Benny Gantz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main opponent in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-urges-rival-benny-gantz-to-form-a-unity-government-with-him-250546">country's general election</a>, said Thursday he should be prime minister in a broad unity government.

Gantz spoke to journalists after Netanyahu called for them to join together in a unity government as results from Tuesday's vote showed neither with an obvious path to form a majority coalition.

Gantz's centrist Blue and White is nevertheless two seats ahead of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud, according to results so far published by Israeli media.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on his main challenger Benny Gantz Thursday to form a unity government together, a major development after deadlocked election results put his long tenure in office at risk.

Netanyahu, in a video message, said he preferred to form a right-wing coalition, but the results showed it was not possible.

The stark admission followed Israel's general election on Tuesday that has threatened Netanyahu's status as the country's longest-serving prime minister as he faces possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead.

"During the elections, I called for the establishment of a right-wing government," Netanyahu said in a video message.

"But unfortunately the election results show that this is not possible."

He went on to call on Gantz to form a "broad unity government today."

Second election this year

Netanyahu was seeking to seize momentum by announcing his intention to form a unity government and head off attempts to oust him.

Blue and White, a centrist alliance, has in the past sought to appeal to members of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud to abandon him and form a unity government with it.

But there has so far been no signal that any Likud members would be willing to do that, and in his speech following the closure of Tuesday's polls Gantz made no such demand.

Official results have not been announced, but Israeli media have reported that Blue and White has 33 parliamentary seats and Likud 31 out of 120 with 97 percent of the votes counted.

Gantz's slim lead, however, gave no obvious path for either party to form a majority coalition.

Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has emerged as a potential kingmaker, with the reported results showing his nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party with eight seats.

Israel's newly reunified Arab parties, running together under the Joint List alliance, have also emerged as an important force, with the reported results showing them with 13 seats -- the third-largest.

That could allow them to block Netanyahu from continuing on as prime minister if they decided to break with precedent and endorse Gantz.

Israel's Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister.

After complete, official results are in, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will hold consultations with all parties voted into parliament and then choose someone to try to form a government.

It will be the second time he has done so since April.

Netanyahu suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after April elections.

His Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk having Rivlin choose someone else to try.

Benny Gantz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main opponent in the country's general election, said Thursday he should be prime minister in a broad unity government.

Benny Gantz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main opponent in the country's general election, said Thursday he should be prime minister in a broad unity government. Gantz spoke to journalists after Netanyahu called for them to join together in a unity government as results from Tuesday's vote showed neither with an obvious path to form a majority coalition. Gantz's centrist Blue and White is nevertheless two seats ahead of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud, according to results so far published by Israeli media. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on his main challenger Benny Gantz Thursday to form a unity government together, a major development after deadlocked election results put his long tenure in office at risk. Netanyahu, in a video message, said he preferred to form a right-wing coalition, but the results showed it was not possible. The stark admission followed Israel's general election on Tuesday that has threatened Netanyahu's status as the country's longest-serving prime minister as he faces possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead. "During the elections, I called for the establishment of a right-wing government," Netanyahu said in a video message. "But unfortunately the election results show that this is not possible." He went on to call on Gantz to form a "broad unity government today." Second election this year Netanyahu was seeking to seize momentum by announcing his intention to form a unity government and head off attempts to oust him. Blue and White, a centrist alliance, has in the past sought to appeal to members of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud to abandon him and form a unity government with it. But there has so far been no signal that any Likud members would be willing to do that, and in his speech following the closure of Tuesday's polls Gantz made no such demand. Official results have not been announced, but Israeli media have reported that Blue and White has 33 parliamentary seats and Likud 31 out of 120 with 97 percent of the votes counted. Gantz's slim lead, however, gave no obvious path for either party to form a majority coalition. Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman has emerged as a potential kingmaker, with the reported results showing his nationalist Yisrael Beitenu party with eight seats. Israel's newly reunified Arab parties, running together under the Joint List alliance, have also emerged as an important force, with the reported results showing them with 13 seats -- the third-largest. That could allow them to block Netanyahu from continuing on as prime minister if they decided to break with precedent and endorse Gantz. Israel's Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister. After complete, official results are in, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will hold consultations with all parties voted into parliament and then choose someone to try to form a government. It will be the second time he has done so since April. Netanyahu suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after April elections. His Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk having Rivlin choose someone else to try.

Israel: Netanyahu's rival Benny Gantz says he should be PM in unity government

Israel Elects: Benjamin Netanyahu seeks Israeli unity government with rival Gantz. Watch video to know more.

Israel Elects: Benjamin Netanyahu seeks Israeli unity government with rival Gantz

Israel Elects: Netanyahu calls on Gantz to form unity. Watch video to know more.

Israel Elects: Netanyahu calls on Gantz to form unity

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-benjamin-netanyahus-10-year-long-rule-threatened-by-deadlocked-israeli-polls-250475">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> called on Thursday on his main rival, former general Benny Gantz, to join him in a broad, governing coalition after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-cancels-un-visit-over-post-poll-political-context-250452">Israel's election </a>ended with no clear winner.

A spokeswoman for Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party, had no immediate response to the surprise offer from Netanyahu, head of the right-wing Likud party.

The change of strategy reflected Netanyahu's weakened position after he failed again in Tuesday's election, which followed an inconclusive ballot in April, to secure a parliamentary majority.
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"During the election campaign, I called for the establishment of a right-wing government but to my regret, the election results show that this is impossible," Netanyahu said.

"Benny, we must set up a broad unity government, as soon as today. The nation expects us, both of us, to demonstrate responsibility and that we pursue cooperation."

On Wednesday, Gantz said he hoped for a "good, desirable unity government". But he has also ruled out forming one with a Netanyahu-led Likud, citing looming corruption charges against the prime minister. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Thursday on his main rival, former general Benny Gantz, to join him in a broad, governing coalition after Israel's election ended with no clear winner.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Thursday on his main rival, former general Benny Gantz, to join him in a broad, governing coalition after Israel's election ended with no clear winner. A spokeswoman for Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party, had no immediate response to the surprise offer from Netanyahu, head of the right-wing Likud party. The change of strategy reflected Netanyahu's weakened position after he failed again in Tuesday's election, which followed an inconclusive ballot in April, to secure a parliamentary majority. "During the election campaign, I called for the establishment of a right-wing government but to my regret, the election results show that this is impossible," Netanyahu said. "Benny, we must set up a broad unity government, as soon as today. The nation expects us, both of us, to demonstrate responsibility and that we pursue cooperation." On Wednesday, Gantz said he hoped for a "good, desirable unity government". But he has also ruled out forming one with a Netanyahu-led Likud, citing looming corruption charges against the prime minister. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.

Benjamin Netanyahu urges rival Benny Gantz to form a unity government with him

Israel elects: Counting underway in high-stakes poll. Watch video to know more.

Israel elects: Counting underway in high-stakes poll

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger Benny Gantz were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/route-to-61-forming-a-coalition-after-israels-election-250385">deadlocked </a>Wednesday after a general election, Israeli media reported, raising the possibility of a unity government or even the end of the premier's long rule.

Various Israeli outlets reported that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 32 out of a total 120 seats.

But with more than 90 per cent of the vote counted, Gantz's slim lead gave no obvious path for either party to form a majority coalition, raising the possibility of negotiations towards a unity government.

The reports were citing elections committee sources, as that level of results had not been officially posted yet.

Watch:

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If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current one as he faces the possibility of corruption charges in the weeks ahead.

With a hoarse voice and appearing haggard after days of intense campaigning, Netanyahu spoke before supporters in the early hours of Wednesday and said he was prepared for negotiations to form a "strong Zionist government."

He seemed to hint at openness to forming a national unity government but did not specifically say so.

Gantz, addressing supporters in Tel Aviv, called for a "broad unity government" but cautioned that he was waiting for final results.

