Israel called on Monday for its arch-foe Iran to be denied any military presence in Syria, after Russia said Damascus' forces alone should control Syrian territory near the Israeli and Jordanian borders.

"Our position on Syria is clear," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his parliamentary faction in broadcast remarks. "We believe that there is no place for any Iranian military presence, anywhere in Syria."

Iran and Israel engaged in indirect negotiations this weekend over fighting in southwest Syria, according to a report on Saudi-owned news site Elaph.

Iran reportedly pledged to stay out of fighting in southwest Syria between Syrian forces and rebel groups while Israel said it will not intervene in battles near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights or the Israel-Jordan border so long as Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias are not involved.

'Our position on Syria is clear,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his parliamentary faction in broadcast remarks

Israel called on Monday for its arch-foe Iran to be denied any military presence in Syria, after Russia said Damascus' forces alone should control Syrian territory near the Israeli and Jordanian borders. "Our position on Syria is clear," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his parliamentary faction in broadcast remarks. "We believe that there is no place for any Iranian military presence, anywhere in Syria." Iran and Israel engaged in indirect negotiations this weekend over fighting in southwest Syria, according to a report on Saudi-owned news site Elaph. Iran reportedly pledged to stay out of fighting in southwest Syria between Syrian forces and rebel groups while Israel said it will not intervene in battles near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights or the Israel-Jordan border so long as Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias are not involved.

Israel: Iran should be denied any military presence in Syria

France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has cancelled a planned trip to Israel early next month, citing "domestic agenda" issues, his office said on Wednesday.

Philippe had been expected to visit Jerusalem on June 1 for an event promoting ties between France and Israel along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He was also planning a trip to Tel Aviv and the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Aides to Philippe pointed to looming strikes in France at the beginning of June and the government's packed reform agenda, as well as his decision to cancel a trip to Mali in April.

But the decision comes at a particularly tense time in the Middle East, with France among the countries condemning a spate of bloodshed along the Gaza border where Israeli forces killed scores of Palestinian protesters in recent weeks.

It also comes as French President Emmanuel Macron scrambles to keep a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran afloat after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord.

Netanyahu staunchly opposes the international agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.

Further complicating a visit by Philippe to the region is the health of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, 83.

Abbas was admitted to hospital at the weekend with pneumonia. There is no information yet on when he might be discharged.

His health is the subject of regular speculation, with no clear successor identified.

Philippe had been expected to visit Jerusalem on June 1 for an event promoting ties between France and Israel

France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has cancelled a planned trip to Israel early next month, citing "domestic agenda" issues, his office said on Wednesday. Philippe had been expected to visit Jerusalem on June 1 for an event promoting ties between France and Israel along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He was also planning a trip to Tel Aviv and the West Bank city of Ramallah. Aides to Philippe pointed to looming strikes in France at the beginning of June and the government's packed reform agenda, as well as his decision to cancel a trip to Mali in April. But the decision comes at a particularly tense time in the Middle East, with France among the countries condemning a spate of bloodshed along the Gaza border where Israeli forces killed scores of Palestinian protesters in recent weeks. It also comes as French President Emmanuel Macron scrambles to keep a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran afloat after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord. Netanyahu staunchly opposes the international agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. Further complicating a visit by Philippe to the region is the health of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, 83. Abbas was admitted to hospital at the weekend with pneumonia. There is no information yet on when he might be discharged. His health is the subject of regular speculation, with no clear successor identified.

French PM Philippe cancels Israel trip over 'domestic agenda'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/anger-in-france-britain-over-us-president-donald-trumps-gun-law-speech-134851">Anger in France, Britain over US president Donald Trump's gun law speech</a>

US President Donald Trump sparked anger in France and Britain by suggesting looser gun laws could have helped prevent deadly attacks in Paris in 2015, and linking a wave of knife crime in London to a handgun ban.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/18-miners-killed-several-injured-as-two-coal-mines-collapse-in-balochistan-134856">18 miners killed, several injured as two coal mines collapse in Balochistan</a>

At least 18 people were killed, 13 injured and about a dozen went missing as two coal mines collapsed in different areas of Pakistan's Balochistan on Saturday, media reports said.'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-organisations-burn-anti-jinnah-posters-outside-bjp-office-134860">Muslim </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-organisations-burn-anti-jinnah-posters-outside-bjp-office-134860">organisations</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslim-organisations-burn-anti-jinnah-posters-outside-bjp-office-134860"> burn 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office</a>

Muslim organisations on Saturday burnt 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office in Lucknow in protest against the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-confirms-death-sentences-for-11-hardcore-terrorists-134865">Pakistan Army Chief confirms death sentences for 11 'hardcore terrorists'</a>

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday confirmed the death sentence of 11 hardcore terrorists, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

I<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-to-meet-russias-putin-on-wednesday-statement-134853">sraeli PM Netanyahu to meet Russia's Putin on Wednesday: Statement</a>

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Moscow to discuss regional issues, the Israeli prime minister said in a statement on Saturday.

Anger in France, Britain over US president Donald Trump's gun law speech US President Donald Trump sparked anger in France and Britain by suggesting looser gun laws could have helped prevent deadly attacks in Paris in 2015, and linking a wave of knife crime in London to a handgun ban. 18 miners killed, several injured as two coal mines collapse in Balochistan At least 18 people were killed, 13 injured and about a dozen went missing as two coal mines collapsed in different areas of Pakistan's Balochistan on Saturday, media reports said.' Muslim organisations burn 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office Muslim organisations on Saturday burnt 'anti-Jinnah' posters outside BJP office in Lucknow in protest against the portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Pakistan Army Chief confirms death sentences for 11 'hardcore terrorists' Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday confirmed the death sentence of 11 hardcore terrorists, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Israeli PM Netanyahu to meet Russia's Putin on Wednesday: Statement Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Moscow to discuss regional issues, the Israeli prime minister said in a statement on Saturday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Drumming up international support for his call to "fix" or "nix" the Iran nuclear deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached out to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to update him on the recent developments.

A statement from Netanyahu's media advisor yesterday said the Israeli Prime Minister spoke to three key international leaders, including Modi, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, and British Prime Minister Theresa May.&nbsp;

He discussed regional issues with the world leaders and also updated them on the important material that he revealed regarding the Iranian nuclear archive, the press release stated.

Netanyahu had earlier told the media that he would share the archive of more than 100,000 documents said to have been obtained by Israel's espionage agency Mossad from a Tehran warehouse, which allegedly proves Iran's past clandestine efforts to assemble nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

"The leaders of the E3, Britain, France, and Germany&nbsp;said they want to see the material. They're very interested in seeing what we discovered," Netanyahu told journalists in his Jerusalem office.&nbsp;

Intelligence professionals from London, Paris and Berlin are coming to Jerusalem later this week to examine the material Israel presented, he said.

The Israeli Premier spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to update them about the Mossad's findings on Monday.

"I told Putin that he's welcome, too, to see the material. I also invited the leader of China and [Yukiya] Amano (the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency)," Netanyahu said.

In a sensational presentation on Monday evening, Netanyahu showcased an enormous trove of Iranian documents that he said proved the existence of Iran's nuclear Project, Amad, which Tehran claimed to have frozen in 2003.

In a daring operation, Mossad agents are said to have managed to obtain and smuggle into Israel 55,000 paper documents and 183 CDs with another 55,000 documents from what looked like a "dilapidated warehouse" in Tehran earlier this year.

Israel has expressed hope that the "irrefutable findings" would help shore up international community's longstanding suspicion that the Islamic Republic was investing great efforts in building a nuclear weapon.

There has been speculation in the Israeli media that close ally United States will pull out of the Iranian nuclear deal on May 12 and impose sanctions against the Islamic Republic "based on the reactions coming from Washington on the proof gathered by Mossad".

Commenting on the expectations, Netanyahu gave a guarded response saying, "The decision is President Trump's decision alone. He's a leader who knows to take decisions, and he takes them".

Trump, a fervent critic of the seven-party agreement, has long threatened to walk away from the landmark deal unless its European signatories and Congress reconcile his concerns.

The US President is said to be unhappy about key aspects of the "insane" pact. He has complained that the deal fails to restrict Iran's nuclear activities for long enough and to stop the country's development of ballistic missiles.

A dramatic uptick in oil prices in recent weeks has partly been driven by mounting expectations that Trump will soon pull out of the 2015 accord.&nbsp;

The Iran nuclear deal framework was a preliminary framework agreement reached in 2015 between the Islamic Republic of Iran and a group of world powers - P5+1 (meaning the five permanent members of the UNSC and Germany) and the European Union.&nbsp;

Some critics have downplayed the claims by Israel and termed Netanyahu's press conference "theatrical" arguing that the existence of Iran's clandestine nuclear weapons programme was already known and detailed in an IAEA report from 2011.&nbsp;

Israeli officials have refuted such critics saying that the world now has much more detailed knowledge of what went on there with "evidence of a whole different level".&nbsp;

A statement from Netanyahu's media advisor yesterday said the Israeli Prime Minister spoke to three key international leaders including Modi

Drumming up international support for his call to "fix" or "nix" the Iran nuclear deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached out to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to update him on the recent developments. A statement from Netanyahu's media advisor yesterday said the Israeli Prime Minister spoke to three key international leaders, including Modi, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, and British Prime Minister Theresa May. He discussed regional issues with the world leaders and also updated them on the important material that he revealed regarding the Iranian nuclear archive, the press release stated. Netanyahu had earlier told the media that he would share the archive of more than 100,000 documents said to have been obtained by Israel's espionage agency Mossad from a Tehran warehouse, which allegedly proves Iran's past clandestine efforts to assemble nuclear weapons. "The leaders of the E3, Britain, France, and Germany said they want to see the material. They're very interested in seeing what we discovered," Netanyahu told journalists in his Jerusalem office. Intelligence professionals from London, Paris and Berlin are coming to Jerusalem later this week to examine the material Israel presented, he said. The Israeli Premier spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to update them about the Mossad's findings on Monday. "I told Putin that he's welcome, too, to see the material. I also invited the leader of China and [Yukiya] Amano (the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency)," Netanyahu said. In a sensational presentation on Monday evening, Netanyahu showcased an enormous trove of Iranian documents that he said proved the existence of Iran's nuclear Project, Amad, which Tehran claimed to have frozen in 2003. In a daring operation, Mossad agents are said to have managed to obtain and smuggle into Israel 55,000 paper documents and 183 CDs with another 55,000 documents from what looked like a "dilapidated warehouse" in Tehran earlier this year. Israel has expressed hope that the "irrefutable findings" would help shore up international community's longstanding suspicion that the Islamic Republic was investing great efforts in building a nuclear weapon. There has been speculation in the Israeli media that close ally United States will pull out of the Iranian nuclear deal on May 12 and impose sanctions against the Islamic Republic "based on the reactions coming from Washington on the proof gathered by Mossad". Commenting on the expectations, Netanyahu gave a guarded response saying, "The decision is President Trump's decision alone. He's a leader who knows to take decisions, and he takes them". Trump, a fervent critic of the seven-party agreement, has long threatened to walk away from the landmark deal unless its European signatories and Congress reconcile his concerns. The US President is said to be unhappy about key aspects of the "insane" pact. He has complained that the deal fails to restrict Iran's nuclear activities for long enough and to stop the country's development of ballistic missiles. A dramatic uptick in oil prices in recent weeks has partly been driven by mounting expectations that Trump will soon pull out of the 2015 accord. The Iran nuclear deal framework was a preliminary framework agreement reached in 2015 between the Islamic Republic of Iran and a group of world powers - P5+1 (meaning the five permanent members of the UNSC and Germany) and the European Union. Some critics have downplayed the claims by Israel and termed Netanyahu's press conference "theatrical" arguing that the existence of Iran's clandestine nuclear weapons programme was already known and detailed in an IAEA report from 2011. Israeli officials have refuted such critics saying that the world now has much more detailed knowledge of what went on there with "evidence of a whole different level".

Israeli PM Netanyahu briefs PM Modi on Iran's 'nuclear breaches'

Israel has withdrawn from a race for a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. According to a press statement by the Israeli mission to the United Nations, the State of Israel decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the UNSC after consulting its "partners and good friends".

