Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel is determined to bring back all the hostages and is willing to end the war if Hamas agrees to Israel’s terms and that he had told the same to the hostage families the previous night. In a video statement from Washington, Netanyahu said, “I told them that we are currently trying to achieve the release of half of the hostages, both alive and dead, in exchange for a temporary ceasefire of 60 days.” “At the beginning of this ceasefire, negotiations will be entered into to end the war permanently. That is, a permanent ceasefire. In order for us to achieve this, this must be done under the minimum conditions that we have set: Hamas lays down its weapons, Gaza is demilitarised, and Hamas no longer has any governmental or military capabilities. These are our basic conditions.”Israel has made those demands throughout the war that began with the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.&nbsp;“If this can be achieved through negotiations—that’s great. If it is not achieved through negotiations in 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways; by using force, the force of our heroic army,” he said after speaking at a memorial service for two embassy employees who were murdered in May.“We said the same thing about Iran, removing the nuclear threat,” he continued. “If this is achieved in 60 days of negotiations between the United States and Iran, that’s great. But if it is not achieved, it will be achieved in another way.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">זהו יומו האחרון של ביקור היסטורי – אחרי ניצחון היסטורי על איראן. אני שולח תנחומים מעומק הלב, בשמי ובשם רעייתי שרה, למשפחתו של הנרצח בגוש עציון. המאבק בטרור נמשך בכל החזיתות: בעזה, ביהודה ושומרון, ומעבר להם. נפגשתי עם משפחות החטופים, חיים וחללים. אני מבהיר להם: אנחנו מחויבים… <a href="https://t.co/ZBOEDx7G7L">pic.twitter.com/ZBOEDx7G7L</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1943354710364426655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘This is a war zone that no army in the world has faced’</h2>&nbsp;Netanyahu said he often hears questions about why the war in Gaza is taking so long. “First of all, this is a war zone that no army in the world has faced,” he explains. “And thanks to the heroism of the fighters, thanks to the sacrifice of the fallen, thanks to the creativity, we dismantled most of Hamas’s military capabilities. But not all of them. There are still thousands of fighters there with weapons. And we want to act, again, with a combination of diplomacy and military force, and military force if diplomacy doesn’t work, to complete the mission.”He also said that the US, under Joe Biden’s administration, delayed Israel’s entry into Rafah.“And I remind you—[all this has happened] during the very months, the last few months, in which we were preparing and finally carrying out the military operation that is perhaps the most brilliant in our history, among the most brilliant certainly, which the whole world is in awe of.”“Meanwhile, we continue to advance in the Gaza Strip and rescue the hostages who have died. Ee did not let up for a moment, and even now we are not letting up on this for a moment.”He emphasised that Israel will return to war after a ceasefire if Hamas doesn’t give in, as happened after the two previous ceasefires.If Israel’s goals are achieved diplomatically, that’s good, says Netanyahu. “But one way or another, they will be achieved.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Hamas will pick which captives go free in deal’</h2>&nbsp;Regarding which hostages will be released in case of truce , Netanyahu said he would prefer to get everyone out at once, but Hamas will decide which captives go free. “We are dealing with a cruel terrorist organisation. Of course, we would like to rescue everyone. I want to rescue everyone in one swoop.”

Regarding which hostages will be released in case of truce, Netanyahu said he would prefer to get everyone out at once, but Hamas will decide which captives go free. “We are dealing with a cruel terrorist organisation. Of course, we would like to rescue everyone.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel is determined to bring back all the hostages and is willing to end the war if Hamas agrees to Israel’s terms and that he had told the same to the hostage families the previous night. In a video statement from Washington, Netanyahu said, “I told them that we are currently trying to achieve the release of half of the hostages, both alive and dead, in exchange for a temporary ceasefire of 60 days.” “At the beginning of this ceasefire, negotiations will be entered into to end the war permanently. That is, a permanent ceasefire. In order for us to achieve this, this must be done under the minimum conditions that we have set: Hamas lays down its weapons, Gaza is demilitarised, and Hamas no longer has any governmental or military capabilities. These are our basic conditions.” Israel has made those demands throughout the war that began with the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. “If this can be achieved through negotiations—that’s great. If it is not achieved through negotiations in 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways; by using force, the force of our heroic army,” he said after speaking at a memorial service for two embassy employees who were murdered in May. “We said the same thing about Iran, removing the nuclear threat,” he continued. “If this is achieved in 60 days of negotiations between the United States and Iran, that’s great. But if it is not achieved, it will be achieved in another way.”

Regarding which hostages will be released in case of truce, Netanyahu said he would prefer to get everyone out at once, but Hamas will decide which captives go free. “We are dealing with a cruel terrorist organisation. Of course, we would like to rescue everyone.”

Israel will return to fighting if 60-day truce doesn’t bring deal to end Gaza war: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in Washington on Wednesday that he and US President Donald Trump share unanimity in efforts to secure a hostage deal but won’t agree to one at any price. “President Trump and I have a common goal. I want to achieve the release of our hostages. We want to end Hamas rule in Gaza. We want to make sure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel anymore,” Netanyahu told reporters at the Capitol before meeting with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Netanyahu said he and Trump have the same strategy and tactics for securing a deal and that they don’t involve US pressure on Israel.&nbsp;“President Trump wants a deal, but not at any price. I want a deal, but not at any price. Israel has security requirements and other requirements, and we’re working together to try to achieve it,” Netanyahu said.&nbsp;On Tuesday, though, the US leaned on Israel to ease its stance regarding the partial withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza during the temporary truce under discussion, an Arab official told The Times of Israel.&nbsp;Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his meeting with President Trump focused on freeing hostages held in Gaza, as Israel continued to pound the Palestinian territory amid efforts to reach a ceasefire.Netanyahu said on X that the leaders also discussed the consequences and possibilities of “the great victory we achieved over Iran”.Netanyahu is making his third US visit since Trump took office on January 20 and had earlier told reporters that while he did not think Israel's campaign in the Palestinian enclave was done, negotiators are “certainly working” on a ceasefire.&nbsp;<h2>Israel not seeking to displace Gazans: Netanyahu</h2>&nbsp;PM Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Israel is not seeking to displace Palestinians forcibly but would offer the opportunity to leave to those interested in leaving.“We’re not pushing out anyone, and I don’t think that’s President Trump’s suggestion,” Netanyahu says in response to a question from a reporter at the Capitol.When Trump introduced his plan to take over Gaza for the first time in February, he talked about permanently relocating the entire population. He has since distanced himself from such rhetoric and rarely speaks publicly of the plan.However, Netanyahu has reportedly told Likud lawmakers that Israel is destroying every building in Gaza so that Palestinians have nowhere to go other than outside the Strip.&nbsp;“It’s called the freedom of choice, and nothing more than that. No coercion, no forcible dislocation. If people want to leave Gaza, they should have the right to do so and not be held at the point of a gun by Hamas,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu insisted that Israel is not seeking to displace Palestinians forcibly but would offer the opportunity to leave to those interested in leaving. However, Netanyahu reportedly told Likud lawmakers that Israel is destroying every building in Gaza so that Palestinians have nowhere to go.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in Washington on Wednesday that he and US President Donald Trump share unanimity in efforts to secure a hostage deal but won’t agree to one at any price. “President Trump and I have a common goal. I want to achieve the release of our hostages. We want to end Hamas rule in Gaza. We want to make sure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel anymore,” Netanyahu told reporters at the Capitol before meeting with Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Netanyahu said he and Trump have the same strategy and tactics for securing a deal and that they don’t involve US pressure on Israel. “President Trump wants a deal, but not at any price. I want a deal, but not at any price. Israel has security requirements and other requirements, and we’re working together to try to achieve it,” Netanyahu said. On Tuesday, though, the US leaned on Israel to ease its stance regarding the partial withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza during the temporary truce under discussion, an Arab official told The Times of Israel. Netanyahu said on Wednesday that his meeting with President Trump focused on freeing hostages held in Gaza, as Israel continued to pound the Palestinian territory amid efforts to reach a ceasefire. Netanyahu said on X that the leaders also discussed the consequences and possibilities of “the great victory we achieved over Iran”. Netanyahu is making his third US visit since Trump took office on January 20 and had earlier told reporters that while he did not think Israel's campaign in the Palestinian enclave was done, negotiators are “certainly working” on a ceasefire. Israel not seeking to displace Gazans: Netanyahu PM Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Israel is not seeking to displace Palestinians forcibly but would offer the opportunity to leave to those interested in leaving. “We’re not pushing out anyone, and I don’t think that’s President Trump’s suggestion,” Netanyahu says in response to a question from a reporter at the Capitol. When Trump introduced his plan to take over Gaza for the first time in February, he talked about permanently relocating the entire population. He has since distanced himself from such rhetoric and rarely speaks publicly of the plan. However, Netanyahu has reportedly told Likud lawmakers that Israel is destroying every building in Gaza so that Palestinians have nowhere to go other than outside the Strip. “It’s called the freedom of choice, and nothing more than that. No coercion, no forcible dislocation. If people want to leave Gaza, they should have the right to do so and not be held at the point of a gun by Hamas,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu insisted that Israel is not seeking to displace Palestinians forcibly but would offer the opportunity to leave to those interested in leaving. However, Netanyahu reportedly told Likud lawmakers that Israel is destroying every building in Gaza so that Palestinians have nowhere to go.

‘President Trump and I have common goal, want Gaza deal, but not at any price,’ says Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (July 8) said that he will be meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again today to discuss the Gaza ceasefire deal "almost exclusively", stressing that we have got to get that solved. Trump said this as Netanyahu visits Washington to hold talks with the US president and other officials to discuss the Israel-Hamas war.The US president said that Netanyahu will be coming over to talk about the Gaza ceasefire deal. Trump met the Israeli PM on Monday night also, discussing their war with Hamas."He's coming over later. We're going to be talking about, I would say almost exclusively, Gaza," Trump said. "We gotta get that solved."Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said that the sides were in "proximity talks", adding that the talks had reduced outstanding issues from "four issues...to one."<h2>Witkoff shares ceasefire deal details</h2>Witkoff hinted that the ceasefire agreement might be reached by the end of this week, giving further details about the agreement.“We are hopeful that by the end of this week, we will have an agreement that will bring us into a 60-day ceasefire,” Witkoff said. “Ten live hostages will be released. Nine deceased will be released.”Trump further described the situation, calling it a "tragedy", claiming that Netanyahu has been "very unfairly treated" because of his corruption trial.“He’s been very unfairly treated. I think what they’ve done to him in Israel is very unfair. Having to do with this trial, he’s a wartime Prime Minister, had an unbelievable outcome, and I think he’s been treated very unfairly,” Trump said while speaking about Netanyahu.Trump has been pushing for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, to which Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire. Later, Hamas also accepted the framework, paving the way for US-backed negotiations with Israel."The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations and discussions with Palestinian factions and forces regarding the latest proposal put forward by the mediators."It further confirmed that it has submitted its response to the mediators and is "fully ready and serious to immediately enter a round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework.”But, last week, Netanyahu called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas.

 Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said that the sides were in "proximity talks", adding that the talks had reduced outstanding issues from "four issues...to one."

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (July 8) said that he will be meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again today to discuss the Gaza ceasefire deal "almost exclusively", stressing that we have got to get that solved. Trump said this as Netanyahu visits Washington to hold talks with the US president and other officials to discuss the Israel-Hamas war. The US president said that Netanyahu will be coming over to talk about the Gaza ceasefire deal. Trump met the Israeli PM on Monday night also, discussing their war with Hamas. "He's coming over later. We're going to be talking about, I would say almost exclusively, Gaza," Trump said. "We gotta get that solved." Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said that the sides were in "proximity talks", adding that the talks had reduced outstanding issues from "four issues...to one." Witkoff shares ceasefire deal details Witkoff hinted that the ceasefire agreement might be reached by the end of this week, giving further details about the agreement. “We are hopeful that by the end of this week, we will have an agreement that will bring us into a 60-day ceasefire,” Witkoff said. “Ten live hostages will be released. Nine deceased will be released.” Trump further described the situation, calling it a "tragedy", claiming that Netanyahu has been "very unfairly treated" because of his corruption trial. “He’s been very unfairly treated. I think what they’ve done to him in Israel is very unfair. Having to do with this trial, he’s a wartime Prime Minister, had an unbelievable outcome, and I think he’s been treated very unfairly,” Trump said while speaking about Netanyahu. Trump has been pushing for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, to which Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire. Later, Hamas also accepted the framework, paving the way for US-backed negotiations with Israel. "The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations and discussions with Palestinian factions and forces regarding the latest proposal put forward by the mediators." It further confirmed that it has submitted its response to the mediators and is "fully ready and serious to immediately enter a round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework.” But, last week, Netanyahu called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas.

&nbsp;Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said that the sides were in "proximity talks", adding that the talks had reduced outstanding issues from "four issues...to one."

Gaza ceasefire this week? Witkoff hints at potential deal; Trump to meet Netanyahu again to discuss Gaza 'exclusively'

