U.S. Violates Fourth Geneva Convention, Calls Israeli Settlements In West Bank 'Legal'

Gravitas: Trump's Israel decision exposes his utter disregard for International law!

India votes against Israel at a U.N. Resolution on Palestinians' right to self-determination.

Gravitas: U.N. resolution on Palestine: India votes against Israel

The Vatican spoke out on Wednesday against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-policy-shift-united-states-backs-israeli-settlements-on-west-bank-263029">United States' decision </a>to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, joining stiff international criticism of the policy reversal.

Without naming the US, the Holy See said in a statement that "recent decisions ... risk undermining further the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the already fragile regional stability."

"The Holy See reiterates its position of a two-state solution for two peoples, as the only way to reach a complete solution to this age-old conflict," the Vatican said.&nbsp;

On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the Israeli settlements were "not, per se, inconsistent with international law," breaking with UN Security Council resolutions declaring the settlements to be illegal as they are built on occupied Palestinian land.&nbsp;

The policy shift puts the US at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-faces-palestinian-international-criticism-of-israel-settlement-move-263219">international community</a>, and criticism came on Tuesday from the European Union, the United Nations and the Arab League. &nbsp;

Courts in Israel have declared most major settlements legal.&nbsp;

More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians. The settlements remain one of the thorniest issues in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.&nbsp;

The Holy See said it supported Israel's right to live in peace and security within the borders that are recognised by the international community and supported "the same right that belongs to the Palestinian people, which must be recognised, respected and implemented."

Israel has welcomed the US decision, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying he was "very moved" by Pompeo's announcement.

US President Donald Trump's administration had "corrected a historic injustice and lined up with truth and justice," Netanyahu said.

Pope Francis, who arrived on Wednesday in Thailand ahead of a visit to Japan, has not himself directly addressed the issue.

The Vatican spoke out on Wednesday against the United States' decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, joining stiff international criticism of the policy reversal.

The Vatican spoke out on Wednesday against the United States' decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, joining stiff international criticism of the policy reversal. Without naming the US, the Holy See said in a statement that "recent decisions ... risk undermining further the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the already fragile regional stability." "The Holy See reiterates its position of a two-state solution for two peoples, as the only way to reach a complete solution to this age-old conflict," the Vatican said. On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the Israeli settlements were "not, per se, inconsistent with international law," breaking with UN Security Council resolutions declaring the settlements to be illegal as they are built on occupied Palestinian land. The policy shift puts the US at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the international community, and criticism came on Tuesday from the European Union, the United Nations and the Arab League. Courts in Israel have declared most major settlements legal. More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians. The settlements remain one of the thorniest issues in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Holy See said it supported Israel's right to live in peace and security within the borders that are recognised by the international community and supported "the same right that belongs to the Palestinian people, which must be recognised, respected and implemented." Israel has welcomed the US decision, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying he was "very moved" by Pompeo's announcement. US President Donald Trump's administration had "corrected a historic injustice and lined up with truth and justice," Netanyahu said. Pope Francis, who arrived on Wednesday in Thailand ahead of a visit to Japan, has not himself directly addressed the issue.

Vatican criticises US policy shift on Israeli settlements

Israeli kingmaker Avigdor Lieberman refused to support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-suffers-defeat-in-failing-to-form-israeli-government-257515">Benjamin Netanyahu </a>or rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gantz-meets-netanyahu-as-deadlock-continues-post-elections-258422">Benny Gantz </a>for prime minister, pushing the Jewish country closer to the third round of elections in a year.&nbsp;

Lieberman, a right-wing nationalist leader said that both Netanyahu and Gantz have not done enough to convince him ahead of a midnight deadline for Gantz to form a government.&nbsp;

"Both are responsible," he said. "As things stand, we are on our way to new elections."

Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party has won enough seats in the Israel elections to put either of Netanyahu or Gantz into power.

Earlier, both Netanyahu and Gantz failed to gain a clear majority yet again in the September elections. Israel's President Reuven Rivlin gave 28 days to Gantz to form the government after Netanyahu failed to garner support from other parties in a similar deadline.&nbsp;

Netanyahu and Gantz tried holding talks to form a government together with the support of Lieberman's party. However, talks failed when both leaders accused each other of non-cooperation through tweets on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, during our meeting last night, Benny Gantz refused to accept the conditions put by Avigdor Lieberman, that is, to accept the President's solution that, as Prime Minister, I will be the first in rotation," Netanyahu said.

Gantz accused Netanyahu of rejecting unity and doing "everything possible" for another round of elections.&nbsp;

"Benjamin Netanyahu is rejecting unity and will do everything possible to drag us into elections for the third time," Gantz tweeted.

Once Gantz's deadline to form a government&nbsp;is over, Israeli lawmakers will get 21 days to propose a candidate who has to establish majority to the president. Once this deadline of 21 days comes to end, the road for another round of elections in Israel will become clear.&nbsp;

Israeli kingmaker Avigdor Lieberman refused to support Benjamin Netanyahu or rival Benny Gantz for prime minister, pushing the Jewish country closer to the third round of elections in a year.

Israeli kingmaker Avigdor Lieberman refused to support Benjamin Netanyahu or rival Benny Gantz for prime minister, pushing the Jewish country closer to the third round of elections in a year. Lieberman, a right-wing nationalist leader said that both Netanyahu and Gantz have not done enough to convince him ahead of a midnight deadline for Gantz to form a government. "Both are responsible," he said. "As things stand, we are on our way to new elections." Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party has won enough seats in the Israel elections to put either of Netanyahu or Gantz into power. Earlier, both Netanyahu and Gantz failed to gain a clear majority yet again in the September elections. Israel's President Reuven Rivlin gave 28 days to Gantz to form the government after Netanyahu failed to garner support from other parties in a similar deadline. Netanyahu and Gantz tried holding talks to form a government together with the support of Lieberman's party. However, talks failed when both leaders accused each other of non-cooperation through tweets on Wednesday. "Unfortunately, during our meeting last night, Benny Gantz refused to accept the conditions put by Avigdor Lieberman, that is, to accept the President's solution that, as Prime Minister, I will be the first in rotation," Netanyahu said. Gantz accused Netanyahu of rejecting unity and doing "everything possible" for another round of elections. "Benjamin Netanyahu is rejecting unity and will do everything possible to drag us into elections for the third time," Gantz tweeted. Once Gantz's deadline to form a government is over, Israeli lawmakers will get 21 days to propose a candidate who has to establish majority to the president. Once this deadline of 21 days comes to end, the road for another round of elections in Israel will become clear.

Israeli kingmaker refuses support to Netanyahu or Gantz as country set for third elections in a year

Israel Military confirms attack on Syria after 4 rocket fired by Syria. Reports claimed that at least 3 has been injured in Israeli counter-attack on Syria. Watch this video to know more in detail.

Israel Military confirms attack on Syria

The United States faced stiff international and Palestinian criticism Tuesday over its decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, while the Jewish state's premier cheered on the "historic" move.

