Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of a crime that might not have been brought up ever before. It has been revealed that Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu take majority of their dirty laundry to the White House to avail the free dry cleaning services.

Israel's PM Netanyahu accused of taking dirty laundry to White House

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate.

The new rules will close the vast majority of workplaces, shutter markets and further limit prayers and demonstrations.&nbsp;

"Over the past two days, we've heard from experts that if we don't take immediate and harsh measures, we'll reach an abyss," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday, at the start of a cabinet meeting to thrash out the new measures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-becomes-first-country-in-world-to-impose-second-national-lockdown-327306">Also read:&nbsp;Israel becomes first country in world to impose second national lockdown</a>&nbsp;

The government's latest move comes as the country is poised to enter the second week of a three-week lockdown imposed last Friday, which included the closure of schools and restrictions on work and leisure.

Under the new measures set to be approved in parliament later Thursday, synagogues will only be allowed to open on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday which begins Sunday afternoon.

At other times, only outdoor prayer will be allowed with a maximum of 20 people attending. The same restrictions have been applied to demonstrations.

"To save the lives of Israel's citizens we need to impose a full lockdown now for two weeks," Netanyahu said.

"This is also necessary for the economy. Whoever thinks we can work with a raging pandemic, with death and infections rising, without it affecting the economy, is wrong."

A decision on whether to close Ben Gurion international airport outside Tel Aviv will be made later on Thursday, the government said.

Israel has the world's highest coronavirus infection rate as a proportion of its population, according to an AFP tally of the past fortnight.

More than 200,000 coronavirus cases have been recorded, with 1,335 deaths, out of a population of nine million.

Netanyahu has faced fierce criticism from opposition politicians, who accuse him of tightening the rules to put an end to weeks of protest outside his Jerusalem residence.

Ayelet Shaked, a lawmaker with the far-right Yamina party, said the new rules are "destructive and unreasonable".

"Because of the demonstrations, they're pushing hundreds of thousands of people to unemployment and crushing the economy," she said in a statement.

Shaked said she will push to change the measures when they come before a parliamentary committee for approval later on Thursday.&nbsp;

Israel's health ministry registered 6,808 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, out of 54,364 tests processed.

Some hospitals have reached capacity and are having to turn people away, with some patients forced to wait for hours in ambulances, according to the emergency medical service Magen David Adom.

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate.

Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown now nearing its second week failed to bring down the world's highest infection rate. The new rules will close the vast majority of workplaces, shutter markets and further limit prayers and demonstrations. "Over the past two days, we've heard from experts that if we don't take immediate and harsh measures, we'll reach an abyss," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday, at the start of a cabinet meeting to thrash out the new measures. Also read: Israel becomes first country in world to impose second national lockdown The government's latest move comes as the country is poised to enter the second week of a three-week lockdown imposed last Friday, which included the closure of schools and restrictions on work and leisure. Under the new measures set to be approved in parliament later Thursday, synagogues will only be allowed to open on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holiday which begins Sunday afternoon. At other times, only outdoor prayer will be allowed with a maximum of 20 people attending. The same restrictions have been applied to demonstrations. "To save the lives of Israel's citizens we need to impose a full lockdown now for two weeks," Netanyahu said. "This is also necessary for the economy. Whoever thinks we can work with a raging pandemic, with death and infections rising, without it affecting the economy, is wrong." A decision on whether to close Ben Gurion international airport outside Tel Aviv will be made later on Thursday, the government said. Israel has the world's highest coronavirus infection rate as a proportion of its population, according to an AFP tally of the past fortnight. More than 200,000 coronavirus cases have been recorded, with 1,335 deaths, out of a population of nine million. Netanyahu has faced fierce criticism from opposition politicians, who accuse him of tightening the rules to put an end to weeks of protest outside his Jerusalem residence. Ayelet Shaked, a lawmaker with the far-right Yamina party, said the new rules are "destructive and unreasonable". "Because of the demonstrations, they're pushing hundreds of thousands of people to unemployment and crushing the economy," she said in a statement. Shaked said she will push to change the measures when they come before a parliamentary committee for approval later on Thursday. Israel's health ministry registered 6,808 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, out of 54,364 tests processed. Some hospitals have reached capacity and are having to turn people away, with some patients forced to wait for hours in ambulances, according to the emergency medical service Magen David Adom.

Israel toughens second lockdown as virus cases surge

The first known direct commercial flight between Israel and Bahrain landed Wednesday in the island kingdom, just a week after it signed a deal alongside the United Arab Emirates to normalise relations.

Flight data showed an Israir Airlines Airbus A320 landed at Bahrain International Airport after a nearly three-hour flight from Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion International Airport.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-sees-direct-israel-bahrain-flights-after-normalisation-deal-327243">Netanyahu sees direct Israel-Bahrain flights after normalisation deal</a>

It comes a day after Netanyahu spoke by phone with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman to map out the two countries' new relationship.

The flight was made without ceremony, in sharp contrast to the first El Al flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates at the end of August. That plane carried US and Israeli officials, including President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as media.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahrain-joins-uae-in-normalising-ties-with-israel-trump-announces-326937">Bahrain joins UAE in normalising ties with Israel, Trump announces</a>

Bahrain's decision to normalise ties with Israel followed a similar move by the United Arab Emirates.

Both accords were inked at a September 15 ceremony hosted by US President Donald Trump.

Only two other Arab states have previously signed agreements with Israel, Jordan in 1994 and Egypt in 1979.

The Palestinians have condemned the latest deals as a "stab in the back" for their aspirations to establish an independent state of their own.

The first known direct commercial flight between Israel and Bahrain landed Wednesday in the island kingdom, just a week after it signed a deal alongside the United Arab Emirates to normalise relations.

The first known direct commercial flight between Israel and Bahrain landed Wednesday in the island kingdom, just a week after it signed a deal alongside the United Arab Emirates to normalise relations. Flight data showed an Israir Airlines Airbus A320 landed at Bahrain International Airport after a nearly three-hour flight from Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion International Airport. Also read: Netanyahu sees direct Israel-Bahrain flights after normalisation deal It comes a day after Netanyahu spoke by phone with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman to map out the two countries' new relationship. The flight was made without ceremony, in sharp contrast to the first El Al flight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates at the end of August. That plane carried US and Israeli officials, including President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as media. Also read: Bahrain joins UAE in normalising ties with Israel, Trump announces Bahrain's decision to normalise ties with Israel followed a similar move by the United Arab Emirates. Both accords were inked at a September 15 ceremony hosted by US President Donald Trump. Only two other Arab states have previously signed agreements with Israel, Jordan in 1994 and Egypt in 1979. The Palestinians have condemned the latest deals as a "stab in the back" for their aspirations to establish an independent state of their own.

