The Israeli military on Friday confirmed that it struck a uranium processing site in Yazd, central Iran, after the Islamic Republic’s atomic energy organisation said US-Israeli strikes hit the facility. “A short while ago, the Israeli Air Force... struck a uranium extraction plant located in Yazd, central Iran,” the military said in a statement, describing the site as a “unique facility in Iran used for the production of raw materials required for the uranium enrichment process.”The IDF confirmed bombing the yellowcake production plant near the central Iranian city of Yazd, saying it came as part of the ongoing efforts against Iran’s nuclear programme.The Israeli military describes the site as a “uranium extraction facility.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🎯 STRUCK: Arak Heavy Water Plant in Central Iran—A Key Plutonium Production Site for Nuclear Weapons The IDF will not allow the Iranian regime to continue advancing its nuclear weapons program, which poses an existential threat to Israel and the entire world. <a href="https://t.co/wdFQ03TQZr">pic.twitter.com/wdFQ03TQZr</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/2037576599730524319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-stop-attacks-on-civilians-says-g7-commits-to-securing-strait-of-hormuz-1774629605321">‘Stop attacks on civilians,’ says G7, commits to securing Strait of Hormuz</a> “This facility is the only one of its kind in Iran, where raw materials mined from the ground undergo mechanical and chemical processing so that they can later be used as precursor materials for uranium enrichment,” the IDF said, adding that it is a “highly important process for the nuclear weapons programme advanced by the regime.”The military said the strikes hit the “central infrastructure used in the site’s unique production processes.” Iranian media reported earlier that the Ardakan yellowcake production plant was hit in strikes.Yellowcake is a uranium concentrate in powder form that is produced by mining the uranium ore from rocks and separating the uranium from the rocks by washing them in acid. The yellowcake can then be converted, enriched to raise its purity, and then used for weapons or energy production. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-signs-air-defence-deal-with-saudi-arabia-offering-drone-expertise-1774615347801">Ukraine signs air defence deal with Saudi Arabia, offers its drone expertise</a> The Israeli military also confirmed that it had struck a heavy water plant in Arak, central Iran, after Iranian media said US-Israeli strikes hit the Khondab complex. “A short while ago, the Israeli Air Force... struck the heavy water plant in Arak, central Iran,” the military said in a statement, describing the site as a “key plutonium production site for nuclear weapons.” <h2>Two nuclear facilities attacked, admits Iran</h2> Iranian state media earlier said that two nuclear-related facilities have been attacked in Iran, but there has been no release of radioactive material.The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said in a statement on Telegram that the Khondab heavy water complex in north west Iran was attacked by US-Israeli forces, but there were no casualties. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-situation-dynamic-petrol-diesel-prices-to-be-reviewed-every-15-days-says-govt-1774609798246">‘Situation dynamic’: Petrol, diesel prices to be reviewed every 15 days, says govt</a> “The Khondab Heavy Water Complex was targeted in two stages by aggression from the American and Zionist enemy,” said Fars news agency, citing Hassan Ghamari, an official in the central Markazi province. A second strike hit the Yellowcake production facility in Ardakan, Yazd, with authorities reporting no release of radioactive material beyond the site, according to IRGC-affiliated news agency Fars News. The Iranian atomic energy organisation said, “The plant in Ardakan, located in Yazd Province, was targeted minutes ago in an attack by the American-Zionist enemy,” it said on its Telegram channel, adding the attack “did not result in the release of any radioactive material.”

Iranian media reported earlier that the Ardakan yellowcake production plant was hit in US-Israeli strikes. The Israeli military also confirmed that it had struck a heavy water plant in Arak, central Iran, after Iranian media said US-Israeli strikes hit the Khondab complex.

The Israeli military on Friday confirmed that it struck a uranium processing site in Yazd, central Iran, after the Islamic Republic’s atomic energy organisation said US-Israeli strikes hit the facility. “A short while ago, the Israeli Air Force... struck a uranium extraction plant located in Yazd, central Iran,” the military said in a statement, describing the site as a “unique facility in Iran used for the production of raw materials required for the uranium enrichment process.” The IDF confirmed bombing the yellowcake production plant near the central Iranian city of Yazd, saying it came as part of the ongoing efforts against Iran’s nuclear programme. The Israeli military describes the site as a “uranium extraction facility.”

Iranian media reported earlier that the Ardakan yellowcake production plant was hit in US-Israeli strikes. The Israeli military also confirmed that it had struck a heavy water plant in Arak, central Iran, after Iranian media said US-Israeli strikes hit the Khondab complex.

Israel confirms strikes on uranium processing facility in Iran’s Yazd, heavy water plant in Arak

Israel has launched a fresh wave of airstrikes across Lebanon as tensions sharply escalate along the northern front. The strikes targeted multiple locations amid ongoing cross-border exchanges and rising concerns over a widening regional conflict linked to the broader Israel-Iran war.


Israel-Lebanon War: Israel Launches Fresh Wave of Strikes Across Lebanon 

A Russian state TV reporter narrowly escaped an Israeli strike while reporting from southern Lebanon amid escalating tensions in the Israel–Lebanon conflict. Dramatic visuals from the scene show explosions occurring close to the journalist’s location as Israeli forces targeted suspected militant infrastructure.


