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.

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

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on the safety of Israeli diplomats in the aftermath of a blast near its mission in Delhi. The blast took place on Friday evening near the Israeli embassy in the high-profile area of Delhi even as beating retreat was underway just 20 minutes away from the site.

Condemning the "terror attack" near the Israeli embassy, PM Modi "assured" Prime Minister Netanyahu that India "accords the highest importance to the safety and security of Israeli diplomats and premises", and would "deploy all its resources to find and punish the perpetrators", the Indian readout said. &nbsp;

The Israeli PM thanked Indian government for its efforts to "safeguard Israeli representatives in the aftermath of the terrorist event" near the Israeli Embassy in India, the Israeli readout highlighted.&nbsp;

Both leaders during the talks expressed satisfaction about the close coordination between Indian and Israeli security agencies in this context. The minor blast resulted in little damage and no casualties were reported. A letter was recovered after the incident that mentioned the assassination of 2 high profile Iranians, &nbsp;Major general Qassam Soleimani and nuclear scientist Mohsin Fakhrizadeh. Local authorities in Delhi are probing all angles.

The Israeli readout said that PM Modi noted "that his country is committed to the security of our people" and added, "that India would continue to cooperate with Israel in the fight against terrorism.".&nbsp;

During the talks, both leaders also spoke on COVID cooperation. Indian PM congratulated Prime Minister Netanyahu on the successful vaccines operation in Israel and both discussed possible cooperation in the production and supply of vaccines to Israel. Mutual recognition of certificates of vaccination was also discussed during the talks.&nbsp;

Hours after the blast on Friday, foreign ministers and national security advisors of India and Israel spoke to each other.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on the safety of Israeli diplomats in the aftermath of a blast near its mission in Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on the safety of Israeli diplomats in the aftermath of a blast near its mission in Delhi. The blast took place on Friday evening near the Israeli embassy in the high-profile area of Delhi even as beating retreat was underway just 20 minutes away from the site. Condemning the "terror attack" near the Israeli embassy, PM Modi "assured" Prime Minister Netanyahu that India "accords the highest importance to the safety and security of Israeli diplomats and premises", and would "deploy all its resources to find and punish the perpetrators", the Indian readout said. The Israeli PM thanked Indian government for its efforts to "safeguard Israeli representatives in the aftermath of the terrorist event" near the Israeli Embassy in India, the Israeli readout highlighted. Both leaders during the talks expressed satisfaction about the close coordination between Indian and Israeli security agencies in this context. The minor blast resulted in little damage and no casualties were reported. A letter was recovered after the incident that mentioned the assassination of 2 high profile Iranians, Major general Qassam Soleimani and nuclear scientist Mohsin Fakhrizadeh. Local authorities in Delhi are probing all angles. The Israeli readout said that PM Modi noted "that his country is committed to the security of our people" and added, "that India would continue to cooperate with Israel in the fight against terrorism.". During the talks, both leaders also spoke on COVID cooperation. Indian PM congratulated Prime Minister Netanyahu on the successful vaccines operation in Israel and both discussed possible cooperation in the production and supply of vaccines to Israel. Mutual recognition of certificates of vaccination was also discussed during the talks. Hours after the blast on Friday, foreign ministers and national security advisors of India and Israel spoke to each other.

PM Modi assures Israel PM Netanyahu on safety of Israeli diplomats in India

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the construction of 800 Jewish houses in the West Bank. The project has been given a go-ahead during the final days of Donald Trump administration.

In Donald Trump's final days of presidency, Netanyahu orders more settler homes built | West Bank

Netanyahu orders construction of 800 more settlements in disputed West Bank

Thousands of Israelis renewed weekly demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for the long-serving leader to resign over corruption charges against him and his alleged mishandling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received his second dose of COVID vaccine on Saturday.&nbsp;While Netanyahu was getting the vaccine, hundreds of protesters gathered in Jerusalem to demand his resignation and criticised the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protesters on Saturday held signs reading ''Go,''&nbsp;and ''Bibi, let my people go,''&nbsp;referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

The protest in a Jerusalem square near Netanyahu's official residence comes as Israel is in the midst of its third national lockdown, which was recently tightened to shutter schools, and as the country presses forward with a world-leading vaccination drive.

Netanyahu's trial was set to resume this week but was postponed indefinitely amid the tighter restrictions.

Netanyahu has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust connected to three long-running investigations. He has denied any wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a ''witch hunt''&nbsp;by hostile media, law enforcement and judicial officials.

Protesters argue that Netanyahu cannot properly lead the country while under indictment.

Israel had last month imposed its third national lockdown since the start of the pandemic, but decided not to close schools and to allow a wide range of businesses to remain open.&nbsp;

But the daily caseload has remained high,&nbsp;often around 8,000 in the country of about nine million people,&nbsp;prompting Netanyahu to push for a more comprehensive closure, notably shuttering schools and all non-essential businesses.&nbsp;

The country has given the first of two vaccine doses to nearly 20 per cent of its population, and Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel has secured enough vaccines to inoculate the whole adult population by the end of March.

Netanyahu has placed the vaccination drive at the centre of his campaign for reelection that same month. On March 23, Israel will hold its fourth nationwide vote in less than two years. In the meantime, he has called on Israelis to make ''one last big effort''&nbsp;to halt transmission by adhering to the tightened restrictions.&nbsp;

Israel, with a population of 9 million, has reported 484,083 coronavirus cases and 3,633 deaths. It has imposed two national lockdowns and may soon order curbs on high-contagion areas

Thousands of Israelis renewed weekly demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for the long-serving leader to resign over corruption charges against him and his alleged mishandling of the coronavirus crisis.

Thousands of Israelis renewed weekly demonstrations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for the long-serving leader to resign over corruption charges against him and his alleged mishandling of the coronavirus crisis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received his second dose of COVID vaccine on Saturday. While Netanyahu was getting the vaccine, hundreds of protesters gathered in Jerusalem to demand his resignation and criticised the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Protesters on Saturday held signs reading ''Go,'' and ''Bibi, let my people go,'' referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. The protest in a Jerusalem square near Netanyahu's official residence comes as Israel is in the midst of its third national lockdown, which was recently tightened to shutter schools, and as the country presses forward with a world-leading vaccination drive. Netanyahu's trial was set to resume this week but was postponed indefinitely amid the tighter restrictions. Netanyahu has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust connected to three long-running investigations. He has denied any wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a ''witch hunt'' by hostile media, law enforcement and judicial officials. Protesters argue that Netanyahu cannot properly lead the country while under indictment. Israel had last month imposed its third national lockdown since the start of the pandemic, but decided not to close schools and to allow a wide range of businesses to remain open. But the daily caseload has remained high, often around 8,000 in the country of about nine million people, prompting Netanyahu to push for a more comprehensive closure, notably shuttering schools and all non-essential businesses. The country has given the first of two vaccine doses to nearly 20 per cent of its population, and Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel has secured enough vaccines to inoculate the whole adult population by the end of March. Netanyahu has placed the vaccination drive at the centre of his campaign for reelection that same month. On March 23, Israel will hold its fourth nationwide vote in less than two years. In the meantime, he has called on Israelis to make ''one last big effort'' to halt transmission by adhering to the tightened restrictions. Israel, with a population of 9 million, has reported 484,083 coronavirus cases and 3,633 deaths. It has imposed two national lockdowns and may soon order curbs on high-contagion areas

Protest in Israel against Netanyahu amid third coronavirus lockdown

Leading by example: Political leaders who got vaccinated for Coronavirus

With an alarming increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the country, a nationwide lockdown has bene reimposed in Israel for the third time in this pandemic year.

