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Who will lead the next Israeli Govt?

The pendulum of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) elections seems to be swinging precariously between the incumbent Likud Party led by PM, Benjamin Netanyahu and a new centrist coalition, Blue and White. For the four-times PM Netanyahu, this is panning out to be one of the toughest electoral battles of his career. Firstly, charges of corruption and the breach of trust levied by Israel’s Attorney General Mandelbilt against the PM and his family can erode his legitimacy. Secondly, a centrist Blue and White coalition party, led by a former head of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), is challenging the fortunes of Netanyahu’s Likud party. While Netanyahu’s voter base remains strong, these charges can put pressure on his coalition partners to take a stand. So, are we witnessing the run-up to a post-Netanyahu era in Israeli politics?&nbsp;

In late February 2019, the Attorney General had announced that PM Netanyahu would be indicted on bribery and corruption charges from three separate corruption investigations that are still pending a hearing. Even though in Israeli politics, the PM is not expected to step down until a conviction is upheld through the appeals process, these developments can have a significant impact on the elections. For one, it gives ammunition to the centrist coalition Blue and White party to target the PM. The Blue and White party has been formed by the merger of three parties – Israel Resistance Party, Yesh Atid Party and the Telem party. It is being led by Benny Gantz, ex-Chief of Staff of the IDF, who led the Israeli military through two wars in Gaza in 2012 and 2014. Some voters are likely to perceive him and his party as untainted by Israeli politics, at the same time representing continuity and strength in military and security affairs. &nbsp;

However, in politics, there’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip’. Netanyahu is a crafty politician who is not going to go down without a fight. In this regard, three factors need to be closely watched – the nature of the coalition politics, the ‘nationalist’ landscape and the future of allegations against Netanyahu’s.&nbsp;

The changing landscape of coalition politics in Israel can produce an ambiguous election result. Likud and Blue White are likely to emerge as the biggest parties, but with not enough majority to form the government, without the support of smaller parties. And here, it is advantage&nbsp;Netanyahu. The smaller right-wing parties have currently pledged their support to Netanyahu, partly to avoid upsetting their joint right-wing support base. Notably, around 40 political parties are competing for seats in the 120-seat parliament. However, given the minimum threshold of qualification of 3.25 per cent of votes, only 10-14 are expected to finally reach the parliament. &nbsp;

Netanyahu still has an upper edge in the ‘nationalist’ narrative. The US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, containing Iran’s presence in Syria and the shifting of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem are perceived as Netanyahu’s policy successes. The recent US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan heights is likely to add to this narrative. Domestically, Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious bloc has more potential voters. The current PM has tried to brand his rival Gantz, as a ‘weak left’ candidate, forcing the latter to prove his credentials by taking a hard stance towards foreign and security policy. &nbsp;

From now on much will depend on how the perception related to the investigation will pan out. The announcement of Mandelbilt’s intention to indict the PM after a year-long investigation had caused a sharp drop in the polls for Likud, with the party trailing behind the main opposition for the first time. However, the situation has somewhat stabilised since then. The recent decision by Madelblit to withhold evidence until after the elections is being seen as a victory for Netanyahu and may boost the perception that the investigations are politically motivated. &nbsp;&nbsp;

With the two main parties – Likud and Blue White - neck to neck in the upcoming elections, it looks difficult that either of them will be able to form a governing coalition with any likely combination of minor parties. A major antithesis to this is that the Arab parties are unlikely to join any coalition government. One of the post-election scenarios can be a ‘national unity’ government made up of Likud and Blue and White Party. The main point here will be who ends up leading this government or who is chosen by the coalition partners to be the next PM – Netanyahu or Gantz. With so many variables at play, the pendulum can sway in either direction. However, no matter who becomes the PM, fundamentals of Israeli politics are unlikely to change.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

The pendulum of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) elections seems to be swinging precariously between the incumbent Likud Party led by PM, Benjamin Netanyahu and a new centrist coalition, Blue and White.

The pendulum of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) elections seems to be swinging precariously between the incumbent Likud Party led by PM, Benjamin Netanyahu and a new centrist coalition, Blue and White. For the four-times PM Netanyahu, this is panning out to be one of the toughest electoral battles of his career. Firstly, charges of corruption and the breach of trust levied by Israel’s Attorney General Mandelbilt against the PM and his family can erode his legitimacy. Secondly, a centrist Blue and White coalition party, led by a former head of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), is challenging the fortunes of Netanyahu’s Likud party. While Netanyahu’s voter base remains strong, these charges can put pressure on his coalition partners to take a stand. So, are we witnessing the run-up to a post-Netanyahu era in Israeli politics? In late February 2019, the Attorney General had announced that PM Netanyahu would be indicted on bribery and corruption charges from three separate corruption investigations that are still pending a hearing. Even though in Israeli politics, the PM is not expected to step down until a conviction is upheld through the appeals process, these developments can have a significant impact on the elections. For one, it gives ammunition to the centrist coalition Blue and White party to target the PM. The Blue and White party has been formed by the merger of three parties – Israel Resistance Party, Yesh Atid Party and the Telem party. It is being led by Benny Gantz, ex-Chief of Staff of the IDF, who led the Israeli military through two wars in Gaza in 2012 and 2014. Some voters are likely to perceive him and his party as untainted by Israeli politics, at the same time representing continuity and strength in military and security affairs. However, in politics, there’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip’. Netanyahu is a crafty politician who is not going to go down without a fight. In this regard, three factors need to be closely watched – the nature of the coalition politics, the ‘nationalist’ landscape and the future of allegations against Netanyahu’s. The changing landscape of coalition politics in Israel can produce an ambiguous election result. Likud and Blue White are likely to emerge as the biggest parties, but with not enough majority to form the government, without the support of smaller parties. And here, it is advantage Netanyahu. The smaller right-wing parties have currently pledged their support to Netanyahu, partly to avoid upsetting their joint right-wing support base. Notably, around 40 political parties are competing for seats in the 120-seat parliament. However, given the minimum threshold of qualification of 3.25 per cent of votes, only 10-14 are expected to finally reach the parliament. Netanyahu still has an upper edge in the ‘nationalist’ narrative. The US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, containing Iran’s presence in Syria and the shifting of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem are perceived as Netanyahu’s policy successes. The recent US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over Golan heights is likely to add to this narrative. Domestically, Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious bloc has more potential voters. The current PM has tried to brand his rival Gantz, as a ‘weak left’ candidate, forcing the latter to prove his credentials by taking a hard stance towards foreign and security policy. From now on much will depend on how the perception related to the investigation will pan out. The announcement of Mandelbilt’s intention to indict the PM after a year-long investigation had caused a sharp drop in the polls for Likud, with the party trailing behind the main opposition for the first time. However, the situation has somewhat stabilised since then. The recent decision by Madelblit to withhold evidence until after the elections is being seen as a victory for Netanyahu and may boost the perception that the investigations are politically motivated. With the two main parties – Likud and Blue White - neck to neck in the upcoming elections, it looks difficult that either of them will be able to form a governing coalition with any likely combination of minor parties. A major antithesis to this is that the Arab parties are unlikely to join any coalition government. One of the post-election scenarios can be a ‘national unity’ government made up of Likud and Blue and White Party. The main point here will be who ends up leading this government or who is chosen by the coalition partners to be the next PM – Netanyahu or Gantz. With so many variables at play, the pendulum can sway in either direction. However, no matter who becomes the PM, fundamentals of Israeli politics are unlikely to change. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Israel elections 2019: Which way will the pendulum swing?

Tight poll race between Benjamin Netanyahu, Gantz

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-how-does-the-country-vote-208213">general election on April 9</a>.

The decision to close all checkpoints and crossings from midnight (2100 GMT) Monday night was based on 'security evaluations',&nbsp;the military said in a statement.

They would only open for humanitarian and medical cases, it added.

Polling starts at 7:00 am on Tuesday and ends at 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) in Israel's closely fought parliamentary election.

Israel usually shuts its borders with the Palestinian territories on public holidays in order to prevent possible attacks.

Nearly six million people will vote on April 9 general election. As many as 47 parties contesting. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority.&nbsp;

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-the-rise-and-rise-of-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-208436">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> is also running for re-election&nbsp;against former top general Benny Gantz, a political novice campaigning on a centrist platform.

Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu had said that he would annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins another term in office.

Netanyahu has been plagued by corruption allegations throughout the election campaign after Israel's attorney general publicly announced in February that he intends to indict Netanyahu.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in three cases of alleged bribery and fraud, but the allegations could cloud his political future and that of any government he might head, possibly leading to a new election.

His main election rival, Gantz, has vowed to pursue peace with the Palestinians, but he has also stopped short at embracing their quest for statehood.

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a general election on April 9.

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a general election on April 9. The decision to close all checkpoints and crossings from midnight (2100 GMT) Monday night was based on 'security evaluations', the military said in a statement. They would only open for humanitarian and medical cases, it added. Polling starts at 7:00 am on Tuesday and ends at 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) in Israel's closely fought parliamentary election. Israel usually shuts its borders with the Palestinian territories on public holidays in order to prevent possible attacks. Nearly six million people will vote on April 9 general election. As many as 47 parties contesting. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also running for re-election against former top general Benny Gantz, a political novice campaigning on a centrist platform. Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu had said that he would annex Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins another term in office. Netanyahu has been plagued by corruption allegations throughout the election campaign after Israel's attorney general publicly announced in February that he intends to indict Netanyahu. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in three cases of alleged bribery and fraud, but the allegations could cloud his political future and that of any government he might head, possibly leading to a new election. His main election rival, Gantz, has vowed to pursue peace with the Palestinians, but he has also stopped short at embracing their quest for statehood.

Access points from Gaza, West Bank to be closed for 24 hours for election: Israel

Israelis vote in a closely fought general election on Tuesday in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-gantz-make-final-pitches-before-israeli-vote-208802">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> is seeking a fifth term.

The results could present a complicated set of possibilities for how the next government is formed. Here are potential scenarios:

Likud wins most seats 
Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats could simplify the post-election possibilities. In that case, he would almost surely be asked by President Reuven Rivlin to form a government and would likely be able to do so with the help of smaller right-wing parties allied to him after intensive negotiations.

Blue and White wins most seats 
Ex-military chief Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White alliance could win the most seats, but still end up the loser.

If it is ahead of Likud by only a small number of seats, Netanyahu may still be best placed to form a coalition with other right-wing parties who have pledged to support him and not Gantz.

On the other hand, if Blue and White surpasses the Likud by a significant number of seats, Rivlin may then ask Gantz to form a government. Gantz would likely attempt to do so with a combination of parties on the left and right.

Unity government 
While Gantz publicly rules it out, there is the possibility that Likud and Blue and White negotiate to form a unity government.

That scenario could be in place if some of the smaller right-wing parties Netanyahu would rely on to form a coalition fail to receive the 3.25 percent of the vote required to enter parliament and Gantz is unable to form a government on his own.

