Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to Al-Aqsa Compound in Jerusalem has caused rage not just among Palestinians but even Western governments have warned that such moves threaten the fragile status quo of Jerusalem's holy site. Israel's new far-right national security minister visited the compound on Tuesday.

U.S. leads criticism of Israeli Minister's visit to Al-Aqsa Compound

Israel's new national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir visited a Jerusalem flashpoint holy site al-Aqsa mosque, known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.

WION Dispatch: Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir visits volatile Jerusalem holy site

<p>The Palestinian health ministry reported on Tuesday that a child was killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. According to Israeli authorities, the incident took place when the forces fired on people who were throwing Molotov cocktails.</p>

<p>"The death of the child Adam Essam Shaker Ayyad, 15, with a bullet in the chest fired by the occupation soldiers during the aggression on Bethlehem at dawn today," the statement read.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ben-gvir-visits-al-aqsa-mosque-in-jerusalem-enraging-palestinians-jordan-condemns-move-548979">Ben-Gvir visits Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, enraging Palestinians</a></p>

<p>There were contrasting accounts regarding the incident from both sides. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that the clashes took place when the forces entered Bethlehem's Dheisheh refugee camp to search the houses. On the other hand, the Israeli military said that they were attacked with rocks and Molotov cocktails during a routine search operation on Monday.</p>

<p>"The forces fired toward Molotov cocktails (sic) hurlers who risked their lives, hits were identified."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Two teenagers face death penalty, capital charge over involvement in 'riots'</strong></p>

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<p>The clashes between Israel and Palestine have intensified in the past year with the United Nations calling 2022 the deadliest year in the West Bank. According to official data accessed by AFP, more than 150 Palestinians and 26 Israelis were killed across Israel and the West Bank.</p>

<p>The year 2023 also started on a tragic note as two Palestinian men were shot dead in the city of Jenin after clashes broke out over demolition of few settlements. With veteran politician Benjamin Netanyahu returning as the Prime Minister of Israel, the tension has grown considerably in the region and it remains to be seen what new measures the government will adopt.</p>

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The Palestinian health ministry reported on Tuesday that a child was killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. According to Israeli authorities, the incident took place when the forces fired on people who were throwing Molotov cocktails.

The Palestinian health ministry reported on Tuesday that a child was killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. According to Israeli authorities, the incident took place when the forces fired on people who were throwing Molotov cocktails. "The death of the child Adam Essam Shaker Ayyad, 15, with a bullet in the chest fired by the occupation soldiers during the aggression on Bethlehem at dawn today," the statement read. Also read | Ben-Gvir visits Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, enraging Palestinians There were contrasting accounts regarding the incident from both sides. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that the clashes took place when the forces entered Bethlehem's Dheisheh refugee camp to search the houses. On the other hand, the Israeli military said that they were attacked with rocks and Molotov cocktails during a routine search operation on Monday. "The forces fired toward Molotov cocktails (sic) hurlers who risked their lives, hits were identified." WATCH | Two teenagers face death penalty, capital charge over involvement in 'riots' The clashes between Israel and Palestine have intensified in the past year with the United Nations calling 2022 the deadliest year in the West Bank. According to official data accessed by AFP, more than 150 Palestinians and 26 Israelis were killed across Israel and the West Bank. The year 2023 also started on a tragic note as two Palestinian men were shot dead in the city of Jenin after clashes broke out over demolition of few settlements. With veteran politician Benjamin Netanyahu returning as the Prime Minister of Israel, the tension has grown considerably in the region and it remains to be seen what new measures the government will adopt.

Palestinian child killed by Israel forces during clashes in Bethlehem, says ministry

Israel's far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has visited the compound that houses the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. There are pictures emerging of the Israeli minister at the holy site. This development's been condemned by Palestinians.

WION News Alert: Controversial visit to Al-Aqsa mosque by Israel's National Security Minister

Ben-Gvir visits compound housing Al-Aqsa mosque under heavy security

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the ultranationalist national security minister, toured the Jerusalem holy site just days after taking office, drawing a furious reaction from Palestinian leaders.

Israeli minister visits Jerusalem holy site

The United Nations General Assembly has called for a vote on the UN's top court's stand on Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories. Prime Minister Netanyahu has opposed the vote and labelled it "despicable". Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Israeli PM calls UN vote 'despicable'

Israel's military fired missiles toward the international airport of Syria's capital on Monday, putting it out of service and killing two soldiers, the Syrian army said.

