By Dov Waxman

After a decade in office, Benjamin Netanyahu’s long tenure as Israel’s prime minister may soon be ending.

Whether his Likud Party loses power following Israel’s election on April 9, or he’s forced to resign the premiership after being indicted on multiple corruption charges, Netanyahu’s downfall appears imminent.

Without the hawkish Netanyahu – who opposes full Palestinian statehood – at Israel’s helm, what are the chances for peace between Israelis and Palestinians?

Not good. Even an Israel-friendly peace plan, like the one expected to be proposed by the Trump administration, has little chance of success in a post-Netanyahu world.

No domestic pressure for peace talks

If the popular political newcomer Benny Gantz, who heads the recently formed “Blue and White” centrist alliance along with Yair Lapid, becomes Israel’s next prime minister, he is unlikely to prioritize peace talks with the Palestinians.

Although the official platform of the Blue and White alliance expresses a willingness to enter negotiations with the Palestinians, Gantz will be in no hurry because there’s no public pressure for peace talks.

Most Israelis, like most Palestinians, have concluded that they have no partner for peacemaking and they’ve given up on the peace process.

Israelis are more concerned with their economy and their security. Though they would like to resolve their long-running conflict with the Palestinians, or at least “separate” themselves from Palestinians and stop ruling over them in the West Bank, most Israelis see no safe or easy way to do so. However unsatisfactory it is, the status quo is bearable for them.

Major concessions unlikely

Even if peace talks do eventually get underway, an Israeli government led by the Blue and White alliance would be only slightly more amenable to compromise than Netanyahu’s governments have been.

Blue and White’s platform rejects many of the concessions that Israel would probably have to make to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In my forthcoming book, “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know,” I explain what concessions each side would have to make on highly controversial issues like the future of Jerusalem and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

The party’s platform rules out any division of Jerusalem as part of a peace agreement. And it calls for Israel to keep all the large Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank as well as for Israel to retain control over the Jordan Valley. The Palestinians have previously rejected Israel’s demand for an indefinite military presence in the Jordan Valley, deep inside the West Bank.

The platform also explicitly rejects a unilateral withdrawal – like Israel’s 2005 so-called “disengagement” from Gaza – from anywhere in the West Bank.

And, although it promises to “deepen the process of separation from the Palestinians,” it makes no mention of Palestinian statehood or a two-state solution. This is hardly a recipe for peace.

Hawks, not doves

It may be tempting to believe that this is all just electioneering and that in its effort to appeal to right-wing voters, the Blue and White alliance is disguising its dovish intentions.

Indeed, this is what Netanyahu has been repeatedly telling Israelis, claiming that Blue and White is really run by “leftists.” In current Israeli political discourse, that is about the worst offense imaginable – “leftist” has basically become a byword for traitor.

The candidates on Blue and White’s slate, however, are far from peaceniks.

Former military generals dominate the list, including Netanyahu’s onetime defense minister Moshe Ya’alon, who is number three on the party list. Ya’alon is even more right-wing than Netanyahu, who was at least willing to consider the eventual possibility of a Palestinian state – albeit only a “state-minus” as he put it.

Like Ya'alon, Gantz was also once the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces. He has been reticent, if not enigmatic, in expressing his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

But whatever his personal opinions might be, for the sake of his leadership and the survival of his political alliance, Gantz will have to be attentive, if not responsive, to the views of the alliance’s right-wing members and voters.

Coalition politics

Because of Israel’s proportional representation electoral system, no party ever wins a majority of seats in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. So, the Blue and White alliance will have to depend on other parties in order to form and maintain a governing coalition. That means getting the support of more than half of the 120 Knesset members.

The alliance might be able to rely upon the parliamentary support of Arab parties – as Yitzhak Rabin’s Labor Party did in the early 1990s when it began the Oslo peace process. But it is more likely to avoid doing so, as every other Israeli government in history has done.

That’s because relying upon Arab parties risks delegitimizing the government in the eyes of Israeli Jews, many of whom perceive the Arab parties as radical and disloyal, a “fifth column” in Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians.

Instead of assembling a centre-left parliamentary bloc that includes Arab parties, I believe the Blue and White alliance is more likely to form a “national unity” government with Zionist parties to its left and right. This coalition may well include the right-wing Likud Party, especially if Netanyahu no longer leads it.

Typically, such national unity governments, containing a range of views from the left and right, are politically paralyzed when it comes to pursuing peace with the Palestinians.

A more centrist Israeli government than the current one, which is dominated by right-wing parties, would surely take a more moderate approach to the Palestinian issue. Israel’s relations with the Palestinian Authority would probably improve, the growth of Jewish settlements in the heart of the West Bank might slow, and Israel could further ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip.

All of this would reduce the risk of Israeli-Palestinian violence. But, sadly, peace will remain a distant prospect.

(Dov Waxman is Professor of Political Science, International Affairs and Israel Studies, Northeastern University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/even-if-netanyahu-goes-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-will-continue-113447">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

By Dov Waxman After a decade in office, Benjamin Netanyahu’s long tenure as Israel’s prime minister may soon be ending. Whether his Likud Party loses power following Israel’s election on April 9, or he’s forced to resign the premiership after being indicted on multiple corruption charges, Netanyahu’s downfall appears imminent.

By Dov Waxman After a decade in office, Benjamin Netanyahu’s long tenure as Israel’s prime minister may soon be ending. Whether his Likud Party loses power following Israel’s election on April 9, or he’s forced to resign the premiership after being indicted on multiple corruption charges, Netanyahu’s downfall appears imminent. Without the hawkish Netanyahu – who opposes full Palestinian statehood – at Israel’s helm, what are the chances for peace between Israelis and Palestinians? Not good. Even an Israel-friendly peace plan, like the one expected to be proposed by the Trump administration, has little chance of success in a post-Netanyahu world. No domestic pressure for peace talks If the popular political newcomer Benny Gantz, who heads the recently formed “Blue and White” centrist alliance along with Yair Lapid, becomes Israel’s next prime minister, he is unlikely to prioritize peace talks with the Palestinians. Although the official platform of the Blue and White alliance expresses a willingness to enter negotiations with the Palestinians, Gantz will be in no hurry because there’s no public pressure for peace talks. Most Israelis, like most Palestinians, have concluded that they have no partner for peacemaking and they’ve given up on the peace process. Israelis are more concerned with their economy and their security. Though they would like to resolve their long-running conflict with the Palestinians, or at least “separate” themselves from Palestinians and stop ruling over them in the West Bank, most Israelis see no safe or easy way to do so. However unsatisfactory it is, the status quo is bearable for them. Major concessions unlikely Even if peace talks do eventually get underway, an Israeli government led by the Blue and White alliance would be only slightly more amenable to compromise than Netanyahu’s governments have been. Blue and White’s platform rejects many of the concessions that Israel would probably have to make to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In my forthcoming book, “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know,” I explain what concessions each side would have to make on highly controversial issues like the future of Jerusalem and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. The party’s platform rules out any division of Jerusalem as part of a peace agreement. And it calls for Israel to keep all the large Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank as well as for Israel to retain control over the Jordan Valley. The Palestinians have previously rejected Israel’s demand for an indefinite military presence in the Jordan Valley, deep inside the West Bank. The platform also explicitly rejects a unilateral withdrawal – like Israel’s 2005 so-called “disengagement” from Gaza – from anywhere in the West Bank. And, although it promises to “deepen the process of separation from the Palestinians,” it makes no mention of Palestinian statehood or a two-state solution. This is hardly a recipe for peace. Hawks, not doves It may be tempting to believe that this is all just electioneering and that in its effort to appeal to right-wing voters, the Blue and White alliance is disguising its dovish intentions. Indeed, this is what Netanyahu has been repeatedly telling Israelis, claiming that Blue and White is really run by “leftists.” In current Israeli political discourse, that is about the worst offense imaginable – “leftist” has basically become a byword for traitor. The candidates on Blue and White’s slate, however, are far from peaceniks. Former military generals dominate the list, including Netanyahu’s onetime defense minister Moshe Ya’alon, who is number three on the party list. Ya’alon is even more right-wing than Netanyahu, who was at least willing to consider the eventual possibility of a Palestinian state – albeit only a “state-minus” as he put it. Like Ya'alon, Gantz was also once the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces. He has been reticent, if not enigmatic, in expressing his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But whatever his personal opinions might be, for the sake of his leadership and the survival of his political alliance, Gantz will have to be attentive, if not responsive, to the views of the alliance’s right-wing members and voters. Coalition politics Because of Israel’s proportional representation electoral system, no party ever wins a majority of seats in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. So, the Blue and White alliance will have to depend on other parties in order to form and maintain a governing coalition. That means getting the support of more than half of the 120 Knesset members. The alliance might be able to rely upon the parliamentary support of Arab parties – as Yitzhak Rabin’s Labor Party did in the early 1990s when it began the Oslo peace process. But it is more likely to avoid doing so, as every other Israeli government in history has done. That’s because relying upon Arab parties risks delegitimizing the government in the eyes of Israeli Jews, many of whom perceive the Arab parties as radical and disloyal, a “fifth column” in Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians. Instead of assembling a centre-left parliamentary bloc that includes Arab parties, I believe the Blue and White alliance is more likely to form a “national unity” government with Zionist parties to its left and right. This coalition may well include the right-wing Likud Party, especially if Netanyahu no longer leads it. Typically, such national unity governments, containing a range of views from the left and right, are politically paralyzed when it comes to pursuing peace with the Palestinians. A more centrist Israeli government than the current one, which is dominated by right-wing parties, would surely take a more moderate approach to the Palestinian issue. Israel’s relations with the Palestinian Authority would probably improve, the growth of Jewish settlements in the heart of the West Bank might slow, and Israel could further ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip. All of this would reduce the risk of Israeli-Palestinian violence. But, sadly, peace will remain a distant prospect. (Dov Waxman is Professor of Political Science, International Affairs and Israel Studies, Northeastern University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Even if Netanyahu goes, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will continue

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-gaza-strikes-after-rockets-fired-at-tel-aviv-203444">Israeli forces</a> on Tuesday killed a Palestinian suspected of carrying out a deadly stabbing and shooting attack in the occupied West Bank two days earlier, the Israeli Shin Bet security service said.

The assailant was killed after he opened fire at Israeli forces who had come to arrest him, the Shin Bet said. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed a person had been killed in the clash, but provided no further details.&nbsp;

In what appeared to be a separate incident, the Palestinian health ministry said two more Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli soldiers near the West Bank city of Nablus. An Israeli army spokeswoman said the report was being looked into.

On Sunday, a suspected Palestinian assailant fatally stabbed a soldier at an intersection on a busy West Bank highway and opened fire at the scene using the conscript`s rifle, killing an Israeli rabbi and wounding a second soldier.

Palestinians, many of them people without links to armed groups, carried out a wave of attacks in the West Bank in late 2015 and 2016 but the frequency of such incidents has since decreased.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish a state there and in the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014.

Israeli forces on Tuesday killed a Palestinian suspected of carrying out a deadly stabbing and shooting attack in the occupied West Bank two days earlier, the Israeli Shin Bet security service said.

Israeli forces on Tuesday killed a Palestinian suspected of carrying out a deadly stabbing and shooting attack in the occupied West Bank two days earlier, the Israeli Shin Bet security service said. The assailant was killed after he opened fire at Israeli forces who had come to arrest him, the Shin Bet said. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed a person had been killed in the clash, but provided no further details. In what appeared to be a separate incident, the Palestinian health ministry said two more Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli soldiers near the West Bank city of Nablus. An Israeli army spokeswoman said the report was being looked into. On Sunday, a suspected Palestinian assailant fatally stabbed a soldier at an intersection on a busy West Bank highway and opened fire at the scene using the conscript`s rifle, killing an Israeli rabbi and wounding a second soldier. Palestinians, many of them people without links to armed groups, carried out a wave of attacks in the West Bank in late 2015 and 2016 but the frequency of such incidents has since decreased. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish a state there and in the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014.

Israeli forces kill Palestinian suspect in West Bank killings

A gunbattle erupted on Thursday between Afghan forces and supporters of a powerful politician in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif who rejected the appointment of a new provincial police chief by President Ashraf Ghani, officials said.

At least five civilians and two security force personnel were wounded in the clash, the latest in a series of stand-offs between Ghani and Atta Mohammad Noor, who built up unrivalled power as governor of Balkh province for more than a decade.

Noor is a leading figure in Jamiat-e Islami, a party that represents Afghanistan`s Tajik minority. A former commander in the anti-Soviet Mujahiddin and considered one of the richest men in Afghanistan, he has faced repeated accusations of corruption, which he denies.&nbsp;

He has continued to defy Ghani`s attempts to retain control over his northern stronghold since stepping aside last year in a deal that allowed him to choose the new provincial police chief.&nbsp;

Several officials in Balkh appointed by Ghani have complained at being blocked from taking up their posts by the refusal of local authorities to recognise their appointments.

Noor has accused Ghani of trying to remove a potential rival and divide Jamiat by appointing his supporters to powerful posts to manipulate the presidential election in July.&nbsp;

The stand-off underlines how far the president`s authority has been challenged. Last month, a governor of the northern province of Samangan defied an attempt by Ghani to remove him.

In a statement online, Noor called on residents to keep shops and markets closed. He said Ghani must withdraw the appointment of Abdul Raqib Mobarez as the province`s new police chief.

He also rejected the appointment of Abdul Latif Sahak`s as head of the agency running the trade post of Hairatan, the border crossing into Uzbekistan that controls a significant slice of Afghanistan`s foreign trade.&nbsp;

Noor called him a "thief and a smuggler". Sahak dismissed his accusations as "baseless" and said he had been appointed after a competitive process by government ministries.

