Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Tuesday to build 3,500 new settler homes in a super-sensitive area of the occupied West Bank, just a week before a tight general election.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Tuesday to build 3,500 new settler homes in a super-sensitive area of the occupied West Bank, just a week before a tight general election. "I gave immediate instructions for a permit to deposit (plans) for the construction of 3,500 units in E1," Netanyahu said. Also Read: Netanyahu withdraws bid for immunity from corruption prosecution The international community has warned repeatedly that Jewish settlement construction in the E1 corridor would cut the West Bank in two and compromise the contiguity of a future Palestinian state. "We are building Jerusalem and Jerusalem's outskirts," Netanyahu said at a conference in remarks relayed by a spokesman. In 2013, Netanyahu had vetoed construction in the E1 corridor in the face of UN, EU and US pressure. Watch: Today Tonight: Donald Trump welcomes Benjamin Netanyahu | WION News | World News The move to advance new homes, which would constitute a new neighbourhood of Maale Adumim, a nearby settlement town, was praised by the Yesha Council, a settler lobby group, which noted that plans for homes there have existed since 2004. "Advancing the issue will enable broad and strategic construction between Maale Adumim and Jerusalem," Yesha Council head David Elhayani said in a statement. On Thursday, Netanyahu announced plans for thousands of new homes for Israelis in annexed east Jerusalem, with critics calling the move a last-minute gift to nationalist supporters ahead of a March 2 general election.

Netanyahu pledges new settler homes in West Bank corridor

An Israeli aircraft have flown through Sudanese airspace for the first time, in what Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-detained-migrants-set-for-rwanda-after-relocation-deal-collapses-128448/amp">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> called another example of warming ties with formally hostile states.

Israel remains technically at war with Sudan, which supported hardline Islamists including, for a period, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Al-Qaeda</a> during the rule of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Omar al-Bashir</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">How Sudan’s economic crisis had a role in protests that toppled al-Bashir</a>

Bashir was ousted by the army last April following months of mass anti-government demonstrations.

"The first Israeli aeroplane passed yesterday over the skies of Sudan. This is quite a change," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-detained-migrants-set-for-rwanda-after-relocation-deal-collapses-128448/amp">Netanyahu </a>told American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem on Sunday evening, without offering further details.

Israeli daily Haaretz quoted an Israeli government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, saying that the plane was "a private Israeli executive jet".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/donald-trumps-peace-plan-puts-israel-on-the-cutting-edge-278513">Donald Trump's peace plan puts Israel on the cutting edge</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/donald-trumps-peace-plan-puts-israel-on-the-cutting-edge-278513">Netanyahu </a>met Sudan's leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-detained-migrants-set-for-rwanda-after-relocation-deal-collapses-128448/amp">Abdel Fattah</a> al-Burhan two weeks ago for what the Israeli premier's office described talks aimed at normalising ties.

A Sudanese government spokesman said later that Burhan "did not give a promise of normalising or having diplomatic relations".

Sudan has been part of a&nbsp;decades-old Arab boycott of Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians and its occupation of Arab lands.

In the wake of the Six-Day War of 1967 in which Israel occupied the Palestinian territories and seized the Golan Heights from Syria, Arab leaders gathered in Khartoum to announce what became known as the "three nos": no peace, no recognition and no negotiations with Israel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-detained-migrants-set-for-rwanda-after-relocation-deal-collapses-128448/amp">Israel frees detained migrants set for Rwanda after relocation deal collapses</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-frees-detained-migrants-set-for-rwanda-after-relocation-deal-collapses-128448/amp">Netanyahu </a>said Sunday that visible signs of a thaw in relations with Sudan and other Muslim-majority countries were only the tip of the diplomatic iceberg.

"How much is above the surface in an iceberg? It's about 10 per cent, he said. "What you're seeing is about 10 per cent. Vast changes are coming."&nbsp;

Gulf Arab countries have made a number of recent moves hinting at warmer ties with the Jewish state, prompted largely by a shared enmity towards Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Netanyahu </a>visited Oman in 2018 and he frequently says the boycott of his country is ending, despite the absence of a peace deal with the Palestinians.

Egypt and Jordan are so far the only Arab states to have full diplomatic relations with Israel.

Netanyahu was speaking two weeks ahead of a March general election, the third in 12 months. He has twice failed to form a government after inconclusive polls.

An Israeli aircraft have flown through Sudanese airspace for the first time, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called another example of warming ties with formally hostile states.

An Israeli aircraft have flown through Sudanese airspace for the first time, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called another example of warming ties with formally hostile states. Israel remains technically at war with Sudan, which supported hardline Islamists including, for a period, Al-Qaeda during the rule of President Omar al-Bashir. Also read: How Sudan’s economic crisis had a role in protests that toppled al-Bashir Bashir was ousted by the army last April following months of mass anti-government demonstrations. "The first Israeli aeroplane passed yesterday over the skies of Sudan. This is quite a change," Netanyahu told American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem on Sunday evening, without offering further details. Israeli daily Haaretz quoted an Israeli government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, saying that the plane was "a private Israeli executive jet". Also read: Donald Trump's peace plan puts Israel on the cutting edge Netanyahu met Sudan's leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan two weeks ago for what the Israeli premier's office described talks aimed at normalising ties. A Sudanese government spokesman said later that Burhan "did not give a promise of normalising or having diplomatic relations". Sudan has been part of a decades-old Arab boycott of Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians and its occupation of Arab lands. In the wake of the Six-Day War of 1967 in which Israel occupied the Palestinian territories and seized the Golan Heights from Syria, Arab leaders gathered in Khartoum to announce what became known as the "three nos": no peace, no recognition and no negotiations with Israel. Also read: Israel frees detained migrants set for Rwanda after relocation deal collapses Netanyahu said Sunday that visible signs of a thaw in relations with Sudan and other Muslim-majority countries were only the tip of the diplomatic iceberg. "How much is above the surface in an iceberg? It's about 10 per cent, he said. "What you're seeing is about 10 per cent. Vast changes are coming." Gulf Arab countries have made a number of recent moves hinting at warmer ties with the Jewish state, prompted largely by a shared enmity towards Iran. Netanyahu visited Oman in 2018 and he frequently says the boycott of his country is ending, despite the absence of a peace deal with the Palestinians. Egypt and Jordan are so far the only Arab states to have full diplomatic relations with Israel. Netanyahu was speaking two weeks ahead of a March general election, the third in 12 months. He has twice failed to form a government after inconclusive polls.

Israeli aircraft flew over Sudan for first time: Benjamin Netanyahu

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bigger-challenges-lie-ahead-as-un-completes-73-years-173140">United Nations</a> has identified <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bigger-challenges-lie-ahead-as-un-completes-73-years-173140">US </a>companies such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airbnb-bans-party-houses-after-halloween-shooting-in-california-259567">Airbnb</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/expedia-chief-dara-khosrowshahi-set-to-be-new-uber-ceo-reports-19571">Expedia </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-launches-appeal-against-24-billion-euro-eu-fine-20088">TripAdvisor </a>among 112 firms linked to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-west-asia-plan-most-of-west-bank-recognised-as-israel-277297">Israeli </a>settlements which are considered illegal under international law.

The UN report comes in response to a 2016 UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for a "database for all businesses engaged in specific activities related to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory".

Watch: Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-west-asia-plan-most-of-west-bank-recognised-as-israel-277297/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UN rights office said that listing companies in the database was "not, and does not purport to be, a judicial or quasi-judicial process".