"It was decided that we will continue to act with our allies to allow for Israel to realize its right for full participation and inclusion in decision-making processes at the UN," a Xinhua report quoted the statement.

The move will enable Belgium and Germany secure spots on the Security Council's elected seats reserved for Western Europe and other regions. Both the countries will still need to secure at least two-thirds of votes at the General Assembly elections next month.

If elected, Belgium and Germany will replace Netherlands and Sweden as UNSC non-permanent members.&nbsp;

United Nations' Security Council has 15 members in total -- five permanent and 10 non-permanent. The non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, five non-permanent members nations are replaced every year.

China, France, Russia, the UK, the United States are the permanent member nations on the UNSC. Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Sweden are the non-permanent members of the Council at present.&nbsp;

The move will enable Belgium and Germany secure spots on the Security Council's elected seats reserved for Western Europe and other regions

Israel has withdrawn from a race for a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. According to a press statement by the Israeli mission to the United Nations, the State of Israel decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the UNSC after consulting its "partners and good friends". "It was decided that we will continue to act with our allies to allow for Israel to realize its right for full participation and inclusion in decision-making processes at the UN," a Xinhua report quoted the statement. The move will enable Belgium and Germany secure spots on the Security Council's elected seats reserved for Western Europe and other regions. Both the countries will still need to secure at least two-thirds of votes at the General Assembly elections next month. If elected, Belgium and Germany will replace Netherlands and Sweden as UNSC non-permanent members. United Nations' Security Council has 15 members in total -- five permanent and 10 non-permanent. The non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, five non-permanent members nations are replaced every year. China, France, Russia, the UK, the United States are the permanent member nations on the UNSC. Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Sweden are the non-permanent members of the Council at present.

Israel pulls out of race for UN Security Council

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu lashed out at Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday morning following his speech in which he said that the Holocaust was the result of Jewish behavior and not anti-Semitism.&nbsp;

On Monday, Abbas addressed the Palestinian National Council in Ramallah, telling attendees that Jews had suffered historically not because of their religion but because they had served as bankers and money lenders.

Abbas'remarks on Holocaust have been under suspicion for a long time because of his academic work in which he gave space to an argument that disputed the death of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust, claiming that less than one million were killed.&nbsp;

“It would appear that, once a Holocaust denier, always a Holocaust denier,” Netanyahu said on Twitter.

“I call upon the international community to condemn the grave anti-Semitism of Abu Mazen (Abbas), which should have long since passed from this world.”

Abbas said in his speech that Jews living in Europe had suffered massacres “every 10 to 15 years in some country since the 11th century and until the Holocaust”.

Citing books written by various authors, Abbas argued: “They say hatred against Jews was not because of their religion, it was because of their social profession. So the Jewish issue that had spread against the Jews across Europe was not because of their religion, it was because of usury and banks.”

Jason Greenblatt, the US Special Representative for International Negotiations, also criticized Abbas’ remarks. Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely (Likud) said Abbas revealed his true nature when speaking in Arabic, rather than English.

Abbas’ spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah declined comment on the criticism.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On Monday, Abbas addressed the Palestinian National Council in Ramallah, telling attendees that Jews had suffered historically not because of their religion but because they had served as bankers and money lenders

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu lashed out at Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday morning following his speech in which he said that the Holocaust was the result of Jewish behavior and not anti-Semitism. On Monday, Abbas addressed the Palestinian National Council in Ramallah, telling attendees that Jews had suffered historically not because of their religion but because they had served as bankers and money lenders. Abbas'remarks on Holocaust have been under suspicion for a long time because of his academic work in which he gave space to an argument that disputed the death of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust, claiming that less than one million were killed. “It would appear that, once a Holocaust denier, always a Holocaust denier,” Netanyahu said on Twitter. “I call upon the international community to condemn the grave anti-Semitism of Abu Mazen (Abbas), which should have long since passed from this world.” Abbas said in his speech that Jews living in Europe had suffered massacres “every 10 to 15 years in some country since the 11th century and until the Holocaust”. Citing books written by various authors, Abbas argued: “They say hatred against Jews was not because of their religion, it was because of their social profession. So the Jewish issue that had spread against the Jews across Europe was not because of their religion, it was because of usury and banks.” Jason Greenblatt, the US Special Representative for International Negotiations, also criticized Abbas’ remarks. Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely (Likud) said Abbas revealed his true nature when speaking in Arabic, rather than English. Abbas’ spokesman Nabil Abu Rdainah declined comment on the criticism.

Netanyahu accuses Palestinian leader of Holocaust denial, anti-Semitism

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-accord-trump-hints-at-real-agreement-with-iran-133873">Nuclear accord: Trump hints at 'real agreement' with Iran</a>

Amid speculation US president will pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, Trump said doing so will send the right message ahead of talks with North Korea. "I think it sends the right message," Trump told reporters on whether it would send a wrong message to Kim's regime as the two nations get ready for summit talks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-postpones-steel-tariff-decision-for-canada-eu-mexico-133863">Trump postpones steel tariff decision for Canada, EU, Mexico</a>

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dominican-republic-establishes-ties-with-china-to-break-relations-with-taiwan-133869">Dominican</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dominican-republic-establishes-ties-with-china-to-break-relations-with-taiwan-133869"> Republic establishes ties with China, to break relations with Taiwan</a>

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said today that the Dominican Republic has signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties with the Communist state.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-envoys-meet-with-myanmar-leader-over-refugee-crisis-133870">UN envoys meet with Myanmar leader over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-envoys-meet-with-myanmar-leader-over-refugee-crisis-133870">refugee</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-envoys-meet-with-myanmar-leader-over-refugee-crisis-133870"> crisis</a>

Myanmar's government leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with United Nations Security Council envoys on Monday over the plight of nearly 700,000 mainly Rohingya Muslims who fled to Bangladesh amid a military crackdown, pledging to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended the meeting.

<a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal">Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures </a><a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal">US</a><a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal"> to scrap </a><a href="Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal">deal</a>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday stepped up pressure on the United States to pull out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, presenting what he called evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme in a prime-time address on Israeli TV.

Nuclear accord: Trump hints at 'real agreement' with Iran Amid speculation US president will pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, Trump said doing so will send the right message ahead of talks with North Korea. "I think it sends the right message," Trump told reporters on whether it would send a wrong message to Kim's regime as the two nations get ready for summit talks. Trump postpones steel tariff decision for Canada, EU, Mexico US President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday. Dominican Republic establishes ties with China, to break relations with Taiwan Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said today that the Dominican Republic has signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties with the Communist state. UN envoys meet with Myanmar leader over refugee crisis Myanmar's government leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with United Nations Security Council envoys on Monday over the plight of nearly 700,000 mainly Rohingya Muslims who fled to Bangladesh amid a military crackdown, pledging to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended the meeting. Netanyahu says Iran lied on nuclear arms, pressures US to scrap deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday stepped up pressure on the United States to pull out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, presenting what he called evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme in a prime-time address on Israeli TV.

Iran on Tuesday called Israel Prime Minister an "infamous liar" after his comments over Iran having secret nuclear weapons program that could increase pressure on the United States to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal.&nbsp;

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Benjamin Netanyahu's speech was a "repetition" of past accusations, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has already disproven.

Reports say that Netanyahu's comments were made in a bid to influence Trump's upcoming decision about the nuclear deal, but Tehran is ready for any scenario by Trump.&nbsp;

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Bahram Ghasemi, also criticises Netanyahu's "propaganda", adding that he did not have anything to offer except lies.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Netanyahu informed US&nbsp;President Donald Trump about evidence of a past secret Iranian nuclear arms programme in March, a senior Israeli official said, a move apparently aimed at killing an international deal with Tehran that both leaders oppose.

Trump agreed Israel would publish the information before May 12, the date by which he is due to decide whether the United States should quit the nuclear deal with Iran, an arch foe of both countries, the Israeli official said.

Netanyahu, on Monday, said that he has evidence that the Iran officials have been lying about the secret nuclear weapons program and that they have an "automative archive" at an unknown compound.&nbsp;

Intelligence experts and diplomats said Netanyahu's presentation, in a prime-time television presentation, did not seem to have a "smoking gun" showing a violation by Iran but it could strengthen the hand of advisers to US President Donald Trump who want to scrap the nuclear agreement.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the information showed that Iran's leaders lied to their people about a nuclear weapons program known as "Project Amad". But Pompeo declined to say whether the documents provided evidence of a violation of the nuclear deal.

Most of the purported evidence Netanyahu presented dated to the period before the 2015 accord was signed, although he said Iran had also kept important files on nuclear technology since then, and continued adding to its "nuclear weapons knowledge".

Pompeo said that while the existence of the Amad nuclear project was known for some time, the new material discovered by the Israelis will help better understand the scope and scale of the program.

He added that the documents make "very clear that at the very least the Iranians have continued to lie to their own people." Asked whether the information indicated a violation of the Iran nuclear agreement, Pompeo responded: "I'll leave that to lawyers. The president will ultimately have to make a determination about that too."

&nbsp;

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Benjamin Netanyahu's speech was a 'repetition' of past accusations, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has already disproven

Iran on Tuesday called Israel Prime Minister an "infamous liar" after his comments over Iran having secret nuclear weapons program that could increase pressure on the United States to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal. Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Benjamin Netanyahu's speech was a "repetition" of past accusations, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has already disproven. Reports say that Netanyahu's comments were made in a bid to influence Trump's upcoming decision about the nuclear deal, but Tehran is ready for any scenario by Trump. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Bahram Ghasemi, also criticises Netanyahu's "propaganda", adding that he did not have anything to offer except lies. Meanwhile, Netanyahu informed US President Donald Trump about evidence of a past secret Iranian nuclear arms programme in March, a senior Israeli official said, a move apparently aimed at killing an international deal with Tehran that both leaders oppose. Trump agreed Israel would publish the information before May 12, the date by which he is due to decide whether the United States should quit the nuclear deal with Iran, an arch foe of both countries, the Israeli official said. Netanyahu, on Monday, said that he has evidence that the Iran officials have been lying about the secret nuclear weapons program and that they have an "automative archive" at an unknown compound. Intelligence experts and diplomats said Netanyahu's presentation, in a prime-time television presentation, did not seem to have a "smoking gun" showing a violation by Iran but it could strengthen the hand of advisers to US President Donald Trump who want to scrap the nuclear agreement. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the information showed that Iran's leaders lied to their people about a nuclear weapons program known as "Project Amad". But Pompeo declined to say whether the documents provided evidence of a violation of the nuclear deal. Most of the purported evidence Netanyahu presented dated to the period before the 2015 accord was signed, although he said Iran had also kept important files on nuclear technology since then, and continued adding to its "nuclear weapons knowledge". Pompeo said that while the existence of the Amad nuclear project was known for some time, the new material discovered by the Israelis will help better understand the scope and scale of the program. He added that the documents make "very clear that at the very least the Iranians have continued to lie to their own people." Asked whether the information indicated a violation of the Iran nuclear agreement, Pompeo responded: "I'll leave that to lawyers. The president will ultimately have to make a determination about that too."

Iran: Netanyahu an 'infamous liar,' comments aimed at influencing Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make a televised announcement Monday evening (1700 GMT) in what his office said would be a "significant development" regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran.

The announcement will be made from Israel's military headquarters in Tel Aviv, according to a brief statement from Netanyahu's office.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make a statement on a significant development regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran," the statement said, offering no further details.

Netanyahu met on Sunday with new US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the two had spoken about Iran.

Speaking alongside the Israeli leader, Pompeo said in Tel Aviv: “We remain deeply concerned about Iran’s dangerous escalation of threats towards Israel and the region.”

Netanyahu had said: “I think the greatest threat to the world and to our two countries, and to all countries, is the marriage of militant Islam with nuclear weapons, and specifically the attempt of Iran to acquire nuclear weapons."

US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has threatened to withdraw from the 2015 agreement reached between Iran and global powers, which granted Tehran relief from economic sanctions in return for curbs to its nuclear programme.

Israel has long opposed the agreement. Washington's major European allies have urged theTrump&nbsp;administration not to abandon it and argue that Iran is abiding by its terms.

