The White House, on Thursday (Jun 20) expressed deep disappointment over criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the United States over&nbsp;weapons deliveries. This comes amid&nbsp;Israel fighting war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>White House calls criticism ‘vexing’</h2>

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby described Netanyahu’s allegations that the US is “withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel” from his country in recent months as “vexing” and “deeply disappointing.”

“Those comments were deeply disappointing and certainly vexing to us, given the amount of support that we have and will continue to provide,” Kirby told journalists.

He added, “No other country is doing more to help Israel defend itself against the threat by Hamas and, quite frankly, other threats that they’re facing in the region.”&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/white-house-cancels-high-level-israel-us-meeting-on-iran-733257/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier this week, the Israeli PM released a video saying that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had assured him that the Biden administration was working to lift restrictions on arms deliveries to Israel. However, Washington has not officially confirmed this exchange.&nbsp;

During the conversation, which is typically kept confidential, the Israeli PM also told the US Secretary of State that it was “inconceivable” that Washington has been withholding weapons from Israel in the past few months.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden administration left fuming</h2>

A report by Axios citing two US officials said the White House cancelled a high-level US-Israel meeting on Iran that was scheduled for Thursday after the Israeli PM’s remarks.&nbsp;

The US President Joe Biden’s top advisers were reportedly enraged and baffled by the video – a message that was delivered to Netanyahu hours after the clip was published – and called off the meeting.&nbsp;

“This decision makes it clear that there are consequences for pulling such stunts,” the American official told Axios.&nbsp;

The report citing an Israeli official said that the “Americans are fuming. Bibi’s video made a lot of damage.”&nbsp;

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, on Wednesday (Jun 19) said only one weapons shipment had been paused since the beginning of the war and that they have sent billions of dollars worth of weapons to Israel so far.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/furious-biden-calls-netanyahu-bad-fuking-guy-as-middle-east-crisis-deepens-report-687236">Furious Biden called Netanyahu ‘bad fu*king guy’ as Middle East crisis deepens: Report</a>

“We genuinely do not know what he is talking about,” she said. Last month, Washington paused a shipment of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs due to concern over the impact they could have in densely populated areas in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel doubles down on criticism</h2>

On Thursday, Netanyahu appeared to double down on his remarks and said that he is “prepared to suffer personal attacks provided that Israel receives the ammunition from the US that it needs in the war for its existence.”

However, this is not the first time that Biden and Netanyahu have gotten into a spat amid the ongoing war.

Earlier this month, the US president said there is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-suggests-netanyahu-is-dragging-out-gaza-war-for-political-reasons-728818">“every reason”</a> for people to believe that Netanyahu is prolonging the Gaza war for his own political preservation.

The remarks came as Biden, ahead of the presidential election, is facing growing criticism for supporting Israel amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The White House, on Thursday (Jun 20) expressed deep disappointment over criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the United States over weapons deliveries.

The White House, on Thursday (Jun 20) expressed deep disappointment over criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the United States over weapons deliveries. This comes amid Israel fighting war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. White House calls criticism ‘vexing’ National Security Council spokesman John Kirby described Netanyahu’s allegations that the US is “withholding weapons and ammunitions to Israel” from his country in recent months as “vexing” and “deeply disappointing.” “Those comments were deeply disappointing and certainly vexing to us, given the amount of support that we have and will continue to provide,” Kirby told journalists. He added, “No other country is doing more to help Israel defend itself against the threat by Hamas and, quite frankly, other threats that they’re facing in the region.” Earlier this week, the Israeli PM released a video saying that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had assured him that the Biden administration was working to lift restrictions on arms deliveries to Israel. However, Washington has not officially confirmed this exchange. During the conversation, which is typically kept confidential, the Israeli PM also told the US Secretary of State that it was “inconceivable” that Washington has been withholding weapons from Israel in the past few months. Biden administration left fuming A report by Axios citing two US officials said the White House cancelled a high-level US-Israel meeting on Iran that was scheduled for Thursday after the Israeli PM’s remarks. The US President Joe Biden’s top advisers were reportedly enraged and baffled by the video – a message that was delivered to Netanyahu hours after the clip was published – and called off the meeting. “This decision makes it clear that there are consequences for pulling such stunts,” the American official told Axios. The report citing an Israeli official said that the “Americans are fuming. Bibi’s video made a lot of damage.” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, on Wednesday (Jun 19) said only one weapons shipment had been paused since the beginning of the war and that they have sent billions of dollars worth of weapons to Israel so far. Also Read | Furious Biden called Netanyahu ‘bad fu*king guy’ as Middle East crisis deepens: Report “We genuinely do not know what he is talking about,” she said. Last month, Washington paused a shipment of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs due to concern over the impact they could have in densely populated areas in Gaza. Israel doubles down on criticism On Thursday, Netanyahu appeared to double down on his remarks and said that he is “prepared to suffer personal attacks provided that Israel receives the ammunition from the US that it needs in the war for its existence.” However, this is not the first time that Biden and Netanyahu have gotten into a spat amid the ongoing war. Earlier this month, the US president said there is “every reason” for people to believe that Netanyahu is prolonging the Gaza war for his own political preservation. The remarks came as Biden, ahead of the presidential election, is facing growing criticism for supporting Israel amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

White House fumes over Israeli PM’s criticism of US withholding weapons deliveries

United States President Joe Biden, on Tuesday (Jun 4) said there is “every reason” for people to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza for his own political preservation. The remark has since drawn criticism from the Israeli government which accused the US president of straying from diplomatic norms.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Every reason to believe’</h2>

In an interview with Time magazine, published on Tuesday, when asked whether he thought Netanyahu was prolonging the war for political reasons, Biden said, “I’m not going to comment on that.” He added, “There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.”

WATCH |&nbsp;The Biden trap: Can Netanyahu get out of it?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israel-gaza-war-the-biden-trap-can-netanyahu-get-out-of-it-728428/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Notably, the Israeli PM’s popularity plummeted after Hamas launched its October 7 attack which took Israel by surprise and exposed serious flaws in the country’s security. However, a recent poll suggests otherwise and says Netanyahu is starting to regain his popularity.&nbsp;

The US president’s remarks were made during the interview on May 28 and came before he pitched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-biden-details-israels-new-three-phase-ceasefire-proposal-amid-gaza-war-what-is-it-about-727842">three-phase ceasefire&nbsp;plan</a> to end the almost eight-month-long war in Gaza, on Friday (May 31).&nbsp;

Biden also told the magazine that it is “uncertain” whether Israeli forces committed war crimes in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

The US president said that he had previously warned Israel not to make the same mistake that Washington made after the 9/11 attacks which led to “endless wars",&nbsp;adding that “they’re making that mistake.”

Biden, last week, called on the Israeli leadership to accept the deal and resist pressure from those who are pushing for the war in Gaza to go on “indefinitely".

“They want to occupy Gaza. They want to keep fighting for years and hostages are not a priority for them…I’ve urged leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes,” he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli government criticises Biden</h2>

When asked about the interview, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said it was “outside the diplomatic norms of every right-thinking country” for Biden to make such comments about Netanyahu.&nbsp;

<h2>Netanyahu’s popularity rises</h2>

Opinion polls since the October 7 attack indicate that while Israelis support the war in Gaza, they blame Netanyahu for the security failures, and would vote him out if there was an election.&nbsp;

Similarly, political analysts have&nbsp;indicated that the Israeli PM would lose if elections were held now.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-deems-bidens-gaza-proposal-partial-but-says-plan-can-kick-off-without-full-agreement-728394">Netanyahu deems Biden’s Gaza proposal ‘partial’ but says plan can kick off without full agreement</a>

However, a poll conducted by Israel’s Channel 12, on May 29, suggests that Netanyahu is starting to regain his popularity after struggling politically for more than a year. He even outpolled his main rival Benny Gantz for the first time since the beginning of the war.&nbsp;

When asked who was better suited to serve as PM, 36 per cent of the 500 Israeli voters who participated in the survey chose Netanyahu and 30 per cent supported Gantz.&nbsp;

The incumbent Israeli PM was also ahead of opposition leader Yair Lapid.

However, the poll, with a 4.4 per cent margin of error, seems to contradict the discontent observed in Israel as the country has been witnessing months of, often violent, protests with people calling on Netanyahu to resign.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden, on Tuesday (Jun 4) said there is “every reason” for people to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza for his own political preservation.

United States President Joe Biden, on Tuesday (Jun 4) said there is “every reason” for people to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza for his own political preservation. The remark has since drawn criticism from the Israeli government which accused the US president of straying from diplomatic norms. ‘Every reason to believe’ In an interview with Time magazine, published on Tuesday, when asked whether he thought Netanyahu was prolonging the war for political reasons, Biden said, “I’m not going to comment on that.” He added, “There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.” WATCH | The Biden trap: Can Netanyahu get out of it? Notably, the Israeli PM’s popularity plummeted after Hamas launched its October 7 attack which took Israel by surprise and exposed serious flaws in the country’s security. However, a recent poll suggests otherwise and says Netanyahu is starting to regain his popularity. The US president’s remarks were made during the interview on May 28 and came before he pitched a three-phase ceasefire plan to end the almost eight-month-long war in Gaza, on Friday (May 31). Biden also told the magazine that it is “uncertain” whether Israeli forces committed war crimes in the Palestinian enclave. The US president said that he had previously warned Israel not to make the same mistake that Washington made after the 9/11 attacks which led to “endless wars", adding that “they’re making that mistake.” Biden, last week, called on the Israeli leadership to accept the deal and resist pressure from those who are pushing for the war in Gaza to go on “indefinitely". “They want to occupy Gaza. They want to keep fighting for years and hostages are not a priority for them…I’ve urged leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes,” he added. Israeli government criticises Biden When asked about the interview, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said it was “outside the diplomatic norms of every right-thinking country” for Biden to make such comments about Netanyahu. Netanyahu’s popularity rises Opinion polls since the October 7 attack indicate that while Israelis support the war in Gaza, they blame Netanyahu for the security failures, and would vote him out if there was an election. Similarly, political analysts have indicated that the Israeli PM would lose if elections were held now. Also Read | Netanyahu deems Biden’s Gaza proposal ‘partial’ but says plan can kick off without full agreement However, a poll conducted by Israel’s Channel 12, on May 29, suggests that Netanyahu is starting to regain his popularity after struggling politically for more than a year. He even outpolled his main rival Benny Gantz for the first time since the beginning of the war. When asked who was better suited to serve as PM, 36 per cent of the 500 Israeli voters who participated in the survey chose Netanyahu and 30 per cent supported Gantz. The incumbent Israeli PM was also ahead of opposition leader Yair Lapid. However, the poll, with a 4.4 per cent margin of error, seems to contradict the discontent observed in Israel as the country has been witnessing months of, often violent, protests with people calling on Netanyahu to resign. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden suggests Netanyahu is dragging out Gaza war for political reasons

United States President Joe Biden, on Friday (May 31) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-lays-out-three-phases-of-israels-ceasefire-proposal-says-its-time-to-end-war-727553">unveiled a three-phase Israeli proposal</a> to the Palestinian militant group Hamas seeking to end the almost eight-month-long war. If accepted, the proposal in question would lead to a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and the release of hostages held by Hamas.&nbsp;

<h2>‘It’s time for this war to end’</h2>

Speaking about the plan, the US president said that Israel’s ceasefire proposal will have three phases which will begin with a six-week complete ceasefire, see the return of hostages in Gaza, the release of Palestinians from Israeli jails, and reconstruction of the Palestinian enclave which has been destroyed amid months of fighting.&nbsp;

“It’s time for this war to end, for the day after to begin,” said Biden in a televised speech from the White House. He added, “Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal. It’s a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.”&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden says time for Gaza war to end

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This comes as the incumbent president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has faced pressure from people in his own party as well as Americans who have criticised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestinian-protesters-storm-brooklyn-museum-unfurl-banner-police-arrest-several-727612">Biden administration’s support for Israel</a> in the ongoing war amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.&nbsp;

Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel which sparked the war in Gaza, led to the deaths of at least 1,200 people and around 250 others were taken by the militant group to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to the Israeli officials.&nbsp;

Israel has since launched a military operation into Gaza which has killed more than 36,000 people, mostly civilians, as claimed by the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;

<h2>About the three-phase plan</h2>

The first phase will include a ceasefire, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and release of some hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;

Biden said that the first phase of Israel’s offer would last six weeks and would also include a “full and complete” ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from “all populated areas” of Gaza.&nbsp;

This phase would also see the release of a number of hostages including “women, the elderly, the wounded in exchange for release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners,” said the US president. It also includes talks between Israel and Hamas to get to the next phase of the proposal.

Additionally, Palestinian civilians will return to their homes and neighbourhoods in all areas of Gaza. This comes as the Israeli military’s evacuation orders have led to the displacing of 1.7 million people, more than 75 per cent of Gaza’s population.&nbsp;

As a part of the first phase, humanitarian assistance will increase to 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza per day. “With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it,” said Biden.&nbsp;

The second phase will include a “permanent end to hostilities” after negotiations, said Biden and the release of all remaining hostages. However, he noted that this phase could take longer than six weeks due to the differences between the two sides; during this time, the ceasefire will continue.&nbsp;

“Israel will want to make sure its interests are protected but the proposal says if the negotiations take longer than six weeks from phase one, the ceasefire will still continue for as long as negotiations continue,” said the US president.&nbsp;

The US, Qatar and Egypt will ensure that talks continue until “all agreements are reached” during this period, said Biden. The second phase will also see the release of the rest of the hostages who are alive including male soldiers, while Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.&nbsp;

“And as long as Hamas lives up to its commitments, a temporary ceasefire will become – in the words of the Israeli proposal – the cessation of hostilities permanently,” said the US president.&nbsp;

The third and last phase would include a “major reconstruction plan for Gaza and any final remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families,” said Biden.&nbsp;

Even if the ongoing war in Gaza was to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed so far, said a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rebuilding-gaza-to-at-least-16-years-and-cost-around-30-to-40-billion-un-717472">report by the United Nations</a>, earlier this month.&nbsp;

Israel has “devastated Hamas forces over the past eight months,” said Biden, adding that at this point “Hamas no longer is capable of carrying out another Oct. 7.”

Arab nations and the international community will also help in Gaza rebuilding efforts, but in a “manner that does not allow Hamas to rearm,” the US president added. Washington will work with its partners to rebuild homes, schools and hospitals in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

<h2>Hamas reacts ‘positively’</h2>

Hamas, on Friday, said that it “considers positively” the Israeli plan towards a full ceasefire in Gaza. During his speech, the US president urged the militant group to accept the proposal.&nbsp;

The Palestinian militant group, in a statement, said that it “considers positively” Biden’s speech about “a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, reconstruction and the exchange of prisoners”.&nbsp;

Amid the war, there have been multiple rounds of talks between Israel and Hamas, but except for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-says-hostage-release-to-start-7am-friday-first-13-captives-to-be-out-at-4pm-662051">one week-long ceasefire in November</a> to facilitate the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners from Israel, there has been no progress.&nbsp;

<h2>Netanyahu says war will not end</h2>

Amid some hope after Biden’s speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to throw cold water on peace talks saying that the war will not end until the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-offering-gaza-peace-roadmap-netanyahu-says-war-will-not-end-until-elimination-of-hamas-727660">“elimination” of Hamas</a>.&nbsp;

Netanyahu’s office said that he “authorised the negotiating team to present an outline for achieving (the return of hostages), while insisting that the war will not end until all of its goals are achieved…”

The aims include “return of all our hostages and the elimination of Hamas's military and governmental capabilities,” it added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, on Friday, accused Israel of “using negotiations as a cover to continue its aggression” and said that the Palestinian militant group “refuses to be a part of these manoeuvres”.&nbsp;

Notably, Netanyahu’s government has been facing near-daily protests for multiple reasons including the war in Gaza. After Biden’s speech, families of Israeli hostages also called on all parties to immediately accept the recent proposal.&nbsp;

“We want to see people coming back from Gaza alive and soon,” Gili Roman, whose sister, Yarden Roman-Gat, was taken hostage and freed during the ceasefire in November, told the Associated Press.&nbsp;

However, Yarden’s sister-in-law, Carmel, is still being held in the Palestinian enclave. “This might be the last chance to save lives. Therefore, the current state must be changed and we expect all to adhere to Biden’s call for accepting the deal on the table, immediately,” Gili added.&nbsp;

<h2>Situation in Gaza</h2>

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans are moving out of Rafah, where up to 1.4 million people displaced due to the war were sheltering after the Israeli military began striking the city which was once said to be a safe zone.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged Friday that the humanitarian situation was “dire” despite Washington’s efforts to increase the amount of aid entering Gaza.&nbsp;

The World Food Programme (WFP) said daily life had become “apocalyptic” in southern Gaza after Israel began its assault on Rafah in early May.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

United States President Joe Biden, on Friday (May 31) unveiled a three-phase Israeli proposal to the Palestinian militant group Hamas seeking to end the almost eight-month-long war.