Although no longer in office, he continues to wield enormous influence in the province and he called on supporters to resist Kabul`s influence in local affairs.

"The presidential palace has always been plotting conspiracies with its arbitrary policies. I ask all residents, men and women, of Balkh to be fully ready for defending their dignity," said Noor.

Balkh, which sits on vital trade routes into central Asia, is also one of Afghanistan’s most stable and prosperous provinces, with a much smaller Taliban and Islamic State presence than in other northern regions.

A senior official at the presidential palace said Ghani`s decision to appoint a new police chief in Balkh was "free from bias".

A gunbattle erupted on Thursday between Afghan forces and supporters of a powerful politician in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif who rejected the appointment of a new provincial police chief by President Ashraf Ghani, officials said.

A gunbattle erupted on Thursday between Afghan forces and supporters of a powerful politician in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif who rejected the appointment of a new provincial police chief by President Ashraf Ghani, officials said. At least five civilians and two security force personnel were wounded in the clash, the latest in a series of stand-offs between Ghani and Atta Mohammad Noor, who built up unrivalled power as governor of Balkh province for more than a decade. Noor is a leading figure in Jamiat-e Islami, a party that represents Afghanistan`s Tajik minority. A former commander in the anti-Soviet Mujahiddin and considered one of the richest men in Afghanistan, he has faced repeated accusations of corruption, which he denies. He has continued to defy Ghani`s attempts to retain control over his northern stronghold since stepping aside last year in a deal that allowed him to choose the new provincial police chief. Several officials in Balkh appointed by Ghani have complained at being blocked from taking up their posts by the refusal of local authorities to recognise their appointments. Noor has accused Ghani of trying to remove a potential rival and divide Jamiat by appointing his supporters to powerful posts to manipulate the presidential election in July. The stand-off underlines how far the president`s authority has been challenged. Last month, a governor of the northern province of Samangan defied an attempt by Ghani to remove him. In a statement online, Noor called on residents to keep shops and markets closed. He said Ghani must withdraw the appointment of Abdul Raqib Mobarez as the province`s new police chief. He also rejected the appointment of Abdul Latif Sahak`s as head of the agency running the trade post of Hairatan, the border crossing into Uzbekistan that controls a significant slice of Afghanistan`s foreign trade. Noor called him a "thief and a smuggler". Sahak dismissed his accusations as "baseless" and said he had been appointed after a competitive process by government ministries. Although no longer in office, he continues to wield enormous influence in the province and he called on supporters to resist Kabul`s influence in local affairs. "The presidential palace has always been plotting conspiracies with its arbitrary policies. I ask all residents, men and women, of Balkh to be fully ready for defending their dignity," said Noor. Balkh, which sits on vital trade routes into central Asia, is also one of Afghanistan’s most stable and prosperous provinces, with a much smaller Taliban and Islamic State presence than in other northern regions. A senior official at the presidential palace said Ghani`s decision to appoint a new police chief in Balkh was "free from bias".

Gunfight erupts in north Afghan city over police chief's appointment

Union minister V K Singh Wednesday said people want India to emulate Israel in targeting terrorists but it cannot happen because the opposition in that country, unlike India, does not question and "insult" their army when it carries out tasks like 'Operation Munich'.

In a sweeping Facebook post, he attacked government critics, including opposition members, students leaders, activists and media, and called for a "surgical strike" within India, claiming if it does not happen, then the "robbers are ready to loot".

The former Army chief called student leaders accused of involvement in "anti-India" protests as "jonk" (leeches) and took aim at the media for referring to terrorists as "militants", claiming such things do not happen in Israel.

It is high time that the country followed Israel, he said.

He wrote the post amid a fierce slugfest between the government and opposition parties following the Balakot air strikes with the latter seeking proof that a high number of terrorists were killed, as claimed by ruling combine leaders including BJP president Amit Shah.

The BJP has, in turn, accused its rivals of lowering the morale of armed forces and speaking the language of Pakistan.

In a tweet, Singh also used a mosquito metaphor to refer to the debate on casualty figures of terrorists, asking if he was expected to sit and count how many he killed at night or "sleep in comfort".

"There were a lot of mosquitoes at 3:30 am at night. So, I used Hit (mosquito repellent) on them. Now, should I sit and count how many mosquitoes I killed or sleep in comfort," Singh tweeted.

The Union minister headliend his Facebook post as "Why India does not become Isreal?".

People want revenge and expect that Modi would enter Pakistan in a tank and finish off all Pakistanis, he said.

"We want to be in Israel mode overnight. No, it won't happen. If Modi is there, I have expectation and faith that revenge will be taken. It will be fierce and 100 times more intense. But India cannot be Israel and will not be Israel," he said in the post written in Hindi.

He counted multiple reasons why he thinks India cannot become Israel.&nbsp;

Because there is no JNU in Israel where youngsters can raise slogans in support of breaking the country, he said, in an apparent reference to the alleged anti-national protests in the university in February 2016.

Because no courts are opened for terrorists at 2 am in the night and nor does journalists there "cry" for human rights of terrorists, he went on.

"Because when Israel carries out Operation Munich, the opposition there does not insult the country or armed forces by seeking proof," Singh said, in an apparent reference to the covert operation of Israel spy agency Mossad to eliminate those involved in the terror attack on the country's 1972 Munich

Olympics contingent in which several members were killed.

The country is supreme in Israel, not religion or caste, and no Jat, Gujjar or Maratha torch public property there, he added.

"There are no tapeworms (in Israel) like Shehla Rashid and Kanhaiya Kumar who study on taxpayers' money and call the Army rapists," he alleged.

Singh said time has come for India to be like Israel so that its elected representatives know that the nation will be united for protecting its integrity and sovereignty not only during the war but all the time, irrespective of any eventuality.

The opposition has been asking the government to reveal the official death count in the strike which was conducted days after the February 14 Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel died.

While IAF chief B S Dhanoa said in a press conference that the force does not count bodies, BJP president Amit Shah claimed at a political rally that over 250 terrorists were killed.&nbsp;

Union minister V K Singh Wednesday said people want India to emulate Israel in targeting terrorists but it cannot happen because the opposition in that country, unlike India, does not question and "insult" their army when it carries out tasks like 'Operation Munich'.

Union minister V K Singh Wednesday said people want India to emulate Israel in targeting terrorists but it cannot happen because the opposition in that country, unlike India, does not question and "insult" their army when it carries out tasks like 'Operation Munich'. In a sweeping Facebook post, he attacked government critics, including opposition members, students leaders, activists and media, and called for a "surgical strike" within India, claiming if it does not happen, then the "robbers are ready to loot". The former Army chief called student leaders accused of involvement in "anti-India" protests as "jonk" (leeches) and took aim at the media for referring to terrorists as "militants", claiming such things do not happen in Israel. It is high time that the country followed Israel, he said. He wrote the post amid a fierce slugfest between the government and opposition parties following the Balakot air strikes with the latter seeking proof that a high number of terrorists were killed, as claimed by ruling combine leaders including BJP president Amit Shah. The BJP has, in turn, accused its rivals of lowering the morale of armed forces and speaking the language of Pakistan. In a tweet, Singh also used a mosquito metaphor to refer to the debate on casualty figures of terrorists, asking if he was expected to sit and count how many he killed at night or "sleep in comfort". "There were a lot of mosquitoes at 3:30 am at night. So, I used Hit (mosquito repellent) on them. Now, should I sit and count how many mosquitoes I killed or sleep in comfort," Singh tweeted. The Union minister headliend his Facebook post as "Why India does not become Isreal?". People want revenge and expect that Modi would enter Pakistan in a tank and finish off all Pakistanis, he said. "We want to be in Israel mode overnight. No, it won't happen. If Modi is there, I have expectation and faith that revenge will be taken. It will be fierce and 100 times more intense. But India cannot be Israel and will not be Israel," he said in the post written in Hindi. He counted multiple reasons why he thinks India cannot become Israel. Because there is no JNU in Israel where youngsters can raise slogans in support of breaking the country, he said, in an apparent reference to the alleged anti-national protests in the university in February 2016. Because no courts are opened for terrorists at 2 am in the night and nor does journalists there "cry" for human rights of terrorists, he went on. "Because when Israel carries out Operation Munich, the opposition there does not insult the country or armed forces by seeking proof," Singh said, in an apparent reference to the covert operation of Israel spy agency Mossad to eliminate those involved in the terror attack on the country's 1972 Munich Olympics contingent in which several members were killed. The country is supreme in Israel, not religion or caste, and no Jat, Gujjar or Maratha torch public property there, he added. "There are no tapeworms (in Israel) like Shehla Rashid and Kanhaiya Kumar who study on taxpayers' money and call the Army rapists," he alleged. Singh said time has come for India to be like Israel so that its elected representatives know that the nation will be united for protecting its integrity and sovereignty not only during the war but all the time, irrespective of any eventuality. The opposition has been asking the government to reveal the official death count in the strike which was conducted days after the February 14 Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel died. While IAF chief B S Dhanoa said in a press conference that the force does not count bodies, BJP president Amit Shah claimed at a political rally that over 250 terrorists were killed.

Quit 'insulting' Army if you want India to tackle terror like Israelis: VK Singh attacks opposition

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-zarif-announces-unexpected-resignation-on-instagram-199721">Benjamin Netanyahu said</a> "good riddance" on Tuesday after Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif abruptly announced his resignation.

"Zarif is gone. Good riddance," Netanyahu said of the lead negotiator of Iran's landmark 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers that he had bitterly opposed.

"As long as I am here, Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons," Netanyahu tweeted.

Iran denies any ambition to develop an atomic weapons capability and says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

It refuses to accept the legitimacy of the Jewish state and has provided support to Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups that have waged war against Israel, making it Israel's number one enemy.

Netanyahu has pledged to stop Tehran from entrenching itself militarily in neighbouring Syria and Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets there.

Iran is the main backer with Russia of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country's nearly eight-year civil war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "good riddance" on Tuesday after Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif abruptly announced his resignation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "good riddance" on Tuesday after Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif abruptly announced his resignation. "Zarif is gone. Good riddance," Netanyahu said of the lead negotiator of Iran's landmark 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers that he had bitterly opposed. "As long as I am here, Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons," Netanyahu tweeted. Iran denies any ambition to develop an atomic weapons capability and says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only. It refuses to accept the legitimacy of the Jewish state and has provided support to Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups that have waged war against Israel, making it Israel's number one enemy. Netanyahu has pledged to stop Tehran from entrenching itself militarily in neighbouring Syria and Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets there. Iran is the main backer with Russia of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country's nearly eight-year civil war.

Zarif is gone, good riddance, says PM Netanyahu after Iran's foreign minister quits

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Feb. 27, Netanyahu's office said on Thursday, with the focus likely to be on Middle East issues led by Syria.

The two leaders had been scheduled to meet this week, but that was postponed, with no reason given. At the time, the Kremlin said Netanyahu and Putin were to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including Syria.

Thursday's statement offered no further details.

Israel's air force has repeatedly attacked what it describes as Iranian targets in Syria and those of allied militia, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

The air strikes have long caused friction between Israel and Russia, which apart from Iran is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s other major foreign backer.

Israeli officials have spoken in the past of an agreement with Moscow under which they have made clear their strikes on Syria would not threaten Assad, while Russia has promised to help limit Iranian influence near the Israeli frontier.

A hotline set up since 2015 is aimed at ensuring Russian forces in Syria are not surprised by Israeli attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Feb. 27, Netanyahu's office said on Thursday, with the focus likely to be on Middle East issues led by Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Feb. 27, Netanyahu's office said on Thursday, with the focus likely to be on Middle East issues led by Syria. The two leaders had been scheduled to meet this week, but that was postponed, with no reason given. At the time, the Kremlin said Netanyahu and Putin were to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including Syria. Thursday's statement offered no further details. Israel's air force has repeatedly attacked what it describes as Iranian targets in Syria and those of allied militia, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The air strikes have long caused friction between Israel and Russia, which apart from Iran is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s other major foreign backer. Israeli officials have spoken in the past of an agreement with Moscow under which they have made clear their strikes on Syria would not threaten Assad, while Russia has promised to help limit Iranian influence near the Israeli frontier. A hotline set up since 2015 is aimed at ensuring Russian forces in Syria are not surprised by Israeli attacks.

Israel's Netanyahu to meet Putin in Moscow next week

Israel has offered unconditional help to India in defending itself, especially against terrorism, asserting that "there is no limit" to its assistance, an assurance which assumes significance amid demands that the government should consider Israeli-type retaliation to terror strikes.

The comments by newly-appointed Israeli envoy Dr Ron Malka came in response to a question on up to what extent Jerusalem will go to help India which has been a victim of terrorism.

Last Thursday, in one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel after which there have been growing demands that the government should explore Israeli-type anti-terror operations. The Israeli military is known for its precise and quick strikes.

"Whatever India needs to defend itself there is no limit. We are here to help our close friend India to defend itself, especially against terrorism because terrorism is the problem of the world and not only of India and Israel," Malka told PTI in an interview early last week.

Emphasising that the world should fight terrorism and eliminate it by collaborating, he said, "So, we help India, share our knowledge, share our technique because we really want to help our really important friend."

The 52-year old Malka, who was in Israeli military service from where he retired with the rank of Full Colonel, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told him that India was a very "important partner, very important friend and he wants to collaborate to enhance ties and deepen them...To share our knowledge."

He further said that by strengthening India, Israel was contributing to world stability and sustainability because India has a very important role in world stability. "We are just doing it to make the world a better place to live..."

