Israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu took the stand for a fourth day of testimony in his corruption trial. The israeli prime minister is on trial in three corruption cases. He faces charges of fraud and breach of trust. Watch to know more.

Netanyahu Charged With Three Cases | The West Asia Post | WION

Syria's new rulers are reaching out to countries that once treated Bashar al-Assad as a global pariah. The rebels in Damascus are promising to usher in change. Yet, in a startling twist, it now appears Assad, who is a trained doctor, performed his most intricate operation by handing out military secrets to Israel before fleeing to Moscow. Watch in for more details!

Syria War: Did Assad & Netanyahu Work Together To Cripple The Rebels?

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: 



- Netanyahu visits Mount Hermon, vows to protect Israel's security 

- Former hostages urge Israel to secure release of captives in Gaza

- US denies roll in Kirillov killing 

- Trump threatens India with reciprocal tariff

Netanyahu Visits Mount Hermon, Vows to Protect Israel's Security | WION Speed News

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: - Netanyahu visits Mount Hermon, vows to protect Israel's security - Former hostages urge Israel to secure release of captives in Gaza - US denies roll in Kirillov killing - Trump threatens India with reciprocal tariff

Gaza 
The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday (Dec 17) that the Palestinian military group Hamas is concerned that US President-elect Donald Trump would allow Israel to resume the war in Gaza after the completion of the first phase of the proposed ceasefire deal.
Although, Trump repeated his statement this week that he would end the Gaza war, but an Israeli official told The Times of Israel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes to possesses more flexibility in Trump's administration than he has in Biden's. 
Hamas also has the same beliefs, hence it is seeking assurance that Netanyahu would not restart the war, the agency reported. 
<h2>'Trying to help...'</h2>
On Monday (Dec 16), Trump said he is working to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. 
“We are trying to help very strongly in getting the hostages back,” the Republican said in a press conference. 
Watch | US News: Donald Trump Warns Hamas To Release Hostages Soon
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<h2>Tunnel destroyed </h2>
The IDF further claimed on December 17 that it had destroyed a tunnel in Gaza's Jabalia that was used by Hamas to kill three IDF soldiers in an attack in October. 
The Israeli military said it discovered the tunnel, which was connected to a 500-metre-long underground passage. 
This came after the IDF announced that its two soldiers were killed on Monday (Dec 16) in southern Gaza. 
The military said the two soldiers were killed while two others were injured after a building they were in collapsed in the Rafah area. The building was already damaged, which led to its collapse. 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-unaware-of-everything-happening-says-hannah-kobayashi-after-her-return-784712">'Was unaware of everything happening', says Hannah Kobayashi after her return</a>
<h2>'If we finish the war now...'</h2>
Israel had earlier said that it was seeking a temporary pause in the war. It wants the hostages to be released, and then it would resume the war to "dismantle" Hamas. 
“If we finish the war now, Hamas will return, recover and rebuild itself and attack us again… we don’t want to return to this [situation],” Netanyahu said.
(With inputs from agencies)

The military said the two soldiers were killed while two others were injured after a building they were in collapsed in the Rafah area. The building was already damaged which led to its collapse. 



Gaza The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday (Dec 17) that the Palestinian military group Hamas is concerned that US President-elect Donald Trump would allow Israel to resume the war in Gaza after the completion of the first phase of the proposed ceasefire deal. Although, Trump repeated his statement this week that he would end the Gaza war, but an Israeli official told The Times of Israel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes to possesses more flexibility in Trump's administration than he has in Biden's. Hamas also has the same beliefs, hence it is seeking assurance that Netanyahu would not restart the war, the agency reported. 'Trying to help...' On Monday (Dec 16), Trump said he is working to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. “We are trying to help very strongly in getting the hostages back,” the Republican said in a press conference. Watch | US News: Donald Trump Warns Hamas To Release Hostages Soon Tunnel destroyed The IDF further claimed on December 17 that it had destroyed a tunnel in Gaza's Jabalia that was used by Hamas to kill three IDF soldiers in an attack in October. The Israeli military said it discovered the tunnel, which was connected to a 500-metre-long underground passage. This came after the IDF announced that its two soldiers were killed on Monday (Dec 16) in southern Gaza. The military said the two soldiers were killed while two others were injured after a building they were in collapsed in the Rafah area. The building was already damaged, which led to its collapse. Also read | 'Was unaware of everything happening', says Hannah Kobayashi after her return 'If we finish the war now...' Israel had earlier said that it was seeking a temporary pause in the war. It wants the hostages to be released, and then it would resume the war to "dismantle" Hamas. “If we finish the war now, Hamas will return, recover and rebuild itself and attack us again… we don’t want to return to this [situation],” Netanyahu said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas concerned Trump would allow Israel to resume Gaza war after first phase of ceasefire: Report

The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday (Dec 17) that the Palestinian military group Hamas is concerned that US President-elect Donald Trump would allow Israel to resume the war in Gaza after the completion of the first phase of the proposed ceasefire deal.