Minority government 
Some analysts do not rule out the possibility of a minority government led by either of the two main candidates, but believe it to be unlikely. Such an arrangement would leave the government too unstable, according to those analysts.

Precedent 
In 2009, the party that won the most seats in Israel's election ended up the loser.

In that case, Kadima led by Tzipi Livni won 28 seats compared with Likud's 27. But Livni was unable to form a coalition and the task went to Netanyahu instead, who succeeded in doing so.

He has remained prime minister ever since.

Israelis vote in a closely fought general election on Tuesday in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term. The results could present a complicated set of possibilities for how the next government is formed.

Israelis vote in a closely fought general election on Tuesday in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term. The results could present a complicated set of possibilities for how the next government is formed. Here are potential scenarios: Likud wins most seats Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats could simplify the post-election possibilities. In that case, he would almost surely be asked by President Reuven Rivlin to form a government and would likely be able to do so with the help of smaller right-wing parties allied to him after intensive negotiations. Blue and White wins most seats Ex-military chief Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White alliance could win the most seats, but still end up the loser. If it is ahead of Likud by only a small number of seats, Netanyahu may still be best placed to form a coalition with other right-wing parties who have pledged to support him and not Gantz. On the other hand, if Blue and White surpasses the Likud by a significant number of seats, Rivlin may then ask Gantz to form a government. Gantz would likely attempt to do so with a combination of parties on the left and right. Unity government While Gantz publicly rules it out, there is the possibility that Likud and Blue and White negotiate to form a unity government. That scenario could be in place if some of the smaller right-wing parties Netanyahu would rely on to form a coalition fail to receive the 3.25 percent of the vote required to enter parliament and Gantz is unable to form a government on his own. Minority government Some analysts do not rule out the possibility of a minority government led by either of the two main candidates, but believe it to be unlikely. Such an arrangement would leave the government too unstable, according to those analysts. Precedent In 2009, the party that won the most seats in Israel's election ended up the loser. In that case, Kadima led by Tzipi Livni won 28 seats compared with Likud's 27. But Livni was unable to form a coalition and the task went to Netanyahu instead, who succeeded in doing so. He has remained prime minister ever since.

Israeli elections: Potential scenarios after votes cast

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-the-rise-and-rise-of-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-208436&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjp7YeRvcDhAhXBV3wKHb8sDKoQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0LKar4w0_nmjS2nPb6_SGT">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> sought to energise supporters on the eve of Tuesday's elections with warnings and controversial promises, while his centrist challenger urged voters to tell the premier the country has had enough.

The general election in which Netanyahu is seeking to extend his already 13 years in office despite corruption allegations against him is expected to be close, with ex-military chief Benny Gantz posing a serious threat.

They spent the campaign's final hours exhorting voters with two different strategies: Netanyahu repeatedly warned that his Likud was at risk of losing, while Gantz made the case that Israel was on the verge of historic change.

The truth was more complicated, with opinion polls giving Netanyahu's Likud and Gantz's Blue and White a similar number of seats in the 120-seat parliament.

Under those polls, both would fall far short of an outright majority and would need to pull together a coalition.

If polling trends hold, Netanyahu would be best placed to do so thanks to smaller right-wing parties allied to him.

There have however been repeated warnings of the unreliability of polls in the past and the fact that many voters say they remain undecided.

Netanyahu's claims that Likud may lose were widely seen as a way to ensure his base of supporters turns out to vote.

'Who can do this?'&nbsp;

Netanyahu has made last-minute appeals to the right, issuing a deeply controversial pledge to annex settlements in the occupied <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-pledges-to-annex-west-bank-settlements-after-vote-208465&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjp7YeRvcDhAhXBV3wKHb8sDKoQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3j7hMBpYqfPSILaqVnnD6i">West Bank</a>.

If done on a large-scale, applying Israeli sovereignty there could end any remaining hopes for a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

In an interview on Sunday, Netanyahu said US President Donald Trump, who is expected to release his long-awaited deal for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after the election, was aware of his plans to do so.

He said he planned to apply sovereignty gradually, and that he did not differentiate between Israel's large West Bank settlement blocs and the isolated ones located deep in the territory on land the Palestinians see as part of a future state.

"Who else can do this? Who can do this? Come on. Honestly," Netanyahu said, making the case as he has throughout the campaign that he is Israel's essential statesman.

"Who can stand in front of the world? Who can stand in front of the American Congress? Who can move public opinion in that direction?"

Gantz has called Netanyahu's pledge an "irresponsible" bid for right-wing votes.

He says he favours a "globally backed peace agreement" that sees Israel hold on to the large settlement blocs in the West Bank and maintain security control over the territory.

Gantz has also highlighted his security credentials while saying he will heal divisions he accuses Netanyahu of exacerbating.

"There’s a need for change and an opportunity for change," Gantz told Israel's army radio on Monday.

"Israel needs to choose a direction of unification, connection and hope -- or of extremity."

'Witch hunt'

The two were also engaging in typical pre-election campaigning, including Gantz riding a motorcycle to his rally on Sunday and Netanyahu visiting Jerusalem's main market on Monday.

Netanyahu will be on track to surpass founding father David Ben-Gurion as Israel's longest-serving prime minister should he win on Tuesday.

But even if he does, he faces the prospect of becoming the first sitting prime minister to be indicted.

The attorney general has announced he intends to indict Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust pending an upcoming hearing.

The premier's opponents have seized on the allegations to argue that the 69-year-old Netanyahu has lost his way and must go.

But Netanyahu has been defiant, calling the investigations a "witch hunt" and denouncing journalists reporting on them -- similar to the tactics used by his ally Trump.

While the threat of indictment hangs over Netanyahu, he has also built a reputation as the guarantor of Israel's security and economic growth.

He has repeatedly spoken of Trump's recognition of the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights as two of his major accomplishments.

Gantz has sought to overcome that in part by allying with two other former military chiefs of staff and ex-finance minister Yair Lapid.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to energise supporters on the eve of Tuesday's elections with warnings and controversial promises, while his centrist challenger urged voters to tell the premier the country has had enough.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to energise supporters on the eve of Tuesday's elections with warnings and controversial promises, while his centrist challenger urged voters to tell the premier the country has had enough. The general election in which Netanyahu is seeking to extend his already 13 years in office despite corruption allegations against him is expected to be close, with ex-military chief Benny Gantz posing a serious threat. They spent the campaign's final hours exhorting voters with two different strategies: Netanyahu repeatedly warned that his Likud was at risk of losing, while Gantz made the case that Israel was on the verge of historic change. The truth was more complicated, with opinion polls giving Netanyahu's Likud and Gantz's Blue and White a similar number of seats in the 120-seat parliament. Under those polls, both would fall far short of an outright majority and would need to pull together a coalition. If polling trends hold, Netanyahu would be best placed to do so thanks to smaller right-wing parties allied to him. There have however been repeated warnings of the unreliability of polls in the past and the fact that many voters say they remain undecided. Netanyahu's claims that Likud may lose were widely seen as a way to ensure his base of supporters turns out to vote. 'Who can do this?' Netanyahu has made last-minute appeals to the right, issuing a deeply controversial pledge to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank. If done on a large-scale, applying Israeli sovereignty there could end any remaining hopes for a two-state solution with the Palestinians. In an interview on Sunday, Netanyahu said US President Donald Trump, who is expected to release his long-awaited deal for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after the election, was aware of his plans to do so. He said he planned to apply sovereignty gradually, and that he did not differentiate between Israel's large West Bank settlement blocs and the isolated ones located deep in the territory on land the Palestinians see as part of a future state. "Who else can do this? Who can do this? Come on. Honestly," Netanyahu said, making the case as he has throughout the campaign that he is Israel's essential statesman. "Who can stand in front of the world? Who can stand in front of the American Congress? Who can move public opinion in that direction?" Gantz has called Netanyahu's pledge an "irresponsible" bid for right-wing votes. He says he favours a "globally backed peace agreement" that sees Israel hold on to the large settlement blocs in the West Bank and maintain security control over the territory. Gantz has also highlighted his security credentials while saying he will heal divisions he accuses Netanyahu of exacerbating. "There’s a need for change and an opportunity for change," Gantz told Israel's army radio on Monday. "Israel needs to choose a direction of unification, connection and hope -- or of extremity." 'Witch hunt' The two were also engaging in typical pre-election campaigning, including Gantz riding a motorcycle to his rally on Sunday and Netanyahu visiting Jerusalem's main market on Monday. Netanyahu will be on track to surpass founding father David Ben-Gurion as Israel's longest-serving prime minister should he win on Tuesday. But even if he does, he faces the prospect of becoming the first sitting prime minister to be indicted. The attorney general has announced he intends to indict Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of trust pending an upcoming hearing. The premier's opponents have seized on the allegations to argue that the 69-year-old Netanyahu has lost his way and must go. But Netanyahu has been defiant, calling the investigations a "witch hunt" and denouncing journalists reporting on them -- similar to the tactics used by his ally Trump. While the threat of indictment hangs over Netanyahu, he has also built a reputation as the guarantor of Israel's security and economic growth. He has repeatedly spoken of Trump's recognition of the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights as two of his major accomplishments. Gantz has sought to overcome that in part by allying with two other former military chiefs of staff and ex-finance minister Yair Lapid.

Israel PM Netanyahu, Gantz make final pitches before voters

With Israeli going to the polls on the April 9, the focus is on Benjamin Netanyahu and his archrival Benny Gantz. But what happened to the once powerful Israeli leftwing parties?.

Do they stand a chance?

Israel has had a right-wing prime minister for 11 years in a row now. But, when the new state was carved out from the complexity of West Asia in 1948, the left wing dominated the political arena.&nbsp;

The founding father of the state of Israel and its first prime minister -- David Ben Gurion -- was from the centre-left labour party.

In 1992, the left bloc won 61 out of 120 seats in the Israel legislature but today, the glorious past of the Israeli left seems to be over. So much so that when prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to discredit his adversaries, he labels them as left-wingers.&nbsp;

Recent research found out that only 12 per cent Israelis see themselves as left-leaning, while 56 per cent declared themselves as right-wingers.&nbsp;

Some labour party members say that the word left has become like a curse in Israel while some avoid the word when defining their political views.&nbsp;

Many believe that the decline of the once influential left-wing started after prime minister Ehud Barak from the labour party failed to secure a peace accord with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Israelis have come to consider the labour as an inefficient party, which spent energy walking on the road to nowhere.

With Israeli going to the polls on the April 9, the focus is on Benjamin Netanyahu and his archrival Benny Gantz. But what happened to the once powerful Israeli leftwing parties?

