The dissolution bill next heads to a parliamentary committee, giving Gantz and Netanyahu a week or two to try to salvage their troubled alliance.

Israel appears headed to 4th election within 2 years

Welcoming the decision to resume coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, India has urged the leadership of both sides to use the opportunity and re-engage in direct negotiations to advance the goal of a two-state solution.

The two-state solution has for decades been the primary focus of efforts to achieve peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The solution would establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel -- two states for two peoples. In theory, this would win Israel security and allow it to retain a Jewish demographic majority (letting the country remain Jewish and democratic), while granting the Palestinians a state.

Most governments and world bodies, including the UN, have set achievement of the two-state solution as official policy. This goal has been the basis of peace talks for decades.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly session on 'Question of Palestine' on Wednesday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said the Israel-Palestine conflict is almost as old as the United Nations itself, but the aspirations of Palestinian people for a State for themselves remain unfulfilled.

"The peace negotiations between the two parties have remained stalled since 2014. Developments on the ground are not creating conditions conducive to the resumption of these negotiations. We call on parties to refrain from steps that hinder resumption of negotiations," he said.

Tirumurti said India is happy to note the decision to resume coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel.

"We urge the leadership of Israel and Palestine to use this opportunity and re-engage in direct negotiations to advance the goal of a two-State solution. We also call upon the Secretary-General, the members of the Middle East Quartet and the key Arab partners to take immediate steps to facilitate this dialogue," he said.

Last month, the Palestinian Authority had said it was resuming its civil and security cooperation with Israel that had been suspended since May over Israel's plans to annex parts of the West Bank. As per media reports, Palestinian Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh wrote on Twitter that "the relationship with Israel will return to how it was" after President Mahmoud Abbas received confirmation that Israel remained committed to past agreements with the Palestinians.

Tirumurti reiterated that India remains fully supportive of a peaceful negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict achieved through direct negotiations, resulting in the establishment of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.

The Indian envoy underscored that India has been steadfast in its support for the just Palestinian cause and in its solidarity with the Palestinian people, which extends beyond political support.

"It is our firm belief that even as peace is being pursued on the political track, the people of Palestine must not be forgotten," he said.

Tirumurti said India's efforts are also focused on Palestinian nation-building and strengthening institutions through the India-Palestine development partnership covering various sectors of the Palestinian economy. This includes construction of schools, hospitals, technology parks and centres for excellence.

"We see it as an essential investment to help establish a viable and sovereign Palestinian State," he said.

Over the years, India has also invested in strengthening human resource capacities of the Palestinian people through scholarships for Palestinian students pursuing higher education and training of Palestinian professionals in prestigious Indian institutes. Around 250 Palestinians benefit every year from such opportunities.

Highlighting another dimension of India's support to the Palestinian cause, Tirumurti said India quadrupled its support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in recent years, recognising the acute crisis faced by the UN agency. India has made a multi-year pledge of USD 10 million over the next two years to contribute to a more stable and predictable funding for UNRWA.

"We consider our partnership with UNRWA as an investment in peace and stability in the region," he said, thanking all member states, who supported India's membership to the Advisory Commission of UNRWA.

Addressing the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2020 Virtual Meeting on Tuesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had expressed a "deep sense of worry about the grim realities in the occupied Palestinian Territory and the diminishing prospects of resolving the conflict, which has been with the United Nations since its very creation".

Guterres expressed hope that recent developments will encourage Palestinian and Israeli leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations, with the support of the international community, towards a two-state solution and will create opportunities for regional cooperation.

"Only a two-state solution that realises the legitimate national aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis can lead to sustainable peace," he said, adding that the United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict.&nbsp;

Welcoming the decision to resume coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, India has urged the leadership of both sides to use the opportunity and re-engage in direct negotiations to advance the goal of a two-state solution.

Welcoming the decision to resume coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, India has urged the leadership of both sides to use the opportunity and re-engage in direct negotiations to advance the goal of a two-state solution. The two-state solution has for decades been the primary focus of efforts to achieve peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The solution would establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel -- two states for two peoples. In theory, this would win Israel security and allow it to retain a Jewish demographic majority (letting the country remain Jewish and democratic), while granting the Palestinians a state. Most governments and world bodies, including the UN, have set achievement of the two-state solution as official policy. This goal has been the basis of peace talks for decades. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly session on 'Question of Palestine' on Wednesday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said the Israel-Palestine conflict is almost as old as the United Nations itself, but the aspirations of Palestinian people for a State for themselves remain unfulfilled. "The peace negotiations between the two parties have remained stalled since 2014. Developments on the ground are not creating conditions conducive to the resumption of these negotiations. We call on parties to refrain from steps that hinder resumption of negotiations," he said. Tirumurti said India is happy to note the decision to resume coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. "We urge the leadership of Israel and Palestine to use this opportunity and re-engage in direct negotiations to advance the goal of a two-State solution. We also call upon the Secretary-General, the members of the Middle East Quartet and the key Arab partners to take immediate steps to facilitate this dialogue," he said. Last month, the Palestinian Authority had said it was resuming its civil and security cooperation with Israel that had been suspended since May over Israel's plans to annex parts of the West Bank. As per media reports, Palestinian Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh wrote on Twitter that "the relationship with Israel will return to how it was" after President Mahmoud Abbas received confirmation that Israel remained committed to past agreements with the Palestinians. Tirumurti reiterated that India remains fully supportive of a peaceful negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict achieved through direct negotiations, resulting in the establishment of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel. The Indian envoy underscored that India has been steadfast in its support for the just Palestinian cause and in its solidarity with the Palestinian people, which extends beyond political support. "It is our firm belief that even as peace is being pursued on the political track, the people of Palestine must not be forgotten," he said. Tirumurti said India's efforts are also focused on Palestinian nation-building and strengthening institutions through the India-Palestine development partnership covering various sectors of the Palestinian economy. This includes construction of schools, hospitals, technology parks and centres for excellence. "We see it as an essential investment to help establish a viable and sovereign Palestinian State," he said. Over the years, India has also invested in strengthening human resource capacities of the Palestinian people through scholarships for Palestinian students pursuing higher education and training of Palestinian professionals in prestigious Indian institutes. Around 250 Palestinians benefit every year from such opportunities. Highlighting another dimension of India's support to the Palestinian cause, Tirumurti said India quadrupled its support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in recent years, recognising the acute crisis faced by the UN agency. India has made a multi-year pledge of USD 10 million over the next two years to contribute to a more stable and predictable funding for UNRWA. "We consider our partnership with UNRWA as an investment in peace and stability in the region," he said, thanking all member states, who supported India's membership to the Advisory Commission of UNRWA. Addressing the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2020 Virtual Meeting on Tuesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had expressed a "deep sense of worry about the grim realities in the occupied Palestinian Territory and the diminishing prospects of resolving the conflict, which has been with the United Nations since its very creation". Guterres expressed hope that recent developments will encourage Palestinian and Israeli leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations, with the support of the international community, towards a two-state solution and will create opportunities for regional cooperation. "Only a two-state solution that realises the legitimate national aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis can lead to sustainable peace," he said, adding that the United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict.

India urges Israel, Palestine to re-engage in direct talks to advance goal of two-state solution

A top Iranian official said a "complex operation" led to the killing of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and blamed Israel and an exiled opposition group for it.&nbsp;

The "operation was very complex, using electronic equipment and no one was present at the scene," said Rear-Admiral Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council to state TV, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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He also said that The People's Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK) and "the Zionist regime and the Mossad" were "certainly" behind the assassination.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-local-media-says-chief-nuclear-scientist-shot-with-remote-controlled-machine-gun-made-in-israel-346427">Iran: Local media says chief nuclear scientist shot with remote-controlled machine gun made in Israel</a>

Mossad is Israel's external security agency.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Iran on Monday bid adieu to Fakhrizadeh and many top officials attended the funeral, including defence minister Amir Hatami and the head of the Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami.

"If our enemies had not committed this heinous crime and spilt our dear martyr's blood, he might have remained unknown," Hatami in a speech said.&nbsp;

"But today, he who was only an idol for [...] his students and colleagues, is introduced to the whole world," he added, saying the scientist will inspire "all who embark on the path to fight."

"The enemies should know, that this is their first defeat."

The scientist who many see as the 'mastermind of Iran's nuclear programme' died on Friday after assailants targetted his car and engaged in a gunfight with his bodyguards in Tehran.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A top Iranian official said a "complex operation" led to the killing of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and blamed Israel and an exiled opposition group for it.

A top Iranian official said a "complex operation" led to the killing of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and blamed Israel and an exiled opposition group for it. The "operation was very complex, using electronic equipment and no one was present at the scene," said Rear-Admiral Ali Shamkhani, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council to state TV, as quoted by news agency AFP. Watch | He also said that The People's Mujahedeen of Iran (MEK) and "the Zionist regime and the Mossad" were "certainly" behind the assassination. Also read | Iran: Local media says chief nuclear scientist shot with remote-controlled machine gun made in Israel Mossad is Israel's external security agency. Meanwhile, Iran on Monday bid adieu to Fakhrizadeh and many top officials attended the funeral, including defence minister Amir Hatami and the head of the Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami. "If our enemies had not committed this heinous crime and spilt our dear martyr's blood, he might have remained unknown," Hatami in a speech said. "But today, he who was only an idol for [...] his students and colleagues, is introduced to the whole world," he added, saying the scientist will inspire "all who embark on the path to fight." "The enemies should know, that this is their first defeat." The scientist who many see as the 'mastermind of Iran's nuclear programme' died on Friday after assailants targetted his car and engaged in a gunfight with his bodyguards in Tehran.

