A series of fresh protests broke out all over the country after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu initiated a second series of stricter lockdown in the country to contain the widespread of the novel coronavirus.

The protestors took to streets in their cars blocking roads and bridges, demanding immediate resignation of&nbsp;Netanyahu — a PM who is on trial for three corruption charges.

A second round of lockdown was initiated on September 18 with the aim&nbsp;to bring down the world's highest coronavirus infection rate per capita. However, the restrictions were made stricter two days ago, imposing a ban on borders and limiting indoor prayers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-accused-of-taking-dirty-laundry-to-white-house-330110">Also read:&nbsp;Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused of taking dirty laundry to White House</a>

However,&nbsp;lawmakers further blocked a government proposal which was hoping to limit the protest gatherings to 20 in a group. As per this proposal, the protestors were only to be allowed to protest within a kilometre of their residence. However, the lawmakers' decision was not appreciated by the PM who called it "the populist decision in parliament to cancel the limitations the government imposed after we saw the rise in the infections."

Israelis marched down to Netanyahu's residence where the demanded the PM to hand over his resignation and attend to the trials on the charges of bribery, fraud and&nbsp;breach of trust — allegations that&nbsp;Netanyahu has constantly declined.

Protestors said they are ready to protest to gain back their freedom and let the world know that their government shut down the country without planning any economic aids for the common people.

Israel has recorded over 225,000 infections and 1,417 deaths out of a population of nine million, with more than 8,200 new cases on Friday alone.

A series of fresh protests broke out all over the country after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated a second series of stricter lockdown in the country to contain the widespread of the novel coronavirus.

A series of fresh protests broke out all over the country after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated a second series of stricter lockdown in the country to contain the widespread of the novel coronavirus. The protestors took to streets in their cars blocking roads and bridges, demanding immediate resignation of Netanyahu — a PM who is on trial for three corruption charges. A second round of lockdown was initiated on September 18 with the aim to bring down the world's highest coronavirus infection rate per capita. However, the restrictions were made stricter two days ago, imposing a ban on borders and limiting indoor prayers. Also read: Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused of taking dirty laundry to White House However, lawmakers further blocked a government proposal which was hoping to limit the protest gatherings to 20 in a group. As per this proposal, the protestors were only to be allowed to protest within a kilometre of their residence. However, the lawmakers' decision was not appreciated by the PM who called it "the populist decision in parliament to cancel the limitations the government imposed after we saw the rise in the infections." Israelis marched down to Netanyahu's residence where the demanded the PM to hand over his resignation and attend to the trials on the charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust — allegations that Netanyahu has constantly declined. Protestors said they are ready to protest to gain back their freedom and let the world know that their government shut down the country without planning any economic aids for the common people. Israel has recorded over 225,000 infections and 1,417 deaths out of a population of nine million, with more than 8,200 new cases on Friday alone.

Israel observes protests after second lockdown without economic aid is initiated

Israel's Prime Minister&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of a crime that might not have been brought up ever before.

Reports claims Nethanyahu likes the White House to take care of his dirt...quite literally.

It has been revealed that&nbsp;Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu take majority of their dirty laundry to the White House to avail the free dry cleaning services.

The habit was noticed by the White House staff after it kept happening during every visit. “The Netanyahus are the only ones who bring actual suitcases of dirty laundry for us to clean,” the paper quoted an unnamed US official as saying. “After multiple trips, it became clear this was intentional.”

The report was published in the US' local paper Washington Post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-russian-president-vladimir-putin-nominated-for-nobel-prize-330101">Also read:&nbsp;After Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin nominated for Nobel Prize</a>

Turns out, this is an old habit of the Israeli couple. In 2018,&nbsp;Sara Netanyahu was alleged of packing nearly five&nbsp;suitcases worth of laundry for state trips. Her husband, the much-criticised Prime Minister of Israel, had years ago successfully launched a legal bid to keep his domestic laundry bills private.

Nethanyahu's office, howwever, has denied these accusations and said only the clothes worn for public meetings are dry cleaned during the state trips.

Talking about Netanyahu’s recent US visit&nbsp;to normalise relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, the officials said, “On this visit, for example, there was no dry cleaning, only a couple of shirts were laundered for the public meeting, and the prime minister’s suit and Mrs Netanyahu’s dress were ironed also for the public meeting,” the embassy statement said.

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“Oh yes, a pair of pyjamas that the prime minister wore on the 12-hour flight from Israel to Washington was also laundered,” the statement continued.

While the PM's office has denied the accusations repeatedly, the White House staff during the Obama and trump administration have recalled and confirmed incidents where the couple have sent suitcases filled with soiled clothes.

The&nbsp;Netanyahus are infamous for misusing state resources, whether it is their own state or some other country. The PM is on trial for&nbsp;three corruption cases, and hise&nbsp;wife has been accused of misusing public funds to host gradeur-style meals, even though she has been provided with a cooking team for her own house by the state.

No statement has been issued by the White House yet.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of a crime that might not have been brought up ever before. Reports claims Nethanyahu likes the White House to take care of his dirt.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of a crime that might not have been brought up ever before. Reports claims Nethanyahu likes the White House to take care of his dirt...quite literally. It has been revealed that Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu take majority of their dirty laundry to the White House to avail the free dry cleaning services. The habit was noticed by the White House staff after it kept happening during every visit. “The Netanyahus are the only ones who bring actual suitcases of dirty laundry for us to clean,” the paper quoted an unnamed US official as saying. “After multiple trips, it became clear this was intentional.” The report was published in the US' local paper Washington Post. Also read: After Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin nominated for Nobel Prize Turns out, this is an old habit of the Israeli couple. In 2018, Sara Netanyahu was alleged of packing nearly five suitcases worth of laundry for state trips. Her husband, the much-criticised Prime Minister of Israel, had years ago successfully launched a legal bid to keep his domestic laundry bills private. Nethanyahu's office, howwever, has denied these accusations and said only the clothes worn for public meetings are dry cleaned during the state trips. Talking about Netanyahu’s recent US visit to normalise relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, the officials said, “On this visit, for example, there was no dry cleaning, only a couple of shirts were laundered for the public meeting, and the prime minister’s suit and Mrs Netanyahu’s dress were ironed also for the public meeting,” the embassy statement said. × “Oh yes, a pair of pyjamas that the prime minister wore on the 12-hour flight from Israel to Washington was also laundered,” the statement continued. While the PM's office has denied the accusations repeatedly, the White House staff during the Obama and trump administration have recalled and confirmed incidents where the couple have sent suitcases filled with soiled clothes. The Netanyahus are infamous for misusing state resources, whether it is their own state or some other country. The PM is on trial for three corruption cases, and hise wife has been accused of misusing public funds to host gradeur-style meals, even though she has been provided with a cooking team for her own house by the state. No statement has been issued by the White House yet.

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused of taking dirty laundry to White House

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of carrying bags of dirty laundry on state trips just to get them dry cleaned on another country's expense. Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you more stories about leaders who embarrassed themselves.

Gravitas: Netanyahu accused of bringing his dirty laundry to Washington

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of a crime that might not have been brought up ever before. It has been revealed that Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu take majority of their dirty laundry to the White House to avail the free dry cleaning services.

Israel's PM Netanyahu accused of taking dirty laundry to White House

A close read of the agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel suggests that the Jewish state has won far more than diplomatic recognition. It won acknowledgement of its claim to historic Jewish rights. By the same token, the UAE has received a significant boost to project itself as a leader in inter-faith dialogue.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed walked away from this month’s White House signing ceremony with more than just an agreement to establish diplomatic relations.

Included in the agreement are references that are key to foundational Israeli arguments asserting the right of the Jewish people to a state on what was once predominantly Arab land rather than simple recognition of the fact that the Jewish state exists.

Recognition of Jewish rights has long been a demand put forward by Mr. Netanyahu.

In talks with the Palestinians as well as the building of relations with Arab states over the years, the Israeli leader asserted that mere diplomatic acceptance of Israel’s existence was not good enough. And yet, that was the basis of earlier peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan as well as Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Yasser Arafat’s 1988 recognition of Israel and the subsequent 1993 Oslo accords.

From the outset, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been as much a dispute about control of land as one of perceived rights.

