Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was&nbsp;detected with&nbsp;hernia. The leader underwent a surgery on Sunday (Mar 31), which as per his office was "successful".

<h2>Netanyahu to Undergo Hernia Surgery</h2>

Notably, the procedure&nbsp;required full anaesthesia for the prime minister.&nbsp; Describing the surgery as&nbsp;"successful," Netanyahu's&nbsp;office on Monday (Apr 1) said that he&nbsp;was "in good shape and beginning to recover".

As&nbsp;the Israeli PM required anaesthesia for the medical procedure, the Deputy Prime Minister and also the current Justice Minister Yariv Levin was supposed to assume temporary leadership responsibilities during the prime minister's absence, as is common in such scenarios.&nbsp;

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This is often outlined in constitutional or governmental protocols to ensure continuity of leadership and governance.

The hernia was detected in Israeli PM while a routine checkup was carried out on the leader on Saturday (Mar 30).

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Later, the surgery was decided to be carried out.&nbsp;It's worth mentioning that the 74-year-old&nbsp;Netanyahu had a pacemaker implanted in July 2023 following a medical emergency. The Israeli PM earlier underwent a hernia operation in 2013, as per media reports.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel PM Netanyahu Health Update</h2>

The hernia operation will reportedly take place once the Israeli war cabinet conclude its meeting which is scheduled to take place in the evening hours on Sunday (Mar 31). This crucial development comes as Netanyahu is facing calls to resign as over a hundred Israelis continue to be remain as hostages under Hamas' captivity.&nbsp;

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According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 32,782 Palestinians have been killed since the war started on October 7 last year. World leaders are urging Israel and Hamas to call an immediate ceasefire however, the militant group remains relentless in their demand that Israeli Defence Forces must retreat from Gaza, a demand which Bibi has ruled out.

The World Court earlier issued an order directing Israel to implement all essential measures to guarantee the delivery of basic food supplies to Gazans. This came after the Jewish nation faced accusations of genocide in Gaza from South Africa.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was detected with hernia. The leader underwent a surgery on Sunday (Mar 31), which as per his office was "successful".

Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was detected with hernia. The leader underwent a surgery on Sunday (Mar 31), which as per his office was "successful". Netanyahu to Undergo Hernia Surgery Notably, the procedure required full anaesthesia for the prime minister. Describing the surgery as "successful," Netanyahu's office on Monday (Apr 1) said that he was "in good shape and beginning to recover". As the Israeli PM required anaesthesia for the medical procedure, the Deputy Prime Minister and also the current Justice Minister Yariv Levin was supposed to assume temporary leadership responsibilities during the prime minister's absence, as is common in such scenarios. Also Read | Ex-UN climate chief warns Trump's victory in presidential polls may lead to climate setback This is often outlined in constitutional or governmental protocols to ensure continuity of leadership and governance. The hernia was detected in Israeli PM while a routine checkup was carried out on the leader on Saturday (Mar 30). Also Read | 'War is always absurdity': Pope Francis calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire during Easter address Later, the surgery was decided to be carried out. It's worth mentioning that the 74-year-old Netanyahu had a pacemaker implanted in July 2023 following a medical emergency. The Israeli PM earlier underwent a hernia operation in 2013, as per media reports. Israel PM Netanyahu Health Update The hernia operation will reportedly take place once the Israeli war cabinet conclude its meeting which is scheduled to take place in the evening hours on Sunday (Mar 31). This crucial development comes as Netanyahu is facing calls to resign as over a hundred Israelis continue to be remain as hostages under Hamas' captivity. Watch | Mexico: Eight Chinese migrants found dead after boat capsize in Oaxaca × According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 32,782 Palestinians have been killed since the war started on October 7 last year. World leaders are urging Israel and Hamas to call an immediate ceasefire however, the militant group remains relentless in their demand that Israeli Defence Forces must retreat from Gaza, a demand which Bibi has ruled out. The World Court earlier issued an order directing Israel to implement all essential measures to guarantee the delivery of basic food supplies to Gazans. This came after the Jewish nation faced accusations of genocide in Gaza from South Africa. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli PM Netanyahu put under full anaesthesia for hernia surgery; recovering after 'successful' procedure

United States President Joe Biden&nbsp;told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 11)&nbsp;that&nbsp;Israel should not proceed with a military operation in Gaza's Rafah&nbsp;without a plan to ensure the safety of around one million people taking shelter there, said the White House.

The conversation came shortly after Netanyahu, on Sunday&nbsp;said that he has not spoken to&nbsp;Biden since he called Israel’s military operations “over the top” last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>What did Biden and Netanyahu talk about?</h2>

The US president&nbsp;reaffirmed the shared goal of defeating the Palestinian militant group Hamas and&nbsp;ensuring the long-term security of Israel but also called for&nbsp;"urgent and specific steps" to increase the amount of&nbsp;humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians trapped in Gaza, said the White House in a statement.&nbsp;

The aid agencies in Gaza's&nbsp;Rafah have warned that a military operation in the area&nbsp;located in the southern part of Gaza on the border with Egypt&nbsp;would be&nbsp;catastrophic.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-matter-of-months-netanyahu-says-about-israels-victory-amid-war-in-gaza-687991">Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu rejects Hamas’ ceasefire deal, vows to fight until ‘total victory’</a>

"Biden told Netanyahu&nbsp;that a military operation in Rafah should not proceed without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the more than one million people sheltering there," the White House said.&nbsp;

The two leaders also discussed the&nbsp;ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages taken by Hamas and both&nbsp;agreed to remain in close contact.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Over the top’</h2>

In an interview, earlier on&nbsp;Sunday, the Israeli PM said that he has not spoken to the US president since he suggested Israel’s military response in Gaza has been “over the top” last week and is seeking a “sustained pause in the fighting” to help Palestinians in Gaza.&nbsp;

“I appreciate President Biden’s support for Israel since the beginning of the war. I don’t know exactly what he meant by that,” said Netanyahu in a recent interview.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: UN says Palestinian civilians in Rafah require protection

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Netanyahu’s remarks come days after Biden, on Thursday (Feb 8), said, “I’m of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in the Gaza Strip has been over the top.”&nbsp;

He also spoke about how he has been pushing for a deal to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, increased humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and a temporary pause in fighting to allow the release of hostages taken by Hamas.&nbsp;

“I’m pushing very hard now to deal with this hostage ceasefire,” Biden told reporters at the White House. He added, “There are a lot of innocent people who are starving, a lot of innocent people who are in trouble and dying, and it’s gotta stop.”

The remarks were seen as the sharpest criticism of Israel’s response to Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel which sparked the war in Gaza.&nbsp;

The Biden administration’s support for Israel amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave has led to weeks of protests across the US.&nbsp;

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Notably, the US president has been a staunch supporter of Israel, but the recent remarks mark a shift in the rhetoric of the Biden administration which has long supported Israel’s right to defend itself.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden’s mounting frustration with Netanyahu?</h2>

A report by the Washington Post, on Sunday, citing several people familiar with discussions between Biden and his top aides said they are closer to a “breach” with Netanyahu than at any time since the beginning of the war.

According to the report, the US president no longer views the Israeli PM as a ‘productive partner’ who can be ‘influenced even in private’.&nbsp;

Therefore, ‘mounting frustration’ with Netanyahu has prompted some of Biden’s aides to urge him to be more publicly critical of the Israeli PM, reported the WaPo, citing six people familiar with the conversations&nbsp;who spoke on&nbsp;condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Just last week, on Wednesday (Feb 7), Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ latest offer for a ceasefire and insisted that the country’s total victory in Gaza is within reach, a move that reportedly angered US officials.&nbsp;

The rejection also came after the Israeli PM held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who was in the midst of his 5th visit to the region to negotiate the&nbsp;new peace agreement which was turned down by Netanyahu.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

United States President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 11) that Israel should not proceed with a military operation in Gaza's Rafah without a plan to ensure the safety of around one million people taking shelter there, said the White House.

United States President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 11) that Israel should not proceed with a military operation in Gaza's Rafah without a plan to ensure the safety of around one million people taking shelter there, said the White House. The conversation came shortly after Netanyahu, on Sunday said that he has not spoken to Biden since he called Israel’s military operations “over the top” last week. What did Biden and Netanyahu talk about? The US president reaffirmed the shared goal of defeating the Palestinian militant group Hamas and ensuring the long-term security of Israel but also called for "urgent and specific steps" to increase the amount of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians trapped in Gaza, said the White House in a statement. The aid agencies in Gaza's Rafah have warned that a military operation in the area located in the southern part of Gaza on the border with Egypt would be catastrophic. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu rejects Hamas’ ceasefire deal, vows to fight until ‘total victory’ "Biden told Netanyahu that a military operation in Rafah should not proceed without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the more than one million people sheltering there," the White House said. The two leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages taken by Hamas and both agreed to remain in close contact. ‘Over the top’ In an interview, earlier on Sunday, the Israeli PM said that he has not spoken to the US president since he suggested Israel’s military response in Gaza has been “over the top” last week and is seeking a “sustained pause in the fighting” to help Palestinians in Gaza. “I appreciate President Biden’s support for Israel since the beginning of the war. I don’t know exactly what he meant by that,” said Netanyahu in a recent interview. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: UN says Palestinian civilians in Rafah require protection Netanyahu’s remarks come days after Biden, on Thursday (Feb 8), said, “I’m of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in the Gaza Strip has been over the top.” He also spoke about how he has been pushing for a deal to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, increased humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and a temporary pause in fighting to allow the release of hostages taken by Hamas. “I’m pushing very hard now to deal with this hostage ceasefire,” Biden told reporters at the White House. He added, “There are a lot of innocent people who are starving, a lot of innocent people who are in trouble and dying, and it’s gotta stop.” The remarks were seen as the sharpest criticism of Israel’s response to Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel which sparked the war in Gaza. The Biden administration’s support for Israel amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave has led to weeks of protests across the US. ALSO READ | Saudi Arabia says no ties with Israel until Palestinian state is 'recognised' Notably, the US president has been a staunch supporter of Israel, but the recent remarks mark a shift in the rhetoric of the Biden administration which has long supported Israel’s right to defend itself. Biden’s mounting frustration with Netanyahu? A report by the Washington Post, on Sunday, citing several people familiar with discussions between Biden and his top aides said they are closer to a “breach” with Netanyahu than at any time since the beginning of the war. According to the report, the US president no longer views the Israeli PM as a ‘productive partner’ who can be ‘influenced even in private’. Therefore, ‘mounting frustration’ with Netanyahu has prompted some of Biden’s aides to urge him to be more publicly critical of the Israeli PM, reported the WaPo, citing six people familiar with the conversations who spoke on condition of anonymity. Just last week, on Wednesday (Feb 7), Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ latest offer for a ceasefire and insisted that the country’s total victory in Gaza is within reach, a move that reportedly angered US officials. The rejection also came after the Israeli PM held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who was in the midst of his 5th visit to the region to negotiate the new peace agreement which was turned down by Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel-Hamas war: Biden warns Netanyahu against Rafah operation, urges protection of civilians

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (Feb 7) said that the country’s total victory in Gaza is within reach and rejected Hamas’ latest offer for a ceasefire to ensure the return of hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave. Meanwhile,&nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in Israel amid his 5th visit to the Middle East since the beginning of the war, called on Israel&nbsp;to prioritise civilians in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Victory is within reach’</h2>

“We are on the way to complete victory. The victory is within reach,” said Netanyahu, during a press conference, adding that the war will be won in a “matter of months” not years.&nbsp;

“We will continue until the end,” said the Israeli PM in his remarks.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | Will Netanyahu agree to Hamas' proposal?

