Watch current reports of Israel election by Daniele Pagani, West-Asia chief of WION from Israel. Watch complete video to get proper details.

Will Israeli PM Netanyahu secure 5th term?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-all-you-need-to-know-about-benjamin-netanyahu-209056">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> secured a clear path to reelection on Wednesday, with religious-rightist parties set to hand him a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-benjamin-netanyahu-projected-to-win-israel-polls-report-209198">parliamentary majority</a> despite a close contest against his main centrist challenger, a vote tally showed.

With more than 97 per cent of votes counted, Netanyahu's conservative Likud party looked likely to muster enough support to control 65 of the Knesset's 120 seats and be named to head the next coalition government - a record fifth term as premier.

The close and often vitriolic contest was widely seen in Israel as a referendum on Netanyahu's character and record in the face of corruption allegations. He faces possible indictment in three graft cases,&nbsp;and has denied wrongdoing in all of them.

Despite that, Netanyahu gained four seats compared to his outgoing coalition government, according to a spreadsheet published by the Central Elections Committee of parties that won enough votes to enter the next parliament.

"It is a night of colossal victory," the 69-year-old Netanyahu told cheering supporters in a late-night speech at Likud headquarters after Tuesday's vote.

"He's a magician," the crowd chanted as fireworks flared and Netanyahu kissed his wife Sara.

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange main indexes opened up 0.5 per cent on Wednesday, showing confidence in a prime minister who has overseen a humming economy and restrained security challenges.

His challenger, the new Blue and White party of ex-general Benny Gantz, claimed a more modest victory after winning a 35-seat tie with Likud. Unless he reverses on campaign pledges to shun Netanyahu and joins him in a future broad coalition, Gantz looked destined to lead a centre-left parliamentary opposition.

"The skies may look overcast...but they cannot conceal the sun of hope that we have brought to the Israeli people and society," Gantz, 59, wrote in an open letter to supporters.

Should Netanyahu retain the helm, he will become the longest-serving Israeli prime minister in July, overtaking the country's founding father, David Ben-Gurion. That could be scuppered if criminal charges are filed and force his removal.

Immunity?

An indictment decision would follow a review hearing where Netanyahu can be expected to argue he should be spared, in the national interest. Some political analysts predict he may try to pass a law granting himself immunity, as a sitting leader, from trial.

During the campaign, the rival parties accused each other of corruption, fostering bigotry and being soft on security.

Netanyahu highlighted his close relationship with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who delighted Israelis and angered Palestinians by recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017 and moving the US&nbsp;Embassy to the holy city last May.

Two weeks before the election, Trump signed a proclamation, with Netanyahu at his side at the White House, recognising Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights captured from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war.

In a rare turn during the race towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Netanyahu further alarmed Palestinians by pledging to annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank if re-elected. Palestinians seek a state there and in the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Netanyahu's pre-election promise was widely seen as an attempt to draw right-wing votes rather than a change of policy. But with Trump’s moves on Jerusalem and The Golan, the prime minister may feel emboldened to advocate for annexation.

Commenting on the election, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said, "Israelis have voted to preserve the status quo. They have said no to peace and yes to the occupation".

The last round of US-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians collapsed in 2014.

Trump is expected to release his administration's long-awaited Middle East peace plan after the election. If it includes Israeli concessions to the Palestinians, Netanyahu’s probable far-right coalition allies will likely object.

Once the vote tally is final, President Reuven Rivlin will ask parties that have won parliamentary seats who they support for prime minister. He will then pick a party leader to try to form a coalition, giving the candidate 28 days to do so, with a two-week extension if needed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured a clear path to reelection on Wednesday, with religious-rightist parties set to hand him a parliamentary majority despite a close contest against his main centrist challenger, a vote tally showed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured a clear path to reelection on Wednesday, with religious-rightist parties set to hand him a parliamentary majority despite a close contest against his main centrist challenger, a vote tally showed. With more than 97 per cent of votes counted, Netanyahu's conservative Likud party looked likely to muster enough support to control 65 of the Knesset's 120 seats and be named to head the next coalition government - a record fifth term as premier. The close and often vitriolic contest was widely seen in Israel as a referendum on Netanyahu's character and record in the face of corruption allegations. He faces possible indictment in three graft cases, and has denied wrongdoing in all of them. Despite that, Netanyahu gained four seats compared to his outgoing coalition government, according to a spreadsheet published by the Central Elections Committee of parties that won enough votes to enter the next parliament. "It is a night of colossal victory," the 69-year-old Netanyahu told cheering supporters in a late-night speech at Likud headquarters after Tuesday's vote. "He's a magician," the crowd chanted as fireworks flared and Netanyahu kissed his wife Sara. Tel Aviv Stock Exchange main indexes opened up 0.5 per cent on Wednesday, showing confidence in a prime minister who has overseen a humming economy and restrained security challenges. His challenger, the new Blue and White party of ex-general Benny Gantz, claimed a more modest victory after winning a 35-seat tie with Likud. Unless he reverses on campaign pledges to shun Netanyahu and joins him in a future broad coalition, Gantz looked destined to lead a centre-left parliamentary opposition. "The skies may look overcast...but they cannot conceal the sun of hope that we have brought to the Israeli people and society," Gantz, 59, wrote in an open letter to supporters. Should Netanyahu retain the helm, he will become the longest-serving Israeli prime minister in July, overtaking the country's founding father, David Ben-Gurion. That could be scuppered if criminal charges are filed and force his removal. Immunity? An indictment decision would follow a review hearing where Netanyahu can be expected to argue he should be spared, in the national interest. Some political analysts predict he may try to pass a law granting himself immunity, as a sitting leader, from trial. During the campaign, the rival parties accused each other of corruption, fostering bigotry and being soft on security. Netanyahu highlighted his close relationship with US President Donald Trump, who delighted Israelis and angered Palestinians by recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017 and moving the US Embassy to the holy city last May. Two weeks before the election, Trump signed a proclamation, with Netanyahu at his side at the White House, recognising Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights captured from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war. In a rare turn during the race towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Netanyahu further alarmed Palestinians by pledging to annex Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank if re-elected. Palestinians seek a state there and in the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Netanyahu's pre-election promise was widely seen as an attempt to draw right-wing votes rather than a change of policy. But with Trump’s moves on Jerusalem and The Golan, the prime minister may feel emboldened to advocate for annexation. Commenting on the election, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said, "Israelis have voted to preserve the status quo. They have said no to peace and yes to the occupation". The last round of US-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians collapsed in 2014. Trump is expected to release his administration's long-awaited Middle East peace plan after the election. If it includes Israeli concessions to the Palestinians, Netanyahu’s probable far-right coalition allies will likely object. Once the vote tally is final, President Reuven Rivlin will ask parties that have won parliamentary seats who they support for prime minister. He will then pick a party leader to try to form a coalition, giving the candidate 28 days to do so, with a two-week extension if needed.

Israel election: PM Netanyahu wins record fifth term with a parliamentary majority

As Israel gets set to vote, Palki brings us the profile of Benny Gantz, the former army chief who is challenging Prime Minister Netanyahu for the top job.

Gravitas: An Benny Gantz unseat Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu?

The main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's elections on Sunday condemned the premier's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-pledges-to-annex-west-bank-settlements-after-vote-208465">deeply controversial pledge to annex West Bank settlements</a>, calling it an "irresponsible" bid for votes.

Netanyahu said late Saturday he planned to apply sovereignty over at least parts of the occupied West Bank, a move that could prove the death knell for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

His remarks were widely seen as an appeal to right-wing voters ahead of what is expected to be a close election on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benny-gantz-meet-the-three-star-general-running-for-israeli-prime-minister-208484">Benny Gantz</a>, the former military chief whose centrist Blue and White alliance has posed a stiff challenge to Netanyahu, condemned the premier's remarks in an interview with Israeli news site Ynet.

"Why not ask how in 13 years Netanyahu could have annexed and didn't?" said Gantz, in reference to Netanyahu's time as premier.

"I think that releasing a strategic and historic decision in an election campaign bubble is not serious and (is) irresponsible."

Pressed on his personal position, Gantz said he opposed "unilateral" moves.

"We said we will strive for a regionally and globally backed peace agreement while maintaining our basic principles," he said.

Those principles include keeping security control of the Jordan Valley, parts of which are in the West Bank, and maintaining the large settlement blocs in the West Bank.&nbsp;

Gantz has in the past signalled openness to withdrawing at least some settlers from other areas.

He labelled Netanyahu's remarks as "a meaningless statement".

"It's a shame to play with people like that," he said.

'I don't distinguish' 
Netanyahu did not provide details on how quickly he planned to move ahead with annexation and whether it would involve all settlements.

If done on a large scale, annexation could end already fading hopes for a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

It is a move the Israeli far right has long pushed for.

"I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview with Channel 12 television.

Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace.

But Netanyahu's right-wing government has had strong support from US President Donald Trump, who declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in 2017 and later recognised Israeli sovereignty over the annexed Golan Heights.

That prompted Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas to cut off relations with Washington.

Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said Netanyahu's statement on annexation was "not surprising."

"Israel will continue to brazenly violate international law for as long as the international community will continue to reward Israel with impunity, particularly with the Trump administration's support," he said on Twitter.

In a separate interview broadcast Friday, Netanyahu said he told Trump he would not remove settlements or settlers as part of a future American peace plan.

"I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement," Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television.

More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, backed by Israel's military occupation of the territory, home to more than 2.5 million Palestinians.

A further 200,000 Israelis live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem, over which Israel has already implemented full sovereignty.

The Palestinians hope to establish a state of their own in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

'Close race' 
Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace some time after Tuesday's election, in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term.

Netanyahu, running for re-election while facing the possibility of indictment on corruption charges, said he had informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement.

The US president on Saturday was cautious about the outcome of Israel's upcoming election.

"Well, it's going to be close — I think it's going to be close. Two good people," he said, referring to Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz.

The latest polls place Netanyahu and Gantz neck-and-neck, but give the former the advantage in his ability to form a coalition government.

Turkey accused Netanyahu on Sunday of raising annexation as a means of improving his standing in the elections.

"West Bank is Palestinian territory occupied by Israel in violation of int'l law," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu's irresponsible statement to seek votes just before the Israeli general elections cannot and will not change this fact."

The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer mediate between them and Israel.

US officials say their plan will be fair.

The main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's elections on Sunday condemned the premier's deeply controversial pledge to annex West Bank settlements, calling it an "irresponsible" bid for votes.

The main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's elections on Sunday condemned the premier's deeply controversial pledge to annex West Bank settlements, calling it an "irresponsible" bid for votes. Netanyahu said late Saturday he planned to apply sovereignty over at least parts of the occupied West Bank, a move that could prove the death knell for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His remarks were widely seen as an appeal to right-wing voters ahead of what is expected to be a close election on Tuesday. Benny Gantz, the former military chief whose centrist Blue and White alliance has posed a stiff challenge to Netanyahu, condemned the premier's remarks in an interview with Israeli news site Ynet. "Why not ask how in 13 years Netanyahu could have annexed and didn't?" said Gantz, in reference to Netanyahu's time as premier. "I think that releasing a strategic and historic decision in an election campaign bubble is not serious and (is) irresponsible." Pressed on his personal position, Gantz said he opposed "unilateral" moves. "We said we will strive for a regionally and globally backed peace agreement while maintaining our basic principles," he said. Those principles include keeping security control of the Jordan Valley, parts of which are in the West Bank, and maintaining the large settlement blocs in the West Bank. Gantz has in the past signalled openness to withdrawing at least some settlers from other areas. He labelled Netanyahu's remarks as "a meaningless statement". "It's a shame to play with people like that," he said. 'I don't distinguish' Netanyahu did not provide details on how quickly he planned to move ahead with annexation and whether it would involve all settlements. If done on a large scale, annexation could end already fading hopes for a two-state solution with the Palestinians. It is a move the Israeli far right has long pushed for. "I will apply (Israeli) sovereignty, but I don't distinguish between settlement blocs and isolated settlements," he said in an interview with Channel 12 television. Settlements built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War are deemed illegal by the international community and their ongoing construction is seen as a major barrier to peace. But Netanyahu's right-wing government has had strong support from US President Donald Trump, who declared the disputed city of Jerusalem Israel's capital in 2017 and later recognised Israeli sovereignty over the annexed Golan Heights. That prompted Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas to cut off relations with Washington. Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said Netanyahu's statement on annexation was "not surprising." "Israel will continue to brazenly violate international law for as long as the international community will continue to reward Israel with impunity, particularly with the Trump administration's support," he said on Twitter. In a separate interview broadcast Friday, Netanyahu said he told Trump he would not remove settlements or settlers as part of a future American peace plan. "I said there shouldn't be the removal of even one settlement," Netanyahu told Israel's Channel 13 television. More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, backed by Israel's military occupation of the territory, home to more than 2.5 million Palestinians. A further 200,000 Israelis live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem, over which Israel has already implemented full sovereignty. The Palestinians hope to establish a state of their own in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. 'Close race' Washington is expected to unveil proposals for Israeli-Palestinian peace some time after Tuesday's election, in which Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term. Netanyahu, running for re-election while facing the possibility of indictment on corruption charges, said he had informed Trump not "even one person" would be evicted from a settlement. The US president on Saturday was cautious about the outcome of Israel's upcoming election. "Well, it's going to be close — I think it's going to be close. Two good people," he said, referring to Netanyahu and his rival Benny Gantz. The latest polls place Netanyahu and Gantz neck-and-neck, but give the former the advantage in his ability to form a coalition government. Turkey accused Netanyahu on Sunday of raising annexation as a means of improving his standing in the elections. "West Bank is Palestinian territory occupied by Israel in violation of int'l law," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu wrote on Twitter. "Prime Minister Netanyahu's irresponsible statement to seek votes just before the Israeli general elections cannot and will not change this fact." The Palestinians say the US government's pro-Israel bias meant it could no longer mediate between them and Israel. US officials say their plan will be fair.

