Rocket at Music Festival intercepted in Israel. Israel strikes Hamas after the incident

Rocket at Music Festival intercepted

Wion Dispatch: Hezbollah warns Israel against attacks. 2 Hezbollah members killed by Israel.

Wion Dispatch: Hezbollah warns Israel against attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted that his country was behind the latest attacks on ammunition depots in Iraq belonging to the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

On Tuesday, another blast hit an ammo depot located to the north of Baghdad.

This was the fourth such attack on PMF facilities, which reportedly might be used to transport arms to Syria and Lebanon, since July. The PMF, which is composed of predominantly Shia militias, has claimed that Israeli drones carried out the attack, while acting in coordination with the US-led coalition.

In an interview with Israel’s Channel 9, Netanyahu was asked whether Israel acts in Iraq "if required."

"We do act not only ‘if required.’ We act on many fronts confronting a state that seeks to destroy us. Certainly, I gave freedom of action to the security forces and instructed them to do everything necessary to foil these Iranian initiatives," Netanyahu said.

He added that he led, and, in many aspects was "still leading the world's efforts to neutralize the Iranian threat."

So far, Israel has only publicly admitted that it conducts raids on neighbouring Syria as part of its fight against Iran in the region. The last time Israel officially claimed responsibility for the bombing of Iraq dates back to 1981, when the Israeli Air Force destroyed the Osirak nuclear power plant, which was under construction southeast of Baghdad.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted that his country was behind the latest attacks on ammunition depots in Iraq belonging to the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted that his country was behind the latest attacks on ammunition depots in Iraq belonging to the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). On Tuesday, another blast hit an ammo depot located to the north of Baghdad. This was the fourth such attack on PMF facilities, which reportedly might be used to transport arms to Syria and Lebanon, since July. The PMF, which is composed of predominantly Shia militias, has claimed that Israeli drones carried out the attack, while acting in coordination with the US-led coalition. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 9, Netanyahu was asked whether Israel acts in Iraq "if required." "We do act not only ‘if required.’ We act on many fronts confronting a state that seeks to destroy us. Certainly, I gave freedom of action to the security forces and instructed them to do everything necessary to foil these Iranian initiatives," Netanyahu said. He added that he led, and, in many aspects was "still leading the world's efforts to neutralize the Iranian threat." So far, Israel has only publicly admitted that it conducts raids on neighbouring Syria as part of its fight against Iran in the region. The last time Israel officially claimed responsibility for the bombing of Iraq dates back to 1981, when the Israeli Air Force destroyed the Osirak nuclear power plant, which was under construction southeast of Baghdad.

Benjamin Netanyahu hints Israel behind attacks on Iran-backed militia depots in Iraq

Three Israelis were injured by a bomb in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-troops-at-gaza-border-ministry-243777">a Palestinian attack</a> near a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Friday, the Israeli military said.

A military spokesman said an Israeli man and his two children were "seriously injured" by an improvised explosive device (IED) while visiting a spring near the settlement of Dolev, northwest of the Palestinian city of Ramallah.

One of those wounded was treated at the scene and the other two were evacuated to hospital by an Israeli military helicopter, the spokesman said.

The military said it was being treated as a terrorist attack.

Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service said it was treating three people in "serious condition", including a 46-year-old man, a 21-year-old man, and an 18-year-old woman.

The hilly central region of the West Bank around Dolev is studded with olive groves and orchards and is popular with hikers.

The area saw clashes last year between Palestinians and Israelis over settlement expansions, as Palestinian villagers complained that settlers were trying to take over land, including water sources.

On Friday morning the Israeli military quickly cordoned off the area around Ein Bobin spring near the Palestinian village of Deir Ibzi', while soldiers blocked roads and searched the area.

The natural water source was named Danny Spring by Israelis after an Israeli student, Danny Gonen, was killed there in 2015.

That attack was claimed by a group claiming to be affiliated with the Islamist group Hamas.

Three Israelis were injured by a bomb in a Palestinian attack near a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Friday, the Israeli military said. A military spokesman said an Israeli man and his two children were "seriously injured" by an improvised explosive device (IED) while visiting a spring near the settlement of Dolev, northwest of the Palestinian city of Ramallah.

Three Israelis were injured by a bomb in a Palestinian attack near a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Friday, the Israeli military said. A military spokesman said an Israeli man and his two children were "seriously injured" by an improvised explosive device (IED) while visiting a spring near the settlement of Dolev, northwest of the Palestinian city of Ramallah. One of those wounded was treated at the scene and the other two were evacuated to hospital by an Israeli military helicopter, the spokesman said. The military said it was being treated as a terrorist attack. Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service said it was treating three people in "serious condition", including a 46-year-old man, a 21-year-old man, and an 18-year-old woman. The hilly central region of the West Bank around Dolev is studded with olive groves and orchards and is popular with hikers. The area saw clashes last year between Palestinians and Israelis over settlement expansions, as Palestinian villagers complained that settlers were trying to take over land, including water sources. On Friday morning the Israeli military quickly cordoned off the area around Ein Bobin spring near the Palestinian village of Deir Ibzi', while soldiers blocked roads and searched the area. The natural water source was named Danny Spring by Israelis after an Israeli student, Danny Gonen, was killed there in 2015. That attack was claimed by a group claiming to be affiliated with the Islamist group Hamas.

Three Israelis injured by a bomb in an attack near settlement: Military

The contrast could not be starker. As Israel plays a dangerous game of US politics by restricting or banning visits by controversial Democratic members of Congress to seemingly please US President Donald J Trump’s prejudiced electoral instincts, the owner of a notorious Jerusalem soccer club draws a line in the sand in confronting his racist fan base.

The contrast takes on added significance as prime minister Benyamin Netanyahu woes Israel’s far-right in advance of elections on September 17 given that storied club Beitar Jerusalem has long been seen as a stronghold for his Likud party.

Netanyahu’s barring of Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar was as much a response to Trump’s tweeted suggestion that they should not be allowed to visit Israel as it was catering to his right-wing base that includes Beitar’s fans.

Beitar is the only Israeli squad to have never hired a Palestinian player. Its fans, famous for their racist slogans and bullying tactics, have made life impossible for the few Muslim players that the club contracted in its history.

Netanyahu and Moshe Hogeg, the Beitar owner and tech entrepreneur who founded social mobile photo and video sharing website Mobli and crypto transactions platform Sirin Labs, are both treading on slippery ground.

Netanyahu, who initially raised out of respect for the US Congress no objection to the planned visit by Tlaib and Omar, has ensured that Israel for the first time in decades can no longer be sure of bi-partisan support in the Congress and beyond and is likely to become a partisan issue in the run-up to next year’s US presidential election.

His pandering to Trump sparked rare criticism from the American Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC), Israel’s most powerful and influential lobby in the United States even though AIPAC agrees that Tlaib and Ilham support the Boycott, Diversification and Sanctions (BDS) movement that targets Israel.

"We disagree with Reps. Omar and Tlaib's support for the anti-Israel and anti-peace BDS movement, along with Rep. Tlaib's calls for a one-state solution. We also believe every member of Congress should be able to visit and experience our democratic ally Israel first hand," AIPAC tweeted.

A breakdown of bi-partisan support for Israel may not be what Netanyahu wants, but it may be, in a twist of irony, what Israel needs. It would spark a debate in the United States with a potential fallout in Israel about whether Netanyahu’s annexationist policy and hard-line approach towards Palestinian aspirations serve Israel’s longer-term best interests.

Israel’s toughening stand was evident on Tuesday when police broke up an annual soccer tournament among Palestinian families in East Jerusalem on assertions that it was sponsored by the Palestinian Authority, which is barred from organising events in the city. The tournament’s organiser denied any association with the Authority.

In a dismissive statement, Israeli public security minister Gilad Erdan’s office scoffed: “We’re talking about scofflaws who lie and blame the agency that enforces the law when they know full well that the Palestinian Authority is involved in the event that Minister Erdan ordered halted.”

The incident was emblematic of an environment that prompted columnist and scholar Peter Beinart, writing in The Forward, a more than 100-year old, left-wing Jewish weekly, to argue that “The United States has a national interest in ensuring that Israel does not make permanent its brutal occupation of the West Bank and blockade of the Gaza Strip.

By taking on La Familia, a militant Beitar Jerusalem fan group that has driven the club’s discriminatory policy, Hogeg is going not only against Netanyahu’s policies that emphasise Israeli Jewish nationalism at the expense of the rights of Palestinians with Israeli citizenship as well as those subject to occupation.

Ali Mohammed is Beitar Jerusalem’s latest acquisition. The only Muslim thing about him is his name. Mohammed is a Nigerian Christian.

That wasn’t good enough for the fans who demand that he change his name. During Mohammed’s first training session fans chanted "Mohamed is dead" and "Ali is dead."

Unlike his predecessors, Hogeg seems unwilling to back down. He has threatened to sue the fans for tarnishing Beitar’s already battered reputation and demand up to $500,000 in damages. Lawyers for Hogeg have written to fans demanding an apology.

"They are very good fans; they are very loyal. They love the club and what it represents ... but they're racist and that's a big problem,” Hogeg said.

Convinced that the militants are a minority that imposes its will on the majority of Beitar fans, Hogeg takes the high road at a time that the likes of him threaten to become an endangered species.

"I was surprised to find that Mohamed is not Muslim, but I don't care. Why should it matter? He's a very good player. As long as the player that comes respects the city, respects what he represents, respects Israel, can help the team and wants to play then the door will be open. If those radical fans will fight against it, they will lose. They will simply lose," Hogeg said. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

The contrast could not be starker. As Israel plays a dangerous game of US politics by restricting or banning visits by controversial Democratic members of Congress to seemingly please US President Donald J Trump’s prejudiced electoral instincts, the owner of a notorious Jerusalem soccer club draws a line in the sand in confronting his racist fan base.