"We will act to form a broad unity government that will express the will of the people," the former armed forces chief said.

"We will begin negotiations and I will speak with everyone."

On Wednesday morning when journalists approached him as he headed out for a run, Gantz said, "we'll wait for the final results ... and wish Israel a good unity government."

Netanyahu was due to address members of his party later Wednesday.

Arab turnout

Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman could prove to be kingmaker, with the reported results giving his secular-nationalist party Yisrael Beitenu nine seats.

The mainly Arab Joint List alliance was set to become the third-largest bloc in parliament with 13 seats, the reports said.

That could allow Arab parties to block Netanyahu from continuing as prime minister if they decide to break with precedent and endorse Gantz for the job.

Israel's Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister.

"The main difference in this vote is the turnout among Arab citizens," Joint List leader Ayman Odeh told journalists outside his home in the northern city of Haifa on Wednesday.

"There's no doubt that this is what made the difference. Without that, Netanyahu would already be prime minister."

After exit polls were released on Tuesday night, Lieberman called for a unity government formed of his party, Likud and Blue and White, saying the country was facing an "emergency."

The election was the second in five months for Israel, and President Reuven Rivlin, who must choose someone to form the next government, said there was a "need to avoid a third".

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous elections in April.

His Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk having Rivlin choose someone else to try.

'Normal again'

The stakes could not be much higher for 69-year-old Netanyahu, who many believe will seek immunity from prosecution should he survive as prime minister.

He spent election day warning he was on the verge of losing if his supporters did not turn out to vote, including in appearances at Jerusalem's main market and its central bus station, wielding a megaphone to exhort crowds to vote.

He repeatedly warned as he has in previous elections, that left-wing and Arab voters were showing up in large numbers to oust him.

A campaign by Lieberman to "make Israel normal again" appeared to have resonated.

The staunch secularist has long campaigned against what he sees as the undue clout of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which he accuses of seeking to impose Jewish religious law on Israel's secular population.

Lieberman has demanded legislation to make military service mandatory for the ultra-Orthodox as for other Jewish Israelis -- a demand he refused to drop after April polls, eventually blocking Netanyahu's efforts to form a coalition.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger Benny Gantz were deadlocked Wednesday after a general election, Israeli media reported, raising the possibility of a unity government or even the end of the premier's long rule.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger Benny Gantz were deadlocked Wednesday after a general election, Israeli media reported, raising the possibility of a unity government or even the end of the premier's long rule. Various Israeli outlets reported that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 32 out of a total 120 seats. But with more than 90 per cent of the vote counted, Gantz's slim lead gave no obvious path for either party to form a majority coalition, raising the possibility of negotiations towards a unity government. The reports were citing elections committee sources, as that level of results had not been officially posted yet. Watch: × If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current one as he faces the possibility of corruption charges in the weeks ahead. With a hoarse voice and appearing haggard after days of intense campaigning, Netanyahu spoke before supporters in the early hours of Wednesday and said he was prepared for negotiations to form a "strong Zionist government." He seemed to hint at openness to forming a national unity government but did not specifically say so. Gantz, addressing supporters in Tel Aviv, called for a "broad unity government" but cautioned that he was waiting for final results. "We will act to form a broad unity government that will express the will of the people," the former armed forces chief said. "We will begin negotiations and I will speak with everyone." On Wednesday morning when journalists approached him as he headed out for a run, Gantz said, "we'll wait for the final results ... and wish Israel a good unity government." Netanyahu was due to address members of his party later Wednesday. Arab turnout Ex-defence minister Avigdor Lieberman could prove to be kingmaker, with the reported results giving his secular-nationalist party Yisrael Beitenu nine seats. The mainly Arab Joint List alliance was set to become the third-largest bloc in parliament with 13 seats, the reports said. That could allow Arab parties to block Netanyahu from continuing as prime minister if they decide to break with precedent and endorse Gantz for the job. Israel's Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister. "The main difference in this vote is the turnout among Arab citizens," Joint List leader Ayman Odeh told journalists outside his home in the northern city of Haifa on Wednesday. "There's no doubt that this is what made the difference. Without that, Netanyahu would already be prime minister." After exit polls were released on Tuesday night, Lieberman called for a unity government formed of his party, Likud and Blue and White, saying the country was facing an "emergency." The election was the second in five months for Israel, and President Reuven Rivlin, who must choose someone to form the next government, said there was a "need to avoid a third". Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous elections in April. His Likud along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk having Rivlin choose someone else to try. 'Normal again' The stakes could not be much higher for 69-year-old Netanyahu, who many believe will seek immunity from prosecution should he survive as prime minister. He spent election day warning he was on the verge of losing if his supporters did not turn out to vote, including in appearances at Jerusalem's main market and its central bus station, wielding a megaphone to exhort crowds to vote. He repeatedly warned as he has in previous elections, that left-wing and Arab voters were showing up in large numbers to oust him. A campaign by Lieberman to "make Israel normal again" appeared to have resonated. The staunch secularist has long campaigned against what he sees as the undue clout of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, which he accuses of seeking to impose Jewish religious law on Israel's secular population. Lieberman has demanded legislation to make military service mandatory for the ultra-Orthodox as for other Jewish Israelis -- a demand he refused to drop after April polls, eventually blocking Netanyahu's efforts to form a coalition.

Israel polls: Netanyahu, Gantz in deadlock as unity government looms

The centrist Blue and White alliance of former military chief Benny Gantz is projected to win between 32 and 34 seats, and PM Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party 30 to 33 seats.

Israel Elections: All you need to know

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly due to the "political context" in Israel, sources in his office told AFP Wednesday.

Initial results from Tuesday's general election show Netanyahu's Likud party tied with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/route-to-61-forming-a-coalition-after-israels-election-250385">Blue and White alliance</a> of his main challenger, former army chief Benny Gantz.

According to Israeli media, with more than 90 per cent of ballots counted, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 32 places in Israel's 120-member parliament.

If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current administration as he faces possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead.

The election was Israel's second in five months, and President Reuven Rivlin, who must appoint someone to form the next government, has stressed the "need to avoid a third".

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous poll.

Likud and its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk Rivlin picking someone else to try.

Netanyahu had been due to meet US President Donald Trump on the fringes of the General Assembly next week.

Trump said Saturday that he Netanyahu were&nbsp;to discuss the possibility of moving forward on a "mutual defence" treaty between the allies.

Netanyahu went further.

"I look forward to our meeting at the UN to advance a historic defence treaty between the United States and Israel," he said.

Netanyahu has in the past used speeches at the podium to accuse arch-foe Iran of working secretly to develop nuclear arms and denounce its support for militant groups against Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly due to the "political context" in Israel, sources in his office told AFP Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cancelled his planned visit to the United Nations General Assembly due to the "political context" in Israel, sources in his office told AFP Wednesday. Initial results from Tuesday's general election show Netanyahu's Likud party tied with the Blue and White alliance of his main challenger, former army chief Benny Gantz. According to Israeli media, with more than 90 per cent of ballots counted, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud had 31 seats, while Gantz's Blue and White took 32 places in Israel's 120-member parliament. If the results hold, it will be a major setback for Netanyahu, who hoped to form a right-wing coalition similar to his current administration as he faces possible corruption charges in the weeks ahead. The election was Israel's second in five months, and President Reuven Rivlin, who must appoint someone to form the next government, has stressed the "need to avoid a third". Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, suffered one of the biggest defeats of his political career after the previous poll. Likud and its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition and opted for a second election rather than risk Rivlin picking someone else to try. Netanyahu had been due to meet US President Donald Trump on the fringes of the General Assembly next week. Trump said Saturday that he Netanyahu were to discuss the possibility of moving forward on a "mutual defence" treaty between the allies. Netanyahu went further. "I look forward to our meeting at the UN to advance a historic defence treaty between the United States and Israel," he said. Netanyahu has in the past used speeches at the podium to accuse arch-foe Iran of working secretly to develop nuclear arms and denounce its support for militant groups against Israel.

