News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) The Knesset in a 34-14 vote ratified the appointment of Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni as Justice Minister. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hopes Chaim Ramon will be acquitted in his sexual misconduct trial, thereby permitting him to return to his senior post. He was compelled to step down as Justice Minister following the filing of an indictment against him.

--Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman emerged from a meeting with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert confident that the ceasefire between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) will be long-lasting. During a meeting earlier in the day with National Infrastructures Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, Suleiman indicated efforts towards the release of Gilad Shalit are moving ahead.