The tents in the city's south went up during the summer's protests against the high cost of living in Israel, and housed 36 people; municipality says Hatikva park is unfit for residence.

Visit comes as U.S. attempts to determine Israel's intentions with regard to a possible attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Although the U.S. has put pressure on Iran with more aggressive statements, an initiative to increase international sanctions and a clash over Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, Jerusalem is not satisfied.

Israel's ambassador to Paris, Yossi Gal, is better versed in religious ceremonialism than the French language.

Iran tells its neighbors not to cooperate with Western efforts to sanction its oil exports; Saudi Arabia has said it is ready to meet any increase in consumer countries' demand for oil.

The Counter-Terrorism Bureau has issued a warning to Israelis to stay away from Bangkok, and advised those already in the capital to avoid areas commonly frequented by Israelis.

If strike goes ahead, garbage will not be collected, staff of local authorities will not meet the public, and social welfare services will not be provided.

Ban Ki-moon says that the 'old order' of dynasties and one-man rule in the Arab world is coming to an end; Assad offers amnesty for 'crimes' committed during uprising.