The contrast could not be starker. As Israel plays a dangerous game of US politics by restricting or banning visits by controversial Democratic members of Congress to seemingly please US President Donald J Trump’s prejudiced electoral instincts, the owner of a notorious Jerusalem soccer club draws a line in the sand in confronting his racist fan base. The contrast takes on added significance as prime minister Benyamin Netanyahu woes Israel’s far-right in advance of elections on September 17 given that storied club Beitar Jerusalem has long been seen as a stronghold for his Likud party. Netanyahu’s barring of Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar was as much a response to Trump’s tweeted suggestion that they should not be allowed to visit Israel as it was catering to his right-wing base that includes Beitar’s fans. Beitar is the only Israeli squad to have never hired a Palestinian player. Its fans, famous for their racist slogans and bullying tactics, have made life impossible for the few Muslim players that the club contracted in its history. Netanyahu and Moshe Hogeg, the Beitar owner and tech entrepreneur who founded social mobile photo and video sharing website Mobli and crypto transactions platform Sirin Labs, are both treading on slippery ground. Netanyahu, who initially raised out of respect for the US Congress no objection to the planned visit by Tlaib and Omar, has ensured that Israel for the first time in decades can no longer be sure of bi-partisan support in the Congress and beyond and is likely to become a partisan issue in the run-up to next year’s US presidential election. His pandering to Trump sparked rare criticism from the American Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC), Israel’s most powerful and influential lobby in the United States even though AIPAC agrees that Tlaib and Ilham support the Boycott, Diversification and Sanctions (BDS) movement that targets Israel. "We disagree with Reps. Omar and Tlaib's support for the anti-Israel and anti-peace BDS movement, along with Rep. Tlaib's calls for a one-state solution. We also believe every member of Congress should be able to visit and experience our democratic ally Israel first hand," AIPAC tweeted. A breakdown of bi-partisan support for Israel may not be what Netanyahu wants, but it may be, in a twist of irony, what Israel needs. It would spark a debate in the United States with a potential fallout in Israel about whether Netanyahu’s annexationist policy and hard-line approach towards Palestinian aspirations serve Israel’s longer-term best interests. Israel’s toughening stand was evident on Tuesday when police broke up an annual soccer tournament among Palestinian families in East Jerusalem on assertions that it was sponsored by the Palestinian Authority, which is barred from organising events in the city. The tournament’s organiser denied any association with the Authority. In a dismissive statement, Israeli public security minister Gilad Erdan’s office scoffed: “We’re talking about scofflaws who lie and blame the agency that enforces the law when they know full well that the Palestinian Authority is involved in the event that Minister Erdan ordered halted.” The incident was emblematic of an environment that prompted columnist and scholar Peter Beinart, writing in The Forward, a more than 100-year old, left-wing Jewish weekly, to argue that “The United States has a national interest in ensuring that Israel does not make permanent its brutal occupation of the West Bank and blockade of the Gaza Strip. By taking on La Familia, a militant Beitar Jerusalem fan group that has driven the club’s discriminatory policy, Hogeg is going not only against Netanyahu’s policies that emphasise Israeli Jewish nationalism at the expense of the rights of Palestinians with Israeli citizenship as well as those subject to occupation. Ali Mohammed is Beitar Jerusalem’s latest acquisition. The only Muslim thing about him is his name. Mohammed is a Nigerian Christian. That wasn’t good enough for the fans who demand that he change his name. During Mohammed’s first training session fans chanted "Mohamed is dead" and "Ali is dead." Unlike his predecessors, Hogeg seems unwilling to back down. He has threatened to sue the fans for tarnishing Beitar’s already battered reputation and demand up to $500,000 in damages. Lawyers for Hogeg have written to fans demanding an apology. "They are very good fans; they are very loyal. They love the club and what it represents ... but they're racist and that's a big problem,” Hogeg said. Convinced that the militants are a minority that imposes its will on the majority of Beitar fans, Hogeg takes the high road at a time that the likes of him threaten to become an endangered species. "I was surprised to find that Mohamed is not Muslim, but I don't care. Why should it matter? He's a very good player. As long as the player that comes respects the city, respects what he represents, respects Israel, can help the team and wants to play then the door will be open. If those radical fans will fight against it, they will lose. They will simply lose," Hogeg said. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Soccer woes: Israel plays a game of US politics

Israeli forces opened fire at a group of Palestinian gunmen as they tried to cross the Gaza border, the military said on Sunday (August 18). Palestinian health officials said three of the men were killed.

Netanyahu's warning to Hamas, ''Israel could call a wide-scale operation in Gaza''

Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli soldiers in the northern Gaza Strip, the Palestinian health ministry said Sunday, hours after three rockets were fired at Israel from the blockaded enclave.

Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli soldiers in the northern Gaza Strip, the Palestinian health ministry said Sunday, hours after three rockets were fired at Israel from the blockaded enclave. The ministry said another Palestinian was hospitalised in the shooting that came after the Israeli army said an attack helicopter and tank had fired at "armed suspects" along the barrier that separates Israel from Gaza. "We just identified a number of armed suspects from Gaza approaching the security fence with Israel. We fired towards them," the army said a statement posted on its Twitter account. The latest violence came after Palestinians in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip fired three rockets at southern Israel late Saturday, the Israeli army said, in the second such attack in 24 hours. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The army said two of the projectiles had been intercepted by its Iron Dome aerial defence system but it did not specify what happened to the third rocket. Air raid sirens had sounded in the southern town of Sderot and its surroundings. On Friday Palestinians in Gaza fired a rocket at Sderot, in what the army said was the first such attack since July 12. In response, Israeli warplanes struck at least three targets in the Gaza Strip early on Saturday but caused no casualties, a Palestinian security source said. The strikes hit a Hamas observation post in Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip, an unidentified target near Gaza City and open ground near Deir El Balah in the central part of the territory, the source said. An Israeli army statement mentioned only two strikes, against "underground targets belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the northern and central Gaza Strip". Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, ruled by Islamist movement Hamas, have fought three wars since 2008. And since March 2018, regular protests and clashes have erupted along the border of the blockaded coastal enclave. At least 305 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza or the border area since then, the majority during demonstrations and clashes. Seven Israelis have also been killed in Gaza-related violence over the same period.

Three Palestinians killed by Israeli troops at Gaza border: Ministry

Israel on Saturday said that it has shot down two out of three rockets fired from the Gaza strip.

"Three rockets were fired from #Gaza at #Israel, two of them were intercepted by the Iron Dome Aerial Defense System. This is the second consecutive night rockets have been fired from Gaza at Israeli civilians," the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) wrote on Twitter.

Earlier in the day, sirens were heard in several Israeli settlements.

The launches from Gaza continued for the second day in a row, reported Sputnik.

This comes a day after 77 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-army-says-killed-4-armed-palestinians-on-gaza-border-241954">Palestinians were killed following clashes with Israeli soldiers</a> in Gaza Strip, the territory's Health Ministry said.

The Gaza Strip has witnessed massive protests for over a year.&nbsp;

Since last year, the Palestinians have been staging weekly demonstrations demanding an end to Israel's 12-year blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has affected nearly two million people from getting access to basic needs.

Around 270 people have died and a thousand others injured in clashes with Israeli forces in the Gaza protests.

For decades, Israel has conflicted with Palestinians, who have been seeking diplomatic recognition for their independent state on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is partially occupied by Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Israel on Saturday said that it has shot down two out of three rockets fired from the Gaza strip. "Three rockets were fired from #Gaza at #Israel, two of them were intercepted by the Iron Dome Aerial Defense System.

Israel on Saturday said that it has shot down two out of three rockets fired from the Gaza strip. "Three rockets were fired from #Gaza at #Israel, two of them were intercepted by the Iron Dome Aerial Defense System. This is the second consecutive night rockets have been fired from Gaza at Israeli civilians," the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) wrote on Twitter. Earlier in the day, sirens were heard in several Israeli settlements. The launches from Gaza continued for the second day in a row, reported Sputnik. This comes a day after 77 Palestinians were killed following clashes with Israeli soldiers in Gaza Strip, the territory's Health Ministry said. The Gaza Strip has witnessed massive protests for over a year. Since last year, the Palestinians have been staging weekly demonstrations demanding an end to Israel's 12-year blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has affected nearly two million people from getting access to basic needs. Around 270 people have died and a thousand others injured in clashes with Israeli forces in the Gaza protests. For decades, Israel has conflicted with Palestinians, who have been seeking diplomatic recognition for their independent state on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is partially occupied by Israel and the Gaza Strip.

Israel shoots down 2 out of 3 rockets fired from Gaza

Jordan summoned Israel's ambassador on Sunday in protest over "violations" at Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the foreign ministry said.

It summoned envoy Amir Weissbrod to voice its "condemnation and rejection of Israeli violations" at the highly sensitive site, where Israeli security forces clashed with Palestinian worshippers last week.

Jordan, the only Arab country apart from Egypt to have a peace agreement with the Jewish state, supervises Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem.

Its diplomatic protest came days after Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan reportedly told a radio station that the country should work toward Jews being allowed to pray at the holy site.

But he added the change should come through "political agreements and not by force," according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

Jews are allowed to visit but cannot pray there -- a ban condemned by some nationalists including members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition.

Jordan's foreign ministry expressed "the kingdom's strong condemnation" over Erdan's comments, demanding "an immediate stop to Israel's violations and all its attempts to change the historic and legal status quo" at the site.&nbsp;

The Al-Aqsa mosque is the third holiest place in Islam and a key Palestinian national symbol.