Israel-Lebanon War: Russian State TV Reporter Narrowly Escapes Israeli Strike In Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces said on Thursday that they had killed the commander of Hezbollah's artillery in the coastal sector, Jamal Murad. The forces also released a video of the precision strikes that eliminated the operative. The visuals show a vehicle moving on a deserted road being destroyed by an explosion. It isn't clear what kind of weapon the IDF used to attack the Hezbollah commander. "IDF eliminated the artillery commander in the coastal sector of the Hezbollah terrorist organization," the&nbsp;IDF said in a post on X.&nbsp;IDF said that Muhammad Jamal Murad used to serve as the artillery commander of the Iran-backed group in southern Lebanon's Al-Mansouri area.&nbsp;"Earlier today, the IDF attacked and eliminated the terrorist Muhammad Jamal Murad, who served as the artillery commander in the coastal sector of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, in the Al-Mansouri area in southern Lebanon," it wrote on X.<h2>Israeli War in the Middle East</h2>Israel has been fighting a protracted war in the Middle East following the 2023 attack by Hamas on Israeli cities. It has killed several top commanders of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon using precision strikes and ground assaults.&nbsp;Over 1200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel during Hamas' attack in October 2023. In response, Israel has killed thousands in Gaza, mostly civilians. Israel has also flattened residential buildings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, and has been blocking aid, triggering a humanitarian crisis in Hamas-controlled Gaza.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">צה&quot;ל חיסל את מפקד הארטילריה בגזרת חוף של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה מוקדם יותר היום, צה&quot;ל תקף וחיסל את המחבל מחמד ג׳מאל מראד ששימש כמפקד הארטילריה בגזרת חוף של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה, במרחב אל-מנצורי שבדרום לבנון. מראד היה אחראי על שיגורים רבים לעבר מדינת ישראל במהלך המלחמה, ובחודשים… <a href="https://t.co/NL8D1L3oeh">pic.twitter.com/NL8D1L3oeh</a>&mdash; צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1943337054210838959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who was Jamal Murad?</h2>The forces said Jamal Murad was responsible for strikes targeting Israel and was attempting to restore the artillery sector in the coastal region.&nbsp;"Murad was responsible for numerous launches toward the State of Israel during the war, and in recent months, he made attempts to restore the artillery sector in the coastal region," it added.&nbsp;Murad's activities posed a threat to the State of Israel and its citizens and constituted a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF said.&nbsp;"The IDF will continue to act to remove any threat to the State of Israel," it added.

The Israel Defense Forces said on Thursday that they had killed the commander of Hezbollah's artillery, Jamal Murad, in the coastal sector. The force also released a video of the precision strikes that eliminated the Hamas operative.

The Israel Defense Forces said on Thursday that they had killed the commander of Hezbollah's artillery in the coastal sector, Jamal Murad. The forces also released a video of the precision strikes that eliminated the operative. The visuals show a vehicle moving on a deserted road being destroyed by an explosion. It isn't clear what kind of weapon the IDF used to attack the Hezbollah commander. "IDF eliminated the artillery commander in the coastal sector of the Hezbollah terrorist organization," the IDF said in a post on X. IDF said that Muhammad Jamal Murad used to serve as the artillery commander of the Iran-backed group in southern Lebanon's Al-Mansouri area. "Earlier today, the IDF attacked and eliminated the terrorist Muhammad Jamal Murad, who served as the artillery commander in the coastal sector of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, in the Al-Mansouri area in southern Lebanon," it wrote on X. Israeli War in the Middle East Israel has been fighting a protracted war in the Middle East following the 2023 attack by Hamas on Israeli cities. It has killed several top commanders of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon using precision strikes and ground assaults. Over 1200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Israel during Hamas' attack in October 2023. In response, Israel has killed thousands in Gaza, mostly civilians. Israel has also flattened residential buildings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, and has been blocking aid, triggering a humanitarian crisis in Hamas-controlled Gaza.

IDF said that Muhammad Jamal Murad used to serve as the artillery commander of the Iran-backed group in southern Lebanon's Al-Mansouri area.

Watch: Israel attacks moving car, kills Hezbollah commander Jamal Murad

International condemnation of Israel grows over the killing of Aid workers in Gaza. According to the World Central Kitchen seven of its members were killed in the Israeli air strike. The victims were British polish Australian, Palestinian and it also included a dual US Canadian citizen. Here's what we know about the victims. Watch in for more details!

Israel War | How Israel's 'super-accurate' spike missiles killed aid workers?

A brimming second front of War now tensions at the Israel-Lebanon border remain high both sides are on edge over a spurt of missile strikes that killed yet another top Hezbollah leader. Will the exchange turn into a full-blown war and does Israel have plans to ramp up its strikes? Our next story gets you the details.

Israel strikes deeper in Lebanon's territory

An Israeli strike Wednesday on a residential area of Damascus killed at least two people, Syrian official media reported, the latest fatalities as hostilities increase during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

"At least two killed", Syria's state TV said, in what it earlier described an "Israeli attack with a number of missiles" that targeted the Kafr Sousa neighbourhood in the capital Damascus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-will-israel-strike-a-deal-on-hostages-659436" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-will-israel-strike-a-deal-on-hostages-659436&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKqLDymbyEAxUTk68BHSp2Dv0QFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0hmAQPk-5dkGofntovNwUT" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-will-israel-strike-a-deal-on-hostages-659436" target="_blank">Israel-Palestine war: Will&nbsp;Israel strike&nbsp;a deal on hostages?</a>

The Israeli army told AFP it had no comment.

An AFP photographer said the strike hit a nine-storey building whose outside had been partially blackened, with damaged centred around the fourth floor, while nearby cars were also damaged.

Authorities had cordoned off the area, while firefighters were trying to extinguish the subsequent blaze, the photographer said.

Kafr Sousa, a high-security area of the Syrian capital, is home to senior security officials, security branches, intelligence headquarters and an Iranian cultural centre.

Since Syria's civil war broke out in 2011, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its northern neighbour, mainly targeting Iran-backed forces, including Hezbollah militants as well as Syrian army positions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-attack-indian-caregiver-injured-by-rocket-strike-in-israel-amid-evacuation-efforts-644297" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-attack-indian-caregiver-injured-by-rocket-strike-in-israel-amid-evacuation-efforts-644297&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKqLDymbyEAxUTk68BHSp2Dv0QFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw016rjIIw6MEoJTPxjNm7Q-" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-attack-indian-caregiver-injured-by-rocket-strike-in-israel-amid-evacuation-efforts-644297" target="_blank">Hamas&nbsp;attack: Indian caregiver injured by rocket&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in&nbsp;Israel</a>

The strikes have increased since Israel's war with Hamas began on October 7.

On February 10, Israeli air strikes that targeted a building in an upscale area near Damascus killed three people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor.

A day earlier, an area near a military airport west of Damascus came under missile attack, the Observatory had said, while the defence ministry said drones had entered Syrian airspace from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Earlier this month, the Observatory had said seven civilians were among 11 people killed in Israeli air strikes on the central Syrian city of Homs.

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The strikes completely levelled a building in one of the city's most affluent districts, and also hit other targets linked to Iran-backed groups, it added.