The United Nations and European Union stressed the decision would not change the reality that the settlements were illegal, while the Arab League condemned the unilateral move announced Monday by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, said he was "very moved" by the announcement.

Pompeo said that after legal consultation Washington had concluded the establishment of settlements was "not, per se, inconsistent with international law", saying he trusted the Israeli courts to decide.

The decision puts the United States at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the international community and breaks with UN Security Council resolutions declaring settlements to be illegal as they are built in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israeli courts, however, have declared most major settlements legal.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the US decision did "not modify existing international law, nor its interpretation by the International Court of Justice and the UN Security Council".

The EU reiterated it still considers all settlement activity illegal.

Netanyahu visited the Gush Etzion settlement bloc in the West Bank south of Jerusalem on Tuesday.

"Here we are on a historic day with another tremendous achievement for the State of Israel," he told settler leaders, according to a statement.

"The Trump administration has corrected a historic injustice and lined up with truth and justice."

More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians.

Israel seized control of the territories, seen as pivotal parts of any future Palestinian state, in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Settlements are seen as one of the most difficult issues in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

'Dangerous consequences'

The announcement is the latest in a series of pro-Israeli moves by US President Donald Trump's administration, including recognising the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Analysts say it will further embolden the settlement movement and may fend off potential legal moves against Israel.

The Arab League called it an "extremely adverse development".

The Palestinian Authority — which considers the US biased and has rejected the Trump administration as a mediator if peace talks are ever revived — called for an emergency meeting of the body.

The only two Arab states to have signed peace treaties with Israel — Egypt and Jordan — also sharply criticised the US policy shift, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warning of "dangerous consequences".

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said they would take a series of measures to oppose it, including calling for a United Nations Security Council debate.

"We are going to the (UN) General Assembly and we will ask... the International Criminal Court to open an official judicial investigation," he added.

'On our knees'

The US policy shift was widely seen as an attempt to change the legal context for a series of suits and complaints against Israel.&nbsp;

The European Union's top court last week ruled that EU countries must identify products made in Israeli settlements on their labels.

The ICC is expected to take key decisions on two cases against Israel in the coming weeks, including relating to Israeli settlements.

Ofer Zalzberg, the senior Middle East analyst with the International Crisis Group think-tank, said the US was trying to weaken the legal pressure on its ally.

"The Trump administration is trying to unravel international consensus on this issue of the illegality of settlements," he said.

"It adds to a deepening politicisation of international law, making it appear to be malleable to political opinions."

Israeli settlers, who overwhelmingly form part of Netanyahu's right-wing constituency, said the US policy change paved the way for the annexation of West Bank settlements into Israel.

"The illegality of settlements has always been stated as a fact-based upon an international consensus. The breaking of that consensus is important," said Avi Bell, a senior fellow at the right-wing Kohelet Policy Forum in Israel.

Erekat said it was only the latest move by the US to try to force the Palestinians to capitulate and give up their claims to an independent state.

"They wanted us on our knees and they used every trick -- internally, externally, regionally -- to put pressure on us. We stand tall and we will stand tall."

The United States faced stiff international and Palestinian criticism Tuesday over its decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, while the Jewish state's premier cheered on the "historic" move.

The United States faced stiff international and Palestinian criticism Tuesday over its decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, while the Jewish state's premier cheered on the "historic" move. The United Nations and European Union stressed the decision would not change the reality that the settlements were illegal, while the Arab League condemned the unilateral move announced Monday by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, said he was "very moved" by the announcement. Pompeo said that after legal consultation Washington had concluded the establishment of settlements was "not, per se, inconsistent with international law", saying he trusted the Israeli courts to decide. The decision puts the United States at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the international community and breaks with UN Security Council resolutions declaring settlements to be illegal as they are built in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israeli courts, however, have declared most major settlements legal. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the US decision did "not modify existing international law, nor its interpretation by the International Court of Justice and the UN Security Council". The EU reiterated it still considers all settlement activity illegal. Netanyahu visited the Gush Etzion settlement bloc in the West Bank south of Jerusalem on Tuesday. "Here we are on a historic day with another tremendous achievement for the State of Israel," he told settler leaders, according to a statement. "The Trump administration has corrected a historic injustice and lined up with truth and justice." More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians. Israel seized control of the territories, seen as pivotal parts of any future Palestinian state, in the 1967 Six-Day War. Settlements are seen as one of the most difficult issues in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 'Dangerous consequences' The announcement is the latest in a series of pro-Israeli moves by US President Donald Trump's administration, including recognising the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Analysts say it will further embolden the settlement movement and may fend off potential legal moves against Israel. The Arab League called it an "extremely adverse development". The Palestinian Authority — which considers the US biased and has rejected the Trump administration as a mediator if peace talks are ever revived — called for an emergency meeting of the body. The only two Arab states to have signed peace treaties with Israel — Egypt and Jordan — also sharply criticised the US policy shift, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warning of "dangerous consequences". Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said they would take a series of measures to oppose it, including calling for a United Nations Security Council debate. "We are going to the (UN) General Assembly and we will ask... the International Criminal Court to open an official judicial investigation," he added. 'On our knees' The US policy shift was widely seen as an attempt to change the legal context for a series of suits and complaints against Israel. The European Union's top court last week ruled that EU countries must identify products made in Israeli settlements on their labels. The ICC is expected to take key decisions on two cases against Israel in the coming weeks, including relating to Israeli settlements. Ofer Zalzberg, the senior Middle East analyst with the International Crisis Group think-tank, said the US was trying to weaken the legal pressure on its ally. "The Trump administration is trying to unravel international consensus on this issue of the illegality of settlements," he said. "It adds to a deepening politicisation of international law, making it appear to be malleable to political opinions." Israeli settlers, who overwhelmingly form part of Netanyahu's right-wing constituency, said the US policy change paved the way for the annexation of West Bank settlements into Israel. "The illegality of settlements has always been stated as a fact-based upon an international consensus. The breaking of that consensus is important," said Avi Bell, a senior fellow at the right-wing Kohelet Policy Forum in Israel. Erekat said it was only the latest move by the US to try to force the Palestinians to capitulate and give up their claims to an independent state. "They wanted us on our knees and they used every trick -- internally, externally, regionally -- to put pressure on us. We stand tall and we will stand tall."

US faces Palestinian, international criticism of Israel settlement move

The United States no longer believes that Israeli settlements in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-rockets-israeli-airstrikes-jolt-tenuous-gaza-truce-262543">Palestinian territories</a> are illegal, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Monday in the latest pro-Israel shift by Washington.

The statement puts the United States at odds with virtually all countries as well as UN Security Council resolutions and was hailed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close ally of President Donald Trump who is days away from potentially losing office.

"After carefully studying all sides of the legal debate," Pompeo told reporters, the United States has concluded that "the establishment of Israeli civilian settlements in the West Bank is not, per se, inconsistent with international law."

"Calling the establishment of civilian settlements inconsistent with international law hasn't worked. It hasn't advanced the cause of peace," Pompeo said.

Pompeo said that the United States was not necessarily considering the settlements legal either but instead would defer to the judgment of Israeli courts.