'Irresponsible,' says main challenger after Netanyahu pledges to annex West Bank settlements

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-do-what-is-necessary-to-defend-our-people-netanyahu-after-airstrikes-on-gaza-strip-205845">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> said Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-strikes-on-hamas-in-gaza-after-rocket-205592">Israel</a> is prepared for a widespread military campaign in Gaza as tensions simmered following the latest flare-up -- but only after all other options were exhausted.

Netanyahu has been seeking to head off political pressure over Gaza ahead of April 9 elections, in which he faces a strong challenge from former military chief Benny Gantz.

"In recent days I gave instructions to fortify forces, to add vehicles, to be prepared for a comprehensive campaign," he said during the inauguration of a new road in northern Israel.

The premier, who was speaking after visiting military forces on the Gaza border, noted however that a war would be the last option.&nbsp;

"All Israelis should know that if a comprehensive campaign is required, we will enter it strong and safe, after we have exhausted all other possibilities," said Netanyahu, who also serves as defence minister.

Palestinian militants had on Monday fired a long-distance rocket from the Gaza Strip, hitting a house north of Tel Aviv and wounding seven Israelis, triggering Israeli air strikes and further Palestinian fire at southern Israel.

Netanyahu beefed up the military presence near Gaza, but by Wednesday the fighting had abated after Hamas announced a ceasefire brokered by Egypt.

Israel has been carefully monitoring the situation on the Gaza border ahead of Saturday, which will mark a year since mass protests and deadly clashes began there.

A demonstration on the day of the anniversary is expected to draw thousands of Palestinians.&nbsp;

A Hamas official said an Egyptian delegation met with the Islamist movement's leader Ismail Haniya in Gaza City on Wednesday night in further efforts to calm tensions.

The official said the delegation informed Hamas and its allies in Gaza that Israel had agreed to measures such as improving the electricity supply in the strip, which suffers from severe power shortages.

In exchange, Hamas would be expected to maintain calm at the weekly protests along the Gaza border, including during Saturday's anniversary.

It was unclear whether any progress had been made, and an Egyptian official said they would continue to mediate between the sides to try and maintain calm.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday Israel is prepared for a widespread military campaign in Gaza as tensions simmered following the latest flare-up -- but only after all other options were exhausted.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday Israel is prepared for a widespread military campaign in Gaza as tensions simmered following the latest flare-up -- but only after all other options were exhausted. Netanyahu has been seeking to head off political pressure over Gaza ahead of April 9 elections, in which he faces a strong challenge from former military chief Benny Gantz. "In recent days I gave instructions to fortify forces, to add vehicles, to be prepared for a comprehensive campaign," he said during the inauguration of a new road in northern Israel. The premier, who was speaking after visiting military forces on the Gaza border, noted however that a war would be the last option. "All Israelis should know that if a comprehensive campaign is required, we will enter it strong and safe, after we have exhausted all other possibilities," said Netanyahu, who also serves as defence minister. Palestinian militants had on Monday fired a long-distance rocket from the Gaza Strip, hitting a house north of Tel Aviv and wounding seven Israelis, triggering Israeli air strikes and further Palestinian fire at southern Israel. Netanyahu beefed up the military presence near Gaza, but by Wednesday the fighting had abated after Hamas announced a ceasefire brokered by Egypt. Israel has been carefully monitoring the situation on the Gaza border ahead of Saturday, which will mark a year since mass protests and deadly clashes began there. A demonstration on the day of the anniversary is expected to draw thousands of Palestinians. A Hamas official said an Egyptian delegation met with the Islamist movement's leader Ismail Haniya in Gaza City on Wednesday night in further efforts to calm tensions. The official said the delegation informed Hamas and its allies in Gaza that Israel had agreed to measures such as improving the electricity supply in the strip, which suffers from severe power shortages. In exchange, Hamas would be expected to maintain calm at the weekly protests along the Gaza border, including during Saturday's anniversary. It was unclear whether any progress had been made, and an Egyptian official said they would continue to mediate between the sides to try and maintain calm.

Prepared for 'comprehensive' Gaza operation: Benjamin Netanyahu

By Dov Waxman

After a decade in office, Benjamin Netanyahu’s long tenure as Israel’s prime minister may soon be ending.

Whether his Likud Party loses power following Israel’s election on April 9, or he’s forced to resign the premiership after being indicted on multiple corruption charges, Netanyahu’s downfall appears imminent.

Without the hawkish Netanyahu – who opposes full Palestinian statehood – at Israel’s helm, what are the chances for peace between Israelis and Palestinians?

Not good. Even an Israel-friendly peace plan, like the one expected to be proposed by the Trump administration, has little chance of success in a post-Netanyahu world.

No domestic pressure for peace talks

If the popular political newcomer Benny Gantz, who heads the recently formed “Blue and White” centrist alliance along with Yair Lapid, becomes Israel’s next prime minister, he is unlikely to prioritize peace talks with the Palestinians.

Although the official platform of the Blue and White alliance expresses a willingness to enter negotiations with the Palestinians, Gantz will be in no hurry because there’s no public pressure for peace talks.

Most Israelis, like most Palestinians, have concluded that they have no partner for peacemaking and they’ve given up on the peace process.

Israelis are more concerned with their economy and their security. Though they would like to resolve their long-running conflict with the Palestinians, or at least “separate” themselves from Palestinians and stop ruling over them in the West Bank, most Israelis see no safe or easy way to do so. However unsatisfactory it is, the status quo is bearable for them.

Major concessions unlikely

Even if peace talks do eventually get underway, an Israeli government led by the Blue and White alliance would be only slightly more amenable to compromise than Netanyahu’s governments have been.

Blue and White’s platform rejects many of the concessions that Israel would probably have to make to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In my forthcoming book, “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know,” I explain what concessions each side would have to make on highly controversial issues like the future of Jerusalem and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

The party’s platform rules out any division of Jerusalem as part of a peace agreement. And it calls for Israel to keep all the large Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank as well as for Israel to retain control over the Jordan Valley. The Palestinians have previously rejected Israel’s demand for an indefinite military presence in the Jordan Valley, deep inside the West Bank.

The platform also explicitly rejects a unilateral withdrawal – like Israel’s 2005 so-called “disengagement” from Gaza – from anywhere in the West Bank.

And, although it promises to “deepen the process of separation from the Palestinians,” it makes no mention of Palestinian statehood or a two-state solution. This is hardly a recipe for peace.

Hawks, not doves

It may be tempting to believe that this is all just electioneering and that in its effort to appeal to right-wing voters, the Blue and White alliance is disguising its dovish intentions.

Indeed, this is what Netanyahu has been repeatedly telling Israelis, claiming that Blue and White is really run by “leftists.” In current Israeli political discourse, that is about the worst offense imaginable – “leftist” has basically become a byword for traitor.

The candidates on Blue and White’s slate, however, are far from peaceniks.

Former military generals dominate the list, including Netanyahu’s onetime defense minister Moshe Ya’alon, who is number three on the party list. Ya’alon is even more right-wing than Netanyahu, who was at least willing to consider the eventual possibility of a Palestinian state – albeit only a “state-minus” as he put it.

Like Ya'alon, Gantz was also once the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces. He has been reticent, if not enigmatic, in expressing his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

But whatever his personal opinions might be, for the sake of his leadership and the survival of his political alliance, Gantz will have to be attentive, if not responsive, to the views of the alliance’s right-wing members and voters.

Coalition politics

Because of Israel’s proportional representation electoral system, no party ever wins a majority of seats in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. So, the Blue and White alliance will have to depend on other parties in order to form and maintain a governing coalition. That means getting the support of more than half of the 120 Knesset members.

The alliance might be able to rely upon the parliamentary support of Arab parties – as Yitzhak Rabin’s Labor Party did in the early 1990s when it began the Oslo peace process. But it is more likely to avoid doing so, as every other Israeli government in history has done.

That’s because relying upon Arab parties risks delegitimizing the government in the eyes of Israeli Jews, many of whom perceive the Arab parties as radical and disloyal, a “fifth column” in Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians.

Instead of assembling a centre-left parliamentary bloc that includes Arab parties, I believe the Blue and White alliance is more likely to form a “national unity” government with Zionist parties to its left and right. This coalition may well include the right-wing Likud Party, especially if Netanyahu no longer leads it.

Typically, such national unity governments, containing a range of views from the left and right, are politically paralyzed when it comes to pursuing peace with the Palestinians.

A more centrist Israeli government than the current one, which is dominated by right-wing parties, would surely take a more moderate approach to the Palestinian issue. Israel’s relations with the Palestinian Authority would probably improve, the growth of Jewish settlements in the heart of the West Bank might slow, and Israel could further ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip.

All of this would reduce the risk of Israeli-Palestinian violence. But, sadly, peace will remain a distant prospect.

(Dov Waxman is Professor of Political Science, International Affairs and Israel Studies, Northeastern University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/even-if-netanyahu-goes-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-will-continue-113447">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

By Dov Waxman After a decade in office, Benjamin Netanyahu’s long tenure as Israel’s prime minister may soon be ending. Whether his Likud Party loses power following Israel’s election on April 9, or he’s forced to resign the premiership after being indicted on multiple corruption charges, Netanyahu’s downfall appears imminent.

By Dov Waxman After a decade in office, Benjamin Netanyahu’s long tenure as Israel’s prime minister may soon be ending. Whether his Likud Party loses power following Israel’s election on April 9, or he’s forced to resign the premiership after being indicted on multiple corruption charges, Netanyahu’s downfall appears imminent. Without the hawkish Netanyahu – who opposes full Palestinian statehood – at Israel’s helm, what are the chances for peace between Israelis and Palestinians? Not good. Even an Israel-friendly peace plan, like the one expected to be proposed by the Trump administration, has little chance of success in a post-Netanyahu world. No domestic pressure for peace talks If the popular political newcomer Benny Gantz, who heads the recently formed “Blue and White” centrist alliance along with Yair Lapid, becomes Israel’s next prime minister, he is unlikely to prioritize peace talks with the Palestinians. Although the official platform of the Blue and White alliance expresses a willingness to enter negotiations with the Palestinians, Gantz will be in no hurry because there’s no public pressure for peace talks. Most Israelis, like most Palestinians, have concluded that they have no partner for peacemaking and they’ve given up on the peace process. Israelis are more concerned with their economy and their security. Though they would like to resolve their long-running conflict with the Palestinians, or at least “separate” themselves from Palestinians and stop ruling over them in the West Bank, most Israelis see no safe or easy way to do so. However unsatisfactory it is, the status quo is bearable for them. Major concessions unlikely Even if peace talks do eventually get underway, an Israeli government led by the Blue and White alliance would be only slightly more amenable to compromise than Netanyahu’s governments have been. Blue and White’s platform rejects many of the concessions that Israel would probably have to make to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In my forthcoming book, “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know,” I explain what concessions each side would have to make on highly controversial issues like the future of Jerusalem and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. The party’s platform rules out any division of Jerusalem as part of a peace agreement. And it calls for Israel to keep all the large Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank as well as for Israel to retain control over the Jordan Valley. The Palestinians have previously rejected Israel’s demand for an indefinite military presence in the Jordan Valley, deep inside the West Bank. The platform also explicitly rejects a unilateral withdrawal – like Israel’s 2005 so-called “disengagement” from Gaza – from anywhere in the West Bank. And, although it promises to “deepen the process of separation from the Palestinians,” it makes no mention of Palestinian statehood or a two-state solution. This is hardly a recipe for peace. Hawks, not doves It may be tempting to believe that this is all just electioneering and that in its effort to appeal to right-wing voters, the Blue and White alliance is disguising its dovish intentions. Indeed, this is what Netanyahu has been repeatedly telling Israelis, claiming that Blue and White is really run by “leftists.” In current Israeli political discourse, that is about the worst offense imaginable – “leftist” has basically become a byword for traitor. The candidates on Blue and White’s slate, however, are far from peaceniks. Former military generals dominate the list, including Netanyahu’s onetime defense minister Moshe Ya’alon, who is number three on the party list. Ya’alon is even more right-wing than Netanyahu, who was at least willing to consider the eventual possibility of a Palestinian state – albeit only a “state-minus” as he put it. Like Ya'alon, Gantz was also once the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces. He has been reticent, if not enigmatic, in expressing his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But whatever his personal opinions might be, for the sake of his leadership and the survival of his political alliance, Gantz will have to be attentive, if not responsive, to the views of the alliance’s right-wing members and voters. Coalition politics Because of Israel’s proportional representation electoral system, no party ever wins a majority of seats in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. So, the Blue and White alliance will have to depend on other parties in order to form and maintain a governing coalition. That means getting the support of more than half of the 120 Knesset members. The alliance might be able to rely upon the parliamentary support of Arab parties – as Yitzhak Rabin’s Labor Party did in the early 1990s when it began the Oslo peace process. But it is more likely to avoid doing so, as every other Israeli government in history has done. That’s because relying upon Arab parties risks delegitimizing the government in the eyes of Israeli Jews, many of whom perceive the Arab parties as radical and disloyal, a “fifth column” in Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians. Instead of assembling a centre-left parliamentary bloc that includes Arab parties, I believe the Blue and White alliance is more likely to form a “national unity” government with Zionist parties to its left and right. This coalition may well include the right-wing Likud Party, especially if Netanyahu no longer leads it. Typically, such national unity governments, containing a range of views from the left and right, are politically paralyzed when it comes to pursuing peace with the Palestinians. A more centrist Israeli government than the current one, which is dominated by right-wing parties, would surely take a more moderate approach to the Palestinian issue. Israel’s relations with the Palestinian Authority would probably improve, the growth of Jewish settlements in the heart of the West Bank might slow, and Israel could further ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip. All of this would reduce the risk of Israeli-Palestinian violence. But, sadly, peace will remain a distant prospect. (Dov Waxman is Professor of Political Science, International Affairs and Israel Studies, Northeastern University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Even if Netanyahu goes, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will continue