United States President Joe Biden, on Friday (May 31) unveiled a three-phase Israeli proposal to the Palestinian militant group Hamas seeking to end the almost eight-month-long war. If accepted, the proposal in question would lead to a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and the release of hostages held by Hamas. ‘It’s time for this war to end’ Speaking about the plan, the US president said that Israel’s ceasefire proposal will have three phases which will begin with a six-week complete ceasefire, see the return of hostages in Gaza, the release of Palestinians from Israeli jails, and reconstruction of the Palestinian enclave which has been destroyed amid months of fighting. “It’s time for this war to end, for the day after to begin,” said Biden in a televised speech from the White House. He added, “Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal. It’s a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.” WATCH | US President Joe Biden says time for Gaza war to end This comes as the incumbent president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has faced pressure from people in his own party as well as Americans who have criticised the Biden administration’s support for Israel in the ongoing war amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel which sparked the war in Gaza, led to the deaths of at least 1,200 people and around 250 others were taken by the militant group to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to the Israeli officials. Israel has since launched a military operation into Gaza which has killed more than 36,000 people, mostly civilians, as claimed by the Hamas-run health ministry. About the three-phase plan The first phase will include a ceasefire, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and release of some hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Biden said that the first phase of Israel’s offer would last six weeks and would also include a “full and complete” ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from “all populated areas” of Gaza. This phase would also see the release of a number of hostages including “women, the elderly, the wounded in exchange for release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners,” said the US president. It also includes talks between Israel and Hamas to get to the next phase of the proposal. Additionally, Palestinian civilians will return to their homes and neighbourhoods in all areas of Gaza. This comes as the Israeli military’s evacuation orders have led to the displacing of 1.7 million people, more than 75 per cent of Gaza’s population. As a part of the first phase, humanitarian assistance will increase to 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza per day. “With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it,” said Biden. The second phase will include a “permanent end to hostilities” after negotiations, said Biden and the release of all remaining hostages. However, he noted that this phase could take longer than six weeks due to the differences between the two sides; during this time, the ceasefire will continue. “Israel will want to make sure its interests are protected but the proposal says if the negotiations take longer than six weeks from phase one, the ceasefire will still continue for as long as negotiations continue,” said the US president. The US, Qatar and Egypt will ensure that talks continue until “all agreements are reached” during this period, said Biden. The second phase will also see the release of the rest of the hostages who are alive including male soldiers, while Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza. “And as long as Hamas lives up to its commitments, a temporary ceasefire will become – in the words of the Israeli proposal – the cessation of hostilities permanently,” said the US president. The third and last phase would include a “major reconstruction plan for Gaza and any final remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families,” said Biden. Even if the ongoing war in Gaza was to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed so far, said a report by the United Nations, earlier this month. Israel has “devastated Hamas forces over the past eight months,” said Biden, adding that at this point “Hamas no longer is capable of carrying out another Oct. 7.” Arab nations and the international community will also help in Gaza rebuilding efforts, but in a “manner that does not allow Hamas to rearm,” the US president added. Washington will work with its partners to rebuild homes, schools and hospitals in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas reacts ‘positively’ Hamas, on Friday, said that it “considers positively” the Israeli plan towards a full ceasefire in Gaza. During his speech, the US president urged the militant group to accept the proposal. The Palestinian militant group, in a statement, said that it “considers positively” Biden’s speech about “a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, reconstruction and the exchange of prisoners”. Amid the war, there have been multiple rounds of talks between Israel and Hamas, but except for a one week-long ceasefire in November to facilitate the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners from Israel, there has been no progress. Netanyahu says war will not end Amid some hope after Biden’s speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to throw cold water on peace talks saying that the war will not end until the “elimination” of Hamas. Netanyahu’s office said that he “authorised the negotiating team to present an outline for achieving (the return of hostages), while insisting that the war will not end until all of its goals are achieved…” The aims include “return of all our hostages and the elimination of Hamas's military and governmental capabilities,” it added. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, on Friday, accused Israel of “using negotiations as a cover to continue its aggression” and said that the Palestinian militant group “refuses to be a part of these manoeuvres”. Notably, Netanyahu’s government has been facing near-daily protests for multiple reasons including the war in Gaza. After Biden’s speech, families of Israeli hostages also called on all parties to immediately accept the recent proposal. “We want to see people coming back from Gaza alive and soon,” Gili Roman, whose sister, Yarden Roman-Gat, was taken hostage and freed during the ceasefire in November, told the Associated Press. However, Yarden’s sister-in-law, Carmel, is still being held in the Palestinian enclave. “This might be the last chance to save lives. Therefore, the current state must be changed and we expect all to adhere to Biden’s call for accepting the deal on the table, immediately,” Gili added. Situation in Gaza Hundreds of thousands of Gazans are moving out of Rafah, where up to 1.4 million people displaced due to the war were sheltering after the Israeli military began striking the city which was once said to be a safe zone. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged Friday that the humanitarian situation was “dire” despite Washington’s efforts to increase the amount of aid entering Gaza. The World Food Programme (WFP) said daily life had become “apocalyptic” in southern Gaza after Israel began its assault on Rafah in early May. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Explained: Biden details Israel’s new three-phase ceasefire proposal amid Gaza war. What is it about?

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

<h2>145 countries now recognise a Palestinian state</h2>

The three European countries joined 142 others out of the 193 members of the United Nations which have recognised a Palestinian state.

The group of now 145 countries includes a number of nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, the list does not include any major countries like the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Spain, Norway &amp; Ireland formally recognise Palestinian state

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spain-norway-ireland-formally-recognise-palestinian-state-726387/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Spain, Ireland and Norway are hoping to change that. The three countries believe that by acting together other European countries will follow suit for a diplomatic push to help secure a ceasefire in Gaza as well as bring back the hostages.&nbsp;

The Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel led to the killing of 1,200 people, and around 250 others were taken back to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to Israeli officials.&nbsp;

<h2>EU countries and Palestine</h2>

Before European Union countries, Ireland and Spain, joined the list only seven members of the 27-nation bloc had officially recognised a Palestinian state. Out of which, six had announced recognition back in 1988 prior to the creation of the bloc. In 2014, Sweden became the first EU nation to do so.&nbsp;

It also seems like the efforts by the three countries&nbsp;have worked as EU member Slovenia is set to recognise Palestinian statehood in June after Prime Minister Robert Golob said his government will forward its decision to parliament for final approval, on Thursday (May 30).&nbsp;

However, despite many European countries criticising Israel for its military operation in Gaza, the 27-nation bloc remains divided.&nbsp;

Some countries in the EU have sought to recognise a Palestinian state in hopes of eventually bringing peace in the Middle East, while other countries like Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands staunchly support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-netanyahu-helped-grow-hamas-which-became-the-frankensteins-monster-for-him-651336">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>’s government.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, according to the state media, has also said that they would also recognise Palestine “at some stage in the future”.&nbsp;

France has previously indicated that it will not join other countries in recognising a Palestinian state, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne accusing fellow EU members of making the move as part of “political positioning,” instead of seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

<h2>Three countries&nbsp;recognise&nbsp;Palestinian state</h2>

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez, on Tuesday (May 28) announcing the move said that “this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.”

He also said that the decision is not against Israel whom Sánchez called a “friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-norway-recognise-palestinian-statehood-ireland-to-follow-suit-726323">Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognise Palestinian statehood as Israel fumes</a>

Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalising the decision which they had jointly announced a week prior and hoped their decision will accelerate efforts towards securing a ceasefire amid the way which is now in its eighth month.

The countries said that they recognised a Palestinian state based on borders established before the war in 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.

However, they acknowledged that those borders might change if any eventual talks take place for a two-state solution to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-core-israel-palestine-issues-whats-the-future-of-peace-attempts-646716">Israeli-Palestinian conflict</a>.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Palestinian flag was raised in Dublin outside Leinster House, the seat of Ireland’s parliament.&nbsp;

“I hope (this) sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that – in this their darkest hour – Ireland stands with them,” Irish PM Simon Harris told lawmakers after his cabinet approved the decision.&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Ireland has time and time again voiced its support for Palestinians and condemned Israel for its military operation in the blockaded enclave which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed more than 36,000 people.&nbsp;

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, in a statement, said Oslo has been one of the “strongest advocates for a Palestinian state” and called it a “milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.”&nbsp;

Ireland said it would appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in the West Bank’s Ramallah. Meanwhile, Norway will upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy.&nbsp;

Spain, for now, said it will maintain its consulate in Jerusalem. However, Israel said that the consulate won’t be allowed to attend to Palestinians.

US President Joe Biden has opposed “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, saying that it “should be realised through direct negotiations between the parties.”&nbsp;

<h2>Israel’s reaction</h2>

As expected, the decision taken by the three countries left Israel fuming. After the announcement by the Spanish PM, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Madrid saying that Sánchez’s government was “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.”

Also Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/its-reward-for-terror-netanyahu-blasts-ireland-norway-spain-for-recognising-palestinian-state-724448">‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state</a>

Israeli officials also summoned the countries’ ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the foreign ministry where they were filmed while being shown videos of Hamas’ attacks and abductions on October 7.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Netanyahu called it a “reward for terror” saying that a sovereign State of Palestine would be a “terror state” that would “try to repeatedly carry out the massacre of October 7th”.&nbsp;

<h2>Will recognition make a difference?</h2>

While the decision by the three nations is mostly symbolic, since they aren’t recognising an existing state, just the possibility of one, it does help enhance the Palestinians’ international standing.&nbsp;

Palestinians have long sought an independent state which would be made up of Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war.&nbsp;

To make it happen, the idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but nothing came of them and negotiations have not been held in more than 15 years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accused-of-failing-miserably-as-war-cabinet-members-press-for-israel-elections-726873">Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections</a>

The recognition, particularly by Spain, Ireland and Norway, also makes Israel look more isolated on the international stage amid a wave of criticism against Israeli military operations in Gaza and Netanyahu and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war.

<h2>Countries that recognise Palestinian state</h2>

India was among the first countries to officially recognise an independent Palestinian state on November 15, 1988, during the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) when Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat unilaterally proclaimed an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Algeria became the first country to do so, and within a few weeks India, Turkey, most of Africa and several central and eastern European countries followed suit.

The next wave of recognition was in late 2010 and early 2011 with South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Chile joining the list in response to Israel ending its temporary ban on Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. 145 countries now recognise a Palestinian state The three European countries joined 142 others out of the 193 members of the United Nations which have recognised a Palestinian state. The group of now 145 countries includes a number of nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, the list does not include any major countries like the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea. WATCH | Spain, Norway & Ireland formally recognise Palestinian state However, Spain, Ireland and Norway are hoping to change that. The three countries believe that by acting together other European countries will follow suit for a diplomatic push to help secure a ceasefire in Gaza as well as bring back the hostages. The Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel led to the killing of 1,200 people, and around 250 others were taken back to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to Israeli officials. EU countries and Palestine Before European Union countries, Ireland and Spain, joined the list only seven members of the 27-nation bloc had officially recognised a Palestinian state. Out of which, six had announced recognition back in 1988 prior to the creation of the bloc. In 2014, Sweden became the first EU nation to do so. It also seems like the efforts by the three countries have worked as EU member Slovenia is set to recognise Palestinian statehood in June after Prime Minister Robert Golob said his government will forward its decision to parliament for final approval, on Thursday (May 30). However, despite many European countries criticising Israel for its military operation in Gaza, the 27-nation bloc remains divided. Some countries in the EU have sought to recognise a Palestinian state in hopes of eventually bringing peace in the Middle East, while other countries like Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands staunchly support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, according to the state media, has also said that they would also recognise Palestine “at some stage in the future”. France has previously indicated that it will not join other countries in recognising a Palestinian state, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne accusing fellow EU members of making the move as part of “political positioning,” instead of seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Three countries recognise Palestinian state Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez, on Tuesday (May 28) announcing the move said that “this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.” He also said that the decision is not against Israel whom Sánchez called a “friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.” Also Read | Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognise Palestinian statehood as Israel fumes Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalising the decision which they had jointly announced a week prior and hoped their decision will accelerate efforts towards securing a ceasefire amid the way which is now in its eighth month. The countries said that they recognised a Palestinian state based on borders established before the war in 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine. However, they acknowledged that those borders might change if any eventual talks take place for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On Tuesday, the Palestinian flag was raised in Dublin outside Leinster House, the seat of Ireland’s parliament. “I hope (this) sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that – in this their darkest hour – Ireland stands with them,” Irish PM Simon Harris told lawmakers after his cabinet approved the decision. Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Ireland has time and time again voiced its support for Palestinians and condemned Israel for its military operation in the blockaded enclave which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed more than 36,000 people. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, in a statement, said Oslo has been one of the “strongest advocates for a Palestinian state” and called it a “milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.” Ireland said it would appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in the West Bank’s Ramallah. Meanwhile, Norway will upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy. Spain, for now, said it will maintain its consulate in Jerusalem. However, Israel said that the consulate won’t be allowed to attend to Palestinians. US President Joe Biden has opposed “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, saying that it “should be realised through direct negotiations between the parties.” Israel’s reaction As expected, the decision taken by the three countries left Israel fuming. After the announcement by the Spanish PM, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Madrid saying that Sánchez’s government was “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.” Also Watch | ‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state Israeli officials also summoned the countries’ ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the foreign ministry where they were filmed while being shown videos of Hamas’ attacks and abductions on October 7. Meanwhile, Netanyahu called it a “reward for terror” saying that a sovereign State of Palestine would be a “terror state” that would “try to repeatedly carry out the massacre of October 7th”. Will recognition make a difference? While the decision by the three nations is mostly symbolic, since they aren’t recognising an existing state, just the possibility of one, it does help enhance the Palestinians’ international standing. Palestinians have long sought an independent state which would be made up of Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war. To make it happen, the idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but nothing came of them and negotiations have not been held in more than 15 years. Also Read | Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections The recognition, particularly by Spain, Ireland and Norway, also makes Israel look more isolated on the international stage amid a wave of criticism against Israeli military operations in Gaza and Netanyahu and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war. Countries that recognise Palestinian state India was among the first countries to officially recognise an independent Palestinian state on November 15, 1988, during the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) when Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat unilaterally proclaimed an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Algeria became the first country to do so, and within a few weeks India, Turkey, most of Africa and several central and eastern European countries followed suit. The next wave of recognition was in late 2010 and early 2011 with South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Chile joining the list in response to Israel ending its temporary ban on Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here’s why it matters

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who along with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-slams-icc-after-chief-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-pm-defence-minister-723681">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> was named in Monday's announcement at The Hague, called it a "disgraceful" bid to interfere in Israel's more than seven-month-old Gaza war against Hamas.

Israel's anger is echoed in Washington, which condemned the impression of equivalence given by the fact that the prosecutor, Karim Khan, simultaneously sought warrants against leaders of the Palestinian Islamist group.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-criminal-court-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-3-hamas-leaders-723520">&nbsp;International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders</a>

"We call on the nations of the civilised, free world - nations who despise terrorists and anyone who supports them - to stand by Israel. You should outright condemn this step," government spokesperson Tal Heinrich said.

"Make sure the ICC understands where you stand. Oppose the prosecutor's decision and declare that, even if warrants are issued, you do not intend to enforce them. Because this is not about our leaders. It's about our survival."

In a post on X, Gallant said: "The attempt by Prosecutor Karim Khan to deny the State of Israel the right to self-defence and to free its hostages must be rejected out of hand."

Hamas holds around 125 hostages seized during its cross-border rampage on October&nbsp;7, which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and triggered the war. Gaza medical officials say more than 35,000 have been killed during the Israeli offensive.&nbsp;

Khan said on Monday that Israel did have the right to defend its population but added: "That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law."

He said that, whatever Israel's military goals in Gaza, the prosecution believed its methods - "namely, intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population" - were criminal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amal-clooney-helps-icc-seek-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-hamas-leaders-723687">Amal Clooney helped ICC seek arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders</a>

The US&nbsp;ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, said there was no comparing "actions taken by a democratic government here with the behaviour of a terrorist organisation that is fighting in a way that has created these conditions".

"I don't think that a day has gone by that I haven't worked with either the prime minister or the defence minister or somebody in their immediate circle on how you get humanitarian assistance to starving people," he added, speaking at a conference.

Asked if Netanyahu or Gallant would avoid travelling to ICC-signatory countries if arrest warrants were issued, Heinrich said: "Let's wait and see."

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants.

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was named in Monday's announcement at The Hague, called it a "disgraceful" bid to interfere in Israel's more than seven-month-old Gaza war against Hamas. Israel's anger is echoed in Washington, which condemned the impression of equivalence given by the fact that the prosecutor, Karim Khan, simultaneously sought warrants against leaders of the Palestinian Islamist group. Also Read | International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders "We call on the nations of the civilised, free world - nations who despise terrorists and anyone who supports them - to stand by Israel. You should outright condemn this step," government spokesperson Tal Heinrich said. "Make sure the ICC understands where you stand. Oppose the prosecutor's decision and declare that, even if warrants are issued, you do not intend to enforce them. Because this is not about our leaders. It's about our survival." In a post on X, Gallant said: "The attempt by Prosecutor Karim Khan to deny the State of Israel the right to self-defence and to free its hostages must be rejected out of hand." Hamas holds around 125 hostages seized during its cross-border rampage on October 7, which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and triggered the war. Gaza medical officials say more than 35,000 have been killed during the Israeli offensive. Khan said on Monday that Israel did have the right to defend its population but added: "That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law." He said that, whatever Israel's military goals in Gaza, the prosecution believed its methods - "namely, intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population" - were criminal. Also Read | Amal Clooney helped ICC seek arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders The US ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, said there was no comparing "actions taken by a democratic government here with the behaviour of a terrorist organisation that is fighting in a way that has created these conditions". "I don't think that a day has gone by that I haven't worked with either the prime minister or the defence minister or somebody in their immediate circle on how you get humanitarian assistance to starving people," he added, speaking at a conference. Asked if Netanyahu or Gallant would avoid travelling to ICC-signatory countries if arrest warrants were issued, Heinrich said: "Let's wait and see."

Israel urges 'civilised nations' to spurn arrest warrants by ICC for its leaders

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war.

<h2> 
Key highway blocked</h2>

On Monday morning protesters attempted to block traffic on the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, reported the Times of Israel, ahead of the main rally against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government which was supposed to take place outside the Knesset in the afternoon.&nbsp;

The protestsers called&nbsp;for the Netanyahu-led government to resign and hold an early election after it failed to bring the hostages that Hamas took from Israel after the attack on October 7.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-slams-icc-after-chief-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-pm-defence-minister-723681">Biden, Netanyahu slams ICC after chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM, defence minister</a>

Tens of thousands of people from Israel’s north and south, who have been displaced due to the attacks by Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group&nbsp;and Hamas, also took part in the protest.

