Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial is all set to resume. Netanyahu have arrived in the court to attend the statement of the trial.

Netanyahu Corruption Trial: Israeli PM to attend opening statement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on right-wing parties on Wednesday to join him in a governing coalition, in his first speech since elections last week.

The vote, Israel's fourth in two years, delivered the veteran premier's Likud 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, making it the biggest party -- but a majority of 61 is required to form a government.

Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, faces a bloc of 57 lawmakers led by centrist part Yesh Atid, who are seeking to end his record-breaking 12 years in power.&nbsp;

Both camps are short of an overall majority, and Netanyahu is reaching out to small, undeclared parties which could take his government over the line.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netanyahu-to-rivals-come-back-home-align-with-me-374666">Watch |</a>

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In a brief televised address on Wednesday, Netanyahu insisted that "the people have given a majority to the right, with 65 seats" and urged undecided right-wing leaders to "come back home" and join a coalition.

"Let's put our differences aside to form, together, a stable government of the right, as the people want," he said.

The hard-right Yamina party of Naftali Bennett, with seven seats, could potentially join the six lawmakers of the New Hope party of Gideon Saar to help the premier form a majority.

Both Bennett and Saar are former Netanyahu allies.

Saar has repeatedly ruled out joining a Netanyahu administration, tweeting again on Wednesday that he would "neither join nor support a government led by Netanyahu".

Bennett has yet to say whether he would join a government led by his former boss.

Yamina said in a statement Wednesday that Bennett would "make every effort to form a stable government to save Israel from chaos".

Israel's President Reuven Rivlin said Monday he would pick a candidate by April 7 to form the next government.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on right-wing parties on Wednesday to join him in a governing coalition, in his first speech since elections last week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on right-wing parties on Wednesday to join him in a governing coalition, in his first speech since elections last week. The vote, Israel's fourth in two years, delivered the veteran premier's Likud 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, making it the biggest party -- but a majority of 61 is required to form a government. Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, faces a bloc of 57 lawmakers led by centrist part Yesh Atid, who are seeking to end his record-breaking 12 years in power. Both camps are short of an overall majority, and Netanyahu is reaching out to small, undeclared parties which could take his government over the line. Watch | In a brief televised address on Wednesday, Netanyahu insisted that "the people have given a majority to the right, with 65 seats" and urged undecided right-wing leaders to "come back home" and join a coalition. "Let's put our differences aside to form, together, a stable government of the right, as the people want," he said. The hard-right Yamina party of Naftali Bennett, with seven seats, could potentially join the six lawmakers of the New Hope party of Gideon Saar to help the premier form a majority. Both Bennett and Saar are former Netanyahu allies. Saar has repeatedly ruled out joining a Netanyahu administration, tweeting again on Wednesday that he would "neither join nor support a government led by Netanyahu". Bennett has yet to say whether he would join a government led by his former boss. Yamina said in a statement Wednesday that Bennett would "make every effort to form a stable government to save Israel from chaos". Israel's President Reuven Rivlin said Monday he would pick a candidate by April 7 to form the next government.

Israel's Netanyahu urges right-wing parties to form coalition

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to two right-wing rivals to "come back home" and align themselves with him again to break a deadlock following Israel's inconclusive election last week.

Netanyahu to rivals: Come back home, align with me

Israel's president will begin consultations with political parties next Monday on their preferred candidate to try to form a government, a spokesman said, after a fourth election in two years ended in another stalemate.

After hearing the parties' recommendations, President Reuven Rivlin will assign the coalition-building task to one of the candidates by April 7, a spokesman said.

A final tally from the March 23 election showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and kindred factions in control of 52 seats in the 120-member parliament. A potential opposition grouping took 57 seats.

With no easy path to a governing majority, Netanyahu's political fate may depend on the leaders of two wild-card parties, the far-right Yamina led by ex-defence minister Naftali Bennett and an Arab Islamist faction led by Mansour Abbas.

A patchwork opposition bloc of left-wing, centrist and rightist parties that also came up short of a majority has made no announcement of any formal alliance or who might lead it.

Of all the potential parties in such a coalition, centrist Yesh Atid, headed by former finance minister Yair Lapid, won the most legislative seats, 17, in last Tuesday's vote.

Likud captured the most seats in the election, 30, but Rivlin is under no legal obligation to task Netanyahu with putting together a government and can pick another candidate instead on the basis of the parties' recommendations.

Whoever Rivlin nominates will have up to 42 days to try to form an administration before the president assigns the task to someone else. If the second candidate fails, Rivlin can ask parliament to try to choose someone. If that proves unsuccessful, Israel would head into a fifth election.

Israel's president will begin consultations with political parties next Monday on their preferred candidate to try to form a government, a spokesman said, after a fourth election in two years ended in another stalemate.

Israel's president will begin consultations with political parties next Monday on their preferred candidate to try to form a government, a spokesman said, after a fourth election in two years ended in another stalemate. After hearing the parties' recommendations, President Reuven Rivlin will assign the coalition-building task to one of the candidates by April 7, a spokesman said. A final tally from the March 23 election showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and kindred factions in control of 52 seats in the 120-member parliament. A potential opposition grouping took 57 seats. With no easy path to a governing majority, Netanyahu's political fate may depend on the leaders of two wild-card parties, the far-right Yamina led by ex-defence minister Naftali Bennett and an Arab Islamist faction led by Mansour Abbas. A patchwork opposition bloc of left-wing, centrist and rightist parties that also came up short of a majority has made no announcement of any formal alliance or who might lead it. Of all the potential parties in such a coalition, centrist Yesh Atid, headed by former finance minister Yair Lapid, won the most legislative seats, 17, in last Tuesday's vote. Likud captured the most seats in the election, 30, but Rivlin is under no legal obligation to task Netanyahu with putting together a government and can pick another candidate instead on the basis of the parties' recommendations. Whoever Rivlin nominates will have up to 42 days to try to form an administration before the president assigns the task to someone else. If the second candidate fails, Rivlin can ask parliament to try to choose someone. If that proves unsuccessful, Israel would head into a fifth election.

Israel's president to pick candidate next week to try to form government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects of forming a new coalition government after an indecisive election were further complicated on Thursday by a far-right refusal of any prospective parliamentary partnership with an Islamist party.

Partial tallies from Tuesday's ballot showed Netanyahu's conservative Likud and ideologically kindred factions short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset - raising the possibility he would seek some sort of accommodation with the United Arab List.

The central election committee said it had counted nearly 100 per cent of the ballots from Tuesday's vote, with the results indicating a 59-seat bloc for the right-wing and religious parties that would join a Netanyahu-led coalition, two seats short of a majority.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prime-minister-netanyahu-falls-short-of-majority-amid-vote-count-in-israeli-elections-372896">Prime Minister Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count in Israeli elections</a>

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving premier after 12 years in power, had hoped Tuesday's election would finally allow him to unite a stable right-wing coalition behind him, after three inconclusive elections since 2019.

While political commentators saw the inclusion of the UAL - which was forecast to win four seats - in a Netanyahu-led government as unlikely, some predicted the party might instead pledge not to support any opposition no-confidence motions.

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In exchange for such protection from an unlikely ally, Netanyahu would agree on measures to improve conditions for Israel's 21% Arab minority, the commentators said.

