Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on Sunday (Oct 8), voicing support for the surprise assault by Hamas, termed the 'operation' as an act of self-defence by Palestinians.

He then called on Muslim governments to back the Palestinian nation, and their rights while also issuing a warning&nbsp;that Israel must be held accountable for endangering the region.

"Iran supports the legitimate defence of the Palestinian nation," Raisi said, as quoted by state television.

"The Zionist regime (Israel) and its supporters are responsible for endangering the security of nations in the region, and they must be held accountable in this matter."

Earlier, Iran's foreign ministry also in a statement said that the violence was a reaction to the Zionists' warmongering and provocative policies.

"This operation ... is the spontaneous movement of resistance groups and Palestine's oppressed people in defence of their inalienable rights and their natural reaction to the Zionists' warmongering and provocative policies," Iranian state media quoted ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani as saying.

"Iran considers that the Zionist occupier regime and its well-known supporters are responsible ... for the violence and killing against Palestinians and calls on Islamic countries to support ...the rights of the Palestinian people," Kanaani said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-attack-may-have-been-designed-to-derail-efforts-to-normalize-israel-saudi-arabia-ties-says-blinken-644248">Saudi-Israel ties may have motivated Hamas attack, says Blinken</a>

<h2>Raisi speaks to Hamas, Islamic Jihad</h2>

Raisi also spoke with the leaders of Palestinian terror groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Sunday, as official media reports.

“Raisi discussed the developments in Palestine in separate phone calls with Ziyad al-Nakhalah, secretary general of the Islamic Jihad Movement, and Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the [Hamas] political bureau,” state news agency IRNA reported, without giving further details.

Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's senior adviser, on Saturday (Oct 7), extended support for the attack launched by Hamas on Israel and termed it a "proud operation".

"We support the proud Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," Yahya Rahim Safavi said using the codename for the operation announced by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.

"We support this operation, and we are sure that the resistance front also supports this issue," added Safavi, a Revolutionary Guards general, in comments reported by the ISNA news agency.&nbsp;

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani also congratulated Palestinian extremists and hailed the attack.

"Today's operation marked a new page in the field of resistance and armed operations against the occupiers," he said.

"The resistance has so far achieved brilliant victories during this operation, and this is a bright spot in the history of the Palestinian people's struggle against the Zionists."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on Sunday (Oct 8), voicing support for the surprise assault by Hamas, termed the 'operation' as an act of self-defence by Palestinians.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on Sunday (Oct 8), voicing support for the surprise assault by Hamas, termed the 'operation' as an act of self-defence by Palestinians. He then called on Muslim governments to back the Palestinian nation, and their rights while also issuing a warning that Israel must be held accountable for endangering the region. "Iran supports the legitimate defence of the Palestinian nation," Raisi said, as quoted by state television. "The Zionist regime (Israel) and its supporters are responsible for endangering the security of nations in the region, and they must be held accountable in this matter." Earlier, Iran's foreign ministry also in a statement said that the violence was a reaction to the Zionists' warmongering and provocative policies. "This operation ... is the spontaneous movement of resistance groups and Palestine's oppressed people in defence of their inalienable rights and their natural reaction to the Zionists' warmongering and provocative policies," Iranian state media quoted ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani as saying. "Iran considers that the Zionist occupier regime and its well-known supporters are responsible ... for the violence and killing against Palestinians and calls on Islamic countries to support ...the rights of the Palestinian people," Kanaani said. Also read: Saudi-Israel ties may have motivated Hamas attack, says Blinken Raisi speaks to Hamas, Islamic Jihad Raisi also spoke with the leaders of Palestinian terror groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Sunday, as official media reports. “Raisi discussed the developments in Palestine in separate phone calls with Ziyad al-Nakhalah, secretary general of the Islamic Jihad Movement, and Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the [Hamas] political bureau,” state news agency IRNA reported, without giving further details. Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's senior adviser, on Saturday (Oct 7), extended support for the attack launched by Hamas on Israel and termed it a "proud operation". "We support the proud Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," Yahya Rahim Safavi said using the codename for the operation announced by Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades. "We support this operation, and we are sure that the resistance front also supports this issue," added Safavi, a Revolutionary Guards general, in comments reported by the ISNA news agency. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani also congratulated Palestinian extremists and hailed the attack. "Today's operation marked a new page in the field of resistance and armed operations against the occupiers," he said. "The resistance has so far achieved brilliant victories during this operation, and this is a bright spot in the history of the Palestinian people's struggle against the Zionists." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi backs Hamas attack, calls it Palestinians' right to self-defence

More than 400 people have been killed while thousands of others have been injured, in Gaza and Israel after Palestinian Islamist group <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/hamas-the-undeniable-face-of-terrorism-in-israel-643798">Hamas</a> took Israel by surprise on Saturday (Oct 7) marking the&nbsp;deadliest day of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country was “at war” and swore fierce counterattack.&nbsp;

The attack has also drawn some mixed reactions from across the world, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-condemn-hamas-surprise-attack-from-gaza-express-solidarity-with-israel-643706">most Western countries</a>, Ukraine and India have condemned the attacks on Israel and expressed solidarity with the Israelis.&nbsp;

On the other hand, countries like Iran have celebrated it as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/proud-operation-iranian-officials-show-support-for-deadly-attack-by-hamas-on-israel-643819">“proud operation”</a> and Qatar said that they “held Israel solely responsible” for the escalation in violence.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’</h2>

The Palestinian militant group launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, marking the commencement of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-launches-barrage-of-rockets-at-israel-terrorists-infiltrate-border-towns-643577">“Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.”&nbsp;</a>

The Israeli media has reported that as many as 150 rockets fired into central Israel including the country’s major city of Tel Aviv, as of Saturday evening.&nbsp;

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the assault that had begun in Gaza would spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem. “This was the morning of defeat and humiliation upon our enemy, its soldiers and its settlers,” said the militant group leader.&nbsp;

He added, “What happened reveals the greatness of our preparation. What happened today reveals the weakness of the enemy.”&nbsp;

Israeli forces said that they are fighting Gaza militants who entered Israel by land, sea and air using paragliders following a barrage of rockets was fired at Israel.&nbsp;

“It was a combined ground raid which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground,” said army spokesman Richard Hecht.&nbsp;

Israel has also reported 22 active locations inside the country where Israeli troops were still battling “hundreds” of Palestinian militants, adding that the Hamas attack included a “robust ground invasion”.&nbsp;

More than 3,000 rockets had been fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel, said the army spokesman. “There will be a severe response to this inhumane attack, it’s unprecedented,” said Hecht.

AFP journalists witnessed attackers gather around a burning Israeli tank, and others driving a seized Israeli military Humvee back into Gaza, where they were met by cheering crowds. Hamas chief said that the group was on the “verge of a great victory and a clear conquest on the Gaza front”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘We are at war’</h2>

Netanyahu, in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-at-war-and-we-will-win-it-says-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-as-hamas-launches-surprise-attack-643737">first remarks</a> after the attack, said, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war...”&nbsp;He also went on to outline a plan and called on the citizens to unite&nbsp;and achieve victory in the war. Israel has since called up reservists for an ongoing operation called “Swords of Iron”.

Netanyahu, addressing&nbsp;the nation in the evening called&nbsp;today’s events something “never before seen in Israel,” he vows to ensure “it will never happen again.”

He also vowed to&nbsp;use “all the power” of the&nbsp;Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to&nbsp;destroy Hamas’&nbsp;capabilities. Addressing the&nbsp;“residents of Gaza”&nbsp;Netanyahu said, “get out now because we will operate everywhere with full force.”

This “black day” will be “avenged,” said the Israeli PM

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a statement said that the people of his country have full right to defend themselves against the “terror of settlers and occupation troops,” as per official news agency WAFA.

<h2>Death toll in Israel and Gaza crosses 400</h2>

Israeli media report citing the country’s health ministry and emergency services said that at least 200 people have been killed as of 9:30 pm (local time), and over 1,425 others have been injured and taken to hospitals.&nbsp;

In southern Israel, near Gaza, Reuters reported that bodies of Israeli civilians lay strewn across a highway in Sderot. “I saw many bodies, of terrorists and civilians,” one man who gave his name as Shlomi told AFP in southern Israel.

An Israeli woman identified as Dorin told Israel N12 News that the militants had infiltrated her house. “They just came in again, please send help!” an Israeli woman who was sheltering with her two-year-old child in a bomb shelter pleaded.&nbsp;

In Gaza, images show orange flames and black smoke in the evening sky after Israel launched its retaliatory strike, while on the ground, crowds of mourners were seen carrying bodies of militants killed through the streets, wrapped in green Hamas flags.

At least 232 Palestinians were killed and over 1,600 were wounded in Gaza, said the Palestinian health ministry after Israel responded with air strikes.&nbsp;

<h2>Israelis held hostage</h2>

Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri told Al Jazeera that they are holding a large number of Israeli captives, including senior officials and said that they had enough captives to make Israel free all Palestinians in its jails.&nbsp;

The Israeli military has since confirmed Israelis were being held captive in Gaza and soldiers and officers had been killed. Hecht reported a “severe hostage situation in Beeri and also in Ofakim” two Israeli communities near the Gaza border.&nbsp;

The military said that the country could mobilise up to hundreds of thousands of reservists and was also prepared for war on its northern front against Lebanon’s Hezbollah group.

Hamas has long advocated for Israel’s destruction and fought four wars against Israel since 2007 after it seized control of Gaza in 2007.&nbsp;

The attack on Saturday came as a surprise to Israel’s security forces making it one of the worst intelligence failures in the country’s history.&nbsp;Israel’s ambassador to France Raphael Morav in an interview said that the country was not “sufficiently prepared” for the attack. “Following this surprise, we were not sufficiently prepared for it, we could even say barely prepared.”&nbsp;

The attack also follows a recent rise in tensions with the Israeli army conducting near-nightly raids in the West Bank,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-killed-amid-settler-violence-in-west-bank-over-50-injured-after-clashes-with-israeli-military-643488">recent&nbsp;settler violence</a>&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;deadly Palestinian attacks on Israelis.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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More than 400 people have been killed while thousands of others have been injured, in Gaza and Israel after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas took Israel by surprise on Saturday (Oct 7) marking the deadliest day of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago.

