Warring sides Israel and Hamas were presented with a final draft of a truce deal, following a "breakthrough" on Monday (Jan 13).
Now two Israeli officials have said that the Palestinian group is expected to free 33 hostages in the first phase of the proposed ceasefire agreement, according to a CNN report.
During the talks in Doha, Qatar presented the draft to both Israel and Hamas.
The chiefs of Israel's Mossad and Shin Bet spy agencies and the Qatari prime minister were also present in the meeting.
A senior Israeli official on Monday said that Tel Aviv is hopeful that most of the 33 hostages are alive.&nbsp;
He further said that, during the initial 42-day ceasefire, it is expected that Hamas will release the mortal remains of the ones dead in captivity.
The official then said that Israel will immediately implement the truce deal once it is signed, as per CNN reports.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-receiving-ceasefire-proposal-despite-qatar-says-it-shared-final-hostage-deal-draft-8618427">Also read: 'Breakthrough,' Qatar presents Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal draft to Israel, Hamas</a>
<h2>Biden says Gaza ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel 'on the brink' of being finalised</h2>
Meanwhile, outgoing US President Joe Biden on Monday said that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas was nearing completion.
Speaking at the State Department, Biden said, &ldquo;In the war between Israel and Hamas, we're on the brink of a proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition.&rdquo;&nbsp;
House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan too echoed Biden's sentiment earlier in the day, suggesting a truce could be sealed within days. &ldquo;I'm not making a promise or prediction, but it is there for the taking and we are going to work to make it happen,&rdquo; Sullivan told reporters.
A Palestinian official close to Hamas also acknowledged that the current negotiations are the most &ldquo;serious and deep&rdquo; to date.
&ldquo;The current round of negotiations is the most serious and deep and has made significant progress,&rdquo; the official told AFP.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: During the talks in Doha, Qatar presented the draft to both Israel and Hamas. The chiefs of Israel's Mossad and Shin Bet spy agencies and the Qatari prime minister were also present in the meeting.

Warring sides Israel and Hamas were presented with a final draft of a truce deal, following a "breakthrough" on Monday (Jan 13). Now two Israeli officials have said that the Palestinian group is expected to free 33 hostages in the first phase of the proposed ceasefire agreement, according to a CNN report. During the talks in Doha, Qatar presented the draft to both Israel and Hamas. The chiefs of Israel's Mossad and Shin Bet spy agencies and the Qatari prime minister were also present in the meeting. A senior Israeli official on Monday said that Tel Aviv is hopeful that most of the 33 hostages are alive. He further said that, during the initial 42-day ceasefire, it is expected that Hamas will release the mortal remains of the ones dead in captivity. The official then said that Israel will immediately implement the truce deal once it is signed, as per CNN reports. Also read: 'Breakthrough,' Qatar presents Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal draft to Israel, Hamas Biden says Gaza ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel 'on the brink' of being finalised Meanwhile, outgoing US President Joe Biden on Monday said that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas was nearing completion. Speaking at the State Department, Biden said, “In the war between Israel and Hamas, we're on the brink of a proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition.” House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan too echoed Biden's sentiment earlier in the day, suggesting a truce could be sealed within days. “I'm not making a promise or prediction, but it is there for the taking and we are going to work to make it happen,” Sullivan told reporters. A Palestinian official close to Hamas also acknowledged that the current negotiations are the most “serious and deep” to date. “The current round of negotiations is the most serious and deep and has made significant progress,” the official told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas expected to release 33 hostages in first phase of emerging truce deal with Israel: Report

US President-elect Donald Trump, on Tuesday (Jan 7), reiterated his stark warning against Hamas stating that if the Palestinian militant group does not release hostages before the day he assumes office, which is Jan 20, "all hell will break out".
"All hell will break out. If those hostages aren't back, I don't want to hurt your negotiation, if they're not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump told reporters at a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
He said in response to one of the reporters who asked a question about the status of negotiations with Hamas concerning the release of American hostages by the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;
Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Charles Witkoff said that they were on the verge of it.
"I believe we've been on the verge of it. I don't want to discuss sort of what's delayed it, no point in being negative in any way. But I think it's the president, his stature, what he's said he expects, the red lines he's put out there, that's driving this negotiation," Witkoff said.
"I don't want to say too much because I think they're doing a really good job back in Doha. I'm leaving tomorrow to go back to Doha. But I think that we've had some really great progress and I'm really hopeful that by the inauguration we'll have some good things to announce on behalf of the president." "I actually believe that we're working in tandem in a really good way, but it's the president, his reputation, the things that he has said that are driving this negotiation. So hopefully it'll all work out and we'll save some lives," he added highlighting that they were making a lot of progress.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-hamas-has-not-given-status-of-hostages-it-says-ready-to-free-8595389" rel="dofollow">Also read: Israel says Hamas has not given 'status of hostages' it is ready to free</a>
<h2>'Oct 7 attack should've never happened': Trump</h2>
Trump then stressed that the Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas should have never happened.
"It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good frankly for anyone. All hell will break out. I don't have to say anymore, but that's what it is. They should have given them back a long time ago &mdash; they should have never taken them. There should have never been the attack of October 7th. People forget that, but there was and many people are killed," he said.
"They're no longer hostages. I have people from Israel and others calling, begging me to get &mdash; we had also people there from the United States just so you know. They're holding some so-called hostages from the US, but I've had mothers come to me and fathers crying, can I get the body of their son back? Can I get the body of their daughter back?" the US President-elect added.
"That beautiful girl where they threw her in the car, pulled her by her ponytail and threw her in the car like she was a sack of potatoes. I said, what happened to her? Sir, she's dead. Like a 19, 20-year-old, beautiful girl. The way they treated her," he said as he applauded his special envoy for the progress being made so far.
"I tell this, I don't want to hurt the negotiation. If the deal isn't done before I take office, which is now going to be two weeks, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump said.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Trump has issued warnings to Hamas several times to release hostages before January 20, when he will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

US President-elect Donald Trump, on Tuesday (Jan 7), reiterated his stark warning against Hamas stating that if the Palestinian militant group does not release hostages before the day he assumes office, which is Jan 20, "all hell will break out". "All hell will break out. If those hostages aren't back, I don't want to hurt your negotiation, if they're not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump told reporters at a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. He said in response to one of the reporters who asked a question about the status of negotiations with Hamas concerning the release of American hostages by the Palestinian militant group. Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Charles Witkoff said that they were on the verge of it. "I believe we've been on the verge of it. I don't want to discuss sort of what's delayed it, no point in being negative in any way. But I think it's the president, his stature, what he's said he expects, the red lines he's put out there, that's driving this negotiation," Witkoff said. "I don't want to say too much because I think they're doing a really good job back in Doha. I'm leaving tomorrow to go back to Doha. But I think that we've had some really great progress and I'm really hopeful that by the inauguration we'll have some good things to announce on behalf of the president." "I actually believe that we're working in tandem in a really good way, but it's the president, his reputation, the things that he has said that are driving this negotiation. So hopefully it'll all work out and we'll save some lives," he added highlighting that they were making a lot of progress. Also read: Israel says Hamas has not given 'status of hostages' it is ready to free 'Oct 7 attack should've never happened': Trump Trump then stressed that the Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas should have never happened. "It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good frankly for anyone. All hell will break out. I don't have to say anymore, but that's what it is. They should have given them back a long time ago — they should have never taken them. There should have never been the attack of October 7th. People forget that, but there was and many people are killed," he said. "They're no longer hostages. I have people from Israel and others calling, begging me to get — we had also people there from the United States just so you know. They're holding some so-called hostages from the US, but I've had mothers come to me and fathers crying, can I get the body of their son back? Can I get the body of their daughter back?" the US President-elect added. "That beautiful girl where they threw her in the car, pulled her by her ponytail and threw her in the car like she was a sack of potatoes. I said, what happened to her? Sir, she's dead. Like a 19, 20-year-old, beautiful girl. The way they treated her," he said as he applauded his special envoy for the progress being made so far. "I tell this, I don't want to hurt the negotiation. If the deal isn't done before I take office, which is now going to be two weeks, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump warns 'all hell will break out' if Hamas doesn't release hostages before Jan 20

The Israeli military said on Sunday that it has struck over 100 terror targets in the Gaza Strip over the last two days. According to a report by AFP, the rescuers in the Palestinian territory have reported dozens of deaths.&nbsp;
The majority of the strikes were launched to target locations, which Palestinian militants were using to fire projectiles into Israel.
A military statement from Israel said, &ldquo;IAF struck over 100 terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip and eliminated dozens of Hamas terrorists.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-initiate-major-8-billion-defence-deal-with-israel-report-8592558">US to initiate major $8 billion defence deal with Israel: Report</a>
According to Gaza&rsquo;s civil defence agency, more than 30 people were killed in Israeli strikes. During a press conference last week, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz gave a warning of revert strikes if the Palestinian rockets continue to hit Israeli territory.
The recent escalation in Gaza coincides with the resumption of indirect negotiations in Qatar aimed at securing a ceasefire and a hostage release deal.
For months, mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been working to broker an agreement to end the conflict and facilitate the release of dozens of hostages still detained in Gaza.
<h2>Other developments</h2>
As per the latest reports, the Biden administration is also looking to propose $8 billion in arms sales to Israel, according to two US officials.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-resumes-indirect-ceasefire-talks-with-hamas-in-qatar-amid-escalating-gaza-humanitarian-crisis-8592151">Israel says indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas resume in Qatar</a>
According to a report by Reuters, sources have also indicated that the package comprises small-diameter bombs, warheads, AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles, Hellfire AGM-114 missiles, and 155mm artillery shells, along with $6.75 billion worth of other bombs and guidance systems.
The US has spent nearly $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel since the start of the Gaza war after the Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in the death of 1,139 Israelis.
Gaza is currently under a complete blockade, with some reports claiming the stoppage of fuel and water from entering the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;
(With input from agencies)

World, Middle East: In a span of two days, Israeli forces have targeted several sites in Gaza, resulting in dozens of casualties and escalating tensions in the region significantly.