But Religious Zionism, an ultranationalist party run by Jewish settlers and forecast to take six seats, indicated Netanyahu could not rely on its support if he reached an arrangement with the UAL, which has pro-Palestinian sympathies.

"No rightist government predicated on UAL will arise. Period. Not (with UAL) on the inside, nor the outside, not through abstention, nor through some other kind of (scheme)," Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich said on Facebook.

UAL has signalled openness to back the next government, whether under Netanyahu or his centrist rival Yair Lapid, who with like-minded politicians appears set to control 57 seats.

A Netanyahu-led coalition that includes Religious Zionism controls 52 seats, the partial results show.

"Sometimes coalitions include people who don't really like each other," UAL's Waleed Taha told Israel's Army Radio.

He said his party was not, at this time, "talking about improving our personal roles" - an allusion to cabinet posts.

Asked if UAL might, from the opposition, provide ad-hoc parliamentary support for a Netanyahu-led coalition with Religious Zionism, Taha said the onus was on the far-rightists.

"If it is acceptable, to the people that you mentioned, that all of the subjects that we raise are accepted, then it would appear they have changed their stripes," he said.

Another potential kingmaker, former defence minister Naftali Bennett, whose nationalist Yamina party appears to have won seven seats, has been non-committal on which way it may swing.

Final results in the politically polarised country's fourth election in two years were expected to be announced late on Thursday or on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects of forming a new coalition government after an indecisive election were further complicated on Thursday by a far-right refusal of any prospective parliamentary partnership with an Islamist party.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects of forming a new coalition government after an indecisive election were further complicated on Thursday by a far-right refusal of any prospective parliamentary partnership with an Islamist party. Partial tallies from Tuesday's ballot showed Netanyahu's conservative Likud and ideologically kindred factions short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset - raising the possibility he would seek some sort of accommodation with the United Arab List. The central election committee said it had counted nearly 100 per cent of the ballots from Tuesday's vote, with the results indicating a 59-seat bloc for the right-wing and religious parties that would join a Netanyahu-led coalition, two seats short of a majority. Also read| Prime Minister Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count in Israeli elections Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving premier after 12 years in power, had hoped Tuesday's election would finally allow him to unite a stable right-wing coalition behind him, after three inconclusive elections since 2019. While political commentators saw the inclusion of the UAL - which was forecast to win four seats - in a Netanyahu-led government as unlikely, some predicted the party might instead pledge not to support any opposition no-confidence motions. In exchange for such protection from an unlikely ally, Netanyahu would agree on measures to improve conditions for Israel's 21% Arab minority, the commentators said. But Religious Zionism, an ultranationalist party run by Jewish settlers and forecast to take six seats, indicated Netanyahu could not rely on its support if he reached an arrangement with the UAL, which has pro-Palestinian sympathies. "No rightist government predicated on UAL will arise. Period. Not (with UAL) on the inside, nor the outside, not through abstention, nor through some other kind of (scheme)," Religious Zionism leader Bezalel Smotrich said on Facebook. UAL has signalled openness to back the next government, whether under Netanyahu or his centrist rival Yair Lapid, who with like-minded politicians appears set to control 57 seats. A Netanyahu-led coalition that includes Religious Zionism controls 52 seats, the partial results show. "Sometimes coalitions include people who don't really like each other," UAL's Waleed Taha told Israel's Army Radio. He said his party was not, at this time, "talking about improving our personal roles" - an allusion to cabinet posts. Asked if UAL might, from the opposition, provide ad-hoc parliamentary support for a Netanyahu-led coalition with Religious Zionism, Taha said the onus was on the far-rightists. "If it is acceptable, to the people that you mentioned, that all of the subjects that we raise are accepted, then it would appear they have changed their stripes," he said. Another potential kingmaker, former defence minister Naftali Bennett, whose nationalist Yamina party appears to have won seven seats, has been non-committal on which way it may swing. Final results in the politically polarised country's fourth election in two years were expected to be announced late on Thursday or on Friday.

Israeli far-rightists clouding Netanyahu coalition prospects

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that over 50 per cent of its population of 9.2 million have received both doses of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, a milestone that has continued to put the country much ahead of other nations in the vaccination drive.&nbsp;

The country's stellar fight to curb <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid-19 </a>has also been rewarded in this week's general election in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party won the most seats, but failed to get a majority.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Health Minister Yuli Edelstein in a statement announced the milestone and a continuous drop in new cases and asked people "to follow (health) guidelines so that the coronavirus does not return".

Israel, which faced three lockdowns, has a Covid-19 death toll of 6,157 and the positivity rate on Thursday stood at 1.1 per cent, a drop of about 6 per cent a month ago.&nbsp;

As many as 482 patients were in serious condition as of Thursday compared to more than 800 in late February.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/israel-opts-for-drive-thru-voting-for-covid-positive-people-372507">Israel opts for drive-thru voting for COVID positive people</a>

Israel has faced a lot of international criticism for not sharing enough of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to Palestine, for which the Jewish country claims that Palestinians are responsible for such health measures.&nbsp;

Over 100,000 Palestinian workers with permits to enter Israel or Jewish areas in the West Bank have been inoculated by Israel.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that over 50 per cent of its population of 9.2 million have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, a milestone that has continued to put the country much ahead of other nations in the vaccination drive.

Israel's health ministry said on Thursday that over 50 per cent of its population of 9.2 million have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, a milestone that has continued to put the country much ahead of other nations in the vaccination drive. The country's stellar fight to curb Covid-19 has also been rewarded in this week's general election in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party won the most seats, but failed to get a majority. Watch | Health Minister Yuli Edelstein in a statement announced the milestone and a continuous drop in new cases and asked people "to follow (health) guidelines so that the coronavirus does not return". Israel, which faced three lockdowns, has a Covid-19 death toll of 6,157 and the positivity rate on Thursday stood at 1.1 per cent, a drop of about 6 per cent a month ago. As many as 482 patients were in serious condition as of Thursday compared to more than 800 in late February. Also read | Israel opts for drive-thru voting for COVID positive people Israel has faced a lot of international criticism for not sharing enough of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to Palestine, for which the Jewish country claims that Palestinians are responsible for such health measures. Over 100,000 Palestinian workers with permits to enter Israel or Jewish areas in the West Bank have been inoculated by Israel.

Israel continues to march ahead in vaccination drive as over 50% of population inoculated

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s prospects for another term looked uncertain after partial results from a national election projected no clear path to victory.

Israel Election: Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count

In Israel, counting of votes is presently underway. In the fourth general election that has been held in the state of Israel in the last two years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chances of retaining power remain uncertain for the fourth straight time.

Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls for 'stable government'

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials. The US officials, however, downplayed the significance of the weapon tests while asserting that it was not covered by the UN security resolutions.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority.

Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Brazil recorded over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths on a single day as the country's health services reached breaking point due to the pandemic. The country's health ministry said 3,251 fatalities were recorded in 24 hours with the death toll in the country climbing to nearly 299,000 along with over 12.1 million coronavirus cases.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tested-two-short-range-missiles-white-house-372639">North Korea tested two short-range missiles: White House</a>

<img alt="Kim Jong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b12a7e42-5f3b-4b27-bd0f-d9ae5bea1a9b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/jj.jpg" />

The Biden administration is currently reviewing US policy towards North Korea which is reportedly in its final stages.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-claims-victory-in-israel-election-but-majority-uncertain-372641">Netanyahu claims victory in Israel election but majority uncertain</a>

<img alt="Israel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd5b15d-118a-4728-9693-f4a3a98de31a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IS1.jpg" />

Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-soon-pass-brazil-records-over-3000-covid-19-deaths-in-single-day-372647">'It will soon pass': Brazil records over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in single day</a>

<img alt="Bolsonaro" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27d31cb3-14af-4bc5-8bcd-3b0becae3896" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/rIO.jpg" />

On Tuesday, Bolsonaro swore in&nbsp;Marcelo Queiroga&nbsp;as his fourth health minister since the pandemic. Queiroga replaced Army general Eduardo Pazuello.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-gets-covid-vaccine-kremlin-refuses-to-share-details-372644">Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details</a>

<img alt="pUTIN" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="42b9a9df-bed0-4232-955c-b03b2dea4d21" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/PUTIN22.jpg" />

The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmar-crackdown-turns-ugly-372628">Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas - Myanmar crackdown turns ugly</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmar-crackdown-turns-ugly-372628/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials.

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials. The US officials, however, downplayed the significance of the weapon tests while asserting that it was not covered by the UN security resolutions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority. Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. Meanwhile, Brazil recorded over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths on a single day as the country's health services reached breaking point due to the pandemic. The country's health ministry said 3,251 fatalities were recorded in 24 hours with the death toll in the country climbing to nearly 299,000 along with over 12.1 million coronavirus cases. North Korea tested two short-range missiles: White House The Biden administration is currently reviewing US policy towards North Korea which is reportedly in its final stages. Netanyahu claims victory in Israel election but majority uncertain Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. 'It will soon pass': Brazil records over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in single day On Tuesday, Bolsonaro swore in Marcelo Queiroga as his fourth health minister since the pandemic. Queiroga replaced Army general Eduardo Pazuello. Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs. Watch: Gravitas - Myanmar crackdown turns ugly

Morning news brief: North Korea tests missiles again, Israel elections & more!

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu's prospects for another term looked uncertain on Wednesday after partial results from a national election projected no clear path to victory.

Netanyahu's Likud party has emerged as the single largest with 30 seats, but the right-wing bloc led by the 71-year-old leader still does not have the 61-seat majority needed to form a coalition in the 120-member Knesset (Israeli parliament).

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The election turnout of 67.2 per cent was a drop of 4.3 per cent since last March's election when the turnout was 71.5 per cent and the lowest of the four elections of the past two years.

Not even his stewardship of Israel’s world-beating COVID-19 vaccination rollout - a central pillar of his campaign - proved enough for&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;to break through the political deadlock that has seen four elections in two years.

With about 88 per cent&nbsp;of votes counted it appeared that&nbsp;Netanyahu, 71, would have to cobble together a coalition from a combination of right-wing allies, ultra-Orthodox parties, ultra-nationalists, Arabs and defectors to secure another term.

Should a hard-right government emerge, it would likely be at loggerheads with the Democratic administration of US&nbsp;President Joe Biden over issues such as Palestinian statehood and US&nbsp;engagement with Israel's arch-enemy Iran over its nuclear programme.

Some centre-left parties made a better showing than expected after highlighting longstanding corruption allegations against&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;- which he denies - and accusing him of mishandling the early months of the pandemic.

But like&nbsp;Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc it fell short of a governing majority in the 120-member parliament. And it has a less clear route to forming a coalition, having to unite parties from different wings of the political spectrum.

Immediately after polls closed on Tuesday,&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;claimed victory and said he hoped to form a "stable right-wing government". But as first results trickled in and seemed to shift against him, he did not repeat the claim in his televised post-election speech.

One potential kingmaker is Naftali Bennett, 48, a former defence minister who favours annexing parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Bennett's hawkish Yamina party is projected to win seven seats. He remained non-committal after the vote, saying only he would do "what is good for Israel".

Yohanan Plesner, head of the Israel Democracy Institute, predicted political paralysis and said a fifth national election was possible.

"It seems quite clear that Israelis are split right down the middle with respect to the main question that divides Israeli politics, which is pro and against Mr&nbsp;Netanyahu," he said.

"The period of uncertainty, deadlock and paralysis is expected to accompany us for the foreseeable future."

Visting Tubas in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Wednesday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said the outcome "does not really give any hope for peace" and that the Israeli political system had shifted to the right.

"What is needed really from the future prime minister of Israel is somebody who is ready to stand up and say that he is ready to end occupation," Shtayyeh told Reuters. "We have to break this status quo."

Netanyahu&nbsp;has sealed historic deals with several Arab nations to normalise ties, but Israel and the Palestinians have not held direct negotiations since 2014 when peace talks broke down. Each side accuses the other of intransigence over core issues such as Jerusalem and Jewish settlements.

Horse-trading

Tuesday's vote followed three inconclusive elections in which neither&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;nor his centre-left opponents won a stable majority in the 120-seat parliament.

Netanyahu's Likud is now projected to emerge as the largest party with 30 seats, down from 36. The opposition centrist party Yesh Atid, headed by Yair Lapid, is set to be second with 18 seats.

Lapid, 57, had hoped there would be enough parties in the anti-Netanyahu&nbsp;bloc to oust the veteran premier, in power since 2009.

It usually falls to the biggest party to try to form a government, and that could take weeks of back-room dealings.

Netanyahu&nbsp;may have to woo Jewish religious allies as well as far-rightists and possibly even the the United Arab List (UAL), an Islamist party forecast to win five seats.

UAL leader Mansour Abbas, 46, has advocated working with&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;to address the needs of Israel's 21% Arab minority - a position rejected by most Arabs.

"We are not in anyone's pocket. We are prepared to engage with both sides (Netanyahu&nbsp;and Lapid)," Abbas told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM. Israeli media reported that he had agreed to meet Lapid later this week.