Israel rarely comments on individual strikes but has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran -- which backs President Bashar al-Assad's government and Lebanon's powerful Hamas ally Hezbollah -- to expand its presence in Syria.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Will Israel strike a deal on hostages?

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On February 3, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said the military had attacked more than 50 Hezbollah targets in Syria and 3,400 in Lebanon since the start of the Gaza war.

An Israeli strike Wednesday on a residential area of Damascus killed at least two people, Syrian official media reported, the latest fatalities as hostilities increase during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

An Israeli strike Wednesday on a residential area of Damascus killed at least two people, Syrian official media reported, the latest fatalities as hostilities increase during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. "At least two killed", Syria's state TV said, in what it earlier described an "Israeli attack with a number of missiles" that targeted the Kafr Sousa neighbourhood in the capital Damascus. Also read: Israel-Palestine war: Will Israel strike a deal on hostages? The Israeli army told AFP it had no comment. An AFP photographer said the strike hit a nine-storey building whose outside had been partially blackened, with damaged centred around the fourth floor, while nearby cars were also damaged. Authorities had cordoned off the area, while firefighters were trying to extinguish the subsequent blaze, the photographer said. Kafr Sousa, a high-security area of the Syrian capital, is home to senior security officials, security branches, intelligence headquarters and an Iranian cultural centre. Since Syria's civil war broke out in 2011, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its northern neighbour, mainly targeting Iran-backed forces, including Hezbollah militants as well as Syrian army positions. Also read: Hamas attack: Indian caregiver injured by rocket strike in Israel The strikes have increased since Israel's war with Hamas began on October 7. On February 10, Israeli air strikes that targeted a building in an upscale area near Damascus killed three people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. A day earlier, an area near a military airport west of Damascus came under missile attack, the Observatory had said, while the defence ministry said drones had entered Syrian airspace from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Earlier this month, the Observatory had said seven civilians were among 11 people killed in Israeli air strikes on the central Syrian city of Homs. Also read: At least 35 killed after Israel strikes ambulance, school in Gaza The strikes completely levelled a building in one of the city's most affluent districts, and also hit other targets linked to Iran-backed groups, it added. Israel rarely comments on individual strikes but has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran -- which backs President Bashar al-Assad's government and Lebanon's powerful Hamas ally Hezbollah -- to expand its presence in Syria. Watch: Israel-Palestine war: Will Israel strike a deal on hostages? × On February 3, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said the military had attacked more than 50 Hezbollah targets in Syria and 3,400 in Lebanon since the start of the Gaza war.

Two dead in Israel strikes on Damascus neighbourhood in Syria

The Israeli military said on Wednesday (Feb 14) that its fighter jets "began a series of strikes in Lebanon". Meanwhile, a Lebanese security source said on the same day that Israeli strikes in south Lebanon killed four civilians, including two children, and wounded several others.&nbsp;

As quoted by the Reuters news agency, the sources said that a woman and her two children were killed in the strike in the village of al-Sawana. Lebanon's powerful armed group Hezbollah said a strike on a separate town killed one of its fighters.&nbsp;

Hezbollah and the Israeli military had been exchanging fire for over four months when the Lebanese armed group fired rockets across the disputed border in support of Hamas, which launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

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This becomes a major concern as chances of war between Israel and Lebanon appear to have increased after months of cross-border fire as before the Israeli strikes, reports said that fire from Lebanon wounded multiple people in northern Israel, according to medics.&nbsp;

As reported by the news agencies, the Magen David Adom emergency service said that seven people were wounded, five of them in the town of Safed.&nbsp;

Although Hezbollah did not announce any operations on Wednesday, the head of its executive council said that Israel's attacks "cannot pass without a response".&nbsp;

But Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Tuesday (Feb 13) that fire from southern Lebanon will end "when the attack on Gaza stops and there is a ceasefire" between Hamas and Israel.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, Ilana Stein, who is an Israeli government spokesperson, told journalists that "numerous launches" were identified as coming from Lebanon on Wednesday morning. The strikes allegedly left one Israeli, a woman, dead and eight others hospitalised.&nbsp;

"As we have made clear time and time again, Israel is not interested in a war on two fronts. But if provoked, we will respond forcefully," she said.&nbsp;

"The current reality, where tens of thousands of Israelis are displaced and cannot return to their homes, is unbearable. They must be able to return home and live in peace and security," she said, further adding that the military responded to cross-border rocket fire from Lebanon.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Why is Israel planning a Rafah offensive and what would it mean?

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After meeting with commanders along the Lebanon-Israel border, Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi stated that Israel's "next campaign will be very much on the offensive, and we will use all the tools and all capabilities".&nbsp;

"We are intensifying the strikes all the time, and Hezbollah are paying an increasingly heavy price," he said in a statement as reported by new agencies.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Israeli military said on Wednesday (Feb 14) that its fighter jets "began a series of strikes in Lebanon". Meanwhile, a Lebanese security source said on the same day that Israeli strikes in south Lebanon killed four civilians, including two children, and wounded several others.