Recognition of Jewish rights in Palestine bolsters Israeli assertions that its claims to territory occupied during the 1967 Middle East are legitimate rather than a land grab resulting from military conquest.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/controversial-israeli-soccer-club-may-be-litmus-test-for-uae-soft-power-ploy-329150">Controversial Israeli soccer club may be litmus test for UAE soft power ploy</a>

To be clear, it does not by definition endorse annexation, but it constitutes Arab acceptance of Israel’s position that any compromise between Israelis and Palestinians, a sine qua non for a resolution of their dispute, would involve mediation of claims that are historically and morally on par.

Arabs in the past have projected solutions as the need to address Palestinian rights while accepting Israel’s existence.

The agreement did not explicitly recognize Jewish rights, but enabled Israel to interpret the deal as doing so by stating that “Arab and Jewish peoples are descendants of a common ancestor, Abraham.”

The text of the agreement suggests that the reference was primarily related to allow the UAE to boost its efforts to project itself as a leader of inter-faith dialogue and a moderate interpretation of Islam – a pillar of the country’s well-funded soft power campaign that paints the Emirates as a militarily capable, forward-looking, religiously tolerant and technologically savvy, cutting edge state.

The interpretation of the phrasing as recognition of Jewish rights may have been an unintended consequence or icing on Israel’s cake.

It was a bonus that David Makovsky of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy -- widely viewed as leaning towards Israel -- was quick to point out. Mr. Makovsky noted that the reference implied that “both (Arabs and Jews are) indigenous to the Middle East.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/credit-where-it-is-due-trump-deserves-praise-for-west-asia-peace-deal-328186">Credit where it is due: Trump deserves praise for West Asia peace deal</a>

Mr. Makovsky suggested that the phrasing “is important because it clearly refutes longstanding allegations in the Arab world that Zionism is alien to the region.”

It puts past to Arab and Palestinian arguments that the long-touted two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was one of dividing up land claimed by two parties driven by facts on the ground rather than consideration of legal and moral claims.

This is not just of esoteric significance. It bolsters Israel’s long-standing rejection of Palestinian insistence on the right of refugees, including those who left during the 1948 war, to return to their homes and lands in what is now Israel.

Israel’s reading of the agreement as endorsement of its assertion that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is about equally valid rights is likely to be interpreted differently on both sides of Israel’s right-left divide.

The country’s weakened left will see it as highlighting the need for territorial compromise. Significant segments of the Israeli right will view it as validation of its belief dating back to the period prior to the 1948 creation of Israel that the clash of Jewish and Palestinian rights is irreconcilable. That is a view that has historically also resonated among elements of the labor movement.

That may be what makes the UAE-Israel deal truly historic.

The icing on the UAE’s cake, beyond the significant geopolitical, military, security, technological and economic benefits of the agreement, is the stress on inter-faith dialogue.

Under the agreement, the UAE and Israel “undertake to foster mutual understanding, respect, co-existence, and a culture of peace between their societies in the spirit of their common ancestor, Abraham, and the new era of peace and friendly relations ushered in by this Treaty, including by cultivating people-to-people programs, (and) interfaith dialogue…”

The UAE, like Saudi Arabia, one of its multiple autocratic religious soft power rivals, has gone in recent years to great lengths to cultivate ties to Jewish and Evangelist communities and to position itself as a sponsor of an inter-faith dialogue in which Islam is represented by Muslim scholars who preach absolute obedience to the ruler and reject endorsement of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its an interpretation of the faith intended to ensure regime survival and counter-allegations of violations of human rights in the UAE.

The signing of a Document on Human Fraternity by the imam of the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque in Cairo, Ahmed El-Tayeb, and Pope Francis I during his 2019 visit to the UAE, the first by a head of the Vatican to the Gulf, served to offer an alternative to the Universal Declaration that allows the Emirates to pick and choose which rights it accepts.

The emphasis on inter-faith dialogue is bolstered and conditioned by the agreement’s implicit condemnation of political Islam, a key driver of UAE policy that is shared by Israel.

The agreement rejects “political manipulation of religions and…interpretations made by religious groups who, in the course of history, have taken advantage of the power of religious sentiment…in a way that has nothing to do with the truth of religion.”

Omar Ghobash, UAE Assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy, speaking in a US-UAE Council webinar, noted that one driver for the conclusion of the agreement was “what happened around the so-called Arab Spring and then the rise of vicious groups like ISIS, let alone Al Qaeda.”

Mr. Ghobash was referring to the 2011 popular Arab revolts that toppled the autocratic leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen as well as the rise of the Islamic State in the aftermath of the uprisings, which was a product of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq rather than the rebellions.

He projected the agreement as part of the UAE’s institutionalization of its values.

“There is a distortion that has taken place over the last few decades…represented by groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS … There is a recurring theme in conversations with my leaders and that is that Islam has been hijacked by these groups. The reality is that in taking Islam back, you need to free it from those constraints. You free it by presenting a different expression of Islam,” Mr. Ghobash said.

Critics suggest that the agreement’s formalization of Israeli support for the UAE’s propagation of a state-controlled Islam fails to tackle a core issue: the need to address religious concepts that are either outdated or outmoded or require reconceptualization and reinterpretation.

Those concepts legitimized decades of Muslim demonization of Israel as well as Jews, Christians, and other non-Muslims.

The UAE took a first major step to address the issue by distributing to schools barely two weeks after the announcement of the establishment of diplomatic relations textbooks that cite the agreement with Israel as an expression of fundamental Islamic and Emirati values.

However, the ultimate litmus test of the UAE’s effort to shape moderate Islam will be if and when it loosens the state’s grip on religion and allows for free-flowing, credible theological debate in which scholars tackle problematic religious concepts that have served their purpose but are out of place in a modern, forward-looking society.

(Dr James M Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He is also a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute and co-director of the University of Wuerzburg’s Institute of Fan Culture.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

A close read of the agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel suggests that the Jewish state has won far more than diplomatic recognition. It won acknowledgement of its claim to historic Jewish rights.

