US Vice President Joe Biden yesterday pledged Washington’s full commitment to Israel’s security while throwing his weight behind a renewal of Middle East peace talks after a 14-month hiatus.

US PRESIDENT Barack Obama’s special peace envoy yesterday sought an “early relaunch” of Israeli-Palestinian talks, but Israel said Washington’s goal of comprehensive peace was an illusion.

President Shimon Peres fainted on stage while speaking at an event in Tel Aviv, Israeli media reported tonight.

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Israel today on an emotion-charged visit to the Holy Land hoping to improve relations with Jews and Muslims.

Israel’s hardline prime minister designate, Benjamin Netanyahu will meet the head of the dovish Labour Party today after failing to tempt centrist leader Tzipi Livni into a broad, moderate, coalition government.

Israeli forces edged closer to Gaza’s major population centres today attacking new targets and taking more civilian lives after ignoring mounting international calls for an immediate ceasefire.

ISRAEL MOVED closer to a bruising election campaign that will decide the future of peace talks yesterday, as polls showed moderate foreign minister Tzipi Livni in a surprisingly close race with hard-liner Benjamin Netanyahu.

The chairman of BP predicted today that global economic conditions will remain difficult for some time but will eventually recover due to growth in China and the rest of Asia.

US Vice President Dick Cheney began Easter Sunday with a prayer and the singing of “Amazing Grace” at a tiny chapel in Jerusalem, then launched into a day of talks about the Mideast peace process and the rising influence of Iran in the region.

A barrage of rockets battered an Israeli town less than half a mile from the Gaza fence today – seriously wounding a woman – just before the arrival of President Shimon Peres.

US President George Bush began his first presidential trip to Israel today seeking to build momentum for stalled Middle East peace talks.

Jewish comedian Jerry Seinfeld has returned to Israel for the first time in 37 years, to promote his new animated film 'Bee' movie there.

Pop star Madonna toasted the Jewish new year with Israeli President Shimon Peres and declared herself an “ambassador for Judaism,” local newspapers reported today.