Israel's shekel was flat against the dollar and stocks slipped on Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects for another term looked uncertain on Wednesday after partial results from a national election projected no clear path to victory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's prospects for another term looked uncertain on Wednesday after partial results from a national election projected no clear path to victory. Netanyahu's Likud party has emerged as the single largest with 30 seats, but the right-wing bloc led by the 71-year-old leader still does not have the 61-seat majority needed to form a coalition in the 120-member Knesset (Israeli parliament). The election turnout of 67.2 per cent was a drop of 4.3 per cent since last March's election when the turnout was 71.5 per cent and the lowest of the four elections of the past two years. Not even his stewardship of Israel’s world-beating COVID-19 vaccination rollout - a central pillar of his campaign - proved enough for Netanyahu to break through the political deadlock that has seen four elections in two years. With about 88 per cent of votes counted it appeared that Netanyahu, 71, would have to cobble together a coalition from a combination of right-wing allies, ultra-Orthodox parties, ultra-nationalists, Arabs and defectors to secure another term. Should a hard-right government emerge, it would likely be at loggerheads with the Democratic administration of US President Joe Biden over issues such as Palestinian statehood and US engagement with Israel's arch-enemy Iran over its nuclear programme. Some centre-left parties made a better showing than expected after highlighting longstanding corruption allegations against Netanyahu - which he denies - and accusing him of mishandling the early months of the pandemic. But like Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc it fell short of a governing majority in the 120-member parliament. And it has a less clear route to forming a coalition, having to unite parties from different wings of the political spectrum. Immediately after polls closed on Tuesday, Netanyahu claimed victory and said he hoped to form a "stable right-wing government". But as first results trickled in and seemed to shift against him, he did not repeat the claim in his televised post-election speech. One potential kingmaker is Naftali Bennett, 48, a former defence minister who favours annexing parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Bennett's hawkish Yamina party is projected to win seven seats. He remained non-committal after the vote, saying only he would do "what is good for Israel". Yohanan Plesner, head of the Israel Democracy Institute, predicted political paralysis and said a fifth national election was possible. "It seems quite clear that Israelis are split right down the middle with respect to the main question that divides Israeli politics, which is pro and against Mr Netanyahu," he said. "The period of uncertainty, deadlock and paralysis is expected to accompany us for the foreseeable future." Visting Tubas in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Wednesday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said the outcome "does not really give any hope for peace" and that the Israeli political system had shifted to the right. "What is needed really from the future prime minister of Israel is somebody who is ready to stand up and say that he is ready to end occupation," Shtayyeh told Reuters. "We have to break this status quo." Netanyahu has sealed historic deals with several Arab nations to normalise ties, but Israel and the Palestinians have not held direct negotiations since 2014 when peace talks broke down. Each side accuses the other of intransigence over core issues such as Jerusalem and Jewish settlements. Horse-trading Tuesday's vote followed three inconclusive elections in which neither Netanyahu nor his centre-left opponents won a stable majority in the 120-seat parliament. Netanyahu's Likud is now projected to emerge as the largest party with 30 seats, down from 36. The opposition centrist party Yesh Atid, headed by Yair Lapid, is set to be second with 18 seats. Lapid, 57, had hoped there would be enough parties in the anti-Netanyahu bloc to oust the veteran premier, in power since 2009. It usually falls to the biggest party to try to form a government, and that could take weeks of back-room dealings. Netanyahu may have to woo Jewish religious allies as well as far-rightists and possibly even the the United Arab List (UAL), an Islamist party forecast to win five seats. UAL leader Mansour Abbas, 46, has advocated working with Netanyahu to address the needs of Israel's 21% Arab minority - a position rejected by most Arabs. "We are not in anyone's pocket. We are prepared to engage with both sides (Netanyahu and Lapid)," Abbas told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM. Israeli media reported that he had agreed to meet Lapid later this week. Israel's shekel was flat against the dollar and stocks slipped on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Netanyahu falls short of majority amid vote count in Israeli elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority.

Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.&nbsp;

Netanyahu had campaigned on a world-leading coronavirus vaccination effort that has already inoculated roughly half of Israel's roughly nine million people, a pace envied by much of the world.&nbsp;

He described Tuesday's projected results as a "huge win for the right" and his Likud party. "I will reach out to all elected officials who share our principles. I will not exclude anyone," he told supporters.&nbsp;

If the projections reflect the final results expected later this week, Likud could win 30 or 31 seats.&nbsp;Adding Likud's hawkish, religious allies, the pro-Netanyahu camp could control more than 50 seats.&nbsp;

But his only path to a viable right-wing coalition appears to rest on a deal with his estranged former protege Naftali Bennett, who has not ruled out joining a bloc opposed to the premier.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, a former television anchor whose centrist Yesh Atid party looked set to place a second behind Likud, claimed the anti-Netanyahu bloc had a path to a majority.

Numbers were continuing to shift early Wednesday and it remained possible that Netanyahu would fall short of a majority even with Bennett's support.

Lapid said he has "started speaking to party leaders and we'll wait for the results but we'll do everything to create a sane government in Israel."

Even if Bennett's projected seven seats technically enable Netanyahu to cobble together a government, there is no guarantee the two will unite.

Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to be indicted in office after being formally charged last year with corruption, an allegation he denies.

Netanyahu has said he will not block the trial and looks forward to being exonerated, but critics suspect that if he forms a majority, he may seek parliamentary action to delay or end the process.

A Netanyahu coalition will also require alignment with a new far-right extremist alliance called Religious Zionism, which is projected to win between six and seven seats.

That means the bloc will send to parliament Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has voiced admiration for the mass-murderer of 29 Palestinian worshippers in Hebron in 1994, Baruch Goldstein.

Tuesday's vote was forced on Israelis after Netanyahu triggered the collapse of a unity government he had formed last year with former military chief Benny Gantz, his main challenger in three&nbsp;previous, inconclusive elections.

Gantz is projected to win seven or eight seats in Tuesday's election, outperforming expectations but still a far fall from a year ago, when he was Netanyahu's main challenger.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority. Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. Netanyahu had campaigned on a world-leading coronavirus vaccination effort that has already inoculated roughly half of Israel's roughly nine million people, a pace envied by much of the world. He described Tuesday's projected results as a "huge win for the right" and his Likud party. "I will reach out to all elected officials who share our principles. I will not exclude anyone," he told supporters. If the projections reflect the final results expected later this week, Likud could win 30 or 31 seats. Adding Likud's hawkish, religious allies, the pro-Netanyahu camp could control more than 50 seats. But his only path to a viable right-wing coalition appears to rest on a deal with his estranged former protege Naftali Bennett, who has not ruled out joining a bloc opposed to the premier. Opposition leader Yair Lapid, a former television anchor whose centrist Yesh Atid party looked set to place a second behind Likud, claimed the anti-Netanyahu bloc had a path to a majority. Numbers were continuing to shift early Wednesday and it remained possible that Netanyahu would fall short of a majority even with Bennett's support. Lapid said he has "started speaking to party leaders and we'll wait for the results but we'll do everything to create a sane government in Israel." Even if Bennett's projected seven seats technically enable Netanyahu to cobble together a government, there is no guarantee the two will unite. Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to be indicted in office after being formally charged last year with corruption, an allegation he denies. Netanyahu has said he will not block the trial and looks forward to being exonerated, but critics suspect that if he forms a majority, he may seek parliamentary action to delay or end the process. A Netanyahu coalition will also require alignment with a new far-right extremist alliance called Religious Zionism, which is projected to win between six and seven seats. That means the bloc will send to parliament Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has voiced admiration for the mass-murderer of 29 Palestinian worshippers in Hebron in 1994, Baruch Goldstein. Tuesday's vote was forced on Israelis after Netanyahu triggered the collapse of a unity government he had formed last year with former military chief Benny Gantz, his main challenger in three previous, inconclusive elections. Gantz is projected to win seven or eight seats in Tuesday's election, outperforming expectations but still a far fall from a year ago, when he was Netanyahu's main challenger. (with inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu claims victory in Israel election but majority uncertain

Israelis made the trip to polling stations for a fourth time in two years amid uncertainty over the political future of PM Benjamin Netanyahu. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: Netanyahu faces uphill battle as Israel votes

Israel has gone to the polls for the fourth time in two years what is being largely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's continuance.

Israel Election: COVID-19 vaccines saved Israel, but will it save Netanyahu?

Israelis return to the polling station for the fourth time in two years

As Israel started voting on Tuesday, the authorities have made special arrangements to make sure that people who 
have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus do not miss out on the chance to exercise their right to vote.