With Israeli going to the polls on the April 9, the focus is on Benjamin Netanyahu and his archrival Benny Gantz. But what happened to the once powerful Israeli leftwing parties?. Do they stand a chance? Israel has had a right-wing prime minister for 11 years in a row now. But, when the new state was carved out from the complexity of West Asia in 1948, the left wing dominated the political arena. The founding father of the state of Israel and its first prime minister -- David Ben Gurion -- was from the centre-left labour party. In 1992, the left bloc won 61 out of 120 seats in the Israel legislature but today, the glorious past of the Israeli left seems to be over. So much so that when prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to discredit his adversaries, he labels them as left-wingers. Recent research found out that only 12 per cent Israelis see themselves as left-leaning, while 56 per cent declared themselves as right-wingers. Some labour party members say that the word left has become like a curse in Israel while some avoid the word when defining their political views. Many believe that the decline of the once influential left-wing started after prime minister Ehud Barak from the labour party failed to secure a peace accord with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Israelis have come to consider the labour as an inefficient party, which spent energy walking on the road to nowhere.

Israel election: Does the left stand a chance?

Israeli PM plans to annex settlements in West Bank if re-elected

Israeli Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-the-rise-and-rise-of-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-208436"> Benjamin Netanyahu </a>pledged Saturday to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-how-does-the-country-vote-208213">upcoming general election</a>.

"I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview to Channel 12 television.

Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace.

Annexation could prove to be the death knell for the two-state solution.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's annexation remark comes just three days before the April 9 general election and could be seen as an appeal to rightwing voters who don't believe in the feasibility of a peace agreement with the Palestinians.

In an interview broadcast Friday, Netanyahu said he told US President Donald Trump he would not remove settlements or people as part of a future American peace plan.

"I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television.

Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term.

The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it."

Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative.

Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement&nbsp;

More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements as part of its military occupation of the territory, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem over which Israel has already implemented full sovereignty.

While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017.

The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair.

Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Saturday to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins the upcoming general election. "I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview to Channel 12 television.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Saturday to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank if he wins the upcoming general election. "I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview to Channel 12 television. Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace. Annexation could prove to be the death knell for the two-state solution. Netanyahu's annexation remark comes just three days before the April 9 general election and could be seen as an appeal to rightwing voters who don't believe in the feasibility of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In an interview broadcast Friday, Netanyahu said he told US President Donald Trump he would not remove settlements or people as part of a future American peace plan. "I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television. Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term. The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it." Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative. Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements as part of its military occupation of the territory, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem over which Israel has already implemented full sovereignty. While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017. The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair. Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu pledges to annex West Bank settlements after vote

Incumbent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-prime-minister-netanyahu-wont-move-even-one-settler-for-us-peace-plan-208399">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> has held the position since 2009 but he faces a tough election this year. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-how-does-the-country-vote-208213">Israel goes to polls on April 9</a>. A victory would make him the longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister, a defeat could end his career.&nbsp;

Israel’s attorney general is preparing to indict Netanyahu for corruption but Netanyahu seems defiant and combative. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I intend to serve you and the country as prime minister for many more years. Don't believe all the spin," Netanyahu had said recently.&nbsp;

Political start

Born in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu lived in the United States when he was a teenager and returned to Israel as an 18-year-old to serve in an elite commando unit.

He has fought in Lebanon and during the 1973 Arab-Israel war. He entered politics in 1976 after his brother was killed in a raid while rescuing hijacked Israeli hostages in Uganda.

The rise&nbsp;

Netanyahu used the network he built while studying in the US to forge his public persona. He became one of Israel’s main international advocates.&nbsp;

In 1984, his efforts gained him the prestigious position of Israel's envoy to the United Nations.

In 1988, Netanyahu became a lawmaker from the right-wing Likud party. He knew how to play politics and in 1992 became the party’s secretary. But Netanyahu was more ambitious than that. In 1996, he ran for the prime minister's post.&nbsp;

Israeli political veterans laughed at him, but he proved them wrong beating Shimon Peres to become Israel's youngest prime minister.

Rocky road&nbsp;

Netanyahu spent more time managing political infighting rather than developing the country, this cost him a re-election. He left politics for a while but returned to work under prime minister Ariel Sharon - only to quit again in 2005 in protest against the decision of a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Lately, he has been criticised for being too tolerant of the escalation in hostilities with Gaza. But it is worth remembering that under his leadership, Israel fought two wars against the strip in 2012 and 2014, when Israeli forces killed 2100 Palestinians and lost 67 of its own soldiers.&nbsp;

A right-wing leader?

Netanyahu sees himself on the right wing of the political arena and has always supported the expansion of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.

He believes Israel is a Jewish state and negates the possibility of an independent Palestinian state, which, he thinks, would turn into a potential hotbed for militant Islam.&nbsp;

The 'Trump'&nbsp;card

Netanyahu’s strongest card is his international network and, particularly, his longstanding friendship with the United States. After a difficult time with former US president Barack Obama, Netanyahu found in Donald trump an overly pro-Israeli president.&nbsp;

Trump withdrew from the Iran 2015 nuclear deal which Netanyahu opposed. The US president declared Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, cut all American funds to the Palestinians and signed a decree recognising the occupied Golan Heights as Israeli territory.&nbsp;

These are all successes prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu can present as his own - and it may just help him overcome his latest challenge; it will soon be revealed.&nbsp;

Incumbent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held the position since 2009 but he faces a tough election this year. Israel goes to polls on April 9. A victory would make him the longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister, a defeat could end his career.

Incumbent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held the position since 2009 but he faces a tough election this year. Israel goes to polls on April 9. A victory would make him the longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister, a defeat could end his career. Israel’s attorney general is preparing to indict Netanyahu for corruption but Netanyahu seems defiant and combative. "I intend to serve you and the country as prime minister for many more years. Don't believe all the spin," Netanyahu had said recently. Political start Born in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu lived in the United States when he was a teenager and returned to Israel as an 18-year-old to serve in an elite commando unit. He has fought in Lebanon and during the 1973 Arab-Israel war. He entered politics in 1976 after his brother was killed in a raid while rescuing hijacked Israeli hostages in Uganda. The rise Netanyahu used the network he built while studying in the US to forge his public persona. He became one of Israel’s main international advocates. In 1984, his efforts gained him the prestigious position of Israel's envoy to the United Nations. In 1988, Netanyahu became a lawmaker from the right-wing Likud party. He knew how to play politics and in 1992 became the party’s secretary. But Netanyahu was more ambitious than that. In 1996, he ran for the prime minister's post. Israeli political veterans laughed at him, but he proved them wrong beating Shimon Peres to become Israel's youngest prime minister. Rocky road Netanyahu spent more time managing political infighting rather than developing the country, this cost him a re-election. He left politics for a while but returned to work under prime minister Ariel Sharon - only to quit again in 2005 in protest against the decision of a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Lately, he has been criticised for being too tolerant of the escalation in hostilities with Gaza. But it is worth remembering that under his leadership, Israel fought two wars against the strip in 2012 and 2014, when Israeli forces killed 2100 Palestinians and lost 67 of its own soldiers. A right-wing leader? Netanyahu sees himself on the right wing of the political arena and has always supported the expansion of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. He believes Israel is a Jewish state and negates the possibility of an independent Palestinian state, which, he thinks, would turn into a potential hotbed for militant Islam. The 'Trump' card Netanyahu’s strongest card is his international network and, particularly, his longstanding friendship with the United States. After a difficult time with former US president Barack Obama, Netanyahu found in Donald trump an overly pro-Israeli president. Trump withdrew from the Iran 2015 nuclear deal which Netanyahu opposed. The US president declared Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, cut all American funds to the Palestinians and signed a decree recognising the occupied Golan Heights as Israeli territory. These are all successes prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu can present as his own - and it may just help him overcome his latest challenge; it will soon be revealed.

Israel polls: The rise and rise of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

How does Israel vote ?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-polls-see-netanyahu-ahead-but-many-still-undecided-208162">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> said he has told US President Donald Trump that Israel would not remove "even one person" from a settlement as part of a future peace plan.

"I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television in an interview broadcast Friday.

Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term.

The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it."

Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative.

Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement, telling Channel 13 he doubted such a request would be made.

If such a measure is tabled, Israel would pull out of Washington's plan according to Netanyahu.

Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace.

More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem.

While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017.

The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair.

Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed.

Netanyahu said Friday his position on settlers had also been relayed to the former US president.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has told US President Donald Trump that Israel would not remove "even one person" from a settlement as part of a future peace plan.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has told US President Donald Trump that Israel would not remove "even one person" from a settlement as part of a future peace plan. "I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television in an interview broadcast Friday. Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term. The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it." Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative. Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement, telling Channel 13 he doubted such a request would be made. If such a measure is tabled, Israel would pull out of Washington's plan according to Netanyahu. Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace. More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem. While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017. The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair. Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed. Netanyahu said Friday his position on settlers had also been relayed to the former US president.

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu won't move 'even one' settler for US peace plan

On April 9, nearly six million voters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-polls-see-netanyahu-ahead-but-many-still-undecided-208162">Israel will vote for the country’s next Prime Minister</a>. If you are wondering how Israel votes, the next report is for you.

Israel traditionally votes on a Tuesday, they vote for a party and not for a candidate. Israelis living abroad cannot vote, the country follows proportional representation. As many as 47 parties are running this time around. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority.&nbsp;

Israel uses the traditional paper ballot system. The winning candidate has around 42 days to form the government.

The grand total of 120 seats in the Israeli legislature - known as the Knesset - will be divided according to vote share. &nbsp;

Although there are more than 40 political parties running in the 2019 elections, ironically many of them will not gather enough votes to secure even a single seat.

Interestingly, coalitions are fundamental to Israeli politics. Even a deal or an alliance for three seats can make all the difference which makes Israeli election results often very difficult to predict.

This time, the country will print some 250 million ballots, most of it will go unused since every voter can make only one choice.&nbsp;

The polling takes place on a single day, counting starts immediately after the polls close. The results are usually available in a matter of a few hours.&nbsp;

Once a candidate wins, the president of Israel gives 42 days to form a stable coalition to govern the country. In case the appointed candidate fails to do so, the second in line is given the mandate.

On April 9, nearly six million voters in Israel will vote for the country’s next Prime Minister. If you are wondering how Israel votes, the next report is for you.

On April 9, nearly six million voters in Israel will vote for the country’s next Prime Minister. If you are wondering how Israel votes, the next report is for you. Israel traditionally votes on a Tuesday, they vote for a party and not for a candidate. Israelis living abroad cannot vote, the country follows proportional representation. As many as 47 parties are running this time around. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority. Israel uses the traditional paper ballot system. The winning candidate has around 42 days to form the government. The grand total of 120 seats in the Israeli legislature - known as the Knesset - will be divided according to vote share. Although there are more than 40 political parties running in the 2019 elections, ironically many of them will not gather enough votes to secure even a single seat. Interestingly, coalitions are fundamental to Israeli politics. Even a deal or an alliance for three seats can make all the difference which makes Israeli election results often very difficult to predict. This time, the country will print some 250 million ballots, most of it will go unused since every voter can make only one choice. The polling takes place on a single day, counting starts immediately after the polls close. The results are usually available in a matter of a few hours. Once a candidate wins, the president of Israel gives 42 days to form a stable coalition to govern the country. In case the appointed candidate fails to do so, the second in line is given the mandate.