After seven weeks of rigorous trial, controversial music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been found not guilty of charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (July 2) called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas.&nbsp;Click on the headlines for more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sean-diddy-combs-found-not-guilty-for-sex-trafficking-racketeering-1751467134618">Sean Diddy Combs found NOT GUILTY for sex trafficking, racketeering</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250702/image-1751467203208.jfif?rect=(0,21,558,418)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Sean Diddy Combs found NOT GUILTY for sex trafficking, racketeering"></figure>&nbsp;After seven-weeks of rigorous trial, controversial music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been found not guilty of charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. He has, however, been convicted of a US federal prostitution felony on Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-there-will-be-no-hamas-it-s-over-netanyahu-vows-to-eliminate-terror-group-in-postwar-gaza-1751467634456">'There will be no Hamas, IT'S OVER': Netanyahu vows to eliminate terror group in postwar Gaza</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250702/image-1751468011373.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'There will be no Hamas, IT'S OVER': Netanyahu vows to eliminate terror group in postwar Gaza"></figure>&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (July 2) called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-his-big-beautiful-bill-says-it-will-bring-growth-to-us-economy-1751464077344">Trump defends his ‘big, beautiful’ bill, says it will bring ‘growth’ to US economy</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250702/image-1751464823917.jpg?rect=(0,79,1247,935)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Trump defends his ‘big, beautiful’ bill, says it will bring ‘growth’ to US economy"></figure>&nbsp;President Donald Trump strongly defended his ‘big, beautiful’ bill after it barely passed in the Senate, in a post on his social media Truth Social and emphasised that the bill will bring “growth” to the US, even though it is estimated that the bill would grow the national deficit by $3.3 trillion through 2034, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-will-save-new-york-city-from-communist-lunatic-zohran-mamdani-1751463152643">Trump says he will ‘save New York City’ from ‘Communist Lunatic’ Zohran Mamdani</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250702/image-1751463378977.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Trump says he will ‘save New York City’ from ‘Communist Lunatic’ Zohran Mamdani"></figure>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jul 2) said that he will not let “Communist Lunatic” Indian-origin mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani destroy New York, assuring that he will save the city. This comes amid the tussle between the two after Trump warned of arresting Mamdani, to which the Democrat responded by saying that he will not accept this “intimidation”. Mamdani said that he refuses to let ICE “terrorise the city” and also slammed New York’s incumbent mayor, Eric Adams.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-linked-terrorist-cell-apprehended-in-syria-claims-israeli-military-1751463469884">‘Iran-linked terrorist cell’ apprehended in Syria claims Israeli Military</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250702/image-1751467000245.jpg?zoom=0.9&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="&quot;Iran-linked terrorist cell&quot; apprehended in Syria claims Israeli Military"></figure>&nbsp;The Israeli Military on Wednesday said that it had apprehended members of a terrorist cell in southern Syria. Since the overthrow of Syria's longtime ruler, Bashar al-Assad, Israel has carried out hundreds of military and air strikes on military sites. The Syrian state TV said three were arrested, linked to Iran by the Israeli Troops. Israel's arch-foe against which it had fought an unprecedented 12-day war last month.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-explosion-kills-assistant-commissioner-4-others-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-s-bajaur-1751458792881">Pakistan: Explosion kills assistant commissioner, 4 others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250702/image-1751460510638.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Pakistan: Explosion kills assistant commissioner, 4 others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur"></figure>&nbsp;An explosion in Pakistan’s Bajau District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday (Jul 3) has killed five people, including Assistant Commissioner Naogai. Eleven people were injured in the incident. The roadside bomb targeted a vehicle carrying Assistant Commissioner Faisal Sultan and his security team, according to district police chief Waqas Rafique, reports AP. Several of the wounded are in critical condition.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-precision-guided-bombs-missiles-trump-halts-some-weapons-transfers-to-ukraine-amid-raging-russia-war-but-why-1751460625139">'Precision-guided bombs, missiles': Trump halts some weapons transfers to Ukraine amid raging Russia war. But why?</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250702/image-1751461069419.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Precision-guided bombs, missiles': Trump halts some weapons transfers to Ukraine amid raging Russia war. But why?"></figure>&nbsp;Just days after US President Donald Trump said that he is considering sending additional Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, the White House halted the delivery of some air defence interceptors and precision-guided bombs and missiles to Ukraine, as the Pentagon cited that US weapons stocks were going too low.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-batch-of-amarnath-yatris-reach-anantnag-s-pahalgam-and-baltal-base-camps-in-kashmir-yatra-to-start-tomorrow-1751457949159">Amarnath Yatra set to begin tomorrow, Yatris reach Anantnag’s Pahalgam and Baltal base camps in Kashmir</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250702/image-1751458225501.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Amarnath Yatra set to begin tomorrow, Yatris reach Anantnag’s Pahalgam and Baltal base camps in Kashmir"></figure>&nbsp;The first batch of Amarnath Yatris that left from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar early morning today has reached both the base camps in Anantnag’s Pahalgam area and Ganderbal’s Baltal area. Notably, around 5892 Yatris reached Kashmir.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/enforce-complete-digital-blackout-cine-workers-association-urges-pm-modi-amid-pakistani-stars-social-media-handles-restoration-1751464613486">Enforce complete digital blackout: Cine Workers Association urges PM Modi amid Pakistani stars’ social media handles restoration</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250702/image-1751465089447.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Enforce complete digital blackout: Cine Workers Association urges PM Modi amid Pakistani stars’ social media handles restoration"></figure>&nbsp;The All Indian Cine Workers Association has raised objections to the reappearance of social media accounts of Pakistani actors in India. The AICWA has written a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising concerns about the new move. The letter comes a day after Instagram accounts of several popular Pakistani actors were visible to Indian fans.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2025-day-3-scores-july-2-updates-results-highlights-sabalenka-alcaraz-1751460496663">Wimbledon 2025 LIVE updates-Day 3 scores and Results: Aryna Sabalenka cruises through</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250702/image-1751460744195.jpg?rect=(0,36,440,329)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Wimbledon 2025 LIVE updates-Day 3 scores and Results: Aryna Sabalenka cruises through"></figure>&nbsp;After several stars suffered shock first round exits from the All England Club, including second seed Coco Gauff, third seed Jessica Pegula and fifth seed Zheng Qinwen, Top seed Aryna Sabalenka was pushed hard by Bouzkova in Wednesday's (July 2) opening match on Centre Court as her Czech opponent matched fire with fire in a bruising encounter.&nbsp;

Stay updated with our selection of the top international stories, delivering essential news and analysis from across the world to keep you in the loop.

After seven weeks of rigorous trial, controversial music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been found not guilty of charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (July 2) called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas. Click on the headlines for more Sean Diddy Combs found NOT GUILTY for sex trafficking, racketeering After seven-weeks of rigorous trial, controversial music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been found not guilty of charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. He has, however, been convicted of a US federal prostitution felony on Wednesday. 'There will be no Hamas, IT'S OVER': Netanyahu vows to eliminate terror group in postwar Gaza Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (July 2) called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas. Trump defends his ‘big, beautiful’ bill, says it will bring ‘growth’ to US economy President Donald Trump strongly defended his ‘big, beautiful’ bill after it barely passed in the Senate, in a post on his social media Truth Social and emphasised that the bill will bring “growth” to the US, even though it is estimated that the bill would grow the national deficit by $3.3 trillion through 2034, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. Trump says he will ‘save New York City’ from ‘Communist Lunatic’ Zohran Mamdani US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jul 2) said that he will not let “Communist Lunatic” Indian-origin mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani destroy New York, assuring that he will save the city. This comes amid the tussle between the two after Trump warned of arresting Mamdani, to which the Democrat responded by saying that he will not accept this “intimidation”. Mamdani said that he refuses to let ICE “terrorise the city” and also slammed New York’s incumbent mayor, Eric Adams. ‘Iran-linked terrorist cell’ apprehended in Syria claims Israeli Military The Israeli Military on Wednesday said that it had apprehended members of a terrorist cell in southern Syria. Since the overthrow of Syria's longtime ruler, Bashar al-Assad, Israel has carried out hundreds of military and air strikes on military sites. The Syrian state TV said three were arrested, linked to Iran by the Israeli Troops. Israel's arch-foe against which it had fought an unprecedented 12-day war last month. Pakistan: Explosion kills assistant commissioner, 4 others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur An explosion in Pakistan’s Bajau District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday (Jul 3) has killed five people, including Assistant Commissioner Naogai. Eleven people were injured in the incident. The roadside bomb targeted a vehicle carrying Assistant Commissioner Faisal Sultan and his security team, according to district police chief Waqas Rafique, reports AP. Several of the wounded are in critical condition. 'Precision-guided bombs, missiles': Trump halts some weapons transfers to Ukraine amid raging Russia war. But why? Just days after US President Donald Trump said that he is considering sending additional Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, the White House halted the delivery of some air defence interceptors and precision-guided bombs and missiles to Ukraine, as the Pentagon cited that US weapons stocks were going too low. Amarnath Yatra set to begin tomorrow, Yatris reach Anantnag’s Pahalgam and Baltal base camps in Kashmir The first batch of Amarnath Yatris that left from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar early morning today has reached both the base camps in Anantnag’s Pahalgam area and Ganderbal’s Baltal area. Notably, around 5892 Yatris reached Kashmir. Enforce complete digital blackout: Cine Workers Association urges PM Modi amid Pakistani stars’ social media handles restoration The All Indian Cine Workers Association has raised objections to the reappearance of social media accounts of Pakistani actors in India. The AICWA has written a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising concerns about the new move. The letter comes a day after Instagram accounts of several popular Pakistani actors were visible to Indian fans. Wimbledon 2025 LIVE updates-Day 3 scores and Results: Aryna Sabalenka cruises through After several stars suffered shock first round exits from the All England Club, including second seed Coco Gauff, third seed Jessica Pegula and fifth seed Zheng Qinwen, Top seed Aryna Sabalenka was pushed hard by Bouzkova in Wednesday's (July 2) opening match on Centre Court as her Czech opponent matched fire with fire in a bruising encounter.

Stay updated with our selection of the top international stories, delivering essential news and analysis from across the world to keep you in the loop.

Top 10 world news: Sean Diddy Combs found not guilty; Netanyahu vows to eliminate Hamas, and more

A fatwa is a formal Islamic legal opinion issued by a Marja, a senior Shia cleric. It carries moral and religious weight among followers and can direct personal conduct or, in rare cases, call for punitive action. Recent political and religious tensions in the middle-east have seen Iran's Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issue fatwas against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing them as ‘enemies of God’ and urging Muslims to stand united against any perceived threat to Iran’s leadership. However, this is not the first time, the most historically significant fatwa issued by Iran remains that against author Salman Rushdie, launched over three decades ago.&nbsp;<h2>The 1989 fatwa: The Satanic Verses backlash</h2>&nbsp;In February 1989, Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini declared Rushdie’s novel ‘The Satanic Verses’ to be blasphemous. He issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s execution, alongside anyone involved in publishing the book. The decree was bolstered by a bounty estimated at $2.8 million, and protests erupted across Muslim-majority countries, including bans in India, Bangladesh, Sudan, and Sri Lanka . The fatwa shocked the literary world, forcing Rushdie into hiding in London, under round-the-clock British protection. Reflecting on his impact, Rushdie later said: “What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.”&nbsp;<h2>Continued impact: A global wave of violence</h2>&nbsp;The fatwa did not fade: in the 1990s, Rushdie’s Japanese translator, Hitoshi Igarashi, was stabbed to death in July 1991, and his Italian translator was injured days earlier. Though the Iranian government declared in 1998 that it would not actively pursue the killing, Khomeini’s initial judgment remained officially in force; in 2017, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reaffirmed its validity. Salman had once said, “Frankly, I wish I had written a more critical book..“A religion that claims it is able to behave like this, religious leaders who are able to behave like this, and then say this is a religion that must be above any kind of whisper of criticism: that doesn’t add up", according to The Independent.&nbsp;<h2>The 2022 stabbing: Fatwa’s long shadow</h2>&nbsp;On 12 August 2022, nearly 34 years later, Rushdie was stabbed while speaking at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. Attacker Hadi Matar, a 24-year-old New Jersey resident, rushed the stage and stabbed Rushdie dozens of times, causing life-threatening wounds. Rushdie lost sight in one eye and use of one hand before reaching hospital where he spent six weeks. He had told NPR: “I was rolling about in bed…people have dreams…you don’t run your daily life because of having a bad dream”. &nbsp;Hadi Matar was charged with attempted murder and assault. In February 2025, he was found guilty and sentenced to 25 years in prison for the violent assault.&nbsp;<h2>Why it took so long, and why it matters</h2>&nbsp;The gap between fatwa and stabbing underscores the lasting potency of such decrees, particularly when issued by a high-ranking cleric like Iran’s Supreme Leader. Unlike formal legal rulings, fatwas require no trial or defence, yet they can inspire violent action by individuals or groups who see them as divine commands. Though the Iranian state said in 1998 it would no longer actively seek Rushdie, the status of the bounty remained. Matar's defense claimed he acted under motivation related to Hezbollah and the enduring fatwa. That the attack occurred decades later shows fatwas can continue to inspire violence long after their issuance, cutting across borders and generations.&nbsp;<h2>Recent fatwas: Political leaders enter the fray</h2>&nbsp;On Monday, Makarem Shirazi issued fatwas against US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Shirazi labelled them as the 'enemies of God', or mohareb for threatening Ayatollah Khamenei or other senior clerics. He additionally urged global Muslim unity against them, warning that supporting and cooperating with them is religiously forbidden (haram) and that anyone suffering for opposing them would be rewarded in fighting for god’s cause.&nbsp;<h2>Free expression versus religious authority</h2>&nbsp;The Rushdie fatwa triggered one of the most intense global debates on free speech. Western governments condemned the decree as a violation of human rights. Critics argue that such fatwas sidestep due process, offering no chance for defence or appeal. Rushdie, even under threat, continued writing: “Instead of just being the person who got stabbed, I now see myself as the person who wrote a book about getting stabbed,” he reflected after publishing his memoir Knife. Amnesty International and PEN have defended Rushdie's right to free expression.&nbsp;<h2>The enduring legacy of a contested decree</h2>&nbsp;The fatwa issued in 1989 remains officially active. Iranian law regards ‘mohareb’ status as a capital offence. Though Iran later signalled a softer stance, it has never formally revoked Khomeini’s ruling.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In February 1989, Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini declared Rushdie’s novel ‘The Satanic Verses’ to be blasphemous. He issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s execution, alongside anyone involved in publishing the book.

A fatwa is a formal Islamic legal opinion issued by a Marja, a senior Shia cleric. It carries moral and religious weight among followers and can direct personal conduct or, in rare cases, call for punitive action. Recent political and religious tensions in the middle-east have seen Iran's Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issue fatwas against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing them as ‘enemies of God’ and urging Muslims to stand united against any perceived threat to Iran’s leadership. However, this is not the first time, the most historically significant fatwa issued by Iran remains that against author Salman Rushdie, launched over three decades ago. The 1989 fatwa: The Satanic Verses backlash In February 1989, Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini declared Rushdie’s novel ‘The Satanic Verses’ to be blasphemous. He issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s execution, alongside anyone involved in publishing the book. The decree was bolstered by a bounty estimated at $2.8 million, and protests erupted across Muslim-majority countries, including bans in India, Bangladesh, Sudan, and Sri Lanka . The fatwa shocked the literary world, forcing Rushdie into hiding in London, under round-the-clock British protection. Reflecting on his impact, Rushdie later said: “What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.” Continued impact: A global wave of violence The fatwa did not fade: in the 1990s, Rushdie’s Japanese translator, Hitoshi Igarashi, was stabbed to death in July 1991, and his Italian translator was injured days earlier. Though the Iranian government declared in 1998 that it would not actively pursue the killing, Khomeini’s initial judgment remained officially in force; in 2017, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reaffirmed its validity. Salman had once said, “Frankly, I wish I had written a more critical book.. “A religion that claims it is able to behave like this, religious leaders who are able to behave like this, and then say this is a religion that must be above any kind of whisper of criticism: that doesn’t add up", according to The Independent. The 2022 stabbing: Fatwa’s long shadow On 12 August 2022, nearly 34 years later, Rushdie was stabbed while speaking at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. Attacker Hadi Matar, a 24-year-old New Jersey resident, rushed the stage and stabbed Rushdie dozens of times, causing life-threatening wounds. Rushdie lost sight in one eye and use of one hand before reaching hospital where he spent six weeks. He had told NPR: “I was rolling about in bed…people have dreams…you don’t run your daily life because of having a bad dream”. Hadi Matar was charged with attempted murder and assault. In February 2025, he was found guilty and sentenced to 25 years in prison for the violent assault. Why it took so long, and why it matters The gap between fatwa and stabbing underscores the lasting potency of such decrees, particularly when issued by a high-ranking cleric like Iran’s Supreme Leader. Unlike formal legal rulings, fatwas require no trial or defence, yet they can inspire violent action by individuals or groups who see them as divine commands. Though the Iranian state said in 1998 it would no longer actively seek Rushdie, the status of the bounty remained. Matar's defense claimed he acted under motivation related to Hezbollah and the enduring fatwa. That the attack occurred decades later shows fatwas can continue to inspire violence long after their issuance, cutting across borders and generations. Recent fatwas: Political leaders enter the fray On Monday, Makarem Shirazi issued fatwas against US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Shirazi labelled them as the 'enemies of God', or mohareb for threatening Ayatollah Khamenei or other senior clerics. He additionally urged global Muslim unity against them, warning that supporting and cooperating with them is religiously forbidden (haram) and that anyone suffering for opposing them would be rewarded in fighting for god’s cause. Free expression versus religious authority The Rushdie fatwa triggered one of the most intense global debates on free speech. Western governments condemned the decree as a violation of human rights. Critics argue that such fatwas sidestep due process, offering no chance for defence or appeal. Rushdie, even under threat, continued writing: “Instead of just being the person who got stabbed, I now see myself as the person who wrote a book about getting stabbed,” he reflected after publishing his memoir Knife. Amnesty International and PEN have defended Rushdie's right to free expression. The enduring legacy of a contested decree The fatwa issued in 1989 remains officially active. Iranian law regards ‘mohareb’ status as a capital offence. Though Iran later signalled a softer stance, it has never formally revoked Khomeini’s ruling.

In February 1989, Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini declared Rushdie’s novel ‘The Satanic Verses’ to be blasphemous. He issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s execution, alongside anyone involved in publishing the book.

