Israeli Prime Minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pm-netanyahu-says-israel-is-arabs-indispensable-ally-against-iran-187658"> Benjamin Netanyahu</a> has in recent days taken aim at what seems to be his main opponent ahead of upcoming elections: corruption investigations that may lead to his indictment.

In a widely criticised social media video at the weekend and elsewhere, Netanyahu has spoken out against the possibility that the attorney general will announce his decision on whether to indict him before April 9 elections.

Polls show the premier is likely to win despite the investigations hanging over him, but a move to indict him pending a hearing could shake up the campaign.

With that in mind, he has publicly urged the attorney general to postpone his announcement, leading to criticism that his comments are out of bounds.

After his video on Saturday, former supreme court justice Eliyahu Matza compared Netanyahu's rhetoric to that of a crime boss.

In the video, Netanyahu stands before a map of the Middle East, smiling as if recounting a joke, and refers to amputation as punishment in certain countries.

He says that a man who has his arm cut off following a conviction for stealing cannot get it back after winning on appeal -- hinting that polls influenced by a hearing in the graft cases against him could similary not be undone.

"You don't start a hearing before the elections if you can't conclude it before the elections," he says.

The pre-indictment hearing is a key step in Israel's judicial process.

If Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announces his intention to indict him, Netanyahu gets a final chance to defend himself in a hearing before the charges are filed.

'Ludicrous argument' 

The prime minister, facing possible indictment in three separate probes, says he has no intention of resigning if called in for such a hearing before the vote.

Netanyahu pushed for polls in April -- seven months before they are due -- because he would like to combat potential charges with a fresh electoral mandate, according to many analysts.

That strategy would allow Netanyahu, who denies all allegations against him, to argue that the investigations are the result of a political plot by his enemies to force him from office against voters' will.

For that reason, Netanyahu's argument that the attorney general must wait until after April 9 does not hold water, said Reuven Hazan of Hebrew University's political science department.

"It's a completely ludicrous argument because Netanyahu called the early elections in order to try to avoid a decision in the midst of an election campaign," he said.

"So if Netanyahu is allowed to throw Israel into an election campaign in order to try to circumvent the attorney general, then the attorney general adhering to the legal rules of the game is not something that Netanyahu can throw back at him."

The pressure on the attorney general is immense.

He has remained largely silent, saying only that his office is working to conclude the investigations as quickly as possible.

Graffiti was recently sprayed in northern Israel calling Mandelblit a "collaborator", and his father's grave was also vandalised, though it was unclear if the incidents were connected, according to Israeli media.

'Thinks we're in Saudi'

Netanyahu's political allies have ramped up arguments in support of him, while opposition figures -- and at least one minister in his current government -- insist he must step down if indicted.

A prime minister is not legally required to resign if charged -- only after convicted with appeals exhausted.

Winning would put Netanyahu on track to surpass founding father David Ben-Gurion as Israel's longest-serving prime minister.

Yair Lapid, head of centrist opposition party Yesh Atid, distributed his own video mocking Netanyahu.

"The prime minister of Israel thinks we're in Saudi Arabia," Lapid said, arguing he should not run if indicted.

While Netanyahu may win no matter what the attorney general decides, future coalition partners will face the choice of whether to stick with him as the case takes its course.

Netanyahu supporters may also have to reconsider if "overwhelming evidence" against the premier makes it difficult for him to remain in office, Hazan said.

"They will begin to realise that once there is an indictment and the legal process begins, if there is overwhelming evidence, then this will be the last time that he is elected," he said.

Under that scenario, Hazan said, "he's going down -- the question is when and the question is will that impact their vote now knowing that they're not getting another full tenure with Netanyahu at the helm".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has in recent days taken aim at what seems to be his main opponent ahead of upcoming elections: corruption investigations that may lead to his indictment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has in recent days taken aim at what seems to be his main opponent ahead of upcoming elections: corruption investigations that may lead to his indictment. In a widely criticised social media video at the weekend and elsewhere, Netanyahu has spoken out against the possibility that the attorney general will announce his decision on whether to indict him before April 9 elections. Polls show the premier is likely to win despite the investigations hanging over him, but a move to indict him pending a hearing could shake up the campaign. With that in mind, he has publicly urged the attorney general to postpone his announcement, leading to criticism that his comments are out of bounds. After his video on Saturday, former supreme court justice Eliyahu Matza compared Netanyahu's rhetoric to that of a crime boss. In the video, Netanyahu stands before a map of the Middle East, smiling as if recounting a joke, and refers to amputation as punishment in certain countries. He says that a man who has his arm cut off following a conviction for stealing cannot get it back after winning on appeal -- hinting that polls influenced by a hearing in the graft cases against him could similary not be undone. "You don't start a hearing before the elections if you can't conclude it before the elections," he says. The pre-indictment hearing is a key step in Israel's judicial process. If Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announces his intention to indict him, Netanyahu gets a final chance to defend himself in a hearing before the charges are filed. 'Ludicrous argument' The prime minister, facing possible indictment in three separate probes, says he has no intention of resigning if called in for such a hearing before the vote. Netanyahu pushed for polls in April -- seven months before they are due -- because he would like to combat potential charges with a fresh electoral mandate, according to many analysts. That strategy would allow Netanyahu, who denies all allegations against him, to argue that the investigations are the result of a political plot by his enemies to force him from office against voters' will. For that reason, Netanyahu's argument that the attorney general must wait until after April 9 does not hold water, said Reuven Hazan of Hebrew University's political science department. "It's a completely ludicrous argument because Netanyahu called the early elections in order to try to avoid a decision in the midst of an election campaign," he said. "So if Netanyahu is allowed to throw Israel into an election campaign in order to try to circumvent the attorney general, then the attorney general adhering to the legal rules of the game is not something that Netanyahu can throw back at him." The pressure on the attorney general is immense. He has remained largely silent, saying only that his office is working to conclude the investigations as quickly as possible. Graffiti was recently sprayed in northern Israel calling Mandelblit a "collaborator", and his father's grave was also vandalised, though it was unclear if the incidents were connected, according to Israeli media. 'Thinks we're in Saudi' Netanyahu's political allies have ramped up arguments in support of him, while opposition figures -- and at least one minister in his current government -- insist he must step down if indicted. A prime minister is not legally required to resign if charged -- only after convicted with appeals exhausted. Winning would put Netanyahu on track to surpass founding father David Ben-Gurion as Israel's longest-serving prime minister. Yair Lapid, head of centrist opposition party Yesh Atid, distributed his own video mocking Netanyahu. "The prime minister of Israel thinks we're in Saudi Arabia," Lapid said, arguing he should not run if indicted. While Netanyahu may win no matter what the attorney general decides, future coalition partners will face the choice of whether to stick with him as the case takes its course. Netanyahu supporters may also have to reconsider if "overwhelming evidence" against the premier makes it difficult for him to remain in office, Hazan said. "They will begin to realise that once there is an indictment and the legal process begins, if there is overwhelming evidence, then this will be the last time that he is elected," he said. Under that scenario, Hazan said, "he's going down -- the question is when and the question is will that impact their vote now knowing that they're not getting another full tenure with Netanyahu at the helm".

Netanyahu takes aim at graft probes ahead of Israel polls

The shifting constellations of power and politics in the Middle East conform and correspond to the adage that, “my enemy’s enemy is my friend”. This is perhaps best reflected in Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, assertion that “Israel is Arabs’ best ally against Iran”. That this statement is an egregious and an outrageous lie is to state the obvious but the realm of international relations and geopolitics is defined by surprise, even of the outrageous variety. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Stripped of accretions, Israel which has always claimed to be a “western outpost” in a “sea of oriental despotism” has defined itself against Arab Muslims and the post-colonial states that constitute the Middle East’s firmament. In fact, the wars between Israel and these states have often been referred to as the “Arab Israeli wars. What then explains Netanyahu’s assertions? Do these constitute a change in heart in the nature of a fundamental departure from the past? And, does this, in turn, mean that the Middle East is on the cusp of far-reaching change and peace?

No. 
&nbsp; 
The Middle East is more fluid and, to some degree, more anarchic than before. The real reasons that account for the Israeli Prime Minister’s assertions pertaining to the evolving dynamics, permutations, combinations and configurations in the region.

The most important of these is the prominence and salience of the sectarian conflicts (or schisms). The reference here is to the Shia Sunni divide which has emerged as the major fault line that divides the Middle East. In the schemata of this divide, the major protagonists or players are Saudi Arabia and Iran and the attendant rivalry, in its modern avatar has taken the clash or battle for hegemony in the region. 
&nbsp; 
Post the second Gulf War, Iran’s influence and clout in the Middle East grew substantially. Be it Iraq, Syria, Lebanon or even Yemen, Iran asserted itself and attempted to morph into a pole of power and influence. Its alleged quest for nukes was perhaps an attempt to amplify its power and develop a security paradigm for state and regime survival. The name of the game for the country appeared to have been to be a hegemon in the region.

But, this quest would naturally rile the Saudis who have their own fears and goals. However, it was and is Israel that feared Iran’s rise the most. If the balance of power would shift to Iran in the Middle East, then the country would have to contend with Iran’s power and influence, and perhaps even have to deal with its dispute with the Palestinians in a different and a novel combination. 
&nbsp; 
Against this backdrop, the “natural” reflex of Israel would be to undercut and undermine Iran. Here, Trump came to the rescue of the country by putting Iran in the crosshairs of the United States.

