Seven gunmen and two civilians have been killed by Israeli forces during a raid in the West Bank&nbsp;on Thursday (January 26), said the Palestinian officials, in what may be the deadliest day on the territory in two decades. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, among those killed was a 60-year-old woman while at least 20 others have been injured out of which four people are in critical condition.&nbsp; 
 
Subsequently, the Palestinian Authority has declared that it would halt security cooperation with Israel over the incident, reported the Associated Press. In a press conference a spokesman for the PA, Nabil Abu Rudeineh also said that it plans to file complaints against Israel to the International Criminal Court and the United Nations Security Council. The PA is a part of shared security ties that the two countries maintain in efforts to contain Islamic militants in the region.&nbsp;

The Israeli military has said they had sent forces to Jenin to detain members of the Islamic Jihad armed group who were plotting “multiple major terror attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers” and shot several of them when they opened fire. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has accused Israel of a “massacre” in the flashpoint town of Jenin.

Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard during a live ammunition raid on the Jenin refugee camp where Israeli troops surrounded buildings and clashed with Palestinian militants, on Thursday morning, reported BBC citing video footage. Similarly, a Palestinian-Dutch filmmaker at the scene told the Guardian&nbsp;that armed Palestinians opened fired at an Israeli armoured vehicle following which Israeli forces retaliated and this led to a fierce four-hour gun battle. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The armed group Islamic Jihad said two of its men were killed during the Israeli raid on Jenin while four other gunmen were claimed by the armed wing of the Palestinian president’s faction, Hamas, reported Reuters. Furthermore, amid the clashes, youths were reportedly seen pelting stones at Israel’s armoured vehicles.

No Israeli casualties have been reported so far. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), they surrounded a building where three armed suspects were “neutralised” after they opened fire while one other surrendered. Furthermore, they said that their troops were shot at by Palestinian gunmen and retaliated by hitting the targets and said they were looking into “claims regarding additional casualties”.&nbsp;

In a statement, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, said he is “deeply alarmed and saddened” by the continued violence in the West Bank and remains “actively engaged with Israeli and Palestinian authorities to de-escalate tensions, restore calm, and avoid further conflict”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Seven gunmen and two civilians have been killed by Israeli forces during a raid in the West Bank on Thursday (January 26), said the Palestinian officials, in what may be the deadliest day on the territory in two decades.

Seven gunmen and two civilians have been killed by Israeli forces during a raid in the West Bank on Thursday (January 26), said the Palestinian officials, in what may be the deadliest day on the territory in two decades. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, among those killed was a 60-year-old woman while at least 20 others have been injured out of which four people are in critical condition. Subsequently, the Palestinian Authority has declared that it would halt security cooperation with Israel over the incident, reported the Associated Press. In a press conference a spokesman for the PA, Nabil Abu Rudeineh also said that it plans to file complaints against Israel to the International Criminal Court and the United Nations Security Council. The PA is a part of shared security ties that the two countries maintain in efforts to contain Islamic militants in the region. The Israeli military has said they had sent forces to Jenin to detain members of the Islamic Jihad armed group who were plotting “multiple major terror attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers” and shot several of them when they opened fire. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has accused Israel of a “massacre” in the flashpoint town of Jenin. Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard during a live ammunition raid on the Jenin refugee camp where Israeli troops surrounded buildings and clashed with Palestinian militants, on Thursday morning, reported BBC citing video footage. Similarly, a Palestinian-Dutch filmmaker at the scene told the Guardian that armed Palestinians opened fired at an Israeli armoured vehicle following which Israeli forces retaliated and this led to a fierce four-hour gun battle. The armed group Islamic Jihad said two of its men were killed during the Israeli raid on Jenin while four other gunmen were claimed by the armed wing of the Palestinian president’s faction, Hamas, reported Reuters. Furthermore, amid the clashes, youths were reportedly seen pelting stones at Israel’s armoured vehicles. No Israeli casualties have been reported so far. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), they surrounded a building where three armed suspects were “neutralised” after they opened fire while one other surrendered. Furthermore, they said that their troops were shot at by Palestinian gunmen and retaliated by hitting the targets and said they were looking into “claims regarding additional casualties”. In a statement, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, said he is “deeply alarmed and saddened” by the continued violence in the West Bank and remains “actively engaged with Israeli and Palestinian authorities to de-escalate tensions, restore calm, and avoid further conflict”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians

Thousands of citizens staged a protest in Israel's capital Tel Aviv against the hard-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is being called a threat to Israeli democracy by critics.&nbsp;Despite rain, the protesters continued the rally as they decried a "government of shame" and appealed to people to, "bring down the dictator", reported AFP.&nbsp; The Israeli media reported that the rally saw the participation of 80,000 people, quoting police sources. This is the biggest protest since the new government of Netanyahu came to power in Israel in late December.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-what-netanyahus-comeback-in-israel-means-for-india-531268">Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties</a>

"The situation is worrying and scary," said 22-year-old Aya Tal, who was part of the protest and is employed in the high-tech industry. "They want to take away our rights... We must unite,” she added.&nbsp;

As per reports in local media, rallies were also held outside the residences of the president and the prime minister, in Jerusalem and the city of Haifa.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, who has now become the longest-serving prime minister of Israel, came to power after entering into a coalition with ultra-Orthodox and extreme-right Jewish parties, with some of the&nbsp;members now heading important ministries.&nbsp;

Protesters demanded that Netanyahu step down from his position as the latter continues to fight charges of corruption in court.&nbsp;

"Bibi (Netanyahu) doesn't want a democracy, we don't need fascists in the Knesset," stated one sign raised at the protests held in Tel Aviv, as they referred to the Israeli parliament.

WATCH|&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government

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The streets around Habima Square in Tel Aviv were filled with crowds chanting "democracy, democracy".

Currently, in Israel, the authority of repealing laws, which are considered discriminatory, lies with the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Former Supreme Court judge Ayala Procaccia said that the people of Israel "will not accept... the destruction of the basic values of our system." "We are at a fateful moment for the future of Israel," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Thousands of citizens staged a protest in Israel's capital Tel Aviv against the hard-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is being called a threat to Israeli democracy by critics.

Thousands of citizens staged a protest in Israel's capital Tel Aviv against the hard-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is being called a threat to Israeli democracy by critics. Despite rain, the protesters continued the rally as they decried a "government of shame" and appealed to people to, "bring down the dictator", reported AFP. The Israeli media reported that the rally saw the participation of 80,000 people, quoting police sources. This is the biggest protest since the new government of Netanyahu came to power in Israel in late December. ALSO READ| Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties "The situation is worrying and scary," said 22-year-old Aya Tal, who was part of the protest and is employed in the high-tech industry. "They want to take away our rights... We must unite,” she added. As per reports in local media, rallies were also held outside the residences of the president and the prime minister, in Jerusalem and the city of Haifa. Netanyahu, who has now become the longest-serving prime minister of Israel, came to power after entering into a coalition with ultra-Orthodox and extreme-right Jewish parties, with some of the members now heading important ministries. Protesters demanded that Netanyahu step down from his position as the latter continues to fight charges of corruption in court. "Bibi (Netanyahu) doesn't want a democracy, we don't need fascists in the Knesset," stated one sign raised at the protests held in Tel Aviv, as they referred to the Israeli parliament. WATCH| WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government The streets around Habima Square in Tel Aviv were filled with crowds chanting "democracy, democracy". Currently, in Israel, the authority of repealing laws, which are considered discriminatory, lies with the Supreme Court. Former Supreme Court judge Ayala Procaccia said that the people of Israel "will not accept... the destruction of the basic values of our system." "We are at a fateful moment for the future of Israel," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands protest in Israel against Netanyahu, decry ‘government of shame’

Thousands of Israeli people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, late Saturday, in protest against the new government’s policies which is now led&nbsp;by the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This comes days&nbsp;after his administration’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin unveiled his plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system, which opponents and critics say threaten democracy and freedom.&nbsp;

What is the legal reform plan about?

On Wednesday, the country’s justice minister announced the new government’s long-promised overhaul of the judicial system which is also supposedly directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme court. Additionally, critics have said that it will affect the checks and balances as well as undermine democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the ruling party coalition, reported Associated Press.&nbsp;

The legal reforms would also limit the power and authority of the High Court of Justice to block legislation or government decisions which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory or undemocratic. However, it is the feature of the plan which has garnered controversy and it is the Override Clause which would simply allow a majority of the Members of Knesset (MK) to overrule decisions by the High Court.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-government-lays-out-sweeping-court-reform-plan-setting-up-showdown-with-the-judiciary-549524">Israel government lays out sweeping court reform plan, setting up showdown with the judiciary</a>

Additionally, the government will also gain control over the selection process of judges and reportedly eliminate ministry legal advisers who are appointed by and report to the attorney general into political appointments controlled entirely by the government. Currently, the Judicial Appointments Committee includes lawmakers, from both the government and the opposition, and judges and representatives from the Israel Bar Association.

Furthermore, given that Israel does not have a written constitution, the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government remain&nbsp;weak since the ruling government typically holds a majority in the Parliament.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-israels-most-right-wing-coalition-netanyahu-to-form-new-government-545646">WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government</a>

This makes the Supreme Court the only institution to limit the government’s power and by challenging legislation passed by a parliamentary majority, the proposed reform would remove this roadblock for the Netanyahu government. Notably, the court cannot arbitrarily dismiss legislation passed by the parliament unless they hinder one of the Basic Laws of Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Netanyahu government

The Netanyahu government is said to be the most right-wing and religiously conservative in Israel’s over seven-decade history. It recently came under fire after its National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the disputed holy site in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa mosque which drew widespread condemnation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-has-israeli-minister-ben-gvirs-visit-to-al-aqsa-mosque-sparked-outrage-549442">Explained: Why has Israeli minister Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque sparked outrage?</a>

Additionally, prior to the government’s swearing-in, the coalition agreements called for legislation that would allow service providers to refuse service on the grounds of religious beliefs which many say would be legalising discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other targeted sections in Israel.&nbsp;

This comes after the incumbent PM Netanyahu won the elections in November and took office last month with his right-wing allies who now hold key ministerial positions in the Israeli government.&nbsp;

What happened at the protests?

The protest was reportedly led by some lawmakers from Israeli parliament, the Knesset, where the local media report citing organisers said that over 10,000 protesters gathered for the rally in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square. According to media reports, protesters waved Israel and LGBTQ+ pride flags and some were seen with a Palestinian flag with placards that read, “The settler government is against me” and “Democracy in danger” and even a banner that read “crime minister”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-most-right-wing-coalition-and-its-many-challenges-549980">Israel's most right-wing coalition and its many challenges</a> 
 
The demonstrators affiliated with&nbsp;Standing Together group and other organisations marched toward the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and held a rally there where leaders gave speeches while others carried out a torchlight march through the city streets, reported the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, others also called for peace and co-existence between Jews and Arab residents of the country.&nbsp;

Several prominent activist groups in the country even warned the government that these reforms would not be passed without unprecedented civil resistance. “This evening, friends, we have built a new democratic camp,” said the CEOs of an NGO, Breaking the Silence, Yael Lotan and Avner Gvaryahu, addressing the protestors on Saturday.&nbsp;

They added, “One that includes Jews and Arabs, men and women, straight people and LGBTQ people, secular and religious, united against one evil government and for the sake of a better future in this place,” reported the local media.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-israeli-government-approve-steps-to-penalise-palestinians-550249">New Israeli government approve steps to penalise Palestinians</a>

“Extremists and dangerous actors in the newly established government are already planning how to hurt all of us,” said an activist from NGO Standing Together, reported by the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp; 
 
They added, “How to deepen racial discrimination against Arab citizens, how to cut social budgets, how to discriminate based on gender. We won’t sit home and hold hands and give in to despair and frustration. Where there is struggle, there is also hope. And we will go out and struggle for our home.”

Meanwhile, one of the activist groups called the Black Flag movement which reportedly organised Saturday’s protests called this reform plan a “coup d’état” which will encounter a nation of Israel which is “determined to guard our democracy and will fail.” The group has also vowed to continue the protests next Saturday and said, “Today we are starting the most important journey: A preventative strike against dictatorship.” 
&nbsp;

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מפגינים רבים החלו להאסף ברחבת הבימה בתל אביב בהפגנה מגד הרפורמה להחלשת מערכת המשפט וצעדי הממשלה. כיאה לאופוזיציה המפוצלת מהכיכר יצאו שתי צעדות. אחת בהובלת ״עומדים ביחד״ לכיוון המוזיאון ושניה בהובלת ארגונים ואנשים אחרים שתצא בהמשך. בכיכר נמצאים כבר כמה אלפים. עדכונים יהיו כאן &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/h05ppvKw6L">pic.twitter.com/h05ppvKw6L</a>
— Bar Peleg (@bar_peleg) <a href="https://twitter.com/bar_peleg/status/1611777868534611973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The protests on January 7&nbsp;were followed by a rally held by activists from the Darkenu civil society movement, outside Levin’s house on Friday. The group reportedly claims that the High Court served as a “flak jacket” to protect Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers from being brought to the International Criminal Court.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-slams-latest-un-vote-on-palestine-as-moral-decay-of-world-body-548253">Israel slams latest UN vote on Palestine as ‘moral decay’ of the multilateral world body</a>

“The Override Clause and Levin’s moves to weaken the justice system would hurt IDF soldiers, and hurting our soldiers is a red line,” said the group’s CEO and former member of Knesset Rachel Azaria, reported the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp;

The protests on Saturday witnessed the attendance of a number of MKs including Merav Michaeli and Gilad Kariv from the opposition Labor party, Aymen Odeh, chair of the predominantly Arab Hadash-Ta’al alliance, and former vice PM Tzipi Livni who expressed their support for the protesters.&nbsp;

“What energies in the square! Together with thousands of amazing demonstrators we went out to demonstrate and shout in a clear voice - our country cannot be destroyed!” said the Labour party chairperson, Michaeli on Twitter. She added, “We will continue to fight for our democracy.”&nbsp;

Israeli former supreme court president’s grim warning

Former Supreme Court president, Aharon Barak, who is also Israel’s most revered jurist, in multiple TV interviews on Saturday urged the justice minister to review these sweeping reforms. According to a report by Times of Israel, in a grim warning, he said that the proposed plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system will give all the power to the PM, leave citizens with no defence against violation of any and all of their rights, and mark the beginning of the end of the modern state of Israel as we know it.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unsc-stresses-on-al-aqsa-status-quo-israel-palestine-envoy-trade-barbs-at-un-meet-549892">UNSC stresses on Al-Aqsa status quo; Israel, Palestine envoy trade barbs at UN meet</a>

“If putting me to death would put an end to this drastic shake-up…I’d be prepared to go before a firing squad,” he said in the context of his stance and verdicts as a justice from between 1978 and 2006 and the SC president for 11 years. Speaking about his time as a justice the 86-year-old said that he tried not to be overly activist nor overly conservative while delivering verdicts and took into account Israel’s history, Zionism and the country’s security needs and that he was sorry to be depicted as “the enemy of the people”, reported the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

According to the report, Barak also said that he feels like he is obligated to warn the public about the “grave danger” their rights are in and it would not matter if they are, Jew, Arab, ultra-Orthodox, or not ultra-Orthodox. Israeli democracy will be left with one branch of governance which would be the PM.&nbsp;

He also went on to explain that nobody will be protected from the political majority since the Knesset is powerless against the majority coalition, and Israel has no constitution, Bill of Rights, or even a second House, reported the Times of Israel. It will also affect Israel on an international level, Barak said, noting that the High Court has acted as a legal “Iron Dome” ensuring Israel’s democratic functioning, including in its treatment of the Palestinians.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-new-proposals-give-sweeping-power-to-the-israeli-government-549574">Israel's new proposals give sweeping power to the Israeli government</a>

If the High Court is affected by Levin's plans to weaken it, “our chief of staff and government ministers will immediately be arrested when they travel overseas…The leaders of the country will be put on trial in the International Criminal Court in The Hague,” as per Times of Israel.&nbsp;

What has Levin said about the plans?