Israel's attorney general announced Thursday he intended to indict <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/israel-polls-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-challengers-form-alliance-198713">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, just weeks ahead of April elections.

The attorney general confirmed in a statement that he intended to charge the premier pending a hearing, where <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/love-him-or-loathe-him-israeli-election-is-all-about-benjamin-netanyahu-197372">Netanyahu</a> would be given a chance to defend himself before charges are filed.

The actual filing of the reported charges&nbsp;will depend on the outcome of a required hearing - likely after the April 9 election - where Netanyahu can try to persuade the attorney-general not to indict him. Netanyahu, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term, denies any wrongdoing.

His right-wing Likud party described the reported charges as "political persecution". It said the prime minister, who has vowed not to resign over the allegations, was due to deliver a statement at 8 pm (1800 GMT).

Israel's attorney general announced Thursday he intended to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, just weeks ahead of April elections.

Israel's attorney general announced Thursday he intended to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, just weeks ahead of April elections. The attorney general confirmed in a statement that he intended to charge the premier pending a hearing, where Netanyahu would be given a chance to defend himself before charges are filed. The actual filing of the reported charges will depend on the outcome of a required hearing - likely after the April 9 election - where Netanyahu can try to persuade the attorney-general not to indict him. Netanyahu, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term, denies any wrongdoing. His right-wing Likud party described the reported charges as "political persecution". It said the prime minister, who has vowed not to resign over the allegations, was due to deliver a statement at 8 pm (1800 GMT).

Netanyahu to be charged in corruption cases: Israeli media

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-zarif-announces-unexpected-resignation-on-instagram-199721">Benjamin Netanyahu said</a> "good riddance" on Tuesday after Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif abruptly announced his resignation.

"Zarif is gone. Good riddance," Netanyahu said of the lead negotiator of Iran's landmark 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers that he had bitterly opposed.

"As long as I am here, Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons," Netanyahu tweeted.

Iran denies any ambition to develop an atomic weapons capability and says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

It refuses to accept the legitimacy of the Jewish state and has provided support to Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups that have waged war against Israel, making it Israel's number one enemy.

Netanyahu has pledged to stop Tehran from entrenching itself militarily in neighbouring Syria and Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets there.

Iran is the main backer with Russia of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country's nearly eight-year civil war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "good riddance" on Tuesday after Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif abruptly announced his resignation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "good riddance" on Tuesday after Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif abruptly announced his resignation. "Zarif is gone. Good riddance," Netanyahu said of the lead negotiator of Iran's landmark 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers that he had bitterly opposed. "As long as I am here, Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons," Netanyahu tweeted. Iran denies any ambition to develop an atomic weapons capability and says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only. It refuses to accept the legitimacy of the Jewish state and has provided support to Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups that have waged war against Israel, making it Israel's number one enemy. Netanyahu has pledged to stop Tehran from entrenching itself militarily in neighbouring Syria and Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah targets there. Iran is the main backer with Russia of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his country's nearly eight-year civil war.

Zarif is gone, good riddance, says PM Netanyahu after Iran's foreign minister quits

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Feb. 27, Netanyahu's office said on Thursday, with the focus likely to be on Middle East issues led by Syria.

The two leaders had been scheduled to meet this week, but that was postponed, with no reason given. At the time, the Kremlin said Netanyahu and Putin were to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including Syria.

Thursday's statement offered no further details.

Israel's air force has repeatedly attacked what it describes as Iranian targets in Syria and those of allied militia, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

The air strikes have long caused friction between Israel and Russia, which apart from Iran is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s other major foreign backer.

Israeli officials have spoken in the past of an agreement with Moscow under which they have made clear their strikes on Syria would not threaten Assad, while Russia has promised to help limit Iranian influence near the Israeli frontier.

A hotline set up since 2015 is aimed at ensuring Russian forces in Syria are not surprised by Israeli attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Feb. 27, Netanyahu's office said on Thursday, with the focus likely to be on Middle East issues led by Syria.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Feb. 27, Netanyahu's office said on Thursday, with the focus likely to be on Middle East issues led by Syria. The two leaders had been scheduled to meet this week, but that was postponed, with no reason given. At the time, the Kremlin said Netanyahu and Putin were to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including Syria. Thursday's statement offered no further details. Israel's air force has repeatedly attacked what it describes as Iranian targets in Syria and those of allied militia, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The air strikes have long caused friction between Israel and Russia, which apart from Iran is Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s other major foreign backer. Israeli officials have spoken in the past of an agreement with Moscow under which they have made clear their strikes on Syria would not threaten Assad, while Russia has promised to help limit Iranian influence near the Israeli frontier. A hotline set up since 2015 is aimed at ensuring Russian forces in Syria are not surprised by Israeli attacks.

Israel's Netanyahu to meet Putin in Moscow next week

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran Tuesday that Israeli missiles can travel "very far", on the eve of a conference in Poland about peace and security in the Middle East.

Speaking during a visit to a naval base in the northern port of Haifa, Netanyahu said, "The missiles you see behind me can go very far, against any enemy, including Iran's proxies in our region" -- an apparent reference to Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement.

"We are constantly working according to our u

nderstanding and the need to prevent Iran and its proxies from entrenching on our northern border and in our region in general," Netanyahu added.

"We are doing everything necessary," said Netanyahu, as he inspected Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system.

Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel would not allow Iran and its ally Hezbollah to entrench themselves in neighbouring Syria where they are backing the Damascus regime against rebels and jihadists.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria in the past few years against Iranian and Hezbollah targets.

On Wednesday the Israeli prime minister is set to take part in an international conference in Warsaw co-organised by the United States and Poland.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last month announced the two-day conference saying it would focus on the "destabilising influence" of Iran in the Middle East.

But with few RSVPs coming, Poland and the US have toned down the agenda to focus on ways of promoting peace and security in the Middle East.

During the conference, US President Donald Trump son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, who has been putting final touches on a "deal of the century" for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, will make a rare speaking appearance.

Kushner may offer hints of the US peace proposal but is not expected to unveil the full deal until after the April 9 election in Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran Tuesday that Israeli missiles can travel "very far", on the eve of a conference in Poland about peace and security in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran Tuesday that Israeli missiles can travel "very far", on the eve of a conference in Poland about peace and security in the Middle East. Speaking during a visit to a naval base in the northern port of Haifa, Netanyahu said, "The missiles you see behind me can go very far, against any enemy, including Iran's proxies in our region" -- an apparent reference to Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement. "We are constantly working according to our u nderstanding and the need to prevent Iran and its proxies from entrenching on our northern border and in our region in general," Netanyahu added. "We are doing everything necessary," said Netanyahu, as he inspected Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system. Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel would not allow Iran and its ally Hezbollah to entrench themselves in neighbouring Syria where they are backing the Damascus regime against rebels and jihadists. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria in the past few years against Iranian and Hezbollah targets. On Wednesday the Israeli prime minister is set to take part in an international conference in Warsaw co-organised by the United States and Poland. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last month announced the two-day conference saying it would focus on the "destabilising influence" of Iran in the Middle East. But with few RSVPs coming, Poland and the US have toned down the agenda to focus on ways of promoting peace and security in the Middle East. During the conference, US President Donald Trump son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, who has been putting final touches on a "deal of the century" for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, will make a rare speaking appearance. Kushner may offer hints of the US peace proposal but is not expected to unveil the full deal until after the April 9 election in Israel.

Israel warns Iran that its missiles can travel 'very far'

Nudged by rightwing political rivals after a deadly Palestinian attack on a young Israeli woman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who seeks re-election pledged Sunday to freeze money transfers to the Palestinian Authority.

Israel collects around $127 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports and then transfers it to the PA.

The Israeli parliament last year passed legislation to partially withhold funds, in response to PA payments to families of Palestinians jailed by Israel for attacks against Israelis.

"By the end of the week, the staff-work necessary for implementing the law on deducting terrorists' salaries will be completed," Netanyahu -- who faces a general election in April -- told journalists at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting.&nbsp;

"Next Sunday I will convene the security cabinet and we will approve the necessary decision to deduct the funds. Let nobody doubt, the funds will be deducted, at the start of next week," he said in Hebrew.

Earlier Sunday, Education Minister Naftali Bennett was among rightwingers pressing Netanyahu to implement the law after a Palestinian was arrested at the weekend on suspicion of killing 19-year-old Ori Ansbacher.

"The law to offset terrorist funds passed...last July," he Tweeted. "I call on the prime minister - apply the law immediately."

Army readies to demolish home

The Israeli army said Sunday it had started preparations to demolish the West Bank home of the Palestinian suspected of Ansbacher's killing, named ny security officials as 29-year-old Arafat Irfaiya from the flashpoint city of Hebron on the occupied West Bank.

"Overnight, troops operated in Hebron, where the suspect in the murder of Ori Ansbacher is from," the army said in an English-language statement.

"During the operation, the troops surveyed the suspect's house in order to examine the possibility of its demolition."

Ansbacher's body was found late Thursday in southeast Jerusalem, and she was buried the next day in her Israeli settlement of Tekoa.

Israeli security forces arrested the suspect in a raid in the West Bank city of Ramallah. He has not yet been charged.

Both the police and the Shin Bet security agency have said investigations have so far not found conclusively whether the killing was a "terrorist attack" or from other motives.

In the runup to elections, however, politicians and Israeli media appeared to have already made up their minds.

"I have no doubts about the nationalist motives of the murderer," Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan told public radio.

"After so many years of suffering from terror we should know - this is a nationalist attack."

Commenting on calls to execute Palestinian militant killers, Erdan said he was in favour of applying the death penalty in certain circumstances.

"If it becomes clear that there is no possibility of rehabilitating the murderer and that he abused his victim, in such cases capital punishment should be applied," he said.

"The time has come to employ the death penalty for terrorists, as the law allows us to do," the daily Maariv quoted MP Bezalel Smotrich of the far-right Jewish Home party as saying.

Despite a court gag order, Israeli social media were abuzz over the weekend with what Yediot Aharonot newspaper called "graphic descriptions about the alleged nature of the murder."

Police called on the public not to share "publications and reports, especially on social media, about the circumstances of the murder case —including irresponsible horrific descriptions."

"We hereby clarify that those are completely baseless publications," police said.

Sponsors of July's law on Palestinian funds wrote at the time that the PA paid around $330 million a year to prisoners and their families, amounting to seven per cent of its budget.

Israel has withheld payments in the past, notably in response to the Palestinians' 2011 admission to the UN cultural agency UNESCO as a full member.

The PA, which has limited sovereignty in parts of the West Bank, relies heavily on outside financial aid. 
&nbsp;

Nudged by rightwing political rivals after a deadly Palestinian attack on a young Israeli woman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who seeks re-election pledged Sunday to freeze money transfers to the Palestinian Authority.