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<h5>The Israeli Prime Minister (plagued by corruption scandals), has no love lost for the Arabs but is piggybacking on the elemental and fundamental faultline of Shia Sunni antagonisms and the age-old divide thereof, all of which correspond to sheer raison d’etat and not a change of heart or new found love for the Arabs.</h5>
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The overall thrust of Trump’s strategy appears to have been to put intense pressure on Iran to the extent of “regime change”. In this, primarily because of the Shia Sunni divide and the attendant clash of hegemonies in the Middle East, the Arab states rallied around the United States and even appear to have made implicit or tacit overtures to Israel. 
&nbsp; 
It is here that Netanyahu’s remarks assume significance. 
&nbsp; 
The Israeli Prime Minister (plagued by corruption scandals), has no love lost for the Arabs but is piggybacking on the elemental and fundamental faultline of Shia Sunni antagonisms and the age-old divide thereof, all of which correspond to sheer raison d’etat and not a change of heart or new found love for the Arabs. 
&nbsp; 
But, the sands of geopolitics are shifting in the Middle East. Against these changes, as ephemeral they might be, what can be said about peace in the region? 
&nbsp; 
The answer is bleak and takes us into the domain of domestic politics in the United States and Israel. As Trump becomes more isolated in the United States and as his visceral reflexes crowd out rationality, he might take recourse to extreme measures.

One such kind would be to attack Iran toward the tether end of his presidency. This would gel with Netanyahu’s insecurities in the wake of corruption charges against him and the permutations and combinations of Israeli politics. What might ensue is a “meeting of minds” between Trump and Netanyahu which might make war against Iran almost imminent.

The sad denouement of all this would be an even more unstable and anarchic the Middle East which, in the final analysis, and obviously would not amplify but actually decrease security for all. This, more than anything, else could be the legacy that Trump and Netanyahu will bequeath upon the region.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The shifting constellations of power and politics in the Middle East conform and correspond to the adage that, “my enemy’s enemy is my friend”. This is perhaps best reflected in Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, assertion that “Israel is Arabs’ best ally against Iran”.

The shifting constellations of power and politics in the Middle East conform and correspond to the adage that, “my enemy’s enemy is my friend”. This is perhaps best reflected in Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, assertion that “Israel is Arabs’ best ally against Iran”. That this statement is an egregious and an outrageous lie is to state the obvious but the realm of international relations and geopolitics is defined by surprise, even of the outrageous variety. Stripped of accretions, Israel which has always claimed to be a “western outpost” in a “sea of oriental despotism” has defined itself against Arab Muslims and the post-colonial states that constitute the Middle East’s firmament. In fact, the wars between Israel and these states have often been referred to as the “Arab Israeli wars. What then explains Netanyahu’s assertions? Do these constitute a change in heart in the nature of a fundamental departure from the past? And, does this, in turn, mean that the Middle East is on the cusp of far-reaching change and peace? No. The Middle East is more fluid and, to some degree, more anarchic than before. The real reasons that account for the Israeli Prime Minister’s assertions pertaining to the evolving dynamics, permutations, combinations and configurations in the region. The most important of these is the prominence and salience of the sectarian conflicts (or schisms). The reference here is to the Shia Sunni divide which has emerged as the major fault line that divides the Middle East. In the schemata of this divide, the major protagonists or players are Saudi Arabia and Iran and the attendant rivalry, in its modern avatar has taken the clash or battle for hegemony in the region. Post the second Gulf War, Iran’s influence and clout in the Middle East grew substantially. Be it Iraq, Syria, Lebanon or even Yemen, Iran asserted itself and attempted to morph into a pole of power and influence. Its alleged quest for nukes was perhaps an attempt to amplify its power and develop a security paradigm for state and regime survival. The name of the game for the country appeared to have been to be a hegemon in the region. But, this quest would naturally rile the Saudis who have their own fears and goals. However, it was and is Israel that feared Iran’s rise the most. If the balance of power would shift to Iran in the Middle East, then the country would have to contend with Iran’s power and influence, and perhaps even have to deal with its dispute with the Palestinians in a different and a novel combination. Against this backdrop, the “natural” reflex of Israel would be to undercut and undermine Iran. Here, Trump came to the rescue of the country by putting Iran in the crosshairs of the United States. The Israeli Prime Minister (plagued by corruption scandals), has no love lost for the Arabs but is piggybacking on the elemental and fundamental faultline of Shia Sunni antagonisms and the age-old divide thereof, all of which correspond to sheer raison d’etat and not a change of heart or new found love for the Arabs. × The overall thrust of Trump’s strategy appears to have been to put intense pressure on Iran to the extent of “regime change”. In this, primarily because of the Shia Sunni divide and the attendant clash of hegemonies in the Middle East, the Arab states rallied around the United States and even appear to have made implicit or tacit overtures to Israel. It is here that Netanyahu’s remarks assume significance. The Israeli Prime Minister (plagued by corruption scandals), has no love lost for the Arabs but is piggybacking on the elemental and fundamental faultline of Shia Sunni antagonisms and the age-old divide thereof, all of which correspond to sheer raison d’etat and not a change of heart or new found love for the Arabs. But, the sands of geopolitics are shifting in the Middle East. Against these changes, as ephemeral they might be, what can be said about peace in the region? The answer is bleak and takes us into the domain of domestic politics in the United States and Israel. As Trump becomes more isolated in the United States and as his visceral reflexes crowd out rationality, he might take recourse to extreme measures. One such kind would be to attack Iran toward the tether end of his presidency. This would gel with Netanyahu’s insecurities in the wake of corruption charges against him and the permutations and combinations of Israeli politics. What might ensue is a “meeting of minds” between Trump and Netanyahu which might make war against Iran almost imminent. The sad denouement of all this would be an even more unstable and anarchic the Middle East which, in the final analysis, and obviously would not amplify but actually decrease security for all. This, more than anything, else could be the legacy that Trump and Netanyahu will bequeath upon the region. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Middle East is on the cusp of deep uncertainty, volatility and insecurity

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019.&nbsp;

He said, "Exports to India and Latin America have risen by 27%. These are all new markets that we are opening. This has increased exports and the GNP, brings money into state coffers, creates jobs and raises Israeli citizens' wages."

He was talking about the overall increase in Israeli exports which he said: "broke a record in 2018 and they are expected to reach $110 billion." He talked about his strategy of "opening new markets", increasing Israeli exports. With China he said, Israeli exports have risen by 56%, while export of goods and services to Japan has risen by 50%.

He started the cabinet meeting by discussing his recently concluded Brazil visit. He said, "We have a new ally here and whoever needs additional proof of Israel's rising status in the world simply needs to look at what is happening in Brazil. One needs to understand that the Brazilian people, the masses in Brazil, admire Israel and want to be close to us. Therefore, we have opened a very large market here and there is much more work that needs to be done."

Recent years have seen a number of high-level visits between India and Israel. Netanyahu was in India in January of 2018 while Prime minister Modi visited Israel in 2017.

President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015, while the Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India in November 2016.&nbsp;

Bilateral trade between the 2 countries stood at US$ 5.02 billion (excluding defence) in 2016- 2017. Trade in diamonds constitutes more than 53% of bilateral trade. India is Israel's third largest trade partner in Asia after China and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

During PM Modi’s visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place, while its second meeting took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India in January 2018.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019. He said, "Exports to India and Latin America have risen by 27%. These are all new markets that we are opening. This has increased exports and the GNP, brings money into state coffers, creates jobs and raises Israeli citizens' wages." He was talking about the overall increase in Israeli exports which he said: "broke a record in 2018 and they are expected to reach $110 billion." He talked about his strategy of "opening new markets", increasing Israeli exports. With China he said, Israeli exports have risen by 56%, while export of goods and services to Japan has risen by 50%. He started the cabinet meeting by discussing his recently concluded Brazil visit. He said, "We have a new ally here and whoever needs additional proof of Israel's rising status in the world simply needs to look at what is happening in Brazil. One needs to understand that the Brazilian people, the masses in Brazil, admire Israel and want to be close to us. Therefore, we have opened a very large market here and there is much more work that needs to be done." Recent years have seen a number of high-level visits between India and Israel. Netanyahu was in India in January of 2018 while Prime minister Modi visited Israel in 2017. President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015, while the Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India in November 2016. Bilateral trade between the 2 countries stood at US$ 5.02 billion (excluding defence) in 2016- 2017. Trade in diamonds constitutes more than 53% of bilateral trade. India is Israel's third largest trade partner in Asia after China and Hong Kong. During PM Modi’s visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place, while its second meeting took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India in January 2018.

Exports to India increased by 27% in 2018, says Israeli PM in year's first cabinet meeting

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-will-move-embassy-to-jerusalem-netanyahu-says-report-187399">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> said Monday that Arab countries viewed Israel as an "indispensable ally" fighting Iran and the Islamic State group.

That evaluation, he told Brazil's Globo TV during a visit to Rio, has caused "a revolution in relations with the Arab world."

The comments came as Israel has stepped up air strikes on Iranian positions in neighbouring Syria, and as Israel digested an abrupt decision by President Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria.

Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons to destroy his country.

Israel, he said, had shown itself to be active in battling "radical Islam, violent Islam — either the one led by radical Shiites led by Iran or the one led by the radical Sunnis led by Daesh (IS) and Al-Qaeda."

"Unfortunately we have not made any advance with the Palestinians. Half of them are already under the gun of Iran and of radical Islam," Netanyahu added.

Asked if he could ever contemplate sitting down with an Iranian leader to talk peace, Netanyahu replied: "If Iran remains committed to our destruction the answer is no."

The only way, he said, would be "if Iran undergoes a total transformation."

Netanyahu was in Brazil to attend Tuesday's inauguration of the Latin American country's new, pro-Israel president, Jair Bolsonaro.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, Netanyahu was to hold talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is also among the visiting dignitaries.