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“There is no other solution besides absolute victory.” He also said surrendering to Hamas’ “delusional demands” would spell disaster and only “invite an additional slaughter”.&nbsp;

“The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas,” said Netanyahu.&nbsp;

Hamas called for a ceasefire, the end of the Israeli-Egyptian blockade on Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners, on Tuesday (Feb 6) in response to a recent United States-backed proposal to free hostages in return for pausing the Gaza war with Israel.&nbsp;

According to a draft document of Hamas’ counter proposal seen by Reuters, the Palestinian militant group envisions three phases of ceasefire lasting 45 days each for four-and-a-half months, which would allow them to exchange remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;

<h2>About the operation</h2>

Speaking about Israel’s ongoing ground operation in Gaza, Netanyahu said, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are working systematically and will achieve all the objectives of the war and will act “wherever and at any time that is necessary” in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

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The Israeli PM also touted the military’s accomplishments and called it “unprecedented”. Israel claims to have killed or injured 20,000 Hamas fighters and said that the IDF is working to systematically destroy the underground network of tunnels where Hamas is hiding.&nbsp;

The Israeli troops in Gaza have been ordered to “prepare to operate” in the city of Rafah, said Netanyahu, where more than one million Palestinians have sought refuge.&nbsp;

<h2>Hamas responds</h2>

Senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri called the Israeli PM’s statement “political bravado” which showed the Israeli leader’s intention to continue the conflict in the region, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan said a delegation of the militant group led by senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya would travel to Cairo on Thursday (Feb 8) to pursue ceasefire talks with mediators Egypt and Qatar.

Hamdan, a senior Lebanon-based official of Hamas&nbsp;told a news conference in Beirut,&nbsp;said that&nbsp;Netanyahu's&nbsp;"insistence on continuing the aggression totally confirms that the goal of the aggression on Gaza is genocide against the Palestinian people"

<h2>Blinken’s another failed trip to Middle East?</h2>

Washington’s top diplomat is in the midst of his 5th trip to the region amid the ongoing war and met with leaders of Qatar and Egypt before talking to the Israeli PM.

During his meeting, Netanyahu said that he told Blinken that after Hamas is destroyed, Israel will “ensure that Gaza is demilitarized forever.”

Meanwhile, Washington's top diplomat said during his visit to Israel, he&nbsp;warned the Israeli PM&nbsp;and his government against actions and talk that raise tensions.&nbsp;

"In my discussion today with the prime minister and senior officials, I also raised our profound concerns about actions and rhetoric, including from government officials, that inflame tensions that undercut international support and place greater restraints on Israel's security," Blinken said during a press conference held after Netanyahu's.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;called on Israel to prioritise civilians in Gaza's Rafah but stopped short of urging against military operations in the packed Palestinian city.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-pm-receives-positive-response-from-hamas-on-hostage-deal-blinken-to-discuss-agreement-with-israel-687622">Qatar receives ‘positive’ response from Hamas on hostage deal; militant group calls for ‘permanent ceasefire’</a>

Blinken also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.&nbsp;

“Every visit from Blinken, instead of calming things down, it just makes things worse, we get more strikes, we get more bombing,” a mourner Mohammad Abundi told Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (Feb 7) said that the country’s total victory in Gaza is within reach and rejected Hamas’ latest offer for a ceasefire to ensure the return of hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (Feb 7) said that the country’s total victory in Gaza is within reach and rejected Hamas’ latest offer for a ceasefire to ensure the return of hostages still held in the Palestinian enclave. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in Israel amid his 5th visit to the Middle East since the beginning of the war, called on Israel to prioritise civilians in Gaza. ‘Victory is within reach’ “We are on the way to complete victory. The victory is within reach,” said Netanyahu, during a press conference, adding that the war will be won in a “matter of months” not years. “We will continue until the end,” said the Israeli PM in his remarks. WATCH | Gravitas | Will Netanyahu agree to Hamas' proposal? “There is no other solution besides absolute victory.” He also said surrendering to Hamas’ “delusional demands” would spell disaster and only “invite an additional slaughter”. “The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas,” said Netanyahu. Hamas called for a ceasefire, the end of the Israeli-Egyptian blockade on Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners, on Tuesday (Feb 6) in response to a recent United States-backed proposal to free hostages in return for pausing the Gaza war with Israel. According to a draft document of Hamas’ counter proposal seen by Reuters, the Palestinian militant group envisions three phases of ceasefire lasting 45 days each for four-and-a-half months, which would allow them to exchange remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. About the operation Speaking about Israel’s ongoing ground operation in Gaza, Netanyahu said, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are working systematically and will achieve all the objectives of the war and will act “wherever and at any time that is necessary” in the Palestinian enclave. ALSO READ | Saudi Arabia says no ties with Israel until Palestinian state is 'recognised' The Israeli PM also touted the military’s accomplishments and called it “unprecedented”. Israel claims to have killed or injured 20,000 Hamas fighters and said that the IDF is working to systematically destroy the underground network of tunnels where Hamas is hiding. The Israeli troops in Gaza have been ordered to “prepare to operate” in the city of Rafah, said Netanyahu, where more than one million Palestinians have sought refuge. Hamas responds Senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri called the Israeli PM’s statement “political bravado” which showed the Israeli leader’s intention to continue the conflict in the region, as per Reuters. Meanwhile, another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan said a delegation of the militant group led by senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya would travel to Cairo on Thursday (Feb 8) to pursue ceasefire talks with mediators Egypt and Qatar. Hamdan, a senior Lebanon-based official of Hamas told a news conference in Beirut, said that Netanyahu's "insistence on continuing the aggression totally confirms that the goal of the aggression on Gaza is genocide against the Palestinian people" Blinken’s another failed trip to Middle East? Washington’s top diplomat is in the midst of his 5th trip to the region amid the ongoing war and met with leaders of Qatar and Egypt before talking to the Israeli PM. During his meeting, Netanyahu said that he told Blinken that after Hamas is destroyed, Israel will “ensure that Gaza is demilitarized forever.” Meanwhile, Washington's top diplomat said during his visit to Israel, he warned the Israeli PM and his government against actions and talk that raise tensions. "In my discussion today with the prime minister and senior officials, I also raised our profound concerns about actions and rhetoric, including from government officials, that inflame tensions that undercut international support and place greater restraints on Israel's security," Blinken said during a press conference held after Netanyahu's. He called on Israel to prioritise civilians in Gaza's Rafah but stopped short of urging against military operations in the packed Palestinian city. ALSO READ | Qatar receives ‘positive’ response from Hamas on hostage deal; militant group calls for ‘permanent ceasefire’ Blinken also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah. “Every visit from Blinken, instead of calming things down, it just makes things worse, we get more strikes, we get more bombing,” a mourner Mohammad Abundi told Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu rejects Hamas’ ceasefire deal, vows to fight until ‘total victory’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 28) said that Tel Aviv would explore "every option" available in order to secure the release of more than 220 hostages that were held captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza during its onslaught on Oct 7.

He further stated that his country has begun the “second stage” of its war against the militant group.

“We have one main goal to beat the enemy and guarantee our existence,” he said at the press conference.

Netanyahu further elucidating on the military offensive remarked that the fighting inside the Gaza Strip would be "long and difficult" as the Israeli ground forces operate in the besieged Palestinian enclave for more than 24 hours.

"The war in the (Gaza) Strip will be long and difficult and we are prepared for it," Netanyahu told a news conference after meeting families of hostages held in Gaza since surprise Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-massacre-in-gaza-product-of-west-turkeys-erdogan-addresses-huge-pro-palestinian-rally-652379">Massacre in Gaza a product of West, says Erdogan at pro-Palestine rally</a>

<h2>Hamas demands Israel to free Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages</h2>

Over three weeks after Hamas launched a brutal assault on Israel that left over 1,400 Israelis -- mostly civilians -- dead, the Gaza Strip-ruling militant group showed signs of fragile wartime reconciliation. Hamas said that it was ready to release the hostages it took as captives under the condition that Israel agree to free the purported Palestinian prisoners. Israel describes such Palestinian prisoners as Hamas operatives and a threat to its national security.&nbsp;

"The price to pay for the large number of enemy hostages in our hands is to empty the (Israeli) prisons of all Palestinian prisoners," Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida said in a statement broadcast by the Hamas-run Al-Aqsa television channel.

"If the enemy wants to close this file of detainees in one go, we are ready for it. If it wants to do it step-by-step, we are ready for that too."

Netanyahu, during the press briefing, made no commitment to any exchange deal but told the families authorities would "exhaust every option to bring them (the hostages) home".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 28) said that Tel Aviv would explore "every option" available in order to secure the release of more than 220 hostages that were held captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza during its onslaught on Oct 7.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 28) said that Tel Aviv would explore "every option" available in order to secure the release of more than 220 hostages that were held captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza during its onslaught on Oct 7. He further stated that his country has begun the “second stage” of its war against the militant group. “We have one main goal to beat the enemy and guarantee our existence,” he said at the press conference. Netanyahu further elucidating on the military offensive remarked that the fighting inside the Gaza Strip would be "long and difficult" as the Israeli ground forces operate in the besieged Palestinian enclave for more than 24 hours. "The war in the (Gaza) Strip will be long and difficult and we are prepared for it," Netanyahu told a news conference after meeting families of hostages held in Gaza since surprise Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7. Also read: Massacre in Gaza a product of West, says Erdogan at pro-Palestine rally Hamas demands Israel to free Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages Over three weeks after Hamas launched a brutal assault on Israel that left over 1,400 Israelis -- mostly civilians -- dead, the Gaza Strip-ruling militant group showed signs of fragile wartime reconciliation. Hamas said that it was ready to release the hostages it took as captives under the condition that Israel agree to free the purported Palestinian prisoners. Israel describes such Palestinian prisoners as Hamas operatives and a threat to its national security. "The price to pay for the large number of enemy hostages in our hands is to empty the (Israeli) prisons of all Palestinian prisoners," Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida said in a statement broadcast by the Hamas-run Al-Aqsa television channel. "If the enemy wants to close this file of detainees in one go, we are ready for it. If it wants to do it step-by-step, we are ready for that too." Netanyahu, during the press briefing, made no commitment to any exchange deal but told the families authorities would "exhaust every option to bring them (the hostages) home". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Netanyahu vows to free hostages as Israel declares 'second stage of war' in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the Hamas terrorists beheaded soldiers and raped women during their attack on the state.

In a televised address Wednesday night (Oct 11), Netanyahu detailed atrocities that took place during the attack, hours after he announced a war-time cabinet to oversee the fight. 
 
“We saw boys and girls bound, who were shot in the head. Men and women burned alive. Young women who were raped and slaughtered. Soldiers who were beheaded,” he said.