Subsequently, even the justice minister was also interviewed on Saturday, where he said that while he respects the former top judge, he “does not understand the essence of democracy.” Levin also dismissed the idea of establishing a committee with Barak to compromise on his proposal and said that he would discuss the plan with key members of the parliament and hope that the final legislation is “as close as possible” to the proposed one, said the media report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christian-graves-vandalised-in-jerusalem-cemetery-549451">Christian graves vandalised in Jerusalem cemetery, Israeli cops launch probe</a>

He also, in turn, criticised Barak and said he “fundamentally contradicted democracy…all power rests with the judges, and they decide what’s proportionate and reasonable. That’s not democratic.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Thousands of Israeli people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, late Saturday, in protest against the new government’s policies which is now led by the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Thousands of Israeli people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, late Saturday, in protest against the new government’s policies which is now led by the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This comes days after his administration’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin unveiled his plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system, which opponents and critics say threaten democracy and freedom. What is the legal reform plan about? On Wednesday, the country’s justice minister announced the new government’s long-promised overhaul of the judicial system which is also supposedly directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme court. Additionally, critics have said that it will affect the checks and balances as well as undermine democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the ruling party coalition, reported Associated Press. The legal reforms would also limit the power and authority of the High Court of Justice to block legislation or government decisions which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory or undemocratic. However, it is the feature of the plan which has garnered controversy and it is the Override Clause which would simply allow a majority of the Members of Knesset (MK) to overrule decisions by the High Court. ALSO READ | Israel government lays out sweeping court reform plan, setting up showdown with the judiciary Additionally, the government will also gain control over the selection process of judges and reportedly eliminate ministry legal advisers who are appointed by and report to the attorney general into political appointments controlled entirely by the government. Currently, the Judicial Appointments Committee includes lawmakers, from both the government and the opposition, and judges and representatives from the Israel Bar Association. Furthermore, given that Israel does not have a written constitution, the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government remain weak since the ruling government typically holds a majority in the Parliament. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government This makes the Supreme Court the only institution to limit the government’s power and by challenging legislation passed by a parliamentary majority, the proposed reform would remove this roadblock for the Netanyahu government. Notably, the court cannot arbitrarily dismiss legislation passed by the parliament unless they hinder one of the Basic Laws of Israel. Netanyahu government The Netanyahu government is said to be the most right-wing and religiously conservative in Israel’s over seven-decade history. It recently came under fire after its National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the disputed holy site in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa mosque which drew widespread condemnation. ALSO READ | Explained: Why has Israeli minister Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque sparked outrage? Additionally, prior to the government’s swearing-in, the coalition agreements called for legislation that would allow service providers to refuse service on the grounds of religious beliefs which many say would be legalising discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other targeted sections in Israel. This comes after the incumbent PM Netanyahu won the elections in November and took office last month with his right-wing allies who now hold key ministerial positions in the Israeli government. What happened at the protests? The protest was reportedly led by some lawmakers from Israeli parliament, the Knesset, where the local media report citing organisers said that over 10,000 protesters gathered for the rally in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square. According to media reports, protesters waved Israel and LGBTQ+ pride flags and some were seen with a Palestinian flag with placards that read, “The settler government is against me” and “Democracy in danger” and even a banner that read “crime minister”. ALSO WATCH | Israel's most right-wing coalition and its many challenges The demonstrators affiliated with Standing Together group and other organisations marched toward the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and held a rally there where leaders gave speeches while others carried out a torchlight march through the city streets, reported the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, others also called for peace and co-existence between Jews and Arab residents of the country. Several prominent activist groups in the country even warned the government that these reforms would not be passed without unprecedented civil resistance. “This evening, friends, we have built a new democratic camp,” said the CEOs of an NGO, Breaking the Silence, Yael Lotan and Avner Gvaryahu, addressing the protestors on Saturday. They added, “One that includes Jews and Arabs, men and women, straight people and LGBTQ people, secular and religious, united against one evil government and for the sake of a better future in this place,” reported the local media. ALSO WATCH | New Israeli government approve steps to penalise Palestinians “Extremists and dangerous actors in the newly established government are already planning how to hurt all of us,” said an activist from NGO Standing Together, reported by the Jerusalem Post. They added, “How to deepen racial discrimination against Arab citizens, how to cut social budgets, how to discriminate based on gender. We won’t sit home and hold hands and give in to despair and frustration. Where there is struggle, there is also hope. And we will go out and struggle for our home.” Meanwhile, one of the activist groups called the Black Flag movement which reportedly organised Saturday’s protests called this reform plan a “coup d’état” which will encounter a nation of Israel which is “determined to guard our democracy and will fail.” The group has also vowed to continue the protests next Saturday and said, “Today we are starting the most important journey: A preventative strike against dictatorship.” מפגינים רבים החלו להאסף ברחבת הבימה בתל אביב בהפגנה מגד הרפורמה להחלשת מערכת המשפט וצעדי הממשלה. כיאה לאופוזיציה המפוצלת מהכיכר יצאו שתי צעדות. אחת בהובלת ״עומדים ביחד״ לכיוון המוזיאון ושניה בהובלת ארגונים ואנשים אחרים שתצא בהמשך. בכיכר נמצאים כבר כמה אלפים. עדכונים יהיו כאן >> pic.twitter.com/h05ppvKw6L — Bar Peleg (@bar_peleg) January 7, 2023 × The protests on January 7 were followed by a rally held by activists from the Darkenu civil society movement, outside Levin’s house on Friday. The group reportedly claims that the High Court served as a “flak jacket” to protect Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers from being brought to the International Criminal Court. ALSO READ | Israel slams latest UN vote on Palestine as ‘moral decay’ of the multilateral world body “The Override Clause and Levin’s moves to weaken the justice system would hurt IDF soldiers, and hurting our soldiers is a red line,” said the group’s CEO and former member of Knesset Rachel Azaria, reported the Jerusalem Post. The protests on Saturday witnessed the attendance of a number of MKs including Merav Michaeli and Gilad Kariv from the opposition Labor party, Aymen Odeh, chair of the predominantly Arab Hadash-Ta’al alliance, and former vice PM Tzipi Livni who expressed their support for the protesters. “What energies in the square! Together with thousands of amazing demonstrators we went out to demonstrate and shout in a clear voice - our country cannot be destroyed!” said the Labour party chairperson, Michaeli on Twitter. She added, “We will continue to fight for our democracy.” Israeli former supreme court president’s grim warning Former Supreme Court president, Aharon Barak, who is also Israel’s most revered jurist, in multiple TV interviews on Saturday urged the justice minister to review these sweeping reforms. According to a report by Times of Israel, in a grim warning, he said that the proposed plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system will give all the power to the PM, leave citizens with no defence against violation of any and all of their rights, and mark the beginning of the end of the modern state of Israel as we know it. ALSO WATCH | UNSC stresses on Al-Aqsa status quo; Israel, Palestine envoy trade barbs at UN meet “If putting me to death would put an end to this drastic shake-up…I’d be prepared to go before a firing squad,” he said in the context of his stance and verdicts as a justice from between 1978 and 2006 and the SC president for 11 years. Speaking about his time as a justice the 86-year-old said that he tried not to be overly activist nor overly conservative while delivering verdicts and took into account Israel’s history, Zionism and the country’s security needs and that he was sorry to be depicted as “the enemy of the people”, reported the Times of Israel. According to the report, Barak also said that he feels like he is obligated to warn the public about the “grave danger” their rights are in and it would not matter if they are, Jew, Arab, ultra-Orthodox, or not ultra-Orthodox. Israeli democracy will be left with one branch of governance which would be the PM. He also went on to explain that nobody will be protected from the political majority since the Knesset is powerless against the majority coalition, and Israel has no constitution, Bill of Rights, or even a second House, reported the Times of Israel. It will also affect Israel on an international level, Barak said, noting that the High Court has acted as a legal “Iron Dome” ensuring Israel’s democratic functioning, including in its treatment of the Palestinians. ALSO WATCH | Israel's new proposals give sweeping power to the Israeli government If the High Court is affected by Levin's plans to weaken it, “our chief of staff and government ministers will immediately be arrested when they travel overseas…The leaders of the country will be put on trial in the International Criminal Court in The Hague,” as per Times of Israel. What has Levin said about the plans? Subsequently, even the justice minister was also interviewed on Saturday, where he said that while he respects the former top judge, he “does not understand the essence of democracy.” Levin also dismissed the idea of establishing a committee with Barak to compromise on his proposal and said that he would discuss the plan with key members of the parliament and hope that the final legislation is “as close as possible” to the proposed one, said the media report. ALSO READ | Christian graves vandalised in Jerusalem cemetery, Israeli cops launch probe He also, in turn, criticised Barak and said he “fundamentally contradicted democracy…all power rests with the judges, and they decide what’s proportionate and reasonable. That’s not democratic.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Thousands protest in Israel against new government’s proposed legal reforms

A couple of weeks after forming the most right-wing government in the history of Israel, the Benjamin Netanyahu government has focused its attention on revamp of the 'judiciary'.

A couple of weeks after forming the most right-wing government in the history of Israel, the Benjamin Netanyahu government has focused its attention on revamp of the 'judiciary'. Justice Minister Yair Levin on Wednesday presented the 'judicial overhaul package' aimed at neutering the judicial system of the country, according to the detractors. “I’ve warned against the damage caused by judicialisation. Now, the time has come to act," said Levin while presenting the overhaul package. Under the revamp programme, the country's parliament, also called Knesset will be given powers to override Supreme Court decisions with a simple majority of 61 votes. WATCH | Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu unveils his right-wing government's policy priorities × Calling the legislation 'balanced', Levin enlisted another rule that will forbid the court from using a test of reasonableness to judge the decisions taken by the government. Moreover, the panel that chooses the judges will be reformed and politicians will have an enhanced say in the selection. Currently, a nine-member panel chooses the judges which has three members of the government. However, if Levin's overhaul gets the nod, two representatives chosen by him i.e the justice minister will also sit on the panel. Effectively the government will have the majority of five against four in the committee. Lastly, the ministers will be able to appoint their own legal advisers under the new plan. Before signing off, Levin added that the package will be debated in the 120-seat Knesset. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the overhaul of the judiciary saying the new legislation will create a balance between the courts, government and the parliament. “We will revise the way we govern. We’ll take steps that strengthen personal security throughout the state. We’ll start by enacting reforms that will ensure the proper balance between the three branches of government.” Read more: Benjamin Netanyahu forms most right-wing coalition govt in Israel's history The critics of the plan argue that by passing the said legislation, the Netanyahu government will be undermining democracy in the country. The believe that power will reside in the hands of the most unilateral coalition in the history of the country without any checks and balances in place. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel government lays out sweeping court reform plan, setting up showdown with the judiciary

Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, on Tuesday, visited the disputed holy site in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa mosque, triggering widespread condemnation from several countries across the Arab world with the move being seen as a “deliberate provocation” by the Palestinians.&nbsp;

This comes after many had expressed concerns over the newly elected government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies, particularly over their relations with Palestine moving forward.&nbsp;

Notably, Ben-Gvir has visited the compound even before as a member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) and has sought to change the long-standing status quo of the sacred site. Prior to his visit on Tuesday, the Palestinian group, Hamas senior officials, had warned the incumbent national security minister of Israel that the move would cross a “red line”.&nbsp;

Why is Al-Aqsa important?

The holy site is of religious significance to Jews, Muslims, as well as Christians. However, situated in the Israeli-controlled East Jerusalem it is administered by Jordan’s Waqf Islamic affairs council, with Israel’s security forces operating and controlling access to the compound, it has a complicated history, to say the least. &nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-leads-criticism-of-israeli-ministers-visit-to-al-aqsa-compound-549288">U.S. leads criticism of Israeli Minister's visit to Al-Aqsa Compound</a>

The 35-acre Al-Aqsa mosque compound is known as Temple Mount to Jews and Haram al-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary, to Muslims. It is a vast plaza overlooking Jerusalem's Old City which incorporates the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.&nbsp;

In the context of religious significance, Temple Mount is deemed Judaism’s most sacred site and vestige of two ancient temples of the faith. Whereas, in Islam, it is the third-holiest after Mecca and Medina because for Muslims the site is associated with Prophet Muhammad's ascent to heaven. Meanwhile, it is also considered a Palestinian national symbol and is also of&nbsp;religious significance.&nbsp;

What does the Al-Aqsa status quo say?

