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

WION Dispatch: Trump To Unveil Middle East Peace Plan

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

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

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

Trump insists Israeli-Palestinian plan has a 'chance'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trump to finally unveil West Asia plan?

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

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

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

Donald Trump to unveil Israel-Palestine peace plan by Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Israeli education minister Rafael Peretz implies homosexuality 'unnatural'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Netanyahu Seeks Immunity From Israeli Corruption Charges

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

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

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

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday condemned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/an-act-of-domestic-terrorism-new-york-governor-on-knife-rampage-at-rabbis-home-270882">knife rampage at a rabbi's home in New York</a>.&nbsp;

"Israel strongly condemns the recent displays of antisemitism including the vicious attack at the home of a rabbi in Monsey, New York, during Chanukah," Netanyahu tweeted out.&nbsp;

The Israeli prime minister wished recovery for the wounded and offered every possible help.

"We send our best wishes for recovery to the wounded. We will cooperate however possible with the local authorities in order to assist in defeating this phenomenon. We offer our assistance to every country," his tweet read.&nbsp;

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Israel strongly condemns the recent displays of antisemitism including the vicious attack at the home of a rabbi in Monsey, New York, during Chanukah.
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1211256398492917761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, New York's governor said that the attack, wherein five people were stabbed, was an act of domestic terrorism.

"This is terrorism, it is domestic terrorism," Cuomo told reporters. "These are people who intend to create mass harm, mass violence, generate fear based on race, color, creed," Governor Andrew Cuomo said.&nbsp;

On Saturday, an assailant burst into a party at a Hasidic rabbi's home in New York and stabbed five people. Two of those stabbed were reported to be in a critical condition.&nbsp;

The victims were attending the Hanukkah celebration at the home of rabbi Chaim Rottenberg, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The assailant was arrested in New York City's Manhattan borough.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday condemned the knife rampage at a rabbi's home in New York. "Israel strongly condemns the recent displays of antisemitism including the vicious attack at the home of a rabbi in Monsey, New York, during Chanukah," Netanyahu tweeted out.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday condemned the knife rampage at a rabbi's home in New York. "Israel strongly condemns the recent displays of antisemitism including the vicious attack at the home of a rabbi in Monsey, New York, during Chanukah," Netanyahu tweeted out. The Israeli prime minister wished recovery for the wounded and offered every possible help. "We send our best wishes for recovery to the wounded. We will cooperate however possible with the local authorities in order to assist in defeating this phenomenon. We offer our assistance to every country," his tweet read. Israel strongly condemns the recent displays of antisemitism including the vicious attack at the home of a rabbi in Monsey, New York, during Chanukah. — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) December 29, 2019 × Meanwhile, New York's governor said that the attack, wherein five people were stabbed, was an act of domestic terrorism. "This is terrorism, it is domestic terrorism," Cuomo told reporters. "These are people who intend to create mass harm, mass violence, generate fear based on race, color, creed," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. On Saturday, an assailant burst into a party at a Hasidic rabbi's home in New York and stabbed five people. Two of those stabbed were reported to be in a critical condition. The victims were attending the Hanukkah celebration at the home of rabbi Chaim Rottenberg, news agency Reuters reported. The assailant was arrested in New York City's Manhattan borough. (With inputs from Reuters)

Strongly condemn recent displays of antisemitism: Netanyahu on knife rampage at rabbi's home in New York

Corruption charges, challengers in his own party & attacks on rallies, it's been a tough 2019 for Benjamin Netanyahu. #Gravitas #BenjaminNetanyahu #Netanyahu

Gravitas: Challenging times for Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will retain leadership of Likud, the political party he has led for more than a decade, after a resounding victory over his challenger. #WION #LikudParty #Israel #BenjaminNetanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu wins Likud party leadership race

Russian politician Alexei Navalny was dragged by police on December 26 during a raid on his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) headquarters in Moscow. "Alexei was forcibly detained and taken away. He did not resist. Lawyers are still at the FBK, and there's a search underway," Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokeswoman, wrote on Twitter #FinePrint #Alexei #Russia #Netanyahu # RussianPolitician

FinePrint: Russian police raid opposition leader Alexei Navalny's office

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rushed offstage as a rocket fired from Gaza towards the city of Israel. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), one rocket was fired from Gaza toward Israel and was intercepted by the Iron Dome aerial defense system.

