The family members of Israeli hostages taken captive by Hamas, have petitioned the High Court of Justice. They are demanding the Attorney General’s Office to check whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wartime decisions were affected by his criminal trial.

Gravitas: Did Netanyahu's criminal trials affected war decisions?

Airfare chaos is disrupting Israel's inflation forecasts. A new pricing methodology, implemented by Israel's statistics bureau just before the October 7 attacks, has left economists struggling to predict inflation accurately. Previously, prices were based on annual lists from airlines. Now, an automated process averages prices from thousands of online transactions for tickets bought one, four, and seven months ahead. This shift has caused significant volatility, making it difficult for forecasters to gauge inflation accurately.

Israel-Hamas war: Airfare price swings mislead Israeli inflation forecasts

New tensions have emerged this week between US President Joe Biden's Administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Israeli premier's criticism of US withholding weapon deliveries. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: US Pier reattached to Gaza coast, aid deliveries resume

In the middle of war, massacre, humanitarian crisis, and inflation – Eid al adha celebrations in West Asia were muted and came with mixed emotions, as Palestinians in gaza continue to suffer.

Gaza crisis, inflation dampen Eid festivities across West Asia

<p>Israel Defense Forces (IDF) transferred significant legal powers in the West Bank to pro-settler civil servants, The Guardian reported. The powers were apparently handed over to those who are working for Israel's far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that IDF posted an order on its website on May 29 to transfer responsibility for dozens of bylaws at the Civil Administration from the military to officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Civil Administration is the Israeli body governing the West Bank and also looks after planning and construction. Notably, around 60% of the Occupied Palestinian Territories are under full Israeli administrative and security control.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-deepens-rafah-offensive-as-civilians-in-central-gaza-camps-scramble-for-safety-733485">Israel deepens Rafah offensive as civilians in central Gaza camps scramble for safety</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Smotrich and his allies have seen controlling the Civil Administration, or large portions of it, as a way to increase Israeli authority in the West Bank, with an ultimate objective of direct control by the federal government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>West Bank was taken over by Israel in 1967 and is home to millions of Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by The Guardian, Michael Sfard, an Israeli human rights lawyer, said: "The bottom line is that [for] anyone who thought the question of annexation was foggy, this order should end any doubts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What this order does is transfer vast areas of administrative power from the military commander to Israeli civilians working for the government," Sfard added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-pyongyang-yawn-social-media-buzzes-over-videos-of-bored-putin-at-north-korean-concert-733542">Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics</a></strong></p>

<p>In a recent press statement, Smotrich proposed establishing four new West Bank settlements, adding that he believes all his proposals will soon be approved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The proposals weren't brought to a vote yesterday for technical reasons, but I expect the prime minister, as was agreed, to move forward on the proposals later this week."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every country that cooperates with anti-Israel activity and recognizes the Palestinian Authority as a state should know that it is helping the Zionist enterprise and bolstering Jewish settlement," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict pull Lebanon and Cyprus into war?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>UN: Situation in West Bank 'drastically deteriorating'</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights chief on Tuesday (Jun 18) warned that the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was drastically deteriorating, while there had been "unconscionable death and suffering" in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is dramatically deteriorating," Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the opening session of the UN Human Rights Council.</p>

<p>He claimed that as of June 15, 528 Palestinians, 133 of them children, had been killed by Israeli security forces or settlers since October, in some cases raising "serious concerns of unlawful killings".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Israel Defense Forces (IDF) transferred significant legal powers in the West Bank to pro-settler civil servants, The Guardian reported. The powers were apparently handed over to those who are working for Israel's far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) transferred significant legal powers in the West Bank to pro-settler civil servants, The Guardian reported. The powers were apparently handed over to those who are working for Israel's far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich. The report mentioned that IDF posted an order on its website on May 29 to transfer responsibility for dozens of bylaws at the Civil Administration from the military to officials. The Civil Administration is the Israeli body governing the West Bank and also looks after planning and construction. Notably, around 60% of the Occupied Palestinian Territories are under full Israeli administrative and security control. Also read: Israel deepens Rafah offensive as civilians in central Gaza camps scramble for safety Smotrich and his allies have seen controlling the Civil Administration, or large portions of it, as a way to increase Israeli authority in the West Bank, with an ultimate objective of direct control by the federal government. West Bank was taken over by Israel in 1967 and is home to millions of Palestinians. As quoted by The Guardian, Michael Sfard, an Israeli human rights lawyer, said: "The bottom line is that [for] anyone who thought the question of annexation was foggy, this order should end any doubts. "What this order does is transfer vast areas of administrative power from the military commander to Israeli civilians working for the government," Sfard added. Also read: Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics In a recent press statement, Smotrich proposed establishing four new West Bank settlements, adding that he believes all his proposals will soon be approved. "The proposals weren't brought to a vote yesterday for technical reasons, but I expect the prime minister, as was agreed, to move forward on the proposals later this week." "Every country that cooperates with anti-Israel activity and recognizes the Palestinian Authority as a state should know that it is helping the Zionist enterprise and bolstering Jewish settlement," he added. Watch: Gravitas: Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict pull Lebanon and Cyprus into war? × UN: Situation in West Bank 'drastically deteriorating' Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights chief on Tuesday (Jun 18) warned that the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was drastically deteriorating, while there had been "unconscionable death and suffering" in Gaza. "The situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is dramatically deteriorating," Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the opening session of the UN Human Rights Council. He claimed that as of June 15, 528 Palestinians, 133 of them children, had been killed by Israeli security forces or settlers since October, in some cases raising "serious concerns of unlawful killings". (With inputs from agencies)

IDF handed over legal powers in West Bank to pro-settler civil servants: Report

The Lebanon-Israel border is on the boil. Hezbollah’s leader has warned Israeli forces against an escalation it its strongest message yet -- but officials say the IDF has approved plans for a Lebanon offensive. Is an all-out war between the two sides on the horizon?