Voicing a tone of optimism and hope, Israel's&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a "world record" vaccination will bring things back to normal within weeks, but urged people to stay indoors till the point of normal is reached.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-inoculate-quarter-of-its-population-against-coronavirus-in-a-month-says-netanyahu-352705">Israel to inoculate quarter of its population against coronavirus in a month, says Netanyahu</a>

The country went into a third nationwide lockdown to limit the transmission by following strict regulations that have previously, too, helped the country bounce back to near-normal conditions.

Starting from 5 pm on Sunday, people will not be allowed to step out of their houses unless they are seeking&nbsp;medical care, attending legal proceedings, going to school or exercising.&nbsp;

Unlike last time, the Israel government has decided to keep the schools open amid this lockdown. However, children under the age of six, students in grade one to four and teenagers finishing secondary school in grades 11 and 12 will only be allowed to attend the school physically. Grades five to 10 will stay closed and continue with virtual classes.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-announces-third-nationwide-virus-lockdown-352002">&nbsp;Israel announces third nationwide virus lockdown</a>

The decision to keep&nbsp;grades five through 10 home has attracted criticism from experts who believe this decision will negatively affect the emotional and mental wellbeing of these teenagers.

"The decision to ignore this age bracket means the abandonment of hundreds of thousands of children, only because in theory they can be left at home alone while (their parents) go to work," NCC head Vered Windman was quoted by a local newspaper. "But this is precisely the age group that is at a higher risk of developing emotional difficulties, fears and isolation."

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, on Saturday after&nbsp;Shabbat, told the masses he has personally spoken to head of companies developing the coronavirus vaccine and has been assured that the companies will be able to provide the requisite number of doses to Israel.

Appreciating the efforts of the local officials for starting the vaccine drive, he said the targets set by the country's administration for vaccination drive of "such a magnitude (they amount to) a world record".

With an alarming increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the country, a nationwide lockdown has bene reimposed in Israel for the third time in this pandemic year.

With an alarming increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the country, a nationwide lockdown has bene reimposed in Israel for the third time in this pandemic year. Voicing a tone of optimism and hope, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a "world record" vaccination will bring things back to normal within weeks, but urged people to stay indoors till the point of normal is reached. Also read| Israel to inoculate quarter of its population against coronavirus in a month, says Netanyahu The country went into a third nationwide lockdown to limit the transmission by following strict regulations that have previously, too, helped the country bounce back to near-normal conditions. Starting from 5 pm on Sunday, people will not be allowed to step out of their houses unless they are seeking medical care, attending legal proceedings, going to school or exercising. Unlike last time, the Israel government has decided to keep the schools open amid this lockdown. However, children under the age of six, students in grade one to four and teenagers finishing secondary school in grades 11 and 12 will only be allowed to attend the school physically. Grades five to 10 will stay closed and continue with virtual classes. Also read| Israel announces third nationwide virus lockdown The decision to keep grades five through 10 home has attracted criticism from experts who believe this decision will negatively affect the emotional and mental wellbeing of these teenagers. "The decision to ignore this age bracket means the abandonment of hundreds of thousands of children, only because in theory they can be left at home alone while (their parents) go to work," NCC head Vered Windman was quoted by a local newspaper. "But this is precisely the age group that is at a higher risk of developing emotional difficulties, fears and isolation." Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, on Saturday after Shabbat, told the masses he has personally spoken to head of companies developing the coronavirus vaccine and has been assured that the companies will be able to provide the requisite number of doses to Israel. Appreciating the efforts of the local officials for starting the vaccine drive, he said the targets set by the country's administration for vaccination drive of "such a magnitude (they amount to) a world record".

Israel enters third nationwide lockdown; PM hopes for 'world record' of vaccinated people

Under Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel has normalised ties with 4 Arab nations. But, despite the achievement - Netanyahu will have to fight another election to retain his chair. WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about Israel's fourth election in two years.

Gravitas: A defector will challenge Netanyahu's throne in 2021

Netanyahu and his former election rival, Defence Minister Benny Gantz, established a unity government in May in the wake of three inconclusive elections held since April 2019.

Israel to hold snap election in March, fourth in two years

JERUSALEM — For three elections in a row, Israel’s conservative prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has managed to stave off challenges from the center-left.

Now, as Israel moves to an unprecedented fourth early election in two years, the center-left has imploded and Netanyahu faces a challenge from his own former allies on the right.

Watch |&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The election, set for March 23 after a fragile, fractious unity coalition disintegrated on Tuesday, is shaping up as a battle of conservatives versus conservatives, an intramural contest for the leadership of the roughly half of Israeli voters who consider themselves right-of-center.

“It will be a right-wing government,” said Gadi Wolfsfeld, a veteran analyst of Israeli elections. “The question is who will lead it, and how right-wing will it be?”

Leading the charge against Netanyahu, the longtime premier and leader of the conservative Likud party, are two former protégés-turned-rivals: Naftali Bennett, a former education and defense minister who leads the religious-right Yamina party, and Gideon Saar, a popular former education and interior minister.

Bennett, 48, sitting in the opposition, elevated his stature and his standing in the polls this year by assailing Netanyahu’s handling of the coronavirus. He toured the country’s hospitals, courted business owners suffering repeated lockdowns and published a book-length list of recommendations on contact tracing, testing and more, a number of which the government adopted.

But it was the defection this month of Saar, 54, from Likud to form a breakaway right-wing party called “New Hope” that catapulted him into contention overnight. His move has invigorated critics of the prime minister, known to Israelis as Bibi, raising hopes that this election could be the one that sends Netanyahu, 71, into retirement.

“For the first time, the fight is on the right side of the map,” said Karine Nahon, a political scientist at the Interdisciplinary Center-Herzliya. “Usually it fell in behind Bibi without any questions. Now, two parties are actually challenging the hegemony of the Likud.”

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, will scarcely be at a disadvantage heading into the March contest: He is already trumpeting Israel’s speedy start to vaccinations and its historic normalization deals with four Arab states. And he is a master of controlling the news cycle, among the many benefits of incumbency.

Still, the pandemic has thrown 1 million Israelis out of work, business leaders warn that tens of thousands of companies could be wiped out, and yet another lockdown is looming to remind voters of the government’s inability to curb the virus.

But Netanyahu’s biggest liability could emerge in February, when testimony is to begin in his trial on felony corruption charges, including bribery and breach of trust. A key reason that Israel is being subjected to yet another election, analysts say, is Netanyahu’s burning desire to bolster his support in Parliament for a possible move to mitigate his legal exposure, defer prosecution or even have the case tossed altogether.

Indeed, while Israel’s rat-a-tat elections may look from the outside like a symptom of systemic instability, up close, even Netanyahu’s supporters view the recurring campaigns as evidence of his ability to bend the system to his purposes.

To be sure, few are celebrating the prospect of yet another election campaign, a limited caretaker government in the interim and Election Day itself, which entails the closing of many businesses at a time when the pandemic has already devastated the economy.

“A fourth election will not be at our expense,” Roi Cohen, leader of Lahav, a small-business group, said on a radio program Wednesday. “Go find another pocket!”