Among the businesses on the list are a range of large international companies, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airbnb-bans-party-houses-after-halloween-shooting-in-california-259567">Airbnb</a>, Alstom, Booking.com and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/motorola-dynatac-meet-the-worlds-first-cellphone-11061">Motorola </a>Solutions.

"I am conscious this issue has been, and will continue to be, highly contentious," UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-policy-shift-united-states-backs-israeli-settlements-on-west-bank-263029">In policy shift, United States backs Israeli settlements in West Bank</a>

But she added that the findings had been subject to an "extensive and meticulous review process" and the report "reflects the serious consideration that has been given to this unprecedented and highly complex mandate".

The move was cheered by the Palestinians but slammed as "shameful" by Israel, where officials fear the list could be used to boycott firms with ties to the settlements.

Israel's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-warns-hamas-after-deadly-west-bank-attacks-184607">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> rejected the list and called it a ''contemptible effort."

"Whoever boycotts us will be boycotted," he added.

Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-foreign-minister-israel-katz-postpones-dubai-visit-over-security-reasons-273798">Israel Katz</a> labelled the move "a shameful surrender to pressure from countries and organisations who want to harm Israel."

His Palestinian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-say-us-ambassador-helps-israel-to-annex-part-of-west-bank-226063">Riyad al-Maliki </a>meanwhile described the publication as "a victory for international law and diplomatic efforts."

Israeli settlements established in occupied Palestinian territory are considered to violate international law, and have long been seen as a major obstacle to peace, since they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

The United Nations has identified US companies such as Airbnb, Expedia and TripAdvisor among 112 firms linked to Israeli settlements which are considered illegal under international law.

The United Nations has identified US companies such as Airbnb, Expedia and TripAdvisor among 112 firms linked to Israeli settlements which are considered illegal under international law. The UN report comes in response to a 2016 UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for a "database for all businesses engaged in specific activities related to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory". Watch: Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel The UN rights office said that listing companies in the database was "not, and does not purport to be, a judicial or quasi-judicial process". Among the businesses on the list are a range of large international companies, including Airbnb, Alstom, Booking.com and Motorola Solutions. "I am conscious this issue has been, and will continue to be, highly contentious," UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said. Also read: In policy shift, United States backs Israeli settlements in West Bank But she added that the findings had been subject to an "extensive and meticulous review process" and the report "reflects the serious consideration that has been given to this unprecedented and highly complex mandate". The move was cheered by the Palestinians but slammed as "shameful" by Israel, where officials fear the list could be used to boycott firms with ties to the settlements. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the list and called it a ''contemptible effort." "Whoever boycotts us will be boycotted," he added. Foreign Minister Israel Katz labelled the move "a shameful surrender to pressure from countries and organisations who want to harm Israel." His Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki meanwhile described the publication as "a victory for international law and diplomatic efforts." Israeli settlements established in occupied Palestinian territory are considered to violate international law, and have long been seen as a major obstacle to peace, since they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

UN report identifies 112 firms linked to Israeli settlements

Israeli police increased their presence in Jerusalem's Old City, ahead of the first Friday prayers at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque since US President Donald Trump unveiled a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-tells-vladimir-putin-mideast-deal-a-new-opportunity-277570">controversial peace plan</a>.

The plan released on Tuesday was seen as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jared-kushner-meet-the-man-behind-middle-east-peace-plan-277295">heavily biased towards Israel</a> and was angrily rejected by Palestinians, with one of the key bones of contention being its classification of Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided capital."

Palestinians&nbsp;have long seen the city's eastern sector, which was occupied by Israel in 1967, as the capital of their future state.

At the Al-Aqsa compound in east Jerusalem, a group of Palestinians gathered after dawn prayers and "began a procession with nationalist calls," Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.

Police "responded and dispersed the gathering," the official added. Thousands of Palestinians were expected to attend the main prayers at noon, which are often a rallying point for demonstrations.

The Al-Aqsa mosque is Islam's third holiest is also revered by Jews as the location of their Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Rosenfeld said "heightened security" measures would be in place across the Old City and "police units will respond if necessary".

The Trump plan gives Israel the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-west-asia-plan-most-of-west-bank-recognised-as-israel-277297">green light to annex</a> the strategic Jordan Valley, which 30 per cent of the &nbsp;West Bank, as well as all Israeli settlements, which now number more than 200, including those in annexed east Jerusalem.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/has-donald-trump-proposed-a-middle-east-peace-plan-or-terms-of-surrender-for-the-palestinians-277760">Has Donald Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan – or terms of surrender for the Palestinians?</a>

The settlements are home to some 600,000&nbsp;&nbsp;are considered illegal under international law. Immediately after Trump presented the plan&nbsp;flanked by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,&nbsp;officials said they would swiftly send an annexation bill to the&nbsp;cabinet on Sunday.

But the situation seemed less clear on Friday, after Trump's adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner seemed to row back from initial comments by US ambassador David Friedman that Israel could move ahead with annexation immediately.

Jared said a decision would be best left until a new government has been formed after a general election scheduled for March 2, even though both major parties support it.

Gaza protests, rockets

Clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces in the West Bank have left at least 30 Palestinians wounded since Tuesday, although the demonstrations have mostly been small.

In Hamas-controlled Gaza, thousands gathered for demonstrations this week. Many more donned badges proclaiming "no to the deal of the century".

There has been some rocket fire from Gaza into on nothing like the scale of barrages launched during multiple flare-ups last year.

Israel carried out on Hamas targets in Gaza early Friday after three rockets were fired the previous evening, causing neither casualties nor damage, the army said.

One rocket was fired on Wednesday evening drawing similar retaliation.

Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008 but over the past year, the Islamists an informal truce with Israel, under which the Jewish state has slightly eased its crippling blockade of Gaza in exchange for calm.

Quest for Arab support

The Palestinians have sought to rally international support against the plan, which they see as illegal and a violation of their rights.

"What we're trying to do here is to get behind us, behind president Mahmud Abbas and his determination to achieve&nbsp;peace," said Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat.

But there was a muted response, even within the Arab world.

Both Egypt and the Gulf Arab states held off on any immediate criticism of their US ally, saying they would study the plan's contents.

Those governments have quietly moved closer to Israel in recent years amid shared hostility towards Iran. Abbas will try to rally opposition at an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Cairo on Saturday.

Israeli police increased their presence in Jerusalem's Old City, ahead of the first Friday prayers at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque since US President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial peace plan.

