India's foreign minister S Jaishankar is in Israel for a 5-day visit. His visit is crucial on several accounts including the key diplomatic events. WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen brings you the shared history between the two nations.

WION tracks Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar's 5-day Israel visit

An Israeli scuba diver has salvaged an ancient sword off the country's Mediterranean coast that experts say dates back to the Crusades. the man was on a weekend dive in northern Israel when he spotted a trove of ancient artifacts that included anchors, pottery and the meter-long sword.

Israeli scuba diver salvaged an ancient crusader sword

India's EAM S Jaishankar is in Israel in order to bolster the relationship. The minister is also exploring other aspects especially the shared history, he unveiled a plaque in memory of Indian soldiers.

Israel: S Jaishankar unveils plaque in memory of Indian soldiers

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar is in Israel for a 5-day visit and on second day he held a high-level meeting with country's Parliament speaker Mickey Levy.

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar meets Israeli Parliament's speaker

Israel announced on Tuesday that it approved registration as West Bank residents for some 4,000 Palestinians who have been living for years in the Israeli-occupied territory without official status.

The decision affects 2,800 former inhabitants of the Gaza Strip who left the enclave after Hamas Islamist militants seized it in internal Palestinian fighting in 2007, Israel's COGAT liaison office to the Palestinians said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-calls-on-israeli-prez-pm-discusses-bilateral-relations-422302">Jaishankar calls on Israeli Prez, PM; discusses bilateral relations</a>

Some 1,200 other Palestinians, among them undocumented spouses and children of West Bank residents, will also receive official standing.

Inclusion in the Palestinian Population Registry, which Israel controls, will enable the group to receive identification cards. The documentation will enable passage through Israeli military checkpoints in the West Bank, an area captured in a 1967 war.

Israel describes the roadblocks, condemned by Palestinians and rights groups as restricting freedom of movement, as a security necessity.

On Twitter, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz said he approved the 4,000 residency registrations as a humanitarian gesture and "as part of my policy to strengthen the economy and improve the lives of Palestinians" in the West Bank.

Hussein Al Sheikh, a senior official of the Palestinian Authority (PA) that exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, said on Twitter that the 4,000 "obtained their right to citizenship" and would receive identification cards.

Under interim peace deals in the 1990s that established the PA, the Palestinian side was given the right, with prior approval by Israel, to grant permanent residency in the West Bank and Gaza to spouses and children of Palestinian residents. The accords did not specify any family reunification figures.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-reports-subvariant-of-delta-coronavirus-strain-422283">Israel reports subvariant of Delta coronavirus strain</a>

Rights groups that examine Israeli activities in the occupied territories said a quota system was put into effect, with the number of reunification requests to be considered annually by Israel rising to 4,000 in the year 2000.

Israel froze the process at the start of a Palestinian uprising in September 2000. It granted some 32,000 reunification requests in 2008 and 2009, but has largely suspended approvals, save for a smattering of humanitarian cases, since then.

Gantz gave the new approvals some seven weeks after holding talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah. It was the highest-level meeting between Abbas and an Israeli minister to be made public since Israel's new government was formed in June.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a far-right politician, opposes the creation of a Palestinian state, a divisive issue his cross-partisan government is unlikely to pursue. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014.

Israel announced on Tuesday that it approved registration as West Bank residents for some 4,000 Palestinians who have been living for years in the Israeli-occupied territory without official status.

Israel announced on Tuesday that it approved registration as West Bank residents for some 4,000 Palestinians who have been living for years in the Israeli-occupied territory without official status. The decision affects 2,800 former inhabitants of the Gaza Strip who left the enclave after Hamas Islamist militants seized it in internal Palestinian fighting in 2007, Israel's COGAT liaison office to the Palestinians said. Also Read | Jaishankar calls on Israeli Prez, PM; discusses bilateral relations Some 1,200 other Palestinians, among them undocumented spouses and children of West Bank residents, will also receive official standing. Inclusion in the Palestinian Population Registry, which Israel controls, will enable the group to receive identification cards. The documentation will enable passage through Israeli military checkpoints in the West Bank, an area captured in a 1967 war. Israel describes the roadblocks, condemned by Palestinians and rights groups as restricting freedom of movement, as a security necessity. On Twitter, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz said he approved the 4,000 residency registrations as a humanitarian gesture and "as part of my policy to strengthen the economy and improve the lives of Palestinians" in the West Bank. Hussein Al Sheikh, a senior official of the Palestinian Authority (PA) that exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, said on Twitter that the 4,000 "obtained their right to citizenship" and would receive identification cards. Under interim peace deals in the 1990s that established the PA, the Palestinian side was given the right, with prior approval by Israel, to grant permanent residency in the West Bank and Gaza to spouses and children of Palestinian residents. The accords did not specify any family reunification figures. Also Read | Israel reports subvariant of Delta coronavirus strain Rights groups that examine Israeli activities in the occupied territories said a quota system was put into effect, with the number of reunification requests to be considered annually by Israel rising to 4,000 in the year 2000. Israel froze the process at the start of a Palestinian uprising in September 2000. It granted some 32,000 reunification requests in 2008 and 2009, but has largely suspended approvals, save for a smattering of humanitarian cases, since then. Gantz gave the new approvals some seven weeks after holding talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah. It was the highest-level meeting between Abbas and an Israeli minister to be made public since Israel's new government was formed in June. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a far-right politician, opposes the creation of a Palestinian state, a divisive issue his cross-partisan government is unlikely to pursue. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014.