Nudged by rightwing political rivals after a deadly Palestinian attack on a young Israeli woman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who seeks re-election pledged Sunday to freeze money transfers to the Palestinian Authority. Israel collects around $127 million a month in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports and then transfers it to the PA. The Israeli parliament last year passed legislation to partially withhold funds, in response to PA payments to families of Palestinians jailed by Israel for attacks against Israelis. "By the end of the week, the staff-work necessary for implementing the law on deducting terrorists' salaries will be completed," Netanyahu -- who faces a general election in April -- told journalists at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting. "Next Sunday I will convene the security cabinet and we will approve the necessary decision to deduct the funds. Let nobody doubt, the funds will be deducted, at the start of next week," he said in Hebrew. Earlier Sunday, Education Minister Naftali Bennett was among rightwingers pressing Netanyahu to implement the law after a Palestinian was arrested at the weekend on suspicion of killing 19-year-old Ori Ansbacher. "The law to offset terrorist funds passed...last July," he Tweeted. "I call on the prime minister - apply the law immediately." Army readies to demolish home The Israeli army said Sunday it had started preparations to demolish the West Bank home of the Palestinian suspected of Ansbacher's killing, named ny security officials as 29-year-old Arafat Irfaiya from the flashpoint city of Hebron on the occupied West Bank. "Overnight, troops operated in Hebron, where the suspect in the murder of Ori Ansbacher is from," the army said in an English-language statement. "During the operation, the troops surveyed the suspect's house in order to examine the possibility of its demolition." Ansbacher's body was found late Thursday in southeast Jerusalem, and she was buried the next day in her Israeli settlement of Tekoa. Israeli security forces arrested the suspect in a raid in the West Bank city of Ramallah. He has not yet been charged. Both the police and the Shin Bet security agency have said investigations have so far not found conclusively whether the killing was a "terrorist attack" or from other motives. In the runup to elections, however, politicians and Israeli media appeared to have already made up their minds. "I have no doubts about the nationalist motives of the murderer," Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan told public radio. "After so many years of suffering from terror we should know - this is a nationalist attack." Commenting on calls to execute Palestinian militant killers, Erdan said he was in favour of applying the death penalty in certain circumstances. "If it becomes clear that there is no possibility of rehabilitating the murderer and that he abused his victim, in such cases capital punishment should be applied," he said. "The time has come to employ the death penalty for terrorists, as the law allows us to do," the daily Maariv quoted MP Bezalel Smotrich of the far-right Jewish Home party as saying. Despite a court gag order, Israeli social media were abuzz over the weekend with what Yediot Aharonot newspaper called "graphic descriptions about the alleged nature of the murder." Police called on the public not to share "publications and reports, especially on social media, about the circumstances of the murder case —including irresponsible horrific descriptions." "We hereby clarify that those are completely baseless publications," police said. Sponsors of July's law on Palestinian funds wrote at the time that the PA paid around $330 million a year to prisoners and their families, amounting to seven per cent of its budget. Israel has withheld payments in the past, notably in response to the Palestinians' 2011 admission to the UN cultural agency UNESCO as a full member. The PA, which has limited sovereignty in parts of the West Bank, relies heavily on outside financial aid.

Netanyahu vows to freeze Palestinian funds after Israeli teen killed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-video-israels-netanyahu-congratulates-iran-football-team-encourages-protests-against-govt-147536">Netanyahu on Tuesday urged Iran to quickly remove its forces from neighbouring Syria</a> or face continued attacks on them by Israel.

"Yesterday I heard the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman saying 'Iran has no military presence in Syria, we only advise them'," Netanyahu said at a Tel Aviv ceremony to install a new head of Israel's armed forces.

"So let me advise them -- get out of there fast, because we'll continue our forceful policy of attacking, as we promised and are doing, fearlessly and relentlessly," he said.

In a rare public confirmation on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel had attacked what he described as "Iranian warehouses containing Iranian weapons in the Damascus international airport" over the weekend.

Netanyahu added that Israel had attacked Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Syria hundreds of times.

Israel has pledged to prevent Iran entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where its arch foe is backing President Bashar al-Assad's regime alongside Russia and Hezbollah.

At the ceremony for the new chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Aviv Kochavi, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel's central security challenge was "Iran and its terror emissaries," saying the Israeli military had "prevented the military entrenchment of Iran in Syria."

Tehran denies sending regular troops to fight in Syria, saying it has only provided military advisors and militia fighters from various countries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday urged Iran to quickly remove its forces from neighbouring Syria or face continued attacks on them by Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday urged Iran to quickly remove its forces from neighbouring Syria or face continued attacks on them by Israel. "Yesterday I heard the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman saying 'Iran has no military presence in Syria, we only advise them'," Netanyahu said at a Tel Aviv ceremony to install a new head of Israel's armed forces. "So let me advise them -- get out of there fast, because we'll continue our forceful policy of attacking, as we promised and are doing, fearlessly and relentlessly," he said. In a rare public confirmation on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israel had attacked what he described as "Iranian warehouses containing Iranian weapons in the Damascus international airport" over the weekend. Netanyahu added that Israel had attacked Iranian and Hezbollah targets in Syria hundreds of times. Israel has pledged to prevent Iran entrenching itself militarily in Syria, where its arch foe is backing President Bashar al-Assad's regime alongside Russia and Hezbollah. At the ceremony for the new chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Aviv Kochavi, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel's central security challenge was "Iran and its terror emissaries," saying the Israeli military had "prevented the military entrenchment of Iran in Syria." Tehran denies sending regular troops to fight in Syria, saying it has only provided military advisors and militia fighters from various countries.

Netanyahu tells Iran to get out of Syria 'fast' or face more attacks

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet next week in Brazil with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington prepares to withdraw troops from Syria, the State Department said Thursday.

Pompeo and Netanyahu will meet in Brasilia where both will be attending the New Year's Day inauguration of president-elect Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing firebrand who has vowed to move Brazil closer to Israel and US President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu has met frequently with Pompeo and enjoys a warm relationship with Trump, happy about his withdrawal from a denuclearization deal with Iran and his landmark shift of the US embassy to Jerusalem.

But Netanyahu has for the first time found himself at odds with Trump after the US leader's sudden announcement last week that he will bring home all 2,000 American troops from war-ravaged Syria, where Israel saw Washington's presence as a bulwark against Iran and counterweight to the influence of Russia.

Israel has been measured in its public response, saying it respects Trump's decision, which led to the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria that it says are targeting Iranian forces and their Hezbollah allies.

Trump has said that US troops were solely focused on fighting the Islamic State jihadist group, which he has declared to be "largely defeated."

Pompeo will also meet in Brazil with Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra and afterward fly to Cartagena to hold talks with Colombian President Ivan Duque.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet next week in Brazil with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington prepares to withdraw troops from Syria, the State Department said Thursday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet next week in Brazil with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington prepares to withdraw troops from Syria, the State Department said Thursday. Pompeo and Netanyahu will meet in Brasilia where both will be attending the New Year's Day inauguration of president-elect Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing firebrand who has vowed to move Brazil closer to Israel and US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu has met frequently with Pompeo and enjoys a warm relationship with Trump, happy about his withdrawal from a denuclearization deal with Iran and his landmark shift of the US embassy to Jerusalem. But Netanyahu has for the first time found himself at odds with Trump after the US leader's sudden announcement last week that he will bring home all 2,000 American troops from war-ravaged Syria, where Israel saw Washington's presence as a bulwark against Iran and counterweight to the influence of Russia. Israel has been measured in its public response, saying it respects Trump's decision, which led to the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria that it says are targeting Iranian forces and their Hezbollah allies. Trump has said that US troops were solely focused on fighting the Islamic State jihadist group, which he has declared to be "largely defeated." Pompeo will also meet in Brazil with Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra and afterward fly to Cartagena to hold talks with Colombian President Ivan Duque.

Pompeo to meet Netanyahu in Brazil after Syria decision

Israel's parliament voted to dissolve itself on Wednesday, formally setting April 9 as the date for an election widely seen as a bid by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to weather potential corruption charges.

Netanyahu announced the early election on Monday, appealing directly to voters for a fresh political mandate. A national ballot had not been due until November 2019.

The right-wing&nbsp;Israeli leader is enmeshed in three graft cases and denies any wrongdoing. He is awaiting a decision by&nbsp;Israel's attorney-general on whether to accept police recommendations to bring criminal indictments against him.

The indictment decision had been expected within weeks, but some&nbsp;Israeli media reports said the attorney general could opt to delay the move out of concern he might influence the outcome of the election.

The Justice Ministry has said work on the cases would continue "independent of political events".

Opinion polls published since the election announcement on Monday predicted Netanyahu's Likud party would win up to 32 of parliament's 120 seats and form a right-wing coalition similar to the one it currently leads.

Parliament's dissolution, agreed by the government and opposition parties, opens the way for a more than three-month-long election campaign. Netanyahu's current government, which has had only a one-seat majority in the Knesset, remains in place until a new one is sworn in after the April ballot.

Israel's parliament voted to dissolve itself on Wednesday, formally setting April 9 as the date for an election widely seen as a bid by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to weather potential corruption charges.

Israel's parliament voted to dissolve itself on Wednesday, formally setting April 9 as the date for an election widely seen as a bid by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to weather potential corruption charges. Netanyahu announced the early election on Monday, appealing directly to voters for a fresh political mandate. A national ballot had not been due until November 2019. The right-wing Israeli leader is enmeshed in three graft cases and denies any wrongdoing. He is awaiting a decision by Israel's attorney-general on whether to accept police recommendations to bring criminal indictments against him. The indictment decision had been expected within weeks, but some Israeli media reports said the attorney general could opt to delay the move out of concern he might influence the outcome of the election. The Justice Ministry has said work on the cases would continue "independent of political events". Opinion polls published since the election announcement on Monday predicted Netanyahu's Likud party would win up to 32 of parliament's 120 seats and form a right-wing coalition similar to the one it currently leads. Parliament's dissolution, agreed by the government and opposition parties, opens the way for a more than three-month-long election campaign. Netanyahu's current government, which has had only a one-seat majority in the Knesset, remains in place until a new one is sworn in after the April ballot.

Israeli parliament formally sets April 9 election date in dissolution vote

Israel's government decided this week to dissolve parliament and hold early elections on April 9, seven months before their November due date.

Here are questions and answers on where things stand as polls show <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-hold-early-general-election-in-april-next-year-netanyahu-186215">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> is likely to win despite corruption allegations against him.

Why early elections?

Early elections are the norm in Israel — no government has served out its full term since 1988 — and there had long been speculation that snap polls were again on the horizon.

Since defence minister Avigdor Lieberman stepped down in November, Netanyahu's coalition has been struggling with a one-seat majority.

Lieberman had opposed a controversial ceasefire deal for the Hamas-held Gaza Strip, and his party's withdrawal from government deprived the coalition of five seats.

Party leaders have failed to agree on a key bill regulating drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the army, and that was the immediate reason to call elections.

In a joint statement on Monday, leaders of parties in the coalition said their decision was "in the name of budgetary and national responsibility."

Analysts, however, say that Netanyahu wanted the elections before Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announces whether he will indict the premier in three different corruption cases. While no official timeframe has been given, reports say that announcement could come in mid-April.

The thinking is that a fresh electoral mandate would leave Netanyahu better placed to combat potential charges.&nbsp;

It would allow him to ramp up his argument that the investigations against him stem from a plot by political enemies to force him from office against the will of the electorate.

He is not required to step down if indicted.

Who is expected to win?

Despite Netanyahu's recent legal and political troubles, polls conducted after Monday's announcement indicate he would retain power after new elections, putting him in line to become Israel's longest-serving prime minister.

The opposition to Netanyahu is fractured. The centre-left Zionist Union, led by Avi Gabbay, and Yair Lapid's centrist Yesh Atid are the largest groupings.

Wildcard figures could emerge, including former military chief of staff Benny Gantz, as polls show he could perform well in elections if he decides to create a new party or join an existing one.

The intentions of opposition chief Tzipi Livni, a longtime politician and former minister, are also being closely watched.&nbsp;

The alliance with Gabbay - her Hatnuah party is under the Zionist Union umbrella — is seen as an uneasy one and their electoral strategy is unclear.

Netanyahu's current coalition is seen as the most right-wing in Israel's history. He says he would like to have a similar grouping after elections.

What about the security situation?

After months of violent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protestors on the Gaza border, the situation has calmed to a certain extent, thanks in part to a deal that saw Israel facilitate the transfer of millions of dollars into Gaza from Qatar's government.

The occupied West Bank remains largely calm, though recent sporadic attacks triggered Israeli raids in response.

Israel's northern border with Lebanon may play a role in the campaign.

When&nbsp;initially spoke out against early elections last month, he noted an unspecified sensitive security situation facing the country.

It was an apparent reference to a military operation to destroy Hezbollah tunnels from Lebanon that was announced earlier this month.

There was speculation in November that Netanyahu wanted to delay calling new elections until anger over the Gaza ceasefire calmed.

