Israel's national airline El Al appealed to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to cancel the authorisation of direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv via Saudi airspace fearing financial damage to it and view it as aerial discrimination.

Israel's national airline has filed a suit against Israel government, the Civil Aviation Authority, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the transportation minister, Yisrael Katz and Air India.

According to reports, the El Al has asked the court to either give a similar permit to them or prevent Air India from taking the shorter route.

El Al says it is the victim of unfair competition. News agency Reuters reported El Al CEO Gonen Usishkin saying, ''the State of Israel does not understand the extent of the damage caused by the government."

"Today it is India, tomorrow it will be Thailand and all the east. It is impossible to assess the damage caused by this decision for the company's 6,000 employees," he added.

Air India started using the new direct route from March 22 to Tel Aviv while crossing the Saudi Arabian airspace after Saudi Arabia granted permission in January.

The new route reduces the travel duration to two hours. Saudi Arabia had banned any commercial bound flight to cross its airspace but the Indian government brokered the "peace flight" amid tensions in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia has so far not allowed Israeli carriers to use its airspace as the Saudi does not have any official diplomatic relations with Israel.

Egypt and Jordan are the only two Arab nations which have relations with Isreal.

Israel's national carrier El Al currently operates from Mumbai takes a detour over the Red Sea to avoid flying over Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The new air link between Tel Aviv and New Delhi was announced in July last year by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, but it was not until January that the pair suggested it might use Saudi airspace.

Transport Minister Yisrael Katz described Air India's overflight of Saudi Arabia as "historic".

Israel's national airline El Al appealed to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to cancel the authorisation of direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv via Saudi airspace fearing financial damage to it and view it as aerial discrimination

Israel's national airline El Al appealed to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to cancel the authorisation of direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv via Saudi airspace fearing financial damage to it and view it as aerial discrimination. Israel's national airline has filed a suit against Israel government, the Civil Aviation Authority, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the transportation minister, Yisrael Katz and Air India. According to reports, the El Al has asked the court to either give a similar permit to them or prevent Air India from taking the shorter route. El Al says it is the victim of unfair competition. News agency Reuters reported El Al CEO Gonen Usishkin saying, ''the State of Israel does not understand the extent of the damage caused by the government." "Today it is India, tomorrow it will be Thailand and all the east. It is impossible to assess the damage caused by this decision for the company's 6,000 employees," he added. Air India started using the new direct route from March 22 to Tel Aviv while crossing the Saudi Arabian airspace after Saudi Arabia granted permission in January. The new route reduces the travel duration to two hours. Saudi Arabia had banned any commercial bound flight to cross its airspace but the Indian government brokered the "peace flight" amid tensions in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has so far not allowed Israeli carriers to use its airspace as the Saudi does not have any official diplomatic relations with Israel. Egypt and Jordan are the only two Arab nations which have relations with Isreal. Israel's national carrier El Al currently operates from Mumbai takes a detour over the Red Sea to avoid flying over Saudi Arabia and Iran. The new air link between Tel Aviv and New Delhi was announced in July last year by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, but it was not until January that the pair suggested it might use Saudi airspace. Transport Minister Yisrael Katz described Air India's overflight of Saudi Arabia as "historic".

Israel's El Al appeals against Air India flights over Saudi Arabia

In an ongoing corruption case, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be questioned, the police confirmed on Sunday. Netanyahu's wife and son will also be a part of the investigation along with the former chairman of Israel's largest telecom company and his wife.

Netanyahu figures at the centre of a major bribery case along with four other accused. Dubbed as "case 4000", &nbsp;the matter involves Bezeq telecom company's former chairman Shaul Elovitch. Elovitch is accused&nbsp;of receiving regulatory and financial benefits in return for positive coverage for Netanyahu in a news site.

The Prime Minister will be questioned at the prime minister's official residence in Jerusalem. Other accused will be investigated in Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu and his wife will be questioned for the second time in relation to the "case 4000."

The Prime Minister and his associate are reported to have been entangled in at least four corruption investigations over the past months.

Netanyahu figures at the centre of a major bribery case along with four other accused

In an ongoing corruption case, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be questioned, the police confirmed on Sunday. Netanyahu's wife and son will also be a part of the investigation along with the former chairman of Israel's largest telecom company and his wife. Netanyahu figures at the centre of a major bribery case along with four other accused. Dubbed as "case 4000", the matter involves Bezeq telecom company's former chairman Shaul Elovitch. Elovitch is accused of receiving regulatory and financial benefits in return for positive coverage for Netanyahu in a news site. The Prime Minister will be questioned at the prime minister's official residence in Jerusalem. Other accused will be investigated in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu and his wife will be questioned for the second time in relation to the "case 4000." The Prime Minister and his associate are reported to have been entangled in at least four corruption investigations over the past months.

Israel PM Netanyahu, family to be questioned under 'case 4000'

Members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s coalition accused the embattled premier on Sunday of perpetuating a &quot;fake crisis&quot; over a political dispute to potentially force early elections.

The dispute comes as Netanyahu faces a possible indictment on bribery charges in the coming months.

Polls suggest he could remain prime minister and his Likud party could win the most seats in fresh elections despite police investigations into his affairs.

Victory could bolster his political standing ahead of the attorney general&#39;s decision on indictments.

Netanyahu has said he wants his coalition to last its entire term, which expires in November 2019 -- something he repeated on Sunday.

But others in his right-wing coalition suggested he had other motives.

The coalition is at loggerheads over legislation that would exempt young ultra-Orthodox men from military service, a dispute that has threatened to pull the government apart.

&quot;Over the past week we&#39;ve baked a good solution for the draft crisis. I can say that there&#39;s no draft crisis. It&#39;s a fake crisis,&quot; Education Minister Naftali Bennett, head of the Jewish Home party, told reporters ahead of Sunday&#39;s cabinet meeting.

He added that &quot;it could be that there&#39;s someone who for personal reasons wants to generate a crisis and lead the state to elections... In the end it&#39;s all up to one person who has to decide whether he wants elections or not, and that&#39;s the prime minister.&quot;

Yaakov Margi of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party implied that compromises had been made to allow for a resolution, saying that &quot;the feeling is that the prime minister has fallen in love with this fake crisis.&quot;

&quot;Once the heads of the ultra-Orthodox parties announced they&#39;d agree to a solution, the draft crisis was solved,&quot; he wrote on Twitter.

&quot;All the rest is a fake crisis.&quot;

The ultra-Orthodox parties are refusing to approve the state budget unless the conscription bill passes.

The bill is bitterly opposed by Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

Netanyahu met with leaders of the ultra-Orthodox parties Saturday night, after which he said they were working on a draft for the bill that would meet legal and political demands.

Speaking with Likud ministers ahead of the Sunday cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said they were &quot;working for a stable government that would work until the end of its term in November 2019.&quot;

&quot;In order for that to happen, all the parties need to reach agreements and decide to continue together,&quot; he said, implying that he was not the cause of the dispute.

Netanyahu could soon face charges in at least two separate corruption affairs.

Last week, Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman of ultra-Orthodox alliance United Torah Judaism said that Netanyahu wanted early elections.

A spokesman for Litzman said on Sunday that there were currently discussions among all relevant parties over the wording of the conscription bill.

Netanyahu has said he wants his coalition to last its entire term, which expires in November 2019 -- something he repeated on Sunday

Members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition accused the embattled premier on Sunday of perpetuating a "fake crisis" over a political dispute to potentially force early elections. The dispute comes as Netanyahu faces a possible indictment on bribery charges in the coming months. Polls suggest he could remain prime minister and his Likud party could win the most seats in fresh elections despite police investigations into his affairs. Victory could bolster his political standing ahead of the attorney general's decision on indictments. Netanyahu has said he wants his coalition to last its entire term, which expires in November 2019 -- something he repeated on Sunday. But others in his right-wing coalition suggested he had other motives. The coalition is at loggerheads over legislation that would exempt young ultra-Orthodox men from military service, a dispute that has threatened to pull the government apart. "Over the past week we've baked a good solution for the draft crisis. I can say that there's no draft crisis. It's a fake crisis," Education Minister Naftali Bennett, head of the Jewish Home party, told reporters ahead of Sunday's cabinet meeting. He added that "it could be that there's someone who for personal reasons wants to generate a crisis and lead the state to elections... In the end it's all up to one person who has to decide whether he wants elections or not, and that's the prime minister." Yaakov Margi of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party implied that compromises had been made to allow for a resolution, saying that "the feeling is that the prime minister has fallen in love with this fake crisis." "Once the heads of the ultra-Orthodox parties announced they'd agree to a solution, the draft crisis was solved," he wrote on Twitter. "All the rest is a fake crisis." The ultra-Orthodox parties are refusing to approve the state budget unless the conscription bill passes. The bill is bitterly opposed by Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman. Netanyahu met with leaders of the ultra-Orthodox parties Saturday night, after which he said they were working on a draft for the bill that would meet legal and political demands. Speaking with Likud ministers ahead of the Sunday cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said they were "working for a stable government that would work until the end of its term in November 2019." "In order for that to happen, all the parties need to reach agreements and decide to continue together," he said, implying that he was not the cause of the dispute. Netanyahu could soon face charges in at least two separate corruption affairs. Last week, Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman of ultra-Orthodox alliance United Torah Judaism said that Netanyahu wanted early elections. A spokesman for Litzman said on Sunday that there were currently discussions among all relevant parties over the wording of the conscription bill.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused of stoking 'fake' crisis to force poll

Air India will introduce thrice-a-week flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv from March 22, the airline said on Wednesday.

The national carrier had planned to launch the service in May last year, but it couldn&#39;t materialise after some countries denied use of their airspaces for flights to Israel.

The announcement from Air India comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters on Monday, during his visit to the US, that Saudi Arabia had given permission to the Indian carrier for flying over its territory on its route from New Delhi to Tel Aviv.

Many Arab and Islamic nations do not recognise Israel and, therefore, disallow airlines from using their airspace for flight services to that country.

&quot;Air India will introduce thrice-a-week flight to Tel Aviv from Delhi with effect from March 22,&quot; an airline spokesperson said.

The Air India flight will fly over Oman, Saudi Arabia and Jordan to reach Israel, a senior airline official said on condition of anonymity.

The permission to fly over Saudi Arabia will mean Air India will take a shorter route between Delhi and Tel Aviv and cover the distance in 7 hours and 10 minutes.

The permission to fly over Saudi Arabia will save Air India almost 2 hours and 10 minutes as compared to the longer route taken by Israel&#39;s national carrier El Al, which has direct flights between Tel Aviv and Mumbai, according to another Air India source.

El Al takes a circuitous route over the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and then enters India and avoids countries that are on the direct flight path such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This route, too, is covered in 7 hours and 10 minutes.

If Air India were to take this route from New Delhi, it would cover the entire distance in more than nine hours, according to the source.

The official added that the shorter flight duration, combined with Air India&#39;s strong domestic network, could give the national carrier an advantage over El Al.

Israeli PM Netanyahu had acknowledged that the Israeli national carrier El Al would be at a disadvantage both in terms of cost and travel time, adding that he is in talks with the national carrier to ensure it doesn&#39;t suffer economically.

The Air India flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. It will depart from New Delhi at 4.50 pm and arrive in Tel Aviv at 8.25 pm. On its return leg, the plane will depart from Tel Aviv at 10.15 pm and land in Delhi at 9 am the day after, according to a statement from Air India.

Air India will operate a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the route.

During a visit to Israel in July last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said direct flights would be launched between Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv and the plan gathered steam following Netanyahu&#39;s visit to India in January this year.