He however did not verify the claims about the beheadings but confirmed that rescue workers and witnesses described horrific scenes.

The startling claim comes at a time when reports are emerging about babies being beheaded by Hamas terrorists.

A spokesperson for Netanyahu said that toddlers and babies were found in Kfar Aza, a 'kibbutz' or farming community&nbsp;in southern Israel, with their "heads decapitated" after Hamas' attack over the weekend.

<h2>Doubts over babies&nbsp;beheading case</h2>

Initially, US President Joe Biden claimed to have seen evidence of the baby massacre, but a White House spokesperson later told the Washington Post that the US officials and Biden had not seen pictures or confirmed such reports independently.

Biden reportedly&nbsp;based his comments about the alleged atrocities on the claims from Netanyahu's spokesman and media reports from Israel, according to the White House.

More than 150 people are believed to have been kept as hostages in Gaza comprising&nbsp;soldiers, men, women, children, and older adults.

Israel has ramped up attacks against Gaza in recent days, with several top ministers announcing an invasion in the coming days.

<h2>Toll rises</h2>

At least 1,300 Israelis have been killed since Hamas launched the terror attack, while 1,203 Palestinians have lost their lives in the airstrikes carried out by Israel in the Gaza Strip.

On Sunday, Israel halted the entry of food, water, fuel and medicine into the territory. leaving Gaza's 2.3 million residents without electricity, internet or running water.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uninstall-tiktok-instagram-now-jewish-parents-urged-to-protect-their-kids-from-disturbing-content-online-645758">‘Uninstall TikTok, Instagram now,’ Jewish parents urged to protect their kids from disturbing content online</a>

The sole remaining crossing from Egypt was also shut down Tuesday after airstrikes hit nearby.

<h2>Thousands of people in Gaza displaced</h2>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotland-first-minister-humza-yousafs-in-laws-stuck-in-besieged-gaza-as-israel-amps-up-attack-645732">Scotland First Minister Humza Yousaf’s in-laws stuck in besieged Gaza as Israel amps up attack</a>

According to the United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency, the Israeli bombardment has displaced 260,000 people from Gaza.

As the situation went out of control, Biden told Netanyahu in a call that Israel must “operate by the rules of war”.

Biden said he understood the anger and frustration of the Israeli people but urged Israel to adhere to the principles of the Geneva conventions. He also warned Iran - which has welcomed the Hamas attack - to "be careful".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the Hamas terrorists beheaded soldiers and raped women during their attack on the state. In a televised address Wednesday night (Oct 11), Netanyahu detailed atrocities that took place during the attack, hours after he announced a war-time cabinet to oversee the fight.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the Hamas terrorists beheaded soldiers and raped women during their attack on the state. In a televised address Wednesday night (Oct 11), Netanyahu detailed atrocities that took place during the attack, hours after he announced a war-time cabinet to oversee the fight. “We saw boys and girls bound, who were shot in the head. Men and women burned alive. Young women who were raped and slaughtered. Soldiers who were beheaded,” he said. He however did not verify the claims about the beheadings but confirmed that rescue workers and witnesses described horrific scenes. The startling claim comes at a time when reports are emerging about babies being beheaded by Hamas terrorists. A spokesperson for Netanyahu said that toddlers and babies were found in Kfar Aza, a 'kibbutz' or farming community in southern Israel, with their "heads decapitated" after Hamas' attack over the weekend. Doubts over babies beheading case Initially, US President Joe Biden claimed to have seen evidence of the baby massacre, but a White House spokesperson later told the Washington Post that the US officials and Biden had not seen pictures or confirmed such reports independently. Biden reportedly based his comments about the alleged atrocities on the claims from Netanyahu's spokesman and media reports from Israel, according to the White House. More than 150 people are believed to have been kept as hostages in Gaza comprising soldiers, men, women, children, and older adults. Israel has ramped up attacks against Gaza in recent days, with several top ministers announcing an invasion in the coming days. Toll rises At least 1,300 Israelis have been killed since Hamas launched the terror attack, while 1,203 Palestinians have lost their lives in the airstrikes carried out by Israel in the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, Israel halted the entry of food, water, fuel and medicine into the territory. leaving Gaza's 2.3 million residents without electricity, internet or running water. Also read | ‘Uninstall TikTok, Instagram now,’ Jewish parents urged to protect their kids from disturbing content online The sole remaining crossing from Egypt was also shut down Tuesday after airstrikes hit nearby. Thousands of people in Gaza displaced Also read | Scotland First Minister Humza Yousaf’s in-laws stuck in besieged Gaza as Israel amps up attack According to the United Nations' Palestinian refugee agency, the Israeli bombardment has displaced 260,000 people from Gaza. As the situation went out of control, Biden told Netanyahu in a call that Israel must “operate by the rules of war”. Biden said he understood the anger and frustration of the Israeli people but urged Israel to adhere to the principles of the Geneva conventions. He also warned Iran - which has welcomed the Hamas attack - to "be careful". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hamas terrorists beheaded soldiers and raped women, claims Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday (Oct 7), said the country was 'at war' and swore fierce counterattack after ordering an extensive mobilisation of the army reserve.

He further warned that the enemy will have to "pay a price the type of which it has never known" for their actions.

"Citizens of Israel, we are at war, not in an operation or in (fighting) rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered – first of all – to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists," Netanyahu said.

"This currently is being carried out. At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilisation of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the army and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it," he added.

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אנחנו במלחמה. <a href="https://t.co/XNM3l7fEQH">pic.twitter.com/XNM3l7fEQH</a>
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1710574677385445775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He also called on Israelis to come together and achieve victory in the war.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-condemn-hamas-surprise-attack-from-gaza-express-solidarity-with-israel-643706">Western countries condemn Hamas' attack, express solidarity with Israel</a>

His remarks came after hundreds of rockets were launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday.

<h2>Palestinians have the right to defend themselves against terror, says President Abbas</h2>

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas chaired an emergency meeting with top defence officials and released a statement saying that the people of his country have full right to defend themselves against the "terror of settlers and occupation troops", as per official news agency WAFA.

In the high-level meeting, Abbas directed officials "to provide protection for the Palestinian people and provide all that is necessary to bolster the resilience and steadfastness of the Palestinian people in facing the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation and settler gangs".

Hamas' armed wing reported that it had launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, marking the commencement of "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood."

The group expressed its intent to halt what it referred to as Israel's unaccountable actions.&nbsp;

"We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel). Their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over," said the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip.

It stated, "We declare Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and within the initial 20-minute strike, we fired more than 5,000 rockets."

Israel's army said its forces were fighting Palestinian militants on the ground in several locations near the Strip. It dubbed its operation "Swords of Iron".

Army spokesman Richard Hecht said the militants conducted a combined raid "which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday (Oct 7), said the country was 'at war' and swore fierce counterattack after ordering an extensive mobilisation of the army reserve.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday (Oct 7), said the country was 'at war' and swore fierce counterattack after ordering an extensive mobilisation of the army reserve. He further warned that the enemy will have to "pay a price the type of which it has never known" for their actions. "Citizens of Israel, we are at war, not in an operation or in (fighting) rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered – first of all – to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists," Netanyahu said. "This currently is being carried out. At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilisation of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the army and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it," he added. אנחנו במלחמה. pic.twitter.com/XNM3l7fEQH — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 7, 2023 × He also called on Israelis to come together and achieve victory in the war. Also read: Western countries condemn Hamas' attack, express solidarity with Israel His remarks came after hundreds of rockets were launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday. Palestinians have the right to defend themselves against terror, says President Abbas Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas chaired an emergency meeting with top defence officials and released a statement saying that the people of his country have full right to defend themselves against the "terror of settlers and occupation troops", as per official news agency WAFA. In the high-level meeting, Abbas directed officials "to provide protection for the Palestinian people and provide all that is necessary to bolster the resilience and steadfastness of the Palestinian people in facing the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation and settler gangs". Hamas' armed wing reported that it had launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, marking the commencement of "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood." The group expressed its intent to halt what it referred to as Israel's unaccountable actions. "We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel). Their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over," said the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip. It stated, "We declare Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and within the initial 20-minute strike, we fired more than 5,000 rockets." Israel's army said its forces were fighting Palestinian militants on the ground in several locations near the Strip. It dubbed its operation "Swords of Iron". Army spokesman Richard Hecht said the militants conducted a combined raid "which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We are at war and we will win it', says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as Hamas launches surprise attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Friday (September 22), while addressing the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, held up a map of 'The New Middle East' without Palestine.

'The New Middle East' illustration showed the West Bank and Gaza within the boundaries of Israel.

He displayed two maps during his speech, one depicted Israel's geography in 1948, accentuating its seclusion in the Middle East without the allies.&nbsp;

The second illustration included countries that have peace agreements with Israel, which included Egypt, Sudan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan.

In his speech, he underlined the significance of bolstering ties with Arab countries, with a special emphasis on Saudi Arabia.

After his address, he took to social media platform X and wrote, “The greatest achievement in my life is to fight for you (the Israeli people) and for our country. Shabbat Shalom.”

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הזכות הגדולה של חיי היא להיאבק למענכם, למען המדינה שלנו. שבת שלום. 
 
(צילום: אבי אוחיון, לע״מ) <a href="https://t.co/O8qmKIIeUv">pic.twitter.com/O8qmKIIeUv</a>
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1705234335928811904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

As per the Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu used the map to show a new era of peace in the Middle East that would include Palestine, however, his staunch critics say that the illustration conveyed the opposite of what was intended.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-says-country-on-cusp-of-normalizing-ties-with-saudi-arabia-638668"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-says-country-on-cusp-of-normalizing-ties-with-saudi-arabia-638668">Netanyahu issues 'nuclear' threat to Iran, then retracts; says Israel on 'cusp' of normalising ties with Saudi</a>

Americans for Peace Now CEO Hadar Susskind posted on X, “Netanyahu is returning to his government of fascists, felons, and fundamentalists, which in both action and words contradict&nbsp;his bogus rhetoric of peace.”

“His map of Greater Israel is perhaps the only honest part of his speech today,” Susskind wrote in a post.

<h2>Netanyahu under fire on social media</h2>

The Israeli prime minister was widely denounced on social media for holding up the specific illustration.

The Palestinian Authority’s representative to Germany Laith Arafeh shared a post on X saying, “No greater insult to every foundational principle of the UN than seeing Netanyahu display before the UNGA a “map of Israel” that straddles the entire land from the river to the sea.”

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No greater insult to every foundational principle of the United Nations than seeing Netanyahu display before the UNGA a “map of Israel” that straddles the entire land from the river to the sea, negating Palestine and its people, then attempting to spin the audience with rhetoric… <a href="https://t.co/nJUGgaNpDD">pic.twitter.com/nJUGgaNpDD</a>
— Laith Arafeh 🇵🇸 (@ArafehLaith) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArafehLaith/status/1705228310215532627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

“Palestine and its people” while “attempting to spin the audience with rhetoric about “peace” in the region, all the while entrenching the longest ongoing belligerent occupation in today’s world,” he said.

