According to a report, the Health Ministry of Israel will destroy at least 800,000 expiring Coronavirus vaccine doses if no buyers are found for them in the next two weeks. Israel is said to be in talks with several countries to either purchase the vaccines or take them in exchange for vaccines they were to receive later.

Reports: Israel may have to throw away nearly a million COVID-19 vaccines

Israel’s new foreign minister Yair Lapid arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday for a two-day trip. This is the first-ever official visit by an Israeli minister after both countries normalised ties in September last year.

Israeli FM Yair Lapid arrives in UAE on first state visit

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israel's new Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met in Rome on Sunday. Yair Lipid opened the meeting with a reference to past mistakes made by Israel and an aim to fix them together.

Antony Blinken meets Yair Lipid in Rome to fix 'mistakes' made in past

Israel has serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal being put together in Vienna, new foreign minister Yair Lapid told his American counterpart, as he pledged to fix 'the mistakes made' in US-Israeli relations in recent years. 
 
In their first face-to-face meeting since Israel's new government was sworn in two weeks ago, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lapid had a very positive and warm discussion, according to US&nbsp;officials. 
 
The main topics were the nuclear deal and Israel's normalisation accords with Gulf Arab states, as well as humanitarian aid to Gaza and the status of East Jerusalem, a topic that helped fuel the latest wave of violence between the Israelis and Palestinians in May. 
 
"Israel has some serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal that is being put together in Vienna. We believe the way to discuss those disagreements is through direct and professional conversations, not in press conferences," Lapid said, in brief remarks ahead of the meeting in Rome. 
 
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. 
 
Blinken told Lapid that Washington would remain in close contact with Israel over the Iran negotiations, US&nbsp;officials said. 
 
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a nationalist atop a cross-partisan coalition, has hewed to the opposition of his conservative predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, whose caps on projects with bomb-making potential Israel deemed too lax. 
 
Netanyahu's particularly close ties with Trump followed an acrimonious relationship with his predecessor Barack Obama, which some critics said had alienated Democrats and compromised US&nbsp;bipartisan support for Israel. 
 
Biden, since taking office on January&nbsp;20, has repeatedly expressed Washington's support for Israel but has been more measured in his approach than Trump. 
 
Lapid acknowledged the need for repair. "In the past few years, mistakes were made. Israel's bipartisan standing was hurt. We will fix those mistakes together." 
 
Blinken also reiterated to Lapid Washington's concerns over Israeli attempts to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem, and the status of the city's al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, US&nbsp;officials said. 
 
Blinken also conveyed to Lapid the necessity of getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza, where 250 Palestinians were killed and scores of buildings were destroyed last month by Israeli air strikes. 
 
Biden has worked to repair ties with the Palestinians and abandon what they said was the one-sided US&nbsp;policy towards the conflict. His administration has pledged to resume hundreds of millions of dollars in economic and humanitarian assistance and work towards reopening the Palestinians' diplomatic mission in Washington.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel has serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal being put together in Vienna, new foreign minister Yair Lapid told his American counterpart, as he pledged to fix 'the mistakes made' in US-Israeli relations in recent years.

Israel has serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal being put together in Vienna, new foreign minister Yair Lapid told his American counterpart, as he pledged to fix 'the mistakes made' in US-Israeli relations in recent years. In their first face-to-face meeting since Israel's new government was sworn in two weeks ago, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lapid had a very positive and warm discussion, according to US officials. The main topics were the nuclear deal and Israel's normalisation accords with Gulf Arab states, as well as humanitarian aid to Gaza and the status of East Jerusalem, a topic that helped fuel the latest wave of violence between the Israelis and Palestinians in May. "Israel has some serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal that is being put together in Vienna. We believe the way to discuss those disagreements is through direct and professional conversations, not in press conferences," Lapid said, in brief remarks ahead of the meeting in Rome. 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. Blinken told Lapid that Washington would remain in close contact with Israel over the Iran negotiations, US officials said. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a nationalist atop a cross-partisan coalition, has hewed to the opposition of his conservative predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, whose caps on projects with bomb-making potential Israel deemed too lax. Netanyahu's particularly close ties with Trump followed an acrimonious relationship with his predecessor Barack Obama, which some critics said had alienated Democrats and compromised US bipartisan support for Israel. Biden, since taking office on January 20, has repeatedly expressed Washington's support for Israel but has been more measured in his approach than Trump. Lapid acknowledged the need for repair. "In the past few years, mistakes were made. Israel's bipartisan standing was hurt. We will fix those mistakes together." Blinken also reiterated to Lapid Washington's concerns over Israeli attempts to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem, and the status of the city's al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, US officials said. Blinken also conveyed to Lapid the necessity of getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza, where 250 Palestinians were killed and scores of buildings were destroyed last month by Israeli air strikes. Biden has worked to repair ties with the Palestinians and abandon what they said was the one-sided US policy towards the conflict. His administration has pledged to resume hundreds of millions of dollars in economic and humanitarian assistance and work towards reopening the Palestinians' diplomatic mission in Washington. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel tells US it has serious reservations about Iran nuclear deal

A former president of Israel's Supreme Court was appointed on Sunday to head its state commission of inquiry into a stampede at a Jewish pilgrimage site in April that killed 45 people, among them US&nbsp;and Canadian citizens. 
 
Retired Chief Justice Miriam Naor will be joined on the panel by Rabbi Mordechai Karelitz, a former mayor of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish city of Bnai Brak, and retired Israeli army general Shlomo Yanai, a courts spokesman said in a statement. 
 
Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews thronged to the Galilee hillside tomb of 2nd-century sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on April 30 for the annual Lag B'Omer festival that includes all-night prayer, mystical songs and dance. 
 
During the ceremony, part of the crowd surged into a narrow tunnel and 45 men and boys were asphyxiated or trampled to death. Israeli media said at least six of the fatalities had US&nbsp;citizenship and two had Canadian citizenship. 
 
Ordering the inquiry last week, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said it would help safeguard other mass-attendance events in Israel, which has sites sacred to Christianity and Islam as well as to Judaism.

A former president of Israel's Supreme Court was appointed on Sunday to head its state commission of inquiry into a stampede at a Jewish pilgrimage site in April that killed 45 people, among them US and Canadian citizens.

