The number of repatriates arriving from Russia has twice decreased in comparison with the analogous period last year.

Nearly 5, 200 new repatriates have arrived during first four months of this year, which is 50% lower than indices of 2001.

Ariel Sharon has declared Israel needs 1,5 mln. repatriates more for further prosperity of the country.

Commenting on Prime Minister's declaration, a Knesset deputy from "Shinuy" party, professor Victor Brailovsky said, "For Sharon's desire to come true, the policy of Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding repatriates should change. If should be remembered there are almost no pure Jewish families left in the former Soviet Union, whereas there are nearly half a million mixed families. To convince these families to arrive in here we should stop treating them as inferior people".

"Gazprom" hold talks to participate in privatizing of a part of Israel's gas transporting system and in the project on constructing a sea gas pipeline to this country from Africa.

A "Gazprom" 12 member-strong delegation is conducting negotiations with local fuel company Paz and investing group Africa-Israel on joining the project. "Gazprom" is eager to become not only a contractor, but also a member of the privatization consortium.

Israel's police stations started issuing new identity cards without a nationality entry. This is done in compliance with new directions approved by the Knesset. Old cards' owners will receive new ones without an entry in a corresponding line. Though, a "nationality" line will be available in new cards but with printed... stars.

64% of Israelis are satisfied with Prime Minister of Israel Ariel Sharon's activity. 28% of the polled are dissatisfied.

At the same time only 27% of respondents support economic policy of Prime Minister, whereas 59% are against it. Since the end of last decade Israel's economy is in recession. 57% of the polled declared they would like to see Ariel Sharon as Prime Minister in future as well. According to many, Minister of Defense Binyamin Ben-Eliezer will become Sharon's opponent at the coming elections. 18% of respondents support the former.