Israeli PM Naftali Bennett is all set to address the UNGA session, it will be his first speech as a PM at the forum of global leaders.

Israeli PM Naftali Bennett to address his first UNGA speech

Naftali Bennett, Prime Minister of Israel has completed 100 days in office. Has Bennett finally fill the void after Netanyahu departure? Watch this bulletin for more.

Israeli PM Naftali Bennett completes 100 days, had dethroned Netanyahu in May 2021

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Friday with President Joe Biden a day after a deadly bomb attack on the US Afghanistan evacuation mission forced a postponement and cast a shadow on an Israeli charm offensive.

"My heart goes out, our hearts go out, to all those who we've lost," Biden said after the two met one-on-one, a day after originally planned.&nbsp;

Bennett began his remarks with condolences before announcing, "I bring with me from Jerusalem a new spirit of good will."&nbsp;

Bennett had aimed to reboot US-Israel relations following Benjamin Netanyahu, who during 15 years in office embraced Republicans and antagonised Democrats.&nbsp;

Still, the 49-year-old premiere in his first official overseas visit kept to many of his predecessor's hardline views.

"We cannot lose sight for even one moment that we're in the toughest neighborhood in the world," he said, citing ISIS, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and Hamas. "That's why Israel always has to be overwhelmingly stronger than... all of our enemies combined."

A broader meeting was expected to follow including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata and Israeli Ambassador to Israel Gilad Erdan, along with Bennett's senior aide Shimrit Meir.

Palestinians

Bennett took office in June as head of an eclectic coalition in which his hawkish party holds only a handful of seats. His government includes pro-settlement hardliners like himself as well as political doves and the first Arab party to sit in a coalition.&nbsp;

"He heads and leads the most diverse government in Israeli history," Biden said of Bennett.

Bennett's positions on key issues remain at odds with the White House. &nbsp;

He has said he will continue settlement construction and is against a Palestinian state in territories Israel captured in 1967.&nbsp;

He opposes the US reopening a consulate in Jerusalem to handle Palestinian affairs, which Trump shut in 2019 after moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

In Washington Bennett strove to highlight common ground.&nbsp;

"Israel knows that we have no better or more reliable ally in the world than the United States of America," he said.&nbsp;

Biden said the US had an "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security, including replenishing Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. In a hint at differences of opinion, Biden said, "we're also going to discuss ways to advance peace and security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians."

Shibley Telhami, a professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland, estimated that the attack in Kabul would not impact Biden's posture on the Palestinians.

"It further lowers the Israeli-Palestinian issue on Biden's priority which means he is even less likely to challenge Bennett on this issue."&nbsp;

'Putting diplomacy first' on Iran

Bennett said in the Oval Office that the bombings in Kabul highlighted the potential danger of a nuclear Iran.&nbsp;

"These very days illustrate what the world would look like if a radical Islamic regime acquired a nuclear weapon," Bennett told Biden.&nbsp;

Israel fiercely opposes Biden's attempt to reverse Trump's withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.&nbsp;

Since Trump's move, Iran has itself withdrawn from key commitments, including on uranium enrichment.

Biden pledged the US was committed to ensuring "Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, but we're putting diplomacy first and seeing where that takes us. But if diplomacy fails we're ready to turn to other options."

Dan Kurtzer, former US ambassador to Israel, told AFP Bennett's visit would set a new tone even during disagreements.&nbsp;

"The Netanyahu years, especially with Democratic presidents, were marked by a lot of rancor from the Israeli side and disrespect frankly for the presidency," he said.&nbsp;

By Friday, the two leaders made efforts to show intimacy.

"You've been so generous with your time in these difficult days," Bennett said.

"I've known every Israeli prime minister since Golda Meir, said Biden, 78, referring to the leader who served in the 1970s. Bennett, he said, had traveled the same train that Biden is famous for.&nbsp;

"We've become close friends. He's ridden the Amtrak train a lot."

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Friday with President Joe Biden a day after a deadly bomb attack on the US Afghanistan evacuation mission forced a postponement and cast a shadow on an Israeli charm offensive.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Friday with President Joe Biden a day after a deadly bomb attack on the US Afghanistan evacuation mission forced a postponement and cast a shadow on an Israeli charm offensive. "My heart goes out, our hearts go out, to all those who we've lost," Biden said after the two met one-on-one, a day after originally planned. Bennett began his remarks with condolences before announcing, "I bring with me from Jerusalem a new spirit of good will." Bennett had aimed to reboot US-Israel relations following Benjamin Netanyahu, who during 15 years in office embraced Republicans and antagonised Democrats. Still, the 49-year-old premiere in his first official overseas visit kept to many of his predecessor's hardline views. "We cannot lose sight for even one moment that we're in the toughest neighborhood in the world," he said, citing ISIS, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and Hamas. "That's why Israel always has to be overwhelmingly stronger than... all of our enemies combined." A broader meeting was expected to follow including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Israeli National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata and Israeli Ambassador to Israel Gilad Erdan, along with Bennett's senior aide Shimrit Meir. Palestinians Bennett took office in June as head of an eclectic coalition in which his hawkish party holds only a handful of seats. His government includes pro-settlement hardliners like himself as well as political doves and the first Arab party to sit in a coalition. "He heads and leads the most diverse government in Israeli history," Biden said of Bennett. Bennett's positions on key issues remain at odds with the White House. He has said he will continue settlement construction and is against a Palestinian state in territories Israel captured in 1967. He opposes the US reopening a consulate in Jerusalem to handle Palestinian affairs, which Trump shut in 2019 after moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. In Washington Bennett strove to highlight common ground. "Israel knows that we have no better or more reliable ally in the world than the United States of America," he said. Biden said the US had an "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security, including replenishing Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. In a hint at differences of opinion, Biden said, "we're also going to discuss ways to advance peace and security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians." Shibley Telhami, a professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland, estimated that the attack in Kabul would not impact Biden's posture on the Palestinians. "It further lowers the Israeli-Palestinian issue on Biden's priority which means he is even less likely to challenge Bennett on this issue." 'Putting diplomacy first' on Iran Bennett said in the Oval Office that the bombings in Kabul highlighted the potential danger of a nuclear Iran. "These very days illustrate what the world would look like if a radical Islamic regime acquired a nuclear weapon," Bennett told Biden. Israel fiercely opposes Biden's attempt to reverse Trump's withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Since Trump's move, Iran has itself withdrawn from key commitments, including on uranium enrichment. Biden pledged the US was committed to ensuring "Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, but we're putting diplomacy first and seeing where that takes us. But if diplomacy fails we're ready to turn to other options." Dan Kurtzer, former US ambassador to Israel, told AFP Bennett's visit would set a new tone even during disagreements. "The Netanyahu years, especially with Democratic presidents, were marked by a lot of rancor from the Israeli side and disrespect frankly for the presidency," he said. By Friday, the two leaders made efforts to show intimacy. "You've been so generous with your time in these difficult days," Bennett said. "I've known every Israeli prime minister since Golda Meir, said Biden, 78, referring to the leader who served in the 1970s. Bennett, he said, had traveled the same train that Biden is famous for. "We've become close friends. He's ridden the Amtrak train a lot."

Biden meets Israeli PM in shadow of Kabul blasts

US and Israeli administrations are meeting in Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is on a two-day tour to the US capital. Bennett met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's two day tour to US Capital

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will push US&nbsp;President Joe Biden to harden his approach to Iran during his first White House visit, with few prospects their talks will lead to renewed movement on Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Yet both Israel and the United States have expressed hope the meeting on Thursday will set a positive tone between Biden and Bennett, a far-right politician and high-tech millionaire who ended Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year run as prime minister in June.

This would stand in sharp contrast to years of tensions between the conservative Netanyahu, who was close to former President Donald Trump, and the last Democratic administration led by Barack Obama with Biden as his vice president.

"There's a new administration in the United States and a new government in Israel and I'm bringing a new spirit of cooperation with me from Jerusalem," Bennett said on departure for Washington from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport on Tuesday.

The visit gives the US&nbsp;administration an opportunity to demonstrate business as usual with its closest Middle East ally while it contends with the chaotic situation in Afghanistan, Biden's biggest foreign policy crisis since taking office.

But Israel faces concern from Washington over housing construction in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, on land Palestinians seek for a state. US-Israeli friction over the issue was absent while Trump was in office.

Bennett is less dramatic but publicly just as adamant as Netanyahu in pledging not to allow Iran, which Israel views as an existential threat, to build a nuclear weapon, telling a cabinet meeting on Sunday the situation was at a critical point.