First direct commercial flight from Israel lands in Bahrain

The West Asia peace accord was signed in Washington DC on Tuesday. Effective now, Israel’s ties with two Arab nations - UAE and Bahrain will be normalised.

However, the timing of this historic peace deal seems almost deliberate.&nbsp;In the US, President Donald Trump is trailing in the polls less than two months before the presidential election. And in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing protests over corruption charges and his handling of the pandemic. Both Trump and Netanyahu have a lot to gain from the peace accords.

Donald Trump

Trump wants to leave behind a legacy. Remember, he wanted his face carved into Mount Rushmore. He gets to be the third US president to broker a deal between Israel and the Arab world. Jimmy Carter brokered the Camp David accord between then-Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat and former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

Bill Clinton brokered a deal between then-Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Jordan's King Hussein. Trump can now call himself the architect of a new political order between Arabs and Jews. Trump's presidency has placed a lot of importance on trying to strike peace deals and brokering them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-the-us-brokered-abraham-accord-a-regional-front-against-iran-328000" hreflang="en">Is the US-brokered Abraham Accord a regional front against Iran?</a>

The one with North Korea fell apart. But this one, gives trump a much-needed boost in the election season. Trump recently claimed that 5 to 6 other Arab nations will join the circle of peace. So it is in the interest of West Asia that Trump remains in power. Due to this, the region is likely to tilt towards Trump over Biden. Netanyahu flew back to Israel without meeting Biden.“We are encouraged by the ongoing efforts to consolidate and expand such friendly relations based on shared interests and a shared commitment to a better future”, the last line of the Abraham Accord read.

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What the US gains from this peace alliance is a united West Asia against Iran, a country that Trump has been calling the biggest exporter of terror.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Netanyahu fought 3 elections in one year, and failed to win all with a decisive mandate. He is currently running a precariously formed government.

Netanyahu is at a critical juncture in his political career, and has a difficult alliance with his election rival. He was recently indicted on corruption charges. Netanyahu is also facing protests for his handling of the pandemic. Even as he was flying to Washington to sign the Abraham Accords, protestors had gathered at the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/two-rockets-fired-from-gaza-as-israel-uae-bahrain-sign-trump-brokered-accords-327792" hreflang="en">Two rockets fired from Gaza as Israel, UAE, Bahrain sign Trump-brokered accords</a>

With this deal, he's only the third Israeli leader to sign a peace deal with the Arab world.&nbsp;Netanyahu gets to keep the promise to annex the West Bank. At the same time he gets to have cordial relations with the Arab world. Within hours of the agreements being signed in the White House,&nbsp; a prominent Saudi cleric softened his stand on Israel, calling for Muslims to avoid “passionate emotions and fiery enthusiasm” towards Jews.

The peace agreements allow Netanyahu to improve Israel's economy at a time when his country is dealing&nbsp; with 18 per cent unemployment. Israel's tourism sector will get a boost, as will energy, healthcare, culture, technology and environment.

Israelis will now be able to board direct flights to the UAE and Bahrain. Until recently, Israel was recognised by only Jordan and Egypt in the Arab world.

The West Asia peace accord was signed in Washington DC on Tuesday. Effective now, Israel’s ties with two Arab nations - UAE and Bahrain will be normalised. However, the timing of this historic peace deal seems almost deliberate.

The West Asia peace accord was signed in Washington DC on Tuesday. Effective now, Israel’s ties with two Arab nations - UAE and Bahrain will be normalised. However, the timing of this historic peace deal seems almost deliberate. In the US, President Donald Trump is trailing in the polls less than two months before the presidential election. And in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing protests over corruption charges and his handling of the pandemic. Both Trump and Netanyahu have a lot to gain from the peace accords. Donald Trump Trump wants to leave behind a legacy. Remember, he wanted his face carved into Mount Rushmore. He gets to be the third US president to broker a deal between Israel and the Arab world. Jimmy Carter brokered the Camp David accord between then-Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat and former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. Bill Clinton brokered a deal between then-Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Jordan's King Hussein. Trump can now call himself the architect of a new political order between Arabs and Jews. Trump's presidency has placed a lot of importance on trying to strike peace deals and brokering them. Also read: Is the US-brokered Abraham Accord a regional front against Iran? The one with North Korea fell apart. But this one, gives trump a much-needed boost in the election season. Trump recently claimed that 5 to 6 other Arab nations will join the circle of peace. So it is in the interest of West Asia that Trump remains in power. Due to this, the region is likely to tilt towards Trump over Biden. Netanyahu flew back to Israel without meeting Biden.“We are encouraged by the ongoing efforts to consolidate and expand such friendly relations based on shared interests and a shared commitment to a better future”, the last line of the Abraham Accord read. × What the US gains from this peace alliance is a united West Asia against Iran, a country that Trump has been calling the biggest exporter of terror. Benjamin Netanyahu Netanyahu fought 3 elections in one year, and failed to win all with a decisive mandate. He is currently running a precariously formed government. Netanyahu is at a critical juncture in his political career, and has a difficult alliance with his election rival. He was recently indicted on corruption charges. Netanyahu is also facing protests for his handling of the pandemic. Even as he was flying to Washington to sign the Abraham Accords, protestors had gathered at the Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. Also read: Two rockets fired from Gaza as Israel, UAE, Bahrain sign Trump-brokered accords With this deal, he's only the third Israeli leader to sign a peace deal with the Arab world. Netanyahu gets to keep the promise to annex the West Bank. At the same time he gets to have cordial relations with the Arab world. Within hours of the agreements being signed in the White House, a prominent Saudi cleric softened his stand on Israel, calling for Muslims to avoid “passionate emotions and fiery enthusiasm” towards Jews. The peace agreements allow Netanyahu to improve Israel's economy at a time when his country is dealing with 18 per cent unemployment. Israel's tourism sector will get a boost, as will energy, healthcare, culture, technology and environment. Israelis will now be able to board direct flights to the UAE and Bahrain. Until recently, Israel was recognised by only Jordan and Egypt in the Arab world.

How the West Asia peace deal will multiply local gains for Trump and Netanyahu

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain on September 15 became the latest Arab states to break a long-standing taboo when they signed the agreements towards normalising relations with Israel in a strategic realignment of Middle Eastern countries against Iran. US President Donald Trump hosted a White House ceremony. Watch report.

Israel-UAE Deal: Trump hosts the leaders of West Asia

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli delegation landed in the United States on September 15, ahead of a ceremony to sign agreements normalizing ties with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Fineprint: Netanyahu lands in Washington DC for UAE, Bahrain Deals

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a deal establishing relations between Israel and Bahrain will result in direct flights between the countries. Watch report.