A cartoon in the newspaper Yediot Ahronot captured the sense of dread with a family cowering in their living room between a scary-looking COVID-19 cell barging in through one window and a menacing ballot box crashing in from another.

What paved the way for the fourth election — and made Bennett and Saar see this as the moment to try to end Netanyahu’s career — was the breathtaking collapse of the center-left’s anti-Netanyahu movement led by Benny Gantz, the former army chief who fought Netanyahu to a draw in three straight ballots beginning in April 2019.

After galvanizing anti-Netanyahu voters behind his Blue and White party, Gantz broke his most fundamental campaign promise — that he would not join a government led by a prime minister under indictment — and entered a Netanyahu-led coalition. In exchange, he was promised an alternating prime ministership — Netanyahu would go first, and Gantz would get a turn next fall — a check that scarcely anyone in Israel thought Gantz would be able to cash.

But if Gantz’s bright political future is now a memory, anti-Netanyahu fervor has only grown, with weekly protests drawing thousands of participants and not just in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, but at bus stops and highway overpasses in far-flung places long seen as Netanyahu territory.

“There’s a real restlessness on the part of a significant portion of Likud voters,” said Dahlia Scheindlin, a pollster and strategist. “Before, there was nowhere to go for the runoff of people getting sick of Netanyahu. Now, they really have interesting options.”

Saar, who was a top vote-getter in Likud primaries in 2008 and 2012 and mounted a failed primary challenge against Netanyahu a year ago, said in announcing his new party that his old one had devolved into a “cult of personality” and had become a “tool for the personal interests” of the prime minister, “including matters relating to his criminal trial.”

Sima Kadmon, a columnist for Yediot, said that many Likud voters have grown weary of Netanyahu and perceive his actions — including pushing for changes to the Israeli legal system — as motivated above all “by his desperate need to evade his trial.”

“These traditional Likud followers see the populism and dishonesty that govern Netanyahu’s actions,” Kadmon said. “They are looking for a more civilized government, both in style and in essence. Bennett and Saar provide this alternative.”

Challenges from Bennett and Saar would presumably also deprive Netanyahu of a go-to campaign tactic: portraying his opponents as terrorist-coddling leftists.

But Saar also brings skills that could be decisive in the crucial postelection negotiations over forming a governing coalition. A longtime Likud whip, Saar was said to have orchestrated a slick parliamentary maneuver on Monday night, in which Likud and Blue and White defectors emerged from hiding — some of them in their cars — at the last minute to vote down a measure buying time for Netanyahu and Gantz to work out a deal to avert, or at least delay, elections.

Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, suggested Saar was deft enough even to bring a left-wing party like Meretz into a coalition with him. “He has to do one thing, get Bibi out,” Pfeffer said. “If he gets Bibi out, everything’s possible.”

Then again, no one is known to have gotten rich betting against Netanyahu. Tal Shalev, a political writer for Walla News, said she had little difficulty imagining Bennett or Saar ending up as a minister in still another Netanyahu-led government.

“If Gantz broke the promise,” she said, “why shouldn’t they?” 
&nbsp;

JERUSALEM — For three elections in a row, Israel’s conservative prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has managed to stave off challenges from the center-left. Now, as Israel moves to an unprecedented fourth early election in two years, the center-left has imploded and Netanyahu faces a challenge from his own former allies on the right.

JERUSALEM — For three elections in a row, Israel’s conservative prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has managed to stave off challenges from the center-left. Now, as Israel moves to an unprecedented fourth early election in two years, the center-left has imploded and Netanyahu faces a challenge from his own former allies on the right. Watch | The election, set for March 23 after a fragile, fractious unity coalition disintegrated on Tuesday, is shaping up as a battle of conservatives versus conservatives, an intramural contest for the leadership of the roughly half of Israeli voters who consider themselves right-of-center. “It will be a right-wing government,” said Gadi Wolfsfeld, a veteran analyst of Israeli elections. “The question is who will lead it, and how right-wing will it be?” Leading the charge against Netanyahu, the longtime premier and leader of the conservative Likud party, are two former protégés-turned-rivals: Naftali Bennett, a former education and defense minister who leads the religious-right Yamina party, and Gideon Saar, a popular former education and interior minister. Bennett, 48, sitting in the opposition, elevated his stature and his standing in the polls this year by assailing Netanyahu’s handling of the coronavirus. He toured the country’s hospitals, courted business owners suffering repeated lockdowns and published a book-length list of recommendations on contact tracing, testing and more, a number of which the government adopted. But it was the defection this month of Saar, 54, from Likud to form a breakaway right-wing party called “New Hope” that catapulted him into contention overnight. His move has invigorated critics of the prime minister, known to Israelis as Bibi, raising hopes that this election could be the one that sends Netanyahu, 71, into retirement. “For the first time, the fight is on the right side of the map,” said Karine Nahon, a political scientist at the Interdisciplinary Center-Herzliya. “Usually it fell in behind Bibi without any questions. Now, two parties are actually challenging the hegemony of the Likud.” Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, will scarcely be at a disadvantage heading into the March contest: He is already trumpeting Israel’s speedy start to vaccinations and its historic normalization deals with four Arab states. And he is a master of controlling the news cycle, among the many benefits of incumbency. Still, the pandemic has thrown 1 million Israelis out of work, business leaders warn that tens of thousands of companies could be wiped out, and yet another lockdown is looming to remind voters of the government’s inability to curb the virus. But Netanyahu’s biggest liability could emerge in February, when testimony is to begin in his trial on felony corruption charges, including bribery and breach of trust. A key reason that Israel is being subjected to yet another election, analysts say, is Netanyahu’s burning desire to bolster his support in Parliament for a possible move to mitigate his legal exposure, defer prosecution or even have the case tossed altogether. Indeed, while Israel’s rat-a-tat elections may look from the outside like a symptom of systemic instability, up close, even Netanyahu’s supporters view the recurring campaigns as evidence of his ability to bend the system to his purposes. To be sure, few are celebrating the prospect of yet another election campaign, a limited caretaker government in the interim and Election Day itself, which entails the closing of many businesses at a time when the pandemic has already devastated the economy. “A fourth election will not be at our expense,” Roi Cohen, leader of Lahav, a small-business group, said on a radio program Wednesday. “Go find another pocket!” A cartoon in the newspaper Yediot Ahronot captured the sense of dread with a family cowering in their living room between a scary-looking COVID-19 cell barging in through one window and a menacing ballot box crashing in from another. What paved the way for the fourth election — and made Bennett and Saar see this as the moment to try to end Netanyahu’s career — was the breathtaking collapse of the center-left’s anti-Netanyahu movement led by Benny Gantz, the former army chief who fought Netanyahu to a draw in three straight ballots beginning in April 2019. After galvanizing anti-Netanyahu voters behind his Blue and White party, Gantz broke his most fundamental campaign promise — that he would not join a government led by a prime minister under indictment — and entered a Netanyahu-led coalition. In exchange, he was promised an alternating prime ministership — Netanyahu would go first, and Gantz would get a turn next fall — a check that scarcely anyone in Israel thought Gantz would be able to cash. But if Gantz’s bright political future is now a memory, anti-Netanyahu fervor has only grown, with weekly protests drawing thousands of participants and not just in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, but at bus stops and highway overpasses in far-flung places long seen as Netanyahu territory. “There’s a real restlessness on the part of a significant portion of Likud voters,” said Dahlia Scheindlin, a pollster and strategist. “Before, there was nowhere to go for the runoff of people getting sick of Netanyahu. Now, they really have interesting options.” Saar, who was a top vote-getter in Likud primaries in 2008 and 2012 and mounted a failed primary challenge against Netanyahu a year ago, said in announcing his new party that his old one had devolved into a “cult of personality” and had become a “tool for the personal interests” of the prime minister, “including matters relating to his criminal trial.” Sima Kadmon, a columnist for Yediot, said that many Likud voters have grown weary of Netanyahu and perceive his actions — including pushing for changes to the Israeli legal system — as motivated above all “by his desperate need to evade his trial.” “These traditional Likud followers see the populism and dishonesty that govern Netanyahu’s actions,” Kadmon said. “They are looking for a more civilized government, both in style and in essence. Bennett and Saar provide this alternative.” Challenges from Bennett and Saar would presumably also deprive Netanyahu of a go-to campaign tactic: portraying his opponents as terrorist-coddling leftists. But Saar also brings skills that could be decisive in the crucial postelection negotiations over forming a governing coalition. A longtime Likud whip, Saar was said to have orchestrated a slick parliamentary maneuver on Monday night, in which Likud and Blue and White defectors emerged from hiding — some of them in their cars — at the last minute to vote down a measure buying time for Netanyahu and Gantz to work out a deal to avert, or at least delay, elections. Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, suggested Saar was deft enough even to bring a left-wing party like Meretz into a coalition with him. “He has to do one thing, get Bibi out,” Pfeffer said. “If he gets Bibi out, everything’s possible.” Then again, no one is known to have gotten rich betting against Netanyahu. Tal Shalev, a political writer for Walla News, said she had little difficulty imagining Bennett or Saar ending up as a minister in still another Netanyahu-led government. “If Gantz broke the promise,” she said, “why shouldn’t they?”