More than 400 people have been killed while thousands of others have been injured, in Gaza and Israel after Palestinian Islamist group Hamas took Israel by surprise on Saturday (Oct 7) marking the deadliest day of violence in Israel since the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country was “at war” and swore fierce counterattack. The attack has also drawn some mixed reactions from across the world, where most Western countries, Ukraine and India have condemned the attacks on Israel and expressed solidarity with the Israelis. On the other hand, countries like Iran have celebrated it as a “proud operation” and Qatar said that they “held Israel solely responsible” for the escalation in violence. ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’ The Palestinian militant group launched over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, marking the commencement of “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.” The Israeli media has reported that as many as 150 rockets fired into central Israel including the country’s major city of Tel Aviv, as of Saturday evening. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the assault that had begun in Gaza would spread to the West Bank and Jerusalem. “This was the morning of defeat and humiliation upon our enemy, its soldiers and its settlers,” said the militant group leader. He added, “What happened reveals the greatness of our preparation. What happened today reveals the weakness of the enemy.” Israeli forces said that they are fighting Gaza militants who entered Israel by land, sea and air using paragliders following a barrage of rockets was fired at Israel. “It was a combined ground raid which happened through paragliders, through the sea and through the ground,” said army spokesman Richard Hecht. Israel has also reported 22 active locations inside the country where Israeli troops were still battling “hundreds” of Palestinian militants, adding that the Hamas attack included a “robust ground invasion”. More than 3,000 rockets had been fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel, said the army spokesman. “There will be a severe response to this inhumane attack, it’s unprecedented,” said Hecht. AFP journalists witnessed attackers gather around a burning Israeli tank, and others driving a seized Israeli military Humvee back into Gaza, where they were met by cheering crowds. Hamas chief said that the group was on the “verge of a great victory and a clear conquest on the Gaza front”. ‘We are at war’ Netanyahu, in his first remarks after the attack, said, “Citizens of Israel, we are at war...” He also went on to outline a plan and called on the citizens to unite and achieve victory in the war. Israel has since called up reservists for an ongoing operation called “Swords of Iron”. Netanyahu, addressing the nation in the evening called today’s events something “never before seen in Israel,” he vows to ensure “it will never happen again.” He also vowed to use “all the power” of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to destroy Hamas’ capabilities. Addressing the “residents of Gaza” Netanyahu said, “get out now because we will operate everywhere with full force.” This “black day” will be “avenged,” said the Israeli PM Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a statement said that the people of his country have full right to defend themselves against the “terror of settlers and occupation troops,” as per official news agency WAFA. Death toll in Israel and Gaza crosses 400 Israeli media report citing the country’s health ministry and emergency services said that at least 200 people have been killed as of 9:30 pm (local time), and over 1,425 others have been injured and taken to hospitals. In southern Israel, near Gaza, Reuters reported that bodies of Israeli civilians lay strewn across a highway in Sderot. “I saw many bodies, of terrorists and civilians,” one man who gave his name as Shlomi told AFP in southern Israel. An Israeli woman identified as Dorin told Israel N12 News that the militants had infiltrated her house. “They just came in again, please send help!” an Israeli woman who was sheltering with her two-year-old child in a bomb shelter pleaded. In Gaza, images show orange flames and black smoke in the evening sky after Israel launched its retaliatory strike, while on the ground, crowds of mourners were seen carrying bodies of militants killed through the streets, wrapped in green Hamas flags. At least 232 Palestinians were killed and over 1,600 were wounded in Gaza, said the Palestinian health ministry after Israel responded with air strikes. Israelis held hostage Hamas deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri told Al Jazeera that they are holding a large number of Israeli captives, including senior officials and said that they had enough captives to make Israel free all Palestinians in its jails. The Israeli military has since confirmed Israelis were being held captive in Gaza and soldiers and officers had been killed. Hecht reported a “severe hostage situation in Beeri and also in Ofakim” two Israeli communities near the Gaza border. The military said that the country could mobilise up to hundreds of thousands of reservists and was also prepared for war on its northern front against Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Hamas has long advocated for Israel’s destruction and fought four wars against Israel since 2007 after it seized control of Gaza in 2007. The attack on Saturday came as a surprise to Israel’s security forces making it one of the worst intelligence failures in the country’s history. Israel’s ambassador to France Raphael Morav in an interview said that the country was not “sufficiently prepared” for the attack. “Following this surprise, we were not sufficiently prepared for it, we could even say barely prepared.” The attack also follows a recent rise in tensions with the Israeli army conducting near-nightly raids in the West Bank, recent settler violence as well as deadly Palestinian attacks on Israelis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hundreds killed after Hamas launches biggest attack in decades on Israel

A day after more than 150 people were injured due to violent clashes in Israel's Tel Aviv between Eritrean government supporters celebrating an Eritrea Day event and opponents of President Isaias Afwerki, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday (September 3) said Israel is considering deporting 1,000 Eritreans who participated in the "riots".

A day after more than 150 people were injured due to violent clashes in Israel's Tel Aviv between Eritrean government supporters celebrating an Eritrea Day event and opponents of President Isaias Afwerki, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday (September 3) said Israel is considering deporting 1,000 Eritreans who participated in the "riots". A report by the Times of Israel early Sunday said that a police officer was in serious condition after doctors removed part of a camping stove from his head which was apparently thrown at him. The officer was hospitalised at Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, and he was among the 50 officers who were injured during the clashes that broke out during an event organised by the Eritrean embassy to mark Revolution Day. Earlier, Israeli medical officials said that over 114 people had been treated for injuries, including about 30 police officers. Police fired stun grenades to break up the clashes, while some protesters hurled stones at police and set fire to trash bins. Videos shared on social media showed Eritrean government supporters beating anti-government protesters. Israeli PM about the violence in Tel Aviv A day after the violent clashes broke out in the Israeli financial capital, the Israeli PM said that the protesters had crossed a "red line". "At the special ministerial committee I established today, we asked for a few swift measures, including expelling a thousand regime supporters who took part in these riots," Netanyahu said, in a statement. He added, "They cannot of course claim to be refugees. They support this regime. If they support it so much, they can return to the country of their origin." Police arrest 39 suspects for assaulting officers Citing police, a report by the news agency AFP said that 39 suspects were arrested for assaulting and throwing stones at the officers. Some of these suspects were carrying "weapons, tear gas, and an electrical stun gun." The Police further said they were reinforcing their personnel in Tel Aviv. Eritrea has been led by authoritarian President Isaias Afwerki since its formal declaration of independence in 1993. Being one of the most isolated sites in the world, Eritrea is near the bottom of the global rankings for press freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and economic development. According to Assaf, an organisation that aids refugees, around 25,500 Eritrean asylum seekers currently live in Israel. Most of these asylum-seekers fled to Israel over its border with Egypt. They have said they will face persecution if they are repatriated. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel considers deporting 1,000 Eritreans involved in clashes which left over 150 people wounded

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday in the latest demonstration against the hard-right government's controversial judicial reform plans that opponents see as a threat to democracy.

Since the government revealed the reform package in the month of January, thousands of Israelis joined weekly protests in what has turned out to be the biggest demonstration movement in the history of Israel.

While protests have been staged in many cities including Jerusalem, the epicentre has been the commercial hub of Tel Aviv, where demonstrators have taken to the streets and marched every Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

"Democracy, democracy," protesters chanted as they marched on Saturday. "We won't give up until it gets better."

"Despite months of protests, things are not going the way we wanted as one important part of the judiciary overhaul has been passed a few weeks ago," protester Ben Peleg, 47, told AFP.&nbsp;

"But if we continue to apply pressure on the streets, there is a possibility that we can still stop these changes."&nbsp;

Last month, the Israeli parliament voted to limit the so-called "reasonableness" law.

The new legislation constrains judicial review by Israel's top court of some government decisions, and critics fear it could pave the way to a more authoritarian government.&nbsp;

Israel's ally United States has termed parliament's vote as "unfortunate" and repeatedly raised concern about the political turmoil.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/detained-niger-president-mohamed-bazoum-seen-by-doctor-report-624937">Detained Niger president Mohamed Bazoum seen by doctor: Report</a>

Netanyahu has repeatedly reinstated that the move is a "necessary democratic step," highlighting the need to empower the elected government and align policies with the majority of citizens.

"We passed the amendment on reasonability so that the elected government can carry out policy in line with the decision of the majority of the citizens of the country," he said earlier in a televised address.

However, opponents argue that the judicial revamp could pave the way for an authoritarian government by weakening checks and balances on the Israeli executive.

<h2>Critics fear erosion of democracy</h2>

Critics, including the US, expressed concern over the potential implications of the judicial reform package. They stressed the importance of enduring changes in democracy and having a broad consensus.

The bill aims to limit the Supreme Court's powers to strike down government decisions deemed "unreasonable" by the judges. President Isaac Herzog attempted to mediate a compromise between the government and the opposition, but the efforts ultimately failed, leading to an escalating political crisis.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday in the latest demonstration against the hard-right government's controversial judicial reform plans that opponents see as a threat to democracy.

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday in the latest demonstration against the hard-right government's controversial judicial reform plans that opponents see as a threat to democracy. Since the government revealed the reform package in the month of January, thousands of Israelis joined weekly protests in what has turned out to be the biggest demonstration movement in the history of Israel. While protests have been staged in many cities including Jerusalem, the epicentre has been the commercial hub of Tel Aviv, where demonstrators have taken to the streets and marched every Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. "Democracy, democracy," protesters chanted as they marched on Saturday. "We won't give up until it gets better." "Despite months of protests, things are not going the way we wanted as one important part of the judiciary overhaul has been passed a few weeks ago," protester Ben Peleg, 47, told AFP. "But if we continue to apply pressure on the streets, there is a possibility that we can still stop these changes." Last month, the Israeli parliament voted to limit the so-called "reasonableness" law. The new legislation constrains judicial review by Israel's top court of some government decisions, and critics fear it could pave the way to a more authoritarian government. Israel's ally United States has termed parliament's vote as "unfortunate" and repeatedly raised concern about the political turmoil. Also read: Detained Niger president Mohamed Bazoum seen by doctor: Report Netanyahu has repeatedly reinstated that the move is a "necessary democratic step," highlighting the need to empower the elected government and align policies with the majority of citizens. "We passed the amendment on reasonability so that the elected government can carry out policy in line with the decision of the majority of the citizens of the country," he said earlier in a televised address. However, opponents argue that the judicial revamp could pave the way for an authoritarian government by weakening checks and balances on the Israeli executive. Critics fear erosion of democracy Critics, including the US, expressed concern over the potential implications of the judicial reform package. They stressed the importance of enduring changes in democracy and having a broad consensus. The bill aims to limit the Supreme Court's powers to strike down government decisions deemed "unreasonable" by the judges. President Isaac Herzog attempted to mediate a compromise between the government and the opposition, but the efforts ultimately failed, leading to an escalating political crisis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Protesters take to streets in Israel against Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul

At least one man is in a serious condition after a shooting attack on a central street in Tel Aviv&nbsp;on Saturday (August 5), said the Israeli police. The officials also described the shooting as a suspected terror attack and said that the shooter had been “neutralised”.&nbsp;

<h2>Shooting incident in Tel Aviv</h2>

According to the Israeli media, the victim was identified as a municipal security guard who together with another officer confronted the assailant, Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai told reporters, as per the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

The police commissioner identified the assailant as a 27-year-old Palestinian from the Jenin area who was carrying a “martyrdom” letter. According to the media report, Shabtai said the two officers saw the suspect and called out to him.&nbsp;

Subsequently, he pulled out a pistol and shot one of the guards. The identity of the victim was not immediately known but he was reported to be critically wounded. Meanwhile, the other officer chased the assailant and shot him.&nbsp;

<h2>Two Israelis arrested after killing Palestinian teen</h2>

Two Israelis were arrested, on Saturday (August 5), after a Palestinian teen was shot dead in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-teen-killed-by-israeli-army-during-west-bank-raid-un-warns-about-rise-in-settler-incidents-622427">occupied West Bank</a>. According to reports, residents of Palestinian Burqa village said Israeli settlers entered their village Friday night, threw rocks and set fire to cars.