Israel approves West Bank residency for 4,000 undocumented Palestinians

An appeals court in Iran on Saturday upheld a one-year prison term for British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe as per her lawyer who was quoted by an Iranian news website. An Iranian court had sentenced Zaghari-Ratcliffe to a new term in jail in April. She faced charges of propaganda against Iran's ruling system. The new sentence came just a month after she finished a prior five-year sentence.

Israeli court upholds jail term for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

India's EAM S Jaishankar is in Israel for a five-day visit for a high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. In focus is a quadrilateral meet between the US, India, Israel, and the UAE. The foreign ministers of the four countries met virtually. EAM Jaishankar called it the first fruitful meeting.

Foreign minister of the 4 nations meet virtually

A crucial quadrilateral meeting has taken place during the Indian EAM Jaishankar's visit to Israel. The foreign ministers of the US, India, Israel and the UAE sat down virtually and decided that an international forum is the need of the hour.

WION tracks Jaishankar's Israel visit, economic growth and global issues on top agenda

From violent protests to strikes, we have witnessed many campaigns to save the earth. But, one campaign in Israel has been making headlines, watch this report to know more.

Hundreds strip for nude photoshoot, white body paint to emulate dead sea salt pillars

EAM S Jaishankar on a visit to Israel to bolster India-Israel relations

India's EAM S Jaishankar is in Israel for the first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. In focus is a quadrilateral meet between the US, India, Israel and the UAE. Watch this report for more.

India's EAM S Jaishankar visits Israel for high-level engagement with Naftali Bennett government

Indian EAM S Jaishankar meets Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid

India's EAM Dr S Jaishankar in an exclusive conversation with WION over his high-level meet in Israel. It is India's first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. In focus is a quadrilateral meet between the US, India, Israel and the UAE. Watch this report for more.

'India-Israel relationship deeply rooted,' S Jaishankar in an exclusive conversation with WION

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is in Israel for the first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. In focus - is a quadrilateral meet between U.S, India, Israel, and the UAE. The foreign ministers of the four countries will meet virtually later today.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visits Israel, holds meet with Naftali Bennett govt

Indian EAM S Jaishankar visits Israel,  enriches strategic ties

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is in Israel for the first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. He is on a three-day visit. A quadrilateral meet between U.S, India, Israel, and the UAE is on the agenda of his visit.

Indian FM S Jaishankar calls on Israeli President, PM in order to bolster ties with the nation

Indian FM S Jaishankar visits Israel, holds talks with his counterpart Yair Lapid

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visits Israel

Indian External Affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will embark on an official visit to Israel today. This will be the first high-level engagement between the Modi government and the new Naftali Bennett administration in Israel.

Indian EAM Dr. S Jaishankar to embark on visit to Israel

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday, in the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and the new Israeli government led by Naftali Bennett.

During his visit, the EAM Jaishankar will meet the top leadership of the Israel coalition government including Israeli PM Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata.

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Israel's foreign secretary Alon Ushpiz tweeted his welcome for Jaishankar.

"Shubho Bijoya/Happy Dussehra to all of you, on the eve of @DrSJaishankar's important visit to Israel. India is a strategic partner and a very close friend."

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Jaishankar's Israel visit follows his three-nation tour of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia.

India and Israel have traditionally enjoyed close ties and has over the years developed close "cooperation" in intelligence sharing and "counter insurgency" operations.

Although India had recognised the Jewish State of Israel way back in 1950, it established full diplomatic relations only in 1992.

