Israel celebrates its 75th anniversary this week, overshadowed by a battle over the judiciary that has opened up some of the deepest social divisions since the foundation of the country in 1948.

Israel celebrates 75th Independence Day

Israel has hit border areas of Quneitra as it shelled pro-Iran targets in Southern Syria during its more than a decade-long civil war in Syria. Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes on its territory primarily targeting Iran-backed forces.

Israel strikes Hezbollah targets, sends out strong warning for Syria | WION Dispatch

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced a visit to Japan, South Korea, Israel, and the UK. This comes shortly before he announces his candidature for U.S. Presidential elections 2024 later this year.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announces foreign tour; will visit Japan, S Korea, Israel & UK | WION

Tens of thousands of Israelis joined protests on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to tighten controls on the Supreme Court, ahead of Israel's independence day marking 75 years since establishment of the Jewish state.

Israelis take to streets against Netanyahu's judicial reforms ahead of 75th independence day

The exiled crown prince of Iran has visited the state of Israel, sounding a message of unity as the two nations stand against each other in West Asian politics. Reza Pahlavi is the son of the last Shah to rule Iran before the dynasty was effectively ended by the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi visits Israel, shares a 'message of unity' | WION Pulse

Due to widespread social disagreements on the government's judicial reform initiative, opposition leader Yair Lapid declared on Wednesday that he would not participate in the customary torch-lighting ceremony that would mark the end of Memorial Day and the beginning of Independence Day next week.

Israel protests: Yair Lapid urges demonstrators not to protest on Memorial Day

After almost a month of brokering an unprecedented truce between Saudi Arabia and Iran, it seems as China is now growing more serious about boosting its political clout in the region.

China's political ambitions in West Asia: Can China broker Israel-Palestine peace? | WION Fineprint

The exiled son of the Iranian Shah toppled in the 1979 Islamic revolution,&nbsp;Prince Reza Pahlavi, who was in Israel for a historic visit, had a brief meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (April 17).&nbsp;Pahlavi attended a ceremony that was conducted at the National Holocaust Memorial and Museum, Yad Vashem, as a part of Holocaust Remembrance Day. &nbsp;

Before leaving for Israel on Sunday, Prince Pahlavi&nbsp;tweeted that he wanted&nbsp;“to deliver a message of friendship from the Iranian people…and pay respects to the victims of the Holocaust on Yom HaShoah.”

Although there have been no reports regarding what was discussed during the brief meeting between Netanyahu and Pahlavi, a picture of the two showed them engaged in conversation, as reported by the Iran International.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> crown prince <a href="https://twitter.com/PahlaviReza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PahlaviReza</a> had a short meeting with <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsraeliPM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a> and minister of intelligence <a href="https://twitter.com/GilaGamliel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GilaGamliel</a> , in <a href="https://twitter.com/yadvashem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yadvashem</a> museum. <a href="https://t.co/BOhho8WiJ8">pic.twitter.com/BOhho8WiJ8</a>
— BenSabti (@BeniSabti) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeniSabti/status/1648049437908914196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The visit occurs at a time when Israeli officials and media analysts have expressed increasing concern over Iran's stepped-up efforts to create unrest in and around Israel.

Speaking on Sunday at a memorial service, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned, “Iran is waging a multi-front war of attrition against the State of Israel,” adding that it was “continuing its attempts to establish itself on the northern front and at the same time sending its proxies to Judea, Samaria and Gaza.”

However, Gallant said that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have “acted and will continue to act in all arenas, in overt and covert operations along the border, across the border, and even far from the border.”

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On Sunday, the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies published a statement, warning of the prospect of a war with Iran, and urging Netanyahu to suspend his judicial overhaul plan considering the intensified threats by Tehran.