The author Iran targeted before Trump and Netanyahu: Salman Rushdie’s 'fatwa' and stabbing explained!

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Jun 29) said that the recent 12-day conflict with Iran had paved the way for new "opportunities"—chief among them, the potential return of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. "Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory," Netanyahu said during an address to security service officials, adding, “first of all, to rescue the hostages”. Netanyahu's statement, as per reports, has given rise to speculation that progress could be achieved in bringing about an end to the Gaza conflict and securing the hostages' release.<h2>What did Netanyahu say about hostages?</h2>On his Sunday visit to the security facility of Israel's Shin Bet Intelligence service, the Israeli PM said, "I want to inform you that as you probably know, many opportunities have opened up now following this victory, many opportunities.""First of all, to rescue the hostages. Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both tasks," he added, as per a statement issued by his office. However, he insisted that "the Gaza issue" and the defeat of Hamas are also to be achieved. "Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals".<h2>Shifting priorities?</h2>Netanyahu's remarks appear to signal a shift in priorities, coming after nearly two years of public pressure from families of hostages captured during the Hamas-led October 7 attack. Welcoming the Israeli PM's statement, 'The Hostages and Missing Families Forum', the main group representing hostage families, said it was "a very important statement". Lauding "the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister", the group said, "This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza."According to Israeli authorities, 49 hostages remain in Gaza, with 27 believed to be dead. Hamas is also reportedly holding the remains of an Israeli soldier killed in 2014.But while Netanyahu spoke of "rescue", the families of hostages insisted on the hostages' "release, not rescue"."The only way to free them all is through a comprehensive deal and an end to the fighting, without rescue operations that endanger both the hostages and (Israeli) soldiers."

"Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory," Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said during an address to security service officials, adding, “first of all, to rescue the hostages”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Jun 29) said that the recent 12-day conflict with Iran had paved the way for new "opportunities"—chief among them, the potential return of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. "Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory," Netanyahu said during an address to security service officials, adding, “first of all, to rescue the hostages”. Netanyahu's statement, as per reports, has given rise to speculation that progress could be achieved in bringing about an end to the Gaza conflict and securing the hostages' release. What did Netanyahu say about hostages? On his Sunday visit to the security facility of Israel's Shin Bet Intelligence service, the Israeli PM said, "I want to inform you that as you probably know, many opportunities have opened up now following this victory, many opportunities." "First of all, to rescue the hostages. Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both tasks," he added, as per a statement issued by his office. However, he insisted that "the Gaza issue" and the defeat of Hamas are also to be achieved. "Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals". Shifting priorities? Netanyahu's remarks appear to signal a shift in priorities, coming after nearly two years of public pressure from families of hostages captured during the Hamas-led October 7 attack. Welcoming the Israeli PM's statement, 'The Hostages and Missing Families Forum', the main group representing hostage families, said it was "a very important statement". Lauding "the fact that after 20 months, the return of the hostages has finally been designated as the top priority by the prime minister", the group said, "This is a very important statement that must translate into a single comprehensive deal to bring back all 50 hostages and end the fighting in Gaza." According to Israeli authorities, 49 hostages remain in Gaza, with 27 believed to be dead. Hamas is also reportedly holding the remains of an Israeli soldier killed in 2014. But while Netanyahu spoke of "rescue", the families of hostages insisted on the hostages' "release, not rescue". "The only way to free them all is through a comprehensive deal and an end to the fighting, without rescue operations that endanger both the hostages and (Israeli) soldiers."

"Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory," Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said during an address to security service officials, adding, “first of all, to rescue the hostages”.

Netanyahu says 'victory' over Iran created 'opportunities,' for hostage rescue; families insist 'release, not rescue'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 26) thanked US President Donald Trump for his "heartfelt support" for Israel and the Jewish people as Israel, and Iran engaged in a full-blown war in the last two weeks. After a 12-day war, Trump this week announced an Israel-Iran ceasefire after attacking Tehran's nuclear facilities.The Israeli prime minister said that he looks forward to continue working with Trump to "defeat common enemies" and free hostages."Thank you @realDonaldTrump. I was deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people," Netanyahu said in a post on X.He added, "I look forward to continue working with you to defeat our common enemies, liberate our hostages and quickly expand the circle of peace."Meanwhile, Trump on Wednesday took to Truth Social, a day after he announced the ceasefire, saying that Bibi and he just went through hell together, fighting a "very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel, Iran.""Anybody else would have suffered losses, embarrassment, and chaos! Bibi Netanyahu was a WARRIOR, like perhaps no other Warrior in the History of Israel, and the result was something that nobody thought was possible, a complete elimination of potentially one of the biggest and most powerful Nuclear Weapons anywhere in the World, and it was going to happen, SOON!," he said.Trump added that they were fighting for the survival of Israel "literally", and there is nobody in Israel's history that fought harder or more competently than Bibi Netanyahu.<h2>'Witch Hunt'</h2>Trump then continued to express support for Netanyahu, saying that Israel is continuing its "ridiculous witch hunt" against their "great wartime prime minister"."Despite all of this, I just learned that Bibi has been summoned to Court on Monday for the continuation of this long-running, (He has been going through this “Horror Show” since May of 2020 – Unheard of!," the US president wrote.He stressed that this is the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has ever been on trial, a "politically motivated case, “concerning cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges” in order to do him great harm. "Calling it a "witch hunt", Trump said that Netanyahu deserves much better than this and so does the state of Israel."Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State," he said.&nbsp;

The Israeli prime minister said that he looks forward to continue working with Trump to "defeat common enemies" and free hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 26) thanked US President Donald Trump for his "heartfelt support" for Israel and the Jewish people as Israel, and Iran engaged in a full-blown war in the last two weeks. After a 12-day war, Trump this week announced an Israel-Iran ceasefire after attacking Tehran's nuclear facilities. The Israeli prime minister said that he looks forward to continue working with Trump to "defeat common enemies" and free hostages. "Thank you @realDonaldTrump. I was deeply moved by your heartfelt support for me and your incredible support for Israel and the Jewish people," Netanyahu said in a post on X. He added, "I look forward to continue working with you to defeat our common enemies, liberate our hostages and quickly expand the circle of peace." Meanwhile, Trump on Wednesday took to Truth Social, a day after he announced the ceasefire, saying that Bibi and he just went through hell together, fighting a "very tough and brilliant longtime enemy of Israel, Iran." "Anybody else would have suffered losses, embarrassment, and chaos! Bibi Netanyahu was a WARRIOR, like perhaps no other Warrior in the History of Israel, and the result was something that nobody thought was possible, a complete elimination of potentially one of the biggest and most powerful Nuclear Weapons anywhere in the World, and it was going to happen, SOON!," he said. Trump added that they were fighting for the survival of Israel "literally", and there is nobody in Israel's history that fought harder or more competently than Bibi Netanyahu. 'Witch Hunt' Trump then continued to express support for Netanyahu, saying that Israel is continuing its "ridiculous witch hunt" against their "great wartime prime minister". "Despite all of this, I just learned that Bibi has been summoned to Court on Monday for the continuation of this long-running, (He has been going through this “Horror Show” since May of 2020 – Unheard of!," the US president wrote. He stressed that this is the first time a sitting Israeli prime minister has ever been on trial, a "politically motivated case, “concerning cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges” in order to do him great harm. " Calling it a "witch hunt", Trump said that Netanyahu deserves much better than this and so does the state of Israel. "Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State," he said.

The Israeli prime minister said that he looks forward to continue working with Trump to "defeat common enemies" and free hostages.

'We just went through HELL': Israeli PM Netanyahu thanks Trump for his 'incredible support' during Israel-Iran war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Jun 22) hailed US President Donald Trump’s decision to strike three nuclear sites in Iran. In a video message, Netanyahu said that the US has “done what no other country on earth could do.” This comes after Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that US conducted a “very successful attack” on Iran's three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Congratulations, President Donald Trump! Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,” Netanyahu said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added, “In Operation Rising Lion, Israel has done truly amazing things, but in tonight’s action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed. It has done what no other country on earth could do.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewsAlert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewsAlert</a> | Netanyahu hails US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities: ‘First comes strength, then comes peace’ Track LIVE updates: <a href="https://t.co/NLd8qXZKnv">https://t.co/NLd8qXZKnv</a> <a href="https://t.co/nrhNvnPwO2">pic.twitter.com/nrhNvnPwO2</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1936603150263222525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Netanyahu further said that history will record that Trump acted to “deny the world’s most dangerous regime, the world’s most dangerous weapons.” The Israeli prime minister added that the US president has created “pivoted history” that can help lead the Middle East and other nations to “a future of prosperity and peace.”&nbsp;“President Trump and I often say peace through strength. First comes strength, then comes peace. And President Trump in the United States acted with a lot of strength,” he said.&nbsp;Thanking the US president, Netanyahu said, “President Trump, I thank you, people of Israel thank you, and forces of civilisation thank you. God bless America, God bless Israel, and may God bless our unshakable, our lion’s unbreakable faith.”&nbsp;In his first address to the nation after the US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, Trump called Tehran the “bully of the Middle East”. He said that Iran's nuclear facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.”&nbsp;Announcing the strikes, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow.”&nbsp;"All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.” he added.&nbsp;

In a video message, Netanyahu said that the US has “done what no other country on earth could do.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Jun 22) hailed US President Donald Trump’s decision to strike three nuclear sites in Iran. In a video message, Netanyahu said that the US has “done what no other country on earth could do.” This comes after Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that US conducted a “very successful attack” on Iran's three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. “Congratulations, President Donald Trump! Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,” Netanyahu said. He added, “In Operation Rising Lion, Israel has done truly amazing things, but in tonight’s action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed. It has done what no other country on earth could do.”

In a video message, Netanyahu said that the US has “done what no other country on earth could do.”

‘First comes strength, then comes peace’: Netanyahu hails Trump’s ‘bold decision’ after US strikes Iran

The war between Israel and Iran is being very expensive. Billions of rupees are spent each day on air defense equipment, which has caused a weapons shortage. Having spent $67 billion on the Gaza campaign, the cost of the war with Iran is also escalating day by day.The conflict with Iran is costing Israel very dearly. On one hand, Israeli weapons are being destroyed and on the other, billions of rupees are being used up in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones.&nbsp;&nbsp;The catch is that Israel does not possess sufficient air defense missiles to wage the war against Iran for an extended period. But during the shortage of weapons, America has again assisted and weapons were delivered to Israel in 14 cargo planes. Each blast not only destroys things but also squanders crores of rupees. It doesn't matter whether Israel bombs Iran or defends itself against Iran's attack, the war costs are mounting with each blast. Israel is spending 17 billion rupees each day on air defense systems alone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Israel's Arrow Air Defense missile costs about 16 crores. David Sling missiles cost about 8 crores. Now whether it is Iran's suicide drones or ballistic missiles, crores of rupees worth missiles are being launched daily from Israeli air defense. Billions of rupees have been spent by Israel in the war with Gaza and Iran. In 2024, Israel incurred an expenditure of 67 billion dollars in the Gaza operation. Now Israel is spending around six thousand crores rupees daily in the ongoing conflict with Iran.&nbsp;Over Rs 2500 crore alone is being spent on fuel and weapons daily. Israel's Finance Ministry says that when one lakh soldiers are deployed, approximately Rs 270 crore is incurred on their salaries and arrangements daily. Despite such massive expenditure, Israel has a massive lack of air defense. Yet, as per a new report, another stockpile of weapons has been dispatched to Israel by America once again.&nbsp;14 cargo planes have arrived in Israel. America and Germany have sent weapons. 800 cargo planes have arrived in Israel after the Gaza operation. Details of the weapons carried by cargo planes are unknown but Israel's air defense is thought to be strengthened.&nbsp;As per American news reports, Israel is employing Arrow-3 missiles. There could be an enormous lack of Arrow-3 missiles in the future times. Iran's ballistic missiles will not be intercepted in the future. The issue of worry for America is that if the war against Iran prolongs for a long duration, then how will Israel be saved. The US is also deploying more Navy to give Israel aerial protection from Iran. Now, drones are being intercepted by fighter aircraft as well as air defense, but air-to-air missiles are utilized for that. If Iran keeps on launching drones attacks, then Israel will also run low on air-to-air missiles by a great deal.

Every blast burns billions: Israel struggles to keep pace amid conflict with Iran

The war between Israel and Iran is being very expensive. Billions of rupees are spent each day on air defense equipment, which has caused a weapons shortage. Having spent $67 billion on the Gaza campaign, the cost of the war with Iran is also escalating day by day. The conflict with Iran is costing Israel very dearly. On one hand, Israeli weapons are being destroyed and on the other, billions of rupees are being used up in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. The catch is that Israel does not possess sufficient air defense missiles to wage the war against Iran for an extended period. But during the shortage of weapons, America has again assisted and weapons were delivered to Israel in 14 cargo planes. Each blast not only destroys things but also squanders crores of rupees. It doesn't matter whether Israel bombs Iran or defends itself against Iran's attack, the war costs are mounting with each blast. Israel is spending 17 billion rupees each day on air defense systems alone. Israel's Arrow Air Defense missile costs about 16 crores. David Sling missiles cost about 8 crores. Now whether it is Iran's suicide drones or ballistic missiles, crores of rupees worth missiles are being launched daily from Israeli air defense. Billions of rupees have been spent by Israel in the war with Gaza and Iran. In 2024, Israel incurred an expenditure of 67 billion dollars in the Gaza operation. Now Israel is spending around six thousand crores rupees daily in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Over Rs 2500 crore alone is being spent on fuel and weapons daily. Israel's Finance Ministry says that when one lakh soldiers are deployed, approximately Rs 270 crore is incurred on their salaries and arrangements daily. Despite such massive expenditure, Israel has a massive lack of air defense. Yet, as per a new report, another stockpile of weapons has been dispatched to Israel by America once again. 14 cargo planes have arrived in Israel. America and Germany have sent weapons. 800 cargo planes have arrived in Israel after the Gaza operation. Details of the weapons carried by cargo planes are unknown but Israel's air defense is thought to be strengthened. As per American news reports, Israel is employing Arrow-3 missiles. There could be an enormous lack of Arrow-3 missiles in the future times. Iran's ballistic missiles will not be intercepted in the future. The issue of worry for America is that if the war against Iran prolongs for a long duration, then how will Israel be saved. The US is also deploying more Navy to give Israel aerial protection from Iran. Now, drones are being intercepted by fighter aircraft as well as air defense, but air-to-air missiles are utilized for that. If Iran keeps on launching drones attacks, then Israel will also run low on air-to-air missiles by a great deal.