The Israeli military said on Sunday that it has struck over 100 terror targets in the Gaza Strip over the last two days. According to a report by AFP, the rescuers in the Palestinian territory have reported dozens of deaths. The majority of the strikes were launched to target locations, which Palestinian militants were using to fire projectiles into Israel. A military statement from Israel said, “IAF struck over 100 terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip and eliminated dozens of Hamas terrorists.” Also read: US to initiate major $8 billion defence deal with Israel: Report According to Gaza’s civil defence agency, more than 30 people were killed in Israeli strikes. During a press conference last week, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz gave a warning of revert strikes if the Palestinian rockets continue to hit Israeli territory. The recent escalation in Gaza coincides with the resumption of indirect negotiations in Qatar aimed at securing a ceasefire and a hostage release deal. For months, mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been working to broker an agreement to end the conflict and facilitate the release of dozens of hostages still detained in Gaza. Other developments As per the latest reports, the Biden administration is also looking to propose $8 billion in arms sales to Israel, according to two US officials. Also read: Israel says indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas resume in Qatar According to a report by Reuters, sources have also indicated that the package comprises small-diameter bombs, warheads, AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles, Hellfire AGM-114 missiles, and 155mm artillery shells, along with $6.75 billion worth of other bombs and guidance systems. The US has spent nearly $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel since the start of the Gaza war after the Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in the death of 1,139 Israelis. Gaza is currently under a complete blockade, with some reports claiming the stoppage of fuel and water from entering the Gaza Strip. (With input from agencies)

Dozens dead in Gaza as Israel hits 100 terror targets in 2 days

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Jan 4) released a video of a hostage held captive in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack.
In the three-and-a-half-minute video shared by the armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, 19-year-old soldier Liri Albag called for the Israeli government to secure her release, according to news agency AFP reports.
According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which is a campaign group for the families of the ones held captive, Albag's family did not authorise publication of the video.
"We appeal to the prime minister, world leaders and all decision-makers: it's time to take decisions as if it were your own children there," the family released a statement.
Albag was abducted by the Palestinian militant group at the age of 18 at the Nahal Oz base on the Gaza border along with six other women conscripts.
Five of them still remain in captivity.
Hamas abducted 251 hostages during the 2023 attack, out of which 96 still remain in Gaza, and as per the Israeli military, 34 are dead.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-accuses-israel-of-flagrant-violation-of-ceasefire-as-hezbollah-warns-patience-running-out-8592119" rel="dofollow">UN accuses Israel of 'flagrant violation' of ceasefire as Hezbollah warns patience running out</a>
<h2>Israel says indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas resume in Qatar</h2>
Meanwhile, Israel on Saturday (Jan 4) confirmed that indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release with Hamas have resumed in Qatar.
Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that an Israeli delegation had travelled to Qatar to advance talks.
"Efforts are underway to free the hostages, notably the Israeli delegation which left yesterday (Friday) for negotiations in Qatar," said his office.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given "detailed instructions for the continued negotiations," added the statement.
On Friday, Hamas also confirmed that the negotiations were poised to resume and said that it aims to "focus on ensuring the agreement leads to a complete cessation of hostilities (and) the withdrawal of occupation forces". Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been engaged in mediation efforts for months. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel on Saturday (Jan 4) confirmed that indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release with Hamas have resumed in Qatar.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Jan 4) released a video of a hostage held captive in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack. In the three-and-a-half-minute video shared by the armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, 19-year-old soldier Liri Albag called for the Israeli government to secure her release, according to news agency AFP reports. According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which is a campaign group for the families of the ones held captive, Albag's family did not authorise publication of the video. "We appeal to the prime minister, world leaders and all decision-makers: it's time to take decisions as if it were your own children there," the family released a statement. Albag was abducted by the Palestinian militant group at the age of 18 at the Nahal Oz base on the Gaza border along with six other women conscripts. Five of them still remain in captivity. Hamas abducted 251 hostages during the 2023 attack, out of which 96 still remain in Gaza, and as per the Israeli military, 34 are dead. Also read: UN accuses Israel of 'flagrant violation' of ceasefire as Hezbollah warns patience running out Israel says indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas resume in Qatar Meanwhile, Israel on Saturday (Jan 4) confirmed that indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release with Hamas have resumed in Qatar. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that an Israeli delegation had travelled to Qatar to advance talks. "Efforts are underway to free the hostages, notably the Israeli delegation which left yesterday (Friday) for negotiations in Qatar," said his office. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given "detailed instructions for the continued negotiations," added the statement. On Friday, Hamas also confirmed that the negotiations were poised to resume and said that it aims to "focus on ensuring the agreement leads to a complete cessation of hostilities (and) the withdrawal of occupation forces". Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been engaged in mediation efforts for months. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas releases video of teen Israeli hostage held in Gaza urging Netanyahu's govt to secure release

Israel's former defence minister Yoav Gallant, who was dismissed in November after spearheading the military campaign in Gaza for more than a year, announced Wednesday that he would resign from the parliament.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had sacked Gallant, saying there was a "breakdown in trust" amid disagreements between the two on several issues.
"I will submit my resignation to the speaker of the Knesset," Gallant said in a televised statement on Wednesday.&nbsp;
Minutes later, his office released a photograph showing him submitting his resignation to the speaker of parliament.
"I have served the state for 35 years in the IDF (military) and a decade in the government and the Knesset.... There are moments when one must pause and reassess the direction," Gallant said.
But he vowed to "continue working with all my strength to bring our kidnapped sons and daughters back home".
Netanyahu and Gallant disagreed on several issues, notably the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service.
Gallant had been a key advocate for ultra-Orthodox Jews to be called up, but Netanyahu wanted their exemption to continue, fearing their conscription could break up his governing coalition, which relies on the support of religious parties.
"I understood that the issue of drafting Haredim is not merely a social issue. It is, first and foremost, a necessary security and military need," he said in his statement on Wednesday.
"Therefore, I acted for the equal conscription of all those obligated to serve. Due to my insistence on prioritising the good of the state of Israel and the needs of the IDF, I was removed from my position as minister of defence."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-houthi-gamble-an-unlikely-force-shaping-west-asia-8584677" rel="dofollow">The Houthi Gamble: An unlikely force shaping West Asia</a>
Gallant and Netanyahu also clashed over the conduct of Israel's war in Gaza after the deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.&nbsp;
"I charted the course and set the direction that enabled the state of Israel to achieve a military victory of its enemies in the war," he said.
"As the former minister of defence, I take responsibility for everything that happened from the beginning of my term in the months leading up to the war and until the end of my term, over a year after the war began."
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant as well as Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, who the Israeli military says it killed in Gaza.
The court said it had found "reasonable grounds" to believe Netanyahu and Gallant bore "criminal responsibility" for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, as well as the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to maake it more suitable for WION audience.

World, Middle East: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant disagreed on several issues, notably the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service.

Israel's former defence minister Yoav Gallant, who was dismissed in November after spearheading the military campaign in Gaza for more than a year, announced Wednesday that he would resign from the parliament. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had sacked Gallant, saying there was a "breakdown in trust" amid disagreements between the two on several issues. "I will submit my resignation to the speaker of the Knesset," Gallant said in a televised statement on Wednesday. Minutes later, his office released a photograph showing him submitting his resignation to the speaker of parliament. "I have served the state for 35 years in the IDF (military) and a decade in the government and the Knesset.... There are moments when one must pause and reassess the direction," Gallant said. But he vowed to "continue working with all my strength to bring our kidnapped sons and daughters back home". Netanyahu and Gallant disagreed on several issues, notably the exemption of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service. Gallant had been a key advocate for ultra-Orthodox Jews to be called up, but Netanyahu wanted their exemption to continue, fearing their conscription could break up his governing coalition, which relies on the support of religious parties. "I understood that the issue of drafting Haredim is not merely a social issue. It is, first and foremost, a necessary security and military need," he said in his statement on Wednesday. "Therefore, I acted for the equal conscription of all those obligated to serve. Due to my insistence on prioritising the good of the state of Israel and the needs of the IDF, I was removed from my position as minister of defence." Also read: The Houthi Gamble: An unlikely force shaping West Asia Gallant and Netanyahu also clashed over the conduct of Israel's war in Gaza after the deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. "I charted the course and set the direction that enabled the state of Israel to achieve a military victory of its enemies in the war," he said. "As the former minister of defence, I take responsibility for everything that happened from the beginning of my term in the months leading up to the war and until the end of my term, over a year after the war began." In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant as well as Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, who the Israeli military says it killed in Gaza. The court said it had found "reasonable grounds" to believe Netanyahu and Gallant bore "criminal responsibility" for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare, as well as the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to maake it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel's sacked defence minister Yoav Gallant quits parliament

Emerging in the 1990s as a resistance movement against the corrupt Yemen government, the Houthis soon gained popularity as an armed political and religious group which champions Yemen's Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis. Forcing the country&rsquo;s internationally recognized government to flee to the southern city of Aden in 2014, the Houthis have established themselves as the de facto government of Yemen.&nbsp; &nbsp; Declaring to be a part of the Iranian-led "Axis of resistance" against Israel, the US, and the wider West, the Houthis have built their ideology targeting them, as evident in their slogan &ldquo;Death to America, death to Israel, curse upon the Jews, victory to Islam&rdquo;. &nbsp; Formerly known as the Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), little is known about their leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. Sanctioned by both, the U.S. Treasury and the UN Security Council from 2015, al-Houthi was still able to create a defiant force that would challenge the world powers.&nbsp; &nbsp; Despite their affinity for Iran, the Houthis deny being puppets of Tehran. What brings Houthis close to Iran and its proxies is the common dissatisfaction with the status quo of West Asia, one which is largely influenced by the US and its partners, especially Israel and Saudi Arabia. &nbsp; Since Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack on Israel and Israel's retaliatory military offensive in Gaza, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Israel, the Red Sea and the US instalments in the region. The Houthis have since intensified their manpower and arsenal. The number of Houthi fighters is estimated at 350,000 now, compared with 220,000 in 2022 and 30,000 in 2015. Within the Axis, the militia has coordinated with the Iraq-based Islamic Resistance in their attacks against Israel.&nbsp;
Houthi Arsenal- A Growing Threat &nbsp; Defunct Yemeni military weapons purchased from the Soviet Union and North Korea played a critical role in the initial Houthi attacks. In recent years Houthis have bolstered their arsenal, and analysts credit this expansion to covert support from Iran, which has supplied weapons to all its proxies across West Asia.&nbsp; &nbsp; To challenge Saudi Arabia, its regional nemesis, Iran has equipped Houthis with relatively cheap weapons capable of striking far beyond Yemen's borders. From 2015 to 2024, the US and its coalition partners intercepted at least 20 ships transporting Iranian missiles and advanced weapons to the Houthis.&nbsp;
The reach and sophistication of their weapons were exhibited in their first attack on Tel Aviv on 19 July 2024. Without being detected by the radars, the Yaffa drone manoeuvred its way from Yemen and approached Tel Aviv from the west to attack.&nbsp;
The Houthis further amplified attacks using their newly unveiled Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missiles in December 2024. With better precision and strike rates, the Houthis claimed at least 12 attacks on Israel since 11 December 2024. &nbsp;
Freedom of Navigation Crisis: War spills in the Red Sea &nbsp; In an ostensible effort to enforce a naval blockade on Israel, the Houthis pivoted their attention to maritime targets in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. &nbsp; Attacking vessels linked directly or indirectly to Israel and its allies with the same agility and showmanship, the Houthis delivered their first propaganda victory by hijacking a Bahamas-flagged vessel on 19 November 2023. Subsequently, between November 2023 and August 2024, the Houthis attempted 159 attacks in the southern Red Sea, 70 in the Gulf of Aden, 45 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and 2 in the western Arabian Sea.
Rising attacks led the shipping companies to opt for longer routes, adding an extra cost of $1 million for fuel. The war risk insurance premium for ships rose to 2% in 2024, up from just 0.05% before the crisis began. As a result of this disruption, Egypt suffered economically, losing over 60%, or $7 billion, of the revenue generated from the Suez Canal in 2024. &nbsp; In response to these regional assaults, the US and its allies announced Operation Prosperity Guardian on 18 December 2023 and Operation Poseidon on 9 January 2024. In the latest salvo carried out on 30 and 31 December 2024, the US attacks struck a command node, and facilities used for manufacturing and storing ammunitions, and destroyed radar positions and one-way aerial drones.&nbsp; &nbsp; Houthi Ascendancy: Israel's Constraints and the Search for Solutions &nbsp; Predominantly viewed as a local threat by most international observers, Houthis locus standi changed after the Hamas-led 7 October attacks against Israel.&nbsp;
As a result of their attacks on commercial ships, 50 nations have been affected, crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy, and 2,000 ships have been forced to divert their routes.&nbsp; &nbsp; In addition, the militia has successfully tilted the local balance of power in their favour. Today, Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not want to embroil themselves in yet another intractable conflict with the Houthis. Meanwhile, Egypt is focusing on preventing a humanitarian catastrophe, which might have repercussions for its already precarious economy. &nbsp; Among the "axis of resistance", the Houthis remain the only defiant force attacking Israel, with top Hamas leaders assassinated and a ceasefire observed with Hezbollah.&nbsp;
In an escalating statement, Israel announced that it will begin targeting Houthi leaders. However, killing leaders of this distant foe would be challenging for Israel. The lack of intelligence on Houthi leaders, reliance on allies to conduct counter-strikes against Houthi attacks, and the distance between the two countries, hinder the IDF's ability to operate swiftly. &nbsp; Israel needs indispensable international support to stop the barrage of airstrikes by the Houthis. A more assertive coalition to thwart Houthis&rsquo; ability to smuggle weapons and intelligence liaison from nations that have fought with Houthis previously are prerequisites to weakening Houthis. If Israel and its allies fail to address the Houthi threat, it will only grow. &nbsp;

