Israel's technology firm NSO has been accused of using its cyber spyware Pegasus to surveil journalists globally. The latest findings are part of a global investigation called the Pegasus project.

Israel's NSO accused of using Pegasus for spying

Brief clashes were reported between Israeli Police and Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa mosque on Sunday. No serious injuries were reported and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ordered the Police to continue allowing jews to ascend temple mount on the first day of Tisha B'Av.

Clashes spark at Jerusalem's holy site after Palestinians opposed Jewish visits

Yamina Party’s Shirley Pinto becomes the first hearing-impaired Member of Parliament in Israel who was sworn into office using sign language. Pinto is a long-time activist for disability-related issues, particularly those dealing with the hearing-impaired, and serves as Yamina’s representative in the World Zionist Congress.

Shirley Pinto becomes first-ever hearing-impaired MP in Israel Parliament

Israeli army said on Thursday that it made an arrest of dozens of Palestinian students in West Bank. It has accused the students of being "terror operatives" of Islamic group Hamas.

AFP cited Palestinian source to say that the students from Birzeit University were arrested when they were returning from the village of Turmus Ayya. Israeli troops demolished a family home of a Palestinian American in this village earlier this month. The person was awaiting trial on charges of shooting a Jewish student earlier this year.

An Israeli army statement said: "Some of the apprehended terror operatives were directly involved in terror activities, including money transfers, incitement and the organisation of Hamas activities in Judea and Samaria," using the Biblical terms for the West Bank.&nbsp;

Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip and fought an 11-day conflict with Israel in May, is blacklisted by the EU and the US as a terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

A late Wednesday statement announcing the arrests said "dozens of terror operatives" belonging to "a student cell" at Birzeit University had been detained in a joint operation involving the army, police and the Shin Bet domestic security agency. &nbsp;

An army spokesperson told AFP on Thursday that the Shin Bet had taken over the investigation.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, the number of students arrested Wednesday was around 45, but 12 have since been released and the 33 still in detention were all male.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli army said on Thursday that it made an arrest of dozens of Palestinian students in West Bank. It has accused the students of being "terror operatives" of Islamic group Hamas.

Israeli army said on Thursday that it made an arrest of dozens of Palestinian students in West Bank. It has accused the students of being "terror operatives" of Islamic group Hamas. AFP cited Palestinian source to say that the students from Birzeit University were arrested when they were returning from the village of Turmus Ayya. Israeli troops demolished a family home of a Palestinian American in this village earlier this month. The person was awaiting trial on charges of shooting a Jewish student earlier this year. An Israeli army statement said: "Some of the apprehended terror operatives were directly involved in terror activities, including money transfers, incitement and the organisation of Hamas activities in Judea and Samaria," using the Biblical terms for the West Bank. Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip and fought an 11-day conflict with Israel in May, is blacklisted by the EU and the US as a terrorist organisation. A late Wednesday statement announcing the arrests said "dozens of terror operatives" belonging to "a student cell" at Birzeit University had been detained in a joint operation involving the army, police and the Shin Bet domestic security agency. An army spokesperson told AFP on Thursday that the Shin Bet had taken over the investigation. According to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, the number of students arrested Wednesday was around 45, but 12 have since been released and the 33 still in detention were all male. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel army arrests Palestinian students over 'terror' allegations

After calling Israelis 'blood-suckers' & 'people with killing in their nature' Erdogan has changed his tune. The Turkish President now wants 'dialogue' & 'stable ties' with Israel. What explains the shift?

Gravitas: Turkish President changes tune on Israel

The Israel Defence Forces are seeking a massive hike in their budget to attack Iran's nuclear program. According to reports, Israel is preparing for a potential attack on Iranian nuclear sites and the government will seek to pass the budget in coming months.

IDF seeks hikes in defence budget to attack Iran's nuclear program

Israel&nbsp;is discussing&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;booster&nbsp;shots with drug&nbsp;companies, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Wednesday, as the country grapples with an outbreak of the fast-spreading Delta variant.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday the Delta variant has been detected in at least 111 countries in the last two months and was likely to become the dominant variant globally over the coming months. In&nbsp;Israel, it makes up&nbsp;about&nbsp;90 per cent&nbsp;of confirmed cases, according to the Health Ministry.

"We are in a dialogue with the&nbsp;pharma&nbsp;companies&nbsp;about&nbsp;the&nbsp;booster&nbsp;issue, whether a&nbsp;booster&nbsp;of the original shot or an adapted&nbsp;booster&nbsp;shot," Bennett told a news conference in Jerusalem, where he detailed his cabinet's strategy for curbing the Delta outbreak.

In&nbsp;Israel,&nbsp;about&nbsp;60 per cent&nbsp;of the 9.3 million population has received at least one dose of the vaccine produced by Pfizer&nbsp;and partner BioNTech. Pfizer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The variant, first identified in India, has led to a surge in cases worldwide and is setting back economic recovery plans.