The Palestinian Authority,&nbsp;which has refused negotiations through the Trump administration, which it considers biased,&nbsp;denounced the latest decision.

Washington is "not qualified or authorised to cancel the resolutions of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-carries-fresh-strikes-on-gaza-after-rocket-fire-army-262515">international law</a>, and has no right to grant legality to any Israeli settlement," Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah said in a statement.

But Netanyahu said that the US shift "rights a historical wrong" for the 600,000 Israeli settlers who live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem among around 2.9 million Palestinians.

"This policy reflects a historical truth,&nbsp;that the Jewish people are not foreign colonialists in Judea and Samaria.&nbsp;In fact, we are called Jews because we are the people of Judea," he said in a statement, using the biblical term for the West Bank.

Watch: US backs Israel on settlements

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Israeli government&nbsp;deadline

The move will surely be interpreted as a boost for Netanyahu as his centrist rival, Benny Gantz, has only two days to form a government after inconclusive elections.

Pompeo denied a motivation to prop up Netanyahu, saying: "The timing of this was not tied to anything that had to do with domestic politics anywhere in Israel or otherwise."

Until now, US policy was based, at least in theory, on a legal opinion issued by the State Department in 1978 which said that settlements in the Palestinian territories captured a decade earlier by Israel went against international law.

The Fourth Geneva Convention on the laws of war explicitly forbids moving civilians into occupied territories.

While the United States has generally vetoed Security Council measures <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-says-iran-wants-removal-of-israel-state-not-people-262429">critical of Israel</a>, the previous president Barack Obama, exasperated with Netanyahu, in his final weeks in office allowed the passage of Resolution 2334 that called Israel's settlements a "flagrant violation" of international law.

'Permanent apartheid'?

Previous US administrations have also criticised settlements to varying degrees.

Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren said she would reverse Pompeo's "blatantly ideological" shift on settlements.

"Not only do these settlements violate international law, they make peace harder to achieve," she tweeted.

A fellow Democratic senator, Chris Murphy, said the "monumentally bad" decision "could obliterate the chances of Israeli-Palestinian peace."

"And it puts Israel further down a path that has a terrible choice at the end,&nbsp;become a non-Jewish state or become a permanent apartheid state," Murphy said.

Pompeo said he was releasing a "legal review" and not taking on whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-iran-not-calling-for-elimination-of-jews-wants-non-sectarian-israel-262345">Israel should build more settlements</a>.&nbsp;

But Israel has already been increasingly emboldened. The activist group Peace Now said that Israel has approved 8,337 housing units in the year through October, an increase of 50 per cent from a year earlier.

Israel dismantled homes in the Gaza Strip when it withdrew in 2005 and draws a distinction between settlements and construction in east Jerusalem, which has been annexed by the Jewish state.

Netanyahu vowed in his latest election campaign also to annex large parts of the West Bank, a move that would effectively end a two-state solution.

Trump, whose evangelical Christian base is staunchly pro-Israel, has taken a number of landmark steps including recognising Jerusalem as the Jewish state's capital and cutting off aid to the UN agency that provides schooling to Palestinian refugees.

The latest step puts the United States at stark odds with the European Union, whose top court ruled last week that goods from Israeli settlements must be labelled as such.

The United States no longer believes that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories are illegal, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Monday in the latest pro-Israel shift by Washington.

The United States no longer believes that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories are illegal, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Monday in the latest pro-Israel shift by Washington. The statement puts the United States at odds with virtually all countries as well as UN Security Council resolutions and was hailed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close ally of President Donald Trump who is days away from potentially losing office. "After carefully studying all sides of the legal debate," Pompeo told reporters, the United States has concluded that "the establishment of Israeli civilian settlements in the West Bank is not, per se, inconsistent with international law." "Calling the establishment of civilian settlements inconsistent with international law hasn't worked. It hasn't advanced the cause of peace," Pompeo said. Pompeo said that the United States was not necessarily considering the settlements legal either but instead would defer to the judgment of Israeli courts. The Palestinian Authority, which has refused negotiations through the Trump administration, which it considers biased, denounced the latest decision. Washington is "not qualified or authorised to cancel the resolutions of international law, and has no right to grant legality to any Israeli settlement," Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah said in a statement. But Netanyahu said that the US shift "rights a historical wrong" for the 600,000 Israeli settlers who live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem among around 2.9 million Palestinians. "This policy reflects a historical truth, that the Jewish people are not foreign colonialists in Judea and Samaria. In fact, we are called Jews because we are the people of Judea," he said in a statement, using the biblical term for the West Bank. Watch: US backs Israel on settlements Israeli government deadline The move will surely be interpreted as a boost for Netanyahu as his centrist rival, Benny Gantz, has only two days to form a government after inconclusive elections. Pompeo denied a motivation to prop up Netanyahu, saying: "The timing of this was not tied to anything that had to do with domestic politics anywhere in Israel or otherwise." Until now, US policy was based, at least in theory, on a legal opinion issued by the State Department in 1978 which said that settlements in the Palestinian territories captured a decade earlier by Israel went against international law. The Fourth Geneva Convention on the laws of war explicitly forbids moving civilians into occupied territories. While the United States has generally vetoed Security Council measures critical of Israel, the previous president Barack Obama, exasperated with Netanyahu, in his final weeks in office allowed the passage of Resolution 2334 that called Israel's settlements a "flagrant violation" of international law. 'Permanent apartheid'? Previous US administrations have also criticised settlements to varying degrees. Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren said she would reverse Pompeo's "blatantly ideological" shift on settlements. "Not only do these settlements violate international law, they make peace harder to achieve," she tweeted. A fellow Democratic senator, Chris Murphy, said the "monumentally bad" decision "could obliterate the chances of Israeli-Palestinian peace." "And it puts Israel further down a path that has a terrible choice at the end, become a non-Jewish state or become a permanent apartheid state," Murphy said. Pompeo said he was releasing a "legal review" and not taking on whether Israel should build more settlements. But Israel has already been increasingly emboldened. The activist group Peace Now said that Israel has approved 8,337 housing units in the year through October, an increase of 50 per cent from a year earlier. Israel dismantled homes in the Gaza Strip when it withdrew in 2005 and draws a distinction between settlements and construction in east Jerusalem, which has been annexed by the Jewish state. Netanyahu vowed in his latest election campaign also to annex large parts of the West Bank, a move that would effectively end a two-state solution. Trump, whose evangelical Christian base is staunchly pro-Israel, has taken a number of landmark steps including recognising Jerusalem as the Jewish state's capital and cutting off aid to the UN agency that provides schooling to Palestinian refugees. The latest step puts the United States at stark odds with the European Union, whose top court ruled last week that goods from Israeli settlements must be labelled as such.

In policy shift, United States backs Israeli settlements in West Bank

The United States on Monday effectively backed Israel's right to build Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank by abandoning its four-decade-old position. Israel praised a U.S. decision on Monday to soften its position on Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that upset the Palestinians who said it contradicts international law.