Since then there has been an upswing in the relations between the two countries in view of the common concerns about religious extremism and global terrorism.

India has become a major buyer of Israeli armaments and Israel is among the key partners of India in agriculture.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday, in the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and the new Israeli government led by Naftali Bennett.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday, in the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and the new Israeli government led by Naftali Bennett. During his visit, the EAM Jaishankar will meet the top leadership of the Israel coalition government including Israeli PM Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata. Also Read | 4 para military personnel injured in accidental blast as container of detonators slips while boarding train Israel's foreign secretary Alon Ushpiz tweeted his welcome for Jaishankar. "Shubho Bijoya/Happy Dussehra to all of you, on the eve of @DrSJaishankar's important visit to Israel. India is a strategic partner and a very close friend." External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar to be on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday During his visit, the EAM will meet the top leadership of Israel including the PM, NSA and foreign minister (file photo) pic.twitter.com/191ytbxZPx — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2021 × Jaishankar's Israel visit follows his three-nation tour of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia. India and Israel have traditionally enjoyed close ties and has over the years developed close "cooperation" in intelligence sharing and "counter insurgency" operations. Although India had recognised the Jewish State of Israel way back in 1950, it established full diplomatic relations only in 1992. Since then there has been an upswing in the relations between the two countries in view of the common concerns about religious extremism and global terrorism. India has become a major buyer of Israeli armaments and Israel is among the key partners of India in agriculture.

India's external affairs minister Jaishankar to embark on three-day visit to Israel

A 1,500-year-old wine factory the size of a modern-day football field has been unearthed in Israel, showing how vintners met demand for high-quality white wine popular throughout the ancient world.

Ancient factory exposes secrets of winemaking in the Holy Land of Israel

Israel will remain opposed to Washington's plan to reopen a US&nbsp;consulate in Jerusalem that has traditionally been a base for diplomatic outreach to the Palestinians, even if political conditions change, an Israeli cabinet minister said on Tuesday.

The consulate was subsumed into the US&nbsp;Embassy that was moved to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv in 2018 by then-US&nbsp;president Donald Trump, steps hailed by Israel and condemned by Palestinians.

President Joe Biden wants to reopen the consulate to rebuild relations with the Palestinians, who seek parts of Jerusalem, as well as the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, for a hoped-for state.

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"No way, no way," Justice Minister Gideon Saar told a conference hosted by the Jerusalem Post newspaper when asked if the consulate reopening might go ahead - perhaps in the event of this or a future Israeli government yielding to US&nbsp;pressure.

"It needs Israeli approval," he added, speaking in English. "We will not compromise on this issue" for generations to come.

The US&nbsp;Embassy had no immediate comment.

The issue is likely to come up during a visit to Washington on Tuesday by Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.

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Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a nationalist atop a cross-partisan coalition, opposes Palestinian statehood, and Lapid has said that reopening the consulate could unsettle the government.

But Israeli media have speculated that Bennett could relent if Washington holds off until after his government secures more domestic stability by passing a long-delayed national budget, with ratification votes due next month.

Saar ruled out such a scenario, saying: "I want to make it very clear - we oppose it. We won't oppose it now and have a different opinion after the budget. We are 100 per cent&nbsp;opposed to it."

Israel will remain opposed to Washington's plan to reopen a US consulate in Jerusalem that has traditionally been a base for diplomatic outreach to the Palestinians, even if political conditions change, an Israeli cabinet minister said on Tuesday.

Israel will remain opposed to Washington's plan to reopen a US consulate in Jerusalem that has traditionally been a base for diplomatic outreach to the Palestinians, even if political conditions change, an Israeli cabinet minister said on Tuesday. The consulate was subsumed into the US Embassy that was moved to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv in 2018 by then-US president Donald Trump, steps hailed by Israel and condemned by Palestinians. President Joe Biden wants to reopen the consulate to rebuild relations with the Palestinians, who seek parts of Jerusalem, as well as the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, for a hoped-for state. Also Read | Honouring genocide victims, Merkel vows German support to Israel's security "No way, no way," Justice Minister Gideon Saar told a conference hosted by the Jerusalem Post newspaper when asked if the consulate reopening might go ahead - perhaps in the event of this or a future Israeli government yielding to US pressure. "It needs Israeli approval," he added, speaking in English. "We will not compromise on this issue" for generations to come. The US Embassy had no immediate comment. The issue is likely to come up during a visit to Washington on Tuesday by Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid. Also Read | Israel alerts embassies over Iran terror threat: Report Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a nationalist atop a cross-partisan coalition, opposes Palestinian statehood, and Lapid has said that reopening the consulate could unsettle the government. But Israeli media have speculated that Bennett could relent if Washington holds off until after his government secures more domestic stability by passing a long-delayed national budget, with ratification votes due next month. Saar ruled out such a scenario, saying: "I want to make it very clear - we oppose it. We won't oppose it now and have a different opinion after the budget. We are 100 per cent opposed to it."