Benjamin Netanyahu rushed offstage as rocket fired from Gaza into Israel

After a warning of a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was bundled off the stage during an election rally on Wednesday.

Netanyahu was holding a rally in the southern city of Ashkelon where he was made to stop while addressing Likud supporters and had bodyguards escort him to shelter after a rocket from Gaza flew overhead Ashkelon city.

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In response to the rocket fired from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a> at Israeli civilians earlier tonight, the Israeli Air Force just struck a number of Hamas terror targets in Gaza.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1209997194364882947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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There were no reports of any casualties and no Palestinian group admitted responsibility.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/benjamin-netanyahu-rushed-offstage-as-rocket-fired-from-gaza-into-israel-270274/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Netanyahu faces a tough battle ahead of the March general election in Israel - it's third in a year. The Israeli prime minister's image has been dented in recent times by indictment on corruption charges that he denies.

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IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Aviv Kohavi addressing the threats Israel is facing and how the IDF plans to face them. <a href="https://t.co/AFtEk1lrFU">pic.twitter.com/AFtEk1lrFU</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1210019376189071361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Israeli military has confirmed the launch against Ashkelon, which is 12 kilometres from the coastal Palestinian enclave, and said the rocket was shot down by an Iron Dome air defence interceptor.

Israel defence forces addressed the threats and also how the IDF plans to face it.

After the attack, Israel defence forces tweeted: "the Israeli Air Force just struck a number of Hamas terror targets in Gaza. Israel's modern miracle the Iron Dome just intercepted a rocket mid-air after it was fired from Gaza at Israeli civilians." 
&nbsp;

After a warning of a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was bundled off the stage during an election rally on Wednesday.

After a warning of a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was bundled off the stage during an election rally on Wednesday. Netanyahu was holding a rally in the southern city of Ashkelon where he was made to stop while addressing Likud supporters and had bodyguards escort him to shelter after a rocket from Gaza flew overhead Ashkelon city. In response to the rocket fired from #Gaza at Israeli civilians earlier tonight, the Israeli Air Force just struck a number of Hamas terror targets in Gaza. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 26, 2019 × There were no reports of any casualties and no Palestinian group admitted responsibility. Watch Video: Netanyahu faces a tough battle ahead of the March general election in Israel - it's third in a year. The Israeli prime minister's image has been dented in recent times by indictment on corruption charges that he denies. IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Aviv Kohavi addressing the threats Israel is facing and how the IDF plans to face them. pic.twitter.com/AFtEk1lrFU — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 26, 2019 × Meanwhile, the Israeli military has confirmed the launch against Ashkelon, which is 12 kilometres from the coastal Palestinian enclave, and said the rocket was shot down by an Iron Dome air defence interceptor. Israel defence forces addressed the threats and also how the IDF plans to face it. After the attack, Israel defence forces tweeted: "the Israeli Air Force just struck a number of Hamas terror targets in Gaza. Israel's modern miracle the Iron Dome just intercepted a rocket mid-air after it was fired from Gaza at Israeli civilians."

Netanyahu takes cover during election rally after rocket launch from Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-semitism on Sunday over its chief prosecutor's plan to pursue a war crimes probe in the Palestinian Territories.

The right-wing leader - Benjamin Netanyahu -&nbsp;is fighting for his political life in a March <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-heads-to-new-election-third-in-twelve-months-as-stalemate-continues-267768">election</a>, made the allegation against the international Criminal Court, with Judaism's holy Western Wall as a backdrop during a candle-lighting ceremony marking the start of the eight-day Hanukkah holiday.