Researchers and drugmakers are looking at tweaking vaccines quickly to prevent them from losing effectiveness against new, emerging variants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-orders-massive-reinforcement-of-forces-to-quell-unrest-in-cities-after-gaza-violence-384790">Also read |&nbsp;Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence</a>

Having driven down coronavirus infections to single-digit numbers and zero deaths,&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;lifted its social-distancing restrictions by mid-June. But the sharp rise in daily infections presently stands at a weekly average of&nbsp;about&nbsp;500 and some curbs have been re-introduced.

Bennett appealed to the public and said Delta can be beaten back within five weeks without a costly lockdown if people act responsibly by getting vaccinated, wearing masks indoors and keeping social distancing.

His strategy rests on an approach that&nbsp;says&nbsp;the high vaccination rates among risk groups will see far less severe&nbsp;COVID-19 cases than in previous outbreaks, even as infections climb.

Pfizer/BioNTech plans to ask US&nbsp;regulators within weeks to authorise a&nbsp;booster&nbsp;dose of its&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine, citing thus far unpublished evidence of greater risk of infection six months after inoculation and Delta's spread.

US&nbsp;and European Union authorities have said it's unclear yet whether&nbsp;booster&nbsp;shots are needed. Scientists have said the&nbsp;companies' move was premature.

Israel's health ministry said on Monday&nbsp;there was still not enough unequivocal evidence for the necessity of a third&nbsp;booster&nbsp;shot for the wider public, though it has approved a third&nbsp;jab&nbsp;for people with compromised immune systems on a case by case basis.

Some studies have shown Pfizer's vaccine to be highly effective against Delta, though somewhat reduced in comparison with other coronavirus strains.

Israel is discussing COVID-19 booster shots with drug companies, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Wednesday, as the country grapples with an outbreak of the fast-spreading Delta variant.

Israel is discussing COVID-19 booster shots with drug companies, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Wednesday, as the country grapples with an outbreak of the fast-spreading Delta variant. The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday the Delta variant has been detected in at least 111 countries in the last two months and was likely to become the dominant variant globally over the coming months. In Israel, it makes up about 90 per cent of confirmed cases, according to the Health Ministry. "We are in a dialogue with the pharma companies about the booster issue, whether a booster of the original shot or an adapted booster shot," Bennett told a news conference in Jerusalem, where he detailed his cabinet's strategy for curbing the Delta outbreak. In Israel, about 60 per cent of the 9.3 million population has received at least one dose of the vaccine produced by Pfizer and partner BioNTech. Pfizer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The variant, first identified in India, has led to a surge in cases worldwide and is setting back economic recovery plans. Researchers and drugmakers are looking at tweaking vaccines quickly to prevent them from losing effectiveness against new, emerging variants. Also read | Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence Having driven down coronavirus infections to single-digit numbers and zero deaths, Israel lifted its social-distancing restrictions by mid-June. But the sharp rise in daily infections presently stands at a weekly average of about 500 and some curbs have been re-introduced. Bennett appealed to the public and said Delta can be beaten back within five weeks without a costly lockdown if people act responsibly by getting vaccinated, wearing masks indoors and keeping social distancing. His strategy rests on an approach that says the high vaccination rates among risk groups will see far less severe COVID-19 cases than in previous outbreaks, even as infections climb. Pfizer/BioNTech plans to ask US regulators within weeks to authorise a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, citing thus far unpublished evidence of greater risk of infection six months after inoculation and Delta's spread. US and European Union authorities have said it's unclear yet whether booster shots are needed. Scientists have said the companies' move was premature. Israel's health ministry said on Monday there was still not enough unequivocal evidence for the necessity of a third booster shot for the wider public, though it has approved a third jab for people with compromised immune systems on a case by case basis. Some studies have shown Pfizer's vaccine to be highly effective against Delta, though somewhat reduced in comparison with other coronavirus strains.

Israel in talks with pharma companies about COVID-19 booster jab, says PM

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday become the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Israel, as its envoy hailed the trade and investment opportunities that closer ties would bring at a flag-raising ceremony also attended by Israel's president. 
 
Brought together by shared unease about Iran, the UAE and Bahrain normalised relations with Israel last year under the "Abraham Accords" crafted by the administration of then-US&nbsp;President Donald Trump 
 
Sudan and Morocco have since also moved to establish ties with Israel.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-officials-say-cargo-ship-possibly-attacked-en-route-to-uae-395707">Israeli officials say cargo ship possibly attacked en route to UAE</a>

The opening of the UAE embassy, which is situated in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, followed the inauguration of Israel's embassy in the UAE last month. 
 
"Since the normalisation of ties ...we have seen for the first time discussions on trade and investment opportunities," UAE ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja said, after raising his country's flag outside the building. 
 
"We signed major agreements across various fields, including economy, air travel, technology and culture." 
 
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the opening of the embassy "an important milestone in our journey towards the future, peace prosperity and security" for the Middle East. 
 
"Seeing the Emirati flag flying proudly in Tel Aviv might have seemed like a far-fetched dream about a year ago," he said. "In many ways nothing could be more natural and normal." 
 
In the UAE last month to inaugurate Israel`s temporary embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said bilateral trade since normalisation exceeded $675 million and he expected more deals. 
 
The regional rapprochement has been deplored by the Palestinians, who want their demands for statehood free of Israeli occupation addressed first. 
 