After spending $67 billion on the Gaza operation, the expenditure on the war with Iran is also increasing continuously

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held office longer than anyone else since the founding of Israel in 1948. The &nbsp;name is synonymous to Israel’s most influential political figure, involved in shaping the country's policy and global posture through a mix of strategic acumen, deep-rooted ideology, and political resilience. Serving his sixth term as prime minister, the veteran’s legacy is intertwined with Israel’s current conflicts and long-term security doctrine. Born in 1949 in Jaffa, Netanyahu spent a part of his childhood in both Jerusalem and the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Early years</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Netanyahu's family background set the tone for his future worldview since childhood. The leader's father, Benzion Netanyahu was a historian and a staunch Revisionist Zionist who had always advocated for a Greater Israel stretching beyond the Jordan River. This ideological grounding later, allegedly, influenced Netanyahu’s political positions, especially those regarding the territorial bargains and talks with Arab states.&nbsp;<h2>Military roots and diplomatic rise</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The early years of Benjamin Netanyahu were marked by military service in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit, where he also served as a captain before being discharged. He also fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, later even taking part in the 1972 rescue of hostages from a hijacked Sabena aircraft. These formative experiences played a great role in contributing to his emphasis on security as a pillar of his leadership in his country.&nbsp;Netanyahu began his political career abroad, initially serving as Israel’s deputy chief of mission in Washington in 1982, and later as the ambassador to the United Nations between 1984 and 1988. His experiences during his tenure, helped him hone his diplomatic skills, especially with American audiences, a key component, it seems, of his enduring influence on U.S.-Israel relations.&nbsp;<h2>Political climb and repeated returns</h2>&nbsp;Domestically, Netanyahu rose rapidly through the Likud party ranks, becoming party leader in 1993. He first became the &nbsp;Prime Minister from 1996 to 1999 and later returned to office in 2009, remaining in power until 2021. After a brief political setback, during this time, Netanyahu reclaimed leadership in late 2022, following a November election win. As of 2025, Netanyahu holds the distinction of being Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, and one of the most powerful leaders globally.&nbsp;His tenure has been characterised by a series of crises and comebacks. In 2019, as per media reports, he was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He, however, denied any wrongdoing, framing the cases as politically motivated. However, it was on 21 November 2019, that Netanyahu was officially charged with fraud and breach of trust. Despite these legal proceedings, Netanyahu retained his political power by forging the coalitions with right-wing and religious parties, including controversial figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose past links to extremist ideologies had sparked criticism both within and outside Israel.&nbsp;<h2>The Gaza War and international scrutiny</h2>&nbsp;The current stage of Netanyahu’s leadership is defined by intensifying regional conflict, especially full-fledged war with Gaza and Iran. The Israel-Hamas conflict officially began in October 2023 which left 1,100 Israeli citizen dead. In response to Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, Israel launched a major military campaign in Gaza. That offensive led to widespread destruction and drew global scrutiny. The diplomatic impact of the Gaza war was such that at least eleven countries cut ties with Israel. In May 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, citing allegations including the starvation of civilians and attacks against non-combatants. Similar warrants were also issued for Israel’s then-defence minister and leaders of Hamas.&nbsp;While Netanyahu and his government have continuously rejected the ICC's jurisdiction, the development has sparked fierce debate over the rules of war as well as conduct of state leaders. Supporters still argue that Netanyahu acted within Israel's right to self-defence while his critics claim disproportionate use of force. Former prime minister (and Likud leader) Yitzhak Shamir once called Netanyahu the “angel of destruction”. Amid the fallout from the Gaza conflict, Netanyahu has shifted focus to Iran, long considered Israel’s most formidable adversary, with the escalating tensions between the two countries, the world is watching every move closely. The Netanyahu government launched a series of airstrikes in ban operation which they called 'Operation Rising Lion,' targeting sites linked to Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Netanyahu has consistently labelled the country as an existential threat for Israel, and his current actions are widely seen as an attempt to reassert Israeli deterrence.&nbsp;<h2>Focus on Iran and why?</h2>&nbsp;The Iran operation has also had international ramifications. It comes at a time when regional alliances are shifting, and yet the global powers remain distracted by other conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine. With the war-like situation in other countries as well, Israel’s assertive stance under Netanyahu reflects both a strategic calculation and a broader effort to shape Middle Eastern dynamics.&nbsp;Netanyahu remains a deeply polarising figure, but Netanyahu shares a close relationship with India. It is also important to mention that the India–Israel partnership deepened significantly over the past decade, with growing strategic, technological, and defence cooperation. To his base, Netanyahu is a guarantor of national security but to his opponents, he risks undermining democratic norms. Yet few dispute his political mastery. Whether through military decisions, coalition manoeuvring, or global messaging, he continues to define Israel’s direction more than any other individual.&nbsp;Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The early years of Benjamin Netanyahu were marked by military service in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit. He also fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, later even taking part in the 1972 rescue of hostages from a hijacked Sabena aircraft. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held office longer than anyone else since the founding of Israel in 1948. The name is synonymous to Israel’s most influential political figure, involved in shaping the country's policy and global posture through a mix of strategic acumen, deep-rooted ideology, and political resilience. Serving his sixth term as prime minister, the veteran’s legacy is intertwined with Israel’s current conflicts and long-term security doctrine. Born in 1949 in Jaffa, Netanyahu spent a part of his childhood in both Jerusalem and the United States. Early years Netanyahu's family background set the tone for his future worldview since childhood. The leader's father, Benzion Netanyahu was a historian and a staunch Revisionist Zionist who had always advocated for a Greater Israel stretching beyond the Jordan River. This ideological grounding later, allegedly, influenced Netanyahu’s political positions, especially those regarding the territorial bargains and talks with Arab states. Military roots and diplomatic rise The early years of Benjamin Netanyahu were marked by military service in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit, where he also served as a captain before being discharged. He also fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, later even taking part in the 1972 rescue of hostages from a hijacked Sabena aircraft. These formative experiences played a great role in contributing to his emphasis on security as a pillar of his leadership in his country. Netanyahu began his political career abroad, initially serving as Israel’s deputy chief of mission in Washington in 1982, and later as the ambassador to the United Nations between 1984 and 1988. His experiences during his tenure, helped him hone his diplomatic skills, especially with American audiences, a key component, it seems, of his enduring influence on U.S.-Israel relations. Political climb and repeated returns Domestically, Netanyahu rose rapidly through the Likud party ranks, becoming party leader in 1993. He first became the Prime Minister from 1996 to 1999 and later returned to office in 2009, remaining in power until 2021. After a brief political setback, during this time, Netanyahu reclaimed leadership in late 2022, following a November election win. As of 2025, Netanyahu holds the distinction of being Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, and one of the most powerful leaders globally. His tenure has been characterised by a series of crises and comebacks. In 2019, as per media reports, he was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He, however, denied any wrongdoing, framing the cases as politically motivated. However, it was on 21 November 2019, that Netanyahu was officially charged with fraud and breach of trust. Despite these legal proceedings, Netanyahu retained his political power by forging the coalitions with right-wing and religious parties, including controversial figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose past links to extremist ideologies had sparked criticism both within and outside Israel. The Gaza War and international scrutiny The current stage of Netanyahu’s leadership is defined by intensifying regional conflict, especially full-fledged war with Gaza and Iran. The Israel-Hamas conflict officially began in October 2023 which left 1,100 Israeli citizen dead. In response to Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, Israel launched a major military campaign in Gaza. That offensive led to widespread destruction and drew global scrutiny. The diplomatic impact of the Gaza war was such that at least eleven countries cut ties with Israel. In May 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, citing allegations including the starvation of civilians and attacks against non-combatants. Similar warrants were also issued for Israel’s then-defence minister and leaders of Hamas. While Netanyahu and his government have continuously rejected the ICC's jurisdiction, the development has sparked fierce debate over the rules of war as well as conduct of state leaders. Supporters still argue that Netanyahu acted within Israel's right to self-defence while his critics claim disproportionate use of force. Former prime minister (and Likud leader) Yitzhak Shamir once called Netanyahu the “angel of destruction”. Amid the fallout from the Gaza conflict, Netanyahu has shifted focus to Iran, long considered Israel’s most formidable adversary, with the escalating tensions between the two countries, the world is watching every move closely. The Netanyahu government launched a series of airstrikes in ban operation which they called 'Operation Rising Lion,' targeting sites linked to Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Netanyahu has consistently labelled the country as an existential threat for Israel, and his current actions are widely seen as an attempt to reassert Israeli deterrence. Focus on Iran and why? The Iran operation has also had international ramifications. It comes at a time when regional alliances are shifting, and yet the global powers remain distracted by other conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine. With the war-like situation in other countries as well, Israel’s assertive stance under Netanyahu reflects both a strategic calculation and a broader effort to shape Middle Eastern dynamics. Netanyahu remains a deeply polarising figure, but Netanyahu shares a close relationship with India. It is also important to mention that the India–Israel partnership deepened significantly over the past decade, with growing strategic, technological, and defence cooperation. To his base, Netanyahu is a guarantor of national security but to his opponents, he risks undermining democratic norms. Yet few dispute his political mastery. Whether through military decisions, coalition manoeuvring, or global messaging, he continues to define Israel’s direction more than any other individual. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The early years of Benjamin Netanyahu were marked by military service in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit. He also fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, later even taking part in the 1972 rescue of hostages from a hijacked Sabena aircraft.&nbsp;

A devout patriot, master tactician or a relentless power broker? All about Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s most powerful man

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 19) said that Israel is capable of hitting all Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordo, adding that Israel&nbsp; has destroyed more than half of Iran's missile launchers as the war continues for over a week now.In a Hebrew language interview with Kan public broadcaster, Netanyahu said that Israel is "changing face of the world" in war with Iran, now in its seventh day."I said that we're changing the face of the Middle East, and now I say we're changing the face of the world," he told public broadcaster Kan.When asked whether Israel has the ability to destroy Iran's underground Fordo nuclear facility without US assistance, he said, “We will achieve all our objectives and hit all of their nuclear facilities. We have the capability to do that.”<h2>'All help welcome'</h2>Netanyahu said that Israel is capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities, but "all help is welcome".He added that US President Donald Trump "will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel".Netanyahu said that Israel is "ahead of schedule" in its operation against Iran.“We are ahead of the schedule we set — both in terms of timing and results,” he said on the seventh day of the campaign.He further praised the work, calling it "outstanding" and explained that he decided on the operation after Israel weakened Iran’s strongest proxy, Hezbollah at the end of last year when it was clear that Iran “was racing toward a nuclear capability.”“The elimination of (former Hezbollah head Hassan)Nasrallah broke the Iranian axis. What does (Iran) have left?… This operation has been in planning for many months,” he added.Earlier in the day, Netanyahu announced the two-fold goal in the Iran war as the Israel-Iran continues for over a week now, attacking nuclear facilities and military officials.He vowed to "remove" the nuclear and ballistic missile threat posed by Iran, on the seventh day of war between the arch-foes."We are committed to destroying the nuclear threat, the threat of nuclear annihilation against Israel," Netanyahu told reporters in the southern city of Beersheba, where a hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack.He stressed that the goal is twofold, nuclear and ballistic missile."Our goal is twofold -– nuclear, ballistic missile. We're going to remove them. We are in the process of completing the (removal of) this threat," he said.He also said that Israel is eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat, and Tehran will not obtain a nuclear weapon.&nbsp;

During an interview with Kan public broadcaster, Netanyahu said that Israel is "ahead of schedule" in its operation against Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 19) said that Israel is capable of hitting all Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordo, adding that Israel has destroyed more than half of Iran's missile launchers as the war continues for over a week now. In a Hebrew language interview with Kan public broadcaster, Netanyahu said that Israel is "changing face of the world" in war with Iran, now in its seventh day. "I said that we're changing the face of the Middle East, and now I say we're changing the face of the world," he told public broadcaster Kan. When asked whether Israel has the ability to destroy Iran's underground Fordo nuclear facility without US assistance, he said, “We will achieve all our objectives and hit all of their nuclear facilities. We have the capability to do that.” 'All help welcome' Netanyahu said that Israel is capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities, but "all help is welcome". He added that US President Donald Trump "will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for the State of Israel". Netanyahu said that Israel is "ahead of schedule" in its operation against Iran. “We are ahead of the schedule we set — both in terms of timing and results,” he said on the seventh day of the campaign. He further praised the work, calling it "outstanding" and explained that he decided on the operation after Israel weakened Iran’s strongest proxy, Hezbollah at the end of last year when it was clear that Iran “was racing toward a nuclear capability.” “The elimination of (former Hezbollah head Hassan)Nasrallah broke the Iranian axis. What does (Iran) have left?… This operation has been in planning for many months,” he added. Earlier in the day, Netanyahu announced the two-fold goal in the Iran war as the Israel-Iran continues for over a week now, attacking nuclear facilities and military officials. He vowed to "remove" the nuclear and ballistic missile threat posed by Iran, on the seventh day of war between the arch-foes. "We are committed to destroying the nuclear threat, the threat of nuclear annihilation against Israel," Netanyahu told reporters in the southern city of Beersheba, where a hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack. He stressed that the goal is twofold, nuclear and ballistic missile. "Our goal is twofold -– nuclear, ballistic missile. We're going to remove them. We are in the process of completing the (removal of) this threat," he said. He also said that Israel is eliminating the Iranian nuclear threat, and Tehran will not obtain a nuclear weapon.

During an interview with Kan public broadcaster, Netanyahu said that Israel is "ahead of schedule" in its operation against Iran.

Israel capable of hitting Iran's Fordo nuclear facility, but Netanyahu 'still welcomes help'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 19) praised US President Donald Trump for participating in defending Israel, saying that it depends on him whether he wants to join the Israel-Iran war.The Israeli PM visited Soroka Hospital, and while talking to reporters, said that Trump knows the game.When asked about the US joining Israel in the Iran war, Netanyahu said, it “is a decision for President Trump.”“He will do what is good for America, and I will do what’s good for Israel,” Netanyahu said, adding that the US president “knows the game.”He further appreciated the United States' participation in defending Israel in the ongoing war.Israel has the ability to carry out the entire mission by itself if needed, the Israeli PM stressed, adding, "At the end of this operation, there will be no nuclear threat on Israel, and there won’t be a ballistic threat.”"We are committed to destroying the nuclear threat, the threat of nuclear annihilation against Israel," he said.Moreover, Netanyahu said that all of us are paying a personal price in the war, "and that hasn’t missed my family as well — my son canceled a wedding.”<h2>'No one is immune'</h2>Israeli PM Netanyahu said that he would not rule out a strike on Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.“No one is immune,” Netanyahu said. “All the options are open", adding, "It’s best not to speak about this in the press.”However, Defence Minister Israel Katz has been publicly threatening the Iranian supreme leader for days now.On Wednesday midnight, dozens of people were injured in the strike on the Soroka Medical Centre, which Iran said targeted a command-and-control centre nearby.The Israel and Iran war entered their seventh day on Thursday. The latest round of hostilities began after a series of Israeli air raids on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure last week. Those initial strikes led to retaliatory action from Iran and a sharp increase in attacks across both sides.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When asked about the US joining Israel in the Iran war, Netanyahu said, it “is a decision for President Trump.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (June 19) praised US President Donald Trump for participating in defending Israel, saying that it depends on him whether he wants to join the Israel-Iran war. The Israeli PM visited Soroka Hospital, and while talking to reporters, said that Trump knows the game. When asked about the US joining Israel in the Iran war, Netanyahu said, it “is a decision for President Trump.” “He will do what is good for America, and I will do what’s good for Israel,” Netanyahu said, adding that the US president “knows the game.” He further appreciated the United States' participation in defending Israel in the ongoing war. Israel has the ability to carry out the entire mission by itself if needed, the Israeli PM stressed, adding, "At the end of this operation, there will be no nuclear threat on Israel, and there won’t be a ballistic threat.” "We are committed to destroying the nuclear threat, the threat of nuclear annihilation against Israel," he said. Moreover, Netanyahu said that all of us are paying a personal price in the war, "and that hasn’t missed my family as well — my son canceled a wedding.” 'No one is immune' Israeli PM Netanyahu said that he would not rule out a strike on Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. “No one is immune,” Netanyahu said. “All the options are open", adding, "It’s best not to speak about this in the press.” However, Defence Minister Israel Katz has been publicly threatening the Iranian supreme leader for days now. On Wednesday midnight, dozens of people were injured in the strike on the Soroka Medical Centre, which Iran said targeted a command-and-control centre nearby. The Israel and Iran war entered their seventh day on Thursday. The latest round of hostilities began after a series of Israeli air raids on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure last week. Those initial strikes led to retaliatory action from Iran and a sharp increase in attacks across both sides.

When asked about the US joining Israel in the Iran war, Netanyahu said, it “is a decision for President Trump.”