The incident led to the death of a 19-year-old, said the Palestinian Health Ministry. 
 
Meanwhile, the Israeli military-led initial investigation has found that clashes began when Israelis arrived to herd sheep near the village and Palestinians from the town came to move them away, at which point “verbal confrontations ensued which were followed by the hurling of rocks by both sides, and the firing of fireworks by Palestinians,” as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

During the confrontation, said the Israeli military, in a statement, “Israeli civilians shot toward the Palestinians.” The altercation resulted in the death of one Palestinian and four others were injured, it added, and a “Palestinian vehicle was found burnt.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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At least one man is in a serious condition after a shooting attack on a central street in Tel Aviv on Saturday (August 5), said the Israeli police. The officials also described the shooting as a suspected terror attack and said that the shooter had been “neutralised”.

At least one man is in a serious condition after a shooting attack on a central street in Tel Aviv on Saturday (August 5), said the Israeli police. The officials also described the shooting as a suspected terror attack and said that the shooter had been “neutralised”. Shooting incident in Tel Aviv According to the Israeli media, the victim was identified as a municipal security guard who together with another officer confronted the assailant, Israel Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai told reporters, as per the Times of Israel. The police commissioner identified the assailant as a 27-year-old Palestinian from the Jenin area who was carrying a “martyrdom” letter. According to the media report, Shabtai said the two officers saw the suspect and called out to him. Subsequently, he pulled out a pistol and shot one of the guards. The identity of the victim was not immediately known but he was reported to be critically wounded. Meanwhile, the other officer chased the assailant and shot him. Two Israelis arrested after killing Palestinian teen Two Israelis were arrested, on Saturday (August 5), after a Palestinian teen was shot dead in the occupied West Bank. According to reports, residents of Palestinian Burqa village said Israeli settlers entered their village Friday night, threw rocks and set fire to cars. The incident led to the death of a 19-year-old, said the Palestinian Health Ministry. Meanwhile, the Israeli military-led initial investigation has found that clashes began when Israelis arrived to herd sheep near the village and Palestinians from the town came to move them away, at which point “verbal confrontations ensued which were followed by the hurling of rocks by both sides, and the firing of fireworks by Palestinians,” as quoted by Reuters. During the confrontation, said the Israeli military, in a statement, “Israeli civilians shot toward the Palestinians.” The altercation resulted in the death of one Palestinian and four others were injured, it added, and a “Palestinian vehicle was found burnt.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least one person critically injured after shooting in Tel Aviv, suspect ‘neutralised’: Israeli police

Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in protest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul and entered Jerusalem, on Saturday (July 22). This is amid mounting pressure on Israel’s right-wing government with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/over-1000-israeli-air-force-reservists-threaten-to-halt-duties-in-protest-against-proposed-judicial-overhaul-618250">over 1,100 Israeli air force reservists</a>, including fighter pilots, threatening to suspend volunteer service ahead of the parliament vote on judicial overhaul on Monday.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the upcoming vote about?</h2>

The anti-overhaul protesters are marching to Jerusalem ahead of the upcoming vote which has reportedly sought to curb the powers of the Israeli supreme court. This comes months after Netanyahu suspended the overhaul push after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-day-of-disruption-thousands-march-across-israel-as-judicial-bill-vote-looms-617218/#highways-blocked-617222">nationwide protests</a> and international pressure.&nbsp;

However, since the talks with opposition parties ground to a halt the country’s PM relaunched the legislation scrapping parts of the proposal while retaining others. One of them will limit the Supreme Court’s ability to void decisions it deems “unreasonable” by the government and ministers.&nbsp;

The legislation had been on hold for several weeks but the government has sought to pass the law before a July 30 Knesset (Israeli parliament) recess. As a part of the legislation, the Knesset would be able to overrule the top court's decisions with a simple majority, which critics say will lead to corruption and abuses of power.

<h2>Protesters’ days-long march to Jerusalem</h2>

Images show a column of protesters walking up the main highway to Jerusalem while carrying blue and white Israeli flags in sweltering heat to the sounds of beating drums and anti-government chants and cheers, reported Reuters. The march also came amid one of the hottest weeks of the year in Israel.&nbsp;

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היסטוריה, פשוט היסטוריה 
 
ותראו איזו קבלת פנים לנחיל הדגלים שלא נגמר🇮🇱🇮🇱 <a href="https://t.co/fiyXzriVWC">pic.twitter.com/fiyXzriVWC</a>
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The protesters have been walking for days and plan to rally outside the Israeli parliament ahead of the Sunday debate and subsequent vote on the bill which has sought to limit the powers of the country’s supreme court.&nbsp;

The march that began on Tuesday from Tel Aviv with a handful of people became one of the most resonant events of the seven-month anti-overhaul protest movement. Marchers have been setting up camps overnight and also met with locals who offer them food and drinks.&nbsp;

When asked if this march could stop the bill from passing, protest leader Shikma Bressler told Reuters that she does not know but “the vote is not the last step.” She added, “This is why we are trying to build the forces...in this country to choose right from wrong, to choose light from darkness.”

<h2>Demonstrations expected in 150 locations</h2>

According to local media reports, in addition to the large protest outside the Knesset on Saturday evening, the anti-overhaul protesters are also expected to rally outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem. Furthermore, demonstrations will also be held at Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street which has been the site of the main weekly anti-government protests.&nbsp;

The upcoming demonstration will mark the 29th week of protests against the contentious proposed judicial overhaul where hundreds of thousands of people are expected to rally at over 150 locations across Israel against Netanyahu’s government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in protest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul and entered Jerusalem, on Saturday (July 22).

Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in protest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul and entered Jerusalem, on Saturday (July 22). This is amid mounting pressure on Israel’s right-wing government with over 1,100 Israeli air force reservists, including fighter pilots, threatening to suspend volunteer service ahead of the parliament vote on judicial overhaul on Monday. What is the upcoming vote about? The anti-overhaul protesters are marching to Jerusalem ahead of the upcoming vote which has reportedly sought to curb the powers of the Israeli supreme court. This comes months after Netanyahu suspended the overhaul push after nationwide protests and international pressure. However, since the talks with opposition parties ground to a halt the country’s PM relaunched the legislation scrapping parts of the proposal while retaining others. One of them will limit the Supreme Court’s ability to void decisions it deems “unreasonable” by the government and ministers. The legislation had been on hold for several weeks but the government has sought to pass the law before a July 30 Knesset (Israeli parliament) recess. As a part of the legislation, the Knesset would be able to overrule the top court's decisions with a simple majority, which critics say will lead to corruption and abuses of power. Protesters’ days-long march to Jerusalem Images show a column of protesters walking up the main highway to Jerusalem while carrying blue and white Israeli flags in sweltering heat to the sounds of beating drums and anti-government chants and cheers, reported Reuters. The march also came amid one of the hottest weeks of the year in Israel. היסטוריה, פשוט היסטוריה ותראו איזו קבלת פנים לנחיל הדגלים שלא נגמר🇮🇱🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/fiyXzriVWC — 🇮🇱חגית קלימן - Hagit Klaiman🇮🇱 (@klaiman14) July 22, 2023 × The protesters have been walking for days and plan to rally outside the Israeli parliament ahead of the Sunday debate and subsequent vote on the bill which has sought to limit the powers of the country’s supreme court. The march that began on Tuesday from Tel Aviv with a handful of people became one of the most resonant events of the seven-month anti-overhaul protest movement. Marchers have been setting up camps overnight and also met with locals who offer them food and drinks. When asked if this march could stop the bill from passing, protest leader Shikma Bressler told Reuters that she does not know but “the vote is not the last step.” She added, “This is why we are trying to build the forces...in this country to choose right from wrong, to choose light from darkness.” Demonstrations expected in 150 locations According to local media reports, in addition to the large protest outside the Knesset on Saturday evening, the anti-overhaul protesters are also expected to rally outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem. Furthermore, demonstrations will also be held at Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street which has been the site of the main weekly anti-government protests. The upcoming demonstration will mark the 29th week of protests against the contentious proposed judicial overhaul where hundreds of thousands of people are expected to rally at over 150 locations across Israel against Netanyahu’s government. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem: Thousands of Israelis march against judicial overhaul ahead of vote

Delhi police registered a case on Sunday over a call to an Air India call centre in Pune on Thursday (July 13) that warned of a hijack threat&nbsp;on a flight scheduled to depart from Delhi to Tel Aviv.

According to the police, the person who made the call to the flag carrier of India said he overheard another person saying that a flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv will be hijacked.

As per news agency ANI reports, as per the FIR filed by Delhi Police, on July 13, a call was received at the Air India call centre in Pune. The caller introduced himself as Anurag from Assam and then said that he overheard a person talking about the hijacking of the Delhi-Tel Aviv flight.

"Following the call threatening the hijacking of an Air India Delhi-Tel Avivi flight, a meeting of the BTAC (Bomb Threat Assessment Committee) was convened at Guwahati airport and a special security committee also met over it from 9:16 am to 11:15 am, on 13 July," the FIR copy mentioned.

Delhi police further said that nothing suspicious had spewed up in the probe into the threat call so far, adding that the investigation was still ongoing.

The case was registered at IGI Airport Police station under Sections 82,341,505(1)(b),507 of the IPC, said police.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-chinese-diplomat-wang-yi-discusses-issues-related-to-peace-and-tranquillity-in-border-areas-616011">Jaishankar meets Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, discusses peace and tranquillity in border areas</a>

<h2>Man arrested for shouting 'hijack' on Vistara flight in India</h2>

Last month, a Vistara flight from Mumbai to Delhi experienced a delay of four hours due to an incident involving a male passenger who had to be deplaned and subsequently arrested for shouting 'hijack' just before take-off.&nbsp;

Following standard operating procedure (SOP), the authorities conducted a search of the plane before granting fresh clearance for departure. A Vistara spokesperson emphasised that the airline immediately informed the authorities and handed over the passenger, identified as Ritesh Sanjaykumar Juneja.&nbsp;

Following a complaint from the flight crew, Juneja was arrested on a Vistara flight scheduled to depart from Mumbai at 6:30 pm.

Juneja claimed to be mentally ill, as reported by the police. An unnamed police officer stated that Juneja attributed his behaviour to mental instability.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Delhi police registered a case on Sunday over a call to an Air India call centre in Pune on Thursday (July 13) that warned of a hijack threat on a flight scheduled to depart from Delhi to Tel Aviv.