The Israeli military said on Wednesday (Feb 14) that its fighter jets "began a series of strikes in Lebanon". Meanwhile, a Lebanese security source said on the same day that Israeli strikes in south Lebanon killed four civilians, including two children, and wounded several others. As quoted by the Reuters news agency, the sources said that a woman and her two children were killed in the strike in the village of al-Sawana. Lebanon's powerful armed group Hezbollah said a strike on a separate town killed one of its fighters. Hezbollah and the Israeli military had been exchanging fire for over four months when the Lebanese armed group fired rockets across the disputed border in support of Hamas, which launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7. Also read: VIDEO: Ukraine claims it destroyed another Russian warship in Black Sea This becomes a major concern as chances of war between Israel and Lebanon appear to have increased after months of cross-border fire as before the Israeli strikes, reports said that fire from Lebanon wounded multiple people in northern Israel, according to medics. As reported by the news agencies, the Magen David Adom emergency service said that seven people were wounded, five of them in the town of Safed. Although Hezbollah did not announce any operations on Wednesday, the head of its executive council said that Israel's attacks "cannot pass without a response". But Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Tuesday (Feb 13) that fire from southern Lebanon will end "when the attack on Gaza stops and there is a ceasefire" between Hamas and Israel. Also read: Iranian pipelines hit in act of ‘terrorism and sabotage’, gas supply disrupted Meanwhile, Ilana Stein, who is an Israeli government spokesperson, told journalists that "numerous launches" were identified as coming from Lebanon on Wednesday morning. The strikes allegedly left one Israeli, a woman, dead and eight others hospitalised. "As we have made clear time and time again, Israel is not interested in a war on two fronts. But if provoked, we will respond forcefully," she said. "The current reality, where tens of thousands of Israelis are displaced and cannot return to their homes, is unbearable. They must be able to return home and live in peace and security," she said, further adding that the military responded to cross-border rocket fire from Lebanon. Watch: Why is Israel planning a Rafah offensive and what would it mean? × After meeting with commanders along the Lebanon-Israel border, Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi stated that Israel's "next campaign will be very much on the offensive, and we will use all the tools and all capabilities". "We are intensifying the strikes all the time, and Hezbollah are paying an increasingly heavy price," he said in a statement as reported by new agencies. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel ‘begins series of strikes’ in Lebanon amid concerns over cross-border escalation

Rockets were fired from Southern Lebanon towards Israel on Thursday. The firing prompted cross-border strikes by the Israeli military as well. Three security sources in Lebanon said that at least two rockets were fired towards Israel one of them landing in the Lebanese territory and the second near a disputed area at the border.

Israel strikes Lebanese targets

The Israeli government's planned restriction of the power of the judiciary in the country has received flak from various quarters. Now, a majority of reservists of an Israeli Air Force fighter jet squadron have announced that they won't attend one of their planned training sessions later this week. Thirty-seven of 40 members of IAF’s 69th Squadron have said they will boycott Wednesday's planned exercises.&nbsp;

Known as the Hammers, the squadron operates the F-15I fighter jets out of the Hatzerim Airbase in southern Israel. The reservists informed IAF chief Tomer Bar and the commander of the squadron that they won't be attending the training session. However, they said they will report for duty for operational missions if needed.

“On Wednesday, March 8, we will devote our time to discourse and thinking for the sake of democracy and the unity of the people, and therefore we will not report to reserve duty on this day, with the exception of operational activity. During the rest of the week, we will report [for duty] as planned,” said the reservists in the letter, as reported by Channel 12 news.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anarchy-netanyahu-on-israel-mass-protests-as-wife-rescued-from-salon-567425">'Anarchy': Netanyahu slams Israel mass protests; wife rescued from salon</a>

The group is best known for the 2007 strikes carried out on Syria’s nuclear reactor. The mission was largely known as Operation Orchard, and as Outside the Box in the IDF.

The Hammers have been involved in hundreds of strikes against Iranian entrenchment in Syria in the last 10 years and have also received a citation from the military chief in 2018.&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, senior pilots met with IAF chief Bar, raising concerns about continuing their services in the reserves. Channel 12 reported that the pilots fear that they might be exposed to prosecution by global bodies, such as the International Criminal Court, due to the new hardline government’s conduct.

Israel has long fended international probes citing the strength and independence of its own judiciary. The judiciary is responsible for investigating any wrongdoings by the Israeli forces. However, restricting the High Court of Justice’s power might decrease the credibility of the institution in the eyes of international bodies, experts say.

The Israeli government seeks changes that include curbs on the Supreme Court, accusing it of over-reach. Critics worry that Netanyahu - who is on trial on graft charges he denies - wants excessive power over the judiciary.

Meanwhile, the government hit back at the reports.&nbsp;"These irresponsible Israeli media are playing up any reservist who makes some kind of statement," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Channel 12 TV.

"There are tens and hundreds of thousands who will continue to enlist for the military and serve in the reserves and understand that we are brothers and bear responsibility for the great miracle that is the Zionist enterprise."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Israeli government's planned restriction of the power of the judiciary in the country has received flak from various quarters. Now, a majority of reservists of an Israeli Air Force fighter jet squadron have announced that they won't attend one of their planned training sessions later this week.

The Israeli government's planned restriction of the power of the judiciary in the country has received flak from various quarters. Now, a majority of reservists of an Israeli Air Force fighter jet squadron have announced that they won't attend one of their planned training sessions later this week. Thirty-seven of 40 members of IAF’s 69th Squadron have said they will boycott Wednesday's planned exercises. Known as the Hammers, the squadron operates the F-15I fighter jets out of the Hatzerim Airbase in southern Israel. The reservists informed IAF chief Tomer Bar and the commander of the squadron that they won't be attending the training session. However, they said they will report for duty for operational missions if needed. “On Wednesday, March 8, we will devote our time to discourse and thinking for the sake of democracy and the unity of the people, and therefore we will not report to reserve duty on this day, with the exception of operational activity. During the rest of the week, we will report [for duty] as planned,” said the reservists in the letter, as reported by Channel 12 news. Also Read | 'Anarchy': Netanyahu slams Israel mass protests; wife rescued from salon The group is best known for the 2007 strikes carried out on Syria’s nuclear reactor. The mission was largely known as Operation Orchard, and as Outside the Box in the IDF. The Hammers have been involved in hundreds of strikes against Iranian entrenchment in Syria in the last 10 years and have also received a citation from the military chief in 2018. Earlier on Friday, senior pilots met with IAF chief Bar, raising concerns about continuing their services in the reserves. Channel 12 reported that the pilots fear that they might be exposed to prosecution by global bodies, such as the International Criminal Court, due to the new hardline government’s conduct. Israel has long fended international probes citing the strength and independence of its own judiciary. The judiciary is responsible for investigating any wrongdoings by the Israeli forces. However, restricting the High Court of Justice’s power might decrease the credibility of the institution in the eyes of international bodies, experts say. The Israeli government seeks changes that include curbs on the Supreme Court, accusing it of over-reach. Critics worry that Netanyahu - who is on trial on graft charges he denies - wants excessive power over the judiciary. Meanwhile, the government hit back at the reports. "These irresponsible Israeli media are playing up any reservist who makes some kind of statement," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Channel 12 TV. "There are tens and hundreds of thousands who will continue to enlist for the military and serve in the reserves and understand that we are brothers and bear responsibility for the great miracle that is the Zionist enterprise." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel judicial shakeup: Reserve pilots of key squadron refuse to attend crucial training session

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'dismayed'&nbsp;by civilian casualties in&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;and 'deeply&nbsp;disturbed'&nbsp;by&nbsp;Israel's strike&nbsp;on&nbsp;a building containing international media outlets, a spokesman said Saturday in response to reporters' questions.

