Al-Nahar news reports Syrian president lands in Iran with several gov't officials, family members. Earlier, UN official urges Iranian regime to influence Syria to go to peace talks with rebels

Dozens of Russian nationals return home aboard special plane sent by Moscow. In phone conversation, FM Lavrov rejects Kerry's claim of chemical weapons use by Assad regime

Shortage of soft drugs across country leads young Israelis to settlements, where residents fearlessly grow marijuana

Pentagon preparing options for all contingencies, Secretary Hagel says after Obama discusses plans with top military, national security advisers, UK's Cameron

New York Times reports that Western diplomats say Israel, Egyptian defense minister maintain close contact even as blood flows in streets of Egypt. According to sources, Israel dismissed US threat to cut aid

More than 50,000 children already vaccinated in southern Israel, now authorities seek to vaccinate all children under 9 countrywide

Following video showing violent arrest of Yitzhar settler, Commissioner Danino bans use of Tasers until team concludes examination of guns' effectiveness

Washington, allies gear up for possible military strike against Syria, 'Opposition was told in clear terms that action to deter further use of chemical weapons by Assad's regime could come as early as in the next few days,' opposition member says