Israelis who tested positive for coronavirus will be casting their ballots in specially designed drive-through polling stations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polls-open-in-israel-as-contenders-seek-to-topple-pm-netanyahu-372460">Polls open in Israel as contenders seek to topple PM Netanyahu</a>

The country began its fourth elections in the past two years on Tuesday morning. This time the current Prime 
Minister Benjamin &nbsp;Netanyahu's Likud party will be clashing against a new challenger Yair Lapid-led centre-lesh Atid party.

Netanyahu is running his campaign on the basis of the recovery and vaccination drive which set a world record in the coronavirus pandemic year.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-elects-4th-snap-polls-since-the-collapse-of-netanyahus-govt-372469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With the slogan of "Vaccination Nation", Netanyahu is hoping to be able to win back the votes of the locals after battling various allegations and cases of abuse of power and corruption.

Since the coronavirus pandemic has sent the country into multiple lockdowns, the authorities have made sure to take all necessary precautions.

The people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been given the chance to cast their vote by casting their ballot through a drive-through polling booth.

All election officers and volunteers present at the booths were seen wearing protective gears from head to toe, while 
supervising and initiating the voting process.

When a car drives in through the designated drive-way, the ballot station is wheeled towards the car and the 
officials stand behind a divider while the voters choose their ballot.

Netanyahu is hoping to continue his stride of being Israel's longest-serving head of the government, despite the continuous protests against him.

As Israel started voting on Tuesday, the authorities have made special arrangements to make sure that people who have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus do not miss out on the chance to exercise their right to vote.

As Israel started voting on Tuesday, the authorities have made special arrangements to make sure that people who have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus do not miss out on the chance to exercise their right to vote. Israelis who tested positive for coronavirus will be casting their ballots in specially designed drive-through polling stations. Also read | Polls open in Israel as contenders seek to topple PM Netanyahu The country began its fourth elections in the past two years on Tuesday morning. This time the current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party will be clashing against a new challenger Yair Lapid-led centre-lesh Atid party. Netanyahu is running his campaign on the basis of the recovery and vaccination drive which set a world record in the coronavirus pandemic year. Watch | With the slogan of "Vaccination Nation", Netanyahu is hoping to be able to win back the votes of the locals after battling various allegations and cases of abuse of power and corruption. Since the coronavirus pandemic has sent the country into multiple lockdowns, the authorities have made sure to take all necessary precautions. The people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been given the chance to cast their vote by casting their ballot through a drive-through polling booth. All election officers and volunteers present at the booths were seen wearing protective gears from head to toe, while supervising and initiating the voting process. When a car drives in through the designated drive-way, the ballot station is wheeled towards the car and the officials stand behind a divider while the voters choose their ballot. Netanyahu is hoping to continue his stride of being Israel's longest-serving head of the government, despite the continuous protests against him.

Israel opts for drive-thru voting for COVID positive people

Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, just days before the country’s fourth general election in less than two years.

WION Dispatch: Israel's record fourth election heading towards a deadlock

Thousands of Israeli nationals rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence Saturday to protest against his policies.

The protests are being held days before a general election that could see the long-standing leader removed from power.

Netanyahu's detractors accuse him of corruption and say his management made the coronavirus pandemic worse in view of protracted lockdowns, and battered the economy.

Waving flags including the Israeli blue-and-white, protesters led by a young man with a bullhorn chanted "Bibi go home", using the prime minister's nickname.

They also held up signs carrying a broad range of messages, from the need for a leadership "revolution" to mistrust in the police.

Netanyahu was the first Israeli premier to be indicted in office for corruption when he was formally charged last year in three cases over claims he accepted improper gifts and sought to trade regulatory favour with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage.

The combative premier denies wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a witch-hunt, but he would be forced to resign if convicted with all appeals exhausted.

First launched in June last year, the vocal and colourful demonstrations against Netanyahu have gained momentum over the past 38 weeks, with Saturday night's rally -- the 39th -- the largest in recent months.

Final pre-election opinion polls broadcast on television Friday night showed that Netanyahu's Likud party and its hawkish, religious allies were tied for a majority with those seeking to replace the premier.

His campaign has sought to take credit for Israel's coronavirus vaccination drive, which is the envy of many nations.

Netanyahu has been in power for a record 12 consecutive years, and hopes to remain in office following Israel's fourth election in less than two years on March 23.

The prime minister also hopes for a boost from having clinched historic normalisation ties with four Arab countries -- the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

(with inputs)

Thousands of Israeli nationals rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence Saturday to protest against his policies. The protests are being held days before a general election that could see the long-standing leader removed from power.

Thousands of Israeli nationals rallied outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence Saturday to protest against his policies. The protests are being held days before a general election that could see the long-standing leader removed from power. Netanyahu's detractors accuse him of corruption and say his management made the coronavirus pandemic worse in view of protracted lockdowns, and battered the economy. Waving flags including the Israeli blue-and-white, protesters led by a young man with a bullhorn chanted "Bibi go home", using the prime minister's nickname. They also held up signs carrying a broad range of messages, from the need for a leadership "revolution" to mistrust in the police. Netanyahu was the first Israeli premier to be indicted in office for corruption when he was formally charged last year in three cases over claims he accepted improper gifts and sought to trade regulatory favour with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage. The combative premier denies wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a witch-hunt, but he would be forced to resign if convicted with all appeals exhausted. First launched in June last year, the vocal and colourful demonstrations against Netanyahu have gained momentum over the past 38 weeks, with Saturday night's rally -- the 39th -- the largest in recent months. Final pre-election opinion polls broadcast on television Friday night showed that Netanyahu's Likud party and its hawkish, religious allies were tied for a majority with those seeking to replace the premier. His campaign has sought to take credit for Israel's coronavirus vaccination drive, which is the envy of many nations. Netanyahu has been in power for a record 12 consecutive years, and hopes to remain in office following Israel's fourth election in less than two years on March 23. The prime minister also hopes for a boost from having clinched historic normalisation ties with four Arab countries -- the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. (with inputs)

Thousands rally at anti-Netanyahu protest ahead of election

Israel is all set to go to the polls for the fourth time in 2 years and Prime Miniter Benjamin Netanyahu is facing yet another re-election battle next week.

Israel: PM Netanyahu fights for re-election without key ally Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was deterred from flying to the United Arab Emirates through Saudi Arabian airspace last week because of the threat of missile fire from Iranian proxies in Yemen.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's UAE trip cancelled due to threat of missile fire

With less than 12 days before another round of elections, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will pay his first visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. Netanyahu is said to have updated Defense Minister Benny Gantz on the visit.

PM Netanyahu to visit UAE 12 days before Israel elections

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to make his first official visit to the UAE on Thursday following an agreement between the two countries to establish ties, Israeli media reported.

A senior official in Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the reports by Israeli public radio, Haaretz newspaper and other outlets.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-austria-and-denmark-establish-vaccine-supply-alliance-368066">&nbsp;Israel, Austria and Denmark establish vaccine-supply alliance</a>

The reported visit would take place less than two weeks before Netanyahu faces re-election, Israel's fourth vote in less than two years.&nbsp;

The veteran prime minister, in power since 2009, has sought to highlight his credentials as Israel's top statesman as part of his re-election pitch.&nbsp;

According to the Israeli reports, Netanyahu will meet with the UAE's leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan at Abu Dhabi's airport.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-bahrain-leaders-discuss-vaccine-plant-netanyahu-visit-to-gulf-state-366232">&nbsp;Israel, Bahrain leaders discuss vaccine plant, Netanyahu visit to Gulf state</a>

He will then return to Jerusalem for talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the vaccination effort against Covid-19.