The demonstrators also rallied against the Haredi conscription legislation which is aimed at regulating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men into the military.&nbsp;

<h2>At least 13 protesters arrested</h2>

One of the many protest groups participating in the demonstration on Monday, Brothers in Arms, said at least 13 of its members had been detained following an altercation with the police&nbsp;

According to the Times of Israel, the arrests came after the activists attempted to block traffic.

Police said the demonstrators were detained as they were supposedly planning to set vehicles on fire to create a long-lasting shutdown of the main road.&nbsp;

The group later took to X and denied the allegations and accused the police of lying and carrying out arrests without evidence.&nbsp; “The Israel Police has become an executive political tool of an extremist government,” said the group.&nbsp;

It added, “We will continue with a determined and nonviolent protest to return the mandate to the people. We call on the public to join us until the Knesset is dissolved.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-criminal-court-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-3-hamas-leaders-723520">International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders</a>

According to Channel 12 news, hundreds of police officers were deployed outside the Israeli parliament.&nbsp;

March to Netanyahu’s house

There was also an unauthorised march to Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, on Monday evening, which strayed off course after protesters, who were reportedly split into multiple directions, were hit with the putrid Skunk liquid, a chemical compound designed to disperse crowds, by the police.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war.

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war. Key highway blocked On Monday morning protesters attempted to block traffic on the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, reported the Times of Israel, ahead of the main rally against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government which was supposed to take place outside the Knesset in the afternoon. The protestsers called for the Netanyahu-led government to resign and hold an early election after it failed to bring the hostages that Hamas took from Israel after the attack on October 7. Also Read | Biden, Netanyahu slams ICC after chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM, defence minister Tens of thousands of people from Israel’s north and south, who have been displaced due to the attacks by Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group and Hamas, also took part in the protest. The demonstrators also rallied against the Haredi conscription legislation which is aimed at regulating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men into the military. At least 13 protesters arrested One of the many protest groups participating in the demonstration on Monday, Brothers in Arms, said at least 13 of its members had been detained following an altercation with the police According to the Times of Israel, the arrests came after the activists attempted to block traffic. Police said the demonstrators were detained as they were supposedly planning to set vehicles on fire to create a long-lasting shutdown of the main road. The group later took to X and denied the allegations and accused the police of lying and carrying out arrests without evidence. “The Israel Police has become an executive political tool of an extremist government,” said the group. It added, “We will continue with a determined and nonviolent protest to return the mandate to the people. We call on the public to join us until the Knesset is dissolved.” Also Read | International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders According to Channel 12 news, hundreds of police officers were deployed outside the Israeli parliament. March to Netanyahu’s house There was also an unauthorised march to Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, on Monday evening, which strayed off course after protesters, who were reportedly split into multiple directions, were hit with the putrid Skunk liquid, a chemical compound designed to disperse crowds, by the police. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel: Several anti-government protesters arrested after clashing with police on ‘day of disruption’

US President Joe Biden, on Monday (May 20) slammed an application by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged atrocities in Gaza war.

<h2>‘There is no equivalence’: Biden</h2>

“The ICC prosecutor’s application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders is outrageous. And let me be clear: whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence – none – between Israel and Hamas,” said Biden, in a statement.&nbsp;

He added, “We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security.”&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;ICC Prosecutor accuses Netanyahu, Gallant of war crimes in Gaza

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-icc-prosecutor-accuses-netanyahu-gallant-of-war-crimes-in-gaza-723667/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier on Monday, ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders – Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri (Deif) and Ismail Haniyeh – on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.&nbsp;

The reiteration of support by the US comes despite recent disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over Israel’s conduct amid the Gaza war, particularly after the Israeli forces launched an offensive in the southern city of Rafah. &nbsp;

‘I reject with disgust’: Netanyahu

Netanyahu said that the decision of the ICC prosecutor was absurd and that he rejected “with disgust” the “comparison of the prosecutor in the Hague between democratic Israel and the mass murderers of Hamas.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-criminal-court-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-3-hamas-leaders-723520">International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders</a>

He added, “With what audacity do you compare Hamas that murdered, burned, butchered, decapitated, raped and kidnapped our brothers and sisters with the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers fighting a just war unlike any other.”

He also went on to call the ICC chief prosecutor’s move a new kind of antisemitism and said, “Citizens of Israel, I promise you one thing – the attempt to tie our hands will fail.”&nbsp;

<h2>Impact on hostage deal and ceasefire agreement</h2>

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a separate statement, also denounced the “shameful” bid by the ICC and said that Washington “reject(s) the prosecutor’s equivalence of Israel with Hamas.”&nbsp;

Blinken added that “this decision does nothing to help, and could jeopardise, ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement that would get hostages out and surge humanitarian assistance in.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-iran-president-ebrahim-raisi-had-lot-of-blood-on-his-hands-723677">White House says Iran president Ebrahim Raisi had ‘lot of blood on his hands’</a>

According to Blinken, Israel was prepared to cooperate with ICC.

The prosecutor, he said, was scheduled to visit Israel as early as next week, but he instead went on cable television to announce the charges.

“These and other circumstances call into question the legitimacy and credibility of this investigation,” said Blinken.&nbsp;

The ICC prosecutor’s office said it suspected all five – Israeli PM, defence minister and Hamas leaders – bore criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Israel or the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden, on Monday (May 20) slammed an application by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged atrocities in Gaza war.

US President Joe Biden, on Monday (May 20) slammed an application by the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged atrocities in Gaza war. ‘There is no equivalence’: Biden “The ICC prosecutor’s application for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders is outrageous. And let me be clear: whatever this prosecutor might imply, there is no equivalence – none – between Israel and Hamas,” said Biden, in a statement. He added, “We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security.” WATCH | ICC Prosecutor accuses Netanyahu, Gallant of war crimes in Gaza Earlier on Monday, ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders – Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri (Deif) and Ismail Haniyeh – on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The reiteration of support by the US comes despite recent disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over Israel’s conduct amid the Gaza war, particularly after the Israeli forces launched an offensive in the southern city of Rafah. ‘I reject with disgust’: Netanyahu Netanyahu said that the decision of the ICC prosecutor was absurd and that he rejected “with disgust” the “comparison of the prosecutor in the Hague between democratic Israel and the mass murderers of Hamas.” Also Read | International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders He added, “With what audacity do you compare Hamas that murdered, burned, butchered, decapitated, raped and kidnapped our brothers and sisters with the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers fighting a just war unlike any other.” He also went on to call the ICC chief prosecutor’s move a new kind of antisemitism and said, “Citizens of Israel, I promise you one thing – the attempt to tie our hands will fail.” Impact on hostage deal and ceasefire agreement US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a separate statement, also denounced the “shameful” bid by the ICC and said that Washington “reject(s) the prosecutor’s equivalence of Israel with Hamas.” Blinken added that “this decision does nothing to help, and could jeopardise, ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement that would get hostages out and surge humanitarian assistance in.” Also Read | White House says Iran president Ebrahim Raisi had ‘lot of blood on his hands’ According to Blinken, Israel was prepared to cooperate with ICC. The prosecutor, he said, was scheduled to visit Israel as early as next week, but he instead went on cable television to announce the charges. “These and other circumstances call into question the legitimacy and credibility of this investigation,” said Blinken. The ICC prosecutor’s office said it suspected all five – Israeli PM, defence minister and Hamas leaders – bore criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Israel or the Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden, Netanyahu slam ICC after chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM, defence minister

The International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan,&nbsp;on Monday (May 20) sought arrest warrants for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the October 7 attacks on Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza.&nbsp;

The ICC chief prosecutor has also sought arrest warrants for Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leaders Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri (Deif) and Ismail Haniyeh.&nbsp;

<h2>What are the accusations against them?</h2>

The ICC prosecutor’s office said it suspected all five – Israeli PM, defence minister and Hamas leaders – bore criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Israel or the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

In a statement, Khan’s office said Hamas leader Sinwar, leader of the Al Qassem Brigades (Hamas’ armed wing) Deif, and Hamas political leader Haniyeh have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed on Israel and Gaza Strip from “at least” October 7.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebrahim-raisi-death-it-wasnt-us-says-israel-on-iran-presidents-chopper-crash-723469">Ebrahim Raisi death: It wasn't us, says Israel on Iran president's chopper crash</a>

The Hamas leaders have been accused of extermination as a crime against humanity, murder, and taking hostages as a war crime, according to the statement by Khan’s office.&nbsp;

Additionally, in the context of captivity, the Hamas leaders have also been accused of rape and other acts of sexual violence, torture, other inhumane acts as a crime against humanity, cruel treatment, and outrage upon personal dignity as a war crime.&nbsp;

“The world was shocked on the 7th of October when people were ripped from their bedrooms, from their homes, from the different kibbutzim in Israel,” Khan told CNN in an interview, adding that “people have suffered enormously.”

According to the statement by Khan’s office, Netanyahu and Gallant have been accused of using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare; wilfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health; wilful killing or murder; intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population; extermination and/or murder; and persecution and other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity.&nbsp;

Last month, Netanyahu had said any ICC arrest warrants against senior Israeli government and military officials “would be an outrage of historic proportions.”

When asked about the Israeli PM’s comments, the ICC chief prosecutor told CNN, “Nobody is above the law.”

He added that if Israel disagrees with the ICC, “they are free, notwithstanding their objections to jurisdiction, to raise a challenge before the judges of the court and that’s what I advise them to do.”&nbsp;

<h2>What next?</h2>

A panel of ICC judges will now consider Khan’s application for the arrest warrants. It will now be up to the court’s pre-trial judges to determine if there is sufficient evidence to issue warrants.

Notably, the ICC prosecutor in 2021 opened a probe into possible war crimes committed by Israel as well as Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups in the Palestinian territories.&nbsp;

Legal experts have told AFP that Hamas and Israel could face war crimes charges over the conflict.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-taiwans-new-president-lai-ching-te-a-severe-danger-for-china-723504">Meet Taiwan's new president Lai Ching-te, a 'severe danger' for China</a>

While Israel is not a member of the ICC, the Hague-based court claims to have jurisdiction over Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. However, even if the arrest warrants are issued, Netanyahu and Gallant do not face any immediate risk of prosecution.

The application for the arrest warrants filed on Monday is also separate from the case that is being heard by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over an accusation from South Africa that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Outrage over application</h2>

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called the ICC chief prosecutor’s decision “a historic disgrace that will be remembered forever.”&nbsp;

Katz also vowed to form a special committee to fight back against any such action and also work with world leaders to ensure no such warrants are enforced on Israeli leaders. &nbsp;

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri, as per Reuters said that the decision “equates the victim with the executioner” and encourages Israel to continue its “war of extermination” in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan, on Monday (May 20) sought arrest warrants for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the October 7 attacks on Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza.

The International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan, on Monday (May 20) sought arrest warrants for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the October 7 attacks on Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza. The ICC chief prosecutor has also sought arrest warrants for Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leaders Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri (Deif) and Ismail Haniyeh. What are the accusations against them? The ICC prosecutor’s office said it suspected all five – Israeli PM, defence minister and Hamas leaders – bore criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Israel or the Gaza Strip. In a statement, Khan’s office said Hamas leader Sinwar, leader of the Al Qassem Brigades (Hamas’ armed wing) Deif, and Hamas political leader Haniyeh have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed on Israel and Gaza Strip from “at least” October 7. Also Read | Ebrahim Raisi death: It wasn't us, says Israel on Iran president's chopper crash The Hamas leaders have been accused of extermination as a crime against humanity, murder, and taking hostages as a war crime, according to the statement by Khan’s office. Additionally, in the context of captivity, the Hamas leaders have also been accused of rape and other acts of sexual violence, torture, other inhumane acts as a crime against humanity, cruel treatment, and outrage upon personal dignity as a war crime. “The world was shocked on the 7th of October when people were ripped from their bedrooms, from their homes, from the different kibbutzim in Israel,” Khan told CNN in an interview, adding that “people have suffered enormously.” According to the statement by Khan’s office, Netanyahu and Gallant have been accused of using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare; wilfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health; wilful killing or murder; intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population; extermination and/or murder; and persecution and other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity. Last month, Netanyahu had said any ICC arrest warrants against senior Israeli government and military officials “would be an outrage of historic proportions.” When asked about the Israeli PM’s comments, the ICC chief prosecutor told CNN, “Nobody is above the law.” He added that if Israel disagrees with the ICC, “they are free, notwithstanding their objections to jurisdiction, to raise a challenge before the judges of the court and that’s what I advise them to do.” What next? A panel of ICC judges will now consider Khan’s application for the arrest warrants. It will now be up to the court’s pre-trial judges to determine if there is sufficient evidence to issue warrants. Notably, the ICC prosecutor in 2021 opened a probe into possible war crimes committed by Israel as well as Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups in the Palestinian territories. Legal experts have told AFP that Hamas and Israel could face war crimes charges over the conflict. Also Read | Meet Taiwan's new president Lai Ching-te, a 'severe danger' for China While Israel is not a member of the ICC, the Hague-based court claims to have jurisdiction over Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. However, even if the arrest warrants are issued, Netanyahu and Gallant do not face any immediate risk of prosecution. The application for the arrest warrants filed on Monday is also separate from the case that is being heard by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over an accusation from South Africa that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. Outrage over application Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called the ICC chief prosecutor’s decision “a historic disgrace that will be remembered forever.” Katz also vowed to form a special committee to fight back against any such action and also work with world leaders to ensure no such warrants are enforced on Israeli leaders. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri, as per Reuters said that the decision “equates the victim with the executioner” and encourages Israel to continue its “war of extermination” in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders

Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was&nbsp;detected with&nbsp;hernia. The leader underwent a surgery on Sunday (Mar 31), which as per his office was "successful".

<h2>Netanyahu to Undergo Hernia Surgery</h2>

Notably, the procedure&nbsp;required full anaesthesia for the prime minister.&nbsp; Describing the surgery as&nbsp;"successful," Netanyahu's&nbsp;office on Monday (Apr 1) said that he&nbsp;was "in good shape and beginning to recover".

As&nbsp;the Israeli PM required anaesthesia for the medical procedure, the Deputy Prime Minister and also the current Justice Minister Yariv Levin was supposed to assume temporary leadership responsibilities during the prime minister's absence, as is common in such scenarios.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-un-climate-chief-warns-trumps-victory-in-presidential-polls-may-lead-to-climate-setback-706277">Ex-UN climate chief warns Trump's victory in presidential polls may lead to climate setback</a>

This is often outlined in constitutional or governmental protocols to ensure continuity of leadership and governance.

The hernia was detected in Israeli PM while a routine checkup was carried out on the leader on Saturday (Mar 30).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-is-always-absurdity-pope-francis-calls-for-immediate-gaza-ceasefire-during-easter-address-706263">'War is always absurdity': Pope Francis calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire during Easter address</a>

Later, the surgery was decided to be carried out.&nbsp;It's worth mentioning that the 74-year-old&nbsp;Netanyahu had a pacemaker implanted in July 2023 following a medical emergency. The Israeli PM earlier underwent a hernia operation in 2013, as per media reports.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel PM Netanyahu Health Update</h2>

The hernia operation will reportedly take place once the Israeli war cabinet conclude its meeting which is scheduled to take place in the evening hours on Sunday (Mar 31). This crucial development comes as Netanyahu is facing calls to resign as over a hundred Israelis continue to be remain as hostages under Hamas' captivity.&nbsp;

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According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 32,782 Palestinians have been killed since the war started on October 7 last year. World leaders are urging Israel and Hamas to call an immediate ceasefire however, the militant group remains relentless in their demand that Israeli Defence Forces must retreat from Gaza, a demand which Bibi has ruled out.

The World Court earlier issued an order directing Israel to implement all essential measures to guarantee the delivery of basic food supplies to Gazans. This came after the Jewish nation faced accusations of genocide in Gaza from South Africa.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was detected with hernia. The leader underwent a surgery on Sunday (Mar 31), which as per his office was "successful".

Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was detected with hernia. The leader underwent a surgery on Sunday (Mar 31), which as per his office was "successful". Netanyahu to Undergo Hernia Surgery Notably, the procedure required full anaesthesia for the prime minister. Describing the surgery as "successful," Netanyahu's office on Monday (Apr 1) said that he was "in good shape and beginning to recover". As the Israeli PM required anaesthesia for the medical procedure, the Deputy Prime Minister and also the current Justice Minister Yariv Levin was supposed to assume temporary leadership responsibilities during the prime minister's absence, as is common in such scenarios. Also Read | Ex-UN climate chief warns Trump's victory in presidential polls may lead to climate setback This is often outlined in constitutional or governmental protocols to ensure continuity of leadership and governance. The hernia was detected in Israeli PM while a routine checkup was carried out on the leader on Saturday (Mar 30). Also Read | 'War is always absurdity': Pope Francis calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire during Easter address Later, the surgery was decided to be carried out. It's worth mentioning that the 74-year-old Netanyahu had a pacemaker implanted in July 2023 following a medical emergency. The Israeli PM earlier underwent a hernia operation in 2013, as per media reports. Israel PM Netanyahu Health Update The hernia operation will reportedly take place once the Israeli war cabinet conclude its meeting which is scheduled to take place in the evening hours on Sunday (Mar 31). This crucial development comes as Netanyahu is facing calls to resign as over a hundred Israelis continue to be remain as hostages under Hamas' captivity. Watch | Mexico: Eight Chinese migrants found dead after boat capsize in Oaxaca × According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, at least 32,782 Palestinians have been killed since the war started on October 7 last year. World leaders are urging Israel and Hamas to call an immediate ceasefire however, the militant group remains relentless in their demand that Israeli Defence Forces must retreat from Gaza, a demand which Bibi has ruled out. The World Court earlier issued an order directing Israel to implement all essential measures to guarantee the delivery of basic food supplies to Gazans. This came after the Jewish nation faced accusations of genocide in Gaza from South Africa. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli PM Netanyahu put under full anaesthesia for hernia surgery; recovering after 'successful' procedure

In a recent interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was slammed by the country’s former leader Ehud Olmert who said the incumbent PM has been “destroyed emotionally” due to the massive failure of national security and is now miscalculating his plans for post-war Gaza.