The comments came as&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;pummeled the&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;Strip with air&nbsp;strikes, killing 10 members of an extended family and demolishing the 13-floor&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;building housing Qatar-based Al Jazeera and The Associated Press news agency, with Palestinian militants firing back barrages of rockets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating">Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating</a>

"The Secretary-General is&nbsp;dismayed&nbsp;by the increasing number of civilian casualties, including the death of ten members of the same family, including children, as a result of an Israeli airstrike last night in the al-Shati camp in&nbsp;Gaza, purportedly aimed at a Hamas leader," his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in the written response to questions&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Israeli air&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;in&nbsp;Gaza.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence">Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence</a>

Guterres was 'also deeply&nbsp;disturbed&nbsp;by the destruction by an Israeli airstrike today of a high-rise building in&nbsp;Gaza City&nbsp;that housed the offices of several international media organizations as well as residential apartments,'&nbsp;Dujarric continued.

'The Secretary-General reminds all sides that any indiscriminate targeting of civilian and media structures violates international law and must be avoided at all costs,'&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

Israeli air and artillery&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;on&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;since Monday have killed 145 people including 41 children, and wounded another 1,100, health officials say, the worst violence in the region since 2014.

Palestinian armed groups have fired at least 2,300 rockets at&nbsp;Israel, killing 10 people, including a child and a soldier, and wounding over 560 Israelis. Israeli air defenses have intercepted many rockets.

US Secretary for&nbsp;Israel-Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr was to hold talks Sunday with Israeli leaders before meeting Palestinian officials to seek a 'sustainable calm,'&nbsp;the State Department said.

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Security Council was to meet Sunday to discuss the violence.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'dismayed' by civilian casualties in Gaza and 'deeply disturbed' by Israel's strike on a building containing international media outlets, a spokesman said Saturday in response to reporters' questions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'dismayed' by civilian casualties in Gaza and 'deeply disturbed' by Israel's strike on a building containing international media outlets, a spokesman said Saturday in response to reporters' questions. The comments came as Israel pummeled the Gaza Strip with air strikes, killing 10 members of an extended family and demolishing the 13-floor Gaza building housing Qatar-based Al Jazeera and The Associated Press news agency, with Palestinian militants firing back barrages of rockets. Also read: Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating "The Secretary-General is dismayed by the increasing number of civilian casualties, including the death of ten members of the same family, including children, as a result of an Israeli airstrike last night in the al-Shati camp in Gaza, purportedly aimed at a Hamas leader," his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in the written response to questions on the Israeli air strikes in Gaza. Also read: Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence Guterres was 'also deeply disturbed by the destruction by an Israeli airstrike today of a high-rise building in Gaza City that housed the offices of several international media organizations as well as residential apartments,' Dujarric continued. 'The Secretary-General reminds all sides that any indiscriminate targeting of civilian and media structures violates international law and must be avoided at all costs,' he said. Israeli air and artillery strikes on Gaza since Monday have killed 145 people including 41 children, and wounded another 1,100, health officials say, the worst violence in the region since 2014. Palestinian armed groups have fired at least 2,300 rockets at Israel, killing 10 people, including a child and a soldier, and wounding over 560 Israelis. Israeli air defenses have intercepted many rockets. US Secretary for Israel-Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr was to hold talks Sunday with Israeli leaders before meeting Palestinian officials to seek a 'sustainable calm,' the State Department said. The UN Security Council was to meet Sunday to discuss the violence.

UN chief 'dismayed', 'disturbed' by Israel strikes on Gaza

Four civilians, including two children, were killed by Israeli strikes on the Syrian province of Hama at dawn on Friday, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported.

SANA cited a Syrian military source as saying that the country's air defences responded to Israeli missiles in the central province, "intercepting most" of them.

It later said "the Israeli aggression resulted in the martyrdom of a family, including a father, mother and two children", adding another four people were wounded and three houses destroyed on the western edges of Hama city.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-attack-kills-seven-regime-loyalists-in-eastern-syria-355768">&nbsp;IS attack kills seven regime loyalists in eastern Syria</a>

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Israeli raids targeted Syrian military sites and resulted in the "destruction" of five of them in an area of Hama where Iran-backed fighters are present.

But the war monitor said the civilians were killed by "debris from one of the Syrian anti-aircraft defence missiles that fell on a house in a densely populated neighbourhood".

The Israeli army rarely acknowledges individual raids on Syria and refused to comment on the latest reports when contacted by AFP on Friday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-india-warns-of-syrian-chemical-weapons-falling-into-the-hands-of-terrorists-354693">At UNSC, India warns of Syrian chemical weapons falling into the hands of terrorists</a>

Israeli strikes on eastern Syria killed 57 government and allied fighters on January 13, in the deadliest raids since the Jewish state launched its air assault on targets in the war-torn country, the Observatory said.

The Observatory is a Britain-based monitor that relies on sources on the ground in Syria for its reports.

Israel rarely confirms it has carried out strikes in Syria, but the army said it hit about 50 targets in the war-torn country in 2020, without providing details.

The Jewish state routinely carries out raids in Syria, mostly against targets linked to Iran in what it says is a bid to prevent its arch foe from consolidating a foothold on its northern border.

Four civilians, including two children, were killed by Israeli strikes on the Syrian province of Hama at dawn on Friday, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported.