Bennett said he would tell Biden: "This is the time to stop the Iranians, not to give them a lifeline in the form of re-entering an expired nuclear deal."

A US&nbsp;official said Bennett’s expected entreaties for the Biden administration to drop its efforts to revive the agreement are not likely to bear fruit.

To Israeli acclaim, Trump in 2018 withdrew the United States from the 2015 deal between six world powers and Iran. He deemed it too advantageous for Tehran and reimposed US&nbsp;sanctions.

In a report seen last week by Reuters, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had accelerated uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade.

Iran has consistently denied seeking a bomb, but the enrichment raised tensions with the West as both sides seek to resume talks on reviving their deal to curb Tehran's nuclear activities in return for the lifting of sanctions.

ISRAELI PLAN ON IRAN

Bennett told his cabinet he would present Biden with "an orderly plan that we have formulated in the past two months to curb the Iranians, both in the nuclear sphere and vis-à-vis regional aggression". He gave no further details.

At the airport in Tel Aviv, Bennett told reporters he would share with Biden the findings that Israel has gleaned from its extensive COVID-19 vaccine booster drive aimed at taming the Delta variant.

Bennett, 49, is the son of American immigrants to Israel. A former head of Israel's main West Bank settlers council, he heads an unlikely coalition of left-wing, right-wing, centrist and Arab parties.

With consensus on Palestinian statehood virtually impossible within the diverse Israeli government, Biden and his aides are not expected to press Bennett for any major concessions towards the Palestinians in his first foreign visit.

The two leaders are expected to speak briefly to a small pool of reporters during their Oval Office meeting but will not hold a joint news conference.

But even with little sign of U.S. pressure to resume peace negotiations with the Palestinians that collapsed in 2014, Israel faces concern from Washington over its settlement activity in areas it captured in the 1967 Middle East war.

The Biden administration has already made clear it opposes further expansion of Jewish settlements on occupied land. Most countries consider such settlements illegal. Israel disputes this.

So far, Bennett, who has advocated annexation of parts of the West Bank, has moved cautiously on the settlement issue.

Scheduled approval last week of 2,200 new settler homes, along with 800 houses for Palestinians, was postponed, apparently to avoid dissonance with Washington ahead of Bennett's visit, which he said would include meetings on Wednesday with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

But rising tensions and violence along the Israel-Gaza border, three months after an 11-day war between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, could cast a shadow over Bennett's trip.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will push US President Joe Biden to harden his approach to Iran during his first White House visit, with few prospects their talks will lead to renewed movement on Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will push US President Joe Biden to harden his approach to Iran during his first White House visit, with few prospects their talks will lead to renewed movement on Israeli-Palestinian peace. Yet both Israel and the United States have expressed hope the meeting on Thursday will set a positive tone between Biden and Bennett, a far-right politician and high-tech millionaire who ended Benjamin Netanyahu's 12-year run as prime minister in June. This would stand in sharp contrast to years of tensions between the conservative Netanyahu, who was close to former President Donald Trump, and the last Democratic administration led by Barack Obama with Biden as his vice president. "There's a new administration in the United States and a new government in Israel and I'm bringing a new spirit of cooperation with me from Jerusalem," Bennett said on departure for Washington from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport on Tuesday. The visit gives the US administration an opportunity to demonstrate business as usual with its closest Middle East ally while it contends with the chaotic situation in Afghanistan, Biden's biggest foreign policy crisis since taking office. But Israel faces concern from Washington over housing construction in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, on land Palestinians seek for a state. US-Israeli friction over the issue was absent while Trump was in office. Bennett is less dramatic but publicly just as adamant as Netanyahu in pledging not to allow Iran, which Israel views as an existential threat, to build a nuclear weapon, telling a cabinet meeting on Sunday the situation was at a critical point. Bennett said he would tell Biden: "This is the time to stop the Iranians, not to give them a lifeline in the form of re-entering an expired nuclear deal." A US official said Bennett’s expected entreaties for the Biden administration to drop its efforts to revive the agreement are not likely to bear fruit. To Israeli acclaim, Trump in 2018 withdrew the United States from the 2015 deal between six world powers and Iran. He deemed it too advantageous for Tehran and reimposed US sanctions. In a report seen last week by Reuters, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had accelerated uranium enrichment to near weapons-grade. Iran has consistently denied seeking a bomb, but the enrichment raised tensions with the West as both sides seek to resume talks on reviving their deal to curb Tehran's nuclear activities in return for the lifting of sanctions. ISRAELI PLAN ON IRAN Bennett told his cabinet he would present Biden with "an orderly plan that we have formulated in the past two months to curb the Iranians, both in the nuclear sphere and vis-à-vis regional aggression". He gave no further details. At the airport in Tel Aviv, Bennett told reporters he would share with Biden the findings that Israel has gleaned from its extensive COVID-19 vaccine booster drive aimed at taming the Delta variant. Bennett, 49, is the son of American immigrants to Israel. A former head of Israel's main West Bank settlers council, he heads an unlikely coalition of left-wing, right-wing, centrist and Arab parties. With consensus on Palestinian statehood virtually impossible within the diverse Israeli government, Biden and his aides are not expected to press Bennett for any major concessions towards the Palestinians in his first foreign visit. The two leaders are expected to speak briefly to a small pool of reporters during their Oval Office meeting but will not hold a joint news conference. But even with little sign of U.S. pressure to resume peace negotiations with the Palestinians that collapsed in 2014, Israel faces concern from Washington over its settlement activity in areas it captured in the 1967 Middle East war. The Biden administration has already made clear it opposes further expansion of Jewish settlements on occupied land. Most countries consider such settlements illegal. Israel disputes this. So far, Bennett, who has advocated annexation of parts of the West Bank, has moved cautiously on the settlement issue. Scheduled approval last week of 2,200 new settler homes, along with 800 houses for Palestinians, was postponed, apparently to avoid dissonance with Washington ahead of Bennett's visit, which he said would include meetings on Wednesday with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. But rising tensions and violence along the Israel-Gaza border, three months after an 11-day war between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, could cast a shadow over Bennett's trip.

Israel's new leader to present Iran plan in first White House visit

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is going to meet top United States officials in the 2-day visit. Watch this report to know more.

Israel's PM Naftali Bennett to meet top US officials in 2-day visit

We have seen a visit this week to Israel by Egypt and an invitation to reciprocate. So, what exactly is brewing in West Asia? WION's Correspondent Jodie Cohen brings you a report.

Israeli PM planning first visit to meet Egypt's Sisi

The worsening situation in Afghanistan is the not the only problem that the US is concerned about right now. <o:p></o:p>

US President Joe Biden has invited Israel’s newly elected Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to make his first official trip to Washington to discuss Iran and Israel’s relationship with the Palestinians.<o:p></o:p>

Bennett is expected to meet Biden on August 26. The PM told a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem that he will tell "Biden that now is the time to halt the Iranians, to stop this thing, not to give them a rescue line in the form of re-entering a nuclear deal that has already expired and is not relevant, even to those who thought it was once relevant. But we are not satisfied only by this, we will present an organized plan that we have built in the past two months to stop the Iranians in the nuclear dimension and in regards to its regional aggression."

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-jets-conduct-airstrikes-on-gaza-after-border-clashes-407543">Israeli jets conduct airstrikes on Gaza after border clashes</a></o:p>

His visit also comes amid a backdrop of heightened tension between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza, which has been following a truce after an 11-day long conflict that ended in May.<o:p></o:p>

The visit has been announced a few hours after the Israeli military bombed Palestinian militant weapons sites in the Gaza strip on Saturday. As per local reports, a violent clash also took place immediately after the bombing that left at least one Israeli police office critically injured.<o:p></o:p>

However, Bennett has said that the Israeli military is ready for any scenario and the soldiers “will settle the score with those who harm our soldiers and Israeli civilians”.<o:p></o:p>

"Last week I held a situation assessment at the southern command along with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Army Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. I can report to you that the army, southern command and Gaza Division are prepared and ready for any scenario," he added.<o:p></o:p>

The Gaza health ministry claims at least 24 Palestinians, including a 13-year-old, were injured by Israeli gunfire.

<o:p>(With inputs from agencies)</o:p>

The worsening situation in Afghanistan is the not the only problem that the US is concerned about right now. US President Joe Biden has invited Israel’s newly elected Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to make his first official trip to Washington to discuss Iran and Israel’s relationship with the Palestinians.