The announcement will be made from Israel's military headquarters in Tel Aviv, according to a brief statement from Netanyahu's office

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make a televised announcement Monday evening (1700 GMT) in what his office said would be a "significant development" regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran. The announcement will be made from Israel's military headquarters in Tel Aviv, according to a brief statement from Netanyahu's office. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make a statement on a significant development regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran," the statement said, offering no further details. Netanyahu met on Sunday with new US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the two had spoken about Iran. Speaking alongside the Israeli leader, Pompeo said in Tel Aviv: “We remain deeply concerned about Iran’s dangerous escalation of threats towards Israel and the region.” Netanyahu had said: “I think the greatest threat to the world and to our two countries, and to all countries, is the marriage of militant Islam with nuclear weapons, and specifically the attempt of Iran to acquire nuclear weapons." US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw from the 2015 agreement reached between Iran and global powers, which granted Tehran relief from economic sanctions in return for curbs to its nuclear programme. Israel has long opposed the agreement. Washington's major European allies have urged theTrump administration not to abandon it and argue that Iran is abiding by its terms.

Israel's Netanyahu to make 'significant' announcement on Iran nuclear agreement

The US and Israel have agreed to continue their close coordination on countering Iran's "malign influence" and destabilising activities, amid Saudi Arabia's change in position on the Jewish nation, the White House said.

US President Donald Trump called Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday and discussed the developments in the Middle East.

Trump's call comes amidst a statement from the Saudi Crown Prince who said Israel has a "right" to a homeland, a shift in Saudi Arabia's position.

"Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to address recent developments in the Middle East," the White House said in a readout of the call.

"President Trump reiterated the commitment of the United States to Israel's security and the two leaders agreed to continue their close coordination on countering Iran's malign influence and destabilising activities," the White House said.

Trump spoke earlier with King Salman of Saudi Arabia, who asked the President to promote the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and emphasised Saudi Arabia's support for the creation a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Trump and the Saudi king also discussed the situation in Yemen and Iran's activities across the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia and Israel still have no formal diplomatic relations, but improvements in their ties have accelerated in recent years.

Both countries see Iran as their biggest outside threat and the US as their key ally.

Prince Salman said he believes that each people, anywhere, has a right to live in their peaceful nation.

"I believe the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land. But we have to have a peace agreement to assure the stability for everyone and to have normal relations," he said.

Trump's call comes amidst a statement from the Saudi Crown Prince who said Israel has a "right" to a homeland, a shift in Saudi Arabia's position

The US and Israel have agreed to continue their close coordination on countering Iran's "malign influence" and destabilising activities, amid Saudi Arabia's change in position on the Jewish nation, the White House said. US President Donald Trump called Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday and discussed the developments in the Middle East. Trump's call comes amidst a statement from the Saudi Crown Prince who said Israel has a "right" to a homeland, a shift in Saudi Arabia's position. "Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to address recent developments in the Middle East," the White House said in a readout of the call. "President Trump reiterated the commitment of the United States to Israel's security and the two leaders agreed to continue their close coordination on countering Iran's malign influence and destabilising activities," the White House said. Trump spoke earlier with King Salman of Saudi Arabia, who asked the President to promote the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and emphasised Saudi Arabia's support for the creation a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Trump and the Saudi king also discussed the situation in Yemen and Iran's activities across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia and Israel still have no formal diplomatic relations, but improvements in their ties have accelerated in recent years. Both countries see Iran as their biggest outside threat and the US as their key ally. Prince Salman said he believes that each people, anywhere, has a right to live in their peaceful nation. "I believe the Palestinians and the Israelis have the right to have their own land. But we have to have a peace agreement to assure the stability for everyone and to have normal relations," he said.

Trump and Netanyahu confer over recent developments in Israel

Israel has suspended the agreement with the United Nations which allowed the deportation of African migrants in Germany, Canada, and Italy on Tuesday.

In a Facebook post, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will discuss the (deportation) deal with Israeli residents of south Tel Aviv. He added, "In the meantime, I am suspending the implementation of the agreement, and after meeting with the representatives I will re-examine the agreement again".

Netanyahu has taken a U-turn from his Monday's statement to a presser at the Prime Minister's office where he noted that for one or every migrant deported from Israel, one will be allowed to stay, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Later an agreement was signed between the Prime Minister's Office and the UN High Commission as per which Israel may deport around 16,250 migrants and grant temporary residency to an additional 16,000 who fulfil certain criteria to be ascertained through cooperation between Israel and the Commission.

In January, the Prime Minister had ordered thousands of African refugees to leave the country by April or face imprisonment. Following this, the United Nations had called on Israel to halt its policy of deporting over 33,000 Eritreans and Sudanese people. According to a UN estimate, there are nearly 27,000 Eritreans and 7,700 Sudanese people residing in Israel.&nbsp

In a Facebook post, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will discuss the (deportation) deal with Israeli residents of south Tel Aviv

Israel has suspended the agreement with the United Nations which allowed the deportation of African migrants in Germany, Canada, and Italy on Tuesday. In a Facebook post, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will discuss the (deportation) deal with Israeli residents of south Tel Aviv. He added, "In the meantime, I am suspending the implementation of the agreement, and after meeting with the representatives I will re-examine the agreement again". Netanyahu has taken a U-turn from his Monday's statement to a presser at the Prime Minister's office where he noted that for one or every migrant deported from Israel, one will be allowed to stay, according to The Jerusalem Post. Later an agreement was signed between the Prime Minister's Office and the UN High Commission as per which Israel may deport around 16,250 migrants and grant temporary residency to an additional 16,000 who fulfil certain criteria to be ascertained through cooperation between Israel and the Commission. In January, the Prime Minister had ordered thousands of African refugees to leave the country by April or face imprisonment. Following this, the United Nations had called on Israel to halt its policy of deporting over 33,000 Eritreans and Sudanese people. According to a UN estimate, there are nearly 27,000 Eritreans and 7,700 Sudanese people residing in Israel.

Netanyahu suspends UN agreement on African migrants deportation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today he was cancelling an agreement with the UN refugee agency on resettling thousands of African migrants after facing mounting pressure from his right-wing base.

Netanyahu had himself announced the agreement in a televised address yesterday afternoon, drawing immediate anger from right-wing politicians, including allies, and many of his traditional supporters.

He said in a late-night Facebook post yesterday he was suspending the agreement that would have allowed thousands of the migrants to remain in Israel at least temporarily.

Today, he said the deal was being cancelled after having held discussions on it.

He said in a late-night Facebook post yesterday he was suspending the agreement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today he was cancelling an agreement with the UN refugee agency on resettling thousands of African migrants after facing mounting pressure from his right-wing base. Netanyahu had himself announced the agreement in a televised address yesterday afternoon, drawing immediate anger from right-wing politicians, including allies, and many of his traditional supporters. He said in a late-night Facebook post yesterday he was suspending the agreement that would have allowed thousands of the migrants to remain in Israel at least temporarily. Today, he said the deal was being cancelled after having held discussions on it.

Israel cancelling deal with UN on African migrants: Netanyahu

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu a "terrorist" on Sunday, escalating an exchange of insults that started after he criticised Israel's lethal military response to a demonstration on the Gazan border.

Israel has defended the killing of 15 Palestinians during Friday's demonstration and Netanyahu tweeted that the Israeli army "will not be lectured by those who have indiscriminately bombed civilian populations for years", referring to Turkey.

Erdogan told supporters on Sunday: "We don't have the shame of invading on us, Netanyahu. You are an invader and right now are present in those lands as an invader. At the same time, you are a terrorist."

In another speech he said: "You are a terrorist state. It is known what you have done in Gaza and what you have done in Jerusalem. You have no one that likes you in the world."

In a later tweet, Netanyahu said: "Erdogan is not accustomed to being answered back to, but he should start getting used to it. He who occupies northern Cyprus, encroaches on Kurdish territory and massacres civilians in Afrin cannot preach to us on values and morals."

Israel's defence minister has rejected calls for an inquiry into Friday's events.

Hamas, the dominant Palestinian group in Gaza, said five of the dead were members of its armed wing. Israel said eight of the 15 belonged to Hamas, designated a terrorist group by Israel and the West, and two others came from other militant factions. 
&nbsp

Netanyahu tweeted that the Israeli army 'will not be lectured by those who have indiscriminately bombed civilian populations for years', referring to Turkey

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu a "terrorist" on Sunday, escalating an exchange of insults that started after he criticised Israel's lethal military response to a demonstration on the Gazan border. Israel has defended the killing of 15 Palestinians during Friday's demonstration and Netanyahu tweeted that the Israeli army "will not be lectured by those who have indiscriminately bombed civilian populations for years", referring to Turkey. Erdogan told supporters on Sunday: "We don't have the shame of invading on us, Netanyahu. You are an invader and right now are present in those lands as an invader. At the same time, you are a terrorist." In another speech he said: "You are a terrorist state. It is known what you have done in Gaza and what you have done in Jerusalem. You have no one that likes you in the world." In a later tweet, Netanyahu said: "Erdogan is not accustomed to being answered back to, but he should start getting used to it. He who occupies northern Cyprus, encroaches on Kurdish territory and massacres civilians in Afrin cannot preach to us on values and morals." Israel's defence minister has rejected calls for an inquiry into Friday's events. Hamas, the dominant Palestinian group in Gaza, said five of the dead were members of its armed wing. Israel said eight of the 15 belonged to Hamas, designated a terrorist group by Israel and the West, and two others came from other militant factions.

Erdogan calls Netanyahu 'terrorist' as  insults fly after Gaza deaths

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has showered praises on the Israeli troops, a day after they were accused of killing at least 16 Palestinian protesters at the border with Gaza.

Netanyahu thanked his troops for "guarding the country`s borders" and allowing "Israeli citizens to celebrate the [Passover] holiday peacefully".

"Well done to our soldiers. Israel acts vigorously and with determination to protect its sovereignty and the security of its citizens," Netanyahu wrote on Twitter.

At least 16 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,400 others wounded in confrontations with the Israeli forces as scores of them marched towards the fence that separates Gaza from Israel at the start of a six-week protest.

The Israeli military had apparently resorted to the usage of rubber bullets, tear gas and live rounds.

Thousands of Palestinians were "rioting throughout the Gaza Strip, rolling burning tires and hurling stones at the security fence and at IDF troops, who are responding with riot dispersal means and firing towards main instigators", The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

According to Al Jazeera, Palestinian rights group Adalah said the Israeli army on Saturday "accidentally" took responsibility for the attacks on Palestinian protesters.

According to the group, the Israeli army deleted post from their official Twitter page.According to the group, the Palestinian rights group shared a screenshot of the post, which read,"Yesterday we saw 30,000 people we arrived prepared and with precise reinforcements.

Nothing was carried out uncontrolled everything was accurate and measured, and we know where every bullet landed.

"A slew of Palestinian protesters marched in Gaza along the fence in what is being labelled as the Great March of Return.&nbsp;Condemning the incident UN chief Antonio Guterres asked for an "independent and transparent investigation." European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini asked for the same into the use of live ammunition by Israel`s military.&nbsp;

'Israel acts vigorously and with determination to protect its sovereignty and the security of its citizens,' Netanyahu wrote on Twitter

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has showered praises on the Israeli troops, a day after they were accused of killing at least 16 Palestinian protesters at the border with Gaza. Netanyahu thanked his troops for "guarding the country`s borders" and allowing "Israeli citizens to celebrate the [Passover] holiday peacefully". "Well done to our soldiers. Israel acts vigorously and with determination to protect its sovereignty and the security of its citizens," Netanyahu wrote on Twitter. At least 16 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,400 others wounded in confrontations with the Israeli forces as scores of them marched towards the fence that separates Gaza from Israel at the start of a six-week protest. The Israeli military had apparently resorted to the usage of rubber bullets, tear gas and live rounds. Thousands of Palestinians were "rioting throughout the Gaza Strip, rolling burning tires and hurling stones at the security fence and at IDF troops, who are responding with riot dispersal means and firing towards main instigators", The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. According to Al Jazeera, Palestinian rights group Adalah said the Israeli army on Saturday "accidentally" took responsibility for the attacks on Palestinian protesters. According to the group, the Israeli army deleted post from their official Twitter page.According to the group, the Palestinian rights group shared a screenshot of the post, which read,"Yesterday we saw 30,000 people we arrived prepared and with precise reinforcements. Nothing was carried out uncontrolled everything was accurate and measured, and we know where every bullet landed. "A slew of Palestinian protesters marched in Gaza along the fence in what is being labelled as the Great March of Return. Condemning the incident UN chief Antonio Guterres asked for an "independent and transparent investigation." European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini asked for the same into the use of live ammunition by Israel`s military.