Israeli police increased their presence in Jerusalem's Old City, ahead of the first Friday prayers at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque since US President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial peace plan. The plan released on Tuesday was seen as heavily biased towards Israel and was angrily rejected by Palestinians, with one of the key bones of contention being its classification of Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided capital." Palestinians have long seen the city's eastern sector, which was occupied by Israel in 1967, as the capital of their future state. At the Al-Aqsa compound in east Jerusalem, a group of Palestinians gathered after dawn prayers and "began a procession with nationalist calls," Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. Police "responded and dispersed the gathering," the official added. Thousands of Palestinians were expected to attend the main prayers at noon, which are often a rallying point for demonstrations. The Al-Aqsa mosque is Islam's third holiest is also revered by Jews as the location of their Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Rosenfeld said "heightened security" measures would be in place across the Old City and "police units will respond if necessary". The Trump plan gives Israel the green light to annex the strategic Jordan Valley, which 30 per cent of the West Bank, as well as all Israeli settlements, which now number more than 200, including those in annexed east Jerusalem. Also Read: Has Donald Trump proposed a Middle East peace plan – or terms of surrender for the Palestinians? The settlements are home to some 600,000 are considered illegal under international law. Immediately after Trump presented the plan flanked by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, officials said they would swiftly send an annexation bill to the cabinet on Sunday. But the situation seemed less clear on Friday, after Trump's adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner seemed to row back from initial comments by US ambassador David Friedman that Israel could move ahead with annexation immediately. Jared said a decision would be best left until a new government has been formed after a general election scheduled for March 2, even though both major parties support it. Gaza protests, rockets Clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces in the West Bank have left at least 30 Palestinians wounded since Tuesday, although the demonstrations have mostly been small. In Hamas-controlled Gaza, thousands gathered for demonstrations this week. Many more donned badges proclaiming "no to the deal of the century". There has been some rocket fire from Gaza into on nothing like the scale of barrages launched during multiple flare-ups last year. Israel carried out on Hamas targets in Gaza early Friday after three rockets were fired the previous evening, causing neither casualties nor damage, the army said. One rocket was fired on Wednesday evening drawing similar retaliation. Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008 but over the past year, the Islamists an informal truce with Israel, under which the Jewish state has slightly eased its crippling blockade of Gaza in exchange for calm. Quest for Arab support The Palestinians have sought to rally international support against the plan, which they see as illegal and a violation of their rights. "What we're trying to do here is to get behind us, behind president Mahmud Abbas and his determination to achieve peace," said Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat. But there was a muted response, even within the Arab world. Both Egypt and the Gulf Arab states held off on any immediate criticism of their US ally, saying they would study the plan's contents. Those governments have quietly moved closer to Israel in recent years amid shared hostility towards Iran. Abbas will try to rally opposition at an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Cairo on Saturday.

Israel tightens security for first Friday prayers since Trump plan

Stating that India-Israel relationship is "very strong", Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as the latter congratulated him on the 28th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Twitter, "Today, 28 years ago, Israel and India established formal diplomatic relations. I congratulate my friend Narendra Modi for his warm friendship. Between Israel and India, a deep friendship has emerged that is evident in our many collaborations."

Both Netanyahu's tweet and Modi's response to it were in Hebrew.

"Thank you very much, my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. India-Israel relations are very strong. Our countries cooperate widely among themselves and in many international forums. We share common values," said the Indian PM on Twitter.&nbsp;

Stating that India-Israel relationship is "very strong", Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as the latter congratulated him on the 28th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Stating that India-Israel relationship is "very strong", Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as the latter congratulated him on the 28th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Twitter, "Today, 28 years ago, Israel and India established formal diplomatic relations. I congratulate my friend Narendra Modi for his warm friendship. Between Israel and India, a deep friendship has emerged that is evident in our many collaborations." Both Netanyahu's tweet and Modi's response to it were in Hebrew. "Thank you very much, my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. India-Israel relations are very strong. Our countries cooperate widely among themselves and in many international forums. We share common values," said the Indian PM on Twitter.

PM Modi, Netanyahu exchange pleasantries on 28th anniversary of establishment of India-Israel diplomatic ties

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-says-will-continue-to-strengthen-deep-friendship-with-india-277448">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Thursday hailed US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/deal-signed-amid-trumps-impeachment-277533">Donald Trump</a>'s Middle East peace plan as a new opportunity after flying to Moscow to discuss it with President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-fund-in-vitro-fertilization-to-boom-to-battle-population-slump-277550">Vladimir&nbsp;Putin</a>.

"I think there's a new and perhaps unique opportunity here," said the Israeli premier, who stood alongside Trump at the White House when the plan was announced Tuesday and called it a victory for Israel.

Trump's plan angered Palestinians by proposing Israel retain control over Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and giving the green light to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jared-kushner-meet-the-man-behind-middle-east-peace-plan-277295">Jared Kushner: Meet the man behind Middle-East peace plan</a>

"I'd like to speak to you and hear your insights and see how we can combine all our forces for security and peace," Netanyahu told&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;at the start of their Kremlin meeting.

"You're actually the first leader I'm speaking with after my visit to Washington about President Trump's Deal of the Century," he added.

The Russian leader did not mention the peace plan in his public remarks.

Watch:&nbsp;Trump's Middle East 'Peace Plan' rejected by Palestine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trumps-middle-east-peace-plan-rejected-by-palestine-277357/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Netanyahu, facing graft charges, is contesting March elections and hoping the proposal will boost his re-election chances.

The March 2 vote is Israel's third in less than a year, with polls suggesting the prime minister's rightwing Likud is again neck-and-neck with the centrist Blue and White party led by ex-military chief Benny Gantz.

Netanyahu was visiting Russia on the same day that it released a young US-Israeli woman jailed for drug trafficking over a small amount of cannabis found in her luggage as she transited a Moscow airport.&nbsp;

Her case caused an outcry in Israel and her release came after Netanyahu pleaded her case with&nbsp;Putin, who issued a pardon.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday hailed US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan as a new opportunity after flying to Moscow to discuss it with President Vladimir Putin.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday hailed US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan as a new opportunity after flying to Moscow to discuss it with President Vladimir Putin. "I think there's a new and perhaps unique opportunity here," said the Israeli premier, who stood alongside Trump at the White House when the plan was announced Tuesday and called it a victory for Israel. Trump's plan angered Palestinians by proposing Israel retain control over Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and giving the green light to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Also read: Jared Kushner: Meet the man behind Middle-East peace plan "I'd like to speak to you and hear your insights and see how we can combine all our forces for security and peace," Netanyahu told Putin at the start of their Kremlin meeting. "You're actually the first leader I'm speaking with after my visit to Washington about President Trump's Deal of the Century," he added. The Russian leader did not mention the peace plan in his public remarks. Watch: Trump's Middle East 'Peace Plan' rejected by Palestine Netanyahu, facing graft charges, is contesting March elections and hoping the proposal will boost his re-election chances. The March 2 vote is Israel's third in less than a year, with polls suggesting the prime minister's rightwing Likud is again neck-and-neck with the centrist Blue and White party led by ex-military chief Benny Gantz. Netanyahu was visiting Russia on the same day that it released a young US-Israeli woman jailed for drug trafficking over a small amount of cannabis found in her luggage as she transited a Moscow airport. Her case caused an outcry in Israel and her release came after Netanyahu pleaded her case with Putin, who issued a pardon.

Middle East peace plan a new opportunity: Netanyahu to Putin

A US-Israeli woman jailed for drug trafficking in Russia flew into Tel Aviv with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday after she was pardoned by President Vladimir Putin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-tells-vladimir-putin-mideast-deal-a-new-opportunity-277570">Also Read:&nbsp;Middle East Peace plan a new opportunity: Netanyahu to Putin</a>

Israeli TV stations screened live coverage of 26-year-old Naama Issachar's arrival at Ben Gurion airport, near Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

"I just want to say thank you to everyone for all the support," she said smiling. "Right now I'm still in shock from the whole situation." &nbsp;

Russia freed her from prison shortly before Netanyahu met Putin at the Kremlin to discuss US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan.

Bringing Issachar home after 10 months in prison was a publicity coup for Netanyahu ahead of March 2 elections.

Her fate had sparked a wave of sympathy in Israel, where the veteran premier had pledged to do everything for her release.

She was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport in April 2019 while in transit from India to Israel.

Russian authorities said they found nine grammes (0.3 ounces) of cannabis in her checked luggage and she was sentenced in October to seven and a half years in prison.&nbsp;

Her case was controversial because she was arrested whilst in the airport's transit zone, while the drugs were in her hold luggage.

Netanyahu posted a video on Twitter showing him and his wife hugging and kissing Issachar and her mother at a Moscow airport before their departure.

"We're excited to see you. Now, we're going home," his office quoted Netanyahu as telling Issachar.