Israeli missile strikes put Damascus airport out of service, claims Syria

A day after the United General Assembly passed a resolution asking the International Court of Justice its opinion on legal consequences of the Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territory. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused the global body of distorting historical facts.

Israel slams, Palestinians welcome UN vote; Israel PM Netanyahu says, 'UN vote 'despicable' | WION

A day after the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution asking the International Court of Justice its opinion on legal consequences of the Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territory. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused the global body of distorting historical facts.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says, 'Jewish people not occupiers in their own land'

Just two days after the new government was elected in Israel, the United Nations General Assembly asked the International Court of Justice to consider legal consequences for Israel over its occupation of Palestine territory.

Israel-Palestine conflict at United Nations, resolution against Israel at ICJ

<p>The United Nations General Assembly on Friday approved a resolution that asked the International Court of Justice to opine upon the Israel-Palestine conflict and the legal status of the territories administered by the two sides.&nbsp;The Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan slammed the resolution calling it a "moral stain" on the multilateral body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No international body can decide that the Jewish people are ‘occupiers’ in their own homeland. Any decision from a judicial body which receives its mandate from the morally bankrupt and politicised UN is completely illegitimate," Erdan said in a Friday statement.</p>

<p>"The Palestinians have rejected every peace initiative while supporting and inciting terror. Instead of pushing the Palestinians to change, the UN is doing the opposite: helping them to harm the only vibrant democracy in the Middle East," Erdan added.</p>

<p>“The decision to hold a vote that deals with Israel on Shabbat is another example of the moral decay of the UN, which prevents Israel’s position from being heard in a vote whose results are predetermined,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-at-united-nations-resolution-against-israel-at-icj-548238">Israel-Palestine conflict at United Nations, resolution against Israel at ICJ</a></strong></p>

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<p><br />
The resolution was&nbsp;titled "Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories" and called&nbsp;on the Hague-based ICJ to "render urgently an advisory opinion" on Israel’s "prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territory."</p>

<p>The UNGA also called for an investigation into Israeli measures "aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem" and says Israel has adopted "discriminatory legislation and measures".</p>

<p>The Palestinian representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, applauded the resolution after it passed.&nbsp;"This vote comes one day after the new Israeli government was formed pledging to accelerate colonial and racist policies against the Palestinian people," Mansour told the General Assembly.</p>

<p>China, Iran, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Russia and Saudi Arabia were among the countries voting in favour, along with Muslim or Arab states with which Israel has relations including Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Azerbaijan.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-what-netanyahus-comeback-in-israel-means-for-india-531268">Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties</a></strong></p>

<p>Israel, the US, the UK, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany and Italy voted against Friday’s resolution. India, South Korea and Spain were among the countries that remained absent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Court of Justice last issued an advisory opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2004 when the General Assembly asked it to rule on the legality of the separation barrier.</p>

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The United Nations General Assembly on Friday approved a resolution that asked the International Court of Justice to opine upon the Israel-Palestine conflict and the legal status of the territories administered by the two sides.

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday approved a resolution that asked the International Court of Justice to opine upon the Israel-Palestine conflict and the legal status of the territories administered by the two sides. The Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan slammed the resolution calling it a "moral stain" on the multilateral body. "No international body can decide that the Jewish people are ‘occupiers’ in their own homeland. Any decision from a judicial body which receives its mandate from the morally bankrupt and politicised UN is completely illegitimate," Erdan said in a Friday statement. "The Palestinians have rejected every peace initiative while supporting and inciting terror. Instead of pushing the Palestinians to change, the UN is doing the opposite: helping them to harm the only vibrant democracy in the Middle East," Erdan added. “The decision to hold a vote that deals with Israel on Shabbat is another example of the moral decay of the UN, which prevents Israel’s position from being heard in a vote whose results are predetermined,” he said. WATCH | Israel-Palestine conflict at United Nations, resolution against Israel at ICJ × The resolution was titled "Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories" and called on the Hague-based ICJ to "render urgently an advisory opinion" on Israel’s "prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territory." The UNGA also called for an investigation into Israeli measures "aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem" and says Israel has adopted "discriminatory legislation and measures". The Palestinian representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, applauded the resolution after it passed. "This vote comes one day after the new Israeli government was formed pledging to accelerate colonial and racist policies against the Palestinian people," Mansour told the General Assembly. China, Iran, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Russia and Saudi Arabia were among the countries voting in favour, along with Muslim or Arab states with which Israel has relations including Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Azerbaijan. ALSO READ | Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties Israel, the US, the UK, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany and Italy voted against Friday’s resolution. India, South Korea and Spain were among the countries that remained absent. The International Court of Justice last issued an advisory opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2004 when the General Assembly asked it to rule on the legality of the separation barrier. 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 slams latest UN vote on Palestine as ‘moral decay’ of the multilateral world body