It is also the holiest spot in the world for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount and believe it was the site of the two biblical-era Jewish temples.&nbsp;

Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers clashed at the compound on August 11 as Muslims around the world marked the Eid al-Adha holiday.

That festival coincided with the Jewish Tisha B'av holiday, resulting in an increase in visits by Jewish religious nationalists to the holy site.

In a bid to ease tensions, police initially barred Jews from entering, but Muslim worshippers still suspected they would be allowed in and staged protests that sparked clashes.

After relative calm returned and following criticism from Israeli far-right politicians, police re-opened the site to Jewish visits, provoking further violence.

Muslim worshippers' access to Al-Aqsa and the adjoining Dome of the Rock is controlled by Israeli security forces.

The site is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

Jordan summoned Israel's ambassador on Sunday in protest over "violations" at Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the foreign ministry said. It summoned envoy Amir Weissbrod to voice its "condemnation and rejection of Israeli violations" at the highly sensitive site, where Israeli security forces clashed with Palestinian worshippers last week.

Jordan summoned Israel's ambassador on Sunday in protest over "violations" at Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the foreign ministry said. It summoned envoy Amir Weissbrod to voice its "condemnation and rejection of Israeli violations" at the highly sensitive site, where Israeli security forces clashed with Palestinian worshippers last week. Jordan, the only Arab country apart from Egypt to have a peace agreement with the Jewish state, supervises Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem. Its diplomatic protest came days after Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan reportedly told a radio station that the country should work toward Jews being allowed to pray at the holy site. But he added the change should come through "political agreements and not by force," according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Jews are allowed to visit but cannot pray there -- a ban condemned by some nationalists including members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition. Jordan's foreign ministry expressed "the kingdom's strong condemnation" over Erdan's comments, demanding "an immediate stop to Israel's violations and all its attempts to change the historic and legal status quo" at the site. The Al-Aqsa mosque is the third holiest place in Islam and a key Palestinian national symbol. It is also the holiest spot in the world for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount and believe it was the site of the two biblical-era Jewish temples. Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers clashed at the compound on August 11 as Muslims around the world marked the Eid al-Adha holiday. That festival coincided with the Jewish Tisha B'av holiday, resulting in an increase in visits by Jewish religious nationalists to the holy site. In a bid to ease tensions, police initially barred Jews from entering, but Muslim worshippers still suspected they would be allowed in and staged protests that sparked clashes. After relative calm returned and following criticism from Israeli far-right politicians, police re-opened the site to Jewish visits, provoking further violence. Muslim worshippers' access to Al-Aqsa and the adjoining Dome of the Rock is controlled by Israeli security forces. The site is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

Jordan summons Israel envoy over Jerusalem 'violations'

Sitting under an olive tree in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Muftia Tlaib scoffs at the attention she has recently received from the president of the United States.

"May God ruin him," she says.

Tlaib is the grandmother of US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, at the centre of an affair that has drawn<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../donald-trump-urges-israel-to-bar-visit-by-us- congresswomen-ilhan-omar-rashida-tlaib-243211"> Donald Trump</a> and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu together against US&nbsp;Democrats.

On Thursday, bowing to pressure from Trump, Israel barred a visit by Rashida Tlaib and fellow Democrat Ilhan Omar that it had initially said it would allow.

The next day, Israel said it would let Tlaib visit her family in the West Bank on humanitarian grounds -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../us-rep-tlaib-says-she-wont-visit-west-bank- under-israels-oppressive-conditions-243480"> but Tlaib rejected the offe</a>r, saying that Israel had imposed restrictions meant to humiliate her.

On Friday night, Trump tweeted:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Rep. Tlaib wrote a letter to Israeli officials desperately wanting to visit her grandmother. Permission was quickly granted, whereupon Tlaib obnoxiously turned the approval down, a complete setup. The only real winner here is Tlaib’s grandmother. She doesn’t have to see her now!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1162493654432460801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Rep. Tlaib wrote a letter to Israeli officials desperately wanting to visit her grandmother. Permission was quickly granted, whereupon Tlaib obnoxiously turned the approval down, a complete setup. The only real winner here is Tlaib’s grandmother. She doesn’t have to see her now!"

Ninety-year-old Muftia Tlaib, sitting in her garden in the village of Beit Ur Al-Fauqa, was not impressed. "

Trump tells me I should be happy Rashida is not coming," she said. "May God ruin him."

Her son, Rashida's uncle Bassam Tlaib, said the women had not seen each other since 2006.

"She was going to slaughter a sheep when Rashida arrived and prepare her favourite food, stuffed vine leaves.

SECOND MOTHER

"Rashida sees her granny as a second mother, she has always supported her. Rashida says she owes her success to her grandmother."

Tlaib did not outline what the conditions imposed on her visit were. Israeli media reported that she had agreed not to promote boycotts against Israel as part of her request to Israel's Foreign Ministry.

Tlaib, like Omar, has voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which opposes the occupation and Israel's policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel by law.

The pair are the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress, and Detroit-born Tlaib is the first Palestinian-American congresswoman. Both are members of the Democratic party's progressive wing and sharp critics of Trump and Israel.

The Palestinians want to establish a state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.

Israel has annexed East Jerusalem in a move not recognised internationally; maintains a blockade of Gaza, run by the Islamist Hamas movement; and controls most of the West Bank, where Palestinians have limited self-rule.

&nbsp;The prospects of resolving the conflict under the "two-state solution" that had guided peacemaking efforts for years have dimmed significantly since Trump took office, while Israeli settlements on land Palestinians seek for a state have expanded.

&nbsp;The Trump administration, which is particularly close to the Netanyahu government, has touted its own peace plan but details remain vague. It fuelled Palestinian anger by recognising disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017.

Trump has for weeks been attacking Tlaib and Omar, along with lawmakers Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts - all women of colour known as the "Squad" - accusing them of hostility to Israel in a barrage condemned by critics as racist.

"Trump has told Rashida and Ilhan to go back to their home countries. What a contradiction, yesterday he asked them to leave and today he asks that they aren't let in," said Bassam Tlaib.

Still, the grandmother is hopeful: "My heart tells me that she will come."

<hr tabindex="-1" />

Sitting under an olive tree in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Muftia Tlaib scoffs at the attention she has recently received from the president of the United States.

Sitting under an olive tree in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Muftia Tlaib scoffs at the attention she has recently received from the president of the United States. "May God ruin him," she says. Tlaib is the grandmother of US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, at the centre of an affair that has drawn Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu together against US Democrats. On Thursday, bowing to pressure from Trump, Israel barred a visit by Rashida Tlaib and fellow Democrat Ilhan Omar that it had initially said it would allow. The next day, Israel said it would let Tlaib visit her family in the West Bank on humanitarian grounds - but Tlaib rejected the offer, saying that Israel had imposed restrictions meant to humiliate her. On Friday night, Trump tweeted: Rep. Tlaib wrote a letter to Israeli officials desperately wanting to visit her grandmother. Permission was quickly granted, whereupon Tlaib obnoxiously turned the approval down, a complete setup. The only real winner here is Tlaib’s grandmother. She doesn’t have to see her now! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2019 × "Rep. Tlaib wrote a letter to Israeli officials desperately wanting to visit her grandmother. Permission was quickly granted, whereupon Tlaib obnoxiously turned the approval down, a complete setup. The only real winner here is Tlaib’s grandmother. She doesn’t have to see her now!" Ninety-year-old Muftia Tlaib, sitting in her garden in the village of Beit Ur Al-Fauqa, was not impressed. " Trump tells me I should be happy Rashida is not coming," she said. "May God ruin him." Her son, Rashida's uncle Bassam Tlaib, said the women had not seen each other since 2006. "She was going to slaughter a sheep when Rashida arrived and prepare her favourite food, stuffed vine leaves. SECOND MOTHER "Rashida sees her granny as a second mother, she has always supported her. Rashida says she owes her success to her grandmother." Tlaib did not outline what the conditions imposed on her visit were. Israeli media reported that she had agreed not to promote boycotts against Israel as part of her request to Israel's Foreign Ministry. Tlaib, like Omar, has voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, which opposes the occupation and Israel's policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel by law. The pair are the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress, and Detroit-born Tlaib is the first Palestinian-American congresswoman. Both are members of the Democratic party's progressive wing and sharp critics of Trump and Israel. The Palestinians want to establish a state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war. Israel has annexed East Jerusalem in a move not recognised internationally; maintains a blockade of Gaza, run by the Islamist Hamas movement; and controls most of the West Bank, where Palestinians have limited self-rule. The prospects of resolving the conflict under the "two-state solution" that had guided peacemaking efforts for years have dimmed significantly since Trump took office, while Israeli settlements on land Palestinians seek for a state have expanded. The Trump administration, which is particularly close to the Netanyahu government, has touted its own peace plan but details remain vague. It fuelled Palestinian anger by recognising disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017. Trump has for weeks been attacking Tlaib and Omar, along with lawmakers Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts - all women of colour known as the "Squad" - accusing them of hostility to Israel in a barrage condemned by critics as racist. "Trump has told Rashida and Ilhan to go back to their home countries. What a contradiction, yesterday he asked them to leave and today he asks that they aren't let in," said Bassam Tlaib. Still, the grandmother is hopeful: "My heart tells me that she will come."

'May God ruin Trump', says US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib's grandmother

Two Israelis were injured Friday in what the Israeli army called a "terrorist" car-ramming attack near the Jewish settlement of Elazar south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.

"A terrorist ran over two civilians," an English-language army statement said.

