There has been no respite from wildfires in Northern Israel and the Borderlands of Southern Lebanon. The Fire season this year has been fueled not only by squatting temperatures but also by the fighting between the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Israel. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hezbollah tensions peak as Hezbollah's rocket blitz engulfs Northern Israel

For the first time since the war broke out in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat down with the Israeli media where he said he is ready for a partial deal with Hamas to return some hostages and further outlined that the intense fighting in Gaza's Rafah city is coming to an end.

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM says intense phase of the war nearing end

Rapidly escalating cross tensions between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah have threatened to boil over. Hezbollah has released an aggressive video specifying Israeli targets it tends to attack in case of a war. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hezbollah tensions peak as Hezbollah warns Cyprus over support for Israel

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Hamas: Partial deal proves Israel rejects proposal - Over 20,000 kids missing in Gaza: Reports - Josep Borrell: West Asia conflict close to expanding - Prosus writes off Byju's stake - South Korea battery plant fire: At least 20 killed

Over 20,000 kids missing in Gaza: Reports | Prosus writes off Byju's stake

Watch top headlines of the hour: - India's NEET-PG entrance exam postponed - Houthis claims attacks on two US ships - Three dead in Russian strikes on Kharkiv - Sunak slams Farage for Ukraine remark - 24 dead in Israeli strikes in Gaza

Three dead in Russian strikes on Kharkiv | Sunak slams Farage for ukraine remark

Israel Hezbollah tensions have peaked like never before. Missiles fired by both the sides over the last few days and statements from Iran and Israel ratcheting up the tensions between the two warring sides. This has now led the UN Secretary General warning of Lebanon heading the Gaza way.

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Hezbollah releases 'hoopoe' drone footage amid tensions

Headlines of the hour: - 45 rescued on stormy Lake Como - Palestine soccer player, family killed - Rwanda plan 'crap': Tory candidate - Protests in Italy over India's death - Protests amid welcome for Milei - Robots enthrall at China expo

45 rescued on stormy Lake Como | Palestine soccer player, family killed

Headlines of the hour: - Israeli tanks advance to Rafah camp - Dramatic drop in US arms supply: Netanyahu - Survived due to Indian loan: Sri Lankan President - India: CBI probe into NEET case - Ready for talks on taxes: Ruto - Indian among Arkansas fatalities

Israeli tanks advance to Rafah camp | Survived due to Indian loan: Sri Lankan President

Israel: Divisions between Israel's military & government widens

Israel has intensified its onslaught on the Gaza over the last 24 hours at least 45 Palestinians have been killed as Israeli forces continue to pound Rafah in southern Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Gaza war: 24 killed in northern Gaza as second deadly strike in Gaza in two days

Lebanon-Israel tensions: Netanyahu says, 'Israel will turn Beirut into Gaza'

Watch top headlines of the hour: - IDF kills Hamas arms supplier in Lebanon - 24 dead in Israeli strikes in Gaza - Egypt: Crackdown over Hajj deaths - Two dead in Russian strikes on Kharkiv - Sunak slams Farage for Ukraine remark - Agriculturefire kills 12 in Turkiye

24 dead in Israeli strikes in Gaza | Egypt: Crackdown over Hajj deaths

The family members of Israeli hostages taken captive by Hamas, have petitioned the High Court of Justice. They are demanding the Attorney General’s Office to check whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wartime decisions were affected by his criminal trial.

Gravitas: Did Netanyahu's criminal trials affected war decisions?

In the middle of war, massacre, humanitarian crisis, and inflation – Eid al adha celebrations in West Asia were muted and came with mixed emotions, as Palestinians in gaza continue to suffer.