A close read of the agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel suggests that the Jewish state has won far more than diplomatic recognition. It won acknowledgement of its claim to historic Jewish rights. By the same token, the UAE has received a significant boost to project itself as a leader in inter-faith dialogue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed walked away from this month’s White House signing ceremony with more than just an agreement to establish diplomatic relations. Included in the agreement are references that are key to foundational Israeli arguments asserting the right of the Jewish people to a state on what was once predominantly Arab land rather than simple recognition of the fact that the Jewish state exists. Recognition of Jewish rights has long been a demand put forward by Mr. Netanyahu. In talks with the Palestinians as well as the building of relations with Arab states over the years, the Israeli leader asserted that mere diplomatic acceptance of Israel’s existence was not good enough. And yet, that was the basis of earlier peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan as well as Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Yasser Arafat’s 1988 recognition of Israel and the subsequent 1993 Oslo accords. From the outset, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been as much a dispute about control of land as one of perceived rights. Recognition of Jewish rights in Palestine bolsters Israeli assertions that its claims to territory occupied during the 1967 Middle East are legitimate rather than a land grab resulting from military conquest. Also Read | Controversial Israeli soccer club may be litmus test for UAE soft power ploy To be clear, it does not by definition endorse annexation, but it constitutes Arab acceptance of Israel’s position that any compromise between Israelis and Palestinians, a sine qua non for a resolution of their dispute, would involve mediation of claims that are historically and morally on par. Arabs in the past have projected solutions as the need to address Palestinian rights while accepting Israel’s existence. The agreement did not explicitly recognize Jewish rights, but enabled Israel to interpret the deal as doing so by stating that “Arab and Jewish peoples are descendants of a common ancestor, Abraham.” The text of the agreement suggests that the reference was primarily related to allow the UAE to boost its efforts to project itself as a leader of inter-faith dialogue and a moderate interpretation of Islam – a pillar of the country’s well-funded soft power campaign that paints the Emirates as a militarily capable, forward-looking, religiously tolerant and technologically savvy, cutting edge state. The interpretation of the phrasing as recognition of Jewish rights may have been an unintended consequence or icing on Israel’s cake. It was a bonus that David Makovsky of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy -- widely viewed as leaning towards Israel -- was quick to point out. Mr. Makovsky noted that the reference implied that “both (Arabs and Jews are) indigenous to the Middle East.” Also Read | Credit where it is due: Trump deserves praise for West Asia peace deal Mr. Makovsky suggested that the phrasing “is important because it clearly refutes longstanding allegations in the Arab world that Zionism is alien to the region.” It puts past to Arab and Palestinian arguments that the long-touted two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was one of dividing up land claimed by two parties driven by facts on the ground rather than consideration of legal and moral claims. This is not just of esoteric significance. It bolsters Israel’s long-standing rejection of Palestinian insistence on the right of refugees, including those who left during the 1948 war, to return to their homes and lands in what is now Israel. Israel’s reading of the agreement as endorsement of its assertion that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is about equally valid rights is likely to be interpreted differently on both sides of Israel’s right-left divide. The country’s weakened left will see it as highlighting the need for territorial compromise. Significant segments of the Israeli right will view it as validation of its belief dating back to the period prior to the 1948 creation of Israel that the clash of Jewish and Palestinian rights is irreconcilable. That is a view that has historically also resonated among elements of the labor movement. That may be what makes the UAE-Israel deal truly historic. The icing on the UAE’s cake, beyond the significant geopolitical, military, security, technological and economic benefits of the agreement, is the stress on inter-faith dialogue. Under the agreement, the UAE and Israel “undertake to foster mutual understanding, respect, co-existence, and a culture of peace between their societies in the spirit of their common ancestor, Abraham, and the new era of peace and friendly relations ushered in by this Treaty, including by cultivating people-to-people programs, (and) interfaith dialogue…” The UAE, like Saudi Arabia, one of its multiple autocratic religious soft power rivals, has gone in recent years to great lengths to cultivate ties to Jewish and Evangelist communities and to position itself as a sponsor of an inter-faith dialogue in which Islam is represented by Muslim scholars who preach absolute obedience to the ruler and reject endorsement of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Its an interpretation of the faith intended to ensure regime survival and counter-allegations of violations of human rights in the UAE. The signing of a Document on Human Fraternity by the imam of the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque in Cairo, Ahmed El-Tayeb, and Pope Francis I during his 2019 visit to the UAE, the first by a head of the Vatican to the Gulf, served to offer an alternative to the Universal Declaration that allows the Emirates to pick and choose which rights it accepts. The emphasis on inter-faith dialogue is bolstered and conditioned by the agreement’s implicit condemnation of political Islam, a key driver of UAE policy that is shared by Israel. The agreement rejects “political manipulation of religions and…interpretations made by religious groups who, in the course of history, have taken advantage of the power of religious sentiment…in a way that has nothing to do with the truth of religion.” Omar Ghobash, UAE Assistant Minister for Culture and Public Diplomacy, speaking in a US-UAE Council webinar, noted that one driver for the conclusion of the agreement was “what happened around the so-called Arab Spring and then the rise of vicious groups like ISIS, let alone Al Qaeda.” Mr. Ghobash was referring to the 2011 popular Arab revolts that toppled the autocratic leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen as well as the rise of the Islamic State in the aftermath of the uprisings, which was a product of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq rather than the rebellions. He projected the agreement as part of the UAE’s institutionalization of its values. “There is a distortion that has taken place over the last few decades…represented by groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS … There is a recurring theme in conversations with my leaders and that is that Islam has been hijacked by these groups. The reality is that in taking Islam back, you need to free it from those constraints. You free it by presenting a different expression of Islam,” Mr. Ghobash said. Critics suggest that the agreement’s formalization of Israeli support for the UAE’s propagation of a state-controlled Islam fails to tackle a core issue: the need to address religious concepts that are either outdated or outmoded or require reconceptualization and reinterpretation. Those concepts legitimized decades of Muslim demonization of Israel as well as Jews, Christians, and other non-Muslims. The UAE took a first major step to address the issue by distributing to schools barely two weeks after the announcement of the establishment of diplomatic relations textbooks that cite the agreement with Israel as an expression of fundamental Islamic and Emirati values. However, the ultimate litmus test of the UAE’s effort to shape moderate Islam will be if and when it loosens the state’s grip on religion and allows for free-flowing, credible theological debate in which scholars tackle problematic religious concepts that have served their purpose but are out of place in a modern, forward-looking society. (Dr James M Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He is also a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Middle East Institute and co-director of the University of Wuerzburg’s Institute of Fan Culture.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The UAE-Israel deal’s historicity is in the fine print

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate.

The new rules will close the vast majority of workplaces, shutter markets and further limit prayers and demonstrations.&nbsp;

"Over the past two days, we've heard from experts that if we don't take immediate and harsh measures, we'll reach an abyss," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday, at the start of a cabinet meeting to thrash out the new measures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-becomes-first-country-in-world-to-impose-second-national-lockdown-327306">Also read:&nbsp;Israel becomes first country in world to impose second national lockdown</a>&nbsp;

The government's latest move comes as the country is poised to enter the second week of a three-week lockdown imposed last Friday, which included the closure of schools and restrictions on work and leisure.

Under the new measures set to be approved in parliament later Thursday, synagogues will only be allowed to open on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday which begins Sunday afternoon.

At other times, only outdoor prayer will be allowed with a maximum of 20 people attending. The same restrictions have been applied to demonstrations.

"To save the lives of Israel's citizens we need to impose a full lockdown now for two weeks," Netanyahu said.

"This is also necessary for the economy. Whoever thinks we can work with a raging pandemic, with death and infections rising, without it affecting the economy, is wrong."

A decision on whether to close Ben Gurion international airport outside Tel Aviv will be made later on Thursday, the government said.

Israel has the world's highest coronavirus infection rate as a proportion of its population, according to an AFP tally of the past fortnight.

More than 200,000 coronavirus cases have been recorded, with 1,335 deaths, out of a population of nine million.

Netanyahu has faced fierce criticism from opposition politicians, who accuse him of tightening the rules to put an end to weeks of protest outside his Jerusalem residence.

Ayelet Shaked, a lawmaker with the far-right Yamina party, said the new rules are "destructive and unreasonable".

"Because of the demonstrations, they're pushing hundreds of thousands of people to unemployment and crushing the economy," she said in a statement.

Shaked said she will push to change the measures when they come before a parliamentary committee for approval later on Thursday.&nbsp;

Israel's health ministry registered 6,808 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, out of 54,364 tests processed.

Some hospitals have reached capacity and are having to turn people away, with some patients forced to wait for hours in ambulances, according to the emergency medical service Magen David Adom.

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate.

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate. The new rules will close the vast majority of workplaces, shutter markets and further limit prayers and demonstrations. "Over the past two days, we've heard from experts that if we don't take immediate and harsh measures, we'll reach an abyss," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday, at the start of a cabinet meeting to thrash out the new measures. Also read: Israel becomes first country in world to impose second national lockdown The government's latest move comes as the country is poised to enter the second week of a three-week lockdown imposed last Friday, which included the closure of schools and restrictions on work and leisure. Under the new measures set to be approved in parliament later Thursday, synagogues will only be allowed to open on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday which begins Sunday afternoon. At other times, only outdoor prayer will be allowed with a maximum of 20 people attending. The same restrictions have been applied to demonstrations. "To save the lives of Israel's citizens we need to impose a full lockdown now for two weeks," Netanyahu said. "This is also necessary for the economy. Whoever thinks we can work with a raging pandemic, with death and infections rising, without it affecting the economy, is wrong." A decision on whether to close Ben Gurion international airport outside Tel Aviv will be made later on Thursday, the government said. Israel has the world's highest coronavirus infection rate as a proportion of its population, according to an AFP tally of the past fortnight. More than 200,000 coronavirus cases have been recorded, with 1,335 deaths, out of a population of nine million. Netanyahu has faced fierce criticism from opposition politicians, who accuse him of tightening the rules to put an end to weeks of protest outside his Jerusalem residence. Ayelet Shaked, a lawmaker with the far-right Yamina party, said the new rules are "destructive and unreasonable". "Because of the demonstrations, they're pushing hundreds of thousands of people to unemployment and crushing the economy," she said in a statement. Shaked said she will push to change the measures when they come before a parliamentary committee for approval later on Thursday. Israel's health ministry registered 6,808 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, out of 54,364 tests processed. Some hospitals have reached capacity and are having to turn people away, with some patients forced to wait for hours in ambulances, according to the emergency medical service Magen David Adom.