73 years old Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as Israel's new Prime Minister. Netanyahu has already unveiled his right-wing government's policy priorities

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-member of Knesset Dov Lipman speaks to WION

What does Benjamin Netanyahu's comeback as Israeli premier mean for Palestinians at a time when West Bank witnessed its deadliest year in over a decade? Get all the answers with Ghadi Francis on this week's The West Asia Post.

The West Asia Post: Dozen of Palestinians killed in West Bank

Benjamin Netanyahu was inaugurated in as prime minister by Israel's parliament, establishing the most far-right and religiously conservative administration in its history. On Thursday, just after Israel's Knesset passed a vote of confidence in his new administration, Netanyahu, 73, took the oath of office. Out of the 120 members of the parliament, 63 supported the new administration while 54 opposed it.

Netanyahu Government: 'We are not here to harm anyone, even Palestinians' | Israel

WION Dispatch | Israel: Netanyahu government takes charge, vows to expand settlements

<p>Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the prime minister of Israel on Thursday (December 29) after the parliament voted to approve his government with 63 voting in favour of the new government and 54 against it, out of the parliament's 120 members. It will be Netanyahu's sixth term as PM&nbsp;as he heads the 37th government of Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 73-year-old has made a comeback in politics after forming his government with the support of allies, including the Religious Zionism and Jewish Power parties after elections in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eli Cohen, the former Israeli intelligence minister, became the foreign minister, with&nbsp;former minister Amir Ohana becoming the Knesset's speaker. Ohana is the first openly gay occupant of the post.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>During his speech, Netanyahu presented the agenda to the Knesset plenum and outlined the objectives for his coalition: 1) stopping Iran’s nuclear programme, 2) developing state infrastructure, and 3) restoring internal security and governance to Israel. Netanyahu also said that he will work to tackle the rising cost of living and improve education.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Israeli left-wing and centrist activists gathered in front of the Knesset to protest against Netanyahu's new government.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, outside the Knesset, ahead of the swearing in of the new government: In the name of Judaism - we came to defend democracy. To raise a voice against radicalization and incitement, racism and exclusion. Our fight will not dissipate or despair. <a href="https://t.co/TXsiRFbnA2">https://t.co/TXsiRFbnA2</a></p>
— ReformJudaismIsrael (@IsraelReform) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelReform/status/1608390089968582658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In his farewell address as the PM, Yair Lapid said that he is passing on the change "with an unquiet heart". Mentioning the Abraham Accords, Lapid said,&nbsp;"We laid the foundations for Saudi joining the Abraham Accords."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "The secret details will be handed to the incoming prime minister. If the new government continues in the route we carved out, normalisation with the Saudis can be reached in a short time."&nbsp;</p>

<p>United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco normalised relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords in 2020. Netanyahu seeks to expand it to Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;</p>

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Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the prime minister of Israel on Thursday (December 29) after the parliament voted to approve his government with 63 voting in favour of the new government and 54 against it, out of the parliament's 120 members.

Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as the prime minister of Israel on Thursday (December 29) after the parliament voted to approve his government with 63 voting in favour of the new government and 54 against it, out of the parliament's 120 members. It will be Netanyahu's sixth term as PM as he heads the 37th government of Israel. The 73-year-old has made a comeback in politics after forming his government with the support of allies, including the Religious Zionism and Jewish Power parties after elections in November. Eli Cohen, the former Israeli intelligence minister, became the foreign minister, with former minister Amir Ohana becoming the Knesset's speaker. Ohana is the first openly gay occupant of the post. 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱 — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 29, 2022 × 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/woeI4sOxBk — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 29, 2022 × During his speech, Netanyahu presented the agenda to the Knesset plenum and outlined the objectives for his coalition: 1) stopping Iran’s nuclear programme, 2) developing state infrastructure, and 3) restoring internal security and governance to Israel. Netanyahu also said that he will work to tackle the rising cost of living and improve education. Meanwhile, Israeli left-wing and centrist activists gathered in front of the Knesset to protest against Netanyahu's new government. Today, outside the Knesset, ahead of the swearing in of the new government: In the name of Judaism - we came to defend democracy. To raise a voice against radicalization and incitement, racism and exclusion. Our fight will not dissipate or despair. https://t.co/TXsiRFbnA2 — ReformJudaismIsrael (@IsraelReform) December 29, 2022 × In his farewell address as the PM, Yair Lapid said that he is passing on the change "with an unquiet heart". Mentioning the Abraham Accords, Lapid said, "We laid the foundations for Saudi joining the Abraham Accords." He added, "The secret details will be handed to the incoming prime minister. If the new government continues in the route we carved out, normalisation with the Saudis can be reached in a short time." United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco normalised relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords in 2020. Netanyahu seeks to expand it to Saudi Arabia. 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.