They were expected to discuss the US troop pullout from Syria and Iranian activities in the Middle East.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons to destroy his country.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Arab countries viewed Israel as an "indispensable ally" fighting Iran and the Islamic State group. That evaluation, he told Brazil's Globo TV during a visit to Rio, has caused "a revolution in relations with the Arab world." The comments came as Israel has stepped up air strikes on Iranian positions in neighbouring Syria, and as Israel digested an abrupt decision by President Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria. Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons to destroy his country. Israel, he said, had shown itself to be active in battling "radical Islam, violent Islam — either the one led by radical Shiites led by Iran or the one led by the radical Sunnis led by Daesh (IS) and Al-Qaeda." "Unfortunately we have not made any advance with the Palestinians. Half of them are already under the gun of Iran and of radical Islam," Netanyahu added. Asked if he could ever contemplate sitting down with an Iranian leader to talk peace, Netanyahu replied: "If Iran remains committed to our destruction the answer is no." The only way, he said, would be "if Iran undergoes a total transformation." Netanyahu was in Brazil to attend Tuesday's inauguration of the Latin American country's new, pro-Israel president, Jair Bolsonaro. On the sidelines of the ceremony, Netanyahu was to hold talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is also among the visiting dignitaries. They were expected to discuss the US troop pullout from Syria and Iranian activities in the Middle East.

PM Netanyahu says Israel is Arabs' 'indispensable ally' against Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-embassy-move-announced-as-brazils-bolsonaro-hosts-israels-netanyahu-187108">Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro</a> told him that it was a matter of "when not if" he moves <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-will-move-embassy-to-jerusalem-netanyahu-says-report-187399">his country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem </a>from Tel Aviv.

The far-right Bolsonaro, who takes office on Tuesday and is hosting Netanyahu and the leaders of other countries for his inauguration, has said he would like to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump and move the embassy.

But he has come under intense pressure from Brazil's powerful agriculture sector not to do so, as it could hurt Brazilian exports to Arab nations. Despite Netanyahu's comments, a senior official from Brazil's incoming government told Reuters on Sunday no decision had yet been made on the issue.

Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy, which has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December.

"Bolsonaro told me it was 'when, not if' he moves the embassy to Jerusalem," Netanyahu said on Sunday during a meeting with leaders of Brazil's Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro.

"We attach enormous importance to Brazil, and Brazil in the context of Latin America," he added. "This heralds a historic change."

Netanyahu, who met with Bolsonaro on Friday, said that the Brazilian accepted his invitation to visit Israel, a trip that is likely to take place in March.

Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil.

After he met the Israeli leader, Bolsonaro said that "we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu."

The Arab League had told Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro told him that it was a matter of "when not if" he moves his country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. The far-right Bolsonaro, who takes office on Tuesday and is hosting Netanyahu and the leaders of other countries for his inauguration, has said he would like to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump and move the embassy. But he has come under intense pressure from Brazil's powerful agriculture sector not to do so, as it could hurt Brazilian exports to Arab nations. Despite Netanyahu's comments, a senior official from Brazil's incoming government told Reuters on Sunday no decision had yet been made on the issue. Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy, which has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December. "Bolsonaro told me it was 'when, not if' he moves the embassy to Jerusalem," Netanyahu said on Sunday during a meeting with leaders of Brazil's Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro. "We attach enormous importance to Brazil, and Brazil in the context of Latin America," he added. "This heralds a historic change." Netanyahu, who met with Bolsonaro on Friday, said that the Brazilian accepted his invitation to visit Israel, a trip that is likely to take place in March. Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil. After he met the Israeli leader, Bolsonaro said that "we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu."

Brazil moving its embassy to Jerusalem matter of 'when not if': PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, with only the date of the transfer to be decided, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said Sunday during a visit to Rio de Janeiro.

"It's not a question of 'if' but of 'when'," Netanyahu told members of Rio's Jewish community, according to Brazil's UOL news website.

The issue of the embassy has been hovering over Netanyahu's visit to Brazil, the first-ever by an Israeli prime minister.&nbsp;

He arrived on Friday to hold talks with Brazil's far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro, who is to be sworn-in in a ceremony in Brasilia on Tuesday, with Netanyahu among the foreign dignitaries attending.

Bolsonaro said in early November he intended to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump in moving his country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. But then he backtracked, saying "it hasn't been decided yet."

Brazil's important meat producers are worried that an embassy move could see threaten their $5 billion in exports to Arab countries.

Those countries and Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.&nbsp;

But Israel asserts all of Jerusalem is its capital and is keen to see embassies move there to bolster that claim.

Most countries, however, back Israeli-Palestinian negotiations to settle Jerusalem's status as part of a wider peace deal.

Trump broke with that consensus a year ago, and in May this year, the US embassy was established in Jerusalem.

UOL reported that Bolsonaro told Netanyahu in their Friday talks that he would follow suit.

However, neither man raised the issue when they spoke to journalists shortly after. Nor did they post anything on it on their Twitter accounts, despite Bolsonaro, in particular, being a fervent social media user.

Netanyahu had told reporters as he flew into Rio that he was going to raise the embassy topic as a priority when he met Bolsonaro.&nbsp;

The issue of the embassy has been hovering over Netanyahu's visit to Brazil, the first-ever by an Israeli prime minister.

Brazil will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, with only the date of the transfer to be decided, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said Sunday during a visit to Rio de Janeiro. "It's not a question of 'if' but of 'when'," Netanyahu told members of Rio's Jewish community, according to Brazil's UOL news website. The issue of the embassy has been hovering over Netanyahu's visit to Brazil, the first-ever by an Israeli prime minister. He arrived on Friday to hold talks with Brazil's far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro, who is to be sworn-in in a ceremony in Brasilia on Tuesday, with Netanyahu among the foreign dignitaries attending. Bolsonaro said in early November he intended to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump in moving his country's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. But then he backtracked, saying "it hasn't been decided yet." Brazil's important meat producers are worried that an embassy move could see threaten their $5 billion in exports to Arab countries. Those countries and Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. But Israel asserts all of Jerusalem is its capital and is keen to see embassies move there to bolster that claim. Most countries, however, back Israeli-Palestinian negotiations to settle Jerusalem's status as part of a wider peace deal. Trump broke with that consensus a year ago, and in May this year, the US embassy was established in Jerusalem. UOL reported that Bolsonaro told Netanyahu in their Friday talks that he would follow suit. However, neither man raised the issue when they spoke to journalists shortly after. Nor did they post anything on it on their Twitter accounts, despite Bolsonaro, in particular, being a fervent social media user. Netanyahu had told reporters as he flew into Rio that he was going to raise the embassy topic as a priority when he met Bolsonaro.

Brazil will move embassy to Jerusalem, Netanyahu says: Report

Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro met with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-parliament-formally-sets-april-9-election-date-in-dissolution-vote-186749">Israeli Prime Minister</a> Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday and while both pledged to deepen ties, there was no announcement as some anticipated of Brazil moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-under-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-key-dates-177545">Netanyahu,</a> the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil, flew in to Rio de Janeiro to meet with Bolsonaro, an ideological ally who takes office on January 1 after his election victory in October. The two men had lunch in a fort on Copacabana beach before delivering statements.

"Israel is the promised land. Brazil is the land of promise," said Netanyahu, adding that Israel could help in areas such as economics, security, agriculture and water resources.

Bolsonaro pledged he would visit Israel by March as a way to thank Netanyahu for the gesture.

"We will be starting a difficult government from January, but Brazil has potential," Bolsonaro said. "So that we can overcome obstacles, we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu."

The two also visited a synagogue among tight security including snipers on nearby roofs, where Netanyahu emphasized his hopes the two countries could operate in a more aligned and friendly manner in the future.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro and top aides have repeatedly said he would move Brazil`s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, but since his election, he has come under pressure to ditch the idea from powerful backers in the agricultural sector, who fear the decision would hurt their halal meat sales in Arab countries.

The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December.

Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy as it was for the United States when President Donald Trump relocated the US embassy to Jerusalem in May. Brazil has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Some political observers had speculated that Bolsonaro would use Netanyahu's visit as the perfect way to make the announcement.

Bolsonaro discussed Israel during a meeting in Rio with Trump`s national security adviser, John Bolton, late last month.

Although Bolsonaro could well make the announcement at a later stage, a senior US State Department official said on Friday the US government expected him to eventually make the move.&nbsp;

"We also welcome President-elect Bolsonaro`s comments regarding moving the Brazilian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv in support of Israel`s sovereign right to have its capital of Jerusalem recognized by nations around the world. We look forward to welcoming many more of our friends and allies in Jerusalem," the official said.

Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday and while both pledged to deepen ties, there was no announcement as some anticipated of Brazil moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday and while both pledged to deepen ties, there was no announcement as some anticipated of Brazil moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Netanyahu, the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil, flew in to Rio de Janeiro to meet with Bolsonaro, an ideological ally who takes office on January 1 after his election victory in October. The two men had lunch in a fort on Copacabana beach before delivering statements. "Israel is the promised land. Brazil is the land of promise," said Netanyahu, adding that Israel could help in areas such as economics, security, agriculture and water resources. Bolsonaro pledged he would visit Israel by March as a way to thank Netanyahu for the gesture. "We will be starting a difficult government from January, but Brazil has potential," Bolsonaro said. "So that we can overcome obstacles, we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu." The two also visited a synagogue among tight security including snipers on nearby roofs, where Netanyahu emphasized his hopes the two countries could operate in a more aligned and friendly manner in the future. Bolsonaro and top aides have repeatedly said he would move Brazil`s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, but since his election, he has come under pressure to ditch the idea from powerful backers in the agricultural sector, who fear the decision would hurt their halal meat sales in Arab countries. The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December. Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy as it was for the United States when President Donald Trump relocated the US embassy to Jerusalem in May. Brazil has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some political observers had speculated that Bolsonaro would use Netanyahu's visit as the perfect way to make the announcement. Bolsonaro discussed Israel during a meeting in Rio with Trump`s national security adviser, John Bolton, late last month. Although Bolsonaro could well make the announcement at a later stage, a senior US State Department official said on Friday the US government expected him to eventually make the move. "We also welcome President-elect Bolsonaro`s comments regarding moving the Brazilian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv in support of Israel`s sovereign right to have its capital of Jerusalem recognized by nations around the world. We look forward to welcoming many more of our friends and allies in Jerusalem," the official said.