Israel toughens second lockdown as virus cases surge

India on Thursday welcomed the signing of agreements by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish formal ties with Israel, and said it has always supported peace and stability in West Asia.

The UAE and Bahrain became the first Arab countries to normalise ties with Israel without a resolution of its decades-old dispute with the Palestinians who are demanding a separate state.

"We have followed the Abraham accords signed in Washington DC by UAE, Bahrain, Israel and the US. As I have said earlier, India has always supported peace and stability in West Asia which is our extended neighbourhood," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

The pacts were inked on Tuesday in Washington in the presence of US President Donald Trump.

"As such we welcome these agreements for normalization of relations between Israel and UAE and Bahrain," he added.

At a media briefing, Srivastava also said India continues its "traditional support" for the Palestinian cause, and hopes for early resumption of direct negotiations for an acceptable "two-state solution".&nbsp;

India on Thursday welcomed the signing of agreements by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish formal ties with Israel, and said it has always supported peace and stability in West Asia.

India on Thursday welcomed the signing of agreements by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to establish formal ties with Israel, and said it has always supported peace and stability in West Asia. The UAE and Bahrain became the first Arab countries to normalise ties with Israel without a resolution of its decades-old dispute with the Palestinians who are demanding a separate state. "We have followed the Abraham accords signed in Washington DC by UAE, Bahrain, Israel and the US. As I have said earlier, India has always supported peace and stability in West Asia which is our extended neighbourhood," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. The pacts were inked on Tuesday in Washington in the presence of US President Donald Trump. "As such we welcome these agreements for normalization of relations between Israel and UAE and Bahrain," he added. At a media briefing, Srivastava also said India continues its "traditional support" for the Palestinian cause, and hopes for early resumption of direct negotiations for an acceptable "two-state solution".

India welcomes pacts by UAE, Bahrain to normalise ties with Israel

The West Asia peace accord was signed in Washington DC on Tuesday. Effective now, Israel’s ties with two Arab nations - UAE and Bahrain will be normalised.

However, the timing of this historic peace deal seems almost deliberate.&nbsp;In the US, President Donald Trump is trailing in the polls less than two months before the presidential election. And in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing protests over corruption charges and his handling of the pandemic. Both Trump and Netanyahu have a lot to gain from the peace accords.

Donald Trump

Trump wants to leave behind a legacy. Remember, he wanted his face carved into Mount Rushmore. He gets to be the third US president to broker a deal between Israel and the Arab world. Jimmy Carter brokered the Camp David accord between then-Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat and former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

Bill Clinton brokered a deal between then-Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Jordan's King Hussein. Trump can now call himself the architect of a new political order between Arabs and Jews. Trump's presidency has placed a lot of importance on trying to strike peace deals and brokering them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-the-us-brokered-abraham-accord-a-regional-front-against-iran-328000" hreflang="en">Is the US-brokered Abraham Accord a regional front against Iran?</a>

The one with North Korea fell apart. But this one, gives trump a much-needed boost in the election season. Trump recently claimed that 5 to 6 other Arab nations will join the circle of peace. So it is in the interest of West Asia that Trump remains in power. Due to this, the region is likely to tilt towards Trump over Biden. Netanyahu flew back to Israel without meeting Biden.“We are encouraged by the ongoing efforts to consolidate and expand such friendly relations based on shared interests and a shared commitment to a better future”, the last line of the Abraham Accord read.

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What the US gains from this peace alliance is a united West Asia against Iran, a country that Trump has been calling the biggest exporter of terror.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Netanyahu fought 3 elections in one year, and failed to win all with a decisive mandate. He is currently running a precariously formed government.

Netanyahu is at a critical juncture in his political career, and has a difficult alliance with his election rival. He was recently indicted on corruption charges. Netanyahu is also facing protests for his handling of the pandemic. Even as he was flying to Washington to sign the Abraham Accords, protestors had gathered at the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/two-rockets-fired-from-gaza-as-israel-uae-bahrain-sign-trump-brokered-accords-327792" hreflang="en">Two rockets fired from Gaza as Israel, UAE, Bahrain sign Trump-brokered accords</a>

With this deal, he's only the third Israeli leader to sign a peace deal with the Arab world.&nbsp;Netanyahu gets to keep the promise to annex the West Bank. At the same time he gets to have cordial relations with the Arab world. Within hours of the agreements being signed in the White House,&nbsp; a prominent Saudi cleric softened his stand on Israel, calling for Muslims to avoid “passionate emotions and fiery enthusiasm” towards Jews.

The peace agreements allow Netanyahu to improve Israel's economy at a time when his country is dealing&nbsp; with 18 per cent unemployment. Israel's tourism sector will get a boost, as will energy, healthcare, culture, technology and environment.

Israelis will now be able to board direct flights to the UAE and Bahrain. Until recently, Israel was recognised by only Jordan and Egypt in the Arab world.

The West Asia peace accord was signed in Washington DC on Tuesday. Effective now, Israel’s ties with two Arab nations - UAE and Bahrain will be normalised. However, the timing of this historic peace deal seems almost deliberate.

The West Asia peace accord was signed in Washington DC on Tuesday. Effective now, Israel’s ties with two Arab nations - UAE and Bahrain will be normalised. However, the timing of this historic peace deal seems almost deliberate. In the US, President Donald Trump is trailing in the polls less than two months before the presidential election. And in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing protests over corruption charges and his handling of the pandemic. Both Trump and Netanyahu have a lot to gain from the peace accords. Donald Trump Trump wants to leave behind a legacy. Remember, he wanted his face carved into Mount Rushmore. He gets to be the third US president to broker a deal between Israel and the Arab world. Jimmy Carter brokered the Camp David accord between then-Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat and former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Bill Clinton brokered a deal between then-Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Jordan's King Hussein. Trump can now call himself the architect of a new political order between Arabs and Jews. Trump's presidency has placed a lot of importance on trying to strike peace deals and brokering them. Also read: Is the US-brokered Abraham Accord a regional front against Iran? The one with North Korea fell apart. But this one, gives trump a much-needed boost in the election season. Trump recently claimed that 5 to 6 other Arab nations will join the circle of peace. So it is in the interest of West Asia that Trump remains in power. Due to this, the region is likely to tilt towards Trump over Biden. Netanyahu flew back to Israel without meeting Biden.“We are encouraged by the ongoing efforts to consolidate and expand such friendly relations based on shared interests and a shared commitment to a better future”, the last line of the Abraham Accord read. × What the US gains from this peace alliance is a united West Asia against Iran, a country that Trump has been calling the biggest exporter of terror. Benjamin Netanyahu Netanyahu fought 3 elections in one year, and failed to win all with a decisive mandate. He is currently running a precariously formed government. Netanyahu is at a critical juncture in his political career, and has a difficult alliance with his election rival. He was recently indicted on corruption charges. Netanyahu is also facing protests for his handling of the pandemic. Even as he was flying to Washington to sign the Abraham Accords, protestors had gathered at the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. Also read: Two rockets fired from Gaza as Israel, UAE, Bahrain sign Trump-brokered accords With this deal, he's only the third Israeli leader to sign a peace deal with the Arab world. Netanyahu gets to keep the promise to annex the West Bank. At the same time he gets to have cordial relations with the Arab world. Within hours of the agreements being signed in the White House, a prominent Saudi cleric softened his stand on Israel, calling for Muslims to avoid “passionate emotions and fiery enthusiasm” towards Jews. The peace agreements allow Netanyahu to improve Israel's economy at a time when his country is dealing with 18 per cent unemployment. Israel's tourism sector will get a boost, as will energy, healthcare, culture, technology and environment. Israelis will now be able to board direct flights to the UAE and Bahrain. Until recently, Israel was recognised by only Jordan and Egypt in the Arab world.

How the West Asia peace deal will multiply local gains for Trump and Netanyahu

Is the Abraham Peace Accord a saviour for two stalling political careers? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gain from the West Asia peace agreements.

Gravitas: How Trump gains from the West Asia peace deals

Palestinian militants fired rockets from Gaza into Israel on Tuesday, the Israeli military said, at same time as Israel and two Gulf Arab states signed normalisation agreements at the White House in Washington.