Israel&#39;s tourism ministry has also announced a one-time grant of 750,000 euros to Air India for the flight operations.&nbsp;

The national carrier had planned to launch the service in May last year, but it couldn't materialise after some countries denied use of their airspaces for flights to Israel

Air India will introduce thrice-a-week flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv from March 22, the airline said on Wednesday. The national carrier had planned to launch the service in May last year, but it couldn't materialise after some countries denied use of their airspaces for flights to Israel. The announcement from Air India comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters on Monday, during his visit to the US, that Saudi Arabia had given permission to the Indian carrier for flying over its territory on its route from New Delhi to Tel Aviv. Many Arab and Islamic nations do not recognise Israel and, therefore, disallow airlines from using their airspace for flight services to that country. "Air India will introduce thrice-a-week flight to Tel Aviv from Delhi with effect from March 22," an airline spokesperson said. The Air India flight will fly over Oman, Saudi Arabia and Jordan to reach Israel, a senior airline official said on condition of anonymity. The permission to fly over Saudi Arabia will mean Air India will take a shorter route between Delhi and Tel Aviv and cover the distance in 7 hours and 10 minutes. The permission to fly over Saudi Arabia will save Air India almost 2 hours and 10 minutes as compared to the longer route taken by Israel's national carrier El Al, which has direct flights between Tel Aviv and Mumbai, according to another Air India source. El Al takes a circuitous route over the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and then enters India and avoids countries that are on the direct flight path such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This route, too, is covered in 7 hours and 10 minutes. If Air India were to take this route from New Delhi, it would cover the entire distance in more than nine hours, according to the source. The official added that the shorter flight duration, combined with Air India's strong domestic network, could give the national carrier an advantage over El Al. Israeli PM Netanyahu had acknowledged that the Israeli national carrier El Al would be at a disadvantage both in terms of cost and travel time, adding that he is in talks with the national carrier to ensure it doesn't suffer economically. The Air India flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. It will depart from New Delhi at 4.50 pm and arrive in Tel Aviv at 8.25 pm. On its return leg, the plane will depart from Tel Aviv at 10.15 pm and land in Delhi at 9 am the day after, according to a statement from Air India. Air India will operate a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the route. During a visit to Israel in July last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said direct flights would be launched between Delhi, Mumbai and Tel Aviv and the plan gathered steam following Netanyahu's visit to India in January this year. Israel's tourism ministry has also announced a one-time grant of 750,000 euros to Air India for the flight operations.

Air India to start thrice-a-week Delhi-Tel Aviv flight from March 22

US President Donald Trump&#39;s hard-line approach to the Palestinians is similar to herding cows for slaughter, a top Palestinian official said Tuesday.

The comments came a day after the US leader welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington and ahead of the expected launch of Trump&#39;s plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace.&nbsp;

&quot;Today what is happening with us is what you call in the United States a cattle shoot trap,&quot; Mohammad Shtayyeh, an adviser to president Mahmud Abbas, told journalists in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

&quot;They bring the cattle in a yard with one single exit, with a man on a horse and a whip. And they keep pushing the cow into the trap. By the time every single cow gets through, it is shot in the head with an electric gun, then goes in a belt to the slaughtering house, then we eat it as hamburger.&quot;

&quot;With the Palestinians, what is happening is exactly the same.&quot;

He listed off a number of controversial Trump decisions, including December&#39;s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital and his freezing of tens of millions in dollars in funding for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, as evidence of a systematic attempt to squeeze them.

Both the Palestinians and Israel see Jerusalem as their capital and the US decision to move its Israeli embassy there prompted the Palestinians to say the White House could no longer be the primary mediator between the two sides.

On Monday during a meeting with Netanyahu, Trump said he might attend the opening of the embassy in May.

Despite the poor relations with the Palestinians, the White House is still expected to present a proposal for Israeli-Palestinian peace in the coming weeks.

&quot;The Palestinians, I think, are wanting to come back to the table very badly,&quot; Trump said as he sat alongside Netanyahu at the White House.

&quot;If they don&#39;t, you don&#39;t have peace. And that&#39;s a possibility also.&quot;

The comments came a day after the US leader welcomed Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump's hard-line approach to the Palestinians is similar to herding cows for slaughter, a top Palestinian official said Tuesday. The comments came a day after the US leader welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington and ahead of the expected launch of Trump's plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace. "Today what is happening with us is what you call in the United States a cattle shoot trap," Mohammad Shtayyeh, an adviser to president Mahmud Abbas, told journalists in the West Bank city of Ramallah. "They bring the cattle in a yard with one single exit, with a man on a horse and a whip. And they keep pushing the cow into the trap. By the time every single cow gets through, it is shot in the head with an electric gun, then goes in a belt to the slaughtering house, then we eat it as hamburger." "With the Palestinians, what is happening is exactly the same." He listed off a number of controversial Trump decisions, including December's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and his freezing of tens of millions in dollars in funding for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, as evidence of a systematic attempt to squeeze them. Both the Palestinians and Israel see Jerusalem as their capital and the US decision to move its Israeli embassy there prompted the Palestinians to say the White House could no longer be the primary mediator between the two sides. On Monday during a meeting with Netanyahu, Trump said he might attend the opening of the embassy in May. Despite the poor relations with the Palestinians, the White House is still expected to present a proposal for Israeli-Palestinian peace in the coming weeks. "The Palestinians, I think, are wanting to come back to the table very badly," Trump said as he sat alongside Netanyahu at the White House. "If they don't, you don't have peace. And that's a possibility also."

Trump peace efforts like herding cows to slaughter: Palestinian official

Donald Trump on Monday said he &#39;may&#39; attend United States embassy opening in Jerusalem.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-to-meet-trump-in-white-house-as-scandal-grows-back-home-34791">Israeli Prime Minister to meet Trump in White House as scandal grows back home</a>

The US embassy opening is scheduled to take place on May 14 of this year coinciding with 70th anniversary of the founding day of Jerusalem.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting the United States on Monday during which he is also scheduled for lunch with the US Prime Minister.

Trump&nbsp;has offered unswerving support for Israel and its government in the past.

During the visit, the duo to discuss his Trump&#39;s recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital triggering an outrage from all over the world.

Controversial move of Jerusalem as Israeli capital received an extra boost on Monday when Guatemala also announced to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

&nbsp;

The US embassy opening is scheduled to take place on May 14 of this year coinciding with 70th anniversary of the founding day of Jerusalem

Donald Trump on Monday said he 'may' attend United States embassy opening in Jerusalem. Also read: Israeli Prime Minister to meet Trump in White House as scandal grows back home The US embassy opening is scheduled to take place on May 14 of this year coinciding with 70th anniversary of the founding day of Jerusalem. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting the United States on Monday during which he is also scheduled for lunch with the US Prime Minister. Trump has offered unswerving support for Israel and its government in the past. During the visit, the duo to discuss his Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital triggering an outrage from all over the world. Controversial move of Jerusalem as Israeli capital received an extra boost on Monday when Guatemala also announced to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Trump says he 'may' attend US embassy opening in Jerusalem

Benjamin Netanyahu was to meet his &quot;true friend&quot; Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, even as an ex-aide to the Israeli prime minister signed a state witness deal in a corruption probe tightening around him back home.

Netanyahu, who is also grappling with a spreading governmental crisis that could trigger early elections, was due to meet Trump in the Oval Office and have a working lunch with the US leader, although analysts said little of note was likely to emerge from the meeting.

The Israeli leader has embraced the Trumpian tactic of denouncing as &quot;fake news&quot; the corruption allegations hanging over his head, a method Trump has honed in dealing with an investigation into whether his campaign team colluded with Russia during the 2016 US elections.

Trump has offered unswerving support for Israel and its government, and the two leaders were sure to discuss his recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, a controversial move that received an extra boost Monday when Guatemala announced it too was moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The two leaders were also expected to discuss efforts to curb Iran&#39;s regional influence.

The White House meeting, held during Netanyahu&#39;s visit to the annual conference of the influential lobby group the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), will provide a boost for the right-wing Israeli leader as scandals and political turmoil brew at home.

&quot;I think they are partners in ideology, and the ideology is a populist, conservative ideology which says that the old liberal elites are against us,&quot; said Gayil Talshir, a political scientist at Jerusalem&#39;s Hebrew University.&nbsp;

The Israeli leader&#39;s domestic problems mounted even as he prepared to meet Trump, when Israeli media reported that a former spokesman for his family, Nir Hefetz, had become the third Netanyahu associate to sign a state witness deal with prosecutors in recent months.

Hefetz is alleged to have acted as a messenger between Netanyahu, the telecoms mogul Shaul Elovitch and the news website Walla!, media reports said.

Police suspect the telecoms firm Bezeq was given regulatory breaks in return for Netanyahu receiving positive coverage on Walla!, a news website owned by Bezeq.

Hefetz is also suspected of trying to bribe a retired judge to block a probe into the prime minister&#39;s wife, Sara Netanyahu, over alleged misuse of public funds, according to reports.

Countering Iran

While Trump&#39;s plan to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem this year has brought the two leaders closer together, it has infuriated the Palestinian leadership and was condemned by 128 states in a United Nations General Assembly vote in December.&nbsp;

The issue has also caused a widening rift in US public opinion. A survey in January by the Pew Research Center showed that 79 percent of Republicans were more sympathetic towards Israel than the Palestinians, against just 27 percent among Democrats.

The Middle East peace process grew even more complicated recently after Jared Kushner, the president&#39;s son-in-law and one of his senior advisers, lost his top-secret security clearance.&nbsp;

But Netanyahu is not thought to be overly concerned about any delay in restarting the peace talks.

In his encounters with Trump and at the AIPAC conference, he is expected to focus mainly on Iran as Israel&#39;s greatest enemy, and one he says seeks a permanent military presence in neighboring Syria.

The prime minister is also expected to call again for changes to, or the cancellation of, the nuclear accord between world powers and Iran, said Zalman Shoval, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington.&nbsp;

Netanyahu was due to meet Trump in the Oval Office and have a working lunch with the US leader

Benjamin Netanyahu was to meet his "true friend" Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, even as an ex-aide to the Israeli prime minister signed a state witness deal in a corruption probe tightening around him back home. Netanyahu, who is also grappling with a spreading governmental crisis that could trigger early elections, was due to meet Trump in the Oval Office and have a working lunch with the US leader, although analysts said little of note was likely to emerge from the meeting. The Israeli leader has embraced the Trumpian tactic of denouncing as "fake news" the corruption allegations hanging over his head, a method Trump has honed in dealing with an investigation into whether his campaign team colluded with Russia during the 2016 US elections. Trump has offered unswerving support for Israel and its government, and the two leaders were sure to discuss his recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, a controversial move that received an extra boost Monday when Guatemala announced it too was moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The two leaders were also expected to discuss efforts to curb Iran's regional influence. The White House meeting, held during Netanyahu's visit to the annual conference of the influential lobby group the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), will provide a boost for the right-wing Israeli leader as scandals and political turmoil brew at home. "I think they are partners in ideology, and the ideology is a populist, conservative ideology which says that the old liberal elites are against us," said Gayil Talshir, a political scientist at Jerusalem's Hebrew University. The Israeli leader's domestic problems mounted even as he prepared to meet Trump, when Israeli media reported that a former spokesman for his family, Nir Hefetz, had become the third Netanyahu associate to sign a state witness deal with prosecutors in recent months. Hefetz is alleged to have acted as a messenger between Netanyahu, the telecoms mogul Shaul Elovitch and the news website Walla!, media reports said. Police suspect the telecoms firm Bezeq was given regulatory breaks in return for Netanyahu receiving positive coverage on Walla!, a news website owned by Bezeq. Hefetz is also suspected of trying to bribe a retired judge to block a probe into the prime minister's wife, Sara Netanyahu, over alleged misuse of public funds, according to reports. Countering Iran While Trump's plan to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem this year has brought the two leaders closer together, it has infuriated the Palestinian leadership and was condemned by 128 states in a United Nations General Assembly vote in December. The issue has also caused a widening rift in US public opinion. A survey in January by the Pew Research Center showed that 79 percent of Republicans were more sympathetic towards Israel than the Palestinians, against just 27 percent among Democrats. The Middle East peace process grew even more complicated recently after Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and one of his senior advisers, lost his top-secret security clearance. But Netanyahu is not thought to be overly concerned about any delay in restarting the peace talks. In his encounters with Trump and at the AIPAC conference, he is expected to focus mainly on Iran as Israel's greatest enemy, and one he says seeks a permanent military presence in neighboring Syria. The prime minister is also expected to call again for changes to, or the cancellation of, the nuclear accord between world powers and Iran, said Zalman Shoval, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington.

Israeli Prime Minister to meet Trump in White House as scandal grows back home

One of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s closest confidants has agreed to testify against him in a graft probe in a fresh blow to his long tenure in power, Israeli media reported Wednesday.