This comes after Netanyahu sought to take overall control of Gaza’s security for an “indefinite period” once Hamas is crushed, a move which has been discouraged even by Israel’s biggest supporter in the West, the United States.

<h2>What did the former Israeli PM say?</h2>

During an interview with Politico published on Wednesday (Nov 8), Olmert argued Netanyahu was in a state of “nervous breakdown,” and looking for ways to not get thrown out of office for failing to safeguard the country from Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on southern Israel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-strikes-defiant-tone-in-speech-marking-one-month-of-israel-hamas-war-656338">Netanyahu strikes defiant note in speech marking one month of Israel-Hamas war</a>

“(Netanyahu) has shrunk. He’s destroyed emotionally, that’s for sure. I mean, something terrible happened to him. Bibi has been working all his life on the false pretense that he is Mr. Security. He’s Mr. Bullshit,” the former Israeli PM told Politico.&nbsp;

He added, “Every minute he is prime minister he is a danger to Israel. I seriously mean it. I am certain the Americans understand he is in bad shape.” Olmert served as the Israeli PM from 2006 to 2009 as a leader of the liberal Kadima party.&nbsp;

Speaking about the incumbent Israeli PM, Olmert also said that Israel is steering off course strategically, insisting that the priority should be negotiating with the international community about an endgame which includes talks on the formation of a Palestinian state, rather than a full military oversight over Gaza. 
&nbsp; 
In an interview with ABC News, on Monday (Nov 6), Netanyahu said, “Israel will for an indefinite period have the overall security responsibly,” adding, “because we have seen what happens when we do not have it.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-blames-security-chiefs-over-hamas-attack-deletes-post-after-uproar-652696">Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu blames security chiefs over Hamas attack, deletes post after uproar</a>

Olmert warned Netanyahu’s plan for keeping control over post-war Gaza sounded similar to going back to 2005 when Israel exercised military rule over the Palestinian enclave and how it is not in Israel’s “interests to oversee the security of Gaza”.&nbsp;

“It is in our interests to be able to defend ourselves in a different way than we did before the October 7 attack. But to control Gaza again? No,” Olmert told Politico.

<h2>US against Israel’s possibly ‘reoccupying’ Gaza</h2>

Following Netanyahu’s comments on ABC News, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Israel should not “reoccupy” Gaza while speaking to reporters after G7 foreign ministers held talks in Japan, on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-netanyahu-helped-grow-hamas-which-became-the-frankensteins-monster-for-him-651336">Explained | How Netanyahu helped turn Hamas into his Frankenstein's monster</a>

“Israel cannot reassume control and responsibility for Gaza,” Blinken had also said last week, adding it was his understanding that “Israel has made clear it has no intention or desire to do that”.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a recent interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was slammed by the country’s former leader Ehud Olmert who said the incumbent PM has been “destroyed emotionally” due to the massive failure of national security and is now miscalculating his plans for post-war Gaza.

In a recent interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was slammed by the country’s former leader Ehud Olmert who said the incumbent PM has been “destroyed emotionally” due to the massive failure of national security and is now miscalculating his plans for post-war Gaza. This comes after Netanyahu sought to take overall control of Gaza’s security for an “indefinite period” once Hamas is crushed, a move which has been discouraged even by Israel’s biggest supporter in the West, the United States. What did the former Israeli PM say? During an interview with Politico published on Wednesday (Nov 8), Olmert argued Netanyahu was in a state of “nervous breakdown,” and looking for ways to not get thrown out of office for failing to safeguard the country from Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on southern Israel. ALSO READ | Netanyahu strikes defiant note in speech marking one month of Israel-Hamas war “(Netanyahu) has shrunk. He’s destroyed emotionally, that’s for sure. I mean, something terrible happened to him. Bibi has been working all his life on the false pretense that he is Mr. Security. He’s Mr. Bullshit,” the former Israeli PM told Politico. He added, “Every minute he is prime minister he is a danger to Israel. I seriously mean it. I am certain the Americans understand he is in bad shape.” Olmert served as the Israeli PM from 2006 to 2009 as a leader of the liberal Kadima party. Speaking about the incumbent Israeli PM, Olmert also said that Israel is steering off course strategically, insisting that the priority should be negotiating with the international community about an endgame which includes talks on the formation of a Palestinian state, rather than a full military oversight over Gaza. In an interview with ABC News, on Monday (Nov 6), Netanyahu said, “Israel will for an indefinite period have the overall security responsibly,” adding, “because we have seen what happens when we do not have it.” ALSO READ | Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu blames security chiefs over Hamas attack, deletes post after uproar Olmert warned Netanyahu’s plan for keeping control over post-war Gaza sounded similar to going back to 2005 when Israel exercised military rule over the Palestinian enclave and how it is not in Israel’s “interests to oversee the security of Gaza”. “It is in our interests to be able to defend ourselves in a different way than we did before the October 7 attack. But to control Gaza again? No,” Olmert told Politico. US against Israel’s possibly ‘reoccupying’ Gaza Following Netanyahu’s comments on ABC News, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Israel should not “reoccupy” Gaza while speaking to reporters after G7 foreign ministers held talks in Japan, on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Explained | How Netanyahu helped turn Hamas into his Frankenstein's monster “Israel cannot reassume control and responsibility for Gaza,” Blinken had also said last week, adding it was his understanding that “Israel has made clear it has no intention or desire to do that”. (With inputs from agencies)

Not ‘Mr Security. He’s Mr Bulls**t’: Former Israeli PM slams Netanyahu’s plans for post-war Gaza

Israel will have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-biden-netanyahu-discuss-tactical-pauses-in-gaza-strikes-655892">"overall security responsibility" in Gaza</a> for an "indefinite period" after the war, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an interview that aired on ABC News on Monday (Nov 6).&nbsp;

Netanyahu has resisted calls for a ceasefire as he says there would be no pause in the ongoing war against Hamas&nbsp;which started after the militant group launched an attack on Oct 7. As per Israeli authorities, Hamas killed 1,400 people and took over 200 back into Gaza as hostages.&nbsp;

On the same day, Israel waged war, bombarding&nbsp;the narrow Gaza Strip and also carrying out incursions, with the Hamas-run health ministry claiming that the death toll in Gaza has&nbsp;surpassed 10,000 people - more than 4,000 of them being children.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-un-says-88-staff-killed-in-conflict-the-highest-ever-figure-in-any-war-655804">UN says its 88 staffers killed in conflict, the highest ever in any war</a>&nbsp;

Netanyahu said that Gaza should be governed by "those who don't want to continue the way of Hamas," further adding that he thinks Israel will have the security responsibility because it has seen what happens when they don't have it. His remarks hint at what Israel is planning to do after they "destroy" Hamas, considering they win the war.&nbsp;

Netanyahu told the news network that the war would continue until Israel had restored "overall security" control of Gaza.

"Israel will, for an indefinite period, have the overall security responsibility," he said.

"When we don't have that security responsibility, what we have is the eruption of Hamas terror on a scale that we couldn't imagine," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-iran-says-us-encouraging-israel-to-kill-palestinians-655746">Iran says US encouraging Israel to kill Palestinians</a>&nbsp;

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<h2>What about the 'tactical pauses'?</h2>

Netanyahu's remarks came after the White House said that US President Joe Biden and Israeli PM on Monday discussed the potential for "tactical pauses" during the war for humanitarian reasons and possible hostage releases. It was just talks, there were no announcements for agreements.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said, "There will be no ceasefire, general ceasefire, in Gaza, without the release of our hostages."&nbsp;

"As far as tactical, little pauses -- an hour here, an hour there -- we've had them before. I suppose we'll check the circumstances in order to enable goods -- humanitarian goods -- to come in or our hostages, individual hostages, to leave," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel will have "overall security responsibility" in Gaza for an "indefinite period" after the war, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an interview that aired on ABC News on Monday (Nov 6).

Israel will have "overall security responsibility" in Gaza for an "indefinite period" after the war, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an interview that aired on ABC News on Monday (Nov 6). Netanyahu has resisted calls for a ceasefire as he says there would be no pause in the ongoing war against Hamas which started after the militant group launched an attack on Oct 7. As per Israeli authorities, Hamas killed 1,400 people and took over 200 back into Gaza as hostages. On the same day, Israel waged war, bombarding the narrow Gaza Strip and also carrying out incursions, with the Hamas-run health ministry claiming that the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 10,000 people - more than 4,000 of them being children. Also read: UN says its 88 staffers killed in conflict, the highest ever in any war Netanyahu said that Gaza should be governed by "those who don't want to continue the way of Hamas," further adding that he thinks Israel will have the security responsibility because it has seen what happens when they don't have it. His remarks hint at what Israel is planning to do after they "destroy" Hamas, considering they win the war. Netanyahu told the news network that the war would continue until Israel had restored "overall security" control of Gaza. "Israel will, for an indefinite period, have the overall security responsibility," he said. "When we don't have that security responsibility, what we have is the eruption of Hamas terror on a scale that we couldn't imagine," he added. Also read: Iran says US encouraging Israel to kill Palestinians × What about the 'tactical pauses'? Netanyahu's remarks came after the White House said that US President Joe Biden and Israeli PM on Monday discussed the potential for "tactical pauses" during the war for humanitarian reasons and possible hostage releases. It was just talks, there were no announcements for agreements. Netanyahu said, "There will be no ceasefire, general ceasefire, in Gaza, without the release of our hostages." "As far as tactical, little pauses -- an hour here, an hour there -- we've had them before. I suppose we'll check the circumstances in order to enable goods -- humanitarian goods -- to come in or our hostages, individual hostages, to leave," he added. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Netanyahu says Israel will take control of Gaza’s ‘overall security’ after war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 14) visited Kibbutz Be’eri and Kibbutz Kfar Azza — two of the worst hit areas in last week's assault launched by Hamas militants.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 14) visited Kibbutz Be’eri and Kibbutz Kfar Azza — two of the worst hit areas in last week's assault launched by Hamas militants. In a post on X, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "With our fighters in the Gaza Strip, on the front line. We are all ready." Citing an official statement, a report by The Times of Israel said that Netanyahu walked between the ruins of the houses where these terrible massacres took place. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict He was briefed by officers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the areas. This was the prime minister's first visit to the scene. He had earlier faced criticism for not visiting the affected areas, and visiting the injured. עם הלוחמים שלנו בעוטף עזה, בקו החזית. כולנו מוכנים. (צילום: אבי אוחיון, לע״מ) pic.twitter.com/TiGzHcWhPK — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 14, 2023 × More than 1,300 people have been killed on the Israeli side. Gaza authorities, meanwhile, have said that 2,200 people have been killed, a quarter of them children. Thousands of people have been injured on both sides. Israel's retaliation only the beginning: Netanyahu On Friday, Israeli PM Netanyahu said that his government's week-old retaliation for the Hamas assault from Gaza was "only the beginning," though he did not elaborate on what might follow or for how long. Also watch: War crimes in Israel-Hamas conflict | Dark World The Israel-Hamas war is on for nearly a week, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that Hamas militants are beheading soldiers and raping women. His concerns have been echoed by Israeli media and think tanks which said Hamas is using rape as a weapon of war.… pic.twitter.com/9uneqh0WBd — WION (@WIONews) October 13, 2023 × "We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might," Netanyahu said in a brief statement which, unusually, was televised after the Jewish sabbath had begun. "I emphasise that this is only the beginning," he added. Netanyahu's remarks come two days after he forged an emergency government on Wednesday to direct war against Hamas. In a joint statement, Netanyahu and former defence chief and centrist opposition party leader Benny Gantz said they had agreed to form an emergency government comprising the two leaders and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Hamas chief accuses Israel of war crimes Meanwhile, Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh wrote a letter to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres where he accused Israel of war crimes in Gaza. "Israeli atrocities amount to war crimes," Haniyeh said in the letter and condemned the "barbaric Israeli siege" in which "the Israeli occupation is banning entry of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip". He urged Guterres to pressure Israel into allowing humanitarian aid to enter into Gaza. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We are all ready': Israeli PM Netanyahu visits areas of Hamas assault for the first time

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday (Oct 7), said the country was 'at war' and swore fierce counterattack after ordering an extensive mobilisation of the army reserve.

He further warned that the enemy will have to "pay a price the type of which it has never known" for their actions.

"Citizens of Israel, we are at war, not in an operation or in (fighting) rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered – first of all – to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists," Netanyahu said.

"This currently is being carried out. At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilisation of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the army and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it," he added.

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אנחנו במלחמה. <a href="https://t.co/XNM3l7fEQH">pic.twitter.com/XNM3l7fEQH</a>
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1710574677385445775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He also called on Israelis to come together and achieve victory in the war.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-condemn-hamas-surprise-attack-from-gaza-express-solidarity-with-israel-643706">Western countries condemn Hamas' attack, express solidarity with Israel</a>

His remarks came after hundreds of rockets were launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday.

<h2>Palestinians have the right to defend themselves against terror, says President Abbas</h2>

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas chaired an emergency meeting with top defence officials and released a statement saying that the people of his country have full right to defend themselves against the "terror of settlers and occupation troops", as per official news agency WAFA.

In the high-level meeting, Abbas directed officials "to provide protection for the Palestinian people and provide all that is necessary to bolster the resilience and steadfastness of the Palestinian people in facing the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation and settler gangs".

Hamas' armed wing reported that it had launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, marking the commencement of "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood."

The group expressed its intent to halt what it referred to as Israel's unaccountable actions.&nbsp;

"We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel). Their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over," said the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip.

It stated, "We declare Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and within the initial 20-minute strike, we fired more than 5,000 rockets."

Israel's army said its forces were fighting Palestinian militants on the ground in several locations near the Strip. It dubbed its operation "Swords of Iron".

Army spokesman Richard Hecht said the militants conducted a combined raid "which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday (Oct 7), said the country was 'at war' and swore fierce counterattack after ordering an extensive mobilisation of the army reserve.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday (Oct 7), said the country was 'at war' and swore fierce counterattack after ordering an extensive mobilisation of the army reserve. He further warned that the enemy will have to "pay a price the type of which it has never known" for their actions. "Citizens of Israel, we are at war, not in an operation or in (fighting) rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered – first of all – to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists," Netanyahu said. "This currently is being carried out. At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilisation of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the army and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it," he added. אנחנו במלחמה. pic.twitter.com/XNM3l7fEQH — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 7, 2023 × He also called on Israelis to come together and achieve victory in the war. Also read: Western countries condemn Hamas' attack, express solidarity with Israel His remarks came after hundreds of rockets were launched from the blockaded Gaza Strip towards Israel on Saturday. Palestinians have the right to defend themselves against terror, says President Abbas Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas chaired an emergency meeting with top defence officials and released a statement saying that the people of his country have full right to defend themselves against the "terror of settlers and occupation troops", as per official news agency WAFA. In the high-level meeting, Abbas directed officials "to provide protection for the Palestinian people and provide all that is necessary to bolster the resilience and steadfastness of the Palestinian people in facing the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation and settler gangs". Hamas' armed wing reported that it had launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, marking the commencement of "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood." The group expressed its intent to halt what it referred to as Israel's unaccountable actions. "We decided to put an end to all the crimes of the occupation (Israel). Their time for rampaging without being held accountable is over," said the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip. It stated, "We declare Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and within the initial 20-minute strike, we fired more than 5,000 rockets." Israel's army said its forces were fighting Palestinian militants on the ground in several locations near the Strip. It dubbed its operation "Swords of Iron". Army spokesman Richard Hecht said the militants conducted a combined raid "which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We are at war and we will win it', says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as Hamas launches surprise attack

In a historic first, all 15 justices on the High Court will hear the petitions against the recently passed “reasonableness law,” said the Israeli Supreme Court, on Monday (July 31). The key clause was recently passed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and is a part of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-opposition-leader-yair-lapid-calls-for-18-month-freeze-on-judicial-reforms-as-condition-for-talks-620830">contentious</a> judicial overhaul plan.

<h2>What did the Israeli top court say?</h2>

Israel’s Supreme Court said that all 15 judges in a historic first would take part in a hearing on arguments against the “reasonableness law”. The bill was passed a week ago&nbsp;in the Israeli parliament (Knesset) by the Netanyahu government, effectively curbing the top court’s power.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court agreed to discuss the petitions filed by Israeli civil society groups and others to strike down the bill ratified last week, on September 12. The court spokesperson confirming the hearing said it would mark the first time in the country’s history an extended bench would preside.

The top court also faces public pressure to strike down the recently passed law and appears to have opted for a full complement of judges because of the highly delicate nature of the matter. 
 
Week after week for nearly seven months since the judicial reform was first announced by the incumbent government, Israeli citizens have led massive protests across the country to stop the legislation. According to the critics, the reform will effectively remove checks on the executive’s authority and could lead to abuse&nbsp;of power.

<h2>Israel’s defence minister warns about mounting overhaul tensions</h2>

On Monday, Israel’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/netanyahu-fires-israeli-defence-minister-after-his-speech-called-for-halt-on-govts-proposed-legal-plan-576019">Defence Minister Yoav Gallant</a>, in a closed-door meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, warned about the threat to national security over the government’s controversial overhaul plans.&nbsp;

Gallant said that “there is harm to national resilience that may lead to harm to national security,” according to a spokesperson of the committee, as quoted by the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

Additionally, he also said that while the military remained combat-ready in the face of mounting protests, there may be damage in the long term. This is after volunteer reservists warned they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-mount-in-israel-as-army-reservists-threaten-to-refuse-duty-620697">will not</a> report for duty if the proposed overhaul is passed.&nbsp;

<h2> 
Netanyahu government’s passing of ‘reasonableness bill’</h2>

Last week, Netanyahu’s government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-passes-controversial-judicial-reform-law-protesters-call-for-mass-rallies-618990">passed</a> the first part of a judicial overhaul in the Israeli parliament (Knesset) called the “reasonableness bill” which seeks to strip the top court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable.