Since Monday's election announcement, the premier has faced questions over why now is a good time for elections if last month was not. He says the tunnel operation is now nearly complete.

What about Trump's peace plan?

US President Donald Trump's "ultimate deal" for Israeli-Palestinian peace, the details of which are unknown to the public, was supposed to be unveiled by the end of the year, but will probably be delayed due to the elections.

Netanyahu, who has been backed strongly by Trump and his administration, said he was "looking forward" to working with the peace plan.

Palestinian leaders, who severed ties with Trump's administration after his decision to move the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and declare the city Israel's capital, have already said they will have nothing to do with the peace plan.

A senior White House official said on Monday that the United States was "evaluating the timing of the release of the peace plan" in the wake of the newly called elections.

Israel's government decided this week to dissolve parliament and hold early elections on April 9, seven months before their November due date. Here are questions and answers on where things stand as polls show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to win despite corruption allegations against him.

Israel's government decided this week to dissolve parliament and hold early elections on April 9, seven months before their November due date. Here are questions and answers on where things stand as polls show Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to win despite corruption allegations against him. Why early elections? Early elections are the norm in Israel — no government has served out its full term since 1988 — and there had long been speculation that snap polls were again on the horizon. Since defence minister Avigdor Lieberman stepped down in November, Netanyahu's coalition has been struggling with a one-seat majority. Lieberman had opposed a controversial ceasefire deal for the Hamas-held Gaza Strip, and his party's withdrawal from government deprived the coalition of five seats. Party leaders have failed to agree on a key bill regulating drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the army, and that was the immediate reason to call elections. In a joint statement on Monday, leaders of parties in the coalition said their decision was "in the name of budgetary and national responsibility." Analysts, however, say that Netanyahu wanted the elections before Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announces whether he will indict the premier in three different corruption cases. While no official timeframe has been given, reports say that announcement could come in mid-April. The thinking is that a fresh electoral mandate would leave Netanyahu better placed to combat potential charges. It would allow him to ramp up his argument that the investigations against him stem from a plot by political enemies to force him from office against the will of the electorate. He is not required to step down if indicted. Who is expected to win? Despite Netanyahu's recent legal and political troubles, polls conducted after Monday's announcement indicate he would retain power after new elections, putting him in line to become Israel's longest-serving prime minister. The opposition to Netanyahu is fractured. The centre-left Zionist Union, led by Avi Gabbay, and Yair Lapid's centrist Yesh Atid are the largest groupings. Wildcard figures could emerge, including former military chief of staff Benny Gantz, as polls show he could perform well in elections if he decides to create a new party or join an existing one. The intentions of opposition chief Tzipi Livni, a longtime politician and former minister, are also being closely watched. The alliance with Gabbay - her Hatnuah party is under the Zionist Union umbrella — is seen as an uneasy one and their electoral strategy is unclear. Netanyahu's current coalition is seen as the most right-wing in Israel's history. He says he would like to have a similar grouping after elections. What about the security situation? After months of violent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protestors on the Gaza border, the situation has calmed to a certain extent, thanks in part to a deal that saw Israel facilitate the transfer of millions of dollars into Gaza from Qatar's government. The occupied West Bank remains largely calm, though recent sporadic attacks triggered Israeli raids in response. Israel's northern border with Lebanon may play a role in the campaign. When initially spoke out against early elections last month, he noted an unspecified sensitive security situation facing the country. It was an apparent reference to a military operation to destroy Hezbollah tunnels from Lebanon that was announced earlier this month. There was speculation in November that Netanyahu wanted to delay calling new elections until anger over the Gaza ceasefire calmed. Since Monday's election announcement, the premier has faced questions over why now is a good time for elections if last month was not. He says the tunnel operation is now nearly complete. What about Trump's peace plan? US President Donald Trump's "ultimate deal" for Israeli-Palestinian peace, the details of which are unknown to the public, was supposed to be unveiled by the end of the year, but will probably be delayed due to the elections. Netanyahu, who has been backed strongly by Trump and his administration, said he was "looking forward" to working with the peace plan. Palestinian leaders, who severed ties with Trump's administration after his decision to move the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and declare the city Israel's capital, have already said they will have nothing to do with the peace plan. A senior White House official said on Monday that the United States was "evaluating the timing of the release of the peace plan" in the wake of the newly called elections.

Early elections in Israel: Things to know

Israel will hold an early <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-in-crucial-talks-as-he-resists-snap-polls-178042">general election in April</a>, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, after members of his governing coalition met to discuss differences over legislation.

"The leaders of the coalition decided unanimously to dissolve parliament and go to a new election in early April," the spokesman wrote on Twitter, quoting from a statement issued by Netanyahu's political partners.

A coalition crisis over a military <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-warns-of-plot-to-topple-him-173426">conscription bill affecting exemptions</a> from compulsory service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men led to the decision.

Netanyahu, now in his fourth term as prime minister, has been governing with a razor-thin majority of 61 seats in the 120-member parliament. He heads the right-wing Likud party.

Under Israeli law, a national election had to be held by November 2019. Netanyahu's government would remain in place until a new one is sworn in, after the April poll.

A series of corruption probes against Netanyahu and pending decisions by Israel's attorney general on whether to follow police recommendations to indict him had raised speculation he would opt to seek a public show of confidence at the ballot box.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in the cases and has given no indication he will step down if charged.

The 69-year-old Israeli leader made no immediate comment after his meeting with the coalition leaders. Recent opinion polls have shown his popularity remains strong among Israelis.

The likelihood of an early election increased in November after Netanyahu’s defence minister, Avigdor Lieberman, quit the government, leaving the ruling coalition with its one-seat majority.

No one in Netanyahu’s Likud has made a public challenge against him, and the party is expected to close ranks around him in the coming election.

Outside Likud, Yair Lapid, head of the centrist Yesh Atid opposition party, is seen as the strongest candidate to succeed Netanyahu in any upset. Lapid’s party is second to Likud in opinion polls.

Israel’s former army chief, Benny Gantz, is seen as a dovish potential candidate who could tip the balance in favour of a center-left bloc, but has not yet thrown his hat in the ring.

On the right, Lieberman and Naftali Bennett, head of the Jewish Home party, could both seek to lead a right-wing bloc if Likud emerges in a weaker position in an election.

Netanyahu first led Israel from 1996 to 1999, and returned in 2009. His current government has been in power since May 2015.

Israel will hold an early general election in April, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, after members of his governing coalition met to discuss differences over legislation.

Israel will hold an early general election in April, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday, after members of his governing coalition met to discuss differences over legislation. "The leaders of the coalition decided unanimously to dissolve parliament and go to a new election in early April," the spokesman wrote on Twitter, quoting from a statement issued by Netanyahu's political partners. A coalition crisis over a military conscription bill affecting exemptions from compulsory service for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men led to the decision. Netanyahu, now in his fourth term as prime minister, has been governing with a razor-thin majority of 61 seats in the 120-member parliament. He heads the right-wing Likud party. Under Israeli law, a national election had to be held by November 2019. Netanyahu's government would remain in place until a new one is sworn in, after the April poll. A series of corruption probes against Netanyahu and pending decisions by Israel's attorney general on whether to follow police recommendations to indict him had raised speculation he would opt to seek a public show of confidence at the ballot box. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in the cases and has given no indication he will step down if charged. The 69-year-old Israeli leader made no immediate comment after his meeting with the coalition leaders. Recent opinion polls have shown his popularity remains strong among Israelis. The likelihood of an early election increased in November after Netanyahu’s defence minister, Avigdor Lieberman, quit the government, leaving the ruling coalition with its one-seat majority. No one in Netanyahu’s Likud has made a public challenge against him, and the party is expected to close ranks around him in the coming election. Outside Likud, Yair Lapid, head of the centrist Yesh Atid opposition party, is seen as the strongest candidate to succeed Netanyahu in any upset. Lapid’s party is second to Likud in opinion polls. Israel’s former army chief, Benny Gantz, is seen as a dovish potential candidate who could tip the balance in favour of a center-left bloc, but has not yet thrown his hat in the ring. On the right, Lieberman and Naftali Bennett, head of the Jewish Home party, could both seek to lead a right-wing bloc if Likud emerges in a weaker position in an election. Netanyahu first led Israel from 1996 to 1999, and returned in 2009. His current government has been in power since May 2015.

Israel to hold early general election in April next year: Netanyahu

In pics: Guests who made 2018 special

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he had issued a warning to Hamas after recent deadly attacks in the occupied West Bank, including two shootings claimed by the Islamist movement.

Netanyahu referred to a controversial Gaza ceasefire in November that ended the worst escalation between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war.

"I conveyed a clear message to Hamas -- we won't accept a situation of a truce in Gaza and terror in Judea and Samaria," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting, using the biblical name for the West Bank, as is Israel's official policy.

"We will exact a high price over them," he said of the attacks.

Hamas runs the Gaza Strip but also has a presence in the West Bank.

Netanyahu's comments came after two soldiers were shot dead at a central West Bank bus station near a settlement on Thursday.

On the same day, a baby prematurely delivered after his mother was shot and wounded in a separate attack nearby on December 9 also died.

Hamas claimed responsibility for the December 9 shooting and another in the West Bank on October 7 that killed two Israelis.

The two Palestinians behind those attacks were shot dead by Israeli forces during arrest raids last week, Israeli officials said.

Israel's security forces say they have also arrested at least 37 Hamas operatives in connection with recent violence.

The attacks came after a deal to restore relative calm to the Gaza Strip that included Israel enabling Qatar to bring fuel and tens of millions of dollars to the besieged territory for salaries.

Hardline Israeli politicians opposed the Gaza agreement and have also criticised Netanyahu over the recent West Bank violence.

On Sunday, hundreds of settlers protested outside Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem to call on the government to increase security measures as well as settlement construction.

Those moves would make Palestinian militants understand that "there's no point to terror and hope in it," said Hananel Dorani, chairman of settler group the Yesha council.

Participating in the protest were a number of ministers, including Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the far-right Jewish Home.

A ministerial committee headed by Shaked later gave initial approval to a bill that would help legalise settlement homes built on state land without government approval.

"The terrorists will know that we're here to stay," she said following the vote. "We won't be deterred by attacks."

On Thursday, Shaked said that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit had also approved of a way to help legalise some 2,000 West Bank homes considered illegal by Israel as they are located on privately owned Palestinian land.

Right-wing Israelis often call for increased settlement construction and approvals following Palestinian attacks.

All Israeli settlements are viewed as illegal under international law, but Israel differentiates between those it has approved and those it has not.

Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War.&nbsp;

Settlements there are seen as major stumbling blocks to a peace deal since they are built on land the Palestinians want for their future state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he had issued a warning to Hamas after recent deadly attacks in the occupied West Bank, including two shootings claimed by the Islamist movement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he had issued a warning to Hamas after recent deadly attacks in the occupied West Bank, including two shootings claimed by the Islamist movement. Netanyahu referred to a controversial Gaza ceasefire in November that ended the worst escalation between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war. "I conveyed a clear message to Hamas -- we won't accept a situation of a truce in Gaza and terror in Judea and Samaria," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting, using the biblical name for the West Bank, as is Israel's official policy. "We will exact a high price over them," he said of the attacks. Hamas runs the Gaza Strip but also has a presence in the West Bank. Netanyahu's comments came after two soldiers were shot dead at a central West Bank bus station near a settlement on Thursday. On the same day, a baby prematurely delivered after his mother was shot and wounded in a separate attack nearby on December 9 also died. Hamas claimed responsibility for the December 9 shooting and another in the West Bank on October 7 that killed two Israelis. The two Palestinians behind those attacks were shot dead by Israeli forces during arrest raids last week, Israeli officials said. Israel's security forces say they have also arrested at least 37 Hamas operatives in connection with recent violence. The attacks came after a deal to restore relative calm to the Gaza Strip that included Israel enabling Qatar to bring fuel and tens of millions of dollars to the besieged territory for salaries. Hardline Israeli politicians opposed the Gaza agreement and have also criticised Netanyahu over the recent West Bank violence. On Sunday, hundreds of settlers protested outside Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem to call on the government to increase security measures as well as settlement construction. Those moves would make Palestinian militants understand that "there's no point to terror and hope in it," said Hananel Dorani, chairman of settler group the Yesha council. Participating in the protest were a number of ministers, including Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the far-right Jewish Home. A ministerial committee headed by Shaked later gave initial approval to a bill that would help legalise settlement homes built on state land without government approval. "The terrorists will know that we're here to stay," she said following the vote. "We won't be deterred by attacks." On Thursday, Shaked said that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit had also approved of a way to help legalise some 2,000 West Bank homes considered illegal by Israel as they are located on privately owned Palestinian land. Right-wing Israelis often call for increased settlement construction and approvals following Palestinian attacks. All Israeli settlements are viewed as illegal under international law, but Israel differentiates between those it has approved and those it has not. Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War. Settlements there are seen as major stumbling blocks to a peace deal since they are built on land the Palestinians want for their future state.