Israeli minister sees no compromise on US Palestinian mission in Jerusalem

The rise in COVID-19 cases among children in Israel has triggered a noticeable jump in hospitalizations of kids with pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome or PIMS - a rare condition that develops in some children, after exposure to the virus.

Rise in COVID-19 cases among children in Israel trigger noticeable jump

Pledging Germany would preserve its commitment to the security of Israel, outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel honoured the Jews killed in Nazi concentration camps in Jerusalem on Sunday. &nbsp;

During her final visit to Israel, Merkel held talks with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. &nbsp;

The German leader’s 16-year term is coming to an end. Merkel said the coming weeks would be decisive for the future of a nuke deal with Iran. Israel sees it as a crucial issue to its security. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Though Merkel has differed with Israel over Palestinians and Iran, the leader has sought to cultivate close ties as Germany has been a leading ally of Israel. &nbsp; &nbsp;

According to a transcript issued by the Israeli PM’s office, Merkel told Bennett during a private meeting, "I want to use this opportunity to emphasise that the topic of Israel's security will always be of central importance and a central topic of every German government." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Attending a session of the Israeli PM’s cabinet, Merkel said, "The history of the Shoah (Holocaust) is a singular event for which we continue to bear responsibility in every phase of history, including in the future". &nbsp;

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Merkel rekindled an eternal flame in Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem. It is Israel's memorial to the millions of Jews killed by the Nazis. &nbsp;

The leader also placed a wreath on a slab under which ashes from extermination camps, death camps and other killing fields are buried and stood in silence with her head bowed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pledging Germany would preserve its commitment to the security of Israel, outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel honoured the Jews killed in Nazi concentration camps in Jerusalem on Sunday.

Pledging Germany would preserve its commitment to the security of Israel, outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel honoured the Jews killed in Nazi concentration camps in Jerusalem on Sunday. During her final visit to Israel, Merkel held talks with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. The German leader’s 16-year term is coming to an end. Merkel said the coming weeks would be decisive for the future of a nuke deal with Iran. Israel sees it as a crucial issue to its security. Also Read: Czech President Zeman taken to hospital at key post-election time Though Merkel has differed with Israel over Palestinians and Iran, the leader has sought to cultivate close ties as Germany has been a leading ally of Israel. According to a transcript issued by the Israeli PM’s office, Merkel told Bennett during a private meeting, "I want to use this opportunity to emphasise that the topic of Israel's security will always be of central importance and a central topic of every German government." Attending a session of the Israeli PM’s cabinet, Merkel said, "The history of the Shoah (Holocaust) is a singular event for which we continue to bear responsibility in every phase of history, including in the future". Also Read: Iraqis head to early vote with little hope for change Merkel rekindled an eternal flame in Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem. It is Israel's memorial to the millions of Jews killed by the Nazis. The leader also placed a wreath on a slab under which ashes from extermination camps, death camps and other killing fields are buried and stood in silence with her head bowed. (With inputs from agencies)

Honouring genocide victims, Merkel vows German support to Israel's security

Israel's Naftali government on Tuesday approved the establishment of a gender equality cabinet that will work on promoting policies such as curbing violence against women and closing gender pay gaps.

Israel announces new cabinet to look into women's issues

Israel has warned its missions around the world of a possible Iranian terror threat following the arrest of an Azeri national over an alleged plot to assassinate one or more Israeli businesspeople in Cyprus.

Israel warns diplomats of possible Iranian threat

The Indian Air force (IAF) will be participating in exercises with Israel and Egypt later this month. This comes as increased engagement has been seen between Indian defence forces and West Asian counterparts.