The key clause was passed with 64 votes in favour — mainly by lawmakers of the ruling coalition— and zero against it, as the entire 56-member opposition boycotted the vote in protest.

Since then, protesters have continued to ramp up pressure on the Netanyahu government and renewed their months-long nationwide demonstrations against the controversial overhaul of the country’s judiciary.&nbsp; 
 
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In a historic first, all 15 justices on the High Court will hear the petitions against the recently passed “reasonableness law,” said the Israeli Supreme Court, on Monday (July 31).

In a historic first, all 15 justices on the High Court will hear the petitions against the recently passed “reasonableness law,” said the Israeli Supreme Court, on Monday (July 31). The key clause was recently passed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and is a part of the contentious judicial overhaul plan. What did the Israeli top court say? Israel’s Supreme Court said that all 15 judges in a historic first would take part in a hearing on arguments against the “reasonableness law”. The bill was passed a week ago in the Israeli parliament (Knesset) by the Netanyahu government, effectively curbing the top court’s power. The Supreme Court agreed to discuss the petitions filed by Israeli civil society groups and others to strike down the bill ratified last week, on September 12. The court spokesperson confirming the hearing said it would mark the first time in the country’s history an extended bench would preside. The top court also faces public pressure to strike down the recently passed law and appears to have opted for a full complement of judges because of the highly delicate nature of the matter. Week after week for nearly seven months since the judicial reform was first announced by the incumbent government, Israeli citizens have led massive protests across the country to stop the legislation. According to the critics, the reform will effectively remove checks on the executive’s authority and could lead to abuse of power. Israel’s defence minister warns about mounting overhaul tensions On Monday, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a closed-door meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, warned about the threat to national security over the government’s controversial overhaul plans. Gallant said that “there is harm to national resilience that may lead to harm to national security,” according to a spokesperson of the committee, as quoted by the Times of Israel. Additionally, he also said that while the military remained combat-ready in the face of mounting protests, there may be damage in the long term. This is after volunteer reservists warned they will not report for duty if the proposed overhaul is passed. Netanyahu government’s passing of ‘reasonableness bill’ Last week, Netanyahu’s government passed the first part of a judicial overhaul in the Israeli parliament (Knesset) called the “reasonableness bill” which seeks to strip the top court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable. The key clause was passed with 64 votes in favour — mainly by lawmakers of the ruling coalition— and zero against it, as the entire 56-member opposition boycotted the vote in protest. Since then, protesters have continued to ramp up pressure on the Netanyahu government and renewed their months-long nationwide demonstrations against the controversial overhaul of the country’s judiciary. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel: In a first, all 15 High Court justices to hear petitions against ‘reasonableness law’

Leaders of arch-rival nations Israel and Palestine will travel to Turkey in the course of the same week, the Turkish presidency confirmed Thursday (July 20).&nbsp;

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is due to visit Turkey on July 25, whereas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will arrive in Ankara a few days later. Both leaders will hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will welcome the Palestinian [Authority] President Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Turkey in the course of the same week,” the Turkish presidency said.

Netanyahu’s office also confirmed the visit, the first by any Israeli prime minister in 15 years. The last visit was in 2008 by Ehud Olmert.

<h2>Earlier engagements between Israeli and Turkish leaders</h2>

Relations between Israel and Turkey have remained strained since 2010; however, signs of a thaw have emerged over the past year.&nbsp;

Last year, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Erdogan in Turkey. Later, former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid met the Turkish leader in New York.

Watch:&nbsp;Netanyahu gets US visit invite: Biden administration worried about protests in Israel

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The upcoming visit by Netanyahu comes at a time when the West Bank is witnessing the worst outbreak of violence in decades.

In April this year, Erdogan declared Israel had crossed the red line after Israeli police clashed with Palestinians inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

<h2>Brief timeline of Israeli-Turkish relations</h2>

In 2010, the already delicate relations between Turkey and Israel were further strained following a tragic incident in which Israeli commandos stormed a Turkish ship.&nbsp;

The aftermath of this event led to a significant downgrade in diplomatic ties that persisted for over half a decade.

Fast forward to May 2018, tensions reached a boiling point when Turkey decided to recall its ambassador to Israel. The move came in response to the tragic events that unfolded in Gaza, where about 60 Palestinians lost their lives during a rally against Israel's perceived ‘illegal’ blockade of the coastal enclave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/miracle-surgery-doctors-join-back-boys-head-after-his-skull-got-detached-from-vertebrae-615917">Also read:&nbsp;Miracle surgery | Doctors in Israel join back boy`s head detached in an accident</a>

Turkish President&nbsp;Recep Tayyip Erdogan&nbsp;was vocal in his condemnation of Israel's actions. He accused the country of resorting to "state terror" and even went so far as to label it as an "apartheid state." Such strong words further deepened the animosity between the two nations.

In response to Turkey's actions, Israel retaliated by expelling the Turkish consul general in Jerusalem. This tit-for-tat approach only served to deepen the rift between the two countries, escalating an already volatile situation.

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Leaders of arch-rival nations Israel and Palestine will travel to Turkey in the course of the same week, the Turkish presidency confirmed Thursday (July 20). Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is due to visit Turkey on July 25, whereas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will arrive in Ankara a few days later.

Leaders of arch-rival nations Israel and Palestine will travel to Turkey in the course of the same week, the Turkish presidency confirmed Thursday (July 20). Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas is due to visit Turkey on July 25, whereas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will arrive in Ankara a few days later. Both leaders will hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will welcome the Palestinian [Authority] President Mahmoud Abbas and the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Turkey in the course of the same week,” the Turkish presidency said. Netanyahu’s office also confirmed the visit, the first by any Israeli prime minister in 15 years. The last visit was in 2008 by Ehud Olmert. Earlier engagements between Israeli and Turkish leaders Relations between Israel and Turkey have remained strained since 2010; however, signs of a thaw have emerged over the past year. Last year, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Erdogan in Turkey. Later, former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid met the Turkish leader in New York. Watch: Netanyahu gets US visit invite: Biden administration worried about protests in Israel × The upcoming visit by Netanyahu comes at a time when the West Bank is witnessing the worst outbreak of violence in decades. In April this year, Erdogan declared Israel had crossed the red line after Israeli police clashed with Palestinians inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Brief timeline of Israeli-Turkish relations In 2010, the already delicate relations between Turkey and Israel were further strained following a tragic incident in which Israeli commandos stormed a Turkish ship. The aftermath of this event led to a significant downgrade in diplomatic ties that persisted for over half a decade. Fast forward to May 2018, tensions reached a boiling point when Turkey decided to recall its ambassador to Israel. The move came in response to the tragic events that unfolded in Gaza, where about 60 Palestinians lost their lives during a rally against Israel's perceived ‘illegal’ blockade of the coastal enclave. Also read: Miracle surgery | Doctors in Israel join back boy`s head detached in an accident Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was vocal in his condemnation of Israel's actions. He accused the country of resorting to "state terror" and even went so far as to label it as an "apartheid state." Such strong words further deepened the animosity between the two nations. In response to Turkey's actions, Israel retaliated by expelling the Turkish consul general in Jerusalem. This tit-for-tat approach only served to deepen the rift between the two countries, escalating an already volatile situation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Netanyahu to visit Turkey next week, first by an Israeli PM in 15 years, two days after Palestinian leader

Israeli forces pulled out from the city of Jenin in the West Bank on Tuesday, according to witnesses from Reuters. Convoys of Israeli military vehicles were observed leaving Jenin, indicating the end of the Israeli operation that commenced on Monday. The violent clashes resulted in the death of twelve individuals, including at least five Palestinian fighters, as well as one Israeli soldier.

In the early hours of Wednesday, the Israeli military reported that Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip had launched five rockets toward Israel.&nbsp;The rockets fired from Gaza were successfully intercepted, and there have been no immediate reports of any casualties resulting from the attack, media reports said.&nbsp;

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday (July 4) said that the country’s military was “completing the mission,” indicating the potential end to the ‘anti-terror campaign,’ which has displaced thousands in the Israeli-controlled West Bank’s Jenin.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the Israeli PM say?</h2>

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are “completing the mission” in Jenin, said Netanyahu, two days after the country launched its largest military action in West Bank in the past 20 years. He added, “At this moment we are completing the mission, and I can say our widescale action in Jenin is not a one-time thing.”

Speaking about Israel’s largest raid in decades during a visit to a military post near the West Bank city, Netanyahu said, “We will continue as necessary to root out terrorism. We will not allow Jenin to go back to being a hotbed of terror.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-has-israel-launched-massive-military-operation-in-west-bank-611758">Explained: Why has Israel launched massive military operation in West Bank?</a>

This comes after the Israeli armed forces launched the attack on Monday, arguing that the Jenin camp had become a hotbed of terrorism, which has claimed the lives of several Israeli citizens over the past 18 months.&nbsp;

The operation has since drawn international criticism from various countries but also partial support from others, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany who have said that Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism but also urged restraint and protection of civilians.&nbsp;

Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Jenin “in the past two years had become a factory for terror. In the past two days, this ended.” He went on to claim that the IDF has “cut off the weapons manufacturing process, captured thousands of bombs, destroyed dozens of production sites, workshops and explosives labs.”&nbsp;

<h2>Death toll in Jenin rises to 12, thousands displaced</h2>

The total death toll amid the two-day counterterrorism operation reached 12.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/car-ramming-attack-on-a-tel-aviv-street-attack-leaves-seven-injured-611918">11 Palestinians were killed in Israel's biggest military operation in 20 years</a>

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent said it had evacuated 500 families from the Jenin camp or 3,000 people. The densely populated refugee camp, where some 14,000 people, live has become a focal point in the rise of violence in the region.

<h2>Violence in West Bank, Israel ‘must stop’: UN human rights chief&nbsp;</h2>

In a statement, the United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk said, “The recent operation in the occupied West Bank and car-ramming attack in Tel Aviv worryingly underscore an all too familiar pattern of events: that violence only begets more violence.”&nbsp;

Earlier, a car-ramming and stabbing incident in Tel Aviv on Tuesday injured eight and left some in serious condition, as per Israeli officials. The Islamist Hamas group later claimed responsibility for the attack and identified 23-year-old Abdel-Wahab Khalyleh as the perpetrator and called the attack “an act of self-defence in the face of the ongoing Zionist massacre in Jenin.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nine-injured-in-tel-aviv-ramming-and-stabbing-attack-611945">&nbsp;Nine injured in Tel Aviv ramming and stabbing attack</a>

“The killing, maiming and the destruction of property must stop,” said Turk. Furthermore, he also raised alarm about the Jenin operation, including the use of repeated airstrikes, along with the destruction of property, in the context of international human rights norms and standards.

The UN human rights chief also said that some of the methods and weapons used “are more generally associated with the conduct of hostilities in armed conflict, rather than law enforcement.” In reference to the airstrikes particularly, he said that “the deaths resulting from such airstrikes may also amount to wilful killings.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Israeli forces pulled out from the city of Jenin in the West Bank on Tuesday, according to witnesses from Reuters. Convoys of Israeli military vehicles were observed leaving Jenin, indicating the end of the Israeli operation that commenced on Monday.

Israeli forces pulled out from the city of Jenin in the West Bank on Tuesday, according to witnesses from Reuters. Convoys of Israeli military vehicles were observed leaving Jenin, indicating the end of the Israeli operation that commenced on Monday. The violent clashes resulted in the death of twelve individuals, including at least five Palestinian fighters, as well as one Israeli soldier. In the early hours of Wednesday, the Israeli military reported that Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip had launched five rockets toward Israel. The rockets fired from Gaza were successfully intercepted, and there have been no immediate reports of any casualties resulting from the attack, media reports said. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday (July 4) said that the country’s military was “completing the mission,” indicating the potential end to the ‘anti-terror campaign,’ which has displaced thousands in the Israeli-controlled West Bank’s Jenin. What did the Israeli PM say? Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are “completing the mission” in Jenin, said Netanyahu, two days after the country launched its largest military action in West Bank in the past 20 years. He added, “At this moment we are completing the mission, and I can say our widescale action in Jenin is not a one-time thing.” Speaking about Israel’s largest raid in decades during a visit to a military post near the West Bank city, Netanyahu said, “We will continue as necessary to root out terrorism. We will not allow Jenin to go back to being a hotbed of terror.” ALSO READ | Explained: Why has Israel launched massive military operation in West Bank? This comes after the Israeli armed forces launched the attack on Monday, arguing that the Jenin camp had become a hotbed of terrorism, which has claimed the lives of several Israeli citizens over the past 18 months. The operation has since drawn international criticism from various countries but also partial support from others, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany who have said that Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism but also urged restraint and protection of civilians. Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says Jenin “in the past two years had become a factory for terror. In the past two days, this ended.” He went on to claim that the IDF has “cut off the weapons manufacturing process, captured thousands of bombs, destroyed dozens of production sites, workshops and explosives labs.” Death toll in Jenin rises to 12, thousands displaced The total death toll amid the two-day counterterrorism operation reached 12. ALSO WATCH | 11 Palestinians were killed in Israel's biggest military operation in 20 years Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent said it had evacuated 500 families from the Jenin camp or 3,000 people. The densely populated refugee camp, where some 14,000 people, live has become a focal point in the rise of violence in the region. Violence in West Bank, Israel ‘must stop’: UN human rights chief In a statement, the United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk said, “The recent operation in the occupied West Bank and car-ramming attack in Tel Aviv worryingly underscore an all too familiar pattern of events: that violence only begets more violence.” Earlier, a car-ramming and stabbing incident in Tel Aviv on Tuesday injured eight and left some in serious condition, as per Israeli officials. The Islamist Hamas group later claimed responsibility for the attack and identified 23-year-old Abdel-Wahab Khalyleh as the perpetrator and called the attack “an act of self-defence in the face of the ongoing Zionist massacre in Jenin.” ALSO WATCH | Nine injured in Tel Aviv ramming and stabbing attack “The killing, maiming and the destruction of property must stop,” said Turk. Furthermore, he also raised alarm about the Jenin operation, including the use of repeated airstrikes, along with the destruction of property, in the context of international human rights norms and standards. The UN human rights chief also said that some of the methods and weapons used “are more generally associated with the conduct of hostilities in armed conflict, rather than law enforcement.” In reference to the airstrikes particularly, he said that “the deaths resulting from such airstrikes may also amount to wilful killings.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli forces pull out from Jenin as rockets fired from Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (June 18) said his government will pursue the contentious judicial overhaul this week after what he called "months wasted" over compromise talks with the opposition party lawmakers. Talks were stalled last week after the opposition parties demanded the formation of the key panel for selecting judges.

<h2>What did Netanyahu say about the proposed overhaul?</h2>

In televised remarks the Israeli PM, addressing his cabinet, said: “We gave a month and then another month and then another month - three months. Their (opposition) representatives did not agree to the most basic understandings. The intention was just to waste time.”&nbsp;

He added, “This week, we will begin the practical steps. We will do them in a measured way, responsibly, but in accordance with the mandate we received to make corrections to the justice system”.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-protestors-kick-off-24th-weekly-judicial-reform-demonstrations-605665">&nbsp;Israeli protestors kick off 24th weekly judicial reform demonstrations</a> 
 
This comes as the proposed judicial overhaul, after months of protests and international criticism, was put on hold back in March when Netanyahu agreed to hold talks with the opposition.&nbsp;

However, the talks were stopped last week after the opposition leaders said negotiations would not move forward until the committee for the selection of judges which includes two politicians, three judges and two lawyers, is completed.&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli parliament vote last week</h2>

Last week, the opposition leaders had reportedly threatened to withdraw from negotiations with Netanyahu if their candidate, Karine Elharrar, was not named to the nine-member Judicial Appointments Committee to select the judges.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israeli-parliament-vote-delivers-setback-to-pm-netanyahu-judicial-overhaul-plan-604560">Israeli parliament vote delivers setback to PM Netanyahu, his judicial overhaul plan</a> 
 
In a surprising turn of events at the Israeli parliament or Knesset where Netanyahu’s Likud party holds 64 of the 120 seats, several coalition members from his government voted in favour of the opposition’s pick for the committee-- Elharrar of the Yesh Atid party-- whose appointment to the nine-member panel is now secure with a 58-56 vote.&nbsp; 
 
The committee typically comprises lawmakers from both the coalition as well as the opposition but parts of the overhaul had demanded that the ruling coalition, in this case, Netanyahu’s Likud party, control both positions. However, this vote is being seen as a major blow to the Netanyahu government and exposed some divisions within the ruling coalition which has also raised questions about his control over his political allies.

