News in Brief

The Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee, whose approval to put up 1,600 housing units in Ramat Shlomo caused the crisis between Israel and the United States last week, will not convene until after Passover, committee members were told over the weekend. Immediately after the crisis erupted the committee canceled discussions on all Israeli construction over the Green Line. Two meetings were canceled last week and two others, scheduled for Sunday and Tuesday this week, were also called off. Committee officials confirmed that the committee was pressured to change its agenda to avoid aggravating the crisis. (Nir Hasson)

The IDF's Civil Administration's claims committee in the West Bank has received NIS 150 million to compensate settlers and contractors for damages caused by the construction freeze. Two weeks ago Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the arrangement between the Prime Minister's Office and the Finance Ministry. The deal compensates three groups - individuals who bought houses whose construction was suspended, contractors whose building permits were suspended, and several local councils. (Amos Harel)

The family and advocates of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit are planning to step up their public advocacy campaign this week. Shalit has been held captive in Gaza for more than three years. His supporters will launch a more aggressive campaign today, centering on a film showing Shalit's face morphing into that of missing navigator Ron Arad. Newspaper ads will show Arad and Shalit, stating, "Is Gilad still alive? We can't waste time." Noam and Aviva Shalit, his parents, will leave today for Geneva, where Noam is scheduled to address the UN Human Rights Council. (Jack Khoury)

An Israel Defense Forces reservist was arrested by the Jordanian army yesterday afternoon after crossing the border near the Sheikh Hussein bridge in the northern Jordan Valley. The soldier was detained for an hour and a half before being released back to Israel, in coordination with Jordanian and Israeli forces. The soldier left his weapon with a friend before crossing the border. The IDF has launched an investigation. (Amos Harel)

Arab television channels are planning to air the controversial Turkish television show that depicts Israel Defense Force soldiers shooting innocent Palestinians, the French news agency AFP reported yesterday. The art director at the Turkish production agency responsible for creating the show said that it has been sold to a Saudi Arabian channel as well as a Dubai channel. (Haaretz Staff)

Less than two weeks after the Environmental Protection Ministry issued a ban on the playing of music at any time of day deemed loud enough to disturb neighbors, it backed down following a petition submitted by prominent musicians. The ban will now be in effect from 9 P.M. to 7 A.M. instead of the current 11 P.M. to 7 A.M., in addition to 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. (Noya Kochavi)