Israeli opposition walked out from Knesset ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and parliament speaker Amir Ohana's speech, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Knesset. However, opposition leader Yair Lapid re-entered the Parliament following Netanyahu’s speech, welcomed Prime Minister Modi and assured him it had “nothing to do with you”.&nbsp;The opposition leader, after walking out of the Parliament, issued a statement. “We will only return for the Indian prime minister’s speech to respect the alliance between the countries and express our appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s standing by Israel,” read the statement. Israeli opposition, including Yesh Atid and Yisrael Beiteinu, has staged the walkout to protest the exclusion of Supreme Court President Isaac Amit from the session, which they viewed as a snub to the judiciary.&nbsp;To avoid the embarrassment of having empty seats on an international broadcast, the Knesset sent an email blast to all former legislators. This also included a few specific former members of the Knesset whom the speaker wanted to invite.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-swipe-modi-gaza-knesset-israel-visit-1772005822914">Hope he mentions the 'genocide' in Gaza: Priyanka Gandhi takes a jab at Modi</a>During the visit, PM Modi was conferred with the &nbsp;Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament. “The entire State of Israel is filled with admiration for your leadership, for your friendship, for the fact that you were here for us in our time of trouble, and for the alliance, the eternal alliance between our two states," he told Modi.PM Modi's visit to Israel was met with severe criticism from the West Asian media. His visit is seen as “strategic legitimising” of the “genocide” in Gaza. India has abandoned its historical "anti-colonial" moral standing. It is decoupling itself from Palestine and is failing to confront Israel on the issues of international law and human rights. Both Modi's India and Netanyahu's Israel have a shared friendship through Islamophobia and a common enemy of Islamic terrorism. Modi condemned the October 7 attack as “barbaric”, but did not mention the historical exploitation and injustice against the Palestinian in their homeland.&nbsp;

Israeli opposition staged a walkout in the Knesset during PM Narendra Modi’s visit, protesting the judiciary's exclusion, before returning to welcome the Indian leader.

Israeli opposition walked out from Knesset ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and parliament speaker Amir Ohana's speech, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Knesset. However, opposition leader Yair Lapid re-entered the Parliament following Netanyahu’s speech, welcomed Prime Minister Modi and assured him it had “nothing to do with you”. The opposition leader, after walking out of the Parliament, issued a statement. “We will only return for the Indian prime minister’s speech to respect the alliance between the countries and express our appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s standing by Israel,” read the statement. Israeli opposition, including Yesh Atid and Yisrael Beiteinu, has staged the walkout to protest the exclusion of Supreme Court President Isaac Amit from the session, which they viewed as a snub to the judiciary. To avoid the embarrassment of having empty seats on an international broadcast, the Knesset sent an email blast to all former legislators. This also included a few specific former members of the Knesset whom the speaker wanted to invite. Also read: Hope he mentions the 'genocide' in Gaza: Priyanka Gandhi takes a jab at Modi During the visit, PM Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament. “The entire State of Israel is filled with admiration for your leadership, for your friendship, for the fact that you were here for us in our time of trouble, and for the alliance, the eternal alliance between our two states," he told Modi. PM Modi's visit to Israel was met with severe criticism from the West Asian media. His visit is seen as “strategic legitimising” of the “genocide” in Gaza. India has abandoned its historical "anti-colonial" moral standing. It is decoupling itself from Palestine and is failing to confront Israel on the issues of international law and human rights. Both Modi's India and Netanyahu's Israel have a shared friendship through Islamophobia and a common enemy of Islamic terrorism. Modi condemned the October 7 attack as “barbaric”, but did not mention the historical exploitation and injustice against the Palestinian in their homeland.

Israeli opposition staged a walkout in the Knesset during PM Narendra Modi’s visit, protesting the judiciary's exclusion, before returning to welcome the Indian leader.

Israeli opposition stages walkout during Narendra Modi's Knesset visit

Addressing a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (February 26) said that India and Israel have taken a landmark step to elevate their long-standing relationship to a special strategic partnership, reflecting the shared ambitions of both countries. In his joint statement after delegation-level talks with Netanyahu, Modi highlighted that the India-Israel strategic partnership, technological collaboration, and defence cooperation go far beyond traditional friendship. The two countries signed 16 agreements and made 11 announcements, resulting in a total of 27 significant bilateral outcomes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several agreements were concluded to strengthen cooperation across sectors such as innovation and agriculture, following discussions between the two leaders. Speaking in Jerusalem, Netanyahu announced that both sides have agreed to hold a G2G meeting in India. He said, “As soon as we can arrange it, we would like to take the distinguished ministers who are here.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-political-row-deepens-as-jamaat-chief-shafiqur-rahman-questions-president-mohammed-shahabuddin-over-sheikh-hasina-s-resignation-1772101440243">Bangladesh political row deepens as Jamaat chief, Shafiqur Rahman, questions president Mohammed Shahabuddin over Sheikh Hasina's resignation</a>&nbsp;At the joint press statement, Netanyahu commended India’s governance, saying, “You have an amazingly efficient government.” He further said that the “meeting of minds and hearts” between the two leaders would continue through the long-awaited G2G engagement, enhancing the substantial mutual benefits both countries can achieve together.Emphasising the importance of peace, Modi said that humanity must never become a victim of conflict and reiterated that India has supported the Gaza peace plan. "India's stance is clear: Humanity must never become a victim of conflict. A path to peace has been created through the Gaza Peace Plan. India has fully supported these efforts. In the future as well, we will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries," he was quoted as saying. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-israel-ties-modi-netanyahu-talks-likely-to-focus-on-defence-upgrades-1772102645148/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-israel-ties-modi-netanyahu-talks-likely-to-focus-on-defence-upgrades-1772102645148/embed</a>&nbsp;“An agreement has been reached for the use of UPI in Israel,” Indian PM Narendra Modi said. PM Modi said that India will advance collaboration with Israel in defense cooperation, focusing on joint development, production, and technology transfer.

'Humanity should never become victim of conflict', says PM Modi as India-Israel expand bilateral cooperation

Addressing a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (February 26) said that India and Israel have taken a landmark step to elevate their long-standing relationship to a special strategic partnership, reflecting the shared ambitions of both countries. In his joint statement after delegation-level talks with Netanyahu, Modi highlighted that the India-Israel strategic partnership, technological collaboration, and defence cooperation go far beyond traditional friendship. The two countries signed 16 agreements and made 11 announcements, resulting in a total of 27 significant bilateral outcomes. Several agreements were concluded to strengthen cooperation across sectors such as innovation and agriculture, following discussions between the two leaders. Speaking in Jerusalem, Netanyahu announced that both sides have agreed to hold a G2G meeting in India. He said, “As soon as we can arrange it, we would like to take the distinguished ministers who are here.” Also Read: Bangladesh political row deepens as Jamaat chief, Shafiqur Rahman, questions president Mohammed Shahabuddin over Sheikh Hasina's resignation At the joint press statement, Netanyahu commended India’s governance, saying, “You have an amazingly efficient government.” He further said that the “meeting of minds and hearts” between the two leaders would continue through the long-awaited G2G engagement, enhancing the substantial mutual benefits both countries can achieve together. Emphasising the importance of peace, Modi said that humanity must never become a victim of conflict and reiterated that India has supported the Gaza peace plan. "India's stance is clear: Humanity must never become a victim of conflict. A path to peace has been created through the Gaza Peace Plan. India has fully supported these efforts. In the future as well, we will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries," he was quoted as saying. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-israel-ties-modi-netanyahu-talks-likely-to-focus-on-defence-upgrades-1772102645148/embed “An agreement has been reached for the use of UPI in Israel,” Indian PM Narendra Modi said. PM Modi said that India will advance collaboration with Israel in defense cooperation, focusing on joint development, production, and technology transfer.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed measures to boost bilateral relations, enhance strategic collaboration, and strengthen people-to-people connections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his two-day visit to Israel. During the visit, PM Modi paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust in Jerusalem.&nbsp;Both Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and PM Narendra Modi's honouring the victims of the Holocaust was to respect, remembrance, and hope for peace and humanity. Yad Vashem is considered Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, situated in Jerusalem. It was established in 1953 and is dedicated to preserving the memory of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War II.&nbsp;PM Modi landed in Israel's Tel Aviv at nearly 4:15 pm (IST) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for a two-day state visit. This marks Modi’s second visit to Israel as prime minister. Previously, he visited Israel during his first term in 2017.On Wednesday, Modi addressed the Knesset, or the parliament of Israel, on the first day of his two-day visit, where he received a standing ovation after stressing India’s enduring support for Israel. This marks the first time any Indian leader addressed the Knesset.&nbsp;“India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond,” said Modi and condemned the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas as “barbaric”, adding that “no cause can justify the murder of civilians”.<h3>FTA signed between Israel and India</h3>Israel and India on Tuesday began the first round of talks on a proposed free trade agreement, marking a move to strengthen economic ties as New Delhi intensifies efforts to expand market access through partnerships with major technology-focused economies.&nbsp;According to a Bloomberg report citing officials in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is prioritising defence discussions, enhanced cooperation on counter-terrorism, and progress on a free trade pact as key elements of the engagement.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-japan-tensions-escalate-as-tokyo-announces-plans-to-deploy-missiles-on-island-near-taiwan-what-s-happening-1772088423074">China-Japan tensions escalate as Tokyo announces plans to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan: What's happening</a>

Yad Vashem is considered Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, situated in Jerusalem. It was established in 1953 and is dedicated to preserving the memory of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War II.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his two-day visit to Israel. During the visit, PM Modi paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust in Jerusalem. Both Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and PM Narendra Modi's honouring the victims of the Holocaust was to respect, remembrance, and hope for peace and humanity. Yad Vashem is considered Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, situated in Jerusalem. It was established in 1953 and is dedicated to preserving the memory of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War II. PM Modi landed in Israel's Tel Aviv at nearly 4:15 pm (IST) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for a two-day state visit. This marks Modi’s second visit to Israel as prime minister. Previously, he visited Israel during his first term in 2017. On Wednesday, Modi addressed the Knesset, or the parliament of Israel, on the first day of his two-day visit, where he received a standing ovation after stressing India’s enduring support for Israel. This marks the first time any Indian leader addressed the Knesset. “India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction, in this moment and beyond,” said Modi and condemned the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas as “barbaric”, adding that “no cause can justify the murder of civilians”. FTA signed between Israel and India Israel and India on Tuesday began the first round of talks on a proposed free trade agreement, marking a move to strengthen economic ties as New Delhi intensifies efforts to expand market access through partnerships with major technology-focused economies. According to a Bloomberg report citing officials in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is prioritising defence discussions, enhanced cooperation on counter-terrorism, and progress on a free trade pact as key elements of the engagement. Also read: China-Japan tensions escalate as Tokyo announces plans to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan: What's happening

Yad Vashem is considered Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, situated in Jerusalem. It was established in 1953 and is dedicated to preserving the memory of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis during World War II.