Benjamin Netanyahu cancels UN visit over post-poll 'political context'

Israeli election results showed Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-appears-from-exit-polls-that-prime-minister-netanyahu-lost-israels-opposition-leader-250285">Benjamin Netanyahu </a>and his main rival Benny Gantz deadlocked, reports said Wednesday.&nbsp;

If the results from Tuesday's election hold, they suggest a stark challenge for any party to form a viable coalition government under Israel's proportional system.

What is the procedure?

Various Israeli media reported that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and Gantz's Blue and White had 32 seats each of parliament's 120 with more than 90 percent of the vote counted.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will ask the heads of all of the parties voted into the parliament, or Knesset, to nominate who they would like to form a government.

Whichever leader gets the most nominations will get the first chance to try and form a coalition.

They will have 28 days to try and form a viable coalition, with a potential 14-day extension.&nbsp;

If that proves impossible, as after the previous election in April, Rivlin could then give another leader an opportunity.

Netanyahu headed off that possibility in April by opting for an unprecedented second election instead.

What is Netanyahu's path?

Netanyahu's route to retaining his rightwing government likely runs through one man: Avigdor Lieberman.

Three other rightwing parties -- the two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties and religious nationalists Yamina -- have said they will recommend Netanyahu.

But that would still leave the bloc short of a majority.

Netanyahu would then need to turn to Lieberman, a former rightwing ally turned fierce rival who could become kingmaker.

This would likely involve pledging to curb the influence of the ultra-Orthodox parties, with which Lieberman has fraught relations.

The April election brought a similar result to Tuesday's, but Netanyahu was ultimately unable to convince Lieberman to join and called fresh polls.

What is Gantz's path?

Gantz could still get enough nominations to get his Blue and White coalition to 61 but his route appears difficult.

He may need the backing of two smaller leftwing parties, as well as the backing of the Joint List coalition of Arab Israeli parties, which the reported results showed could win 12 seats.

Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister, but have signalled they could back Gantz this time as they seek to oust Netanyahu.

But even then Gantz would be short of 61 votes, according to the reported results, with Lieberman's reported nine seats to play for.

Is a unity government possible?

A third option is a unity government including Likud, Blue and White and possibly Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party.

Lieberman said clearly Tuesday he would only support such a deal.

Earlier in the campaign, Gantz expressed an unwillingness to work with Likud as long as Netanyahu was in charge, but he did not reiterate that demand in his speech after the election.

Netanyahu signalled he may be open to the possibility of a unity government, though he would clearly prefer a right-wing coalition similar to the one he has now.

The 69-year-old has been in power for more than a decade and is a deeply polarising figure.

Blue and White has sought to encourage Netanyahu's Likud to replace him as leader before joining a coalition together.

There is so far no sign that would happen.

Fighting for his political career and with a hearing expected early next month over corruption allegations, Netanyahu indicated late Tuesday he planned to fight on as long as possible.

What about a third round?

Tuesday's results were not radically different to the polls in April that saw Netanyahu unable to form a majority coalition. He called a new election before Gantz was given the chance to try.

Another stalemate and unsuccessful negotiations could in theory even lead to the third round of elections, though Rivlin has pledged to do all he can to avoid that.

Israeli election results showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz deadlocked, reports said Wednesday. If the results from Tuesday's election hold, they suggest a stark challenge for any party to form a viable coalition government under Israel's proportional system.

Israeli election results showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival Benny Gantz deadlocked, reports said Wednesday. If the results from Tuesday's election hold, they suggest a stark challenge for any party to form a viable coalition government under Israel's proportional system. What is the procedure? Various Israeli media reported that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and Gantz's Blue and White had 32 seats each of parliament's 120 with more than 90 percent of the vote counted. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will ask the heads of all of the parties voted into the parliament, or Knesset, to nominate who they would like to form a government. Whichever leader gets the most nominations will get the first chance to try and form a coalition. They will have 28 days to try and form a viable coalition, with a potential 14-day extension. If that proves impossible, as after the previous election in April, Rivlin could then give another leader an opportunity. Netanyahu headed off that possibility in April by opting for an unprecedented second election instead. What is Netanyahu's path? Netanyahu's route to retaining his rightwing government likely runs through one man: Avigdor Lieberman. Three other rightwing parties -- the two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties and religious nationalists Yamina -- have said they will recommend Netanyahu. But that would still leave the bloc short of a majority. Netanyahu would then need to turn to Lieberman, a former rightwing ally turned fierce rival who could become kingmaker. This would likely involve pledging to curb the influence of the ultra-Orthodox parties, with which Lieberman has fraught relations. The April election brought a similar result to Tuesday's, but Netanyahu was ultimately unable to convince Lieberman to join and called fresh polls. What is Gantz's path? Gantz could still get enough nominations to get his Blue and White coalition to 61 but his route appears difficult. He may need the backing of two smaller leftwing parties, as well as the backing of the Joint List coalition of Arab Israeli parties, which the reported results showed could win 12 seats. Arab parties have traditionally not endorsed anyone for prime minister, but have signalled they could back Gantz this time as they seek to oust Netanyahu. But even then Gantz would be short of 61 votes, according to the reported results, with Lieberman's reported nine seats to play for. Is a unity government possible? A third option is a unity government including Likud, Blue and White and possibly Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party. Lieberman said clearly Tuesday he would only support such a deal. Earlier in the campaign, Gantz expressed an unwillingness to work with Likud as long as Netanyahu was in charge, but he did not reiterate that demand in his speech after the election. Netanyahu signalled he may be open to the possibility of a unity government, though he would clearly prefer a right-wing coalition similar to the one he has now. The 69-year-old has been in power for more than a decade and is a deeply polarising figure. Blue and White has sought to encourage Netanyahu's Likud to replace him as leader before joining a coalition together. There is so far no sign that would happen. Fighting for his political career and with a hearing expected early next month over corruption allegations, Netanyahu indicated late Tuesday he planned to fight on as long as possible. What about a third round? Tuesday's results were not radically different to the polls in April that saw Netanyahu unable to form a majority coalition. He called a new election before Gantz was given the chance to try. Another stalemate and unsuccessful negotiations could in theory even lead to the third round of elections, though Rivlin has pledged to do all he can to avoid that.

Route to 61: Forming a coalition after Israel's election

Meet Netanyahu's main rival, the former military chief Benny Gantz, who vows to restore honour to premier's office

Barely pausing for breath in a last-gasp election-day pitch for votes, Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-elections-benjamin-netanyahus-agenda-and-settlement-issue-249977">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> addressed potential backers in live video election feeds on social media.

At times, according to real-time viewership data at the bottom of the screen, fewer than 400 people were watching, on a warm, sunny day when many Israelis were at the beach or shopping before the 10 pm (1900 GMT) close of polls after a close race.

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נותרו שעתיים בלבד - חייבים לצאת להצביע מחל ולהביא חברים. שידור חירום: <a href="https://t.co/5Wkkz7sC9t">https://t.co/5Wkkz7sC9t</a>
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1174005405153775616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sticking to the same campaign playbook for the past week, Netanyahu repeated a relentless message to supporters of his right-wing Likud party as if his political life depended on it, "Get out and vote."

The alternative, he said, claiming a strong turnout for left-leaning parties before any official statistics were in, would be a "disaster" - an end to his 10 consecutive years in power and a "leftist" government in charge.

Political commentators dubbed it Netanyahu's "oy gevalt" strategy, Yiddish slang for warnings of impending doom.

Watch: All you need to know about Israel elections

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Dressed in dark suit and tie, Netanyahu, 69, sat at a desk, a map of the Middle East in the background, and made his appeal in a rapid and imploring cadence worthy of fast-talking, "infomercial" pitchmen.