'Complex operation' led to killing of nuclear scientist: Top Iranian official

The raid alone was brazen enough. A team of Israeli commandos with high-powered torches blasted their way into a vault of a heavily guarded warehouse deep in Iran and made off before dawn with 5,000 pages of top secret papers on the country’s nuclear program.

Then in a television broadcast a few weeks later, in April 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited the contents of the pilfered documents and coyly hinted at equally bold operations still to come.

“Remember that name,” he said, singling out scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh as the captain of Iran’s covert attempts to assemble a nuclear weapon.

Now Fakhrizadeh has become the latest casualty in a campaign of audacious covert attacks seemingly designed to torment Iranian leaders with reminders of their weakness. The operations are confronting Iran with an agonizing choice between embracing the demands of hard-liners for swift retaliation, or attempting to make a fresh start with the less implacably hostile administration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Trailed by a carload of bodyguards, Fakhrizadeh on Friday was driving a carefully circuitous route to the home of his in-laws in the city of Absard, Iran, according to witnesses and the Iranian news media.

An empty Nissan parked at a roundabout exploded, knocking down a power line. Gunmen leapt from a parked Hyundai Santa Fe, others arrived on motorcycles, and waiting snipers filled out a hit team of 12 assassins, according to a detailed account posted online by Javad Mogouyi, a documentary filmmaker for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

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Fakhrizadeh, hit with at least three bullets, tumbled from his car and fell bleeding on the ground. The nearest medical clinic had lost electrical power. Roadside cameras were disabled. All 12 assassins escaped unharmed, and Fakhrizadeh was pronounced dead by the time a rescue helicopter was able to transport him to a Tehran hospital.

“It was like a Hollywood action movie,” Mogouyi wrote in his account.

It was the latest in a decade-long pattern of mysterious poisonings, car bombings, shootings, thefts and sabotage that has afflicted the Islamic Republic. Most have hit largely anonymous scientists or secretive facilities believed to be linked to its nuclear program, and almost all have been attributed by both U.S. and Iranian officials to Tehran’s great nemesis, Israel, whose officials — without formally acknowledging responsibility — have all but openly gloated over the repeated success of their spies.

Never, however, has the Islamic Republic endured a spate of covert attacks quite like in 2020. In January, a U.S. drone strike killed the revered Gen. Qasem Soleimani as he was in a car leaving the Baghdad airport (an attack facilitated by Israel’s intelligence, officials say). And Iran was humiliated in August by an Israeli hit team’s fatal shooting of a senior al-Qaida leader on the streets of Tehran (this time at the behest of the United States, its officials have said).

Seldom has any country demonstrated a similar ability to strike with apparent impunity inside the territory of its fiercest enemy, said Bruce Riedel, a researcher at the Brookings Institution and a former CIA official with experience in Israel.

“It’s unprecedented,” he said. “And it shows no sign of being effectively countered by the Iranians.”

With the killing of their top nuclear scientist as well, Iranians are now grappling with a new sense of vulnerability and demands to purge suspected collaborators. Most of all, they are debating how to respond at a delicate moment.

Iran has endured years of devastating economic sanctions under a campaign of “maximum pressure” from President Donald Trump, and many Iranian leaders are desperately hoping for some measure of relief. Biden has pledged to seek to revive a lapsed agreement that lifted sanctions in exchange for a halt to nuclear research that might produce a weapon.

To pragmatic Iranians, that possibility makes Trump’s last months in office no time to lash back and risk renewed hostilities.

But Iranians also know that their enemies in the United States and Israel may take advantage of this period to attack Tehran further. It is a chance to squeeze its leaders between domestic demands for revenge and a pragmatic desire for better relations.

“From today until Trump leaves the White House is the most dangerous period for Iran,” Mohammad-Hossein Khoshvaght, a former official at the Ministry of Culture and Guidance, wrote in a message on Twitter.

Retaliation against Israel or Netanyahu’s main ally, the United States, would play into the hands of Iran’s enemies in the region, Khoshvaght argued. They are seeking “to create a difficult situation,” so the new administration cannot revive that nuclear agreement, he added.

Iranian hard-liners argued that the killing of Fakhrizadeh proved that holding out for a new start with Biden was only emboldening the country's foes.

“If you don’t respond to this level of terrorism, they may repeat it, because now they know Iran won’t react,” conservative political analyst Foad Izadi said in an interview from Tehran. “There is obviously a problem when you see these types of things repeating.”

Underscoring Fakhrizadeh’s stature, Iranian authorities announced plans Saturday to give him the burial of a national hero at one of the country’s holiest shrines.

Videos circulated of a senior cleric who heads the judiciary praying with the scientist’s family over his body shrouded in an Iranian flag and his face uncovered — an extraordinary and unexplained departure from the Islamic tradition of wrapping the dead in a white cloth from head to toe.

Israel for decades has embraced a strategy of targeted assassinations in trying to slow down potential progress toward the development of a nuclear weapon among its hostile neighbors. Israeli intelligence agencies have been linked to the killings of scientists working for Egypt in the 1960s and for Iraq in the 1970s for the same reason, historians say.

Iran first accused Israel of killing one of its scientists when he dropped dead in his laboratory after a poisoning in 2007, and a series of more violent attacks on Iranian scientists between 2010 and 2012 have been widely attributed to Israel as well.

In one, a bomb in a parked motorcycle blew up a particle physicist as he was lowering a garage door at his home in Tehran. In three others, motorcyclists speeding past the moving cars of other scientists slapped magnetic bombs to their car doors, killing two and wounding a third. And in a fifth attack, gunmen on motorcycles sprayed a scientist with bullets while his car was stopped at a traffic light with his wife sitting beside him.

Israel has developed a singularly successful track record in part by concentrating the considerable resources of its spy agencies mainly on Iran, its greatest nemesis, said Riedel of the Brookings Institution.

Israel, he said, has also carefully cultivated ties within countries neighboring Iran as “platforms” for surveillance and recruitment — most notably in Baku, Azerbaijan. Its recent conflict with Armenia has called attention to drones and other weaponry that Israel has furnished to Azerbaijan as part of that relationship

Israel recruits native Farsi speakers from among Iranian immigrants to make contacts or analyze intercepted communications, he added, and Israel has managed to enlist a steady stream of Iranian collaborators.

Now, Riedel argued, the attack on Fakhrizadeh may be an indication that Israel plans other killings. After an eight-year “hiatus” since the wave of assassinations from 2010 to 2012, he said, “I think it is a signal that the game is afoot, or coming.”

Speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss covert operations, a senior Israeli official involved for years in tracking Fakhrizadeh for Israel said it would continue to act against the Iranian nuclear program as necessary. Iran’s aspirations to nuclear weapons, promoted by Fakhrizadeh, posed such a menace that the world should thank Israel, the official insisted.

In Iran, the killing has already elicited new demands to root out such spies, including from the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In his first public response to the killing, Khamenei declared that the first priority was “investigating this crime and definitive punishment of its perpetrators.”

Hard-liners blamed the administration of Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani — a pragmatist who had bet heavily on negotiations with Washington — for the security failures that allowed the attack.

“The night is long, and we are awake,” said Hossein Dehghan, a recently announced candidate in next year’s presidential election who is a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guard and the defense adviser to Khamenei.

“We will come down like thunder on the heads of those responsible for the murder of this martyr and make them regret it,” he continued in a message on Twitter.

Rouhani, for his part, suggested in a televised speech that Iran would continue what he has called a policy of “strategic patience,” or what his critics call waiting for Biden.

“We will answer at the right time,” Rouhani said. “All the enemies should know that the great Iranian people are more courageous and honorable to not respond to this criminal act.”

But within Iranian politics, analysts said, the hard-liners stood to gain the most politically from the attack. Any renewed conflict with Israel bolsters their case against negotiation with its allies in the West, said Sanam Vakil at Chatham House in London.

Since Biden won the November election, the hard-liners have begun pushing against Rouhani to defer any negotiations with the new U.S. administration for as long as possible, Vakil said. Conflict with Washington strengthens their appeal and weakens more pragmatic factions in the Iranian election coming next year.

“So an event like this plays in the hands of the hard-liners,” she said, “because they can push out negotiations until after the Iranian election — and that is what they are gunning for.” 
&nbsp;

The raid alone was brazen enough. A team of Israeli commandos with high-powered torches blasted their way into a vault of a heavily guarded warehouse deep in Iran and made off before dawn with 5,000 pages of top secret papers on the country’s nuclear program.

