The promotions, from commander to deputy chief, were the largest round of appointments since Roni Alsheich was sworn in as National Police commissioner in December.

The UN said that the Civil Administration, the Defense Ministry agency responsible for the West Bank, ordered the razing of 41 structures in the area.

In an interview with Egyptian media on Thursday, Israeli envoy Haim Koren said that Egypt's national squad was welcome to play a friendly match against the Israeli team in Israel.

Ayman Odeh, the chairman of the predominantly Arab Joint List faction, told Al Arabiya television on Friday that "a popular intifada is most beneficial for the Palestinians."

Vice president's trip will include visits to the United Arab Emirates, Israel, West Bank and Jordan.

Emergency services said that they received a distress call at 6:32 p.m. local time reporting a stabbing near Hashalshelet Street in the Old City of Jerusalem.

An Egyptian television station aired footage of Tawfiq Okasha pleading with parliament officials to allow him to enter the plenum.

At least 18 people were killed, among them the leader of the Revolutionary Command Council in Quneitra and Golan, in a village near the town of Quneitra.