The worsening situation in Afghanistan is the not the only problem that the US is concerned about right now. US President Joe Biden has invited Israel’s newly elected Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to make his first official trip to Washington to discuss Iran and Israel’s relationship with the Palestinians. Bennett is expected to meet Biden on August 26. The PM told a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem that he will tell "Biden that now is the time to halt the Iranians, to stop this thing, not to give them a rescue line in the form of re-entering a nuclear deal that has already expired and is not relevant, even to those who thought it was once relevant. But we are not satisfied only by this, we will present an organized plan that we have built in the past two months to stop the Iranians in the nuclear dimension and in regards to its regional aggression." Also read | Israeli jets conduct airstrikes on Gaza after border clashes His visit also comes amid a backdrop of heightened tension between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza, which has been following a truce after an 11-day long conflict that ended in May. The visit has been announced a few hours after the Israeli military bombed Palestinian militant weapons sites in the Gaza strip on Saturday. As per local reports, a violent clash also took place immediately after the bombing that left at least one Israeli police office critically injured. However, Bennett has said that the Israeli military is ready for any scenario and the soldiers “will settle the score with those who harm our soldiers and Israeli civilians”. "Last week I held a situation assessment at the southern command along with Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Army Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi. I can report to you that the army, southern command and Gaza Division are prepared and ready for any scenario," he added. The Gaza health ministry claims at least 24 Palestinians, including a 13-year-old, were injured by Israeli gunfire. (With inputs from agencies)

Naftali Bennett to meet Biden in Washington soon to discuss Iran and Israel-Palestine relationship

Tehran has once again&nbsp;denied&nbsp;any involvement in last week's deadly attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman.

On Friday, foreign ministers of the G7&nbsp;said that the attack against the Mercer Street tanker was perpetrated by Iran and that all available evidence proved it.

However, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that these accusations were "baseless".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deliberate-targeted-uk-us-believe-iran-is-responsible-for-oman-oil-tanker-attack-402271">'Deliberate, targeted': UK, US believe Iran is responsible for Oman oil tanker attack</a>

Khatibzadeh went on to say that it was "noteworthy" that this incident was stage-set to take place days before the inauguration of Iran's newly elected president.

One British and one Romanian crewmember were reportedly killed in the suspected drone attack near the mouth of the Gulf, a key shipping route for oil.

Iranian armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi told state media that if Iran were to confront enemies, "we would declare it openly, so the recent storytelling by the enemies is a psychological operation."&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-tanker-attack-uk-and-us-blame-iran-for-deadly-ship-attack-402395/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Contrary to the strategy of the United States, Britain and the Zionist regime (Israel), which aim to create insecurity ...and Iranophobia, Iran's strategy is to strengthen security in the Persian Gulf," Shekarchi added.

US military investigators believe the drone was made in Iran.&nbsp;This is based on a report by explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, which was deployed to assist the Mercer Street.

"The Americans say they recovered parts of Iranian drones from the water....but in which laboratory was this evidence identified as belonging to Iran?,"&nbsp;Iranian state news agency IRNA quoted Shekarchi.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-uk-join-israel-in-accusing-iran-of-being-behind-attack-402466/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"Preparing forged evidence is not a difficult task as the Zionists excel at preparing forged documents," Shekarchi said, suggesting Israel may have been behind the attack.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
While Iran denies any involvement, nation-states like the United States, Britain, and others have condemned Tehran for the attack.&nbsp;
</div>

The United Kingdom also raised this issue, during a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

The deputy UN ambassador of Iran&nbsp;while rejecting the allegations&nbsp;insisted that the nation&nbsp;will not relent in defending its interests. Waning against any retaliation, he added that&nbsp;"Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and secure its national interests."

(With inputs from agencies)

Tehran has once again denied any involvement in last week's deadly attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. On Friday, foreign ministers of the G7 said that the attack against the Mercer Street tanker was perpetrated by Iran and that all available evidence proved it.

Tehran has once again denied any involvement in last week's deadly attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. On Friday, foreign ministers of the G7 said that the attack against the Mercer Street tanker was perpetrated by Iran and that all available evidence proved it. However, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that these accusations were "baseless". Also read | 'Deliberate, targeted': UK, US believe Iran is responsible for Oman oil tanker attack Khatibzadeh went on to say that it was "noteworthy" that this incident was stage-set to take place days before the inauguration of Iran's newly elected president. One British and one Romanian crewmember were reportedly killed in the suspected drone attack near the mouth of the Gulf, a key shipping route for oil. Iranian armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi told state media that if Iran were to confront enemies, "we would declare it openly, so the recent storytelling by the enemies is a psychological operation." "Contrary to the strategy of the United States, Britain and the Zionist regime (Israel), which aim to create insecurity ...and Iranophobia, Iran's strategy is to strengthen security in the Persian Gulf," Shekarchi added. US military investigators believe the drone was made in Iran. This is based on a report by explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, which was deployed to assist the Mercer Street. "The Americans say they recovered parts of Iranian drones from the water....but in which laboratory was this evidence identified as belonging to Iran?," Iranian state news agency IRNA quoted Shekarchi. "Preparing forged evidence is not a difficult task as the Zionists excel at preparing forged documents," Shekarchi said, suggesting Israel may have been behind the attack. While Iran denies any involvement, nation-states like the United States, Britain, and others have condemned Tehran for the attack. The United Kingdom also raised this issue, during a closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The deputy UN ambassador of Iran while rejecting the allegations insisted that the nation will not relent in defending its interests. Waning against any retaliation, he added that "Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and secure its national interests." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran FM spokesperson calls timing of Mercer Street attack 'noteworthy'

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Thursday that Israel was doing the world a "great service" by administering Covid vaccine booster shots, despite the World Health Organization's plea for a moratorium.

With the Israeli&nbsp;government recently rolling out a third shot for the over-60s, nearly&nbsp;60 percent of Israel's 9.3 million people have had two jabs, mostly of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/halt-the-boosters-who-says-it-is-unacceptable-that-some-countries-are-using-most-of-vaccines-global-supply-402979" hreflang="en">Halt the boosters: WHO says it is 'unacceptable' that some countries are using most of vaccine's global supply</a>

"Whoever is over the age of 60, and has yet to receive the third dose of the vaccine, is six times more susceptible to severe illness and&nbsp;heaven forbid, death," Bennett said.

In an online discussion with the public and journalists, Bennett said&nbsp;Israel's drive to give third doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to people over 60 would provide vital information to the world on combating the Delta variant.

Israel, with a population of 9.3 million, was a small country whose vaccine use "doesn't really affect the world supply significantly", he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-prepared-to-attack-iran-says-well-strike-iran-alone-403278/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on Wednesday for a halt to boosters until at least the end of September, saying it was unacceptable for rich countries to use more of the global vaccine supply.

Since Sunday, Israel has been recording an average of more than 3,000 new coronavirus cases a day, with 250 people in serious condition, the highest since April.

The rise in infections is a step back after its world-leading vaccine campaign drove down new Covid-19 cases from 10,000 a day to fewer than 100.

More than 250,000 Israelis over the age 60, or over 20 percent of those currently eligible, had received a booster shot by Wednesday, the health ministry said.

Israel had lifted most Covid restrictions in early June, but began reimposing some of them last month following the resurgence of cases.

From Sunday, unvaccinated people will be required to present a negative Covid test of less than 24 hours, the health ministry said Thursday, adding that health passes would be extended to children under 12 from August 20.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Thursday that Israel was doing the world a "great service" by administering Covid vaccine booster shots, despite the World Health Organization's plea for a moratorium.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Thursday that Israel was doing the world a "great service" by administering Covid vaccine booster shots, despite the World Health Organization's plea for a moratorium. With the Israeli government recently rolling out a third shot for the over-60s, nearly 60 percent of Israel's 9.3 million people have had two jabs, mostly of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Also read | Halt the boosters: WHO says it is 'unacceptable' that some countries are using most of vaccine's global supply "Whoever is over the age of 60, and has yet to receive the third dose of the vaccine, is six times more susceptible to severe illness and heaven forbid, death," Bennett said. In an online discussion with the public and journalists, Bennett said Israel's drive to give third doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to people over 60 would provide vital information to the world on combating the Delta variant. Israel, with a population of 9.3 million, was a small country whose vaccine use "doesn't really affect the world supply significantly", he added. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on Wednesday for a halt to boosters until at least the end of September, saying it was unacceptable for rich countries to use more of the global vaccine supply. Since Sunday, Israel has been recording an average of more than 3,000 new coronavirus cases a day, with 250 people in serious condition, the highest since April. The rise in infections is a step back after its world-leading vaccine campaign drove down new Covid-19 cases from 10,000 a day to fewer than 100. More than 250,000 Israelis over the age 60, or over 20 percent of those currently eligible, had received a booster shot by Wednesday, the health ministry said. Israel had lifted most Covid restrictions in early June, but began reimposing some of them last month following the resurgence of cases. From Sunday, unvaccinated people will be required to present a negative Covid test of less than 24 hours, the health ministry said Thursday, adding that health passes would be extended to children under 12 from August 20. (With inputs from agencies)

Naftali Bennett says Israel doing world a 'great service' with Covid booster shots

Britain believes Iran deliberately carried out a deadly attack on an Israeli tanker off Oman last week, said UK's&nbsp;foreign ministry official, urging Tehran to cease such attacks.