Two new corruption investigations announced this week, hot on the heels of a police recommendation that Netanyahu face charges in two other cases, have fuelled growing speculation he could call an early election.

Shlomo Filber, a Netanyahu ally for more than 20 years and a former communications ministry director general, is expected to agree to turn state witness in exchange for avoiding jail, Israeli media reported.

Police did not confirm any deal.

Filber was arrested on Sunday over allegations the owner of Israeli telecommunications giant Bezeq gave Netanyahu positive coverage on his Walla news site in exchange for policies benefiting the business.

Filber is suspected of mediating between Netanyahu and Elovitch and promoting regulatory changes worth millions to Bezeq.

The prime minister himself has not been named as a suspect in the investigation.

In another case announced this week, two Netanyahu allies are alleged to have offered a judge promotion in exchange for dropping a case against the premier&#39;s wife.

The two men have been identified as Nir Hefetz and Eli Kamir, both former media advisers for the Netanyahu family.

Their alleged offer was to Hila Gerstel, a judge involved in a graft probe into Sara Netanyahu over alleged misuse of public funds.

Last week, police said there were grounds to indict the prime minister himself in two other cases for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust.

Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected all the allegations and released a new video on his Facebook page late Tuesday strongly denying any wrongdoing.

He is due to address American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem later on Wednesday.

While Netanyahu&#39;s coalition partners have so far said they will stand by him, Israeli media speculated he might call an early election.

Under the headline &quot;The smell of elections&quot;, the pro-Netanyahu newspaper Israel Hayom published a poll suggesting he might even increase his support in parliament despite the allegations hanging over him.

Netanyahu&#39;s right-wing Likud party currently holds 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, but that could rise to 34 if an election were called today, the poll found. 
&nbsp;

The prime minister himself has not been named as a suspect in the investigation

One of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's closest confidants has agreed to testify against him in a graft probe in a fresh blow to his long tenure in power, Israeli media reported Wednesday. Two new corruption investigations announced this week, hot on the heels of a police recommendation that Netanyahu face charges in two other cases, have fuelled growing speculation he could call an early election. Shlomo Filber, a Netanyahu ally for more than 20 years and a former communications ministry director general, is expected to agree to turn state witness in exchange for avoiding jail, Israeli media reported. Police did not confirm any deal. Filber was arrested on Sunday over allegations the owner of Israeli telecommunications giant Bezeq gave Netanyahu positive coverage on his Walla news site in exchange for policies benefiting the business. Filber is suspected of mediating between Netanyahu and Elovitch and promoting regulatory changes worth millions to Bezeq. The prime minister himself has not been named as a suspect in the investigation. In another case announced this week, two Netanyahu allies are alleged to have offered a judge promotion in exchange for dropping a case against the premier's wife. The two men have been identified as Nir Hefetz and Eli Kamir, both former media advisers for the Netanyahu family. Their alleged offer was to Hila Gerstel, a judge involved in a graft probe into Sara Netanyahu over alleged misuse of public funds. Last week, police said there were grounds to indict the prime minister himself in two other cases for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected all the allegations and released a new video on his Facebook page late Tuesday strongly denying any wrongdoing. He is due to address American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem later on Wednesday. While Netanyahu's coalition partners have so far said they will stand by him, Israeli media speculated he might call an early election. Under the headline "The smell of elections", the pro-Netanyahu newspaper Israel Hayom published a poll suggesting he might even increase his support in parliament despite the allegations hanging over him. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party currently holds 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, but that could rise to 34 if an election were called today, the poll found.

Netanyahu confidant agrees to testify against him: Reports

A confidant of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to provide testimony on behalf of the state about alleged corrupt dealings between the government and the country&#39;s biggest telecoms group, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.

Shlomo Filber, who was arrested this week along with top executives at Bezeq Telecom, had been a personal appointment of Netanyahu&#39;s to head the Communications Ministry.

Police now suspect Bezeq received regulatory benefits, and in return, Netanyahu received favourable media coverage on a popular news website that is also controlled by Bezeq&#39;s former chairman.

The Bezeq executives have denied the allegations.

Israel&#39;s Ynet news website reported that Filber has now agreed to testify for the state in the case, a development that could further complicate things for Netanyahu as he battles mounting corruption allegations.

Israeli authorities were not immediately available to confirm that a deal with Filber had been reached.

On Tuesday, police alleged that Netanyahu&#39;s former spokesman tried to bribe a judge to drop a fraud case against Netanyahu&#39;s wife. Netanyahu himself is suspect in two other investigations.

The right-wing leader, in office for 12 years since 1996, has denied wrongdoing in any of the cases, calling them a political &quot;witch hunt&quot;.

Shlomo Filber, who was arrested this week along with top executives at Bezeq Telecom, had been a personal appointment of Netanyahu's to head the Communications Ministry.

A confidant of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to provide testimony on behalf of the state about alleged corrupt dealings between the government and the country's biggest telecoms group, Israeli media reported on Wednesday. Shlomo Filber, who was arrested this week along with top executives at Bezeq Telecom, had been a personal appointment of Netanyahu's to head the Communications Ministry. Police now suspect Bezeq received regulatory benefits, and in return, Netanyahu received favourable media coverage on a popular news website that is also controlled by Bezeq's former chairman. The Bezeq executives have denied the allegations. Israel's Ynet news website reported that Filber has now agreed to testify for the state in the case, a development that could further complicate things for Netanyahu as he battles mounting corruption allegations. Israeli authorities were not immediately available to confirm that a deal with Filber had been reached. On Tuesday, police alleged that Netanyahu's former spokesman tried to bribe a judge to drop a fraud case against Netanyahu's wife. Netanyahu himself is suspect in two other investigations. The right-wing leader, in office for 12 years since 1996, has denied wrongdoing in any of the cases, calling them a political "witch hunt".

Confidant of Israel's Netanyahu turns state's witness in corruption case: Reports

Oil prices extended gains to hit their highest level in nearly two weeks on Monday, buoyed as Asian shares joined a global recovery in equity markets and as worries grew over tensions in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel could act against Iran itself, not just its allies in the Middle East, after border incidents in Syria brought the Middle East foes closer to direct confrontation.

US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate crude for March delivery was up 73 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at $62.41 a barrel by 0600 GMT, after earlier touching its highest since February 7.

London Brent crude was up 52 cents, or 0.8 percent, at $65.36, after rising more than 3 per cent last week.

&quot;The upside momentum since WTI hit last week&#39;s low of $58 has been continuing,&quot; said Tetsu Emori, CEO of Emori Capital Management in Tokyo.

&quot;Oil got mild support from gains in Asian equity markets, but has been getting pressure from the rise in US&nbsp;rig count and a slight recovery in the dollar.&quot;

Trading is expected to be slower than usual due market holidays in the United States as well as Greater China.

The US&nbsp;oil rig count, an indicator of future production, rose by seven to 798, its highest since April 2015, according to a weekly report from General Electric&#39;s Baker Hughes unit.

That marked the first time since June that drillers added rigs for four consecutive weeks, and the figure was well up on the 597 rigs that were active a year earlier as energy companies have boosted spending since mid-2016 when crude prices began recovering from a two-year crash.

Surging US&nbsp;production is offsetting efforts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some other producers including Russia to curb production by 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) until the end of 2018.

Money managers slashed their bullish wagers on ICE Brent crude oil futures by the most in nearly eight months in the week to February 13, data showed, as prices plunged amid concerns of oversupply.

Speculators also cut net long US&nbsp;crude futures and options positions in the week to February 13 by the most since late August, the US&nbsp;Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said.

London Brent crude was up 52 cents, or 0.8 percent, at $65.36, after rising more than 3 percent last week

Oil prices extended gains to hit their highest level in nearly two weeks on Monday, buoyed as Asian shares joined a global recovery in equity markets and as worries grew over tensions in the Middle East. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel could act against Iran itself, not just its allies in the Middle East, after border incidents in Syria brought the Middle East foes closer to direct confrontation. US West Texas Intermediate crude for March delivery was up 73 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at $62.41 a barrel by 0600 GMT, after earlier touching its highest since February 7. London Brent crude was up 52 cents, or 0.8 percent, at $65.36, after rising more than 3 per cent last week. "The upside momentum since WTI hit last week's low of $58 has been continuing," said Tetsu Emori, CEO of Emori Capital Management in Tokyo. "Oil got mild support from gains in Asian equity markets, but has been getting pressure from the rise in US rig count and a slight recovery in the dollar." Trading is expected to be slower than usual due market holidays in the United States as well as Greater China. The US oil rig count, an indicator of future production, rose by seven to 798, its highest since April 2015, according to a weekly report from General Electric's Baker Hughes unit. That marked the first time since June that drillers added rigs for four consecutive weeks, and the figure was well up on the 597 rigs that were active a year earlier as energy companies have boosted spending since mid-2016 when crude prices began recovering from a two-year crash. Surging US production is offsetting efforts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some other producers including Russia to curb production by 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) until the end of 2018. Money managers slashed their bullish wagers on ICE Brent crude oil futures by the most in nearly eight months in the week to February 13, data showed, as prices plunged amid concerns of oversupply. Speculators also cut net long US crude futures and options positions in the week to February 13 by the most since late August, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said.

Oil hits highest in nearly two weeks on Asian equity recovery

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tehran on Sunday over aggressions by what he called Iran and its &quot;proxies&quot; in Syria, while showing what he claimed was a piece of an Iranian drone shot down in Israeli airspace.

Saying he had &quot;a message to the tyrants of Tehran&quot; during a speech at the Munich Security Conference, he warned: &quot;Do not test Israel&#39;s resolve.&quot;

He brandished a rectangular piece of dark green metal which he called &quot;a piece of that Iranian drone, or what&#39;s left of it, after we shot it down.&quot;

Israel has said it shot down the drone on February 10 after it entered the country from Syria, and responded with a raid on what it said was the Iranian control systems for the craft in Syria.

It marked the first time Israel publicly acknowledged hitting Iranian targets in Syria since the 2011 start of the civil war there.

During the strikes, one of Israel&#39;s F-16 fighter jets was shot down, believed to be the first loss of an Israeli plane in combat since 1982.

Calling Iran&#39;s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif the &quot;smooth-talking mouthpiece of Iran&#39;s regime,&quot; Netanyahu said: &quot;Mr Zarif, do you recognise this? You should, it&#39;s yours.&quot;

Again referring to Zarif, who is scheduled to speak later in Munich, the Israeli leader said: &quot;No doubt Mr Zarif will brazenly deny Iran&#39;s involvement in Syria.&quot;

&quot;He lies with eloquence.&quot;

&#39;Noose of terror&#39; &nbsp;

The Israeli military has claimed the drone was a copy of a US model captured by Iran in 2011, based on an analysis of the drone&#39;s debris.

Tensions between the two countries have been building in recent months, with Israel fearing that Tehran is trying to establish a permanent presence in Syria as part of an effort to become a greater regional power in the Middle East.

At the same time, Syria appears to feel it now has the upper hand in the civil war and is more emboldened to stop Israeli air raids inside the country, analysts say.

But Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel would not let Iran obtain a permanent foothold in its northern neighbour.

&quot;Through its proxies -- Shiite militias in Iraq, the Huthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza -- Iran is devouring huge swathes of the Middle East,&quot; he said.

&quot;Israel will not allow Iran&#39;s regime to put a noose of terror around our neck,&quot; he added.

&quot;We will act without hesitation to defend ourselves. And we will act if necessary not just against Iran&#39;s proxies that are attacking us, but against Iran itself.&quot;

But he stressed that Israel was not the enemy of the Iranian people, and offered his condolences to the families of the 66 people killed in an Iranian plane crash Sunday.

&quot;We have no quarrel with the people of Iran, only with the regime that torments them,&quot; Netanyahu said.