Benjamin Netanyahu sworn in as Israel's Prime Minister, heads country's most right-wing govt ever

Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu finalized coalition deals with allied parties, their spokespeople said on Wednesday, in final steps toward his political comeback.

WION Dispatch: Netanyahu seals remaining coalition deals ahead of inauguration

While speaking to WION's Jodie Cohen, Israel's outgoing Defence Minister Benny Gantz said that " We are very worried about the direction Netanyahu is taking us, we have to make sure Israel stays in the right direction".

WION Exclusive: 'We have to make sure Israel stays in the right direction', says Benny Gantz

<p>Former minister Amir Ohana created history on Tuesday by becoming the first openly gay speaker of parliament in Israel. He was given the coveted position as the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in. Ohana had previously served as the justice minister in 2019 in the Netanyahu cabinet and he has been a member of parliament since 2015.</p>

<p>During the election for speaker of parliament, Ohana received 63 votes in favour, five against while one lawmaker decided to abstain from voting. Thanks to the result, he became the third most powerful political figure in the country – only after the Prime Minister and the President.</p>

<p>The appointment of Ohana holds special significance after the ruling Likud Party went into an alliance with Avi Maoz, the leader of the Noam party, who is notorious for his anti-LGBTQ views.</p>

<p>Maoz will be appointed deputy minister in charge of "Jewish identity" as part of the agreement between the two parties. Earlier, he said that he will "study the legal avenues to cancel Gay Pride".</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-40-per-cent-of-kyiv-population-left-without-power-after-russian-strikes-547670">Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes</a></p>

<p>Same-sex relationships have been a point of discussion in Israel for quite some time with a part of the political leaders leaning towards acceptance.</p>

<p>The United States ambassador to Israel – Tom Nides – also said that the government "on its actions rather than on the declarations of certain politicians in the campaign".</p>

<p>"I've been to gay pride, I've marched in Jerusalem, I've marched in Tel Aviv and I plan to march again. There's no doubt in my mind that there will be another gay pride in Jerusalem," Nides told Israeli newspaper Haaretz.</p>

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Former minister Amir Ohana created history on Tuesday by becoming the first openly gay speaker of parliament in Israel. He was given the coveted position as the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in.

Former minister Amir Ohana created history on Tuesday by becoming the first openly gay speaker of parliament in Israel. He was given the coveted position as the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in. Ohana had previously served as the justice minister in 2019 in the Netanyahu cabinet and he has been a member of parliament since 2015. During the election for speaker of parliament, Ohana received 63 votes in favour, five against while one lawmaker decided to abstain from voting. Thanks to the result, he became the third most powerful political figure in the country – only after the Prime Minister and the President. The appointment of Ohana holds special significance after the ruling Likud Party went into an alliance with Avi Maoz, the leader of the Noam party, who is notorious for his anti-LGBTQ views. Maoz will be appointed deputy minister in charge of "Jewish identity" as part of the agreement between the two parties. Earlier, he said that he will "study the legal avenues to cancel Gay Pride". Also read | Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes Same-sex relationships have been a point of discussion in Israel for quite some time with a part of the political leaders leaning towards acceptance. The United States ambassador to Israel – Tom Nides – also said that the government "on its actions rather than on the declarations of certain politicians in the campaign". "I've been to gay pride, I've marched in Jerusalem, I've marched in Tel Aviv and I plan to march again. There's no doubt in my mind that there will be another gay pride in Jerusalem," Nides told Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

Amir Ohana becomes Israel's first openly gay speaker of parliament

Benjamin Netanyahu will be sworn in as Prime Minister of Israel for a record sixth time on Thursday. Netanyahu, whose coalition won a clear majority in November elections, will head up a highly controversial right-wing government.