The United States has also blamed&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;for the deadly attack, vowing an "appropriate response" was forthcoming. In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that&nbsp;"Upon review of the available information, we are confident that&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;conducted this attack,".

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says that the United Kingdom believes that Iran deliberately attacked an Israeli tanker off Oman on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-israels-accusations-over-ship-attack-calls-them-baseless-402204">Iran slams Israel's accusations over ship attack, calls them 'baseless'</a>

Urging the Iranian authorities to stop such attacks, Raab said, "We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran". He added that it was "highly likely" that a drone was used in the attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Previously, following&nbsp;the attack, the US military and Zodiac Maritime, which operates the vessel, had also said that the strike appeared to involve a drone.&nbsp;

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had threatened to "send a message" in retaliation, claiming that his country had&nbsp;"evidence" of Iran's involvement in the deadly tanker attack off Oman.

"The intelligence evidence for this exists and we expect the international community will make it clear to the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake," the Israeli premier said at the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks conveyed by his office. "In any case, we know how to send a message to Iran in our own way."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mercer-street-tanker-attack-blamed-on-iran-israel-demands-tough-response-401974">Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response'</a>

His statement came after&nbsp;Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh rebuffed what he called Israel's "baseless allegations".

Following Israel's&nbsp;push for UN action, Khatibzadeh&nbsp;also promised&nbsp;that Iran would defend its interests.

The MT Mercer Street, an oil tanker managed by prominent Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, was struck Thursday off the Omani coast.&nbsp;A British security guard and a Romanian crew member were killed in the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain believes Iran deliberately carried out a deadly attack on an Israeli tanker off Oman last week, said UK's foreign ministry official, urging Tehran to cease such attacks.

Britain believes Iran deliberately carried out a deadly attack on an Israeli tanker off Oman last week, said UK's foreign ministry official, urging Tehran to cease such attacks. The United States has also blamed Iran for the deadly attack, vowing an "appropriate response" was forthcoming. In a statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that "Upon review of the available information, we are confident that Iran conducted this attack,". Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says that the United Kingdom believes that Iran deliberately attacked an Israeli tanker off Oman on Thursday. Also read | Iran slams Israel's accusations over ship attack, calls them 'baseless' Urging the Iranian authorities to stop such attacks, Raab said, "We believe this attack was deliberate, targeted, and a clear violation of international law by Iran". He added that it was "highly likely" that a drone was used in the attack. Previously, following the attack, the US military and Zodiac Maritime, which operates the vessel, had also said that the strike appeared to involve a drone. Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had threatened to "send a message" in retaliation, claiming that his country had "evidence" of Iran's involvement in the deadly tanker attack off Oman. "The intelligence evidence for this exists and we expect the international community will make it clear to the Iranian regime that they have made a serious mistake," the Israeli premier said at the weekly cabinet meeting in remarks conveyed by his office. "In any case, we know how to send a message to Iran in our own way." Also read | Mercer Street tanker attack blamed on Iran; Israel demands 'tough response' His statement came after Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh rebuffed what he called Israel's "baseless allegations". Following Israel's push for UN action, Khatibzadeh also promised that Iran would defend its interests. The MT Mercer Street, an oil tanker managed by prominent Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, was struck Thursday off the Omani coast. A British security guard and a Romanian crew member were killed in the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

'Deliberate, targeted': UK, US believe Iran is responsible for Oman oil tanker attack

Local police reported a case of vandalism as two swastikas had been painted on a synagogue near Tel Aviv in the city of Bnei Brak.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, denounced the vandalism act and called it a "grave act of hatred".

"The vandalism at a synagogue in Bnei Brak is a very grave act of hatred and incitement," Bennett said. "The police will deal with the criminals to the fullest extent of the law."

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Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, this morning: 
"The vandalism at a synagogue in Bnei Brak is a very grave act of hatred and incitement.<a href="https://t.co/eUvKgjghYH">https://t.co/eUvKgjghYH</a>
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An investigation has been opened into the "suspected spraying of swastikas on the walls of two synagogues in the city of Bnei Brak", the local police said.

"The police will deal with the criminals to the fullest extent of the law and we will settle accounts with them," Bennett said. "Ahead of the Hebrew month of Elul, the people of Israel must unite in love for one another."

Members of the congregation had found swastikas sprayed on two doors of the synagogue on Saturday morning, Rabbi Asher Landau said. In addition to the paintings, condoms were fitted on the door handles.

<img alt="Image" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E7reN1TX0AE-iT_?format=jpg&amp;name=large" />

(Image credit: Twitter)

In addition to this, photos of a teenage girl who was murdered by an ultra-Orthodox Jewish assailant in 2015 were also scattered on the floor.

A similar scene was also reported at another synagogue in the same neighbourhood, Landau said.

"It's a terrible feeling. A feeling of grief," Landau told news agency AFP.

He also added that all members of his congregation were either Holocaust survivors or descendants of the survivors.

Local police reported a case of vandalism as two swastikas had been painted on a synagogue near Tel Aviv in the city of Bnei Brak. Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, denounced the vandalism act and called it a "grave act of hatred".

Local police reported a case of vandalism as two swastikas had been painted on a synagogue near Tel Aviv in the city of Bnei Brak. Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, denounced the vandalism act and called it a "grave act of hatred". "The vandalism at a synagogue in Bnei Brak is a very grave act of hatred and incitement," Bennett said. "The police will deal with the criminals to the fullest extent of the law." Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, this morning: "The vandalism at a synagogue in Bnei Brak is a very grave act of hatred and incitement.https://t.co/eUvKgjghYH — PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 1, 2021 × An investigation has been opened into the "suspected spraying of swastikas on the walls of two synagogues in the city of Bnei Brak", the local police said. "The police will deal with the criminals to the fullest extent of the law and we will settle accounts with them," Bennett said. "Ahead of the Hebrew month of Elul, the people of Israel must unite in love for one another." Members of the congregation had found swastikas sprayed on two doors of the synagogue on Saturday morning, Rabbi Asher Landau said. In addition to the paintings, condoms were fitted on the door handles. (Image credit: Twitter) In addition to this, photos of a teenage girl who was murdered by an ultra-Orthodox Jewish assailant in 2015 were also scattered on the floor. A similar scene was also reported at another synagogue in the same neighbourhood, Landau said. "It's a terrible feeling. A feeling of grief," Landau told news agency AFP. He also added that all members of his congregation were either Holocaust survivors or descendants of the survivors.

'Grave act of hatred': Israel PM denounces painting of swastikas on synagogues

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has come down heavily on Unilever. He has won the consumer goods giant of severe consequences as its subsidiary Ben & Jerry's decides to stop selling ice cream in occupied Palestinian territories.

Israeli PM comes down heavily on Unilever CEO

Brief clashes were reported between Israeli Police and Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa mosque on Sunday. No serious injuries were reported and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett ordered the Police to continue allowing jews to ascend temple mount on the first day of Tisha B'Av.

Clashes spark at Jerusalem's holy site after Palestinians opposed Jewish visits

Israel&nbsp;said Sunday it would punish Palestinians for the practice of paying militants for attacks by feezing tax payments it collects for the Palestinian Authority.

The amount withheld would balance the amount the PA pays to Palestinian attackers and their families.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-palestine-conflict-france-jordan-egypt-hold-talks-seek-ceasefire-385927">Israel-Palestine conflict: France, Jordan, Egypt hold talks, seek ceasefire</a>

The move, approved by the security cabinet of recently appointed Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, was likely to cause a crisis with the PA, who took action against similar measures in the past.&nbsp;

The cabinet was told the PA transferred 597 million shekels ($183 million, 154 million euros) "in indirect support of terrorism in 2020" in the form of payments "to terrorists and their families," Bennett's office said.