He brandished a rectangular piece of dark green metal which he called "a piece of that Iranian drone, or what's left of it, after we shot it down."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tehran on Sunday over aggressions by what he called Iran and its "proxies" in Syria, while showing what he claimed was a piece of an Iranian drone shot down in Israeli airspace. Saying he had "a message to the tyrants of Tehran" during a speech at the Munich Security Conference, he warned: "Do not test Israel's resolve." He brandished a rectangular piece of dark green metal which he called "a piece of that Iranian drone, or what's left of it, after we shot it down." Israel has said it shot down the drone on February 10 after it entered the country from Syria, and responded with a raid on what it said was the Iranian control systems for the craft in Syria. It marked the first time Israel publicly acknowledged hitting Iranian targets in Syria since the 2011 start of the civil war there. During the strikes, one of Israel's F-16 fighter jets was shot down, believed to be the first loss of an Israeli plane in combat since 1982. Calling Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif the "smooth-talking mouthpiece of Iran's regime," Netanyahu said: "Mr Zarif, do you recognise this? You should, it's yours." Again referring to Zarif, who is scheduled to speak later in Munich, the Israeli leader said: "No doubt Mr Zarif will brazenly deny Iran's involvement in Syria." "He lies with eloquence." 'Noose of terror' The Israeli military has claimed the drone was a copy of a US model captured by Iran in 2011, based on an analysis of the drone's debris. Tensions between the two countries have been building in recent months, with Israel fearing that Tehran is trying to establish a permanent presence in Syria as part of an effort to become a greater regional power in the Middle East. At the same time, Syria appears to feel it now has the upper hand in the civil war and is more emboldened to stop Israeli air raids inside the country, analysts say. But Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel would not let Iran obtain a permanent foothold in its northern neighbour. "Through its proxies -- Shiite militias in Iraq, the Huthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza -- Iran is devouring huge swathes of the Middle East," he said. "Israel will not allow Iran's regime to put a noose of terror around our neck," he added. "We will act without hesitation to defend ourselves. And we will act if necessary not just against Iran's proxies that are attacking us, but against Iran itself." But he stressed that Israel was not the enemy of the Iranian people, and offered his condolences to the families of the 66 people killed in an Iranian plane crash Sunday. "We have no quarrel with the people of Iran, only with the regime that torments them," Netanyahu said.

'Do not test Israel', Netanyahu tells Iran, brandishing drone 'piece'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel would act against Iran, not just its allies in the Middle East, if needed, reiterating that Tehran was the world&#39;s greatest threat.

Holding a piece of what he said was an Iranian drone after its incursion into Israeli airspace earlier this month, Netanyahu told the Munich Security Conference: &quot;Israel will not allow the regime to put a noose of terror around our neck.

&quot;We will act if necessary not just against Iran&#39;s proxies but against Iran itself,&quot; he said.

Addressing the Munich event for the first time, Netanyahu urged gathered U.S. and European officials and diplomats to counter Iran immediately, displaying a map showing what he said was Iran&#39;s growing presence in the Middle East.

He said Iran was increasing its power as the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria regains territory from militants.

&quot;The unfortunate thing is that as ISIS compresses and Iran moves in, it is trying to establish this continuous empire surrounding the Middle East from the south in Yemen but also trying to create a land bridge from Iran to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Gaza,&quot; Netanyahu said.

&quot;This is a very dangerous development for our region.&quot;

Tensions surged on Feb. 10 when anti-aircraft fire downed an Israeli warplane returning from a bombing raid on Iran-backed positions in Syria.

That was the most serious confrontation yet between Israel and Iranian-backed forces based across the border.

Holding a piece of what he said was an Iranian drone after its incursion into Israeli airspace earlier this month, Netanyahu told the Munich Security Conference: "Israel will not allow the regime to put a noose of terror around our neck.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel would act against Iran, not just its allies in the Middle East, if needed, reiterating that Tehran was the world's greatest threat. Holding a piece of what he said was an Iranian drone after its incursion into Israeli airspace earlier this month, Netanyahu told the Munich Security Conference: "Israel will not allow the regime to put a noose of terror around our neck. "We will act if necessary not just against Iran's proxies but against Iran itself," he said. Addressing the Munich event for the first time, Netanyahu urged gathered U.S. and European officials and diplomats to counter Iran immediately, displaying a map showing what he said was Iran's growing presence in the Middle East. He said Iran was increasing its power as the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria regains territory from militants. "The unfortunate thing is that as ISIS compresses and Iran moves in, it is trying to establish this continuous empire surrounding the Middle East from the south in Yemen but also trying to create a land bridge from Iran to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Gaza," Netanyahu said. "This is a very dangerous development for our region." Tensions surged on Feb. 10 when anti-aircraft fire downed an Israeli warplane returning from a bombing raid on Iran-backed positions in Syria. That was the most serious confrontation yet between Israel and Iranian-backed forces based across the border.

Benjamin Netanyahu could act against Iran's 'empire'

Israeli jets struck the Gaza Strip on Saturday after four soldiers were wounded when an improvised explosive device blew up along the border with the Palestinian enclave.

The explosion earlier Saturday, which left two of the Israeli soldiers severely injured, was one of the most serious incidents on the border of the Hamas-ruled enclave since the Islamist movement and Israel fought a war in 2014.

In response Israel&#39;s army said &quot;fighter jets targeted six military targets in Gaza belonging to Hamas, including: a terror tunnel in the Zaytun area and military compounds near Deir el-Balah and Khan Yunis&quot;.

The army then reported a &quot;launch was identified from the Gaza Strip at Israeli territory&quot;.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a security conference in Munich called the Gaza border incident &quot;very serious&quot; and pledged to &quot;respond appropriately&quot;.&nbsp;

A Palestinian security source said the Israeli air strikes hit three bases belonging to Hamas in the east of the blockaded Gaza enclave.

Two Palestinians were injured in the raids, Palestinian medical sources said.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day the army said &quot;two soldiers were severely wounded, one moderately and one slightly&quot; when an improvised explosive device blew up along the border fence with Gaza.

None of the soldiers&#39; lives were in danger, a spokesman clarified.

In response Israeli forces said a tank quickly opened fire at an &quot;observation post&quot; in southern Gaza, causing no injuries on the Palestinian side.

Palestinian security sources said the explosion took place east of the city of Khan Yunis.

Rogue group

Spokesman Jonathan Conricus said a &quot;rogue group&quot; had claimed responsibility for the blast, likely indicating one of the more radical Islamist groups who are present in Gaza.&nbsp;

But he insisted that &quot;from our point of view Hamas is responsible&quot; and said the explosive had been planted during a protest arranged by the group on Friday.&nbsp;

Israel holds the Islamist Palestinian movement Hamas responsible for any fire coming from the blockaded coastal enclave.

The Israeli army responds automatically to any strikes on its territory, generally targeting Hamas facilities.

Hamas&#39;s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in a statement said they had fired at the Israeli jets overhead.

But Israeli army spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, said there was no truth to the claim.

Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008, and the last conflict in 2014 was waged in part over tunnels from Gaza that were used to launch attacks.

Israeli aircraft hit Hamas targets in the southern Gaza Strip repeatedly in early February, after it said Palestinians there fired a rocket into the Jewish state.

Tensions between the Palestinians and Israel have been high since US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state in December.

Netanyahu will visit the White House next month, a senior US administration official told AFP on Friday.

The March 5 visit comes after a war of words between close allies Israel and the US over settlements, and a scandal that has seen police recommend Netanyahu be indicted for graft.

Two of the soldiers were severely injured

Israeli jets struck the Gaza Strip on Saturday after four soldiers were wounded when an improvised explosive device blew up along the border with the Palestinian enclave. The explosion earlier Saturday, which left two of the Israeli soldiers severely injured, was one of the most serious incidents on the border of the Hamas-ruled enclave since the Islamist movement and Israel fought a war in 2014. In response Israel's army said "fighter jets targeted six military targets in Gaza belonging to Hamas, including: a terror tunnel in the Zaytun area and military compounds near Deir el-Balah and Khan Yunis". The army then reported a "launch was identified from the Gaza Strip at Israeli territory". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a security conference in Munich called the Gaza border incident "very serious" and pledged to "respond appropriately". A Palestinian security source said the Israeli air strikes hit three bases belonging to Hamas in the east of the blockaded Gaza enclave. Two Palestinians were injured in the raids, Palestinian medical sources said. Earlier in the day the army said "two soldiers were severely wounded, one moderately and one slightly" when an improvised explosive device blew up along the border fence with Gaza. None of the soldiers' lives were in danger, a spokesman clarified. In response Israeli forces said a tank quickly opened fire at an "observation post" in southern Gaza, causing no injuries on the Palestinian side. Palestinian security sources said the explosion took place east of the city of Khan Yunis. Rogue group Spokesman Jonathan Conricus said a "rogue group" had claimed responsibility for the blast, likely indicating one of the more radical Islamist groups who are present in Gaza. But he insisted that "from our point of view Hamas is responsible" and said the explosive had been planted during a protest arranged by the group on Friday. Israel holds the Islamist Palestinian movement Hamas responsible for any fire coming from the blockaded coastal enclave. The Israeli army responds automatically to any strikes on its territory, generally targeting Hamas facilities. Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in a statement said they had fired at the Israeli jets overhead. But Israeli army spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, said there was no truth to the claim. Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008, and the last conflict in 2014 was waged in part over tunnels from Gaza that were used to launch attacks. Israeli aircraft hit Hamas targets in the southern Gaza Strip repeatedly in early February, after it said Palestinians there fired a rocket into the Jewish state. Tensions between the Palestinians and Israel have been high since US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state in December. Netanyahu will visit the White House next month, a senior US administration official told AFP on Friday. The March 5 visit comes after a war of words between close allies Israel and the US over settlements, and a scandal that has seen police recommend Netanyahu be indicted for graft.

Israeli jets hit Gaza after IED wounds four soldiers

Israeli&#39;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that Israel will not let &#39;the historical truth about the Holocaust to be rewritten.&nbsp;

Israel and Poland experience strained ties after Israeli leaders accused Poland&#39;s prime minister of anti-Semitism. Isreal allegedly equated Polish perpetrators in the Holocaust to &#39;Jewish perpetrators.&#39;

The two countries also face&nbsp;unpleasant relations owing to a new Polish law that criminalised some statements about the country&#39;s actions during World War II.

Netanyahu spoke at the Munich Security Conference today and remembered the fact that nearly 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis. He further added that the incident will never be forgotten, nor will the historical truth about the Holocaust will ever be allowed to be rewritten.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Israel and Poland experience strained ties after Israeli leaders accused Poland's prime minister of anti-Semitism

Israeli's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that Israel will not let 'the historical truth about the Holocaust to be rewritten. Israel and Poland experience strained ties after Israeli leaders accused Poland's prime minister of anti-Semitism. Isreal allegedly equated Polish perpetrators in the Holocaust to 'Jewish perpetrators.' The two countries also face unpleasant relations owing to a new Polish law that criminalised some statements about the country's actions during World War II. Netanyahu spoke at the Munich Security Conference today and remembered the fact that nearly 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis. He further added that the incident will never be forgotten, nor will the historical truth about the Holocaust will ever be allowed to be rewritten. (With inputs from agencies)

Won't allow rewriting of historical truth about the Holocaust: Netanyahu to Poland

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls to step down Wednesday after police recommended his indictment for corruption, the biggest challenge yet to the right-wing premier&#39;s long tenure in power.

Netanyahu again came out swinging on Wednesday morning, harshly criticised the police investigation against him while making clear he has no intention of resigning.

His governing coalition, seen as the most right-wing in Israeli history, appears firm for now, but reactions from key members in the coming days will be watched closely for signs of fissures.

&quot;I can reassure you that the coalition is stable,&quot; Netanyahu said at an event in Tel Aviv.

&quot;Neither I nor anyone else has plans for elections. We&#39;re going to continue to work together for the good of Israeli citizens until the end of the term.&quot;

Netanyahu, prime minister for a total of nearly 12 years, also harshly denounced the police recommendations against him as &quot;full of holes, like Swiss cheese.&quot;

He said the police report &quot;misleads&quot; and is &quot;contrary to the truth and logic.&quot;

Police recommended on Tuesday that he be indicted for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust after a long-running investigation.

The attorney general must now decide how to move forward with the case, a process that could take months.

A prime minister facing such police recommendations or who has been formally charged is not obliged to resign.

As it became clear police were to issue the recommendations on Tuesday night, Netanyahu gave a televised address to the nation, proclaiming his innocence and criticising the police.

