Daniel Carmon, the former Israeli ambassador to India spoke exclusively to WION, recalling his interactions with India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, who lost his life in a helicopter crash on Wednesday (December 8).

Daniel Carmon, the former Israeli ambassador to India spoke exclusively to WION, recalling his interactions with India's Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, who lost his life in a helicopter crash on Wednesday (December 8). Remembering his interaction with Gen Rawat, Carmon paid his condolences and expressed grief over the tragic accident. While in conversation with WION correspondent Jodie Cohen, Carmon said, "Yesterday [December 8] was a very sad day for India. I must say, for all the people in Israel who knew him personally and acknowledged the very important defence relationships between India and Israel. It was very sad to lose a friend, a partner and someone who had been following and promoting the very important defence relations between both countries." Obituary | Gen Bipin Rawat biography: India's first Chief of Defence Staff led a life dedicated to the nation During his conversation, Carmon said, "I had the honour while serving in Delhi to meet Gen Rawat more than once, even once at his home and had the opportunity to have a lengthy discussion with him on so many issues not only related to defence." "I met a very strong leader, someone who is very dedicated to his country, to his nation, to his people. It really makes me sad to hear about this tragic accident when he and his wife and other officials were killed. Watch the conversation here: × Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the defence chief his wife and other 11 Armed Forces personnel, saying that India will "never forget" their rich contribution. Tributes poured in from all across the world as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Yair Lapid tweeted, ''On behalf of the people of Israel, I extend my deepest condolences to the people and government of India on the loss of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and the 11 other military personnel lost in today's tragic accident.'' IN PICS | Gen Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff: A life in pictures Top Pentagon officials including Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen Mark Milley and Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby condoled the demise of India's first CDS, General Bipin Rawat. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted, ''My deep condolences on the deaths of Indian Chief of Defense Staff General Rawat, his wife, and colleagues who perished in today’s tragic accident. We'll remember Gen. Rawat as an exceptional leader who served his country and contributed to the U.S.-India defense relationship.''

Former Israeli ambassador to India Daniel Carmon pays tribute to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, recalls old interaction

Israel has unveiled world’s largest lab-grown steak that weighs nearly 4oz (110 grams) and is made up of real muscle and fat cells.<o:p></o:p>

Lab grown by Israeli company MeaTech 3D, this steak is composed of real muscle and fat cells which have been derived from tissue samples of a cow. To complete the process, bovine stem cells were added in the 'bio-links' which were then put into a 3D printer to make the final steak. From there, the steak was left to mature in an incubator to mature where the printed stem cells were differentiated into fat and muscle cells that develop into fat and muscle tissue, respectively, to form the steak

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/gamechanger-scientists-reveal-cruelty-free-mushroom-leather-433875">Gamechanger? Scientists reveal cruelty-free 'mushroom leather'</a></o:p>

"The breakthrough is the culmination of over one year’s efforts in our cellular biology and high-throughput tissue-engineering processes, as well as our precision bioprinting technology. We believe we have placed ourselves at the forefront of the race to develop high-end, cell-based meat products,"&nbsp;Sharon Fima, CEO at MeaTech, said.<o:p></o:p>

While the Israeli company is trying to bring this process at a point where the price for conventional and cultured meat is the same, experts have said that the steaks might not be out for public soon. The company is planning to first sell cultured fat as an ingredient to be included in other products. A pilot plant is in works for next year.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/killer-dish-chef-jailed-for-serving-deadly-shepherds-pie-434099">Killer dish: Chef jailed for serving deadly shepherd's pie</a></o:p>

"MeaTech intends to continue improving upon its bioprinting and cultivation technologies to produce cultivated meat that better mirrors the key characteristics of farm-raised, premium steak," the company says in a press release.

The company is aiming to develop a perfect replacement of the&nbsp;conventional steak that can maximise 'cell-based content rather than non-meat ingredients'.

"The MeaTech announcement marks an exciting step forward in terms of the complexity and sheer size of a cultivated steak," Seren Kell at the Good&nbsp;Food&nbsp;Institute (GFI) Europe was quoted by the Guardian. "3D printing enables companies to create more sophisticated 'whole cut' products which can authentically recreate the taste, texture and mouthfeel of conventional meat."<o:p></o:p>

Israel has unveiled world’s largest lab-grown steak that weighs nearly 4oz (110 grams) and is made up of real muscle and fat cells. Lab grown by Israeli company MeaTech 3D, this steak is composed of real muscle and fat cells which have been derived from tissue samples of a cow.

Israel has unveiled world’s largest lab-grown steak that weighs nearly 4oz (110 grams) and is made up of real muscle and fat cells. Lab grown by Israeli company MeaTech 3D, this steak is composed of real muscle and fat cells which have been derived from tissue samples of a cow. To complete the process, bovine stem cells were added in the 'bio-links' which were then put into a 3D printer to make the final steak. From there, the steak was left to mature in an incubator to mature where the printed stem cells were differentiated into fat and muscle cells that develop into fat and muscle tissue, respectively, to form the steak Also read | Gamechanger? Scientists reveal cruelty-free 'mushroom leather' "The breakthrough is the culmination of over one year’s efforts in our cellular biology and high-throughput tissue-engineering processes, as well as our precision bioprinting technology. We believe we have placed ourselves at the forefront of the race to develop high-end, cell-based meat products," Sharon Fima, CEO at MeaTech, said. While the Israeli company is trying to bring this process at a point where the price for conventional and cultured meat is the same, experts have said that the steaks might not be out for public soon. The company is planning to first sell cultured fat as an ingredient to be included in other products. A pilot plant is in works for next year. Also read | Killer dish: Chef jailed for serving deadly shepherd's pie "MeaTech intends to continue improving upon its bioprinting and cultivation technologies to produce cultivated meat that better mirrors the key characteristics of farm-raised, premium steak," the company says in a press release. The company is aiming to develop a perfect replacement of the conventional steak that can maximise 'cell-based content rather than non-meat ingredients'. "The MeaTech announcement marks an exciting step forward in terms of the complexity and sheer size of a cultivated steak," Seren Kell at the Good Food Institute (GFI) Europe was quoted by the Guardian. "3D printing enables companies to create more sophisticated 'whole cut' products which can authentically recreate the taste, texture and mouthfeel of conventional meat."

Israeli company reveals world's biggest lab-grown steak

Israeli security forces shot dead a Palestinian man outside the Old City in Jerusalem on Saturday after he stabbed an Israeli civilian and tried to attack police, Israeli police and Palestinian medics said.

The assailant stabbed a man near the city's Damascus Gate and then "attempted to stab a border police officer," police said in a statement.

"Police neutralised the stabber," it added.&nbsp;

A spokeswoman for the Palestinian Red Crescent said police killed the Palestinian assailant.

Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said the stabbing victim was a 20-year-old religious Jewish man who was taken to hospital in "moderate to severe condition".

Official Palestinian news agency Wafa identified the assailant as Mohammad Shawkat Ahmed Salima, 25, from the northern West Bank town of Salfit.

Video released by police showed Salima tackling a man in ultra-Orthodox garb, then running to attack a police officer before he was shot.

Footage filmed by a bystander near the Damascus Gate and widely shared on social media showed the assailant lying prone on a sidewalk as police continued to fire shots.&nbsp;

Border Police Commander Amir Cohen said he "fully backed" the forces who "responded as needed to the incident" to prevent additional harm.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett praised police for acting "quickly and decisively... against a terrorist who tried to murder an Israeli citizen".

The Palestinian foreign ministry called the shooting a "field execution".

Mohammed Hamadeh, Jerusalem spokesman for Islamist group Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip, decried the "deliberate shooting of a wounded young man lying on the ground".

The police response also drew criticism from some Israeli politicians and rights groups.

"The execution of a person who no longer poses a threat is a horrible and terrible crime," Arab-Israeli lawmaker Aida Touma-Sliman said on Twitter.

Rights group B'Tselem tweeted, "the assailant wasn't 'neutralized'. He was summarily executed."

Police fired tear gas as Palestinians faced off with security forces near the Damascus Gate after the shooting.&nbsp;

The Red Crescent said three Palestinians were hospitalised during the confrontation.&nbsp;

Saturday's incident came after a Hamas-affiliated gunman fatally shot a Jewish tour guide in Jerusalem's Old City before police killed him last month.

Days before that, security forces shot dead a 16-year-old assailant in the Old City who they said stabbed two police officers.

The Old City is located in east Jerusalem, which Israel has occupied since 1967 and which Palestinians claim as the capital of their future state.

Israeli security forces shot dead a Palestinian man outside the Old City in Jerusalem on Saturday after he stabbed an Israeli civilian and tried to attack police, Israeli police and Palestinian medics said.

Israeli security forces shot dead a Palestinian man outside the Old City in Jerusalem on Saturday after he stabbed an Israeli civilian and tried to attack police, Israeli police and Palestinian medics said. The assailant stabbed a man near the city's Damascus Gate and then "attempted to stab a border police officer," police said in a statement. "Police neutralised the stabber," it added. A spokeswoman for the Palestinian Red Crescent said police killed the Palestinian assailant. Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said the stabbing victim was a 20-year-old religious Jewish man who was taken to hospital in "moderate to severe condition". Official Palestinian news agency Wafa identified the assailant as Mohammad Shawkat Ahmed Salima, 25, from the northern West Bank town of Salfit. Video released by police showed Salima tackling a man in ultra-Orthodox garb, then running to attack a police officer before he was shot. Footage filmed by a bystander near the Damascus Gate and widely shared on social media showed the assailant lying prone on a sidewalk as police continued to fire shots. Border Police Commander Amir Cohen said he "fully backed" the forces who "responded as needed to the incident" to prevent additional harm. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett praised police for acting "quickly and decisively... against a terrorist who tried to murder an Israeli citizen". The Palestinian foreign ministry called the shooting a "field execution". Mohammed Hamadeh, Jerusalem spokesman for Islamist group Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip, decried the "deliberate shooting of a wounded young man lying on the ground". The police response also drew criticism from some Israeli politicians and rights groups. "The execution of a person who no longer poses a threat is a horrible and terrible crime," Arab-Israeli lawmaker Aida Touma-Sliman said on Twitter. Rights group B'Tselem tweeted, "the assailant wasn't 'neutralized'. He was summarily executed." Police fired tear gas as Palestinians faced off with security forces near the Damascus Gate after the shooting. The Red Crescent said three Palestinians were hospitalised during the confrontation. Saturday's incident came after a Hamas-affiliated gunman fatally shot a Jewish tour guide in Jerusalem's Old City before police killed him last month. Days before that, security forces shot dead a 16-year-old assailant in the Old City who they said stabbed two police officers. The Old City is located in east Jerusalem, which Israel has occupied since 1967 and which Palestinians claim as the capital of their future state.

Israeli police kill Palestinian assailant in Jerusalem stabbing

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world, there has been intense debate on the need to take a third dose or a booster shot for extra protection against the deadly virus.

Even as some countries deliberate and study the necessity of a booster dose, Israel's healthcare expert Prof Jonathan Halevy told WION on Thursday asserted that an additional Covid jab was imperative for strong protection.

“People who are double vaccinated, after a gap of 6 months following the second dose are considered to be unvaccinated. So, it only calls for the necessity to take a booster shot. Actually, the level of immunity goes down below protection level on the average in six months after the second vaccination, though it differs from person to person,” Halevy said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/omicron-no-kissing-under-mistletoe-this-christmas-advises-british-politician-433630">Omicron: No kissing under mistletoe this Christmas, advises British politician</a>

When asked whether there has been any progress in treating Covid illness, Halevy said, “As far as medications go, I believe that we are now in a much better shape compared to the year-and-a-half ago when the virus started. We now have an arsenal of medications and among them are Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations. If God forbid we have a fifth wave, we can treat the patients much earlier and efficaciously.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

The health expert also stressed that the children need to be vaccinated as quickly as possible, but lamented the slow pace of the vaccination rate in Israel.

“It is well proven that the vaccine is safe for children and unfortunately in Israel, the pace of vaccination among children 5-11 years old is too slow. We are trying to plead to parents not to hesitate and do it at a quicker pace. I am more apprehended by the slow pace of vaccination among kids,” said Halevy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-omicron-was-first-found-in-san-francisco-433638">Why Omicron was first found in San Francisco</a>

When asked whether it was possible to implement a national mandate making vaccines compulsory in Israel, as suggested by the country’s coronavirus czar Salman Zarka, Halevy pointed out that such orders won’t be passed in Israel.

“I don’t believe it will happen in Israel, as it is a very vivid democracy with a very meticulous approach to human rights. So, I think that coming out with a law to mandate vaccination for everyone will not happen in Israel. But I think sanctions or penalties should be given,” he said.

Out of a population of 9.4 million, 5.7 million Israelis have received two vaccine doses, and 4 million have had a third booster shot, according to Israel's health ministry data.

Israel rolled out vaccinations for children aged five to 11 last week, one of only a handful of countries to inoculate minors that young.

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world, there has been intense debate on the need to take a third dose or a booster shot for extra protection against the deadly virus.

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world, there has been intense debate on the need to take a third dose or a booster shot for extra protection against the deadly virus. Even as some countries deliberate and study the necessity of a booster dose, Israel's healthcare expert Prof Jonathan Halevy told WION on Thursday asserted that an additional Covid jab was imperative for strong protection. “People who are double vaccinated, after a gap of 6 months following the second dose are considered to be unvaccinated. So, it only calls for the necessity to take a booster shot. Actually, the level of immunity goes down below protection level on the average in six months after the second vaccination, though it differs from person to person,” Halevy said. Also read | Omicron: No kissing under mistletoe this Christmas, advises British politician When asked whether there has been any progress in treating Covid illness, Halevy said, “As far as medications go, I believe that we are now in a much better shape compared to the year-and-a-half ago when the virus started. We now have an arsenal of medications and among them are Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations. If God forbid we have a fifth wave, we can treat the patients much earlier and efficaciously.” Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated The health expert also stressed that the children need to be vaccinated as quickly as possible, but lamented the slow pace of the vaccination rate in Israel. “It is well proven that the vaccine is safe for children and unfortunately in Israel, the pace of vaccination among children 5-11 years old is too slow. We are trying to plead to parents not to hesitate and do it at a quicker pace. I am more apprehended by the slow pace of vaccination among kids,” said Halevy. Also read | Why Omicron was first found in San Francisco When asked whether it was possible to implement a national mandate making vaccines compulsory in Israel, as suggested by the country’s coronavirus czar Salman Zarka, Halevy pointed out that such orders won’t be passed in Israel. “I don’t believe it will happen in Israel, as it is a very vivid democracy with a very meticulous approach to human rights. So, I think that coming out with a law to mandate vaccination for everyone will not happen in Israel. But I think sanctions or penalties should be given,” he said. Out of a population of 9.4 million, 5.7 million Israelis have received two vaccine doses, and 4 million have had a third booster shot, according to Israel's health ministry data. Israel rolled out vaccinations for children aged five to 11 last week, one of only a handful of countries to inoculate minors that young.