Palestinians fire rockets into Israel during signing of normalisation agreements

US President Donald Trump, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, the foreign minister of Bahrain, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed the Abraham Accord

A strategic realignment of West Asian countries | Historic Abraham accord signed

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain on September 15 became the latest Arab states to break a long-standing taboo when they signed the agreements towards normalising relations with Israel in a strategic realignment of Middle Eastern countries against Iran. US President Donald Trump hosted a White House ceremony. Watch report.

Israel-UAE Deal: Trump hosts the leaders of West Asia

The President pointed out that these were the only two peace deals between Israel and the Arab States in more than a quarter of a century.

US President Donald Trump promises to protect Palestine

After almost 25 years, the 45th president of the united states has recreated history at the south lawn of the white house. UAE & Bahrain sign a historic peace deal with Israel.

Israel, UAE and Bahrain sign Abraham accord

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli delegation landed in the United States on September 15, ahead of a ceremony to sign agreements normalizing ties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Fineprint: Netanyahu lands in Washington DC for UAE, Bahrain Deals

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a second national coronavirus lockdown in the country during a TV news conference .

The Three-week lockdown will make Israel the first country to reimpose such stringent restrictions on a national scale. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-protests-break-out-in-israel-against-nethanyahus-poor-handling-of-coronavirus-327123">Also read | Fresh protests break out in Israel against Nethanyahu's poor handling of coronavirus</a> 
 
"I know these steps are a heavy price for us all.These are not the holidays we are used to. We certainly won't be able to celebrate with our extended families," Netanyahu said.

"If we keep the rules, and I am confident in this, we will defeat the virus. I see the vaccine on the way, and I see the fast testing that is on the way," he added.

Israel currently has one of the worst coronavirus infection rates in the world per capita. 
 
Meanwhile, Yaakov Litzman, a minister in Israel government has resigned to protest against the restrictions that overlap with important Jewish festivals.

Despite early successes in stemming the virus spread, protests have broken out as cases have risen against Netanyahu and the government's handling of the pandemic.

Hundreds of demonstrators rallied again on Sunday to call for Netanyahu's resignation over his alleged graft offences and failure to manage the Covid-19 crisis.

They blocked roads to Ben Gurion airport, from where Netanyahu was due to fly to the United States to attend the signing of agreements to normalise ties with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Israelis angry with the government over the rise in cases have cited the rapid reopening of businesses, with some arguing insufficient financial measures forced people back to work prematurely.

Others have said the reopening of schools and the country's increased testing capacity pushed up the number of positive cases.

Israel, with a population of nine million, has recorded 155,604 Covid-19 cases, including 1,119 deaths.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a second national coronavirus lockdown in the country during a TV news conference . The Three-week lockdown will make Israel the first country to reimpose such stringent restrictions on a national scale.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a second national coronavirus lockdown in the country during a TV news conference . The Three-week lockdown will make Israel the first country to reimpose such stringent restrictions on a national scale. Also read | Fresh protests break out in Israel against Nethanyahu's poor handling of coronavirus "I know these steps are a heavy price for us all.These are not the holidays we are used to. We certainly won't be able to celebrate with our extended families," Netanyahu said. "If we keep the rules, and I am confident in this, we will defeat the virus. I see the vaccine on the way, and I see the fast testing that is on the way," he added. Israel currently has one of the worst coronavirus infection rates in the world per capita. Meanwhile, Yaakov Litzman, a minister in Israel government has resigned to protest against the restrictions that overlap with important Jewish festivals. Despite early successes in stemming the virus spread, protests have broken out as cases have risen against Netanyahu and the government's handling of the pandemic. Hundreds of demonstrators rallied again on Sunday to call for Netanyahu's resignation over his alleged graft offences and failure to manage the Covid-19 crisis. They blocked roads to Ben Gurion airport, from where Netanyahu was due to fly to the United States to attend the signing of agreements to normalise ties with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Israelis angry with the government over the rise in cases have cited the rapid reopening of businesses, with some arguing insufficient financial measures forced people back to work prematurely. Others have said the reopening of schools and the country's increased testing capacity pushed up the number of positive cases. Israel, with a population of nine million, has recorded 155,604 Covid-19 cases, including 1,119 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel becomes first country in world to impose second national lockdown 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a deal establishing relations between Israel and Bahrain will result in direct flights between the countries. Watch report.

Dramatic shift in West Asia alliances: Israel and Bahrain to share direct flights

Thousands of Israelis protested against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem over his alleged corruption and the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protests in Israel over COVID crisis: Unemployment spikes to over 20%

Thousands of&nbsp;Israelis took to streets outside the resident of&nbsp;the Prime Minister&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu, asking him to resign.&nbsp;

The locals are campaigning against the Prime Minister after corruption charges surrounded&nbsp;Netanyahu, and for his 'poor' handling of the novel coronavirus.

The country, which once reopened its economy completely, is now heading towards a lockdown during the upcoming Jewish New Year, as the number of coronavirus-related cases are on a record high.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/arab-artists-boycotting-uae-backed-awards-and-events-after-israel-deal-324873">Also read:&nbsp;Arab artists boycotting UAE-backed awards and events after Israel deal</a>

The protestors marched outside Nethanyahu's residence, a site which has seen several protests in the last few years, and chanted slogans that closely translated to a request for his resignation.

These protests came a day after Israel announced an agreement to establish diplomatic relations with Bahrain, the second Arab country to normalize ties with Israel in under a month and just the fourth overall. However, this announcement has had little to no impact on the Nethanyahu-critics who want him to resign and pay his price for the corruption cases associated with him.

People have accused him of poorly handling the pandemic crisis and poorer treatment of the medical services. Israel was, at one point, applauded for its quick action against the novel coronavirus. However, in order to save the economy from a downfall, Netanyahu re-opened the shops, malls, schools and offices, which led to a surge in cases and fresh lockdowns.

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While this is a new controversy, he has been facing the wrath of protestors for more than a year now as&nbsp;Netanyahu has been charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes for his role in a series of scandals involving gifts and alleged favors exchanged with wealthy associates. All of these allegations have been decline by the Prime Minister, who has also faced impeachment threats.

Thousands of Israelis took to streets outside the resident of the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asking him to resign. The locals are campaigning against the Prime Minister after corruption charges surrounded Netanyahu, and for his 'poor' handling of the novel coronavirus.

Thousands of Israelis took to streets outside the resident of the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asking him to resign. The locals are campaigning against the Prime Minister after corruption charges surrounded Netanyahu, and for his 'poor' handling of the novel coronavirus. The country, which once reopened its economy completely, is now heading towards a lockdown during the upcoming Jewish New Year, as the number of coronavirus-related cases are on a record high. Also read: Arab artists boycotting UAE-backed awards and events after Israel deal The protestors marched outside Nethanyahu's residence, a site which has seen several protests in the last few years, and chanted slogans that closely translated to a request for his resignation. These protests came a day after Israel announced an agreement to establish diplomatic relations with Bahrain, the second Arab country to normalize ties with Israel in under a month and just the fourth overall. However, this announcement has had little to no impact on the Nethanyahu-critics who want him to resign and pay his price for the corruption cases associated with him. People have accused him of poorly handling the pandemic crisis and poorer treatment of the medical services. Israel was, at one point, applauded for its quick action against the novel coronavirus. However, in order to save the economy from a downfall, Netanyahu re-opened the shops, malls, schools and offices, which led to a surge in cases and fresh lockdowns. × While this is a new controversy, he has been facing the wrath of protestors for more than a year now as Netanyahu has been charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes for his role in a series of scandals involving gifts and alleged favors exchanged with wealthy associates. All of these allegations have been decline by the Prime Minister, who has also faced impeachment threats.

Fresh protests break out in Israel against Nethanyahu's poor handling of coronavirus

The Israeli military struck what it said were posts belonging to Lebanon`s Shi`ite Hezbollah movement early on Wednesday after shots were fired from the other side of the border towards its troops.

After a meeting, Lebanon`s Supreme Defence Council denounced the incident which it called "an Israeli assault" and said a complaint would be filed to the United Nations. The Lebanese army said on its Twitter account that Israeli helicopters had fired missiles at centres of a local environmental group.