Israel elections: How does the country vote? 

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies and returned, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers after a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village.

Russia said it handed over the remains to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Putin five days before he is to seek a fifth term in office in a difficult election.

Baumel was buried later Thursday at a military cemetery in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu, 69, is running in the April 9 vote despite facing potential corruption charges and experts said he hoped the Moscow visit will increase his chances of success on election day.

"Our military together with Syrian partners found the place of his burial," Putin said of Baumel.

"We are very happy that he will be able to receive the right military honours in his homeland.

Netanyahu added that Baumel's father was no longer alive. "His mother is around 100-years-old. Zachary also has a sister."

Neither Russia nor Israel have given details on how or where the remains were found.

Syrian state news agency SANA said Damascus had no details on the discovery of the corpse.&nbsp;

Putin said only that Syria -- with which Israel has technically been at war -- participated in the operation.&nbsp;

The return of the remains of soldiers missing in action is a highly important issue in Israel, which has fought repeated wars with its Arab neighbours since the state of Israel was established in 1948.

'Risking their lives'

The Russian defence ministry said it handed over Baumel's remains to Netanyahu in a ceremony at its headquarters.&nbsp;

A video released by the ministry showed the Israeli prime minister and Russian armed forces chief Valery Gerasimov laying flowers on a casket covered with an Israeli flag.&nbsp;

"I would like to thank you, on behalf of the people of Israel, on behalf of the soldiers of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), and on behalf of the mothers and fathers of all our soldiers," Netanyahu said at the ceremony in remarks released by his office.

He also praised Russia's "enormous sacrifice" during World War II, including in "saving the Jewish people from the Nazi monster". &nbsp;

Putin said "it was not easy" for Russian special forces to find the remains, adding that "all the necessary genetic tests have been completed".

Putin said he valued Netanyahu's "attitude to the memory of Red Army soldiers", adding that Baumel shared the same fate as thousands of Soviet soldiers who went missing during World War II. &nbsp;

'We will not forget'

Baumel, who was born in the US in 1960 but immigrated to Israel, had been missing since what is known as the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in a Lebanese village of the same name near the Syrian border. Some 20 Israeli soldiers were killed.&nbsp;

Tank driver Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had been listed as missing and presumed dead. The other two remain missing.

Netanyahu said he asked Putin two years ago to help in the search for the remains of the missing men.

"You personally responded and gave the order to help in this holy deed," he said, thanking the Russian leader.&nbsp;

"We will not forget this act, it will go down in history."

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies and returned, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies and returned, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers after a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village. Russia said it handed over the remains to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Putin five days before he is to seek a fifth term in office in a difficult election. Baumel was buried later Thursday at a military cemetery in Jerusalem. Netanyahu, 69, is running in the April 9 vote despite facing potential corruption charges and experts said he hoped the Moscow visit will increase his chances of success on election day. "Our military together with Syrian partners found the place of his burial," Putin said of Baumel. "We are very happy that he will be able to receive the right military honours in his homeland. Netanyahu added that Baumel's father was no longer alive. "His mother is around 100-years-old. Zachary also has a sister." Neither Russia nor Israel have given details on how or where the remains were found. Syrian state news agency SANA said Damascus had no details on the discovery of the corpse. Putin said only that Syria -- with which Israel has technically been at war -- participated in the operation. The return of the remains of soldiers missing in action is a highly important issue in Israel, which has fought repeated wars with its Arab neighbours since the state of Israel was established in 1948. 'Risking their lives' The Russian defence ministry said it handed over Baumel's remains to Netanyahu in a ceremony at its headquarters. A video released by the ministry showed the Israeli prime minister and Russian armed forces chief Valery Gerasimov laying flowers on a casket covered with an Israeli flag. "I would like to thank you, on behalf of the people of Israel, on behalf of the soldiers of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces), and on behalf of the mothers and fathers of all our soldiers," Netanyahu said at the ceremony in remarks released by his office. He also praised Russia's "enormous sacrifice" during World War II, including in "saving the Jewish people from the Nazi monster". Putin said "it was not easy" for Russian special forces to find the remains, adding that "all the necessary genetic tests have been completed". Putin said he valued Netanyahu's "attitude to the memory of Red Army soldiers", adding that Baumel shared the same fate as thousands of Soviet soldiers who went missing during World War II. 'We will not forget' Baumel, who was born in the US in 1960 but immigrated to Israel, had been missing since what is known as the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in a Lebanese village of the same name near the Syrian border. Some 20 Israeli soldiers were killed. Tank driver Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had been listed as missing and presumed dead. The other two remain missing. Netanyahu said he asked Putin two years ago to help in the search for the remains of the missing men. "You personally responded and gave the order to help in this holy deed," he said, thanking the Russian leader. "We will not forget this act, it will go down in history."

Putin says body of missing Israeli soldier found by Russian army

Final authorised opinion polls published Friday just days ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-vote-or-not-to-vote-the-question-facing-arab-israelis-ahead-of-elections-208053">Israeli general elections</a> showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading for a fifth term in office, leading a right-wing coalition.

The polls revealed the rival centrist Blue and White list led by former military chief Benny Gantz was running virtually neck-and-neck with Netanyahu's Likud ahead of Tuesday's vote.&nbsp;

But while most polls saw Gantz's list as scooping slightly more votes than Likud, neither party was predicted to win over 25 per cent of seats in parliament.

And the polls were unanimous in forecasting that Likud would be able to build a viable ruling coalition to beat off Gantz's challenge.

None gave a figure for undecided voters, although the number is reportedly high enough to swing the outcome.&nbsp;

"Past polls have shown that nearly one out of every six-seven voters makes a decision only in the last two days before the elections, and it isn't clear what will be the dynamic of the coming few days," Maariv daily wrote Friday.

'Referendum on Netanyahu'

A poll by Smith Research for the Jerusalem Post published Friday showed Gantz's Blue and White, picking up 28 seats in the 120-member Knesset, with the right-wing Likud at its heels with 27.

But it found that overall the right and centre-right would control 68 seats compared to 52 from the centre and left.

This election is more than ever a referendum on the character of Netanyahu, 69, who has spent a cumulative 13 years in office.

He is running under the shadow of probable graft indictments, although he denies all accusations.

The attorney general has announced his intention to charge Netanyahu with bribery, fraud and breach of trust pending a hearing, to be held after the election.

Friday is by law the last day on which surveys can be released before the ballot boxes open on Tuesday morning.

A poll published late Thursday by public broadcaster KAN gave the right a narrower, although still decisive, lead of 64 to 56.

Top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot put the gap as narrower still, at 63-57.

Polls have been wrong in the past, notably in 1996 when Netanyahu fought Labour leader Shimon Peres in what were then direct elections for the premiership.

When voting closed on the night of May 29 Peres was seen ahead, but by morning Netanyahu had the lead.

The final count handed him victory by just 30,000 votes, less than one per cent.

Threshold uncertainty

Tuesday's fight, under different electoral laws than 1996, will be more complex by far.

Voters no longer vote for the premier but for a party, of which there are around 40 registered to run.&nbsp;

Less than half are expected to score the 3.25 per cent threshold of total votes cast needed to enter the legislature so despite voters' stated preferences many of them will never see a seat in parliament.

"All of the hair-splitting calculations about the right wing bloc versus the centre-left bloc are based on the assumption that aside from Gesher, all of the parties will pass the electoral threshold," veteran political commentator Nahum Barnea wrote in Yediot.

"Nobody can be certain of that."

Gesher, focused on social issues, has a single seat in the outgoing parliament which most polls see it as losing.

A poll published Friday by pro-Netanyahu freesheet Israel Hayom gave the right-wing parties 64 seats and those dubbed "the left" 56. &nbsp;

But it showed 35 per cent of respondents were still unsure how to vote on Tuesday.

Netanyahu has for several days been urging Likud voters to get out and vote and not assume that a right-wing victory is in the bag.

About 6.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote with polling stations in cities and towns open on Tuesday from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm (0400 - 1900 GMT).

Turnout in the previous election in 2015 was 72.3 per cent.

When results are in, President Reuven Rivlin, will consult all the elected parties to hear who they recommend should try to form a government.&nbsp;

On the basis of those talks, he asks the person he judges has the best chances, which may not necessarily be the leader of the largest party.

Final authorised opinion polls published Friday just days ahead of the Israeli general elections showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading for a fifth term in office, leading a right-wing coalition.

Final authorised opinion polls published Friday just days ahead of the Israeli general elections showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heading for a fifth term in office, leading a right-wing coalition. The polls revealed the rival centrist Blue and White list led by former military chief Benny Gantz was running virtually neck-and-neck with Netanyahu's Likud ahead of Tuesday's vote. But while most polls saw Gantz's list as scooping slightly more votes than Likud, neither party was predicted to win over 25 per cent of seats in parliament. And the polls were unanimous in forecasting that Likud would be able to build a viable ruling coalition to beat off Gantz's challenge. None gave a figure for undecided voters, although the number is reportedly high enough to swing the outcome. "Past polls have shown that nearly one out of every six-seven voters makes a decision only in the last two days before the elections, and it isn't clear what will be the dynamic of the coming few days," Maariv daily wrote Friday. 'Referendum on Netanyahu' A poll by Smith Research for the Jerusalem Post published Friday showed Gantz's Blue and White, picking up 28 seats in the 120-member Knesset, with the right-wing Likud at its heels with 27. But it found that overall the right and centre-right would control 68 seats compared to 52 from the centre and left. This election is more than ever a referendum on the character of Netanyahu, 69, who has spent a cumulative 13 years in office. He is running under the shadow of probable graft indictments, although he denies all accusations. The attorney general has announced his intention to charge Netanyahu with bribery, fraud and breach of trust pending a hearing, to be held after the election. Friday is by law the last day on which surveys can be released before the ballot boxes open on Tuesday morning. A poll published late Thursday by public broadcaster KAN gave the right a narrower, although still decisive, lead of 64 to 56. Top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot put the gap as narrower still, at 63-57. Polls have been wrong in the past, notably in 1996 when Netanyahu fought Labour leader Shimon Peres in what were then direct elections for the premiership. When voting closed on the night of May 29 Peres was seen ahead, but by morning Netanyahu had the lead. The final count handed him victory by just 30,000 votes, less than one per cent. Threshold uncertainty Tuesday's fight, under different electoral laws than 1996, will be more complex by far. Voters no longer vote for the premier but for a party, of which there are around 40 registered to run. Less than half are expected to score the 3.25 per cent threshold of total votes cast needed to enter the legislature so despite voters' stated preferences many of them will never see a seat in parliament. "All of the hair-splitting calculations about the right wing bloc versus the centre-left bloc are based on the assumption that aside from Gesher, all of the parties will pass the electoral threshold," veteran political commentator Nahum Barnea wrote in Yediot. "Nobody can be certain of that." Gesher, focused on social issues, has a single seat in the outgoing parliament which most polls see it as losing. A poll published Friday by pro-Netanyahu freesheet Israel Hayom gave the right-wing parties 64 seats and those dubbed "the left" 56. But it showed 35 per cent of respondents were still unsure how to vote on Tuesday. Netanyahu has for several days been urging Likud voters to get out and vote and not assume that a right-wing victory is in the bag. About 6.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote with polling stations in cities and towns open on Tuesday from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm (0400 - 1900 GMT). Turnout in the previous election in 2015 was 72.3 per cent. When results are in, President Reuven Rivlin, will consult all the elected parties to hear who they recommend should try to form a government. On the basis of those talks, he asks the person he judges has the best chances, which may not necessarily be the leader of the largest party.