A former president of Israel's Supreme Court was appointed on Sunday to head its state commission of inquiry into a stampede at a Jewish pilgrimage site in April that killed 45 people, among them US and Canadian citizens. Retired Chief Justice Miriam Naor will be joined on the panel by Rabbi Mordechai Karelitz, a former mayor of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish city of Bnai Brak, and retired Israeli army general Shlomo Yanai, a courts spokesman said in a statement. Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews thronged to the Galilee hillside tomb of 2nd-century sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on April 30 for the annual Lag B'Omer festival that includes all-night prayer, mystical songs and dance. During the ceremony, part of the crowd surged into a narrow tunnel and 45 men and boys were asphyxiated or trampled to death. Israeli media said at least six of the fatalities had US citizenship and two had Canadian citizenship. Ordering the inquiry last week, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said it would help safeguard other mass-attendance events in Israel, which has sites sacred to Christianity and Islam as well as to Judaism.

Retired Israeli Supreme Court chief to head inquiry on lethal stampede

Israeli scientists say they have discovered a new kind of early human after studying pieces of fossilized bone dug up at a site used by a cement plant in central Israel. The fragments of a skull and a lower jaw with teeth were about 130,000 years old and could force a rethink of parts of the human family tree.

Israel: New early human discovered in 130,000-year-old fossils

Scientists said on Thursday (June 24) they had discovered a previously unknown kind of early human after studying pieces of fossilised bone dug up in a site used by a cement plant in central Israel.

Meet Nesher Ramla Homo, a new type of early human discovered in Israel

Developers said they are working to provide more ethical and sustainable ways to create cruelty- and slaughter-free meat, with the product grown without using genetic engineering or antibiotics.

Israelis taste the future with lab-grown chicken

On Sunday, negotiators from Iran and the P5+1 countries adjourned&nbsp;their talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal; Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and returned to their respective country capitals for consultations, as according to the Iran delegation chief, remaining differences cannot be overcome so easily. &nbsp;

Talking to Iranian state TV from Vienna, Abbas Araqchi said, "We are now closer than ever to an agreement but the distance that exists between us and an agreement remains and bridging it is not an easy job,"

"We will return to Tehran tonight." He added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-irans-raisi-extreme-committed-to-nuclear-programme-392707">Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme</a>

As of yet, it is still unclear when the formal negotiations will resume. &nbsp;

Parties to the pact wrapped up, after more than a week of negotiations in this&nbsp;latest round. According to the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;envoy though no date for a resumption in negotiations had been set, for now, but that they could return in about 10 days.

Enrique Mora, the European Union political director who has been&nbsp;coordinating the discussions told reporters in Vienna, that&nbsp;"We have made progress this week, in this sixth round. We are closer to a deal but we are not still there. We are closer than we were one week ago but we are not still there,".

Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner, ultraconservative cleric, on Friday secured victory in Iran’s presidential elections, replacing pragmatist Hassan Rouhani.

This is not expected to disrupt Iran’s efforts to rebuild the nuclear pact and escape tough US financial and oil sanctions, as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has the final say on all the major policy decisions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-irans-raisi-extreme-committed-to-nuclear-programme-392707">Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme</a>

Under the Donald Trump administration, Washington exited from the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.

In an attempt to iron out steps both the United States and Iran must take on nuclear activities and sanctions, so as to return to full compliance with the pact, negotiations have been underway in Vienna since April.

"Bridging the gaps requires decisions that mainly the other party (Washington) has to take. I hope in the next round we will travel this short distance - albeit a difficult one," Araqchi said.

Condemning the recent presidential election, and calling the upcoming regime under Raisi "regime of brutal hangmen" Iran’s arch-enemy Israel said that world powers should not negotiate a new nuclear deal with them.

"(His) election is, I would say, the last chance for world powers to wake up before returning to the nuclear agreement, and understand who they are doing business with," Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in a statement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ebrahim-raisi-hailed-as-irans-new-president-392723/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new Iran president Raisi, has never publicly addressed allegations around his role in what the United States and human rights groups have called the extrajudicial executions of thousands of political prisoners in 1988.

Bennett, has hewed to the opposition of his conservative predecessor Benjamin Netanyahu against the nuclear deal, whose curbs on projects with atomic bomb-making potential, Israel deems to be too lenient.

On Sunday, negotiators from Iran and the P5+1 countries adjourned their talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal; Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and returned to their respective country capitals for consultations, as according to the Iran delegation chief, remaining differences cannot be overcome so easily.

On Sunday, negotiators from Iran and the P5+1 countries adjourned their talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal; Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and returned to their respective country capitals for consultations, as according to the Iran delegation chief, remaining differences cannot be overcome so easily. Talking to Iranian state TV from Vienna, Abbas Araqchi said, "We are now closer than ever to an agreement but the distance that exists between us and an agreement remains and bridging it is not an easy job," "We will return to Tehran tonight." He added. Also read | Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme As of yet, it is still unclear when the formal negotiations will resume. Parties to the pact wrapped up, after more than a week of negotiations in this latest round. According to the Russian envoy though no date for a resumption in negotiations had been set, for now, but that they could return in about 10 days. Enrique Mora, the European Union political director who has been coordinating the discussions told reporters in Vienna, that "We have made progress this week, in this sixth round. We are closer to a deal but we are not still there. We are closer than we were one week ago but we are not still there,". Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner, ultraconservative cleric, on Friday secured victory in Iran’s presidential elections, replacing pragmatist Hassan Rouhani. This is not expected to disrupt Iran’s efforts to rebuild the nuclear pact and escape tough US financial and oil sanctions, as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has the final say on all the major policy decisions. Also read | Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme Under the Donald Trump administration, Washington exited from the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. In an attempt to iron out steps both the United States and Iran must take on nuclear activities and sanctions, so as to return to full compliance with the pact, negotiations have been underway in Vienna since April. "Bridging the gaps requires decisions that mainly the other party (Washington) has to take. I hope in the next round we will travel this short distance - albeit a difficult one," Araqchi said. Condemning the recent presidential election, and calling the upcoming regime under Raisi "regime of brutal hangmen" Iran’s arch-enemy Israel said that world powers should not negotiate a new nuclear deal with them. "(His) election is, I would say, the last chance for world powers to wake up before returning to the nuclear agreement, and understand who they are doing business with," Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in a statement. The new Iran president Raisi, has never publicly addressed allegations around his role in what the United States and human rights groups have called the extrajudicial executions of thousands of political prisoners in 1988. Bennett, has hewed to the opposition of his conservative predecessor Benjamin Netanyahu against the nuclear deal, whose curbs on projects with atomic bomb-making potential, Israel deems to be too lenient.