"The civilians were injured and evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment. The terrorist was neutralised," it said.

A police statement said an off-duty policeman passing by the scene near Elazar settlement saw the alleged attacker trying to exit his vehicle, and fired at him.

Police video showed the suspect vehicle travelling at speed and veering off the road toward a bus stop.

An army spokeswoman contacted by AFP could not immediately say if the suspect was alive or dead.

Dr. Bala Miklosh, head of the trauma department at Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital, said one of the Israelis was a man aged "about 19" with serious head injuries, correcting earlier reports of his age.

"He is undergoing surgery but is not yet out of danger," he said in a video clip on Whatsapp.

A young woman less seriously injured was taken to the city's Shaare Zedek hospital.

Last week, an off-duty Israeli soldier was stabbed to death in the same area.

Two Palestinian suspects were later arrested.

Two Israelis were injured Friday in what the Israeli army called a "terrorist" car-ramming attack near the Jewish settlement of Elazar south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.

Two Israelis were injured Friday in what the Israeli army called a "terrorist" car-ramming attack near the Jewish settlement of Elazar south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. "A terrorist ran over two civilians," an English-language army statement said. "The civilians were injured and evacuated to the hospital for medical treatment. The terrorist was neutralised," it said. A police statement said an off-duty policeman passing by the scene near Elazar settlement saw the alleged attacker trying to exit his vehicle, and fired at him. Police video showed the suspect vehicle travelling at speed and veering off the road toward a bus stop. An army spokeswoman contacted by AFP could not immediately say if the suspect was alive or dead. Dr. Bala Miklosh, head of the trauma department at Jerusalem's Hadassah hospital, said one of the Israelis was a man aged "about 19" with serious head injuries, correcting earlier reports of his age. "He is undergoing surgery but is not yet out of danger," he said in a video clip on Whatsapp. A young woman less seriously injured was taken to the city's Shaare Zedek hospital. Last week, an off-duty Israeli soldier was stabbed to death in the same area. Two Palestinian suspects were later arrested.

2 Israelis, Palestinian assailant hurt in West Bank car ramming: Army

US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib on Friday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ban-israel-permits-us-representative-rashida-tlaib-to-make-humanitarian-visit-to-family-in-west-bank-243380">rejected Israel's offer to let her travel to the West Bank</a>, saying she would not visit her family after the Israeli government lifted a ban on her entry but imposed "oppressive conditions" to humiliate her.

Tlaib, a Democrat who represents Michigan in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives and has been critical of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians, had planned to make an official visit to Israel along with fellow Democrat congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-urges-israel-to-bar-visit-by-us-congresswomen-ilhan-omar-rashida-tlaib-243211"> US President Donald Trump</a>, on Thursday, said he would not allow them to make a planned trip to Israel. On Friday, Israel decided to allow Tlaib to visit family in the occupied West Bank on humanitarian grounds.

"I can't allow the State of Israel to take away that light by humiliating me &amp; use my love for my sity to bow down to their oppressive &amp; racist policies," Tlaib tweeted, using the word sity to refer to her grandmother.

"Silencing me &amp; treating me like a criminal is not what she wants for me. It would kill a piece of me. I have decided that visiting my grandmother under these oppressive conditions stands against everything I believe in--fighting against racism, oppression &amp; injustice," she added.

Tlaib and Omar have voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement which opposes the Israeli occupation and policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Under Israeli law, BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel.

Netanyahu had said Israel would consider a humanitarian travel request by Tlaib so long as she promised not to promote a boycott against Israel.

Tlaib and Omar are the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress, and the Detroit-born Tlaib is also the first Palestinian-American congresswoman.

Both are members of their party's progressive wing and sharp critics both of Trump and Israeli policy.

The two, along with fellow Democratic US Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts have also drawn direct attacks from Trump.

US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib on Friday rejected Israel's offer to let her travel to the West Bank, saying she would not visit her family after the Israeli government lifted a ban on her entry but imposed "oppressive conditions" to humiliate her.

US congresswoman Rashida Tlaib on Friday rejected Israel's offer to let her travel to the West Bank, saying she would not visit her family after the Israeli government lifted a ban on her entry but imposed "oppressive conditions" to humiliate her. Tlaib, a Democrat who represents Michigan in the US House of Representatives and has been critical of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians, had planned to make an official visit to Israel along with fellow Democrat congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from US President Donald Trump, on Thursday, said he would not allow them to make a planned trip to Israel. On Friday, Israel decided to allow Tlaib to visit family in the occupied West Bank on humanitarian grounds. "I can't allow the State of Israel to take away that light by humiliating me & use my love for my sity to bow down to their oppressive & racist policies," Tlaib tweeted, using the word sity to refer to her grandmother. "Silencing me & treating me like a criminal is not what she wants for me. It would kill a piece of me. I have decided that visiting my grandmother under these oppressive conditions stands against everything I believe in--fighting against racism, oppression & injustice," she added. Tlaib and Omar have voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement which opposes the Israeli occupation and policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Under Israeli law, BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel. Netanyahu had said Israel would consider a humanitarian travel request by Tlaib so long as she promised not to promote a boycott against Israel. Tlaib and Omar are the first two Muslim women to be elected to Congress, and the Detroit-born Tlaib is also the first Palestinian-American congresswoman. Both are members of their party's progressive wing and sharp critics both of Trump and Israeli policy. The two, along with fellow Democratic US Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts have also drawn direct attacks from Trump.

US Representative Rashida Tlaib says she won't visit West Bank under Israel's 'oppressive' conditions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday barred US Democratic congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar from making a planned trip to Israel, shortly after US President Donald Trump called on his ally not to let them in.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday barred US Democratic congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar from making a planned trip to Israel, shortly after US President Donald Trump called on his ally not to let them in. Tlaib and Omar, the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, are members of their party's progressive wing and sharp critics both of Trump and of Israel's policy toward the Palestinians. The moves, which were immediately condemned by many Democratic leaders in the United States as well as Palestinians, could help whip up support among Trump and Netanyahu's conservative voter bases as they head into election campaigns. Israel holds a national election on September 17 and Trump faces re-election in November 2020. Tlaib and Omar have voiced support for the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement over Israel's policies toward Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Under Israeli law, BDS backers can be denied entry to Israel. Omar called Thursday's decision an "affront" and "an insult to democratic values." Israel had initially chosen to allow the visit. A source who took part in consultations Netanyahu held with cabinet members and advisers on Wednesday told that Israel backtracked due to pressure from Trump. The pressure was reported by the Axios news site on Saturday but denied by the White House. "In a discussion held two weeks ago all the officials were in favour of letting them in but, after Trump's pressure, they reversed the decision," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. In a tweet on Thursday, Trump wrote: "It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib to visit ... They are a disgrace!" Asked if he had spoken to Netanyahu about the planned visit, Trump told reporters: "I don't want to comment about who I spoke to, but I think my social media statement pretty well speaks for itself." "But I did speak to people over there," he added. Trump's request appeared to contravene a US government policy that says the United States seeks "equal treatment and freedom to travel" for all US citizens regardless of ethnicity. It says those denied entry should be given a written explanation by Israel.

Israel bars US Democratic lawmakers under pressure from Trump

Israel bars entry to US congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar. Watch video to know more.

Israel bars entry to US congresswomen Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar

Israeli troops shot dead four heavily armed Palestinians on the Gaza border early Saturday, one of whom had managed to cross and throw a grenade at troops, the army said.

There have been frequent clashes along the Gaza border since the Palestinians began organising regular mass protests there in March 2018 but Saturday's exchange was unusual because of the weaponry the army said was involved in the Palestinian side.

"The terrorists were equipped with AK-47 assault rifles, RPG grenade launchers, and hand grenades," an army statement said.&nbsp;

A spokeswoman said: "The army opened fire after one of the terrorists scaled the barrier and hurled a grenade at the soldiers."

No casualties were reported in Israeli ranks.

Palestinian demonstrations at the Gaza border demanding the lifting of Israel's more than decade-old blockade has often led to violence and deadly response from the Israeli army.

At least 301 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza or the border area since March 2018, the majority during the demonstrations.

Seven Israelis have also been killed.

The protests have declined in intensity in recent months following a truce brokered by UN officials and Egypt.&nbsp;

Under the truce, Israel agreed to take steps to ease aspects of its blockade in return for calm on the border.

Sporadic violence has continued but the Israeli army has said most of it has consisted of lone-wolf attacks.

On August 1, a Palestinian seeking to avenge his brother's death by Israeli fire entered Israel from Gaza armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle and hand grenades. He was killed and three Israeli soldiers wounded, the army said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is widely seen as wanting to avoid a major flare-up in the Palestinian territories as Israel prepares for a snap general election on September 17, it's second this year.

But he is likely to face political pressure to act firmly against any significant attack.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.

The border exchange came as Palestinians prepare to mark Eid al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice.&nbsp;

Israeli troops shot dead four heavily armed Palestinians on the Gaza border early Saturday, one of whom had managed to cross and throw a grenade at troops, the army said.

