WION's West Asia bureau chief Daniele Pagani tracked down the NSO headquarters which had moved out of its original building to an undisclosed building complex in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Exclusive: WION tracks down new NSO headquarters in Tel Aviv

The race for the White House has reached Israel. Both, Democratic Party and Republican Party are trying hard to attract dual-nationality American-Israelis, many of whom are registered in swing states such as Florida and Pennsylvania. As a result, posters in Hebrew have suddenly started appearing in Tel Aviv.

This week, posters saying 'You have to thank Trump' in Hebrew were seen on minibuses in Tel Aviv.

Like Republicans, Democrats are trying to woo voters in Israel as well. Democrats have &nbsp;arranged a 40% discount with the courier service DHL for voters whose home states require overseas ballots to be sent by mail.&nbsp;

There are no reliable statistics on American-Israelis` political leanings, but Marc Zell, chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, estimated there were 25,000-30,000 eligible Florida voters in the country.

"That could be the deciding factor in that state`s contest," he said, pointing to George W. Bush`s narrow Florida victory in 2000, which handed him the election. He was quoted by Reuters.

US President Donald Trump has had a big influence in Israel as he delighted many by his decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israeli capital and moving US embassy there from Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Joe Biden`s supporters have sent election postcards to Israeli Democrats and independents from swing states, where, they say, around half of American-Israeli Democrats are registered.

"Trump has used Israel as a partisan football to serve his own constituencies, like Christian Evangelicals," Democrats Abroad Israel chair Heather Stone told Reuters.

Biden, she said, was "a long-time friend of Israel who will help keep alive" the vision of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Biden or Trump?

The parties` estimates of the number of eligible dual citizens resident in Israel range from 100,000 to 300,000. Some experts who track the information said it was likely to be more than 250,000.

Half a dozen American-Israeli voters interviewed by Reuters identified the coronavirus crisis, economic policy and candidates` stands on Israel as guiding their decisions.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trumps-coronavirus-optimism-continues-as-joe-biden-says-prez-did-nothing-335685">US election 2020: Trump's coronavirus optimism continues as Joe Biden says Prez did 'nothing'</a>

One New York voter, Hezi Kugler, said he was voting for Biden to bring "a return to decency and a restoration of integrity" at the highest level of government.

"Trump has done some things that are good for Israeli interests, but his lack of global leadership has created an enormous vacuum in the region that is generally bad for Israel," said Kugler, 62, an energy industry professional in Tel Aviv.

In the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, Republican David Wiener said Trump was the right choice because he approached thorny Middle East conflicts "from a business perspective".

Last month, Trump hosted a White House ceremony in which Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed deals to establish formal relations.

"Gulf countries see Israel as an opportunity to expand their industries ... Trump took advantage of that with the UAE," said Wiener, 39, an aerospace engineer registered in Pennsylvania.

Palestinian outreach

Although the election is most visible in Israel, there are also many Palestinians eligible to vote.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has encouraged voting by both sides, hosting Facebook live events with Arabic subtitles geared towards residents of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza.

For Democrats Abroad, Stone said she was working with Palestinian activists in East Jerusalem and in the Palestinian diaspora to get out the vote.

One East Jerusalem activist, Kefah Abukhdeir, said Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza face multiple barriers to sending votes abroad, including unreliable postal services that she called "practically non-existent".

"We haven`t had much luck turning out voters here," she said.

In Gaza, where an estimated 300 American-Palestinians live, Kamal Abusharia said he hoped to vote for the first time since the early 1990s in part due to anger towards Trump.

But he held out little hope that Biden would reverse all of Trump`s pro-Israeli moves were he to win.

"I don`t think that Biden would work to (return) the embassy (to Tel Aviv) or put the issue of Palestinian refugees back on the table," he said.

The race for the White House has reached Israel. Both, Democratic Party and Republican Party are trying hard to attract dual-nationality American-Israelis, many of whom are registered in swing states such as Florida and Pennsylvania.

The race for the White House has reached Israel. Both, Democratic Party and Republican Party are trying hard to attract dual-nationality American-Israelis, many of whom are registered in swing states such as Florida and Pennsylvania. As a result, posters in Hebrew have suddenly started appearing in Tel Aviv. This week, posters saying 'You have to thank Trump' in Hebrew were seen on minibuses in Tel Aviv. Like Republicans, Democrats are trying to woo voters in Israel as well. Democrats have arranged a 40% discount with the courier service DHL for voters whose home states require overseas ballots to be sent by mail. There are no reliable statistics on American-Israelis` political leanings, but Marc Zell, chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, estimated there were 25,000-30,000 eligible Florida voters in the country. "That could be the deciding factor in that state`s contest," he said, pointing to George W. Bush`s narrow Florida victory in 2000, which handed him the election. He was quoted by Reuters. US President Donald Trump has had a big influence in Israel as he delighted many by his decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israeli capital and moving US embassy there from Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Joe Biden`s supporters have sent election postcards to Israeli Democrats and independents from swing states, where, they say, around half of American-Israeli Democrats are registered. "Trump has used Israel as a partisan football to serve his own constituencies, like Christian Evangelicals," Democrats Abroad Israel chair Heather Stone told Reuters. Biden, she said, was "a long-time friend of Israel who will help keep alive" the vision of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Biden or Trump? The parties` estimates of the number of eligible dual citizens resident in Israel range from 100,000 to 300,000. Some experts who track the information said it was likely to be more than 250,000. Half a dozen American-Israeli voters interviewed by Reuters identified the coronavirus crisis, economic policy and candidates` stands on Israel as guiding their decisions. Also Read | US election 2020: Trump's coronavirus optimism continues as Joe Biden says Prez did 'nothing' One New York voter, Hezi Kugler, said he was voting for Biden to bring "a return to decency and a restoration of integrity" at the highest level of government. "Trump has done some things that are good for Israeli interests, but his lack of global leadership has created an enormous vacuum in the region that is generally bad for Israel," said Kugler, 62, an energy industry professional in Tel Aviv. In the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, Republican David Wiener said Trump was the right choice because he approached thorny Middle East conflicts "from a business perspective". Last month, Trump hosted a White House ceremony in which Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed deals to establish formal relations. "Gulf countries see Israel as an opportunity to expand their industries ... Trump took advantage of that with the UAE," said Wiener, 39, an aerospace engineer registered in Pennsylvania. Palestinian outreach Although the election is most visible in Israel, there are also many Palestinians eligible to vote. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has encouraged voting by both sides, hosting Facebook live events with Arabic subtitles geared towards residents of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. For Democrats Abroad, Stone said she was working with Palestinian activists in East Jerusalem and in the Palestinian diaspora to get out the vote. One East Jerusalem activist, Kefah Abukhdeir, said Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza face multiple barriers to sending votes abroad, including unreliable postal services that she called "practically non-existent". "We haven`t had much luck turning out voters here," she said. In Gaza, where an estimated 300 American-Palestinians live, Kamal Abusharia said he hoped to vote for the first time since the early 1990s in part due to anger towards Trump. But he held out little hope that Biden would reverse all of Trump`s pro-Israeli moves were he to win. "I don`t think that Biden would work to (return) the embassy (to Tel Aviv) or put the issue of Palestinian refugees back on the table," he said.