As aides off-camera handed him cellular phones, he fielded calls from Likud activists across Israel, grasping the devices in one hand while holding up a prop - an oversized ballot emblazoned with his party's name - in the other.

"I am losing," he told one supporter as a caption went up giving the man's hometown as Nes Ziona, near Tel Aviv.

Then it was onto the next call.

"What's happening in Rosh Ha'ayin?" Netanyahu asked, mentioning the town where his strongest challenger, former armed Benny Gantz of the centrist Blue and White party, lives.

"Gantz's neighbourhood voted at 7 a.m.," Netanyahu, answering his own question, told the caller.

Barely pausing for breath in a last-gasp election-day pitch for votes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed potential backers in live video election feeds on social media.

Barely pausing for breath in a last-gasp election-day pitch for votes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed potential backers in live video election feeds on social media. At times, according to real-time viewership data at the bottom of the screen, fewer than 400 people were watching, on a warm, sunny day when many Israelis were at the beach or shopping before the 10 pm (1900 GMT) close of polls after a close race. נותרו שעתיים בלבד - חייבים לצאת להצביע מחל ולהביא חברים. שידור חירום: https://t.co/5Wkkz7sC9t — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) September 17, 2019 × Sticking to the same campaign playbook for the past week, Netanyahu repeated a relentless message to supporters of his right-wing Likud party as if his political life depended on it, "Get out and vote." The alternative, he said, claiming a strong turnout for left-leaning parties before any official statistics were in, would be a "disaster" - an end to his 10 consecutive years in power and a "leftist" government in charge. Political commentators dubbed it Netanyahu's "oy gevalt" strategy, Yiddish slang for warnings of impending doom. Watch: All you need to know about Israel elections × Dressed in dark suit and tie, Netanyahu, 69, sat at a desk, a map of the Middle East in the background, and made his appeal in a rapid and imploring cadence worthy of fast-talking, "infomercial" pitchmen. As aides off-camera handed him cellular phones, he fielded calls from Likud activists across Israel, grasping the devices in one hand while holding up a prop - an oversized ballot emblazoned with his party's name - in the other. "I am losing," he told one supporter as a caption went up giving the man's hometown as Nes Ziona, near Tel Aviv. Then it was onto the next call. "What's happening in Rosh Ha'ayin?" Netanyahu asked, mentioning the town where his strongest challenger, former armed Benny Gantz of the centrist Blue and White party, lives. "Gantz's neighbourhood voted at 7 a.m.," Netanyahu, answering his own question, told the caller.

Israel votes to decide PM Benjamin Netanyahu's fate

Israel elects: Bibi to return or will it be Gantz? Watch video to know more.

Israel elects: Bibi to return or will it be Gantz?

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 17th, 2019

Israel elects: What to expect from the upcoming polls? Watch video to know more.

Israel elects: What to expect from the upcoming polls?

Elections are being held in Israel on Tuesday for the second time in five months. The polls will decide whether to extend&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu's term as the country's longest-serving Prime Minister.

On Wion Edit, we look at the political system of Israel.&nbsp;

No one party has won an outright majority in Israel's history and coalition governments have ruled the country for its 71 years.

However, unlike India - this has never tied up Israel's development agenda.&nbsp;

Israel is an advanced economy and ranks 22 on the UN Human Development Index. Furthermore, Israel has the third-largest number of NASDAQ listed companies. In fact, Israel is ranked third on this list, right after America and China.&nbsp;

Israel is also a start-up hub. Two years ago, a World Economic Forum report called Israel - "The second most innovative nation in the world."&nbsp;

For a country with a population of just eight million, Israel really knows how to punch above its weight. And they have been able to do this despite being locked in one of the world's longest-running conflicts.&nbsp;

Israel's disputes with Palestine and other Arab neighbours has been going on since 1948. But, that has not held back its development agenda. &nbsp;

The country which started out as a relatively poor nation&nbsp;has achieved all this in just 50 years.&nbsp;

Between 1973 to 1985, the inflation rate in Israel went well over 400 per cent at one point. Learning from its mistakes, Israel liberalised its economy, participated in global trade and made big bets in the technology sector.&nbsp;

Today, it is among the 25 richest nations in the world. The case of Israel could&nbsp;very well&nbsp;serve as a case study for developing nations, especially in South Asia.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Elections are being held in Israel on Tuesday for the second time in five months. The polls will decide whether to extend Benjamin Netanyahu's term as the country's longest-serving Prime Minister.

Elections are being held in Israel on Tuesday for the second time in five months. The polls will decide whether to extend Benjamin Netanyahu's term as the country's longest-serving Prime Minister. On Wion Edit, we look at the political system of Israel. No one party has won an outright majority in Israel's history and coalition governments have ruled the country for its 71 years. However, unlike India - this has never tied up Israel's development agenda. Israel is an advanced economy and ranks 22 on the UN Human Development Index. Furthermore, Israel has the third-largest number of NASDAQ listed companies. In fact, Israel is ranked third on this list, right after America and China. Israel is also a start-up hub. Two years ago, a World Economic Forum report called Israel - "The second most innovative nation in the world." For a country with a population of just eight million, Israel really knows how to punch above its weight. And they have been able to do this despite being locked in one of the world's longest-running conflicts. Israel's disputes with Palestine and other Arab neighbours has been going on since 1948. But, that has not held back its development agenda. The country which started out as a relatively poor nation has achieved all this in just 50 years. Between 1973 to 1985, the inflation rate in Israel went well over 400 per cent at one point. Learning from its mistakes, Israel liberalised its economy, participated in global trade and made big bets in the technology sector. Today, it is among the 25 richest nations in the world. The case of Israel could very well serve as a case study for developing nations, especially in South Asia. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Developing nations have a lot to learn from Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting for his political life as the country faces national elections Tuesday for the second time this year. Watch this video to know more.

US-Israel discuss Mutual Defense Treaty

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to annex the Jordan Valley, a large swathe of the occupied West Bank, if he wins the elections in a closely contested race.

Netanyahu announces annexation of West Bank's Jordan Valley

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrambled for far-right voter support two days before an election, convening his cabinet in the occupied West Bank and having it approve legal status for an unauthorised outpost. Watch this video to know more.

Netanyahu sharpens focus on settlements, two days before ballot

Israel elections: Benjamin Netanyahu's agenda and settlement issue

Benjamin Netanyahu's battle for his political survival, Israel to vote again on Sept 17. Watch this video to know more.

Benjamin Netanyahu's battle for his political survival, Israel to vote again on Sept 17

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of moving forward on a "mutual defence" treaty between the allies, just three days before Israeli voters go to the polls.

"I had a call today with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the possibility of moving forward with a Mutual Defence Treaty, between the United States and Israel," Trump tweeted.

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....between our two countries. I look forward to continuing those discussions after the Israeli Elections when we meet at the United Nations later this month!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1172887122757525504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He said such an agreement would "further anchor the tremendous alliance" between the two countries.&nbsp;

"I look forward to continuing those discussions after the Israeli Elections when we meet at the United Nations later this month!" Trump added, giving a tacit last-minute endorsement to Netanyahu's re-election bid.

The comments come as the international community awaits the release of Washington's long-delayed Middle East peace plan, which Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently said could come within weeks.

Its publication was pushed back after Israel scheduled new elections, set for Tuesday. &nbsp;

Then last week, one of the key architects of the US plan, Jason Greenblatt, announced his resignation.

Trump has repeatedly boasted that he is the most pro-Israeli US president in history. He has slashed aid to the Palestinians, while making big concessions to the Israelis, including formalizing US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state.

As a result, the Palestinian Authority has cut off formal contact with the Trump administration, saying it is not an honest broker.

So far, Trump has not commented on Netanyahu's controversial pledge to annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as well as the Jordan Valley if re-elected -- which would seem to go beyond US proposals for land swaps between Israel and the Palestinians.