"These funds will be frozen on a monthly basis out of the payments that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;transfers to the Palestinian Authority," the statement added.

Israel&nbsp;collects around $190 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports, and then it transfers the money to the PA.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-israel-palestine-where-is-the-conflict-heading-385830">Opinion | Israel-Palestine: Where is the conflict heading?</a>

In February 2019,&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;began withholding around $10 million a month, saying the amount corresponded to what the PA paid to families of Palestinians jailed for attacks against Israelis.

The cut prompted a crisis between&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and the PA, with the Palestinians refusing to receive all funds for eight months.

Israel&nbsp;alleges the payments to those who have carried out attacks encourage further violence. The PA says the payments are a form of welfare to the families who have lost their main breadwinner.

Israel said Sunday it would punish Palestinians for the practice of paying militants for attacks by feezing tax payments it collects for the Palestinian Authority.

Israel said Sunday it would punish Palestinians for the practice of paying militants for attacks by feezing tax payments it collects for the Palestinian Authority. The amount withheld would balance the amount the PA pays to Palestinian attackers and their families. Also read | Israel-Palestine conflict: France, Jordan, Egypt hold talks, seek ceasefire The move, approved by the security cabinet of recently appointed Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, was likely to cause a crisis with the PA, who took action against similar measures in the past. The cabinet was told the PA transferred 597 million shekels ($183 million, 154 million euros) "in indirect support of terrorism in 2020" in the form of payments "to terrorists and their families," Bennett's office said. "These funds will be frozen on a monthly basis out of the payments that Israel transfers to the Palestinian Authority," the statement added. Israel collects around $190 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports, and then it transfers the money to the PA. Also read | Opinion | Israel-Palestine: Where is the conflict heading? In February 2019, Israel began withholding around $10 million a month, saying the amount corresponded to what the PA paid to families of Palestinians jailed for attacks against Israelis. The cut prompted a crisis between Israel and the PA, with the Palestinians refusing to receive all funds for eight months. Israel alleges the payments to those who have carried out attacks encourage further violence. The PA says the payments are a form of welfare to the families who have lost their main breadwinner.

Israel to deduct Palestinian money over 'terror' payments

Israel's former prime minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;formally departed his&nbsp;official&nbsp;Jerusalem&nbsp;residence&nbsp;early on Sunday, nearly a&nbsp;month&nbsp;after&nbsp;he was ousted by his successor Naftali Bennett.

"A little&nbsp;after&nbsp;midnight the&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;family left the&nbsp;residence&nbsp;on Balfour [Street]," a spokesman for the family told journalists in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-netanyahu-era-ends-in-israel-what-to-expect-now-391616">Opinion: Netanyahu era ends in Israel, what to expect now?</a>

Moving trucks were spotted outside the&nbsp;residence&nbsp;and black Audi cars were filmed being towed from the property over the weekend.&nbsp;

The hawkish&nbsp;Netanyahu, who served as Israel's leader for 12 straight years following an earlier three-year term, stayed in&nbsp;office&nbsp;longer than any other prime minister in Israel's history.&nbsp;

He remained in&nbsp;office&nbsp;even as he went to trial on charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust. He denies the charges and says they are a left-wing plot against him.&nbsp;

He led Israel through four deeply divisive elections in less than two years before right-wing nationalist Bennett was sworn in on June 13 to head an ideologically disparate coalition, unseating him.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;did not vacate the prime ministerial&nbsp;residence.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-well-be-back-soon-says-netanyahu-vows-to-stay-in-politics-391256">Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics</a>

Instead, he continued to host dignitaries including Nikki Haley, who served as US ambassador to the United Nations under former President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>.

In late June,&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;and Bennett's offices announced a final date for the former premier to move out: Saturday, July 10.&nbsp;

Netanyahu&nbsp;left&nbsp;after&nbsp;midnight Sunday, slightly&nbsp;after&nbsp;the deadline he agreed to.&nbsp;

"Crime Minister", an organisation that has mounted weekly protests against&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;outside the&nbsp;residence&nbsp;for more than a year, mocked him on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-the-former-military-commando-who-led-israel-for-15-years-391287">Benjamin Netanyahu: The former military commando who led Israel for 15 years</a>

"The defendant and his family fled as the last of the thieves in the night," the group wrote on Facebook.&nbsp;

Bennett is to take over the prime minister's&nbsp;residence&nbsp;on Sunday.&nbsp;

Israel's former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally departed his official Jerusalem residence early on Sunday, nearly a month after he was ousted by his successor Naftali Bennett.

Israel's former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally departed his official Jerusalem residence early on Sunday, nearly a month after he was ousted by his successor Naftali Bennett. "A little after midnight the Netanyahu family left the residence on Balfour [Street]," a spokesman for the family told journalists in a statement. Also read | Opinion: Netanyahu era ends in Israel, what to expect now? Moving trucks were spotted outside the residence and black Audi cars were filmed being towed from the property over the weekend. The hawkish Netanyahu, who served as Israel's leader for 12 straight years following an earlier three-year term, stayed in office longer than any other prime minister in Israel's history. He remained in office even as he went to trial on charges of fraud, bribery and breach of trust. He denies the charges and says they are a left-wing plot against him. He led Israel through four deeply divisive elections in less than two years before right-wing nationalist Bennett was sworn in on June 13 to head an ideologically disparate coalition, unseating him. However, Netanyahu did not vacate the prime ministerial residence. Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics Instead, he continued to host dignitaries including Nikki Haley, who served as US ambassador to the United Nations under former President Donald Trump. In late June, Netanyahu and Bennett's offices announced a final date for the former premier to move out: Saturday, July 10. Netanyahu left after midnight Sunday, slightly after the deadline he agreed to. "Crime Minister", an organisation that has mounted weekly protests against Netanyahu outside the residence for more than a year, mocked him on Sunday. Also read | Benjamin Netanyahu: The former military commando who led Israel for 15 years "The defendant and his family fled as the last of the thieves in the night," the group wrote on Facebook. Bennett is to take over the prime minister's residence on Sunday.

Netanyahu leaves official residence a month after losing office

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that any disturbances aimed at Israel from the Gaza Strip will be met with a harsh response. Bennett also added that his government is working on enabling humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.

Disturbance aimed at Israel will be met with harsh response, Bennett warns Hamas

Bennett also subtly criticized Netanyahu's government as he pledged to "do everything we can" to return Israeli captives and the remains of soldiers from the 2014 war.

Disturbances will be met with harsh response: Naftali Bennett

The&nbsp;Israeli government and Jewish settlers have reached a deal to vacate and remove a West Bank outpost that has become a flashpoint for clashes with Palestinians who also claim the land.

Under the agreement with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, the settlers will leave the Givat Eviatar outpost in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. But it seemed likely that at least some of the outpost's new buildings would remain, locked and under military guard, an outcome that is certain to anger Palestinian protesters who demand it be removed.

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The hilltop settlement outpost near the Palestinian city of Nablus was established without Israeli government permits in May and is now home to more than 50 settler families.

The Israeli military ordered it to be cleared, presenting an early challenge for the new prime minister. Bennett was once a leader of the settler movement and heads a pro-settler party, putting him at odds with some of his own voter base if the settlers were forcibly evicted.

But his ruling coalition only survives with the support of left-wing and Islamist Arab parties, making sensitive policy decisions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict difficult.

An official with Israel's Defence Ministry, which administers the settlements, said the Givat Eviatar families had agreed to leave voluntarily by the weekend.

Troops would stay on and a land survey conducted to determine if a government-backed settlement can be established there, the official told Reuters.

Settler leader Yossi Dagan said the families would leave on Friday under the deal. The structures serving as their homes would be locked, he said, suggesting they would not be dismantled.&nbsp;

On Wednesday Moussa Hamayel, deputy mayor of the nearby Palestinian village Beita, said: "We will continue our popular activities (protests) until the settlement is removed and our land is returned to us." Beita's residents claim ownership of the area on which Givat Eviatar sits.

Most world powers deem all of the settlements, built on land Israel captured and occupied in a 1967 Middle East war, to be illegal. Israel disputes this, citing historical ties to the land on which they sit, and its own security needs.

Israeli soldiers have shot dead five Palestinians during stone-throwing protests since the outpost was set up, Palestinian officials said. The military did not comment on fatalities, but said troops used live fire only as a last resort.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli government and Jewish settlers have reached a deal to vacate and remove a West Bank outpost that has become a flashpoint for clashes with Palestinians who also claim the land.