The UAE has said last year's US-brokered accords, which challenged a decades-old allegiance to Palestinian ambitions as a major driver of Arab policy, would ultimately benefit the Palestinians.

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday become the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Israel, as its envoy hailed the trade and investment opportunities that closer ties would bring at a flag-raising ceremony also attended by Israel's president.

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday become the first Gulf state to open an embassy in Israel, as its envoy hailed the trade and investment opportunities that closer ties would bring at a flag-raising ceremony also attended by Israel's president. Brought together by shared unease about Iran, the UAE and Bahrain normalised relations with Israel last year under the "Abraham Accords" crafted by the administration of then-US President Donald Trump Sudan and Morocco have since also moved to establish ties with Israel. Also Read: Israeli officials say cargo ship possibly attacked en route to UAE The opening of the UAE embassy, which is situated in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, followed the inauguration of Israel's embassy in the UAE last month. "Since the normalisation of ties ...we have seen for the first time discussions on trade and investment opportunities," UAE ambassador Mohamed Al Khaja said, after raising his country's flag outside the building. "We signed major agreements across various fields, including economy, air travel, technology and culture." Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the opening of the embassy "an important milestone in our journey towards the future, peace prosperity and security" for the Middle East. "Seeing the Emirati flag flying proudly in Tel Aviv might have seemed like a far-fetched dream about a year ago," he said. "In many ways nothing could be more natural and normal." In the UAE last month to inaugurate Israel`s temporary embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said bilateral trade since normalisation exceeded $675 million and he expected more deals. The regional rapprochement has been deplored by the Palestinians, who want their demands for statehood free of Israeli occupation addressed first. The UAE has said last year's US-brokered accords, which challenged a decades-old allegiance to Palestinian ambitions as a major driver of Arab policy, would ultimately benefit the Palestinians.

In a first for Gulf, UAE opens embassy in Israel, hails trade ties

On Sunday, the Health Ministry said there were 4,130 active cases domestically and 44 serious cases. Of these serious cases, around half are vaccinated.

Israel govt changes approach towards COVID-19 pandemic

Israel will begin to offer a third dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to adults with weak immune systems amid a surge in Coronavirus cases but it is still weighing whether to make the booster available to the general public.

Israel offers third dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to adults at risk

Relations between Jordan and Israel, which have a 1994 peace treaty, grew strained under former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jordan King, Israel PM holds talk in secret

Israel’s Supreme Court cleared the way for same-sex couples to have children through surrogacy. The move is being hailed by lawmakers and as a victory for LGBTQ rights activists.

Israel's Supreme Court allows surrogacy for gay couples

Keeping in mind the rapid spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus, Israel’s government has decided to offer a third shot of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> to all adults.

Israel has taken this decision after the new infections of coronavirus increased from single-digit to nearly 450 cases per day. The country has also moved to fast-track its next shipment of Pfizer’s vaccine doses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-who-chief-scientist-lists-four-reasons-for-pandemic-not-slowing-down-397170" hreflang="en">COVID-19: WHO chief scientist lists four reasons for pandemic not slowing down</a>

All adults with ‘impaired immune systems’ who had already received the first two shots of the Pfizer vaccine are now eligible for a third shot of the vaccine, declared Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz.

Pfizer-BioNTech, the suppliers, has assured that the authorities are in contact with the US and European regulators to authorise the third shot, acting as a booster shot against the new 'variant of concern'.

The third shot has faced criticism from some scientists. "We are examining this issue and we still do not have a final answer," Horowitz said. "In any case, we are administering as of now a third shot to people suffering from immunodeficiency … These are for instance people who have undergone organ transplants or suffer from a medical condition which causes a drop in immunity."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-95-may-need-to-be-vaccinated-to-stop-delta-variant-warns-french-scientists-397151" hreflang="en">COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists</a>

This decision has also been taken keeping in mind that nearly half of the 46 patients currently admitted in Israel’s hospitals due to coronavirus are vaccinated, as per data provided to the public by the health ministry. Out of these half, majority are patients from the vulnerable groups who had prior health issues or are aged 60 and above.

Meanwhile, the health minister has also assured that the officials are working on filling in the supply gap between the first two shots of the ongoing inoculation programmes for the general adult population by using Moderna vaccine doses,&nbsp;available in stock.

Keeping in mind the rapid spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus, Israel’s government has decided to offer a third shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to all adults.