Four civilians, including two children, were killed by Israeli strikes on the Syrian province of Hama at dawn on Friday, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported. SANA cited a Syrian military source as saying that the country's air defences responded to Israeli missiles in the central province, "intercepting most" of them. It later said "the Israeli aggression resulted in the martyrdom of a family, including a father, mother and two children", adding another four people were wounded and three houses destroyed on the western edges of Hama city. Also read| IS attack kills seven regime loyalists in eastern Syria The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Israeli raids targeted Syrian military sites and resulted in the "destruction" of five of them in an area of Hama where Iran-backed fighters are present. But the war monitor said the civilians were killed by "debris from one of the Syrian anti-aircraft defence missiles that fell on a house in a densely populated neighbourhood". The Israeli army rarely acknowledges individual raids on Syria and refused to comment on the latest reports when contacted by AFP on Friday. Also read| At UNSC, India warns of Syrian chemical weapons falling into the hands of terrorists Israeli strikes on eastern Syria killed 57 government and allied fighters on January 13, in the deadliest raids since the Jewish state launched its air assault on targets in the war-torn country, the Observatory said. The Observatory is a Britain-based monitor that relies on sources on the ground in Syria for its reports. Israel rarely confirms it has carried out strikes in Syria, but the army said it hit about 50 targets in the war-torn country in 2020, without providing details. The Jewish state routinely carries out raids in Syria, mostly against targets linked to Iran in what it says is a bid to prevent its arch foe from consolidating a foothold on its northern border.

Israeli strikes kill 4 civilians in Syria: State media

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-carried-out-strikes-on-irans-quds-force-syrian-targets-israel-army-263308">Israeli army </a>carried out a "wide-scale" attack against Iranian forces and Syrian army targets in Syria Wednesday, killing at least 11 fighters, the Israeli army and a monitoring group said.&nbsp;

In a rare confirmation of their operations in Syria, the Israeli army said they carried out dozens on strikes against the Iranian elite Quds Force and the Syrian military, in response to four rockets fired at Israel a day before.

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At least eleven "fighters" were killed in the strikes, said Britain-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

Seven were foreigners, its head Rami Abdel Rahman said, though he could not confirm whether they were all Iranian. Four civilians were also wounded, he added.

Iran has fought alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces in the country's eight-year civil war, heightening Israeli concern over the presence of its arch foe along its border.

"Whoever hurts us, we will hurt him," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

"This is what we did overnight vis-a-vis military targets of the Iranian Quds Force and Syrian military targets in Syria after a barrage of rockets was launched at Israel."

The Israeli army said they had targeted around a dozen military sites, including warehouses and military command centres.

"It was very intense," spokesman Jonathan Conricus told AFP said.

The most important target, he said, was a control facility at the main international airport in Damascus.

"It is the main building that serves the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards... for coordinating the logistic facilities of transport of military hardware from Iran to Syria and from Syria onwards," he said.

'Heavy attack'&nbsp;

Israel has carried out frequent air and missile strikes against Iranian targets inside Syria since the country descended into civil war in 2011 but rarely comments on them.

On Tuesday four rockets were fired at Israel from Syria, with the army blaming an "Iranian force".

Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system intercepted the rockets.

Conricus said it was the sixth time Iranian forces had attacked Israel directly in recent years, most recently in August.

The Israeli attack Wednesday began in the early hours, with a series of large explosions rocking Damascus, an AFP correspondent in the city said.

Syria's state media SANA said Syrian anti-aircraft defences responded to a "heavy attack" by Israeli warplanes over the capital.

The Israeli army confirmed missiles were fired towards its jets but denied any were hit.

In response to the fire, it said, "a number of Syrian aerial defence batteries were destroyed".

"We hold the Syrian regime responsible for the actions that take place in Syrian territory and warn them against allowing further attacks against Israel," the army said.

SANA added that the strikes were carried out from "Lebanese and Palestinian territories". Israel sometimes launches its attacks on Syria from planes flying over neighbouring Lebanon.

Syria's civil war has been complicated by the involvement of multiple foreign powers, with Russian, Iranian and US forces on the ground backing various parties.

Flare-up&nbsp;

The SOHR monitoring group said Tuesday's rockets were fired from positions around the Syrian capital held by groups loyal to the Damascus government.

The flare-up follows a major escalation in and around Gaza last week when Israel killed a top commander of Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, which is allied with Damascus.

The killing was accompanied by a second strike, unconfirmed by Israel, on an Islamic Jihad leader in Damascus that killed his son and another person.

The hundreds of strikes carried out by Israel in Syria have mostly been against Iranian targets or positions of Iran's Lebanese ally, Shiite militant group Hezbollah.

Both are sworn enemies of the Jewish state and have backed the Syrian president's forces with advisers and fighters.

The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions.

The Israeli army carried out a "wide-scale" attack against Iranian forces and Syrian army targets in Syria Wednesday, killing at least 11 fighters, the Israeli army and a monitoring group said.

The Israeli army carried out a "wide-scale" attack against Iranian forces and Syrian army targets in Syria Wednesday, killing at least 11 fighters, the Israeli army and a monitoring group said. In a rare confirmation of their operations in Syria, the Israeli army said they carried out dozens on strikes against the Iranian elite Quds Force and the Syrian military, in response to four rockets fired at Israel a day before. At least eleven "fighters" were killed in the strikes, said Britain-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Seven were foreigners, its head Rami Abdel Rahman said, though he could not confirm whether they were all Iranian. Four civilians were also wounded, he added. Iran has fought alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces in the country's eight-year civil war, heightening Israeli concern over the presence of its arch foe along its border. "Whoever hurts us, we will hurt him," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "This is what we did overnight vis-a-vis military targets of the Iranian Quds Force and Syrian military targets in Syria after a barrage of rockets was launched at Israel." The Israeli army said they had targeted around a dozen military sites, including warehouses and military command centres. "It was very intense," spokesman Jonathan Conricus told AFP said. The most important target, he said, was a control facility at the main international airport in Damascus. "It is the main building that serves the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards... for coordinating the logistic facilities of transport of military hardware from Iran to Syria and from Syria onwards," he said. 'Heavy attack' Israel has carried out frequent air and missile strikes against Iranian targets inside Syria since the country descended into civil war in 2011 but rarely comments on them. On Tuesday four rockets were fired at Israel from Syria, with the army blaming an "Iranian force". Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system intercepted the rockets. Conricus said it was the sixth time Iranian forces had attacked Israel directly in recent years, most recently in August. The Israeli attack Wednesday began in the early hours, with a series of large explosions rocking Damascus, an AFP correspondent in the city said. Syria's state media SANA said Syrian anti-aircraft defences responded to a "heavy attack" by Israeli warplanes over the capital. The Israeli army confirmed missiles were fired towards its jets but denied any were hit. In response to the fire, it said, "a number of Syrian aerial defence batteries were destroyed". "We hold the Syrian regime responsible for the actions that take place in Syrian territory and warn them against allowing further attacks against Israel," the army said. SANA added that the strikes were carried out from "Lebanese and Palestinian territories". Israel sometimes launches its attacks on Syria from planes flying over neighbouring Lebanon. Syria's civil war has been complicated by the involvement of multiple foreign powers, with Russian, Iranian and US forces on the ground backing various parties. Flare-up The SOHR monitoring group said Tuesday's rockets were fired from positions around the Syrian capital held by groups loyal to the Damascus government. The flare-up follows a major escalation in and around Gaza last week when Israel killed a top commander of Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, which is allied with Damascus. The killing was accompanied by a second strike, unconfirmed by Israel, on an Islamic Jihad leader in Damascus that killed his son and another person. The hundreds of strikes carried out by Israel in Syria have mostly been against Iranian targets or positions of Iran's Lebanese ally, Shiite militant group Hezbollah. Both are sworn enemies of the Jewish state and have backed the Syrian president's forces with advisers and fighters. The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions.