Benjamin Netanyahu to be sworn in as Israel's prime minister for sixth time

Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled his right-wing LUKID government's policy priorities and topping the list is the proposed West Bank settlement expansion. Netanyahu also vows for more settlements in the West bank.

Netanyahu vows for more settlements in West Bank

Benjamin Netanyahu had unveiled his right-wing government policy priorities. The incoming Israeli government seeks to legalize dozens of outposts.

Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu unveils his right-wing government's policy priorities

Benjamin Netanyahu had unveiled his right-wing government policy priorities. The incoming Israeli government seeks to legalize dozens of outposts

WION Dispatch: Israel's Netanyahu seals remaining coalition deals ahead of inauguration

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan received the credentials of Israel's new ambassador on Tuesday afternoon (December 27), marking another turning point in normalising ties between two countries after four-year-long deterioration in relations.

Turkiye welcomes Israel’s ambassador after four years of diplomatic strain

<p>An upcoming minister of Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government has created a stir in the country after she suggested that doctors should be allowed not to give treatment to LGBTQ patients on religious grounds.</p>

<p>Orit Strook, of the Religious Zionist party, made the remarks on Sunday saying that her party is drafting legislation that could potentially allow doctors to refuse treatment to LGBTQ people.</p>

<p>She further stated that a doctor could refuse care to a patient if doing so violates his religious beliefs “as long as there are enough other doctors who can give this service”, reports the Times of Israel newspaper.</p>

<p>The bill she was referring to is part of a wider proposed legislation to allow businesses or private enterprises to refuse service on the grounds of religious conscience.</p>

<p>Kan state broadcaster reported that Netanyahu’s Likud party and Religious Zionism have a deal as part of their coalition government that they will pass the new legislation once they assume full control of the office.</p>

<p>However, Netanyahu denied that the coalition deal provided for such a law, and condemned his colleague’s words.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-wealthy-lawmaker-and-critic-of-putins-ukraine-war-found-dead-in-india-546866"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Russia’s wealthy lawmaker and critic of Putin's Ukraine war found dead in India</a></p>

<p>“MK Orit Strock’s words are unacceptable to me and my colleagues in Likud. The coalition agreements do not allow for discrimination against LGBT people or for harming the right of any citizen in Israel to receive service. Likud will guarantee that there will be no harm to LGBT people or any Israeli citizen,” Netanyahu said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraines-president-speaks-to-indian-pm-modi-over-phone-seeks-help-with-peace-formula-546821">Zelensky speaks to Indian PM Modi over phone, seeks help with 'peace formula'</a></p>

<p>Israeli President Isaac Herzog, too, weighed in to condemn the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, saying, “The racist pronouncements of recent days against the LGBTQ community and other sectors of the public make me extremely worried and concerned.”</p>

<p>The president added that such rhetoric undermined Israeli “democratic and moral values”.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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An upcoming minister of Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government has created a stir in the country after she suggested that doctors should be allowed not to give treatment to LGBTQ patients on religious grounds.

An upcoming minister of Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government has created a stir in the country after she suggested that doctors should be allowed not to give treatment to LGBTQ patients on religious grounds. Orit Strook, of the Religious Zionist party, made the remarks on Sunday saying that her party is drafting legislation that could potentially allow doctors to refuse treatment to LGBTQ people. She further stated that a doctor could refuse care to a patient if doing so violates his religious beliefs “as long as there are enough other doctors who can give this service”, reports the Times of Israel newspaper. The bill she was referring to is part of a wider proposed legislation to allow businesses or private enterprises to refuse service on the grounds of religious conscience. Kan state broadcaster reported that Netanyahu’s Likud party and Religious Zionism have a deal as part of their coalition government that they will pass the new legislation once they assume full control of the office. However, Netanyahu denied that the coalition deal provided for such a law, and condemned his colleague’s words. Also read | Russia’s wealthy lawmaker and critic of Putin's Ukraine war found dead in India “MK Orit Strock’s words are unacceptable to me and my colleagues in Likud. The coalition agreements do not allow for discrimination against LGBT people or for harming the right of any citizen in Israel to receive service. Likud will guarantee that there will be no harm to LGBT people or any Israeli citizen,” Netanyahu said in a statement. Also read | Zelensky speaks to Indian PM Modi over phone, seeks help with 'peace formula' Israeli President Isaac Herzog, too, weighed in to condemn the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, saying, “The racist pronouncements of recent days against the LGBTQ community and other sectors of the public make me extremely worried and concerned.” The president added that such rhetoric undermined Israeli “democratic and moral values”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Doctors can refuse to treat LGBTQ patients on religious grounds, says Israeli minister-designate

Israel's President Isaac Herzog has spoken with prime minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed concerns about the anti-lgbtq comments made by some members of his incoming coalition.

