Camel rides, Israeli music and dancers, Middle Eastern food, jewelry and artwork will be featured as part of the celebration in Scottsdale of Israel’s 56th Independence Day on April 25.

BEIRUT, Lebanon - The chief of Hezbollah told throngs of supporters at a funeral for slain commander Imad Mughniyeh his group would retaliate against Israeli targets anywhere in the world after accusing the Jewish state of killing the militant.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Hundreds of terrified Gazans fleeing Hamas rule were trapped at a main crossing with Israel on Tuesday, hoping to gain permission to pass through Israeli territory to sanctuary in the West Bank.

JERUSALEM - "Puppet regimes" are back in the Middle East. Once again, they're promoting peace, diversity and the importance of brushing your teeth.

BEIRUT, Lebanon - Israeli warplanes intensified airstrikes and launched a new commando raid in south Lebanon on Monday, killing at least 23 people in one of the heaviest tolls in days.

BEIRUT, Lebanon - Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora said Wednesday that he refused to have any direct contact with Israel and Lebanon would be the last Arab country to ever sign a peace deal with the Jewish state.

TEHRAN, Iran - The president of Iran again lashed out at Israel on Friday and said it was "heading toward annihilation," just days after Tehran raised fears about its nuclear activities by saying it successfully enriched uranium for the first time.

RAMALLAH, West Bank - Hamas is ready for a "two-state" solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a senior official said Friday, in what would appear to be a softening of Hamas' position and imply recognition of the Jewish state.

JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was rushed to a hospital late Wednesday after feeling ill, his office said. Israeli media reported that he apparently suffered a second stroke or possibly a heart ailment.

GUSH ETZION, West Bank - Israel suspended negotiations with the Palestinian Authority on issues such as prisoner releases and slapped tough travel restrictions on the West Bank after Palestinian gunmen killed three Israelis and wounded five in drive-by attacks near Jewish settlements.

SANUR, West Bank - Israeli soldiers cleared two militant strongholds Tuesday without major violence, completing the country's historic evacuation of 25 settlements in the Gaza Strip and West Bank _ the first time Israel has abandoned Jewish communities in lands the Palestinians claim for their future state.

LOS ANGELES - Madonna says she has canceled three Israeli stops on her "Re-Invention" tour because of violence in the region, including the killing of the leader of the militant group Hamas.

An event celebrating Israel’s 60th birthday will be noon to 5 p.m. today at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.

Very few Americans appreciate either what is at stake in Palestine or what problems remain to be solved. We just aren't interested.