&nbsp; 
- 'Didn't cross border' -&nbsp; 
Putin had pardoned Issachar on Wednesday after she submitted a request at the weekend.&nbsp;

"Guided by the principles of humanity, I pardon Naama Issachar," he said in a decree cited by the Kremlin.&nbsp;

The prison service said early Thursday that she had been released from a penal colony in the Moscow region.

Putin told Netanyahu that it was lucky for Issachar that she did not cross the border, suggesting this would have complicated the pardon procedure.

"She -- thank God, it's very good for her -- didn't even cross the Russian border," Putin said, adding that the drugs were found in her luggage while it was being moved from one plane to another.

"Give my very best regards to her, her family and her mum," he told Netanyahu.

In December, Issachar lost an appeal against her sentence, which Netanyahu had described as disproportionate.

During the appeal hearing, Issachar had proclaimed her innocence, denouncing the charges against her as absurd.

After initially refusing to appeal to Putin, on Sunday she signed a request for a pardon.

The Russian leader met Issachar's mother and Netanyahu while visiting Israel last week to commemorate the liberation of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz 75 years ago.&nbsp;

The Israeli foreign ministry had called the verdict "harsh and disproportionate" and President Reuven Rivlin had appealed to Putin's "mercy and compassion" when asking him to intervene in the case.

Netanyahu and Putin on Thursday also discussed Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, but Putin did not comment on the proposal in front of the reporters.

Netanyahu had stood alongside Trump at the White House when the peace plan was announced Tuesday, and called it a victory for Israel.

He told Putin he was the first foreign leader he had spoken to about the plan, adding: "I'd like to speak to you and hear your insights and see how we can combine all our forces for security and peace."

Russia has said it will study Trump's plan and called on Israelis and Palestinians to negotiate directly to find a "mutually acceptable compromise".

A US-Israeli woman jailed for drug trafficking in Russia flew into Tel Aviv with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday after she was pardoned by President Vladimir Putin.

A US-Israeli woman jailed for drug trafficking in Russia flew into Tel Aviv with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday after she was pardoned by President Vladimir Putin. Also Read: Middle East Peace plan a new opportunity: Netanyahu to Putin Israeli TV stations screened live coverage of 26-year-old Naama Issachar's arrival at Ben Gurion airport, near Tel Aviv. "I just want to say thank you to everyone for all the support," she said smiling. "Right now I'm still in shock from the whole situation." Russia freed her from prison shortly before Netanyahu met Putin at the Kremlin to discuss US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan. Bringing Issachar home after 10 months in prison was a publicity coup for Netanyahu ahead of March 2 elections. Her fate had sparked a wave of sympathy in Israel, where the veteran premier had pledged to do everything for her release. She was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport in April 2019 while in transit from India to Israel. Russian authorities said they found nine grammes (0.3 ounces) of cannabis in her checked luggage and she was sentenced in October to seven and a half years in prison. Her case was controversial because she was arrested whilst in the airport's transit zone, while the drugs were in her hold luggage. Netanyahu posted a video on Twitter showing him and his wife hugging and kissing Issachar and her mother at a Moscow airport before their departure. "We're excited to see you. Now, we're going home," his office quoted Netanyahu as telling Issachar. - 'Didn't cross border' - Putin had pardoned Issachar on Wednesday after she submitted a request at the weekend. "Guided by the principles of humanity, I pardon Naama Issachar," he said in a decree cited by the Kremlin. The prison service said early Thursday that she had been released from a penal colony in the Moscow region. Putin told Netanyahu that it was lucky for Issachar that she did not cross the border, suggesting this would have complicated the pardon procedure. "She -- thank God, it's very good for her -- didn't even cross the Russian border," Putin said, adding that the drugs were found in her luggage while it was being moved from one plane to another. "Give my very best regards to her, her family and her mum," he told Netanyahu. In December, Issachar lost an appeal against her sentence, which Netanyahu had described as disproportionate. During the appeal hearing, Issachar had proclaimed her innocence, denouncing the charges against her as absurd. After initially refusing to appeal to Putin, on Sunday she signed a request for a pardon. The Russian leader met Issachar's mother and Netanyahu while visiting Israel last week to commemorate the liberation of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz 75 years ago. The Israeli foreign ministry had called the verdict "harsh and disproportionate" and President Reuven Rivlin had appealed to Putin's "mercy and compassion" when asking him to intervene in the case. Netanyahu and Putin on Thursday also discussed Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, but Putin did not comment on the proposal in front of the reporters. Netanyahu had stood alongside Trump at the White House when the peace plan was announced Tuesday, and called it a victory for Israel. He told Putin he was the first foreign leader he had spoken to about the plan, adding: "I'd like to speak to you and hear your insights and see how we can combine all our forces for security and peace." Russia has said it will study Trump's plan and called on Israelis and Palestinians to negotiate directly to find a "mutually acceptable compromise".

US-Israeli woman pardoned by Putin flies home with PM Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said that his country would continue to strengthen its “deep friendship” with India as the two countries mark the 28th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Taking to Twitter, he also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion.

“Today 28 years ago, Israel and India formally established diplomatic relations. I congratulate my friend Narendra Modi for his warm friendship. Between Israel and India, a deep friendship has emerged that is evident in our many collaborations. We will continue to strengthen this important friendship,” Netanyahu said in a tweet in Hebrew.

<img alt="Benjamin-Natanyahu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91d323ab-b41c-4dfd-8958-e737f9044c04" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Benjamin-Netanyahu.JPG" />

Israel opened a consulate in Mumbai in 1950 when India officially recognised it but did not establish full fledged diplomatic ties.

The Congress government led by Narsimha Rao decided to formally establish full-fledged diplomatic relations with Israel on January 29, 1992, which has now been elevated to the level of a strategic partnership.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said that his country would continue to strengthen its “deep friendship” with India as the two countries mark the 28th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said that his country would continue to strengthen its “deep friendship” with India as the two countries mark the 28th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Taking to Twitter, he also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion. “Today 28 years ago, Israel and India formally established diplomatic relations. I congratulate my friend Narendra Modi for his warm friendship. Between Israel and India, a deep friendship has emerged that is evident in our many collaborations. We will continue to strengthen this important friendship,” Netanyahu said in a tweet in Hebrew. Israel opened a consulate in Mumbai in 1950 when India officially recognised it but did not establish full fledged diplomatic ties. The Congress government led by Narsimha Rao decided to formally establish full-fledged diplomatic relations with Israel on January 29, 1992, which has now been elevated to the level of a strategic partnership.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says will continue to strengthen ‘deep friendship’ with India

Donald Trump's West Asia peace plan is yet another attempt in a long line of peace bids. Over the years, many American Presidents have tried to secure a peace deal. WION'S Palki tells you why no one believes Trump's deal with bring peace.

Gravitas: The various failed West Asia peace deals of America

The move comes after the announcement on Tuesday of President Trump’s plan for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, which the president claimed was a “realistic two-state solution.”

WION Fineprint: Palestine could loose 25% of West Bank | WION News | World News

Donald Trump has a new West Asia Peace Plan. The U.S. President is 'extremely favourable' to Israel in the deal. But can Trump reach peace in West Asia? #Gravitas #WestAsiaPeaceDeal #DonaldTrump

Gravitas: Trump West Asia plan: Peace deal without Palestine?

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled his much-awaited peace plan on Tuesday at the White House. Alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said his plan is "a win-win" for both Israel and the Palestinians.

Trump, Netanyahu make joint statements from White House

U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his much-awaited peace plan on Tuesday at the White House. Alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said his plan is "a win-win" for both Israel and the Palestinians.