'Well done to our soldiers,' Netanyahu says after Israel kills 16 Palestinian protesters

In an ongoing corruption case, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be questioned, the police confirmed on Sunday. Netanyahu's wife and son will also be a part of the investigation along with the former chairman of Israel's largest telecom company and his wife.

Netanyahu figures at the centre of a major bribery case along with four other accused. Dubbed as "case 4000", &nbsp;the matter involves Bezeq telecom company's former chairman Shaul Elovitch. Elovitch is accused&nbsp;of receiving regulatory and financial benefits in return for positive coverage for Netanyahu in a news site.

The Prime Minister will be questioned at the prime minister's official residence in Jerusalem. Other accused will be investigated in Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu and his wife will be questioned for the second time in relation to the "case 4000."

The Prime Minister and his associate are reported to have been entangled in at least four corruption investigations over the past months.

Netanyahu figures at the centre of a major bribery case along with four other accused

In an ongoing corruption case, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be questioned, the police confirmed on Sunday. Netanyahu's wife and son will also be a part of the investigation along with the former chairman of Israel's largest telecom company and his wife. Netanyahu figures at the centre of a major bribery case along with four other accused. Dubbed as "case 4000", the matter involves Bezeq telecom company's former chairman Shaul Elovitch. Elovitch is accused of receiving regulatory and financial benefits in return for positive coverage for Netanyahu in a news site. The Prime Minister will be questioned at the prime minister's official residence in Jerusalem. Other accused will be investigated in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu and his wife will be questioned for the second time in relation to the "case 4000." The Prime Minister and his associate are reported to have been entangled in at least four corruption investigations over the past months.

Israel PM Netanyahu, family to be questioned under 'case 4000'

&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Saudi Arabia had granted&nbsp;Air&nbsp;India&nbsp;permission to fly over its territory on its new routes to and from Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu made the announcement during a briefing in Washington to Israeli reporters after he had met US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

India&#39;s national carrier Air India is scheduled to begin its direct flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv in few weeks from now.

Such a permission by Saudi Arabia would reduce the air travel time from New Delhi to Tel Aviv by Air India from about eight hours to five and a half hours, Netanyahu said.

Interacting with reporters after his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Netanyahu said that Air India has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia over the matter.

&quot;Air India signed an agreement today to fly to Israel over Saudi Arabia,&quot; Netanyahu said.

Saudi Arabia does not recognise Israel and lifting the 70-year-old&nbsp;airspace ban would reflect what appears to be thawing ties between Israel and the kingdom, both U.S. allies with a shared concern over Iranian influence in the region.

Last month,&nbsp;Air&nbsp;India&nbsp;announced the planned thrice-weekly flights to Tel Aviv over Saudi soil, but the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Riyadh said at the time it had not granted such permission to the carrier.

El Al Israel&nbsp;Airlines, the country&#39;s flag carrier, flies four weekly flights to Mumbai. These take seven hours as they fly south toward Ethiopia and then east to&nbsp;India, avoiding Saudi&nbsp;airspace. Israel media have said that Saudi overflight routes could reduce travel time by more than two hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's national carrier Air India is scheduled to begin its direct flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv in few weeks from now.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Saudi Arabia had granted Air India permission to fly over its territory on its new routes to and from Tel Aviv. Netanyahu made the announcement during a briefing in Washington to Israeli reporters after he had met US President Donald Trump. India's national carrier Air India is scheduled to begin its direct flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv in few weeks from now. Such a permission by Saudi Arabia would reduce the air travel time from New Delhi to Tel Aviv by Air India from about eight hours to five and a half hours, Netanyahu said. Interacting with reporters after his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Netanyahu said that Air India has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia over the matter. "Air India signed an agreement today to fly to Israel over Saudi Arabia," Netanyahu said. Saudi Arabia does not recognise Israel and lifting the 70-year-old airspace ban would reflect what appears to be thawing ties between Israel and the kingdom, both U.S. allies with a shared concern over Iranian influence in the region. Last month, Air India announced the planned thrice-weekly flights to Tel Aviv over Saudi soil, but the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Riyadh said at the time it had not granted such permission to the carrier. El Al Israel Airlines, the country's flag carrier, flies four weekly flights to Mumbai. These take seven hours as they fly south toward Ethiopia and then east to India, avoiding Saudi airspace. Israel media have said that Saudi overflight routes could reduce travel time by more than two hours. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi gives Air India overflight rights for its Israel routes: Netanyahu

Israeli police questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday for the first time in a corruption case that involves the country&#39;s largest telecommunications company, Israel Radio said.&nbsp;

Along with two other corruption cases, in which Netanyahu is suspected of bribery, the probes announced in February pose a serious threat to the four-term prime minister&#39;s political survival. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing in all the cases.&nbsp;

In the newest investigation, known as Case 4000, police allege that the owners of Bezeq Israel Telecom provided favourable coverage of Netanyahu and his wife on a news website they controlled in return for favours from communications regulators.

The company has denied wrongdoing.

A police spokesman declined to comment on the report that the prime minister was questioned. A Reuters cameraman saw a vehicle carrying two police officers pull into the prime minister&#39;s official residence on Friday morning.

Netanyahu&#39;s wife Sara was also questioned at the same time as her husband, at a police station near Tel Aviv, her lawyer told Reuters. Sara Netanyahu&#39;s interview took place under caution that she might be named as a suspect, the lawyer said.

Israeli media said the controlling shareholder of Bezeq Telecom, Shaul Elovitch, and Nir Hefetz, a former Netanyahu spokesman, were also being questioned. They are both in custody and have denied wrongdoing.&nbsp;

A representative for Elovitch had no immediate comment and Hefetz&#39;s lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.

Shlomo Filber, a confidant of Netanyahu and former director general of the Communications Ministry, has also been arrested in connection with the case. Israeli media have reported that he has agreed to turn state&#39;s witness.&nbsp;

Government stable&nbsp;

About 70 protesters gathered outside the prime minister&#39;s residence, demanding he step down.

&quot;We want to see Netanyahu go to trial and, if needed, go to jail or go home. Let our people go free from all the corruption surrounding the government and the head of it,&quot; said Shimrit Orr, 72, a writer, from Tel Aviv.

Some cars beeped their horns in support as they drove by.

&quot;A prime minister under investigation cannot, and may not, take crucial decisions,&rdquo; said Shuki Cohen, 63, an economist from Moshav Arugot.

The right-wing prime minister has been Israel&#39;s dominant political figure for a generation, in power since 2009 and for 12 years in total since 1996. He calls the allegations against him a &quot;witch hunt&quot; and has said he will seek a fifth term in an election due in late 2019.

Police recommended in February that Netanyahu be indicted in two other corruption investigations. The attorney-general must determine whether to accept the police recommendation to charge him. The final decision on both cases could take months.

In one, known as Case 1000, he is suspected of bribery over gifts, which police say were worth nearly $300,000, that he received from wealthy businessmen.&nbsp;

The other, Case 2000, involves an alleged plot to win positive coverage in Israel&#39;s biggest newspaper by offering to take measures to curtail the circulation of a rival daily.

So far, partners in Netanyahu&#39;s governing coalition have stood by him, saying they are awaiting the attorney-general&#39;s next moves. Political analysts say such support could erode if the investigations against Netanyahu intensify.

Netanyahu could also call a snap election to try to stall legal proceedings during the campaign and rally his right-wing power base behind him.

Recent polls show that about half of Israelis believe the police over Netanyahu and think he should step down. A third think he should remain in office. 
&nbsp;

Along with two other corruption cases, in which Netanyahu is suspected of bribery, the probes announced in February pose a serious threat to the four-term prime minister's political survival

Israeli police questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday for the first time in a corruption case that involves the country's largest telecommunications company, Israel Radio said. Along with two other corruption cases, in which Netanyahu is suspected of bribery, the probes announced in February pose a serious threat to the four-term prime minister's political survival. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing in all the cases. In the newest investigation, known as Case 4000, police allege that the owners of Bezeq Israel Telecom provided favourable coverage of Netanyahu and his wife on a news website they controlled in return for favours from communications regulators. The company has denied wrongdoing. A police spokesman declined to comment on the report that the prime minister was questioned. A Reuters cameraman saw a vehicle carrying two police officers pull into the prime minister's official residence on Friday morning. Netanyahu's wife Sara was also questioned at the same time as her husband, at a police station near Tel Aviv, her lawyer told Reuters. Sara Netanyahu's interview took place under caution that she might be named as a suspect, the lawyer said. Israeli media said the controlling shareholder of Bezeq Telecom, Shaul Elovitch, and Nir Hefetz, a former Netanyahu spokesman, were also being questioned. They are both in custody and have denied wrongdoing. A representative for Elovitch had no immediate comment and Hefetz's lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. Shlomo Filber, a confidant of Netanyahu and former director general of the Communications Ministry, has also been arrested in connection with the case. Israeli media have reported that he has agreed to turn state's witness. Government stable About 70 protesters gathered outside the prime minister's residence, demanding he step down. "We want to see Netanyahu go to trial and, if needed, go to jail or go home. Let our people go free from all the corruption surrounding the government and the head of it," said Shimrit Orr, 72, a writer, from Tel Aviv. Some cars beeped their horns in support as they drove by. "A prime minister under investigation cannot, and may not, take crucial decisions,” said Shuki Cohen, 63, an economist from Moshav Arugot. The right-wing prime minister has been Israel's dominant political figure for a generation, in power since 2009 and for 12 years in total since 1996. He calls the allegations against him a "witch hunt" and has said he will seek a fifth term in an election due in late 2019. Police recommended in February that Netanyahu be indicted in two other corruption investigations. The attorney-general must determine whether to accept the police recommendation to charge him. The final decision on both cases could take months. In one, known as Case 1000, he is suspected of bribery over gifts, which police say were worth nearly $300,000, that he received from wealthy businessmen. The other, Case 2000, involves an alleged plot to win positive coverage in Israel's biggest newspaper by offering to take measures to curtail the circulation of a rival daily. So far, partners in Netanyahu's governing coalition have stood by him, saying they are awaiting the attorney-general's next moves. Political analysts say such support could erode if the investigations against Netanyahu intensify. Netanyahu could also call a snap election to try to stall legal proceedings during the campaign and rally his right-wing power base behind him. Recent polls show that about half of Israelis believe the police over Netanyahu and think he should step down. A third think he should remain in office.

Israeli police question Netanyahu in telecoms corruption case

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-cross-broder-firing-pakistan-summons-indias-deputy-high-commissioner-34495">Amid cross-border firing, Pakistan summons India&#39;s deputy high commissioner</a> 
Pakistan today summoned India&#39;s deputy high commissioner J P Singh for the second consecutive day over &nbsp;&quot;unprovoked firing by Indian troops&quot; along the Line of Control(LoC).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-police-question-netanyahu-in-telecoms-corruption-case-34500">Israeli police question Netanyahu in telecoms corruption case</a> 
Israeli police questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday for the first time in a corruption case that involves the country&#39;s largest telecommunications company, Israel Radio said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-regime-must-be-held-accountable-for-ghouta-attacks-merkel-trump-34497">Syrian regime must be held accountable for Ghouta attacks: Merkel, Trump</a> 
The two leaders noted on Friday that Bashar al-Assad&#39;s regime must be held accountable for the humanitarian crisis in the rebel-held enclave

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ranveer-singh-is-killing-it-with-pharrell-williams-at-his-holi-party-we-have-proof-34496">Ranveer Singh is killing it with Pharrell Williams at his Holi party, we have proof!</a> 
Ranveer Singh had earlier shared a photo on Instagram that read: &#39;Join Pharrell in India. Streaming live from the Holi festival hosted by Ranveer Singh&#39;. The post goes on to reveal that the party will take place on March 2, 2018, starting from 6 pm and the best part if you have noticed, is that it be live for all of us to watch!