Gaza crisis, inflation dampen Eid festivities across West Asia

<p>Israel Defense Forces (IDF) transferred significant legal powers in the West Bank to pro-settler civil servants, The Guardian reported. The powers were apparently handed over to those who are working for Israel's far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that IDF posted an order on its website on May 29 to transfer responsibility for dozens of bylaws at the Civil Administration from the military to officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Civil Administration is the Israeli body governing the West Bank and also looks after planning and construction. Notably, around 60% of the Occupied Palestinian Territories are under full Israeli administrative and security control.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-deepens-rafah-offensive-as-civilians-in-central-gaza-camps-scramble-for-safety-733485">Israel deepens Rafah offensive as civilians in central Gaza camps scramble for safety</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Smotrich and his allies have seen controlling the Civil Administration, or large portions of it, as a way to increase Israeli authority in the West Bank, with an ultimate objective of direct control by the federal government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>West Bank was taken over by Israel in 1967 and is home to millions of Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by The Guardian, Michael Sfard, an Israeli human rights lawyer, said: "The bottom line is that [for] anyone who thought the question of annexation was foggy, this order should end any doubts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What this order does is transfer vast areas of administrative power from the military commander to Israeli civilians working for the government," Sfard added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-pyongyang-yawn-social-media-buzzes-over-videos-of-bored-putin-at-north-korean-concert-733542">Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics</a></strong></p>

<p>In a recent press statement, Smotrich proposed establishing four new West Bank settlements, adding that he believes all his proposals will soon be approved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The proposals weren't brought to a vote yesterday for technical reasons, but I expect the prime minister, as was agreed, to move forward on the proposals later this week."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every country that cooperates with anti-Israel activity and recognizes the Palestinian Authority as a state should know that it is helping the Zionist enterprise and bolstering Jewish settlement," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict pull Lebanon and Cyprus into war?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>UN: Situation in West Bank 'drastically deteriorating'</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights chief on Tuesday (Jun 18) warned that the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was drastically deteriorating, while there had been "unconscionable death and suffering" in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is dramatically deteriorating," Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the opening session of the UN Human Rights Council.</p>

<p>He claimed that as of June 15, 528 Palestinians, 133 of them children, had been killed by Israeli security forces or settlers since October, in some cases raising "serious concerns of unlawful killings".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Israel Defense Forces (IDF) transferred significant legal powers in the West Bank to pro-settler civil servants, The Guardian reported. The powers were apparently handed over to those who are working for Israel's far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) transferred significant legal powers in the West Bank to pro-settler civil servants, The Guardian reported. The powers were apparently handed over to those who are working for Israel's far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich. The report mentioned that IDF posted an order on its website on May 29 to transfer responsibility for dozens of bylaws at the Civil Administration from the military to officials. The Civil Administration is the Israeli body governing the West Bank and also looks after planning and construction. Notably, around 60% of the Occupied Palestinian Territories are under full Israeli administrative and security control. Also read: Israel deepens Rafah offensive as civilians in central Gaza camps scramble for safety Smotrich and his allies have seen controlling the Civil Administration, or large portions of it, as a way to increase Israeli authority in the West Bank, with an ultimate objective of direct control by the federal government. West Bank was taken over by Israel in 1967 and is home to millions of Palestinians. As quoted by The Guardian, Michael Sfard, an Israeli human rights lawyer, said: "The bottom line is that [for] anyone who thought the question of annexation was foggy, this order should end any doubts. "What this order does is transfer vast areas of administrative power from the military commander to Israeli civilians working for the government," Sfard added. Also read: Putin's Pyongyang yawn: Social media buzzes over videos of 'bored' Putin at North Korean concert - See pics In a recent press statement, Smotrich proposed establishing four new West Bank settlements, adding that he believes all his proposals will soon be approved. "The proposals weren't brought to a vote yesterday for technical reasons, but I expect the prime minister, as was agreed, to move forward on the proposals later this week." "Every country that cooperates with anti-Israel activity and recognizes the Palestinian Authority as a state should know that it is helping the Zionist enterprise and bolstering Jewish settlement," he added. Watch: Gravitas: Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict pull Lebanon and Cyprus into war? × UN: Situation in West Bank 'drastically deteriorating' Meanwhile, the United Nations human rights chief on Tuesday (Jun 18) warned that the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, was drastically deteriorating, while there had been "unconscionable death and suffering" in Gaza. "The situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is dramatically deteriorating," Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the opening session of the UN Human Rights Council. He claimed that as of June 15, 528 Palestinians, 133 of them children, had been killed by Israeli security forces or settlers since October, in some cases raising "serious concerns of unlawful killings". (With inputs from agencies)

IDF handed over legal powers in West Bank to pro-settler civil servants: Report

The Lebanon-Israel border is on the boil. Hezbollah’s leader has warned Israeli forces against an escalation it its strongest message yet -- but officials say the IDF has approved plans for a Lebanon offensive. Is an all-out war between the two sides on the horizon?