Two-dose vaccines insufficient, booster dose must for protection against Covid: Israel’s health expert

If Israel's plan gets a nod from its government, it may become the first country to ban entry of all foreigners into the country in light of spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. Israel also said that it would use counter-terrorism phone-tracking technology in order to contain the spread of the Omicron variant.

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that the ban would last 14 days of approval by the government. Officials are hoping for more information on Omicron variant to trickle in during this period.

Omicron variant, a new variant of Covid-19, was first detected in Sourth Africa and has been dubbed a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-is-causing-mild-disease-says-south-african-medical-association-432552">Omicron variant is causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association&nbsp;</a>

Israelis entering the country, including those who are vaccinated, will be required to quarantine, Bennett said. The ban will come into effect at midnight between Sunday and Monday (November 29). A travel ban on foreigners coming from most African states was imposed on Friday (November 26).

The Shin Bet counter-terrorism agency's phone-tracking technology will be used to locate carriers of the new variant in order to curb its transmission to others, Bennett said.

Israel will host the Miss Universe beauty pageant on Dec 12 despite imposing travel restrictions, Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov said on Sunday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-praises-south-africa-for-quick-transparent-reporting-of-new-covid-variant-omicron-432491">US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron</a>

He said participants in the contest, to be held in the Red Sea resort of Eilat, will be granted waivers from the curbs while possibly being subject to PCR testing every 48 hours and other precautionary measures.

Israel has so far confirmed one case of Omicron, with seven suspected cases. The Health Ministry has not said whether the confirmed case was vaccinated. Three of the seven suspected cases were fully vaccinated, the ministry said on Saturday, and three had not returned from travel abroad recently.

Around 57% of Israel's 9.4 million population is fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry, which means they have either received a third shot of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or it has not yet been five months since they received their second dose. Israel has recorded 1.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 8,000 fatalities since the pandemic began.

(With inputs from agencies)

If Israel's plan gets a nod from its government, it may become the first country to ban entry of all foreigners into the country in light of spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus.

If Israel's plan gets a nod from its government, it may become the first country to ban entry of all foreigners into the country in light of spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. Israel also said that it would use counter-terrorism phone-tracking technology in order to contain the spread of the Omicron variant. Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that the ban would last 14 days of approval by the government. Officials are hoping for more information on Omicron variant to trickle in during this period. Omicron variant, a new variant of Covid-19, was first detected in Sourth Africa and has been dubbed a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Also Read | Omicron variant is causing mild disease, says South African Medical Association Israelis entering the country, including those who are vaccinated, will be required to quarantine, Bennett said. The ban will come into effect at midnight between Sunday and Monday (November 29). A travel ban on foreigners coming from most African states was imposed on Friday (November 26). The Shin Bet counter-terrorism agency's phone-tracking technology will be used to locate carriers of the new variant in order to curb its transmission to others, Bennett said. Israel will host the Miss Universe beauty pageant on Dec 12 despite imposing travel restrictions, Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov said on Sunday. Also Read | US praises South Africa for quick, transparent reporting of new Covid variant Omicron He said participants in the contest, to be held in the Red Sea resort of Eilat, will be granted waivers from the curbs while possibly being subject to PCR testing every 48 hours and other precautionary measures. Israel has so far confirmed one case of Omicron, with seven suspected cases. The Health Ministry has not said whether the confirmed case was vaccinated. Three of the seven suspected cases were fully vaccinated, the ministry said on Saturday, and three had not returned from travel abroad recently. Around 57% of Israel's 9.4 million population is fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry, which means they have either received a third shot of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine or it has not yet been five months since they received their second dose. Israel has recorded 1.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 8,000 fatalities since the pandemic began. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant: Israel may become first country to ban entry of all foreigners

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday expressed fears that Iran would get&nbsp;sanctions relief without significant curbs on its nuclear program. The statement came just a day ahead of&nbsp;world powers going in a huddle with Iran in a last-ditch effort to salvage 2015 nuclear agreement. The negotiations are to begin on November 29 in Vienna.

"Israel is very worried about the readiness to remove the sanctions and to allow a flow of billions (of dollars) to Iran in exchange for unsatisfactory restrictions in the nuclear realm," Bennett told his cabinet in televised remarks.

"This is the message that we are relaying in every manner, whether to the Americans or to the other countries negotiating with Iran."

US and other world powers had entered into nuclear deal with Iran in 2015. The deal was hailed as a landmark event. However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the deal in 2018. This put crippling sanctions back on Iran.

Negotiations have been going on in Vienna to revive the deal but no significant progress has been made till now.

Israel, which is not a party to the talks, opposed the original 2015 pact as too limited in scope and duration. Israeli leaders have long threatened military action against Iran if they deem diplomacy a dead end for denying it nuclear weaponry.

The Islamic Republic says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.

Few expect a breakthrough in the talks as Iran's uranium enrichment activities have escalated in an apparent bid to gain leverage against the West.

Six rounds of indirect talks were held between April and June. The new round begins after a hiatus caused by the election of a new Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline cleric.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday expressed fears that Iran would get sanctions relief without significant curbs on its nuclear program. The statement came just a day ahead of world powers going in a huddle with Iran in a last-ditch effort to salvage 2015 nuclear agreement.

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday expressed fears that Iran would get sanctions relief without significant curbs on its nuclear program. The statement came just a day ahead of world powers going in a huddle with Iran in a last-ditch effort to salvage 2015 nuclear agreement. The negotiations are to begin on November 29 in Vienna. "Israel is very worried about the readiness to remove the sanctions and to allow a flow of billions (of dollars) to Iran in exchange for unsatisfactory restrictions in the nuclear realm," Bennett told his cabinet in televised remarks. "This is the message that we are relaying in every manner, whether to the Americans or to the other countries negotiating with Iran." US and other world powers had entered into nuclear deal with Iran in 2015. The deal was hailed as a landmark event. However, former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the deal in 2018. This put crippling sanctions back on Iran. Negotiations have been going on in Vienna to revive the deal but no significant progress has been made till now. Israel, which is not a party to the talks, opposed the original 2015 pact as too limited in scope and duration. Israeli leaders have long threatened military action against Iran if they deem diplomacy a dead end for denying it nuclear weaponry. The Islamic Republic says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful. Few expect a breakthrough in the talks as Iran's uranium enrichment activities have escalated in an apparent bid to gain leverage against the West. Six rounds of indirect talks were held between April and June. The new round begins after a hiatus caused by the election of a new Iranian president, Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline cleric. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel worried about relief to Iran without curb on nuclear projects: Bennett

Israeli health ministry on Friday reported first case of the new Covid-19 variant. The new Covid variant has been designated B.1.1.529 and is being referred to as variant Nu. The variant was first detected in South Africa and other countries.

The strain was discovered in a genomic sequencing test that took an Israeli who returned from Malawi, the Ministry said.

There is also a suspicion of more cases of infection with the strain, of two Israelis who also returned from abroad, it added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-threat-heres-what-we-know-about-covid-b11529-or-nu-variant-likely-deadlier-than-delta-432075">New threat? Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, likely deadlier than Delta</a>

The Ministry said it waits for the results of their sequencing tests, and until then, the two are staying in quarantine.

The ministry said that the three Israelis have been vaccinated against coronavirus in the past.

It said the epidemiologic investigation is underway to detect more cases of the new strain, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israel has imposed travel ban on almost all African countries barring a few in north Africa.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli health ministry on Friday reported first case of the new Covid-19 variant. The new Covid variant has been designated B.1.1.529 and is being referred to as variant Nu.

Israeli health ministry on Friday reported first case of the new Covid-19 variant. The new Covid variant has been designated B.1.1.529 and is being referred to as variant Nu. The variant was first detected in South Africa and other countries. The strain was discovered in a genomic sequencing test that took an Israeli who returned from Malawi, the Ministry said. There is also a suspicion of more cases of infection with the strain, of two Israelis who also returned from abroad, it added. Also Read | New threat? Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, likely deadlier than Delta The Ministry said it waits for the results of their sequencing tests, and until then, the two are staying in quarantine. The ministry said that the three Israelis have been vaccinated against coronavirus in the past. It said the epidemiologic investigation is underway to detect more cases of the new strain, Xinhua news agency reported. Israel has imposed travel ban on almost all African countries barring a few in north Africa. (With inputs from agencies)

First case of new Covid variant reported in Israel

Israel on Friday issued a travel ban that barred travellers from almost all African countries from coming to Israel. The move was taken in the wake of the occurrence of a new coronavirus variant which is considered to be more contagious than the dreaded Delta strain.

Under the travel restrictions, all African countries, except those in North Africa were added to Israel's "red list" of high-risk countries.

"We are currently on the verge of a state of emergency," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, according to a statement from his office, before expanding a ban he announced on Thursday on the entry of foreigners from seven African countries and Israelis' travel to them.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-threat-heres-what-we-know-about-covid-b11529-or-nu-variant-likely-deadlier-than-delta-432075">New threat? Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, likely deadlier than Delta</a>

Bennett, who met Israeli health experts before the edicts were announced, said there were a few cases of the new variant reported in Israel.

The new Covid variant, being referred to as 'Nu' variant, has created panic across the world. Even World Health Organisation (WHO) has gone into a huddle to decide next course of action.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/6-covid-cases-reported-in-three-chinese-cities-in-a-day-shanghai-cancels-flights-shuts-schools-432112">6 Covid cases reported in three Chinese cities in a day, Shanghai cancels flights, shuts schools</a>

The infection for the Nu variant was first detected in South Africa.&nbsp;

The coronavirus variant which has got the designation of B.1.1.529 has been reported to have shown more mutations than previously identified variants. Since it was mutations that created obstacles in the path of developing vaccines, the Nu variant has made scientists around the world take notice.

Israel on Friday issued a travel ban that barred travellers from almost all African countries from coming to Israel. The move was taken in the wake of the occurrence of a new coronavirus variant which is considered to be more contagious than the dreaded Delta strain.

Israel on Friday issued a travel ban that barred travellers from almost all African countries from coming to Israel. The move was taken in the wake of the occurrence of a new coronavirus variant which is considered to be more contagious than the dreaded Delta strain. Under the travel restrictions, all African countries, except those in North Africa were added to Israel's "red list" of high-risk countries. "We are currently on the verge of a state of emergency," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, according to a statement from his office, before expanding a ban he announced on Thursday on the entry of foreigners from seven African countries and Israelis' travel to them. Also Read | New threat? Here's what we know about Covid B.1.1.529 or Nu variant, likely deadlier than Delta Bennett, who met Israeli health experts before the edicts were announced, said there were a few cases of the new variant reported in Israel. The new Covid variant, being referred to as 'Nu' variant, has created panic across the world. Even World Health Organisation (WHO) has gone into a huddle to decide next course of action. Also Read | 6 Covid cases reported in three Chinese cities in a day, Shanghai cancels flights, shuts schools The infection for the Nu variant was first detected in South Africa. The coronavirus variant which has got the designation of B.1.1.529 has been reported to have shown more mutations than previously identified variants. Since it was mutations that created obstacles in the path of developing vaccines, the Nu variant has made scientists around the world take notice.

New Covid variant: Israel imposes travel ban on passengers from most of Africa

Australia on Wednesday classified all of Hezbollah— a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party, which also has a militia&nbsp;wing—as a terrorist group.

Apart from that, the government also placed a neo-Nazi group known as The Base in the new terrorist group list.

Home affairs minister Karen Andrews said the Iran-backed Shiite group “continues to threaten terrorist attacks and provide support to terrorist organisations” and poses a “real and credible” threat to Australia.

“There is no&nbsp;place in Australia for their hateful&nbsp;ideologies,” Andrews told reporters.&nbsp;

“We know that there are individuals actively watching what is happening in Australia. There are people here who have the intent and the capability to do us harm,” she added.

Hezbollah, which plays a key role in Lebanese politics, has been accused of fuelling Syria's civil war by sending thousands of fighters across the border to prop up President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-expects-hezbollah-to-fire-2000-rockets-a-day-in-wartime-idf-421642">&nbsp;Israel expects Hezbollah to fire 2,000 rockets a day in wartime: IDF</a>

In 2006, it fought a short yet devastating war against Israel.

Critics have accused the movement of killing former prime minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, and more recently of blocking investigations into the cataclysmic 2020 Beirut port explosion.

It has also claimed responsibility for multiple rocket attacks on Israel and is the only side that has to date refused to disarm since the country's devastating civil war ended in 1990.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahathir-hezbollah-secy-general-listed-as-worlds-most-dangerous-extremists-by-us-based-group-355283">Mahathir, Hezbollah secy general listed as world’s ‘most dangerous extremists’ by US-based group</a>

Some countries have sought to distinguish between Hezbollah's political and militant factions, fearing a blanket ban could destabilise Lebanon and hamper contacts with authorities.

The decision by the Australian government comes as Lebanon reels from spiralling political and economic crises.

Nearly 80 per cent of the population is estimated to be living below the poverty line.

Elections are expected in March 2022 and there is growing public anger about nepotism and corruption among Lebanon's ruling class.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australia on Wednesday classified all of Hezbollah— a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party, which also has a militia wing—as a terrorist group. Apart from that, the government also placed a neo-Nazi group known as The Base in the new terrorist group list.