'Trump knows the game': Netanyahu says US can decide to join Iran war but Israel can carry out entire mission alone

In an exclusive interview amid his country’s military operation against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Sunday, that Israel successfully eliminated Iran’s chief intelligence officer and his deputy in Tehran “just moments ago,” marking a major escalation in Israel’s war with the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;“I can inform you, Bret, that moments ago we also got the chief intelligence officer and his deputy in Tehran,” Netanyahu said, delivering the news live during the exclusive interview, part of Fox News’ ‘Special Report’.&nbsp;Netanyahu did not share more details, but his statement confirmed reports of fresh Israeli strikes deep within Iranian territory following Iran’s continued missile attacks on Israeli cities.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;I can inform you Bret, that moments ago we also got the chief intelligence officer and his deputy in Tehran...&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpecialReport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpecialReport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FoxNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FoxNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israel</a> <a href="https://t.co/QkEuvgIQRT">pic.twitter.com/QkEuvgIQRT</a>&mdash; Bret Baier (@BretBaier) <a href="https://twitter.com/BretBaier/status/1934288940732706972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The interview is Netanyahu’s first since Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites on Friday that led to retaliatory attacks by Iran and its proxies.Israel launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, and senior military and civilian leaders on Friday. Iran has been retaliating with a large-scale ballistic missile attack on Israeli cities, but most of the projectiles were thwarted.&nbsp;Baier also asked Netanyahu about reports that Iran had attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Netanyahu confirmed that “Trump is enemy number one” in the eyes of the Iranian regime.&nbsp;He also said that Israel shared intelligence with him directly ahead of the strikes. “I let President Trump know our plans before the operation began,” he said.&nbsp;The Israeli PM told Fox News that the international community must realize that peace in the region is impossible so long as Tehran continues its march toward nuclear weapons.Replying to a question on Gaza and the fate of the remaining hostages still held there by Hamas, Netanyahu said, “We have a moral obligation to bring everyone home. The return of the hostages is our top priority.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a> on the situation in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a>, the remaining hostages, and the future of Gaza and the Palestinians <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FoxNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FoxNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpecialReport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpecialReport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israel</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Palestine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Palestine</a> <a href="https://t.co/7tPKVe5Wib">pic.twitter.com/7tPKVe5Wib</a>&mdash; Bret Baier (@BretBaier) <a href="https://twitter.com/BretBaier/status/1934290720468386169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking about the future of Gaza and the Palestinian people, Netanyahu said that Israel is committed to defeating Hamas but not to permanent occupation.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We seek security control to prevent terror—not civil governance,” Netanyahu stressed.“Ultimately, we want a different future for the Palestinians, one free from Hamas tyranny.”&nbsp;Netanyahu also pushed back on mounting criticism of Israel’s tactics, saying, “We are not fighting the Palestinian people—we are fighting a genocidal terrorist organisation that started this war on October 7.” “The world should know,” Netanyahu told Baier, “this war was not our choice—but it is our responsibility. And we will win.”

Speaking about the future of Gaza and the Palestinian people, Netanyahu said that Israel is committed to defeating Hamas but not to permanent occupation. “We seek security control to prevent terror—not civil governance,” Netanyahu stressed. 

In an exclusive interview amid his country’s military operation against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Sunday, that Israel successfully eliminated Iran’s chief intelligence officer and his deputy in Tehran “just moments ago,” marking a major escalation in Israel’s war with the Islamic Republic. “I can inform you, Bret, that moments ago we also got the chief intelligence officer and his deputy in Tehran,” Netanyahu said, delivering the news live during the exclusive interview, part of Fox News’ ‘Special Report’. Netanyahu did not share more details, but his statement confirmed reports of fresh Israeli strikes deep within Iranian territory following Iran’s continued missile attacks on Israeli cities.

Speaking about the future of Gaza and the Palestinian people, Netanyahu said that Israel is committed to defeating Hamas but not to permanent occupation. “We seek security control to prevent terror—not civil governance,” Netanyahu stressed.&nbsp;

Netanyahu confirms elimination of top Iranian intelligence chief, his deputy during live interview

The ceremony was earlier, scheduled for Monday at the upscale Ronit’s Farm event hall in Kibbutz Yakum, north of Tel Aviv.

The ceremony was earlier, scheduled for Monday at the upscale Ronit’s Farm event hall in Kibbutz Yakum, north of Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

Who is Avner Netanyahu, the Israeli PM's son whose wedding has been postponed amid Iran's attacks?

As the initial phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire neared its conclusion, Hamas released a video on Saturday (March 1) showing multiple Israeli hostages in Gaza. The footage comes amid uncertainty over ongoing negotiations for the next stage of the ceasefire.
The video, published by the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, showed three individuals with visible faces. Two of them seemed to be hostages who had been freed in February, while the third requested the Israeli government for his release. Additionally, the footage included two more individuals whose faces were blurred. A message accompanying the video read, "Only a ceasefire agreement brings them back alive."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/todays-ukraine-is-yesterdays-afghan-did-irans-khamenei-predict-us-treatment-of-zelensky-3-years-back-8769497">'Today&rsquo;s Ukraine is yesterday&rsquo;s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky&nbsp;3&nbsp;years&nbsp;back?</a>
WION has not independently verified the authenticity of the footage.
<h2>Israeli government dismisses footage as propaganda</h2>
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office dismissed the video as propaganda.
"The Hamas terrorist organisation released another cruel propaganda video this evening, in which our hostages are forced to convey psychological warfare messages," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-shadow-over-future-of-hostages-as-phase-one-ends-with-no-deal-between-israel-hamas-8769223">Gaza ceasefire: Hamas ready to complete 'remaining stages' of truce, Israel yet to strike a deal</a>
The statement added, "Israel will not be deterred by Hamas propaganda."
<h2>Hamas pushes for next phase of ceasefire</h2>
On Saturday, Hamas stressed that it was willing to move forward with the "remaining stages" of the ceasefire agreement.
"We affirm our keenness to complete the remaining stages of the ceasefire agreement, leading to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire, full withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, reconstruction, and lifting the siege," the group said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tried-to-use-zelensky-against-biden-but-it-backfired-what-fueled-his-anger-towards-terrible-ukraine-8769285">Trump tried to use Zelensky against Biden but&nbsp;it&nbsp;backfired&nbsp;-&nbsp;What fueled his anger towards 'terrible'&nbsp;Ukraine</a>
<h2>Uncertainty over future of Gaza ceasefire</h2>
During the initial six-week phase of the ceasefire, Gaza militants released 25 living hostages and returned the bodies of eight others to Israel. In exchange, Israel freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-says-israel-has-no-choice-but-to-start-ceasefire-2nd-phase-negotiations-8760350">Hamas says Israel has 'no choice but to start' ceasefire 2nd phase negotiations</a>
The next phase was expected to facilitate the release of more hostages still held in Gaza and lay the groundwork for a more lasting resolution to the conflict. However, as the first stage concludes, the future of the fragile truce remains uncertain.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: "The Hamas terrorist organisation released another cruel propaganda video this evening, in which our hostages are forced to convey psychological warfare messages," Netanyahu said. Middle East

As the initial phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire neared its conclusion, Hamas released a video on Saturday (March 1) showing multiple Israeli hostages in Gaza. The footage comes amid uncertainty over ongoing negotiations for the next stage of the ceasefire. The video, published by the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, showed three individuals with visible faces. Two of them seemed to be hostages who had been freed in February, while the third requested the Israeli government for his release. Additionally, the footage included two more individuals whose faces were blurred. A message accompanying the video read, "Only a ceasefire agreement brings them back alive." Also read: 'Today’s Ukraine is yesterday’s Afghan': Did Iran's Khamenei predict US' treatment of Zelensky 3 years back? WION has not independently verified the authenticity of the footage. Israeli government dismisses footage as propaganda In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office dismissed the video as propaganda. "The Hamas terrorist organisation released another cruel propaganda video this evening, in which our hostages are forced to convey psychological warfare messages," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. Also read: Gaza ceasefire: Hamas ready to complete 'remaining stages' of truce, Israel yet to strike a deal The statement added, "Israel will not be deterred by Hamas propaganda." Hamas pushes for next phase of ceasefire On Saturday, Hamas stressed that it was willing to move forward with the "remaining stages" of the ceasefire agreement. "We affirm our keenness to complete the remaining stages of the ceasefire agreement, leading to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire, full withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, reconstruction, and lifting the siege," the group said. Also read: Trump tried to use Zelensky against Biden but it backfired - What fueled his anger towards 'terrible' Ukraine Uncertainty over future of Gaza ceasefire During the initial six-week phase of the ceasefire, Gaza militants released 25 living hostages and returned the bodies of eight others to Israel. In exchange, Israel freed hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Also read: Hamas says Israel has 'no choice but to start' ceasefire 2nd phase negotiations The next phase was expected to facilitate the release of more hostages still held in Gaza and lay the groundwork for a more lasting resolution to the conflict. However, as the first stage concludes, the future of the fragile truce remains uncertain. (With inputs from agencies)

'Only ceasefire can bring them alive': Hamas releases video of hostages; Netanyahu says 'won't be deterred'

United States President Joe Biden, on Friday (Mar 15) praised Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s speech criticising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and&nbsp;calling&nbsp;for new elections in Israel. The speech has since garnered criticism from Israeli officials and the country’s media with some calling it a “watershed” moment for relations between Tel Aviv and Washington.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Good speech’</h2>

“He made a good speech, and I think he expressed serious concern shared not only by him, but by many Americans,” said the US president during a meeting with the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office, when asked about the Democratic Senator’s speech.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel war: Tensions between US, Israel over Gaza war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-tensions-between-us-israel-over-gaza-war-700518/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The White House had been notified about the remarks Schumer would make on the Senate floor. “Senator Schumer contacted my staff, my senior staffer, that he was going to make that speech,” said the US president. However, Biden refused to elaborate further on the matter.&nbsp;

Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US, called Netanyahu a “major obstacle to peace,” and said how he has lost his way by prioritising his “political survival” over the “best interests of Israel.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-approves-potential-assault-on-rafah-but-keeps-truce-hopes-alive-700608">Israel-Hamas war: Israel approves potential assault on Rafah as first aid ship reaches Gaza shore</a>

“He has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows,” said the Senate majority leader in a speech, on Thursday (Mar 14), adding that “Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah.”

Schumer also called for a “new election once the war starts to wind down.”&nbsp;

He added that if Netanyahu does not step down after the war and “continues to pursue dangerous and inflammatory policies” the US would have “no choice” but to “play a more active role in shaping Israeli policy by using our leverage to change the present course.”

The US president has supported Israel’s right to defend itself after the October 7 attack by the Palestinian militant group, Hamas in southern Israel. However, Biden, ahead of the presidential election in November is facing growing backlash from Democrats as well as many in the US calling for a ceasefire amid the ongoing war in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli officials fume over Schumer’s speech</h2>

Meanwhile, the Senate majority leader’s speech has sparked outrage in Israel. The country's&nbsp;newspaper Haaretz described the speech as a “watershed” moment. While several Israeli officials warned the US over meddling in the country’s internal politics.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schumer-calls-for-new-leadership-in-israel-says-significant-course-corrections-needed-for-peace-700183">Chuck Schumer calls for replacing Israel's Netnyahu, says 'significant course corrections' needed for peace</a>

Netanyahu’s Likud party in a statement asked Schumer not to “undermine” Israel’s elected government calling the country “an independent, proud democracy that elected Prime Minister Netanyahu.”&nbsp;

“Israel is a sovereign democracy,” said Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog. He added, “It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden, on Friday (Mar 15) praised Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s speech criticising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling for new elections in Israel.

United States President Joe Biden, on Friday (Mar 15) praised Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s speech criticising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling for new elections in Israel. The speech has since garnered criticism from Israeli officials and the country’s media with some calling it a “watershed” moment for relations between Tel Aviv and Washington. ‘Good speech’ “He made a good speech, and I think he expressed serious concern shared not only by him, but by many Americans,” said the US president during a meeting with the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office, when asked about the Democratic Senator’s speech. WATCH | Israel war: Tensions between US, Israel over Gaza war The White House had been notified about the remarks Schumer would make on the Senate floor. “Senator Schumer contacted my staff, my senior staffer, that he was going to make that speech,” said the US president. However, Biden refused to elaborate further on the matter. Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the US, called Netanyahu a “major obstacle to peace,” and said how he has lost his way by prioritising his “political survival” over the “best interests of Israel.” Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Israel approves potential assault on Rafah as first aid ship reaches Gaza shore “He has been too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza, which is pushing support for Israel worldwide to historic lows,” said the Senate majority leader in a speech, on Thursday (Mar 14), adding that “Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah.” Schumer also called for a “new election once the war starts to wind down.” He added that if Netanyahu does not step down after the war and “continues to pursue dangerous and inflammatory policies” the US would have “no choice” but to “play a more active role in shaping Israeli policy by using our leverage to change the present course.” The US president has supported Israel’s right to defend itself after the October 7 attack by the Palestinian militant group, Hamas in southern Israel. However, Biden, ahead of the presidential election in November is facing growing backlash from Democrats as well as many in the US calling for a ceasefire amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Israeli officials fume over Schumer’s speech Meanwhile, the Senate majority leader’s speech has sparked outrage in Israel. The country's newspaper Haaretz described the speech as a “watershed” moment. While several Israeli officials warned the US over meddling in the country’s internal politics. Also Read | Chuck Schumer calls for replacing Israel's Netnyahu, says 'significant course corrections' needed for peace Netanyahu’s Likud party in a statement asked Schumer not to “undermine” Israel’s elected government calling the country “an independent, proud democracy that elected Prime Minister Netanyahu.” “Israel is a sovereign democracy,” said Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog. He added, “It is unhelpful, all the more so as Israel is at war against the genocidal terror organization Hamas, to comment on the domestic political scene of a democratic ally. It is counterproductive to our common goals.” (With inputs from agencies)

Biden praises Schumer’s ‘anti-Netanyahu’ speech calling for new elections, Israel fumes over remarks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday refuted all claims made in the alleged US intel leaks that top Mossad officials had supported and encouraged demonstrations against the government's judicial overhaul, a move against which massive protests have been held in the country.&nbsp;

US intel leaks raised concerns about whether America is spying on its allies, including Israel. Netanyahu while speaking to NBC rejected these leaked documents, a part of a trove that made the far-reaching revelations.&nbsp;

In replying to a question if Mossad opposes the current Israeli government, Netanyahu said,&nbsp;"God no." "I value American intelligence a little more than that, and I think they probably know the truth."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-meets-chinese-defence-minister-li-shangfu-in-moscow-583140">Russia's Putin meets Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu in Moscow</a>

He added, "The truth is that the Mossad legal adviser said that under Israeli law, junior members of Mossad can participate in demonstrations, not senior members. That's, I think, what led to this misunderstanding. No, I think the Mossad, the military, the internal security services, are working hand-in-hand with me as prime minister to assure the security of the country, and they're doing a damn good job of it."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-minister-meets-putin-says-willing-to-work-with-russian-military-to-have-close-communications-583151">Chinese minister meets Putin, says willing to work with Russian military to have close communications</a>

Earlier, US President Joe Biden warned Israel that it "cannot continue" pressing for deeply controversial judicial reforms, which have prompted months of unrest and criticism among Western allies.

Reacting to this comment, Netanyahu denied any tensions with the Biden administration and said, "I share with him the view that we should act — and not only share the view, I'm actually acting on it, to try to reach a broad consensus as possible."

During the interview, Netanyahu was visibly agitated.&nbsp;

Watch | Sudan Power Struggle: Army clashes with paramilitary forces enters third day

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He said there is a need to reestablish a system of checks and balances in line with other Western democracies. The Israeli PM also refuted any claims of declining poll numbers. He asserted that last year's election demonstrated he has a good support base to pursue changes to Israel's judiciary.