<h2>Opposition leader responds to Netanyahu’s statement</h2>

In reference to the vote on June 14, Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition party Yesh Atid, said that the Israeli PM cannot be certain of a majority after the secret ballot where his coalition members supported a candidate from the opposition.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-israel-can-tens-of-thousands-of-protesters-stop-netanyahus-judicial-overhaul-plan-576345">Explained | Israel: Netanyahu agrees to pause proposed judicial overhaul for now. Here's what happened</a>

“If Netanyahu goes ahead with the coup unilaterally as he has stated, he will find that he is the prime minister of less than half of the people of Israel, less than half the economy, less than half of the defence establishment and less than half of the Knesset,” said Lapid.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (June 18) said his government will pursue the contentious judicial overhaul this week after what he called "months wasted" over compromise talks with the opposition party lawmakers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (June 18) said his government will pursue the contentious judicial overhaul this week after what he called "months wasted" over compromise talks with the opposition party lawmakers. Talks were stalled last week after the opposition parties demanded the formation of the key panel for selecting judges. What did Netanyahu say about the proposed overhaul? In televised remarks the Israeli PM, addressing his cabinet, said: “We gave a month and then another month and then another month - three months. Their (opposition) representatives did not agree to the most basic understandings. The intention was just to waste time.” He added, “This week, we will begin the practical steps. We will do them in a measured way, responsibly, but in accordance with the mandate we received to make corrections to the justice system”. ALSO WATCH | Israeli protestors kick off 24th weekly judicial reform demonstrations This comes as the proposed judicial overhaul, after months of protests and international criticism, was put on hold back in March when Netanyahu agreed to hold talks with the opposition. However, the talks were stopped last week after the opposition leaders said negotiations would not move forward until the committee for the selection of judges which includes two politicians, three judges and two lawyers, is completed. Israeli parliament vote last week Last week, the opposition leaders had reportedly threatened to withdraw from negotiations with Netanyahu if their candidate, Karine Elharrar, was not named to the nine-member Judicial Appointments Committee to select the judges. ALSO READ | Israeli parliament vote delivers setback to PM Netanyahu, his judicial overhaul plan In a surprising turn of events at the Israeli parliament or Knesset where Netanyahu’s Likud party holds 64 of the 120 seats, several coalition members from his government voted in favour of the opposition’s pick for the committee-- Elharrar of the Yesh Atid party-- whose appointment to the nine-member panel is now secure with a 58-56 vote. The committee typically comprises lawmakers from both the coalition as well as the opposition but parts of the overhaul had demanded that the ruling coalition, in this case, Netanyahu’s Likud party, control both positions. However, this vote is being seen as a major blow to the Netanyahu government and exposed some divisions within the ruling coalition which has also raised questions about his control over his political allies. Opposition leader responds to Netanyahu’s statement In reference to the vote on June 14, Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition party Yesh Atid, said that the Israeli PM cannot be certain of a majority after the secret ballot where his coalition members supported a candidate from the opposition. ALSO READ | Explained | Israel: Netanyahu agrees to pause proposed judicial overhaul for now. Here's what happened “If Netanyahu goes ahead with the coup unilaterally as he has stated, he will find that he is the prime minister of less than half of the people of Israel, less than half the economy, less than half of the defence establishment and less than half of the Knesset,” said Lapid. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli PM Netanyahu to take ‘active steps’ to move forward with judicial overhaul plan this week

Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, on Sunday (May 21) visited the Al-Aqsa mosque for the second time since he took office and declared that Israel was “in charge” of the disputed holy site in Jerusalem. The move has since drawn condemnation from Palestinians and also comes amid recent escalations and a rise in tensions between Israel and Palestine.&nbsp;

<h2>Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque</h2>

The comments came during an early morning visit to the compound that lies in the Old City of Jerusalem which is known as Temple Mount to Jews and deemed Judaism’s most sacred site and vestige of two ancient temples of the faith. “I’m happy to ascend the Temple Mount, the most important place for the people of Israel,” said Ben-Gvir.&nbsp;

As per the long-standing agreements Jews are permitted to visit the site, but not to pray at Temple Mount. However, the site has recently witnessed an influx&nbsp;of Jewish visitors who have increasingly been defying the ban, more or less openly. This has also sparked fears among Palestinians who have called it a provocation in the past.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-has-israeli-minister-ben-gvirs-visit-to-al-aqsa-mosque-sparked-outrage-549442">Explained: Why has Israeli minister Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque sparked outrage?</a>

The Israeli minister’s visit also comes days after Israelis marked Jerusalem Day which celebrates Israel’s capture of east Jerusalem, including the Old City, following the Middle East war in 1967. “All the threats from Hamas will not help, we are in charge here in Jerusalem and all of the Land of Israel,” said Ben-Gvir.&nbsp;

The national security minister also went on to post an image of himself on Telegram at Al-Aqsa mosque and wrote, “Jerusalem is our soul.” He added, “The threats of Hamas will not deter us, I went up to the Temple Mount!” The visit was also later confirmed by the Israeli police who said that it passed without any incidents.&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli Cabinet meeting in Old City</h2>

Hours after the controversial visit, on Sunday, top politicians from Israel also held a rare Cabinet meeting in the tunnels beneath the Western Wall. “Time and again, my friends and I have been forced to repel international pressure on the part of those who would divide Jerusalem again,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as quoted by AFP, at the beginning of the meeting.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/senior-israeli-minister-visits-al-aqsa-mosque-594825">Senior Israeli minister visits Al-Aqsa mosque</a>

He also said how some leaders in Israel were “prepared to give in to those pressures” but “we have acted differently” and also reportedly went on to celebrate the expansion of Israeli settlement in east Jerusalem which is deemed illegal by the international community. This comes also after several people&nbsp;expressed concerns over the newly elected government of Netanyahu and his right-wing allies, particularly over their relations with Palestinians.

<h2>Palestine&nbsp;calls visit&nbsp;'playing with fire'</h2>

A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the Israeli minister’s “incursion at an early hour, like thieves, into the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards will not change the reality and will not impose Israeli sovereignty over it.” The president’s office also called the “harming” of Al-Aqsa mosque “playing with fire”.&nbsp;

Abbas’s spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the region will be pushed “into a religious war with unimaginable consequences that will affect everyone.” He also called Ben-Gvir’s visit a “blatant attack” on the mosque.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-thousands-of-israelis-participate-in-contentious-flag-march-in-jerusalem-rattles-palestinians-593867">In pics | Thousands of Israelis participate in contentious 'flag march' in Jerusalem, rattles Palestinians</a>

The militant group that rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, Hamas’ spokesman said Israel would bear the consequences for the “savage assault” on the Al-Aqsa mosque. It added, the move “confirms the depths of danger looming over Al-Aqsa, under this Zionist fascist government and the arrogance of its ministers from the extreme right.”&nbsp;

The Jordanian Waqf Islamic affairs council, which serves as the custodian of the mosque, called the Israeli minister’s visit a “blatant storming and desecration of the blessed Al-Aqsa mosque”. “No less dangerous is the call by the occupation (Israeli) government to hold its meeting this morning in the Western Wall area,” said the Waqf, in a statement.&nbsp;

Jordan’s foreign ministry called the visit a “provocative step” which is “condemned” as well as a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation.” It added that the move, “represents a flagrant and unacceptable violation of international law, and of the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israeli-palestinian-gaza-truce-holds-after-hunger-strikers-death-588470">Israeli-Palestinian Gaza truce holds after hunger striker's death</a>

The incident comes after the fighting between Israel and Gaza militants ended just last week following an Egypt-mediated truce between the two factions. At least 34 Palestinians and one Israeli were killed during the hostilities which went on for days. Egypt’s foreign ministry on Sunday asked Israel to “immediately stop the escalatory practices which inflame the pre-existing state of tension in the occupied (Palestinian) territories.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, on Sunday (May 21) visited the Al-Aqsa mosque for the second time since he took office and declared that Israel was “in charge” of the disputed holy site in Jerusalem.

Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, on Sunday (May 21) visited the Al-Aqsa mosque for the second time since he took office and declared that Israel was “in charge” of the disputed holy site in Jerusalem. The move has since drawn condemnation from Palestinians and also comes amid recent escalations and a rise in tensions between Israel and Palestine. Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque The comments came during an early morning visit to the compound that lies in the Old City of Jerusalem which is known as Temple Mount to Jews and deemed Judaism’s most sacred site and vestige of two ancient temples of the faith. “I’m happy to ascend the Temple Mount, the most important place for the people of Israel,” said Ben-Gvir. As per the long-standing agreements Jews are permitted to visit the site, but not to pray at Temple Mount. However, the site has recently witnessed an influx of Jewish visitors who have increasingly been defying the ban, more or less openly. This has also sparked fears among Palestinians who have called it a provocation in the past. ALSO READ | Explained: Why has Israeli minister Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque sparked outrage? The Israeli minister’s visit also comes days after Israelis marked Jerusalem Day which celebrates Israel’s capture of east Jerusalem, including the Old City, following the Middle East war in 1967. “All the threats from Hamas will not help, we are in charge here in Jerusalem and all of the Land of Israel,” said Ben-Gvir. The national security minister also went on to post an image of himself on Telegram at Al-Aqsa mosque and wrote, “Jerusalem is our soul.” He added, “The threats of Hamas will not deter us, I went up to the Temple Mount!” The visit was also later confirmed by the Israeli police who said that it passed without any incidents. Israeli Cabinet meeting in Old City Hours after the controversial visit, on Sunday, top politicians from Israel also held a rare Cabinet meeting in the tunnels beneath the Western Wall. “Time and again, my friends and I have been forced to repel international pressure on the part of those who would divide Jerusalem again,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as quoted by AFP, at the beginning of the meeting. ALSO WATCH | Senior Israeli minister visits Al-Aqsa mosque He also said how some leaders in Israel were “prepared to give in to those pressures” but “we have acted differently” and also reportedly went on to celebrate the expansion of Israeli settlement in east Jerusalem which is deemed illegal by the international community. This comes also after several people expressed concerns over the newly elected government of Netanyahu and his right-wing allies, particularly over their relations with Palestinians. Palestine calls visit 'playing with fire' A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the Israeli minister’s “incursion at an early hour, like thieves, into the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards will not change the reality and will not impose Israeli sovereignty over it.” The president’s office also called the “harming” of Al-Aqsa mosque “playing with fire”. Abbas’s spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the region will be pushed “into a religious war with unimaginable consequences that will affect everyone.” He also called Ben-Gvir’s visit a “blatant attack” on the mosque. ALSO READ | In pics | Thousands of Israelis participate in contentious 'flag march' in Jerusalem, rattles Palestinians The militant group that rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, Hamas’ spokesman said Israel would bear the consequences for the “savage assault” on the Al-Aqsa mosque. It added, the move “confirms the depths of danger looming over Al-Aqsa, under this Zionist fascist government and the arrogance of its ministers from the extreme right.” The Jordanian Waqf Islamic affairs council, which serves as the custodian of the mosque, called the Israeli minister’s visit a “blatant storming and desecration of the blessed Al-Aqsa mosque”. “No less dangerous is the call by the occupation (Israeli) government to hold its meeting this morning in the Western Wall area,” said the Waqf, in a statement. Jordan’s foreign ministry called the visit a “provocative step” which is “condemned” as well as a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation.” It added that the move, “represents a flagrant and unacceptable violation of international law, and of the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites”. ALSO READ | Israeli-Palestinian Gaza truce holds after hunger striker's death The incident comes after the fighting between Israel and Gaza militants ended just last week following an Egypt-mediated truce between the two factions. At least 34 Palestinians and one Israeli were killed during the hostilities which went on for days. Egypt’s foreign ministry on Sunday asked Israel to “immediately stop the escalatory practices which inflame the pre-existing state of tension in the occupied (Palestinian) territories.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel ‘in charge’ of Al-Aqsa mosque, says security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir during visit

Israel’s right-wing coalition government and opposition parties held talks on Tuesday evening (March 28) on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial judicial reform plans. This comes a day after Netanyahu announced a pause on the plan which has sparked weeks of mass protests in the country. Israel is in the midst of what can only be described as a major political crisis after Netanyahu’s government proposed an overhaul of the country's judiciary, earlier this year.

President Isaac Herzog’s office said on Tuesday evening that he was “currently meeting with the working teams representing the ruling coalition, Yesh Atid and the National Unity Party,” the two centrist parties for “a first dialogue meeting”. This comes days after Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, which overnight plunged the ruling coalition into chaos.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-israel-can-tens-of-thousands-of-protesters-stop-netanyahus-judicial-overhaul-plan-576345">Explained | Israel: Netanyahu agrees to pause proposed judicial overhaul for now. Here's what happened</a>

On Monday, tens of thousands of people took to the streets outside the Knesset (Israeli parliament) in Jerusalem while major labour organisations called for a strike effectively bringing the whole country to a grinding halt. Hours later, Netanyahu delayed the process for the next session of parliament in order to “pass the reform through dialogue.” The next session will be after the Passover recess in April.&nbsp;

In a joint statement on Tuesday the leader of the opposition Yair Lapid, who has since been sceptical of the move and Benny Gantz, a former defence minister, said that these talks would stop immediately “if the law is put on put on the Knesset’s agenda,” reported AFP. The opposition had previously refused to negotiate until the process to pass the controversial overhaul was stopped.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-netanyahus-judicial-reforms-delayed-whats-next-for-israel-576733">Gravitas: Netanyahu's Judicial reforms delayed | What's next for Israel?</a>

Meanwhile, the Israeli PM, in a statement on Tuesday has said that the goal is to “reach an agreement.” The two sides wrapped up talks after 90 minutes, said Herzog’s office, reported Times of Israel. The meeting was held “in a good atmosphere,” and will continue tomorrow. Today’s meeting included delegations from Netanyahu’s Likud party and opposition parties Yesh Atid and National Unity.&nbsp;

The legal reforms would threaten the checks and balances of the country as it has no written constitution while the proposed legislation seeks to weaken the Supreme court. It would also give absolute power to the ruling party coalition, which in this case would be Netanyahu’s Likud party, which also holds a majority in the Knesset.&nbsp;

Notably, after the first round of talks with the Israeli president, the Yesh Atid delegation said that they pushed for a “widely agreed upon constitution based on the values of the Declaration of Independence,” in a statement, as per Times of Israel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-judicial-overhaul-legislation-to-be-put-on-hold-until-next-knesset-session-576348">Israeli trade union Histadrut ends strikes after Netanyahu pauses judicial overhaul legislation</a> 
 
Despite Netanyahu hitting a pause on the overhaul, activists have said they will continue their rallies. “This is another attempt of Netanyahu trying to gaslight the Israeli public in order to weaken the protest and then enact a dictatorship,” said the Umbrella Movement of demonstrators, in a statement. It added, “We will not stop the protest until the judicial coup is completely stopped.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Israel’s right-wing coalition government and opposition parties held talks on Tuesday evening (March 28) on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial judicial reform plans.

Israel’s right-wing coalition government and opposition parties held talks on Tuesday evening (March 28) on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial judicial reform plans. This comes a day after Netanyahu announced a pause on the plan which has sparked weeks of mass protests in the country. Israel is in the midst of what can only be described as a major political crisis after Netanyahu’s government proposed an overhaul of the country's judiciary, earlier this year. President Isaac Herzog’s office said on Tuesday evening that he was “currently meeting with the working teams representing the ruling coalition, Yesh Atid and the National Unity Party,” the two centrist parties for “a first dialogue meeting”. This comes days after Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, which overnight plunged the ruling coalition into chaos. ALSO READ | Explained | Israel: Netanyahu agrees to pause proposed judicial overhaul for now. Here's what happened On Monday, tens of thousands of people took to the streets outside the Knesset (Israeli parliament) in Jerusalem while major labour organisations called for a strike effectively bringing the whole country to a grinding halt. Hours later, Netanyahu delayed the process for the next session of parliament in order to “pass the reform through dialogue.” The next session will be after the Passover recess in April. In a joint statement on Tuesday the leader of the opposition Yair Lapid, who has since been sceptical of the move and Benny Gantz, a former defence minister, said that these talks would stop immediately “if the law is put on put on the Knesset’s agenda,” reported AFP. The opposition had previously refused to negotiate until the process to pass the controversial overhaul was stopped. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Netanyahu's Judicial reforms delayed | What's next for Israel? Meanwhile, the Israeli PM, in a statement on Tuesday has said that the goal is to “reach an agreement.” The two sides wrapped up talks after 90 minutes, said Herzog’s office, reported Times of Israel. The meeting was held “in a good atmosphere,” and will continue tomorrow. Today’s meeting included delegations from Netanyahu’s Likud party and opposition parties Yesh Atid and National Unity. The legal reforms would threaten the checks and balances of the country as it has no written constitution while the proposed legislation seeks to weaken the Supreme court. It would also give absolute power to the ruling party coalition, which in this case would be Netanyahu’s Likud party, which also holds a majority in the Knesset. Notably, after the first round of talks with the Israeli president, the Yesh Atid delegation said that they pushed for a “widely agreed upon constitution based on the values of the Declaration of Independence,” in a statement, as per Times of Israel. ALSO READ | Israeli trade union Histadrut ends strikes after Netanyahu pauses judicial overhaul legislation Despite Netanyahu hitting a pause on the overhaul, activists have said they will continue their rallies. “This is another attempt of Netanyahu trying to gaslight the Israeli public in order to weaken the protest and then enact a dictatorship,” said the Umbrella Movement of demonstrators, in a statement. It added, “We will not stop the protest until the judicial coup is completely stopped.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel: First round of talks held between parties on judicial overhaul reforms

Israel is in the midst of what can only be described as a major political crisis after&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition government proposed an overhaul of the country's judiciary, earlier this year. Since then, Israel has&nbsp;witnessed mass protests with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets in major cities across the country&nbsp;opposing the plan week after week.&nbsp;

Demonstrations continued on Monday (March 27), a day after Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant which overnight plunged the ruling coalition into chaos as the PM&nbsp;faced mounting pressure to halt, freeze, or shelve his judicial overhaul plan.&nbsp;

The Israeli parliament, Knesset’s Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee was supposed to open early Monday for final voting of the judicial overhaul bill. 
 
However, in a statement, late Monday, Netanyahu&nbsp;delayed the process for discussions on the judicial overhaul&nbsp;to next month and said that the&nbsp;legislation would be pushed to the next session of the Israeli parliament in order to "pass the reform through dialogue."

What is happening in Israel?

Tel Aviv and Jerusalem plunged into chaos after Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant where overnight&nbsp;spontaneous protests broke&nbsp;and people blocked roads. The situation worsened&nbsp;for the government, on Monday&nbsp;when&nbsp;thousands of Israelis demonstrated outside the Knesset in Jerusalem. Additionally, major organisations called for a strike action in solidarity which&nbsp;effectively brought the entire country’s services to a grinding halt.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;‘Historic’ strikes leave Israel at standstill with crowds in streets to protest judicial reform

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Workers from a range of sectors in Israel launched a nationwide strike including the country’s largest trade union declared a "general strike". Subsequently, other organisations followed the suit,&nbsp;stopping&nbsp;flights from Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, healthcare, stores, etc. Histadrut, the national labour union also instructed all government employees to stage a walkout, in line with which diplomats from across the world walked off the job at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-embassies-across-the-world-closed-until-until-further-notice-heres-why-576370">foreign missions.</a>

From protest to pause: What is this plan all about?