After the Pulwama attack, Malka had also tweeted that "Israel strongly condemns the terror attack in #Pulwama and stands by our Indian friends during this difficult hour. We send our deepest condolences to the CPRF and their families, the people of India and the Indian government following the terrible #KashmirTerrorAttack ."

Israel has offered unconditional help to India in defending itself, especially against terrorism, asserting that "there is no limit" to its assistance, an assurance which assumes significance amid demands that the government should consider Israeli-type retaliation to terror strikes.

Israel has offered unconditional help to India in defending itself, especially against terrorism, asserting that "there is no limit" to its assistance, an assurance which assumes significance amid demands that the government should consider Israeli-type retaliation to terror strikes. The comments by newly-appointed Israeli envoy Dr Ron Malka came in response to a question on up to what extent Jerusalem will go to help India which has been a victim of terrorism. Last Thursday, in one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel after which there have been growing demands that the government should explore Israeli-type anti-terror operations. The Israeli military is known for its precise and quick strikes. "Whatever India needs to defend itself there is no limit. We are here to help our close friend India to defend itself, especially against terrorism because terrorism is the problem of the world and not only of India and Israel," Malka told PTI in an interview early last week. Emphasising that the world should fight terrorism and eliminate it by collaborating, he said, "So, we help India, share our knowledge, share our technique because we really want to help our really important friend." The 52-year old Malka, who was in Israeli military service from where he retired with the rank of Full Colonel, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told him that India was a very "important partner, very important friend and he wants to collaborate to enhance ties and deepen them...To share our knowledge." He further said that by strengthening India, Israel was contributing to world stability and sustainability because India has a very important role in world stability. "We are just doing it to make the world a better place to live..." After the Pulwama attack, Malka had also tweeted that "Israel strongly condemns the terror attack in #Pulwama and stands by our Indian friends during this difficult hour. We send our deepest condolences to the CPRF and their families, the people of India and the Indian government following the terrible #KashmirTerrorAttack ."

Whatever India needs to defend itself there is 'no limit', we are here to help: Israeli envoy Dr Ron Malka

Israel is to launch its first moon mission this week, sending an unmanned spacecraft to collect data to be shared with NASA, organisers said Monday.

The 585-kilogram (1,290-pound) Beresheet (Genesis) spacecraft is to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at around 0145 GMT on Friday.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and technology NGO SpaceIL announced the date at a press conference.

Mission control will be in Yehud, near Tel Aviv.

"We are entering history and are proud to belong to a group that has dreamed and fulfilled the vision shared by many countries in the world but that so far only three of them have accomplished," SpaceIL president Morris Kahn said.

So far only Russia, the United States and China have sent spacecraft to the moon.

The Chinese craft made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon on January 3.

NASA, which has installed equipment on Genesis to upload its signals from the moon, said last week it aims to land an unmanned vehicle there by 2024, and it is inviting private sector bids to build the US probe.

NASA plans to build a small space station, dubbed Gateway, in the moon's orbit by 2026.&nbsp;

It will serve as a way-station for trips to and from the lunar surface, but will not be permanently crewed.

Genesis will make its 6.5-million kilometre (one million-mile) journey at a maximum speed of 10 kilometres per second (36,000 kilometres per hour), according to an IAI statement.

It will carry a "time capsule" loaded with digital files containing a Bible, children's drawings, Israeli songs, memories of a Holocaust survivor and the blue-and-white Israeli flag.

The $100-million project will measure the lunar magnetic field to help to understand the moon's formation.

"This is the lowest-budget spacecraft to ever undertake such a mission. The superpowers who managed to land a spacecraft on the moon have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding," the IAI statement said.

"Beresheet is the first spacecraft to land on the moon as a result of a private initiative, rather than a government."&nbsp;

The project started as a potential entry for the Google Lunar XPrize, which in 2010 offered a $30-million reward to encourage scientists and entrepreneurs to offer relatively inexpensive lunar missions.

The contest closed without a winner in March 2018 but SpaceIL decided to keep working on the challenge.

Israel is to launch its first moon mission this week, sending an unmanned spacecraft to collect data to be shared with NASA, organisers said Monday. The 585-kilogram (1,290-pound) Beresheet (Genesis) spacecraft is to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at around 0145 GMT on Friday.

Israel is to launch its first moon mission this week, sending an unmanned spacecraft to collect data to be shared with NASA, organisers said Monday. The 585-kilogram (1,290-pound) Beresheet (Genesis) spacecraft is to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at around 0145 GMT on Friday. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and technology NGO SpaceIL announced the date at a press conference. Mission control will be in Yehud, near Tel Aviv. "We are entering history and are proud to belong to a group that has dreamed and fulfilled the vision shared by many countries in the world but that so far only three of them have accomplished," SpaceIL president Morris Kahn said. So far only Russia, the United States and China have sent spacecraft to the moon. The Chinese craft made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon on January 3. NASA, which has installed equipment on Genesis to upload its signals from the moon, said last week it aims to land an unmanned vehicle there by 2024, and it is inviting private sector bids to build the US probe. NASA plans to build a small space station, dubbed Gateway, in the moon's orbit by 2026. It will serve as a way-station for trips to and from the lunar surface, but will not be permanently crewed. Genesis will make its 6.5-million kilometre (one million-mile) journey at a maximum speed of 10 kilometres per second (36,000 kilometres per hour), according to an IAI statement. It will carry a "time capsule" loaded with digital files containing a Bible, children's drawings, Israeli songs, memories of a Holocaust survivor and the blue-and-white Israeli flag. The $100-million project will measure the lunar magnetic field to help to understand the moon's formation. "This is the lowest-budget spacecraft to ever undertake such a mission. The superpowers who managed to land a spacecraft on the moon have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding," the IAI statement said. "Beresheet is the first spacecraft to land on the moon as a result of a private initiative, rather than a government." The project started as a potential entry for the Google Lunar XPrize, which in 2010 offered a $30-million reward to encourage scientists and entrepreneurs to offer relatively inexpensive lunar missions. The contest closed without a winner in March 2018 but SpaceIL decided to keep working on the challenge.

Israel's first lunar mission to launch this week

Israel said its security cabinet on Sunday decided to withhold $138 million (122 million euros) in tax transfers to the Palestinian Authority over its payments to prisoners jailed for attacks on Israelis.

A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the withheld cash would be equal to that paid by the PA last year to "terrorists imprisoned in Israel, to their families and to released prisoners".

Israel alleges the payments encourage further violence.

The PA says the payments are a form of welfare to the families who have lost their main breadwinner and denies it is seeking to encourage violence.

Many Palestinians view prisoners and those killed while carrying out attacks as heroes in their conflict with Israel. Palestinian leaders often venerate them as martyrs.

The move to withhold the money comes in response to an Israeli law passed last year allowing it to do so.

Israel collects around $127 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports and then transfers the money to the PA.

Earlier this month, Netanyahu pledged to implement the law after a deadly Palestinian attack on a young woman.

He is running in an election scheduled for April 9 and has been seeking to shore up his security credentials in the eyes of voters ahead of polling day.

The $138 million will likely be deducted incrementally over a 12-month period, according to local media reports. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Israel said its security cabinet on Sunday decided to withhold $138 million (122 million euros) in tax transfers to the Palestinian Authority over its payments to prisoners jailed for attacks on Israelis.

Israel said its security cabinet on Sunday decided to withhold $138 million (122 million euros) in tax transfers to the Palestinian Authority over its payments to prisoners jailed for attacks on Israelis. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the withheld cash would be equal to that paid by the PA last year to "terrorists imprisoned in Israel, to their families and to released prisoners". Israel alleges the payments encourage further violence. The PA says the payments are a form of welfare to the families who have lost their main breadwinner and denies it is seeking to encourage violence. Many Palestinians view prisoners and those killed while carrying out attacks as heroes in their conflict with Israel. Palestinian leaders often venerate them as martyrs. The move to withhold the money comes in response to an Israeli law passed last year allowing it to do so. Israel collects around $127 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports and then transfers the money to the PA. Earlier this month, Netanyahu pledged to implement the law after a deadly Palestinian attack on a young woman. He is running in an election scheduled for April 9 and has been seeking to shore up his security credentials in the eyes of voters ahead of polling day. The $138 million will likely be deducted incrementally over a 12-month period, according to local media reports.

Israel to withhold $138 million from Palestinians over prisoner payments

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday handed over his role as foreign minister to intelligence minister Israel Katz, giving up the portfolio he has held since 2015.

Netanyahu's decision to appoint Katz as acting foreign minister came after an advocacy group, the Movement for Quality Government, went to court to press the prime minister to stop serving as foreign minister as well.

Government officials said Katz, who will remain intelligence minister and also serves as transport minister, will hold the foreign affairs portfolio through the upcoming parliamentary election on April 9. Katz is a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party,

In addition to the premiership, Netanyahu still holds the defence portfolio, which he assumed after his former far-right coalition partner Avigdor Lieberman quit that post in November. Netanyahu is also health minister.

The advocacy group that pushed for a new foreign minister had argued that Netanyahu's workload was untenable and further harmed a foreign ministry beset by budget disputes.

Netanyahu's defenders have noted his personal rapport with the U.S. and Russian leaders and regular tours abroad.

"Together with the prime minister we will continue to lead the State of Israel's foreign policy to new achievements," Katz, 63, said on Twitter.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday handed over his role as foreign minister to intelligence minister Israel Katz, giving up the portfolio he has held since 2015.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday handed over his role as foreign minister to intelligence minister Israel Katz, giving up the portfolio he has held since 2015. Netanyahu's decision to appoint Katz as acting foreign minister came after an advocacy group, the Movement for Quality Government, went to court to press the prime minister to stop serving as foreign minister as well. Government officials said Katz, who will remain intelligence minister and also serves as transport minister, will hold the foreign affairs portfolio through the upcoming parliamentary election on April 9. Katz is a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party, In addition to the premiership, Netanyahu still holds the defence portfolio, which he assumed after his former far-right coalition partner Avigdor Lieberman quit that post in November. Netanyahu is also health minister. The advocacy group that pushed for a new foreign minister had argued that Netanyahu's workload was untenable and further harmed a foreign ministry beset by budget disputes. Netanyahu's defenders have noted his personal rapport with the U.S. and Russian leaders and regular tours abroad. "Together with the prime minister we will continue to lead the State of Israel's foreign policy to new achievements," Katz, 63, said on Twitter.

Netanyahu gives up role as Israel's foreign minister

After every terror attack in India, people want the government to take action against Pakistan the way Israel would in such circumstances. This feeling is further accentuated by the narrative built by mass media which, in turn, pressurises the state to fall back on the Indian Army.&nbsp;

Israel, that way, has behaved very differently from many states that find themselves surrounded by hostile neighbours. Instead of relying on its Army for all its covert operations, Israel's other agencies also carry out operations across the world. Israel reacts to threats in a continuous mode unlike in India where a punitive strike is always an after-thought.

Israel has carried out hits all over the world to protect its citizens and demolish organisations like the PLO and Hamas including those who stood in opposition to Israeli interest.&nbsp;

India, on the other hand, has never exercised such an approach. Rather, it begs the question of how our intelligence agencies lost their teeth after the glorious 1971 victory which led to the creation of independent Bangladesh.&nbsp; 
India has never been known to carry out such deep hits. Its peace-keeping mission in Sri Lanka also ended up in disaster as Indian forces became a victim of internecine politics of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Israel, on the other hand, has gone all over the world to eliminate those who opposed its interests. The best example would that be of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi who was part of Adolf Hitler's key leadership.&nbsp;

Eichmann was responsible for killing thousands of Jews in Europe and was part of Hitler’s favourite project - Final Solution. When Nazis started to lose the war, Eichmann first decamped in Germany and then fled to British occupied area under a false identity in 1950 from Italy. He fled to Argentina which was a preferred place for the Nazis to disappear after Reich had fallen. His family joined him in 1952. &nbsp;It did not break the resolve of Israel. They looked for him all across South America till they abducted him in 1960 in Argentina and got him back to Israel for a trial. He was tried in Jerusalem and sentenced to death in 1961.&nbsp;

Another example would that be of the Munich Massacre of 1972 where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by a Palestinian terror outfit called Black September. Under Golda Meir’s leadership, operation ‘Wrath of God’ was launched by Israel whose code word was 'Bayonet'. The hit team involved individuals from Mossad and special forces operatives from Israel Defence Forces.&nbsp;

The team hunted individuals associated with planning the attack across Europe and West Asia. The team also made mistakes and put down the wrong person in Norway in 1973 sparking international outrage. As a result, PM Meir had to suspend the operation for a while only to have it revived in 1979. This time around, Israel successfully located Ali Hassan Salameh, known as Red Prince, who was the operational head of the terrorist group Black September. He was put down in Beirut the same year.

In 1962, Israel targeted German scientist working for a rocket programme under the leadership of Egyptian leader Gamal Abdul Naseer. The operation was called Operation Damocles. Egyptians were forced to close down the programme, the scientists were intimidated. The operation damaged Egypt’s effort to build bigger, better rockets to target Israel.

Israel also targeted important functionaries of the &nbsp;Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hamas throughout West Asia. Israel enjoys an audacious record of carrying deep strikes on countries like Syria, Jordan and Lebanon against terror groups.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The best recent example would that be of Isreal's national intelligence agency Mossad’s Dubai Operation in 2010. The agents neutralized chief weapons buyer of Hamas. Though agents were caught by CCTV cameras all over the place, the message which Israel sent was loud and clear. Israel reinforced that they will hunt down its enemies in any part of the world.&nbsp;

India has not been able to covertly target the key people of Pakistan Army whereas Pakistan has targeted important people of Indian Defence Forces and the police forces across India with impunity. We have not been able to send the message that we mean business when it comes to targeting us. We have failed to send the message to the enemies that we will get them at any cost. It is also because we have not built capacities like Israel. Also, political parties did not evolve a consensus on geopolitical realities. Till 2001, Indian politicians were not able to gauge the problem of Islamic fundamentalism.