Although, Trump repeated his statement this week that he would end the Gaza war, but an Israeli official told The Times of Israel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes to possesses more flexibility in Trump's administration than he has in Biden's.&nbsp;

Hamas also has the same beliefs, hence it is seeking assurance that Netanyahu would not restart the war, the agency reported.&nbsp;

<h2>'Trying to help...'</h2>

On Monday (Dec 16), Trump said he is working to secure the release of hostages in Gaza.&nbsp;

“We are trying to help very strongly in getting the hostages back,” the Republican said in a press conference.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US News: Donald Trump Warns Hamas To Release Hostages Soon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-news-donald-trump-warns-hamas-to-release-hostages-soon-784715/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Tunnel destroyed&nbsp;</h2>

The IDF further claimed on December 17 that it had destroyed a tunnel in Gaza's Jabalia that was used by Hamas to kill three IDF soldiers in an attack in October.&nbsp;

The Israeli military said it discovered the tunnel, which was connected to a 500-metre-long underground passage.&nbsp;

This came after the IDF announced that its two soldiers were killed on Monday (Dec 16) in southern Gaza.&nbsp;

The military said the two soldiers were killed while two others were injured after a building they were in collapsed in the Rafah area. The building was already damaged, which led to its collapse.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-unaware-of-everything-happening-says-hannah-kobayashi-after-her-return-784712">'Was unaware of everything happening', says Hannah Kobayashi after her return</a>

<h2>'If we finish the war now...'</h2>

Israel had earlier said&nbsp;that it was seeking a temporary pause in the war. It wants the hostages to be released, and then it would resume the war to "dismantle" Hamas.&nbsp;

“If we finish the war now, Hamas will return, recover and rebuild itself and attack us again… we don’t want to return to this [situation],” Netanyahu said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday (Dec 17) that the Palestinian military group Hamas is concerned that US President-elect Donald Trump would allow Israel to resume the war in Gaza after the completion of the first phase of the proposed ceasefire deal.

The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday (Dec 17) that the Palestinian military group Hamas is concerned that US President-elect Donald Trump would allow Israel to resume the war in Gaza after the completion of the first phase of the proposed ceasefire deal. Although, Trump repeated his statement this week that he would end the Gaza war, but an Israeli official told The Times of Israel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes to possesses more flexibility in Trump's administration than he has in Biden's. Hamas also has the same beliefs, hence it is seeking assurance that Netanyahu would not restart the war, the agency reported. 'Trying to help...' On Monday (Dec 16), Trump said he is working to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. “We are trying to help very strongly in getting the hostages back,” the Republican said in a press conference. Watch | US News: Donald Trump Warns Hamas To Release Hostages Soon Tunnel destroyed The IDF further claimed on December 17 that it had destroyed a tunnel in Gaza's Jabalia that was used by Hamas to kill three IDF soldiers in an attack in October. The Israeli military said it discovered the tunnel, which was connected to a 500-metre-long underground passage. This came after the IDF announced that its two soldiers were killed on Monday (Dec 16) in southern Gaza. The military said the two soldiers were killed while two others were injured after a building they were in collapsed in the Rafah area. The building was already damaged, which led to its collapse. Also read | 'Was unaware of everything happening', says Hannah Kobayashi after her return 'If we finish the war now...' Israel had earlier said that it was seeking a temporary pause in the war. It wants the hostages to be released, and then it would resume the war to "dismantle" Hamas. “If we finish the war now, Hamas will return, recover and rebuild itself and attack us again… we don’t want to return to this [situation],” Netanyahu said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with US President-elect Donald Trump about developments in Syria and hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, he said on Sunday. Watch for more details!

Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Hostages and Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces. “We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message. He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“ Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price' Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.” He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict. Also read: Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus. The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western region. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan&nbsp;to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels.&nbsp;

The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights.

<h2>Netanyahu defends population expansion plan</h2>

Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-has-no-interest-in-confronting-syria-784226">Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'</a>

Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel."