Nuclear talks adjourned for consultations in respective capitals, resumption dates unclear

Israel&nbsp;on Saturday condemned&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;newly-elected president Ebrahim&nbsp;Raisi, saying he was its most&nbsp;extreme&nbsp;president yet and&nbsp;committed&nbsp;to quickly advancing Tehran's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;programme.

"Iran’s new president, known as the Butcher of Tehran, is an extremist responsible for the deaths of thousands of Iranians. He is&nbsp;committed&nbsp;to the regime's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;ambitions and to its campaign of global terror," Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said on Twitter.

A separate statement from the&nbsp;Israeli Foreign Ministry said&nbsp;Raisi's election should "prompt grave concern among the international community."

Israel's new government, sworn in on Sunday, has said it would object to the revival of a 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal between world powers and its arch-foe, Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilians-protest-bolsonaros-role-in-half-a-million-covid-19-deaths-392661">Also Read |&nbsp;Brazilians protest Bolsonaro's role in half a million COVID-19 deaths</a>

Israel&nbsp;sees a&nbsp;nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat. Tehran denies seeking&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons.

Toeing the policy line set by the administration of&nbsp;Israel's former prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the foreign ministry said: "More than ever, Iran’s&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;program must be halted immediately, rolled back entirely and stopped indefinitely."

"Iran’s ballistic missile program must be dismantled and its global terror campaign vigorously countered by a broad international coalition."

Raisi, a hardline judge who is under U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses, secured victory as expected on Saturday in&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;presidential election after a contest marked by voter apathy over economic hardships and political restrictions.

Israel on Saturday condemned Iran's newly-elected president Ebrahim Raisi, saying he was its most extreme president yet and committed to quickly advancing Tehran's nuclear programme.

Israel on Saturday condemned Iran's newly-elected president Ebrahim Raisi, saying he was its most extreme president yet and committed to quickly advancing Tehran's nuclear programme. "Iran’s new president, known as the Butcher of Tehran, is an extremist responsible for the deaths of thousands of Iranians. He is committed to the regime's nuclear ambitions and to its campaign of global terror," Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said on Twitter. A separate statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry said Raisi's election should "prompt grave concern among the international community." Israel's new government, sworn in on Sunday, has said it would object to the revival of a 2015 nuclear deal between world powers and its arch-foe, Iran. Also Read | Brazilians protest Bolsonaro's role in half a million COVID-19 deaths Israel sees a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat. Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons. Toeing the policy line set by the administration of Israel's former prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the foreign ministry said: "More than ever, Iran’s nuclear program must be halted immediately, rolled back entirely and stopped indefinitely." "Iran’s ballistic missile program must be dismantled and its global terror campaign vigorously countered by a broad international coalition." Raisi, a hardline judge who is under U.S. sanctions for human rights abuses, secured victory as expected on Saturday in Iran's presidential election after a contest marked by voter apathy over economic hardships and political restrictions.

Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme

The Israel-Hamas conflict is escalating again. After Israeli airstrikes, Palestinians clashed with police at the al-Aqsa mosque. As tensions escalate, "anti-Palestine" messages by a designer at Zara led to boycott calls against the fashion brand. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Palestinians clash with Israeli police at Al-Aqsa mosque

In response to Palestinian actions, Israeli jets launched airstrikes in Gaza overnight (from Thursday to Friday), the army said.

This was a retaliation for the actions of militants in the Palestinian territory.&nbsp;Reportedly, militants in the Palestinian territory set off arson balloons into southern Israel in the past few days, which angered the Israeli side.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explosions-light-up-night-sky-in-gaza-city-391847">Explosions light up night sky in Gaza city</a>

"Over the past day, arson balloons were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," Israel’s military said in a statement. "In response... fighter jets struck military compounds and a rocket launch site belonging to the Hamas terror organisation."

These balloons are not harmless and are used to set farmland and bush around Gaza on fire. Israel forces launched a small retaliatory strike in the early hours of Wednesday. The second wave of airstrikes were launched overnight Thursday to Friday as the balloons from the Palestinian side continued.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-gaza-first-time-under-the-new-government-and-after-the-ceasefire-391754">Israel strikes Gaza, first time under the new government and after the ceasefire</a>

After the strikes, the Israel army chief, Aviv Kohavi, has ordered the forces to "increase the IDF's (Israeli Defense Forces') readiness and preparedness for a variety of scenarios including a resumption of hostilities."

The strikes made this week were the first under the leadership of Israel’s new Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett.

In response to Palestinian actions, Israeli jets launched airstrikes in Gaza overnight (from Thursday to Friday), the army said. This was a retaliation for the actions of militants in the Palestinian territory.

In response to Palestinian actions, Israeli jets launched airstrikes in Gaza overnight (from Thursday to Friday), the army said. This was a retaliation for the actions of militants in the Palestinian territory. Reportedly, militants in the Palestinian territory set off arson balloons into southern Israel in the past few days, which angered the Israeli side. Have a look | Explosions light up night sky in Gaza city "Over the past day, arson balloons were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," Israel’s military said in a statement. "In response... fighter jets struck military compounds and a rocket launch site belonging to the Hamas terror organisation." These balloons are not harmless and are used to set farmland and bush around Gaza on fire. Israel forces launched a small retaliatory strike in the early hours of Wednesday. The second wave of airstrikes were launched overnight Thursday to Friday as the balloons from the Palestinian side continued. Also read | Israel strikes Gaza, first time under the new government and after the ceasefire After the strikes, the Israel army chief, Aviv Kohavi, has ordered the forces to "increase the IDF's (Israeli Defense Forces') readiness and preparedness for a variety of scenarios including a resumption of hostilities." The strikes made this week were the first under the leadership of Israel’s new Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett.

Israel carries out fresh airstrike in response to Palestinian arson balloons

The tensions between Israel and Gaza is once again flaring up. Israeli air strikes hit Gaza city for second night in a row. The Israeli Defece Forces said it was ready for a "resumption of hostilities" if the attacks from Gaza continue.

Israel bombs Gaza City in second day of strikes under new govt

Israel has launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, its first offensive since a new coalition government came to power, barely weeks after an 11-day battle with the Palestinian territory.