Trump's Peace Plan Calls for Two States, Settlement Freeze

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-us-vice-president-pence-denounce-iran-at-holocaust-memorial-ceremony-276200">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Tuesday withdrew his bid for parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges, making a criminal trial against him a near certainty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-insists-israeli-palestinian-plan-has-a-chance-276949">Israel'</a>s longest-serving prime minister said in a statement that an immunity debate in parliament would have been a "circus" and he did not want to take part in this "dirty game".

Netanyahu, who denies all wrongdoing, said: "I informed the Knesset speaker that I am withdrawing my immunity request."

The veteran right-winger, who faces a national election in March, is under no legal obligation to resign.

Netanyahu, 70, is now in Washington for meetings with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">US</a>&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-trial-of-donald-trump-all-star-defence-team-scared-of-going-near-bolton-276987">Donald Trump</a> ahead of the release of Trump's long-delayed Israel-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-prime-minister-calls-on-world-to-boycott-donald-trumps-peace-plan-276902">Palestinian</a> peace plan, which the Palestinians have already rejected.

Netanyahu's main rival, centrist former general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahus-rival-benny-gantz-calls-off-israel-unity-government-talks-reports-253192">Benny Gantz</a>, made Netanyahu's legal troubles a centrepiece of his campaigns in two Israeli elections last year.

Gantz made a brief trip to Washington to discuss the peace plan with Trump, and had rushed back to Israel expecting to lead the parliament debate against granting Netanyahu immunity.

"Netanyahu is going to trial, we have to move on," Gantz said after Netanyahu pulled his immunity request.

"The citizens of Israel have a clear choice: a prime minister who works for them or a prime minister busy with himself. No one can manage the country and in parallel manage three serious criminal cases," Gantz said in a tweet.

Israelis attorney general Avichai Mandelblit indicted Netanyahu on corruption charges - the first of their kind against a serving Israeli prime minister - last November following a long-running investigation.

The charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud.

Netanyahu is suspected of wrongfully accepting $264,000 worth of gifts, which prosecutors said included cigars and champagne, from tycoons and of dispensing regulatory favours in alleged bids for improved coverage by a popular news website.

Netanyahu could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum three-year term for fraud and breach of trust.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday withdrew his bid for parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges, making a criminal trial against him a near certainty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday withdrew his bid for parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges, making a criminal trial against him a near certainty. Israel's longest-serving prime minister said in a statement that an immunity debate in parliament would have been a "circus" and he did not want to take part in this "dirty game". Netanyahu, who denies all wrongdoing, said: "I informed the Knesset speaker that I am withdrawing my immunity request." The veteran right-winger, who faces a national election in March, is under no legal obligation to resign. Netanyahu, 70, is now in Washington for meetings with US President Donald Trump ahead of the release of Trump's long-delayed Israel-Palestinian peace plan, which the Palestinians have already rejected. Netanyahu's main rival, centrist former general Benny Gantz, made Netanyahu's legal troubles a centrepiece of his campaigns in two Israeli elections last year. Gantz made a brief trip to Washington to discuss the peace plan with Trump, and had rushed back to Israel expecting to lead the parliament debate against granting Netanyahu immunity. "Netanyahu is going to trial, we have to move on," Gantz said after Netanyahu pulled his immunity request. "The citizens of Israel have a clear choice: a prime minister who works for them or a prime minister busy with himself. No one can manage the country and in parallel manage three serious criminal cases," Gantz said in a tweet. Israelis attorney general Avichai Mandelblit indicted Netanyahu on corruption charges - the first of their kind against a serving Israeli prime minister - last November following a long-running investigation. The charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud. Netanyahu is suspected of wrongfully accepting $264,000 worth of gifts, which prosecutors said included cigars and champagne, from tycoons and of dispensing regulatory favours in alleged bids for improved coverage by a popular news website. Netanyahu could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum three-year term for fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu withdraws bid for immunity from corruption prosecution

U.S. President Donald Trump will unveil his long-delayed Middle East peace plan at the White House, outlining the proposal in a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

WION Dispatch: Trump To Unveil Middle East Peace Plan

President Donald Trump said alongside visiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan has a "chance" -- despite being flatly rejected by the Palestinians.

Trump, who is also meeting with Netanyahu's election rival Benny Gantz later Monday, said the plan would be unveiled at 12:00 pm (1700 GMT) Tuesday.

Palestinians have already panned the White House peace plan, saying it is overwhelmingly biased toward Israel. No Palestinian leaders were invited to the White House.

But Trump told reporters that "it might have a chance" and that "we're relatively close."

"We think we will have ultimately the support of the Palestinians," he said. The plan is "something they should want... It's very good for them, in fact it's overly good for them."

Trump also said that "many of the Arab nations" back his initiative.

Netanyahu praised Trump as "the greatest friend that Israel's had in the White House" and once more described the peace plan as "the deal of the century."

The twin White House meetings with Netanyahu and Gantz thrust Trump right into Israel's tense election scheduled in just over a month.

Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and Gantz's centrist Blue and White party are polling neck-and-neck.

The peace plan roll-out also gives Trump a welcome distraction from his impeachment trial in the Senate, while boosting Netanyahu's standing as he fights corruption charges back home.

No deal

The Palestinians say they were never included in crafting the plan, which was overseen by Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday urged international powers to boycott the plan, which he said was designed "to protect Trump from impeachment and protect Netanyahu from prison."

"It is not a Middle East peace plan," Shtayyeh told a cabinet meeting. "This plan gives Israel sovereignty over Palestinian territory."

The plan, whose details remain unclear, has been gestating in secret for so long that skeptics asked whether it even really existed.

Aaron David Miller, a Mideast expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Kushner's team wants to "finally, basically demonstrate that they have a plan" -- and to do so ahead of the US presidential election.

In the short term, said Dennis Ross, a US diplomat who worked on the issue under several administrations, "anything that can divert attention away from what's going on" is the goal.

'Make history'

Trump has already thrown Netanyahu a string of political presents.

These include breaking with international diplomatic consensus to recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which were seized from neighbouring Syria, and ending opposition to Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.

Last Thursday, Trump described the still-unpublished peace plan as "great" and said it "really would work."

Netanyahu said before leaving for Washington that he was "full of hope that we can make history."

Gantz is also enthusiastic, saying the plan will "go down in history," allowing "different players in the Middle East to finally move ahead towards an historic regional agreement."

But on Sunday, Palestinian leaders warned that instead of bringing peace, the plan could trigger their withdrawal from key provisions of the decades-old Oslo Accords, which sought to map out peaceful Israeli-Palestinian relations.

"The US administration will not find a single Palestinian who supports this project," the Palestinian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

"Trump's plan is the plot of the century to liquidate the Palestinian cause."

Netanyahu is campaigning on a continuation of his hardline policies that he says are needed to provide security for Israelis, but that critics say condemn Palestinians in the occupied territories to an increasingly bleak future.

Adding to the prime minister's worries, the transnational jihadist Islamic State group on Monday reportedly vowed to make Israel its main target.

According to a purported audio message of its spokesman, IS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi is encouraging the group's fighters to "launch a new phase," with major operations against Israel.

President Donald Trump said alongside visiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan has a "chance" -- despite being flatly rejected by the Palestinians.