U.S. backs Israel on settlements, Palestinians outraged as Israel welcomes U.S. move

Bezeq Israel Telecom reported a slightly larger-than-expected fall in third-quarter profit on Monday and reiterated it was on track for a large 2019 loss after two major write-downs in its business units.

Israel's largest telecoms group, which is in the midst of a change in ownership, reported a profit of 191 million shekels ($55 million), down from 234 million a year earlier and slightly short of the 198 million forecast by analysts.

Bezeq attributed the decline mainly to higher financing expenses.

Revenue fell 2.3 per cent&nbsp;to 2.25 billion shekels, slightly above the 2.23 billion expected by analysts.

The company maintained its 2019 forecast of a net loss of 1.1 billion shekels.

Bezeq is the dominant telecoms group in Israel and owns mobile phone operator Pelephone, satellite TV firm YES and internet service provider Bezeq International.

"Bezeq is in the midst of a major restructuring with several parallel early retirement plans and cost-cutting measures," Barclays analyst Tavy Rosner said. "These are starting to pay off, as demonstrated by the 4 per cent&nbsp;decrease in salaries."

Last week the communications ministry approved the sale of a controlling share in Bezeq to the foreign private investor group Searchlight Capital Partners.

For the past few years Bezeq has been locked in a battle with the telecoms regulator over deployment of a fibre optics network, with Bezeq unwilling to meet demands it provide the service for 100 per cent&nbsp;of the country, saying that was not economically viable.

Rivals Cellcom and Partner Communications have started their own fibre networks.

This month the ministry said it was willing to ease up on its demands and would allow Bezeq to choose where to roll out its network.

"We hope that the new policy that will be formulated will enable us to launch fibre optic services for the private sector in Israel on an economic basis," CEO David Mizrahi said in a statement.

Rosner noted that although Bezeq was losing market share in fixed line, that will likely change once Bezeq and the regulator reach a final agreement.

Bezeq's shares were down 1.5 per cent&nbsp;in morning trade in Tel Aviv. They are down 23 per cent&nbsp;this year.

Bezeq Israel Telecom reported a slightly larger-than-expected fall in third-quarter profit on Monday and reiterated it was on track for a large 2019 loss after two major write-downs in its business units.

Bezeq Israel Telecom reported a slightly larger-than-expected fall in third-quarter profit on Monday and reiterated it was on track for a large 2019 loss after two major write-downs in its business units. Israel's largest telecoms group, which is in the midst of a change in ownership, reported a profit of 191 million shekels ($55 million), down from 234 million a year earlier and slightly short of the 198 million forecast by analysts. Bezeq attributed the decline mainly to higher financing expenses. Revenue fell 2.3 per cent to 2.25 billion shekels, slightly above the 2.23 billion expected by analysts. The company maintained its 2019 forecast of a net loss of 1.1 billion shekels. Bezeq is the dominant telecoms group in Israel and owns mobile phone operator Pelephone, satellite TV firm YES and internet service provider Bezeq International. "Bezeq is in the midst of a major restructuring with several parallel early retirement plans and cost-cutting measures," Barclays analyst Tavy Rosner said. "These are starting to pay off, as demonstrated by the 4 per cent decrease in salaries." Last week the communications ministry approved the sale of a controlling share in Bezeq to the foreign private investor group Searchlight Capital Partners. For the past few years Bezeq has been locked in a battle with the telecoms regulator over deployment of a fibre optics network, with Bezeq unwilling to meet demands it provide the service for 100 per cent of the country, saying that was not economically viable. Rivals Cellcom and Partner Communications have started their own fibre networks. This month the ministry said it was willing to ease up on its demands and would allow Bezeq to choose where to roll out its network. "We hope that the new policy that will be formulated will enable us to launch fibre optic services for the private sector in Israel on an economic basis," CEO David Mizrahi said in a statement. Rosner noted that although Bezeq was losing market share in fixed line, that will likely change once Bezeq and the regulator reach a final agreement. Bezeq's shares were down 1.5 per cent in morning trade in Tel Aviv. They are down 23 per cent this year.

Israel's Bezeq Tel third-quarter profit falls, headed for big 2019 loss

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began.

Hamas, the Islamist movement that has de facto control over the Gaza Strip, has so far kept its distance from the deadly exchanges of fire that erupted this week.

A ceasefire has been in place since Thursday morning following the violent escalation between Israel and Islamic Jihad -- the territory's second most powerful Palestinian militant group.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was "currently striking Hamas terror targets" in Gaza, where AFP journalists saw the Israeli strikes and reported retaliation from inside the enclave.

The army said it launched the strikes after "two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory" and were intercepted by air defences.

Palestinian security sources said the Israeli strikes were aimed at two Hamas sites in the north of the territory.

It was the first time Hamas has been targeted since this week's escalation began early Tuesday with Israel's targeted killing of a top Islamic Jihad commander.

That strike triggered almost immediate retaliatory rocket fire from Islamic Jihad at Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and sending Israelis rushing to bomb shelters in the country's southern and central regions.

Fragile ceasefire&nbsp;

Israel's military had said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory during the fighting and air defences had intercepted dozens of them.

It then responded with its own airstrikes, saying it had targeted more Islamic Jihad militant sites and rocket- and missile-launching squads.

After two days of violence -- in which 34 Palestinians died but no Israeli fatalities -- a ceasefire was agreed.

But it has so far been precarious, with fire coming from both sides on Friday after the agreement went into effect.

The Gaza Strip is home to two million Palestinians, and Israel and Palestinian militants have fought three wars there since 2008.

Israeli analysts said earlier this week that the focus on Islamic Jihad instead of Hamas was a clear signal that the army sought to avoid a wider conflict in Gaza.

Hamas repeatedly said it would not abandon its ally, but not joining the fight helped it maintain a fragile truce with Israel that has seen tens of millions of dollars in Qatari aid flow into the impoverished Gaza Strip since last year.

On Thursday, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the army had "wanted to keep Hamas out of the fighting".

"Throughout the operation, we of course between distinguished Hamas and Islamic Jihad. And all of our operations were measured, proportionate and focused only on military assets belonging to Islamic jihad," he said

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began.