Israeli election, take four: conservatives vs. conservatives

Israel is slated to hold a snap election in March after its parliament Tuesday failed to meet a deadline to pass a budget.

This has triggered a ballot presenting unprecedented challenges for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been facing public anger over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and while he is engaged in a corruption trial, the first against an Israeli prime minister.

This would be Israel's fourth parliamentary election in two years.

The longest-serving leader will also have to contend with a new rival from the right, Gideon Saar, a defector from Netanyahu's Likud party. An opinion poll on Israel's Kan public TV on Tuesday showed Saar drawing even with the prime minister.

Netanyahu, who has denied any criminal wrongdoing, and the current defence minister, centrist politician Benny Gantz, established a unity government in May after three inconclusive elections held since April 2019.

But they have been locked in a dispute over passage of a national budget, key to implementing a deal in which Gantz was to have taken over from Netanyahu in November 2021. A new election means that "rotation" will never happen.

Netanyahu will remain prime minister until a new government is formed after the March election. Now 71, he first served in the post from 1996 to 1999 and has held the office since 2009.

In his TV address, however, Netanyahu said he had arranged for millions of doses of coronavirus vaccine to be delivered to Israel. He also hailed US-brokered diplomatic deals with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco.

(with inputs)

Israel is slated to hold a snap election in March after its parliament Tuesday failed to meet a deadline to pass a budget. This has triggered a ballot presenting unprecedented challenges for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel is slated to hold a snap election in March after its parliament Tuesday failed to meet a deadline to pass a budget. This has triggered a ballot presenting unprecedented challenges for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been facing public anger over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and while he is engaged in a corruption trial, the first against an Israeli prime minister. This would be Israel's fourth parliamentary election in two years. The longest-serving leader will also have to contend with a new rival from the right, Gideon Saar, a defector from Netanyahu's Likud party. An opinion poll on Israel's Kan public TV on Tuesday showed Saar drawing even with the prime minister. Netanyahu, who has denied any criminal wrongdoing, and the current defence minister, centrist politician Benny Gantz, established a unity government in May after three inconclusive elections held since April 2019. But they have been locked in a dispute over passage of a national budget, key to implementing a deal in which Gantz was to have taken over from Netanyahu in November 2021. A new election means that "rotation" will never happen. Netanyahu will remain prime minister until a new government is formed after the March election. Now 71, he first served in the post from 1996 to 1999 and has held the office since 2009. In his TV address, however, Netanyahu said he had arranged for millions of doses of coronavirus vaccine to be delivered to Israel. He also hailed US-brokered diplomatic deals with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. (with inputs)

Israel to hold snap election, with Netanyahu facing unprecedented challenges

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu has become the first Israeli citizen to receives Pfizer-Biotech COVID vaccine. Moment later the Israeli health minster also get vaccinated, both the leaders vaccinated in front of live tv to set an example.

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu receives COVID-19 vaccine Jab

Israel on Saturday set new coronavirus rules obliging residents returning to the country from Sunday to self-isolate, ending exemptions for arrivals from a few countries previously classed as "green".

Among countries stripped of their green status are the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which signed US-sponsored normalisation accords with the Jewish state in September.

Dubai has since become a magnet for Israelis itching to travel who have been deterred from flying to Europe or the United States by the countries' "red" status, meaning Israelis would have to quarantine on their return home.

"Beginning December 20, all countries will be considered red and all those returning will have to isolate for 14 days," the health ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-to-enter-precautionary-virus-quarantine-349774">Israel's Netanyahu to enter precautionary virus quarantine</a>

The ministry did not mention any change in rules for foreign travellers, although Israel's coronavirus cabinet is expected on Sunday to announce further restrictions. &nbsp;

Saturday's statement said Israeli travellers already in green countries and returning home by December 26 would be exempt from the new quarantine rules.

The Jerusalem Post wrote last week that "dozens of Israelis were in isolation in Dubai after testing positive abroad".

It said that "hundreds" were in quarantine in Israel after learning they had returned from the Gulf on a flight found to have carried confirmed Covid-19 cases.&nbsp;

Over 370,000 people in Israel have tested positive for the virus since the first confirmed case was reported in February.

Just over 3,000 people have died, in a country of around nine million.

Israel imposed a second nationwide lockdown in September, when the country had one of the world's highest per capita infection rates.

Restrictions have since been gradually eased but case numbers are again on the rise.

Israel on Saturday set new coronavirus rules obliging residents returning to the country from Sunday to self-isolate, ending exemptions for arrivals from a few countries previously classed as "green".

Israel on Saturday set new coronavirus rules obliging residents returning to the country from Sunday to self-isolate, ending exemptions for arrivals from a few countries previously classed as "green". Among countries stripped of their green status are the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which signed US-sponsored normalisation accords with the Jewish state in September. Dubai has since become a magnet for Israelis itching to travel who have been deterred from flying to Europe or the United States by the countries' "red" status, meaning Israelis would have to quarantine on their return home. "Beginning December 20, all countries will be considered red and all those returning will have to isolate for 14 days," the health ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Also read| Israel's Netanyahu to enter precautionary virus quarantine The ministry did not mention any change in rules for foreign travellers, although Israel's coronavirus cabinet is expected on Sunday to announce further restrictions. Saturday's statement said Israeli travellers already in green countries and returning home by December 26 would be exempt from the new quarantine rules. The Jerusalem Post wrote last week that "dozens of Israelis were in isolation in Dubai after testing positive abroad". It said that "hundreds" were in quarantine in Israel after learning they had returned from the Gulf on a flight found to have carried confirmed Covid-19 cases. Over 370,000 people in Israel have tested positive for the virus since the first confirmed case was reported in February. Just over 3,000 people have died, in a country of around nine million. Israel imposed a second nationwide lockdown in September, when the country had one of the world's highest per capita infection rates. Restrictions have since been gradually eased but case numbers are again on the rise.