In the absence of skill and assets abroad, the political party in power falls back on conventional tactics to counter Pakistan; a move that has its own limits. This too, disproportionately, falls on the shoulder of the Indian Army. &nbsp;

If India wants to behave like Israel, then it will have to build capacity and hit out at Pakistan across the world.

&nbsp;This is being said when India’s geopolitical reality is very different from that of Israel. In past, Israel received continuous backing from the US, unlike India.&nbsp;

Today, Pakistan is extremely close to China which is asserting itself all over the world. Doklam is an example in that case. It is a reality not shared by Israel. India shares a boundary with two nuclear-capable nations.

Pakistan has already forced America's hands in pushing them to talk to the Taliban in Qatar which has made them even bolder.&nbsp;

Also, Kashmir is an integral part of India, unlike the Palestinian areas which for Israel stand as enemy regions. Lastly, Pakistan is a nuclear-armed nation. Any conventional war will have the possibility of the nuke power being misused by the Pakistan Army. In this case, India must do two things which Pakistan.

Firstly, India must hit at Pakistan's interests all over the world. The Centre should also kick-start the political process in Jammu and Kashmir as India cannot afford to have alienated population in the Valley when Pakistan is openly attacking Indian forces.&nbsp;

Finally, India's response against Pakistan must be continuous until and unless the South Asian nation is forced to ask for time. In absence of it, we may end up repeating Operation Parakram which did not change the DNA of the Pakistani state.&nbsp;

All that has happened in the last five years signals the fact that we have simply consumed the idea of a powerful India. We consumed surgical strikes for electoral ends. All of this has ended up creating hysteria across the nation, demanding war. One has to go to Syria and Afghanistan to understand how a full-fledged war affects a country.&nbsp;

The bottom line? Simply put, in the multi-polar world, India’s engagement with Pakistan will be bloody and we will have to take them to war rather than bleeding and fighting it out on our own land. For this, the only answer is harnessing the covert capability to strike at Pakistan's deep state - its Army.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

After every terror attack in India, people want the government to take action against Pakistan the way Israel would in such circumstances. This feeling is further accentuated by the narrative built by mass media which, in turn, pressurises the state to fall back on the Indian Army.

After every terror attack in India, people want the government to take action against Pakistan the way Israel would in such circumstances. This feeling is further accentuated by the narrative built by mass media which, in turn, pressurises the state to fall back on the Indian Army. Israel, that way, has behaved very differently from many states that find themselves surrounded by hostile neighbours. Instead of relying on its Army for all its covert operations, Israel's other agencies also carry out operations across the world. Israel reacts to threats in a continuous mode unlike in India where a punitive strike is always an after-thought. Israel has carried out hits all over the world to protect its citizens and demolish organisations like the PLO and Hamas including those who stood in opposition to Israeli interest. India, on the other hand, has never exercised such an approach. Rather, it begs the question of how our intelligence agencies lost their teeth after the glorious 1971 victory which led to the creation of independent Bangladesh. India has never been known to carry out such deep hits. Its peace-keeping mission in Sri Lanka also ended up in disaster as Indian forces became a victim of internecine politics of Sri Lanka. Israel, on the other hand, has gone all over the world to eliminate those who opposed its interests. The best example would that be of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi who was part of Adolf Hitler's key leadership. Eichmann was responsible for killing thousands of Jews in Europe and was part of Hitler’s favourite project - Final Solution. When Nazis started to lose the war, Eichmann first decamped in Germany and then fled to British occupied area under a false identity in 1950 from Italy. He fled to Argentina which was a preferred place for the Nazis to disappear after Reich had fallen. His family joined him in 1952. It did not break the resolve of Israel. They looked for him all across South America till they abducted him in 1960 in Argentina and got him back to Israel for a trial. He was tried in Jerusalem and sentenced to death in 1961. Another example would that be of the Munich Massacre of 1972 where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by a Palestinian terror outfit called Black September. Under Golda Meir’s leadership, operation ‘Wrath of God’ was launched by Israel whose code word was 'Bayonet'. The hit team involved individuals from Mossad and special forces operatives from Israel Defence Forces. The team hunted individuals associated with planning the attack across Europe and West Asia. The team also made mistakes and put down the wrong person in Norway in 1973 sparking international outrage. As a result, PM Meir had to suspend the operation for a while only to have it revived in 1979. This time around, Israel successfully located Ali Hassan Salameh, known as Red Prince, who was the operational head of the terrorist group Black September. He was put down in Beirut the same year. In 1962, Israel targeted German scientist working for a rocket programme under the leadership of Egyptian leader Gamal Abdul Naseer. The operation was called Operation Damocles. Egyptians were forced to close down the programme, the scientists were intimidated. The operation damaged Egypt’s effort to build bigger, better rockets to target Israel. Israel also targeted important functionaries of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hamas throughout West Asia. Israel enjoys an audacious record of carrying deep strikes on countries like Syria, Jordan and Lebanon against terror groups. The best recent example would that be of Isreal's national intelligence agency Mossad’s Dubai Operation in 2010. The agents neutralized chief weapons buyer of Hamas. Though agents were caught by CCTV cameras all over the place, the message which Israel sent was loud and clear. Israel reinforced that they will hunt down its enemies in any part of the world. India has not been able to covertly target the key people of Pakistan Army whereas Pakistan has targeted important people of Indian Defence Forces and the police forces across India with impunity. We have not been able to send the message that we mean business when it comes to targeting us. We have failed to send the message to the enemies that we will get them at any cost. It is also because we have not built capacities like Israel. Also, political parties did not evolve a consensus on geopolitical realities. Till 2001, Indian politicians were not able to gauge the problem of Islamic fundamentalism. In the absence of skill and assets abroad, the political party in power falls back on conventional tactics to counter Pakistan; a move that has its own limits. This too, disproportionately, falls on the shoulder of the Indian Army. If India wants to behave like Israel, then it will have to build capacity and hit out at Pakistan across the world. This is being said when India’s geopolitical reality is very different from that of Israel. In past, Israel received continuous backing from the US, unlike India. Today, Pakistan is extremely close to China which is asserting itself all over the world. Doklam is an example in that case. It is a reality not shared by Israel. India shares a boundary with two nuclear-capable nations. Pakistan has already forced America's hands in pushing them to talk to the Taliban in Qatar which has made them even bolder. Also, Kashmir is an integral part of India, unlike the Palestinian areas which for Israel stand as enemy regions. Lastly, Pakistan is a nuclear-armed nation. Any conventional war will have the possibility of the nuke power being misused by the Pakistan Army. In this case, India must do two things which Pakistan. Firstly, India must hit at Pakistan's interests all over the world. The Centre should also kick-start the political process in Jammu and Kashmir as India cannot afford to have alienated population in the Valley when Pakistan is openly attacking Indian forces. Finally, India's response against Pakistan must be continuous until and unless the South Asian nation is forced to ask for time. In absence of it, we may end up repeating Operation Parakram which did not change the DNA of the Pakistani state. All that has happened in the last five years signals the fact that we have simply consumed the idea of a powerful India. We consumed surgical strikes for electoral ends. All of this has ended up creating hysteria across the nation, demanding war. One has to go to Syria and Afghanistan to understand how a full-fledged war affects a country. The bottom line? Simply put, in the multi-polar world, India’s engagement with Pakistan will be bloody and we will have to take them to war rather than bleeding and fighting it out on our own land. For this, the only answer is harnessing the covert capability to strike at Pakistan's deep state - its Army. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pulwama terror attack: Can India respond like Israel?

Palestinian activists gathered early in the morning in the West Bank city of Hebron to accompany and keep safe dozens of children after Israel expelled observers of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, a civilian monitor group, EFE reported Wednesday.

Dressed in blue vests and self-identified as human rights defenders, the group of locals acted in place of the TIPH, leaving early from the Tel Rumeida neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron, to escort Palestinian children to school.

"The main purpose of not renewing the TIPH mission is to isolate the Palestinians and to make us weaker," local activist, Issa Amro, 38, told EFE.

The Palestinian activist explained that he and fellow Palestinians had mobilized following Israel's refusal on January 28 to continue the TIPH's 22-year-long mandate in the city.

The TIPH was deployed in Hebron to protect Palestinians from Israeli settler aggression.

Amro said the absence of the TIPH in recent weeks had allowed Israeli settlers to harass local Palestinians while the Israeli police did nothing.

"If we are weaker, they can transfer us from our homes here, and they can bring settlers instead of us. It means that we do not have any official observers who write reports about the human rights violations here," Amro said.

Hebron is the only city in the occupied West Bank with Jewish settlements at its centre.

Israel's military fully controls parts of the city, where Palestinians often find their movement restricted.

In its 22 years of work, the TIPH reported 40,000 human rights violations allegedly committed by the Israeli army and the settlers, Amro said.

The Palestinian activist lamented that his observer groups lacked the official United Nations' recognition enjoyed by the TIPH, which he said limited his powers.

On February 6, the UN Security Council – with the exception of the United States – repudiated Israel's decision to end the TIPH's mandate.

"We are concerned that the Israeli government's decision undermines one of the few established mechanisms for conflict resolution between Israelis and Palestinians and may, therefore, have a negative impact on the situation," the UN said.

The TIPH was organized between the Palestine National Authority and Israel after Israeli-American settler Baruch Goldstein in 1994 opened fire at the Hebron-based Ibrahimi Mosque at the Cave of the Patriarchs compound, killing 29 Palestinians.

Palestinian activists gathered early in the morning in the West Bank city of Hebron to accompany and keep safe dozens of children after Israel expelled observers of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, a civilian monitor group, EFE reported Wednesday.

Palestinian activists gathered early in the morning in the West Bank city of Hebron to accompany and keep safe dozens of children after Israel expelled observers of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, a civilian monitor group, EFE reported Wednesday. Dressed in blue vests and self-identified as human rights defenders, the group of locals acted in place of the TIPH, leaving early from the Tel Rumeida neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron, to escort Palestinian children to school. "The main purpose of not renewing the TIPH mission is to isolate the Palestinians and to make us weaker," local activist, Issa Amro, 38, told EFE. The Palestinian activist explained that he and fellow Palestinians had mobilized following Israel's refusal on January 28 to continue the TIPH's 22-year-long mandate in the city. The TIPH was deployed in Hebron to protect Palestinians from Israeli settler aggression. Amro said the absence of the TIPH in recent weeks had allowed Israeli settlers to harass local Palestinians while the Israeli police did nothing. "If we are weaker, they can transfer us from our homes here, and they can bring settlers instead of us. It means that we do not have any official observers who write reports about the human rights violations here," Amro said. Hebron is the only city in the occupied West Bank with Jewish settlements at its centre. Israel's military fully controls parts of the city, where Palestinians often find their movement restricted. In its 22 years of work, the TIPH reported 40,000 human rights violations allegedly committed by the Israeli army and the settlers, Amro said. The Palestinian activist lamented that his observer groups lacked the official United Nations' recognition enjoyed by the TIPH, which he said limited his powers. On February 6, the UN Security Council – with the exception of the United States – repudiated Israel's decision to end the TIPH's mandate. "We are concerned that the Israeli government's decision undermines one of the few established mechanisms for conflict resolution between Israelis and Palestinians and may, therefore, have a negative impact on the situation," the UN said. The TIPH was organized between the Palestine National Authority and Israel after Israeli-American settler Baruch Goldstein in 1994 opened fire at the Hebron-based Ibrahimi Mosque at the Cave of the Patriarchs compound, killing 29 Palestinians.

Palestinian school children escorted in Hebron after monitor group expelled

Nudged by rightwing political rivals after a deadly Palestinian attack on a young Israeli woman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who seeks re-election pledged Sunday to freeze money transfers to the Palestinian Authority.

Israel collects around $127 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports and then transfers it to the PA.

The Israeli parliament last year passed legislation to partially withhold funds, in response to PA payments to families of Palestinians jailed by Israel for attacks against Israelis.

"By the end of the week, the staff-work necessary for implementing the law on deducting terrorists' salaries will be completed," Netanyahu -- who faces a general election in April -- told journalists at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting.&nbsp;

"Next Sunday I will convene the security cabinet and we will approve the necessary decision to deduct the funds. Let nobody doubt, the funds will be deducted, at the start of next week," he said in Hebrew.

Earlier Sunday, Education Minister Naftali Bennett was among rightwingers pressing Netanyahu to implement the law after a Palestinian was arrested at the weekend on suspicion of killing 19-year-old Ori Ansbacher.

"The law to offset terrorist funds passed...last July," he Tweeted. "I call on the prime minister - apply the law immediately."

Army readies to demolish home

The Israeli army said Sunday it had started preparations to demolish the West Bank home of the Palestinian suspected of Ansbacher's killing, named ny security officials as 29-year-old Arafat Irfaiya from the flashpoint city of Hebron on the occupied West Bank.

"Overnight, troops operated in Hebron, where the suspect in the murder of Ori Ansbacher is from," the army said in an English-language statement.

"During the operation, the troops surveyed the suspect's house in order to examine the possibility of its demolition."

Ansbacher's body was found late Thursday in southeast Jerusalem, and she was buried the next day in her Israeli settlement of Tekoa.

Israeli security forces arrested the suspect in a raid in the West Bank city of Ramallah. He has not yet been charged.