Blasts were heard across Gaza about 1:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, according to a Hamas radio station, which reported the attacks targeted a Palestinian training camp.

These airstrikes come after militants in the Palestinian territory sent incendiary balloons into the south of Israel.

“Fighter jets recently attacked Hamas military complexes that served as camps and meeting places for terrorist operatives in the Khan Yunis and Gaza brigades,” the military said, adding that it is “prepared for all scenarios, including the resumption of hostilities.” 
 
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“Terrorist activity took place in the attacked compound,” the IDF said, adding that the attacks were in retaliation to incendiary devices launched earlier in the day toward southern Israel.

“The IDF is prepared for all scenarios, including the resumption of hostilities, in the face of continued terror acts from the Gaza Strip,” the army added.

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VIDEO: Israeli forces launch air strikes on Gaza. 
 
An explosion lights up the night sky in Khan Yunis, in the Gaza Strip, as Israel shells the Palestinian enclave. The Israeli air force says it was responding to incendiary balloons sent into southern Israel from Gaza <a href="https://t.co/2FsiLiSKRr">pic.twitter.com/2FsiLiSKRr</a>
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According to a report by Times of Israel, "No Gazans were injured in the strikes, the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian media centre initially reported."

A truce between Israel and the Gaza Strip went into effect on May 21.

Hundreds of missiles were launched from both Israel and Palestine during the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is administered by Hamas, 253 Palestinians were killed in the battle, including 66 children, while 13 Israelis were slain, including a 5-year-old boy and a soldier.

Israel has launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, its first offensive since a new coalition government came to power, barely weeks after an 11-day battle with the Palestinian territory.

Israel has launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, its first offensive since a new coalition government came to power, barely weeks after an 11-day battle with the Palestinian territory. Blasts were heard across Gaza about 1:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, according to a Hamas radio station, which reported the attacks targeted a Palestinian training camp. These airstrikes come after militants in the Palestinian territory sent incendiary balloons into the south of Israel. “Fighter jets recently attacked Hamas military complexes that served as camps and meeting places for terrorist operatives in the Khan Yunis and Gaza brigades,” the military said, adding that it is “prepared for all scenarios, including the resumption of hostilities.” “Terrorist activity took place in the attacked compound,” the IDF said, adding that the attacks were in retaliation to incendiary devices launched earlier in the day toward southern Israel. “The IDF is prepared for all scenarios, including the resumption of hostilities, in the face of continued terror acts from the Gaza Strip,” the army added. VIDEO: Israeli forces launch air strikes on Gaza. An explosion lights up the night sky in Khan Yunis, in the Gaza Strip, as Israel shells the Palestinian enclave. The Israeli air force says it was responding to incendiary balloons sent into southern Israel from Gaza pic.twitter.com/2FsiLiSKRr — AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 16, 2021 × According to a report by Times of Israel, "No Gazans were injured in the strikes, the Hamas-affiliated Palestinian media centre initially reported." A truce between Israel and the Gaza Strip went into effect on May 21. Hundreds of missiles were launched from both Israel and Palestine during the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is administered by Hamas, 253 Palestinians were killed in the battle, including 66 children, while 13 Israelis were slain, including a 5-year-old boy and a soldier.

Israel strikes Gaza, first time under the new government and after the ceasefire

The Israeli military has launched airstrikes on the Palestinian territory of Gaza in response to reports of "incendiary balloons," according to news reports.

Israel launches airstrikes on Gaza in response to 'incendiary balloons'

Far-right Israeli groups will march in and around East Jerusalem's Old City on Tuesday in a flag-waving procession that risks igniting tensions with Palestinians in the contested city and rekindling violence between Israel and Gaza militants. 
 
Assailing the march as a 'provocation', Palestinian factions have called for a 'Day of Rage' in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas have warned of renewed hostilities if it goes ahead. 
 
"We warn of the dangerous repercussions that may result from the occupying power's intention to allow extremist Israeli settlers to carry out the Flag March in occupied Jerusalem tomorrow," Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said on Twitter. 
 
An original march was re-routed to avoid the Old City's Muslim Quarter on May 10 when tensions in Jerusalem led Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas to fire rockets towards the holy city, helping set off 11 days of deadly fighting. 
 
Israeli rightists accused their government of caving into Hamas by changing its route. They rescheduled the procession after a Gaza truce took hold. 
 
Tuesday's march, due to begin at 6:30 pm&nbsp;(1530 GMT), poses an immediate challenge for new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who took office on Sunday and brought veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu's record-long rule to an end. 
 
Bennett's internal security minister approved the march on Monday. 
 
A route change or cancellation of the procession could expose Bennett's patchwork coalition to accusations from Netanyahu, now in the opposition, and his right-wing allies of giving Hamas veto power over events in Jerusalem. 
 
"The time has come for Israel to threaten Hamas and not for Hamas to threaten Israel," prominent far-right lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Twitter. 
 
An official route for the march is yet to be announced. Israeli media reported that police will allow participants to congregate outside the Old City's Damascus Gate but will not let them cross through it to the Muslim Quarter, which has an overwhelmingly Palestinian population. 
 
Tensions are sure to be high whether or not the route is changed. Palestinian protests were planned for 6 pm&nbsp;(1500 GMT) across the Gaza Strip, and Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction have called on Palestinians to flock to the Old City to counter the march. 
 
The Israeli military has made preparations for a possible escalation in Gaza over the march, Israeli media reported, and the US&nbsp;Embassy in Jerusalem prohibited its employees and their families from entering the Old City on Tuesday. 
 
Palestinians want East Jerusalem, which includes the Old City, to be the capital of a state they seek to establish in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. 
 
Israel, which annexed East Jerusalem in a move that has not won international recognition after capturing the area in a 1967 war, regards the entire city as its capital. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Far-right Israeli groups will march in and around East Jerusalem's Old City on Tuesday in a flag-waving procession that risks igniting tensions with Palestinians in the contested city and rekindling violence between Israel and Gaza militants.