Israeli strikes in Syria kill 11 fighters: Monitor

The Israeli military said its aircraft struck Syrian army targets on Sunday (June 2) after rockets were fired at the Golan Heights, and Syria's state media said three soldiers were killed in the second such flare-up in a week.

Israel strikes Syria after rockets fired at Golan

Israeli military aircraft bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early on Friday, hours after two rockets were launched at Tel Aviv in the first such attack since a 2014 war.

After the overnight exchanges, sirens sounded again in Israeli border towns after dawn. The Israeli military confirmed two more missile launches from the Gaza Strip toward Israel but said both were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defence system.

Palestinian news media reported strikes throughout Gaza, from Rafah in the south to the north of the densely populated coastal strip that is home to two million Palestinians.

Most of the Israeli strikes were reported to have targeted facilities used by Hamas's security forces. The buildings had been evacuated as a precaution, as the Islamist militant group had expected an Israeli response.

Health ministry officials in Gaza said two people, a man and a woman, were wounded when their house was damaged in Rafah in the early morning.

Witnesses said powerful explosions from the air strikes rocked buildings in Gaza and lit the skies over targeted sites.

The Israeli military said it was targeting "terror sites" in Gaza. It said rocket sirens were sounded in Israeli communities near the Gaza border.

On Thursday night, the sirens howled farther north, in Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial capital, set off by what the military said were two incoming, longer-range rockets from Gaza.

That salvo caused no casualties or damage, missing built-up areas. But it rattled Israeli nerves ahead of an April 9 election in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term on the strength of his national security credentials.

Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and witnesses said interceptor missiles had and detonated - although the military said no rockets were shot down.

It was the first such attack on the city since the 2014 Gaza war between Hamas and Israel. There have been several smaller rounds of fighting since, reined in by Egyptian and UN mediations.

"This was basically a surprise," military spokesman Brigadier-General Ronen Manelis told Israel Radio on Thursday.

In that interview, Manelis said Israel did not yet know who had carried out the rocket launches. But another Israeli military spokesman laid the blame on Hamas on Friday.

"Hamas carried out the rocket fire against Tel Aviv yesterday evening," Lieutenant-Colonel Avichay Adraee said.

Hamas denied involvement, saying the launches took place as its leaders met Egyptian delegates about efforts to secure a long-term ceasefire with Israel.

Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees, two smaller Gaza armed factions, also denied responsibility.

Israeli analysts speculated that Palestinian militants opposed to any deal between Hamas and Israel were behind the launchings.

The flare-up of Thursday and Friday drew a US statement of support for Israel.

"Hamas and other terror orgs in Gaza continue to fail their people day after day &amp; drag Gaza further &amp; further down by constantly choosing violence," Jason Greenblatt, the White House's Middle East envoy, said on Twitter. "This method will never work. Ever!"

Naftali Bennett, a right-wing member of Netanyahu's security Cabinet whose party is competing against the veteran prime minister's for votes in the looming election, demanded that Israel resume its assassination of Hamas chiefs.

"The time has come to defeat Hamas once and for all," he said on Thursday night.

Netanyahu also faced pressure from the centre-left opposition, whose leading candidate, former General Benny Gantz, said: "Only aggressive, harsh action will restore the deterrence that has eroded" under the prime minister's watch.

Tensions have been high for the past year along the Israel-Gaza frontier since Palestinians began violent protests near Israel's border fence that have often drawn a lethal response from the Israeli military.

About 200 Palestinians have been killed in the demonstrations and about 60 more Palestinians have died in other incidents, including exchanges of fire across the border. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed by Palestinian fire.

The one-year anniversary of the start of the protests is on March 30.

On Friday, Islamic Jihad's armed wing said in a statement that it declared full alert among its fighters to respond to Israeli attacks.

Israeli military aircraft bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early on Friday, hours after two rockets were launched at Tel Aviv in the first such attack since a 2014 war.