Israeli polls see Netanyahu ahead, but many still undecided

Fake online accounts backing PM Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of vote?

Tayseer Barakat is like many Palestinians when asked about the upcoming Israeli elections. He doesn't see much hope.

"We have learned from past experience that we are always the victims of &nbsp;Israeli elections, and it doesn't seem there will be anything new," said 58-year-old Barakat.

"It is more than likely there will be no meaningful changes, despite our hopes that there will be something new to change the situation," he added as he walked with bags of groceries in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Israel's upcoming elections could have a direct effect on the Palestinians, but many have little interest in who wins, having lost hope its more than 50-year occupation will end no matter which party is in charge.

Some who do express concern say they are worried the campaign could lead to an uptick in incitement against Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's current coalition is considered the most right-wing in Israel’s history and includes prominent members who rule out a Palestinian state while seeking aggressive settlement expansion.

Some call for annexing large parts of the West Bank.

Peace talks have been frozen since 2014.

The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority has previously made a freeze on settlement building a pre-requisite to re-entering peace talks.

At the beginning of the election campaign it was widely assumed Netanyahu would win, despite being dogged by corruption allegations.

But former military chief Benny Gantz has emerged as a serious challenger, with polls showing his centrist Blue and White alliance slightly ahead of Netanyahu's Likud.

Under those polls, Gantz would still fall far short of an outright majority and it is unclear whether he could assemble enough parties to form a coalition.

'Separation' 
Early in the campaign, Gantz signalled openness to withdrawing settlers from parts of the West Bank.

His alliance's platform favours "separation from the Palestinians" but does not mention a two-state solution.

Palestinians initially saw encouraging signs, but Saleh Rafat, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation's executive committee, said he now believes the policies of Gantz and Netanyahu are similar.

"So far we haven't seen fundamental differences between the right-wing and the centre party," he said.

"They are proposing a unified Jerusalem and to continue settlement and control over the Jordan Valley."

Israel seized mainly Palestinian east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and considers the entire city its capital. The Palestinians see the city's eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

Israel occupied the West Bank, including parts of the Jordan Valley, in 1967.&nbsp;

More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, communities considered illegal under international law.&nbsp;

The international community sees them as one of the largest obstacles to peace, though Israel disputes this while pointing to Palestinian attacks and what it calls incitement to violence.

Hafed Barghouti, a former Palestinian newspaper editor, said relative calm in the West Bank has led to less attention to the conflict in Israeli elections.

Israeli politics have also shifted firmly to the right in recent years.

"There is no Israeli party talking about the Palestinian issue. Those that do talk, do so in the language of a brutal occupation," he said.

"The right, centre and left agree to ignore the Palestinian issue and focus more on the legalisation of marijuana."

Whether to legalise recreational-use marijuana has received unexpected attention in the Israeli campaign.

The Israeli elections come amid ongoing animosity between the two main Palestinian factions, president Mahmud Abbas's West Bank-based Fatah and Islamist movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.

The split between the two has made Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections impossible for more than a decade.&nbsp;

In recent days, Gaza has been a focus of Israeli political debate after a renewed flare-up of violence there.

Incitement 
Some are concerned the tensions around the elections could lead to more incitement in Israel against Palestinians and Arabs in general.

The Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy recently launched a campaign highlighting hate speech in Israeli society against Palestinians.

"It seems to me that incitement and hatred are becoming a lot more normalised in Israeli society," PIPD's executive director Salem Barahmeh told AFP.

"The campaign rhetoric of many Israeli politicians seeks to dehumanise an entire population."

In the last elections in 2015 Netanyahu sought to stir up his right-wing base by warning on election day that Arab Israelis were going to the polls "in droves," a comment he later apologised for.

This year, he has been accused of demonising Arab Israeli politicians during his campaign.

He has also brokered a deal aimed at making it easier for an extreme-right party, which many view as racist against Arabs, to make it into parliament. 
&nbsp;

Tayseer Barakat is like many Palestinians when asked about the upcoming Israeli elections. He doesn't see much hope. "We have learned from past experience that we are always the victims of Israeli elections, and it doesn't seem there will be anything new," said 58-year-old Barakat.

Tayseer Barakat is like many Palestinians when asked about the upcoming Israeli elections. He doesn't see much hope. "We have learned from past experience that we are always the victims of Israeli elections, and it doesn't seem there will be anything new," said 58-year-old Barakat. "It is more than likely there will be no meaningful changes, despite our hopes that there will be something new to change the situation," he added as he walked with bags of groceries in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Israel's upcoming elections could have a direct effect on the Palestinians, but many have little interest in who wins, having lost hope its more than 50-year occupation will end no matter which party is in charge. Some who do express concern say they are worried the campaign could lead to an uptick in incitement against Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's current coalition is considered the most right-wing in Israel’s history and includes prominent members who rule out a Palestinian state while seeking aggressive settlement expansion. Some call for annexing large parts of the West Bank. Peace talks have been frozen since 2014. The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority has previously made a freeze on settlement building a pre-requisite to re-entering peace talks. At the beginning of the election campaign it was widely assumed Netanyahu would win, despite being dogged by corruption allegations. But former military chief Benny Gantz has emerged as a serious challenger, with polls showing his centrist Blue and White alliance slightly ahead of Netanyahu's Likud. Under those polls, Gantz would still fall far short of an outright majority and it is unclear whether he could assemble enough parties to form a coalition. 'Separation' Early in the campaign, Gantz signalled openness to withdrawing settlers from parts of the West Bank. His alliance's platform favours "separation from the Palestinians" but does not mention a two-state solution. Palestinians initially saw encouraging signs, but Saleh Rafat, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation's executive committee, said he now believes the policies of Gantz and Netanyahu are similar. "So far we haven't seen fundamental differences between the right-wing and the centre party," he said. "They are proposing a unified Jerusalem and to continue settlement and control over the Jordan Valley." Israel seized mainly Palestinian east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and considers the entire city its capital. The Palestinians see the city's eastern sector as the capital of their future state. Israel occupied the West Bank, including parts of the Jordan Valley, in 1967. More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, communities considered illegal under international law. The international community sees them as one of the largest obstacles to peace, though Israel disputes this while pointing to Palestinian attacks and what it calls incitement to violence. Hafed Barghouti, a former Palestinian newspaper editor, said relative calm in the West Bank has led to less attention to the conflict in Israeli elections. Israeli politics have also shifted firmly to the right in recent years. "There is no Israeli party talking about the Palestinian issue. Those that do talk, do so in the language of a brutal occupation," he said. "The right, centre and left agree to ignore the Palestinian issue and focus more on the legalisation of marijuana." Whether to legalise recreational-use marijuana has received unexpected attention in the Israeli campaign. The Israeli elections come amid ongoing animosity between the two main Palestinian factions, president Mahmud Abbas's West Bank-based Fatah and Islamist movement Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. The split between the two has made Palestinian parliamentary and presidential elections impossible for more than a decade. In recent days, Gaza has been a focus of Israeli political debate after a renewed flare-up of violence there. Incitement Some are concerned the tensions around the elections could lead to more incitement in Israel against Palestinians and Arabs in general. The Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy recently launched a campaign highlighting hate speech in Israeli society against Palestinians. "It seems to me that incitement and hatred are becoming a lot more normalised in Israeli society," PIPD's executive director Salem Barahmeh told AFP. "The campaign rhetoric of many Israeli politicians seeks to dehumanise an entire population." In the last elections in 2015 Netanyahu sought to stir up his right-wing base by warning on election day that Arab Israelis were going to the polls "in droves," a comment he later apologised for. This year, he has been accused of demonising Arab Israeli politicians during his campaign. He has also brokered a deal aimed at making it easier for an extreme-right party, which many view as racist against Arabs, to make it into parliament.

Palestinians see little hope in Israeli elections

An Israeli cyber watchdog said Monday it has uncovered a network of fake online accounts backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and slandering opponents ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-see-little-hope-in-israeli-elections-207228">next week's general election</a>.

In a new report the Big Bots Protect, which describes itself as a campaigner against social media abuse, said posts used "lies, libel and rumormongering" to attack Netanyahu's challengers.

It found over 130,000 tweets from "hundreds of fake or anonymous accounts" without names or profile pictures, which did not identify themselves as linked to Netanyahu's Likud party.

It acknowledged that there were also "hundreds of genuine accounts" backing the premier's bid for re-election.

Among the targets were journalists and public figures considered hostile to Netanyahu including his main challenger, Benny Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party.

The report said they included accusations that Gantz was a "rapist" and others questioning his mental health.

A spokeswoman for Blue and White told AFP that party leaders had filed a complaint against the posts with police.

"There is an attempt to steal the elections, there is a system of lies here," Gantz wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Netanyahu's house of cards is collapsing."

The prime minister went live on Facebook and YouTube to dismiss the report, flanked by what he said was a genuine Likud online supporter.

"A million Likud voters are not 'bots'," he said, adding that Likud was also filing a police complaint against Blue and White for accusing him.

"Not one of them is fake," he said of the messages cited by the Big Bots Protect.

"They have names, they have families," he added. "They have their own opinions, independent people!"

Netanyahu, 69, is seeking a fifth term in office in the April 9 election, despite also facing potential corruption charges.

Blue and White has consistently been scoring better than Likud in opinion polls, although Netanyahu is seen as standing a better chance of putting together a coalition government under Israel's proportional representation electoral system.

An Israeli cyber watchdog said Monday it has uncovered a network of fake online accounts backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and slandering opponents ahead of next week's general election.