Dramatic shift in West Asia alliances: Israel and Bahrain to share direct flights

A deal establishing relations between Israel and Bahrain will result in direct flights between the countries, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.

“There will be brisk and direct air traffic between the countries,” he said in remarks to the Israeli cabinet, a transcript of which was issued by his office.

The Bahrain deal, announced on Friday, followed a similar accommodation between another Gulf power, United Arab Emirates, and Israel and resulting pledges of direct air connections.

Saudi Arabia, while not recognising Israel, has said it would allow Israeli airliners to overfly its territory en route to the Gulf.

A deal establishing relations between Israel and Bahrain will result in direct flights between the countries, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.

A deal establishing relations between Israel and Bahrain will result in direct flights between the countries, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday. “There will be brisk and direct air traffic between the countries,” he said in remarks to the Israeli cabinet, a transcript of which was issued by his office. The Bahrain deal, announced on Friday, followed a similar accommodation between another Gulf power, United Arab Emirates, and Israel and resulting pledges of direct air connections. Saudi Arabia, while not recognising Israel, has said it would allow Israeli airliners to overfly its territory en route to the Gulf.

Netanyahu sees direct Israel-Bahrain flights after normalisation deal

After US President Donald Trump announced that Bahrain has joined the United Arab Emirates in striking an agreement to normalise relations with Israel, Iran said Bahrain is a&nbsp;partner to "crimes" of Israel.

Watch:

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"The rulers of Bahrain will from now on be partners to the crimes of the Zionist regime as a constant threat to the security of the region and the world of Islam," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement.

Iran's former deputy foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had earlier said it "the imprudent leaders in UAE, Bahrain must not pave the way for the Zionist schemes" while criticising the agreement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bahrain-joins-uae-in-normalising-ties-with-israel-trump-announces-326937">Also Read:&nbsp;Bahrain joins UAE in normalising ties with Israel, Trump announces</a>

Meanwhile, Jordan's foreign minister Ayman Safadi said that a fair and comprehensive peace in the region should come from Israel while adding that Israel should stop all its procedures to undermine the two-state solution, and end the illegal occupation of the Palestinian lands.&nbsp;

"Opening direct dialogue and ties between these two dynamic societies and advanced economies will continue the positive transformation of the Middle East and increase stability, security, and prosperity in the region," the United States, Bahrain and Israel said in a joint statement.

UAE had earlier agreed to normalise ties with Israel. The formal agreement will be signed at the White House ceremony to be hosted by President Trump on September 15. The Israel-UAE ceremony will be attended by Israeli PM Netanyahu and Emirati foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

After US President Donald Trump announced that Bahrain has joined the United Arab Emirates in striking an agreement to normalise relations with Israel, Iran said Bahrain is a partner to "crimes" of Israel.

After US President Donald Trump announced that Bahrain has joined the United Arab Emirates in striking an agreement to normalise relations with Israel, Iran said Bahrain is a partner to "crimes" of Israel. Watch: "The rulers of Bahrain will from now on be partners to the crimes of the Zionist regime as a constant threat to the security of the region and the world of Islam," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement. Iran's former deputy foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had earlier said it "the imprudent leaders in UAE, Bahrain must not pave the way for the Zionist schemes" while criticising the agreement. Also Read: Bahrain joins UAE in normalising ties with Israel, Trump announces Meanwhile, Jordan's foreign minister Ayman Safadi said that a fair and comprehensive peace in the region should come from Israel while adding that Israel should stop all its procedures to undermine the two-state solution, and end the illegal occupation of the Palestinian lands. "Opening direct dialogue and ties between these two dynamic societies and advanced economies will continue the positive transformation of the Middle East and increase stability, security, and prosperity in the region," the United States, Bahrain and Israel said in a joint statement. UAE had earlier agreed to normalise ties with Israel. The formal agreement will be signed at the White House ceremony to be hosted by President Trump on September 15. The Israel-UAE ceremony will be attended by Israeli PM Netanyahu and Emirati foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Bahrain partner to 'crimes' of Israel, says Iran after peace agreement

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Monday's historic first commercial flight of an Israeli aircraft direct to the United Arab Emirates across Saudi Arabia will not be the last.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spurned-by-allies-saudi-arabia-rethinks-chequebook-diplomacy-324698" hreflang="en">Spurned by allies, Saudi Arabia rethinks chequebook diplomacy</a>

"Now there is another tremendous breakthrough," he wrote in a statement shortly after Saudi Arabia said it would allow UAE flights to "all countries" to overfly the kingdom.

"Israeli planes and those from all countries will be able to fly directly from Israel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and back," Netanyahu said, without giving any timeline.&nbsp;

"Flights will be cheaper and shorter, and it will lead to robust tourism and develop our economy," he said.

Monday's groundbreaking flight on an aircraft of Israeli national carrier El Al carried a US-Israeli delegation headed by White House adviser Jared Kushner.

The visit was aimed at charting the relationship between the Emirates and the Jewish state after their landmark deal to normalise relations.

Two weeks earlier, Netanyahu said that he was "working with maximum energy, and we have already begun to work on opening an air route over Saudi Arabia, which will simply shorten flights between Israel and the UAE."

In March 2018, Air India launched the first scheduled service to Israel allowed to cross Saudi airspace.

It was seen at the time as a sign of a behind-the-scenes improvement in ties between the Arab kingdom and the Jewish state.

During a May 2017 Middle East tour, US President Donald Trump flew from Riyadh to Tel Aviv on Air Force One, in a first known direct flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Monday's historic first commercial flight of an Israeli aircraft direct to the United Arab Emirates across Saudi Arabia will not be the last.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Monday's historic first commercial flight of an Israeli aircraft direct to the United Arab Emirates across Saudi Arabia will not be the last. Also read: Spurned by allies, Saudi Arabia rethinks chequebook diplomacy "Now there is another tremendous breakthrough," he wrote in a statement shortly after Saudi Arabia said it would allow UAE flights to "all countries" to overfly the kingdom. "Israeli planes and those from all countries will be able to fly directly from Israel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and back," Netanyahu said, without giving any timeline. "Flights will be cheaper and shorter, and it will lead to robust tourism and develop our economy," he said. Monday's groundbreaking flight on an aircraft of Israeli national carrier El Al carried a US-Israeli delegation headed by White House adviser Jared Kushner. The visit was aimed at charting the relationship between the Emirates and the Jewish state after their landmark deal to normalise relations. Two weeks earlier, Netanyahu said that he was "working with maximum energy, and we have already begun to work on opening an air route over Saudi Arabia, which will simply shorten flights between Israel and the UAE." In March 2018, Air India launched the first scheduled service to Israel allowed to cross Saudi airspace. It was seen at the time as a sign of a behind-the-scenes improvement in ties between the Arab kingdom and the Jewish state. During a May 2017 Middle East tour, US President Donald Trump flew from Riyadh to Tel Aviv on Air Force One, in a first known direct flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel.