Keeping in mind the rapid spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus, Israel’s government has decided to offer a third shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to all adults. Israel has taken this decision after the new infections of coronavirus increased from single-digit to nearly 450 cases per day. The country has also moved to fast-track its next shipment of Pfizer’s vaccine doses. Also read | COVID-19: WHO chief scientist lists four reasons for pandemic not slowing down All adults with ‘impaired immune systems’ who had already received the first two shots of the Pfizer vaccine are now eligible for a third shot of the vaccine, declared Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz. Pfizer-BioNTech, the suppliers, has assured that the authorities are in contact with the US and European regulators to authorise the third shot, acting as a booster shot against the new 'variant of concern'. The third shot has faced criticism from some scientists. "We are examining this issue and we still do not have a final answer," Horowitz said. "In any case, we are administering as of now a third shot to people suffering from immunodeficiency … These are for instance people who have undergone organ transplants or suffer from a medical condition which causes a drop in immunity." Also read | COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists This decision has also been taken keeping in mind that nearly half of the 46 patients currently admitted in Israel’s hospitals due to coronavirus are vaccinated, as per data provided to the public by the health ministry. Out of these half, majority are patients from the vulnerable groups who had prior health issues or are aged 60 and above. Meanwhile, the health minister has also assured that the officials are working on filling in the supply gap between the first two shots of the ongoing inoculation programmes for the general adult population by using Moderna vaccine doses, available in stock.

COVID-19: Israel set to offer booster shot of Pfizer vaccine against Delta variant

Israel and Jordan struck a deal on Thursday according to which the Jewish state will sell an unprecedented amount of water to Jordan. This will also significantly boost Jordanian exports to Palestinians in West Bank.

Water resource cooperation has been a core issue between Israel and Jordan since a 1994 peace deal, but relations between the neighbours have frayed in recent years.

The meeting between the two countries was held just inside the Jordanian border. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and his Jordanian counterpart approved Israel's sale of &nbsp;50 million cubic metres of water to its neighbour.&nbsp;

Statements from both governments confirmed the sale, and said the final details of the transaction would be concluded in the coming days.

Lapid described Jordan as an "important partner" for Israel, and said he was committed to strengthening ties.

Gidon Bromberg, Israeli Director for EcoPeace Middle East -- a leading organisation on regional water cooperation which operates in Israel, the West Bank and Jordan -- described the water sale as "the largest quantity ever sold between the two countries."

It "is a true 'water shed' event," he said.

"It represents an understanding of mutual interests and how countries in the region need to cooperate, if we are to survive the tremendous challenges to water and national security that the climate crisis presents."

Jordan is one of the world's most water-deficient countries and experts say the country, home to 10 million people, has been grappling with one of its most severe droughts in its history.

Israel, which also faces water pressures, is a world leader in desalination.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel and Jordan struck a deal on Thursday according to which the Jewish state will sell an unprecedented amount of water to Jordan. This will also significantly boost Jordanian exports to Palestinians in West Bank.

Israel and Jordan struck a deal on Thursday according to which the Jewish state will sell an unprecedented amount of water to Jordan. This will also significantly boost Jordanian exports to Palestinians in West Bank. Water resource cooperation has been a core issue between Israel and Jordan since a 1994 peace deal, but relations between the neighbours have frayed in recent years. The meeting between the two countries was held just inside the Jordanian border. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and his Jordanian counterpart approved Israel's sale of 50 million cubic metres of water to its neighbour. Statements from both governments confirmed the sale, and said the final details of the transaction would be concluded in the coming days. Lapid described Jordan as an "important partner" for Israel, and said he was committed to strengthening ties. Gidon Bromberg, Israeli Director for EcoPeace Middle East -- a leading organisation on regional water cooperation which operates in Israel, the West Bank and Jordan -- described the water sale as "the largest quantity ever sold between the two countries." It "is a true 'water shed' event," he said. "It represents an understanding of mutual interests and how countries in the region need to cooperate, if we are to survive the tremendous challenges to water and national security that the climate crisis presents." Jordan is one of the world's most water-deficient countries and experts say the country, home to 10 million people, has been grappling with one of its most severe droughts in its history. Israel, which also faces water pressures, is a world leader in desalination. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel, Jordan strike a major water deal

South Korea and Israel have signed a vaccine exchange deal. Under this deal, South Korea will be receiving 700,000 Pfizer vaccine doses this month and will later send identical numbers back to Israel.

Israel to ship 700,000 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines doses to South Korea

Health authorities in Israel have claimed that the Pfizer vaccines are reportedly less effective in checking the spread of Coronavirus in the country. However, they say that inoculation is still highly effective in keeping serious illness at bay.

Israel sees decline in Pfizer's efficacy rate amid spread of Delta variant

Israel agreed on Monday to provide about 700,000 expiring doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to South Korea, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. 
 
Delivery of the doses is to begin later in July, and as part of the deal Israel will receive in September and October an identical number of Pfizer vaccine doses that had been ordered by Seoul, Bennett said. 
 
A spokeswoman for South Korea's Health Ministry said on Tuesday, she had no comment on the report. 
 
South Korea has quickly distributed the COVID-19 vaccines it has, but has struggled to obtain enough doses in a timely manner amid tight global supplies, particularly in Asia. 
 