The raid alone was brazen enough. A team of Israeli commandos with high-powered torches blasted their way into a vault of a heavily guarded warehouse deep in Iran and made off before dawn with 5,000 pages of top secret papers on the country’s nuclear program. Then in a television broadcast a few weeks later, in April 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited the contents of the pilfered documents and coyly hinted at equally bold operations still to come. “Remember that name,” he said, singling out scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh as the captain of Iran’s covert attempts to assemble a nuclear weapon. Now Fakhrizadeh has become the latest casualty in a campaign of audacious covert attacks seemingly designed to torment Iranian leaders with reminders of their weakness. The operations are confronting Iran with an agonizing choice between embracing the demands of hard-liners for swift retaliation, or attempting to make a fresh start with the less implacably hostile administration of President-elect Joe Biden. Trailed by a carload of bodyguards, Fakhrizadeh on Friday was driving a carefully circuitous route to the home of his in-laws in the city of Absard, Iran, according to witnesses and the Iranian news media. An empty Nissan parked at a roundabout exploded, knocking down a power line. Gunmen leapt from a parked Hyundai Santa Fe, others arrived on motorcycles, and waiting snipers filled out a hit team of 12 assassins, according to a detailed account posted online by Javad Mogouyi, a documentary filmmaker for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. × Fakhrizadeh, hit with at least three bullets, tumbled from his car and fell bleeding on the ground. The nearest medical clinic had lost electrical power. Roadside cameras were disabled. All 12 assassins escaped unharmed, and Fakhrizadeh was pronounced dead by the time a rescue helicopter was able to transport him to a Tehran hospital. “It was like a Hollywood action movie,” Mogouyi wrote in his account. It was the latest in a decade-long pattern of mysterious poisonings, car bombings, shootings, thefts and sabotage that has afflicted the Islamic Republic. Most have hit largely anonymous scientists or secretive facilities believed to be linked to its nuclear program, and almost all have been attributed by both U.S. and Iranian officials to Tehran’s great nemesis, Israel, whose officials — without formally acknowledging responsibility — have all but openly gloated over the repeated success of their spies. Never, however, has the Islamic Republic endured a spate of covert attacks quite like in 2020. In January, a U.S. drone strike killed the revered Gen. Qasem Soleimani as he was in a car leaving the Baghdad airport (an attack facilitated by Israel’s intelligence, officials say). And Iran was humiliated in August by an Israeli hit team’s fatal shooting of a senior al-Qaida leader on the streets of Tehran (this time at the behest of the United States, its officials have said). Seldom has any country demonstrated a similar ability to strike with apparent impunity inside the territory of its fiercest enemy, said Bruce Riedel, a researcher at the Brookings Institution and a former CIA official with experience in Israel. “It’s unprecedented,” he said. “And it shows no sign of being effectively countered by the Iranians.” With the killing of their top nuclear scientist as well, Iranians are now grappling with a new sense of vulnerability and demands to purge suspected collaborators. Most of all, they are debating how to respond at a delicate moment. Iran has endured years of devastating economic sanctions under a campaign of “maximum pressure” from President Donald Trump, and many Iranian leaders are desperately hoping for some measure of relief. Biden has pledged to seek to revive a lapsed agreement that lifted sanctions in exchange for a halt to nuclear research that might produce a weapon. To pragmatic Iranians, that possibility makes Trump’s last months in office no time to lash back and risk renewed hostilities. But Iranians also know that their enemies in the United States and Israel may take advantage of this period to attack Tehran further. It is a chance to squeeze its leaders between domestic demands for revenge and a pragmatic desire for better relations. “From today until Trump leaves the White House is the most dangerous period for Iran,” Mohammad-Hossein Khoshvaght, a former official at the Ministry of Culture and Guidance, wrote in a message on Twitter. Retaliation against Israel or Netanyahu’s main ally, the United States, would play into the hands of Iran’s enemies in the region, Khoshvaght argued. They are seeking “to create a difficult situation,” so the new administration cannot revive that nuclear agreement, he added. Iranian hard-liners argued that the killing of Fakhrizadeh proved that holding out for a new start with Biden was only emboldening the country's foes. “If you don’t respond to this level of terrorism, they may repeat it, because now they know Iran won’t react,” conservative political analyst Foad Izadi said in an interview from Tehran. “There is obviously a problem when you see these types of things repeating.” Underscoring Fakhrizadeh’s stature, Iranian authorities announced plans Saturday to give him the burial of a national hero at one of the country’s holiest shrines. Videos circulated of a senior cleric who heads the judiciary praying with the scientist’s family over his body shrouded in an Iranian flag and his face uncovered — an extraordinary and unexplained departure from the Islamic tradition of wrapping the dead in a white cloth from head to toe. Israel for decades has embraced a strategy of targeted assassinations in trying to slow down potential progress toward the development of a nuclear weapon among its hostile neighbors. Israeli intelligence agencies have been linked to the killings of scientists working for Egypt in the 1960s and for Iraq in the 1970s for the same reason, historians say. Iran first accused Israel of killing one of its scientists when he dropped dead in his laboratory after a poisoning in 2007, and a series of more violent attacks on Iranian scientists between 2010 and 2012 have been widely attributed to Israel as well. In one, a bomb in a parked motorcycle blew up a particle physicist as he was lowering a garage door at his home in Tehran. In three others, motorcyclists speeding past the moving cars of other scientists slapped magnetic bombs to their car doors, killing two and wounding a third. And in a fifth attack, gunmen on motorcycles sprayed a scientist with bullets while his car was stopped at a traffic light with his wife sitting beside him. Israel has developed a singularly successful track record in part by concentrating the considerable resources of its spy agencies mainly on Iran, its greatest nemesis, said Riedel of the Brookings Institution. Israel, he said, has also carefully cultivated ties within countries neighboring Iran as “platforms” for surveillance and recruitment — most notably in Baku, Azerbaijan. Its recent conflict with Armenia has called attention to drones and other weaponry that Israel has furnished to Azerbaijan as part of that relationship Israel recruits native Farsi speakers from among Iranian immigrants to make contacts or analyze intercepted communications, he added, and Israel has managed to enlist a steady stream of Iranian collaborators. Now, Riedel argued, the attack on Fakhrizadeh may be an indication that Israel plans other killings. After an eight-year “hiatus” since the wave of assassinations from 2010 to 2012, he said, “I think it is a signal that the game is afoot, or coming.” Speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss covert operations, a senior Israeli official involved for years in tracking Fakhrizadeh for Israel said it would continue to act against the Iranian nuclear program as necessary. Iran’s aspirations to nuclear weapons, promoted by Fakhrizadeh, posed such a menace that the world should thank Israel, the official insisted. In Iran, the killing has already elicited new demands to root out such spies, including from the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In his first public response to the killing, Khamenei declared that the first priority was “investigating this crime and definitive punishment of its perpetrators.” Hard-liners blamed the administration of Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani — a pragmatist who had bet heavily on negotiations with Washington — for the security failures that allowed the attack. “The night is long, and we are awake,” said Hossein Dehghan, a recently announced candidate in next year’s presidential election who is a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guard and the defense adviser to Khamenei. “We will come down like thunder on the heads of those responsible for the murder of this martyr and make them regret it,” he continued in a message on Twitter. Rouhani, for his part, suggested in a televised speech that Iran would continue what he has called a policy of “strategic patience,” or what his critics call waiting for Biden. “We will answer at the right time,” Rouhani said. “All the enemies should know that the great Iranian people are more courageous and honorable to not respond to this criminal act.” But within Iranian politics, analysts said, the hard-liners stood to gain the most politically from the attack. Any renewed conflict with Israel bolsters their case against negotiation with its allies in the West, said Sanam Vakil at Chatham House in London. Since Biden won the November election, the hard-liners have begun pushing against Rouhani to defer any negotiations with the new U.S. administration for as long as possible, Vakil said. Conflict with Washington strengthens their appeal and weakens more pragmatic factions in the Iranian election coming next year. “So an event like this plays in the hands of the hard-liners,” she said, “because they can push out negotiations until after the Iranian election — and that is what they are gunning for.”

Brazen killings expose Iran's vulnerabilities as it struggles to respond

A senior Iranian security officer has accused Israel for using electronic devices to remotely kill their countries top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

Iran says Israel used electronic devices to remotely kill nuclear scientist

Iran's local media&nbsp;said on Monday that the country's chief nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was assassinated last week, was actually killed by a machine gun operated by a remote control that was made in Israel, the Islamic Republic's longtime enemy,&nbsp;according to&nbsp;the semi-official Fars News.

Meanwhile, the Arabic language Al Alam TV reported that the weapons used in Fakhrizadeh's killing were "controlled by satellite".

"The weapon collected from the site of the terrorist act (where Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated) bears the logo and specifications of the Israeli military industry," an unnamed source told Press TV.

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Speaking before the Press TV report, Israeli intelligence minister Eli Cohen told radio station 103 FM on Monday that he did not know who was responsible.

Fakhrizadeh was for long suspected to be at the helm a secret nuclear weapons programme for Iran by the West and Israel.&nbsp;

On Friday, he was gunned down in his car after a group of assailants ambushed him. Top leaders in Iran have repeatedly blamed Israel for the killing. Iran&nbsp;has blamed Israel for a series of murders of Israeli scientists since 2010.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-condemns-iranian-scientist-killing-as-act-of-terrorism-346240" hreflang="en">Turkey condemns Iranian scientist killing as act of terrorism</a>

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged 'punishing' those who were behind Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's killing. Fakhrizadeh was a top nuclear scientist in Iran and was assassinated on Friday. Khamenei added that Fkhrizadeh's work must be taken forward.

Khamenei called for "following up on this crime and certainly punishing the perpetrators and those responsible, and ... continuing the scientific and technical efforts of this martyr in all of the fields he was working in". His statement was published on his official website.

Khamenei called Mohsen Fakhrizadeh a "prestigious nuclear and defence scientist" and said he was "martyred by the hands of criminal and cruel mercenaries".

"This unparalleled scientist gave his dear and valuable life to God because of his great and lasting scientific efforts, and the high prize of martyrdom is his divine reward," he added.

Turkey on Sunday condemned the killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism".&nbsp;

"We regret the death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh following an armed attack. We condemn this heinous murder and offer our condolences to the Iranian government and the dead man's relatives," Ankara's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The statement further said that Turkey was against all forms of terrorism irrespective of who the perpetrators were.

"Turkey is against all initiatives aimed at disrupting peace in the region and against all forms of terrorism, no matter who their perpetrator or target are."

Ankara also urged "all parties to act with common sense and restraint".

Fakhrizadeh, 59, was killed on Friday in a car bomb and gun attack against his own vehicle, the Iranian defence ministry said.