“But as H.E. President Mahmoud Abbas already responded yesterday: “Delusional are those who think peace in the region is possible without the realisation of the full legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” he further added.

Netanyahu, on Friday (September 22), told the United Nations that his country was on the "cusp" of normalising ties with Saudi Arabia.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Friday (September 22), while addressing the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, held up a map of 'The New Middle East' without Palestine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Friday (September 22), while addressing the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, held up a map of 'The New Middle East' without Palestine. 'The New Middle East' illustration showed the West Bank and Gaza within the boundaries of Israel. He displayed two maps during his speech, one depicted Israel's geography in 1948, accentuating its seclusion in the Middle East without the allies. The second illustration included countries that have peace agreements with Israel, which included Egypt, Sudan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan. In his speech, he underlined the significance of bolstering ties with Arab countries, with a special emphasis on Saudi Arabia. After his address, he took to social media platform X and wrote, “The greatest achievement in my life is to fight for you (the Israeli people) and for our country. Shabbat Shalom.” הזכות הגדולה של חיי היא להיאבק למענכם, למען המדינה שלנו. שבת שלום. (צילום: אבי אוחיון, לע״מ) pic.twitter.com/O8qmKIIeUv — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 22, 2023 × As per the Jerusalem Post, Netanyahu used the map to show a new era of peace in the Middle East that would include Palestine, however, his staunch critics say that the illustration conveyed the opposite of what was intended. Also read: Netanyahu issues 'nuclear' threat to Iran, then retracts; says Israel on 'cusp' of normalising ties with Saudi Americans for Peace Now CEO Hadar Susskind posted on X, “Netanyahu is returning to his government of fascists, felons, and fundamentalists, which in both action and words contradict his bogus rhetoric of peace.” “His map of Greater Israel is perhaps the only honest part of his speech today,” Susskind wrote in a post. Netanyahu under fire on social media The Israeli prime minister was widely denounced on social media for holding up the specific illustration. The Palestinian Authority’s representative to Germany Laith Arafeh shared a post on X saying, “No greater insult to every foundational principle of the UN than seeing Netanyahu display before the UNGA a “map of Israel” that straddles the entire land from the river to the sea.” No greater insult to every foundational principle of the United Nations than seeing Netanyahu display before the UNGA a “map of Israel” that straddles the entire land from the river to the sea, negating Palestine and its people, then attempting to spin the audience with rhetoric… pic.twitter.com/nJUGgaNpDD — Laith Arafeh 🇵🇸 (@ArafehLaith) September 22, 2023 × “Palestine and its people” while “attempting to spin the audience with rhetoric about “peace” in the region, all the while entrenching the longest ongoing belligerent occupation in today’s world,” he said. “But as H.E. President Mahmoud Abbas already responded yesterday: “Delusional are those who think peace in the region is possible without the realisation of the full legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” he further added. Netanyahu, on Friday (September 22), told the United Nations that his country was on the "cusp" of normalising ties with Saudi Arabia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under fire for holding up map without Palestine during UN speech

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's historic deal with the UAE won praise abroad - but generated discontent from right-wing supporters and settlers over the suspension of land annexation plans.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's historic deal with the UAE won praise abroad - but generated discontent from right-wing supporters and settlers over the suspension of land annexation plans. "This agreement could signal a possible crisis in the relationship of Netanyahu and many of the settlers and their supporters in the Israeli right wing," said Yohanan Plesner, director of the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think-tank. Figures on Israel's nationalist right have called for a replacement to Netanyahu. Netanyahu may have "gained a few points among centre-left voters, who like deals with the Arabs, but he lost several points with his right-wing base" whose "dream" of annexation of land has gone, said political commentator Ben Caspit, writing in Maariv newspaper. The deal announced on Thursday sees Israel pledge to suspend its planned annexation of Palestinian lands, a concession welcomed by European and some pro-Western Arab governments as a boost for hopes of peace. But Netanyahu, neck-and-neck with political rivals during the three last election campaigns, had used the issue of annexation to woo voters from the radical right and the settlers. They are fierce opponents of any return of Palestinian territories, seized by Israel in the Six-Day War of 1967. 'Bitter pill' Netanyahu's unity government had announced a strategy to annex parts of the West Bank and Jewish settlements in the Palestinian territory, including the Jordan Valley, a strategic strip along the Jordanian border. That plan was given the green light in January by US President Donald Trump. But the surprise deal with the United Arab Emirates appears to put annexation on ice; Israeli, Emirati and US leaders said they had agreed "Israel will suspend declaring sovereignty" over West Bank areas. The normalisation agreement is only Israel's third with an Arab country, after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. For commentator Ben Caspit, the deal was driven by opposition to annexation by members of the ruling coalition -- such as Benny Gantz and Gabi Ashkenazi. That "forced Netanyahu to recalculate", and made him look for a way to get his supporters to swallow a "bitter pill". But since Netanyahu has said annexation of parts of the West Bank is only "postponed" and that Israel had "not given up", some see it as only a matter of time before it resumes. - 'Myth has disappeared' - In Efrata, an Israeli settlement near the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, the head of the local council Oded Revivi tempered his disappointment. "All these years people thought that peace with Arab countries could not be made, as long as there was a Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria," he said, using the Jewish name for the West Bank. "We see that this myth has disappeared." Revivi, looking back over the decades since the 1967 war, believes annexation has only been paused. "It was put on hold, but nobody knows for how long," Revivi added. "We've been waiting for this for 53 years -- maybe more than 2,000 years. I'm sure it will come back to the table and much faster than you think." The nationalist right have reacted bitterly. They are angry that the deal "pauses" annexation - and thus keeps the idea alive of a viable separate Palestinian state alongside Israel. "It is tragic that Netanyahu did not seize the moment, nor have the courage to apply sovereignty even over a centimetre of the Land of Israel, but sovereignty over the territories of our homeland will come," said Naftali Bennet, leader of the radical right-wing nationalist Yamina alliance. "We cannot ignore the great dangers posed by relaunching the talks for a Palestinian state," said Bezalel Smotrich, another Yamina member, which sits in the opposition and draws much of its support from settlers. "To face the danger, the right has to present here and now an alternative" to Netanyahu's leadership, he said.

Israel's shift on annexation sparks right-wing anger

Yair Netanyahu, 29-year-old social media-savvy son of Israel Prime Minister is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

He wrote to WION this evening: 'I love India, Jai Hind'. The story goes back to the weekend. On Sunday, Yair Netanyahu tweeted a satirical photo. 
&nbsp; 
It was a superimposed image of Hindu deity Goddess Durga. Her many arms were raised -- showing the middle finger.

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The caption read- know your place, you despicable people. This tweet was offensive to many, especially Indians and they criticised Yair Netanyahu for insulting Hinduism.

Some Twitter users did give him the benefit of doubt. They said Yair Netanyahu may be ignorant about the Hindu faith. But overall, the response was not in his favour.

Yair was forced to take the photo down and de followed it with an apology...

'I’ve tweeted a meme from a satirical page, criticising political figures in Israel. I didn’t realize the meme also portrayed an image connected to the majestic Hindu faith. I apologize'

The political figures he referring to was Liar Ben Ari. His face was superimposed on the diety's face. Ari is the prosecutor in Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption cases. In the photo beside him was Israel's attorney general Avichai Mandelbit. His face was superimposed on that of the tiger.

&nbsp;Both Mandelbit and Ben Ari are important figures in Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption cases. The prime minister is currently under trial and faces a total of 3 cases. If convicted, the 70-year-old prime minister could be behind bars for more than a decade. This is just one of the many problems facing Netanyahu right now...

Meanwhile, problems are rising along Israel's northern border with Lebanon and Syria. Israeli forces have clashed with the Hezbollah. It is a Lebanese armed group- funded by Iran. Heavy shelling was reported after Israel claimed that it has thwarted an infiltration attempt by the Hezbollah. The latter denied it. But Netanyahu says his country will do everything necessary to defend itself, saying "My impression is that the Israeli army is well prepared for any possible scenario. We continue to take action to prevent Iranian military entrenchment in our region''.

There have been no casualties so far but the conflict can escalate any moment given the bitter enmity between the two sides. Israel and the Hezbollah had fought a month-long war back in 2006. The conflict that followed killed around 1200 people in Lebanon. Israel has lost over 121 soldiers and 44 civilians.

Israel's northern frontier happens to be among the most combustible fronts in the region.

The recent flare-up comes days after a Hezbollah member was killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike. 
&nbsp;

Yair Netanyahu, 29-year-old social media-savvy son of Israel Prime Minister is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. He wrote to WION this evening: 'I love India, Jai Hind'.

Yair Netanyahu, 29-year-old social media-savvy son of Israel Prime Minister is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. He wrote to WION this evening: 'I love India, Jai Hind'. The story goes back to the weekend. On Sunday, Yair Netanyahu tweeted a satirical photo. It was a superimposed image of Hindu deity Goddess Durga. Her many arms were raised -- showing the middle finger. × The caption read- know your place, you despicable people. This tweet was offensive to many, especially Indians and they criticised Yair Netanyahu for insulting Hinduism. Some Twitter users did give him the benefit of doubt. They said Yair Netanyahu may be ignorant about the Hindu faith. But overall, the response was not in his favour. Yair was forced to take the photo down and de followed it with an apology... 'I’ve tweeted a meme from a satirical page, criticising political figures in Israel. I didn’t realize the meme also portrayed an image connected to the majestic Hindu faith. I apologize' The political figures he referring to was Liar Ben Ari. His face was superimposed on the diety's face. Ari is the prosecutor in Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption cases. In the photo beside him was Israel's attorney general Avichai Mandelbit. His face was superimposed on that of the tiger. Both Mandelbit and Ben Ari are important figures in Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption cases. The prime minister is currently under trial and faces a total of 3 cases. If convicted, the 70-year-old prime minister could be behind bars for more than a decade. This is just one of the many problems facing Netanyahu right now... Meanwhile, problems are rising along Israel's northern border with Lebanon and Syria. Israeli forces have clashed with the Hezbollah. It is a Lebanese armed group- funded by Iran. Heavy shelling was reported after Israel claimed that it has thwarted an infiltration attempt by the Hezbollah. The latter denied it. But Netanyahu says his country will do everything necessary to defend itself, saying "My impression is that the Israeli army is well prepared for any possible scenario. We continue to take action to prevent Iranian military entrenchment in our region''. There have been no casualties so far but the conflict can escalate any moment given the bitter enmity between the two sides. Israel and the Hezbollah had fought a month-long war back in 2006. The conflict that followed killed around 1200 people in Lebanon. Israel has lost over 121 soldiers and 44 civilians. Israel's northern frontier happens to be among the most combustible fronts in the region. The recent flare-up comes days after a Hezbollah member was killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike.

Benjamin Netanyahu's son courts trouble with tweet, apologises

Hours after apologising to Hindus after he faced flak from some Indians who found one of his tweets to be "quite offensive", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest son Yair has responded to WION's story.

In his reponse to WION's story on its Twitter handle, junior Netanyahu wrote&nbsp;'I love India! Jai Hind!'.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahus-son-apologises-after-his-tweet-offends-indians-316471">Netanyahu's son apologises after his tweet offends Indians</a>

On Sunday, the 29-year-old Yair, who is very active on social media and often defends his father's policies, posted a picture of the Hindu goddess Durga, with the face of Liat Ben Ari, the prosecutor in his father's corruption cases, superimposed over the goddess' face.

