Although average room rates were slightly higher from January through June compared with last year, occupancies fell slightly to 62%, in line with a national softening in demand that pushed U.S. vacancies down to 61%.

WSJ: With Republican Convention, It's a Green State

But hints from Mr Mordechai of some softening of the Israeli line were promptly scotched by Mr Netanyahu, or by his colleague, the even more hawkish Ariel Sharon.

ECONOMIST: Israel: Beginning of the end? | The

He thinks Q1 results will be in line with guidance, but anticipates near-term softening of semi industry capital spending and lower fab utilization rates will lead to lower than expected Q2 guidance, with softness potentially lingering into the third quarter.

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