Direct flights between Israel and UAE will continue, says Prime Minister Netanyahu

Israel is in secret talks with several Arab states on establishing ties, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, ahead of the Jewish state's first commercial flight to the UAE following a normalisation accord.

"There are many more unpublicised meetings with Arab and Muslim leaders to normalise relations with the state of Israel," the prime minister said, without naming any countries.

A US-brokered agreement between the Jewish state and Dubai to normalise ties was announced on August 13, making the UAE the first Gulf country and only the third Arab nation to establish relations with Israel, after Egypt and Jordan.&nbsp;

The first-ever commercial flight from Israel to the UAE will on Monday morning carry a US-Israeli delegation led on the American side by White House advisor Jared Kushner, who stood next to Netanyahu during the Israeli premier's remarks on Sunday.&nbsp;

"Today's breakthrough will become tomorrow's norms," Netanyahu said.&nbsp;

"It will pave the way for other countries to normalise their ties with Israel."

Netanyahu's office said last week that National Security Advisor Meir Ben Shabbat will lead the Israeli delegation.

The talks in Abu Dhabi will seek ways to boost cooperation in areas including aviation, tourism, trade, health, energy and security, Netanyahu's office said.

Since the agreement between the UAE and Israel was unveiled, there have been frequent bilateral phone calls between ministers and the signing of commercial contracts.

On Saturday, the Emirates repealed a 1972 law &nbsp;boycotting Israel.

"It will be permissible to enter, exchange or possess Israeli goods and products of all kinds in the UAE and trade in them," read a federal decree issued by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

<h2>'New sense of optimism'</h2>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week undertook a regional tour, which took him to Sudan, Bahrain and Oman, in the hope of convincing other countries in the region to follow the Emiratis.&nbsp;

"While this peace agreement was thought to be impossible, the stage is now set for more," Kushner said of the Israel-UAE accord on Sunday.

"What I felt over the last couple of weeks is a new sense of optimism, and we must seize that optimism and we must continue to push to make this region achieve the potential that it really has."

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who also met with Kushner on Sunday, called on "other Arab and Muslim states to follow this path of friendship and to establish full and warm relations with the State of Israel –- peace between nations and peoples, peace for peace."

As part of the normalisation agreement announced by US President Donald Trump, Israel agreed to suspend planned annexations in the occupied West Bank, although Netanyahu quickly insisted the plans remained on the table in the long-run.

The Palestinians dubbed the UAE's agreement with Israel a "stab in the back", as it opens the Arab world to the Jewish state while their own conflict remains unresolved.

Saudi Arabia, in keeping with decades of policy by most Arab states, says it will not follow the UAE's example until Israel has signed a peace deal with the Palestinians establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Israel is in secret talks with several Arab states on establishing ties, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, ahead of the Jewish state's first commercial flight to the UAE following a normalisation accord.

Israel is in secret talks with several Arab states on establishing ties, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, ahead of the Jewish state's first commercial flight to the UAE following a normalisation accord. "There are many more unpublicised meetings with Arab and Muslim leaders to normalise relations with the state of Israel," the prime minister said, without naming any countries. A US-brokered agreement between the Jewish state and Dubai to normalise ties was announced on August 13, making the UAE the first Gulf country and only the third Arab nation to establish relations with Israel, after Egypt and Jordan. The first-ever commercial flight from Israel to the UAE will on Monday morning carry a US-Israeli delegation led on the American side by White House advisor Jared Kushner, who stood next to Netanyahu during the Israeli premier's remarks on Sunday. "Today's breakthrough will become tomorrow's norms," Netanyahu said. "It will pave the way for other countries to normalise their ties with Israel." Netanyahu's office said last week that National Security Advisor Meir Ben Shabbat will lead the Israeli delegation. The talks in Abu Dhabi will seek ways to boost cooperation in areas including aviation, tourism, trade, health, energy and security, Netanyahu's office said. Since the agreement between the UAE and Israel was unveiled, there have been frequent bilateral phone calls between ministers and the signing of commercial contracts. On Saturday, the Emirates repealed a 1972 law boycotting Israel. "It will be permissible to enter, exchange or possess Israeli goods and products of all kinds in the UAE and trade in them," read a federal decree issued by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. 'New sense of optimism' US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week undertook a regional tour, which took him to Sudan, Bahrain and Oman, in the hope of convincing other countries in the region to follow the Emiratis. "While this peace agreement was thought to be impossible, the stage is now set for more," Kushner said of the Israel-UAE accord on Sunday. "What I felt over the last couple of weeks is a new sense of optimism, and we must seize that optimism and we must continue to push to make this region achieve the potential that it really has." Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, who also met with Kushner on Sunday, called on "other Arab and Muslim states to follow this path of friendship and to establish full and warm relations with the State of Israel –- peace between nations and peoples, peace for peace." As part of the normalisation agreement announced by US President Donald Trump, Israel agreed to suspend planned annexations in the occupied West Bank, although Netanyahu quickly insisted the plans remained on the table in the long-run. The Palestinians dubbed the UAE's agreement with Israel a "stab in the back", as it opens the Arab world to the Jewish state while their own conflict remains unresolved. Saudi Arabia, in keeping with decades of policy by most Arab states, says it will not follow the UAE's example until Israel has signed a peace deal with the Palestinians establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Israel PM says 'many more' secret talks with Arab leaders

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel views with "great gravity" the latest flare-up on the Lebanese border and pledged a tough response in the event of further incidents.

"We shall react forcefully to any attack against us," Netanyahu said in a statement. "I advise Hezbollah not to test Israel's strength. Hezbollah is once again endangering Lebanon due to its aggression."

Earlier, Israeli aircraft struck posts belonging to the Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah&nbsp;after shots were fired from&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;towards its troops, Israel's military said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rival-israels-aid-offer-to-lebanon-in-wake-of-explosion-unlikely-to-find-a-taker-319059">Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker</a>

The border flare-up came hours after Lebanon rejected an Israeli call to reform the UN peacekeeping force which patrols the border ahead of a UN Security Council vote to renew its mandate.

No Israeli troops were wounded in the firing, the military said. Soldiers deployed illumination flares, smoke shells and live fire after the shots from the Lebanese side of the frontier, it said.

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"In response, overnight, IDF attack helicopters and aircraft struck observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization in the border area," the military said in a statement, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.