Tension has been running high on the border. Last month, Israel said Iran-backed Hezbollah had carried out an infiltration attempt, which the group denied.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-vows-forceful-response-if-more-attacks-from-lebanon-323172">Also read:&nbsp;Netanyahu vows 'forceful' response if more attacks from Lebanon</a>

The Israeli military said no troops were wounded in the firing on Wednesday. Soldiers deployed illumination flares, smoke shells and live fire after the shots from the Lebanese side of the frontier, it said.

"In response, overnight, IDF attack helicopters and aircraft struck observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization in the border area," the military said in a statement, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah. The two sides last fought a deadly month-long war in 2006. Witnesses in south Lebanon said Israel had fired scores of flare munitions at border villages.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-addresses-rnc-for-trump-from-jerusalem-sparks-criticism-323199">Also read:&nbsp;Pompeo addresses RNC for Trump from Jerusalem, sparks criticism</a>

The statement from Lebanon`s defence council, which includes the president and top security officials, made no mention of any shots fired from the south towards Israel.

It said Lebanon`s army commander had briefed the council on "the denounced Israeli assault which took place last night at the southern border."

The Israeli military said it lifted a curfew it had imposed overnight.

"Israel views with great gravity Hezbollah`s firing at our forces," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Wednesday morning. "We will respond mightily to any attack on us."

The Israeli military struck what it said were posts belonging to Lebanon`s Shi`ite Hezbollah movement early on Wednesday after shots were fired from the other side of the border towards its troops.

The Israeli military struck what it said were posts belonging to Lebanon`s Shi`ite Hezbollah movement early on Wednesday after shots were fired from the other side of the border towards its troops. After a meeting, Lebanon`s Supreme Defence Council denounced the incident which it called "an Israeli assault" and said a complaint would be filed to the United Nations. The Lebanese army said on its Twitter account that Israeli helicopters had fired missiles at centres of a local environmental group. Tension has been running high on the border. Last month, Israel said Iran-backed Hezbollah had carried out an infiltration attempt, which the group denied. Also read: Netanyahu vows 'forceful' response if more attacks from Lebanon The Israeli military said no troops were wounded in the firing on Wednesday. Soldiers deployed illumination flares, smoke shells and live fire after the shots from the Lebanese side of the frontier, it said. "In response, overnight, IDF attack helicopters and aircraft struck observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization in the border area," the military said in a statement, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah. The two sides last fought a deadly month-long war in 2006. Witnesses in south Lebanon said Israel had fired scores of flare munitions at border villages. Also read: Pompeo addresses RNC for Trump from Jerusalem, sparks criticism The statement from Lebanon`s defence council, which includes the president and top security officials, made no mention of any shots fired from the south towards Israel. It said Lebanon`s army commander had briefed the council on "the denounced Israeli assault which took place last night at the southern border." The Israeli military said it lifted a curfew it had imposed overnight. "Israel views with great gravity Hezbollah`s firing at our forces," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Wednesday morning. "We will respond mightily to any attack on us."

Israel strikes Hezbollah posts in Lebanon after firing at troops, military says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel views with "great gravity" the latest flare-up on the Lebanese border and pledged a tough response in the event of further incidents.

"We shall react forcefully to any attack against us," Netanyahu said in a statement. "I advise Hezbollah not to test Israel's strength. Hezbollah is once again endangering Lebanon due to its aggression."

Earlier, Israeli aircraft struck posts belonging to the Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah&nbsp;after shots were fired from&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;towards its troops, Israel's military said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rival-israels-aid-offer-to-lebanon-in-wake-of-explosion-unlikely-to-find-a-taker-319059">Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker</a>

The border flare-up came hours after Lebanon rejected an Israeli call to reform the UN peacekeeping force which patrols the border ahead of a UN Security Council vote to renew its mandate.

No Israeli troops were wounded in the firing, the military said. Soldiers deployed illumination flares, smoke shells and live fire after the shots from the Lebanese side of the frontier, it said.

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"In response, overnight, IDF attack helicopters and aircraft struck observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization in the border area," the military said in a statement, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.

Tension has been running high on the border. Last month, Israel said Hezbollah carried out an infiltration attempt, which the Iran-backed group denied.

The Israeli military said it lifted a curfew it had imposed overnight.&nbsp;Israel and Hezbollah fought a devastating month-long war in 2006 as well.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel views with "great gravity" the latest flare-up on the Lebanese border and pledged a tough response in the event of further incidents.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel views with "great gravity" the latest flare-up on the Lebanese border and pledged a tough response in the event of further incidents. "We shall react forcefully to any attack against us," Netanyahu said in a statement. "I advise Hezbollah not to test Israel's strength. Hezbollah is once again endangering Lebanon due to its aggression." Earlier, Israeli aircraft struck posts belonging to the Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah after shots were fired from Lebanon towards its troops, Israel's military said. Also read: Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker The border flare-up came hours after Lebanon rejected an Israeli call to reform the UN peacekeeping force which patrols the border ahead of a UN Security Council vote to renew its mandate. No Israeli troops were wounded in the firing, the military said. Soldiers deployed illumination flares, smoke shells and live fire after the shots from the Lebanese side of the frontier, it said. "In response, overnight, IDF attack helicopters and aircraft struck observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization in the border area," the military said in a statement, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah. Tension has been running high on the border. Last month, Israel said Hezbollah carried out an infiltration attempt, which the Iran-backed group denied. The Israeli military said it lifted a curfew it had imposed overnight. Israel and Hezbollah fought a devastating month-long war in 2006 as well.

Netanyahu vows 'forceful' response if more attacks from Lebanon

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to land in Sudan from Israel on Tuesday, on what he said was the first official non-stop flight between the two countries.

"Happy to announce that we are on the FIRST official NONSTOP flight from Israel to Sudan!" Pompeo said on Twitter.

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Happy to announce that we are on the FIRST official NONSTOP flight from Israel to Sudan! <a href="https://t.co/eOXNsBAozC">pic.twitter.com/eOXNsBAozC</a>
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Israel and Sudan do not have diplomatic relations and, barring a last-minute route change, it would be the first such non-stop flight, US officials said.

Israel has regular commercial flights to Egypt, Sudan's northern neighbour, with which it signed a peace agreement in 1979.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-world-reacted-to-the-israel-uae-peace-agreement-320602">How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement</a>

Pompeo's trip, also taking in Bahrain and the UAE, comes in the wake of the August 13 announcement of a US-brokered normalisation of relations between the Emirates and the Jewish state.

Speaking in Jerusalem on Monday, both Pompeo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they were hopeful that other Arab states would follow suit.

The deal with the UAE is not strictly-speaking a peace deal as the two states have never been at war.

Israel is also technically at war with Sudan, which for years had supported hardline Islamist forces but which is turning its back on the era of strongman Omar al-Bashir who was ousted last year.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to land in Sudan from Israel on Tuesday, on what he said was the first official non-stop flight between the two countries.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to land in Sudan from Israel on Tuesday, on what he said was the first official non-stop flight between the two countries. "Happy to announce that we are on the FIRST official NONSTOP flight from Israel to Sudan!" Pompeo said on Twitter. Happy to announce that we are on the FIRST official NONSTOP flight from Israel to Sudan! pic.twitter.com/eOXNsBAozC — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) August 25, 2020 × Israel and Sudan do not have diplomatic relations and, barring a last-minute route change, it would be the first such non-stop flight, US officials said. Israel has regular commercial flights to Egypt, Sudan's northern neighbour, with which it signed a peace agreement in 1979. Also see: How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement Pompeo's trip, also taking in Bahrain and the UAE, comes in the wake of the August 13 announcement of a US-brokered normalisation of relations between the Emirates and the Jewish state. Speaking in Jerusalem on Monday, both Pompeo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they were hopeful that other Arab states would follow suit. The deal with the UAE is not strictly-speaking a peace deal as the two states have never been at war. Israel is also technically at war with Sudan, which for years had supported hardline Islamist forces but which is turning its back on the era of strongman Omar al-Bashir who was ousted last year.

Pompeo takes off on first official direct Tel Aviv-Khartoum flight

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have delivered joint remarks after their meeting in Jerusalem.

Mike Pompeo, Benjamin Netanyahu hail Israel-UAE deal

Thousands of protesters rallied in Jerusalem on Saturday demanding the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, chanting "Minister of Crime", "You're fired" and "Free Israel".