Earlier this year, in January, the country’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin unveiled a plan which would overhaul Israel’s judicial system. Since then opponents and critics have repeatedly said that it would threaten the democracy and freedom of Israel. Notably, Israel has no written constitution and is governed by the country's Basic Laws and has “evolved a system of basic laws and rights, which enjoy (the) semi-constitutional status,” says the Knesset website. &nbsp;

The long-promised overhaul of the judicial system is supposedly directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme court. Furthermore, critics have said that it will affect the checks and balances as well as undermine democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the ruling party coalition, which in this case would be Netanyahu’s Likud party, which also holds a majority in the Knesset.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/netanyahu-fires-israeli-defence-minister-after-his-speech-called-for-halt-on-govts-proposed-legal-plan-576019">Israel: Netanyahu fires defence minister after speech calling to halt govt's proposed legal plan</a> 
 
The legal reforms would also limit the power and authority of the High Court of Justice to block legislation or government decisions which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory or undemocratic. However, it&nbsp;is the Override Clause that garnered controversy as it&nbsp;would simply allow a majority of the Members of Knesset (MK) to overrule decisions by the High Court.&nbsp;

Additionally, the government will also gain control over the selection process of judges and reportedly eliminate ministry legal advisers who are appointed by and report to the attorney general into political appointments controlled entirely by the government.

This makes the Supreme Court the only institution to limit the government’s power and by challenging legislation passed by a parliamentary majority, the proposed reform would remove this roadblock for the Netanyahu government. Notably, the court cannot arbitrarily dismiss legislation passed by the parliament unless they hinder one of the Basic Laws of Israel.&nbsp;

Ouster of Israeli defence minister

Netanyahu fired Gallant a day after his speech called on the government to stop the proposed judicial overhaul and hold talks with its opponents. In a brief statement, the PM's office said that Gallant will be transferred from his post. However, there was no clarity on the new position he will be given.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israeli-group-asks-court-to-punish-netanyahu-over-proposed-legal-plan-pm-given-a-week-to-respond-575914">Israeli group asks court to punish Netanyahu over proposed legal plan; PM given a week to respond</a> 
 
In a brief televised speech, on Saturday, the Israeli defence minister said, “Israel’s security is my life’s goal. Even now, I am willing to take a risk and pay a price. The threats around us are immense, near and far.” He also spoke about how he was “worried” about the conversations surrounding the proposed judicial reforms and that he had "never encountered the intensity of anger and pain".&nbsp;

Following his ouster, protest leaders announced a spontaneous rally outside the military’s headquarters in Tel Aviv in response to Netanyahu's decision.&nbsp;According to local media reports, over 100,000 people gathered outside the Knesset, on Monday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-meets-sunak-at-downing-street-amid-protests-uk-pm-stresses-democratic-values-575412">Israel’s Netanyahu meets Sunak at Downing Street amid protests; UK PM stresses on ‘democratic values’</a> 
 
Earlier today, Israeli PM in his first public statement since widespread demonstrations erupted last night. Netanyahu took to Twitter and called on all protesters in Jerusalem to “show responsibility and not act violently.” This came&nbsp;amid fears of violent clashes erupting between opponents and supporters of the government’s judicial overhaul this evening in Jerusalem.&nbsp; 
 
Netanyahu under pressure

There has been mounting pressure on the Israeli PM who is stuck between tens of thousands of protesters, members of the opposition coalition, leaders of foreign countries, and listening to his party Likud’s MKs who have pushed for the judicial overhaul.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-protests-live-president-isaac-herzog-calls-for-immediate-halt-to-judicial-reform-576092">Israel protests | As it happened: At least 80,000 protesters gather outside parliament; Netanyahu urges protesters to avoid violence</a>

Last week, Netanyahu&nbsp;visited the United Kingdom&nbsp;and met his British counterpart&nbsp;PM Rishi Sunak at No. 10 Downing Street, as hundreds gathered outside. During the meeting, Sunak stressed the importance of “upholding democratic values”, said the UK PM’s spokesperson.&nbsp;

“The prime minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel,” Sunak had said. Additionally, US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, late Sunday, said that Washington is “deeply concerned” about developments out of Israel and highlighted the “urgent need for compromise”.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-judicial-overhaul-legislation-to-be-put-on-hold-until-next-knesset-session-576348">Israel's judicial overhaul legislation to be put on hold until next Knesset session</a> 
 
On Monday, Netanyahu’s coalition government also survived a no-confidence motion which was tabled by the opposition which has been protesting against the judicial overhaul plan. The motion failed by a vote of 59-53. Hours later, justice minister Levin said that he will “respect” PM Netanyahu's decision on how to proceed with the proposed overhaul plan, reported Times of Israel.

However, he also warned how stopping it now may lead to the immediate "collapse of Likud", Netanyahu's right-wing ruling coalition. “We must all make an effort to stabilise the government and the coalition,”&nbsp;said Levin. Similarly, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the overhaul plan should not stop under any circumstances.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Israel is in the midst of what can only be described as a major political crisis after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition government proposed an overhaul of the country's judiciary, earlier this year.

Israel is in the midst of what can only be described as a major political crisis after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition government proposed an overhaul of the country's judiciary, earlier this year. Since then, Israel has witnessed mass protests with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets in major cities across the country opposing the plan week after week. Demonstrations continued on Monday (March 27), a day after Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant which overnight plunged the ruling coalition into chaos as the PM faced mounting pressure to halt, freeze, or shelve his judicial overhaul plan. The Israeli parliament, Knesset’s Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee was supposed to open early Monday for final voting of the judicial overhaul bill. However, in a statement, late Monday, Netanyahu delayed the process for discussions on the judicial overhaul to next month and said that the legislation would be pushed to the next session of the Israeli parliament in order to "pass the reform through dialogue." What is happening in Israel? Tel Aviv and Jerusalem plunged into chaos after Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant where overnight spontaneous protests broke and people blocked roads. The situation worsened for the government, on Monday when thousands of Israelis demonstrated outside the Knesset in Jerusalem. Additionally, major organisations called for a strike action in solidarity which effectively brought the entire country’s services to a grinding halt. ALSO WATCH | ‘Historic’ strikes leave Israel at standstill with crowds in streets to protest judicial reform Workers from a range of sectors in Israel launched a nationwide strike including the country’s largest trade union declared a "general strike". Subsequently, other organisations followed the suit, stopping flights from Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, healthcare, stores, etc. Histadrut, the national labour union also instructed all government employees to stage a walkout, in line with which diplomats from across the world walked off the job at foreign missions. From protest to pause: What is this plan all about? Earlier this year, in January, the country’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin unveiled a plan which would overhaul Israel’s judicial system. Since then opponents and critics have repeatedly said that it would threaten the democracy and freedom of Israel. Notably, Israel has no written constitution and is governed by the country's Basic Laws and has “evolved a system of basic laws and rights, which enjoy (the) semi-constitutional status,” says the Knesset website. The long-promised overhaul of the judicial system is supposedly directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme court. Furthermore, critics have said that it will affect the checks and balances as well as undermine democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the ruling party coalition, which in this case would be Netanyahu’s Likud party, which also holds a majority in the Knesset. ALSO READ | Israel: Netanyahu fires defence minister after speech calling to halt govt's proposed legal plan The legal reforms would also limit the power and authority of the High Court of Justice to block legislation or government decisions which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory or undemocratic. However, it is the Override Clause that garnered controversy as it would simply allow a majority of the Members of Knesset (MK) to overrule decisions by the High Court. Additionally, the government will also gain control over the selection process of judges and reportedly eliminate ministry legal advisers who are appointed by and report to the attorney general into political appointments controlled entirely by the government. This makes the Supreme Court the only institution to limit the government’s power and by challenging legislation passed by a parliamentary majority, the proposed reform would remove this roadblock for the Netanyahu government. Notably, the court cannot arbitrarily dismiss legislation passed by the parliament unless they hinder one of the Basic Laws of Israel. Ouster of Israeli defence minister Netanyahu fired Gallant a day after his speech called on the government to stop the proposed judicial overhaul and hold talks with its opponents. In a brief statement, the PM's office said that Gallant will be transferred from his post. However, there was no clarity on the new position he will be given. ALSO READ | Israeli group asks court to punish Netanyahu over proposed legal plan; PM given a week to respond In a brief televised speech, on Saturday, the Israeli defence minister said, “Israel’s security is my life’s goal. Even now, I am willing to take a risk and pay a price. The threats around us are immense, near and far.” He also spoke about how he was “worried” about the conversations surrounding the proposed judicial reforms and that he had "never encountered the intensity of anger and pain". Following his ouster, protest leaders announced a spontaneous rally outside the military’s headquarters in Tel Aviv in response to Netanyahu's decision. According to local media reports, over 100,000 people gathered outside the Knesset, on Monday. ALSO READ | Israel’s Netanyahu meets Sunak at Downing Street amid protests; UK PM stresses on ‘democratic values’ Earlier today, Israeli PM in his first public statement since widespread demonstrations erupted last night. Netanyahu took to Twitter and called on all protesters in Jerusalem to “show responsibility and not act violently.” This came amid fears of violent clashes erupting between opponents and supporters of the government’s judicial overhaul this evening in Jerusalem. Netanyahu under pressure There has been mounting pressure on the Israeli PM who is stuck between tens of thousands of protesters, members of the opposition coalition, leaders of foreign countries, and listening to his party Likud’s MKs who have pushed for the judicial overhaul. ALSO READ | Israel protests | As it happened: At least 80,000 protesters gather outside parliament; Netanyahu urges protesters to avoid violence Last week, Netanyahu visited the United Kingdom and met his British counterpart PM Rishi Sunak at No. 10 Downing Street, as hundreds gathered outside. During the meeting, Sunak stressed the importance of “upholding democratic values”, said the UK PM’s spokesperson. “The prime minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel,” Sunak had said. Additionally, US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, late Sunday, said that Washington is “deeply concerned” about developments out of Israel and highlighted the “urgent need for compromise”. ALSO READ | Israel's judicial overhaul legislation to be put on hold until next Knesset session On Monday, Netanyahu’s coalition government also survived a no-confidence motion which was tabled by the opposition which has been protesting against the judicial overhaul plan. The motion failed by a vote of 59-53. Hours later, justice minister Levin said that he will “respect” PM Netanyahu's decision on how to proceed with the proposed overhaul plan, reported Times of Israel. However, he also warned how stopping it now may lead to the immediate "collapse of Likud", Netanyahu's right-wing ruling coalition. “We must all make an effort to stabilise the government and the coalition,” said Levin. Similarly, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the overhaul plan should not stop under any circumstances. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Israel: Netanyahu agrees to pause proposed judicial overhaul for now. Here's what happened

A good governance group called Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG), on Sunday (March 26) asked the country’s Supreme Court to punish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his proposed judicial reform bills which have led to widespread protests across the country for weeks now. Subsequently, the Israeli PM was given a week to respond to the petition filed by the group, ruled the Israeli&nbsp;high court on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Israeli PM has been accused of violating a conflict of interest agreement which was supposed to prevent him from interfering in the country’s judiciary as he is on trial for corruption. The group The Movement for Quality Government in Israel has reportedly been fiercely opposing the proposed overhaul and has now asked the country’s Supreme Court to act and force Netanyahu to obey the law.&nbsp;

The Jerusalem-based which was established almost three decades ago also filed a petition against the Israeli PM which contended that he is in contempt of court for breaking his conflict of interest agreement.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-protesters-now-3-months-strong-defence-min-yoav-gallant-appeals-to-halt-investigation-575799">Israel protesters now 3-months strong; Defence Min Yoav Gallant appeals to halt investigation</a>

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel has said that Netanyahu should be fined, imprisoned or sanctioned for this violation, as per media reports.&nbsp;“A prime minister who doesn’t obey the court and the provisions of the law is privileged and an anarchist,” said the head of the MQG, Eliad Shraga, as per media reports. He added, “The prime minister will be forced to bow his head before the law and comply with the provisions of the law.”&nbsp;

The High Court of Justice’s chief, Esther Hayut, following the petition has&nbsp;also asked Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Knesset (Israeli parliament) Speaker Amir Ohana to respond to these allegations by April 2.

A letter from the attorney general was sent to Netanyahu&nbsp;warning that his&nbsp;speech on Thursday violated the conflict of interest agreement, said the good governance group. Notably, Netanyahu has been barred by the country’s attorney general from dealing with his government’s plan to overhaul the judiciary, in line with the agreement which has also been acknowledged by the country’s Supreme Court in a separate ruling.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israeli-defence-minister-calls-for-halt-on-governments-proposed-judicial-overhaul-575741">&nbsp;Israeli defence minister calls for halt on government’s proposed judicial overhaul</a>

On Thursday, the parliament passed a law which makes it difficult to remove a sitting PM. Subsequently, Netanyahu said he was unshackled by the attorney general’s deal and vowed to address the crisis and “mend the rift” in the nation. This prompted Baharav-Miara to send a letter to the Israeli PM that he was violating the conflict of interest agreement by doing so.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A good governance group called Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG), on Sunday (March 26) asked the country’s Supreme Court to punish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his proposed judicial reform bills which have led to widespread protests across the country for weeks now.

A good governance group called Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG), on Sunday (March 26) asked the country’s Supreme Court to punish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his proposed judicial reform bills which have led to widespread protests across the country for weeks now. Subsequently, the Israeli PM was given a week to respond to the petition filed by the group, ruled the Israeli high court on Sunday. The Israeli PM has been accused of violating a conflict of interest agreement which was supposed to prevent him from interfering in the country’s judiciary as he is on trial for corruption. The group The Movement for Quality Government in Israel has reportedly been fiercely opposing the proposed overhaul and has now asked the country’s Supreme Court to act and force Netanyahu to obey the law. The Jerusalem-based which was established almost three decades ago also filed a petition against the Israeli PM which contended that he is in contempt of court for breaking his conflict of interest agreement. ALSO WATCH | Israel protesters now 3-months strong; Defence Min Yoav Gallant appeals to halt investigation The Movement for Quality Government in Israel has said that Netanyahu should be fined, imprisoned or sanctioned for this violation, as per media reports. “A prime minister who doesn’t obey the court and the provisions of the law is privileged and an anarchist,” said the head of the MQG, Eliad Shraga, as per media reports. He added, “The prime minister will be forced to bow his head before the law and comply with the provisions of the law.” The High Court of Justice’s chief, Esther Hayut, following the petition has also asked Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Knesset (Israeli parliament) Speaker Amir Ohana to respond to these allegations by April 2. A letter from the attorney general was sent to Netanyahu warning that his speech on Thursday violated the conflict of interest agreement, said the good governance group. Notably, Netanyahu has been barred by the country’s attorney general from dealing with his government’s plan to overhaul the judiciary, in line with the agreement which has also been acknowledged by the country’s Supreme Court in a separate ruling. ALSO READ | Israeli defence minister calls for halt on government’s proposed judicial overhaul On Thursday, the parliament passed a law which makes it difficult to remove a sitting PM. Subsequently, Netanyahu said he was unshackled by the attorney general’s deal and vowed to address the crisis and “mend the rift” in the nation. This prompted Baharav-Miara to send a letter to the Israeli PM that he was violating the conflict of interest agreement by doing so. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli group asks court to punish Netanyahu over proposed legal plan; PM given a week to respond

In the wake of what may be&nbsp;one of the deadliest attacks in East Jerusalem&nbsp;carried out by a Palestinian in years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday (January 28), promised “a strong, swift and precise response” ahead of a meeting with his government’s security cabinet. One of the attacks involved a shooting outside of a synagogue in East Jerusalem, on Friday, which killed at least seven people and injured three others. In a separate incident on Saturday, at least two people were injured following another shooting in the city, this time by a teen Palestinian.&nbsp;

“We are not seeking an escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario,” said Netanyahu ahead of the meeting on Saturday. Subsequently, Israel’s security cabinet announced measures which include revoking certain rights of “terrorist families” and decided to make it easier for civilians to obtain permits allowing them to carry firearms.&nbsp;

What do we know about the attacks in East Jerusalem?

The first attack took place late Friday (January 27) in East Jerusalem and has been described by the Israeli police as “a terrorist incident,” which led to the killing of seven people and wounding of three others before the perpetrator was shot dead by the police. Israeli police commissioner Yaakov Shabtai said the shooting was “one of the worst attacks we have encountered in recent years”, reported AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israel-responds-with-air-strikes-on-gaza-following-overnight-rocket-fire-556373">Israel retaliates with air strikes on Gaza following overnight firing of rockets</a>

It took place near a synagogue in the settlement neighbourhood of Neve Yaacov, in East Jerusalem where worshippers gathered for the Sabbath on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The attacker was later identified as Khaire Alkam, a 21-year-old Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem who arrived at 8:15 pm (local time) outside the synagogue, said the police.&nbsp;

“The terrorist shot at everyone he encountered. He got out of the car and began a murderous rampage with a handgun,”&nbsp;said Shabtai, as per Times of Israel. According to the Israeli police, the gunman fled in a car after opening fire and was chased. Subsequently, after an exchange of fire, the attacker was “neutralised”, said the police.&nbsp;

According to a report by Reuters, the gunman was a relative of a 17-year-old Palestinian who was shot dead on Wednesday during clashes with Israeli forces in West Bank, said the gunman’s family. “He is neither the first nor the last young man to get martyred and what he did is a source of pride,”&nbsp;said the 21-year-old’s father Moussa Alkam who claims that he did not have prior knowledge about his son seeking revenge, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/east-jerusalem-attack-seven-killed-3-injured-as-a-gunman-opens-fire-outside-synagogue-556840">East Jerusalem Attack: Seven killed, 3 injured as a gunman opens fire outside synagogue</a> 
 
The next day (January 28), another attack occurred where a 13-year-old Palestinian boy shot and wounded a 47-year-old Israeli man and his son, 23, in Silwan, East Jerusalem, reported AFP. Israel's Magen David Adom emergency response service in a video posted on Twitter said they were informed about the attack around 10:42 am (local time) and upon arrival they found two injured people lying down with “gunshot wounds to their upper body”.&nbsp;

As per local media reports citing the Israeli police, the shooter, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy was “neutralised and injured”. Additionally, an Israeli police spokesman Dean Elsdunne told The Associated Press that the attacker “waited to ambush civilians on the holy Sabbath day,” adding that the teenager opened fire on a group of five civilians.&nbsp;

The wounded teenager was later taken to the hospital, said the officials, he was also reportedly identified as an East Jerusalem resident and was suspected of having a terrorist motive. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for either of these attacks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/nine-killed-20-injured-amid-israeli-troops-west-bank-raid-say-palestinians-556313">Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians</a> 
 
What happened in West Bank and Gaza?