The compound that lies in the Old City of Jerusalem has been designated as a World Heritage site by the United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO and has been one of the most disputed lands in the region more so with Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-benjamin-netanyahu-forms-the-most-right-wing-collation-government-in-history-545305">Benjamin Netanyahu forms most right-wing coalition govt in Israel's history</a>

Therefore, given its importance to the three Abrahamic religions the UN, in 1947, partitioned the plan which gave Israel 55 per cent of the land and the remaining 45 per cent to Palestine. The management system in place at the site currently, was implemented in 1967 following the six-day war when Israel captured Jerusalem's Old City including&nbsp;the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif&nbsp;from Jordan.&nbsp;

Subsequently, Jordan and Israel agreed that the Waqf or the Islamic trust would have control over the internal matters of Al-Aqsa while Israel would handle the external security. Additionally, the long-standing status quo of the site only permits Muslims to pray there while non-Muslims can only visit the site at specific times.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-says-jewish-people-not-occupiers-in-their-own-land-548464">Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, 'Jewish people not occupiers in their own land'</a>

However, in recent years, right-wing Jewish groups “Temple Mount activists”, as they are reportedly called,&nbsp;have sought to change this status quo which has put Palestinians on edge prompting several clashes over the years. The latest one took place in April, last year when more than 150 Palestinians were wounded after Palestinians allegedly threw rocks and Israeli police fired stun grenades when thousands had gathered for Ramadan prayers.&nbsp; 
 
Ben-Gvir’s stance on Al-Aqsa

As mentioned earlier, the incumbent Israeli national security minister, who took office on December 29 after Netanyahu came into power, has long sought to change the status quo of the holy site. Ben-Gvir is allegedly also known to be an advocate for Jewish prayer to take place in the compound.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ben-gvir-visits-compound-housing-al-aqsa-mosque-under-heavy-security-548999">Ben-Gvir visits compound housing Al-Aqsa mosque under heavy security</a> 
 
According to the current agreement while Jews are allowed to visit the compound where the temples once stood they are not allowed to pray. However, while Ben-Gvir has visited the Al-Aqsa several times since he first took office in April 2021, they can no longer be seen as an ordinary Israeli citizen entering the compound since he is now a top minister and a government official, making the incident significant.&nbsp;

Furthermore, his visit also comes amid a recent escalation between Israel and Palestine along the West Bank as the past year has witnessed an uptick in violence. This also includes the 11-day conflict which broke out between Hamas and Israel in 2021 which ended after an Egypt-mediated ceasefire.&nbsp;

In an apparent response to the Hamas’ “red line” comment, during his visit, Ben-Gvir said, “The Israeli government won’t surrender to a murderous organization, to a vile terrorist organization,” reported Associated Press.&nbsp;Additionally, has also called the ban on Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount “racist discrimination,” and went on to describe the holy site as “the most important place for the Jewish people.”

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ben-gvir-visits-al-aqsa-mosque-in-jerusalem-enraging-palestinians-jordan-condemns-move-548979">Ben-Gvir visits Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, enraging Palestinians, Jordan condemns move</a>

He also took to Twitter to post an image of himself at the holy site&nbsp;and wrote, “The Israeli government of which I am a member will not surrender to a vile murdering organization. The Temple Mount is open to everyone and if Hamas thinks that if it threatens me it will deter me, let them understand that times have changed. There is a government in Jerusalem!”&nbsp;

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ממשלת ישראל שאני חבר בה לא תיכנע לארגון מרצחים שפל. הר הבית פתוח לכולם ואם החמאס חושב שאם הוא יאיים עליי זה ירתיע אותי, שיבינו שהשתנו הזמנים. יש ממשלה בירושלים! <a href="https://t.co/vgDYBYacJG">pic.twitter.com/vgDYBYacJG</a>
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) <a href="https://twitter.com/itamarbengvir/status/1610170147720859648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Notably, a group of supposedly nationalist Jews have attempted to pray in the compound in the past despite it being forbidden by the Israeli authorities. This includes an Israeli court upholding the ban which was challenged last year. Additionally, Ben-Gvir is also known for his anti-Arab rhetoric and provocative stunts.&nbsp;In fact, he was also convicted in 2007 of racist incitement&nbsp;against Arabs and terrorism for backing a group which even Israel considers to be a terrorist&nbsp;organisation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-slams-despicable-un-vote-says-israel-not-bound-by-it-548416">Benjamin Netanyahu slams ‘despicable’ UN vote, says Israel not bound by it</a>

Prior to his visit, former Israeli PM and Leader of the opposition Yair Lapid, also warned that Ben-Gvir’s intended visit would “lead to violence that will endanger human lives and cost human lives.” Meanwhile, following his minister’s visit, the newly elected PM Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that he “is strictly committed to maintain the status quo, without any changes”.&nbsp;

However, the damage was done. “Events of 1967 are key to understand what happens here today”, said Daniel Seidemann, founder of Israeli NGO Terrestrial Jerusalem to DW, he went on to talk about how in recent decades Al-Aqsa has become a place which can eventually lead to a conflict, in the context of the gradually deteriorating status quo.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-benjamin-netanyahu-unveils-his-right-wing-governments-policy-priorities-547699">Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu unveils his right-wing government's policy priorities</a>

He added, “And the international community cannot allow to turn a blind eye to this. We are watching a potential train wreck in slow motion.” Since then the situation has been unfolding like Seidemann described, as we continue to see widespread international condemnation of the visit as well as the retaliation and warnings.&nbsp;

Hamas’s retaliation on the visit&nbsp;

On Tuesday, following the visit, Israel Defense Forces confirmed that a rocket launched from Gaza fell within the Strip. However, no sirens were activated in Israel, said a report by the Jerusalem Post. Additionally, in a sharply worded comment, Hamas spokesman, Hazem Qassem, called the visit a continuation of, “Zionist’s occupation aggression on our sacred places and war on our Arab identity…Our Palestinian people will continue defending their holy places and Al-Aqsa mosque”.&nbsp;

How has the world reacted?

As expected, there has been widespread criticism and even warnings from different countries so far. This also includes a warning from the leader of Lebanon's powerful armed Hezbollah group, Hassan Nasrallah, “Attacking Al-Aqsa Mosque will not only blow up the situation inside Palestine but may blow up the entire region,” reported AFP. &nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uae-morocco-speak-out-against-ben-gvirs-move-netanyahu-postpones-visit-to-uae-549317">UAE, Morocco speak out against Ben-Gvir's move; Netanyahu postpones visit to UAE</a>

Additionally, Jordan’s foreign ministry also issued a statement saying that they condemn the visit “in severest of terms the storming of the Aqsa mosque and violating its sanctity.” Other countries that joined Palestine to criticise the move include Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, UAE, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, and Turkey. Notably, the United Arab Emirates and China, on Wednesday, also called for a UN Security Council meeting over the incident.&nbsp;

Notably, on Tuesday, the Israeli media reported that PM Netanyahu’s planned visit to the UAE next week has been postponed until February. The Israeli PM was slated to visit Abu Dhabi to meet the Crown Prince and ruler of the emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyanm and mark&nbsp;his first public visit to the Gulf state. Meanwhile,&nbsp;media reports citing Netanyahu's aides dismissed the connection between the two incidents and instead&nbsp;said that the delay is&nbsp;due to&nbsp;a logistical issue.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-israeli-minister-ben-gvir-visits-volatile-jerusalem-holy-site-549106">WION Dispatch: Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir visits volatile Jerusalem holy site</a>

According to a report by Reuters, the UN council is expected to convene on Thursday. Following the visit, the Palestinian foreign ministry said it “strongly condemns the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by the extremist minister Ben-Gvir and views it as an unprecedented provocation and a dangerous escalation of the conflict”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, western countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and France have also condemned the visit. After the visit, the US&nbsp;Ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides, "has been very clear in conversations with the Israeli government on the issue of preserving the status quo," said the embassy in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-postpones-uae-trip-hours-after-row-over-ben-gvirs-visit-to-al-aqsa-mosque-report-549180">Israeli PM Netanyahu postpones UAE trip hours after row over Ben-Gvir's visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque : Report</a>

When asked about the incident, during a press briefing White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “the United States stands firmly… for the preservation of the status quo with respect to holy sites in Jerusalem.” She added, “Any unilateral action that jeopardises the status quo is unacceptable.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, on Tuesday, visited the disputed holy site in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa mosque, triggering widespread condemnation from several countries across the Arab world with the move being seen as a “deliberate provocation” by the Palestinians.

Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, on Tuesday, visited the disputed holy site in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa mosque, triggering widespread condemnation from several countries across the Arab world with the move being seen as a “deliberate provocation” by the Palestinians. This comes after many had expressed concerns over the newly elected government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing allies, particularly over their relations with Palestine moving forward. Notably, Ben-Gvir has visited the compound even before as a member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) and has sought to change the long-standing status quo of the sacred site. Prior to his visit on Tuesday, the Palestinian group, Hamas senior officials, had warned the incumbent national security minister of Israel that the move would cross a “red line”. Why is Al-Aqsa important? The holy site is of religious significance to Jews, Muslims, as well as Christians. However, situated in the Israeli-controlled East Jerusalem it is administered by Jordan’s Waqf Islamic affairs council, with Israel’s security forces operating and controlling access to the compound, it has a complicated history, to say the least. ALSO WATCH | U.S. leads criticism of Israeli Minister's visit to Al-Aqsa Compound The 35-acre Al-Aqsa mosque compound is known as Temple Mount to Jews and Haram al-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary, to Muslims. It is a vast plaza overlooking Jerusalem's Old City which incorporates the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. In the context of religious significance, Temple Mount is deemed Judaism’s most sacred site and vestige of two ancient temples of the faith. Whereas, in Islam, it is the third-holiest after Mecca and Medina because for Muslims the site is associated with Prophet Muhammad's ascent to heaven. Meanwhile, it is also considered a Palestinian national symbol and is also of religious significance. What does the Al-Aqsa status quo say? The compound that lies in the Old City of Jerusalem has been designated as a World Heritage site by the United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO and has been one of the most disputed lands in the region more so with Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem. ALSO READ | Benjamin Netanyahu forms most right-wing coalition govt in Israel's history Therefore, given its importance to the three Abrahamic religions the UN, in 1947, partitioned the plan which gave Israel 55 per cent of the land and the remaining 45 per cent to Palestine. The management system in place at the site currently, was implemented in 1967 following the six-day war when Israel captured Jerusalem's Old City including the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif from Jordan. Subsequently, Jordan and Israel agreed that the Waqf or the Islamic trust would have control over the internal matters of Al-Aqsa while Israel would handle the external security. Additionally, the long-standing status quo of the site only permits Muslims to pray there while non-Muslims can only visit the site at specific times. ALSO WATCH | Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, 'Jewish people not occupiers in their own land' However, in recent years, right-wing Jewish groups “Temple Mount activists”, as they are reportedly called, have sought to change this status quo which has put Palestinians on edge prompting several clashes over the years. The latest one took place in April, last year when more than 150 Palestinians were wounded after Palestinians allegedly threw rocks and Israeli police fired stun grenades when thousands had gathered for Ramadan prayers. Ben-Gvir’s stance on Al-Aqsa As mentioned earlier, the incumbent Israeli national security minister, who took office on December 29 after Netanyahu came into power, has long sought to change the status quo of the holy site. Ben-Gvir is allegedly also known to be an advocate for Jewish prayer to take place in the compound. ALSO WATCH | Ben-Gvir visits compound housing Al-Aqsa mosque under heavy security According to the current agreement while Jews are allowed to visit the compound where the temples once stood they are not allowed to pray. However, while Ben-Gvir has visited the Al-Aqsa several times since he first took office in April 2021, they can no longer be seen as an ordinary Israeli citizen entering the compound since he is now a top minister and a government official, making the incident significant. Furthermore, his visit also comes amid a recent escalation between Israel and Palestine along the West Bank as the past year has witnessed an uptick in violence. This also includes the 11-day conflict which broke out between Hamas and Israel in 2021 which ended after an Egypt-mediated ceasefire. In an apparent response to the Hamas’ “red line” comment, during his visit, Ben-Gvir said, “The Israeli government won’t surrender to a murderous organization, to a vile terrorist organization,” reported Associated Press. Additionally, has also called the ban on Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount “racist discrimination,” and went on to describe the holy site as “the most important place for the Jewish people.” ALSO READ | Ben-Gvir visits Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, enraging Palestinians, Jordan condemns move He also took to Twitter to post an image of himself at the holy site and wrote, “The Israeli government of which I am a member will not surrender to a vile murdering organization. The Temple Mount is open to everyone and if Hamas thinks that if it threatens me it will deter me, let them understand that times have changed. There is a government in Jerusalem!” ממשלת ישראל שאני חבר בה לא תיכנע לארגון מרצחים שפל. הר הבית פתוח לכולם ואם החמאס חושב שאם הוא יאיים עליי זה ירתיע אותי, שיבינו שהשתנו הזמנים. יש ממשלה בירושלים! pic.twitter.com/vgDYBYacJG — איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) January 3, 2023 × Notably, a group of supposedly nationalist Jews have attempted to pray in the compound in the past despite it being forbidden by the Israeli authorities. This includes an Israeli court upholding the ban which was challenged last year. Additionally, Ben-Gvir is also known for his anti-Arab rhetoric and provocative stunts. In fact, he was also convicted in 2007 of racist incitement against Arabs and terrorism for backing a group which even Israel considers to be a terrorist organisation. ALSO READ | Benjamin Netanyahu slams ‘despicable’ UN vote, says Israel not bound by it Prior to his visit, former Israeli PM and Leader of the opposition Yair Lapid, also warned that Ben-Gvir’s intended visit would “lead to violence that will endanger human lives and cost human lives.” Meanwhile, following his minister’s visit, the newly elected PM Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that he “is strictly committed to maintain the status quo, without any changes”. However, the damage was done. “Events of 1967 are key to understand what happens here today”, said Daniel Seidemann, founder of Israeli NGO Terrestrial Jerusalem to DW, he went on to talk about how in recent decades Al-Aqsa has become a place which can eventually lead to a conflict, in the context of the gradually deteriorating status quo. ALSO WATCH | Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu unveils his right-wing government's policy priorities He added, “And the international community cannot allow to turn a blind eye to this. We are watching a potential train wreck in slow motion.” Since then the situation has been unfolding like Seidemann described, as we continue to see widespread international condemnation of the visit as well as the retaliation and warnings. Hamas’s retaliation on the visit On Tuesday, following the visit, Israel Defense Forces confirmed that a rocket launched from Gaza fell within the Strip. However, no sirens were activated in Israel, said a report by the Jerusalem Post. Additionally, in a sharply worded comment, Hamas spokesman, Hazem Qassem, called the visit a continuation of, “Zionist’s occupation aggression on our sacred places and war on our Arab identity…Our Palestinian people will continue defending their holy places and Al-Aqsa mosque”. How has the world reacted? As expected, there has been widespread criticism and even warnings from different countries so far. This also includes a warning from the leader of Lebanon's powerful armed Hezbollah group, Hassan Nasrallah, “Attacking Al-Aqsa Mosque will not only blow up the situation inside Palestine but may blow up the entire region,” reported AFP. ALSO WATCH | UAE, Morocco speak out against Ben-Gvir's move; Netanyahu postpones visit to UAE Additionally, Jordan’s foreign ministry also issued a statement saying that they condemn the visit “in severest of terms the storming of the Aqsa mosque and violating its sanctity.” Other countries that joined Palestine to criticise the move include Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, UAE, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, and Turkey. Notably, the United Arab Emirates and China, on Wednesday, also called for a UN Security Council meeting over the incident. Notably, on Tuesday, the Israeli media reported that PM Netanyahu’s planned visit to the UAE next week has been postponed until February. The Israeli PM was slated to visit Abu Dhabi to meet the Crown Prince and ruler of the emirates Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyanm and mark his first public visit to the Gulf state. Meanwhile, media reports citing Netanyahu's aides dismissed the connection between the two incidents and instead said that the delay is due to a logistical issue. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir visits volatile Jerusalem holy site According to a report by Reuters, the UN council is expected to convene on Thursday. Following the visit, the Palestinian foreign ministry said it “strongly condemns the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by the extremist minister Ben-Gvir and views it as an unprecedented provocation and a dangerous escalation of the conflict”. Meanwhile, western countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and France have also condemned the visit. After the visit, the US Ambassador to Israel, Thomas Nides, "has been very clear in conversations with the Israeli government on the issue of preserving the status quo," said the embassy in a statement. ALSO READ | Israeli PM Netanyahu postpones UAE trip hours after row over Ben-Gvir's visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque : Report When asked about the incident, during a press briefing White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said “the United States stands firmly… for the preservation of the status quo with respect to holy sites in Jerusalem.” She added, “Any unilateral action that jeopardises the status quo is unacceptable.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Why has Israeli minister Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque sparked outrage?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (December 31) vehemently slammed a United Nations General Assembly vote that asked for a legal opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.&nbsp;"The Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land nor occupiers in our eternal capital Jerusalem and no U.N. resolution can distort that historical truth," Netanyahu said in a video message, adding that Israel was not bound by the "despicable decision".

