sources also said that U.S. officials are preparing a very warm welcome for Olmert, who will be making his first visit to the U.S. as prime minister. (Ha'aretz)
Israeli Warns of Mideast Terror 'Tsunami'
The former head of Israeli military intelligence, Aharon Zeevi-Farkash, warned Monday that a tidal wave of Islamic violence awaits the Middle East, with the specter of nuclear terrorism on the horizon. Speaking during a seminar at Tel Aviv University, he said that Iranian calls for Israel's destruction should be taken seriously, in light of Tehran's efforts to develop a nuclear capability. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but Israel and the West believe it seeks to develop an atomic bomb. (AP/Houston Chronicle)
Hamas Asks for Weapons, Not Food
 The Palestinian militant group Hamas urged supporters around the world last week to send it arms, fighters and money to back its fight against arch-foe Israel. "We ask all the people in surrounding Arab countries, the Muslim world and everyone who wants to support us to send weapons, money and men," Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal said in a speech at a pro-Palestinian event in Qatar. (Reuters)
Florida Teen Dies of Injuries Suffered in Tel Aviv Bombing
by Ashley Fantz
 Daniel Wultz died last Sunday of wounds suffered in a suicide bombing last month at a fast food outlet in Tel Aviv. Daniel, 16, of Weston, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale, recovered enough to tell his Israeli doctors "I want to live. Please help me," according to Avi Zuri of Davie, Fla., who recently returned home from Wultz's Tel Aviv bedside. (Miami Herald)
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Israel Will Buy Supplies for Gaza Hospitals
by Steven Erlanger and Greg Myre
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel said Thursday that Israel would buy drugs and medical equipment urgently needed by Palestinian hospitals in Gaza out of funds Israel is withholding. In an interview in Jerusalem, Olmert vehemently denied that there was any Palestinian "humanitarian crisis," calling it "for the time being total propaganda." "We will pay if necessary out of our own pockets," he said, and get what is needed directly to the hospitals "as soon as possible," circumventing the Hamas government. "We wouldn't allow one baby to suffer one night." (New York Times)
U.S. Poll: 80% Say No Funding for PA Now
 A poll of 500 "opinion elites" commissioned by The Israel Project shows that U.S. support for Israel remains strong and that there is significant concern among Americans regarding Hamas. 77% said they have a cold or unfavorable view of Hamas and only 4% had a warm or positive feeling. 80% agree that the U.S. should not fund the Palestinian Authority until its Hamas-led government renounces violence, recognizes Israel, and ends terrorism. 94% agree that Palestinian leaders must disarm terrorists. 93% agree that Palestinian leaders must end the culture of hate that encourages children to become suicide bombers. (The Israel Project/News Blaze)
PA Purchased Weapons with Israeli and Foreign Aid
 Fuad Shubaki, Arafat's finance person, who was apprehended on March 14 at Jericho prison, has admitted that upon the outbreak of the current round of Palestinian violence and terrorism in the autumn of 2000, Yasser Arafat ordered him to purchase large quantities of weapons. According to Shubaki, the financing for this war materiel came from international assistance, tax revenues from the Gaza Strip, customs revenues transferred by Israel, and funds from Arab countries. Shubaki and Arafat were also directly involved in the Karine A weapons ship (pictured) affair, which was financed and guided by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Hizballah. (Prime Minister's Office)
Palestinian Rocket Hits Israeli School
by Hanan Greenberg
Two Qassam rockets landed Sunday morning in the western Negev. One rocket landed inside a classroom at the "Hanativ Hayeshivati" religious school in the southern town of Sderot. Luckily, at the time of the rocket's landing all students were at the school's synagogue for prayer service. (Ynet News)
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