The demonstrators, some playing musical instruments, gathered in front of the premier's official residence. Local media estimated the crowd at around 10,000.

Protests demanding that Netanyahu resign over several corruption indictments and his handling of the coronavirus crisis have been mounting in recent weeks and the premier has been scathing in his counter-attack.

Earlier this month, he accused Channel 12 and another private station, Channel 13, of "delivering propaganda for the anarchist left-wing demonstrations" by giving extensive coverage of the rallies.

Israel won praise for its initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after restrictions were lifted starting in late April. Netanyahu has himself acknowledged that the economy was re-opened too quickly.

Thousands of protesters rallied in Jerusalem on Saturday demanding the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, chanting "Minister of Crime", "You're fired" and "Free Israel".

Thousands of protesters rallied in Jerusalem on Saturday demanding the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, chanting "Minister of Crime", "You're fired" and "Free Israel". The demonstrators, some playing musical instruments, gathered in front of the premier's official residence. Local media estimated the crowd at around 10,000. Protests demanding that Netanyahu resign over several corruption indictments and his handling of the coronavirus crisis have been mounting in recent weeks and the premier has been scathing in his counter-attack. Earlier this month, he accused Channel 12 and another private station, Channel 13, of "delivering propaganda for the anarchist left-wing demonstrations" by giving extensive coverage of the rallies. Israel won praise for its initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after restrictions were lifted starting in late April. Netanyahu has himself acknowledged that the economy was re-opened too quickly.

Israeli protesters stage fresh anti-Netanyahu protest

The skies above the Middle East appear poised to host one of the world's most advanced aircraft.&nbsp;The F-35 fighter jets are said to be the most dominant aircraft ever built.&nbsp;

With a speed of Mach 1.6, these jets have the capability of jamming radars and disrupting attacks.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-would-like-to-buy-f-35s-after-peace-accord-with-israel-trump-puts-fighter-jets-under-review-for-uae-321934">'They would like to buy F-35s': After peace accord with Israel, Trump puts fighter jets 'under review' for UAE</a>

The Trump administration is considering the sale of F-35 to the UAE, Washington's reward to the Kingdom for normalising relations with Israel.&nbsp;

"So, yeah, they'd (UAE) like to buy F-35s. We'll see what happens. It's under review," US President Donald Trump said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peace-must-be-achieved-with-palestinians-then-all-things-possible-saudi-arabia-on-israel-321749">Peace must be achieved with Palestinians, then all things possible: Saudi Arabia on Israel</a>

The deal is "under review" for now but has triggered a diplomatic row already.&nbsp;Israeli media first reported the&nbsp;story and the developments so far indicate&nbsp;that Israel is not happy.&nbsp;

They has&nbsp;called it a "secret clause" which was part of the diplomatic agreement between Israel and the Emirates."&nbsp;

However, the Israeli government has rubbished the report as "fake news".&nbsp;So far, the F-35s have only been offered to US's NATO allies and three other close partners, Japan, Israel and South Korea.&nbsp;

Therefore, for Israel, this stealth fighter has been a potent tool for maintaining military supremacy in West Asia.&nbsp;

The country has always been against providing such military capability to its neighbours since&nbsp;for Israel today's Arab friend could become&nbsp;tomorrow's enemy.&nbsp;

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Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz has expressed his government's disappointment in clear words.&nbsp;

"I'm telling you that we must not take any security risks. At the same time I repeatedly tell you that we should promote this agreement. I will speak to the Emirates' defence minister, just as (Israeli Foreign Minister) Gabi (Ashkenazi) spoke to the Emirates' foreign minister. We will support this governmental effort and will verify, and verify well, that our security interests are maintained. It is possible to sign a peace agreement while showing security responsibility, (or even) not just "possible" - we must sign a peace agreement while showing security responsibility," Gantz said.&nbsp;

It's less than a week since the historic peace deal between Israel and UAE was signed and it seems that the agreement has already hit its first roadblock.&nbsp;

Now, Washington has to decide whether it is willing to undercut Israel's military edge it once vowed to uphold.&nbsp;

The skies above the Middle East appear poised to host one of the world's most advanced aircraft. The F-35 fighter jets are said to be the most dominant aircraft ever built.

The skies above the Middle East appear poised to host one of the world's most advanced aircraft. The F-35 fighter jets are said to be the most dominant aircraft ever built. With a speed of Mach 1.6, these jets have the capability of jamming radars and disrupting attacks. Also read | 'They would like to buy F-35s': After peace accord with Israel, Trump puts fighter jets 'under review' for UAE The Trump administration is considering the sale of F-35 to the UAE, Washington's reward to the Kingdom for normalising relations with Israel. "So, yeah, they'd (UAE) like to buy F-35s. We'll see what happens. It's under review," US President Donald Trump said. Also read | Peace must be achieved with Palestinians, then all things possible: Saudi Arabia on Israel The deal is "under review" for now but has triggered a diplomatic row already. Israeli media first reported the story and the developments so far indicate that Israel is not happy. They has called it a "secret clause" which was part of the diplomatic agreement between Israel and the Emirates." However, the Israeli government has rubbished the report as "fake news". So far, the F-35s have only been offered to US's NATO allies and three other close partners, Japan, Israel and South Korea. Therefore, for Israel, this stealth fighter has been a potent tool for maintaining military supremacy in West Asia. The country has always been against providing such military capability to its neighbours since for Israel today's Arab friend could become tomorrow's enemy. × Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz has expressed his government's disappointment in clear words. "I'm telling you that we must not take any security risks. At the same time I repeatedly tell you that we should promote this agreement. I will speak to the Emirates' defence minister, just as (Israeli Foreign Minister) Gabi (Ashkenazi) spoke to the Emirates' foreign minister. We will support this governmental effort and will verify, and verify well, that our security interests are maintained. It is possible to sign a peace agreement while showing security responsibility, (or even) not just "possible" - we must sign a peace agreement while showing security responsibility," Gantz said. It's less than a week since the historic peace deal between Israel and UAE was signed and it seems that the agreement has already hit its first roadblock. Now, Washington has to decide whether it is willing to undercut Israel's military edge it once vowed to uphold.

Why sale of F-35s to UAE threatens Israel peace agreement

Some Israeli settlers slammed Israel PM, Benjamin Netanyahu for walking back on a promise. They somehow think that Netanyahu sold his soul for UAE ties.

Israeli settlers call for Netanyahu's ouster: 'Netanyahu duped us on annexation' | World News | WION News

Israel has not softened its opposition to any US&nbsp;arms sales to the United Arab Emirates that could diminish its military superiority as part of the US-brokered normalisation of their ties, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Tuesday.

Earlier, a similar statement was given by the country's&nbsp;intelligence minister Eli Cohen, after a report was published in a national&nbsp;newspaper that the Trump administration planned a "giant" sale of advanced F-35 jets to United Arab Emirates as part of the Gulf country's move last week to normalise ties with&nbsp;Israel.

Also see:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-world-reacted-to-the-israel-uae-peace-agreement-320602">How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement</a>

The US&nbsp;Embassy in Jerusalem and representatives of the UAE government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Under understandings dating back decades, Washington has refrained from Middle East arms sales that could blunt&nbsp;Israel's "qualitative military edge" (QME). This has applied to the F-35, denied to Arab states, while&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;has bought and deployed it.

"In the talks (on the UAE normalisation deal),&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;did not change its consistent positions against the sale to any country in the Middle East of weapons and defence technologies that could tip the (military) balance," Netanyahu's office said.

The Trump administration has signalled that UAE could clinch unspecified new US&nbsp;arms sales after last Thursday's normalisation announcement.

Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen, an observer in Netanyahu's security cabinet, said the decision-making forum had held no discussion about any changes to QME policy and that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;had not agreed to any changes by the United States.

"Israel&nbsp;has not given its consent to coming along and changing the arrangement," Cohen told public radio station Kan.

Israel has not softened its opposition to any US arms sales to the United Arab Emirates that could diminish its military superiority as part of the US-brokered normalisation of their ties, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Tuesday.