Both the police and the Shin Bet security agency have said investigations have so far not found conclusively whether the killing was a "terrorist attack" or from other motives.

In the runup to elections, however, politicians and Israeli media appeared to have already made up their minds.

"I have no doubts about the nationalist motives of the murderer," Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan told public radio.

"After so many years of suffering from terror we should know - this is a nationalist attack."

Commenting on calls to execute Palestinian militant killers, Erdan said he was in favour of applying the death penalty in certain circumstances.

"If it becomes clear that there is no possibility of rehabilitating the murderer and that he abused his victim, in such cases capital punishment should be applied," he said.

"The time has come to employ the death penalty for terrorists, as the law allows us to do," the daily Maariv quoted MP Bezalel Smotrich of the far-right Jewish Home party as saying.

Despite a court gag order, Israeli social media were abuzz over the weekend with what Yediot Aharonot newspaper called "graphic descriptions about the alleged nature of the murder."

Police called on the public not to share "publications and reports, especially on social media, about the circumstances of the murder case —including irresponsible horrific descriptions."

"We hereby clarify that those are completely baseless publications," police said.

Sponsors of July's law on Palestinian funds wrote at the time that the PA paid around $330 million a year to prisoners and their families, amounting to seven per cent of its budget.

Israel has withheld payments in the past, notably in response to the Palestinians' 2011 admission to the UN cultural agency UNESCO as a full member.

The PA, which has limited sovereignty in parts of the West Bank, relies heavily on outside financial aid. 
&nbsp;

Nudged by rightwing political rivals after a deadly Palestinian attack on a young Israeli woman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who seeks re-election pledged Sunday to freeze money transfers to the Palestinian Authority.

Nudged by rightwing political rivals after a deadly Palestinian attack on a young Israeli woman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who seeks re-election pledged Sunday to freeze money transfers to the Palestinian Authority. Israel collects around $127 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports and then transfers it to the PA. The Israeli parliament last year passed legislation to partially withhold funds, in response to PA payments to families of Palestinians jailed by Israel for attacks against Israelis. "By the end of the week, the staff-work necessary for implementing the law on deducting terrorists' salaries will be completed," Netanyahu -- who faces a general election in April -- told journalists at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting. "Next Sunday I will convene the security cabinet and we will approve the necessary decision to deduct the funds. Let nobody doubt, the funds will be deducted, at the start of next week," he said in Hebrew. Earlier Sunday, Education Minister Naftali Bennett was among rightwingers pressing Netanyahu to implement the law after a Palestinian was arrested at the weekend on suspicion of killing 19-year-old Ori Ansbacher. "The law to offset terrorist funds passed...last July," he Tweeted. "I call on the prime minister - apply the law immediately." Army readies to demolish home The Israeli army said Sunday it had started preparations to demolish the West Bank home of the Palestinian suspected of Ansbacher's killing, named ny security officials as 29-year-old Arafat Irfaiya from the flashpoint city of Hebron on the occupied West Bank. "Overnight, troops operated in Hebron, where the suspect in the murder of Ori Ansbacher is from," the army said in an English-language statement. "During the operation, the troops surveyed the suspect's house in order to examine the possibility of its demolition." Ansbacher's body was found late Thursday in southeast Jerusalem, and she was buried the next day in her Israeli settlement of Tekoa. Israeli security forces arrested the suspect in a raid in the West Bank city of Ramallah. He has not yet been charged. Both the police and the Shin Bet security agency have said investigations have so far not found conclusively whether the killing was a "terrorist attack" or from other motives. In the runup to elections, however, politicians and Israeli media appeared to have already made up their minds. "I have no doubts about the nationalist motives of the murderer," Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan told public radio. "After so many years of suffering from terror we should know - this is a nationalist attack." Commenting on calls to execute Palestinian militant killers, Erdan said he was in favour of applying the death penalty in certain circumstances. "If it becomes clear that there is no possibility of rehabilitating the murderer and that he abused his victim, in such cases capital punishment should be applied," he said. "The time has come to employ the death penalty for terrorists, as the law allows us to do," the daily Maariv quoted MP Bezalel Smotrich of the far-right Jewish Home party as saying. Despite a court gag order, Israeli social media were abuzz over the weekend with what Yediot Aharonot newspaper called "graphic descriptions about the alleged nature of the murder." Police called on the public not to share "publications and reports, especially on social media, about the circumstances of the murder case —including irresponsible horrific descriptions." "We hereby clarify that those are completely baseless publications," police said. Sponsors of July's law on Palestinian funds wrote at the time that the PA paid around $330 million a year to prisoners and their families, amounting to seven per cent of its budget. Israel has withheld payments in the past, notably in response to the Palestinians' 2011 admission to the UN cultural agency UNESCO as a full member. The PA, which has limited sovereignty in parts of the West Bank, relies heavily on outside financial aid.

Netanyahu vows to freeze Palestinian funds after Israeli teen killed

The chief of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement on Saturday warned Israel against continuing strikes in Syria targeting mainly Iranian positions, saying it could fuel the war in the region.

Addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview with al-Mayadeen television: "Don't make an error of judgement and don't lead the region towards war or a major clash."

"At any moment the Syrian leadership and the axis of resistance can take a decision to deal with the Israeli aggression in a different manner," Nasrallah said, referring to the alliance between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.

Israel has said the first strikes targeted mainly facilities it claimed belonged to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force.

It said they were in response to a medium-range, surface-to-surface missile the Quds Force fired from Syria at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Sunday, which Israeli air defences intercepted.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said 21 people had been killed in the strikes, the majority of them Iranians.

The Israeli army has since 2013 claimed hundreds of attacks on what it says are Iranian military targets and advanced arms deliveries to Hezbollah, with the goal of stopping its main enemy Iran from entrenching itself militarily in neighbouring Syria.&nbsp;

Israel has warned it will continue to target positions in Syria held by Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah. 
&nbsp;

The chief of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement on Saturday warned Israel against continuing strikes in Syria targeting mainly Iranian positions, saying it could fuel the war in the region.

The chief of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement on Saturday warned Israel against continuing strikes in Syria targeting mainly Iranian positions, saying it could fuel the war in the region. Addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly, Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview with al-Mayadeen television: "Don't make an error of judgement and don't lead the region towards war or a major clash." "At any moment the Syrian leadership and the axis of resistance can take a decision to deal with the Israeli aggression in a different manner," Nasrallah said, referring to the alliance between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah. Israel has said the first strikes targeted mainly facilities it claimed belonged to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force. It said they were in response to a medium-range, surface-to-surface missile the Quds Force fired from Syria at the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Sunday, which Israeli air defences intercepted. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said 21 people had been killed in the strikes, the majority of them Iranians. The Israeli army has since 2013 claimed hundreds of attacks on what it says are Iranian military targets and advanced arms deliveries to Hezbollah, with the goal of stopping its main enemy Iran from entrenching itself militarily in neighbouring Syria. Israel has warned it will continue to target positions in Syria held by Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah.

Hezbollah chief warns Israel against continuing strikes in Syria

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/missile-strikes-against-iranian-revolutionary-guards-quds-force-israel-191798&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwje8a7r7_7fAhXXYysKHY4TAhUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0_EbJQqWvOoegvSUOwGCe4">Israel</a> was to inaugurate a new international airport Monday in its desert south meant to boost tourism to the nearby Red Sea and serve as an emergency alternative to Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion airport.

The official ceremony was scheduled to begin at 11:30 am (0930 GMT) with <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-ticks-off-stalin-for-not-echoing-rahul-for-prime-minister-at-tmc-rally-191654&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjBhqn67_7fAhUciXAKHeg1AJ0QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0JWIssE3zMx1QXD152Z7Bc">Prime Minister </a>Benjamin Netanyahu in attendance.

Initially, Ramon Airport will handle only domestic flights, operated by Israeli carriers Arkia and Israir.&nbsp;

A date has not yet been given for the start of international flights.

The new airport, named after Ilan Ramon, Israel's first astronaut who died in the crash of the space shuttle Columbia, will in future host jumbo jets from around the globe.

Its website says that it will be able to initially handle up to two million passengers annually, but will be able to expand to a capacity of 4.2 million by 2030.

It says that it has a 3,600-metre-long runway and apron parking space for nine "large and wide-body aircraft".

It also has freight-handling facilities.

Ramon is about 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat and the adjacent Jordanian port of Aqaba.

Low-cost and charter airlines currently flying to Ovda airport, about 60 kilometres from Eilat, will move to Ramon, its website says.

They include Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, SAS, Finnair and Ural Airlines.

It will also replace Eilat's small municipal airfield, where for decades arriving aircraft have swooped past hotel towers.&nbsp;

Construction costs for the new airport have been put at 1.7 billion shekels ($455 million, 395 million euros).

Work began in 2013 but original specifications for the project were revised to allow for upgrades.

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has said that the plans for the Ramon project were revised in light of lessons learned during the 2014 Gaza war.

"In an emergency, not only will Israel's entire passenger air fleet be able to land and park there, but also additional aircraft," the IAA says.

After a rocket fired by Hamas militants in Gaza hit near the perimeter of Ben Gurion airport in 2014, international carriers suspended flights.

Israeli media have said that a 26-metre (85 foot) high, 4.5-kilometre (2.8 miles) long "smart" anti-missile fence has been installed to help protect Ramon, which is adjacent to the border with Jordan.&nbsp;

The IAA refused to comment on those reports.

Tourism brings in significant revenue for Israel, accounting for $5.8 billion in 2017, the last full year for which figures are available.

Arrivals to the country of more than eight million citizens hit a record 3.6 million last year, the Israeli tourism ministry said.

The United States, Russia, France, Germany and Britain accounted for most of the visitors.

Israel was to inaugurate a new international airport Monday in its desert south meant to boost tourism to the nearby Red Sea and serve as an emergency alternative to Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion airport.

Israel was to inaugurate a new international airport Monday in its desert south meant to boost tourism to the nearby Red Sea and serve as an emergency alternative to Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion airport. The official ceremony was scheduled to begin at 11:30 am (0930 GMT) with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in attendance. Initially, Ramon Airport will handle only domestic flights, operated by Israeli carriers Arkia and Israir. A date has not yet been given for the start of international flights. The new airport, named after Ilan Ramon, Israel's first astronaut who died in the crash of the space shuttle Columbia, will in future host jumbo jets from around the globe. Its website says that it will be able to initially handle up to two million passengers annually, but will be able to expand to a capacity of 4.2 million by 2030. It says that it has a 3,600-metre-long runway and apron parking space for nine "large and wide-body aircraft". It also has freight-handling facilities. Ramon is about 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the Israeli Red Sea resort of Eilat and the adjacent Jordanian port of Aqaba. Low-cost and charter airlines currently flying to Ovda airport, about 60 kilometres from Eilat, will move to Ramon, its website says. They include Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, SAS, Finnair and Ural Airlines. It will also replace Eilat's small municipal airfield, where for decades arriving aircraft have swooped past hotel towers. Construction costs for the new airport have been put at 1.7 billion shekels ($455 million, 395 million euros). Work began in 2013 but original specifications for the project were revised to allow for upgrades. The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has said that the plans for the Ramon project were revised in light of lessons learned during the 2014 Gaza war. "In an emergency, not only will Israel's entire passenger air fleet be able to land and park there, but also additional aircraft," the IAA says. After a rocket fired by Hamas militants in Gaza hit near the perimeter of Ben Gurion airport in 2014, international carriers suspended flights. Israeli media have said that a 26-metre (85 foot) high, 4.5-kilometre (2.8 miles) long "smart" anti-missile fence has been installed to help protect Ramon, which is adjacent to the border with Jordan. The IAA refused to comment on those reports. Tourism brings in significant revenue for Israel, accounting for $5.8 billion in 2017, the last full year for which figures are available. Arrivals to the country of more than eight million citizens hit a record 3.6 million last year, the Israeli tourism ministry said. The United States, Russia, France, Germany and Britain accounted for most of the visitors.

Israel to inaugurate new international airport near Red Sea

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-video-israels-netanyahu-congratulates-iran-football-team-encourages-protests-against-govt-147536">Netanyahu on Tuesday urged Iran to quickly remove its forces from neighbouring Syria</a> or face continued attacks on them by Israel.

"Yesterday I heard the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman saying 'Iran has no military presence in Syria, we only advise them'," Netanyahu said at a Tel Aviv ceremony to install a new head of Israel's armed forces.

"So let me advise them -- get out of there fast, because we'll continue our forceful policy of attacking, as we promised and are doing, fearlessly and relentlessly," he said.

In a rare public confirmation on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel had attacked what he described as "Iranian warehouses containing Iranian weapons in the Damascus international airport" over the weekend.

Netanyahu added that Israel had attacked Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Syria hundreds of times.

Israel has pledged to prevent Iran entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where its arch foe is backing President Bashar al-Assad's regime alongside Russia and Hezbollah.

At the ceremony for the new chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Aviv Kochavi, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel's central security challenge was "Iran and its terror emissaries," saying the Israeli military had "prevented the military entrenchment of Iran in Syria."

Tehran denies sending regular troops to fight in Syria, saying it has only provided military advisors and militia fighters from various countries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday urged Iran to quickly remove its forces from neighbouring Syria or face continued attacks on them by Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday urged Iran to quickly remove its forces from neighbouring Syria or face continued attacks on them by Israel. "Yesterday I heard the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman saying 'Iran has no military presence in Syria, we only advise them'," Netanyahu said at a Tel Aviv ceremony to install a new head of Israel's armed forces. "So let me advise them -- get out of there fast, because we'll continue our forceful policy of attacking, as we promised and are doing, fearlessly and relentlessly," he said. In a rare public confirmation on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel had attacked what he described as "Iranian warehouses containing Iranian weapons in the Damascus international airport" over the weekend. Netanyahu added that Israel had attacked Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Syria hundreds of times. Israel has pledged to prevent Iran entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where its arch foe is backing President Bashar al-Assad's regime alongside Russia and Hezbollah. At the ceremony for the new chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Aviv Kochavi, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel's central security challenge was "Iran and its terror emissaries," saying the Israeli military had "prevented the military entrenchment of Iran in Syria." Tehran denies sending regular troops to fight in Syria, saying it has only provided military advisors and militia fighters from various countries.