Delhi police registered a case on Sunday over a call to an Air India call centre in Pune on Thursday (July 13) that warned of a hijack threat on a flight scheduled to depart from Delhi to Tel Aviv. According to the police, the person who made the call to the flag carrier of India said he overheard another person saying that a flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv will be hijacked. As per news agency ANI reports, as per the FIR filed by Delhi Police, on July 13, a call was received at the Air India call centre in Pune. The caller introduced himself as Anurag from Assam and then said that he overheard a person talking about the hijacking of the Delhi-Tel Aviv flight. "Following the call threatening the hijacking of an Air India Delhi-Tel Avivi flight, a meeting of the BTAC (Bomb Threat Assessment Committee) was convened at Guwahati airport and a special security committee also met over it from 9:16 am to 11:15 am, on 13 July," the FIR copy mentioned. Delhi police further said that nothing suspicious had spewed up in the probe into the threat call so far, adding that the investigation was still ongoing. The case was registered at IGI Airport Police station under Sections 82,341,505(1)(b),507 of the IPC, said police. Also read: Jaishankar meets Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, discusses peace and tranquillity in border areas Man arrested for shouting 'hijack' on Vistara flight in India Last month, a Vistara flight from Mumbai to Delhi experienced a delay of four hours due to an incident involving a male passenger who had to be deplaned and subsequently arrested for shouting 'hijack' just before take-off. Following standard operating procedure (SOP), the authorities conducted a search of the plane before granting fresh clearance for departure. A Vistara spokesperson emphasised that the airline immediately informed the authorities and handed over the passenger, identified as Ritesh Sanjaykumar Juneja. Following a complaint from the flight crew, Juneja was arrested on a Vistara flight scheduled to depart from Mumbai at 6:30 pm. Juneja claimed to be mentally ill, as reported by the police. An unnamed police officer stated that Juneja attributed his behaviour to mental instability. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Delhi police register case over call warning of possible hijack of flight to Tel Aviv

Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the street on Saturday as the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu steps&nbsp;up its efforts to set in motion the impending judicial overhaul. The Times of Israel reported more than 150,000 people in attendance at the main rally at Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street.&nbsp;

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תצפו עם ווליום. 
מדהימים ❤️ 
 
צילום: יאיר פלטי <a href="https://t.co/M18uoUloAf">pic.twitter.com/M18uoUloAf</a>
— מירב כהן - Meirav Cohen (@cohen_meirav) <a href="https://twitter.com/cohen_meirav/status/1680288188751904771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The protests marked the 28th weekend of protests against the proposed changes in the judiciary, which will severely limit the ability of the courts to review the decisions taken by the government. The protesters have pledged to organise a “day of disruption” on Tuesday to press the ruling coalition to abandon its ‘dangerous’ plans.

<h2>Judicial overhaul expected before end of July</h2>

Protests across Israel intensified after the Netanyahu government approved a key bill earlier this month which is part of the overhaul. The bill requires two more votes before it becomes law.&nbsp;

The Knesset is scheduled to go on summer break at the end of the month, and the government is expected to get the bill cleared before that. The bill will not only prevent a judicial review of governmental decisions but also give political leaders a greater say in the appointment of judges.

<h2>‘Biden save us’</h2>

Protesters were seen scrawling ‘Biden save us’ slogans on the roads. They are calling on international powers to press the Israeli government to not go ahead with the overhaul.&nbsp;

In fact, thousands of protesters also gathered before US diplomatic office in Tel Aviv Thursday night and called on the Biden administration to condemn Netanyahu’s plans to implement judicial changes.

Watch:&nbsp;Thousands of Israelis protest against proposed judicial reform

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Biden in an interview with CNN acknowledged that the current Israeli government had some “of the most extreme members” he has ever seen. He has also refrained from extending an invitation to Netanyahu to the White House.

<h2>Israel rejects Biden’s criticism</h2>

Hardliners in Israel reject Biden’s harsh criticism of the Israeli government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shot back at Biden saying that Israel was “no longer another star in the American flag".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-protest-across-country-as-netanyahus-sc-bill-gets-initial-nod-614319">Also read:&nbsp;Israelis protest across country as Netanyahu’s bill to curb SC powers gets Knesset’s initial nod</a>

Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to visit Washington next week, where he is expected to address a joint session of Congress.

<h2>Netanyahu in Hospital</h2>

Protesters who oppose judicial overhaul also held demonstrations outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem but the PM was not in his house as he was hospitalised following apparent dehydration after a coastal break during a heatwave.

Later in a video message, the PM said he was well and urged his fellow countrymen to stay hydrated. “I ask you all, spend less time in the sun, drink more water, and may we all have a good new week," he said.

Reuters reported that he was due to be discharged from the hospital after no irregularities were found in additional medical tests.

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Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the street on Saturday as the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu steps up its efforts to set in motion the impending judicial overhaul.

Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the street on Saturday as the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu steps up its efforts to set in motion the impending judicial overhaul. The Times of Israel reported more than 150,000 people in attendance at the main rally at Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street. תצפו עם ווליום. מדהימים ❤️ צילום: יאיר פלטי pic.twitter.com/M18uoUloAf — מירב כהן - Meirav Cohen (@cohen_meirav) July 15, 2023 × The protests marked the 28th weekend of protests against the proposed changes in the judiciary, which will severely limit the ability of the courts to review the decisions taken by the government. The protesters have pledged to organise a “day of disruption” on Tuesday to press the ruling coalition to abandon its ‘dangerous’ plans. Judicial overhaul expected before end of July Protests across Israel intensified after the Netanyahu government approved a key bill earlier this month which is part of the overhaul. The bill requires two more votes before it becomes law. The Knesset is scheduled to go on summer break at the end of the month, and the government is expected to get the bill cleared before that. The bill will not only prevent a judicial review of governmental decisions but also give political leaders a greater say in the appointment of judges. ‘Biden save us’ Protesters were seen scrawling ‘Biden save us’ slogans on the roads. They are calling on international powers to press the Israeli government to not go ahead with the overhaul. In fact, thousands of protesters also gathered before US diplomatic office in Tel Aviv Thursday night and called on the Biden administration to condemn Netanyahu’s plans to implement judicial changes. Watch: Thousands of Israelis protest against proposed judicial reform × Biden in an interview with CNN acknowledged that the current Israeli government had some “of the most extreme members” he has ever seen. He has also refrained from extending an invitation to Netanyahu to the White House. Israel rejects Biden’s criticism Hardliners in Israel reject Biden’s harsh criticism of the Israeli government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir shot back at Biden saying that Israel was “no longer another star in the American flag". Also read: Israelis protest across country as Netanyahu’s bill to curb SC powers gets Knesset’s initial nod Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to visit Washington next week, where he is expected to address a joint session of Congress. Netanyahu in Hospital Protesters who oppose judicial overhaul also held demonstrations outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem but the PM was not in his house as he was hospitalised following apparent dehydration after a coastal break during a heatwave. Later in a video message, the PM said he was well and urged his fellow countrymen to stay hydrated. “I ask you all, spend less time in the sun, drink more water, and may we all have a good new week," he said. Reuters reported that he was due to be discharged from the hospital after no irregularities were found in additional medical tests. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

WATCH: Massive protests in Tel Aviv as Netanyahu plans judicial overhaul by July end

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was undergoing medical assessments in an Israeli&nbsp; hospital on Saturday but was in good condition, his office said, with local&nbsp;media&nbsp;seeing no grounds for a handover of power.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, 73, was fully conscious en route Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer, and walked into the emergency room, Israel's Channel 12 TV said, quoting the premier's doctor.

He was not undergoing sedation and no procedures were under way to declare him incapacitated, Channel 12 said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-judicial-reforms-testing-times-for-netanyahu-as-countrywide-protests-expand-613551">Israel judicial reforms: Testing times for Netanyahu as countrywide protests expand</a>

Tel Hashomer is close to coastal Caesarea, where Netanyahu has a private residence.&nbsp; Israeli&nbsp;media&nbsp;said he was there when he reported feeling unwell.

Netanyahu took ill during the Jewish fast of Yom Kippur in early October and was briefly hospitalised. Israel has been in the grip of a weekend heatwave.&nbsp;

The veteran conservative leader is also in the eye of a political storm over his plan to overhaul the judiciary, which has set off unprecedented protests by&nbsp;Israelis worried for the future independence of the courts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-hurt-four-seriously-after-terrorist-rams-car-stabs-people-in-israels-tel-aviv-611835">Seven hurt, four seriously, after 'terrorist' rams car, stabs people in Israel's Tel Aviv</a>

That has compounded tensions with the U.S. administration over his religious-nationalist coalition government's hardline tack on the Palestinians. In parallel, Netanyahu has been on trial in three corruption cases in which he denies wrongdoing.

A brief statement from his office confirmed he was at Sheba and said he was in good condition undergoing medical assessment.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was undergoing medical assessments in an Israeli hospital on Saturday but was in good condition, his office said, with local media seeing no grounds for a handover of power.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was undergoing medical assessments in an Israeli hospital on Saturday but was in good condition, his office said, with local media seeing no grounds for a handover of power. Netanyahu, 73, was fully conscious en route Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer, and walked into the emergency room, Israel's Channel 12 TV said, quoting the premier's doctor. He was not undergoing sedation and no procedures were under way to declare him incapacitated, Channel 12 said. Also read | Israel judicial reforms: Testing times for Netanyahu as countrywide protests expand Tel Hashomer is close to coastal Caesarea, where Netanyahu has a private residence. Israeli media said he was there when he reported feeling unwell. Netanyahu took ill during the Jewish fast of Yom Kippur in early October and was briefly hospitalised. Israel has been in the grip of a weekend heatwave. The veteran conservative leader is also in the eye of a political storm over his plan to overhaul the judiciary, which has set off unprecedented protests by Israelis worried for the future independence of the courts. Also read | Seven hurt, four seriously, after 'terrorist' rams car, stabs people in Israel's Tel Aviv That has compounded tensions with the U.S. administration over his religious-nationalist coalition government's hardline tack on the Palestinians. In parallel, Netanyahu has been on trial in three corruption cases in which he denies wrongdoing. A brief statement from his office confirmed he was at Sheba and said he was in good condition undergoing medical assessment. WATCH WION LIVE HERE :

Israel's Netanyahu hospitalised but fine, his office says

On Wednesday, multiple cars drove into a crowd of protesters in Tel Aviv along the city's main highway where thousands had gathered to show solidarity with the popular police chief.

A video of the incident going viral on social media shows a photographer getting struck by one of the cars. Some people in the crowd chased after the car, and the driver was arrested. Apart from the photographer, minor injuries were reported as well.&nbsp;

Israel’s police commissioner, Yaakov Shabtai, called the driver a "terrorist" and praised the crowd members for nabbing him.&nbsp;

“Circumstances are being examined regarding his background and motive&nbsp;and I would like to praise the activity of the citizen with a lot of courage, that he was able to thwart the attack and prevent the continuation of that terrorist’s killing spree,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Shabtai.&nbsp;

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⚠️BREAKING: Car driver hits protesters in Tel Aviv<a href="https://t.co/mQ2WNDOe4y">pic.twitter.com/mQ2WNDOe4y</a>
— Breaking News (@NewsJunkieBreak) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsJunkieBreak/status/1676687413630980096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This is an Israeli car ramming into protesters - civilians. 
 
A day after a Palestinian did the same to innocent civilians in Tel Aviv. 
 