“Israel is seen from the outside as a torn society, gradually losing its ability to function,” the think tank said, echoing last week’s remarks by former National Security Advisor and former Maj.-Gen. Yaakov Amidror.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat sees India as brother, eyes growth through collaboration&nbsp;

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Speaking at the memorial service on Sunday, Netanyahu emphasised that Israel must always be ready to defend itself. He added that it is okay if other countries, like the US, mobilise to assist, but that "we cannot build our national security on the foundations of others."

His words reflect Israeli worries about the United States' reluctance to support Israel militarily in the wake of a confrontation with Iran, particularly in light of the Islamic Republic's recent détente with Saudi Arabia, as reported by Iran International.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The exiled son of the Iranian Shah toppled in the 1979 Islamic revolution, Prince Reza Pahlavi, who was in Israel for a historic visit, had a brief meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (April 17).

The exiled son of the Iranian Shah toppled in the 1979 Islamic revolution, Prince Reza Pahlavi, who was in Israel for a historic visit, had a brief meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (April 17). Pahlavi attended a ceremony that was conducted at the National Holocaust Memorial and Museum, Yad Vashem, as a part of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Before leaving for Israel on Sunday, Prince Pahlavi tweeted that he wanted “to deliver a message of friendship from the Iranian people…and pay respects to the victims of the Holocaust on Yom HaShoah.” Although there have been no reports regarding what was discussed during the brief meeting between Netanyahu and Pahlavi, a picture of the two showed them engaged in conversation, as reported by the Iran International. #Iran crown prince @PahlaviReza had a short meeting with @IsraeliPM @netanyahu and minister of intelligence @GilaGamliel , in @yadvashem museum. pic.twitter.com/BOhho8WiJ8 — BenSabti (@BeniSabti) April 17, 2023 × The visit occurs at a time when Israeli officials and media analysts have expressed increasing concern over Iran's stepped-up efforts to create unrest in and around Israel. Speaking on Sunday at a memorial service, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned, “Iran is waging a multi-front war of attrition against the State of Israel,” adding that it was “continuing its attempts to establish itself on the northern front and at the same time sending its proxies to Judea, Samaria and Gaza.” However, Gallant said that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have “acted and will continue to act in all arenas, in overt and covert operations along the border, across the border, and even far from the border.” ALSO READ | US: Iowa passes controversial bill to allow teens to work longer hours, serve alcohol On Sunday, the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies published a statement, warning of the prospect of a war with Iran, and urging Netanyahu to suspend his judicial overhaul plan considering the intensified threats by Tehran. “Israel is seen from the outside as a torn society, gradually losing its ability to function,” the think tank said, echoing last week’s remarks by former National Security Advisor and former Maj.-Gen. Yaakov Amidror. ALSO WATCH | Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat sees India as brother, eyes growth through collaboration Speaking at the memorial service on Sunday, Netanyahu emphasised that Israel must always be ready to defend itself. He added that it is okay if other countries, like the US, mobilise to assist, but that "we cannot build our national security on the foundations of others." His words reflect Israeli worries about the United States' reluctance to support Israel militarily in the wake of a confrontation with Iran, particularly in light of the Islamic Republic's recent détente with Saudi Arabia, as reported by Iran International. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Prince Reza Pahlavi meets Israel PM Netanyahu: Son of toppled Iranian Shah attends Holocaust Remembrance Day

Moody suggested that the change of the outlook reflects the deterioration of Israel's governance as illustrated by the events surrounding the government's proposals for judicial overhaul without they say seeking broad consensus.

Israel: Protests harm Tel Aviv's reputation; PM Netanyahu says, 'Israel's economy stable' | WION

Following the 15-weeks of protests against the Israeli government's controversial judicial overhaul plans, some protesters are reportedly planning to break a long-standing taboo, protesting during Israel's forthcoming Remembrance Day national holiday.

Israelis preparing for another protest: A protest to break long-standing taboo

The Israeli defence forces have said that the integration of women soldiers into certain combat units and elite special forces have been postponed. This is in response to petitions by some women who had sought to join the special forces.