Netanyahu tells Iran to get out of Syria 'fast' or face more attacks

US begins process of pulling out from Syria

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket at Israel late Saturday, Israel's army said, prompting retaliatory strikes on the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas as tensions rose after another day of violent border clashes.

"Earlier tonight, a rocket was launched from Gaza towards <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-further-hamas-strikes-after-gaza-rocket-fired-188761">Israeli territory</a>. In response, IDF fighter jets targeted two of Hamas' underground structures in the Gaza Strip," Israel Defense Forces tweeted.

"We will continue operating to defend Israeli civilians," it added.

Two targets in Gaza City were hit by the Israeli strikes and no one was harmed, security sources in Gaza said.

The clashes come a day after a Gaza woman was shot dead by Israeli forces during weekly protests and clashes along the Gaza border.

The health ministry named her as Amal al-Taramsi, 43, saying she was the third woman to die in months of clashes that have seen at least 241 Palestinians killed.

Another 25 Palestinians were wounded along the Israeli border in Friday's violence.

The Israeli army said that around 13,000 Palestinians had gathered in multiple sites along the border.

"The rioters have burned tyres and hurled blocks, explosive devices and grenades towards (Israeli) troops and at the Gaza Strip security fence," an army statement read.

The army also struck two positions belonging to Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas on Friday, it said.

At least once a week since March, Palestinians have taken part in often violent protests with backing from Hamas.

Most of the Palestinians killed were shot in weekly clashes, but others have been hit by tank fire or airstrikes.

Protests have calmed in recent months amid an informal truce between Israel and Hamas.

Under the unwritten agreement, Israel has allowed Qatar to provide money and fuel to Hamas's government in Gaza in exchange for relative calm.

Expected delivery of new funds by Qatar did not arrive this week, sparking speculation Israel was holding it up.

On Monday, a rocket fired from Gaza hit Israel, prompting the Jewish state to carry out a series of air strikes against Hamas targets in the Palestinian enclave.

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket at Israel late Saturday, Israel's army said, prompting retaliatory strikes on the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas as tensions rose after another day of violent border clashes.

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket at Israel late Saturday, Israel's army said, prompting retaliatory strikes on the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas as tensions rose after another day of violent border clashes. "Earlier tonight, a rocket was launched from Gaza towards Israeli territory. In response, IDF fighter jets targeted two of Hamas' underground structures in the Gaza Strip," Israel Defense Forces tweeted. "We will continue operating to defend Israeli civilians," it added. Two targets in Gaza City were hit by the Israeli strikes and no one was harmed, security sources in Gaza said. The clashes come a day after a Gaza woman was shot dead by Israeli forces during weekly protests and clashes along the Gaza border. The health ministry named her as Amal al-Taramsi, 43, saying she was the third woman to die in months of clashes that have seen at least 241 Palestinians killed. Another 25 Palestinians were wounded along the Israeli border in Friday's violence. The Israeli army said that around 13,000 Palestinians had gathered in multiple sites along the border. "The rioters have burned tyres and hurled blocks, explosive devices and grenades towards (Israeli) troops and at the Gaza Strip security fence," an army statement read. The army also struck two positions belonging to Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas on Friday, it said. At least once a week since March, Palestinians have taken part in often violent protests with backing from Hamas. Most of the Palestinians killed were shot in weekly clashes, but others have been hit by tank fire or airstrikes. Protests have calmed in recent months amid an informal truce between Israel and Hamas. Under the unwritten agreement, Israel has allowed Qatar to provide money and fuel to Hamas's government in Gaza in exchange for relative calm. Expected delivery of new funds by Qatar did not arrive this week, sparking speculation Israel was holding it up. On Monday, a rocket fired from Gaza hit Israel, prompting the Jewish state to carry out a series of air strikes against Hamas targets in the Palestinian enclave.

Israel retaliates after rocket fired into Gaza: Army

An Israeli former cabinet minister admitted to spying for Iran on Wednesday in a plea deal in exchange for an 11-year prison sentence, the Israeli Justice Ministry said.

Gonen Segev, energy minister from 1995 to 1996, was indicted in June. The Shin Bet internal security service said at the time he had been recruited by Iranian intelligence while living in Nigeria and had "served as an agent".

Investigators found that Segev made contact with officials at the Iranian embassy in Nigeria in 2012 and that he visited Iran twice for meetings with his handlers, the Shin Bet said.

Segev, it said, received an encrypted communications system from Iranian agents and supplied Iran with "information related to the energy sector, security sites in Israel and officials in political and security institutions".

Israel has long been locked in a shadow war with Iran, which supports Islamist guerrillas in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Iran has accused Israel of being behind acts of sabotage and assassinations of scientists involved in its nuclear programme.

The court has yet to formally approve the prison sentence agreed with Segev, a physician, who had been jailed in 2004 for attempting to smuggle "Ecstasy" pills into Israel and left the country in 2007 after his release from prison.

He was arrested in May during a visit to Equatorial Guinea and extradited to Israel, Shin Bet said.

There was no immediate response from Iran to the Justice Ministry statement.

An Israeli former cabinet minister admitted to spying for Iran on Wednesday in a plea deal in exchange for an 11-year prison sentence, the Israeli Justice Ministry said.

An Israeli former cabinet minister admitted to spying for Iran on Wednesday in a plea deal in exchange for an 11-year prison sentence, the Israeli Justice Ministry said. Gonen Segev, energy minister from 1995 to 1996, was indicted in June. The Shin Bet internal security service said at the time he had been recruited by Iranian intelligence while living in Nigeria and had "served as an agent". Investigators found that Segev made contact with officials at the Iranian embassy in Nigeria in 2012 and that he visited Iran twice for meetings with his handlers, the Shin Bet said. Segev, it said, received an encrypted communications system from Iranian agents and supplied Iran with "information related to the energy sector, security sites in Israel and officials in political and security institutions". Israel has long been locked in a shadow war with Iran, which supports Islamist guerrillas in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Iran has accused Israel of being behind acts of sabotage and assassinations of scientists involved in its nuclear programme. The court has yet to formally approve the prison sentence agreed with Segev, a physician, who had been jailed in 2004 for attempting to smuggle "Ecstasy" pills into Israel and left the country in 2007 after his release from prison. He was arrested in May during a visit to Equatorial Guinea and extradited to Israel, Shin Bet said. There was no immediate response from Iran to the Justice Ministry statement.

Israeli ex-minister pleads guilty to spying for Iran in exchange for prison sentence

The shifting constellations of power and politics in the Middle East conform and correspond to the adage that, “my enemy’s enemy is my friend”. This is perhaps best reflected in Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, assertion that “Israel is Arabs’ best ally against Iran”. That this statement is an egregious and an outrageous lie is to state the obvious but the realm of international relations and geopolitics is defined by surprise, even of the outrageous variety. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Stripped of accretions, Israel which has always claimed to be a “western outpost” in a “sea of oriental despotism” has defined itself against Arab Muslims and the post-colonial states that constitute the Middle East’s firmament. In fact, the wars between Israel and these states have often been referred to as the “Arab Israeli wars. What then explains Netanyahu’s assertions? Do these constitute a change in heart in the nature of a fundamental departure from the past? And, does this, in turn, mean that the Middle East is on the cusp of far-reaching change and peace?

No. 
&nbsp; 
The Middle East is more fluid and, to some degree, more anarchic than before. The real reasons that account for the Israeli Prime Minister’s assertions pertaining to the evolving dynamics, permutations, combinations and configurations in the region.

The most important of these is the prominence and salience of the sectarian conflicts (or schisms). The reference here is to the Shia Sunni divide which has emerged as the major fault line that divides the Middle East. In the schemata of this divide, the major protagonists or players are Saudi Arabia and Iran and the attendant rivalry, in its modern avatar has taken the clash or battle for hegemony in the region. 
&nbsp; 
Post the second Gulf War, Iran’s influence and clout in the Middle East grew substantially. Be it Iraq, Syria, Lebanon or even Yemen, Iran asserted itself and attempted to morph into a pole of power and influence. Its alleged quest for nukes was perhaps an attempt to amplify its power and develop a security paradigm for state and regime survival. The name of the game for the country appeared to have been to be a hegemon in the region.

But, this quest would naturally rile the Saudis who have their own fears and goals. However, it was and is Israel that feared Iran’s rise the most. If the balance of power would shift to Iran in the Middle East, then the country would have to contend with Iran’s power and influence, and perhaps even have to deal with its dispute with the Palestinians in a different and a novel combination. 
&nbsp; 
Against this backdrop, the “natural” reflex of Israel would be to undercut and undermine Iran. Here, Trump came to the rescue of the country by putting Iran in the crosshairs of the United States.

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<h5>The Israeli Prime Minister (plagued by corruption scandals), has no love lost for the Arabs but is piggybacking on the elemental and fundamental faultline of Shia Sunni antagonisms and the age-old divide thereof, all of which correspond to sheer raison d’etat and not a change of heart or new found love for the Arabs.</h5>
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The overall thrust of Trump’s strategy appears to have been to put intense pressure on Iran to the extent of “regime change”. In this, primarily because of the Shia Sunni divide and the attendant clash of hegemonies in the Middle East, the Arab states rallied around the United States and even appear to have made implicit or tacit overtures to Israel. 
&nbsp; 
It is here that Netanyahu’s remarks assume significance. 
&nbsp; 
The Israeli Prime Minister (plagued by corruption scandals), has no love lost for the Arabs but is piggybacking on the elemental and fundamental faultline of Shia Sunni antagonisms and the age-old divide thereof, all of which correspond to sheer raison d’etat and not a change of heart or new found love for the Arabs. 
&nbsp; 
But, the sands of geopolitics are shifting in the Middle East. Against these changes, as ephemeral they might be, what can be said about peace in the region? 
&nbsp; 
The answer is bleak and takes us into the domain of domestic politics in the United States and Israel. As Trump becomes more isolated in the United States and as his visceral reflexes crowd out rationality, he might take recourse to extreme measures.

One such kind would be to attack Iran toward the tether end of his presidency. This would gel with Netanyahu’s insecurities in the wake of corruption charges against him and the permutations and combinations of Israeli politics. What might ensue is a “meeting of minds” between Trump and Netanyahu which might make war against Iran almost imminent.

The sad denouement of all this would be an even more unstable and anarchic the Middle East which, in the final analysis, and obviously would not amplify but actually decrease security for all. This, more than anything, else could be the legacy that Trump and Netanyahu will bequeath upon the region.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The shifting constellations of power and politics in the Middle East conform and correspond to the adage that, “my enemy’s enemy is my friend”. This is perhaps best reflected in Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, assertion that “Israel is Arabs’ best ally against Iran”.

The shifting constellations of power and politics in the Middle East conform and correspond to the adage that, “my enemy’s enemy is my friend”. This is perhaps best reflected in Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, assertion that “Israel is Arabs’ best ally against Iran”. That this statement is an egregious and an outrageous lie is to state the obvious but the realm of international relations and geopolitics is defined by surprise, even of the outrageous variety. Stripped of accretions, Israel which has always claimed to be a “western outpost” in a “sea of oriental despotism” has defined itself against Arab Muslims and the post-colonial states that constitute the Middle East’s firmament. In fact, the wars between Israel and these states have often been referred to as the “Arab Israeli wars. What then explains Netanyahu’s assertions? Do these constitute a change in heart in the nature of a fundamental departure from the past? And, does this, in turn, mean that the Middle East is on the cusp of far-reaching change and peace? No. The Middle East is more fluid and, to some degree, more anarchic than before. The real reasons that account for the Israeli Prime Minister’s assertions pertaining to the evolving dynamics, permutations, combinations and configurations in the region. The most important of these is the prominence and salience of the sectarian conflicts (or schisms). The reference here is to the Shia Sunni divide which has emerged as the major fault line that divides the Middle East. In the schemata of this divide, the major protagonists or players are Saudi Arabia and Iran and the attendant rivalry, in its modern avatar has taken the clash or battle for hegemony in the region. Post the second Gulf War, Iran’s influence and clout in the Middle East grew substantially. Be it Iraq, Syria, Lebanon or even Yemen, Iran asserted itself and attempted to morph into a pole of power and influence. Its alleged quest for nukes was perhaps an attempt to amplify its power and develop a security paradigm for state and regime survival. The name of the game for the country appeared to have been to be a hegemon in the region. But, this quest would naturally rile the Saudis who have their own fears and goals. However, it was and is Israel that feared Iran’s rise the most. If the balance of power would shift to Iran in the Middle East, then the country would have to contend with Iran’s power and influence, and perhaps even have to deal with its dispute with the Palestinians in a different and a novel combination. Against this backdrop, the “natural” reflex of Israel would be to undercut and undermine Iran. Here, Trump came to the rescue of the country by putting Iran in the crosshairs of the United States. The Israeli Prime Minister (plagued by corruption scandals), has no love lost for the Arabs but is piggybacking on the elemental and fundamental faultline of Shia Sunni antagonisms and the age-old divide thereof, all of which correspond to sheer raison d’etat and not a change of heart or new found love for the Arabs. × The overall thrust of Trump’s strategy appears to have been to put intense pressure on Iran to the extent of “regime change”. In this, primarily because of the Shia Sunni divide and the attendant clash of hegemonies in the Middle East, the Arab states rallied around the United States and even appear to have made implicit or tacit overtures to Israel. It is here that Netanyahu’s remarks assume significance. The Israeli Prime Minister (plagued by corruption scandals), has no love lost for the Arabs but is piggybacking on the elemental and fundamental faultline of Shia Sunni antagonisms and the age-old divide thereof, all of which correspond to sheer raison d’etat and not a change of heart or new found love for the Arabs. But, the sands of geopolitics are shifting in the Middle East. Against these changes, as ephemeral they might be, what can be said about peace in the region? The answer is bleak and takes us into the domain of domestic politics in the United States and Israel. As Trump becomes more isolated in the United States and as his visceral reflexes crowd out rationality, he might take recourse to extreme measures. One such kind would be to attack Iran toward the tether end of his presidency. This would gel with Netanyahu’s insecurities in the wake of corruption charges against him and the permutations and combinations of Israeli politics. What might ensue is a “meeting of minds” between Trump and Netanyahu which might make war against Iran almost imminent. The sad denouement of all this would be an even more unstable and anarchic the Middle East which, in the final analysis, and obviously would not amplify but actually decrease security for all. This, more than anything, else could be the legacy that Trump and Netanyahu will bequeath upon the region. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Middle East is on the cusp of deep uncertainty, volatility and insecurity

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019.&nbsp;

He said, "Exports to India and Latin America have risen by 27%. These are all new markets that we are opening. This has increased exports and the GNP, brings money into state coffers, creates jobs and raises Israeli citizens' wages."