Netanyahu further criticised the Israeli media and the opposition for spreading lies about the composition of his far-right administration. He cited his schooling in America as proof of his commitment to democracy.

He also denied reports that he changed his mind about term limits for prime ministers because of the corruption case against him.&nbsp;The claim that the Mossad was involved in the demonstrations has since been extensively refuted by Israeli officials. .

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday refuted all claims made in the alleged US intel leaks that top Mossad officials had supported and encouraged demonstrations against the government's judicial overhaul, a move against which massive protests have been held in the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday refuted all claims made in the alleged US intel leaks that top Mossad officials had supported and encouraged demonstrations against the government's judicial overhaul, a move against which massive protests have been held in the country. US intel leaks raised concerns about whether America is spying on its allies, including Israel. Netanyahu while speaking to NBC rejected these leaked documents, a part of a trove that made the far-reaching revelations. In replying to a question if Mossad opposes the current Israeli government, Netanyahu said, "God no." "I value American intelligence a little more than that, and I think they probably know the truth." Also Read | Russia's Putin meets Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu in Moscow He added, "The truth is that the Mossad legal adviser said that under Israeli law, junior members of Mossad can participate in demonstrations, not senior members. That's, I think, what led to this misunderstanding. No, I think the Mossad, the military, the internal security services, are working hand-in-hand with me as prime minister to assure the security of the country, and they're doing a damn good job of it." Also Read | Chinese minister meets Putin, says willing to work with Russian military to have close communications Earlier, US President Joe Biden warned Israel that it "cannot continue" pressing for deeply controversial judicial reforms, which have prompted months of unrest and criticism among Western allies. Reacting to this comment, Netanyahu denied any tensions with the Biden administration and said, "I share with him the view that we should act — and not only share the view, I'm actually acting on it, to try to reach a broad consensus as possible." During the interview, Netanyahu was visibly agitated. Watch | Sudan Power Struggle: Army clashes with paramilitary forces enters third day × He said there is a need to reestablish a system of checks and balances in line with other Western democracies. The Israeli PM also refuted any claims of declining poll numbers. He asserted that last year's election demonstrated he has a good support base to pursue changes to Israel's judiciary. Netanyahu further criticised the Israeli media and the opposition for spreading lies about the composition of his far-right administration. He cited his schooling in America as proof of his commitment to democracy. He also denied reports that he changed his mind about term limits for prime ministers because of the corruption case against him. The claim that the Mossad was involved in the demonstrations has since been extensively refuted by Israeli officials. . 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.

Netanyahu discloses why US intel leaks said Mossad encouraged Israel protests

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting for his political life as the country faces national elections Tuesday for the second time this year. Watch this video to know more.

US-Israel discuss Mutual Defense Treaty

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to annex the Jordan Valley, a large swathe of the occupied West Bank, if he wins the elections in a closely contested race.

Netanyahu announces annexation of West Bank's Jordan Valley

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scrambled for far-right voter support two days before an election, convening his cabinet in the occupied West Bank and having it approve legal status for an unauthorised outpost. Watch this video to know more.

Netanyahu sharpens focus on settlements, two days before ballot

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-protest-moves-to-grant-netanyahu-immunity-limit-supreme-court-221711">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> said Sunday he believed a deal to form a new coalition government remained possible, as speculation mounted over the possibility of fresh elections only days ahead of a deadline.

Netanyahu has been unable to reach a deal with potential coalition partners despite results from April 9 polls giving his Likud party and its right-wing and religious allies a majority in parliament.

Negotiations have broken down over legislation aimed at requiring ultra-Orthodox Jews to perform mandatory military service like other Jewish Israelis.

The deadline for Netanyahu to form a coalition is Wednesday.&nbsp;

Holding elections so close to one another would be unprecedented for Israel.<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/palestinians-voice-concern-over-netanyahu-win-215889/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"I think that the problem can be solved with good will if that's what people want," Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting.

"If there's not a desire, and things are being aimed in a certain direction, it's unfortunate. I don't think the country needs to be dragged to another election, but there might be someone who wants that," he added.

Avigdor Lieberman, who is likely to become defence minister under a coalition deal, has pushed for a guarantee that a bill he backs on ultra-Orthodox military conscription be passed.

The ultra-Orthodox parties have refused to support this reform.

Netanyahu needs both Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party and the ultra-Orthodox to form the coalition he is seeking.

Likud and its allies hold 65 seats in the 120-seat parliament, including Yisrael Beitenu's five and the ultra-Orthodox parties' 16.

A Likud spokesman said Sunday that "if Lieberman continues to insist on taking down the government, the Likud has begun preparations ahead of elections."

But he added: "At this stage, there has been no decision on dissolving the Knesset (parliament)."

Netanyahu's party later said in a statement that "the ball is now in the court of the Lieberman camp. If he accepts, we have a right-wing government tonight."

Netanyahu had said on Twitter that he had put together a last-ditch proposal on the conscription issue and was meeting individually with party heads to discuss it.

Both Lieberman and ultra-Orthodox leaders indicated they were not prepared to compromise.

Lieberman refused to meet with Netanyahu on Sunday, his own party said in a statement.

It added that Lieberman remained committed to the proposed law.

Israeli media reported that Likud lawmakers had received a request to attend parliament on Monday afternoon to vote in favour of dissolution, in an apparent bid to put pressure on Lieberman to change his position and avoid fresh elections.

Separately, thousands protested in Tel Aviv on Saturday night against Netanyahu's reported attempts to seek immunity from prosecution as part of coalition negotiations. 
&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he believed a deal to form a new coalition government remained possible, as speculation mounted over the possibility of fresh elections only days ahead of a deadline.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he believed a deal to form a new coalition government remained possible, as speculation mounted over the possibility of fresh elections only days ahead of a deadline. Netanyahu has been unable to reach a deal with potential coalition partners despite results from April 9 polls giving his Likud party and its right-wing and religious allies a majority in parliament. Negotiations have broken down over legislation aimed at requiring ultra-Orthodox Jews to perform mandatory military service like other Jewish Israelis. The deadline for Netanyahu to form a coalition is Wednesday. Holding elections so close to one another would be unprecedented for Israel. "I think that the problem can be solved with good will if that's what people want," Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting. "If there's not a desire, and things are being aimed in a certain direction, it's unfortunate. I don't think the country needs to be dragged to another election, but there might be someone who wants that," he added. Avigdor Lieberman, who is likely to become defence minister under a coalition deal, has pushed for a guarantee that a bill he backs on ultra-Orthodox military conscription be passed. The ultra-Orthodox parties have refused to support this reform. Netanyahu needs both Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party and the ultra-Orthodox to form the coalition he is seeking. Likud and its allies hold 65 seats in the 120-seat parliament, including Yisrael Beitenu's five and the ultra-Orthodox parties' 16. A Likud spokesman said Sunday that "if Lieberman continues to insist on taking down the government, the Likud has begun preparations ahead of elections." But he added: "At this stage, there has been no decision on dissolving the Knesset (parliament)." Netanyahu's party later said in a statement that "the ball is now in the court of the Lieberman camp. If he accepts, we have a right-wing government tonight." Netanyahu had said on Twitter that he had put together a last-ditch proposal on the conscription issue and was meeting individually with party heads to discuss it. Both Lieberman and ultra-Orthodox leaders indicated they were not prepared to compromise. Lieberman refused to meet with Netanyahu on Sunday, his own party said in a statement. It added that Lieberman remained committed to the proposed law. Israeli media reported that Likud lawmakers had received a request to attend parliament on Monday afternoon to vote in favour of dissolution, in an apparent bid to put pressure on Lieberman to change his position and avoid fresh elections. Separately, thousands protested in Tel Aviv on Saturday night against Netanyahu's reported attempts to seek immunity from prosecution as part of coalition negotiations.

Netanyahu says coalition deal still possible as talk of new polls mounts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, appeared in court on Sunday for the first hearing in the fraud trial against her, in which she is alleged to have misused state funds in ordering catered meals.

According to the indictment filed in June, Sara Netanyahu, along with a government employee, fraudulently obtained from the state more than $100,000 for hundreds of meals supplied by restaurants, bypassing regulations that prohibit the practice if a cook is employed at home.

Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing.

She was charged in June with fraud and breach of trust and of aggravated fraudulent receipt of goods. If convicted, Sara Netanyahu could face up to five years in prison.

Looking tense as she walked into Sunday's hearing, she made no comment to reporters and sat on a bench behind her lawyers. Israeli media reports said the session would deal with procedural matters.

Sara Netanyahu’s lawyers contend the indictment does not hold up because the regulations for ordering meals were legally invalid and a household employee had requisitioned the food despite Netanyahu's protestations.

"If we even get to the stage of presenting evidence, I do believe Your Honour may laugh," one of her attorneys, Yossi Cohen, told the court. She was not asked to enter a plea.

The prime minister, who himself is embroiled in a series of corruption investigations [nL8N1WL2ZS], has called the allegations against his wife absurd and unfounded.

Sara Netanyahu, 59, has inspired a multitude of headlines in the past over what family spokesmen call an undeserved reputation for imperiousness.

In 2017 the Netanyahus won a libel suit against an Israeli journalist who said Sara once kicked her husband out of their car during an argument. In 2016, a Jerusalem labour court ruled that she had insulted and raged at household staff in the prime minister’s official residence.

It seemed unlikely Sara's present legal woes would cause significant political damage to her husband, now in his fourth term as Israel’s leader and riding high in opinion polls despite the allegations against him.

Accusations he has made against the Israeli media of orchestrating a politically motivated witch-hunt against him and his wife appear to have struck a chord with his right-wing voter base, which has rallied in support of the 68-year-old leader.

The next national elections in Israel are scheduled for November 2019, but some political analysts predict a snap election will be held sooner.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, appeared in court on Sunday for the first hearing in the fraud trial against her, in which she is alleged to have misused state funds in ordering catered meals.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, appeared in court on Sunday for the first hearing in the fraud trial against her, in which she is alleged to have misused state funds in ordering catered meals. According to the indictment filed in June, Sara Netanyahu, along with a government employee, fraudulently obtained from the state more than $100,000 for hundreds of meals supplied by restaurants, bypassing regulations that prohibit the practice if a cook is employed at home. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing. She was charged in June with fraud and breach of trust and of aggravated fraudulent receipt of goods. If convicted, Sara Netanyahu could face up to five years in prison. Looking tense as she walked into Sunday's hearing, she made no comment to reporters and sat on a bench behind her lawyers. Israeli media reports said the session would deal with procedural matters. Sara Netanyahu’s lawyers contend the indictment does not hold up because the regulations for ordering meals were legally invalid and a household employee had requisitioned the food despite Netanyahu's protestations. "If we even get to the stage of presenting evidence, I do believe Your Honour may laugh," one of her attorneys, Yossi Cohen, told the court. She was not asked to enter a plea. The prime minister, who himself is embroiled in a series of corruption investigations [nL8N1WL2ZS], has called the allegations against his wife absurd and unfounded. Sara Netanyahu, 59, has inspired a multitude of headlines in the past over what family spokesmen call an undeserved reputation for imperiousness. In 2017 the Netanyahus won a libel suit against an Israeli journalist who said Sara once kicked her husband out of their car during an argument. In 2016, a Jerusalem labour court ruled that she had insulted and raged at household staff in the prime minister’s official residence. It seemed unlikely Sara's present legal woes would cause significant political damage to her husband, now in his fourth term as Israel’s leader and riding high in opinion polls despite the allegations against him. Accusations he has made against the Israeli media of orchestrating a politically motivated witch-hunt against him and his wife appear to have struck a chord with his right-wing voter base, which has rallied in support of the 68-year-old leader. The next national elections in Israel are scheduled for November 2019, but some political analysts predict a snap election will be held sooner.

Israel PM's wife Sara goes on trial for fraud

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described on Thursday what he said was a secret atomic warehouse in Tehran and accused Europe of appeasing Iran as he sought to rally support for US sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu showed an aerial photograph of the Iranian capital marked with a red arrow and pointed to what he said was a previously secret warehouse holding nuclear-related material. He argued this showed Iran still sought to obtain nuclear weapons, despite its 2015 agreement with world powers to curb its program in exchange for loosening of sanctions.

Netanyahu spoke 4-1/2 months after US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord, arguing it did too little to rein in Tehran`s nuclear ambitions and triggering the resumption of US economic sanctions on Iran.

Netanyahu said the site contained some 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of radioactive material that has since been moved and called on the UN atomic agency to inspect the location immediately with Geiger counters.

"I am disclosing for the first time that Iran has another secret facility in Tehran, a secret atomic warehouse for storing massive amounts of equipment and material from Iran`s secret nuclear programme," Netanyahu said.

The world will laugh at Netanyahu`s claims, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said, according to Fars News.

"The world will only laugh loudly at this type of false, meaningless and unnecessary speech and false shows," Qassemi said.

Iran`s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that there should be more scrutiny on Israel`s nuclear program.

"No arts &amp; craft show will ever obfuscate that Israel is only regime in our region with a *secret* and *undeclared* nuclear weapons program - including an *actual atomic arsenal*. Time for Israel to fess up and open its illegal nuclear weapons program to international inspectors," Zarif tweeted.

Netanyahu did not identify the material nor specifically suggest that Iran had actively violated the nuclear deal.&nbsp;

An outspoken opponent of the deal, Netanyahu has previously made allegations about Iran`s nuclear activities that are difficult or impossible to verify, including presenting a cartoon bomb to the General Assembly in 2012 warning of how close Tehran was to producing a nuclear device.

In April, Netanyahu presented what he said was evidence of a large secret archive of documents related to Iran`s clandestine nuclear weapons program at a different site in Tehran.

He said Israeli agents removed vast amounts of documents from that site. At the time, Iran said the documents were fake.

In a speech in which he said relatively little about efforts to achieve peace with the Palestinians, Netanyahu said Iran had since begun moving items out of the second site.

"Since we raided the atomic archive, they`ve been busy cleaning out the atomic warehouse. Just last month they removed 15 kilograms of radioactive material. You know what they did with it?" he said. "They took it out and they spread it around Tehran in an effort to hide the evidence."

He said Iranian officials still had a lot of work to do because there were some 15 shipping containers full of nuclear-related equipment and materials stored at the second site.

"This site contained as much as 300 tonnes - 300 tonnes - of nuclear-related equipment and materiel," he said.

Under the nuclear deal struck by Iran and six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other economic sanctions.

The International Atomic Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly said Tehran was abiding by its commitments to the deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), including in a document reviewed by Reuters on August 30.

France, Britain, Germany, China and Russia have stayed in the pact, vowing to save it despite the restoration of US sanctions and this week discussing a barter mechanism they hope may allow Iran to circumvent the US measures.

Netanyahu criticized Europe for doing so in unusually harsh language that evoked European nations` initial failure to confront Nazi Germany in the 1930s.

"While the United States is confronting Iran with new sanctions, Europe and others are appeasing Iran by trying to help it bypass those new sanctions," Netanyahu said.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States is aware of the facility Netanyahu announced and described it as a "warehouse" used to store "records and archives" from Iran’s nuclear program.

A second US intelligence official called Netanyahu’s comments "somewhat misleading. First, we have known about this facility for some time, and it’s full of file cabinets and paper, not aluminium tubes for centrifuges, and second, so far as anyone knows, there is nothing in it that would allow Iran to break out of the JCPOA any faster than it otherwise could."

The Israeli leader also lambasted Iran`s ballistic missile activity, identifying three locations near Beirut airport where he said Lebanon`s Hezbollah was converting missiles.