Israeli military aircraft bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early on Friday, hours after two rockets were launched at Tel Aviv in the first such attack since a 2014 war. After the overnight exchanges, sirens sounded again in Israeli border towns after dawn. The Israeli military confirmed two more missile launches from the Gaza Strip toward Israel but said both were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defence system. Palestinian news media reported strikes throughout Gaza, from Rafah in the south to the north of the densely populated coastal strip that is home to two million Palestinians. Most of the Israeli strikes were reported to have targeted facilities used by Hamas's security forces. The buildings had been evacuated as a precaution, as the Islamist militant group had expected an Israeli response. Health ministry officials in Gaza said two people, a man and a woman, were wounded when their house was damaged in Rafah in the early morning. Witnesses said powerful explosions from the air strikes rocked buildings in Gaza and lit the skies over targeted sites. The Israeli military said it was targeting "terror sites" in Gaza. It said rocket sirens were sounded in Israeli communities near the Gaza border. On Thursday night, the sirens howled farther north, in Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial capital, set off by what the military said were two incoming, longer-range rockets from Gaza. That salvo caused no casualties or damage, missing built-up areas. But it rattled Israeli nerves ahead of an April 9 election in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term on the strength of his national security credentials. Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and witnesses said interceptor missiles had and detonated - although the military said no rockets were shot down. It was the first such attack on the city since the 2014 Gaza war between Hamas and Israel. There have been several smaller rounds of fighting since, reined in by Egyptian and UN mediations. "This was basically a surprise," military spokesman Brigadier-General Ronen Manelis told Israel Radio on Thursday. In that interview, Manelis said Israel did not yet know who had carried out the rocket launches. But another Israeli military spokesman laid the blame on Hamas on Friday. "Hamas carried out the rocket fire against Tel Aviv yesterday evening," Lieutenant-Colonel Avichay Adraee said. Hamas denied involvement, saying the launches took place as its leaders met Egyptian delegates about efforts to secure a long-term ceasefire with Israel. Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees, two smaller Gaza armed factions, also denied responsibility. Israeli analysts speculated that Palestinian militants opposed to any deal between Hamas and Israel were behind the launchings. The flare-up of Thursday and Friday drew a US statement of support for Israel. "Hamas and other terror orgs in Gaza continue to fail their people day after day & drag Gaza further & further down by constantly choosing violence," Jason Greenblatt, the White House's Middle East envoy, said on Twitter. "This method will never work. Ever!" Naftali Bennett, a right-wing member of Netanyahu's security Cabinet whose party is competing against the veteran prime minister's for votes in the looming election, demanded that Israel resume its assassination of Hamas chiefs. "The time has come to defeat Hamas once and for all," he said on Thursday night. Netanyahu also faced pressure from the centre-left opposition, whose leading candidate, former General Benny Gantz, said: "Only aggressive, harsh action will restore the deterrence that has eroded" under the prime minister's watch. Tensions have been high for the past year along the Israel-Gaza frontier since Palestinians began violent protests near Israel's border fence that have often drawn a lethal response from the Israeli military. About 200 Palestinians have been killed in the demonstrations and about 60 more Palestinians have died in other incidents, including exchanges of fire across the border. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed by Palestinian fire. The one-year anniversary of the start of the protests is on March 30. On Friday, Islamic Jihad's armed wing said in a statement that it declared full alert among its fighters to respond to Israeli attacks.

Israel launches Gaza strikes after rockets fired at Tel Aviv

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/convene-meeting-of-collegium-resend-justice-km-josephs-name-to-centre-justice-chelameswar-to-cji-misra-135904">Convene </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/convene-meeting-of-collegium-resend-justice-km-josephs-name-to-centre-justice-chelameswar-to-cji-misra-135904">meeting</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/convene-meeting-of-collegium-resend-justice-km-josephs-name-to-centre-justice-chelameswar-to-cji-misra-135904"> of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/convene-meeting-of-collegium-resend-justice-km-josephs-name-to-centre-justice-chelameswar-to-cji-misra-135904">collegium</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/convene-meeting-of-collegium-resend-justice-km-josephs-name-to-centre-justice-chelameswar-to-cji-misra-135904">, resend Justice KM Joseph's name to Centre: Justice Chelameswar to CJI</a>

Justice J Chelameswar, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India asking him to convene a meeting of the collegium to urgently forward the name of Uttarakhand Chief Justice KM Joseph as a judge of the apex court to the Centre.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-not-a-drill-neha-dhupia-gets-married-to-angad-bedi-135899">Not a drill! Neha Dhupia gets married to Angad Bedi</a>

Barely any of us were over Sonam Kapoor's wedding with businessman Anand Ahuja that concluded on May 8 -- that another Bollywood actress entered the club today and with what a surprise.&nbspShocking us all, Neha tied the knot with model-actor Angad Bedi who was last seen in TV series&nbspInside Edge&nbspwhich was based on cricket and the game's dark side.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/-why-pokhran-was-chosen-for-indias-nuclear-test-135943">American spy satellites & sandstorms: Why Pokhran was chosen as the test site for India's nukes</a>

The test was conducted during the month of May, when the wind in the region creates a serious sandstorms. The sandstorms obstructs a clear view to &nbspAmerican spy satellites.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/23-fighters-dead-in-israel-strikes-on-syria-monitor-135932">23 fighters dead in Israel </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/23-fighters-dead-in-israel-strikes-on-syria-monitor-135932">strikes</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/23-fighters-dead-in-israel-strikes-on-syria-monitor-135932"> on Syria: Monitor</a>

Twenty-three fighters, including five Syrian regime troops and 18 other allied forces, were killed in Israeli strikes on several areas of Syria overnight, a monitor said on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-mother-more-indian-than-many-rahul-gandhi-135937">My mother more Indian than many: Rahul Gandhi</a>

Congress President Rahul Gandhi responded Thursday to Prime Minister Modi's and the BJP's frequent jibes about his mother's Italian heritage.&nbsp

&nbsp

&nbsp

Convene meeting of collegium, resend Justice KM Joseph's name to Centre: Justice Chelameswar to CJI Justice J Chelameswar, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India asking him to convene a meeting of the collegium to urgently forward the name of Uttarakhand Chief Justice KM Joseph as a judge of the apex court to the Centre. Not a drill! Neha Dhupia gets married to Angad Bedi Barely any of us were over Sonam Kapoor's wedding with businessman Anand Ahuja that concluded on May 8 -- that another Bollywood actress entered the club today and with what a surprise.&nbspShocking us all, Neha tied the knot with model-actor Angad Bedi who was last seen in TV series Inside Edge which was based on cricket and the game's dark side. American spy satellites & sandstorms: Why Pokhran was chosen as the test site for India's nukes The test was conducted during the month of May, when the wind in the region creates a serious sandstorms. The sandstorms obstructs a clear view to &nbspAmerican spy satellites. 23 fighters dead in Israel strikes on Syria: Monitor Twenty-three fighters, including five Syrian regime troops and 18 other allied forces, were killed in Israeli strikes on several areas of Syria overnight, a monitor said on Thursday. My mother more Indian than many: Rahul Gandhi Congress President Rahul Gandhi responded Thursday to Prime Minister Modi's and the BJP's frequent jibes about his mother's Italian heritage.

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