Her many arms were also raised giving the middle finger.

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<a href="https://t.co/hempNhuW0u">https://t.co/hempNhuW0u</a>
— Yair Netanyahu 🇮🇱 (@YairNetanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/YairNetanyahu/status/1288081667366817792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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''I’ve tweeted a meme from a satirical page, critizing political figures in Israel. I didn’t realize the meme also portrayed an image conected to the majestic Hindu faith,'' he said on Twitter.

&nbsp;''As soon as I realised it from comments of our Indian friends, I have removed the tweet. I apologize,'' he added.

The Twitter users were split in their reaction over the post with some Indians harshly criticising him for the offensive tweet while others giving him the benefit of doubt and attributing it to general ignorance about the Hindu faith in the West.

Hours after apologising to Hindus after he faced flak from some Indians who found one of his tweets to be "quite offensive", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest son Yair has responded to WION's story.

Hours after apologising to Hindus after he faced flak from some Indians who found one of his tweets to be "quite offensive", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest son Yair has responded to WION's story. In his reponse to WION's story on its Twitter handle, junior Netanyahu wrote 'I love India! Jai Hind!'. Also read: Netanyahu's son apologises after his tweet offends Indians On Sunday, the 29-year-old Yair, who is very active on social media and often defends his father's policies, posted a picture of the Hindu goddess Durga, with the face of Liat Ben Ari, the prosecutor in his father's corruption cases, superimposed over the goddess' face. Her many arms were also raised giving the middle finger. https://t.co/hempNhuW0u — Yair Netanyahu 🇮🇱 (@YairNetanyahu) July 28, 2020 × ''I’ve tweeted a meme from a satirical page, critizing political figures in Israel. I didn’t realize the meme also portrayed an image conected to the majestic Hindu faith,'' he said on Twitter. ''As soon as I realised it from comments of our Indian friends, I have removed the tweet. I apologize,'' he added. The Twitter users were split in their reaction over the post with some Indians harshly criticising him for the offensive tweet while others giving him the benefit of doubt and attributing it to general ignorance about the Hindu faith in the West.

'I love India! Jai Hind!' says Yair Netanyahu in response to WION's report on 'offensive' tweet

Israel on Wednesday announced a plan for thousands of new Jewish settlement homes in the occupied West Bank. The move comes after Washington voiced readiness to back de facto Israeli annexations there.

Israel on Wednesday announced a plan for thousands of new Jewish settlement homes in the occupied West Bank. The move comes after Washington voiced readiness to back de facto Israeli annexations there. The United States has offered to recognise Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank as part of a proposal President Donald Trump unveiled in February, which also envisages talks on founding a Palestinian state in up to 70% of the territory. "Sovereignty in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and the Valley is an Israeli decision. We are ready," the newspaper Israel Hayom quoted US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman as saying. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to start cabinet discussions on July 1 about declaring Israeli sovereignty over the settlements and the strategically important Jordan Valley in the West Bank. Fresh construction for the settlement of Efrat was approved on land that could accommodate "around 7,000 housing units", Defence Minister Naftali Bennett's office said in a statement. "The building momentum in the country must not be stopped, even for a second," tweeted Bennett, a religious-nationalist in Netanyahu's current caretaker government. The settlements are deemed illegal by most world powers and condemned by the Palestinians, who see all the West Bank, which Israel captured in a 1967 war, as theirs for a future state. The Palestinians say the plan is biased against them, and have boycotted Washington's mediation efforts since it recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in late 2017. "The Trump Administration's Annexation plan endorses everything that the illegal Israeli colonial-settlement enterprise is about: A racist narrative, violations of international law and the perpetuation of the denial of Palestinian rights," Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said.

Israel announces plans for thousands of new homes in West Bank

&nbsp;Israel's Supreme Court began a two-day hearing on Sunday to determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's indictment on criminal charges disqualifies him from forming a new government.

A ruling against Netanyahu would likely trigger a snap election, the fourth since April 2019, as the country grapples with the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout.

Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz signed an agreement last month to form a unity government under which they would take turns leading Israel after three elections that neither of them won.

In power for more than a decade and currently head of a caretaker government, right-wing Netanyahu will serve as prime minister of a new administration for 18 months before handing the reins to centrist Gantz, according to the unity deal.

The pact has support from a majority in parliament. But several groups, including opposition parties and democracy watchdogs, have petitioned Israel's highest court to nullify the deal and bar Netanyahu from leading the government, citing the criminal proceedings against him.

Responding to the petition, Israel's Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit wrote to the court saying that there was no sufficient legal ground to disqualify Netanyahu.

He described the case as a "head-on collision" between "on one side the most basic democratic principle of honouring the will of the majority ... (and) on the other integrity in public service, specifically among elected officials."

Eleven justices, wearing face masks and separated by screens as coronavirus precautions, presided over the discussion.

A small group outside the court, also following social distancing guidelines, carried signs and Israeli flags to protest against government corruption.

Some Israeli analysts have said the court, cast by Netanyahu loyalists as liberal and interventionist, was unlikely to bar the premier from heading a new government.

A ruling is expected to be announced by Thursday.

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, was indicted in January on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies any wrongdoing in all three cases against him and says he is a victim of a political witch-hunt.

Netanyahu's trial is due to start on May 24.

Israeli law says a prime minister under indictment is not obligated to step down until a final conviction. But legal some experts say there are legal precedents suggesting elected officials indicted with charges that carry moral turpitude should resign.

Israel's Supreme Court began a two-day hearing on Sunday to determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's indictment on criminal charges disqualifies him from forming a new government.

Israel's Supreme Court began a two-day hearing on Sunday to determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's indictment on criminal charges disqualifies him from forming a new government. A ruling against Netanyahu would likely trigger a snap election, the fourth since April 2019, as the country grapples with the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout. Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz signed an agreement last month to form a unity government under which they would take turns leading Israel after three elections that neither of them won. In power for more than a decade and currently head of a caretaker government, right-wing Netanyahu will serve as prime minister of a new administration for 18 months before handing the reins to centrist Gantz, according to the unity deal. The pact has support from a majority in parliament. But several groups, including opposition parties and democracy watchdogs, have petitioned Israel's highest court to nullify the deal and bar Netanyahu from leading the government, citing the criminal proceedings against him. Responding to the petition, Israel's Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit wrote to the court saying that there was no sufficient legal ground to disqualify Netanyahu. He described the case as a "head-on collision" between "on one side the most basic democratic principle of honouring the will of the majority ... (and) on the other integrity in public service, specifically among elected officials." Eleven justices, wearing face masks and separated by screens as coronavirus precautions, presided over the discussion. A small group outside the court, also following social distancing guidelines, carried signs and Israeli flags to protest against government corruption. Some Israeli analysts have said the court, cast by Netanyahu loyalists as liberal and interventionist, was unlikely to bar the premier from heading a new government. A ruling is expected to be announced by Thursday. Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, was indicted in January on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He denies any wrongdoing in all three cases against him and says he is a victim of a political witch-hunt. Netanyahu's trial is due to start on May 24. Israeli law says a prime minister under indictment is not obligated to step down until a final conviction. But legal some experts say there are legal precedents suggesting elected officials indicted with charges that carry moral turpitude should resign.

Israel's Supreme Court discusses Netanyahu's fate as prime minister

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led the third election in a year but still fell short of a majority to form the government, nearly complete results showed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led the third election in a year but still fell short of a majority to form the government, nearly complete results showed. Netanyahu claimed victory in Monday's vote over his main challenger Benny Gantz of the centrist Blue and White party, after exit polls projected the right-wing leader's Likud party had come out on top. "We turned lemons into lemonade," he told a cheering crowd at Likud's election headquarters as exit polls were released. However, Gantz did not concede defeat, saying the election could result in another deadlock and he understood and shared his supporters' "feeling of disappointment and pain". With some 90 per cent of the votes counted, Netanyahu appeared to control 59 seats in parliament, two short of a ruling majority. The gap made former defence minister Avigdor Lieberman's far-right Yisrael Beiteinu party a potential kingmaker after remaining on the sidelines in inconclusive ballots in April and September, the report added. A win for Netanyahu, 70, would be a testament to the political durability of Israel's longest-serving leader, who fought the latest campaign under the shadow of a looming corruption trial. (With inputs from Reuters)

Netanyahu leads in Israeli election, but still lacks majority to form government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said that if re-elected he would annex swathes of the occupied West Bank within weeks, according to news agency AFP.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said that if re-elected he would annex swathes of the occupied West Bank within weeks, according to news agency AFP. Netanyahu's comments came a day ahead of Israel's third election in a year. In an interview with Israeli public radio, Netanyahu has reportedly said that annexation of the Jordan Valley and other parts of the West Bank was his top priority among "four major immediate missions". "That will happen within weeks, two months at the most, I hope," he said in the interview aired 24 hours before polls were scheduled to open. Also read: Explainer: Why is Israel holding its third election in a year? "The joint US-Israeli mapping committee started work a week ago," he added. For the third time in under 12 months, Israeli citizens will be making a trip to the polling booths. In 2019, Israel held two elections to their parliament and on both occasions, the mandate was fractured -- with no party winning a majority. Just like the last two elections, the key players in this election are sitting prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz. The Israeli parliament or the Knesset has 120 seats up for grabs. US President Donald Trump's widely-criticised Middle East peace plan, unveiled in late January, gave the Jewish state a green light to annex the area and proposed a committee to set out the exact borders of the territory to be annexed.

'Immediate' annexation steps if reelected, says Netanyahu ahead of polls 

Israel's top court on Sunday dismissed a petition to order Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step aside after his indictment on corruption charges. The four-term conservative leader has pushed back against the indictment and also a challenge from within his ruling party by projecting business as usual, touring the country's northern frontier and ramping up rhetoric about Iranian threats.

