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Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men are exempt from military service in Israel, but a proposed law would change that. It would be a major social shift that is part of the larger question concerning the role of the ultra-Orthodox in Israeli society.
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The term shuttle diplomacy may be over-used, especially in the pursuit of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. But that is exactly what Secretary of State John Kerry did on his latest visit to the Mideast. Kerry spent long, separate sessions with Palestinian and Israeli officials.
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"With a little more work, the start of final status negotiations could be within reach," the secretary of state said Sunday after four days of shuttle diplomacy. He met with Israeli and Palestinian officials.
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Palestinians picked a new president this week — on a reality show, that is. Meanwhile, the real political leadership in the West Bank is in disarray, even as Secretary of State John Kerry works to restart peace negotiations.
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Israel inventor Izhar Gafni hopes to make reliable, tough bikes that can sell for only about $20 each. Videos of his invention went viral last year. He's using the Web to raise money.
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The electric car company Better Place failed to build the dream it had designed. Its bankruptcy left tech-watchers worried about the stain on the country, which is proud of its image as a startup hotbed. But there may be a savior in the wings.
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The council of rabbis that regulates everything connected with Jewish religious law in Israel now wants to change the shape of bourekas, a type of stuffed pastry popular among Israelis. The move is aimed at helping people keep kosher. But if the rabbis succeed, says one cafe owner, "there really is no limit to their power."
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Waze makes a crowds-sourced traffic app that uses input from drivers. It will complement Google's mapping capability. The deal is seen by many as a defensive move by Google to keep Waze from being acquired by Apple or Facebook.
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Education Minister Shai Piron had to ditch his Knesset speech after he got tripped up by the word "penetration."
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Palestinians convicted of working for Israel's security forces face harsh punishment, which can include vigilante justice. Hamas, the Islamic group that runs the Gaza Strip, has been waging a campaign to crack down on Palestinian collaborators, or informants.