Israel’s government gathered today to vote on an emotionally charged deal to swap a notorious Lebanese prisoner for two Israeli soldiers captured two years ago – and declared for the first time to be dead.

A reported airstrike in northern Syria that Israel has not acknowledged has led to a big boost in Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s approval rating, a new opinion poll shows.

Israeli President Moshe Katsav submitted his letter of resignation today, as part of a much-criticised plea bargain that dropped planned rape charges and the threat of prison.

ISRAELI Defence Minister Amir Peretz yesterday created a committee to investigate Israel’s conduct during the 34-day fight against Hezbollah following growing criticism of ministers and generals.