Israeli troops shot dead four heavily armed Palestinians on the Gaza border early Saturday, one of whom had managed to cross and throw a grenade at troops, the army said. There have been frequent clashes along the Gaza border since the Palestinians began organising regular mass protests there in March 2018 but Saturday's exchange was unusual because of the weaponry the army said was involved in the Palestinian side. "The terrorists were equipped with AK-47 assault rifles, RPG grenade launchers, and hand grenades," an army statement said. A spokeswoman said: "The army opened fire after one of the terrorists scaled the barrier and hurled a grenade at the soldiers." No casualties were reported in Israeli ranks. Palestinian demonstrations at the Gaza border demanding the lifting of Israel's more than decade-old blockade has often led to violence and deadly response from the Israeli army. At least 301 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza or the border area since March 2018, the majority during the demonstrations. Seven Israelis have also been killed. The protests have declined in intensity in recent months following a truce brokered by UN officials and Egypt. Under the truce, Israel agreed to take steps to ease aspects of its blockade in return for calm on the border. Sporadic violence has continued but the Israeli army has said most of it has consisted of lone-wolf attacks. On August 1, a Palestinian seeking to avenge his brother's death by Israeli fire entered Israel from Gaza armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle and hand grenades. He was killed and three Israeli soldiers wounded, the army said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is widely seen as wanting to avoid a major flare-up in the Palestinian territories as Israel prepares for a snap general election on September 17, it's second this year. But he is likely to face political pressure to act firmly against any significant attack. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008. The border exchange came as Palestinians prepare to mark Eid al-Adha, the feast of the sacrifice.

Israel army says killed 4 armed Palestinians on Gaza border

Hundreds attended the funeral of an Israeli soldier on Thursday, whose body was found near a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank earlier in the day. Watch the full video to know more.

Hundreds attend funeral of Israeli soldier killed by Palestinian assailant

Israel&nbsp;unveiled options Sunday for its "combat vehicle of the future" -- a tank with large touchscreens, 360-degree vision and, in one prototype, a video game-style controller.

The ministry of defence wants to procure an armoured vehicle that can be operated by two soldiers instead of four with the hatch closed, something officials involved in the project say would be a unique achievement.

The ministry tasked three Israeli companies -- state-owned&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;Aerospace Industries and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, along with Elbit Systems -- with drumming up ideas.

The so-called Carmel project, launched three years ago, aims to develop not the vehicle itself, but its brains and sensors, which can&nbsp;be installed into existing tanks.

All three firms succeeded in reducing the number of soldiers to two.

The vehicles also have options for autonomous driving and target identification with the help of sensors and cameras, along with artificial intelligence and other features.

"This is a revolutionary concept based on cutting-edge technology," Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem, head of military research and development with&nbsp;Israel's defence ministry, told journalists.

"Many countries and many armies are looking for future armoured vehicles."

Israel&nbsp;demonstrated options for the project to US army representatives on Sunday and plans to do the same for other countries.

The three companies presented tank models fitted out with their technologies at an army base in northern&nbsp;Israel.

Inside, soldiers look at a combination of large screens and use various methods of controlling the vehicle and its weaponry.

One of the options used as a video game-style controller.

All three went through a series of tests that the ministry says were successful.

Rotem said armoured vehicles could eventually reach the point of being completely autonomous.

He said it was too soon to lay out a precise timeframe and budget for the project.

But he noted a decision had already been taken to integrate a high-tech Elbit helmet into existing Israeli armoured vehicles.

Israel&nbsp;is the world's eighth-largest arms exporter, according to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Israel unveiled options Sunday for its "combat vehicle of the future" -- a tank with large touchscreens, 360-degree vision and, in one prototype, a video game-style controller.

Israel unveiled options Sunday for its "combat vehicle of the future" -- a tank with large touchscreens, 360-degree vision and, in one prototype, a video game-style controller. The ministry of defence wants to procure an armoured vehicle that can be operated by two soldiers instead of four with the hatch closed, something officials involved in the project say would be a unique achievement. The ministry tasked three Israeli companies -- state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries and Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, along with Elbit Systems -- with drumming up ideas. The so-called Carmel project, launched three years ago, aims to develop not the vehicle itself, but its brains and sensors, which can be installed into existing tanks. All three firms succeeded in reducing the number of soldiers to two. The vehicles also have options for autonomous driving and target identification with the help of sensors and cameras, along with artificial intelligence and other features. "This is a revolutionary concept based on cutting-edge technology," Brigadier General Yaniv Rotem, head of military research and development with Israel's defence ministry, told journalists. "Many countries and many armies are looking for future armoured vehicles." Israel demonstrated options for the project to US army representatives on Sunday and plans to do the same for other countries. The three companies presented tank models fitted out with their technologies at an army base in northern Israel. Inside, soldiers look at a combination of large screens and use various methods of controlling the vehicle and its weaponry. One of the options used as a video game-style controller. All three went through a series of tests that the ministry says were successful. Rotem said armoured vehicles could eventually reach the point of being completely autonomous. He said it was too soon to lay out a precise timeframe and budget for the project. But he noted a decision had already been taken to integrate a high-tech Elbit helmet into existing Israeli armoured vehicles. Israel is the world's eighth-largest arms exporter, according to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Israel's 'Tanks of the Future' prototype features Artificial Intelligence

UN Declares Israel As The Sole Violator Of Women's Rights In The World. And India Votes Against Israel Is Israel the sole violator of women's rights in the world? United Nations has singled out Israel in a vote on the issue. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen - all these countries with a dodgy reputation on the matter voted against Israel? What's more ironical is the fact that India too voted against Israel. Palki explains.

Gravitas: India votes against Israel on UN vote on women rights

Israel will build 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank - a move Palestinian leaders decried as showing Israel's "colonial mentality" - but in a rare step it also approved permits for 700 houses for Palestinians.

Washington warmed to Wednesday's announcement, made ahead of a visit by President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner to explore prospects for his own Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. Details of the plan remain vague, however.

The Palestinian leadership has rejected US&nbsp;diplomacy, saying the Trump administration is biased towards Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a conservative who is drumming up ultra-nationalist Jewish support ahead of a September&nbsp;17 election, has hinted that Israel could annex its West Bank settlements - in defiance of world powers that view the enclaves as illegal.

Most settlements are concentrated in Area C of the West Bank, which under the 1993 Oslo interim peace accords is fully controlled by Israel.<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-announces-new-homes-in-west-bank-239908/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The Palestinians seek to end the Israeli occupation of territory seized in the 1967 Middle East and set up their own state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

Israeli officials said on Wednesday Netanyahu's cabinet had approved permits 6,000 new homes for settlers and 700 new homes for Palestinians in Area C in what they described as a bid to rein in pirate construction.

According to Israel, about 450,000 settlers and 250,000-290,000 Palestinians live in Area C. A total of about 3 million Palestinians live throughout the West Bank.

Saying it rejected any Israeli construction or controls over Palestinian construction in the West Bank, the Palestinian leadership dismissed the housing announcement.

The Foreign Ministry in Ramallah called it "evidence of the dark colonial mentality of the rules in Israel and which ignores all United Nations resolutions, international law and the signed agreements".

The US&nbsp;ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, said, however, the permits for the Palestinians were the first for some time.

"We spend lots of time speaking with the Israelis about improving conditions in the West Bank and Gaza," he told CNN.

Friedman sidestepped questions about whether the Trump administration foresaw a Palestinian state or Israeli annexations of West Bank land.

"We want the Palestinians to have autonomy. We want the Palestinians to govern themselves," he said.

"Israel has not presented to us any plan to retain or annex any portion of the West Bank and we have no view on it at all right now," Friedman added.

He added that in his view, Israel had the legal right to retain some portion of the West Bank.

The issue of Jewish settlements in occupied territory is one of the most contentious of the conflict and the main reason why the peace process based on the 1993 accords has run aground.

Following a previous announcement on new settler houses in April, the European Union reiterated that all settlement activity was illegal under international law. It eroded the viability of a two-state solution and the prospects for a lasting peace, the EU said.

Israel will build 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank - a move Palestinian leaders decried as showing Israel's "colonial mentality" - but in a rare step it also approved permits for 700 houses for Palestinians.

Israel will build 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank - a move Palestinian leaders decried as showing Israel's "colonial mentality" - but in a rare step it also approved permits for 700 houses for Palestinians. Washington warmed to Wednesday's announcement, made ahead of a visit by President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy and son-in-law Jared Kushner to explore prospects for his own Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. Details of the plan remain vague, however. The Palestinian leadership has rejected US diplomacy, saying the Trump administration is biased towards Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a conservative who is drumming up ultra-nationalist Jewish support ahead of a September 17 election, has hinted that Israel could annex its West Bank settlements - in defiance of world powers that view the enclaves as illegal. Most settlements are concentrated in Area C of the West Bank, which under the 1993 Oslo interim peace accords is fully controlled by Israel. The Palestinians seek to end the Israeli occupation of territory seized in the 1967 Middle East and set up their own state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Israeli officials said on Wednesday Netanyahu's cabinet had approved permits 6,000 new homes for settlers and 700 new homes for Palestinians in Area C in what they described as a bid to rein in pirate construction. According to Israel, about 450,000 settlers and 250,000-290,000 Palestinians live in Area C. A total of about 3 million Palestinians live throughout the West Bank. Saying it rejected any Israeli construction or controls over Palestinian construction in the West Bank, the Palestinian leadership dismissed the housing announcement. The Foreign Ministry in Ramallah called it "evidence of the dark colonial mentality of the rules in Israel and which ignores all United Nations resolutions, international law and the signed agreements". The US ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, said, however, the permits for the Palestinians were the first for some time. "We spend lots of time speaking with the Israelis about improving conditions in the West Bank and Gaza," he told CNN. Friedman sidestepped questions about whether the Trump administration foresaw a Palestinian state or Israeli annexations of West Bank land. "We want the Palestinians to have autonomy. We want the Palestinians to govern themselves," he said. "Israel has not presented to us any plan to retain or annex any portion of the West Bank and we have no view on it at all right now," Friedman added. He added that in his view, Israel had the legal right to retain some portion of the West Bank. The issue of Jewish settlements in occupied territory is one of the most contentious of the conflict and the main reason why the peace process based on the 1993 accords has run aground. Following a previous announcement on new settler houses in April, the European Union reiterated that all settlement activity was illegal under international law. It eroded the viability of a two-state solution and the prospects for a lasting peace, the EU said.