Ministers close to him also defended Netanyahu.

&#39;Undermine the police&#39;

Avi Gabbay, the leader of the opposition Labour party, said the &quot;Netanyahu era is over&quot; and called on him to step down.

&quot;He is unworthy to continue to be prime minister of Israel. It&#39;s very simple,&quot; Gabbay said in a video interview with the Ynet news site.

Tzipi Livni, part of the main opposition Zionist Union alliance that also includes Labour, criticised what she called a campaign to undermine the police.

But at the same time, a key coalition minister made clear on Wednesday he was remaining in the government, though he also criticised Netanyahu&#39;s behaviour.

&quot;A prime minister is not meant to be perfect or live an over-modest lifestyle, but he needs to be someone people look at and say: &#39;This is how one should act&#39;,&quot; Education Minister Naftali Bennett said in a speech in Tel Aviv.

&quot;Taking gifts in large sums over a long period of time is not living up to this standard,&quot; he added while stressing Netanyahu was innocent until proven guilty and that he would wait for the attorney general&#39;s decision.

Bennett, who has ambitions to be prime minister, heads the far-right party Jewish Home, which holds eight seats in parliament.&nbsp;

Netanyahu&#39;s coalition controls 66 out of 120 seats in total.

Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party controls 10 seats, will also be among those facing tough questions over whether he will stick with Netanyahu.

Police have been investigating Netanyahu over suspicions that he and his family received expensive gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.

The gifts allegedly included pricey cigars, jewellery and champagne.

The total value of the gifts received between 2007 and 2016 is estimated at around one million shekels (229,000 euros, $283,000), according to police.

They have also been probing allegations Netanyahu sought a secret deal for favourable coverage with the publisher of top-selling newspaper Yediot Aharonot.

Police recommended indicting Milchan and the publisher, Arnon Moses, with bribery as well.

Quid pro quo?&nbsp;

The 68-year-old premier has been questioned seven times by police over the allegations and has called the investigation an attempt by political opponents to force him from office.

Police said Netanyahu had been suspected of trying to help Milchan receive tax benefits in Israel, of assisting him in receiving a visa in the United States and of promoting his business interests.

Milchan, who is Israeli, has produced many films, including the blockbuster &quot;Pretty Woman&quot;.

While an indictment alone would not legally oblige Netanyahu to resign, he would likely face mounting pressure to do so. He would be legally forced to step down if he were convicted and all appeals were exhausted.

He has already faced a series of large protests in Tel Aviv over the corruption cases.

Netanyahu&#39;s time as premier is fast approaching Israel&#39;s revered founding father David Ben-Gurion&#39;s 13 years. He first held the office from 1996-1999 before returning to power in 2009.

Netanyahu came out swinging on Wednesday morning, harshly criticised the police investigation against him while making clear he has no intention of resigning

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls to step down Wednesday after police recommended his indictment for corruption, the biggest challenge yet to the right-wing premier's long tenure in power. Netanyahu again came out swinging on Wednesday morning, harshly criticised the police investigation against him while making clear he has no intention of resigning. His governing coalition, seen as the most right-wing in Israeli history, appears firm for now, but reactions from key members in the coming days will be watched closely for signs of fissures. "I can reassure you that the coalition is stable," Netanyahu said at an event in Tel Aviv. "Neither I nor anyone else has plans for elections. We're going to continue to work together for the good of Israeli citizens until the end of the term." Netanyahu, prime minister for a total of nearly 12 years, also harshly denounced the police recommendations against him as "full of holes, like Swiss cheese." He said the police report "misleads" and is "contrary to the truth and logic." Police recommended on Tuesday that he be indicted for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust after a long-running investigation. The attorney general must now decide how to move forward with the case, a process that could take months. A prime minister facing such police recommendations or who has been formally charged is not obliged to resign. As it became clear police were to issue the recommendations on Tuesday night, Netanyahu gave a televised address to the nation, proclaiming his innocence and criticising the police. Ministers close to him also defended Netanyahu. 'Undermine the police' Avi Gabbay, the leader of the opposition Labour party, said the "Netanyahu era is over" and called on him to step down. "He is unworthy to continue to be prime minister of Israel. It's very simple," Gabbay said in a video interview with the Ynet news site. Tzipi Livni, part of the main opposition Zionist Union alliance that also includes Labour, criticised what she called a campaign to undermine the police. But at the same time, a key coalition minister made clear on Wednesday he was remaining in the government, though he also criticised Netanyahu's behaviour. "A prime minister is not meant to be perfect or live an over-modest lifestyle, but he needs to be someone people look at and say: 'This is how one should act'," Education Minister Naftali Bennett said in a speech in Tel Aviv. "Taking gifts in large sums over a long period of time is not living up to this standard," he added while stressing Netanyahu was innocent until proven guilty and that he would wait for the attorney general's decision. Bennett, who has ambitions to be prime minister, heads the far-right party Jewish Home, which holds eight seats in parliament. Netanyahu's coalition controls 66 out of 120 seats in total. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party controls 10 seats, will also be among those facing tough questions over whether he will stick with Netanyahu. Police have been investigating Netanyahu over suspicions that he and his family received expensive gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer. The gifts allegedly included pricey cigars, jewellery and champagne. The total value of the gifts received between 2007 and 2016 is estimated at around one million shekels (229,000 euros, $283,000), according to police. They have also been probing allegations Netanyahu sought a secret deal for favourable coverage with the publisher of top-selling newspaper Yediot Aharonot. Police recommended indicting Milchan and the publisher, Arnon Moses, with bribery as well. Quid pro quo? The 68-year-old premier has been questioned seven times by police over the allegations and has called the investigation an attempt by political opponents to force him from office. Police said Netanyahu had been suspected of trying to help Milchan receive tax benefits in Israel, of assisting him in receiving a visa in the United States and of promoting his business interests. Milchan, who is Israeli, has produced many films, including the blockbuster "Pretty Woman". While an indictment alone would not legally oblige Netanyahu to resign, he would likely face mounting pressure to do so. He would be legally forced to step down if he were convicted and all appeals were exhausted. He has already faced a series of large protests in Tel Aviv over the corruption cases. Netanyahu's time as premier is fast approaching Israel's revered founding father David Ben-Gurion's 13 years. He first held the office from 1996-1999 before returning to power in 2009.

Netanyahu rejects calls to resign after police seek indictment

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The United States has reportedly put forward a motion to place Pakistan on a global terrorist financing watchlist at the Financial Action Task Force &nbsp;(FATF) meeting due to take place in Paris next week, newswire Reuters reported.

<a href="http://Another US judge blocks Trump's move to end 'Dreamers' programme">Another US judge blocks Trump&#39;s move to end &#39;Dreamers&#39; programme&nbsp;</a>

A month after a US judge blocked President Trump&#39;s move to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals(DACA) immigrant programme, another judge on Tuesday blocked the US president&#39;s move to end the programme.

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Republican politician Paul Nehlen&#39;s account was permanently suspended by Twitter after he tweeted a &quot;racist&quot; picture targetting Meghan Markle on Tuesday.

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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-police-recommends-bribery-fraud-charge-against-pm-netanyahu-32782">Israeli police recommends bribery, fraud charge against PM Netanyahu</a>

Israeli police on Tuesday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for bribery, opening the way for what could be the biggest challenge yet to the right-wing leader&#39;s political survival.

 
&nbsp;

US moves motion to place Pakistan on global terror financing watchlist at FATF: Report The United States has reportedly put forward a motion to place Pakistan on a global terrorist financing watchlist at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting due to take place in Paris next week, newswire Reuters reported. Another US judge blocks Trump's move to end 'Dreamers' programme A month after a US judge blocked President Trump's move to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals(DACA) immigrant programme, another judge on Tuesday blocked the US president's move to end the programme. Twitter permanently suspends Paul Nehlen's account for posting racist picture of Meghan Markle Republican politician Paul Nehlen's account was permanently suspended by Twitter after he tweeted a "racist" picture targetting Meghan Markle on Tuesday. Pakistan backed militants to continue attacks inside India: US America's intelligence chief today warned that Pakistan-supported terrorist groups would continue to carry out attacks inside India, thus risking escalation of tension between the two neighbours. Israeli police recommends bribery, fraud charge against PM Netanyahu Israeli police on Tuesday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for bribery, opening the way for what could be the biggest challenge yet to the right-wing leader's political survival.

WION Morning News Brief, February 14, 2018

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks on Monday, the second day of a visit to Israel that has been boycotted by the Palestinians.

The two men made no comment as Netanyahu welcomed Pence to his office in Jerusalem, where the US&nbsp;vice president reviewed an Israeli honour guard.

It is the highest-level US&nbsp;visit to the region since President Donald Trump on December&nbsp;6 recognised Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital and promised to begin the process of moving the American embassy to the city, whose status is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Outraged at Trump&#39;s Jerusalem declaration, a move that reversed decades of US&nbsp;policy on the city&#39;s status, the Palestinians are snubbing Pence. President Mahmoud Abbas left for an overseas visit before the vice president&#39;s arrival.

Nor is Pence, an evangelical Christian who has been vocal on the subject of protecting Christians in the Middle East, scheduled to make any private trips to Palestinian areas such as Bethlehem, a city whose Christian significance usually draws Western dignitaries.

US&nbsp;officials have said an embassy move from Tel Aviv could take up to three years. But there has been speculation that Pence could announce a stop-gap arrangement, such as the conversion of one of the US&nbsp;consulate buildings in Jerusalem to a de facto embassy.

Netanyahu has said he expected at least an interim arrangement to go into effect very soon, perhaps within a year.

Trump has made no firm public commitment on timing, saying: &quot;By the end of the year? We&#39;re talking about different scenarios - I mean, obviously, that would be on a temporary basis.&quot;

Palestinians want East Jerusalem, including the walled Old City with its holy sites, as the capital of their own future state. Israel regards all of the city as its &quot;eternal and indivisible capital&quot;.

With the Palestinians boycotting Pence, the visit provides a little obvious opportunity to build bridges towards peace.

But it gave Pence and Netanyahu, a right-winger who has hailed U.S. evangelicals for their support of Israel, an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the visit and their own warm relationship for a conservative American Christian community that serves as a power base for Trump and his vice president.

Later on Monday, Pence will address the Israeli parliament, whose Arab members said they would boycott the event. On Tuesday, he will attend Judaism&#39;s Western Wall in Jerusalem and lay a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust remembrance centre in the city.

It is the highest-level US visit to the region since President Donald Trump on December 6 recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital

US Vice President Mike Pence met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks on Monday, the second day of a visit to Israel that has been boycotted by the Palestinians. The two men made no comment as Netanyahu welcomed Pence to his office in Jerusalem, where the US vice president reviewed an Israeli honour guard. It is the highest-level US visit to the region since President Donald Trump on December 6 recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital and promised to begin the process of moving the American embassy to the city, whose status is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Outraged at Trump's Jerusalem declaration, a move that reversed decades of US policy on the city's status, the Palestinians are snubbing Pence. President Mahmoud Abbas left for an overseas visit before the vice president's arrival. Nor is Pence, an evangelical Christian who has been vocal on the subject of protecting Christians in the Middle East, scheduled to make any private trips to Palestinian areas such as Bethlehem, a city whose Christian significance usually draws Western dignitaries. US officials have said an embassy move from Tel Aviv could take up to three years. But there has been speculation that Pence could announce a stop-gap arrangement, such as the conversion of one of the US consulate buildings in Jerusalem to a de facto embassy. Netanyahu has said he expected at least an interim arrangement to go into effect very soon, perhaps within a year. Trump has made no firm public commitment on timing, saying: "By the end of the year? We're talking about different scenarios - I mean, obviously, that would be on a temporary basis." Palestinians want East Jerusalem, including the walled Old City with its holy sites, as the capital of their own future state. Israel regards all of the city as its "eternal and indivisible capital". With the Palestinians boycotting Pence, the visit provides a little obvious opportunity to build bridges towards peace. But it gave Pence and Netanyahu, a right-winger who has hailed U.S. evangelicals for their support of Israel, an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the visit and their own warm relationship for a conservative American Christian community that serves as a power base for Trump and his vice president. Later on Monday, Pence will address the Israeli parliament, whose Arab members said they would boycott the event. On Tuesday, he will attend Judaism's Western Wall in Jerusalem and lay a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust remembrance centre in the city.