Netanyahu, 69, is fighting his second election in five months with a potential corruption indictment looming. He suffered a major defeat in April, when his Likud party along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of moving forward on a "mutual defence" treaty between the allies, just three days before Israeli voters go to the polls.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of moving forward on a "mutual defence" treaty between the allies, just three days before Israeli voters go to the polls. "I had a call today with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the possibility of moving forward with a Mutual Defence Treaty, between the United States and Israel," Trump tweeted. ....between our two countries. I look forward to continuing those discussions after the Israeli Elections when we meet at the United Nations later this month! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 14, 2019 × He said such an agreement would "further anchor the tremendous alliance" between the two countries. "I look forward to continuing those discussions after the Israeli Elections when we meet at the United Nations later this month!" Trump added, giving a tacit last-minute endorsement to Netanyahu's re-election bid. The comments come as the international community awaits the release of Washington's long-delayed Middle East peace plan, which Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently said could come within weeks. Its publication was pushed back after Israel scheduled new elections, set for Tuesday. Then last week, one of the key architects of the US plan, Jason Greenblatt, announced his resignation. Trump has repeatedly boasted that he is the most pro-Israeli US president in history. He has slashed aid to the Palestinians, while making big concessions to the Israelis, including formalizing US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state. As a result, the Palestinian Authority has cut off formal contact with the Trump administration, saying it is not an honest broker. So far, Trump has not commented on Netanyahu's controversial pledge to annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as well as the Jordan Valley if re-elected -- which would seem to go beyond US proposals for land swaps between Israel and the Palestinians. Netanyahu, 69, is fighting his second election in five months with a potential corruption indictment looming. He suffered a major defeat in April, when his Likud party along with its right-wing and religious allies won a majority, but he failed to form a coalition.

Donald Trump says he discussed 'mutual defence' treaty with Benjamin Netanyahu

Things Didn't Go As Planned For Benjamin Netanyahu At A Recent Campaign Rally Ahead Of Israel's Closely-Fought Elections.

Gravitas: Israel Polls: It's Going Down To The Wire

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-fights-for-political-life-a-week-before-israel-votes-248659">Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party </a>was found Thursday to have violated Facebook's hate-speech policy after a post from his account saying Arabs "want to destroy us all".

Israeli media reported that the post which said Israeli Arabs "want to destroy us all -- women, children and men" appeared on Netanyahu's official Facebook page and was subsequently removed by Likud.

"After careful review of the Likud campaign’s bot activities, we found a violation of our hate speech policy," a Facebook statement said, referring to an automated chat function.

"We also found that the bot was misusing the platform in the time period allowed to contact people. As a result, we temporarily suspended the bot for 24 hours. Should there be any additional violations, we will continue to take appropriate action."

A Likud spokesman told AFP that the freeze went into effect Thursday morning and would not affect the party's online election campaign.

Netanyahu, who is fighting an election battle for his political survival, said the message had nothing to do with him.

Watch —&nbsp;Israel Polls: It's Going Down To The Wire

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israel-polls-its-going-down-to-the-wire-249090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It wasn't me. It was one of the workers at our election headquarters," he told Israeli public radio. "That mistake was fixed quickly."

"Think logically: Do you think I would really write such a thing?"

"I have friends in Arab countries and I have respect for human beings regardless of whether they are Jewish or Arab, Muslim or Christian."

Netanyahu has long faced accusations from critics that he has demonised Israel's 1.4 million Arab citizens with his political rhetoric.

With the September 17 vote looming, he and Likud drew outrage from opposition parties with a push for last-minute legislation that would allow party officials to bring cameras to polling stations.

His critics labelled it a naked attempt to depress turnout among Israel's Arab population, as it could intimidate many into staying away.

Netanyahu has used similar tactics in the past, including warning on election day in 2015 that Israeli Arabs were voting in "droves", a comment for which he later apologised.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party was found Thursday to have violated Facebook's hate-speech policy after a post from his account saying Arabs "want to destroy us all".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party was found Thursday to have violated Facebook's hate-speech policy after a post from his account saying Arabs "want to destroy us all". Israeli media reported that the post which said Israeli Arabs "want to destroy us all -- women, children and men" appeared on Netanyahu's official Facebook page and was subsequently removed by Likud. "After careful review of the Likud campaign’s bot activities, we found a violation of our hate speech policy," a Facebook statement said, referring to an automated chat function. "We also found that the bot was misusing the platform in the time period allowed to contact people. As a result, we temporarily suspended the bot for 24 hours. Should there be any additional violations, we will continue to take appropriate action." A Likud spokesman told AFP that the freeze went into effect Thursday morning and would not affect the party's online election campaign. Netanyahu, who is fighting an election battle for his political survival, said the message had nothing to do with him. Watch — Israel Polls: It's Going Down To The Wire "It wasn't me. It was one of the workers at our election headquarters," he told Israeli public radio. "That mistake was fixed quickly." "Think logically: Do you think I would really write such a thing?" "I have friends in Arab countries and I have respect for human beings regardless of whether they are Jewish or Arab, Muslim or Christian." Netanyahu has long faced accusations from critics that he has demonised Israel's 1.4 million Arab citizens with his political rhetoric. With the September 17 vote looming, he and Likud drew outrage from opposition parties with a push for last-minute legislation that would allow party officials to bring cameras to polling stations. His critics labelled it a naked attempt to depress turnout among Israel's Arab population, as it could intimidate many into staying away. Netanyahu has used similar tactics in the past, including warning on election day in 2015 that Israeli Arabs were voting in "droves", a comment for which he later apologised.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bot gets Facebook 'hate speech' suspension

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani may not be the only one to have welcomed US President Donald J Trump’s cancellation of peace talks with the Taliban. Probably, so did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the run-up to this month’s Israeli elections.

The cancellation likely reduces fears harboured in recent weeks by Netanyahu and the Israeli intelligence community that the US president may reverse his hardline on Iran and seek to negotiate a resolution of differences with his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani.

Israeli fears were sparked by Trump’s repeated expression of interest in meeting with Rouhani, talks on the margins of last month’s gathering of Group of Seven leaders in Biarritz between French president Emmanuel Macron and Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, and &nbsp;Trump’s last-minute pullback in June from launching a military strike against Iran.

Trump reiterated his willingness to talk to Rouhani a day after the cancellation and hours after Netanyahu sought to prove that Iran had been violating the 2015 international agreement designed to curb its nuclear ambitions.

The president told reporters that he had no objections to negotiating face-to-face with Rouhani. “Sure, anything’s possible. They would like to be able to solve their problem. We could solve it in 24 hours,” Trump said.

Netanyahu probably saw Trump’s firing on Tuesday of his national security advisor John Bolton, one of the Israeli leader’s foremost soul mates in the administration when it came to Iran, as another worrisome sign.&nbsp;

International Crisis Group Iran expert Ali Vaez voiced Netanyahu’s worst fears by describing Bolton’s departure as “an opportunity for de-escalation.”

Nevertheless, Netanyahu and Israeli intelligence were likely to draw two conclusions from the cancellation of the Taliban talks.

If Trump’s withdrawal in May of last year from the 2015 nuclear agreement, despite a consensus that the Islamic republic was abiding by the accord, convinced Iranians that the United States could not be trusted to honour its commitments, cancelling talks with the Taliban has highlighted the risks of engaging with the US president.

As a result, Rouhani, a strong proponent of the nuclear accord who was weakened by Trump’s withdrawal and has since been on the defensive against Iranian hardliners, is likely to be even more hesitant to engage with Trump.

That is what Netanyahu, betting on Rouhani’s track record in recent weeks, will count on.

Rouhani initially last month expressed willingness to meet Trump without preconditions but subsequently toughened his position by insisting that the United States first lift harsh economic sanctions imposed on Iran after the US withdrawal from the nuclear accord.

