Jerusalem - An East Jerusalem Palestinian rammed his car into a crowd of soldiers late Monday at a Jerusalem intersection, injuring at least 17 people before being shot dead, in the city's third such vehicle attack since July, paramedics and police said.

Most of the wounded were soldiers from the artillery corps who were on a tour of Jerusalem ahead of the Jewish High Holidays, which begin next week. Most of the wounded suffered minor to moderate injuries; one victim was described as moderately to seriously injured.

Jerusalem  - At least 15 people were wounded late Monday night when a vehicle slammed into a crowd of people in Jerusalem, first aid workers said.

Most of the wounded were soldiers, and two were said to be in serious condition.

The driver of the vehicle was shot and killed by a passer-by, and police who rushed to the scene were attempting to ascertain his identity.

According to reports from the scene, the black BMW car mounted a pavement and ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians waiting to cross the road.

Jerusalem  - Israeli President Shimon Peres Monday night asked Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni to form a new governing coalition, to replace that headed by Ehud Olmert, who resigned the premiership Sunday night.

Peres spent Sunday night and Monday consulting with the representatives of all Knesset factions on whom to entrust the formation of a new government.

Livni, who replaced Olmert as leader of the ruling Kadima party last week, had been widely tipped to get the nod, even though only a minority of factions recommended Peres nominate her.

Jerusalem - Israeli President Shimon Peres met with political leaders Monday to consult with them on who to charge with forming a new government in the wake of the resignation Sunday of Prime Minis

Jerusalem - An Israeli woman gave birth Sunday to a big but health baby boy who weighed in at 5.25 kilos, Israel Radio reported.