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began. Hamas, the Islamist movement that has de facto control over the Gaza Strip, has so far kept its distance from the deadly exchanges of fire that erupted this week. A ceasefire has been in place since Thursday morning following the violent escalation between Israel and Islamic Jihad -- the territory's second most powerful Palestinian militant group. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was "currently striking Hamas terror targets" in Gaza, where AFP journalists saw the Israeli strikes and reported retaliation from inside the enclave. The army said it launched the strikes after "two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory" and were intercepted by air defences. Palestinian security sources said the Israeli strikes were aimed at two Hamas sites in the north of the territory. It was the first time Hamas has been targeted since this week's escalation began early Tuesday with Israel's targeted killing of a top Islamic Jihad commander. That strike triggered almost immediate retaliatory rocket fire from Islamic Jihad at Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and sending Israelis rushing to bomb shelters in the country's southern and central regions. Fragile ceasefire Israel's military had said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory during the fighting and air defences had intercepted dozens of them. It then responded with its own airstrikes, saying it had targeted more Islamic Jihad militant sites and rocket- and missile-launching squads. After two days of violence -- in which 34 Palestinians died but no Israeli fatalities -- a ceasefire was agreed. But it has so far been precarious, with fire coming from both sides on Friday after the agreement went into effect. The Gaza Strip is home to two million Palestinians, and Israel and Palestinian militants have fought three wars there since 2008. Israeli analysts said earlier this week that the focus on Islamic Jihad instead of Hamas was a clear signal that the army sought to avoid a wider conflict in Gaza. Hamas repeatedly said it would not abandon its ally, but not joining the fight helped it maintain a fragile truce with Israel that has seen tens of millions of dollars in Qatari aid flow into the impoverished Gaza Strip since last year. On Thursday, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the army had "wanted to keep Hamas out of the fighting". "Throughout the operation, we of course between distinguished Hamas and Islamic Jihad. And all of our operations were measured, proportionate and focused only on military assets belonging to Islamic jihad," he said

Israel strikes Hamas targets in Gaza after rocket fire

Microsoft Corp has hired former US&nbsp;Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate whether the use of facial recognition technology developed by an Israeli startup it funded complies with its ethics principles, the company said on Friday.

AnyVision, based outside Tel Aviv, has come under scrutiny following reports by Haaretz's TheMarker business newspaper and NBC News that its technology is used to surveil Palestinians who live in the occupied West Bank.

AnyVision, which denied to NBC such use of its services, did not respond to a request for comment.

The probe reflects growing unease about facial recognition surveillance in the United States and elsewhere that civil liberties groups say could lead to unfair arrests and limit freedom of expression.

Microsoft announced facial recognition ethics principles last year, saying the company would "advocate for safeguards for people's democratic freedoms in law enforcement surveillance scenarios and will not deploy facial recognition technology in scenarios that we believe will put these freedoms at risk."

Microsoft said in a statement that Holder would lead a team from law firm Covington &amp; Burling to conduct the probe. Holder, the top US&nbsp;legal official under former President Barack Obama, was hired by Uber Technologies Inc&nbsp;in 2017 to review claims of sexual harassment.

He did not immediately return a request for comment.

M12, the venture fund of Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft, participated in a $74 million series A investment round that AnyVision announced in June.

NBC had reported that AnyVision's technology was used within the West Bank and at Israeli border crossings. The company told NBC its software was not used for West Bank surveillance and was deployed at border crossings in a manner similar to US&nbsp;Customs' use of biometric identification at airports.

Israel faces criticism and a boycott for its occupation and policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.

AnyVision in an August blog post also said that it would announce an ethics advisory board and that it had a responsibility to prevent its technology's abuse. At the same time, it touted how facial recognition speeds up border crossings while helping law enforcement spot criminals.

Microsoft itself markets a facial recognition tool and backed a US&nbsp;Senate bill, announced on Thursday, that would require a court order before federal law enforcement could use the technology for targeted, ongoing surveillance.

Neema Singh Guliani, senior legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the bill "falls woefully short of protecting people's privacy rights."

Microsoft Corp has hired former US Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate whether the use of facial recognition technology developed by an Israeli startup it funded complies with its ethics principles, the company said on Friday.

Microsoft Corp has hired former US Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate whether the use of facial recognition technology developed by an Israeli startup it funded complies with its ethics principles, the company said on Friday. AnyVision, based outside Tel Aviv, has come under scrutiny following reports by Haaretz's TheMarker business newspaper and NBC News that its technology is used to surveil Palestinians who live in the occupied West Bank. AnyVision, which denied to NBC such use of its services, did not respond to a request for comment. The probe reflects growing unease about facial recognition surveillance in the United States and elsewhere that civil liberties groups say could lead to unfair arrests and limit freedom of expression. Microsoft announced facial recognition ethics principles last year, saying the company would "advocate for safeguards for people's democratic freedoms in law enforcement surveillance scenarios and will not deploy facial recognition technology in scenarios that we believe will put these freedoms at risk." Microsoft said in a statement that Holder would lead a team from law firm Covington & Burling to conduct the probe. Holder, the top US legal official under former President Barack Obama, was hired by Uber Technologies Inc in 2017 to review claims of sexual harassment. He did not immediately return a request for comment. M12, the venture fund of Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft, participated in a $74 million series A investment round that AnyVision announced in June. NBC had reported that AnyVision's technology was used within the West Bank and at Israeli border crossings. The company told NBC its software was not used for West Bank surveillance and was deployed at border crossings in a manner similar to US Customs' use of biometric identification at airports. Israel faces criticism and a boycott for its occupation and policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. AnyVision in an August blog post also said that it would announce an ethics advisory board and that it had a responsibility to prevent its technology's abuse. At the same time, it touted how facial recognition speeds up border crossings while helping law enforcement spot criminals. Microsoft itself markets a facial recognition tool and backed a US Senate bill, announced on Thursday, that would require a court order before federal law enforcement could use the technology for targeted, ongoing surveillance. Neema Singh Guliani, senior legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the bill "falls woefully short of protecting people's privacy rights."

Microsoft to probe work of Israeli facial recognition startup it funded

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-stands-united-in-resolving-israel-palestine-middle-east-conflict-262207">Israel</a>&nbsp;launched fresh strikes against Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza, the army said early Friday, weakening a ceasefire put in place after fighting this week killed 34 Palestinians in exchanges of fire.

The ceasefire began Thursday morning following two days of deadly violence in the Gaza Strip triggered by an Israeli strike on an Islamic Jihad commander.

Israel&nbsp;Defence Forces (IDF) told reporters that new overnight strikes were underway on Islamic Jihad, the second most powerful Palestinian militant group in Gaza after Hamas.

It came after five rockets were fired at&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;from Gaza -- also after the ceasefire came into effect -- with two of them intercepted by air defences, according to the army.

"The IDF views the violation of the ceasefire and rockets directed at&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;with great severity," the army said in a news release.

Israel's military was prepared to "continue operating as necessary against all attempts to harm&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;civilians", it said.

Two injured citizens were being treated in hospital in the southern part of the territory, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

The ceasefire brokered by Egyptian and UN officials, the usual mediators between Gaza and&nbsp;Israel, was agreed as the flare-up raised fears of a new all-out conflict.

During the day on Thursday normal life had resumed quietly in Israeli regions near the Gaza border, while in Gaza, citizens had also embraced the return of relative calm.

"We hope for peace, we don't want war," said Mahmoud Jarda, an inhabitant of the enclave.

Bomb shelters

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-jihad-israel-halt-hostilities-in-gaza-34-palestinians-dead-262070">The escalation</a> began early Tuesday with&nbsp;Israel's targeted killing of a top Islamic Jihad commander, Baha Abu al-Ata, whom it accused of being behind rocket fire and other attacks.

The violence came at a politically sensitive time for&nbsp;Israel, with no new government in place since a September election ended in deadlock.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Abu al-Ata "was killed alongside dozens of terrorists" after the strike on his home, adding: "Our enemies got the message: We can reach anyone, even in their bed."