US Elections 2020 fever reaches streets of Tel Aviv

Protesters took to the streets in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to limit demonstrations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-continues-protesting-against-netanyahus-coronavirus-restrictions-332340">Also Read:&nbsp;Israel continues protesting against Netanyahu's coronavirus restrictions</a>

The protesters hit out against the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis even as a new law recently approved by Parliament banned citizens from holding demonstrations more than 1 km from their homes amid strict coronavirus restrictions.

Large scale protests were witnessed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with scattered demonstrations elsewhere in the country. Isreal reportedly has one of the world's highest coronavirus infection rates per capita as the country struggles to fight the second wave of infections.&nbsp;

Israel currently has 280,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 1,900 fatalities.

The protesters clashed with police in some areas with placards “Bibi, you are destroying my future” and "Go away" as police said the demonstrators were not observing social distancing norms and were putting others at risk as protests&nbsp;swelled in the Israeli capital Tel Aviv.

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Police claimed the march was "illegal" as protesters took the main streets in thousands despite COVID-19 restrictions in place. Reports said the protesters broke through a barricade in Tel Aviv hurting several cops.

Reports claimed&nbsp;some tried to protest in front of Netanyahu’s private residence but were resisted by police action.

Anti-Netanyahu protests have been going on since July to denounce the Israeli prime minister's handling of the virus and the economy.

Protesters took to the streets in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to limit demonstrations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read: Israel continues protesting against Netanyahu's coronavirus restrictions The protesters hit out against the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis even as a new law recently approved by Parliament banned citizens from holding demonstrations more than 1 km from their homes amid strict coronavirus restrictions.

Protesters took to the streets in Israel over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's move to limit demonstrations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also Read: Israel continues protesting against Netanyahu's coronavirus restrictions The protesters hit out against the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis even as a new law recently approved by Parliament banned citizens from holding demonstrations more than 1 km from their homes amid strict coronavirus restrictions. Large scale protests were witnessed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with scattered demonstrations elsewhere in the country. Isreal reportedly has one of the world's highest coronavirus infection rates per capita as the country struggles to fight the second wave of infections. Israel currently has 280,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and over 1,900 fatalities. The protesters clashed with police in some areas with placards “Bibi, you are destroying my future” and "Go away" as police said the demonstrators were not observing social distancing norms and were putting others at risk as protests swelled in the Israeli capital Tel Aviv. Police claimed the march was "illegal" as protesters took the main streets in thousands despite COVID-19 restrictions in place. Reports said the protesters broke through a barricade in Tel Aviv hurting several cops. Reports claimed some tried to protest in front of Netanyahu’s private residence but were resisted by police action. Anti-Netanyahu protests have been going on since July to denounce the Israeli prime minister's handling of the virus and the economy.

Anti-Netanyahu protests erupt in Israel amid coronavirus restrictions

Supermodel Bar Rafaeli was sentenced to nine months of community service by an Israeli Court on Sunday. Her mother received 16 months of jail time for tax evasion. 
 
The 35-year-old model and her mother were convicted in July on offenses of evading paying taxes on income nearing $10 million. 
 
Rafaeli was potted at the Tel Aviv courthouse in a beige T-shirt and wearing a light blue surgical face mask. She was accompanied by her father, Raffi, her mother, Zipi, and lawyers. 
 
Rafaeli and her mother were also ordered to pay a $1.5 million additionally to the millions of back taxes owed to the state. 
 
The prolonged case has considerably damaged Rafaeli's well-crafted public image as the informal ambassador of the country. The parents have been accused of downplaying her ties with Israel.

The model though still remains a popular face on TV in the country with her faces dominating billboards across the country. She even hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. 
 
The case, in fact, centers around Rafeli and her choice of residence during the time she was travelling the world for work and had a lengthy romantic relationship with Hollywood actor Leonardo Di Caprio. 
 
The Israeli tax law determines residency primarily upon whether the person spent most of the calendar year in the country. The model stated she hadn't stayed in the country and therefore did not declare her income in certain years. 
 
Her claim though was rejected by the prosecutors and she was charged for providing incorrect tax information. Refaeli's indictment said she earned some $7.2 million between the years 2009-2012 while claiming to reside overseas to avoid paying Israeli taxes on her income. 
 
Earlier, an Israeli court had ruled that Refaeli’s relationship with DiCaprio did not qualify as a “family unit,” and therefore she could not claim his US residence as her own residence to avoid paying the full taxes she owed.

Supermodel Bar Rafaeli was sentenced to nine months of community service by an Israeli Court on Sunday. Her mother received 16 months of jail time for tax evasion.

Supermodel Bar Rafaeli was sentenced to nine months of community service by an Israeli Court on Sunday. Her mother received 16 months of jail time for tax evasion. The 35-year-old model and her mother were convicted in July on offenses of evading paying taxes on income nearing $10 million. Rafaeli was potted at the Tel Aviv courthouse in a beige T-shirt and wearing a light blue surgical face mask. She was accompanied by her father, Raffi, her mother, Zipi, and lawyers. Rafaeli and her mother were also ordered to pay a $1.5 million additionally to the millions of back taxes owed to the state. The prolonged case has considerably damaged Rafaeli's well-crafted public image as the informal ambassador of the country. The parents have been accused of downplaying her ties with Israel. The model though still remains a popular face on TV in the country with her faces dominating billboards across the country. She even hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. The case, in fact, centers around Rafeli and her choice of residence during the time she was travelling the world for work and had a lengthy romantic relationship with Hollywood actor Leonardo Di Caprio. The Israeli tax law determines residency primarily upon whether the person spent most of the calendar year in the country. The model stated she hadn't stayed in the country and therefore did not declare her income in certain years. Her claim though was rejected by the prosecutors and she was charged for providing incorrect tax information. Refaeli's indictment said she earned some $7.2 million between the years 2009-2012 while claiming to reside overseas to avoid paying Israeli taxes on her income. Earlier, an Israeli court had ruled that Refaeli’s relationship with DiCaprio did not qualify as a “family unit,” and therefore she could not claim his US residence as her own residence to avoid paying the full taxes she owed.

Supermodel Bar Rafaeli sentenced to 9 months of community jail by Israeli court

On a balcony overlooking Tel Aviv, a familiar figure in pink headphones sways to the beat as she crafts performances that look very different from the pre-pandemic past. Eurovision Song Contest winner Netta Barzilai is instantly recognizable on the streets of the Israeli city she calls home.