US Vice President Mike Pence, on Israel visit, meets Israeli PM Netanyahu

Israel has been in talks with the US over annexing settlements in the occupied West Bank, a spokesman noted on Monday.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been discussing legislation with the United States on the same, the spokesman added.

&quot;Regarding the issue of applying sovereignty, I can tell you that I have for some time been speaking with the Americans about it,&quot; Netanyahu told lawmakers according to comments relayed by a spokesman.

Netanyahu said he wanted to coordinate any such move with the United States because of the country&#39;s strategic importance to Israel.

The comments come as Netanyahu is under pressure from right-wing politicians to move ahead with legislation that would apply Israeli sovereignty to settlements in the West Bank.

Netanyahu blocked it from being advanced on Sunday, with officials citing the need to focus on security issues following a confrontation that led to Israeli air strikes in Syria at the weekend.

Netanyahu stressed recently that Israel must retain security control in the Palestinian territories under any peace arrangement.

&quot;Whether or not it&#39;s defined as a state when we have the military control is another matter, but I&#39;d rather not discuss labels, but substance,&quot; he said when meeting German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on January 31.

Trump&#39;s ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, has in the past been a supporter of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The move is likely to hit the prospects for a two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

The move is likely to hit the prospects for a two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israel has been in talks with the US over annexing settlements in the occupied West Bank, a spokesman noted on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been discussing legislation with the United States on the same, the spokesman added. "Regarding the issue of applying sovereignty, I can tell you that I have for some time been speaking with the Americans about it," Netanyahu told lawmakers according to comments relayed by a spokesman. Netanyahu said he wanted to coordinate any such move with the United States because of the country's strategic importance to Israel. The comments come as Netanyahu is under pressure from right-wing politicians to move ahead with legislation that would apply Israeli sovereignty to settlements in the West Bank. Netanyahu blocked it from being advanced on Sunday, with officials citing the need to focus on security issues following a confrontation that led to Israeli air strikes in Syria at the weekend. Netanyahu stressed recently that Israel must retain security control in the Palestinian territories under any peace arrangement. "Whether or not it's defined as a state when we have the military control is another matter, but I'd rather not discuss labels, but substance," he said when meeting German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on January 31. Trump's ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, has in the past been a supporter of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The move is likely to hit the prospects for a two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (With inputs from AFP)

Netanyahu says discussing annexing West Bank settlements with US

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas visits Russia on Monday in a bid to secure Russian President Vladimir Putin&#39;s support following Washington&#39;s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

The Palestinian leader was set to visit Moscow two weeks after a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Abbas has refused any contact with US President Donald Trump&#39;s administration since Washington&#39;s recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital at the end of last year. Abbas is due to speak at the United Nations Security Council on February 20.

Palestinians see the US decision, which broke with years of international diplomacy, as a denial of their claim to East Jerusalem as the capital of an eventual Palestinian state.

Israel took control of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War, annexed it and later declared it the indivisible capital of Israel.

The US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, has accused Abbas of lacking the courage needed to forge a peace deal with Israel.&nbsp;

Abbas in turn has rejected any mediation by Washington in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has promised his people to work towards full recognition of a Palestinian state by the United Nations.

Alexander Shumilin, a Middle East scholar at the Institute for US and Canadian Studies, called Abbas&#39;s visit &quot;an attempt to cosy up to Russia, a consistent ally, and to stop Netanyahu leading Moscow astray during an improvement in Russia-Israeli ties&quot;.

Netanyahu visited Russia on January 29 and along with Putin attended a memorial ceremony at the Jewish museum in Moscow for the victims of Nazi camps. He took the opportunity to accuse Iran of wanting to &quot;destroy&quot; the Jewish state.

In turn, the Russian president likened antisemitism to &quot;Russophobia&quot; and said Russia and Israel were &quot;cooperating closely&quot;, particularly against &quot;attempts to falsify history&quot;.

Chances &#39;close to zero

For Shumilin, Monday&#39;s visit &quot;is a necessary political gesture for Abbas but can do little in the practical sense&quot;.

&quot;It is also definitely not worth expecting a breakthrough from this visit,&quot; he added.

In 2016 Russia offered to host one-on-one talks without preconditions between Abbas and Netanyahu but these never materialised.

In January, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov estimated that chances of resuming direct talks between the two sides in the current situation were &quot;close to zero&quot;.

Lavrov also said &quot;we understand the emotions&quot; Palestinians feel towards Trump.

&quot;We keep hearing in recent months that the US is about to publish some &#39;major deal&#39; that... will satisfy everyone,&quot; he said. But he added that Russia &quot;has not seen or heard of such a document or even any statement&quot;.

With relations between Washington and Moscow at a record low for the post-Cold War era, Abbas may be expecting that &quot;Russia-US relations will get even worse and then Russia could do something to spite the US&quot;, Shumilin said.

On November 29, 2012, the United Nations designated Palestine as a non-member observer state after a vote by the General Assembly.

That enabled the Palestinians to join international organisations and the International Criminal Court, though they did not become a full UN member state.

Palestinian statehood is recognised by more than 130 countries.

Abbas has refused any contact with US President Donald Trump's administration since Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital at the end of last year

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas visits Russia on Monday in a bid to secure Russian President Vladimir Putin's support following Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The Palestinian leader was set to visit Moscow two weeks after a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Abbas has refused any contact with US President Donald Trump's administration since Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital at the end of last year. Abbas is due to speak at the United Nations Security Council on February 20. Palestinians see the US decision, which broke with years of international diplomacy, as a denial of their claim to East Jerusalem as the capital of an eventual Palestinian state. Israel took control of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War, annexed it and later declared it the indivisible capital of Israel. The US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, has accused Abbas of lacking the courage needed to forge a peace deal with Israel. Abbas in turn has rejected any mediation by Washington in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has promised his people to work towards full recognition of a Palestinian state by the United Nations. Alexander Shumilin, a Middle East scholar at the Institute for US and Canadian Studies, called Abbas's visit "an attempt to cosy up to Russia, a consistent ally, and to stop Netanyahu leading Moscow astray during an improvement in Russia-Israeli ties". Netanyahu visited Russia on January 29 and along with Putin attended a memorial ceremony at the Jewish museum in Moscow for the victims of Nazi camps. He took the opportunity to accuse Iran of wanting to "destroy" the Jewish state. In turn, the Russian president likened antisemitism to "Russophobia" and said Russia and Israel were "cooperating closely", particularly against "attempts to falsify history". Chances 'close to zero For Shumilin, Monday's visit "is a necessary political gesture for Abbas but can do little in the practical sense". "It is also definitely not worth expecting a breakthrough from this visit," he added. In 2016 Russia offered to host one-on-one talks without preconditions between Abbas and Netanyahu but these never materialised. In January, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov estimated that chances of resuming direct talks between the two sides in the current situation were "close to zero". Lavrov also said "we understand the emotions" Palestinians feel towards Trump. "We keep hearing in recent months that the US is about to publish some 'major deal' that... will satisfy everyone," he said. But he added that Russia "has not seen or heard of such a document or even any statement". With relations between Washington and Moscow at a record low for the post-Cold War era, Abbas may be expecting that "Russia-US relations will get even worse and then Russia could do something to spite the US", Shumilin said. On November 29, 2012, the United Nations designated Palestine as a non-member observer state after a vote by the General Assembly. That enabled the Palestinians to join international organisations and the International Criminal Court, though they did not become a full UN member state. Palestinian statehood is recognised by more than 130 countries.

Jerusalem row: After Netanyahu's meeting, Mahmud Abbas to also meet Putin seeking Russia's support

Israel issued stark warnings on Sunday over Iran&#39;s presence in neighbouring Syria after a confrontation threatened to open a new and unpredictable period in the country&#39;s seven-year civil war.

Israel carried out major air raids in Syria on Saturday, including against what it described as Iranian targets -- the first time it had publicly acknowledged doing so since the war began.

The raids came after an Israeli F16 fighter was shot down by Syrian air defences. The pilots survived, but it was Israel&#39;s first loss of a warplane in battle since 1982.

&quot;We inflicted on Saturday a heavy blow to Iranian and Syrian forces,&quot; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of Sunday&#39;s cabinet meeting.

&quot;We made clear to everyone that our rules of engagement will not change in any way. We will continue to harm anyone who tries to harm us. This was our policy and this will remain our policy.&quot;

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Other Israeli ministers spoke of refusing to accept Iran entrenching itself militarily in Syria, as Netanyahu has said repeatedly. Tehran denies it is doing so.

While several analysts said they did not expect a further escalation in the coming days, some spoke of the possibility of the Syrian war entering a new phase.

Syria has become more emboldened to try to stop Israeli strikes inside the country, while Israel wants to maintain its ability to operate there when it sees fit, said Ofer Zalzberg of the International Crisis Group think tank.

Israel has sought to stay out of direct involvement in the Syrian war, but it acknowledges carrying out dozens of air strikes there to stop what it describes as deliveries of advanced weapons to Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah.

Israel fought a devastating war in 2006 with Hezbollah, which along with Iran and Russia backs the Syrian regime in the conflict.

&quot;I think this incident is more likely to be contained because fundamentally it is a gradual attempt to renegotiate the so-called rules of the game,&quot; Zalzberg said, adding that Russia should mediate.

Witnesses said Israel had deployed a missile defence system in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights near the demarcation line with Syria on Sunday morning.

&#39;Playing with fire&#39; 
Saturday&#39;s events began with Israel shooting down what it described as an Iranian drone that had entered Israeli airspace from Syria -- which Tehran has denied.

On Sunday, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus alleged the drone was a copy of a US model captured by Iran in 2011. He said the conclusion was made from an analysis of the drone&#39;s debris.

Israel responded on Saturday with a raid on what it said was the Iranian control systems in Syria that sent the drone.

During that raid, the Israeli F16 met heavy Syrian anti-aircraft fire and was hit, Israeli Air Force Brigadier General Amnon Ein Dar told army radio.

The pilots ejected and the plane crashed inside Israel. One crew member was severely wounded, but his condition was said to be improving on Sunday.

Israel then carried out what it called &quot;large-scale&quot; air strikes inside Syria, including against what it described as Iranian targets.

Conricus warned on Saturday that Syria and Iran were &quot;playing with fire&quot;, but stressed that Israel was not seeking an escalation.

&quot;This is the most blatant and severe Iranian violation of Israeli sovereignty&quot; in recent years, Conricus said.

Iran dismissed Israeli &quot;lies&quot; and said Syria had the right to defend itself against Israeli attacks.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said &quot;Iran does not have a military presence in Syria, and has only sent military advisers at the request of the Syrian government.&quot;

Russia stressed the need to &quot;avoid any measure that could lead to a dangerous escalation&quot;.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate de-escalation.&nbsp;

Netanyahu spoke with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson after Saturday&#39;s confrontation.

Washington backed Israel and blamed Iran for the escalation.

Tillerson on Sunday begins a Middle East tour that will take him to Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt and Kuwait.

Netanyahu has met regularly with Putin in recent months in a bid to convince Russia to keep Iranian forces away from Israeli territory.

Russia and Israel have also established a hotline to avoid accidental clashes in Syria.