Tension has been running high on the border. Last month, Israel said Hezbollah carried out an infiltration attempt, which the Iran-backed group denied.

The Israeli military said it lifted a curfew it had imposed overnight.&nbsp;Israel and Hezbollah fought a devastating month-long war in 2006 as well.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel views with "great gravity" the latest flare-up on the Lebanese border and pledged a tough response in the event of further incidents.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel views with "great gravity" the latest flare-up on the Lebanese border and pledged a tough response in the event of further incidents. "We shall react forcefully to any attack against us," Netanyahu said in a statement. "I advise Hezbollah not to test Israel's strength. Hezbollah is once again endangering Lebanon due to its aggression." Earlier, Israeli aircraft struck posts belonging to the Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah after shots were fired from Lebanon towards its troops, Israel's military said. Also read: Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker The border flare-up came hours after Lebanon rejected an Israeli call to reform the UN peacekeeping force which patrols the border ahead of a UN Security Council vote to renew its mandate. No Israeli troops were wounded in the firing, the military said. Soldiers deployed illumination flares, smoke shells and live fire after the shots from the Lebanese side of the frontier, it said. "In response, overnight, IDF attack helicopters and aircraft struck observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization in the border area," the military said in a statement, referring to the Israel Defense Forces. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah. Tension has been running high on the border. Last month, Israel said Hezbollah carried out an infiltration attempt, which the Iran-backed group denied. The Israeli military said it lifted a curfew it had imposed overnight. Israel and Hezbollah fought a devastating month-long war in 2006 as well.

Netanyahu vows 'forceful' response if more attacks from Lebanon

Israel’s settler leaders say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defrauded them of their long-held dream of annexing the occupied West Bank as part of the country's normalisation deal with the United Arab Emirates.

Their anger could be a problem for right-wing Netanyahu, whom they accuse of repeatedly floating the idea of annexation only to cave in to international pressure when the terms of the UAE deal required him to walk back his promises.

"He deceived us, defrauded us, duped us," said David Elhayani, head of the Yesha Council, the settlers' main umbrella organisation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/policy-on-us-arms-sales-to-uae-unchanged-says-israels-netanyahu-321443" hreflang="en">Policy on US arms sales to UAE unchanged, says Israel's Netanyahu</a>

"It's a major disappointment. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, a golden opportunity that the prime minister missed because he lacked the courage," said Elhayani. "He's lost it. He needs to go."

Israel’s West Bank settlements - which range in size from a few hilltop caravans to sprawling commuter towns - were built by successive governments on land captured in a 1967 war.&nbsp;

Around 450,000 Jewish settlers now live among 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank, with a further 200,000 settlers in East Jerusalem. Most countries view the settlements as illegal, a view that Israel and the United States dispute.

When Netanyahu promised during recent elections to apply Israeli sovereignty to areas of the West Bank, including Jewish settlements, he said he first needed a green light from Washington.

That green light appeared to have been given by President Donald Trump's Mideast plan released in January, which envisaged Israel applying sovereignty - de facto annexation - to its 120 settlements in almost a third of the West Bank.

But when Trump announced the UAE deal this month, he said annexation was now "off the table".&nbsp;

SOVEREIGNTY

Polls have shown wide support in Israel for the UAE deal. But the ideological settler leadership has significant political clout, and has long been a bastion of Netanyahu's support.

Aware that he might lose their backing to parties even more hawkish than his own, Netanyahu sought to keep settler hopes alive.&nbsp;

"Sovereignty is not off the agenda, I was the one who brought it to the Trump plan with American consent. We will apply sovereignty," he told Israel Army Radio, saying the White House had merely asked for a suspension.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/major-revolution-after-historic-deal-with-uae-pm-netanyahu-says-israel-planning-air-route-over-saudi-arabia-321288" hreflang="en">'Major revolution': After historic deal with UAE, PM Netanyahu says Israel planning 'air route over Saudi Arabia'</a>

But many settler leaders are unconvinced. Bezalel Smotrich, a settler with the ultranationalist opposition Yemina party, said Netanyahu "has been deceiving right-wing voters for many years with great success".

Palestinians, who seek a state of their own in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, have vigorously opposed the policies of Trump and his senior adviser Jared Kushner, including their Middle East plan and UAE deal.

They accuse Trump, Kushner and Netanyahu of drawing up blueprints that would leave them only an unviable Palestinian state of separate enclaves scattered across the West Bank.

But the Trump vision of limited Palestinian statehood has created strange bedfellows.&nbsp;

The Palestinians say it gives them too little. But for the most hardline Israeli settlers it gives the Palestinians too much. For these settlers, any Palestinian state is anathema.

In the hilltop settlement of Kedumim, veteran settler leader Daniella Weiss said: "I don't think the Jewish nation needs to give up any of its treasures, any part ... of our homeland, for a peace treaty."&nbsp;

"I am a pioneer that established an outpost, then my children did it, now my grandchildren are doing it. This is the dream and this is the plan and this is what our movement does."

Israel’s settler leaders say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defrauded them of their long-held dream of annexing the occupied West Bank as part of the country's normalisation deal with the United Arab Emirates.

Israel’s settler leaders say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defrauded them of their long-held dream of annexing the occupied West Bank as part of the country's normalisation deal with the United Arab Emirates. Their anger could be a problem for right-wing Netanyahu, whom they accuse of repeatedly floating the idea of annexation only to cave in to international pressure when the terms of the UAE deal required him to walk back his promises. "He deceived us, defrauded us, duped us," said David Elhayani, head of the Yesha Council, the settlers' main umbrella organisation. Also read: Policy on US arms sales to UAE unchanged, says Israel's Netanyahu "It's a major disappointment. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, a golden opportunity that the prime minister missed because he lacked the courage," said Elhayani. "He's lost it. He needs to go." Israel’s West Bank settlements - which range in size from a few hilltop caravans to sprawling commuter towns - were built by successive governments on land captured in a 1967 war. Around 450,000 Jewish settlers now live among 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank, with a further 200,000 settlers in East Jerusalem. Most countries view the settlements as illegal, a view that Israel and the United States dispute. When Netanyahu promised during recent elections to apply Israeli sovereignty to areas of the West Bank, including Jewish settlements, he said he first needed a green light from Washington. That green light appeared to have been given by President Donald Trump's Mideast plan released in January, which envisaged Israel applying sovereignty - de facto annexation - to its 120 settlements in almost a third of the West Bank. But when Trump announced the UAE deal this month, he said annexation was now "off the table". SOVEREIGNTY Polls have shown wide support in Israel for the UAE deal. But the ideological settler leadership has significant political clout, and has long been a bastion of Netanyahu's support. Aware that he might lose their backing to parties even more hawkish than his own, Netanyahu sought to keep settler hopes alive. "Sovereignty is not off the agenda, I was the one who brought it to the Trump plan with American consent. We will apply sovereignty," he told Israel Army Radio, saying the White House had merely asked for a suspension. Also read: 'Major revolution': After historic deal with UAE, PM Netanyahu says Israel planning 'air route over Saudi Arabia' But many settler leaders are unconvinced. Bezalel Smotrich, a settler with the ultranationalist opposition Yemina party, said Netanyahu "has been deceiving right-wing voters for many years with great success". Palestinians, who seek a state of their own in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, have vigorously opposed the policies of Trump and his senior adviser Jared Kushner, including their Middle East plan and UAE deal. They accuse Trump, Kushner and Netanyahu of drawing up blueprints that would leave them only an unviable Palestinian state of separate enclaves scattered across the West Bank. But the Trump vision of limited Palestinian statehood has created strange bedfellows. The Palestinians say it gives them too little. But for the most hardline Israeli settlers it gives the Palestinians too much. For these settlers, any Palestinian state is anathema. In the hilltop settlement of Kedumim, veteran settler leader Daniella Weiss said: "I don't think the Jewish nation needs to give up any of its treasures, any part ... of our homeland, for a peace treaty." "I am a pioneer that established an outpost, then my children did it, now my grandchildren are doing it. This is the dream and this is the plan and this is what our movement does."