The United Arab Emirates normalised ties with the Jewish state last September, making it the first Arab country to sign on to the so-called Abraham Accords brokered by former US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

The deal made the UAE only the third majority Arab state to establish ties with Israel, following Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan subsequently joined the Abraham Accords.&nbsp;

Netanyahu had been set to visit UAE and Bahrain in February, but the trip was put off after Israel imposed travel limitations to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to make his first official visit to the UAE on Thursday following an agreement between the two countries to establish ties, Israeli media reported.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to make his first official visit to the UAE on Thursday following an agreement between the two countries to establish ties, Israeli media reported. A senior official in Netanyahu's office declined to comment on the reports by Israeli public radio, Haaretz newspaper and other outlets. Also read | Israel, Austria and Denmark establish vaccine-supply alliance The reported visit would take place less than two weeks before Netanyahu faces re-election, Israel's fourth vote in less than two years. The veteran prime minister, in power since 2009, has sought to highlight his credentials as Israel's top statesman as part of his re-election pitch. According to the Israeli reports, Netanyahu will meet with the UAE's leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan at Abu Dhabi's airport. Also read | Israel, Bahrain leaders discuss vaccine plant, Netanyahu visit to Gulf state He will then return to Jerusalem for talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the vaccination effort against Covid-19. The United Arab Emirates normalised ties with the Jewish state last September, making it the first Arab country to sign on to the so-called Abraham Accords brokered by former US President Donald Trump. The deal made the UAE only the third majority Arab state to establish ties with Israel, following Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan subsequently joined the Abraham Accords. Netanyahu had been set to visit UAE and Bahrain in February, but the trip was put off after Israel imposed travel limitations to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

Israel's Netanyahu to make first official trip to UAE Thursday: Reports

Israel, Austria and Denmark said on Thursday they would set up a joint research and development fund and possibly production facilities for COVID-19 vaccines to ensure they had long-term supplies for booster shots or to contend with virus mutations.

European Union members Austria and Denmark have been chafing at delays in ordering, approving and distributing vaccines within https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronaviurs-vaccine-europe-int-idUSKBN2AU11Vthe 27-member bloc that have left it trailing far behind Israel's world-beating vaccination campaign.

After hosting his Austrian and Danish counterparts for talks and a tour of an Israeli gym open to those documented as having been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 with presumed immunity, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the pact.

"Once we get over this cycle of the disease we have no guarantee that it won't come back. We don't know how long - nobody knows - how long these vaccines will hold up," he said at a joint news conference. "And therefore we have to protect our people against the reemergence of this pandemic or mutations."

Austria's Sebastian Kurz said he was "very happy" about an EU vaccine initiative "but we also need to cooperate worldwide".

The European Commission has said member states were free to strike separate deals should they wish to.

The trilateral pact, Kurz said, would include investment in production plants in Europe and Israel, and each country contributing where it best can to the manufacturing cycle.

"In Austria, for example, lipid production necessary for many vaccines is already taking place," the chancellor said.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said her country was looking to expand its production capacity. "We would like in common also to explore possible cooperation on clinical trials" with Israel and Austria, she said.

Netanyahu, who said 90% of eligible Israelis have either received at least one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or recovered from the virus, has made the programme a showcase of his campaign for a March 23 election.

"We will be, together, 'Vaccination Nations'," he said of the deal with Austria and Denmark. "And we agreed that if other nations want to join us, we will discuss this among ourselves and welcome others to come in as well."

Israel, Austria and Denmark said on Thursday they would set up a joint research and development fund and possibly production facilities for COVID-19 vaccines to ensure they had long-term supplies for booster shots or to contend with virus mutations.

Israel, Austria and Denmark said on Thursday they would set up a joint research and development fund and possibly production facilities for COVID-19 vaccines to ensure they had long-term supplies for booster shots or to contend with virus mutations. European Union members Austria and Denmark have been chafing at delays in ordering, approving and distributing vaccines within https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronaviurs-vaccine-europe-int-idUSKBN2AU11Vthe 27-member bloc that have left it trailing far behind Israel's world-beating vaccination campaign. After hosting his Austrian and Danish counterparts for talks and a tour of an Israeli gym open to those documented as having been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 with presumed immunity, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the pact. "Once we get over this cycle of the disease we have no guarantee that it won't come back. We don't know how long - nobody knows - how long these vaccines will hold up," he said at a joint news conference. "And therefore we have to protect our people against the reemergence of this pandemic or mutations." Austria's Sebastian Kurz said he was "very happy" about an EU vaccine initiative "but we also need to cooperate worldwide". The European Commission has said member states were free to strike separate deals should they wish to. The trilateral pact, Kurz said, would include investment in production plants in Europe and Israel, and each country contributing where it best can to the manufacturing cycle. "In Austria, for example, lipid production necessary for many vaccines is already taking place," the chancellor said. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said her country was looking to expand its production capacity. "We would like in common also to explore possible cooperation on clinical trials" with Israel and Austria, she said. Netanyahu, who said 90% of eligible Israelis have either received at least one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or recovered from the virus, has made the programme a showcase of his campaign for a March 23 election. "We will be, together, 'Vaccination Nations'," he said of the deal with Austria and Denmark. "And we agreed that if other nations want to join us, we will discuss this among ourselves and welcome others to come in as well."

Israel, Austria and Denmark establish vaccine-supply alliance

US President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an hour-long telephonic conversation, putting an end to speculations behind the delay. Biden raised concerns in Israel about a frostier relationship between the two allies.

US President Joe Biden dials Israeli PM Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the Golan Heights will remain under country's sovereignty and the strategic plateau bordering Syria will forever stay in Israeli hands.

Israeli PM Netanyahu says country not withdrawing from Golan Heights

With a general election just weeks away and the pandemic still raging - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a trial over charges of corruption. WION's Palki tells you what the case against Netanyahu means for his political future.

Gravitas: Netanyahu faces corruption trial

As the trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resumed in Jerusalem, The PM said that not delaying his trial to after the elections would amount to election interference. Netanyahu once again denied the corruption charges against him and calls them a witch hunt.

Israeli PM Netanyahu denies corruption charges, calls it a witch hunt

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared for the trial of the ongoing corruption case against him on Monday, and once again denied all charges.

Netanyahu was charged last year with allegations of corruption as he has been accused of accepting improper gifts and trade regulatory favour with media giants in return for positive coverage.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/power-of-pink-locals-protest-against-netanyahu-in-israel-361995">Power of pink: Locals protest against Netanyahu in Israel</a>

Through these charges, he has become the first Israeli premier to be indicted in the office. However, Netanyahu has time and again denied all the accusations against him.

The tainted PM made a brief court appearance on Monday, which has been increasing in intensity a few weeks before the fourth national elections within two years.

He was asked to appear in the court to deliver an in-person response to the corruption charges. This has come almost a year after he had formally submitted his innocent plea in writing.

"I confirm the written answer submitted in my name," Netanyahu said before exiting the courtroom in his official motorcade. the 71-year-old prime minister left the courtroom within 20 minutes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-pm-netanyahu-arrives-in-court-to-respond-to-corruption-charges-362140">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-pm-netanyahu-arrives-in-court-to-respond-to-corruption-charges-362140/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Monday's brief appearance was his final hearing before the prosecution will begin presenting their evidence in the court.