That strike triggered almost immediate retaliatory rocket fire from Islamic Jihad at&nbsp;Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and sending Israelis rushing to bomb shelters in the country's south and central regions.

Israel's military said some 450 rockets had been fired at its territory since Tuesday morning and air defences had intercepted dozens of them in fireballs high in the sky.

No Israelis were killed, though one rocket narrowly missed speeding cars on a busy highway. Israeli medics said they had treated some 63 people as of Wednesday night for mild injuries and stress.

Israel&nbsp;responded with airstrikes, saying it targeted more Islamic Jihad militant sites and rocket- and missile-launching squads.

Violent escalation&nbsp;

Islamic Jihad has said several more of its members were among those killed in the fighting this week.

Palestinian officials said eight members of the same family, including five children, were killed in an Israeli strike in the central Gaza Strip.

Israel's military said the man targeted and killed in that strike was an Islamic Jihad rocket unit commander.

"He, like many others, had the tactic of hiding ammunition and military infrastructure in their own residence," said military spokesman Jonathan Conricus.

"Of course we try always to minimise the amount of non-combatants killed or injured."

Relatives, neighbours and an Islamic Jihad spokesman disputed that he belonged to the militia, with some saying he had previously worked as a Palestinian Authority (PA) military police officer.

"This is a war crime," said neighbour Adan Abu Abdallah. "You are killing innocent children, sleeping at home."

Weekly protests

Unusually,&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;has singled out Islamic Jihad rather than hold Hamas -- the Islamist movement that rules Gaza -- responsible for the violence.

Israeli analysts said it was a clear signal the army sought to avoid a wider conflict in Gaza, where&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and Palestinian militants have fought three wars since 2008.

Hamas repeatedly said it would not abandon its ally, but its decision not to join the fight helped maintain a fragile truce with&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;that has seen tens of millions of dollars in Qatari aid flow into the impoverished Gaza Strip since last year.

An Egyptian official said the ceasefire had included an agreement that Palestinian groups in Gaza work to prevent violence by demonstrators during weekly protests near the border fence.

In return,&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;agreed to stop hostilities and commit to a ceasefire during the weekly demonstrations, according to the official.

Israel&nbsp;did not confirm any of those claims.

Netanyahu did not comment publicly on the ceasefire, but had warned a day earlier that Islamic Jihad must stop its rocket attacks or "absorb more and more blows".

He added that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;did not want a further escalation but, if necessary, was prepared to respond "without mercy".

Israel launched fresh strikes against Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza, the army said early Friday, weakening a ceasefire put in place after fighting this week killed 34 Palestinians in exchanges of fire.

Israel launched fresh strikes against Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza, the army said early Friday, weakening a ceasefire put in place after fighting this week killed 34 Palestinians in exchanges of fire. The ceasefire began Thursday morning following two days of deadly violence in the Gaza Strip triggered by an Israeli strike on an Islamic Jihad commander. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) told reporters that new overnight strikes were underway on Islamic Jihad, the second most powerful Palestinian militant group in Gaza after Hamas. It came after five rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza -- also after the ceasefire came into effect -- with two of them intercepted by air defences, according to the army. "The IDF views the violation of the ceasefire and rockets directed at Israel with great severity," the army said in a news release. Israel's military was prepared to "continue operating as necessary against all attempts to harm Israel civilians", it said. Two injured citizens were being treated in hospital in the southern part of the territory, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The ceasefire brokered by Egyptian and UN officials, the usual mediators between Gaza and Israel, was agreed as the flare-up raised fears of a new all-out conflict. During the day on Thursday normal life had resumed quietly in Israeli regions near the Gaza border, while in Gaza, citizens had also embraced the return of relative calm. "We hope for peace, we don't want war," said Mahmoud Jarda, an inhabitant of the enclave. Bomb shelters The escalation began early Tuesday with Israel's targeted killing of a top Islamic Jihad commander, Baha Abu al-Ata, whom it accused of being behind rocket fire and other attacks. The violence came at a politically sensitive time for Israel, with no new government in place since a September election ended in deadlock. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Abu al-Ata "was killed alongside dozens of terrorists" after the strike on his home, adding: "Our enemies got the message: We can reach anyone, even in their bed." That strike triggered almost immediate retaliatory rocket fire from Islamic Jihad at Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and sending Israelis rushing to bomb shelters in the country's south and central regions. Israel's military said some 450 rockets had been fired at its territory since Tuesday morning and air defences had intercepted dozens of them in fireballs high in the sky. No Israelis were killed, though one rocket narrowly missed speeding cars on a busy highway. Israeli medics said they had treated some 63 people as of Wednesday night for mild injuries and stress. Israel responded with airstrikes, saying it targeted more Islamic Jihad militant sites and rocket- and missile-launching squads. Violent escalation Islamic Jihad has said several more of its members were among those killed in the fighting this week. Palestinian officials said eight members of the same family, including five children, were killed in an Israeli strike in the central Gaza Strip. Israel's military said the man targeted and killed in that strike was an Islamic Jihad rocket unit commander. "He, like many others, had the tactic of hiding ammunition and military infrastructure in their own residence," said military spokesman Jonathan Conricus. "Of course we try always to minimise the amount of non-combatants killed or injured." Relatives, neighbours and an Islamic Jihad spokesman disputed that he belonged to the militia, with some saying he had previously worked as a Palestinian Authority (PA) military police officer. "This is a war crime," said neighbour Adan Abu Abdallah. "You are killing innocent children, sleeping at home." Weekly protests Unusually, Israel has singled out Islamic Jihad rather than hold Hamas -- the Islamist movement that rules Gaza -- responsible for the violence. Israeli analysts said it was a clear signal the army sought to avoid a wider conflict in Gaza, where Israel and Palestinian militants have fought three wars since 2008. Hamas repeatedly said it would not abandon its ally, but its decision not to join the fight helped maintain a fragile truce with Israel that has seen tens of millions of dollars in Qatari aid flow into the impoverished Gaza Strip since last year. An Egyptian official said the ceasefire had included an agreement that Palestinian groups in Gaza work to prevent violence by demonstrators during weekly protests near the border fence. In return, Israel agreed to stop hostilities and commit to a ceasefire during the weekly demonstrations, according to the official. Israel did not confirm any of those claims. Netanyahu did not comment publicly on the ceasefire, but had warned a day earlier that Islamic Jihad must stop its rocket attacks or "absorb more and more blows". He added that Israel did not want a further escalation but, if necessary, was prepared to respond "without mercy".

Israel strikes Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza despite ceasefire

Palestinian terror groups in the Gaza strip have launched rockets towards Israel. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: More rockets fired at Israel from Gaza

Israel-Gaza tensions: Islamic Jihad & Israel confirm ceasefire agreement. Watch video to know more.

Israel-Gaza tensions: Islamic Jihad & Israel confirm ceasefire agreement

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 13th, 2019

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Why the India-Israel alliance matters?

50 rockets fired on Israel from Gaza. Watch video to know more.