The Israeli government and Jewish settlers have reached a deal to vacate and remove a West Bank outpost that has become a flashpoint for clashes with Palestinians who also claim the land. Under the agreement with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, the settlers will leave the Givat Eviatar outpost in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. But it seemed likely that at least some of the outpost's new buildings would remain, locked and under military guard, an outcome that is certain to anger Palestinian protesters who demand it be removed. The hilltop settlement outpost near the Palestinian city of Nablus was established without Israeli government permits in May and is now home to more than 50 settler families. The Israeli military ordered it to be cleared, presenting an early challenge for the new prime minister. Bennett was once a leader of the settler movement and heads a pro-settler party, putting him at odds with some of his own voter base if the settlers were forcibly evicted. But his ruling coalition only survives with the support of left-wing and Islamist Arab parties, making sensitive policy decisions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict difficult. An official with Israel's Defence Ministry, which administers the settlements, said the Givat Eviatar families had agreed to leave voluntarily by the weekend. Troops would stay on and a land survey conducted to determine if a government-backed settlement can be established there, the official told Reuters. Settler leader Yossi Dagan said the families would leave on Friday under the deal. The structures serving as their homes would be locked, he said, suggesting they would not be dismantled. On Wednesday Moussa Hamayel, deputy mayor of the nearby Palestinian village Beita, said: "We will continue our popular activities (protests) until the settlement is removed and our land is returned to us." Beita's residents claim ownership of the area on which Givat Eviatar sits. Most world powers deem all of the settlements, built on land Israel captured and occupied in a 1967 Middle East war, to be illegal. Israel disputes this, citing historical ties to the land on which they sit, and its own security needs. Israeli soldiers have shot dead five Palestinians during stone-throwing protests since the outpost was set up, Palestinian officials said. The military did not comment on fatalities, but said troops used live fire only as a last resort. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli government and Jewish settlers reach deal to vacate West Bank outpost

Israel on Sunday condemned election of hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi as Iran president. Israel's new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett mentioned Iran as "A regime of brutal hangmen". Ebrahim Raisi, who is under US sanctions for human rights abuses, secured victory in Iran presidential election on Saturday.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, convening his first televised cabinet session since taking office last week, described Raisi's ascent as enabled by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rather than by a free and popular vote.

"Raisi's election is, I would say, the last chance for world powers to wake up before returning to the nuclear agreement, and understand who they are doing business with," said Bennett in a statement he read out first in Hebrew and then in English.

"A regime of brutal hangmen must never be allowed to have weapons of mass-destruction," he said. "Israel's position will not change on this."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-irans-raisi-extreme-committed-to-nuclear-programme-392707">Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme</a>

Raisi has been alleged by the US and rights groups of having a hand in extrajudicial killings of thousands of political prisoners in 1988.

Bennett, a nationalist atop of a cross-partisan coalition, has hewed to the opposition of his conservative predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, whose caps on projects with bomb-making potential Israel deemed too lax.

The former U.S. administration of Donald Trump agreed with Israel and quit the deal. Current President Joe Biden wants a U.S. return to the deal. Iran denies seeking nuclear weaponry.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Sunday condemned election of hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi as Iran president. Israel's new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett mentioned Iran as "A regime of brutal hangmen".

Israel on Sunday condemned election of hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi as Iran president. Israel's new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett mentioned Iran as "A regime of brutal hangmen". Ebrahim Raisi, who is under US sanctions for human rights abuses, secured victory in Iran presidential election on Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, convening his first televised cabinet session since taking office last week, described Raisi's ascent as enabled by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rather than by a free and popular vote. "Raisi's election is, I would say, the last chance for world powers to wake up before returning to the nuclear agreement, and understand who they are doing business with," said Bennett in a statement he read out first in Hebrew and then in English. "A regime of brutal hangmen must never be allowed to have weapons of mass-destruction," he said. "Israel's position will not change on this." Also Read | Israel says Iran's Raisi extreme, committed to nuclear programme Raisi has been alleged by the US and rights groups of having a hand in extrajudicial killings of thousands of political prisoners in 1988. Bennett, a nationalist atop of a cross-partisan coalition, has hewed to the opposition of his conservative predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, whose caps on projects with bomb-making potential Israel deemed too lax. The former U.S. administration of Donald Trump agreed with Israel and quit the deal. Current President Joe Biden wants a U.S. return to the deal. Iran denies seeking nuclear weaponry. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel PM Bennett weighs against nuclear talks with Iran's 'hangmen regime'

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has conveyed to his predecessor Benjamin Netanyahu that he expects him to depart from the official prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem within 14 days.

Benjamin Netanyahu told to leave official prime minister’s residence  in 14 days

Curtain is finally drawn over the political uncertainty which had engulfed Israel for past several months. Four elections in the last two years remained inconclusive. Finally, the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) &nbsp;approved on 13th June the formation of government by a coalition of eight opposition parties which managed to cobble together the required numbers i.e. 61 in the 120 Members Knesset. Naftali Bennett has been sworn in as Prime Minister. Under the coalition agreement on the principle of rotation of the post of Prime Minister, Benett will hold this position for the first two years. &nbsp;

It is noteworthy that the coalition government is a conglomeration of minuscule, small as well as big political parties with extremely diverse political ideologies ranging from ultra-right to extreme left and in between centrists.

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For the first time, even an Arab group representing a segment of the Arab minority of Israel is now a part of the government in Israel, imparting religious and cultural diversity, besides political and ideological to the coalition.&nbsp;

In short, the coalition represents almost entire political spectrum of Israel. The situation fits into the proverbial saying: politics makes strange bedfellows. It also reminds of the political scenario in India in 1977 when the entire opposition came under the banner of Janata Party and achieved its sole objective of ousting then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, but fell under its own weight within a couple of years.&nbsp;

The coalition culture in Israel is a norm rather than exception. Yet the pertinent question is, will the new government be able to survive long enough? Will it be possible for the coalition to steer clear of its political and ideological differences and adhere to a common agreed plan of action?

On the presumption the new coalition government in Israel manages to stay in power for a while, it would be interesting to watch as to what positions will it be adopting on some of the key foreign policy issues, particularly the issues which have regional dimensions.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is strongly opposed to the idea of an independent State for Palestinians. Such an approach runs counter to the broad international consensus on the Two-State formula under which Palestine and Israel will both co-exist side by side as sovereign and independent States. Bennett is also said to be a hardliner on the issue of occupied territories. No tangible progress towards the resolution of decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict should thus be expected.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-naftali-bennett-israels-new-prime-minister-391258">Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new prime minister?</a>

Naftali Bennet is also opposed to the prospects of a renewed deal between P5+ and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme. Some continuity in Israel's staunch anti-Iran policy can thus be expected. On the other hand, the probability of a hardliner being elected as Iran’s next President at the June 18 elections is high and this could further complicate the matters. We can therefore expect the stalemate in Israel-Iran relations to continue unabated; it may even worsen.&nbsp;

Check out pics&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-celebrates-naftali-bennetts-victory-beginning-of-a-new-era-391326#israel-rocks-391316">Israel celebrates Naftali Bennett's victory, beginning of a new era</a>

In recent years, at the initiative of Benjamin Netanyahu, supported by the former US President Donald Trump, there was notable progress in the normalisation of relations between Israel and Arab countries. Within a span of one year in 2020, Israel established diplomatic relations with as many as four Arab League countries namely UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. The possibility of Israel normalising its relations with Saudi Arabia was also being speculated. Will the new government in Israel continue the process to ease tension in the region is something that remains to be seen.&nbsp;

Benjamin Netanyahu is out of power after an uninterrupted tenure of over a decade. Is this the end of his political career? Netanyahu’s Likud Party with 30 Seats is still the single largest party in Parliament but short of as many as 31 Seats to qualify to form a government on its own or in coalition with others. As a matter of fact, he was the first to be invited to form government after March 2021 elections but failed to put together enough numbers. More than the numbers, Netanyahu is undergoing a trial for charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Benjamin Netanyahu’s political career thus will depend much on the outcome of the judicial proceedings against him.

<img alt="Benjamin Netanyahu, Naftali Bennett" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eeaa6588-01f7-4412-b6db-1d6149c8be66" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9C342N.jpg" />

India’s relations with Israel have grown steadily, particularly in areas of defence and security, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. PM Modi’s visit to Israel in July 2017 was a landmark event in more than one sense: it was the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel since the proclamation of the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948. Being a standalone visit to Israel, it also signalled India’s decision to make a departure from the hyphenation in India’s policy towards Palestine and Israel. Much of the acceleration in bilateral relations in last five years is often attributed to interpersonal equations between PM Modi and PM Netanyahu.