Israelis face tighter travel rules as COVID-19 cases increase

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will self-isolate on Monday after having come into contact with a coronavirus patient, his office said calling it a precautionary step.

Netanyahu tested negative for the virus on Sunday and on Monday, but he will still "enter isolation until Friday following contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient", the statement said.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-start-mass-vaccination-against-coronavirus-this-month-348783">Israel to start mass vaccination against coronavirus this month</a>

Several Israeli media outlets have reported that Netanyahu met last week with a member of his right-wing Likud party, Michael Kleiner, who has subsequently tested positive for the virus.&nbsp;

The statement from the prime minister's office did not provide details regarding Netanyahu's potential exposure.&nbsp;

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-gets-first-delivery-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-348538">&nbsp;Israel gets first delivery of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine</a>

Netanyahu was at Israel's Ben Gurion airport last week to welcome a first shipment of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine.

He declared that the end of the pandemic was "in sight" and offered to take the first jab in a mass vaccination campaign due to start later this month.&nbsp;

Israel, a country of nine million people, has registered more than 358,000 coronavirus cases, including 3003 deaths.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will self-isolate on Monday after having come into contact with a coronavirus patient, his office said calling it a precautionary step.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will self-isolate on Monday after having come into contact with a coronavirus patient, his office said calling it a precautionary step. Netanyahu tested negative for the virus on Sunday and on Monday, but he will still "enter isolation until Friday following contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient", the statement said. Also read| Israel to start mass vaccination against coronavirus this month Several Israeli media outlets have reported that Netanyahu met last week with a member of his right-wing Likud party, Michael Kleiner, who has subsequently tested positive for the virus. The statement from the prime minister's office did not provide details regarding Netanyahu's potential exposure. Also read| Israel gets first delivery of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine Netanyahu was at Israel's Ben Gurion airport last week to welcome a first shipment of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine. He declared that the end of the pandemic was "in sight" and offered to take the first jab in a mass vaccination campaign due to start later this month. Israel, a country of nine million people, has registered more than 358,000 coronavirus cases, including 3003 deaths.

Israel's Netanyahu to enter precautionary virus quarantine

Israel and Morocco agreed on Thursday to normalize relations in a deal brokered with U.S. help.

Morocco joins other Arab nations agreeing to normalize Israel ties

The dissolution bill next heads to a parliamentary committee, giving Gantz and Netanyahu a week or two to try to salvage their troubled alliance.

Israel appears headed to 4th election within 2 years

Continuing months-long protests in the country, locals gathered outside the official residence of the&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem seeking his resignation from the post.

The roads outside&nbsp;Netanyahu's residence were jammed by nearly 1,000 protestors who marched demanding his resignation following allegations of corruption.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-accused-of-taking-dirty-laundry-to-white-house-330110">Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused of taking dirty laundry to White House</a>

Locals have been conducting weekly protests outside the PM's residence for the past few months. They are also protesting against the alleged strict and 'not necessary' coronavirus lockdown rules, which has left many locals jobless and without a minimum wage.

Israel has faced two nationwide, strict lockdowns to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The protestors claim the&nbsp;Netanyahu government has left them high and dry by imposing a lockdown but not providing any financial security. Many claimed massive losses in business and job losses due to the stretched lockdowns. They complain that the government failed to initiate proper processes and planning for providing financial assistance to the sufferers of the lockdown in the pandemic.

These demonstrations have been ongoing for the past six months, and have now shrunk in number — which can be due to negative (or no) outcome and the advent arrival of the winter season that has sent chills down the spine of many people.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/israeli-scientists-go-backward-in-time-by-successfully-reversing-ageing-by-25-years-344816">Israeli scientists go 'backward in time' by successfully reversing ageing by 25 years</a>

While the number of protestors has seemingly decreased, the demonstrators present outside the PM's house were spotted wearing masks. However, people did not maintain the required social distance which attracted some criticism.

Many protestors held Israeli flags, and some were also spotted with pink flags — which has emerged as a popular symbol of protest in the country in the past few months.&nbsp;Others hoisted model submarines, a reference to a scandal over an Israeli purchase of German submarines in which several Netanyahu associates have been implicated.

The protestors are demanding&nbsp;Netanyahu's resignation from his long-reigning position of a Prime Minister, after he has been accused of corruption. The&nbsp;Defence Minister Benny Gantz, meanwhile, has ordered an investigation into this issue in the last week.

Continuing months-long protests in the country, locals gathered outside the official residence of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem seeking his resignation from the post.

Continuing months-long protests in the country, locals gathered outside the official residence of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem seeking his resignation from the post. The roads outside Netanyahu's residence were jammed by nearly 1,000 protestors who marched demanding his resignation following allegations of corruption. Also read| Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused of taking dirty laundry to White House Locals have been conducting weekly protests outside the PM's residence for the past few months. They are also protesting against the alleged strict and 'not necessary' coronavirus lockdown rules, which has left many locals jobless and without a minimum wage. Israel has faced two nationwide, strict lockdowns to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The protestors claim the Netanyahu government has left them high and dry by imposing a lockdown but not providing any financial security. Many claimed massive losses in business and job losses due to the stretched lockdowns. They complain that the government failed to initiate proper processes and planning for providing financial assistance to the sufferers of the lockdown in the pandemic. These demonstrations have been ongoing for the past six months, and have now shrunk in number — which can be due to negative (or no) outcome and the advent arrival of the winter season that has sent chills down the spine of many people. Also read| Israeli scientists go 'backward in time' by successfully reversing ageing by 25 years While the number of protestors has seemingly decreased, the demonstrators present outside the PM's house were spotted wearing masks. However, people did not maintain the required social distance which attracted some criticism. Many protestors held Israeli flags, and some were also spotted with pink flags — which has emerged as a popular symbol of protest in the country in the past few months. Others hoisted model submarines, a reference to a scandal over an Israeli purchase of German submarines in which several Netanyahu associates have been implicated. The protestors are demanding Netanyahu's resignation from his long-reigning position of a Prime Minister, after he has been accused of corruption. The Defence Minister Benny Gantz, meanwhile, has ordered an investigation into this issue in the last week.

Thousands rally outside Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's residence

Saudi Arabia on Monday rejected Israeli media reports that claimed of talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman&nbsp;

"I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by @SecPompeo," wrote Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a tweet.

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I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a>. No such meeting occurred. The only officials present were American and Saudi.
— فيصل بن فرحان (@FaisalbinFarhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/FaisalbinFarhan/status/1330858232680734723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"No such meeting occurred. The only officials present were American and Saudi."

Earlier, Israeli public broadcaster Kan said on Monday Netanyahu held secret talks with the crown prince in the former's first trip to the kingdom.&nbsp;

The report also said that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also present in the meeting.&nbsp;

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Citing unnamed sources, Kan claimed Netanyahu was accompanied by the chief of Mossad spy agency, Yossi Cohen, and the duo "flew yesterday to Saudi Arabia and met Pompeo and MBS in the city of Neom".&nbsp;

Netanyahu's office has not immediately commented on the reports and the US State Department also refused to shed any lights on the developments.&nbsp;

The report led to a wide range of speculations on Israel's recognition by the Arab world as Bahrain, UAF recently struck peace accords with Israel that were brokered by the US.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-netanyahu-meet-the-saudi-crown-prince-344973">WATCH|</a>

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Saudi Arabia on Monday rejected Israeli media reports that claimed of talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by @SecPompeo," wrote Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a tweet.