Far-right Israeli groups will march in and around East Jerusalem's Old City on Tuesday in a flag-waving procession that risks igniting tensions with Palestinians in the contested city and rekindling violence between Israel and Gaza militants. Assailing the march as a 'provocation', Palestinian factions have called for a 'Day of Rage' in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas have warned of renewed hostilities if it goes ahead. "We warn of the dangerous repercussions that may result from the occupying power's intention to allow extremist Israeli settlers to carry out the Flag March in occupied Jerusalem tomorrow," Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said on Twitter. An original march was re-routed to avoid the Old City's Muslim Quarter on May 10 when tensions in Jerusalem led Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas to fire rockets towards the holy city, helping set off 11 days of deadly fighting. Israeli rightists accused their government of caving into Hamas by changing its route. They rescheduled the procession after a Gaza truce took hold. Tuesday's march, due to begin at 6:30 pm (1530 GMT), poses an immediate challenge for new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who took office on Sunday and brought veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu's record-long rule to an end. Bennett's internal security minister approved the march on Monday. A route change or cancellation of the procession could expose Bennett's patchwork coalition to accusations from Netanyahu, now in the opposition, and his right-wing allies of giving Hamas veto power over events in Jerusalem. "The time has come for Israel to threaten Hamas and not for Hamas to threaten Israel," prominent far-right lawmaker Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Twitter. An official route for the march is yet to be announced. Israeli media reported that police will allow participants to congregate outside the Old City's Damascus Gate but will not let them cross through it to the Muslim Quarter, which has an overwhelmingly Palestinian population. Tensions are sure to be high whether or not the route is changed. Palestinian protests were planned for 6 pm (1500 GMT) across the Gaza Strip, and Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction have called on Palestinians to flock to the Old City to counter the march. The Israeli military has made preparations for a possible escalation in Gaza over the march, Israeli media reported, and the US Embassy in Jerusalem prohibited its employees and their families from entering the Old City on Tuesday. Palestinians want East Jerusalem, which includes the Old City, to be the capital of a state they seek to establish in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Israel, which annexed East Jerusalem in a move that has not won international recognition after capturing the area in a 1967 war, regards the entire city as its capital. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli nationalists to march in East Jerusalem, Palestinians plan 'Day of Rage'

After 12 years of dominating Israeli politics, Benjamin Netanyahu has been ousted as Prime Minister. What is Bibi's legacy in Israel? What does the new PM Naftali Bennett bring to the table? Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Netanyahu ousted after 12 years as prime minister

After barely 12 hours of the formation, Israel’s new government gave the green light for a controversial march by Jewish nationalists through annexed east Jerusalem, despite concerns over renewed tensions with the Palestinians.

New Israeli govt gives go-ahead to controversial Jerusalem flag march

Israel's&nbsp;new&nbsp;government, due to be sworn in on Sunday, consists of a hodgepodge of political parties that have little in common other than a desire to unseat veteran right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;spans the far-left to the far-right and includes for the first time a small Islamist faction representing&nbsp;Israel's&nbsp;Arab minority.

It is expected to focus mostly on economic and social issues rather than risk exposing internal rifts by trying to address major diplomatic issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-knesset-to-vote-on-new-government-end-netanyahus-record-reign-391097">Israel's Knesset to vote on new government, end Netanyahu's record reign</a>

Here are the people&nbsp;who&nbsp;will be leading the&nbsp;new&nbsp;government:

Naftali Benett - Prime Minister

Bennett leads the ultranationalist Yamina (Rightwards) party that champions Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank. He made a fortune in Israeli high-tech before entering politics in 2013. He served in previous Netanyahu-led&nbsp;governments, most recently as defence minister.

Now Bennett says he is joining with opponents to save the country from a period of political turmoil that could otherwise see the fifth election in just over two years. A plan he has floated to annex much of the West Bank seems unfeasible, given his&nbsp;new&nbsp;partners. He opposes the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-era-approaches-its-end-new-government-seals-coalition-deals-390928">Netanyahu era approaches its end, new government seals coalition deals</a>

Under the&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;deal, Bennett will serve as prime minister for two years and until he is replaced by Yair Lapid. He will be the country's first leader to wear a kippah, a skullcap worn by Orthodox Jews.

Yair&nbsp;Lapid - Foreign Minister

Lapid heads the centrist Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party and was the architect behind the&nbsp;new&nbsp;government. His party is the biggest in the&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;but he agreed to share power with Bennett to secure a parliamentary majority.

He quit his job as a TV anchor in 2012 and formed his own party, running on the promise to ease financial pressures on the middle-class. He also seeks to end many of the state-funded privileges enjoyed by ultra-Orthodox Jews, a long-running source of grievance to many secular Israelis.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-crucial-parliament-vote-takes-place-on-sunday-netanyahus-12-years-of-rule-at-stake-391166/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He initially served as finance minister before moving to the opposition, which he led until Sunday.

Lapid will serve as foreign minister for two years and then take over as prime minister until the end of the&nbsp;government. If it lasts that long.

Benny Gantz - Defence Minister

Just two years ago Gantz, a former military chief heading the centrist Blue and White party, was the opposition's best hope to unseat Netanyahu.

But he agreed to join Netanyahu in a "unity"&nbsp;government, a decision that angered many of his supporters.

He will be a part of the&nbsp;new&nbsp;coalition, remaining in the post of defence minister.

Avigdor&nbsp;Lieberman - Finance Minister

A far-right immigrant from Moldova&nbsp;who&nbsp;lives in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Lieberman has been a political wildcard over the past decade. He has joined Netanyahu&nbsp;governments, including as defence minister, but also quit.

As finance minister, he will have to rein in a budget deficit that ballooned during the coronavirus crisis.

He has also said he will try to change the status quo between the&nbsp;government&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel's&nbsp;politically powerful ultra-Orthodox minority, which is a mainstay of Netanyahu's outgoing&nbsp;government.

The ultra-Orthodox community has low participation rates in the workforce and relies heavily on&nbsp;government&nbsp;handouts while focusing on religious studies. Lieberman has said he will work to integrate them more into the economy.

Gideon Saar - Justice Minister

Saar was Netanyahu's main rival within Likud, but Netanyahu did his best to keep him out of the spotlight and away from the highest-level portfolios. Frustrated, Saar launched a failed leadership bid then spun off his own party.

As head of the&nbsp;New&nbsp;Hope party, Saar will be bumped up to the justice minister, where he will oversee the legal system and become a member of the security cabinet.

Mansour Abbas

Abbas's small United Arab List will be the first party in an Israeli&nbsp;government&nbsp;to be drawn from&nbsp;Israel's&nbsp;21% Arab minority - Palestinian by culture and heritage, but Israeli by citizenship.

He split with other Arab politicians&nbsp;who&nbsp;prefer to remain outside&nbsp;government&nbsp;and cast aside differences with Bennett and other right-wingers to tip the scales against Netanyahu.