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-pak-boys-yorkers-impresses-wasim-akram-video-goes-viral-34502">Watch: &#39;Who is this boy,&#39; asks Wasim Akram, video goes viral</a> 
The boy with left-handed bowling action is seen in the video bowling with such pace and venom that even Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram couldn&#39;t resist

Amid cross-border firing, Pakistan summons India's deputy high commissioner Pakistan today summoned India's deputy high commissioner J P Singh for the second consecutive day over "unprovoked firing by Indian troops" along the Line of Control(LoC). Israeli police question Netanyahu in telecoms corruption case Israeli police questioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday for the first time in a corruption case that involves the country's largest telecommunications company, Israel Radio said. Syrian regime must be held accountable for Ghouta attacks: Merkel, Trump The two leaders noted on Friday that Bashar al-Assad's regime must be held accountable for the humanitarian crisis in the rebel-held enclave Ranveer Singh is killing it with Pharrell Williams at his Holi party, we have proof! Ranveer Singh had earlier shared a photo on Instagram that read: 'Join Pharrell in India. Streaming live from the Holi festival hosted by Ranveer Singh'. The post goes on to reveal that the party will take place on March 2, 2018, starting from 6 pm and the best part if you have noticed, is that it be live for all of us to watch! Watch: 'Who is this boy,' asks Wasim Akram, video goes viral The boy with left-handed bowling action is seen in the video bowling with such pace and venom that even Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram couldn't resist

WION Evening News Brief, March 2, 2018

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in contact with the US&nbsp;Administration and will respond if and when an American announcement is made on the planned US&nbsp;Embassy move to Jerusalem, an Israeli government source said on Friday.

A US&nbsp;official told Reuters that the United States was expected to open its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem in May. President Donald Trump announced last year that the US&nbsp;recognised Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, setting in motion the move of the embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump announced last year that the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, infuriating even Washington&#39;s Arab allies and dismaying Palestinians who want the eastern part of the city as their capital.

A May opening appears to represent an earlier time frame than what had been expected. While speaking in the Israeli parliament last month, US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence said the move would take place by the end of 2019.&nbsp;

The opening will coincide with the 70th anniversary of Israel&#39;s founding, said the US&nbsp;official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The United States is expected to open its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem in May

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in contact with the US Administration and will respond if and when an American announcement is made on the planned US Embassy move to Jerusalem, an Israeli government source said on Friday. A US official told Reuters that the United States was expected to open its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem in May. President Donald Trump announced last year that the US recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital, setting in motion the move of the embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. US President Donald Trump announced last year that the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, infuriating even Washington's Arab allies and dismaying Palestinians who want the eastern part of the city as their capital. A May opening appears to represent an earlier time frame than what had been expected. While speaking in the Israeli parliament last month, US Vice President Mike Pence said the move would take place by the end of 2019. The opening will coincide with the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding, said the US official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

I will respond if and when US Embassy announcement is made: Netanhayu

One of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s closest confidants has agreed to testify against him in a graft probe in a fresh blow to his long tenure in power, Israeli media reported Wednesday.

Two new corruption investigations announced this week, hot on the heels of a police recommendation that Netanyahu face charges in two other cases, have fuelled growing speculation he could call an early election.

Shlomo Filber, a Netanyahu ally for more than 20 years and a former communications ministry director general, is expected to agree to turn state witness in exchange for avoiding jail, Israeli media reported.

Police did not confirm any deal.

Filber was arrested on Sunday over allegations the owner of Israeli telecommunications giant Bezeq gave Netanyahu positive coverage on his Walla news site in exchange for policies benefiting the business.

Filber is suspected of mediating between Netanyahu and Elovitch and promoting regulatory changes worth millions to Bezeq.

The prime minister himself has not been named as a suspect in the investigation.

In another case announced this week, two Netanyahu allies are alleged to have offered a judge promotion in exchange for dropping a case against the premier&#39;s wife.

The two men have been identified as Nir Hefetz and Eli Kamir, both former media advisers for the Netanyahu family.

Their alleged offer was to Hila Gerstel, a judge involved in a graft probe into Sara Netanyahu over alleged misuse of public funds.

Last week, police said there were grounds to indict the prime minister himself in two other cases for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust.

Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected all the allegations and released a new video on his Facebook page late Tuesday strongly denying any wrongdoing.

He is due to address American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem later on Wednesday.

While Netanyahu&#39;s coalition partners have so far said they will stand by him, Israeli media speculated he might call an early election.

Under the headline &quot;The smell of elections&quot;, the pro-Netanyahu newspaper Israel Hayom published a poll suggesting he might even increase his support in parliament despite the allegations hanging over him.

Netanyahu&#39;s right-wing Likud party currently holds 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, but that could rise to 34 if an election were called today, the poll found. 
&nbsp;

The prime minister himself has not been named as a suspect in the investigation

One of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's closest confidants has agreed to testify against him in a graft probe in a fresh blow to his long tenure in power, Israeli media reported Wednesday. Two new corruption investigations announced this week, hot on the heels of a police recommendation that Netanyahu face charges in two other cases, have fuelled growing speculation he could call an early election. Shlomo Filber, a Netanyahu ally for more than 20 years and a former communications ministry director general, is expected to agree to turn state witness in exchange for avoiding jail, Israeli media reported. Police did not confirm any deal. Filber was arrested on Sunday over allegations the owner of Israeli telecommunications giant Bezeq gave Netanyahu positive coverage on his Walla news site in exchange for policies benefiting the business. Filber is suspected of mediating between Netanyahu and Elovitch and promoting regulatory changes worth millions to Bezeq. The prime minister himself has not been named as a suspect in the investigation. In another case announced this week, two Netanyahu allies are alleged to have offered a judge promotion in exchange for dropping a case against the premier's wife. The two men have been identified as Nir Hefetz and Eli Kamir, both former media advisers for the Netanyahu family. Their alleged offer was to Hila Gerstel, a judge involved in a graft probe into Sara Netanyahu over alleged misuse of public funds. Last week, police said there were grounds to indict the prime minister himself in two other cases for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected all the allegations and released a new video on his Facebook page late Tuesday strongly denying any wrongdoing. He is due to address American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem later on Wednesday. While Netanyahu's coalition partners have so far said they will stand by him, Israeli media speculated he might call an early election. Under the headline "The smell of elections", the pro-Netanyahu newspaper Israel Hayom published a poll suggesting he might even increase his support in parliament despite the allegations hanging over him. Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party currently holds 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, but that could rise to 34 if an election were called today, the poll found.

Netanyahu confidant agrees to testify against him: Reports

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

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

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

Netanyahu's associates named as suspects in new corruption probe

Justin Trudeau is in India on a seven-day state visit but nobody will blame you if you haven&#39;t yet noticed.&nbsp;

The Canadian Prime Minister flew into India with his wife and three children on Saturday and he has a fairly bulky -- if light on substance -- itinerary but the very popular Trudeau has been little more than a blip on the Indian media scene.&nbsp;

On Monday, Trudeau did all the things one usually does in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;

He visited Mahatma Gandhi&#39;s Sabarmati Ashram, the Akshardham Temple, and will at 3 pm participate in an armchair discussion on education and investment opportunities at the Indian Institute of Management.&nbsp;

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Candian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustinTrudeau?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustinTrudeau</a> along with his wife Sophie and children Xavier, Hadrien &amp; Ella-Grace at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. <a href="https://t.co/GfuuuCUZ7t">pic.twitter.com/GfuuuCUZ7t</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965469168345763840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, the Trudeau family had visited the Taj Mahal:&nbsp;&nbsp;

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I was about Xav&#39;s age when I first visited the Taj Mahal almost 35 years ago... and it&#39;s amazing to be back with him &amp; the family on Day 1 of our trip to India. <a href="https://t.co/EN6VnkYBU2">pic.twitter.com/EN6VnkYBU2</a>
&mdash; Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/965241885903040512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Which is all well and good -- these are the sort of things visiting state leaders usually do. The only difference is they are usually closely accompanied by an Indian bigwig.&nbsp;

Remember Modi and Netanyahu?&nbsp;Even Modi and China&#39;s Xi, sitting on a jhoola in Ahmedabad?&nbsp;

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Modi and Xi in Ahmedabad. (Twitter)
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Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/can-trudeau-and-modi-hit-it-off-trudeau-family-shares-modis-passion-for-yoga-8453" target="_blank">Can Trudeau and Modi hit it off?</a>

When Netanyahu visited the Taj, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had shown him around the eternal monument to love.&nbsp;

Modi had also received Netanyahu personally at the airport. He was of course only returning the favour; the Israeli PM had done the same for Modi when he visited Israel in July 2017.&nbsp;

When Trudeau arrived in Delhi however, he was met by minister of state for agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat:&nbsp;

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The message is clear at the airport : India sent minister of state for agriculture to invite Trudeau . That&rsquo;s like a parl sec in Canada ! Don&rsquo;t think anyone so junior ever been sent to ANY foreign leader ! Wow. That&rsquo;s how bad Canada -India relations are now . <a href="https://t.co/kIOQILcRNk">pic.twitter.com/kIOQILcRNk</a>
&mdash; Vijay Sappani (@VJsapps) <a href="https://twitter.com/VJsapps/status/964885451197722625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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News outlets have been quick to pick up the &quot;snub&quot;, blaming it on Trudeau appointing Canadian Sikh leaders with links to the separatist Khalistan movement to his cabinet.&nbsp;

Trudeau has reportedly also said the Sikh leaders are entitled to support independence for Khalistan.&nbsp;

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On official state visits to India, PM Modi personally greets and welcomes the Israeli PM, UAE Crown Prince and US President. For PM Trudeau, he sends a low-ranking official. &ldquo;Canada is back&rdquo; <a href="https://t.co/ezsMtFTPzr">pic.twitter.com/ezsMtFTPzr</a>
&mdash; Candice Malcolm (@CandiceMalcolm) <a href="https://twitter.com/CandiceMalcolm/status/964970680142897152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The government however has been quick to deny the reports of a snub, with news reports quoting sources in the government as saying the prime minister cannot possibly personally accompany every single visiting head of state.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

News reports quoted sources in the government as saying Prime Minister Modi cannot personally accompany every visiting head of state

Justin Trudeau is in India on a seven-day state visit but nobody will blame you if you haven't yet noticed. The Canadian Prime Minister flew into India with his wife and three children on Saturday and he has a fairly bulky -- if light on substance -- itinerary but the very popular Trudeau has been little more than a blip on the Indian media scene. On Monday, Trudeau did all the things one usually does in Ahmedabad. He visited Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram, the Akshardham Temple, and will at 3 pm participate in an armchair discussion on education and investment opportunities at the Indian Institute of Management. Candian PM #JustinTrudeau along with his wife Sophie and children Xavier, Hadrien & Ella-Grace at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/GfuuuCUZ7t — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2018 × On Sunday, the Trudeau family had visited the Taj Mahal: I was about Xav's age when I first visited the Taj Mahal almost 35 years ago... and it's amazing to be back with him & the family on Day 1 of our trip to India. pic.twitter.com/EN6VnkYBU2 — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 18, 2018 × Which is all well and good -- these are the sort of things visiting state leaders usually do. The only difference is they are usually closely accompanied by an Indian bigwig. Remember Modi and Netanyahu? Even Modi and China's Xi, sitting on a jhoola in Ahmedabad? Modi and Xi in Ahmedabad. (Twitter) × Also watch: Can Trudeau and Modi hit it off? When Netanyahu visited the Taj, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had shown him around the eternal monument to love. Modi had also received Netanyahu personally at the airport. He was of course only returning the favour; the Israeli PM had done the same for Modi when he visited Israel in July 2017. When Trudeau arrived in Delhi however, he was met by minister of state for agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: The message is clear at the airport : India sent minister of state for agriculture to invite Trudeau . That’s like a parl sec in Canada ! Don’t think anyone so junior ever been sent to ANY foreign leader ! Wow. That’s how bad Canada -India relations are now . pic.twitter.com/kIOQILcRNk — Vijay Sappani (@VJsapps) February 17, 2018 × News outlets have been quick to pick up the "snub", blaming it on Trudeau appointing Canadian Sikh leaders with links to the separatist Khalistan movement to his cabinet. Trudeau has reportedly also said the Sikh leaders are entitled to support independence for Khalistan. On official state visits to India, PM Modi personally greets and welcomes the Israeli PM, UAE Crown Prince and US President. For PM Trudeau, he sends a low-ranking official. “Canada is back” pic.twitter.com/ezsMtFTPzr — Candice Malcolm (@CandiceMalcolm) February 17, 2018 × The government however has been quick to deny the reports of a snub, with news reports quoting sources in the government as saying the prime minister cannot possibly personally accompany every single visiting head of state.