Hezbollah releases surveillance video of Israel, is full-blown war coming?

Beyond the border tensions and war in Gaza, the Israeli government is in the eye of a political storm. Israelis are out on the streets again; the war cabinet has ceased to exist. Is this the beginning of the end for Benjamin Netanyahu?

Anti-govt protests, a dissolved war cabinet: is this the end for Netanyahu?

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Netanyahu says 'will not leave Gaza' until all hostages returned

The condition of Palestinians in Gaza remains dire. Israeli soldiers continue their military onslaught in the enclave, as the global community watches in vain.

Israeli forces intensify Rafah invasion, death & hunger persist in Gaza

With Israel's mounting assaults in Gaza and the possibility of a ceasefire continuing to seem far, the war in Gaza has already killed over 37,000 people. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Not just deaths, Israeli offensive also causing severe injuries

Israel-Hamas war: 'Will not leave Gaza' until all hostages returned: Israeli PM Netanyahu

The temporary pier that the US military built on short notice to rush humanitarian aid to Gaza has largely failed in its mission, and will probably end operations weeks earlier than originally expected. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Temporary Gaza pier to be dismantled as it failed its mission, says officials

Hezbollah Chief has warned no place in Israel will be spared in case of a full-blown War. The open warning comes hours after Israel's military said it has approved operational plans for an offensive against Hezbollah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Hezbollah Chief warns Israel, threatens Cyprus as well

The leader of Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group says it has new weapons and intelligence capabilities that could help it target more critical positions deeper inside Israel in case of an all-out war. Watch in for more details!

Lebanon Hezbollah leader warns Israel against wider war

The war of words between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel is escalating. On Wednesday, the pro-Iranian group warned that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war broke out between the two enemies. Not only that Hezbollah chief also threatened to attack EU country Cyprus for the first time. This is after Israel said it is prepared to fight Hezbollah. Will the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah pull Lebanon and Cyprus into a full-fledged war?

Gravitas: Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict pull Lebanon and Cyprus into war?

IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has made a big admission amid the war in Gaza. In an interview with Israeli broadcaster, Hagari said that Hamas cannot be defeated. The IDF spokesperson’s statement questions Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated war goal. It also lays bare the tensions between military officials and the political leadership of Israel. If the Israeli Army feels Hamas can't be defeated, then what is Israel doing in Gaza? What does Netanyahu plan to do next? Tune in to #Gravitas at 9 PM IST to find out more.

Gravitas: Israeli Military's big admission, IDF Spokesman says Hamas can’t be destroyed

US officials estimate that of the 116 hostages believed to be held by Hamas and Gaza, only 50 are still alive. The assessment comes amid Benjamin Netanyahu's government faces massive protests over the hostage crisis. Watch in for more details!

US officials say out of 116 hostages, only 50 are alive

Israel-Hezbollah tensions rise: Hezbollah Chief warns Israel against war

Israel is ready for an “all-out war” in Lebanon and has plans approved for an offensive targeting Hezbollah, officials have said.

Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah leader threatens Cyprus as tensions with Israel ramp up

Hezbollah chief warns Israel against war with Lebanon

Tensions and chaos in the coalition amplified Wednesday, as the ruling Likud party accused Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir of leaking “state secrets.” Watch to know more.

Israel: Split in Netanyahu cabinet widens

Israel-Hamas War: Israel ready for ‘all-out war’ in Lebanon | Hezbollah Chief threatens Israel

Israel-Hamas War: Israel ready for ‘all-out war’ in Lebanon

Hundreds of protesters blocked the major highway in central Tel Aviv demanding a deal with Hamas to exchange prisoners and hold early elections. Watch in for more details!

Israeli protesters block major highway in Tel Aviv

Israel PM Netanyahu accuses Ben Gvir of 'leaking secrets'

Israel's top army spokesman said that Hamas cannot be defeated as an ideology, prompting the government to quickly re-assert that it remains committed to the Palestinian group's destruction. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israel army spokesman says Hamas can't be defeated as an 'ideology'

Hundreds of protesters block major highways in Israel

Israel war: Bibi accuses Ben Gvir of 'leaking secrets'

Israel's top army spokesman said Wednesday that Hamas cannot be eliminated, prompting a knee-jerk reaction from the government which quickly reiterated it remains committed to the Palestinian terrorist group's destruction.

Israel War: Hamas can’t be eliminated, will remain in Gaza if no alternative: IDF spokesman

The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it has approved "operational plans" for an offensive against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Israel-Hamas war: Top Israeli generals approve Lebanon offensive battle plans: Army

SIPRI says Israel is working to modernise its nuclear weapons system and is upgrading its plutonium for its reactor in Dimona. What is Netanyahu's plan?

Gravitas: Israel upgrades plutonium in Dimona nuclear plant, what happens next?

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