'The melody is caged' - Israel's Netta on how the show can't go on

Movie-goers boarded boats floating on the shimmering waters of a Tel Aviv lake on Thursday (August 20) for a test screening at Israel's first "sail-in" cinema.

'Sail-in' cinema pops up in Tel Aviv, with indoor flicks off-limits

Tel Aviv city hall lit up in the United Arab Emirates colors on Thursday night (August 13) after a U.S.-brokered deal between Israel and the Gulf Arab country was announced.

Tel Aviv lights up in UAE colours after deal with Israel announced 

Twirling to hip hop over chasms of steel and glass, soapy squeegee in one hand and a smartphone in the other, Noa Toledo is an Israeli social-media star who hopes to encourage other women to rise to the challenge of male-dominated jobs.

Squeegee selfies: Meet Tel Aviv tower-washer turned rising TikTok star

The Tel Aviv municipality lit up City Hall with the Lebanese flag in solidarity with the people of Beirut after Tuesday's devastating explosion.

Tel Aviv residents moved by Lebanon flag display

Due to coronavirus restrictions, Israel's gay community held limited pride rallies in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Sunday (June 28), a far cry from the usual large-scale marches.

Under health restrictions, Israel's gay community holds limited pride rallies

Soaring temperatures sent Israelis to beaches across the country on Sunday (May 17) with many violating the coronavirus restrictions. Some areas in the country and Israeli-occupied West Bank exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in the country's first seasonal heatwave.

People flock to beaches as Israel, West Bank bake in heatwave

Thousands of Israelis gathered in central Tel Aviv to protest the unity government that kept Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in power even as he gets ready to go to trial on corruption charges

Israel: Anti-unity government protests in Tel Aviv

Thousands of people protested against PM Benjamin Netanyahu in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. Addressing the crowd Sunday, Yesh Atid-Telem leaders Yair Lapid and Moshe Ya’alon both accused Netanyahu of destroying Israeli democracy

Coronavirus Pandemic: Thousands protest against Netanyahu in Israel

West Asia analyst Meir Javedanfar from Tel Aviv says the biggest threat to Iran's internal stability is covid-19 or coronavirus currently.

Iran Elections: Hardliners set for win

Saturday's floods in parts of Tel Aviv city killed two people, prompting rescue services to help residents trapped in their vehicles. Emergency services reported that a man and woman drowned after being trapped in floodwaters in southern Tel Aviv. #TelAviv #IsraelFloods #Israel #Flood #WION

Israel: Saturday's flood killed two people in Tel Aviv city

Two&nbsp;people died in flash&nbsp;floods&nbsp;that shut down parts of Tel Aviv city on Saturday (January 4) leaving rescue services rushing to help residents trapped in their vehicles.

Watch: Saturday's flood killed two people in Tel Aviv city

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Emergency services reported that a man and woman had drowned after becoming trapped in a flooded elevator in Southern Tel Aviv.

The elevator in a residential building got stuck on the parking level due to flooding, divers were called to assist in the rescue effort.

Vehicles were swept along streets by torrents of water after 74 millimetres of rain struck the city in less than&nbsp;two&nbsp;hours forcing road closures, media reported. At least one main street had collapsed.

Though floodwater has started to recede in most places, officials warned people to remain vigilant.

Two people died in flash floods that shut down parts of Tel Aviv city on Saturday (January 4) leaving rescue services rushing to help residents trapped in their vehicles.

Two people died in flash floods that shut down parts of Tel Aviv city on Saturday (January 4) leaving rescue services rushing to help residents trapped in their vehicles. Watch: Saturday's flood killed two people in Tel Aviv city × Emergency services reported that a man and woman had drowned after becoming trapped in a flooded elevator in Southern Tel Aviv. The elevator in a residential building got stuck on the parking level due to flooding, divers were called to assist in the rescue effort. Vehicles were swept along streets by torrents of water after 74 millimetres of rain struck the city in less than two hours forcing road closures, media reported. At least one main street had collapsed. Though floodwater has started to recede in most places, officials warned people to remain vigilant.

Israel floods: Two dead in flash floods that shuts Tel Aviv city

Palestinian militants fired two rockets deep into southern Israel from Gaza on Saturday, and the Israeli military responded with a number of air strikes on militant targets, shaking an already tenuous truce.

Palestinian militants fired two rockets deep into southern Israel from Gaza on Saturday, and the Israeli military responded with a number of air strikes on militant targets, shaking an already tenuous truce. Sirens sounded in the middle of the night in Beersheba, the largest city in southern Israel, some 35 km (18 miles) from the Gaza border, warning of incoming fire. The military said its missile defenses intercepted the two rockets. A few hours later, Israeli aircraft struck a number of militant outposts belonging to Hamas, the Islamist group that rules Gaza. No injuries were reported. The overnight rocket attack came nearly two days after a ceasefire ended a flare-up in cross-border violence between Israel and a smaller Palestinian militant group, Islamic Jihad. The worst fighting in months was triggered on Tuesday when Israel killed a top commander from the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad, deeming him an imminent threat. Gaza medical officials said 34 Palestinians had been killed in the two days of fighting, almost half of them civilians. At the same time, hundreds of rocket launches by militants paralyzed much of southern Israel and reached as far north as Tel Aviv, sending entire communities to shelters. Dozens of Israelis were injured. Throughout the fighting, Hamas, the dominant force in Gaza, appeared to have stayed on the sidelines. That may have helped stem the escalation. Israel's military, however, said on Saturday that it would hold Hamas responsible for any attack emanating from Gaza. "Hamas will bear the consequences for actions against Israeli civilians," it said in a statement.

Palestinian rockets, Israeli airstrikes jolt tenuous Gaza truce

Living in Gaza is not easy. More than a decade of Israeli-enforced blockade has brought the tiny coastal enclave on its keens. Tel Aviv sealed its borders with Gaza after Hamas came to&nbsp;power in 2007.

Tel Aviv considers Hamas a terrorist organization and suffered greatly from its terror attacks. Israel says the closure is the only way to safeguard Israel but it is the entire population&nbsp;of Gaza which is, in fact, paying the price of this decision.

For the two million people living there, earning a salary is more often a dream than a reality with youth unemployment close to 60 per cent and nearly half the population surviving on humanitarian aid.&nbsp;

Leaving Gaza is extremely difficult since the movement of people is highly restricted and even formal foreign institutional invitations may not be enough to get you out. Many have tried several times - both using official and illegal channels.

More than 30,000 Palestinians abandoned Gaza in the last decade and as long as the situation remains the same, many will keep trying, despite the risks. The illegal way is expensive and dangerous, it can cost up to $3,000 per person with neither the&nbsp;guarantee of succeeding nor of remaining alive.