No embassy move announced as Brazil's Bolsonaro hosts Israel's Netanyahu

Israel's parliament voted to dissolve itself on Wednesday, formally setting April 9 as the date for an election widely seen as a bid by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to weather potential corruption charges.

Netanyahu announced the early election on Monday, appealing directly to voters for a fresh political mandate. A national ballot had not been due until November 2019.

The right-wing&nbsp;Israeli leader is enmeshed in three graft cases and denies any wrongdoing. He is awaiting a decision by&nbsp;Israel's attorney-general on whether to accept police recommendations to bring criminal indictments against him.

The indictment decision had been expected within weeks, but some&nbsp;Israeli media reports said the attorney general could opt to delay the move out of concern he might influence the outcome of the election.

The Justice Ministry has said work on the cases would continue "independent of political events".

Opinion polls published since the election announcement on Monday predicted Netanyahu's Likud party would win up to 32 of parliament's 120 seats and form a right-wing coalition similar to the one it currently leads.

Parliament's dissolution, agreed by the government and opposition parties, opens the way for a more than three-month-long election campaign. Netanyahu's current government, which has had only a one-seat majority in the Knesset, remains in place until a new one is sworn in after the April ballot.

Israel's parliament voted to dissolve itself on Wednesday, formally setting April 9 as the date for an election widely seen as a bid by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to weather potential corruption charges.

Israel's parliament voted to dissolve itself on Wednesday, formally setting April 9 as the date for an election widely seen as a bid by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to weather potential corruption charges. Netanyahu announced the early election on Monday, appealing directly to voters for a fresh political mandate. A national ballot had not been due until November 2019. The right-wing Israeli leader is enmeshed in three graft cases and denies any wrongdoing. He is awaiting a decision by Israel's attorney-general on whether to accept police recommendations to bring criminal indictments against him. The indictment decision had been expected within weeks, but some Israeli media reports said the attorney general could opt to delay the move out of concern he might influence the outcome of the election. The Justice Ministry has said work on the cases would continue "independent of political events". Opinion polls published since the election announcement on Monday predicted Netanyahu's Likud party would win up to 32 of parliament's 120 seats and form a right-wing coalition similar to the one it currently leads. Parliament's dissolution, agreed by the government and opposition parties, opens the way for a more than three-month-long election campaign. Netanyahu's current government, which has had only a one-seat majority in the Knesset, remains in place until a new one is sworn in after the April ballot.

Israeli parliament formally sets April 9 election date in dissolution vote

Israeli lawmakers on Wednesday gave initial approval to a bill to dissolve parliament and hold early elections on April 9 and it was expected to be finalised later in the evening.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition agreed on Monday to dissolve parliament and hold elections in April, but lawmakers must approve the step. It is expected to pass easily.

The parliament, or Knesset, voted 104 to zero in favour of the bill in the first of three readings.

Netanyahu's coalition was left with a one-seat majority after defence minister Avigdor Lieberman stepped down in November over a controversial Gaza ceasefire deal.

Party leaders have failed to agree on a key bill regulating drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews to the army, and that was the immediate reason to move toward elections.

Analysts, however, say that Netanyahu wanted the elections before Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announces his decision on whether to indict the premier in three different corruption cases.

While no official timeframe has been given, reports say such an announcement could come in mid-April.

With politicians now entering campaign mode, Netanyahu met in Jerusalem on Wednesday with leaders of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and made his pitch for why they should stick with him.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's current coalition is seen as the most right-wing in Israel's history.

"We'll see an attempt by the left-wing to overthrow our rule with the help of the media and others," he said.&nbsp;

"They can't succeed, because if they do -- that will pose a clear danger to the settlement movement."

Calling on their support in the elections, Netanyahu told the settler leaders they should not take the fate of their enterprise for granted.

"We had to work hard, with the current American administration as well, for the great achievements we brought the settlements," he said in remarks relayed by his office.

While Netanyahu portrays himself as the champion of the settlements, settler leaders say he has not done enough, with three prominent heads of West Bank settlements boycotting the Wednesday meeting in protest.

Key members of his coalition are however strong settlement backers and oppose a Palestinian state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition agreed on Monday to dissolve parliament and hold elections in April, but lawmakers must approve the step.

Israeli lawmakers on Wednesday gave initial approval to a bill to dissolve parliament and hold early elections on April 9 and it was expected to be finalised later in the evening. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition agreed on Monday to dissolve parliament and hold elections in April, but lawmakers must approve the step. It is expected to pass easily. The parliament, or Knesset, voted 104 to zero in favour of the bill in the first of three readings. Netanyahu's coalition was left with a one-seat majority after defence minister Avigdor Lieberman stepped down in November over a controversial Gaza ceasefire deal. Party leaders have failed to agree on a key bill regulating drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews to the army, and that was the immediate reason to move toward elections. Analysts, however, say that Netanyahu wanted the elections before Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announces his decision on whether to indict the premier in three different corruption cases. While no official timeframe has been given, reports say such an announcement could come in mid-April. With politicians now entering campaign mode, Netanyahu met in Jerusalem on Wednesday with leaders of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and made his pitch for why they should stick with him. Netanyahu's current coalition is seen as the most right-wing in Israel's history. "We'll see an attempt by the left-wing to overthrow our rule with the help of the media and others," he said. "They can't succeed, because if they do -- that will pose a clear danger to the settlement movement." Calling on their support in the elections, Netanyahu told the settler leaders they should not take the fate of their enterprise for granted. "We had to work hard, with the current American administration as well, for the great achievements we brought the settlements," he said in remarks relayed by his office. While Netanyahu portrays himself as the champion of the settlements, settler leaders say he has not done enough, with three prominent heads of West Bank settlements boycotting the Wednesday meeting in protest. Key members of his coalition are however strong settlement backers and oppose a Palestinian state.

Israeli lawmakers advance bill to hold early elections

Israeli leaders have lauded <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/news-reports-concerning-the-shutdown-and-syria-are-mostly-fake-trump-185915">Donald Trump</a> for his list of decisions in support of their country since taking office, but the mercurial president's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-islamic-state-defeated-us-will-pull-all-forces-out-of-syira-185369">withdrawal of US troops from Syria</a> will not rank among them.

After Trump's surprise announcement of the pullout last week, Israel is concerned over whether its main enemy Iran will have a freer hand to operate in the neighbouring country, analysts say.

Israel's response to the announcement has been measured, careful to point out that it respects the US decision, coupled with pledges to continue to defend its interests in Syria.

But beneath those public pronouncements are worries over whether Iran will seek to take advantage of the US absence from the war-torn country and if Russia will respond to Israel's calls to limit it.

Beyond that, the manner in which the decision was taken and announced and US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis's resignation in response may also give Israeli leaders pause, some analysts say.

"Since it's our major ally, we want the United States to be strong ... and we want an ally which is being perceived in the region as strong and effective," said Eyal Zisser, vice rector of Tel Aviv University and who has written extensively on Syria.

"And I think that what worries some Israelis is what message does this decision the way it was taken, what stood behind it send to the region?"

&nbsp;'Even expand our activities'&nbsp;

The United States has only around 2,000 troops in Syria focused on fighting the Islamic State group, but they have been deployed in two areas along the Iraqi border, helping keep Iranian movement into the country in check.

There have been warnings from Israel and others that Iran is seeking to form a "land bridge" across to the Mediterranean, and some analysts have said that the US withdrawal could help that effort.

With Iran supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country's civil war, Israeli Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-warns-hamas-after-deadly-west-bank-attacks-184607">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> has long pledged to keep it from entrenching itself militarily next door.

Israel has repeatedly taken action, carrying out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria against what it says are Iranian military targets and advanced arms deliveries to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese group.

With the United States pulling out, Israel may look more to Russia, which is also backing Assad, to use its influence to limit Iran, some analysts say.

But that is not a given, and a friendly fire incident in September that led to a Russian plane being downed by Syrian air defences during an Israeli strike remains an issue.

The incident angered Russia and complicated Israel's operations in Syria, particularly after Moscow's delivery of the advanced S-300 air defence system there in response.

Netanyahu and Israel's military chief of staff, Gadi Eisenkot, on Sunday sought to tamp down concerns over the withdrawal.

The Israeli premier has indicated he was not taken off-guard, saying he had spoken with Trump two days before the December 19 announcement as well as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the previous day.

"The decision to remove the 2,000 US soldiers from Syria won't change our consistent policy," Netanyahu said Sunday.

"We will continue to act against Iran's attempt to establish a military presence in Syria, and if the need arises, we will even expand our activities there."

'A free ride'&nbsp;

Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser to Netanyahu and ex-military intelligence official, noted US troops were not directly involved in Israel's fight against Iran's presence in Syria.

But he said concerns over whether Iran will take advantage of the US withdrawal were legitimate.

"From now on, it will be a free ride for the Iranians and they will use the corridor logistically to enhance their capabilities to build the military forces in Syria and to help Hezbollah afterwards," he told AFP.

An analysis by the US-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank said "Israel is among the most important losers" of the withdrawal, along with the United States' Kurdish allies in Syria.

But Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will continue to "defend ourselves" and Eisenkot, the military chief of staff, called it "a significant event but it should not be overstated".

"For decades we’ve been handling this front alone," said Eisenkot.

Israeli leaders have lauded Donald Trump for his list of decisions in support of their country since taking office, but the mercurial president's withdrawal of US troops from Syria will not rank among them.