"In Lebanon, Iran is directing Hezbollah to build secret sites to convert inaccurate projectiles into precision-guided missiles, missiles that can target deep inside Israel within an accuracy of 10 metres (yards)," he said.

The IAEA, Iran and Hezbollah were not immediately available for comment.

The Israeli military released a video clip and photos of what it said were Hezbollah Shi`ite militia rocket building sites in Lebanon, shortly after Netanyahu`s address.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described on Thursday what he said was a secret atomic warehouse in Tehran and accused Europe of appeasing Iran as he sought to rally support for US sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described on Thursday what he said was a secret atomic warehouse in Tehran and accused Europe of appeasing Iran as he sought to rally support for US sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu showed an aerial photograph of the Iranian capital marked with a red arrow and pointed to what he said was a previously secret warehouse holding nuclear-related material. He argued this showed Iran still sought to obtain nuclear weapons, despite its 2015 agreement with world powers to curb its program in exchange for loosening of sanctions. Netanyahu spoke 4-1/2 months after US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord, arguing it did too little to rein in Tehran`s nuclear ambitions and triggering the resumption of US economic sanctions on Iran. Netanyahu said the site contained some 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of radioactive material that has since been moved and called on the UN atomic agency to inspect the location immediately with Geiger counters. "I am disclosing for the first time that Iran has another secret facility in Tehran, a secret atomic warehouse for storing massive amounts of equipment and material from Iran`s secret nuclear programme," Netanyahu said. The world will laugh at Netanyahu`s claims, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said, according to Fars News. "The world will only laugh loudly at this type of false, meaningless and unnecessary speech and false shows," Qassemi said. Iran`s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that there should be more scrutiny on Israel`s nuclear program. "No arts & craft show will ever obfuscate that Israel is only regime in our region with a *secret* and *undeclared* nuclear weapons program - including an *actual atomic arsenal*. Time for Israel to fess up and open its illegal nuclear weapons program to international inspectors," Zarif tweeted. Netanyahu did not identify the material nor specifically suggest that Iran had actively violated the nuclear deal. An outspoken opponent of the deal, Netanyahu has previously made allegations about Iran`s nuclear activities that are difficult or impossible to verify, including presenting a cartoon bomb to the General Assembly in 2012 warning of how close Tehran was to producing a nuclear device. In April, Netanyahu presented what he said was evidence of a large secret archive of documents related to Iran`s clandestine nuclear weapons program at a different site in Tehran. He said Israeli agents removed vast amounts of documents from that site. At the time, Iran said the documents were fake. In a speech in which he said relatively little about efforts to achieve peace with the Palestinians, Netanyahu said Iran had since begun moving items out of the second site. "Since we raided the atomic archive, they`ve been busy cleaning out the atomic warehouse. Just last month they removed 15 kilograms of radioactive material. You know what they did with it?" he said. "They took it out and they spread it around Tehran in an effort to hide the evidence." He said Iranian officials still had a lot of work to do because there were some 15 shipping containers full of nuclear-related equipment and materials stored at the second site. "This site contained as much as 300 tonnes - 300 tonnes - of nuclear-related equipment and materiel," he said. Under the nuclear deal struck by Iran and six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other economic sanctions. The International Atomic Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly said Tehran was abiding by its commitments to the deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), including in a document reviewed by Reuters on August 30. France, Britain, Germany, China and Russia have stayed in the pact, vowing to save it despite the restoration of US sanctions and this week discussing a barter mechanism they hope may allow Iran to circumvent the US measures. Netanyahu criticized Europe for doing so in unusually harsh language that evoked European nations` initial failure to confront Nazi Germany in the 1930s. "While the United States is confronting Iran with new sanctions, Europe and others are appeasing Iran by trying to help it bypass those new sanctions," Netanyahu said. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the United States is aware of the facility Netanyahu announced and described it as a "warehouse" used to store "records and archives" from Iran’s nuclear program. A second US intelligence official called Netanyahu’s comments "somewhat misleading. First, we have known about this facility for some time, and it’s full of file cabinets and paper, not aluminium tubes for centrifuges, and second, so far as anyone knows, there is nothing in it that would allow Iran to break out of the JCPOA any faster than it otherwise could." The Israeli leader also lambasted Iran`s ballistic missile activity, identifying three locations near Beirut airport where he said Lebanon`s Hezbollah was converting missiles. "In Lebanon, Iran is directing Hezbollah to build secret sites to convert inaccurate projectiles into precision-guided missiles, missiles that can target deep inside Israel within an accuracy of 10 metres (yards)," he said. The IAEA, Iran and Hezbollah were not immediately available for comment. The Israeli military released a video clip and photos of what it said were Hezbollah Shi`ite militia rocket building sites in Lebanon, shortly after Netanyahu`s address.

Israel PM Netanyahu claims secret Iranian nuclear site in UN speech

The UN's nuclear watchdog said Tuesday that it had "no credible indications" of an Iranian nuclear weapons programme.&nbsp;

The IAEA added that "its consideration of this issue was closed". &nbsp;&nbsp;

The statement from the International Atomic Energy Agency came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered "new proof" of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme, and as US President Donald Trump mulls over the prospect of pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal signed between six Western powers and Iran.&nbsp;

Iran has since called Netanyahu an "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-netanyahu-an-infamous-liar-comments-aimed-to-influence-trump---134057">infamous liar</a>", saying Netanyahu's proof is nothing more than old news.&nbsp;

Iran added that Netanyahu's only aim is to influence Trump.&nbsp;

Iran says, and has always said, that it is not trying to build nuclear weapons. In 2015, it agreed to curb its nuclear energy programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump however has for the longest time threatened to pull out of the Obama-era deal, saying it is "the worst deal ever".&nbsp;

Trump has repeatedly accused Iran of flouting the agreement.&nbsp;

He has also said that the deal's "sunset clauses" — which would see restrictions on Iran's nuclear enrichment program lifted after 2025 — are unacceptable. And he has accused Iran of not halting its ballistic missile program. 
&nbsp;

The UN's nuclear watchdog added that 'its consideration of this issue was closed'. The statement from the IAEA came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered 'new proof' of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme

The UN's nuclear watchdog said Tuesday that it had "no credible indications" of an Iranian nuclear weapons programme. The IAEA added that "its consideration of this issue was closed". The statement from the International Atomic Energy Agency came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered "new proof" of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme, and as US President Donald Trump mulls over the prospect of pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal signed between six Western powers and Iran. Iran has since called Netanyahu an "infamous liar", saying Netanyahu's proof is nothing more than old news. Iran added that Netanyahu's only aim is to influence Trump. Iran says, and has always said, that it is not trying to build nuclear weapons. In 2015, it agreed to curb its nuclear energy programme in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. US President Donald Trump however has for the longest time threatened to pull out of the Obama-era deal, saying it is "the worst deal ever". Trump has repeatedly accused Iran of flouting the agreement. He has also said that the deal's "sunset clauses" — which would see restrictions on Iran's nuclear enrichment program lifted after 2025 — are unacceptable. And he has accused Iran of not halting its ballistic missile program.

'No credible indications' of Iranian nuclear weapons programme: IAEA

Israeli police revealed Tuesday that two close associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among the suspects in a new corruption probe, with five others central figures in the Bezeq telecommunications group.

The seven were arrested on Sunday, just days after police said there were grounds to indict Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust, in the biggest challenge yet to the right-wing premier&#39;s long tenure in power.

Those arrested included Nir Hefetz, a former personal spokesman for Netanyahu&#39;s family, and Shlomo Filber, a Netanyahu confidant appointed as director of the communications ministry by the premier.

Others included Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of Bezeq, members of Elovitch&#39;s family and senior Bezeq executives.

Police suspect that Bezeq&#39;s controlling shareholder Shaul Elovitch was granted business concessions in return for Netanyahu receiving positive coverage on Elovitch&#39;s news website Walla.&nbsp;

&quot;As part of the investigation, suspicions accumulated on felonies concerning ethics, fraud, money laundering and securities violations, conducted over extended periods of time, frequently and systematically as part of relationships between Bezeq executives and public servants and their associates,&quot; police said on Tuesday.

Elovitch has already been investigated over a deal merging Bezeq with cable company Yes which saw him pocketing dozens of millions of dollars.

Netanyahu has not been named as a suspect in the Bezeq affair, but a spokesman for his family had responded to media reports on the investigation, calling them &quot;yet another empty probe&quot; that would yield nothing.

Meanwhile, police believe Netanyahu sought a secret deal for favourable coverage with the publisher of top-selling newspaper Yediot Aharonot, whose publisher Arnon Moses could also face bribery charges.

The attorney general must now decide how to move forward with the police recommendations, a process that could take months.

 
&nbsp;

Those arrested included Nir Hefetz, a former personal spokesman for Netanyahu's family, and Shlomo Filber, a Netanyahu confidant appointed as director of the communications ministry by the premier

Israeli police revealed Tuesday that two close associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among the suspects in a new corruption probe, with five others central figures in the Bezeq telecommunications group. The seven were arrested on Sunday, just days after police said there were grounds to indict Netanyahu for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust, in the biggest challenge yet to the right-wing premier's long tenure in power. Those arrested included Nir Hefetz, a former personal spokesman for Netanyahu's family, and Shlomo Filber, a Netanyahu confidant appointed as director of the communications ministry by the premier. Others included Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of Bezeq, members of Elovitch's family and senior Bezeq executives. Police suspect that Bezeq's controlling shareholder Shaul Elovitch was granted business concessions in return for Netanyahu receiving positive coverage on Elovitch's news website Walla. "As part of the investigation, suspicions accumulated on felonies concerning ethics, fraud, money laundering and securities violations, conducted over extended periods of time, frequently and systematically as part of relationships between Bezeq executives and public servants and their associates," police said on Tuesday. Elovitch has already been investigated over a deal merging Bezeq with cable company Yes which saw him pocketing dozens of millions of dollars. Netanyahu has not been named as a suspect in the Bezeq affair, but a spokesman for his family had responded to media reports on the investigation, calling them "yet another empty probe" that would yield nothing. Meanwhile, police believe Netanyahu sought a secret deal for favourable coverage with the publisher of top-selling newspaper Yediot Aharonot, whose publisher Arnon Moses could also face bribery charges. The attorney general must now decide how to move forward with the police recommendations, a process that could take months.

Netanyahu's associates named as suspects in new corruption probe

An ultra-Orthodox minister in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s coalition government quit today in a dispute over work on the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest.

But a spokesman for health minister Yaakov Litzman said that his United Torah Judaism party would remain in the ruling alliance &quot;at this stage&quot;, preserving Netanyahu&#39;s slim parliamentary majority at least for the time being.

Similar disputes have caused Israeli coalition crises in the past, but Netanyahu was reportedly seeking ways to prevent further fallout.

&quot;I resign from my cabinet position as health minister,&quot; Litzman wrote in his resignation letter, a copy of which was sent to AFP.

&quot;The decision follows the public works conducted on the Sabbath by Israel Railways,&quot; he added.

&quot;I cannot bear ministerial responsibility for the severe harm to one of the eternal values of the Jewish people, which is the Sabbath.&quot;

Litzman will retain his seat in parliament.

The dispute is over railway maintenance work, which is less disruptive to travellers on the Sabbath when no trains run.

The national rail company says some Sabbath work is necessary for the interests of public safety and to avoid congestion on roads. 
Litzman says that is untrue.

&quot;To my regret, Israel Railways has lately made the Sabbath day national maintenance day,&quot; he told Israeli army radio after handing in his resignation to the cabinet secretary.

&quot;It unnecessarily does all its rail maintenance work on the Sabbath,&quot; he said.

Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday.

Netanyahu had reportedly been seeking to persuade Litzman not to resign by offering backing for various measures the health minister and his supporters favour.

Ultra-Orthodox parties have often played a kingmaker role in Israel&#39;s politics.

They control 13 seats in Netanyahu&#39;s coalition, which has 66 out of 120 seats in parliament.

They demand strict adherence to Jewish law, particularly on the Sabbath, when no work is allowed. Electricity must not be turned on or off and engines must not be operated between sunset on Friday and sunset Saturday.&nbsp;

Israel's Health Minister Yaakov Litzman in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, quit today in a dispute over work on the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest

An ultra-Orthodox minister in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government quit today in a dispute over work on the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest. But a spokesman for health minister Yaakov Litzman said that his United Torah Judaism party would remain in the ruling alliance "at this stage", preserving Netanyahu's slim parliamentary majority at least for the time being. Similar disputes have caused Israeli coalition crises in the past, but Netanyahu was reportedly seeking ways to prevent further fallout. "I resign from my cabinet position as health minister," Litzman wrote in his resignation letter, a copy of which was sent to AFP. "The decision follows the public works conducted on the Sabbath by Israel Railways," he added. "I cannot bear ministerial responsibility for the severe harm to one of the eternal values of the Jewish people, which is the Sabbath." Litzman will retain his seat in parliament. The dispute is over railway maintenance work, which is less disruptive to travellers on the Sabbath when no trains run. The national rail company says some Sabbath work is necessary for the interests of public safety and to avoid congestion on roads. Litzman says that is untrue. "To my regret, Israel Railways has lately made the Sabbath day national maintenance day," he told Israeli army radio after handing in his resignation to the cabinet secretary. "It unnecessarily does all its rail maintenance work on the Sabbath," he said. Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday. Netanyahu had reportedly been seeking to persuade Litzman not to resign by offering backing for various measures the health minister and his supporters favour. Ultra-Orthodox parties have often played a kingmaker role in Israel's politics. They control 13 seats in Netanyahu's coalition, which has 66 out of 120 seats in parliament. They demand strict adherence to Jewish law, particularly on the Sabbath, when no work is allowed. Electricity must not be turned on or off and engines must not be operated between sunset on Friday and sunset Saturday.

Israeli minister Yaakov Litzman quits over Sabbath row

Britain&#39;s Balfour Declaration turns 100 this week, hailed by Israel for helping lead to its founding, but viewed by Palestinians as contributing to a catastrophe that stole their land.

The November 2, 1917 declaration by then British foreign minister Arthur Balfour said his government viewed &quot;with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people&quot;.

It was only one sentence of 67 words, but it was the strongest support yet from a world power for the goals of the Zionist movement&nbsp;Jews, including those facing persecution, resettling in the land of their ancient ancestors.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will commemorate the anniversary in London, where he will attend a dinner in honour of the declaration with his British counterpart Theresa May.

May has said she will mark the date with &quot;pride&quot;, but there is also criticism in Britain over the anniversary because of Israel`s continuing half-century occupation of the West Bank.

Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn of the Labour party has said he cannot attend the dinner without explaining further although shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry will.

Palestinians are planning a demonstration on Thursday in Ramallah as part of their campaign calling on Britain to apologise for the declaration. They have also explored suing Britain over it. Netanyahu said this week that the declaration &quot;advanced the international moves that established the state of Israel&quot;.

&quot;While the state would not have arisen without settlement, sacrifice and a willingness to fight for it, the international impetus was, undoubtedly, the Balfour Declaration,&quot; he said.

For Palestinian prime minister Rami Hamdallah, Britain should apologise for a &quot;historic injustice it committed against our people and to correct it instead of celebrating it&quot;.

&quot;The international community is obliged, while we approach the first centennial of the ominous Balfour Declaration, to end the historic injustice that has been inflicted on our people.&quot;

The declaration came in a letter from Balfour to Lord Walter Rothschild, a leader of the Jewish community in Britain, and had British cabinet approval.

Some argue today that later events conflicting policies from Britain and the Zionists&#39;&nbsp;own efforts to realise their dream diminished the Balfour Declaration&#39;s importance.

But others see it as monumental, having helped lay the groundwork not only for the creation of the modern state of Israel, but also the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.&quot;It&#39;s dramatic,&quot; Jonathan Schneer, an American historian and author of the book &quot;The Balfour Declaration&quot;, told AFP.