He was talking about the overall increase in Israeli exports which he said: "broke a record in 2018 and they are expected to reach $110 billion." He talked about his strategy of "opening new markets", increasing Israeli exports. With China he said, Israeli exports have risen by 56%, while export of goods and services to Japan has risen by 50%.

He started the cabinet meeting by discussing his recently concluded Brazil visit. He said, "We have a new ally here and whoever needs additional proof of Israel's rising status in the world simply needs to look at what is happening in Brazil. One needs to understand that the Brazilian people, the masses in Brazil, admire Israel and want to be close to us. Therefore, we have opened a very large market here and there is much more work that needs to be done."

Recent years have seen a number of high-level visits between India and Israel. Netanyahu was in India in January of 2018 while Prime minister Modi visited Israel in 2017.

President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015, while the Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India in November 2016.&nbsp;

Bilateral trade between the 2 countries stood at US$ 5.02 billion (excluding defence) in 2016- 2017. Trade in diamonds constitutes more than 53% of bilateral trade. India is Israel's third largest trade partner in Asia after China and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

During PM Modi’s visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place, while its second meeting took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India in January 2018.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has touted the increase in his country's exports to India as a major success of 2018. He was speaking at the first weekly cabinet meeting of 2019. He said, "Exports to India and Latin America have risen by 27%. These are all new markets that we are opening. This has increased exports and the GNP, brings money into state coffers, creates jobs and raises Israeli citizens' wages." He was talking about the overall increase in Israeli exports which he said: "broke a record in 2018 and they are expected to reach $110 billion." He talked about his strategy of "opening new markets", increasing Israeli exports. With China he said, Israeli exports have risen by 56%, while export of goods and services to Japan has risen by 50%. He started the cabinet meeting by discussing his recently concluded Brazil visit. He said, "We have a new ally here and whoever needs additional proof of Israel's rising status in the world simply needs to look at what is happening in Brazil. One needs to understand that the Brazilian people, the masses in Brazil, admire Israel and want to be close to us. Therefore, we have opened a very large market here and there is much more work that needs to be done." Recent years have seen a number of high-level visits between India and Israel. Netanyahu was in India in January of 2018 while Prime minister Modi visited Israel in 2017. President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015, while the Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited India in November 2016. Bilateral trade between the 2 countries stood at US$ 5.02 billion (excluding defence) in 2016- 2017. Trade in diamonds constitutes more than 53% of bilateral trade. India is Israel's third largest trade partner in Asia after China and Hong Kong. During PM Modi’s visit in July 2017, the first meeting of the newly established India-Israel CEOs Forum took place, while its second meeting took place during PM Netanyahu’s visit to India in January 2018.

Exports to India increased by 27% in 2018, says Israeli PM in year's first cabinet meeting

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-cant-be-worlds-policeman-trump-defends-syria-pullout-in-surprise-visit-to-iraq-186730">'</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-cant-be-worlds-policeman-trump-defends-syria-pullout-in-surprise-visit-to-iraq-186730">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-cant-be-worlds-policeman-trump-defends-syria-pullout-in-surprise-visit-to-iraq-186730"> can't be world's policeman': Trump defends Syria pullout in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-cant-be-worlds-policeman-trump-defends-syria-pullout-in-surprise-visit-to-iraq-186730">surprise</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-cant-be-worlds-policeman-trump-defends-syria-pullout-in-surprise-visit-to-iraq-186730"> visit to Iraq</a>

President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed his decision to withdraw US troops from Syria and said that his country cannot be the world's policeman in a surprise visit to troops deployed in Iraq.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-delegation-to-travel-to-china-early-in-january-for-trade-talks-186717">US delegation to travel to China early in January for trade talks</a>

A US&nbsp;trade team will travel to Beijing the week of January&nbsp;7 to hold talks with Chinese officials, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing two people familiar with the matter.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uae-media-release-images-of-princess-latifa-after-reports-of-forcible-return-186745">UAE media releases images of princess Latifa after reports of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uae-media-release-images-of-princess-latifa-after-reports-of-forcible-return-186745">forcible</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uae-media-release-images-of-princess-latifa-after-reports-of-forcible-return-186745"> return</a>

United Arab Emirates media on Wednesday released images of Princess Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum, following reports in international media that she was forcibly returned after fleeing the Gulf Arab state.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-expands-medical-checks-after-guatemala-boy-dies-mother-in-despair-186747">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-expands-medical-checks-after-guatemala-boy-dies-mother-in-despair-186747"> expands medical checks after Guatemala boy dies; mother 'in despair'</a>

Migrant children will receive more thorough medical checks after an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy died in US&nbsp;custody this week, the US&nbsp;government said on Wednesday, and his mother expressed grief and despair over his death.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-parliament-formally-sets-april-9-election-date-in-dissolution-vote-186749">Israeli parliament formally sets April 9 election date in dissolution vote</a>

Israel's parliament voted to dissolve itself on Wednesday, formally setting April 9 as the date for an election widely seen as a bid by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to weather potential corruption charges.

'US can't be world's policeman': Trump defends Syria pullout in surprise visit to Iraq President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed his decision to withdraw US troops from Syria and said that his country cannot be the world's policeman in a surprise visit to troops deployed in Iraq.

'US can't be world's policeman': Trump defends Syria pullout in surprise visit to Iraq President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed his decision to withdraw US troops from Syria and said that his country cannot be the world's policeman in a surprise visit to troops deployed in Iraq. US delegation to travel to China early in January for trade talks A US trade team will travel to Beijing the week of January 7 to hold talks with Chinese officials, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. UAE media releases images of princess Latifa after reports of forcible return United Arab Emirates media on Wednesday released images of Princess Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed al-Maktoum, following reports in international media that she was forcibly returned after fleeing the Gulf Arab state. US expands medical checks after Guatemala boy dies; mother 'in despair' Migrant children will receive more thorough medical checks after an 8-year-old Guatemalan boy died in US custody this week, the US government said on Wednesday, and his mother expressed grief and despair over his death. Israeli parliament formally sets April 9 election date in dissolution vote Israel's parliament voted to dissolve itself on Wednesday, formally setting April 9 as the date for an election widely seen as a bid by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to weather potential corruption charges.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Israel will hold an early <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-in-crucial-talks-as-he-resists-snap-polls-178042">general election in April</a>, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, after members of his governing coalition met to discuss differences over legislation.

"The leaders of the coalition decided unanimously to dissolve parliament and go to a new election in early April," the spokesman wrote on Twitter, quoting from a statement issued by Netanyahu's political partners.

A coalition crisis over a military <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-warns-of-plot-to-topple-him-173426">conscription bill affecting exemptions</a> from compulsory service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men led to the decision.

Netanyahu, now in his fourth term as prime minister, has been governing with a razor-thin majority of 61 seats in the 120-member parliament. He heads the right-wing Likud party.

Under Israeli law, a national election had to be held by November 2019. Netanyahu's government would remain in place until a new one is sworn in, after the April poll.

A series of corruption probes against Netanyahu and pending decisions by Israel's attorney general on whether to follow police recommendations to indict him had raised speculation he would opt to seek a public show of confidence at the ballot box.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in the cases and has given no indication he will step down if charged.

The 69-year-old Israeli leader made no immediate comment after his meeting with the coalition leaders. Recent opinion polls have shown his popularity remains strong among Israelis.

The likelihood of an early election increased in November after Netanyahu’s defence minister, Avigdor Lieberman, quit the government, leaving the ruling coalition with its one-seat majority.

No one in Netanyahu’s Likud has made a public challenge against him, and the party is expected to close ranks around him in the coming election.

Outside Likud, Yair Lapid, head of the centrist Yesh Atid opposition party, is seen as the strongest candidate to succeed Netanyahu in any upset. Lapid’s party is second to Likud in opinion polls.

Israel’s former army chief, Benny Gantz, is seen as a dovish potential candidate who could tip the balance in favour of a center-left bloc, but has not yet thrown his hat in the ring.

On the right, Lieberman and Naftali Bennett, head of the Jewish Home party, could both seek to lead a right-wing bloc if Likud emerges in a weaker position in an election.

Netanyahu first led Israel from 1996 to 1999, and returned in 2009. His current government has been in power since May 2015.

Israel will hold an early general election in April, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, after members of his governing coalition met to discuss differences over legislation.

Israel will hold an early general election in April, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, after members of his governing coalition met to discuss differences over legislation. "The leaders of the coalition decided unanimously to dissolve parliament and go to a new election in early April," the spokesman wrote on Twitter, quoting from a statement issued by Netanyahu's political partners. A coalition crisis over a military conscription bill affecting exemptions from compulsory service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men led to the decision. Netanyahu, now in his fourth term as prime minister, has been governing with a razor-thin majority of 61 seats in the 120-member parliament. He heads the right-wing Likud party. Under Israeli law, a national election had to be held by November 2019. Netanyahu's government would remain in place until a new one is sworn in, after the April poll. A series of corruption probes against Netanyahu and pending decisions by Israel's attorney general on whether to follow police recommendations to indict him had raised speculation he would opt to seek a public show of confidence at the ballot box. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in the cases and has given no indication he will step down if charged. The 69-year-old Israeli leader made no immediate comment after his meeting with the coalition leaders. Recent opinion polls have shown his popularity remains strong among Israelis. The likelihood of an early election increased in November after Netanyahu’s defence minister, Avigdor Lieberman, quit the government, leaving the ruling coalition with its one-seat majority. No one in Netanyahu’s Likud has made a public challenge against him, and the party is expected to close ranks around him in the coming election. Outside Likud, Yair Lapid, head of the centrist Yesh Atid opposition party, is seen as the strongest candidate to succeed Netanyahu in any upset. Lapid’s party is second to Likud in opinion polls. Israel’s former army chief, Benny Gantz, is seen as a dovish potential candidate who could tip the balance in favour of a center-left bloc, but has not yet thrown his hat in the ring. On the right, Lieberman and Naftali Bennett, head of the Jewish Home party, could both seek to lead a right-wing bloc if Likud emerges in a weaker position in an election. Netanyahu first led Israel from 1996 to 1999, and returned in 2009. His current government has been in power since May 2015.

Israel to hold early general election in April next year: Netanyahu

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-police-recommend-indicting-netanyahu-in-third-graft-probe-180921">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> vowed on Thursday (December 13) that anyone who attacks the&nbsp;Israeli people will "pay with his life", following recent attacks in the West Bank.

Speaking at the defence ministry, Netanyahu added that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;will retroactively recognise thousands of settler homes built without government sanction in the occupied West Bank.

The move will likely appease pro-settler members of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition while angering Palestinians.

Netanyahu also said he would try to advance plans for 82 new housing units in the Jewish settlement of Ofra and two West Bank industrial zones.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Thursday (December 13) that anyone who attacks the Israeli people will "pay with his life", following recent attacks in the West Bank.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Thursday (December 13) that anyone who attacks the Israeli people will "pay with his life", following recent attacks in the West Bank. Speaking at the defence ministry, Netanyahu added that Israel will retroactively recognise thousands of settler homes built without government sanction in the occupied West Bank. The move will likely appease pro-settler members of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition while angering Palestinians. Netanyahu also said he would try to advance plans for 82 new housing units in the Jewish settlement of Ofra and two West Bank industrial zones.

Attackers of Israel will 'pay with his life': PM Netanyahu

Israel is to authorise thousands of the settler homes built illegally in the occupied West Bank, some of them decades ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

The move is likely to please pro-settler members of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition while angering Palestinians, who want the West Bank as part of a future state.

"Arranging the rights for the homes allows thousands of residents to be provided with infrastructure of public buildings, educational and religious buildings," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

It did not give a specific number of homes but Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked tweeted that more than 2,000 homes would be getting permits.

Some 500,000 Israelis live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas that are also home to more than 2.6 million Palestinians.

Settlements are one of the most heated issues in efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, frozen since 2014.

In August, an Israeli court broke new ground, and infuriated Palestinians, by giving legal recognition to the Jewish outpost of Mitzpe Kramim, built without government authorisation on privately owned Palestinian land in the West Bank.