Netanyahu's lawyer, Boaz Ben Zur, on Monday, accused Israel's Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit of mishandling the case and as evidence claimed that several elements of the investigation have been opened without any required authorisations.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the PM still claims to be a victim of a witch-hunt. Locals have been continuously protesting against Netanyahu and demanding his resignation from the post of the Prime Minister.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared for the trial of the ongoing corruption case against him on Monday, and once again denied all charges. Netanyahu was charged last year with allegations of corruption as he has been accused of accepting improper gifts and trade regulatory favour with media giants in return for positive coverage.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared for the trial of the ongoing corruption case against him on Monday, and once again denied all charges. Netanyahu was charged last year with allegations of corruption as he has been accused of accepting improper gifts and trade regulatory favour with media giants in return for positive coverage. Also see| Power of pink: Locals protest against Netanyahu in Israel Through these charges, he has become the first Israeli premier to be indicted in the office. However, Netanyahu has time and again denied all the accusations against him. The tainted PM made a brief court appearance on Monday, which has been increasing in intensity a few weeks before the fourth national elections within two years. He was asked to appear in the court to deliver an in-person response to the corruption charges. This has come almost a year after he had formally submitted his innocent plea in writing. "I confirm the written answer submitted in my name," Netanyahu said before exiting the courtroom in his official motorcade. the 71-year-old prime minister left the courtroom within 20 minutes. WATCH| Monday's brief appearance was his final hearing before the prosecution will begin presenting their evidence in the court. Netanyahu's lawyer, Boaz Ben Zur, on Monday, accused Israel's Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit of mishandling the case and as evidence claimed that several elements of the investigation have been opened without any required authorisations. Meanwhile, the PM still claims to be a victim of a witch-hunt. Locals have been continuously protesting against Netanyahu and demanding his resignation from the post of the Prime Minister.

Witch-hunt: Benjamin Netanyahu denies all corruption charges in Monday's trial

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, has told the judges that he is innocent of corruption charges, as a high-profile trial against Netanyahu began ahead of the national election.

Israel: PM Netanyahu arrives in court to respond to corruption charges

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in court on Monday to formally respond to corruption charges, as his trial enters an intensified phase six weeks before he faces re-election.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, the first Israeli premier to be indicted in office, was charged last year over allegations that he accepted improper gifts and sought to trade regulatory favour with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage.

The combative 71-year-old prime minister, who has blasted the charges as "fabricated and ludicrous", was at the Jerusalem court conferring with his legal team shortly before the hearing was due to start.&nbsp;

Repeatedly suggesting the charges against him have been trumped up, Netanyahu has taken direct aim at his hand-picked attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit.&nbsp;

At the Monday hearing, which was pushed back multiple times due to coronavirus restrictions, Netanyahu is compelled to deliver the defendant's formal response to the allegations.

This marks the last pre-trial hearing with upcoming sessions focused on testimony and evidence.&nbsp;

The trial schedule may force Netanyahu to appear in court multiple times a week, as he campaigns ahead of Israel's fourth election in less than two years to be held on March 23.&nbsp;

'Election meddling'? 

When Netanyahu last appeared in court nine months ago, he was fresh off a political victory, forming a coalition government with his election rival Benny Gantz, following three inconclusive votes.&nbsp;

But that fraught coalition proved short-lived and collapsed in December, with Gantz branding Netanyahu as serially dishonest. &nbsp;

It is unclear whether the cloud of the trial will hurt the premier's re-election chances in March.&nbsp;

Israel's parliament speaker and Netanyahu loyalist Yariv Levin insisted the court must "postpone" the trial's upcoming phase.

Proceeding now "will be lending a hand to blatant meddling in the elections", he told the right-wing Israel Hayom newspaper on Sunday.&nbsp;

Levin charged that it was unfair for the prosecution to present its case during the election campaign, while the defence rebuttals are scheduled for after election day. &nbsp;

Several recent polls show that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud remains the strongest party by a comfortable margin, but it is far from certain that it will be able to form a 61-seat majority with its conservative and religious allies.&nbsp;

For the first time in his political career, Netanyahu is also facing a challenge from a prominent Likud defector: Gideon Saar, who broke with the prime minister to form his own New Hope party.&nbsp;

4,000, 2,000, 1,000&nbsp;

The charges against Netanyahu are divided into three separate cases.&nbsp;

The most serious -- known as Case 4,000, in which the premier is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust -- centres on the allegation that he negotiated with Shaul Elovitch of the telecommunications giant Bezeq to secure positive coverage on his Walla! news site in exchange for policies benefiting Bezeq.

Elovitch and his wife were also indicted.

Case 2,000 concerns allegations Netanyahu sought a deal with the owner of the Yediot Aharonot newspaper that would have seen it give him more favourable coverage. &nbsp;

Case 1,000 involves allegations Netanyahu and his family received gifts, including luxury cigars, champagne and jewellery estimated to be worth more than 700,000 shekels ($213,000), from wealthy individuals, in exchange for financial or personal favours.

The prime minister denies wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Weekly protests against him have rumbled on for months, with demonstrators focusing on the graft allegations.

Others have protested against the government's handling of the pandemic.&nbsp;

A crowd of protesters, at least one holding a banner emblazoned with the words "Crime Minister", was outside the courtroom on Monday as Netanyahu's motorcade arrived.&nbsp;

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in court on Monday to formally respond to corruption charges, as his trial enters an intensified phase six weeks before he faces re-election.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in court on Monday to formally respond to corruption charges, as his trial enters an intensified phase six weeks before he faces re-election. Netanyahu, the first Israeli premier to be indicted in office, was charged last year over allegations that he accepted improper gifts and sought to trade regulatory favour with media moguls in exchange for positive coverage. The combative 71-year-old prime minister, who has blasted the charges as "fabricated and ludicrous", was at the Jerusalem court conferring with his legal team shortly before the hearing was due to start. Repeatedly suggesting the charges against him have been trumped up, Netanyahu has taken direct aim at his hand-picked attorney general, Avichai Mandelblit. At the Monday hearing, which was pushed back multiple times due to coronavirus restrictions, Netanyahu is compelled to deliver the defendant's formal response to the allegations. This marks the last pre-trial hearing with upcoming sessions focused on testimony and evidence. The trial schedule may force Netanyahu to appear in court multiple times a week, as he campaigns ahead of Israel's fourth election in less than two years to be held on March 23. 'Election meddling'? When Netanyahu last appeared in court nine months ago, he was fresh off a political victory, forming a coalition government with his election rival Benny Gantz, following three inconclusive votes. But that fraught coalition proved short-lived and collapsed in December, with Gantz branding Netanyahu as serially dishonest. It is unclear whether the cloud of the trial will hurt the premier's re-election chances in March. Israel's parliament speaker and Netanyahu loyalist Yariv Levin insisted the court must "postpone" the trial's upcoming phase. Proceeding now "will be lending a hand to blatant meddling in the elections", he told the right-wing Israel Hayom newspaper on Sunday. Levin charged that it was unfair for the prosecution to present its case during the election campaign, while the defence rebuttals are scheduled for after election day. Several recent polls show that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud remains the strongest party by a comfortable margin, but it is far from certain that it will be able to form a 61-seat majority with its conservative and religious allies. For the first time in his political career, Netanyahu is also facing a challenge from a prominent Likud defector: Gideon Saar, who broke with the prime minister to form his own New Hope party. 4,000, 2,000, 1,000 The charges against Netanyahu are divided into three separate cases. The most serious -- known as Case 4,000, in which the premier is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust -- centres on the allegation that he negotiated with Shaul Elovitch of the telecommunications giant Bezeq to secure positive coverage on his Walla! news site in exchange for policies benefiting Bezeq. Elovitch and his wife were also indicted. Case 2,000 concerns allegations Netanyahu sought a deal with the owner of the Yediot Aharonot newspaper that would have seen it give him more favourable coverage. Case 1,000 involves allegations Netanyahu and his family received gifts, including luxury cigars, champagne and jewellery estimated to be worth more than 700,000 shekels ($213,000), from wealthy individuals, in exchange for financial or personal favours. The prime minister denies wrongdoing. Weekly protests against him have rumbled on for months, with demonstrators focusing on the graft allegations. Others have protested against the government's handling of the pandemic. A crowd of protesters, at least one holding a banner emblazoned with the words "Crime Minister", was outside the courtroom on Monday as Netanyahu's motorcade arrived.