President Donald Trump said alongside visiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that his Israeli-Palestinian peace plan has a "chance" -- despite being flatly rejected by the Palestinians. Trump, who is also meeting with Netanyahu's election rival Benny Gantz later Monday, said the plan would be unveiled at 12:00 pm (1700 GMT) Tuesday. Palestinians have already panned the White House peace plan, saying it is overwhelmingly biased toward Israel. No Palestinian leaders were invited to the White House. But Trump told reporters that "it might have a chance" and that "we're relatively close." "We think we will have ultimately the support of the Palestinians," he said. The plan is "something they should want... It's very good for them, in fact it's overly good for them." Trump also said that "many of the Arab nations" back his initiative. Netanyahu praised Trump as "the greatest friend that Israel's had in the White House" and once more described the peace plan as "the deal of the century." The twin White House meetings with Netanyahu and Gantz thrust Trump right into Israel's tense election scheduled in just over a month. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and Gantz's centrist Blue and White party are polling neck-and-neck. The peace plan roll-out also gives Trump a welcome distraction from his impeachment trial in the Senate, while boosting Netanyahu's standing as he fights corruption charges back home. No deal The Palestinians say they were never included in crafting the plan, which was overseen by Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner. Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday urged international powers to boycott the plan, which he said was designed "to protect Trump from impeachment and protect Netanyahu from prison." "It is not a Middle East peace plan," Shtayyeh told a cabinet meeting. "This plan gives Israel sovereignty over Palestinian territory." The plan, whose details remain unclear, has been gestating in secret for so long that skeptics asked whether it even really existed. Aaron David Miller, a Mideast expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Kushner's team wants to "finally, basically demonstrate that they have a plan" -- and to do so ahead of the US presidential election. In the short term, said Dennis Ross, a US diplomat who worked on the issue under several administrations, "anything that can divert attention away from what's going on" is the goal. 'Make history' Trump has already thrown Netanyahu a string of political presents. These include breaking with international diplomatic consensus to recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which were seized from neighbouring Syria, and ending opposition to Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land. Last Thursday, Trump described the still-unpublished peace plan as "great" and said it "really would work." Netanyahu said before leaving for Washington that he was "full of hope that we can make history." Gantz is also enthusiastic, saying the plan will "go down in history," allowing "different players in the Middle East to finally move ahead towards an historic regional agreement." But on Sunday, Palestinian leaders warned that instead of bringing peace, the plan could trigger their withdrawal from key provisions of the decades-old Oslo Accords, which sought to map out peaceful Israeli-Palestinian relations. "The US administration will not find a single Palestinian who supports this project," the Palestinian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday. "Trump's plan is the plot of the century to liquidate the Palestinian cause." Netanyahu is campaigning on a continuation of his hardline policies that he says are needed to provide security for Israelis, but that critics say condemn Palestinians in the occupied territories to an increasingly bleak future. Adding to the prime minister's worries, the transnational jihadist Islamic State group on Monday reportedly vowed to make Israel its main target. According to a purported audio message of its spokesman, IS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi is encouraging the group's fighters to "launch a new phase," with major operations against Israel.

Trump insists Israeli-Palestinian plan has a 'chance'

U.S. President Donald Trump is holding back-to-back meetings Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his chief challenger Benny Gantz

Today Tonight: Donald Trump welcomes Benjamin Netanyahu | WION News | World News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boarded a plane to Washington on Sunday, saying he would "make history" with U.S. President Donald Trump at their Washington meeting on Tuesday.

Netanyahu of Israel Leaves For Washington Saying 'Would Make History With Trump'

In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-us-vice-president-pence-denounce-iran-at-holocaust-memorial-ceremony-276200">World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem</a>, US Vice President Mike Pence was caught on mic using the term "unstoppable"&nbsp;to describe Donald Trump.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-israel-hosts-world-holocaust-forum-276196">WION Dispatch: Israel hosts World Holocaust Forum</a>

"We're contending. He's unstoppable, like somebody else I know," the US vice president said in a chat with PM Netanyahu which was picked up by a camera team nearby.

His comments precede hours of damning remarks from the US President's impeachment trial, where the prosecution is deliberating the evidence against the US president&nbsp;of abusing the power of his office.

Pence and&nbsp;Netanyahu had&nbsp;gathered with other world leaders in Jerusalem to attend a memorial to commemorate&nbsp;the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps in Nazi-occupied Poland.

The US vice president said that the meeting with&nbsp;Netanyahu will "continue discussions about a broad range of issues of mutual concern between the United States and Israel, but also about the prospect of peace." Netanyahu intends to discuss his plans with Trump "on how to advance peace and to work closely with him to advance that goal".

Netanyahu's political rival, Benjamin Gantz has stated that he will consider making territorial concessions to Palestinians but is yet to commit recognising statehood.

Netanyahu stated that Gantz's inclusive approach is an effort to achieve "broad consensus in the efforts to achieve security and peace ... for the state of Israel."

In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem, US Vice President Mike Pence was caught on mic using the term "unstoppable" to describe Donald Trump.

In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem, US Vice President Mike Pence was caught on mic using the term "unstoppable" to describe Donald Trump. Also Read: WION Dispatch: Israel hosts World Holocaust Forum "We're contending. He's unstoppable, like somebody else I know," the US vice president said in a chat with PM Netanyahu which was picked up by a camera team nearby. His comments precede hours of damning remarks from the US President's impeachment trial, where the prosecution is deliberating the evidence against the US president of abusing the power of his office. Pence and Netanyahu had gathered with other world leaders in Jerusalem to attend a memorial to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camps in Nazi-occupied Poland. The US vice president said that the meeting with Netanyahu will "continue discussions about a broad range of issues of mutual concern between the United States and Israel, but also about the prospect of peace." Netanyahu intends to discuss his plans with Trump "on how to advance peace and to work closely with him to advance that goal". Netanyahu's political rival, Benjamin Gantz has stated that he will consider making territorial concessions to Palestinians but is yet to commit recognising statehood. Netanyahu stated that Gantz's inclusive approach is an effort to achieve "broad consensus in the efforts to achieve security and peace ... for the state of Israel."

He's unstoppable, like somebody else I know: Pence caught on hot mic with Israel PM Netanyahu

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his election rival Benny Gantz will visit Washington next week. They have been invited to the US by President Donald Trump, Who will likely release his long-awaited peace plan for West Asia.

Trump to finally unveil West Asia plan?

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would release Middle East peace plan ahead of a meeting in Washington next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"It's a great plan. It's a plan that really would work," Trump said to reporters travelling with him to Florida on board Air Force One. Trump said that the plan would probably be unveiled before the White House meeting on Tuesday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-us-policy-on-palestine-conflict-has-changed-over-time-159087">Opinion: US policy on Palestine conflict has changed over time</a>

The Palestinians have once again reiterated its rejection to the plans as they believe the plans intend to bury the two-state solution. They are also not invited for the White House meeting regarding the same next week.&nbsp;

Asked on any contacts made by the US to Palestinians, Trump said: "We've spoken to them briefly. But we will speak to them in a period of time."

Trump also said that after the declaration of the plans, Palestinians "maybe will react negatively at first but it's actually very positive for them".&nbsp;

US President also said that he was pleased that both Netanyahu and his main electoral rival Benny Gantz would come for the meeting ahead of the elections in Israel on March 2.&nbsp;

"This step only reaffirms our absolute rejection of what the US administration has done so far, particularly the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital," spokesman of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas' said in a statement.

Palestinian President broke all ties with the US after the latter recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017, a move that went against decades of international consensus.&nbsp;

Trump earlier described his Israel-Palestine peace agreement brokered by the US as "ultimate deal".