Watch Video:

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If citizens of Gaza want to get out legally, they must submit their application to the Israeli security which decides if the case stands or not. It can take weeks to receive an answer, which is very often negative, moreover, corruption within Gaza is an obstacle too with officers demanding bribes to submit applications.

The very few who succeed are afraid to travel back to Gaza to meet their families, there is no guarantee that they will be allowed out again. No wonder the Palestinian coastal enclave is often referred to as the world’s largest open air jail but leaving is never a happy choice.

The majority of Palestinians who manage to leave Gaza, do so out of necessity as they see it as the only option to actually build a future but wherever they are, they consider Gaza their home and their dream is to be able to see it free and prosperous one day.

About Football in Iraq

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People in West Asia love football. They follow it with great passion and Spanish clubs are among the most popular all across the region, even in Iraq. People in West Asia love Ronaldo so much that customers in a barber shop in Iraq rely on the expert hands of the owner Marwan to etch Ronaldo’s face into their hair.

Marwan graduated from an art&nbsp;institute and has found a smart way to put his skills at work in a country where the youth are passionate about soccer and crazy enough to walk around with their idols on their head.

But this haircut is not for everybody, it is a work of art and it takes skill&nbsp;and time, also it can cost up to $50. Marwan is a soccer fan too and while he creates stylish and creative haircuts with his hands, his mind dreams big.
</div>

Living in Gaza is not easy. More than a decade of Israeli-enforced blockade has brought the tiny coastal enclave on its keens. Tel Aviv sealed its borders with Gaza after Hamas came to power in 2007.

Living in Gaza is not easy. More than a decade of Israeli-enforced blockade has brought the tiny coastal enclave on its keens. Tel Aviv sealed its borders with Gaza after Hamas came to power in 2007. Tel Aviv considers Hamas a terrorist organization and suffered greatly from its terror attacks. Israel says the closure is the only way to safeguard Israel but it is the entire population of Gaza which is, in fact, paying the price of this decision. For the two million people living there, earning a salary is more often a dream than a reality with youth unemployment close to 60 per cent and nearly half the population surviving on humanitarian aid. Leaving Gaza is extremely difficult since the movement of people is highly restricted and even formal foreign institutional invitations may not be enough to get you out. Many have tried several times - both using official and illegal channels. More than 30,000 Palestinians abandoned Gaza in the last decade and as long as the situation remains the same, many will keep trying, despite the risks. The illegal way is expensive and dangerous, it can cost up to $3,000 per person with neither the guarantee of succeeding nor of remaining alive. Watch Video: If citizens of Gaza want to get out legally, they must submit their application to the Israeli security which decides if the case stands or not. It can take weeks to receive an answer, which is very often negative, moreover, corruption within Gaza is an obstacle too with officers demanding bribes to submit applications. The very few who succeed are afraid to travel back to Gaza to meet their families, there is no guarantee that they will be allowed out again. No wonder the Palestinian coastal enclave is often referred to as the world’s largest open air jail but leaving is never a happy choice. The majority of Palestinians who manage to leave Gaza, do so out of necessity as they see it as the only option to actually build a future but wherever they are, they consider Gaza their home and their dream is to be able to see it free and prosperous one day. About Football in Iraq People in West Asia love football. They follow it with great passion and Spanish clubs are among the most popular all across the region, even in Iraq. People in West Asia love Ronaldo so much that customers in a barber shop in Iraq rely on the expert hands of the owner Marwan to etch Ronaldo’s face into their hair. Marwan graduated from an art institute and has found a smart way to put his skills at work in a country where the youth are passionate about soccer and crazy enough to walk around with their idols on their head. But this haircut is not for everybody, it is a work of art and it takes skill and time, also it can cost up to $50. Marwan is a soccer fan too and while he creates stylish and creative haircuts with his hands, his mind dreams big.

The West Asia Post: Gaza youth risk their lives to flee from dire reality

Living in Gaza is not easy... More than a decade of an Israeli-enforced blockade has brought the tiny coastal enclave on its keens... Tel Aviv sealed its borders with Gaza after Hamas took power in 2007... Tel Aviv considers Hamas a terrorist organization and suffered greatly from its terror attacks... Israel says the closure is the only way to safeguard Israel... But the entire populace of Gaza is paying the price of this decision... For the two million people living there, earning a salary is more often a dream than a reality...Youth unemployment is close to 60%... Nearly half of the population relies on humanitarian aid to survive... Leaving Gaza is extremely difficult... Movement of people is highly restricted... And even formal foreign institutional invitations may not be enough to get you out... Many have tried several times - both using official and illegal channels... More than 30,000 Palestinians abandoned Gaza in the last decade and as long as the situation remains the same... Many will keep trying, despite the risks... The illegal way is expensive and dangerous... It can cost up to 3,000 USD per person with neither a guarantee of succeeding nor remaining alive... If citizens of Gaza want to get out legally, they must submit their application to the Israeli security which decides if the case stands or not... It can take weeks to receive an answer, which is very often negative... Corruption within Gaza is an obstacle too... With officers demanding bribes to submit applications... The very few who succeed are afraid to travel back to Gaza to meet their families... There is no guarantee that they will be allowed out again... No wonder the Palestinian coastal enclave is often referred to as the world’s largest open-air jail... But leaving is never a happy choice... The majority of Palestinians who manage to leave Gaza, do so out of necessity... They see it as the only option to actually build a future... But wherever they are, they consider Gaza their home... And their dream is to be able to see it free and prosperous one day...

The West Asia Post: Gaza youth to risk their lives fleeing from dire reality

Tel Aviv University researchers have "printed" the world's first three dimensional (3D) vascularised engineered heart using a patient's own cells and biological materials. Their findings were published on 15 April in a study in Advanced Science.

World's first 3D heart printed in Israel

Love him or loathe him, the Israel election is all about Benjamin Netanyahu. Hailed by supporters as "King Bibi", Netanyahu has been in power since 2009, after a first stint as prime minister from 1996 to 1999.

Who is Benjamin Netanyahu?

WION Anchor Ayesha Sindhu talk with Simon Spungin, Managing editor of Haaretz.com from Tel Aviv on Israel election. Watch this video to know the details.

Watch exclusive talk of WION with Simon Spungin, Managing editor of Haaretz.com on Israel election

Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said Tuesday the rocket from Gaza that hit a house in Israel last week launched due to a technical error, his first official statement on the strike.

The rocket that was fired from the Gaza Strip on March 25 destroyed a house north of Tel and injured seven Israelis.

Israel responded by striking a series of Hamas targets in the Palestinian enclave, including flattening Haniya's office, before Egypt brokered a ceasefire that prevented a full conflict.

In his comments on Tuesday, Haniya said the rocket was "due to a technical defect, but was a mini demonstration if (Israel) thought to commit folly against the Palestinian people."

The statement from his office said he made the remarks during a meeting with political analysts.

He did not provide further details on what type of technical defect could have caused the launch.