Australia on Wednesday classified all of Hezbollah— a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party, which also has a militia wing—as a terrorist group. Apart from that, the government also placed a neo-Nazi group known as The Base in the new terrorist group list. Home affairs minister Karen Andrews said the Iran-backed Shiite group “continues to threaten terrorist attacks and provide support to terrorist organisations” and poses a “real and credible” threat to Australia. “There is no place in Australia for their hateful ideologies,” Andrews told reporters. “We know that there are individuals actively watching what is happening in Australia. There are people here who have the intent and the capability to do us harm,” she added. Hezbollah, which plays a key role in Lebanese politics, has been accused of fuelling Syria's civil war by sending thousands of fighters across the border to prop up President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Also read | Israel expects Hezbollah to fire 2,000 rockets a day in wartime: IDF In 2006, it fought a short yet devastating war against Israel. Critics have accused the movement of killing former prime minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, and more recently of blocking investigations into the cataclysmic 2020 Beirut port explosion. It has also claimed responsibility for multiple rocket attacks on Israel and is the only side that has to date refused to disarm since the country's devastating civil war ended in 1990. Also read | Mahathir, Hezbollah secy general listed as world’s ‘most dangerous extremists’ by US-based group Some countries have sought to distinguish between Hezbollah's political and militant factions, fearing a blanket ban could destabilise Lebanon and hamper contacts with authorities. The decision by the Australian government comes as Lebanon reels from spiralling political and economic crises. Nearly 80 per cent of the population is estimated to be living below the poverty line. Elections are expected in March 2022 and there is growing public anger about nepotism and corruption among Lebanon's ruling class. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia names all of Hezbollah, neo-Nazi group as terrorist organisation

Indian Army chief General MM Naravane recently concluded his first visit to Israel last week. According to the army, the trip aimed at “further strengthening strategic defence cooperation between both countries.”

The five-day visit included a tour of the Israel Defense Forces’ Ground Forces headquarters, and the northern border of the country. The Army chief received Israel’s guard of honour, visited Haifa’s memorial to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I, and visited the special operations unit where counter-terrorism was discussed.

He also met with Israel’s senior military and civilian leadership to discuss ways to further enhance defence relations between Israel and India.

The visit comes shortly after two other high-profile visits from India – that of External Affairs Minister&nbsp;S Jaishankar&nbsp;and defence secretary Ajay Kumar. India also participated in the recent Blue Flag international air drill.

According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India is one of Israel’s largest buyers of military hardware, and the two countries have signed an agreement to develop bilateral technology, like drones, artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

Speaking exclusively to WION, Commander of the Israel Defense Forces’ Border Defense Corps, Brigadier General Amit Yamin divulged the key issues discussed during Naravane’s meeting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane concludes his 5-day visit to Israel. While speaking to WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/JodieCohen613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JodieCohen613</a>, Brigadier General Amit Yamin said, "We (India and Israel) have common challenges, we can train together and this can also help improve our connection."<a href="https://twitter.com/SaroyaHem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaroyaHem</a> <a href="https://t.co/j5kjuBh5cY">pic.twitter.com/j5kjuBh5cY</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1463115863117078528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“We discussed counterterrorism challenges, border disputes and other issues. And it was stressed that sharing knowledge on such issues is needed to deal with them effectively,” he said.

When asked what India and Israel can learn from each other in tackling counterterrorism and border security issues, Tamin said, “We (India and Israel) have common challenges, we can train together and this can also help improve our connection.”

The visit comes as India and Israel are set to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic ties on January 29 next year.

Indian Army chief General MM Naravane recently concluded his first visit to Israel last week. According to the army, the trip aimed at “further strengthening strategic defence cooperation between both countries.

Indian Army chief General MM Naravane recently concluded his first visit to Israel last week. According to the army, the trip aimed at “further strengthening strategic defence cooperation between both countries.” The five-day visit included a tour of the Israel Defense Forces’ Ground Forces headquarters, and the northern border of the country. The Army chief received Israel’s guard of honour, visited Haifa’s memorial to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I, and visited the special operations unit where counter-terrorism was discussed. He also met with Israel’s senior military and civilian leadership to discuss ways to further enhance defence relations between Israel and India. The visit comes shortly after two other high-profile visits from India – that of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and defence secretary Ajay Kumar. India also participated in the recent Blue Flag international air drill. According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India is one of Israel’s largest buyers of military hardware, and the two countries have signed an agreement to develop bilateral technology, like drones, artificial intelligence and quantum technology. Speaking exclusively to WION, Commander of the Israel Defense Forces’ Border Defense Corps, Brigadier General Amit Yamin divulged the key issues discussed during Naravane’s meeting. Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane concludes his 5-day visit to Israel. While speaking to WION's @JodieCohen613, Brigadier General Amit Yamin said, "We (India and Israel) have common challenges, we can train together and this can also help improve our connection."@SaroyaHem pic.twitter.com/j5kjuBh5cY — WION (@WIONews) November 23, 2021 × “We discussed counterterrorism challenges, border disputes and other issues. And it was stressed that sharing knowledge on such issues is needed to deal with them effectively,” he said. When asked what India and Israel can learn from each other in tackling counterterrorism and border security issues, Tamin said, “We (India and Israel) have common challenges, we can train together and this can also help improve our connection.” The visit comes as India and Israel are set to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic ties on January 29 next year.

Border security, counterterrorism discussed during Indian Army chief’s visit, says Israel Def Corps’ Yamin

Sharpening rhetoric against Iran, Israel on Tuesday disclosed what it said were two bases used to carry out maritime attacks. Israel also offered to cooperate with Arab partners on counter-measures.

Gulf Arab countries share Israeli concerns about such drones, seeing the hand of Iran or its allies in aerial attacks on shipping or on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Tehran has often denied such allegations.

"Today I reveal to you two central bases in the area of Chabahar and Qeshm island in south Iran, from which operations in the maritime arena were launched, and where today, too, advanced Shahed attack drones are deployed," Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz told a televised security conference.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-defence-minister-gantzs-household-staffer-accused-of-iran-linked-espionage-431346">Israel's defence minister Gantz's household staffer accused of Iran-linked espionage</a>

Separately, the chief of Israel's air force proposed working with Arab partners - such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with which Israel formalised ties last year - against the drone threat.

"It think that this is a great opportunity to create contacts and to build a defence plan for all the countries that have a common interest in protecting themselves," Major-General Amikam Norkin told the conference, hosted by Reichman University.

"We can help significantly (against drones), whether in terms of intelligence, detection or interception."

(With inputs from agencies)

Sharpening rhetoric against Iran, Israel on Tuesday disclosed what it said were two bases used to carry out maritime attacks. Israel also offered to cooperate with Arab partners on counter-measures.

Sharpening rhetoric against Iran, Israel on Tuesday disclosed what it said were two bases used to carry out maritime attacks. Israel also offered to cooperate with Arab partners on counter-measures. Gulf Arab countries share Israeli concerns about such drones, seeing the hand of Iran or its allies in aerial attacks on shipping or on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Tehran has often denied such allegations. "Today I reveal to you two central bases in the area of Chabahar and Qeshm island in south Iran, from which operations in the maritime arena were launched, and where today, too, advanced Shahed attack drones are deployed," Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz told a televised security conference. Also Read | Israel's defence minister Gantz's household staffer accused of Iran-linked espionage Separately, the chief of Israel's air force proposed working with Arab partners - such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with which Israel formalised ties last year - against the drone threat. "It think that this is a great opportunity to create contacts and to build a defence plan for all the countries that have a common interest in protecting themselves," Major-General Amikam Norkin told the conference, hosted by Reichman University. "We can help significantly (against drones), whether in terms of intelligence, detection or interception." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel flags Iran UAV bases, offers to co-operate with Arab allies

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ordered a heightened alert level in and around Jerusalem to prevent possible terrorist acts after a shooting on Sunday that resulted in one dead and several injured.

A Palestinian gunman from Hamas killed an Israeli and wounded three others in Jerusalem's Old City. The gunman was later shot dead by police.

This was the second attack in Jerusalem in four days. Sunday's attack occurred near one of the gates to the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the third-holiest site in Islam. Jews revere the site as the remnant of two ancient temples.

Hamas identified the gunman as one of its leaders in East Jerusalem, among areas where Palestinians seek statehood.

Unlike the more moderate Palestinian Authority which governs in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, refuses permanent coexistence with Israel.

Britain on Friday banned Hamas, bringing London's stance in line with the United States and the European Union.

"On a morning like this one can draw support from the (British) decision to designate Hamas - including what is called its political wing - as a terrorist organisation," Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told his cabinet.

Sunday's attack also wounded a second civilian and two Israeli police officers, police said. The dead civilian was identified as a recent Jewish immigrant from South Africa.

Israel captured the Old City and other parts of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed them as its capital in a move not recognised internationally.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ordered a heightened alert level in and around Jerusalem to prevent possible terrorist acts after a shooting on Sunday that resulted in one dead and several injured.

Israel Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ordered a heightened alert level in and around Jerusalem to prevent possible terrorist acts after a shooting on Sunday that resulted in one dead and several injured. A Palestinian gunman from Hamas killed an Israeli and wounded three others in Jerusalem's Old City. The gunman was later shot dead by police. This was the second attack in Jerusalem in four days. Sunday's attack occurred near one of the gates to the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the third-holiest site in Islam. Jews revere the site as the remnant of two ancient temples. Hamas identified the gunman as one of its leaders in East Jerusalem, among areas where Palestinians seek statehood. Unlike the more moderate Palestinian Authority which governs in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, refuses permanent coexistence with Israel. Britain on Friday banned Hamas, bringing London's stance in line with the United States and the European Union. "On a morning like this one can draw support from the (British) decision to designate Hamas - including what is called its political wing - as a terrorist organisation," Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told his cabinet. Sunday's attack also wounded a second civilian and two Israeli police officers, police said. The dead civilian was identified as a recent Jewish immigrant from South Africa. Israel captured the Old City and other parts of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed them as its capital in a move not recognised internationally. (With inputs from agencies)

Alert level heightened in Jerusalem after Hamas shooting

An Israeli court on Wednesday suspended auction of a partial tattoo kit which was supposedly used on inmates at the Aushwitz death camp. The auction was suspended after an outcry from Holocaust survivors.

The eight fingernail sized steel dies, each lined with pins to form numerals, were pressed into prisoners' flesh with ink to brand their serial numbers, according to auctioneer Meir Tzolman.

His website touted the tools to be "the most shocking of Holocaust items". It was projected that the pins would be sold for $30,000 to 40,000

Bidding reached $3,400 by Wednesday, when Tel Aviv District Court granted a request by survivors to order the auction halted pending a November&nbsp;16 hearing on whether it should proceed. Tzolman's website was amended to show the sale had been suspended.

More than 1.1 million people, most of them Jews, were killed at Auschwitz, among a number of camps run by Nazi Germany on occupied Polish soil during World War Two. It was the only facility that tattooed inmates.

Israel has no law against private sales of Holocaust relics. A court spokesman's statement did not specify the legal basis for Wednesday's injunction.

Yad Vashem, the world Holocaust remembrance centre in Jerusalem, said it should have possession of items like the auctioned dies.

"The trade of these items is morally unacceptable and only encourages the proliferation of counterfeits," said Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem.

Interviewed before the court injunction, Tzolman said he was the grandson of Holocaust survivors who had been tattooed. He defended the auction - from which he would take a 25% commission - as a means of ensuring the dies reached "the right hands".

"The seller is determined to sell any way necessary," he said. "We received calls from tens of people who want to bid on this item and donate it. Each one noted a name of a different museum related to the Holocaust."

Tzolman said the dies had been certified as having come from Auschwitz. He did not share such documentation with Reuters.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's website says some Auschwitz tattoos were applied by stylus and others using "a special metal stamp, holding interchangeable numbers made up of needles approximately one centimeter long".

The Auschwitz Memorial in Poland said photographs of the dies appeared similar to those in its collection.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Israeli court on Wednesday suspended auction of a partial tattoo kit which was supposedly used on inmates at the Aushwitz death camp. The auction was suspended after an outcry from Holocaust survivors.

An Israeli court on Wednesday suspended auction of a partial tattoo kit which was supposedly used on inmates at the Aushwitz death camp. The auction was suspended after an outcry from Holocaust survivors. The eight fingernail sized steel dies, each lined with pins to form numerals, were pressed into prisoners' flesh with ink to brand their serial numbers, according to auctioneer Meir Tzolman. His website touted the tools to be "the most shocking of Holocaust items". It was projected that the pins would be sold for $30,000 to 40,000 Bidding reached $3,400 by Wednesday, when Tel Aviv District Court granted a request by survivors to order the auction halted pending a November 16 hearing on whether it should proceed. Tzolman's website was amended to show the sale had been suspended. More than 1.1 million people, most of them Jews, were killed at Auschwitz, among a number of camps run by Nazi Germany on occupied Polish soil during World War Two. It was the only facility that tattooed inmates. Israel has no law against private sales of Holocaust relics. A court spokesman's statement did not specify the legal basis for Wednesday's injunction. Yad Vashem, the world Holocaust remembrance centre in Jerusalem, said it should have possession of items like the auctioned dies. "The trade of these items is morally unacceptable and only encourages the proliferation of counterfeits," said Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem. Interviewed before the court injunction, Tzolman said he was the grandson of Holocaust survivors who had been tattooed. He defended the auction - from which he would take a 25% commission - as a means of ensuring the dies reached "the right hands". "The seller is determined to sell any way necessary," he said. "We received calls from tens of people who want to bid on this item and donate it. Each one noted a name of a different museum related to the Holocaust." Tzolman said the dies had been certified as having come from Auschwitz. He did not share such documentation with Reuters. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's website says some Auschwitz tattoos were applied by stylus and others using "a special metal stamp, holding interchangeable numbers made up of needles approximately one centimeter long". The Auschwitz Memorial in Poland said photographs of the dies appeared similar to those in its collection. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli court stops auction of kit supposedly used at Auschwitz camp to stamp Jews

People in Israel have started a social media campaign against 'The New York Times' that portrayed them as 'angry' and displeased.'