The peace initiative was expected months ago but was postponed after the inconclusive September elections in Israel last year. &nbsp;

Israeli media claimed that the leaked outlines of the deal show that the US has accepted key Israeli demands.&nbsp;

The White House meeting coincides with an expected session in the Israeli parliament to discuss Netanyahu's potential immunity from prosecution over the corruption charges.&nbsp;

(with AFP inputs)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would release Middle East peace plan ahead of a meeting in Washington next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would release Middle East peace plan ahead of a meeting in Washington next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "It's a great plan. It's a plan that really would work," Trump said to reporters travelling with him to Florida on board Air Force One. Trump said that the plan would probably be unveiled before the White House meeting on Tuesday. Also read: Opinion: US policy on Palestine conflict has changed over time The Palestinians have once again reiterated its rejection to the plans as they believe the plans intend to bury the two-state solution. They are also not invited for the White House meeting regarding the same next week. Asked on any contacts made by the US to Palestinians, Trump said: "We've spoken to them briefly. But we will speak to them in a period of time." Trump also said that after the declaration of the plans, Palestinians "maybe will react negatively at first but it's actually very positive for them". US President also said that he was pleased that both Netanyahu and his main electoral rival Benny Gantz would come for the meeting ahead of the elections in Israel on March 2. "This step only reaffirms our absolute rejection of what the US administration has done so far, particularly the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital," spokesman of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas' said in a statement. Palestinian President broke all ties with the US after the latter recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017, a move that went against decades of international consensus. Trump earlier described his Israel-Palestine peace agreement brokered by the US as "ultimate deal". The peace initiative was expected months ago but was postponed after the inconclusive September elections in Israel last year. Israeli media claimed that the leaked outlines of the deal show that the US has accepted key Israeli demands. The White House meeting coincides with an expected session in the Israeli parliament to discuss Netanyahu's potential immunity from prosecution over the corruption charges. (with AFP inputs)

Donald Trump to unveil Israel-Palestine peace plan by Tuesday

Israel's&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;minister, Israel Katz, has postponed a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;Dubai&nbsp;this month due to&nbsp;security&nbsp;concerns,&nbsp;diplomats&nbsp;said on Sunday, linking the decision to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-to-visit-iran-saudi-arabia-to-discuss-developments-in-middle-east-273726">Iran-US&nbsp;tensions</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isreal-shares-its-regional-connectivity-plan-with-india-267101">Israel Katz</a>, who doubles as intelligence&nbsp;minister, had been scheduled to attend mid-month meetings in the Gulf emirate ahead of its Expo 2020&nbsp;Dubai&nbsp;but "on the instruction of&nbsp;security&nbsp;officials" would defer the&nbsp;visit, an&nbsp;Israeli diplomat said, without giving a new date.

Another diplomat, who also requested anonymity, said&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;was taking precautions lest its arch-foe Iran try to target Katz as part of retaliation against its US&nbsp;ally. The diplomat did not cite evidence to indicate any specific threat.

Decades-old hostilities between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libya-and-iran-top-agenda-in-merkel-putin-meeting-273573">Tehran and Washington</a> have boiled&nbsp;over&nbsp;in recent weeks, with a US&nbsp;strike killing a senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Iranian commander</a> and Iran firing missiles at Iraqi airbases hosting US&nbsp;forces in response.

Iran and&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;have been fierce regional enemies since the 1979 Iranian revolution.&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;has in recent years built up ties with Sunni Gulf states that share its worries about Iran.

Though it does not enjoy formal relations with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranians-step-up-protests-after-tehran-govt-admits-ukrainian-plane-strike-273779">United Arab Emirates</a>,&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;will have a pavilion at Expo 2020&nbsp;Dubai, which opens in October - participation that Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-in-apparent-stumble-calls-israel-a-nuclear-power-272310">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> has described as part of "normalisation with the Arab states".

Israel's foreign minister, Israel Katz, has postponed a visit to Dubai this month due to security concerns, diplomats said on Sunday, linking the decision to Iran-US tensions.

Israel's foreign minister, Israel Katz, has postponed a visit to Dubai this month due to security concerns, diplomats said on Sunday, linking the decision to Iran-US tensions. Israel Katz, who doubles as intelligence minister, had been scheduled to attend mid-month meetings in the Gulf emirate ahead of its Expo 2020 Dubai but "on the instruction of security officials" would defer the visit, an Israeli diplomat said, without giving a new date. Another diplomat, who also requested anonymity, said Israel was taking precautions lest its arch-foe Iran try to target Katz as part of retaliation against its US ally. The diplomat did not cite evidence to indicate any specific threat. Decades-old hostilities between Tehran and Washington have boiled over in recent weeks, with a US strike killing a senior Iranian commander and Iran firing missiles at Iraqi airbases hosting US forces in response. Iran and Israel have been fierce regional enemies since the 1979 Iranian revolution. Israel has in recent years built up ties with Sunni Gulf states that share its worries about Iran. Though it does not enjoy formal relations with the United Arab Emirates, Israel will have a pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which opens in October - participation that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described as part of "normalisation with the Arab states".

Israel: Foreign Minister Israel Katz postpones Dubai visit over 'security' reasons

Several&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;school districts held impromptu tolerance classes on Sunday after the country's&nbsp;education&nbsp;minister, an Orthodox rabbi, angered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/asias-first-lgbt-focused-streaming-service-tackles-taboos-one-film-at-a-time-270940">LGBT</a> campaigners by implying&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/indias-first-openly-gay-prince-celebrating-world-pride-in-nyc-231667">homosexuality</a>&nbsp;was&nbsp;unnatural.

The furore over the remarks by&nbsp;Education&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Rafael Peretz, who last year spoke favourably about gay "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/many-lgbtq-people-in-china-forced-into-illegal-conversion-therapy-groups-263636">conversion therapy</a>", a widely discredited method, reached into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-right-to-self-defence-says-israels-benjamin-netanyahu-after-soleimanis-killing-271977">Israeli&nbsp;cabinet</a>, one of whose members is openly homosexual.

Asked by the weekend edition of the top-selling Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper what he would do if one his children had a "different sexual orientation", Peretz said: "Thank God, my children grew up in a natural and healthy way. They are building their homes on the basis of Jewish values. I don't bother my head with 'what if' thinking."

Several&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;municipalities said they would open the new school week with tolerance classes in response.

"I will promote within the municipal&nbsp;educational system a programme of democracy, equality, recognition of the other and acceptance of differences. In short, everything that is the opposite of Rabbi Rafi," Amir Kochavi, mayor of the city of Hod Hasharon near <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-punish-americans-wherever-they-are-within-its-reach-guards-commander-272154">Tel Aviv</a>, said on Facebook.

Peretz, who heads the ultra-nationalist Jewish Home party, assumed the&nbsp;education&nbsp;portfolio within Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-in-apparent-stumble-calls-israel-a-nuclear-power-272310">Benjamin Netanyahu's</a> conservative coalition government in June.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
אני מגנה את דבריו האומללים של השר פרץ, ולא בפעם הראשונה. התבטאויותיו אינן משקפות את עמדת הממשלה. 
 
זהו קרב מאסף של קולות שלשמחתי הולכים ומתמעטים בציבור הרחב. גדלתי במשפחה בריאה, טובה ואוהבת, כך גדלים גם ילדיי וילדיהם של להט״בים רבים בכל חלקי הארץ, המצויים על כל הספקטרום הפוליטי. <a href="https://t.co/S3EN54JJIC">pic.twitter.com/S3EN54JJIC</a>
— אמיר אוחנה (@AmirOhana) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmirOhana/status/1216109139023233024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Justice&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Amir Ohana, a member of Netanyahu's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-wins-likud-party-leadership-race-270464">Likud party</a> who has children with a same-sex partner, condemned his cabinet colleague's remarks as "wretched, and not for the first time," adding that they "do not reflect the government's position".