Previously only unnamed officials from Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules Gaza, have said the rocket was fired due to a technical error.

Following the latest ceasefire, Hamas said Egypt had brokered a truce that would see Israel ease its crippling blockade of the enclave in exchange for calm.

Israel has not publicly commented on the reported agreement.

On Monday, Israel expanded the fishing zone around Gaza, increasing it in one area to the largest distance in years, in what Hamas officials said was the first step.

An Egyptian security delegation visited Gaza late Monday and met with Hamas.

Haniya said the delegation brought a timetable from the Israeli side for implementing the agreements.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the middle of a gruelling election campaign and faces a strong challenge from centrist former military chief Benny Gantz.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008. 
&nbsp;

Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said Tuesday the rocket from Gaza that hit a house in Israel last week launched due to a technical error, his first official statement on the strike.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniya said Tuesday the rocket from Gaza that hit a house in Israel last week launched due to a technical error, his first official statement on the strike. The rocket that was fired from the Gaza Strip on March 25 destroyed a house north of Tel and injured seven Israelis. Israel responded by striking a series of Hamas targets in the Palestinian enclave, including flattening Haniya's office, before Egypt brokered a ceasefire that prevented a full conflict. In his comments on Tuesday, Haniya said the rocket was "due to a technical defect, but was a mini demonstration if (Israel) thought to commit folly against the Palestinian people." The statement from his office said he made the remarks during a meeting with political analysts. He did not provide further details on what type of technical defect could have caused the launch. Previously only unnamed officials from Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules Gaza, have said the rocket was fired due to a technical error. Following the latest ceasefire, Hamas said Egypt had brokered a truce that would see Israel ease its crippling blockade of the enclave in exchange for calm. Israel has not publicly commented on the reported agreement. On Monday, Israel expanded the fishing zone around Gaza, increasing it in one area to the largest distance in years, in what Hamas officials said was the first step. An Egyptian security delegation visited Gaza late Monday and met with Hamas. Haniya said the delegation brought a timetable from the Israeli side for implementing the agreements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the middle of a gruelling election campaign and faces a strong challenge from centrist former military chief Benny Gantz. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008.

Hamas leader says rocket that hit Israeli house was fired in error

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-vows-to-retaliate-with-force-after-rocket-attack-205460">Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip</a> while vowing a forceful response.

The rocket from the Palestinian enclave and expected Israeli response comes at a highly sensitive time just ahead of Israel's April 9 elections.

Israel's army said the rocket was fired by Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, from the Rafah area in the south of the enclave.

It announced it was sending two additional brigades to reinforce the Gaza area and said it was carrying out a limited call up of reservists.

Netanyahu, currently in Washington, said he would return home after meeting US President Donald Trump later Monday, cancelling an address to pro-Israel lobby AIPAC's annual conference on Tuesday.

Israel also closed its people and goods crossings with the blockaded Gaza Strip and reduced the zone in the Mediterranean it allows for Palestinian fishermen off the enclave, a statement said.

The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tel Aviv, police said.

The rocket would have had to travel some 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Rafah to hit the house in the community of Mishmeret.

Rocket fire from Gaza at that distance is rare.

The hospital treating the wounded said seven Israelis were injured lightly by burns and shrapnel, including three children.&nbsp;

One of the wounded was a six-month-old child and six of them were members of the same family.

The house was destroyed in the wake of the rocket and subsequent fire, with burnt wood, a children's toy and other debris piled at the site.

Islamic Jihad warning

Police spokesman Ami Ben David said air raid sirens wailed at around 5:15 am and the home's residents made their way to a safe room, possibly saving their lives.

The rocket crashed through the roof and then exploded when it hit the floor, he said.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said "there has been a criminal attack on the state of Israel and we will respond with force."

"I will meet President Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," he said in a video released by his office.

There was no immediate response from Hamas but its ally in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, said "we warn the Zionist enemy from committing an aggression against the Gaza Strip".

"Their leaders should be aware that we will respond with force against their aggression," it said, without commenting on who may have been responsible for the rocket.

The rocket comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks.

Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections.

But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he was already coming under heavy political pressure to react firmly.

Gantz asked on Twitter, in a reference to corruption allegations against Netanyahu, whether the prime minister would "finally focus on the security of the citizens of Israel instead of dealing only with his legal concerns."

One-year anniversary

Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14.

No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip.

Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes.

Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups.

Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work.

The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military refused to comment on the reports at the time.

Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the first anniversary on March 30 of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel.

An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence.

Netanyahu's visit to the United States was expected to include Trump's formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Breaking with longstanding international consensus, Trump said last week that the United States should recognise Israeli sovereignty there.

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip while vowing a forceful response.

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip while vowing a forceful response. The rocket from the Palestinian enclave and expected Israeli response comes at a highly sensitive time just ahead of Israel's April 9 elections. Israel's army said the rocket was fired by Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, from the Rafah area in the south of the enclave. It announced it was sending two additional brigades to reinforce the Gaza area and said it was carrying out a limited call up of reservists. Netanyahu, currently in Washington, said he would return home after meeting US President Donald Trump later Monday, cancelling an address to pro-Israel lobby AIPAC's annual conference on Tuesday. Israel also closed its people and goods crossings with the blockaded Gaza Strip and reduced the zone in the Mediterranean it allows for Palestinian fishermen off the enclave, a statement said. The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tel Aviv, police said. The rocket would have had to travel some 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Rafah to hit the house in the community of Mishmeret. Rocket fire from Gaza at that distance is rare. The hospital treating the wounded said seven Israelis were injured lightly by burns and shrapnel, including three children. One of the wounded was a six-month-old child and six of them were members of the same family. The house was destroyed in the wake of the rocket and subsequent fire, with burnt wood, a children's toy and other debris piled at the site. Islamic Jihad warning Police spokesman Ami Ben David said air raid sirens wailed at around 5:15 am and the home's residents made their way to a safe room, possibly saving their lives. The rocket crashed through the roof and then exploded when it hit the floor, he said. Netanyahu said "there has been a criminal attack on the state of Israel and we will respond with force." "I will meet President Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," he said in a video released by his office. There was no immediate response from Hamas but its ally in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, said "we warn the Zionist enemy from committing an aggression against the Gaza Strip". "Their leaders should be aware that we will respond with force against their aggression," it said, without commenting on who may have been responsible for the rocket. The rocket comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks. Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections. But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he was already coming under heavy political pressure to react firmly. Gantz asked on Twitter, in a reference to corruption allegations against Netanyahu, whether the prime minister would "finally focus on the security of the citizens of Israel instead of dealing only with his legal concerns." One-year anniversary Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14. No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip. Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups. Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work. The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military refused to comment on the reports at the time. Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the first anniversary on March 30 of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence. Netanyahu's visit to the United States was expected to include Trump's formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. Breaking with longstanding international consensus, Trump said last week that the United States should recognise Israeli sovereignty there.