To challenge Saudi Arabia, its regional nemesis, Iran has equipped Houthis with relatively cheap weapons capable of striking far beyond Yemen's borders. From 2015 to 2024, the US and its coalition partners intercepted at least 20 ships transporting Iranian missiles and advanced weapons to the Houthis. 

Emerging in the 1990s as a resistance movement against the corrupt Yemen government, the Houthis soon gained popularity as an armed political and religious group which champions Yemen's Shia Muslim minority, the Zaidis. Forcing the country’s internationally recognized government to flee to the southern city of Aden in 2014, the Houthis have established themselves as the de facto government of Yemen. Declaring to be a part of the Iranian-led "Axis of resistance" against Israel, the US, and the wider West, the Houthis have built their ideology targeting them, as evident in their slogan “Death to America, death to Israel, curse upon the Jews, victory to Islam”. Formerly known as the Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), little is known about their leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi. Sanctioned by both, the U.S. Treasury and the UN Security Council from 2015, al-Houthi was still able to create a defiant force that would challenge the world powers. Despite their affinity for Iran, the Houthis deny being puppets of Tehran. What brings Houthis close to Iran and its proxies is the common dissatisfaction with the status quo of West Asia, one which is largely influenced by the US and its partners, especially Israel and Saudi Arabia. Since Hamas' 7 October 2023 attack on Israel and Israel's retaliatory military offensive in Gaza, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Israel, the Red Sea and the US instalments in the region. The Houthis have since intensified their manpower and arsenal. The number of Houthi fighters is estimated at 350,000 now, compared with 220,000 in 2022 and 30,000 in 2015. Within the Axis, the militia has coordinated with the Iraq-based Islamic Resistance in their attacks against Israel. Houthi Arsenal- A Growing Threat Defunct Yemeni military weapons purchased from the Soviet Union and North Korea played a critical role in the initial Houthi attacks. In recent years Houthis have bolstered their arsenal, and analysts credit this expansion to covert support from Iran, which has supplied weapons to all its proxies across West Asia. To challenge Saudi Arabia, its regional nemesis, Iran has equipped Houthis with relatively cheap weapons capable of striking far beyond Yemen's borders. From 2015 to 2024, the US and its coalition partners intercepted at least 20 ships transporting Iranian missiles and advanced weapons to the Houthis. The reach and sophistication of their weapons were exhibited in their first attack on Tel Aviv on 19 July 2024. Without being detected by the radars, the Yaffa drone manoeuvred its way from Yemen and approached Tel Aviv from the west to attack. The Houthis further amplified attacks using their newly unveiled Palestine-2 hypersonic ballistic missiles in December 2024. With better precision and strike rates, the Houthis claimed at least 12 attacks on Israel since 11 December 2024. Freedom of Navigation Crisis: War spills in the Red Sea In an ostensible effort to enforce a naval blockade on Israel, the Houthis pivoted their attention to maritime targets in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Attacking vessels linked directly or indirectly to Israel and its allies with the same agility and showmanship, the Houthis delivered their first propaganda victory by hijacking a Bahamas-flagged vessel on 19 November 2023. Subsequently, between November 2023 and August 2024, the Houthis attempted 159 attacks in the southern Red Sea, 70 in the Gulf of Aden, 45 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and 2 in the western Arabian Sea. Rising attacks led the shipping companies to opt for longer routes, adding an extra cost of $1 million for fuel. The war risk insurance premium for ships rose to 2% in 2024, up from just 0.05% before the crisis began. As a result of this disruption, Egypt suffered economically, losing over 60%, or $7 billion, of the revenue generated from the Suez Canal in 2024. In response to these regional assaults, the US and its allies announced Operation Prosperity Guardian on 18 December 2023 and Operation Poseidon on 9 January 2024. In the latest salvo carried out on 30 and 31 December 2024, the US attacks struck a command node, and facilities used for manufacturing and storing ammunitions, and destroyed radar positions and one-way aerial drones. Houthi Ascendancy: Israel's Constraints and the Search for Solutions Predominantly viewed as a local threat by most international observers, Houthis locus standi changed after the Hamas-led 7 October attacks against Israel. As a result of their attacks on commercial ships, 50 nations have been affected, crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy, and 2,000 ships have been forced to divert their routes. In addition, the militia has successfully tilted the local balance of power in their favour. Today, Saudi Arabia and the UAE do not want to embroil themselves in yet another intractable conflict with the Houthis. Meanwhile, Egypt is focusing on preventing a humanitarian catastrophe, which might have repercussions for its already precarious economy. Among the "axis of resistance", the Houthis remain the only defiant force attacking Israel, with top Hamas leaders assassinated and a ceasefire observed with Hezbollah. In an escalating statement, Israel announced that it will begin targeting Houthi leaders. However, killing leaders of this distant foe would be challenging for Israel. The lack of intelligence on Houthi leaders, reliance on allies to conduct counter-strikes against Houthi attacks, and the distance between the two countries, hinder the IDF's ability to operate swiftly. Israel needs indispensable international support to stop the barrage of airstrikes by the Houthis. A more assertive coalition to thwart Houthis’ ability to smuggle weapons and intelligence liaison from nations that have fought with Houthis previously are prerequisites to weakening Houthis. If Israel and its allies fail to address the Houthi threat, it will only grow.

The Houthi Gamble: An unlikely force shaping West Asia

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday (Dec 31) warned Palestinian militant group Hamas to release hostages held captive in Gaza before he takes office.
Reiterating his ultimatum, Trump while speaking to a reporter on if he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the possibility of a ceasefire and hostage deal said, &ldquo;We&rsquo;re gonna see what happens, I&rsquo;ll put it this way: they better let the hostages come back soon.&rdquo;
This comes after Trump took to his official Truth Social handle and issued a stern warning to Hamas to release the hostages before Jan 20, the day when he assumes office, or else there will be "all hell to pay" in the Middle East.
&ldquo;Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it&rsquo;s all talk, and no action! Please let this Truth serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity&rdquo;, he wrote.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-year-begins-with-houthi-missile-attacks-on-israel-one-intercepted-8581933" rel="dofollow">Also read: New Year begins in West Asia with Houthi missile attacks on Israel; one intercepted</a>
"Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America. Release the hostages now!," he added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5dl3ilt-gws9iavz-xgxlsdq8">
Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it&rsquo;s all talk, and no action! Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January&hellip;
&mdash; Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpDailyPosts/status/1863674423678525573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
<h2>Israel kills Hamas commander who led Oct 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz</h2>
Meanwhile, The Israeli army on Tuesday (Dec 31) said that they eliminated Hamas' Nukhba Platoon commander, Abd al-Hadi Sabah in a drone strike that was conducted recently.
Sabah, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), was the leader of the Oct 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz.
The Nukhba Platoon commander in Hamas' Western Khan Yunis Battalion was killed in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, said the IDF in a statement.
Taking to their official X handle, the IDF said, "Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike."
(With inputs from agencies)

This comes after Trump took to his official Truth Social handle and issued a stern warning to Hamas to release the hostages before Jan 20, the day when he assumes office, or else there will be "all hell to pay" in the Middle East.

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday (Dec 31) warned Palestinian militant group Hamas to release hostages held captive in Gaza before he takes office. Reiterating his ultimatum, Trump while speaking to a reporter on if he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the possibility of a ceasefire and hostage deal said, “We’re gonna see what happens, I’ll put it this way: they better let the hostages come back soon.” This comes after Trump took to his official Truth Social handle and issued a stern warning to Hamas to release the hostages before Jan 20, the day when he assumes office, or else there will be "all hell to pay" in the Middle East. “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action! Please let this Truth serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity”, he wrote. Also read: New Year begins in West Asia with Houthi missile attacks on Israel; one intercepted "Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America. Release the hostages now!," he added. Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action! Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January… — Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 2, 2024 Israel kills Hamas commander who led Oct 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz Meanwhile, The Israeli army on Tuesday (Dec 31) said that they eliminated Hamas' Nukhba Platoon commander, Abd al-Hadi Sabah in a drone strike that was conducted recently. Sabah, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), was the leader of the Oct 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. The Nukhba Platoon commander in Hamas' Western Khan Yunis Battalion was killed in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, said the IDF in a statement. Taking to their official X handle, the IDF said, "Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump warns Hamas to 'let hostages come back soon'

The Israeli army on Tuesday (Dec 31) said that they eliminated Hamas' Nukhba Platoon commander, Abd al-Hadi Sabah in a drone strike that was conducted recently.
Sabah, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), was the leader of the Oct 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz.
The Nukhba Platoon commander in Hamas' Western Khan Yunis Battalion was killed in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, said the IDF in a statement.
Taking to their official X handle, the IDF said, "Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike."
"Abd al-Hadi Sabah--who operated from a shelter in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis--was one of the leaders of the infiltration into Kibbutz Nir Oz during the murderous October 7 Massacre. Sabah also led and advanced numerous terrorist attacks against IDF troops throughout the current war. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against all of the terrorists who took part in the murderous October 7 Massacre," they further added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-leader-predicts-us-president-elect-trump-will-destroy-iran-8581210" rel="dofollow">Palestinian leader predicts Trump will 'destroy' Iran: Report</a>
The Israeli defence had earlier said that they had killed 14 Hamas militants, out of which six were the ones involved in the Oct 7 attack. The operations were a part of IDF's 162nd "Steel" Division's ongoing activity in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
The 162nd Division is functioning in the Jabalia and Beit Lahia as part of a joint operation between the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel's General Security Service) aimed at locating and killing militants who participated in the Oct 7 attack.
<h2>IDF kills Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket unit chief</h2>
The IDF also announced that it killed Anas Muhammad Masri, who was the commander of the northern sector of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad&rsquo;s rocket unit.
Masri, as per the IDF, was actively commanding rocket fire into Israel from the northern part of Gaza.
The Israeli army said that he was a &ldquo;significant figure responsible for executing numerous terrorist operations, managing and directing actions by the organization that targeted Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli defence had earlier said that they had killed 14 Hamas militants, out of which six had been involved in the Oct 7 attack. 