Israel has not softened its opposition to any US arms sales to the United Arab Emirates that could diminish its military superiority as part of the US-brokered normalisation of their ties, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Tuesday. Earlier, a similar statement was given by the country's intelligence minister Eli Cohen, after a report was published in a national newspaper that the Trump administration planned a "giant" sale of advanced F-35 jets to United Arab Emirates as part of the Gulf country's move last week to normalise ties with Israel. Also see: How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement The US Embassy in Jerusalem and representatives of the UAE government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Under understandings dating back decades, Washington has refrained from Middle East arms sales that could blunt Israel's "qualitative military edge" (QME). This has applied to the F-35, denied to Arab states, while Israel has bought and deployed it. "In the talks (on the UAE normalisation deal), Israel did not change its consistent positions against the sale to any country in the Middle East of weapons and defence technologies that could tip the (military) balance," Netanyahu's office said. The Trump administration has signalled that UAE could clinch unspecified new US arms sales after last Thursday's normalisation announcement. Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen, an observer in Netanyahu's security cabinet, said the decision-making forum had held no discussion about any changes to QME policy and that Israel had not agreed to any changes by the United States. "Israel has not given its consent to coming along and changing the arrangement," Cohen told public radio station Kan.

Policy on US arms sales to UAE unchanged, says Israel's Netanyahu

After concluding the historic agreement with UAE last week, Israeli PM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he was working on a plan to open "an air route over Saudi Arabia, which will simply shorten flights between Israel and the UAE."

Watch:

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"I estimate that we will reach an agreement that will genuinely allow direct flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai," the Israel prime minister said, adding, "it is a major revolution."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-israel-accord-phone-lines-open-between-both-countries-to-normalise-relations-320975">Also Read:&nbsp;UAE-Israel accord: Phone lines open between both countries to normalise relations</a>

The Israeli prime minister made the statement during a visit to Ben-Gurion Airport on Monday, he asserted that the move "will greatly change Israeli aviation and the economy, with a great number of tourists on both sides and a great number of investments.”

The deal was received with mixed reactions in the Arab world as Iran dismissed it as a “huge mistake” by the UAE, calling it a "treacherous act" while President Erdogan said that his government was contemplating withdrawing its ambassador and suspending diplomatic ties with UAE over the peace deal.

Palestinians too denounced the move as Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said UAE's move as an “election favour” for both Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

However, Egypt and Jordan welcomed the move even as Oman and Bahrain praised the accord. Saudi Arabia, however, hasn't officially reacted to the move.&nbsp;

"Dubai has the largest free trade zones in the world," PM Netanyahu said, adding,"Now these goods will -- under the peace agreement –- reach the State of Israel and lower the prices of products."

 
&nbsp;

After concluding the historic agreement with UAE last week, Israeli PM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he was working on a plan to open "an air route over Saudi Arabia, which will simply shorten flights between Israel and the UAE.

After concluding the historic agreement with UAE last week, Israeli PM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he was working on a plan to open "an air route over Saudi Arabia, which will simply shorten flights between Israel and the UAE." Watch: "I estimate that we will reach an agreement that will genuinely allow direct flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai," the Israel prime minister said, adding, "it is a major revolution." Also Read: UAE-Israel accord: Phone lines open between both countries to normalise relations The Israeli prime minister made the statement during a visit to Ben-Gurion Airport on Monday, he asserted that the move "will greatly change Israeli aviation and the economy, with a great number of tourists on both sides and a great number of investments.” The deal was received with mixed reactions in the Arab world as Iran dismissed it as a “huge mistake” by the UAE, calling it a "treacherous act" while President Erdogan said that his government was contemplating withdrawing its ambassador and suspending diplomatic ties with UAE over the peace deal. Palestinians too denounced the move as Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said UAE's move as an “election favour” for both Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. However, Egypt and Jordan welcomed the move even as Oman and Bahrain praised the accord. Saudi Arabia, however, hasn't officially reacted to the move. "Dubai has the largest free trade zones in the world," PM Netanyahu said, adding,"Now these goods will -- under the peace agreement –- reach the State of Israel and lower the prices of products."

'Major revolution': After historic deal with UAE, PM Netanyahu says Israel planning 'air route over Saudi Arabia'

Israel and the United Arab Emirates will be signing a historic peace deal to normalize relations between the two nations. Watch report.

Israel -UAE peace deal: Netanyahu hails new era for Israel

Israel and the United Arab Emirates announced an agreement on Thursday that will lead to a full normalisation of diplomatic relations between the two states, a move that reshapes the order of Middle East politics from the Palestinian issue to Iran.

Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing, senior White House officials said. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-peace-agreement-between-israel-uae-320287" hreflang="en">Trump announces 'peace agreement' between Israel, UAE</a>

The peace deal was the product of lengthy discussions between Israel, the UAE and the United States that accelerated recently, White House officials said.

The agreement was sealed in a phone call on Thursday between Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi.

Here are some of the important international reactions to the peace agreement:

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the deal to normalise ties between the Jewish state and the UAE.

“Today a new era began in the relations between Israel and the Arab world,” he said at a televised press conference.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE said its deal with Israel was “a bold step” to secure a two-state solution to the long-running Israel-Palestinian conflict.

“Most countries will see this as a bold step to secure a two-state solution, allowing time for negotiations,” the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash told a press conference.

Asked when the two countries will open embassies, he said he did not want to speculate on the timeframe “but it is definitely not a long time”.

Shameful

Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated to the country's elite Revolutionary Guards, said Thursday's deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates on normalizing ties was "shameful".

Iran's clerical leaders have yet to react to the deal.

Israel and the UAE reached a deal on Thursday on seeking the full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two Middle Eastern nations, in an agreement that US.

US presidential candidate Biden

US Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden hailed the deal between on Israel and the United Arab Emirates announced on Wednesday as an historic step toward a more stable Middle East, warning he would not support Israel's annexation of Jewish settlements if he wins the White House in November.

"The UAE's offer to publicly recognize the State of Israel is a welcome, brave, and badly-needed act of statesmanship," the former Vice President said in a statement. "Annexation would be a body blow to the cause of peace, which is why I oppose it now and would oppose it as president."

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel and the United Arab Emirates announced an agreement on Thursday that will lead to a full normalisation of diplomatic relations between the two states, a move that reshapes the order of Middle East politics from the Palestinian issue to Iran.

Israel and the United Arab Emirates announced an agreement on Thursday that will lead to a full normalisation of diplomatic relations between the two states, a move that reshapes the order of Middle East politics from the Palestinian issue to Iran. Under the agreement, Israel has agreed to suspend applying sovereignty to areas of the West Bank that it has been discussing annexing, senior White House officials said. Also read: Trump announces 'peace agreement' between Israel, UAE The peace deal was the product of lengthy discussions between Israel, the UAE and the United States that accelerated recently, White House officials said. The agreement was sealed in a phone call on Thursday between Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi. Here are some of the important international reactions to the peace agreement: Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the deal to normalise ties between the Jewish state and the UAE. “Today a new era began in the relations between Israel and the Arab world,” he said at a televised press conference. United Arab Emirates The UAE said its deal with Israel was “a bold step” to secure a two-state solution to the long-running Israel-Palestinian conflict. “Most countries will see this as a bold step to secure a two-state solution, allowing time for negotiations,” the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash told a press conference. Asked when the two countries will open embassies, he said he did not want to speculate on the timeframe “but it is definitely not a long time”. Shameful Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated to the country's elite Revolutionary Guards, said Thursday's deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates on normalizing ties was "shameful". Iran's clerical leaders have yet to react to the deal. Israel and the UAE reached a deal on Thursday on seeking the full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two Middle Eastern nations, in an agreement that US. US presidential candidate Biden US Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden hailed the deal between on Israel and the United Arab Emirates announced on Wednesday as an historic step toward a more stable Middle East, warning he would not support Israel's annexation of Jewish settlements if he wins the White House in November. "The UAE's offer to publicly recognize the State of Israel is a welcome, brave, and badly-needed act of statesmanship," the former Vice President said in a statement. "Annexation would be a body blow to the cause of peace, which is why I oppose it now and would oppose it as president." (With inputs from agencies)

Bold, shameful, good news: How the world reacted to Israel–UAE peace deal

US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and the United Arab Emirates will be signing a historic peace deal to normalize relations between the two nations. Watch report.

UAE, Israel announce historic peace deal | Trump brokers historic Abraham accords | World News