Netanyahu has assumed prime ministerial office just this week. He is heading a government which has set settlement expansion as a priority and includes parties who want to annex West Bank land where they are built.

Watch | Israel-Palestine conflict at United Nations, resolution against Israel at ICJ

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Palestinians seek occupied West Bank, along with Gaza and East Jerusalem for the Palestinian state. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are viewed by most countries as illegal. Israel strongly disputes this view citing historical and biblical ties to the land.

The Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) also known as the World Court, is the top UN court dealing with disputes between states. Its rulings are binding, though the ICJ has no power to enforce them.

The U.N. General Assembly asked the ICJ to give an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's "occupation, settlement and annexation ... including measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem."

Members of Netanyahu's new government have pledged to bolster settlements with development plans, budgets and authorisation of dozens of outposts built without permits.

The cabinet includes newly created posts and restructured roles that grant some of those powers to pro-settler coalition partners, who ultimately aim to extend Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (December 31) vehemently slammed a United Nations General Assembly vote that asked for a legal opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (December 31) vehemently slammed a United Nations General Assembly vote that asked for a legal opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. "The Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land nor occupiers in our eternal capital Jerusalem and no U.N. resolution can distort that historical truth," Netanyahu said in a video message, adding that Israel was not bound by the "despicable decision". Netanyahu has assumed prime ministerial office just this week. He is heading a government which has set settlement expansion as a priority and includes parties who want to annex West Bank land where they are built. Watch | Israel-Palestine conflict at United Nations, resolution against Israel at ICJ × Palestinians seek occupied West Bank, along with Gaza and East Jerusalem for the Palestinian state. Israeli settlements in the West Bank are viewed by most countries as illegal. Israel strongly disputes this view citing historical and biblical ties to the land. The Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) also known as the World Court, is the top UN court dealing with disputes between states. Its rulings are binding, though the ICJ has no power to enforce them. The U.N. General Assembly asked the ICJ to give an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israel's "occupation, settlement and annexation ... including measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem." Members of Netanyahu's new government have pledged to bolster settlements with development plans, budgets and authorisation of dozens of outposts built without permits. The cabinet includes newly created posts and restructured roles that grant some of those powers to pro-settler coalition partners, who ultimately aim to extend Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Benjamin Netanyahu slams ‘despicable’ UN vote, says Israel not bound by it

Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voiced concern for the well-being of all the citizens of the nation regardless of their identity or values. He pledged that his coalition government will not pass any bills that allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community.

Promising to preserve the principles of tolerance he said, "We will not allow discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community or harm to the rights of any other citizens of Israel."

Watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government

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This as per IANS comes as two of his extreme-right partners recently in a statement vowed to pass laws which allow physicians and business owners to discriminate against people from the community.

Orit Struck, a lawmaker with the pro-settler Religious Zionist Party in an interview with Israel's state-owned Kan radio said that her party is determined to change the anti-discrimination law, and permit doctors to refuse acts that go against their religious beliefs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/love-is-love-countries-where-same-sex-marriage-and-surrogacy-is-legal-520301">'Love is love': Countries where same-sex marriage and surrogacy is legal</a>

Simcha Rotman, another lawmaker of the same party told the public radio, that owners of hotels, restaurants, private businesses etc would be allowed to refuse service to LGBTQ people "if it harms their religious sentiments".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-final-tv-polls-indicate-that-the-netanyahu-bloc-is-one-seat-short-of-a-majority-529786">Israel elections: Final TV polls indicate that the Netanyahu bloc is one seat short of a majority</a>

Netanyahu who as per Reuters has been accused of being vulnerable to his far-right allies' policy demands, in a rare rebuke, called the remarks "unacceptable" and said that "the coalition agreements do not permit discrimination against LGBTs or to harm their rights to receive services as any other citizen in Israel".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voiced concern for the well-being of all the citizens of the nation regardless of their identity or values.

Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday voiced concern for the well-being of all the citizens of the nation regardless of their identity or values. He pledged that his coalition government will not pass any bills that allow discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Promising to preserve the principles of tolerance he said, "We will not allow discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community or harm to the rights of any other citizens of Israel." Watch | WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government This as per IANS comes as two of his extreme-right partners recently in a statement vowed to pass laws which allow physicians and business owners to discriminate against people from the community. Orit Struck, a lawmaker with the pro-settler Religious Zionist Party in an interview with Israel's state-owned Kan radio said that her party is determined to change the anti-discrimination law, and permit doctors to refuse acts that go against their religious beliefs. Also read | 'Love is love': Countries where same-sex marriage and surrogacy is legal Simcha Rotman, another lawmaker of the same party told the public radio, that owners of hotels, restaurants, private businesses etc would be allowed to refuse service to LGBTQ people "if it harms their religious sentiments". Also read | Israel elections: Final TV polls indicate that the Netanyahu bloc is one seat short of a majority Netanyahu who as per Reuters has been accused of being vulnerable to his far-right allies' policy demands, in a rare rebuke, called the remarks "unacceptable" and said that "the coalition agreements do not permit discrimination against LGBTs or to harm their rights to receive services as any other citizen in Israel". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel: Netanyahu vows to preserve principles of tolerance, says won't tolerate discrimination against LGBTQ

French-Palestinian human rights lawyer Salah Hamouri was deported by Israel on Sunday after his residency permit was taken away, ending the judicial battle in which he stood accused of committing security offences and was detained since March.

Hamouri, 37, was under administrative detention, during which suspects are allowed to be detained for renewable terms of up to six months.

Israel's interior ministry in its statement said that he "was deported this morning to France following Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's decision to withdraw his residency status”.&nbsp;

The human rights journalist's supporters and family were expected that he will be deported by Israeli airline El Al on a Tel Aviv-Paris flight.

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Hamouri's supporters said that his deportation by an "occupying power" from his birthplace was illegal. Hamouri, who owns French citizenship, was sentenced to administrative detention by an Israeli military court in March.&nbsp;

He was accused of being a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) member and the court had stated that he "endangers security in the region".&nbsp;

The PFLP is considered a "terrorist group" by the US, EU and Israel. The organisation has been blamed for carrying out various deadly attacks on Israelis. Hamouri has refuted having any links with the PFLP.

WATCH| Israel's new 'iron fist' completes interception tests

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France condemns rights lawyer's expulsion&nbsp;

On Sunday, France condemned Hamouri's expulsion from Israel, as the latter reached Paris where he was received by his Elsa, along with NGO representatives, supporters and politicians at Charles de Gaulle airport.

In a statement, the French foreign ministry stated: "We condemn today the Israeli authorities' decision, against the law, to expel Salah Hamouri to France.”&nbsp;

It added that Paris had been "fully mobilised, including at the highest level of the state, to ensure Salah Hamouri's rights are respected, that he benefits from all possible assistance and that he can lead a normal life in Jerusalem, where he was born, resides and wishes to live".

"France also took several steps to communicate to the Israeli authorities in the clearest way its opposition to this expulsion of a Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem, an occupied territory under the Fourth Geneva Convention," the French foreign ministry stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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French-Palestinian human rights lawyer Salah Hamouri was deported by Israel on Sunday after his residency permit was taken away, ending the judicial battle in which he stood accused of committing security offences and was detained since March.

French-Palestinian human rights lawyer Salah Hamouri was deported by Israel on Sunday after his residency permit was taken away, ending the judicial battle in which he stood accused of committing security offences and was detained since March. Hamouri, 37, was under administrative detention, during which suspects are allowed to be detained for renewable terms of up to six months. Israel's interior ministry in its statement said that he "was deported this morning to France following Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked's decision to withdraw his residency status”. The human rights journalist's supporters and family were expected that he will be deported by Israeli airline El Al on a Tel Aviv-Paris flight. ALSO READ| Israel cancels 200 work permits issued to Palestinians from Gaza Strip after bomb scare Hamouri's supporters said that his deportation by an "occupying power" from his birthplace was illegal. Hamouri, who owns French citizenship, was sentenced to administrative detention by an Israeli military court in March. He was accused of being a Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) member and the court had stated that he "endangers security in the region". The PFLP is considered a "terrorist group" by the US, EU and Israel. The organisation has been blamed for carrying out various deadly attacks on Israelis. Hamouri has refuted having any links with the PFLP. WATCH| Israel's new 'iron fist' completes interception tests France condemns rights lawyer's expulsion On Sunday, France condemned Hamouri's expulsion from Israel, as the latter reached Paris where he was received by his Elsa, along with NGO representatives, supporters and politicians at Charles de Gaulle airport. In a statement, the French foreign ministry stated: "We condemn today the Israeli authorities' decision, against the law, to expel Salah Hamouri to France.” It added that Paris had been "fully mobilised, including at the highest level of the state, to ensure Salah Hamouri's rights are respected, that he benefits from all possible assistance and that he can lead a normal life in Jerusalem, where he was born, resides and wishes to live". "France also took several steps to communicate to the Israeli authorities in the clearest way its opposition to this expulsion of a Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem, an occupied territory under the Fourth Geneva Convention," the French foreign ministry stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel govt deports French-Palestinian rights lawyer Salah Hamouri

Iranian authorities, on Sunday, executed four people accused of working for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, said the state-run news agency, IRNA. This comes after Tehran has also blamed Israel as one of the countries involved in the recent anti-hijab protests in the country and accused them of plotting a civil war in Iran.&nbsp;

Iran’s state media also said on Wednesday, that the country’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentence against those accused of “the crime of cooperating with the intelligence services of the Zionist regime and for kidnapping”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-months-after-nationwide-protests-iran-scraps-morality-police-units-539912">After two months of nationwide anti-hijab protests, Iran finally disbands morality police</a>

Furthermore, the media report citing the country’s Revolutionary Guard said that they have arrested the network of people for their link to the Israeli spy agency and also past criminal records as they were allegedly attempting to disrupt the country’s security.&nbsp;

The four executed men were identified by the state news agency as Hossein Ordoukhanzadeh, Shahin Imani Mahmoudabadi, Milad Ashrafi and Manouchehr Shahbandi. On the other hand, three other members of the group were sentenced to five to 10 years in prison but were not identified.&nbsp;

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The accused were also charged with stealing and destroying public and private property, said the media report. While the authorities alleged that they had weapons and received wages from the Israeli spy agency in cryptocurrency. Notably, reports suggest that the Iranian authorities have no evidence for the alleged crimes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-protester-celebrating-irans-world-cup-exit-was-shot-dead-say-reports-538918">&nbsp;A protester celebrating Iran's World Cup exit was shot dead, say reports</a>

Another media report said that the detainees had been arrested in June, earlier this year, after a joint cooperation between the country’s Ministry of Intelligence and the Revolutionary Guards, and were sentenced on charges related to “intelligence cooperation with Israel.”&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Iranian authorities, on Sunday, executed four people accused of working for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, said the state-run news agency, IRNA. This comes after Tehran has also blamed Israel as one of the countries involved in the recent anti-hijab protests in the country and accused them of plotting a civil war in Iran.