Israel's top court on Sunday dismissed a petition to order Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step aside after his indictment on corruption charges. The four-term conservative leader has pushed back against the indictment and also a challenge from within his ruling party by projecting business as usual, touring the country's northern frontier and ramping up rhetoric about Iranian threats. Netanyahu's indictment on Thursday came amid political disarray in Israel, after neither Netanyahu nor his main challenger, centrist Benny Gantz, secured a majority in parliament in elections in April and September. Netanyahu has denied the charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust and said he will stay in office and defend himself. Gideon Saar, a rival within the Likud party has challenged Netanyahu saying he would not be able to win another election and called on Likud to hold a leadership ballot. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel, which petitioned for Netanyahu to step aside, said in its filing to the Supreme Court that the first criminal charges against a sitting prime minister constituted "the crossing of a red line and a grave blow to public trust in ruling institutions". The court, however, dismissed the petition to force Netanyahu to resign or temporarily recuse himself from office. It said the watchdog had not yet exhausted other avenues, such as petitioning Netanyahu directly and Israel's attorney general. For his part, Netanyahu kept his focus on security and toured the Golan Heights with top military brass. "I am doing everything needed to carry out government work, cabinet work ... in all necessary ways, to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel and the things that are crucial for Israel," he said in a video statement. He reiterated concerns over Iran's attempt to entrench itself militarily in a number of Middle East countries and said Israel "will act to prevent Iran's attempt to make Iraq and Yemen bases for rocket and missile launches against Israel." But Israeli news coverage remained focused on the political challenge. Commentators said other court petitions could follow. Gantz's mandate to form a government - after an unsuccessful attempt by Netanyahu to do so - expired on Wednesday. The next day, Israel's president declared a three-week period in which lawmakers can nominate one of their own to try to put together a ruling coalition. Should that fail, a new election - Israel's third in a year - will be triggered. Netanyahu's hope of securing that parliamentary nomination was challenged by Saar. "There is only one way in which we can save the country, extricate it from the crisis and ensure the Likud's continued rule - and that is if we go to snap primaries today, within these 21 days," Saar told Israel's Channel 12 television. A less adversarial proposal was launched by a second Likud lawmaker, Nir Barkat, who called for nominating a deputy to Netanyahu who would take his place should he be forced to take a leave of absence. The head of Likud's central committee, Haim Katz, said he would meet with Netanyahu to decide on the two proposals. Saar has previously said he would consider running for the top Likud slot. While voicing appreciation for Netanyahu's record-long term and noting he was innocent until proven otherwise, Saar criticised the premier's attempts to cast his criminal prosecution as a "coup attempt" involving police, prosecutors and the media. "Not only is it wrong to say that, it's also irresponsible to say that. It's completely out of touch," Saar said. The Likud party spokesman dismissed the challenge. "It is sad to see that while Prime Minister Netanyahu keeps Israel safe on all fronts and works to preserve Likud rule, Gideon Saar, as is his wont, is displaying zero loyalty and maximum subversion," the spokesman said.

Israel's top court dismisses petition to order PM Benjamin Netanyahu to step aside

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced calls to resign over a corruption scandal on Friday, as senior government colleagues publicly declared support after some signs of cracks in party loyalty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced calls to resign over a corruption scandal on Friday, as senior government colleagues publicly declared support after some signs of cracks in party loyalty. Netanyahu said he would not step down after he was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust by Israel's attorney-general on Thursday night. The 70-year-old conservative Likud party leader denies all wrongdoing and denounced the indictment - the first against a sitting Israeli prime minister - as an "attempted coup". But his ability to lead a country mired in political crisis, after two inconclusive elections this year that failed to produce a government, is being questioned. The centrist Blue and White Party headed by Netanyahu’s main rival, Benny Gantz, issued a statement calling on him to "immediately resign from all ministerial positions in the government". The party - which has 33 of parliament's 120 seats to Likud’s 32 - said its lawyers had formally approached the prime minister and attorney general’s offices saying it was "imperative" that Netanyahu step down. A poll aired by Israel's Channel 13 TV found that 56% of Israelis believe Netanyahu cannot continue to govern after being indicted. A total of 35% said he can and 9% were undecided. Under Israeli law, he is under no obligation step down a prime minister. But with Israel heading towards a likely third election in less than a year, Netanyahu could soon find himself in the difficult position of trying to win an election while preparing to be prosecuted. The support of his Likud party colleagues is likely to be crucial to Netanyahu's chances of staying in power. Ruling party creaks Two Likud lawmakers publicly broached holding a party leadership contest on Thursday, but even such mild expressions of disloyalty upset loyalists. Senior ministers issued public statements declaring their support, and Justice Minister Amir Ohana said he was proud of his fellow Likud parliamentarians for standing by Netanyahu, adding pointedly: "Except for two of them." Netanyahu’s ultra-nationalist coalition partner Bezalel Smotrich, the transport minister, also offered sympathy for Netanyahu over the charges against him, announced by Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit on Thursday. Smotrich said in a tweet that planned street protests in support of the prime minister were aimed at preventing "a predatory, violent and dangerous judicial dictatorship". After a national televised address on Thursday night, Netanyahu himself kept a low profile on Friday, posting a tweet with heart and an Israeli flag emojis saying: "Thank you for your support and love. Shabbat Shalom." He later issued a video message undertaking to accept the court ruling in his case. But Israel's election schedule could work against Netanyahu, Israel's longest serving prime minister after 10 successive years in power plus three years in office in the 1990s. President Reuven Rivlin on Thursday set a three-week deadline for lawmakers to nominate a new candidate from their own ranks to try to form a new government after Netanyahu and Gantz both failed to do after April and September elections. If that also fails to produce a government, an election will be triggered in three months. A source close to Rivlin said he expected appeals to disqualify Netanyahu as a candidate because of the indictment. If the president does so, Netanyahu could be ejected by Likud. "Netanyahu's great fear is that, amid the extraordinary constitutional crisis that has been created, and amid the political and legal synchronisation, he will emerge as the only member of parliament who cannot do this (form a government)," wrote Tal Shalev, political commentator for Israel's Walla news site. Two of the three legal cases against Netanyahu involve accusations that he offered media bosses inducements in return for more favourable coverage of his policies and personal conduct. He has dismissed the accusations.

Israel's Netanyahu faces calls to quit but is defiant in crisis

Israel's parliament was sworn in Thursday without a new government formed as a deadlocked general election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrambling to find a path to extend his long tenure in power.

Israel's parliament was sworn in Thursday without a new government formed as a deadlocked general election left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrambling to find a path to extend his long tenure in power. Members of parliament elected in September 17 polls took their oaths of office in a ceremony that was to a large degree hollow due to deadlocked coalition talks. The stalemate has even raised the risk that the new parliament's term will be extremely short since it could cause yet another election. It would be the third in the space of a year after April polls too ended inconclusively, with Netanyahu unable to form a coalition afterwards. The prime minister faces even longer odds this time, and as a result, has been seeking to form a unity government that would include his main opponent Benny Gantz and his centrist Blue and White alliance. At the same time, Netanyahu's lawyers are seeking to fend off corruption charges against him at a four-day, closed-door hearing that began at the attorney general's office on Wednesday. His unity government efforts have failed so far, with the two sides at odds on a range of issues, including who would be prime minister first in a rotation arrangement. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, in his speech to the new parliament, again called on the rival leaders to come together. "You, elected officials and leaders of the people, face an opportunity and a chance to form a broad government," he said. "One that will allow us to put the disagreements between us to one side and to work on finding areas of agreement." 'No other choice' Blue and White finished with the most seats in the election -- 33 compared to right-wing Likud's 32. Neither has a clear path to a majority coalition, but Netanyahu received one more endorsement for prime minister than Gantz from MPs, resulting in Rivlin tasking him with forming a government last week. He has 28 days to do so, but has signalled he may inform Rivlin before that he is unable to form a government -- a political tactic, not a sign he is throwing in the towel. Rivlin would then decide whether to ask Gantz to try to form a government or demand that parliament agree on a candidate with a vote of at least 61 out of 120 members. The president has set out a unity government compromise that could see Netanyahu remain prime minister, but step aside if indicted while retaining the title. Gantz would then take over on an interim basis. Netanyahu says he wants to negotiate based on that proposal, but Gantz has rejected it, saying his Blue and White cannot serve in a government with a prime minister facing a severe indictment. He also says he should be prime minister first under any rotation arrangement since his party has the most seats. Netanyahu has shown no sign he would yield the post he has held for a total of more than 13 years, the longest in Israeli history, to allow Gantz to be premier first. "There is no other choice than to comply with the will of the people and put in place a broad national unity government," Netanyahu told Likud members before the swearing-in. Gantz told his party: "I call upon Netanyahu: Do not barricade yourself in your position." "We will take the reins from here and lead the country for the good of the citizens." Yair Lapid, Blue and White's number two and who was to rotate as prime minister with Gantz if their party won, announced he was abandoning that plan if a unity government was formed to give it the best chance to succeed. 11-hour hearing While parliament was being sworn in, Netanyahu's pre-indictment hearing continued across town. Only Netanyahu's lawyers and not the prime minister himself attended the hearing, which gives them a last chance to convince Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit not to file corruption charges. Mandelblit has said he intends to indict Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate cases. Netanyahu, who denies all the allegations, is accused of acting on behalf of wealthy supporters and businessmen in exchange for gifts or favourable news coverage. The first day of the hearing on Wednesday stretched some 11 hours. Following the hearing's conclusion on Monday, the attorney general's deliberations on whether to issue the indictments are expected to last weeks. Separately on Thursday, Arab Israeli MPs did not attend the swearing in as they took part in a general strike over violence in Arab communities and what they call the lack of a police response. The mainly Arab Joint List won 13 seats in the election, making it the third-largest bloc in parliament.

Israel's parliament sworn in without new government

Israel's president meets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his challenger Benny Gantz on Wednesday as the clock began ticking on a one-week deadline for him to name someone to form a government.

Israel's president meets Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his challenger Benny Gantz on Wednesday as the clock began ticking on a one-week deadline for him to name someone to form a government. President Reuven Rivlin received official results from Israel's deadlocked September 17 election on Wednesday afternoon, beginning the one-week timeframe, while his three-way meeting is set for 6 pm (1500 GMT). He could name someone to try to form a coalition as early as Wednesday, and speculation has run rampant over whether he will do so or wait until after the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, which falls on Monday and Tuesday. In either case, the person selected will face what could turn out to be an impossible mission: forming a governing coalition when neither man has a clear path to a majority. Gantz's centrist Blue and White and Netanyahu's right-wing Likud have started talks on forming a unity government, but they appear far apart on a range of issues, including who will lead it. etanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister and has shown no sign of willingly giving up the post he has held for a total of more than 13 years. Wednesday night's meeting with Rivlin, Netanyahu and Gantz will be their second since the election, and the president has repeatedly made clear he would like to see both of their parties in a unity government. He has pledged to do all he can to avoid yet another election -- which would be the third in a year's time after April polls also ended inconclusively. "While the elections highlighted the divisions within Israeli society -- Jewish and Arab, religious and secular -- it is now time to work together on building a shared vision for our common future," Rivlin said at a Wednesday reception for foreign diplomats marking the Jewish new year. "I therefore believe that the right path for the state of Israel today is to build as broad a governing coalition as possible." A rotation arrangement has been floated, but the question of who would be premier first remains a major stumbling block. Chief negotiators for Likud and Blue and White met Tuesday, but emerged afterward with only vague statements. The timing in a rotation agreement is especially important for Netanyahu, who is facing possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead pending a hearing set for early October. A prime minister does not have to step down if indicted -- only if convicted with all appeals exhausted -- while other ministers can be forced to do so when charged. Extra seat for Likud The final results Rivlin received Wednesday gave Likud one more seat compared to the near-complete results published last week, but the deadlock remains unchanged. Blue and White remains the largest party with 33 seats, ahead of Likud's 32 out of parliament's 120. Israel's Arab parties, running together under the Joint List alliance, finished as the third-largest force in parliament with 13 seats. Should Likud and Blue and White succeed in forming a unity government, Joint List head Ayman Odeh could emerge as Israel's first Arab opposition leader. Netanyahu has highlighted the fact that he has more support from smaller parties in parliament -- giving him a total of 55 seats backing him -- and pledged not to abandon them in a coalition deal. Gantz says his party is the largest and he should be in the lead. The timing of Rivlin's announcement on his selection for who should try to form a government may depend on the progress of negotiations between the Likud and Blue and White. The person chosen would then have 28 days to form a government, with a possible two-week extension. If all attempts fail, Rivlin can then assign the task to someone else.