"I grew up in a healthy, good and loving family, as are my children and the children of many LGBTs from all parts of the country, from all over the political spectrum," Ohana tweeted.

Several Israeli school districts held impromptu tolerance classes on Sunday after the country's education minister, an Orthodox rabbi, angered LGBT campaigners by implying homosexuality was unnatural.

Several Israeli school districts held impromptu tolerance classes on Sunday after the country's education minister, an Orthodox rabbi, angered LGBT campaigners by implying homosexuality was unnatural. The furore over the remarks by Education Minister Rafael Peretz, who last year spoke favourably about gay "conversion therapy", a widely discredited method, reached into the Israeli cabinet, one of whose members is openly homosexual. Asked by the weekend edition of the top-selling Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper what he would do if one his children had a "different sexual orientation", Peretz said: "Thank God, my children grew up in a natural and healthy way. They are building their homes on the basis of Jewish values. I don't bother my head with 'what if' thinking." Several Israeli municipalities said they would open the new school week with tolerance classes in response. "I will promote within the municipal educational system a programme of democracy, equality, recognition of the other and acceptance of differences. In short, everything that is the opposite of Rabbi Rafi," Amir Kochavi, mayor of the city of Hod Hasharon near Tel Aviv, said on Facebook. Peretz, who heads the ultra-nationalist Jewish Home party, assumed the education portfolio within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conservative coalition government in June. אני מגנה את דבריו האומללים של השר פרץ, ולא בפעם הראשונה. התבטאויותיו אינן משקפות את עמדת הממשלה. זהו קרב מאסף של קולות שלשמחתי הולכים ומתמעטים בציבור הרחב. גדלתי במשפחה בריאה, טובה ואוהבת, כך גדלים גם ילדיי וילדיהם של להט״בים רבים בכל חלקי הארץ, המצויים על כל הספקטרום הפוליטי. pic.twitter.com/S3EN54JJIC — אמיר אוחנה (@AmirOhana) January 11, 2020 × Justice Minister Amir Ohana, a member of Netanyahu's Likud party who has children with a same-sex partner, condemned his cabinet colleague's remarks as "wretched, and not for the first time," adding that they "do not reflect the government's position". "I grew up in a healthy, good and loving family, as are my children and the children of many LGBTs from all parts of the country, from all over the political spectrum," Ohana tweeted.

Israeli education minister Rafael Peretz implies homosexuality 'unnatural'

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world. #WIONSpeedNews #WION

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 05, 2020

In an apparent slip of the tongue on Sunday, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-contributed-to-plotting-terror-attacks-in-new-delhi-london-trump-272027">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> described Israel as a nuclear power before correcting himself with a bashful nod and an embarrassed smile.

Israel is widely believed to have an atomic arsenal but has never confirmed or denied that it has nuclear weapons, maintaining a so-called policy of ambiguity on the issue for decades.

Netanyahu stumbled at the weekly cabinet meeting while reading in Hebrew prepared remarks on a deal with Greece and Cyprus on a subsea gas pipeline.

"The significance of this project is that we are turning Israel into nuclear power," he said, before quickly correcting himself to say "energy power".

He then paused for a beat, acknowledging his mistake with a smile, and then ploughed on with his comments.

The rare blooper from one of Israel's most polished politicians swiftly proliferated on social media.

Netanyahu is fighting for his political survival in a March 2 vote after two inconclusive elections in April and September. In November, he was indicted on corruption charges, which he denies.

In an apparent slip of the tongue on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Israel as a nuclear power before correcting himself with a bashful nod and an embarrassed smile.

In an apparent slip of the tongue on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Israel as a nuclear power before correcting himself with a bashful nod and an embarrassed smile. Israel is widely believed to have an atomic arsenal but has never confirmed or denied that it has nuclear weapons, maintaining a so-called policy of ambiguity on the issue for decades. Netanyahu stumbled at the weekly cabinet meeting while reading in Hebrew prepared remarks on a deal with Greece and Cyprus on a subsea gas pipeline. "The significance of this project is that we are turning Israel into nuclear power," he said, before quickly correcting himself to say "energy power". He then paused for a beat, acknowledging his mistake with a smile, and then ploughed on with his comments. The rare blooper from one of Israel's most polished politicians swiftly proliferated on social media. Netanyahu is fighting for his political survival in a March 2 vote after two inconclusive elections in April and September. In November, he was indicted on corruption charges, which he denies.

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu in apparent stumble, calls Israel a 'nuclear power'

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 04, 2020

The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 3, 2020

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday praised US President Donald Trump "for acting swiftly, forcefully and decisively" to eliminate an Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in missile rain in Iraq's Baghdad.

"Just as Israel has the right of self-defence, the United States has exactly the same right," Netanyahu said before boarding a flight home.

Netanyahu on Friday cut short his Greece visit after the US killed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-commander-of-quds-force-to-replace-soleimani-irans-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-271905">&nbsp;Soleimani</a>, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' foreign operations arm, in an air raid on Baghdad international airport.

Following Soleimani's killing, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement called for the missile strike by Israel's closest ally, to be avenged.

"Meting out the appropriate punishment to these criminal assassins... will be the responsibility and task of all resistance fighters worldwide," Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said in a statement.

According to a local media report, Israel's security cabinet will&nbsp;hold an emergency session.

In the Gaza Strip, the Islamist Hamas movement which rules the territory condemned Soleimani's killing but did not make any overt threats.

"Hamas sends its condolences to the Iranian leadership and people," a statement said.

"Hamas condemns this American crime which raises tension in the region."

In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed.

The killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump, State Department announced later.

Soleimani led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. He played a key role during in fighting in Syria and Iraq.

For over two decades Soleimani&nbsp;had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday praised US President Donald Trump "for acting swiftly, forcefully and decisively" to eliminate an Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in missile rain in Iraq's Baghdad.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday praised US President Donald Trump "for acting swiftly, forcefully and decisively" to eliminate an Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in missile rain in Iraq's Baghdad. "Just as Israel has the right of self-defence, the United States has exactly the same right," Netanyahu said before boarding a flight home. Netanyahu on Friday cut short his Greece visit after the US killed Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' foreign operations arm, in an air raid on Baghdad international airport. Following Soleimani's killing, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement called for the missile strike by Israel's closest ally, to be avenged. "Meting out the appropriate punishment to these criminal assassins... will be the responsibility and task of all resistance fighters worldwide," Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said in a statement. According to a local media report, Israel's security cabinet will hold an emergency session. In the Gaza Strip, the Islamist Hamas movement which rules the territory condemned Soleimani's killing but did not make any overt threats. "Hamas sends its condolences to the Iranian leadership and people," a statement said. "Hamas condemns this American crime which raises tension in the region." In latest escalation in the Iran-US tension, the United States killed Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force and architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, in a strike at Baghdad airport. Muhandis, an adviser to Soleimani, was also killed. The killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump, State Department announced later. Soleimani led the Quds Force, the foreign arm of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. He played a key role during in fighting in Syria and Iraq. For over two decades Soleimani had been at the forefront of projecting the Islamic Republic's military influence across the Middle East. (With inputs from agencies)

US has 'right' to self-defence, says Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu after Soleimani's killing

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked lawmakers to grant him immunity from prosecution on corruption charges, ahead of an election in March that will decide his personal and political future.

Netanyahu Seeks Immunity From Israeli Corruption Charges

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - January 2, 2020

Blue & White party leader Benny Gantz responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement Wednesday that he had filed a formal request for immunity in the three cases he is facing.

'Netanyahu knows he's guilty' Gantz hits out at Netanyahu