Canada seems to think India is snubbing Trudeau, govt says no

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel would act against Iran, not just its allies in the Middle East, if needed, reiterating that Tehran was the world&#39;s greatest threat.

Holding a piece of what he said was an Iranian drone after its incursion into Israeli airspace earlier this month, Netanyahu told the Munich Security Conference: &quot;Israel will not allow the regime to put a noose of terror around our neck.

&quot;We will act if necessary not just against Iran&#39;s proxies but against Iran itself,&quot; he said.

Addressing the Munich event for the first time, Netanyahu urged gathered U.S. and European officials and diplomats to counter Iran immediately, displaying a map showing what he said was Iran&#39;s growing presence in the Middle East.

He said Iran was increasing its power as the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria regains territory from militants.

&quot;The unfortunate thing is that as ISIS compresses and Iran moves in, it is trying to establish this continuous empire surrounding the Middle East from the south in Yemen but also trying to create a land bridge from Iran to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Gaza,&quot; Netanyahu said.

&quot;This is a very dangerous development for our region.&quot;

Tensions surged on Feb. 10 when anti-aircraft fire downed an Israeli warplane returning from a bombing raid on Iran-backed positions in Syria.

That was the most serious confrontation yet between Israel and Iranian-backed forces based across the border.

Holding a piece of what he said was an Iranian drone after its incursion into Israeli airspace earlier this month, Netanyahu told the Munich Security Conference: "Israel will not allow the regime to put a noose of terror around our neck.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel would act against Iran, not just its allies in the Middle East, if needed, reiterating that Tehran was the world's greatest threat. Holding a piece of what he said was an Iranian drone after its incursion into Israeli airspace earlier this month, Netanyahu told the Munich Security Conference: "Israel will not allow the regime to put a noose of terror around our neck. "We will act if necessary not just against Iran's proxies but against Iran itself," he said. Addressing the Munich event for the first time, Netanyahu urged gathered U.S. and European officials and diplomats to counter Iran immediately, displaying a map showing what he said was Iran's growing presence in the Middle East. He said Iran was increasing its power as the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria regains territory from militants. "The unfortunate thing is that as ISIS compresses and Iran moves in, it is trying to establish this continuous empire surrounding the Middle East from the south in Yemen but also trying to create a land bridge from Iran to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Gaza," Netanyahu said. "This is a very dangerous development for our region." Tensions surged on Feb. 10 when anti-aircraft fire downed an Israeli warplane returning from a bombing raid on Iran-backed positions in Syria. That was the most serious confrontation yet between Israel and Iranian-backed forces based across the border.

Benjamin Netanyahu could act against Iran's 'empire'

Israeli demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv on Friday to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign after police recommended he be charged with bribery in two corruption cases.

Police said on Tuesday enough evidence had been found for Netanyahu to be charged, saddling the four-term premier with one of the biggest challenges to his long dominance of Israeli politics.

Netanyahu, 68, denies wrongdoing in both cases and has said nothing will come of the police investigations. It is now up to the attorney general to determine whether to press charges against him.

Around 1,000-2,000 protesters rallied in a Tel Aviv square, some with signs saying &quot;crooks go home&quot; and &quot;crime minister&quot;.

&quot;We think the prime minister should immediately disqualify himself and resign,&quot; said Shlomit Bar, 63, a retired music teacher. &quot;He cannot be any longer the prime minister of Israel.&quot;

There is no strict legal obligation for a prime minister to step down over such a case unless he is convicted in court. The right-wing Netanyahu&#39;s governing coalition appears stable for the time being after key partners said they will wait until the attorney general&#39;s decision.

&quot;From a moral standpoint, this is a disgrace to the state of Israel, where a prime minister is suspected of such serious crimes,&quot; said Oren Simon, one of the protesters. &quot;He should go home. Enough.&quot;

A poll published on Wednesday showed almost half of Israel&#39;s electorate believe the police rather than Netanyahu.

The poll, aired on the Israeli commercial television channel Reshet, said 49 percent of respondents sided with the police&#39;s version that Netanyahu had acted improperly. Twenty-five percent said they believed Netanyahu. The remainder, 26 percent, said they did not know whom to believe.

Forty-nine percent said he should stay in office, and 43 percent that he should suspend himself.

The first case in which Netanyahu is a suspect involves receiving gifts, including cigars, champagne and jewellery, from businessmen. The second involves discussing a deal with the publisher of Israel&#39;s best-selling newspaper for better coverage in return for curbs on a rival newspaper.

Police said on Tuesday enough evidence had been found for Netanyahu to be charged, saddling the four-term premier with one of the biggest challenges to his long dominance of Israeli politics

Israeli demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv on Friday to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign after police recommended he be charged with bribery in two corruption cases. Police said on Tuesday enough evidence had been found for Netanyahu to be charged, saddling the four-term premier with one of the biggest challenges to his long dominance of Israeli politics. Netanyahu, 68, denies wrongdoing in both cases and has said nothing will come of the police investigations. It is now up to the attorney general to determine whether to press charges against him. Around 1,000-2,000 protesters rallied in a Tel Aviv square, some with signs saying "crooks go home" and "crime minister". "We think the prime minister should immediately disqualify himself and resign," said Shlomit Bar, 63, a retired music teacher. "He cannot be any longer the prime minister of Israel." There is no strict legal obligation for a prime minister to step down over such a case unless he is convicted in court. The right-wing Netanyahu's governing coalition appears stable for the time being after key partners said they will wait until the attorney general's decision. "From a moral standpoint, this is a disgrace to the state of Israel, where a prime minister is suspected of such serious crimes," said Oren Simon, one of the protesters. "He should go home. Enough." A poll published on Wednesday showed almost half of Israel's electorate believe the police rather than Netanyahu. The poll, aired on the Israeli commercial television channel Reshet, said 49 percent of respondents sided with the police's version that Netanyahu had acted improperly. Twenty-five percent said they believed Netanyahu. The remainder, 26 percent, said they did not know whom to believe. Forty-nine percent said he should stay in office, and 43 percent that he should suspend himself. The first case in which Netanyahu is a suspect involves receiving gifts, including cigars, champagne and jewellery, from businessmen. The second involves discussing a deal with the publisher of Israel's best-selling newspaper for better coverage in return for curbs on a rival newspaper.

Israeli protesters urge Netanyahu to step down over bribery allegations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls to step down Wednesday after police recommended his indictment for corruption, the biggest challenge yet to the right-wing premier&#39;s long tenure in power.

Netanyahu again came out swinging on Wednesday morning, harshly criticised the police investigation against him while making clear he has no intention of resigning.

His governing coalition, seen as the most right-wing in Israeli history, appears firm for now, but reactions from key members in the coming days will be watched closely for signs of fissures.

&quot;I can reassure you that the coalition is stable,&quot; Netanyahu said at an event in Tel Aviv.

&quot;Neither I nor anyone else has plans for elections. We&#39;re going to continue to work together for the good of Israeli citizens until the end of the term.&quot;

Netanyahu, prime minister for a total of nearly 12 years, also harshly denounced the police recommendations against him as &quot;full of holes, like Swiss cheese.&quot;

He said the police report &quot;misleads&quot; and is &quot;contrary to the truth and logic.&quot;

Police recommended on Tuesday that he be indicted for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust after a long-running investigation.

The attorney general must now decide how to move forward with the case, a process that could take months.

A prime minister facing such police recommendations or who has been formally charged is not obliged to resign.

As it became clear police were to issue the recommendations on Tuesday night, Netanyahu gave a televised address to the nation, proclaiming his innocence and criticising the police.

Ministers close to him also defended Netanyahu.

&#39;Undermine the police&#39;

Avi Gabbay, the leader of the opposition Labour party, said the &quot;Netanyahu era is over&quot; and called on him to step down.

&quot;He is unworthy to continue to be prime minister of Israel. It&#39;s very simple,&quot; Gabbay said in a video interview with the Ynet news site.

Tzipi Livni, part of the main opposition Zionist Union alliance that also includes Labour, criticised what she called a campaign to undermine the police.

But at the same time, a key coalition minister made clear on Wednesday he was remaining in the government, though he also criticised Netanyahu&#39;s behaviour.

&quot;A prime minister is not meant to be perfect or live an over-modest lifestyle, but he needs to be someone people look at and say: &#39;This is how one should act&#39;,&quot; Education Minister Naftali Bennett said in a speech in Tel Aviv.

&quot;Taking gifts in large sums over a long period of time is not living up to this standard,&quot; he added while stressing Netanyahu was innocent until proven guilty and that he would wait for the attorney general&#39;s decision.

Bennett, who has ambitions to be prime minister, heads the far-right party Jewish Home, which holds eight seats in parliament.&nbsp;

Netanyahu&#39;s coalition controls 66 out of 120 seats in total.

Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party controls 10 seats, will also be among those facing tough questions over whether he will stick with Netanyahu.

Police have been investigating Netanyahu over suspicions that he and his family received expensive gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer.

The gifts allegedly included pricey cigars, jewellery and champagne.

The total value of the gifts received between 2007 and 2016 is estimated at around one million shekels (229,000 euros, $283,000), according to police.

They have also been probing allegations Netanyahu sought a secret deal for favourable coverage with the publisher of top-selling newspaper Yediot Aharonot.

Police recommended indicting Milchan and the publisher, Arnon Moses, with bribery as well.

Quid pro quo?&nbsp;

The 68-year-old premier has been questioned seven times by police over the allegations and has called the investigation an attempt by political opponents to force him from office.

Police said Netanyahu had been suspected of trying to help Milchan receive tax benefits in Israel, of assisting him in receiving a visa in the United States and of promoting his business interests.

Milchan, who is Israeli, has produced many films, including the blockbuster &quot;Pretty Woman&quot;.

While an indictment alone would not legally oblige Netanyahu to resign, he would likely face mounting pressure to do so. He would be legally forced to step down if he were convicted and all appeals were exhausted.

He has already faced a series of large protests in Tel Aviv over the corruption cases.

Netanyahu&#39;s time as premier is fast approaching Israel&#39;s revered founding father David Ben-Gurion&#39;s 13 years. He first held the office from 1996-1999 before returning to power in 2009.

Netanyahu came out swinging on Wednesday morning, harshly criticised the police investigation against him while making clear he has no intention of resigning

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls to step down Wednesday after police recommended his indictment for corruption, the biggest challenge yet to the right-wing premier's long tenure in power. Netanyahu again came out swinging on Wednesday morning, harshly criticised the police investigation against him while making clear he has no intention of resigning. His governing coalition, seen as the most right-wing in Israeli history, appears firm for now, but reactions from key members in the coming days will be watched closely for signs of fissures. "I can reassure you that the coalition is stable," Netanyahu said at an event in Tel Aviv. "Neither I nor anyone else has plans for elections. We're going to continue to work together for the good of Israeli citizens until the end of the term." Netanyahu, prime minister for a total of nearly 12 years, also harshly denounced the police recommendations against him as "full of holes, like Swiss cheese." He said the police report "misleads" and is "contrary to the truth and logic." Police recommended on Tuesday that he be indicted for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust after a long-running investigation. The attorney general must now decide how to move forward with the case, a process that could take months. A prime minister facing such police recommendations or who has been formally charged is not obliged to resign. As it became clear police were to issue the recommendations on Tuesday night, Netanyahu gave a televised address to the nation, proclaiming his innocence and criticising the police. Ministers close to him also defended Netanyahu. 'Undermine the police' Avi Gabbay, the leader of the opposition Labour party, said the "Netanyahu era is over" and called on him to step down. "He is unworthy to continue to be prime minister of Israel. It's very simple," Gabbay said in a video interview with the Ynet news site. Tzipi Livni, part of the main opposition Zionist Union alliance that also includes Labour, criticised what she called a campaign to undermine the police. But at the same time, a key coalition minister made clear on Wednesday he was remaining in the government, though he also criticised Netanyahu's behaviour. "A prime minister is not meant to be perfect or live an over-modest lifestyle, but he needs to be someone people look at and say: 'This is how one should act'," Education Minister Naftali Bennett said in a speech in Tel Aviv. "Taking gifts in large sums over a long period of time is not living up to this standard," he added while stressing Netanyahu was innocent until proven guilty and that he would wait for the attorney general's decision. Bennett, who has ambitions to be prime minister, heads the far-right party Jewish Home, which holds eight seats in parliament. Netanyahu's coalition controls 66 out of 120 seats in total. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party controls 10 seats, will also be among those facing tough questions over whether he will stick with Netanyahu. Police have been investigating Netanyahu over suspicions that he and his family received expensive gifts from Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan and Australian billionaire James Packer. The gifts allegedly included pricey cigars, jewellery and champagne. The total value of the gifts received between 2007 and 2016 is estimated at around one million shekels (229,000 euros, $283,000), according to police. They have also been probing allegations Netanyahu sought a secret deal for favourable coverage with the publisher of top-selling newspaper Yediot Aharonot. Police recommended indicting Milchan and the publisher, Arnon Moses, with bribery as well. Quid pro quo? The 68-year-old premier has been questioned seven times by police over the allegations and has called the investigation an attempt by political opponents to force him from office. Police said Netanyahu had been suspected of trying to help Milchan receive tax benefits in Israel, of assisting him in receiving a visa in the United States and of promoting his business interests. Milchan, who is Israeli, has produced many films, including the blockbuster "Pretty Woman". While an indictment alone would not legally oblige Netanyahu to resign, he would likely face mounting pressure to do so. He would be legally forced to step down if he were convicted and all appeals were exhausted. He has already faced a series of large protests in Tel Aviv over the corruption cases. Netanyahu's time as premier is fast approaching Israel's revered founding father David Ben-Gurion's 13 years. He first held the office from 1996-1999 before returning to power in 2009.