They are posting pictures with the hashtag 'sad, sad Israel' to mock the article by the New York-based American daily newspaper.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a> has portrayed Israelis in their latest article as angry and displeased. 
 
If we put aside the fact that Israel was ranked the 12th happiest country in the world, they are right, we are sad sad, look at my face. 😂 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SadSadIsrael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SadSadIsrael</a> <a href="https://t.co/sXzWUBgT74">pic.twitter.com/sXzWUBgT74</a>
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) <a href="https://twitter.com/HananyaNaftali/status/1455679049498603521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Calling Israel a ''divided'' land, the article that provoked many Israelis talks&nbsp;about ''incompatible factions'' and grievances of the people living in the country.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Some folks, like <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickKingsley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickKingsley</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a>, choose to see only the negative in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israel</a>. They come here with set preconceptions and refuse to take off their blinkers. Suggest open your eyes, talk to people, get out of your comfort zone. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SadSadIsrael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SadSadIsrael</a> <a href="https://t.co/SgjDzyJqMn">pic.twitter.com/SgjDzyJqMn</a>
— Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ostrov_A/status/1455601600622469122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Just two sad sad Israelis in the middle of a war, getting engaged. Look how sad we are! 
 
I guess <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickKingsley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickKingsley</a> hate this since they want to portray Israelis as sad miserable people in their latest absurd article.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SadSadIsrael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SadSadIsrael</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/YosephHaddad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YosephHaddad</a> <a href="https://t.co/luubozRqFH">pic.twitter.com/luubozRqFH</a>
— Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר (@emilykschrader) <a href="https://twitter.com/emilykschrader/status/1455576418340032517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a> published an article that portrayed Israel as a polarized state whose citizens are resentful and angry. To my delight, social media is full of Israelis proving otherwise. Even if there are things to fix, we love our country 🇮🇱 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SadSadIsrael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SadSadIsrael</a> 
<a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickKingsley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickKingsley</a> <a href="https://t.co/7gZJ1v5Qo9">pic.twitter.com/7gZJ1v5Qo9</a>
— יוסף חדאד - Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) <a href="https://twitter.com/YosephHaddad/status/1455569059928489984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The article had also&nbsp;highlighted&nbsp;how many Arab Israelis were increasingly asserting their Palestinian identity.

Israelis have criticised the negative outlook of NYT and have lambasted its preconceptions. They have also highlighted that Israel was ranked the 12th happiest country in the world.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/nytimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nytimes</a> we're sooo sad<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SadSadIsrael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SadSadIsrael</a> <a href="https://t.co/Oev7JZ6dGP">pic.twitter.com/Oev7JZ6dGP</a>
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel/status/1455548418315673600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We stay out all night and swim in warm sea water, or argue with our friends on crowded corners, or drink whiskey until sunrise or dance until our feet hurt and then stop for a minute and keep on dancing… we chose life with our arms and eyes wide open. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SadSadIsrael?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SadSadIsrael</a> <a href="https://t.co/HXSxWL4aQO">pic.twitter.com/HXSxWL4aQO</a>
— (((TuttleSinger))) سارا تاتل سينجر שרה טאטל-סינגר (@TuttleSinger) <a href="https://twitter.com/TuttleSinger/status/1455537203833196544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The country's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had become the first leader to include an independent Arab party in its coalition.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-has-the-arab-world-abandoned-palestine-424276/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It comes as Palestinians facing eviction from the flashpoint East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah rejected a deal that would have seen them accept the temporary ownership of their homes by an Israeli settler organisation.

The long-running legal battle over the evictions helped trigger an 11-day war between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, and the case has been a regular source of tension across East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-indicts-palestinian-jail-breakers-417910">Also read |&nbsp;Israel indicts Palestinian jail breakers</a>

Seeking a compromise, Israel's Supreme Court in October proposed a deal that would have seen four Palestinian families remain in their homes for 15 years as "protected tenants" while paying rent to settlers who claim the land.

The deal would have required the Palestinians to recognise the settlers' ownership claims on land their families have lived on for generations - a condition they have long rejected. It also would have granted them the right to prove ownership in the future.

Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war, occupying and later annexing it. It regards the entire city as its undivided capital - a status not recognised internationally.

Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a state they hope to establish in the West Bank and Gaza.

People in Israel have started a social media campaign against 'The New York Times' that portrayed them as 'angry' and displeased.' They are posting pictures with the hashtag 'sad, sad Israel' to mock the article by the New York-based American daily newspaper.

People in Israel have started a social media campaign against 'The New York Times' that portrayed them as 'angry' and displeased.' They are posting pictures with the hashtag 'sad, sad Israel' to mock the article by the New York-based American daily newspaper. The @nytimes has portrayed Israelis in their latest article as angry and displeased. If we put aside the fact that Israel was ranked the 12th happiest country in the world, they are right, we are sad sad, look at my face. 😂 #SadSadIsrael pic.twitter.com/sXzWUBgT74 — Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) November 2, 2021 × Calling Israel a ''divided'' land, the article that provoked many Israelis talks about ''incompatible factions'' and grievances of the people living in the country. Some folks, like @PatrickKingsley of @nytimes, choose to see only the negative in #Israel. They come here with set preconceptions and refuse to take off their blinkers. Suggest open your eyes, talk to people, get out of your comfort zone. #SadSadIsrael pic.twitter.com/SgjDzyJqMn — Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) November 2, 2021 × Just two sad sad Israelis in the middle of a war, getting engaged. Look how sad we are! I guess @nytimes and @PatrickKingsley hate this since they want to portray Israelis as sad miserable people in their latest absurd article.#SadSadIsrael @YosephHaddad pic.twitter.com/luubozRqFH — Emily Schrader - אמילי שריידר (@emilykschrader) November 2, 2021 × The @nytimes published an article that portrayed Israel as a polarized state whose citizens are resentful and angry. To my delight, social media is full of Israelis proving otherwise. Even if there are things to fix, we love our country 🇮🇱 #SadSadIsrael @PatrickKingsley pic.twitter.com/7gZJ1v5Qo9 — יוסף חדאד - Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) November 2, 2021 × The article had also highlighted how many Arab Israelis were increasingly asserting their Palestinian identity. Israelis have criticised the negative outlook of NYT and have lambasted its preconceptions. They have also highlighted that Israel was ranked the 12th happiest country in the world. .@nytimes we're sooo sad#SadSadIsrael pic.twitter.com/Oev7JZ6dGP — Israel ישראל (@Israel) November 2, 2021 × We stay out all night and swim in warm sea water, or argue with our friends on crowded corners, or drink whiskey until sunrise or dance until our feet hurt and then stop for a minute and keep on dancing… we chose life with our arms and eyes wide open. #SadSadIsrael pic.twitter.com/HXSxWL4aQO — (((TuttleSinger))) سارا تاتل سينجر שרה טאטל-סינגר (@TuttleSinger) November 2, 2021 × The country's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had become the first leader to include an independent Arab party in its coalition. It comes as Palestinians facing eviction from the flashpoint East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah rejected a deal that would have seen them accept the temporary ownership of their homes by an Israeli settler organisation. The long-running legal battle over the evictions helped trigger an 11-day war between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, and the case has been a regular source of tension across East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. Also read | Israel indicts Palestinian jail breakers Seeking a compromise, Israel's Supreme Court in October proposed a deal that would have seen four Palestinian families remain in their homes for 15 years as "protected tenants" while paying rent to settlers who claim the land. The deal would have required the Palestinians to recognise the settlers' ownership claims on land their families have lived on for generations - a condition they have long rejected. It also would have granted them the right to prove ownership in the future. Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war, occupying and later annexing it. It regards the entire city as its undivided capital - a status not recognised internationally. Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a state they hope to establish in the West Bank and Gaza.

Cheeky protest: Israelis mock NYT on social media for article with negative portrayal of country

Israel's energy minister said in a TV interview that she could not attend United Nations' COP26 climate summit in Glasgow on Monday as transportation provided to her was not accessible by wheelchair.

Karine Elharrar, the energy minister, told Israel's Channel 12 she could not reach the conference grounds because the only options to get there from the gathering area were to walk or board a shuttle that was not suited for a wheelchair.

"I came to COP26 to meet my counterparts in the world and advance our joint struggle against the climate crisis," Elharrar wrote on Twitter. "It's sad that the United Nations, which promotes accessibility for people with disabilities, in 2021 doesn't worry about accessibility at its own events."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-climate-summit-world-leaders-pledge-to-end-deforestation-by-2030-425988">COP26 climate summit: World leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030</a>

She said she hoped a solution would be found by Tuesday.

Israel's foreign minister called out the conference organizers, saying: "It is impossible to worry about the future, the climate and about people if we do not first take care of human beings, accessibility and disabilities."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-as-joe-biden-seems-to-fall-asleep-at-the-cop26-twitter-takes-aim-at-him-426031">Watch: As Joe Biden seems to fall asleep at the COP26, Twitter takes aim at him</a>

The British ambassador to Israel, Neil Wigan, apologized for the mishap.

"I am disturbed to hear that Karine Elharrar was unable to attend meetings at COP26. I apologise deeply and sincerely to the minister. We want a COP Summit that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone," Wigan said on Twitter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's energy minister said in a TV interview that she could not attend United Nations' COP26 climate summit in Glasgow on Monday as transportation provided to her was not accessible by wheelchair.

Israel's energy minister said in a TV interview that she could not attend United Nations' COP26 climate summit in Glasgow on Monday as transportation provided to her was not accessible by wheelchair. Karine Elharrar, the energy minister, told Israel's Channel 12 she could not reach the conference grounds because the only options to get there from the gathering area were to walk or board a shuttle that was not suited for a wheelchair. "I came to COP26 to meet my counterparts in the world and advance our joint struggle against the climate crisis," Elharrar wrote on Twitter. "It's sad that the United Nations, which promotes accessibility for people with disabilities, in 2021 doesn't worry about accessibility at its own events." Also Read | COP26 climate summit: World leaders pledge to end deforestation by 2030 She said she hoped a solution would be found by Tuesday. Israel's foreign minister called out the conference organizers, saying: "It is impossible to worry about the future, the climate and about people if we do not first take care of human beings, accessibility and disabilities." Also Read | Watch: As Joe Biden seems to fall asleep at the COP26, Twitter takes aim at him The British ambassador to Israel, Neil Wigan, apologized for the mishap. "I am disturbed to hear that Karine Elharrar was unable to attend meetings at COP26. I apologise deeply and sincerely to the minister. We want a COP Summit that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone," Wigan said on Twitter. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel minister couldn't attend COP26 as transport wasn't wheelchair-friendly

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday declared the fight against climate change a "national security" priority and pledged to "facilitate" investments in green energy.

Days before the COP26 global climate summit in the British city of Glasgow -- which Bennett is due to attend -- the Israeli government announced the creation of "working groups" on climate change.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-youths-take-to-streets-in-fridays-for-future-climate-protests-423195">In pics: Youths take to streets in Fridays for Future climate protests</a>

"The climate crisis is one of the major issues on the world agenda," Bennett said, calling it a "new National Security Interest" of Israel.

"It concerns the lives of all of us, and also the lives of our children and grandchildren," he added. "We are obligated to deal with it in Israel; it is at the core of our being."

The Jewish state is one of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member states that invests the least in public transport.

But Bennett said the government has approved decisions "promoting clean and low-carbon transportation, energy efficiency, reducing emissions, encouraging technological innovation and accelerating infrastructure."

In June, the new coalition government led by Bennett set Israel the objective of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 27 per cent by 2030, and by 85 per cent by 2050, compared to the 2015 level.

Israel is proud of its high-tech sector, with companies in the cyber-security field, defence and financial technologies enjoying international success, and employing a tenth of the workforce.

The government sees similar innovation being deployed in the green sector.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-climate-poses-emerging-threat-to-financial-system-422957">US warns climate poses ‘emerging threat’ to financial system</a>

"For many years, Israeli start-ups have been at the global forefront in taking action in various areas," Energy Minister Karine Elharrar said.

"This decision is intended to remove barriers, promote pioneering projects and facilitate green energy entrepreneurs."

Environment Minister Tamar Zandberg said that after "too many years of foot-dragging", the Israeli government was at last showing "real commitment" on the issue.

"The government is preparing for climate change," Zandberg said.

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday declared the fight against climate change a "national security" priority and pledged to "facilitate" investments in green energy.

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday declared the fight against climate change a "national security" priority and pledged to "facilitate" investments in green energy. Days before the COP26 global climate summit in the British city of Glasgow -- which Bennett is due to attend -- the Israeli government announced the creation of "working groups" on climate change. Also Read | In pics: Youths take to streets in Fridays for Future climate protests "The climate crisis is one of the major issues on the world agenda," Bennett said, calling it a "new National Security Interest" of Israel. "It concerns the lives of all of us, and also the lives of our children and grandchildren," he added. "We are obligated to deal with it in Israel; it is at the core of our being." The Jewish state is one of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member states that invests the least in public transport. But Bennett said the government has approved decisions "promoting clean and low-carbon transportation, energy efficiency, reducing emissions, encouraging technological innovation and accelerating infrastructure." In June, the new coalition government led by Bennett set Israel the objective of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 27 per cent by 2030, and by 85 per cent by 2050, compared to the 2015 level. Israel is proud of its high-tech sector, with companies in the cyber-security field, defence and financial technologies enjoying international success, and employing a tenth of the workforce. The government sees similar innovation being deployed in the green sector. Also Read | US warns climate poses ‘emerging threat’ to financial system "For many years, Israeli start-ups have been at the global forefront in taking action in various areas," Energy Minister Karine Elharrar said. "This decision is intended to remove barriers, promote pioneering projects and facilitate green energy entrepreneurs." Environment Minister Tamar Zandberg said that after "too many years of foot-dragging", the Israeli government was at last showing "real commitment" on the issue. "The government is preparing for climate change," Zandberg said.