"New edicts are being cast against the Jewish people - anti-semitic edicts by the International Criminal Court telling us that we, the Jews standing here next to this wall ... in this city, in this country, have no right to live here and that by doing so, we are committing a war crime," he said.

"Pure anti-semitism," Netanyahu said, raising an argument likely to strike a chord with many Israelis who believe that criticism, especially in Europe, of Israeli policies towards the Palestinians has its roots in anti-Jewish sentiment.

The Hague-based International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said on Friday she would launch a full investigation into alleged war crimes in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as soon as the court's jurisdiction had been established.

Israel captured those areas in the 1967 Middle East war and withdrew troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005.

Bensouda's announcement opens the possibility of charges being filed against Israelis or Palestinians. Israeli media, however, largely portrayed it as a bid to subject Israeli leaders and military officers to arrest and trial if they travel overseas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-will-resign-from-other-ministries-but-will-remain-pm-lawyers-267872">Netanyahu</a>'s accusations appeared to be centred on a scenario in which Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where the Western Wall stands within the walled Old City, could be viewed by the court as war crimes.

ICC prosecutors have said a preliminary investigation on the West Bank focused on "reported settlement-related activities engaged in by Israeli authorities".

The Palestinians and many countries consider the settlements to be illegal. Israel disputes this, citing security needs and biblical and historical connections to the land.

The Palestinians have welcomed Bensouda's decision.

Netanyahu said on Friday the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-to-probe-alleged-war-crimes-in-palestinian-territories-269444">ICC</a> had no jurisdiction to investigate events in the Palestinian Territories, arguing it could only examine petitions submitted by a sovereign state.

The ICC has the authority to hear cases of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity committed on the territory of the 123 countries that have signed up to it.

Israel has not joined the court but the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, has done so. The Gaza Strip is run by the PA's rival, the Islamist Hamas group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-semitism on Sunday over its chief prosecutor's plan to pursue a war crimes probe in the Palestinian Territories.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-semitism on Sunday over its chief prosecutor's plan to pursue a war crimes probe in the Palestinian Territories. The right-wing leader - Benjamin Netanyahu - is fighting for his political life in a March election, made the allegation against the international Criminal Court, with Judaism's holy Western Wall as a backdrop during a candle-lighting ceremony marking the start of the eight-day Hanukkah holiday. "New edicts are being cast against the Jewish people - anti-semitic edicts by the International Criminal Court telling us that we, the Jews standing here next to this wall ... in this city, in this country, have no right to live here and that by doing so, we are committing a war crime," he said. "Pure anti-semitism," Netanyahu said, raising an argument likely to strike a chord with many Israelis who believe that criticism, especially in Europe, of Israeli policies towards the Palestinians has its roots in anti-Jewish sentiment. The Hague-based International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said on Friday she would launch a full investigation into alleged war crimes in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as soon as the court's jurisdiction had been established. Israel captured those areas in the 1967 Middle East war and withdrew troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005. Bensouda's announcement opens the possibility of charges being filed against Israelis or Palestinians. Israeli media, however, largely portrayed it as a bid to subject Israeli leaders and military officers to arrest and trial if they travel overseas. Netanyahu's accusations appeared to be centred on a scenario in which Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where the Western Wall stands within the walled Old City, could be viewed by the court as war crimes. ICC prosecutors have said a preliminary investigation on the West Bank focused on "reported settlement-related activities engaged in by Israeli authorities". The Palestinians and many countries consider the settlements to be illegal. Israel disputes this, citing security needs and biblical and historical connections to the land. The Palestinians have welcomed Bensouda's decision. Netanyahu said on Friday the ICC had no jurisdiction to investigate events in the Palestinian Territories, arguing it could only examine petitions submitted by a sovereign state. The ICC has the authority to hear cases of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity committed on the territory of the 123 countries that have signed up to it. Israel has not joined the court but the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, has done so. The Gaza Strip is run by the PA's rival, the Islamist Hamas group.

Netanyahu accuses international court of anti-semitism in war crimes probe

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