An Israeli cyber watchdog said Monday it has uncovered a network of fake online accounts backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and slandering opponents ahead of next week's general election. In a new report the Big Bots Protect, which describes itself as a campaigner against social media abuse, said posts used "lies, libel and rumormongering" to attack Netanyahu's challengers. It found over 130,000 tweets from "hundreds of fake or anonymous accounts" without names or profile pictures, which did not identify themselves as linked to Netanyahu's Likud party. It acknowledged that there were also "hundreds of genuine accounts" backing the premier's bid for re-election. Among the targets were journalists and public figures considered hostile to Netanyahu including his main challenger, Benny Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party. The report said they included accusations that Gantz was a "rapist" and others questioning his mental health. A spokeswoman for Blue and White told AFP that party leaders had filed a complaint against the posts with police. "There is an attempt to steal the elections, there is a system of lies here," Gantz wrote on Twitter. "Netanyahu's house of cards is collapsing." The prime minister went live on Facebook and YouTube to dismiss the report, flanked by what he said was a genuine Likud online supporter. "A million Likud voters are not 'bots'," he said, adding that Likud was also filing a police complaint against Blue and White for accusing him. "Not one of them is fake," he said of the messages cited by the Big Bots Protect. "They have names, they have families," he added. "They have their own opinions, independent people!" Netanyahu, 69, is seeking a fifth term in office in the April 9 election, despite also facing potential corruption charges. Blue and White has consistently been scoring better than Likud in opinion polls, although Netanyahu is seen as standing a better chance of putting together a coalition government under Israel's proportional representation electoral system.

Israeli watchdog finds online manipulation ahead of vote

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-do-what-is-necessary-to-defend-our-people-netanyahu-after-airstrikes-on-gaza-strip-205845">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> said Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-strikes-on-hamas-in-gaza-after-rocket-205592">Israel</a> is prepared for a widespread military campaign in Gaza as tensions simmered following the latest flare-up -- but only after all other options were exhausted.

Netanyahu has been seeking to head off political pressure over Gaza ahead of April 9 elections, in which he faces a strong challenge from former military chief Benny Gantz.

"In recent days I gave instructions to fortify forces, to add vehicles, to be prepared for a comprehensive campaign," he said during the inauguration of a new road in northern Israel.

The premier, who was speaking after visiting military forces on the Gaza border, noted however that a war would be the last option.&nbsp;

"All Israelis should know that if a comprehensive campaign is required, we will enter it strong and safe, after we have exhausted all other possibilities," said Netanyahu, who also serves as defence minister.

Palestinian militants had on Monday fired a long-distance rocket from the Gaza Strip, hitting a house north of Tel Aviv and wounding seven Israelis, triggering Israeli air strikes and further Palestinian fire at southern Israel.

Netanyahu beefed up the military presence near Gaza, but by Wednesday the fighting had abated after Hamas announced a ceasefire brokered by Egypt.

Israel has been carefully monitoring the situation on the Gaza border ahead of Saturday, which will mark a year since mass protests and deadly clashes began there.

A demonstration on the day of the anniversary is expected to draw thousands of Palestinians.&nbsp;

A Hamas official said an Egyptian delegation met with the Islamist movement's leader Ismail Haniya in Gaza City on Wednesday night in further efforts to calm tensions.

The official said the delegation informed Hamas and its allies in Gaza that Israel had agreed to measures such as improving the electricity supply in the strip, which suffers from severe power shortages.

In exchange, Hamas would be expected to maintain calm at the weekly protests along the Gaza border, including during Saturday's anniversary.

It was unclear whether any progress had been made, and an Egyptian official said they would continue to mediate between the sides to try and maintain calm.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday Israel is prepared for a widespread military campaign in Gaza as tensions simmered following the latest flare-up -- but only after all other options were exhausted.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday Israel is prepared for a widespread military campaign in Gaza as tensions simmered following the latest flare-up -- but only after all other options were exhausted. Netanyahu has been seeking to head off political pressure over Gaza ahead of April 9 elections, in which he faces a strong challenge from former military chief Benny Gantz. "In recent days I gave instructions to fortify forces, to add vehicles, to be prepared for a comprehensive campaign," he said during the inauguration of a new road in northern Israel. The premier, who was speaking after visiting military forces on the Gaza border, noted however that a war would be the last option. "All Israelis should know that if a comprehensive campaign is required, we will enter it strong and safe, after we have exhausted all other possibilities," said Netanyahu, who also serves as defence minister. Palestinian militants had on Monday fired a long-distance rocket from the Gaza Strip, hitting a house north of Tel Aviv and wounding seven Israelis, triggering Israeli air strikes and further Palestinian fire at southern Israel. Netanyahu beefed up the military presence near Gaza, but by Wednesday the fighting had abated after Hamas announced a ceasefire brokered by Egypt. Israel has been carefully monitoring the situation on the Gaza border ahead of Saturday, which will mark a year since mass protests and deadly clashes began there. A demonstration on the day of the anniversary is expected to draw thousands of Palestinians. A Hamas official said an Egyptian delegation met with the Islamist movement's leader Ismail Haniya in Gaza City on Wednesday night in further efforts to calm tensions. The official said the delegation informed Hamas and its allies in Gaza that Israel had agreed to measures such as improving the electricity supply in the strip, which suffers from severe power shortages. In exchange, Hamas would be expected to maintain calm at the weekly protests along the Gaza border, including during Saturday's anniversary. It was unclear whether any progress had been made, and an Egyptian official said they would continue to mediate between the sides to try and maintain calm.

Prepared for 'comprehensive' Gaza operation: Benjamin Netanyahu

Saudi Arabia rejected US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-proclamation-recognising-israeli-sovereignty-over-golan-heights-205595">Trump's decision of signing a proclamation</a> recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights on Monday also saying that it "condemned" the move as a violation of international law.&nbsp;

"Saudi Arabia expresses its firm rejection and condemnation of the US administration's declaration that it recognises Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights," read a statement published by the Saudi state news agency.&nbsp;

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed Trump's move as ''historic''.

"Your decision to recognize Israel's sovereignty on the Golan Heights is so historic," Netanyahu told Trump.

"Your recognition is a twofold act of historic justice. Israel won the Golan Heights in a just war of self-defence, and the Jewish people's roots in the Golan go back thousands of years," Netanyahu added.

The Jewish state captured the territory from Syria during the Six-Day War of 1967.

Saudi Arabia rejected US President Donald Trump's decision of signing a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights on Monday also saying that it "condemned" the move as a violation of international law.

Saudi Arabia rejected US President Donald Trump's decision of signing a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights on Monday also saying that it "condemned" the move as a violation of international law. "Saudi Arabia expresses its firm rejection and condemnation of the US administration's declaration that it recognises Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights," read a statement published by the Saudi state news agency. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed Trump's move as ''historic''. "Your decision to recognize Israel's sovereignty on the Golan Heights is so historic," Netanyahu told Trump. "Your recognition is a twofold act of historic justice. Israel won the Golan Heights in a just war of self-defence, and the Jewish people's roots in the Golan go back thousands of years," Netanyahu added. The Jewish state captured the territory from Syria during the Six-Day War of 1967.

Saudi Arabia rejects, condemns Trump's decision on Golan Heights

US President Donald Trump on Monday signed a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights.

"This was a long time in the making," Trump said in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House.&nbsp;

Israel had seized <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-will-formally-recognise-israels-sovereignty-over-golan-heights-pence-205575">Golan Heights from Syria </a>during the six-day conflict in June, 1967, when it defeated the Arab coalition consisting of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Israel later annexed the territory - a move not recognised by the international community. The move hasn't been supported by US President since then.

PM Netanyahu had called up President Trump after he had made the announcement on Golan Heights to tell him he had made "history," and called the gesture a "Purim miracle," a reference to the Jewish holiday that Israel was celebrating that day.

Syria, Turkey and other Arab nations had condemned Trump's move.

However, Trump's Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, added that it was inconceivable Israel "would allow the Golan to be controlled by the state of Syria or by any of the rogue actors operating in the areas, including Iran."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Monday signed a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights. "This was a long time in the making," Trump said in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House.

US President Donald Trump on Monday signed a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights. "This was a long time in the making," Trump said in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House. Israel had seized Golan Heights from Syria during the six-day conflict in June, 1967, when it defeated the Arab coalition consisting of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Israel later annexed the territory - a move not recognised by the international community. The move hasn't been supported by US President since then. PM Netanyahu had called up President Trump after he had made the announcement on Golan Heights to tell him he had made "history," and called the gesture a "Purim miracle," a reference to the Jewish holiday that Israel was celebrating that day. Syria, Turkey and other Arab nations had condemned Trump's move. However, Trump's Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, added that it was inconceivable Israel "would allow the Golan to be controlled by the state of Syria or by any of the rogue actors operating in the areas, including Iran."

Trump signs proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

Moscow said it feared "a new wave of tensions" in the Middle East following the decision by Washington to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights, which are claimed by Russian ally Syria.

The comments come after US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in recognition of Israeli claims over the Golan Heights, a border area seized from Syria in 1967.

Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the move "ignores all international procedures" and would "only aggravate the situation".

"Unfortunately, this could drive a new wave of tensions in the Middle East region," Zakharova said in a radio broadcast, according to Russian news agencies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meeting Trump at the White House on Monday, called the recognition "historic" and said the Golan Heights would remain permanently under Israeli control.&nbsp;

The move, which breaks with decades of international consensus, drew criticism from the Syrian government, which called it a "blatant attack" on its sovereignty.

Russian Foreign Secretary Sergei Lavrov said the US decision leads to "a gross violation of international law, blocks the resolution of the Syrian crisis and aggravates the situation in all the Middle East," he said during a telephone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to his ministry.

Moscow said it feared "a new wave of tensions" in the Middle East following the decision by Washington to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights, which are claimed by Russian ally Syria.

Moscow said it feared "a new wave of tensions" in the Middle East following the decision by Washington to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights, which are claimed by Russian ally Syria. The comments come after US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in recognition of Israeli claims over the Golan Heights, a border area seized from Syria in 1967. Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the move "ignores all international procedures" and would "only aggravate the situation". "Unfortunately, this could drive a new wave of tensions in the Middle East region," Zakharova said in a radio broadcast, according to Russian news agencies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meeting Trump at the White House on Monday, called the recognition "historic" and said the Golan Heights would remain permanently under Israeli control. The move, which breaks with decades of international consensus, drew criticism from the Syrian government, which called it a "blatant attack" on its sovereignty. Russian Foreign Secretary Sergei Lavrov said the US decision leads to "a gross violation of international law, blocks the resolution of the Syrian crisis and aggravates the situation in all the Middle East," he said during a telephone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to his ministry.

Russia warns of 'new wave' of Mideast tensions after US Golan move

Israel's military launched strikes on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-rocket-strike-near-tel-aviv-wounds-israelis-netanyahu-to-return-205512">Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip</a> on Monday, the army and witnesses said, hours after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit a house and wounded seven Israelis.

Witnesses and a security source in Gaza told AFP there had been at least two strikes on a site belonging to Hamas's military wing in the west of the Gaza Strip.

Details were not yet clear on the strikes.

Israel's military said in a statement it "has begun striking Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip."

The strikes began around the same time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Netanyahu had earlier vowed a strong response to the rocket that hit a house north of Tel Aviv in a rare long-distance strike.

The house was destroyed and seven Israelis were lightly wounded from burns and shrapnel.

The flare-up comes at a highly sensitive time for Israel, which holds elections on April 9.

Israel blamed Hamas for the rocket, but a Hamas source denied the Islamist movement, which rules the Palestinian enclave, was behind it.

Netanyahu planned to cut short his Washington visit due to the security situation and return home after meeting Trump. 
 