The Israeli army on Tuesday (Dec 31) said that they eliminated Hamas' Nukhba Platoon commander, Abd al-Hadi Sabah in a drone strike that was conducted recently. Sabah, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), was the leader of the Oct 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. The Nukhba Platoon commander in Hamas' Western Khan Yunis Battalion was killed in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, said the IDF in a statement. Taking to their official X handle, the IDF said, "Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike." "Abd al-Hadi Sabah--who operated from a shelter in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis--was one of the leaders of the infiltration into Kibbutz Nir Oz during the murderous October 7 Massacre. Sabah also led and advanced numerous terrorist attacks against IDF troops throughout the current war. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against all of the terrorists who took part in the murderous October 7 Massacre," they further added. Also read: Palestinian leader predicts Trump will 'destroy' Iran: Report The Israeli defence had earlier said that they had killed 14 Hamas militants, out of which six were the ones involved in the Oct 7 attack. The operations were a part of IDF's 162nd "Steel" Division's ongoing activity in the war-torn Gaza Strip. The 162nd Division is functioning in the Jabalia and Beit Lahia as part of a joint operation between the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel's General Security Service) aimed at locating and killing militants who participated in the Oct 7 attack. IDF kills Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket unit chief The IDF also announced that it killed Anas Muhammad Masri, who was the commander of the northern sector of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s rocket unit. Masri, as per the IDF, was actively commanding rocket fire into Israel from the northern part of Gaza. The Israeli army said that he was a “significant figure responsible for executing numerous terrorist operations, managing and directing actions by the organization that targeted Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel kills Hamas commander who led Oct 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent a successful prostate removal surgery and is in good condition, the hospital officials treating him said. This comes amid the Gaza war and his trial for alleged corruption.
Israel&rsquo;s longest-serving leader has held up a public image of being in good health and full of vigour, boasting his 18-hour days.&nbsp;
The 75-year-old prime minister has had a series of health issues over the recent years. His latest operation was done to remove a benign enlarged prostate due to a urinary tract infection. Netanyahu&rsquo;s office said that he is fully conscious after the successful surgery at Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-cancels-court-hearings-as-he-prepares-for-prostate-surgery-extended-hospital-stay-8575480" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Israel's Netanyahu to undergo prostate surgery; Justice Minister to serve as acting PM</a>
"The prime minister has awakened from anaesthesia and is in good condition. He has been transferred to the recovery unit and will remain under observation in the coming days," the Hadassah Medical Centre said in a statement.
&ldquo;There was no fear&rdquo; of cancer or malignancy. &ldquo;We only hope for the best,&rdquo; Hospital, head of the urology department at Jerusalem&rsquo;s Hadassah Medical Center, said in a video statement.
Earlier, in March, the Israeli PM had surgery for a hernia. He also has a heart condition due to which he underwent surgery to have a pacemaker implanted in July last year.
In a statement, his office said that he was taken to an underground recovery unit and is expected to remain there for several days for observation. His current location is fortified against potential missile attacks.
The operation was carried out on Sunday (Dec 29). Netanyahu had a testimony scheduled this week concerning his ongoing corruption trial. His lawyer, Amit Hadad, called off the court presence as he would require &ldquo;a number of days&rdquo; for the procedure.
Netanyahu has denied the charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-attorney-general-orders-cops-to-open-probe-into-netanyahus-wife-because-of-this-reason-8571748" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Israeli attorney general orders cops to open probe into Netanyahu's wife because of THIS reason</a>
During his absence from office, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, was the acting prime minister while Netanyahu was having his recent surgery.
The news of Netanyahu&rsquo;s health comes days after one of the last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza was raided by the Israeli military. The director of the hospital was arrested.
Israel&rsquo;s war with Hamas has been going on for more than 14 months following the October 7 attacks that led to the killing of about 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 others.
Meanwhile, Israel&rsquo;s retaliation resulted in the death of over 45,400 Palestinians and more than 108,000 wounded, according to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry.
(With inputs from agencies)

Earlier, in March, the Israeli PM had surgery for a hernia. He also has a heart condition due to which he underwent surgery to have a pacemaker implanted in July last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent a successful prostate removal surgery and is in good condition, the hospital officials treating him said. This comes amid the Gaza war and his trial for alleged corruption. Israel’s longest-serving leader has held up a public image of being in good health and full of vigour, boasting his 18-hour days. The 75-year-old prime minister has had a series of health issues over the recent years. His latest operation was done to remove a benign enlarged prostate due to a urinary tract infection. Netanyahu’s office said that he is fully conscious after the successful surgery at Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center. Also read | Israel's Netanyahu to undergo prostate surgery; Justice Minister to serve as acting PM "The prime minister has awakened from anaesthesia and is in good condition. He has been transferred to the recovery unit and will remain under observation in the coming days," the Hadassah Medical Centre said in a statement. “There was no fear” of cancer or malignancy. “We only hope for the best,” Hospital, head of the urology department at Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center, said in a video statement. Earlier, in March, the Israeli PM had surgery for a hernia. He also has a heart condition due to which he underwent surgery to have a pacemaker implanted in July last year. In a statement, his office said that he was taken to an underground recovery unit and is expected to remain there for several days for observation. His current location is fortified against potential missile attacks. The operation was carried out on Sunday (Dec 29). Netanyahu had a testimony scheduled this week concerning his ongoing corruption trial. His lawyer, Amit Hadad, called off the court presence as he would require “a number of days” for the procedure. Netanyahu has denied the charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Also read | Israeli attorney general orders cops to open probe into Netanyahu's wife because of THIS reason During his absence from office, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, was the acting prime minister while Netanyahu was having his recent surgery. The news of Netanyahu’s health comes days after one of the last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza was raided by the Israeli military. The director of the hospital was arrested. Israel’s war with Hamas has been going on for more than 14 months following the October 7 attacks that led to the killing of about 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 others. Meanwhile, Israel’s retaliation resulted in the death of over 45,400 Palestinians and more than 108,000 wounded, according to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu ‘in good condition’ after successful prostate removal surgery

In a series of plots that involved Iran recruiting Israeli civilians, an Israeli man from Jerusalem was nabbed for carrying out missions for the Islamic nation.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old suspect named Arlder Israel Amoyal was detained in November over the suspicions that he was “committing security offences related to contact with intelligence officials of the Iranian regime and carrying out security missions in Israel under their direction, for financial gain,” the Shin Bet security agency said.&nbsp;

Amoyal had connected with Iranian intelligence elements since October via social media. The officials said he was in contact with a profile under the name "Arianna" which later changed the name to "John".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Polio Vaccination Team Attacked In Pakistan, At least One Policeman Killed

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The investigation revealed that Amoyal was unaware of the fact that "John" was an Iranian operative, but he agreed to carry out surveillance for him. His missions included photographing various addresses and spraying graffiti.

The suspect took photos of a paper with the words "Making Peace" written on it. He further graffitied the word "Sinwar" in Tel Aviv and also took photos of several houses in Netanya and Jerusalem.&nbsp;

He even purchased a GoPro camera to film his actions and used it to send the footage to his handler "John".&nbsp;

Amnoyal further worked to recruit others to carry out missions for Iran. He specifically chose people with prior criminal records.&nbsp;

Shin Bet said Amoyal suggested to "John" to set fire to a police cruiser. He also suggested shutting down power to the Jerusalem light rail.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sara-sharif-murder-sadist-father-and-stepmother-imprisoned-for-life-for-brutally-killing-her-784733">Sara Sharif murder: 'Sadist' father and stepmother imprisoned for life for brutally killing her</a>

He was rewarded for his actions via cryptocurrency.&nbsp;

An indictment is expected to be filed shortly against him.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a series of plots that involved Iran recruiting Israeli civilians, an Israeli man from Jerusalem was nabbed for carrying out missions for the Islamic nation. The 23-year-old suspect named Arlder Israel Amoyal was detained in November over the suspicions that he was “committing security offences related to contact with intelligence officials of the Iranian regime and carrying out security missions in Israel under their direction, for financial gain,” the Shin Bet security agency said.

In a series of plots that involved Iran recruiting Israeli civilians, an Israeli man from Jerusalem was nabbed for carrying out missions for the Islamic nation. The 23-year-old suspect named Arlder Israel Amoyal was detained in November over the suspicions that he was “committing security offences related to contact with intelligence officials of the Iranian regime and carrying out security missions in Israel under their direction, for financial gain,” the Shin Bet security agency said. Amoyal had connected with Iranian intelligence elements since October via social media. The officials said he was in contact with a profile under the name "Arianna" which later changed the name to "John". Watch | Polio Vaccination Team Attacked In Pakistan, At least One Policeman Killed The investigation revealed that Amoyal was unaware of the fact that "John" was an Iranian operative, but he agreed to carry out surveillance for him. His missions included photographing various addresses and spraying graffiti. The suspect took photos of a paper with the words "Making Peace" written on it. He further graffitied the word "Sinwar" in Tel Aviv and also took photos of several houses in Netanya and Jerusalem. He even purchased a GoPro camera to film his actions and used it to send the footage to his handler "John". Amnoyal further worked to recruit others to carry out missions for Iran. He specifically chose people with prior criminal records. Shin Bet said Amoyal suggested to "John" to set fire to a police cruiser. He also suggested shutting down power to the Jerusalem light rail. Also read | Sara Sharif murder: 'Sadist' father and stepmother imprisoned for life for brutally killing her He was rewarded for his actions via cryptocurrency. An indictment is expected to be filed shortly against him. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran

Fourteen months after stepping into the Israel-Hamas war which began with the horrific October 7 attack, Hezbollah lost several fighters and saw its backbone breaking by the brunt it bore of Israel's offensive.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The number of fighters Hezbollah has lost in these 14 months is several thousand but what has shaken it to its core is the killing of its leaders and attack on its systems. Here's how 2024 looked for Hezbollah.

<h2>Strike on headquarters of Hezbollah and killing of Nasrallah</h2>

On September 27, 2024, Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah was killed after Israel launched an airstrike on their headquarters in Beirut.&nbsp;

The strike happened when Hezbollah leaders were holding a meeting in their headquarters, which was in the underground below the residential buildings in the south of Beirut.