Netanyahu, Gantz set for new talks on Israel vote deadlock

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in a battle for political survival after exit polls following Tuesday's election showed the race too close to call and the Israeli leader's decade-long grip on power slipping.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in a battle for political survival after exit polls following Tuesday's election showed the race too close to call and the Israeli leader's decade-long grip on power slipping. Netanyahu's main election challenger, centrist Benny Gantz, said on Wednesday it appeared from the exit polls that Israel's longest-serving leader was defeated but that only official results would tell. In his own speech to right-wing Likud party faithful, Netanyahu, sipping water frequently and speaking in a hoarse voice, made no claim of victory or concession of defeat, saying he was awaiting a vote tally. Netanyahu's appearance in the dead of night at Likud election headquarters was a far cry from his triumphant declaration five months ago that he had won a close election. His failure to form a government after the April ballot led to the new election on Tuesday. Gantz, a former armed forces chief, beamed with confidence as he told a rally of his Blue and White Party that it appeared "we fulfilled our mission", and he pledged to work towards formation of a unity government. Netanyahu, he said, apparently "did not succeed in his mission" to win a fifth term. "We will await the actual results," Gantz, 60, said. The final election results can take more than a week, but partial results are published by the Knesset as the vote-counting proceeds, so a clearer picture will likely emerge within a day before the final tally. By 6 a.m. about a quarter of the votes had been counted. Revised surveys by Israeli TV stations, several hours after polls closed, gave Likud 30 to 33 of parliament's 120 seats, a slight drop from earlier forecasts, versus 32 to 34 for Blue and White. Neither had enough support, at first glance, for a governing coalition of 61 legislators, and Netanyahu's ally-turned-rival, former Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, emerged as a likely kingmaker as head of the far-right Yisrael Beitenu party. The updated polls showed that without Yisrael Beitenu's projected eight to nine seats, stalemate could ensue: Likud would have the support of only up to 55 legislators, down from 57 in the earlier exit polls, for a right-wing coalition. Blue and White could enlist the backing of no more than 59 for a centre-left government. Netanyahu, who highlighted his close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump during the campaign, said in his 3 a.m. speech at Likud election headquarters in Tel Aviv that he intended to establish a "strong Zionist government" that would reflect the views of "many of the nation's people". His description of a future administration appeared to open the way for Jewish parties not part of his current government to join. It also seemed to be a swipe at Gantz, and the possibility that Netanyahu's rival might try for a governing coalition with the tacit support of an Arab party, which many right-wingers see as disloyal to Israel. The Joint Arab List made a strong showing in Tuesday's election and was projected to capture 13 to 15 seats in the legislature, compared with 10 won by various Arab factions in April's election. Coalition-building could be complicated: Lieberman has said he would not join an alliance that included ultra-Orthodox parties - Netanyahu's traditional allies. Lieberman ran on a platform largely focused on weakening the influence that religious parties have on everyday life in Israel. Gantz has ruled out participating in an administration with Netanyahu,if the Israeli leader is indicted on looming corruption charges. Corruption charges Dubbed "King Bibi" by his supporters, Netanyahu, 69, had already been stung by the April poll. Three corruption investigations and the Israeli attorney general's announced intention to charge him with fraud and bribery have also chipped away at Netanyahu's seeming invincibility, 10 years into consecutive terms as prime minister marked by a sharp focus on security that resonated with voters. Netanyahu, who can argue at a pre-trial hearing in October against indictment, has denied any wrongdoing. An election loss could leave him more at risk of prosecution in the graft cases, without the shield of parliamentary immunity that his current political allies had promised to seek for him. "Unless that miraculous turnabout between the exit polls and the actual results happens - the Netanyahu magic has been broken," Anshel Pfeffer, author of a Netanyahu biography, wrote in the left-wing Haaretz daily. Campaigns run by Likud and Blue and White pointed to only narrow differences on many important issues: the regional struggle against Iran, the Palestinian conflict, relations with the United States and the economy. An end to the Netanyahu era would be unlikely to bring about a significant change in policy on hotly disputed issues in the peace process with the Palestinians that collapsed five years ago. Before the last election, Trump gave Netanyahu a lift with U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, captured from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war. This time, the White House seems more preoccupied with Iran. The Trump administration plans soon to release an Israeli-Palestinian peace plan that may prove a dead letter: The Palestinians have rejected it in advance as biased. In what was widely seen as a bid to draw votes away from ultranationalist parties, Netanyahu last week announced his intention to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank, where the Palestinians seek statehood. But Blue and White, while vowing to pursue peace, has also said it would strengthen Israeli settlement blocs in the West Bank, with the Jordan Valley as Israel's "eastern security border". In Gaza, Palestinians awaited the results of the vote. "This election affects many things in our life," said Mohamad Abdul Hay Hasaneen, a janitor in the city of Khan Younis. "There might be limited escalations after the election, but I don’t think this would result in a full war."

Israel's Netanyahu teetering in close election race: Polls

Israel began voting in its second election in five months Tuesday that will decide whether to extend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's term as the country's longest-serving prime minister despite corruption allegations against him.

Israel began voting in its second election in five months Tuesday that will decide whether to extend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's term as the country's longest-serving prime minister despite corruption allegations against him. Polls opened at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) and were due to close in most areas at 10:00 pm. At one Jerusalem polling station, a trickle of voters arrived to cast ballots just after opening time. The stakes could not be much higher for the 69-year-old right-wing leader who, as in April polls, faces a strong challenge from ex-military chief Benny Gantz and his centrist Blue and White alliance. Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahu's former right-hand man turned rival, could play a kingmaker role with his campaign to "make Israel normal again." Some 6.4 million people are eligible to cast ballots. The first exit surveys will be released just after polls close, while official results are not expected until Wednesday. Opinion polls have indicated another tight race, showing Netanyahu's Likud and Blue and White winning around 32 seats each in the 120-seat parliament. Both Netanyahu and Gantz paid a last-minute visit Monday night to Jerusalem's Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews are allowed to pray. Netanyahu enters the election after having suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career following the April vote. His Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority of seats, leading Israeli President Reuven Rivlin to task the premier with forming a new government. But following weeks of discussions, Netanyahu failed, leading him to opt for an unprecedented second election rather than risk having Rivlin choose someone else. Immunity? The danger for Netanyahu extends beyond remaining prime minister, a post he has held for a total of more than 13 years. If he wins, many believe he will seek to have parliament grant him immunity from prosecution while facing the possibility of a corruption indictment in the weeks ahead. Israel's attorney general has said he intends to indict Netanyahu for fraud, bribery and breach of trust pending a hearing expected only days after the election in early October. A final decision would come later. Netanyahu would not be required to step down if indicted, only if convicted with all appeals exhausted. Recognising the stakes, Netanyahu spent the final days of the campaign seeking to appeal to right-wing nationalists -- key to his re-election bid -- and to boost turnout among his base. Those efforts have included a controversial pledge to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank, a third of the territory. He has issued unfounded warnings that the vote could be stolen by fraud in Arab communities, leading critics to accuse him of racism. But Netanyahu has also highlighted the country's growing economy and his relationships with world leaders such as US President Donald Trump. He has tried to label his main opponents "weak" and "leftist" despite their security credentials. "This is the choice that is open to you: their left-wing government or a strong right-wing government led by me," he said Monday. 'Rude lies' Gantz has campaigned by presenting himself as an honourable alternative. He has repeatedly spoken of Netanyahu's willingness to form a coalition with far-right parties that could help him seek immunity. Gantz says his alliance, which includes three former military chiefs of staff, wants a unity government that the vast majority of Israelis would support. "Netanyahu continues to spread rude lies in a desperate attempt to save his government," Gantz said Monday. "He lies, scolds, skewers, divides." Opinion polls show the campaign by Lieberman's nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party has resonated with voters. His "make Israel normal again" slogan refers to what the staunch secularist says is the undue influence of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties on the country's politics. He accuses them of seeking to impose Jewish religious law on Israel's secular population and wants legislation ending the ultra-Orthodox's exemption from mandatory military service. Lieberman prevented Netanyahu from forming a coalition after April polls by refusing to relent on his demand related to military service for the ultra-Orthodox. It is not clear he will endorse Netanyahu as prime minister again, which could be enough for Rivlin to allow Gantz to try to form a government. Israel's newly reunified Arab parties could also prove decisive with a performance similar to 2015 elections, when they became the third-largest force in parliament. If so, they could block Netanyahu from continuing on as prime minister by recommending Gantz.

Israelis go to the polls in second round of general elections in five months

Benjamin Netanyahu has become Israel's longest-serving prime minister with his right-wing leadership and by repeatedly besting rivals with deft political moves, but he will have to pull another rabbit out of the hat in Tuesday's elections.

Benjamin Netanyahu has become Israel's longest-serving prime minister with his right-wing leadership and by repeatedly besting rivals with deft political moves, but he will have to pull another rabbit out of the hat in Tuesday's elections. The 69-year-old is fighting his second election in five months with a potential corruption indictment looming. After April polls, Netanyahu suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career when he failed to form a coalition although his Likud party along with its right-wing and religious allies came out on top. The attorney general has announced his intention to indict Netanyahu on fraud, bribery and breach of trust charges pending a hearing, expected to be held soon after the election in early October. Many expect him to seek immunity if re-elected. × Netanyahu has spent years outlasting opponents and he could well do so again. He has campaigned with a combination of divisive populism and attempts to portray himself as a world statesman by talking up his relationships with foreign leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. True to form, he issued a last-minute pledge to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank if re-elected, which many saw as a play for vital right-wing nationalist votes. That accompanied by his stated intention to annex Israeli settlements in the wider West Bank could effectively end any remaining hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The burly son of a historian with his familiar grey comb-over has entrenched himself at the top so firmly he has been labelled "King Bibi", using his nickname dating to childhood. Few doubt his political effectiveness. Much of his popularity has to do with another nickname -- "Mr. Security" -- in a country where such issues are always on voters' minds. Netanyahu frequently talks openly about Israel's air war in Syria against Israel's archfoe Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah. He generally avoids talking about the Palestinians apart from security operations. Netanyahu was born in Tel Aviv in 1949 less than 18 months after Israel's creation. He and his wife Sara have two sons, and he has a daughter from a previous marriage. Wounded in combat The son of a history professor active in Israeli right-wing politics, Netanyahu grew up partly in the United States. He attended the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and with his fluent, American-accented English has appeared on television speaking forcefully in defence of Israel. He performed his Israeli military service with an elite unit and was wounded in combat, but another family member's service affected him more deeply. In 1976, his brother Yonatan died in an Israeli commando raid to rescue hostages at Entebbe airport in Uganda. Netanyahu has called the operation "a very dramatic national experience" and "one of great personal consequence". Netanyahu's career took off when he was posted to the Israeli embassy in Washington and later served as ambassador to the United Nations. He became Israel's youngest prime minister in 1996, at 46, but was defeated three years later. Netanyahu would return to power in 2009 and has remained in office ever since.