Palestinians want the West Bank for a future state, along with East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

Most countries consider all settlements that Israel has built in territory it captured in the 1967 Middle East war to be illegal. Israel disputes this and says their future should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians.

Netanyahu also said he would try to advance plans for 82 new housing units in the Jewish settlement of Ofra and two West Bank industrial zones.

Netanyahu last month faced a challenge from the far-right after his defence minister resigned and lashed out at the government’s acceptance of a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas amid a surge in Gaza violence. Other far-right ministers had threatened to quit, but later backed down.

Israel is to authorise thousands of the settler homes built illegally in the occupied West Bank, some of them decades ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

Israel is to authorise thousands of the settler homes built illegally in the occupied West Bank, some of them decades ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday. The move is likely to please pro-settler members of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition while angering Palestinians, who want the West Bank as part of a future state. "Arranging the rights for the homes allows thousands of residents to be provided with infrastructure of public buildings, educational and religious buildings," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. It did not give a specific number of homes but Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked tweeted that more than 2,000 homes would be getting permits. Some 500,000 Israelis live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas that are also home to more than 2.6 million Palestinians. Settlements are one of the most heated issues in efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, frozen since 2014. In August, an Israeli court broke new ground, and infuriated Palestinians, by giving legal recognition to the Jewish outpost of Mitzpe Kramim, built without government authorisation on privately owned Palestinian land in the West Bank. Palestinians want the West Bank for a future state, along with East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Most countries consider all settlements that Israel has built in territory it captured in the 1967 Middle East war to be illegal. Israel disputes this and says their future should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians. Netanyahu also said he would try to advance plans for 82 new housing units in the Jewish settlement of Ofra and two West Bank industrial zones. Netanyahu last month faced a challenge from the far-right after his defence minister resigned and lashed out at the government’s acceptance of a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas amid a surge in Gaza violence. Other far-right ministers had threatened to quit, but later backed down.

Israel to approve thousands of unauthorised West Bank settler homes

Israeli soldiers at the Lebanese border opened fire at suspected Hezbollah activists on Saturday, the military said, the first such incident since Israel launched <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-may-expand-anti-tunnel-operation-into-lebanon-cabinet-minister-182461">a crackdown this week on cross-border tunnels into its territory</a>.

Lebanon said Israeli soldiers had fired in the air when they were surprised by a Lebanese army patrol on the Lebanese side.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Israel said three people who were "apparently Hezbollah activists" approached its forces on the Israeli side as they carried out an operation to shut down tunnels that Israel has said were dug across the border by the Lebanese group.

"Troops fired towards the suspects in accordance with the standard operating procedures. The three fled. The work in the area continues as usual," the Israeli military said in a statement.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said the Israeli soldiers shot into the air when they saw a Lebanese army patrol near the border demarcation, known as the "Blue Line".

"Israeli enemy soldiers shot into the air following their deployment near the Blue Line in Kroum al-Sharaqi region to the east of Meis al-Jabal village," NNA said.

The Israelis "were surprised, due to thick fog, by a routine Lebanese army patrol inside the Lebanese territories", it added.

Israel's military said on Tuesday it had found a number of passages dug across the Israel-Lebanon border to be used for carrying out attacks inside Israel. It sent mechanical diggers, troops and anti-tunneling equipment there to shut them down.

The situation has so far remained calm on both sides of the border. But the Israeli operation has brought renewed attention to a frontier across which Israel and Hezbollah fought a war in 2006.

The Israeli military has said its activity would, for now, stop on the Israeli side of the border. But an Israeli cabinet minister said on Friday that Israel was prepared to take action in Lebanon against cross-border tunnels if deemed necessary.

The United Nations peacekeeping Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), confirmed the existence of a tunnel near the "Blue Line" on Thursday, describing it as a "serious occurrence".

Israeli soldiers at the Lebanese border opened fire at suspected Hezbollah activists on Saturday, the military said, the first such incident since Israel launched a crackdown this week on cross-border tunnels into its territory.

Israeli soldiers at the Lebanese border opened fire at suspected Hezbollah activists on Saturday, the military said, the first such incident since Israel launched a crackdown this week on cross-border tunnels into its territory. Lebanon said Israeli soldiers had fired in the air when they were surprised by a Lebanese army patrol on the Lebanese side. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Israel said three people who were "apparently Hezbollah activists" approached its forces on the Israeli side as they carried out an operation to shut down tunnels that Israel has said were dug across the border by the Lebanese group. "Troops fired towards the suspects in accordance with the standard operating procedures. The three fled. The work in the area continues as usual," the Israeli military said in a statement. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said the Israeli soldiers shot into the air when they saw a Lebanese army patrol near the border demarcation, known as the "Blue Line". "Israeli enemy soldiers shot into the air following their deployment near the Blue Line in Kroum al-Sharaqi region to the east of Meis al-Jabal village," NNA said. The Israelis "were surprised, due to thick fog, by a routine Lebanese army patrol inside the Lebanese territories", it added. Israel's military said on Tuesday it had found a number of passages dug across the Israel-Lebanon border to be used for carrying out attacks inside Israel. It sent mechanical diggers, troops and anti-tunneling equipment there to shut them down. The situation has so far remained calm on both sides of the border. But the Israeli operation has brought renewed attention to a frontier across which Israel and Hezbollah fought a war in 2006. The Israeli military has said its activity would, for now, stop on the Israeli side of the border. But an Israeli cabinet minister said on Friday that Israel was prepared to take action in Lebanon against cross-border tunnels if deemed necessary. The United Nations peacekeeping Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), confirmed the existence of a tunnel near the "Blue Line" on Thursday, describing it as a "serious occurrence".

Israeli military says it fired at Hezbollah activists, Lebanon says it was army patrol

Israeli police on Sunday said they had found enough evidence for bribery and fraud charges to be brought against Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife in a third corruption case against the Israeli prime minister.

Authorities allege Netanyahu awarded regulatory favours to Israel's leading telecommunications company, Bezeq Telecom Israel, in return for more positive coverage of him and his wife on a news website, Walla, owned by the company.

Netanyahu has long denied wrongdoing. In a speech to his Likud party in Tel Aviv to celebrate the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukka, he accused the police of instigating what he described as a "tainted process" against him and his wife.

Now in his fourth term, Netanyahu dominates Israeli politics. Yet he is politically unusually vulnerable as his right-wing coalition's majority has shrunk to a precarious single seat.

"It's clear for everybody to see the transparent, petty timing of the publication of the pre-determined recommendations, the deliberate leaks, the tainted process and the false allegations about me and my wife," Netanyahu said.

"(The investigation) has been a match-fix. The recommendations aren't surprising and the timing isn't surprising."

The final decision on whether to indict rests with the attorney-general, who is still weighing whether to charge Netanyahu in the other two cases.

These relate to allegations that Netanyahu accepted gifts from businessmen and that he tried to strike a deal with another media mogul for better coverage in return for curbs on a competing newspaper.

Most of Netanyahu's coalition partners have said they will wait for a decision by the attorney general before deciding how to proceed.

Some analysts have said Netanyahu could put pressure on the attorney-general to think twice before indicting him by calling a snap election to seek a stronger popular mandate. The next election is not due until November 2019.

Netanyahu has said he wants to serve out his term, but politicians close to him say that his precarious parliamentary situation means an early election is likely.

In a joint statement with the Israel Securities Authority, police said they also found sufficient evidence to charge Shaul Elovitch, a family friend of Netanyahu, with bribery.

At the time, Elovitch was Bezeq's chairman and controlling shareholder. The statement said there was also evidence to charge Bezeq's then-CEO Stella Handler with fraud.

Elovitch and Handler have denied wrongdoing. They were both briefly detained earlier this year and have resigned from Bezeq.

The police said the main suspicion was that Netanyahu "acted out of a conflict of interest by intervening and making regulatory decisions that favour Shaul Elovitch and Bezeq".

It alleged that Netanyahu had sought to interfere with the content of Bezeq's Walla website "in a way that would benefit him".

Netanyahu, who also served as communications minister from 2015-2017, said in his speech that he had neither received anything from Elovitch, not given him anything.

The police also recommended that Netanyahu and his wife be charged with fraud and breach of trust.

Israeli police on Sunday said they had found enough evidence for bribery and fraud charges to be brought against Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife in a third corruption case against the Israeli prime minister.

Israeli police on Sunday said they had found enough evidence for bribery and fraud charges to be brought against Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife in a third corruption case against the Israeli prime minister. Authorities allege Netanyahu awarded regulatory favours to Israel's leading telecommunications company, Bezeq Telecom Israel, in return for more positive coverage of him and his wife on a news website, Walla, owned by the company. Netanyahu has long denied wrongdoing. In a speech to his Likud party in Tel Aviv to celebrate the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukka, he accused the police of instigating what he described as a "tainted process" against him and his wife. Now in his fourth term, Netanyahu dominates Israeli politics. Yet he is politically unusually vulnerable as his right-wing coalition's majority has shrunk to a precarious single seat. "It's clear for everybody to see the transparent, petty timing of the publication of the pre-determined recommendations, the deliberate leaks, the tainted process and the false allegations about me and my wife," Netanyahu said. "(The investigation) has been a match-fix. The recommendations aren't surprising and the timing isn't surprising." The final decision on whether to indict rests with the attorney-general, who is still weighing whether to charge Netanyahu in the other two cases. These relate to allegations that Netanyahu accepted gifts from businessmen and that he tried to strike a deal with another media mogul for better coverage in return for curbs on a competing newspaper. Most of Netanyahu's coalition partners have said they will wait for a decision by the attorney general before deciding how to proceed. Some analysts have said Netanyahu could put pressure on the attorney-general to think twice before indicting him by calling a snap election to seek a stronger popular mandate. The next election is not due until November 2019. Netanyahu has said he wants to serve out his term, but politicians close to him say that his precarious parliamentary situation means an early election is likely. In a joint statement with the Israel Securities Authority, police said they also found sufficient evidence to charge Shaul Elovitch, a family friend of Netanyahu, with bribery. At the time, Elovitch was Bezeq's chairman and controlling shareholder. The statement said there was also evidence to charge Bezeq's then-CEO Stella Handler with fraud. Elovitch and Handler have denied wrongdoing. They were both briefly detained earlier this year and have resigned from Bezeq. The police said the main suspicion was that Netanyahu "acted out of a conflict of interest by intervening and making regulatory decisions that favour Shaul Elovitch and Bezeq". It alleged that Netanyahu had sought to interfere with the content of Bezeq's Walla website "in a way that would benefit him". Netanyahu, who also served as communications minister from 2015-2017, said in his speech that he had neither received anything from Elovitch, not given him anything. The police also recommended that Netanyahu and his wife be charged with fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu's legal woes grow as police seek new bribery charges

WION Gravitas: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu manages to save his govt

Palestinians celebrate ceasefire deal

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman urged early elections on Wednesday after announcing his resignation following a controversial Gaza ceasefire deal.

"We should agree on a date for elections as early as possible," Lieberman told journalists, while sharply criticising the ceasefire that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended.

Lieberman announced his resignation on Wednesday after a sharp disagreement over a Gaza ceasefire deal, throwing the government into turmoil.

"What happened yesterday –- the truce combined with the process with Hamas -- is capitulating to terror. It has no other meaning," Lieberman told journalists.

"What we're doing now as a state is buying short-term quiet, with the price being severe long-term damage to national security."

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman urged early elections on Wednesday after announcing his resignation following a controversial Gaza ceasefire deal. "We should agree on a date for elections as early as possible," Lieberman told journalists, while sharply criticising the ceasefire that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended.

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman urged early elections on Wednesday after announcing his resignation following a controversial Gaza ceasefire deal. "We should agree on a date for elections as early as possible," Lieberman told journalists, while sharply criticising the ceasefire that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended. Lieberman announced his resignation on Wednesday after a sharp disagreement over a Gaza ceasefire deal, throwing the government into turmoil. "What happened yesterday –- the truce combined with the process with Hamas -- is capitulating to terror. It has no other meaning," Lieberman told journalists. "What we're doing now as a state is buying short-term quiet, with the price being severe long-term damage to national security."

Israel defence minister resigns, urges early elections

A Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire during clashes along the Gaza Strip border on Thursday, the health ministry in the coastal enclave said.

A ministry spokesman said the man, whom he did not name, was shot by Israeli forces during low-level clashes east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

The Israeli army said it was looking into the incident.

At least 220 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since major protests backed by Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas began in March.

The majority have been shot during protests and clashes, but others have died due to tank fire or air strikes.

One Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper.

The often violent demonstrations are usually largest on Fridays, but last week's was the calmest in months amid talk of a truce deal between Hamas and Israel.

Such a deal would see the protests end in exchange for an easing of Israel's blockade of the coastal enclave.

A Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire during clashes along the Gaza Strip border on Thursday, the health ministry in the coastal enclave said. A ministry spokesman said the man, whom he did not name, was shot by Israeli forces during low-level clashes east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

A Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire during clashes along the Gaza Strip border on Thursday, the health ministry in the coastal enclave said. A ministry spokesman said the man, whom he did not name, was shot by Israeli forces during low-level clashes east of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. The Israeli army said it was looking into the incident. At least 220 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since major protests backed by Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas began in March. The majority have been shot during protests and clashes, but others have died due to tank fire or air strikes. One Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper. The often violent demonstrations are usually largest on Fridays, but last week's was the calmest in months amid talk of a truce deal between Hamas and Israel. Such a deal would see the protests end in exchange for an easing of Israel's blockade of the coastal enclave.

Palestinian killed by Israeli fire in border clashes: Gaza ministry

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