&quot;And they&#39;re both right,&quot; he said, referring to the starkly different viewpoints of Israelis and Palestinians.

&quot;The Israelis see it as a foundation stone for the birth of a Jewish state, and the Arabs see it as a foundation stone leading towards their dispossession and misery.&quot;

According to Schneer, the declaration ironically grew to a large degree out of anti-Semitic myths.

British leaders saw the Jewish community as capable of helping them win World War I due to its perceived influence in finance and within Russia, he said.

Others say that Britain was also seeking a firm foothold in the Middle East after the war. But regardless of the motivations that created it, &quot;if someone has to choose five documents that shaped Israel&#39;s history and existence, then the Balfour Declaration has to be one of them&quot;, said Paula Kabalo, director of Israel&#39;s Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism.

For Palestinians, the declaration is colonialist and even racist.

It mentions that &quot;nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine&quot;.

Not only were they left nameless in the document, Palestinians say, but Britain has also failed to ensure the pledge was maintained.It was written &quot;as if the Palestinians did not exist&quot;, said Nabil Shaath, a senior adviser to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.

&quot;We were referred to as &#39;others&#39;, others in Palestine who had civilian and religious rights but no political rights whatsoever.&quot;

It would be another 31 years before the state of Israel would be founded in 1948.

The war surrounding its creation saw 750,000 Palestinians either expelled or fleeing from their homes.

In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel occupied the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. It later annexed east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want as the capital of their future state.

Hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are greatly diminishing as Israeli settlement building continues in the West Bank.

Britain&#39;s May sought to acknowledge those concerns in her recent comments.

&quot;We are proud of the role that we played in the creation of the state of Israel and we will certainly mark the centenary with pride,&quot; she said.

&quot;We also must be conscious of the sensitivities that some people do have about the Balfour Declaration, and we recognise that there is more work to be done. We remain committed to the two-state solution in relation to Israel and the Palestinians.&quot;

Britain`s Balfour Declaration turns 100 this week, hailed by Israel for helping lead to its founding, but viewed by Palestinians as contributing to a catastrophe that stole their land.

Britain's Balfour Declaration turns 100 this week, hailed by Israel for helping lead to its founding, but viewed by Palestinians as contributing to a catastrophe that stole their land. The November 2, 1917 declaration by then British foreign minister Arthur Balfour said his government viewed "with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people". It was only one sentence of 67 words, but it was the strongest support yet from a world power for the goals of the Zionist movement Jews, including those facing persecution, resettling in the land of their ancient ancestors. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will commemorate the anniversary in London, where he will attend a dinner in honour of the declaration with his British counterpart Theresa May. May has said she will mark the date with "pride", but there is also criticism in Britain over the anniversary because of Israel`s continuing half-century occupation of the West Bank. Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn of the Labour party has said he cannot attend the dinner without explaining further although shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry will. Palestinians are planning a demonstration on Thursday in Ramallah as part of their campaign calling on Britain to apologise for the declaration. They have also explored suing Britain over it. Netanyahu said this week that the declaration "advanced the international moves that established the state of Israel". "While the state would not have arisen without settlement, sacrifice and a willingness to fight for it, the international impetus was, undoubtedly, the Balfour Declaration," he said. For Palestinian prime minister Rami Hamdallah, Britain should apologise for a "historic injustice it committed against our people and to correct it instead of celebrating it". "The international community is obliged, while we approach the first centennial of the ominous Balfour Declaration, to end the historic injustice that has been inflicted on our people." The declaration came in a letter from Balfour to Lord Walter Rothschild, a leader of the Jewish community in Britain, and had British cabinet approval. Some argue today that later events conflicting policies from Britain and the Zionists' own efforts to realise their dream diminished the Balfour Declaration's importance. But others see it as monumental, having helped lay the groundwork not only for the creation of the modern state of Israel, but also the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."It's dramatic," Jonathan Schneer, an American historian and author of the book "The Balfour Declaration", told AFP. "And they're both right," he said, referring to the starkly different viewpoints of Israelis and Palestinians. "The Israelis see it as a foundation stone for the birth of a Jewish state, and the Arabs see it as a foundation stone leading towards their dispossession and misery." According to Schneer, the declaration ironically grew to a large degree out of anti-Semitic myths. British leaders saw the Jewish community as capable of helping them win World War I due to its perceived influence in finance and within Russia, he said. Others say that Britain was also seeking a firm foothold in the Middle East after the war. But regardless of the motivations that created it, "if someone has to choose five documents that shaped Israel's history and existence, then the Balfour Declaration has to be one of them", said Paula Kabalo, director of Israel's Ben-Gurion Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism. For Palestinians, the declaration is colonialist and even racist. It mentions that "nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine". Not only were they left nameless in the document, Palestinians say, but Britain has also failed to ensure the pledge was maintained.It was written "as if the Palestinians did not exist", said Nabil Shaath, a senior adviser to Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. "We were referred to as 'others', others in Palestine who had civilian and religious rights but no political rights whatsoever." It would be another 31 years before the state of Israel would be founded in 1948. The war surrounding its creation saw 750,000 Palestinians either expelled or fleeing from their homes. In the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel occupied the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. It later annexed east Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want as the capital of their future state. Hopes for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are greatly diminishing as Israeli settlement building continues in the West Bank. Britain's May sought to acknowledge those concerns in her recent comments. "We are proud of the role that we played in the creation of the state of Israel and we will certainly mark the centenary with pride," she said. "We also must be conscious of the sensitivities that some people do have about the Balfour Declaration, and we recognise that there is more work to be done. We remain committed to the two-state solution in relation to Israel and the Palestinians."

100 years later, Balfour Declaration divides Israelis, Palestinians

A budget plan crucial to President Donald Trump&#39;s hopes for large-scale tax cuts looked set for a close vote in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives on Thursday after some Republicans vowed opposition in an effort to protect a popular tax break.

The rebellious faction is resisting a proposal to eliminate a federal deduction for state and local income taxes, which would hit middle-class voters in high-tax states like New York, New Jersey and California.

The idea is one of several that have been floated as Republicans craft a tax-cut plan. The budget blueprint, which has already been approved by the Senate, is central to their efforts to push tax legislation through Congress in the face of staunch opposition from Democrats.

The proposal &quot;is obviously an issue of concern to a group of members, and the shared goal is to work together to address the issue and move forward,&quot; an aide to House Majority Whip Steve Scalise said on Wednesday.

With the clock ticking toward a vote, the impasse had yet to be settled. Republican lawmakers had planned to meet in House Speaker Paul Ryan&#39;s office at 9 pm&nbsp;to try to hammer out a resolution, but the meeting was postponed until after the budget vote, which was set for 10:30 am.&nbsp;

Republican Representative Tom MacArthur of New Jersey told reporters it was possible there were enough votes to block the budget plan. &quot;It&#39;s got to be close,&quot; he said.

Scalise predicted victory. &quot;We&#39;re going to get it done,&quot; he told Fox News Channel.

Republicans have sketched out a tax package that independent analysts say would cut taxes for businesses and individuals by up to $6 trillion over the next decade, but detailed legislation is not expected to be unveiled until next week.

If Congress approves a tax-cut plan, it would hand Trump his first major legislative win since he took office in January.

&quot;I am urging Republicans who have questions about SALT (the state and local tax deduction) to vote no tomorrow, and keep voting no until we get some compromise we can live with,&quot; Republican Representative Peter King of New York told Reuters.

An aide to Republican Representative Tom Reed of New York said there was discussion of a compromise that would call for a tax credit up to a certain income amount to replace the deduction, and that he would support it.

Republican Representative Leonard Lance of New Jersey told Reuters he was not interested in a compromise at this time, and instead wanted the repeal provision taken off the table.

&quot;I will be voting no on the budget tomorrow,&quot; he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will also travel to London to mark the anniversary.

A budget plan crucial to President Donald Trump's hopes for large-scale tax cuts looked set for a close vote in the US House of Representatives on Thursday after some Republicans vowed opposition in an effort to protect a popular tax break. The rebellious faction is resisting a proposal to eliminate a federal deduction for state and local income taxes, which would hit middle-class voters in high-tax states like New York, New Jersey and California. The idea is one of several that have been floated as Republicans craft a tax-cut plan. The budget blueprint, which has already been approved by the Senate, is central to their efforts to push tax legislation through Congress in the face of staunch opposition from Democrats. The proposal "is obviously an issue of concern to a group of members, and the shared goal is to work together to address the issue and move forward," an aide to House Majority Whip Steve Scalise said on Wednesday. With the clock ticking toward a vote, the impasse had yet to be settled. Republican lawmakers had planned to meet in House Speaker Paul Ryan's office at 9 pm to try to hammer out a resolution, but the meeting was postponed until after the budget vote, which was set for 10:30 am. Republican Representative Tom MacArthur of New Jersey told reporters it was possible there were enough votes to block the budget plan. "It's got to be close," he said. Scalise predicted victory. "We're going to get it done," he told Fox News Channel. Republicans have sketched out a tax package that independent analysts say would cut taxes for businesses and individuals by up to $6 trillion over the next decade, but detailed legislation is not expected to be unveiled until next week. If Congress approves a tax-cut plan, it would hand Trump his first major legislative win since he took office in January. "I am urging Republicans who have questions about SALT (the state and local tax deduction) to vote no tomorrow, and keep voting no until we get some compromise we can live with," Republican Representative Peter King of New York told Reuters. An aide to Republican Representative Tom Reed of New York said there was discussion of a compromise that would call for a tax credit up to a certain income amount to replace the deduction, and that he would support it. Republican Representative Leonard Lance of New Jersey told Reuters he was not interested in a compromise at this time, and instead wanted the repeal provision taken off the table. "I will be voting no on the budget tomorrow," he said.

Britain defends Balfour Declaration, 100 years on

At a solemn ceremony in Haifa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu laid wreaths at the Indian War Cemetery in Haifa.

Forty-four&nbsp;Indian soldiers had died liberating the city during World War I.

The two prime ministers unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, who had led the cavalry charge that resulted in the liberation of Haifa.

&quot;I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant soldiers, who laid down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the first World War,&quot; Modi wrote in the visitors&#39;&nbsp;book.

He also wrote that 2018, the centenary of the Battle of Haifa, would present another opportunity to mark the enduring bond between India and Israel. &nbsp;

The three Teen Murti statues in Delhi represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur, and Mysore Lancers who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade.

The brigade carried out the charge on the fortified city of Haifa on September 23, 1918, during World War I.

There are various accounts of the battle, but most tell of the valour of the&nbsp;lancers&nbsp;who undertook the assault on the garrisoned town of Haifa protected by the Ottoman Army.

The lancers&nbsp;were armed with lances -- hence the name -- the Ottomans had machine guns.&nbsp;

The capture of Haifa cleared a route for the Allies to the sea.

Even today, the 61st Cavalry celebrates September 23 as its Raising Day or &quot;Haifa Day&quot;.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The two prime ministers unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, who led the cavalry charge in 2018 that resulted in the liberation of Haifa

At a solemn ceremony in Haifa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu laid wreaths at the Indian War Cemetery in Haifa. Forty-four Indian soldiers had died liberating the city during World War I. The two prime ministers unveiled a plaque commemorating Major Dalpat Singh, who had led the cavalry charge that resulted in the liberation of Haifa. "I am deeply honoured to stand here today to salute the valiant soldiers, who laid down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the first World War," Modi wrote in the visitors' book. He also wrote that 2018, the centenary of the Battle of Haifa, would present another opportunity to mark the enduring bond between India and Israel. The three Teen Murti statues in Delhi represent the Hyderabad, Jodhpur, and Mysore Lancers who were part of the 15 Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade. The brigade carried out the charge on the fortified city of Haifa on September 23, 1918, during World War I. There are various accounts of the battle, but most tell of the valour of the lancers who undertook the assault on the garrisoned town of Haifa protected by the Ottoman Army. The lancers were armed with lances -- hence the name -- the Ottomans had machine guns. The capture of Haifa cleared a route for the Allies to the sea. Even today, the 61st Cavalry celebrates September 23 as its Raising Day or "Haifa Day".

At solemn ceremony, Modi & Netanyahu lay wreaths at Indian War Cemetery in Haifa

Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The two of them held restricted talks ahead of delegation-level talks, at which the two leaders are expected to sign a number of agreements.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Netanyahu called Modi&#39;s visit groundbreaking and emphasised that he sees history in the making in his talks with the Indian leader.

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Expanding perspectives. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> and PM <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu">@netanyahu</a> before start of restricted talks <a href="https://t.co/Wf2FIZZAzY">pic.twitter.com/Wf2FIZZAzY</a>
&mdash; Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/882532952042852352">July 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Taking yesterday&#39;s discussions forward. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> and PM <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu">@netanyahu</a> meet for restricted talks in Jerusalem. <a href="https://t.co/ytZbz7pkcB">pic.twitter.com/ytZbz7pkcB</a>
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PM recalls that Prez Rivlin&#39;s phrase &#39;Make with India&#39; is echoed in Israel and has percolates to all levels <a href="https://t.co/mk6cqQ8lBs">pic.twitter.com/mk6cqQ8lBs</a>
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&quot;Taking yesterday`s discussions forward. PM @narendramodi and PM @netanyahu meet for restricted talks in Jerusalem,&quot; External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders.

Earlier in the day, Modi called on Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

Rivlin broke with protocol, welcoming Modi&nbsp;with a hug as he alighted from his car.&nbsp;

&quot;I am very grateful to the President for welcoming me so warmly,&quot; Modi told the media.

&quot;He broke protocol and came out to the alighting point to welcome me. This is a mark of respect for the people of India.&quot;&nbsp;

Later on Wednesday, Modi is scheduled to meet Moshe Holtzberg, who lost his parents in the attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai during the 26/11 terror attacks.

Moshe -- who was a baby then, he is now a young boy of 10 -- was rescued by his Indian nanny.&nbsp;

In the evening, Modi will also address a 4,000-strong gathering of the Indian diaspora in Israel.

Netanyahu also called Modi's visit -- the first by an Indian prime minister -- groundbreaking

Indian Prime MInister Narendra Modi met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. The two of them held restricted talks ahead of delegation-level talks, at which the two leaders are expected to sign a number of agreements. Prime Minister Netanyahu called Modi's visit groundbreaking and emphasised that he sees history in the making in his talks with the Indian leader. Expanding perspectives. PM @narendramodi and PM @netanyahu before start of restricted talks pic.twitter.com/Wf2FIZZAzY — Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 5, 2017 × Taking yesterday's discussions forward. PM @narendramodi and PM @netanyahu meet for restricted talks in Jerusalem. pic.twitter.com/ytZbz7pkcB — Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 5, 2017 × PM recalls that Prez Rivlin's phrase 'Make with India' is echoed in Israel and has percolates to all levels pic.twitter.com/mk6cqQ8lBs — Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) July 5, 2017 × "Taking yesterday`s discussions forward. PM @narendramodi and PM @netanyahu meet for restricted talks in Jerusalem," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted along with pictures of the two leaders. Earlier in the day, Modi called on Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. Rivlin broke with protocol, welcoming Modi with a hug as he alighted from his car. "I am very grateful to the President for welcoming me so warmly," Modi told the media. "He broke protocol and came out to the alighting point to welcome me. This is a mark of respect for the people of India." Later on Wednesday, Modi is scheduled to meet Moshe Holtzberg, who lost his parents in the attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai during the 26/11 terror attacks. Moshe -- who was a baby then, he is now a young boy of 10 -- was rescued by his Indian nanny. In the evening, Modi will also address a 4,000-strong gathering of the Indian diaspora in Israel.

Modi meets Netanyahu, who calls visit history in the making