Incumbent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-prime-minister-netanyahu-wont-move-even-one-settler-for-us-peace-plan-208399">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> has held the position since 2009 but he faces a tough election this year. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-elections-how-does-the-country-vote-208213">Israel goes to polls on April 9</a>. A victory would make him the longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister, a defeat could end his career.&nbsp;

Israel’s attorney general is preparing to indict Netanyahu for corruption but Netanyahu seems defiant and combative. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I intend to serve you and the country as prime minister for many more years. Don't believe all the spin," Netanyahu had said recently.&nbsp;

Political start

Born in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu lived in the United States when he was a teenager and returned to Israel as an 18-year-old to serve in an elite commando unit.

He has fought in Lebanon and during the 1973 Arab-Israel war. He entered politics in 1976 after his brother was killed in a raid while rescuing hijacked Israeli hostages in Uganda.

The rise&nbsp;

Netanyahu used the network he built while studying in the US to forge his public persona. He became one of Israel’s main international advocates.&nbsp;

In 1984, his efforts gained him the prestigious position of Israel's envoy to the United Nations.

In 1988, Netanyahu became a lawmaker from the right-wing Likud party. He knew how to play politics and in 1992 became the party’s secretary. But Netanyahu was more ambitious than that. In 1996, he ran for the prime minister's post.&nbsp;

Israeli political veterans laughed at him, but he proved them wrong beating Shimon Peres to become Israel's youngest prime minister.

Rocky road&nbsp;

Netanyahu spent more time managing political infighting rather than developing the country, this cost him a re-election. He left politics for a while but returned to work under prime minister Ariel Sharon - only to quit again in 2005 in protest against the decision of a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Lately, he has been criticised for being too tolerant of the escalation in hostilities with Gaza. But it is worth remembering that under his leadership, Israel fought two wars against the strip in 2012 and 2014, when Israeli forces killed 2100 Palestinians and lost 67 of its own soldiers.&nbsp;

A right-wing leader?

Netanyahu sees himself on the right wing of the political arena and has always supported the expansion of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.

He believes Israel is a Jewish state and negates the possibility of an independent Palestinian state, which, he thinks, would turn into a potential hotbed for militant Islam.&nbsp;

The 'Trump'&nbsp;card

Netanyahu’s strongest card is his international network and, particularly, his longstanding friendship with the United States. After a difficult time with former US president Barack Obama, Netanyahu found in Donald trump an overly pro-Israeli president.&nbsp;

Trump withdrew from the Iran 2015 nuclear deal which Netanyahu opposed. The US president declared Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, cut all American funds to the Palestinians and signed a decree recognising the occupied Golan Heights as Israeli territory.&nbsp;

These are all successes prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu can present as his own - and it may just help him overcome his latest challenge; it will soon be revealed.&nbsp;

Incumbent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held the position since 2009 but he faces a tough election this year. Israel goes to polls on April 9. A victory would make him the longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister, a defeat could end his career.

Incumbent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held the position since 2009 but he faces a tough election this year. Israel goes to polls on April 9. A victory would make him the longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister, a defeat could end his career. Israel’s attorney general is preparing to indict Netanyahu for corruption but Netanyahu seems defiant and combative. "I intend to serve you and the country as prime minister for many more years. Don't believe all the spin," Netanyahu had said recently. Political start Born in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu lived in the United States when he was a teenager and returned to Israel as an 18-year-old to serve in an elite commando unit. He has fought in Lebanon and during the 1973 Arab-Israel war. He entered politics in 1976 after his brother was killed in a raid while rescuing hijacked Israeli hostages in Uganda. The rise Netanyahu used the network he built while studying in the US to forge his public persona. He became one of Israel’s main international advocates. In 1984, his efforts gained him the prestigious position of Israel's envoy to the United Nations. In 1988, Netanyahu became a lawmaker from the right-wing Likud party. He knew how to play politics and in 1992 became the party’s secretary. But Netanyahu was more ambitious than that. In 1996, he ran for the prime minister's post. Israeli political veterans laughed at him, but he proved them wrong beating Shimon Peres to become Israel's youngest prime minister. Rocky road Netanyahu spent more time managing political infighting rather than developing the country, this cost him a re-election. He left politics for a while but returned to work under prime minister Ariel Sharon - only to quit again in 2005 in protest against the decision of a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Lately, he has been criticised for being too tolerant of the escalation in hostilities with Gaza. But it is worth remembering that under his leadership, Israel fought two wars against the strip in 2012 and 2014, when Israeli forces killed 2100 Palestinians and lost 67 of its own soldiers. A right-wing leader? Netanyahu sees himself on the right wing of the political arena and has always supported the expansion of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. He believes Israel is a Jewish state and negates the possibility of an independent Palestinian state, which, he thinks, would turn into a potential hotbed for militant Islam. The 'Trump' card Netanyahu’s strongest card is his international network and, particularly, his longstanding friendship with the United States. After a difficult time with former US president Barack Obama, Netanyahu found in Donald trump an overly pro-Israeli president. Trump withdrew from the Iran 2015 nuclear deal which Netanyahu opposed. The US president declared Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, cut all American funds to the Palestinians and signed a decree recognising the occupied Golan Heights as Israeli territory. These are all successes prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu can present as his own - and it may just help him overcome his latest challenge; it will soon be revealed.

Israel polls: The rise and rise of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-polls-see-netanyahu-ahead-but-many-still-undecided-208162">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> said he has told US President Donald Trump that Israel would not remove "even one person" from a settlement as part of a future peace plan.

"I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television in an interview broadcast Friday.

Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term.

The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it."

Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative.

Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement, telling Channel 13 he doubted such a request would be made.

If such a measure is tabled, Israel would pull out of Washington's plan according to Netanyahu.

Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace.

More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem.

While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017.

The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair.

Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed.

Netanyahu said Friday his position on settlers had also been relayed to the former US president.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has told US President Donald Trump that Israel would not remove "even one person" from a settlement as part of a future peace plan.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has told US President Donald Trump that Israel would not remove "even one person" from a settlement as part of a future peace plan. "I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement" from the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television in an interview broadcast Friday. Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace sometime after Tuesday's Israeli election in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term. The Israeli prime minister was asked if he was familiar with the details of the US plan, replying he knew "what should be in it." Along with settlements, "our ongoing control of all the territory west of the Jordan" River was a further condition set by the Israeli premier for any US-led peace initiative. Netanyahu said he informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement, telling Channel 13 he doubted such a request would be made. If such a measure is tabled, Israel would pull out of Washington's plan according to Netanyahu. Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace. More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, while a further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem. While Netanyahu has a close relationship with the US president, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas cut off relations with Washington after Trump declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in December 2017. The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer lead peace negotiations between them and Israel, while US officials argue their plan will be fair. Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts have been at a standstill since 2014, when a drive for a deal by Barack Obama's administration collapsed. Netanyahu said Friday his position on settlers had also been relayed to the former US president.