West Bank settlers say Netanyahu duped them with annexation backtrack

The Israel-UAE accord is a personal boost for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. How will this deal impact Palestinians, Iran and other regional players? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Israel-UAE deal: Palestine's loss, Israel's gain?

Netanyahu is calling the Israel-UAE peace deal a historic event. It is a big diplomatic achievement as he gets to normalise diplomatic relations between UAE and Israel after 49-long-years.

Israel gets to rebuild its ties with the Muslim world. It gets regional acceptance. At the same time, Israel does not have to junk the plan of annexing the West Bank.

Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to be the Israeli leader who finally annexes the West Bank.&nbsp;He has promised the annexation repeatedly during the election campaigns. This deal allows him to keep that promise.

At the same time, it lets him win his voters back by extending an economic and cultural promise.

According to a recent poll, only four per cent of Israelis view the annexation as a priority, whereas, 69 per cent of people, on the other hand, want the government to give priority to the&nbsp;economy.

It is exactly what the Abaram accord gives Netanyahu -&nbsp;&nbsp;a shot at transforming Israel's growth in terms of economy, technology, tourism and&nbsp;culture.

West Bank is&nbsp;a thin strip of land between Israel and the Jordan River. This piece of land lies at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict.&nbsp;West Bank is home to 3 million Palestinian Arabs.

It is seen as the heart of the future Palestinian state but the West Bank is also home to Israeli Jews. Most of them moved there&nbsp;to post the Middle East war of 1967.

Today, the West Bank is a collage of settlements. Officially, West Bank is not a part of Israel. But Jerusalem wants to annex it. The Abraham accord puts the annexation plan on hold temporary.

So the&nbsp;peace deal does not have much for the Palestinians. They have accused the United Arab Emirates of abandoning them.&nbsp;A spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the deal amounts to treason.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said: "The Palestinian leadership announces that it rejects and denounces the surprise trilateral UAE, Israeli and US announcement about full normalization of relations."

Iran is a big factor in this deal.&nbsp;It is the shared threat from Tehran that has brought UAE and Israel together, officially.

Iran is not only a threat but also a terror in the region as are its Shia Jihadi groups.&nbsp;Iran's neighbours need to share security and intelligence more than ever. Israel was already growing friendlier with the neighbourhood making the ties official is hurting the stakeholders.

It a diplomatic win for Trump ahead of his re-election bid -&nbsp;a political validation for Netanyahu even as UAE gets the credit for halting the annexation of the West Bank.

For Turkey, the&nbsp;deal means a paradise lost. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been trying to project himself as the champion of the Palestinian cause. He wants to be the leader of the Muslim world and the&nbsp;deal snatches that dream from him.

Meanwhile, it is highly unlikely that the&nbsp;deal was inked without the nod of the Saudis.&nbsp;Oman and Bahrain have already cultivated friendly ties with Israel, if the United States is to be believed, it is only a matter of time before they too start signing accords with Israel.

Netanyahu is calling the Israel-UAE peace deal a historic event. It is a big diplomatic achievement as he gets to normalise diplomatic relations between UAE and Israel after 49-long-years.

Netanyahu is calling the Israel-UAE peace deal a historic event. It is a big diplomatic achievement as he gets to normalise diplomatic relations between UAE and Israel after 49-long-years. Israel gets to rebuild its ties with the Muslim world. It gets regional acceptance. At the same time, Israel does not have to junk the plan of annexing the West Bank. Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to be the Israeli leader who finally annexes the West Bank. He has promised the annexation repeatedly during the election campaigns. This deal allows him to keep that promise. At the same time, it lets him win his voters back by extending an economic and cultural promise. According to a recent poll, only four per cent of Israelis view the annexation as a priority, whereas, 69 per cent of people, on the other hand, want the government to give priority to the economy. It is exactly what the Abaram accord gives Netanyahu - a shot at transforming Israel's growth in terms of economy, technology, tourism and culture. West Bank is a thin strip of land between Israel and the Jordan River. This piece of land lies at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict. West Bank is home to 3 million Palestinian Arabs. It is seen as the heart of the future Palestinian state but the West Bank is also home to Israeli Jews. Most of them moved there to post the Middle East war of 1967. Today, the West Bank is a collage of settlements. Officially, West Bank is not a part of Israel. But Jerusalem wants to annex it. The Abraham accord puts the annexation plan on hold temporary. So the peace deal does not have much for the Palestinians. They have accused the United Arab Emirates of abandoning them. A spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the deal amounts to treason. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said: "The Palestinian leadership announces that it rejects and denounces the surprise trilateral UAE, Israeli and US announcement about full normalization of relations." Iran is a big factor in this deal. It is the shared threat from Tehran that has brought UAE and Israel together, officially. Iran is not only a threat but also a terror in the region as are its Shia Jihadi groups. Iran's neighbours need to share security and intelligence more than ever. Israel was already growing friendlier with the neighbourhood making the ties official is hurting the stakeholders. It a diplomatic win for Trump ahead of his re-election bid - a political validation for Netanyahu even as UAE gets the credit for halting the annexation of the West Bank. For Turkey, the deal means a paradise lost. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been trying to project himself as the champion of the Palestinian cause. He wants to be the leader of the Muslim world and the deal snatches that dream from him. Meanwhile, it is highly unlikely that the deal was inked without the nod of the Saudis. Oman and Bahrain have already cultivated friendly ties with Israel, if the United States is to be believed, it is only a matter of time before they too start signing accords with Israel.