Israel declares climate change 'national security' issue

Israel has confirmed a case of a subvariant of the Delta strain of the coronavirus previously reported in some European countries, the health ministry said.&nbsp;

"The variant AY 4.2. that has been discovered in a number of countries in Europe has been identified in Israel," a ministry statement said late Tuesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-reports-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-as-govt-keeps-close-watch-421903">UK reports surge in coronavirus cases as govt keeps 'close watch'</a>

An 11-year-old boy arriving from Europe was the carrier, the ministry said, adding that the case was identified at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. The boy was quarantined and no further contacts have been discovered, the ministry said.&nbsp;

The AY 4.2. variant has turned up several times in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

Francois Balloux, professor of computational systems biology at University College London, has told AFP that the subvariant is rare and does not appear to pose the same risk of significantly increased transmission as other strains.&nbsp;

The variant was discovered as Israel considers loosening restrictions on tourism following a drop in cases.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcgi-seeks-technical-opinion-to-approve-covaxin-for-kids-421886">DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids</a>

An earlier plan to reopen the borders foundered amid a rise in cases driven by the Delta strain.&nbsp;

In late August and early September, new cases topped 11,000 a day.&nbsp;

Authorities launched an aggressive campaign to inoculate citizens with a third, booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which drove down infections.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, authorities reported 1,487 new cases over the previous 24 hours.

Israel has confirmed a case of a subvariant of the Delta strain of the coronavirus previously reported in some European countries, the health ministry said. "The variant AY 4.

Israel has confirmed a case of a subvariant of the Delta strain of the coronavirus previously reported in some European countries, the health ministry said. "The variant AY 4.2. that has been discovered in a number of countries in Europe has been identified in Israel," a ministry statement said late Tuesday. Also Read | UK reports surge in coronavirus cases as govt keeps 'close watch' An 11-year-old boy arriving from Europe was the carrier, the ministry said, adding that the case was identified at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. The boy was quarantined and no further contacts have been discovered, the ministry said. The AY 4.2. variant has turned up several times in the United Kingdom. Francois Balloux, professor of computational systems biology at University College London, has told AFP that the subvariant is rare and does not appear to pose the same risk of significantly increased transmission as other strains. The variant was discovered as Israel considers loosening restrictions on tourism following a drop in cases. Also Read | DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids An earlier plan to reopen the borders foundered amid a rise in cases driven by the Delta strain. In late August and early September, new cases topped 11,000 a day. Authorities launched an aggressive campaign to inoculate citizens with a third, booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which drove down infections. On Wednesday, authorities reported 1,487 new cases over the previous 24 hours.

Israel reports subvariant of Delta coronavirus strain

The top diplomats from Israel and the United Arab Emirates are set to hold three-way talks in Washington Wednesday as President Joe Biden's administration embraces and looks to expand a normalisation drive.

Concerns about Iran -- the spectre of which helped bring together Israel and Gulf states when they established relations last year as part of the Abraham Accords -- are expected to be high on the agenda after Biden's early diplomatic overtures to Tehran bore little immediate fruit.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet separately and together with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, following a similar virtual event last month. 
 
Watch | The West Asia Post: The Abraham accords, a year later

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-the-abraham-accords-a-year-later-413873/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Former president Donald Trump considered the so-called Abraham Accords to be a crowning achievement for his administration as the United Arab Emirates, followed shortly afterward by Bahrain and Morocco, became the first Arab states to normalise relations with Israel in decades.

Despite their myriad policy differences, the Biden team has given credit to the Trump administration over the Abraham Accords, dismissing criticism that normalisation ignores the plight of the Palestinians. 
 
Watch | Former Trump advisers Kushner, Ivanka Trump inaugurate Abraham Accords caucus

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/former-trump-advisers-kushner-ivanka-trump-inaugurate-abraham-accords-caucus-420228/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump's approach was also seen as transactional, as he agreed to sell cutting-edge fighter jets to the UAE and to recognise Morocco's contentious claim over Western Sahara – moves that Biden has not reversed.

A senior State Department official said that the Abraham Accords can "help to achieve a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East."

"It's not a substitute to a two-state solution. We hope that normalisation can be leveraged to advance progress on the Israeli-Palestinian track," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

He said the three nations will announce working groups to expand cooperation on energy and water -- a scarce resource in the Middle East -- as well as religious coexistence.

Both Israel and the United Arab Emirates have boasted of dividends since signing their accord in the presence of Trump at the White House in September 2020.

Israel has made progress in its long-term goal of ending its isolation in its near neighborhood, while the United Arab Emirates has voiced hope at $1 trillion in new economic activity over the next decade through trade.

The US official said the Biden administration was "actively working to expand" normalisation but declined to give specifics.

Sudan, under heavy arm-twisting from Trump, said last year it would seek relations with Israel but has balked amid heavy pressure on the country's fragile new civilian-backed government.

Quiet disagreement on Iran

Trump is not the only leader to exit since the Abraham Accords were signed. Israel's veteran former right-wing prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, lost power despite the signature international win.

Lapid, a centrist who crafted a coalition to unseat the divisive Netanyahu, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have kept many of the former government's international priorities -- including a pressure drive on Iran, whose nuclear programme has been hindered by a slew of sabotage attacks widely blamed on Israel.

Calling for peaceful solutions, Biden has sought to rejoin a 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that was bitterly opposed by Israel and trashed by Trump, leading Tehran to revive contested nuclear work that it had wound down.

Indirect US-Iran talks made no breakthrough before the election of a new hardline government in Tehran, which has yet to return to the negotiations in Vienna.

In a meeting Tuesday with Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, Lapid called for "the need for an alternative plan to the nuclear agreement," according to the Israeli embassy.

But the new government has been mindful to keep disagreements more civil after Israel faced a heavy backlash from Biden's Democratic Party when Netanyahu openly campaigned against former president Barack Obama's diplomacy.

"It does seem like there is this mutual recognition, between the US and our partners in the region, foremost among them Israel, that we are much better off tackling this problem together and keeping our disagreements behind closed doors," said Michael Singh, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

The top diplomats from Israel and the United Arab Emirates are set to hold three-way talks in Washington Wednesday as President Joe Biden's administration embraces and looks to expand a normalisation drive.

The top diplomats from Israel and the United Arab Emirates are set to hold three-way talks in Washington Wednesday as President Joe Biden's administration embraces and looks to expand a normalisation drive. Concerns about Iran -- the spectre of which helped bring together Israel and Gulf states when they established relations last year as part of the Abraham Accords -- are expected to be high on the agenda after Biden's early diplomatic overtures to Tehran bore little immediate fruit. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet separately and together with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, following a similar virtual event last month. Watch | The West Asia Post: The Abraham accords, a year later Former president Donald Trump considered the so-called Abraham Accords to be a crowning achievement for his administration as the United Arab Emirates, followed shortly afterward by Bahrain and Morocco, became the first Arab states to normalise relations with Israel in decades. Despite their myriad policy differences, the Biden team has given credit to the Trump administration over the Abraham Accords, dismissing criticism that normalisation ignores the plight of the Palestinians. Watch | Former Trump advisers Kushner, Ivanka Trump inaugurate Abraham Accords caucus Trump's approach was also seen as transactional, as he agreed to sell cutting-edge fighter jets to the UAE and to recognise Morocco's contentious claim over Western Sahara – moves that Biden has not reversed. A senior State Department official said that the Abraham Accords can "help to achieve a more peaceful and prosperous Middle East." "It's not a substitute to a two-state solution. We hope that normalisation can be leveraged to advance progress on the Israeli-Palestinian track," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. He said the three nations will announce working groups to expand cooperation on energy and water -- a scarce resource in the Middle East -- as well as religious coexistence. Both Israel and the United Arab Emirates have boasted of dividends since signing their accord in the presence of Trump at the White House in September 2020. Israel has made progress in its long-term goal of ending its isolation in its near neighborhood, while the United Arab Emirates has voiced hope at $1 trillion in new economic activity over the next decade through trade. The US official said the Biden administration was "actively working to expand" normalisation but declined to give specifics. Sudan, under heavy arm-twisting from Trump, said last year it would seek relations with Israel but has balked amid heavy pressure on the country's fragile new civilian-backed government. Quiet disagreement on Iran Trump is not the only leader to exit since the Abraham Accords were signed. Israel's veteran former right-wing prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, lost power despite the signature international win. Lapid, a centrist who crafted a coalition to unseat the divisive Netanyahu, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have kept many of the former government's international priorities -- including a pressure drive on Iran, whose nuclear programme has been hindered by a slew of sabotage attacks widely blamed on Israel. Calling for peaceful solutions, Biden has sought to rejoin a 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that was bitterly opposed by Israel and trashed by Trump, leading Tehran to revive contested nuclear work that it had wound down. Indirect US-Iran talks made no breakthrough before the election of a new hardline government in Tehran, which has yet to return to the negotiations in Vienna. In a meeting Tuesday with Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, Lapid called for "the need for an alternative plan to the nuclear agreement," according to the Israeli embassy. But the new government has been mindful to keep disagreements more civil after Israel faced a heavy backlash from Biden's Democratic Party when Netanyahu openly campaigned against former president Barack Obama's diplomacy. "It does seem like there is this mutual recognition, between the US and our partners in the region, foremost among them Israel, that we are much better off tackling this problem together and keeping our disagreements behind closed doors," said Michael Singh, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Israel, UAE ministers in US as Biden seeks to expand normalisation 

An Israeli missile strike on an airbase in central Syria has killed two Damascus-allied foreign fighters and wounded several Syrian service personnel, a Britain-based war monitor said on Saturday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the two foreigners were killed in the raid on the T4 airbase late Friday, but their nationality was not immediately clear.

The official Syrian news agency SANA earlier said that, "at around 9:00 pm (1800 GMT), the Israeli enemy... fired a volley of missiles towards the T4 military airport".

"The aggression wounded six soldiers and led to some material damage," it added.

The Observatory said the attack targeted a drone depot at the base.

Contacted by AFP, an Israeli army spokesperson said the military did not comment on foreign media reports.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Israel has routinely carried out air strikes inside Syria, mostly targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces allied to the Damascus regime, as well as Syrian government troops.

The Israeli army rarely acknowledges individual strikes but has said repeatedly that it will not allow Syria to become a stronghold of its arch-foe Iran.

An Israeli missile strike on an airbase in central Syria has killed two Damascus-allied foreign fighters and wounded several Syrian service personnel, a Britain-based war monitor said on Saturday.

An Israeli missile strike on an airbase in central Syria has killed two Damascus-allied foreign fighters and wounded several Syrian service personnel, a Britain-based war monitor said on Saturday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the two foreigners were killed in the raid on the T4 airbase late Friday, but their nationality was not immediately clear. The official Syrian news agency SANA earlier said that, "at around 9:00 pm (1800 GMT), the Israeli enemy... fired a volley of missiles towards the T4 military airport". "The aggression wounded six soldiers and led to some material damage," it added. The Observatory said the attack targeted a drone depot at the base. Contacted by AFP, an Israeli army spokesperson said the military did not comment on foreign media reports. Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Israel has routinely carried out air strikes inside Syria, mostly targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces allied to the Damascus regime, as well as Syrian government troops. The Israeli army rarely acknowledges individual strikes but has said repeatedly that it will not allow Syria to become a stronghold of its arch-foe Iran.

Two killed in Israel strike on Syria base: Monitor

An Israeli judge's conclusion this week that "quiet" Jewish prayer should be allowed at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, revered by Muslims and Jews, has stirred Palestinian furore over the Jerusalem flashpoint.

Jews refer to the site as the Temple Mount, referencing two temples that were said to have stood there in antiquity. Al-Aqsa is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, falling within Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, but administered by the Waqf Islamic affairs council.

The Waqf called the Tuesday ruling by Jerusalem Magistrates' Court judge Billha Yahalom an illegitimate "provocation," while Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh warned Israel against any moves to enforce it.

Even Israeli police have appealed the decision, which came in response to a petition by an Israeli rabbi, Aryeh Lippo, who on September 29 was slapped with a two-week ban from the plaza after praying there.

The Waqf reluctantly grants Jews limited access to the site at certain hours, but the Jewish presence at the Al-Aqsa has long been a rallying cry across the Muslim world.

Before Israel's 1948 creation, riots during the British mandate of Palestine in 1929 were linked to the possibility of Jewish prayer there.

In May this year, clashes over possible evictions in a nearby Palestinian neighbourhood spread to the mosque compound, sparking an Israeli crackdown that escalated into an 11-day war between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.

'Whispered'

No Israeli law prohibits Jewish prayer at the site, the third holiest to Islam.

But since 1967, the year Israel captured east Jerusalem including the Old City in the Six Day War, Israeli authorities have enforced a ban on Jewish prayer to prevent tensions.

Judge Yahalom's legal ruling was narrowly focused on overturning Lippo's ban from the plaza.

But commenting on his conduct, she wrote: "The appellant stood in the corner with a friend or two, there was no crowd around him, his prayer was quiet, whispered."

"I have not found that the religious acts carried out by the appellant were externalised and visible," she ruled, determining that such prayer did "not violate police instructions," and cancelling his ban from the site.

In appealing the ruling, police said Lippo engaged in "improper conduct in the public sphere."

'Not absolute'

Mainstream rabbinical authorities oppose Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount, with Jewish worship centred at the Western Wall plaza below.

In a ruling earlier this year on a petition demanding Temple Mount prayer rights for Jews, Israel's Supreme Court found that, "every Jew has the right to pray on the Temple Mount, as part of the freedom of religion and expression."

"At the same time, these rights are not absolute, and can be limited to take into account the public interest."

Muslim leaders reacted to the Jerusalem court ruling with unanimous condemnation.

"These prayers constitute provocations and a violation of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa," mosque director Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani told AFP.

"This decision also has no legitimacy because we do not recognise Israeli law on Al-Aqsa," he said.

The Saudi Arabia-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned "the decision of the so-called Israeli 'Jerusalem Court.'"

Some Jewish leaders were meanwhile underwhelmed by the impact of the decision.

Long-time activist for Jewish Temple Mount prayer Arnon Segal stressed that despite Yahalom's sentiment, "the simple truth is that (Jewish) prayer is prohibited on the Temple Mount."

"There's no change in policy," he wrote on Twitter, noting that on Thursday police had detained a Jewish man for silent prayer, and accusing the state of "trampling" the rights of those prevented from praying.