Rare rocket strike near Tel Aviv wounds Israelis, Netanyahu to return

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-gives-rare-tv-interview-to-address-allegations-205334">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> vowed Monday to retaliate "with force"&nbsp;after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in a community north of Tel Aviv wounding five people. &nbsp;

Netanyahu, who is in the US, said he would be cutting short his US visit and would return home.&nbsp;

"I have decided, due to the security incidents, to cut short my visit to the United States. I will meet President (Donald) Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office.&nbsp;

Rocket fired by Hamas: Israeli Army 
Authorities said the house hit by the rocket had caught&nbsp;fire.&nbsp;

Israel's army said the rocket was fired from the Palestinian enclave run by Islamist movement Hamas, raising the risk of another escalation between the two sides just ahead of April 9 Israeli elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in Washington, where he is due to meet US President Donald Trump later Monday, and there was no word on whether he would shorten his trip.

The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, police said. Medics said they were treating one Israeli with moderate wounds and four others injured lightly.

Mishmeret is more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the Gaza Strip and rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave at that distance is rare.

It would be sure to draw an Israeli response and comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks.

Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections.

But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he will come under heavy political pressure to react firmly.

One-year anniversary 
Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14.

No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip.

Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes.

Both Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups.

Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work.

The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military had refused to comment on the reports at the time.

Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the March 30 one-year anniversary of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel.

An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border of the blockaded strip, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Monday to retaliate "with force" after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in a community north of Tel Aviv wounding five people.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Monday to retaliate "with force" after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in a community north of Tel Aviv wounding five people. Netanyahu, who is in the US, said he would be cutting short his US visit and would return home. "I have decided, due to the security incidents, to cut short my visit to the United States. I will meet President (Donald) Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office. Rocket fired by Hamas: Israeli Army Authorities said the house hit by the rocket had caught fire. Israel's army said the rocket was fired from the Palestinian enclave run by Islamist movement Hamas, raising the risk of another escalation between the two sides just ahead of April 9 Israeli elections. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in Washington, where he is due to meet US President Donald Trump later Monday, and there was no word on whether he would shorten his trip. The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, police said. Medics said they were treating one Israeli with moderate wounds and four others injured lightly. Mishmeret is more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the Gaza Strip and rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave at that distance is rare. It would be sure to draw an Israeli response and comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks. Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections. But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he will come under heavy political pressure to react firmly. One-year anniversary Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14. No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip. Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes. Both Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups. Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work. The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military had refused to comment on the reports at the time. Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the March 30 one-year anniversary of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border of the blockaded strip, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence.

Israel's Netanyahu vows to retaliate 'with force' after rocket attack

A gunbattle erupted on Thursday between Afghan forces and supporters of a powerful politician in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif who rejected the appointment of a new provincial police chief by President Ashraf Ghani, officials said.

At least five civilians and two security force personnel were wounded in the clash, the latest in a series of stand-offs between Ghani and Atta Mohammad Noor, who built up unrivalled power as governor of Balkh province for more than a decade.

Noor is a leading figure in Jamiat-e Islami, a party that represents Afghanistan`s Tajik minority. A former commander in the anti-Soviet Mujahiddin and considered one of the richest men in Afghanistan, he has faced repeated accusations of corruption, which he denies.&nbsp;

He has continued to defy Ghani`s attempts to retain control over his northern stronghold since stepping aside last year in a deal that allowed him to choose the new provincial police chief.&nbsp;

Several officials in Balkh appointed by Ghani have complained at being blocked from taking up their posts by the refusal of local authorities to recognise their appointments.

Noor has accused Ghani of trying to remove a potential rival and divide Jamiat by appointing his supporters to powerful posts to manipulate the presidential election in July.&nbsp;

The stand-off underlines how far the president`s authority has been challenged. Last month, a governor of the northern province of Samangan defied an attempt by Ghani to remove him.

In a statement online, Noor called on residents to keep shops and markets closed. He said Ghani must withdraw the appointment of Abdul Raqib Mobarez as the province`s new police chief.

He also rejected the appointment of Abdul Latif Sahak`s as head of the agency running the trade post of Hairatan, the border crossing into Uzbekistan that controls a significant slice of Afghanistan`s foreign trade.&nbsp;

Noor called him a "thief and a smuggler". Sahak dismissed his accusations as "baseless" and said he had been appointed after a competitive process by government ministries.

Although no longer in office, he continues to wield enormous influence in the province and he called on supporters to resist Kabul`s influence in local affairs.

"The presidential palace has always been plotting conspiracies with its arbitrary policies. I ask all residents, men and women, of Balkh to be fully ready for defending their dignity," said Noor.

Balkh, which sits on vital trade routes into central Asia, is also one of Afghanistan’s most stable and prosperous provinces, with a much smaller Taliban and Islamic State presence than in other northern regions.

A senior official at the presidential palace said Ghani`s decision to appoint a new police chief in Balkh was "free from bias".

A gunbattle erupted on Thursday between Afghan forces and supporters of a powerful politician in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif who rejected the appointment of a new provincial police chief by President Ashraf Ghani, officials said.

A gunbattle erupted on Thursday between Afghan forces and supporters of a powerful politician in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif who rejected the appointment of a new provincial police chief by President Ashraf Ghani, officials said. At least five civilians and two security force personnel were wounded in the clash, the latest in a series of stand-offs between Ghani and Atta Mohammad Noor, who built up unrivalled power as governor of Balkh province for more than a decade. Noor is a leading figure in Jamiat-e Islami, a party that represents Afghanistan`s Tajik minority. A former commander in the anti-Soviet Mujahiddin and considered one of the richest men in Afghanistan, he has faced repeated accusations of corruption, which he denies. He has continued to defy Ghani`s attempts to retain control over his northern stronghold since stepping aside last year in a deal that allowed him to choose the new provincial police chief. Several officials in Balkh appointed by Ghani have complained at being blocked from taking up their posts by the refusal of local authorities to recognise their appointments. Noor has accused Ghani of trying to remove a potential rival and divide Jamiat by appointing his supporters to powerful posts to manipulate the presidential election in July. The stand-off underlines how far the president`s authority has been challenged. Last month, a governor of the northern province of Samangan defied an attempt by Ghani to remove him. In a statement online, Noor called on residents to keep shops and markets closed. He said Ghani must withdraw the appointment of Abdul Raqib Mobarez as the province`s new police chief. He also rejected the appointment of Abdul Latif Sahak`s as head of the agency running the trade post of Hairatan, the border crossing into Uzbekistan that controls a significant slice of Afghanistan`s foreign trade. Noor called him a "thief and a smuggler". Sahak dismissed his accusations as "baseless" and said he had been appointed after a competitive process by government ministries. Although no longer in office, he continues to wield enormous influence in the province and he called on supporters to resist Kabul`s influence in local affairs. "The presidential palace has always been plotting conspiracies with its arbitrary policies. I ask all residents, men and women, of Balkh to be fully ready for defending their dignity," said Noor. Balkh, which sits on vital trade routes into central Asia, is also one of Afghanistan’s most stable and prosperous provinces, with a much smaller Taliban and Islamic State presence than in other northern regions. A senior official at the presidential palace said Ghani`s decision to appoint a new police chief in Balkh was "free from bias".