Israel is technically at war with Syria and occupies a swathe of the Golan Heights that it seized in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

Israel carried out major air raids in Syria on Saturday, including against what it described as Iranian targets

Israel issued stark warnings on Sunday over Iran's presence in neighbouring Syria after a confrontation threatened to open a new and unpredictable period in the country's seven-year civil war. Israel carried out major air raids in Syria on Saturday, including against what it described as Iranian targets -- the first time it had publicly acknowledged doing so since the war began. The raids came after an Israeli F16 fighter was shot down by Syrian air defences. The pilots survived, but it was Israel's first loss of a warplane in battle since 1982. "We inflicted on Saturday a heavy blow to Iranian and Syrian forces," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of Sunday's cabinet meeting. "We made clear to everyone that our rules of engagement will not change in any way. We will continue to harm anyone who tries to harm us. This was our policy and this will remain our policy." The raids came after an Israeli F16 fighter was shot down by Syrian air defences. The pilots survived, but it was Israel's first loss of a warplane in battle since 1982 × Other Israeli ministers spoke of refusing to accept Iran entrenching itself militarily in Syria, as Netanyahu has said repeatedly. Tehran denies it is doing so. While several analysts said they did not expect a further escalation in the coming days, some spoke of the possibility of the Syrian war entering a new phase. Syria has become more emboldened to try to stop Israeli strikes inside the country, while Israel wants to maintain its ability to operate there when it sees fit, said Ofer Zalzberg of the International Crisis Group think tank. Israel has sought to stay out of direct involvement in the Syrian war, but it acknowledges carrying out dozens of air strikes there to stop what it describes as deliveries of advanced weapons to Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah. Israel fought a devastating war in 2006 with Hezbollah, which along with Iran and Russia backs the Syrian regime in the conflict. "I think this incident is more likely to be contained because fundamentally it is a gradual attempt to renegotiate the so-called rules of the game," Zalzberg said, adding that Russia should mediate. Witnesses said Israel had deployed a missile defence system in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights near the demarcation line with Syria on Sunday morning. 'Playing with fire' Saturday's events began with Israel shooting down what it described as an Iranian drone that had entered Israeli airspace from Syria -- which Tehran has denied. On Sunday, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus alleged the drone was a copy of a US model captured by Iran in 2011. He said the conclusion was made from an analysis of the drone's debris. Israel responded on Saturday with a raid on what it said was the Iranian control systems in Syria that sent the drone. During that raid, the Israeli F16 met heavy Syrian anti-aircraft fire and was hit, Israeli Air Force Brigadier General Amnon Ein Dar told army radio. The pilots ejected and the plane crashed inside Israel. One crew member was severely wounded, but his condition was said to be improving on Sunday. Israel then carried out what it called "large-scale" air strikes inside Syria, including against what it described as Iranian targets. Conricus warned on Saturday that Syria and Iran were "playing with fire", but stressed that Israel was not seeking an escalation. "This is the most blatant and severe Iranian violation of Israeli sovereignty" in recent years, Conricus said. Iran dismissed Israeli "lies" and said Syria had the right to defend itself against Israeli attacks. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said "Iran does not have a military presence in Syria, and has only sent military advisers at the request of the Syrian government." Russia stressed the need to "avoid any measure that could lead to a dangerous escalation". United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate de-escalation. Netanyahu spoke with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson after Saturday's confrontation. Washington backed Israel and blamed Iran for the escalation. Tillerson on Sunday begins a Middle East tour that will take him to Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt and Kuwait. Netanyahu has met regularly with Putin in recent months in a bid to convince Russia to keep Iranian forces away from Israeli territory. Russia and Israel have also established a hotline to avoid accidental clashes in Syria. Israel is technically at war with Syria and occupies a swathe of the Golan Heights that it seized in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

'We will continue to harm anyone who tries to harm us,' Israel tells Iran, Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel would do whatever was necessary to protect its sovereignty and security.&nbsp;Netanyahu&#39;s statement comes&nbsp;after an anti-aircraft fire downed an Israeli warplane returning from a bombing raid on Iran-backed positions in Syria earlier in the day.

In a video statement in English, Netanyahu said he held Iran and Syria responsible for the day&#39;s aggression. In a separate statement in Hebrew, he added that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and both agreed to continue coordination between the two states&#39; armies, according to Reuters.

The F-16, one of at least eight Israeli planes despatched in response to what Israel said was an Iranian drone&#39;s incursion into its airspace earlier in the day, was hit by a Syrian anti-aircraft missile and crashed in northern Israel, an Israeli official told Reuters. Both pilots ejected and were injured, one critically.

Israel then launched a second and more intensive air raid, hitting what it said were 12 Iranian and Syrian targets in Syria, including Syrian air defence systems.

In a video statement in English, Netanyahu said he held Iran and Syria responsible for the day's aggression.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel would do whatever was necessary to protect its sovereignty and security. Netanyahu's statement comes after an anti-aircraft fire downed an Israeli warplane returning from a bombing raid on Iran-backed positions in Syria earlier in the day. In a video statement in English, Netanyahu said he held Iran and Syria responsible for the day's aggression. In a separate statement in Hebrew, he added that he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and both agreed to continue coordination between the two states' armies, according to Reuters. The F-16, one of at least eight Israeli planes despatched in response to what Israel said was an Iranian drone's incursion into its airspace earlier in the day, was hit by a Syrian anti-aircraft missile and crashed in northern Israel, an Israeli official told Reuters. Both pilots ejected and were injured, one critically. Israel then launched a second and more intensive air raid, hitting what it said were 12 Iranian and Syrian targets in Syria, including Syrian air defence systems.

Israel will do 'whatever is necessary' to defend itself against aggression: Netanyahu

India&#39;s improved relations with Israel could actually benefit Palestine, experts said here, underlining that the Palestinian leadership sees an opportunity in Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s visit in reviving the peace process with Israel.

Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Palestine, is reaching Ramallah amid heightened tensions in the region after US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

India has consistently voted in favour of resolutions supporting the Palestinian cause at international forums, an issue that has bothered strategic partner Israel.

Ahmad Majdalani, a Palestine Liberation Organisation Executive Committee member, said improved relations between Israel and India could help the Palestinians.

&quot;The growing ties between them could be positive, because now India has more leverage with Israel and can pressure it in our favour,&quot; Majdalani was quoted as saying by The Jerusalem Post. 
In discussions with several officials in Ramallah, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, it appears that the Palestinian leadership sees in the Indian prime minister&#39;s visit an opportunity to seek his assistance in pushing forward the deadlocked peace process.

&quot;India today enjoys wider acceptance in the global community. The recent participation of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders in its Republic Day function is a clear demonstration of its enhanced status. Its membership in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and visibility at several leading international forums, clearly shows that it is today a global player&quot;, an official said.

Another official pointed at the &quot;moral standing&quot; India enjoys in the international community which can be put to good use.

The hype around India&#39;s strategic ties with Israel and the bonhomie around Modi&#39;s visit to Israel and its prime minister&#39;s visit to India also does not seem to perturb the Palestinians.

&quot;Well even Jordan and Egypt have full diplomatic relations with Israel so why can&#39;t India have,&quot; said Ayman, a university student.

His friends seem to back the same contention displaying a great degree of acquaintance of international politics. Some appreciated India&#39;s support for the Palestinians at the UN despite all the publicity around the personal chemistry between Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netnayahu.

When asked about India&#39;s growing engagement with Israel, President Mahmoud Abbas himself emphaticlally asserted that &quot;any state has the right to establish relations with other countries&quot;.

The Indian prime minister would be skipping Israel during his tour of the Middle East in a clear message that New Delhi is de-hyphenating its ties with Israel and Palestine.

Modi had visited Israel last year in July in a standalone visit that had led to many analysts questioning the future of the Indo-Palestine ties.

The question that arises out of Abbas&#39; effort is if Israel would accept a multilateral forum of the sort being promoted by him to seek negotiated peace. Israel has made it clear that it will only work under a US-led peace process.

India has also consistently voted in favour of the Palestinians at all international forums and Netanyahu clearly expressed his &quot;disappointment&quot; at New Delhi&#39;s recent vote at the UN General Assembly where 128 nations rejected US&#39; unilateral declaration of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

As Modi embarks on the three-hour hectic trip to Palestine today, he kickstarts his engagement by laying a wreath at the Mausoleum of iconic Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

The Israeli press has highlighted the event with some reports expressing disappointment over the gesture. Many Israelis see Arafat responsible for th killing of several innocent civilians and stoking violence in the region.

Modi will be accompanied by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah during the ceremony.

The Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat was unveiled on November 10, 2007 and is located adjacent to the Palestinian Presidential compound, also known as Muqata&#39;a here.

After paying homage to Arafat, the prime minister will take a short tour accompanied by Hamdallah of the Yasser Arafat Museum located adjacent to the Mausoleum.

He will spend some 20 minutes touring the 15-month-old Yasser Arafat Museum, which chronicles the life of the former Palestinian leader.

According to Muhammad Halayka, the director of the Arafat Museum, Modi will be the first Prime Minister to visit the site.

Modi will then be received by President Abbas before the ceremonial welcome at the Muqata&#39;a.

The two leaders will then have discussions, sign bilateral agreements, hold a joint press conference and share lunch before Modi leaves for Amman in a chopper following a farewell ceremony.

Modi will then leave for the UAE later in the day for a two-day visit.

Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Palestine, is reaching Ramallah amid heightened tensions in the region after US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel

India's improved relations with Israel could actually benefit Palestine, experts said here, underlining that the Palestinian leadership sees an opportunity in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in reviving the peace process with Israel. Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Palestine, is reaching Ramallah amid heightened tensions in the region after US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. India has consistently voted in favour of resolutions supporting the Palestinian cause at international forums, an issue that has bothered strategic partner Israel. Ahmad Majdalani, a Palestine Liberation Organisation Executive Committee member, said improved relations between Israel and India could help the Palestinians. "The growing ties between them could be positive, because now India has more leverage with Israel and can pressure it in our favour," Majdalani was quoted as saying by The Jerusalem Post. In discussions with several officials in Ramallah, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, it appears that the Palestinian leadership sees in the Indian prime minister's visit an opportunity to seek his assistance in pushing forward the deadlocked peace process. "India today enjoys wider acceptance in the global community. The recent participation of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders in its Republic Day function is a clear demonstration of its enhanced status. Its membership in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and visibility at several leading international forums, clearly shows that it is today a global player", an official said. Another official pointed at the "moral standing" India enjoys in the international community which can be put to good use. The hype around India's strategic ties with Israel and the bonhomie around Modi's visit to Israel and its prime minister's visit to India also does not seem to perturb the Palestinians. "Well even Jordan and Egypt have full diplomatic relations with Israel so why can't India have," said Ayman, a university student. His friends seem to back the same contention displaying a great degree of acquaintance of international politics. Some appreciated India's support for the Palestinians at the UN despite all the publicity around the personal chemistry between Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netnayahu. When asked about India's growing engagement with Israel, President Mahmoud Abbas himself emphaticlally asserted that "any state has the right to establish relations with other countries". The Indian prime minister would be skipping Israel during his tour of the Middle East in a clear message that New Delhi is de-hyphenating its ties with Israel and Palestine. Modi had visited Israel last year in July in a standalone visit that had led to many analysts questioning the future of the Indo-Palestine ties. The question that arises out of Abbas' effort is if Israel would accept a multilateral forum of the sort being promoted by him to seek negotiated peace. Israel has made it clear that it will only work under a US-led peace process. India has also consistently voted in favour of the Palestinians at all international forums and Netanyahu clearly expressed his "disappointment" at New Delhi's recent vote at the UN General Assembly where 128 nations rejected US' unilateral declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. As Modi embarks on the three-hour hectic trip to Palestine today, he kickstarts his engagement by laying a wreath at the Mausoleum of iconic Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The Israeli press has highlighted the event with some reports expressing disappointment over the gesture. Many Israelis see Arafat responsible for th killing of several innocent civilians and stoking violence in the region. Modi will be accompanied by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah during the ceremony. The Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat was unveiled on November 10, 2007 and is located adjacent to the Palestinian Presidential compound, also known as Muqata'a here. After paying homage to Arafat, the prime minister will take a short tour accompanied by Hamdallah of the Yasser Arafat Museum located adjacent to the Mausoleum. He will spend some 20 minutes touring the 15-month-old Yasser Arafat Museum, which chronicles the life of the former Palestinian leader. According to Muhammad Halayka, the director of the Arafat Museum, Modi will be the first Prime Minister to visit the site. Modi will then be received by President Abbas before the ceremonial welcome at the Muqata'a. The two leaders will then have discussions, sign bilateral agreements, hold a joint press conference and share lunch before Modi leaves for Amman in a chopper following a farewell ceremony. Modi will then leave for the UAE later in the day for a two-day visit.

India's improved ties with Israel could benefit Palestine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s first engagement after arriving in Ramallah on Saturday morning will be to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat.

Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah.

The Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat was unveiled on November 10, 2007 and is located adjacent to the compound of Presidential Headquarters (Al-Muqata&#39;a).