Segal further told AFP that not only was Yahalom's ruling not a precedent, it would likely harm his cause.

"The harsh Palestinian reaction to the very weak ruling will deter the justice system and the state from even enabling quiet prayers," he said.

On Thursday pensioner Naseef Ismael visited Al-Aqsa and said he disagreed with allowing Jews to pray there.

"This is a gift from God to Muslims, and there is no right for any person other than Muslims to do so," he told AFP.

An Israeli judge's conclusion this week that "quiet" Jewish prayer should be allowed at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, revered by Muslims and Jews, has stirred Palestinian furore over the Jerusalem flashpoint.

An Israeli judge's conclusion this week that "quiet" Jewish prayer should be allowed at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, revered by Muslims and Jews, has stirred Palestinian furore over the Jerusalem flashpoint. Jews refer to the site as the Temple Mount, referencing two temples that were said to have stood there in antiquity. Al-Aqsa is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, falling within Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, but administered by the Waqf Islamic affairs council. The Waqf called the Tuesday ruling by Jerusalem Magistrates' Court judge Billha Yahalom an illegitimate "provocation," while Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh warned Israel against any moves to enforce it. Even Israeli police have appealed the decision, which came in response to a petition by an Israeli rabbi, Aryeh Lippo, who on September 29 was slapped with a two-week ban from the plaza after praying there. The Waqf reluctantly grants Jews limited access to the site at certain hours, but the Jewish presence at the Al-Aqsa has long been a rallying cry across the Muslim world. Before Israel's 1948 creation, riots during the British mandate of Palestine in 1929 were linked to the possibility of Jewish prayer there. In May this year, clashes over possible evictions in a nearby Palestinian neighbourhood spread to the mosque compound, sparking an Israeli crackdown that escalated into an 11-day war between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. 'Whispered' No Israeli law prohibits Jewish prayer at the site, the third holiest to Islam. But since 1967, the year Israel captured east Jerusalem including the Old City in the Six Day War, Israeli authorities have enforced a ban on Jewish prayer to prevent tensions. Judge Yahalom's legal ruling was narrowly focused on overturning Lippo's ban from the plaza. But commenting on his conduct, she wrote: "The appellant stood in the corner with a friend or two, there was no crowd around him, his prayer was quiet, whispered." "I have not found that the religious acts carried out by the appellant were externalised and visible," she ruled, determining that such prayer did "not violate police instructions," and cancelling his ban from the site. In appealing the ruling, police said Lippo engaged in "improper conduct in the public sphere." 'Not absolute' Mainstream rabbinical authorities oppose Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount, with Jewish worship centred at the Western Wall plaza below. In a ruling earlier this year on a petition demanding Temple Mount prayer rights for Jews, Israel's Supreme Court found that, "every Jew has the right to pray on the Temple Mount, as part of the freedom of religion and expression." "At the same time, these rights are not absolute, and can be limited to take into account the public interest." Muslim leaders reacted to the Jerusalem court ruling with unanimous condemnation. "These prayers constitute provocations and a violation of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa," mosque director Sheikh Omar al-Kiswani told AFP. "This decision also has no legitimacy because we do not recognise Israeli law on Al-Aqsa," he said. The Saudi Arabia-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned "the decision of the so-called Israeli 'Jerusalem Court.'" Some Jewish leaders were meanwhile underwhelmed by the impact of the decision. Long-time activist for Jewish Temple Mount prayer Arnon Segal stressed that despite Yahalom's sentiment, "the simple truth is that (Jewish) prayer is prohibited on the Temple Mount." "There's no change in policy," he wrote on Twitter, noting that on Thursday police had detained a Jewish man for silent prayer, and accusing the state of "trampling" the rights of those prevented from praying. Segal further told AFP that not only was Yahalom's ruling not a precedent, it would likely harm his cause. "The harsh Palestinian reaction to the very weak ruling will deter the justice system and the state from even enabling quiet prayers," he said. On Thursday pensioner Naseef Ismael visited Al-Aqsa and said he disagreed with allowing Jews to pray there. "This is a gift from God to Muslims, and there is no right for any person other than Muslims to do so," he told AFP.

Israeli judge's approval of 'quiet' Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa stirs anger

The United States hopes to restart nuclear talks with Iran soon, a senior US official said Monday, while noting "alarming" progress by Tehran on developing nuclear capacity.

"We're hopeful we can be back in Vienna (for talks)&nbsp;in a fairly short period of time," the senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said Monday that the new round of discussions could begin by early November.

Iran's nuclear activity will be at the center of talks between US and Israeli national security teams in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata and his White House counterpart, Jake Sullivan, will join a meeting of the US-Israel Strategic Consultative Group, which groups representatives from both countries' diplomatic, military and intelligence agencies.

President Joe Biden -- who reversed his predecessor Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States from international negotiations on curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions - is keen to resolve the standoff diplomatically.

"The path in Vienna for negotiations does remain open," the US official said. "The Iranians are sending indications to a number of parties that they are preparing to come back to Vienna and of course we will have to see whether they reengage in that process constructively or not."

Despite Israeli skepticism, the Biden administration believes "very strongly that the diplomatic path remains the best," the official said.

However, the official said the White House and Israel's new government agree that Iran has made rapid advances since Trump quit the international effort to monitor Tehran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.

Tehran insists that it does not seek nuclear weapons, only an energy industry.

"We have a common assessment of the extent to which Iran's nuclear program has dramatically broken out of the box since the previous administration left the Iran nuclear deal," the official said.

"The breakout time, meaning stockpiles of enriched uranium and other ways to look at this, it's gone from about 12 months down to a period of a few months. So obviously that's quite alarming."

The official said the United States believes diplomacy will be "the best way to put a ceiling on the program and roll back the gains that Iran has made in recent years."

However, there is no movement to lifting sanctions and if diplomacy doesn't work "there are other avenues."

"We think the onus right now is on the Iranian side," the official said.

The United States hopes to restart nuclear talks with Iran soon, a senior US official said Monday, while noting "alarming" progress by Tehran on developing nuclear capacity.

The United States hopes to restart nuclear talks with Iran soon, a senior US official said Monday, while noting "alarming" progress by Tehran on developing nuclear capacity. "We're hopeful we can be back in Vienna (for talks) in a fairly short period of time," the senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said Monday that the new round of discussions could begin by early November. Iran's nuclear activity will be at the center of talks between US and Israeli national security teams in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday. Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata and his White House counterpart, Jake Sullivan, will join a meeting of the US-Israel Strategic Consultative Group, which groups representatives from both countries' diplomatic, military and intelligence agencies. President Joe Biden -- who reversed his predecessor Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States from international negotiations on curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions - is keen to resolve the standoff diplomatically. "The path in Vienna for negotiations does remain open," the US official said. "The Iranians are sending indications to a number of parties that they are preparing to come back to Vienna and of course we will have to see whether they reengage in that process constructively or not." Despite Israeli skepticism, the Biden administration believes "very strongly that the diplomatic path remains the best," the official said. However, the official said the White House and Israel's new government agree that Iran has made rapid advances since Trump quit the international effort to monitor Tehran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. Tehran insists that it does not seek nuclear weapons, only an energy industry. "We have a common assessment of the extent to which Iran's nuclear program has dramatically broken out of the box since the previous administration left the Iran nuclear deal," the official said. "The breakout time, meaning stockpiles of enriched uranium and other ways to look at this, it's gone from about 12 months down to a period of a few months. So obviously that's quite alarming." The official said the United States believes diplomacy will be "the best way to put a ceiling on the program and roll back the gains that Iran has made in recent years." However, there is no movement to lifting sanctions and if diplomacy doesn't work "there are other avenues." "We think the onus right now is on the Iranian side," the official said.

US hopes to restart Iran talks but cites 'alarming' nuclear progress

The mobile phones of at least five French ministers and a diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron were infected by the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, sources told AFP on Friday, confirming a report by the Mediapart investigative website.

French security services detected the software while inspecting the phones, with the intrusions believed to have taken place in 2019 and 2020, according to the report from Mediapart on Friday.&nbsp;

Pegasus, made by the Israeli firm NSO Group, can switch on a phone's camera or microphone and harvest its data, and was at the centre of a storm in July after a list of about 50,000 potential surveillance targets worldwide was leaked to the media.

The media consortium behind the revelations, including The Washington Post, The Guardian and France's Le Monde, reported at the time that one of Macron's phone numbers and those of many French cabinet ministers were on the leaked list of potential targets.

French authorities declined to comment on Friday.

The five ministers targeted are Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer, Territorial Cohesion Minister Jacqueline Gourault, Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie, Housing Minister Emmanuelle Wargon and Overseas Territories Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Mediapart said.

Two French sources with knowledge of the investigation confirmed the veracity of the report, while asking not to be identified by name because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

"My phone is one of those checked out by the national IT systems security agency, but I haven't yet heard anything about the investigation so I cannot comment at this stage," Wargon told the L'Opinion website Friday.

One of her aides told AFP that "the minister doesn't have access to any state secrets, so we can't really see the point of spying on her."

In July, Le Monde reported that evidence of an attempted hacking was found on the phone of the former environment minister and close Macron ally Francois de Rugy, with the attempt allegedly originating in Morocco.

Morocco's intelligence services were also accused of being behind the hacking of journalists in France, but the kingdom's government has denied the claims and launched legal action alleging defamation.&nbsp;

The mobile phones of at least five French ministers and a diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron were infected by the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, sources told AFP on Friday, confirming a report by the Mediapart investigative website.

The mobile phones of at least five French ministers and a diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron were infected by the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, sources told AFP on Friday, confirming a report by the Mediapart investigative website. French security services detected the software while inspecting the phones, with the intrusions believed to have taken place in 2019 and 2020, according to the report from Mediapart on Friday. Pegasus, made by the Israeli firm NSO Group, can switch on a phone's camera or microphone and harvest its data, and was at the centre of a storm in July after a list of about 50,000 potential surveillance targets worldwide was leaked to the media. The media consortium behind the revelations, including The Washington Post, The Guardian and France's Le Monde, reported at the time that one of Macron's phone numbers and those of many French cabinet ministers were on the leaked list of potential targets. French authorities declined to comment on Friday. The five ministers targeted are Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer, Territorial Cohesion Minister Jacqueline Gourault, Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie, Housing Minister Emmanuelle Wargon and Overseas Territories Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Mediapart said. Two French sources with knowledge of the investigation confirmed the veracity of the report, while asking not to be identified by name because they were not authorised to speak to the media. "My phone is one of those checked out by the national IT systems security agency, but I haven't yet heard anything about the investigation so I cannot comment at this stage," Wargon told the L'Opinion website Friday. One of her aides told AFP that "the minister doesn't have access to any state secrets, so we can't really see the point of spying on her." In July, Le Monde reported that evidence of an attempted hacking was found on the phone of the former environment minister and close Macron ally Francois de Rugy, with the attempt allegedly originating in Morocco. Morocco's intelligence services were also accused of being behind the hacking of journalists in France, but the kingdom's government has denied the claims and launched legal action alleging defamation.

Five French Ministers targeted by Israel's Pegasus spyware, says report

US lawmakers on Thursday gave a go-ahead to USD 1 billion funding to resupply Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system. The funding was passed separately after provision for it was removed from another bill that addressed a possible government shutdown.

The funding was passed by House of Representatives by a comfortable 420-9

"Passage of this bill reflects the great unity in Congress... for Israel's security," Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the House Democrats, said in a speech on the chamber floor.&nbsp;

"Assistance to Israel is vital, because Israel's security is an imperative for America's security."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-huddles-with-democrats-as-divisions-threaten-his-agenda-415220">Biden huddles with Democrats as divisions threaten his agenda</a>

Iron Dome missile defense system has till now destroyed thousands of short-range rockets launched by Hamas from Gaza before they struck populated areas of Israel. The system was launched a decade ago and has been backed by the US.

Provision for fresh funding was initially removed from the legislation addressing government shutdown after section of Democratic Party lawmakers threatened to oppose the legislation unless Iron Dome funding was removed from the wording

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-poll-reveals-donald-trump-has-higher-positive-rating-than-biden-415194">Harvard poll reveals Donald Trump has higher positive rating than Biden</a>

This elicited disapproving remarks from several lawmakers from both parties.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy termed it a Democratic capitulation to "the anti-Semitic influence of their radical members."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-crack-down-on-potent-class-of-greenhouse-gases-415169">US to crack down on potent class of greenhouse gases</a>

Dean Phillips, a Democratic congressman from Minnesota, tweeted he was "incredulous" that colleagues would object to defending "one of our most important allies and only Jewish nation in the world" from Hamas rockets.

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett thanked both parties for their commitment to the country's security and the American people for their "steadfast friendship."

(With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers on Thursday gave a go-ahead to USD 1 billion funding to resupply Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system. The funding was passed separately after provision for it was removed from another bill that addressed a possible government shutdown.

US lawmakers on Thursday gave a go-ahead to USD 1 billion funding to resupply Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system. The funding was passed separately after provision for it was removed from another bill that addressed a possible government shutdown. The funding was passed by House of Representatives by a comfortable 420-9 "Passage of this bill reflects the great unity in Congress... for Israel's security," Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the House Democrats, said in a speech on the chamber floor. "Assistance to Israel is vital, because Israel's security is an imperative for America's security." Also Read | Biden huddles with Democrats as divisions threaten his agenda Iron Dome missile defense system has till now destroyed thousands of short-range rockets launched by Hamas from Gaza before they struck populated areas of Israel. The system was launched a decade ago and has been backed by the US. Provision for fresh funding was initially removed from the legislation addressing government shutdown after section of Democratic Party lawmakers threatened to oppose the legislation unless Iron Dome funding was removed from the wording Also Read | Harvard poll reveals Donald Trump has higher positive rating than Biden This elicited disapproving remarks from several lawmakers from both parties. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy termed it a Democratic capitulation to "the anti-Semitic influence of their radical members." Also Read | US to crack down on potent class of greenhouse gases Dean Phillips, a Democratic congressman from Minnesota, tweeted he was "incredulous" that colleagues would object to defending "one of our most important allies and only Jewish nation in the world" from Hamas rockets. Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett thanked both parties for their commitment to the country's security and the American people for their "steadfast friendship." (With inputs from agencies)

US House greenlights $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Sunday alleged that Iran’s Kashan Airbase is being used to train “terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon” to operate Iranian-made drones to carry out regional attacks.