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu won't move 'even one' settler for US peace plan

On April 9, nearly six million voters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-polls-see-netanyahu-ahead-but-many-still-undecided-208162">Israel will vote for the country’s next Prime Minister</a>. If you are wondering how Israel votes, the next report is for you.

Israel traditionally votes on a Tuesday, they vote for a party and not for a candidate. Israelis living abroad cannot vote, the country follows proportional representation. As many as 47 parties are running this time around. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority.&nbsp;

Israel uses the traditional paper ballot system. The winning candidate has around 42 days to form the government.

The grand total of 120 seats in the Israeli legislature - known as the Knesset - will be divided according to vote share. &nbsp;

Although there are more than 40 political parties running in the 2019 elections, ironically many of them will not gather enough votes to secure even a single seat.

Interestingly, coalitions are fundamental to Israeli politics. Even a deal or an alliance for three seats can make all the difference which makes Israeli election results often very difficult to predict.

This time, the country will print some 250 million ballots, most of it will go unused since every voter can make only one choice.&nbsp;

The polling takes place on a single day, counting starts immediately after the polls close. The results are usually available in a matter of a few hours.&nbsp;

Once a candidate wins, the president of Israel gives 42 days to form a stable coalition to govern the country. In case the appointed candidate fails to do so, the second in line is given the mandate.

On April 9, nearly six million voters in Israel will vote for the country’s next Prime Minister. If you are wondering how Israel votes, the next report is for you.

On April 9, nearly six million voters in Israel will vote for the country’s next Prime Minister. If you are wondering how Israel votes, the next report is for you. Israel traditionally votes on a Tuesday, they vote for a party and not for a candidate. Israelis living abroad cannot vote, the country follows proportional representation. As many as 47 parties are running this time around. In Israel's electoral history, no single party has ever won a majority. Israel uses the traditional paper ballot system. The winning candidate has around 42 days to form the government. The grand total of 120 seats in the Israeli legislature - known as the Knesset - will be divided according to vote share. Although there are more than 40 political parties running in the 2019 elections, ironically many of them will not gather enough votes to secure even a single seat. Interestingly, coalitions are fundamental to Israeli politics. Even a deal or an alliance for three seats can make all the difference which makes Israeli election results often very difficult to predict. This time, the country will print some 250 million ballots, most of it will go unused since every voter can make only one choice. The polling takes place on a single day, counting starts immediately after the polls close. The results are usually available in a matter of a few hours. Once a candidate wins, the president of Israel gives 42 days to form a stable coalition to govern the country. In case the appointed candidate fails to do so, the second in line is given the mandate.

Israel elections: How does the country vote? 

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers in a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village, and the return of his remains will bring to a close a highly sensitive case for Israelis.

Putin made the revelation at a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Moscow five days before he is to seek a fifth term in office in a difficult election.

Netanyahu, 69, is running in the April 9 vote despite facing potential corruption charges and experts said he hopes the Moscow visit would increase his chances of success on election day.

"Our military together with Syrian partners found the place of his burial," Putin said of Baumel.

"We are very happy that he will be able to receive the right military honours in his homeland."

Netanyahu said Baumel would be laid to rest at a "very moving" ceremony in Israel later Thursday.&nbsp;

"Zachary's friends and family will take part," he said, adding that his family had been "very touched".

"His father is no longer alive, unfortunately," he added. "His mother is around 100 years old. Zachary also has a sister."

Neither Putin nor Israel have given details on how or where the remains were found.&nbsp;

Putin said only that Syria -- with which Israel has technically been at war -- participated in the operation.&nbsp;

'Risking their lives'

Netanyahu's spokesman posted photographs on Twitter showing a ceremony in the Russian defence ministry handing over the remains to Netanyahu on Thursday.

"Russia has handed over to Israel the remains of a member of a tank battalion, Zachary Baumel, missing for over 37 years," the ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli army had announced Wednesday that the body had already been recovered and returned to the country.

According to translated comments published on the Kremlin website, Netanyahu said, "Russian fighters, risking their lives, brought Zachary's remains to Israeli territory."&nbsp;

But Putin said Thursday: "The remains are with us and, in accordance with military tradition, we will send them to Israel with your participation."

Putin said "it was not easy" for Russian special forces to find the remains. He added that "all the necessary genetic tests have been completed".

He said he valued Netanyahu's "attitude to the memory of Red Army soldiers", adding that Baumel shared the same fate as thousands of Soviet soldiers who went missing during World War II. &nbsp;

'We will not forget this'

Baumel, who was born in the US in 1960 but immigrated to Israel, had been missing since what is known as the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in a Lebanese village of the same name near the Syrian border. Some 20 Israeli soldiers were killed in the fight.&nbsp;

Tank driver Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had been listed as missing and presumed dead. The other two remain missing.

Netanyahu said he asked Putin two years ago to help in the search for the remains of the missing men.

"You personally responded and gave the order to help in this holy deed," he said, thanking the Russian leader.&nbsp;

"We will not forget this act, it will go down in history."

The return of the remains of soldiers missing in action is a highly important issue in Israel, which has fought repeated wars with its Arab neighbours since the state of Israel was established in 1948.

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers in a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village, and the return of his remains will bring to a close a highly sensitive case for Israelis.

The body of an Israeli soldier missing since the 1982 Lebanon War was found by the Russian and Syrian armies, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel had been listed as missing along with two other Israeli soldiers in a deadly battle with Syrian forces in a Lebanese village, and the return of his remains will bring to a close a highly sensitive case for Israelis. Putin made the revelation at a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is visiting Moscow five days before he is to seek a fifth term in office in a difficult election. Netanyahu, 69, is running in the April 9 vote despite facing potential corruption charges and experts said he hopes the Moscow visit would increase his chances of success on election day. "Our military together with Syrian partners found the place of his burial," Putin said of Baumel. "We are very happy that he will be able to receive the right military honours in his homeland." Netanyahu said Baumel would be laid to rest at a "very moving" ceremony in Israel later Thursday. "Zachary's friends and family will take part," he said, adding that his family had been "very touched". "His father is no longer alive, unfortunately," he added. "His mother is around 100 years old. Zachary also has a sister." Neither Putin nor Israel have given details on how or where the remains were found. Putin said only that Syria -- with which Israel has technically been at war -- participated in the operation. 'Risking their lives' Netanyahu's spokesman posted photographs on Twitter showing a ceremony in the Russian defence ministry handing over the remains to Netanyahu on Thursday. "Russia has handed over to Israel the remains of a member of a tank battalion, Zachary Baumel, missing for over 37 years," the ministry said in a statement. The Israeli army had announced Wednesday that the body had already been recovered and returned to the country. According to translated comments published on the Kremlin website, Netanyahu said, "Russian fighters, risking their lives, brought Zachary's remains to Israeli territory." But Putin said Thursday: "The remains are with us and, in accordance with military tradition, we will send them to Israel with your participation." Putin said "it was not easy" for Russian special forces to find the remains. He added that "all the necessary genetic tests have been completed". He said he valued Netanyahu's "attitude to the memory of Red Army soldiers", adding that Baumel shared the same fate as thousands of Soviet soldiers who went missing during World War II. 'We will not forget this' Baumel, who was born in the US in 1960 but immigrated to Israel, had been missing since what is known as the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in a Lebanese village of the same name near the Syrian border. Some 20 Israeli soldiers were killed in the fight. Tank driver Baumel and two other soldiers, Zvi Feldman and Yehuda Katz, had been listed as missing and presumed dead. The other two remain missing. Netanyahu said he asked Putin two years ago to help in the search for the remains of the missing men. "You personally responded and gave the order to help in this holy deed," he said, thanking the Russian leader. "We will not forget this act, it will go down in history." The return of the remains of soldiers missing in action is a highly important issue in Israel, which has fought repeated wars with its Arab neighbours since the state of Israel was established in 1948.