Netanyahu warns Hamas after deadly West Bank attacks

Breaking News: Netanyahu's aide reacts to Australia's Jerusalem move

Israel exposes second 'Hezbollah' tunnel

Israeli police on Sunday said they had found enough evidence for bribery and fraud charges to be brought against Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife in a third corruption case against the Israeli prime minister.

Authorities allege Netanyahu awarded regulatory favours to Israel's leading telecommunications company, Bezeq Telecom Israel, in return for more positive coverage of him and his wife on a news website, Walla, owned by the company.

Netanyahu has long denied wrongdoing. In a speech to his Likud party in Tel Aviv to celebrate the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukka, he accused the police of instigating what he described as a "tainted process" against him and his wife.

Now in his fourth term, Netanyahu dominates Israeli politics. Yet he is politically unusually vulnerable as his right-wing coalition's majority has shrunk to a precarious single seat.

"It's clear for everybody to see the transparent, petty timing of the publication of the pre-determined recommendations, the deliberate leaks, the tainted process and the false allegations about me and my wife," Netanyahu said.

"(The investigation) has been a match-fix. The recommendations aren't surprising and the timing isn't surprising."

The final decision on whether to indict rests with the attorney-general, who is still weighing whether to charge Netanyahu in the other two cases.

These relate to allegations that Netanyahu accepted gifts from businessmen and that he tried to strike a deal with another media mogul for better coverage in return for curbs on a competing newspaper.

Most of Netanyahu's coalition partners have said they will wait for a decision by the attorney general before deciding how to proceed.

Some analysts have said Netanyahu could put pressure on the attorney-general to think twice before indicting him by calling a snap election to seek a stronger popular mandate. The next election is not due until November 2019.

Netanyahu has said he wants to serve out his term, but politicians close to him say that his precarious parliamentary situation means an early election is likely.

In a joint statement with the Israel Securities Authority, police said they also found sufficient evidence to charge Shaul Elovitch, a family friend of Netanyahu, with bribery.

At the time, Elovitch was Bezeq's chairman and controlling shareholder. The statement said there was also evidence to charge Bezeq's then-CEO Stella Handler with fraud.

Elovitch and Handler have denied wrongdoing. They were both briefly detained earlier this year and have resigned from Bezeq.

The police said the main suspicion was that Netanyahu "acted out of a conflict of interest by intervening and making regulatory decisions that favour Shaul Elovitch and Bezeq".

It alleged that Netanyahu had sought to interfere with the content of Bezeq's Walla website "in a way that would benefit him".

Netanyahu, who also served as communications minister from 2015-2017, said in his speech that he had neither received anything from Elovitch, not given him anything.

The police also recommended that Netanyahu and his wife be charged with fraud and breach of trust.

Israeli police on Sunday said they had found enough evidence for bribery and fraud charges to be brought against Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife in a third corruption case against the Israeli prime minister.

Israeli police on Sunday said they had found enough evidence for bribery and fraud charges to be brought against Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife in a third corruption case against the Israeli prime minister. Authorities allege Netanyahu awarded regulatory favours to Israel's leading telecommunications company, Bezeq Telecom Israel, in return for more positive coverage of him and his wife on a news website, Walla, owned by the company. Netanyahu has long denied wrongdoing. In a speech to his Likud party in Tel Aviv to celebrate the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukka, he accused the police of instigating what he described as a "tainted process" against him and his wife. Now in his fourth term, Netanyahu dominates Israeli politics. Yet he is politically unusually vulnerable as his right-wing coalition's majority has shrunk to a precarious single seat. "It's clear for everybody to see the transparent, petty timing of the publication of the pre-determined recommendations, the deliberate leaks, the tainted process and the false allegations about me and my wife," Netanyahu said. "(The investigation) has been a match-fix. The recommendations aren't surprising and the timing isn't surprising." The final decision on whether to indict rests with the attorney-general, who is still weighing whether to charge Netanyahu in the other two cases. These relate to allegations that Netanyahu accepted gifts from businessmen and that he tried to strike a deal with another media mogul for better coverage in return for curbs on a competing newspaper. Most of Netanyahu's coalition partners have said they will wait for a decision by the attorney general before deciding how to proceed. Some analysts have said Netanyahu could put pressure on the attorney-general to think twice before indicting him by calling a snap election to seek a stronger popular mandate. The next election is not due until November 2019. Netanyahu has said he wants to serve out his term, but politicians close to him say that his precarious parliamentary situation means an early election is likely. In a joint statement with the Israel Securities Authority, police said they also found sufficient evidence to charge Shaul Elovitch, a family friend of Netanyahu, with bribery. At the time, Elovitch was Bezeq's chairman and controlling shareholder. The statement said there was also evidence to charge Bezeq's then-CEO Stella Handler with fraud. Elovitch and Handler have denied wrongdoing. They were both briefly detained earlier this year and have resigned from Bezeq. The police said the main suspicion was that Netanyahu "acted out of a conflict of interest by intervening and making regulatory decisions that favour Shaul Elovitch and Bezeq". It alleged that Netanyahu had sought to interfere with the content of Bezeq's Walla website "in a way that would benefit him". Netanyahu, who also served as communications minister from 2015-2017, said in his speech that he had neither received anything from Elovitch, not given him anything. The police also recommended that Netanyahu and his wife be charged with fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu's legal woes grow as police seek new bribery charges

Watch: WION Gravitas, 19th November, 2018

Watch: WION Dispatch, 19th November, 2018

WION Dispatch: Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition stays intact; PM denies reports of early polls

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resisted calls for snap polls Sunday, saying elections now would be "unnecessary and wrong", ahead of what he called last-ditch talks to hold his embattled coalition together.

Netanyahu's right-wing coalition was thrown into crisis Wednesday after Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman's resignation over a controversial Gaza ceasefire deal, leading to speculation over whether early elections have become inevitable.

After Lieberman's withdrawal along with his Yisrael Beitenu party, Netanyahu's government was left clinging to a one-seat majority in the 120-seat parliament.

Key coalition partners say that is unworkable.

Netanyahu, who has sought to delay calling elections, made his case at the start of a cabinet meeting on Sunday.

"In a period of security sensitivity, it's unnecessary and wrong to go to elections," Netanyahu said.

He noted past instances when right-wing governments had called elections that did not turn out as they had hoped.

"We need to do whatever we can to avoid such mistakes," he said.

Netanyahu planned to meet Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party holds 10 seats, at 6:30 PM (1630 GMT) on Sunday for what he called a "last attempt" to keep the government together.

Elections are not due until November 2019.

Kahlon has said he does not think it is possible to continue with the existing coalition.

"If (Netanyahu) pulls a rabbit out of his hat, we'll see," Kahlon told Israeli television Saturday. "Meanwhile, I don't see a rabbit or a hat."

Education Minister Naftali Bennett of the far-right Jewish Home party, which holds eight seats in parliament, has demanded the defence portfolio as a way of keeping the government together.

Netanyahu says he will take it over at least temporarily rather than hand the key ministry to one of his main right-wing rivals, though a last-minute deal could not be ruled out.

On Saturday, Bennett told Israeli television that Lieberman had "collapsed the government".

"There is no more government and we are heading towards elections," he said. "There is no other alternative." 
- 'Senseless to continue' - 
Bennett declined to comment to journalists when entering Sunday's cabinet meeting, but Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of his Jewish Home party said in a statement that making him defence minister was "the only justification" to keep the government together.

Netanyahu met Bennett on Friday, but conflicting reports emerged from their discussions.

A source close to Bennett said the two had agreed that "it would be senseless to continue" with the same coalition.

"They will set a date for elections when they meet with the (other) coalition partners on Sunday," the source said.

Within minutes, a statement from Netanyahu's Likud said that was wrong.

"The prime minister told minister Bennett that rumours that a decision has been made to go to elections are not correct," it said.

The crisis was set into motion with Lieberman's resignation over the ceasefire that ended the worst escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza since a 2014 war.

Lieberman labelled the truce "capitulating to terror" and slammed Netanyahu's recent decision to allow Qatar to send millions of dollars in aid to the blockaded Palestinian enclave.

Israeli residents of southern communities hit by barrages of rockets from Gaza last week have also staged protests calling for tough action against Hamas, with which Israel has fought three wars since 2008.

A poll published after the ceasefire found 74 per cent of respondents were unhappy with Netanyahu's handling of the escalation with Gaza and its Islamist rulers Hamas, though it also showed his party would still easily win the most seats.

There has long been speculation that the premier may call elections before they are due in November 2019, particularly with police having recommended charges against him in two corruption probes.

The attorney general is expected to announce a decision in the coming months whether to pursue charges against him.

Some analysts believe he would be better positioned to combat them with a fresh electoral mandate.

But Netanyahu would want to make such a move at the most advantageous time -- not with public attention focused on the Gaza ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resisted calls for snap polls Sunday, saying elections now would be "unnecessary and wrong", ahead of what he called last-ditch talks to hold his embattled coalition together.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resisted calls for snap polls Sunday, saying elections now would be "unnecessary and wrong", ahead of what he called last-ditch talks to hold his embattled coalition together. Netanyahu's right-wing coalition was thrown into crisis Wednesday after Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman's resignation over a controversial Gaza ceasefire deal, leading to speculation over whether early elections have become inevitable. After Lieberman's withdrawal along with his Yisrael Beitenu party, Netanyahu's government was left clinging to a one-seat majority in the 120-seat parliament. Key coalition partners say that is unworkable. Netanyahu, who has sought to delay calling elections, made his case at the start of a cabinet meeting on Sunday. "In a period of security sensitivity, it's unnecessary and wrong to go to elections," Netanyahu said. He noted past instances when right-wing governments had called elections that did not turn out as they had hoped. "We need to do whatever we can to avoid such mistakes," he said. Netanyahu planned to meet Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party holds 10 seats, at 6:30 PM (1630 GMT) on Sunday for what he called a "last attempt" to keep the government together. Elections are not due until November 2019. Kahlon has said he does not think it is possible to continue with the existing coalition. "If (Netanyahu) pulls a rabbit out of his hat, we'll see," Kahlon told Israeli television Saturday. "Meanwhile, I don't see a rabbit or a hat." Education Minister Naftali Bennett of the far-right Jewish Home party, which holds eight seats in parliament, has demanded the defence portfolio as a way of keeping the government together. Netanyahu says he will take it over at least temporarily rather than hand the key ministry to one of his main right-wing rivals, though a last-minute deal could not be ruled out. On Saturday, Bennett told Israeli television that Lieberman had "collapsed the government". "There is no more government and we are heading towards elections," he said. "There is no other alternative." - 'Senseless to continue' - Bennett declined to comment to journalists when entering Sunday's cabinet meeting, but Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of his Jewish Home party said in a statement that making him defence minister was "the only justification" to keep the government together. Netanyahu met Bennett on Friday, but conflicting reports emerged from their discussions. A source close to Bennett said the two had agreed that "it would be senseless to continue" with the same coalition. "They will set a date for elections when they meet with the (other) coalition partners on Sunday," the source said. Within minutes, a statement from Netanyahu's Likud said that was wrong. "The prime minister told minister Bennett that rumours that a decision has been made to go to elections are not correct," it said. The crisis was set into motion with Lieberman's resignation over the ceasefire that ended the worst escalation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza since a 2014 war. Lieberman labelled the truce "capitulating to terror" and slammed Netanyahu's recent decision to allow Qatar to send millions of dollars in aid to the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Israeli residents of southern communities hit by barrages of rockets from Gaza last week have also staged protests calling for tough action against Hamas, with which Israel has fought three wars since 2008. A poll published after the ceasefire found 74 per cent of respondents were unhappy with Netanyahu's handling of the escalation with Gaza and its Islamist rulers Hamas, though it also showed his party would still easily win the most seats. There has long been speculation that the premier may call elections before they are due in November 2019, particularly with police having recommended charges against him in two corruption probes. The attorney general is expected to announce a decision in the coming months whether to pursue charges against him. Some analysts believe he would be better positioned to combat them with a fresh electoral mandate. But Netanyahu would want to make such a move at the most advantageous time -- not with public attention focused on the Gaza ceasefire.

Israel PM Netanyahu in crucial talks as he resists snap polls

Here are key dates in the premiership of Benjamin Netanyahu since he returned to office in 2009.

Anchored to the right

The right-wing Likud chief Netanyahu becomes prime minister for a second time in March 2009, after a first stint between 1996 and 1999.

His governing coalition is firmly anchored to the right, with the post of a foreign minister going to ultranationalist Avigdor Lieberman.

In June, Netanyahu accepts for the first time the principle of a Palestinian state, while imposing conditions such as its demilitarisation, which are immediately rejected by the Palestinians.

He rejects an end to Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank.

Gaza wars

In November 2012 Israel launches Operation Pillar of Defence with a missile strike that kills a top Hamas commander in Gaza City.&nbsp;

In the ensuing eight-day flare-up, 177 Palestinians and six Israelis are killed before an Egypt-brokered truce takes effect.