PM Modi, Netanyahu visit Jerusalem memorial Yad Vashem; pay tribute to holocaust victims

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Feb 25) surprised his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by wearing traditional Indian attire ahead of their joint dinner. The video of the incident has gone viral after the Israeli PM shared it. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Israel and both countries will sign MoU on tech transfer for Iron Dome, Iron Beam, advanced missiles. The Indian PM also became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem. He received by the ‘Speaker of the Knesset’ honour. In a post on X, PM Netanyahu wrote, “Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.” He wrote the post in Hindi.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">हमारे संयुक्त रात्रिभोज से पहले, मैंने अपने मित्र प्रधानमंत्री मोदी को पारंपरिक भारतीय परिधान पहनकर चौंका दिया। 🇮🇱🇮🇳<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/3ElIQeLY97">pic.twitter.com/3ElIQeLY97</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/2026734437145211343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-greeted-by-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-as-he-lands-in-israel-1772017052730">PM Modi greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on landing in Israel, to address Knesset</a> In his address, PM expressed gratitude for being bestowed with the 'Speaker of The Knesset' medal, which he dedicated to the enduring friendship and shared democratic traditions of the two countries. Highlighting the strong bonds of friendship between India and Israel, the Prime Minister noted that the two peoples share both ancient civilizational ties and a robust contemporary partnership based on technology, innovation, defence, security and strategic convergences. He stated that the vibrant people-to-people ties based on cooperation in agriculture, rural development, water management, sustainability and enterprise have imparted a dynamic outlook to the relationship. Underlining the historical connections and two-way movement of people between the two countries, the Prime Minister stated that the Indian community in Israel and the Jewish diaspora in India have made a significant contribution to progress in both countries. Recalling the uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism of the two countries, the Prime Minister offered condolences for the October 7 terror attack and noted that there can be no justification for such brutality. He offered India's support to all efforts that contribute to durable peace and stability in the region. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-welcome-my-friend-laughter-flows-as-modi-and-netanyahu-notice-sara-matching-indian-pm-s-saffron-flair-1772020029080">WATCH | ‘Welcome my friend’: Laughter flows as Modi and Netanyahu notice Sara matching Indian PM's saffron flair</a>

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu surprised PM Narendra Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire ahead of their joint dinner. Modi addressed the Knesset, becoming the first Indian PM to do so, and reaffirmed strong India-Israel ties spanning defence, technology and shared democratic values.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Feb 25) surprised his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by wearing traditional Indian attire ahead of their joint dinner. The video of the incident has gone viral after the Israeli PM shared it. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Israel and both countries will sign MoU on tech transfer for Iron Dome, Iron Beam, advanced missiles. The Indian PM also became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a Special Plenary of the Knesset in Jerusalem. He received by the ‘Speaker of the Knesset’ honour. In a post on X, PM Netanyahu wrote, “Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.” He wrote the post in Hindi.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu surprised PM Narendra Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire ahead of their joint dinner. Modi addressed the Knesset, becoming the first Indian PM to do so, and reaffirmed strong India-Israel ties spanning defence, technology and shared democratic values.

'I surprised my friend...': Israel's Netanyahu wears 'Modi jacket' for joint dinner with Indian PM - WATCH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history as the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset in Israel. His address emphasized strengthening India-Israel strategic ties, cooperation in technology, defense, trade, and shared democratic values. The landmark event highlights growing diplomatic engagement and signals a deepening partnership between the two nations amid evolving regional and global geopolitics.


PM Modi Highlights The Growth of Startup Ecosystem in India 

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi descended from the plane at Ben Gurion Airport, he was warmly greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a heartfelt embrace. Netanyahu drew attention to a striking fashion coincidence, noting that the orange shade of Modi’s pocket square perfectly matched Sara Netanyahu's orange jacket. “Do you see what she wore?” Netanyahu remarked to Modi while gesturing toward his wife’s outfit. "Look at that.”&nbsp;Netanyahu later shared a video on X capturing the moment he welcomed the Indian Prime Minister as he disembarked in Israel. Upon landing, Modi exchanged a firm handshake and a warm hug with Netanyahu. The Israeli Prime Minister can be heard saying “no greater friend” as he praised his Indian counterpart, describing him as a “wonderful leader”.Sara Netanyahu also greeted Modi with a long and enthusiastic handshake, telling him, “I miss India, I want to come back.” During the visit, both countries are expected to outline new objectives for their strategic partnership and advance their shared vision for an innovative and prosperous future.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-greeted-by-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-as-he-lands-in-israel-1772017052730">PM Modi greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on landing in Israel, to address Knesset</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">“Welcome, My Dear Friend”: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara welcome Indian PM Narendra Modi at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv READ: <a href="https://t.co/IKVNLkjCdN">https://t.co/IKVNLkjCdN</a> <a href="https://t.co/yr94Qc7c5N">pic.twitter.com/yr94Qc7c5N</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2026622590970900921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This marks Modi’s second visit to Israel, following his landmark 2017 trip that expanded cooperation in defence, agriculture, and water management. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address the Indian community in Israel and hold bilateral talks with Benjamin Netanyahu. Several agreements are anticipated, spanning technology cooperation, security collaboration, artificial intelligence, agriculture, water management, and trade, underscoring the broadening scope of ties between the two countries.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-in-israel-modi-will-be-the-first-indian-pm-to-address-israeli-parliament-1772020797375/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-in-israel-modi-will-be-the-first-indian-pm-to-address-israeli-parliament-1772020797375/embed</a>&nbsp;On arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, Modi was accorded a Guard of Honour. Netanyahu, accompanied by Sara Netanyahu, personally received him, highlighting the close rapport between the two leaders. The Prime Ministers once again shared a warm embrace on the tarmac. Among those present to welcome Narendra Modi was Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar.

WATCH | ‘Welcome my friend’: Laughter flows as Modi and Netanyahu notice Sara matching Indian PM's saffron flair

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi descended from the plane at Ben Gurion Airport, he was warmly greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with a heartfelt embrace. Netanyahu drew attention to a striking fashion coincidence, noting that the orange shade of Modi’s pocket square perfectly matched Sara Netanyahu's orange jacket. “Do you see what she wore?” Netanyahu remarked to Modi while gesturing toward his wife’s outfit. "Look at that.” Netanyahu later shared a video on X capturing the moment he welcomed the Indian Prime Minister as he disembarked in Israel. Upon landing, Modi exchanged a firm handshake and a warm hug with Netanyahu. The Israeli Prime Minister can be heard saying “no greater friend” as he praised his Indian counterpart, describing him as a “wonderful leader”. Sara Netanyahu also greeted Modi with a long and enthusiastic handshake, telling him, “I miss India, I want to come back.” During the visit, both countries are expected to outline new objectives for their strategic partnership and advance their shared vision for an innovative and prosperous future. Also Read: PM Modi greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on landing in Israel, to address Knesset Watch the video here

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian PM Narendra Modi meet privately at the airport before heading to Jerusalem, where Modi will address the Knesset

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern deadline to Hamas regarding the reconstruction of Gaza, following extensive damage from recent conflicts. The ultimatum stresses Israel’s conditions for rebuilding and the role Hamas must play in coordinating humanitarian and infrastructure efforts.


Israeli PM Issues Ultimatum To Hamas on Gaza Rebuilding

Clashes erupted in Bnei Brak, Israel, as police and local residents confronted each other over efforts to enforce military conscription. The confrontations grew intense, with stun grenades deployed and multiple arrests reported.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying he will not allow harm to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers amid the unrest. The situation has drawn widespread attention as tensions continue over conscription and public resistance in parts of Israeli society.

Bnei Brak Clashes: Ultra-Orthodox Jews Clash With Police; 23 Arrested

Governments in Israel generally fall more with a procedural whimper than with a dramatic ideological bang – a pattern that helps explain why the scheduled Knesset vote on Wednesday on the first reading of the 2026 budget is looming so large.


Israeli Government Could Collapse if Benjamin Netanyahu Fails to Pass the Budget Proposal

The state commission of inquiry into the submarine affair, a more than decade-old political scandal, said Sunday that it had found “systemic failings” in Israel’s acquisition of naval vessels under a previous Benjamin Netanyahu-led government.

Israeli PM Facing Accusation of Endangering State Security in Submarine Affair

Israel has agreed in principle to a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing with Egypt, linking the move to the completion of a major military operation in Gaza as U.S. envoys press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow the resumption of humanitarian aid.


Report: US Envoys Pressed Israel on Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on late Sunday (Jan 25) said that it would allow a “limited reopening” of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt only after an operation to locate the body of the last remaining Israeli hostage. The statement comes following the visit by US envoys, who had reportedly pressed Israeli officials to reopen the crossing during talks in Jerusalem over the weekend.The reopening of Rafah, which is a key entry point for aid into Gaza, was part of the initial phase of the truce plan announced by US President Donald Trump to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, the border crossing has been closed since Israeli forces took control of it during the war.&nbsp;World leaders and aid groups have repeatedly insisted that more humanitarian convoys should be allowed to access Gaza, which is gripped with devastation due to the war that has been going on for more than two years. The Palestinian population in the territory depend on the essential medical equipment, food and other supplies sent through aid.According to the statement, Israel had agreed to a reopening “for pedestrian passage only, subject to a full Israeli inspection mechanism.”The move would depend on “the return of all living hostages and a 100% effort by Hamas to locate and return all deceased hostages”, it said on X.<h2>Hamas says provided details on last hostage</h2>A spokesman for Hamas’ Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida, said the group had “provided mediators with all the details and information in our possession regarding the location of the captive’s body”, referring to Ran Gvili.He added that “the enemy [Israel] is currently searching one of the sites based on information transmitted by the Al-Qassam Brigades”.Ran Gvili’s body is the last one that remains in Gaza after Hamas took 251 Israelis hostage after the October 7, 2023, attack. All the other hostages, both living and dead, have been returned to Israel, except Gvili.A non-commissioned officer in the Israeli police’s elite Yassam unit, Gvili was killed during the attack by Hamas and his body was taken to Gaza.Gvili’s family has opposed the second phase of the truce plan backed by Trump before they receive his remains.“First and foremost, Ran must be brought home,” his family said in a statement.

Israel will allow a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing for pedestrians only, said Israeli PM Netanyahu. However, the border crossing will only be opened after Hamas meets the conditions set by Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on late Sunday (Jan 25) said that it would allow a “limited reopening” of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt only after an operation to locate the body of the last remaining Israeli hostage. The statement comes following the visit by US envoys, who had reportedly pressed Israeli officials to reopen the crossing during talks in Jerusalem over the weekend. The reopening of Rafah, which is a key entry point for aid into Gaza, was part of the initial phase of the truce plan announced by US President Donald Trump to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, the border crossing has been closed since Israeli forces took control of it during the war. World leaders and aid groups have repeatedly insisted that more humanitarian convoys should be allowed to access Gaza, which is gripped with devastation due to the war that has been going on for more than two years. The Palestinian population in the territory depend on the essential medical equipment, food and other supplies sent through aid. According to the statement, Israel had agreed to a reopening “for pedestrian passage only, subject to a full Israeli inspection mechanism.” The move would depend on “the return of all living hostages and a 100% effort by Hamas to locate and return all deceased hostages”, it said on X. Hamas says provided details on last hostage A spokesman for Hamas’ Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida, said the group had “provided mediators with all the details and information in our possession regarding the location of the captive’s body”, referring to Ran Gvili. He added that “the enemy [Israel] is currently searching one of the sites based on information transmitted by the Al-Qassam Brigades”. Ran Gvili’s body is the last one that remains in Gaza after Hamas took 251 Israelis hostage after the October 7, 2023, attack. All the other hostages, both living and dead, have been returned to Israel, except Gvili. A non-commissioned officer in the Israeli police’s elite Yassam unit, Gvili was killed during the attack by Hamas and his body was taken to Gaza. Gvili’s family has opposed the second phase of the truce plan backed by Trump before they receive his remains. “First and foremost, Ran must be brought home,” his family said in a statement.

