* UN to open permanent probe on Israel The United Nation’s Human Rights Council is expected to place Israel under permanent investigation for its “violations” of international law in the territories.

* Shin Bet chief warns of record Gaza arms build-up Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin on Tuesday warned of the dangers of an unprecedented arms build-up in the Gaza Strip.

* Iranian FM: ‘Israel is a nuclear threat’ Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki on Tuesday accused Israel and the United States of posing the main threats to the security of the Middle East.

* Catholic politicians must oppose gay marriage: Pope The Church’s opposition to gay marriage is “non-negotiable” and Catholic politicians have a moral duty to oppose it, as well as laws on abortion and euthanasia, Pope Benedict said.

* Olmert urges US to stand firm on Iraq Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned at an AIPAC gala dinner Monday night about the danger “premature” withdrawal from the country would pose for Israel.

* New poll shows 68.4% of Israeli Jews fear Israeli Arab uprising 68.4 percent of Israeli Jews fear a civil uprising on behalf of Israeli Arabs and 63.3 percent say they won’t enter Arab towns in Israel.

* Putin in landmark Vatican visit Russian President Vladimir Putin is beginning an official visit to Rome, during which he will see both the Pope and the Italian prime minister.

* EU’s blueprint for Kosovo takeover revealed The European Union is reportedly well-advanced in planning to replace the UN authority in Kosovo.

* Libya ‘may sign US nuclear deal’ A report coming out of Libya says a nuclear power agreement with the United States will be signed shortly.

* Pro-Kremlin Parties Set to Win in Russian Regional Polls Pro-Kremlin parties on Monday looked set to win all 14 regional elections contested Sunday.