Iranian authorities, on Sunday, executed four people accused of working for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, said the state-run news agency, IRNA. This comes after Tehran has also blamed Israel as one of the countries involved in the recent anti-hijab protests in the country and accused them of plotting a civil war in Iran. Iran’s state media also said on Wednesday, that the country’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentence against those accused of “the crime of cooperating with the intelligence services of the Zionist regime and for kidnapping”. ALSO READ | After two months of nationwide anti-hijab protests, Iran finally disbands morality police Furthermore, the media report citing the country’s Revolutionary Guard said that they have arrested the network of people for their link to the Israeli spy agency and also past criminal records as they were allegedly attempting to disrupt the country’s security. The four executed men were identified by the state news agency as Hossein Ordoukhanzadeh, Shahin Imani Mahmoudabadi, Milad Ashrafi and Manouchehr Shahbandi. On the other hand, three other members of the group were sentenced to five to 10 years in prison but were not identified. ALSO WATCH | Zelensky: Israel’s neutrality spurred Russia-Iran ties The accused were also charged with stealing and destroying public and private property, said the media report. While the authorities alleged that they had weapons and received wages from the Israeli spy agency in cryptocurrency. Notably, reports suggest that the Iranian authorities have no evidence for the alleged crimes. ALSO READ | A protester celebrating Iran's World Cup exit was shot dead, say reports Another media report said that the detainees had been arrested in June, earlier this year, after a joint cooperation between the country’s Ministry of Intelligence and the Revolutionary Guards, and were sentenced on charges related to “intelligence cooperation with Israel.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran executes four people accused of cooperating with Israel’s spy agency

An Israeli man succumbed to his injuries and passed away, on Saturday, after he had sustained injuries in one of the twin blasts that hit Jerusalem, raising the death toll from the attack to two. Earlier this week, Jerusalem was hit by two explosions, one of which resulted in the death of Aryeh Schupak, a 15-year-old Israeli-Canadian national.&nbsp;

The victim who recently passed away was a man named Tadesse Teshome Ben Ma’ada, said the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem. They also said that he was critically injured after the first blast that took place on Wednesday near a typically crowded bus stop on the outskirts of the city.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-explosions-rock-jerusalem-at-least-13-injured-casualties-feared-536659">16-year-old boy killed, 22 injured in two explosions near bus stops in Jerusalem</a>

“The trauma and intensive care teams of Shaare Zedek fought for his life, but unfortunately his injury was very fatal,” said the hospital in a statement. It added, “We offer our deepest condolences to the family.” The 50-year-old immigrated from Ethiopia&nbsp;nearly two decades ago, said the local media reports.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-twin-blasts-rock-jerusalem-537521">The West Asia Post: Twin blasts rock Jerusalem</a>

The city was rocked by two explosions on Wednesday morning (November 23) within an hour. According to media reports, the first one took place at around 7:00 am at the main entrance of Jerusalem in Givat Shaul. At 7:30 a second blast was reported at the Ramot junction which is another entrance to the city.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/18-year-old-palestinian-kills-three-israeli-in-west-bank-us-shows-concern-535022">18-year-old Palestinian kills three Israelis in West Bank</a>

At least 18 injuries were reported at the time while three were in critical condition after the attack. Subsequently, the Israeli police blamed Palestinians but no group has claimed responsibility yet. This comes amid a rise in tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and an uptick in attacks from both sides.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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An Israeli man succumbed to his injuries and passed away, on Saturday, after he had sustained injuries in one of the twin blasts that hit Jerusalem, raising the death toll from the attack to two.

An Israeli man succumbed to his injuries and passed away, on Saturday, after he had sustained injuries in one of the twin blasts that hit Jerusalem, raising the death toll from the attack to two. Earlier this week, Jerusalem was hit by two explosions, one of which resulted in the death of Aryeh Schupak, a 15-year-old Israeli-Canadian national. The victim who recently passed away was a man named Tadesse Teshome Ben Ma’ada, said the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem. They also said that he was critically injured after the first blast that took place on Wednesday near a typically crowded bus stop on the outskirts of the city. ALSO READ | 16-year-old boy killed, 22 injured in two explosions near bus stops in Jerusalem “The trauma and intensive care teams of Shaare Zedek fought for his life, but unfortunately his injury was very fatal,” said the hospital in a statement. It added, “We offer our deepest condolences to the family.” The 50-year-old immigrated from Ethiopia nearly two decades ago, said the local media reports. ALSO WATCH | The West Asia Post: Twin blasts rock Jerusalem The city was rocked by two explosions on Wednesday morning (November 23) within an hour. According to media reports, the first one took place at around 7:00 am at the main entrance of Jerusalem in Givat Shaul. At 7:30 a second blast was reported at the Ramot junction which is another entrance to the city. ALSO READ | 18-year-old Palestinian kills three Israelis in West Bank At least 18 injuries were reported at the time while three were in critical condition after the attack. Subsequently, the Israeli police blamed Palestinians but no group has claimed responsibility yet. This comes amid a rise in tensions between Israelis and Palestinians and an uptick in attacks from both sides. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Man, critically injured in Jerusalem bomb blasts at bus stops, dies; toll rises to two

Under a coalition agreement with Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, Israel's far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir will become the police minister, ushering in the most right-wing administration in the nation's history.&nbsp;The agreement was reached after Netanyahu's right-wing coalition easily won Israel's fifth parliamentary election in less than four years this month.&nbsp;

Regarding the formation of the new government, Netanyahu is still in discussion with three other parties.&nbsp;

In a statement released early on Friday, Ben-Gvir said, "We took a big step (last night) towards a full coalition agreement, toward forming a fully, fully right-wing government."

Ben-Gvir, who was found guilty in 2007 of inciting racism against Arabs and supporting a group regarded as a terrorist organisation by Israel and the United States, will be in charge of the Border Police in the occupied West Bank as part of his enlarged security responsibilities.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coming-soon-gold-grey-and-blue-checks-on-twitter-as-musk-announces-launch-of-verified-feature-next-week-537370">Coming soon, gold, grey and blue checks on Twitter, Musk to launch 'Verified' feature next week</a>

The transaction with Ben-Gvir, according to the Palestinian authority's foreign affairs ministry, would obstruct the resumption of talks between the two parties, which broke down in 2014, and have a "potentially catastrophic impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."&nbsp;

The accord, which grants Ben-Gvir a post in the security cabinet of the Israeli government, comes after months of unrest in the West Bank following a bloody army assault in response to a string of deadly attacks by Palestinian terrorists within Israel.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Under a coalition agreement with Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, Israel's far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir will become the police minister, ushering in the most right-wing administration in the nation's history.

Under a coalition agreement with Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party, Israel's far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir will become the police minister, ushering in the most right-wing administration in the nation's history. The agreement was reached after Netanyahu's right-wing coalition easily won Israel's fifth parliamentary election in less than four years this month. Regarding the formation of the new government, Netanyahu is still in discussion with three other parties. In a statement released early on Friday, Ben-Gvir said, "We took a big step (last night) towards a full coalition agreement, toward forming a fully, fully right-wing government." Ben-Gvir, who was found guilty in 2007 of inciting racism against Arabs and supporting a group regarded as a terrorist organisation by Israel and the United States, will be in charge of the Border Police in the occupied West Bank as part of his enlarged security responsibilities. Also Read: Coming soon, gold, grey and blue checks on Twitter, Musk to launch 'Verified' feature next week The transaction with Ben-Gvir, according to the Palestinian authority's foreign affairs ministry, would obstruct the resumption of talks between the two parties, which broke down in 2014, and have a "potentially catastrophic impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." The accord, which grants Ben-Gvir a post in the security cabinet of the Israeli government, comes after months of unrest in the West Bank following a bloody army assault in response to a string of deadly attacks by Palestinian terrorists within Israel. (with inputs from agencies)

Israel's far-right politician Ben-Gvir to be border police minister in coalition govt

After a bomb scare, Israel has revoked 200 of the roughly 15,500 work permits it had&nbsp; granted&nbsp;to Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, according to the Shin Bet security service on Thursday.&nbsp;Following allegations that a labourer was preparing to carry out a blast, according to Shin Bet, the suspect, who was detained on October 30, admitted to interrogators that he had been recruited by relatives in the extremist organisation Islamic Jihad to attack a bus in southern Israel.&nbsp;

It stated that an Israeli court has indicted the culprit. It wasn't immediately obvious if he had a lawyer assigned to him or what kind of plea he might enter.&nbsp;

Israel's responded by&nbsp;revoking about 200 workers' licences.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-claims-to-have-uncovered-us-military-linked-online-propaganda-537062">Meta claims to have uncovered US military-linked online propaganda</a>

"The attempt by terror groups to exploit the jobs of workers in Israel in order to carry out attacks endangers the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of residents of the Gaza Strip," Defence Minister Benny Gantz tweeted.

Gantz, a member of Israel's centrist outgoing administration, has pushed for increasing the number of admission permits to lessen Gaza's extreme poverty and prevent war.&nbsp;

A young Israeli-Canadian was killed and at least 14 other people were injured in a twin bombing that occurred in Jerusalem on Wednesday. No one has yet claimed credit for the attack.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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After a bomb scare, Israel has revoked 200 of the roughly 15,500 work permits it had granted to Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, according to the Shin Bet security service on Thursday.

After a bomb scare, Israel has revoked 200 of the roughly 15,500 work permits it had granted to Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, according to the Shin Bet security service on Thursday. Following allegations that a labourer was preparing to carry out a blast, according to Shin Bet, the suspect, who was detained on October 30, admitted to interrogators that he had been recruited by relatives in the extremist organisation Islamic Jihad to attack a bus in southern Israel. It stated that an Israeli court has indicted the culprit. It wasn't immediately obvious if he had a lawyer assigned to him or what kind of plea he might enter. Israel's responded by revoking about 200 workers' licences. Also Read: Meta claims to have uncovered US military-linked online propaganda "The attempt by terror groups to exploit the jobs of workers in Israel in order to carry out attacks endangers the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of residents of the Gaza Strip," Defence Minister Benny Gantz tweeted. Gantz, a member of Israel's centrist outgoing administration, has pushed for increasing the number of admission permits to lessen Gaza's extreme poverty and prevent war. A young Israeli-Canadian was killed and at least 14 other people were injured in a twin bombing that occurred in Jerusalem on Wednesday. No one has yet claimed credit for the attack. (with inputs from agencies)

Israel cancels 200 work permits issued to Palestinians from Gaza Strip after bomb scare

A bomb blast&nbsp;in Syria killed an Iranian&nbsp;Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Colonel Davoud Jafari. According to local media reports citing the Guards, Jafari was one of Iran's military advisers in Syria as well as a member of the Guards’ aerospace arm. They also blamed the attack on Israel and reportedly warned that Israel will have to answer for their “crimes”.&nbsp;

The incident took place on Monday when Jafari was killed by a “makeshift bomb planted by the roadside near Damascus, by associates of the Zionist (Israeli) regime”, said the Guards in a statement. Reportedly,&nbsp;Tehran and Israel have long waged a shadow war of attacks including assassinations and acts of sabotage against each other.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-india-stood-with-us-in-difficult-times-syrian-foreign-minister-fayssal-mekdad-535898">Exclusive | India stood with us in difficult times: Syrian foreign minister Fayssal Mekdad</a>

During Syria’s 11-year civil war, Iran has been a supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad and while Tehran has long claimed that it plays only a military advisory role in Syria, reports suggest that they have sent thousands of Iran-backed soldiers to fight alongside Assad’s forces.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Israeli officials said that they will work on preventing Iran’s entrenchment in Syria, especially near the south of the border as well as stop them from supplying advanced tech and weapons to the Iran-allied terror groups, such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah.&nbsp;

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Israel has also reportedly carried out several strikes in Syria in the past couple of months which it rarely comments on but has previously acknowledged hundreds of air and missile strikes in Syria on both government and Iran-backed forces in the region since the civil war broke out 11 years ago.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/535652">Four Syrian soldiers killed, one wounded after Israeli airstrikes: Report</a>

Earlier this year, the Guards had alleged that two of its high-ranking officers were killed in an Israeli attack in Syria. Recently, Syria has also accused the Israeli military of carrying out missile strikes over the weekend which allegedly killed four soldiers and left one wounded.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A bomb blast in Syria killed an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Colonel Davoud Jafari. According to local media reports citing the Guards, Jafari was one of Iran's military advisers in Syria as well as a member of the Guards’ aerospace arm.

A bomb blast in Syria killed an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Colonel Davoud Jafari. According to local media reports citing the Guards, Jafari was one of Iran's military advisers in Syria as well as a member of the Guards’ aerospace arm. They also blamed the attack on Israel and reportedly warned that Israel will have to answer for their “crimes”. The incident took place on Monday when Jafari was killed by a “makeshift bomb planted by the roadside near Damascus, by associates of the Zionist (Israeli) regime”, said the Guards in a statement. Reportedly, Tehran and Israel have long waged a shadow war of attacks including assassinations and acts of sabotage against each other. ALSO READ: Exclusive | India stood with us in difficult times: Syrian foreign minister Fayssal Mekdad During Syria’s 11-year civil war, Iran has been a supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad and while Tehran has long claimed that it plays only a military advisory role in Syria, reports suggest that they have sent thousands of Iran-backed soldiers to fight alongside Assad’s forces. On the other hand, Israeli officials said that they will work on preventing Iran’s entrenchment in Syria, especially near the south of the border as well as stop them from supplying advanced tech and weapons to the Iran-allied terror groups, such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah. ALSO WATCH: Turkey launches airstrikes over northern Syria Israel has also reportedly carried out several strikes in Syria in the past couple of months which it rarely comments on but has previously acknowledged hundreds of air and missile strikes in Syria on both government and Iran-backed forces in the region since the civil war broke out 11 years ago. ALSO READ: Four Syrian soldiers killed, one wounded after Israeli airstrikes: Report Earlier this year, the Guards had alleged that two of its high-ranking officers were killed in an Israeli attack in Syria. Recently, Syria has also accused the Israeli military of carrying out missile strikes over the weekend which allegedly killed four soldiers and left one wounded. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iranian colonel killed by bomb blast in Syria; Tehran blames Israel, vows to take revenge

According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, four soldiers were killed and one wounded in Israeli “air aggression” on military posts in central and coastal regions of Syria, on early Saturday. The report quoted an unidentified Syrian military official. On the other hand, the Israeli military has declined to comment.&nbsp;

“At approximately 6:30 this morning (local time), the Israeli enemy carried out an air aggression over the Mediterranean Sea, from the direction of Banias, targeting some posts in the central and coastal region,” said the military source. The report added that Syrian air defences countered the missile attack by the Israeli warplanes flying over the Mediterranean Sea and suffered from material damage.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-strikes-against-syria-after-missile-attack-451589">Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack</a>

Reportedly, Israel has been mounting attacks on Syria for years now against what it has described as Iranian and Iran-backed forces. Furthermore, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights which is a British-based war monitor said that the attacks were reportedly aimed at pro-Iranian groups in the provinces of Homs and Hama, and their ammunition sites. It added that several explosions were also heard in Latakia, a coastal province.&nbsp;

This comes days after Israeli missiles hit the Shayrat air base, in Syria's Homs province killing two soldiers and injuring three, which reports suggest were being used by the Iranian air force.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-airstrikes-in-syria-said-to-hit-iranian-sites-near-russian-naval-base-507278">Israeli airstrikes in Syria said to hit Iranian sites near Russian naval base</a>

In recent months, Israel has intensified targets on Syrian airports and air bases to disrupt Iran’s aerial supply lines used to deliver arms to allies in Syria and Lebanon, including Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah, reports suggest. The supposed Iran-allied militant group has sent thousands of fighters to support Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, four soldiers were killed and one wounded in Israeli “air aggression” on military posts in central and coastal regions of Syria, on early Saturday.