Israeli leaders have lauded Donald Trump for his list of decisions in support of their country since taking office, but the mercurial president's withdrawal of US troops from Syria will not rank among them. After Trump's surprise announcement of the pullout last week, Israel is concerned over whether its main enemy Iran will have a freer hand to operate in the neighbouring country, analysts say. Israel's response to the announcement has been measured, careful to point out that it respects the US decision, coupled with pledges to continue to defend its interests in Syria. But beneath those public pronouncements are worries over whether Iran will seek to take advantage of the US absence from the war-torn country and if Russia will respond to Israel's calls to limit it. Beyond that, the manner in which the decision was taken and announced and US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis's resignation in response may also give Israeli leaders pause, some analysts say. "Since it's our major ally, we want the United States to be strong ... and we want an ally which is being perceived in the region as strong and effective," said Eyal Zisser, vice rector of Tel Aviv University and who has written extensively on Syria. "And I think that what worries some Israelis is what message does this decision the way it was taken, what stood behind it send to the region?" 'Even expand our activities' The United States has only around 2,000 troops in Syria focused on fighting the Islamic State group, but they have been deployed in two areas along the Iraqi border, helping keep Iranian movement into the country in check. There have been warnings from Israel and others that Iran is seeking to form a "land bridge" across to the Mediterranean, and some analysts have said that the US withdrawal could help that effort. With Iran supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country's civil war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long pledged to keep it from entrenching itself militarily next door. Israel has repeatedly taken action, carrying out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria against what it says are Iranian military targets and advanced arms deliveries to Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese group. With the United States pulling out, Israel may look more to Russia, which is also backing Assad, to use its influence to limit Iran, some analysts say. But that is not a given, and a friendly fire incident in September that led to a Russian plane being downed by Syrian air defences during an Israeli strike remains an issue. The incident angered Russia and complicated Israel's operations in Syria, particularly after Moscow's delivery of the advanced S-300 air defence system there in response. Netanyahu and Israel's military chief of staff, Gadi Eisenkot, on Sunday sought to tamp down concerns over the withdrawal. The Israeli premier has indicated he was not taken off-guard, saying he had spoken with Trump two days before the December 19 announcement as well as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the previous day. "The decision to remove the 2,000 US soldiers from Syria won't change our consistent policy," Netanyahu said Sunday. "We will continue to act against Iran's attempt to establish a military presence in Syria, and if the need arises, we will even expand our activities there." 'A free ride' Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser to Netanyahu and ex-military intelligence official, noted US troops were not directly involved in Israel's fight against Iran's presence in Syria. But he said concerns over whether Iran will take advantage of the US withdrawal were legitimate. "From now on, it will be a free ride for the Iranians and they will use the corridor logistically to enhance their capabilities to build the military forces in Syria and to help Hezbollah afterwards," he told AFP. An analysis by the US-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank said "Israel is among the most important losers" of the withdrawal, along with the United States' Kurdish allies in Syria. But Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will continue to "defend ourselves" and Eisenkot, the military chief of staff, called it "a significant event but it should not be overstated". "For decades we’ve been handling this front alone," said Eisenkot.

With Syria pullout, Israel sees limits of Trump support

Israeli parliament to dissolve, polls to be held on 9th April: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-will-escalate-fight-against-iran-in-syria-after-us-exit-netanyahu-185518">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> sought on Sunday to calm domestic concerns over US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from Syria, saying his country will still act against Iran there.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/news-reports-concerning-the-shutdown-and-syria-are-mostly-fake-trump-185915">Trump last week</a> said the Islamic State group had been defeated and he was withdrawing the United States' 2,000 troops from Syria.

Israel has seen the US presence in neighbouring Syria as a bulwark against its main enemy Iran and a counterweight to Russia.

Both Russia and Iran support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in the country's civil war.

"The decision to remove the 2,000 US soldiers from Syria won't change our consistent policy," Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting.

"We will continue to act against Iran's attempt to establish a military presence in Syria, and if the need arises, we will even expand our activities there."

He added that he wanted to "calm those concerned."

"Our cooperation with the United States continues full-force, and takes place in many fields -- the operational field, the intelligence field, and many other security fields."

Trump's decision to withdraw from Syria -- as well as reduce forces in Afghanistan -- led US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis to quit in disagreement.

The US special envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State, Brett McGurk, has also resigned.

The withdrawal abruptly ends American influence in the war-ravaged country and gives Turkey an opening to attack US-backed Kurds in Syria.

But Israel is particularly concerned about the presence of Iran there as well as Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite group backed by Tehran.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria against what it says are Iranian military targets and advanced weapons deliveries to Hezbollah.

A friendly fire incident in September that led to a Russian plane being downed by Syrian air defences during an Israeli strike has however complicated Israeli operations there.

Russia subsequently upgraded Syrian air defences with the delivery of the advanced S-300 system, which Damascus had said would make Israel "think carefully" before carrying out further air raids.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought on Sunday to calm domestic concerns over US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from Syria, saying his country will still act against Iran there.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought on Sunday to calm domestic concerns over US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from Syria, saying his country will still act against Iran there. Trump last week said the Islamic State group had been defeated and he was withdrawing the United States' 2,000 troops from Syria. Israel has seen the US presence in neighbouring Syria as a bulwark against its main enemy Iran and a counterweight to Russia. Both Russia and Iran support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime in the country's civil war. "The decision to remove the 2,000 US soldiers from Syria won't change our consistent policy," Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting. "We will continue to act against Iran's attempt to establish a military presence in Syria, and if the need arises, we will even expand our activities there." He added that he wanted to "calm those concerned." "Our cooperation with the United States continues full-force, and takes place in many fields -- the operational field, the intelligence field, and many other security fields." Trump's decision to withdraw from Syria -- as well as reduce forces in Afghanistan -- led US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis to quit in disagreement. The US special envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State, Brett McGurk, has also resigned. The withdrawal abruptly ends American influence in the war-ravaged country and gives Turkey an opening to attack US-backed Kurds in Syria. But Israel is particularly concerned about the presence of Iran there as well as Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite group backed by Tehran. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria against what it says are Iranian military targets and advanced weapons deliveries to Hezbollah. A friendly fire incident in September that led to a Russian plane being downed by Syrian air defences during an Israeli strike has however complicated Israeli operations there. Russia subsequently upgraded Syrian air defences with the delivery of the advanced S-300 system, which Damascus had said would make Israel "think carefully" before carrying out further air raids.

Netanyahu seeks to calm Israeli concerns over Trump's Syria pullout

Israel will escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-is-right-to-pull-us-troops-out-of-syria-says-putin-185511">after the withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops</a> from the country, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

Some Israeli officials have said US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's move, announced on Wednesday, could help Iran by removing a US&nbsp;garrison that stems the movement of Iranian forces and weaponry into Syria from Iraq.

Israel also worries that its main ally's exit could reduce its diplomatic leverage with Russia, the Syrian government's big-power backer.

"We will continue to act very aggressively against Iran's efforts to entrench in Syria," Netanyahu said in televised remarks, referring to an Israeli air campaign in Syria against Iranian deployments and arms transfers to Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, carried out with Moscow often turning a blind eye.

"We do not intend to reduce our efforts. We will intensify them, and I know that we do so with the full support and backing of the United States."

Trump cited what he described as victory over Islamic State militants in Syria as warranting the U.S. withdrawal. Israel has long tried to persuade Washington that Iran and its Shi'ite Muslim militias, sent to reinforce Damascus, pose the greater threat.

"Daesh (Islamic State) has indeed been defeated in Syria, and this is greatly thanks to America," Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a member of Netanyahu's security cabinet, said in a statement to Reuters. "But Iran are already moving in, and they are a threat to the whole free world."

Another security cabinet member, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, told Israel's Army Radio: "Of course the American decision is not good for us. But we know that safeguarding Israel's security is also an American interest in the region."

Israel will escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria after the withdrawal of US troops from the country, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

Israel will escalate its fight against Iranian-aligned forces in Syria after the withdrawal of US troops from the country, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday. Some Israeli officials have said US President Donald Trump's move, announced on Wednesday, could help Iran by removing a US garrison that stems the movement of Iranian forces and weaponry into Syria from Iraq. Israel also worries that its main ally's exit could reduce its diplomatic leverage with Russia, the Syrian government's big-power backer. "We will continue to act very aggressively against Iran's efforts to entrench in Syria," Netanyahu said in televised remarks, referring to an Israeli air campaign in Syria against Iranian deployments and arms transfers to Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, carried out with Moscow often turning a blind eye. "We do not intend to reduce our efforts. We will intensify them, and I know that we do so with the full support and backing of the United States." Trump cited what he described as victory over Islamic State militants in Syria as warranting the U.S. withdrawal. Israel has long tried to persuade Washington that Iran and its Shi'ite Muslim militias, sent to reinforce Damascus, pose the greater threat. "Daesh (Islamic State) has indeed been defeated in Syria, and this is greatly thanks to America," Israeli Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a member of Netanyahu's security cabinet, said in a statement to Reuters. "But Iran are already moving in, and they are a threat to the whole free world." Another security cabinet member, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, told Israel's Army Radio: "Of course the American decision is not good for us. But we know that safeguarding Israel's security is also an American interest in the region."