No women in Israel defence unit for now, more elite units to be opened for women | WION Pulse

The trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's case 1000 is reportedly set to resume, local media reports says. The prosecution and defense have reached an agreement to shorten the list of witnesses, the list is to be reportedly reduced by at least 60 witnesses. This will significantly shorten the total trial time this means that within a year the prosecutions work will be complete and the Prime Minister himself will take the witness stand to begin the defense presentation of its case. Local media reports also say that the Attorney General may try to mediate between the parties in order to reach a plea deal.

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu charged with breach of trust, fraud

Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat, currently on a visit to India, expressed the potential for collaboration between the two countries, stating that India is seen as a "brother" and such cooperation can "boost and scale our growth". The minister is on an India visit & is the first minister under the current Netanyahu govt to visit the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I understand the potential of collaboration with India...we could actually together provide to the world new ideas, new initiatives in food production from the sea in Agrotech". During India visit Barkat, who has served as mayor of Jerusalem in the past, will hold a meeting with Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal and travel to Mumbai as well. Asked about Adani's investment in his country & concern regarding the recent Hindenberg report, he said, " we are proud of the fact that an Indian businessman invested in Israel, the fact that Israel accepted that investment in a positive way." Adani group has invested in Israel's Haifa port. The minister also spoke about challenges arising from terrorism, protests in his country etc.

Israeli minister in a conversation with WION on combating terrorism from neighbouring states

Israelis have come to observe the Holocaust Remembrance Day. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog called upon Israelis to unite in memory of the six million Jews who were killed in what was the largest genocide in human history.

Israel observes Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom Hashoah commemorated at Yad Vashem

China's foreign minister told his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts his country is ready to help facilitate peace talks, state media Xinhua reported Tuesday.

The separate phone calls between Foreign Minister&nbsp;Qin&nbsp;Gang&nbsp;and the Israeli and the Palestinian top diplomats comes amid recent moves by Beijing to position itself as a regional mediator.

Qin&nbsp;encouraged "steps to resume peace talks," and said that "China is ready to provide convenience for this," in a Monday phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Xinhua reported in a summarization.

And&nbsp;Qin&nbsp;told Palestinian foreign minister Riyad Al-Maliki that Beijing supports the resumption of talks as soon as possible, according to a Xinhua summary.

In both calls&nbsp;Qin&nbsp;emphasized China's push for peace talks on the basis of implementing a "two-state solution," Xinhua said.

China has been on a recent diplomatic offensive, brokering the restoration of ties in March between Iran and Saudi Arabia -- rivals in a region where the United States for decades has been the main diplomatic powerbroker.

Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations have been stalled since 2014.

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China's foreign minister told his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts his country is ready to help facilitate peace talks, state media Xinhua reported Tuesday. The separate phone calls between Foreign Minister Qin Gang and the Israeli and the Palestinian top diplomats comes amid recent moves by Beijing to position itself as a regional mediator.

China's foreign minister told his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts his country is ready to help facilitate peace talks, state media Xinhua reported Tuesday. The separate phone calls between Foreign Minister Qin Gang and the Israeli and the Palestinian top diplomats comes amid recent moves by Beijing to position itself as a regional mediator. Qin encouraged "steps to resume peace talks," and said that "China is ready to provide convenience for this," in a Monday phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, Xinhua reported in a summarization. And Qin told Palestinian foreign minister Riyad Al-Maliki that Beijing supports the resumption of talks as soon as possible, according to a Xinhua summary. In both calls Qin emphasized China's push for peace talks on the basis of implementing a "two-state solution," Xinhua said. China has been on a recent diplomatic offensive, brokering the restoration of ties in March between Iran and Saudi Arabia -- rivals in a region where the United States for decades has been the main diplomatic powerbroker. Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations have been stalled since 2014. 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.