The Israeli Air Force used F-15I&nbsp;fighters and dropped more than 80 bombs, which included US-made 2,000-pound (910&nbsp;kg)&nbsp;bunker buster bombs with which the underground headquarters along with the nearby buildings were destroyed.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-to-syrias-new-rulers-dont-normalise-ties-with-israel-after-assads-ouster-784055">&nbsp;‘Don’t normalise ties with Israel’: Hezbollah to Syria’s new rulers after Assad’s ouster</a>

The IDF announced Nasrallah's death on September 28, and after two days, his body was recovered from the rubble.

<h2>Hezbollah's trembling throne&nbsp;</h2>

This was not the first time any Hezbollah leader was killed. Israel had neutralised Hezbollah's senior military leader, Fuad Shukr, in July.&nbsp;

Hezbollah's commander of Southern Front, Ali Karaki, was also killed. However, Nasrallah's death left Hezbollah without any leader as the militant outfit struggled to fill the vacuum.

They named Naim Qassem as their interim leader, however, many reports suggested that Hashem Safieddine will be the next Secretary-General.&nbsp;

Safieddine survived a lot of attacks, but was finally killed in an Israeli airstrike on October 3. On October 29, Hezbollah elected Qassem as the secretary-general and Nasrallah's successor.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel breaks Hezbollah's communication backbone</h2>

In a never-thought kind of attack, thousands of handheld&nbsp;pagers and walkie-talkies of Hezbollah members exploded on September 17 and 18 in what was Israel's well co-ordinated series of attacks.

In the explosions, at least 42 people were killed and 3,500 others were injured, which included many civilians.&nbsp;

The blast showed the world how the compromise of low-tech wireless communication devices can turn deadly.&nbsp;The attack was a brutal strike on the militant group's "Achilles' heel".

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah Exchange Fire Despite Truce&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-exchange-fire-despite-truce-the-west-asia-post-wion-world-news-782102/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The wireless pagers suddenly exploded at 3:30 pm (local time) in Lebanon just after a message was delivered on the device, which appeared to have been sent by the leadership of Hezbollah.&nbsp;

As per the officials, the delivery of the messages activated the explosives as the device beeped for many seconds before it exploded.&nbsp;

The explosions underscored how vulnerable Hezbollah’s communication network is and how it was compromised, which led to the deadly blasts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fourteen months after stepping into the Israel-Hamas war which began with the horrific October 7 attack, Hezbollah lost several fighters and saw its backbone breaking by the brunt it bore of Israel's offensive.

Fourteen months after stepping into the Israel-Hamas war which began with the horrific October 7 attack, Hezbollah lost several fighters and saw its backbone breaking by the brunt it bore of Israel's offensive. The number of fighters Hezbollah has lost in these 14 months is several thousand but what has shaken it to its core is the killing of its leaders and attack on its systems. Here's how 2024 looked for Hezbollah. Strike on headquarters of Hezbollah and killing of Nasrallah On September 27, 2024, Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah was killed after Israel launched an airstrike on their headquarters in Beirut. The strike happened when Hezbollah leaders were holding a meeting in their headquarters, which was in the underground below the residential buildings in the south of Beirut. The Israeli Air Force used F-15I fighters and dropped more than 80 bombs, which included US-made 2,000-pound (910 kg) bunker buster bombs with which the underground headquarters along with the nearby buildings were destroyed. Also Read: ‘Don’t normalise ties with Israel’: Hezbollah to Syria’s new rulers after Assad’s ouster The IDF announced Nasrallah's death on September 28, and after two days, his body was recovered from the rubble. Hezbollah's trembling throne This was not the first time any Hezbollah leader was killed. Israel had neutralised Hezbollah's senior military leader, Fuad Shukr, in July. Hezbollah's commander of Southern Front, Ali Karaki, was also killed. However, Nasrallah's death left Hezbollah without any leader as the militant outfit struggled to fill the vacuum. They named Naim Qassem as their interim leader, however, many reports suggested that Hashem Safieddine will be the next Secretary-General. Safieddine survived a lot of attacks, but was finally killed in an Israeli airstrike on October 3. On October 29, Hezbollah elected Qassem as the secretary-general and Nasrallah's successor. Israel breaks Hezbollah's communication backbone In a never-thought kind of attack, thousands of handheld pagers and walkie-talkies of Hezbollah members exploded on September 17 and 18 in what was Israel's well co-ordinated series of attacks. In the explosions, at least 42 people were killed and 3,500 others were injured, which included many civilians. The blast showed the world how the compromise of low-tech wireless communication devices can turn deadly. The attack was a brutal strike on the militant group's "Achilles' heel". Watch: Israel-Hezbollah Exchange Fire Despite Truce The wireless pagers suddenly exploded at 3:30 pm (local time) in Lebanon just after a message was delivered on the device, which appeared to have been sent by the leadership of Hezbollah. As per the officials, the delivery of the messages activated the explosives as the device beeped for many seconds before it exploded. The explosions underscored how vulnerable Hezbollah’s communication network is and how it was compromised, which led to the deadly blasts. (With inputs from agencies)

A flashback into all that Hezbollah lost in war between Israel and Hamas in 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces. “We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message. He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“ Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price' Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.” He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict. Also read: Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus. The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western region. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan&nbsp;to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels.&nbsp;

The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights.

<h2>Netanyahu defends population expansion plan</h2>

Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-has-no-interest-in-confronting-syria-784226">Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'</a>

Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel."

"We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added.

<h2>Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights&nbsp;plan</h2>

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria".

Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154" target="_blank">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>

With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels.

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights. Netanyahu defends population expansion plan Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population". Also read | Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria' Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel." "We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added. Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria". Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law". Also read | Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel greenlights $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population amid regional tensions

Jerusalem
Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. 
The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights.
<h2>Netanyahu defends population expansion plan</h2>
Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-has-no-interest-in-confronting-syria-784226">Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'</a>
Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel."
"We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added.
<h2>Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan</h2>
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria".
Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154" target="_blank">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>
With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. 
Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. 
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for this population plan



Jerusalem Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights. Netanyahu defends population expansion plan Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population". Also read | Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria' Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel." "We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added. Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria". Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law". Also read | Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Tel Aviv, Israel
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces.
“We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message.
He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“
<h2>Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price'</h2>
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.”
He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>
On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus.
The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western region.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

“We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message.



Tel Aviv, Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces. “We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message. He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“ Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price' Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.” He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict. Also read: Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus. The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western region. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in the West Asian nation, Israeli state media reported.

The Israeli Army&nbsp;had earlier on Sunday said&nbsp;it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarised area in the Golan Heights.&nbsp;

The move, it said, was aimed at preventing rebel forces from seizing control of the area and launching potential attacks on Israel.

<h2>Netanyahu says ordered army to capture Syria buffer zone as pact had collapsed</h2>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Dec 8) said that he had ordered his military to capture the demilitarised buffer zone on the border with Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

He said that a "disengagement agreement", that dated back to 50 years between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions".

"I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border."

On Sunday, the army announced a troop deployment there, citing "the possible entry of armed individuals into the buffer zone".

"Following the recent events in Syria... the IDF (military) has deployed forces in the buffer zone and in several other places necessary for its defence, to ensure the safety of the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of Israel," a military statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-ordered-military-to-seize-syria-buffer-zone-idf-says-defensive-measure-782505">Netanyahu orders military to seize Syria buffer zone; IDF says it's temporary</a>

Israeli forces "will continue to operate as long as necessary in order to preserve the buffer zone and defend Israel", it added.

<h2>Israel strikes weapons depot in Damascus</h2>

Israel also launched an airstrike on a weapons depot in Damascus, reported news agency Reuters citing China Global Television Network (CGTN).

A CGTN reporter shot a video that showed how the Israeli military struck the weapon facility to prevent it from falling into the hands of Syrian rebel forces who have "anti-Israeli sentiments".

"As we can see here, it looks like that the Israelis, they don't want the weapons of the Syrian military to be looted or to be scattered in hands of rebels because now they don't know who the weapons here are. There are people from everywhere, everywhere who's carrying a weapon, a light weapon is considered a rebel,"&nbsp;said Hydar Kazwini.

"So the Israelis don't know the orientation of them. They don't know their objectives, whether they are rebels, they have anti-Israeli sentiments. So they're striking all the maybe cutting-edge weapons that can be found when the Syrian military evacuated places. They are just preventing those weapons from reaching to the Syrian rebels,"

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in the West Asian nation, Israeli state media reported.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in the West Asian nation, Israeli state media reported. The Israeli Army had earlier on Sunday said it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarised area in the Golan Heights. The move, it said, was aimed at preventing rebel forces from seizing control of the area and launching potential attacks on Israel. Netanyahu says ordered army to capture Syria buffer zone as pact had collapsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Dec 8) said that he had ordered his military to capture the demilitarised buffer zone on the border with Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. He said that a "disengagement agreement", that dated back to 50 years between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions". "I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border." On Sunday, the army announced a troop deployment there, citing "the possible entry of armed individuals into the buffer zone". "Following the recent events in Syria... the IDF (military) has deployed forces in the buffer zone and in several other places necessary for its defence, to ensure the safety of the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of Israel," a military statement said. Also read: Netanyahu orders military to seize Syria buffer zone; IDF says it's temporary Israeli forces "will continue to operate as long as necessary in order to preserve the buffer zone and defend Israel", it added. Israel strikes weapons depot in Damascus Israel also launched an airstrike on a weapons depot in Damascus, reported news agency Reuters citing China Global Television Network (CGTN). A CGTN reporter shot a video that showed how the Israeli military struck the weapon facility to prevent it from falling into the hands of Syrian rebel forces who have "anti-Israeli sentiments". "As we can see here, it looks like that the Israelis, they don't want the weapons of the Syrian military to be looted or to be scattered in hands of rebels because now they don't know who the weapons here are. There are people from everywhere, everywhere who's carrying a weapon, a light weapon is considered a rebel," said Hydar Kazwini. "So the Israelis don't know the orientation of them. They don't know their objectives, whether they are rebels, they have anti-Israeli sentiments. So they're striking all the maybe cutting-edge weapons that can be found when the Syrian military evacuated places. They are just preventing those weapons from reaching to the Syrian rebels," Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel seizes Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon after Assad flees

Israel has&nbsp;destroyed&nbsp;significant military sites in Syria with a wave of airstrikes since the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad, said a war monitor on Tuesday (Dec 10).

"Israel destroyed the most important military sites in Syria, including Syrian airports and their warehouses, aircraft squadrons, radars, military signal stations, and many weapons and ammunition depots in various locations in most Syrian governorates," the Britain-based Observatory said in a statement Tuesday.&nbsp;

Israel targeted an air defence facility in the vicinity of the port city of Latakia, destroying Syria's naval ships as well as military warehouses.

<h2>Israel seizes Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon</h2>

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in the West Asian nation, Israeli state media reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-conflict-us-nsa-sullivan-to-visit-israel-for-talks-on-syria-as-rebels-take-over-updates-782755">US NSA Sullivan to visit Israel for talks on Syria as rebels take over nation</a>

The Israeli Army had earlier on Sunday said it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarised area in the Golan Heights.&nbsp;

The move, it said, was aimed at preventing rebel forces from seizing control of the area and launching potential attacks on Israel.