Putin says body of missing Israeli soldier found by Russian army

Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said Tuesday the rocket from Gaza that hit a house in Israel last week launched due to a technical error, his first official statement on the strike.

The rocket that was fired from the Gaza Strip on March 25 destroyed a house north of Tel and injured seven Israelis.

Israel responded by striking a series of Hamas targets in the Palestinian enclave, including flattening Haniya's office, before Egypt brokered a ceasefire that prevented a full conflict.

In his comments on Tuesday, Haniya said the rocket was "due to a technical defect, but was a mini demonstration if (Israel) thought to commit folly against the Palestinian people."

The statement from his office said he made the remarks during a meeting with political analysts.

He did not provide further details on what type of technical defect could have caused the launch.

Previously only unnamed officials from Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules Gaza, have said the rocket was fired due to a technical error.

Following the latest ceasefire, Hamas said Egypt had brokered a truce that would see Israel ease its crippling blockade of the enclave in exchange for calm.

Israel has not publicly commented on the reported agreement.

On Monday, Israel expanded the fishing zone around Gaza, increasing it in one area to the largest distance in years, in what Hamas officials said was the first step.

An Egyptian security delegation visited Gaza late Monday and met with Hamas.

Haniya said the delegation brought a timetable from the Israeli side for implementing the agreements.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the middle of a gruelling election campaign and faces a strong challenge from centrist former military chief Benny Gantz.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008. 
&nbsp;

Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said Tuesday the rocket from Gaza that hit a house in Israel last week launched due to a technical error, his first official statement on the strike.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said Tuesday the rocket from Gaza that hit a house in Israel last week launched due to a technical error, his first official statement on the strike. The rocket that was fired from the Gaza Strip on March 25 destroyed a house north of Tel and injured seven Israelis. Israel responded by striking a series of Hamas targets in the Palestinian enclave, including flattening Haniya's office, before Egypt brokered a ceasefire that prevented a full conflict. In his comments on Tuesday, Haniya said the rocket was "due to a technical defect, but was a mini demonstration if (Israel) thought to commit folly against the Palestinian people." The statement from his office said he made the remarks during a meeting with political analysts. He did not provide further details on what type of technical defect could have caused the launch. Previously only unnamed officials from Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules Gaza, have said the rocket was fired due to a technical error. Following the latest ceasefire, Hamas said Egypt had brokered a truce that would see Israel ease its crippling blockade of the enclave in exchange for calm. Israel has not publicly commented on the reported agreement. On Monday, Israel expanded the fishing zone around Gaza, increasing it in one area to the largest distance in years, in what Hamas officials said was the first step. An Egyptian security delegation visited Gaza late Monday and met with Hamas. Haniya said the delegation brought a timetable from the Israeli side for implementing the agreements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the middle of a gruelling election campaign and faces a strong challenge from centrist former military chief Benny Gantz. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.

Hamas leader says rocket that hit Israeli house was fired in error

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - April 1st, 2019

Palestine: 1 killed in Israeli firing ahead of protests

Thousands protest at border, but Gaza-Israel truce holds

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro arrived in Israel on Sunday just ahead of the country's polls in which his right-wing ally Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough re-election fight.

Bolsonaro was welcomed by Netanyahu and an official ceremony at the airport near Tel Aviv.

"We are making history together," Netanyahu said, adding that they had "opened a new era in relations between our two countries."

Bolsonaro said, "my government is firmly resolved to strengthen the partnership between Brazil and Israel."

"Cooperation in the areas of security and defence is also of great interest to Brazil," he said.

Bolsonaro will walk a diplomatic tightrope during the three-day visit as he seeks to shore up ties with Netanyahu while avoiding angering key Arab trade partners.

Bolsonaro's controversial pledge to move Brazil's embassy to the disputed city of Jerusalem is expected to be high on the agenda, as Netanyahu uses the occasion to boost his standing ahead of April 9 elections.

Months after promising the step already taken by US President Donald Trump -- leading the Palestinians to freeze ties with the White House -- Bolsonaro has yet to announce a timetable.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Bolsonaro suggested he was in no hurry to make a decision.

"Trump took nine months to decide, to give his final word, so that the embassy was transferred," Bolsonaro said.

"Perhaps now we will open a commercial office in Jerusalem."

While moving the embassy would please Bolsonaro's evangelical Christian support base, it would run the risk of provoking commercial retaliation from Arab states, some of which are major importers of Brazilian meat.

Western Wall visit

Bolsonaro is expected to visit Jerusalem's Western Wall alongside Netanyahu on Monday -- a controversial move in itself.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo became the first high-ranking American official to visit the Western Wall, located in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, with an Israeli premier.

It could be taken as tacit approval of Israel's sovereignty over the site, one of the holiest in Judaism and located in the city's mainly Palestinian eastern sector.

The compound above the wall is known to Jews as the Temple Mount -- the holiest in Judaism -- and also contains the Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.

Later Sunday, Netanyahu will meet with Bolsonaro and sign agreements before they have dinner.&nbsp;

Netanyahu became the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil when he travelled there for Bolsonaro's January 1 inauguration.

In their discussions then, the two right-wingers talked up their budding "brotherhood" which they said would boost military, economic, technological and agricultural cooperation.

Netanyahu is facing a tough challenge from centrist former military chief Benny Gantz in Israel's elections and is also under threat of indictment on corruption allegations.

Pompeo's visit this month and Netanyahu's trip to the United States to meet Trump last week -- cut short due to a flare-up in the Gaza Strip -- was widely seen as providing a boost to his campaign.

He has sought to present himself as Israel's essential statesman, and Bolsonaro's visit may include similar rhetoric.

Both Netanyahu and Bolsonaro have good relations with Trump.

During the Brazilian leader's visit to Washington this month, the US president heaped praise on Bolsonaro in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO.