Rouhani told the Iranian parliament a day before MTrump’s latest overture and on the same day that the US president cancelled the Taliban talks that Iran’s response to American advances would “always be negative.”

The cancellation is also likely to reinforce Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s deep-rooted distrust of the United States.

Netanyahu and Israeli intelligence are likely to draw a second conclusion from the cancellation prompted by the Taliban’s continued attacks despite peace talks that last week killed a US soldier and 11 others.

Trump’s declaration that the talks were ‘dead’ raised the spectre of a president reluctant to embroil the United States in further military conflict ramping up operations in Afghanistan to counter anticipated Taliban activity.

In an effort to fortify his perceived, regained the advantage and distract attention from setbacks in his electoral campaign, Netanyahu charged in a short, televised address on Monday that Iran’s ‘duplicitous’ regime had been secretly developing nuclear weapons at a hitherto unknown site near Abadeh, south of the city of Isfahan.

Netanyahu asserted that Iran had destroyed the site once it realised that Israel had discovered it. Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, denied the Israeli allegations.

Analysts charged that Netanyahu was recycling dated information in a blurring of the lines between his electoral needs and Israel’s true security concerns.

“In the way Netanyahu presents things…there is a whiff of manipulation; contrary to what one might understand from his remarks, this was an Iranian violation from the period before the nuclear agreement, which went into effect in January 2015,” said Amos Harel, a columnist for Haaretz newspaper.

In attempting to persuade the Israeli electorate that he is the Israeli leader with the security credentials needed to protect Israel from the likes of Iran, stiffen the US resolve to force Iran on its knees, and convince other nations that Iran is the source of all evil, Netanyahu risks not only escalating tension in the Middle East but also sparking a regional nuclear arms race.

Netanyahu’s assertions threaten to reinforce Saudi resolve to match whatever advances Iran may make.

Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed oil minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, in his first remarks since being appointed this week, said that the kingdom wanted to push ahead with the full cycle of its nuclear program, including the production and enrichment of uranium for atomic fuel.

Iran in recent weeks has gradually breached the limits set on its enriched-uranium stockpile by the nuclear agreement and installed advanced centrifuges in a bid to force Europe to take effective steps to shield it against the full impact of US sanctions and prevent the collapse of the accord.

Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in an indication that a regional nuclear arms race could spiral out of control, this month demanded the right for his country to develop a nuclear military capability.

Not to mention that a nuclear arms race could prompt Israel, the Middle East’s so far only, albeit undeclared nuclear power, to enhance its capabilities to maintain its strategic edge.

Said Gulf scholar Luciano Zaccara: “With its ill-advised policies in the Gulf, the Trump administration is not only encouraging a nuclear race in the region…but it is also undermining the international non-proliferation regime…. In the current volatile situation in the Middle East...the lack of a robust non-proliferation agreement will encourage a nuclear race in the region and increase the chances of pre-emptive military attacks that could lead to large-scale war.”

The same could be said for Netanyahu’s approach.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani may not be the only one to have welcomed US President Donald J Trump’s cancellation of peace talks with the Taliban. Probably, so did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the run-up to this month’s Israeli elections.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani may not be the only one to have welcomed US President Donald J Trump’s cancellation of peace talks with the Taliban. Probably, so did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the run-up to this month’s Israeli elections. The cancellation likely reduces fears harboured in recent weeks by Netanyahu and the Israeli intelligence community that the US president may reverse his hardline on Iran and seek to negotiate a resolution of differences with his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani. Israeli fears were sparked by Trump’s repeated expression of interest in meeting with Rouhani, talks on the margins of last month’s gathering of Group of Seven leaders in Biarritz between French president Emmanuel Macron and Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, and Trump’s last-minute pullback in June from launching a military strike against Iran. Trump reiterated his willingness to talk to Rouhani a day after the cancellation and hours after Netanyahu sought to prove that Iran had been violating the 2015 international agreement designed to curb its nuclear ambitions. The president told reporters that he had no objections to negotiating face-to-face with Rouhani. “Sure, anything’s possible. They would like to be able to solve their problem. We could solve it in 24 hours,” Trump said. Netanyahu probably saw Trump’s firing on Tuesday of his national security advisor John Bolton, one of the Israeli leader’s foremost soul mates in the administration when it came to Iran, as another worrisome sign. International Crisis Group Iran expert Ali Vaez voiced Netanyahu’s worst fears by describing Bolton’s departure as “an opportunity for de-escalation.” Nevertheless, Netanyahu and Israeli intelligence were likely to draw two conclusions from the cancellation of the Taliban talks. If Trump’s withdrawal in May of last year from the 2015 nuclear agreement, despite a consensus that the Islamic republic was abiding by the accord, convinced Iranians that the United States could not be trusted to honour its commitments, cancelling talks with the Taliban has highlighted the risks of engaging with the US president. As a result, Rouhani, a strong proponent of the nuclear accord who was weakened by Trump’s withdrawal and has since been on the defensive against Iranian hardliners, is likely to be even more hesitant to engage with Trump. That is what Netanyahu, betting on Rouhani’s track record in recent weeks, will count on. Rouhani initially last month expressed willingness to meet Trump without preconditions but subsequently toughened his position by insisting that the United States first lift harsh economic sanctions imposed on Iran after the US withdrawal from the nuclear accord. Rouhani told the Iranian parliament a day before MTrump’s latest overture and on the same day that the US president cancelled the Taliban talks that Iran’s response to American advances would “always be negative.” The cancellation is also likely to reinforce Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s deep-rooted distrust of the United States. Netanyahu and Israeli intelligence are likely to draw a second conclusion from the cancellation prompted by the Taliban’s continued attacks despite peace talks that last week killed a US soldier and 11 others. Trump’s declaration that the talks were ‘dead’ raised the spectre of a president reluctant to embroil the United States in further military conflict ramping up operations in Afghanistan to counter anticipated Taliban activity. In an effort to fortify his perceived, regained the advantage and distract attention from setbacks in his electoral campaign, Netanyahu charged in a short, televised address on Monday that Iran’s ‘duplicitous’ regime had been secretly developing nuclear weapons at a hitherto unknown site near Abadeh, south of the city of Isfahan. Netanyahu asserted that Iran had destroyed the site once it realised that Israel had discovered it. Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, denied the Israeli allegations. Analysts charged that Netanyahu was recycling dated information in a blurring of the lines between his electoral needs and Israel’s true security concerns. “In the way Netanyahu presents things…there is a whiff of manipulation; contrary to what one might understand from his remarks, this was an Iranian violation from the period before the nuclear agreement, which went into effect in January 2015,” said Amos Harel, a columnist for Haaretz newspaper. In attempting to persuade the Israeli electorate that he is the Israeli leader with the security credentials needed to protect Israel from the likes of Iran, stiffen the US resolve to force Iran on its knees, and convince other nations that Iran is the source of all evil, Netanyahu risks not only escalating tension in the Middle East but also sparking a regional nuclear arms race. Netanyahu’s assertions threaten to reinforce Saudi resolve to match whatever advances Iran may make. Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed oil minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, in his first remarks since being appointed this week, said that the kingdom wanted to push ahead with the full cycle of its nuclear program, including the production and enrichment of uranium for atomic fuel. Iran in recent weeks has gradually breached the limits set on its enriched-uranium stockpile by the nuclear agreement and installed advanced centrifuges in a bid to force Europe to take effective steps to shield it against the full impact of US sanctions and prevent the collapse of the accord. Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in an indication that a regional nuclear arms race could spiral out of control, this month demanded the right for his country to develop a nuclear military capability. Not to mention that a nuclear arms race could prompt Israel, the Middle East’s so far only, albeit undeclared nuclear power, to enhance its capabilities to maintain its strategic edge. Said Gulf scholar Luciano Zaccara: “With its ill-advised policies in the Gulf, the Trump administration is not only encouraging a nuclear race in the region…but it is also undermining the international non-proliferation regime…. In the current volatile situation in the Middle East...the lack of a robust non-proliferation agreement will encourage a nuclear race in the region and increase the chances of pre-emptive military attacks that could lead to large-scale war.” The same could be said for Netanyahu’s approach. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu encouraging a nuclear race

Several rockets were fired Wednesday from the Gaza Strip at Israel, which responded by striking Hamas military positions in the enclave, the Israeli army said.