"We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added.

<h2>Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights&nbsp;plan</h2>

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria".

Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154" target="_blank">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>

With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels.

Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights. Netanyahu defends population expansion plan Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population". Also read | Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria' Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel." "We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added. Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria". Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law". Also read | Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel greenlights $11 million plan to 'double' Golan Heights population amid regional tensions

Jerusalem
Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. 
The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights.
<h2>Netanyahu defends population expansion plan</h2>
Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israel-has-no-interest-in-confronting-syria-784226">Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'</a>
Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel."
"We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added.
<h2>Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan</h2>
Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria".
Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154" target="_blank">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>
With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. 
Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. 
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for this population plan



Jerusalem Israel on Sunday (Dec 15) approved a plan to "double" the population of the annexed Golan Heights. This comes as the country insists that it had no intention of confronting Syria after Israeli forces, acting on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seized a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the wake of the ouster of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. The Israeli government, as per reports, has approved 40 million shekel ($11 million) for the expansion plan in Golan Heights. Netanyahu defends population expansion plan Israeli PM Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) plan "for the demographic development of the Golan... in light of the war and the new front in Syria and the desire to double the population". Also read | Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria' Netanyahu called the plan "particularly important at this time" and said, "the strengthening of the Golan is that of the State of Israel." "We will continue to establish ourselves there, develop it and settle there," he added. Saudi, Qatar condemn Israel's Golan Heights plan Saudi Arabia and Qatar have opposed the plan. Expressing "condemnation and denunciation" of the plan, Saudi foreign ministry called it part of the "continued sabotage of opportunities to restore security and stability in Syria". Qatar said this was a "new episode in a series of Israeli aggressions on Syrian territories and a blatant violation of international law". Also read | Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' With its strategic significance, the Golan Heights has long been a point of contention. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 war and annexed it in 1981. While most of the world considers it Syrian territory, the US broke ranks in 2019 by formally recognising Israel’s sovereignty over the area under then-president Donald Trump. Sunday’s move follows previous efforts to expand the settler population. In 2021, a $317 million initiative was approved to double the number of Israelis living in the Golan within five years, though its implementation has been gradual. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Donald Trump And Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Ceasefire

Tel Aviv, Israel
<meta content="uuidOk6NN2G6IloW" name="uuid"/>
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces.
“We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message.
He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“
<h2>Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price'</h2>
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.”
He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>
On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus.
The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western region.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

“We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message.



Tel Aviv, Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces. “We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message. He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“ Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price' Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.” He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict. Also read: Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus. The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western region. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The Israeli Air Force is continuing its readiness and preparations for potential strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, following the weakening of Tehran’s proxy groups in the Middle East and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. Watch this report for more details!

Netanyahu Warns Syrian Rebels Against Helping Iran

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stand for the first time. Earlier this week for his long-standing corruption trial. This makes him the first sitting leader of the state of Israel, to face criminal trials for corruption.

Netanyahu Testifies in Corruption Trial

The UN General Assembly has called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as the immediate release of all hostages. Around 158 members voted in favor of the Gaza ceasefire, while the United States, Israel, and seven other countries voted against the resolution. Additionally, 13 countries abstained from voting. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu, US Envoys Explore Gaza Truce Amid UNGA's Resolution | World DNA | WION

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his first appearance in Israeli courts for his corruption trial. The move marks a significant moment as he faces charges that have sparked political and public controversy.

Netanyahu's Corruption Trial: Israeli PM Terms Allegations As ‘An Ocean Of Absurdness’

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed corruption charges against him as 'ridiculous', becoming the country's first sitting premier to face a criminal trial. Watch for more details!

Israeli PM Netanyahu Rejects Corruption Charges as Ridiculous

Netanyahu's Corruption Trial: Israeli PM Returns to Court For His Trial, After 1.5 Years

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel took the stand on Tuesday in his corruption trial for the first time since it began in 2020. Watch this report for more details!

Netanyahu Takes Witness Stand in Trial For Alleged Corruption

Netanyahu Expected to Respond to Allegations in the Court

Israel has now opened what it is terming as the fourth front along the Golan Heights against a new jihadi Syria. This came as the regime of Bashar Al-Assad collapsed in Syria, and rebels took control over the capital Damascus. In a region where history often repeats itself, will the fall of Assad mark the beginning of a lasting change? Or is West Asia entering a new and unpredictable phase? A prelude to more conflict?

Syria War: Israel Strikes Damascus, Seizes More Territory In Occupied Golan Heights | World DNA

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