Israel-UAE deal: What's in it for UAE, Arab countries and Netanyahu?

How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement

Israel and the United Arab Emirates will be signing a historic peace deal to normalize relations between the two nations. Watch report.

Israel -UAE peace deal: Netanyahu hails new era for Israel

US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and the United Arab Emirates will be signing a historic peace deal to normalize relations between the two nations. Watch report.

UAE, Israel announce historic peace deal | Trump brokers historic Abraham accords | World News

The world leaders have adopted a wait and watch approach to the new peace deal between Israel and UAE. While most countries have welcomed the effort. Watch report.

World reactions to Israel-UAE peace deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said the ensuing protests against him were egged on by a biased media that distorted facts and cheered on the demonstrators.

Demonstrators have been calling for the resignation of the leader, who is on trial for corruption charges. They have also panned his handling of the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;The protests have largely been peaceful.

Netanyahu has termed the protests as dens of "anarchists" and "leftists" out to topple "a strong right-wing leader.

In a six-minute rant, Netanyahu slammed the media for "inflaming" the protests and for misrepresenting incidents of violence against the protesters.

Netanyahu said the media ignored "wild and unfettered incitement, including daily calls " including the day before yesterday " to murder the prime minister and his family."

He said the protests were breeding grounds for the virus that were being allowed to take place with no limits, shutting down streets and neighbourhoods. He condemned violence "from all sides" at the start of his remarks before tearing into the media he has long viewed as hostile toward him.

Netanyahu's tirade came as a Jerusalem court ruled that his son Yair Netanyahu must remove a tweet that published the names, addresses and phone numbers of prominent protesters and called for his followers to demonstrate outside their homes "day and night."

Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of scandals involving wealthy associates and media moguls. He denies the allegations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said the ensuing protests against him were egged on by a biased media that distorted facts and cheered on the demonstrators.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said the ensuing protests against him were egged on by a biased media that distorted facts and cheered on the demonstrators. Demonstrators have been calling for the resignation of the leader, who is on trial for corruption charges. They have also panned his handling of the coronavirus crisis. The protests have largely been peaceful. Netanyahu has termed the protests as dens of "anarchists" and "leftists" out to topple "a strong right-wing leader. In a six-minute rant, Netanyahu slammed the media for "inflaming" the protests and for misrepresenting incidents of violence against the protesters. Netanyahu said the media ignored "wild and unfettered incitement, including daily calls " including the day before yesterday " to murder the prime minister and his family." He said the protests were breeding grounds for the virus that were being allowed to take place with no limits, shutting down streets and neighbourhoods. He condemned violence "from all sides" at the start of his remarks before tearing into the media he has long viewed as hostile toward him. Netanyahu's tirade came as a Jerusalem court ruled that his son Yair Netanyahu must remove a tweet that published the names, addresses and phone numbers of prominent protesters and called for his followers to demonstrate outside their homes "day and night." Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of scandals involving wealthy associates and media moguls. He denies the allegations.

Israel PM Netanyahu slams media over protests against him

A court ordered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's son on Sunday to refrain from harassing several individuals helping lead protests against his father, after he tweeted their personal addresses.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-irked-by-last-supper-sculpture-calls-it-equivalent-to-death-threat-316961">Also read:&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu irked by Last Supper sculpture; calls it 'equivalent to death threat'</a>

Yair Netanyahu, who has caused controversy for past social media posts, was also ordered to delete the tweet and to "refrain from harassing" the individuals concerned for six months, according to a ruling from Jerusalem Magistrates' Court judge Dorit Feinstein.

Reacting to the ruling, Yair Netanyahu, 29, said Feinstein had "totally ignored" evidence presented by his defence, including of threats against him by protest leaders.&nbsp;

A bombastic defender of his father, Yair Netanyahu caused controversy in 2018 when he was recorded seemingly drunk outside a strip club talking about a natural gas deal reached by the Israeli government.

He has also previously posted on Facebook about alleged conspiracies against his family. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The ruling came a day after what Israeli media described as the largest protest in a decade against Netanyahu's tenure, estimating the crowd at roughly 10,000 strong.&nbsp;

Thousands of demonstrators, mainly in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, have in recent weeks rallied against the premier's handling of the coronavirus crisis. Some have called for his resignation.&nbsp;

Speaking before a weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, the right-wing prime minister lashed out the media, accusing it of "fuelling" rather than covering "violent demonstrations."

He said&nbsp;Israel's media was behaving in "North Korean terms" with a lack of balance and unwavering support for "left-wing demonstrators."

Some of the protesters have voiced frustration over the government's pandemic response, while others have expressed broader objections to Netanyahu's stewardship, in particular noting corruption charges against the premier, which he denies.&nbsp;

Israel&nbsp;won praise for its initial response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after restrictions were lifted starting in late April.&nbsp;

Netanyahu has acknowledged that the economy was re-opened too quickly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A court ordered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's son on Sunday to refrain from harassing several individuals helping lead protests against his father, after he tweeted their personal addresses.

A court ordered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's son on Sunday to refrain from harassing several individuals helping lead protests against his father, after he tweeted their personal addresses. Also read: Benjamin Netanyahu irked by Last Supper sculpture; calls it 'equivalent to death threat' Yair Netanyahu, who has caused controversy for past social media posts, was also ordered to delete the tweet and to "refrain from harassing" the individuals concerned for six months, according to a ruling from Jerusalem Magistrates' Court judge Dorit Feinstein. Reacting to the ruling, Yair Netanyahu, 29, said Feinstein had "totally ignored" evidence presented by his defence, including of threats against him by protest leaders. A bombastic defender of his father, Yair Netanyahu caused controversy in 2018 when he was recorded seemingly drunk outside a strip club talking about a natural gas deal reached by the Israeli government. He has also previously posted on Facebook about alleged conspiracies against his family. The ruling came a day after what Israeli media described as the largest protest in a decade against Netanyahu's tenure, estimating the crowd at roughly 10,000 strong. Thousands of demonstrators, mainly in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, have in recent weeks rallied against the premier's handling of the coronavirus crisis. Some have called for his resignation. Speaking before a weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, the right-wing prime minister lashed out the media, accusing it of "fuelling" rather than covering "violent demonstrations." He said Israel's media was behaving in "North Korean terms" with a lack of balance and unwavering support for "left-wing demonstrators." Some of the protesters have voiced frustration over the government's pandemic response, while others have expressed broader objections to Netanyahu's stewardship, in particular noting corruption charges against the premier, which he denies. Israel won praise for its initial response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after restrictions were lifted starting in late April. Netanyahu has acknowledged that the economy was re-opened too quickly.