&nbsp;

Israel's military launched strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the army and witnesses said, hours after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit a house and wounded seven Israelis.

Israel's military launched strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the army and witnesses said, hours after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit a house and wounded seven Israelis. Witnesses and a security source in Gaza told AFP there had been at least two strikes on a site belonging to Hamas's military wing in the west of the Gaza Strip. Details were not yet clear on the strikes. Israel's military said in a statement it "has begun striking Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip." The strikes began around the same time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US President Donald Trump in Washington. Netanyahu had earlier vowed a strong response to the rocket that hit a house north of Tel Aviv in a rare long-distance strike. The house was destroyed and seven Israelis were lightly wounded from burns and shrapnel. The flare-up comes at a highly sensitive time for Israel, which holds elections on April 9. Israel blamed Hamas for the rocket, but a Hamas source denied the Islamist movement, which rules the Palestinian enclave, was behind it. Netanyahu planned to cut short his Washington visit due to the security situation and return home after meeting Trump.

Israel launches strikes on Hamas in Gaza after rocket

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-vows-to-retaliate-with-force-after-rocket-attack-205460">Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip</a> while vowing a forceful response.

The rocket from the Palestinian enclave and expected Israeli response comes at a highly sensitive time just ahead of Israel's April 9 elections.

Israel's army said the rocket was fired by Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, from the Rafah area in the south of the enclave.

It announced it was sending two additional brigades to reinforce the Gaza area and said it was carrying out a limited call up of reservists.

Netanyahu, currently in Washington, said he would return home after meeting US President Donald Trump later Monday, cancelling an address to pro-Israel lobby AIPAC's annual conference on Tuesday.

Israel also closed its people and goods crossings with the blockaded Gaza Strip and reduced the zone in the Mediterranean it allows for Palestinian fishermen off the enclave, a statement said.

The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tel Aviv, police said.

The rocket would have had to travel some 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Rafah to hit the house in the community of Mishmeret.

Rocket fire from Gaza at that distance is rare.

The hospital treating the wounded said seven Israelis were injured lightly by burns and shrapnel, including three children.&nbsp;

One of the wounded was a six-month-old child and six of them were members of the same family.

The house was destroyed in the wake of the rocket and subsequent fire, with burnt wood, a children's toy and other debris piled at the site.

Islamic Jihad warning

Police spokesman Ami Ben David said air raid sirens wailed at around 5:15 am and the home's residents made their way to a safe room, possibly saving their lives.

The rocket crashed through the roof and then exploded when it hit the floor, he said.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said "there has been a criminal attack on the state of Israel and we will respond with force."

"I will meet President Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," he said in a video released by his office.

There was no immediate response from Hamas but its ally in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, said "we warn the Zionist enemy from committing an aggression against the Gaza Strip".

"Their leaders should be aware that we will respond with force against their aggression," it said, without commenting on who may have been responsible for the rocket.

The rocket comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks.

Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections.

But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he was already coming under heavy political pressure to react firmly.

Gantz asked on Twitter, in a reference to corruption allegations against Netanyahu, whether the prime minister would "finally focus on the security of the citizens of Israel instead of dealing only with his legal concerns."

One-year anniversary

Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14.

No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip.

Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes.

Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups.

Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work.

The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military refused to comment on the reports at the time.

Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the first anniversary on March 30 of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel.

An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence.

Netanyahu's visit to the United States was expected to include Trump's formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Breaking with longstanding international consensus, Trump said last week that the United States should recognise Israeli sovereignty there.

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip while vowing a forceful response.

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip while vowing a forceful response. The rocket from the Palestinian enclave and expected Israeli response comes at a highly sensitive time just ahead of Israel's April 9 elections. Israel's army said the rocket was fired by Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, from the Rafah area in the south of the enclave. It announced it was sending two additional brigades to reinforce the Gaza area and said it was carrying out a limited call up of reservists. Netanyahu, currently in Washington, said he would return home after meeting US President Donald Trump later Monday, cancelling an address to pro-Israel lobby AIPAC's annual conference on Tuesday. Israel also closed its people and goods crossings with the blockaded Gaza Strip and reduced the zone in the Mediterranean it allows for Palestinian fishermen off the enclave, a statement said. The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tel Aviv, police said. The rocket would have had to travel some 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Rafah to hit the house in the community of Mishmeret. Rocket fire from Gaza at that distance is rare. The hospital treating the wounded said seven Israelis were injured lightly by burns and shrapnel, including three children. One of the wounded was a six-month-old child and six of them were members of the same family. The house was destroyed in the wake of the rocket and subsequent fire, with burnt wood, a children's toy and other debris piled at the site. Islamic Jihad warning Police spokesman Ami Ben David said air raid sirens wailed at around 5:15 am and the home's residents made their way to a safe room, possibly saving their lives. The rocket crashed through the roof and then exploded when it hit the floor, he said. Netanyahu said "there has been a criminal attack on the state of Israel and we will respond with force." "I will meet President Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," he said in a video released by his office. There was no immediate response from Hamas but its ally in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, said "we warn the Zionist enemy from committing an aggression against the Gaza Strip". "Their leaders should be aware that we will respond with force against their aggression," it said, without commenting on who may have been responsible for the rocket. The rocket comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks. Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections. But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he was already coming under heavy political pressure to react firmly. Gantz asked on Twitter, in a reference to corruption allegations against Netanyahu, whether the prime minister would "finally focus on the security of the citizens of Israel instead of dealing only with his legal concerns." One-year anniversary Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14. No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip. Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups. Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work. The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military refused to comment on the reports at the time. Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the first anniversary on March 30 of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence. Netanyahu's visit to the United States was expected to include Trump's formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. Breaking with longstanding international consensus, Trump said last week that the United States should recognise Israeli sovereignty there.

Rare rocket strike near Tel Aviv wounds Israelis, Netanyahu to return

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-gives-rare-tv-interview-to-address-allegations-205334">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> vowed Monday to retaliate "with force"&nbsp;after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in a community north of Tel Aviv wounding five people. &nbsp;

Netanyahu, who is in the US, said he would be cutting short his US visit and would return home.&nbsp;

"I have decided, due to the security incidents, to cut short my visit to the United States. I will meet President (Donald) Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office.&nbsp;

Rocket fired by Hamas: Israeli Army 
Authorities said the house hit by the rocket had caught&nbsp;fire.&nbsp;

Israel's army said the rocket was fired from the Palestinian enclave run by Islamist movement Hamas, raising the risk of another escalation between the two sides just ahead of April 9 Israeli elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in Washington, where he is due to meet US President Donald Trump later Monday, and there was no word on whether he would shorten his trip.

The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, police said. Medics said they were treating one Israeli with moderate wounds and four others injured lightly.

Mishmeret is more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the Gaza Strip and rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave at that distance is rare.

It would be sure to draw an Israeli response and comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks.

Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections.

But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he will come under heavy political pressure to react firmly.

One-year anniversary 
Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14.

No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip.

Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes.

Both Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups.

Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work.

The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military had refused to comment on the reports at the time.

Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the March 30 one-year anniversary of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel.

An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border of the blockaded strip, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Monday to retaliate "with force" after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in a community north of Tel Aviv wounding five people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Monday to retaliate "with force" after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in a community north of Tel Aviv wounding five people. Netanyahu, who is in the US, said he would be cutting short his US visit and would return home. "I have decided, due to the security incidents, to cut short my visit to the United States. I will meet President (Donald) Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office. Rocket fired by Hamas: Israeli Army Authorities said the house hit by the rocket had caught fire. Israel's army said the rocket was fired from the Palestinian enclave run by Islamist movement Hamas, raising the risk of another escalation between the two sides just ahead of April 9 Israeli elections. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in Washington, where he is due to meet US President Donald Trump later Monday, and there was no word on whether he would shorten his trip. The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, police said. Medics said they were treating one Israeli with moderate wounds and four others injured lightly. Mishmeret is more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the Gaza Strip and rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave at that distance is rare. It would be sure to draw an Israeli response and comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks. Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections. But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he will come under heavy political pressure to react firmly. One-year anniversary Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14. No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip. Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes. Both Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups. Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work. The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military had refused to comment on the reports at the time. Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the March 30 one-year anniversary of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border of the blockaded strip, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence.

Israel's Netanyahu vows to retaliate 'with force' after rocket attack

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington Sunday, looking for an electoral boost from Donald Trump amid expectations the US president will formally recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Trump broke longstanding international consensus last week over the status of the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in the 1967 Six Day War, saying the US should recognise Israeli sovereignty over the strategic plateau.

Israel's foreign minister said the US president will go one step further on Monday when he welcomes a grateful Netanyahu to the White House.

"President Trump will sign tomorrow in the presence of PM Netanyahu an order recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights," Foreign Minister Israel Katz wrote on Twitter on Sunday.

Netanyahu has long pushed for such recognition, and many analysts saw Trump's statement, which came in a tweet on Thursday, as a campaign gift ahead of Israel's April 9 polls.

The prime minister is locked in a tough election fight with a centrist political alliance headed by former military chief Benny Gantz and ex-finance minister Yair Lapid.

New opinion polls last week showed Netanyahu losing ground to his electoral rivals, and the Washington visit was seen as an opportunity to regain momentum.

The prime minister has a "working meeting" at the White House on Monday and dinner on Tuesday.

Also Tuesday, he is to address the annual conference in Washington of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Gantz speaks at the high-profile event on Monday.

'Purim miracle'

The Golan Heights decision is the latest major move in favour of Israel by Trump, who in 2017 recognized the disputed city of Jerusalem as the country's capital.

Syria and other states in the region condemned Trump's pledge, saying it violates international law. France said the same.

Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981 in a move never recognized by the international community.

Netanyahu phoned Trump to tell him he had made "history," and called the gesture a "Purim miracle," a reference to the Jewish holiday that Israel was celebrating that day.

Although Trump professed no knowledge of the Israeli politics in play, Netanyahu's relationship with the US president has long been a central feature of his campaign.

Trump appears on giant campaign billboards in Israel shaking hands and smiling with Netanyahu, and the premier has shared a video of the US leader calling him "strong" and a "winner."

On the same day as Trump's Golan Heights tweet, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was in Jerusalem, where he joined Netanyahu in a visit to the historic Western Wall, offering his host a prime pre-election photo opportunity.

It was the first time such a high-ranking American official had visited one of the holiest sites in Judaism, located in mainly Palestinian east Jerusalem, with an Israeli premier.

Trump relies on pro-Israel evangelical Christians as part of his electoral base and has moved US policy firmly in Israel's favour.

'Personal things'

But Netanyahu has also deployed his considerable powers of persuasion to charm the mercurial president he calls his "friend."

"Trump is very affected by personal things, and Bibi's stroked him a lot," said Jonathan Rynhold, a political science professor at Israel's Bar-Ilan University, using Netanyahu's nickname.

"I'm sure he's also very affected by the last thing that was said to him, so whispering in his ear is (Trump's son-in-law Jared) Kushner, who's got a good relationship with Bibi."

