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U.S., France OK U.N. Mideast Truce Pact
by Robin Wright, Colum Lynch and Molly Moore
 The United States and France reached agreement on a draft resolution Saturday calling for "a full cessation of hostilities" between Israel and Hizballah and setting the terms for a possible negotiated settlement of the war and deployment of a U.N.-mandated international force in the region. In a sign of the challenges ahead, Hizballah ministers in the Lebanese government declared that they would reject the proposed resolution because it does not provide for immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon. (Washington Post)
Campuses Heat Up. Hillels Plan Programs as War Escalates
by Susan Jacobs
 "There are signs over the summer of trouble when things are usually quiet," said David Harris, executive director of the Israel on Campus Coalition, an affiliate of Hillel International. Even though most students are away from campus during the summer, some student organizations at various colleges have passed resolutions in recent weeks that are hostile to Israel, and there are protests going on. The Israel on Campus Coalition is planning a week of solidarity and advocacy for Israel in September, which would be observed at campuses across the country.
Israel: Hizballah Rocket Tally at 3,000
 More than 3,000 Hezbollah rockets have hit northern Israel in more than three weeks of fighting, the Israeli army said Saturday. The guerrillas fired 170 rockets into Israel on Saturday, killing three civilians. In all, 36 Israeli civilians have been killed by rockets since fighting began July 12. (AP/Washington Post)
Jewish Charities Seek $300 Million for Israel
by Alan Cooperman
 United Jewish Communities, formerly known as the United Jewish Appeal, said Wednesday it will seek to raise a minimum of $300 million in emergency humanitarian funds for Israel this year, UJC's president called the $300 million figure "a floor, not a ceiling," and the amount raised probably "will grow beyond that." The aim is to raise the money fast, ideally within weeks, UJC officials said. (Washington Post)
See also Conflict Boosts Generosity (Reuters)
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White House: Israel Has a Right to Defend Itself
 White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said Wednesday: "We want a cease-fire that is sustainable, that is going to provide the basis for security in the long run in Lebanon....All recognize that if you declare an immediate cease-fire and you do not have the conditions for real peace, it is simply going to be a hollow declaration....We want an end to violence. We think that what has happened is a tragedy not merely for the people of Lebanon, but the people of Israel. A million Israelis right now are living in bomb shelters." (White House)
12 Reserve Soldiers Killed in Katyusha Attack
 A deadly barrage of rockets that landed near kibbutz Kfar Giladi Sunday afternoon claimed the life of 12 reserve Israel Defense Forces soldiers, the army said. Fifteen people were injured in the attack, including two seriously and three moderately. (Ynet News)
See also U.S. Family Lays 'Lone Soldier' Son to Rest in Israel by Molly Moore
 Three weeks ago, 21-year-old Staff Sgt. Michael Levin was back with his family in the Philadelphia suburbs, hanging out with his twin sister and making plans to study medicine after he finished his tour with the Israeli military this fall. When war erupted between Israel and Hizballah fighters in southern Lebanon, Levin cut short his home leave and joined his paratroop unit on Israel's northern border. Thursday afternoon, Levin's twin sister, Dara, tossed a handful of ocher clay atop her brother's wooden coffin. (Washington Post)
Hizballah Equipped like the Syrian or Iranian Army
by Benjamin Harvey
 Hizballah's sophisticated anti-tank missiles are perhaps its deadliest weapon in the fighting in Lebanon, with their ability to pierce Israel's most advanced tanks. Experts say this is further evidence that Israel is facing a well-equipped army in this war, not a ragtag militia. Israel contends Hizballah gets almost all of its weaponry from Syria and by extension Iran, including its anti-tank missiles. That's why cutting off the supply chain is essential and why fighting Hizballah after it has spent six years building up its arsenal is proving so painful to Israel, officials say. (AP/Star-Canada)
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