Netanyahu rejects calls to resign after police seek indictment

Israeli police on Tuesday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for bribery, opening the way for what could be the biggest challenge yet to the right-wing leader&#39;s political survival.

Against the backdrop of Israeli flags in a televised speech at his residence, a sombre Netanyahu called the allegations baseless and vowed to complete his fourth term in office.

It will be up to Israel&#39;s attorney general to decide whether to file charges, a process that could take weeks if not months.

The recommendations, which police made public on Tuesday night, were at the more serious end of the range of charges that had been expected to be levelled against Netanyahu in two criminal investigations that have gone on for more than a year.

One of the cases, known as Case 1000, alleged the &quot;committing of crimes of bribery, fraud and breach of trust by the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.&quot;

In a detailed statement, police named Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and Australian businessman James Packer, saying that for nearly a decade, from 2007 to 2016, they gave gifts that included champagne, cigars and jewellery to Netanyahu and his family.

In all, the merchandise was worth more than one million shekels ($280,000), the statement said. Any legal proceedings would likely focus on whether political favours were sought or granted.

Netanyahu&#39;s lawyers said the presents were simply tokens of friendship.

The second, case 2000, also alleged &quot;bribery, fraud and breach of trust by the prime minister&quot; and by the publisher of the biggest-selling Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Arnon Mozes. The two men, police said, discussed ways of slowing the growth of a rival daily newspaper, Israel Hayom, &quot;through legislation and other means&quot;.

Netanyahu, who has denied wrongdoing, has been questioned several times by police since the start of 2017.

In his television appearance, minutes after police made their recommendations public, Netanyahu, 68, recounted his military service as a commando and said he had never sought personal gain from politics.

&quot;I will continue to lead Israel responsibly and faithfully for as long as you, the citizens of Israel, choose me to lead you,&quot; he said. &quot;I am certain, I am certain, that the truth will be revealed, and I am certain that at the next elections, which will be held on schedule, I will earn your trust again, with God&#39;s help.&quot;

Israel is next scheduled to go to the polls in late 2019.

&quot;Because I know the truth, I tell you ... things will end in nothing,&quot; Netanyahu said.

Israel&#39;s Channel 10 television quoted a lawyer for Milchan as saying that occasional gift-giving was devoid of any business interests.

Milchan or New Regency Productions, a Hollywood movie studio he founded and chairs, have produced more than 100 films, including recent Oscar best picture winners &quot;12 Years a Slave&quot;, &quot;Birdman&quot;, and &quot;The Revenant&quot;. New Regency did not immediately return a request for comment.

A spokesman for Packer said, &quot;There is no allegation of wrongdoing on Packer&#39;s behalf. The Israeli and Australian police have confirmed that he was interviewed as a witness, not a suspect.&quot;

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, asked about the police decision, cited Washington&#39;s &quot;very strong relationship&quot; with Netanyahu and the Israeli government.

&quot;We&#39;re certainly aware of it, but we consider it to be an internal Israeli matter,&quot; Nauert said.

Israelis have seen their leaders embroiled in legal trouble before. Last year, Ehud Olmert, prime minister from 2006 to 2009, was released from prison after serving 19 months of a 27-month sentence over a variety of corruption charges.

One of the cases, known as Case 1000, alleged the "committing of crimes of bribery, fraud and breach of trust by the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu."

Israeli police on Tuesday recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for bribery, opening the way for what could be the biggest challenge yet to the right-wing leader's political survival. Against the backdrop of Israeli flags in a televised speech at his residence, a sombre Netanyahu called the allegations baseless and vowed to complete his fourth term in office. It will be up to Israel's attorney general to decide whether to file charges, a process that could take weeks if not months. The recommendations, which police made public on Tuesday night, were at the more serious end of the range of charges that had been expected to be levelled against Netanyahu in two criminal investigations that have gone on for more than a year. One of the cases, known as Case 1000, alleged the "committing of crimes of bribery, fraud and breach of trust by the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu." In a detailed statement, police named Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and Australian businessman James Packer, saying that for nearly a decade, from 2007 to 2016, they gave gifts that included champagne, cigars and jewellery to Netanyahu and his family. In all, the merchandise was worth more than one million shekels ($280,000), the statement said. Any legal proceedings would likely focus on whether political favours were sought or granted. Netanyahu's lawyers said the presents were simply tokens of friendship. The second, case 2000, also alleged "bribery, fraud and breach of trust by the prime minister" and by the publisher of the biggest-selling Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Arnon Mozes. The two men, police said, discussed ways of slowing the growth of a rival daily newspaper, Israel Hayom, "through legislation and other means". Netanyahu, who has denied wrongdoing, has been questioned several times by police since the start of 2017. In his television appearance, minutes after police made their recommendations public, Netanyahu, 68, recounted his military service as a commando and said he had never sought personal gain from politics. "I will continue to lead Israel responsibly and faithfully for as long as you, the citizens of Israel, choose me to lead you," he said. "I am certain, I am certain, that the truth will be revealed, and I am certain that at the next elections, which will be held on schedule, I will earn your trust again, with God's help." Israel is next scheduled to go to the polls in late 2019. "Because I know the truth, I tell you ... things will end in nothing," Netanyahu said. Israel's Channel 10 television quoted a lawyer for Milchan as saying that occasional gift-giving was devoid of any business interests. Milchan or New Regency Productions, a Hollywood movie studio he founded and chairs, have produced more than 100 films, including recent Oscar best picture winners "12 Years a Slave", "Birdman", and "The Revenant". New Regency did not immediately return a request for comment. A spokesman for Packer said, "There is no allegation of wrongdoing on Packer's behalf. The Israeli and Australian police have confirmed that he was interviewed as a witness, not a suspect." In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, asked about the police decision, cited Washington's "very strong relationship" with Netanyahu and the Israeli government. "We're certainly aware of it, but we consider it to be an internal Israeli matter," Nauert said. Israelis have seen their leaders embroiled in legal trouble before. Last year, Ehud Olmert, prime minister from 2006 to 2009, was released from prison after serving 19 months of a 27-month sentence over a variety of corruption charges.

Israeli police recommends  bribery, fraud charge against PM Netanyahu

Israel&#39;s Attorney General has asked the police to delay issuing their recommendations into corruption allegations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

One of the two probes reportedly concerns Netanyahu improperly receiving lavish gifts from Hollywood and business figures while the other one concerns alleged secret talks with the publisher of a major Israeli newspaper.

According to reports, Netanyahu allegedly requested positive coverage in a free pro-Netanyahu daily.

An interim delay has been asked for until the Supreme Court hears a petition against Netanyahu. The police were supposed to present their findings this week.&nbsp;

The Israeli Prime Minister has denied all allegations and has dismissed the accusations calling them orchestrated by a hostile media.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

One of the probes reportedly concerns Netanyahu improperly receiving lavish gifts from Hollywood and business figures

Israel's Attorney General has asked the police to delay issuing their recommendations into corruption allegations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One of the two probes reportedly concerns Netanyahu improperly receiving lavish gifts from Hollywood and business figures while the other one concerns alleged secret talks with the publisher of a major Israeli newspaper. According to reports, Netanyahu allegedly requested positive coverage in a free pro-Netanyahu daily. An interim delay has been asked for until the Supreme Court hears a petition against Netanyahu. The police were supposed to present their findings this week. The Israeli Prime Minister has denied all allegations and has dismissed the accusations calling them orchestrated by a hostile media. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu corruption probe: Israeli Attorney General delays police report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-lifts-ban-on-refugees-from-11-countries-31145" target="_blank">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-lifts-ban-on-refugees-from-11-countries-31145" target="_blank">&nbsp;lifts ban on refugees from 11 countries</a>

The United States announced Monday it was lifting its ban on refugees from 11 &quot;high-risk&quot; countries, but said those seeking to enter the US would come under much tougher scrutiny than in the past.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-is-aiming-to-interfere-in-coming-us-elections-warns-cia-chief-31153" target="_blank">Russia is aiming to interfere </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-is-aiming-to-interfere-in-coming-us-elections-warns-cia-chief-31153" target="_blank">in coming</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-is-aiming-to-interfere-in-coming-us-elections-warns-cia-chief-31153" target="_blank"> US elections, warns CIA chief</a>

Russian election interference has not stopped and Moscow can be expected to meddle in the 2018 US vote, Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo said in an interview published Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-su-27-fighter-jet-intercepted-us-spy-plane-us-protests-31164" target="_blank">Russia says Su-27 fighter jet intercepted US spy plane; US protests</a>

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet intercepted a US surveillance plane over the Black Sea on Monday, prompting the US State Department to protest the maneuver as &ldquo;an unsafe interaction.&rdquo;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/punishments-in-1984-anti-sikh-riots-cases-would-have-led-to-a-different-india-delhi-high-court-31163" target="_blank">Punishments in 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases would have led to a different India: Delhi High Court</a>

If those responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots had been punished back then, India would have been different now, the Delhi High Court today said, while asking the police to take action against those involved in the recent attacks on properties of lawyers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-lashes-out-at-iran-in-talks-with-putin-31154" target="_blank">Netanyahu lashes out at Iran in talks with Putin</a>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday after accusing Iran of wanting &quot;to turn Lebanon into one giant missile site&quot;.

US lifts ban on refugees from 11 countries The United States announced Monday it was lifting its ban on refugees from 11 "high-risk" countries, but said those seeking to enter the US would come under much tougher scrutiny than in the past. Russia is aiming to interfere in coming US elections, warns CIA chief Russian election interference has not stopped and Moscow can be expected to meddle in the 2018 US vote, Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo said in an interview published Monday. Russia says Su-27 fighter jet intercepted US spy plane; US protests A Russian Su-27 fighter jet intercepted a US surveillance plane over the Black Sea on Monday, prompting the US State Department to protest the maneuver as “an unsafe interaction.” Punishments in 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases would have led to a different India: Delhi High Court If those responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots had been punished back then, India would have been different now, the Delhi High Court today said, while asking the police to take action against those involved in the recent attacks on properties of lawyers. Netanyahu lashes out at Iran in talks with Putin Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday after accusing Iran of wanting "to turn Lebanon into one giant missile site".