There has been talk in recent weeks about similarities in style between Trump and Netanyahu -- although there are key differences.

Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States and now a deputy minister for diplomacy, said "they share a disdain for political correctness."

Using phrases that echo Trump's, Netanyahu has castigated the corruption investigations into his affairs as a "witch hunt" and a plot aimed at forcing him from office.

He has sought to demonize his enemies and brokered a deal with an extreme-right political party many view as racist.

Like Trump, he has employed the phrase "fake news" to combat tough coverage of him.

But, as Rynhold points out, underneath the rhetoric the 69-year-old Netanyahu is an "extremely cautious politician," intensely attuned to the direction of the electoral winds.

He has been prime minister for a total of 13 years and will be on track to surpass founding father David Ben-Gurion as Israel's longest-serving premier if he wins next month.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington Sunday, looking for an electoral boost from Donald Trump amid expectations the US president will formally recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington Sunday, looking for an electoral boost from Donald Trump amid expectations the US president will formally recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Trump broke longstanding international consensus last week over the status of the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in the 1967 Six Day War, saying the US should recognise Israeli sovereignty over the strategic plateau. Israel's foreign minister said the US president will go one step further on Monday when he welcomes a grateful Netanyahu to the White House. "President Trump will sign tomorrow in the presence of PM Netanyahu an order recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights," Foreign Minister Israel Katz wrote on Twitter on Sunday. Netanyahu has long pushed for such recognition, and many analysts saw Trump's statement, which came in a tweet on Thursday, as a campaign gift ahead of Israel's April 9 polls. The prime minister is locked in a tough election fight with a centrist political alliance headed by former military chief Benny Gantz and ex-finance minister Yair Lapid. New opinion polls last week showed Netanyahu losing ground to his electoral rivals, and the Washington visit was seen as an opportunity to regain momentum. The prime minister has a "working meeting" at the White House on Monday and dinner on Tuesday. Also Tuesday, he is to address the annual conference in Washington of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Gantz speaks at the high-profile event on Monday. 'Purim miracle' The Golan Heights decision is the latest major move in favour of Israel by Trump, who in 2017 recognized the disputed city of Jerusalem as the country's capital. Syria and other states in the region condemned Trump's pledge, saying it violates international law. France said the same. Israel annexed the Golan Heights in 1981 in a move never recognized by the international community. Netanyahu phoned Trump to tell him he had made "history," and called the gesture a "Purim miracle," a reference to the Jewish holiday that Israel was celebrating that day. Although Trump professed no knowledge of the Israeli politics in play, Netanyahu's relationship with the US president has long been a central feature of his campaign. Trump appears on giant campaign billboards in Israel shaking hands and smiling with Netanyahu, and the premier has shared a video of the US leader calling him "strong" and a "winner." On the same day as Trump's Golan Heights tweet, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was in Jerusalem, where he joined Netanyahu in a visit to the historic Western Wall, offering his host a prime pre-election photo opportunity. It was the first time such a high-ranking American official had visited one of the holiest sites in Judaism, located in mainly Palestinian east Jerusalem, with an Israeli premier. Trump relies on pro-Israel evangelical Christians as part of his electoral base and has moved US policy firmly in Israel's favour. 'Personal things' But Netanyahu has also deployed his considerable powers of persuasion to charm the mercurial president he calls his "friend." "Trump is very affected by personal things, and Bibi's stroked him a lot," said Jonathan Rynhold, a political science professor at Israel's Bar-Ilan University, using Netanyahu's nickname. "I'm sure he's also very affected by the last thing that was said to him, so whispering in his ear is (Trump's son-in-law Jared) Kushner, who's got a good relationship with Bibi." There has been talk in recent weeks about similarities in style between Trump and Netanyahu -- although there are key differences. Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States and now a deputy minister for diplomacy, said "they share a disdain for political correctness." Using phrases that echo Trump's, Netanyahu has castigated the corruption investigations into his affairs as a "witch hunt" and a plot aimed at forcing him from office. He has sought to demonize his enemies and brokered a deal with an extreme-right political party many view as racist. Like Trump, he has employed the phrase "fake news" to combat tough coverage of him. But, as Rynhold points out, underneath the rhetoric the 69-year-old Netanyahu is an "extremely cautious politician," intensely attuned to the direction of the electoral winds. He has been prime minister for a total of 13 years and will be on track to surpass founding father David Ben-Gurion as Israel's longest-serving premier if he wins next month.

Trump to formally recognise Golan as Israel's territory Monday as Netanyahu arrives in Washington

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given a rare and unscheduled television interview to combat allegations of improper behaviour from his rivals before April elections.

Saturday night's interview with Channel 12 came just before he boarded a plane for Washington, where he was due to meet US President Donald Trump and address the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel lobby.

The prime minister walked into the studio while the anchors notified only a short while before, were presenting the evening news.

Netanyahu, already under threat of indictment for separate corruption allegations, has come under renewed scrutiny in recent days over his handling of submarine deals.

His electoral opponents have repeatedly suggested that Netanyahu may have benefited financially from them -- which the prime minister says is completely false.&nbsp;

"I have to smash the wave of lies spread by (Benny) Gantz and (Yair) Lapid and (Moshe) Yaalon and (Gabi) Ashkenazi," Netanyahu said of the leaders of the centrist Blue and White electoral alliance.

The four say Netanyahu may have pushed for an unnecessary submarine acquisition from Germany's Thyssenkrupp to boost the stock of a company in which he had owned shares.

Blue and White also claim Netanyahu could have committed treason by agreeing to allow Germany to sell Egypt submarines without the knowledge of the defence ministry.

Germany consults with Israel before such sales due to the relationship between the two countries, Israeli media has reported.

Netanyahu said Friday he was suing his opponents for libel, but arrived at the television studio nonetheless to defend himself.

At the advice of his cousin, Netanyahu had in 2007 bought $600,000 of stock in a company that manufactured components used in the metal industry, he said.

He said he sold it in 2010 -- when already premier -- and that the relevant authorities were made aware of the holdings and sale.

He reportedly sold at a profit of more than $3 million.

Netanyahu added that the submarine sale to Israel took place over a year after he no longer held stock.

"It's a company that has nothing to do with submarines," he said.

The claim that he compromised Israel's security by allowing Germany to sell Egypt submarines was "a blood libel", Netanyahu said.

He said the reasons he agreed to it were "secret" due to state security, but noted the head of the national security council and attorney general were aware.

Police have investigated the submarine acquisitions and recommended pressing charges against a number of people involved, including Netanyahu's cousin and lawyer David Shimron.&nbsp;

Netanyahu was questioned as a witness in the case and was not considered a suspect.

Netanyahu claims unfair treatment from the mainstream Israeli media and has largely refrained from studio interviews.

He has instead been using his "Likud TV" internet broadcasts and social media as a means to spread his messages ahead of the April 9 general elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given a rare and unscheduled television interview to combat allegations of improper behaviour from his rivals before April elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given a rare and unscheduled television interview to combat allegations of improper behaviour from his rivals before April elections. Saturday night's interview with Channel 12 came just before he boarded a plane for Washington, where he was due to meet US President Donald Trump and address the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a pro-Israel lobby. The prime minister walked into the studio while the anchors notified only a short while before, were presenting the evening news. Netanyahu, already under threat of indictment for separate corruption allegations, has come under renewed scrutiny in recent days over his handling of submarine deals. His electoral opponents have repeatedly suggested that Netanyahu may have benefited financially from them -- which the prime minister says is completely false. "I have to smash the wave of lies spread by (Benny) Gantz and (Yair) Lapid and (Moshe) Yaalon and (Gabi) Ashkenazi," Netanyahu said of the leaders of the centrist Blue and White electoral alliance. The four say Netanyahu may have pushed for an unnecessary submarine acquisition from Germany's Thyssenkrupp to boost the stock of a company in which he had owned shares. Blue and White also claim Netanyahu could have committed treason by agreeing to allow Germany to sell Egypt submarines without the knowledge of the defence ministry. Germany consults with Israel before such sales due to the relationship between the two countries, Israeli media has reported. Netanyahu said Friday he was suing his opponents for libel, but arrived at the television studio nonetheless to defend himself. At the advice of his cousin, Netanyahu had in 2007 bought $600,000 of stock in a company that manufactured components used in the metal industry, he said. He said he sold it in 2010 -- when already premier -- and that the relevant authorities were made aware of the holdings and sale. He reportedly sold at a profit of more than $3 million. Netanyahu added that the submarine sale to Israel took place over a year after he no longer held stock. "It's a company that has nothing to do with submarines," he said. The claim that he compromised Israel's security by allowing Germany to sell Egypt submarines was "a blood libel", Netanyahu said. He said the reasons he agreed to it were "secret" due to state security, but noted the head of the national security council and attorney general were aware. Police have investigated the submarine acquisitions and recommended pressing charges against a number of people involved, including Netanyahu's cousin and lawyer David Shimron. Netanyahu was questioned as a witness in the case and was not considered a suspect. Netanyahu claims unfair treatment from the mainstream Israeli media and has largely refrained from studio interviews. He has instead been using his "Likud TV" internet broadcasts and social media as a means to spread his messages ahead of the April 9 general elections.

Benjamin Netanyahu gives rare TV interview to address allegations

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday welcomed Trump's move wherein he said it was time to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-significance-of-golan-heights-204773#why-is-the-area-contentious-204764">Golan Heights</a>.&nbsp;

In an official statement, Netanyahu said that the US President had "made history" by his announcement on the Golan Heights, news agency Reuters reported. &nbsp;

The recognition of the disputed area, seized by Israel in the Middle East war of 1967, would mark a major shift in US policy and provide a boost to Netanyahu in the middle of his re-election campaign.

For the unversed, the Golan Heights were part of Syria until 1967, when Israel captured most of the area in the Six Day War, occupying it and annexing it in 1981. That unilateral annexation was not recognised internationally, and Syria demands the return of the territory.

In 2000, Israel and Syria held their highest-level talks over a possible return of the Golan and a peace agreement. But the negotiations collapsed and subsequent talks also failed, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday welcomed Trump's move wherein he said it was time to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday welcomed Trump's move wherein he said it was time to recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In an official statement, Netanyahu said that the US President had "made history" by his announcement on the Golan Heights, news agency Reuters reported. The recognition of the disputed area, seized by Israel in the Middle East war of 1967, would mark a major shift in US policy and provide a boost to Netanyahu in the middle of his re-election campaign. For the unversed, the Golan Heights were part of Syria until 1967, when Israel captured most of the area in the Six Day War, occupying it and annexing it in 1981. That unilateral annexation was not recognised internationally, and Syria demands the return of the territory. In 2000, Israel and Syria held their highest-level talks over a possible return of the Golan and a peace agreement. But the negotiations collapsed and subsequent talks also failed, Reuters reported. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump has 'made history' with Golan move: Benjamin Netanyahu 

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