Israel will escalate fight against Iran in Syria after US exit: Netanyahu

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/reject-us-senate-inference-in-our-internal-affairs-saudi-arabia-on-khashoggi-case-184625">Reject US Senate interference in our internal affairs: Saudi Arabia on Khashoggi case</a>

Saudi Arabia on Sunday rejected as "interference" a US Senate resolution to end American military support for a Riyadh-led war in Yemen, and another holding its crown prince responsible for the murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-temporarily-banned-israel-pms-son-yair-netanyahu-for-anti-muslim-posts-184617">Facebook temporarily banned Israel PM's son Yair Netanyahu for anti-Muslim posts</a>

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest, Yair, has tweeted that Facebook blocked his page for 24 hours over apparent anti-Muslim posts and called the leading social network a "dictatorship".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-broke-down-crying-while-apologising-for-monkeygate-andrew-symonds-184623">Harbhajan 'broke down crying' while 'apologising' for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-broke-down-crying-while-apologising-for-monkeygate-andrew-symonds-184623">monkeygate</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-broke-down-crying-while-apologising-for-monkeygate-andrew-symonds-184623">: Symonds</a>

Andrew Symonds says India spinner Harbhajan Singh "broke down crying" while making peace after the infamous 'monkeygate' episode had sent the former Australian all-rounder into a downward spiral.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-phethai-likely-to-make-landfall-in-coastal-andhra-today-afternoon-high-alert-sounded-184622">Cyclone 'Phethai' likely to make landfall in coastal Andhra today, high alert sounded</a>

The Met department on Sunday warned of heavy rain in many districts of South Bengal on Monday as an effect of the cyclone 'Phethai', which is likely to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh today afternoon.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/petrol-diesel-prices-rise-on-thursday-check-todays-rates-184629">Petrol, Diesel prices rise again: Check today's rates in metro cities</a>

On a downswing for the last two months, petrol and diesel prices once again increased on Monday by 19 paise in New Delhi.

Both petrol and diesel prices hiked for the first time since October 16, by 19-20 paise &amp; 9 paise respectively, across 4 major cities.

Reject US Senate interference in our internal affairs: Saudi Arabia on Khashoggi case Saudi Arabia on Sunday rejected as "interference" a US Senate resolution to end American military support for a Riyadh-led war in Yemen, and another holding its crown prince responsible for the murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi.

Reject US Senate interference in our internal affairs: Saudi Arabia on Khashoggi case Saudi Arabia on Sunday rejected as "interference" a US Senate resolution to end American military support for a Riyadh-led war in Yemen, and another holding its crown prince responsible for the murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi. Facebook temporarily banned Israel PM's son Yair Netanyahu for anti-Muslim posts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest, Yair, has tweeted that Facebook blocked his page for 24 hours over apparent anti-Muslim posts and called the leading social network a "dictatorship". Harbhajan 'broke down crying' while 'apologising' for monkeygate: Symonds Andrew Symonds says India spinner Harbhajan Singh "broke down crying" while making peace after the infamous 'monkeygate' episode had sent the former Australian all-rounder into a downward spiral. Cyclone 'Phethai' likely to make landfall in coastal Andhra today, high alert sounded The Met department on Sunday warned of heavy rain in many districts of South Bengal on Monday as an effect of the cyclone 'Phethai', which is likely to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh today afternoon. Petrol, Diesel prices rise again: Check today's rates in metro cities On a downswing for the last two months, petrol and diesel prices once again increased on Monday by 19 paise in New Delhi. Both petrol and diesel prices hiked for the first time since October 16, by 19-20 paise & 9 paise respectively, across 4 major cities.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest, Yair, has tweeted that Facebook blocked his page for 24 hours over apparent anti-Muslim posts and called the leading social network a "dictatorship".

In a message posted Thursday on his Facebook page after deadly Palestinian attacks, Yair Netanyahu had called for "all Muslims (to) leave" Israel.

"Do you know where there are no attacks? In Iceland and in Japan where coincidentally there are no Muslims," the prime minister's son wrote.

In another post, he wrote that there were only two possible solutions for peace, either "all Jews leave (Israel) or all Muslims leave". 
"I prefer the second option," he added.

His comments came after two soldiers were shot dead on Thursday at a central West Bank bus station near a settlement.

On the same day, a baby prematurely delivered after his mother was shot and wounded in a separate attack nearby on December 9 also died.

Facebook deleted Yair Netanyahu's posts, prompting him to take to Twitter to criticise the social networking giant, calling it a "dictatorship of thought".

Critics of the prime minister have often attacked Yair as a grown man living in the premier's residence despite having no official role and benefitting from a bodyguard, a driver and other perks.

They say the parents of the 27-year-old are grooming him for future political power in an attempt to establish a ruling dynasty.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest, Yair, has tweeted that Facebook blocked his page for 24 hours over apparent anti-Muslim posts and called the leading social network a "dictatorship".

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's eldest, Yair, has tweeted that Facebook blocked his page for 24 hours over apparent anti-Muslim posts and called the leading social network a "dictatorship". In a message posted Thursday on his Facebook page after deadly Palestinian attacks, Yair Netanyahu had called for "all Muslims (to) leave" Israel. "Do you know where there are no attacks? In Iceland and in Japan where coincidentally there are no Muslims," the prime minister's son wrote. In another post, he wrote that there were only two possible solutions for peace, either "all Jews leave (Israel) or all Muslims leave". "I prefer the second option," he added. His comments came after two soldiers were shot dead on Thursday at a central West Bank bus station near a settlement. On the same day, a baby prematurely delivered after his mother was shot and wounded in a separate attack nearby on December 9 also died. Facebook deleted Yair Netanyahu's posts, prompting him to take to Twitter to criticise the social networking giant, calling it a "dictatorship of thought". Critics of the prime minister have often attacked Yair as a grown man living in the premier's residence despite having no official role and benefitting from a bodyguard, a driver and other perks. They say the parents of the 27-year-old are grooming him for future political power in an attempt to establish a ruling dynasty.

Facebook temporarily banned Israel PM's son Yair Netanyahu for anti-Muslim posts

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-police-recommend-indicting-netanyahu-in-third-graft-probe-180921">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> vowed on Thursday (December 13) that anyone who attacks the&nbsp;Israeli people will "pay with his life", following recent attacks in the West Bank.

Speaking at the defence ministry, Netanyahu added that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;will retroactively recognise thousands of settler homes built without government sanction in the occupied West Bank.

The move will likely appease pro-settler members of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition while angering Palestinians.

Netanyahu also said he would try to advance plans for 82 new housing units in the Jewish settlement of Ofra and two West Bank industrial zones.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Thursday (December 13) that anyone who attacks the Israeli people will "pay with his life", following recent attacks in the West Bank.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Thursday (December 13) that anyone who attacks the Israeli people will "pay with his life", following recent attacks in the West Bank. Speaking at the defence ministry, Netanyahu added that Israel will retroactively recognise thousands of settler homes built without government sanction in the occupied West Bank. The move will likely appease pro-settler members of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition while angering Palestinians. Netanyahu also said he would try to advance plans for 82 new housing units in the Jewish settlement of Ofra and two West Bank industrial zones.

Attackers of Israel will 'pay with his life': PM Netanyahu

Sara Netanyahu accused of funds misuse

The Israeli army said Tuesday it had detected Hezbollah tunnels infiltrating its territory from Lebanon and had launched an operation to cut them off.

Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus said the "attack tunnels" detected were not yet operational. He declined to say how many were detected or how they would be cut off.

All operations would take place within Israeli territory, Conricus said, though they were likely to boost tensions with Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group with which Israel fought a devastating war in 2006.

The military has used various means to collapse or fill in tunnels from the Gaza Strip.

"We have launched Operation Northern Shield to expose and thwart cross-border attack tunnels dug by Hezbollah terror organisation from Lebanon into Israel," Conricus told journalists.

The announcement of the operation comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels on Monday night.

Netanyahu said he had planned to discuss with Pompeo "steps we are taking together to block the aggression of Iran and its proxies in the north," referring to Syria and Lebanon.

Hezbollah is backed by Iran, Israel's main enemy.

The Israeli army said Tuesday it had detected Hezbollah tunnels infiltrating its territory from Lebanon and had launched an operation to cut them off. Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus said the "attack tunnels" detected were not yet operational.

The Israeli army said Tuesday it had detected Hezbollah tunnels infiltrating its territory from Lebanon and had launched an operation to cut them off. Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus said the "attack tunnels" detected were not yet operational. He declined to say how many were detected or how they would be cut off. All operations would take place within Israeli territory, Conricus said, though they were likely to boost tensions with Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group with which Israel fought a devastating war in 2006. The military has used various means to collapse or fill in tunnels from the Gaza Strip. "We have launched Operation Northern Shield to expose and thwart cross-border attack tunnels dug by Hezbollah terror organisation from Lebanon into Israel," Conricus told journalists. The announcement of the operation comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels on Monday night. Netanyahu said he had planned to discuss with Pompeo "steps we are taking together to block the aggression of Iran and its proxies in the north," referring to Syria and Lebanon. Hezbollah is backed by Iran, Israel's main enemy.

Israel launches operation to cut off Hezbollah infiltration tunnels

Israeli police on Sunday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara for bribery and other offences, the third such recommendation against the premier in recent months.

The attorney general will now decide whether to bring indictments in the case, which centres on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-police-again-question-netanyahu-over-alleged-corruption-150561">regulatory benefits</a> allegedly granted to telecommunications firm Bezeq in exchange for positive coverage from a related media company.

Police in February recommended indicting the prime minister in two other corruption investigations.

Netanyahu immediately rejected the accusations against him and his wife, claiming "these recommendations were determined and leaked even before the investigations began."

He has repeatedly called the allegations against him in all three cases a plot by his political enemies to force him from office.

"I'm sure that in this case the relevant authorities, after examining the issue, will reach the same conclusion: that there was nothing because there is nothing," he said in a statement.

Police said there was evidence to charge Netanyahu with bribery, fraud, breach of trust and unlawful acceptance.

They recommended Sara Netanyahu face charges of bribery, fraud, breach of trust and obstruction of evidence.

The three cases involving the long-serving premier have led to speculation over whether he will eventually have to step down.

Israeli police on Sunday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara for bribery and other offences, the third such recommendation against the premier in recent months.