<h2>Netanyahu says ordered army to capture Syria buffer zone as pact had collapsed</h2>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Dec 8) said that he had ordered his military to capture the demilitarised buffer zone on the border with Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

He said that a "disengagement agreement", that dated back to 50 years between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions".

"I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border."

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel has destroyed significant military sites in Syria with a wave of airstrikes since the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad, said a war monitor on Tuesday (Dec 10).

Israel has destroyed significant military sites in Syria with a wave of airstrikes since the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad, said a war monitor on Tuesday (Dec 10). "Israel destroyed the most important military sites in Syria, including Syrian airports and their warehouses, aircraft squadrons, radars, military signal stations, and many weapons and ammunition depots in various locations in most Syrian governorates," the Britain-based Observatory said in a statement Tuesday. Israel targeted an air defence facility in the vicinity of the port city of Latakia, destroying Syria's naval ships as well as military warehouses. Israel seizes Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in the West Asian nation, Israeli state media reported. Also read: US NSA Sullivan to visit Israel for talks on Syria as rebels take over nation The Israeli Army had earlier on Sunday said it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarised area in the Golan Heights. The move, it said, was aimed at preventing rebel forces from seizing control of the area and launching potential attacks on Israel. Netanyahu says ordered army to capture Syria buffer zone as pact had collapsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Dec 8) said that he had ordered his military to capture the demilitarised buffer zone on the border with Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. He said that a "disengagement agreement", that dated back to 50 years between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions". "I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel destroys key military sites in Syria as it carries out dozens of air strikes

In the wake of the ouster of Assad regime by rebel forces, the US launched airstrikes over Islamic State&nbsp;camps in Syria, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

In India, more than 40 schools in national capital Delhi receive bomb threats through e-mails on Monday morning (Dec 9). The schools which received the bomb threat included Delhi Public School located in RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar in the early morning hours, as per news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines for more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-toppling-of-assad-us-airstrikes-isis-camps-hidden-in-syria-782556">After toppling of Assad, US airstrikes ISIS camps hidden in Syria</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/09/470232-syria.png?imwidth=400" />

The operation included “dozens of precision airstrikes” and more than 75 targets were hit using Air Force assets like B-52s, F-15s and A-10s in central Syria.&nbsp;“The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade and defeat ISIS, in order to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria,” read the CENTCOM’s statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-schools-in-indias-national-capital-receive-bomb-threats-children-sent-back-782530">More than 40 schools in India's capital receive bomb threats via email</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/09/470217-dps-rk-puram-2.png?imwidth=400" />

According to Delhi Police, the email read,&nbsp;"I planted multiple bombs inside (school) buildings. The bombs are small and hidden very well. It will not cause much damage to the building, but many people will be injured when the bombs detonate. If I do not receive $30,000 I will detonate the bombs." The email was sent to school authorities on Sunday night (Dec 08) at 11:38 pm local time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-security-council-to-hold-emergency-meeting-to-discuss-situation-in-syria-as-assad-flees-country-782534">UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting to discuss situation in Syria</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/09/470220-00036pl8w4.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency closed-door meeting on Monday afternoon (Dec 9) to discuss the situation in Syria, following President Bashar al-Assad's fleeing the country, news agency AFP reported citing multiple diplomatic sources.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-seizes-syrian-army-outpost-at-the-summit-of-mount-hermon-after-assad-flees-report-782560">Israel seizes Syrian army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/09/470237-00036pw3ak.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, said the Israeli state media reports.&nbsp;The army had earlier on Sunday declared that it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarized area in the Golan Heights.&nbsp;

WATCH:&nbsp;Syrian Rebels Capture Damascus Forcing Assad to Flee in a Big Blow to Russia &amp; Iran 
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In the wake of the ouster of Assad regime by rebel forces, the US launched airstrikes over Islamic State camps in Syria, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM). In India, more than 40 schools in national capital Delhi receive bomb threats through e-mails on Monday morning (Dec 9).

In the wake of the ouster of Assad regime by rebel forces, the US launched airstrikes over Islamic State camps in Syria, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM). In India, more than 40 schools in national capital Delhi receive bomb threats through e-mails on Monday morning (Dec 9). The schools which received the bomb threat included Delhi Public School located in RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar in the early morning hours, as per news agency ANI. Click on the headlines for more After toppling of Assad, US airstrikes ISIS camps hidden in Syria The operation included “dozens of precision airstrikes” and more than 75 targets were hit using Air Force assets like B-52s, F-15s and A-10s in central Syria. “The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade and defeat ISIS, in order to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria,” read the CENTCOM’s statement. More than 40 schools in India's capital receive bomb threats via email According to Delhi Police, the email read, "I planted multiple bombs inside (school) buildings. The bombs are small and hidden very well. It will not cause much damage to the building, but many people will be injured when the bombs detonate. If I do not receive $30,000 I will detonate the bombs." The email was sent to school authorities on Sunday night (Dec 08) at 11:38 pm local time. UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting to discuss situation in Syria The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency closed-door meeting on Monday afternoon (Dec 9) to discuss the situation in Syria, following President Bashar al-Assad's fleeing the country, news agency AFP reported citing multiple diplomatic sources. Israel seizes Syrian army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon: Report Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, said the Israeli state media reports. The army had earlier on Sunday declared that it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarized area in the Golan Heights. WATCH: Syrian Rebels Capture Damascus Forcing Assad to Flee in a Big Blow to Russia & Iran ×

Morning news brief: UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting; Israel takes over Syrian Hermon, and more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was a "historic day in the... Middle East" and the fall of a "central link in Iran's axis of evil".

Netanyahu said the events are "a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, Assad's main supporters. It has triggered a chain reaction across the Middle East, empowering those seeking to break free from this oppressive regime."

He spoke on a visit to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

In recent months, Israel has killed commanders in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as the senior leaders of Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, both of which are backed by Tehran.

The Israeli premier said Assad's overthrow "presents significant new opportunities" for Israel "but is not without risks".&nbsp;

He said his country was "pursuing a good neighbour policy".

"We extend a hand of peace to our Druze neighbours, who are brothers to our Druze citizens in Israel. We also extend this hand of peace to Kurds, Christians, and Muslims who wish to live peacefully with Israel," he added.

Syria is a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country with significant minorities of Christians, Alawites, and Kurds, as well as the Druze, an ethno-religious Arab minority group with significant populations in Israel and Lebanon, and others.

"We will closely monitor developments and take the necessary steps to defend our border and our security," Netanyahu said.

He also said he had ordered the military to take control of a demilitarised buffer zone on the Syrian border.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, speaking on the same trip, said of Iran: "Its tentacles are being severed one by one."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-men-escort-syrian-pm-to-hotel-after-bashar-flees-country-782498">Armed men escort Syrian PM to hotel after Bashar flees country</a>

Islamist-led Syrian rebels overthrew more than five decades of rule by Assad and his father Hafez in a lightning offensive that began on November 27, dramatically overturning a years-long stalemate in the civil war that began in 2011.

Assad was propped up by substantial military support from Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, as well as by the Russian military from 2015 onwards.

The Israeli military killed long-time Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a massive air strike on Beirut in September.

Since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, Israel carried out hundreds of strikes in the country, mainly targeting the army and Iran-backed groups.&nbsp;

The military intensified such strikes after almost a year of hostilities with Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon escalated in late September, before a ceasefire took effect on November 27, the same day Syria's rebel advance began.

Israel rarely comments on individual strikes in Syria but has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran to expand its presence in the country.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was a "historic day in the... Middle East" and the fall of a "central link in Iran's axis of evil".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was a "historic day in the... Middle East" and the fall of a "central link in Iran's axis of evil". Netanyahu said the events are "a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, Assad's main supporters. It has triggered a chain reaction across the Middle East, empowering those seeking to break free from this oppressive regime." He spoke on a visit to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. In recent months, Israel has killed commanders in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as the senior leaders of Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, both of which are backed by Tehran. The Israeli premier said Assad's overthrow "presents significant new opportunities" for Israel "but is not without risks". He said his country was "pursuing a good neighbour policy". "We extend a hand of peace to our Druze neighbours, who are brothers to our Druze citizens in Israel. We also extend this hand of peace to Kurds, Christians, and Muslims who wish to live peacefully with Israel," he added. Syria is a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country with significant minorities of Christians, Alawites, and Kurds, as well as the Druze, an ethno-religious Arab minority group with significant populations in Israel and Lebanon, and others. "We will closely monitor developments and take the necessary steps to defend our border and our security," Netanyahu said. He also said he had ordered the military to take control of a demilitarised buffer zone on the Syrian border. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, speaking on the same trip, said of Iran: "Its tentacles are being severed one by one." Also read | Armed men escort Syrian PM to hotel after Bashar flees country Islamist-led Syrian rebels overthrew more than five decades of rule by Assad and his father Hafez in a lightning offensive that began on November 27, dramatically overturning a years-long stalemate in the civil war that began in 2011. Assad was propped up by substantial military support from Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, as well as by the Russian military from 2015 onwards. The Israeli military killed long-time Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a massive air strike on Beirut in September. Since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, Israel carried out hundreds of strikes in the country, mainly targeting the army and Iran-backed groups. The military intensified such strikes after almost a year of hostilities with Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon escalated in late September, before a ceasefire took effect on November 27, the same day Syria's rebel advance began. Israel rarely comments on individual strikes in Syria but has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran to expand its presence in the country. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

‘Historic day’: Israeli PM Netanyahu on overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria

Nine people were killed in Israeli strikes on villages in southern Lebanon Monday, after Israel said it was taking aim at dozens of Hezbollah targets in retaliation for an attack claimed by the militant group amid a fragile ceasefire.&nbsp;

Both Israel and Hezbollah faced accusations Monday of breaching the truce, which took effect on Wednesday to end a war that has killed thousands of people in Lebanon and sparked mass displacements on both sides of the border.

The Israeli military in a statement said it "struck Hezbollah terrorists, dozens of launchers, and terrorist infrastructure throughout Lebanon".

"Israel demands that the relevant parties in Lebanon fulfil their responsibilities and prevent Hezbollah's hostile activity," the statement said.

Lebanon's health ministry said the strikes killed five people and wounded two in the village of Haris "in an initial toll", while in the village of Tallous, another four people were killed and one wounded.

Earlier, Hezbollah said it had launched an attack targeting an Israeli position in "the occupied hills of Kfar Shouba", in a disputed part of the border area between Israel and Lebanon.

Israel's military said Hezbollah had launched two projectiles towards one of its posts in the area of Har Dov, Israel's term for the disputed Shebaa Farms.

After that attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of a "serious violation" and vowed to "respond forcefully".

"We are determined to uphold the ceasefire and respond to any violation by Hezbollah, no matter how minor or serious," he said.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also vowed a "harsh response".

Shortly afterwards, the Israeli military said it was striking targets in Lebanon.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported strikes on areas of south Lebanon, where Hezbollah has long held sway, that are located around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the border with Israel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-ex-minister-accuses-israel-of-ethnic-cleansing-in-northern-gaza-strip-780934">Israel-Hamas war: Ex-minister accuses Israel of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza Strip</a>

<h2>'Aggressive actions'&nbsp;</h2>

Israel has carried out a near-daily series of strikes in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire was put in place, and earlier on Monday Beirut's powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri accused it of violating the truce.