Iran's local media said on Monday that the country's chief nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was assassinated last week, was actually killed by a machine gun operated by a remote control that was made in Israel, the Islamic Republic's longtime enemy, according to the semi-official Fars News.

Iran's local media said on Monday that the country's chief nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, who was assassinated last week, was actually killed by a machine gun operated by a remote control that was made in Israel, the Islamic Republic's longtime enemy, according to the semi-official Fars News. Meanwhile, the Arabic language Al Alam TV reported that the weapons used in Fakhrizadeh's killing were "controlled by satellite". "The weapon collected from the site of the terrorist act (where Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated) bears the logo and specifications of the Israeli military industry," an unnamed source told Press TV. Speaking before the Press TV report, Israeli intelligence minister Eli Cohen told radio station 103 FM on Monday that he did not know who was responsible. Fakhrizadeh was for long suspected to be at the helm a secret nuclear weapons programme for Iran by the West and Israel. On Friday, he was gunned down in his car after a group of assailants ambushed him. Top leaders in Iran have repeatedly blamed Israel for the killing. Iran has blamed Israel for a series of murders of Israeli scientists since 2010. Also read: Turkey condemns Iranian scientist killing as act of terrorism Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged 'punishing' those who were behind Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's killing. Fakhrizadeh was a top nuclear scientist in Iran and was assassinated on Friday. Khamenei added that Fkhrizadeh's work must be taken forward. Khamenei called for "following up on this crime and certainly punishing the perpetrators and those responsible, and ... continuing the scientific and technical efforts of this martyr in all of the fields he was working in". His statement was published on his official website. Khamenei called Mohsen Fakhrizadeh a "prestigious nuclear and defence scientist" and said he was "martyred by the hands of criminal and cruel mercenaries". "This unparalleled scientist gave his dear and valuable life to God because of his great and lasting scientific efforts, and the high prize of martyrdom is his divine reward," he added. Turkey on Sunday condemned the killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist as an act of "terrorism". "We regret the death of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh following an armed attack. We condemn this heinous murder and offer our condolences to the Iranian government and the dead man's relatives," Ankara's foreign ministry said in a statement. The statement further said that Turkey was against all forms of terrorism irrespective of who the perpetrators were. "Turkey is against all initiatives aimed at disrupting peace in the region and against all forms of terrorism, no matter who their perpetrator or target are." Ankara also urged "all parties to act with common sense and restraint". Fakhrizadeh, 59, was killed on Friday in a car bomb and gun attack against his own vehicle, the Iranian defence ministry said.

Iran: Local media says chief nuclear scientist shot with remote-controlled machine gun made in Israel

WION's West Asia bureau chief Daniele Pagani tracked down the NSO headquarters which had moved out of its original building to an undisclosed building complex in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Exclusive: WION tracks down new NSO headquarters in Tel Aviv

Iran intends to give a “calculated and decisive” response to the murder of its top nuclear scientist. A top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently claimed that the country intends to respond soon.

"Undoubtedly, Iran will give a calculated and decisive answer to the criminals who took Martyr Mohsen Fakhrizadeh from the Iranian nation," Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, announced in a statement.

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Fakhrizadeh was for long suspected to be at the helm a secret nuclear weapons programme for Iran by the West and Israel.&nbsp;

On Friday, he was gunned down in his car after a group of assailants ambushed him. Top leaders in Iran have repeatedly blamed Israel for the killing. The country has blamed Israel for a series of murders of Israeli scientists since 2010.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/iran-nuclear-scientists-body-taken-to-muslim-shrine-346220" hreflang="en">Iran nuclear scientist's body taken to Muslim shrine</a>

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged 'punishing' those who were behing Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's killing. Fakhrizadeh was a top nuclear scientist in Iran and was assassinated on Friday. Khamenei added that Fkhrizadeh's work must be taken forward.

Khamenei called for "following up on this crime and certainly punishing the perpetrators and those responsible, and ... continuing the scientific and technical efforts of this martyr in all of the fields he was working in". His statement was published on his official website.

Khamenei called Mohsen Fakhrizadeh a "prestigious nuclear and defence scientist" and said he was "martyred by the hands of criminal and cruel mercenaries".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/assassination-in-iran-could-limit-bidens-options-was-that-the-goal-346211" hreflang="en">Assassination in Iran could limit Biden’s options. Was that the goal?</a>

"This unparallelled scientist gave his dear and valuable life to God because of his great and lasting scientific efforts, and the high prize of martyrdom is his divine reward," he added.

Fakhrizadeh was "martyred" after being seriously wounded when assailants targeted his car and engaged in a gunfight with his bodyguards outside the capital Tehran on Friday, according to Iran's defence ministry. The ministry said that the scientist, who headed its research and innovation organisation, died after medics failed to revive him.

Iran intends to give a “calculated and decisive” response to the murder of its top nuclear scientist. A top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently claimed that the country intends to respond soon.

Iran intends to give a “calculated and decisive” response to the murder of its top nuclear scientist. A top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently claimed that the country intends to respond soon. "Undoubtedly, Iran will give a calculated and decisive answer to the criminals who took Martyr Mohsen Fakhrizadeh from the Iranian nation," Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, announced in a statement. Fakhrizadeh was for long suspected to be at the helm a secret nuclear weapons programme for Iran by the West and Israel. On Friday, he was gunned down in his car after a group of assailants ambushed him. Top leaders in Iran have repeatedly blamed Israel for the killing. The country has blamed Israel for a series of murders of Israeli scientists since 2010. Also read: Iran nuclear scientist's body taken to Muslim shrine Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged 'punishing' those who were behing Mohsen Fakhrizadeh's killing. Fakhrizadeh was a top nuclear scientist in Iran and was assassinated on Friday. Khamenei added that Fkhrizadeh's work must be taken forward. Khamenei called for "following up on this crime and certainly punishing the perpetrators and those responsible, and ... continuing the scientific and technical efforts of this martyr in all of the fields he was working in". His statement was published on his official website. Khamenei called Mohsen Fakhrizadeh a "prestigious nuclear and defence scientist" and said he was "martyred by the hands of criminal and cruel mercenaries". Also read: Assassination in Iran could limit Biden’s options. Was that the goal? "This unparallelled scientist gave his dear and valuable life to God because of his great and lasting scientific efforts, and the high prize of martyrdom is his divine reward," he added. Fakhrizadeh was "martyred" after being seriously wounded when assailants targeted his car and engaged in a gunfight with his bodyguards outside the capital Tehran on Friday, according to Iran's defence ministry. The ministry said that the scientist, who headed its research and innovation organisation, died after medics failed to revive him.

Iran promises a 'calculated, decisive' response to murder of nuclear scientist

As reports suggest that Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Ghadi Francis decodes what this meeting could mean for West Asia.

The West Asia Post | Secret Saudi-Israel meet makes headlines | Did PM Netanyahu meet MBS?

Meir Javedanfar is an Iranian-born Israeli Middle East commentator. He left Iran in 1987, eight years after the Iranian Revolution and now lives in Israel. He worked as a foreign affairs commentator at BBC Persian.

Iran blames Israel for assassinating nuclear scientist in Tehran

Israeli air strikes in Syria overnight killed at least eight fighters operating in pro-Iran militias, authorities informed on Wednesday.

The strikes targetted an arms depot and a position held by Iranian forces and their Lebanese ally Hezbollah near the capital Damascus, and a pro-Iran militia position in southern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Syrian state media SANA earlier said an air strike by "the Zionist enemy" had hit an area "south of Damascus" just before midnight local time.

SANA also reported another strike against the village of Rwihinah in the southern province of Quneitra near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, without reporting any casualties from either attack.&nbsp;

Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria, targetting government troops as well as Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces which support President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Last week, Israeli warplanes struck Iranian targets in Syria, in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack for what it said were explosive devices found near one of its bases on the Golan Heights.

SANA said those strikes had killed three Syrian soldiers, while the Observatory said seven allied foreign fighters also died.

On Saturday night, air strikes killed 14 pro-Iran militia fighters from Iraq and Afghanistan in eastern Syria, the Observatory said, adding they were likely Israeli air raids.

Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions more since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Israeli air strikes in Syria overnight killed at least eight fighters operating in pro-Iran militias, authorities informed on Wednesday. The strikes targetted an arms depot and a position held by Iranian forces and their Lebanese ally Hezbollah near the capital Damascus, and a pro-Iran militia position in southern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Israeli air strikes in Syria overnight killed at least eight fighters operating in pro-Iran militias, authorities informed on Wednesday. The strikes targetted an arms depot and a position held by Iranian forces and their Lebanese ally Hezbollah near the capital Damascus, and a pro-Iran militia position in southern Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Syrian state media SANA earlier said an air strike by "the Zionist enemy" had hit an area "south of Damascus" just before midnight local time. SANA also reported another strike against the village of Rwihinah in the southern province of Quneitra near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, without reporting any casualties from either attack. Israel has carried out hundreds of air and missile strikes on Syria, targetting government troops as well as Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces which support President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Last week, Israeli warplanes struck Iranian targets in Syria, in what the Israeli army called a retaliatory attack for what it said were explosive devices found near one of its bases on the Golan Heights. SANA said those strikes had killed three Syrian soldiers, while the Observatory said seven allied foreign fighters also died. On Saturday night, air strikes killed 14 pro-Iran militia fighters from Iraq and Afghanistan in eastern Syria, the Observatory said, adding they were likely Israeli air raids. Syria's war has killed more than 380,000 people and displaced millions more since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

Israeli strikes in Syria kill eight pro-Iran fighters

Saudi Arabia on Monday rejected Israeli media reports that claimed of talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman&nbsp;

"I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by @SecPompeo," wrote Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a tweet.