For years Bolsonaro was little more than a marginal congressman, but his Trump-like campaign in 2018, promising to combat corruption and end politics as usual, propelled him to a surprise victory.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro arrived in Israel on Sunday just ahead of the country's polls in which his right-wing ally Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough re-election fight.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro arrived in Israel on Sunday just ahead of the country's polls in which his right-wing ally Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tough re-election fight. Bolsonaro was welcomed by Netanyahu and an official ceremony at the airport near Tel Aviv. "We are making history together," Netanyahu said, adding that they had "opened a new era in relations between our two countries." Bolsonaro said, "my government is firmly resolved to strengthen the partnership between Brazil and Israel." "Cooperation in the areas of security and defence is also of great interest to Brazil," he said. Bolsonaro will walk a diplomatic tightrope during the three-day visit as he seeks to shore up ties with Netanyahu while avoiding angering key Arab trade partners. Bolsonaro's controversial pledge to move Brazil's embassy to the disputed city of Jerusalem is expected to be high on the agenda, as Netanyahu uses the occasion to boost his standing ahead of April 9 elections. Months after promising the step already taken by US President Donald Trump -- leading the Palestinians to freeze ties with the White House -- Bolsonaro has yet to announce a timetable. Speaking to reporters Thursday, Bolsonaro suggested he was in no hurry to make a decision. "Trump took nine months to decide, to give his final word, so that the embassy was transferred," Bolsonaro said. "Perhaps now we will open a commercial office in Jerusalem." While moving the embassy would please Bolsonaro's evangelical Christian support base, it would run the risk of provoking commercial retaliation from Arab states, some of which are major importers of Brazilian meat. Western Wall visit Bolsonaro is expected to visit Jerusalem's Western Wall alongside Netanyahu on Monday -- a controversial move in itself. Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo became the first high-ranking American official to visit the Western Wall, located in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, with an Israeli premier. It could be taken as tacit approval of Israel's sovereignty over the site, one of the holiest in Judaism and located in the city's mainly Palestinian eastern sector. The compound above the wall is known to Jews as the Temple Mount -- the holiest in Judaism -- and also contains the Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. Later Sunday, Netanyahu will meet with Bolsonaro and sign agreements before they have dinner. Netanyahu became the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil when he travelled there for Bolsonaro's January 1 inauguration. In their discussions then, the two right-wingers talked up their budding "brotherhood" which they said would boost military, economic, technological and agricultural cooperation. Netanyahu is facing a tough challenge from centrist former military chief Benny Gantz in Israel's elections and is also under threat of indictment on corruption allegations. Pompeo's visit this month and Netanyahu's trip to the United States to meet Trump last week -- cut short due to a flare-up in the Gaza Strip -- was widely seen as providing a boost to his campaign. He has sought to present himself as Israel's essential statesman, and Bolsonaro's visit may include similar rhetoric. Both Netanyahu and Bolsonaro have good relations with Trump. During the Brazilian leader's visit to Washington this month, the US president heaped praise on Bolsonaro in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO. For years Bolsonaro was little more than a marginal congressman, but his Trump-like campaign in 2018, promising to combat corruption and end politics as usual, propelled him to a surprise victory.

Brazil's Bolsonaro arrives in Israel for pre-vote visit

Israel reopened its commercial crossing with the Gaza Strip on Sunday but kept military reinforcements deployed on the volatile frontier, a day after a smaller than expected Palestinian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-killed-as-thousands-protest-at-border-but-gaza-israel-truce-holds-206856">protest along the border</a>.

Gaza medical officials said four Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire during demonstrations on Saturday marking the first anniversary of the "Great March of Return" protests.

Around 200 Gazans have been killed by Israeli troops since the protests started on March 30 last year, according to Palestinian Health Ministry figures. An Israeli soldier was also killed by a Palestinian sniper in July.

But while around 40,000 protesters, some hurling grenades and explosives, turned out on Saturday, according to the Israeli military, several signs pointed to pullback from wider confrontation amid Egyptian efforts to reach a long-term ceasefire that would also ease blockaded Gaza's economic plight.

An Israeli military spokesman noted that there had been "significantly less violence" during Saturday's protest, which organisers had billed a "million person march", than in past weekly demonstrations.

In addition, hundreds of Palestinian men, some from Gaza's ruling Hamas group, were deployed in bright orange vests to deter people from going near Israel's border fence, a frequent flashpoint.

A Hamas official said Egyptian mediators were expected to hold talks in Israel to try to finalise a deal.

Israel, which considers Hamas to be a terrorist group, has maintained official silence about any pending agreement, a week before a closely contested election in which rocket strikes from Gaza on Israeli border towns have become the main issue.

Trucks carrying food and fuel rolled into Gaza through the reopened Kerem Shalom crossing on Sunday despite the firing of several rockets at southern Israel overnight and Israeli tank fire on Hamas positions in response. No injuries were reported on either side of the border.

Flare-up

The crossing had been closed on Monday after a rocket that wounded seven Israelis north of Tel Aviv touched off a two-day surge in cross-border violence.

Israel launched a wave of air strikes and ramped up its forces at the border after the rocket strike, as Egypt stepped up its mediation.

A prospective deal, according to three Palestinian officials close to the talks, would include steady Qatari-funded fuel supplies for Gaza, job creation projects and expansion of the territory's fishing zone off the Mediterranean coast.

For their part, militant groups in Gaza agreed before Saturday's protest to keep demonstrators from the border fence and stop the launching of incendiary balloons that have burned farmland in southern Israel, the officials said.

"Days separate us from achieving our demands. We are patient and the enemy is under a test," Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas's deputy Gaza chief, told the group's Aqsa TV.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused by far-right rivals of being too soft on Hamas, said on Sunday he ordered Israeli forces to remain at "full strength" along the Gaza frontier.

But in public remarks on Thursday, he said Israel would undertake a broad military campaign in Gaza - Hamas and Israel last fought a war in 2014 - only after exhausting all other options.

Israel reopened its commercial crossing with the Gaza Strip on Sunday but kept military reinforcements deployed on the volatile frontier, a day after a smaller than expected Palestinian protest along the border.

Israel reopened its commercial crossing with the Gaza Strip on Sunday but kept military reinforcements deployed on the volatile frontier, a day after a smaller than expected Palestinian protest along the border. Gaza medical officials said four Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire during demonstrations on Saturday marking the first anniversary of the "Great March of Return" protests. Around 200 Gazans have been killed by Israeli troops since the protests started on March 30 last year, according to Palestinian Health Ministry figures. An Israeli soldier was also killed by a Palestinian sniper in July. But while around 40,000 protesters, some hurling grenades and explosives, turned out on Saturday, according to the Israeli military, several signs pointed to pullback from wider confrontation amid Egyptian efforts to reach a long-term ceasefire that would also ease blockaded Gaza's economic plight. An Israeli military spokesman noted that there had been "significantly less violence" during Saturday's protest, which organisers had billed a "million person march", than in past weekly demonstrations. In addition, hundreds of Palestinian men, some from Gaza's ruling Hamas group, were deployed in bright orange vests to deter people from going near Israel's border fence, a frequent flashpoint. A Hamas official said Egyptian mediators were expected to hold talks in Israel to try to finalise a deal. Israel, which considers Hamas to be a terrorist group, has maintained official silence about any pending agreement, a week before a closely contested election in which rocket strikes from Gaza on Israeli border towns have become the main issue. Trucks carrying food and fuel rolled into Gaza through the reopened Kerem Shalom crossing on Sunday despite the firing of several rockets at southern Israel overnight and Israeli tank fire on Hamas positions in response. No injuries were reported on either side of the border. Flare-up The crossing had been closed on Monday after a rocket that wounded seven Israelis north of Tel Aviv touched off a two-day surge in cross-border violence. Israel launched a wave of air strikes and ramped up its forces at the border after the rocket strike, as Egypt stepped up its mediation. A prospective deal, according to three Palestinian officials close to the talks, would include steady Qatari-funded fuel supplies for Gaza, job creation projects and expansion of the territory's fishing zone off the Mediterranean coast. For their part, militant groups in Gaza agreed before Saturday's protest to keep demonstrators from the border fence and stop the launching of incendiary balloons that have burned farmland in southern Israel, the officials said. "Days separate us from achieving our demands. We are patient and the enemy is under a test," Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas's deputy Gaza chief, told the group's Aqsa TV. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused by far-right rivals of being too soft on Hamas, said on Sunday he ordered Israeli forces to remain at "full strength" along the Gaza frontier. But in public remarks on Thursday, he said Israel would undertake a broad military campaign in Gaza - Hamas and Israel last fought a war in 2014 - only after exhausting all other options.