“One of the most significant tools that Iran has developed is its unmanned aerial vehicle system—an accurate, deadly system that can cross thousands of kilometres. The Iranians produce and export them to their proxies,” local media quoted Gantz who was speaking at Reichman University in Herzliya.

“Terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon are receiving training on how to operate Iran-made drones in the Kashan Base north of Isfahan. Kashan is leading Iran’s export of aerial terrorism in the region,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorist-vs-terrorist-al-qaeda-leader-zawahiri-claims-credit-for-911-islamic-state-asks-if-he-is-still-alive-412505">Terrorist vs terrorist: Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri claims credit for 9/11, Islamic State asks if he is still alive</a>

The minister called on the signatories of the Iran nuclear deal to enact sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

His comments a month after Tehran came under global scrutiny over a suspected drone attack on an Israeli-managed tanker off Oman.

A July 29 blast aboard the Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned petroleum product tanker managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime, near the mouth of the Gulf, a key oil shipping route, killed two crew —a Briton and a Romanian.

The U.S. military said explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier —which deployed to assist the Mercer Street—concluded the explosion was from a drone produced in Iran, which was accused by other world powers in the attack.

Iran has denied involvement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Sunday alleged that Iran’s Kashan Airbase is being used to train “terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon” to operate Iranian-made drones to carry out regional attacks.

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Sunday alleged that Iran’s Kashan Airbase is being used to train “terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon” to operate Iranian-made drones to carry out regional attacks. “One of the most significant tools that Iran has developed is its unmanned aerial vehicle system—an accurate, deadly system that can cross thousands of kilometres. The Iranians produce and export them to their proxies,” local media quoted Gantz who was speaking at Reichman University in Herzliya. “Terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon are receiving training on how to operate Iran-made drones in the Kashan Base north of Isfahan. Kashan is leading Iran’s export of aerial terrorism in the region,” he added. Also read | Terrorist vs terrorist: Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri claims credit for 9/11, Islamic State asks if he is still alive The minister called on the signatories of the Iran nuclear deal to enact sanctions against the Islamic Republic. His comments a month after Tehran came under global scrutiny over a suspected drone attack on an Israeli-managed tanker off Oman. A July 29 blast aboard the Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned petroleum product tanker managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime, near the mouth of the Gulf, a key oil shipping route, killed two crew —a Briton and a Romanian. The U.S. military said explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier —which deployed to assist the Mercer Street—concluded the explosion was from a drone produced in Iran, which was accused by other world powers in the attack. Iran has denied involvement. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran training terrorists to carry out attacks: Israel defence minister

Israel on Sunday said it would reopen it’s borders for foreign tourists from selective countries from September 19, in a bid to kickstart the tourism industry that has been massively hit since the COVID-19 began.

Israel government’s tourism department said groups of between five and 30 people from countries on it’s green, yellow and orange lists would be allowed to enter provided they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Under the new plan, there will be no restrictions on the number of tour groups that Israel will let in, the ministry said, but the groups from countries on Israel’s red list—which comprises Bulgaria, Brazil, Mexico and Turkey—will not be eligible, news agency Reuters reports.

Individual tourists, who have not been allowed to visit Israel since the outset of the coronavirus pandemic there in March 2020 unless they are visiting family members, will still not be allowed to enter outside of a tour group, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-normal-israels-health-expert-says-fourth-shot-of-covid-vaccine-needed-410904">New normal: Israel's health expert says fourth shot of Covid vaccine needed</a>

The government said foreign tourists would be asked to show proof to show that they are vaccinated within the last six months or a booster shot in order to qualify for entry.

Apart from that, the tourists will also have to provide a negative PCR test, taken up to 72 hours before arrival at Tel Aviv airport.

In May, Israel had allowed small tour groups as cases started to ebb. More than 2,000 visitors arrived, mainly from the United States and Europe. But the government put the plan on hiatus in August as the Delta variant started fuelling a surge in cases despite a brisk vaccination rollout.

Israel reported nearly 5,000 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday.&nbsp;According to local media reports, 5.5 million out of 9.3 million population have received a second shot and another 2.5 million have received a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Sunday said it would reopen it’s borders for foreign tourists from selective countries from September 19, in a bid to kickstart the tourism industry that has been massively hit since the COVID-19 began.

Israel on Sunday said it would reopen it’s borders for foreign tourists from selective countries from September 19, in a bid to kickstart the tourism industry that has been massively hit since the COVID-19 began. Israel government’s tourism department said groups of between five and 30 people from countries on it’s green, yellow and orange lists would be allowed to enter provided they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Under the new plan, there will be no restrictions on the number of tour groups that Israel will let in, the ministry said, but the groups from countries on Israel’s red list—which comprises Bulgaria, Brazil, Mexico and Turkey—will not be eligible, news agency Reuters reports. Individual tourists, who have not been allowed to visit Israel since the outset of the coronavirus pandemic there in March 2020 unless they are visiting family members, will still not be allowed to enter outside of a tour group, it said. Also read | New normal: Israel's health expert says fourth shot of Covid vaccine needed The government said foreign tourists would be asked to show proof to show that they are vaccinated within the last six months or a booster shot in order to qualify for entry. Apart from that, the tourists will also have to provide a negative PCR test, taken up to 72 hours before arrival at Tel Aviv airport. In May, Israel had allowed small tour groups as cases started to ebb. More than 2,000 visitors arrived, mainly from the United States and Europe. But the government put the plan on hiatus in August as the Delta variant started fuelling a surge in cases despite a brisk vaccination rollout. Israel reported nearly 5,000 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday. According to local media reports, 5.5 million out of 9.3 million population have received a second shot and another 2.5 million have received a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to reopen borders for tourists from Sept 19 for selected countries

Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday called the US plan to reopen its consulate in Jerusalem a “bad idea” and said the move could destabilise the fragile coalition government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

“We think it’s a bad idea, and we’ve told the Americans we think it’s a bad idea,” Yair Lapid said in a speech Wednesday. “We think this might destabilize this government, and I don’t think the American administration wants this to happen.”

“Jerusalem is the sovereign capital of Israel and Israel alone, and therefore we don't think it's a good idea, Lapid said. "We know that the (Biden) administration has a different way of looking at this, but sin

President Joe Biden had vowed to rebuild contacts with the Palestinians and reopen the consulate.

The consulate has been closed since 2019 after the erstwhile Trump administration had signalled support for Israel's claim on Jerusalem as its capital by moving the US embassy there from Tel Aviv.

It was among the several moves that drew the ire of the Palestinians, who want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Israel considers all of Jerusalem a part of its undivided capital, which is yet to get recognition globally.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday called the US plan to reopen its consulate in Jerusalem a “bad idea” and said the move could destabilise the fragile coalition government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on Wednesday called the US plan to reopen its consulate in Jerusalem a “bad idea” and said the move could destabilise the fragile coalition government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. “We think it’s a bad idea, and we’ve told the Americans we think it’s a bad idea,” Yair Lapid said in a speech Wednesday. “We think this might destabilize this government, and I don’t think the American administration wants this to happen.” “Jerusalem is the sovereign capital of Israel and Israel alone, and therefore we don't think it's a good idea, Lapid said. "We know that the (Biden) administration has a different way of looking at this, but sin President Joe Biden had vowed to rebuild contacts with the Palestinians and reopen the consulate. The consulate has been closed since 2019 after the erstwhile Trump administration had signalled support for Israel's claim on Jerusalem as its capital by moving the US embassy there from Tel Aviv. It was among the several moves that drew the ire of the Palestinians, who want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Israel considers all of Jerusalem a part of its undivided capital, which is yet to get recognition globally. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel slams US plan to reopen embassy in Jerusalem, calls it ‘bad idea’

Expressing concern over the recent escalation at the Gaza strip,&nbsp;India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday called on all the parties to exercise restraint and maintain ceasefire along the region.

Addressing the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) monthly meeting on the Middle East Peace Process, he said, "We call on all parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire and refrain from acts that could exacerbate tensions and worsen the security situation&nbsp;and recognise the efforts made by the UN and regional countries to prevent the renewed hostilities from escalating into another military conflict."

In May this year, a full-blown crisis erupted&nbsp;between Israel and Palestine, which lasted for 11 days. The situation escalated following violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. Over 250 Palestinians died in Gaza and 10 Israelis died in the rocket firing.

On the current situation in the Palestinian territories, Shringla called for "regular and predictable transfer of aid and other essential items to Gaza to ease the humanitarian situation"&nbsp;and "facilitate early reconstruction, as well as for appropriate use of such aid".&nbsp;

He pointed out that it is "important that the international community support&nbsp;the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip through the Palestinian Authority."&nbsp;

He also took note of the "incremental relaxation of restrictions on the entry of commodities into the Gaza Strip"&nbsp;and urged&nbsp;the parties to work together and ensure timely access to such relief for the Palestinians.

Recently, Israel, Qatar and the United Nations had reached an agreement to transfer cash payments to the "needy Palestinian families" in the Gaza Strip. Under the proposed agreement, around 1,00,000 families would get a monthly cash assistance of $100.

During the address, India asked both parties to "refrain from unilateral measures that undermine the viability of the two-state solution".&nbsp;

In his speech, Shringla noted that the decision by Israel to increase the number of work permits issued to Palestinians will help strengthen both the Palestinian and Israeli economies.

“Further, the recognition of COVID-vaccination certificates issued by the Palestinian Authority and the facilitation of passage of patients from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank are also positive signals,” he said.

During the address, the foreign secretary also reiterated calls for "resumption of direct peace negotiations" and a "long-standing and firm commitment to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine, within secure, recognized, and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace and security".

Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla chaired the meeting as the president of the council. India is the president of the UNSC for the month of August and&nbsp;as the president, it decides the issues that need&nbsp;to be taken up by the council. He will be the president of the top UN body in December 2022.

Expressing concern over the recent escalation at the Gaza strip, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday called on all the parties to exercise restraint and maintain ceasefire along the region.

Expressing concern over the recent escalation at the Gaza strip, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday called on all the parties to exercise restraint and maintain ceasefire along the region. Addressing the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) monthly meeting on the Middle East Peace Process, he said, "We call on all parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire and refrain from acts that could exacerbate tensions and worsen the security situation and recognise the efforts made by the UN and regional countries to prevent the renewed hostilities from escalating into another military conflict." In May this year, a full-blown crisis erupted between Israel and Palestine, which lasted for 11 days. The situation escalated following violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. Over 250 Palestinians died in Gaza and 10 Israelis died in the rocket firing. On the current situation in the Palestinian territories, Shringla called for "regular and predictable transfer of aid and other essential items to Gaza to ease the humanitarian situation" and "facilitate early reconstruction, as well as for appropriate use of such aid". He pointed out that it is "important that the international community support the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip through the Palestinian Authority." He also took note of the "incremental relaxation of restrictions on the entry of commodities into the Gaza Strip" and urged the parties to work together and ensure timely access to such relief for the Palestinians. Recently, Israel, Qatar and the United Nations had reached an agreement to transfer cash payments to the "needy Palestinian families" in the Gaza Strip. Under the proposed agreement, around 1,00,000 families would get a monthly cash assistance of $100. During the address, India asked both parties to "refrain from unilateral measures that undermine the viability of the two-state solution". In his speech, Shringla noted that the decision by Israel to increase the number of work permits issued to Palestinians will help strengthen both the Palestinian and Israeli economies. “Further, the recognition of COVID-vaccination certificates issued by the Palestinian Authority and the facilitation of passage of patients from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank are also positive signals,” he said. During the address, the foreign secretary also reiterated calls for "resumption of direct peace negotiations" and a "long-standing and firm commitment to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine, within secure, recognized, and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace and security". Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla chaired the meeting as the president of the council. India is the president of the UNSC for the month of August and as the president, it decides the issues that need to be taken up by the council. He will be the president of the top UN body in December 2022.

At UNSC, India's foreign secretary calls on Israel and Palestine to exercise restraint

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas sites in Gaza early on Sunday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, the military said, as a recent rise in cross-border violence tests a fragile truce that ended fierce fighting in May.

Sanctioned by Hamas, the Islamist armed group that rules Gaza, Palestinian groups said on Saturday they were resuming protests at the Israel-Gaza border, aimed at pressing Israel to ease restrictions on the enclave. The Israeli military said hundreds of Palestinians gathered along the frontier during the night, hurling explosives and burning tyres.

The military said its troops responded with "riot dispersal means" and Gaza medics said at least six Palestinians were hurt, one seriously. A few hours later, Israeli pre-dawn air strikes targeted a Hamas weapons manufacturing complex and a tunnel it said was used by militants, after incendiary balloons were sent across the border.

There were no reports of casualties in the bombings.

An Egyptian-mediated truce ended the May conflict in which Gaza militants fired rockets towards Israeli cities and Israel carried out air strikes across the coastal enclave. At least 250

Palestinians and 13 people in Israel were killed in 11 days of fighting.

But violence has recently increased despite an Israeli announcement this month of a resumption of Qatari aid to Gaza, a decision that had been seen as bolstering the truce.

Palestinian groups say Israel has yet to make good on its word and over the past two weeks militants have fired a rocket and sent balloons carrying incendiary material into Israel, setting off brush fires and drawing Israeli strikes on Hamas facilities.