Court orders Netanyahu's son to stop 'harassing' protest leaders

A sculpture of Benjamin Netanyahu on a giant cake depicting him in the Last Supper has irked the Israeli Prime Minister. He said that the artwork was equivalent to a death threat.&nbsp;

The cake was made after series of protests have rocked the country for weeks urging Netanyahu to resign. These protests took place due to Netanyahu's botched up coronavirus response, ongoing corruption trial and allegations of an undemocratic power grab to remain in high office.

Coronavirus has triggered the country's unemployment to 21 per cent.&nbsp;

The life-sized artwork includes pink champagne and cigars in connection to one of the three corruption allegations where the Prime Minister allegedly received luxury gifts from two wealthy businessmen.&nbsp;

The artwork inspired by 15th-century Leonardo da Vinci mural, depicts Netanyahu alone at a 10-metre long table, surrounded by candles and a medieval feast of fruits and pastries.

On Wednesday, Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the art-work and called the mural, that depicts Jesus' final meal before he was killed, an equivalent of a death threat.&nbsp;

“There is no room for incitement and threats of murder – explicit and implicit – against me and my family, including the shameful threat of crucifixion today in Tel Aviv,” he said on Twitter.

But artwork creator, Itay Zalait, said that the fake banquet was instead meant to symbolise the last supper for democratic freedoms for Israelis.

A sculpture of Benjamin Netanyahu on a giant cake depicting him in the Last Supper has irked the Israeli Prime Minister. He said that the artwork was equivalent to a death threat.

A sculpture of Benjamin Netanyahu on a giant cake depicting him in the Last Supper has irked the Israeli Prime Minister. He said that the artwork was equivalent to a death threat. The cake was made after series of protests have rocked the country for weeks urging Netanyahu to resign. These protests took place due to Netanyahu's botched up coronavirus response, ongoing corruption trial and allegations of an undemocratic power grab to remain in high office. Coronavirus has triggered the country's unemployment to 21 per cent. The life-sized artwork includes pink champagne and cigars in connection to one of the three corruption allegations where the Prime Minister allegedly received luxury gifts from two wealthy businessmen. The artwork inspired by 15th-century Leonardo da Vinci mural, depicts Netanyahu alone at a 10-metre long table, surrounded by candles and a medieval feast of fruits and pastries. On Wednesday, Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the art-work and called the mural, that depicts Jesus' final meal before he was killed, an equivalent of a death threat. “There is no room for incitement and threats of murder – explicit and implicit – against me and my family, including the shameful threat of crucifixion today in Tel Aviv,” he said on Twitter. But artwork creator, Itay Zalait, said that the fake banquet was instead meant to symbolise the last supper for democratic freedoms for Israelis.

Benjamin Netanyahu irked by Last Supper sculpture; calls it 'equivalent to death threat'

Tensions have escalated at borders at the border between Israel and Lebanon. The Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of sending its fighters into Israeli territory.

Israel-Lebanon border tensions: Israel claimed to have rebelled fighters

Demonstrations continue to rage in Israel after thousands more gather to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Saturday. These demonstrators gathered outside Israeli PM's residence.&nbsp;

In pics:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-protests-soar-over-governments-inadequate-coronavirus-response-and-corruption-315104#crime-minister-315097">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-protests-soar-over-governments-inadequate-coronavirus-response-and-corruption-315104#crime-minister-315097">Israel: Protests soar over government's inadequate coronavirus response and corruption</a>

These protests have been on for a few weeks now and target Netanyahu's government for its failure to handle the coronavirus crisis. Corruption charges against Netanyahu have added more fuel to these protests.&nbsp;

Many demonstrators held placards to criticise the Prime Minister. “Bibi, go home,” read one sign held by a protester. Another placard read “Everyone can see that the emperor has lost his clothes.”

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Wearing protective masks, the demonstrators marched from Netanyahu's official residence to Israel's parliament, holding up signs that read "Crime Minister" and calling on the five-term premier to step down.

Last week, Israel police used water cannons to disperse the crowd in Jerusalem. Israel is reporting an average of 2,000 coronavirus cases daily.&nbsp;

The pandemic has battered the country's economy after the unemployment rate shot to nearly 20 per cent.&nbsp;

In an apparent bid to quell public anger, Netanyahu this week announced plans to send cash to all Israelis -- a measure criticised by some experts who said the economy needed targeted assistance, not a nationwide payout. &nbsp;

Demonstrations continue to rage in Israel after thousands more gather to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Saturday. These demonstrators gathered outside Israeli PM's residence.

Demonstrations continue to rage in Israel after thousands more gather to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Saturday. These demonstrators gathered outside Israeli PM's residence. In pics: Israel: Protests soar over government's inadequate coronavirus response and corruption These protests have been on for a few weeks now and target Netanyahu's government for its failure to handle the coronavirus crisis. Corruption charges against Netanyahu have added more fuel to these protests. Many demonstrators held placards to criticise the Prime Minister. “Bibi, go home,” read one sign held by a protester. Another placard read “Everyone can see that the emperor has lost his clothes.” × Wearing protective masks, the demonstrators marched from Netanyahu's official residence to Israel's parliament, holding up signs that read "Crime Minister" and calling on the five-term premier to step down. Last week, Israel police used water cannons to disperse the crowd in Jerusalem. Israel is reporting an average of 2,000 coronavirus cases daily. The pandemic has battered the country's economy after the unemployment rate shot to nearly 20 per cent. In an apparent bid to quell public anger, Netanyahu this week announced plans to send cash to all Israelis -- a measure criticised by some experts who said the economy needed targeted assistance, not a nationwide payout.

Israelis continue to protest against government's response to coronavirus crisis

Israel: Another night of violent protests in Jerusalem

Israeli's are out on the streets amid the pandemic and are demanding the resignation of Benjamin Netanyahu. They are accusing the prime minister of mishandling the coronavirus pandemic. Watch report.

Israeli's demanding Netanyahu's resignation: Protestors accuse PM of mishandling the virus

Israeli police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence on Saturday as protests mounted against him over alleged corruption and his handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israeli police fire water cannons to disperse anti-government protesters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's graft trial resumed on Sunday (July 19) after a two-month break amid mounting protests over his alleged corruption and handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial resumes

Israelis protest against Netanyahu's handling of COVID-19 crisis

Cracks are now emerging Israel's unity government. Benny Gantz has opposed PM Netanyahu's plan to annex the west bank. Watch report.

Cracks emerge in Israel's unity government: Gantz doesn't agree with Netanyahu's plan

Israel's west bank annexation plan: Netanyahu and Gantz at odds over plan

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