After paying homage to Yasser Arafat at the Mausoleum, the Prime Minister will take a short tour, accompanied by Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, of the Yasser Arafat Museum located adjacent to the Mausoleum.

Prime Minister Modi, who is on his maiden trip to Palestine, will be received by President Mahmoud Abbas before the ceremonial welcome in the compound of the Presidential Headquarters, also known as Muqata&#39;a.

The Presidential Headquarters in Ramallah is the compound that encompasses the Office of the President, offices of Advisors to President, in addition to the headquarters of the Presidential Guard.

The Prime Minister on his first day of the three-nation tour will hold meetings and exchange agreements with ministers in Ramallah in the West Bank.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Prime Minister Modi&#39;s visit to Ramallah in Palestine was the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister there.

Prime Minister Modi&#39;s visit to Palestine comes a month after India hosted Israel&#39;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On February 9, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jordan, which is his transit to Palestine. The prime minister&#39;s office expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II of Jordan for facilitating the transit.

After Palestine, the Prime Minister would visit United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.

The Prime Minister will leave for the UAE tomorrow and then on the final leg, to Muscat on February 11, before returning to Delhi the following day.

Prior to Prime Minister Modi, former President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Palestine in October 2015 and January 2016 respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement after arriving in Ramallah on Saturday morning will be to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first engagement after arriving in Ramallah on Saturday morning will be to lay a wreath at the Mausoleum of Late President Yasser Arafat. Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah. The Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat was unveiled on November 10, 2007 and is located adjacent to the compound of Presidential Headquarters (Al-Muqata'a). After paying homage to Yasser Arafat at the Mausoleum, the Prime Minister will take a short tour, accompanied by Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, of the Yasser Arafat Museum located adjacent to the Mausoleum. Prime Minister Modi, who is on his maiden trip to Palestine, will be received by President Mahmoud Abbas before the ceremonial welcome in the compound of the Presidential Headquarters, also known as Muqata'a. The Presidential Headquarters in Ramallah is the compound that encompasses the Office of the President, offices of Advisors to President, in addition to the headquarters of the Presidential Guard. The Prime Minister on his first day of the three-nation tour will hold meetings and exchange agreements with ministers in Ramallah in the West Bank. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ramallah in Palestine was the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister there. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Palestine comes a month after India hosted Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On February 9, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Jordan, which is his transit to Palestine. The prime minister's office expressed gratitude to King Abdullah II of Jordan for facilitating the transit. After Palestine, the Prime Minister would visit United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman. The Prime Minister will leave for the UAE tomorrow and then on the final leg, to Muscat on February 11, before returning to Delhi the following day. Prior to Prime Minister Modi, former President Pranab Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Palestine in October 2015 and January 2016 respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Palestine: All you need to know

Israel has started handing out notices to 20,000 male African migrants giving them two months to leave the country or risk being thrown in jail.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s government is offering the migrants, most of whom are from Sudan and Eritrea, $3,500 and a plane ticket to what it says is a safe destination in another country in sub-Saharan Africa.

The fate of some 37,000 Africans in Israel is posing a moral dilemma for a state founded as haven for Jews from persecution and a national home. The right-wing government is under pressure from its nationalist voter base to expel the migrants, while others are calling for them to be taken in.

The government says the migrants are &quot;infiltrators&quot; looking for work rather than asylum, but there is a growing liberal backlash against the plan, including from rabbis, a small group of survivors of the Nazi Holocaust and ordinary people who say Israel should show greater compassion to the migrants.

The first eviction notices were handed out on Sunday and job advertisements for immigration inspectors to implement the deportation plan have been posted on government websites.

Rights groups advocating on behalf of the migrants say many fled abuse and war and their expulsion, even to a different country in Africa, would endanger them further.

&quot;I don&#39;t know what to do. Rwanda, Uganda are not my countries, what will a third country help me?&quot; said Eritrean Berihu Ainom, after receiving an eviction notice on Sunday.

The deportation notices do not name the country migrants will be flown to but Netanyahu has said it will be a safe destination. Rights groups have named Uganda and Rwanda as possible host countries.

In a poor neighbourhood in the south of Tel Aviv that has attracted thousands of African migrants, shops are dotted with signs in Tigrinya and other African languages while abandoned warehouses have been converted into churches.

&quot;I came to Israel to save my life,&quot; said Eritrean Afoworki Kidane, sitting on a street bench.

He said he would rather go to jail than take the cash and plane ticket on offer to leave the country that has been his home for nine years.

Backlash building

Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said Israel&#39;s first obligation was to its own citizens, rather than the migrants.

&quot;They are not numbers, they are people, they are human and I am full of compassion and mercy,&quot; Deri told Army Radio. &quot;But the small state of Israel cannot contain such a vast number of illegal infiltrators.&quot;

But opposition to the plan has been building and some Israelis are now offering to take migrants at risk of expulsion into their homes.

On Thursday, a group of 36 Holocaust survivors sent a letter to Netanyahu asking him not to deport the migrants. The US-based Anti Defamation League has also urged Israel to reconsider the plan, citing &quot;Jewish values and refugee heritage&quot;.

Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, chairman of the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and a Holocaust survivor, said in a statement the issue required &quot;as much compassion, empathy and mercy that can possibly be marshalled. The experiences of the Jewish people over the ages underscore this commitment.&quot;

Rabbi Susan Silverman has launched a campaign called Miklat Israel (Israel Shelter) for Israelis to take migrants into their homes.

&quot;It&#39;s unconscionable for the Jewish state to deport people to harrowing vulnerability,&quot; she said.

Miklat Israel&#39;s Rabbi Tamara Schagas said 600 Israeli families had already signed up and the organisation would begin to connect migrants with potential hosts this week.

Moral compass

The Supreme Court ruled in August that Israeli authorities can hold illegal migrants for up to 60 days in custody.

Immigration officials have said women, children and men with families in Israel were allowed to stay for now, as was anyone with outstanding asylum requests.

Out of 6,800 requests reviewed so far, Israel has granted refugee status to 11 migrants. It has at least 8,000 more requests to process.

Israeli authorities have said Israeli officials will keep in touch with migrants accepted in a third country to oversee their progress. Rwanda has said it will only accept migrants who have left Israel of their own free will.

Nonetheless, the UN&#39;s refugee agency has urged Israel to reconsider, saying migrants who have relocated to sub-Saharan Africa in the past few years were unsafe and ended up on the perilous migrant trail to Europe, some suffering abuse, torture and even perishing on the way.

Rights groups in Israel say the government is simply ridding itself of people it should be recognising as refugees in Israel and that there was no real guarantee for their safety.

A fence Israel has built over the past few years along its border with Egypt has all but stopped African migrants from entering the country illegally. Beginning in the previous decade, when the border was porous, a total of 64,000 Africans made it to Israel though thousands have since left.

Emmanuel Asfaha from Eritrea crossed into Israel in 2011 with his wife and baby son. His second child was born in Israel.

A narrow grocery store stockroom stacked with bags of flour leads to their two-room apartment in Tel Aviv, a poster of Jesus hanging on the cracked walls above his son&#39;s bed. Asfaha is concerned Israel will eventually deport families too.

&quot;I am worried about the situation,&quot; he said while cooking Shiro, a traditional stew. &quot;Tomorrow it will be for me also.&quot;

A few kilometres away, in a hip, upscale part of Tel Aviv, Ben Yefet, a 39-year-old stockbroker, said he had signed up with Miklat Israel to house two or three migrants in his two-room apartment.

&quot;As Israelis and Jews we are obligated. We have a moral compass, we just have to do it,&quot; he said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is offering the migrants, most of whom are from Sudan and Eritrea, $3,500 and a plane ticket

Israel has started handing out notices to 20,000 male African migrants giving them two months to leave the country or risk being thrown in jail. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is offering the migrants, most of whom are from Sudan and Eritrea, $3,500 and a plane ticket to what it says is a safe destination in another country in sub-Saharan Africa. The fate of some 37,000 Africans in Israel is posing a moral dilemma for a state founded as haven for Jews from persecution and a national home. The right-wing government is under pressure from its nationalist voter base to expel the migrants, while others are calling for them to be taken in. The government says the migrants are "infiltrators" looking for work rather than asylum, but there is a growing liberal backlash against the plan, including from rabbis, a small group of survivors of the Nazi Holocaust and ordinary people who say Israel should show greater compassion to the migrants. The first eviction notices were handed out on Sunday and job advertisements for immigration inspectors to implement the deportation plan have been posted on government websites. Rights groups advocating on behalf of the migrants say many fled abuse and war and their expulsion, even to a different country in Africa, would endanger them further. "I don't know what to do. Rwanda, Uganda are not my countries, what will a third country help me?" said Eritrean Berihu Ainom, after receiving an eviction notice on Sunday. The deportation notices do not name the country migrants will be flown to but Netanyahu has said it will be a safe destination. Rights groups have named Uganda and Rwanda as possible host countries. In a poor neighbourhood in the south of Tel Aviv that has attracted thousands of African migrants, shops are dotted with signs in Tigrinya and other African languages while abandoned warehouses have been converted into churches. "I came to Israel to save my life," said Eritrean Afoworki Kidane, sitting on a street bench. He said he would rather go to jail than take the cash and plane ticket on offer to leave the country that has been his home for nine years. Backlash building Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said Israel's first obligation was to its own citizens, rather than the migrants. "They are not numbers, they are people, they are human and I am full of compassion and mercy," Deri told Army Radio. "But the small state of Israel cannot contain such a vast number of illegal infiltrators." But opposition to the plan has been building and some Israelis are now offering to take migrants at risk of expulsion into their homes. On Thursday, a group of 36 Holocaust survivors sent a letter to Netanyahu asking him not to deport the migrants. The US-based Anti Defamation League has also urged Israel to reconsider the plan, citing "Jewish values and refugee heritage". Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, chairman of the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and a Holocaust survivor, said in a statement the issue required "as much compassion, empathy and mercy that can possibly be marshalled. The experiences of the Jewish people over the ages underscore this commitment." Rabbi Susan Silverman has launched a campaign called Miklat Israel (Israel Shelter) for Israelis to take migrants into their homes. "It's unconscionable for the Jewish state to deport people to harrowing vulnerability," she said. Miklat Israel's Rabbi Tamara Schagas said 600 Israeli families had already signed up and the organisation would begin to connect migrants with potential hosts this week. Moral compass The Supreme Court ruled in August that Israeli authorities can hold illegal migrants for up to 60 days in custody. Immigration officials have said women, children and men with families in Israel were allowed to stay for now, as was anyone with outstanding asylum requests. Out of 6,800 requests reviewed so far, Israel has granted refugee status to 11 migrants. It has at least 8,000 more requests to process. Israeli authorities have said Israeli officials will keep in touch with migrants accepted in a third country to oversee their progress. Rwanda has said it will only accept migrants who have left Israel of their own free will. Nonetheless, the UN's refugee agency has urged Israel to reconsider, saying migrants who have relocated to sub-Saharan Africa in the past few years were unsafe and ended up on the perilous migrant trail to Europe, some suffering abuse, torture and even perishing on the way. Rights groups in Israel say the government is simply ridding itself of people it should be recognising as refugees in Israel and that there was no real guarantee for their safety. A fence Israel has built over the past few years along its border with Egypt has all but stopped African migrants from entering the country illegally. Beginning in the previous decade, when the border was porous, a total of 64,000 Africans made it to Israel though thousands have since left. Emmanuel Asfaha from Eritrea crossed into Israel in 2011 with his wife and baby son. His second child was born in Israel. A narrow grocery store stockroom stacked with bags of flour leads to their two-room apartment in Tel Aviv, a poster of Jesus hanging on the cracked walls above his son's bed. Asfaha is concerned Israel will eventually deport families too. "I am worried about the situation," he said while cooking Shiro, a traditional stew. "Tomorrow it will be for me also." A few kilometres away, in a hip, upscale part of Tel Aviv, Ben Yefet, a 39-year-old stockbroker, said he had signed up with Miklat Israel to house two or three migrants in his two-room apartment. "As Israelis and Jews we are obligated. We have a moral compass, we just have to do it," he said.

Cash or custody: Israel begins deporting African migrants

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