50 rockets fired on Israel from Gaza

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Exploring Israel's Direct & Ruthless Approach In Countering Terrorism

Gravitas: Israel's counter-terror policy in a nutshell

Can India Have A One-Dimensional Policy Like Israel To Counter Terrorism?

WION Edit: Is Israel's counter-terrorism template applicable to India?

Abu Al-Ata killed in Gaza strike. He was planning to attack Israel.

WION Dispatch: Abu Al-Ata killed in Gaza strike

The secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation on Tuesday welcomed a ruling by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../erdogan-defies-european-union-sanctions-threat -over-cyprus-drilling-261587">European Union</a>'s top court that Israeli settlement goods must be labelled as such.

"We welcome the decision of the European&nbsp;Court of Justice and call upon all European countries to implement what is a legal and political obligation," Saeb Erekat said in a statement.

"Our demand is not only for the correct labelling reflecting the certificate of origin&nbsp;of products coming from illegal colonial settlements but for the banning of those products from international markets."

Israel had not yet responded to the ruling but has in the past firmly opposed any such labelling.

The court said that, under EU rules on food labelling, it must be clear where products are from so that consumers can make choices based on "ethical considerations and considerations relating to the observance of international law."

The ruling comes after France's top tribunal asked for clarification of rules on labelling goods from the occupied West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, as well as the Golan Heights, which Israel took from Syria in 1967.

The secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation on Tuesday welcomed a ruling by the European Union's top court that Israeli settlement goods must be labelled as such.

The secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation on Tuesday welcomed a ruling by the European Union's top court that Israeli settlement goods must be labelled as such. "We welcome the decision of the European Court of Justice and call upon all European countries to implement what is a legal and political obligation," Saeb Erekat said in a statement. "Our demand is not only for the correct labelling reflecting the certificate of origin of products coming from illegal colonial settlements but for the banning of those products from international markets." Israel had not yet responded to the ruling but has in the past firmly opposed any such labelling. The court said that, under EU rules on food labelling, it must be clear where products are from so that consumers can make choices based on "ethical considerations and considerations relating to the observance of international law." The ruling comes after France's top tribunal asked for clarification of rules on labelling goods from the occupied West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, as well as the Golan Heights, which Israel took from Syria in 1967.

Palestine Liberation Organisation welcomes EU court ruling on labelling Israeli settlement goods

The Israeli army said that Palestinian militants in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-islamic-jihads-top-commander-in-missile-attack-261537">Gaza Strip pounded</a> the Jewish state with "substantial" rocket fire Tuesday after Israel killed a commander of Islamic Jihad.

"There is substantial fire," army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told journalists in a conference call.

Rockets struck the south of Israel and warning sirens wailed in Tel Aviv, although there were no immediate reports of hits on the seaside city. &nbsp;

"We are preparing for a number of days of fighting," Conricus said.

The army ordered "non-essential" workers in Tel Aviv and central Israel to stay at home like those in the Gaza border region, ordered schools and universities to close and banned public gatherings.

Israeli public radio said that more than a million pupils and students were missing their studies Tuesday.

The flareup came after a dawn strike on the Gaza home of Islamic Jihad commander Baha Abu Al-Ata, 42. The group said Ata's wife was also killed.

Israel blamed Ata for recent rocket fire into its territory and said he was preparing further attacks.

The strike raised the possibility of a severe escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, which is ruled by Islamist movement Hamas, which is allied with Islamic Jihad.

Three wars have been fought between them since 2008.

Hamas in a statement threatened revenge on Israel after the strike.

The Israeli army said that Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip pounded the Jewish state with "substantial" rocket fire Tuesday after Israel killed a commander of Islamic Jihad.

The Israeli army said that Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip pounded the Jewish state with "substantial" rocket fire Tuesday after Israel killed a commander of Islamic Jihad. "There is substantial fire," army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told journalists in a conference call. Rockets struck the south of Israel and warning sirens wailed in Tel Aviv, although there were no immediate reports of hits on the seaside city. "We are preparing for a number of days of fighting," Conricus said. The army ordered "non-essential" workers in Tel Aviv and central Israel to stay at home like those in the Gaza border region, ordered schools and universities to close and banned public gatherings. Israeli public radio said that more than a million pupils and students were missing their studies Tuesday. The flareup came after a dawn strike on the Gaza home of Islamic Jihad commander Baha Abu Al-Ata, 42. The group said Ata's wife was also killed. Israel blamed Ata for recent rocket fire into its territory and said he was preparing further attacks. The strike raised the possibility of a severe escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, which is ruled by Islamist movement Hamas, which is allied with Islamic Jihad. Three wars have been fought between them since 2008. Hamas in a statement threatened revenge on Israel after the strike.

Substantial fire from Palestinian militants in Gaza Strip: Israel Army

Israel's top court upheld Sunday an extradition order of a Russian alleged hacker to the United States, where he is wanted for fraud.

The justice ministry had last month finalised the extradition of Aleksey Burkov, who has been held in Israeli custody since 2015, without providing a date.

Burkov appealed the decision to the supreme court, asking that he be sent to Moscow, or that his extradition to the US be&nbsp;conditioned on him serving any future prison term in Russia.

"The appeal is rejected," a panel of three supreme court justices wrote in their Sunday ruling.

They noted that the decision to extradite him was made "after a deep and exhaustive examination of all the considerations".

"We did not find any circumstances... that justify our intervention in the decision," the panel wrote.

Burkov's name has been mentioned several times by Russian and Israeli media in connection with a possible prisoner swap with Naama Issachar, an Israeli-American convicted in Russia on cannabis charges.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old Issachar was arrested in Russia in April for possession of nine grams of cannabis in her baggage when she was transiting Moscow between India and Israel.&nbsp;

She was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for trafficking and possession of the drug.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the verdict that he "would appreciate" Russian President Vladimir Putin looking into the case.&nbsp;

Israel's top court upheld Sunday an extradition order of a Russian alleged hacker to the United States, where he is wanted for fraud. The justice ministry had last month finalised the extradition of Aleksey Burkov, who has been held in Israeli custody since 2015, without providing a date.

Israel's top court upheld Sunday an extradition order of a Russian alleged hacker to the United States, where he is wanted for fraud. The justice ministry had last month finalised the extradition of Aleksey Burkov, who has been held in Israeli custody since 2015, without providing a date. Burkov appealed the decision to the supreme court, asking that he be sent to Moscow, or that his extradition to the US be conditioned on him serving any future prison term in Russia. "The appeal is rejected," a panel of three supreme court justices wrote in their Sunday ruling. They noted that the decision to extradite him was made "after a deep and exhaustive examination of all the considerations". "We did not find any circumstances... that justify our intervention in the decision," the panel wrote. Burkov's name has been mentioned several times by Russian and Israeli media in connection with a possible prisoner swap with Naama Issachar, an Israeli-American convicted in Russia on cannabis charges. The 26-year-old Issachar was arrested in Russia in April for possession of nine grams of cannabis in her baggage when she was transiting Moscow between India and Israel. She was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for trafficking and possession of the drug. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the verdict that he "would appreciate" Russian President Vladimir Putin looking into the case.