Our blood remains on Netanyahu’s hand for it his incitement which led to this: <a href="https://t.co/sl9D72tqbA">pic.twitter.com/sl9D72tqbA</a>
— Danielle Bett (@daniellebett) <a href="https://twitter.com/daniellebett/status/1676674113442664462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of people had blocked the&nbsp;Ayalon Highway, holding the&nbsp;blue and white Israeli flags, after&nbsp;Tel Aviv police chief Amichai Eshed announced his resignation from the force.&nbsp;Eshed said he quit&nbsp;over political intervention by members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right cabinet who reportedly wanted him to use excess force to cull the protests.&nbsp;

“I am paying an intolerably heavy personal price for my choice to avert a civil war,” Eshed said.

Although Eshed did not mention&nbsp;Itamar Ben-Gvir, the National Security Minister, it was clear that pressure from the far-right leader was the reason for his departure. The Israelis have been protesting against the judicial overhaul proposal by the Netanyahu government.&nbsp;Ben-Gvir on multiple occasions has batted for using heavy-handedness to deal with the protesters.&nbsp;

<h2>Stabbing incident reported in the capital</h2>

Wednesday's incident comes a day after at least seven people were injured, with four in serious condition after a car rammed into people on the sidewalk. The car driver later got out and started stabbing people, forcing police to deem it a "terrorist attack".&nbsp;

The assailant was then "neutralised" at the scene by a civilian first responder, an Israeli police spokesperson told Israel's Army Radio.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-hurt-four-seriously-after-terrorist-rams-car-stabs-people-in-israels-tel-aviv-611835">Also read |&nbsp;Seven hurt, four seriously, after 'terrorist' rams car, stabs people in Israel's Tel Aviv</a>

The Islamist Hamas group said the attacker, identified as 23-year-old Abdel-Wahab Khalyleh, was its member, calling the&nbsp;attack "an act of self-defence in the face of the ongoing Zionist massacre in Jenin".

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Wednesday, multiple cars drove into a crowd of protesters in Tel Aviv along the city's main highway where thousands had gathered to show solidarity with the popular police chief.

On Wednesday, multiple cars drove into a crowd of protesters in Tel Aviv along the city's main highway where thousands had gathered to show solidarity with the popular police chief. A video of the incident going viral on social media shows a photographer getting struck by one of the cars. Some people in the crowd chased after the car, and the driver was arrested. Apart from the photographer, minor injuries were reported as well. Israel’s police commissioner, Yaakov Shabtai, called the driver a "terrorist" and praised the crowd members for nabbing him. “Circumstances are being examined regarding his background and motive and I would like to praise the activity of the citizen with a lot of courage, that he was able to thwart the attack and prevent the continuation of that terrorist’s killing spree," said Shabtai. ⚠️BREAKING: Car driver hits protesters in Tel Avivpic.twitter.com/mQ2WNDOe4y — Breaking News (@NewsJunkieBreak) July 5, 2023 × This is an Israeli car ramming into protesters - civilians. A day after a Palestinian did the same to innocent civilians in Tel Aviv. Our blood remains on Netanyahu’s hand for it his incitement which led to this: pic.twitter.com/sl9D72tqbA — Danielle Bett (@daniellebett) July 5, 2023 × Thousands of people had blocked the Ayalon Highway, holding the blue and white Israeli flags, after Tel Aviv police chief Amichai Eshed announced his resignation from the force. Eshed said he quit over political intervention by members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right cabinet who reportedly wanted him to use excess force to cull the protests. “I am paying an intolerably heavy personal price for my choice to avert a civil war,” Eshed said. Although Eshed did not mention Itamar Ben-Gvir, the National Security Minister, it was clear that pressure from the far-right leader was the reason for his departure. The Israelis have been protesting against the judicial overhaul proposal by the Netanyahu government. Ben-Gvir on multiple occasions has batted for using heavy-handedness to deal with the protesters. Stabbing incident reported in the capital Wednesday's incident comes a day after at least seven people were injured, with four in serious condition after a car rammed into people on the sidewalk. The car driver later got out and started stabbing people, forcing police to deem it a "terrorist attack". The assailant was then "neutralised" at the scene by a civilian first responder, an Israeli police spokesperson told Israel's Army Radio. Also read | Seven hurt, four seriously, after 'terrorist' rams car, stabs people in Israel's Tel Aviv The Islamist Hamas group said the attacker, identified as 23-year-old Abdel-Wahab Khalyleh, was its member, calling the attack "an act of self-defence in the face of the ongoing Zionist massacre in Jenin". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Video | Cars drive through swarm of protesters in Tel Aviv

In Pics | Protests erupt in Tel Aviv after police chief quits

The police commander of Tel Aviv on Wednesday claimed that he was resigning from the force because of the political intervention of hard-right cabinet members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he claimed wished to use excessive force against anti-government protesters.

Tel Aviv District Commander Ami Eshed did not take the name of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who had called for tough action against protesters blocking highways and roads in unprecedented demonstrations against the contentious push of the government to overhaul the judicial system.

Soon after the announcement was made by Eshed, hundreds of protesters marched through Tel Aviv, carrying Israeli flags and chanting "democracy". A main highway was blocked by some protesters, as some lit fires and faced off with police on horseback.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jenin-rebuilds-and-mourns-as-israel-concludes-intense-raid-612339">Jenin mourns and rebuilds as Israel concludes intense raid</a>

Eshed, in a televised statement, said that he couldn't live up to the expectations of what he said "the ministerial echelon", which he added had broken all rules and interfered blatantly in professional decision-making.

"I could have easily met these expectations by using unreasonable force that would have filled up the emergency room of Ichilov (Tel Aviv hospital) at the end of every protest," Eshed stated. "For the first time in three decades of service I encountered an absurd reality in which ensuring calm and order was not what was required of me but precisely the opposite," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Slim chances of becoming police chief</h2>

Ben-Gvir, who had informed Eshed in March that he will be given a new role on the force, a step which was seen as decreasing his chances of becoming a police chief, in a televised statement said that a dangerous line was crossed by Eshed.

"Politics has seeped into the most senior ranks in Israel and a uniformed officer has caved to senior politicians on the left," he stated.&nbsp;

Ben-Gvir, who is a hardliner with past convictions for support for incitement and terrorism, had appealed for greater authority over the police force when he had to serve as its overseeing minister which raised concerns about police independence.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel: Thousands take to the streets after Tel Aviv police chief quits

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Ben-Gvir, having recanted some of his views, joined the new coalition of Netanyahu in December, alarming liberals at home and abroad. The police have since been rebuked by the leader of the Jewish Power party for its treatment of protesters.

Netanyahu's nationalist-religious coalition's other members have echoed Ben-Gvir, stating that favourable treatment has been shown by the police to the protesters who have been filling the streets of Tel Aviv weekly since January, in comparison with what they see as more harsh treatment of settlers and ultra-Orthodox protesters.

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The police commander of Tel Aviv on Wednesday claimed that he was resigning from the force because of the political intervention of hard-right cabinet members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he claimed wished to use excessive force against anti-government protesters.

The police commander of Tel Aviv on Wednesday claimed that he was resigning from the force because of the political intervention of hard-right cabinet members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he claimed wished to use excessive force against anti-government protesters. Tel Aviv District Commander Ami Eshed did not take the name of far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who had called for tough action against protesters blocking highways and roads in unprecedented demonstrations against the contentious push of the government to overhaul the judicial system. Soon after the announcement was made by Eshed, hundreds of protesters marched through Tel Aviv, carrying Israeli flags and chanting "democracy". A main highway was blocked by some protesters, as some lit fires and faced off with police on horseback. ALSO READ | Jenin mourns and rebuilds as Israel concludes intense raid Eshed, in a televised statement, said that he couldn't live up to the expectations of what he said "the ministerial echelon", which he added had broken all rules and interfered blatantly in professional decision-making. "I could have easily met these expectations by using unreasonable force that would have filled up the emergency room of Ichilov (Tel Aviv hospital) at the end of every protest," Eshed stated. "For the first time in three decades of service I encountered an absurd reality in which ensuring calm and order was not what was required of me but precisely the opposite," he added. Slim chances of becoming police chief Ben-Gvir, who had informed Eshed in March that he will be given a new role on the force, a step which was seen as decreasing his chances of becoming a police chief, in a televised statement said that a dangerous line was crossed by Eshed. "Politics has seeped into the most senior ranks in Israel and a uniformed officer has caved to senior politicians on the left," he stated. Ben-Gvir, who is a hardliner with past convictions for support for incitement and terrorism, had appealed for greater authority over the police force when he had to serve as its overseeing minister which raised concerns about police independence. WATCH | Israel: Thousands take to the streets after Tel Aviv police chief quits Ben-Gvir, having recanted some of his views, joined the new coalition of Netanyahu in December, alarming liberals at home and abroad. The police have since been rebuked by the leader of the Jewish Power party for its treatment of protesters. Netanyahu's nationalist-religious coalition's other members have echoed Ben-Gvir, stating that favourable treatment has been shown by the police to the protesters who have been filling the streets of Tel Aviv weekly since January, in comparison with what they see as more harsh treatment of settlers and ultra-Orthodox protesters. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tel Aviv police chief resigns, claims government meddling against protesters

Israel and Palestine's tension took yet another deadly turn when Israel's massive raid on the West Bank refugee camp in Jenin killed 10 and prompted thousands to leave. A Palestinian man rammed a car on a Tel Aviv sidewalk injuring 8 people. Hamas militant group welcomed the attack as a heroic act of retaliation. Watch this interview with Political Analyst Mkhaimar Abusada.

Car ramming and stabbing attack in Tel Aviv

Israel and Palestine's tension took yet another deadly turn when Israel's massive raid on the West Bank refugee camp in Jenin killed 10 and prompted thousands to leave. A Palestinian man rammed a car on a Tel Aviv sidewalk injuring 8 people. Hamas militant group welcomed the attack as a heroic act of retaliation. Watch this report to know more.

Israel PM Netanyahu: This is not a one-time action

At least seven people were injured, with four in serious condition, in Israel’s Tel Aviv following a car-ramming and stabbing incident, with police deeming it to be a “terrorist” attack.

The incident took place on Tuesday morning at Pinkhas Rosen Street. The attacker rammed his pickup truck into people on a sidewalk in the coastal city, then got out and stabbed others, police said, according to the Times of Israel newspaper.

The assailant was then "neutralised" at the scene by a civilian first responder, an Israeli police spokesperson told Israel's Army Radio.

Israel Police Tel Aviv District Commander said that the assailant was a Palestinian and a resident of the West Bank. He is said to have acted alone.

The attacker reportedly got into Israel with a medical permit as he was suffering from some mental illness, Jerusalem Post (JP) reported.

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עדכונים פיגוע בצפון תל אביב! 
 
&gt; הפיגוע ברחוב פנחס רוזן. 
 
&gt; כ-7 נפגעים קשה. 
 
&gt; דיווחים על 2 זירות. 
 