Israel reopens Gaza commercial crossing in sign of easing tensions

Thousands of Gazans began gathering to mark the first anniversary of mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-gaza-after-border-bombs-205246">protests along the Israeli border</a> on Saturday, testing a fragile truce only 10 days ahead of an Israeli general election.

Egypt has sought to mediate between Israel and Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas to rein in violence and avoid the sort of deadly response from the Israeli army that has accompanied past protests.

But warnings to stay far back from the heavily fortified fence that marks the border were already not being heeded by some.

"We will move towards the borders even if we die," said Yusef Ziyada, 21, his face painted in the colours of the Palestinian flag.

"We are not leaving. We are returning to our land."

Dozens of Palestinians were seen approaching the border fence east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip at around midday (0900 GMT) before retreating as Israeli troops fired tear gas.

The protesters threw stones at the Israeli soldiers and burnt tyres.

Further south, an Egyptian security delegation visited a protest site east of Gaza City.

The city's mosques were using loudspeakers to call on people to attend, but rainy weather could affect turnout.

"There are about 5,500 rioters gathered at several locations along the fence," the Israeli army said at around 1 pm (1000 GMT).

"Some of them are throwing stones and setting tyres on fire," it said, adding soldiers were responding with "riot dispersal means."

Before dawn Saturday, a Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire during an overnight protest ahead of the main demonstration, the enclave's health ministry said.

Israel's army had not commented on the death, but late Friday said explosive devices were thrown at the fence "throughout the evening."

A tank "struck a Hamas military post in the northern Gaza Strip" in response, it said.

Sensitive time

Protesters were marking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gazas-night-disturbers-put-israeli-border-villagers-on-edge-ahead-of-anniversary-206550">first anniversary </a>of often violent weekly demonstrations in which around 200 Palestinians and an Israeli soldier have been killed.

The anniversary comes only days after another severe flare-up of violence between Israel and Hamas. An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire restored calm.

The timing is especially sensitive for Israel, which holds a keenly contested general election on April 9 in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a stiff challenge from centrist former military chief Benny Gantz.

He is widely seen as wanting to avoid a major escalation, but has at the same time faced political pressure over accusations of being soft on Hamas.

The protests peaked on May 14, when Israeli forces shot dead at least 62 Palestinians in clashes on the same day Washington moved its embassy to Israel to the disputed city of Jerusalem.

The demonstrators are calling for Palestinians to be allowed to return to land their families fled or were expelled from during the 1948 war that accompanied Israel's creation.

Israel says any such mass return would spell the end of a Jewish state and that its actions have been necessary to defend the border.

It accuses Hamas of orchestrating violence, but its soldiers' use of live fire has come under heavy criticism.

Last month, a UN probe said Israeli soldiers had intentionally fired on civilians in what could constitute war crimes.

Two million Palestinians live in impoverished Gaza, crammed between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean.

Analysts highlight desperate living conditions and lack of freedom of movement as driving forces behind the protests.

Israel, which has fought three wars with Hamas, has blockaded the enclave for more than a decade, and Egypt often closes Gaza's only other gateway to the outside world.

The UN says more than 90 per cent of the water is unsafe for drinking and residents receive less than 12 hours of mains electricity a day.

'Risky strategy'

Many protesters have remained far back from the fence and have demonstrated peacefully, but others have approached in numbers and clashed with soldiers.

Small groups have attached incendiary devices to balloons to float them over the border in an attempt to set fire to nearby Israeli homes and farmland.

The Israeli army has increased its presence along the border in recent days deploying several thousand troops, including dozens of snipers.

On Monday, a rocket fired from Gaza struck a house north of the Israeli commercial capital Tel Aviv, wounding seven people.

In response, Israel struck dozens of Hamas targets, drawing further rocket fire before calm was restored.

Hugh Lovatt, Israel-Palestine analyst at the European Council of Foreign Relations, said Hamas was trying to use the protests to get concessions from Israel.

"Hamas seems to think that the run-up to Israeli elections, and Netanyahu's desire to maintain calm in Gaza, has given it increased leverage," he said.&nbsp;

"But as we have seen with Israel's military build-up along the Gaza border, this could be a risky strategy."

Thousands of Gazans began gathering to mark the first anniversary of mass protests along the Israeli border on Saturday, testing a fragile truce only 10 days ahead of an Israeli general election.