The government said last week it is hoping to achieve herd immunity earlier than its November target by inoculating at least 70% of its population with a minimum of one vaccine dose, mostly mRNA ones such as Pfizer`s. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Israel agreed on Monday to provide about 700,000 expiring doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to South Korea, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Israel agreed on Monday to provide about 700,000 expiring doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine to South Korea, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Delivery of the doses is to begin later in July, and as part of the deal Israel will receive in September and October an identical number of Pfizer vaccine doses that had been ordered by Seoul, Bennett said. A spokeswoman for South Korea's Health Ministry said on Tuesday, she had no comment on the report. South Korea has quickly distributed the COVID-19 vaccines it has, but has struggled to obtain enough doses in a timely manner amid tight global supplies, particularly in Asia. The government said last week it is hoping to achieve herd immunity earlier than its November target by inoculating at least 70% of its population with a minimum of one vaccine dose, mostly mRNA ones such as Pfizer`s. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel and South Korea agree to COVID-19 vaccine exchange: Report

The Israeli parliament has reached an agreement to extend the controversial Palestinian Family Reunification law by 6 months. The law was originally passed in 2003 and denies citizens and blocks citizenship for Palestinians who marry Israelis.

Israel's parliament extends Family Reunification law by 6 months

Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday doubled down on his demand to advance a quasi-constitutional Basic Law on immigration to replace the Palestinian family reunification law.

Palestinian family reunification law up for Knesset vote

Israel has recorded a drop in the efficacy rate of the Pfizer Inc.-BioNTech SE in preventing the deadly coronavirus infections, reveals Health Ministry data. Also, a decline in protection against serious cases and hospitalization is considerably milder.

Israel has recorded a drop in the efficacy rate of the Pfizer Inc.-BioNTech SE in preventing the deadly coronavirus infections, reveals Health Ministry data. Also, a decline in protection against serious cases and hospitalization is considerably milder. However, there was no immediate comment from the ministry. As per the figures, between May 2 and June 5, the vaccine had a 94.3 per cent efficacy rate. From June 6, which is five days after the government cancelled coronavirus restrictions, the rate dropped to 64 per cent. Also read | Israel sees probable link between Pfizer vaccine and myocarditis cases These figures are in line with ministry data that show that many of the new cases are among people who have been vaccinated. Also, the number of 'serious' cases is rising much more slowly. Last Friday, 55 per cent of the newly infected had been vaccinated. As of July 4, there were 35 serious cases of coronavirus in Israel, compared with 21 on June 19. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has said people will “likely” need a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine within 12 months of getting fully vaccinated. To cope up with a rise in cases, the government is considering reinstating additional coronavirus-related restrictions. The government will also mandate to wear masks indoors in public spaces. Officials are also discussing whether to recommend a third dose of vaccine.

Israel sees steep drop in Pfizer vaccine efficacy rate

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that any disturbances aimed at Israel from the Gaza Strip will be met with a harsh response. Bennett also added that his government is working on enabling humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.

Disturbance aimed at Israel will be met with harsh response, Bennett warns Hamas

A Palestinian man was killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank on Saturday, July 3, in an incident Israel's army described as a "violent confrontation" between Palestinians and Jewish settlers.

The statement by Israeli army did not confirm the fatality. However, it said that the troops had fired at a suspect who threw "a suspicious object that exploded on the soldiers", amid the unrest.&nbsp;

As per the Palestinian health ministry, Mohammad Fareed Hasan, who was in his 20s, was killed in his village of Qusra near the city Nablus by Israeli gunfire, while two others were wounded.

"Hasan was standing on the rooftop of his home when he was shot dead," said a report on the official Wafa news agency.&nbsp; 
Israel's army said, "a violent confrontation between tens of Palestinians and Israeli settlers developed adjacent to the village of

Qusra, south of Nablus, during which both sides hurled rocks at each other.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-gaza-after-incendiary-balloon-launch-395339">Also Read |&nbsp;Israel strikes Gaza after incendiary balloon launch</a>

"Troops who were present at the scene operated to distance both sides from the area using riot dispersal means.

"During the activity, a suspect was identified throwing a suspicious object that exploded on the soldiers, who responded by firing at the threat," the statement added.&nbsp;

Eleven days of deadly fighting between Israel and Gaza's Hamas Islamist rulers, as well as other Palestinian armed groups based in the enclave, ended on May 21 with a ceasefire declaration. There was no immediate indication as to which Gaza-based group was responsible for the balloon launch.&nbsp;

The conflict has killed 260 Palestinians including some fighters, according to Gaza authorities. In Israel, 13 people were killed, including a soldier, by rockets fired from Gaza, the police and army said.

Israel has maintained a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007. This is the year Hamas took power, which the Jewish state says is necessary to contain armed groups in the enclave.&nbsp;

A Palestinian man was killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank on Saturday, July 3, in an incident Israel's army described as a "violent confrontation" between Palestinians and Jewish settlers.