The new Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari at the annual presser said, " Air Force is scheduled to participate in Ex Blue Flag in Israel and Hop Ex in Egypt later this month." &nbsp;

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When it comes to exercise in Israel, it is not for first time India is participating. The biennial Ex Blue Flag saw India's participation, first in November 2017 when the exercise took place at the Uvda Air Force base in Israel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian Air Force participated with C-130J special operations aircraft along with Garud commandos. The Egyptian exercises will see participation of fighter jets. &nbsp;

In August, the then Air Chief RKS Bhadauria visited Israel, and held talks with his counterpart Major General Amikam Norkin, Commander, Israeli Air Force. He also took part in a sortie in an F15. &nbsp;&nbsp;

During the visit, he paid homage at the Cemetery for Indian soldiers in Talpioth, Jerusalem. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-air-force-day-iaf-displays-rafales-scalp-stealth-cruise-missile-418304" hreflang="en">Ahead of Air Force Day, IAF displays Rafale's Scalp stealth cruise missile</a>

Indian Air Force has participated in numerous international exercises in last one year. In January this year, IAF hosted the French Air Force during Exercise Desert Knight and has carried out op engagements with US Carrier Strike Groups in March and June. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The air force participated for the first time in Exercise Desert Flag-6 in UAE in March 2021. The exercise saw participation of air forces of US, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Bahrain and UAE (as host).&nbsp;

The Indian Air force (IAF) will be participating in exercises with Israel and Egypt later this month. This comes as increased engagement has been seen between Indian defence forces and West Asian counterparts.

The Indian Air force (IAF) will be participating in exercises with Israel and Egypt later this month. This comes as increased engagement has been seen between Indian defence forces and West Asian counterparts. The new Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari at the annual presser said, " Air Force is scheduled to participate in Ex Blue Flag in Israel and Hop Ex in Egypt later this month." Also Read: Plans afoot for connectivity from Mediterranean to India via Gulf When it comes to exercise in Israel, it is not for first time India is participating. The biennial Ex Blue Flag saw India's participation, first in November 2017 when the exercise took place at the Uvda Air Force base in Israel. Indian Air Force participated with C-130J special operations aircraft along with Garud commandos. The Egyptian exercises will see participation of fighter jets. In August, the then Air Chief RKS Bhadauria visited Israel, and held talks with his counterpart Major General Amikam Norkin, Commander, Israeli Air Force. He also took part in a sortie in an F15. During the visit, he paid homage at the Cemetery for Indian soldiers in Talpioth, Jerusalem. Also Read: Ahead of Air Force Day, IAF displays Rafale's Scalp stealth cruise missile Indian Air Force has participated in numerous international exercises in last one year. In January this year, IAF hosted the French Air Force during Exercise Desert Knight and has carried out op engagements with US Carrier Strike Groups in March and June. The air force participated for the first time in Exercise Desert Flag-6 in UAE in March 2021. The exercise saw participation of air forces of US, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Bahrain and UAE (as host).

Indian Air Force to take part in exercises in Israel, Egypt

Israel has accused Iran of orchestrating the attempt of attack against Israelis, Iran has swiftly denied the accusations and an armed individual has also been arrested.

Israel accuses Iran of plotting terror, 'Baseless allegation,' claims Iran

For a farewell visit before her expected departure from office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Israel next week, said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Monday. &nbsp;

Merkel remained in power for around 16 years. &nbsp;

Citing the tense situation in Afghanistan, the leader had cancelled a planned trip from August 28 to 30 to Israel. At that time, the United States, Germany and others were evacuating personnel and several Afghans ahead of an August 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-polls-germany-looks-to-set-highway-speed-limit-418258" hreflang="en">After polls, Germany looks to set highway speed limit</a>

Merkel "will arrive here early next week for an important farewell visit", said Bennett in Israel's parliament. The leader had last visited Israel in 2018. &nbsp;

In power since 2005, Merkel plans to step down after a new government is formed. &nbsp;

Earlier, Germans voted in the national elections in a tight race between Social Democrats (SPD) and Merkel's CDU-CSU conservative alliance. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-warming-arctic-ice-at-a-record-low-and-sea-levels-rising-418244" hreflang="en">Global warming: Arctic ice at a record low and sea levels rising</a>

Olaf Scholz was heading the Social Democrat (SPD) while Merkel had backed Armin Laschet of the CDU-CSU. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chancellor Angela Merkel had also urged Germans to give her would-be successor Laschet their vote to shape Germany's future, in a last-ditch push to shore up his beleaguered campaign 24 hours before Germans vote. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

For a farewell visit before her expected departure from office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Israel next week, said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Monday.