Hezbollah releases surveillance video of Israel, is full-blown war coming?

The condition of Palestinians in Gaza remains dire. Israeli soldiers continue their military onslaught in the enclave, as the global community watches in vain.

Israeli forces intensify Rafah invasion, death & hunger persist in Gaza

The temporary pier that the US military built on short notice to rush humanitarian aid to Gaza has largely failed in its mission, and will probably end operations weeks earlier than originally expected. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Temporary Gaza pier to be dismantled as it failed its mission, says officials

Hezbollah Chief has warned no place in Israel will be spared in case of a full-blown War. The open warning comes hours after Israel's military said it has approved operational plans for an offensive against Hezbollah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Hezbollah Chief warns Israel, threatens Cyprus as well

The war of words between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel is escalating. On Wednesday, the pro-Iranian group warned that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war broke out between the two enemies. Not only that Hezbollah chief also threatened to attack EU country Cyprus for the first time. This is after Israel said it is prepared to fight Hezbollah. Will the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah pull Lebanon and Cyprus into a full-fledged war?

Gravitas: Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict pull Lebanon and Cyprus into war?

IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has made a big admission amid the war in Gaza. In an interview with Israeli broadcaster, Hagari said that Hamas cannot be defeated. The IDF spokesperson’s statement questions Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated war goal. It also lays bare the tensions between military officials and the political leadership of Israel. If the Israeli Army feels Hamas can't be defeated, then what is Israel doing in Gaza? What does Netanyahu plan to do next? Tune in to #Gravitas at 9 PM IST to find out more.

Gravitas: Israeli Military's big admission, IDF Spokesman says Hamas can’t be destroyed

Israel-Hezbollah tensions rise: Hezbollah Chief warns Israel against war

Tensions and chaos in the coalition amplified Wednesday, as the ruling Likud party accused Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir of leaking “state secrets.” Watch to know more.

Israel PM Netanyahu accuses Ben Gvir of 'leaking secrets'

Israel's top army spokesman said Wednesday that Hamas cannot be eliminated, prompting a knee-jerk reaction from the government which quickly reiterated it remains committed to the Palestinian terrorist group's destruction.

Israel War: Hamas can’t be eliminated, will remain in Gaza if no alternative: IDF spokesman

SIPRI says Israel is working to modernise its nuclear weapons system and is upgrading its plutonium for its reactor in Dimona. What is Netanyahu's plan?

Gravitas: Israel upgrades plutonium in Dimona nuclear plant, what happens next?

Our next report focuses on Israel's booming defence industry. Arms sales have reached a record high, driven by a surge in air defence technology. Israel's defence industry is experiencing a boom, with exports reaching a record-breaking $13 billion in 2023.

Israel's defence exports hit record $13 billion in 2023

Anti-government protesters took to the streets of Jerusalem on Monday, clashing with police near the house of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling for new elections. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Hundreds gather to protest Netanyahu's presence at event

The Hezbollah terror group has published a video it says is from one of its reconnaissance drones flying over northern Israel, including the Haifa port. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Fears of wier conflict, Hezbollah ups the ante against Israel

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Gaza: Clinical capacity down by 70% - Philippine VP resigns as education minister - New Caledonia: Pro-Independence leader arrested - Delhi CM's custody extended - Nvidia: World's most valuable company

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's custody extended | Gaza: Clinical capacity down by 70%

A dispute is brewing between Israel and its ally, the United States - over the 2,000 pound bomb - Israel has rallied on these powerful bombs, provided by the United States.

Israel eyes US' 2,000-pound bombs | US, Israel dispute over MK-84 bombs

The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it has approved "operational plans" for an offensive against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

War of words between Israel & US: Bibi faces mounting criticism at home

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