A Palestinian man was killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank on Saturday, July 3, in an incident Israel's army described as a "violent confrontation" between Palestinians and Jewish settlers. The statement by Israeli army did not confirm the fatality. However, it said that the troops had fired at a suspect who threw "a suspicious object that exploded on the soldiers", amid the unrest. As per the Palestinian health ministry, Mohammad Fareed Hasan, who was in his 20s, was killed in his village of Qusra near the city Nablus by Israeli gunfire, while two others were wounded. "Hasan was standing on the rooftop of his home when he was shot dead," said a report on the official Wafa news agency. Israel's army said, "a violent confrontation between tens of Palestinians and Israeli settlers developed adjacent to the village of Qusra, south of Nablus, during which both sides hurled rocks at each other. Also Read | Israel strikes Gaza after incendiary balloon launch "Troops who were present at the scene operated to distance both sides from the area using riot dispersal means. "During the activity, a suspect was identified throwing a suspicious object that exploded on the soldiers, who responded by firing at the threat," the statement added. Eleven days of deadly fighting between Israel and Gaza's Hamas Islamist rulers, as well as other Palestinian armed groups based in the enclave, ended on May 21 with a ceasefire declaration. There was no immediate indication as to which Gaza-based group was responsible for the balloon launch. The conflict has killed 260 Palestinians including some fighters, according to Gaza authorities. In Israel, 13 people were killed, including a soldier, by rockets fired from Gaza, the police and army said. Israel has maintained a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007. This is the year Hamas took power, which the Jewish state says is necessary to contain armed groups in the enclave.

Israeli fire kills Palestinian man in West Bank unrest

Bennett also subtly criticized Netanyahu's government as he pledged to "do everything we can" to return Israeli captives and the remains of soldiers from the 2014 war.

Disturbances will be met with harsh response: Naftali Bennett

Israeli defence officials were checking whether Iranian forces were behind a possible attack on a cargo ship under partial&nbsp;Israeli ownership on Saturday (July 3) on its way from Jeddah to the United Arab Emirates,&nbsp;Israel's N12 Television News reported.

The crew were not hurt and the ship, possibly hit by a missile, was not badly damaged and continued on its journey after the incident, N12 said, citing unnamed sources within&nbsp;Israel's defence establishment. Lebanese pro-Iranian TV channel Al Mayadeen had reported the incident earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-military-plane-carrying-92-people-crashes-40-rescued-17-dead-395665">Also read |&nbsp;Philippine military plane carrying 92 people crashes; 40 rescued, 17 dead</a>

Ship-tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon showed the CSAV Tyndall container ship, which sails under a Liberian flag, was last docked in Jeddah and was now off the coast of Dubai.

Israeli defence officials were checking whether Iranian forces were behind a possible attack on a cargo ship under partial Israeli ownership on Saturday (July 3) on its way from Jeddah to the United Arab Emirates, Israel's N12 Television News reported.

Israeli defence officials were checking whether Iranian forces were behind a possible attack on a cargo ship under partial Israeli ownership on Saturday (July 3) on its way from Jeddah to the United Arab Emirates, Israel's N12 Television News reported. The crew were not hurt and the ship, possibly hit by a missile, was not badly damaged and continued on its journey after the incident, N12 said, citing unnamed sources within Israel's defence establishment. Lebanese pro-Iranian TV channel Al Mayadeen had reported the incident earlier. Also read | Philippine military plane carrying 92 people crashes; 40 rescued, 17 dead Ship-tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon showed the CSAV Tyndall container ship, which sails under a Liberian flag, was last docked in Jeddah and was now off the coast of Dubai.

Israeli officials say cargo ship possibly attacked en route to UAE

Israel's government has reached a deal for Jewish settlers to vacate an illegal West Bank outpost. Dozens of settler families several weeks ago started to build the Eviatar wildcat settlement in defiance of both international and Israeli law.

Israel's government has reached a deal for Jewish settlers to vacate an illegal West Bank outpost. Dozens of settler families several weeks ago started to build the Eviatar wildcat settlement in defiance of both international and Israeli law. This sparked protests from Palestinians in nearby villages. The Palestinians harassed the settlers by burning car tyres, sounding horns and pointing laser beams at them, leading to deadly clashes with Israeli security forces. The hilltop area where the settlers have established their settlement of trailer homes and tents lies near Nablus in the West Bank, which is a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967. According to the reports by AFP, the settlers will leave by 4:00 pm (1300 GMT) Friday. However, their temporary homes will remain and the Israeli army will establish a presence in the area. Also Read | US drops sanctions on three Iranians, says move unrelated to nuclear talks Palestinians in the nearby village of Beita have rejected any outcome other than a permanent evacuation of the settlers. "This agreement was made between settlers and the army and we have nothing to do with it," Beita's deputy mayor Mussa Hamayel told AFP. "Obviously, as long as any settler, or any soldier, remains on our land, clashes and protests will continue." All Jewish settlements in the West Bank are considered 'illegal' by most of the international community. However, the settlement expansion has proliferated in recent years, with 475,000 Jewish Israelis now living in the West Bank alongside roughly 2.8 million Palestinians. As of now, four Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops in unrest over Eviatar. Further pressures may emerge as the settlers agitate for a return to the site, where they paved asphalt roads and connected some 50 trailers to electricity and plumbing in the time span of a week.

Israel PM strikes deal for settlers to leave West Bank outpost

Israel reported its highest daily infection rate in three months as it scrambles to contain the spread of the new delta variant. However, the number of severe COVID cases in Israel remains low.

Israel struggles to contain the spread of Delta variant

Israel hit Islamist militant sites in Gaza with airstrikes on Friday, July 2. This comes in retaliation for incendiary balloon launches from the Palestinian enclave.