The afternoon exchange came a day after rockets fired from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-attacks-gaza-targets-following-drone-raid-248492">Palestinian territory</a> towards the Israeli city of Ashdod forced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to flee the stage during a campaign rally.

"Three projectiles were launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel," the Israeli army said in a statement, adding that sirens were triggered in nearby Israeli communities.

In response, it added, a "tank struck two Hamas military posts in the northern Gaza Strip."

The strikes were confirmed by a security source in Gaza, which is controlled by the Islamist movement Hamas.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries.

Overnight Tuesday the Israeli army struck 15 sites it said belonged to Hamas in the northern and central Gaza Strip.

It said the strikes were in response to the rockets fired towards Ashdod which forced Netanyahu to cut short a speech.

The right-wing premier is campaigning for re-election on September 17 parliamentary polls.

On Tuesday Netanyahu announced his intention to annex a large part of the occupied West Bank if re-elected.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008. 
&nbsp;

Several rockets were fired Wednesday from the Gaza Strip at Israel, which responded by striking Hamas military positions in the enclave, the Israeli army said. The afternoon exchange came a day after rockets fired from the Palestinian territory towards the Israeli city of Ashdod forced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to flee the stage during a campaign rally.

Several rockets were fired Wednesday from the Gaza Strip at Israel, which responded by striking Hamas military positions in the enclave, the Israeli army said. The afternoon exchange came a day after rockets fired from the Palestinian territory towards the Israeli city of Ashdod forced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to flee the stage during a campaign rally. "Three projectiles were launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel," the Israeli army said in a statement, adding that sirens were triggered in nearby Israeli communities. In response, it added, a "tank struck two Hamas military posts in the northern Gaza Strip." The strikes were confirmed by a security source in Gaza, which is controlled by the Islamist movement Hamas. There were no immediate reports of any injuries. Overnight Tuesday the Israeli army struck 15 sites it said belonged to Hamas in the northern and central Gaza Strip. It said the strikes were in response to the rockets fired towards Ashdod which forced Netanyahu to cut short a speech. The right-wing premier is campaigning for re-election on September 17 parliamentary polls. On Tuesday Netanyahu announced his intention to annex a large part of the occupied West Bank if re-elected. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.

Israel has struck Hamas after Gaza rocket fire: Army

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a deeply controversial pledge on Tuesday to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank if re-elected in September 17 polls.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a deeply controversial pledge on Tuesday to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank if re-elected in September 17 polls. Palestinians immediately reacted by saying Netanyahu was destroying any hopes for peace, while his electoral opponents accused him of a cynical play for right-wing nationalist votes with polls only a week away. In his televised speech, the prime minister also reiterated his intention to annex Israeli settlements in the wider West Bank if re-elected. But he said he would do that in coordination with US President Donald Trump, whose long-awaited peace plan is expected to be unveiled sometime after the vote. × Those moves could effectively kill any remaining hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, long the focus of international diplomacy. "There is one place where we can apply Israeli sovereignty immediately after the elections," Netanyahu said during the address that included a map of the Jordan Valley on an easel next to him. "If I receive from you, citizens of Israel, a clear mandate to do so ... today I announce my intention to apply with the formation of the next government Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea." Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi said Netanyahu was "not only destroying the two-state solution, he is destroying all chances of peace". She called it "worse than apartheid". 'Great opportunity' Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, said the annexation would be "manifestly illegal" and called on the international community to act. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned the move would "push the whole region towards violence" and risks "killing off the entire peace process". In Turkey, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu slammed Netanyahu's pledge as "racist". "The election promise of Netanyahu, who is giving all kind of illegal, unlawful and aggressive messages before the election, is a racist apartheid state," Cavusoglu wrote on his official Twitter account in both English and Turkish. Saudi Arabia condemned it as a "dangerous escalation against the Palestinian people" and called for an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the official Saudi Press Agency said, citing the royal court. The Jordan Valley accounts for around one-third of the West Bank and Israeli right-wing politicians have long viewed the strategic area as a part of the territory they would never retreat from, seeing it as the country's eastern border. Israeli settlements are located in what is known as Area C of the West Bank, which accounts for some 60 per cent of the territory, including the vast majority of the Jordan Valley. Netanyahu said his annexation plans would not include Palestinian cities, such as the Jordan Valley's Jericho, though it would be encircled by Israeli territory. The premier said Trump's peace parameters "will place before us a great challenge and also a great opportunity." "This is a historic, one-time opportunity to apply Israeli sovereignty on our settlements... and other places of importance to our security, our heritage and our future." Trump has thrown US support overwhelmingly in favour of Israel since taking office, including by recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital and cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to the Palestinians. Ahead of April elections, Trump recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Netanyahu vows to annex West Bank's Jordan Valley if re-elected

Arab foreign ministers condemned a plan by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex parts of the occupied West Bank as "aggression" undermining any chances of a peace settlement with the Palestinians.

Arab foreign ministers condemned a plan by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex parts of the occupied West Bank as "aggression" undermining any chances of a peace settlement with the Palestinians. Netanyahu said on Tuesday he planned to annex the Jordan Valley, a large swathe of the occupied West Bank, if he wins a closely contested election just a week away. Israel captured the West Bank in a 1967 war and Palestinians, who signed interim peace deals with Israel in the 1990s that include security cooperation, seek to make it part of a future state. The Arab League "considers his announcement a dangerous development and a new Israeli aggression by declaring the intention to violate the international law," Arab foreign ministers said in a statement after a meeting in Cairo. "The league regards these statements as undermining the chances of any progress in the peace process and will torpedo all its foundations," the statement said. Arab foreign ministers had been holding a meeting in Cairo, seat of the Arab League, but added an emergency session after Netanyahu made his comments on live television. Around 65,000 Palestinians and 11,000 Israeli settlers live in the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea area, according to the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem. The main Palestinian city is Jericho, with around 28 villages and smaller Bedouin communities. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Twitter called Netanyahu's plan a "serious escalation". Jordan and Egypt are the only Arab states to have peace treaties with Israel. Hanan Ashrawi, a senior official in the Palestine Liberation Organization, wrote on Twitter that the Israeli leader was out to impose a "greater Israel on all of historical Palestine and (carry) out an ethnic cleansing agenda". Fighting for his political life after an inconclusive election in April, Netanyahu also reaffirmed a pledge to annex all of the settlements Israel has established in the West Bank. White House senior adviser Jared Kushner said in early May that he hoped Israel would take a hard look at President Donald Trump's upcoming Middle East peace proposal before "proceeding with any plan" to annex West Bank settlements. Saudi Arabia condemned Netanyahu's comments and called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, state news agency SPA said. Qatar reiterated its support for a two-state peace solution.