WION Morning News Brief, January 30, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-now-rajasthan-bans-the-film-keeping-public-interest-in-mind-29892" target="_blank">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-now-rajasthan-bans-the-film-keeping-public-interest-in-mind-29892" target="_blank">: Now, Rajasthan bans the film keeping public interest in mind</a>

After Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, Rajasthan is the fourth state to officially ban Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s&nbsp;Padmaavat. The film, that is scheduled to release in theaters on January 25th will not be releasing in Rajasthan, a notice by the Rajasthan government said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-arrests-ex-cia-official-linked-to-spying-for-china-29896" target="_blank">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-arrests-ex-cia-official-linked-to-spying-for-china-29896" target="_blank"> arrests ex-CIA official linked to spying for China</a>

A former CIA official who lives in Hong Kong was arrested by US authorities in New York airport on Monday after FBI agents allegedly found classified information in his hotel room, including two small books containing information on details of true names and numbers of spy recruits and covert CIA employees.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spike-anti-tank-missile-deal-with-india-back-on-track-netanyahu-29889" target="_blank">Spike anti-tank missile deal with India back on track: Netanyahu</a>

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a four-day visit to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cancels-spike-anti-tank-guided-missiles-deal-with-israel-28444">India confirmed the Spike anti-tank missile&nbsp;</a>deal which was scrapped by India a fortnight ago was back on track, Israel media reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-lawmakers-back-brexit-legislation-stiffer-tests-yet-to-come-29888" target="_blank">British lawmakers back Brexit legislation, stiffer tests yet to come</a>

British lawmakers voted in favour of the government&#39;s legislative blueprint for&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;on Wednesday, marking a victory for Prime Minister Theresa May over political opponents who want a softer approach to leaving the European Union.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1-bsf-soldier-killed-3-civilians-injured-in-ceasefire-violation-in-jk-29887" target="_blank">J&amp;K: 1 BSF soldier killed, 3 civilians injured as Pak troops open fire along LoC</a>

A BSF soldier lost his life after a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-troops-fire-at-loc-posts-in-poonch-army-captain-injured-29759" target="_blank">ceasefire violation by the&nbsp;Pakistan forces</a>&nbsp;in the R S Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp; The firing by Pakistan troops also hit neighbouring villages injuring 3 civilians

Padmaavat: Now, Rajasthan bans the film keeping public interest in mind After Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, Rajasthan is the fourth state to officially ban Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat. The film, that is scheduled to release in theaters on January 25th will not be releasing in Rajasthan, a notice by the Rajasthan government said. US arrests ex-CIA official linked to spying for China A former CIA official who lives in Hong Kong was arrested by US authorities in New York airport on Monday after FBI agents allegedly found classified information in his hotel room, including two small books containing information on details of true names and numbers of spy recruits and covert CIA employees. Spike anti-tank missile deal with India back on track: Netanyahu Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a four-day visit to India confirmed the Spike anti-tank missile deal which was scrapped by India a fortnight ago was back on track, Israel media reported. British lawmakers back Brexit legislation, stiffer tests yet to come British lawmakers voted in favour of the government's legislative blueprint for Brexit on Wednesday, marking a victory for Prime Minister Theresa May over political opponents who want a softer approach to leaving the European Union. J&K: 1 BSF soldier killed, 3 civilians injured as Pak troops open fire along LoC A BSF soldier lost his life after a ceasefire violation by the Pakistan forces in the R S Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir. The firing by Pakistan troops also hit neighbouring villages injuring 3 civilians

WION Morning News brief, January 18, 2018

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a four-day visit to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cancels-spike-anti-tank-guided-missiles-deal-with-israel-28444">India confirmed the Spike anti-tank missile </a>deal which was scrapped by India a fortnight ago was back on track, Israel media reported.

The Spike guided missile&nbsp;is a fire-and-forget heat-seeking system fitted with infrared seekers manufactured by Israel&#39;s Rafael Advance Defence Systems. It&nbsp;was due to be brought by India but the Indian defence ministry rejected the deal ahead of Netanyahu&#39;s visit.

The deal between Rafael and India was worth $500 million.

However, on Wednesday, Israel&#39;s Jerusalem Post reported the deal was back on track after the newspaper quoted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that, &quot;India will buy Israel&#39;s anti-tank spike missiles,&quot; Israel&#39;s daily newspaper Haaretz added that the final details of the deal were being worked out.

The deal was &quot;back on the table&quot;, Haaretz reported. The paper also quoted &nbsp;Israel&#39;s national security adviser Meir Ben- Shabbat declaring that current talks were moving in a positive direction.

In a statement later, Netanyahu said:&nbsp;&quot;Following the talks I had with my friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has informed us that it is putting the Spike deal back on track.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;This is very important and there will be many more deals,&quot; the Israeli PM added.

Netanyahu said India was ready to review the 2014 agreement.

Prior to Netanyahu&#39;s visit, India&#39;s defence ministry had announced India will be buying 131 surface-to-air missiles from Israel.

The deal between Rafael and India was worth $500 million

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a four-day visit to India confirmed the Spike anti-tank missile deal which was scrapped by India a fortnight ago was back on track, Israel media reported. The Spike guided missile is a fire-and-forget heat-seeking system fitted with infrared seekers manufactured by Israel's Rafael Advance Defence Systems. It was due to be brought by India but the Indian defence ministry rejected the deal ahead of Netanyahu's visit. The deal between Rafael and India was worth $500 million. However, on Wednesday, Israel's Jerusalem Post reported the deal was back on track after the newspaper quoted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that, "India will buy Israel's anti-tank spike missiles," Israel's daily newspaper Haaretz added that the final details of the deal were being worked out. The deal was "back on the table", Haaretz reported. The paper also quoted Israel's national security adviser Meir Ben- Shabbat declaring that current talks were moving in a positive direction. In a statement later, Netanyahu said: "Following the talks I had with my friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has informed us that it is putting the Spike deal back on track." "This is very important and there will be many more deals," the Israeli PM added. Netanyahu said India was ready to review the 2014 agreement. Prior to Netanyahu's visit, India's defence ministry had announced India will be buying 131 surface-to-air missiles from Israel.

Spike anti-tank missile deal with India back on track: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been given a red carpet welcome in Ahmedabad at Gujarat. This is not the first time that a foreign dignitary after an initial stopover at the national capital was taken to Modi&#39;s state of Gujarat. The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe paid a visit to the western state too. As did the Chinese premier Xi Jinping in 2014.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It leaves us wondering why these visits to Gujarat is being so strongly encouraged. And, why the foreign dignitaries agree to visit the state amidst a tight itinerary. What appeal does Gujarat, or more specifically, Ahmedabad hold for both the parties?

&nbsp;

Ahmedabad is not India&#39;s political nerve center, New Delhi is. Ahmedabad is not the place where the IT industry flourished as is the case with Bengaluru. Nor is Ahmedabad India&#39;s business capital; a mantle given to Mumbai for a longest possible time now.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Then why Ahmedabad?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Foreign dignitaries visiting the US limit their stay to Washinton DC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited NYC after his initial meeting with President Obama in DC. But that is because of the large diaspora of Indians present in the tri-state area of New York-New Jersey-Connecticut. It was not a visit organised by the Obama administration. It was Indian businessmen who organised it. The same thing can be said about Modi&#39;s visit to the Silicon Valley. It was an Indian initiative spearheaded by Indian corporate honchos in the US.

&nbsp;

But Gujarat does not have either a large Israeli, Japanese or a Chinese diaspora. It is cities, such as Mumbai and Delhi which have flourishing Chabad Houses where thousands of visiting Israelis stay put every year.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Decades back when Nehru visited the US, he did take a detour to visit Albert Einstein. Again, a personal visit, undertaken to converse with one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century. Also, the Jewish question needed discussion. Einstein, an active proponent of the Zionist cause, wanted to convince Nehru of the need to support the cause of Israel.

&nbsp;

Many political analysts wonder whether Modi is going back Gujarat to give these powerful heads of state an idea about his root.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It does not seem so. While the modest youth of Modi makes a good fuel for political quibble within India, it does not have the desirable impact at the international arena. Bilateral relationships function better between equals, involving very powerful people. The Language of Power rather than the sympathy card is more effective under the circumstance. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

If Modi is taking these dignitaries to Ahmedabad, it is to show what he is capable of achieving. Ahmedabad has evolved into swanky city with polished roads, disciplined traffic, shiny public transport. It is a revitalised city, almost creaseless. A poster-boy of Modi&#39;s development model.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ahmedabad represents Modi&#39;s future plan for India. It shows India&#39;s enterprising nature at its best. Leaving behind its more conflicted past, Ahmedabad emerges as India&#39;s global city with deep cultural roots. Its identity is very much Hindu, very vegetarian, very businesslike.

&nbsp;

This unique combination of cultural nationalism with business success is what distinguishes Ahmedabad from Bengaluru.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Bengaluru is far too cosmopolitan. More importantly, it is not the creation of Modi.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The roadshows with prominent dignitaries on streets of Ahmedabad comes with a strong visual message. Modi is announcing to his fellow citizens and, actually, to the world that India is not going to linger any longer in the waiting room of development. India has, in fact, arrived.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

What better place to announce that other than the city of Ahmedabad-the workplace of the Father of the Nation. In one masterstroke, Modi connects his personal achievement with the most glorious saga of India&#39;s independence movement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Somewhere, imperceptibly, India and Gujarat, Gandhi and Modi, Gujarati asmita and Indian nationalism get merged.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

That perhaps is the unstated goal. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Ahmedabad represents Modi's future plan for India. It shows India's enterprising nature at its best.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been given a red carpet welcome in Ahmedabad at Gujarat. This is not the first time that a foreign dignitary after an initial stopover at the national capital was taken to Modi's state of Gujarat. The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe paid a visit to the western state too. As did the Chinese premier Xi Jinping in 2014. It leaves us wondering why these visits to Gujarat is being so strongly encouraged. And, why the foreign dignitaries agree to visit the state amidst a tight itinerary. What appeal does Gujarat, or more specifically, Ahmedabad hold for both the parties? Ahmedabad is not India's political nerve center, New Delhi is. Ahmedabad is not the place where the IT industry flourished as is the case with Bengaluru. Nor is Ahmedabad India's business capital; a mantle given to Mumbai for a longest possible time now. Then why Ahmedabad? Foreign dignitaries visiting the US limit their stay to Washinton DC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited NYC after his initial meeting with President Obama in DC. But that is because of the large diaspora of Indians present in the tri-state area of New York-New Jersey-Connecticut. It was not a visit organised by the Obama administration. It was Indian businessmen who organised it. The same thing can be said about Modi's visit to the Silicon Valley. It was an Indian initiative spearheaded by Indian corporate honchos in the US. But Gujarat does not have either a large Israeli, Japanese or a Chinese diaspora. It is cities, such as Mumbai and Delhi which have flourishing Chabad Houses where thousands of visiting Israelis stay put every year. Decades back when Nehru visited the US, he did take a detour to visit Albert Einstein. Again, a personal visit, undertaken to converse with one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century. Also, the Jewish question needed discussion. Einstein, an active proponent of the Zionist cause, wanted to convince Nehru of the need to support the cause of Israel. Many political analysts wonder whether Modi is going back Gujarat to give these powerful heads of state an idea about his root. It does not seem so. While the modest youth of Modi makes a good fuel for political quibble within India, it does not have the desirable impact at the international arena. Bilateral relationships function better between equals, involving very powerful people. The Language of Power rather than the sympathy card is more effective under the circumstance. If Modi is taking these dignitaries to Ahmedabad, it is to show what he is capable of achieving. Ahmedabad has evolved into swanky city with polished roads, disciplined traffic, shiny public transport. It is a revitalised city, almost creaseless. A poster-boy of Modi's development model. Ahmedabad represents Modi's future plan for India. It shows India's enterprising nature at its best. Leaving behind its more conflicted past, Ahmedabad emerges as India's global city with deep cultural roots. Its identity is very much Hindu, very vegetarian, very businesslike. This unique combination of cultural nationalism with business success is what distinguishes Ahmedabad from Bengaluru. Bengaluru is far too cosmopolitan. More importantly, it is not the creation of Modi. The roadshows with prominent dignitaries on streets of Ahmedabad comes with a strong visual message. Modi is announcing to his fellow citizens and, actually, to the world that India is not going to linger any longer in the waiting room of development. India has, in fact, arrived. What better place to announce that other than the city of Ahmedabad-the workplace of the Father of the Nation. In one masterstroke, Modi connects his personal achievement with the most glorious saga of India's independence movement. Somewhere, imperceptibly, India and Gujarat, Gandhi and Modi, Gujarati asmita and Indian nationalism get merged. That perhaps is the unstated goal. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why Modi takes Netanyahu to Ahmedabad?

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