Israel hit Islamist militant sites in Gaza with airstrikes on Friday, July 2. This comes in retaliation for incendiary balloon launches from the Palestinian enclave. There were no injuries reported. A statement from Israel's army said: "In response to the arson balloons fired towards Israeli territory today, (military) fighter jets struck... a weapons manufacturing site belonging to the Hamas terror organisation." Also Read | Gaza conflict intensifies with rocket barrages and air strikes Eleven days of deadly fighting between Israel and Gaza's Hamas Islamist rulers, as well as other Palestinian armed groups based in the enclave, ended on May 21 with a ceasefire declaration. There was no immediate indication as to which Gaza-based group was responsible for the balloon launch. The conflict has killed 260 Palestinians including some fighters, according to Gaza authorities. In Israel, 13 people were killed, including a soldier, by rockets fired from Gaza, the police and army said. Israel has maintained a crippling blockade on Gaza since 2007. This is the year Hamas took power, which the Jewish state says is necessary to contain armed groups in the enclave. Meanwhile, in the ongoing conflict, the gap between truth and falsehoods is growing wider by the day. A lot of credit for this goes to social media where misinformation is flourishing with fake videos and images going viral.

Israel strikes Gaza after incendiary balloon launch

Iran and the United States have been holding indirect talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers that imposed restrictions on Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting international sanctions.

Israeli leaders raises concerns over Iran nuclear deal

More than a month after Israel and Hamas called for a truce Israeli forces demolished a building in East Jerusalem on Tuesday. This says instilled fear among the locals who believe that there could be a string of demolitions in the area.

Demolitions spark tensions in East Jerusalem

Israel's new foreign minister inaugurated its embassy in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and offered an olive branch to other former adversaries, saying: "We're here to stay." 
 
Yair Lapid's two-day visit, in which he will open an Israeli consulate in Dubai on Wednesday, is the first to the Gulf state by an Israeli cabinet minister since the countries established ties last year. 
 
The trip is also an opportunity for the two-week-old Israeli government of Naftali Bennett, a nationalist, who heads an improbable cross-partisan coalition, to make diplomatic inroads despite long-stymied talks with the Palestinians. 
 
"Israel wants peace with its neighbours - with all its neighbours. We aren't going anywhere. The Middle East is our home," Lapid said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Abu Dhabi high-rise office serving as a temporary embassy. 
 
"We're here to stay. We call on all the countries of the region to recognise that and to come to talk to us," he said.

Brought together by shared worries about Iran and hopes for commercial boons, the UAE and Bahrain normalised relations with Israel last year under so-called 'Abraham Accords' crafted by the administration of then US-President Donald Trump. Sudan and Morocco have since also moved to establish ties with Israel. 
 
Lapid and his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan discussed building on the accords to achieve peace and strengthen security in the region, state news agency WAM said. 
 
They signed an agreement for economic and commercial cooperation, which an Israeli spokesman had earlier said would be the 12th since last year's move to forge ties. 
 
US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken, welcoming Lapid's visit, said Washington "will continue to work with Israel and the UAE as we strengthen all aspects of our partnerships and work to create a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous future for all the peoples of the Middle East", the State Department said. 
 
The regional rapprochement was deplored by the Palestinians, who want their demands for statehood free of Israeli occupation addressed first. 
 
President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the accords as 'an illusion' and asserted that colonial powers had "implant(ed) Israel as a foreign body in this region in order to fragment it and keep it weak," according to a report on Tuesday by the official Palestinian news service WAFA.

Lapid will on Wednesday visit the site of Expo 2020 Dubai, a world fair opening in October where Israel has built a pavilion. 
 
The UAE formally opened its embassy in Israel, temporarily located in the Tel Aviv stock exchange, this month. 
 
Israel's Abu Dhabi embassy still has only three diplomats and a head of mission, Eitan Na'eh, yet to be confirmed as full ambassador. Its Dubai consulate is similarly located in temporary premises. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's new foreign minister inaugurated its embassy in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and offered an olive branch to other former adversaries, saying: "We're here to stay.

Israel's new foreign minister inaugurated its embassy in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday and offered an olive branch to other former adversaries, saying: "We're here to stay." Yair Lapid's two-day visit, in which he will open an Israeli consulate in Dubai on Wednesday, is the first to the Gulf state by an Israeli cabinet minister since the countries established ties last year. The trip is also an opportunity for the two-week-old Israeli government of Naftali Bennett, a nationalist, who heads an improbable cross-partisan coalition, to make diplomatic inroads despite long-stymied talks with the Palestinians. "Israel wants peace with its neighbours - with all its neighbours. We aren't going anywhere. The Middle East is our home," Lapid said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Abu Dhabi high-rise office serving as a temporary embassy. "We're here to stay. We call on all the countries of the region to recognise that and to come to talk to us," he said. Brought together by shared worries about Iran and hopes for commercial boons, the UAE and Bahrain normalised relations with Israel last year under so-called 'Abraham Accords' crafted by the administration of then US-President Donald Trump. Sudan and Morocco have since also moved to establish ties with Israel. Lapid and his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan discussed building on the accords to achieve peace and strengthen security in the region, state news agency WAM said. They signed an agreement for economic and commercial cooperation, which an Israeli spokesman had earlier said would be the 12th since last year's move to forge ties. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, welcoming Lapid's visit, said Washington "will continue to work with Israel and the UAE as we strengthen all aspects of our partnerships and work to create a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous future for all the peoples of the Middle East", the State Department said. The regional rapprochement was deplored by the Palestinians, who want their demands for statehood free of Israeli occupation addressed first. President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the accords as 'an illusion' and asserted that colonial powers had "implant(ed) Israel as a foreign body in this region in order to fragment it and keep it weak," according to a report on Tuesday by the official Palestinian news service WAFA. Lapid will on Wednesday visit the site of Expo 2020 Dubai, a world fair opening in October where Israel has built a pavilion. The UAE formally opened its embassy in Israel, temporarily located in the Tel Aviv stock exchange, this month. Israel's Abu Dhabi embassy still has only three diplomats and a head of mission, Eitan Na'eh, yet to be confirmed as full ambassador. Its Dubai consulate is similarly located in temporary premises. (With inputs from agencies)