China ready to facilitate Middle East peace

Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat, currently on a visit to India, expressed the potential for collaboration between the two countries, stating that India is seen as a "brother" and such cooperation can "boost and scale our growth". The minister is on an India visit & is the first minister under the current Netanyahu govt to visit the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I understand the potential of collaboration with India...we could actually together provide to the world new ideas, new initiatives in food production from the sea in Agrotech". During India visit Barkat, who has served as mayor of Jerusalem in the past, will hold a meeting with Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal and travel to Mumbai as well. Asked about Adani's investment in his country & concern regarding the recent Hindenberg report, he said, " we are proud of the fact that an Indian businessman invested in Israel, the fact that Israel accepted that investment in a positive way."Adani group has invested in Israel's Haifa port. The minister also spoke about challenges arising from terrorism, protests in his country etc.

Nir Barkat: A very bright future for cooperation between India and Israel

Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat sees India as brother, eyes growth through collaboration | WION

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Train carrying hazardous cargo derails and catches fire in the US state of Maine, thousands of Israelis take to Tel Aviv's street to protest Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reforms, new Covid sub-variant XBB.1.16 dubbed 'arcturus' causing cases to rise across the globe, Rajasthan's Nandini Gupta crowned Femina Miss India 2023 in Imphal, Manipur.

US: Train carrying hazardous cargo derails; Israelis take to Tel Aviv's street | Trending on WION

Thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday (April 15) against the government's planned judicial overhaul. People waved Israeli flags as they took to the streets of Tel Aviv and chanted "democracy" and "shame". Local news outlets reported that smaller protests took place in the northern port of Haifa and also outside the home of Justice Minister Yariv Levin in Modiin.&nbsp;

Mass protests erupted after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a "pause" to allow for dialogue on the reforms which were moving through parliament. As quoted by the news agency AFP, one demonstrator, Nadav Tamir, 61, said: "We are fighting for our democracy. We have no other country."&nbsp;

Karen Baron, a 45-year-old Tel Aviv psychiatrist, said: "I didn't want to come today but my sister told me, 'We have no choice', and it's true. We have no choice -- we can't lower our guard. We have to defend our country."

The proposed plan would give Netanyahu and his allies in the government the final say in appointing the nation's judges. Experts and analysts have warned that the judicial plan will wreak havoc on the country's economy and isolate Israel internationally. The plan is yet to be written into law.&nbsp;

But Netanyahu says the judicial reform will strengthen democracy and boost business. The Israeli prime minister is on trial for corruption charges he denies.&nbsp;

A day before, US rating agency Moody's announced it was lowering Israel's rating, which was made "stable" from "positive". It said the change "reflects a deterioration of Israel's governance, as illustrated by the recent events around the government's proposal for overhauling the country's judiciary".&nbsp;

It noted that "while mass protests have led the government to pause the legislation and seek dialogue with the opposition, the manner in which the government has attempted to implement a wide-ranging reform without seeking broad consensus points to a weakening of institutional strength and policy predictability".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday (April 15) against the government's planned judicial overhaul. People waved Israeli flags as they took to the streets of Tel Aviv and chanted "democracy" and "shame".

Thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday (April 15) against the government's planned judicial overhaul. People waved Israeli flags as they took to the streets of Tel Aviv and chanted "democracy" and "shame". Local news outlets reported that smaller protests took place in the northern port of Haifa and also outside the home of Justice Minister Yariv Levin in Modiin. Mass protests erupted after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a "pause" to allow for dialogue on the reforms which were moving through parliament. As quoted by the news agency AFP, one demonstrator, Nadav Tamir, 61, said: "We are fighting for our democracy. We have no other country." Karen Baron, a 45-year-old Tel Aviv psychiatrist, said: "I didn't want to come today but my sister told me, 'We have no choice', and it's true. We have no choice -- we can't lower our guard. We have to defend our country." The proposed plan would give Netanyahu and his allies in the government the final say in appointing the nation's judges. Experts and analysts have warned that the judicial plan will wreak havoc on the country's economy and isolate Israel internationally. The plan is yet to be written into law. But Netanyahu says the judicial reform will strengthen democracy and boost business. The Israeli prime minister is on trial for corruption charges he denies. A day before, US rating agency Moody's announced it was lowering Israel's rating, which was made "stable" from "positive". It said the change "reflects a deterioration of Israel's governance, as illustrated by the recent events around the government's proposal for overhauling the country's judiciary". It noted that "while mass protests have led the government to pause the legislation and seek dialogue with the opposition, the manner in which the government has attempted to implement a wide-ranging reform without seeking broad consensus points to a weakening of institutional strength and policy predictability". (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.