Israel announces new homes for settlers, Palestinians in West Bank 

Israel has announced to build 6,000 new homes for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank. In a rare step it also approved permits for 700 houses for Palestinians. Watch this video to know more.

Israel announces new homes in West Bank

Israel has given rare approval to Palestinian homes in the part of the occupied West Bank it fully controls while also backing a large settlement expansion, ahead of White House advisor Jared Kushner's key visit Wednesday.

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity Wednesday, confirmed the approval by the country's security cabinet the previous day, ahead of the arrival by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser.

The approval of 700 homes for Palestinians and 6,000 for Israeli settlers comes as the White House seeks to promote Kushner's long-awaited peace plan.

It was not immediately clear if all of the homes would be new or if some already exist and are receiving retroactive approval.

While the number of homes approved for Palestinians is relatively small and far outweighed by the number of settlement homes, the move could allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to argue he is making efforts to make Kushner's plan succeed.

Kushner visited Jordan on Wednesday and was later on his way to Israel as part of a Middle East tour.

He has said his plan will not mention a two-state solution because "it means one thing to the Israelis, it means one thing to the Palestinians."

Palestinians and many governments around the world warn that continued settlement construction by Israel in the West Bank is slowly eating away at hopes for a two-state solution to the conflict.

But US ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who has been a backer of Israeli settlements, reiterated his stance in an interview with CNN late Tuesday.

Friedman said the United States was in favour of Palestinian "autonomy," but signalled Washington was not ready for now to support full statehood -- similar to Netanyahu's position.

"The issue we have is agreeing in advance to a state because the word state conjures up with it so many potential issues that we think it does a disservice for us to use that phrase," he said.

"We believe in Palestinian autonomy. We believe in Palestinian civilian self-governance. We believe that that autonomy should be extended up until the point where it interferes with Israeli security, and it's a very complicated needle to thread."

He argued that the Palestinian Authority government may currently be too weak to prevent militant groups from overrunning it, resulting in a "failed state" that threatens Israel and neighbouring Jordan.

Palestinian boycott

The White House unveiled economic aspects of its peace plan at a conference in Bahrain in June, but it was boycotted by the Palestinians.

The Palestinians froze contacts with Trump's White House after his 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and have already dismissed the peace plan as blatantly biased in favour of Israel.

In addition to the Jerusalem decision, Trump's administration has taken a series of moves against the Palestinians, including cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in aid and shutting their de facto embassy in Washington.

Tuesday's approvals are for housing in the part of the West Bank known as Area C, which is under Israeli security and civilian control and where most of its settlements are located.

Area C accounts for more than 60 per cent of the West Bank, the Palestinian territory that would form part of a future Palestinian state under the so-called two-state solution.

Israel rarely grants approvals for Palestinian construction in that area and frequently carries out demolitions of Palestinian buildings it considers illegally built.

Walid Assaf, the Palestinian Authority official who monitors Israeli settlements, told AFP the approvals were "vague and incomprehensible."

He said the approval of 700 Palestinian homes was partly a cover-up "for the construction of 6,000 settlement units to complete the outer envelope of Jerusalem, isolating it from the Palestinian territories."

The settlements are considered illegal under international law and are built on land that the Palestinians see as part of their future state.

Israel says that Palestinian intransigence, violence and incitement are the main impediments to peace.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967.

It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community and sees the entire city as its undivided capital.

The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Some 600,000 Israeli settlers now live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, along with around 2.9 million Palestinians.

Israel has given rare approval to Palestinian homes in the part of the occupied West Bank it fully controls while also backing a large settlement expansion, ahead of White House advisor Jared Kushner's key visit Wednesday.

Israel has given rare approval to Palestinian homes in the part of the occupied West Bank it fully controls while also backing a large settlement expansion, ahead of White House advisor Jared Kushner's key visit Wednesday. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity Wednesday, confirmed the approval by the country's security cabinet the previous day, ahead of the arrival by US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser. The approval of 700 homes for Palestinians and 6,000 for Israeli settlers comes as the White House seeks to promote Kushner's long-awaited peace plan. It was not immediately clear if all of the homes would be new or if some already exist and are receiving retroactive approval. While the number of homes approved for Palestinians is relatively small and far outweighed by the number of settlement homes, the move could allow Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to argue he is making efforts to make Kushner's plan succeed. Kushner visited Jordan on Wednesday and was later on his way to Israel as part of a Middle East tour. He has said his plan will not mention a two-state solution because "it means one thing to the Israelis, it means one thing to the Palestinians." Palestinians and many governments around the world warn that continued settlement construction by Israel in the West Bank is slowly eating away at hopes for a two-state solution to the conflict. But US ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who has been a backer of Israeli settlements, reiterated his stance in an interview with CNN late Tuesday. Friedman said the United States was in favour of Palestinian "autonomy," but signalled Washington was not ready for now to support full statehood -- similar to Netanyahu's position. "The issue we have is agreeing in advance to a state because the word state conjures up with it so many potential issues that we think it does a disservice for us to use that phrase," he said. "We believe in Palestinian autonomy. We believe in Palestinian civilian self-governance. We believe that that autonomy should be extended up until the point where it interferes with Israeli security, and it's a very complicated needle to thread." He argued that the Palestinian Authority government may currently be too weak to prevent militant groups from overrunning it, resulting in a "failed state" that threatens Israel and neighbouring Jordan. Palestinian boycott The White House unveiled economic aspects of its peace plan at a conference in Bahrain in June, but it was boycotted by the Palestinians. The Palestinians froze contacts with Trump's White House after his 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and have already dismissed the peace plan as blatantly biased in favour of Israel. In addition to the Jerusalem decision, Trump's administration has taken a series of moves against the Palestinians, including cutting hundreds of millions of dollars in aid and shutting their de facto embassy in Washington. Tuesday's approvals are for housing in the part of the West Bank known as Area C, which is under Israeli security and civilian control and where most of its settlements are located. Area C accounts for more than 60 per cent of the West Bank, the Palestinian territory that would form part of a future Palestinian state under the so-called two-state solution. Israel rarely grants approvals for Palestinian construction in that area and frequently carries out demolitions of Palestinian buildings it considers illegally built. Walid Assaf, the Palestinian Authority official who monitors Israeli settlements, told AFP the approvals were "vague and incomprehensible." He said the approval of 700 Palestinian homes was partly a cover-up "for the construction of 6,000 settlement units to complete the outer envelope of Jerusalem, isolating it from the Palestinian territories." The settlements are considered illegal under international law and are built on land that the Palestinians see as part of their future state. Israel says that Palestinian intransigence, violence and incitement are the main impediments to peace. Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967. It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community and sees the entire city as its undivided capital. The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Some 600,000 Israeli settlers now live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, along with around 2.9 million Palestinians.

Kushner visits after Israel okays homes for Palestinians, settlers

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/old-habits-die-hard-saudi-arabia-struggles-to-end-oil-addiction-238374">Saudi Arabia</a>-led military coalition fighting in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-led-airstrike-on-market-kill-13-in-northern-yemen-239413">Yemen</a> killed or injured 729 children during 2018, accounting for nearly half the total <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-among-14-civilians-killed-in-syria-strikes-235562">child casualties</a>, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a report to the Security Council on Friday that blacklisted the coalition for a third year.

Guterres also reported that the highest number of Palestinian children had been killed or injured last year since 2014, mainly by Israeli forces, though no parties were blacklisted in the annex to the annual Children in Armed Conflict report, seen by Reuters.

The report, which does not subject those listed to action but rather shames parties to conflicts in the hope of pushing them to implement measures to protect children, has long been controversial with diplomats saying Saudi Arabia and Israel both exerted pressure in recent years in a bid to stay off the list.

The Israeli UN&nbsp;mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest report. In 2015 the United Nations left Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas off the blacklist, after they had been included in an earlier draft, but criticized Israel over its 2014 military operations. Israel denied lobbying then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the issue.

Saudi UN&nbsp;Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi said the report acknowledges steps taken by the coalition to safeguard children, noting that "every child's life is precious." But he also questioned the sourcing and accuracy of the report, describing the numbers as "exaggerated."

The coalition had been briefly added to the blacklist in 2016 and then removed by Ban pending review. At the time, Ban accused Saudi Arabia of exerting "unacceptable" undue pressure after sources told Reuters that Riyadh threatened to cut some UN&nbsp;funding. Saudi Arabia denied threatening Ban.

Highest child <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-highway-blast-kills-at-least-35-on-bus-injures-27-239691">casualties in Afghanistan </a>

In an effort to dampen controversy surrounding the report, the blacklist released in 2017 by Guterres was split into two categories. One lists parties that have put in place measures to protect children and the other includes parties that have not.

The blacklist submitted to the Security Council on Friday named the Saudi-led military coalition and Yemen government forces on the first list, and the Iran-allied Houthi rebel group, pro-Yemen government militia, the Security Belt Forces and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula on the second list.

The UN&nbsp;report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties.

"I condemn the increasing number of child casualties, which are often a result of attacks in densely populated areas and against civilian objects, including schools and hospitals," Guterres said in the report, produced by UN&nbsp;Children and Armed Conflict envoy Virginia Gamba and issued in Guterres' name.

"The rise in the number of child casualties attributed to the Government Forces and the Coalition and the persistent killing and maiming of children by the Popular Resistance are increasingly worrying," the report said.