Abbas is expected to serve as a deputy minister in the prime minister's office. He aims to negotiate a big increase in&nbsp;government&nbsp;spending in Arab towns and villages.

But his presence is a potentially destabilising factor. He has been criticised by Palestinians for agreeing to support an Israeli&nbsp;government&nbsp;while Israel continues to occupy the Palestinian territories. Addressing these tensions, Abbas told the Italian daily La Repubblica on Friday: "There will be difficult decisions to be made, including security decisions. We have to juggle our identity as Palestinian Arabs and citizens of the State of Israel, between civil and nationalistic aspects."

Israel's new government, due to be sworn in on Sunday, consists of a hodgepodge of political parties that have little in common other than a desire to unseat veteran right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel's new government, due to be sworn in on Sunday, consists of a hodgepodge of political parties that have little in common other than a desire to unseat veteran right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The coalition spans the far-left to the far-right and includes for the first time a small Islamist faction representing Israel's Arab minority. It is expected to focus mostly on economic and social issues rather than risk exposing internal rifts by trying to address major diplomatic issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Also read | Israel's Knesset to vote on new government, end Netanyahu's record reign Here are the people who will be leading the new government: Naftali Benett - Prime Minister Bennett leads the ultranationalist Yamina (Rightwards) party that champions Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank. He made a fortune in Israeli high-tech before entering politics in 2013. He served in previous Netanyahu-led governments, most recently as defence minister. Now Bennett says he is joining with opponents to save the country from a period of political turmoil that could otherwise see the fifth election in just over two years. A plan he has floated to annex much of the West Bank seems unfeasible, given his new partners. He opposes the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Also read | Netanyahu era approaches its end, new government seals coalition deals Under the coalition deal, Bennett will serve as prime minister for two years and until he is replaced by Yair Lapid. He will be the country's first leader to wear a kippah, a skullcap worn by Orthodox Jews. Yair Lapid - Foreign Minister Lapid heads the centrist Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party and was the architect behind the new government. His party is the biggest in the coalition but he agreed to share power with Bennett to secure a parliamentary majority. He quit his job as a TV anchor in 2012 and formed his own party, running on the promise to ease financial pressures on the middle-class. He also seeks to end many of the state-funded privileges enjoyed by ultra-Orthodox Jews, a long-running source of grievance to many secular Israelis. He initially served as finance minister before moving to the opposition, which he led until Sunday. Lapid will serve as foreign minister for two years and then take over as prime minister until the end of the government. If it lasts that long. Benny Gantz - Defence Minister Just two years ago Gantz, a former military chief heading the centrist Blue and White party, was the opposition's best hope to unseat Netanyahu. But he agreed to join Netanyahu in a "unity" government, a decision that angered many of his supporters. He will be a part of the new coalition, remaining in the post of defence minister. Avigdor Lieberman - Finance Minister A far-right immigrant from Moldova who lives in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Lieberman has been a political wildcard over the past decade. He has joined Netanyahu governments, including as defence minister, but also quit. As finance minister, he will have to rein in a budget deficit that ballooned during the coronavirus crisis. He has also said he will try to change the status quo between the government and Israel's politically powerful ultra-Orthodox minority, which is a mainstay of Netanyahu's outgoing government. The ultra-Orthodox community has low participation rates in the workforce and relies heavily on government handouts while focusing on religious studies. Lieberman has said he will work to integrate them more into the economy. Gideon Saar - Justice Minister Saar was Netanyahu's main rival within Likud, but Netanyahu did his best to keep him out of the spotlight and away from the highest-level portfolios. Frustrated, Saar launched a failed leadership bid then spun off his own party. As head of the New Hope party, Saar will be bumped up to the justice minister, where he will oversee the legal system and become a member of the security cabinet. Mansour Abbas Abbas's small United Arab List will be the first party in an Israeli government to be drawn from Israel's 21% Arab minority - Palestinian by culture and heritage, but Israeli by citizenship. He split with other Arab politicians who prefer to remain outside government and cast aside differences with Bennett and other right-wingers to tip the scales against Netanyahu. Abbas is expected to serve as a deputy minister in the prime minister's office. He aims to negotiate a big increase in government spending in Arab towns and villages. But his presence is a potentially destabilising factor. He has been criticised by Palestinians for agreeing to support an Israeli government while Israel continues to occupy the Palestinian territories. Addressing these tensions, Abbas told the Italian daily La Repubblica on Friday: "There will be difficult decisions to be made, including security decisions. We have to juggle our identity as Palestinian Arabs and citizens of the State of Israel, between civil and nationalistic aspects."

Explainer-Who's who in Israel's new patchwork coalition government

In the vote of confidence held in the parliament earlier, 60 lawmakers of the 120-member chamber voted in favour of the new government while 59 voted against it.

Israel: Naftali Bennett sworn in as new PM, ends Netanyahu's 12-year rule

"The President also conveyed that his administration intends to work closely with the Israeli government on efforts to advance peace, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians," it added.

Joe Biden congratulates Israel's new PM Naftali Bennett over phone call

It is a historic day in Israel as people woke up to the new PM Naftali Bennett, ending the country's longest-serving PM Benjamin Netanyahu's rule. But what do the people of Tel Aviv think about the new PM? Are they happy with the new government? WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen brings the public opinion on the newly formed Naftali Bennett government.

WION Ground Report: Are Israelis happy with the new government?

Benjamin Netanyahu's former aid and Right-wing nationalist Naftali Bennett has sworn in as a new Prime Minister of Israel, ending Netanyahu's 12-year-old grip on power. WION tells you more about Naftali Bennett and his political journey.

Who is Israel's new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett?

Israel celebrates Naftali Bennett's victory, beginning of a new era

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year hold on power was set to end on Sunday when parliament votes on a new government, ushering in an administration that has pledged to heal a nation bitterly divided over the departure of the country's longest serving leader. 
 
Netanyahu, 71, the most dominant Israeli politician of his generation, had failed to form a government after Israel's March 23 election, its fourth in two years. The new cabinet, which will be sworn in after a Knesset confidence vote it is expected to win, was cobbled together by the centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid and ultra-nationalist Naftali Bennett. 
 
Bennett, a hawkish hi-tech millionaire, will serve as premier for two years before Lapid, a former popular TV host, takes over. They will head a government that comprises parties from across the political spectrum, including for the first time one that represents the 21% Arab minority. They plan largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues, such as policy towards the Palestinians while they focus on domestic reforms. 
 
