* PA calls Arabs to “defend al Aqsa” Top Fatah official: Israel “playing with fire” through Temple Mount “provocations.”

* Ashton to push for resumption of Israel-Palestine peace talks On the eve of her first trip to the Middle East, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has said she will urge a restart of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.

* Abbas: Iran hampering unity talks PA leader says Iran is impeding efforts to reach a deal between Fatah and Hamas.

* Obama aide condemns “destructive” Israeli homes plan Israel’s announcement of plans to build 1,600 homes for Jews in East Jerusalem was “destructive” to peace efforts, a top aide to Barack Obama says.

* New Terrorist Weapon: “Lawfare” Twists the Law The recently-formed “Lawfare Project” has launched a new type of strategy to fight Muslim-led manipulation of law in its war against democracy.

* Security Fears: Police Cancel Upcoming Temple Mount Activities In light of security assessments in Jerusalem and the rioting of the past few days there, police have canceled the monthly Temple Mount Gates march, scheduled for this Monday night.

* Turkey calls for more active EU foreign policy Turkey has urged the European Union to seek more influence in the South Caucasus and the Middle East, regions where Ankara already considers itself to be a major player.

* “Arms drive” in South East Asia South East Asian nations are ramping up their military capacity in a move that could destabilize the region.

* Israeli envoy sees “historic crisis” with U.S. Israel and the United States are in a “crisis of historic proportions” over a settlement dispute that has brought relations to a 35-year low, Israel’s ambassador to Washington said.

* Israel keeps restrictions on Jerusalem mosque access Israeli police maintained restrictions on access to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound – Islam’s third holiest site – for the fourth day running amid tensions in Jerusalem.