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I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a>. No such meeting occurred. The only officials present were American and Saudi.
— فيصل بن فرحان (@FaisalbinFarhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/FaisalbinFarhan/status/1330858232680734723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"No such meeting occurred. The only officials present were American and Saudi."

Earlier, Israeli public broadcaster Kan said on Monday Netanyahu held secret talks with the crown prince in the former's first trip to the kingdom.&nbsp;

The report also said that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also present in the meeting.&nbsp;

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Citing unnamed sources, Kan claimed Netanyahu was accompanied by the chief of Mossad spy agency, Yossi Cohen, and the duo "flew yesterday to Saudi Arabia and met Pompeo and MBS in the city of Neom".&nbsp;

Netanyahu's office has not immediately commented on the reports and the US State Department also refused to shed any lights on the developments.&nbsp;

The report led to a wide range of speculations on Israel's recognition by the Arab world as Bahrain, UAF recently struck peace accords with Israel that were brokered by the US.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-netanyahu-meet-the-saudi-crown-prince-344973">WATCH|</a>

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Saudi Arabia on Monday rejected Israeli media reports that claimed of talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by @SecPompeo," wrote Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a tweet.

Saudi Arabia on Monday rejected Israeli media reports that claimed of talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by @SecPompeo," wrote Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a tweet. I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by @SecPompeo. No such meeting occurred. The only officials present were American and Saudi. — فيصل بن فرحان (@FaisalbinFarhan) November 23, 2020 × "No such meeting occurred. The only officials present were American and Saudi." Earlier, Israeli public broadcaster Kan said on Monday Netanyahu held secret talks with the crown prince in the former's first trip to the kingdom. The report also said that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also present in the meeting. × Citing unnamed sources, Kan claimed Netanyahu was accompanied by the chief of Mossad spy agency, Yossi Cohen, and the duo "flew yesterday to Saudi Arabia and met Pompeo and MBS in the city of Neom". Netanyahu's office has not immediately commented on the reports and the US State Department also refused to shed any lights on the developments. The report led to a wide range of speculations on Israel's recognition by the Arab world as Bahrain, UAF recently struck peace accords with Israel that were brokered by the US. WATCH| ×

Saudi denies reports of talks between Crown Prince Salman and Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he would visit Bahrain "soon" at the invitation of the Gulf state's Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa.

Bahrain followed the United Arab Emirates in normalising ties with Israel in a deal brokered by the United States that marked a strategic Middle East alignment against Iran. The shift has enraged the Palestinians who have demanded statehood before any such regional rapprochement.

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"We are both excited to bring the fruits of peace to our people and countries in such a short time. That's why he (al-Khalifa) invited me to come soon for a formal visit in Bahrain and I will do this happily," Netanyahu said in a statement about a phone call he held with the crown prince.

The first Bahraini delegation visited Israel last Wednesday.

On Monday, an Israeli official and local media said Netanyahu had secretly traveled to Saudi Arabia on Sunday for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in what would be the first publicly confirmed visit there by an Israeli leader.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud denied such talks took place. Netanyahu did not confirm or deny the reports.

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Since September, the Trump administration has brokered agreements with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan toward normalising their relations with Israel. An Israeli delegation traveled to Sudan on Monday.

Although White House officials have said more countries are considering normalising ties with Israel, further developments appear unlikely before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20 and establishes his administration's policy on Iran.

Biden has said he would rejoin the nuclear accord that world powers signed with Iran if it first resumed strict compliance with the deal, and would work with allies to strengthen its terms.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he would visit Bahrain "soon" at the invitation of the Gulf state's Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa. Bahrain followed the United Arab Emirates in normalising ties with Israel in a deal brokered by the United States that marked a strategic Middle East alignment against Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he would visit Bahrain "soon" at the invitation of the Gulf state's Crown Prince Salman al-Khalifa. Bahrain followed the United Arab Emirates in normalising ties with Israel in a deal brokered by the United States that marked a strategic Middle East alignment against Iran. The shift has enraged the Palestinians who have demanded statehood before any such regional rapprochement. "We are both excited to bring the fruits of peace to our people and countries in such a short time. That's why he (al-Khalifa) invited me to come soon for a formal visit in Bahrain and I will do this happily," Netanyahu said in a statement about a phone call he held with the crown prince. The first Bahraini delegation visited Israel last Wednesday. On Monday, an Israeli official and local media said Netanyahu had secretly traveled to Saudi Arabia on Sunday for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in what would be the first publicly confirmed visit there by an Israeli leader. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud denied such talks took place. Netanyahu did not confirm or deny the reports. Since September, the Trump administration has brokered agreements with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan toward normalising their relations with Israel. An Israeli delegation traveled to Sudan on Monday. Although White House officials have said more countries are considering normalising ties with Israel, further developments appear unlikely before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20 and establishes his administration's policy on Iran. Biden has said he would rejoin the nuclear accord that world powers signed with Iran if it first resumed strict compliance with the deal, and would work with allies to strengthen its terms.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will visit Bahrain soon

Did Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hold a 'secret meeting' with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman? The Israeli Media says he did, the Saudi Foreign Minister has denied all reports.

Gravitas: Did Netanyahu meet the Saudi Crown Prince?

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has denied that the reported meeting with Netanyahu took place, saying "the only officials present were American and Saudi."

Your Story: Will Saudi Arabia and Israel normalise their relations?

Israel's military struck Hamas targets in Gaza in response to an alleged rocket attack launched from the Palestinian enclave.

The Israeli air force struck two rocket ammunition manufacturing sites, a military compound and "underground infrastructures", the Israel Defence Forces said.

According to the army, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket toward Israel on Saturday night, setting off air-raid sirens in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon.

Israeli media reports said the rocket landed in an open area, causing no damage or injuries.

Israel holds Gaza's Hamas rulers responsible for all rocket fire out of the territory and usually strikes Hamas targets in response.

The latest reported fire from the&nbsp;Hamas-ruled Palestinian enclave came after two rockets were fired from the coastal strip into neighbouring Israel in the early hours of last Sunday.

There were no casualties or damage in that attack. Israel struck back with fighter planes, helicopters and tanks, hitting what the army said were Hamas targets.

There was no claim of responsibility for the November 15 rocket fire, but Israel routinely holds Islamist group Hamas responsible for all attacks originating from its territory.

Israel and Hamas, an Islamic militant group that seeks Israel's destruction, are bitter enemies that have fought three wars and numerous skirmishes since Hamas seized power in Gaza in 2007.

Israel has since maintained a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, to isolate Hamas.&nbsp;

Israel's military struck Hamas targets in Gaza in response to an alleged rocket attack launched from the Palestinian enclave. The Israeli air force struck two rocket ammunition manufacturing sites, a military compound and "underground infrastructures", the Israel Defence Forces said.

Israel's military struck Hamas targets in Gaza in response to an alleged rocket attack launched from the Palestinian enclave. The Israeli air force struck two rocket ammunition manufacturing sites, a military compound and "underground infrastructures", the Israel Defence Forces said. According to the army, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket toward Israel on Saturday night, setting off air-raid sirens in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon. Israeli media reports said the rocket landed in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Israel holds Gaza's Hamas rulers responsible for all rocket fire out of the territory and usually strikes Hamas targets in response. The latest reported fire from the Hamas-ruled Palestinian enclave came after two rockets were fired from the coastal strip into neighbouring Israel in the early hours of last Sunday. There were no casualties or damage in that attack. Israel struck back with fighter planes, helicopters and tanks, hitting what the army said were Hamas targets. There was no claim of responsibility for the November 15 rocket fire, but Israel routinely holds Islamist group Hamas responsible for all attacks originating from its territory. Israel and Hamas, an Islamic militant group that seeks Israel's destruction, are bitter enemies that have fought three wars and numerous skirmishes since Hamas seized power in Gaza in 2007. Israel has since maintained a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip, to isolate Hamas.

Israeli army strikes Hamas targets in Gaza after alleged rocket attack

Iran on Sunday had strong words for Israel over its role in Syria. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that era of 'hit and run' was over. His words came on the same day when Syrian Obeservatory of Human Rights said that Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran backed militia fighters in Syria.

“The Zionist regime (Israel) is well aware that the era of hit and run is over and therefore they are very cautious,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Saeed Khateebzadeh in a virtual news conference. He was quoted by Reuters.

Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces against rebels and militants since 2012.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-14-pro-iran-fighters-killed-in-airstrikes-says-report-344707">Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report</a>

Iran denies having military forces in Syria and says it has sent commandos to the country as military advisers. Tehran says it will provide military advisers to Syria for as long as necessary.

“Iran’s presence in Syria is advisory and naturally if anyone disrupts this advisory presence, our response will be a crushing one,” Khatibzadeh said.

Khatibzadeh refused to confirm deaths of Iranian forces in Syria.

(With Reuters inputs)

Iran on Sunday had strong words for Israel over its role in Syria. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that era of 'hit and run' was over. His words came on the same day when Syrian Obeservatory of Human Rights said that Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran backed militia fighters in Syria.