WION Dispatch: Israel Prez Herzog against anti-LGBTQ remarks

Benjamin Netanyahu makes an announcement on Twitter that he has succeeded in forming a new government in Israel after a tough negotiation with religious and far-right coalition partners. It will be the most right-wing coalition in Israel's history. Watch to know further.

WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government

Benjamin Netanyahu makes an announcement on Twitter that he has succeeded in forming a new government in Israel after a tough negotiation with religious and far-right coalition partners. It will be the most right-wing coalition in Israel's history.

Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu forms new coalition government

<p>A month after winning the elections, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally mustered a coalition government, considered to be the most right in the country’s history.</p>

<p>His coalition consists of the main ultra-Orthodox parties and members of the extreme bloc that ran under the Religious Zionism alliance.</p>

<p>One of the coalition parties of Netanyahu’s government has a history of spewing anti-Arab racism, with a leader once convicted of such an act.</p>

<p>The announcement sets the stage for him to return to power for the record sixth term.</p>

<p>Minutes after forming the government, the Israeli leader tweeted, “Thanks to the enormous public support we received in the last elections, I was able to establish a government that will work for the benefit of all Israeli citizens.”</p>

<p>Netanyahu made the announcement after meeting President Isaac Herzog, moments before a midnight deadline.</p>

<p>Netanyahu’s Likud party has been engaging in intense negations with his allies after the November polls.</p>

<p>However, the talks went on for weeks with Netanyahu forced to meet the demands for senior cabinet posts, some of which he was compelled to grant.</p>

<p>Among his most controversial moves was promising an expanded national security ministry to the head of the Jewish Power party, Itamar Ben Gvir, who has a long history of using incendiary rhetoric against Arabs.</p>

<p>It is currently unknown when the new government will be sworn in, but Netanyahu told Herzog that he intended to do so "as soon as possible", reports AFP news agency.</p>

<p>Even before the ministers take charge, speculations have gained momentum on the reforms planned by the incoming government.</p>

<p>Experts have raised concerns about some legal reforms that could give the MPs the right to overrule Supreme Court decisions, saying that they threaten to undermine Israeli democracy.</p>

<p>The coalition partners have also proposed other measures that could end Netanyahu's ongoing trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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A month after winning the elections, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally mustered a coalition government, considered to be the most right in the country’s history.

A month after winning the elections, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally mustered a coalition government, considered to be the most right in the country’s history. His coalition consists of the main ultra-Orthodox parties and members of the extreme bloc that ran under the Religious Zionism alliance. One of the coalition parties of Netanyahu’s government has a history of spewing anti-Arab racism, with a leader once convicted of such an act. The announcement sets the stage for him to return to power for the record sixth term. Minutes after forming the government, the Israeli leader tweeted, “Thanks to the enormous public support we received in the last elections, I was able to establish a government that will work for the benefit of all Israeli citizens.” Netanyahu made the announcement after meeting President Isaac Herzog, moments before a midnight deadline. Netanyahu’s Likud party has been engaging in intense negations with his allies after the November polls. However, the talks went on for weeks with Netanyahu forced to meet the demands for senior cabinet posts, some of which he was compelled to grant. Among his most controversial moves was promising an expanded national security ministry to the head of the Jewish Power party, Itamar Ben Gvir, who has a long history of using incendiary rhetoric against Arabs. It is currently unknown when the new government will be sworn in, but Netanyahu told Herzog that he intended to do so "as soon as possible", reports AFP news agency. Even before the ministers take charge, speculations have gained momentum on the reforms planned by the incoming government. Experts have raised concerns about some legal reforms that could give the MPs the right to overrule Supreme Court decisions, saying that they threaten to undermine Israeli democracy. The coalition partners have also proposed other measures that could end Netanyahu's ongoing trial on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Benjamin Netanyahu forms most right-wing coalition govt in Israel's history

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