Gunfight erupts in north Afghan city over police chief's appointment

Israeli military aircraft bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early on Friday, hours after two rockets were launched at Tel Aviv in the first such attack since a 2014 war.

After the overnight exchanges, sirens sounded again in Israeli border towns after dawn. The Israeli military confirmed two more missile launches from the Gaza Strip toward Israel but said both were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defence system.

Palestinian news media reported strikes throughout Gaza, from Rafah in the south to the north of the densely populated coastal strip that is home to two million Palestinians.

Most of the Israeli strikes were reported to have targeted facilities used by Hamas's security forces. The buildings had been evacuated as a precaution, as the Islamist militant group had expected an Israeli response.

Health ministry officials in Gaza said two people, a man and a woman, were wounded when their house was damaged in Rafah in the early morning.

Witnesses said powerful explosions from the air strikes rocked buildings in Gaza and lit the skies over targeted sites.

The Israeli military said it was targeting "terror sites" in Gaza. It said rocket sirens were sounded in Israeli communities near the Gaza border.

On Thursday night, the sirens howled farther north, in Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial capital, set off by what the military said were two incoming, longer-range rockets from Gaza.

That salvo caused no casualties or damage, missing built-up areas. But it rattled Israeli nerves ahead of an April 9 election in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term on the strength of his national security credentials.

Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and witnesses said interceptor missiles had and detonated - although the military said no rockets were shot down.

It was the first such attack on the city since the 2014 Gaza war between Hamas and Israel. There have been several smaller rounds of fighting since, reined in by Egyptian and UN mediations.

"This was basically a surprise," military spokesman Brigadier-General Ronen Manelis told Israel Radio on Thursday.

In that interview, Manelis said Israel did not yet know who had carried out the rocket launches. But another Israeli military spokesman laid the blame on Hamas on Friday.

"Hamas carried out the rocket fire against Tel Aviv yesterday evening," Lieutenant-Colonel Avichay Adraee said.

Hamas denied involvement, saying the launches took place as its leaders met Egyptian delegates about efforts to secure a long-term ceasefire with Israel.

Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees, two smaller Gaza armed factions, also denied responsibility.

Israeli analysts speculated that Palestinian militants opposed to any deal between Hamas and Israel were behind the launchings.

The flare-up of Thursday and Friday drew a US statement of support for Israel.

"Hamas and other terror orgs in Gaza continue to fail their people day after day &amp; drag Gaza further &amp; further down by constantly choosing violence," Jason Greenblatt, the White House's Middle East envoy, said on Twitter. "This method will never work. Ever!"

Naftali Bennett, a right-wing member of Netanyahu's security Cabinet whose party is competing against the veteran prime minister's for votes in the looming election, demanded that Israel resume its assassination of Hamas chiefs.

"The time has come to defeat Hamas once and for all," he said on Thursday night.

Netanyahu also faced pressure from the centre-left opposition, whose leading candidate, former General Benny Gantz, said: "Only aggressive, harsh action will restore the deterrence that has eroded" under the prime minister's watch.

Tensions have been high for the past year along the Israel-Gaza frontier since Palestinians began violent protests near Israel's border fence that have often drawn a lethal response from the Israeli military.

About 200 Palestinians have been killed in the demonstrations and about 60 more Palestinians have died in other incidents, including exchanges of fire across the border. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed by Palestinian fire.

The one-year anniversary of the start of the protests is on March 30.

On Friday, Islamic Jihad's armed wing said in a statement that it declared full alert among its fighters to respond to Israeli attacks.

Israeli military aircraft bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early on Friday, hours after two rockets were launched at Tel Aviv in the first such attack since a 2014 war.

Israeli military aircraft bombed Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early on Friday, hours after two rockets were launched at Tel Aviv in the first such attack since a 2014 war. After the overnight exchanges, sirens sounded again in Israeli border towns after dawn. The Israeli military confirmed two more missile launches from the Gaza Strip toward Israel but said both were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome defence system. Palestinian news media reported strikes throughout Gaza, from Rafah in the south to the north of the densely populated coastal strip that is home to two million Palestinians. Most of the Israeli strikes were reported to have targeted facilities used by Hamas's security forces. The buildings had been evacuated as a precaution, as the Islamist militant group had expected an Israeli response. Health ministry officials in Gaza said two people, a man and a woman, were wounded when their house was damaged in Rafah in the early morning. Witnesses said powerful explosions from the air strikes rocked buildings in Gaza and lit the skies over targeted sites. The Israeli military said it was targeting "terror sites" in Gaza. It said rocket sirens were sounded in Israeli communities near the Gaza border. On Thursday night, the sirens howled farther north, in Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial capital, set off by what the military said were two incoming, longer-range rockets from Gaza. That salvo caused no casualties or damage, missing built-up areas. But it rattled Israeli nerves ahead of an April 9 election in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a fifth term on the strength of his national security credentials. Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and witnesses said interceptor missiles had and detonated - although the military said no rockets were shot down. It was the first such attack on the city since the 2014 Gaza war between Hamas and Israel. There have been several smaller rounds of fighting since, reined in by Egyptian and UN mediations. "This was basically a surprise," military spokesman Brigadier-General Ronen Manelis told Israel Radio on Thursday. In that interview, Manelis said Israel did not yet know who had carried out the rocket launches. But another Israeli military spokesman laid the blame on Hamas on Friday. "Hamas carried out the rocket fire against Tel Aviv yesterday evening," Lieutenant-Colonel Avichay Adraee said. Hamas denied involvement, saying the launches took place as its leaders met Egyptian delegates about efforts to secure a long-term ceasefire with Israel. Islamic Jihad and the Popular Resistance Committees, two smaller Gaza armed factions, also denied responsibility. Israeli analysts speculated that Palestinian militants opposed to any deal between Hamas and Israel were behind the launchings. The flare-up of Thursday and Friday drew a US statement of support for Israel. "Hamas and other terror orgs in Gaza continue to fail their people day after day & drag Gaza further & further down by constantly choosing violence," Jason Greenblatt, the White House's Middle East envoy, said on Twitter. "This method will never work. Ever!" Naftali Bennett, a right-wing member of Netanyahu's security Cabinet whose party is competing against the veteran prime minister's for votes in the looming election, demanded that Israel resume its assassination of Hamas chiefs. "The time has come to defeat Hamas once and for all," he said on Thursday night. Netanyahu also faced pressure from the centre-left opposition, whose leading candidate, former General Benny Gantz, said: "Only aggressive, harsh action will restore the deterrence that has eroded" under the prime minister's watch. Tensions have been high for the past year along the Israel-Gaza frontier since Palestinians began violent protests near Israel's border fence that have often drawn a lethal response from the Israeli military. About 200 Palestinians have been killed in the demonstrations and about 60 more Palestinians have died in other incidents, including exchanges of fire across the border. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed by Palestinian fire. The one-year anniversary of the start of the protests is on March 30. On Friday, Islamic Jihad's armed wing said in a statement that it declared full alert among its fighters to respond to Israeli attacks.

