I. Update on Palestinian Sanctions II. Supplemental Update III. New Bills and Resolutions IV. Dear Colleagues V. On the Record on HR 4681 (McCollum)

Lines In The Drifting Sand: The U.S. will not recognize a border created after a unilateral withdrawal from the West Bank as Israel's permanent border, senior Bush Administration officials said.

White Smoke: Negotiations between Kadima and Labor have led to an agreement on cabinet portfolios that could allow a new government to be named in approximately one week.

Q. How do you explain the Olmert government's restrained response to the April 17 suicide bombing in Tel Aviv? How is the Iranian-Syrian strategic alliance holding up under American pressure...?

What do the results of the recent Israeli elections say about Israeli attitudes about settlements and territorial compromise?

CONVERGENCE EMERGENCE: More details are emerging about Kadima's convergence plan. According to Ma'ariv, high-ranking government officials say that the convergence plan that Ehud Olmert presented will include the complete evacuation of over 60 settlements

Q. Does Livni's comments re: Palestinians reflect new policy thinking...? Q. If appointed, could Peretz succeed at the defense post?

Q. Can Ehud Olmert form a stable disengagement government? Q. How are Israel's criteria for dealing with Hamas evolving, and how is Hamas responding?

SAVINGS & GROANS: Bank Hapoalim, Israel's largest bank, said it is severing ties with Palestinian banks after a legal review in the wake of the swearing-in of a Hamas-led government.

I. Update on Pal Sanctions Bills; II. Supplemental Update; III. APN on New Version of HR 4681

Q. ...significant ramifications of last week's Knesset elections? Q. Why did so many not vote? Q. The Arab League held its annual summit in Khartoum last week...?