Israeli police on Sunday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara for bribery and other offences, the third such recommendation against the premier in recent months. The attorney general will now decide whether to bring indictments in the case, which centres on regulatory benefits allegedly granted to telecommunications firm Bezeq in exchange for positive coverage from a related media company. Police in February recommended indicting the prime minister in two other corruption investigations. Netanyahu immediately rejected the accusations against him and his wife, claiming "these recommendations were determined and leaked even before the investigations began." He has repeatedly called the allegations against him in all three cases a plot by his political enemies to force him from office. "I'm sure that in this case the relevant authorities, after examining the issue, will reach the same conclusion: that there was nothing because there is nothing," he said in a statement. Police said there was evidence to charge Netanyahu with bribery, fraud, breach of trust and unlawful acceptance. They recommended Sara Netanyahu face charges of bribery, fraud, breach of trust and obstruction of evidence. The three cases involving the long-serving premier have led to speculation over whether he will eventually have to step down.

Israel police recommend indicting Netanyahu in third graft probe

WION Gravitas: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu manages to save his govt

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-in-crucial-talks-as-he-resists-snap-polls-178042">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> denounced calls for snap elections as "irresponsible" in an impassioned televised address on Sunday and vowed to push on despite a coalition crisis threatening to bring down his government.

As the nation looked on for word on whether Israel was headed for early polls, Netanyahu used the prime-time address to defend his security credentials and make the case for why he wants to hold his coalition together.

"The security of the country is above political considerations," Netanyahu said while insisting that calling elections now would be "irresponsible".

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-under-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-key-dates-177545">Israel under prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, key dates</a>

But even as he prepared to speak, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a key coalition partner and one of Netanyahu's main right-wing rivals, announced he would give his own statement on Monday morning.

Bennett's far-right Jewish Home party has threatened to withdraw from Netanyahu's coalition if he is not given the defence portfolio.

Netanyahu said in his address that he intended to retain the defence portfolio at least for now.

He also spoke of his military experience and said he could not publicly explain in detail the sensitive security moves currently being taken by Israel.

"We will defeat our enemies and I do not minimise the challenges that are facing us," he said, speaking from Israel's defence headquarters in Tel Aviv.

The longtime premier made the appearance as he came under pressure over a controversial ceasefire deal last week that ended the worst escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza since a 2014 war.

'Rabbit or a hat'

On Wednesday, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman resigned over the ceasefire, throwing the government into crisis and leading to speculation that early elections had become inevitable.

After Lieberman's withdrawal along with his Yisrael Beitenu party, Netanyahu's government was left clinging to a one-seat majority in the 120-seat parliament.

Key coalition partners say that is unworkable even though elections are not due until November 2019.

Netanyahu spoke Sunday night after a crucial meeting with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon on resolving the coalition crisis.

Kahlon's office said earlier that his meeting with Netanyahu ended without a conclusion and they would meet again later in the week.

In a sign of a possible agreement being worked out, a spokesman for Netanyahu's Likud party said the premier would "decide on the appointment of ministers in the coming days," but provided no further details.

Earlier Sunday, Netanyahu sought to portray business as usual, meeting with the military chief of staff, his incoming successor and the head of the internal security agency Shin Bet, the Likud spokesman said.

He also held the weekly cabinet meeting as usual.

Kahlon said before his meeting with Netanyahu that he did not think it was possible to continue with the existing coalition.

"If (Netanyahu) pulls a rabbit out of his hat, we'll see," the finance minister, whose centre-right Kulanu party holds 10 seats, told Israeli television Saturday.

"Meanwhile, I don't see a rabbit or a hat."

On Saturday, Bennett, whose Jewish Home has eight seats, told Israeli television that Lieberman had "collapsed the government".

"There is no more government and we are heading towards elections," he said.

'Senseless to continue'

Bennett declined to comment to journalists when entering Sunday's cabinet meeting, but Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of his Jewish Home party said in a statement that making him defence minister was "the only justification" to keep the government together.

Netanyahu met Bennett on Friday, but conflicting reports emerged.

A source close to Bennett said the two had agreed that "it would be senseless to continue" with the same coalition.

Within minutes, a statement from Netanyahu's Likud said that was wrong.

The crisis was set into motion with Lieberman's resignation over the ceasefire, which he labelled "capitulating to terror".

He also slammed Netanyahu's recent decision to allow Qatar to send millions of dollars in aid to the blockaded Palestinian enclave.

Israeli residents of southern communities hit by barrages of rockets from Gaza last week have also protested, calling for tough action against Hamas, with which Israel has fought three wars since 2008.

A poll published after the ceasefire found 74 per cent of respondents were unhappy with Netanyahu's handling of the escalation with Gaza and its Islamist rulers Hamas, though it also showed his party would still easily win the most seats.

There has long been speculation that the premier may call elections before they are due, particularly with police having recommended charges against him in two corruption probes.

The attorney general is expected to decide in the coming months whether to pursue charges against him, and some analysts believe he would be better positioned to combat them with a fresh electoral mandate.

But Netanyahu would want to make such a move at the most advantageous time and likely not with public attention focused on the Gaza ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced calls for snap elections as "irresponsible" in an impassioned televised address on Sunday and vowed to push on despite a coalition crisis threatening to bring down his government.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced calls for snap elections as "irresponsible" in an impassioned televised address on Sunday and vowed to push on despite a coalition crisis threatening to bring down his government. As the nation looked on for word on whether Israel was headed for early polls, Netanyahu used the prime-time address to defend his security credentials and make the case for why he wants to hold his coalition together. "The security of the country is above political considerations," Netanyahu said while insisting that calling elections now would be "irresponsible". Also read: Israel under prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, key dates But even as he prepared to speak, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, a key coalition partner and one of Netanyahu's main right-wing rivals, announced he would give his own statement on Monday morning. Bennett's far-right Jewish Home party has threatened to withdraw from Netanyahu's coalition if he is not given the defence portfolio. Netanyahu said in his address that he intended to retain the defence portfolio at least for now. He also spoke of his military experience and said he could not publicly explain in detail the sensitive security moves currently being taken by Israel. "We will defeat our enemies and I do not minimise the challenges that are facing us," he said, speaking from Israel's defence headquarters in Tel Aviv. The longtime premier made the appearance as he came under pressure over a controversial ceasefire deal last week that ended the worst escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza since a 2014 war. 'Rabbit or a hat' On Wednesday, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman resigned over the ceasefire, throwing the government into crisis and leading to speculation that early elections had become inevitable. After Lieberman's withdrawal along with his Yisrael Beitenu party, Netanyahu's government was left clinging to a one-seat majority in the 120-seat parliament. Key coalition partners say that is unworkable even though elections are not due until November 2019. Netanyahu spoke Sunday night after a crucial meeting with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon on resolving the coalition crisis. Kahlon's office said earlier that his meeting with Netanyahu ended without a conclusion and they would meet again later in the week. In a sign of a possible agreement being worked out, a spokesman for Netanyahu's Likud party said the premier would "decide on the appointment of ministers in the coming days," but provided no further details. Earlier Sunday, Netanyahu sought to portray business as usual, meeting with the military chief of staff, his incoming successor and the head of the internal security agency Shin Bet, the Likud spokesman said. He also held the weekly cabinet meeting as usual. Kahlon said before his meeting with Netanyahu that he did not think it was possible to continue with the existing coalition. "If (Netanyahu) pulls a rabbit out of his hat, we'll see," the finance minister, whose centre-right Kulanu party holds 10 seats, told Israeli television Saturday. "Meanwhile, I don't see a rabbit or a hat." On Saturday, Bennett, whose Jewish Home has eight seats, told Israeli television that Lieberman had "collapsed the government". "There is no more government and we are heading towards elections," he said. 'Senseless to continue' Bennett declined to comment to journalists when entering Sunday's cabinet meeting, but Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of his Jewish Home party said in a statement that making him defence minister was "the only justification" to keep the government together. Netanyahu met Bennett on Friday, but conflicting reports emerged. A source close to Bennett said the two had agreed that "it would be senseless to continue" with the same coalition. Within minutes, a statement from Netanyahu's Likud said that was wrong. The crisis was set into motion with Lieberman's resignation over the ceasefire, which he labelled "capitulating to terror". He also slammed Netanyahu's recent decision to allow Qatar to send millions of dollars in aid to the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Israeli residents of southern communities hit by barrages of rockets from Gaza last week have also protested, calling for tough action against Hamas, with which Israel has fought three wars since 2008. A poll published after the ceasefire found 74 per cent of respondents were unhappy with Netanyahu's handling of the escalation with Gaza and its Islamist rulers Hamas, though it also showed his party would still easily win the most seats. There has long been speculation that the premier may call elections before they are due, particularly with police having recommended charges against him in two corruption probes. The attorney general is expected to decide in the coming months whether to pursue charges against him, and some analysts believe he would be better positioned to combat them with a fresh electoral mandate. But Netanyahu would want to make such a move at the most advantageous time and likely not with public attention focused on the Gaza ceasefire.

Netanyahu denounces calls for Israel snap polls as 'irresponsible'

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition stays intact; PM denies reports of early polls

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced he will hold a "decisive" meeting Sunday with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon in a final bid to avert early elections.

Netanyahu's ruling coalition was left with a single seat majority in parliament after a walkout Wednesday by defence minister Avigdor Lieberman and his hawkish Yisrael Beitenu party.

Lieberman quit over a Gaza ceasefire deal, which on Tuesday ended the worst flare-up between Israel and the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas since a 2014 war.

Kahlon's centre-right Kulanu party holds 10 parliamentary seats and is vital to the survival of Netanyahu's ruling coalition.