Israel's Netanyahu returns to court as graft trial ramps up

Power of pink: Locals protest against Netanyahu in Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described on Saturday&nbsp;a decision by the International Criminal Court investigation as "pure anti-semitism", hours after judges at the ICC found the court has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, paving the way for a possible criminal investigation, despite Israeli objections.

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda had asked the court for its legal opinion on whether its reach extended to areas occupied by Israel, after announcing in December 2019 that she wanted to start a full probe.

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The ICC said in a statement that judges had "decided, by a majority, that the Court’s territorial jurisdiction in the Situation in&nbsp;Palestine... extends to the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, namely Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem."

Palestine&nbsp;is a state party to the court, having joined in 2015, but Israel is not a member.

The court added that its decision was not a ruling on Palestinian "statehood", but that it followed from&nbsp;Palestine's position as a state party, under the ICC's founding Rome Statute.

"The chamber is neither adjudicating a border dispute under international law nor prejudging the question of any future borders," it said.

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The decision prompted swift reactions from both Israel, which is not a member of the court and rejects its jurisdiction, and the Palestinian Authority, which welcomed the ruling.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the ICC as a "political body" while the United States said it had "serious concerns" over the decision. The Palestinians called it a "victory for justice".

Netanyahu said 'ICC refuses to investigate brutal dictatorships like Iran and Syria, who commit horrific atrocities almost daily.'

"The tribunal has, once again, proved that it is a political body and not a judicial institution," Netanyahu said in a statement, adding the decision undermined the "right of democracies to defend themselves against terrorism".

We will fight this perversion of justice with all our might!.'

ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said her office was studying the decision and would decide what to do next "guided strictly by its independent and impartial mandate" to prosecute grave war crimes and atrocities when countries are unable or unwilling to do so themselves.

Bensouda had found in December 2019 that "war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip."

She named both the Israeli Defense Forces and armed Palestinian groups such as Hamas as possible perpetrators.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Friday called on the ICC to speed up legal proceedings over the &nbsp;2014 conflict in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian prisoners and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

"This decision (of the ICC) is a victory for justice and humanity, for the values of truth, fairness and freedom, and for the blood of the victims and their families," Shtayyeh said, according to the official Wafa news agency.

'Serious concern'

The US State Department said Israel should not be bound by the court as it was not a member.

"We have serious concerns about the ICC's attempts to exercise jurisdiction over Israeli personnel. We have always taken the position that the court's jurisdiction should be reserved for countries that consent to it or are referred by the UN Security Council," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

Human Rights Watch, however, said the ruling was "pivotal", adding that it was "high time that Israeli and Palestinian perpetrators of the gravest abuses" should face justice.

"The ICC’s decision finally offers victims of serious crimes some real hope for justice after a half-century of impunity," Balkees Jarrah, associate international justice director at HRW, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ICC's Bensouda, who steps down in June, has urged the Biden administration to lift the sanctions against the court.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described on Saturday a decision by the International Criminal Court investigation as "pure anti-semitism", hours after judges at the ICC found the court has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, paving the way for a possible criminal investigation, despite Israeli objections.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described on Saturday a decision by the International Criminal Court investigation as "pure anti-semitism", hours after judges at the ICC found the court has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, paving the way for a possible criminal investigation, despite Israeli objections. ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda had asked the court for its legal opinion on whether its reach extended to areas occupied by Israel, after announcing in December 2019 that she wanted to start a full probe. Also read: India can play active role in Israel-Palestine peace process, says UN Committee on Palestine The ICC said in a statement that judges had "decided, by a majority, that the Court’s territorial jurisdiction in the Situation in Palestine... extends to the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, namely Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem." Palestine is a state party to the court, having joined in 2015, but Israel is not a member. The court added that its decision was not a ruling on Palestinian "statehood", but that it followed from Palestine's position as a state party, under the ICC's founding Rome Statute. "The chamber is neither adjudicating a border dispute under international law nor prejudging the question of any future borders," it said. Also read: Israel to send 5,000 vaccine doses to Palestinians: Health ministry The decision prompted swift reactions from both Israel, which is not a member of the court and rejects its jurisdiction, and the Palestinian Authority, which welcomed the ruling. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the ICC as a "political body" while the United States said it had "serious concerns" over the decision. The Palestinians called it a "victory for justice". Netanyahu said 'ICC refuses to investigate brutal dictatorships like Iran and Syria, who commit horrific atrocities almost daily.' "The tribunal has, once again, proved that it is a political body and not a judicial institution," Netanyahu said in a statement, adding the decision undermined the "right of democracies to defend themselves against terrorism". We will fight this perversion of justice with all our might!.' ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said her office was studying the decision and would decide what to do next "guided strictly by its independent and impartial mandate" to prosecute grave war crimes and atrocities when countries are unable or unwilling to do so themselves. Bensouda had found in December 2019 that "war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip." She named both the Israeli Defense Forces and armed Palestinian groups such as Hamas as possible perpetrators. Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Friday called on the ICC to speed up legal proceedings over the 2014 conflict in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian prisoners and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. "This decision (of the ICC) is a victory for justice and humanity, for the values of truth, fairness and freedom, and for the blood of the victims and their families," Shtayyeh said, according to the official Wafa news agency. 'Serious concern' The US State Department said Israel should not be bound by the court as it was not a member. "We have serious concerns about the ICC's attempts to exercise jurisdiction over Israeli personnel. We have always taken the position that the court's jurisdiction should be reserved for countries that consent to it or are referred by the UN Security Council," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. Human Rights Watch, however, said the ruling was "pivotal", adding that it was "high time that Israeli and Palestinian perpetrators of the gravest abuses" should face justice. "The ICC’s decision finally offers victims of serious crimes some real hope for justice after a half-century of impunity," Balkees Jarrah, associate international justice director at HRW, said in a statement. The ICC's Bensouda, who steps down in June, has urged the Biden administration to lift the sanctions against the court.

'Pure anti-semitism': Israel's Netanyahu slams ICC decision and says will fight it