Israel will allow a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing for pedestrians only, said Israeli PM Netanyahu. However, the border crossing will only be opened after Hamas meets the conditions set by Israel.

‘Israel will open the Rafah Crossing’: Netanyahu agrees, but sets THIS condition

US President Donald Trump’s envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night.

The meeting reportedly focused on both the Gaza issue and Iran.

Netanyahu Meets US Envoys To Discuss Second Phase of Ceasefire

Reports: Witkoff Pressured Israel To Open Rafah Border Crossing

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday (January 21) that he will join US President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace, reversing earlier objections from his office over the group’s leadership structure, which includes Turkey, a regional rival of Israel. Netanyahu’s office confirmed he had accepted Trump’s invitation after initially criticising the board’s executive committee. The initiative was first conceived as a limited forum of leaders tasked with overseeing the Gaza ceasefire. Since then, the Trump administration has expanded the idea dramatically, inviting dozens of countries and positioning the board as a global conflict-mediation body resembling an alternative to the UN Security Council.&nbsp;Further information is expected on Thursday (January 22) when Trump formally unveils the Board of Peace during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Although the board’s official charter has not been released, a draft reviewed by The news agency Associated Press suggests authority would be heavily centralized under Trump. The document also indicates that countries contributing $1 billion would receive permanent membership.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-survival-6-year-old-escapes-deadly-spain-train-crash-that-killed-her-family-1768989510263">Miracle survival: 6-year-old escapes deadly Spain train crash that killed her family</a>&nbsp;Eight countries, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Argentina and Belarus, have already agreed to participate. Trump has also extended invitations to Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Invitations were additionally received by Russia, India, Slovenia, Thailand, Israel and the European Union’s executive body. The Kremlin said it is reviewing the proposal and seeking clarification from US officials. Trump confirmed earlier this week that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been formally invited.&nbsp;The executive committee of the Board of Peace includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga and deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel.&nbsp;Separately, the White House announced the creation of a Gaza Executive Board, responsible for carrying out the ceasefire’s second phase. Its mandate includes deploying an international security force, dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction. Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN Middle East envoy, will manage day-to-day operations. Other members include representatives from the US, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Israel and Europe. The board will also oversee a newly established Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with administering Gaza’s daily affairs.

Netanyahu has agreed to join Donald Trump’s Board of Peace as the initiative expands beyond Gaza into a global conflict forum with dozens of invited countries

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday (January 21) that he will join US President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace, reversing earlier objections from his office over the group’s leadership structure, which includes Turkey, a regional rival of Israel. Netanyahu’s office confirmed he had accepted Trump’s invitation after initially criticising the board’s executive committee. The initiative was first conceived as a limited forum of leaders tasked with overseeing the Gaza ceasefire. Since then, the Trump administration has expanded the idea dramatically, inviting dozens of countries and positioning the board as a global conflict-mediation body resembling an alternative to the UN Security Council. Further information is expected on Thursday (January 22) when Trump formally unveils the Board of Peace during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Although the board’s official charter has not been released, a draft reviewed by The news agency Associated Press suggests authority would be heavily centralized under Trump. The document also indicates that countries contributing $1 billion would receive permanent membership. Also Read: Miracle survival: 6-year-old escapes deadly Spain train crash that killed her family Eight countries, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Argentina and Belarus, have already agreed to participate. Trump has also extended invitations to Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Invitations were additionally received by Russia, India, Slovenia, Thailand, Israel and the European Union’s executive body. The Kremlin said it is reviewing the proposal and seeking clarification from US officials. Trump confirmed earlier this week that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been formally invited. The executive committee of the Board of Peace includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga and deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel. Separately, the White House announced the creation of a Gaza Executive Board, responsible for carrying out the ceasefire’s second phase. Its mandate includes deploying an international security force, dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction. Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN Middle East envoy, will manage day-to-day operations. Other members include representatives from the US, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Israel and Europe. The board will also oversee a newly established Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with administering Gaza’s daily affairs.

Netanyahu has agreed to join Donald Trump’s Board of Peace as the initiative expands beyond Gaza into a global conflict forum with dozens of invited countries

Gaza 'Board of Peace': Israel agrees to join Donald Trump's panel

Israel relies on F-35 stealth and electronic warfare to overcome Iran's defences. Iran counters with deep territory, the S-300, and the Bavar-373. Distance and logistics remain the biggest hurdles.

Israel relies on F-35 stealth and electronic warfare to overcome Iran's defences. Iran counters with deep territory, the S-300, and the Bavar-373. Distance and logistics remain the biggest hurdles.

Who has the edge? Israel's air power versus Iran’s layered defence

The Israeli military has planned to launch a renewed offensive in Gaza in March to seize more land and push the Yellow Line further west towards the coast of the enclave, Times of Israel reported, quoting officials.

Israel Seeks Western Gaza Offensive | Tel Aviv Protesters Call For Netanyahu To Step Down

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with The Economist, declared that Israel wants to “taper off” reliance on US military aid within a decade. This is the first time an Israeli Prime Minister has discussed not seeking the renewal of the package of $3.8 billion per year. He said the goal is already in progress, and he wants Israel to be as independent as possible. He said that the US aid was “deeply appreciated”, but Israel itself has “come of age”.&nbsp;Netanyahu said that in his most recent visit to the US, he told Trump that Israel “very deeply appreciates the military aid that America has given us over the years. But here too, we've come of age, and we've developed incredible capacities in our economy, which will soon, certainly within a decade, reach about a trillion dollars.” However, he further added that he wants US allegiance and support, wants to remain its ally in the Middle East.Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/x-changes-iran-flag-emoji-lion-and-sun-symbol-protests-1768028484625">Why X changed Iran’s flag emoji to the lion and sun as protests intensify</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Binyamin Netanyahu says he wants to reduce Israel’s reliance on American military aid to zero within ten years. In an interview with The Economist, the Israeli prime minister said while it was “much appreciated”, his country had “come of age” and its economy would soon reach “a… <a href="https://t.co/DCvUY2Z9aJ">pic.twitter.com/DCvUY2Z9aJ</a>&mdash; The Economist (@TheEconomist) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheEconomist/status/2009666613591556500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Top GOP senator calls to end Israeli aid&nbsp;</h2>Responding to the comments of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham wrote in a Post on X that there is no need to end “wait ten years”, the US would also like to save billions of dollars in taxpayers' money which could be reinvested in the US army "which is the best in the world and in great demand."In 2016, the US and Israeli governments signed an MoU till September 2028, which provides $38 billion in military aid, $33 billion in grants to buy military equipment and $5 billion for missile defence systems. In the first two years of Israel's genocidal war on Palestine, the United States provided $32 billion in direct military aid covering 70 per cent of Israel's war-related military spending.&nbsp;Read Also: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-marco-rubio-handwritten-note-white-house-oil-meeting-1768023165422">Trump reads Rubio’s handwritten note aloud at White House oil executives meeting</a><h2>On the Iran protest and the West Bank annexation</h2>Netanyahu said that these moments inside Iran, where people of Iran are taking control of their “destiny”, he denied any Israeli involvement. He further did not comment on US President Donald Trump's comments. He added that revolutions should come from within. However, if Iran chooses to attack Israel, "there will be horrible consequences for Iran. That's definite. Everything else, I think we should see what is happening inside Iran."When asked about the violence of the West Bank, he chose not to comment. But said that the US President Donald Trump has previously hinted at his willingness to annexation. He further added that Arabian leaders "don't give a hoot" about the Palestinian issue."They care about its effect on the street."&nbsp;

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel wants to taper off U.S. military aid within a decade, triggering calls from a top GOP senator to end aid sooner.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with The Economist, declared that Israel wants to “taper off” reliance on US military aid within a decade. This is the first time an Israeli Prime Minister has discussed not seeking the renewal of the package of $3.8 billion per year. He said the goal is already in progress, and he wants Israel to be as independent as possible. He said that the US aid was “deeply appreciated”, but Israel itself has “come of age”. Netanyahu said that in his most recent visit to the US, he told Trump that Israel “very deeply appreciates the military aid that America has given us over the years. But here too, we've come of age, and we've developed incredible capacities in our economy, which will soon, certainly within a decade, reach about a trillion dollars.” However, he further added that he wants US allegiance and support, wants to remain its ally in the Middle East. Read Also: Why X changed Iran’s flag emoji to the lion and sun as protests intensify

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel wants to taper off U.S. military aid within a decade, triggering calls from a top GOP senator to end aid sooner.

Netanyahu says Israel may end reliance on US military aid within a decade

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said in a televised interview that the United States should ‘kidnap’ Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the way Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was taken away, if the US government really believes in humanity. Khawaja Asif further added that Turkey could also kidnap Netanyahu and that “Pakistanis are praying for it.” Video clips of the televised interview broadcast on Thursday have since gone viral on social media. In the interview, Pakistan’s defence minister described Netanyahu as the “worst criminal of humanity” and alleged that no atrocities in history match those committed against Palestinians in Gaza.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-started-freeing-political-prisoners-so-i-cancelled-2nd-wave-of-planned-attacks-trump-1767968988801">Venezuela started freeing political prisoners, so I cancelled 2nd wave of ‘planned’ attacks: Trump</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Khawaja Asif’s statement sounds less like innocence &amp; more like convenient amnesia. This is the same govt that nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize — now pretending US is a neutral judge of “humanity” ready to arrest Netanyahu. 1/3<a href="https://twitter.com/husainhaqqani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@husainhaqqani</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SalmanKNiazi1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SalmanKNiazi1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealYLH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theRealYLH</a> <a href="https://t.co/k5powevGGK">pic.twitter.com/k5powevGGK</a>&mdash; Sameena Sultana (@SameenaSultan16) <a href="https://twitter.com/SameenaSultan16/status/2009577521470472471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“No community has done what Israel has done to Palestinians in the last 4,000-5,000 years. He [Netanyahu] is the biggest criminal of humanity. The world has not seen a bigger criminal,” Asif said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-khamenei-is-looking-to-go-someplace-says-trump-as-protests-intensify-in-iran-1767963290206">‘Khamenei is looking to go someplace,’ says Trump as protests intensify in Iran</a><h2>Khawaja Asif also seeks to penalize Netanyahu’s backers</h2>&nbsp;Khawaja Asif also raised the issue of penalising Netanyahu’s enablers and backers, stating, “And what does the law say about those who support such criminals…” At that moment, the television anchor interjected to call a break and cautioned that Asif’s comments on Netanyahu’s backers risked being seen as a veiled reference to US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Pakistan has never recognised Israel and officially presents its ties with Iran as one of fraternity and shared regional interests.Israel also does not hold Pakistan in good stead. Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has said in an interview that the Jewish state is not comfortable with the Pakistan army participating in any Gaza force, while expressing its deep concern over the growing links between Hamas and Pakistan-based terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-trump-s-hands-stained-with-the-blood-of-iranians-some-rioters-want-to-please-him-says-khamenei-amid-death-to-america-chants-1767956396834">‘Trump’s hands stained with the blood of Iranians, some rioters want to please him,’ says Khamenei amid ‘Death to America’ chants</a>&nbsp;The Israeli envoy has rejected the proposal of Pakistani military’s involvement in a potential International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza under Trump’s Gaza plan.&nbsp;When asked in the interview if Israel would be comfortable with the Pakistan Army’s role in Gaza, given its links with radical terrorist organisations, the ambassador replied to NDTV with a firm “no”, indicating Israel’s disapproval of any role by the Pakistan Army in Gaza.

