Israel's lead peace negotiator Tzipi Livni Tuesday praised as "important" a concession by the Arab League that Israel and the Palestinians could trade land in a bid to move the peace process forward. "It's definitely an important step -- I welcome it," Livni said. "The step taken by the Arab League really strengthens the opportunity" to reach an agreement, she added. bur-hmw/jds/bpz

A key witness in the trial of Israel's former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman took the stand Thursday as his trial on charges of fraud and breach of trust began at Jerusalem Magistrate's Court. At a first hearing on February 17, Lieberman pleaded not guilty to the charges in a trial which will decide the one-time nightclub bouncer's political future. He is suspected of trying to secure an ambassadorial posting for Israeli diplomat Zeev Ben Aryeh who provided him with confidential information about a police investigation into his affairs in 2008.

Israel's former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman was in court on Thursday as his trial on charges of fraud and breach of trust got under way in Jerusalem. At a first hearing on February 17, Lieberman pleaded not guilty in a trial which will decide the one-time nightclub bouncer's political future. Lieberman is suspected of trying to secure an ambassadorial posting for Israeli diplomat Zeev Ben Aryeh who provided him with confidential information about a police investigation into his affairs.

Israel's President Shimon Peres is to meet Pope Francis on a three-day visit to Italy that will begin on Monday, an official statement said. The Israeli president is also set to visit the city of Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi, after whom the new pontiff -- Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina -- chose his name. There he will be greeted by "hundreds of Franciscan monks" at the central Basilica, the statement fro the presidency said. Peres will also hold talks with Italy's prime minister and its president on Tuesday, the statement said.