Thousands of Israelis again hit the streets to protest government judicial reforms

The weekend is here, and Israel's streets are once again filled with protesters. Despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu putting judicial reforms on hold, this is the 15th week in a row that the opposition to the reforms has been active.

Israel: Weekly protests against judicial reforms enter 15th straight week

Due to worries about safety being preached and overcrowding, Israeli authorities have announced that there would be limited access to the historic Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the Holy Fire celebrations on Saturday.

Israel puts limits on orthodox church crowds for Easter

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Thailand celebrates Songkran water festival, FTX collapse: How deep does the damage run?, Britain's biggest rollercoaster 'breaks down', school girls in Israel face backlash over racist comments against Mizrahi Jews, over 18,000 cows killed due to massive explosion at a dairy in the US.

Thailand celebrates Songkran water festival; FTX collapse | Trending on WION

Israeli police will curb the number of worshippers in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem for safety reasons during Orthodox Easter ceremonies on Saturday, drawing anger from church leaders who said they would not cooperate.

Israeli curbs on Orthodox Church crowds in Jerusalem for Easter

The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the two slain Palestinians as So'oud al-Titi and Mohammad Abu Thera. Tensions have been running high across the occupied West Bank in recent months amid repeated Israeli raids into Palestinian towns.

2 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces near Nablus

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on Tuesday that Temple Mount will be closed to Jewish visitors from Wednesday until the end of the month of Ramadan, because of security concerns. Tensions have escalated over the last week spoiling a period when the holy month of Ramadan coincides with the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter.

PM Netanyahu bars Jewish visitors from Temple Mount for last 10 days of Ramadan

Thousands of Israelis led by at least seven Cabinet ministers marched Monday to an evacuated West Bank settlement, in a defiant signal that Israel’s most right-wing government in history is determined to accelerate settlement building on occupied lands despite international opposition.

Palestinian authorities slam settles' march as fascist

Jerusalem is on the boil again. The trouble began in the early hours of the 5th of April when Israeli forces stormed inside the Al-Aqsa mosque premises. The worshippers inside the mosque were subjected to flash bangs and stun grenades. Scenes of Israeli soldiers beatings up the Palestinians inside the mosque have drawn widespread condemnation. But a spark of violence ignited in Jerusalem seldom remains confined to this ancient and holy city. And since then Israel has bombed gaza. Hezbollah has fired rockets into Israel from Southern Lebanon. And the spiral of violence in the holy lands is on the cusp of going out of control. This is the third year in a row that violence such as this has been witnessed in the holy lands. Mohammed Saleh gets you the story.

Hezbollah fires over 36 rockets after Israel storms Al-Aqsa mosque | World at War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinstated Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Addressing a press conference, Netanyahu said the two resolved their disagreement over Gallant's public call last month for a halt to the government's bitterly divisive judicial overhaul plan which he said became a threat to Israel's security. "I've decided to put our differences behind us," Netanyahu said, adding he and Gallant worked closely together throughout the last two weeks.

Israel PM Netanyahu reinstates Defence Minister Gallant amid rising security tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday he would leave Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in place given an escalating security crisis, reversing a decision to fire the minister that triggered protests and raised alarm abroad.

Israel's Netanyahu reverses decision to fire defence minister amid violent protests

`We will continue to work together', says Israel PM Netanyahu after reinstating his defence minister

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Why US is concerned about leaked documents; Israel PM reinstates Defence minister.

Why US is concerned about leaked documents; Israel PM reinstates Defence minister

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