Last year, the report verified that 59 Palestinian children had been killed - 56 by Israeli forces - and another 2,756 injured, while six Israeli children were injured. The report found Israeli forces injured some 2,674 children "in the context of demonstrations, clashes and search and arrest operations.”

Guterres urged "Israel to immediately put in place preventive and protective measures to end the excessive use of force" and "all Palestinian actors to refrain from encouraging children's participation in violence."

The annual children and armed conflict report is produced at the request of the UN&nbsp;Security Council.

"In Afghanistan, the number of child casualties remained the highest such number in the present report (3,062) and children accounted for 28 per cent of all civilian casualties. In the Syrian Arab Republic, airstrikes, barrel bombs and cluster munitions resulted in 1,854 child casualties," the report said.

A Saudi Arabia-led military coalition fighting in Yemen killed or injured 729 children during 2018, accounting for nearly half the total child casualties, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a report to the Security Council on Friday that blacklisted the coalition for a third year.

A Saudi Arabia-led military coalition fighting in Yemen killed or injured 729 children during 2018, accounting for nearly half the total child casualties, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a report to the Security Council on Friday that blacklisted the coalition for a third year. Guterres also reported that the highest number of Palestinian children had been killed or injured last year since 2014, mainly by Israeli forces, though no parties were blacklisted in the annex to the annual Children in Armed Conflict report, seen by Reuters. The report, which does not subject those listed to action but rather shames parties to conflicts in the hope of pushing them to implement measures to protect children, has long been controversial with diplomats saying Saudi Arabia and Israel both exerted pressure in recent years in a bid to stay off the list. The Israeli UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the latest report. In 2015 the United Nations left Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas off the blacklist, after they had been included in an earlier draft, but criticized Israel over its 2014 military operations. Israel denied lobbying then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the issue. Saudi UN Ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi said the report acknowledges steps taken by the coalition to safeguard children, noting that "every child's life is precious." But he also questioned the sourcing and accuracy of the report, describing the numbers as "exaggerated." The coalition had been briefly added to the blacklist in 2016 and then removed by Ban pending review. At the time, Ban accused Saudi Arabia of exerting "unacceptable" undue pressure after sources told Reuters that Riyadh threatened to cut some UN funding. Saudi Arabia denied threatening Ban. Highest child casualties in Afghanistan In an effort to dampen controversy surrounding the report, the blacklist released in 2017 by Guterres was split into two categories. One lists parties that have put in place measures to protect children and the other includes parties that have not. The blacklist submitted to the Security Council on Friday named the Saudi-led military coalition and Yemen government forces on the first list, and the Iran-allied Houthi rebel group, pro-Yemen government militia, the Security Belt Forces and Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula on the second list. The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties. "I condemn the increasing number of child casualties, which are often a result of attacks in densely populated areas and against civilian objects, including schools and hospitals," Guterres said in the report, produced by UN Children and Armed Conflict envoy Virginia Gamba and issued in Guterres' name. "The rise in the number of child casualties attributed to the Government Forces and the Coalition and the persistent killing and maiming of children by the Popular Resistance are increasingly worrying," the report said. Last year, the report verified that 59 Palestinian children had been killed - 56 by Israeli forces - and another 2,756 injured, while six Israeli children were injured. The report found Israeli forces injured some 2,674 children "in the context of demonstrations, clashes and search and arrest operations.” Guterres urged "Israel to immediately put in place preventive and protective measures to end the excessive use of force" and "all Palestinian actors to refrain from encouraging children's participation in violence." The annual children and armed conflict report is produced at the request of the UN Security Council. "In Afghanistan, the number of child casualties remained the highest such number in the present report (3,062) and children accounted for 28 per cent of all civilian casualties. In the Syrian Arab Republic, airstrikes, barrel bombs and cluster munitions resulted in 1,854 child casualties," the report said.

Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children

Benjamin Netanyahu Opts For Modi Magic That India's PM Modi can change electoral fortunes is well known at home. But it looks like 'Modi Magic' goes beyond India too. Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu has opted for Modi's magic too as the Indian PM's image seems to be an integral part of Netanyahu's campaign

Gravitas: Star campaigner in Israel too: Modi in Netanyahu's campaign

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Tweets WION's Report. Watch video to know more.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Tweets WION's Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mann-ki-baat-chandrayaan-2-is-indian-in-heart-and-spirit-says-pm-modi-238958">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has been featured in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-prime-minister-blasts-european-union-for-trying-to-save-iran-nuclear-deal-236278">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>'s election campaign. Netanyahu's party, Likud party, has in a campaign video shown clips of PM Modi along with Netanyahu. The clips are from PM Modi's visit to Isreal in 2017, the first standalone visit by any Indian Prime Minister to the West Asian country.&nbsp;

The video shows PM Modi being welcomed at the airport in Israel as well as various moments of his trip to Israel. Remember, the beach stroll by both the leaders at Haifa's beach to see a demonstration of the mobile desalination unit became one of the highlights of Modi's visit. &nbsp;

The two other leaders in the video include Rusian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
PM Modi in Israeli Election campaign! Benjamin Netanyahu's <a href="https://twitter.com/Likud_Party?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Likud_Party</a> party shows pictures of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> along with <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a> in the election campaign video. <a href="https://t.co/yqRpDP36BC">pic.twitter.com/yqRpDP36BC</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1155491801496576001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It is also interesting to note, the headquarters of Likud party has a large picture of Netanyahu with PM Modi. On the other sides are the installations of gigantic posters of Netanyahu with Trump and Putin.&nbsp;

This is perhaps for the first time when an Indian PM's pictures have been used in a foreign election campaign, particularly in West Asia.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Full Video of Likud party on Election campaign: Along with PM Modi, Other 2 foreign leaders in the campaign include Trump and Putin. This is perhaps for the first time Indian PMs pictures being used in a foreign election campaign. <a href="https://t.co/yjZmqrmgSu">pic.twitter.com/yjZmqrmgSu</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1155492940258537472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Isreal will be holding elections on September 17 after no party was able to get majority or cobble up a coalition in April elections.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his election victory in the Lok Sabha elections that were conducted in May this year. Lauding PM Modi's mandate he said, "the election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy."&nbsp;

Netanyahu is expected to visit India on September 9. He had visited India in January 2018 to commemorate 25 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties with India.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been featured in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's election campaign. Netanyahu's party, Likud party, has in a campaign video shown clips of PM Modi along with Netanyahu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been featured in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's election campaign. Netanyahu's party, Likud party, has in a campaign video shown clips of PM Modi along with Netanyahu. The clips are from PM Modi's visit to Isreal in 2017, the first standalone visit by any Indian Prime Minister to the West Asian country. The video shows PM Modi being welcomed at the airport in Israel as well as various moments of his trip to Israel. Remember, the beach stroll by both the leaders at Haifa's beach to see a demonstration of the mobile desalination unit became one of the highlights of Modi's visit. The two other leaders in the video include Rusian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. PM Modi in Israeli Election campaign! Benjamin Netanyahu's @Likud_Party party shows pictures of PM @narendramodi along with @netanyahu in the election campaign video. pic.twitter.com/yqRpDP36BC — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 28, 2019 × It is also interesting to note, the headquarters of Likud party has a large picture of Netanyahu with PM Modi. On the other sides are the installations of gigantic posters of Netanyahu with Trump and Putin. This is perhaps for the first time when an Indian PM's pictures have been used in a foreign election campaign, particularly in West Asia. Full Video of Likud party on Election campaign: Along with PM Modi, Other 2 foreign leaders in the campaign include Trump and Putin. This is perhaps for the first time Indian PMs pictures being used in a foreign election campaign. pic.twitter.com/yjZmqrmgSu — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 28, 2019 × Isreal will be holding elections on September 17 after no party was able to get majority or cobble up a coalition in April elections. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first leaders to congratulate Modi after his election victory in the Lok Sabha elections that were conducted in May this year. Lauding PM Modi's mandate he said, "the election results further reaffirm your leadership of the world's largest democracy." Netanyahu is expected to visit India on September 9. He had visited India in January 2018 to commemorate 25 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties with India.

PM Modi features in Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's election campaign

Israeli forces began preparations to demolish homes near a military barrier on the outskirts of Jerusalem under the cover of darkness on Monday, in the face of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-palestinians-killed-in-clashes-with-israeli-troops-in-gaza-west-bank-192841">Palestinian protests and international criticism</a>.

Bulldozers accompanied by hundreds of Israeli soldiers and police moved in to Sur Baher, a Palestinian village on the edge of East Jerusalem in an area that Israel captured and occupied in the 1967 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-us-over-extra-troop-deployment-to-middle-east-228294">Middle East War</a>.

Palestinians fear that the razing of village buildings near the fence will set a precedent for other towns along the route of the barrier, which runs for hundreds of kilometres around and through the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The pending demolition is the latest round of protracted wrangling over the future of Jerusalem, home to more than 500,000 Israelis and 300,000 Palestinians, and sites sacred to Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

Israel's Supreme Court ruled in June that the structures violated a construction ban. The deadline for residents to remove the buildings expired on Friday.

However, some residents said they would be made homeless. Owners said they had obtained permission to build from the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Israeli forces cut through the wire fence near the village early on Monday, allowing them easier access to the buildings.

Floodlights lit up a partly constructed multi-storey building as dozens of vehicles brought helmeted police and soldiers into the area.

They were filmed and photographed by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists who had mobilised to try and stop the demolition.

"Since 2 a.m. they have been evacuating people from their homes by force and they have started planting explosives in the homes they want to destroy. There are hundreds of soldiers here," said Hamada Hamada, a community leader in one of the threatened areas.