According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, four soldiers were killed and one wounded in Israeli “air aggression” on military posts in central and coastal regions of Syria, on early Saturday. The report quoted an unidentified Syrian military official. On the other hand, the Israeli military has declined to comment. “At approximately 6:30 this morning (local time), the Israeli enemy carried out an air aggression over the Mediterranean Sea, from the direction of Banias, targeting some posts in the central and coastal region,” said the military source. The report added that Syrian air defences countered the missile attack by the Israeli warplanes flying over the Mediterranean Sea and suffered from material damage. ALSO READ: Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack Reportedly, Israel has been mounting attacks on Syria for years now against what it has described as Iranian and Iran-backed forces. Furthermore, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights which is a British-based war monitor said that the attacks were reportedly aimed at pro-Iranian groups in the provinces of Homs and Hama, and their ammunition sites. It added that several explosions were also heard in Latakia, a coastal province. This comes days after Israeli missiles hit the Shayrat air base, in Syria's Homs province killing two soldiers and injuring three, which reports suggest were being used by the Iranian air force. ALSO WATCH: Israeli airstrikes in Syria said to hit Iranian sites near Russian naval base In recent months, Israel has intensified targets on Syrian airports and air bases to disrupt Iran’s aerial supply lines used to deliver arms to allies in Syria and Lebanon, including Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah, reports suggest. The supposed Iran-allied militant group has sent thousands of fighters to support Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Four Syrian soldiers killed, one wounded after Israeli airstrikes: Report

At least 21&nbsp;individuals were killed in a fire at a house north of Gaza City on Thursday, the head of a nearby hospital told AFP.&nbsp;

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21 dead (possibly more) in a fire that ate up a house in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a> tonight. 
Power shortages force people to use all sorts of alternatives, whether safe or not. May the victims rest in peace 😔<a href="https://t.co/5asc12Qvyy">pic.twitter.com/5asc12Qvyy</a>
— Belal Aldabbour (@Belalmd12) <a href="https://twitter.com/Belalmd12/status/1593309529164365825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Salah Abu Laila, the director of the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, reported that "at least 20 bodies arrived," indicating that they had been "burned" in the fire.&nbsp;

Islamists from Hamas, who rule the Israeli-blocked Palestinian enclave, claimed there were multiple casualties from the firing but did not specify how many.&nbsp;

In response to the fire, Hussein Al-Sheikh, a top official with the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank, stated that the PA had pushed Israel to open the Erez gate between Gaza and Israel to allow for immediate medical evacuations of serious cases.

Also &nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kherson-residents-switch-russian-sim-cards-with-ukrainian-ones-535144">Kherson residents switch Russian SIM cards with Ukrainian ones</a>

Witnesses and videos that went viral on social media claimed that the entire residential structure in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip caught fire and burst into flames and smoke.&nbsp;

Witnesses reported hearing screams, but due to the fire's ferocity, they were unable to reach the victims to provide aid.&nbsp;

There are eight refugee camps with a combined population of 2.3 million people, and Jabalia is one of them.

(with inputs from agencies)

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At least 21 individuals were killed in a fire at a house north of Gaza City on Thursday, the head of a nearby hospital told AFP. 21 dead (possibly more) in a fire that ate up a house in #Gaza tonight.

At least 21 individuals were killed in a fire at a house north of Gaza City on Thursday, the head of a nearby hospital told AFP. 21 dead (possibly more) in a fire that ate up a house in #Gaza tonight. Power shortages force people to use all sorts of alternatives, whether safe or not. May the victims rest in peace 😔pic.twitter.com/5asc12Qvyy — Belal Aldabbour (@Belalmd12) November 17, 2022 × Salah Abu Laila, the director of the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, reported that "at least 20 bodies arrived," indicating that they had been "burned" in the fire. Islamists from Hamas, who rule the Israeli-blocked Palestinian enclave, claimed there were multiple casualties from the firing but did not specify how many. In response to the fire, Hussein Al-Sheikh, a top official with the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank, stated that the PA had pushed Israel to open the Erez gate between Gaza and Israel to allow for immediate medical evacuations of serious cases. Also Read: Kherson residents switch Russian SIM cards with Ukrainian ones Witnesses and videos that went viral on social media claimed that the entire residential structure in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip caught fire and burst into flames and smoke. Witnesses reported hearing screams, but due to the fire's ferocity, they were unable to reach the victims to provide aid. There are eight refugee camps with a combined population of 2.3 million people, and Jabalia is one of them. (with inputs from agencies)

At least 21 dead in Jabalia refugee camp fire in Gaza

Azerbaijan has finally decided to open an embassy in Israel following a parliamentary approval on Friday and will thus become the first Shi’ite Muslim-majority state to do so. The news comes amid increasingly strained ties between Azerbaijan and Iran, Israel’s longtime nemesis.

Azerbaijan already has a tourism office and a trade representative office in Israeli capital Tel Aviv where it will open its embassy also, reported the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp; 
Israel and Azerbaijan have relations for 30 years, and there has been an Israeli embassy in Baku since 1993.&nbsp; 
 
Prime Minister Yair Lapid praised the decision, calling Azerbaijan “an important partner of Israel and home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the Muslim world.” 
“The decision to open an embassy reflects the depth of the relations between the countries. This move is the fruit of efforts by the Israeli government to build strong diplomatic bridges with the Muslim world,” he added. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-history-and-a-way-forward-530588">Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict- History and a way forward</a> 
 
Arzu Naghiyev, a member of Azerbaijan-Israel parliamentary friendship group, had last month referred to Iran opening an additional consulate and declaring close ties with Armenia, with which Azerbaijan fought a war in 2020, and had hinted at opening an embassy in Tel Aviv. 
 
Iran opened the consulate in Kapan, in southern Armenia near the borders with Iran and Azerbaijan’s Zangilan region, which was among the territories Azerbaijan retook during its 2020 war with Armenia.

WATCH |&nbsp;Explained: The Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict; How the world reacted &amp; what is India’s stand?

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&nbsp;

Iran and Azerbaijan share a 420-mile border, and there have been several speculations that Israel launched covert operations in Iran from its northern neighbour.&nbsp; 
Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian even accused Israel of having “established its presence in Azerbaijan”. 
 
Iran had staged military drills along the border following which Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev got himself photographed with Israeli Harop kamikaze drones produced in his country. Tehran has held more military drills on the border in recent weeks. 
 
Azerbaijan had been hesitant to open an embassy in the past, as it did not want to ruffle other Muslim-majority states or provoking Iran. 
 
Israel and Azerbaijan have close defence ties as Jerusalem supplied drones to Baku, which were used in its war against Armenia. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute found that 69% of Azerbaijan’s arms imports in 2016-2020 came from Israel while about 40% of petroleum imported to Israel comes from Azerbaijan.

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Azerbaijan has finally decided to open an embassy in Israel following a parliamentary approval on Friday and will thus become the first Shi’ite Muslim-majority state to do so.

Azerbaijan has finally decided to open an embassy in Israel following a parliamentary approval on Friday and will thus become the first Shi’ite Muslim-majority state to do so. The news comes amid increasingly strained ties between Azerbaijan and Iran, Israel’s longtime nemesis. Azerbaijan already has a tourism office and a trade representative office in Israeli capital Tel Aviv where it will open its embassy also, reported the Jerusalem Post. Israel and Azerbaijan have relations for 30 years, and there has been an Israeli embassy in Baku since 1993. Prime Minister Yair Lapid praised the decision, calling Azerbaijan “an important partner of Israel and home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the Muslim world.” “The decision to open an embassy reflects the depth of the relations between the countries. This move is the fruit of efforts by the Israeli government to build strong diplomatic bridges with the Muslim world,” he added. ALSO READ | Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict- History and a way forward Arzu Naghiyev, a member of Azerbaijan-Israel parliamentary friendship group, had last month referred to Iran opening an additional consulate and declaring close ties with Armenia, with which Azerbaijan fought a war in 2020, and had hinted at opening an embassy in Tel Aviv. Iran opened the consulate in Kapan, in southern Armenia near the borders with Iran and Azerbaijan’s Zangilan region, which was among the territories Azerbaijan retook during its 2020 war with Armenia. WATCH | Explained: The Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict; How the world reacted & what is India’s stand? × Iran and Azerbaijan share a 420-mile border, and there have been several speculations that Israel launched covert operations in Iran from its northern neighbour. Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian even accused Israel of having “established its presence in Azerbaijan”. Iran had staged military drills along the border following which Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev got himself photographed with Israeli Harop kamikaze drones produced in his country. Tehran has held more military drills on the border in recent weeks. Azerbaijan had been hesitant to open an embassy in the past, as it did not want to ruffle other Muslim-majority states or provoking Iran. Israel and Azerbaijan have close defence ties as Jerusalem supplied drones to Baku, which were used in its war against Armenia. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute found that 69% of Azerbaijan’s arms imports in 2016-2020 came from Israel while about 40% of petroleum imported to Israel comes from Azerbaijan. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Azerbaijan to open embassy in Israel, will be first Shi'ite Muslim country to do so

The Israeli army fatally shot a 15-year-old Palestinian girl during a raid in the occupied West Bank in the town of Beitunia near Ramallah, said the Palestinian health ministry on Monday. On the other hand, the Israeli military said that the soldiers had opened fire on a vehicle that was speeding toward them after they had signalled them to stop.&nbsp;

The victim later identified as Fulla Rasmi Abdelazeez Al-Masalmeh was due to turn 16 on her birthday tomorrow and was killed after “occupation soldiers fired at her during a raid”, the statement by the Palestinian health ministry added. The incident occurred in the city of Beitunia where the military said its soldiers were on an arrest raid.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-adopts-palestinian-resolution-to-ask-icj-opinion-on-israels-prolonged-occupation-533483">UN adopts Palestinian resolution to seek ICJ opinion on Israel’s ‘prolonged occupation’</a>

A report by Al Jazeera citing the news agency Wafa said that another Palestinian, 26-year-old Anas Hassouneh was injured after the shooting. The two victims were in the vehicle with Hassouneh driving and were reportedly unaware of the presence of the Israeli forces who had stationed themselves at several points.&nbsp;

In a statement about the incident, the Israeli army said that their troops said that they saw a “suspicious vehicle accelerating towards them during an operation by security forces”. It added that the troops had signalled for the vehicle to stop, but it accelerated towards them, after which they opened fire.&nbsp;

“These youths were in the car… The army was suspicious of the car, and then shot at the car,” said the head of the city’s municipality, Diaa Kurt to Al Jazeera. He added, that the Israeli army then handed over the girl’s body to Palestinian medics after which she was taken to the local hospital. Kurt&nbsp;also noted that three Palestinian men were detained from Beitunia, late Sunday.&nbsp;Furthermore, the city official said that the Israeli forces arrested the driver of the car, who surrendered, reported the Associated Press.

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/violence-escalates-in-palestine-over-180-palestinians-killed-this-year-529365">Violence escalates in Palestine; Over 180 Palestinians killed this year</a> 
 
The AP report citing a&nbsp;35-year-old witness,&nbsp;Bakr Armoush, said that he saw at least 20 Israeli soldiers who were searching parked cars near his building when the victims' car approached at a distance. He added, suddenly without any apparent warning, soldiers hiding behind the cars started firing after which the male driver got out with his hands over his head and the girl seemed slumped over in the passenger seat.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Palestinian Health Ministry had also initially misidentified the victim after which they corrected that error and the girl's&nbsp;mother, brother and sister later identified her at the morgue on Monday evening.&nbsp;The attack drew condemnation from the Palestinian foreign minister which called for “international measures” and force the “occupying state to stop its aggression against our people”.

Meanwhile, the UN special envoy for the&nbsp;East Peace Process took to Twitter and said that he is "appalled by the tragic killing" and called for an "an immediate and thorough investigation into her death."

The Israeli army has reportedly&nbsp;killed over&nbsp;130&nbsp;Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip&nbsp;so far, this year, which according to the United Nations, is the highest death toll&nbsp;in the last 16 years. The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights' office has previously noted that the use of firearms against Palestinians “on mere suspicion or as a precautionary measure, in violation of international standards”.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-man-attacked-by-a-mob-with-pepper-spray-in-palestine-amid-tensions-over-journalists-death-479539">Israeli man attacked by a mob with pepper spray in Palestine amid tensions over journalist's death</a> 
 
On the other hand, these intensified raids have&nbsp;prompted a series of Palestinian shooting attacks which led to the death of at least&nbsp;four&nbsp;Israelis in recent weeks. These raids, according to Israel are aimed at&nbsp;dismantling&nbsp;militant networks and&nbsp;cracking down on armed groups operating in the Palestinian territory.&nbsp; 
 
In a separate incident, the Israeli police said that one of their soldiers shot a man in the city of Raanana, north of Tel Aviv. The police said the soldier opened fire after feeling unsafe as a citizen approached in a “suspicious manner” at a bus station and they suspected was about to carry out an attack.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Israeli army fatally shot a 15-year-old Palestinian girl during a raid in the occupied West Bank in the town of Beitunia near Ramallah, said the Palestinian health ministry on Monday.