Thousands of Gazans began gathering to mark the first anniversary of mass protests along the Israeli border on Saturday, testing a fragile truce only 10 days ahead of an Israeli general election. Egypt has sought to mediate between Israel and Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas to rein in violence and avoid the sort of deadly response from the Israeli army that has accompanied past protests. But warnings to stay far back from the heavily fortified fence that marks the border were already not being heeded by some. "We will move towards the borders even if we die," said Yusef Ziyada, 21, his face painted in the colours of the Palestinian flag. "We are not leaving. We are returning to our land." Dozens of Palestinians were seen approaching the border fence east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip at around midday (0900 GMT) before retreating as Israeli troops fired tear gas. The protesters threw stones at the Israeli soldiers and burnt tyres. Further south, an Egyptian security delegation visited a protest site east of Gaza City. The city's mosques were using loudspeakers to call on people to attend, but rainy weather could affect turnout. "There are about 5,500 rioters gathered at several locations along the fence," the Israeli army said at around 1 pm (1000 GMT). "Some of them are throwing stones and setting tyres on fire," it said, adding soldiers were responding with "riot dispersal means." Before dawn Saturday, a Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire during an overnight protest ahead of the main demonstration, the enclave's health ministry said. Israel's army had not commented on the death, but late Friday said explosive devices were thrown at the fence "throughout the evening." A tank "struck a Hamas military post in the northern Gaza Strip" in response, it said. Sensitive time Protesters were marking the first anniversary of often violent weekly demonstrations in which around 200 Palestinians and an Israeli soldier have been killed. The anniversary comes only days after another severe flare-up of violence between Israel and Hamas. An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire restored calm. The timing is especially sensitive for Israel, which holds a keenly contested general election on April 9 in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a stiff challenge from centrist former military chief Benny Gantz. He is widely seen as wanting to avoid a major escalation, but has at the same time faced political pressure over accusations of being soft on Hamas. The protests peaked on May 14, when Israeli forces shot dead at least 62 Palestinians in clashes on the same day Washington moved its embassy to Israel to the disputed city of Jerusalem. The demonstrators are calling for Palestinians to be allowed to return to land their families fled or were expelled from during the 1948 war that accompanied Israel's creation. Israel says any such mass return would spell the end of a Jewish state and that its actions have been necessary to defend the border. It accuses Hamas of orchestrating violence, but its soldiers' use of live fire has come under heavy criticism. Last month, a UN probe said Israeli soldiers had intentionally fired on civilians in what could constitute war crimes. Two million Palestinians live in impoverished Gaza, crammed between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean. Analysts highlight desperate living conditions and lack of freedom of movement as driving forces behind the protests. Israel, which has fought three wars with Hamas, has blockaded the enclave for more than a decade, and Egypt often closes Gaza's only other gateway to the outside world. The UN says more than 90 per cent of the water is unsafe for drinking and residents receive less than 12 hours of mains electricity a day. 'Risky strategy' Many protesters have remained far back from the fence and have demonstrated peacefully, but others have approached in numbers and clashed with soldiers. Small groups have attached incendiary devices to balloons to float them over the border in an attempt to set fire to nearby Israeli homes and farmland. The Israeli army has increased its presence along the border in recent days deploying several thousand troops, including dozens of snipers. On Monday, a rocket fired from Gaza struck a house north of the Israeli commercial capital Tel Aviv, wounding seven people. In response, Israel struck dozens of Hamas targets, drawing further rocket fire before calm was restored. Hugh Lovatt, Israel-Palestine analyst at the European Council of Foreign Relations, said Hamas was trying to use the protests to get concessions from Israel. "Hamas seems to think that the run-up to Israeli elections, and Netanyahu's desire to maintain calm in Gaza, has given it increased leverage," he said. "But as we have seen with Israel's military build-up along the Gaza border, this could be a risky strategy."

On anniversary, thousands gather at Gaza-Israel border in test of truce

Israel on Friday said that it will back its "precious friend" India in its fight against terrorism by transfer of technology and crucial know-how.

"India is a precious friend. What friend do is that they help each other to defend each other. As long as India needs our help, assistance, sharing of technology, know-how to defend itself, we are here," a top Isreali government source told WION.&nbsp;

"No compromise&nbsp;with those who speak the language of power since they do not understand any other language," the source said.

The development comes against the backdrop of reports that India used Israeli developed SPICE 2000 bombs during its counter-terror operations in Balakot, Pakistan to eliminate Jaish-e-Mohammed camps.&nbsp;

SPICE stands for Smart, precise, Impact, cost-effective.

On India's ties with the Arab world, the sources said, "So far as diplomacy is concerned everyone has different interest."

"Friends can be friends and agree and disagree and can still be friends,'' the source said.

Ties between India and Israel have been growing in the past few years with a number of high-level visits between both countries.&nbsp;

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in July 2017, the first visit by an Indian PM to the country. It was followed by a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India in January 2018.

Israel on Friday said that it will back its "precious friend" India in its fight against terrorism by transfer of technology and crucial know-how. "India is a precious friend.

Israel on Friday said that it will back its "precious friend" India in its fight against terrorism by transfer of technology and crucial know-how. "India is a precious friend. What friend do is that they help each other to defend each other. As long as India needs our help, assistance, sharing of technology, know-how to defend itself, we are here," a top Isreali government source told WION. "No compromise with those who speak the language of power since they do not understand any other language," the source said. The development comes against the backdrop of reports that India used Israeli developed SPICE 2000 bombs during its counter-terror operations in Balakot, Pakistan to eliminate Jaish-e-Mohammed camps. SPICE stands for Smart, precise, Impact, cost-effective. On India's ties with the Arab world, the sources said, "So far as diplomacy is concerned everyone has different interest." "Friends can be friends and agree and disagree and can still be friends,'' the source said. Ties between India and Israel have been growing in the past few years with a number of high-level visits between both countries. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited Israel in July 2017, the first visit by an Indian PM to the country. It was followed by a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to India in January 2018.

Ready to share counter-terror technology, crucial know-how with India: Israel govt source

Schools reopened in southern Israel and traffic-clogged Gaza's streets on Wednesday in signs of a pullback from the most serious escalation of cross-border fighting in months.

But while violence eased amid Egyptian mediation, Israeli forces and Palestinian militants were on hair-trigger footing, with rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli air strikes in the enclave briefly resuming late on Tuesday after a day-long lull.

Despite dozens of rocket launchings and Israeli attacks, no deaths have been reported. Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile interceptors have destroyed some of the rockets and Palestinian militants vacated facilities targeted in the air strikes.

Towns in southern Israel, where rocket-warning sirens have disrupted daily life since the current round of fighting began on Monday, reopened classrooms. In Gaza, schools were also operating and cars filled the streets.

The Gaza frontier remained tense, however, with Israeli troops and tanks deployed along the border. Both Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas militant group made clear that attacks by the other side would not be tolerated.

Even if the crisis subsides, it could shadow Israel's April 9 election, in which right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has campaigned on a tough security platform.

TENSIONS BUILDING

The latest fighting has added to tensions that were already building ahead of the first anniversary on March 30 of the start of weekly Gaza protests at the border. Some 200 Gazans have been killed and thousands wounded by Israeli fire during those protests, and one Israeli soldier has been killed.

Israel says its use of lethal force is meant to stop attempts to breach the border and launch attack on its troops and civilians.

The protesters are demanding the right to return to lands Palestinians fled or were forced to leave in Israel during fighting that accompanied its founding in 1948.

Seven Israelis were injured in Monday's initial rocket attack that hit the village of Mishmeret, 120 km (75 miles) north of Gaza. No other casualties in Israel have been reported. Twelve Palestinians have been wounded by Israeli strikes, Gaza health officials said.

Egypt was expected to pursue further truce talks on Wednesday, said a Palestinian official involved in the efforts.

UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov told the Security Council on Tuesday he had been working with Egypt to secure a ceasefire and that a fragile calm had taken hold.

Security is a major issue for Netanyahu, in power for a decade and beset by corruption allegations that he denies. He is facing his strongest electoral challenge from a centrist coalition led by a former general.

In Dheisha refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, a 17-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli troops during clashes with stone-throwers, an ambulance service official said, identifying him as a volunteer wearing a paramedic uniform. The Israeli military had no immediate comment.

Schools reopened in southern Israel and traffic-clogged Gaza's streets on Wednesday in signs of a pullback from the most serious escalation of cross-border fighting in months.