Demolition Preparations

The sprawling village of Sur Baher straddles the line between East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Its political geography is complicated by the fact that parts of it lie outside the municipal boundaries of Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem but on the Israeli side of the barrier, cutting it off from the rest of the West Bank.

Palestinian officials say the threatened structures lie within areas that they should control. The Palestine Liberation Organization issued a statement accusing the Israeli court of aiming "to set a precedent to enable the Israeli occupying forces to demolish numerous Palestinian buildings located nearby" to the barrier.

Jamie McGoldrick, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator, and other UN officials called on the Israeli authorities last week to halt the demolition plans. They said 17 Palestinians faced displacement from the plans to level 10 buildings, including dozens of apartments.

The European Union issued a statement saying: "The continuation of this policy undermines the viability of the two-state solution and the prospect for lasting peace."

However, the Israeli Supreme Court's 3-judge panel ruled unanimously in favor of demolition. "The petitioners took the law into their own hands when they began and continued building structures without receiving a special permit from the military commander," it said.

The court said construction close to the barrier could provide cover for attackers. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on Monday and said it was checking the reports.

Israel credits the barrier projected to be 720 km (450 miles) long when complete with stemming Palestinian suicide bombings that peaked in 2002 and 2003. Palestinians call it a land grab designed to annex parts of the West Bank, including Israeli settlements.

In some areas of Jerusalem and the West Bank, the barrier is a high concrete wall, but in Sur Baher, it consists of two wire fences separated by a military patrol road and protected by watchtowers and electronic sensors.

Israeli forces began preparations to demolish homes near a military barrier on the outskirts of Jerusalem under the cover of darkness on Monday, in the face of Palestinian protests and international criticism.

Israeli forces began preparations to demolish homes near a military barrier on the outskirts of Jerusalem under the cover of darkness on Monday, in the face of Palestinian protests and international criticism. Bulldozers accompanied by hundreds of Israeli soldiers and police moved in to Sur Baher, a Palestinian village on the edge of East Jerusalem in an area that Israel captured and occupied in the 1967 Middle East War. Palestinians fear that the razing of village buildings near the fence will set a precedent for other towns along the route of the barrier, which runs for hundreds of kilometres around and through the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The pending demolition is the latest round of protracted wrangling over the future of Jerusalem, home to more than 500,000 Israelis and 300,000 Palestinians, and sites sacred to Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Israel's Supreme Court ruled in June that the structures violated a construction ban. The deadline for residents to remove the buildings expired on Friday. However, some residents said they would be made homeless. Owners said they had obtained permission to build from the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israeli forces cut through the wire fence near the village early on Monday, allowing them easier access to the buildings. Floodlights lit up a partly constructed multi-storey building as dozens of vehicles brought helmeted police and soldiers into the area. They were filmed and photographed by Palestinian, Israeli and international activists who had mobilised to try and stop the demolition. "Since 2 a.m. they have been evacuating people from their homes by force and they have started planting explosives in the homes they want to destroy. There are hundreds of soldiers here," said Hamada Hamada, a community leader in one of the threatened areas. Demolition Preparations The sprawling village of Sur Baher straddles the line between East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Its political geography is complicated by the fact that parts of it lie outside the municipal boundaries of Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem but on the Israeli side of the barrier, cutting it off from the rest of the West Bank. Palestinian officials say the threatened structures lie within areas that they should control. The Palestine Liberation Organization issued a statement accusing the Israeli court of aiming "to set a precedent to enable the Israeli occupying forces to demolish numerous Palestinian buildings located nearby" to the barrier. Jamie McGoldrick, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator, and other UN officials called on the Israeli authorities last week to halt the demolition plans. They said 17 Palestinians faced displacement from the plans to level 10 buildings, including dozens of apartments. The European Union issued a statement saying: "The continuation of this policy undermines the viability of the two-state solution and the prospect for lasting peace." However, the Israeli Supreme Court's 3-judge panel ruled unanimously in favor of demolition. "The petitioners took the law into their own hands when they began and continued building structures without receiving a special permit from the military commander," it said. The court said construction close to the barrier could provide cover for attackers. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on Monday and said it was checking the reports. Israel credits the barrier projected to be 720 km (450 miles) long when complete with stemming Palestinian suicide bombings that peaked in 2002 and 2003. Palestinians call it a land grab designed to annex parts of the West Bank, including Israeli settlements. In some areas of Jerusalem and the West Bank, the barrier is a high concrete wall, but in Sur Baher, it consists of two wire fences separated by a military patrol road and protected by watchtowers and electronic sensors.

Israel prepares to demolish homes on Jerusalem outskirts, stoking Palestinian fears

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran.

And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television.

His remarks came after weeks of increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, and as US President Donald Trump steps up his war of words with the Islamic Republic.

"When the Americans understand that this war could wipe out Israel, they will reconsider," Nasrallah said.

"Our collective responsibility in the region is to work towards preventing an American war on Iran," he said.

He said neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates had any interest in a conflict erupting.

On Friday, the US House of Representatives voted to restrict Trump's ability to attack Iran, voicing the fear that his hawkish policies are pushing toward a needless war.

Hezbollah is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the United States and is the only faction not to have disarmed after the Lebanese 1975-1990 civil war.

But it is also a major political player in the small Mediterranean country, taking 13 seats in parliament last year and securing three posts in the current cabinet.

Syria presence downgraded

Nasrallah also said he had decreased the number of his movement's fighters supporting the Damascus regime in neighbouring war-torn Syria.

"The Syrian army has greatly recovered and has found that today it does not need us," he said.

"We are present in every area that we used to be. We are still there, but we don't need to be there in large numbers as long as there is no practical need," he said.

The head of the Iran-backed Shiite movement, which has been fighting in Syria since 2013, did not give details on the extent of the reduction.

Backed by Russia and Iran, the Damascus government has taken back large swathes of territory from rebels and jihadists since 2015, and now controls around 60 per cent of the country.

Nasrallah spoke after Washington announced fresh sanctions Tuesday against Hezbollah, targeting elected officials from the movement for the first time.

Nasrallah said none of his fighters was currently involved in fighting in Syria's northwestern region of Idlib, where the regime and Russian forces have increased deadly bombardments on a jihadist-run bastion since late April.

But "if there was a need to return, all those who were there would go back" to Syria, he added.

Tel Aviv 'within range'

Responding to a question about repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syria, he said the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "deceiving his people".

"He is playing a game of brinkmanship because Iran will not leave Syria," he warned.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily there.

Nasrallah's interview came to mark the start of his movement's 2006 war with Israel, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and more than 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

Both countries are still technically at war, and a UN peacekeeping force has said three tunnels have been found to have dug under the border from Lebanon into Israel since late last year.

The group's leader warned that key Israeli installations along the Mediterranean coast including Tel Aviv were "within range of our rockets".

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran. And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television.

The head of Lebanon's Tehran-backed Hezbollah said Friday that US ally Israel would not be "neutral" if a war broke out between the United States and Iran. And "Iran is able to bombard Israel with ferocity and force," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview broadcast on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television. His remarks came after weeks of increasing tensions between the United States and Iran, and as US President Donald Trump steps up his war of words with the Islamic Republic. "When the Americans understand that this war could wipe out Israel, they will reconsider," Nasrallah said. "Our collective responsibility in the region is to work towards preventing an American war on Iran," he said. He said neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates had any interest in a conflict erupting. On Friday, the US House of Representatives voted to restrict Trump's ability to attack Iran, voicing the fear that his hawkish policies are pushing toward a needless war. Hezbollah is considered to be a terrorist organisation by the United States and is the only faction not to have disarmed after the Lebanese 1975-1990 civil war. But it is also a major political player in the small Mediterranean country, taking 13 seats in parliament last year and securing three posts in the current cabinet. Syria presence downgraded Nasrallah also said he had decreased the number of his movement's fighters supporting the Damascus regime in neighbouring war-torn Syria. "The Syrian army has greatly recovered and has found that today it does not need us," he said. "We are present in every area that we used to be. We are still there, but we don't need to be there in large numbers as long as there is no practical need," he said. The head of the Iran-backed Shiite movement, which has been fighting in Syria since 2013, did not give details on the extent of the reduction. Backed by Russia and Iran, the Damascus government has taken back large swathes of territory from rebels and jihadists since 2015, and now controls around 60 per cent of the country. Nasrallah spoke after Washington announced fresh sanctions Tuesday against Hezbollah, targeting elected officials from the movement for the first time. Nasrallah said none of his fighters was currently involved in fighting in Syria's northwestern region of Idlib, where the regime and Russian forces have increased deadly bombardments on a jihadist-run bastion since late April. But "if there was a need to return, all those who were there would go back" to Syria, he added. Tel Aviv 'within range' Responding to a question about repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syria, he said the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "deceiving his people". "He is playing a game of brinkmanship because Iran will not leave Syria," he warned. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in neighbouring Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets. It has vowed to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily there. Nasrallah's interview came to mark the start of his movement's 2006 war with Israel, which killed more than 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and more than 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers. Both countries are still technically at war, and a UN peacekeeping force has said three tunnels have been found to have dug under the border from Lebanon into Israel since late last year. The group's leader warned that key Israeli installations along the Mediterranean coast including Tel Aviv were "within range of our rockets".

Hezbollah warns Iran able to bombard Israel if war started

Petah Tikva town names square after the U.S President Donald Trump

Israeli town names square after Trump

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned Iran on Tuesday that it is within range of Israeli air strikes, citing what he described as Iranian threats to destroy Israel.

Netanyahu warns Iran it is within range of Israeli air strikes

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.

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