תיעוד הזירה ורכב המחבל שדרס: <a href="https://t.co/sGvOCNRu3M">pic.twitter.com/sGvOCNRu3M</a>
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Meanwhile, among the injured, one, a 46-year-old woman, is said to be in a serious condition, while two others in their thirties are in moderate condition and another two are in light condition.

"We arrived at the scene with a large force of MDA intensive care vehicles and ambulances. We saw that it was very serious, and near a bus stop there were 5 injured people, including a 46-year-old woman was lying on the sidewalk while she was conscious and suffering from severe trauma," an MDA paramedic said, Jerusalem Post reported.

The Islamist Hamas group said the attacker, identified as 23-year-old Abdel-Wahab Khalyleh, was its member, calling the&nbsp;attack "an act of self-defence in the face of the ongoing Zionist massacre in Jenin".

Thousands of people were evacuated from the Jenin refugee camp as one of Israel's biggest West Bank military operations in years continued for a second day on Tuesday and a car-ramming in Tel Aviv underlined the risk of violence spreading.

The operation, which the army said was aimed at destroying infrastructure and weapons of militant groups in the camp, was launched with a drone strike in the early hours of Monday, and over 1,000 troops have been deployed. At least 10 people have been killed, Palestinian officials said.

Prime Minister&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the anti-terror operations that lasted for more than 12 hours has been concluded.

“I congratulate our brave fighters who destroyed many terrorist infrastructures in Jenin and by this prevented many attacks. At these moments we are completing the mission and I can say that our extensive operation in Jenin is not a one-time (action). We will continue as long as necessary to cut out terrorism, we will not allow Jenin to return to being a safe haven for terrorism.”

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At least seven people were injured, with four in serious condition, in Israel’s Tel Aviv following a car-ramming and stabbing incident, with police deeming it to be a “terrorist” attack.

At least seven people were injured, with four in serious condition, in Israel’s Tel Aviv following a car-ramming and stabbing incident, with police deeming it to be a “terrorist” attack. The incident took place on Tuesday morning at Pinkhas Rosen Street. The attacker rammed his pickup truck into people on a sidewalk in the coastal city, then got out and stabbed others, police said, according to the Times of Israel newspaper. The assailant was then "neutralised" at the scene by a civilian first responder, an Israeli police spokesperson told Israel's Army Radio. Israel Police Tel Aviv District Commander said that the assailant was a Palestinian and a resident of the West Bank. He is said to have acted alone. The attacker reportedly got into Israel with a medical permit as he was suffering from some mental illness, Jerusalem Post (JP) reported. עדכונים פיגוע בצפון תל אביב! > הפיגוע ברחוב פנחס רוזן. > כ-7 נפגעים קשה. > דיווחים על 2 זירות. תיעוד הזירה ורכב המחבל שדרס: pic.twitter.com/sGvOCNRu3M — יענקי כהן | Yanki Coen (@yankicoen) July 4, 2023 × Meanwhile, among the injured, one, a 46-year-old woman, is said to be in a serious condition, while two others in their thirties are in moderate condition and another two are in light condition. "We arrived at the scene with a large force of MDA intensive care vehicles and ambulances. We saw that it was very serious, and near a bus stop there were 5 injured people, including a 46-year-old woman was lying on the sidewalk while she was conscious and suffering from severe trauma," an MDA paramedic said, Jerusalem Post reported. The Islamist Hamas group said the attacker, identified as 23-year-old Abdel-Wahab Khalyleh, was its member, calling the attack "an act of self-defence in the face of the ongoing Zionist massacre in Jenin". Thousands of people were evacuated from the Jenin refugee camp as one of Israel's biggest West Bank military operations in years continued for a second day on Tuesday and a car-ramming in Tel Aviv underlined the risk of violence spreading. The operation, which the army said was aimed at destroying infrastructure and weapons of militant groups in the camp, was launched with a drone strike in the early hours of Monday, and over 1,000 troops have been deployed. At least 10 people have been killed, Palestinian officials said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the anti-terror operations that lasted for more than 12 hours has been concluded. “I congratulate our brave fighters who destroyed many terrorist infrastructures in Jenin and by this prevented many attacks. At these moments we are completing the mission and I can say that our extensive operation in Jenin is not a one-time (action). We will continue as long as necessary to cut out terrorism, we will not allow Jenin to return to being a safe haven for terrorism.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Seven hurt, four seriously, after 'terrorist' rams car, stabs people in Israel's Tel Aviv

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu removing a crucial provision of the law, the impasse over Israel's contentious judicial reforms currently appears to have no conclusion in sight. The weekly demonstration is currently in its 26th week running.

Israel Protests: Thousands of Israelis protest against proposed judicial reform

Israel Protests: Protesters hit the streets of Tel Aviv for 26th consecutive week

“An innocent mistake” made by a crew member on an international flight from Italy to Tel Aviv caused a massive uproar in Israel. According to media reports, the Irish budget airline Ryanair faced boycott calls in the Jewish country earlier this week after one of its officials announced in Italian and English language that the flight (to Tel Aviv) was bound for Palestine. The announcement, which came as a major transgression for Israeli passengers, caused intense dispute on the flight.

Some passengers even tried to get the attendant to “correct” herself; however, she refused and even accused some of them of endangering her safety.&nbsp; 
 
The reference modern day Israel by the the name Palestine represents non-recognition of the Jewish state and is seen as highly provocative by most Israelis.

<h2>Ryanair issues apology</h2>

On Thursday, Ryanair airline issued an apology for the incident, calling it an “innocent mistake.” In a statement issued to the UK’s Jewish Chronicle, the airline said, “A junior crew member on this flight from Bologna to Tel Aviv (10 June) made a routine descent PA mistakenly saying ‘Palestine’ instead of ‘Tel Aviv.’ This was an innocent mistake with no intent and was immediately corrected and apologized for by the senior crew member on board.”

Eddie Wilson, the CEO of the airline, said he was “100% satisfied that this was an innocent mistake with no political overtones or intent". Wilson said that Israel was an "important partner" for Ryanair, adding that it was Israel's second-largest airline.

Watch:&nbsp;Ryanair sees over 15 million passengers in May

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"We plan to invest in Israel to grow traffic and connectivity both for Israelis travelling to Europe and also to bring much-needed inbound tourism to Israel," Wilson said.

<h2>Why Tel Aviv is a sensitive issue for the Israelis?</h2>

The city of Tel Aviv has been a subject of dispute between those advocating for Palestinian independence and those recognising the region's historical ties to Jewish settlers in the early 20th century. Many view any claims suggesting that the contested territory rightfully belongs to Palestinians as an attempt to undermine Israel's sovereignty. The use of the name Palestine instead of Israel for Tel Aviv is thus regarded as highly provocative in the Jewish country.

Tel Aviv serves as the major financial and technological hub of Israel, attracting international attention and hosting numerous foreign embassies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-people-shot-injured-in-suspected-terrorist-attack-in-tel-aviv-570400">Also read:&nbsp;Three people shot, injured in suspected `terrorist attack` in Tel Aviv, gunman killed</a>

In December 2017, former US President Donald Trump made an announcement declaring his intention to relocate the American Embassy to Jerusalem, recognising it as the true capital of Israel. This decision received criticism from Palestinian leaders and pro-Palestinian organisations at the time.&nbsp;

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“An innocent mistake” made by a crew member on an international flight from Italy to Tel Aviv caused a massive uproar in Israel. According to media reports, the Irish budget airline Ryanair faced boycott calls in the Jewish country earlier this week after one of its officials announced in Italian and English language that the flight (to Tel Aviv) was bound for Palestine.

“An innocent mistake” made by a crew member on an international flight from Italy to Tel Aviv caused a massive uproar in Israel. According to media reports, the Irish budget airline Ryanair faced boycott calls in the Jewish country earlier this week after one of its officials announced in Italian and English language that the flight (to Tel Aviv) was bound for Palestine. The announcement, which came as a major transgression for Israeli passengers, caused intense dispute on the flight. Some passengers even tried to get the attendant to “correct” herself; however, she refused and even accused some of them of endangering her safety. The reference modern day Israel by the the name Palestine represents non-recognition of the Jewish state and is seen as highly provocative by most Israelis. Ryanair issues apology On Thursday, Ryanair airline issued an apology for the incident, calling it an “innocent mistake.” In a statement issued to the UK’s Jewish Chronicle, the airline said, “A junior crew member on this flight from Bologna to Tel Aviv (10 June) made a routine descent PA mistakenly saying ‘Palestine’ instead of ‘Tel Aviv.’ This was an innocent mistake with no intent and was immediately corrected and apologized for by the senior crew member on board.” Eddie Wilson, the CEO of the airline, said he was “100% satisfied that this was an innocent mistake with no political overtones or intent". Wilson said that Israel was an "important partner" for Ryanair, adding that it was Israel's second-largest airline. Watch: Ryanair sees over 15 million passengers in May × "We plan to invest in Israel to grow traffic and connectivity both for Israelis travelling to Europe and also to bring much-needed inbound tourism to Israel," Wilson said. Why Tel Aviv is a sensitive issue for the Israelis? The city of Tel Aviv has been a subject of dispute between those advocating for Palestinian independence and those recognising the region's historical ties to Jewish settlers in the early 20th century. Many view any claims suggesting that the contested territory rightfully belongs to Palestinians as an attempt to undermine Israel's sovereignty. The use of the name Palestine instead of Israel for Tel Aviv is thus regarded as highly provocative in the Jewish country. Tel Aviv serves as the major financial and technological hub of Israel, attracting international attention and hosting numerous foreign embassies. Also read: Three people shot, injured in suspected `terrorist attack` in Tel Aviv, gunman killed In December 2017, former US President Donald Trump made an announcement declaring his intention to relocate the American Embassy to Jerusalem, recognising it as the true capital of Israel. This decision received criticism from Palestinian leaders and pro-Palestinian organisations at the time. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ryanair airline issues apology to Israelis after furore over crew referring to Tel Aviv as Palestine

In Pics | Tens of thousands march in Israel's Tel Aviv Pride parade

In Pics | Top 10 cities with the worst air quality index

In a cafe in Tel Aviv in Israel, a woman screamed after spotting cockroach. In response, people flee thinking it to be terror attack. The story is not as comic as it sounds. It is deeply rooted in psychological terror of Israelis. What's the story about? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Psychology of terror in Israel

We all have squirmed in sheer terror when a cockroach has come too close to our liking. From going pale instantly to tip-toeing around to a higher vantage point to avoid another face-off with the insect, most opt for the flight approach from the "flight-or-fight" analogy.