Khawaja Asif also raised the issue of penalising Netanyahu’s enablers and backers. At that moment, the television anchor interjected to call a break and cautioned that Asif’s comments on Netanyahu’s backers risked being seen as a veiled reference to US President Donald Trump.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said in a televised interview that the United States should ‘kidnap’ Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the way Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was taken away, if the US government really believes in humanity. Khawaja Asif further added that Turkey could also kidnap Netanyahu and that “Pakistanis are praying for it.” Video clips of the televised interview broadcast on Thursday have since gone viral on social media. In the interview, Pakistan’s defence minister described Netanyahu as the “worst criminal of humanity” and alleged that no atrocities in history match those committed against Palestinians in Gaza. Also Read: Venezuela started freeing political prisoners, so I cancelled 2nd wave of ‘planned’ attacks: Trump

Khawaja Asif also raised the issue of penalising Netanyahu’s enablers and backers. At that moment, the television anchor interjected to call a break and cautioned that Asif’s comments on Netanyahu’s backers risked being seen as a veiled reference to US President Donald Trump.

Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif wants US to ‘kidnap’ Netanyahu after Maduro capture | Watch

US President Donald Trump's heartfelt desire for a Nobel Peace Prize may have stayed unattainable in 2025, but his friend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stepped up with a prize for the "peacemaker". Following his bilateral meeting with the POTUS, Netanyahu on Monday (Dec 29) announced that Israel will bestow upon Trump the 'Israel Prize for Peace'. The US president, responding to the announcement, said it was "really surprising and very much appreciated."<h2>Why does it matter?</h2>Apart from Trump's obvious push for a "peacemaker" legacy, this happens to be the first time in 80 years that a non-Israeli would be honoured with the Israel Prize, regarded as the state's highest cultural honour.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-mamdani-epstein-hasina-pope-leo-xiv-elon-musk-luigi-mangione-shubhanshu-shukla-global-headlines-2025-most-talked-about-people-1766740930763">Trump, Epstein, Mamdani and more: 2025’s most talked-about people</a><h2>Israel tailors a peace prize for Trump</h2>Notably, Israel has tailored the award to fulfil Trump's ambitions. This is the first time Israel will be awarding the 'Israel Prize' in the peace category.Acknowledging this, Netanyahu, in a statement, said that Israel was breaking the "convention" to honour Trump for his "immense contribution to the Israeli and the Jewish people"."President Trump has broken so many conventions to surprise people, so we decided to break a convention or create a new one, that is to award the Israel Prize, which in 80 years, we have never awarded to a non-Israeli, to President Trump. This was announced formally over lunch by our Minister of Education, that President Donald J Trump should be awarded this prize for his immense contribution to the Israeli and the Jewish people," he told reporters.He added that the award "reflects the overwhelming sentiment of Israelis across the spectrum, they appreciate what you've done to help Israel and our common battle against the terrorists."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-2025-redacted-newsom-goes-full-troll-mode-on-trump-over-epstein-files-redactions-watch-viral-video-1766730541310">'2025: REDACTED': Newsom goes full troll mode on Trump over Epstein files redactions. Watch viral video</a><h2>FIFA did it first</h2>Before Israel, FIFA, earlier this year, created a peace prize especially for Trump. At the 2026 World Cup draw, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented his “close friend” Donald Trump with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, which was created without approval from the governing FIFA Council.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Donald Trump may have missed out on a Nobel, but Israel has stepped in with a custom-made peace prize. Benjamin Netanyahu announced the first-ever Israel Prize for Peace, breaking an 80-year rule to honour Trump’s legacy.

US President Donald Trump's heartfelt desire for a Nobel Peace Prize may have stayed unattainable in 2025, but his friend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stepped up with a prize for the "peacemaker". Following his bilateral meeting with the POTUS, Netanyahu on Monday (Dec 29) announced that Israel will bestow upon Trump the 'Israel Prize for Peace'. The US president, responding to the announcement, said it was "really surprising and very much appreciated." Why does it matter? Apart from Trump's obvious push for a "peacemaker" legacy, this happens to be the first time in 80 years that a non-Israeli would be honoured with the Israel Prize, regarded as the state's highest cultural honour. Also read | Trump, Epstein, Mamdani and more: 2025’s most talked-about people Israel tailors a peace prize for Trump Notably, Israel has tailored the award to fulfil Trump's ambitions. This is the first time Israel will be awarding the 'Israel Prize' in the peace category. Acknowledging this, Netanyahu, in a statement, said that Israel was breaking the "convention" to honour Trump for his "immense contribution to the Israeli and the Jewish people". "President Trump has broken so many conventions to surprise people, so we decided to break a convention or create a new one, that is to award the Israel Prize, which in 80 years, we have never awarded to a non-Israeli, to President Trump. This was announced formally over lunch by our Minister of Education, that President Donald J Trump should be awarded this prize for his immense contribution to the Israeli and the Jewish people," he told reporters. He added that the award "reflects the overwhelming sentiment of Israelis across the spectrum, they appreciate what you've done to help Israel and our common battle against the terrorists." Also read | '2025: REDACTED': Newsom goes full troll mode on Trump over Epstein files redactions. Watch viral video FIFA did it first Before Israel, FIFA, earlier this year, created a peace prize especially for Trump. At the 2026 World Cup draw, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented his “close friend” Donald Trump with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, which was created without approval from the governing FIFA Council.

Donald Trump may have missed out on a Nobel, but Israel has stepped in with a custom-made peace prize. Benjamin Netanyahu announced the first-ever Israel Prize for Peace, breaking an 80-year rule to honour Trump’s legacy.

No Nobel? Benjamin Netanyahu creates Israel Peace Prize just for Donald Trump

Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday -- a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalia's longstanding opposition to secession.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy. In a statement, he congratulated Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership and invited him to visit Israel.

Somaliland Row: Muslim Nations Condemn Israel

Israel becomes the first United Nations member country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an Independent and sovereign state, ending a three-decade-long struggle of the region, which broke away from Somalia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Dec 26) signed a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to establish full diplomatic ties with the country "in the spirit of the Abrahmic Accords" championed by US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas of agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. He congratulated President Abdullahi and extended an invitation to visit Israel.&nbsp;“I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel,” Netaynayahu posted on X.<h2>Somliland's quest for legitimacy</h2>Somaliland, formally known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared republic located in the Horn of Africa and inhabited by a Majority Sunni Muslim population.&nbsp;It enjoyed a brief recognition as an independent country for five days in 1960, when Somaliland was recognised by 35 countries, including Israel, before it was united with Somalia. It finally broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a brutal civil war and declared itself as an independent nation without international recognition. However, several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Denmark, and Kenya, maintained informal diplomatic ties with Somaliland.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-s-youngest-civilian-warrior-sharvan-singh-awarded-rashtriya-bal-puraskar-for-helping-soldiers-during-operation-sindoor-indian-armed-forces-1766763659962">India’s Youngest Civil Warrior, Sharvan Singh awarded Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for helping soldiers during Operation Sindoor</a>&nbsp;Somalia, which considers Somaliland as a breakaway province, has long rejected and rallied against efforts to gain international recognition.<h2>Somaliland's reaction to Israeli recognition</h2>Somaliland’s president welcomed Israel’s announcement recognising its statehood, calling the move the start of a “strategic partnership”.In a post on X, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described the recognition as a “historic moment” and said Somaliland was ready to join the Abraham Accords, which normalise relations with Israel. "This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome the Prime Minister of the State of Israel's recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and affirm Somaliland's readiness to join the Abraham Accords," normalising relations with Israel, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi posted on X. &nbsp;

Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, is a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa that lacks international recognition as a separate country.

Israel becomes the first United Nations member country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an Independent and sovereign state, ending a three-decade-long struggle of the region, which broke away from Somalia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (Dec 26) signed a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to establish full diplomatic ties with the country "in the spirit of the Abrahmic Accords" championed by US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas of agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. He congratulated President Abdullahi and extended an invitation to visit Israel. “I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel,” Netaynayahu posted on X. Somliland's quest for legitimacy Somaliland, formally known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a self-declared republic located in the Horn of Africa and inhabited by a Majority Sunni Muslim population. It enjoyed a brief recognition as an independent country for five days in 1960, when Somaliland was recognised by 35 countries, including Israel, before it was united with Somalia. It finally broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a brutal civil war and declared itself as an independent nation without international recognition. However, several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Denmark, and Kenya, maintained informal diplomatic ties with Somaliland. Also Read: India’s Youngest Civil Warrior, Sharvan Singh awarded Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for helping soldiers during Operation Sindoor Somalia, which considers Somaliland as a breakaway province, has long rejected and rallied against efforts to gain international recognition. Somaliland's reaction to Israeli recognition Somaliland’s president welcomed Israel’s announcement recognising its statehood, calling the move the start of a “strategic partnership”. In a post on X, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described the recognition as a “historic moment” and said Somaliland was ready to join the Abraham Accords, which normalise relations with Israel. "This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome the Prime Minister of the State of Israel's recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and affirm Somaliland's readiness to join the Abraham Accords," normalising relations with Israel, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi posted on X.

Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, is a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa that lacks international recognition as a separate country.

Israel becomes first nation to recognise Somaliland as independent state

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a charged speech at Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, on Monday (Dec 08), defended his leadership during a difficult period, asserting that despite a strong wave of anti-semitism against the Jewish state, he was able to garner support from several countries and world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;He was speaking during a '40-signature debate', a parliamentary mechanism through which the opposition can compel the Prime Minister to appear once a month at the Knesset forum. Netanyahu strongly defended the policies of his government on various domains, including Israel's foreign relations. Israel is today stronger than ever," he claimed.&nbsp;The Israeli Premier dismissed the opposition's assertion as “the collapse of Israel’s international standing,” saying that the country diplomatically, militarily, and economically remains a dominant player in the international arena despite its two-year-long war with Hamas.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-responsible-for-nearly-half-journalist-killings-in-2025-rsf-report-1765277861534">Israel responsible for nearly half journalist killings in 2025: RSF report</a>&nbsp;Highlighting his ties with global leaders, Netanyahu said that Israel is stronger than ever, and is the strongest power in the Middle East, and in certain fields, it is a global power. He credited this to his leadership during the war of revival. The Israeli government decided to name the war in Gaza as 'War of Revival' that began with Hamas' attack on its territory on October 7, 2023.&nbsp;Netanyahu insisted that Israel’s diplomatic position remained strong, citing the visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz this week, which he said took place at Merz’s own request. He added that other major powers were also engaging with Israel. “I speak often with my old friend, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have planned to meet soon, and I can tell you, India, a nation of 1.5 billion people, also wants to deepen its ties with us,” he said.&nbsp;Continuing his defence, Netanyahu mocked claims of Israel’s supposed political isolation. “At the end of the month, I will travel to the United States for another meeting with my friend, President Donald Trump,” he said. “It will be my sixth meeting with the US President since he took office in January, more than any other leader.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-goa-nightclub-blaze-delhi-hospitality-sector-under-lens-as-only-52-hotels-38-clubs-have-fire-safety-clearance-1765274277498">After Goa nightclub blaze, Delhi hospitality sector under lens as only 52 hotels &amp; 38 clubs have fire safety clearance</a>&nbsp;He stressed that Israel stands up for its vital interests whenever required. “The US and Israel are two independent nations with a partnership built on shared values and shared interests that have only grown stronger,” he said. “Israel has no better ally than the United States, and the United States has no better ally than Israel.”&nbsp;Netanyahu has long highlighted his personal rapport with world leaders during his election campaigns, often showcasing images of his meetings with Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Modi at the Likud party headquarters.

