Updated: The Knesset on Wednesday voted down a bill called the "Settlement Arrangement Law," a motion tailored to legalize settlement areas and outposts in the West Bank facing legal challenges from Palestinians who claim to own the land privately. The vote failed (69 against, 22 in favor) despite severe pressure from the right this week, and following Prime Minister Netanyahu's threat to fire any government minister who supports the bill. On Tuesday the Attorney General approved a compromise plan offered by Netanyahu, which ensures the future of settlement expansion in the West Bank. In a fierce legislative battle to win state approval for settlement…

In his latest column, New York Times journalist Thomas Friedman attacks Jerusalem's response to the Egyptian revolution. Friedman's bluntly expressed opinions were the catalyst for a torrent of angry comments. "Court Jew" was just one of the expressions used For about a year now,  Thomas Friedman has been driving Israelis crazy. Ever time he mentions Israel in his columns he is widely quoted, debated and analyzed. Friedman is becoming a household name - at least for those who follow the news. Things spun out of control following Friedman's latest column. I cannot remember such a direct assault by the Israeli…