Inaugurating embassy in UAE, Israel tells region: 'We're here to stay'

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, in a meeting on Monday with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, said his commitment to Israel is "iron-clad" and he looks forward to meeting with new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett soon. 
 
Biden, in his first meeting as president with a top Israeli official, also said Iran would not come to possess a nuclear weapon during his time in office. 
 
“My commitment to Israel is ... ironclad,” Biden told Rivlin at the start of their meeting in the Oval Office. He said the two officials would discuss a range of topics, including Iran. 
 
“What I can say to you is that Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch," Biden said. 
 
The meeting took place just weeks after Bennett took over as Israel`s new prime minister, replacing Benjamin Netanyahu. US&nbsp;officials are working on setting up a meeting between Biden and Bennett in the coming weeks. 
 
“He’s going to invite the prime minister of Israel in the very next days in order to find a way to go forward and to exchange ideas," Rivlin said of Biden after their meeting. 
 
The get-together comes amid concerns in Israel and Arab capitals about US&nbsp;efforts to re-enter the Iran nuclear deal because of fears a resumption of the accord may eventually allow Tehran to acquire atomic weapons that would leave them vulnerable to Iranian intimidation or military threat. 
 
US&nbsp;attempts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, after then-President Donald Trump abandoned it in 2018, have been slow to make progress with Tehran insisting the United States lift all economic sanctions. 
 
A source familiar with the Biden-Rivlin meeting said Biden was expected to tell Rivlin that the United States and Israel share the same objective, that Iran not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and that Biden would stress US&nbsp;support for Israel`s right to defend itself. 
 
The two leaders are also expected to discuss Israel`s 11-day war with Gaza. The United States has pledged to resupply Israel`s Iron Dome defense system, which got heavy usage during the Gaza conflict. 
 
Rivlin is to leave office on July 7 after a seven-year term, with Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog taking over as Israeli president. 
 
Rivlin is on his final foreign trip as president. He will meet officials at the United Nations in New York and congressional lawmakers in Washington.

US President Joe Biden, in a meeting on Monday with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, said his commitment to Israel is "iron-clad" and he looks forward to meeting with new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett soon.

US President Joe Biden, in a meeting on Monday with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, said his commitment to Israel is "iron-clad" and he looks forward to meeting with new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett soon. Biden, in his first meeting as president with a top Israeli official, also said Iran would not come to possess a nuclear weapon during his time in office. “My commitment to Israel is ... ironclad,” Biden told Rivlin at the start of their meeting in the Oval Office. He said the two officials would discuss a range of topics, including Iran. “What I can say to you is that Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch," Biden said. The meeting took place just weeks after Bennett took over as Israel`s new prime minister, replacing Benjamin Netanyahu. US officials are working on setting up a meeting between Biden and Bennett in the coming weeks. “He’s going to invite the prime minister of Israel in the very next days in order to find a way to go forward and to exchange ideas," Rivlin said of Biden after their meeting. The get-together comes amid concerns in Israel and Arab capitals about US efforts to re-enter the Iran nuclear deal because of fears a resumption of the accord may eventually allow Tehran to acquire atomic weapons that would leave them vulnerable to Iranian intimidation or military threat. US attempts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, after then-President Donald Trump abandoned it in 2018, have been slow to make progress with Tehran insisting the United States lift all economic sanctions. A source familiar with the Biden-Rivlin meeting said Biden was expected to tell Rivlin that the United States and Israel share the same objective, that Iran not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and that Biden would stress US support for Israel`s right to defend itself. The two leaders are also expected to discuss Israel`s 11-day war with Gaza. The United States has pledged to resupply Israel`s Iron Dome defense system, which got heavy usage during the Gaza conflict. Rivlin is to leave office on July 7 after a seven-year term, with Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog taking over as Israeli president. Rivlin is on his final foreign trip as president. He will meet officials at the United Nations in New York and congressional lawmakers in Washington.

Biden vows to Israel: No nuclear weapon for Iran on my watch

israel

Israel, News on Israel, stories on Israel, articles on Israel, Israel stories at Wion, Israel news, Israel latest news