Israel launches Gaza strikes after rockets fired at Tel Aviv

A senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-iran-to-continue-expanding-military-might-missile-work-196656">that Iran would demolish cities in Israel to the ground</a> if the United States attacked the Islamic Republic.

"The United States does not have the courage to shoot a single bullet at us despite all its defensive and military assets. But if they attack us, we will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground," Yadollah Javani, the Guards’ deputy head for political affairs was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.

He was speaking at a rally celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

A senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday that Iran would demolish cities in Israel to the ground if the United States attacked the Islamic Republic.

A senior Revolutionary Guards commander said on Monday that Iran would demolish cities in Israel to the ground if the United States attacked the Islamic Republic. "The United States does not have the courage to shoot a single bullet at us despite all its defensive and military assets. But if they attack us, we will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground," Yadollah Javani, the Guards’ deputy head for political affairs was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. He was speaking at a rally celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

Iran says it will 'raze Tel Aviv to the ground' if attacked by US: IRNA

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country.

Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and open admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, rode to power on a massive wave of voter discontent over endemic political graft, steeped violent street crime and a sputtering economy.

Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration.

As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Crowds of supporters, many with the Brazilian flag draped around their shoulders and with faces painted yellow and green, the national colours, gathered before the Planalto Palace, where later Tuesday the presidential sash will be draped on Bolsonaro.

Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments.

One-third of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime.

Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country.

In an interview with Record TV on the eve of his inauguration, Bolsonaro lashed out at Brazil's notorious bureaucracy, which makes doing business in the country difficult and expensive. He vowed to strip away the so-called "Brazil Cost" that hamstrings private enterprise.

"The government machine is really heavy," he said. "There are hundreds of bureaucratic governing bodies across Brazil, of regulators as well. ... We have to untangle the mess."

His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest.

Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control.

Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion).

That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system.

Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people.

Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as a protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation.

"I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York.

"The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country.

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country. Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and open admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, rode to power on a massive wave of voter discontent over endemic political graft, steeped violent street crime and a sputtering economy. Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration. As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. Crowds of supporters, many with the Brazilian flag draped around their shoulders and with faces painted yellow and green, the national colours, gathered before the Planalto Palace, where later Tuesday the presidential sash will be draped on Bolsonaro. Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments. One-third of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime. Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country. In an interview with Record TV on the eve of his inauguration, Bolsonaro lashed out at Brazil's notorious bureaucracy, which makes doing business in the country difficult and expensive. He vowed to strip away the so-called "Brazil Cost" that hamstrings private enterprise. "The government machine is really heavy," he said. "There are hundreds of bureaucratic governing bodies across Brazil, of regulators as well. ... We have to untangle the mess." His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest. Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control. Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion). That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system. Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people. Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as a protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation. "I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York. "The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Bolsonaro sworn in as Brazil's president, inaugurates far-right firebrand

Right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro, who has vowed to crack down on political corruption, violent crime and ignite a moribund economy with deregulation and fiscal discipline, will be sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday.

The former Army captain and seven-term fringe congressman rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to become Brazil's first far-right president since a military dictatorship gave way to civilian rule three decades ago.

Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration.

As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-moving-its-embassy-to-jerusalem-matter-of-when-not-if-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-187443">Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem</a>, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments.

One- of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime.

Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country.

His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest.

Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control.

Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion).

That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system.

Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people.

Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation.

"I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York.

"The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts." 
&nbsp;

Jair Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders.

Right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro, who has vowed to crack down on political corruption, violent crime and ignite a moribund economy with deregulation and fiscal discipline, will be sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday. The former Army captain and seven-term fringe congressman rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to become Brazil's first far-right president since a military dictatorship gave way to civilian rule three decades ago. Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration. As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments. One- of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime. Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country. His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest. Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control. Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion). That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system. Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people. Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation. "I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York. "The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Brazil to inaugurate far-right firebrand Bolsonaro president

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-embassy-move-announced-as-brazils-bolsonaro-hosts-israels-netanyahu-187108">Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro</a> told him that it was a matter of "when not if" he moves <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-will-move-embassy-to-jerusalem-netanyahu-says-report-187399">his country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem </a>from Tel Aviv.

The far-right Bolsonaro, who takes office on Tuesday and is hosting Netanyahu and the leaders of other countries for his inauguration, has said he would like to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump and move the embassy.

But he has come under intense pressure from Brazil's powerful agriculture sector not to do so, as it could hurt Brazilian exports to Arab nations. Despite Netanyahu's comments, a senior official from Brazil's incoming government told Reuters on Sunday no decision had yet been made on the issue.

Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy, which has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December.

"Bolsonaro told me it was 'when, not if' he moves the embassy to Jerusalem," Netanyahu said on Sunday during a meeting with leaders of Brazil's Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro.

"We attach enormous importance to Brazil, and Brazil in the context of Latin America," he added. "This heralds a historic change."

Netanyahu, who met with Bolsonaro on Friday, said that the Brazilian accepted his invitation to visit Israel, a trip that is likely to take place in March.

Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil.

After he met the Israeli leader, Bolsonaro said that "we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu."

The Arab League had told Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro told him that it was a matter of "when not if" he moves his country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. The far-right Bolsonaro, who takes office on Tuesday and is hosting Netanyahu and the leaders of other countries for his inauguration, has said he would like to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump and move the embassy. But he has come under intense pressure from Brazil's powerful agriculture sector not to do so, as it could hurt Brazilian exports to Arab nations. Despite Netanyahu's comments, a senior official from Brazil's incoming government told Reuters on Sunday no decision had yet been made on the issue. Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy, which has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December. "Bolsonaro told me it was 'when, not if' he moves the embassy to Jerusalem," Netanyahu said on Sunday during a meeting with leaders of Brazil's Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro. "We attach enormous importance to Brazil, and Brazil in the context of Latin America," he added. "This heralds a historic change." Netanyahu, who met with Bolsonaro on Friday, said that the Brazilian accepted his invitation to visit Israel, a trip that is likely to take place in March. Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil. After he met the Israeli leader, Bolsonaro said that "we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu."

Brazil moving its embassy to Jerusalem matter of 'when not if': PM Benjamin Netanyahu

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