Personalities do matter in international relations but at the end of the day national interests prevail. And the national interests of both Israel and &nbsp;India at the moment demand a continuity in relations guided by the desire for mutual benefits.

(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.)

Curtain is finally drawn over the political uncertainty which had engulfed Israel for past several months. Four elections in the last two years remained inconclusive.

Curtain is finally drawn over the political uncertainty which had engulfed Israel for past several months. Four elections in the last two years remained inconclusive. Finally, the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) approved on 13th June the formation of government by a coalition of eight opposition parties which managed to cobble together the required numbers i.e. 61 in the 120 Members Knesset. Naftali Bennett has been sworn in as Prime Minister. Under the coalition agreement on the principle of rotation of the post of Prime Minister, Benett will hold this position for the first two years. It is noteworthy that the coalition government is a conglomeration of minuscule, small as well as big political parties with extremely diverse political ideologies ranging from ultra-right to extreme left and in between centrists. × For the first time, even an Arab group representing a segment of the Arab minority of Israel is now a part of the government in Israel, imparting religious and cultural diversity, besides political and ideological to the coalition. In short, the coalition represents almost entire political spectrum of Israel. The situation fits into the proverbial saying: politics makes strange bedfellows. It also reminds of the political scenario in India in 1977 when the entire opposition came under the banner of Janata Party and achieved its sole objective of ousting then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, but fell under its own weight within a couple of years. The coalition culture in Israel is a norm rather than exception. Yet the pertinent question is, will the new government be able to survive long enough? Will it be possible for the coalition to steer clear of its political and ideological differences and adhere to a common agreed plan of action? On the presumption the new coalition government in Israel manages to stay in power for a while, it would be interesting to watch as to what positions will it be adopting on some of the key foreign policy issues, particularly the issues which have regional dimensions. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is strongly opposed to the idea of an independent State for Palestinians. Such an approach runs counter to the broad international consensus on the Two-State formula under which Palestine and Israel will both co-exist side by side as sovereign and independent States. Bennett is also said to be a hardliner on the issue of occupied territories. No tangible progress towards the resolution of decades-old Israel-Palestine conflict should thus be expected. Also Read | Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new prime minister? Naftali Bennet is also opposed to the prospects of a renewed deal between P5+ and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme. Some continuity in Israel's staunch anti-Iran policy can thus be expected. On the other hand, the probability of a hardliner being elected as Iran’s next President at the June 18 elections is high and this could further complicate the matters. We can therefore expect the stalemate in Israel-Iran relations to continue unabated; it may even worsen. Check out pics | Israel celebrates Naftali Bennett's victory, beginning of a new era In recent years, at the initiative of Benjamin Netanyahu, supported by the former US President Donald Trump, there was notable progress in the normalisation of relations between Israel and Arab countries. Within a span of one year in 2020, Israel established diplomatic relations with as many as four Arab League countries namely UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. The possibility of Israel normalising its relations with Saudi Arabia was also being speculated. Will the new government in Israel continue the process to ease tension in the region is something that remains to be seen. Benjamin Netanyahu is out of power after an uninterrupted tenure of over a decade. Is this the end of his political career? Netanyahu’s Likud Party with 30 Seats is still the single largest party in Parliament but short of as many as 31 Seats to qualify to form a government on its own or in coalition with others. As a matter of fact, he was the first to be invited to form government after March 2021 elections but failed to put together enough numbers. More than the numbers, Netanyahu is undergoing a trial for charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Benjamin Netanyahu’s political career thus will depend much on the outcome of the judicial proceedings against him. India’s relations with Israel have grown steadily, particularly in areas of defence and security, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. PM Modi’s visit to Israel in July 2017 was a landmark event in more than one sense: it was the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel since the proclamation of the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948. Being a standalone visit to Israel, it also signalled India’s decision to make a departure from the hyphenation in India’s policy towards Palestine and Israel. Much of the acceleration in bilateral relations in last five years is often attributed to interpersonal equations between PM Modi and PM Netanyahu. Personalities do matter in international relations but at the end of the day national interests prevail. And the national interests of both Israel and India at the moment demand a continuity in relations guided by the desire for mutual benefits. (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.)

Opinion: Netanyahu era ends in Israel, what to expect now?

After 12 years of dominating Israeli politics, Benjamin Netanyahu has been ousted as Prime Minister. What is Bibi's legacy in Israel? What does the new PM Naftali Bennett bring to the table? Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Netanyahu ousted after 12 years as prime minister

In the vote of confidence held in the parliament earlier, 60 lawmakers of the 120-member chamber voted in favour of the new government while 59 voted against it.

Israel: Naftali Bennett sworn in as new PM, ends Netanyahu's 12-year rule

US President Joe Biden on Sunday called incoming Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and congratulated him. An alliance of parties led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on Sunday ousted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ended his 12-year rule. Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving premier of Israel.

"I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet," Biden said in a statement issued shortly before the call.

"Israel has no better friend than the United States."

Bennett expressed his thanks on Twitter as well

"Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations," he tweeted.

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Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations 🇮🇱🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/RNYPX4amGE">pic.twitter.com/RNYPX4amGE</a>
— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) <a href="https://twitter.com/naftalibennett/status/1404150231923572736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In the telephone talks, Biden "highlighted his decades of steadfast support for the US-Israel relationship and his unwavering commitment to Israel's security," the White House said.

"The president also conveyed that his administration intends to work closely with the Israeli government on efforts to advance peace, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians," it added.

"The leaders agreed that they and their teams would consult closely on all matters related to regional security, including Iran," the White House noted.

Bennett said he considers Biden "a great friend of the State of Israel," according to a readout from his team.&nbsp;

A right-wing Jewish nationalist and former tech millionaire, Bennett is taking over at the helm of an Israeli government pieced together by an eight-party coalition, united only by their shared disdain for the hawkish right-wing Netanyahu.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Sunday called incoming Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and congratulated him. An alliance of parties led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on Sunday ousted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ended his 12-year rule.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday called incoming Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and congratulated him. An alliance of parties led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid on Sunday ousted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and ended his 12-year rule. Benjamin Netanyahu is the longest-serving premier of Israel. "I congratulate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and all the members of the new Israeli cabinet," Biden said in a statement issued shortly before the call. "Israel has no better friend than the United States." Bennett expressed his thanks on Twitter as well "Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations," he tweeted. Thank you Mr. President! I look forward to working with you to strengthen the ties between our two nations 🇮🇱🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/RNYPX4amGE — Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) June 13, 2021 × In the telephone talks, Biden "highlighted his decades of steadfast support for the US-Israel relationship and his unwavering commitment to Israel's security," the White House said. "The president also conveyed that his administration intends to work closely with the Israeli government on efforts to advance peace, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians," it added. "The leaders agreed that they and their teams would consult closely on all matters related to regional security, including Iran," the White House noted. Bennett said he considers Biden "a great friend of the State of Israel," according to a readout from his team. A right-wing Jewish nationalist and former tech millionaire, Bennett is taking over at the helm of an Israeli government pieced together by an eight-party coalition, united only by their shared disdain for the hawkish right-wing Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden calls incoming Israeli PM Naftali Bennett to congratulate

"The President also conveyed that his administration intends to work closely with the Israeli government on efforts to advance peace, security, and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians," it added.

Joe Biden congratulates Israel's new PM Naftali Bennett over phone call

Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-naftali-bennett-israels-new-prime-minister-391258">Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister?</a>

But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu.

Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv to celebrate the outcome, which came after four inconclusive elections in two years.&nbsp; 
 
Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://cms.wionews.com/videos/israel-naftali-bennett-sworn-in-as-new-pm-ends-netanyahus-12-yr-rule-391251/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Members of Netanyahu's government vacated their seats at the government table in the Knesset plenum immediately after the confidence vote, with Netanyahu departing the prime minister's chair.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, 71, in typically combative style, vowed shortly before his defeat that "if it's our destiny to be in the opposition, we'll do so with our heads high until we take down this bad government and return to lead the country our way".

Beloved as "King Bibi" by his right-wing supporters and condemned as the "crime minister" by his critics, Netanyahu has long been the dominant, and increasingly divisive, figure in Israeli politics.

The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians and to focus on domestic reforms.

Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister.

Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister. Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister? But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu. Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv to celebrate the outcome, which came after four inconclusive elections in two years. Watch: Members of Netanyahu's government vacated their seats at the government table in the Knesset plenum immediately after the confidence vote, with Netanyahu departing the prime minister's chair. Netanyahu, 71, in typically combative style, vowed shortly before his defeat that "if it's our destiny to be in the opposition, we'll do so with our heads high until we take down this bad government and return to lead the country our way". Beloved as "King Bibi" by his right-wing supporters and condemned as the "crime minister" by his critics, Netanyahu has long been the dominant, and increasingly divisive, figure in Israeli politics. The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians and to focus on domestic reforms. Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics

Israel's parliament 'Knesset' has chosen Naftali Bennett as the new Prime Minister of Israel. Bennett has unseated Benjamin Netanyahu whose 12-year rule came to an end. The Knesset voted 60-59 in favour of the new government.

Naftali Bennett has a political reputation of being an ultra-nationalist. He will now head a cabinet comprising parties from left to right of the political spectrum.

Benjamin Netanyahu was Prime Minister of Israel since 2009. He has been the longest-serving leader of Israel. Netanyahu''s position was weakened by his repeated failure to register victory in Israel polls since 2019. He is embroiled in a corruption trial as well. He denies any wrongdoing.

<img alt="Naftali Bennett Benjamin Netanyahu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aeded235-5049-456e-9eba-f5fe31e1c014" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-06-13T182003Z_1_LYNXNPEH5C0CH_RTROPTP_3_ISRAEL-POLITICS.JPG" />

The Prime Minister-designate Naftali Bennett has struck a coalition deal with centrist politician Yair Lapid (57). As per the deal, Bennett will serve as PM til 2023 and hand over the post to Lapid.

The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians, and to focus on domestic reforms.

Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's parliament 'Knesset' has chosen Naftali Bennett as the new Prime Minister of Israel. Bennett has unseated Benjamin Netanyahu whose 12-year rule came to an end.

Israel's parliament 'Knesset' has chosen Naftali Bennett as the new Prime Minister of Israel. Bennett has unseated Benjamin Netanyahu whose 12-year rule came to an end. The Knesset voted 60-59 in favour of the new government. Naftali Bennett has a political reputation of being an ultra-nationalist. He will now head a cabinet comprising parties from left to right of the political spectrum. Benjamin Netanyahu was Prime Minister of Israel since 2009. He has been the longest-serving leader of Israel. Netanyahu''s position was weakened by his repeated failure to register victory in Israel polls since 2019. He is embroiled in a corruption trial as well. He denies any wrongdoing. The Prime Minister-designate Naftali Bennett has struck a coalition deal with centrist politician Yair Lapid (57). As per the deal, Bennett will serve as PM til 2023 and hand over the post to Lapid. The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians, and to focus on domestic reforms. Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu era ends in Israel, Naftali Bennett becomes new PM

It is a historic day in Israel as people woke up to the new PM Naftali Bennett, ending the country's longest-serving PM Benjamin Netanyahu's rule. But what do the people of Tel Aviv think about the new PM? Are they happy with the new government? WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen brings the public opinion on the newly formed Naftali Bennett government.

WION Ground Report: Are Israelis happy with the new government?

After PM Naftali Bennett was sworn in as the prime minister of Israel, Palestinian PM Mohammed Shtayyeh said<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-the-former-military-commando-who-led-israel-for-15-years-391287"> Netanyahu's</a> reign was the "worst period in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

However, Netanyahu said that his party will sit in the opposition and "return to lead the country our way" if there is a "bad government".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-is-israels-new-prime-minister-naftali-bennett-391381/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Netanyahu's government was involved in a 11-day clash with Hamas and militant elements in Gaza resulting in large scale destruction of the city as Israeli fighters conducted daily raids leading to rocket attacks by Hamas in retaliation. The peace deal was finally brokered by the Egyptian government amid fears it could turn into a large conflict. &nbsp;

Shtayyeh added that the Palestinian Authority condemns new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett support of Israeli settlements.

"The new government has no future if it does not take into consideration the future of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights," Shtayyeh added.

Israel has faced four elections in the last two years. Netanyahu said he was "filled with motivation to topple this dangerous government" even as Naftali takes office.

Under the government formation deal, Naftali Bennett will be the prime minister till 2023 and then Yair Lapid will be taking over. Netanyahu was the prime minister for consecutive terms since 2009.

A vote in the Knesset resulted in 60 to 59 vote for Bennett in the 120-seat chamber which helped the party to scrape through as the new prime minister vowed that the new government "represents all of Israel".

Bennett sought to put his plan in action declaring that Israel won't allow&nbsp;Iran have nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

The coalition which is a combination of centrist, left-wing, right-wing parties has differences on several issues including the Palestinian Authority.

Naftali was congratulated by several world leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and European Council president Charles Michel.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After PM Naftali Bennett was sworn in as the prime minister of Israel, Palestinian PM Mohammed Shtayyeh said Netanyahu's reign was the "worst period in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

After PM Naftali Bennett was sworn in as the prime minister of Israel, Palestinian PM Mohammed Shtayyeh said Netanyahu's reign was the "worst period in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." However, Netanyahu said that his party will sit in the opposition and "return to lead the country our way" if there is a "bad government". Watch: Netanyahu's government was involved in a 11-day clash with Hamas and militant elements in Gaza resulting in large scale destruction of the city as Israeli fighters conducted daily raids leading to rocket attacks by Hamas in retaliation. The peace deal was finally brokered by the Egyptian government amid fears it could turn into a large conflict. Shtayyeh added that the Palestinian Authority condemns new Prime Minister Naftali Bennett support of Israeli settlements. "The new government has no future if it does not take into consideration the future of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights," Shtayyeh added. Israel has faced four elections in the last two years. Netanyahu said he was "filled with motivation to topple this dangerous government" even as Naftali takes office. Under the government formation deal, Naftali Bennett will be the prime minister till 2023 and then Yair Lapid will be taking over. Netanyahu was the prime minister for consecutive terms since 2009. A vote in the Knesset resulted in 60 to 59 vote for Bennett in the 120-seat chamber which helped the party to scrape through as the new prime minister vowed that the new government "represents all of Israel". Bennett sought to put his plan in action declaring that Israel won't allow Iran have nuclear weapons. The coalition which is a combination of centrist, left-wing, right-wing parties has differences on several issues including the Palestinian Authority. Naftali was congratulated by several world leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and European Council president Charles Michel. (With inputs from Agencies)

Israeli PM's departure marks end of worst period, says Palestinian PM Mohammed Shtayyeh

The Iranian government has stated that its policy toward Israel will not change as a result of the new Government's formation yesterday night.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-well-be-back-soon-says-netanyahu-vows-to-stay-in-politics-391256">Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics</a> 
 
“Iran’s enemies are gone and powerful Iran is still here. I don’t think Israel’s policies will change with the new government,” Saeed Khatibzadeh, a foreign ministry spokesman, was quoted by the ISNA news agency as saying.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-the-former-military-commando-who-led-israel-for-15-years-391287">Also read | Benjamin Netanyahu: The former military commando who led Israel for 15 years</a>

The statement comes a day after&nbsp;Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-naftali-bennett-israels-new-prime-minister-391258">Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister?</a>

But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu. 
 
After two decades of hostility between Iran and Israel, it's difficult to see the two countries ever having amicable relations and cooperating on a variety of levels. They were once allies and friends.

Despite not sharing a border or having any territorial disputes, Israel and Iran have been at odds since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Before that for 30 years, the two countries have had cordial relations.

The Iranian government has stated that its policy toward Israel will not change as a result of the new Government's formation yesterday night. Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics “Iran’s enemies are gone and powerful Iran is still here.

The Iranian government has stated that its policy toward Israel will not change as a result of the new Government's formation yesterday night. Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics “Iran’s enemies are gone and powerful Iran is still here. I don’t think Israel’s policies will change with the new government,” Saeed Khatibzadeh, a foreign ministry spokesman, was quoted by the ISNA news agency as saying. Also read | Benjamin Netanyahu: The former military commando who led Israel for 15 years The statement comes a day after Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister. Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister? But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu. After two decades of hostility between Iran and Israel, it's difficult to see the two countries ever having amicable relations and cooperating on a variety of levels. They were once allies and friends. Despite not sharing a border or having any territorial disputes, Israel and Iran have been at odds since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Before that for 30 years, the two countries have had cordial relations.

Iran says Israel's policy won't change with Bennett's new government

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