The Israeli army fatally shot a 15-year-old Palestinian girl during a raid in the occupied West Bank in the town of Beitunia near Ramallah, said the Palestinian health ministry on Monday. On the other hand, the Israeli military said that the soldiers had opened fire on a vehicle that was speeding toward them after they had signalled them to stop. The victim later identified as Fulla Rasmi Abdelazeez Al-Masalmeh was due to turn 16 on her birthday tomorrow and was killed after “occupation soldiers fired at her during a raid”, the statement by the Palestinian health ministry added. The incident occurred in the city of Beitunia where the military said its soldiers were on an arrest raid. ALSO READ: UN adopts Palestinian resolution to seek ICJ opinion on Israel’s ‘prolonged occupation’ A report by Al Jazeera citing the news agency Wafa said that another Palestinian, 26-year-old Anas Hassouneh was injured after the shooting. The two victims were in the vehicle with Hassouneh driving and were reportedly unaware of the presence of the Israeli forces who had stationed themselves at several points. In a statement about the incident, the Israeli army said that their troops said that they saw a “suspicious vehicle accelerating towards them during an operation by security forces”. It added that the troops had signalled for the vehicle to stop, but it accelerated towards them, after which they opened fire. “These youths were in the car… The army was suspicious of the car, and then shot at the car,” said the head of the city’s municipality, Diaa Kurt to Al Jazeera. He added, that the Israeli army then handed over the girl’s body to Palestinian medics after which she was taken to the local hospital. Kurt also noted that three Palestinian men were detained from Beitunia, late Sunday. Furthermore, the city official said that the Israeli forces arrested the driver of the car, who surrendered, reported the Associated Press. ALSO WATCH: Violence escalates in Palestine; Over 180 Palestinians killed this year The AP report citing a 35-year-old witness, Bakr Armoush, said that he saw at least 20 Israeli soldiers who were searching parked cars near his building when the victims' car approached at a distance. He added, suddenly without any apparent warning, soldiers hiding behind the cars started firing after which the male driver got out with his hands over his head and the girl seemed slumped over in the passenger seat. The Palestinian Health Ministry had also initially misidentified the victim after which they corrected that error and the girl's mother, brother and sister later identified her at the morgue on Monday evening. The attack drew condemnation from the Palestinian foreign minister which called for “international measures” and force the “occupying state to stop its aggression against our people”. Meanwhile, the UN special envoy for the East Peace Process took to Twitter and said that he is "appalled by the tragic killing" and called for an "an immediate and thorough investigation into her death." The Israeli army has reportedly killed over 130 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip so far, this year, which according to the United Nations, is the highest death toll in the last 16 years. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' office has previously noted that the use of firearms against Palestinians “on mere suspicion or as a precautionary measure, in violation of international standards”. ALSO READ: Israeli man attacked by a mob with pepper spray in Palestine amid tensions over journalist's death On the other hand, these intensified raids have prompted a series of Palestinian shooting attacks which led to the death of at least four Israelis in recent weeks. These raids, according to Israel are aimed at dismantling militant networks and cracking down on armed groups operating in the Palestinian territory. In a separate incident, the Israeli police said that one of their soldiers shot a man in the city of Raanana, north of Tel Aviv. The police said the soldier opened fire after feeling unsafe as a citizen approached in a “suspicious manner” at a bus station and they suspected was about to carry out an attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli army fatally shot a Palestinian teenager during a raid in West Bank

Syrian state news agency SANA said on Sunday (November 13) that the country's air defences struck down Israeli missiles over Homs province. Reuters quoted a military source to say that it was a strike on a major Syrian air base.

The strike was targetted at&nbsp;Shayrat air base. It is a military complex southeast of Homs city.

Its runway and underground facilities have undergone a major expansion by the Russia military in the last three years

Russia, which maintains a major military presence in Syria, has forces stationed near to Shayrat air base, which has also been used recently by the Iranian air force, another security source told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Regional and intelligence sources say Israel has in recent months intensified strikes on Syrian airports and air bases to disrupt Iran's increasing use of aerial supply lines to deliver arms to allies in Syria and Lebanon including Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The Israeli military was not immediately available for comment on the reports. Israel has been mounting attacks in Syria for years against what it has described as Iranian and Iran-backed forces that have deployed there during the 11-year war.

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&nbsp;

Syrian state news agency SANA said on Sunday (November 13) that the country's air defences struck down Israeli missiles over Homs province. Reuters quoted a military source to say that it was a strike on a major Syrian air base.

Syrian state news agency SANA said on Sunday (November 13) that the country's air defences struck down Israeli missiles over Homs province. Reuters quoted a military source to say that it was a strike on a major Syrian air base. The strike was targetted at Shayrat air base. It is a military complex southeast of Homs city. Its runway and underground facilities have undergone a major expansion by the Russia military in the last three years Russia, which maintains a major military presence in Syria, has forces stationed near to Shayrat air base, which has also been used recently by the Iranian air force, another security source told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Regional and intelligence sources say Israel has in recent months intensified strikes on Syrian airports and air bases to disrupt Iran's increasing use of aerial supply lines to deliver arms to allies in Syria and Lebanon including Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah. The Israeli military was not immediately available for comment on the reports. Israel has been mounting attacks in Syria for years against what it has described as Iranian and Iran-backed forces that have deployed there during the 11-year war. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Syria strikes down Israeli missiles aimed at air force base

Former Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on Sunday (November 13) formally handed the mandate to form a new government. He pledged that he would seek national consensus. Netanyahu is back in power corridors after an election that saw Jewish far-rightists surging. This has caused worry at home and abroad.

Tasking Netanyahu, already Israel's longest-serving premier, with forming the next coalition government, President Isaac Herzog noted that the Likud leader had received enough recommendations from like-minded parties to secure majority with 64 of parliament's 120 seats.

Netanyahu is now on a path to form one of the most stable governments in years after being away from the top post for 18 months during which a rare but fragile alliance of centrist, liberal, nationalist and Arab politicians came to&nbsp;power.

Netanyahu said, “The people made a clear decision in favor of forming a government headed by me,” and vowed to form a stable, successful, responsible and dedicated government&nbsp;that would serve all of Israel’s residents, without exception.&nbsp;The remarks were televised. 
 
“There are many, many who welcome the election results, but there are also those who make outrageous prophecies and frighten the public. This is not the first time such things have been said. They said it about (Likud's first leader Menachem) Begin, they said it about me too; it wasn't true then and it's not true today either,” Netanyahu said. 
 
“I intend to be a prime minister for everyone, for those who elected me, and for those who did not elect me. It reflects what I believe in and what guides my actions,” he added while also thanking all the 64 members of the Knesset who recommended him. 
 
The incoming government looks to be the most right-wing in Israel's history, with the ultranationalist Religious Zionism party whose leaders oppose Palestinian statehood, want the occupied West Bank annexed and were anti-LGBT in the past.

One of them, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was convicted in 2007 of racist incitement against Arabs and support for terrorism. He says he is now reformed but still calls for harsh crackdowns against those he deems terrorists or traitors.

With inputs from agencies)

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Former Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on Sunday (November 13) formally handed the mandate to form a new government. He pledged that he would seek national consensus.

Former Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was on Sunday (November 13) formally handed the mandate to form a new government. He pledged that he would seek national consensus. Netanyahu is back in power corridors after an election that saw Jewish far-rightists surging. This has caused worry at home and abroad. Tasking Netanyahu, already Israel's longest-serving premier, with forming the next coalition government, President Isaac Herzog noted that the Likud leader had received enough recommendations from like-minded parties to secure majority with 64 of parliament's 120 seats. Netanyahu is now on a path to form one of the most stable governments in years after being away from the top post for 18 months during which a rare but fragile alliance of centrist, liberal, nationalist and Arab politicians came to power. Netanyahu said, “The people made a clear decision in favor of forming a government headed by me,” and vowed to form a stable, successful, responsible and dedicated government that would serve all of Israel’s residents, without exception. The remarks were televised. “There are many, many who welcome the election results, but there are also those who make outrageous prophecies and frighten the public. This is not the first time such things have been said. They said it about (Likud's first leader Menachem) Begin, they said it about me too; it wasn't true then and it's not true today either,” Netanyahu said. “I intend to be a prime minister for everyone, for those who elected me, and for those who did not elect me. It reflects what I believe in and what guides my actions,” he added while also thanking all the 64 members of the Knesset who recommended him. The incoming government looks to be the most right-wing in Israel's history, with the ultranationalist Religious Zionism party whose leaders oppose Palestinian statehood, want the occupied West Bank annexed and were anti-LGBT in the past. One of them, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was convicted in 2007 of racist incitement against Arabs and support for terrorism. He says he is now reformed but still calls for harsh crackdowns against those he deems terrorists or traitors. With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Netanyahu invited to form new government, vows to be PM for ‘all citizens’ of Israel

Public hearings of alleged Israeli human rights violation opened at the United Nations in Geneva on Monday. Israel has slammed these as "sham trials".

The independent Commission of Inquiry, established by the U.N. top human rights body last year, plans five days of hearings which it says will be impartial and examine the allegations of both Israelis and Palestinian authorities.

Israel has alleged that these hearings have an "anti-Israel" agenda and have been convened with little notice.

"This (COI) and the convening of these sham trials shame and undermine the Human Rights Council," it said in a statement issued by its diplomatic mission in Geneva.

A UN human rights office has previously dismissed allegations of bias and said Israel had not cooperated with the commission's work.

The focus of the first set of hearings will be on the closure orders of a number of Palestinian organisations by Israel in August and the killing of the Palestinian-American reporter Shireen Abu Akleh in May.

The UN rights office has said its findings suggest that she was killed by Israeli forces while an Israeli investigation concluded she was likely to have been unintentionally shot by an Israeli soldier.

Three representatives from shuttered Palestinian NGOs will testify.

The UN Human Rights Council or its hearings do not have any legal power themselves. However, investigations by council are often used as evidence before national or international courts.

Besides Israel, its ally the United States has criticised the UN Human Rights Council for what it has described as a "chronic bias" against Israel. It quit the body over this in 2018 and only fully rejoined this year.

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Public hearings of alleged Israeli human rights violation opened at the United Nations in Geneva on Monday. Israel has slammed these as "sham trials". The independent Commission of Inquiry, established by the U.

Public hearings of alleged Israeli human rights violation opened at the United Nations in Geneva on Monday. Israel has slammed these as "sham trials". The independent Commission of Inquiry, established by the U.N. top human rights body last year, plans five days of hearings which it says will be impartial and examine the allegations of both Israelis and Palestinian authorities. Israel has alleged that these hearings have an "anti-Israel" agenda and have been convened with little notice. "This (COI) and the convening of these sham trials shame and undermine the Human Rights Council," it said in a statement issued by its diplomatic mission in Geneva. A UN human rights office has previously dismissed allegations of bias and said Israel had not cooperated with the commission's work. The focus of the first set of hearings will be on the closure orders of a number of Palestinian organisations by Israel in August and the killing of the Palestinian-American reporter Shireen Abu Akleh in May. The UN rights office has said its findings suggest that she was killed by Israeli forces while an Israeli investigation concluded she was likely to have been unintentionally shot by an Israeli soldier. Three representatives from shuttered Palestinian NGOs will testify. The UN Human Rights Council or its hearings do not have any legal power themselves. However, investigations by council are often used as evidence before national or international courts. Besides Israel, its ally the United States has criticised the UN Human Rights Council for what it has described as a "chronic bias" against Israel. It quit the body over this in 2018 and only fully rejoined this year. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN probe hearings of alleged Israeli rights abuses open in Geneva

Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his right wing, religious camp was on the cusp of a great election win. Earlier,&nbsp;exit polls also predicted his bloc gaining a slim parliamentary majority, paving the way for his comeback.

"We have won a huge vote of confidence from the people of&nbsp;Israel," a smiling Netanyahu told supporters at his election headquarters in Jerusalem. "We are on the brink of a very big victory," he told the cheering crowd.

According to exit polls, the country’s longest-serving PM is poised to take at least 61 or 62 seats in the 120-seat Knesset (parliament), said a local media report. The actual outcome of the elections may differ from the early exit polls which are&nbsp;not expected until later this week.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, the incumbent Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s centrist Yesh Atid party is projected to win at least 24 seats. On the other hand, Religious Zionist Party, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir is poised to get at least 14 seats making it the third-largest party.&nbsp;

This is the country’s fifth election in less than four years which has exasperated many voters, however, reports suggest that this did not affect the voter turnout which was the highest since 1999. Netanyahu after 12 years was defeated last year by an unlikely coalition of centrist Yair Lapid and his partner Naftali Bennett which formed an alliance also including an Arab party for the first time.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-election-2022-jewish-extremists-spray-noxious-liquid-on-polling-booths-to-desist-people-from-voting-530176">Israel election 2022: Jewish extremists spray noxious liquid on polling booths to desist people from voting</a>

Netanyahu is seen as one of the most controversial political figures and is also currently on trial for alleged bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges which he has vehemently denied in the past. Furthermore, he has reportedly been counting on support from Ben-Gvir, who was a member of a group called Kach, which is on Israel and the United States’ “terrorist” watchlists and the prospect of them forming a coalition has raised concerns among allies including Washington.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his right wing, religious camp was on the cusp of a great election win. Earlier, exit polls also predicted his bloc gaining a slim parliamentary majority, paving the way for his comeback.

Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his right wing, religious camp was on the cusp of a great election win. Earlier, exit polls also predicted his bloc gaining a slim parliamentary majority, paving the way for his comeback. "We have won a huge vote of confidence from the people of Israel," a smiling Netanyahu told supporters at his election headquarters in Jerusalem. "We are on the brink of a very big victory," he told the cheering crowd. According to exit polls, the country’s longest-serving PM is poised to take at least 61 or 62 seats in the 120-seat Knesset (parliament), said a local media report. The actual outcome of the elections may differ from the early exit polls which are not expected until later this week. × Meanwhile, the incumbent Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s centrist Yesh Atid party is projected to win at least 24 seats. On the other hand, Religious Zionist Party, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir is poised to get at least 14 seats making it the third-largest party. This is the country’s fifth election in less than four years which has exasperated many voters, however, reports suggest that this did not affect the voter turnout which was the highest since 1999. Netanyahu after 12 years was defeated last year by an unlikely coalition of centrist Yair Lapid and his partner Naftali Bennett which formed an alliance also including an Arab party for the first time. ALSO READ: Israel election 2022: Jewish extremists spray noxious liquid on polling booths to desist people from voting Netanyahu is seen as one of the most controversial political figures and is also currently on trial for alleged bribery, fraud and breach of trust charges which he has vehemently denied in the past. Furthermore, he has reportedly been counting on support from Ben-Gvir, who was a member of a group called Kach, which is on Israel and the United States’ “terrorist” watchlists and the prospect of them forming a coalition has raised concerns among allies including Washington. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel election: Former PM Netanyahu says his camp is on brink of a huge win

Israeli and Lebanese leaders finalised a U.S.-brokered maritime demarcation deal on Thursday, bringing a measure of accommodation between the enemy states as they eye offshore energy exploration.

