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Large oil field identified in Israel

JERUSALEM — A commercially sized oil field has been identified in central Israel, an oil prospecting firm said. Tests on the Meged Five drill site near the central town of Rosh Ha’ayin have determined that the site can produce about 470 barrels of oil a day, the Givot Olam Oil prospecting and production firm announced. The well will be ready for production by Aug. 15, the Israeli business daily Globes reported.

PLO’s D.C. office to fly Palestinian flag

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration will allow the PLO office in Washington to fly the Palestinian flag and assume the title of “delegation.” The new privileges for the Palestine Liberation Organization office do not mean the representation has “any diplomatic privileges or immunities,” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said. He said the steps have symbolic value and reflect improved relations between the United States and Palestinians. A White House spokesman suggested the changes would help spur the Palestinians toward direct peace talks with Israel, a key demand of the Israeli and U.S. governments.

Terror report notes Israeli successes

WASHINGTON— The annual U.S. State Department report on terrorism highlighted Israel’s successful responses to threats in 2009. The report points out that four Israelis were killed in three attacks, down from 27 deaths in 13 attacks the previous year, and said Israeli officials believe that the Gaza military operation known as Cast Lead helped lower the number of attacks originating from the strip. The report said, however, that Israeli officials believe the quiet is not permanent and that Hamas has been using the time to rearm. On the topic of the West Bank, the report made no comment about the effectiveness of Israel’s security fence. It did report, however, that Israel has eased movement restrictions in the West Bank.

With Israel largely stopping rocket attacks and suicide bombings, the report stated, attacks are now being carried out by one person, often with no criminal history, for either personal or political reasons.