We all have squirmed in sheer terror when a cockroach has come too close to our liking. From going pale instantly to tip-toeing around to a higher vantage point to avoid another face-off with the insect, most opt for the flight approach from the "flight-or-fight" analogy. Similarly, a woman in Israel took the "flight" approach but the consequences became a touch too dramatic. It was a routine Saturday evening with people enjoying food and music in the Dizengoff Cafe in the capital city of Tel Aviv. However, things took a chaotic turn when a woman spotted a cockroach and screamed so loudly that patrons at the venue as well as an adjacent eatery, started to flee the spot, overturning tables and chairs - fearing they were under a terrorist attack. Such was the adrenaline rush across the room that two people sustained light injuries from broken glass during the kerfuffle. Alarmed by people bolting to the exits and seeking relief, police units were sent to the cafe to sweep for suspects. WATCH | Australia woman survives five days in bush drinking only wine | Trending on WION × Authorities find the cause of commotion After some calm was brought by the officers, it was determined that the woman's panicked screaming was in response to the sight of a cockroach, not a dreaded terror operative. “It was the scariest thing that ever happened to me,” one of the eyewitnesses was quoted as saying by The Times of Israel. "People overturned tables and everyone around started screaming and running and trampling each other. A lot of glasses shattered on the way, and people fell on the glass and got cut," she added. The witness who is eight months pregnant had to head straight to an emergency clinic to ascertain if her pregnancy was unharmed after the commotion. Netizens found the humour in the situation with some saying they empathised with the woman and her situation. One said, "As someone who had a deep and abiding hatred of cockroaches, and once *in Tel Aviv no less* had my cat "gift" me one on my pillow... I get where she was coming from," while another added, Flying cockroaches are damn scary but...." ALSO READ | Viral moment: Cockroach makes Met Gala debut, netizens hail it as 'best dressed celebrity' Israel is home to the common cockroach, but also has large, flying species, all known to spark a deep fight-or-flight response in people. Notably, cockroaches and pests are a cause of general nuisance to the people of Israel, especially those living in the coastal city. The fear of cockroaches is called katsaridaphobia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Woman screams after spotting cockroach in Tel Aviv cafe, people flee thinking it to be terror attack

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Train carrying hazardous cargo derails and catches fire in the US state of Maine, thousands of Israelis take to Tel Aviv's street to protest Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reforms, new Covid sub-variant XBB.1.16 dubbed 'arcturus' causing cases to rise across the globe, Rajasthan's Nandini Gupta crowned Femina Miss India 2023 in Imphal, Manipur.

US: Train carrying hazardous cargo derails; Israelis take to Tel Aviv's street | Trending on WION

Israeli officials said on Friday (April 7) that an Italian tourist was killed and seven others were injured in a terror attack at a promenade near the seashore in Tel Aviv when a driver rammed his car into a group of tourists.&nbsp;Speaking to the news agency AFP, a police spokesperson said, "The terrorist was neutralised, it was a terror attack against civilians, a car ramming attack".

The deceased tourist was later identified as Italian national Alessandro Parini, a 35-year-old lawyer from Rome. The wounded victims were also tourists from Italy and the United Kingdom, according to hospital officials. However, they were not named, Times of Israel newspaper reported. 
 
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with Israel following the 'cowardly attack' in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;“Deep sorrow and condolences for the death of one of our nationals, Alessandro Parini, in the terrorist attack that took place in the evening in Tel Aviv. Condolences to the victim’s family, to the wounded, and solidarity with the State of Israel for the cowardly attack,” Meloni wrote&nbsp;on Twitter.&nbsp;

The 'terrorist'&nbsp;was later named Yousef Abu Jaber, 45, a resident of Kafr Qassem. He reportedly had no known prior security offences, the newspaper reported. Officials of Israel's security agency&nbsp;Shin Bet&nbsp;and police were at Jaber’s home in the central Arab-majority city on Friday night to question his family members.

According to the police, the driver rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park. Surveillance camera footage of the incident, which was shared on social media, purportedly showed the attacker’s vehicle speeding toward pedestrians walking near the park, before overturning. 
 
The US State Department also condemned the Tel Aviv attack with Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel saying that the US “stands with the government and people of Israel.”

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Following the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the mobilisation of police and army reservists. "The Prime Minister has instructed the Israel Police to mobilise all reserve border police units and has directed the IDF to mobilise additional forces to confront the terror attacks," an official statement read.&nbsp;

The car-ramming attack comes after two Israeli sisters were killed and their mother seriously wounded in a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank.

No group has claimed responsibility for either of the attacks which come after&nbsp;Israel launched air strikes and an artillery bombardment before dawn in response to rocket firing&nbsp;from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

On Friday,&nbsp;the army said it had shot down a drone that entered Israel's airspace from Lebanon, without elaborating.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Israeli officials said on Friday (April 7) that an Italian tourist was killed and seven others were injured in a terror attack at a promenade near the seashore in Tel Aviv when a driver rammed his car into a group of tourists.

Israeli officials said on Friday (April 7) that an Italian tourist was killed and seven others were injured in a terror attack at a promenade near the seashore in Tel Aviv when a driver rammed his car into a group of tourists. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a police spokesperson said, "The terrorist was neutralised, it was a terror attack against civilians, a car ramming attack". The deceased tourist was later identified as Italian national Alessandro Parini, a 35-year-old lawyer from Rome. The wounded victims were also tourists from Italy and the United Kingdom, according to hospital officials. However, they were not named, Times of Israel newspaper reported. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with Israel following the 'cowardly attack' in Tel Aviv. “Deep sorrow and condolences for the death of one of our nationals, Alessandro Parini, in the terrorist attack that took place in the evening in Tel Aviv. Condolences to the victim’s family, to the wounded, and solidarity with the State of Israel for the cowardly attack,” Meloni wrote on Twitter. The 'terrorist' was later named Yousef Abu Jaber, 45, a resident of Kafr Qassem. He reportedly had no known prior security offences, the newspaper reported. Officials of Israel's security agency Shin Bet and police were at Jaber’s home in the central Arab-majority city on Friday night to question his family members. According to the police, the driver rammed into a group of people near a popular seaside park. Surveillance camera footage of the incident, which was shared on social media, purportedly showed the attacker’s vehicle speeding toward pedestrians walking near the park, before overturning. The US State Department also condemned the Tel Aviv attack with Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel saying that the US “stands with the government and people of Israel.” הפיגוע בטיילת בתל אביב: תיעוד הפיגוע ממצלמות האבטחה | עדכונים שוטפים >> https://t.co/aBDhe9QGeb pic.twitter.com/tQETL8A4kP — כאן חדשות (@kann_news) April 7, 2023 × Following the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the mobilisation of police and army reservists. "The Prime Minister has instructed the Israel Police to mobilise all reserve border police units and has directed the IDF to mobilise additional forces to confront the terror attacks," an official statement read. The car-ramming attack comes after two Israeli sisters were killed and their mother seriously wounded in a shooting attack in the occupied West Bank. No group has claimed responsibility for either of the attacks which come after Israel launched air strikes and an artillery bombardment before dawn in response to rocket firing from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. On Friday, the army said it had shot down a drone that entered Israel's airspace from Lebanon, without elaborating. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel: Italian tourist killed, seven others injured in ‘terror attack’ in central Tel Aviv

Israel is in the midst of what can only be described as a major political crisis after&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition government proposed an overhaul of the country's judiciary, earlier this year. Since then, Israel has&nbsp;witnessed mass protests with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets in major cities across the country&nbsp;opposing the plan week after week.&nbsp;

Demonstrations continued on Monday (March 27), a day after Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant which overnight plunged the ruling coalition into chaos as the PM&nbsp;faced mounting pressure to halt, freeze, or shelve his judicial overhaul plan.&nbsp;

The Israeli parliament, Knesset’s Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee was supposed to open early Monday for final voting of the judicial overhaul bill. 
 
However, in a statement, late Monday, Netanyahu&nbsp;delayed the process for discussions on the judicial overhaul&nbsp;to next month and said that the&nbsp;legislation would be pushed to the next session of the Israeli parliament in order to "pass the reform through dialogue."

What is happening in Israel?

Tel Aviv and Jerusalem plunged into chaos after Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant where overnight&nbsp;spontaneous protests broke&nbsp;and people blocked roads. The situation worsened&nbsp;for the government, on Monday&nbsp;when&nbsp;thousands of Israelis demonstrated outside the Knesset in Jerusalem. Additionally, major organisations called for a strike action in solidarity which&nbsp;effectively brought the entire country’s services to a grinding halt.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;‘Historic’ strikes leave Israel at standstill with crowds in streets to protest judicial reform

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Workers from a range of sectors in Israel launched a nationwide strike including the country’s largest trade union declared a "general strike". Subsequently, other organisations followed the suit,&nbsp;stopping&nbsp;flights from Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, healthcare, stores, etc. Histadrut, the national labour union also instructed all government employees to stage a walkout, in line with which diplomats from across the world walked off the job at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-embassies-across-the-world-closed-until-until-further-notice-heres-why-576370">foreign missions.</a>

From protest to pause: What is this plan all about?

Earlier this year, in January, the country’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin unveiled a plan which would overhaul Israel’s judicial system. Since then opponents and critics have repeatedly said that it would threaten the democracy and freedom of Israel. Notably, Israel has no written constitution and is governed by the country's Basic Laws and has “evolved a system of basic laws and rights, which enjoy (the) semi-constitutional status,” says the Knesset website. &nbsp;

The long-promised overhaul of the judicial system is supposedly directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme court. Furthermore, critics have said that it will affect the checks and balances as well as undermine democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the ruling party coalition, which in this case would be Netanyahu’s Likud party, which also holds a majority in the Knesset.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/netanyahu-fires-israeli-defence-minister-after-his-speech-called-for-halt-on-govts-proposed-legal-plan-576019">Israel: Netanyahu fires defence minister after speech calling to halt govt's proposed legal plan</a> 
 
The legal reforms would also limit the power and authority of the High Court of Justice to block legislation or government decisions which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory or undemocratic. However, it&nbsp;is the Override Clause that garnered controversy as it&nbsp;would simply allow a majority of the Members of Knesset (MK) to overrule decisions by the High Court.&nbsp;

Additionally, the government will also gain control over the selection process of judges and reportedly eliminate ministry legal advisers who are appointed by and report to the attorney general into political appointments controlled entirely by the government.