Arab League calls Netanyahu plan to annex West Bank areas 'aggression'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged world powers on Thursday not to open a dialogue with Iran, after US President Donald Trump said he may meet his Iranian counterpart to resolve a crisis over Tehran's nuclear project and sanctions against it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged world powers on Thursday not to open a dialogue with Iran, after US President Donald Trump said he may meet his Iranian counterpart to resolve a crisis over Tehran's nuclear project and sanctions against it. "This is not the time to hold talks with Iran. This is the time to increase the pressure on Iran," Netanyahu told reporters en route to London, where he was hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and was later scheduled to confer with US Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Netanyahu's comments marked rare public discord between the right-wing Israeli leader and Trump on the Iranian nuclear issue. Netanyahu had previously counselled France against its own outreach to Iran. The Israeli leader, who is fighting for his political life in an election on September 17, regularly touts his influence with Western leaders, especially fellow rightwingers such as Trump and Johnson, as vital for Israeli security. His opponents say his closeness to rightwing figures abroad hurts Israel by making support for it a partisan issue in friendly countries. On Wednesday, Trump left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in New York, saying: "Anything's possible. They would like to be able to solve their problem." Tehran has rejected any negotiations with Washington unless Trump drops sanctions he imposed after quitting the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, an agreement Netanyahu had savaged as inadequate. Iran has said that, starting on Friday, it would begin developing centrifuges to speed up the enrichment of uranium, which can produce fuel for power plants or for atomic bombs. The Iranians deny seeking nuclear weapons. The centrifuge move would be Iran's latest reduction of its commitments to restrict nuclear projects under the 2015 deal. Netanyahu called this "another violation, another provocation by Iran, this time in the realm of its quest for nuclear weaponry". Meeting Johnson at 10 Downing Street, Netanyahu praised the politically embattled British leader for his "staunch stance against anti-Semitism and ... support for Israel's security". "We have the challenge of Iran's aggression and terrorism, and I'd like to talk to you about how we can work together to counter these things for the benefit of peace," Netanyahu told Johnson, according to an official Israeli transcript. Like other European partners to the Iran nuclear deal, Britain was worried by the U.S. withdrawal. Johnson, while openly sympathetic to Israel, wants to preserve a vision of Palestinian statehood that has eroded under Netanyahu's tenure. Netanyahu - who has doubled as defence minister for the past 10 months, a period of stepped-up Israeli operations against Iranian targets in the region - brought his air force chief and top military mission planner for the London meeting with Esper. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz told Ynet TV that Netanyahu and Esper would discuss "everything that happens in the space between Syria, Lebanon, Iraq," an allusion to the often clandestine Israeli military campaign.

Netanyahu opposes Iran talks after Trump moots meeting Rouhani

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for more international pressure on Iran Thursday after it ended limits to its nuclear research and development in its latest response to US sanctions.

"This morning we were informed of another violation, more defiance, by Iran, this time in its striving to attain nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said before leaving for London, where he will meet British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper.

"This is not the time to hold talks with Iran; this is the time to increase the pressure on Iran."

Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

President Hassan Rouhani's announcement on Wednesday came shortly after the United States hit Iran with further unilateral sanctions, the latest in a series of punitive measures including a crippling embargo on Iranian oil exports.

Iran and three European countries -- Britain, France and Germany -- have been engaged in talks to save a landmark 2015 nuclear accord that has been unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew from it in May last year.

Iran is Israel's main enemy and Netanyahu campaigned strongly against the 2015 deal, then urged Trump to withdraw from it.

Despite having opposed the deal, Netanyahu has recently called on European nations to enforce its parameters as he and the United States seek to raise the pressure on Iran.

Tensions between Israel and Iran were heightened in recent weeks.

On August 24, Israel carried out a strike in Syria it says stopped a plan by an Iranian force to carry out a drone attack on its territory.

Hours later, Tehran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah accused Israel of using drones to attack its Beirut stronghold. Israel did not acknowledge that attack.

Hezbollah responded on Sunday by firing anti-tank missiles at Israeli military targets across the Lebanese border, prompting Israel to fire back. There were no casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for more international pressure on Iran Thursday after it ended limits to its nuclear research and development in its latest response to US sanctions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for more international pressure on Iran Thursday after it ended limits to its nuclear research and development in its latest response to US sanctions. "This morning we were informed of another violation, more defiance, by Iran, this time in its striving to attain nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said before leaving for London, where he will meet British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper. "This is not the time to hold talks with Iran; this is the time to increase the pressure on Iran." Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only. President Hassan Rouhani's announcement on Wednesday came shortly after the United States hit Iran with further unilateral sanctions, the latest in a series of punitive measures including a crippling embargo on Iranian oil exports. Iran and three European countries -- Britain, France and Germany -- have been engaged in talks to save a landmark 2015 nuclear accord that has been unravelling since US President Donald Trump withdrew from it in May last year. Iran is Israel's main enemy and Netanyahu campaigned strongly against the 2015 deal, then urged Trump to withdraw from it. Despite having opposed the deal, Netanyahu has recently called on European nations to enforce its parameters as he and the United States seek to raise the pressure on Iran. Tensions between Israel and Iran were heightened in recent weeks. On August 24, Israel carried out a strike in Syria it says stopped a plan by an Iranian force to carry out a drone attack on its territory. Hours later, Tehran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah accused Israel of using drones to attack its Beirut stronghold. Israel did not acknowledge that attack. Hezbollah responded on Sunday by firing anti-tank missiles at Israeli military targets across the Lebanese border, prompting Israel to fire back. There were no casualties.

Benjamin Netanyahu urges more pressure on Iran after latest nuclear move

Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to India has been postponed now. Earlier he was due to visit India this month but now his visit will be conducted post Israeli elections. This information we got to know after Netanyahu's spokesperson speaks to WION.

Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to India postponed, will visit now post Israeli elections

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-features-in-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahus-election-campaign-239056">Benjamin Netanyahu </a>has postponed his India visit which was set to take place next Monday due to the upcoming elections in the west Asian country.&nbsp;

Isreal will be holding<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-israel-election-campaign-benjamin-netanyahu-tweets-wion-video-239468"> elections on September 17</a> after no party was able to get a majority or cobble up a coalition during the April elections.

Evan Cohen, Netanyahu's foreign media spokesperson speaking to WION said, "The trip has been postponed, not cancelled."

The Israeli prime minister spoke&nbsp;to&nbsp;PM Modi on Tuesday to inform him about the postponement of his&nbsp;visit and the two agreed to schedule a visit to India after the elections, Cohen informed.

"Modi wished Netanyahu success in the upcoming elections, and they agreed to conduct the visit after the elections," Cohen added.

Prime minister Narendra Modi has been featured in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's election campaign. Netanyahu's Likud party has in a campaign video shown clips of PM Modi along with Netanyahu. The clips were from PM Modi's visit to Isreal in 2017, the first standalone visit by any Indian Prime minister to the west Asian country.&nbsp;

This is the second time this year the Israeli prime minister has postponed his visit to India. The first visit was to take place in February but was also postponed because of the elections. PM Netanyahu had visited India in January 2018 to commemorate 25 years of establishment of diplomatic ties.&nbsp;

India,&nbsp;Israel ties have grown in the last few years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his election victory in May. Lauding PM Modi's mandate he had said, "the election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy." 
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed his India visit which was set to take place next Monday due to the upcoming elections in the west Asian country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed his India visit which was set to take place next Monday due to the upcoming elections in the west Asian country. Isreal will be holding elections on September 17 after no party was able to get a majority or cobble up a coalition during the April elections. Evan Cohen, Netanyahu's foreign media spokesperson speaking to WION said, "The trip has been postponed, not cancelled." The Israeli prime minister spoke to PM Modi on Tuesday to inform him about the postponement of his visit and the two agreed to schedule a visit to India after the elections, Cohen informed. "Modi wished Netanyahu success in the upcoming elections, and they agreed to conduct the visit after the elections," Cohen added. Prime minister Narendra Modi has been featured in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's election campaign. Netanyahu's Likud party has in a campaign video shown clips of PM Modi along with Netanyahu. The clips were from PM Modi's visit to Isreal in 2017, the first standalone visit by any Indian Prime minister to the west Asian country. This is the second time this year the Israeli prime minister has postponed his visit to India. The first visit was to take place in February but was also postponed because of the elections. PM Netanyahu had visited India in January 2018 to commemorate 25 years of establishment of diplomatic ties. India, Israel ties have grown in the last few years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his election victory in May. Lauding PM Modi's mandate he had said, "the election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy."

Israeli PM Netanyahu postpones India visit for second time this year due to elections

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