While the next elections are currently scheduled for November 2019, Kahlon has called for polls to be held "as soon as possible".&nbsp;

"I'm going to meet Moshe Kahlon before the weekly minister's council Sunday for one last attempt to convince him not to bring down the government," Netanyahu, who heads the Likud party, said Saturday on Twitter.

"We can't bring down a right-wing government. All members of Likud want to continue serving the state for another year."

Kahlon, however, told Israel's Channel 2 Saturday evening that he did not think it was possible to keep a coalition going with such a slim majority.&nbsp;

"We have to act responsibly," he said.&nbsp;

Netanyahu held crunch talks on Friday with Education Minister Naftali Bennett, whose religious nationalist Jewish Home party has also threatened to quit unless he is given Lieberman's job.

The party's eight lawmakers are another crucial component of the premier's razor-thin parliamentary majority.

Netanyahu said Friday he was temporarily taking over the defence minister post.

Bennet on Saturday told Israel's second channel that Lieberman had "collapsed the government, there is no more government and we are heading towards elections - there is no other alternative".

"We have agreed with Moshe Khalon that there is no more government," he said.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced he will hold a "decisive" meeting Sunday with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon in a final bid to avert early elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced he will hold a "decisive" meeting Sunday with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon in a final bid to avert early elections. Netanyahu's ruling coalition was left with a single seat majority in parliament after a walkout Wednesday by defence minister Avigdor Lieberman and his hawkish Yisrael Beitenu party. Lieberman quit over a Gaza ceasefire deal, which on Tuesday ended the worst flare-up between Israel and the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas since a 2014 war. Kahlon's centre-right Kulanu party holds 10 parliamentary seats and is vital to the survival of Netanyahu's ruling coalition. While the next elections are currently scheduled for November 2019, Kahlon has called for polls to be held "as soon as possible". "I'm going to meet Moshe Kahlon before the weekly minister's council Sunday for one last attempt to convince him not to bring down the government," Netanyahu, who heads the Likud party, said Saturday on Twitter. "We can't bring down a right-wing government. All members of Likud want to continue serving the state for another year." Kahlon, however, told Israel's Channel 2 Saturday evening that he did not think it was possible to keep a coalition going with such a slim majority. "We have to act responsibly," he said. Netanyahu held crunch talks on Friday with Education Minister Naftali Bennett, whose religious nationalist Jewish Home party has also threatened to quit unless he is given Lieberman's job. The party's eight lawmakers are another crucial component of the premier's razor-thin parliamentary majority. Netanyahu said Friday he was temporarily taking over the defence minister post. Bennet on Saturday told Israel's second channel that Lieberman had "collapsed the government, there is no more government and we are heading towards elections - there is no other alternative". "We have agreed with Moshe Khalon that there is no more government," he said.

Israel's Netanyahu to hold 'decisive' meeting on coalition in last bid to avoid early elections

There were celebrations in Gaza. People distributed Sweets and celebrated the ceasefire after two 
days of intense clashes between Palestinian factions and Israel on Monday.

On the contrary, the mood in Israel was sombre and there were protests in southern Israeli territories and&nbsp;Tel Aviv with the protesters chanting “Bibi go home”.

The Egyptian brokered ceasefire after the latest bout of violence that brought the two sides on the brink of full&nbsp;scale war since 2014 has stirred a political crisis in Israel.

Be it the general public or coalition partners, all are angry at Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for&nbsp;signing a ceasefire deal with Hamas, the terms of which are still unclear.

The Israeli public and politician demanded a price from Gaza’s Hamas rulers for firing over 400 rockets at 
southern Israel, despite Tel Aviv sparking the latest round of violence. 
&nbsp; 
So how it all started that is threatening the survival of Bibi Netanyahu’s government right-wing government. 
&nbsp; 
The botched Israeli commando operation on Sunday night in Gaza left seven Palestinians including a senior&nbsp;Hamas battalion commander Nour Baraka dead.&nbsp;

A senior Israeli officer was also killed during the operation when Palestinian security forces gave Israelis a chase. 
 
The covert Israeli operation was in complete violation of the previous ceasefire between the two sides.

The Israeli operation is still shrouded in mystery as to what was the purpose of the covert raid. However, Israeli military analysts say such operations in Gaza are routine as part of intelligence gathering. But the tricky part of the raid was that this was exposed this time.

Also, there is suspicion whether Israel has resumed its policy of targeted assassination. Surprisingly, the Israeli commando operation comes days after Netanyahu talked about normalising things in the besieged Palestinian enclave. He even allowed $15 million Qarati cash into Gaza to pay salaries of the employees who had not been paid for years. 
&nbsp; 
Also, the deadly raid in the absence of prime minister Netanyahu, when he was in Paris to attend World War I centenary, raises many questions.

Was Netanyahu being diabolic in his deeds and words on Gaza? If not then who ordered the operation?

Experts argue there are some elements in the Israeli military establishment who doesn’t want normality in Gaza. And this operation could be the part of that larger game. 
&nbsp; 
So has Netanyahu suddenly become a peace dove? Analysts also reject this contention. They say Bibi is playing a divide and rule game with Hamas and Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas, who has recently become more combative against Israel and U.S over President’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital.

The ceasefire proposal agreed to by Netanyahu has rattled right-wing leader Avigdor Lieberman, who resigned as defence minister. He has termed the ceasefire as “complete capitulation to terror”. Hamas celebrated his resignation as a political victory. 
&nbsp; 
Leiberman’s resignation and withdrawal of his party from Netanyahu coalition has left Bibi with just one seat majority in the 190 member Knesset.

However, Netanyahu is seemingly unfazed by the political trouble brewing around him. But he has other problems at hand.

His another coalition partner Habayit Hayahud party is demanding that its leader Naftali Bennett be made defence minister. Bennett is considered more hawkish than Leiberman in security matters concerning Gaza.&nbsp;

Though Bennett supported the Netanyahu sponsored ceasefire, he sided with the Leiberman in the security cabinet for harsher actions in Gaza. 
&nbsp; 
The trouble does not end here for Netanyahu. His other coalition partners finance minister Moshe Kahlon and interior minister Aryeh Deri have called on the prime minister to call early election in the best interest of the country. 
&nbsp; 
But despite all the troubles, Israeli media reports say Netanyahu enjoys favourable ratings in the latest opinion polls and an early election would propel him to another term. However, only election will decide whether Netanyahu’s Gaza Gamble will pay off or prove to be his nemesis. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There were celebrations in Gaza. People distributed Sweets and celebrated the ceasefire after two days of intense clashes between Palestinian factions and Israel on Monday.

There were celebrations in Gaza. People distributed Sweets and celebrated the ceasefire after two days of intense clashes between Palestinian factions and Israel on Monday. On the contrary, the mood in Israel was sombre and there were protests in southern Israeli territories and Tel Aviv with the protesters chanting “Bibi go home”. The Egyptian brokered ceasefire after the latest bout of violence that brought the two sides on the brink of full scale war since 2014 has stirred a political crisis in Israel. Be it the general public or coalition partners, all are angry at Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for signing a ceasefire deal with Hamas, the terms of which are still unclear. The Israeli public and politician demanded a price from Gaza’s Hamas rulers for firing over 400 rockets at southern Israel, despite Tel Aviv sparking the latest round of violence. So how it all started that is threatening the survival of Bibi Netanyahu’s government right-wing government. The botched Israeli commando operation on Sunday night in Gaza left seven Palestinians including a senior Hamas battalion commander Nour Baraka dead. A senior Israeli officer was also killed during the operation when Palestinian security forces gave Israelis a chase. The covert Israeli operation was in complete violation of the previous ceasefire between the two sides. The Israeli operation is still shrouded in mystery as to what was the purpose of the covert raid. However, Israeli military analysts say such operations in Gaza are routine as part of intelligence gathering. But the tricky part of the raid was that this was exposed this time. Also, there is suspicion whether Israel has resumed its policy of targeted assassination. Surprisingly, the Israeli commando operation comes days after Netanyahu talked about normalising things in the besieged Palestinian enclave. He even allowed $15 million Qarati cash into Gaza to pay salaries of the employees who had not been paid for years. Also, the deadly raid in the absence of prime minister Netanyahu, when he was in Paris to attend World War I centenary, raises many questions. Was Netanyahu being diabolic in his deeds and words on Gaza? If not then who ordered the operation? Experts argue there are some elements in the Israeli military establishment who doesn’t want normality in Gaza. And this operation could be the part of that larger game. So has Netanyahu suddenly become a peace dove? Analysts also reject this contention. They say Bibi is playing a divide and rule game with Hamas and Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas, who has recently become more combative against Israel and U.S over President’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital. The ceasefire proposal agreed to by Netanyahu has rattled right-wing leader Avigdor Lieberman, who resigned as defence minister. He has termed the ceasefire as “complete capitulation to terror”. Hamas celebrated his resignation as a political victory. Leiberman’s resignation and withdrawal of his party from Netanyahu coalition has left Bibi with just one seat majority in the 190 member Knesset. However, Netanyahu is seemingly unfazed by the political trouble brewing around him. But he has other problems at hand. His another coalition partner Habayit Hayahud party is demanding that its leader Naftali Bennett be made defence minister. Bennett is considered more hawkish than Leiberman in security matters concerning Gaza. Though Bennett supported the Netanyahu sponsored ceasefire, he sided with the Leiberman in the security cabinet for harsher actions in Gaza. The trouble does not end here for Netanyahu. His other coalition partners finance minister Moshe Kahlon and interior minister Aryeh Deri have called on the prime minister to call early election in the best interest of the country. But despite all the troubles, Israeli media reports say Netanyahu enjoys favourable ratings in the latest opinion polls and an early election would propel him to another term. However, only election will decide whether Netanyahu’s Gaza Gamble will pay off or prove to be his nemesis. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How calm in Gaza stirs storm in Israel