Schools reopened in southern Israel and traffic-clogged Gaza's streets on Wednesday in signs of a pullback from the most serious escalation of cross-border fighting in months. But while violence eased amid Egyptian mediation, Israeli forces and Palestinian militants were on hair-trigger footing, with rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli air strikes in the enclave briefly resuming late on Tuesday after a day-long lull. Despite dozens of rocket launchings and Israeli attacks, no deaths have been reported. Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile interceptors have destroyed some of the rockets and Palestinian militants vacated facilities targeted in the air strikes. Towns in southern Israel, where rocket-warning sirens have disrupted daily life since the current round of fighting began on Monday, reopened classrooms. In Gaza, schools were also operating and cars filled the streets. The Gaza frontier remained tense, however, with Israeli troops and tanks deployed along the border. Both Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas militant group made clear that attacks by the other side would not be tolerated. Even if the crisis subsides, it could shadow Israel's April 9 election, in which right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has campaigned on a tough security platform. TENSIONS BUILDING The latest fighting has added to tensions that were already building ahead of the first anniversary on March 30 of the start of weekly Gaza protests at the border. Some 200 Gazans have been killed and thousands wounded by Israeli fire during those protests, and one Israeli soldier has been killed. Israel says its use of lethal force is meant to stop attempts to breach the border and launch attack on its troops and civilians. The protesters are demanding the right to return to lands Palestinians fled or were forced to leave in Israel during fighting that accompanied its founding in 1948. Seven Israelis were injured in Monday's initial rocket attack that hit the village of Mishmeret, 120 km (75 miles) north of Gaza. No other casualties in Israel have been reported. Twelve Palestinians have been wounded by Israeli strikes, Gaza health officials said. Egypt was expected to pursue further truce talks on Wednesday, said a Palestinian official involved in the efforts. UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov told the Security Council on Tuesday he had been working with Egypt to secure a ceasefire and that a fragile calm had taken hold. Security is a major issue for Netanyahu, in power for a decade and beset by corruption allegations that he denies. He is facing his strongest electoral challenge from a centrist coalition led by a former general. In Dheisha refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, a 17-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli troops during clashes with stone-throwers, an ambulance service official said, identifying him as a volunteer wearing a paramedic uniform. The Israeli military had no immediate comment.

Tense calm on Gaza-Israel border after flareup

Saudi Arabia rejected US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-proclamation-recognising-israeli-sovereignty-over-golan-heights-205595">Trump's decision of signing a proclamation</a> recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights on Monday also saying that it "condemned" the move as a violation of international law.&nbsp;

"Saudi Arabia expresses its firm rejection and condemnation of the US administration's declaration that it recognises Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights," read a statement published by the Saudi state news agency.&nbsp;

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed Trump's move as ''historic''.

"Your decision to recognize Israel's sovereignty on the Golan Heights is so historic," Netanyahu told Trump.

"Your recognition is a twofold act of historic justice. Israel won the Golan Heights in a just war of self-defence, and the Jewish people's roots in the Golan go back thousands of years," Netanyahu added.

The Jewish state captured the territory from Syria during the Six-Day War of 1967.

Saudi Arabia rejected US President Donald Trump's decision of signing a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights on Monday also saying that it "condemned" the move as a violation of international law.

Saudi Arabia rejected US President Donald Trump's decision of signing a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights on Monday also saying that it "condemned" the move as a violation of international law. "Saudi Arabia expresses its firm rejection and condemnation of the US administration's declaration that it recognises Israel's sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights," read a statement published by the Saudi state news agency. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed Trump's move as ''historic''. "Your decision to recognize Israel's sovereignty on the Golan Heights is so historic," Netanyahu told Trump. "Your recognition is a twofold act of historic justice. Israel won the Golan Heights in a just war of self-defence, and the Jewish people's roots in the Golan go back thousands of years," Netanyahu added. The Jewish state captured the territory from Syria during the Six-Day War of 1967.

Saudi Arabia rejects, condemns Trump's decision on Golan Heights

US President Donald Trump on Monday signed a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights.

"This was a long time in the making," Trump said in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House.&nbsp;

Israel had seized <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-will-formally-recognise-israels-sovereignty-over-golan-heights-pence-205575">Golan Heights from Syria </a>during the six-day conflict in June, 1967, when it defeated the Arab coalition consisting of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Israel later annexed the territory - a move not recognised by the international community. The move hasn't been supported by US President since then.

PM Netanyahu had called up President Trump after he had made the announcement on Golan Heights to tell him he had made "history," and called the gesture a "Purim miracle," a reference to the Jewish holiday that Israel was celebrating that day.

Syria, Turkey and other Arab nations had condemned Trump's move.

However, Trump's Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, added that it was inconceivable Israel "would allow the Golan to be controlled by the state of Syria or by any of the rogue actors operating in the areas, including Iran."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Monday signed a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights. "This was a long time in the making," Trump said in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House.

US President Donald Trump on Monday signed a proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights. "This was a long time in the making," Trump said in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House. Israel had seized Golan Heights from Syria during the six-day conflict in June, 1967, when it defeated the Arab coalition consisting of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Israel later annexed the territory - a move not recognised by the international community. The move hasn't been supported by US President since then. PM Netanyahu had called up President Trump after he had made the announcement on Golan Heights to tell him he had made "history," and called the gesture a "Purim miracle," a reference to the Jewish holiday that Israel was celebrating that day. Syria, Turkey and other Arab nations had condemned Trump's move. However, Trump's Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, added that it was inconceivable Israel "would allow the Golan to be controlled by the state of Syria or by any of the rogue actors operating in the areas, including Iran."

Trump signs proclamation recognising Israeli sovereignty over Golan Heights

US President Trump on Monday will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-asks-un-council-to-uphold-resolutions-on-golan-heights-204971">formally recognise Israeli </a>sovereignty over the Golan Heights, Vice President Mike Pence said.

"Today for the first time in 52 years, with Prime Minister Netanyahu at his side, the president of the US will formally recognise Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights," Pence said as he addressed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee(AIPAC) on Monday.

Last week <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-unfortunate-statement-on-golan-heights-brings-region-to-edge-of-new-crisis-erdogan-204870">President Trump had said</a> it was time to back Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

"After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the state of Israel and regional stability!" Trump had said on Twitter.

Israel had seized Golan Heights from Syria during the six-day conflict in June, 1967 when it defeated the Arab coalition consisting of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Israel later annexed the territory - a move not recognised by the international community. The move hasn't been supported by successive US Presidents since then.

Yisrael Katz, Israel's foreign minister had said on Monday on Twitter that, "President Trump will sign tomorrow in the presence of PM Netanyahu an order recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights."

Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was supposed to be present at the AIPAC conference but he cut short his visit after a rocket attack from Gaza Strip hit northern Israel on Monday morning.

Netanyahu called up President Trump after he had made the announcement on Golan Heights to tell him he had made "history," and called the gesture a "Purim miracle," a reference to the Jewish holiday that Israel was celebrating that day.