Saudi Arabia on Monday rejected Israeli media reports that claimed of talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by @SecPompeo," wrote Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a tweet. I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by @SecPompeo. No such meeting occurred. The only officials present were American and Saudi. — فيصل بن فرحان (@FaisalbinFarhan) November 23, 2020 × "No such meeting occurred. The only officials present were American and Saudi." Earlier, Israeli public broadcaster Kan said on Monday Netanyahu held secret talks with the crown prince in the former's first trip to the kingdom. The report also said that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also present in the meeting. × Citing unnamed sources, Kan claimed Netanyahu was accompanied by the chief of Mossad spy agency, Yossi Cohen, and the duo "flew yesterday to Saudi Arabia and met Pompeo and MBS in the city of Neom". Netanyahu's office has not immediately commented on the reports and the US State Department also refused to shed any lights on the developments. The report led to a wide range of speculations on Israel's recognition by the Arab world as Bahrain, UAF recently struck peace accords with Israel that were brokered by the US. WATCH| ×

Saudi denies reports of talks between Crown Prince Salman and Netanyahu

Saudi Arabia on Monday rejected Israeli media reports that claimed of talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Did Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hold a 'secret meeting' with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman? The Israeli Media says he did, the Saudi Foreign Minister has denied all reports.

Gravitas: Did Netanyahu meet the Saudi Crown Prince?

Saudi FM denies reports of talks between Crown Prince Salman and Netanyahu

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has denied that the reported meeting with Netanyahu took place, saying "the only officials present were American and Saudi."

Your Story: Will Saudi Arabia and Israel normalise their relations?

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held secret talks in Saudi Arabia Sunday with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, media said, in the first reported trip by an Israeli premier to the kingdom.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was in Israel last week, was also at the reported talks, a diplomatic correspondent at Israeli public broadcaster Kan said on Monday.&nbsp;

The broadcaster cited unnamed Israeli officials as saying that Netanyahu and the head of the Mossad spy agency, Yossi Cohen, "flew yesterday to Saudi Arabia and met Pompeo and MBS in the city of Neom", referring to the often used initials of Prince Mohammed.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-netanyahu-and-israel-trumps-gifts-kept-on-coming-344662">For Netanyahu and Israel, Trump’s gifts kept on coming</a>

The reported meeting comes weeks after Israel agreed historic US-brokered deals to normalise ties with two Saudi allies in the Gulf, the UAE and Bahrain, pacts known as the Abraham Accords.&nbsp;

Multiple other Israeli media outlets reported on a Netanyahu trip to Saudi Arabia, including prominent diplomatic correspondent Barak Ravid of Walla News and Axios, who reported Netanyahu and Cohen flew on a plane belonging to Israeli businessman Udi Angel.&nbsp;

Ravid also cited flight tracker data that apparently showed Angel's plane leaving Israel at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Sunday, heading to Neom on the Red Sea and returning to Israel five hours later.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-says-us-to-label-exports-from-west-bank-settlements-as-made-in-israel-344096">Pompeo says US to label exports from West Bank settlements as 'Made in Israel'</a>

Netanyahu's office was not immediately available to comment on the reports.&nbsp;

The Saudi royal court and media ministry did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment on the reported meeting between Netanyahu, Prince Mohamed and Pompeo.

Pompeo had travelled to Neom on Sunday from the UAE as part of a Middle East tour. &nbsp;

The Abraham Accords were brokered by outgoing US President Donald Trump's administration.&nbsp;

US and Israeli officials have repeatedly indicated that more Arab states were set to forge ties with Israel. Sudan has agreed to do so in principle.&nbsp;

In late August, Netanyahu said Israel was holding secret talks with multiple Arab countries.

Publicly, Saudi Arabia has said it would stick to the decades-old Arab League position of not having ties with Israel until the Jewish state's conflict with the Palestinians is resolved.&nbsp;

Israeli experts have raised questions about the prospects of expanding the Abraham Accords under US President-elect Joe Biden's administration, particularly with respect to Saudi Arabia. &nbsp;

Trump's administration downplayed the role of human rights in international diplomacy, and in particular was cautious about criticising Saudi Arabia's rights record, notably over the murder by Saudi agents of prominent journalist and Saudi royal critic Jamal Khashoggi.&nbsp;

Multiple Israeli analysts have said that a Biden administration, which will face pressure from the progressive left in the Democratic Party, would suffer a backlash if it pushed for an Israeli-Saudi peace deal without any meaningful rights reforms agreed by Saudi Arabia.

With Trump's term set to end on January 20, some Israeli experts have speculated that Washington would lobby hard for an Israeli-Saudi deal before Biden takes office.&nbsp;

Israel and the Arab Gulf state have engaged in quiet diplomacy for years over their common foe Iran.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held secret talks in Saudi Arabia Sunday with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, media said, in the first reported trip by an Israeli premier to the kingdom.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held secret talks in Saudi Arabia Sunday with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, media said, in the first reported trip by an Israeli premier to the kingdom. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was in Israel last week, was also at the reported talks, a diplomatic correspondent at Israeli public broadcaster Kan said on Monday. The broadcaster cited unnamed Israeli officials as saying that Netanyahu and the head of the Mossad spy agency, Yossi Cohen, "flew yesterday to Saudi Arabia and met Pompeo and MBS in the city of Neom", referring to the often used initials of Prince Mohammed. Also read| For Netanyahu and Israel, Trump’s gifts kept on coming The reported meeting comes weeks after Israel agreed historic US-brokered deals to normalise ties with two Saudi allies in the Gulf, the UAE and Bahrain, pacts known as the Abraham Accords. Multiple other Israeli media outlets reported on a Netanyahu trip to Saudi Arabia, including prominent diplomatic correspondent Barak Ravid of Walla News and Axios, who reported Netanyahu and Cohen flew on a plane belonging to Israeli businessman Udi Angel. Ravid also cited flight tracker data that apparently showed Angel's plane leaving Israel at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Sunday, heading to Neom on the Red Sea and returning to Israel five hours later. Also read| Pompeo says US to label exports from West Bank settlements as 'Made in Israel' Netanyahu's office was not immediately available to comment on the reports. The Saudi royal court and media ministry did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment on the reported meeting between Netanyahu, Prince Mohamed and Pompeo. Pompeo had travelled to Neom on Sunday from the UAE as part of a Middle East tour. The Abraham Accords were brokered by outgoing US President Donald Trump's administration. US and Israeli officials have repeatedly indicated that more Arab states were set to forge ties with Israel. Sudan has agreed to do so in principle. In late August, Netanyahu said Israel was holding secret talks with multiple Arab countries. Publicly, Saudi Arabia has said it would stick to the decades-old Arab League position of not having ties with Israel until the Jewish state's conflict with the Palestinians is resolved. Israeli experts have raised questions about the prospects of expanding the Abraham Accords under US President-elect Joe Biden's administration, particularly with respect to Saudi Arabia. Trump's administration downplayed the role of human rights in international diplomacy, and in particular was cautious about criticising Saudi Arabia's rights record, notably over the murder by Saudi agents of prominent journalist and Saudi royal critic Jamal Khashoggi. Multiple Israeli analysts have said that a Biden administration, which will face pressure from the progressive left in the Democratic Party, would suffer a backlash if it pushed for an Israeli-Saudi peace deal without any meaningful rights reforms agreed by Saudi Arabia. With Trump's term set to end on January 20, some Israeli experts have speculated that Washington would lobby hard for an Israeli-Saudi deal before Biden takes office. Israel and the Arab Gulf state have engaged in quiet diplomacy for years over their common foe Iran.