In July 2014, Israel opens Operation Protective Edge against the Gaza Strip with the aim of ending rocket fire and destroying militant tunnels.

It leaves 2,251 dead on the Palestinian side, mostly civilians, and 74 on the Israeli side, mostly soldiers.

In late March 2018, mass protests start along the Gaza-Israel border prompting a deadly response from the Israeli army. The worst escalation between the two sides since the 2014 war erupts in November, with barrages of rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli air strikes.&nbsp;

By mid-November at least 234 Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers had been killed in the months of unrest.

Most right-wing government

In May 2015, Netanyahu fresh from victory in March general elections, wins a confidence vote in parliament for his fourth government.

In May 2016, he signs a coalition agreement with the Yisrael Beitenu party and its leader Lieberman, naming him defence minister.

The government is the most right-wing in Israeli history.

In June 2017, Israel starts building its first new government-sanctioned settlement in the occupied territories since 1991 as it presses ahead with settlement expansion in defiance of international concern.

Corruption allegations&nbsp;

In February 2018. police recommend the indictment of Netanyahu following long-running investigations into two cases of alleged corruption.

Netanyahu, who proclaims his innocence, in October undergoes a 12th round of questioning although formal charges have not been laid.&nbsp;

The same month, his wife Sara goes on trial on separate allegations of fraud and breach of trust.

US quits Iran nuclear deal

In late April 2018, as the United States considers whether to pull out of a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between major powers and Iran, Netanyahu unveils on live television what he says is new "proof" of an Iranian weapons plan.

When President Donald Trump quits the deal in May, Netanyahu praises his "bold" decision.

US embassy moves to Jerusalem

In May 2018, the United States opens its new embassy in Jerusalem, after Trump ordered its transfer from Tel Aviv in February in a move that infuriates the Palestinians who also have claims in the holy city.

A jubilant Netanyahu praises Trump as having made history.

Nation state for Jews

In July 2018, parliament adopts a law defining Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, making Hebrew the official language and downgrading the status of Arabic.

It sparks outrage among Arabs and Palestinians but Netanyahu defends the law, calling its approval a "decisive moment" in Israeli history.

Defence minister quits

In November 2018, Netanyahu accepts an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Hamas to end the worst escalation between the two sides since the 2014 war.

Lieberman, the defence minister, rejects the deal and resigns, removing five seats from Netanyahu's parliamentary coalition and leaving the premier with a one-seat majority.

It prompts speculation of snap elections before the scheduled date of November 2019.

Here are key dates in the premiership of Benjamin Netanyahu since he returned to office in 2009. Anchored to the right The right-wing Likud chief Netanyahu becomes prime minister for a second time in March 2009, after a first stint between 1996 and 1999.

Here are key dates in the premiership of Benjamin Netanyahu since he returned to office in 2009. Anchored to the right The right-wing Likud chief Netanyahu becomes prime minister for a second time in March 2009, after a first stint between 1996 and 1999. His governing coalition is firmly anchored to the right, with the post of a foreign minister going to ultranationalist Avigdor Lieberman. In June, Netanyahu accepts for the first time the principle of a Palestinian state, while imposing conditions such as its demilitarisation, which are immediately rejected by the Palestinians. He rejects an end to Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank. Gaza wars In November 2012 Israel launches Operation Pillar of Defence with a missile strike that kills a top Hamas commander in Gaza City. In the ensuing eight-day flare-up, 177 Palestinians and six Israelis are killed before an Egypt-brokered truce takes effect. In July 2014, Israel opens Operation Protective Edge against the Gaza Strip with the aim of ending rocket fire and destroying militant tunnels. It leaves 2,251 dead on the Palestinian side, mostly civilians, and 74 on the Israeli side, mostly soldiers. In late March 2018, mass protests start along the Gaza-Israel border prompting a deadly response from the Israeli army. The worst escalation between the two sides since the 2014 war erupts in November, with barrages of rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli air strikes. By mid-November at least 234 Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers had been killed in the months of unrest. Most right-wing government In May 2015, Netanyahu fresh from victory in March general elections, wins a confidence vote in parliament for his fourth government. In May 2016, he signs a coalition agreement with the Yisrael Beitenu party and its leader Lieberman, naming him defence minister. The government is the most right-wing in Israeli history. In June 2017, Israel starts building its first new government-sanctioned settlement in the occupied territories since 1991 as it presses ahead with settlement expansion in defiance of international concern. Corruption allegations In February 2018. police recommend the indictment of Netanyahu following long-running investigations into two cases of alleged corruption. Netanyahu, who proclaims his innocence, in October undergoes a 12th round of questioning although formal charges have not been laid. The same month, his wife Sara goes on trial on separate allegations of fraud and breach of trust. US quits Iran nuclear deal In late April 2018, as the United States considers whether to pull out of a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between major powers and Iran, Netanyahu unveils on live television what he says is new "proof" of an Iranian weapons plan. When President Donald Trump quits the deal in May, Netanyahu praises his "bold" decision. US embassy moves to Jerusalem In May 2018, the United States opens its new embassy in Jerusalem, after Trump ordered its transfer from Tel Aviv in February in a move that infuriates the Palestinians who also have claims in the holy city. A jubilant Netanyahu praises Trump as having made history. Nation state for Jews In July 2018, parliament adopts a law defining Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people, making Hebrew the official language and downgrading the status of Arabic. It sparks outrage among Arabs and Palestinians but Netanyahu defends the law, calling its approval a "decisive moment" in Israeli history. Defence minister quits In November 2018, Netanyahu accepts an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Hamas to end the worst escalation between the two sides since the 2014 war. Lieberman, the defence minister, rejects the deal and resigns, removing five seats from Netanyahu's parliamentary coalition and leaving the premier with a one-seat majority. It prompts speculation of snap elections before the scheduled date of November 2019.

Israel under prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Key dates

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday hailed US leader Donald Trump for reimposing sanctions against mutual foe Iran, ahead of a fresh round of penalties set to kick in Monday.&nbsp;

"Thank you, President Trump, for this historic move. The sanctions are indeed coming," Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office.&nbsp;

"For years I've been calling for sanctions to be fully reimposed against Iran's murderous terrorist regime, which threatens the entire world."

Trump announced in May he was withdrawing the US from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Tehran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme.

On Friday, Washington confirmed it was going ahead with a second round of sanctions set to take effect on Monday.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said the effect of the first round of sanctions reintroduced in August "were already being felt".

"The riyal has plummeted, Iran's economy is depressed and the results are evident," he said.&nbsp;

The European Union, France, Britain and Germany -- all signatories to the 2015 deal with Iran -- have condemned the US move to renew its sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Washington says it wants a new deal with Tehran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday hailed US leader Donald Trump for reimposing sanctions against mutual foe Iran, ahead of a fresh round of penalties set to kick in Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday hailed US leader Donald Trump for reimposing sanctions against mutual foe Iran, ahead of a fresh round of penalties set to kick in Monday. "Thank you, President Trump, for this historic move. The sanctions are indeed coming," Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office. "For years I've been calling for sanctions to be fully reimposed against Iran's murderous terrorist regime, which threatens the entire world." Trump announced in May he was withdrawing the US from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposing sanctions, sparking outrage among world powers who say Tehran has been complying with commitments to restrict its atomic programme. On Friday, Washington confirmed it was going ahead with a second round of sanctions set to take effect on Monday. Netanyahu said the effect of the first round of sanctions reintroduced in August "were already being felt". "The riyal has plummeted, Iran's economy is depressed and the results are evident," he said. The European Union, France, Britain and Germany -- all signatories to the 2015 deal with Iran -- have condemned the US move to renew its sanctions on Iran. Washington says it wants a new deal with Tehran, curtailing its regional interventions and missile programme -- demands which have been flatly rejected by Iran.

Israel's Netanyahu hails Trump for Iran sanctions

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as they seek to publicly brush past their list of differences and promote cooperation between their countries.

The visit by Merkel and members of her cabinet comes as part of German-Israeli government consultations held regularly, though the last one in 2017 was postponed, with scheduling conflicts cited as the official reason.

There were reports however that Merkel was unhappy with a law passed then related to Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank.

There has been no shortage of controversy ahead of this week's visit.

Last week at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu accused Europe of "appeasement" of Iran, a word evoking European capitals' reluctance to stand up to Adolf Hitler in the run-up to World War II.

Netanyahu has been seeking to convince European countries to follow US President Donald Trump's lead and withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.

Germany, like the other signatories to the hard-fought deal, has sought to keep it alive, saying it is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons for now. 
Netanyahu has also hit out at what he calls the EU's "absolutely crazy" demands of Israel, such as those related to his country's occupation of Palestinian territory.

As a counterweight, he has sought sympathetic ears within the EU among countries whose leaders' nationalist stances have been a thorn in Brussels' side, including Hungary.

Despite those issues and others, both sides seem determined to have the visit run smoothly.

Germany says the discussions will focus on economic ties, innovation and technology, while noting that the government-to-government consultations have been in place for 10 years.

It mentions Merkel's previous comments on the responsibility toward Israel that Germany bears as the perpetrator of the Holocaust.

Felix Klein, who heads the German government's fight against anti-Semitism, will be part of the delegation. Fears of a resurgence in anti-Semitism in Germany are expected to be discussed.

"Germany and Israel are linked by a unique relationship," Merkel said in her weekly podcast. 
"And we are grateful that we are now close partners and friends."

There will be no meetings with Palestinian officials during the one-day visit.

'She's lost hope'

EU nations have repeatedly criticised Israeli settlement building and warned over threats to remaining prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Germany has remained steadfast on the issue.

In recent weeks, it has joined calls against Israel's planned demolition of a Bedouin village located in a strategic area of the occupied West Bank.

On Tuesday, residents of the village, Khan al-Ahmar, displayed signs with Merkel's picture calling for help.

Yoram Ben-Zeev, a former Israeli ambassador to Germany, said Merkel would likely only "go through the motions" during the visit on issues related to the conflict with the Palestinians.

"I think that for the time being she's lost hope that things can move," Ben-Zeev told AFP, noting Trump's confusing statements on the conflict, Netanyahu's right-wing stance and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's unpopularity.

"Why should she put her hands in the fire?"&nbsp;

Netanyahu will likely want to speak about his country's main enemy Iran while possibly requesting Merkel's assistance in dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Ben-Zeev.

Russia has been angered by the recent accidental downing of one of its planes by Syrian air defences during an Israeli raid in Syria.

It has delivered the advanced S-300 air defence system to Syria as part of its response, which could limit Israel's strikes against Iranian and Hezbollah targets there.

A visit to Israel by Germany's then-foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel in 2017 ended in acrimony when Netanyahu cancelled their meeting.

Netanyahu made the decision after Gabriel refused to call off meetings with rights groups critical of Israel's government.

When Gabriel visited again in January, the two met but Netanyahu publicly corrected him over his stance on a two-state solution.

Gabriel had said he was "very thankful to hear that, of course, also the government of Israel wants to have two states" with secure Israeli borders.

Netanyahu interjected to reiterate his position that Israel must maintain security control in the Palestinian territories under any peace arrangement.

He declined to say whether that would mean Palestinian statehood or some lesser form of autonomy. 
&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as they seek to publicly brush past their list of differences and promote cooperation between their countries.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday as they seek to publicly brush past their list of differences and promote cooperation between their countries. The visit by Merkel and members of her cabinet comes as part of German-Israeli government consultations held regularly, though the last one in 2017 was postponed, with scheduling conflicts cited as the official reason. There were reports however that Merkel was unhappy with a law passed then related to Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank. There has been no shortage of controversy ahead of this week's visit. Last week at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu accused Europe of "appeasement" of Iran, a word evoking European capitals' reluctance to stand up to Adolf Hitler in the run-up to World War II. Netanyahu has been seeking to convince European countries to follow US President Donald Trump's lead and withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. Germany, like the other signatories to the hard-fought deal, has sought to keep it alive, saying it is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons for now. Netanyahu has also hit out at what he calls the EU's "absolutely crazy" demands of Israel, such as those related to his country's occupation of Palestinian territory. As a counterweight, he has sought sympathetic ears within the EU among countries whose leaders' nationalist stances have been a thorn in Brussels' side, including Hungary. Despite those issues and others, both sides seem determined to have the visit run smoothly. Germany says the discussions will focus on economic ties, innovation and technology, while noting that the government-to-government consultations have been in place for 10 years. It mentions Merkel's previous comments on the responsibility toward Israel that Germany bears as the perpetrator of the Holocaust. Felix Klein, who heads the German government's fight against anti-Semitism, will be part of the delegation. Fears of a resurgence in anti-Semitism in Germany are expected to be discussed. "Germany and Israel are linked by a unique relationship," Merkel said in her weekly podcast. "And we are grateful that we are now close partners and friends." There will be no meetings with Palestinian officials during the one-day visit. 'She's lost hope' EU nations have repeatedly criticised Israeli settlement building and warned over threats to remaining prospects for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Germany has remained steadfast on the issue. In recent weeks, it has joined calls against Israel's planned demolition of a Bedouin village located in a strategic area of the occupied West Bank. On Tuesday, residents of the village, Khan al-Ahmar, displayed signs with Merkel's picture calling for help. Yoram Ben-Zeev, a former Israeli ambassador to Germany, said Merkel would likely only "go through the motions" during the visit on issues related to the conflict with the Palestinians. "I think that for the time being she's lost hope that things can move," Ben-Zeev told AFP, noting Trump's confusing statements on the conflict, Netanyahu's right-wing stance and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's unpopularity. "Why should she put her hands in the fire?" Netanyahu will likely want to speak about his country's main enemy Iran while possibly requesting Merkel's assistance in dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Ben-Zeev. Russia has been angered by the recent accidental downing of one of its planes by Syrian air defences during an Israeli raid in Syria. It has delivered the advanced S-300 air defence system to Syria as part of its response, which could limit Israel's strikes against Iranian and Hezbollah targets there. A visit to Israel by Germany's then-foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel in 2017 ended in acrimony when Netanyahu cancelled their meeting. Netanyahu made the decision after Gabriel refused to call off meetings with rights groups critical of Israel's government. When Gabriel visited again in January, the two met but Netanyahu publicly corrected him over his stance on a two-state solution. Gabriel had said he was "very thankful to hear that, of course, also the government of Israel wants to have two states" with secure Israeli borders. Netanyahu interjected to reiterate his position that Israel must maintain security control in the Palestinian territories under any peace arrangement. He declined to say whether that would mean Palestinian statehood or some lesser form of autonomy.