The East Jerusalem attacks came days after Israeli forces conducted a raid in West Bank on Thursday (January 26) where, according to Palestinian officials, seven gunmen and two civilians were killed in what may be the deadliest day on the territory in two decades. Furthermore, at least 20 others had been injured following a live ammunition raid on the Jenin refugee camp where Israeli troops surrounded buildings and clashed with Palestinian militants, as per reports. &nbsp;

There was also an exchange of fire between Tel Aviv and the Gaza Strip on Friday which Israel later said that it “targeted an underground rocket manufacturing site” belonging to Hamas and a north Gaza military base used by the group. &nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-blinken-to-visit-israel-and-west-bank-as-tension-spikes-556888">U.S.' Blinken to visit Israel and West Bank as tension spikes</a>

A report by AFP citing security sources in Hamas Islamist-controlled Gaza said there had been 15 strikes targeting militant sites and no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, the Israeli army said two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel around midnight, which triggered sirens in Israeli communities near the border. These attacks continued for several hours while no group claimed responsibility for firing the rockets.

How has Israel responded to the attacks?

After the synagogue attack on Friday, the Israeli police have made dozens of arrests while the military has said they will send more forces to West Bank. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israeli officers on Sunday (January 29) sealed off the&nbsp;Palestinian gunman's&nbsp;Jerusalem family home, said the police. This also comes after&nbsp;Netanyahu said the Israeli&nbsp;government would pursue sanctions against the families of assailants following the security cabinet meeting late Saturday.&nbsp;

“The police arrested 42 suspects for questioning, some of them from the terrorist’s family,” said the Israeli police. Furthermore, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that after a “situational assessment,” it has decided to “reinforce the Judea and Samaria (West Bank) division with an additional battalion”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jerusalem-shooting-21-yo-shooter-shot-dead-by-police-israel-pm-netanyahu-vows-swift-action-556925">Jerusalem shooting: 21-YO shooter shot dead by police; Israel PM Netanyahu vows 'swift action'</a>

In light of the recent attacks, the Israeli security cabinet convened on Saturday (January 28) and subsequently announced measures which include revoking certain rights of “terrorist families”, as per AFP. Additionally, the cabinet also moved to revoke the rights to social security of “the families of terrorists that support terrorism”.&nbsp;

Furthermore, they have decided to increase gun permits for licensed civilians to defend against street attacks, a move which National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir prior to the meeting had said he would push for. “When civilians have guns, they can defend themselves”, said Ben-Gvir to the press outside a Jerusalem hospital on Saturday, reported AFP.&nbsp;

International condemnation&nbsp;

The attack drew international condemnation from several countries including the United States, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and so on. Additionally, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the attack was “particularly abhorrent” as it occurred at a place of worship and on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secy-of-state-antony-blinken-headed-to-egypt-will-visit-jerusalem-ramallah-556930">US Secy of State Antony Blinken headed to Egypt, will visit Jerusalem &amp; Ramallah</a>

Furthermore, among the seven killed during Friday’s attack was a Ukrainian woman, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while expressing solidarity with Israel.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia which has no formal ties with Israel warned against “further escalation” and said the country “condemns all targeting of civilians.”&nbsp;

On the other hand,&nbsp;Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has still not remarked on Friday's attack and&nbsp;blamed Israel for the spiralling violence, on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the wake of what may be one of the deadliest attacks in East Jerusalem carried out by a Palestinian in years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday (January 28), promised “a strong, swift and precise response” ahead of a meeting with his government’s security cabinet.

In the wake of what may be one of the deadliest attacks in East Jerusalem carried out by a Palestinian in years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Saturday (January 28), promised “a strong, swift and precise response” ahead of a meeting with his government’s security cabinet. One of the attacks involved a shooting outside of a synagogue in East Jerusalem, on Friday, which killed at least seven people and injured three others. In a separate incident on Saturday, at least two people were injured following another shooting in the city, this time by a teen Palestinian. “We are not seeking an escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario,” said Netanyahu ahead of the meeting on Saturday. Subsequently, Israel’s security cabinet announced measures which include revoking certain rights of “terrorist families” and decided to make it easier for civilians to obtain permits allowing them to carry firearms. What do we know about the attacks in East Jerusalem? The first attack took place late Friday (January 27) in East Jerusalem and has been described by the Israeli police as “a terrorist incident,” which led to the killing of seven people and wounding of three others before the perpetrator was shot dead by the police. Israeli police commissioner Yaakov Shabtai said the shooting was “one of the worst attacks we have encountered in recent years”, reported AFP. ALSO READ | Israel retaliates with air strikes on Gaza following overnight firing of rockets It took place near a synagogue in the settlement neighbourhood of Neve Yaacov, in East Jerusalem where worshippers gathered for the Sabbath on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The attacker was later identified as Khaire Alkam, a 21-year-old Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem who arrived at 8:15 pm (local time) outside the synagogue, said the police. “The terrorist shot at everyone he encountered. He got out of the car and began a murderous rampage with a handgun,” said Shabtai, as per Times of Israel. According to the Israeli police, the gunman fled in a car after opening fire and was chased. Subsequently, after an exchange of fire, the attacker was “neutralised”, said the police. According to a report by Reuters, the gunman was a relative of a 17-year-old Palestinian who was shot dead on Wednesday during clashes with Israeli forces in West Bank, said the gunman’s family. “He is neither the first nor the last young man to get martyred and what he did is a source of pride,” said the 21-year-old’s father Moussa Alkam who claims that he did not have prior knowledge about his son seeking revenge, reported Reuters. ALSO WATCH | East Jerusalem Attack: Seven killed, 3 injured as a gunman opens fire outside synagogue The next day (January 28), another attack occurred where a 13-year-old Palestinian boy shot and wounded a 47-year-old Israeli man and his son, 23, in Silwan, East Jerusalem, reported AFP. Israel's Magen David Adom emergency response service in a video posted on Twitter said they were informed about the attack around 10:42 am (local time) and upon arrival they found two injured people lying down with “gunshot wounds to their upper body”. As per local media reports citing the Israeli police, the shooter, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy was “neutralised and injured”. Additionally, an Israeli police spokesman Dean Elsdunne told The Associated Press that the attacker “waited to ambush civilians on the holy Sabbath day,” adding that the teenager opened fire on a group of five civilians. The wounded teenager was later taken to the hospital, said the officials, he was also reportedly identified as an East Jerusalem resident and was suspected of having a terrorist motive. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for either of these attacks. ALSO READ | Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians What happened in West Bank and Gaza? The East Jerusalem attacks came days after Israeli forces conducted a raid in West Bank on Thursday (January 26) where, according to Palestinian officials, seven gunmen and two civilians were killed in what may be the deadliest day on the territory in two decades. Furthermore, at least 20 others had been injured following a live ammunition raid on the Jenin refugee camp where Israeli troops surrounded buildings and clashed with Palestinian militants, as per reports. There was also an exchange of fire between Tel Aviv and the Gaza Strip on Friday which Israel later said that it “targeted an underground rocket manufacturing site” belonging to Hamas and a north Gaza military base used by the group. ALSO WATCH | U.S.' Blinken to visit Israel and West Bank as tension spikes A report by AFP citing security sources in Hamas Islamist-controlled Gaza said there had been 15 strikes targeting militant sites and no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, the Israeli army said two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel around midnight, which triggered sirens in Israeli communities near the border. These attacks continued for several hours while no group claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. How has Israel responded to the attacks? After the synagogue attack on Friday, the Israeli police have made dozens of arrests while the military has said they will send more forces to West Bank. Meanwhile, Israeli officers on Sunday (January 29) sealed off the Palestinian gunman's Jerusalem family home, said the police. This also comes after Netanyahu said the Israeli government would pursue sanctions against the families of assailants following the security cabinet meeting late Saturday. “The police arrested 42 suspects for questioning, some of them from the terrorist’s family,” said the Israeli police. Furthermore, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that after a “situational assessment,” it has decided to “reinforce the Judea and Samaria (West Bank) division with an additional battalion”. ALSO WATCH | Jerusalem shooting: 21-YO shooter shot dead by police; Israel PM Netanyahu vows 'swift action' In light of the recent attacks, the Israeli security cabinet convened on Saturday (January 28) and subsequently announced measures which include revoking certain rights of “terrorist families”, as per AFP. Additionally, the cabinet also moved to revoke the rights to social security of “the families of terrorists that support terrorism”. Furthermore, they have decided to increase gun permits for licensed civilians to defend against street attacks, a move which National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir prior to the meeting had said he would push for. “When civilians have guns, they can defend themselves”, said Ben-Gvir to the press outside a Jerusalem hospital on Saturday, reported AFP. International condemnation The attack drew international condemnation from several countries including the United States, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and so on. Additionally, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the attack was “particularly abhorrent” as it occurred at a place of worship and on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. ALSO WATCH | US Secy of State Antony Blinken headed to Egypt, will visit Jerusalem & Ramallah Furthermore, among the seven killed during Friday’s attack was a Ukrainian woman, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while expressing solidarity with Israel. Saudi Arabia which has no formal ties with Israel warned against “further escalation” and said the country “condemns all targeting of civilians.” On the other hand, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has still not remarked on Friday's attack and blamed Israel for the spiralling violence, on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu vows response to East Jerusalem attacks; govt announces new measures: What we know so far

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said his country would be cooperating with the United Arab Emirates to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, despite a lack of diplomatic ties.

"This collaboration will be in the areas of research and development and technology, in areas that will improve health security throughout the region," Netanyahu said in a statement.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-arab-league-urge-israel-to-abandon-annexation-plans-308319">UN, Arab League urge Israel to abandon annexation plans</a>

He did not give further details, but said that the planned cooperation, to be announced formally by health ministers for Israel and the UAE" is the result of prolonged and intense contacts in recent months".

Jordan and Egypt aside, Arab countries have no official relations with Israel.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-troops-kill-palestinian-who-tried-car-ramming-in-west-bank-police-308080">Israeli troops kill Palestinian who tried car-ramming in West Bank: Police</a>

But Arab states in the Gulf, including the UAE, have increasingly built informal ties with Israel in recent years amid shared concerns over Iran, which the Jewish state considers its arch-enemy.

"The stronger we are, the more powerful we are at deterring our enemies and bringing our friends closer," Netanyahu said in his statement.

His remarks come just days before Israel intends to kick-start US-backed plans to annex &nbsp;settlements in the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley.

The plan has sparked the fury of the Palestinians and drawn international condemnation.

And earlier this month, the Emirati ambassador to Washington warned that annexation of parts of the West Bank would jeopardise any warming of Arab-Israeli relations.

"Annexation will certainly and immediately upend Israeli aspirations for improved security, economic and cultural ties with the Arab world and with the UAE," Yousef al-Otaiba wrote in a rare op-ed by an Emirati official in Israel's top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot.

On Wednesday the United Nations, European and Arab powers warned Israel that the plan would deal a major blow to peace.

Arab countries have repeatedly called for a settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a condition for normalising ties with the Jewish state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said his country would be cooperating with the United Arab Emirates to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, despite a lack of diplomatic ties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said his country would be cooperating with the United Arab Emirates to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, despite a lack of diplomatic ties. "This collaboration will be in the areas of research and development and technology, in areas that will improve health security throughout the region," Netanyahu said in a statement. Also read| UN, Arab League urge Israel to abandon annexation plans He did not give further details, but said that the planned cooperation, to be announced formally by health ministers for Israel and the UAE" is the result of prolonged and intense contacts in recent months". Jordan and Egypt aside, Arab countries have no official relations with Israel. Also read| Israeli troops kill Palestinian who tried car-ramming in West Bank: Police But Arab states in the Gulf, including the UAE, have increasingly built informal ties with Israel in recent years amid shared concerns over Iran, which the Jewish state considers its arch-enemy. "The stronger we are, the more powerful we are at deterring our enemies and bringing our friends closer," Netanyahu said in his statement. His remarks come just days before Israel intends to kick-start US-backed plans to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley. The plan has sparked the fury of the Palestinians and drawn international condemnation. And earlier this month, the Emirati ambassador to Washington warned that annexation of parts of the West Bank would jeopardise any warming of Arab-Israeli relations. "Annexation will certainly and immediately upend Israeli aspirations for improved security, economic and cultural ties with the Arab world and with the UAE," Yousef al-Otaiba wrote in a rare op-ed by an Emirati official in Israel's top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot. On Wednesday the United Nations, European and Arab powers warned Israel that the plan would deal a major blow to peace. Arab countries have repeatedly called for a settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a condition for normalising ties with the Jewish state.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announces 'cooperation' with UAE to combat coronavirus

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-crisis-delays-start-of-netanyahu-corruption-trial-286472">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> re-entered quarantine for seven-days on Thursday as a precautionary measure after the health minister Yaakov Litzmand tested positive for the coronavirus.

Netanyahu's earlier quarantine ended in Wednesday which was imposed earlier this week after&nbsp;one of his staffers tested positive for the deadly virus which has so far infected almost a million people worldwide.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spoke-to-pm-modi-israel-depends-on-others-for-supplies-netanyahu-on-covid-19-285868">Spoke to PM Modi, Israel depends on others for supplies: Netanyahu on COVID-19</a>

Health Ministery's director-general, Moshe Bar Siman Tov, along with other senior officials, will also enter quarantine following contacts with Litzman.

"Litzman and his wife feel well, are receiving treatment and will be quarantined and supervised," a health ministry statement said.

Israel has reported at least 29 deaths and more than 6,200 infections. Tight curbs have confined Israelis to their homes, forcing businesses to close and sending unemployment over 24%.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu announced new curbs on Wednesday to deter movement around Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish town that has suffered a disproportionately large outbreak.

"The situation there is horrible. Every day we stall, we put lives at risk," Litzman had said in an interview published on Tuesday in the Yedioth Ahronot newspaper.

"The public now has to listen to the health ministry."

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu re-entered quarantine for seven-days on Thursday as a precautionary measure after the health minister Yaakov Litzmand tested positive for the coronavirus.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu re-entered quarantine for seven-days on Thursday as a precautionary measure after the health minister Yaakov Litzmand tested positive for the coronavirus. Netanyahu's earlier quarantine ended in Wednesday which was imposed earlier this week after one of his staffers tested positive for the deadly virus which has so far infected almost a million people worldwide. Also read: Spoke to PM Modi, Israel depends on others for supplies: Netanyahu on COVID-19 Health Ministery's director-general, Moshe Bar Siman Tov, along with other senior officials, will also enter quarantine following contacts with Litzman. "Litzman and his wife feel well, are receiving treatment and will be quarantined and supervised," a health ministry statement said. Israel has reported at least 29 deaths and more than 6,200 infections. Tight curbs have confined Israelis to their homes, forcing businesses to close and sending unemployment over 24%. Meanwhile, Netanyahu announced new curbs on Wednesday to deter movement around Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish town that has suffered a disproportionately large outbreak. "The situation there is horrible. Every day we stall, we put lives at risk," Litzman had said in an interview published on Tuesday in the Yedioth Ahronot newspaper. "The public now has to listen to the health ministry." (With inputs from agencies)

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Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in India on Sunday on a six-day visit, during which he will hold extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. &nbsp;

Israeli PM Netanyahu is the second Prime Minister from his country after Ariel Sharon to visit India in the last 25 years. &nbsp;

He is accompanied by a 130-member delegation from various sectors including cyber, agriculture and defence. &nbsp;

His visit assumes even more significance as it comes just over six months after the visit of Modi to Israel, the first ever Indian prime ministerial visit to the West Asian nation. &nbsp;

The visiting Israeli PM, on Monday, will be given a ceremonial reception at 10 am at the Rashtrapati Bhawan which will be followed by the wreath laying at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. &nbsp;

Netanyahu will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House and hold delegation level talks. &nbsp;

The two sides will sign agreements and also issue a joint press statement at Hyderabad House around 1 pm. &nbsp;

The Israeli Prime Minister will pay a visit to President Ram Nath Kovind later in the day.

Israeli PM will be given a ceremonial reception at 10 am at the Rashtrapati Bhawan which will be followed by the wreath laying at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in India on Sunday on a six-day visit, during which he will hold extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Israeli PM Netanyahu is the second Prime Minister from his country after Ariel Sharon to visit India in the last 25 years. He is accompanied by a 130-member delegation from various sectors including cyber, agriculture and defence. His visit assumes even more significance as it comes just over six months after the visit of Modi to Israel, the first ever Indian prime ministerial visit to the West Asian nation. The visiting Israeli PM, on Monday, will be given a ceremonial reception at 10 am at the Rashtrapati Bhawan which will be followed by the wreath laying at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Netanyahu will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House and hold delegation level talks. The two sides will sign agreements and also issue a joint press statement at Hyderabad House around 1 pm. The Israeli Prime Minister will pay a visit to President Ram Nath Kovind later in the day.