Iran on Sunday had strong words for Israel over its role in Syria. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that era of 'hit and run' was over. His words came on the same day when Syrian Obeservatory of Human Rights said that Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran backed militia fighters in Syria. “The Zionist regime (Israel) is well aware that the era of hit and run is over and therefore they are very cautious,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Saeed Khateebzadeh in a virtual news conference. He was quoted by Reuters. Israel, which views Tehran as its biggest security threat, has repeatedly attacked Iranian targets and those of allied militia in Syria, where Tehran has backed President Bashar al-Assad and his forces against rebels and militants since 2012. Also Read | Syria: 14 pro-Iran fighters killed in Israeli airstrikes, says report Iran denies having military forces in Syria and says it has sent commandos to the country as military advisers. Tehran says it will provide military advisers to Syria for as long as necessary. “Iran’s presence in Syria is advisory and naturally if anyone disrupts this advisory presence, our response will be a crushing one,” Khatibzadeh said. Khatibzadeh refused to confirm deaths of Iranian forces in Syria. (With Reuters inputs)

Iran warns Israel over its role in Syria

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has&nbsp;accused Lebanon of changing its position in talks on their disputed maritime border and warned it could lead to a "dead end" that would be damaging for the whole region.

The two countries, which remain technically at war, opened negotiations on the border dispute under US and UN auspices last month to clear the way for offshore oil and gas exploration.

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"Lebanon has changed its stance on its maritime border with Israel seven times," Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz tweeted late Thursday.

"Its current position contradicts not only its previous one but also Lebanon's stance on its maritime border with Syria, which takes into account Lebanese islands close to the border," Steinitz said.

Earlier on Thursday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun had set out his country's position on the maritime border, which he said should be "based on the line that departs on land from the point of Ras Naqoura".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-and-israel-to-hold-un-mediated-talks-on-disputed-borders-331745">Lebanon and Israel to hold UN-mediated talks on disputed borders</a>

The demarcation should be "according to the general principle known as the median line, without taking into account any impact of the occupied Palestinian coastal islands," Aoun tweeted, referring to the Israeli coastline.

Israel and&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;launched the negotiations last month with delegations from the long-time foes convening at a UN&nbsp;base to try to agree on the border that has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area.

A presidency statement said Aoun instructed the Lebanese team that the demarcation line should start from the land point of Ras Naqoura as defined under a 1923 agreement and extend seaward in a trajectory that a security source said extends the disputed area to some 2,300 square km (888 sq miles) from around 860 sq km.

Israel's energy minister, overseeing the talks with&nbsp;Lebanon, said&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;had now changed its position seven times and was contradicting its own assertions.

"Whoever wants prosperity in our region and seeks to safely develop natural resources must adhere to the principle of stability and settle the dispute along the lines that were submitted by Israel and&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;at the United Nations," Yuval Steinitz said.

Any deviation, Steinitz said, would lead to a "dead end".

Last month sources said the two sides presented contrasting maps for proposed borders. They said the Lebanese proposal extended farther south than the border&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;had years before presented to the United Nations and that of the Israeli team pushed the boundary farther north than Israel's original position.

The talks, the culmination of three years of diplomacy by Washington, are due to resume in December.

Israel pumps gas from huge offshore fields but&nbsp;Lebanon, which has yet to find commercial gas reserves in its own waters, is desperate for cash from foreign donors as it faces the worst economic crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war.

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has accused Lebanon of changing its position in talks on their disputed maritime border and warned it could lead to a "dead end" that would be damaging for the whole region.

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has accused Lebanon of changing its position in talks on their disputed maritime border and warned it could lead to a "dead end" that would be damaging for the whole region. The two countries, which remain technically at war, opened negotiations on the border dispute under US and UN auspices last month to clear the way for offshore oil and gas exploration. "Lebanon has changed its stance on its maritime border with Israel seven times," Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz tweeted late Thursday. "Its current position contradicts not only its previous one but also Lebanon's stance on its maritime border with Syria, which takes into account Lebanese islands close to the border," Steinitz said. Earlier on Thursday, Lebanese President Michel Aoun had set out his country's position on the maritime border, which he said should be "based on the line that departs on land from the point of Ras Naqoura". Also read: Lebanon and Israel to hold UN-mediated talks on disputed borders The demarcation should be "according to the general principle known as the median line, without taking into account any impact of the occupied Palestinian coastal islands," Aoun tweeted, referring to the Israeli coastline. Israel and Lebanon launched the negotiations last month with delegations from the long-time foes convening at a UN base to try to agree on the border that has held up hydrocarbon exploration in the potentially gas-rich area. A presidency statement said Aoun instructed the Lebanese team that the demarcation line should start from the land point of Ras Naqoura as defined under a 1923 agreement and extend seaward in a trajectory that a security source said extends the disputed area to some 2,300 square km (888 sq miles) from around 860 sq km. Israel's energy minister, overseeing the talks with Lebanon, said Lebanon had now changed its position seven times and was contradicting its own assertions. "Whoever wants prosperity in our region and seeks to safely develop natural resources must adhere to the principle of stability and settle the dispute along the lines that were submitted by Israel and Lebanon at the United Nations," Yuval Steinitz said. Any deviation, Steinitz said, would lead to a "dead end". Last month sources said the two sides presented contrasting maps for proposed borders. They said the Lebanese proposal extended farther south than the border Lebanon had years before presented to the United Nations and that of the Israeli team pushed the boundary farther north than Israel's original position. The talks, the culmination of three years of diplomacy by Washington, are due to resume in December. Israel pumps gas from huge offshore fields but Lebanon, which has yet to find commercial gas reserves in its own waters, is desperate for cash from foreign donors as it faces the worst economic crisis since its 1975-1990 civil war.

'Dead end': Israel says Lebanon is changing stance on maritime border

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo deliver a joint statement on Thursday, in Jerusalem. During which Mike Pompeo welcomed Israel-Bahrain deal

US Secretary of state welcomes Israel-Bahrain deal

Israel cast a wider net on Monday in its quest to secure a vaccine for COVID-19, approaching Russia to discuss buying its Sputnik V vaccine.

WION Fineprint: Israel in talks with Russia for Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine

EU diplomats were taunted by right-wing Israeli protesters on Monday during a visit to a sensitive east Jerusalem area where the Jewish state plans to build a new settler neighbourhood.&nbsp;

Several European Union envoys who had travelled to Givat Hamatos in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem to protest the planned construction of new Jewish settler homes were called "anti-Semites" by shouting protesters.&nbsp;

"EU shame on you," protesters shouted as diplomats tried to speak.&nbsp;

EU representative in the Palestinian Territories Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff said the aim of the visit was to "demonstrate our disagreement" with the Israeli plans.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Israel's right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to build 2,000 homes for Jews in Givat Hamatos and 1,000 homes for Arabs in the adjacent mainly Palestinian neighbourhood of Beit Safafa.&nbsp;

Last week, the Israel Land Authority issued tenders to build more than 1,200 mainly residential units in Givat Hamatos.&nbsp;

Watchdogs have warned that Israel was stepping up efforts to expand settlements before US President Donald Trump leaves office. &nbsp;

The Trump administration has broken with decades of bipartisan US practice by not opposing Jewish settlement activity in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.&nbsp;

President-elect Joe Biden has said his administration will restore US opposition to the settlements which are considered illegal under international law and that many governments view as an obstacle to peace.

Von Burgsdorff said "the four years of Mr. Trump have severely compromised the possibility of reaching a two-state solution".

"Our hope is that with the US President-Elect taking up office... this very important process can be revitalised," he added.&nbsp;

The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.&nbsp;

Most of the international community believes Jewish settlement expansion in east Jerusalem threatens the peace process by cutting the city off from Bethlehem, thereby disrupting the continuity of the Palestinian territories.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on Monday condemned an "escalating and intensive assault plan for the next 10 weeks in a race against time to create a new fait accompli before Donald Trump leaves the White House".

UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov called on Israel to "reverse" its plans in Givat Hamatos, saying the project would "significantly damage prospects for a future contiguous Palestinian State and for achieving a negotiated two-state solution". &nbsp;

Israel took control of east Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War, before annexing it in a move not recognised by most of the international community.

EU diplomats were taunted by right-wing Israeli protesters on Monday during a visit to a sensitive east Jerusalem area where the Jewish state plans to build a new settler neighbourhood.

EU diplomats were taunted by right-wing Israeli protesters on Monday during a visit to a sensitive east Jerusalem area where the Jewish state plans to build a new settler neighbourhood. Several European Union envoys who had travelled to Givat Hamatos in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem to protest the planned construction of new Jewish settler homes were called "anti-Semites" by shouting protesters. "EU shame on you," protesters shouted as diplomats tried to speak. EU representative in the Palestinian Territories Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff said the aim of the visit was to "demonstrate our disagreement" with the Israeli plans. Earlier this year, Israel's right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to build 2,000 homes for Jews in Givat Hamatos and 1,000 homes for Arabs in the adjacent mainly Palestinian neighbourhood of Beit Safafa. Last week, the Israel Land Authority issued tenders to build more than 1,200 mainly residential units in Givat Hamatos. Watchdogs have warned that Israel was stepping up efforts to expand settlements before US President Donald Trump leaves office. The Trump administration has broken with decades of bipartisan US practice by not opposing Jewish settlement activity in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. President-elect Joe Biden has said his administration will restore US opposition to the settlements which are considered illegal under international law and that many governments view as an obstacle to peace. Von Burgsdorff said "the four years of Mr. Trump have severely compromised the possibility of reaching a two-state solution". "Our hope is that with the US President-Elect taking up office... this very important process can be revitalised," he added. The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Most of the international community believes Jewish settlement expansion in east Jerusalem threatens the peace process by cutting the city off from Bethlehem, thereby disrupting the continuity of the Palestinian territories. Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh on Monday condemned an "escalating and intensive assault plan for the next 10 weeks in a race against time to create a new fait accompli before Donald Trump leaves the White House". UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov called on Israel to "reverse" its plans in Givat Hamatos, saying the project would "significantly damage prospects for a future contiguous Palestinian State and for achieving a negotiated two-state solution". Israel took control of east Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War, before annexing it in a move not recognised by most of the international community.