"The aggressive actions carried out by Israeli occupation forces... represent a flagrant violation of the terms of the ceasefire agreement," said Berri, who helped mediate the truce on behalf of ally Hezbollah.

The fighting escalated after Israel moved its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in September to secure its northern border from Hezbollah attacks, dealing the Iran-backed Shiite Muslim movement a series of stunning blows.

Also Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in a call of "the need for all sides to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon", the foreign ministry said.

Saar rejected accusations that Israel had violated the truce, claiming instead that his country's strikes were "enforcing" the ceasefire.

"We hear claims that Israel is violating the ceasefire understandings in Lebanon. On the contrary! Israel is enforcing them in response to Hezbollah's violations, which demand immediate action," he said in a statement.

He also said Hezbollah had attempted to move weapons in southern Lebanon and their presence "south of the Litani river is the most basic violation of the understandings".

Under the deal, Hezbollah must withdraw its fighters from areas south of the river, and dismantle its military infrastructure in the south.

As part of the agreement, the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers will deploy in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a period of 60 days.

<h2>'Threats'&nbsp;</h2>

A committee involving France, UN peacekeepers, Israel, Lebanon and chaired by the United States is tasked with maintaining communication between the various parties and ensuring violations are identified and dealt with to avoid any escalation.

"We ask the technical committee formed to monitor the implementation of this agreement where it stands on ongoing violations... that have exceeded 54 breaches," Berri added, urging it to "oblige Israel to stop its violations and withdraw from territories it occupies".

The United States said on Monday it believed that a ceasefire was still holding in Lebanon and that it was looking at potential violations.

Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges launched by the militant group in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas and its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Earlier on Monday, Lebanon's health ministry said an Israeli strike killed one person in the country's south, while the Lebanese army said an Israeli drone wounded a soldier in the east.

Israel's military said it was "aware of reports regarding a soldier from the Lebanese military who was injured in one of the strikes and the incident is under investigation".

The army said it was responding to "several acts by Hezbollah in Lebanon that posed a threat to Israeli civilians in violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Nine people were killed in Israeli strikes on villages in southern Lebanon Monday, after Israel said it was taking aim at dozens of Hezbollah targets in retaliation for an attack claimed by the militant group amid a fragile ceasefire.

Nine people were killed in Israeli strikes on villages in southern Lebanon Monday, after Israel said it was taking aim at dozens of Hezbollah targets in retaliation for an attack claimed by the militant group amid a fragile ceasefire. Both Israel and Hezbollah faced accusations Monday of breaching the truce, which took effect on Wednesday to end a war that has killed thousands of people in Lebanon and sparked mass displacements on both sides of the border. The Israeli military in a statement said it "struck Hezbollah terrorists, dozens of launchers, and terrorist infrastructure throughout Lebanon". "Israel demands that the relevant parties in Lebanon fulfil their responsibilities and prevent Hezbollah's hostile activity," the statement said. Lebanon's health ministry said the strikes killed five people and wounded two in the village of Haris "in an initial toll", while in the village of Tallous, another four people were killed and one wounded. Earlier, Hezbollah said it had launched an attack targeting an Israeli position in "the occupied hills of Kfar Shouba", in a disputed part of the border area between Israel and Lebanon. Israel's military said Hezbollah had launched two projectiles towards one of its posts in the area of Har Dov, Israel's term for the disputed Shebaa Farms. After that attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of a "serious violation" and vowed to "respond forcefully". "We are determined to uphold the ceasefire and respond to any violation by Hezbollah, no matter how minor or serious," he said. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also vowed a "harsh response". Shortly afterwards, the Israeli military said it was striking targets in Lebanon. Lebanon's official National News Agency reported strikes on areas of south Lebanon, where Hezbollah has long held sway, that are located around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the border with Israel. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Ex-minister accuses Israel of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza Strip 'Aggressive actions' Israel has carried out a near-daily series of strikes in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire was put in place, and earlier on Monday Beirut's powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri accused it of violating the truce. "The aggressive actions carried out by Israeli occupation forces... represent a flagrant violation of the terms of the ceasefire agreement," said Berri, who helped mediate the truce on behalf of ally Hezbollah. The fighting escalated after Israel moved its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in September to secure its northern border from Hezbollah attacks, dealing the Iran-backed Shiite Muslim movement a series of stunning blows. Also Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in a call of "the need for all sides to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon", the foreign ministry said. Saar rejected accusations that Israel had violated the truce, claiming instead that his country's strikes were "enforcing" the ceasefire. "We hear claims that Israel is violating the ceasefire understandings in Lebanon. On the contrary! Israel is enforcing them in response to Hezbollah's violations, which demand immediate action," he said in a statement. He also said Hezbollah had attempted to move weapons in southern Lebanon and their presence "south of the Litani river is the most basic violation of the understandings". Under the deal, Hezbollah must withdraw its fighters from areas south of the river, and dismantle its military infrastructure in the south. As part of the agreement, the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers will deploy in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a period of 60 days. 'Threats' A committee involving France, UN peacekeepers, Israel, Lebanon and chaired by the United States is tasked with maintaining communication between the various parties and ensuring violations are identified and dealt with to avoid any escalation. "We ask the technical committee formed to monitor the implementation of this agreement where it stands on ongoing violations... that have exceeded 54 breaches," Berri added, urging it to "oblige Israel to stop its violations and withdraw from territories it occupies". The United States said on Monday it believed that a ceasefire was still holding in Lebanon and that it was looking at potential violations. Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges launched by the militant group in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas and its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Earlier on Monday, Lebanon's health ministry said an Israeli strike killed one person in the country's south, while the Lebanese army said an Israeli drone wounded a soldier in the east. Israel's military said it was "aware of reports regarding a soldier from the Lebanese military who was injured in one of the strikes and the incident is under investigation". The army said it was responding to "several acts by Hezbollah in Lebanon that posed a threat to Israeli civilians in violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Lebanon says nine killed in Israeli strikes on southern villages

Hamas&nbsp;on Saturday (Nov 30) published a video showing an Israeli-American hostage pleading for US President-elect Donald Trump's help in securing the release of those held captive by the Palestinian militant group in Gaza.

Edan Alexander addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Hebrew and Trump in English.

He then urged Israelis to demand action from the government to secure the release of the hostages held captive by Hamas since its attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023.

Alexander's mother Yael, speaking later at a rally for the hostages in Tel Aviv on Saturday, said that the video has upset her, showing how the hostages are crying out for help.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-killed-a-gaza-militant-who-took-part-in-oct-7-attacks-hamas-ally-releases-new-hostage-video-780538">Israel says killed a Gaza militant who took part in Oct 7 attacks</a>

"This video has upset me, but beyond the hope it gives us, it shows how bad the situation is for Edan and the other hostages and how much they are crying out and hoping to be saved now," she said.

She then said that she had spoken to Netanyahu, further telling the crowd, "You must keep your promise and free them. This state is strong enough to end the war and bring them all back, including my Edan."

The Israeli prime minister's office released a statement saying that Netanyahu had "promised that Israel is determined to take every action to bring them back home, together with all of the hostages held by the enemy".

He also described the video's release as "cruel psychological warfare".

<h2>Cruel reminder of Hamas'&nbsp;terror: White House</h2>

White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said that the video was "a cruel reminder of Hamas's terror".

"The war in Gaza would stop tomorrow and the suffering of Gazans would end... if Hamas agreed to release the hostages," Savett said in a statement.

The Hostage Families Forum campaign group meanwhile&nbsp;reiterated its calls for the release of hostages.

"One year after the first and only deal, it's clear to everyone: returning the hostages is only possible through a deal," it said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Hamas on Saturday (Nov 30) published a video showing an Israeli-American hostage pleading for US President-elect Donald Trump's help in securing the release of those held captive by the Palestinian militant group in Gaza.

Hamas on Saturday (Nov 30) published a video showing an Israeli-American hostage pleading for US President-elect Donald Trump's help in securing the release of those held captive by the Palestinian militant group in Gaza. Edan Alexander addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Hebrew and Trump in English. He then urged Israelis to demand action from the government to secure the release of the hostages held captive by Hamas since its attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023. Alexander's mother Yael, speaking later at a rally for the hostages in Tel Aviv on Saturday, said that the video has upset her, showing how the hostages are crying out for help. Also read: Israel says killed a Gaza militant who took part in Oct 7 attacks "This video has upset me, but beyond the hope it gives us, it shows how bad the situation is for Edan and the other hostages and how much they are crying out and hoping to be saved now," she said. She then said that she had spoken to Netanyahu, further telling the crowd, "You must keep your promise and free them. This state is strong enough to end the war and bring them all back, including my Edan." The Israeli prime minister's office released a statement saying that Netanyahu had "promised that Israel is determined to take every action to bring them back home, together with all of the hostages held by the enemy". He also described the video's release as "cruel psychological warfare". Cruel reminder of Hamas' terror: White House White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said that the video was "a cruel reminder of Hamas's terror". "The war in Gaza would stop tomorrow and the suffering of Gazans would end... if Hamas agreed to release the hostages," Savett said in a statement. The Hostage Families Forum campaign group meanwhile reiterated its calls for the release of hostages. "One year after the first and only deal, it's clear to everyone: returning the hostages is only possible through a deal," it said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Hamas publishes video of Israeli-American hostage pleading for Trump's help in securing release

Iran is looking at this week's ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as an opportunity to rebuild the Lebanon-based militant group, according to a report by the Washington Post.

The report, citing sources, said that the truce gives Iran a chance to reassess and regroup its most powerful proxy in the region and attempt to reestablish its deterrent capabilities.

As per the newspaper, Hezbollah was hoping for more support from Iran's other proxies present in the region at the time when Israel launched its military campaign against its sites across Lebanon.

“Lebanon was at its most vulnerable during heavy bombings, yet support from other members of the resistance axis, including Yemen and Iraq, was minimal at best,” one of the sources close to Hezbollah was quoted as saying.

During the war, Israel delivered several crushing blows to Hezbollah by killing the group's long-standing leader in September, along with other high-ranking officials.

“Iran is prepared to allocate funds for reconstruction and to ensure Hezbollah’s survival, as well as to maintain support within the Shiite community,” the source added according to the report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-killed-a-gaza-militant-who-took-part-in-oct-7-attacks-hamas-ally-releases-new-hostage-video-780538">Israel says killed a Gaza militant who took part in Oct 7 attacks, Hamas ally releases new hostage video</a>

<h2>Iran welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon</h2>

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi welcomed the ceasefire on Wednesday (Nov. 27) and expressed hope that it would be permanent.&nbsp;

Araqchi further said that the ceasefire would ease tensions between Israel and Iran depending upon the behaviour of Israel.

“Of course, we reserve the right to respond to the recent Israeli aggression, but we are taking all developments in the region into account,” he said.