The Israeli Premier dismissed the opposition's assertion of 'the collapse of Israel’s international standing,' saying that the country diplomatically, militarily, and economically remains a dominant player in the international arena despite its two-year-long war with Hamas.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a charged speech at Israeli Parliament, the Knesset, on Monday (Dec 08), defended his leadership during a difficult period, asserting that despite a strong wave of anti-semitism against the Jewish state, he was able to garner support from several countries and world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was speaking during a '40-signature debate', a parliamentary mechanism through which the opposition can compel the Prime Minister to appear once a month at the Knesset forum. Netanyahu strongly defended the policies of his government on various domains, including Israel's foreign relations. Israel is today stronger than ever," he claimed. The Israeli Premier dismissed the opposition's assertion as “the collapse of Israel’s international standing,” saying that the country diplomatically, militarily, and economically remains a dominant player in the international arena despite its two-year-long war with Hamas. Also Read: Israel responsible for nearly half journalist killings in 2025: RSF report Highlighting his ties with global leaders, Netanyahu said that Israel is stronger than ever, and is the strongest power in the Middle East, and in certain fields, it is a global power. He credited this to his leadership during the war of revival. The Israeli government decided to name the war in Gaza as 'War of Revival' that began with Hamas' attack on its territory on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu insisted that Israel’s diplomatic position remained strong, citing the visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz this week, which he said took place at Merz’s own request. He added that other major powers were also engaging with Israel. “I speak often with my old friend, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have planned to meet soon, and I can tell you, India, a nation of 1.5 billion people, also wants to deepen its ties with us,” he said. Continuing his defence, Netanyahu mocked claims of Israel’s supposed political isolation. “At the end of the month, I will travel to the United States for another meeting with my friend, President Donald Trump,” he said. “It will be my sixth meeting with the US President since he took office in January, more than any other leader.” Also Read: After Goa nightclub blaze, Delhi hospitality sector under lens as only 52 hotels & 38 clubs have fire safety clearance He stressed that Israel stands up for its vital interests whenever required. “The US and Israel are two independent nations with a partnership built on shared values and shared interests that have only grown stronger,” he said. “Israel has no better ally than the United States, and the United States has no better ally than Israel.” Netanyahu has long highlighted his personal rapport with world leaders during his election campaigns, often showcasing images of his meetings with Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Modi at the Likud party headquarters.

The Israeli Premier dismissed the opposition's assertion of ‘the collapse of Israel’s international standing,’ saying that the country diplomatically, militarily, and economically remains a dominant player in the international arena despite its two-year-long war with Hamas.

Facing criticism over Gaza war, Netanyahu invokes ties with PM Modi, others to assert leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, an Israeli government spokesperson said on Monday (December 8). Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson of the Prime Minister's office in Israel, said, "I can share with you that the Prime Minister will meet with President Trump on Monday, December 29th. They will discuss the future steps and phases and the international stabilization force of the ceasefire plan. Let's remember how the ceasefire plan came to be. With the military pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu put on Hamas while our troops entered their stronghold of Gaza City, and the diplomatic pressure President Trump put on Hamas, this is why we are here. We cannot forget how we got here. The third phase of this plan will be focused on the de-radicalization of the Gaza Strip."&nbsp;In October 2025, in a speech to the Israeli Knesset on Monday (October 13), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lavished praise on US President Donald Trump, calling him ‘the greatest friend that the Israel has ever had in the White House’. “No American president has ever done more for Israel, and as I said in Washington, it isn’t even close,” Netanyahu said, underscoring the significant impact Trump had on Israel’s diplomatic and security landscape. Netanyahu specifically highlighted Trump’s contributions, including his decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital during his first term, a move that was met with widespread praise in Israel but condemned by much of the international community. He also lauded Trump for brokered the Abraham Accords, agreements that led to the normalisation of diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tariff-woes-us-president-to-announce-12-bn-relief-package-for-farmers-china-india-trade-war-trump-tariffs-tariff-war-tariff-woes-1765198553979">Trump tariff woes: US President to announce $12 bn relief package for farmers</a>&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (December 7) that the second stage of the US-backed proposal to end the conflict in Gaza was approaching, though he stressed that several major points still had to be settled, including whether an international security contingent would be sent in. Speaking in Jerusalem beside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said that he plans to meet US President Donald Trump later this month for significant talks focused on ensuring the transition to phase two of the plan.&nbsp;He said the discussions with Trump would also address how to dismantle Hamas’ authority in Gaza. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has now entered its second month, though each side continues to accuse the other of breaching the terms of the truce. Netanyahu added that it was essential not only that Hamas maintain the ceasefire, but also that it fulfill what he described as its obligations under the plan, including disarmament and the demilitarisation of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, says Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, an Israeli government spokesperson said on Monday (December 8). Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson of the Prime Minister's office in Israel, said, "I can share with you that the Prime Minister will meet with President Trump on Monday, December 29th. They will discuss the future steps and phases and the international stabilization force of the ceasefire plan. Let's remember how the ceasefire plan came to be. With the military pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu put on Hamas while our troops entered their stronghold of Gaza City, and the diplomatic pressure President Trump put on Hamas, this is why we are here. We cannot forget how we got here. The third phase of this plan will be focused on the de-radicalization of the Gaza Strip." In October 2025, in a speech to the Israeli Knesset on Monday (October 13), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lavished praise on US President Donald Trump, calling him ‘the greatest friend that the Israel has ever had in the White House’. “No American president has ever done more for Israel, and as I said in Washington, it isn’t even close,” Netanyahu said, underscoring the significant impact Trump had on Israel’s diplomatic and security landscape. Netanyahu specifically highlighted Trump’s contributions, including his decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital during his first term, a move that was met with widespread praise in Israel but condemned by much of the international community. He also lauded Trump for brokered the Abraham Accords, agreements that led to the normalisation of diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. Also Read: Trump tariff woes: US President to announce $12 bn relief package for farmers Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (December 7) that the second stage of the US-backed proposal to end the conflict in Gaza was approaching, though he stressed that several major points still had to be settled, including whether an international security contingent would be sent in. Speaking in Jerusalem beside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said that he plans to meet US President Donald Trump later this month for significant talks focused on ensuring the transition to phase two of the plan. He said the discussions with Trump would also address how to dismantle Hamas’ authority in Gaza. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has now entered its second month, though each side continues to accuse the other of breaching the terms of the truce. Netanyahu added that it was essential not only that Hamas maintain the ceasefire, but also that it fulfill what he described as its obligations under the plan, including disarmament and the demilitarisation of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump on December 29, an Israeli government spokesperson said on Monday (December 8)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the first phase of the UN-endorsed Gaza ceasefire plan is close to completion and that the second phase must involve the disarmament of Hamas. The Israeli PM said he would discuss the next steps with US President Donald Trump in Washington later this month. Trump’s Gaza proposals were codified in a UN Security Council resolution on 17 November. “We’re about to finish the first stage,” Netanyahu said. “But we have to make sure that we achieve the same results in the second stage, and that’s something I look forward to discussing with President Trump.”&nbsp;Netanyahu was speaking at a joint press conference with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said, “Phase two must come now, and then phase three must also be considered.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-hostile-powers-sending-spies-to-west-s-universities-canada-s-former-intel-chief-1765112296395">‘Hostile’ powers sending spies to West’s universities: Canada’s former intel chief</a>&nbsp;Merz is the first leader of a major European state to meet Netanyahu in Israel since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, in November 2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.&nbsp;After winning federal elections in February, Merz had said he would invite Netanyahu to Germany despite the ICC warrants, but said on Sunday a visit was not currently under consideration. Netanyahu dismisses the warrants as “trumped-up charges” from a “corrupt prosecutor”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coup-attempt-foiled-by-loyalist-troops-says-benin-interior-minister-a-dozen-rebels-arrested-1765119795057">Coup attempt foiled by loyalist troops, says Benin interior minister; a dozen rebels arrested</a>&nbsp;During the first phase of the current ceasefire agreement, Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian detainees held by Israel, and it has handed over all but one of 28 bodies of hostages killed during the war.&nbsp;The Israeli forces have, meanwhile, withdrawn to a ceasefire line, leaving them in control of 58% of the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Hamas is supposed to disarm, Israeli troops are meant to withdraw farther, and an international stabilisation force (ISF) is to be set up under the control of a “board of peace” of world leaders chaired by Trump, overseeing a technocratic Palestinian committee to run the day-to-day governance of Gaza.&nbsp;Emphasising on Hamas disarmament, Netanyahu said, “I think it’s important to make sure that Hamas complies not only with the ceasefire, but also with their commitment which they undertook to disarm and have Gaza demilitarise.”

Emphasising on Hamas disarmament, Netanyahu said, “I think it’s important to make sure that Hamas complies not only with the ceasefire, but also with their commitment which they undertook to disarm and have Gaza demilitarise.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the first phase of the UN-endorsed Gaza ceasefire plan is close to completion and that the second phase must involve the disarmament of Hamas. The Israeli PM said he would discuss the next steps with US President Donald Trump in Washington later this month. Trump’s Gaza proposals were codified in a UN Security Council resolution on 17 November. “We’re about to finish the first stage,” Netanyahu said. “But we have to make sure that we achieve the same results in the second stage, and that’s something I look forward to discussing with President Trump.” Netanyahu was speaking at a joint press conference with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said, “Phase two must come now, and then phase three must also be considered.” Also Read: ‘Hostile’ powers sending spies to West’s universities: Canada’s former intel chief Merz is the first leader of a major European state to meet Netanyahu in Israel since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, in November 2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. After winning federal elections in February, Merz had said he would invite Netanyahu to Germany despite the ICC warrants, but said on Sunday a visit was not currently under consideration. Netanyahu dismisses the warrants as “trumped-up charges” from a “corrupt prosecutor”. Also Read: Coup attempt foiled by loyalist troops, says Benin interior minister; a dozen rebels arrested During the first phase of the current ceasefire agreement, Hamas released the last 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian detainees held by Israel, and it has handed over all but one of 28 bodies of hostages killed during the war. The Israeli forces have, meanwhile, withdrawn to a ceasefire line, leaving them in control of 58% of the Gaza Strip. Hamas is supposed to disarm, Israeli troops are meant to withdraw farther, and an international stabilisation force (ISF) is to be set up under the control of a “board of peace” of world leaders chaired by Trump, overseeing a technocratic Palestinian committee to run the day-to-day governance of Gaza. Emphasising on Hamas disarmament, Netanyahu said, “I think it’s important to make sure that Hamas complies not only with the ceasefire, but also with their commitment which they undertook to disarm and have Gaza demilitarise.”

Emphasising on Hamas disarmament, Netanyahu said, “I think it’s important to make sure that Hamas complies not only with the ceasefire, but also with their commitment which they undertook to disarm and have Gaza demilitarise.”