Israeli PM held secret talks in Saudi with crown prince, Pompeo: Media

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo deliver a joint statement on Thursday, in Jerusalem. During which Mike Pompeo welcomed Israel-Bahrain deal

US Secretary of state welcomes Israel-Bahrain deal

Thousands of people took to streets in Jerusalem in the latest demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his handling of the coronavirus crisis and the corruption charges he faces.

Protesters waved Israeli and pink flags. Smaller demonstrations took place elsewhere across the country.

Protesters held placards carryng signs that read, "Saving the country", "fighting corruption" and "Revolution."

Netanyahu has been severely criticised for the mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak and its economic fallout. Also, he has been serving as the prime minister while under indictment on three corruption charges: fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes.

Netanyahu, however, denies wrongdoings in a series of scandals involving billionaire associates and media moguls.

The country is emerging in gradual stages from a month-long lockdown that the government imposed to tamp down infections.

Israel economy, however, continues to take a hit as restriction still in place have kept stores, hotels and restaurants closed.

Israel appeared to have successfully weathered an initial outbreak in the spring. But a hasty reopening after a previous lockdown sent confirmed cases soaring and plunged the country toward new restrictions.

Thousands of people took to streets in Jerusalem in the latest demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his handling of the coronavirus crisis and the corruption charges he faces.

Thousands of people took to streets in Jerusalem in the latest demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his handling of the coronavirus crisis and the corruption charges he faces. Protesters waved Israeli and pink flags. Smaller demonstrations took place elsewhere across the country. Protesters held placards carryng signs that read, "Saving the country", "fighting corruption" and "Revolution." Netanyahu has been severely criticised for the mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak and its economic fallout. Also, he has been serving as the prime minister while under indictment on three corruption charges: fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes. Netanyahu, however, denies wrongdoings in a series of scandals involving billionaire associates and media moguls. The country is emerging in gradual stages from a month-long lockdown that the government imposed to tamp down infections. Israel economy, however, continues to take a hit as restriction still in place have kept stores, hotels and restaurants closed. Israel appeared to have successfully weathered an initial outbreak in the spring. But a hasty reopening after a previous lockdown sent confirmed cases soaring and plunged the country toward new restrictions.

Thousands protest in Jerusalem against PM Netanyahu

The United States has agreed to sell top-of-the-line F-35 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates following its recognition of Israel, potentially shifting the regional power balance, a lawmaker said Thursday.

President Donald Trump's administration informally gave a required notification to&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;on the sale, which could "significantly change the military balance in the Gulf and affect Israel's military edge," said Representative Eliot Engel, a Democrat who leads the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The United Arab Emirates, which has been increasingly assertive in the region, including in Yemen and Libya,&nbsp;sought the advanced warplanes as it spoke to the United States ahead of its landmark recognition of Israel last month.

The normalization,&nbsp;followed by similar moves by Bahrain and Sudan, was a diplomatic coup for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the Jewish state has also long opposed US sales of top-end warplanes to any Arab states including Egypt and Jordan, which already have peace treaties with Israel.

But Netanyahu indicated last week that Israel would not object to the UAE deal after Defense Minister Benny Gantz, his uneasy coalition partner, received assurances during a trip to the Pentagon that Israel would maintain its military edge.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper was visiting Israel on Thursday for talks with Gantz about bolstering the US ally's military capacities.

A State Department official declined to confirm the UAE deal, saying that it does not comment on notifications to&nbsp;Congress.

The notification comes five days before US elections in which Trump is trailing in published polls to Democrat Joe Biden.

Congress, where the Democrats control the House of Representatives and are seen as having a chance of winning the Senate, has the power to block the UAE sale.

"The export of this aircraft requires very careful consideration and&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;must analyze all the ramifications.&nbsp;Rushing these sales is not in anyone's interest," Engel said.

The United States has agreed to sell top-of-the-line F-35 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates following its recognition of Israel, potentially shifting the regional power balance, a lawmaker said Thursday.

The United States has agreed to sell top-of-the-line F-35 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates following its recognition of Israel, potentially shifting the regional power balance, a lawmaker said Thursday. President Donald Trump's administration informally gave a required notification to Congress on the sale, which could "significantly change the military balance in the Gulf and affect Israel's military edge," said Representative Eliot Engel, a Democrat who leads the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The United Arab Emirates, which has been increasingly assertive in the region, including in Yemen and Libya, sought the advanced warplanes as it spoke to the United States ahead of its landmark recognition of Israel last month. The normalization, followed by similar moves by Bahrain and Sudan, was a diplomatic coup for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the Jewish state has also long opposed US sales of top-end warplanes to any Arab states including Egypt and Jordan, which already have peace treaties with Israel. But Netanyahu indicated last week that Israel would not object to the UAE deal after Defense Minister Benny Gantz, his uneasy coalition partner, received assurances during a trip to the Pentagon that Israel would maintain its military edge. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper was visiting Israel on Thursday for talks with Gantz about bolstering the US ally's military capacities. A State Department official declined to confirm the UAE deal, saying that it does not comment on notifications to Congress. The notification comes five days before US elections in which Trump is trailing in published polls to Democrat Joe Biden. Congress, where the Democrats control the House of Representatives and are seen as having a chance of winning the Senate, has the power to block the UAE sale. "The export of this aircraft requires very careful consideration and Congress must analyze all the ramifications. Rushing these sales is not in anyone's interest," Engel said.

US plans sales of top-end fighter jets to UAE: Lawmaker

Thousands of Israelis have once again demonstrated to demand Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resignation, saying he is unfit to rule while on trial for corruption charges and accusing him of mismanaging the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Israel: Thousands protest against PM Netanyahu despite lockdown

Protesters took to the streets in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to limit demonstrations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-continues-protesting-against-netanyahus-coronavirus-restrictions-332340">Also Read:&nbsp;Israel continues protesting against Netanyahu's coronavirus restrictions</a>

The protesters hit out against the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis even as a new law recently approved by Parliament banned citizens from holding demonstrations more than 1 km from their homes amid strict coronavirus restrictions.

Large scale protests were witnessed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with scattered demonstrations elsewhere in the country. Isreal reportedly has one of the world's highest coronavirus infection rates per capita as the country struggles to fight the second wave of infections.&nbsp;

Israel currently has 280,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 1,900 fatalities.

The protesters clashed with police in some areas with placards “Bibi, you are destroying my future” and "Go away" as police said the demonstrators were not observing social distancing norms and were putting others at risk as protests&nbsp;swelled in the Israeli capital Tel Aviv.

<meta name="uuid" content="uuidhgrPeATXveL1" /><meta charset="utf-8" />

Police claimed the march was "illegal" as protesters took the main streets in thousands despite COVID-19 restrictions in place. Reports said the protesters broke through a barricade in Tel Aviv hurting several cops.