With little to no prospect of progress towards resolving the decades-long conflict with Israel, many Palestinians will be unmoved by the change of administration, saying Bennett will likely pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu. 
 
On the international stage, with his polished English and booming baritone voice, the telegenic Netanyahu has become the face of Israel. Serving in his first term as prime minister in the 1990s and since 2009 winning four more terms in succession, he has been a polarising figure, both abroad and at home. 
 
Often referred to by his nickname Bibi, Netanyahu is loved by his hard-core supporters and loathed by critics. His ongoing corruption trial, on charges he denies, has only deepened the chasm. 
 
His opponents have long reviled what they see as Netanyahu's divisive rhetoric, underhanded political tactics and subjection of state interests to his own political survival. Some have dubbed him 'Crime Minister' and have accused him of mishandling the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout. 
 
Celebrations by his opponents to mark the end of the Netanyahu era began late on Saturday outside his official residence in Jerusalem, the site of weekly protests against the right-wing leader for the past year, where a black banner stretched across a wall read: "Bye Bye, Bibi, Bye bye", and demonstrators sang, beat drums and danced. 
 
But for Netanyahu's large and loyal voter base, the departure of 'King Bibi' as some call him, may be difficult to accept. His supporters are angered by what they see as the country turning its back on a leader dedicated to its security and a bulwark against international pressure for any steps that could lead to a Palestinian state, even as he promoted diplomatic deals with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. 
 
None of those moves, however, nor the role he played in securing COVID-19 vaccines for the country's world-beating inoculation campaign, were enough to grant Netanyahu's Likud party enough votes to secure him a sixth term in office. 
 
Bennett in particular has drawn anger from within the right-wing camp for breaking a campaign pledge by joining forces with Lapid. He has justified the move by saying another election, which would likely be called were no government formed, would have been a disaster for Israel. 
 
Both he and Lapid have said they want to bridge political divides and unite Israelis under a government that will work hard for all its citizens. 
 
Their cabinet faces considerable diplomatic, security and financial challenges: Iran, a fragile ceasefire with Palestinian militants in Gaza, a war crimes probe by the International Criminal Court, and economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
On top of that, their patchwork coalition of parties commands only a razor-thin majority in parliament, 61 of the Knesset's 120 seats, and will still have to contend with Netanyahu - who is sure to be a combative head of the opposition. And no one is ruling out a Netanyahu comeback. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year hold on power was set to end on Sunday when parliament votes on a new government, ushering in an administration that has pledged to heal a nation bitterly divided over the departure of the country's longest serving leader.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year hold on power was set to end on Sunday when parliament votes on a new government, ushering in an administration that has pledged to heal a nation bitterly divided over the departure of the country's longest serving leader. Netanyahu, 71, the most dominant Israeli politician of his generation, had failed to form a government after Israel's March 23 election, its fourth in two years. The new cabinet, which will be sworn in after a Knesset confidence vote it is expected to win, was cobbled together by the centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid and ultra-nationalist Naftali Bennett. Bennett, a hawkish hi-tech millionaire, will serve as premier for two years before Lapid, a former popular TV host, takes over. They will head a government that comprises parties from across the political spectrum, including for the first time one that represents the 21% Arab minority. They plan largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues, such as policy towards the Palestinians while they focus on domestic reforms. With little to no prospect of progress towards resolving the decades-long conflict with Israel, many Palestinians will be unmoved by the change of administration, saying Bennett will likely pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu. On the international stage, with his polished English and booming baritone voice, the telegenic Netanyahu has become the face of Israel. Serving in his first term as prime minister in the 1990s and since 2009 winning four more terms in succession, he has been a polarising figure, both abroad and at home. Often referred to by his nickname Bibi, Netanyahu is loved by his hard-core supporters and loathed by critics. His ongoing corruption trial, on charges he denies, has only deepened the chasm. His opponents have long reviled what they see as Netanyahu's divisive rhetoric, underhanded political tactics and subjection of state interests to his own political survival. Some have dubbed him 'Crime Minister' and have accused him of mishandling the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout. Celebrations by his opponents to mark the end of the Netanyahu era began late on Saturday outside his official residence in Jerusalem, the site of weekly protests against the right-wing leader for the past year, where a black banner stretched across a wall read: "Bye Bye, Bibi, Bye bye", and demonstrators sang, beat drums and danced. But for Netanyahu's large and loyal voter base, the departure of 'King Bibi' as some call him, may be difficult to accept. His supporters are angered by what they see as the country turning its back on a leader dedicated to its security and a bulwark against international pressure for any steps that could lead to a Palestinian state, even as he promoted diplomatic deals with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. None of those moves, however, nor the role he played in securing COVID-19 vaccines for the country's world-beating inoculation campaign, were enough to grant Netanyahu's Likud party enough votes to secure him a sixth term in office. Bennett in particular has drawn anger from within the right-wing camp for breaking a campaign pledge by joining forces with Lapid. He has justified the move by saying another election, which would likely be called were no government formed, would have been a disaster for Israel. Both he and Lapid have said they want to bridge political divides and unite Israelis under a government that will work hard for all its citizens. Their cabinet faces considerable diplomatic, security and financial challenges: Iran, a fragile ceasefire with Palestinian militants in Gaza, a war crimes probe by the International Criminal Court, and economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic. On top of that, their patchwork coalition of parties commands only a razor-thin majority in parliament, 61 of the Knesset's 120 seats, and will still have to contend with Netanyahu - who is sure to be a combative head of the opposition. And no one is ruling out a Netanyahu comeback. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Knesset to vote on new government, end Netanyahu's record reign

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli troops shot and killed two security officers during clashes in the West Bank town of Jenin early Thursday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/palestine-miffed-with-indias-abstention-at-unhrc-vote-fm-riad-writes-to-eam-388960">Also read | Palestine miffed with India's abstention at UNHRC vote; FM Riad writes to EAM</a> 
 
Online videos appeared to show Palestinian officers taking cover behind a vehicle as gunshots ranged in the background, with one shouting that they were exchanging fire with Israeli "undercover" forces.

The ministry said a third Palestinian was severely wounded in the shootout. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-for-just-cause-of-palestine-389238">Also read | Opinion: For just cause of Palestine</a> 
 
A poster circulated on local media identified the two dead as members of the Palestinian Authority’s Military Intelligence force.