‘Gaza peace plan first phase nearly complete, Hamas must disarm in next,’ says Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Dec 3) brushed off threats from the city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who has said he would enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister and said that he still plans to visit New York.<h2>What did Netanyahu say?</h2>Speaking in a virtual interview with the New York Times' DealBook forum, Netanyahu was asked directly if the ICC issue would keep him away from New York. Without hesitation, he said, "Yes, I'll come to New York." When asked whether he intended to speak with Mamdani, Netanyahu added that a conversation would only make sense if the mayor-elect acknowledged Israel's right to exist. That, he said, would be a good starting point. "If he changes his mind and says that we have the right to exist, that'll be a good opening for a conversation."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-putin-would-like-to-end-the-ukraine-war-despite-failed-kremlin-talks-1764809592094">Trump claims Putin 'would like to end the Ukraine war' despite failed Kremlin talks</a>Mamdani, a democratic socialist who is set to become the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, has publicly insisted that he supports Israel's right to exist. Where he draws the line is in defining it as a Jewish state. He argues that no country should have a "hierarchy of citizenship" based on religion or other factors. His stance has put him at odds with Israeli leaders and many American politicians.He has also said that as mayor, he would direct the NYPD to act on ICC warrants, whether they target Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-donald-j-trump-institute-of-peace-trump-puts-his-name-on-usip-after-trying-to-shut-it-down-1764820161123">'Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace': Trump puts his name on USIP after trying to shut it down</a><h2>ICC warrant against Netanyahu</h2>The ICC said last year that it had reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu was responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity tied to Israel's military campaign in Gaza after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Israel has rejected the allegations, and along with the United States and Russia, is not a member of the court.Even so, an arrest is widely viewed as improbable. The Trump administration has taken a hard line against the ICC, even imposing sanctions on some of its officials. &nbsp;

Netanyahu says he’ll visit New York despite the mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani vowing to enforce an ICC arrest warrant. He brushed off the threat, saying he’d talk only if the mayor affirms Israel’s right to exist. 

Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Dec 3) brushed off threats from the city's incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who has said he would enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister and said that he still plans to visit New York. What did Netanyahu say? Speaking in a virtual interview with the New York Times' DealBook forum, Netanyahu was asked directly if the ICC issue would keep him away from New York. Without hesitation, he said, "Yes, I'll come to New York." When asked whether he intended to speak with Mamdani, Netanyahu added that a conversation would only make sense if the mayor-elect acknowledged Israel's right to exist. That, he said, would be a good starting point. "If he changes his mind and says that we have the right to exist, that'll be a good opening for a conversation." Also read | Trump claims Putin 'would like to end the Ukraine war' despite failed Kremlin talks Mamdani, a democratic socialist who is set to become the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, has publicly insisted that he supports Israel's right to exist. Where he draws the line is in defining it as a Jewish state. He argues that no country should have a "hierarchy of citizenship" based on religion or other factors. His stance has put him at odds with Israeli leaders and many American politicians. He has also said that as mayor, he would direct the NYPD to act on ICC warrants, whether they target Netanyahu or Russian President Vladimir Putin. Also read | 'Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace': Trump puts his name on USIP after trying to shut it down ICC warrant against Netanyahu The ICC said last year that it had reasonable grounds to believe Netanyahu was responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity tied to Israel's military campaign in Gaza after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Israel has rejected the allegations, and along with the United States and Russia, is not a member of the court. Even so, an arrest is widely viewed as improbable. The Trump administration has taken a hard line against the ICC, even imposing sanctions on some of its officials.

Netanyahu says he’ll visit New York despite the mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani vowing to enforce an ICC arrest warrant. He brushed off the threat, saying he’d talk only if the mayor affirms Israel’s right to exist.&nbsp;

Netanyahu shrugs off Mamdani's threat to enforce ICC arrest warrant, says he'll visit NYC anyway

Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Nov 30) &nbsp;has submitted a formal pardon request to President Issac Herzog, saying that long-running cases were tearing the country apart. The Israeli Prime Minister is facing three separate cases of corruption filed against him in 2019, including allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He repeatedly denied wrongdoing in the ongoing court cases.&nbsp;"The trial in my case has been ongoing for nearly six years, and is expected to continue for many more years," Netanyahu said in a video statement, adding that "The continuation of the trial is tearing us apart from within, arousing fierce divisions, intensifying rifts."&nbsp;Netanyahu stated that he wanted to get acquitted after facing the full trial, "but the security and political reality, the national interest, &nbsp;dictate otherwise. The State of Israel is facing enormous challenges".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-air-force-evacuates-over-50-people-from-flood-hit-sri-lanka-including-pakistani-and-bangladeshi-nationals-1764509596752">Indian Air Force evacuates over 50 people from flood-hit Sri Lanka, including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals</a>&nbsp;Confirming the Prime Minister's submission, Herzog's office said, “The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications. After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the president will responsibly and sincerely consider the request.”Netanyahu cited the time constraints while fulfilling his duties during extraordinary times as a reason for his inability to stand trials, saying that the demand for him to testify on a thrice-weekly basis had "tipped the scales". "Three times a week is an impossible requirement," he said.&nbsp;The move follows a letter sent on November 12 by US President Donald Trump urging President Isaac Herzog to Pardon Benjamin Netanyahu. He formally wrote a letter to the Israeli head of state seeking a pardon for Bibi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-writes-to-israeli-president-herzog-demands-pardon-for-netanyahu-bibi-netanyahu-gaza-united-states-issac-herzong-1762947588693">Trump writes to Israeli President Herzog, demands pardon for Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;“It is my honour to write to you at this historic time, as we have, together, just secured peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years,” Trump said in his letter.&nbsp;“I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive Time Prime Minister,” writes Trump, “and is now leading Israel into a time of peace, which includes my continued work with key Middle East leaders to add many additional countries to the world-changing Abraham Accords.”&nbsp;Trump had earlier made a similar appeal. In October, during his address to the Israeli Parliament, the US President called on President Herzog to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu. “Hey, I have an idea. Mr President, why don’t you grant him a pardon?”

The move follows repeated requests by the US President, including a formal letter sent on 12 November by Trump urging President Isaac Herzog to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu.

Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Nov 30) has submitted a formal pardon request to President Issac Herzog, saying that long-running cases were tearing the country apart. The Israeli Prime Minister is facing three separate cases of corruption filed against him in 2019, including allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He repeatedly denied wrongdoing in the ongoing court cases. "The trial in my case has been ongoing for nearly six years, and is expected to continue for many more years," Netanyahu said in a video statement, adding that "The continuation of the trial is tearing us apart from within, arousing fierce divisions, intensifying rifts." Netanyahu stated that he wanted to get acquitted after facing the full trial, "but the security and political reality, the national interest, dictate otherwise. The State of Israel is facing enormous challenges". Also Read: Indian Air Force evacuates over 50 people from flood-hit Sri Lanka, including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals Confirming the Prime Minister's submission, Herzog's office said, “The Office of the President is aware that this is an extraordinary request which carries with it significant implications. After receiving all of the relevant opinions, the president will responsibly and sincerely consider the request.” Netanyahu cited the time constraints while fulfilling his duties during extraordinary times as a reason for his inability to stand trials, saying that the demand for him to testify on a thrice-weekly basis had "tipped the scales". "Three times a week is an impossible requirement," he said. The move follows a letter sent on November 12 by US President Donald Trump urging President Isaac Herzog to Pardon Benjamin Netanyahu. He formally wrote a letter to the Israeli head of state seeking a pardon for Bibi. Also Read: Trump writes to Israeli President Herzog, demands pardon for Netanyahu “It is my honour to write to you at this historic time, as we have, together, just secured peace that has been sought for at least 3,000 years,” Trump said in his letter. “I hereby call on you to fully pardon Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a formidable and decisive Time Prime Minister,” writes Trump, “and is now leading Israel into a time of peace, which includes my continued work with key Middle East leaders to add many additional countries to the world-changing Abraham Accords.” Trump had earlier made a similar appeal. In October, during his address to the Israeli Parliament, the US President called on President Herzog to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu. “Hey, I have an idea. Mr President, why don’t you grant him a pardon?”

The move follows repeated requests by the US President, including a formal letter sent on 12 November by Trump urging President Isaac Herzog to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu seeks pardon in corruption cases; writes to Israeli President after Trump’s request fails

Doubts over the durability of the ceasefire in the Gaza war, a diplomatic triumph for President Donald Trump, have prompted a parade of senior officials to rush to Israel for what mocking headlines labelled “Bibisitter” duty.The word is a play on Bibi, the widely used nickname of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reluctantly agreed to Trump’s plan to end the devastating war in Gaza but is under intense pressure from key members of his coalition cabinet who disagree on the future of Israel and the Middle East.Justly proud of having ended the fighting between the Israeli military and Hamas and engineered the return of Israeli hostages held for two years, Trump told the Israeli Knesset on October 15: “It’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what soon will be a truly magnificent region. I believe that so strongly. This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”Two weeks earlier, Trump made an unambiguous statement on the issue at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – the future of territory the Palestinians consider a vital part of a future state. “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope. I will not allow it.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-m-watching-trump-sets-48-hour-deadline-for-hamas-to-return-remains-of-israeli-hostages-1761457274377">'I'm watching': Trump sets 48-hour deadline for Hamas to return remains of Israeli hostages</a>But a day after Vice President JD Vance arrived in Israel, lawmakers in the 120-seat parliament voted 25-24 to advance a bill to make the West Bank “an inseparable part of the sovereign State of Israel.” It was the first of four votes to pass the bill into law, which is unlikely to happen.But the vote infuriated Vance, who called the vote by hard-right members of the Knesset “a very stupid political stunt, and I personally take some insult to it.” &nbsp;The day after Vance left, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived and voiced similar criticism, calling the move “counter-productive.”The Knesset vote and American criticism came in what one might call a “Bibisitter week.” &nbsp;US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were already in Israel when the Washington heavyweights arrived. They were all there to make sure that the Trump plan stays intact in its early days.Washington’s heavy hitters have impressed on Netanyahu that for paving the way to peace, Israel should react “proportionally” to breaches from Hamas, an organisation the Israeli leader had vowed to wipe out completely. &nbsp;Such concerns were captured by a cartoon in the left-wing Israeli newspaper Haaretz showing Netanyahu, dressed like a child and playing with a toy tank and combat aircraft, with Witkoff, Vance and Kushner standing over him to say it's bedtime. &nbsp; &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-losing-support-majority-of-israelis-say-it-s-time-for-him-to-step-aside-finds-poll-1761371447623">Netanyahu losing support? Majority of Israelis say it’s time for him to step aside, finds poll</a>A good deal of optimism is required to think Trump’s 20-point plan will ever meet its promise: &nbsp;“It’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what soon will be a truly magnificent region. I believe that so strongly. This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”How to get there is another matter. One of the trickiest early obstacles is to persuade Hamas to lay down their arms, and if that happens, establish an alternative security force in Gaza. There has been no rush from Arab and Muslim nations to provide troops or funding for a peacekeeping force.It is worth keeping in mind that while Hamas started the war two years ago by storming across the border and killing 1,200 Israelis in an orgy of violence, it did not act alone. The October 7 atrocity also involved members of other extremist groups, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad.Like dozens of ceasefires in Middle East conflicts, the one brokered by Trump did not take effect immediately. On day one, two Israeli soldiers and 47 Palestinians died. A question of proportionality, one could argue. But since then, the truce has largely held. &nbsp;As part of the Trump plan, 200 American troops and military and intelligence officers from various countries are in the process of building what is called a Civil-Military Coordination Center to monitor ceasefire violations and supervise the flow of aid and security assistance. The centre is in Kiryat Gat in southern Israel.Peace in the Middle East is a phrase that has echoed through decades of US diplomacy and involved five presidents in the search for stability in a volatile and strategically important region. Some of the projects came close. Some even yielded Nobel Peace Prizes for the leaders involved.In 1978, Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin shared the prize for making peace between their countries. In 1994, Palestine Liberation Organisation chief Yasser Arafat and the Israeli leaders Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin shared the award for their efforts to bring peace to the region through the Oslo accords, a series of agreements between Israel and the PLO. &nbsp;The Oslo Accords were formally signed in Washington, and the photo of then-President Bill Clinton standing between Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin shaking hands became an icon of hope.Sadly, all the agreements had one thing in common: they failed.Predicting whether the latest efforts will have the desired result is a fool’s errand in a region as volatile and complex as the Middle East. &nbsp;But here is a relatively safe bet: no matter what, Israel will never be short of American-supplied weapons. As White House aides began pondering the peace plan, the administration began the process of approving the sale of around $6 billion of additional weapons.That came after Israel bombed a building in Qatar, a close ally, where it believed Hamas leaders were meeting. That came against the background of international condemnation of an unceasing bombing campaign, which laid waste to most of Gaza and killed 68,000 Palestinians.The special US-Israeli relationship remains intact. It began when President Harry Truman became the first leader to recognise the new state in 1948. US officials relating the history of the tight relations rarely fail to mention that Truman called just 11 minutes after Israel’s declaration of independence.