<h2>Israel says ceasefire with Hezbollah breached&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Thursday (Nov. 28) reported the arrival of suspects into Lebanon's southern regions and called it a violation of the ceasefire by&nbsp;Hezbollah, reported news agency Reuters.

Earlier, the Lebanon-based militant organisation said its fighters were "full equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy” and said their forces had their hands on the "trigger." Earlier, Hezbollah claimed victory in the ongoing conflict with the Jewish nation without any mention of the fragile truce.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran is looking at this week's ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as an opportunity to rebuild the Lebanon-based militant group, according to a report by the Washington Post.

Iran is looking at this week's ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as an opportunity to rebuild the Lebanon-based militant group, according to a report by the Washington Post. The report, citing sources, said that the truce gives Iran a chance to reassess and regroup its most powerful proxy in the region and attempt to reestablish its deterrent capabilities. As per the newspaper, Hezbollah was hoping for more support from Iran's other proxies present in the region at the time when Israel launched its military campaign against its sites across Lebanon. “Lebanon was at its most vulnerable during heavy bombings, yet support from other members of the resistance axis, including Yemen and Iraq, was minimal at best,” one of the sources close to Hezbollah was quoted as saying. During the war, Israel delivered several crushing blows to Hezbollah by killing the group's long-standing leader in September, along with other high-ranking officials. “Iran is prepared to allocate funds for reconstruction and to ensure Hezbollah’s survival, as well as to maintain support within the Shiite community,” the source added according to the report. Also read: Israel says killed a Gaza militant who took part in Oct 7 attacks, Hamas ally releases new hostage video Iran welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi welcomed the ceasefire on Wednesday (Nov. 27) and expressed hope that it would be permanent. Araqchi further said that the ceasefire would ease tensions between Israel and Iran depending upon the behaviour of Israel. “Of course, we reserve the right to respond to the recent Israeli aggression, but we are taking all developments in the region into account,” he said. Israel says ceasefire with Hezbollah breached Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Thursday (Nov. 28) reported the arrival of suspects into Lebanon's southern regions and called it a violation of the ceasefire by Hezbollah, reported news agency Reuters. Earlier, the Lebanon-based militant organisation said its fighters were "full equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy” and said their forces had their hands on the "trigger." Earlier, Hezbollah claimed victory in the ongoing conflict with the Jewish nation without any mention of the fragile truce. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran looking at Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire as opportunity to rebuild militant group: Report

Hezbollah Leader Naim Qassem in a defiant speech on Wednesday (Nov 20) rejected Israel's conditions for a ceasefire in Lebanon, asserting that Israel "cannot impose its conditions".

The Hezbollah leader's statement comes as US envoy Amos Hochstein headed to Israel to try to negotiate an end to the war.

Qassem, in his address, asserted, "Israel cannot defeat us and cannot impose its conditions on us."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firepower-dramatically-reduced-idf-eliminates-hezbollahs-anti-tank-missile-commanders-777811">‘Firepower dramatically reduced,’ IDF eliminates Hezbollah’s anti-tank missile commanders</a>

He added that his group was seeking a "complete and comprehensive end to the aggression" and "the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty".

Qassem also vowed that Hezbollah will respond to the recent deadly Israeli air strikes on Beirut with an attack on "central Tel Aviv", Israel's densely populated commercial hub.

<h2>Israel has 'freedom to act' against Hezbollah</h2>

In a near-simultaneous statement to Qassem's, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that any ceasefire deal must ensure that Israel still has the "freedom to act" against the militant group Hezbollah.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-us-blocks-un-push-calling-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-777763">Israel-Hamas war: US blocks UN push calling for ceasefire in Gaza</a>

<h2>Hochstein's mediation efforts</h2>

US mediator Amos Hochstein, as per reports, announced plans to travel to Israel after discussions in Beirut aimed at brokering a ceasefire.&nbsp;

Before leaving for Israel, he met with Lebanon's Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation efforts on Hezbollah's behalf.

Hochstein expressed cautious optimism and said Wednesday's meeting "made additional progress, so I will travel from here in a couple hours to Israel to try to bring this to a close if we can".

Previously, on Tuesday (Nov 19) he said that an end to the war was "within our grasp". 
&nbsp; 
The escalating conflict has had devastating consequences, with over 3,500 deaths reported in Lebanon since September, including 200 children. In Gaza, where the war initially began, the death toll from the resulting war has reached 43,985 people, a majority of them civilians.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah Leader Naim Qassem in a defiant speech on Wednesday (Nov 20) rejected Israel's conditions for a ceasefire in Lebanon, asserting that Israel "cannot impose its conditions".

Hezbollah Leader Naim Qassem in a defiant speech on Wednesday (Nov 20) rejected Israel's conditions for a ceasefire in Lebanon, asserting that Israel "cannot impose its conditions". The Hezbollah leader's statement comes as US envoy Amos Hochstein headed to Israel to try to negotiate an end to the war. Qassem, in his address, asserted, "Israel cannot defeat us and cannot impose its conditions on us." Also read | ‘Firepower dramatically reduced,’ IDF eliminates Hezbollah’s anti-tank missile commanders He added that his group was seeking a "complete and comprehensive end to the aggression" and "the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty". Qassem also vowed that Hezbollah will respond to the recent deadly Israeli air strikes on Beirut with an attack on "central Tel Aviv", Israel's densely populated commercial hub. Israel has 'freedom to act' against Hezbollah In a near-simultaneous statement to Qassem's, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that any ceasefire deal must ensure that Israel still has the "freedom to act" against the militant group Hezbollah. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: US blocks UN push calling for ceasefire in Gaza Hochstein's mediation efforts US mediator Amos Hochstein, as per reports, announced plans to travel to Israel after discussions in Beirut aimed at brokering a ceasefire. Before leaving for Israel, he met with Lebanon's Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation efforts on Hezbollah's behalf. Hochstein expressed cautious optimism and said Wednesday's meeting "made additional progress, so I will travel from here in a couple hours to Israel to try to bring this to a close if we can". Previously, on Tuesday (Nov 19) he said that an end to the war was "within our grasp". The escalating conflict has had devastating consequences, with over 3,500 deaths reported in Lebanon since September, including 200 children. In Gaza, where the war initially began, the death toll from the resulting war has reached 43,985 people, a majority of them civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

'Israel cannot defeat us': Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejects ceasefire terms

The earliest inscription of 'Jesus is God' was found on the floor of an Israeli prison and has been put on display in the United States. The discovery has been called "the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls" by the researchers.&nbsp;

An inmate of the Megiddo prison found that 1,800-year-old mosaic which featured the ancient Greek writing: "The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial."

The first prayer hall of the world was decorated by the 581-square-foot mosaics in 230 AD which confirmed that it was believed by Christians from the beginning that Jesus was the son of God, The Daily Mail reported.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-2000-year-old-temple-is-submerged-underwater-in-italy-it-was-featured-in-indiana-jones-770096">THIS 2,000-year-old temple&nbsp;is submerged underwater in Italy. It was featured in 'Indiana Jones'</a>

In the Megiddo Mosaic were some earliest images of fish which had reference to the story in Luke 9:16 when two fishes were multiplied by Jesus to feed a crowd of 5,000 people as per experts.&nbsp;

<h2>Museum rents the floor of the mosaic&nbsp;</h2>

The floor earlier remained hidden beneath the prison since it was founded in 2005, however, it has now been rented out to a <a href="https://www.museumofthebible.org/magazine/exhibitions/the-megiddo-mosaic-a-community-coming-together-to-the-table">museum </a>in Washington&nbsp;DC till July 2025.

The museum's CEO Carlos Campo hailed the mosaic as "the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls" and his colleagues said that it was "the most important archaeological discovery for understanding the early Christian church."

"We truly are among the first people to ever see this, to experience what almost 2,000 years ago was put together by a man named Brutius, the incredible craftsman who laid the flooring here," said Campo, at the opening of the exhibition.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/marking-75th-year-of-constitution-adoption-india-to-get-constitution-museum-776088">Marking 75th year of Constitution adoption, India to get Constitution Museum</a>

Meanwhile, the curator of the exhibition Alegre Savariego said, "The mosaic presents groundbreaking physical evidence of the practices and beliefs of early Christians, including the first archaeological instance of the phrase, 'God Jesus Christ'.''&nbsp;

The discovery of Megiddo Mosaic was made in the Jezreel Valley where Christians believe the final battle of the Biblical Armageddon will occur as per the Book of Revelations.&nbsp;

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) conducted the excavation for four years to recover the 581-square-foot mosaic floor.

On the mosaic was mentioned the name of the Roman officer who is believed to have commissioned the tile. The inscription read, "Gaianus, a Roman officer, having sought honour, from his own money, has made the mosaic."

As per the researchers, this proves Romans coexisted with Christians in those times.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The earliest inscription of 'Jesus is God' was found on the floor of an Israeli prison and has been put on display in the United States. The discovery has been called "the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls" by the researchers.

The earliest inscription of 'Jesus is God' was found on the floor of an Israeli prison and has been put on display in the United States. The discovery has been called "the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls" by the researchers. An inmate of the Megiddo prison found that 1,800-year-old mosaic which featured the ancient Greek writing: "The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial." The first prayer hall of the world was decorated by the 581-square-foot mosaics in 230 AD which confirmed that it was believed by Christians from the beginning that Jesus was the son of God, The Daily Mail reported. Also Read: THIS 2,000-year-old temple is submerged underwater in Italy. It was featured in 'Indiana Jones' In the Megiddo Mosaic were some earliest images of fish which had reference to the story in Luke 9:16 when two fishes were multiplied by Jesus to feed a crowd of 5,000 people as per experts. Museum rents the floor of the mosaic The floor earlier remained hidden beneath the prison since it was founded in 2005, however, it has now been rented out to a museum in Washington DC till July 2025. The museum's CEO Carlos Campo hailed the mosaic as "the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls" and his colleagues said that it was "the most important archaeological discovery for understanding the early Christian church." "We truly are among the first people to ever see this, to experience what almost 2,000 years ago was put together by a man named Brutius, the incredible craftsman who laid the flooring here," said Campo, at the opening of the exhibition. Also Read: Marking 75th year of Constitution adoption, India to get Constitution Museum Meanwhile, the curator of the exhibition Alegre Savariego said, "The mosaic presents groundbreaking physical evidence of the practices and beliefs of early Christians, including the first archaeological instance of the phrase, 'God Jesus Christ'.'' The discovery of Megiddo Mosaic was made in the Jezreel Valley where Christians believe the final battle of the Biblical Armageddon will occur as per the Book of Revelations. Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) conducted the excavation for four years to recover the 581-square-foot mosaic floor. On the mosaic was mentioned the name of the Roman officer who is believed to have commissioned the tile. The inscription read, "Gaianus, a Roman officer, having sought honour, from his own money, has made the mosaic." As per the researchers, this proves Romans coexisted with Christians in those times. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists find first 'Jesus is God' inscription in Israeli prison, call it 'greatest discovery'

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Archaeologists find first 'Jesus is God' inscription in Israeli prison, call it 'greatest discovery'