Israel court rejects Russian 'hacker' appeal against United States extradition

Israelis were prevented from entering Jordanian border enclaves on Sunday after a deal allowing farmers to work land there expired, 25 years after a landmark peace treaty.

Since the two countries signed the deal in 1994, Jordan has allowed Israeli farmers access to the territories of Ghumar in the north and Baqura in the south under a renewable 25-year arrangement.

In October last year however, Jordan's King Abdullah said his country had notified Israel that it wants them back.

An AFP journalist in northern Israel on Sunday said the yellow gate to a bridge over the river dividing the two countries, long the portal for Israeli farmers to access Baqura, was locked.

Baqura, known in Hebrew as Naharayim, lines on a spit of land where the Jordan and Yarmuk rivers meet.

Ghumar, deep in the Negev desert south of the Dead Sea, is known in Hebrew as Tzofar.

The lands have been privately owned by Israeli entities for decades, but the 1994 deal saw the kingdom retain sovereignty there.

Since the heady days of Israel's second peace treaty with an Arab state -- after Egypt -- relations with Amman have been strained.

Opinion polls have repeatedly found that the peace treaty with Israel is overwhelmingly opposed by Jordanians, more than half of whom are of Palestinian origin.

In 1997, a Jordanian soldier opened fire at a group of Israeli schoolgirls touring the so-called "Peace Island" at Naharayim, killing seven and prompting then-King Hussein to conduct condolences visits with the families.

In 2017, an Israeli embassy security guard in Amman killed two Jordanians.

Three years earlier, an Israeli soldier at a border crossing killed a Jordanian judge he deemed a threat. &nbsp;

Just last month, Amman recalled its ambassador from Israel over the prolonged detention without trial in the Jewish state of two Jordanians. The ambassador returned after the two were released.

Israelis were prevented from entering Jordanian border enclaves on Sunday after a deal allowing farmers to work land there expired, 25 years after a landmark peace treaty.

Israelis were prevented from entering Jordanian border enclaves on Sunday after a deal allowing farmers to work land there expired, 25 years after a landmark peace treaty. Since the two countries signed the deal in 1994, Jordan has allowed Israeli farmers access to the territories of Ghumar in the north and Baqura in the south under a renewable 25-year arrangement. In October last year however, Jordan's King Abdullah said his country had notified Israel that it wants them back. An AFP journalist in northern Israel on Sunday said the yellow gate to a bridge over the river dividing the two countries, long the portal for Israeli farmers to access Baqura, was locked. Baqura, known in Hebrew as Naharayim, lines on a spit of land where the Jordan and Yarmuk rivers meet. Ghumar, deep in the Negev desert south of the Dead Sea, is known in Hebrew as Tzofar. The lands have been privately owned by Israeli entities for decades, but the 1994 deal saw the kingdom retain sovereignty there. Since the heady days of Israel's second peace treaty with an Arab state -- after Egypt -- relations with Amman have been strained. Opinion polls have repeatedly found that the peace treaty with Israel is overwhelmingly opposed by Jordanians, more than half of whom are of Palestinian origin. In 1997, a Jordanian soldier opened fire at a group of Israeli schoolgirls touring the so-called "Peace Island" at Naharayim, killing seven and prompting then-King Hussein to conduct condolences visits with the families. In 2017, an Israeli embassy security guard in Amman killed two Jordanians. Three years earlier, an Israeli soldier at a border crossing killed a Jordanian judge he deemed a threat. Just last month, Amman recalled its ambassador from Israel over the prolonged detention without trial in the Jewish state of two Jordanians. The ambassador returned after the two were released.

Farmers blocked as Israel-Jordan enclave deal expires

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed the head of a far-right political party as defence minister of his caretaker government, a spokesman for the premier's right-wing Likud party said on Friday.

Naftali Bennett, who heads the New Right party, will take the defence portfolio from the right-wing Netanyahu, who has simultaneously served as premier and defence minister for nearly a year.

"The appointment will be brought to the government for approval at an upcoming government meeting," the Likud spokesman said in a statement.

Israeli politics is deadlocked after two inconclusive elections this year. Former military chief Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White party emerged neck and neck with Netanyahu following a September vote, and both leaders have struggled to put together a ruling coalition.

Gantz, who was asked by Israel's president to forge a coalition after Netanyahu failed to do so, has less than two weeks left to form a government.

If he fails, the country could be headed towards an unprecedented third election although a smaller party might be given a chance before that.

Netanyahu has led a caretaker government throughout the political turmoil.

Bennett previously served in Netanyahu's cabinet as education minister. A former settler leader, he advocates tough action against Palestinian militants in Gaza and unusual tactics towards Israel's arch-foe Iran and its proxy Hezbollah.

Netanyahu took over the defence portfolio following the resignation of then-chief Avigdor Lieberman, who in stepping down in November 2018 helped plunge the country towards snap elections in April.

Netanyahu and Bennett also agreed to form a parliamentary alliance, the Likud spokesman said, adding that Bennett agreed another person would be appointed defence chief if a unity government or narrow right-wing coalition is formed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed the head of a far-right political party as defence minister of his caretaker government, a spokesman for the premier's right-wing Likud party said on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed the head of a far-right political party as defence minister of his caretaker government, a spokesman for the premier's right-wing Likud party said on Friday. Naftali Bennett, who heads the New Right party, will take the defence portfolio from the right-wing Netanyahu, who has simultaneously served as premier and defence minister for nearly a year. "The appointment will be brought to the government for approval at an upcoming government meeting," the Likud spokesman said in a statement. Israeli politics is deadlocked after two inconclusive elections this year. Former military chief Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White party emerged neck and neck with Netanyahu following a September vote, and both leaders have struggled to put together a ruling coalition. Gantz, who was asked by Israel's president to forge a coalition after Netanyahu failed to do so, has less than two weeks left to form a government. If he fails, the country could be headed towards an unprecedented third election although a smaller party might be given a chance before that. Netanyahu has led a caretaker government throughout the political turmoil. Bennett previously served in Netanyahu's cabinet as education minister. A former settler leader, he advocates tough action against Palestinian militants in Gaza and unusual tactics towards Israel's arch-foe Iran and its proxy Hezbollah. Netanyahu took over the defence portfolio following the resignation of then-chief Avigdor Lieberman, who in stepping down in November 2018 helped plunge the country towards snap elections in April. Netanyahu and Bennett also agreed to form a parliamentary alliance, the Likud spokesman said, adding that Bennett agreed another person would be appointed defence chief if a unity government or narrow right-wing coalition is formed.

Israel's Netanyahu appoints far-right Bennett as defence minister

The recent WhatsApp hacking spree was carried out using a very powerful software called Pegasus, a product of the Israeli-based NSO group. Many journalists, activists and diplomats were caught off guard by the Spygate scandal.

All about NSO'S super weapon: Pegasus

Watch WION's West Asia Bureau Chief, Daniele Pagani's report on cybersecurity industry in Israel.

WION traces cybersecurity startups in Israel

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 5th, 2019

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