The Knesset vote and American criticism came in what one might call a “Bibisitter week.”  Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were already in Israel when the Washington heavyweights arrived. They were all there to make sure that the Trump plan stays intact in its early days.

Doubts over the durability of the ceasefire in the Gaza war, a diplomatic triumph for President Donald Trump, have prompted a parade of senior officials to rush to Israel for what mocking headlines labelled “Bibisitter” duty. The word is a play on Bibi, the widely used nickname of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reluctantly agreed to Trump’s plan to end the devastating war in Gaza but is under intense pressure from key members of his coalition cabinet who disagree on the future of Israel and the Middle East. Justly proud of having ended the fighting between the Israeli military and Hamas and engineered the return of Israeli hostages held for two years, Trump told the Israeli Knesset on October 15: “It’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what soon will be a truly magnificent region. I believe that so strongly. This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.” Two weeks earlier, Trump made an unambiguous statement on the issue at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – the future of territory the Palestinians consider a vital part of a future state. “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Nope. I will not allow it.” Also read | 'I'm watching': Trump sets 48-hour deadline for Hamas to return remains of Israeli hostages But a day after Vice President JD Vance arrived in Israel, lawmakers in the 120-seat parliament voted 25-24 to advance a bill to make the West Bank “an inseparable part of the sovereign State of Israel.” It was the first of four votes to pass the bill into law, which is unlikely to happen. But the vote infuriated Vance, who called the vote by hard-right members of the Knesset “a very stupid political stunt, and I personally take some insult to it.” The day after Vance left, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived and voiced similar criticism, calling the move “counter-productive.” The Knesset vote and American criticism came in what one might call a “Bibisitter week.” US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were already in Israel when the Washington heavyweights arrived. They were all there to make sure that the Trump plan stays intact in its early days. Washington’s heavy hitters have impressed on Netanyahu that for paving the way to peace, Israel should react “proportionally” to breaches from Hamas, an organisation the Israeli leader had vowed to wipe out completely. Such concerns were captured by a cartoon in the left-wing Israeli newspaper Haaretz showing Netanyahu, dressed like a child and playing with a toy tank and combat aircraft, with Witkoff, Vance and Kushner standing over him to say it's bedtime. Also read | Netanyahu losing support? Majority of Israelis say it’s time for him to step aside, finds poll A good deal of optimism is required to think Trump’s 20-point plan will ever meet its promise: “It’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what soon will be a truly magnificent region. I believe that so strongly. This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.” How to get there is another matter. One of the trickiest early obstacles is to persuade Hamas to lay down their arms, and if that happens, establish an alternative security force in Gaza. There has been no rush from Arab and Muslim nations to provide troops or funding for a peacekeeping force. It is worth keeping in mind that while Hamas started the war two years ago by storming across the border and killing 1,200 Israelis in an orgy of violence, it did not act alone. The October 7 atrocity also involved members of other extremist groups, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Like dozens of ceasefires in Middle East conflicts, the one brokered by Trump did not take effect immediately. On day one, two Israeli soldiers and 47 Palestinians died. A question of proportionality, one could argue. But since then, the truce has largely held. As part of the Trump plan, 200 American troops and military and intelligence officers from various countries are in the process of building what is called a Civil-Military Coordination Center to monitor ceasefire violations and supervise the flow of aid and security assistance. The centre is in Kiryat Gat in southern Israel. Peace in the Middle East is a phrase that has echoed through decades of US diplomacy and involved five presidents in the search for stability in a volatile and strategically important region. Some of the projects came close. Some even yielded Nobel Peace Prizes for the leaders involved. In 1978, Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin shared the prize for making peace between their countries. In 1994, Palestine Liberation Organisation chief Yasser Arafat and the Israeli leaders Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin shared the award for their efforts to bring peace to the region through the Oslo accords, a series of agreements between Israel and the PLO. The Oslo Accords were formally signed in Washington, and the photo of then-President Bill Clinton standing between Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin shaking hands became an icon of hope. Sadly, all the agreements had one thing in common: they failed. Predicting whether the latest efforts will have the desired result is a fool’s errand in a region as volatile and complex as the Middle East. But here is a relatively safe bet: no matter what, Israel will never be short of American-supplied weapons. As White House aides began pondering the peace plan, the administration began the process of approving the sale of around $6 billion of additional weapons. That came after Israel bombed a building in Qatar, a close ally, where it believed Hamas leaders were meeting. That came against the background of international condemnation of an unceasing bombing campaign, which laid waste to most of Gaza and killed 68,000 Palestinians. The special US-Israeli relationship remains intact. It began when President Harry Truman became the first leader to recognise the new state in 1948. US officials relating the history of the tight relations rarely fail to mention that Truman called just 11 minutes after Israel’s declaration of independence.

The Knesset vote and American criticism came in what one might call a “Bibisitter week.” &nbsp;Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were already in Israel when the Washington heavyweights arrived. They were all there to make sure that the Trump plan stays intact in its early days.

US President Donald Trump’s new Middle East requires ‘Bibisitters’

With no majority in parliament and surrounded by allies outraged by his acceptance of a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to have set his sights on Israel's next elections. A political phoenix, Netanyahu is the country's longest-serving prime minister, has been its dominant political figure for decades and heads one of the most right-wing coalitions in Israel's history. But he does not hold an absolute parliamentary majority after an ultra-Orthodox party quit in July, protesting against the government's failure to pass a law to exempt its community from military service. The summer parliamentary recess came at just the right time to shield the government, which now holds just 60 of 120 seats, from motions of no confidence. But the resumption of the Knesset's work on October 20 heralded the return of transactional politics and potential threats for the government.&nbsp;Under pressure from US President Donald Trump, Netanyahu agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas that came into effect on October 10 after more than two years of war in Gaza. His far-right allies vehemently denounced the agreement, arguing that the military should retain control of the entire Gaza Strip and crush the Palestinian Islamist movement for good. And while they are not abandoning the ship of government, they are raising the price to keep them on board.&nbsp;"The coalition has been weakened by the ceasefire agreement," said independent analyst Michael Horowitz."For Netanyahu, the issue is no longer so much about preserving his coalition until the end as it is about positioning himself to win the next elections -- even if they are brought forward," he told AFP.&nbsp;In a televised interview on October 18, Netanyahu said that he would run for office in the next elections and that he expected to win. Those polls are required to take place by late October 2026 but Netanyahu, who has just turned 76, may call early elections or be forced into a fresh vote if another of his allied parties abandons the ruling coalition.&nbsp;Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has already threatened to stop voting with the coalition if his bill calling for "the death penalty for terrorists" is not put to a parliamentary vote by November 9. Netanyahu must grapple with ideological differences from his far-right partners, who favour resuming the war in Gaza with a view to taking over the territory, from which Israel unilaterally withdrew in 2005.&nbsp;He must also contend with pressure from his allies in the ultra-Orthodox Sephardic Shas party -- which has 11 lawmakers and has distanced itself from the government. Without formally leaving the coalition, Shas ministers resigned from the cabinet in July over the issue of military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews.&nbsp;The coalition's other ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, quit both the government and the coalition.Several Israeli journalists including the high-profile Amit Segal, who is known to be close to Netanyahu, have suggested the premier would opt for June 2026 for early elections.&nbsp;For now, Netanyahu must overcome several obstacles to remain in power, most notably the issue of conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Shas says it will pull its support unless military service exemption is enshrined in law, while the far-right and many in Netanyahu's Likud party want to force ultra-Orthodox conscription.&nbsp;If the fragile ceasefire holds, Netanyahu will also have to find post-war solutions for Gaza that will satisfy his far-right partners. They are demanding a vote on at least partial annexation of the occupied West Bank in return for what they see as the relinquishing of Gaza.&nbsp;The Trump administration has repeatedly expressed its opposition to such a move. Israeli financial newspaper Calcalist said that in a bid to shore up its unity, the coalition planned to swiftly pass laws that would give it a better chance of election victory. Among them would be the lowering of the threshold of votes needed to be represented in parliament -- an apparent gift to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose far-right Religious Zionism party would not reach the required limit under current rules, according to several polls.&nbsp;Another measure would be to lower the voting age to 17, which would give a demographic advantage to the ultra-Orthodox parties. Netanyahu, who is on trial in several corruption cases, is assured of being re-elected as head of Likud at the end of November, as there are no other candidates. And despite strong popular discontent with the government, his party remains the frontrunner according to all polls.

In a televised interview on October 18, Netanyahu said that he would run for office in the next elections and that he expected to win. 

With no majority in parliament and surrounded by allies outraged by his acceptance of a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to have set his sights on Israel's next elections. A political phoenix, Netanyahu is the country's longest-serving prime minister, has been its dominant political figure for decades and heads one of the most right-wing coalitions in Israel's history. But he does not hold an absolute parliamentary majority after an ultra-Orthodox party quit in July, protesting against the government's failure to pass a law to exempt its community from military service. The summer parliamentary recess came at just the right time to shield the government, which now holds just 60 of 120 seats, from motions of no confidence. But the resumption of the Knesset's work on October 20 heralded the return of transactional politics and potential threats for the government. Under pressure from US President Donald Trump, Netanyahu agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas that came into effect on October 10 after more than two years of war in Gaza. His far-right allies vehemently denounced the agreement, arguing that the military should retain control of the entire Gaza Strip and crush the Palestinian Islamist movement for good. And while they are not abandoning the ship of government, they are raising the price to keep them on board. "The coalition has been weakened by the ceasefire agreement," said independent analyst Michael Horowitz. "For Netanyahu, the issue is no longer so much about preserving his coalition until the end as it is about positioning himself to win the next elections -- even if they are brought forward," he told AFP. In a televised interview on October 18, Netanyahu said that he would run for office in the next elections and that he expected to win. Those polls are required to take place by late October 2026 but Netanyahu, who has just turned 76, may call early elections or be forced into a fresh vote if another of his allied parties abandons the ruling coalition. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has already threatened to stop voting with the coalition if his bill calling for "the death penalty for terrorists" is not put to a parliamentary vote by November 9. Netanyahu must grapple with ideological differences from his far-right partners, who favour resuming the war in Gaza with a view to taking over the territory, from which Israel unilaterally withdrew in 2005. He must also contend with pressure from his allies in the ultra-Orthodox Sephardic Shas party -- which has 11 lawmakers and has distanced itself from the government. Without formally leaving the coalition, Shas ministers resigned from the cabinet in July over the issue of military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews. The coalition's other ultra-Orthodox party, United Torah Judaism, quit both the government and the coalition. Several Israeli journalists including the high-profile Amit Segal, who is known to be close to Netanyahu, have suggested the premier would opt for June 2026 for early elections. For now, Netanyahu must overcome several obstacles to remain in power, most notably the issue of conscription for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Shas says it will pull its support unless military service exemption is enshrined in law, while the far-right and many in Netanyahu's Likud party want to force ultra-Orthodox conscription. If the fragile ceasefire holds, Netanyahu will also have to find post-war solutions for Gaza that will satisfy his far-right partners. They are demanding a vote on at least partial annexation of the occupied West Bank in return for what they see as the relinquishing of Gaza. The Trump administration has repeatedly expressed its opposition to such a move. Israeli financial newspaper Calcalist said that in a bid to shore up its unity, the coalition planned to swiftly pass laws that would give it a better chance of election victory. Among them would be the lowering of the threshold of votes needed to be represented in parliament -- an apparent gift to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose far-right Religious Zionism party would not reach the required limit under current rules, according to several polls. Another measure would be to lower the voting age to 17, which would give a demographic advantage to the ultra-Orthodox parties. Netanyahu, who is on trial in several corruption cases, is assured of being re-elected as head of Likud at the end of November, as there are no other candidates. And despite strong popular discontent with the government, his party remains the frontrunner according to all polls.