Syria, Turkey and other Arab nations condemned Trump's move. However, Trump's Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, said it was inconceivable Israel "would allow the Golan to be controlled by the state of Syria or by any of the rogue actors operating in the areas, including Iran."

US President Trump on Monday will formally recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, Vice President Mike Pence said. "Today for the first time in 52 years, with Prime Minister Netanyahu at his side, the president of the US will formally recognise Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights," Pence said as he addressed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee(AIPAC) on Monday.

US President Trump on Monday will formally recognise Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, Vice President Mike Pence said. "Today for the first time in 52 years, with Prime Minister Netanyahu at his side, the president of the US will formally recognise Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights," Pence said as he addressed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee(AIPAC) on Monday. Last week President Trump had said it was time to back Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. "After 52 years it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which is of critical strategic and security importance to the state of Israel and regional stability!" Trump had said on Twitter. Israel had seized Golan Heights from Syria during the six-day conflict in June, 1967 when it defeated the Arab coalition consisting of Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Israel later annexed the territory - a move not recognised by the international community. The move hasn't been supported by successive US Presidents since then. Yisrael Katz, Israel's foreign minister had said on Monday on Twitter that, "President Trump will sign tomorrow in the presence of PM Netanyahu an order recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights." Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was supposed to be present at the AIPAC conference but he cut short his visit after a rocket attack from Gaza Strip hit northern Israel on Monday morning. Netanyahu called up President Trump after he had made the announcement on Golan Heights to tell him he had made "history," and called the gesture a "Purim miracle," a reference to the Jewish holiday that Israel was celebrating that day. Syria, Turkey and other Arab nations condemned Trump's move. However, Trump's Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, said it was inconceivable Israel "would allow the Golan to be controlled by the state of Syria or by any of the rogue actors operating in the areas, including Iran."

President Trump will formally recognise Israel's sovereignty over Golan Heights: Pence

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-gives-rare-tv-interview-to-address-allegations-205334">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> vowed Monday to retaliate "with force"&nbsp;after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in a community north of Tel Aviv wounding five people. &nbsp;

Netanyahu, who is in the US, said he would be cutting short his US visit and would return home.&nbsp;

"I have decided, due to the security incidents, to cut short my visit to the United States. I will meet President (Donald) Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office.&nbsp;

Rocket fired by Hamas: Israeli Army 
Authorities said the house hit by the rocket had caught&nbsp;fire.&nbsp;

Israel's army said the rocket was fired from the Palestinian enclave run by Islamist movement Hamas, raising the risk of another escalation between the two sides just ahead of April 9 Israeli elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in Washington, where he is due to meet US President Donald Trump later Monday, and there was no word on whether he would shorten his trip.

The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, police said. Medics said they were treating one Israeli with moderate wounds and four others injured lightly.

Mishmeret is more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the Gaza Strip and rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave at that distance is rare.

It would be sure to draw an Israeli response and comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks.

Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections.

But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he will come under heavy political pressure to react firmly.

One-year anniversary 
Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14.

No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip.

Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes.

Both Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups.

Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work.

The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military had refused to comment on the reports at the time.

Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the March 30 one-year anniversary of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel.

An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border of the blockaded strip, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Monday to retaliate "with force" after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in a community north of Tel Aviv wounding five people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Monday to retaliate "with force" after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in a community north of Tel Aviv wounding five people. Netanyahu, who is in the US, said he would be cutting short his US visit and would return home. "I have decided, due to the security incidents, to cut short my visit to the United States. I will meet President (Donald) Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office. Rocket fired by Hamas: Israeli Army Authorities said the house hit by the rocket had caught fire. Israel's army said the rocket was fired from the Palestinian enclave run by Islamist movement Hamas, raising the risk of another escalation between the two sides just ahead of April 9 Israeli elections. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in Washington, where he is due to meet US President Donald Trump later Monday, and there was no word on whether he would shorten his trip. The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, police said. Medics said they were treating one Israeli with moderate wounds and four others injured lightly. Mishmeret is more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the Gaza Strip and rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave at that distance is rare. It would be sure to draw an Israeli response and comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks. Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections. But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he will come under heavy political pressure to react firmly. One-year anniversary Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14. No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip. Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes. Both Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups. Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work. The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military had refused to comment on the reports at the time. Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the March 30 one-year anniversary of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border of the blockaded strip, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence.

Israel's Netanyahu vows to retaliate 'with force' after rocket attack

WION Dispatch: Time to recognise Golan Heights as Israeli territory, says US President Donald Trump

Turkish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-slams-trump-vows-to-recover-israeli-occupied-golan-204839">President Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> on Friday warned US President Donald Trump's pledge to recognise Israel's disputed annexation of the Golan Heights would risk a "new crisis".

"Yesterday US President Trump's unfortunate statement about the Golan Heights brings the region to the edge of a new crisis," Erdogan told an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul.

"We will never allow the occupation of Golan Heights to be made legitimate," he added.

Erdogan said the OIC would not "remain silent to such a sensitive issue like this".

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8eloFnLOPDc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Trump on Thursday said the United States should acknowledge Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, seized from Syria in 1967.

"After 52 years, it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel's Sovereignty over the Golan Heights," Trump said in a Tweet.

About 20,000 Israeli settlers live in the Golan, which overlooks Syrian territory. The annexing of the area has never been recognised by the international community.

Trump's call was welcomed by his ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of April 9 elections in which the incumbent is facing a tough challenge.

But Damascus on Friday said the pledge ignored international law.

Relations between Israel and Turkey have been tense.&nbsp;

Erdogan, who regards himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause, recently traded barbs with Netanyahu ahead of critical polls for both leaders.

Turkey will vote in local elections on March 31.

Trump's latest move comes after he recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the US embassy there last year, which Erdogan strongly condemned.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday warned US President Donald Trump's pledge to recognise Israel's disputed annexation of the Golan Heights would risk a "new crisis".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday warned US President Donald Trump's pledge to recognise Israel's disputed annexation of the Golan Heights would risk a "new crisis". "Yesterday US President Trump's unfortunate statement about the Golan Heights brings the region to the edge of a new crisis," Erdogan told an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul. "We will never allow the occupation of Golan Heights to be made legitimate," he added. Erdogan said the OIC would not "remain silent to such a sensitive issue like this". Trump on Thursday said the United States should acknowledge Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, seized from Syria in 1967. "After 52 years, it is time for the United States to fully recognize Israel's Sovereignty over the Golan Heights," Trump said in a Tweet. About 20,000 Israeli settlers live in the Golan, which overlooks Syrian territory. The annexing of the area has never been recognised by the international community. Trump's call was welcomed by his ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of April 9 elections in which the incumbent is facing a tough challenge. But Damascus on Friday said the pledge ignored international law. Relations between Israel and Turkey have been tense. Erdogan, who regards himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause, recently traded barbs with Netanyahu ahead of critical polls for both leaders. Turkey will vote in local elections on March 31. Trump's latest move comes after he recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the US embassy there last year, which Erdogan strongly condemned.

Trump's unfortunate statement on Golan Heights brings region to edge of new crisis: Erdogan

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

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