In And Out

Well, if anyone was still under any illusions about what the basis of the timing of Israel's attack on Gaza was, Israel is promising to be out of Gaza "by the time Barack Obama is sworn in as President."

The official, who declined to be named, said that the withdrawal could be complete before U.S. President-elect Barack Obama takes his oath of office in Washington at noon ET Tuesday -- 7 p.m. in Israel -- though commanders have not been given that deadline.

The Israel Defense Forces said Sunday that it had begun withdrawing some troops from Gaza, and Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said Sunday that troops would be out in a matter of days, not weeks.

Well gosh, that's nice to know. I'm sure the Palestinians will appreciate it. In fact, it's good to see the Israelis so motivated in general to show mercy and all that. Even the Saudis are getting in on the act.

Saudi Arabia will donate $1 billion for reconstruction in Gaza following Israel's deadly attacks on the coastal strip, its king said on Monday.

"I announce on behalf of your brothers in Saudi Arabia that the kingdom will offer $1 billion as a contribution under the programme proposed by this summit for the reconstruction of Gaza," King Abdullah told an Arab economic summit in Kuwait.

So, it appears with the new boss in town, everyone's eager to make a good first impression on the man.

You know, before they go back to killing each other.