In a televised interview on October 18, Netanyahu said that he would run for office in the next elections and that he expected to win.&nbsp;

Netanyahu faces vote with coalition weakened by Gaza truce

A new poll suggests a shifting political landscape in Israel, with a majority of citizens saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not run in the next election. According to Channel 12, 52 per cent of Israelis oppose his candidacy in the next elections. This comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently visited Israel to advance efforts to stabilise Gaza following the ceasefire that ended two years of devastating conflict. There, Rubio emphasised the importance of establishing an international force to oversee security, describing it as a key step toward long-term stability.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-are-fabricating-a-war-maduro-slams-us-after-trump-says-we-re-just-gonna-kill-1761354945867">'They are fabricating a war': Maduro slams US after 'peacemaker' Trump says 'we’re just gonna kill'</a><h2>Israelis don't want Netanyahu any more?</h2>According to the poll aired by Channel 12, over half of Israelis (52 per cent) think Benjamin Netanyahu should not run in the next elections. In comparison, 41 per cent think that he should contest the election, and only seven (7) per cent remain undecided.<h2>Who would take over from Netanyahu?</h2>According to the poll, the public is largely unsure who should lead the Likud party if Netanyahu steps aside. However, when provided with a list of options for Netanyahu's replacement, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen topped the list with only 10 per cent support. He was followed closely by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer at 9 per cent, and Defense Minister Israel Katz at 8 per cent.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-continue-airing-controversial-ronald-reagan-ad-ontario-premier-said-this-after-trump-suspended-trade-talks-1761360065985">Canada to continue airing controversial Ronald Reagan ad? Ontario Premier said THIS after Trump suspended trade talks</a>The rest of the potential candidates also received single-digit backing: Justice Minister Yariv Levin (7%), Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana (6%), Economy Minister Nir Barkat (5%), Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar (3%), Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter (2%), Energy Minister Eli Cohen (1%) and Transportation Minister Miri Regev (1%). Furthermore, nearly half of the respondents, or 48 per cent, said they were undecided or unwilling to choose from the options presented.<h2>What about the opposition?</h2>On the other side of the political spectrum, voters favour former prime minister Naftali Bennett to lead the opposition bloc, with 44 per cent support. Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid and other opposition leaders garnered far smaller shares: Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid (16%), Democrats chief Yair Golan (11%), Yashar! chief Gadi Eisenkot (11%), Yisrael Beytenu chief Avigdor Liberman (10%) and National Unity chairman Benny Gantz (2%). &nbsp;

A new poll shows 52 per cent of Israelis want PM Benjamin Netanyahu not to run again, while only 41 per cent back him. 

A new poll suggests a shifting political landscape in Israel, with a majority of citizens saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not run in the next election. According to Channel 12, 52 per cent of Israelis oppose his candidacy in the next elections. This comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently visited Israel to advance efforts to stabilise Gaza following the ceasefire that ended two years of devastating conflict. There, Rubio emphasised the importance of establishing an international force to oversee security, describing it as a key step toward long-term stability. Also read | 'They are fabricating a war': Maduro slams US after 'peacemaker' Trump says 'we’re just gonna kill' Israelis don't want Netanyahu any more? According to the poll aired by Channel 12, over half of Israelis (52 per cent) think Benjamin Netanyahu should not run in the next elections. In comparison, 41 per cent think that he should contest the election, and only seven (7) per cent remain undecided. Who would take over from Netanyahu? According to the poll, the public is largely unsure who should lead the Likud party if Netanyahu steps aside. However, when provided with a list of options for Netanyahu's replacement, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen topped the list with only 10 per cent support. He was followed closely by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer at 9 per cent, and Defense Minister Israel Katz at 8 per cent. Also read | Canada to continue airing controversial Ronald Reagan ad? Ontario Premier said THIS after Trump suspended trade talks The rest of the potential candidates also received single-digit backing: Justice Minister Yariv Levin (7%), Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana (6%), Economy Minister Nir Barkat (5%), Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar (3%), Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter (2%), Energy Minister Eli Cohen (1%) and Transportation Minister Miri Regev (1%). Furthermore, nearly half of the respondents, or 48 per cent, said they were undecided or unwilling to choose from the options presented. What about the opposition? On the other side of the political spectrum, voters favour former prime minister Naftali Bennett to lead the opposition bloc, with 44 per cent support. Yair Lapid of Yesh Atid and other opposition leaders garnered far smaller shares: Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid (16%), Democrats chief Yair Golan (11%), Yashar! chief Gadi Eisenkot (11%), Yisrael Beytenu chief Avigdor Liberman (10%) and National Unity chairman Benny Gantz (2%).

A new poll shows 52 per cent of Israelis want PM Benjamin Netanyahu not to run again, while only 41 per cent back him.&nbsp;

Netanyahu losing support? Majority of Israelis say it’s time for him to step aside, finds poll

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Oct 13) praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his role in ending the two-year Gaza war, but couldn’t resist including a few jabs in his speech to the Israeli Parliament, Knesset. Trump hailed the agreement as “a historic dawn of a new Middle East” while speaking to Israeli lawmakers after the groundbreaking announcement of a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, after two years of war.<h2>Trump roasts Netanyahu</h2>Trump, in his usual style, spent most of his speech reading prepared remarks, but couldn't resist going off script and ended up trolling Netanyahu. &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ex-journalist-pete-hegseth-mocks-press-as-us-media-revolts-against-pentagon-s-gag-order-press-no-longer-roams-free-1760402303105">Ex-journalist Pete Hegseth mocks press as US media revolts against Pentagon’s gag order: ‘Press no longer roams free’</a>“I want to express my gratitude to a man of exceptional courage and patriotism, whose partnership did so much to make this momentous day possible,” Trump said. “You know who I’m talking about, there’s only one, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” he said, urging the leader popularly known as Bibi to stand and accept applause.But then the US president quickly went off-script. “And he is not easy,” Trump joked, adding, “I want to tell you, he’s not the easiest guy to deal with.”“But that’s what makes him great,” added Trump almost in hindsight, before quipping that Netanyahu could “be a little nicer because you’re not at war anymore.”The comments appeared to reflect frustrations reportedly growing inside the White House over Netanyahu’s conduct during the Gaza war — including a surprise Israeli strike on Qatar, a key US ally.In one of the more striking moments, Trump told the Knesset: “Bibi, you’re going to be remembered for this far more than if you kept this thing going, going, going, kill, kill, kill.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mi5-issues-chilling-warning-to-uk-mps-china-russia-iran-spies-trying-to-erode-the-foundations-of-our-sovereignty-1760406481007">MI5 issues chilling warning to UK MPs: China, Russia, Iran spies trying to 'erode the foundations of our sovereignty'</a>He also poked fun at Netanyahu’s lengthy speech before him, saying he had been kept “quite late” by the prime minister’s “brilliant but very long remarks.”“I thought I was going to run up here, make a speech, and then head to Egypt,” Trump said, referring to the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, attended by more than 20 world leaders.<h2>Trump demands a pardon for close ally Bibi</h2>However, not all of Trump's comments were digs. He also called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu over his ongoing corruption and bribery cases.“Hey, I have an idea, Mr President, why don’t you give him a pardon? Give him a pardon, come on” Trump said. “This has been one of the greatest wartime presidents, and cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that?”. Netanyahu faces a criminal case that involves allegations that he accepted gifts, including expensive cigars and champagne, in exchange for political favours.

Trump praised Netanyahu for ending the Gaza war during his Knesset speech, but couldn’t resist roasting him. He joked Bibi “isn’t easy” and could “be a little nicer now,” while also urging Israel’s president to pardon Netanyahu over corruption cases.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Oct 13) praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his role in ending the two-year Gaza war, but couldn’t resist including a few jabs in his speech to the Israeli Parliament, Knesset. Trump hailed the agreement as “a historic dawn of a new Middle East” while speaking to Israeli lawmakers after the groundbreaking announcement of a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, after two years of war. Trump roasts Netanyahu Trump, in his usual style, spent most of his speech reading prepared remarks, but couldn't resist going off script and ended up trolling Netanyahu. Also read | Ex-journalist Pete Hegseth mocks press as US media revolts against Pentagon’s gag order: ‘Press no longer roams free’ “I want to express my gratitude to a man of exceptional courage and patriotism, whose partnership did so much to make this momentous day possible,” Trump said. “You know who I’m talking about, there’s only one, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” he said, urging the leader popularly known as Bibi to stand and accept applause. But then the US president quickly went off-script. “And he is not easy,” Trump joked, adding, “I want to tell you, he’s not the easiest guy to deal with.” “But that’s what makes him great,” added Trump almost in hindsight, before quipping that Netanyahu could “be a little nicer because you’re not at war anymore.” The comments appeared to reflect frustrations reportedly growing inside the White House over Netanyahu’s conduct during the Gaza war — including a surprise Israeli strike on Qatar, a key US ally. In one of the more striking moments, Trump told the Knesset: “Bibi, you’re going to be remembered for this far more than if you kept this thing going, going, going, kill, kill, kill.” Also read | MI5 issues chilling warning to UK MPs: China, Russia, Iran spies trying to 'erode the foundations of our sovereignty' He also poked fun at Netanyahu’s lengthy speech before him, saying he had been kept “quite late” by the prime minister’s “brilliant but very long remarks.” “I thought I was going to run up here, make a speech, and then head to Egypt,” Trump said, referring to the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, attended by more than 20 world leaders. Trump demands a pardon for close ally Bibi However, not all of Trump's comments were digs. He also called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu over his ongoing corruption and bribery cases. “Hey, I have an idea, Mr President, why don’t you give him a pardon? Give him a pardon, come on” Trump said. “This has been one of the greatest wartime presidents, and cigars and champagne, who the hell cares about that?”. Netanyahu faces a criminal case that involves allegations that he accepted gifts, including expensive cigars and champagne, in exchange for political favours.

Trump praised Netanyahu for ending the Gaza war during his Knesset speech, but couldn’t resist roasting him. He joked Bibi “isn’t easy” and could “be a little nicer now,” while also urging Israel’s president to pardon Netanyahu over corruption cases.

Could 'be a little nicer': Trump hails Netanyahu as ‘hero’ of Gaza ceasefire — then roasts him about…