Leaders from Lebanon, Israel and the United States have all hailed the deal as "historic" but the possibility of a wider diplomatic breakthrough remains slim.

As a result, there was no joint signing ceremony: Lebanese President Michel Aoun signed a letter approving the deal at his palace in Baabda in the presence of Amos Hochstein, the U.S. official who mediated the accord.

"We have heard about the Abraham Accords. Today there is a new era. It could be the Amos Hochstein accord," said top Lebanese negotiator and deputy parliament speaker Elias Bou Saab, referring to the 2020 U.S.-brokered normalisation of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid signed separately in Jerusalem, saying the deal was a "tremendous achievement" that had produced Lebanon's de facto recognition of Israel.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-approves-historic-sea-border-deal-with-israel-525239">Lebanon approves 'historic' sea border deal with Israel</a>

"It is not every day that an enemy country recognises the state of Israel, in a written agreement, in view of the international community," Lapid told his cabinet in broadcast remarks.

But Aoun later said the deal was purely "technical" and would have "no political dimensions or impacts that contradict Lebanon's foreign policy".

Lebanon does not recognize Israel's right to exist and still considers itself at war with its neighbour, with laws barring contact with Israeli officials.

Lower-level delegations from each country headed to the United Nations' peacekeeping base at Naqoura along their contested land border, which has yet to be delineated.

There, the delegations entered the same tent, each standing on a side of a table, and submitted their signed copies of the deal to U.S. officials and their new coordinates for the maritime border to the U.N., officially bringing the deal into force, an Israeli official and a Lebanese source told Reuters.

"I hope it will serve as a confidence-building measure that promotes more security and stability in the region and economic benefits for both countries," said the U.N.'s Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka.

POLITICAL MILESTONES

The accord comes days ahead of major political milestones for both Israel and Lebanon.

Aoun's term is set to end on Oct. 31 and political sources say he was keen to seal the deal as the crowning achievement of his six years in office.

Israel holds elections on Nov. 1, its fifth in less than four years.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-says-maritime-deal-make-or-break-after-israel-snubs-request-for-changes-523166">Lebanon says maritime deal 'make or break' after Israel snubs request for changes</a>

Hochstein said the accord should be adhered to even if officials change on either side and the United States would continue to play a guarantor role to ensure it remains in force.

"If one side violates the deal, both sides lose," he said.

The accord removes one source of potential conflict between Israel and Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah and could help alleviate Lebanon's economic crisis.

An offshore energy discovery - while not enough on its own to resolve Lebanon's deep economic problems - would be a major boon, providing badly needed hard currency and possibly one day easing crippling blackouts.

Offshore areas in the eastern Mediterranean and Levant have yielded major gas discoveries in the past decade and interest has grown since Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted gas pipeline flows.

In a statement on Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden said energy in the region "should not be a cause for conflict, but a tool for cooperation, stability, security and prosperity".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-lebanon-reach-historic-agreement-on-maritime-border-dispute-524371">Israel and Lebanon reach 'historic agreement' on maritime border dispute, says PM Lapid</a>

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Lebanon's powerful armed group Hezbollah, on Thursday called it a "very big victory for Lebanon."

He said the fighters and military resources that his group had mobilised as a form of pressure to ensure talks went well could now be de-activated, announcing: "Mission accomplished."

Nasrallah also said the Lebanese government had been careful to ensure that the negotiations and approval protocols had no hint of "normalization" with Israel.

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Israeli and Lebanese leaders finalised a U.S.-brokered maritime demarcation deal on Thursday, bringing a measure of accommodation between the enemy states as they eye offshore energy exploration.

Israeli and Lebanese leaders finalised a U.S.-brokered maritime demarcation deal on Thursday, bringing a measure of accommodation between the enemy states as they eye offshore energy exploration. Leaders from Lebanon, Israel and the United States have all hailed the deal as "historic" but the possibility of a wider diplomatic breakthrough remains slim. As a result, there was no joint signing ceremony: Lebanese President Michel Aoun signed a letter approving the deal at his palace in Baabda in the presence of Amos Hochstein, the U.S. official who mediated the accord. "We have heard about the Abraham Accords. Today there is a new era. It could be the Amos Hochstein accord," said top Lebanese negotiator and deputy parliament speaker Elias Bou Saab, referring to the 2020 U.S.-brokered normalisation of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid signed separately in Jerusalem, saying the deal was a "tremendous achievement" that had produced Lebanon's de facto recognition of Israel. ALSO READ: Lebanon approves 'historic' sea border deal with Israel "It is not every day that an enemy country recognises the state of Israel, in a written agreement, in view of the international community," Lapid told his cabinet in broadcast remarks. But Aoun later said the deal was purely "technical" and would have "no political dimensions or impacts that contradict Lebanon's foreign policy". Lebanon does not recognize Israel's right to exist and still considers itself at war with its neighbour, with laws barring contact with Israeli officials. Lower-level delegations from each country headed to the United Nations' peacekeeping base at Naqoura along their contested land border, which has yet to be delineated. There, the delegations entered the same tent, each standing on a side of a table, and submitted their signed copies of the deal to U.S. officials and their new coordinates for the maritime border to the U.N., officially bringing the deal into force, an Israeli official and a Lebanese source told Reuters. "I hope it will serve as a confidence-building measure that promotes more security and stability in the region and economic benefits for both countries," said the U.N.'s Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka. POLITICAL MILESTONES The accord comes days ahead of major political milestones for both Israel and Lebanon. Aoun's term is set to end on Oct. 31 and political sources say he was keen to seal the deal as the crowning achievement of his six years in office. Israel holds elections on Nov. 1, its fifth in less than four years. ALSO READ: Lebanon says maritime deal 'make or break' after Israel snubs request for changes Hochstein said the accord should be adhered to even if officials change on either side and the United States would continue to play a guarantor role to ensure it remains in force. "If one side violates the deal, both sides lose," he said. The accord removes one source of potential conflict between Israel and Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah and could help alleviate Lebanon's economic crisis. An offshore energy discovery - while not enough on its own to resolve Lebanon's deep economic problems - would be a major boon, providing badly needed hard currency and possibly one day easing crippling blackouts. Offshore areas in the eastern Mediterranean and Levant have yielded major gas discoveries in the past decade and interest has grown since Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted gas pipeline flows. In a statement on Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden said energy in the region "should not be a cause for conflict, but a tool for cooperation, stability, security and prosperity". ALSO READ: Israel and Lebanon reach 'historic agreement' on maritime border dispute, says PM Lapid Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the head of Lebanon's powerful armed group Hezbollah, on Thursday called it a "very big victory for Lebanon." He said the fighters and military resources that his group had mobilised as a form of pressure to ensure talks went well could now be de-activated, announcing: "Mission accomplished." Nasrallah also said the Lebanese government had been careful to ensure that the negotiations and approval protocols had no hint of "normalization" with Israel. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel, Lebanon finalise maritime demarcation deal without mutual recognition

After repeated denial by Russia and Iran regarding the supply of arms, Israel President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday said his country had shared 'intelligence' with the US to prove the deals had indeed taken place.

After repeated denial by Russia and Iran regarding the supply of arms, Israel President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday said his country had shared 'intelligence' with the US to prove the deals had indeed taken place. Herzog said Iran supplied drones that Russia has used in recent times to create havoc in Ukraine. The Israeli president made the statement during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in Washington. According to Herzog's office, Israel shared images assessed that show similarity between the drones downed in Ukraine and parts tested by Iran in December last year. It added that both images have similarities to the drones displayed at an exposition in Iran in 2014. Read more: Why is West bothered about Iran sending drones to Russia? "Iranian weapons play a key role in destabilizing our world, and the international community must learn its lessons, now and in the future," said Herzog. He added that the "world must speak with Iran in the same language. A tough, united and uncompromising language." The eight-month-long war has depleted Russia's weapon arsenal. It is now looking for alternatives to have them filled. After Ukraine regained significant ground by pushing Russian troops, forcing Putin to call for partial mobilisation, Moscow closed the gap by bombarding Ukrainian cities and towns with deadly Iranian drones, according to news reports. Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia had ordered around 2,000 drones from Iran. "The disgusting sound of Iranian drones is heard in our skies every night. Russia ordered about 2,000 'Shaheds' from Iran," said Zelensky Read more: Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky claims Moscow ordered some 2,000 drones from Iran Moreover, Iran is expected to deliver short-range ballistic missiles viz. Fateh-110 and its advanced version such as Zolfaghar to Kremlin, per a report by the Washington Post. However, Iran has rejected the claims saying it is not sending any weapons. "We believe that the arming of each side of the crisis will prolong the war. We have not considered and do not consider war to be the right path either in Ukraine or in Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen," said Amir-Abdollahian, the Iranian foreign minister. On the other hand, Kremlin said that it had no knowledge of its army using such weapons and Moscow accused the West of seeking to put "pressure" on Tehran with the allegations. Read more: Iran denies claims that it supplied weapons to Russia 'for being used in war against Ukraine' (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel shares 'proof' with US that Iran supplied drones to Russia

Spanish fashion giant Zara has found itself embroiled in a controversy in Israel after a local franchise owner hosted a far-right leader.&nbsp;

Reportedly,&nbsp;Joey Schwebel, chairman of Trimera Brands, Zara's Israel franchisee hosted&nbsp;Itamar Ben-Gvir, a leader of the&nbsp;Israeli far-right Otzma Yehudit party.&nbsp;

According to local media reports, some Israelis, angered at the company for giving&nbsp;Ben-Gvir a platform burned Zara apparel and demanded that the company condemn the action of its local franchise.

Ben-Gvir's spokesman said the reported meeting was a 'private event' and declined to comment further.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-raid-in-west-bank-leaves-4-palestinians-dead-palestinian-ministry-528110">Read more:&nbsp;Israeli raid in West Bank leaves 4 Palestinians dead: Palestinian ministry</a>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Fayez Abu Souhaiban, mayor of Arab-majority town Rahat slammed the company and gave the call for the burning of the clothes.&nbsp;

"We have to burn these clothes and I call on fellow citizens to boycott this company," said&nbsp;Souhaiban in a video that has been heavily circulated on social media.

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Calls are being made to boycott <a href="https://twitter.com/ZARA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZARA</a> after it became known that the company's franchisee in the zionist colony, Joey Schwebel, hosted an evening with genocidal Jewish supremacist leader of Otzma Yehudit Itamar Ben-Gvir. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottAndResist?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottAndResist</a> the entire colony by any means necessary <a href="https://t.co/wSeTNcEZK7">pic.twitter.com/wSeTNcEZK7</a>
— Jisr Collective (@jisrcollective) <a href="https://twitter.com/jisrcollective/status/1583514561499435008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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When quizzed about what he thought about the boycott calls after his appearance,&nbsp;Ben-Gvir said, "That's the real face of the left."&nbsp;

Zara, meanwhile has refused to comment on the issue right now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malfunctioning-rockets-fired-by-palestine-fell-into-residentials-areas-killing-more-than-a-dozen-504999">Read more:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malfunctioning-rockets-fired-by-palestine-fell-into-residentials-areas-killing-more-than-a-dozen-504999">Malfunctioning rockets fired by Palestine fell into residential areas, killing more than a dozen</a>

Notably,&nbsp;Ben-Gvir's party is running in Israel's legislative elections scheduled to take place next month. According to various surveys, his nationalist alliance is expected to emerge as the third-largest bloc in the parliament.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Spanish fashion giant Zara has found itself embroiled in a controversy in Israel after a local franchise owner hosted a far-right leader. Reportedly, Joey Schwebel, chairman of Trimera Brands, Zara's Israel franchisee hosted Itamar Ben-Gvir, a leader of the Israeli far-right Otzma Yehudit party.

Spanish fashion giant Zara has found itself embroiled in a controversy in Israel after a local franchise owner hosted a far-right leader. Reportedly, Joey Schwebel, chairman of Trimera Brands, Zara's Israel franchisee hosted Itamar Ben-Gvir, a leader of the Israeli far-right Otzma Yehudit party. According to local media reports, some Israelis, angered at the company for giving Ben-Gvir a platform burned Zara apparel and demanded that the company condemn the action of its local franchise. Ben-Gvir's spokesman said the reported meeting was a 'private event' and declined to comment further. Read more: Israeli raid in West Bank leaves 4 Palestinians dead: Palestinian ministry Meanwhile, Fayez Abu Souhaiban, mayor of Arab-majority town Rahat slammed the company and gave the call for the burning of the clothes. "We have to burn these clothes and I call on fellow citizens to boycott this company," said Souhaiban in a video that has been heavily circulated on social media. Calls are being made to boycott @ZARA after it became known that the company's franchisee in the zionist colony, Joey Schwebel, hosted an evening with genocidal Jewish supremacist leader of Otzma Yehudit Itamar Ben-Gvir. #BoycottAndResist the entire colony by any means necessary pic.twitter.com/wSeTNcEZK7 — Jisr Collective (@jisrcollective) October 21, 2022 × When quizzed about what he thought about the boycott calls after his appearance, Ben-Gvir said, "That's the real face of the left." Zara, meanwhile has refused to comment on the issue right now. Read more: Malfunctioning rockets fired by Palestine fell into residential areas, killing more than a dozen Notably, Ben-Gvir's party is running in Israel's legislative elections scheduled to take place next month. According to various surveys, his nationalist alliance is expected to emerge as the third-largest bloc in the parliament. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zara faces boycott in Israel after hosting a far-right leader

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