Israel protesters taunt EU envoys in sensitive east Jerusalem area

Israel is moving forward on the construction of hundreds of new homes for Jewish residents in sensitive East Jerusalem.

Israel moves ahead with controversial illegal settler housing plan in Jerusalem

Biden criticized as Israel moves ahead with controversial project in Jerusalem

Santa Claus visited the Dead Sea on Sunday (November 15) ahead of the Christmas season. It was part of a campaign by Israel's Tourism Ministry to bring some Christmas cheer during a global pandemic that has kept Christian pilgrims away from the Holy Land.

Santa brings Christmas cheer, and a tree, to the Dead Sea

Israel's military struck Hamas positions Sunday morning following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip overnight.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) tweeted they had "struck Hamas underground infrastructure &amp; military posts in Gaza".

Two rockets were fired into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip late Saturday, the Israeli army said.

"The IDF is conducting an ongoing situational assessment &amp; remains prepared to operate against any terror activity," they added.

Security sources in Gaza said there were a number of strikes overnight, including in Khan Younes, Rafah and Beit Hanoun. There were no immediate reports of any damage or wounded.

The Israeli media had earlier reported the rockets from Gaza came down in uninhabited areas.

The strike from Gaza comes days after the anniversary of the assassination of senior Islamic Jihad leader Baha Abu Al-Ata, killed in a strike on his home in Gaza City on November 12 last year.

Israel's military struck Hamas positions Sunday morning following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip overnight. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) tweeted they had "struck Hamas underground infrastructure & military posts in Gaza".

Israel's military struck Hamas positions Sunday morning following a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip overnight. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) tweeted they had "struck Hamas underground infrastructure & military posts in Gaza". Two rockets were fired into southern Israel from the Gaza Strip late Saturday, the Israeli army said. "The IDF is conducting an ongoing situational assessment & remains prepared to operate against any terror activity," they added. Security sources in Gaza said there were a number of strikes overnight, including in Khan Younes, Rafah and Beit Hanoun. There were no immediate reports of any damage or wounded. The Israeli media had earlier reported the rockets from Gaza came down in uninhabited areas. The strike from Gaza comes days after the anniversary of the assassination of senior Islamic Jihad leader Baha Abu Al-Ata, killed in a strike on his home in Gaza City on November 12 last year.

IDF strikes Hamas targets in Gaza following rocket fire on central Israel

Archaeologists on Wednesday unveiled a fortified structure from the time of the King David on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that sheds light on the borders of a Biblical Israeli ally. The 3,000-year-old fort, found near the Jewish settlement of Hispin ahead of works to build a new neighbourhood, is believed to have belonged to the Geshurites, King David's allies.

Locally quarried basalt boulders form the metre-and-a-half (five-foot) thick walls of the hilltop complex.

Barak Tzin, who directed its excavation for the Israel Antiquities Authority, estimated that it covered more than 1,000 square metres (a quarter of an acre).&nbsp;

Diggers found a large stone with an engraving of two horned figures stretching out their arms and a statuette of a woman holding a musical instrument, possibly a drum.

"That also links us to finds from the Iron Age," Tzin said, noting similar artefacts uncovered in Bethsaida, "a site linked to the capital of the Geshur kingdom" that lies west of Hispin on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.&nbsp;

Tzin said there is source material indicating "family ties" between the Geshur kingdom and the kingdom of David.&nbsp;

The Hispin fortress, the first of its kind to be excavated, adds a rare "piece to the puzzle" of Golan archaeology, Tzin said.

"This phenomenon might be more widespread that we know. Golan research is not yet at a high level... We're only beginning to rediscover the Golan now."

Future finds might help define clearer boundaries for the Geshurite kingdom, while the Hispin fortress "fills out its middle," he said.

"We believe (the kingdom) spread to Syria -- it fills in the space between," he said of the Hispin site.&nbsp;

"The picture is beginning to get a bit more clear."

Archaeologists on Wednesday unveiled a fortified structure from the time of the King David on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that sheds light on the borders of a Biblical Israeli ally.

Archaeologists on Wednesday unveiled a fortified structure from the time of the King David on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that sheds light on the borders of a Biblical Israeli ally. The 3,000-year-old fort, found near the Jewish settlement of Hispin ahead of works to build a new neighbourhood, is believed to have belonged to the Geshurites, King David's allies. Locally quarried basalt boulders form the metre-and-a-half (five-foot) thick walls of the hilltop complex. Barak Tzin, who directed its excavation for the Israel Antiquities Authority, estimated that it covered more than 1,000 square metres (a quarter of an acre). Diggers found a large stone with an engraving of two horned figures stretching out their arms and a statuette of a woman holding a musical instrument, possibly a drum. "That also links us to finds from the Iron Age," Tzin said, noting similar artefacts uncovered in Bethsaida, "a site linked to the capital of the Geshur kingdom" that lies west of Hispin on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Tzin said there is source material indicating "family ties" between the Geshur kingdom and the kingdom of David. The Hispin fortress, the first of its kind to be excavated, adds a rare "piece to the puzzle" of Golan archaeology, Tzin said. "This phenomenon might be more widespread that we know. Golan research is not yet at a high level... We're only beginning to rediscover the Golan now." Future finds might help define clearer boundaries for the Geshurite kingdom, while the Hispin fortress "fills out its middle," he said. "We believe (the kingdom) spread to Syria -- it fills in the space between," he said of the Hispin site. "The picture is beginning to get a bit more clear."

Israel uncovers King David-era fortress on Golan Heights

Thousands of people took to streets in Jerusalem in the latest demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his handling of the coronavirus crisis and the corruption charges he faces.

Protesters waved Israeli and pink flags. Smaller demonstrations took place elsewhere across the country.

Protesters held placards carryng signs that read, "Saving the country", "fighting corruption" and "Revolution."

Netanyahu has been severely criticised for the mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak and its economic fallout. Also, he has been serving as the prime minister while under indictment on three corruption charges: fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes.

Netanyahu, however, denies wrongdoings in a series of scandals involving billionaire associates and media moguls.

The country is emerging in gradual stages from a month-long lockdown that the government imposed to tamp down infections.

Israel economy, however, continues to take a hit as restriction still in place have kept stores, hotels and restaurants closed.

Israel appeared to have successfully weathered an initial outbreak in the spring. But a hasty reopening after a previous lockdown sent confirmed cases soaring and plunged the country toward new restrictions.

Thousands of people took to streets in Jerusalem in the latest demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his handling of the coronavirus crisis and the corruption charges he faces.

Thousands of people took to streets in Jerusalem in the latest demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his handling of the coronavirus crisis and the corruption charges he faces. Protesters waved Israeli and pink flags. Smaller demonstrations took place elsewhere across the country. Protesters held placards carryng signs that read, "Saving the country", "fighting corruption" and "Revolution." Netanyahu has been severely criticised for the mishandling of the coronavirus outbreak and its economic fallout. Also, he has been serving as the prime minister while under indictment on three corruption charges: fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes. Netanyahu, however, denies wrongdoings in a series of scandals involving billionaire associates and media moguls. The country is emerging in gradual stages from a month-long lockdown that the government imposed to tamp down infections. Israel economy, however, continues to take a hit as restriction still in place have kept stores, hotels and restaurants closed. Israel appeared to have successfully weathered an initial outbreak in the spring. But a hasty reopening after a previous lockdown sent confirmed cases soaring and plunged the country toward new restrictions.

Thousands protest in Jerusalem against PM Netanyahu

An 18-year-old Palestinian died Sunday after a confrontation with Israeli forces. The army, however, said it happened while trying to flee and Palestinian officials saying he had been beaten.

The Palestinian health ministry said that Amer Abdel-Rahim Sanouber from the village of Yatma in the occupied West Bank arrived at hospital after being "severely beaten on the neck."

The Palestine Medical Complex identified Sanouber as a "martyr" who was brought to the hospital with "signs of violence and beatings on his neck from the back".

In a statement, the Palestine Liberation Organisation accused Israeli troops of "a monstrous act of brutality against a defenceless young man whose only crime was being Palestinian".

Israel's army, on its part, said soldiers responded to an incident north of Ramallah after rocks were hurled at an army vehicle. Troops "in the area were dispatched to the scene and searched the area for assailants" the army statement said.

"Initial details suggest that upon the arrival of the troops... the two suspects tried to escape by foot. While fleeing, one of the suspects apparently lost consciousness, collapsed and hit his head. The suspect was not beaten by IDF troops," the army added.

It said troops at the scene and army medical teams provided medical attention to the suspect, who was "declared dead" following several "resuscitation attempts".

An 18-year-old Palestinian died Sunday after a confrontation with Israeli forces. The army, however, said it happened while trying to flee and Palestinian officials saying he had been beaten.

An 18-year-old Palestinian died Sunday after a confrontation with Israeli forces. The army, however, said it happened while trying to flee and Palestinian officials saying he had been beaten. The Palestinian health ministry said that Amer Abdel-Rahim Sanouber from the village of Yatma in the occupied West Bank arrived at hospital after being "severely beaten on the neck." The Palestine Medical Complex identified Sanouber as a "martyr" who was brought to the hospital with "signs of violence and beatings on his neck from the back". In a statement, the Palestine Liberation Organisation accused Israeli troops of "a monstrous act of brutality against a defenceless young man whose only crime was being Palestinian". Israel's army, on its part, said soldiers responded to an incident north of Ramallah after rocks were hurled at an army vehicle. Troops "in the area were dispatched to the scene and searched the area for assailants" the army statement said. "Initial details suggest that upon the arrival of the troops... the two suspects tried to escape by foot. While fleeing, one of the suspects apparently lost consciousness, collapsed and hit his head. The suspect was not beaten by IDF troops," the army added. It said troops at the scene and army medical teams provided medical attention to the suspect, who was "declared dead" following several "resuscitation attempts".