Citing security threats, Israel keeps Gaza under a blockade, tightly restricting movement in and out of the territory that is home to 2 million Palestinians. Egypt also maintains Gaza restrictions.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas sites in Gaza early on Sunday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, the military said, as a recent rise in cross-border violence tests a fragile truce that ended fierce fighting in May.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas sites in Gaza early on Sunday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, the military said, as a recent rise in cross-border violence tests a fragile truce that ended fierce fighting in May. Sanctioned by Hamas, the Islamist armed group that rules Gaza, Palestinian groups said on Saturday they were resuming protests at the Israel-Gaza border, aimed at pressing Israel to ease restrictions on the enclave. The Israeli military said hundreds of Palestinians gathered along the frontier during the night, hurling explosives and burning tyres. The military said its troops responded with "riot dispersal means" and Gaza medics said at least six Palestinians were hurt, one seriously. A few hours later, Israeli pre-dawn air strikes targeted a Hamas weapons manufacturing complex and a tunnel it said was used by militants, after incendiary balloons were sent across the border. There were no reports of casualties in the bombings. An Egyptian-mediated truce ended the May conflict in which Gaza militants fired rockets towards Israeli cities and Israel carried out air strikes across the coastal enclave. At least 250 Palestinians and 13 people in Israel were killed in 11 days of fighting. But violence has recently increased despite an Israeli announcement this month of a resumption of Qatari aid to Gaza, a decision that had been seen as bolstering the truce. Palestinian groups say Israel has yet to make good on its word and over the past two weeks militants have fired a rocket and sent balloons carrying incendiary material into Israel, setting off brush fires and drawing Israeli strikes on Hamas facilities. Citing security threats, Israel keeps Gaza under a blockade, tightly restricting movement in and out of the territory that is home to 2 million Palestinians. Egypt also maintains Gaza restrictions.

Israel bombs Hamas sites in Gaza over fire balloons

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Friday with President Joe Biden a day after a deadly bomb attack on the US Afghanistan evacuation mission forced a postponement and cast a shadow on an Israeli charm offensive.

"My heart goes out, our hearts go out, to all those who we've lost," Biden said after the two met one-on-one, a day after originally planned.&nbsp;

Bennett began his remarks with condolences before announcing, "I bring with me from Jerusalem a new spirit of good will."&nbsp;

Bennett had aimed to reboot US-Israel relations following Benjamin Netanyahu, who during 15 years in office embraced Republicans and antagonised Democrats.&nbsp;

Still, the 49-year-old premiere in his first official overseas visit kept to many of his predecessor's hardline views.

"We cannot lose sight for even one moment that we're in the toughest neighborhood in the world," he said, citing ISIS, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and Hamas. "That's why Israel always has to be overwhelmingly stronger than... all of our enemies combined."

A broader meeting was expected to follow including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata and Israeli Ambassador to Israel Gilad Erdan, along with Bennett's senior aide Shimrit Meir.

Palestinians

Bennett took office in June as head of an eclectic coalition in which his hawkish party holds only a handful of seats. His government includes pro-settlement hardliners like himself as well as political doves and the first Arab party to sit in a coalition.&nbsp;

"He heads and leads the most diverse government in Israeli history," Biden said of Bennett.

Bennett's positions on key issues remain at odds with the White House. &nbsp;

He has said he will continue settlement construction and is against a Palestinian state in territories Israel captured in 1967.&nbsp;

He opposes the US reopening a consulate in Jerusalem to handle Palestinian affairs, which Trump shut in 2019 after moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

In Washington Bennett strove to highlight common ground.&nbsp;

"Israel knows that we have no better or more reliable ally in the world than the United States of America," he said.&nbsp;

Biden said the US had an "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security, including replenishing Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. In a hint at differences of opinion, Biden said, "we're also going to discuss ways to advance peace and security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians."

Shibley Telhami, a professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland, estimated that the attack in Kabul would not impact Biden's posture on the Palestinians.

"It further lowers the Israeli-Palestinian issue on Biden's priority which means he is even less likely to challenge Bennett on this issue."&nbsp;

'Putting diplomacy first' on Iran

Bennett said in the Oval Office that the bombings in Kabul highlighted the potential danger of a nuclear Iran.&nbsp;

"These very days illustrate what the world would look like if a radical Islamic regime acquired a nuclear weapon," Bennett told Biden.&nbsp;

Israel fiercely opposes Biden's attempt to reverse Trump's withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.&nbsp;

Since Trump's move, Iran has itself withdrawn from key commitments, including on uranium enrichment.

Biden pledged the US was committed to ensuring "Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, but we're putting diplomacy first and seeing where that takes us. But if diplomacy fails we're ready to turn to other options."

Dan Kurtzer, former US ambassador to Israel, told AFP Bennett's visit would set a new tone even during disagreements.&nbsp;

"The Netanyahu years, especially with Democratic presidents, were marked by a lot of rancor from the Israeli side and disrespect frankly for the presidency," he said.&nbsp;

By Friday, the two leaders made efforts to show intimacy.

"You've been so generous with your time in these difficult days," Bennett said.

"I've known every Israeli prime minister since Golda Meir, said Biden, 78, referring to the leader who served in the 1970s. Bennett, he said, had traveled the same train that Biden is famous for.&nbsp;

"We've become close friends. He's ridden the Amtrak train a lot."

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Friday with President Joe Biden a day after a deadly bomb attack on the US Afghanistan evacuation mission forced a postponement and cast a shadow on an Israeli charm offensive.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Friday with President Joe Biden a day after a deadly bomb attack on the US Afghanistan evacuation mission forced a postponement and cast a shadow on an Israeli charm offensive. "My heart goes out, our hearts go out, to all those who we've lost," Biden said after the two met one-on-one, a day after originally planned. Bennett began his remarks with condolences before announcing, "I bring with me from Jerusalem a new spirit of good will." Bennett had aimed to reboot US-Israel relations following Benjamin Netanyahu, who during 15 years in office embraced Republicans and antagonised Democrats. Still, the 49-year-old premiere in his first official overseas visit kept to many of his predecessor's hardline views. "We cannot lose sight for even one moment that we're in the toughest neighborhood in the world," he said, citing ISIS, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and Hamas. "That's why Israel always has to be overwhelmingly stronger than... all of our enemies combined." A broader meeting was expected to follow including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata and Israeli Ambassador to Israel Gilad Erdan, along with Bennett's senior aide Shimrit Meir. Palestinians Bennett took office in June as head of an eclectic coalition in which his hawkish party holds only a handful of seats. His government includes pro-settlement hardliners like himself as well as political doves and the first Arab party to sit in a coalition. "He heads and leads the most diverse government in Israeli history," Biden said of Bennett. Bennett's positions on key issues remain at odds with the White House. He has said he will continue settlement construction and is against a Palestinian state in territories Israel captured in 1967. He opposes the US reopening a consulate in Jerusalem to handle Palestinian affairs, which Trump shut in 2019 after moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In Washington Bennett strove to highlight common ground. "Israel knows that we have no better or more reliable ally in the world than the United States of America," he said. Biden said the US had an "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security, including replenishing Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. In a hint at differences of opinion, Biden said, "we're also going to discuss ways to advance peace and security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians." Shibley Telhami, a professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland, estimated that the attack in Kabul would not impact Biden's posture on the Palestinians. "It further lowers the Israeli-Palestinian issue on Biden's priority which means he is even less likely to challenge Bennett on this issue." 'Putting diplomacy first' on Iran Bennett said in the Oval Office that the bombings in Kabul highlighted the potential danger of a nuclear Iran. "These very days illustrate what the world would look like if a radical Islamic regime acquired a nuclear weapon," Bennett told Biden. Israel fiercely opposes Biden's attempt to reverse Trump's withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Since Trump's move, Iran has itself withdrawn from key commitments, including on uranium enrichment. Biden pledged the US was committed to ensuring "Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, but we're putting diplomacy first and seeing where that takes us. But if diplomacy fails we're ready to turn to other options." Dan Kurtzer, former US ambassador to Israel, told AFP Bennett's visit would set a new tone even during disagreements. "The Netanyahu years, especially with Democratic presidents, were marked by a lot of rancor from the Israeli side and disrespect frankly for the presidency," he said. By Friday, the two leaders made efforts to show intimacy. "You've been so generous with your time in these difficult days," Bennett said. "I've known every Israeli prime minister since Golda Meir, said Biden, 78, referring to the leader who served in the 1970s. Bennett, he said, had traveled the same train that Biden is famous for. "We've become close friends. He's ridden the Amtrak train a lot."

Biden meets Israeli PM in shadow of Kabul blasts

Israel is witnessing effect on high Delta variant infection rate less than a month into Covid vaccine booster drive, say scientists and officials. Israel was impacted by the Delta variant just as the country was reaping benefits of its previous vaccine drive.

Delta hit Israel hard. The country went from single digit infections and zero deaths to 7500 daily cases last week. The week saw 150 deaths.

Third dose of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine begun to be administered to people over 60. It was the first country to do so.

<img alt="Israel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="80b59851-52ea-45dc-85cf-39cae2650687" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-08-24T052413Z_3_LYNXMPEH7N04G_RTROPTP_4_HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-ISRAEL-BOOSTERS.JPG" />

On Thursday it expanded eligibility to 30-year-olds and up whose second dose was given at least 5 months prior, saying the age may drop further.

In the past 10 days, the pandemic is abating among the first age group, more than a million of whom have received a third vaccine dose, according to Israeli health ministry data and scientists interviewed by Reuters.

The rate of disease spread among vaccinated people age 60 and over - known as the reproduction rate - began falling steadily around Aug. 13 and has dipped below 1, indicating that each infected person is transmitting the virus to fewer than one other person. A reproduction rate of less than 1 means an outbreak is subsiding. https://tmsnrt.rs/3grj7kv

Scientists said booster shots are having an impact on infections, but other factors are likely contributing to the decline as well.

"The numbers are still very high but what has changed is that the very high increase in the rate of infections and severe cases has diminished, as has the pace at which the pandemic is spreading," said Eran Segal, data scientist at the Weizmann Institute of Science and an adviser to the government.

"This is likely due to the third booster shots, an uptake in people taking the first dose and the high number of people infected per week, possibly up to 100,000, who now have natural immunity," Segal said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel is witnessing effect on high Delta variant infection rate less than a month into Covid vaccine booster drive, say scientists and officials. Israel was impacted by the Delta variant just as the country was reaping benefits of its previous vaccine drive.

Israel is witnessing effect on high Delta variant infection rate less than a month into Covid vaccine booster drive, say scientists and officials. Israel was impacted by the Delta variant just as the country was reaping benefits of its previous vaccine drive. Delta hit Israel hard. The country went from single digit infections and zero deaths to 7500 daily cases last week. The week saw 150 deaths. Third dose of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine begun to be administered to people over 60. It was the first country to do so. On Thursday it expanded eligibility to 30-year-olds and up whose second dose was given at least 5 months prior, saying the age may drop further. In the past 10 days, the pandemic is abating among the first age group, more than a million of whom have received a third vaccine dose, according to Israeli health ministry data and scientists interviewed by Reuters. The rate of disease spread among vaccinated people age 60 and over - known as the reproduction rate - began falling steadily around Aug. 13 and has dipped below 1, indicating that each infected person is transmitting the virus to fewer than one other person. A reproduction rate of less than 1 means an outbreak is subsiding. https://tmsnrt.rs/3grj7kv Scientists said booster shots are having an impact on infections, but other factors are likely contributing to the decline as well. "The numbers are still very high but what has changed is that the very high increase in the rate of infections and severe cases has diminished, as has the pace at which the pandemic is spreading," said Eran Segal, data scientist at the Weizmann Institute of Science and an adviser to the government. "This is likely due to the third booster shots, an uptake in people taking the first dose and the high number of people infected per week, possibly up to 100,000, who now have natural immunity," Segal said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel's booster Covid vaccine drive shows effect on Delta variant spread

Israel on Monday said that it would offer Covid vaccines to students on school grounds. It was also announced that school year would open on time next week in spite of surging coronavirus cases.

"Pupils... will be vaccinated on school grounds during school hours, subject to parental approval," a government statement said, confirming classes would begin on September 1.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-launches-airstrikes-on-gaza-after-border-clashes-407641/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Israeli leaders say they are trying to avoid repeating disruptive school closures amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Israel has seen a steep rise in Covid infections after months.

On Monday, the health ministry said that 6467 new Covid cases were recorded in Israel just a day before. 1142 people were hospitalised

About 30 per cent of children between the ages 12 and 15 have received two vaccine doses in Israel. This is far less than any other age group.

The school reopening plan would also require pupils younger than 12 to bring parental approval to perform a coronavirus test on the first day of school.

Further, high school classes in cities with high rates of transmission would require 70 percent of students to be vaccinated or move to online learning.

Some in government had opposed vaccines in schools, with Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton saying in July that students could feel peer pressure to get vaccines.

On Monday she praised the plan on Twitter, writing, "Opening the school year -- vital to students' stability and mental resilience."

Ran Balicer, chairman of Israel's national expert panel on Covid-19, warned on public radio, "of course it will not be possible to completely prevent infections."

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Monday said that it would offer Covid vaccines to students on school grounds. It was also announced that school year would open on time next week in spite of surging coronavirus cases.

Israel on Monday said that it would offer Covid vaccines to students on school grounds. It was also announced that school year would open on time next week in spite of surging coronavirus cases. "Pupils... will be vaccinated on school grounds during school hours, subject to parental approval," a government statement said, confirming classes would begin on September 1. × Israeli leaders say they are trying to avoid repeating disruptive school closures amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Israel has seen a steep rise in Covid infections after months. On Monday, the health ministry said that 6467 new Covid cases were recorded in Israel just a day before. 1142 people were hospitalised About 30 per cent of children between the ages 12 and 15 have received two vaccine doses in Israel. This is far less than any other age group. The school reopening plan would also require pupils younger than 12 to bring parental approval to perform a coronavirus test on the first day of school. Further, high school classes in cities with high rates of transmission would require 70 percent of students to be vaccinated or move to online learning. Some in government had opposed vaccines in schools, with Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton saying in July that students could feel peer pressure to get vaccines. On Monday she praised the plan on Twitter, writing, "Opening the school year -- vital to students' stability and mental resilience." Ran Balicer, chairman of Israel's national expert panel on Covid-19, warned on public radio, "of course it will not be possible to completely prevent infections." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to administer Covid vaccines in schools as they reopen

israel-0

Israel, News on Israel, stories on Israel, articles on Israel, Israel stories at Wion, Israel news, Israel latest news

israel 0