This makes the Supreme Court the only institution to limit the government’s power and by challenging legislation passed by a parliamentary majority, the proposed reform would remove this roadblock for the Netanyahu government. Notably, the court cannot arbitrarily dismiss legislation passed by the parliament unless they hinder one of the Basic Laws of Israel.&nbsp;

Ouster of Israeli defence minister

Netanyahu fired Gallant a day after his speech called on the government to stop the proposed judicial overhaul and hold talks with its opponents. In a brief statement, the PM's office said that Gallant will be transferred from his post. However, there was no clarity on the new position he will be given.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israeli-group-asks-court-to-punish-netanyahu-over-proposed-legal-plan-pm-given-a-week-to-respond-575914">Israeli group asks court to punish Netanyahu over proposed legal plan; PM given a week to respond</a> 
 
In a brief televised speech, on Saturday, the Israeli defence minister said, “Israel’s security is my life’s goal. Even now, I am willing to take a risk and pay a price. The threats around us are immense, near and far.” He also spoke about how he was “worried” about the conversations surrounding the proposed judicial reforms and that he had "never encountered the intensity of anger and pain".&nbsp;

Following his ouster, protest leaders announced a spontaneous rally outside the military’s headquarters in Tel Aviv in response to Netanyahu's decision.&nbsp;According to local media reports, over 100,000 people gathered outside the Knesset, on Monday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-meets-sunak-at-downing-street-amid-protests-uk-pm-stresses-democratic-values-575412">Israel’s Netanyahu meets Sunak at Downing Street amid protests; UK PM stresses on ‘democratic values’</a> 
 
Earlier today, Israeli PM in his first public statement since widespread demonstrations erupted last night. Netanyahu took to Twitter and called on all protesters in Jerusalem to “show responsibility and not act violently.” This came&nbsp;amid fears of violent clashes erupting between opponents and supporters of the government’s judicial overhaul this evening in Jerusalem.&nbsp; 
 
Netanyahu under pressure

There has been mounting pressure on the Israeli PM who is stuck between tens of thousands of protesters, members of the opposition coalition, leaders of foreign countries, and listening to his party Likud’s MKs who have pushed for the judicial overhaul.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-protests-live-president-isaac-herzog-calls-for-immediate-halt-to-judicial-reform-576092">Israel protests | As it happened: At least 80,000 protesters gather outside parliament; Netanyahu urges protesters to avoid violence</a>

Last week, Netanyahu&nbsp;visited the United Kingdom&nbsp;and met his British counterpart&nbsp;PM Rishi Sunak at No. 10 Downing Street, as hundreds gathered outside. During the meeting, Sunak stressed the importance of “upholding democratic values”, said the UK PM’s spokesperson.&nbsp;

“The prime minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel,” Sunak had said. Additionally, US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, late Sunday, said that Washington is “deeply concerned” about developments out of Israel and highlighted the “urgent need for compromise”.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-judicial-overhaul-legislation-to-be-put-on-hold-until-next-knesset-session-576348">Israel's judicial overhaul legislation to be put on hold until next Knesset session</a> 
 
On Monday, Netanyahu’s coalition government also survived a no-confidence motion which was tabled by the opposition which has been protesting against the judicial overhaul plan. The motion failed by a vote of 59-53. Hours later, justice minister Levin said that he will “respect” PM Netanyahu's decision on how to proceed with the proposed overhaul plan, reported Times of Israel.

However, he also warned how stopping it now may lead to the immediate "collapse of Likud", Netanyahu's right-wing ruling coalition. “We must all make an effort to stabilise the government and the coalition,”&nbsp;said Levin. Similarly, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the overhaul plan should not stop under any circumstances.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Israel is in the midst of what can only be described as a major political crisis after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition government proposed an overhaul of the country's judiciary, earlier this year.

Israel is in the midst of what can only be described as a major political crisis after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition government proposed an overhaul of the country's judiciary, earlier this year. Since then, Israel has witnessed mass protests with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets in major cities across the country opposing the plan week after week. Demonstrations continued on Monday (March 27), a day after Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant which overnight plunged the ruling coalition into chaos as the PM faced mounting pressure to halt, freeze, or shelve his judicial overhaul plan. The Israeli parliament, Knesset’s Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee was supposed to open early Monday for final voting of the judicial overhaul bill. However, in a statement, late Monday, Netanyahu delayed the process for discussions on the judicial overhaul to next month and said that the legislation would be pushed to the next session of the Israeli parliament in order to "pass the reform through dialogue." What is happening in Israel? Tel Aviv and Jerusalem plunged into chaos after Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant where overnight spontaneous protests broke and people blocked roads. The situation worsened for the government, on Monday when thousands of Israelis demonstrated outside the Knesset in Jerusalem. Additionally, major organisations called for a strike action in solidarity which effectively brought the entire country’s services to a grinding halt. ALSO WATCH | ‘Historic’ strikes leave Israel at standstill with crowds in streets to protest judicial reform Workers from a range of sectors in Israel launched a nationwide strike including the country’s largest trade union declared a "general strike". Subsequently, other organisations followed the suit, stopping flights from Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, healthcare, stores, etc. Histadrut, the national labour union also instructed all government employees to stage a walkout, in line with which diplomats from across the world walked off the job at foreign missions. From protest to pause: What is this plan all about? Earlier this year, in January, the country’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin unveiled a plan which would overhaul Israel’s judicial system. Since then opponents and critics have repeatedly said that it would threaten the democracy and freedom of Israel. Notably, Israel has no written constitution and is governed by the country's Basic Laws and has “evolved a system of basic laws and rights, which enjoy (the) semi-constitutional status,” says the Knesset website. The long-promised overhaul of the judicial system is supposedly directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme court. Furthermore, critics have said that it will affect the checks and balances as well as undermine democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the ruling party coalition, which in this case would be Netanyahu’s Likud party, which also holds a majority in the Knesset. ALSO READ | Israel: Netanyahu fires defence minister after speech calling to halt govt's proposed legal plan The legal reforms would also limit the power and authority of the High Court of Justice to block legislation or government decisions which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory or undemocratic. However, it is the Override Clause that garnered controversy as it would simply allow a majority of the Members of Knesset (MK) to overrule decisions by the High Court. Additionally, the government will also gain control over the selection process of judges and reportedly eliminate ministry legal advisers who are appointed by and report to the attorney general into political appointments controlled entirely by the government. This makes the Supreme Court the only institution to limit the government’s power and by challenging legislation passed by a parliamentary majority, the proposed reform would remove this roadblock for the Netanyahu government. Notably, the court cannot arbitrarily dismiss legislation passed by the parliament unless they hinder one of the Basic Laws of Israel. Ouster of Israeli defence minister Netanyahu fired Gallant a day after his speech called on the government to stop the proposed judicial overhaul and hold talks with its opponents. In a brief statement, the PM's office said that Gallant will be transferred from his post. However, there was no clarity on the new position he will be given. ALSO READ | Israeli group asks court to punish Netanyahu over proposed legal plan; PM given a week to respond In a brief televised speech, on Saturday, the Israeli defence minister said, “Israel’s security is my life’s goal. Even now, I am willing to take a risk and pay a price. The threats around us are immense, near and far.” He also spoke about how he was “worried” about the conversations surrounding the proposed judicial reforms and that he had "never encountered the intensity of anger and pain". Following his ouster, protest leaders announced a spontaneous rally outside the military’s headquarters in Tel Aviv in response to Netanyahu's decision. According to local media reports, over 100,000 people gathered outside the Knesset, on Monday. ALSO READ | Israel’s Netanyahu meets Sunak at Downing Street amid protests; UK PM stresses on ‘democratic values’ Earlier today, Israeli PM in his first public statement since widespread demonstrations erupted last night. Netanyahu took to Twitter and called on all protesters in Jerusalem to “show responsibility and not act violently.” This came amid fears of violent clashes erupting between opponents and supporters of the government’s judicial overhaul this evening in Jerusalem. Netanyahu under pressure There has been mounting pressure on the Israeli PM who is stuck between tens of thousands of protesters, members of the opposition coalition, leaders of foreign countries, and listening to his party Likud’s MKs who have pushed for the judicial overhaul. ALSO READ | Israel protests | As it happened: At least 80,000 protesters gather outside parliament; Netanyahu urges protesters to avoid violence Last week, Netanyahu visited the United Kingdom and met his British counterpart PM Rishi Sunak at No. 10 Downing Street, as hundreds gathered outside. During the meeting, Sunak stressed the importance of “upholding democratic values”, said the UK PM’s spokesperson. “The prime minister stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values that underpin our relationship, including in the proposed judicial reforms in Israel,” Sunak had said. Additionally, US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, late Sunday, said that Washington is “deeply concerned” about developments out of Israel and highlighted the “urgent need for compromise”. ALSO READ | Israel's judicial overhaul legislation to be put on hold until next Knesset session On Monday, Netanyahu’s coalition government also survived a no-confidence motion which was tabled by the opposition which has been protesting against the judicial overhaul plan. The motion failed by a vote of 59-53. Hours later, justice minister Levin said that he will “respect” PM Netanyahu's decision on how to proceed with the proposed overhaul plan, reported Times of Israel. However, he also warned how stopping it now may lead to the immediate "collapse of Likud", Netanyahu's right-wing ruling coalition. “We must all make an effort to stabilise the government and the coalition,” said Levin. Similarly, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the overhaul plan should not stop under any circumstances. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Israel: Netanyahu agrees to pause proposed judicial overhaul for now. Here's what happened

On Sunday night, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly sacked his defence minister for opposing the country's proposed judicial reform, tens of thousands of Israelis flocked to the streets of Israeli towns.

Israel: Netanyahu sacks defence minister who opposed judicial overhaul

Protests in Israel against the judicial reform have been going on from the past three months now. The demonstrations which initially used to be peaceful now often end up in confrontation with the security forces. This time too the clashes erupted between security forces and protesters after they tried to block a highway in Tel Aviv.

Israel protesters now 3-months strong; Defence Min Yoav Gallant appeals to halt investigation

Israel: Police use water canons to disperse protesters

Israel: Minister cites threat to national security as anger grows

The oldest known near-complete Hebrew Bible was presented in Israel's Tel Aviv city on Wednesday (March 22), where it will be displayed for a week before being sold at an auction.

The oldest known near-complete Hebrew Bible was presented in Israel's Tel Aviv city on Wednesday (March 22), where it will be displayed for a week before being sold at an auction. The Codex Sassoon, which is estimated to be 1,100 years old, is one of the only two codices, or manuscripts, containing all 24 books of the Hebrew Bible. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday, Sharon Mintz, a specialist in Jewish texts at Sotheby's, the auction house selling the codex in May, said that carbon dating and other forms of the analysis showed the Codex Sassoon was written around the year 900 either in Israel or Syria. As per Sotheby, the codex is significantly more complete than the Aleppo Codex, dated to the same era. Its pre-sales estimates put the manuscript's value at between $30 million and $50 million. Mintz said a deed showed that the book was sold in 1000 AD, adding the codex was then held in a synagogue in what is now northeastern Syria until around 1400. "The manuscript then disappears for about 500 years, and re-emerges in 1929 when it was offered for sale to David Solomon Sassoon, one of the greatest collectors of Hebrew manuscripts," she said. "What you see here is an accurate, stabilised standard text of the Hebrew Bible, written over 1,000 years ago, as accurate as it is today," the Sotheby specialist told the news agency. The Hebrew Bible will be displayed at the ANU Museum of the Jewish People. Speaking to the news agency, the museum's curator Orit Shaham Gover said the ANU expected to draw the museum's full capacity of 10,000 visitors for the week. The manuscript bridges the Dead Sea Scrolls -- which date back as early as the third century BC -- and today's standard texts of the Hebrew Bible. Gover said that the Codex Sassoon bears a cultural significance beyond its linguistic and historic value. "The Bible plays a central role for any person with even a fleeting connection to Western culture, and this is the first Bible that survived history," Gover added. "The Bible wandered in all kinds of places throughout history, and was displayed only once to the public in 1982 at the British Library, and since then was always in private hands," the curator further said. Gover also pointed out that it is very important that Israelis will get to see his highly important Bible. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel: Oldest known near-complete Hebrew Bible displayed in Tel Aviv before sale

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