Merkel, Netanyahu seek to brush past differences for Israel talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought on Tuesday to convince European states to abandon a nuclear deal with Iran, saying that Tehran's threats to increase uranium enrichment capacity showed it still planned to destroy Israel.

He arrived in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron as part of a tour to persuade the European signatories - Britain, France and Germany - to follow Washington's lead in scrapping the accord that they signed with Tehran in 2015.

The three European states are currently scrambling to save the deal - under which Iran promised to curb its nuclear programme in return for lifted sanctions - seeing it as the best chance to stop Tehran developing a nuclear bomb.

But Israel argues that Iran has duped the West and plans to use the break from sanctions to build up its financial reserves before returning to its nuclear plans.

"The day before yesterday Ayatollah Khamenei, the ruler of Iran, declared his intention to destroy the State of Israel. Yesterday he explained how he would do this – with the unrestricted enrichment of uranium in order to produce an arsenal of nuclear bombs," Netanyahu said in a video statement on Twitter.

"We are not surprised. We will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons," he said.

On Sunday, Khamenei's office tweeted what appeared to be an old quote from Iran's top leader that referred to Israel as a "malignant cancerous tumor" that needed to be removed.

A day later, Khamenei said he had ordered preparations to increase uranium enrichment capacity if the nuclear agreement fell apart after the U.S. withdrawal. He did not mention any plans for "unrestricted" enrichment or refer to an arsenal.

The European states have been trying to come up with a package to ring-fence trade with Iran against renewed U.S. financial sanctions to dissuade Tehran from quitting the accord.

But they are struggling to convince firms to remain in Iran or create the financial instruments that could even enable them to do so.

"If Iran does not get the financial guarantees in oil and access to the financial system, then I don't see Iran sticking to the deal because the pressure from hardliners is only increasing," said a Western official.

"It is quite possible they will resume enrichment capacity and research and development of advanced centrifuges to show the Europeans and the world that they are serious."

French officials said Macron would tell Netanyahu that the threat to increase enrichment merely highlighted the need to keep the accord to stop Iran getting an atomic weapon.

Israel is presumed to have its own sizable nuclear arsenal but neither confirms nor denies it.

He arrived in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron as part of a tour to persuade the European signatories - Britain, France and Germany - to follow Washington's lead in scrapping the accord that they signed with Tehran in 2015

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought on Tuesday to convince European states to abandon a nuclear deal with Iran, saying that Tehran's threats to increase uranium enrichment capacity showed it still planned to destroy Israel. He arrived in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron as part of a tour to persuade the European signatories - Britain, France and Germany - to follow Washington's lead in scrapping the accord that they signed with Tehran in 2015. The three European states are currently scrambling to save the deal - under which Iran promised to curb its nuclear programme in return for lifted sanctions - seeing it as the best chance to stop Tehran developing a nuclear bomb. But Israel argues that Iran has duped the West and plans to use the break from sanctions to build up its financial reserves before returning to its nuclear plans. "The day before yesterday Ayatollah Khamenei, the ruler of Iran, declared his intention to destroy the State of Israel. Yesterday he explained how he would do this – with the unrestricted enrichment of uranium in order to produce an arsenal of nuclear bombs," Netanyahu said in a video statement on Twitter. "We are not surprised. We will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons," he said. On Sunday, Khamenei's office tweeted what appeared to be an old quote from Iran's top leader that referred to Israel as a "malignant cancerous tumor" that needed to be removed. A day later, Khamenei said he had ordered preparations to increase uranium enrichment capacity if the nuclear agreement fell apart after the U.S. withdrawal. He did not mention any plans for "unrestricted" enrichment or refer to an arsenal. The European states have been trying to come up with a package to ring-fence trade with Iran against renewed U.S. financial sanctions to dissuade Tehran from quitting the accord. But they are struggling to convince firms to remain in Iran or create the financial instruments that could even enable them to do so. "If Iran does not get the financial guarantees in oil and access to the financial system, then I don't see Iran sticking to the deal because the pressure from hardliners is only increasing," said a Western official. "It is quite possible they will resume enrichment capacity and research and development of advanced centrifuges to show the Europeans and the world that they are serious." French officials said Macron would tell Netanyahu that the threat to increase enrichment merely highlighted the need to keep the accord to stop Iran getting an atomic weapon. Israel is presumed to have its own sizable nuclear arsenal but neither confirms nor denies it.

Seeking French support, Netanyahu raises alarm over Iran enrichment plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Europe&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;to push his uncompromising stance on Iran to leaders eager to salvage the nuclear agreement after the United States withdrew.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, a fierce opponent of the agreement and the Iranian regime, will meet in turn with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Germany, France and the United Kingdom are three of the signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between world powers and Iran, aimed at keeping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

The European leaders have been scrambling to preserve the landmark deal after slamming President Donald Trump's May 8 decision to withdraw.&nbsp;

The fallout from America rejecting the accord is likely to dominate the talks, with Netanyahu expected to firmly oppose European efforts to sustain it.

"I will discuss with them ways to block Iran's nuclear aspirations and Iran's expansion in the Middle East," Netanyahu said&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;of his European meetings, noting the issues were "crucial to Israel's security".

After years lobbying against the 2015 deal, the decision by close ally Trump to ditch the accord has been greeted as a major triumph by Netanyahu.&nbsp;

The Israeli leader has brushed aside European insistence that the agreement is the best option to prevent Tehran getting the bomb, claiming that it, in fact, brought Tehran closer to becoming a nuclear power.&nbsp;

He also argues that a cash influx into Iran following the lifting of international sanctions as part of the accord has fuelled the expansion of Tehran's military influence in the region, especially in neighbouring Syria.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But while the US retreat from the deal is a personal victory for Netanyahu, it also represents a leap into the unknown for Israel and the broader Middle East.&nbsp;

While foes Iran and Israel have been kept at bay for decades, an unprecedented May 10 escalation in Syria that saw Israel bomb alleged Iranian targets after blaming Tehran for a rocket barrage, has sparked fears of open war.&nbsp;

"An Iranian departure from southern Syria alone will not suffice," Netanyahu said&nbsp;on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The long-range missiles that Iran is working to station in Syria will endanger us even beyond the range of several kilometres from southern Syria therefore, Iran needs to leave Syria altogether."

The Europeans have acknowledged concerns over Iran's regional role and its ballistic activities but sought to maintain the JCPOA while creating a separate arrangement on these issues.&nbsp;

Contrary to what the US and Israel say, Europe insists the 2015 agreement works and Iran has abided by it.&nbsp;

"There is no alternative," the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said&nbsp;on Monday.&nbsp;

Merkel, May and Macron are still waiting for the Israelis and Americans to present another way to curb Iran's nuclear programme, but are under no illusions it will happen in next week's meetings, according to a European diplomat.&nbsp;

Divided on other issues, the Europeans have emphasised their cohesion on the JCPOA, fearing that ripping it up could benefit hardliners in Iran and push Tehran to resume large-scale uranium enrichment.

If that happens, the fear is it will once again make striking Iran a real option for Israel.

On Thursday, a former Mossad chief said that in 2011 Netanyahu had ordered him and the military chief of staff to prepare an attack on Iran&nbsp;within 15 days.

According to Tamir Pardo's interview on the Uvda television programme, such a directive could either mean "he really means it", or be a means to deliver a message, for example to the US, and perhaps drive it to take action.

Other major issues look set to be left on the sidelines in the talks with European leaders.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the spotlight after the worst military flare-up in Gaza since a 2014 war raised fears this week of yet another full-blown conflict in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave.

The exchange of fire came after scores of Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during protests and clashes along the Gaza border.

But along with other subjects, such as bilateral relations or the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, it will likely remain overshadowed by Iran.

Expectations of any progress on the conflict with the Palestinians are low.&nbsp;

Peace prospects remain as distant as ever and the diplomatic process in limbo as the sides wait for a plan long promised by the Trump administration.&nbsp;

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Europe Monday to push his uncompromising stance on Iran to leaders eager to salvage the nuclear agreement after the United States withdrew. Netanyahu, a fierce opponent of the agreement and the Iranian regime, will meet in turn with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May. Germany, France and the United Kingdom are three of the signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between world powers and Iran, aimed at keeping Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The European leaders have been scrambling to preserve the landmark deal after slamming President Donald Trump's May 8 decision to withdraw. The fallout from America rejecting the accord is likely to dominate the talks, with Netanyahu expected to firmly oppose European efforts to sustain it. "I will discuss with them ways to block Iran's nuclear aspirations and Iran's expansion in the Middle East," Netanyahu said on Monday of his European meetings, noting the issues were "crucial to Israel's security". After years lobbying against the 2015 deal, the decision by close ally Trump to ditch the accord has been greeted as a major triumph by Netanyahu. The Israeli leader has brushed aside European insistence that the agreement is the best option to prevent Tehran getting the bomb, claiming that it, in fact, brought Tehran closer to becoming a nuclear power. He also argues that a cash influx into Iran following the lifting of international sanctions as part of the accord has fuelled the expansion of Tehran's military influence in the region, especially in neighbouring Syria. But while the US retreat from the deal is a personal victory for Netanyahu, it also represents a leap into the unknown for Israel and the broader Middle East. While foes Iran and Israel have been kept at bay for decades, an unprecedented May 10 escalation in Syria that saw Israel bomb alleged Iranian targets after blaming Tehran for a rocket barrage, has sparked fears of open war. "An Iranian departure from southern Syria alone will not suffice," Netanyahu said on Tuesday. "The long-range missiles that Iran is working to station in Syria will endanger us even beyond the range of several kilometres from southern Syria therefore, Iran needs to leave Syria altogether." The Europeans have acknowledged concerns over Iran's regional role and its ballistic activities but sought to maintain the JCPOA while creating a separate arrangement on these issues. Contrary to what the US and Israel say, Europe insists the 2015 agreement works and Iran has abided by it. "There is no alternative," the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Monday. Merkel, May and Macron are still waiting for the Israelis and Americans to present another way to curb Iran's nuclear programme, but are under no illusions it will happen in next week's meetings, according to a European diplomat. Divided on other issues, the Europeans have emphasised their cohesion on the JCPOA, fearing that ripping it up could benefit hardliners in Iran and push Tehran to resume large-scale uranium enrichment. If that happens, the fear is it will once again make striking Iran a real option for Israel. On Thursday, a former Mossad chief said that in 2011 Netanyahu had ordered him and the military chief of staff to prepare an attack on Iran within 15 days. According to Tamir Pardo's interview on the Uvda television programme, such a directive could either mean "he really means it", or be a means to deliver a message, for example to the US, and perhaps drive it to take action. Other major issues look set to be left on the sidelines in the talks with European leaders. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the spotlight after the worst military flare-up in Gaza since a 2014 war raised fears this week of yet another full-blown conflict in the beleaguered Palestinian enclave. The exchange of fire came after scores of Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during protests and clashes along the Gaza border. But along with other subjects, such as bilateral relations or the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, it will likely remain overshadowed by Iran. Expectations of any progress on the conflict with the Palestinians are low. Peace prospects remain as distant as ever and the diplomatic process in limbo as the sides wait for a plan long promised by the Trump administration.

Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to push hard line on Iran during Europe trip

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