Israeli raids in West Bank areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority are common and they are usually meant to arrest wanted Palestinians. However, clashes with the Palestinian forces are rare as such operations are believed to be coordinated between the two sides.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli troops shot and killed two security officers during clashes in the West Bank town of Jenin early Thursday. Also read | Palestine miffed with India's abstention at UNHRC vote; FM Riad writes to EAM Online videos appeared to show Palestinian officers taking cover behind a vehicle as gunshots ranged in the background, with one shouting that they were exchanging fire with Israeli "undercover" forces.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli troops shot and killed two security officers during clashes in the West Bank town of Jenin early Thursday. Also read | Palestine miffed with India's abstention at UNHRC vote; FM Riad writes to EAM Online videos appeared to show Palestinian officers taking cover behind a vehicle as gunshots ranged in the background, with one shouting that they were exchanging fire with Israeli "undercover" forces. The ministry said a third Palestinian was severely wounded in the shootout. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Also read | Opinion: For just cause of Palestine A poster circulated on local media identified the two dead as members of the Palestinian Authority’s Military Intelligence force. Israeli raids in West Bank areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority are common and they are usually meant to arrest wanted Palestinians. However, clashes with the Palestinian forces are rare as such operations are believed to be coordinated between the two sides.

Two Palestinian officers reported killed in West Bank shootout

Israel's ambassador to the United States said on Tuesday that Hamas militants tried to disrupt Israel's Iron Dome rocket defense system from a Gaza building housing The Associated Press and other news outlets, prompting the Israeli air force to destroy the high rise last month.

The AP said it has not seen evidence to support the claim. Ambassador Gilad Erdan issued his statement a day after meeting the AP's president and chief executive, Gary Pruitt, and Ian Phillips, vice president for international news, at the AP's New York headquarters.

The Israeli air force bombed the 12-story al-Jalaa tower on May 15, roughly an hour after ordering all occupants to evacuate. No one was injured, but the building was destroyed. The building was home to offices belonging to the AP, the Al Jazeera satellite channel as well as dozens of families.

The airstrike came during an 11-day war between Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas militant group. In a statement on Twitter, Erdan said he told AP executives that the building was used by Hamas to disrupt the Iron Dome, which intercepted hundreds of incoming rockets fired by the militant group during the fighting.

Erdan said the airstrike did not intentionally target journalists. "AP is one of the most important news agencies in the world and Israel does not suspect its employees were aware a covert Hamas unit was using the building in this way," he said.

"I reaffirmed that Israel upholds the importance of press freedom and strives to ensure the safety of journalists wherever they are reporting. Israel is willing to assist AP in rebuilding its offices and operations in Gaza,"&nbsp;he added.

"The meeting with Erdan was a positive and constructive conversation," the AP said in a statement. The agency expressed its appreciation for his pledges to help rebuild an AP bureau in Gaza. The AP renewed its call to see evidence backing Israel's claim that Hamas militants were operating in the building.

"Israeli authorities maintain that the building housing our bureau was destroyed because of a Hamas presence that posed an urgent threat," the AP said. "We have yet to receive evidence to support these claims. AP continues to call for the full release of any evidence the Israelis have so that the facts are public."

The AP has repeatedly urged Israel to share any evidence supporting its claims of Hamas activity in the building. It also has urged an independent investigation into the incident.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's ambassador to the United States said on Tuesday that Hamas militants tried to disrupt Israel's Iron Dome rocket defense system from a Gaza building housing The Associated Press and other news outlets, prompting the Israeli air force to destroy the high rise last month.

Israel's ambassador to the United States said on Tuesday that Hamas militants tried to disrupt Israel's Iron Dome rocket defense system from a Gaza building housing The Associated Press and other news outlets, prompting the Israeli air force to destroy the high rise last month. The AP said it has not seen evidence to support the claim. Ambassador Gilad Erdan issued his statement a day after meeting the AP's president and chief executive, Gary Pruitt, and Ian Phillips, vice president for international news, at the AP's New York headquarters. The Israeli air force bombed the 12-story al-Jalaa tower on May 15, roughly an hour after ordering all occupants to evacuate. No one was injured, but the building was destroyed. The building was home to offices belonging to the AP, the Al Jazeera satellite channel as well as dozens of families. The airstrike came during an 11-day war between Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas militant group. In a statement on Twitter, Erdan said he told AP executives that the building was used by Hamas to disrupt the Iron Dome, which intercepted hundreds of incoming rockets fired by the militant group during the fighting. Erdan said the airstrike did not intentionally target journalists. "AP is one of the most important news agencies in the world and Israel does not suspect its employees were aware a covert Hamas unit was using the building in this way," he said. "I reaffirmed that Israel upholds the importance of press freedom and strives to ensure the safety of journalists wherever they are reporting. Israel is willing to assist AP in rebuilding its offices and operations in Gaza," he added. "The meeting with Erdan was a positive and constructive conversation," the AP said in a statement. The agency expressed its appreciation for his pledges to help rebuild an AP bureau in Gaza. The AP renewed its call to see evidence backing Israel's claim that Hamas militants were operating in the building. "Israeli authorities maintain that the building housing our bureau was destroyed because of a Hamas presence that posed an urgent threat," the AP said. "We have yet to receive evidence to support these claims. AP continues to call for the full release of any evidence the Israelis have so that the facts are public." The AP has repeatedly urged Israel to share any evidence supporting its claims of Hamas activity in the building. It also has urged an independent investigation into the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel says Hamas tried to disrupt Iron Dome, AP seeks proof

The new Israeli government is implementing a historic resolution. The Egalitarian prayer section will be created at the southern end of the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

New Israel govt to approve Western Wall egalitarian prayer section frozen by Netanyahu

A controversial flag march through the Old City of Jerusalem was called off after disagreement between Israeli police and organisers regarding the route of the march.

Jerusalem flag march cancelled after police reject Damascus Gate route

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to topple the coalition poised to replace his government. Netanyahu decried the coalition negotiations as election fraud with a warning that it's still not too late.

Netanyahu vows to topple emerging govt, slams 'biggest election fraud in history'

In an address to the faction of Likud party, the longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu accused Facebook and Twitter of selective blocking. Netanyahu has slammed the social media giants for silence in criticism against the new coalition government.

Netanyahu accuses social media of selective blocking

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