For a farewell visit before her expected departure from office, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will travel to Israel next week, said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Monday. Merkel remained in power for around 16 years. Citing the tense situation in Afghanistan, the leader had cancelled a planned trip from August 28 to 30 to Israel. At that time, the United States, Germany and others were evacuating personnel and several Afghans ahead of an August 31 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops. Also Read: After polls, Germany looks to set highway speed limit Merkel "will arrive here early next week for an important farewell visit", said Bennett in Israel's parliament. The leader had last visited Israel in 2018. In power since 2005, Merkel plans to step down after a new government is formed. Earlier, Germans voted in the national elections in a tight race between Social Democrats (SPD) and Merkel's CDU-CSU conservative alliance. Also Read: Global warming: Arctic ice at a record low and sea levels rising Olaf Scholz was heading the Social Democrat (SPD) while Merkel had backed Armin Laschet of the CDU-CSU. Chancellor Angela Merkel had also urged Germans to give her would-be successor Laschet their vote to shape Germany's future, in a last-ditch push to shore up his beleaguered campaign 24 hours before Germans vote. (With inputs from agencies)

For a farewell visit, Germany's Merkel to head to Israel next week  

Israel has revoked all the green passes issued till date as new guidelines have been issued. The new guidelines limit COVID-19 immunity status only to those who naturally recovered or received their latest vaccine shot within the past six months.

Israel has revoked all the green passes issued till date as new guidelines have been issued. The new guidelines limit COVID-19 immunity status only to those who naturally recovered or received their latest vaccine shot within the past six months. According to reports by the Jerusalem Post, at least 1.5 million Israelis lost their green passes as the new rules kicked in on Sunday. However, Channel 12 news estimated that the number would be close to 2 million. As per the new guidelines, a person retains their immunity status for just six months after receiving their second or third dose of the vaccine. Those with natural immunity also get a pass. However, they must receive a vaccine shot six months after recovery, or they end up losing the privilege. Also read | UK: 15-year-old dies from Covid on day she was scheduled for vaccine People who are neither naturally immune nor vaccinated, including children under 12 who are not yet eligible for the jab, can get a limited seven-day pass after a negative PCR test. The results of a rapid antigen test will only be valid for 24 hours. Israeli officials have recently been caught admitting that in many situations the pass system is not “medically justified,” but exists to pressure more citizens into getting vaccinated. Israel indeed largely led the world in vaccinations and boosters. As of Friday, out of a population of some 9.2 million, over 5.6 million Israelis were vaccinated with two doses and nearly 3.5 million had already received their third jab.

1.5 million Israelis lose green pass privileges as government issues new COVID-19 guidelines

A plane branded with the logo of national Egyptian carrier Egyptair landed in Israel for the first time Sunday, a flight described as "historic" by the Israel Airports Authority.

Egypt was the first Arab nation to establish ties with Israel in a 1979 peace deal, and direct flights between the countries followed that accord.&nbsp;

But the Egyptian flights to Israel had previously been operated by an Egyptair subsidiary, Air Sinai, set up exclusively for the Israel route, creating a buffer between Egyptair and the Jewish state.&nbsp;

But Egyptair will now run four flights per week into Israel under its own banner, IAA spokesman Ofer Lefler told AFP.&nbsp;

He called Sunday's landing "a historic first."

The move comes after a visit to Egypt last month by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Bennett said he and Sisi had "created a foundation for deep ties in the future."

Thousands of Israeli tourists typically visit Egypt annually, including to the Sinai desert and Red Sea resorts.&nbsp;

Five Arab states have normalised ties with Israel since Egypt became the first.&nbsp;

Next was Jordan, in 1994 and, since the summer of 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco have followed suit. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
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A plane branded with the logo of national Egyptian carrier Egyptair landed in Israel for the first time Sunday, a flight described as "historic" by the Israel Airports Authority.

A plane branded with the logo of national Egyptian carrier Egyptair landed in Israel for the first time Sunday, a flight described as "historic" by the Israel Airports Authority. Egypt was the first Arab nation to establish ties with Israel in a 1979 peace deal, and direct flights between the countries followed that accord. But the Egyptian flights to Israel had previously been operated by an Egyptair subsidiary, Air Sinai, set up exclusively for the Israel route, creating a buffer between Egyptair and the Jewish state. But Egyptair will now run four flights per week into Israel under its own banner, IAA spokesman Ofer Lefler told AFP. He called Sunday's landing "a historic first." The move comes after a visit to Egypt last month by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Bennett said he and Sisi had "created a foundation for deep ties in the future." Thousands of Israeli tourists typically visit Egypt annually, including to the Sinai desert and Red Sea resorts. Five Arab states have normalised ties with Israel since Egypt became the first. Next was Jordan, in 1994 and, since the summer of 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco have followed suit.

First 'Egyptair' flight lands in Israel

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