Palestinian teen dies after confrontation with Israeli forces

Lebanon and Israel, still technically at war, wrapped up a second round of maritime border talks Thursday under UN and US auspices to allow for offshore energy exploration.

The delegations met for around four hours for a second day straight at a base of the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL in the Lebanese border town of Naqura, Lebanon's National News Agency and Israel's energy ministry said.

The talks have been shrouded in secrecy, with little information emerging about any progress being made.

"At the end it was determined that another round of talks will take place during the coming month," the Israeli energy ministry said.

A Lebanese source close to the negotiations said they would resume on November 11.

A first round of talks had been held on October 14, and the second had started on Wednesday.

After years of quiet US shuttle diplomacy, Lebanon and Israel this month said they had agreed to begin the negotiations in what Washington hailed as a "historic" agreement.

The announcement came weeks after Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates became the first Arab nations to establish relations with Israel since Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

But Lebanon has insisted the negotiations are purely technical and do not involve any political normalisation with Israel.

Lebanon, reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades, is hoping to settle the maritime border dispute so it can continue exploring for hydrocarbon reserves in the Mediterranean.

Exploration is on hold in an area off its coast named Block 9, as a section of it is located in an 860-square-kilometre (330-square-mile) area claimed by both Israel and Lebanon.

NNA said the Lebanese delegation carried with it "maps and documents showing the points of contention and the Israeli enemy infringing on the Lebanese right to include part of Block 9".

In February 2018, Lebanon signed its first contract for offshore drilling for oil and gas in Block 9 and Block 4 with a consortium comprising energy giants Total, ENI and Novatek.

Lebanon in April said initial drilling in Block 4 had shown traces of gas but no commercially viable reserves.

While the US-brokered talks look at the maritime border, a UNIFIL-sponsored track is also due to address outstanding land border disputes.

UNIFIL head Major General Stefano Del Col welcomed Tuesday what he called "a unique opportunity to make substantial progress on contentious issues along" the land frontier.

Lebanon and Israel, still technically at war, wrapped up a second round of maritime border talks Thursday under UN and US auspices to allow for offshore energy exploration.

Lebanon and Israel, still technically at war, wrapped up a second round of maritime border talks Thursday under UN and US auspices to allow for offshore energy exploration. The delegations met for around four hours for a second day straight at a base of the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL in the Lebanese border town of Naqura, Lebanon's National News Agency and Israel's energy ministry said. The talks have been shrouded in secrecy, with little information emerging about any progress being made. "At the end it was determined that another round of talks will take place during the coming month," the Israeli energy ministry said. A Lebanese source close to the negotiations said they would resume on November 11. A first round of talks had been held on October 14, and the second had started on Wednesday. After years of quiet US shuttle diplomacy, Lebanon and Israel this month said they had agreed to begin the negotiations in what Washington hailed as a "historic" agreement. The announcement came weeks after Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates became the first Arab nations to establish relations with Israel since Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994. But Lebanon has insisted the negotiations are purely technical and do not involve any political normalisation with Israel. Lebanon, reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades, is hoping to settle the maritime border dispute so it can continue exploring for hydrocarbon reserves in the Mediterranean. Exploration is on hold in an area off its coast named Block 9, as a section of it is located in an 860-square-kilometre (330-square-mile) area claimed by both Israel and Lebanon. NNA said the Lebanese delegation carried with it "maps and documents showing the points of contention and the Israeli enemy infringing on the Lebanese right to include part of Block 9". In February 2018, Lebanon signed its first contract for offshore drilling for oil and gas in Block 9 and Block 4 with a consortium comprising energy giants Total, ENI and Novatek. Lebanon in April said initial drilling in Block 4 had shown traces of gas but no commercially viable reserves. While the US-brokered talks look at the maritime border, a UNIFIL-sponsored track is also due to address outstanding land border disputes. UNIFIL head Major General Stefano Del Col welcomed Tuesday what he called "a unique opportunity to make substantial progress on contentious issues along" the land frontier.

Lebanon, Israel end second round of maritime border talks

The race for a COVID-19 vaccine is heating up, and countries are spending every resource available to secure enough doses for their people.

Foreign ministries across the globe are in talks with vaccine-producers, and health ministries are attempting to approve them for use. But Israel has gone a different way. Israel is reportedly using spies to test and secure vaccines. The country's famed Mossad is reportedly buying Chinese vaccines, and testing them for safety. Espionage often turned the tide in major conflicts. Now, it is being used as a powerful tool during the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israeli-intelligence-agency-mossad-acquires-chinas-coronavirus-vaccine-for-study-338189" hreflang="en">Israeli intelligence agency Mossad acquires China's coronavirus vaccine for 'study'</a>

Israel's Mossad is a pioneer in the business, whose agents have pulled off some daring missions over the years. And now, it's getting involved in Israel's response to the pandemic, rather the hunt for a vaccine. Mossad reportedly brought China's vaccine candidate to Israel in the last couple of weeks. The goal is to study it, test it for safety, and efficiency. 
 
Why has Israel involved Mossad instead of the relevant ministries?

One reason could be the ongoing US-China conflict. Israel is a staunch ally of the United States. It would be bad optics for Israel to test out Chinese vaccines in public, considering the United States is making its own. Mossad is perfectly capable of secretly securing the vaccine from China, and also has the technology to test it out.

This is not the first time Mossad has been deployed during the pandemic. From February to May, Mossad's chief led Israel's efforts to acquire masks, ventilators and PPE kits. It has been speculated that Israel imported medical goods from Arab West-Asian nations, some of whom had not recognised Israel at that point, and had no trade relations with it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/spying-is-getting-harder-israels-mossad-chief-joseph-yossi-cohen-172835" hreflang="en">Spying is getting harder: Israel's Mossad chief</a>

Mossad was roped in for secret imports. Reports say that the agency bought around 4 million test kits. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been all praise for Mossad, publicly said that the agency's expertise could be needed again.

Mossad's involvement in pandemic control has been controversial. After all, spy agencies have no jurisdiction inside the country. Rights groups have opposed using intelligence agencies to contact-trace.&nbsp;

Whenever there is a global race, espionage is never far away. Earlier this year, the US accused Chinese hackers of trying to steal data from vaccine-maker Moderna. They were reportedly backed by the Chinese intelligence agencies. Two Chinese nationals were indicted, and the FBI was called in to investigate.

Russia has also been accused of trying to steal vaccine research. The UK, Canada and the United States jointly accused a hacking group - Cozy Bear beleived to be associated with Russian intelligence. Vaccine producers are seeking help from spy agencies in their own countries to stay alert to threats.

The race for a COVID-19 vaccine is heating up, and countries are spending every resource available to secure enough doses for their people. Foreign ministries across the globe are in talks with vaccine-producers, and health ministries are attempting to approve them for use.

The race for a COVID-19 vaccine is heating up, and countries are spending every resource available to secure enough doses for their people. Foreign ministries across the globe are in talks with vaccine-producers, and health ministries are attempting to approve them for use. But Israel has gone a different way. Israel is reportedly using spies to test and secure vaccines. The country's famed Mossad is reportedly buying Chinese vaccines, and testing them for safety. Espionage often turned the tide in major conflicts. Now, it is being used as a powerful tool during the pandemic. Also read: Israeli intelligence agency Mossad acquires China's coronavirus vaccine for 'study' Israel's Mossad is a pioneer in the business, whose agents have pulled off some daring missions over the years. And now, it's getting involved in Israel's response to the pandemic, rather the hunt for a vaccine. Mossad reportedly brought China's vaccine candidate to Israel in the last couple of weeks. The goal is to study it, test it for safety, and efficiency. Why has Israel involved Mossad instead of the relevant ministries? One reason could be the ongoing US-China conflict. Israel is a staunch ally of the United States. It would be bad optics for Israel to test out Chinese vaccines in public, considering the United States is making its own. Mossad is perfectly capable of secretly securing the vaccine from China, and also has the technology to test it out. This is not the first time Mossad has been deployed during the pandemic. From February to May, Mossad's chief led Israel's efforts to acquire masks, ventilators and PPE kits. It has been speculated that Israel imported medical goods from Arab West-Asian nations, some of whom had not recognised Israel at that point, and had no trade relations with it. Also read: Spying is getting harder: Israel's Mossad chief Mossad was roped in for secret imports. Reports say that the agency bought around 4 million test kits. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been all praise for Mossad, publicly said that the agency's expertise could be needed again. Mossad's involvement in pandemic control has been controversial. After all, spy agencies have no jurisdiction inside the country. Rights groups have opposed using intelligence agencies to contact-trace. Whenever there is a global race, espionage is never far away. Earlier this year, the US accused Chinese hackers of trying to steal data from vaccine-maker Moderna. They were reportedly backed by the Chinese intelligence agencies. Two Chinese nationals were indicted, and the FBI was called in to investigate. Russia has also been accused of trying to steal vaccine research. The UK, Canada and the United States jointly accused a hacking group - Cozy Bear beleived to be associated with Russian intelligence. Vaccine producers are seeking help from spy agencies in their own countries to stay alert to threats.

Israel deploys its famed Mossad to procure and test COVID-19 vaccines

This week on the West Asia Post, we look at one year of anti-government protests in Lebanon as Ghadi Francis talks to one of the main voices of the revolution. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM, only on WION.

The West Asia Post; Episode 4

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