Reports claimed&nbsp;some tried to protest in front of Netanyahu’s private residence but were resisted by police action.

Anti-Netanyahu protests have been going on since July to denounce the Israeli prime minister's handling of the virus and the economy.

Protesters took to the streets in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to limit demonstrations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read: Israel continues protesting against Netanyahu's coronavirus restrictions The protesters hit out against the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis even as a new law recently approved by Parliament banned citizens from holding demonstrations more than 1 km from their homes amid strict coronavirus restrictions.

Protesters took to the streets in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to limit demonstrations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read: Israel continues protesting against Netanyahu's coronavirus restrictions The protesters hit out against the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis even as a new law recently approved by Parliament banned citizens from holding demonstrations more than 1 km from their homes amid strict coronavirus restrictions. Large scale protests were witnessed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with scattered demonstrations elsewhere in the country. Isreal reportedly has one of the world's highest coronavirus infection rates per capita as the country struggles to fight the second wave of infections. Israel currently has 280,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 1,900 fatalities. The protesters clashed with police in some areas with placards “Bibi, you are destroying my future” and "Go away" as police said the demonstrators were not observing social distancing norms and were putting others at risk as protests swelled in the Israeli capital Tel Aviv. Police claimed the march was "illegal" as protesters took the main streets in thousands despite COVID-19 restrictions in place. Reports said the protesters broke through a barricade in Tel Aviv hurting several cops. Reports claimed some tried to protest in front of Netanyahu’s private residence but were resisted by police action. Anti-Netanyahu protests have been going on since July to denounce the Israeli prime minister's handling of the virus and the economy.

Anti-Netanyahu protests erupt in Israel amid coronavirus restrictions

Israelis are continuing anti-lockdown protests and are opposing the way the&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has handled the pandemic.

Several protests were observed in&nbsp;Tel Aviv on Saturday where the protestors were spotted wearing face masks, but the local police claimed the participants were intentionally flouting all social distancing rules.

The locals are angry that the government has initiated another lockdown without any financial aid for those running their own businesses, which is negatively affecting them. The police has not stated an estimate number of the participants of these protests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-passes-legislation-to-ban-mass-protests-during-lockdown-331570">Also read:&nbsp;Israel passes legislation to ban mass protests during lockdown</a>

These protests have come after the Parliament imposed a law that restricts the number of participants in a public agthering/protest. While the Parliament and the government claims it is to help contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, locals feels it is yet another way to silence all voices against&nbsp;Netanyahu.

This blowout of protests amplified after the&nbsp;Tourism Minister Asaf Zamir quit the&nbsp;coalition government and alleged the Prime Minister of being more concerned about his ongoing corruption trial, rather than saving his people from the ongoing pandemic.

"I am not willing to put up for another minute with a reality in which the right to demonstrate is restricted," he wrote. "Therefore I must follow my conscience."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-observes-protests-after-second-lockdown-without-economic-aid-is-initiated-330563">Also read:&nbsp;Israel observes protests after second lockdown without economic aid is initiated</a>

While the party leader&nbsp;Benny Gantz found an immediate replacement for Zamir, he also stated that him and his colleagues "joined the government to rein in the coronavirus, not to curb democracy or the rule of law."

While the Jerusalem media claimed that nearly 2,000 people protested outside the PM's official residence, the police has not issued any statement on the number of participants or arrests made. They have just claimed to have arrested "hundreds" of participants for flouting the social distancing rules.

With over 260,000 coronavirus infections confirmed so far and over 1,600 deaths in a population of nine million, Israel currently has the world's highest weekly infection rate per capita.

Israelis are continuing anti-lockdown protests and are opposing the way the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has handled the pandemic. Several protests were observed in Tel Aviv on Saturday where the protestors were spotted wearing face masks, but the local police claimed the participants were intentionally flouting all social distancing rules.

Israelis are continuing anti-lockdown protests and are opposing the way the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has handled the pandemic. Several protests were observed in Tel Aviv on Saturday where the protestors were spotted wearing face masks, but the local police claimed the participants were intentionally flouting all social distancing rules. The locals are angry that the government has initiated another lockdown without any financial aid for those running their own businesses, which is negatively affecting them. The police has not stated an estimate number of the participants of these protests. Also read: Israel passes legislation to ban mass protests during lockdown These protests have come after the Parliament imposed a law that restricts the number of participants in a public agthering/protest. While the Parliament and the government claims it is to help contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, locals feels it is yet another way to silence all voices against Netanyahu. This blowout of protests amplified after the Tourism Minister Asaf Zamir quit the coalition government and alleged the Prime Minister of being more concerned about his ongoing corruption trial, rather than saving his people from the ongoing pandemic. "I am not willing to put up for another minute with a reality in which the right to demonstrate is restricted," he wrote. "Therefore I must follow my conscience." Also read: Israel observes protests after second lockdown without economic aid is initiated While the party leader Benny Gantz found an immediate replacement for Zamir, he also stated that him and his colleagues "joined the government to rein in the coronavirus, not to curb democracy or the rule of law." While the Jerusalem media claimed that nearly 2,000 people protested outside the PM's official residence, the police has not issued any statement on the number of participants or arrests made. They have just claimed to have arrested "hundreds" of participants for flouting the social distancing rules. With over 260,000 coronavirus infections confirmed so far and over 1,600 deaths in a population of nine million, Israel currently has the world's highest weekly infection rate per capita.

Israel continues protesting against Netanyahu's coronavirus restrictions

Israel's parliament has passed a new law according to which mass protests during the country's second nationwide coronavirus lockdown would be banned.

Demonstrators will be confined to groups of up to 20 people and must stay within 1 km (0.6 miles) of their homes.

This rule comes in the aftermath of weeks, in which thousands of people gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem to demand he resigned over corruption allegations and his handling of the pandemic.&nbsp;

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Netanyahu has, however, denied any wrongdoing.

And the protests have continued despite a dramatic resurgence of coronavirus cases in the country.

The protests have just not been unsafe for the prime minister, but have also risked the lives of so many people. An entire democracy continues to suffer.

Israel has reported more than 237,000 coronavirus cases and 1,528 deaths, and by passing the law, it has set a benchmark for democracies worldwide.

Israel's parliament has passed a new law according to which mass protests during the country's second nationwide coronavirus lockdown would be banned. Demonstrators will be confined to groups of up to 20 people and must stay within 1 km (0.

Israel's parliament has passed a new law according to which mass protests during the country's second nationwide coronavirus lockdown would be banned. Demonstrators will be confined to groups of up to 20 people and must stay within 1 km (0.6 miles) of their homes. This rule comes in the aftermath of weeks, in which thousands of people gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem to demand he resigned over corruption allegations and his handling of the pandemic. × Netanyahu has, however, denied any wrongdoing. And the protests have continued despite a dramatic resurgence of coronavirus cases in the country. The protests have just not been unsafe for the prime minister, but have also risked the lives of so many people. An entire democracy continues to suffer. Israel has reported more than 237,000 coronavirus cases and 1,528 deaths, and by passing the law, it has set a benchmark for democracies worldwide.

Israel passes legislation to ban mass protests during lockdown

Lebanon to hold talks with Israel on disputed border issue. The talks will be mediated by the United Nations on the disputed land and maritime borders.

Lebanon to hold talks with Israel on disputed border issue