Netanyahu: Israel's longest-serving prime minister fights for his future

Benny Gantz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main challenger in Tuesday's elections, is a respected former military chief who says he can restore honour to the premier's office.

Benny Gantz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main challenger in Tuesday's elections, is a respected former military chief who says he can restore honour to the premier's office. Gantz, a 60-year-old ex-paratrooper, had no previous political experience when he declared himself as Netanyahu's electoral rival in December. The head of the centrist Blue and White alliance has since presented himself as someone who can heal divisions in Israeli society, which he says have been exacerbated by Netanyahu. For many of his supporters, he is the opposite of Netanyahu, though more in personality than in terms of policies, which the two share to a large degree, particularly on security. His alliance and Netanyahu's Likud each won 35 seats in April elections, but the premier was given the chance to form a coalition due to support from smaller right-wing and religious parties. Netanyahu failed to do so and opted instead for another election, despite facing potential indictment for corruption. Gantz was born on June 9, 1959, in Kfar Ahim, a southern Israeli village that his immigrant parents, both Holocaust survivors, helped to establish. He joined the army in 1977, completing the tough selection course for the paratroopers. He went on to command Shaldag, an air force special operations unit. In 1994, he returned to the army to command a brigade and then a division in the occupied West Bank. According to his official army biography, he was Israel's military attache to the United States from 2005 until 2009. He was chief of staff from 2011 to 2015, when he retired, and has boasted in video clips of the number of Palestinian militants killed and targets destroyed under his command in the 2014 war with Gaza's Islamist Hamas rulers. Gantz has a BA in history from Tel Aviv University, a master's degree in political science from Haifa University and a master's in national resource management from the National Defense University in the United States. He is married and a father of four. A security hawk, he is determined to keep the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank under Israeli control and maintain Israeli sovereignty over mainly Palestinian east Jerusalem. The two main contenders are in step on external threats such as archfoe Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah as well as Hamas. Gantz has pledged to improve public services and show "zero tolerance" for corruption -- a reference to graft allegations facing Netanyahu. Regarding the Palestinians, the Blue and White election manifesto speaks of wanting to separate from them, but does not specifically mention a two-state solution. Gantz is liberal on social issues related to religion and state, favouring the introduction of civil marriage. After gaffes on live television appearances earlier in the campaign, Gantz has been less visible lately, and some say not visible enough. But opinion polls show he has maintained support from those seeking to move on from Netanyahu's long tenure in office.

Israel's Gantz: Military man on a mission to beat Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government approved a new settlement in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, his office said, just two days ahead of closely fought general elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government approved a new settlement in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, his office said, just two days ahead of closely fought general elections. Netanyahu's cabinet agreed to turn the wildcat settlement of Mevoot Yericho in the Jordan Valley into an official settlement, the premier's office said. All settlements are viewed as illegal under international law, but Israel distinguishes between those it has approved and those it has not. Sunday's approval follows Netanyahu's pledge last week to annex the Jordan Valley, which amounts to one-third of the West Bank, if he wins Tuesday's elections. "The government passed the PM's motion to build Mevoot Yericho," a statement from Netanyahu's office said as the weekly cabinet meeting was convened ceremoniously in the Jordan Valley. Netanyahu has also said he intends to annex settlements in the wider West Bank, but in coordination with US President Donald Trump, whose long-awaited peace plan is expected to be released after the election. The prime minister's annexation plans could effectively destroy any remaining hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Palestinians, the European Union and the United Nations condemned Netanyahu's Jordan Valley announcement last week. Netanyahu said the Jordan Valley annexation would not include Palestinian cities such as Jericho, but it would effectively be encircled by Israeli territory. Netanyahu is locked in a tough re-election battle with ex-military chief Benny Gantz and his Blue and White centrist alliance, and right-wing nationalist votes are key for his Likud.

Israel approves new settlement 2 days before polls

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an extraordinary meeting on Sunday to discuss Israel's announcement of its intention to annex areas of the West Bank, the Turkish foreign ministry said on Saturday.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an extraordinary meeting on Sunday to discuss Israel's announcement of its intention to annex areas of the West Bank, the Turkish foreign ministry said on Saturday. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he would annex the Jordan Valley, a large swathe of the occupied West Bank that Israel captured in 1967 and which Palestinians want as part of a future state. Middle Eastern nations and European powers have expressed alarm at the plan, which Netanyahu said he would implement if he wins a closely contested election next week. Arab foreign ministers also condemned the plan on Tuesday as "aggression" undermining any chances of a peace settlement with the Palestinians. In a statement, Turkey's foreign ministry said the OIC would meet in Jeddah to discuss "Netanyahu's statements on the intention to annex Jordan Valley and the illegal settlements in West Bank by Israel." Around 65,000 Palestinians and 11,000 Israeli settlers live in the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea area, according to the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem. The main Palestinian city is Jericho, with around 28 villages and smaller Bedouin communities.

Turkey says OIC to convene after Netanyahu annexation plans

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday warned Lebanon, Hezbollah's chief and the head of Iran's elite Quds Force to "be careful" with their words and actions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday warned Lebanon, Hezbollah's chief and the head of Iran's elite Quds Force to "be careful" with their words and actions. Addressing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Netanyahu told a conference that "he knows very well that the state of Israel knows how to defend itself well, and to repay its enemies". "I want to say to him and the Lebanese state, which is hosting this organisation that aims to destroy us, and I say the same to Qassem Soleimani: Be careful about your words, and even more cautious about your actions." He suggested that Nasrallah "calm down". Netanyahu spoke after a series of incidents in recent days that have raised tensions between Israel, Lebanon, Iran and Tehran-backed Hezbollah. Nasrallah has accused Israel of being behind a drone attack on the Lebanese Shiite movement's Beirut stronghold on Sunday and threatened retaliation. He called it the first such "hostile action" since a 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon's President Michel Aoun called it a "declaration of war". Hours before the Beirut incident, Israel announced it had carried out a strike in neighbouring Syria to thwart what it said was a plan by an Iranian force to attack its territory with drones. On Monday, a pro-Syrian Palestinian group accused Israel of carrying out a drone attack on one of its positions in Lebanon. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria targeting what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets. Iran and Hezbollah, along with Russia, have backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country's civil war. Netanyahu has pledged to stop Israel's arch-enemy Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria.

'Israel knows how to defend itself well, and to repay its enemies': Netanyahu warns Hezbollah, Lebanon

Israel decided on Friday to allow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-urges-israel-to-bar-visit-by-us-congresswomen-ilhan-omar-rashida-tlaib-243211">US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib</a> - a critic of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians - to visit family in the occupied West Bank on humanitarian grounds after barring her from making an official visit to Israel.

Under pressure from US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-bars-us-democratic-lawmakers-under-pressure-from-trump-243257">he would not allow Tlaib and fellow Democrat congresswoman Ilhan Omar</a>, to make a planned trip to Israel.

However, Netanyahu said that if Tlaib submitted a request to visit family on humanitarian grounds, Israel would consider it as long as she promised not to promote a boycott against Israel.

Tlaib and Omar have voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement which opposes the Israeli occupation and policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Under Israeli law, BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel.

Tlaib sent a letter to Israel's Interior Ministry on Thursday requesting permission to visit relatives, including her grandmother, who is in her 90s. It could be her last opportunity to see her, she said.

"I will respect any restrictions and will not promote boycotts against Israel during my visit," Tlaib wrote in the request, which was circulated by the website Ynet and other Israeli media.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement it "decided on Friday to approve the entry of US&nbsp;Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for a humanitarian visit to her 90-year-old grandmother."

Tlaib's office could not be reached for comment, and it was not immediately clear when she might travel.

Tlaib and Omar are the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress, and the Detroit-born Tlaib is also the first Palestinian-American congresswoman.

Both are members of their party's progressive wing and sharp critics both of Trump and Israeli policy.

Their official visit was to have included visits to the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war and which Palestinians envisage as part of an independent state along with Gaza.

Israel had initially chosen to allow the visit, but changed course on Thursday after Trump called on his ally not to let them in.

Trump has in recent months accused Tlaib, Omar and two other first-term Democratic congresswomen of colour - dubbed "the Squad" - of hostility to Israel in a barrage condemned by critics as racist and widely seen as a way to drum up votes for 2020.

Tlaib, 43, has roots in the West Bank village of Beit Ur Al-Fauqa, where her grandmother and extended family live.

The prospects of ending the occupation and resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict under the so-called two-state solution which had guided international peace-making efforts since 1993 have all but evaporated, while Israeli settlements in the territories have expanded.

The Trump administration, which is particularly close to the Netanyahu government, has touted its own peace plan but details remain vague. It fueled Palestinian anger by recognising disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017.

Israel decided on Friday to allow US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib - a critic of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians - to visit family in the occupied West Bank on humanitarian grounds after barring her from making an official visit to Israel.

Israel decided on Friday to allow US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib - a critic of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians - to visit family in the occupied West Bank on humanitarian grounds after barring her from making an official visit to Israel. Under pressure from US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he would not allow Tlaib and fellow Democrat congresswoman Ilhan Omar, to make a planned trip to Israel. However, Netanyahu said that if Tlaib submitted a request to visit family on humanitarian grounds, Israel would consider it as long as she promised not to promote a boycott against Israel. Tlaib and Omar have voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement which opposes the Israeli occupation and policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Under Israeli law, BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel. Tlaib sent a letter to Israel's Interior Ministry on Thursday requesting permission to visit relatives, including her grandmother, who is in her 90s. It could be her last opportunity to see her, she said. "I will respect any restrictions and will not promote boycotts against Israel during my visit," Tlaib wrote in the request, which was circulated by the website Ynet and other Israeli media. The Interior Ministry said in a statement it "decided on Friday to approve the entry of US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for a humanitarian visit to her 90-year-old grandmother." Tlaib's office could not be reached for comment, and it was not immediately clear when she might travel. Tlaib and Omar are the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress, and the Detroit-born Tlaib is also the first Palestinian-American congresswoman. Both are members of their party's progressive wing and sharp critics both of Trump and Israeli policy. Their official visit was to have included visits to the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war and which Palestinians envisage as part of an independent state along with Gaza. Israel had initially chosen to allow the visit, but changed course on Thursday after Trump called on his ally not to let them in. Trump has in recent months accused Tlaib, Omar and two other first-term Democratic congresswomen of colour - dubbed "the Squad" - of hostility to Israel in a barrage condemned by critics as racist and widely seen as a way to drum up votes for 2020. Tlaib, 43, has roots in the West Bank village of Beit Ur Al-Fauqa, where her grandmother and extended family live. The prospects of ending the occupation and resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict under the so-called two-state solution which had guided international peace-making efforts since 1993 have all but evaporated, while Israeli settlements in the territories have expanded. The Trump administration, which is particularly close to the Netanyahu government, has touted its own peace plan but details remain vague. It fueled Palestinian anger by recognising disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017.

After ban, Israel permits US Representative Rashida Tlaib to make humanitarian visit to family in West Bank